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Quarterly Newsletter - Issue 41 - February 2017
THE CITY OF LINDSBORG
Lindsborgthe
ATTITUDE -- n.1.) manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; ten-dency or orientation, especially of the mind
2.) position or posture of the body appropri-ate to or expressive of an action, emotion, etc. extended definitions at dictionary.com
For the past few years, the city has utilized a customer call notification system called Code Red. The system was primarily used for utility shut off notices and other emergencies. Although it was functional, the process was cumbersome and time consuming to use. It required our citizens to go to an online site to register their phone numbers and then the system didn’t always provide accurate or usable data. In late 2016 the Utility Billing software was upgraded. This upgraded software included an additional feature called Utility Notifications. This added feature enables us to notify our customers in groups or individually with anything related to electric, water, sewer and billing issues. One enhanced feature is now the City of Lindsborg telephone number comes up on Caller Identification on those phones equipped with caller ID. The first effort using the new notification process was in January of this year. It worked as described with one noticeable glitch; we found that we don’t have correct phone numbers on all of our utility accounts.
A primary benefit of the new system is that it does not require our utility users to “register” anywhere other than City Hall. For the new system to work accurately, we need to verify the phone numbers we currently have on your utility account. So, if you could please take a few moments to call us at 785-227-3355 or fill out the form below and enclose it with your payment, we will update your information quickly and accurately. We appreciate your assistance in helping to maintain accurate records for your utility account.
Attitudes, Codes, & Numbers
NAME ______________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________
PRIMARY PHONE #____________________
Page 2
CITY HALL - MAY 2013Get Connected with LindsborgStay informed about: local news, events and services.
Follow us on twitter @CityLindsborgKS
“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity
Visit our City web page at www.lindsborgcity.org
Councilman David Higbee [email protected]
Councilman Mark [email protected]
Councilman Rick [email protected]
Councilwoman Betty [email protected]
Councilman Corey [email protected]
Councilman Emile [email protected]
Mayor Bill [email protected]
Councilwoman Kelley [email protected]
Council Member Contact Information
CITY HALL - FEBRUARY 2017
Councilman Blaine [email protected]
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. --Maya Angelou
The 3rd Annual Christmas Lighting Contest was a huge success! Jessica and Tori Decker at 317 N. First won the Grand Prize! Second place went to Rob and Gerry Nicolay at 955 N. Main. The third place winners were Brock and Nicki Ebert at 705 N. Second. A big congratulations to all our winners! The City of Lindsborg appreciates everyone that entered the contest!
Decker
NicolayEbert
Lindsborg...where you want to Be, to Play, to Live, to Stay!Page 3
CITY HALL - FEBRUARY 2017
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016
~ CITY OF LINDSBORG ~ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT• Tree Board celebrated Lindsborg’s 31st consecutive year as a certified Tree City USA.• Continued participation in the Community Rating System and National Flood Insurance Program with flood awareness outreach efforts, resulting in premium discounts for flood insurance policy holders.• Provided support for the fourth annual Community Garden located next to the Välkommen Trail.• Adopted ordinance updating the Official Street Tree List which regulates the planting of appropriate species of trees in city right of way.• Awarded a matching grant for a $1 million Välkommen Trail Phase 2 extension.• Amended the Downtown Seating and Streetscape Enhancement Policy to allow flexible placements of street furniture on city right of way.• Made improvements to Viking Valley, as recommended by a certified safety inspector. Included the purchase of two loads of playground mulch to complete the renovation of required surfacing.
• Implemented 2017 City of Lindsborg budget.• 2015 fiscal year financial audit was completed and the City is in compliance with all established accounting procedures and state budget law.• City Hall painted - Exterior.• Concrete paving project at City Hall and South Main parking lots.• Acreage purchased for future ballfield devlopment.• A total of 23 rebates in the amount of $7,000 were paid in 2016. This leaves $2,650 available for the coolSAVINGS program.• 2016 Bond Issue received an A2 rating from Moody’s Investor Service.• Hosted the 8th “Moving Forward Together” partner forum.
RECREATION• Maintained youth sports programs. Participation increased from 2015 in Babe Ruth baseball (16%), flag football (13%), and youth basketball (19%). • Itty Bitty Basketball participation increased from 25 to 30 kids.• 4th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance held for the first time at the Sundstrom Conference Center. Attendance increased by 11% with 95 couples. • 3rd Annual Camp Dala Days held over the summer with 25 children attending. Camp was extended to a week long event.• Beginner Yoga added to the program offerings. • Golf course cart paths were graded and leveled. An increase of players was reported for 2016. • Father’s Day Classic was added as an annual golf tournament.• Single+1 new membership level at the golf course as another option in joining.
PUBLIC SAFETY• Purchased an SUV for the police department.• Intoxilyzer 9000 was installed at the Public Safety Center. This allows breath testing for DUI arrests.• Officer was sent to A.L.I.C.E. active shooter training and is now a certified instructor.• Updated the Disaster Plan as approved by City Council and hosted a training for city staff on the updates.• Lindsborg PD and McPherson Sheriff’s Office hosted the first “Coffee with a Cop” in Lindsborg. • After unforseen incidents at Bethany College, LPD increased security around campus.
Improvements made at the pool included a new shade structure and signage. The above pic-ture is the shade structure before improve-ments were made and the picture below is after.
Page 4
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. --Winston Churchill
CITY HALL - FEBRUARY 2017
• Rural Development loan was approved for new EMS building.• EMS received Pet Oxygen Mask kits through “Project Breath” from Invisible Fence of Central Kansas.• EMS Director, Chris Matthews, was published in a national EMS magazine on how to recruit volunteers.• 30 volunteers on the EMS roster.• EMS had 501 runs in 2016. • Fire had 102 runs in 2016. • LPD worked 461 cases in 2016.
PUBLIC WORKS
• Completed second year of Street Maintenance Plan. This included more than 18,000 square yards of chip-seal on 18 blocks of streets, and nearly 7,000 square yards of new asphalt paving on seven streets.• Continued curb and gutter replacement including portions on West Swensson and North 3rd Street.• Removed sediment from diversion channel west of town and cleared tree growth.
STREETS
• Contract for design engineering of the Garfield Drainage Improvement Project which will increase the size of the drainage structure under Garfield Street and add restrictor plates to the existing drainage structure under Coronado Avenue. • Bond was approved and issued to provide funding for the Garfield Drainage Improvement Project, with expected construction to take place in 2017.• Approved contract for engineering services to assist with formulation of a Stormwater Utility.
• Replaced non-functioning water valves which will reduce the area affected if a shutdown is required in the event of a leak. • Continued water valve exercise program and hydrant flushing.• Installed Variable Frequency Drives on two of the City’s water supply wells.
WATER
• City crews and contract crews cleaned 32,000 linear feet of sewer line in 2016.• Researched surface failures on concrete beam at aeration basin. Made repairs to beam and initiated measures to prevent future failures.• Rebuilt two pumps at Emerald Lake Lift Station.
WASTEWATER
PUBLIC SAFETY Continued from page 3
• Plastic covers placed on many fuses and cutouts to prevent birds and squirrels shorting circuits; this reduces the number of critter caused outages. • Continued change out of existing HPS street lighting with LED lighting resulting in 16% cost savings. • Fuse Coordination Study findings were utilized to properly size fuses on each circuit. This helps reduce the extent of outages and prevents dropping a whole circuit.• Continued tree trimming program; for outage mitigation. • Worked with Westar Energy for new Coronado Substation to increase reliability.
ELECTRIC
Binder, the pup, receives help demonstrating how the pet oxygen masks work.
A few of the volunteers from EMS and Fire posed for a picture in 2016. Thank you to all of those who serve!
CRITTER COVERS
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<CRITTER
COVERS
Lindsborg...where you want to Be, to Play, to Live, to Stay!Page 5
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016
CITY HALL - FEBRUARY 2017CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU• Facebook following increased to 1531 followers this year. Twitter followers increased to 651.• Constant Contact e-mail marketing open rates stayed steady this year averaging around 17% - 18%. Typical travel industry open rates are 3% - 4%.• Partnership with Ad Hoc Business Roundtable to provide ½ page monthly ad in the Salina Journal and the Hutchinson News. • Participation in the Salina Art & Humanities’ monthly calendar. • Partnership with travel writer to provide content for Harley Davidson Publication.• Two feature articles in Small Market Meetings magazine, featuring meetings in Lindsborg.• Editorial featuring Lucia Festival and Lindsborg Volunteers in Nordstjernan publication.• Full page advertorial in Horizon Travel & Lifestyle magazine.• Capitals of Culture article, featuring Lindsborg as one of five nationwide communities, in Going on Faith group travel magazine.
• New billboard design implemented in a new location, westbound, along I-70. • Let’s Stop Here; Immigrants Found A Lot To Like In These Midwestern Meccas article featuring Lindsborg as one of five nationwide communities in Select Traveler magazine.• These Grand Communities; Communities that Honor Their Heritage article sharing Lindsborg as one of five Midwestern communities featured in Group Travel Leader magazine.• Partnership with Jones Huyett Partners to provide print content for national Travel Kansas Ads featuring the motorcycle travel along the Prairie Trail Scenic byway and overnight stays in Lindsborg in Wing World magazine.• Generation of original design and design adaptations of existing visuals for miscellaneous products and projects that were previously contracted out generating a $10,000+ savings.• Implementation of Facebook ad “boost” marketing plan to promote local events and overnight stays.• Planned and carried out only community tent at the Kansas Sampler Festival, with more than 6,000 visitors through the tent in two days.• Partnership with Meet Kansas and the Kansas Department of Tourism, providing exposure in the Meet Kansas booth at the Arkansas Small Market Meetings Conference.
• Hosted a record 96 events.• Executed first multi-event contract.• Established great connections with Kansas Hospital Association and returning customer, EDF Renewable Energy.• Experienced low turnover rate due to quality of staff and staff experience.• Articles published in McPherson Bridal Guide & Midwest Meetings.• Participated in Kansas Society of Association Executives (KSAE) Speed Marketing Event.• Utilized Twitter account to engage young meeting planners.• Attended the 2016 KSAE Annual Conference, marketing to meeting planners for Kansas associations.• Direct mail campaign to meeting planners on benefits of Sundstrom Conference Center (SCC). • Attended Salina Mall Bridal Show, resulting in several wedding bookings for 2016 and 2017.• Repeat business from valued clients as a result of quality service.• Multicultural events added to the abilities of the conference center.• Obtained new clients, providing 35 monthly bookings by January 2017 for the 2017 business year.
SUNDSTROM CONFERENCE CENTER
Page 6
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - FEBRUARY 2017
Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one. --Hans Selye
Lindsborg saw more housing units constructed last year than in any of the previous eight years, according to Tim Dunn, Public Works Director. Eleven residential units were built, or are close to completion. That compares with an average of 5.7 per year over the last ten years. Also of note, the total value of new construction in 2016 hit an all-time high of $2.3 million, well above the 10-year average of $890,000. Most of the construction occurred in the outlying, newer subdivisions in the community, which are rapidly filling up. However three residential projects, were developed on existing vacant lots, a desirable approach that doesn’t require costly expansion of infrastructure, such as new streets, sewer and water. Infill development can raise neighboring property values, and it brings residences and destina-tions closer together making it easier for people to walk, bike or drive shorter distances.County valuations of residential properties saw an increase of 7.7% from 2015, contrasted with a 1.2% increase for commercial properties. Maintaining the underlying value of homes is important to the community, because residential assessments represent 76% of taxable property in Lindsborg. Real estate sales were consistent with previous years, with 72 units sold in 2016. The average sale price was $127,000, slightly higher than the 10-year average of $115,000. Lindsborg ranks first in median home value and median household income in McPherson County.
It’s Time to Build! Significant Increase in Residential Construction
Residential New Construction Permit
Source: City-Data.com
YEAR UNITS TOTAL VALUE2016201520142013201220112010
20092008200720062005
2004
2003200220012000199919981997
115226738412813
913131417111514
2,338,9961,223,000
254,000399,000
1,125,000811,503500,001
1,014,800995,000
1,279,5031,280,000
2,138,9941,279,5031,854,9961,710,8001,703,8002,121,6001,270,5001,941,0001,545,600
County Comparison
City Population MedianHome Value
MedianHousehold
Income
MedianGrossRent
McPherson 13,189
Lindsborg 3,473
Marquette 632
Inman 1,374
Moundridge 1,726
Galva 898Canton 749
Windom 129
132,023
125,660
101,922
104,851
99,49778,992
60,40537,274
54,118 632
52,964 640
38,616 564
41,272
44,391
635
60946,546 642
50,373 58428,548 482
Lindsborg...where you want to Be, to Play, to Live, to Stay!Page 7
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU - FEBRUARY 2017
It is said that a positive experience for a traveler has the following characteristics: it is a surprise to the traveler, it is greater than their expectation, it is whimsical or so superb that it generates a positive buzz among their friends – and friends of friends.Why do we want positive experiences? Because they help pay for the services that all residents use.So please consider these ways to create positive experiences:
•Experience your own community as visitors do. (Have you seen the television show “Undercover Boss”?) Stop by the travel information center just south of First Bank Kansas on Main Street. Or swing by the CVB office in city hall to pick up information about local tourism opportunities. You will be amazed by how much there is to do and see in the area. Take a day to experience first hand something that is new to you.
•Observe pleasantries. If it comes naturally, greet visitors in an upbeat voice. Make them feel welcomed. A warm welcome in any setting forges a lingering connection, and the same goes for visitors. •Go one step beyond what a visitor expects. Go beyond their expectations… make them say “WOW! Offer to snap a family photo by a Dala horse. Take the time to stop and offer suggestions for a fun day in the ‘Borg or directions to your favorite stop.
•Treat occasional mistakes as opportunities. Give the wrong directions or misinformation about a date or the details of an event? Treat it as an opportunity to learn more about the community. Subscribe to the colorful and brief CVB newsletter by email. It will help you be better informed.
•Always thank visitors. Treat them as valued partners in the success of our community. Seeing visitors as people deserving respect, assis-tance and gratitude creates visitors that feel appreciated, respected, valued — visitors that are loyal because they have an emotional connection with this place we call home.
Create Positive Experiences
Page 8 Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. --Harold S. Geneen
PARKS - FEBRUARY 2017
With the enthusiastic support of middle school students and 5th grade teacher Laura Leis, the Tree Board judged a record 63 entries in the annual Tree Poster Contest on January 17. The Grand Prize Winner is Jasmine Pineda, daughter of Rick and Theresa Pineda of Marquette. Her poster has been submitted to the Kansas Forest Service for participation in the statewide contest, with a winner to be an-nounced in February. Other winners in the competition were Lilly Bruce, Ashlyn Cornet, Christa Hedberg, Jacob Karbor and Nicole Medley. The theme of this year’s contest was the energy-wise benefits of Kansas trees and forests. Where trees are present, communities are cooler, air is cleaner, and economical benefits increased. The Tree Poster Contest is sponsored by the Lindsborg Tree Board, an advisory committee established in 1984. It consists of eight volunteers appointed by the Mayor who have interest in keeping our community beautiful through dedicated tree care, maintenance and planting efforts. Lindsborg is recognized as a certified Tree City USA, now for 32 years, by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management.
5th Annual Community Garden
Applications will soon be available to reserve space at the Lindsborg Community Garden, located at 1st Street and Union Street, next to the Välkommen Trail. The garden was established in 2013 with financial assistance from the Smoky Valley Community Foundation, Bank of Tescott, McPherson County Community Foundation, and Jim and Kathy Richardson. A limited number of 10’ x 20’ plots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested individuals and families should contact Gary Shogren, Community Development Director, at 785-227-3355 for more information.
Tree Poster Contest Winners!
Jasmine Pineda
Jacob Karbor
Nicole Medley
Lindsborg...where you want to Be, to Play, to Live, to Stay!Page 9
PUBLIC SAFETY - FEBRUARY 2017
Public Safety is all about helping others without getting hurt yourself. There are many things that assist the volunteers and officers in this endeavor. The City of Lindsborg has always been proactive and supportive when it comes to providing facilities, equipment and training. Our volunteer Fire and EMS equipment easily compares to what would be found in cities that provide full-time service.
Support has been instrumental in developing an attitude of professionaliam and confidence. Doing a job and doing it well comes from the positive support that good leaders provide. Leadership begins with members of our City Council and City Administration. Their initiatives are passed down to the directors and managers of each department, but it is more than that. Each employee and volunteer reveals a person who not only helps the citizens of the community remain safe but one who helps all members of their team be successful. Everyone is willing to give 100% of what is required and that helps the members of their team to be successful and thank-ful for their contributions. Each is willing to give what is required and then give a little more.
The Director of Public Safety, Chief Tim Berggren, wishes to recognize all of the officers, EMT’s and Firefighters who dedicate their time, effort and often their personal safety to help citizens of the Smoky Valley.
Professional Attitudes and Saving Lives
The picture on the left shows Chief of Police, Tim Berggren, educating the students at Soderstrom Elementary on the bones in our bodies. The other photos show the courageous volunteer firefighters in the line of duty. Thank you to all who serve and have a professional and helpful attitude while serving!
Page 10
PUBLIC WORKS - FEBRUARY 2017
The only disability in life is a bad attitude. --Scott Hamilton
For many years when there was a problem with a sewer line the only way to repair it was to dig a big hole until the sewer line was exposed and the problem could be repaired. This is still the least expensive way to fix a problem but sometimes there are situations where excavation is just not an option. With today’s technology and with products that are now available, repairs to a buried sewer line can be made without moving one scoop of dirt. With the use of a small wheeled camera, video inspections are randomly done on the sewer system. Sometimes an inspection reveals problems like the one pictured on the right. This was a ground rod from an electrical transformer installed by a contractor many years ago. This obstruction
in the flow line of the sewer could create problems so it needed to be fixed. The area above sewer line was very congested with the electric transformer, high voltage underground wiring and many other utilities; excavation was not a good option. Fortunately, today there are other options and Mayer Specialty Services of Goddard, Kansas had a solution. With the use of the camera they were able to locate the exact distance from the downstream manhole to the location of the rod. While watching the camera; city crews pulled the rod up so it was out of the pipe. Mayer crews then installed an epoxy coated fiber patch on what is known as a “packer”. This packer is then pushed up the pipe to the exact distance where the defect was. With the patch at the correct distance, air pressure was then slowly applied to the packer and the patch is forced into
place. The pressure starts in the center of the packer and works out toward both ends, this forces an even distribution of epoxy throughout the patch. The patch is then allowed to sit for a few hours to allow the epoxy to cure. After the patch has cured the air pressure in the packer is releaved and the packer is pulled out. The camera is then run back up the line to inspect and verify that the patch is good and the job is then complete. This is a sim-ple concept but without the use of technology and products available today this repair would not be possible. All of this work is done in a matter of hours without any disruption to service and no visible ev-idence on the surface that anything ever happened.
Technology and New Techniques!
Lindsborg...where you want to Be, to Play, to Live, to Stay!Page 11
RECREATION - FEBRUARY 2017
Dance, Kick, Swim! Lindsborg Rec has it all and more!
Lindsborg PoolSummer 2017
The Recreation Department is now taking pool party reservations for 2017! Call today to reserve the pool for your private party! A deposit of $50 will need to be re-ceived within two weeks of making the reservation to hold the date. Fees are $100 for one hour and $55 for additional hour. Family Season Pass for 2017 is: $150Single Season Pass is: $7010 Swim Pass is: $2520 Swim Pass is:$45Daily admission is $3.00 We hope you join us this year for some fun in the sun!
SUMMER JOB OPENINGS•Certified pool lifeguards
•Ballfield complex manager
•Umpires for recreation baseball/softball leagues
•Recreation department intern/assistant (Full-Time, paid, seasonal position)
•Golf course seasonal mowing and maintenance help and clubhouse staff
Now accepting applications. Call Kate Elliott, Recreation Director, at 785-227-3333 for more information.
• Registration opens in early February •$35 for residents and $40 for non-residentsYOUTH SOCCER: • Open to youth preschool – 8th grade
DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, J.O. SUNDSTROM BALLROOM
(102 N. Main)
Doors open at 6:15pmdance 6:30pm - 8:00pm
$30.00 per couple, $5 per additional child
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door!
This dance is a special evening for Dads and Daughters.
Call Kate Elliott at 785-227-3333 if more information is needed.
Ladies between the ages of Newborn - 14 are invited each year.Enjoy live DJ, sweet snacks, and take home a memorable photo!
Courtesy photo by DJ Rick Stanley
EASTER EGG HUNT•Saturday April 15th @ noon sharp! •Swensson Park •Ages 1-10 years old!
The City of Lindsborg101 S. MainPO Box 70Lindsborg, KS 67456
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDLINDSBORG, KSPERMIT #1
ECRWSS
LocalPostal Customer
EMERGENCY INFORMATIONPolice, Fire and Ambulance: 911
Police, Fire and 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)
For more scheduled events please view the calendars at www.visitlindsborg.com and www.lindsborgcity.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTSCity Council Meetings -- March 6 & 20, April 3 & 17, May 1 & 15Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting -- April 18118th Annual Midwest Art Exhibition at the Birger Sandzén Art Gallery -- February 17 - April 17 Våffeldagen-International Waffle Day -- March 25136th Messiah Festival of the Arts -- April 6 -16Jazz Walk -- April 7Take 6 Concert -- Palm Sunday -- April 9Theatre Improv Workshop -- April 10Good Friday -- April 14 (City Offices Closed)Passion According to St. Matthew – April 14136th Messiah Performance – Easter April 16Lindsborg In Bloom -- April 29Millfest -- May 6 & 7City View Newsletter -- Issue 42 (May)Recycling Center -- (Open 24/7) Be considerate please
