point of view

When we were in school, students could not turn in their assignments unless they signed their work. Signing your work meant that you checked it & are proud of what you submitted. It meant something. As we serve our customers everyday, it is imperative that we learn to "sign our work". My love of the globe meant I always asked my customers where they were from, which provided conversation about their home state. That was my signature. What is your signature? What is your personal stamp on how you serve? Is it how you smile? Is it how you anticipate needs? Is it how you tell jokes... or escort rather than point.. or answer the phone with excellence? I can guarantee that you have a signature. Something that is unique to you. Don't blend in..stand out! And as you sign your work, everyone else will have the awareness & the courage to sign their work also. Bryan K. Williams, Keynote Speaker & Author

Monday, 11:45am - City employee's Christmas Dinner; 5:45pm - LCRA Meeting; 6pm - City Council

All Week visit the Lane of Lights

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Larry Tarrant, PT Police Lieutenant - 19 years; Jason Ortbals, Fire Captain - 7 years; Jonah McKennon, Firefighter/EMT - 2 years; Luke Lynn, Park Laborer, Ashtyn Daniels, Christopher Daniels, & Nikolas Hopper, Lifeguards - 1 year.

• A solution that will regulate pool temperature & damage from high humidity in the natatorium has been proposed. Parts to repair the spa are on order & expected in 8-12 weeks.
• City leaders attended Community Breakfast at Job Corps
• The Senior Prom planned for April has selected the theme "This Magic Moment"
• Clay County provided information about Senior Property Tax Relief. Information is available at https://www.claycountymo.gov/523/Senior-Real-Estate-Property-Tax-Relief
• RAISE information open house held to provide citizen a first look at improvement plans
• Shop with a Cop was held on Saturday, always a hit with both kids and the officers
• Chamber of Commerce honored the City with Business of the Year Award.
• Capital Improvement Authority approved the purchase of 2 large format scanners to convert the practice of leasing to a purchase saving $10,000+ over 5 years lease.

Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) will consider termination agreement for East Broadway Redevelopment Plan

City Council will consider:

• Board appointment - Dan Carder to fulfill unexpired term on Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee
• purchase of Compact Track Loader [Park Fund: Cost of new $72,500; less trade-in value $37,000, for net cost $35,500]
• Agreement with AYSO to provide Tigers "N Training Soccer program. Provides young soccer players with certified coaches & curriculum.
• Purchase of 3 Cardiac Monitors [Funding: MDHSS Grant $90,000; ARPA Funds $32,966.19; Trade-in $16,000 totaling $138,966.19, prices includes trade in of 2 of our current monitors; will allow us to outfit 3 ambulances with new and 2 pumpers with current]
• Construction of a Retaining wall in Police Parking Lot [ARPA $53,615] increases lot size
• Republic Services Contract Extension; current 5-year agreement set to expire 6/30/25 provides for 1, 3-yr contract extension with 180 day prior notice. The service has been experiencing considerable customer dissatisfaction since going to one-day service in August 2023. Republic has agreed to re-route back to a 5-day service with the drivers who provided the service before the change & a replacement cart program for damaged carts.
• Amendment to Sections 400.080, 400.240 of the Municipal Code regarding Animals & Fowl sets the property size of 10 acre required for residential zoned property for the keeping of livestock or poultry rather than 5 acres to be consistent with police enforcement ordinance adopted earlier by council
• Public Hearing, 353 Tax Abatement @ 205 SKC Ave; improvements include deck, porch columns, ceiling, siding, mini-split, HVAC, roof, gutters, interior remodel, investment of $65,819.39
• Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local 42, 3 year agreement governing work conditions for ESFD employees provides revision in annual hours for the calculation of overtime rates, 14% change to pay scale & change to steps to correspond to time in position, bringing salaries in line with the market mid-point.
• Amendments to Personnel Manual & Budget to provide the same salary revisions for Assistant Fire Chiefs as provided in CBA & Budget to accomplish the compensation changes proposed
• Change to Water Utility Surcharge Fee from 2.5% to 4% [Transfer $70,000 to General]
• November Revenue Report & Financials

Lane of Lights: Host 12/16 - ES Area Cultural Guild; 17-ES Rotary; 18-Amigos; 19-Reece Nichols Realtors; 20 ESHS After Prom; 21 - ES Christmas Committee; 22 - ESHS Tiger Softball

If you're hunting for unique antique gifts for the eccentric friend in your life, for anyone looking to refresh their wardrobe this season, if you need a mid shopping break, you will find it downtown. You'll find great food, brews, international & Missouri wines, new destinations will delight.