Point of View

“Sometimes in the thick quiet of those soft summer nights, I listen. For it is in the quiet that the voices of things deep and marvelous and adventurous whisper simply because a world of noise grants them no space. Therefore, if we have no quiet, we will hear plenty of noise, but we will not hear a single voice.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Sunday, 5:30-7PM - Missouri Photo Workshop Welcome Mingle @ Four Horses & a Dog

Monday, 6PM - City Council Meeting

Wednesday - Farmer's Markets

Friday - No School

Saturday - Mugs Shots, 10AM-2:30PM Missouri Photo Workshop Gallery @ Lewis Elementary

Celebrating Work Anniversaries this week - Christopher Eslinger, PT FF/Paramedic - 7 years; Kaitlyn Glidden, Child Watch Attendant - 3 years; Dirk Jeffers, Construction Services, Maintenance Worker - 2 years; Stephanie Marcum, Nutritionist - 2 years; Tristen Pekarek, Fitness Attendant - 1 year

Fishing River Watershed Study Workshop provided an overview of the study to date & small group discussions reported out solutions to include opportunities at Crystal Lake for storm water storage & for all residents to use rain barrels to collect rainwater. It was impressive to hear from residents who reside on higher elevations, not in the downtown area. Their desire to contribute to solving the problem made us believe there is broad support to solve the problems. In a recent article by The Citizen, when you click on the thumbnail for the water model, you will see the flooding from the rain 1 year ago. The most telling thing you can see when looking at the entire floodplain is the flash flood speed to rise & it quickly returned to normal. This is an indication that impeding runoff can contribute to solving the problem. Everyone can consider ways they can make changes on their property to contribute to solving the problem, rain barrels is just one small way, but big outcome.

Our Police & Neighborhoods Division held a meeting in the Kibler Park neighborhood to hear concerns & make plans to effectively work together.

City Council will present a Proclamation for Good Neighbor Week observed September 28-October 4; consider Resolution of support for Local Housing Project dubbed "The Flats & Coach Crossing" providing 40 two BR units serving seniors located @ SE corner of Highway 69 & Tracy; Pumper Truck Purchase with trade in of 1995 & 2007 Pumpers for $533,750 with delivery in 240 days; Budget Approval for FY 2023 & Appropriations.

• The Senior Center Lunch Program has returned in a big way after COVID shut-down. The Center averages 53 individuals for lunch.
• Pickleball Courts have been constructed on the site of the old tennis courts located near Roosevelt School.
• This summer's road overlay project is happening in Cherry Hills & Westwood Hills. Replacing broken curbs, patching pavement failures, preparing for overlay.
• We are experiencing several water leaks this season due to dry soils.
• Fire Apparatus training was held recently & several firefighters participated in the 911 stairclimb recognizing 911 heroes.
• Draining Powell Lake is the first step to creating a functioning stormwater system for the community center drainage area. The lake will be dredged, raise the dam & create more storage capacity. This will also lessen the impacts from rainwater downstream. We are working with the Department of Conservation to ensure the pond dredging will renovate the pond to provide a better environment for the wildlife & extend the high quality of the pond into the future.
• The Board of Surface Transportation, Washington DC held a Public Comment Hearing this week in Excelsior Springs, one of 4 locations along the route of Canadian Pacific & KC Southern tracks to hear comments from their draft Environmental Impact Study. Good comments were made & will contribute to a better report, comments will be received until 10/14.
  

Past couple weeks I suspected a leak near the water hydrant due to a continuous wet area. Called Public Works, Chad Birdsong arrived yesterday & personnally checked out the situation. Today he has crews taking care of it. They have kept us informed on things & we appreciate that courtesy greatly. Turns out a pipe was broken underground. I feel very fortunate to live in a town where such matters are handled promptly, professionally & with courtesy. All of the crew along with Chad deserve to be recognized for the tremendous job they do!! Thank you doesn't begin to cover it but it comes from the heart. You help make "E" a great place to live!!

Email: mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov
Website: cityofesmo.com
Location: Hall of Waters, 201 E. Broadway, 64024