Agenda posted for September 6 Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Council Meeting Agenda
September 6, 2016 - 6:30 p.m.

1.

ROLL CALL.

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. August 22, 2016 - Regular, August 23, 2016 - Special, And August 30, 2016 - Special.

3.

FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME.

4.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5.

CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.

6.

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On.

7.

Council Bill 2016-196. (Schilling)

A special ordinance approving the City Utilities Annual Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2017.

Documents:

1. 2016-196.PDF

8.

Amended Council Bill 2016-197. (Hosmer)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the Springfield, Missouri City Code, known as the Land Development Code, Article III, Division VI, Section 36-483 related to off-street parking area design standards to allow alternative residential off-street parking surfaces.

Documents:

1. 2016-197AMENDED.PDF

9.

Council Bill 2016-198. (Fulnecky)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the Springfield, Missouri City Code, known as the Land Development Code, Article II, Division IV, Section 36-247 related to Subdivision Regulations to modify lot dimension and location requirements.

Documents:

1. 2016-198.PDF

10.

Council Bill 2016-199. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the Springfield, Missouri, City Code, known as the Land Development Code, Article II, Division I, by adding a new section concerning proposed amendments entitled “Amendments” thereto, said section to be Section 36-214.

Documents:

1. 2016-199.PDF

11.

Council Bill 2016-200. (McClure)

A special ordinance authorizing an Amended and Restated Plan for an Industrial Development Project and Cost Benefit Analysis for, and a First Amendment to Performance Agreement with, Kraft Heinz Foods Company, related to $26,000,000 (Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount) City of Springfield, Missouri, Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (Kraft Foods Group, Inc. Project) Series 2012.

Documents:

1. 2016-200.PDF

12.

Council Bill 2016-201. (McClure)

A general ordinance amending Springfield City Code Chapter 74, Nuisance and Housing Code, to provide for nuisance-abatement notice to occupants of properties that are not owner-occupied.

Documents:

1. 2016-201.PDF

13.

Council Bill 2016-202. (Stephens)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for the College Street Route 66 Phase 2 project, Plan No. 2015PW0074TE; and the College and Broadway West Extension project, Plan No. 2016PW0005WTE; accepting the bid of Hunter Chase & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $1,145,608.00 for these projects; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2016-202.PDF

14.

RESOLUTIONS.

15.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

16.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

17.

GRANTS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

18.

Council Bill 2016-209. (Stephens)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health; to support activities aimed at assessing community mental health as well as an action plan to help the Springfield community take the next steps in addressing the myriad challenges that citizens with mental health concerns present; and amending the budget of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, to appropriate grant funds.

Documents:

1. 2016-209.PDF

19.

AMENDED BILLS.

20.

COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING.

21.

FIRST READING BILLS. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On.

22.

Council Bill 2016-210. (Burnett)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an amended Contract of Obligation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources whereby the Cityagrees to financially secure the future closure and post-closure care of all currently active and previously completed portions of the City’s Sanitary Landfill by adding $178,304 to its existing Contract of Obligation to account for inflation.

Documents:

1. 2016-210.PDF

23.

Council Bill 2016-211. (McClure, Hosmer, Fulnecky, And Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code by repealing language contained in Chapter 118 Vehicles for Hire, and adding new regulations for Transportation Network Companies and Drivers.  (The Finance and Administration Committee recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2016-211.PDF

24.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

25.

NEW BUSINESS.

26.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

27.

MISCELLANEOUS.

28.

CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. See Item #3.

29.

Council Bill 2016-212. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance approving the transfer of the City’s interest in real property located at 820 West Brower Street to the Springfield Community Land Trust.

Documents:

1. 2016-212.PDF

30.

Council Bill 2016-213. (Burnett)

A special ordinance approving the transfer of the City’s interest in real property located at 1436 North Rogers Avenue to Springfield Community Gardens.

Documents:

1. 2016-213.PDF

31.

Council Bill 2016-214. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance approving the transfer of the City’s interest in real property located at 1839 North Tyler Avenue to Alice Mcgilvry.

Documents:

1. 2016-214.PDF

32.

CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS. See Item #3.

33.

Council Bill 2016-215. (McClure)

A resolution granting a new liquor license to sell retail liquor by the drink, including Sunday sales, to DS GILL, LLC, d/b/a Zayka Indian Cuisine, located at 311 South Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, Missouri, such license to include an enclosed sunroom and a patio measuring 16 feet by 14 feet on the South side of the building.

Documents:

1. 2016-215.PDF

34.

Council Bill 2016-216. (Fisk)

A resolution granting a new liquor license to sell retail liquor by the drink, including Sunday sales, to Fresh Ideas Management LLC, located at 900 North Benton, Springfield, Missouri, in Findlay Student Center.

Documents:

1. 2016-216.PDF

35.

Council Bill 2016-217. (Fulnecky)

A resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for a grant in the amount of $9,960.00 from the Missouri Department of Conservation to support native plant establishment and enhancement on the traffic islands at Sunset Street and Grant Avenue, and Sunset Street and Fort Avenue.

Documents:

1. 2016-217.PDF

36.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On.

37.

Council Bill 2016-204. (Fishel)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a License Agreement with Environmental Works, Inc., to install and maintain one monitoring well on a public right-of-way at the Kum & Go, L.L.C., located at 3030 South Jefferson Avenue, to monitor groundwater conditions at no cost to the City.

Documents:

1. 2016-204.PDF

38.

Council Bill 2016-205. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Environmental Works, Inc., to install and maintain eight monitoring wells on public right-of-ways to monitor groundwater conditions at no cost to the City.

Documents:

1. 2016-205.PDF

39.

BOARD CONFIRMATIONS.

Confirm the following appointment to the Public Housing Authority: Cheryl Clay with term to expire April 11, 2018.

40.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

41.

ADJOURN.

Audit: Buck Prairie Road District employees used tax money as personal bank

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway met with citizens in Marionville, just southwest of Springfield, to discuss the results of an audit of the Buck Prairie Special Road District, located in rural Lawrence County. The audit found the road district's financial condition suffered as a result of overspending, lax controls and little oversight by the board commissioners. In total, Auditor Galloway identified more than $65,000 in questionable and potentially inappropriate spending and payments. An additional $260,000 in payments were not properly documented.

"Special road districts provide a valuable service across Missouri, ensuring roads are safe and passable in the most rural parts of the state," Auditor Galloway said. "However, in this case, the board operated informally, and with little oversight, which created opportunities for errors and misuse of funds. Residents rightfully requested this audit, and my team has identified concerns, and made recommendations to help develop procedures to prevent future losses."

Employees of the road district were allowed to make personal purchases with district charge accounts, operating on a honor system to reimburse the district, and thereby avoiding paying sales tax. In one example, an employee used district funds to purchase tires for his personal vehicle and only reimbursed the district after being questioned about the purchase by local law enforcement officers. In other cases, the district paid employees for repairs or expenses, but did not require or keep any documentation to provide an explanation for the expense. For example, the district reimbursed an employee for airline tickets to Florida without requiring proof of the cost of the tickets or an explanation of how the expense related to the operation of the district.

The board did not solicit bids for major purchases, including payments for rock and dirt hauling services, with no bidding process and no explanation as to why the district-owned dump trucks were not used instead of employees' personal vehicles. More than $20,000 worth of hauling services were purchased from and paid to the board foreman and his business, along with $5,000 worth of services paid directly to the wife of a commissioner, with a check signed by that commissioner, raising concerns about conflicts of interest in payments.

Residents of the district petitioned the Auditor's Office for review after raising concerns related to the road district's management and operations. The audit began last fall, after residents submitted the required signatures to complete the petition process and begin the audit. This is the first state audit for the district, which was created in 1902 to maintain rural roads near the city of Marionville, where the meeting was held. The complete audit report for the Buck Prairie Special Road District, which received an overall rating of "poor," can be found online here.

Nixa man injured in two-car collision near Springfield

A Nixa man was injured in a two-vehicle accident 4:55 p.m. today on U. S. 160, one mile south of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Chrysler van driven by Charles J. Robinson, 42, Springfield, struck a 2005 GMC pickup driven by Duane K. Willis, 52, Nixa, in the rear.

Willis was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 29-31

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Barbara E. Rohlman, 41, Sparta
Richard D. Buckhanon, 47, Brighton

Springfield Fire Department to accept $27,000 FEMA grant

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Today, the Springfield Fire Department will be officially accepting a $27,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help fund fire prevention and fire safety education efforts.

Each year, Springfield experiences more than 500 residential fires, resulting in an average 3.25 deaths, 17 injuries, and millions of dollars of property loss. “Our fire death rate is much higher than the national average,” said Springfield Fire Chief David Hall. “This problem is due in part to high levels of poverty in Springfield. It also disproportionately affects some of the most vulnerable in our community—children under the age of 5.”

Recently, the department partnered with Springfield Public Schools’ “Parents as Teachers” (PAT) program to provide fire safety education in the homes of children under the age of 5. Under the guidance of the Springfield Fire Department public education section, PAT educators conduct residential fire safety surveys, serving some of the most vulnerable Springfield citizens. The results of these surveys were shocking—53% of PAT families do not have adequate smoke alarms, 50% have no fire extinguisher, and few have an escape ladder. Many aspects of fire safety require an adjustment in behavior, which is something the families can do at no cost. However, these aspects of fire safety are more expensive than many families can afford. The cost of escape ladders, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers quickly becomes a burden they cannot bear.

In order to combat fire safety issues, the Fire Department has provided fire safety resources to the community for many years, including free smoke alarms, educational materials and free programming. The Department has funded its public education program through public donations, grants and general revenue funds. In the last 3 years alone, the Fire Department has provided educational messaging to more than 130,000 citizens and installed nearly 2,000 smoke alarms and another 2,000 batteries.

Unfortunately, the additional needs of fire extinguishers, escape ladders, and additional smoke alarms exceeded the abilities of the Springfield Fire Department until now. The funding awarded will go towards buying 1000 smoke alarms, 250 fire extinguishers, 50 escape ladders, and a part-time program coordinator. The coordinator will work with families to create escape plans in conjunction with escape ladders; teach families how to use the provided extinguishers; and teach families how to install and maintain provided smoke alarms. These resources will be gifted into Springfield homes where children reside.

“This grant is going to make a world of difference to citizens in our community” said Hall. “It will protect children, reduce property damage and fire injuries, and maybe even save lives.”

This grant requires a 5% local match which will be paid for with Fire Department funds set aside for fire prevention efforts.

Springfield City Council updated on plan to reduce sewer overflows, protect water quality

(From the City of Springfield)

City Council received a refresher course Tuesday on a long-term plan they approved in November 2014 for Springfield to reduce sewer system overflows and protect water quality. Implementation of this plan will require moderate sewer rate increases over the next few years – but not nearly the rate increases that will occur in other cities.

State and federal regulators have required cities across the country to create long-term sewer overflow control plans to meet requirements of the 1972 federal Clean Water Act. They have entered into consent decrees with cities to determine what is needed to meet outlined standards and set required levels of community investments.

Springfield’s Overflow Control Plan (OCP) outlines the consent decree’s required $200 million in investments over the next 10 years to make much-needed improvements in the City’s aging sewer system. Springfield’s plan was approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in May of 2015 and is based upon Springfield’s environmental priorities as established in a first-of-its-kind Integrated Plan for the Environment.

“We believe that if it weren’t for our unique integrated planning approach, our plan would be considerably more expensive - up to $600 million dollars more than we are required to spend now,” said City Manager Greg Burris. “We are pleased that MDNR and EPA have been working alongside us on a plan that focuses investments on our highest priorities that provide the most benefit for our community.”

Springfield is not alone in spending large sums of money on reducing overflows. Cities across the nation are facing similar state or federal consent judgments to address sewer overflows during wet weather.

Consent decrees in Kansas City and St. Louis were $4.5 billion and $4.7 billion respectively. This will result in significant higher sewer rates in these other communities.

The plan will have three phases and at year nine, the City will re-evaluate and adapt the OCP according to findings and results achieved during the OCP implementation.

Springfield has invested heavily in upgrades to the sanitary sewer collection and treatment system over the years to serve the citizens of Springfield and to protect the water quality of the region.

Work, however, remains. State and federal enforcement of the Clean Water Act is becoming more stringent as the city’s wastewater infrastructure continues to age and require increasingly expensive maintenance.

City officials believe it’s important investment.

“We recognize there is a direct link between our region’s water quality and our economic vitality,” Burris said.

# # #

The Integrated Plan for the Environment is a joint project of the City, Greene County and City Utilities. Springfield is one of the first communities in the country to develop an Integrated Plan looking at how to better manage our area environmental priorities for air, water and land resources, while addressing regulatory requirements and working to keep unfunded mandates affordable.

(A chart of the proposed new sewer rates and industrial fees is included in the attached Powerpoint. City Council will vote on this issue later this fall.)

Springfield man sought in connection with violent crimes

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is searching for Thomas Elston, a 35-year-old male from Springfield. He is believed to be the subject responsible for violent crimes that have occurred in Springfield today. Elston is approximately 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He may be traveling in a black 2003 Honda Accord with Missouri plates, KK0L4H.

At approximately 12:44 a.m. today, Springfield police officers responded to a report of a disturbance and shots fired. Upon arriving, officers located an adult female victim who had received a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Officers located the suspect vehicle in the area of Sunset and National and made a traffic stop. They contacted a female driver, Amber Gilmartin, and a male passenger, believed to be Elston, who matched the suspect description. Elston fled on foot from officers, and Gilmartin was detained and booked into Greene County Jail on a warrant. Officers attempted to apprehend the male but were unable to do so. A perimeter was established, and a K9 track was conducted but was unsuccessful.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Springfield police received a report of a robbery in the 1200 block of E. Broadmoor. A male, matching the description of Elston, had gained entry into a home which was unoccupied at the time. When the female resident entered her home, she located the male inside. He threatened her with a knife and proceeded to tie her up. She was able to get free and flee to a neighbor’s home, and she was uninjured. The male then stole the victim’s car and left the scene.

If anyone has any information about Elston or his whereabouts, please call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477 (TIPS).

Springfield teen injured after flying out of pickup

A Springfield teen was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9 p.m. Tuesday on Setting Sun Drive, a half mile south of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Dodge PK driven by Kyle D. Shelton, 20, Springfield, drove through a ditch causing a passenger, Keith B. Taylor, 18, Springfield, who was riding in the bed of the vehicle to fly into the air. When he fell back into the bed of the pickup, he injured himself.

Taylor was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Portion of Catalpa Street to close this week

(From City of Springfield)

Catalpa Street at the MNA railroad crossing west of Kansas Expressway will be closed starting Tuesday, Aug. 30-Thursday, Sept. 1, weather permitting, to begin work for the replacement of the existing railroad crossing and roadway surfaces. 

Drivers are advised to use an alternate route.

Four Springfield street closed overnight for paving

(From the City of Springfield)

The following streets will be closed overnight beginning Monday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Sept. 1 for milling and paving of the street surfaces:

East Division Street from North National Avenue to North Mayfair Avenue.
North National Avenue from East Pythian Street to East Brower Street.
North Hampton Avenue from East Central Street to East Pythian Street.
South Campbell Avenue from Sout South Avenue to East Primrose Street.

Closures will begin at 7 p.m. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for posted signage and flagmen.

Two injured in accident on U. S. 60

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 11:45 a.m. today on U. S. 60, two miles east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville driven by Jim F. Pope, 77, Ozark, failed to yield while crossing U. S. 60 and was struck by a 1988 Ford F-250 driven by Dalayna A. Baird, 21, Ava.

Pope was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield. Baird was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield police looking for endangered, possibly suicidal missing person

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a missing and endangered person and is asking for the public’s assistance. Lanny D. Jackson, 70, went missing from his home in the 1900 block of E. Ridgewood Dr. in Springfield as of 11 a.m. Aug. 27. Jackson left in a silver Toyota Highlander (MO license plates, YG6P6Y).

Jackson is on medication and may be considered suicidal. He is 6 feet 1 inch, weighs 220 pounds, and has gray hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Jackson’s whereabouts is asked to call 911.

Whiteheads of Ash Grove honored during Farm Family Day at Missouri State Fair

(From University of Missouri Extension)

Rick and Brenda Whitehead and family of Ash Grove were among the families honored during the Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 15 at the Missouri State Fair.

The Whitehead family was selected as the Greene County Missouri Farm Family by the Greene County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. The family includes their daughters Angela Perusse and Carrisa Thomas and grandchildren too.

Each year, the state fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state who are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.

The Whitehead family operates a successful hog operation south of Ash Grove and has been showing hogs at the Ozark Empire Fair for 40 years. The Whitehead's children and grandchildren have been actively involved as members and leaders in 4-H Clubs and FFA. The Whiteheads themselves have also been very involved in the Ash Grove 4-H Youth Fair for 30 years.

The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.

This was the first year in its 58-year history that all 114 counties participated by nominating a family.

The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of our state.

"These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension," said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. "As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families."

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council Tuesday lunch meeting

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
of the SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL

TO: All Members of City Council

1. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-32 OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY CODE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL IS HEREBY CALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE:

PUBLIC HEARING. Citizens may speak. May be voted on. Council Bill 2016-207. (Hosmer) A special ordinance amending Special Ordinance No. 26744 and Special Ordinance No. 26745, passed by the City Council on June 13, 2016, to reflect the final determination of the Greene County Assessor of the assessed valuation by levying a tax on real and personal property for current expenses and the debt retirement of the City of Springfield, Missouri, and its boards and agencies for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017, and declaring an emergency.

CLOSED SESSION. City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss legal actions, causes of action, litigation, privileged and confidential communications pursuant to Section 610.021 (1), RSMo.; and hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees pursuant to Section 610.021 (3) RSMo.; and this meeting, record, and vote shall be closed and the City Council shall stand adjourned at the end of the closed session.

SAID MEETING SHALL BE HELD beginning at 12:45 p.m. or immediately following Council Lunch, Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at the Springfield-Greene County Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott St., Springfield, Missouri.

Seymour man cited for DWI after rear-ending dump truck near Springfield

A Seymour was charged with driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle accident 11:15 p. m. Sunday on U.S. 160, a half mile east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1990 Nissan Stanza driven by Michael D. Stentz, 40, Seymour, struck the rear of a 1973 Kenworth dump truck driven by Alvin M. Shchudy, 50, Norwood.

Stentz, who was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, was also charged with following too closely.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 28-29

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Michael D. Stentz, 40, Seymour
Hannah D. Irvin, 20, Neosho
Justin S. Stafford, 30, Mansfield

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 27-28

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Paul T. Hankins, 72, Fremont, Michigan
Lawrence W. Ross, 22, Joplin
Fernando Donjuan-Garcia, 47, Springfield
Kathryn A. Baxter, 40, Monett
Rene Nunez, 45, Fairview
Martiniano Rueda, 33, Monett
Jeffrey T. Welch, 38, Battlefield
Arthur D. Mudd, 48, Nixa
Clark A. Broyles, 25, Exeter
Josie M. McGrane, 45, Shell Knob
Stephanie E. Bridgewater, 40, Webb City

Springfield teen runs over, kills man in wheelchair

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police officers were dispatched to the area of Sunshine Avenue and Seiger Street for a motor vehicle crash at 12:58 a.m. on Aug. 27. 

The initial investigation determined that a white 2006 Hummer H3, operated by Jordan Neely-Smith, 17, of Springfield, was traveling eastbound on Sunshine and then entered the parking lot located at 3121 E. Sunshine where it struck a male who was in a wheelchair. 

The vehicle then continued across Seiger Street after striking other objects at 3121 E. Sunshine and objects at 3147 E. Sunshine before coming to a final stop. 

The male, later identified as Kendrick A. Johnson, 39, of Springfield, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries received in the crash. Johnson’s next of kin have been notified.

The Springfield Police Department's Traffic Section is conducting the ongoing investigation and will be awaiting laboratory results to determine if drugs and/or alcohol were a contributing factor in the crash.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 26-27

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Lee W. Hubbs, 39, Oronogo
Donna R. Stuart, 50, Forsyth
Tanner D. Hartley, 25, Chestnut Ridge
Aubrey N. Williams, 26, Rocky Comfort

Southbound lane of Holland Avenue closed Sunday through Tuesday

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works will be repairing the sidewalk on the west side of Holland Avenue, south of Madison Street, beginning Sunday, Aug. 28 through Tuesday, Aug. 30 (weather permitting). 

The southbound lane of Holland Avenue will be closed and traffic detoured to Kimbrough Avenue at various times during the repairs.

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed this week in Greene County Circuit Court:

Victoria A. Manning vs. Taylor S. Manning
William David Smith vs. Kerry Lynn Smith
Berek Anthony Skinner vs. Lacey Lea Skinner
Joseph David Morrison vs. Lola Marie Morrison
Kris Diane Rodriguez vs. Robert Eric Rodriguez
Sandra Maggard vs. Richard Maggard
Natalie M. LaMere vs. Robert L. Lamere
Audrey Lynn France vs. James J. France
April D. Nivens. vs Jesse E. Nivens
Ronnie George Fugitt vs. Tina Deanne Fugitt Wiles
Casey Lee Montgomery vs. Zane Phillip Montgomery
Marivic Remollo Craig vs. Andrew Craig
Antonio Carlos Buentello vs. Jennifer Ann Buentello
Natalie Annette Widner vs. Nick Eugene Widner
Mary Nicole Aparicio vs. Herson Jose Aparicio
Ann M. Wallenmeyer vs. Mark D. Wallenmeyer
Timothy D. Course vs. Lelia M. Course
Tammy Gayle Wallace vs. Harold Eugene Wallace
Midhat Zahra Saeed vs. Mohammad Noor Uddin
Glenda Kay Sigh vs. Carter Andrew Sigh, Jr.
Ronald Harold Page vs. Amanda Marie Page
Ann Marie Bushong vs. Paul Edward Bushong
Hallie N. Roper vs. Matthew J. Roper
Zoila Rosa Eastburn vs. David W. Eastburn

Fox 5 video: Greitens holds rally in Springfield

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

City Council Lunch
 Tuesday, August 30, 2016 
12:00 Noon 
Springfield-Greene County Public Service Center
330 W Scott St, Springfield, MO 65802 

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Review of the Upcoming September 6, 2016 City Council Meeting Agenda.

2. Sewer Rate Increases under the Overflow Control Plan – Steve Meyer

3. Any and all matters to come before the City Council.

Springfield Public Schools, YMCA combine for unique learning experience

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools is committed to providing engaging, relevant and personal learning experiences for every student, every day. SPS has found that students’ passion for learning increases when they can explore real-world problems through hands-on experiences in engaging environments. This has been demonstrated through current programs like WOLF, Health Sciences Academy, GO CAPS and Academy of Exploration.

Now, thanks to a partnership between SPS and Ozarks Regional YMCA, fourth-grade students from eight elementary schools will broaden their horizons through a new learning experience this fall. During a six-week, project-based learning unit, students at Bissett, Bowerman, Boyd, Watkins, Weaver, Westport, Williams and York elementary schools will visit YMCA’s Camp Wakonda where they will participate in lessons tailored to the experience.

These schools were strategically selected for this pilot initiative to improve equitable access to opportunities and support the City of Springfield’s Zone One Blitz, an initiative to improve quality of life in northwest Springfield.

Students and their families will receive information today about this exciting new learning opportunity and what they can expect from the experience.

“This outdoor experience pilot program responds to feedback from our community on the need to integrate the skills of communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking along with foundational skills in reading and math to ensure students are prepared for the modern workforce and to be active contributors in our community,” said Superintendent John Jungmann. “The experiences provided through these types of partnerships help us better meet the needs of our students, especially when focused in areas of our community that can benefit from additional resources.”

A desire to replicate the learning successes achieved during Explore challenged the SPS Learning Team to scale those same types of opportunities to the regular school year, resulting in the development of an Outdoor Education Experience pilot. New curriculum and goals will connect to the relevant field experiences provided during four visits to Camp Wakonda beginning in September.

“YMCA has a long history of working in tandem with Springfield Public Schools to provide for the well-being of the youth in our community. This latest opportunity to expand the number of individuals who will learn life skills, develop friendships and grow in self-esteem and confidence in an outdoor setting at Camp Wakonda is just another example of what can be accomplished when we work together to better the lives of children,” said Kathryn Colglazier, YMCA chief operations officer.

At the end of the six weeks, the pilot program will be evaluated for impact and scalability to additional schools in the future.

Former Aurora bank employee sentenced to 18 months for embezzling

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A former employee of Community National Bank in Aurora, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for a $130,000 bank embezzlement scheme.

Jo Ann Nickell, 46, of Aurora, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 18 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Nickell to pay $130,268 in restitution to Community National Bank and its insurance company. Nickell must self-surrender on Oct. 3, 2016, to begin serving her sentence.

Nickell, who pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2015, was employed by Community National Bank as a customer service representative and back-up teller from Aug. 17, 2009, to July 19, 2013. Her thefts began nine months after being hired and continued for about three years.

According to court documents, Nickell stole money from the accounts of seven victims, ranging in age from 65 to 91, some of whom suffered from illnesses such as cancer and early dementia, and one who was in a nursing home. Nickell stole thousands of dollars from each of her victims, with individual thefts up to $14,400. Nickell concealed her thefts by having some bank statements come to the bank rather than being mailed to the customers.

The bank reimbursed all of the funds that were stolen from the victims of Nickell’s embezzlement scheme.

 One of the victims told bank employees that his wife recently died at a nursing home, and he was going into the nursing home that week. Nickell stole funds from his account the very next day, according to court documents. Another customer, who was dying of cancer, purchased two Certificate of Deposits for $100,000 to leave for his children. Nickell stole one of those CD’s in the amount of $46,445.

 A 72-year-old bank customer, who has a feeding tube due to surgery complications, said that Nickell was paying him “special savings interest” and that she kept his monthly statements so that no one else would know how much money he had. Nickell, who did not have the administrative power to change interest rates, was not in fact paying him a special interest rate. He referred to a small notebook where Nickell had written down his balance and interest, but those amounts were incorrect. Nickell had actually stolen $25,100 from his account.

Nickell’s embezzlement was discovered when she stole $8,000 from the savings account of an 87-year-old customer, who noticed the withdrawal on her statement and notified the bank. Nickell had attempted to change the customer’s account so that monthly bank statements came to the bank rather than being mailed to her residence, but didn’t do it correctly, so the customer did receive the statement in the mail.

 As a result of Nickell’s criminal actions, Community National Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Company experienced a total loss of $130,268.

 This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abram McGull II and Nhan Nguyen. It was investigated by the Aurora, Mo., Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 24-25

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Austin C. Huggler, 24, Conway
Leah R. Williamson, 42, Morrisville
Jesse D. Brock, 35, Stockton
Charmaine Lane, 57, Cicero, Illinois
Justin D. Lapp, 29, Lebanon

Fox 5 video- Greene County jury finds Hagood guilty of shooting police officer

A Greene County jury today convicted Joshua Hagood, of assault and armed criminal action in connection with the January 26, 2015, shooting of Springfield police officer Aaron Pearson.

The video is from Fox 5.

Federal grand jury indicts Republic man, Ava woman on bank fraud charges

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Republic, Mo., man and an Ava, Mo., woman were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to cash checks that were stolen from mailboxes.

D.J. Gideon, 25, of Republic, and Katelyn Elizabeth Emrick, 21, of Ava, were charged in a 47-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.

Today’s indictment alleges that Gideon and Emrick participated in a bank fraud conspiracy from June 18 to Nov. 6, 2015. According to the indictment, conspirators obtained (or attempted to obtain) approximately $40,535 from victims’ bank accounts by stealing checks from business and residential mailboxes and unlawfully using their victims’ personal identification information to cash or deposit the stolen checks, or use them to make purchases. Some of the stolen checks were blank checks that were mailed to bank account holders, the indictment says, and some of the checks were written to other individuals or organizations. Gideon and Emrick allegedly altered the payee and the amounts payable on the checks and forged the signatures of their victims.

According to the indictment, checks were stolen from the mailboxes of the Springfield Muscular Dystrophy Association, two businesses in Greene and Wright County, and a number of individuals.

 In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Gideon and Emrick together in seven counts of bank fraud. Gideon is charged in five additional counts of bank fraud and Emrick is charged in three additional counts of bank fraud.

 Gideon and Emrick are also charged together in seven counts of mail theft. Gideon is also charged with four additional counts of mail theft and Emrick is also charged with three additional counts of mail theft.

Gideon and Emrick are also charged together in seven counts of making, possessing or cashing forged checks. Gideon is also charged with four additional counts of making, possessing or cashing forged checks and Emrick is also charged with three additional counts of making, possessing or cashing forged checks.

Gideon and Emrick are also charged together in one count of aggravated identity theft. Gideon and Emrick are each charged with an additional count of aggravated identity theft.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; the police departments of Aurora, Marshfield, Seymour, Springfield and West Plains, Mo., Baxter Springs, Kan., and Quapaw,Okla.; and the sheriff’s departments of Christian, Greene, Howell and Stone County in Missouri, Cherokee County, Kan., and Ottawa County, Okla.

Springfield woman injured in one-vehicle accident

A Springfield woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 10:10 a.m. today on MO 125, just south of Garrison in Christian County.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Honda Odyssey van driven by Elenora M. Garrett, 81, Springfield, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a MoDOT post and a barbed wire fence.

Garrett was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Brookline Station residents injured in two-vehicle collision

Two Brookline Station residents were injured in a two-vehicle accident 3:40 p.m. Tuesday on MO 413, one mile south of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala driven by James K. Russell, 81, Brookline Station, was attempting to cross eastbound MO 413 and drove into the path of a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by Edward M. Thomas, 17, Brookline Station.

A passenger in the Russell vehicle, Katherine L. Russell, 64, Brookline Station, and a passenger in the Thomas vehicle, Yvonne L. Thomas, 37, Brookline Station were treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield man, several animals die in house fire

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

An investigation is underway into a house fire that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old Springfield man. Michael A. Kessler was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire which was reported around 9 Tuesday night on the 1600 block of North Golden Ave. Another woman sustained minor injuries.

The investigation remains open at this time, but preliminary findings indicate the cause of the fire was accidental. Fire marshals believe both occupants were awake when the fire broke out in the bedroom. The female occupant was able to escape. She was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Kessler stayed behind in an effort to save several animals and did not make it out of the home. His escape may have been impeded by the fact that there was only one usable exit from the home.

There were no working smoke alarms and no residential fire sprinkler system in the home. Several animals also died in the fire.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests August 23-24

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

David K. Butler-Herring, 41, Aurora
Jerred W. Robertson, 27, Southwest City
Gregory G. Wiley, 27, Shell Knob

Greitens campaign kickoff tour to hit Springfield Thursday

(From the Greitens for Governor campaign)

We're hitting the road this weekend to launch our general election campaign. Eric will be discussing his plan to take Missouri in a new direction and exposing Chris Koster as the big-spending liberal career politician he is.


THURSDAY, AUGUST 25TH, 2016
5:30 PM – Springfield
Campaign Office
2740 South Glenstone Avenue Suite 202, Springfield, 65804
RSVP to Springfield

7:00 PM – Branson
Campaign Office
100 Pat Nash Drive, Branson, 65616
RSVP to Branson

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26TH, 2016
9:00 AM – Joplin
Campaign Office
2640 32nd Street, Joplin, 64804
RSVP to Joplin

12:00 PM – Lee’s Summit
Campaign Office
706 SE 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, 64063
RSVP to Lee's Summit

2:00 PM – St. Joseph
Campaign Office
702 Felix Street, Saint Joseph, 64501
RSVP to St. Joseph

5:30 PM – Kirksville
Campaign Office
212 North Franklin Street, Kirksville, 63501
RSVP to Kirksville

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 2016
9:00 AM – Crestwood
Campaign Office
9815 Watson Road, Suite 409, St. Louis, 65804
RSVP to Crestwood

10:15 AM – St. Charles
Campaign Office
2301 Elm Street, St. Charles, 63301
RSVP to St. Charles

12:45 PM – Columbia
Campaign Office
913 East Ash Street, Columbia, 65201
RSVP to Columbia

3:15 PM – Rolla
Campaign Office
406 North Main Street, Rolla, 65401
RSVP to Rolla

7:00 PM – Cape Girardeau
Campaign Office
1606 North Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, 63701
RSVP to Cape Girardeau

Ozark man who advertised for dependents sentenced to one year in prison

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

An Ozark, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for filing a false income tax return after he advertised on Craigslist to purchase identity information for children that he could claim as dependents as part of a larger tax fraud scheme.

 Raheem L. McClain, 37, of Ozark, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered McClain to pay $23,883 in restitution ($22,378 to the Internal Revenue Service and $1,505 to the Missouri Department of Revenue).

 On April 6, 2016, McClain pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud the IRS by preparing and submitting false tax returns on behalf of himself and his girlfriend (who is not identified in court documents) between Jan. 28, 2012, and Feb. 4, 2016. McClain prepared and submitted false federal tax returns for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 claiming dependents to which he was not entitled to claim. McClain also prepared and submitted false federal tax returns for his girlfriend for the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 claiming dependents to which she was not entitled to claim.

 For tax returns filed for the calendar years 2011, 2012 and 2013 McClain admitted that he used the personal information for three dependents from a female he met on an on-line dating website to falsely claim these children as dependents and to falsely claim refunds for himself and his girlfriend. For a tax return filed for the calendar year 2014, McClain falsely listed his grandmother as a dependent on his girlfriend’s tax return.

 McClain also admitted that he caused an advertisement to be posted on Craigslist on Jan. 16, 2015, stating:

 “WANTED: KIDS TO CLAIM ON INCOME TAXES - $750 (SPRINGFIELD,

MO)

IF YOU HAVE SOME KIDS YOU ARENT CLAIMING, I WILL PAY YOU A

$750 EACH TO CLAIM THEM ON MY INCOME TAX. IF INTERESTED,

REPLY TO THIS AD.”

 On Feb. 3, 2015, McClain caused a false federal tax return to be electronically signed and filed in his name for 2014, which listed three dependents by name, Social Security number and supposed relationship (two sons and one daughter). He obtained the personal information for these dependents from a woman who responded to his Craigslist advertisement.

 On Feb. 4, 2015, McClain caused two false federal tax returns to be filed through the mail in his name for 2012 and 2013. Each of the returns listed the same three dependents; however, on these two returns the same individuals were listed as one son and two daughters. The woman who responded to the advertisement did not authorize McClain to use the dependent information on his 2012 tax return.

 On Feb. 4, 2016, McClain caused a false federal tax return to be electronically signed and filed in the name of his girlfriend for 2015, which listed the same three dependents but claimed them as one nephew and two nieces. The woman who sold the dependent information was unaware that McClain used the dependents on his girlfriend’s 2015 tax return.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Bolivar man sentenced to 30 years for sexual exploitation of a child, child porn

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Bolivar, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a minor and for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Monte D. Gann, 54, of Boliver, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Gann to serve 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On March 8, 2016, Gann pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor and to receiving and distributing child pornography.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received two cybertips from Tumblr in September 2015. Tumblr had discovered 13 images and one video file that contained possible child pornography, which were uploaded from Gann’s computer. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Gann’s residence on Dec. 16, 2015.

Gann told officers that he had been looking at child pornography for several years, and that he used the Internet to search for and view child pornography. Gann also admitted to using the websites Omegle, Kik and Skype to contact male children to exchange pornographic pictures. Gann engaged in chat sessions and live streaming video sessions via webcams with multiple minors (as young as nine years old) on multiple occasions.

According to court documents, Gann also used the Internet to meet multiple male children for hands on sexual contact during the past year. He not only engaged in sexual contact with these victims, but also traded sexually explicit images and videos with the child victims. More than 400 images and eight videos of child pornography were located on Gann’s cell phone; the youngest child was five years old.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.