City Council Backs Pool Repairs, Traffic Safety Efforts

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Feb. 18, 2025) – With community investments and safety initiatives on the agenda, the Excelsior Springs City Council approved significant funding for pool system repairs, a state-backed traffic enforcement grant, and a zoning board appointment. A long-standing street name discrepancy was also corrected to align property records with historical maps.

Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, instead of Monday, due to the President’s Day holiday. In addition, the council convened a special session on Friday, Feb. 21, to consider a single agenda item related to a MoDOT highway safety grant.

Visitor’s Forum

Shawna Mull, a resident of Excelsior Springs, spoke during the visitor’s forum to remind the City Council of their responsibilities. Ms. Mull also spoke at the last meeting regarding a petition that was circulated by Mayor Pro Tem, Stephen Spear, seeking to have a school board member removed from his position after he made remarks comparing supporters of President Trump to Nazis. On Tuesday, Mull said:

I’m here tonight to remind you that you all asked for this job. Each of you ran a campaign, and your constituents gave you a title.

I believe that title follows you everywhere. You are a City Council member because you asked to be. The mayor and mayor pro tem hold their positions because the council voted them into those roles. You don’t get to put that title down—you don’t get to put that away. You are that, because we said that’s who you are.

That’s my reminder to you, and I appreciate the law for allowing me to speak tonight because that’s what I respect the most right now. Thank you.

Community for All Ages Program Update

Because of severe weather, the update from Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize was postponed until the next council meeting.

Planning & Zoning Board Appointment of Creyton Vincent

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved Creyton Vincent’s appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

Vincent will serve until Sept. 30, 2026, completing the term left vacant by Bob Gerdes. His appointment was made by Mayor Spohn and confirmed by a unanimous council vote.

“I will say, if you’ve had a chance to look at Creyton’s application, he is well qualified to serve in any position that we have in the city,” Spohn said. “It’s impressive, and I appreciate your willingness to serve our community.”

Following the vote, Vincent was sworn in by City Clerk Shannon Stroud.

Pool Dehumidification, Locker Room Unit Replacement at Community Center

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday related to the replacement of the community center’s pool dehumidification system and locker room rooftop unit.

With Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams out of town at a conference, Community Center Project Manager Jesse Hall presented the details to the council.

Waiving Bidding Requirements

The first resolution, Resolution 1551, waived competitive bidding requirements for the project, allowing the city to continue working with Navitas. Hall explained that Navitas was initially involved in energy-related improvements at the facility and is familiar with its systems, making them the logical choice for the repairs.

Agreement with Navitas

The second resolution, Resolution 1552, authorized an agreement with Navitas for the installation of a new PoolPak unit for the natatorium and a new rooftop unit for the locker rooms. The PoolPak system is currently nonfunctional, increasing strain on the locker room unit. Upgrading both will improve efficiency and extend the life expectancy of other equipment at the facility.

The total project cost is $870,279, with funding allocated in the fiscal year 2025 budget. Navitas recommended PM Contracting for the installation.

Council members discussed the project timeline, noting that the repairs are expected to take place in late summer or early fall, with a brief shutdown period of a few weeks. Officials assured that the work would not interfere with the outdoor pool’s summer operations.

Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

Vacating Certain Public Right-Of-Way in the Persimmon Grove Addition

Council approved an ordinance correcting a right-of-way vacation previously approved in December.

Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy explained that a title company handling the sale of 331 Persimmon St. identified a discrepancy in the legal description used in Ordinance 24-12-03. While commonly referred to as Persimmon Street, the original plat map from the 1920s designates the right-of-way as Rowell Avenue.

To ensure consistency with official records and avoid title complications, the new ordinance, Ordinance 25-02-01, corrects the street name to Rowell Avenue. Mehaffy clarified that the change is strictly for legal documentation purposes, and the street will continue to be known as Persimmon Street.

The council approved the ordinance unanimously.

January 2025 Revenue Report and Financials for Review

City Manager Molly McGovern presented the January 2025 financial report to the Excelsior Springs City Council on Tuesday, as Finance Director Vonda Wilcox was unable to attend due to weather conditions.

The report detailed total appropriations of $2,243,296.80 for the month, which included payroll expenses and city expenditures:

• Appropriations:
  • Jan. 9: $406,967.95
  • Jan. 16: $297,250.46
  • Jan. 23: $79,488.05
  • Jan. 30: $590,840.19
• Payroll:
  • Jan. 15: $425,990.46
  • Jan. 31: $442,759.69

McGovern also reported that the city received $3,973,238.46 in total revenue, a figure that included the annual collection of property taxes.

The council reviewed the financials but took no formal action, as the report was presented for informational purposes.