Excelsior Springs, Mo (January 5, 2026) — The Excelsior Springs City Council held its first meeting of the new year on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Hall of Waters Council Chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John presided in the absence of Mayor Mark Spohn. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor David Bourdeaux of Crescent Lake Christian Center, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmembers Reggie St. John, John McGovern, and Stephen Spear were present, Gary Renne attended via Zoom, and Mayor Mark Spohn was absent. No public comments were made. Minutes from the December 15, 2025, meeting were approved, as was the agenda for the evening.
Fire Training Facility Fee Schedule Established
The first item of business was Ordinance No. 26-01-01, establishing usage fees for the Excelsior Springs Fire Training Facility.
Fire Chief Joe Maddick explained that neighboring fire departments have expressed interest in using the new facility for training exercises, and a fee schedule will help the city recover maintenance and operational costs.
Proposed rates range from $1,000 for a four-hour session to $2,250 for an all-day session, with additional fees for using instructors, hydrants, props, and specialized training equipment. Maddick noted that the rates may be adjusted later as the department gains a better understanding of maintenance and replacement costs. The ordinance passed on second reading and took effect immediately.
Meals and a Visit Program Agreement Finalized
Council approved Ordinance No. 26-01-02, authorizing an agreement with Clay County Senior Services (CCSS) to fund and launch the city’s new Meals and a Visit Program (MVP).
Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the program will deliver nutritious meals and companionship to homebound seniors, with the first deliveries scheduled for January 12, 2026.
The partnership provides $21,000 in CCSS grant funding to support program staffing. Tammy Murphy was hired as the new Meals and a Visit Coordinator to oversee deliveries and volunteers, while Jesse Hall and hospital staff have helped organize logistics. Councilmembers commended staff for developing a program that addresses a growing community need.
Water Treatment Plant Improvements Move Forward
The council next approved Resolution No. 1630, authorizing an $85,000 engineering services agreement with Lamp Rynearson, Inc. for design work on the Water Treatment Plant’s Lime Slaker Replacement Project.
Public Works Director Chad Birdsong said the project includes replacing the existing lime slaker with a new system, rehabilitating the lime silo, and removing outdated equipment.
Total project costs are estimated at $556,124, including a 15% contingency. Funding will come from the Water Fund’s reserves, though staff continue to pursue federal infrastructure grants through the Army Corps of Engineers. The design phase is expected to take five months, with construction to follow later in 2026.
Consultant Selected for Isley Neighborhood Preservation Plan
Council approved Resolution No. 1631, selecting Planning 2 Preserve, LLC as the consultant to prepare the Isley Neighborhood Historic Preservation Plan.
Community Development Director Mallory Brown said the plan will guide reinvestment and long-term preservation efforts for one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
The $42,558 project is funded in part by a $25,300 federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant, with the remainder covered by local matching funds. The consultant will begin work once state registration paperwork is finalized, and the plan is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Liquor License Approved for Y Liquor Ownership Change
A new liquor license was approved for Y Liquor, located at 1742 W. Jesse James Road, following a change in ownership. Community Development staff confirmed that background checks and state licensing requirements were satisfied.
Police Department Equipment and Facility Updates
Police Chief Greg Dull presented several items related to department operations and equipment upgrades, all funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax.
- Resolution No. 1632 – Approved the upfitting of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor with lights, sirens, cameras, and safety equipment by KCOM for $19,134.34. Dull noted turnaround times have improved significantly, from up to a year previously to just a few months.Resolution No. 1633 – Authorized new agreements with outside law enforcement agencies for use of the police shooting range for training and qualifications.
- Resolution No. 1634 – Approved destruction of outdated police records from 1990–2017, in compliance with state records retention laws, following digitization of permanent files.
- Resolution No. 1635 – Authorized a five-year, $134,321 agreement with Axon Enterprise for the purchase and cloud storage of 10 body-worn cameras and eight in-car dash cameras. This marks the department’s first use of body cameras.
The new system syncs with officers’ tasers and vehicle cameras for automatic activation and will enhance transparency, evidence collection, and officer safety. The first-year cost is $26,684, with annual payments thereafter.
Animal Control Fee Updates Tabled
The council discussed Ordinance No. 26-01-03, which proposed updating animal control fees and repealing the city’s requirement for pet licenses.
While members agreed that the fee schedule needed revision, Councilman John McGovern expressed concern about eliminating pet licensing, citing its role in monitoring rabies vaccinations.
City Manager Molly McGovern said staff are preparing updates to the city’s rabies ordinance and will bring back a coordinated proposal. The ordinance was tabled unanimously for further study.
Revised Nuisance Ordinance Adopted
Council approved Ordinance No. 26-01-04, revising the city’s chronic nuisance properties ordinance. The update modernizes enforcement procedures, adds protections for compliant tenants and victims, and lowers the threshold for addressing repeated disturbances or illegal activities. The ordinance was developed in consultation with City Attorney Paul Campos and Community Development Director Mallory Brown.
Council and Staff Remarks
During closing remarks, City Manager Molly McGovern announced that Excelsior Springs has been shortlisted among 16 Missouri communities for the Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase. Residents can vote online through February 1, with the top five cities to receive promotional videos and podcasts.
Councilman Gary Renne praised the city for opening its fire training facility and police shooting range to outside departments, and noted that neighbors are excited for the Meals and a Visit launch.
Councilman John McGovern expressed condolences to Chamber of Commerce President Brian Rice and his family for the passing of his father, Steve Rice, a former Public Works employee.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John recognized Downtown Director Lyndsey Baxter for 11 years leading Downtown Excelsior Partnership, and reflected on the city’s 2025 accomplishments, calling the stage set “for an even better 2026.”
Councilman Stephen Spear briefly discussed the upcoming $216 million in new state funding for rural hospitals, with optimism that Excelsior Springs Hospital might benefit.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
