City Council Meeting

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

Mayor Steele read a proclamation proclaiming June 14th as World Blood Donor Day. Michelle Teeter, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, was in attendance to accept the proclamation. Teeter thanked the Council for recognizing World Blood Donor Day. Teeter stated one (1) donation could save multiple lives and is the biggest gift you can give your community.

Logan Lewis, 860 S Hackberry Ave., discussed the LGBTQ+ proclamation and Councilwoman Hoogstraet's social media posts. Melissa Belisle, 612 E Elegant, discussed the LGBTQ+ proclamation, her religious beliefs, and Councilwoman Hoogstraet's social media posts. Jennifer Rosebrock, Nixa, MO, discussed transgenderism and the LGBTQ+ proclamation. Justyn Pippins, 5520 West Tea Springfield, discussed the L.E.A.D events. Pippins thanked the community for their support for the L.E.A.D initiative. Pippins also stated Juneteenth is celebrated in June and marks the end of slavery. Jeff Belcher, 203 S Ellen, discussed Councilwoman Hoogstraet's social media posts and the LGBTQ+ proclamation. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., thanked everyone who donates blood as he is a recipient of blood donations. Sanders stated that citizens have the freedom to believe what they want to believe. Sanders discussed the LGBTQ+ proclamation. Rich Lewis, 860 S Hackberry, discussed Councilwoman Hoogstraet's social media posts. Lewis discussed the lack of decorum and ethics shown during council meetings. Lewis also discussed LGBTQ+ proclamation. Danny Cazier, 4120 McCauley Rd, discussed social media posts and asked for more respect to be used when dealing with others. Denise Chambers, 578 Walnut Grove Cir., discussed the LGBTQ+ proclamation and their transgender life. Chris Russell, Nixa Chamber of Commerce Director, thanked everyone for their help at Sucker Days and provided stats on the 2022 event. Russell thanked the Police and Street Department for all their work during the event. Russell discussed the downtown area and the projects and future events taking place. Councilwoman Hoogstraet responded to comments made in the visitor's sections. The Mayor responded to comments made in the visitor's section.

Council Bill #2022-061

Amending Several Sections of Chapter 22 of the Nixa City Code to Codify and Update the City's Water Rates and to Update Provisions Related to the City's Utility Billing Procedure. Jennifer Evans, Finance Director, stated during the April 11th Council Meeting, the Utility Billing policies and procedures were discussed. Evans said once staff started looking into the procedures, it became apparent that the process to update them was a more in-depth process. Evans stated the policy before Council was comprehensive. Council asked about the outside City water rates, with staff responding they are still being discussed. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed.

Council Bill #2022-062

Accepting the Dedication of Certain Rights-of-Way of the Minor Subdivision Generally Located Along the 700 Block of East Crystal Avenue. Scott Godbey, City Planner, stated this dedication of rights-of-way is slightly different due to minor subdivisions generally being heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Godbey said that the co-applicant for this property is an employee of the City. Godbey stated the dedication of right-of-way is for 2,100sqft. Godbey stated at the time the subdivision was platted in 1997, Crystal Ave was dead-ending into the Highway 14 Office Park. Godbey said in 2003, stormwater improvements were made, which changed Crystal Ave into a cul-de-sac. Godbey stated at the June 2022 Planning and Zoning meeting, the commission unanimously approved the dedication of the rights-of-way, and staff is also recommending approval. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed.

Council Bill #2022-063

Rezoning the Real Property Generally Located Along the 700 Block of East Crystal Avenue from the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District to the R-1 Single-Family Residential District. Godbey stated this ordinance is for the rezoning of the property previously discussed in Council Bill #2022-062. Godbey said there are three (3) lots currently zoned R-3 multi-family, and only one (1) lot met current City standards, but with the dedication of rights-of-way, it will no longer meet those standards. Godbey stated said the property is vacant, and the land uses around the property include R-4 multi-family to the north and east, R-1 single-family to the south, and general commercial to the west. Godbey stated the proposed land use meets the development pattern in the vicinity and has access to City utilities. Godbey said that the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the rezone, and staff is recommending approval. Council asked what the current zoning of the property was, and Godbey stated the three (3) lots are all currently R-3. Council asked how close the R-1 zoning was to this property, with Godbey responding directly to the south. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments. Jeff Belcher, 203 S Ellen, discussed power conservation and rolling power outages. Mayor Steele stated this question doesn't fit the topic being discussed and provided information about peak power usage. Belcher asked about utility rates, with Mayor Steele responding. With no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

Council Bill #2022-064

Amending the 2022 Annual Budget to Appropriate Funds for the Purchases of Audio-Visual Equipment and Videoconferencing Equipment. Cindy Robbins, Assistant City Administrator, stated this budget amendment is for $35,500 and is for the replacement of microphones for the Council Chamber. Robbins stated the last update to the Council Chambers in 2018 didn't include the microphones. Robbins said the microphones included in the budget amendment are 12 wireless microphones, four (4) chargers, and replacement batteries for a total of $21,419.20. Robbins stated the $35,500 budget amendment also includes videoconferencing equipment for the Council Conference room because the current equipment is outdated. Robbins said the total for the videoconferencing equipment would be $13,815.27. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed.

Council Bill #2022-058

Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Mutual Aid Agreement to Continue the City's Participation in the Combined Ozarks Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team Task Force. Chad Tennis, Major and Deputy Police Chief stated this contract is to continue the mutual aid agreement with COMET. Tennis stated there are no substantial changes to the agreement. Council asked specifically what COMET does. Tennis said that COMET assists with drug cases and helps store dangerous chemicals. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the council bill. Lucas made a motion to approve Council Bill #2022-058 with Orf seconding and Orf, Peterson, Graham, Hoogstraet, and Lucas voting aye on roll call vote.

Resolution #2022-061

Retiring the Current City Seal and Adopting in Lieu Thereof a New City Seal. Drew Douglas, Director of Communications, stated that updating the City Seal is the first (1st) step in updating the City's brand identity. Douglas said the seal needed to be updated first (1st) because it represents the Council, and the elements of the seal will be implanted in the rest of the branding. Douglas told the Council that staff recommends the adoption of the new seal. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., asked why rebranding had to happen. Sanders discussed what would happen if the new seal was adopted. Sanders stated he would like to see more information on the rebranding on the City's website and social media. Douglas responded to Sanders comments. Jeff Belcher, 203 S Ellen, asked how much money would be spent on updating City trucks with the new branding. Belcher discussed the City's branding on new residents, and Belcher also asked about the budget for branding. Douglas responded to Belcher's comments. Thomas Taylor, 208 W Lorene, asked what would happen to the old logo was liked better. Taylor discussed the new branding and the meanings behind the elements contained within them. Mayor Steele responded to the comments. Council provided their opinions on the new branding options. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Orf made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-061 with Hoogstraet seconding and Orf, Peterson, and Hoogstraet voting aye and Lucas and Graham voting nay.

Resolution #2022-062

Amending the City's Personnel Handbook by Modifying Policies 7.1.3, 7.1.5, and 7.1.45 to Alter the Accrual and Rollover Provisions Related to Holiday Hours. Amanda Hunsucker, Human Resources Director, stated this resolution is to put the recent Police Department Policy Manual changes into the City's Personnel Policy Manual. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-062, with Orf seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2022-063

Granting a Permit to the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce to Authorize the Display of Fireworks. Godbey stated that the Chamber of Commerce applied for the Sky-High Fireworks permit for a public display of fireworks. Godbey said the Chamber had hired Encore Pyrotechnics, whom they have used before, to conduct the event. Godbey told Council that sections 16-198 and 16-199 of the City Code regulate special event permits pertaining to public fireworks displays. Godbey stated that the Chamber has applied for the appropriate special events permit and insurance for the location of the event. Godbey said staff recommends approval of the resolution. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments. Jeff Belcher, 203 S Ellen, discussed the current City Code regarding when fireworks can be fired on the fourth (4th) of July. Belcher asked if there was a way to amend the existing code to allow additional days for fireworks to be fired since the fourth (4th) of July falls on a Monday this year. Chris Russell, Nixa Chamber of Commerce Director, stated the Sky-High Fireworks Show would be a free event with a few activities having a minimal cost to participate in. Russell provided a brief overview of planned events for the night. Russell stated all fireworks would be done by 9:45 p.m. Russell said this is an event that the whole community can enjoy, not just citizens in attendance at Eagle Stadium. Council asked what kinds of food would be available, with Russell responding. Council asked if a dunk tank would be available, with Russell responding no. With no further comments made, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-063 with Hoogstraet seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2022-064

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept a 2022 Homeland Security Counter Terrorism Equipment Grant in the Amount of $5,000.00. Tennis stated that we have a Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Officer that works with the group and are allowed to apply for the $5,000.00 grant. Tennis stated one of the approved pieces of equipment is an unmanned aircraft, like a drone. Tennis said the Police Department currently has a drone program and operator, but the grant would allow for an update to the drone or for a new drone to be purchased in 2023. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-064 with Hoogstraet seconding with all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2022-065

Authorizing the City Administrator to Apply for and Accept a 2022 Community Policing Development Accreditation Grant in the Amount of $160,000.00. Tennis stated this grant became available on June 6th and will be closed to applications on June 23rd. Tennis said this grant would help to get accreditation for the department, which would make the department more professional. Mayor Steele opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Council asked if the grant isn't received would the monies needed for the accreditation be placed in the budget. Tennis stated it is not in the 2022 budget but in the budget between now and 2025. Mayor Steele called for a motion to approve the resolution. Lucas made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-065, with Orf seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Douglas said the City flag should be a welcoming symbol for the entire community, while the seal is an official symbol of the City Council. Douglas provided information on vexillography, which is the art of flag design, and the five (5) principles of flag design. Douglas discussed the previous and current City flag designs and provided examples of good and bad flag designs. Douglas provided information on the proposed City flag options. Douglas said Option A is the flag being recommended by staff. Douglas also presented Options B-G to Council. Douglas stated if the Council would like to open up the flag design to the public, he wouldn't be opposed. Douglas told Council all the proposed flag designs presented were designed by himself and a graphic designer. Council provided their feedback on the proposed flag designs. Council gave direction to have the community provide input and designs for the City flag.

Robbins reminded Council that City offices would be closed Monday, June 20th, in observance of Juneteenth. Mayor Steele stated it was time for another liaison report. Orf asked for a list of previous liaison reports.

Mayor Steele called for a motion to adjourn. Orf made a motion to adjourn at 9:06 p.m., with Hoogstraet seconding and all Council Members voting aye.