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Excelsior Springs, Mo. (March 17, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs City Council moved forward on several key projects during its latest meeting, approving funding for street improvements, endorsing a resolution to preserve the city’s historic mineral water resources, and reviewing the latest financials. The council also recognized Nate Williams, an influential leader in the city’s parks and recreation department, for receiving a prestigious statewide award. Additionally, Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) Director Lyndsey Baxter presented an annual report showcasing significant economic and community growth in the downtown district.
State Resolution Honoring Nate Williams
State Rep. Mark Meirath presented a resolution to Nate Williams in recognition of his recent Missouri Parks and Recreation Distinguished Associate Fellow Award during a special presentation at the Excelsior Springs Community Center.
The resolution highlighted Williams’ commitment to building connections within the community, particularly between seniors, children, and residents of surrounding towns. It also recognized his leadership in parks and recreation and his ability to balance his work with family life, including raising four young children with his wife, Jade.
Meirath praised Williams’ dedication to the city, saying, “Nate Williams finds real joy when neighbors meet at local sports spots and when families, including his own, share smiles at parks and events. For him, a long day or project is a reminder of why he chose a path to bring people together and make Excelsior Springs a better place to live and work.”
The award from the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association is one of the highest honors in the field, celebrating professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and long-term service to their communities.
House Bill 1534
State Rep. Meirath stayed to give a brief update on House Bill 1534, modifies restrictive language in a 1933 law that prevented Excelsior Springs from using public funds for projects related to its mineral water. Local historian Dennis Hartman traveled to Jefferson City earlier this month and met with Senator Kurtis Gregory to introduce the idea and it quickly moved forward.
Meirath detailed the bill’s rapid progress, noting that it was introduced just before the filing deadline and quickly advanced through committee. “This session alone, there were 1,733 bills filed—this got to committee in less than two weeks. God smiled on us, I don’t know how else to say it,” he said.
The bill, which updates Missouri’s statute on third-class cities, would allow Excelsior Springs to use public funds for mineral water-related projects, including bathhouses, vending houses, and pipeline distribution. Meirath described fielding committee questions, including concerns about the possibility of water being pumped to the West Coast. “This isn’t a municipal water supply—this is a trickle well,” he reassured lawmakers.
With bipartisan support, the bill cleared committee and now moves forward in the legislative process. Meirath expressed confidence in its passage, saying, “It doesn’t make any sense not to do this.”
DEP’s Annual Report
Lyndsey Baxter, executive director of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), presented her annual report to the City Council, highlighting continued growth, community engagement, and economic development in the downtown district.
Baxter announced that Excelsior Springs has once again been recognized as a nationally accredited Main Street America community. “Everything we do in downtown Excelsior Springs is driven by collaboration—with you, our city partners, our volunteers, our business community, and all the stakeholders. It is the power of many that makes everything we do possible,” she said.
Highlights from the report included:
- Economic Growth: Downtown Excelsior Springs saw $7.14 million in reported retail taxable sales in 2024, a 7.1% increase over the previous year and a 105% increase since the Community Improvement District (CID) was established.
- Marketing & Investment: DEP spent $128,000 on marketing, reached over 1 million people through social media, and facilitated $64,000 in private investment in downtown properties.
- Volunteer Contributions: More than 9,400 volunteer hours were donated, valued at approximately $315,000.
- Events & Tourism: Downtown welcomed 35,000 visitors during signature event days alone, with ticketed events generating over $275,000 in spending.
Looking ahead, DEP will focus on wayfinding signage, expanded event infrastructure, a mini-mural series, and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s regional impact. Baxter emphasized the organization’s commitment to sustaining growth, stating, “There’s momentum for a strong economy, and I look forward to continuing this progress.”
Destruction of Certain Municipal Records
Newly appointed Community Development Director Mallory Brown presented an ordinance to the City Council authorizing the destruction of outdated municipal records. The proposal ensures compliance with the Missouri Records Manual Retention Schedule, which dictates when records are eligible for disposal.
“All of the records scheduled for destruction have either met or exceeded their retention time frame,” Brown explained. “Many are just duplicates that we have already scanned and stored digitally.”
The initiative frees up storage space while maintaining efficient access to other essential city documents. The records, primarily from the Community Development Department, will be destroyed during a scheduled shred event, expected to take place in April.
Consideration of Application for State Transit Assistance
City Manager Molly McGovern stepped in to present three agenda items on behalf of Public Works Director Chad Birdsong, who was absent due to illness.
The first item, Ordinance No. 25-03-05, involved an application for Missouri State Transit Assistance funding. The grant, provided through the Missouri Department of Transportation, is part of the city’s funding mix for public transit.
“This state transit grant is a part of the funding mix for our bus system,” McGovern explained. “Later, there will be federal funding assistance as well. While they don’t indicate a set dollar amount upfront, last year it was about $188,000, and we anticipate something similar this year.”
She noted that state transit funds are typically spent first at the beginning of the budget year, before utilizing federal funds. If approved, the grant would support public transit operations from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
UBAS Agreement with McAnany Construction
City Manager McGovern presented an agreement with McAnany Construction for the 2025 Streetscape Project, specifically for ultra-thin bonded asphalt surface (UBAS) overlays in the Golf Hill neighborhood. The contract, valued at $176,000, covers improvements to Bell Drive, High Drive, and Forest Drive.
“This represents projects that received base repair last year, and now we’re coming back to complete the overlay,” McGovern explained. She noted that all of Public Works Director Chad Birdsong’s projects came in under budget, with total allocations for 2025 streetscape improvements $270,000 below the anticipated $1.4 million budget.
McGovern also emphasized that the city’s street improvement strategy is guided by data from a street condition scan, which helps prioritize repairs. “We are trying to raise our overall street condition score,” she said. “There are some streets that are past the point of easy repair and need full reconstruction. At the same time, we have to maintain streets that are still in fair condition before they reach a more expensive repair stage.”
The council approved the agreement, with the possibility of adding an additional street as a future change order.
Agreement with Vance Brothers LLC for the 2025 Streetscape Project
The City Council approved an agreement with Vance Brothers, LLC for the chip seal phase of the 2025 Streetscape Project. The contract, valued at $494,193.55, came in under the engineer’s estimate of $571,052.
The project covers a large residential area, including neighborhoods between North Main and Salem Road, extending from Grand Avenue to Excelsior Street, as well as areas south of downtown from South Marietta Street to Orrick Road.
“This is based on the type of construction that’s already there,” City Manager Molly McGovern explained. “This will be the same type of chip seal we used last year, which incorporates granite instead of limestone. It’s more attractive and less dusty as it settles into the asphalt.”
Base Repair Agreement with All Pro Asphalt for the 2025 Streetscape Project
The City Council approved an agreement with All Pro Asphalt and Maintenance, LLC for the base repair phase of the 2025 Streetscape Project. The contract, valued at $393,328.38, came in well below the engineer’s estimate of $522,533.
The project will focus on neighborhoods north of Tracy Avenue and east of Lynn Road, addressing base asphalt and curb repairs in preparation for surface treatments scheduled for 2026.
While the city has not previously worked with All Pro Asphalt, it was noted that the company provided a list of satisfactory references, and Lamp Rynearson has verified the bid and recommended approval.
This contract is the final phase of the city’s 2025 three-part streetscape improvement plan, which also includes ultra-thin bonded asphalt surface (UBAS) overlays and chip seal work. With all bids coming in under budget, the city is evaluating options for additional street improvements within the $1.4 million Transportation Trust allocation.
Declaration of Board Vacancies
The City Council approved Resolution No. 1559, formally declaring vacancies on several city boards and commissions. The resolution directs the city manager to publicly announce the openings and solicit applications for appointments.
City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the vacancies resulted from early terminations as well as scheduled term expirations at the end of May. “Since we were already addressing board vacancies, we included upcoming expirations for the Parks and Recreation Board as well,” she said.
The city is now accepting applications for the following vacancies:
Board of Zoning Adjustment – (1 position)
- Hears and decides appeals where an error is alleged in Chapter 400 orders
- Considers appeals where practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship exist in enforcing zoning ordinances
- Five-year appointment
Community Center Board – (1 position)
- Advises the City Council, School District, and Park Board on Community Center operations and maintenance
- Five-year appointment
Parks & Recreation Board – (3 positions)
- Oversees the development and maintenance of parks and recreation activities
- Manages funding and expenditures for parks and programs
- Members must be citizens and residents of Excelsior Springs for at least two years before appointment
- Three-year appointment
Applications are available on the city website at www.cityofesmo.com and must be submitted by April 30. The council expects to review applications and make appointments in the next 30 days.
February 2025 Revenue Report and Financials for Review
Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the February 2025 financial report to the City Council, detailing total expenditures of $5,069,143.08 and total revenues of $2,357,011.95 for the month.
Key appropriations included:
- February 6: $624,291.93
- February 13: $2,948,193.28 (including $2.8 million in bond and certificate of participation payments)
- February 20: $194,241.10
- February 27: $479,636.43
- Payroll (Feb. 14): $412,437.71
- Payroll (Feb. 28): $410,342.63
Floyd confirmed that all appropriations followed the city’s purchasing policy and required no further council action. There were no questions or concerns from the council regarding the report.
Remarks from Council
City Manager Molly McGovern provided updates included in the transmittal packet, highlighting:
- The February court report
- An invitation to the Community Relations Council for Job Corps on March 26
- Updates on the Gateway Trail solar project
- Support letters for career and technical education programs
- Exciting news about the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which will be installed at Purn Ballfield from September 9-14, 2026. The Excelsior Springs Museum will also feature local Vietnam-related exhibits from February 2026 through November 2027.
Council Comments:
- Mayor Pro Tem Spear shared his recent visit to the Fire Training Facility, calling it a phenomenal asset for the community and encouraging others to tour it.
- Councilman Renne announced that David Burton, a neighborhood specialist from MU Extension, will be visiting on March 25 to speak at the Neighborhood Engagement Team meeting and the Excelsior Springs Ministerial Association. He also highlighted the upcoming Mayor’s Block Party Challenge, running from April through October.
- Councilman McGovern expressed appreciation for State Rep. Mark Meirath’s attendance and presentation to Nate Williams. He also reminded attendees that tickets for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 1 were available.
- Councilman St. John congratulated Nate Williams on his award and praised the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) for its economic and community impact. This led to a brief reflection from council members about Excelsior Springs’ transformation over the years, noting how much the downtown area has improved.
- Mayor Spohn emphasized the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and ended the meeting.
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