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2007 - Winter .- City of !:i Sali The S . WELCOME TO THE LEE DISTRICT The unstoppable spirit of Lee still thrives in downtown Salina. Lee believed "... that we are going to miss opportunity if we didn't come.. . It's bigger, better than we expected, a field susceptible of greatc and rapid development in almost any line." Downtown has been built on a daring his- tory, embracing entrepre- neurs who recognize mar- ket opportunity and fill the need. That is exactly how H. D. Lee started multiple businesses in our down- town and grew one to be a global icon, Lee Jeans@. Salina Downtown, Inc. (SDI) embraces our his- toric foundation in small business, wholesale distri- bution, milling and finance and our current diverse business and service mix Historic Salina Downtown as we rename the 31 block area of the Downtown Business Im- provement District as the Lee District. The City of Salina's 2002 Market Based Downtown Plan Progressive Ur- ban Management Associates, Inc. (P.U.M.A.) identified a lack of common vision as one of the challenges facing our city center. The SOl Image Task Force reviewed the 2002 Plan, involved stake- holders, consulted marketing profession- als and searched our roots to develop con- cise mission and vision statements and "discover our brand" nand H. D. Lee does just that. Lee@ Jeans, a brand division of VF Corporation, Merriam, Kansas, agreed to allow Salina Downtown Inc. to utilize the name and retired Lee Mercantile logo as part of our new image. The Salina City Commission gave formal approval to the endeavor to change the name from Salina Downtown Business Improvement District to the Lee District in June 2007. The Lee District celebrated its first major public events October 2007 in co- ordination with Lee National Denim Day@ and breast cancer awareness month. Signage to designate the commerce, shopping, dining and entertainment dis- trict was placed in October. CITY PARTNERSHIP KEY TO SUCCESS The City of Salina has invested in sev- eral downtown infrastructure improve- ments in 2007. Major alley drainage im- provements were completed in the north one hundred block of Santa Fe and work is progressing for the south one hundred block of Santa Fe. New traffic lights were in- stalled in four key downtown intersections, and General Services milled and overlayed Santa Fe. Things are looking fresh and nearly brand new! SDI is concentrating on implementing goals of the 2002 P.U.M.A. Market Based Downtown Plan. These plans call for SDI to be a business support of- fice concentrating on busi- ness retention and recruitment. North Central Kansas Community Network Company awarded an $11 ,000 grant to SDI to update market informa- tion critical to developers interested in downtown properties. The City and SDI partnered to con- duct a Parking Study and an Engineer- ing Lighting Review of the Lee District. Once again, SDI is offering its Exte- rior Improvement Grant program funded through the City's V<t cent CIP sales tax. For 2008, the City Commission has au- thorized $50,000 for a recommended two-tier program. Final approval of the program guidelines will occur by year- end. SDI member businesses thank the City of Salina for daily support of a healthy, vibrant downtown community. We appreciate City Parks and Recre- ation personnel who tend to the gor- geous planters, the General Services employees who hand sweep the alleys, Arts and Humanities staff who book en- tertainment in the plazas, Police Depart- ment Community Service Officers who patrol our parking, and the unnamed hun- dreds who help make the Lee District a powerful regional destination. I" I' , Inside this issue: QPRs. . . . . . . . . .. 2 North Ohio. . . . . .. 4 Future CIP. . . . . 6 &. 7 South Ohio. . . . . .. 8 Dear Salina Citizen, The City of Salina is pleased to present to you the winter 2007 edition. of The Salina Citizen. We hope this issue informs you about City projects, and stimulates your inter- est and participation in lo- cal government. In this exciting and chal- lenging time for our com- munity, the City Commis- sion and members of City staff encourage you to ask questions and make your views known! We look forward to hear- ing from you and working with you to meet the chal- lenges ahead. Sincerely, Salina City Commission email: citycommission@salina.org website: www.salina-ks.gov r- ---- . The Salina Citizen Development Review Strategies - QPRs QUICK PROBLEM RESOLUTIONS (QPR) are used to solve problems encountered throughout the project sequence without stalling the project. These meetings are scheduled within 48 hours of the request and a written resolution is provided within 24 hours of the meeting. QPR meetings are moder- ated by the City Manager or Deputy City Manager. In an effort to cut through some of the typical red tape that one might expect when obtaining City approval" for a commercial development project, the City of Salina formed the Development Review Team (DRT). The DRT is comprised of a cross section of the City's key staff members that work with development projects on a daily ba- sis. Their mission is to work closely with the project representa- tives, provide thorough review and feedback of each major project proposed, and to un- earth solutions to project issues at the earliest possible stages with the goal of making each project successful. Page 2. . Coordinated correspondence for commercial projects. One plan review letter includes comments from all applicable reviewing de- partments. . An initial plan review performance goal of 10 working days resulting partment involved in the initial plan review. . DRT staff can also provide de- velopment-related assistance in areas beyond the typical building permit items. . DRT regularly solicits feedback from the development commun- ity through surveys and uses the feedback in con- tinuous improvement ef- forts. . DRT tracks survey re- sults to evaluate team performance on several facets including attitude, level of assistance and timliness of response. in either building permit issuance or a plan review letter. . A 5-working-day plan review per- formance goal for plans submit- ted in response to a plan review letter. . Coordinated final inspection with representatives from each de- Effective real estate de- velopment requires a great degree of accountability and effective communication among all parties. Exceptional development results from committed teamwork between the development commu- nity and city staff. The DRT is com- mitted tothe successful and qual- ity development projects for the City of Salina. The DRT adheres to the City of Salina's Commitment to Service Quality by: . Demonstrating appreciation, courtesy and integrity; . Ensuring open communication and professionalism; . Providing a value-added devel- opment review / inspection pro- cess that is the simplest, most user-friendly possible; . Recognizing the public good, value of public input and open- ness to new ideas; . Demonstrating efficiency, reli- ability and timeliness; . An accurate and solution-based interpretation of all regulations; and . An approach that is helpful, prac- tical and quality-driven. The DRT ensures efficient coor- dination of development services through effective use and coordina- tion of staff time, consistent techni- cal interpretation and quality deci- sion-making essential to success. DRT offers the following services for commercial development projects: Total Valuation of Residential & Commercial Building Permits $70,000,000 $60,000,000 $50,000,000 $40,000,000 $30,000,000 $20,000,000 $10,000,000 $0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1-- . The Salina Citizen Salina Cares About Its Trees Through the years, the City of at the Lakewood Discovery Center, system or on public property in Salina has recognized the multitude Lakewood Park at 11 :30 a.m. memory of a loved one. of benefits that trees provide our City. Numerous tree planting and environ- mental betterment programs have been sponsored by the City and its Parks and Recreation Department in an effort to promote the important role trees play in contributing to our good quality of life. We do take our trees very seri- ously! The following show this: A "Tree City U.S.A." since 1990 For its urban forestry efforts, the City of Salina has received this annual award since 1990. The award hon- ors communities for their demon- strated support of municipal tree pro- grams. The Salina Tree Advisory Board The Tree Advisory Board consists of seven resident volunteers interested in bettering the state of trees in our City. The Tree Board meets on the last Tuesday of the even numbered months and the meetings are held City Tree Planting The Parks and Recreation Depart- ment offers a tree planting cost share program which "partners" with citizens in planting trees in their yard. This program assists citizens in planting hundreds of trees each '(ear by reimbursing them for part 0 the Eurchase cost of a tree. Through egacy Tree Fund, citizens can do- nate trees to be planted in the park Page 3. Christmas Tree Recycling From mid-December thru January, the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment allows residents to discard Christmas trees for free. The trees are chipped and the mulch is given away or used in the park system. There are five collection sites set up in various parks around the City. Drop sites are: Lakewood Park, 1323 East Iron; Jerry Ivey Park, 2465 Edwards; Centennial Park, 746 Comanche; Thomas Park, 1601 North 9th, and the free yard waste recycling site on Markley Road. Yard Waste Recycling The Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments offer a free site to dispose of yard waste such as grass clippings and tree branches. The event is held the second Satur- day of the month (March - Novem- ber) at the East Crawford Recre- ation Area (south end) 8:00 - 4:00. 'alina Firefighters Train for YOUR Safety Fire crews train to be ready, to be physically fit and to be safe so they can assist citizens in need during a fire emergency. A firefighter works to rescue a simulated victim, in an attempt to avoid a catastrophic inci- dent like the one that killed nine firefighters in Charleston South Carolina in 2007. The Salina Fire De- partment trains using a "Firefighter Skill of the Month" program. Training skills can include wa- ter supply connection to a hy- drant; laying and using correct hose during a fire attack; care and maintenance of safety gear; and rescue with ground ladder use. @... Firefighters are evaluated on their ability to quickly and safely connect the fire truck to a hy- drant. Firefighters must be able to perform thiS skill to ensure con- tinuous water supply to the fire truck. If water supply is inter- rupted, the delay could result in a loss of life or structure. @...Crews are evaluated on their ability to properly remove hose lines from the fire engine and use those hose lines dunng a fire at- tack. As with the supply hose, any delay could result in a loss of life or structure. @... Firefighters must prepare them- selves for entry into a dangerous situation. They are assessed on their teamwork and ability to prop- erly ready their protective gear, as well as check each other for safety prior to making entry. If firefighters - get burned or are otherwise injured, their ability to battle a blaze or give. assistance to a trapped citizen, or citizens, is greatly reduced. @... Firefighters must safely rescue a. "victim" (fellow firefighter) from a second story window, using a ground ladder. Crews are evaluated on their rescue techniques and use of safety procedures throughout the operation. Throughout the evaluation, crews operate as quickly as possible in an attempt to simulate the urgency of a real incident. During a recent ex- ercise, local crews safely res- cued the "victim" down the ladder. This training helps the firefighters to help you to safety, in the event of a real fire emergency. These are the men and women who risk their lives every day. They practice these life saving skills to keep them safe, so they can keep you safe. The Salina Fire Department has never lost a firefighter in the line of duty. Let's keep it that way! Practicing a rescue simulation e'Re Salina Citizen orth Ohio Overpass Almost There!! In 2005, construction started on one of Salina's most noteworthy road projects, the North Ohio Overpass. The purpose of this project is to per- manently eliminate unnecessary traf- fic delays for motorists and improve public safety response for the area. This project is also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of one of Salina's gateways by creating a more welcoming community en- trance. The North Ohio Overpass involves the construction of a 525 foot long overpass bridge across the railroad lines on North Ohio Street between York Street and Pacific Avenue. Tied to this project was another project that involved the removal of seven different tract crossings, in five sepa- rate locations in north Salina. This track removal makes for a much more convenient drive along some of our other northern streets. The Overpass at Night Rod Reidsma/Salina Journa The majority of work on this project is complete. The final steps include landscaping and the repair to the west railing. The City has been working with KDOT, Wilson & Com- pany, CTL Group, Inc. and King Con- struction to work through this repair. We do not anticipate the repair to create significant traffic impact. Please take the opportunity to drive over this attractive and functional new addition to the community. It is particularly beautiful at night. s- T-R-E- T-C-H-I-N-G Our Water Supply Water supply shortages have been in the hews for many small and large municipalities all across the nation, in- cluding Salina. The drought of previ- ous years has resulted in ground wa- ter levels and flows in the Smoky Hill River to be near or at all time lows. Salina citizens consume 2.4 billion gal- lons of water per year with 60% from Page 4. the Smoky Hill River and 40% from the ground water wells. As water supplies decrease and water de- mands increase, it is becoming more evident that water conserva- tion is going to become a part of our day to day lives. Water conservation is the utili- zation of cost-effective water use (Continued on Page 5) City of Salina Organization Char Winter 2007 CITIZENS CITY COMMISSION Alan E. Jilka, Mayor Luci Larson Aaron G. Peck R. Abner Perney John K. Vanier II Municipal Court Administration Municipal Court Judge City Prosecutor Court Supervisor Risk Management Fire Suppression Emerg. Med. Srv. Codes/Inspection Public Education Patrol Investigations 911/Commun. Internal Affairs City Clerk Accounting Utility Acctg. Treasurer Museum Arts Education Arts Services River Festival Horizons Grants Community Art/Design Operations Food & Bev. Business/ Ticket Off. 'Legal Services Development Services Building Services Planning/Commun. Devel. Water Treatment & Distribution Wastewater Collection & Treatment eneral Services Engineering Streets Design/ Flood Works Inspection Traffic Control Traffic Central Garage Sanitation Landfill Swimming Pools Golf Course Neighborhood Ctrs. Parks Recreation Forestry Cemetery Bldg. Maintenance * Contract Position . The Salina Citizen Arts & Humanities Serves Citizens Changing lives and building communities The mission of the Arts & Humanities Department of the City of Salina is to use the power of arts and humanities to change lives and build communities. Through service to arts and cultural organizations, direct arts and education programs and . management of tne Smoky Hill Museum, the Department serves needs of all Salinans, regardless of who they are or where Uley live. Service to arts and cultural organizations and artists includes direct funding to nonprofit organizations and artists in Saline County through the Horizons Grants Programs, a public/private partnership which has provided over $1,000,000 in grants since 1986 for artistic and humanities projects! In an effort to better connect arts, culture and heritage services, the Department began a year-long cultural assessment process in January, entitled The Big Ideas. Staff and the facilitation team talked with over 800 people in more than 60 public forums, and solicited input through surveys: 1,178 from the general public, 172 from artists and 31 from nonprofit organizations. All of this information will result in a strategic plan for Salina Arts & Humanities, a road map for the future - which begins in early 2008. Salina participated with 165 municipalities, regions and states in a national economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry conducted by Americans for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity III. The Salina study shows that in 2005, nonprofit arts and culture organizations In the City and their audiences were responsible for $23.75 million in direct expenditures, resulting in 815 full-time equivalent jobs and over $2 million in taxes and revenues returned to local and state governments. The study confirms that arts and culture is a strong and vital industry in Salina, and that the investment made by individuals, businesses, foundations and government brings concrete return to the Salina economy and to the people who live here. The Department's on-going arts ~ I ) .>0 i ./' t Ballet Fork/DrieD Dancers Tom Dorsey/Salina Journal and culture programs include the Smoky Hill River Festival, a wonder- ful public/private effort beloved by Salrnans of all sorts; arts education and residency programs which serve students from kindergarten to college, all school-year round; the three times yearly Cultural Calendar; and annual J:>resentations like Art a' la Carte and Spring Poetry Series. The Depart- ment periodically produces special one-time concerts like Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and the Pat Metheny Trio. The Smoky Hill Museum, the region's nationally-accredited history museum, is a division of the Arts & Humanities Department, and features a beautiful new gallery, extensive col- lection and vaned public program- minsg.I,. I' h ,. d d' a Ina IS unusua In aVlng a e 1- cated Arts and Humanities Depart- ment. This shows how much we value the quality of life for citizens of all ages and cultures. Study after study shows that exposure of our young people to arts and culture helps youth better succeed in school; arts participants make better, more in- formed, more productive citizens. Arts and culture entertain, engage and inspire people. This experience makes Salina a better place in which to raise families, economically stron- ger and more attractive to new resi- dents. Page 5. 5- T-R-E~ T-C-H-I-N-G Our Water Supply (continued from page 4) efficiency practices to curtail wa- ter waste and ensure that use does not exceed reasonable needs. The primary goal of water conservation IS to achieve more efficient use of the State's limited water resources by developing long-term water use efficiency plans and short-term drought response plans. Water Warning Restrictions were implemented and enforced this year. On Mondays, (no lawn watering al- lowed) water usage was above typical household use, which indicated that lawn watering was oc- curring. To ensure that Water Warning Restrictions were being followed and that water was not wasted, a code en- forcement plan was enacted. Watering Restrictions Code Enforcement Officers hit the streets at the end of June, patrol- ling every day of the week on a ran- dom around-the-clock schedule. During daylight hours, they stopped where watering restriction violations were noticed and first time violators were given informa- tion and watering restrictions infor- mation. Where water was com- ing from private wells, officers asked citizens to voluntarily water according to the restrictions. . Limited exemptions to the re- strictions were available to owners for establishing new lawns or re- seeding. Courtesy Violation Notices were issued for first violations, but re- peat violators were issued. formal Violations Notices. There is a man- datory Municipal Court appearance and $100 fine for first offenses and escalating fines for each repeat violation. Efficient use of water (Conserving Water) benefits all citizens of Salina by limiting or postponing costly water system improve- ments/expansions. . The Salina Citizen. Salina's Capital Improvement Program - Putting orange barrels to good usel A city's capital improvement program (CIP) is one of the most important elements of municipal government. The reason is simple. This plan is what dictates how a major part of your taxes are invested to build a better community for everyone. Like 2007, we expect 2008 and 2009 to be extremely active years, with numerous street projects to be under construction throughout town. 2007 also offers an additional investment of $1 million from special sales tax funds for needed roadway improvements. This significant increase in funding was determined by the City Commission to be needed as we continue to maintain and enhance our local street network. Page 6. Our CIP strategy is consistent with past years. (1) Maintain the capacity and function of essential facilities serving the overall city, (2) Upgrade public facilities in areas where deficiencies may exist and, (3) Provide new and expanded facilities in locations experiencing growth and development. We believe the CIP is one of the primary tools for shaping our community. That is why we are constantly soliciting your input and advice. Below are some examples of projects expected to be either completed or under construction in 2007, and those planned for 2008 and 2009. Stormwater Proiects - Alley - Ash to Iron (completed in 2007) - Alley - Walnut to Mulberry (completed in 2007) - FEMA Remapping Project (2006/2007) - Prescott Pipeline ~ Santa Fe to Second (under review) - Levee Recertification - In Progress - Marymount Drainage Study - Complete in 2008 North Broadway Corridor (2007) Improve traffic safety at three intersections Convert from 4 lanes to 3 lanes Rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems Traffic Control (2007) - Upgrade 4 antiquated traffic signals in downtown Salina - Traffic Signal Upgrades to LED and Battery Backup (various locations) - Install Signal Pole at Broadway Blvd/Crawford St Broadway / Haaeman Intersection (Bid Spring 2008) - Geometric Improvements - realignment of south leg, removal of pedestrian bridge and cul-de-sac north leg - Pedestrian Study complete in 2007 Utilitv Enhancements (2007) Various locations for Water / Sewer systems South Ninth Street Corridor (2009) Belmont Boulevard to Water Well Road - Phase I - Design work in 2007 and 2008 E ~ . The Salina Citizen Page 7. For further information regarding the Capital Improvement Program or specific capital projects, contact the Department of Public Works at 309-5725. Wavtindina Signaae and Median Landscaping (2006/2007/2008) KDOT grant project on N. 9th St and W. Crawford Street New directional signage master plan city-wide Median and interchange landscaping East Pacific Avenue (2007) Upgrade street / drainage system from rural to urban - Design under review North Ohio Overpass (2005 - 2008) New 600' bridge over railroad tracks on North Ohio Street Realignment of Pacific / US Hwy 40 New rail spur Additional aesthetics Street Maintenance (2007) -Mill / Overlay - Santa Fe (Mulberry to Elm) - Iron (9th to 4th) - Crawford (Centennial to 9th) - Broadway (Viaduct to Crawford) -Railroad Crossing Upgrades - Wayne at 4th - Broadway at Dover - W. Magnolia -Other projects to be determined South Ohio Street (Bid in 2007) - Reconstruction and widening from 2-lanes to 4-lanes, Magnolia Road to Schilling Road Sidewalk Ramps / Sidewalks (2007) - Sidewalks and Ramps - North St (Lakewood to Front) - Quincy (Republic to Beloit) - Markley (Crawford south) - Wayne (Highland to Simmons) - Simmons (W side of South Middle School) - Sidewalk Ramps - Various Locations . The Salina Citizen South Ohio Street Widening Responding to Our Transportation Needs With the increase in total vehicles traveling along South Ohio, it is time to widen the two-lane road to reduce traffic congestion. Specifically, the City is planning to widen the road from two lanes to four lanes between Magnolia and Schilling. Combined with the North Ohio Overpass, this project will ensure a smooth and ef- ficient traffic flow from the City's north and south borders. The ditches will be gone as the roadway will be improved to an. ur- ban, concrete design. The intersec- tion at Ohio and Schilling will be im- proved and will look very much like the intersection at Magnolia with five lanes of traffic circulation. The road- way itself will be lowered approxi- mately 1 .5' on average to significantly improve drainage. The open drain- age will be replaced with inlets and underground storm water pipes. The first phase of this project will create some temporary traffic incon- venience as it is anticipated that only one lane and one direction of traffic will be open during the majority of this time. This traffic impact is an- other reason the City chose to defer recon- struction of South Ninth Street. Once the first phase of the project is com- plete, two new traffic lanes will be open to full, two-way traffic. We will try to keep you informed with ad- vanced warnings of changing traffic conditions and routes throughout construction of the project. Design of the project is currently complete and was bid November 14th. Utility relocation is currently un- derway and anticipated to be com- We'reAt Your Service In order to serve you better, City staff maintains a computerized Citi- zen Service Request (CSR) sys- tem. This system assists staff in expediting and effectively respond- ing to citizen concerns. If you have questions or service requests, please contact the City Manager's office at (785) 309-5700. You may also send questions or requests via our e-mail link on the City of Salina's official munici- pal website: www.salina-ks.gov Page 8. pleted by the end of the year. Once, the project is bid and awarded, we expect construction to start in the early spring of next year. Even though this is a major project, it is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2008, weather permitting. This is another good example of how Salina continues to progress and address our transportation needs. , , J ~ Policy of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability The City of Salina does not discriminate on ,the basis of dis- ability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs or activities. The Director of Human Re- sources has been designated to coordinate compliance with non- discrimination requirements con- tained in section 35-107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provi- sions of the Americans with Dis- abilities Act, and the rights pro- vided thereunder, are available from the ADA coordinator. For information contact: ADA Coordinator Nick Hernandez (785) 309-5700 City of Salina 300 W. Ash Salina, Kansas 67401 Phone: (785) 309-571 0 (TOO) (785) 309-5747 Residential Patron Salina, KS 67401 BULK RATE CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALINA, KS Permit No. 400 .'