Point of View

We live in a busy world and I've noticed that in the absence of information, people have been filling in the blanks, but not in a good way. We spend a portion of time pushing projects from start to finish and the rest of our time is spent in delivering a large menu of services, we have a lot to share.

Within this newsletter, our goal is to provide a hint of what events are coming up; share the accomplishments of our talented staff, report council actions and progress on ongoing projects. I choose to be positive and want to share comments from members of our community that also see the positive.

• The Hall of Waters is a local treasure and allows us to share our heritage with others. We want to bring new uses into the building to ensure the public has access to the building and find new reasons to visit often. The most obvious uses would include a spa, restaurant, offices or shops. These are examples of uses that can pay their way. We have scheduled a visioning session for Monday at 6:15 PM, at Hall of Waters and invite the community to share their ideas.
  
• The City is the Chamber Luncheon Sponsor on Wednesday at Noon. Our presentation will highlight successful use of Chapter 353 to encourage property improvements and elimination of blight. This program is paving the way to protect our tourism industry by sustaining buildings, attracting new investment and raising property values. Donations will go to SHOP with a COP.
  

The Police Department recently completed transition to a digital communications system providing improved communications between law enforcement agencies and coverage within the community. Our officers can relay messages in areas of town or buildings that were black holes before. The transition to the MARRS System was smooth and we want to thank Lt. Larry Tarrant, who has been diligently working on this project for the last two years. Larry has been with the ESPD for 14 years and we are appreciative of his contributions.

• Filing for City Council seats opens Tuesday, December 17th at 8:00 AM and will close on Tuesday, January 21st at 5:00 PM.

• Councilwoman Sonya Morgan shares food for thought. Planning is about "the Seven Generations" . Planners should always look back three generations (Parents, Grands, and Greats) to respect the foundation that has been laid, and look three generations (Children, Grands, and Greats) ahead for what comes next. Where do we want Excelsior Springs to be three generations from now?

• The Community Center has designated space for a smoothie shop and healthy foods; the Earth Café is under construction. Stay tuned for updates. [Funding: Community Center Project Funds] WHY? Healthy options, time saver, convenience, new revenue stream.
• Parks is demolishing the building roof at the Splash Park, the building improvements will be completed while the water features are being designed. [Funding: LWCF Grant, Park Foundation donations, CIP] WHY? Using city staff in off season is cost effective and time efficient.
• DNR recently approved construction plans for the sewer extension project on St. Louis/Shirewood designed to eliminate failing private septic systems; bids will be opened on December 10th and weather permitting the project will likely be under construction after the first of the year. This is the third of three projects CIP has funded in recent years. WHY? Private owners with failing septic are polluting and subject to having their homes condemned. To avoid losing an entire neighborhood, the city is assisting by extending public sewer lines into the neighborhood so the property owners can abate their septic system and extend a private service line to connect to city sewer. The upside is property values are improved and the city assisted with eliminating a source of pollution which is a health risk.
• The Police Department is replacing their communications software and dispatching equipment, which will modernize and improve their ability to do their work. [Funding: PSST] WHY? The old system is 20 years old and has not kept pace with technology advances; the change allow us to work smarter, not harder.
• The Fire Department has installed a laundry which is specifically designed to clean their bunker gear after a fire in an effort to eliminate their exposure to potentially harmful substances. [Funding: PSST] WHY? We are learning of the dangers to firefighter's health; and when you know better, do better.

April and Tom Kuhn Quote - "I spent the weekend in _____ (omitted the community visited), with my wife, sister-in-law and brother. I used to be a little jealous of ____, but honestly I think we have built Excelsior Springs up to be better than _____. Now we just need to steal some of their tourist and make our economy spike. Things that are better here than in ____ including, better police department, wider roads, more sidewalks, and just an all around better feeling about the community. I'm proud of the growth, and the accomplishments of our little slice of paradise. Good job community!"

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