Point of View

There’s nothing more American than enjoying a barbeque, eating a slice of homemade apple pie, and then watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. When Americans gained independence from Britain, they started distancing themselves from British culture including traditional English desserts like scones and bread pudding. In the 1700s, Dutch and German immigrants taught how to make the buttery crust and colonists filled it with sliced apples and spices before it became known as the dessert we enjoy today. First used in the 1800s, “as American as apple pie,” didn’t become widely used until after World War II when it was common for soldiers to say “for mom and apple pie” when telling journalists why they enlisted. Since then, the term can be used for anything patriotic.

The length of each step within Recovery will vary. This week is Modified Step 2, occupancy to 50%, & gatherings with < 250 people, provided social distancing is observed. This aligns with KCMO & will remain in place until July 5th. Beginning this week, masks are mandatory in KCMO.

Monday, 4PM - BZA (Agenda: Pool Setbacks); 6PM - Planning & Zoning (Agenda: Roosevelt Rezoning & SUP) @ Hall of Waters

Friday - City Offices are Closed

Saturday - Independence Day; Elms Sponsored Fireworks Display launched from Siloam Mountain

FF/EMT Travis Taylor is working on revamping the Fire Cadet program for the Fire Department & this a great avenue to introduce young adults to careers in the Fire Service. Job Postings are on the City's website for Finance Director & Fire Chief, seeking qualified candidates to apply.

EDA announced award of $500K to support new jobs @ Miller Cabinets. [Funding: CDBG $400K, City $100K] WHY? Road & intersection improvements will support increased traffic. Public Works is cleaning box culverts on Broadway & Thompson. [Funding: CIP/TT] WHY? Continuous improvements protect community, reduce flood damage risk. Bulky Item drop-off was very busy again last Saturday. [Funding: Refuse] WHY? Reduces illegal dumping around community. Working with Navitas to assess energy losses in city buildings, id potential for savings. [Funding: Potential Energy Savings] WHY? Seeking opportunities to reduce fixed costs. Golf has 467 membership to date.[Funding: Golf] WHY? Generate stable revenue stream to support grounds keeping. E-Town Scramble is full with 160 golfers signed-up. [Funding: Private] WHY? Supports projects. Public questions watering in the subdivision; WHY? Water necessary to establish grass needed to close DNR stormwater erosion control permit; unmetered water use includes water used to fight fires, water leaks or flushing hydrants on dead-end lines; there is always some loss that occurs in the system. Communities of Excellence has created a website "THRIVE". [Funding: NA] WHY? To help communicate the work they do in committees. There are about 50 people serving on 5 committees that will benefit to know the work each committee is doing, as there is always cross-over & hard for busy people to attend more meetings. We will be starting to disconnect delinquent bills in July for customers 4 months in arrears unless they prepare payment plans or seek financial assistance. All northland cities discussed beginning to shut off delinquent accounts in July as well. [Funding: Water, Sewer, Refuse] WHY? Recover revenues & reduce cost of service.

Sometimes, the stars align between cause & commitment. That’s how it was when St. Joseph native Pat Gemmer found her calling in the gift shop at Excelsior Springs Hospital. Each year, hospital officials say, Gemmer & her troops donate more than 4,500 service hours to the organization. On a personal level, she says, “I have become acquainted with many wonderful & caring people. Serving with them has filled my life. We are a team with the same goal, providing the best healthcare we can to our patients, staff & community.” That experience, Gemmer says, is one that more people can savor. “My advice to anyone is to look for things that interest you,” she says. “Share your talents, time & energy with something you are passionate about. You will be greatly rewarded.” Found in Ingram's Magazine, Heroes in Healthcare, 2019.

Email: mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov
Website: cityofesmo.com
Location: Hall of Waters, 201 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Phone: (816) 630-0752