Nixa News | May 2020 Edition
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In this month's edition you can read about...
- Nixa's next steps for opening up some businesses and activities
- Nixa Recycle Center to re-open
- When will the pool at The X Center open?
- Municipal Election will be June 2: learn about the issues you will decide
- ImagineNixa.com - Help imagine Nixa's future!
- Encourage your neighbors to respond to the 2020 Census
- And more!
As always, you can find much more information at Nixa.com and engage with us on our official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.
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Nixa's plan to carefully and gradually re-open
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I am glad to announce that on Monday May 4th, the City of Nixa will begin the first phase of what we are calling the "Nixa Strong Recovery Plan".
This plan is an update to our previous emergency orders. Thanks to so many people following the previous emergency stay-at-home orders we were able to slow the spread of the COVID-19 in Nixa and Christian county. Due to the low number of infections in Christian County, we can now begin loosening some of those earlier restrictions.
This is intended as an important next step towards reopening our local economy, while maintaining important health and safety precautionary measures which we believe to be appropriate based on the advice of local healthcare leaders.
Please continue to follow the mandatory and recommended measures for public health and safety. We should not be careless about the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, but it is time for us to let more people get back to work. The measures which will remain in place for the month of May are aimed at striking that delicate balance. As some of you begin to return to work or begin doing certain activities again, please join me in continuing to make every effort to protect our loved-ones and neighbors who may be considered at elevated risk of severe or fatal infection.
I hope that by the end of May, we will be in a position to take another step back towards normalcy, but we will continue to monitor the situation and analyze what steps make the most sense for protecting the health and livelihoods of everyone in our community.
If you or your family needs help, or if you want to find a way to help someone else through this time, please visit
nixastrong.com
.
Sincerely,
Brian Steele, Mayor of Nixa
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Nixa Strong Recovery Plan
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Nixa Mayor Brian Steele has signed an updated emergency order which expands upon the statewide order and which we are referring to as the "Nixa Strong Recovery Plan". This order is in effect from 12:00am on May 4th thru 11:59pm on May 31st.
In summary, the order states:
- Everyone should continue social distancing at all times through the end of May, no matter where you go. (This doesn’t apply to family or members of the same household and does not apply to individuals when performing job duties that require contact with other people closer than 6 feet.)
- Individuals performing job duties that require contact with other people closer than 6 feet should take additional precautionary measures to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, including wearing PPE (masks, gloves, etc) and regular handwashing.
- DO NOT VISIT nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, assisted living homes (unless to provide critical assistance or in end-of-life circumstances). Elderly and other vulnerable populations should be extra careful.
- Retail locations less than 10,000 square feet are limited to 25% or less of their building code occupancy.
- Retail locations of more than 10,000 square feet are limited to 10% or less of their authorized building code occupancy.
- All other publicly accessible locations shall limit the number of individuals present to only those who can safely maintain the social distancing requirements (6 feet between people not of the same household) and are also limited to 50% or less of their authorized building capacity.
- Daycares, childcare providers, and schools may provide child care in accordance with CDC guidelines. This includes the CDC’s guidance on social distancing and “stable groups”, cleaning and disinfecting, drop off and pick up procedures, arrival screening procedures, etc.
- Restaurants may offer dine-in with social distancing (6 feet between tables), no communal seating areas, and no more than 10 to any table, and may not exceed 50% of their authorized building capacity. Use of drive-thru, delivery, and pick-up options are still encouraged for the duration of this order.
- All planned or spontaneous events with 20 or more persons in attendance that could facilitate the spread of disease are strongly discouraged.
We are no longer distinguishing between "essential" and "non-essential" businesses. All businesses are vital to our local economy.
In addition to the orders outlined above, Mayor Steele and the City of Nixa are also emphasizing additional guidelines and recommendations for everyone in our community, as well as extra precautionary recommendations for businesses.
See the full set of recommendations here.
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This is a new webpage where folks can find the help they need and find a way to help a neighbor through these challenging times.
At NixaStrong.com you will find links for:
- What to do if you're sick
- Information on protecting your family from COVID-19
- Information on protecting yourself from price gougers and scammers
- Information for job-seekers and how to apply for unemployment benefits
- Food assistance options
- Opportunities to volunteer and donate to help your neighbors
- Resources to help our local businesses
- List of businesses offering pick-up and delivery options
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General Municipal Election June 2nd
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Due to the pandemic, Governor Parson postponed the April 7 general municipal elections to June 2nd. The current mayor and council members continue to serve until the election.
On June 2nd, 2020, Nixa residents will vote to either accept or reject 4 proposed updates to our Home Rule Charter which have been recommended by the Home Rule Charter Review Commission. That commission reviewed the entire charter and concluded that each of the proposed updates would allow the city to operate more efficiently.
None of the proposed updates would impact taxation, representation, or city services.
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May is
#MentalHealthMonth
! If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out. Always take warning signs seriously. Asking a loved one about their depression may help prevent suicide.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
to be connected with a trained, caring counselor or visit
bethe1to.com
to learn how to help someone else who may be struggling. Or send a text to the Crisis Text Line. Text HELLO to 741741.
Nixa Police are seeing an uptick in depression-related calls for service in connection with the ongoing pandemic and its economic fallout. Our department partners with the Ozarks Area Crisis Intervention Team to assist people struggling with mental health and depression-related issues. If you need help, please call!
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City offices re-open May 4th
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Nixa City Hall, Nixa Police Department, Nixa Utilities Billing Office, Nixa Recycle Center, Water Quality Office, and Public Works facilities will re-open to the public on May 4
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. We will be enforcing social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting best practices and city staff and visitors to these facilities are encouraged to wear masks.
To see the latest updates about city facility closures and updates from our various departments visit:
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Nixa Recycle Center Re-opens May 4th
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The Nixa Recycle Center will re-open to the public beginning May 4th. Our hours will be 8:00am-4:15pm Mondays-Saturdays.
This map shows how the Nixa Recycle Center plans to direct traffic flow during our first week back open following the COVID-19 emergency shut-down. We will also have signs, cones, and personnel directing traffic for the first few days that we are open to ensure we minimize traffic congestion in the area.
After Memorial Day, we will shift to our extended summer hours.
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Help us imagine Nixa's future!
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Help us imagine Nixa's future after the pandemic, visit
wwww.imaginenixa.com. Join the conversation by May 17!
Be specific! We want to see detailed descriptions of your ideas.
If you have already visited the site, please visit again. The conversation continues to evolve and ideas are taking shape each week.
Also, be sure to vote for all the ideas you like!
Imagine Nixa will close on May 17th, and then we will begin the process of considering and analyzing each idea to determine what action steps to include in our 5-year plan. The plan will be adopted by council and will be shared with the public this fall, so you can see how your ideas impacted the plan for Nixa's future.
Tell your neighbors to share their ideas too!
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How to Respond to the 2020 Census
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You may also respond to the census by calling 844-330-2020, or by completing the paper form and mailing it back. Most people have received their invitation to respond to the census at their physical address, but you don't have to have an invitation in order to complete it. Just visit
www.my2020census.gov to get started.
When responding, remember to count everyone who was living in your home or apartment on April 1st, even babies!
So far, Christian County is #2 in the State of Missouri for census response rate, and we're leading southwest Missouri. If you've already completed your census, be sure to encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same!
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2019 Water Quality Report
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Nixa Utilities works hard to ensure our drinking water is always safe. In 2019, we had no violations of any drinking water regulations.
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Help keep our drinking water clean. Backflow device tests due by July 1st.
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If you have an irrigation system or fire suppression system, the City of Nixa and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires that you have your back-flow device tested each year to ensure no contaminants are flowing from your system back into our drinking water. Back-flow device tests are due by July 1 each year. Please call 417-725-2353 for more information.
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Nixa Utilities Recognized as Reliable Public Power Provider
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Nixa Utilities has again earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
The RP3 designation, which lasts for three years, recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity.
“Receiving an RP3 designation is a great honor and demonstrates a utility’s commitment to implementing industry best practices in utility operations,” says Aaron Haderle, Chair of the Association’s RP3 Review Panel and Manager of Transmission and Distribution Operations at Kissimmee Utility Authority, Florida. “RP3 utilities are consistently looking to improve their workforce, system reliability, and safety to serve their communities better.”
“This is a great honor,” said Doug Colvin, Director of Nixa Utilities. “We take a lot of pride in the work we do to power our community. It’s nice to be recognized as among the ‘best of the best’ on a national level.”
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Did you know? You can now fill out a Police report online.
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You may file a police report online for the following types of crime:
- Forgery
- Fraudulent Use of Credit/Debit Device
- Graffiti
- Harassment
- Lost Property
- Past Disturbance
- Stealing
- Stealing from a Vehicle
- Supplement to Officer Report
- Vandalism
Please call 9-1-1 (do NOT file an online report) if any of the following applies:
- This is an emergency
- The suspect is still at the location of the crime
- The incident or crime occurred outside Nixa city limits
- You need to report a theft offense that includes a stolen or lost firearm (gun), stolen license plates, or a stolen motor vehicle
- There may be any physical evidence connected to the crime that needs to be collected (i.e. blood, fingerprints, etc)
We are now providing the online reporting option as another way for citizens to reduce in-person contact with officers during the ongoing pandemic. Once you submit an online report, it may take up to 3 business days for us to process online reports and for an officer to contact you with follow-up questions. If you need to speak to an officer more quickly, please call 911.
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2020 Nixa Parks Program Guide
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Lisa Brown has worked as the Administrative Assistant for the Planning & Development Department since 2006 and is an instrumental member of the team. Working at the front desk at City Hall, she is the first point of contact for customers needing assistance from the Planning & Development Department. Her organizational skills and computer capabilities ensure that the department runs smoothly day in and day out. She is the woman behind the scenes whose efforts makes the rest of the department look good.
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Nixa Utilities water department sent two teams to compete in the Hydrant Hysteria event at the Missouri Rural Water Association show which took place at the Branson Convention Center. Teams competed against crews from other Ozarks area water departments in a timed race for assembling fire hydrants. Our crews took 1st and 2nd place!
1st Place Team: Bryan Evans & Dustin Long - 2:02
2nd Place Team: Josh Enlow & Cole Avery - 2:10
Congratulations guys!
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May events cancelled and postponed due to ongoing pandemic
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- Sucker Days has been postponed by the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce to a tentative date in August.
- Citywide Garage Sale has been postponed until further notice.
- Citywide Clean Up Day has been cancelled.
Stay tuned for rescheduling of community events later in the year.
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June 20: Movie in the Park - Frozen 2
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The Movies in the Park series is presented by the Massengale Group. All movies are held at McCauley Park, begin at dusk, and all movies are FREE! Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. All movies are
dependent on weather. No smoking and no alcohol.
The movie in the park which had been scheduled for May is now cancelled.
Saturday, June 20th:
Frozen 2 (PG)
Saturday, July 18th:
Jumanji: The Next Level (PG 13)
Saturday, August 8th:
Toy Story 4 (G)
September 12th:
Aladdin (PG Live Action)
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The Nixa Senior Center is currently closed due to the ongoing pandemic for which our senior citizens are at especially high risk.
Once the pandemic eases and it becomes safe for senior citizens to gather in groups and once the Nixa Senior Center is able to open again, we will resume holding the monthly "Update" programs.
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The X Center
will be open beginning May 4
th
with social distancing measures in place and cleaning and disinfecting best practices being followed.
- Tot-Drop will remain closed through May 31st to ensure CDC guidelines are met for social distancing.
- The gymnasium will open, however social distancing must be maintained, no pick-up games will be permitted.
- No day passes or punch cards for use of the The X Center facility will be sold at this time.
- Playgrounds will remain closed through May 31st, per state restrictions.
- Summer Camp will begin effective May 4th in a limited capacity. Summer Camp will be limited to 20 participants per week. With capacity to increase over time. You can register by contacting Nixa Parks and Recreation.
- Membership Billing: Members of The X Center were not and will not be billed for April or May 2020. Members should expect billing to resume June 1st, 2020.
- Spring Sports: We are cancelling spring sports (soccer, volleyball, and flag football). Participants will receive a full refund of their registration fee. The refund will be a check mailed to the participants' address on file. With the number of registrations, we do ask for your patience as we work to process the refunds. The refund process is expected to take a couple weeks.
- Summer Baseball/Softball/T-ball: The season has been pushed back to a June 15th start date for games (practices would begin the week of June 1st). Registration for the program is extended until May 13th. With the delay in the start of the season, this will be the only session of T-Ball / Baseball / Softball this summer. There will not be a second session.
- We will continue to reassess as this ongoing situation continues to evolve and will notify you of any future changes.
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Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for Summer It Up! The schedule is packed with activities, games, crafts, contests, guest speakers, and much, much more! The day camp is offered Monday through Friday (with the exception of Memorial Day and the 4th of July), from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The program is open to children ages 5 to 12 years old; entering Kindergarten - 6th grade.
Summer camp will begin May 4th (in a limited capacity) and end the day Nixa Public Schools start school for the 2020-2021 school year. You can still register by contacting Nixa Parks. The fees for the program are as follows: $25 (per family) registration fee, Members (per week) $96.50, Non-Members (per week) $110.
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*Valid through May 22nd: After May 22nd these rates increase per person $10 and additional person(s) $2.50. Excluding the Member rate.*
Members: $95 per person; additional person(s) within same
household $15. Rate all season.
Nixa Residents: $105 per person; additional person(s) within same household $17.50.
Non-Residents: $115 per person; additional person(s) within same household $20.
Punch Cards: Good for 10 visits to the pool which can be used for anyone on any day! Residents $45, Non-Residents $55.
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There are 6 levels of swim lessons. Each level has 4 sessions, with each session consisting of 8 total classes. Classes are held Monday - Thursday for two weeks. In case of inclement weather or holidays, Friday may be used as a make up day. Tadpoles and Intro to Swim are 30 minute classes; Levels 1 - 5 are 45 minute classes. Registration for swim lessons begins March 2nd and ends the Thursday prior to the session start date.
Fees for Swim Lessons are as follows: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.
For details on each lessons, available times, or for private lessons--contact us! Fridays are reserved as rain make up days.
Session 1: June 8th - June 18th
Session 2: June 22nd - July 2nd
Session 3: July 6th - July 16th
Session 4: July 20th - July 30th
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Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Lifeguard? Check out Jr. Lifeguards! Registration begins March 2nd and ends Thursday, July 16th--space is limited to 30 kids!
The program is open to ages 10 to 15 years old. The fees for the program are as follows: Members $32, Nixa Residents $37, Non-Residents $42.
Classes will be held Monday - Thursday from 11 am - 12 pm July 20th through 30th.
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T-Ball/Baseball/Softball UPDATE
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This is an instructional league that has been designed to continue a child’s all around development from t-ball to baseball or softball. Each division is a progressional step up from the previous division.
Season Dates:
The six game season begins the week of June 15th.
Open To:
The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old to currently in 6th grade (2019-2020 school year) (Must be 3 years old by June 15th).
Location:
Rotary Park and Nixa Schools.
Fees:
Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.
Registration:
Ends May 13th. *Late registration May 14th—May 17th with additional $10 late fee.
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Join GMHMA Springfield for Martial Arts classes at Nixa Parks and Recreation. Martial Arts enables students to develop a higher degree of speed, balance, control, and confidence.
Dates
: Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm at The X Center.
Open To
: Ages 5 years old and older.
Registration:
Tuition is $40 per month with a $60 startup cost (includes uniform) made payable to GMHMA Springfield at the first class.
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Session Dates
: The four week session will run June 1st—25th. Beginner players will meet on Mondays; intermediate players will meet on Wednesdays.
Open To
: Ages 5—11 from 5 to 6 pm. Ages 12 and older from 6 pm 6 to 7 pm.
Registration:
Ends May 28th.
Fees:
$40 per participant.
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More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
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For the latest info on all the events happening at Nixa Parks and The X Center, follow the link to
NixaParks.com
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FYI: For Your Information
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Sign Up for Text Alerts and
E-Notifications
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Get emergency alerts on your phone by downloading the Swift 911 Public app. Subscribe to the "Nixa City News" alerts category and any other categories you'd like to receive text alerts about.
Sign up here for e-mail notifications from the City of Nixa. You may select which categories of e-notifications you will receive, so you only get emails on the topics you're interested in. From bids, to calendar events, to press releases, you can get an alert as soon as the information is released so you don't have to wait for the monthly newsletter.
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CITY CONTACT NUMBERS:
City Hall: 725-3785
Police: 725-2510
911 Non-emergency and Animal Control: 582-1030
Nixa Utilities and report an outage: 725-3229
Public Works: 725-2353
Parks: 725-5486
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Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com
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