point of view

"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are." Max De Pree, business executive, writer

Monday, 6pm - City Council Meeting

Wednesday, Farmers Market, noon - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 5:30pm - Merchant Mingle

Thursday, 4pm - Board of Zoning Adjustment

City Council business includes:

• public hearing for Chapter 353 redevelopment agreements - 414 S. Thompson will repair roof & interior water damage, install basement sump pump, replace window openings that were bricked over & install new signage @ estimated cost of $152, 200 with 10 year property tax abatement; 415 St. Louis Ave will replace roof, interior remodel, parking lot improvements, windows, fence, dumpster enclosure, paint & landscaping @ estimated cost of $625,900 with 15 year property tax abatement.
• Police Chief recommends purchase of 2 police vehicles [Funding - PSST $79,254] & ordinance to allow backyard chickens on residential properties larger than 8712 SF, chicken coops restricted to backyards, observing 10 ft setback from rear property lines & 150 ft from neighboring dwellings, & maintenance requirements;
• adjustment of cable franchise fee from 4.5% to 4%, with 1/2% reduction annually to 2.5% in 2027 as required by state statute;
• Finance Director recommends FY 23 budget amendments & presents Financial Report for June.

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

DEP Merchant Mingle & Lawn Party with BBQ, yard games & networking with fellow Downtown Merchants @ Hall of Waters.

BZA will hear application by Quik Trip for a variance on sign height @ 2021 W. Jesse James Rd.

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Joe Spear, Water Maintenance - 43 years; Nate Conyers, Storm Water Coordinator - 20 years; Kathy Twitchell, Public Works Administrative Assistant - 17 years; Mike Britt, Refuse Laborer - 15 years; John Donat, Chief Water Plant Operator - 14 years; Lisa Morgan, Community Development Administrative Assistant - 5 years; Gannon Willis, Fitness Attendant - 3 years; Lifeguards Aryana Davis, Brookelynn Hobbs, Maverick Davis, & Madisyn Hartwick - 1 year; Taylor Crites, Animal Care Specialist - 1 year.

• Budget for FY 25 is under development, council reviewed the first draft of the Water, Sewer & Refuse budgets. Included in the water budget is system improvements with grant funds; sewer budget includes master planning; & refuse budget proposes to seek proposals from haulers this fall/winter as the current agreement will expire 6/30/25.
• Meals on Wheels America has approved our application for recognition, we are developing a business plan for offering this service in the community
• The Metro area is taking inventory of resources to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 successfully, we will be at the table.
• Fire Department will receive a grant from Firehouse Subs, $13,136 to replace struts & rams in Pumper 2
• McCleary Road reopened on Friday, the next work planned is the install of new traffic signals @ McCleary/Hwy 69 intersection. QT is scheduled to be opened for business October 10th. Next is resurfacing Hwy 69 from 92 Hwy to McCleary Road & Grand Ave from N. Main toward Elvira
• Building plans under review include Walmart, Flats @ Coates Crossing, new VA Clinic, office/restaurant @ 1500 Kearney Rd., KC Machine, Masonic Lodge maintenance building.
• Job Corps students are donating labor to repair Crystal Lithia Spring Pagoda @ Benton & Saratoga
• 55 kids participated in Nerf Wars held in the Community Center Gym; young adults are planning a Pickleball Tournament

A comprehensive plan is a vision for the future of a community. Comp Plans are created by & for the community to record shared goals & desires for themselves & their fellow community members. It examines what a community is, & where it came from. It crafts a coordinated road map for the next 10-15 years & can be revisited to ensure its relevance. Learn how you can embrace the future of Excelsior Springs! to learn how you can get involved, please visit http://excelsiorcommunityrising.com & scan the QR code to sign up for updates via email. Text ExcelsiorRising to 888-521-3871 for text alerts! We want you at the table to help shape this plan.