Excelsior Springs City Council Recap, April 17, 2023

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The Excelsior Springs City Council Meeting, held on April 17, 2023, considered several proposals and requests. The council approved the liquor license application submitted by El Molcajete Mexican Food which will allow the restaurant to serve liquor by the drink and Sunday sales. The council also approved Chief of Police Gregory Dull’s proposal for the re-paving of the police department’s parking lot, along with several other upcoming issues, let’s take a look at what went on…

Liquor License Application – Molcajete Mexican Food

The council considered a liquor license application submitted by Martha Cantu of Molcajete Mexican Food 2. The application was for the restaurant to serve liquor by the drink and Sunday sales.

According to the Liquor Control Officer and ESPD Chief Gregory Dull, a police computer check revealed that there were no issues that would prevent the issuance of liquor licenses to Ms. Cantu as the managing officer. However, approval of the license would be conditional upon satisfying the requirements for a business license, including an inspection for life safety issues.

The license was approved 5-0

(bonus facts: the annual operating permit was granted to El Molcajete at the Clay Co. Health Board April meeting. The owners stated on social media they plan to be open in early May).

Police Station Parking Lot Project

Chief of Police Gregory Dull submitted a proposal for the re-paving of the police department’s concrete parking lot. The parking lot is approximately 34 years old and in need of replacement.

The estimated cost of the project, as assessed by the Public Works Department, is $116,136.00. The funds for this project would be drawn from the Capital Improvement Fund.

The Capital Improvements/Trans Trust Authority has already approved the allocation of funds for this purpose. Chief Dull requested the council’s approval for the project, which will improve the safety and accessibility of the police department’s parking facilities.

Approved 5-0

Agreement with Peak Software Systems and Global Payments

During the Excelsior Springs City Council Meeting, Nate Williams, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Center presented a proposal for the consideration of a new software system from Peak Software Systems, also known as Sportsman, to meet the department’s growing needs.

After exploring various software options from different providers, the department found that Sportsman was the most cost-effective solution for their needs. The proposed price for the Sportsman Software, including a one-time implementation fee of $2,500 and estimated transaction fees of just under $32,000 based on current numbers, is $7,230.

Williams stated that the department could see savings in the first year, and even more savings after that. The current software provider was unable to match Sportsman’s capabilities or price, despite the department’s efforts to explore other options.

The proposed costs for the new software system were a one-time fee of $2,500 for implementation and an annual license cost of $4,730, bringing the total cost of the Peak Software System to $7,230.

Approved 5-0

Gas Pump Replacement at Public Works Fuel Islands

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong presented a proposal to replace the two fuel pumps at the fuel island located at the Public Works facility. The pumps, one for diesel and one for gas, are currently 22 years old and in need of updating as existing pump parts are obsolete.

Neumayer, who built the fuel system in 2001 and has provided all service since installation, has provided a scope of work to replace both pumps. The proposed cost for two new Gasboy pumps is $32,805.88.

Capital Improvements has allocated a budget of $35,000.00 for this purchase. Birdsong requested the council’s approval for the purchase of the new gas pumps from Neumayer in the amount of $32,805.88.

Approved 5-0

Basic Consulting & Engineering Service/On Call Agreement – Rate Adjustment for 2023 with Lamp Rynearson Engineers

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong presented a proposal regarding a rate adjustment for Lamp Rynearson Engineers, with whom the city has an on-call agreement for basic consulting and engineering services as needed throughout the year.

The agreement, which was initially approved by the council in February of 2022, included a rate schedule. However, due to rising costs, Lamp Rynearson recently provided a new hourly rate schedule that will be applied to all projects they work on for the city.

The new rate schedule is applicable from April 2, 2023, through April 6, 2024, and a resolution was presented to the council for their consideration and approval of the updated hourly rate schedule with Lamp Rynearson.

Approved 5-0

Declaring Election Results for 3% Non-Medical Marijuana Sales Tax

City Manager Molly McGovern announced that the election results for the 3% retail sales tax on non-medical recreational marijuana had been approved by voters.

The ordinance was presented to accept the election results and inform the Missouri Department of Revenue to begin collecting the tax. According to McGovern, it is their practice to begin collections at the beginning of the second quarter after passage, which would be on October 1st.

McGovern stated that a Public Safety Sales Tax Committee meeting will be scheduled soon to discuss how funds will be distributed. The budget process for the upcoming year will begin this summer.

McGovern expressed her gratitude to the voters for their approval of the 3% retail sales tax and presented the attached ordinance for the council’s consideration. The council discussed the ordinance and approved the election results.

Approved 5-0

Remarks

City Manager Molly McGovern announced several events and happenings.

She stated that she would be giving a presentation to the Clay County Commission later in the month to show appreciation for their assistance with the Fishing River Stormwater Study and the rebuilding of Powell Lake at Century Park. McGovern said she would share the results of these projects with the commission.

She also reminded the council and citizens that on Thursday morning (4/20/23), the city would open Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for RAISE to bid on the owner’s consultant position. The city will then spend time reviewing and making a decision on those proposals. McGovern also noted that the Volunteer Dinner would take place on Thursday evening.

Mark Spohn invited the community to participate in the Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday 4/22/23.

Find Out More

Excelsior Springs City Council Meetings are normally held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Hall of Waters in downtown Excelsior Springs. Meetings are streamed courtesy of the Simmons Sales Team and Excelsior Springs Hospital, to the Excelsior Citizen Facebook Group, Facebook Page, and YouTube Channel.

Find City Council agendas and information here: https://cityofesmo.com/index.php/council/