Council Tackles Hospital Loan, Oxford House Zoning, and Infrastructure Delays in Busy Session

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (June 2, 2025) – From neighborhood block parties and infrastructure upgrades to housing enforcement and hospital support, Monday’s Excelsior Springs City Council meeting reflected the city’s active response to both long-term planning and immediate needs. Council members addressed resident concerns about an unpermitted group home, approved a $500,000 emergency loan for Excelsior Springs Hospital, and delayed the Dry Fork Greenway project due to utility complications. They also adopted a multi-jurisdictional disaster preparedness plan, renewed ambulance service contracts, accepted new utility infrastructure, and heard an in-depth community development report detailing progress in code enforcement and neighborhood investment.

Visitor’s Forum

During the public comment portion of Monday’s Excelsior Springs City Council meeting, resident Cody Montroy voiced concerns over the operation of a rehabilitation residence at 21 Dawn Ave., reportedly operating as an Oxford House without city permits.

Montroy, who lives nearby on Todd Street, told the council he had heard the property was being used as a halfway house for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. He questioned how the home had been approved for such a purpose and alleged code and permit violations, expressing concern for neighborhood safety, particularly for children living nearby.

“I understand codes and permits pretty well,” Montroy said. “How was that made into a halfway house?” He cited unpermitted renovations, such as room additions, and claimed the property was already occupied.

City Manager Molly McGovern clarified that no permit had been issued to operate a rehabilitation facility at the location. She stated that the property owner had submitted a request for a reasonable accommodation under federal housing protections, which the council will consider during a public hearing scheduled for June 22. Property owners within 185 feet of the home will be notified in advance.

Oxford Houses are peer-run, sober living homes for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Unlike treatment centers, Oxford Houses are self-managed and emphasize personal responsibility, sobriety, and communal support. According to the organization, residents must remain drug- and alcohol-free and contribute to house expenses to remain in the program.

McGovern emphasized the upcoming public hearing as the city’s first formal step in reviewing the case.

Proclamation – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025

With Mayor Mark Spohn absent due to international travel, Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John led Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, opening with a proclamation recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025.

The proclamation, accepted on behalf of the council by Councilman John McGovern, designates June 15 as a day to raise awareness of elder abuse and affirm the city’s commitment to protecting older adults. This year marks the 20th annual observance of the day, originally established by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006.

The proclamation emphasizes the dignity and societal value of older residents, calling attention to the public health and human rights implications of elder abuse. It also highlights the role of ageism and social isolation in contributing to abuse, urging the community to strengthen support systems such as senior centers, transportation, and social services.

By formally recognizing the day, the city joins the National Center on Elder Abuse in encouraging education, advocacy, and proactive efforts to ensure older adults can continue to live independently and free from harm.

Setting the Date and Time for a Public Hearing to Consider a Reasonable Accommodation Request for 21 Dawn Avenue

The council unanimously approved a resolution setting a public hearing date to consider a reasonable accommodation request related to the use of a residential property located at 21 Dawn Ave.

Resolution No. 1577 schedules the hearing for July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Hall of Waters. The request, submitted by Oxford House, Inc., seeks relief from specific city zoning regulations in order to continue operating a sober living home at the location.

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that the matter arises under a policy adopted by the council to provide a framework for evaluating housing requests involving individuals with disabilities. Traditional zoning and special use permit procedures may not align with federal housing protections in such cases, prompting the city to develop the reasonable accommodation process.

“This policy gives the city a way to consider housing uses when a disability is alleged,” McGovern said, noting the property owner has formally requested a review under that framework.

2025 Regional Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

The Council adopted the 2025 Regional Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, aligning the city with regional efforts to reduce risks from natural disasters and maintain eligibility for federal emergency funding.

The resolution, presented by Fire Chief Joe Maddick, formalizes the city’s participation in a collaborative hazard mitigation strategy developed by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). The plan, updated every five years, includes contributions from jurisdictions across Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray counties and requires approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by mid-July.

“This plan helps us continue to be eligible for FEMA grants and ensures our local goals are part of the broader regional strategy,” Maddick told the council. He noted that several mitigation goals for Excelsior Springs, such as improved storm shelter availability, public education on disaster preparedness, and enhancements to stormwater management, are either complete or nearing completion.

Excelsior Springs joins more than 60 regional partners in adopting the plan, including cities, school districts, and emergency agencies. The motion passed unanimously.

Contract with Eastern Clay County Ambulance District

Council approved a contract renewal with the Eastern Clay County Ambulance District (ECCAD), continuing the city’s longstanding partnership to provide emergency medical services to residents in the eastern portion of Clay County.

Under Ordinance No. 25-06-01, the City will provide ambulance service to ECCAD from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The contract reflects a total cost of $167,310.72—a 2% increase over the previous year. However, ECCAD will contribute $120,000 toward that amount, representing a $5,000 increase from last year’s contribution.

Fire Chief Joe Maddick, who presented the ordinance, reported that Excelsior Springs responded to 144 calls within the ECCAD service area in the past year, a slight decline of just over 1% compared to the previous year.

Maddick said the updated agreement maintains public health services and supports the regional emergency response infrastructure.

Task Order #4 with Bartlett & West

What began as routine storm infrastructure work along Kennedy Street has triggered a significant design revision and months-long delay for the Dry Fork Greenway project.

On Monday, the City Council approved Resolution No. 1579, authorizing Task Order #4 with Bartlett & West Engineers to design a water main relocation necessary to resolve conflicts between newly installed drainage structures and an outdated 4-inch water line. The agreement, capped at $25,000, includes final design plans, cost estimates, and coordination with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for construction permitting.

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong told council members that the existing line not only obstructs the new storm system but also fails to meet current fire flow and pressure standards. Bartlett & West, which maintains the city’s water system model, was selected to quickly develop a compliant solution.

The relocation will extend beyond the Dry Fork project boundary, meaning design and construction costs will be shared between project funds and the city’s water fund. Due to the complications, what was once expected to be completed by early June is now projected to extend into mid-October.

Public Element Acceptance of The Flats Development Public Waterline Extension 

A new waterline serving the Flats residential development is now under city ownership and maintenance following formal acceptance by the Excelsior Springs City Council on Monday night.

Ordinance No. 25-06-02 finalizes the public element acceptance of the infrastructure, which underwent a final inspection by Public Works to confirm compliance with city subdivision regulations. As-built plans have been filed, and the developer has provided a one-year maintenance bond valued at $147,500, as required.

“This confirms that the water main meets all development standards,” said Birdsong during the meeting. With the council’s unanimous approval following two readings, the waterline is now officially part of the city’s utility system.

Council Approves No-Interest Loan to Support Hospital Cash Flow Amid Claims Processing Disruption

Facing a sharp decline in cash flow due to technical issues with insurance claims processing, Excelsior Springs City Hospital will receive up to $500,000 in temporary financial relief from the city following a unanimous vote by the City Council on Monday.

Resolution No. 1580 authorizes an interfund loan from the city’s General Fund to the hospital’s General Fund, interest-free, with repayment due by Dec. 31. If repayment is not completed by year’s end, the city may recover the remaining balance from the hospital’s property tax revenue.

Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart presented the request, explaining that the April transition to a new clearinghouse system for processing insurance claims led to widespread claim denials caused by legacy data errors, which in turn slashed weekly revenue collections by nearly half. “We experienced a dramatic decline in our incoming payments,” DeHart said, citing denied claims due to thousands of outdated system edits.

Despite the financial strain, DeHart emphasized the hospital’s long-term optimism, noting increased operational efficiencies through its Cerner Oracle system and ongoing improvements in service delivery. The temporary cash infusion, she said, will help maintain payroll, cover critical vendor payments, and preserve essential medical services while revenue cycle operations stabilize.

The council praised DeHart’s transparency and leadership, with Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John acknowledging the hospital’s strategic progress despite the current challenge.

Annual Report Presented by Community Development

The Excelsior Springs Community Development Department presented its 2024 annual report to the City Council on Monday night, detailing a year of consistent development activity, expanded neighborhood programs, and more proactive code enforcement, despite staff turnover and ongoing hiring needs.

Director Mallory Brown, who joined the city in early 2025, delivered the presentation using an interactive “story map” format built through the city’s GIS system. The digital platform, posted online for public access, offered visual data, charts, and side-by-side photos to better illustrate the department’s work and progress across key areas.

Permits and Inspections Remain Steady

In 2024, the department issued 611 construction-related permits—right in line with prior years—and conducted 915 inspections, primarily for single-family homes. Brown noted that the year followed a “typical” development pattern after a 2023 spike attributed to larger-scale projects, such as school expansions.

With activity already trending upward in early 2025, Brown said she expects the current year to surpass 2024 in both volume and valuation of permits issued.

Code Compliance Takes a Proactive Turn

Brown highlighted a significant shift in code enforcement under Officer Trish Guarino, who issued 481 notice letters and conducted 775 inspections last year. Gino’s efforts led to voluntary compliance in 265 cases, while only 34 cases were escalated to municipal court.

“This is more than double the number of inspections conducted in previous years,” Brown said. “The approach is focused on relationship-building, education, and community trust.”

One standout success was a long-vacant property off Sunset Avenue, which Guarino helped bring into full compliance through personal outreach and persistent follow-up—a transformation Brown showcased with before-and-after photos.

Guarino also completed 21 professional training sessions in 2024, including a national scholarship award to attend a certified code officer course, reflecting the city’s investment in raising internal standards.

Neighborhood Programs Gain Momentum

The department’s Neighborhoods Division, led by specialist Laura Mize, continued to expand its role in revitalization and resident engagement. The Chapter 353 tax abatement program supported 13 new projects—seven completed and nine under construction—leveraging nearly $2 million in private reinvestment across residential and commercial properties.

The city’s Vacant Property Registration Program grew from 74 to over 99 registered properties in 2024. A total of 19 homes previously identified as vacant were returned to active occupancy, aided in part by the program’s $200 semiannual compliance fee.

Other initiatives included:

• Silver Prom, a joint effort with student councils and Job Corps, offering intergenerational community connection.
• Curb Appeal Contest, which recognized seven households and awarded over $350 in prizes from local businesses.
• Minor Home Repair Program, funded through the city budget and administered via partnerships with Rebuilding Together Kansas City and Northland Neighborhoods Inc.
• Snow Angels, a volunteer-led effort to clear snow for vulnerable residents during winter storms.
• Excelsior Springs Night Out Against Crime, coordinated with local law enforcement and the Chamber of Commerce.

These programs reinforced Excelsior Springs’ 2023 designation as Missouri’s “Most Neighborly City” for cities of its size, an honor the department plans to build on through new events like the Mayor’s Block Party Challenge.

Development and Preservation Oversight

The Community Development Department also staffed and supported three key city boards: the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and Historic Preservation Commission.

In 2024, the department processed:

• 2 preliminary plats
• 3 zoning text amendments
• 8 special use permits
• 3 right-of-way vacations
• 3 site plans
• 2 rezoning applications
• 1 sign variance
• 55 certificates of appropriateness through the Historic Preservation Commission

Looking Ahead to 2025

Brown outlined several priorities for the remainder of 2025, including finalizing the city’s new comprehensive plan with consultant Olsson, beginning a neighborhood planning effort in the Isley neighborhood (pending grant funding), and launching new permitting software this summer.

The new system will streamline permit applications and, eventually, business licenses—moving the department closer to becoming a one-stop shop for development services. During testing, the department will temporarily operate with dual systems.

Staffing remains a focus as well. Brown has recently made an offer to a city planner candidate and continues to recruit for a permit technician.

“Looking back was enlightening,” Brown said, reflecting on her first months in the role. “The staff here is dedicated and passionate about their work. I’m excited to help guide the department through a period of continued growth and modernization.”

The council praised the report and the team’s accomplishments, noting the department’s impact across both visible improvements and behind-the-scenes progress.

Remarks

During closing remarks at Monday’s Excelsior Springs City Council meeting, City Manager Molly McGovern updated the council on several board vacancies, and members reflected on the city’s growing sense of community, staff achievements, and ongoing events.

McGovern noted upcoming vacancies on four city boards—two on the Planning and Zoning Commission, one on the Historic Preservation Commission, and one with Vintage Tech. In line with the city’s revised process, these openings will be publicly posted, though a current roster of applicants and interested individuals was also distributed to council members for consideration.

Councilman Stephen Spear shared the success of his neighborhood’s recent block party, part of the Mayor’s Block Party Challenge. “It was a tremendous success,” he said, adding that neighbors are already planning a follow-up event for July.

Councilman John McGovern praised Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart for eight years of leadership. “We had a good hospital when she arrived—now we have a great one,” he said, also commending the work of the Aging Well Task Force and the Community Development Department. He credited former director Melinda Mehaffy’s leadership and said the department’s transformation under new director Mallory Brown “is on a trajectory” with high expectations ahead.

Councilman Gary Renne shared that interest in the city is extending beyond local boundaries. A recent visit by a news crew from KCTV5 during a work session led to discussions about potential positive media coverage. He also hosted a neighborhood block party that inspired others to organize future events, including one neighbor offering to grill ribs for a Fourth of July celebration.

Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John closed the meeting with appreciation for city employees who have made Excelsior Springs their long-term home. “It really impresses me that we have people staying here for entire careers—30 years, 28 years, 21 years,” he said. “We benefit from that kind of dedication.”

He also encouraged residents to enjoy the full lineup of community events happening during the week, including:

• Farmers Market on Tuesday (9–11:30 a.m. at the Community Center) and Wednesday (4–7 p.m. at the Vets lot)
• Shop Late Local on Thursday
• Lyrics on the Line on Friday
  
• Wine Fest on Saturday

“There’s a lot happening in Excelsior Springs,” St. John said. “And it’s all part of what makes this such a great place to live.”