Point of View

Martin Luther King, Jr., is known for his contributions to the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. His most famous work is his “I Have a Dream” (1963) speech, in which he spoke of his dream of a United States that is void of segregation and racism.

King also advocated for nonviolent methods of protest. I chose to use MLK quote from his book Why We Can't Wait “Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.” This quote & picture seem to fit the national events of last week.

CCPHC Order - Masks are required indoors until further notice; 50% occupancy; parties limited to 10

Monday, Martin Luther King Holiday ~ City offices are CLOSED

Tuesday, 5PM - Filing for Council Ends;

Tuesday, 6PM - City Council Meeting

A couple of years ago, we developed our Mission Statement: To Enhance the Quality for All. And, then we moved on busy with daily events. It is important to incorporate it into our work & show appreciation for the quality work provided by city departments. It is a pleasure to work with such smart, professional, dedicated & caring Department Heads.

Golf employees had initial meeting with Orion to discuss transition from city employment to Orion employment. While feelings of uncertainty & surprise is understandable with the city's decision to use a management services agreement, & at the same time there is the promise of excitement for new possibilities for the City, employees & community.

The City Council approved Management Services Agreement with Orion Management Solutions of Leawood, KS, a Golf Specialty Firm. Upcoming Agenda Items: Liquor License for Dharma, 1911 W. Jesse James, AT&T Tower Lease Agreement [revenue will partially offset MARRS public safety communications equipment fees & should improve AT&T customers reception in downtown], Extension of COVID Sick Leave Policy [Federal Mandated sick leave policy expired 12/31/20, city proposes extension to grant COVID leave until 6/30 related to COVID employee illness, caring for family with illness, or COVID related loss of childcare or school], Community Center Rates [discount on annual memberships] & Appropriations.

• Cemetery rules updated on City website, signage to be replaced. Reminder that all decorations except those supported by headstone & foundation are to be removed by March 1st. This includes anything in grass, such as shepherd's hooks, lights, vases, etc. [WHY? Removal of obstacles makes maintenance possible.]The Cemetery GIS database is now accessible. Visit City website, click >> Community >>Cemetery to reach active link to locate family members.
• Community Center kicks off 2021derful Wellness Campaign with 47 participants. Good things are happening at the Center - partnerships with local restaurants to id healthy options, wellness protein based shakes available @ Wellness Café. Memberships currently @ 4200, new memberships are now greater than cancelations. Center is forming wellness partnerships with local businesses with 10+ employees.
• Private construction around town includes Miller Cabinets & Cornerstone Elementary now under roof, just starting work @ Price Chopper & Elms Lobby, several others in plan review stage.
• Positivity abounds as local groups begin Event planning. Committee meetings with Waterfest, Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience, & Fireworks.
• Community is shaping plans to offer COVID vaccines locally. Hospital taking the lead. Recent meetings with CCPHC, other Clay Cities, brings together city, hospital, schools to create temporary clinic space, source volunteers to administer shots, & manage scheduling & messaging. People over 65 are up next in priority. Details to be shared as they emerge.
• Recycling Center has dumpsters set for Christmas trees disposal, will be scheduling Freon recovery service next. [FUNDING: Refuse Rates]
  
• Fire Chief interviews began this week. Interview committee consists of Fire Chiefs from Liberty & Lee's Summit, Dr. Pete Rucker, John Mormino, & Rep. Doug Richey.

"We had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary here! Kim & Gary's place was perfect, clean, had everything you would need and much more! They had such nice touches like providing us a sweet chocolate cake to celebrate. They were great at communicating and definitely went above and beyond for us! " Danielle & Travis

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