point of view

It may be tempting to liken our leadership style to animals we perceive as strong, such as a wolf or a grizzly bear, but as Nick Hobson, Influence at Work managing director, reveals through this story from the cultural tradition of the Ojibway, the mole should be our model. Moles are constantly listening & attuning to their surroundings' vibrations, which is "a reminder that the most profound leadership is quiet, thoughtful, & deeply connected to those it serves." Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model)

Monday, 6pm - City Council Meeting

Tuesday, 8am - Candidate Filing begins; 11:45am - Employee's Christmas Lunch

Wednesday, 5:30-7:30pm - Clay County Comprehensive Plan Open House

City Council will consider board appointment of Jesse Harris to Westside CID; agreement with Westside CID to provide $4 million in matching funds to the RAISE grant; on-call agreement with Bob D. Campbell for structural engineering services as needed, most generally to assess dangerous buildings; truck & snow plow purchase for Parks/Recreation [Funding: P/R $51,744], amending Chapter 230, 233, & 342 to conform with MO Constitution pertaining to medical marijuana & marijuana facilities, such as cultivation, transit related offenses, use in public, sale of accessories, possession; closed session to follow.

Clay County Comprehensive Plan -The Public Survey is now available through 12/31. Visit the project website Clay County Comprehensive Plan | claycountycompass | Clay County, MO, USA to access the survey. This survey is one tool within our planned engagement & your participation will help shape the future of Clay County. We encourage you to share this link with friends, family, & colleagues to help us guide Clay County! There will be a public open house at the ES Community Center 12/6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

• Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Vicky Van Lue, Courtroom Assistant, 3 years.
• Giving opportunities include - Fire Department participates in Channel 41's Season of Hope - drop off new toys at the Fire Station; Community Center's Giving Tree identifies families in need; Police Department's Shop with a Cop is scheduled for next week. Visit Community Foundation at www.esgives.org to make a donation that matches your interest.
• Why your social life is a matter of life & death - University of Chicago professor's groundbreaking research provides insights into the overlooked importance of social health. Is it possible that having lunch with your friends is just as important in keeping you alive as exercising? Data from Linda Waite's studies have changed our understanding of what it means to be healthy. Study findings: overall health predicts mortality better than age; insomnia among older adults may be tied to sleep quality, not duration; Loneliness is bad for your health; Loneliness can hurt your health, increasing mortality the same as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. More at podcast NPR Big Brains - National Social Life Health & Aging Project. The Community Center provides various socialization opportunities for both exercise or lunch.

• City staff attended Clay County Compass Planning Charettes this week to discuss land use, transportation, natural resources, service & development needs of the county. The Public is asked to respond to the survey & attend the open house.
• According to the most recent report from the US Census, the poverty threshold for a family of 4 is $29,960; for an individual it is $14,891. In response to concerns for city employees, there are no full-time city employee salaries under $29,960. MO minimum wage is $24,960 ($12/hours), which indicates individuals working full-time will be above the poverty line when in compliance with MO law. There are several city employees working part-time, many are retirees, teenagers & individuals working second jobs. The Community Center provides a great opportunity for young workers to gain work experience & follow their interest at school.

Dear Commissioners, The property owner of xxx, a rental property, called to inquire about the 353 Tax Abatement program & was very impressed. “Please tell the individuals responsible for approving the tax abatement program that it is a fantastic program! It absolutely encourages investment in the area. I hope the city achieves the desired results.” This is a property that has had code violations & other issues in the past. Now that he is investing in the property, he states he will be careful to choose tenants that will take care of the property. Thank you for volunteering! Your work makes a difference!