City Council, Planning Commission Review Future Growth During Special Excelsior Springs Meeting

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Dec. 8, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs City Council held an unusual but full agenda Monday evening, convening a special session in place of its typical session due to the Thanksgiving holiday, followed immediately by a joint work session with the Planning and Zoning Commission focused on the city’s long‑term comprehensive plan.

A special session to keep business moving

Council opened the special meeting at 5:33 p.m. with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then quickly moved through a compact agenda designed to keep routine business on schedule despite the holiday disruption.

Council approved minutes from the Nov. 14 special meeting and the Nov. 17 regular meeting before unanimously adopting the evening’s agenda.

Hall of Waters cleaning contract approved

Council unanimously approved Resolution 1626, awarding the 2026 Hall of Waters cleaning services contract to Mayday Cleaning LLC, the city’s current provider.

City staff reported that two proposals were submitted through the request for proposals process. Mayday Cleaning was the low bidder at $16,620, compared to $18,360 from the second bidder. The contract will run from Jan. 2 through Dec. 31, 2026.

Audit engagement moves forward

Council also approved Resolution 1627, authorizing an engagement agreement with Forvis Mazars LLP to conduct the city’s annual audit.

Finance staff explained that Missouri law requires annual audits for general purpose governments to ensure transparency, accountability and proper stewardship of taxpayer funds. Fiscal year 2023 will mark the firm’s third consecutive audit for the city, with auditors already beginning on‑site work this week.

Zoning code updates advance

Council approved three separate zoning text amendments, each recommended by the Planning Commission, aimed at modernizing the city’s development regulations.

The first amendment revised where motor vehicle sales and fuel sales are permitted, moving new vehicle sales and fuel stations to C‑3 districts and requiring special use permits for used auto sales in C‑3 and M‑1 districts. City staff emphasized the change would not affect any existing businesses.

Council then approved an ordinance establishing regulations for temporary overnight warming centers, creating a clear process for churches or other organizations to operate cold‑weather shelters while meeting safety and coordination requirements.

A third ordinance formally defined sober living facilities within the city code and established standards for registration, separation distances, and enforcement.

All three ordinances passed unanimously after second readings.

Council remarks and adjournment

During closing remarks, council members shared seasonal well‑wishes and recognized the work of city staff during the season’s first significant snowfall. Longtime public servants were also acknowledged, including Brad Smith, Joe Maddock, and Nate Williams, for their years of service.

The special session adjourned before the council transitioned into a joint work session with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

A deep dive into the city’s future

The joint work session centered on an in‑depth update to Excelsior Springs’ comprehensive plan, a document more than a year in the making that will guide growth and development for the next two decades.

Consultants with Olsen walked council and planning commissioners through the structure of the plan, which includes seven core sections ranging from community vision and land‑use frameworks to transportation, growth strategy, and implementation timelines.

The update emphasized recurring themes identified through public engagement, including the desire for better pedestrian connectivity, expanded recreational opportunities, a stronger local retail base, and clearer communication about the city’s direction.

Conceptual illustrations highlighted potential long‑term opportunities, including redevelopment near the airport, intergenerational housing concepts near the hospital and First United Methodist Church, expanded neighborhood‑scale retail along key corridors, and additional activation of downtown public spaces.

Consultants stressed that the concepts are intentionally flexible and aspirational, intended to spark discussion and guide future investment rather than dictate exact outcomes.

City staff indicated the draft plan will be shared with council and planning commissioners for further review before moving toward formal adoption in early 2026. Once adopted, the plan will serve as a reference point for evaluating development proposals, capital investments, and policy decisions.

The work session concluded without formal action, setting the stage for continued discussion as the city prepares to finalize its next comprehensive plan.