Opening on Recreation CommissionThe City has an opening as of July 1st for the Recreation Commission. Boards such as these are only successful with citizens like you who are willing to dedicate their time for public service. If interested please call (620) 332-2506 and ask for Kelly and your name will be forwarded to the Mayor for consideration.
Designated Storm SheltersThe designated storm shelters are Memorial Hall/Civic Center (410 N. Penn), City Hall (120 N. 6th) and the basement of the judicial center (Sheriff's Office-300 E. Main).
Trees on West MainThe City is in line to receive a $2 million dollar grant from KDOT to reconstruct West Main from 10th to 18th Street. Part of the requirements of this grant are to widen West Main by approximately 10 feet. (5 feet on each side). This project is anticipated to be bid in September, 2013.
The utility relocation phase of the West Main improvement project is being bid, with construction anticipated for late May or early June. This phase includes relocating the existing water lines to minimize their future impact on the new roadway. This requires relocating the majority of the water lines behind the curb. In certain areas along this route, electric lines and gas lines will also be constructed in the highway right of way behind the curb.
Widening the roadway and relocating the utilities will require the removal of all trees in the right of way of West Main from 10th to 18th Street. This tree removal will be done in conjunction with the utility relocation project. Trees in these areas also present a clear zone safety issue and are detrimental to the sidewalk and utilities. Once this project is completed, trees will not be allowed to be placed in the highway right of way for this section of West Main.
Hydrant Flushing to Begin April 15thThe City will begin flushing fire hydrants Monday, April 15th and will continue for approximately six weeks. Hydrant flushing serves the following purposes: flushes sediments from mainline pipes, which enhances water quality; verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves; aids in determining weaknesses in the water system; helps to identify closed valves and weak flows in the water main; and verifies ample water flow for fire fighting. If you notice cloudy or discolored water you should let the water run for a few minutes to clear it up. When crews are in your area you may notice low water pressure. If you continue to have low water pressure after crews have left your area you may need to clean out the screens in your faucets. If you continue to have issues or concerns please call City Hall at 332-2500.
Water Emergency EndsLast night the Commission ended the water emergency. There are no restrictions on use of water. Thank you for your patience.
03/27/2013 Stadium Proposal More...This is the concept presented by the Stadium Committee to the City Commission/School Board/ICC Board on March 27, 2013. The stadium committee consists of Greg Hennen, Ron Schwatken, Tabatha Snodgrass, Scott Null, Jason Rutledge, Dave Shepard, Bob Leiker, Leslie Coder and Dr. Gary Beaver who chaired this committee. Please thank them when you get a chance as they did an excellent job!
Historic Preservation Brochure More...Check out the new brochure by the Historic Preservation and Resource Commission regarding rehabilitating historic structures downtown.
WEST MAIN FROM 10TH TO OVERPASS RECONSTRUCTION TO BE BID OUT LATER THIS YEAR --With the assistance of Representative Jim Kelly we are proud to say that the City is in the final stages of approval of this project by the State.
On May 12, 2011 the Commission authorized an agreement with TranSystems for the design of improvements on West Main Street from 10th to 18th which included relocation of utilities and total reconstruction with concrete. This was done so that the project would be “shovel ready” in the event any grant opportunities became available.
Since that time the City Manager became aware of the possibility of corridor funds. However, Independence needed to have an access management plan completed prior to being eligible for these funds.
On June 12, 2012 the Commission authorized an agreement with KDOT for the required US-75 Access Management Plan (which is nearly completed), the $2,000,000 in State corridor funds have been applied for, and our engineers are now modifying the design to meet the recommendations included in the access management plan, which will be sent to the State later this month for final approval.
KDOT’s District Engineer Mike Stringer reported at the March 12, 2013 City Commission meeting that it is anticipated that this project will go out for bid later this year. Stringer credited City Manager Micky Webb’s diligence in working with the State for the past few years on this project.
Mayor Rick Mott asked Mr. Stringer about the possibility of resurfacing the road as a temporary fix. Mr. Stringer indicated that this would only be a “band-aide” and would be a waste of funds. According to TranSystems a temporary resurfacing would cost approximately $550,000 from 10th to the overpass with no milling. The total cost for reconstruction is approximately $2,800,000 with the State paying $2,000,000 of this cost. The Commission feels it is a better use of the sales tax funds to pay $800,000 for the City’s share for the total reconstruction than to pay an additional $550,000 for a temporary fix that would be ripped up in a few months. Especially when these funds could be utilized for resurfacing other City streets. In 2003 this road was overlaid and within a few months City crews started seeing failures, primarily due to the base underneath being severely deteriorated.
Thank you for your patience as we await the State’s final approval to go out for bid later this year. If you have any questions please call Micky Webb at 332-2506.
2013 -- 5 Year Goals More...Attached is a link to 5 year projects approved by the City Commission in January. Many of these projects would not be possible without the success of the sales tax initiative passed last year. Thanks to the Independence voters the City was able to maintain City sevices, plan for mandated ADA improvements, plan for badly needed street improvements and plan for improvements to City buildings and facilities, including the park and zoo while continuing to hold the mill levy, as the Commission has for the past several years. Many of the ADA improvements have already been started, including the first phase of curb ramps. Recently the Commission authorized funding for materials for repairs by Park staff to several deteriorated park and zoo buildings. Recently the Commission approved bids for ADA improvements to serveral facilities, including the park and zoo, Memorial Hall, the library, the pool and the Ash Youth Center. Several street/highway projects are currently in the works with KDOT, including the reconstruction of West Main, resurfacing of 10th from Main to Laurel and redeisign of the 10th and Chestnut intersection. City staff and consultants are currently working together to prepare a resurfacing plan for residential streets for approval by the Commission. If you have suggestions for residential streets that need resurfaced please call the office at 332-2506. Again, all of these projects are being accomplished without increasing the mill levy (property tax) to Independence residents because of their support of the sales tax. Many of the projects are also being funded through the City's normal budget process, as has been with capital projects in the past. Please feel free to share this post with your Independence friends. Click "More..." above to download a pdf of the City's 5 year goals.
2012 City Accomplishments and Statistics More...To view the City's 2012 Accomplishments and Statistics please click on the "More..." link above. This file is a pdf file which is bookmarked by department.
April 3rd Sales Tax Election ResultsWith all votes counted, the total is 904 Yes, 236 No. Thank you Independence voters!
Nixle Storm Warning System More...If you would like to receive storm warning text messages on your cellular phone please go to www.Nixle.com and sign up for this free service. Be sure to pick City of Independence as your local agency. Click on "More..." above to go to the nixle site.
Join us on Facebook! More...Become a fan of the City's new Facebook page and be notified of meetings and special events. Follow the link on "More..." above.
Join us on Twitter! More...For instant updates and news follow us @IndependenceKS on Twitter.com or follow the link on "More..." above.
List of Sales Tax Projects in Priority Order More...For a list of projects to be completed with the proposed sales tax in priority order click "More..." above.
ADA Compliance Page More...For information about ADA compliance and a copy of the City's settlement agreement with the Department of Justice click "More..." above.
City/ICC Access Channel has moved to Channel 12Information regarding the City and ICC can be found on Cablevision Channel 12.
Fair Housing HotlinesThe City of Independence will assist persons who may be experiencing discrimination in housing on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, familial status or handicap. If you feel that you have been discriminated against for any of these reasons, call the numbers on the hotline. Housing Discrimination Hotline -- 1.900.669.9777; KS Human Rights Commission -- 913.296.3206; City of Independence -- 620.332.2500.
ADA Resolution More...In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), the City of Independence, Kansas, will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its sevices, programs, or activities. Click on "More..." above to read the entire resolution.
All Residential Trash Must Be BaggedDid you know that each sanitation employee assigned to the back of the truck lifts around 10,000 pounds of trash per day? City code requires that residential trash containers be no larger than 32 gallons and that all trash is bagged. Due to potential injuries from lifting heavy cans loose trash will no longer be picked up. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us reduce potential injuries to our employees!
IBRC More...Interested in starting a new business and not sure where to start? Need help with an existing business? Check the "more" link to check out the IBRC for assistance.
Employee Gmail Link More...Click on the "more" link above to log in to your City email account.
Community Video Now Online More...Follow the link on "More..." above to view the community video.
