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and their valuations, and to encourage investment where it isn’t occurring. Used by many cities and counties across Kansas, Neighborhood Revitalization resulted in $38.7 million in statewide investment from 2003 to 2007. A key element of the program is partnering with other taxing entities – Smoky Valley USD 400 and McPherson County – to offer full rebates of incremental taxes. The plan expands commercial and downtown housing opportunities without adding to the fiscal burdens of the taxing jurisdictions.
Beginning in 2009, Lindsborg will offer a new incentive to encourage commercial and industrial business owners to reinvest and increase the assessed value of their properties. Neighborhood Revitalization is a rebate program that will refund the increase in property taxes that result from certain improvements and renovations. Neighborhood Revitalization was enacted by the State in 1994 as a tool for municipalities to promote investment in buildings significant to designated areas. The purpose of the program is to stabilize commercial neighborhoods
A REASON TO REVITALIZE
• NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
• ENERGY NEWS
• SNOW REMOVAL
• CITY 411
• OPPORTUNITIES & UPDATES
• CALENDAR INFORMATION
• CONTACT INFORMATION
CHRISTMAS IN LINDSBORG
2
CITY HALL 4
POLICIES 6
PUBLIC WORKS 7
PUBLIC SAFETY 8
PARKS & REC 10
CALENDAR & CONTACTS
12
Inside this issue:
November 2008 Volume 8, Issue 1
T H E C I T Y O F L I N D S B O R G
Highlights:
1
The Lindsborg City View
(continued on page 9)
The program provides ten years of tax relief. Owners will receive 100% of the incremental tax back for five years, then 50% for five more years. For example, a business appraised at $100,000 pays about $3,100 in property tax a year. If $50,000 in improvements results in a new valuation of $150,000, the resulting tax bill is over $4,600 per year. Neighborhood Revitalization would rebate the incremental amount of $1,500 for five years, then $750 for five years. The total rebate would be over $11,000, or 20% of investment, a significant savings.
Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Rebate
Value of Improvements $50,000
Assessment Percentage 25%
Taxable Value $12,500
City, County, USD 400 Mil Levy 121.420
Total Property Tax Increase $1,518
Total Tax Rebate Years 1 - 5 $7,589
Total Tax Rebate Years 6-10 $3,794
Total 10-Year Tax Rebate $11,383
www.lindsborgcity.org
“Christmas waves a
magic wand over this world and behold,
everything is softer
and more beautiful”
-Norman Vincent Peale
2
The Lindsborg City View
November 15 LIGHT UP The TOWN Open House
November 15-16 Broadway RFD 50th Sweet Fest Performance & Gourmet Desserts I
November 16 Tis The Season Sunday
November 17-22 SHOP Lindsborg!
November 22 Downtown Caroling & Entertainment
November 22 Tinsel Tree Trail at the Old Mill Swedish Pavilion (thru December 20)
November 22-23 Broadway RFD 50th Sweet Fest Performance & Gourmet Desserts II
November 23 Tis The Season Sunday
November 29 Bridge Lighting at the Old Mill
(Procession to the lighting of the Heritage Tree at Swensson Park)
December 6 Snowflake Parade Santa’s Workshop Lindsborg Artists Studio Open House Holiday Home Tour Old Fashioned Christmas at the Old Mill
December 7 Jultide Concert at Bethany College Tis the Season Sunday
December 8-12 Holiday TASTE of Lindsborg!
December 13 St. Lucia Fest Old Fashioned Christmas at the Old Mill
December 14 Christmas Recital at the Sandzen Gallery Tis the Season Sunday
December 20 Lindsborg B&B Holiday Open House
December 21 Tis the Season Sunday
December 25 GOD JUL Julotta Service
December 26 Annadag Jul Swedish Service
Holidays
Happy
GOD
JUL
Christmas In Lindsborg . . .
The Lindsborg Convention Visitors Bureau established a holiday planning committee in an effort to coordinate current holiday activities, potential season expansion and heritage enhancements into one master calendar of events. How well I remember the ink on last year’s holiday brochure was still drying when activities were to begin.
The Holiday Planning Committee (HPC) began their endeavors by assembling those entities/organizations that have traditionally sponsored Christmas activities back in May. Representatives were asked what events wou ld move forward into Christmas of ‘08 and subsequently what the dates and timelines of those events would be.
The committee then began a study of additional activities that would enhance the present holiday line up. Their recommendation, with CVB Board approval, was to implement an expanded calendar that would begin ce lebrat ions early in November. Most of the Lindsborg business community reported a disappointing holiday selling season in 2007 because the weather refused to cooperate over those three weekends in November and December.
Through a series of business owner meetings, the expanded level of holiday activity was promoted. The group not only embraced the idea but added to the centralized theme of the season featuring “Christmas in Lindsborg”. Business owners volunteered to plan weekend events, initiated group advertising campaigns and even agreed to go door to door to help raise funds to make this happen.
The CVB highlighted 2008 Christmas activities in this year’s booth at the Kansas State Fair. With the design help of former Lindsborg resident Stephanie Brock, and chamber solicited funds, a holiday events advertisement in the fall edition of Destination Lindsborg was created. The CVB also published a Lindsborg Holiday Events rack card that was our lead information piece at the fair. Over 3,000 pieces of both publications were distributed to traveling Kansans in attendance, each of them potential holiday visitors to Lindsborg.
By the time you receive this newsletter you will be seeing visible signs of how the community came together in an effort to have a cohesive marketing plan for the Lindsborg holiday season. There will be some that say
the holidays have become far too commercialized and we have stepped beyond the boundaries by promoting Christmas well in advance of Thanksgiving. But the importance of a successful selling season for the well being of our downtown stakeholders cannot be overlooked.
The Holiday Planning Committee and as a result the Board of the Convention & Visitors Bureau hope that you enjoy the new events this holiday season. Additional help is needed to promote these activities and we hope we can depend on each of you to make that happen. Some of the new events include Light up the Town Business Open House, Tinsel Tree Trail at the Old Mill Museum, sponsored by the Lindsborg Christmas Committee, and Sweet Fest Performances by Broadway RFD.
You won’t want to miss a single event! For a complete listing of the holiday schedule, pick up a brochure at the CVB office, the Lindsborg Visitors Center or visit us online at the following websites:
www.lindsborgcity.org www.lindsborg.org
Happy Holidays!
www.lindsborgcity.org
Volume 8, Issue 1
3
Convention Visitors Bureau
H O L I D A Y
C E N T R A L
www.lindsborgcity.org
The Lindsborg City View
4
In June 2008, a subject publ icat ion ent i t led “Partners in ENERGY Efficiency” was mailed to Lindsborg residents. The information piece focused on summer peak demand and Energy Cost Adjustments (ECA).
Publication Highlights:
The City of Lindsborg’s electric wholesale cost is determined by the highest summer peak demand of electricity. The City’s current contract with Westar includes an 80% ratchet agreement. What
this means is throughout the year, the City must pay 80% of the highest peak kilowatt demand or the actual demand (whichever is higher).
The annual peak usually occurs in late July or early August between the hours of 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. The multiplied (household) usage of high electric demand appliances and air condit ioners in the specified timeline sets the 80% peak demand cost. This cost is paid the rest of the year, no matter if
Simple Tips to Reduce Using ENERGY wisely will help control your heating costs this winter.
Reduce your thermostat setting to 68 degrees
Set back thermostat at night and when house is unoccupied
Install a programmable thermostat
actual demand is met. The City of Lindsborg’s peak demand was set this past summer. Part of the 80% ratchet difference is included on your bills as an Energy Cost Adjustment. The ECA is applied every month at a variable percentage rate to help offset the 80% ratchet costs.
Local residents are encouraged to assess their current usage of energy and to look for conservation ideas for individual households.
Lower the thermostat set point on your water heater
Change furnace filter
Have furnace cleaned and tuned
During the day, let sunshine in south windows
Check and replace
weather stripping on doors and windows
Close storm windows and doors
Install a water heater blanket
Reduce hot water use
Operate kitchen and bath vents minimally
Safety
This will help control the summer peak demand next year.
Publications of Partners in ENERGY Efficiency,
Rising Natural Gas Prices and Natural Gas
Safety are available at City Hall.
For additional information on reducing ENERGY usage in your home:
KS Governor’s Office www.warmhelp.org
US Department of Energy www.eere.energy.gov/ consumer/tips or call
877-337-3463
KS Energy Info Network www.kansasenergy.org/
conservation.htm
Use your senses to detect natural gas and stay a ler t to potent ia l dangers:
LOOK -Blowing dirt, persistent bubbling in standing water, or dead vegetation are signs of a possible leak around the pipeline area.
-A “yellow” flame instead of a blue flame on your furnace or water heater is a warning sign.
LISTEN -Unusual hissing or roaring sounds around gas meter or appliances.
-Appliances fail to ignite.
SMELL -Rotten egg or
pungent odor in or around your home, work or neighborhood.
DO NOT: • Flip a light switch • Light a match • Use your telephone or wireless phone Any of these actions can cause a fire or explosion
DO: • Extinguish cigarettes or other smoking materials
If you think you have any of these warning signs,
leave the area immediately!
Report gas emergencies to Kansas Gas Service
888-482-4950 or 911.
Costs
Cost Adjustments
www.lindsborgcity.org
Volume 8, Issue 1
5
NOTE: Even when household appliances are turned off, most are still using some electricity. Appliances are either in passive standby mode (the clock of the microwave is still ticking) or active standby mode (the VCR is off, but programmed to record something).
The numbers below are for average standby modes, showing how much electricity is sucked out annually, in kilowatt hours, and what it costs you—assuming 11 cents per kilowatt hour, Red Lines show passive standby mode; Blue lines show active standby mode.
V A M P I R E
E N E R G Y
BE AWARE...
6
The Lindsborg City View
www.lindsborgcity.org
If the forecast for snow is two inches or less, no plowing will be done. Sanding will begin when the snow has finished.
If the forecast for snow is two to four inches, plowing will begin when the snow has finished.
If the forecast for snow is greater than four inches, plowing will begin at the three inch depth and continue as needed.
If two inches of sleet fall, plowing will begin.
Street Department SNOW Policy
8. Grade School (depending on time of day it snows) a. -east of Lincoln to Washington b. -north on Washington to the Grade School c. -west on Saline to Third d. -south on Third to Lincoln
9. Bethany College a. -north on Kansas from Olsson to Normal b. -west on Normal to Second c. -south on Second to Olsson d. -east on Olsson to Kansas
10. South Main from Grant to Mill Street
11. All remaining north and south streets
12. All remaining east and west streets
When cleaning snow off of sidewalks, it is best to pile what you can around the trees. Any excess snow should be piled in an open area that provides at least 8 feet of clearance.
Snow blowers may blow snow into the street only if the sidewalks are cleared prior to the downtown area being bladed.
Following a heavy snow, we will only blade the downtown area one time so that we can concentrate on the residential areas.
Downtown area snow will be bladed to the center of the street. Removal depends on traffic conditions. Light traffic will allow us to remove the snow during the day. If heavy traffic is observed, we will schedule snow removal for either late night or early morning hours.
1. K-4 from Coronado Avenue to the overpass at Pizza Hut
2. Lincoln from Harrison/Cole to Coronado Avenue
3. Main From Sheridan to K-4
4. Hospital a. -down Cedar Street south
5. Downtown a. -east on Lincoln to Main b. -plow Main both north/south between State & Grant c. -if snow is significant, it is hauled away to public parking area north of South Park
6. High School (depending on time of day it snows) a. -east on Lincoln to Cedar b. -north up Cedar to the High School c. -around the High School and south down Cedar to Lincoln
7. Bethany Home a. -east on Lincoln to Chestnut b. -north on Chestnut to Saline c. -south down Cedar to Lincoln
Downtown
PLOW Routes
SNOW Removal
One of the most frequently asked questions for the City’s Street Department is, “What is the schedule for the street sweeper”? The short answer is on Fridays. The longer answer is on Fridays, when it’s not raining or freezing, the sweeper will operate on priority streets of Harrison/Cole, Lincoln and Main with the remainder of the day spent systematically working on the rest. It is not possible for all the streets to be swept in one day. As a result, after completion of priority
www.lindsborgcity.org 7
routes the following Friday, the sweeper begins where it left off the previous week continuing the revolving process. This generally means that most streets will be swept every other week.
During autumn, when the leaves start to fall, the sweeper will run 4 to 5 days a week to keep streets clear of debris for as long as it takes or until it freezes.
Sanitary Sewer MANHOLE Rehab Program Many of the sanitary sewer manholes within the core and older parts of the city have been in use for 80 years or more. The manholes are constructed from brick and mortar and were built by hand. The interior walls of the manholes are constantly exposed to very harsh conditions including high humidity and a corrosive atmosphere; which over time will deteriorate the mortar and brick ruining the integrity of the manhole. When this happens; water from the ground and from rains will infiltrate the side walls of the manhole and cause excess water flow into the sewer system and further degradation of the manhole.
Manhole rehabilitation, or “rehab”, includes a thorough pressure washing, cutting off any old steps or unused protrusions, rebuilding of the bottom or “Bench”, and
spraying of a new special mortar mix on the side walls then troweling it smooth. This is done to stop water from infiltrating the sides of the manhole and restores structural integrity to give the manhole many more years of service. Over the past 5 years the city wastewater department has been inspecting each manhole in the sanitary sewer system and evaluating its condition. As a result of the assessment, manholes needing repair are listed by priority for rehab. Beginning in 2006, $10,000 was budgeted each year (for 5 years) for rehabs on manholes in poor condition. Crews started working that same year on the worst of the manholes. Each year they will do approximately 100 to 120 feet of manhole rehab. It is expensive, but in the long term will save the
city the costly outlay on excavation and replacement of the entire manhole.
There are many concerns about the quality of our nation’s infrastructure, i.e. water and wastewater systems, and highways and bridges, that have been in the news in recent years. The City of Lindsborg is very proactive when it comes to concerns regarding our utilities. It is much less expensive to spend money on maintenance and small scale repairs than to let something fall into disrepair and replacing the whole thing. This is very hard to do with a sewer system that is buried up to 30 feet in the ground, and why we spend the money on keeping the system in as good an operating condition as possible.
STREET SWEEPER Mystery Schedule Revealed
Volume 8, Issue 1
On April 2, 2007, Lindsborg City Council passed a law that affects drivers within the community. The law, under Ordinance 4488, includes enforcement violations of J-Turns, Illegal Backing and U-Turns.
Ordinance 4488
J-Turns: It is unlawful for a driver of any vehicle to turn across the center line for the purpose of obtaining a parking place on the opposite side of the street. The law does not require signs to be posted and technically covers the entire
www.lindsborgcity.org
8
City. “NO J-TURN” signs are posted downtown.
Illegal Backing: Section 3 of the ordinance states it is unlawful for a driver of any vehicle to back out of a parked position and cross the center line to travel in the opposite direction. This law is also enforced without the requirement of signage.
U-Turns: The law did not change and still addresses the enforcement of illegal U-Turns in posted locations or U-Turns that cannot be made safely without interfering with other traffic.
A number of warnings have been given by the Police Department for these violations. The majority of the violators have been local citizens and not visitors to the Community.
The law has been in effect for over a year. The Police Department is informing and reminding the public that violations of this particular Ordinance will be ticketed.
Lindsborg Police Department
DOUBLE The Fine The Lindsborg Police Department is reminding citizens to be conscious of driving in designated Construction Zones and School Zones. Kansas State Law requires a DOUBLE fine for violations of traffic laws within these zoned areas. Double fines have been in effect with recent construction on Harrison/Cole
and K-4 Highway. It continues to be effectual for traffic offenses committed in posted School Zones. Watch your speed, yield to pedestrian traffic at crossings, and be safe on the road or a ticket may turn into more than one tank of gasoline.
The Lindsborg City View
Välkommen Officer Bartlett Bartlett graduated from Bethany in May and the Police Academy in July. With Field Training complete, he is currently assigned to patrol.
Chief Berggren is pleased with Bartlett’s progress. “Law Enforcement is a career choice that requires constant learning; where an officer’s actions and experiences over
time determine his or her success. Officer Bartlett has the right attitude to achieve a successful career in Law Enforcement, and as a member of our team we look forward to learning from him just as he learns from us.”
Welcome Derek!
City Staff
The
City
411
The City of Lindsborg welcomes Officer Derek Bartlett as the newest member of the Lindsborg Police Department. Bartlett, originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, attended Bethany College on a track and cross country scholarship.
In March of this year, Officer Bartlett was hired by the City of Lindsborg.
Officer Derek Bartlett
J –TURNS
REVITALIZE
www.lindsborgcity.org 9
HAPPY NEW YEAR
2009
January 1
Happy Thanksgiving
November 27
Volume 8, Issue 1
GOD JUL
December 25
City Offices CLOSED
November 27 & 28
“NEW
YEAR’S DAY is every man’s
birthday”
-Charles Lamb
City Offices CLOSED
December 24 & 25
City Offices CLOSED
January 1
(feature story from page 1)
Eligible projects must be located within the designated districts of Downtown or Harrison/Cole. A minimum private investment of $10,000 is required, and the improvement must increase the appraised value of the property by at least 10%. The program is not a tax abatement. Taxes must be paid on time and in full. The incremental amount is refunded within 30 days. Only the owners of property are eligible to receive a tax rebate. Tax rebates transfer with the ownership of the property. Contact the Community Development Department wi th any questions or to obtain an application form.
Help keep our public parks and areas along the award winning Välkommen Trail unsoiled and looking beautiful. When walking your pets take the time to clean up after them. Please be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors and scenic view. Thank You!
WINTER Recreation Programs
www.lindsborgcity.org
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The City of Lindsborg has been actively pursuing development of a local Skate Park facility. Middle School students completed a survey targeting advantages, disadvantages, utilization, design elements , and interests of serving on a Skate Park project planning committee.
Survey results were positive and overwhelmingly in favor of such a project. The Skate Park advantages
and utilization percentages ranked high and students felt the park would be an added benefit to the community.
City staff is currently working with local contractors to design and build a Skate Park facility. The plan is to incorporate design elements noted in the survey. The proposed site for the park is in the 300 block of North Kansas next to the Välkommen Trail.
Walking Your PETS
The Lindsborg City View
Coed Drop-In Volleyball-November 9-February 24, Sundays 6:30-8pm at LMS Gym, $1.00 per Sunday-No street shoes allowed on gym floor (Men/Women-18 and older)
Adult Coed Volleyball-Registration deadline February 17, $100.00 per team, Registration forms online at www.lindsborgcity.org (Men/Women-18 and older)
Floor Hockey-January-February, Saturday mornings, $25.00-Registration deadline January 7 (Boys and Girls grades 3-6)
Youth Soccer-Registration deadline February 12, $25.00-Practices start week of March 9 (Boys and Girls grades K-6)-Coaches meeting held at City Hall on February 24 at 8pm
Private POOL Party Reservations Starting February 2
$100-for the first 40 people and $1 per person thereafter Dates: May 30 thru August 2 Time: 8-10pm
Contact: City Office at 227-3355 for deposit, bookings, timelines, cancellation and refund information.
P & R Department Receive Information
Updates On:
RECREATION PROGRAMMING
Send Your E-mail Address To:
The
City
411
Skate Park NEWS
Numerous commun i ty improvements have been made this year at the Lindsborg Golf Course. The City of Lindsborg would like to thank and acknowledge individuals and groups for their generous contributions.
Men’s Night Organization donated a new 2’x6’ grill for the patio area
Mark Lysell used proceeds from the Ól Stuga Golf Tournament to repaint the shelter and build a brick
enclosure for the new grill
Harlan Shogren donated and installed a new glass door in the south end of the clubhouse
City Staff poured a concrete slab for the grill and a new furnace was installed in the clubhouse
With thanks and appreciation, Lindsborg Golf Course
Community Contributes To LGC Improvements
www.lindsborgcity.org
Volume 8, Issue 1
11
LGC WINTER HOURS
Clubhouse Open
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. November through February
Weather Permitting Temperatures above 55 degrees
RECYCLE Center Update NEW Recycling Center to open soon! The move from the current site to the permanent location will take place once privacy fencing is installed.
The new setting is located between Union and McPherson Streets on the east side of Välkommen Trail. Citizens will enter the facility from McPherson Street and exit on to Union. The new Recycle Center will continue to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and monitored by City staff.
Recycling Center
Open 24 / 7
www. lindsborgcity .org
Upcoming Events & Contact Information
101 S. Main Street PO Box 70 Lindsborg, Kansas 67456-0070
City Contact Information Phone: 785-227-3355 Fax: 785-227-4128 Web: www.lindsborgcity.org Email: [email protected]
T H E C I T Y O F L I N D S B O R G
• City Council Meetings (December 1, January 5, February 2)
• Recycling Center (OPEN 24/7)
• Veteran’s Day (November 11) City Offices Closed
• Happy Thanksgiving (November 27, 28) City Offices Closed
• St. Lucia Fest (December 13)
• Merry Christmas (December 24, 25) City Offices Closed
• Happy New Year (January 1, 2009 ) City Offices Closed
• City View Newsletter-Vol. 9 (mid-February)
Mayor & City Council Contact Information
Judy Neuschafer ~ Mayor [email protected]
Ken Branch ~ Ward 1 [email protected]
Wes Fisk ~ Ward 1 [email protected]
Becky Anderson ~ Ward 2 [email protected]
Betty Nelson ~ Ward 2 [email protected]
Russ Hefner ~ Ward 3 [email protected]
Rick Martin ~ Ward 3 [email protected]
Brad Howe ~ Ward 4 [email protected]
Lloyd Rohr ~ Ward 4 [email protected]
Residential Patron
Lindsborg, KS 67456
Pre-sort US Postage Paid Lindsborg, KS Permit No. 1
The Lindsborg City View
Calendar of Events 2008-09
Emergency Contact Information Police, Fire and Ambulance: 911 Police, Fire, Ambulance: 785-227-2988 (non-emergency) Water, Sewer, Electric, Streets: 785-227-3428 Water, Sewer, Electric, Streets: 785-227-3469 (after hours, weekends and holidays)
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