point of view

We celebrate Park/Rec Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant & resilient communities through the power of parks & recreation. This year's theme — “Where You Belong” — celebrates the many ways park & rec professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming & inclusive programs, essential services for all ages & abilities, & safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. This Park & Rec Month let’s unite & uplift the many reasons why local parks & rec truly embodies the essence of belonging. Together, we can demonstrate why these spaces are Where You Belong.

Monday, 9am - Charting the Course for Excellence: Thrive Excelsior Leadership Retreat

Tuesday, 10am - Safe Streets & Sidewalks Core Team Meeting; 4pm - Municipal Court; 6pm - Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder's Discussion

Wednesday, 5pm - Historic Preservation Commission; Farmer's Markets

Friday, 7:30am - Council Work Session & Budget Review; 2pm - Retirement Recognition for Debby Willimetz; 6pm - Lyrics on the Lawn

SSS Core Team will discuss access management - with the introduction of sidewalks & trails along highway 10 & 69 where they don't currently exist, there is a need to evaluate the location & width of driveways to the roadway with an eye toward protecting pedestrians who will be traveling along the roadway.

Stakeholder's Committee formed to be a sounding board for concepts, ideas, & recommendations as we consider information we are soliciting from the public. We will have a successful planning session if there is broad public involvement with diverse ideas. From diverse ideas there needs to be a process for assessing how we incorporate the information received into future directions.

Historic Preservation Commission will consider COA applications @ 115 W. Broadway & 528 Benton for exterior modifications.

Farmer's Markets (morning @ Community Center 9-11:30am & afternoon @ Hitch Lot 4-7pm)

Council Work Session & Budget Review

City Council items under development include public hearing for use of Chapter 353 tax abatement @ 414 & 415 St. Louis; agreement with McClure Engineering for sewer lining project with WRDA funding; purchase of police cars; modifying animal ordinance as it pertains to chickens in residential districts; review of June Financials; & reducing Cable Franchise Fee from 4.5% to 4%. FY 2025 Budgets ready for review are Water, Pollution Control & Refuse.

Lyrics on the Lawn - DEP brings us live music on the front yard of the Hall of Waters - Western Hippie - blend of country, rock & soulful music; Cosmic Country Collection; Raquelita's Mexican Food Truck

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Debbie Willimetz, Public Works Administrative Assistant - 31 years; Debra Asher, Bus Driver - 8 years; Scott Sickles, Police Sergeant - 6 years; Ed Parkison, GIS Coordinator - 3 years; Corrie Willoughby & Kelli Hoffman, Group Fitness Instructors & Bobbie Thacker, Bus Driver - 2 years; & Kayden Rogers, Lifeguard - 1 year.

The City Council manages 12 advisory boards with over 100 volunteer positions. The Council's policy is to appoint individuals meeting qualifications set by state statue or city ordinance, with knowledge of the subject matter considered & involvement in municipal/civic activities. Secondarily, the Council may consider the geographical area of the City where applicant resides, in order to ensure a balanced representation of the City on each advisory board. The council fills vacancies from solicited applications (application is on city website). All appointments require nomination by the Mayor & affirmation by council. The term of office is defined by State Statutes or City ordinance & ranges from 3-5 years. Members shall not serve more than 3 full terms nor serve on more than 2 board at a time. As most board positions renew on 9/30, one month prior, the Council will consider applications of present appointees & active applications currently on file. Council may then either reappoint or declare the office vacant & proceed to consider applications for appointment. There are currently 25 seats subject to reappointment.

• We have received a few calls from people who licensed their vehicles in S. Dakota & didn't understand the connection between payment of fees or taxes are the same funds used to provide police/fire protection services, street maintenance or teacher salaries & school offerings.
• We are working on a storm drain collapse near the old Wollard's Car Dealership on W. Broadway
• The bus service provides an opportunity for businesses located on the route to pay for your return trip. For participating businesses, if passengers ask the business to stamp your bus pass, you can present the stamped pass & ride free.
• Pullman, the contractor that repaired the Hall of Waters' foundation nominated this project for recognition from the International Concrete Repair Institute.
• Adult tennis with AW has had a great season. The all popular E-Town hose down was rained out 7/1 & will be rescheduled. On 7/3 Senior Center painted rocks. Look for PR schedule of activities during July in recognition of Parks & Rec month.
• DEP's nominations named as semifinalist: Hall of Waters - Best Historic Preservation Project, Creative New Promotion - DEP ARPA Tourism Marketing Matching Grant, Outstanding Economic Impact - Mark & Brenda Kilgore @ 414 Company & Keith Hudson nominee for the Spirit of Main Street Award. Missouri Main Street Connection Evening Of Excellence will recognize the winners from nominations across the state in August. Thank you DEP!

WorldAtlas.com includes Excelsior Springs in article about relaxing Missouri escapes. These small towns in MO offer a rejuvenating escape for visitors in 2024. The Show Me State offers tranquil natural settings for those looking to escape the hustle & bustle of everyday life. The breathtaking landscapes & rich history in these MO towns are perfect for chilling out & relaxing. Also mentioned were Branson, Hannibal, Hermann, Kimmswick, Ste. Genevieve, & Steelville. ES is a premiere spot for chilling out. Relax at the Elms Hotel & Spa, enjoy the tranquility of the Isley Park Woods Natural Area, explore Siloam Mountain Park, learn more about the town's unique mineral springs & view beautiful Art Deco architecture & the ES Museum & Archives.