Backyard Chickens, Trash Service, and Firefighters’ Contract Fill Packed Council Agenda

Visitor’s Forum

During the visitor’s forum at the Dec. 16 Excelsior Springs City Council meeting, Doug Perry, a local resident and self-described pastor, delivered a five-minute speech outlining various activities associated with his ministry. Perry discussed his group’s past efforts to develop a tiny home community, their operation of multiple mobile homes in the area, and the establishment of a thrift store and food pantry.

Perry, who described his focus on community outreach, detailed his organization’s collection and distribution of donated items, including medical supplies, emergency gear, and food. He also announced plans to lease a new space for small-scale events and community gatherings.

The presentation, which ranged from operational updates to theological commentary, concluded after Perry exceeded his allotted time. The council thanked him for his comments but did not respond or take action.

Board Appointment to Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved the appointment of Dan Carder to the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee during its Dec. 16 meeting.

Carder will serve until Sept. 30, 2027, filling a term left vacant by the resignation of Brad Eales. 

The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee monitors the use of funds generated by the city’s public safety sales tax, ensuring they are allocated as intended.

Compact Track Loader Purchase

Council approved the purchase of a new John Deere 325G Compact Track Loader for the Parks Division during its Dec. 16 meeting. The equipment will be purchased from Heritage Tractor in Smithville at a net cost of $35,500.

The new loader, priced at $72,500, is offset by a $37,000 trade-in value for the Parks Division’s current John Deere 325G Compact Track Loader, purchased in 2020. The loader, which has logged approximately 1,650 hours of use, is replaced every five years under the department’s equipment schedule.

The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed and approved the purchase on Dec. 3. Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Director Nate Williams emphasized the loader’s daily use in maintaining parks and completing projects.

Agreement with AYSO

Council approved an agreement with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to enhance the city’s Tigers ‘N Training Soccer program.

The agreement will bring AYSO-certified coaches and a proven curriculum to the program, which serves young soccer players in the community. Under the partnership, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Department will continue handling registrations and marketing efforts.

Parks Director Nate Williams highlighted that the collaboration with AYSO aims to provide a higher-quality experience for participants, leveraging AYSO’s expertise in youth soccer development.

Cardiac Monitors Purchase

Council approved the purchase of three Lifepak 35 cardiac monitors, a $122,966.19 investment in state-of-the-art medical equipment.

The purchase will be funded using $90,000 from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ARPA Grant to Ambulance Services, with the remaining $32,966.19 covered by previously awarded local ARPA funds.

The Lifepak 35, released this year, represents the latest technology in cardiac monitoring and is designed to enhance patient care and treatment monitoring. Two older monitors will be traded in as part of the purchase, allowing the department to equip three ambulances with the new monitors while reallocating existing units to two fire pumpers.

Stryker Medical was selected as the sole feasible source for the equipment, with pricing obtained through the SAVVIK contract.

Construction of a Retaining Wall in the Police Department Parking Lot

Council authorized a $53,615 project to construct a retaining wall in the police department parking lot.

The wall’s construction will expand the parking lot, allowing for better maneuverability of police and service vehicles. Public Works will handle the project as part of the ongoing repaving efforts in the area.

Funding will be drawn from the police department’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, which will be fully expended by this project. Police Chief Gregory Dull underscored the necessity of the upgrade to accommodate the department’s operational demands.

Republic Services Contract Extension

Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 1544 during its Dec. 16 meeting, extending the city’s contract with Republic Services for an additional three years (Read more here). The extension ensures trash and recycling services will continue under Republic’s management until June 2028.

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong highlighted improvements Republic Services plans to implement in response to past service issues, including transitioning back to a five-day pickup schedule starting Jan. 6, 2025. The company also agreed to provide a written addendum guaranteeing the continuation of the five-day schedule, addressing a primary concern raised by council members and residents.

Other planned changes include a replacement cart program, reintroduction of a “not-out list” to track missed pickups, and measures to reduce cart damage caused by collection vehicles. Council members expressed optimism that these adjustments would resolve issues that began with the implementation of a one-day “blast pickup” schedule in 2023.

Birdsong also noted the contract includes a termination clause, allowing the city to end the agreement if service improvements are not maintained.

The resolution passed with all council members voting in favor.

Amendment to Sections 400.080 & 400.240 of the Municipal Code

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved Ordinance No. 24-12-04 during its Dec. 16 meeting, amending Sections 400.080 and 400.240 of the municipal code to align with new regulations permitting backyard chickens in certain situations.

The ordinance reduces the minimum acreage required for agricultural lots from 10 acres to the previous threshold of 5 acres, simplifying requirements for property owners. This change restores the definition of “agriculture” to its pre-2022 standard, allowing the raising of livestock and poultry on smaller parcels while maintaining consistency with other zoning regulations.

The council’s decision follows months of deliberation and public feedback, including a July 2024 amendment permitting backyard chickens under specific conditions. The Planning and Zoning Commission supported these changes during an October study session, and city staff recommended the adjustments to ensure alignment across the municipal code.

With the amendments, single-family residential districts now recognize “backyard chickens” as an accessory use under Section 400.240. Setback requirements for pens or concentrations of poultry have also been adjusted to reflect standards outlined in Section 210.125 of the city code.

Amendment to Chapter 210 of the Municipal Code Regarding Animals and Fowl

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved Ordinance No. 24-12-05 during its Dec. 16 meeting, revising Chapter 210 of the municipal code to clarify regulations regarding livestock, backyard chickens, and small animals. The changes aim to balance urban and agricultural interests while maintaining public health and safety standards.

Key Changes Include:

• Livestock Provisions:
  Section 210.120 was amended to restrict the keeping of livestock within 150 feet of buildings occupied by humans, except for the owner’s dwelling. The ordinance also caps livestock density at one animal per two acres on agricultural land and limits non-commercial properties to two animals.
• Backyard Chickens Requirements:
  Under Section 210.125, chickens may now be kept on single-family lots of at least 8,712 square feet (0.20 acres). For properties designated as agricultural use, the regulations for small animals and fowl in pens under Section 210.130 will apply instead.
• Small Animals and Fowl Setbacks:
  Section 210.130 established a 150-foot setback for coops, pens, or hutches from human-occupied buildings and a 25-foot setback from property lines. Animals and fowl must remain fully enclosed, except for specific exemptions like homing pigeons.

City staff and planning consultants emphasized that the updates align with the recently adopted backyard chickens ordinance and existing zoning regulations, ensuring consistent standards.

353 Tax Abatement for 205 S Kansas City Avenue

Council approved a Chapter 353 tax abatement for Peter and Veronica Meeks during its Dec. 16 meeting. The abatement will support improvements to their property at 205 S. Kansas City Ave., located within the Hall of Waters Historic District.

The two-story residential property, previously a rental, is being remodeled for use as a short-term rental. Planned upgrades include a new deck, roof, gutters, porch columns, siding, and interior renovations, along with mini-split heating and cooling units. The property is considered a non-contributing structure within the historic district.

Replacing the synthetic siding with wood-based siding qualifies the project for an extended tax abatement period. Under the city’s Residential Guidelines, the Meeks’ investment of $65,819.39 makes them eligible for a 100% tax abatement for 10 years, followed by an additional 50% abatement for five years.

City staff and the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed and approved the renovation plans, ensuring compliance with building codes and historic design guidelines. Final approval of the abatement is contingent on the complete remediation of all blighted conditions at the property.

Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local No. 42

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved Ordinance No. 24-12-07 during its Dec. 16 meeting, ratifying a new collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 42, which represents employees of the Excelsior Springs Fire Department.

The agreement, effective from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027, includes a 14% adjustment to the pay scale and revisions to overtime calculations, with regular pay now based on 2,774 hours annually instead of 1,902 hours. Employees working 76 hours per 10-day period will achieve 100% of their monthly salary, with a guaranteed compensation rate of 95% for 72 hours of scheduled work.

Other key updates include a re-opener clause for wages, hours, or leave benefits and the formation of a personnel committee to review leave policies. City Manager Molly McGovern commended the negotiating teams for their work in reaching the agreement, emphasizing its role in maintaining strong relationships between the city and its firefighters​.

Amendments to the Personnel Manual

Council approved Ordinance No. 24-12-08, amending the city’s Personnel Manual to update overtime provisions for employees working 24-hour shifts.

The changes align hourly pay calculations with the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement for the Excelsior Springs Fire Department. Hourly pay for 24-hour shift employees will now be calculated as 1/2,774th of their annual salary.

Under the new structure, employees will be compensated at 95% of their monthly salary for 72 hours of scheduled work per 10-day period. Completing the full 76-hour schedule within the period will bring their total compensation to 100% of their monthly salary.

These amendments ensure consistency across city policies and provide clarity on pay practices for emergency services personnel.

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment

Ordinance No. 24-12-09 was approved, authorizing Budget Amendment #2 for Fiscal Year 2025. The amendment adjusts revenue and expenditure allocations to incorporate the updated salary schedule and compensation changes for the Fire Department, as outlined in the recently approved collective bargaining agreement.

The revisions ensure funding is aligned with the department’s 14% pay scale adjustment and new overtime calculation methodology. City Manager Molly McGovern noted that the adjustments maintain compliance with fiscal planning requirements while addressing negotiated changes.

The updated budget takes effect immediately.

Utility Surcharge Fee

Council approved Ordinance No. 24-12-10 during its Dec. 16 meeting, raising the city’s water utility revenue surcharge from 2.5% to 4%.

The surcharge compensates the city for managing utility rights-of-way, which support the placement and maintenance of service lines for water, gas, electric, phone, and cable utilities. This system helps maximize the use of developable land while maintaining service corridors at no cost to utility providers.

City Manager Molly McGovern highlighted that the increase aligns with the city’s efforts to cover overhead costs, infrastructure wear and tear, and related expenses associated with utility management. The revised surcharge will take effect immediately, with transfers to the General Fund occurring quarterly.

November 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for Review

the November 2024 Revenue Report and financials. The report detailed total revenues received for the month at $1,979,327.32, surpassing expenditures, which totaled $1,402,430.93.

Breakdown of Expenditures:

• Appropriations:
  • Nov. 7: $218,966.87
  • Nov. 14: ($71,900.78) (adjustment)
  • Nov. 21: $102,907.48
  • Nov. 27: $328,755.96
• Payroll:
  • Nov. 15: $418,570.07
  • Nov. 27: $405,131.33

The council accepted the report as part of its regular financial oversight.