Point of View

“We don't see things for what they are, we see them as we are.” – Anais Nin

RSM, the city's auditors will be on site for the next two weeks to prepare for the 2017-18 Annual Financial Audit.

Historic Preservation Commission has scheduled a development team meeting with city staff, 3rd party plan reviewer and three property owners with plans to renovate historic buildings in the coming months. The plans meeting helps all parties ask questions about moving forward with city departments and their contractors together to expediate or troubleshoot issues encountered.

Community Volunteers shine this week with the Quarterback Club hosting the Mineral Water Bowl and the Christmas Committee hosting the Home's Tour and the Lane of Lights. The work of community volunteers provide a richer experience for our residents and visitors.

The Christmas Parade was fantastic. Police Sergeant Ryan Dowdy coordinated the Police Department's assistance which included traffic and crowd control. Sergeant Dowdy is credited with smooth coordination due to his preparedness. We congratulate Sergeant Dowdy for his assistance.

The next Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 16th - Agenda items under development include:

• Planning & Zoning recommendations pertaining to Miller Cabinets Final Development Plan and resolution of intent to seek grant funds
• Liquor License Amendment
• Repair contracts for Water, maintenance agreements for Fire equipment
• Golf Green Fees
• Ray County 1 Water Contract changes
• Contract for revising Historic Preservation Commission design guidelines
  

• Parks/Recreation is creating Metro E Sports Association (MESA) including Gladstone, Smithville, Lee's Summit and Liberty (pending) to support growing interest in e-sports. [Funding: PR] WHY? To create recreational outlets; staying ahead of trend.

• Factoid - We have 82.3 miles of streets (78.4 paved, 1.7 gravel, & 2.17 miles of alleys). [Funding: Trans. Trust, Road/Bridge, CIP] WHY? To assess ability to maintain roadways; funding sufficient to resurface streets approximately every 20 years.

• The City Council solicited proposals for use of the City Airport. [Funding: None] Why? To maximize use of city asset; reduce operational losses. Nov. 1st only one proposal was received. City due diligence conducted review of professional references & Case Net, experience to carry out proposal. Aerodrome proposed to pay $78,000 in annual rent for use of 80 acres/facilities; additionally proposed to make improvements to property including repair of runway, lights, replace hangar door, & construction of new hangars. Bill Rodgers of Liberty, Aerodrome President, was asked to provide information missing from proposal; to clarify what business activities would occur at Airport & to provide business plan to demonstrate the proposal was sustainable. Rodgers indicated the requested information would be provided Dec. 1st. However Nov. 21st, the following statement was received. "After further evaluation of the potential for the 3EX airport to generate sustainable revenue, in and of itself, in order to support airport overhead, maintenance, and provide for the development of infrastructure through economic growth, Aerodrome has decided to rescind its proposal for redevelopment of the 3EX airport, effective immediately."

"I love the little town of Excelsior Springs, MO. I grew up here and am proud to raise my family here. It's a small town that is growing slowly. Schools are good and it's quite safe. It is very family friendly."

"Love the small town feel. Neighbors and schools are great. Life quality is increasing."

Email: mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov
Website: cityofesmo.com
Location: 201 East Broadway Avenue, Excelsior Springs, MO, USA
Phone: (816) 630-0752