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Planning Pays off in Cleanup Campaigns

More than 700 tires were removed during a community cleanup in Wilson this spring.

Although the traditional time for “spring cleaning” has passed, planning for a successful community cleanup campaign can happen anytime.

Improving the physical appearance of a community while helping to create a sense of pride among residents is one reason communities host cleanup campaigns, according to Nadine Sigle, Extension Associate for Community Vitality with K-State Research and Extension. Sigle is co-author of a publication that breaks down community cleanup campaigns into seven planning areas. The box contains a list of the key planning areas and a link to the full publication.

Connecting organizations and resources can increase cleanup impact. For instance, cities and counties may work together to waive landfill fees, local funding sources may provide financial support, or youth may get involved through service learning days.

A recent example of a community cleanup took place in Wilson April 23-May 12. The project was organized by Wilson Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the City of Wilson. The city received a Community Clean-Up Grant through the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation with funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Volunteers removed tree limbs, yard debris, construction waste, and trash at 28 city locations during the two week clean up—totaling approximately 140 man hours. Another 28 man hours were spent handling the paint, tires, and vehicles that were collected.

According to NCRPC Housing Director Carol Torkelson, community cleanup is an investment. “State or Federal funding programs typically are not willing to invest in communities that have not invested in themselves,” Torkelson said.

Keegan Bailey, NCRPC Housing Assistant, encourages taking before and after photos and dividing the cleanup into manageable pieces. “It’s important that communities see progress and feel good about the work they’ve done,” Bailey said.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


Community Food Survey Ends Soon

A Community Food Survey sponsored by the North Central Kansas Food Council will end July 31.

There is still time for those currently living in the 12-county region (including the counties of Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, and Washington) to participate. The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCKFCSurvey.
Paper copies of the survey are also available in public places in many cities in the region. Common locations for paper surveys include city halls, courthouses, libraries, and county extension offices.

According to NCRPC Assistant Director Emily Benedick, the survey will help determine local food trends in consumption, availability of fresh food choices, and the current food system needs of each county and the region. “We hope residents in the region will take a few minutes to complete the survey either online or in their communities and ultimately help shape their local food system,” Benedick said.

The survey is part of a broader regional food system assessment already in progress for the region. For more information about the NCK Food Council or the survey, visit www.ncrpc.org/nckfoodcouncil or find them on Facebook.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


SAM Registration System Reminders

Any entity pursuing government contracts—including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grantees—must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

In this Federal database at SAM.gov, users can register to do business with the U.S. government, update or renew an entity registration, check status of an entity registration, and search for entity registration and exclusion records. Registration at the official SAM website (www.sam.gov) is free. Do not be confused by look-alike web sites or companies offering to register on your behalf.

Recent changes have been made to enhance system security and deter fraud. SAM.gov has partnered with Login.gov to implement multi-factor authentication for registered SAM.gov users. Effective June 29, 2018, when users go to SAM.gov and log in, they will be asked to create a Login.gov account. During initial Login.gov registration, users will be asked to enter an email address. Be sure to use your existing SAM email address to create the account. Access to a working phone number (mobile or landline) is also needed to register as Login.gov will send a security code.

To learn more about the recent changes occurring with SAM.gov registration, click here.

Remember, there is never a charge to register at SAM.gov. For questions or assistance, contact the community development staff at the NCRPC.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


Project Spotlight: Miltonvale Park

Tootleville Park is an important part of the City of Miltonvale.

A park is a vital part of many communities. Miltonvale, a town of just over 500 people located south of U.S. Hwy 24, has made many park improvements over the years. Those efforts received a boost when the community was awarded Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under the 2015 Special Round category.

The $350,000 award, coupled with more than $35,500 in local contributions, allowed the city to complete a major park improvement project. This, however, was not the first time the community invested in its park. Approximately 10 years ago volunteers built the “Tootleville Playground” area with the help of more than $100,000 in donated funds. A disc golf course came later. It has become a top course in Kansas with an annual tournament. The city has also renovated a Works Progress Administration (WPA) fountain and added a RV Park using foundation and other local funding sources. The CDBG project helped the city replace band shell seating, construct accessible walkways, construct a veteran’s memorial, improve drainage, install fencing for an existing volleyball court, and construct a picnic shelter and a parking area.

According to NCRPC Assistant Director Emily Benedick, Miltonvale’s approach to solve a community need is still relevant even though the CDBG Special Round of funding no longer exists.

“They may be a small rural community, but they find ways to continuously make improvements throughout the city in order to ensure the best quality of life possible for their residents,” Benedick said. “When cities are able to prove that they can help themselves with or without grant funding, it only improves their chances of receiving grant funds.”

According to Miltonvale City Clerk Darla Bebber, the park is a hub of community activity. This summer it is the location of three free movies and a farmer’s market. It is also popular for weddings, photography, disc golf tournaments, festivals, and RV Park.

“The community is proud of the park and utilizes it extensively as well as out of town visitors,” Bebber said.

Miltonvale is home to a long list of WPA structures, many of which are located in the park. The city plans to continue its park improvements.

“On the horizon we hope to renovate the scout cabin and grill and clean up the creek wall area (all WPA structures). It’s all a part of our history and the hard working people that made this park come to life,” Bebber said. “We are also working on markers that will give the history of the park, Miltonvale and the WPA projects.”

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas communities. Periodically we plan to feature projects from around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.

 


Salina’s Design Central Transitioned to New Ownership

A business with a presence in Salina and the region since 1972 has new owners. Earlier this year Scott and Meghan Bird purchased Design Central located in downtown Salina.

Design Central specializes in selling office furniture and offers a complete line of commercial interior design services throughout Kansas. The business has interior designers on staff to provide furniture solutions and design layout assistance for new construction as well as remodeling projects of existing facilities. The business primarily provides services for corporate/office, educational—including schools and libraries, and healthcare settings.

Design Central, Salina, KS

Design Central is located at 152 S. 5th St. in downtown Salina.

Previous owner Suzanne Hokett, who has more than 30 years of experience, has operated the business since 1982. She continues to manage the day-to-day operations.

The new owners are both Kansas natives. Scott grew up in Burlington and graduated from the University of Kansas and Meghan Bird grew up in Overland Park and graduated from Kansas State University.

This project was made possible with funding from First Bank Kansas, NCKCN-Four Rivers Down Payment Assistance Loan Program, the seller, and investment by the owners.

For more information about the financing programs used, contact NCRPC Business Finance Director Debra Peters at 785-738-2218 or dpeters@nckcn.com or visit www.ncrpc.org/services/business. To learn more about the business, visit www.designcentralks.com. For more information about upgrading a space or the design services available, contact a designer at 785-825-4131 or aageorge@designcentralks.com.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


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