Council Approves Trash Rate Cut, Business Code Updates, and Open Records Policy

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Sept. 2, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs City Council met Sept. 2, 2025, for a packed agenda that included budget oversight, zoning code amendments, public safety funding guidelines, and a decision to reduce residential trash rates. Council also heard from residents concerned about annexation proposals and wrapped up with remarks recognizing staff contributions and recent community losses.

At a Glance

• Annexation Questions Raised – Mosby-area residents asked for clarity on overlapping annexation efforts ahead of the November ballot.

• Audit Shows Strong Finances – The city earned a clean opinion with reserves steady and net position up $5.7 million.

• Public Safety Funds Clarified – Mission statements adopted for sales tax and settlement revenue.

• Local Boards Filled – Appointments made to Housing Authority, Downtown CID, and Kearney Road CID.

• Historic Elevator to be Modernized – $455,985 contract awarded for Hall of Waters project.

• New Payment Platform – City to launch electronic permitting and licensing payments.

• Trash Contract Adjusted – RedGate annual bulky-item pickup removed, lowering base rate (weekly scheduled pickup remains).

• Residents to See Trash Bill Drop – Monthly fee reduced from $25 to $23.50 beginning Oct. 1.

• Home Businesses and Farm Stands Permitted – Code changes bring the city in line with state law.

• Land-Use Appeals Tightened – New rules set timelines and finality for zoning denials.

• Springs Plaza Lot Replatted – Division allows easier sale of two vacant medical buildings.

• Utility Extensions Curbed – No new water or sewer outside the city without annexation.

• Sunshine Law Policy Updated – Ordinance aligns with state revisions, requires upfront fees.

• Closing Remarks – Council members shared thanks, travel notes, and condolences.

Visitors Question Annexation Plans

At the start of the meeting, residents from Mosby attended to ask about the city’s proposed annexation of land along the shared boundary. Representing the Cameron Road Association, David McClaskey told council members that neighbors were uncertain about how the annexation would appear on the November 4 ballot and confused by reports that both Excelsior Springs and Mosby planned to hold annexation votes on the same date. He asked how conflicting outcomes might be resolved and what conditions the ballot measure would actually include.

Mayor Mark Spohn explained that the public comment period was not the time for back-and-forth discussion, but encouraged McClaskey and his wife, Chris, to stay afterward for more detailed answers. The couple accepted the invitation and remained following adjournment to speak with city officials about what annexation might mean for their area.

As the election nears, city officials plan to provide a community listening post where residents can learn more, ask questions, and share their perspectives on the annexation process.

Audit Finds City Finances in Stable Condition

Council members also heard a full report on the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 audit, conducted by Forvis Mazars LLP with assistance from the finance department. Auditor Jacob Hullman explained that the review included both the city’s standard financial audit and a federally required “single audit” because Excelsior Springs spent about $1.4 million in federal funds during the year. Those programs included COVID-19 recovery allocations as well as public works and economic development grants.

Hullman said the city earned a clean audit opinion with no findings related to federal compliance. He noted steady improvements since the prior year, with internal control deficiencies dropping from four to three. He also highlighted the city’s adoption of a new lease accounting standard (GASB 87), which added about $300,000 in receivables to the books, and a shift to new software that better tracks capital assets.

Key financial indicators reflected a stable position. The General Fund carried an unassigned balance equal to 3.4 months of operating expenses. Roughly $1.9 million in unspent grant funding remained available for future projects. Meanwhile, the city’s overall net position rose from $45.8 million to $51.5 million, with the net position ratio improving from 46% to 52%.

Council members asked clarifying questions about how component units, such as the hospital, are included. Hullman explained that the hospital’s audit is incorporated as a separate but attached unit, while the primary focus remains on city operations.

Public Safety Mission Statements Provide Clarity

Resolution No. 1601 was approved unanimously, adopting three new mission statements for the city’s public safety funds. The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee recommended the statements to govern the city’s long-standing public safety sales tax, the newer marijuana sales tax, and opioid settlement funds.

Committee chair Jesse Hall said the statements were crafted to mirror the original ballot language and settlement agreements, ensuring that funds are directed toward eligible uses such as police, fire, emergency services, prevention, and recovery programs. He emphasized that the statements would help guide both current leaders and future councils in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Councilman John McGovern commended the oversight committee for its diligence, pointing out that the sales tax has been in place for more than two decades and continues to directly benefit every resident. Other members echoed that sentiment, saying the mission statements eliminate ambiguity in how public safety dollars are allocated.

Council Finalizes a Series of Appointments

The council approved four resolutions related to city boards and commissions. Resolution No. 1602 appointed Sonya Morgan to the Housing Authority Board to complete a vacated term. Resolution No. 1603 added Brenda Kilgore, a downtown business owner, to the Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) Board, replacing David Rhodus, who had served the maximum number of terms.

Resolution No. 1604 reappointed Keith Hudson to the Downtown CID Board, while Resolution No. 1605 reappointed Alan Johnson, Tim Cosens, and James Hilderbrand to the 1645 Kearney Road CID, which covers the Price Chopper development. Although those terms run until 2026, early action was taken to align appointments properly.

Hall of Waters Elevator to Be Modernized

One of the evening’s larger expenditures came with Resolution No. 1606, which awarded a $455,985 contract to MEI Total Elevator Solutions for the modernization of the Hall of Waters’ elevator. The unit, installed in 1980, has become increasingly unreliable, suffering frequent breakdowns and requiring expensive repairs. Replacement parts are now difficult to source.

The project, reviewed by A3G Architects, will replace the elevator’s internal systems and add a roof hatch to allow a crane to lower in the new unit.

The Capital Improvements Authority endorsed the project earlier this year, noting that the upgrade is essential for safety and accessibility in the landmark facility. Council members agreed, saying the work will provide reliable service for both city staff and visitors to the historic building.

New System to Handle Permit Payments

Resolution No. 1607 authorized a payment processing agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc., paving the way for the city to begin accepting electronic payments for permits and licenses through its CivicPlus software.

Community Development Director Mallory Brown told the council the agreement marks the last step before the new permitting platform launches later this month. During testing, staff will run mock payments to ensure the system operates correctly. Brown said the platform will accept most major payment types, except American Express, and could be expanded in the future to handle ACH payments.

Council members welcomed the change, saying the system will improve efficiency, cut down on cash handling, and give residents more flexibility, including the ability to pay at night or on weekends. Some also asked about expanding the technology to other areas, such as bulky-item pickup fees, though Brown clarified that different departments use different processors tied to their specific software.

Solid Waste Contract Amended, Rates Adjusted

The council passed Resolution No. 1608, approving an addendum to the city’s solid waste contract with RedGate Disposal. The amendment lowered the hauler’s base rate from $20.90 to $20.80 per month after removing an annual bulky-item cleanup event. City officials explained that because Excelsior Springs already offers bulky-item drop-offs and RedGate will offer scheduled Friday pickups, the annual event was unnecessary.

Following the contract change, council members also approved Ordinance No. 25-09-01, which amends the city’s fee schedule for trash service. Beginning Oct. 1, the residential monthly rate will drop from $25.00 to $23.50, which covers one trash and one recycling cart. However, the cost for each additional cart will rise from $3.00 to $7.00 per month.

City leaders said the adjustment balances fairness and sustainability, with the base reduction reflecting actual service costs while higher add-on fees encourage residents to limit their number of carts. They also noted that part of the fee supports operations at the recycling and yard waste centers.

New Standards for Home Businesses and Farm Stands

Council members approved Ordinance No. 25-09-02, updating city code to bring home-based business regulations into compliance with Missouri law and to set standards for farm stands.

City Planner Joshua Garrett explained that the state now requires cities to allow “no-impact” home-based businesses by right. These are enterprises that do not disrupt neighborhood character or cause nuisances. Other home businesses must seek a special use permit. Garrett emphasized that the city’s previous list-based code was more restrictive; the new language provides flexibility while ensuring protections.

The ordinance also establishes clear rules for farm stands, allowing them as accessory uses in several residential zones provided they meet requirements for setbacks, signage, product labeling, and utility connections. Farm stand operators must sell primarily local products and cannot run extension cords or unpermitted utilities.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a hearing on Aug. 25 and recommended approval by a 6-0 vote. Council members approved the ordinance unanimously after two readings, noting that it both supports local entrepreneurship and preserves neighborhood integrity.

Resubmittal Rules Aim to Streamline Process

Council approved Ordinance No. 25-09-03, which amends the city’s code on resubmittals after zoning or land-use denials.

Garrett explained that legislative approvals, such as rezonings or text amendments, will now carry a six-month waiting period before an applicant can refile a substantially similar proposal, unless they demonstrate a material change in circumstances. Quasi-judicial decisions, such as special use permits or reasonable accommodation requests, will be considered final. In those cases, the only avenue for appeal will be through the courts rather than resubmission to the council.

The Planning and Zoning Commission also reviewed this amendment at its Aug. 25 meeting and recommended approval. Council members said the change provides clarity, prevents repetitive filings, and ensures that decisions carry appropriate weight. The ordinance passed unanimously after two readings.

Springs Plaza Lot Replatted

Ordinance No. 25-09-04 granted preliminary and final plat approval for a replat of Lot 4 of the Springs Plaza subdivision at 1006 and 1010 N. Jesse James Road. The action divides the property into two lots so each of the existing buildings can be sold separately.

The Excelsior Springs Healthcare Foundation, represented by applicant Melissa Bartlet, requested the replat. Garrett explained that when the property was originally subdivided in 2006, an access easement oversight left Lot 4 without legal access to Jesse James Road. To correct this, the new plat requires the property owner to record an easement with Clay County before either lot can be sold.

Council members acknowledged the technical nature of the correction but stressed its importance for ensuring proper access and compliance with development standards. The ordinance passed 5-0 following a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

City Restricts Utility Connections Outside Limits

Council members adopted Ordinance No. 25-09-05, closing the door on new water or sewer connections outside the city unless the property is annexed into Excelsior Springs.

Brown explained that while some properties already receive service beyond city limits, extending utilities further poses risks: it can strain capacity, add maintenance costs without generating tax revenue, and encourage sprawl inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. Properties already served may continue, but they cannot expand or upgrade service without annexation.

Council discussed the legal and practical obligations tied to existing out-of-city connections, with Brown clarifying that in many cases the city must maintain lines because they also serve municipal infrastructure. Even so, she said the ordinance is fair to current customers and preserves resources for future city growth.

Sunshine Law Updates Reflected in City Code

The final action of the evening came with Ordinance No. 25-09-06, amending Chapter 130 of the city code to reflect recent changes to Missouri’s Sunshine Law.

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the legislature expanded the list of records that can be closed or redacted, including those tied to juveniles and utility accounts. The law also now allows public bodies to require advance payment of estimated fees before starting work on records requests, not just before releasing copies.

The new rules mean that requests will be deemed withdrawn if payment is not received within 90 days (or 150 days if the fees exceed $1,000). The same deadlines apply if clarification is requested and no response is provided. Fees remain capped at 10 cents per page for paper copies, with staff and research time billed at the lowest possible rate.

McGovern said the goal is to prevent staff from spending excessive time on large or frivolous requests without commitment from the requester, while still preserving the public’s right to information. Council members agreed, calling the revision a “common-sense” safeguard for municipal resources. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Council Wraps Up with Remarks

In their closing comments, council members praised city staff and reflected on personal and community matters. Councilman Stephen Spear thanked hospital staff for his care the previous week and joked that the meeting’s unusually long agenda may have been part of his lengthy rehabilitation regimen. Councilman Gary Renne shared details of a recent trip to Alaska, which he called “the last great frontier,” but said he was glad to be back home in Excelsior Springs.

Councilman John McGovern took time to commend City Planner Joshua Garrett as a valuable addition to the community development team. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John echoed those comments and also recognized their hard work, noting that much of their effort happens behind the scenes.

Mayor Mark Spohn closed by praising recent hires across city departments, particularly Community Development Director Mallory Brown and Garrett. He also asked for prayers for Public Works Director Chad Birdsong, who lost his father over the weekend, and condolences for Mary Lou Greim and the family of Eddie Bisby, both of whom also suffered recent losses.