Public Work uses the ISA Certified Arborist program to enhance the level of knowledge and standards of practice within the City’s tree-care professionals. The program also is designed to promote the continued professional development of those involved in the tree care of our urban forest. Springfield Public Works now has seven ISA Certified Arborists on staff.
The ISA program tests and certifies an individual’s knowledge in the field of arboriculture. To qualify for examination, an individual must have at least three years of practical work experience. The exam covers the subjects of tree biology, soils, tree identification and selection, tree installation and establishment, proper pruning, insect and disease diagnosis and treatment, urban forestry and tree-risk management principals, tree-protection techniques, and safe-work practices.
| City will hold public meetings about 25 mph signs, Pace Car program |
Thu 5/8/2008 11:06 AM |
The City of Springfield will hold a series of four public meetings in an open house format to discuss the upcoming installation of new 25 mph speed limit signs, which will begin in mid-June. The meetings will be held from 4-7 p.m. on consecutive Thursday evenings beginning on May 15 and continuing as follows:
• May 15, 2008 — Northeast Quadrant; Cooper Tennis Complex, 2331 E. Pythian St.
• May 22, 2008 — Southeast Quadrant; Pershing Middle School, 2120 S. Ventura Ave.
• May 29, 2008 — Southwest Quadrant; Fire Station No. 6, 2620 W. Battlefield Road
• June 5, 2008 — Northwest Quadrant; Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St.
The meetings will show residents the planned locations for the new signs, the safety messages that will be assigned to entrance points in each neighborhood, and the schedule for when signs will be appearing around town. Traffic Engineering estimates it will take about six months to complete the conversion of signs throughout the city. Signing will begin around the center city area and radiate outward to the city limits in all directions.
City staff also will be available to explain the Pace Car program and help residents sign up for it. The Pace Car Program involves making a pledge to drive the speed limit in all neighborhoods. A free decal that may be placed on the back window of a vehicle to show that it is a “Pace Car” will be provided.
Although the locations for the meetings have been selected to encourage residents from each quadrant of the City to conveniently attend a meeting, residents may attend any of the meetings and information will be available at each about all areas of the City. Staff will be open to comments from the public at each meeting as well.
The Springfield City Council in February approved setting the speed limit on most local residential streets at 25 mph. The new speed limit will be effective on a neighborhood-to-neighborhood basis following completion of the installation of all signs required for each neighborhood area.
If residents cannot attend one of these meetings, information about the 25 mph speed limit project has been placed on the City’s Web site at www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect <http://www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect> , under FAQs. Residents also may call the office of the City Traffic Engineer, (417) 864-1980, with questions about the project.
| City Weekly Events for May 12 - May 16, 2008 |
Fri 5/9/2008 2:58 PM |
Monday, 5/12/2008 |
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8:00 AM |
Mayor's Commission for Children 425 East Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656 |
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12:00 PM |
Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council Chamber of Commerce, Bill Foster South Room, 202 John Q. Hammons Parkway Contact: Greg Williams, (417) 862-5567 |
Tuesday, 5/13/2008 |
|
8:30 AM |
Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366 |
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9:00 AM |
Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055 |
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12:00 PM |
Airport Plaza Community Improvement District Public Hearing Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Neil Guion, (417) 886-2000 |
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12:00 PM |
Council Lunch Lake Springfield Boathouse, 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654 |
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1:00 PM |
(or immediately following Council Lunch) Agenda Session Lake Springfield Boathouse, 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road Contact: Anita Cotter, (417) 864-1651 |
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3:00 PM |
Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036 |
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3:00 PM |
Airport Board Technical Committee Springfield/Branson National Airport, Intermodal Facility, 5000 West Kearney Contact: Nanette Kirkey, (417) 869-0300 |
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5:00 PM |
Sister Cities Association Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Sister City Office, (417) 864-1191 |
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5:00 PM |
Watershed Work Session Watershed Offices , 320 North Main Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127 |
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5:30 PM |
Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039 |
Wednesday, 5/14/2008 |
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8:00 AM |
Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200 |
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5:30 PM |
Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036 |
Thursday, 5/15/2008 |
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8:00 AM |
Airport Board Springfield/Branson National Airport , 5000 West Kearney Contact: Nanette Kirkey, (417) 869-0300 |
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8:00 AM |
Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 815 E. St. Louis St. Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300 |
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9:30 AM |
School Crossing Protection Committee Meeting Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Dan Jessen, (417) 864-1986 |
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3:30 PM |
Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Alan Moore, (417) 864-1135 |
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7:00 PM |
Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Alana Owen, (417) 864-1831 |
Friday, 5/16/2008 |
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9:30 AM |
Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329 |
City Council luncheon for May 13, 2008 |
May 9, 2008
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Brenda M. Cirtin, City Clerk
RE: JOINT MEETING OF COUNCIL/COUNTY/R-12
DATE: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
TIME: 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Lake Springfield Boathouse
2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Road
TENTATIVE AGENDA
1. DRAC Report
2. Update on Internal Auditor
3. Summer Issues
4. Any and all matters to come before the City Council
|
| Quarry project update |
Thu 5/1/2008 11:31 AM |
The initial geotechnical testing results at the Quarry property at National Avenue and East Trafficway indicate that the fill is settling at a rapid rate and warrants further testing this summer before pursuing development of the site.
The information provided by Palmerton & Parrish Engineers of Springfield shows a settlement rate averaging about two feet a year based on data collected in February through April 2008. This testing period was unusual because it was over the wettest February and March on record in Springfield. A certain rate of settlement is expected and desired on the property, but the rate shown in these tests precludes starting any further development of the site until more testing is completed.
The Jordan Valley Advisory Committee recommended suspending the design process over the summer instead of moving to the next stage of developing construction documents. During the next several months, Palmerton & Parrish will do additional testing, possibly including some bore drillings, to assess the settlement rates and stability issues on the property.
Palmerton & Parrish has been working in conjunction with GreenWorks, the Portland, Ore., firm doing the conceptual design for the property. The GreenWorks design takes into account the fact that the quarry will be settling over coming years by placing the more load-bearing parts of the design such as the play area and restrooms along the most stable areas of the nine-acre site. GreenWorks’ conceptual design provides Palmerton & Parrish with the information it needs to evaluate the different load-bearing needs and thresholds for acceptable rates of settlement across the property.
During the summer, work will continue on the required environmental assessment of the property, clarifying boundary lines with the surrounding property, and studying the best way to address the methane gas production at the southwest corner of the site.
| Tlaquepaque Delegation in Springfield |
Wed 4/30/2008 6:41 PM |
The Springfield Sister Cities Association will host a delegation of visitors from its sister city of Tlaquepaque, Mexico, today, Wednesday, April 30 through Monday, May 5, 2008.
The delegation will include more than 20 members from civic, governmental, and other organizations who will meet with their counterparts in Springfield. The newly-elected Mayor of Tlaquepaque, José Hernan Cortés Berumen also will travel with the delegation.
Jeweler Hector Selgado will participate in the First Friday Art Walk, Friday, May 2, with silver jewelry on display at Springfield Pottery, 416 S. Campbell Ave. Selgado will take part in this year's 28th annual Artsfest Fine Arts Festival on Historic Walnut Street on both Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.
Mariachi group Sol de America also will make the trip from Tlaquepaque. Their schedule includes performances in several Springfield Public Schools. In addition, the following is a partial schedule of their visit:
* 11:45 a.m., Thursday, May 1, Missouri State University's Plaster Student Union;
* 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 2, Busch Municipal Building lobby;
* Noon, Friday, May 2, Drury University Commons
* 6 - 10 p.m., Friday, May 2, as part of ArtsFiesta! Cinco de Mayo celebration in Founders Park, 330 E. Water St.;
* 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, Dance Stage at Artsfest;
* Noon, Sunday, May 4, Dance Stage at Artsfest; and
* 2:10 p.m., Sunday, May 4, Springfield Cardinals game at Hammons Field
Tlaquepaque is a city of more than 525,000 that is both traditional and cosmopolitan and places its emphasis on art and culture. Known as the "Soul of Mexico," the city borders Tonala to the south and Guadalajara and Zapopan in the north. The city is located less than an hour from the major metropolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico, the country's second-largest city. The climate is spring-like all year-round. The relationship with Springfield was formed in June 2003.
For more information on Springfield Sister Cities, visit www.springfieldmo.gov/sistercities.
| Prototype recycling on Park Central Square |
Wed 4/30/2008 3:28 PM |
The three GRN:BOX recycling receptacles designed by the finalists in a competition to create prototype public recycling containers for Park Central Square are installed for display starting on ArtsFest weekend and the First Friday ArtWalk May 2-4, 2008.
The competition was sponsored by The Young Architects Forum (YAF), a not-for profit organization and component of Springfield AIA (American Institute of Architects). The containers will remain in place through this summer to serve as a pilot project making recycling receptacles available in the public area of Park Central Square.
The three finalists were selected on Aug. 3, 2007 and judging was based on: aesthetics, durability, accessibility, construction, and maintenance appropriate for the City of Springfield. The three finalists were then given a cash allowance to fabricate their designs for public display and use.
Project I
Title: The Bench
Name: Josh Harrold
Organization: Dake Wells Architecture
Project II
Title: Tall Boi
Name: Michael Mardis
Organization: theworkshop 308 Architecture + Design
Project III
Title: plus | minus
Name: Jason Mitchell
Organization: theworkshop 308 Architecture + Design
The Young Architects Forum chose the “GRN:BOX” competition as an example of the organization’s commitment to environmentally responsible design. GRN:BOX is a two-phased juried competition to design a recycling receptacle for the City of Springfield focusing on raising awareness and generating response to environmental concerns that affect our community. The challenge was to design a functional, aesthetically pleasing and maintainable recycling receptacle that can ultimately be manufactured and integrated into downtown Springfield. The competition was open to all interested parties.
The installation and pilot use of the containers is a cooperative effort between, YAF, Urban Districts Alliance, City of Springfield Public Works Department and the sponsors, Springfield AIA, Dynamic Earth Equipment, U.S. Green Building Council -- Missouri Heartland Chapter, United Missouri Bank, The Coffee Ethic, Webster University, Stufflebam, American Detection and the Commercial Club.
All competition entries will be on display at The Coffee Ethic, 124 Park Central Square, during the May First Friday ArtWalk with the three finalist prototypes on display and for use in Park Central Square.
| Sunshine-Blackman Council bills |
Wed 4/30/2008 12:57 PM |
Council Bills 2008-130 and 2008-131, regarding a proposed rezoning at the corner of East Sunshine Street and Blackman Road, has been removed from the City Council agenda for May 5, per the request of the applicant. It is anticipated these two bills will be on the City Council Agenda for June 16, 2008.
The request was received prior to the printed agenda being finalized, so the request of the applicant was agreed to because there is sufficient time to notify residents that had expressed an interest in the proposed rezoning.
| Jordan Valley Stream and Fountain |
Wed 4/30/2008 10:22 AM |
The Ozarks Stream and Fountain at Jordan Valley Park, 735 E. Trafficway, is now turned on for the 2008 season.
The stream will run continuously except for occasional maintenance periods. The Fountain will run from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily for 30 minutes at the beginning of each hour, seven days a week.
It will be on continuously during the lunch hour from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The schedule may vary for special events planned throughout the summer on the Fountain Stage or for periodic maintenance needs.
| City proposed budget document online |
Tue 4/29/2008 1:23 PM |
The complete City of Springfield proposed budget document discussed at today's City Council lunch is online. You can access it via the homepage at springfieldmo.gov. This is the direct link to the document:
http://www.springfieldmo.gov/egov/finance/budeval_ndx.html
| Canoes and Kayaks for Rent at Lake Springfield |
Mon 4/28/2008 4:46 PM |
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will begin canoe and kayak rentals Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Lake Springfield Park, 2312 E. Lake Springfield Park Road.
The Park Board's Special Facilities Division will rent both for $8 per hour; $25 for a four-hour rental; and $45 for an eight-hour rental, from the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina.
Park hours are sunrise to sunset. Canoes and Kayaks will be available for rent 8 a.m. to one hour prior to sunset, May 3 through the month of September.
Paddlers will use the James River Linear Park Trail as the trail route, which runs approximately six miles one-way, along the Springfield Nature and Conservation Center, the Galloway Creek, to Creighton Beach. Water trail signage guides paddlers along the way. Renters must be 18 years of age, with minors accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign a waiver and wear provided life jackets.
The 4,000-square-foot Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina is built on the north shore of Lake Springfield, an area that the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, in cooperation with City Utilities, took over operations and maintenance in June, 2006. A 1,450-square-foot deck area overlooks the lake. The building was dedicated November 2007.
For park or rental information, call (417) 891-1550.
| The public is invited to an Open House |
Mon 4/28/2008 2:29 PM |
The public is invited to an Open House on Thursday, May 1, to view the preliminary plans and to obtain public input on the proposed improvements to the intersection of Sunshine Street and Fort Avenue.
City of Springfield Public Works will host the Open House from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 1, in the Sanctuary Lobby of the Cornerstone Church, 1701 S. Fort Ave. Access is off the north side of Elfindale Street, approximately one block west of Fort Avenue. Parking is immediately west of the sanctuary front doorway. Temporary signs will direct people to the meeting location.
The primary purpose of the meeting is to take public input about the preliminary design for the improvements and identify specific concerns about access alternatives during the project. The project includes realigning Fort on the north and south sides of Sunshine with new right-turn lanes and signal modifications.
The City is committed to working with area property owners to improve the operations of the intersection while preserving access for the area business and property owners.
Improvements to this intersection are funded through the ¼-cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements. The estimated project cost is $2.1 million and construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2009.
There will be no formal presentation. The public is invited to come and go at anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. Comment sheets will be available for submitting written input, which will be an important part of the public involvement process.
Anyone who cannot attend the public meeting can contact Engineering, Department of Public Works, 864-1901 to review the revised preliminary plans and offer comments.
| March Crash Report Card |
Mon 4/21/2008 2:54 PM |
There have been two fatality crashes in Springfield during the first three months of 2008, which is the same number as there were during the same period last year. Injury crashes were down by 6 percent and total crashes were down by 7 percent compared to the same period last year. There were 1,818 total crashes during the first three months of the year. Traffic crash statistics are tracked by the Public Works Department.
APRIL SAFETY MESSAGE
May is National Bike Month. Springfield’s “Bike, Bus, Walk Week” is Monday, May 12, through Friday, May 16. Springfield residents are encouraged to leave their automobiles at home and walk, bicycle, carpool or ride the bus. During that week, CU buses are free to those traveling with bikes, some fitness centers offer showers and towels for participants and a free breakfast is available for bicycle riders. Anyone participating for more than three days will also receive a free Ozark Greenways membership. Further, employees and schools are encouraged to register for the “Challenge.” The goal is to promote personal health and a bike- and pedestrian-friendly community.
The City of Springfield and Ozark Greenways are continuously expanding the network of bike routes and trails throughout Springfield, which already have a great potential to reduce traffic and improve the overall quality of life of those that use this resource. Springfield Traffic Engineering is working on increasing bike suitability. Currently there are 60 miles of designated on-road bike routes. These streets are wide enough to accommodate cars and bikes or carry lower traffic volumes than parallel major thoroughfares, and are safer for bicyclists than the major streets most people normally drive.
The key to a safe bike commute is the bicyclist. Bicyclists fare best when they act as, and are treated as, drivers of motor vehicles. It is vital that bicyclists obey traffic rules and blend in with overall traffic so that motorists on the street know what to expect. Never assume the right of way and always make sure you signal to motorists what your intentions are. Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the street parallel to other vehicular traffic. Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to use proper safety helmets and wear bright clothing.
Motorists must learn to treat the bicyclist as any other vehicle on the street. Approach with caution and pass with care giving adequate space for the bicyclists to handle their bikes. This behavior shows respect and alerts other motorists on the street of the presence of a bicyclist. Make sure you check for bicyclists and pedestrians when making right and left turns at intersections and driveways.
Motorists and bicyclists are encouraged to become familiar with facilities and programs for alternative transportation available in Springfield. Riding your bike is one of many ways to improve your personal health and the overall quality of life in our community.
| Preservation Springfield: “Jefferson House” as pilot for proposed Artist Live-Work District |
Mon 4/21/2008 9:39 AM |
Open House, Sunday, April 27, 1865 N. Jefferson, noon to 6:00pm
Preservation Springfield (PS) invites the community to an open house celebrating the near completion of the Jefferson House and its availability as a pilot project for a proposed Artist Live-Work District. The Chase Street district, will stretch from Washington on the East to Grant on the west.
Saved from demolition and relocated to a corner lot at Chase and Jefferson, this 125-year-old Victorian stands ready for a new life . The floor plan is perfect for mixed use; it has a downstairs office with separate entrance, studio/gallery space, a kitchen and full bath with living quarters upstairs.
Features of the restored Jefferson House include:
• new foundation, historic brick sidewalks on large, corner lot
• large outside deck off rear entrance
• new insulation, decking and roof
• state-of-the-art heating and cooling system with dual thermostats up and down
• new gas log in downstairs fireplace
• all new plumbing system and fixtures
• new stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer
• double-pane, energy efficient windows
• large butcher-block island in kitchen
• 120-year-old, refurbished claw-foot bathtub upstairs
• all new electrical system and fixtures
Preservation Springfield has compiled an array of incentives for a qualified median-income buyer (household income not more than $28,800 for 1 person, $32,900 for 2 persons, $37,000 for 3 people or $41,100 for 4 people) and even more if that person or persons are first time homebuyers.
Incentive for qualified, median-income artist:
• A $9,000 grant towards downpayment (Community Development Block Grants) Additional incentives available if median-income artist is also a first-time homebuyer:
• ADDI downpayment assistance, up to $7,000
• First-time homebuyer assistance through Great Southern, $5,000
The artist or artists selected by PS’s Board will take over the existing loan with Great Southern. With all incentives listed, the final cost would fall somewhere between $75,000 and $80,000. At 6%, payments over 30 years, without taxes and insurance, would be $479 a month, $573 for 20 years, or $675 for 15 years. Naturally, these numbers are negotiable depending on the buyers credit history and interest rate at time of purchase.
The board of PS is interviewing artists interested in purchasing this property. Sign up during the open house or contact PS at 417.864.7015.
| Choose Environmental Excellence Awards Winners |
Fri 4/18/2008 3:59 PM |
The eighth annual Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence awards were presented today, Friday, April 18, 2008, at a luncheon at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, as a part of Springfield’s Earth Day festivities. Seven agencies or organizations presented awards.
Ozark Greenways, Inc. recognized Charles Story and RBX Trucking with its 2007 Environmental Excellence Award. With the support and generosity of RBX Trucking, Ozark Greenways, KOLR-10 and others have been able to sponsor three tree sales to the public for the replacement of trees lost or damaged in the 2007 ice storm. A total of 4,900 trees have been sold at $l0 each. The RBX Trucking support in offering free transportation of the trees from the nursery to the sale site has kept the price of the trees reasonable enough to encourage people to buy and plant the trees. Executive Director Terry Whaley presented the award. (Contact: Terry Whaley – 864-2014)
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks recognized Millsap Farms of Springfield for its Agriculture Award and the environmental consulting firm of EMSI with its Business Award. Curtis Millsap and his family are working to develop a variety of wholesome farm products in a sustainable way on their small farm near the north city limit of Springfield. Through the procurement of “shares,” urban dwellers will have access to fresh, locally grown farm products that have been produced with an eye toward protecting soil productivity and maintaining water quality. This farm brings agriculture close to its customers, thus saving in fuel and transportation costs. Using animal waste for fertilizer and capturing roof drainage for non-potable water uses are just two examples of the sustainable practices utilized by Millsap Farms. Loring Bullard, Executive Director, presented the award.
The Business Award was presented to Jason Hainline and his associates at the Springfield office of EMSI. EMSI consults on most of the LEED certified building projects in Springfield. The firm possesses the up-to-date knowledge and know-how that allows businesses to achieve very high levels of energy and water conservation. At the same time, EMSI provides detailed information on how to document their efforts through the nationally recognized LEED certification process. EMSI brings a new level of professional expertise to the local discussions about conservation and sustainability. Matt Keener, Operations Manager, presented the award. (Contact: Loring Bullard – 866-1127)
Solid Waste Management District “O” Executive Board recognized Sarah Davis with its 2008 Environmental Service Award. Sarah has the distinction of being Drury University’s first Recycling Coordinator and has nearly single-handedly increased campus-wide awareness of the importance of recycling. Immediately upon her appointment as Coordinator, she organized and established a recycling center for Drury, and then secured and distributed recycling bins across campus. Sarah’s passion for all things green, as well as her energy and enthusiasm, have been contagious. Hand-selected to serve on the President’s Council on Sustainability at Drury, Sarah is also active in Mortar Board and Think Green. In her spare time, she volunteers at the new Habitat for Humanity subdivision, where her mother is the landscape coordinator. A self-proclaimed “proud environmentalist,” Sarah was recognized earlier this year as one of Drury’s first recipients of the Crest of Excellence Award. This award is given to students who excel in the areas of leadership, sustainability and global engagement. (Contact: Robert Hamilton 417-859-5786)
The Springfield/Greene County Environmental Advisory Board recognized two businesses that are very much a part of the Green movement here in Springfield. Black Oak Organics was recognized for its work in developing, implementing and custom design work in sustainable organic recovery, composting facilities and systems for clients in both the public and private sectors Innoviro was recognized for its environmentally responsible product lines, which are unique, innovative, modern and green. (Contact: J.D. Slaughter 417-864-1250)
The City of Springfield’s Tree City USA Citizen’s Advisory Committee recognized KOLR-10 with their 2008 Choose Environmental Excellence Award for the local television station’s support of the Re-Forest the Ozarks Project. KOLR played a leadership role in rallying donors, underwriters, and support agencies to offer some 4,900 trees to the public for planting after the 2007 ice storm. KOLR personalities also volunteered time during the days of the tree sales to load trees, bag mulch, and collect donations, and greet the public. The tree sale went hand in hand with goals and objectives of the Tree City U.S.A. Citizens Advisory Committee to foster interest and educate the public about community forestry and the important role of trees in all environments. Chairperson Abbe Ehlers presented the award. (Contact: Joe Payne- 864-1954)
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Springfield/ Greene County “Choose Environmental Excellence” Business Award to the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield (HBA). Each year, the Chamber recognizes a Chamber member whose efforts toward environmental stewardship serve as a model for business and industry. The HBA has led the way in the Springfield community for green residential building through its adoption of the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines. Such guidelines include lot preparation and design, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, occupancy comfort and indoor environmental quality, as well as operation maintenance and homeowner education. In addition, HBA has set an example by building its new office space according to these residential green building guidelines. The award was presented by Emily Fox of the Discovery Center of Springfield, the recipient of the 2007 award. (Contact Jen Johnson 862-5567)
The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society recognized Kay Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator for the organization, for the hundreds, even thousands, of hours he has devoted to conservation in the Ozarks by awarding him its “Life Award for Environmental Excellence.” Kay was President of the group in l990, and has served on the Board of Directors for several terms now. He is an indispensible person in the organization, being involved in everything from bluebirds to prairie wildflowers. Some of his many accomplishments include: Coordination of old fence and fencerow clearings at Wah’ Kon-Tah Prairie, earning him the Volunteer of the Year award in 2001 from the Nature Conservancy; ongoing efforts maintaining South Creek, which has earned him the Gift of time Award for the Environment in 2001; development and coordination of the Annual birdseed Sale fundraiser for the last l3 years and much more. Audubon Chapter President Charles Burwick presented the award. (Contact Charles Burwick 889-0995)
Choose Environmental Excellence is a voluntary, non-regulatory education program that encourages increased awareness of our impact on our natural environment, presents viable alternatives and recognizes accomplishments that foster environmentally responsible decisions.
| Arbor Day Celebration on April 25 |
Fri 4/18/2008 1:03 PM |
Mayor Thomas Carlson will proclaim Friday, April 25, 2008 as Arbor Day in Springfield. As part of the City’s Arbor Day celebration, an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony will take place in recognition of Springfield’s Arbor Day poster contest winner, Eugene Field Elementary Fifth Grader Bailey Sampson.
This year’s Arbor Day celebration event will take place at 10 a.m., Friday, April 25, at Eugene Field Elementary, 2120 E. Barataria Ave. in Springfield.
Ceremony participants will include Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver, Eugene Field Elementary School Fifth Grade teachers and students, Springfield Tree City USA Citizens’ Advisory Committee, City of Springfield Public Works, Missouri Community Forestry Council and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
After a brief explanation and history of Arbor Day, students will take part in the final steps of planting by watering and mulching the City’s 2008 Arbor Day tree. This year’s tree is a Dutch Elm Disease-resistant Alee Elm.
As this year’s winning student, Bailey Sampson will receive a plaque from the Tree City USA Citizens’ Advisory Committee to commemorate the achievement, a Springfield Tree Registry certificate naming the tree in the student’s and teacher’s honor, a gift from the Missouri Department of Conservation and a tree seedling for the student to plant on their own.
| 2008 Landscape Awards Nominations Now Open |
Thu 4/17/2008 2:08 PM |
The Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission is currently accepting nominations for the 2008 Landscape Awards. These awards honor developments which demonstrate quality landscaping that brings beautification to the City of Springfield, enhancing the community’s quality of life. Nominations are not limited to sites landscaped during the past year, but may include developments in which matured landscaping further illustrates the value of plantings. The nominated sites must be located within the Springfield City limits. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 29, 2008. You may submit more than one nomination.
Nominations may be made in any of the following seven categories:
I. Major Improvement or Rehabilitation of an Existing Site. This category addresses conversion or redevelopment of an existing site such as the Chestnut Center, a commercial center in the 500 block of West Chestnut Expressway.
II. Retail Establishment or General. This category includes overall development of a retail site. Sites such as Hammons Field and About Faces Photography have been nominated in the past.
III. Manufacturing or Office Establishment. This category includes overall development of a manufacturing or office establishment. Bank One was the 2007 winner.
IV. Residential Subdivision/Neighborhood or Mixed-Use Developments. This category looks at landscaping interspersed throughout a subdivision that is either under common ownership or owned by the general developer and planned developments. An example of a past winner is Old Monterey Apartment Community.
V. Residence - Single Family. This category covers landscaping of single-family residences that can be seen from the street. An example of a previous winner is David & Harriet Fesperman, 2355 E. Galloway St.
VI. Public Properties. This category includes publicly owned properties and grounds. An example of a past winner is National Heights Baptist Church, 3050 N. National Ave.
VII. Special Recognition Certificate. This category covers those properties that may not easily fit another category or may have been nominated and, though not a winner, nonetheless deserve recognition for their effort. In 2006 there were six single-family residence nominees that received special recognition for their landscaping efforts.
VIII. A special recognition of volunteerism is also available with a site nomination.
Nomination forms are available by calling the Springfield Planning and Development Department at 864-1033.
| Choose Environmental Excellence Awards |
Wed 4/16/2008 12:51 PM |
The eighth annual Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence awards will be presented at noon Friday, April 18, 2008, at a luncheon at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as a part of Springfield’s Earth Day festivities. Seven awards will be presented this year:
• Ozark Greenways, Inc. will recognize efforts toward meeting the organization’s mission of preserving green space through linear parks (greenways/trails). Executive Director, Terry Whaley will make the presentation. (Contact: Terry Whaley, 864-2014)
• The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks will present two awards to showcase accomplishments that further the protection of Springfield’s drinking water resources. Executive Director, Loring Bullard, and Operations Manager, Matt Keener will make the presentations. (Contact: Loring Bullar, 866-1127)
• Solid Waste Management District “O” Advisory Board members will recognize efforts toward waste reduction and recycling with their Environmental Service Award. Executive Planner, Robert Hamilton, will make the presentation. District “O” covers the counties of Christian, Polk, Dallas, Greene and Webster. (Contact: Robert Hamilton, 859-5786)
• The Springfield/Greene County Environmental Advisory Board will recognize a business, agency, group or individual that has gone beyond normal practices to promote, improve or support sustainable environmentally conscious activities. Board Chair, J. D. Slaughter, will make the presentation. (Contact: Karen McKinnis, 864-1623)
• The Tree City USA Citizens’ Advisory Committee will recognize efforts toward enhancing Springfield’s community forest. Abbe Ehlers, President, will present the award. (Contact: Joe Payne, 864-1954; Abbe Ehlers, 836-6762; Barbara Lucks, 864-2005)
• The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize a Chamber member whose efforts toward environmental stewardship serve as a model for business and industry. Emily Fox, Discovery Center of Springfield, last year’s award recipient, will present the award. (Contact: Jen Johnson, 862-5567)
• The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society will recognize exemplary efforts toward their mission of promoting bird conservation in southwest Missouri. (Contact: Charles Burwick, 889-0995)
Reservations for the luncheon are available by calling the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 862-5567 or online at www.SpringfieldChamber.com .
Choose Environmental Excellence is a voluntary, non-regulatory education program that encourages increased awareness of our impact on our natural environment, presents viable alternatives and recognizes accomplishments that foster environmentally responsible decisions.
| Earth Day 2008 |
Fri 4/11/2008 4:39 PM |
Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence announces Earth Day, 2008, will be celebrated in Springfield by a month of hands-on-work projects and educational opportunities.
Highlights include:
• Dickerson Park Zoo will announce the recipient of their annual Earth Hero Award during their Party for the Planet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19.
• Springfield Conservation Nature Center will be hosting both educational activities and hands-on work projects for all ages.
• Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence will present their annual environmental stewardship awards at a luncheon hosted by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce on April 18. Several groups sponsor awards to recognize exemplary behavior that protects and preserves our environment.
• To protect our air quality and raise awareness of the need to do so, Rick’s Automotive, 2121 S. Campbell, will partner with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks Environmental Collaborative Ozarks Clean Air Alliance to offer free automotive emission and fuel system check-ups, checking gas caps and other items that can negatively impact our air quality. Participants will receive a car-care goodie bag. The event is from l0 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Discovery Center of Springfield will host a free day, including educational exhibits and activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 19, sponsored by Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence and underwritten by Fisk Transportation.
• Volunteers, including Master Gardeners of Greene County and Missouri Master Naturalists, Springfield Plateau Chapter, will install a living green roof from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 18 and 19, at the Green Circle Shopping Center construction site, 4221 S. National Ave.
• The Computer Recycling Center will host an E-waste collection from 9 a.m. t 4 p.m. on April 19 at their location at 1434 N. National Ave.
• The third Reforest the Ozarks event, offering 1,250 trees for sale for $l0 each will take place at the Ozarks Entertainment and Event Center, sponsored by KOLR-10, Ozark Greenways, Inc., City Utilities, Springfield Public Works, Tree City USA Citizens Advisory Committee, RBX Trucking Company and Empire Bank.
Many other activities, cleanups, recycling drives and educational activities take place throughout the month of April. For a complete, up to date listing, visit www.OzarksEnvironment.com. Sponsored by Springfield/ Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence.
| Fee waiver for debris drop-off ends Sunday |
Fri 4/11/2008 2:39 PM |
Effective Sunday, April 20, the City’s Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC), including the Brush Recycling facility, and the Lone Pine Recycling Center will be open Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. through May 18 for the peak spring yard cleanup season. Both locations are closed on Mondays. Summer hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for these facilities and for the Franklin Avenue Recycling Center. The Franklin Avenue facility is not open on Sundays.
Sunday, April 13, 2008, will be the last day of the period for the waiver of residential brush fees for ice storm debris at the YRC. The YRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 13.
The last day of operation for the temporary brush disposal site located near the Springfield Sanitary Landfill to accept ice storm debris free of charge from Springfield-Greene County residents is Saturday, April 12, 2008.
Brush taken to the YRC should be cut in maximum 4-foot lengths and must be less than six inches in diameter. City and Greene County staff is working jointly to provide the extended service at the YRC.
Bulk or bagged compost and mulch products will not be available for sale at the YRC during the Sunday afternoon hours. Bagged mulch and compost products are available at the Lone Pine Recycling Center, including during the Sunday hours.
Ice Storm Debris Disposal Procedures
In order to speed up the drop-off process, the City has placed a short form customers are asked to fill out on the City Web site homepage: springfieldmo.gov. Customers may wish to print and fill out the form in advance of going to the YRC. The form is necessary to keep track of debris dropped off at the YRC for federal damage assessment reports from the February ice storm.
To conserve limited disposal space at the YRC, commercial customers and residential customers with large loads of brush on trailers with tandem axles are encouraged to take larger loads to the temporary brush disposal site located near the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. Commercial customers will be charged the standard disposal fees at the YRC but commercial customers can take storm debris to the landfill site at no charge, through Saturday, April 12, 2008.
At the landfill site, there is no restriction on the size of limbs and brush except that individuals must be able to unload their own debris. No stumps and root balls are permitted at the drop-off site, but can be taken to an adjacent area of the landfill. There is a charge of $28.65 a ton for stumps, tree trunks and root balls.
Directions to the YRC and Landfill
Directions to the Yardwaste Recycling Center – Go west on Sunshine (U.S. 60), turning left (South) onto Farm Road 115. Turn left (East) onto Farm Road 164 and follow the signs to the Yardwaste Recycling Center.
Directions to the Springfield Sanitary Landfill – Go north on Missouri 13 (Kansas Expressway) 9 miles from the Interstate 44 intersection to Farm Road 34. Go left on Farm Road 34 – follow the signs to the Landfill entrance. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For Additional Information
All facilities are available to citizens as part of the City’s voter-approved Integrated Solid Waste Management System. For information or directions to the facilities, call the City’s Recycling Hotline at 864-1904 or visit www.springfieldmogov.org/recycling .
| Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park Dedication & Open House |
Fri 4/11/2008 10:55 AM |
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host a dedication ceremony and open house on Saturday, April 19, for the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park, 3825 West Farm Road 146.
Open House activities will run throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A formal dedication with family members of the original farm will be at 10 a.m. Daylong activities include carriage rides throughout the property, tours, and the opening of the farm-themed playground.
Since its grand opening in December 2007, the Farm Park has begun hosting field trips with area schools and groups. The property has also added new amenities, including a 50-foot by 71-foot farm-themed playground, custom designed for the Farm Park. The playground features a three-sided barn with hay bale, rock, and clover climbers and crawl tubes, along with a silo and spiral tube slides. The rubberized safety cushion surrounding the play area features a hidden rainwater runoff, which irrigates the surrounding vegetation.
The Farm Park also has added an outdoor chicken coop run, and outdoor areas to the existing barn to allow more run areas for the farm animals. Six gardens also have been installed to educate families on which ingredients make common food and household items, such as pizza, salsa, and medicine gardens. A 24-foot by 40-foot hay bale play area will also be installed for the open house.
The 207-acre Farm Park is the first of its kind in the area. Its features include: A 2,060-square-foot visitors center, with public restrooms, gift shop and offices; 4,112-square-foot domestic animal barn with eight stalls; veterinarian office; tack, hay, and feed storage rooms; maintenance building; chicken coop; two-mile fence surrounding the property; and a one-mile greenway trail.
For more information, contact the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park at (417) 837-5949, or visit www.parkboard.org.
The Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park is part of the Vision 20/20 plan for Parks, Open Space, and Greenways, and is funded by the voter-approved 2001 1/4-cent Sales Tax for Parks. The architect for the project is Hood-Rich, Inc., and general contractor is R.E. Smith Construction.
| Bike, Bus, Walk Week Challenge |
Fri 4/11/2008 9:34 AM |
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Registration open for Businesses & Schools
to take the "Bike, Bus, Walk Week" Challenge
Leave your car behind at least one day, May 12-16
&
Join Ozark Greenways for "Rally in Patton Alley"
at 6 - 9 p.m., May 2, during First Friday ArtWalk |
Ozark Greenways is very busy this spring. They're working hard on the greenway trail network developing throughout Springfield. Besides the obvious benefits that the trails bring, such as free, convenient fitness opportunities, recreation, enjoyment of the Ozarks outdoors, environmental protection, increased property value and quality of life, there is a benefit that's receiving more and more attention these days in the face of rising fuel costs and traffic congestion: alternative transportation.
OG works closely with various agencies, organizations and businesses to help create a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly Springfield. With the support of City Utilities and their installation of bike racks on all city busses, Springfield Public Works developing a network of on-street bike routes, Springfield-Greene County Park Board working on trail connections throughout the city and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department promoting healthier lifestyles - Springfield is seeing a change for the better! But to continue this progress, we need ongoing public support for these facilities. While Springfield may not compare to places like Portland, Oregon, we do have a good amount of infrastructure that is ready to use. Some neighborhoods are especially suited for commuting, like the downtown area.
Help continue this positive momentum by registering your workplace or school for "The Challenge" to use alternative transportation at least one day during "Bike, Bus, Walk Week", May 12-16. This includes biking, taking the bus, carpooling walking or some combination. With proper planning and education, many people can leave their car behind now and then. It's free and easy to register your business (or school) at www.ozarkgreenways.org.
Besides the obvious perks of alternative transportation, like improving health and saving resources, there are extra perks - free stuff:
* Panera Bread will give a free breakfast to everyone who participates at least one day that week! (bagel & coffee) Must be registered through workplace or school to be eligible.
* City Utilities will give free city bus rides all week for those traveling with a bike
* Free showers/towels at the YMCA's and all Cox Fitness Centers
* Free Ozark Greenways membership for participating 3 or more days
* Opportunity for your workplace or school to win a traveling trophy
* Chance to win a cool Ozark Greenways ballcaps
* Feeling good about helping create a bike/pedestrian friendly Springfield
* We'll even plan your commute route
"Rally in Patton Alley" Partially car-free ArtWalk - 6 - 9 p.m., Friday, May 2
Ozark Greenways is partnering with First Friday ArtWalk downtown for "Rally in Patton Alley" from 6 - 9 p.m., Friday, May 2, to promote "Bike, Bus, Walk Week". We encourage everyone to get to ArtWalk by bike, then park it with us. Ozark Greenways will be closing off Patton Alley to display some fun art bikes, have bike parking, funky bikes, city bus bike rack demos and more (like free Andy's Frozen Custard!) ñ all to highlight registration for the main event. The main event, is our annual challenge during "Bike, Bus, Walk Week", which will be May 12-16.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and help us create a more bicycle/pedestrian friendly Springfield!
Find Out More: www.ozarkgreenways.org
Watch the short animated PSA on our Web site!
| Red light warning period ending at Sunshine and Campbell |
Fri 4/11/2008 8:23 AM |
The formal citation period for the photo-enforced red-light cameras on westbound Sunshine Street at Campbell Avenue will begin on Monday, April 14, 2008.
This ends the 30-day warning period enacted on March 15, 2008.
This is the fifth activated red-light camera. The other locations are on southbound National at Battlefield Road; southbound Campbell Avenue at Battlefield and eastbound Battlefield at Campbell; and southbound National at Sunshine Street.
A red-light violation is defined as crossing the wide white line (known as the stop bar) at the intersection after the signal has turned red. Motorists who cross the stop bar on yellow or are in the intersection when the light turns red are not in violation of the red-light ordinance.
The fine for running a red light is $100. The photo-enforced violations will be a civil penalty and will not result in points on a driver’s record. Each photo-enforced intersection approach is clearly marked with signs, while other signs at various locations state that Springfield uses photo red-light enforcement.
For more questions and answers involving the red light photo enforcement, visit CityConnect at: springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect and look under FAQs or call the City’s Citizen Service Request Office at 864-1012.
| City Council ppt presentations |
Tue 4/8/2008 3:19 PM |
The following two links are now available to the Powerpoint presentations made at today’s City Council lunch meeting.
www.springfieldmo.gov/pdfs/budget/healthFunding08.pdf
www.springfieldmo.gov/pdfs/budget/eighthCent08.pdf
| EPA to Announce Grant for City's Brownfields Program |
Mon 4/7/2008 3:01 PM |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 and the City of Springfield invite the public and local media to an announcement regarding the City’s Brownfields Program at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 8. The event will be held in the lot just west of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, 319 N. Main Ave.
EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew will formally announce a $200,000 EPA Brownfields Grant to carry out an environmental cleanup on a tract of City-owned land in what will eventually become the Jordan Valley West Meadows. The West Meadows area is located in a former industrial corridor and rail yard and currently is contaminated with hazardous substances related to more than a century of such usage. Future plans for the West Meadows call for a passive, open and natural space featuring greenway trails, stormwater management and wetlands areas, which means any potentially harmful substances must be removed. A short, informal walking tour of the City-owned land will take place at 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Since 1999, the City has received six Brownfields Assessment Grants and one Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to private parties from EPA. This is the first Environmental Cleanup Grant the City has received. The grant requires a 20 percent match, which will come from Stormwater Acquisition Funds included in the voter-approved 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax.
The City’s Brownfields Program works to assess, clean up, and facilitate the redevelopment and reuse of potentially contaminated properties known as “brownfields” within the City of Springfield. The program is coordinated through the Economic Development Office in the Department of Planning and Development and works in cooperation with EPA Region 7.
A short walking tour of the City-owned tract will begin at 10 a.m. The grant announcement will be made at 10:30 a.m. Parking will be available in the Butler, Rosenbury parking lot. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Community Room on the third floor of the Butler, Rosenbury Building.
| Citizens Solid Waste committee |
Thu 4/3/2008 10:25 AM |
The Citizens Committee for Sustainable Solid Waste Management voted unanimously Wednesday evening to establish two subcommittees to focus on the issues of “put-or-pay” agreements and recycling services.
The full committee will recess over the summer and return after Sept. 1, 2008 to receive the results of the two subcommittees’ work.
A three-person subcommittee will assist with the negotiations between the City and the City’s two largest national waste haulers – Allied Waste and Waste Corporation of Missouri, which have local transfer stations and regional landfills. The intent of the negotiations is to determine whether binding “put-or-pay“ agreements can be voluntarily entered into for the delivery of a mutually agreed upon volume of local solid waste to the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. This subcommittee will be comprised of Committee Co-Chair Rusty Worley and committee members Dan Hoy and Hal Buchert.
The tipping fees generated by the volume of local solid waste delivered to the Springfield Sanitary Landfill support the City’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System. In addition to the Landfill, the ISWMS includes the City-operated recycling centers, Yardwaste Recycling Center, Information and Education Program, Market Development Program, and Household Chemical Collection Center. The Curbside Recycling component of the ISWMS is provided by private solid-waste haulers.
Since 1995, the majority of solid waste collected by the large national haulers has been transported to their own regional landfills. Solid waste disposed at these private facilities does not support the City’s ISWMS.
“The ‘put-or-pay’ option could be a very positive compromise that could be reached on a voluntary basis,” Committee Co-Chair Jan Horton said.
The Committee has been researching three main options for increasing tonnage at the Landfill in order to provide stable and equitable funding for all of the environmental programs and services of the voter-approved ISWMS.
The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that cities can enact “flow control” that would require haulers licensed to operate in Springfield to take all of their trash to the City’s Landfill.
The third option would be an environmental services fee levied on trash companies. Such a fee would first require state enabling legislation, followed by a public vote.
Neither “flow control” nor an environmental services fee would be voluntary for trash haulers. Committee members said they wanted to determine whether a voluntary agreement could be reached on “put or pay” before considering the other two options.
“City Council is very appreciative of the amount of time this committee has spent researching these options and I heartily support the recommendation to negotiate a voluntary agreement before considering the other options,” Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver said.
Co-Chair Jan Horton will chair the Recycling Subcommittee. Any committee member is invited to serve on this subcommittee. The Committee will review the City’s recycling programs and fees and research additional recycling options that citizens have expressed interest in having in Springfield.
Both committees will be asked to complete their work and report back to the full committee by early September. The Committee will meet in full once more to hear presentations by the two major haulers at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 9, before beginning its recess.
| Public Comment Period for OTO Application Handbook |
Thu 4/3/2008 11:29 AM |
The Ozarks Transportation Organization announces a public comment period for the public to review and comment on the FY09 Application Handbook for Job Access and Reverse Commute and New Freedom funding. The Application Handbook satisfies the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requirements that projects funded by Sections 5316 (Job Access and Reverse Commute) and 5317 (New Freedom) be a part of a locally developed competitive application process. This Handbook is a slight revision of the Application Handbook used for the FY08 funding cycle.
The Application Handbook outlines:
· The OTO study areas;
· The application process;
· A combined application for both funding programs; and,
· Ranking Guidelines to be used by the Local Coordinating Board for Transit to evaluate applications.
The Application Handbook will be available for review at the Ozarks Transportation Organization, 840 Boonville Ave., 3rd Floor. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Ozarks Transportation Organization, PO Box 8368, 840 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65801 or email to nlongpine@ci.springfield.mo.us or fax to 417-864-1881.
The public comment period will end on April 17, 2008. The MPO Board of Directors will review and possibly approve the Application Handbook at its April 17, 2008 meeting, held from noon to 1 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room of the Busch Municipal Building. An opportunity for public comment will be available at this meeting. After reviewing recommendations and entertaining public comment, the MPO Board of Directors will decide whether to formally adopt the Application Handbook.
| Rountree NeighborWoods Planting on Saturday |
Thu 4/3/2008 10:25 AM |
The City of Springfield Public Works Department, in cooperation with the Rountree Neighborhood Association, will be planting the neighborhood’s NeighborWoods project for this season.
Rountree’s NeighborWoods project will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 5, with a tree planting demonstration in the traffic island located at intersection of Delmar Street and Kentwood Avenue. Following the demonstration, Rountree’s tree-planting teams will divide up for various plantings within the same traffic island.
To paraphrase John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation: Trees planted in our community help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature, and bring nature into our daily lives. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure of our community, and provide environmental and economic benefits.
“This is the third such project for Rountree, but represents well over twice the number of trees to be planted in a reforestation effort due to last year’s devastating ice storm,” said City of Springfield Public Works interim Urban Forester, Bill Roach. “Rountree’s commitment to the proper planting and aftercare of these trees is a clear demonstration of their neighborhood’s recognition of how truly valuable trees are to our community.”
Initial applications for the City’s 2008-2009 NeighborWoods program will be accepted anytime between now and June 1. For more information on NeighborWoods, please check the City’s website at http://www.springfieldmo.gov//egov/publicworks/operations/grounds/neighborwoods/index.html, or call the Urban Forestry Office at (417) 864-1135.
| City Council Summary - Budget Public Hearing |
Mon 3/31/2008 7:42 PM |
City Council Summary
Budget Public Hearing
March 31, 2008
Budget Overview
Finance Director Mary Mannix Decker gave a Powerpoint presentation on the budget. She reviewed how the overall budget is divided into a variety of funds. She also reviewed the 2008-09 budget, which will balance without any increases because of flat sales tax revenue, without accounting for the Police/Fire Pension Fund contribution by the City. The actuary has recommended the City’s contribution at 50.21 percent for the next budget year, which equates to $12.5 million. That creates a gap of $5.2 million above the City’s current contribution of $7.3 million. She also outlined the new state law that requires cities with pension funds with funded ratios of 50 percent or less to make the full contribution in one of the next five years or risk having sales tax revenue withheld by the State. She also reviewed the timetable for approving the budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2008. The Powerpoint presentation will be available on springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect on Wednesday morning.
Speakers
Bob Mondy: He said Council should cut what needs to be cut and sell what needs to be sold.
Dr. Ira Neal Cohen: He recommended a project to reduce animal-control costs. He said people should be held accountable for their decision on whether to neuter their pets. Spay-neuter programs would reduce unwanted animals and therefore reduce the animal-control problems.
Stan Melton: He spoke in support of the Jordan Valley Ice Park. He is the General Manager of the Missouri State Ice Bears and the Jordan Valley Citizens Advisory Committee. He asked that plans be reconsidered to cut Parks’ General Fund revenue by 50 percent. He said usage of the Ice Park increases every year.
Councilwoman Rushefsky invited Mr. Melton to make a separate presentation to Council about the Ice Park at some point.
Reba Sims: She urged Council not to implement a proposed 50 percent cut to the Parks’ General Fund if other departments are asked to cut 7 percent. She cited the Parks’ national reputation and reviewed how the department has absorbed an increasing amount of its General Fund transfer prior to the proposed 50 percent cut of its remaining funds. If programs for kids, particularly at-risk kids, are eliminated, she asked what would happen to those kids.
Rob Baird: He shared his perspective as a former school board member who had to make very similar difficult budget decisions in the mid-’90s. He said he believes the arts and social services are in a very fragile position right now because of economic times. He said he fears this process could unravel a lot of the work that has been done in Springfield over the last 10 or 15 years.
Kevin McAdams: He is a commercial Realtor who said the City should consider selling off City-owned properties for either lease-backs, privatization or outright sale.
Terri Reed: She asked Council not to cut any programs that affect children, such as Caring Communities. She said that with Greene County having a high rate of child abuse, these programs are even more important. She said Council should consider selling Jordan Valley Ice Park.
John Sellars: The Director of the History Museum reminded the Council that the History Museum comes into contact with about 20,000 people a year, including children who learn about local history. He said the proposed budget cut for the History Museum would be 18.5 percent.
Mayor Carlson asked the City Manager to let Council know what percentage of the budget the City’s contribution represents to each of the non-profits that are proposed for reductions.
Tom Martz: He reviewed figures on the City’s debt and revenue. He said the City’s tax rate needs to be more attractive to recruit new employers. He said he would recommend cutting programs like tax-increment financing. He said he is the chairman of the newly formed Missouri Liberty Coalition.
Ray Clouse: He said the City doesn’t need higher taxes or higher utility bills. He said the City leaders need to control spending and get priorities in order. He wanted to drop parts of the Capital Improvements Program and Vision 20/20.
Stephanie Montgomery: She spoke on behalf of the Dickerson Park Zoo and said her family helped support passage of the sales tax for parks. She said the Zoo offers programs for kids as young as two and also that it is important to have programs for kids to learn sports and provide affordable after-school care in the School-Parks programs. She said Friends of the Zoo is a good example of public-private partnerships. She also supported the efforts of Planning and Public Works in her business to create economic development in Springfield. Cutting those areas would cut the city’s ability to create more sales tax revenue.
Carl Herd: He said the City Council should table the storage-container issue as a way to be more pro-business. He said the City should not provide matching funds for the federal grant to renovate Park Central Square. He said the City should not have spent money to do a phone survey regarding a possible sales tax increase to fund the Police/Fire Pension Fund. He also said the Council should vote no on the Commercial Street TIF project. He also recommended that Police/Fire should increase their contribution rate to help with the problem.
Tom Slaight: He spoke on behalf of the Friends of the Zoo. He said the Parks department rated highly in the Community Foundation’s annual report. He reviewed that voters approved a designated sales tax for Parks and the hotel-motel room tax rate to help fund Jordan Valley Park because of their commitment to quality of life in our community. He said it is important to maintain Parks’ programs for the most at-risk population in our community.
Mayor Carlson clarified that the proposed budget reductions don’t tell the Park Board what to cut, but rather how much to cut. The Park Board would make those recommendations.
Guy Mace: He spoke on behalf of the Parks and the Zoo. He said that his company is growing very rapidly and when he has business prospects visiting Springfield, he takes them to areas such as the universities and the Parks. He said he considers Parks to be one of the basic services that government provides to the community. He said the Park Board should participate in the reductions, but not at the proposed level.
Loring Bullard: The director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks suggested Council reduce the proposed cuts to the non-profit agencies from 50 percent to 25 percent. He said that difference could make the difference between cutting a staff position and cutting back on some services.
Fred Ellison: He is a member of the Missouri Liberty Coalition. He said he appreciated the Council’s service to the community. He said the City has $136 million in net assets that should be considered for sale to fund the Police/Fire Pension Fund. He said sales tax may be a convenient means of raising revenue for cities and counties, but it is inherently unfair to low-income people who pay a marginally higher rate. He said he also fears a higher sales tax would encourage people to shop in other communities.
Mary Mannix Decker noted that the Unrestricted Assets come from across the full City budget, not just the General Fund. She said the General Fund has about $10 million in unrestricted funds that is considered the “rainy day” fund. If it were used for the Police/Fire Pension Fund, it would have to be replaced.
She also noted that the City’s sales tax rate was lower than a number of surrounding communities as well as the property tax rate.
She explained that some of the City’s net assets are cash and some are equity in our infrastructure, similar to the equity a homeowner would have.
Cindy Stephens: She said she was representing a variety of the non-profits. She said the Vision 20/20 plan relies on a number of the agencies that are targeted for budget cuts. She said Council should re-prioritize the cuts for the non-profit agencies. She credited the Urban Neighborhoods Alliance for its predatory lending and foreclosure prevention programs. She said she is a proponent of user-pay and self-pay programs, but there is a segment of the population that is least able to afford programs set up that way.
Nancy Dornan: She spoke in support of the non-profit agencies, including the Urban Districts Alliance and Urban Neighborhoods Alliance. She asked whether an earnings tax had been considered. Mayor Carlson said Council has asked staff for more information on the earnings tax. City Manager Bob Cumley said it would require enabling legislation from the state first, and then a local election.
Cindy Rushefsky: She said Councilmembers are tormented by the proposed budget cuts and she wondered what would have happened if Council had asked people who didn’t want certain cuts to propose other cuts. She said every single cut will affect someone and none of them will be easy.
John Wylie: He said several Zone 4 residents have contacted him with specific suggestions from their private budget experience. He said they’ve recognized that it’s non always possible for public and private budgets to be managed the same way. He said he appreciated the genuine concern residents have expressed.
Ralph Manley: He said Council will live up to its responsibility to represent citizens and will make the necessary decisions to address the $5.2 million gap in the pension fund. He thanked everyone for participating in these decisions.
Dan Chiles: He said he would like to see the City follow the model of Jack Stack of Springfield Remanufacturing. He said the budget should be an open process and examined on a line-by-line basis. He said staff members were lazy in suggesting the same level of cuts for all the non-profit programs rather than prioritizing kids programs vs. other cuts.
He said the gasoline prices will be a driving factor in our community that could affect a sales-tax vote. He said he thinks the staff should use the “Jack Stack mentality” to go back and review the budget priorities.
Denny Whayne: He noted that much of the city budget is earmarked for certain uses, such as grant funds. He said he doesn’t believe the City wastes money. He said the City has been committed to following through on specific commitments made in referendums on designated funds.
Mary Collette: She said she appreciated the citizens who came to the meeting and the spirit in which the meeting was conducted. She encouraged participation in the discussion and thinks it will be healthy in the long run for citizens to become more connected to the budget process.
Mayor Carlson: He said he has been involved in budget hearings for 25 years and this was the largest turnout he’s seen and he thanked everyone for coming. He said it is important to raise people’s awareness of the issues of how the situation evolved and where do we go from here? He said a recent Federal Reserve report singled out this area’s economy as among the best in its eight-state district.
He said the budget process will continue for several months and will consider questions of what we want our community to be. He said the Council has committed to making the full recommended pension fund contribution. He encouraged citizens to take other opportunities for input as the process continues. He encouraged the Council and community to consider the total problem and the potential solutions before staking positions on the budget.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
| Josiah Modes Appointed As Ice Skating Director |
Mon 3/31/2008 2:50 PM |
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The Springfield-Greene County Park Board recently appointed Josiah Modes as its Figure Skating Director for the Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway.
Modes has a long history in ice skating, including a competitive career placing at the 1998 U.S. National Championship in pairs. His professional career includes more than 11 years performing in shows at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla., touring with Disney on Ice throughout Japan and Southeast Asia. He also performed in Germany with his wife Yulia Sudakova, who is an instructor at Jordan Valley Ice Park, for two years as a principal pair team.
Modes' teaching career includes simultaneously running the skating programs for the Skating Club of Maine and the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, before moving to Springfield with his wife in 2007.
Upcoming Ice Park camps and training will include an eight-week Basic Skills session for skaters of any skill level; a 10-week figure skating camp this June and July; an exhibition show on Aug. 2 with international competitors and national medalist Jonathan Hunt and Ann Patrice McDonough; and a week-long intensive figure skating summer camp July 27 - Aug. 2. |
| Council committee to meet on storage containers |
Mon 3/31/2008 2:41 PM |
The City Council Community Involvement Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 2, to discuss an administrative delay related to the storage container ordinance.
The meeting will begin at noon at the Busch Building 4th floor conference room.
The Council Committee will consider the input from a number of community meetings to determine how it wants to proceed with the container ordinance.
“I have noted significant improvements in the placement and use of the containers throughout the community and believe we can delay action on this issue for a period of time,” Mayor Pro Tem Gary Deaver said.
Wednesday’s meeting is open to the public; however, it is not a public hearing unless Committee members ask for comments. The Committee has received information from the community meetings on this issue.
The Committee’s purpose will be to provide staff direction on how they wish to proceed regarding the draft ordinance and administrative delay currently in place.
| Ice Storm Debris Fee Waiver Extended |
Sat 3/29/2008 1:02 PM |
The fee waiver for brush and limb debris from the January ice storm will be extended at the Yardwaste Recycling Center and at the temporary brush lot at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill through Sunday, April 13, 2008.
The waiver for Springfield-Greene County residents was originally set to expire on Sunday, March 30. The fee waiver applies only to residential customers at the YRC, but the fee is waived for both residential and commercial customers at the Landfill’s temporary brush lot.
The extended Sunday hours at the YRC will continue for two more weeks and then the YRC will transition to its normal Sunday schedule for the spring clean-up season. The operating hours are as follows:
On Sunday April 6, and Sunday, April 13, the YRC, including the Brush Recycling facility, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beginning Sunday, April 21, the YRC will be open Sundays from l to 5 p.m. through May 18.
The Lone Pine Recycling Center will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, beginning April 6 and continuing through May 18.
The YRC and the Lone Pine facility will continue to be closed on Mondays.
On Tuesday, April 8, the YRC and the Lone Pine and Franklin Avenue recycling centers will extend summer hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Brush taken to the YRC should be cut in maximum 4-foot lengths and must be less than six inches in diameter. City and Greene County staff is working jointly to provide the extended service at the YRC.
Sale of products on Sundays at the YRC will be temporarily suspended. Bagged mulch and compost products are available at the Lone Pine Recycling Center on Sundays.
In order to speed up the drop-off process, the City has placed a short form customers are asked to fill out on the City Web site homepage: www.springfieldmo.gov. Customers may wish to print and fill out the form in advance of going to the YRC. The form is necessary to keep track of debris dropped off at the YRC for federal damage assessment reports from the February ice storm.
To conserve limited disposal space at the YRC, commercial customers and residential customers with large loads of brush on trailers with tandem axles are encouraged to take larger loads to the temporary brush disposal site located near the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. Commercial customers will be charged the standard disposal fees at the YRC but commercial customers can take storm debris to the landfill site at no charge, through Saturday, April 12, 2008.
At the landfill site, there is no restriction on the size of limbs and brush except that individuals must be able to unload their own debris. No stumps and root balls are permitted at the drop-off site, but can be taken to an adjacent area of the landfill. There is a charge of $28.65 a ton for stumps, tree trunks and rootballs.
All facilities are available to citizens as part of the City’s voter-approved Integrated Solid Waste Management System.
Directions to the Yardwaste Recycling Center – Go west on Sunshine (U.S. 60), turning left (South) onto Farm Road 115. Turn left (East) onto Farm Road 164 and follow the signs to the Yardwaste Recycling Center.
Directions to the Springfield Sanitary Landfill – Go north on Missouri 13 (Kansas Expressway) 9 miles from the Interstate 44 intersection to Farm Road 34. Go left on Farm Road 34 – follow the signs to the Landfill entrance. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
For information or directions to the facilities, call the City’s Recycling Hotline at 864-1904 or visit www.springfieldmogov.org/recycling
The City Council invites the public to participate in a community-input session on Monday, March 31, 2008 to hear suggestions and ideas about the
2008-09 City budget process.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 31, in Council Chambers in Historic City Hall. A short overview of the budget situation will be presented before the comment period begins.
Citizens interested in speaking will need to sign up with the City Clerk’s office. When an individual’s name is called, he or she will have five minutes to speak and then take any questions or comments from Council members.
Citizens may sign up to speak prior to the beginning of the meeting or they can call the Clerk’s office to sign up in advance at 864-1654.
Citizens also can submit budget ideas or suggestions until April 8 via e-mail or hard-copy mail. E-mail can be submitted at city@springfieldmo.gov . Mail can be sent to: City of Springfield, City Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, Mo., 65801.
Monday night’s meeting will air live on TV23, the City’s government access channel available to Mediacom subscribers.
For updates on the City budget process, visit: www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect . The full videos of the Council budget workshops are posted there. The meetings also are airing on Mediacom channel 23 at the following times:
9:30 p.m., Friday, March, 28, Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30 (The March 25 workshop)
2 p.m., Saturday, March 29 (the March 17 workshop)
The March 18 budget meeting is off the air schedule, but still available on CityConnect. Video from the March 31 public meeting and the April 1 Council lunch budget meeting will be posted next week along with airtimes on TV23.
Recent flooding has reemphasized the need for citizens to understand the extreme dangers with flash flooding. Each year with the arrival of spring comes the increased potential for strong rains and flash flooding. This year, the National Weather Service suggests that this is just a preview of the spring to come due to a several factors. The Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue Unit would like to remind you of the danger posed by moving water, and encourage you to Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, with 80 percent of all fatalities in flash floods resulting from drivers ignoring obvious warning signs on open roads, or driving around marked flood barricades placed by public safety personnel. Remember that it is never wise to wade or drive into floodwater. Water over a road, no matter how deep, can hide washed out roads with as little as six inches of moving water being capable of floating and carrying away a vehicle.
The Springfield Fire Department would like to encourage you to Turn Around, Don’t Drown, when faced with water-covered roads. Take an alternate route or wait until the water recedes. If you or someone around you is in need of assistance, dial 911.
The Ozarks Transportation Organization announces a public comment period for the public to review and give input on proposed amendments to two local transportation documents — the 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program (or TIP), and the Major Thoroughfare Plan.
The TIP is a schedule of transportation improvements planned by various agencies in the Ozarks Transportation Organization boundary over the next four years. To be eligible for federal funds, a project must be included in the TIP. The amendments will include:
• The addition of a Roadway Prioritization Study within the City of Ozark.
• The addition of City Utilities Transit projects which include the development of a conceptual plan for the fleet management facility, transfer facility improvements, and bus shelter and bench maintenance (2005-2007 TIP).
• The addition of entrance improvements to the Missouri State University Darr Agricultural Facility, including turn lane improvements on Kansas Expressway.
• Additional funding for the Kearney Street Bridge.
• Removal of the planned guard cable project on U.S. 65.
The Major Thoroughfare Plan is one component of the Long Range Transportation Plan. Amendments to the Major Thoroughfare Plan will include:
• The extension of Seminole Street across the West Bypass as a secondary arterial.
• The extension of Battlefield Road across West Bypass and up to U.S. 60 (Sunshine) as a Primary Arterial.
• The relocation of the proposed Golden Avenue extension north of Kearney Street.
• The reclassification of U.S. 60 (Sunshine) from James River Freeway to State Route 174 from a Primary Arterial to an Expressway.
• The relocation of the proposed Highway ZZ extension.
The amendments will be available for review at Ozarks Transportation Organization, 840 Boonville Ave., Third Floor. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Ozarks Transportation Organization, PO Box 8368, 840 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65801; via e-mail to sedwards@ozarkstransportation.org; or by fax to (417) 864-1881.
The public comment period will begin on March 27, 2008 and end on April 17, 2008. The MPO Board of Directors will review and possibly approve the amendments at its meeting at noon, April 17, 2008, in the fourth floor conference room of the Busch Municipal Building. An opportunity for public comment will be available at this meeting. After reviewing recommendations and public comments, the MPO Board of Directors will decide whether to formally adopt the amendments.
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., will open for the season by hosting its annual Cherry Blossom Kite Festival from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 29.
Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board are co-presenting this year's event. Attendees are invited to bring a kite from home to fly, or to stroll the garden at their leisure. There will be a limited number of kite-building kits available for sale at the event for $3. The event is free to the public.
The Springfield Regional Arts Council hosted a Kite Design Contest in conjunction with the event. Also, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board's SPARC (Schools, Parks Are Reaching Communities) and CLICK (Community Learning In Centers for Kids) programs participated in a student kite-making contest. Prizes for winners of many different categories will be announced at noon during the festival.
The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park is open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays - Mondays, from April 1 - Oct. 31. Park admission is $3 for adults; children are free. The Garden will host the Japanese Fallfest later this year on Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7
The final draft of the West Sunshine/U.S. Highway 60 Corridor Study will be presented at a public meeting to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 27, 2008 at the Church on the Rock, 3935 W. Sunshine St. in Springfield.
The study is a multi-jurisdictional effort to promote transportation mobility and higher-quality development that includes mixed-used activity centers throughout the corridor as the area continues to grow. It is the result of several public meetings, a design preference study and several months of work by staff from the City of Springfield, Greene County, the City of Republic, the Missouri Department of Transportation and City Utilities.
The corridor study seeks to create an area where jobs and housing are balanced; where compact development allows for efficient use of land and resources; and where mixed-use neighborhoods and activity centers encourage walking and biking. Implementing the study will help traffic along the corridor move more efficiently. Some of the design features of the proposed plan include new access roads; minimizing the number of traffic lights; and clustering of non-residential uses.
The public can give input on the study at this meeting. The study next will go to each jurisdiction for approval by their respective governing bodies. The complete study is available online at www.springfieldmo.gov.
Airport customers could have extra long waits the next week or two as spring break continues to pack the airport.
The rush began a week ago, on Friday, March 14. The federal agency responsible for screening, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was unprepared for the crowds. The end result: afternoon security screening lines were sometimes 25 minutes long (meaning that it sometimes took people a full 25 minutes to get through the security line). Ten minutes is considered the acceptable wait time for our airport. I would guess that most Springfield customers expect a five minute wait or less.
TSA officials tell us they have adjusted staffing levels, but both they, and airport administration, are concerned that extra long lines could occur again–especially this Sunday. The airlines report that all Sunday flights are booked at, or near, capacity.
Normally we recommend customers arrive at the airport an hour-and-a-half before their flight leaves. This is what we consider the minimum amount of time people should allow for check-in and clearing security–this amount of time even allows for unanticipated delays. However, this Sunday, and for the next week or two, we recommend customers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight is scheduled to leave. Better to arrive early than to miss a flight!
The extended hours and fee waiver for Springfield-Greene County residential ice-storm debris continue through March 30, 2008 at the Yardwaste Recycling Center. The YRC will be closed, however, for Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
Except for Easter Sunday this weekend, the YRC will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays through March 30. The YRC is closed on Mondays.
In order to speed up the drop-off process, the City has placed a short form customers are asked to fill out on the City Web site homepage: springfieldmo.gov. Customers may wish to print and fill out the form in advance of going to the YRC.
The temporary brush collection site at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill will continue to accept ice storm debris free of charge from Springfield-Greene County residents.
To conserve limited disposal space at the YRC, commercial customers and residential customers with large loads (trailers with tandem axles) are encouraged to take these larger loads to the landfill. Commercial customers will be charged the standard disposal fees at the YRC, but commercial customers can take storm debris to the landfill at no charge through March 30.
At the Landfill, there is no restriction on the size of limbs and brush except that individuals must be able to unload their own debris. No stumps and root balls are permitted at the drop-off site, but can be taken to an adjacent area of the landfill. There is a charge of $28.65 a ton for stumps, tree trunks and rootballs.
Both facilities are available to citizens as part of the City’s voter-approved Integrated Solid Waste Management System.
Directions to the Yardwaste Recycling Center – Go west on Sunshine (U.S. 60), turning left (South) onto Farm Road 115. Turn left (East) onto Farm Road 164 and follow the signs to the Yardwaste Recycling Center.
Directions to the Landfill – Go north on Missouri 13 (Kansas Expressway) 9 miles from the Interstate 44 intersection to Farm Road 34. Go left on Farm Road 34 – follow the signs to the Landfill entrance. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Approximately 4:25 pm this afternoon American Airlines flight 731, enroute from LaGuardia Airport (New York City) to Dallas/Ft. Worth International), declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). The flight crew reported smoke/fire in the cockpit.
The aircraft, an MD80, with 120 people on board, landed safely at SGF at about 4:35 pm. The plane was met by Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) and the Springfield Fire Department.
The plane stopped short of the terminal while the flight crew and ARFF searched for a fire. After about ten minutes the flight crew determined there was a lingering smell of smoke in the cabin, possibly caused by a florescent light. The plane pulled up to the terminal and the passengers were unloaded.
The American Airlines office at SGF is currently rebooking passengers and it appears most will spend the night in Springfield. It is my understanding that the airplane is grounded until examined by mechanics.
The aircraft tail number is N499AA.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is closing some parks as a precautionary measure, as water levels continue to rise throughout the community.
At this time, Lake Springfield Park, 2312 S. Kissick Road, and Rivercut Golf Course, 2850 W. Farm Road 190, are the only two parks that have been closed to the public. Portions of trails at the Valley Water Mill Park, 2300 E. Valley Water Mill Road, also are underwater.
City Utilities reports that Lake Springfield reached record levels on Sept. 25, 1993, at 1,146.7 feet above sea level. Today at 4:15 p.m., the lake was at 1,146.6 feet above sea level. The Lake is expected to crest at a level of 1,148 feet.
An updated version of the City Manager's Powerpoint presentation on proposed budget reductions at Monday night's Council workshop is now available at:
This version updates the running totals of the reductions because of a math error on a proposed food-service inspection fee noted in the Health Department transfer from the General Fund. It also corrects the page on "Employee Reductions Through Attrition" by noting "four engineer techs" instead of "engineers."
The City Council at its second budget workshop today outlined a process in which Councilmembers and the public can submit suggestions for budget reductions for review during the Council’s budget sessions over the next several weeks.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to address Council about the 2008-09 budget discussions at a special public-input meeting set for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 31, in Council Chambers.
Budget ideas or suggestions also can be submitted in writing either via e-mail to: city@springfieldmo.gov or via hard copy to City Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, Mo., 65801.
The final deadline for the public to submit ideas for consideration in the budget process is Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Councilmembers agreed to submit their initial suggestions or questions about possible reductions by Tuesday, March 25. They also agreed on a final deadline of April 8 to submit final ideas to the City Manager’s Office.
The City Manager’s staff will review the Council and citizen budget reduction suggestions and report to Council on which suggestions are legal and appropriate to include in the discussions for the 2008-09 budget.
Under the City Charter, the Manager’s Office has to present a completed budget to Council annually by May 1.
Citizens can stay updated on the Council budget discussions on the City Web site’s CityConnect feature: www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect. All of the documents presented to Council at the budget workshops will be posted there. There also is a link to the complete City budget.
In addition, citizens can watch the meetings via TV23’s videostreaming on CityConnect; the Monday and Tuesday workshops will be posted in their entirety by Wednesday morning. The Monday night workshop also will air on TV23 for Mediacom subscribers at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday March 19; 3:30 p.m., Friday, March 21; and 8:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22. Watch CityConnect for updated air times for today’s workshop meeting continuation.
There have been two fatality crashes in Springfield during the first two months of 2008, compared to none during the same period last year. Injury crashes and total crashes were both down by 3 percent and 8 percent respectively over the same period last year. There were 1,130 total crashes in January and February. Traffic crash statistics are tracked by the Public Works Department.
This year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week will be observed April 7-11, 2008. In springtime, road construction and maintenance projects will be picking up again on Springfield’s roads.
The reality of work-zone crashes is often underestimated, especially by drivers. But a national study suggests that across the nation there is an average of three work-zone fatalities (one every 8.2 hours) and 160 work-zone injuries (one every 9 minutes) every day. In more than four out of five work-zone fatalities, the victim is in the vehicle, which indicates that it is not only the workers who are at high risk. In 2007, there were 71 work-zone related traffic crashes with 20 injuries and no fatalities reported within the City of Springfield, which is about a 10 percent decrease in all work zone crashes compared to 2006.
Everyone is responsible for work zone safety. Here are a few tips for driving safely:
• Slow down. Speeding is the number one cause of work-zone crashes.
• Be alert and pay attention to the signs and workers.
• Obey signs and flaggers. They
