The Excelsior Springs City Council convened on February 20, 2024, to deliberate on significant proposals and updates. Among the key agenda items were the celebration of a local business milestone, amendments to city ordinances enhancing road safety and archery regulations, and crucial updates in the city’s emergency response capabilities. Additionally, the council discussed implementing a new purchasing card program to streamline procurement processes and reviewed the city’s financial standing as of January 2024. These discussions reflect the city’s commitment to adapting to growth, ensuring public safety, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Proclamation – Chuck Anderson Ford’s 50th Anniversary
Excelsior Springs City Council officially declared March 1st, 2024, as “Chuck Anderson Ford Day” in honor of the local dealership’s 50th anniversary. The proclamation recognized Chuck Anderson Ford, a three-generation family-owned business established in 1974, for its significant contributions to the community’s economic vitality and social fabric. The dealership has been lauded for its dedication to providing high-quality automotive products and services, as well as its extensive support for local initiatives and charitable endeavors. Mayor Mark Spohn commended the dealership for its enduring legacy of excellence and integrity, and encouraged the community to celebrate the milestone and continue supporting the local institution.
Consideration of MU Extension Board Appointment
Mayor Mark Spohn proposed the appointment of Phillip Sherer to the University of Missouri Extension Council through Resolution No. 1495. Sherer’s appointment is for a two-year term, set to expire on February 28, 2026.
Consideration of Amendment to City Code 340.280 – Look, no hands!
Captain Bobby Warner of the Excelsior Springs Police Department presented a proposed change to the city ordinance regarding hands-free driving. The bill, aimed at amending Section 340.280 of the City Code, seeks to align local regulations with Missouri state law, specifically Section 304.822, RSMo., which regulates the use of electronic communication devices by vehicle operators. The amendment would repeal the city’s existing ordinance on the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving and introduce new regulations that strictly conform to state law.
The proposed ordinance outlines specific definitions and exemptions, emphasizing the prohibition of physically holding or supporting an electronic communication device, reading or sending text-based communications, making phone calls, engaging in electronic data retrieval or communication, manually entering information into devices, watching videos, or broadcasting video while driving. Exceptions are made for voice-operated or hands-free devices, emergency and law enforcement personnel, and certain scenarios where electronic devices are used for navigation, communication with dispatchers, or listening to broadcasts.
Penalties for violations of the ordinance are structured to escalate with repeated offenses, ranging from a fine of up to $150 for a first offense to $500 for multiple violations within a 24-month period, with additional penalties for violations occurring in work or school zones.
The ordinance emphasizes the protection of drivers’ rights, including the requirement for law enforcement officers to inform drivers of their right to decline searches of their electronic communication devices during stops for violations of this section. The ordinance also stipulates that violations cannot be used to establish probable cause for other violations, and outlines specific reporting requirements.
The ordinance is set to take effect after its passage and approval, with a grace period until January 1, 2025, during which law enforcement will issue warnings rather than citations for violations.
Consideration of Amendment to City Code 230.320 – School Archery Unit Alignment
The second proposal by Capt. Warner involves modifying the city code concerning the use of archery equipment. The amendment to Section 230.320 clarifies the conditions under which the discharge of bows and arrows is permissible within city limits. The revised ordinance aims to ensure public safety while accommodating archery for educational and recreational purposes. It outlines specific exceptions, such as sanctioned target practice and competitions on school or city property, provided there is official permission from the respective authorities. This amendment was also introduced, read, and approved during the same council meeting, highlighting the city’s commitment to adapting its ordinances to contemporary needs and safety standards.
Consideration of Purchase of Ambulances
Fire Chief Joe Maddick presented two requests related to the acquisition of new ambulances for the fire department.
The first request was for authorization to purchase two 2025 Ford E-450 AEV Traumahawk X-series Type III Custom Ambulances at a total cost of $610,031.00. The funding for this purchase was approved by the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) committee on February 13th. The acquisition aims to enhance the department’s emergency response capabilities with the latest ambulance technology. Following the receipt of the new ambulances, the department plans to auction off its oldest ambulance, with proceeds going back into the PSST account.
The second request involved entering into an agreement to purchase a 2028 Ford E-450 AEV Traumahawk X-series Type III Custom Ambulance for $325,796.33, also approved by the PSST committee on February 13th. This proactive measure is intended to mitigate inflation costs and is part of a scheduled replacement plan. Notably, no upfront payment is required for this purchase, and the cost will not increase. The ambulance is expected to be delivered no sooner than four years from the date of the agreement, with funds from auctioning another older ambulance intended to offset the cost.
Consideration of Agreement with TRANSYSTEMS Corporation for Professional Services- for the Safe Streets and Sidewalk RAISE Grant Design-Build Project
Chad Birdsong, the Public Works Director for Excelsior Springs, presented an agreement with TRANSYSTEMS Corporation for professional services during the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting. This agreement outlines the provision of design services for the Safe Streets and Sidewalks RAISE Grant Design-Build Project. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the pre-award package in November, with official notice received on February 1st, allowing the city to proceed with the Design Criteria Consultant Agreement. The approved engineering fees total $3,070,982.00. The agreement includes a comprehensive scope of services and a fee schedule for TRANSYSTEMS, supporting the project’s advancement towards improving the city’s streets and sidewalks.
Consideration of Truck Purchase for Street Department Funded thru Road and Bridge Funds
Birdsong addressed the Council with a request regarding the purchase of a new vehicle for the Street Department during the budget year of 2024. Due to ongoing supply chain issues affecting the availability of F550 trucks, Birdsong requested pre-authorization for expenditure not to exceed $75,000. This amount is intended for the acquisition of an existing 1.5-ton 4×4 cab and chassis truck, equipped with either a flat body or dump body. Upon successful purchase, the vehicle will be further outfitted with a sander and snow plow for municipal services. This new truck will replace a 2013 Ford F550, which currently has 74,232 miles and will later be sold at a public auction. The allocation of $75,000 for the purchase of the truck, along with a plow and sander, was approved by the Road and Bridge committee on December 20, 2023.
Consideration of Agreement for UMB P-Card Program
Vonda Floyd, the Finance Director of Excelsior Springs, presented Resolution No. 1500 to the City Council, requesting consideration for an agreement to transition to the UMB P-Card Program. Floyd highlighted the limitations of the city’s current purchasing card program, noting that it has been insufficient in meeting the monthly needs of all departments, particularly due to heavy conference and educational travel expenses. This issue has led to a restriction on the P-Card balance, affecting all users for two months.
The proposed shift to the UMB card aims to alleviate these restrictions by providing a more robust platform with features not available in the current program, including a 1% rebate on all purchases, user online purchase management, A/P coding, and the ability to upload supporting invoices directly. Unlike the outsourced service currently in use, UMB’s program is managed in-house, offering the city a dedicated account manager and support from a local Kansas City department specializing in commercial P-Card accounts.
Floyd emphasized that the city’s expansion of services and programs for the public has necessitated an increased use of P-Card purchasing, particularly for online goods and services, to meet daily operational needs effectively.
January 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for Review
Floyd presented the January 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for review, detailing appropriations and payroll expenses for the month. The total expenditures for January 2024 amounted to $1,557,151.93, against total revenues received of $4,360,114.73.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!