EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (November 3, 2025) – The Excelsior Springs City Council met Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Hall of Waters Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation from Associate Pastor Ethan Rosenboom of Crescent Lake Christian Center, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Police Vehicle Purchase Tabled for Further Review
The first item of business, Resolution No. 1618, proposed the purchase of two new patrol vehicles for the Excelsior Springs Police Department, a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD and a 2026 Ford Mustang, to replace two aging vehicles in the fleet. Police Chief Gregory Dull recommended the purchases, noting that Ford and Dodge have discontinued several traditional police sedan models, leaving limited alternatives.
Council members voted unanimously to table the resolution after discussion revealed unanswered questions. The proposal would have totaled $86,333.98, funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, which had been approved by the oversight committee prior to the meeting
Home-Delivered Meals Program Partnership Approved
Council moved forward with Resolution No. 1619, approving a services agreement with Excelsior Springs Hospital to prepare and package meals for the city’s new Meals & a Visit Program (MVP). The program, overseen by the Excelsior Springs Parks, Recreation and Community Center, delivers nutritious meals to homebound residents while also providing friendly check-ins by volunteers.
Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the hospital’s bid of $5.50 per meal was slightly higher than Liberty Hospital’s $5.00 bid, but when staff time and travel costs were factored in, the local option proved more economical. “It’s not just about the food, it’s about the wellness check and the social connection,” Williams said. He added that staff are developing scholarship guidelines to assist participants with financial need.
Meals will meet nutrition standards established by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Mid-America Regional Council’s Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. The contract will run through June 2026, with meals prepared Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays
Streetscape Engineering Funding Extended
Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 1620, authorizing an additional $17,214 in engineering services with Lamp Rynearson Inc. for the 2025 Streetscape Maintenance Project. Public Works Director Chad Birdsong explained that the extension was necessary because the project’s timeline expanded significantly due to external delays.
The project, initially scheduled to conclude in June, involved repairs and overlays along multiple city streets. After bids came in under budget, the city added additional curbs and pavement areas. Construction was further delayed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) track-raising work along Italian Way, which prevented asphalt completion until late September. Lamp Rynearson provided continued inspection and project oversight during the extended construction period.
Despite the changes, Birdsong reported that the total cost across all 2025 street projects, including engineering and testing, was $1.37 million, which remains within the city’s Transportation Trust Fund allocation. Council members commended the Public Works Department for managing costs while ensuring the quality of repairs.
Household Hazardous Waste Program Renewed
Through Ordinance No. 25-11-01, the City renewed its intergovernmental agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to participate in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program for 2026.
The agreement allows Excelsior Springs residents to dispose of materials such as paint, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, and cleaning products safely at permanent drop-off facilities in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, or at regional mobile collection events.
Birdsong noted that the program’s cost to the city, $12,013.32, is based on the 2024 population estimate of 10,538 residents, charged at a $1.14 per capita rate. Excelsior Springs joined neighboring cities Lawson and Richmond to host a mobile collection event in Richmond in October, which drew strong community participation. Council members voted unanimously in favor of renewing the agreement for another year
Golf Course Fee Adjustments Adopted
The council next approved Ordinance No. 25-11-02, amending the city’s schedule of fees for the Excelsior Springs Golf Course. Golf Professional Austin Hardison presented a rate adjustment plan developed after a market analysis comparing the course to Shoal Creek, Minor Park, and Hodge Park.
Effective January 1, 2026, daily green fees will increase by $1, and annual memberships will rise by $100, except for junior memberships, which will increase by $40. Hardison said the increases are modest and will help maintain course quality and operations following the city’s record revenue year in 2024.
He also noted that temporary closures of several Kansas City-area courses had driven new play to Excelsior Springs, and while some of those facilities are reopening, the city expects to retain a strong customer base due to competitive pricing and course improvements.
Zoning Map Amendments Approved
City Planner Joshua Garrett presented two zoning proposals for council consideration, both of which were approved unanimously following Planning Commission recommendations.
Ordinance No. 25-11-03 rezones a portion of the Masonic Cemetery property at the northeast corner of Crown Hill Road and U.S. Highway 69 from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to C-2 (General Commercial). The change allows the Excelsior Springs Masonic Lodge to construct a new meeting hall on a subdivided section of the property while preserving the existing cemetery grounds.
Ordinance No. 25-11-04 rezones 932 and 934 Dunbar Avenue from R-1 to R-2 (Two-Family Residential) to accommodate a proposed duplex development by DS Properties LLC. Garrett explained that the project fits within updated lot size and setback requirements approved earlier this year and complements the surrounding neighborhood. The property’s current owner has provided written consent for the rezoning, which was a condition of the developer’s purchase agreement.
Closing Remarks
Following completion of the evening’s agenda, City Manager Molly McGovern confirmed there were no additional administrative updates before turning the floor over to council members for closing remarks.
Councilman Gary Renne began by noting that Excelsior Springs had enjoyed a “successful and safe Halloween season,” praising the efforts behind events such as the Bill Payne Halloween Party, the downtown merchants’ trick-or-treat, and the Community Center’s Fall Festival. He also urged citizens to get out and vote in the upcoming election.
Councilman Stephen Spear echoed the call for civic participation. “Just get out and vote,” he said. “Make your voices known.”
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John shared that he spent part of the weekend helping set up holiday decorations along Lover’s Lane as part of the Christmas Committee’s preparations. He described the effort as “organized chaos” but said it was inspiring to see so many different community groups coming together. “It wasn’t just one organization out there,” St. John said. “There were a lot of people pitching in, and that really shows how much the Communities of Excellence work is taking hold in our neighborhoods.”
Mayor Spohn followed by commending residents for their growing community spirit. He announced that the city had surpassed the goal of 50 neighborhood gatherings during this year’s Mayor’s Block Party Challenge, crediting Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize for leading the initiative. “She did 99.9% of the work,” Spohn said, “but it’s a great example of neighbors coming together, breaking down barriers, and building friendships that make our community stronger.”
The mayor also shared that he had recently presented a Civic Leadership Award to Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart at the Missouri Municipal League’s West Gate Regional Banquet. “Kristen has been instrumental in guiding the hospital through some difficult years,” he said. “Her leadership and commitment have not gone unnoticed.”
Spohn closed his remarks by reminding residents about the annexation vote scheduled for the next day. “This is an important decision about what growth may look like for Excelsior Springs,” he said. “I’m not here to tell anyone how to vote, but my vote is a hard yes.” He encouraged residents to visit ExcelsiorCitizen.com to view a series of videos presenting perspectives from both sides of the issue. “Be informed and exercise your right to vote on this very important issue,” he said.
With no further comments, the council voted unanimously to enter closed session under Section 610.021.1, RSMo, and adjourned for the evening.
