Wyman School Remediation, Transit Grant, and Budget Top Council Agenda

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Sept. 15, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs City Council met Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, approving the FY2026 budget, advancing a federal transit grant application, expanding this year’s street overlays, and awarding a $697,498.95 contract to remediate hazards at the former Wyman School. Three proclamations opened the meeting, including Missouri Good Neighbor Week and National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

At a Glance

• Proclamations (3): Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4); National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept. 15–21); and recognition of seven Centurion Businesses (Ameren Missouri, The Atlas, Griffey Insurance, The Standard newspaper, The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and the Excelsior Springs Golf Course).
  
  
• Board Reappointments (Res. 1609): Christy Marker and Dustin Borchert to Planning & Zoning; Mike Anderson and Jeanine Stubbs to the Hospital Board — all through Sept. 30, 2029.
  
  
• Wyman School Remediation (Res. 1610): Bid awarded to Titan Environmental Services for $697,498.95 to remove asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials; work targets completion by late January.
  
  
• Street Project Change Order (Res. 1611): Adds Rose Ave., Golden Ave., and Miss Belle St. to the 2025 UBAS overlays; increases contract by $88,958.25 (new total $264,958.25) and extends completion to Oct. 15.
  
  
• Transit Grant (Ord. 25-09-07): Council approved application for Section 5311 operating funds ($288,750 total budget; $152,838 federal / $135,913 local) for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027.
  
  
• FY2026 Budget (Ord. 25-09-08): Adopted Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026 budget; no COLA/merit at start (to be reassessed in six months); continued emphasis on neighborhood street maintenance and major infrastructure projects.
  
  
• August Financials: Reviewed (no action); routine appropriations included semiannual debt service, DNR pass-through fees, insurance renewals, and payroll.

   

Proclamations celebrate neighborliness, family needs, and century-old institutions

The mayor proclaimed Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28–Oct. 4) and encouraged residents to host or join block parties as part of a local challenge. National Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept. 15–21) acknowledged the public-health and economic impacts of diaper insecurity. A combined proclamation honored seven Centurion Businesses whose legacies span more than a century: Ameren Missouri, The Atlas, Griffey Insurance, The Standard, The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and the Excelsior Springs Golf Course; full individualized proclamations are to be presented at the Oct. 2 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference.

Board reappointments to P&Z and Hospital Board 

City Manager Molly McGovern presented four reappointments: Christy Marker and Dustin Borchert to Planning & Zoning, and Mike Anderson and Jeanine Stubbs to the Hospital Board of Trustees. Council approved the resolution, continuing each term to Sept. 30, 2029.

Wyman School: hazardous-materials remediation awarded

Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy recommended awarding the hazard-abatement contract to Titan Environmental Services for $697,498.95. The scope covers asbestos and lead-based paint removal plus hazardous materials, supported by a $250,000 EIERA grant and Capital Improvement Authority funds approved in August. With approval, the city aims to begin work promptly and wrap up remediation by the end of January, paving the way for developer recruitment and reuse of the historic building.

2025 UBAS overlays expanded; deadline extended

Public Works Director Chad Birdsong outlined Change Order No. 1 with McAnany Construction: adding Rose Ave., Golden Ave., and Miss Belle St. to this year’s UBAS overlay list. The change increases the contract by $88,958.25 to $264,958.25 and moves the ready-for-final-payment date to Oct. 15. Birdsong noted the change still fits within the overall 2025 streets project budget.

Public Transportation: Section 5311 grant and ordinance

After opening and closing a brief public hearing, Council advanced and approved the Section 5311 transit ordinance authorizing the mayor to apply for operating assistance. Staff detailed a one-year project period (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) with a $288,750 operating budget ($152,838 federal / $135,913 local), and no capital this cycle since four vehicles have already been funded elsewhere.

FY2026 Budget adopted

McGovern presented the FY2026 budget, emphasizing that general fund revenues fell 8% in 2025 after a 7% increase in 2024, driven by a 11% decline in sales tax (internet use tax up 5%). EMS billing dipped 29% amid the lowest call volume in 13 years. To remain cautious, the budget does not begin with COLA/merit pay; salaries will be re-evaluated in six months for competitiveness.

Neighborhood streets remain a top priority: the city targets a PCI improvement from 48 toward 60, which modeling shows requires about $1.37M/year in maintenance (plus a separate reconstruction program). Big-ticket projects expected in FY2026 include the Dry Fork Greenway and Garland Bridge (with roadway approaches), preliminary design work on RAISE-funded west-side projects, and WRDA-assisted sewer lining and water-plant improvements.

Rates & timing: proposed water base rate from $16.97 → $17.74; per-1,000 gal from $7.83 → $8.19. Sewer base $24.69 → $24.23 and per-1,000 gal $12.12 → $11.88. Trash from $25.00 → $23.50 (effective Oct. 1); water/sewer changes proposed for Jan. 1.

As part of the budget discussion, City Manager Molly McGovern noted the city is evaluating the elimination of the municipal court system and shifting those functions to Clay County. The change is projected to save about $206,000 annually, a figure that includes both court operating expenses and reduced police overtime. Council members acknowledged the potential impact on residents but emphasized the importance of exploring cost-saving measures amid declining revenues.

Other notes: Hall of Waters elevator modernization already approved, continued blight removal and facility repairs, and inclusive recreation investments via Parks & Recreation.

August revenue & expenditures report (review only)

Finance Director Vonda Floyd summarized August appropriations (including semiannual debt service payments, annual DNR pass-through fees, and property/crime/cyber insurance renewals) and two payrolls. She also reported August revenues, with details provided in the council packet.

Council Remarks

• City Manager Molly McGovern: Noted this week’s DEP dinner; weather could force it indoors (which it did).

   

• Councilman Gary Renne: Reported positive neighborhood reactions as Red Gate began delivering new trash carts and info sheets.

   

• Councilman John McGovern: Shared that the Senior Center requested $21,000 from the Clay County Senior Services Board to support a local Meals on Wheels program; he said staff recommended approval, but a formal decision was expected Thursday.

   

• Councilman Stephen Spear: Invited residents to Night Out Against Crime on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m., featuring the annual Police vs. Fire tug-of-war and equipment displays.

   

• Mayor Pro-Tem Reggie St. John & Mayor Mark Spohn: Reflected on Good Neighbor Week spirit and recent positive visitor feedback for local attractions and restaurants.
  

Council then voted to enter closed session