City Council meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Nixa City Council was called to order by Mayor Brian Steele. Attending were Council Members Shawn Lucas, Justin Orf, Jarad Giddens, Aron Peterson, Darlene Graham, and Amy Hoogstraet. The pledge of allegiance was given.

Mayor Steele called for a motion on the Consent Agenda. Giddens made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented, items a through b, with Orf seconding and Orf, Giddens, Peterson, Graham, Hoogstraet, and Lucas voting aye on roll call vote.

Mayor Steele recognized Sergeant Ryan Strohm for his five (5) years of service to the City. Joe Campbell, Police Chief, stated that Strohm has served many roles within the organization and his current position is a road Sergeant. Campbell said Strohm is a very trustworthy member of the team and looks forward to having him as a team member for years to come. Mayor Steele recognized Wendi Buckmaster for her 25 years of service to the City. Buckmaster was not in attendance. Campbell stated that Buckmaster started with the department in 1996 as a dispatcher and is now the supervisor for the evidence room and police clerks, as well as the records custodian. Campbell stated that Buckmaster makes sure the department is successful behind the scenes. Mayor Steele recognized Nate Hartsell for his five (5) years of service to the City. Garrett Tyson, Planning and Development Director, stated that Hartsell has been with Planning and Development for one (1) of his five (5) years with the City. Hartsell's current position is the Code Compliance Official. Tyson stated that Hartsell is public service oriented as well as caring and trustworthy, which makes him great at his position. Mayor Steele recognized Lisa Brown for her 15 years of service to the City. Tyson stated he asks more of Brown than anyone else on the team. Tyson stated that she is the face of the department. Brown has been asked to make many changes to the department and has made all the changes happily. Tyson stated he was thankful for all the work she does for the department.

Cub Scout Pack 200/Den 3 Arrows was a scheduled visitor of the Council meeting. Matt Roth, Den Leader, introduced the members of the group. Roth thanked Council for answering the questions the Pack had for them earlier in the night. Group members Hudson, Carter, and Drew all spoke to Council about their time with the Cub Scouts as well as their favorite parts of their City Hall tour. Aron Fleming, 568 E. Hillwallen Place, stated that he is a retired Sergeant for the Marine Corps. Fleming gave an overview of his military career. Next, Fleming discussed the 5K Hero Run that is being hosted by the Massengale Group, for which he is a consultant. Fleming stated that this is a community event to reward and recognize Nixa's military children, not a political event. Jason Massengale, 201 Village Center, stated he asked Fleming to come and share his story so the community could hear the inspiration behind the 5k Hero Run. Massengale said this event is not a political event. Next, Massengale asked Council to waive the fees for the event. Council asked questions about the event. Mayor Steele called for a motion to waive the fees associated with the 5K Hero Run. Graham made a motion to waive the fees with Hoogstraet seconding and all Council Members voting aye. Jeanne Coburn, 803 Chickory Ct., gave a background on her childhood. Coburn stated she is grateful to live in a community that supports each other. Coburn thanked Council and City employees for everything they do for the community. Baylie Beard, 630 N. Alexandria, discussed her concerns with the behavior of Nixa citizens. Beard listed a few of the achievements of the City. Beard stated that the community is blessed to have strong leaders. Jeff Belcher, 203 S. Ellen, discussed the previous Council meeting. Belcher played an undocumented video for Council. Council asked questions about the video that was played and read portions of the Home Rule Charter. Nick Woodman, City Attorney, gave information on the Home Rule Charter. Scott Perryman, 916 Fort Court, stated that he served on City Council for three (3) years. Perryman discussed the recall and his service with Mayor Steele. Next, Perryman discussed the masking mandate and Mayor Steele's service as Mayor. Perryman encouraged everyone to vote on November 2nd. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., encouraged everyone to attend the 5K Hero Run. Sanders discussed previous visitor's sections from the 2020 Council meetings. Sanders gave his views on the second (2nd) reading of ordinances having a public hearing section. Sanders encouraged everyone to read previous meeting minutes. Council responded to Sanders' comments. Logan Lewis, 860 S. Hackberry, stated he wanted to withhold his comments. Rich Lewis, 860 S. Hackberry, thanked Aron Fleming for his service. Lewis stated that he had watched Council meetings on YouTube and read the Council minutes. Lewis discussed the recall being a right of the people, and it sets a precedent for the future. Jack Karnes, 622 N Maplewood Hills Rd., stated he loves the City of Nixa. Karnes said he believes Council failed to follow the Home Rule Charter. Karnes also discussed the recall and utility payments. Karnes encouraged everyone to vote. Staff and Council responded to Karnes' comments.

Tyson presented information on statutory annexation changes made by the Missouri General Assembly. This presentation is available for review at City Hall. Tyson discussed the practical implications and procedural aspects of the changes. An overview of the annexation procedure was discussed. Next, Tyson gave his view on the changes. Council asked about the changes being made, with staff responding. Doug Colvin, Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Director, presented information on an electric rate study that was conducted by Toth & Associates. This presentation is available for review at City Hall. Colvin stated that electric rates have not increased since 2017. Colvin gave an overview of the rate study elements: revenue requirements, cost allocations, and rate design. Colvin stated this study was done based roughly on 2020 actual numbers. There are 90% residential customers, with the remaining ten percent (10%) being commercial customers. Council asked questions about what is considered a large commercial customer. Colvin discussed the purchase power costs for the test year and forecast year; the forecast year is where the price for total wholesale power costs is determined. Next, Colvin discussed the revenue from the electric sales summary that shows revenues from the test year through 2025. Colvin provided an expense breakdown by year from 2020 through 2025. A cash-basis income statement summary was presented, which showed information on the wholesale cost savings. Council asked questions about future rates, with Colvin responding. Next, Colvin gave information on the cost-of-service summary at the current electric rates. Information about rate design was provided with an overview of existing and proposed rates discussed. Colvin presented information about residential service bills through a comparison of service bills. Colvin gave information on the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) that is currently in the ordinances. Colvin then presented information on an Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) specifically for Nixa residents. Council asked questions on the FCA and ECA, with Colvin responding. Colvin stated that Toth & Associates was very thorough with the study. Colvin introduced options for a proposed rate ordinance. Council discussed the revenue from the electric sales summary as well as the residential service billing comparisons. A five (5) minute recess was taken at 8:48 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:00 p.m.

Council Bill #2021-103

Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the 38th Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri for the Funding, Hiring, and Maintaining of a Court Clerk and the Transfer and Storage of Municipal Court Files. Jimmy Liles, City Administrator, presented information on the recent approval to transfer the Municipal Court to the Christian County Circuit Court. Barb Stillings, Christian County Circuit Clerk, has expressed concerns with the caseload that will be put upon her staff and is requesting Nixa and Ozark split the cost of a court clerk for her office. The amount for that individual would not exceed $23,833.20 in 2022. Stillings has requested that the clerk be hired before January 1, 2022, so she has time to train them; the salary for 2021 would not exceed $2,948.45. Liles stated that the agreement would be a year-to-year to allow for an evaluation of the need for the additional clerk. Council asked questions about the agreement. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed.

Council Bill #2021-104

Amending Chapter 2, Article II, of the Nixa City Code to Establish New City Council Districts Based on the 2020 Decennial Census. Tyson presented background information on redistricting and the Home Rule Charter requirements of redistricting. Tyson gave a brief overview of the items discussed by the redistricting subcommittee. Next, Tyson discussed the recommended district as well as the timeline to approve the ordinance. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Council held a discussion on redistricting.

Council Bill #2021-101

Amending Chapter 20 of the Nixa City Code to Modify Several Provisions of the City Code Related to the City's Speed Limit Regulations. Woodman gave a background of the Council Bill and stated that staff recommended approval of the Council Bill. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., discussed the issues with having a traffic engineer. Council discussed the codification of the section of the Home Rule Charter as well as the violations bureau and fines established by the State. Mayor Steele closed the public hearing. Council held further discussion on traffic engineers and the authority to change speed limits. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the ordinance. Orf made a motion to approve Council Bill #2021-101 with Peterson seconding and all Council Members voting aye on roll call.

Council Bill #2021-102

Amending Chapter 6, Article I, Section 6-6 of the Nixa City Code to Provide a Defense for Violations of Such Section. Matt Crouse, Parks Director, gave a brief overview of the ordinance. This ordinance is to clarify what would qualify as an ordinance violation for not removing pet waste in an appropriate and timely manner. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Council asked clarifying questions about what to do if you see a violation of this ordinance. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the ordinance. Hoogstraet made a motion to approve Council Bill #2021-102 with Giddens seconding and all Council Members voting aye on roll call.

Resolution #2021-107

Accepting the Proposal of Planeteria, for Services Related to the City's Website and Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute a Contract for Same. Drew Douglas, Communication Director, presented information on the need for the City's website to be redesigned. Douglas gave an overview of the strategic plan action plan that the redesign where the City website is included. Next, Douglas discussed the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the redesign. There were five (5) total bids, with three (3) of those companies selected for interviews. Planeteria had the lowest costs in total year one (1) costs for proposed solutions, total recurring annual costs, and total year one (1) cost for all available solutions. Council asked questions about references for Planeteria, the RFP, integration with current and future software, and the time involved for staff to complete this project. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no further comments, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Giddens made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-107 with Peterson seconding with all Council Members voting aye.

Unfinished Business - 2022 Budget Discussion

Jennifer Evans, Finance Director, gave a brief overview of the changes that were made to the budget after the budget workshop. Evans provided information on changes that were made to the Revenue Funds. Next, Evans presented changes to wage increases to the Police Department and Council held a discussion. Evans gave additional information on personnel expense changes. LAGERS contribution changes were discussed by Council and staff. Evans stated there were no changes to the Special Revenue Funds. The only change made in the Enterprise Funds was the addition of interns in the Water and Electric Departments. Evans provided information on the changes in the Operations budget. Evans stated changes might be made to the City's Debt after the RDE Water & Tuscany Hills discussion. Evans reviewed the changes made in the Capital Budget. Council held an additional discussion on personnel expenses.

New Business Items - RDE Water & Tuscany Hills

Colvin stated the City had been approached to purchase both RDE Water & Tuscany Hills utilities. Colvin discussed where RDE Water and Tuscany Hills Water service territories were located. Next, Colvin gave a brief presentation on the RDE Water and Tuscany Hills systems and their current customer counts. Colvin stated there has been significant research that has gone into the potential purchase of the companies. Colvin discussed the Asset Purchase Agreements, as well as the estimated appraisal for each company. The Water Utility System five (5) year master plan and the benefit of adding these two (2) utilities to the City's water system were provided by Colvin. An operation and upgrading plan was discussed for both water systems. Colvin presented information on the estimated revenue the City could see if the water systems were purchased. Colvin discussed the purchase prices for each system. The RDE System cost is $2,500,000 with staff recommending a 3-million-dollar bond to finance the purchase. The Tuscany Hills System cost is $500,000, with staff recommending Nixa's Water and Wastewater Departments split the price, each department paying $250,000. Colvin presented Revenue/O&M/Capital estimates through a 12-year plan. Colvin believes there is strong support to consider the purchase of both RDE Water Company and Tuscany Hills Water and Sewer. Council held discussions on the steps to move forward with the purchase.

Mayor Steele requested that the Executive Session be postponed until the next meeting. Crouse stated that Spooktacular will be held at McCauley Park Friday, October 29th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Liles reminded Council that the State of the Community Dinner would be Tuesday night. Mayor Steele reminded everyone that the Creepin' at the Crossroads would be the night of Saturday, October 30th.

Giddens made a motion to adjourn at 10:46 p.m. with Lucas seconding and all Council Members voting aye.