Point of View

Time to deck the halls, folks, because December 1 is National Christmas Lights Day! Before the invention of electric lights, families would balance candles on the branches of their Christmas trees—a risky practice that naturally led to several house fires. Electric Christmas lights were first invented in 1880 by Thomas Edison. Because people were initially distrustful of electricity, however, it took another several decades for the invention to catch on. As we get ready for the end of the year, let’s string up our lights & celebrate. ‘Tis the season, after all.

CDC recommends > 5+ get vaccinated

Monday, 3:30 PM - Council Retreat; 6:00 PM - Planning & Zoning

Friday, 7:30 AM - Council Work Session

• Planning & Zoning: Public Hearing for petition to vacate right-of-way for the unbuilt streets Hillcrest St. & Crescent Drive in Lookout Heights Subdivision on S. Titus
• City Council: Items under development include 2nd Reading for 2018 Building Code [concluded 90 days comment period]; amend 2021 budget to actual; amend Summer Sewer Credit Program [consider expansion to 5 months]; amend Personnel Policy; Accept bids for Cemetery Mowing Agreement, consider vacation of R/W.

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Assistant Fire Chief, Brad Smith - 34 years; Fire Chief, Joe Maddick - 27 years; Parks, Recreation & Community Center Director, Nate Williams - 6 years; Community Center Lifeguards, Sabrina Brown - 4 years; Avery Bartlett - 3 years; & Police Officer, Carter McVay - 2 years.

• Municipal Court has a new information kiosk in the lobby of the police station to access court related information, which is part of our transition to Showme Court System.
• KMZU is doing a report on the Police Outreach Program which includes the popular Shop With a Cop program. Donations made to the Community Foundation (PO Box 673) can be directed to the purpose you select.
• Work is progressing on the new salt barn, the digester project is stalled while we wait for materials.
• Clay County EDC hosts panel discussion on Infrastructure bill with Rep Sam Graves & MoDOT's Director Pat McKenna. The infrastructure bill provides funding to address all things transportation - bridges, pavement, sidewalks & trails, transit, & safety. Additionally, the bill supports investments in water, wastewater, airports, & electric vehicles.

In addition to funding households, small businesses & schools, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) enacted on March 11, 2021, provides relief funds to state, local, & tribal governments that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds can be used by governments to respond to the public health & economic emergency, provide premium pay to essential workers, replace revenue lost due to the pandemic, & make necessary investments in water, sewer & broadband infrastructure. Last week, the bill was amended to allow spending for transportation. There is a total of $2.9 billion in ARPA funding going to the State of Missouri, $48.5 million to Clay County, $4.5 million to Ray County, & $2.5 million to Excelsior Springs for investment into projects that will benefit our communities. Each unit of government is currently engaging in conversations to prioritize investments that can sustain our communities.

Who said it best - "It's a perfect time to be thankful, a time to remember and embrace those who enrich our lives. Today we are thankful for all of you, our residents, visitors, our small businesses, our volunteers and our partners. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc."

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