City Council Meeting

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

George Barankovich, 2037 N. Equestrian Lane, provided Council with a pamphlet on geoengineering and gave an overview of geoengineering. Barankovich discussed weather modification as well as the health issues associated with aluminum. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., stated he had concerns about where society was headed. Sanders discussed COVID-19 statistics. Sanders spoke about ethics and moral standards.

Drew Douglas, Communications Director, gave an update on the status of the Strategic Plan. This presentation is available at City Hall for review. Douglas stated that the "Community Safety" section of the Strategic Priority area would be the only part of the Strategic Plan discussed at this meeting. Douglas discussed each action plan in detail. Action Plan #I: Build community trust of the Police Department through improved transparency and communication. This action plan has nine (9) action steps assigned to it, five (5) of which are in progress. Action plan #2: Provide voters an opportunity to fund law enforcement operations and facilities to meet the community's growing needs and demands. This action plan has one (I) action plan and is currently being researched. Action plan #3: Expand Police Department facilities to address the growth of the department and the need for additional workspace. This action plan has three (3) action steps assigned to it, two (2) of which are in progress. Action plan #4: Offer more trainings and education opportunities to the public regarding policing and safety-related issues. This action plan has two (2) action steps assigned to it; one (I) is completed, and the other has been assigned to staff to work on. Action plan #5: Foster partnerships to enhance long-term crisis intervention programs. This action plan has six (6) action steps assigned to it; two (2) are in progress, and one (I) is operational. Action plan #6: Prioritize high traffic areas when upgrading sidewalks and crosswalks. This action plan has four (4) action steps assigned; one (I) is nearly complete, and two (2) are operational. Action plan #7: Provide a safer method for pedestrian travel along Missouri St. This action plan has one (I) action step assigned and is not yet in progress. Action plan #8: Employ more traffic calming devices to encourage compliance with speed limits. This action plan has seven (7) action steps assigned; two (2) are in progress, three (3) are completed, and one (I) is budgeted for 2022. Action plan #9: Develop and annually review a comprehensive continuity plan for all operations to ensure uninterrupted city functions during all-hazards incidents. This action plan has one (I) action step assigned and scheduled to begin this year. Action plan #10: Prioritize funding for facilities, equipment, and technology necessary to ensure the City is prepared for all-hazard incidents. This action plan has five (5) action steps assigned to it; all five (5) are in progress. Council asked questions about training for police officers, and staff responded. Douglas stated that the next update would be on Reliable Infrastructure.

Council Bill #2022-011

Amending Chapter 6 of the Nixa City Code by Modifying Sections 6-4 and 6-5 so that Violations of Said Sections Apply to Certain Animals Within the City Limits Regardless of Where the Animal is Kept. Nick Woodman, City Attorney, stated that sections 6-4 and 6-5 of the code cover violations for animals at large and no rabies vaccination for animals kept or harbored inside the city limits. Woodman stated the change to the city code would make the violations of these sections apply to any animal that is inside the city limits regardless of where the animal is kept or harbored. Council stated that they liked how the new section would read. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens opened the public hearing for comments. Ron Sanders, 976 Glen Oaks Dr., stated that he is conflicted about this ordinance. Sanders questioned why cats aren't mentioned in this ordinance. Woodman responded that "other animals" stated in the ordinance would cover cats. Woodman also stated that the City has a registration system for dogs and miniature pigs, making it easier to identify these animals if they are loose; however, no such system exists for cats. With no further comments, Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens closed the public hearing.

Council Bill #2022-121

Approving the Preliminary Plat for the Riverton Park Subdivision Generally Located along the East 1400 Block of North Road and Authorizing Certain City Officials to Take Certain Actions Upon the Filing of a Final Plat. Garratt Tyson, Planning and Development Director, stated that this ordinance would approve the preliminary plat for the Riverton Park Subdivision. Tyson stated this subdivision would have 232 single-family lots all zoned R-1 and all the lots would be served by city utilities. Tyson said this subdivision would also have some offsite improvements, such as a center turn lane on North St. and an emergency access road. Tyson stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-1 to approve and that staff recommended approval. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Council asked questions about why the subdivision would have Ozark School District but be located inside of Nixa City Limits. Clayton Hines, Shaffer & Hines, stated he has spoken with Kevin Kopp with the Nixa School District, and it would be incredibly difficult to change the school district that the State determines. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens called for a motion to approve the ordinance. Peterson made a motion to approve Ordinance #2021-121 with Hoogstraet seconding and Orf, Giddens, Peterson, Graham, Hoogstraet, and Lucas voting aye on roll call vote.

Resolution #2022-011

Continuing the Authorization of the Beautification Fa ade Grant Issued by Resolution #2021-012. Tyson stated that a fa ade grant was approved for 107 S. Main for $7500 in 2021. Tyson stated that the terms of the grant state that the project must be completed within six (6) months, which would have made the completion date of this project July 11, 2021. Staff was given notice that the project was completed in December 2021 with a request for extension and a request for release of the grant funds. Tyson stated the reason given for the delay in completing the project was difficulty in getting materials. Tyson said staff approves of the extension of the project and releasing of the funds. Council asked if any other improvements would be made to the building. Tyson stated not with the grant, but he believes there will be additional improvements at some point. Jimmy Liles, City Administrator, told Council that the $7500 would have to come out of the 2022 budget, not the 2021 budget. Council asked questions about the remaining 2021 Fa ade Grant funds. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made the public hearing was closed. Council held an additional discussion. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens called for a motion to approve the resolution. Graham made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-011 with Orf seconding and all Council Members voting aye.

Resolution #2022-012

Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute a Contract with the City of Springfield, Missouri to Share in the Costs of Imagery Purchased from Pictomerty International Corporation. Tyson stated this contract would be an intergovernmental agreement that most entities in Greene and Christian Counties participate in the share the cost of aerial photography. The cost to the City this year would be $ I 0,461.40. Tyson gave a brief overview of how pictures would be obtained and how they are used. Mayor Pro-Tern opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made the public hearing was closed. Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute Certain Contract Documents with Vermont Systems for Rec Trac Hosting and Card Processing Services. Matt Crouse, Parks Director, stated that Rec TracNermont Systems handles a majority of all of the park's functions, such as registration and reservations. These contracts will allow Rec TracNermont Systems to host the Parks website and allow the 3rd party card processing to be moved to Vermont Systems. After a brief Council discussion, Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens opened the public hearing for comments, with no comments made, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Pro-Tern Giddens called for a motion to approve the resolution. Hoogstraet made a motion to approve Resolution #2022-013 with Graham seconding and all Council members voting aye.

Woodman provided a memo to Council about the City's State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Woodman stated that on December 31, 2021, the Governor allowed the State's State of emergency to expire, and therefore the City's State of emergency has expired. Liles congratulated Cindy Robbins on being promoted to full-time Assistant City Administrator.

Peterson made a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to sections 610.021 (3) & (13) RSMo with Orf seconding and Giddens, Peterson, Graham, Hoogstraet, Lucas, and Orf voting aye on roll call vote. The City Council Meeting adjourned at the close of the executive session.