EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The city seeks a new planner, Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy told city leaders during a March 18 work session at the Hall of Waters. The last planner left March 9 to work in the private sector, Mehaffy said. She will serve as planner while the city seeks a replacement, with the hope someone is secured within roughly two months, she said. “You will see us advertising (for) two positions,” Mehaffy said. “We’re not hiring two positions. We’ll be … advertising (for) a planner position and a senior planner to see what we get in the way of applications for both positions, so that we can make a decision on which direction to go.” OTHER NEWS In other Excelsior Springs economic development news, Mehaffy announced the city had written 296 building permits as of March 18. The permits issued by the city had a value “$7.6 million,” Mehaffy said. “We’ve not begun our busy season yet, but we’re seeing a very busy year coming towards us,” Mehaffy said.