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1999 - Spring I A report from your city government ~The ~ Salina Citizen Salina Airport Industrial Center Building For Tomorrow In case you haven't seen it lately, things are changing at the Salina Air- port Authority Industrial Center. Since 1964, when Schilling Air Force Base closed and the land and buildings were turned over to the City, the Salina Airport Authority has been working to create a mod- ern business and industrial park. This process recently received a big boost through a multifaceted infra- structure improvement project. The most visible and far-reach- ing component is the improvement of several streets. Funded by $1,031,000 from the Kansas De- partment of Commerce and Hous- ing and $4,440,000 of General Obli- gation bonds, 12 streets will be re- constructed and 3 new streets will be built comprising about 6.5 miles in length. All of the streets have drainage improvements and new curb and gutter. The project also included some utility line relocations and a new concrete parking lot for the airport terminal building. All of the street work will improve access to the 64 Airport Industrial Center businesses and organizations. The new roads are 29 feet wide and will accommodate all types of ve- hicles that need access to Airport Industrial Center businesses. The secondary street project is one of a series of improvements to the Air- port Industrial Center infrastructure to be completed in recent years. Saline County and the City of Salina have previously completed other highway, roadway and water sys- tem improvements. According to Tim Rogers, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director, "The continuing partner- ship with the State of Kansas, Sa- line County, the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce has resulted in the significant im- provements to the Salina Airport Industrial Center's infrastructure. The Center is ready to support busi- ness and industry well into the 21st century. " In an effort to pursue a com- prehensive strategy, other activities are also being carried out. Improve- ments already made to the water dis- tribution system include a new wa- ter tower to replace the old red and white tower and new water mains to serve the area. Construction has also begun on a new pump station to boost water pressure into the area. Work continues on the re- moval and renovation of many of the older buildings left by the Air Force. Finally, several homes are being re- habilitated within the surrounding neighborhoods which once housed military families. Preservation of these homes is important for work force retention and recruitment. Taken together, these and other projects are transforming the former base into a vibrant industrial com- plex. Numerous building sites will exist for expansions as well as the attraction of new companies. Busi- nesses and industries, which already employ over 4,700 people, will now have the infrastructure to support future job growth and new private investment. Inside: 3 City of Salina Employment 6 1999 Capital1mprovement Program 7 Salina's Fire Training Facility 2 The Salina Citizen Salina Municipal Bond Rating What is it and what does it mean for taxpayers? The City of Salina sells long term bonds each year to pay for major capital projects, such as the recon- struction of South 9th Street, which we cannot payout of current cash resources. This is equivalent to a homeowner borrowing money to make major improvements to their home or property. Each time we sell bonds, our bonds receive a rating from Moody's Investors Service. The most recent rating received was an "AI". What is this rating, and what does it mean? Moody's is a private company who evaluates the creditworthiness of both governments and private companies. For governments, their evaluation includes a review of the strength of the local economy, the administration and management of the government, the revenue base, current debt management practices, historic financial performance of the government and legal factors. Based on their evaluation, they issue an opinion, reflected as a rating. On a personal basis, this is similar to a banker using a Credit Bureau report to evaluate risk in making a loan to a homeowner. The rating is only one factor considered by an inves- tor. The ratings assigned by Moody's range from "Aaa" (triple A) which are of the best quality to "C", which can be described as "speculative". Bonds must be rated "Baa" or above to be considered investment grade. Salina's "AI" rating may be de- scribed as upper medium invest- ment grade. The rating has two significant effects. First, a good rating in- creases the marketability of an is- sue by expanding the number of investors willing to bid on the bond issue. It provides them with reliable information from an independent source that could normally not be obtained without extensive research by the investor. A larger market means more competition and, pre- sumably, lower rates of interest. Second, a good rating results in the investor's perception oflower risk in the issue, which also leads to lower rates. On a nationwide basis, better ratings correspond to a lower inter- est rate. This translates to savings for the taxpayer. In July 1998, when Salina issued the 1998-B Series bonds, 10 year "Aaa" rated bonds were aver- aging 4.45% on a national basis. "AI" bonds were averaging 4.7%, while "Baa" rated bonds were aver- aging 5.05%. Presumably, lower rated or unrated bonds would result in even lower rates. Interestingly, the rate received by Salina's bonds corresponded closely to the national index for Aaa rated bonds, which reflects our excellent standing in the marketplace. The difference in rates doesn't seem like much, but on this issue, had our bonds been rated "Baa" (or lower), the additional interest cost over the life of the issue would have been about $202,000. 1999 Anticipated City Revenues blttlrpemmerdld N - ~ Spec:lalAIHt_ ~ _I ~ Olher ~ 4% T_. 1999 Anticipafed City Revenues Amount Percent Amount Percent Taxes: Fees: Sales $ 9,555,000 20.90 Water $ 5,751,200 12.58 Property 6,288,494 13.75 Wastewater 4,888,000 10.69 Franchise 1,947,500 4.26 Sanitation 1,415,000 3.10 Vehide 970,000 2.12 Solid Waste 2,400,000 5.25 Transient Guest 713 ,800 1.56 BiCenter 737,000 1.61 Other 232.803 ~ Golf Course 820,185 1.79 $19,707,597 43.11 Recreation 391,400 .86 Ambulance 497,387 1.09 Other 871.831 -.l..2.l For further informa- $17,772,003 38.87 tion on City finances, Intergovernmental $ 3,135,978 6.86 please contact the City Fines 900,000 1.97 Special Assessments 1,120,938 2.45 Manager's Office at Interest 1,032,700 2.26 826-7250 and request Other 2.049.420 6.48 a copy of the 1999 Budget in Brief. Total Revenues $45.718.636 100.00% I _ Spring 1999 3 City of Salina Employment Opportunities Await The City of Salina employs over 500 individuals in 174 differ- ent positions. Positions include police officer, firefighter, clerks, inspectors and maintenance work- ers. The City also employs chem- ists, engineers, lawyers, chefs, museum curators, event manag- ers, software specialists, educa- tors, naturalists, golf pros, electri- cians and mechanics. Benefits offered include health! dental/prescription insurance, life and disability insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, holiday pay, and excellent retirement benefits. Other benefits offered include reduced cost YMCA or YWCA memberships, annual longevity pay, tuition reim- bursement, uniform and wellness CITIZENS , I r - - - - - - - , I I I Municipal Court Judge Operations Paramedics Training Investigation Prevention Engineering Design/Inspection Traffic General Services Streets Flood Works Traffic Control Central Garage Sanitation Water & Wastewater Water Treat. & Dist. Wastewater Collection & Treatment Solid Waste Planning & Development Museum Arts Education Arts Services Special Proj. Swimming Pools Golf Course Neighborhood Ctrs. Parks Recreation Cemetery Building Maint. Planning Permits & Inspections Comm. Develop. Operations Food & Bev. Business! Ticket Off. * Contraet Position City Attorney . Records Internal Affairs Investigation Patrol Traffic Training Finance & Administration City Clerk Accounting Utility Acctg. Treasurer benefits. City of Salina job vacancies are advertised each Sunday in the Salina Journal and can be seen daily on the Government Informa- tion Channel (20) and on our web site; www.ci.salina.ks.us. For some positions, the City may adver- tise in other publications. A City of Salina employment application must be completed for each position and a resume may be attached to the application. The City generally establishes applica- tion deadlines for all advertised posi- tions. The length of the deadline is usually a minimum of ten (10) days and applications are not accepted after the closing date. Following the closing date, ap- plications are screened by the super- visors from the department that has the vacancy. Candidates are se- lected for interview and/or testing based on the information provided. After interviews, criminal back- ground and reference checks are conducted, and approval from the City Manager is received, candi- dates are given a conditional em- ployment offer. As a condition of employment, the candidates must pass a physical examination to en- sure that they can perform the es- sential functions of the job. They must also pass a drug test. All other remaining candidates are notified by mail oftheir status. For more information on City of Salina employment opportunities, please call the Human Resources Department at 826-7400 or (TDD) 826-7333. The Human Resources Department is located in Room 200, City-County Building, 300 West Ash. 4 The Salina Citizen Salina Police Video Cameras Mobile Vuleo Enhances Officer Safety and Everyone's Accountability Mobile video recording sys- effective in criminal cases as well. citizen complaints, as both officers terns were installed in six more In 1997, for example, a cruiser and citizens who know they are on Salina Police cruisers recently, equipped with a mobile video cam- camera are more likely to act in an bringing to 11 the number of vehicles era responded to a disturbance at a appropriate manner. As one Salina so equipped. A federal block grant, local tavern and captured on video- police officer said, "When I tell an rather than local tax dollars was tape a shooting that resulted in a ho- irate traffic violator that the camera used to acquire the systems, which micide. And in 1994, an officer who is running, it has an immediate calm- cost $5,524 each. responded to a shooting scene used ing effect." Cameras, mounted near the the video systems audio recording In addition to enhanced officer rearview mirror, record traffic stops capability to record the actual arrest and public safety, there is consen- and all events taking place in front of a suspect in a double murder. sus among jurisdictions employing of the police car. The units can also Both suspects were convicted and this technology that the increased be turned on manually to record au- are currently serving prison terms, presence of police video cameras dio transmissions of incidents that thanks in part to evidence gathered has also enhanced public confidence may occur out of camera viewing through video technology. and established a greater level of range. The systems are especially Since video is essentially an un- mutual trust between police and the valuable in drunk driving cases. impeachable eyewitness, not subject citizens they serve. When the DUI suspect's errant to the vagaries of recall, interpreta- Equipping all marked Salina Po- driving, physical condition and de- tion or human misperception, its use lice vehicles with mobile video sys- meanor are recorded, the alleged by police results in higher conviction terns has been identified by the City violator has a more difficult time rates and reduced court time for of- Commission as a priority use of fed- trying to dispute the charge. ficers, as fewer cases are tried. eral law enforcement block grant Cameras in Salina Police ve- Mobile video also serves to re- funds, and City officials will purchase hicles have proven to be extremely duce the potential for conflict and several more cameras in 1999. Parks and Recreation Many Enhancement Projects Completed, Others Underway The Parks and Recreation de- provements for Lakewood Park and fountains will replace the old tube partment completed six projects in the Discovery Center which houses type fountains. Also, an additional 1998 as a part of the City's capital the City's nature programs. Two restroomwillbeinstalledinthesouth improvement program. The other Ivey Park projects completed end of the park to provide year-round projects, funded by Special Alcohol 1998' s program including anew shel- use for the soccer fields, walking! Funds, are recommended by citi- ter house constructed in the south jogging trails, new playground and zens, advisory board members, City area of the park, and a replacement the many summer youth ball tourna- Commissioners and staff. A com- deck system for the youth playground. ments. prehensive plan is considered each Also in 1998, the new accessible Another athletic field project will year,strivingforabalancebetween playground located in Bill Burke Park replace the wood outfield fence at park projects and recreational was installed. Originally a 1997 Dean Evans Stadium. In Oakdale projects. Approximately $85,000 is project, a contribution of $29,000 by Park, an Herb Garden will be added available each year, and one project, the Salina Red Baron Ambucs Club a restroom for Ivey Park, received allowed the City to expand the play- as part of the Botanical Garden partial funding from the City' sbuild- ground providing many additional play project. Again this year, additional ings and facilities budget. The features. work on trails and nature center restroom replaced one located at For 1999, seven projects were equipment will be scheduled for the north end of the park and has approved by the City Commission Lakewood Park. been designed with heating units for including playground, park and ball These enhancements are part of year round use. Other projects diamond improvements. At Bill the comprehensive improvements completed include installation of an Burke Park, new backstop fabric will made each year to provide quality irrigation system for two soccer be installed on the eight diamonds, programs and facilities for the enjoy- fields at Bill Burke Park and im- and four new accessible drinking ment of citizens of Salina. 5 Spring 1999 The Year 2000 Technology Problem City on Track to Solving Y2K Woes Part I - Computer Systems Every technical magazine carries an article in it about the Year 2000 and the computer problems associated with it. The Gartner Group, a world- wide computer consulting fIrm, esti- mated that the total money spent on computer program corrections for the Year 2000 would be about $500 billion. As the Year 2000 approaches, the Gartner Group estimate is be- lieved to be about 30% short of the actual amount being spent on the Year 2000 corrections. The City's host computer system is an IBM AS/400 system. For the AS/400 hardware to be Year 2000 compliant, the AS/400 hardware must be an Advanced Series AS/400. The City purchased an Advanced Series AS/400 in December 1994. For the AS/400 operating system to be Year 2000 compliant, the AS/ 400 operating system must be a Ver- sion 3.2 or later. The City's Informa- tion Services staff upgraded the oper- ating system to Version 3.2 during July 1997. What is left to fIx about the Year 2000 and our AS/400 computer sys- tem? Unfortunately, the IBM side of the equation is the easiest and most straight forward to solve. The rest of the equation is the software applica- tion installed on our AS/400. In July 1996, the City's Informa- tion Services staff started a complete analysis of our "legacy applications," the ones developed by the City's In- formation Services programming staff and installed on our AS/400. We started working on the modifIcations of the legacy application to make them Year 2000 compliant in July 1997. We have completed the modification to all our legacy applications and they are all Year 2000 compliant. A bigger issue and one we have little control over is the software li- censed from software vendors. All of our AS/400 software vendors have been contacted about their products being Year 2000 compliant. Letters were written to all software vendors who have application software on our AS/400, including the State of Kan- sas. After some follow-up telephone calls, we received responses from all the vendors contacted. Our intent is to determine if the vendor's applica- tion software was Year 2000 compli- ant and, if not, when we would expect the application to be made Year 2000 compliant. The two vendors with the most application software on our AS/400 both responded that all their applica- tions would be Year 2000 compliant by the end of 1997. This statement has not proven to be the absolute truth. Both vendors in 1998 an- nounced data and program migra- tions that must be completed for their applications to be Year 2000 compli- ant. This gives the City a very tight time frame, considering all the work associated with data me structure changes. Staff will have to work very closely with our affected client departments to make sure the soft- ware is installed, adequate training is completed and they have suffIcient time to test the changes. One may think that we have many more months before we have to worry about Year 2000 compliance, but that assumption is wrong. By Spring 1999, wemusthavecompletedprepa- ration for the budgeting cycle for the Year 2000 and all City fInancial appli- cations will have to be able to handle the Year 2000. Other applications have similar shortened windows which make Year 2000 compliance a more pressing issue. The Personal Computers (PCs) we have installed in the City OffIces are Year 2000 compliant. We com- pleted this goal during the third quar- ter of 1998. In all, the City is in excellent shape with respect to the Year 2000 com- puter problems. Our computer sys- tems are or will be ready to handle the change with minimal problems. There may still be minor problems, but the City has taken numerous prudent and timely actions in an effort to minimize those unexpected challenges. Part II - Other Technology-Re- lated Systems It is not only computer systems which may be impacted by Y2K. Nobody is sure what other devices which contain "embedded process controllers" (microchips) are going to do at the stroke of midnight when December 31, 1999 rolls over to Janu- ary 1,2000. Most will likely make the change smoothly, while others may behave erratically or even stop work- ing. In the mission of City govern- ment, we deal with numerous life- safety responsibilities. While it may be important to have computers able to maintain our utility billing system, it is critical that the drinking water sys- tem continue to be safe and reliable. What about the 911 Emergency Sys- tem, police and fire radio communi- cations, defIbrillators used by City paramedics, wastewater pump sta- tions and traffIc signals at our inter- sections? These mission-critical systems are a primary focus of the City of Salina and other municipalities throughout the country. Efforts are well under- way to identify, inspect, assess and verify Y2K readiness with manufac- turers, and test where possible. For- tunately, cities in the U.S. have been fInding few verifiable serious prob- lems in these safety sensitive areas. However, a thorough review, with contingency plans, is our profes- sional responsibility. In the next issue of The Salina Citizen, we'll present a full report on this "Part II" of our Y2K preparations. 6 The Salina Citizen Understanding Your Capital Improvement Program What is it? How does it work? Each year the City Commission prioritizes majorprojects for the next five years. This is an important part of local government because it out- lines many of the largest expendi- tures made by our community. Although our elected officials ultimately make the decision on the capital improvements program, citi- zen input is a vital part of the pro- cess. Commissioners welcome con- structive suggestions andrecommen- dations in prioritizing these projects because it gives them an under- standing of what improvements the community wants to see. Each year in the Spring, City staff reviews the financial and physi- Project Update cal feasibility of proposed projects. Reports are provided to the elected officials. The Salina City Commission spends a significant amount of time in study sessions reviewing the projects. During a regularly sched- uled meeting, they vote on the an- nualupdate of the 5-yearplan. At the time of that vote, Commission- ers have taken prior citizen input into consideration, among numerous factors. The Capital Improvement Pro- gram is an integral part of local government. Not only are these expenditures the highest priced ones City government will make, but they also tend to be the most visible and have the greatest impact on the lives of citizens. The latest 5-year capital plan update has just been completed. For more information on the Capital Improvement Program, call the City Manager's office at 826- 7250. 1999 Capital Improvement ProgralD Cloud Street Bridge - Replace- ment of the bridge on West Cloud. The bridge is scheduled to be re- placed in the Fall of 1999. $625,000 Vir2inialMarcellalSchilling - In- stallation of traffic signals with pe- destrian crosswalks at this intersec- tion. Completion by Winter 1999. $100,000 Stormwater Projects and Plan- ning - Engineering analysis and fea- sibility reports as well as actual con- struction of drainage improvements. Scheduled throughout 1999. $300,000 Centennial Road Reconstruction - Involves improvement of the road- way from Schilling, north to Craw- ford Street. Includes new pave- ment, turn lanes, curbs and gutter, as well as traffic signals at the intersec- tions of Centennial/Magnolia and Centennial/Schilling. Completion by Spring 2000. $5,300,000 Animal Shelter - Construction of new Animal Shelter building to be located just north of Carver Center on Second Street. Completion by April 2000. $900,000 BelmontlMagnolia Intersection - Installation of traffic signals at this. intersection. Completion by De- cember 1999. $300,000 . Water and Wastewater System Enhancements - Involves signifi- cant upgrades to the water and wastewater system throughout 1999. $950,000 Neighborhood Improvements - Involves various targeted improve- ments to neighborhoods, including two new neighborhood parks. Scheduled throughout 1999. $180,000 streets, utility lines and other public facility upgrades will also be accom- plished during 1999. Ninth and Claflin Drainage - In- volves installation of major storm sewers to drain Ninth Street to a larger drainage channel. Comple- tion by Summer 1999. $500,000 Broadway and Republic Drain- age - Installation of linear detention basins to reduce street floodings on Broadway Boulevard. This project is completed. $60,000 Eastllate Addition Drainage - In- stallations of inlets, pipes and pump systems to reduce street flooding in Eastgate, Austin and Laurie Subdi- visions. Completion by June 1999. $450,000 (I Total1999 Capital Improve- Miscellaneous - A number of other ments = $16.8 million projects involving parks, sidewalks, Spring 1999 Salina's Fire Training Facility New Toolfor Firefighter Preparedness A new Salina Fire Department working fIre. training facility was completed last Prior to making a decision on Summer and is now in full use, the building design, members of bringing to completion a process City staff visited two frre training that began in 1995. It was then that towers. One was at Tinker Air the need for such a facility was Force Base in Oklahoma City the identifted. The project was ap- other was the Lawrence Fire De- proved in the 1997 capital im- partment training facility. provement program. Before an After considering the design op- actual structure could emerge, a tions, speciftcations were devel- number of key considerations had oped, followed by a bidding pro- to be resolved. cess and the contract was awarded. Site selection was a primary con- The total cost of the project, in- cern. Criteria for the location as cluding land acquisition, demoli- identifIed by City staff included: tion of existing buildings, site 1) a central location; 2) commer- preparation and construction, to- cial or industrial zoning; and 3) taled slightly over $440,000. close proximity to a fIre station so The completed building con- crews could train in the facility and sists of a two-story section, a four- still respond to calls. A site which story section and a burn room. The met these requirements proved to burn room is constructed with spe- be an area directly north of Fire cial panels that will withstand heat Station#l (Headquarters) on North up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Seventh Street. It is the location of The floor is constructed of fIre the com- pleted facil- ity. Decisions also had to be made regard- ingthe build- ing design. The facility would need to include multiple sto- ries and have 'burn room' capabilities. Because of EP A and OSHA regu- lations, the old practice of burning abandoned structures for training exercises was no longer a bricks. The temperature is moni- viable option. New fIrefIghters tored from three different loca- had no way of training in a realistic tions in the building. Wood pal- fIre situation, short oflearning un- lets, straw and discarded furniture der the emergency conditions of a are used as fuel for the fIre. 7 The two-story section of the building allows for simulation of an apartment or residential setting which is 'furnished' with house- hold items garnered from the City Sanitation crew's special pickups. In this setting, staff can practice search and rescue techniques in smoke-fIlled conditions. By en- tering on the second level, with fIre and smoke on the ftrst floor, as basement frre can be simulated. Replaceable wood panels in the ceiling can be cut out to practice how to ventilate a frre. The four-story section is used for conftned space and high angle rescue training. In addition, the department can hold other special- ized training in the facility such as trench rescue, building collapse, vehicle frres and LPG emergen- cies. Under consideration is the pos- sibility that arrange- ments might be made to al- low use of the struc- ture by other agen- cies such as rural fire depart- ments or the Salina Airport Authority. The Salina Fire Depart- ment has tradition- ally been a leader in the frre service. The new training facility is the latest effort to pro- vide the citizens of Salina with a capable, well-trainedforceofemer- gency responders. 8 The Salina Citizen 315 East Elm Salina, Kansas Household hazardous wastes (HHW's) are wastes generated in the home that are considered to be hazardous and are potentially a serious health risk. HHW's include waste items that are flammable, toxic, reactive, or corrosive. Items that will be accepted include: . Household cleaners . Pesticides . Paint and paint products . Antifreeze, engine and transmission, oil, brake fluid Each partioipant will be limited to 6 gallons of liquid or 60 pounds of house- hold hazardous waste per residential household visit. The facility is open to residents in Saline, Ellsworth, Ottawa, and Lincoln counties. BUSINESS WASTE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. For more Information, contact 826-7380. I BEFORE BRINGING PRODUCTS TO THE HHW FACILITY . Empty containers or containers where the product is dried out may be thrown away. . Check containers - make sure lids are tight. . Make sure products are labeled . Pack each waste in a sturdy container, such as a tub or box. Line the bottom and pack the sides with newspaper or other absorbent material. . Wrap leaking or dirty individual containers in a clean plastic bag and pack each item in a large container with absorbent material, such as "kitty litter" to soak up leaks. . Transport the materials in your automobile trunk, rear of your station wagon or truck bed. Ooeratina Hours: Thursdays 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 1 st Saturday of each month 8:00 a.m. - Noon For general information, appointments or special arrangements call (785) 826-7380 Household Hazardous. Waste Facility Operations paid by Salina Municipal Solid Waste Facility Articles were written by city staff. with design and editing by Darron Leiker and LaDonna Bennett. Questions/Comments? Call the City Manager's office at 826-7250. a Residential Patron Salina, KS 67401 * Printed on Recycled Paper BULK RATE CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALINA, KS Permit No. 400 City. Commissioners want to hear from you Members of the Salina City Commis- sion are always interested in your com- ments and suggestions on city services and policies. Each Commissioner welcomes letters and telephone calls. Write them at P.O. Box 736, Salina, KS 67402-0736. The Commissioners phone numbers are listed below: Don Heath Alan E. Jilka Larry L. Mathews Kristin M. Seaton Monte D. Shadwick 827.8142 827-7171 823-8228 825-7926 825-2221