Nixa News | January 2019 Edition
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In this month's edition you can read about...
- Snow removal route map
- Don't forget to renew your business license
- Don't forget to renew your dog tags
- April election: You can run for City Council or Municipal Judge
- Helping from the Heart: How city staff gave back during the holidays
- A letter from the Mayor
- 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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As I complete my 5th year as Mayor for the City of Nixa, I am excited about everything City Council has planned for 2019!
2019 will mark the completion of our 5 year Nixa Continuing Improvement Plan (NCIP). That plan has guided many significant changes and I am excited to begin the process of creating our new plan which we will frame as "Imagine Nixa", to begin in 2020.
2020 will also be the 10th anniversary of the approval of our city's Home Rule Charter. That document allows us as residents of Nixa to determine our own best form of government. As part of that charter, this year we will form a Charter Review Commission whose job will be to review the charter and propose any needed changes to the voters for the April 2020 election.
Throughout 2019 we will continue to stress the four key strategies of our current NCIP: Transportation, Community Involvement, Economic Development, and Recreation.
We will see several exciting transportation projects set to begin in 2019. The largest project will be the widening of Highway 14 west of 160 to Nicholas Road. Along with this major upgrade, we will also see the construction of a sidewalk next to the highway. This sidewalk project, along with another major one on Nicholas Road, south of Highway 14, will complete a continuous connection across our city. Sidewalks will link from the very northeast corner in the Wicklow subdivision, to the very southeast corner at the High School.
Nixa will continue to expand community involvement through our partnerships across the region. Keep an eye out for new projects with Nixa Public Schools, the Nixa Chamber of Commerce, Show-Me Christian County and our partner cities throughout Christian County.
I believe 2019 will be the year we see big results from our ongoing work in economic development. With our strong partnerships and using a regional approach, we have seen many new and existing businesses invest in our area. Several exciting projects are in the works for 2019 that will make a great impact on the City of Nixa and our community.
This year we will begin work on our new Park Master Plan. With the generous donation of land by the Eoff family, Nixa has the opportunity to create some great additional outdoor spaces. The Master Plan will allow us to best utilize this gift for the benefit of the community. Finally, 2019 will see the completion of our newest park, the Nixa Dog Park. This space will be a great addition to our parks and our community.
I hope all of you are as excited as I am for great things happening in Nixa in 2019!
Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
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This perplexing puzzle will keep you bewildered, befuddled, and bemused.
Q:
A knight comes to a castle where his love is trapped. The castle is surrounded by a square moat that is 10 feet wide (it forms a square around the castle). He finds two 9 foot long planks. The knight has no nails, ropes, or any other kind of fasteners. Still, he is able to arrange the planks to walk across the moat. How does he do it?
The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
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The X Center: Fitness Memberships
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Let us help you reach your goals on your health and wellness journey. In addition to our numerous programs and services, The X Center offers many health and wellness opportunities with our fitness staff. Come see us for a tour and more information!
Membership benefits include:
- Discounted activities, programs, and rental facilities.
- Free fitness programs and services.
- Free basic group exercise classes.
- Free access to our child care (tot drop).
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Fireworks Ordinance for New Year's Holiday
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Inside Nixa city limits, fireworks can only be shot off on New Years Eve, Dec 31st from 2pm thru 12:30am on January 1st. Remember, children should be supervised by an adult when using fireworks. Have a safe New Year!
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The next municipal election will be held on April 2, 2019.
The following positions will be up for election:
- District 2 City Council seat
- District 3 City Council seat
- Municipal Judge
Council members serve 3-year terms, and the municipal judge serves 2-year terms.
To run for city council or municipal judge, you must apply in person at Nixa City Hall between December 11 and January 15 in order to have your name placed on the ballot.
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City Council Qualifications:
- A Council Member shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City for one (1) year at the time of filing for office. A person must be a resident of the District for which the person is seeking office at the time of filing for office and must be registered to vote in that District and must remain a resident of the District during the time of service as an elected official of the City.
- A council member must not violate any prohibition of the City Charter or be convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
- A council member must not default in taxes to the City.
Municipal Judge Qualifications:
- A municipal judge shall be a licensed member of the Missouri Bar, shall have been in active practice of law in the State of Missouri for at least three years immediately preceding his or her election.
- A municipal judge must not be convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
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Snow removal operations are conducted when driving conditions become hazardous.
Though it is the department’s desire to plow all streets, priority is given to keeping emergency snow routes, major thoroughfares, major intersections and school zones open.
Only after these areas are cleared and remain clear, will the crews move into residential areas.
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Renew your business license
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Licenses expire December 31st.
New business license: $50
Renewal: $25
There is an additional $10 late fee for renewals after March 31st.
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Nixa requires all dogs within the city limits to be licensed through City Hall. The license must be renewed each year in January, and owners must show proof of current rabies vaccination. This helps us ensure dogs in Nixa have been vaccinated against rabies, and helps Nixa Animal Control in returning lost dogs to their owners.
$2.00 for spayed or neutered dogs.
$3.00 if the animal is not.
For more information please contact City Hall at 417-725-3785.
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Helping from the Heart: How Nixa City staff give back
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During the holiday season, Nixa City staff adopted 6 families through Least of These food pantry. Staff donated their own money and we collected food donations so we could provide these families with meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas and some extra food to stock their pantries. We also helped Santa be sure the children of those families got the Christmas gifts on their lists.
Thank you for donating non-perishable food items at the Nixa Dollar General stores. Your donations were delivered to Nixa families in need.
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Employee Recognition Awards
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At the end of year staff meeting, City Administrator Jimmy Liles presented Employee Recognition Awards to some of the staff who go above and beyond in their service to the city government and the greater community. He also named the recipient of the first ever Citizen of the Year Award.
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Employee of the Year Award
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Bekka Coffey
Administrative Clerk
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Bekka is one of the first smiling faces to greet visitors to City Hall. She provides incredible customer service, is a true team player, and assists with the planning and hosting of various city events such as the Electric Department Anniversary. She is quick to offer help with any department and does it with a phenomenal attitude. She also volunteers to serve on the internal Think Tank.
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Lucas Waldren
Systems Network Technician
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Lucas is a one-man IT team for the City of Nixa. He makes himself available outside of regular business hours and is always friendly and helpful. He has made several suggestions to improve our systems to make them safer and easier to use. He pitches innovative ideas to leadership, and volunteers to serve with Helping from the Heart and other weekend events such as Nixpo.
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Chris Huett
Assistant Electric Superintendent
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Since stepping into the role of Assistant Superintendent of the Electric Department, Chris has been making necessary changes to make the department run more efficiently. He implemented systems and procedures which save time, energy, and money. He has established organizational processes and improved department communication. He also encourages good morale and is a respected leader in his department.
Chris also serves on the internal Think Tank.
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Jenn Torres
Parks Guest Services Specialist
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Jenn is the first impression for most visitors to The X Center. She is friendly, develops rapport with customers, cares about them, matches them with products and services, works towards beneficial outcomes for everyone, and truly loves working with customers and members. Her consistent above-and-beyond customer service makes her an invaluable asset to the Parks Department.
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Citizen of the Year Award
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Al Michel has been a part of the Nixa community for many years. He has made a great impact on Nixa from his time as a Principal for Nixa Public Schools to his role with the VFW post. Al coordinates and organizes both the Memorial Day Ceremony and Veteran's Day Ceremony held annually at The X Center. He also works in a variety of other capacities to ensure our community remembers the sacrifices made by our armed forces and that Nixa expresses patriotism and honor towards the flag. His work in the community makes Nixa a better place to live.
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City Finance Department earns excellence honor three-peat
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The City of Nixa Finance Department, led by Finance Director Donna Swatzell, has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the third year in a row by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its 2017 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
“We are very proud of Mrs. Swatzell and the entire finance team for earning this achievement for the third consecutive year," says Mayor Brian Steele. "We want our community to know that the City of Nixa takes financial responsibility very seriously. City Council and staff work hard to ensure tax dollars, grant money, and other revenue are invested wisely to provide infrastructure and services to stimulate economic growth and enhance quality of life that our residents have come to expect,” says Steele. “We not only prioritize fiscal responsibility, but also transparency, and the evidence of our hard work towards both of these goals is demonstrated by this Certificate of Achievement.”
Earlier this year, Mrs. Swatzell was honored with the Trust Award from the Springfield Area Better Business Bureau, in recognition of her work in government financial transparency and stewardship.
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During the December 17 City Council Meeting, Mayor Brian Steele recognized the following employees with service awards:
Deanna Allen was recognized for 5 years of service. Deanna is the Utility Account Specialist Supervisor in the Utility Billing Department. (Upper photo)
Jacob Elwood was recognized for 5 years of service. Jacob is a Recreation Specialist in the Parks Department. (Middle photo)
Danny Collinge was recognized for 5 years of service. Danny does building maintenance for the Public Works Department. (Lower photo)
We are grateful to each of them for their dedicated service to the City.
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Video: Nixa Police give Christmas gifts instead of tickets.
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WARNING: This video is a tear-jerker. Thanks to Arvest Bank for making it possible for Nixa Police to distribute some Christmas cheer.
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The Update is a great way to learn more about what's happening in Nixa and have your questions answered while enjoying lunch. Each month, we bring a different guest speaker from Nixa local government. These events give senior citizens an opportunity to meet and interact with the city's leadership, voice their concerns, and stay informed!
2019 DATES: January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 29, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 30, November 27, December 31.
Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Nixa Senior Center. A suggested donation covers the cost of lunch: $3.50 for those 60+ and $6.00 for those under 60. Learn more about the Nixa Senior Center at the
Nixa Senior Center
website.
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Registration for Winter Recreational Basketball began October 22nd and will end December 5th.
The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by January 5th) to 6th grade.
Games will be played on Saturdays. The season will run from Saturday, January 5th - February 9th.
The fees for the program are as follows: Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53. *Late registration from December 6th - December 9th with a $10 additional late fee.
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Spring Recreational Soccer
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Registration for Spring Recreational Soccer begins December 10th and ends February 6th. The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by March 16th) to 8th grade. Games will be played on Saturdays at McCauley Park. The season will run from Saturday, March 16th - April 27th.
The fees for the program are as follows: Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53. *Late registration from February 7th - 10th, with a $10 additional late fee.
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Games will be played March 18th/19th - April 15th/16th
(3rd/4th Grade plays Mondays; 5th/6th Grade plays Tuesdays)
Tournament: Saturday, April 27th
Location: The X Center
Cost: Members $40, Residents $45, Non-Residents $53
Open To: Girls in 3rd - 6th Grade
Registration begins December 10th and ends February 13th; *Late registration from February 14th - 17th, with a $10 additional late fee.
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Recreational Flag Football is designed as an introduction to the sport, to build on skills, and to foster an interest in football. Participants will learn the basic skills and concepts of the game.
Games begin Saturday, March 16th with the six-week season ending April 27th. Games will be played at Rotary Park. The program is open to boys and girls 3rd-6th grade.
Registration begins on December 10th and ends on February 13th. The fees for the program are as follows: Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53. *Late registration from February 14th - 17th, with a $10 additional late fee.
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Dates:
Tuesdays (Intro to Art): January 15th - February 19th
Thursdays (Studio Art): January 17th - February 21st
Time:
Intro to Art (PK-2nd): 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm
Intro to Art (3rd-6th): 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm
Studio 2D: 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm
Studio 3D: 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: The X Center
Cost: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40
Registration: Begins December 10th and ends January 11th.
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Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for the annual Father Daughter Dance! The dance is sponsored by Mac Dental and will take place on Friday, February 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Dance the night away while enjoying light refreshments, activities, and a picture to remember the evening!
Pre-registration will end on February 7th: Members $25, Nixa Residents $30, Non-Residents $35.
Day of Registration will begin on February 8th: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40.
The registration fee includes admission for Dad and one daughter. Each additional child is $10.
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The Indoor Garage Sale will take place at The X Center on Saturday, February 23rd from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm. Entrance is FREE to the public. Registration for booth spaces begins December 1st. Space is limited—please register early! A 10x10 space is $20 and a 10x15 space is $30. Tables are available for $5 per table. The X Center reserves the right to refuse any item inappropriate for sale in this event. No concession items allowed.
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More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
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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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The City of Nixa has job openings for various city departments!
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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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The solution to your scalp scratchin'.
Q: A knight comes to a castle where his love is trapped. The castle is surrounded by a square moat that is 10 feet wide (it forms a square around the castle). He finds two 9 foot long planks. The knight has no nails, ropes, or any other kind of fasteners or tools. Still, he is able to arrange the planks to walk across the moat. How does he do it?
A:
He puts one plank across a corner of the square and puts the other on top of it at a perpendicular angle. This forms a 'T' shaped bridge in the corner allowing him to cross the moat and save his beloved.
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