Public Works May Street and Pierson Street ROW Dedication in Milwaukee Heights Subdivision
The Council approved a request to accept the dedication of right-of-way for May Street and Pierson Street in the Milwaukee Heights Subdivision during their April 1, 2024 meeting. The request, presented by Public Works Director Chad Birdsong, stems from a discrepancy identified by the Clay County Assessor’s Office.
An April 2023 notice from a title company alerted the assessor’s office that their online Geographic Information System (GIS) map inaccurately reflected the right-of-way for these streets. This issue came to light during a property sale on May Street that ultimately fell through due to the mapping error.
The assessor’s office provided a copy of ordinance #2671, which vacated several streets and alleys within Milwaukee Heights in 1923. Upon further investigation, the city could not locate any documentation reversing this vacation of May and Pierson Streets.
The city hired Snyder and Associates to resurvey the area and re-establish the right-of-way with its original legal description to address the discrepancy. Additionally, six adjacent property owners signed a declaration dedicating the land back to the public right-of-way.
Agreement with UMHC
The Council approved a proposed Letter of Agreement with the University of Missouri on behalf of the University of Missouri Health Care (UMHC) during their meeting. Presented by Fire Chief Joe Maddick, the agreement allows Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students from the Kearney Fire Protection District class to participate in clinical ride-alongs with the Excelsior Springs Fire Department.
These ride-alongs are intended to fulfill the practical training requirements of the EMT program. The agreement is structured as a one-year term with automatic renewal for up to five years.
Agreement with Missouri Department of Transportation for Sidewalk Improvements
The Council approved a proposed agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Presented by Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy, the agreement pertains to sidewalk improvements along Highway 10 in front of the QuikTrip project.
This sidewalk is part of a larger RAISE grant project. However, a section will be completed as part of the QuikTrip construction. To move forward, MoDOT required the city to enter into a sidewalk agreement.
The agreement outlines the city’s responsibility for maintaining the sidewalk in question. MoDOT seeks to avoid additional maintenance burdens for sidewalks along state highways. The council was informed that several other communities in the region have similar agreements with MoDOT for sidewalk projects within their jurisdictions.
Amending the City Code Related to Municipal Court Procedures
The Council received an update on the recent review of the Municipal Division court. City Manager Molly McGovern presented a letter from Court Administrator Taran Svoboda detailing the process.
In January 2024, the Office of State Courts Administrator (OSCA) notified the Excelsior Springs Municipal Division of a routine court review, typically conducted every ten years. Svoboda facilitated the review by providing documents, participating in meetings, and completing assessments to ensure OSCA had the necessary information.
The review concluded with suggestions for several amendments to improve the clarity and organization of court ordinances, which Svoboda implemented. The council unanimously approved the amendments.
