The December 4th, 2023, Excelsior Springs City Council meeting was short, clocking in at a little over 20 minutes, and had eleven items on the agenda.
Consideration of Westside CID Board Appointment
The Excelsior Springs City Council passed a resolution appointing Jesse Harris, owner of Blue Sparrow Lawn and Landscape, as a representative to the Westside Community Improvement District Board. The Westside Community Board was created in January 2023 and aims to help businesses on the westside of Excelsior. Harris is being brought on to finish the term left by Bill Westerheide, who stepped down because of a change in employment. Harris’ term will run until September 30, 2025.
Consideration of Agreement with Westside CID
City Manager Molly McGovern presented a proposal regarding an agreement with the Westside Community Improvement District (CID). The agreement is part of the Safe Streets & Sidewalks Project, aimed at improving infrastructure within the city. McGovern highlighted that the city is preparing documentation for the Federal Highways to proceed with pre-construction activities under this project.
The main aspect of the agreement is the commitment from the Westside CID to contribute $4 Million towards improvements within their boundaries. This funding is crucial for confirming the financial support outlined in the grant application for the project. The overall funding strategy for the project includes $25.1 Million from federal funds, $4 Million from Westside CID, and $2.9 Million from the City of Excelsior Springs. McGovern noted that the Westside CID is in the process of scheduling a meeting to consider and potentially approve this agreement formally.
Consideration of Truck Purchase for Parks & Recreation
Nate Williams, the Director of Parks, Recreation, & Community Center, presented a proposal for the purchase of a new 1-ton pickup truck. Williams explained that the Parks Division has been attempting to acquire a new pickup since 2020, with specific requirements for a 1-ton truck equipped with a flatbed and snowplow capabilities. However, due to the current market conditions, it had been challenging to secure a dealership that could fulfill this order.
Consequently, Williams sought City Council approval for the purchase of an in-stock pickup from Karl Ford in Story City, IA, at a cost of $43,244.00. This amount reflects the trade-in value of their 2013 F250 Flatbed with Plow, which is $15,000, against the total cost of the new pickup, priced at $58,244.00. The Parks & Recreation Board had already approved this purchase on November 28th. It should be noted that although the pickup was prepared for a snowplow, it did not come equipped. The board also approved an additional expense of up to $8,500 for the plow components.
Consideration of On Call Agreement with Bob D Campbell for On Call Structural Engineering Services
Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy presented the consideration of an on-call agreement with Bob D Campbell & Co. for structural engineering services. The City had issued a public notice requesting qualifications for on-call structural engineering services and received six responses, including one from Bob D Campbell. The proposed agreement between the City of Excelsior Springs and Bob D. Campbell & Co. provides for consulting structural engineering services on an as-needed basis for various city projects. Bob D. Campbell & Co. has previously assisted the city with structural engineering services, such as for The Royal Hotel project. The billing under this agreement would be contracted on an hourly basis.
Consideration of Amendments regarding Marijuana to Conform with the Missouri Constitution
Police Chief Gregory Dull presented three amendments to municipal ordinances to conform to recent changes in the Missouri Constitution in regard to recreational marijuana use. Changes include:
Amendment to Chapter 233 – Cultivation and Consumption of Marijuana:
- Repeals and amends sections relating to medical marijuana and marijuana facilities.
- Establishes new regulations for cultivation by Qualifying Patients and Primary Caregivers, including security and environmental conditions.
- Sets rules on marijuana consumption in public places and extraction of resins.
- Regulates the odor and environmental impact of marijuana cultivation and facilities.
- Adjusts the requirements for Qualifying Patients, Primary Caregivers, and Medical Marijuana Facilities.
Amendment to Chapter 342 – Transit Related Offenses Involving Marijuana:
- Prohibits operating or being in control of any motorized transport under the influence of marijuana.
- Illegal to consume or smoke marijuana in any motorized transport while it’s being operated.
Amendment to Article XI of Chapter 230 – Offenses Concerning Drugs:
- Revises definitions and regulations related to controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
- Adds new sections on public consumption and smoking of marijuana, sale of marijuana accessories to minors, and possession of marijuana.
- Establishes fines and penalties for violations, including provisions for drug education or counseling as an alternative to fines.
- Prohibits possession or consumption of marijuana on certain properties like schools and correctional facilities.
- Amends regulations on unlawful possession, delivery, and manufacture of drug paraphernalia and advertisement of drug paraphernalia or imitation controlled substances.
- These amendments align the municipal ordinances with recent changes in the Missouri Constitution regarding recreational marijuana use.
The session closed with no additional comments by the council.
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