Point of View

Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court justice (1933-2020). This quote reminds me of Sonya Morgan's interest in Historic Preservation. Anyone who knows Sonya, knows this is her passion, she has never waivered, but she has always made room for the opinion or contribution of others, quietly teaching and making progress to retain the historic fabric of this community. Along the way, she has been building important relationships, resulting in significant opportunities for Excelsior Springs. There are now many examples of others contributing to our community's economic vitality, because the foundation based on historic preservation provided a blueprint and now a collective interest.

CCPHC Order - Masks are required indoors until further notice.

Monday, Noon - Hospital Board; 6:00 pm - P&Z

Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Municipal Court

Wednesday, noon - West Side Committee

Friday, 7:30 am - Council Work Session; Noon - Chamber 1st Friday Meet & Greet @ Broadway Bar & Grill

Staff reviews safety records on monthly basis to discuss ways to learn from any incidents occurring in prior month; the City's loss ratio for Worker's Comp, General Liability & Property is very good, in the 12% to 15% range for last 3 years, with a goal to keep the ratio below 70%; Incidents occurring in the last month include shoulder injury with power sprayer use, injuries due to foot chase, property damage from car rammed during car stop. Community Center provided employee's familiarization training on fire extinguishers & AED location/use; Public Works held three safety meetings this month & Paul White provided ALICE training to all city buildings first point of contact.

Council issued a Proclamation for Diaper Awareness Week; Council reappointed Mary Lou Greim & Jason Cole to CIP, Mark Spohn to TIF, Dennis Hartman & Marilyn Gerdes to HPC, Dr. Shemwell to Hospital Board of Trustees, Pat Owens to Housing Authority, Pat Slusher to PZ, Ron Smith & Mark Spohn to PSST, & new appointment of Debra Foster to Community Foundation; approved renewal of 3 year agreement with DEP to operate the Visitor's Center @ Hall of Waters [FUNDING: Elms Event Fee], WHY? to provide a means to keep the Hall of Waters open to visitors; approved agreements with DEP & Chamber to provide assistance to businesses & remarket our tourist industry impacted by COVID [FUNDING: CARES] WHY? to assist DEP & Chamber stay in business so they can continue to assist businesses with their economic recovery; intergovernmental agreement between ESH & Ray County Medical Center to permit ESH to expand clinic services into Ray County; reduced Hospital Board of Trustees from 9 to 7 members; approved budget amendment for 2020 budget year; & approved Budget for 2021.

The big story this week is Thursday's announcement that the Hall of Waters was designated on the Nation's 11 Most Endangered Property List by the National Trust of Historic Places. This is an elite list of select properties deemed worthy to be saved. We are aware as a small community we will never be able to keep pace with the maintenance requirements for this building without outside help. The national exposure is intended to attract potential investors to help preserve the building. There are several people to thank for helping us along this journey, key is the relationship Sonya Morgan made with Jennifer Sandy, National Trust & Carolyn Jones, MDNR who have provided numerous connections that paved the path we are on. We are grateful to Sen. Roy Blunt for assisting with our application for Saving America's Treasures & for Rep. Sam Graves presence at our press conference.

Each year, America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places sheds light on important examples of our nation’s heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. More than 300 places have been listed in its 33-year history, and in that time, fewer than 5 percent of listed sites have been lost. But with threats ranging from neglect to natural disasters to inappropriate development, these special places are at serious risk. The Hall of Waters joins distinguished company on this list with Mount Vernon and Nashville's Music Row. www.savingplaces.org

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