point of view

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mexican food is a highlight of many celebrations. Favorites include guacamole, tacos, churros, & mole poblano, a Puebla specialty made with mole sauce, bitter chocolate, and pepitasm (pumpkin seeds). "Don't plan it all. Let life surprise you a little." Julia Alvarez, writer

Monday (CINCO de MAYO) 6pm - City Council Meeting

Wednesday, noon - Thrive Lunch n Learn - Meal Planning on budget

Thursday, 9:30am - Thrive Steering Committee; Shop Local Late until 7 or 8pm

Friday, 8:30 - 12:15 Camp Training; 5-8pm Run with Rotary

~ This is Missouri Local Government Week ~

City Council will present several proclamations -

• Older Americans Month's this year's theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," encourages individuals & organizations in the community to challenge stereotypes & dispel misconceptions of older adults & to embrace the positivity of aging,
• National Nurses Week, with the theme “The Power of Nurses,” with appreciation for the unparalleled impact of nurses & their contributions to healthcare, & an open invitation to #ThankANurse for enriching our lives & the world we live in.

• National Hospital Week will follow the theme #WeAreHealthcare, recognizing the amazing people who work in America’s hospitals & health systems
• Building Safety Month's theme "Game On" encourages us all to get involved & raise awareness about building safety on a personal, local & global scale
• National Preservation Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of individuals & groups who work tirelessly to protect our historic resources & to educate the public on the importance of preserving our architectural & cultural legacy

• Agreement with Lamp Rynearson related to water treatment plant roof replacement project [Funding: Water Rates - $55,000]
• Change Order #2 with Mega KC for the Dry Fork Greenway Project [Funding: ARPA - $32,367.18]
• Resolution of Support for Local Government Week - including cities, counties & school districts all play a vital role in providing essential services & programs, fostering strong communities people are proud to call home
• Agreement with Kearney R-1 School District regarding Swim Pool Rental for school swim team practice [Potential Revenue: Community Center $17,780]
• Special Use Permit for Short-term rental @ 2206 Wornall Road
• Text Amendment of zoning ordinance related to Reasonable Accommodations - To be consistent with the ADA & the Fair Housing Act, a proposed process to request reasonable accommodations from land use regulations has been created, providing an individual with a disability or developers of housing for an individual or individuals with a disability flexibility in applying land use & zoning regulations. The flexibility can include modification or waiver of specific requirements when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to housing opportunities.
• Readopting Procedure to Disclose Potential Conflicts of Interest - The proper operation of government requires that public officials & employees be independent, impartial & responsible to the people; that government decisions & policy be made in the proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; & that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established a procedure for disclosure by certain officials & employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the City.

Thrive Lunch n Learn - Meal planning on budget

SHOP LOCAL LATE - Downtown businesses are staying open until 7-8pm to create an engaging shopping experience for locals and visitors

Camp Virtual Training - Commission Assistance & Mentoring Program (CAMP) presented by the National Alliance of Preservaton Commissions & Hospted by the City of ES. To Register www.cityofesmo.com/camp

• 8:30-8:45 Welcome & Introduction
• 8:45-9:45 Legal Basics
• 9:45-10:45 Design Review Exercise
• 11-12 Meeting Procedures
• 12-12:15 Wrap-up

Missouri Local Government Week - This week is an ideal time to thank your local officials & local government employees for their dedication to keeping your community vibrant.

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - John Potter, Assistant Fire Chief/Training Officer - 31 yrs; Camron White, Deputy Fire Chief - 25 yrs; Jacob Ulmer, Construction Services & Jason Griffin, Police Officer - 3 yrs; Navaeh Happy-Zucca, Adam Hoffman & Ryne Marcum, Lifeguards - 2 yrs; Ryder Rempel, EMT, Elizabeth Halsey, Lifeguard, & Laura McCoy, Group Fitness Instructor - 1 yr.

We are mourning the loss of an important member of our Public Works team - Mike Hearrold, Water Treatment Plant Operator for 11 years, died last week after a short illness. Condolences to his family & co-workers.

Captain Robert Warner has officially graduated from the prestigious NW University Center for Public Safety's School of Police Staff & Command. This nationally recognized program, is renowed for developing law enforcement leaders through rigorous academic & practical training in leadership, management, & public safety strategies.

• MoDOT inspects city bridges every other year & closed the 143rd street bridge due to safety concerns. We have sought funds to replace the bridge unsuccessfully in the past. Estimates for replacement - $816,000.
• Registration for the CEC conference is open & over 50 early registrations have been received so far.
• Thrive Excelsior is a grassroots effort to improve the performance of our community & the people who lead & live here. Thrive operates within a framework to guide how we identify & address our weaknesses & celebrate our strengths. Please take the Citizen's Survey! www.thriveexcelsior.com
• The City Council is accepting applications for Board & Commission members - Current Board vacancies are Board of Zoning Adjustment, Community Center Board, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Zoning Commission.

I've only lived in ES for 2.5 years but I honestly love this place. I've met more good down to earth people in such a short time. Legit, no complaints. Definitely go to Ventana, then a walk around town. Get a round of golf & then dinner at Wabash in hopes there was a live band, overnight at the Elms. Wake up & walk to Springs for breakfast & head back to Elms for a couples massage. Lunch at Rays & dessert Dari-B. Read it on FB.