Council Selects Spohn, St. John to Lead for 2025

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (April 21, 2025) – Excelsior Springs City Council moved forward on a range of issues Monday, certifying the April election results, reappointing Mark Spohn as mayor, approving a major equipment purchase for the fire department, and updating zoning regulations to support medium-density housing development. Council members also took steps to encourage downtown redevelopment by waiving a lien on the former Royal Hotel property.

Certification of Election

Mark Spohn officially secured another term on the Excelsior Springs City Council after running unopposed in the April 8 election.

During Monday’s meeting, the council approved Ordinance No. 25-04-04, which certified the election results. The measure passed unanimously following a motion and second to move it through two readings.

City Clerk Shannon Stroud administered the oath of office to Spohn, who pledged to uphold the U.S. Constitution, Missouri state law and city ordinances while serving on the council.

Following the ceremony, the council reconvened with a full roster and proceeded with the evening’s agenda.

Council Names Spohn Mayor, St. John Mayor Pro Tem

Following tradition, the Excelsior Springs City Council selected its mayor and mayor pro tem for the upcoming year during Monday night’s meeting.

Although Excelsior Springs operates under a city manager form of government, where administrative authority rests with the city manager, the titles of mayor and mayor pro tem are largely ceremonial. Each year after the April municipal election, the council votes to fill these positions.

Councilman Mark Spohn was unanimously nominated and elected mayor for a fourth consecutive year. Councilman John McGovern offered the nomination, which was seconded by Councilman Gary Renne. Spohn accepted the nomination before the council approved it with a unanimous vote.

Councilman Stephen Spear, who had served as mayor pro tem alongside Spohn for the past three years, was not nominated for another term. His removal from the role follows recent controversy after he helped initiate a petition calling for Excelsior Springs School Board Vice President Troy Snelling to resign or be removed.

Instead, Councilman Reggie St. John was nominated for the role of Mayor Pro Tem by McGovern and seconded by Renne. St. John accepted the nomination and was unanimously approved by the council.

Following the selections, City Clerk Shannon Stroud conducted a full roll call of the newly organized council before the meeting moved on to the next agenda item.

Lease-Purchase Agreements for Fire Equipment

Upgrading its emergency response capabilities, the Excelsior Springs City Council voted Monday to approve a lease-purchase agreement for a new Pierce Enforcer Rescue Pumper, with funding to come from the city’s Public Safety Sales Tax.

Assistant Fire Chief Zac St. John presented the proposal, requesting approval to expend $1,102,652.80 for the new rescue pumper and associated equipment. The total includes a $100,000 allowance to replace outdated rescue tools. The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee had previously reviewed and approved the request on March 18, recommending a lease turn-in option to assist with the purchase.

The vehicle was priced through the HGAC cooperative purchasing program, with an expected build time of three to four years. St. John noted that the department’s current rescue pumper is 13 years old and nearing the end of its typical 15-year service life. He emphasized that the new pumper would significantly enhance the department’s capabilities in fire suppression, medical emergencies, vehicle rescues and hazardous material incidents.

The council approved Resolution No. 1563 unanimously following a motion by Councilman John McGovern and a second by Councilman Gary Renne.

Council Approves Revised Easement Agreement for Hall of Waters

In an adjustment to previously approved plans, the Excelsior Springs City Council on Monday authorized a revision to the conservation easement agreement for the Hall of Waters to meet updated requirements under the Save America’s Treasures Grant.

Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy explained that, following the council’s initial approval in January, the National Park Service reviewed the easement and determined that only a 15-year term, rather than the originally proposed 50 years, was necessary. The shortened term will ease management responsibilities for both the city and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Under the terms of the grant, the city is required to maintain the Hall of Waters in accordance with historic preservation standards for the duration of the easement. Annual reporting to the SHPO and advance notification for any significant changes to the property are required, except for routine maintenance.

As part of the updated agreement, city staff also submitted photographic documentation of critical architectural features, such as the building’s terrazzo flooring, elevator doors, Mayan-inspired décor, iconic lighting fixtures, and the two-story north and west entryways. These images will serve as a guide for future restoration work.

The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 1564 after a motion by Councilman John McGovern and a second by Councilman Stephen Spear.

Council Votes to Release Lien on Former Royal Hotel Property to Encourage Redevelopment

Seeking to remove barriers to future redevelopment, the Excelsior Springs City Council on Monday approved a resolution waiving and releasing the city’s lien on the former Royal Hotel property at 201 South St.

Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy explained that in 2021, the Royal Hotel experienced a partial collapse, creating an immediate public safety hazard. The city initiated an emergency demolition after the property owner at the time, a limited liability company, indicated it lacked the financial resources to address the issue.

The demolition effort involved asbestos abatement, structural engineering assessments, public works support, and emergency response measures from the fire department. The total cost of the project was $225,163.97, which was subsequently placed as a lien on the property.

Mehaffy noted that the lien has become a significant obstacle in conversations with potential developers. Releasing it, she said, would help clear the title and improve the property’s attractiveness for redevelopment, an important goal for revitalizing downtown.

The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 1565 following a motion by Councilman Gary Renne and a second by Councilman Stephen Spear.

Preventive Maintenance Agreement Approved for Community Center

Excelsior Springs City Council members on Monday approved a preventive maintenance contract for the Excelsior Springs Community Center, aiming to extend the life of key building systems while reducing the burden on in-house maintenance staff.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Director Nate Williams presented the proposal, recommending that the city contract with Quality Plumbing for plumbing, boiler, and HVAC system maintenance. The total cost for the agreement is $20,980, with funding already budgeted for the project. The contract will begin May 1.

Williams noted that preventive maintenance work is crucial to maintaining the facility in good condition and helps identify necessary repairs early. He added that rebidding the project resulted in significant savings, as the cost came in at approximately half of the previously budgeted $40,000.

Under the agreement, Quality Plumbing will handle routine inspections and maintenance tasks but will only perform repairs if separately authorized.

Council members unanimously approved Resolution No. 1566 following a motion by Councilman Stephen Spear and a second by Councilman John McGovern.

Title VI Adoption for 5311 Grant

To maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding, the Excelsior Springs City Council on Monday adopted an updated Title VI plan for the city’s transit services.

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong presented the ordinance, explaining that compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a requirement under the city’s 5311 Grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The plan ensures that Excelsior Springs’ Transportation Department operates services without regard to race, color, or national origin and includes provisions for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Birdsong noted that the updated plan, which reflects changes from the Federal Transit Administration, must now be adopted annually. Public outreach and dissemination of Title VI information will occur through public meetings, newspapers, email, phone calls, brochures, and in-person communication.

Council members approved Ordinance No. 25-04-05 following two unanimous roll call votes, after a motion by Councilman John McGovern and a second by Councilman Gary Renne to move the measure forward.

Amendment to Title IV, Chapter 400 Zoning Regulations, Section 400.130 “R-4” Medium Density Residential District

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved updates to zoning regulations for the “R-4” Medium Density Residential District on Monday, correcting earlier omissions and clarifying development standards intended to guide future housing projects.

Community Development Director Mallory Brown explained that the changes restore permitted uses for the district, which had been unintentionally deleted during a previous code review process. The revised ordinance permits medium-density apartment buildings, medium-density two-family housing, and congregate living facilities for senior adults, as well as multifamily developments, under planned zoning requirements.

The amendment also establishes a maximum lot area of 2,700 square feet per family for two-family dwellings, ensuring developments maintain a medium-density character. New landscaping requirements for two-family and congregate living projects were also introduced to enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

Council members had previously requested the removal of the planned zoning requirement for two-family housing in this district, a change that was incorporated into the final version of the ordinance.

The council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 25-04-06 after two readings.

March Revenue Report and Financials for Review

Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the March 2025 revenue report and financial statements to the City Council for review. No action was required.

Floyd reported that total appropriations for the month amounted to $2,023,021.54. This figure included four weeks of expenditures and two payroll periods. Appropriations were processed in accordance with the city’s purchasing policies.

Revenues for March totaled $2,158,386.45, slightly exceeding expenditures for the month. Floyd noted that detailed breakdowns of revenues and expenditures were included in the council’s meeting packets for further review.

Council Receives Board Applications for Review and Upcoming Appointments

Council acknowledged receipt of several board applications for upcoming vacancies on multiple city boards and commissions on Monday.

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that applications were solicited in late March for openings on the Board of Zoning Adjustments and the Community Center Board. In addition to newly submitted applications, several existing applications remain active and eligible for consideration.

McGovern outlined options available to the council, including conducting interviews, staff consultations, or direct appointments. She also noted that Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, and the CDBG Vintage Court board would soon have additional vacancies to fill. Parks and Recreation will have three expiring terms eligible for reappointment, as well as one vacancy created by a recent resignation. Planning and Zoning, as well as the Vintage Court board, each have one unexpired term that will need to be filled.

Further advertising for board openings is planned for the end of April, with the goal of making appointments by the end of May.

Remarks

During closing remarks at Monday’s meeting, Excelsior Springs City Council members reflected on a series of recent community events and previewed activities planned for the coming weeks.

City Manager Molly McGovern began by noting that updated court reports for March had been included in the latest council transmittals, addressing a previous concern raised by Councilman Stephen Spear. She also highlighted the Kansas City Area Development Council’s (KCADC) confidentiality policies for prospect management and shared information about virtual training opportunities for historic preservation efforts.

Councilman Gary Renne praised the success of several events held the previous week, including the State of the City address, the launch of the Mayor’s Block Party Challenge, and community discussions on the city’s comprehensive plan. He described it as a “wonderful week” for Excelsior Springs.

Councilman John McGovern echoed Renne’s comments, emphasizing the positive energy surrounding the events.

Councilman Stephen Spear reminded residents about the upcoming Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 1.

Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John announced a new “Shop Local Late” initiative, set to begin in May, which encourages downtown businesses to stay open late on Thursday evenings. He urged the community to support the effort, reflecting on the bustling downtown atmosphere of his youth.

Mayor Mark Spohn concluded the remarks by expressing appreciation for the community’s engagement and announced the council would move into closed session at 6:36 p.m.