Point of View

When the hobo told Andy he should just let Opie decide for himself how he wanted to live… Andy said, "No, I'm afraid it don't work that way. You can't let a young’n decide for himself. He'll grab at the first flashy thing with shiny ribbons on it. Then when he finds out there's a hook in it, it's too late. Wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter that it's hard to convince them that other things might be better in the long run. All a parent can do is say 'Wait' & 'Trust me' & try to keep temptation away."

CCPHC recommends > age 12+ get vaccinated; No masks/social distancing if vaccinated.

Monday, 4PM - Capital Improvements Authority

Tuesday, 9AM - Community Foundation; 10:30-11:30 AM - Free Blood Pressure Check @ ESCC; 3PM - Community Center; 4PM - Municipal Court

Wednesday, 8AM -1PM/4-6PM - Farmer's Market @ ESCC; 5PM - Historic Preservation

Thursday, 11AM ES Redevelopment Corporation; 6PM - MU Extension Get Involved, Smithville

Friday, 7:30 AM - Council Work Session;

Saturday, 2PM - MU Extension Get Involved, NKC

Capital Improvement Authority/Transportation Trust considers Salt Barn Partial CIP Funding Request, Sander/Salt Spreader TT Funding Request. Community Foundation hears investment presentation, logo & website development. Community Center review scope & schedule, design development package for site design, aquatic design, architecture & next steps. Historic Preservation Commission reviews approved COA @ 216 Spring Street for Stucco Garage & Paint. MU Extension Youth Programming in your community, Seeking Community Engagement (ways to participate or volunteer). City Council agenda under development includes Annual Audit Presentation, HHHW Agreement with MARC, Renew Marketing Agreement, Amend Lamp Rynearson Agreement, BRIC approve authorized agent, Ambulance Purchase, Code Review for Fire, Property Maintenance, Pool

Celebrating Work Anniversaries this week: Police Sgt. Brian Kennedy - 23 years; PT Firefighter/ Paramedic Kenny Slavens - 15 years; CC Group Fitness Instructors Pamela Sanders & Theresa Happy, Youth & Family Manager Marie Mawby, Fitness Attendant Crystal Coakley - 5 Years; CC Child Watch Attendant Tristan Sykes - 2 years.

The recently passed Wayfair state legislation requires cities with a use tax to notify the public that the Wayfair provision will be going into effect 1/1/2023. The Use Tax is imposed on internet sales & levels the playing field for traditional retail businesses.

I often hear, "Why doesn't the City repair the old buildings?" The answer might not be the same for each building, but the first question is, "who owns the building?" The owner is responsible for the condition of their building. If the building is dangerous, the City has a responsibility to protect the public from a known danger, & can order the owner to eliminate the danger. Many times, the owner isn't actively looking for a viable use for their building, which can be a blight on the neighborhood. The City can assist owners of abandoned property with marketing & connecting with incentives or experienced developers. Generally, the proposed use provides the financial wherewithal to pay for the improvements needed. So, there is value in working together with the neighborhood, experienced professionals, & the City's Development Team to put vacant/underused buildings back to productive use. Sometimes, it can be better to mothball a building until conditions are right for development. Downtown ES is a good example of what can happen when a placemaking vision is defined, a property owner puts the first toe in the water to renovate a building & attracts a mix of retail & housing that provides a return on that investment. The momentum that followed produced an energy to attract investors & shoppers alike.

If you're up for a round of golf, grab your clubs & head to the ES Golf Course. The public course is one of the best in the KC metro. If golf is not your game, explore more than 90 acres of parkland, featuring 17 parks & three walking trails. Anglers can try their luck at several fresh water areas in town. Read on missouriwine.org.

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