Watch a full replay of the Dec. 2, 2024, Excelsior Springs City Council Meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 2, 2024) – The Excelsior Springs City Council tackled a varied agenda during its Dec. 2 meeting, approving liquor license transfers for two east-side businesses, increasing sewer rates for 2025, and resolving utility easement and right-of-way issues at 331 Persimmon. Meanwhile, proposed zoning amendments related to backyard chickens were postponed to allow for further discussion.
Ownership Transfer and Approval for Liquor License for Planet Liquor & Mart #2 & #3
Excelsior Springs City Council unanimously approved liquor license transfers for two businesses on the east side of the city. Police Chief Greg Dull, who also serves as the city’s liquor control officer, presented the items.
Hassan Khan and Muhamad Farooq, the new owners of the Sinclair gas station at 1005 Isley Blvd., received approval for a liquor license under the new business name “Planet Liquor & Mart 2.” Attorney Richard Bryant will serve as the managing officer for the location. Chief Dull noted that the site already held an active liquor license, so no new petition was required.
Similarly, Khan and Farooq were approved for a liquor license transfer for the Fast Zone at 960 Isley Blvd., now operating as “Planet Liquor & Mart 3.” Bryant will also serve as the managing officer for this location, which also had an active liquor license in place.
Despite the prominence of the word liquor in the news store titles, ownership says they plan to keep the offerings at both locations pretty much the same while offering EBT services. Tentative plans include adding a limited selection of hot foods such as pizza or fried chicken.
Open Hearing for Proposed Revisions to Sewer Charges
Despite public notification, no residents were in attendance to speak at the public hearing on proposed sewer rate increases in Excelsior Springs. The City Council had invited citizen feedback during the meeting, held at the Hall of Waters.
The absence of public input allowed the council to proceed with the implementation of the new rates.
Amending the Schedule of Fees of the Municipal Code Related to Sewer Utility Rates
City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending the municipal code to reflect updated sewer utility rates, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The changes were incorporated into the Excelsior Springs Municipal Code, Title 1, Appendix A, under Sewer Utility Rates, Table A-10.
The updated rates are as follows:
Inside City Limits:
- Base rate: $23.60 → $24.63
- Consumption rate: $11.58 per 1,000 gallons → $12.08 per 1,000 gallons
- Outside City Limits:
- Base rate: $35.40 → $36.95
- Consumption rate: $17.36 per 1,000 gallons → $18.12 per 1,000 gallons
The ordinance maintains a 10% penalty for late payments, as outlined in Section 705.080(E) of the municipal code.
Consideration of Utility Easement and Right of Way Vacation for 331 Persimmon
Planning Consultant Doug Hermes presented two related considerations for 331 Persimmon during the Dec. 2 Excelsior Springs City Council meeting.
The first item involved an ordinance to dedicate a 20-foot-wide electric utility easement along the northern plat line of the Persimmon Grove Addition. The easement ensures continued access and maintenance for an existing overhead power line operated by Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri. The dedication supports necessary infrastructure prior to vacating the adjacent public right-of-way.
The second consideration addressed the vacation of a 50-foot public right-of-way, previously identified as Rowell Avenue, which is an unimproved path intersecting the 331 Persimmon property. The vacation resolves a decades-old issue where a portion of the house on the property was constructed over the right of way. The city confirmed no active or planned utility infrastructure exists within the area and facilitated the process by coordinating with neighboring property owners to bring the property into compliance with city code.
The council approved both measures.
Amendment to Sections 400.080 & 400.240 of the Municipal Code and Amendment to Chapter 210 of the Municipal Code Regarding Animals and Fowl
The Council postponed consideration of two proposals to align zoning regulations with the city’s existing backyard chicken ordinance. The council cited the need for further discussion and inquiry before making a decision.
The proposals stem from the city’s July 2024 adoption of Section 210.125 in the municipal code, which permits backyard chickens under specific conditions. However, inconsistencies between this ordinance and existing zoning regulations prompted the Planning and Zoning Commission to recommend amendments following an October study session.
Key changes under consideration include:
- Modifying District R-1 Single-Family Residential District standards to align chicken-keeping setbacks with Section 210.125.
- Establishing “Backyard Chickens” as a defined accessory use in Section 400.240 for single-family homes.
- Revising Section 210.125 Backyard Chickens and Section 210.130 Small Animals and Fowl in Pens to clarify agricultural land use and permitted practices in residential areas.
The council will revisit the matter at its next meeting.
Review or download the full meeting agenda below.
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