Excelsior Springs Council Declares Vacancies, Approves Contracts, and Highlights Community Spirit

Excelsior Springs Council Meeting Highlights – August 18, 2025

At a glance:

• 25 upcoming vacancies on city boards and commissions
• $390,000 approved for new golf course mowers
• $32,000 chlorine system upgrade at Community Center pools
• $24,000 highway fence repair after crash
• Council formalizes denial of Oxford House occupancy request
• Ameren contracts extended for electricity and streetlights
• July financials: $3.27M revenue, $3.17M spending

Council Declares Board and Commission Vacancies

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved Resolution 1596, officially declaring upcoming vacancies on city boards and commissions effective after September 30.

City Manager Molly McGovern explained that roughly 25 seats will open, with many current members eligible for reappointment. The city will post a public notice and accept applications through its website. Applications remain on file for one year, allowing staff to fill any mid-term vacancies that arise.

Mayor Mark Spohn reminded residents that serving on boards and commissions is an important way to be involved in city government. He also encouraged those interested to attend the Citizens Leadership Academy to learn more about how the city operates.

Vacancies include: Board of Zoning Adjustment (1), Capital Improvement/Transportation Trust Authority (2), Community Center Advisory Board (1), Community Foundation (2), Downtown CID (2), Enhanced Enterprise Zone (2), Historic Preservation Commission (4), Hospital Board of Trustees (2), Housing Authority (1), Planning & Zoning (2), Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee (1), Urban Redevelopment Corporation (2), Westside CID (3).

Council Approves Lease-Purchase of Golf Course Mowers

The Council authorized the purchase of five new mowers for the city-owned golf course, replacing equipment purchased as far back as 2007.

The package includes two John Deere 2700 E-Cut Hybrid greens mowers, two John Deere 7700A fairway mowers, and one Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D rough mower. Golf Course Superintendent Brien Agler explained that the new machines will reduce costly breakdowns and provide better playing conditions.

The funding plan uses two separate four-year, $1 buyout leases — one with Deere Credit, Inc. for the John Deere equipment ($297,216.70) and one with PNC Bank for the Toro mower ($51,498.75) — at an estimated 6.25% interest rate. The Capital Improvements Fund will provide $340,000, while the golf course will contribute about $95,000.

Mayor Spohn suggested keeping one of the older greens mowers as a backup machine rather than selling it, noting it could still serve in emergencies.

Community Center Pool to Receive Chlorine System Upgrade

Swimmers at the Community Center pools will continue enjoying safe conditions thanks to a $32,134.68 upgrade to the facility’s NexGen chlorine-generating system.

The NexGen system, installed during the city’s Phase II energy audit, produces chlorine on-site, eliminating the need for hazardous chemical storage. The system’s electrode stack must be replaced every 2–4 years; staff reported that the current unit had reached its limit after three years of use.

During the Friday work session, Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams emphasized that without this replacement, the system could not produce chlorine, forcing pool closures. On Monday, Jesse Hall, representing project partners, said the system has already proven more cost-effective and safer than traditional chlorine methods.

The Council waived the formal bidding process to allow immediate purchase from Commercial Aquatics and Navitas.

Highway Fence Damaged in Wreck Set for Repair

A car accident near the VFW on 10 Highway left a section of decorative fencing damaged. On Monday, the Council approved a $24,057.60 repair contract with Koppel Fabrication, the original installer.

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong said the city is working with the driver’s insurance company for reimbursement, but coverage may be limited. The Transportation Trust Authority approved the allocation earlier this month.

Council discussion included a request to salvage slightly damaged fence panels for reuse at other sites, such as Lithia Landing.

Council Formalizes Denial of Oxford House Request

The Council adopted Resolution 1600, formalizing its written decision to deny Oxford House’s request for expanded occupancy at 21 Dawn Avenue.

Oxford House sought permission for up to eight unrelated adults and three children to live in a single-family home, exceeding the city’s zoning cap of four unrelated persons.

After a public hearing July 22 and a vote on August 12, the Council concluded the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence that the request was necessary to provide equal housing opportunity, citing recent federal case law requiring more than general statements about benefits of larger households.

The decision allows the property to continue as a sober living residence, but only within existing occupancy limits.

Council Renews 20-Year Franchise with Ameren Missouri

Excelsior Springs residents will continue receiving electricity from Ameren Missouri under a new 20-year franchise agreement.

The franchise, approved through Ordinance 25-08-03, gives Ameren non-exclusive rights to install and maintain electric infrastructure in city rights-of-way and continues the city’s 6% gross receipts tax on utility bills.

Ameren representative Mike Edwards said the agreement simply updates long-standing arrangements between the city and utility. Councilmembers joked about the lengthy legal text before approving the measure unanimously.

Council Extends Streetlight Contract with Ameren Missouri

The Council also approved Ordinance 25-08-04, extending its streetlight service contract with Ameren for 20 years.

The agreement covers both Ameren-owned lights and city-owned decorative fixtures downtown, with Ameren continuing maintenance and operation. Edwards explained that the contract ensures flexibility for future lighting requests and keeps the city’s lighting service under a consistent framework.

City Reports $3.2M in Revenues, $3.1M in Spending for July

Finance Director Vonda Floyd reported $3.27 million in revenues and $3.17 million in expenditures for July.

The largest single expense was the city’s $466,000 workers’ compensation premium, which renews annually on July 1. Other liability insurance premiums will appear in August’s report.

Breakdown of appropriations:

• July 3 – $112,102.75

• July 10 – $342,762.60

• July 17 – $623,066.28

• July 24 – $861,066.68

• July 31 – $272,579.18

• Payrolls: July 15 – $484,716.21; July 31 – $472,902.25

The report was presented for review only and required no council action.

Council Wraps Meeting with Community Highlights and Humor

During closing remarks councilmembers reflected on a busy weekend in the community. Councilman Stephen Spear praised the barbecue contest and shared a personal highlight from the VFW bingo night, where he unexpectedly reunited with a longtime musical inspiration.

Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John recognized Janet Moorehead’s 39 years of service with Parks and Recreation, while also noting the encouraging trend of younger golfers taking up the sport at the city’s golf course. Councilmembers also thanked staff for organizing a recent employee appreciation luncheon, joking about City Manager Molly McGovern’s breadstick-throwing skills.

Mayor Mark Spohn closed with appreciation for the successful barbecue festival, lightening the mood with a series of barbecue-themed jokes delivered to competitors during the event.

The meeting adjourned with laughter and unanimous agreement that the weekend had been a community success.