Your Input: Future of Ozark's Historic Community Building

Howdy!

The NewsLeader did a piece on Ozark's Historic Community Building today.

What are your thoughts on the Historic Community Building? A lot of groups are interested in it. Some want to protect the historical architecture, to others it holds sentimental value, and some would like to see it torn down and replaced with a modern building that could take advantage of it's prime location. It is an intersting topic, and I can honestly say I don't yet have an opinion on it yet.

My question to you: What do you think should happen to the Historic Community Building and why?

REMINDER: Community Breakfast is tomorrow morning at the Village Inn from 8 to 10. If you have any ideas for good legislation, bring them with you tomorrow. I would love to hear them.

NOTICE: Special June 29th Aldermen and Park Board Meeting Canceled

The meeting between the Ozark Board of Aldermen and the Ozark Parks Board that was scheduled for June 29th has been canceled. As I mentioned earlier, there are 3 positions on the park board that are going to be filled at the July 6th Board of Aldermen meeting. I believe it was determined that having this joint meeting would be more effective after the 3 positions were filled.

06-16-2009 Board of Aldermen Video

NOTE: For whatever reason, my camera stopped recording at 2 hrs and 32 min. We have not had a meeting run this long since I began recording the meetings so I didn't expect this to occur. The video stops right after we begin discussions on the salvaged Crown Vics and is missing about the last 30 minutes. Missing from the video are discussions about the salvaged Crown Vics and the Main Street Application discussion.

Ozark Board of Alderman Meeting June 15th Agenda

Howdy!

Go here to see tomorrow's agenda and here to see tomorrow's packet.

Points of interest for tomorrow's meeting:

1. Public hearing for the amending some planning and zoning rules - Bill 2459. Check out the packet to read the bill. If you want to better understand the changes in this bill, you can compare the bill to the existing code which can be found online here. When the page opens click on the folder labeled "Ozark" on the left hand side of the page. Then click "TITLE IV. LAND USE". Then "CHAPTER 405: ZONING REGULATIONS". Then you can compare the current sections 405.770, 405.785, and 410.226 to the changes to those sections lined out in the bill.
If you have questions about these changes, tomorrow is the time to bring them up.

2. Budget Amendments. This will be the first reading of the budget amendment bill and the only chance you will have to speak on this if you so choose. I would suggest you read the ammended budget that is provided in the packet and come to the meeting with any questions or suggestions you have.

3. 3 bills 2456, 2457, and 2458 aproving the use of stimulus funds for 3 projects. These bills will come to a vote tomorrow.

City Board Openings

The Mayor has started accepting applications for upcoming openings on the Parks Board and Planning and Zoning Commission.  I was thrilled to read this in the paper today.  Until now, no applications were required when seeking positions on city related boards.  I think this is a great step for Ozark. 

 

If you are interested in a position on the Park Board or the Planning and Zoning Commission you can fill out this application and turn it in or mail it to city hall.  If these are areas that interest you and are areas in which you feel you could have a positive influence I would strongly encourage you to put in an application.  I don't know what the due date for applications is, so I would get them in as soon as possible.

Tonight's Special City Council Meeting Has Been Canceled

Tonight's city council meeting dealing with the agreement between PlazaCorp and the city on the downtown redevelopment has been canceled.  I beleive both parties would like more time for negotiations.

 

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Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

Melissa Wagner
417.231.1045
www.ozarkmissouri.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/melissadwagner

City's Response to the State Audit

Since the release of State Audit in Ozark, many citizens have voiced concerns about the city's blasé response.

Steve Childers wrote an article in this weeks CC Headliner and I want to give him some credit. This article seems to have a different tone that other statements we have seen come out of city hall, especially regarding the audit.

He speaks in an honest and sincere way about the mistakes Ozark has made in the past. He is also specific about changes that have have been made to address many of the issues.

I knew from the beginning that Steve and the staff were taking this audit seriously and working hard to make a lot of wrongs right. I think this message, unlike some previous ones, accurately depicts the city's attitude towards the audit and dedication to correcting the problems.

Learning from audit, preparing for future
By: Steve Childers, Ozark city administrator
Published:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 12:05 AM CDT
I would like to take the opportunity to respond to the public regarding the recent audit report of the city of Ozark. Even though much of the criticism leveled acknowledges occurrences prior to my position as city administrator, now it is up to me to explain.

Adequate documentation may not exist that will thoroughly explain to me, or allow me to explain to all of you, the reasons why past decisions were made, certain actions were or were not taken, or why proper accountability procedures were not previously in place; and although I don’t plan on making excuses for the past, I do feel strongly that rather than dwelling on it we should use it to our advantage as a road map to implementing proper processes and procedures that avoid new shortcomings in the future.


It’s important for the citizenry of Ozark to know that even before the state auditors arrived, myself and staff had already identified many of the shortfalls and were in the process of implementing new procedures to correct them. For example, a capital asset management policy was put in place May 2008; an internal control policy for cash handling was put in place January 2009; and the first comprehensive employee manual including credit card, e-mail, vehicle usage, and many other policies mentioned in the audit will be in place within the next 30-60 days.

The Board of Aldermen and Ozark Park Board will quickly begin scheduling meetings to work on park and recreation related matters, and staff is diligently working on advancing the progress of the Finley River District redevelopment project.

Neither Mayor Jackson nor I intend to downplay the seriousness of the audit findings; rather we would like to bring into perspective that, “That was then and this is now.”

Therefore, the approach we will be taking is to gain knowledge from the past so to achieve the highest level of professionalism regarding record management, accounting practices, improved public access to information via Internet and all other fiduciary related responsibilities.

I am confident in saying you have a dedicated mayor, board of aldermen and staff that are committed to progressively and responsibly advancing our community. I am also confident in letting you know that I will never give less than an all-out effort to approach my responsibilities as your city administrator with integrity, honesty and a unbridled belief in building a sustainable and strong community for everyone.

If you ever have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to call the Ozark City Hall at (417) 581-2407 and ask to speak to me personally.

Steven Childers is the Ozark City Administrator.

June 4, 2009 CID Meeting 6:00 p.m. Agenda

CID TENTATIVE AGENDA

June 04, 2009

 

 

Notice is hereby given that the Ozark Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) Board of Directors will conduct a Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 04, 2009 at the Ozark City Hall in Ozark, Missouri.

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

ROLL CALL:

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:                        May 14, 2009

 

VISITORS:

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

NEW BUSINESS:                             1.         Resolution #09-002-Approving Certain

                                                                        Actions Regarding the Finley River

                                                                        Development Plan. Board Member Mike

                                                                        Esterl.

 

REPORTS:

 

BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

The tentative agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate pursuant to RSMo: 610.021 (1,2,3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.

            Representatives of the news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting:

                        Lana Wilson

                        205 N. 1^st St.

                        (417) 581-2407

(To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the municipal corporation or political subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held.)

In accordance with ADA guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending these meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office 417-581-2407 at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.

 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

Melissa Wagner
417.231.1045
www.ozarkmissouri.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/melissadwagner

Agenda for tomorrows LCRA board meeting.

 

City of Ozark Missouri

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

 

P.O. Box 295		Fax	417-581-0575
Ozark, Missouri	65721	Phone	417-581-2407

 

LCRA TENTATIVE AGENDA

June 04, 2009

                                                                 

            Notice is hereby given that the LCRA Commission will conduct a Meeting at

5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 04, 2009.

at the Ozark City Hall in Ozark, Missouri.

                                                                                                           

CALL TO ORDER   

 

ROLL CALL 

                                               

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:             May 14, 2009 

 

VISITORS:

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

             

NEW BUSINESS:                   1.         Resolution #09-003- Approving Certain Actions Regarding the

                                                            Finley River Development Plan.  Commissioner John Custer.   

STAFF REPORTS:

 

BILLS AND COMMUNICATIONS:                       

 

ADJOURNMENT.

 

 

The tentative agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate pursuant to RSMo: 610.021 (1, 2, 3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.

            Representatives of the news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting:

 

                        Lana Wilson

                        205 N. 1^st St.

                        (417) 581-2407

                        Fax (417) 581-0575

 

 (To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the municipal corporation or political subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held.)

In accordance with ADA guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending City meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office 417-581-2407 at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.

 

 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

Melissa Wagner
417.231.1045
www.ozarkmissouri.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/melissadwagner

Your Input: Springfield College Station vs. Ozark Downtown Redevelopment

Before the start of Monday's city council meeting an article regarding the development of Springfield's Collage Station was brought to my attention.

During an update from Darrel Groves, one of the city's consultants on the downtown redevelopment, Dennis Sparrow asked Darrell if there was anything we could learn from Springfield's experience. Darrell said that they were getting copies of the College Station agreement to look over and compare it to our project here in Ozark.

I just read the article, and I have to say, there are striking similarities between the two projects and it concerns me. It seems the plans of action for both projects say: movie theater + a downtown feel = economic revitalization. Unfortunately, this equation is not working out for the city of Springfield.

I am anxious to see what results will be produced from negotiations currently taking place between the city, city consultants and PlazaCorp. I hope all parties can come to an agreement that protects our tax dollars from undue risk. These results will be presented and voted on by the council next Monday at 5:30.

My question to you: Are there similarities between the two projects that cause you concern? Do you see characteristics of our project in Ozark that you feel would make it more successful than the Collage Station project?

A big FAIL for Melissa Wagner: No Video this Week

Howdy...

I have to admit that I made a big mistake at tonight's meeting. I forgot to turn my video camera on. In a rush to go over bills and talk to citizens and make a potty break I forgot to turn it on. I am terribly sorry about this and will try very hard to avoid this in the future. Please forgive my absent mindedness.

Reminder: Special Council meeting on Monday the 8th at 5:30. This is going to be a big meeting to discus and make a decision regarding PlazaCorp's offer and any counter offers.

3rd Amended Agenda for Ozark Board of Aldermen meeting June 1

City of Ozark Missouri

 

 

P.O. Box 295		Fax	417-581-0575
Ozark, Missouri	65721	Phone	417-581-2407

BOARD OF ALDERMEN TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA

MONDAY June 01, 2009

7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING

POSTED May 27, 2009                                          Ordinance #09-019

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S): May  16, 2009, May 18, 2009, May 26, 2009 Council Minutes.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS:                   Chris Stone-Chamber of Commerce Director Resignation.

REPORT ON QUESTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING(S):          

BILLS OPEN FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

A.                   BILLS REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING:      None

B.                   FIRST READING BILLS:   

1.             Bill #2455-An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ozark, Missouri by Amending Chapter 365:     "Stopping, Standing or Parking Restricted or Prohibited on Certain Streets", Schedule II, "Parking Regulations".   Alderman Melissa Wagner.

2.             Bill #2456-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Phase III Sidewalks Along Highway 14/Jackson Street Project.  Alderman Rick Gardner.

3.             Bill #2457-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a Transportation Planning Study to do Preliminary Scoping of Transportation Projects.  Alderman Mike Esterl.

4.             Bill #2458-An Ordinance Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal Aid Program Agreement with the Missouri  Highways and Transportation Commission for the Analysis of Existing and Projected Traffic in Order to Develop an Efficient Traffic Plan. Alderman Chris Snyder.

C.                  RESOLUTIONS:

                1.             Public Hearing-A Public Hearing to Discuss an Application to be Submitted to the Missouri

                Department of Economic Development Under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for

                Intrinsic Audio Solutions, Inc. dba SLS Audio.

2.                 Resolution #1588-A Resolution of the City of Ozark, Missouri, Stating Intent to Seek Funding

Through the "Community Development Block Grant" Program and Authorizing the Mayor to Pursue Activities in an Attempt to Secure Funding. Alderman Dennis Sparrow.

D.                   EMERGENCY BILLS: 

E.                    PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BILLS (TAX BILLS):              

F.                    GRANTS: 

G.                  AMENDED BILLS: 

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE OF BILLS. NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION. BOARD DISCUSSION ONLY: 

1.                    Bill #2453-An Ordinance Amending Title I, Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of

                Ozark by Deleting a Portion of One Section Relating to the Agenda for Board of Aldermen Meetings and

                Enacting, In Lieu Thereof, One New Portion of the Same Section Relating to the Same Subject Matter.

Alderman Mark Spinabella.

REPORT OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

 

1.             Administrative Committee:     

2.                 Public Safety:                         

3.             Public Works:                          Declaring Surplus Vehicles-1995 Ford Crown Vic, 1998 Ford Crown Vic and

                                                                2003 Ford Crown Vic.                             

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

SCHEDULED VISITORS:     Main Street Director Robert Snook-Discuss Neighborhood Assistance Program FY2010 Application.

NEW BUSINESS/COUNCIL COMMENTS:

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

                                1.             Pay Bills.

ADJOURNMENT

The tentative Agenda of this meeting may include a vote to close part of this meeting to discuss Litigation-Personnel-Real Estate pursuant to RSMO: 610-021 (1,2,3) and such other matters as may come before the Board.

                Representatives of the News Media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting: The City Clerk's Office at (417) 581-2407 or by E-Mail lwilson@ozarkmissouri.org

(To be posted at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the Meeting on a bulletin board or other prominent place which is easily accessible to the public and clearly designated for posting notices at the principal office of the Municipal Corporation or Political Subdivision or, if no such office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held). In accordance with ADA Guidelines, if you need special accommodations when attending City Meetings, please notify the City Clerk's Office at least 3 days prior to the scheduled meeting.