Breakfast

I am sorry to say, but I will need to cancel our breakfast next weekend.  My father has suffered a stroke and I have traveled to Dallas to be with him.  We will get together again in January.  If you know anyone who might attend but doesn't get this email, I would really appreciate it if you could give them a call and let them know.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Fwd: A New Assessor for Christian County

All,

The Governor has just appointed David Stokely to be our next Christian County Assessor.  See the message from Kay Brown below.

Melissa Wagner

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kay Brown <kaybrown@christiancountymo.gov>
Date: Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Subject: A New Assessor for Christian County
To: Kay Brown <kaybrown@christiancountymo.gov>

Good Afternoon,

 

The Governor has just appointed David Stokely to be the next Christian County Assessor. The Governor said to swear him in immediately and he will be sworn in tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in the County Commission's office.

Sincerely,

Kay Brown

 

Kay Brown

Christian County Clerk

100 West Church Room 206

Ozark Mo 65721

phone: 417-581-6360 fax: 417-581-8331

 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Current Candidates to be Considered for Assessor's Replacement Nomination

All,

Here is the current list of people who have asked that they be considered for nomination to fill our county's vacant assessor position.  Below you will find links to each person's resume and and cover letter (if provided).  You will need to download John Boyd's to your machine.  Just follow the link and then click the 'Download' button.  I apologize for this, but I had to scan his resume and the file is too large to email.

We will be meeting in the courthouse this Tuesday to hear from each candidate and vote for a nominee by secret ballot.  If you know of anyone else who is interested please let them know that they can still submit their resume and be considered.  I will accept resumes until Tuesday afternoon.  

Format / Rules:

1.  Each candidate will draw a number to determine the order they are interviewed.

2.  All candidates who are not being interviewed will wait downstairs for their turn.

3.  Each candidate will have 2 minutes to introduce themselves followed by a question and answer session.

4.  All candidates will return downstairs.  The floor will be open for central committee discussion.

5.  A secret ballot vote will be taken.  If no clear majority is established, there will be a run-off secret ballot vote between the top two.

6. Should there be a tie for second in round 1, the top 3 will go to the run off (round 2).  If there is no clear majority in the 3 way run-off.  There will be a run-of for the top 2.  

7.  In the case that the run-off results in a tie, the Chairman with break the tie.

8.  Once a clear winner is established, all the candidates will be invited back into the room for the results.

9.  The following day, the nominee's name will be faxed to the Governor's office for consideration. 

Angela Tremble - Cover Letter

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GHYWVLL1sop5AFqhGUk4kzxMstC3jinEHDC2urCkvVw/edit?hl=en&authkey=COHMrIsB

Angela Trumble - Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXITRAKrwRs4Mhk88Exe4mVOsh_u3Lmh7UqXX4R0W3Y/edit?hl=en&authkey=CM2moMUD

Alan Berry - Cover Letter

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HEUJ03xLwHph2bGmpmM11oWr3mMk0cT0wXh6pcjxQXM/edit?hl=en&authkey=CN2G6I8D

Alan Berry - Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lFkOahpPmTltLpUjurKZQxp8G7oVkMhcF_SyC3YSrSc/edit?hl=en&authkey=CKWv85gN

Frank Lorenz - Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dCEqpbuhhBAN4m5tSyuVVHMaQ2tAT97XvzeqbM366pY/edit?hl=en&authkey=CPXhvqwF

John Boyd - Resume page 1

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjYzBjOWNiOTctOGZhYS00NGE5LWI1MmItYTViZTc4ODhhZWNi&hl=en&authkey=CMKf1lY

John Boyd - Resume page 2

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjZWVmODNlZWUtZTQ3YS00ZjkwLWE5ZWUtNjllYTcwNjk4ZGVh&hl=en&authkey=CKXOhKsG

Karen Moody - See attachments. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast

Howdy!

Our breakfast is back on for this Saturday!  It will be at Grant's from 8:00 - 9:30 am. I can't wait to see everyone!!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

CANCELED: Community Breakfast

Howdy!!

I am embarrassed to admit this, but the month has gotten away from me, and I need to cancel our breakfast tomorrow.  I didn't realize tomorrow was the 3rd Saturday until this morning.  At any rate, I am going to cancel October's meeting and we can regroup in November.  We should be well into the budget process and there will be a lot to talk about.

Also, as you may have noticed, The People's Signal Station/Quiznos is near completion.  I challenge you to spend your hard earned dollars at a local gas station and sandwich shop that are not on the tax payer's dole.  If you are on the the north side of town, I would recommend Bullseye or Rapid Roberts and there are a ton of other fine eateries in the area.  Vote with your dollars!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

10-04 Council Meeting

Howdy!

 

Here's all of Monday's meeting info:

 

Minutes to approve:

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1HStr8EmKuIvYuCDMvcjxFWdLLR4wkIXLcPBmTEaRD1k&hl=en&authkey=CPrG1YkN
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1qBpDQFVHsfXbam2usHY_wLlCGA-V0t-X5_vYA27IRwc&hl=en&authkey=CKCD5fEG
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1AhciwbrplfCcO8QVJwZqY8-2ZSkmD_mFR5RmTKc4mBs&hl=en&authkey=CJjw5sEJ

 

Packet:
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjZjM3NTE3MDMtNjQyYi00ODYxLWI1NTktMGE0NWQ2YjI5ZWIw&hl=en&authkey=CJaO27IE

 

Points of interest:

 

Internal Audit Bid - We are finally bidding out our internal audit.  Unfortunately, staff has recommended the same firm that has been doing our internal audits since 1990.  While they may do a fine job, I think it is necessary to change internal auditors on a predefined basis in order to get a fresh perspective on the city's financials.  This would also protect the tax payers and the internal audit company by ensuring the results of an audit would not effect the company's future dealings with the city.  For instance, if the internal audit company new they had a 3 year contract and then we would choose a new company they would feel free to give an honest audit (good or bad) and not be worried that the city would re-hire or fire them based on those results.

 

 Business Registration - Bill to require all businesses that operate within Ozark proper to register and pay $45.  Also would require anyone over 16 doing door to door sales to have a city issued permit at a cost of $20 and to have a background check.  I am on the fence about this issue for a few reasons and am waiting to hear my counterparts' opinions before judgement.

 

Apartment building rehab - There is a company who would like a letter of support from the board regarding their application to the MO Housing Development Commission to referb a couple of apartment complexes in Ozark.  I have a few questions regarding the funding mechanism for this project.

 

Ozark has be chosen as a DREAM Initiative city!  This gives us special consideration for state economic grants and programs.  We were one of 5 cities chosen.

 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Monday's Council Packet

Howdy!!

Here's tomorrow's council packet.  Happy reading!!!

Council Packet 09-20-10.pdf - 

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1o_OMyfBp55E3bqXDULlWQP-n5QD5FfddNgtLYlTuwTAKDBA_KV5Ynmookn8d&hl=en&authkey=CObP4bMD

Have a great day!

Melissa Wagner

Community Breakfast

Howdy!!

Don't forget!  Our breakfast has moved to the 3rd Saturday....which is tomorrow.  It will be at Grants from 8am to 10am. See you there!!!!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast!!

Howdy!!

Our breakfast will be this Saturday at Grant's (the best restaurant in Ozark!!) from 8am to 10am.  Our main topic with be the OC.  Hope you can make it!!!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast!!

Howdy!!

Don't forget: Community Breakfast tomorrow at Grants!!!!  See you from 8 to 10 am.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Council Packet 07-19

Howdy!!

Here is tomorrow's packet

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1aMESMiM4uFhdTLrs3gBNTTfI5MGCq4zoAmw3xVamzV2Ca61nlDCFkkBu1Pfl&hl=en&authkey=COWR8K0P


Melissa

Council Packet 07-19

Howdy!!

Here is tomorrow's packet

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1aMESMiM4uFhdTLrs3gBNTTfI5MGCq4zoAmw3xVamzV2Ca61nlDCFkkBu1Pfl&hl=en&authkey=COWR8K0P


Melissa

Monday's Work Session Agenda

Howdy!!

Here is the link to Monday's agenda. 

Board of Alderman Agenda Work Session 07-12-10.doc - https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1w5DHaiw1cceepf69IDz6B1VNRd2_Fet8Pk-iC_eVnEw&hl=en&authkey=CI6agMIH

Tuesday's Council Packet

Howdy!

Here is Tuesday's Council Packet:

board of aldermen packet 07-06-10.pdf - https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1eNapP8kGiVo04tGD0KZchYZ7gAXp_wo2bvwP4XwV6c1LXDKBjIa11hRaPnuW&hl=en&authkey=CJXK6rsM

There is nothing exceptional on the agenda.  Just some zoning changes and change to the way we handle public hearing for planning and zoning.  

Have a great 4th!!!  God bless America!

Community Breakfast

Howdy!!

It's that time again!  Come out an join me for our monthly community breakfast on Saturday the 26th at Grant's on CC from 8 to 10.  There will be great conversation and even better food. 

Tentative topics for discussion:

City budget cuts
Agreement with the Special Road District
Waste Water Treatment plant power outage
Rolling Prairie Phase 6
OC Progress

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast

Howdy!!

Come join me on Saturday at Grant's on CC from 8 to 10 for our monthly community breakfast.  There is sure to be some interesting conversation and there will definitely be some GREAT food!  Hope to see you there.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Monday's Meeting

Howdy!

I don't have an e-version of the packet...it got scanned in sideways, so I'll give you a brief overview of the agenda:

First Readings:
Chris Snyder is offering a bill that will change the Aldermen meetings from Mondays to Tuesdays.

Resolutions:
Eddie Campbell is offering a resolution that will allow the Mayor to execute an IRIS software license agreement.  IRIS is an emergency management system that will allow the city to reach citizens in emergency situations by phone, email, and other electronic means. 

Rick Gardner is offering a resolution that will increase membership fees to the OC by 6%.

Dennis Sparrow is offering a resolution to award a bid for pool chemicals.

Amended Bills on First Reading:
Eddie Campbell is offering an amended bill regarding photography in enclosed municipal buildings during sporting events.

Second Readings:
I am offering a bill that will require businesses within Community Improvement Districts to display a sign that discloses the additional amount of sales tax they collect.

Rick Gardner if offering a bill that will create a Community Improvement District at J and N. 17th Street. 

Chris Snyder is offering a bill that will annex into the city a lot on Liberty Ave.

Rick Gardner is offering a bill that will alter the original developers' agreement with Gunnett by removing Plazacorp from the agreement.  This was the developer's agreement that was used as incentive for the B&B movie theater.

Reports:
Employee Manual update
Old Community Building update
Status of negotiations with the special road district
Declaring surplus vehicles
Awarding bid for removal of hay of the ball field property.


--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

MO State Auditor's Assessment of TDD's (Transportation Development Districts) from 2007

Howdy!

While researching special taxing districts in MO, I found this interesting press release from State Auditor Susan Montee's Office from 2007.  The next time you shop in a business located within a TDD, you should encourage them to post their additional sales tax in a prominent location as per state law.  The Missouri Statute  is 238.280.  You can read it here: http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C200-299/2380000280.HTM
 

http://www.auditor.mo.gov/news/20070719tdd.htm --
 

"MEDIA ADVISORY

MONTEE FINDS TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS CONTINUE TAXING MISSOURIANS WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday July 19, 2007
CONTACT: Samantha Brewer, Public Affairs Coordinator
(573) 751-5313
E-mail:  Samantha.Brewer@auditor.mo.gov

---

"In their current form, Missouri's TDDs are about as close as you can get to taxation without representation," State Auditor Susan Montee said.  "The General Assembly needs to take action or Missourians will continue to pay these higher taxes with little or no input into what they are paying or how their money is spent."

 (JEFFERSON CITY, MO) –    Today, Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee released an audit of Transportation Development Districts (TDDs).  As of December 31, 2005, 98 TDDs had been established in Missouri, including 29 established in 2005.  An additional 22 were established in 2006.  While previous audit of TDDs (SAO Report No. 2006-12, issued March 2006) reported various issues in the areas of public awareness/involvement, accountability, and compliance, the 2007 General Assembly made only one change to the TDD statutes addressing issues reported in the prior audit.

TDDs are established for the construction of transportation-related projects, and governed by a board of directors with the authority to impose sales taxes within that district to pay those costs.  In 95 percent of the districts the property owner/developer petitioned for its creation.  All of the districts have additional sales tax on retail items sold within the districts' boundaries imposed by the property owner/developer. This results in higher sales tax than the retail establishments outside the district's boundaries.  The TDDs are created without public input and sales tax is increased without a public vote.

Officials or representatives of 97 of the TDDs reported total estimated transportation project costs of over $923 million, while 87 of those TDDs reported total estimated revenues of over $1 billion would be collected over the lives of the TDDs.

The current audit found issues in the areas of construction contracts and project management, professional services, budgetary matters, and financial reporting.  Competitive bids were either not solicited or appropriate bidding procedures could not be determined.  Written contracts related to the construction or construction management services were not always prepared or approved in a timely manner.  Requests for proposals for various professional services were either not properly solicited or documentation was not available to provide assurance that such proposals were solicited.

Various matters were noted related to transportation projects costs claimed for reimbursement by  developers.  For example, it appeared the costs claimed by a developer for reimbursement were included twice, overstating reimbursement requests by approximately $123,800.  In addition, in one district, customers of the major retailer in the district were incorrectly charged sales tax at a rate higher than that approved by the district for an 8-month period, resulting in an overpayment of sales taxes by the retailer to the district of approximately $60,000 for this time period."

--

Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Lunch Meeting

Howdy!

 

The council will be meeting to day at noon to discuss revisions to our Design Guideline Standars, Constructions Specifications and Standard Details Including an Application for Stormwater Detention Buy-Out.  We were going to be discussing new Park Board by-laws, but that has been pushed to our May 17th meeting.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Today's Lunch Meeting

Today's work session agenda:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMzdnazU2cTNmMg&hl=en

 

 

City/Chamber contract to cost share for a Chamber Director:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMzloZnBuYnNmcQ&hl=en

 

This meeting is open to the public and will be held at City Hall at noon.  There will probably be some discussion on the Resignation of the most recent Chamber Director, Greg Dainiels. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Discussion of CIDs in the Headliner

All,

Over the past two weeks the discussion of CIDs and economic incentives have been a hot topic in the City of Ozark and in the Christian County Headliner.  The reason this has been such a hot topic is due to two particular bills in front of the board of aldermen.  One will create a new CID across the street from Bullseye to support a new gas station. The other will require any business located within a CID or TDD to post a sign that they collect an extra tax to be displayed on their door or registers.  You can follow the discussion here:

April 14th - Headliner Staff Editorial
http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/04/14/opinion/doc4bc4909d127b9181198871.txt

April 21st -- Headliner Story on the discussion of tax notification at last Monday's city council meeting.  I would like to note that two others, Kenny Martin and Ron Kissee, spoke on behalf of the bill but were not mentioned in the article.  Also Frank Lorenz spoke out against it.
http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/04/21/news/doc4bcdd4fc4b7f6074791710.txt

April 21st -- My Guest Letter
http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/04/21/opinion/doc4bcdcf697b507667118315.txt

Take a look and weigh the arguments.  Let me know what you think.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast

Hello Everyone!  The last Saturday of the month is this coming Saturday and it nearly snuck up on me!  Let's plan on breakfast at Grant's from 8 - 10.  We have a lot to talk about, including our new addition to the board, Eddie Campbell.  We can also discuss  the upcoming CID proposals you may have been reading about in the headliner.  Hope to see you all there!!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

IMPORTANT: April 19th Council Meeting - CID/TDD Tax Notification

All,

Tomorrow's meeting will be of great importance and if you can make it I would encourage you do so.  I do not have the agenda and packet in e-form, but here is a general break down of the issues and why they are important:

CID Sales Tax Notification

Unless it gets tabled for a second time, the bill I've sponsored to create mandatory tax rate notification will go on its first reading.  This bill will require that businesses located within TDDs and CIDs disclose their special tax rates on their doors or registers.  This will ensure consumers and citizens know what they are being taxed and why. 

Scrivener Oil CID Creation Bill

This bill, if passed, will create a CID on the corner of CC and 17th St.  The CID will support a  gas station and allow the owner to impose an extra 1 cent sales tax upon all taxable goods.  The owner would be able to use the extra tax collected on certain improvements to the property.  I did not support this bill the first time it was introduced, and I do not support it now.  I feel it will create a unfair competitive advantage that will increase our taxes and be detrimental to the two existing gas stations located within walking distance of the this lot. 

Property Rights vs. Protection of Property Values

There is a  public hearings on the agenda for a bill that will place restrictions on property owners for the purpose of making residential properties more aesthetically pleasing.  This bill is not in its final version yet, but it is imperative that the public come and give their input before the final draft is complete.  This public hearing is that opportunity.  Specifically, this bill will place restrictions on what types of vehicles you can park on your property, where/how you can park them, and how many of them you can park.  Its focus is on commercial vehicles (from cars with commercial decals to dump trucks) and recreational vehicles such as boats and RVs.  

Please come out to the meeting if you can. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Lunch Meeting: Discussion on Signs, Parking, and Storage

Howdy!

 

I don't have today's packet in electronic format.  We will be discussing sign, parking and storage ordinances.  While I have a general opinion about regulation of such things, I am still working on the research for these particular bills.  I will provide a more in depth opinion before the bills go up for their first reading.

 

On a side note:

Do you believe that businesses within special taxing districts (CIDs, TDDs) should be required to disclose their extra tax rates in the form of a sign on their door or at the register?  My bill to require such will be presented to the board a week from today.  If you feel this is an important measure, I challenge you to attend next Monday's meeting and let your position be known. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Election Success!

All,

Please welcome me in congratulating Ozark's newest Alderman, Eddie Campbell!!  Thank you to everyone who helped make his campaign a success.  He is going to make a fine addition to the Ozark Board of Aldermen, and I am excited to begin working with him. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

UPDATE:Tonight's Council Meeting

Here is tonight's council packet:

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjMDZiZDYyMzctZGVkMi00ZWY3LWI4YzAtODgxZjEzZTllODZl&hl=en

Tonight's Council Meeting

Howdy!!!

 

Here is the agenda for tonight's meeting:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMzNjNDM1dzdnZw&hl=en

 

I don't have an e-version of the packet, my apologies. 

 

One item you may find interesting is Bill#2497.   I am introducing this bill that will, if passed, require that businesses who choose to impose special taxes upon themselves display that extra sales tax on their entrances or register.  These extra sales taxes come in the form of CIDs and TDDs.  These tools allow business to collect extra sales tax, on top of the normal sales tax, and use that sales tax for a number of different purposes.  Because these special taxes are not voted on by the general public, many people do not realize they pay these taxes when they shop in certain districts of our city.  This bill will ensure the citizens of Ozark are aware of the taxes they are paying, allowing us to be more informed consumers and citizens.  I don't have an e-version of this bill but here is the major section of it:

 

              NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF OZARK, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

 

SECTION 1.  Title I "GOVERNMENT CODE", Chapter 100 "GENERAL PROVISIONS", Article IV "CITY SALES TAX" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ozark is hereby amended by adding one new Section thereto, which new Section shall read as follows: 

 

"SECTION 130.150:  DISCLOSURE OF ADDITIONAL SALES TAX

Any business within the City of Ozark that is also located within a quasi-governmental entity authorized by the Statutes of the State of Missouri and created by an act of the Board of Aldermen, to include, but not limited to, Community Improvement Districts (CID) and Transportation Development Districts (TDD), which has elected to impose an additional sales tax upon goods and/or services for the purpose of re-paying infrastructure improvements shall post, in a conspicuous location at the entrance to the establishment or the location where payment is received, the following notice printed in at least 55 point bold type:

'This establishment charges an additional sales tax of  (insert the actual sales tax imposed) on each purchase for the payment of certain improvements in this District." 

 --
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant

Howdy!!

Sorry for the late reminder.  I have been on vacation all week.  Breakfast will be tomorrow at Grants from 8 to 10 am.  Hope you can make it!!!!!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Lunch Meeting: Economic Development

Howdy!

The topic of today's meeting is Economic Development.  Below you can find the Agenda.  Also, staff sent out a questionnaire to find out what the Aldermen's perspective was on Economic Development and the tool provided to us to stimulate it.

Agenda:

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMjhmN2tzZjVkeg&hl=en

Questionnaire:

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMjdkanI2N2RjOA&hl=en
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

New Poll: Should Ozark use CIDs for Economic Development?

Council Meeting Packet

Howdy!!

Here is tomorrow's Council Meeting Packet.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjMjYzMTVhN2ItOTFiZC00ZjYwLTk2MmEtOTUyZmZhMjM1ZmI2&hl=en

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Monday's Council Packet

Howdy!!

Here is Monday's agenda and most of the packet.  I didn't receive it all in e-format, so I am giving you what I have.

Agenda:

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMjJmdzQ4bnRkbQ&hl=en

Allied Waste Contract - the major change in this contract from the original contract is that your trash can will now have to be an Allied Waste issued can so they can perform automated pick ups.  If you have an opinion on whether or not your trash can type should be mandated by the city, I would suggest you come out to the meeting and voice your opinion after this bills 1st reading.

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMjRncXhmZ3Jjcg&hl=en

Downtown Redevelopment Property loan restructure.  This bill will allow us to make interest only payments on the loans the city took out to pay for a portion of the property downtown.  I believe the idea is to pay interest only until we can get a project that will generate sales tax revenue to cover the loan payments or until we can sell.   This will work if we get a good project soon enough, BUT if the city gets stuck with the land, this deal will increase the amount we pay for the land over the life of the loan.  This has been deemed an emergency bill because the payment will be due on March first.  So if you have an opinion, this meeting will be the time to state it.  

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMjZocGI2cWJnYw&hl=en

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast

Howdy Everyone!!

  

Just a reminder that our community breakfast will be this Saturday at Grant's American Cafe from 8 to 10 am.  We had a great turn out last month. I hope you all can make it! 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Tuesday's Council Packet - Important Budget Amendment Regarding the OC

Howdy!!

Here is the council packet for Tuesday's council meeting.  The meeting will be on Tuesday due to the Monday being a holiday.

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjNjUxOGE5NjMtNzU3OS00YmVhLWEyODgtYmFlOTU5OTVjNTdk&hl=en

There is one major item of interest on the agenda dealing with an outstanding bill the city owes to Branco for the construction of the OC.  The city currently owes Branco $395,266.99.  The solution being proposed is found ,in part, in Resolution 1642.  Res.1642 will establish a repayment schedule with Branco over the next 12 months which will essentially work like a loan.  Here are the terms according to Exhibit 'A' of the resolution:

1.  An initial installment payment of $150,000 to be paid by Feb 26th.

2.  6% interest will be applied to the remaining $245,267.

3.  Payments starting March 1 will be $7,461.50 each month through November 1.  

4.  A balloon payment of $182,401.02 will be due December 1.

5.  "If final payment goes beyond 12/1/2010, the interest rate will change to %1.5 per month as allowed by the State of Missouri".

6.  "There will be no penalty for early payment.  However interest is to be paid through the time of final payment and no credit for previous interest payments will be allowed against remaining balance".

7. If the balance is re-payed on time, the total interest payed over the life of the loan will be $ 11,749.03.

The second portion of the agreement will determine how we will make the $150,000 installment payment.  Emergency Bill 2488 proposes budget amendments to cover this payment as follows:

1.  $150,000 will be transfered from the Capital Improvements fund to the Parks/Stormwater Sales Tax Fund (the OC sales tax).

2.  There is not an amendment specifying where the $150,000 is originally coming from, so I am assuming it will be taken out of the 2009 carryover balance which currently has about $181,000 in it.  

I do not like this at all, but it is what it is.  We owe Branco this money.  I am just glad to see that the money does not appear to be coming from the street line item of the Capital Improvement fund.  Hopefully the sales tax and OC will bring in enough revenue to cover the monthly payments and the final balloon payment in December.  I will not support any budget amendments that skim money from our streets and infrastructure projects to subsidize the OC.  

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

2009 and 2010 Budgets

I have been asked to post the 2009 and 2010 budgets. Here is the council packet they came in:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjZmU2MDNkZmEtNzIyMC00MDE0LWJlNmUtYzUyY2U4NTk0MTVk&hl=en

I didn't realize I hadn't posted them here. My apologies.

Thanks,
Melissa

February 8, 2010 Meeting.

Howdy!!

 

The city council is having a retreat tonight concerning transportation in the City of Ozark.  It is an informal presentation type meeting, but you all are welcome!  It will go from 5:30 to 8:00.

 

Thanks,

Melissa

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lana Wilson <lwilson@ozarkmissouri.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Subject: February 8, 2010 Meeting.
To: Rick Gardner <rick@homegardners.com>, Chris Snyder <csnyder.ozark@gmail.com>, Dennis Sparrow <dsparrow@cebridge.net>, Mike Esterl <mjcomet@msn.com>, "Bradley A. Jackson" <tcbonthelisamarie@yahoo.com>, Mark Spinabella <spin@mwfmarketing.fm>, Melissa Wagner <melissadwagner@gmail.com>, Melissa Wagner <melissa.wagner@freight.fedex.com>

Hi everyone this is just a reminder of tonights meeting. Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting wil begin at 5:30. See you tonight and have a good day. Lana

City Council Packet for 2-1-10

Howdy!

 

Here is the council packet for Monday's meeting.  What a great breakfast this morning!!  Thanks to everyone who braved the weather and was able to join us.  A a big thanks to Grant for allowing us to use his restaurant!!

 

 

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjOGNmZGFjMmItNzk0Ni00MWNjLWIxMzktZGU4ZjhkOTk3ZTBm&hl=en

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast

Howdy!

 

I hope you all are surviving the the snow!!!  I am still planing to hold our community breakfast tomorrow, so I hope you can make it!  Be safe!

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Fwd: Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant

Hey everyone!  I forgot to mention that the breakfast will be held from 8 to 10.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Melissa Wagner <melissadwagner@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 7:16 PM
Subject: Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant
To:

Howdy!

Our Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant this Saturday the 30th. Don't go the Village Inn...we won't be there!! 

The owner of Grant's, Grant, has been so generous! He is going to specially open his restaurant for our event! This will be great as we'll have the place to ourselves and it will be quiet. Hope to see you all there!!

Grant's is on CC across from Lambert's.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant

Howdy!

Our Community Breakfast will be at Grants Restaurant this Saturday the 30th. Don't go the Village Inn...we won't be there!! 

The owner of Grant's, Grant, has been so generous! He is going to specially open his restaurant for our event! This will be great as we'll have the place to ourselves and it will be quiet. Hope to see you all there!!

Grant's is on CC across from Lambert's.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Tomorrow's Luch Meeting Agenda and Packet

Howdy,

Here is the agenda for tomorrows' lunch meeting:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjNGFkYmQyZTUtZTBlOS00ODlhLTg2MDgtNDQyMTg4ZmM3MWEy&hl=en

It is a pretty packed agenda and I wonder if we will get to it all.

You will notice there is an emergency bill on the agenda. It is a bill that is required to finalize the ballot language for the upcoming municipal race. The reason it is on as an emergency bill is because it filing closed only 2 hours before our last official meeting so there was no time to prepare it, and it is due to the county clerk on Tuesday. I feel that this, unlike other bills and resolutions we have addressed at lunch meeting, is an appropriate reason to conduct business at our lunch meetings.

The bill:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTdmODhtOTNnOQ&hl=en

We will also be discussing the state of construction bonds in the city of Ozark. Until just a few years ago the city allowed developers to take out bonds (lines of credit) in lieu of completing their infrastructure before they started building homes. This way, the developer could start creating the revenue necessary to complete the roads, sidewalks, and stormwater. This seemed like a good process until developers started going under, leaving the city with a large number of subdivisions with incomplete infrastructure. The following documents list the subdivisions that have bonds and incomplete infrastructure and when those are due. Two things to keep in mind: 1. Not all of the developers on this list are in financial trouble. Some of them are still in the midst of developing and fully intend to complete their infrastructure. 2. We can only collect on a bond if the developer has sold 75% of their lots.  

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjNTE0NzM5NzgtNTBlZi00ODk4LWEyNTMtYzQxOGY3NDg5MjFl&hl=en  

Last but not least, you may have noticed that I am no longer video taping the city council meeting. My video camera broken...well the charger is anyway, and I can't find a replacement for it. Since I have to pay for a new one with my own money, I have not been able to purchase a new one yet. Plus the audio was terrible on that one and you couldn't understand half of what was being said. If you know of someone who would like to donate one I would be happy to continue to video the meetings.

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

Interview on KSGF

Howdy!

I was invited to do an interview on KSGF with Bruce Delay yesterday morning on the topic of local government. You can listen to the audio here:

http://www.ksgf.com/DesktopModules/Orizonti_NukeNews/getLink.aspx?pid=67&tid=6853&newsid=53745

Riverside Bridge

Howdy!

As I am sure all of you know by now, the county commissioners are considering the removal/replacement of the old Riverside Bridge. I know this is not 'officially' the City of Ozark's business, but I think it's important.

I have not lived here my whole life, and I am not usually a sentimental person when it comes to things like buildings and bridges, BUT something really struck a nerve with me when I heard we might be losing this beautiful bridge. I our city and our community would suffer a great loss if this landmark were to be torn down.

This being said, I know my opinion comes with some limitations.
1. While the bridge is most impressive from my kayak in the Finley, I do not have to drive over this bridge every day. The beauty of the bridge is not worth any injury or loss of life should something happen.
2. The city has no official say or money to use to influence the fate of this bridge. Although, I hope to see the county and the city and any other interested parties working together to find a solution.

So, all I really have is an opinion, and it alone is not going to restore or replace any bridges.

I also do not have a solution. I know there are many organizations, including the Christian County Historical Society looking into it and many suggestions have been made. I don't think we have enough information at this point.

Unfortunately, as with most things in government, this will probably come down to.....well....money. The only solution that has an estimated cost and funding mechanism is the one where the county tears down the bridge and builds a new one. We need to find out how much it will cost to do the other many solutions (moving it, restoration, pedestrian bridge, etc) and then find a way to pay for them other than through the county or city coffers.

Saving the Riverside Bridge will be a difficult but noble en devour. Again, I don't have the solution and frankly I don't know a thing about saving bridges or historical things. I just know that there are possible solutions, and I want to see the county explore them all ad nauseam. Tearing down the bridge should be the last resort.

The Headliner and Kris Dyer with the Christian County Historical Society are leading the way in exposing this issue and in brainstorming for solutions and funding. Checkout the Headliner's articles:

http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/01/20/news/doc4b55ed04efa88026777240.txt

http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/01/20/opinion/doc4b55e43de8578935849487.txt

Also, if you have any ideas and would like to become active in this effort please contact Kris Dyer. You can catch her on her facebook group "Save Riverside Bridge".

Don't Forget! City Council Meeting will be on Tuesday this week

Howdy!!

Here is the council packet for Tuesday's meeting.  

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjOGFkMmVlZjQtMDBhNS00ZTIzLTkxNzQtZjUwN2QxOTc2OWZh&hl=en

Here is the employee manual. Although the first reading was given at our last lunch meeting, if you find and thing of concern in it let me know and I will bring it up at Tuesday's meeting. I had to separate it into 3 parts because it was so big.

Part 1:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTZjNTU3bXpkdA&hl=en

Part 2:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTVmcmtodDlmaA&hl=en

Part 3:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTRjOGdiZGpmeg&hl=en

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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

New Poll: Official Business at Lunch Meetings?

Monday's Work Session

Howdy!!

 

Here is the agenda and information for Monday's work session.  It is open to the public and will be held at noon in council chambers.

 

Agenda:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTJ2NHoyNjRobg&hl=en

 

Summary of Changes to the employee handbook for Bill 2479:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6I2JOdCdMVjOGQ2MjA0ZGQtODNiOS00NDkxLThhYzYtMTgyMTVlZGVhMjY4&hl=en

 

Bill 2479:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AaI2JOdCdMVjZGN6cHh0czVfMTFkZGZkZDZ6dA&hl=en

 

I am going to ask that the first reading of Bill 2479 be held over until a regular Monday evening meeting.  The first reading of a bill is technically the only time citizens can stand up and speak for or against a particular bill.  Because of this, I do not think it is appropriate to put bills on their first reading at lunch meetings.  In fact, unless it is an emergency, I do not feel like any business should be conducted at these meetings.  I do feel, however, that they are a great opportunity for us to have discussions and for staff to give us presentation. 

--
Thanks and Have a Great Day!!

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