Mark Spohn will continue leading the city as the Excelsior Springs City Council unanimously re-elected him as mayor.

Council members also unanimously named Reggie St. John as the new mayor pro tem, the role previously filled by Stephen Spear.

Spohn won re-election to his council seat earlier this month.

Following the leadership selections, council members turned their attention to approving a $1.1 million purchase of a new rescue pumper for the fire department. The new Pierce Enforcer vehicle will replace a 13-year-old rescue pumper and will be funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund. Assistant Fire Chief Zac St. John said the cost includes a $100,000 equipment allowance to update outdated rescue tools.

“This new vehicle will not only enhance our department’s ability to respond to fires but also improve its capabilities during medical emergencies, vehicle rescues, hazmat incidents and other critical situations,” explained St. John. The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee recommended the lease option on March 18, he said, and the purchase was secured through a cooperative pricing program.

Council members also voted to waive a $225,163.97 lien on the former Royal Hotel property at 201 South Street, hoping to make way for redevelopment. The lien was tied to the city’s emergency demolition of a partially collapsed section of the building in 2021. Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy stated the lien had become a developer hurdle.

“In all of our conversations that we’ve had with potential developers who have an interest in the remaining building, the idea of a lien on the building is becoming an impediment,” said Mehaffy. The demolition costs covered asbestos abatement, site securing, utility disconnection and assistance from the fire department. Water used during the demolition was not included in the total cost.

The council addressed another long-term project by approving a revised conservation easement for the Hall of Waters, a condition for securing a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant. The revised easement reduces the original 50-year requirement to 15 years, following a request from the National Park Service. Mehaffy emphasized the change would simplify management for both the city and the State Historic Preservation Office. The updated easement also includes photos of important architectural elements, such as terrazzo floors, elevator doors and the building’s front facade, which must be preserved during future renovations.

Turning to city facilities, the council approved a new preventative maintenance contract for the Excelsior Springs Community Center. The contract with Quality Plumbing totals $20,980 and covers plumbing, boiler and HVAC systems. Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the agreement would help relieve pressure on maintenance staff and represents cost savings compared to the previous contract, which was budgeted at $40,000.

“This has been extremely helpful with the facility,” stated Williams. “It doesn’t put all that stress on one maintenance person to do all of that preventative stuff.”

The contract will begin May 1.

In other business, the council adopted an updated Title VI plan for the city’s transit system, as required by federal regulations tied to the 5311-grant program. Public Works Director Chad Birdsong believes the plan ensures compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, guaranteeing service without regard to race, color or national origin.

The plan must now be updated annually and outlines the city’s efforts to reach individuals with limited English proficiency through public notices, brochures and meetings.

The council also approved changes to zoning regulations for the R-4 medium-density residential district. Community Development Director Mallory Brown

explained the amendment allows for medium-density apartment buildings, two-family homes and senior congregate living. A previous requirement for a planned district for two-family housing was removed at the council’s request. The update includes new density limits and landscaping requirements aimed at expanding housing options.

Additionally, Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the city’s financial report for March, showing total appropriations of $2,023,021.54, including payroll, and revenues of $2,158,386.45.

“The appropriations are in accordance with the city’s purchasing policy,” said Floyd. No action was required from the council.

Board appointments were also discussed, with City Manager Molly Mc-Govern

noting that several vacancies exist on the Board of Zoning Adjustments, Community Center Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and the CID Vintage Board. Current applicants have been reviewed and more positions will be advertised at the end of April.

“Hopefully, you’ve had those transmittals that include the applicants and staff who also provide you with any comments they have,” said McGovern.

Council members concluded with remarks about recent community events. Councilman Gary Renne praised the success of the State of the City address, the mayor’s Block Party Challenge and the comprehensive plan rollout.

“It was a wonderful week,” said Renne. “I was proud to be a citizen of our city on each level.”

Spear reminded attendees of the upcoming Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, while St. John highlighted a downtown initiative to keep shops open late on Thursday evenings starting in May.

“I double dog dare you,” said Spohn, encouraging residents to support local businesses.