Council Recap May 20, 2024: Parks & Rec Annual Report, Sign Code Changes, and No Go for Eden Village

Excelsior Springs, MO–The Excelsior Springs City Council addressed a range of topics during their latest meeting, including mental health awareness, park programs, liquor licenses, and zoning changes. The council proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early intervention and community support. They also received reports on the Parks and Recreation Department’s activities in 2023 and the city’s financial health for April 2024. In a separate vote, the council approved an amendment to the city’s sign regulations, looking to streamline enforcement and better serve both residents and businesses. However, a proposal to rezone property for Eden Village, a new low-income housing community for the homeless, failed to gain approval.

Proclamation – Mental Health Month

The Excelsior Springs City Council officially proclaimed May as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Mayor Mark Spohn presented the proclamation, which highlights mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being, affecting individuals, families, and the community at large.

The proclamation emphasizes the importance of early intervention and access to quality care. Mayor Spohn noted the importance of continuing to educate the community, combating the stigma around mental health, and the promotion of mental health resources.

Residents are encouraged to educate themselves and others about mental health, speak openly and inclusively about the topic, seek help when needed, and support mental health services. This initiative seeks to create a community that prioritizes mental well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Presentation – Parks & Recreation 2023 Annual Report

Parks and Recreation and Community Center Director Nate Williams presented the Parks and Recreation 2023 Annual Report to the Excelsior Springs City Council. The report detailed the department’s activities, accomplishments, and financial information for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

Highlights from the report included participation statistics for various youth and adult programs, improvements being made at parks across the community, and statistics for the Earth Day Cleanup event.

Financially, the department reported total revenues of $838,170 against expenditures of $999,680 for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. However, the department utilized a surplus from the previous fiscal year (2021-2022), where revenues exceeded expenditures, enabling continued support for community programs and capital projects.

Director Williams emphasized the importance of Parks and Recreation and Community Center services in promoting community well-being and engagement. The presentation documented the Parks and Recreation Department’s ongoing effort to provide diverse recreational opportunities for all residents of Excelsior Springs.

See the ESPRCC annual report below:

Consideration of Liquor License for Firefly Events

The council considered a liquor license application for the Firefly Event Center. Chief of Police and Liquor Control Officer Gregory Dull presented the application on behalf of the new owner, Adam Love.

Chief Dull explained that Mr. Love had purchased the building at 101 Spring Street, formerly known as Paradise Playhouse, which previously held a liquor license. Consequently, a new Petition for Liquor License was not required. Mr. Love submitted all necessary documentation, including the Application for a Retail Liquor License, a Missouri State Liquor License, a criminal background check from the Missouri Highway Patrol, and a Missouri Tax Certificate letter.

After reviewing the application, Chief Dull confirmed that all requirements were met and approved the liquor license. The City Council subsequently approved the license, allowing Firefly Event Center to proceed with its operations.

Consideration of Rezoning of 1112 Tracy Avenue from C-3 Service Business District to R-4 Medium Density Residential District – Ordinance No. 24-05-06

A proposal to rezone property at 1112 Tracy Avenue that would have potentially allowed the construction of Eden Village, a new community living facility for individuals experiencing homelessness in Excelsior Springs, was rejected by the City Council.

Consideration of Amendment to Chapter 403 Sign Regulations – Ordinance No. 24-05-07

Council approved an amendment to Chapter 403 of the city’s sign regulations. The City of Excelsior Springs proposed this change as part of an ongoing code review process. This change updates and clarifies existing regulations, reflecting current “best practices” and addressing community feedback.

The amendment includes three primary changes:

1. Sign Definitions: New definitions for “Sandwich Board,” “Feather Sign,” and “Banners” have been added, along with size limitations. The amendment clarifies that feather signs are not considered “Attention Attracting Devices,” which are not permitted.
2. Central Business District: Specific accommodations for the Central Business District now allow one sandwich board per business, which can be placed on the public sidewalk without obstructing pedestrian access. Feather signs are not permitted in this district.
3. Temporary Signs: The amendment increases the flexibility of temporary sign permits, allowing up to eight permits for fifteen days each per business, per calendar year, compared to the previous limit of four permits for thirty days each. This change addresses merchant requests for more adaptable temporary signage usage.

City staff, represented by Planning Consultant Doug Hermes, emphasized that these amendments will improve the administration of sign standards and align them with community and business interests.

April 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for Review

Vonda Floyd, Finance Director, presented the April 2024 Revenue Report and Financials to the Excelsior Springs City Council. The report detailed the city’s financial appropriations and payroll expenditures, along with total revenues for the month.

The total expenditures for April amounted to $1,419,131.89. In contrast, the city’s total revenues received during the same period were $2,699,852.77, indicating a healthy financial position for the month.

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