Aging Initiatives, Emergency Preparedness, and Health Insurance Changes Lead March 3 Council Agenda

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (March 3, 2025) – Public safety, housing policy, and city employee benefits dominated discussions at the March 3 council meeting. Officials approved a new fire training rental agreement, renewed a partnership with the school district for storm shelters, granted a special use permit for a short-term rental, and finalized changes to city employee health insurance.

Visitor’s Forum

During the public comment portion of Monday’s City Council meeting, resident Tim Logston voiced frustrations about ongoing issues with his neighbor’s property. However, his remarks lacked a clear request for council action.

Logston claimed that a large outdoor fire last spring caused smoke damage to his home, requiring costly cleaning. He also alleged that his neighbor’s property has long been a source of mold, debris and carpenter ants, which he believes stem from improperly disposed materials. Logston expressed frustration with the city’s response to his complaints, stating that an inspector visited the property but did not take his concerns seriously.

City officials acknowledged Logston’s comments but did not take immediate action.

Presentation – Communities For All Ages Program Update

Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize updated the City Council on the city’s progress in the Communities for All Ages program, an initiative led by the Mid-America Regional Council to help cities implement age-friendly policies.

Excelsior Springs has achieved Gold Level status in the program by incorporating age-conscious planning into city policies, particularly through the Parks and Recreation Department’s 2021 strategic plan. Mize highlighted the ongoing efforts of the ES Aging Well task force, which brings together professionals and residents to address issues such as senior technology assistance, transportation, home modifications, and social engagement.

Notable initiatives include a grant-funded senior technology education program, the return of the Snow Angels program for residents needing help with snow removal, and the upcoming “Silver Prom” on April 12. The city is also working to improve access to fresh food and launch a meal delivery program for homebound seniors.

Mize emphasized that achieving Gold Level status is not an endpoint but a foundation for continued efforts to make Excelsior Springs a more inclusive and accessible community for residents of all ages.

Read more about the Community for All Ages program by clicking here.

Fire Training Usage Agreement

Council approved a Fire Training Facility Usage Agreement, establishing guidelines for outside agencies that wish to use the city’s new fire training tower.

Fire Chief Joe Maddick presented the agreement, which outlines the scheduling, usage terms, and liability waivers for agencies renting the facility. While a fee schedule has not yet been finalized, Maddick said research is ongoing to determine appropriate rates before rentals begin.

Council members praised the new training facility as a major asset for the community, noting that its advanced design and custom-built training features set it apart from standard manufactured towers. Officials also highlighted the facility’s potential to aid firefighter recruitment efforts by offering high-quality local training opportunities.

The agreement allows the fire chief or a designated representative to execute rental contracts. The council unanimously approved the resolution.

Memorandum of Understanding with the Excelsior Springs School District for the FEMA Safe Room

Excelsior Springs residents will continue to have access to FEMA-designated safe rooms during severe weather, thanks to a renewed agreement between the city and the Excelsior Springs School District.

Fire Chief Joe Maddick presented the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the City Council on Monday, explaining that the agreement remains unchanged from the previous year, with the addition of Lewis Elementary as a designated safe room. Under the terms of the MOU, the Excelsior Springs Fire Department will manage public access to the shelters outside of school hours, while the district’s Director of Safety and Security will oversee their use during the school day.

The agreement also protects the city from liability and establishes a plan for developing standard operating procedures for shelter operations. The ordinance was unanimously approved.

Special Use Permit for Short-Term Rental at 817 Rowell Street

A home on Rowell Street will soon operate as a short-term rental after the City Council approved a Special Use Permit (SUP-25-001) for the property at 817 Rowell Street during Monday’s meeting.

The permit, requested by Fountain of Humber 3, LLC, allows the single-family home to be used as a short-term rental, such as an Airbnb or VRBO. Because the property is located outside the city’s designated Downtown Tourist Area, the owner was required to obtain a special use permit and meet zoning requirements.

Community Development Director Melinda Mehaffy explained that the property meets all necessary site standards, including two off-street parking spaces and compliance with the city’s 1,000-foot separation requirement from other short-term rentals.

Some neighbors raised concerns about street parking, particularly along a curve in the road. However, city staff noted that the property has two separate driveways, allowing parking to remain on-site. Additionally, the property owner, who lives nearby, provided his contact information to address any future concerns.

The council approved the permit for an initial two-year period, after which it will be reviewed for renewal.

Amendment to Section 400.240 of the Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Uses

Excelsior Springs homeowners in agricultural districts will now be allowed to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties after the City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 25-03-03 on Monday.

ADUs—commonly referred to as “mother-in-law houses” or secondary dwellings—were previously permitted only in R-1, R-1A, and R-2 residential districts. The amendment expands their use to properties in the Agricultural (A) District, as long as a primary residence is already on the property.

Community Development Director Melinda Mehaffy explained that ADUs are becoming increasingly popular as multi-generational living arrangements grow in demand. More families are using these smaller units to house aging parents, provide space for young adults, or create additional living flexibility.

The ordinance also clarifies that detached ADUs must be located behind the primary residence’s front building line, ensuring consistent development standards across all zoning districts.

The amendment came as a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission before receiving final approval from the council.

Client Service Agreement with USI Insurance Services LLC

City employees will see changes to their health insurance coverage after the City Council approved Resolution No. 1555 on Monday, securing USI Insurance Services LLC as the city’s insurance consultant.

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the city is switching insurance carriers to Cigna this year, a move expected to save approximately $300,000. However, the new plan comes with higher out-of-pocket costs for employees. To offset this, the city is implementing a gap program, which reduces employees’ out-of-pocket expenses to a level similar to their previous plan.

USI Insurance Services will manage this gap coverage program and assist with benefits administration, compliance guidance, and claims resolution. The city will pay USI a $36,000 consulting fee, which is included in the overall insurance premium. While USI will also receive commissions through the policy, McGovern clarified that the city will incur no additional cost beyond the $36,000 fee.

With no objections from council members, the resolution passed unanimously.