Point of View

Sunday is Flag Day - The flag and the national anthem represent freedom and liberation. They commemorate every American that fought and died to defend that freedom. The flag also represents a nation that allows its’ citizens more rights and freedoms than any other nation. Some would argue that the colors on the American Flag represent philosophical values, with red representing blood, war and courage, blue standing for justice and freedom, and white representing purity.

Friday is Juneteenth - A combination of "June" and "nineteenth" - the holiday recognizes when the US ended its historic practice of slavery, legally and in the real world (1865).

The length of each step within Recovery will vary. This week is Step 2, occupancy to 50%, and gatherings with < 50 people. Additionally, the Governor lifts restrictions beginning June 16th.

Monday, 6:00 PM - City Council Meeting

Tuesday, 5-6:30 - Chamber Ribbon-cutting, Blue Sparrow Garden Center

Council actions accepted Election Results, new terms for Sharon Powell & Andrew Kowalski; council members elected Sharon Powell to Mayor & Sonya Morgan to Mayor Pro-Tem. The upcoming Council agenda includes Public Hearing for Price Chopper CID, Proclamation for Juneteenth & to affirm our intention to serve the best interests of all, Proclamation World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Hospital Annual Report, Ambulance Purchase, changes to Purchasing Policy & Utility Disconnect/Payment Plan Policy. LCRA will consider transfer of Dunbar property to Rodney Ismael & Andrew Brackett.

Passing along positive comments made in the community. I still hear comments from people who haven't been to Excelsior Springs lately, "It is so clean!" Thank Chad Birdsong & Brent Bishop for leading their crews to keep our community looking great. Public Works has supplemented the work of our contract cemetery mowing services & received a compliment - "A positive shout out to the caretakers of Hillcrest Cemetery. Freshly mowed & trimmed, looks great." Many thanks to Ronda McQuerrey for doing a terrific job with beautification of the Community Center. Frank Conrick is also recognized for keeping the Golf Course looking beautiful. The pride you take in your work shows.

Elms Hotel & Spa owners have been very interested in hosting a 4th of July Fireworks Display; their Special Event Permit is currently under review [Funding: Private] WHY? Our community loves to celebrate, & this will enable revelers to do so while social distancing. School District contractors received a grading permit to begin sitework for new Elementary School on Wornall/Lodwick, work begins Monday. [Funding: Permit revenue in GF] WHY? Permits ensure responsible parties follow design plans, protect neighborhood from negative impacts. Splash Park installer will begin in July.[Funding: Piccadilly Funding, LWCF Grant] WHY? Improvements requested by community survey. Community Center is returning to normal & gaining membership following closure; [Funding: Community Center] WHY? Promoting healthy lifestyles. Membership growth continues at the Golf Course again this month. [Funding: Golf] WHY? Promoting healthy lifestyles. Now accepting bulky items again at the recycling center, one of our most popular services. [Funding: Refuse] WHY? Accepting bulky items reduces our need to clean up illegal dump sites in remote areas around town. Communities of Excellence is forming a Task Force for Equality. [Funding: none] WHY? To ensure our community is inclusive and hears the voices from all members of our community.

Thankful for the trail system here in ES & for the wildflowers blooming & birds singing on my morning walks on those trails. Grateful for ES Officers, for welfare checks, encouragement to not give up hope, hugs, moments taken for your protection. Thankful that we live in a caring community & the amazing people who I work with! Thankful for all the people in the community that voted on Prop T.

Email: mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov
Website: cityofesmo.com
Location: Hall of Waters, 201 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Phone: (816) 630-0752