Council Honors Local Business Women, Approves Artist Space Renovation, and Ambulance Upgrades
Watch a full replay of this meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
Proclamation – Business Women of Missouri Week
Mayor Mark Spohn presented a proclamation declaring Oct. 20-26, 2024, as Business Women of Missouri Week in Excelsior Springs. The recognition, presented to Courtney Cole, current president of the Excelsior Springs chapter of Business Professional Women (BPW), and Sonya Morgan, a past president and active member, highlights the contributions of women in the workforce and the businesses that support them.
The proclamation, aligned with National Business Women’s Week, emphasizes the economic impact of women-owned businesses. These businesses represent 39.1% of all businesses in the United States, over 14 million, employing 12.2 million workers and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue. In Missouri, 43% of businesses are women-owned.
The proclamation also acknowledges the historic role of the Business Women of Missouri organization in advocating for workplace equity and empowering women personally, professionally, and politically. The local chapter, which has produced three state presidents and remains active in the community, supports scholarships and annually honors a local woman for outstanding service among their many activities.
353 Tax Abatement and Redevelopment Agreement for 115 W Excelsior Street
Council approved a Chapter 353 tax abatement and redevelopment agreement for GreenStrawberry, LLC, led by Mark Green, for property improvements at 115 W. Excelsior St. Laura Mize, who presented the proposal, explained that the property, located at the intersection of North Marietta and West Excelsior streets, will undergo significant upgrades including a new roof, exterior paint, a new front door, and an interior remodel to create a dedicated artist or maker space.
According to city staff, the projected $56,000 investment qualifies for a Level A-2 Minimum abatement, offering tax relief based on improvement costs or 100% abatement for 10 years, whichever occurs first. The council noted that permits will be secured prior to construction and that Green may pursue adding a mural to the building’s exterior. All blight remediation must be completed before the final tax abatement approval.
Change Order Regarding Prior Approval for the Purchase of Ambulances
Excelsior Springs Fire Chief Joe Maddick presented a change order related to the city’s February authorization to purchase three new ambulances. The initial purchase, approved by the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) committee, included two 2025 and one 2028 Ford E-450 AEV Traumahawk Type III ambulances totaling $935,827.33.
In his Oct. 21 update, Maddick requested modifications to the suspension system on the three ambulances switching from standard suspension to liquid suspension. He noted that existing units have experienced suspension issues, and research indicated liquid suspension as an effective solution. The PSST committee supported the change on Sept. 26, with one dissenting vote, approving the additional $46,812 required for the upgrade, or $15,604 per ambulance.
After the new ambulances are delivered, the fire department will auction off the oldest ambulance and deposit the funds back into the PSST account.
September 2024 Revenue Report and Financials for Review
Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the September 2024 revenue and expenditure report at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting. The report detailed total appropriations for the month at $3,465,761.74, covering expenditures and payroll across four disbursements and two payroll cycles. The revenue received in September totaled $2,638,358.01, reflecting a shortfall relative to the month’s expenses. The council reviewed the detailed expenditure lists as part of their routine financial oversight.
View the full agenda below:
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