Watch a full replay of this meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (May 5, 2025) — On Monday, the Excelsior Springs City Council addressed a full agenda that included infrastructure improvements, intergovernmental agreements, zoning code amendments, and a series of proclamations recognizing community contributions. The meeting also drew a large turnout from rural residents living just outside city limits, who made an emotional appeal for help in opposing the expansion of a nearby quarry operation they say is damaging their homes, roads, and quality of life.
Visitor’s Forum
A group of rural Excelsior Springs residents appealed to city leaders for help resisting the expansion of Ideker Mining LLC near their homes along Cameron Road, just outside city limits.
The residents, who do not live within Excelsior Springs’ jurisdiction but are part of the broader community and school district, voiced frustration over the impacts of daily blasting, road degradation, and the company’s reported interest in underground mining. Several warned of structural damage to their homes and health concerns caused by dust and vibrations.
David McClaskey, representing a group of more than 30 residents, said Ideker has failed to uphold previous commitments and is now pursuing a voluntary annexation into the city of Mosby, raising fears of further unchecked expansion.
“The road is not even drivable,” McClaskey said. “We’re being told the road is Mosby’s, then the county’s, then yours—we’re stuck in limbo.”
Other speakers described foundation cracks, airborne dust, and dangerous traffic from quarry trucks. Pam Smith, a longtime resident of the area, said her husband, a military veteran, is traumatized by the blasts, while others noted property damage and health risks from the daily activity.
“This used to be a peaceful place to live,” Smith said. “Now, we can’t even open our windows.”
Residents expressed concern that continued mining and proposed tunneling—allegedly to construct warehousing caves—could undermine the stability of nearby land, including the new Cornerstone Elementary School. One speaker reported the recent appearance of a large sinkhole on property tied to the quarry operation.
Community members also noted a recent corporate restructuring in which the mining operation was converted to an LLC, potentially limiting future legal liabilities.
While the area in question lies outside Excelsior Springs city limits, several residents pointed to the city’s long-term interest in expanding commercial development toward that corridor and its potential annexation plans.
“Do you really want to annex land that’s been hollowed out?” asked resident Charla Lee. “This affects your residents, too. It affects your roads. It affects your future.”
While the council listened with compassion, members did not immediately comment but did offer sympathy and support during their closing remarks. Many of the attendees remained after the meeting and spoke informally with council members to continue raising awareness about the issue and seeking possible support.
Proclamation – Older Americans Month
Council recognized May as Older Americans Month, with Mayor Mark Spohn presenting a formal proclamation to Councilman John McGovern and sharing a moment of lighthearted banter.
Before reading the proclamation, Spohn noted that McGovern had “schooled” him on the topic, teasing him about representing older adults. McGovern clarified with a smile that he wasn’t speaking on behalf of older residents but did serve on the Clay County Commission for Seniors and the Clay County Children’s Services Fund board, covering, as Spohn joked, “both ends of the spectrum.”
The proclamation emphasized the role older residents play in the community through civic engagement, mentorship, and public service. This year’s national theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages residents to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about aging and to promote a more inclusive and positive view of growing older.
“Older adults make immeasurable contributions to the community through intergenerational relationships, community service, civic engagement, and many other activities,” Spohn said.
He urged residents to recognize the ongoing value older adults bring to Excelsior Springs and to support efforts that foster their continued involvement.
Proclamations – National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week
Mayor Spohn issued two proclamations recognizing the contributions of nurses and hospital staff as part of National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. Kristen DeHart, CEO of Excelsior Springs Hospital, was on hand to receive both proclamations.
National Nurses Week, observed May 6-12, was recognized with a proclamation highlighting the essential role of registered nurses, who make up the largest sector of the U.S. healthcare workforce. The 2025 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” emphasizes the impact nurses have on public health and calls on residents to #ThankANurse.
“Nursing is an indispensable component of the safety and quality of care of hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients,” Spohn said, reading from the proclamation. He also encouraged the community to honor nurses not just during the week, but throughout the year.
The second proclamation declared May 11-17 as National Hospital Week, aligning with the American Hospital Association’s 2025 theme, “#WeAreHealthcare.” The statement recognized the full range of hospital services, from emergency care to wellness programs, and commended hospital staff for their dedication despite ongoing challenges.
Spohn praised DeHart and her leadership at the city-owned hospital.
“Kristen, just on a personal note, I appreciate the excellence you have brought to our Excelsior Springs Hospital,” he said. “It’s an incredible thing that we have here in this little community, and I want to thank you.” DeHart responded, “Thank you. We love our community.”
Proclamation – Building Safety Month
Although the proclamation was not read aloud during the City Council meeting, the city formally recognized May as Building Safety Month in coordination with the International Code Council’s national awareness campaign.
The proclamation, which was included on the meeting agenda, was scheduled to be presented to a city staff member who was unable to attend due to illness.
Building Safety Month 2025 carries the theme “Game On!” and encourages individuals and communities to engage in promoting safety practices and awareness around building codes and construction standards. The proclamation highlighted the essential role of building safety professionals—including code officials, engineers, tradespeople, and fire prevention staff—in ensuring the structural integrity and resilience of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Mayor Mark Spohn, while not reading the statement aloud, officially proclaimed May 2025 as Building Safety Month, urging residents to support awareness efforts and recognize the contributions of those working behind the scenes to maintain safe, sustainable, and resilient buildings throughout Excelsior Springs.
Proclamation of Local Government Week
Council joined municipalities across the state in recognizing Missouri Local Government Week, with a proclamation presented to City Manager Molly McGovern.
Mayor Mark Spohn declared May 4–10, 2025, as Missouri Local Government Week in Excelsior Springs, praising the essential role of local governments in shaping community life and delivering critical services.
“Local government is the government closest to citizens and the one with the most direct daily impact upon its residents,” Spohn said during the meeting.
The proclamation acknowledged the work of local entities, including city councils, county commissions, and school boards, noting their impact in fostering communities where residents feel proud to live.
Spohn also commended McGovern for her leadership and the strength of the city’s administrative team.
“Molly, thank you for the excellent staff that you have put together throughout the years to provide the goods and services that this community needs,” he said.
Proclamation – National Preservation Month
Council recognized May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month, honoring the city’s architectural heritage and the ongoing efforts to protect it. Mayor Mark Spohn read the proclamation during the meeting and presented it to Mallory Brown, the City of Excelsior Springs’ community development director.
The proclamation highlighted the city’s historical roots, which were founded in 1880 around natural mineral springs and are reflected in well-known landmarks such as the Hall of Waters, the Elms Historic District, and the Boarding House Historic District.
“Historic preservation fosters community pride, enhances the quality of life, and sustains the cultural and economic vitality of Excelsior Springs,” Spohn said.
The Excelsior Springs Historic Preservation Commission, established in 1978 and a Certified Local Government since 1991, was recognized for its continued work in administering local preservation ordinances and celebrating restoration achievements through the city’s annual Historic Preservation Awards.
Ongoing projects like the rehabilitation of the Hall of Waters, supported by a Save America’s Treasures grant, demonstrate the city’s dedication to preserving its historic character. Spohn encouraged residents, businesses, and organizations to take part in preservation efforts and help ensure that Excelsior Springs’ heritage remains a part of its future.
Agreement with Lamp Rynearson Related to the Water Treatment Roof Replacement Project
City leaders took the next step in addressing ongoing infrastructure needs by approving an engineering agreement to replace the water treatment plant roof.
The City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 1567, authorizing a $55,000 contract with Lamp Rynearson for professional design and project oversight services. The existing roof, last installed during a 1998 expansion, has developed multiple leaks in recent years, notably around its skylights.
Public Works Director Chad Birdsong outlined the scope of work, which includes complete removal and replacement of the roof system, insulation, skylights, gutters, downspouts, trim, and membrane. The agreement also covers bid assistance, contract preparation, site inspections, and final compliance checks.
Birdsong said the plant will remain operational during construction, adding to the complexity and cost of the project.
“The water plant runs 16 hours a day across two shifts, so work will have to be coordinated without interrupting service,” he said.
Design services account for $36,000 of the agreement, with construction administration and observation totaling another $19,000. The total construction cost is estimated between $310,000 and $330,000.
Change Order #2 with Mega KC for the Dry Fork Greenway Project
Adjustments to the ongoing Dry Fork Greenway project received the green light Monday as the City Council approved Change Order No. 2 with contractor MEGA KC, increasing the total project cost by $32,367.18.
Public Works Director Chad Birdsong outlined the changes, which include three modifications to the original scope. The most significant is a $15,635.48 increase to replace PVC with more durable 8-inch ductile iron pipe at a creek crossing. Another $6,937.70 will cover revisions to the reinforced concrete box culvert headwall elevations, based on updated engineering specifications.
The final item adjusts asphalt pricing due to a 26% reduction in quantity and a contractually allowed unit price increase, adding $9,794 to the total.
The project’s original contract was $3,446,468.25. After the first change order in March, the total rose to $3,572,333.74. With Monday’s addition, the contract now stands at $3,604,700.92, leaving just under $160,000 available for any further changes within the allocated grant funding.
Agreement with Kearney R-1 School District Regarding Swim Pool Rental
A new partnership between the City of Excelsior Springs and the Kearney R-1 School District will bring high school swim practices to the city’s Community Center pool starting this fall, following City Council approval Monday night.
By passing Ordinance No. 25-05-01, the council authorized a rental agreement that allows Kearney’s boys and girls swim teams to use six of the outdoor pool’s lanes for two hours daily during their respective seasons. The arrangement is expected to generate up to $17,780 in revenue for the city across both swim seasons.
Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the rental fills a facility need for Kearney’s growing swim program while maintaining access for Excelsior Springs residents.
“From 3 to 5 p.m. during the school year, pool use is typically light,” Williams told the council. “We’ll still have two lap lanes open, and the warm-water indoor pool will remain available.”
The agreement includes a monthly billing schedule and automatic renewal terms, subject to rate negotiations or notice by either party. It also outlines facility use expectations, insurance requirements, and liability provisions.
Council members approved the ordinance unanimously after confirming there would be minimal disruption to regular operations.
Special Use Permit for Short-Term Rental at 2206 Wornall Rd
A property in the city’s Agricultural District will now be available for short-term rental use following the City Council’s unanimous approval Monday of a special use permit for 2206 Wornall Road.
The permit, approved through Ordinance No. 25-05-02, allows property owner Paul R. Burton to operate the home part-time as a short-term rental through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Burton told the Planning and Zoning Commission that he and his family plan to live in the home for part of the year and rent it out when it is not in use.
Community Development Director Mallory Brown said the property meets all current city standards for short-term rentals, including off-street parking and adequate distance from existing rentals.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on April 28 and voted 7-0 to recommend approval. The permit was granted with a two-year term, a standard practice for first-time applications to allow for review of future compliance and neighborhood impact.
Amendment to Section 404.015 of the Municipal Code Related to Reasonable Accommodations
A new ordinance approved Monday by the City Council will create a formal process for individuals to request reasonable accommodations to zoning regulations, aligning city procedures with federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.
Ordinance No. 25-05-03 adds Section 404.015 to the municipal code, outlining how requests for reasonable accommodation will be submitted, reviewed, and decided. Community Development Director Mallory Brown presented the proposal and explained that the amendment provides a clear path for applicants seeking relief from land use rules in situations involving disability-related needs.
“Applicants will be able to request accommodations necessary to afford equal housing opportunity, and those requests will be reviewed using specific criteria outlined in the code,” Brown said.
Under the new process, requests will be evaluated by the community development director, who will then make a recommendation to the City Council. A public hearing will follow, with the applicant providing evidence that the requested accommodation is both reasonable and necessary.
Applicants may also request a pre-submittal meeting to discuss the handling of private medical or financial information.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the amendment at a special meeting on April 14 and continued the hearing to April 28, when it voted unanimously to recommend approval.
Readopting the Procedure to Disclose Potential Conflicts of Interest
To maintain transparency and uphold public trust, the City Council on Monday voted to readopt the city’s formal procedures for disclosing potential conflicts of interest and substantial financial interests among elected and appointed officials.
Ordinance No. 25-05-04 restates the city’s commitment to ethical governance by requiring specific financial disclosures from officials, department heads, and candidates for office, in accordance with Missouri state statutes and guidelines from the Missouri Ethics Commission.
City Manager Molly McGovern presented the ordinance, noting that it ensures public officials remain “independent, impartial and responsible to the people,” while reinforcing that public decisions are made through appropriate governmental channels, not for personal gain.
“This ordinance helps ensure the public’s confidence in the integrity of its government,” McGovern said.
The ordinance outlines disclosure requirements for officials and their immediate families, including business interests and transactions involving city funds exceeding $500. Required financial interest statements must be filed annually by May 1, with additional filings triggered by appointments or candidacies.
The council approved the ordinance unanimously after two readings. It will remain in effect for two years and be filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Remarks – City Manager, City Council, and Mayor
Monday night’s City Council meeting concluded with updates, congratulations, and community appreciation from city leaders during the traditional remarks portion.
City Manager Molly McGovern began by noting efforts to streamline the appointment process for boards and commissions. She provided council members with a summarized list of current vacancies and applicants to make selections more accessible.
McGovern also highlighted the upcoming Citizens Leadership Academy graduations on May 12 and 13, which will include a new volunteer engagement fair. Council members are invited to host tables at the event to promote board and volunteer opportunities. Mayor Mark Spohn has already committed to participating.
In addition, McGovern congratulated Community Development Director Mallory Brown, who is walking in Park University’s graduate commencement ceremony, and Police Captain Robert Warner, who recently completed the School of Police Staff and Command through Northwestern University.
Turning to issues raised during the visitors forum, McGovern noted that the city maintains a road maintenance agreement with Ideker and will review the conditions in the affected area.
Councilman Gary Renne kept his remarks light, expressing appreciation for Robbie Farabee’s taco chalk art at the Hall of Waters for Cinco De Mayo that whetted his appetite.
Councilman John McGovern took time to thank city staff for crafting the night’s many proclamations. He shared his support for residents who spoke about concerns with the Ideker mining operation near Cameron Road. He also mentioned recent downtown events and praised turnout for Thursday night business activities.
Councilman Stephen Spear encouraged residents to attend the next Mosby city meeting on June 5, where additional discussion on the mining issue is expected. He also recognized Parks Director Nate Williams and city staff for organizing a successful community cleanup day, during which 95 trash bags were filled, plus larger debris.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John shared that Excelsior Springs was recently listed among “Nine Offbeat Missouri Towns to Visit in 2025” by World Atlas, calling it a tourism opportunity the city should embrace. He also acknowledged long-serving city employees—Charles Lee, John Potter, and Cameron White—who have worked for the city for 25 to 31 years.
Mayor Mark Spohn closed the meeting by reflecting on remarks he gave at the recent Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, where he encouraged attendees to pray for the city’s departments and leaders. He expressed his gratitude for the city’s department heads and particularly praised McGovern for her leadership.
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