FRIENDLY URL: Nixa.com/council-minutes/2021/october

PAGE TITLE: October 2021 Council Meeting Minutes



TAB 1 TITLE: Summary

Nixa City Council held 2 regular meetings and 1 budget workshop meeting in October 2021.

The first meeting was on October 12th.

The second meeting was on October 25th.

The budget workshop meeting was on October 18th.



Select the tab to see the minutes for the meeting you wish to review.

Video recordings of council meetings may be found on our youtube channel.

BUTTON: View Recorded Meetings (links to: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofNixa/ )



BUTTON LIST (3):

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TAB 2 TITLE: October 12, 2021



TAB 3 TITLE: October 18, 2021



TAB 4 TITLE: October 25, 2021

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Regular Meeting of the Council members of the City of Nixa, Missouri

Nixa City Hall October 12, 2021 7:00 p.m.

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

The pledge of allegiance was given.

Proclamation:

Mayor Steele read a proclamation declaring October 2021 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Peterson thanked Mayor Steele for declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Visitors:

Jeff Belcher, 203 S. Ellen, discussed the Mayor’s tenure on Council. Next, Belcher addressed the process for the Mayor being recalled and a temporary Mayor being selected. Lastly, Belcher discussed the Home Rule Charter and the authority it delegates to Council. Staff responded to Belcher’s comments.

Pat Briggs, 309 N. Old Wilderness, discussed the proposed sidewalk project being considered from Highway 14 to Wasson Dr. Briggs stated she had spoken to her neighbors, and they have all expressed their desire not to have a sidewalk along Old Wilderness. Next, she discussed the reasons she and her neighbors do not want the sidewalk. Lastly, she asked Council to revisit the idea of a sidewalk along Old Wilderness.

Jan Mann, 205 N. Old Wilderness, discussed the proposed sidewalk project being considered from Highway 14 to Wasson Dr. Mann discussed the parking issues that would occur for the homes on Old Wilderness if the sidewalk was constructed.
She also mentioned the lawn, trees, and shrubs that would be lost to the sidewalk.

Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., discussed why he started attending Council meetings and why he continues to attend the meetings. Next, he discussed ordinances, the Home Rule Charter, and the Council’s Emergency Powers given by those documents. Sanders then discussed the temporary move of the visitor’s sections to the end of the Council meeting in 2020 and the five (5) minute speaking limit.

Presentation:

Drew Douglas, Communications Director, gave an update on the status of the Strategic Plan. This presentation is available at City Hall for review. Douglas began with an overview of the Strategic Plan process. This process included the ImagineNixa.com website that was live from February through June of 2020, an advisory committee that reviewed the input from ImagineNixa.com and developed the plan structure for the Strategic Plan. This plan structure included strategic priorities, action plans, and action steps. Douglas stated that the “High-Performance” Government section of the Strategic Priority area would be the only part of the Strategic Plan discussed at this meeting. He discussed each action plan in detail. Action Plan #1: Streamline processes in an intuitive manner that reduces effort across all departments. This action plan has six (6) action steps assigned to it; three (3) of these action steps are currently in progress. Action Plan #2: Update levels of technology and digital security to protect citizen and city-data. This action plan has six (6) action steps assigned to it, one (1) action step is completed, one (1) in progress, and four (4) budgeted for 2022. Action Plan #3: Identify and address staffing needs in order to meet community demands and provide efficient services. This action plan has two (2) action steps assigned to it, with none of these steps scheduled to begin in 2021. Action Step #4: Offer compensation, benefits, and training which are all competitive. This action plan has 12 action steps assigned to it, two (2) action plans being completed, and two (2) action steps requested in the 2022 budget. Action Plan #5: Ensure talent attraction efforts reach diverse professional and student organizations. This action plan has five (5) action steps assigned to it, two (2) are operational, and one (1) is requested in the 2022 budget. Action Plan #6: Develop and implement guidelines for visually portraying diversity in communications and marketing materials. This action plan has one (1) action step assigned to it and is currently in progress. Action Plan #7: Provide voters with opportunities to secure new revenue sources to ensure the long-term financial stability of the City. This action plan has two (2) action plans assigned to it, with one (1) requested in the 2022 budget. Action Plan #8: Expand financial transparency efforts to educate the public about city finances. This action plan has four (4) action steps assigned to it, one (1) is in progress, and one (1) is operational. Action Plan #9: Expand and enhance message distribution systems, procedures, and protocols to improve public awareness of city news, events, and program offerings. This action plan has eight (8) action steps assigned to it, two (2) are in progress, and two (2) are operational. Action Plan #10: Design and utilize a city app which is integrated with the website. This action plan has one (1) action step currently assigned to it, and it is in progress. Action Plan #11: Redesign Nixa.com to be more function, interactive, and user-friendly. This action plan has two (2) action steps assigned to it, with one (1) in progress. Action Plan #12: Implement a virtual platform for broadcasting city council meetings. This action plan has three (3) action plans assigned to it, and all three (3) are operational. Council asked if this presentation would be available to the public other than through the YouTube Channel and Douglas responded it would be available on the website.

Ordinances (First Reading and Public Hearing; No Council Vote Anticipated):

Council Bill #20201-101

Amending Chapter 20 of the Nixa City Code to Modify Several Provisions of the City Code Related to the City’s Speed Limit Regulations. Nick Woodman, City Attorney, gave a brief bill summary. Next, Woodman gave an overview of code history and the code’s codification. The recodification done in 2012 froze the speed limits that were in place at the time of the recodification but did not provide a process to modify these speeds. Woodman then gave his concerns with the current code. Next, Woodman gave an overview of the proposed changes to the code. Section 1 – clarifies who the “traffic engineer” would be. Section 2 – clarifies that State speed laws are effective on State streets within the City limits unless the City has established its own speed for such route. Section 3 – authorizes the traffic engineer to establish speed limits, requires these speed limits be filed with the City Clerk, and speed limit signs are placed. Section 4 – provides for the speed limits for construction and school zones. Section 5 – provides a uniform violation section for all speeding offenses, provides that it is an ordinance violation to operate a vehicle “at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions” and “at a slow speed as to impeded normal traffic.” It would also establish a rebuttable presumption that the posted speed limit is the established speed limit. Section 6 – approves the initial speed schedule. Council asked for clarification on the initial speed limit schedule. Woodman responded that it was just the initial schedule. He stated that he said there seemed to be an intent to move to the system that he is presenting; however, there was no follow-through in the past to get there. Council asked if there would be a need to change the signs at the City limits that say the speed limit is 25mph unless otherwise posted. Woodman responded that there would be no need to change those signs. Council asked about traffic commissions. Woodman stated that traffic commissions are used to get public input on the city streets. The Mayor directed Council and Staff to send a memo if they thought the traffic commission was a good idea. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments.

Jeff Belcher, 203 S. Ellen, questioned who would perform the traffic study and if it would be a financial burden on the City. Council responded that the City had two (2) contracts with engineers who could perform that study for the City. Belcher discussed voting on the mask mandate. Council asked for clarification on Belcher’s statements about voting on a mask mandate. Council stated that when speaking during a public hearing, the speaker should speak to the public hearing topic. Belcher went on to discuss emergency ordinances and executive sessions. Staff responded to Belcher’s comments about executive sessions by giving an overview of executive sessions and the reasons why the Council can go into an executive session per the Sunshine Law.

Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., questioned the traffic engineer and their ability to establish speed limits. Sanders next questioned the oversight for the traffic engineer. Sanders discussed elected officials being involved in the process of speed limit changes.

With no further comments made, Mayor Steele closed the public hearing.

Council discussed the traffic studies and how speed limits are determined. Council then discussed the previous way Council decided speed limits. Council then questioned how the traffic commission would work. Staff responded that the traffic commission would make recommendations to the engineer and have public meetings where the public could discuss those changes.

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, stated that this is the pet waste ordinance. The ordinance currently states that it is an ordinance violation for the animal to defecate on any property not your own. The change to the ordinance would make it an ordinance violation for anyone who does not immediately pick up and dispose of the defecation on the other person’s property in a sanitary way. This change is needed before the City dog park is opened. Council asked if the City would be providing bags at the dog park for waste. Crouse stated that yes, there would be bags at the dog park. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed.

Ordinances (Second Reading and Public Hearing; Council Vote Anticipated):

Council Bill #2021-092

Amending Section 1-10 of the Nixa City Code to Codify the Court Costs Applicable to Municipal Ordinance Violations. Woodman gave a brief background on the bill, which was presented for first (1st) reading on September 27th, 2021. He next gave an update to a request Council had that night for how much of the court costs are retained by the City. Woodman also pointed out a typo that was discovered and corrected in the ordinance. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the ordinance. Giddens made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-092 with Orf seconding and Orf, Giddens, Peterson, Graham, and Hoogstraet voting aye on roll call vote.

Resolutions (Public Hearing and Council Vote Anticipated):

Resolution #2021-101

Amending the City’s Personnel Policies to Provide for “Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act” Leave. Amanda Hunsucker, Human Resources Director, presented information on the Victim’s Economic Security Safety Act. This act allows for two (2) weeks of leave for domestic abuse or sexual assault victims. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-101 with Hoogstraet seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2021-102

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept Grant Funding Provided by the Nixa Community Foundation to Support the Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy Program. Joe Campbell, Police Chief, presented information on a $1500 grant being applied for by the City Administrator for the Police Department. Campbell stated this money would be used to enhance the Citizen’s Police Academy to be able to provide the best program possible. He said costs are rising, and donations from businesses are becoming limited. Lastly, he stated that the Citizen’s Police Academy would like to offer video training in the future, and this grant money would help accomplish that. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-102 with Graham seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2021-103

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept Grant Funding Provided by the Nixa Community Foundation to Acquire Audio Equipment for Use by the Parks Department. Crouse presented information on a $1500 grant being applied for by the City Administrator for the Parks Department. Crouse stated this money would be used to purchase speakers and speaker stands for the Movies in the Parks Program. The new speakers would also allow for more longevity to the current system. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Giddens made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-103 with Graham seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2021-104

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept a Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Grant Provided by the Nixa Community Foundation to Support the City’s Listen Encourage Advocate and Demonstrate Initiative. Cindy Robbins, Assistant City Administrator, and City Clerk, presented information on a $500 grant being applied for by the City Administrator for the City’s Listen Encourage Advocate and Demonstrate (L.E.A.D) initiative. Robbins stated that it was stated at the previous L.E.A.D event that there was a need for more inclusive events. If the grant is received, another inclusive event would take place in conjunction with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting title “Cocoa with the Community.” The money from the grant would be used to purchase cocoa and cookies for the event. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments.

Jeff Belcher, 203 S. Ellen, stated he attended the last L.E.A.D event. He stated that one of the discussion items at that event was bullying. Belcher also discussed the visitor’s section and the five (5) minute speaking limit. Council responded to Belcher’s comments regarding the visitor’s section and the five (5) minute speaking limit.

Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., discussed the visitor’s section. Council responded to Sanders comments about the visitor’s section referencing October 26, 2020 meeting.

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 #2021-104 with Peterson seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2021-105

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept an Ozarks Inclusive Opportunity Grant Provided by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to Support the City’s Listen Encourage Advocate and Demonstrate Initiative. Robbins presented information on a $2,000 grant being applied for by City Administrator for the City’s Listen Encourage Advocate and Demonstrate (L.E.A.D) initiative. Robbins stated that the money from this grant would be used to fund 2022 L.E.A.D events. Potential events could include a multi-cultural event or t-shirts for ambassadors. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-105 with Hoogstraet seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2021-106

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept Funding Provided by the Nixa Community Foundation to Acquire Canoes for Use by the City’s Stream Team Program. Doug Colvin, Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Director, presented information on the grant being applied for by the City Administrator for eight (8) canoes for the Stream Team. Colvin stated that the Stream Team had been around for about 20 years and were in rough condition. Council asked how much one (1) canoe costs. Colvin responded that a single canoe was around $1,000. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, no comments were made, and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Giddens made a motion to approve Resolution #2021-106 with Peterson seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Mayor and Council Member Reports:

Colvin reminded Council that Friday at 10 a.m. there would be an unveiling of a new street sweeper at John Thomas School of Discovery.

Peterson reminded Council there would be a Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 23, 2021, 10-2 p.m. at CVS pharmacy. Council asked how many times a year this event occurs, and Peterson responded twice a year. Peterson stated that prescription and over-the-counter medications would be taken. Items not accepted would be needles and inhalers.

Hoogstraet stated there would be a blood drive at City Hall Thursday.

Executive Session:

Peterson made a motion to move to executive session with Orf seconding and Giddens, Peterson, Graham, Hoogstraet, and Orf voting aye on roll call.

The City Council meeting adjourned at the close of the executive session.

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Budget Workshop of the Council Members of the City of Nixa, Missouri

Nixa City Hall October 18, 2021 6:00 p.m.

The budget workshop 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.

Budget Presentation & Council Discussion:

Jennifer Evans, Finance Director, began the discussion with an overview of the 2022 operating and capital budget. This presentation is available for review at City Hall. Evans started off with information on how the budget is structured. Evans informed Council there will be some significant changes to the look of the budget in 2022 and gave an overview of those changes. Evans explained the layout of the Budget Dashboard. This Dashboard is available at City Hall for review. Council asked questions about ARPA funds with Evans responding.

Evans presented information on Revenues – General Fund:

Administration Taxes: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 15.73% over the 2021 budget. This includes a 2% increase in sales tax, a 2% increase in use tax, and a 2.7% increase in other taxes over projected 2021 totals. Administration Sales/Fee/Fines: an increase in budgeted revenue will be 5.95% over the 2021 budget. The increase in this area is due to sanitation fees collected based on actual Year to Date (YTD) revenues. All other lines remained flat. Administration Other: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 6.82% over the 2021 budget. The increase in this area is due to interest earned. All other lines remained flat. Administration Transfers In: there will be a decrease in budget revenue by 18.05% due to a 25.33% decrease in Administration Fees and a 5.59% decrease in Fee In-Lieu Of (FILO) taxes. Administration Fees are charged to the Enterprise fund for services that the General Fund performs. Overall, the Administration Department is increasing revenues by 3.9%, or $353,787 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

Police Grants: there will be a decrease in budgeted revenues by 31.82% or $7,000. This amount always varies from year to year. Police Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be a decrease in budgeted revenues by 28.8%, or $38,300. Police Other: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 3.84% over the 2021 budget. This increase is in interest. All other lines remained flat. Overall, the Police Department is decreasing revenues by 23.49%, or $44,050 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

Parks Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be an increase in budgeted revenues by 1.79% or $18,200. This increase includes proposed aquatic admission increases and additional revenue generated from the dog park. Parks Other: there will be an increase in the budgeted revenue by 27.74% or $21,500 over the 2021 budget. Overall, the Parks Department is increasing revenues by 2.02%, or $40,200 over the 2021 budgeted revenues. Matt Crouse, Parks Director, presented information on fee changes for the aquatics center, which have not changed since 2008. Rate changes would occur for pool passes and pool parties that are both private and during open hours. Lastly, Crouse gave information on the dog park rates. Council asked about tag and licensing requirements for the dog park.

Planning & Development Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be a decrease in budgeted revenue by 7.52% or $29,500 in building permits.

Evans presented information on Revenues – Special Revenue Funds:

Streets Grants: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 75.54% over the 2021 budget. This increase is STP funds for several projects slated for 2022. Street Taxes: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 18.44% over the 2021 budget. This is a 2% increase in sales tax and a 9.58% increase in County Aid Road Trust (CART) funds. Street Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be an increase in the budgeted revenue by $99,000 over the 2021 budget. This increase is due to the anticipated sale of surplus items. Street Transfers In: there will be transfers from other departments to allocate expenses incurred from the Central Garage. Overall, the Street Department is increasing revenues by 49.86%, or $2,221.479 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

Evans then presented information on Revenues – Enterprise Funds:

Electric Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be a decrease in budgeted revenue by 6.68% or $1,229,300 which accounts for the overall reduction in revenues for this department. Overall, the Electric Department is decreasing revenues by 6.60%, or $1,219,300 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

Water Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 3.59% due to incremental increase in rates, all other lines remained flat. Water Transfers In: there will be transfers from other departments to allocate expenses incurred from Utility Billing. Overall, the Water Department is increasing revenues by 25.5%, or $729,524 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

Wastewater Sales/Fees/Fines: there will be an increase in budgeted revenue by 2.73% due to an incremental increase in rates. Other: there will be a decrease in budgeted revenue by 10.69% or $28,500 due to the impact fee actual Year to Date (YTD) forecast. Overall, the Wastewater Department is increasing revenues by 1.64%, or $53,250 over the 2021 budgeted revenues.

ARPA Funds: in 2021, the City received $2,271,601 and in 2022 the City will receive another payment of $2,271,601.

Council discussed Parks membership rates, marketing campaigns, and ARPA funds for membership dues. Council asked if there was any information on the Electric Rate Study. Doug Colvin, Assistant City Administrator and Public Work Director, stated he would be presenting information on the Electric Rate Study at the next Council Meeting.

Evans presented information on Expenses:

Personnel: proposed changing is staffing levels include adding one (1) full-time Parks Building and Grounds Maintenance position, adding one (1) full-time Wastewater Utility Worker position, adding one (1) full-time Public Works Inspector, eliminating two (2) full-time positions in Municipal Court, and eliminating one (1) full-time position in IT. The proposed changes in wages would include a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 4.67%, no merit increase, and an adjustment to LAGERS contribution reducing the employee contribution from 4% to 2%. Evans stated that the City has a goal to become a non-contributory employer. Council asked about LAGERS contributions. Next, Evans gave a brief overview of proposed Police Department pay increases. Joe Campbell, Police Chief, discussed the current pay rate of officers compared to competing agencies within our jurisdiction and how the pay rate is making retention and recruitment difficult. Crouse gave information on the minimum wage increase that will be affecting the Parks Department. Lastly, Evans listed all the additional items that are included in Personnel Expense. The personnel budget would be increasing by 4.93% or $584,849 City-wide over the 2021 budget. These increases would be 43%, or $253,090 in the Police Department and 25%, or $143,182 in the Parks Department.

Evans presented information on Operations with Colvin adding a few items of note in Public Works and Liles discussing the change in IT services. Overall, the operations budget is increasing by 8.354%, or $1,549,339 city-wide. Council asked questions about previous salary surveys, with staff responding.

Evans next discussed City Debt. Changes to the debt included McCauley Park being paid off in 2021 and the addition of vehicle lease payments for Police, Street, Electric, Water, and Wastewater. The total outstanding debt (not including vehicle lease payments) as of December 31, 2021, is $2,867,000 with payments due in 2022 totaling $1,365,169 (including vehicle lease payments. Three (3) bond issues will mature in 2023.

Capital was the next area of the budget discussed. Liles presented information on ARPA Funds with a total fund amount of $4,543,202 received by the City. Liles stated that ARPA funds could not be used to help make membership payments, as was stated previously in the meeting. Lastly, Liles noted that the Nixa Community Foundation would distribute any monies allocated for Non-Profits. Council discussed the ARPA funds.

A 5-minute recess was taken at 7:15 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:26 p.m.

Information on Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) was presented by Evans and staff. CIPs are included in the 2022 operating and capital budget presentation and detailed project information is available for review at City Hall.

Administration (CIPs) were presented by Liles. There were three (3) projects rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget and three (3) new projects added to the 2022 budget. Total CIP cost for Administration is $1,117,388.

The Police Department CIPs were presented by Campbell. One (1) project rolled over into the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and one (1) project was removed from the 2022 budget and pushed to 2023. Council held a discussion on the Shooting Range and the project that was pushed to 2023. The total CIP cost for the Police Department is $680,000.

The Parks Department CIPs were presented by Crouse. Three (3) projects were rolled over into the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and seven (7) projects were added to the 2022 budget. Council held a discussion on McCauley Park upgrades. The total CIP cost for the Parks Department is $1,392,000.

Stormwater CIPs were presented by Colvin. One (1) project rolled over into the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and one (1) project was added to the 2022 budget. The total CIP cost for Stormwater is $740,000.

The Street Department CIPs were presented by Colvin. Five (5) projects rolled to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and 13 projects were added to the 2022 budget. The total CIP cost for Street is $5,866,982. Jeff Roussell stated that the four (4) largest CIPs were reimbursable through STP funds.

Central Garage CIPs were presented by Colvin. One (1) project was rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and three (3) projects were added to the 2022 budget. A trench drain project was pushed to 2023 and has been pushed from the CIP list many times. The total CIP cost for Central Garage is $31,295.

The Electric Department CIPs were presented by Colvin. Six (6) projects rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and 10 projects were added to the 2022 budget. The total CIP cost for the Electric Department is $5,496,750.

The Water Department CIPs were presented by Travis Cossey, Assistant Public Works Director. Three (3) projects rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and six (6) projects were added to the 2022 budget. The total CIP cost for the Water Department is $1,230,000.

Utility Billing CIPs were presented by Evans. One (1) project rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and one (1) project was added to the 2022 budget. The CIP total cost for Utility Billing is $65,000.

Wastewater CIPs were presented by Cossey. Four (4) projects rolled over to the 2022 budget from the 2021 budget, and eight (8) projects were added to the budget. The CIP total cost for Wastewater is $3,242,000.

Council held a discussion on wages for police officers.

Liles provided information on the need to look for additional revenue sources with Council. Liles provided information on a public safety sales tax or a general sales tax. Council and staff discussed the options that were available.

Council discussed the budgeted amount for Christmas lights.

Council questioned what sales tax revenue could purchase for the Parks Department.

Liles discussed ARPA funds, with Council discussing how to distribute those funds.

Council gave direction to see if a partnership could be made with the vinegar plant to use their scales instead of purchasing or building scales for the Wastewater Department.

Liles requested guidance on how to proceed with police officer wages.

Colvin discussed the interns that were budgeted for the Electric and Water Departments.

Adjournment:

Mayor Steele called for a motion to adjourn. Giddens made a motion to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. with Graham seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

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Regular Meeting of the Council Members of the City of Nixa, Missouri

Nixa City Hall October 25, 2021 7:00 p.m.

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.

Consent Agenda:

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.

Service Awards:

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.

Visitors:

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.

Presentations:

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.

Ordinances (First Reading and Public Hearing; No Council Vote Anticipated):

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.

Ordinances (Second Reading and Public Hearing; Council Vote Anticipated):

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.

Resolutions (Pubic Hearing and Council Vote Anticipated):

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.

Discussion Items:

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 and Council Member Reports:

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.

Adjournment:

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