Watch a full replay of the April 15, 2024, City Council meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Highlights from the April 15, 2024, Excelsior Springs City Council Meeting.
Consideration of 2024 Liquor Licenses for Fast Zone and Huey’s Hidden Vault
Excelsior Springs Police Chief Gregory Dull, who also serves as the city’s liquor control officer, presented two liquor license considerations, both approved unanimously. The first was for the soon-to-open Fast Zone, located at 960 Isley Blvd, also known as “the Old John’s Super.” The second consideration was for a new endeavor, Huey’s Hidden Vault, located at 109 E. Broadway Ave.
Presentation – DEP’s Annual Report and Placer.ai Annual Report
Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) Director Lyndsey Baxter presented the DEP and Placer.ai annual reports. Baxter’s report outlined several key achievements and future plans for Downtown Excelsior Springs. Here are the main takeaways:
Community and Economic Development:
- DEP focused on revitalizing downtown with significant economic development, cultural enhancement, and community engagement efforts.
- They successfully introduced new public spaces and hosted events to strengthen community bonds.
Financial Highlights:
- For every $1 invested by the city, DEP raised an additional $9.60.
- Despite a slight decrease in taxable retail sales compared to 2022, there has been a substantial increase since establishing the Community Improvement District (CID).
- Over $208,800 was spent on marketing the downtown district.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism:
- DEP reported 8,392 volunteer hours, which shows strong community involvement.
- Numerous events and projects were supported by these volunteer efforts.
Organizational Growth:
- The organization experienced a net gain in businesses, although there was a loss of full-time equivalents due to closures, particularly in the restaurant sector.
Visitor and Digital Engagement:
- Significant online engagement was noted with over 213,728 website visitors and considerable social media reach.
- DEP’s events attracted many visitors, indicating effective promotional strategies.
Future Plans:
- Plans for 2024 include enhancing business recruitment, continuing downtown beautification projects, and increasing the number of events and cultural activities.
- Strategic initiatives like the development of Lithia Landing and increased marketing efforts are also highlighted.
Consideration of Personnel Policy Amendments
City Manager Molly McGovern presented changes to the Personnel Policy for the city. Changes included.
- Department heads can now decide whether to provide merit increases on the promotion or hire date anniversary.
- Update on shift differential to reflect current 12-hour shifts.
- Discharged employees to receive wages at the time of exit.
- Requirement for a certificate to work for individuals under 18.
- Employees can accrue vacation days and get paid out four times a year instead of the previous twice yearly.
- Correction of a typo in the bereavement leave policy.
- Inclusion of the previously approved drug and alcohol policy.
- Addition of the cemetery sexton to public works positions.
March 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for Review
Vonda Floyd, Finance Director, presented the March 2024 Revenue Report and financials for review.
Total Expenditures were $2,094,843.00
Total revenues received were $2,691,419.91
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