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The City of Lindsborg’s 2010 year was filled with numerous opportunities, challenges and successes. With an aggressive agenda and multiple projects slated, City Council and Departmental Staff got to work. Twelve months later, 2010 can be summarized as a progressive, highly productive and gratifying year. The year’s highlights...

2010 OPPORTUNITIES 2010 OPPORTUNITIES provided an upgrade and contemporary design for the City of Lindsborg website and a new website for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. The modernized sites with user friendly technology added a higher level of communication and interaction exchange between the City, its residents and beyond. Communication capabilities were also enhanced through Social Media with the addition of Facebook and Twitter pages.

2010 CHALLENGES 2010 CHALLENGES dealt with resource and funding issues of the past and present including the downward spiral of the nation’s economy felt by all. The elimination of State financial support for municipalities in Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction, Machinery & Equipment Exemption and City/County Revenue Sharing has taken its toll with an estimated $100,000 or 5 mils of lost revenue each year. As funding resources continued to decline and service demands increased, City officials and staff were faced with making creative decisions in the adaptation of 5-year Department Capitol Improvement Plans and the annual Budget.

2010 SUCCESSES 2010 SUCCESSES resulted with the passing of the Sales Tax Initiative in April for property tax relief, economic development and infrastructure. Also within this time frame, Phase I of the Gateway Streets project concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony held for East Swensson and Bethany Drive. In the later part of May, operations resumed at the newly renovated City Hall. The acceptance of credit/debit cards became available a few months later. Phase II of the Gateway Streets project (East Lincoln Street) opened with its final completion the end of June. Continuing with the Parks Master Plan, construction and dedication of the Tomte Playground occurred in late November.

2011 MOVING FORWARD 2011 MOVING FORWARD combines onward progress with creative strategies for positive outcomes. The City’s 2011 agenda and cycle of opportunities, challenges and successes will be met with diligence and determination. The expansion of the City’s continued efforts to educate, communicate and cooperate with residents and community partners ensures the success of Lindsborg’s future.

The following is a list of accomplishments for the City of Lindsborg in 2010. This is not a comprehensive list of the work of Lindsborg City Council and City of Lindsborg employees, but is a representative sample. • 1% Sales Tax Initiative on Property Tax Relief / Economic Development / Infrastructure was passed by Voters • 2010 Mill Levy 37.52 / 2011 Mill Levy 34.516 • City Hall Historic Renovation Completed & Received $312,000 in Tax Credits • New Website for City & CVB • Ordinances Codified with Public Access on City’s Website (www.lindsborgcity.org) • Implemented Social Media Communications Program with an average of 11,000 Post Views per Month • Updated City Council Paperless Agenda Program • Began Acceptance of Visa / MasterCard Credit & Debit Cards • Replacement of Community Banners • Initiated Programmable Thermostat Rebate Program • Approval of Several Public Art Donations • Purchased Land for WWTP Upgrade & Expansion • Conducted Sundstrom Building Feasibility Study • Design Contract for Sundstrom Building Renovation—Hired WDM Architects for Schematic Design for Retail /

Meeting Space • Participated in joint County Hazard Mitigation Program • Developed and Implemented E-Marketing Campaign with over 5,000 contacts in database • Initiated Billboard Event Program • New Display Booth backdrop to enhance Presentation at Shows • Travel Information Center III Certification • Increased Target Area Advertising to Individuals / Tour Planners • Designed and Distributed New Visitors Guide • 68 Tours / Groups visited Lindsborg in 2010 • Lindsborg Murals registration on national Digital Library of Outdoor Murals • Developed and Marketed New City Hall Meeting Facility Program • New Effluent Water Line to Golf Course for expanded Irrigation and Reuse of Gray Water • Installation of New Tee Markers at Golf Course • Acquired Variable Speed Irrigation Pump • Revitalized Men’s Golf Night and Established New League Programs • Constructed New Tomte Playground in Riverside Park • Rebuilt Park Benches with Recycled Materials • Low Maintenance Plantings in Memorial Garden • Received Tree City USA Award for 26th Consecutive Year • Upgrade of 52 Youth Batting Helmets with Face Safety Shields • Year Round Aerobic Programs for Adults including Water Aerobic Programs • Sports Complex Usage Agreement with Bethany College and USD 400 • Fit For Lindsborg KIDS Grant received for 2011 and 2012 Programs • Rebuilt Downtown Trash Receptacles with Recycled Materials • Continued Brick Street Preservation Program

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• Completed Gateway Streets Project on East Lincoln and East Swensson Streets • Storm Debris Removal and Maintenance from June Storm • 7200 Conversion—Energized and Switched 3rd Circuit • Assisted with the Installation of New Street Lighting on East Swensson Street • Constructed New Electric Distribution Circuit to Mid-Kansas Coop for New Grain Elevators • Assisted with Service Work for USD 400 Wind Generator • Continued Tree Trimming Program to Maintain Electric System Reliability • Continued Automated Meter Read (AMR) Installation • Completion of 2010 Water Main Replacement Program • Painting and Maintenance of Fire Hydrants • Vault Cover Replacement at Water Tower • Relocation of Water Main / Service Lines for Storm Drains on East Swensson and East Lincoln Streets • Continued Facility and Service Operations during Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation • EMS Acquired 4 New Volunteer Members • Established Life Savings Awards Program for EMS • Lindsborg Emergency Medical Responses 396 • Acquired New Helmets and several New Sets of Personal Protective Equipment for Fire Department • Lindsborg Fire Department Responses 101 41 City 61 Rural • Police Department Cases 666 with 488 Complaints filed with City Municipal Court • 44 Accidents Investigated by Police Department • Disaster Drill and Vehicle Extraction Session for Public Safety Departments, USD 400 and Hospital • Implementation of New Legislative Changes—Text Ban, Seat Belt Law, State Wide Ban on Smoking in

Public Accessible Areas

The City of Lindsborg is requesting updates on resident phone numbers and addresses. The formal request is to help us maintain accurate and current records for utility and emergency contact notification. Residents are encouraged to complete and submit a Change/Update Information Form on the City’s website under Government and Find A Form. Updated information may also be called in to City Hall at (785) 227-3355.

The City of Lindsborg appreciates resident participation in this endeavor. Information will not be released or shared with other parties.

Thank You, City Staff

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ground floor to living space. The city routinely turns down the request because zoning law prohibits it. Recently the Chamber of Commerce pushed for a change in the code as a way to encourage occupancy of vacant commercial space. City staff reviewed other local governments and presented a draft model being proposed for the City of Hutchinson.

Planning and Zoning devoted their January meeting to the topic, and out of the discussion it became apparent that there are many pros and cons to changing the law. The foremost positive aspect is the need to fill vacant storefronts on Main Street. The opinion of proponents is that by relaxing use

The other side of the argument is a concern about the erosion of commercial square footage in a district that is already geographi-cally limited. If (and when) the demand for retail space returns, how will the cost of reconverting residential to commercial impact potential property sales? And what about the potential decline in the ‘look’ of downtown when store fronts are converted to living rooms?

The current model under discussion attempts to offer a compromise between these opposing sides. First, residential use would be limited to the back half of the building. Second, a conditional use permit would be

standards for the downtown area, a larger potential for demand will be created. They point out that buyers with a desire to run commercial store-front while living on

the ground floor will not consider the Lindsborg market. They also say that the world of retail sales has changed in the last few years and that with the growth on inter-net sales, the retail environment of the 20th century will never come back. By allowing mixed use, the potential market is enlarged thus increasing the demand and value.

required to give the city oversight and control over how the property would be converted. And lastly, stamped architectural or engineering draw-ings would be

necessary before construction, effectively making the process available to serious property owners only.

“Downtowns are fragile districts

that can easily be destroyed by

residential displacement”.

-John Riggs

Local governments use zoning to shape their future and it can be a powerful tool. Zoning regulates the use of private property by defining what activities an owner may conduct on their property. Lindsborg zoning regulations have had only minor changes in the thirty years since adoption. Last January, city officials began discussion on a proposed zoning change in the Downtown District that would allow residential living on the first floor.

Historically, people lived where they worked, whether it was on their family farm or in the back of their retail shop. When zoning regulations were put into place in the mid-70s, the concept of segregated use was common. There was also strong commercial demand, so regulations were put into place that restricted living quarters (to other than ground floor) in order to preserve valuable retail space. As John Riggs, a city planner who worked on the original zoning overlay, put it, ”Downtowns are fragile districts that can easily be destroyed by residential displace-ment”.

Attitudes have changed both nationwide and in Lindsborg with a growing trend towards live/work space. Requests for first floor residential come up from time to time, typically from a potential buyer of downtown property wanting to convert part of the

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P&Z Commission Meetings

►February 15, 2011 ► April 19, 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

The Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes, encourages and invites the exploration of in-town and surrounding area attractions. The CVB staff stands ready to assist, recommend and respond to questions that residents and visitors may have. Questions such as…What is there to do in Lindsborg? Where is it located? When is it open? How much does it cost? Who can help me plan my visit? Calendar information and printed materials on attractions are available at the CVB office, 104 East Lincoln or at the certified Travel Information Center located at 114 North Main Street. Information is also available online at www.visitlindsborg.com.

Lindsborg offers over 90 works of art on the Public Art Tour. The community’s strong history in the arts provides a unique and extensive list of artwork for interested parties to examine and survey. As you travel through town keep your eyes open for sculptures, paintings and ironwork creations. Take time to view the G.N. Malm stencils that were revealed during the renovation of the Bouquet Shoppe and see the life size Viking carved by the late Dave Anderson that greets visitors to Smoky Valley High School.

Visit the Red Barn Studio an 8 Wonder of Kansas Art Finalist. The former home and work area of Lester Raymer offers a visual banquet and a look into Raymer’s creative space. If you have not yet experienced the Red Barn Studio, an ingenious world of imagination awaits you.

Many years ago while vacationing and visiting a friend in Lindsborg, Birger Sandzén decided to stay. He became an active member of the community and head of the art department at Bethany College. Hear about Sandzén’s story and view his work including a variety of ever changing art shows hosted at the Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery.

The Välkommen Trail offers physical and mental exercise. As you travel along the trail read the signage on historical trivia or pick up a guide book to read at your leisure. Did you know Lindsborg had a Hobo Camp

City Parks offer a number of amenities including Shelter facilities for family picnics and other gatherings. Located in Swensson Memorial Park and Riverside Park, shelters are available on a first come basis. Reservation requests for Park Shelters may be submitted by an online form from the City’s website or by calling City Hall. Swensson Memorial Park is home to Viking Valley, a community built playground of fun and imagination. The Park’s Bandshell is host to local annual events, concerts and summer theatre productions. Climb, slide, crawl and enjoy the new Tomte Playground or escape the summer heat at the Lindsborg Municipal Swimming Pool located in Riverside Park. The pool offers water fun for all ages including Thor’s Revenge (a 153’ long water slide), 5 and 10 meter diving boards, 6 lap lanes, a kiddies pool with zero depth entry, water spouts, sand volleyball courts and a bath house.

Swede Sk8 Park challenges Lindsborg’s wheeled enthusiasts! Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, roller skates and skateboards are welcome to hone their skills on the 3,456 square foot base of ramps, rails and funboxes. Wear your helmet and pads and get your moves on.

The Lindsborg Golf Course is a manicured 64 acre, 9 hole municipal course located southeast of Lindsborg at 1541 Svensk Road. Experience the enhanced PLAY areas with pushed mowed greens while playing in a scenic and relaxing environment.

Tennis anyone? Courts are located in Riverside and Swensson Parks, at Smoky Valley High School and Bethany College.

February 25 & 26 Broadway RFD Dinner Theatre April 17—24 Messiah Festival of the Arts April 23 Artist Studio Open House May 7 & 8 Millfest May 14 SVHS Graduation May 22 Bethany Graduation

Keep your eyes open! There is a Herd of Wild Dala Horses that roam freely throughout the town. Locate them all, guess their name before looking and then make a crayon or chalk rubbing of the information plate for a keepsake.

History & Mystery – Why is the rock in the cage? Find the caged rock and hear the story of how it came to be in a pen at the Old Mill Museum. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill and Heritage Square.

The Labyrinth and Peace Park is located between Messiah Lutheran Church and Bethany College Alma Swensson Hall. The Labyrinth is an ancient symbol found across many cultures and around the world and is used as a tool for meditation. Some of the world’s oldest labyrinths are found in Sweden. The Peace Pole showcases the international prayer of peace “May Peace Prevail on Earth’” in twelve languages.

The Early Residence Walking Tour offers unique architectural design and a peek into the lives of the Swedish immigrants who shaped and founded Lindsborg. Guides are available at the certified Travel Information Center or the CVB office.

A Volksmarch is a non-competitive 3.1 mile (5 kilometer) or 6.2 mile (10 kilometer) walk. It is not a pledge walk or a race but a fun activity to do with family members, a group or by yourself. Begin at 636 East State Street and pick up the map for the Lindsborg (year round) Volksmarch which qualifies for American Volkssport Association (AVA). The AVA network of 300 Walking Clubs organize more than 3,000 walking events as well as occasional biking, skiing and swims every year in most of the 50 states.

Experience a step back in time and visit the home of Mr. and Mrs. Höglund. Their first home built in 1868 was simple, dark and deep. The Höglund Dugout is located down the road from Coronado Heights.

Perfect for watching the sun rise or set, picnics, hiking, off road biking, or a destination wedding, Coronado Heights, an 8 Wonder of Kansas Geography, offers a spectacular view 300 feet above the valley floor and is open to the public from dawn – 10pm daily.

Follow the footsteps of Bison, Native Americans, early Explorers, Pioneers and Cowboys as you explore the Prairie Trail Byway spanning 56 miles. Pick up Kansas Scenic Byways Fun Facts brochure for an added twist to your explorations.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by all ages with GPS devices. The idea is to locate hidden containers called geocaches and exchange a trinket within the container with the one you brought.

Contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau for information and details on Lindsborg and area attractions at (785) 227-8687 or online at www.visitlindsborg.com.

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Preparing For A TORNADO • Know the County in which you live and the names of nearby

counties and cities. Severe Weather Warnings are issued on a county basis.

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and outdoors. Be sure everyone knows where to go and what to do in case of a TORNADO Warning. Severe Weather Drills should be performed frequently.

• Keep emergency supplies on hand, including a supply of water, foods that won’t spoil and a first aid kit.

• Keep a battery operated radio, fresh batteries and a flashlight in a convenient place.

• Listen to the radio and television for weather information.

When A TORNADO Threatens • Stay away from doors, windows and outside walls. Keep your

head protected.

• In homes and small buildings, go to the basement or an interior place on the lowest level. Get under something sturdy.

• In schools, hospitals and public places move to designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floors are best.

• In mobile homes or vehicles, leave them and go to the nearest shelter. If a shelter is not available, lie in the closest ditch and shield your head with your arms.

Public Safety is anticipating the fulfillment of a grant through the Hazardous Mitigation Program to fund the expansion and replacement of the City’s Tornado Siren System. Many of the existing sirens are aged and require constant upkeep to ensure they are working properly. The grant advances the replacements of these sirens and allows for additional means in extending the system towards the Emerald Lake area and Northwest portion of the City. In addition, the Safety Center is looking at an upgrade on an automated generator system. Currently the generator must be manually started and switched. Also on the agenda is the continuation of Chief Berggren’s work with all disciplines in “Table-Top” exercises to identify strengths and challenges in dealing with disaster situations.

EMS will be taking steps to equip and upgrade one of the ambulances for Advance Life Support (ALS) Service. This allows several staff who are licensed to provide ALS service and treatment to patients. Another item for 2011 is the replacement of ambulance cots with an electric lift system that will eliminate lifting issues dealt with by staff on call outs. Future improvement to the property south of the Safety Center is scheduled with primary use by Lindsborg EMS.

The FIRE Department has recently provided a Firefighter I program for new members and will review and determine the possibility of sponsoring a Firefighter II program in the fall of 2011.

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The first project planned for 2011 is to mill and overlay the 500 block of South First Street and the 400 block of North Roosevelt Street. This project is a direct result of the sales tax initiative enacted last year that will provide additional funding for infrastructure improvements. Similar infrastructure improvement projects through the sales tax initiative funding resource are anticipated every other year.

The Street Department is set to repair curb and gutter on First and Roosevelt Streets preceding the mill and overlay paving project. Slough maintenance, brick street repairs, pot hole patching and tree trimming in road right-of-ways will follow. In the fall, the department will concentrate on street painting prior to October’s Svensk Hyllningsfest events and assist in festival set up.

The Water Department plans to replace water mains in the 100 block of North Cedar and the 200 block of South Cedar. The water mains selected for replacement are typically 4”cast iron pipes that are 50 to 60 years old. They will be switched over to either 6” or 8” PVC depending on fire flow needs of the area. The goal is to replace all 4” cast iron pipes within the next ten years. Other department projects include replacing the roof on Well #4, painting fire hydrants, making minor repairs to the water tower and to continue the installation of radio-read meters.

In continuation from last year, the plan for the Wastewater Department will be to complete plant renovations and start calibrating the new equipment and processes. With significant changes made to the facility and plant operations, ongoing adjustments are anticipated and expected. The department will also continue the manhole rehabilitation program along with sewer line and lift-station cleaning programs.

One of the main projects for the Electric Department is to place most of the overhead secondary electric lines at Swensson Park and Riverside Park underground. This includes new service lines for the proposed new restroom at Riverside, as well as additional wiring for Midsummer’s Day activities. The department will also replace a number of cedar light poles and finish installation of all commercial 3 phase radio-read meters.

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Reserve your Private Pool Party for the 2011 Summer season. Call City Hall at (785) 227-3355 until May 23, 2011 and the Swimming Pool at (785) 227-2606 thereafter.

Fee: $100 first hour / $50 second hour

Time: 8:00—10:00 p.m. Parties may be booked June 4 - July 31

A $40 deposit must be received within two weeks of booking a party or the reservation will be canceled. The deposit will be applied to the cost of the party or refunded if party is canceled by pool staff due to weather or pool problem. Payment for remaining balance may be made at the pool at the scheduled time of the party. The deposit is non-refundable if cancellation of party is less than 48 hours.

Summer 2011 application forms are available at City Hall. For more information contact (785) 227-3333 or (785) 227-3355. Applications are due Monday, March 15, 2011 for the following positions: • Recreation Intern • Parks Assistant / Trail Assistant • Swimming Pool Manager / Assistant Manager / Certified Lifeguards • Swimming Pool Concessions Worker / Slide Attendant • Sports Complex Field Supervisor Applications are due Monday, April 10, 2011 for the following positions: • Sports Complex Baseball & Softball Umpires

FREE WATER PROGRAMS...“ FIT FOR LINDSBORG KIDS” Water Babies (Ages 6 months—2 years) Toddler Swim (Ages 18 months—3 years)

Adult MUST participate and be in the pool Adult MUST be present and able to participate if needed

May 30-June 5 12:00 p.m.— 12:50 p.m. June 6-June 10 10:00 a.m.— 10:50 a.m.

June 27-July 1 10:00 a.m.— 10:50 a.m. June 27-July 1 9:00 a.m.— 9:50 a.m.

The Lindsborg Tree Board is reminding all home owners with Scots Pine to please monitor their trees for Pine Wilt Disease. The Kansas State Extension agency recommends that if Pine Wilt is suspected to be the cause of tree death, it is important to confirm the presence of the pinewood nematode. The early confirmation will allow the owner to act quickly to prevent the spread of the disease. A branch taken at least two inches in diameter and collected near the trunk of the tree or a wedge of wood from the lower portion of the trunk are adequate samples for testing. The samples should be placed in a plastic bag soon after collected and mailed early in the week (preferably by Wednesday). There is a charge for testing along with additional county fees. Mailing and contact information…

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Check out the FREE “Fit For Lindsborg KIDS” (FFLK) programs on the City of Lindsborg’s website under Departments and Recreation. The FFLK project is funded by a grant received from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund of Hutchinson and is sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department and Bethany College Health & Physical Education program. This two year project targets activities specifically designed for children ages 6 months to 5 years and their families. To learn more about “Fit For Lindsborg KIDS” contact the P&R Department at (785) 227-3333.

GOLF MEMBERSHIPS Sign up to become a member of the LGC! New memberships and renewals for the 2011 season are valid from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. Application forms are available online under the LGC web page on the City’s website or at the Clubhouse.

• Single Membership $320 • Family Membership (2) $490 Each Additional $100 (Maximum Family Membership of $750) • Student Membership $150 (Student Membership must be paid in full at time of sign up) GOLF CAR ANNUAL FEES All cars left at the Golf Course must be housed in either a closed or open shed storage space.

• Trail Fees for Cars $75 • Electric Cars $50 (Electricity Fee) • Gas Cars $25 (Utility Fee) • Open Car Shed Rental $70 • Closed Car Shed Rental $105 • New Car Shed Rental $140

STATS FOR ROUNDS PLAYED 1 Round = 18 Holes — 9 Holes counted as 1/2 Round

2009 2010 TOTALS Non-Members 2267 2727 4874 Members 2587 2531 5258

(Non-Member Rounds include League Nights and Outings)

FIT FOR LINDSBORG KIDS PROGRAMS MOVIN-N-GROOVIN SENSE THIS COMMUNITY WALK NIGHTS

WATER BABIES TODDLER SWIM BIKE SAFETY SKATE CAMP

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

Brad Howe - WARD 4 bhowe@lindsborgcity.org

Lloyd Rohr - WARD 4 lrohr@lindsborgcity.org

101 S. Main Street PO Box 70

Lindsborg, Kansas 67456-0070

• City Council Meetings - March 7, April 4, May 2

• Recycling Center - (OPEN 24/7)

• Valentine’s Day - February 14

• President’s Day - February 21

• St. Patrick’s Day - March 17

• Election Day - April 5

• Palm Sunday - April 17

• Good Friday - April 22 (City Offices Closed)

• Easter - April 24

• Artists Studio Open House - April 23

• Mother’s Day - May 8

• City View Newsletter - Issue 18 (mid-May)

• 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)