point of view

Grandma used to say, "Sometimes you have to hug the people you don't like so you know how big to dig the hole in your backyard." Humor & playfulness play a crucial role in effective leadership, as demonstrated by Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs' new president of basketball operations, who was known to use humor as a strategic tool to connect with his players & create a supportive & innovative team culture based on trust, writes executive coach Ken Norton. "Ditch the 'Serious Leader' costume. Show up as the real you -- the one who's learning, laughing, improvising & not afraid to be a little ridiculous. That's who people will trust."

Monday, 6pm - City Council Meeting

Wednesday, 7:45am - Coffee Connect; Noon - Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, 11:30am - West Gate Regional Meeting; SHOP LOCAL LATE

City Council administers oath of office to Deputy City Clerk Susan Conyers; proclaim Mental Health Awareness Month highlighting "Strength in Connection" & National Public Works Week highlights "People, Purpose, Presence";

• considers 2025-26 Liquor Licenses for 33 businesses generating $18,262.50 in license fees for General Fund;
• Task Order with McClure Engineering related to 2025 Sanitary Sewer lining & rehab project [Funding $195,235 WRDA Grant & CIP Sales Tax 25%];
• consider Board Appointments to fulfill the unexpired terms - Betty Bissell to Planning & Zoning; John Clark to BZA; Cindy Spellman to Park & Recreation; Keith Winge to Community Center Board & MU Extension; & Appointments for new terms - Greg Broadbent, Sherri Branson-Hurt, & Terri Irons to Parks & Recreation, & Financials for April.

Coffee Connect - State Elected Officials share a highlight from this year's legislative session that had a meaningful & positive impact on Clay County.

West Gate Regional Meeting - hosted by City of Grandview providing an opportunity for municipal officials to hear legislative wrap-up

Shop Local Late - downtown businesses staying open until 7 or 8 pm to create an engaging experience for locals & visitors

Celebrating work anniversaries this week - Kurtis Willimetz, Firefighter Paramedic - 16 years; Johnna Craven, Bus Driver - 13 years; Jaylenn Hudlemeyer, Fitness Attendant - 4 years; Leslie Vassmer, Lifeguard - 3 years; Deagen Barber, Wellness Cafe Supervisor - 2 years; Maverick Davis & Kennedy Martin, Lifeguards, & Marquez McCant, Wellness Cafe Server - 1 year.

Highlighting community leaders serving on Board of Zoning Adjustment - Tray Harkins, Dr. Nick Houk, Rocky McLaughlin, Dr. Kent Powell & Cindy Spellman & alternates Brent McElwee & Jody Pasalich. Thank you for your leadership & good judgement in deciding matters of practical difficulties or hardships in applying zoning regulations.

The graduation of Thrive Excelsior Citizen's Leadership Academy was this week. It was such a fun event with many inspirational quotes from the graduates, & celebrating the 50th graduate. The series explores leadership strengths & weaknesses, long-range planning, building connections with community leaders, introduction to different data sets used to guide decisions happening throughout the city & a deep dive on topics ranging from community health/wellness issues, to public safety, economic vitality, housing & more local issues. The goal of the academy is to educate future leaders, giving citizens an avenue for learning more about the inner workings of the city. Even if someone isn't interested in running for an office or serving on a commission, the academy gives a great overview & understanding of the community as a whole. DEP, Chamber & City reps were present to explain what volunteer opportunities were available.

• House Bill 199 was passed this week & will be signed into law in August. State Representative Mark Meirath introduced this bill that enables the city to use city tax dollars to revive the mineral water wells. The Friends of the Wells are testing the lithia well to see if it is viable.
• Work is progressing on the Dry Fork Greenway; this week focused on installation of storm drains for overflow basins & dealing with utility line conflicts; the box culvert replacing the low-water bridge is in place.
• Storm drain pipe collapsed near intersection of Kimberly & Wornall, pipe was ordered & has been received, the work has been scheduled to start when school is out.
• The pool & splash park are ready for health inspection, lifeguard training will occur this weekend & we hope to be ready to open next week. The Community Center is marketing their summer student specials with a Kickoff on 5/22 celebrating School's Out for the Summer with Food Trucks. Eighty kids have signed up for Mermaid classes.
• Police Department was awarded a grant in partnership with DEP to install cameras on Broadway.
• Find the music this summer, Lyrics on the Lawn begins Friday, June 6th until September 12, 6-9pm on the Hall of Waters Lawn & the ES Golf Course is hosting a summer series, "Tunes on the Tee" Saturdays from 4-7pm under the pavilion. Both feature FREE live music, food & drink.

Apple pear pizza @ Willow Spring Mercantile. Siloam Mountain wooden hiking trail. Piburn Field walking trail. Hot bacon dip & Soup de jour @ Willow Springs. Wild Bunch. Fried mushrooms @ Wabash. Breakfast @ Ray's. Strolling the shops downtown. New Age Skincare Spa for some relaxation & pampering. Ventana for exquisite entrees & great wine list, the BEST burrata appetizer & outstanding cheesecakes. Ventana for Prime Rib & smoked chicken dip. BBQ @ Wabash. Slightly Off Broadway, dance lesson @ One Step at a Time. Day pass @ Community Center to include pools/hot tub. Other Trails Coffee Shop. Museum to learn some local history. Dari-B. Festivals. Massage @ the Grotto at the Elms. Trolley Wine Tour. Splash Park. Bowling. Visit every little shop on Broadway & Thompson, they are all unique. Casa di Vite for a glass of wine. Suggestions on FB on a few of your favorite things.