· 2008-119: Accepting a Hutchins Telecom, Inc. sanitary sewer construction bid of $82,902.50, for work in the vicinity of Harvard Avenue and Timber Rock Place and terms.
· 2008-120: Accepting a Hutchins Telecom, Inc. sanitary sewer construction bid of $199,045.85, for work in the vicinity of Summit Avenue at Talmage Street and terms.
· 2008-121: Pertaining to sanitary sewer construction needs in the vicinity of Benton Avenue at Talmage Street.
· 2008-123: "Initiating an application for amendment…to consider the name change of the 400 to 800 blocks of East Brower Street, between Jefferson Avenue and Sherman Avenue, to Bob Barker Street."
· 2008-098: Rezoning from Single-Family Residential to Medium Density Multi-Family district of property generally located on sections of 1221 and 1303 S. Kansas Avenue and 1744 W. Catalpa Street
· 2008-099: Rezoning from County R-1 zoning district to Low-Density Multi-Family Residential district of property generally located at 657 W. Plainview Road
· 2008-100: Accepting dedication of public streets and easements of The Woods at Weaver Creek Subdivision upon receipt of final plat substantially conforming to preliminary plat
· 2008-105: Authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept a Missouri Department of Transportation grant to complete Boonville Streetscape Phase 4
· 2008-106: Authorizing application for a $75,000 Emergency Shelter Grant with the Missouri Department of Social Services for sub granting to homeless service providers
· 2008-107: Amending the budget for the Department of Public Works in the amount of $450,000 and approving plans and awarding a construction contract to Nesbitt Construction, Inc. for the construction and renovation of 1216 W. Nichols.

All bills were passed unanimously by Council.

FAA Giving $5 Million to Springfield Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved a $5 million grant for the Springfield-Branson National Airport. The funds will go toward phase 5 of construction on the airport’s new midfield terminal. The FAA is providing $17.8 million of the project’s $116.9 million price tag, with most of the cost coming from user fees.

Bass Pro and Morris Give $12 Million to WOW
Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops announced they are giving $12 million to underwrite the $25 million Wonders of Wildlife expansion project. The fish and wildlife museum is expanding from 126,129 square feet to more than 200,000. The museum closed for expansion in December and plans to be open in the summer of 2009.

PETA Says Dickerson Is Bad News for Bears
PETA has sent a letter to the USDA asking them to investigate the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield after whistleblowers from within the zoo alleged mistreatment of two black bears. The zoo moved the bears last August, while repairs were being made to their enclosure. One of the bears has since been euthanized and PETA suspects confinement issues are the cause.

Missouri State Sets New Record for Fundraising
The Missouri State University Foundation, the fundraising arm for the university, has set a new record for monetary donations, with roughly two months left in its fiscal year, according to school officials. As of April 23, the foundation had raised $11,852,459; beating the 2005-2006 record of $11,826,286. Since the foundation was established, in 1981, it has raised $142 million in outright gifts and more than $31 million in deferred gifts.

Regents School Offers High Standing for Grads
Regents School of Psychology & Counseling will soon offer graduates of Evangel University’s masters of science in clinical or counseling psychology programs “advanced standing” for entrance into its doctoral program. According to Evangel officials, Regents will offer Evangel’s masters graduates a 10 percent tuition discount; the first such agreement they’ve made with any university.

Drury Debater Wins National Championship
Senior Spencer Harris helped bring home Drury University’s first national debate championship when he was awarded “top speaker” at the 2008 inaugural Lincoln Douglas Open Championship. Harris had an 11-0 record at the event, beating teams from several universities, including Washburn, Alabama, and Central Missouri. Drury’s cup is on display at Shewmaker Hall.

Evangel Students Attend Children’s Conference
Special Education students Sarah Gleason, Michael Ogle, Jeanine Bartels, Dana Kincaid, and Lauren Silva of Evangel recently attended the Council for Exceptional Children International Conference in Boston. The students were able to choose from more than 500 workshops on various topics of interest for teachers of special need students. LifeWorks, Evangel’s organization dedicated to leadership and life calling, sponsored the trip

MSU Students Place 3rd In Logistics Competition
Missouri State University students Casey Killian, Tess Nashed, Matt Keyes, Nic Brown, and Ryan Byrd finished in third place on April 4 at the Ohio State University’s Logistics Case Competition in Columbus, Ohio. The team worked on a case by Dow Chemical Company who was looking for a supply chain solution that would improve efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time.

KOZK Receives 100K Grant for Conversion
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced that it has awarded KOZK TV a grant of $106, 079 to help in the conversion from analog to digital broadcasting. The government has mandated all broadcasting be converted from analog to digital by 2009. The grant is said to help replace outdated equipment, which will also improve picture and sound quality.

CINEmerge Hosting Short Filmmakers Day
CINEmerge Entertainment Group will be hosting a short-film filmmakers contest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17 at the Creamery Arts Center. Local filmmakers are invited to show their works and be judged by the group. The winner of “Show Your Reel Day” will get a chance to direct the next “Project CINEmerge—Short Movie.” Writers and actors can also submit scripts and headshots to CINEmerge for participation in their next short film. For more details, go to cinemerge.com or e-mail info@cinemerge.com.

Take a Musical Trip Down Memory Lane on Route 66
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents, “Route 66: A Trip Down Memory Road.” The concert experience features the world premier video of historic Route 66 through the years set to music from the Sho-Me Statesmen, cast members from Springfield Little Theatre’s “The Taffetas”, and a special appearance by Elvis. Musical selections include “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” and selections from the musical, “Chicago.” The concert is on May 10 and begins at 7:30 p.m. with a pre-concert lecture starting at 6:30 p.m. and pre-concert music beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the Hammons Hall Box Office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849. Student rush tickets are available starting at 7 p.m. the evening of the concert for $5.

City Employees, Families to Show Juried Artwork
The Springfield Regional Arts Council will partner with the National Arts Program to offer an outlet for city employees and their families to show their artistic side. The program is open to all ages and skill levels. Artists can enter artwork in five categories: painting (oils, acrylic); works on paper (pencil, ink, watercolor, marker, pastel, crayon, charcoal); sculpture; photography (black-and-white and color); and craft (pottery, jewelry, wood carving, mixed media, weaving, and others). This exhibit will be juried and artists will receive awards. The deadline to register is May 12 and the show will open June 6 and run through June 30. For more information or to register call 417-862-ARTS (2787).

Evangel Student Media Wins 21 State Awards
Evangel University’s student media won 21 awards at the Missouri Collegiate Media Association’s annual conference in Joplin, Missouri. The student newspaper, The Lance, won a combined 16 awards in Division 3, including first place for: In-Depth News Reporting; News Photo; and Special Section. Entries were submitted from the spring and fall 2007 semesters. Excalibur, Evangel’s yearbook, won five awards including first place for Theme Development.

Hillcrest’s HTV Magazine Receives Student Emmy
Hillcrest High School’s student-produced broadcast, HTV Magazine, has won its third “National Student Award for Excellence,” or “Student Emmy.” Seniors Rachel Myers and Kendra Weatherford earned the Student Emmy in the news category for an investigative report on how easy it is for teenagers to buy alcohol online. Other HTV members earned NTA regional honors in the writing, sports, and technical achievement categories.

Assistance Applicants Must Return Applications
Residents who registered for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency need to complete and return the loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. To qualify for grant assistance covering personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses, they must submit an SBA loan application and be referred back to FEMA. For more information call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or go online to www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.

Environmental Award for Builders Association
The Home Builders Association received a “Choose Environmental Excellence” Business Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes Chamber members “whose efforts towards environmental stewardship serve as a model for business and industry.” The HBA has led the way for ‘green’ residential building and set an example by building its new office space according to ‘green’ guidelines.

Planet Smoothie Offers 99-Cent Smoothies Day
As part of a campaign to highlight the benefits of smoothies, Planet Smoothie has announced 99 Cents Smoothie Days. Starting May 7, the first Wednesday of the month (May through September) Planet Smoothie will offer one signature smoothie from a featured lifestyle category for 99 cents.

New Discount, Keepsake Program for Local Visitors
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau has started a new program to help visitors save money and create a keepsake of their visit. The “Passport to Family Fun” coupon book will offer discounts from 25 retailers, restaurants, and attractions. As the coupon is presented at a participating location the business will stamp the book with a unique stamp. Participating locations include: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World; Fantastic Caverns;, Springfield Cardinals; Animal Paradise Family Fun Park; Dickerson Park Zoo; Discovery Center; Ted E. Bear’s Toy Factory; Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; and Candy House Gourmet Chocolates. To receive a free Passport to Family Fun visit one of the bureau’s Tourist Information Centers at 3315 E. Battlefield Road, 815 E. St. Louis St., or Springfield-Branson National Airport. A printable version of the Passport also is available at www.vacationspringfield.com/passport.

Missouri State Teams With Security Certified Program
Missouri State University’s Computer Institute has teamed with Illinois-based Security Certified Program (SPC), LLC, to provide official SCP courses to students. The Computer Institute is part of MSU’s Extended Campus and offers information technology training. SCP develops training programs, which allow individuals to acquire the skills they need and earn certification as Security Certified Network Specialist, Security Certified Network Professional, and Security Certified Network Architect.

Computer Recycling Center Sets Record
The Computer Recycling Center recently partnered with KSFX Ozarks Fox for an e-waste clean up event and set a new one-day record. During the event on April 19 the center recycled more than 34 tons of televisions, computer equipment, microwaves, and bicycles. According to John Missildine, general manager, it was the largest one-day event in the center’s seven-year history. The Computer Recycling Center is located at 1434 N. National.

Click to read PDF	Drug Scheduling.pdf

(Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky was absent)

• 2008-108: Pertaining to sanitary sewer construction
• 2008-109: Regarding storm water improvements
• 2008-110: Approving reappointment of Mary Lilly Smith, Phil Broyles, and Rusty Worley and appointment of Kevin McGowan to the Heer’s Tower Community Improvement District Board of Directors
• 2008-111: Approving reappointment of Galen Pellham, Leroy Gott and Kimberly Carleton to Board of Directors of the Airport Plaza Community Improvement District
• 2008-082: Pertaining to grant acceptance in the amount of $10,000, designated to Public Works for fiscal year 2007-2008 from the Safe Kids Worldwide for their Walk This Way program
• 2008-083: An agreement between the city and Midwest Environmental Consultants to install & maintain two ground water monitoring wells
• 2008-084: Authorizing Planning and Development to use $52,475 of U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Grant funds for Community Development Block grants in fiscal year 2007-2008
• 2008-085: Accepting the $805,000 bid of U.S. Peroxide LLC to install odor control enhancements within the city’s sewer system in fiscal year 2007-2008
• 2008-094: Declaring the necessity of condemning rights of way over, under and through designated properties for the Swallow Street to Cardinal Street Drainage Improvement Project
• Carl Boswell, Thomas Whitson, and Robert Jones were reappointed to the Traffic Advisory Board

All passed unanimously by Council.

February 28, 2008

Kristin Vehrs, J.D., Executive Director
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
8403 Colesville Rd., Ste. 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314

Via e-mail: kvehrs@aza.org

Dear Ms. Vehrs:

After receiving a whistleblower report that Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Mo., was alleging transferring animals to a hunting ranch, PETA confirmed through a public-records request (documents enclosed) that the zoo recently transferred animals to questionable facilities, including an animal dealer whose affiliation with hunting ranches has been well-documented. We are writing to ask the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to immediately revoke Dickerson Park Zoo's accreditation and to ensure that the animals in question are retrieved and relocated to accredited facilities.

On October 2, 2007, the Dickerson Park Zoo "donated" a greater kudu and a female red kangaroo to Buddy Jordan, dba NBJ Zoological Park, in Spring Ranch, Texas. As I'm sure you know, investigative reports by KTBC-TV in Austin, Texas (July 2006), the San Jose Mercury News in California (February 1999), and Animal Underworld by Alan Green uncovered records showing that Jordan sold animals to hunting ranches, operators of exotic-animal auctions, exotic-animal breeders and dealers, unaccredited zoos, and "pet" owners.

The Dickerson Park Zoo also sold two Baringo giraffes to Los Jaboncillos Ranch in Premont, Texas, in April 2007, and transferred three red kangaroos and a red-necked wallaby to Dianna Tatum in Eagle Rock, Mo., in March 2007. Although we've been unable to determine if Los Jaboncillos Ranch is either of at least two hunting ranches with that same name in Texas, we do know that Dianna Tatum is a federally licensed animal dealer. She is also presumably related to the late Earl Tatum, whose permit to handle endangered species was revoked in 1990, as was his membership in the AZA.

The AZA's Disposition Policy prohibits sending animals to auction or hunting ranches and is intended to ensure that the welfare of individual animals is carefully considered. We believe that there is ample evidence that Dickerson Park Zoo violated this policy and therefore is not qualified to be accredited.

Thank you for giving this urgent matter your consideration. I look forward to your reply. I can be reached at 206-367-0228 or LisaW@peta.org.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wathne
Captive Exotic Animal Specialist

February 28, 2008

Bob Horton, Chair
Springfield-Greene County Park Board
1923 N. Weller
Springfield, MO 65803

Dear Mr. Horton and Board Members:

PETA is the world’s largest animal rights organization, with more than 1.8 million members and supporters dedicated to animal protection. After receiving a whistleblower report that Dickerson Park Zoo was allegedly transferring animals to a hunting ranch, PETA confirmed through a public records request (documents enclosed) that the zoo recently transferred animals to multiple questionable facilities, including an animal dealer whose affiliation with hunting ranches has been well-documented. We are writing to ask you to ensure that the animals who the zoo so unceremoniously dumped are retrieved and relocated to appropriate facilities and to implement a policy prohibiting the disposal of “surplus” zoo animals to unaccredited facilities.

On October 2, 2007, the zoo “donated” a Greater kudu and a female Red kangaroo to Buddy Jordan, a notorious animal dealer who has been featured in numerous media investigative reports. KTBC-TV in Austin, Texas (July 2006), the San Jose Mercury News in California (February 1999), and Animal Underworld by Alan Green all uncovered records showing that Jordan sold animals to hunting ranches, operators of exotic animal auctions, exotic-animal breeders and dealers, unaccredited zoos, and pet owners.

The zoo also sold two giraffes to Los Jaboncillos Ranch in Texas, in April 2007, and transferred three kangaroos and a wallaby to Dianna Tatum in Missouri, in March 2007. Although we’ve been unable to determine if Los Jaboncillos Ranch is either of at least two hunting ranches with that same name in Texas, we do know that Dianna Tatum is a federally licensed animal dealer, presumably related to the late Earl Tatum, whose permit to handle endangered species was revoked in 1990, as was his membership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

It is the zoo’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for the animals entrusted to its care for their entire lives. Its callous disposal of these animals is not only a violation of AZA policy, but a blatant betrayal of the animals and of caring zoo goers who expect far better treatment of animals at AZA facilities.

The Dickerson Park Zoo must retrieve these animals immediately and arrange for their lifetime care at suitable facilities. It must also curtail, if not halt altogether, breeding practices so unwanted animals are not produced only to be dumped into the burgeoning exotic animal trade, and a policy must be implemented to ensure that no animals from the zoo end up in the hands of exotic animal dealers and hunting ranches.

Thank you for your attention to this very important issue. May we please hear how the Springfield-Greene County Park Board intends to address this matter? I can be reached at 206-367-0228, 757-628-0784 (fax), or at LisaW@peta.org.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wathne
Captive Exotic Animal Specialist

Record of Acquisition, Disposition or Transport of Animals_Dickerson Park Zoo1.pdf

McKinney-Vento Act Facts

· The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (PL100-77) is the only major federal legislative response to homelessness.

· Title V of the McKinney-Vento Act imposes requirements on federal agencies to identify and make available surplus federal property, such as buildings and land, for use by states, local governments, and nonprofit agencies to assist homeless people.

· For more information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act go to http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/McKinney.pdf

Source: National Coalition for the Homeless Fact Sheet #18. Published June 2006.

Arrest Made for Exposing Self in Front of a Child
Randy Sloan, 55, of Springfield, was arrested based on probable cause for Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child, according to Springfield Police. The arrest was made after a mother called 911 after she became concerned her daughter had seen Sloan standing naked in front of his residence on south Arcadia Avenue. Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child is a Class D Felony in Missouri.

PETA Wants Dickerson to Lose Accreditation
According to from the People for the Ethical Treatment Animals (PETA), the Dickerson Park Zoo recently donated a greater kudu and a red kangaroo to an animal dealer known to have sold animals to hunting ranches. Since learning of the donation, they have contacted the director of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums urging the organization to revoke the zoo’s accreditation.

Candidate for County Administrator Position
Tony Bleau, the husband of Assistant Prosecutor Janette Bleau, announced his candidacy for the Republican Party’s nomination for the position of Greene County Public Administrator. Bleau is currently working with the legal department at St. John’s Health Systems, and formerly worked with the Law Firm of Franke, Schultz, and Mullen.

Feinstein Challenge to Raise Money for Hunger
For the 11th year in a row, Alan Feinstein is offering $1 million for non-profit, anti-hunger agencies who raise money to fight hunger in America from March 1-April 30. The Springfield Victory Mission will receive a portion of the money, with a greater portion coming with the more raised. To donate, or to find out more, call 417-864-2216.

Police Dept. Academy to Run March -August
The Springfield Police Department began its 58th police academy on March 3. Twenty- one recruits will receive 1,008 hours of classroom instruction and practical application. The academy class will graduate on August 22, after which they will participate in a Field Training Program where they will work with an officer for an additional 360 hours.

Voter Survey Held on City Pension Scarcity
Springfield recently set up a phone survey of registered voters to test attitudes regarding the use of a designated public safety sales tax to fund the Police/Fire Pension system deficit. The ETC INSTITUTE of Olathe, Kansas conducted the survey on February 29 in order to provide City Council members with empirical data as it prepares the 2008-2009 budget.

Evangel Spring Breaks to be Spent on Missions
According to Evangel University, at least 203 of the school’s students, faculty, and staff participated in mission trips designed to serve others during their spring break February 29- March 9. Sixteen different groups traveled across the United States, and to 11 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Town Hall Meeting on Prescription Drugs Held
A town hall meeting discussing the abuse of prescription drugs by teenagers was held on March 4 at Willard South Elementary. A panel of experts talked about the dangers of teenagers using prescription drugs with parents and community members. The Community Partnership Support Center and the Willard Community 2000 team hosted the forum.

History of Greene County Circuit Clerks

· Charles T Bullock: 1833-38
· C D Terrell: 1838-39
· John C Farmer: 1839-40
· Joshua Davis: 1840-53
· A G McCracken: 1854-59
· F J Abernathy: 1860-61
· J W D L F Mack: 1861-621
· M J Humble: 1862-66
· John L Lisenby: 1866-71
· R A Mack: 1872-74
· J H Payne: 1875-78
· J R Ferguson: 1879-86
· W W Donham: 1887-94
· J M Yarbrough: 1895-1902
· T A Nicholson: 1903-10
· Sam A Reed: 1911-18
· James C Hale: 1919-26
· Guy C Gibbs: 1927-34
· Josephine Gibbs: 1934
· Jack McKee: 1935
· James S Johnson: 1935-46
· BH Harry Nicholson: 1947-70
· Troy Garrison: 1971-72
· Melvin Payne: 1972-73
· Michael A Carr: 1973-2008 - 35 years of dedicated Public Service! Thank You!

Source: Records of Greene County Courts

• June 2004: Pythian owners request business application information

• September 2004: Told business type not allowed in G/I zoning, told to rezone to PD

• November 2004: Submitted Planned Development Application, received Administrative Review

• January 2005: Planning and Zoning Hearing, subsequent approval of planned development

• February 2005: Two City Council Hearings, walk-through of facility granted, told only theater would need sprinklers, public capacity must be limited to 300 occupants, and only catered food would be allowed.

• May 2005: Fire Hydrant flow test conducted

• August 2005: Exit lights updated

• October 2005: Business application rejected

• December 2005: Installed new fire extinguishers

• December 2005: Letter received informing Pythian to cease all business due to non-response. City demands installation of front handrail within one month, driveway apron within two months, complete parking and driveway in six months

• January 2006: Applied for and granted Administrative Subdivision

• February 2006: Resubmitted plans addressing 12/05 Plan Review

• June 2006: Hydrant flow test rejected by city

• August 2006: City demands 26-foot wide driveway

• January 2007: Water line break at Pythian affords opportunity for owners to add new hydrant while repairing water line, city refuses

• May 2007: Resubmittal of plans to city, city issues a cease operations letter

• May 2007: Survey of property conducted

• August 2007: City demands resubmittance of plans by 8/27, Pythian owners respond by 8/23

• September 2007: Plan Review comments received for plans submitted

• October 2007: City Attorney, Carl Yenis, contacts Pythian, fire marshal inspection follows and city changes policy to recognize private fire hydrants.

• November 2007: Pythian owners voluntarily agree to shut down to complete city requirements. Second fire hydrant permit request denied, electrical permit for exit lights denied, city orders self-luminous exit lights, reinspection request denied. Submitted letter to U.S. military requesting access to second hydrant blocked by 9/11 fencing in lieu of installing a new hydrant. Shut down as dangerous building. Formal easement of record not found for implied easement used since 1954. Submit request for formal easement to Assemblies of God.

Source: Tamara Finnocchiaro, owner of Pythian Castle

Captital Improvements Program 2007-2012 - PDF

· Minimum age is 18 and 21 for wish granters
· Must fill out an application
· Must agree to a criminal background check ($9 fee)
· Organization will do a reference check
· All volunteers must undergo a 30-minute orientation and wish granters must receive four hours of extra training
· For more information call 417-873-9474

Sec. 2-43. Times when citizens may address council; written communications to council.
(c) Any person desiring to personally address the council on any matter not then before it shall notify the city clerk in writing of his desire, at least four days prior to the council meeting at which he wishes to appear.

Sec. 2-44. Manner of addressing council; time limit.
Each person addressing the city council shall step up to the city clerk's table, shall give his name and address for the records, and, unless further time is granted by the council, shall limit his address to five minutes. All remarks shall be addressed to the council as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the council, without the permission of the mayor. No question shall be asked a council member except through the presiding officer.

Sec. 2-45. Decorum.
(a) Council members. While the city council is in session, the members shall preserve order and decorum, and no member shall, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the council, or disturb any member while speaking, or refuse to obey the orders of the council or its mayor, except as otherwise provided in this article.
(b) Other persons. No person shall make personal, impertinent or slanderous remarks, or otherwise disturb the order and decorum of any council meeting. The sergeant-at-arms, at the direction of the mayor, shall remove any person violating the provisions of this subsection.
(c) Signs and displays. No person shall carry or display a sign inside the city council chambers or any other similar type of written communication which is carried or displayed, except nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from using visual materials when presenting a matter to the city council. The city council hereby determines that signs or displays in the council chambers may obstruct the view of citizens, can cause injury and affect the decorum of city council meetings, and are hereby prohibited for such reasons. The sergeant-at-arms shall inform citizens when signs or displays violate this section and shall remove the signs or displays from the council chambers or may cause citizens carrying such signs or displays to be removed from the council chambers.

Source: Springfield Municipal Code Section 2, sections 43-45

When to speak on concerns

Citizens may address the Council on any Council Bill on the Agenda under "Public Hearing," "First Reading," "Amended Bills," "Resolutions," or "Emergency Bills," at the time the item is discussed by City Council.

Setting an appointment

Citizens wishing to speak to the City Council are asked to register with the city clerk. This may be done by calling the city clerk's office prior to the meeting (417-864-1443), or by filling out one of the cards that are distributed at the meeting, and giving it to the city clerk.

When you are at the Council meeting

When the item is discussed, the city clerk calls the names of those persons wishing to speak to the issue. When your name is called, please step to the podium; state your name and address for the record, and the appropriate comments. The only restrictions on the comments are:
1. They must pertain to the subject being discussed, and
2. They are limited to five minutes.

To speak on issues not on that week's Agenda

Citizens wishing to address the Council regarding an issue not on the Agenda may speak under "Petitions, Remonstrances, and Communications."

To register to speak under this provision, the citizen must register with the city clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, prior to the meeting. At the appropriate time in the meeting, the mayor will call your name. Please step to the podium; state your name and address for the record, and your comments. Again, the comments are to be limited to five minutes.

For additional information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk, 417-864-1651.

Source: City of Springfield website, addressing council: www.ci.springfield.mo.us/egov/citycouncil/addressing.html

Persons wishing to testify before the City Council must follow these rules:

1. Speaker's cards are available for those wishing to speak to City Council.
2. The cards must be given to the City Clerk prior to the item being discussed. Please fill in all of the information, indicating the agenda item you wish to address and if you are "for" or "against" that issue.
3. Proponents of the issue will be asked to present their information, then the opponents will be asked to testify.
4. Approach the podium and state your name and address clearly for the record.
5. Please give your testimony as briefly and completely as possible. By the rules of the City Council you have five (5) minutes within which to give your testimony. The City Clerk will set the lights when you begin speaking. The green light will remain on for 4.5 minutes; the yellow light indicates you have 30 seconds to complete your comments. When the red light comes on, you must stop speaking.
6. Please, do not repeat testimony that has been given previously. We want you to state your facts, but limit your information to only new information.
7. Everyone is invited to speak, however, if you have a spokesman, please allow him or her to speak without interrupting for applause or other demonstrations.
8. Remember that this is a Public Hearing and all sides have a right to give testimony. Please respect their right to do so.
9. The City Council of the City of Springfield through this introduction, accepts into evidence all elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code of the City of Springfield being Chapter 36, Article 1, Zoning, and Article 11, Subdivision Regulations, Records of Proceedings and recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission, reports and recommendations of the City's staff, and other written documentation presented at that information applies to each public hearing.

Thank You For Your Consideration And Understanding.

Source: Hand out available at all City Council Meetings

Internal Auditor Priorities

1. City Loan Program
2. Accounting Controls in City Departments
3. Controls over Seized Properties
4. City Service Center
5. City Purchasing Cards
6. Hotel/Motel Room Tax
7. Change Orders
8. Fuel Credit Cards
9. Better Controls over Fuel Purchases
10. Competitively Bidding for Beverage Products
11. Vehicle Usage
12. Leased Space
13. Cellular Phones
14. Review Internal Service Funds
15. Outstanding Checks
16. Council and Board Meeting Minutes

Source: “Summary of Actions Taken or to be Taken List” prepared by City Manager Bob Cumley and Deputy Evelyn Honea. Document was passed out at the Special Council luncheon meeting on December 11, 2007.

Changes Already Made or in Progress

· Vendor List
· Passenger Facility Charge
· Fuel Credit Cards
· Better Controls over Fuel Purchases
· Controls over Seized Property
· Outstanding Checks
· Heers Tower
· Jordan Valley Ice Park and Car Park
· Police and Fire Pension Fund
· Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Accruals
· LAGERS for Contract Employees
· Workers Compensation Fund
· Improve Documentation for Consulting Work Contracts
· Contract Terms and Renewals
· Contracts for Background Checks – Documentation
· Retirement Benefits for Spouse
· City Loan Program
· Accounting Controls in City Departments

Source: “Summary of Actions Taken or to be Taken List” prepared by City Manager Bob Cumley and Deputy Evelyn Honea. Document was passed out at the Special Council luncheon meeting on December 11, 2007.

Kansas City Auditor Description

(a) Appointment: The mayor and Council shall appoint a city auditor to serve at their pleasure.
(b) Qualifications: The city auditor must be a certified public accountant, or a person
specially trained and experienced in governmental or business investigation or administration.
(c) Duties: The city auditor shall:
-----(1) Provide information to Council. Keep the Council informed as to the work performed, methods, and financial affairs of the city; however, the city auditor shall not be responsible for the keeping of accounts;
-----(2) Conduct investigations into the work of the departments. Carry on a continuous investigation of the work of all departments, boards, commissions and other offices of the city, and shall report to the Council from time to time, and at least once each year, the methods and results of their operations;
-----(3) Conduct other investigations. Make any other investigations as the Council may direct;
-----(4) Establish standards. Establish standards by which the City Auditor’s office will operate when conducting its work.
(d) Access to information:
-----(1) City information. The city auditor shall have access to all books and records of all departments, boards, commissions, and other offices, of the city. The city auditor may require the appearance of any official, officer, agent or employee of any department, board, commission or other office for the purpose of examining that person under oath or affirmation. The city auditor, or an assistant, may administer an oath or affirmation for that purpose.
-----(2) Other information. The city auditor shall have the power to summon any person to be examined under oath or affirmation. The city auditor, or an assistant, may administer an oath or affirmation for that purpose. The city auditor may require the production of documents or other things from any person necessary to meet the responsibilities of the office. The city auditor may issue necessary process, including a subpoena or subpoena deuces tecum, to compel attendance or the production of documents or other things.
(e) Suspension or permanent removal from office: The city auditor may be suspended
or removed from office by a majority vote of the mayor and Council.
(f) Temporary appointment: In case of resignation, disability, suspension or removal from office, the Mayor shall designate some qualified person to temporarily perform
the duties of the office and the appropriate compensation to be paid that person, subject to ratification by a vote of at least six additional members of the Council. In all other instances of the temporary absence of the city auditor, the city auditor shall designate an acting city auditor.

Source: Kansas City, Missouri, City Charter Section 213-215. Reserved.

Disaster Response Action Committee Final Report Executive Summary With Appendix

http://www.missouri-finance.org/Contribute%20Documents/2007PaydayLenderSurvey.pdf

October 3 letter to Economic Development Director Mary Lilly Smith
“There does not seem to be a desire by the TIF Commission or the City to enter into open and fair competition for the development of these projects.”

October 5 interview with Vincent David Jericho on KSGF radio
Baier: “My only reluctance to do business in Springfield would be, if there’s a public bid type process. Maybe I don’t understand all the politics in that type of thing, and I would push away from doing that. But as far as private development, where I go down and look for a site to build a medical project or retail or whatever the case might be or another hotel, I’m all for that because I like Springfield.”
Vince: “So, private development, love to do; dealing with the City of Springfield, you’d have to think twice?”
Bair: “Yeah, I’d have to think a couple of times, there.”

October 22 City Council meeting
“We don’t feel that we’ve been mistreated in any way, shape or fashion on this process. We’re definitely interested in working with the city.”

• Defining "public use" to provide that the public benefits of economic development, including an increase in tax base, tax revenues, employment, or general economic health, standing alone, shall not constitute a public use;
• Recommending that in redevelopment situations, the power to exercise eminent domain be taken out of the hands of private developers and given to government agencies whose officials are elected or appointed and accountable to the people;
• Prohibiting the acquisition of farm land through the use of eminent domain for economic development;
• Recommending that the definition of blight be tightened to include additional factors, above and beyond the factors listed in the current definition of blight, before land can be blighted for eminent domain;
• Providing meaningful and independent judicial review of legislative designations of blight; and
• Limiting to five years the authorization to acquire land which has been blighted

On July 13, 2006, Governor Matt Blunt signed House Bill 1944, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs. The legislation prohibits the use of eminent domain solely for economic development purposes. The bill contained 16 of the 18 recommendations introduced by his Eminent Domain Task Force.

Sources: Final Report and Recommendations of the Missouri Eminent Domain Task Force, July 13, 2006 Press Release from the Office of Governor Matt Blunt

• Facilities for pedestrians and bicycles for transportation purposes
• Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites
• Scenic or historic highway programs including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities
• Landscaping and other scenic beautification
• Historic preservation.
• Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities including historic railroad facilities and canals
• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors including conversion and use for pedestrian and bicycle trails
• Control and removal of outdoor advertising
• Archaeological planning and research
• Mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff
• Establishment of transportation museums