Back To Work...

I have been remiss in my postings over the last couple months. June was a busy month in the city government, with 2 planning and zoning meetings and 2 City Council meetings. To see my thoughts on the Highland Ridge Re-zoning issue, take a look at my editorial in the NixaXPress (See Highland Ridge East Rezoning). July also had 2 City Council meetings, due to some incorrect paperwork. I will try in the future to better keep my promise to inform the public as to the less visible issues facing our city.

There have been a couple of recent items that I feel will be important to Nixa residents as we move forward.

Utility Bill Deposits

Back in May, City Council was asked to waive the utility deposit for the new Bandana's BBQ Restaurant (see My First No Vote). At that time I voted against waiving that deposit, not because I did not want a new yummy BBQ restaurant and more tax dollars in Nixa, but because I thought it was not fair to past and future businesses and homeowners who would be required to pay this deposit. At that time I tasked city staff with coming up with some better rules that would create a level playing field for all new businesses. Recently, staff came back with some suggestions.

  • Waive Utility Deposits for businesses that own their business's building
  • Waive Utility Deposits for businesses and residents who 1) sign-up for direct withdrawal of utility bill payments and 2) provide a letter of good standing from their prior utility vendor
  • Once the city's new utility billing software is in place, to apply a business's or resident's current deposit to their bill if they have their account in good standing for 12 months
  • In the future, also allow business's and resident's that lease, and have their accounts in good standing, to apply their deposits to their utility bill

This could mean, in the next couple of years, a return of over $250,000 currently held by the city, back to residents and businesses of Nixa. With upcoming rate increases from Springfield City Utilities that will have to be passed on, this will at least give something back to our taxpayers.

Paperless Board Meetings

As a technology junkie, this one is near and dear to me. In a move to reduce staff time, paper use, and to provide more information to the public, the Nixa City Council has instituted paperless board meetings. All documents that council members have previously received in a hard copy binder, are now available on the city website (http://www.nixa.com/Aldermen/AldermenPage.htm). On this page you will see complete documentation for all agenda items for the prior 2 council meetings. For those council members and residents who would like the info in hard copy, that can still be provided by the City Clerk's office.

Some upcoming items that I will be focusing on...

City Budget

That time of year when we balance the city's needs versus its resources. There has been some discussion recently regarding needing to raise taxes to meet these needs (Need for Higher Taxes?). I don't think we have done enough with the resources we have yet to ask for more. I will work to provide out of the box solution and strict financial discipline to the city's budget.

Community Forum/Infrastructure Improvements

To help in the city budget process, Nixa will be holding a Community Forum on Thursday, August 26th at 6:30. This will be a time for interested citizens to see how the city government prioritizes important improvements, what improvements are on the radar, and to help add to and prioritize those items.

If you would like to attend, please contact me at steele4nixa@gmail.com and I will get you more information.

Better Enforcement of Speed Limit on Cross Streets

With school starting, I will be working to get better signage and enforcement of speed limits in Nixa's District 3. With 3 schools and a series of residential streets (Dustin, Pembrook, Vintage and Butterfield) that act as raceways about 2:30-3:30 every afternoon. I want to standardize signage and make sure our children are safe on their way home from school.

Snow Route Review

Ok, ok, it's a 99 outside in the shade, but soon it will be time again for the plows to hit the streets. I am going to ask the city to review current snow routes and see if we can do a better job of having the plows find our houses.