City 411

Community Events

Department Profiles

Project Updates

Public Information

Calendar & Contacts

Being responsible to somebody for something.

City Hall

Community Development

CVB

Public Safety

Public Works

Parks & Recreation

Lindsborg Golf Course

Lindsborg Recycle Center

The City of Lindsborg is committed to serving citizens and visitors in our community. Communication and interaction are two key factors involved with this commitment. It is important for our citizenry to receive City related and educated pieces of information in a timely and efficient manner through various means and media.

With new technology available every day, communication and interaction becomes easier to relay and access. The City is constantly exploring ways to add, upgrade and integrate current and future mediums within and beyond the technology advances of our modern world.

CITY OF LINDSBORG WEBSITE: A wealth of information is obtainable through www.lindsborgcity.org. With last year’s site upgrade and the addition of the CVB website, detailed and related pages of interests are easy to find and navigate on City Government, City Departments, Municipal Code, Citizen & E-Services, News & Events, Notify Me subscriptions, Find A Form contacts, Lindsborg Visitor references and the latest addition of our community-wide notification system, City Connection.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Interactive correspondence with citizens and visitors through the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages have proven to be highly successful and a very effective communication tool. The City is able to inform the public at a moment’s notice on current and future issues and events while retrieving comments and feedback communicated from interested participants. We invite you to interact with us and to become a part of this engaging movement. Stay in tune with your City and join our Facebook or Twitter page today on the homepage of the City’s website at www.lindsborgcity.org.

CITY VIEW / TOPIC INFORMATION / NEWS & E-RELEASES: The Lindsborg City View is a quarterly newsletter sent to residents in February, May, August and November. The focus of this publication is to relate city news, updates and departmental information to constituents. Topic Information mailers target a specific subject matter and are sent to residents to inform, educate and spotlight a certain issue. City News Releases are on-going and generally average one per week. They are sent to the local and surrounding newspapers, then are posted to the City’s website. CVB E-Releases, also on-going, include spotlight articles and Lindsborg highlights which are distributed to e-mail subscribers. Interested individuals may sign up to receive E-Releases through www.visitlindsborg.com.

CITY WATCH—CHANNEL 13 / LIVE BROADCASTS: City Watch, government access Channel 13, is available 24/7 for public viewing. City and Community information are featured by means of PowerPoint slides and live broadcasts. On the first Monday of each month City Council meetings are televised through Live Broadcasts. Citizens are encouraged to view the meetings by tuning in to City Watch Channel 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The City of Lindsborg believes in ACCOUNTABILITY and dedication to our citizenry, visitors and services. The commitment will continue in moving Communications, Interactions, Community and Customer relations

further, forward and towards the future.

♦ Yearly home leaks could exceed annual water amounts used by Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami combined—-or more that a trillion gallons.

♦ 10% of homes have water leaks totaling at least 90 gallons a day.

♦ A constantly running toilet wastes as least 200 gallons of water daily.

♦ A leaky faucet with one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is imposing new restrictions on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The law provides for transitioning to lower-wattage, energy saving bulbs. Lighting accounts for about 15 percent of the electrical use in homes.

How does the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 affect the average consumer?

⇒ The Act WILL NOT require customers to throw out incandescent light bulbs.

⇒ The Act requires that all light bulbs sold must maintain the same or greater light output and quality as an incandescent light bulb.

⇒ All light bulbs produced after January 1, 2012 must be 25-30 percent more energy efficient than today’s technology of incandescent bulbs. This process will begin in the 100 watt bulb in 2012, the 75 watt bulb in 2013, and the 60 watt and 40 watt bulbs in 2014. By 2020, all bulbs will have to be at least 70 percent more efficient than today’s incandescent bulb.

CFL Compact fluorescent light bulbs are expected to be the leading replacements for standard incandescent light bulbs, at least at first. In CFLs, electric current energizes argon and mercury vapor, which in turn causes a phosphor coating inside the bulb to emit light.

Halogen New halogen bulbs look like the incandescent bulbs people are used to buying. Halogens are a more energy efficient form of incandescent, but they are the least efficient of the incandescent replacement technologies. The filament is encased in a bulb made of fused quartz or high silica glass containing a halogen gas.

LED LEDs are the gizmos that have been around for years lighting up calculators and digital clocks. They use semiconductors that emit light when electrons move around. Recent innovation has allowed engineers to make them bright enough for light bulbs.

SOURCE: National Electric Manufacturers Association.

Contact City Hall for more information. (785) 227-3355

Visit the following websites for information and tips on

energy efficiency: www,energystar.gov

www. energysavers.gov www.smartenergyliving.org

http://hes.lbl.gov

“Peak” or “Peak Demand” is the greatest amount of electricity used at one time by an electric system. This occurs when a large number of customers are using appliances and HVAC at the same time. In Lindsborg, the “Peak” or “Peak Demand” time is between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The higher the peak the higher the wholesale cost of electricity and the higher the cost to you. Simple steps you can do to help control the “Peak Demand.”

1. Use a programmable thermostat. (contact the City of Lindsborg about the thermostat rebate program)

2. Set your air conditioning thermostat to 78-80 degrees.

3. Use clothes washers, clothes dryers and dishwashers in the early morning hours or late evening hours.

4. Do not use clothes washers, clothes dryers and dishwashers at the same time. Stagger their use.

5. Use compact fluorescent lights (CFL), instead of incandescent bulbs.

6. If you have fluorescent tube lighting, change from T-12 bulbs to T-8 or T-5 bulbs.

7. Upgrade your appliances to Energy Star appliances.

4

Heavy rains and strong thunderstorms are common occurrences in spring and summer. Lindsborg’s flat terrain provides very little gravity drainage, and as a result, storm water runoff is very slow. If the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall, flooding can occur, primarily in the form of flash flooding. A flash flood occurs when a wall of water quickly sweeps over an area. Almost three-quarters of the approximately 92 deaths from floods each year are due to flash floods, typically in low-lying areas. Potential flooding in Lindsborg comes from the Smoky Hill River, but Cow Creek is a significant threat because of the large drainage area (345 acres) and lack of elevation drop. The last major flood event occurred in June 1993, but a 4 inch rain in April 2009 produced widespread flooding and some property damage. Maps published by FEMA indicate flood hazard areas and the degree of risk in those areas. They are available to view at City Hall, but can also be accessed at www.lindsborgcity.org. Go to the Community Development page located under the DEPARTMENTS tab on the homepage and look in Maps.

There are preventive measures that can be taken to minimize or eliminate potential flood damage to buildings. Sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber can be used to temporarily protect property. Moving furniture and other possessions to higher floors, if available, can reduce contents losses. Permanent flood proofing measures for flood prone areas are preferable to temporary ones. Contact the Lindsborg Community Library at 111 S. Main for publications on retrofitting, as well as flood insurance, flood protection, and floodplain management.

Extensive flooding on the City’s west side in 1980. The old high school is seen in the lower right side of the photograph.

Flash floods are the number one weather related killer in the United States. Six inches of floodwater is enough to knock you off your feet, two feet of water will float your car. If flooding occurs, make sure to seek higher grounds. Do not attempt to walk or drive in flooded areas. You never know how deep it is or if the road is washed out. Water moving at 10 miles per hour exerts the same pressure on a structure as wind gusts at 270 miles per hour.

IF INDOORS: ♦ Turn on battery-operated radio or televisions to

get the latest emergency information. Radio stations in the area are: KNGL 1450 AM, KBBE 96.7 FM (McPherson), KSAL 1150 AM (Salina) and KFDI-FM 101.3 FM (Wichita)

♦ Get your preassembled emergency supplies.

♦ If told to leave, do so immediately.

IF OUTDOORS: ♦ Climb to high ground and stay there.

♦ Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, even 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

IF IN A CAR: ♦ If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go

another way.

♦ If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

P&Z Commission Meetings

►June 21, 2011 ► August 16, 2011

Council Chambers 7:00 p.m.

(scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of even months) Board of Zoning

Appeals (scheduled when needed)

Receive P&Z Meeting notification on the City’s website with NOTIFY ME

All community property owners and renters are eligible for flood insurance, not just those that live in flood prone areas. Lindsborg participates in the Nation Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and policies can cover a single-family residence for $25,000 against flood damage. If FEMA flood maps show that a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is required by law. Lindsborg’s participation is the NFIP/Community Rating System results in premium discounts on flood insurance. For information on FEMA flood maps or to inquire if a property or building in in a SFHA, contact City Hall at (785) 227-3355.

Floodplains are important components of their respective watersheds, and can be a valuable resource for the city, Watersheds are defined areas of land that drain water, sediment and dissolved materials to a common outlet at some point along a stream channel. Floodplains are hydrologically important, environmen-tally sensitive and ecologically productive areas within a watershed that perform many natural functions. Left open, they provide storage for floodwaters to minimize flood damage. They furnish habitat for plants and wildlife, and can filter pollutants from storm water, improving water quality. Floodplain lands and adjacent waters combine to form a complex, dynamic physical and biological system found nowhere else. Such natural processes cost far less money than it would take to build facilities to correct flood, storm water, water quality and other community problems.

Improper disposal of waste, such as oil, paint, fertilizer, and pesticides will pollute storm water and destroy plants, endanger wildlife and affect drinking water. Hazardous chemicals should be properly stored and never dumped into any storm drain or drainage canal.

Dumping garbage within the city limits is against the law. There is also an ordinance prohibiting streambed dumping, specifically lawn debris, brush, fill and other organic material. By streambeds, the law means all ditches, channels and basins that carry or collect storm water. Continued dumping of grass clippings, tree limbs and weed debris eventually causes the channel bed to rise and reduces its capacity to carry rainwater. This increases the potential for damaging floods.

Any development, not just construction of buildings, in a Special Flood hazard Area (SFHA) requires a permit. You must obtain a permit from the Public Works Department, 202 E. Lincoln Street, before you build, alter, re-grade or fill on your property. Report any illegal floodplain development to City Hall, (785) 227-3355.

Can you tell the story of Lindsborg in four minutes or less? The Convention & Visitors Bureau has accepted and will meet this challenge by designing a four minute promotional video as a marketing tool. We believe it will be worth more than 1,000 words.

Cinematographer and photographer, Matthew White with RockHouse Media has been contracted to produce the promotional video for Lindsborg. White will spend 2011 filming and photographing events, attractions and the seasons in the ‘Borg.

Each screen shot, narrative work and musical note will be held accountable to convey the rich history, vibrant arts, living ethnic culture and fun events and festivals Lindsborg offers.

Tour planners and visitors often say, “I had no idea there is so much to see and do in Lindsborg. We are going to need more time!”

The promotional video will be used in marketing Lindsborg to tour and meeting planners, prospective business owners, freelance travel writers, Scandinavian affiliations, schools and potential residents. Distribution of the video will be by direct mail, on view at trade shows, used in presentations to groups, available on the web and offered as a Lindsborg souvenir.

To quote Bishop Esbjön Hagberg of the Karlstad Diocese of Värmland, Sweden, “Building bridges to history is to build bridges to the future.”

The City has received a number of complaints on dogs defecating along the trail and in parks with owners not taking the time to remove and clean it up. There has also been reoccurring problems with bags of dog feces left in polycarts at the Recycling Center. This is a reminder to pet owners to be responsible in taking care of your pet’s waste and disposing of it properly. The Trail and Parks are for residents and visitors to enjoy without having to worry about stepping in piles of dog feces. The Recycling Center is a collection site for approved recyclables. The depositing of dog waste creates a health issue for all who use the facility.

City Connection is an automated voice and messaging system designed to relay information quickly and effectively by calling homes, businesses and cell phones. City Connection messages are also accessible via email.

BENEFITS This new service allows City Hall and Public Safety officials to notify citizens entirely or by specific groups and locations on cases of emergencies, utility outages, project work, street closings, payment reminders, court dates or other details relating to the City. The system will deliver recorded messages and direct citizens to take specific actions when necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ♦ The City of Lindsborg maintains a constantly updating database of addresses and phone numbers. To take

advantage and receive full benefits from the notification system services, the City is requesting citizen cell phone numbers and email addresses. Updates on street addresses, land line, cell numbers and email addresses are accepted at any given time.

♦ If you have a Lindsborg address, please provide it in the Street Address field. In the event of a localized emergency or important message, your address will integrate with the notification systems mapping capabilities.

♦ New or updated information is requested and may be submitted using the City Connection Sign Up Form. ♦ Submitted information will remain with the City of Lindsborg and used only for Community Notification

purposes.

SIGN UP & UPDATES Original information used to build the City Connection database was taken from current Lindsborg utility customer accounts. New or updated information for residents and businesses may be submitted through the CITY CONNECTION Sign Up Form on the City of Lindsborg’s website at www.lindsborgcity.org. You may access the form on the homepage through the CITY CONNECTION tab under Popular Pages located on the bottom right. Internet is available for public access at the Lindsborg Community Library.

May 14 SVHS Graduation May 22 Bethany Graduation June 17-19 Midsummer’s Festival June 25 Thor’s Roar July 4 Old Fashion 4th of July Celebration July 22, 23, 29, 30 Broadway RFD WILLY WONKA August 6 Smoky Valley Car Show August 27 King Midas Street Dance

8

SCAMS The Lindsborg Police Department reminds residents to be wary for scams. The most popular scams are from Nigeria which informs victims they have inherited millions and then asks them to pay a few thousand dollars to have the paperwork completed in order for the transaction to take place. As the money is sent in they continue to find other things that need to be paid before the inheritance can be released. Victims are scammed for thousands of dollars and there is no recourse. Nigeria is outside the jurisdiction of any U.S. Agency when it comes to stopping or recovering losses.

Nigerian scams may be at the forefront but they are not the only ones to be aware of. Scammers may call and say that they are a relative that has had an accident, are in jail or have lost their billfold. They will request money sent through Western Union. Once the money is sent it can be picked up at any Western Union location around the World.

Another area that scams have recently targeted are homeowners behind on their mortgages. Any company that calls, sends an email or comes to your door requesting a fee of $500 to $1,000 to start a mortgage modification program is something to avoid. If you are behind in your mortgage payment or in risk of foreclosure you may contact a counselor through the Department of Housing and Urban Development at www.hud.gov.

Scam Tips To Remember: ♦ If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

♦ Take time to investigate claims.

♦ Do NOT wire money to anyone unless it is someone you know and can trust.

♦ Never send money when it is immediately demanded.

♦ Do NOT give out personal information or financial account numbers.

♦ Shred personal information before throwing it away.

♦ Be ACCOUNTABLE and Do NOT rush into a decision when dealing with these situations.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, the Public Safety Department participated in a safety training drill hosted by Mid Kansas Coop (MKC). The training incorporated simulated accidents where Police, Fire, EMS, and Life Team were involved.

The first accident was replicated with a model conveyor belt set on a trailer with a mannequin’s arm placed in the machinery. Fire and EMS responded and worked on removing the arm from the equipment.

The second incident involved a victim in the basement of one of MKC’s elevator tank/towers with Fire and EMS treating the patient then rigging a basket with a rope and transferring the injured through a window. The patient was loaded on a Life Team helicopter and transported off the site. The training drill lasted approximately 2.5 hours.

Since 2006, the City of Lindsborg has been replacing water and electric meters with radio-read meters. Radio-read meters are also known as AMR, automated meter reading. Of the 1, 380 water meters in the City, 86% have now been converted to AMR. The balance of the water meters are scheduled to be converted this year. Approximately 50% of the 1730 electric meters have been replaced. The installation of the new electric meters has not been as aggressive as the water meters. Electric meters can be purchased with several different features. Those features include demand metering which measures the peak load from a customer along with energy consumed by the customer. Another feature is time-of-use metering. This measures the energy consumed and at what time of day it is consumed. The last feature being studied is load profile metering. This measures and records the profile of a customer’s energy usage. We have been studying these different features to determine which are the most beneficial for responsible and efficient use of electric energy.

An additional benefit of the radio-read meters is the reduced time to read meters. Under the old system, it took two employees eight days to manually record both the water and electric readings for the prior month. With approximately two-thirds of all meters changed to AMR, it takes the two meter readers about four days to read. This equates to a savings of 64 labor-hours. The goal is to reduce the meter reading time to one person for four hours one day. This reduction in meter reading time equates to a savings of $34,000 a year.

The City of Lindsborg continually looks for opportunities to increase efficiencies, reduce costs or improve service to the community. The use of automated meter reading technology is an example of such an opportunity. Efficiencies are realized through decreased meter reading and data input time. This translates into reduced input errors and increased cost savings. These cost savings allow these utilities to be provided at competitive rates.

eco@home

eco@home is a quarterly consumer publication that communicates energy efficiency tips and information to customers of public power utilities. The 12-page digest encourages readers to consume energy more efficiently-saving money and benefiting our environment. Each article informs, inspires and motivates households to action with practical ideas, often at low or no cost.

As public power utilities face the prospect of rate increases and regulatory pressure to increase energy efficiency programs, actionable communications and education are vital. Consumers recognize the need to make wise choices and save. Ninety-two percent (92%) of readers believe it is important their local utility provide the type of information found in eco@home. The publication is a welcome reminder of the special partnership that exists between public power utilities and their customers.

GIVE US YOUR TAKE ON eco@home:

Do you read and find value in the eco@home publications? Let us know by taking the eco@home Opinion Poll on the City’s website listed under the ABOUT LINDSBORG tab.

10

In the spring of 1928, the City of Lindsborg acquired a section of land that is currently known as Swensson Park. The land purchase was made possible through a bond issue. Since attaining the properties, the City Park Board aided by the City Planning Commission, civic organizations and public minded citizens have been involved in the process and transformation on what these areas look like today. Included in the transformation plan for Swensson Park was a Lily Pool.

Selection from:(Lindsborg Newspaper “A Review of City Park Beautifying” circa 1930)

One of the first steps toward improving Swensson Park was the filling of the basement of the former Bethany parsonage as an initial step in the creation of the present lily pool.

Passage from: (Minutes of the City Park Board and Planning Commission March 20, 1933)

After careful consideration and study of the plans a motion was made by Professor Deere and seconded by Ed Johnson that the plan presented by Frank S. Carlson be approved and the Lindsborg Fire Company be authorized to construct a Fountain in the Lily Pool in accordance with the plan.

The Lily Pool or Pond has been a part of Swensson Park for the past 83 years. Age, natural deterioration and plumbing concerns have taken it’s toll. The existing fountain has failed to operate for several years due to a leakage issue found within the base. The 2011 Parks & Recreation budget addresses the rebuild of the current structure into an attraction that can be enjoyed in the future.

The City of Lindsborg has permission from the Kansas Department of Heath & Environment to operate a burn site located 1/2 mile east of Harrison Cole across from KAPS and Viking Auto. The permit is renewed annually and can be revoked at any time for violations. Lawn and garden waste may be taken to the burn site and deposited in the ‘Boneyard’ compost area where signage is posted for acceptable items. The 24/7 service is available to residents as a convenience and privilege similar to the Lindsborg RECYCLING Center. We ask residents to adhere to site deposit guidelines and to please empty leaves and grass material from bags.

ITEMS ACCEPTED: TREE, BRUSH, DRY VEGETATION ONLY

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: ♦ Asphalt Shingles ♦ Tar Paper, Tires, Garbage ♦ Trash, Plastic Containers ♦ Railroad Ties

11

The 2011 GOLF Season is underway and LEAGUE PLAY has begun at the Lindsborg Golf Course. Spring is in the air and its time to relax and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. LGC staff welcomes and invites members and non-members to sign up or show up to Men’s Night, Ladies Night and/or Senior Day. Join the fun, take part or just come out and PLAY a round or two. For more information contact the LGC Clubhouse at (785) 227-2244 or at lindsborggolf@ks-usa.net.

LEAGUE PROGRAMS: MEN’S Night

Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Food is provided after PLAY.

LADIES Night

Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Food is provided after PLAY.

SENIOR Day

Wednesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts provided before PLAY.

Recycling services are provided to residents by the City of Lindsborg and McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility. The Recycling Center is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The City is requesting help from citizens on depositing items and monitoring of the facility. In recent months, there have been escalating amounts of trash and non-recyclable items being left at the site. This is not a trash collection facility. City crews have removed carpet, lumber, air conditioners, broom handles, water filters, metal plant hangers, chest of drawers and even polycarts full of dog feces. Recycling Containers are clearly marked for recyclable items. We ask our residents to please deposit recycling materials in the appropriate bins and to notify the City when others are abusing recycling privileges. Trash items will need to be placed in polycarts or taken to the McPherson County Transfer Station. Help us to keep the 24/7 service sites clean and GREEN!

PETE #1 PETE #1 -- Clear and Green soda bottles, salad dressing, cooking oil, mouth wash, measuring scoops, etc.

ALUMINUM CALUMINUM CANSANS -- Aluminum Beverage Cans ONLY. Aluminum foil or pie pans are not accepted.

TIN CTIN CANSANS -- Clean with no residue. If cans have food residue they are considered trash.

HPDE #2 NHPDE #2 NATURALATURAL -- Milk jugs, juice and water containers. No plastic grocery bags.

HPDE #2 CHPDE #2 COLOROLOR B BOTTLESOTTLES -- Windshield washer, vinegar, detergent, shampoo, etc.

CARDBOARD CARDBOARD -- Corrugated Cardboard and brown paper bags ONLY. No cereal boxes or 6 pack containers.

NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER -- Newsprint ONLY. No phone books or directories.

MAGAZINES MAGAZINES -- Slick print magazines. No phone books or directories.

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

CONTACT INFORMATION

MAYOR Judy Neuschafer

jneuschafer@lindsborgcity.org

COUNCILMEMBERS Ken Branch - WARD 1

kbranch@lindsborgcity.org

David Higbee - WARD 1 dhigbee@lindsborgcity.org

Becky Anderson - WARD 2 banderson@lindsborgcity.org

Betty Nelson - WARD 2 bnelson@lindsborgcity.org

Russ Hefner - WARD 3 rhefner@lindsborgcity.org

Rick Martin - WARD 3 rmartin@lindsborgcity.org

W.R. Chestnut - WARD 4 wrchestnut@lindsborgcity.org

Brad Howe - WARD 4 bhowe@lindsborgcity.org

101 S. Main Street PO Box 70

Lindsborg, Kansas 67456-0070

• 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)

• City Council Meetings - June 6, July 5-Tuesday, August 1

• Recycling Center - (OPEN 24/7)

• Mother’s Day - May 8

• Memorial Day - May 30 (City Offices Closed)

• Flag Day - June 14

• Midsummer’s Day - June 18

• Father’s Day - June 19

• Thor’s Roar - June 25

• Independence Day - July 4 (City Offices Closed)

• Broadway RFD - July 22, 23, 29, 30

• City View Newsletter - Issue 19 (mid-August)