point of view

I just—I am more impressed with the community, and I didn’t really think that was possible,” “The amount of resources that Excelsior has is amazing.” “I think the one thing that stood out the most is that Excelsior Springs rises to the occasion every time,” “Being here, I found people who stepped up and volunteered without hesitation. That kind of spirit really stayed with me.”Others were struck by how much they didn’t know—even longtime residents. “I’ve learned a lot. There’s so much going on in our community, and I hope more people will participate in the Citizens Academy.” “I hope this community continues to be the same—or better—for my kids,” “We’re proud to be raising our children here. My parents, both of my brothers, and my sister-in-law have all moved here. That says something.”

Sunday, 3pm - Listening Post

Monday, 6pm - City Council Meeting

Tuesday, 4pm - Municipal Court

Wednesday, noon - Westside CID; 4pm - Farmer's Market; 5pm - Historic Preservation Commission

Thursday, 9:30am - Thrive Steering Committee; 11am - Look North Recognition Luncheon

Saturday, 7am - Opal Wapoo Bike Race

Proposed Annexation Listening Post - City Staff provided an introduction to the city's comprehensive plan that will be completed in the next couple of months. The comprehensive plan addresses areas where annexation is likely to be needed to accomodate development in the planning period. With the number of building permits occurring on the westside of town, annexation will enable the continuity of private development in the area.

City Council will consider board appointments - Jody Pasalich to fulfill unexpired term on Historic Preservation Commission & reappointments to Board of Zoning Adjustments, Capital Improvements, Community Center Advisory Board, Community Foundation, Redevelopment Corporation, Historic Preservation, Housing Authority, Public Safety Sales Tax, & Westside CID.

• Change Order for Dry Fork Greenway Project [CIP/ARPA Funds $17,220.84 to address unsuitable subgrades in Kennedy Street].
• Public Hearings for 353 tax abatement for 409 E Excelsior Street [HVAC & removal of blight] & 311 S. Thompson [interior remodel, replace windows, resurface stucco, masonry repair, remove overhead door, exterior paint;
• Zoning text amendment regarding residential development standards & other minor changes;
• Final Plat for Museum replats the properties located at the SE corner of Broadway Ave. & Main Street

Farmer's Market @ VFW Parking lot, Wednesday 4-7pm

Look North Recognition Luncheon is our signature annual event & the higest honor presented by Clay County Economic Development Council. Dr. Raghu Adiga is recognized for his outstanding leadership & lasting contribution to the community. Dr. Adiga provided guidance to Liberty Hospital.

Opal Wapoo Gravel Experience offers a 85 mile long course bike race, 45 mile short course, & 20 mile baby poo.

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Scott Sapp, Parks Maintenance - 14 years; Kelsey Cohalla, Firefighter/EMT - 8 years; Hailee Arnold, Group Fitness Instructor - 5 years; Brayden Heil, Recreation Program Supervisor - 1 year.

We are blessed to be surrounded by creative, talented people, who love what they do, & the community gets the benefit of their commitment. April Graham mentioned to Melinda Mehaffy that she should check out the conference offered by the University Extension - Connecting Entrepreneur Conference. Melinda attended the conference and brought her excitement back to the community & took Brian Rice & Gary Renne back the next year. For the last year, Courtney Cole & Lyndsey Baxter have joined Brian, Gary & Melinda along with the University planning team to deliver a conference that we are still talking about. The stories told by local businesses about their journey were fantastic. Yes, we are blessed by the people & relationships that keep bringing it.

• Nate Williams received word that the Park Department was awarded $500,000 from LWCF to purchase playground equipment for the new park on Milwaukee, Boundless BackYard. The park will be developed as an all-inclusive experience.
• The Assistant Chief John Potter Training Facility was unveiled this week. The facility was named after the person who planned and carried out the plan to make the facility a reality. We look forward to perfecting our firefighter's skills & increasing their safety with real life training scenarios.

Real stories from real people that not only have shaped who we are but help us shine a light on the work we've done and the places we plan to go. They got it. They get it. They live it. They believed that a downtown could be the heart of the community again... and if it could beat strong, everything else would survive. Here's to the dreamers who saw what could be, and to the legacy they've helped all of us build together. Quote about downtown's recovery from those who are working to make it happen.