Nixa News | May 2018 Edition
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We've refreshed the look of the monthly Nixa Newsletter, let us know what you think!
In this month's edition...
- April 3rd Election Results
- Nixa Wins Innovation Award for 2nd Consecutive Year
- Upcoming Road Projects Update
- Nixa Utilities Sell Electric Transmission Assets
- City Administrator Search Update
- Sucker Days Festival information
Plus: upcoming events, a Letter from the Mayor's Desk, city employee spotlight, 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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I wanted to start off this month's letter by thanking all of those who voted in the April 3rd election. That election showed the support our community has for the City as it continues providing the level of service that we all expect, now and into the future.
My mind has been filled recently thinking about that word "future". Nixa, as a community, is in the middle of a once-in-a-generation change in leadership which will help shape our community for years to come. I am proud (and petrified) to have a part in this process.
I look forward to working with Dr. Loden and the School District leadership as he moves into the superintendent position this summer to continue Dr. Kleinsmith's motto, "Excellence in Action". I am confident in the Board of Education's selection, and know Dr. Loden will continue the district's history of leading our community forward.
In the area of Economic Development, we have added two new members to Nixa's team. Andrea Sitzes accepted the position of Executive Director for our county wide initiative - Show Me Christian County - in February, while Chris Russell has taken on the position of Executive Director for the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce. These new leaders will have a revolutionary effect on the businesses environment in Nixa and Christian County.
For the City's part, we have added two new members to our City Council. In the April 3rd election, Matt Barker (who had been serving on an interim basis) and Scott Perryman were elected to serve for the next three years. Both will be strong voices for their districts on the council.
We also continue the search process for our new City Administrator after the retirement of Brian Bingle last fall, following 20 years of service to our city. As with the School District's transition, this is a once-in-a-generation change as we work to find an adequate successor to Mr. Bingle. The amazing group of candidates who applied for this position from across the country demonstrates how others - both regionally and nationally - see Nixa as a place of opportunity. City Council will hold the final interviews for that position in the next few weeks and should have an announcement next month.
Moving forward into this new era, I know one thing is true - change is constant. For my part, I know the effort and thought that all our community leaders have put into these import decisions. And I know that Nixa will continue to flourish into the future, with the addition of fresh perspectives of the new leaders now stepping up.
Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
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This perplexing puzzle will keep you bewildered, befuddled, and bemused.
Q: I have a ring, but no hands. I used to be plugged into the wall, but now I follow you everywhere. What am I?
The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
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In the April 3rd Election, the issue regarding the imposition of a Use Tax was passed by a 20 vote margin. At the April 23 Council Meeting, Matt Barker (District II) and Scott Perryman (District I) were sworn in for 3 year terms as council representatives. The new Nixa City Council are seen in the photo to the right. From left to right: Jimmy Ledbetter, Justin Orf, Scott Perryman, Mayor Brian Steele, Aron Peterson, Darlene Graham, and Matt Barker.
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Nixa Wins Innovation Award for 2nd Consecutive Year
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The City of Nixa has been awarded the Missouri Municipal League’s Innovation Award in the Large City category for the second year in a row!
This year, Nixa won for partnering with Gardner Capital and MC Power to develop Missouri’s largest solar farm. In 2017 the City of Nixa won the same award for developing the Community Alternative Sentencing Court (CASC).
“Nixa continues to punch above its weight and aggressively pursue innovative solutions for our progressive community,” says Nixa Mayor Brian Steele. “These innovation awards are proof that the other cities across Missouri admire the innovative spirit of the Nixa municipal government! As Mayor, I am proud to work with city staff who constantly seek innovative solutions to the challenges which many communities face, and who follow through on those ideas to the betterment of our entire community. We strive to set the pace as one of the most innovative communities in not only Missouri, but the entire nation, and these awards are a sign that we are making progress towards that goal. I especially want to acknowledge the work of retired City Administrator Brian Bingle as well as the Director of Nixa Utilities and Public Works Doug Colvin for their efforts in partnering with Jay Wasson, Gardner Capital, MC Power and others to bring this project to Nixa. Not only does the Nixa Solar Farm reduce our carbon footprint, but it saves Nixa Utilities $2.5 million dollars, meaning we can keep rates low at a time when many electric utilities continue to raise rates!”
Nixa has also been honored by the
Smart Electric Power Alliance
for ranking #10 on their list of the U.S. electric utilities which provide the most annual watts-per-customer from solar energy. The Nixa Solar Farm provides an estimated annual 831.1 watts-per-customer.
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Nixa Utilities and Public Works staff met with MoDOT engineers on April 19th for preliminary planning and location tour for upcoming improvements to 160 and South Street intersection. This will be the fifth Nixa/MoDOT cost-share project in as many years.
Three other projects will begin construction in 2019:
- Widening SH-14 to 5 lanes from US160 to Nicholas Rd.
- US160 & Tracker Rd. intersection improvements.
- US160 & Northview Rd. intersection improvements.
MoDOT is also in the design phase for 5-lane widening of SH-14 from US160 to Ridgecrest Ave. That project is planned to begin construction in 2020.
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Nixa Utilities Now Offers Autopay From Your Credit or Debit Card
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Main Street Sidewalk Improvements Under Way
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The Nixa Street Department has begun work on improving sidewalk ramps along Main Street between Aldersgate and North Street. This work may last through July, so please pardon the inconvenience for a couple of months as we tear out the old wheel chair ramps and replace sections of sidewalk to create new ramps which are compliant with Americans with Disability Act requirements. The new ramps will be safer and easier to use for those in wheelchairs. Also, please remember to drive carefully around our crews as they work!
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Nixa Utilities Sell Electric Transmission Assets
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The City of Nixa sold a 10 mile, 69kV transmission line between the City of Springfield and the Southwestern Power Administration, as well as four substations and related infrastructure to GridLiance Holdco, L.P., an independent transmission company, effective April 1, 2018.
The City of Nixa initially invested in construction of that redundant line years ago in order to ensure reliability. "However, the ever-changing regulatory and tariff process makes it difficult for a small distribution utility like Nixa to operate transmission today," says Doug Colvin, Director of Nixa Utilities and Public Works.
For electric customers inside Nixa city limits, it is important to know that Nixa Utilities will continue to own the distribution lines which go to homes and businesses in Nixa, and customers will continue to pay their electric bills to Nixa Utilities. This transaction means Nixa Utilities no longer have to maintain the transmission lines which connect the City to the regional grid and power stations where electricity is generated. Over time, the transaction will save the city money on transmission costs. The nearly $10 million dollar sale provides the Nixa Utilities electric department with sufficient reserve funds to pay off outstanding bonds and to enable the utility to continue to add and improve infrastructure without having to raise electric rates.
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City Administrator Search Update
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The Nixa City Council search committee have narrowed down the field of 57 applicants down to 4 finalists. The entire city council will interview each of the candidates during closed sessions in early May. The city will announce the hiring of a new City Administrator once a selection has been made and contract negotiation has been completed.
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Sucker Day Craft Festival
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Sertoma and the Nixa Downtown Revitalization Committee are joining forces with the Sucker Day committee to make Nixa's signature event bigger and better! Parade and live music will be Friday May 11, with the Sucker Day 5k Run on Saturday morning May 12, followed by a full schedule of fun at Main and 14. Much more information can be seen at the
Sucker Days Website
or the
Official Sucker Days Facebook page
.
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The annual Citywide Garage Sale is coming up on Mother's Day Weekend, May 11-13. No garage sale permit required this weekend only. The parks department is not able to produce a map of all participating locations this year, so be sure to advertise your yard sale location in the comments below the event listing on our Facebook page.
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The Nixa Parks Department has partnered with corporate consultant, speaker, and author
Lauren Schieffer
to provide three learning opportunities for professional growth in 2018. We are calling this series The Xchange.
Cost: $50 per person, per class. Register early to reserve your spot!
To register, call 417-725-5486 or register in person at The X Center (701 N. Taylor Way).
Class 1: Are you getting this? April 26, 2018. 9am - 11am.
Class 2: Before it comes to blows. September 13, 2018. 9am - 11am.
Class 3: Leading out of drama. November 8, 2018. 9am - 11am.
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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. These events give senior citizens an opportunity to meet and interact with the city's leadership, voice their concerns, and stay informed!
For 2018, The Update is held on the last Wednesday of each month.
UPCOMING DATES: April 25, May 30, June 27.
Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Nixa Senior Center with a suggested donation of $6. Learn more at the
Nixa Senior Center
website.
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Prescription Drug Take Back
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On Saturday April 28 from 10am-2pm, Nixa Police and Family Pharmacy will host the DEA's Prescription Drug Take Back Day event at the Family Pharmacy at 105 Ridgecrest Ave. Turn in unused medication for safe disposal. Any pills or liquid medications will be accepted, however, no needles, infectious waste, or aerosol cans will be accepted.
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Come enjoy coffee and conversation with Chief Jimmy Liles and other Nixa Police Officers on May 18 from 8am-9am at the Nixa McDonald's at 401 W. Mt. Vernon St.
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Movies in the Park: The Emoji Movie
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The first Movie in the Park this season will be The Emoji Movie to be shown on May 12 at McCauley Park. What a great way to finish up your Sucker Day weekend with the family!
The Movies in the Park series is presented by the Massengale Group. All movies 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.
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Annual Citywide Clean-up Day
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The annual citywide clean up day will be May 19th. Please have items for trash pickup to the curb by 7:00am. We ask that you leave garbage out the night before so you don't forget. Republic Services will begin the collection routes at 7:00am.
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More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
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Join the Nixa Chamber of Commerce for Nixa Community Night at the Springfield Cardinals game on Saturday June 23rd at 6:10pm versus the Arkansas Travelers. The Nixa Chamber has great deals on tickets!
Nixa Chamber of Commerce Website.
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FYI: For Your Information
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Sign Up for Text Alerts and
E-Notifications
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Sign up here
for more frequent e-mail notifications. You can select to only receive notifications for the topics you're interested in.
Get emergency alerts on your phone by downloading the Swift 911 Public app.
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Severe Weather Preparedness
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April and May are peak tornado season in Missouri, so be sure to have a plan for when the weather turns dangerous.
Visit
Ready.gov
for tips on creating a preparedness plan.
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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: I have a ring, but no hands. I used to be plugged into the wall, but now I follow you everywhere. What am I?
A: A phone.
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Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com
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