Point of View

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit Grandma on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus." "Ridiculous!" she snorted. "That rumor has been going around for years, put on your coat, & let's go." As we walked through the doors of the store with everything, Grandma handed me $10. "Take this money," she said, "& buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." For a few moments I just stood there, wondering what to buy, & who on earth to buy it for. I finally settled on a red corduroy coat. I put the coat & my $10 on the counter. The clerk looked at the coat, the money, & me. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" she asked kindly. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's ... for Bobbie. He's in my class, & he doesn't have a coat." The nice lady smiled at me, put the coat in a bag & wished me a Merry Christmas. Grandma helped me wrap the coat, & drove me over to Bobbie's house, explaining as we went that I was now & forever officially one of Santa's helpers. I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell twice & flew back to the safety of the bushes & Grandma. Forty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my grandma, in the bushes💙. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: Ridiculous! Santa was alive & well ... AND WE WERE ON HIS TEAM!

CDC recommends > age 5+ get vaccinated.

Monday, 11:30 AM - Employee Luncheon; 6PM - City Council Meeting, Hall of Waters & ZOOM

Friday - Christmas Holiday - City Offices are closed

Celebrating Work Anniversary this week: Morgan Schlindler, Wellness Cafe Server - 1 year.
Excelsior Springs achieved the Communities for All Ages Gold Level - The advantage of participating in CFAA is a more aware, well-planned community that meets the needs of all its residents. Regional recognition your city is looking to the future, creating a community that is vibrant, connected & green, & serves the needs of all residents regardless of age.

City Council to consider replacement of 16 year old Animal Control Vehicle, Funding is PSST; bids to replace Police Station roof, & improvements to north hangar to enclose hangar, insulate & heat, Funding is CIP; improvements will generate $14,400/annually in rent for airport & provide on site presence recommended by state audit; selection of BKD to conduct financial audit, Funding is General Fund; adoption of 2018 Building Codes for Mechanical, Electric & Plumbing, 2nd reading; acceptance of Clactin Estates Storm & BMP's; Repeal of Pit Bull Ban, 1st reading, considers removal of specific breed bans, but leaves dangerous dog sections of ordinance intact, to continue protection from aggressive dogs of any breed. Public Comment can be made to City Manager.

• Greg Dull, KCMO, appointed as ES Police Chief effective January 3rd. Chief Dull comes to ES with over 30 years of experience with KCPD. Chief Dull's last assignment with KCPD is Commander of the Shoal Creek Patrol Division. Chief Dull replaces Interim Chief Chris Weber who retires at the end of December. Chief Weber is congratulated on a successful career with ESPD & his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the ESPD. Weber did not seek the appointment to the Chief position, with his planned retirement coming just a few months after the retirement of Chief Clint Reno who retired earlier this year.
• Last Saturday, "Shop with a Cop" provided 16 kids assistance in selecting Christmas presents for their family members. This is always a fun event for the Police Department, kids & their families.
  
• The Fire Department's participation in Channel 41's "Season of Hope" resulted in a large donations of toys, filling the lobby & training room at the Fire Station. We live in a generous community.
• Orion issues Golf Business Plan. 2021 highlights saw an increase in tournaments played, revenues up 13% over prior year, membership sales increased to 500, 1st profit realized in decade, 27,000 rounds played compared to18,000 in 2018, increased marketing effort & reach, course conditions are great, offers best value in area. Looking toward next year, Orion plans to step up a level to position in line with regional courses & still provide an exceptional golf experience for a very reasonable price.

Application submitted to the Parade of Hearts Committee seeking a heart be placed in Excelsior Springs. The mission for Parade of Hearts is to unite our region through an incredible public art experience. Original artwork based on the KC heart placed around the region & promoted as a tourism activity. The goal is to set a national example of unification, truly showing we are the heartland with a common purpose of making our communities strong. Embracing KC's place as the "Heart of America,"

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