Former Springfield man pleads guilty to threatening to bomb Mount Vernon veterans clinic

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

A former Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to making a bomb threat at the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Mount Vernon, Mo.

Richard Leslie Turner III, 48, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charge contained in an Aug. 14, 2018, federal indictment.

By pleading guilty today, Turner admitted that he threatened on July 13, 2018, to blow up the Community Based Outpatient Clinic located at 600 N. Main St. in Mount Vernon.

Turner arrived at the clinic on July 13, 2018, for an appointment but was told the appointment had been changed. Turner became angry and left the clinic. Shortly afterward another patient informed a staff member that Turner was in the parking lot making statements about obtaining explosives and blowing up the clinic. When authorities contacted Turner by phone later that day, he became angry that the clinic had called the police and stated that he really intended to blow up the clinic because the police had called him.

Under federal statutes, Turner is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI, the Mount Vernon, Mo., Police Department, the Veteran’s Affairs Police Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

Springfield Fire Department providing free fire escape ladders to residents living in Zone 1, 2 multi-level houses

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Springfield Fire Department has 50 First Alert fire escape ladders to provide to Springfield residents living in multilevel homes located in City Council Zones 1 and 2, which are the northwest and northeast quadrants of the city. If you're not sure which zone you live in, you can find out by contacting the Citizen Resource Center at 417-864-1010.

To receive an escape ladder, you must live in Zone 1 or 2 and complete a home escape plan with the Fire Department. Contact Fire and Life Safety Educator Heather Parker at hparker@springfieldmo.gov or 417-874-2380 to set up a time with a fire crew to complete a home escape plan.

"These escape ladders are compact, simple to store and offer an escape if a door or stairway isn't accessible during a fire," Parker says. "They are made of nylon and steel construction and are tested to hold over 1,000 pounds."

The ladders come fully assembled and are designed for window sills between 6 and 10 inches wide, Parker added.

Parker offers the following fire safety tips for all residents to keep in mind:

-Have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

-Create and practice a home escape plan at least twice per year.

-Know at least two ways out of every room.

=Have an outside meeting place.

-Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

-Close doors behind you as you leave.

Springfield City Council approves regulations on short-term rentals

(From the City of Springfield)

City Council approved regulations and definitions for short-term rental properties in the city of Springfield at their regular meeting Jan. 28, 2019.

Hosts who rent out their property in the city limits of Springfield for less than 30 days will need to have a business license and comply with other short-term rental regulations aimed at protecting the safety, character and quality of life in Springfield neighborhoods.

All types need to apply for a business license and meet certain requirements. Short-term rental type 2s have a 30-day grace period from density restrictions. This grace period for short-term rental type 2 applications from the density limitations will conclude at the end of the business day on February 27, 2019. Type 2 owners who fail to apply by February 27 risk losing the ability to operate due to the density restrictions.

Short-term type 2s are categorized as a non-owner-occupied residence or an owner-occupied primary residence, legal accessory apartment or historic carriage house that is rented for more than 95 days in a calendar year when the owner is absent from the premises.

The Zoning Ordinance defines a short-term rental as the rental of an entire dwelling, or any portion thereof, for a period of not more than 30 days, where the owner is engaged in a contract for the rental of that specific dwelling, or any portion thereof. Short-term rentals are further categorized as Type 1, 2 or 3, depending on the zoning district of the property and whether it is owner-occupied.

Type 1

• Allowed in the Single-Family Residential (R-SF) or Residential Townhouse (R-TH) districts.

• For owner-occupied primary residences or historic carriage houses as allowed in the Zoning Ordinance

• Cannot be rented for more than 95 days in a calendar year when the owner is absent from the premise.

• Must obtain an annual business license.

• Must provide an affidavit certifying that the primary residence, legal accessory apartment or historic carriage house will not be rented for more than 95 days in a calendar year when the owner is absent from the premise.

• No density restrictions.

Type 2

• Allowed in the R-SF or R-TH districts.

• For non-owner-occupied residence or an owner-occupied primary residence, legal accessory apartment or historic carriage house that is rented for more than 95 days in a calendar year when the owner is absent from the premise.

• No limitation on the number of days that it can be rented; however, all Type 2’s will require a Short-Term Rental Type 2 permit. The permit requires a neighborhood meeting and at least 55% of adjacent property owners to give consent.

• Must obtain an annual business license and a certificate of occupancy.

• Density Limitations: A Short-Term Rental Type 2 shall be limited to no more than one STR Type 2 or bed and breakfast per eight residential structures on the block face in R-SF or R-TH districts. No STR Type 2 shall be permitted on a block face with fewer than four residential structures unless an appeal is granted by City Council (i.e. 1-3: no STR; 4-8: 1 STR; 9-15: 1 STR; 16-23: 2 STR). For purposes of this section, block face shall be defined as one side of a street, from one intersection to the next, not including alleys. Residential structures’ block face shall be determined by the mailing address assigned to each.

Type 3

• Allowed in all other zoning districts.

• No residency requirement or limitations on the number of days that it can be rented.

• No more than two dwelling units within a premise can be rented.

• Must obtain an annual business license and a certificate of occupancy.

• No density restrictions.

General provisions

• All short-term rental properties shall comply with the residential occupancy requirements in the Zoning Ordinance, which requires that a dwelling unit may not be occupied by more than three unrelated persons in a R-SF or R-TH zoning district or four unrelated persons in a Low-Density Multi-Family Residential (R-LD), Medium-Density Multi-Family Residential (R-MD) or High-Density Multi-Family Residential (R-HD) districts.

• Short-term rental Type 2 & 3 properties must obtain and continually maintain a service agent business license. Licensing fees are based on gross receipts and typically range from $25 per year ($0-$10,000 in annual gross receipts) to $105 per year ($200,000 in annual gross receipts). Businesses that collect more than $200,000 in annual gross receipts are charged an additional 25 cents per $1,000. New applicants will be asked to estimate their gross receipts for the upcoming year. The figures can be adjusted accordingly when the business renews the following year, according to Licensing Supervisor Lori Stubbeman.

If an annual business license is not continually obtained, the owner/business risks losing the ability to operate due to the density restrictions in Type 2 and maximum dwellings in Type 3.

• Applicants filing an application for a Short-Term Rental Type 2 within the first thirty (30) days following passage of this ordinance shall not be subject to the density limitations set forth in 36-472(2)(d)(1). Applications received after this initial period will be subject to this density.

Application forms and information will be added on the City’s website as they become available.

VIdeo of tonight's Springfield City Council meeting

Springfield Police Department releases 2018 Uniform Crime Report

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department's 2018 crime reporting through the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) has been completed. The year-end data shows very positive results, with an overall decrease for Part 1 crime in Springfield of 18.28 percent. Reported crimes against persons (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) dropped by 1.8 percent, with 40 fewer incidents than in 2017. SPD saw the total number of property crimes (stolen vehicles, burglary, larceny/ theft) drop by 20.8 percent in 2018, with each category noting a decrease in reported crimes from 2017.

The total number of homicides in Springfield went up slightly in 2018 from 14 to 16, but only two deaths were related to domestic violence, a significant decrease from years past.

Aggravated assaults increased by four percent and recent analysis shows much of the increase occurred in December when there was a significant increase in incidents involving multiple (2 or more) victims. That number jumped from nine such reports in December of 2017 to 27 in December of 2018.

“Unfortunately as 2018 came to a close we experienced a spike in aggravated assaults being reported,” said Police Chief Paul Williams. “However, In the past, a large portion of those crimes were related to domestic violence, but that was only the case with 27 percent of aggravated assaults last year.”

On a positive note, robberies dropped by nearly 23 percent in 2018, and there was a drop in reported sexual assaults (rape) of five percent.

As for property crimes, the most significant decrease was in stolen vehicles, which dropped by more than 25 percent. There were 499 fewer vehicles stolen in 2018 compared to 2017. There was a 21.8 percent decrease in theft (-2,342 including 1206 fewer thefts from vehicles) and an 11.67 percent drop in burglaries (-261) in 2018. “In addition to targeted enforcement, our community-wide education efforts are bearing fruit. We are seeing the results of people being more vigilant about crime prevention. Citizens are active in neighborhood watch and are taking steps to secure their vehicles by removing their keys, locking the doors, and stowing property out of sight,” said Chief Williams. “We are happy to see this change and we hope it is something that continues.”

Now that year-end statistics are being reported to the FBI by those agencies across the country that voluntarily choose to participate in the UCR program, “rankings” may begin to surface on the Internet. According to the FBI, UCR data is only useful for comparing a city to itself, because there are many factors that cause the nature and type of crime to vary from place to place. The FBI outlines the pitfalls to ranking cities in an online documentexplaining the proper use of UCR data. The FBI’s document includes the following.

UCR data are sometimes used to compile rankings of individual jurisdictions and institutions of higher learning. These incomplete analyses have often created misleading perceptions, which adversely affect geographic entities and their residents. For this reason, the FBI has a long-standing policy against ranking participating law enforcement agencies on the basis of crime data alone. Despite repeated warnings against these practices, some data users continue to challenge and misunderstand this position.

“Unfortunately, there are many third-party websites that supply ‘crime information’ and use a proprietary process to compare or rank cities -- none of which is verifiable or accurate,” said Chief Williams. “The SPD does not provide data to any of them, and the data used is most often a year or two old. The only true, accurate and fair comparison to be done is against ourselves using historical data.”
Uniform Crime Report 2017-2018

Springfield man pleads guilty to Guaranty Bank in Springfield

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

A Springfield, Mo., man with a prior felony conviction for bank robbery pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing Guaranty Bank in Springfield.

Donald David Hosey III, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charge contained in a Jan. 15, 2019, federal indictment. Hosey has a prior conviction for a nearly identical bank robbery in 2007.

According to court documents, Hosey entered Guaranty Bank, 2109 N. Glenstone in Springfield, on Nov. 29, 2018. He approached a bank teller and passed her a note that said, “Give me all your money. I have a gun don’t make me use it.” The teller complied with the threatening note and gave him $833 from her teller drawer. Hosey then fled from the bank.

Springfield police officers received a tip on Dec. 3, 2018, indicating that Hosey was the person responsible for the bank robbery. They learned that Hosey was staying at the Flagship Inn in Springfield. According to staff at the Flagship Inn, Hosey was behind on his rent but within an hour of the robbery, he repaid all of the back rent owed in cash. Officers contacted Hosey and arrested him.

Under federal statutes, Hosey is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

Lawrence County Route K in Aurora to close for railroad crossing improvements

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT

Where: Lawrence County Route K (Elliott Avenue) at the railroad crossing between Olive Street and Mill Street in Aurora

When: ‘Round the clock from Thursday, Jan. 31, until Thursday, Feb. 14

Project Details:

Contractor making improvements at the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad as part of a project to build a railroad overpass and complete other railroad crossing upgrades in Aurora

Once all railroad crossing improvements are made, the City of Aurora will apply to the Federal Railroad Administration to establish a quiet zone which means trains will no longer sound their warning horns while traveling between Route 39 and Elliot Avenue in Aurora

No signed detour is planned

Work on the Missouri Route 39 bridge over the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad remains suspended while the contractor awaits approval from BNSF of plans for work over and near the tracks

Monett man killed in one-vehicle accident

A Monett man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 2:30 a.m. today on Farm Road 1090, a quarter of a mile south of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Grand Jeep Cherokee driven by Jason M. Cendroski, 38, Monett, ran off the roadway and struck a mailbox and an embankment.



Barry County Deputy Coroner Gary Swearingen pronounced Cendroski dead at the scene at 3:40 a.m.

The fatality was the fifth this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Agenda provided for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

Springfield City Council Lunch
Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 12 pm 
Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room (Busch Building, 4th Floor) 840 Boonville Avenue 

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Follow-Up from the City Council Meeting of January 28, 2019.



2. Fire Department Update – Chief David Pennington.

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

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

Regina Marie Rothermel
Emily D. Licon


Douglas County

Roy G. Wiggins

Greene County

Ernest H. Wotring and Virginia L. Wotring
Richard Albert DuFlot
Kathrina Anne Ogle
Michael Scott Whitescarver and Kathryn Ann Whitescarver
Jonathan A. Hammerlund and Kelly Cothren Hammerlund
Thomas David Pennewell and Shari Lee Henson Pennewell
Ray Lee Wood and Kelsie Anne Wood
Tonya Nicole Kimlin
Kyeshia L. Grady
Amy Lynn Williams
Shaina Renae Getman



Oregon County

Heather Ann Lewis

Polk County

Michael Scott Gaddis

Pulaski County

Julia Kay Eltringham



Taney County

Paul Eugene Denney, Jr.
Jeffrey Scott Taylor and Vickie Louise Taylor
Leanna Scott Juarez

Webster County

Christopher Lee Harrod and Kimberly Marie Harrod
Elisabeth Ann Wagner

Springfield Board extends Jungmann contract through 2022, salary set at $265,110

(From Springfield Public Schools)

The Board of Education for Springfield Public Schools has completed its annual performance evaluation of the superintendent, Dr. John Jungmann. After a thorough review, the school board voted unanimously, during executive session on Jan. 22, to extend Dr. Jungmann's contract through the 2021-2022 school year. This is the fifth contract extension of Dr. Jungmann's tenure, which began July 1, 2014.

"As the Board reviewed the goals and expectations set for Dr. Jungmann, we noted significant progress in key areas. We are pleased with his leadership and service, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the best interests of our students and staff," said Jill Patterson, president of the SPS Board of Education.

The Board of Education cited the following examples of Dr. Jungmann's leadership success:

Forward-Thinking Vision
Early Childhood Expansion
Collaboration with Other School Districts, as Evidenced by Continued Growth of Launch
Expansion of Districtwide Communication Efforts
Effective Management of Surplus Property
Focus on Development of Priority Metrics
Engagement of Citizens through Community Task Force on Facilities

"Achieving progress on behalf of Springfield Public Schools requires a team effort, and we have an exceptional team," said Dr. John Jungmann. "I am so proud of our students and the talented educators who make learning possible each day within our schools. I am honored to have an opportunity to continue serving Springfield Public Schools into the 2021-2022 school year, and I look forward to all that we can achieve together on behalf of the children we care so much about."

About Dr. John Jungmann

Joining SPS in July 2014, Dr. Jungmann's focus has been to create a collective vision for the future of the district and engage students, parents, employees and community members in achieving that vision. Dr. Jungmann began his service to SPS by involving stakeholders in an envisioning process during his inaugural year. The result led to the creation of a new strategic plan, mission, vision, goals and values.

Focusing on every learner, every day, Dr. Jungmann leads SPS in efforts to ensure all students are prepared for tomorrow by providing engaging, relevant and personalized educational experiences. Four of Dr. Jungmann's key initiatives include:

IGNiTE: A districtwide initiative that provides the resources and support necessary for all SPS teachers and students to access and experience an engaging, relevant and personalized learning environment. Ensuring equity of access to mobile technology for students and teachers is a key focus of the initiative, deployed over a three-year period.

GO CAPS (Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Professional Studies): A collaboration among 11 area school districts and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce that gives students the opportunity to test drive their future, discover where their passions lie and learn alongside business leaders. It provides real-world, professional skills through a year-long immersion experience at partner businesses across the Ozarks.

GO CSD (Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts): A regional collaborative of southwest Missouri school districts for mutual improvements, shared resources and areas of expertise, and greater purchasing power.

LAUNCH: Provides quality online learning options designed, developed and delivered by Missouri educators. Launch is Missouri's solution for course access issues for school districts and families in need of flexible and personalized learning options. The program continues to grow, now serving 144 partner school districts across Missouri.

In October 2016, Dr. Jungmann was named Missouri Superintendent of the Year and was also invited to represent SPS in the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, a national initiative that connects forward thinking leaders of the nation's school districts to work together on shared priorities to improve outcomes for students.

Other professional accolades include being named 2016 Administrator of the Year by Missouri School Public Relations Association and being recognized by his peers as the 2009-2010 New Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Jungmann completed AASA's National Superintendent Certification Program in 2015 as a member of the inaugural class.



Dr. Jungmann's previous professional experience includes serving one year as superintendent and one year as deputy superintendent for Liberty Public Schools and four years as superintendent of the Monett R-1 School District. Dr. Jungmann began his educational career as a high school teacher and has served as an assistant high school principal and middle school principal.

He is a 1998 graduate of Missouri Southern State University and obtained his Master of Science in education and Specialist in educational administration degrees from Missouri State University. He earned a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas in 2006.

Dr. Jungmann and his wife, Kerry, have three daughters.

Contract Details

Contract details and benefits, adopted by the Board of Education in January 2016, remain unchanged with this one-year extension. Dr. Jungmann's annual base salary for 2018-2019 is $265,110. View full contract details here.

Highway Patrol Troop D to offer boating safety courses

(From Highway Patrol Troop D)

Captain John Enderle, commanding officer of Troop D, announces several upcoming boating safety certification courses that are being offered to the public. The courses will take place:

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the following Saturdays: January 26, February 9 and 23, March 9 and 30, and April 13 and 27, 2019, at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803. The maximum class size is 30 people.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2019, at the Dewey Short Visitors Center, 4500 State Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616. The maximum class size is 50 people.

Students must be present to satisfy requirements for the boating safety card. There is no fee for this course; however, students are required to pre-register online, as seating will be limited, and notification may be sent in the event the course is canceled. For more information, to register for the course, or to obtain a complete listing of where other courses are being offered, you may visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Select "Boat Safety Education & Certification" found under the "Training" heading.

Missouri law requires any person born after January 1, 1984 to carry a boating safety certification card along with a picture ID anytime they operate a vessel, which includes personal watercraft, on Missouri lakes. Any student who successfully passes this course will be eligible to order the boating safety certification card, which costs $15.

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019  6:30 p.m.

Speakers must sign up with the City Clerk to speak to an issue on the agenda. Speakers are to limit their remarks to three to five minutes.

Note: Sponsorship does not denote Council member approval or support.

1.

ROLL CALL.

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. January 14, 2018 City Council Meeting, And January 15, 2019 Special City Council Meeting.

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 2018-267. Substitute No. 1. (Fisk, Lear, McClure, Ollis, Schilling, Simpson, And Ferguson)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 36, ‘Land Development Code,’ Article III, ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Division 2, ‘Rules of Interpretation and Definitions,’ Section 36-321, ‘Definitions,’ by adding a definition for ‘Short-Term Stay Rentals’; amending Division 4, ‘District Regulations,’ by adding as a permitted use Short-Term Stay Rentals to each district contained therein; amending Division 5, ‘Supplemental District Regulations,’ Section 36-451, ‘Home Occupations’; and adding new section 36-472, ‘Short-Term Rentals,’ establishing rules and regulations for operation and location of Short-Term Stay Rentals; and designating an effective date for said amendments.

Documents:

1. 2018-267S1.PDF

8.

Council Bill 2018-267. (Fisk)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 36, ‘Land Development Code,’ Article III, ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Division 2, ‘Rules of Interpretation and Definitions,’ Section 36-321, ‘Definitions,’ by adding a definition for ‘Short-Term Stay Rentals’; amending Division 4, ‘District Regulations,’ by adding as a permitted use Short-Term Stay Rentals to each district contained therein; amending Division 5, ‘Supplemental District Regulations,’ Section 36-451, ‘Home Occupations’; and adding new section 36-472, ‘Short-Term Rentals,’ establishing rules and regulations for operation and location of Short-Term Stay Rentals; and designating an effective date for said amendments.

Documents:

1. 2018-267.PDF

9.

Council Bill 2019-003. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 26.03 acres of property generally located at 3315 and 3303 South Campbell Avenue from Planned Development District No. 14, 4th Amendment to Planned Development District No. 367; and adopting an updated Official Zoning Map. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval). (By: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 8721; 3315 & 3303 South Campbell Avenue; Planned Development 367.)

Documents:

1. 2019-003.PDF

10.

Council Bill 2019-004. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 33.33 acres of property generally located at the 2200 block of North Belcrest Avenue from HC, Highway Commercial District and HM, Heavy Manufacturing District, to HM, Heavy Manufacturing District; and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 163. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission both recommend approval.) (By: ICT II, LLC; 2200 blk. N. Belcrest Avenue; Z-31-2018 w/Conditional Overlay District No. 163.)

Documents:

1. 2019-004.PDF

11.

Council Bill 2019-005. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 1.89 acres of property, generally located at 2963 East Division Street, from a GM, General Manufacturing District to IC, Industrial Commercial District. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: Kum & Go, LC; 2963 East Division Street; Z-32-2018.)

Documents:

1. 2019-005.PDF

12.

Council Bill 2019-006. (Simpson)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 1.45 acres of property generally located at the 2100 block of South Eastgate Avenue from Planned Development District No. 268 to Planned Development District No. 368; and adopting an updated Official Zoning Map. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval). (By: Castle Real Estate Holdings No. 9 LLC; 2100 block S. Eastgate Avenue; Planned Development No. 368.)

Documents:

1. 2019-006.PDF

13.

Council Bill 2019-007. (Simpson)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 3.58 acres of property, generally located at 2521 South Holland Avenue, from R-SF, Single-Family Residential District to R-LD, Low-Density Multi-Family District; and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 164. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: Jefferey Ballard; 2521 South Holland Avenue; Z-33-2018 w/Conditional Overlay District No. 164.)

Documents:

1. 2019-007.PDF

14.

Council Bill 2019-008. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for certain fiber optic interconnection improvements generally located along Battlefield Road and Grant Avenue, generally referred to as Plan No. 2018PW0060T; accepting the bid of Ewing Signal Construction, LLC, in the amount of $92,478.20, for the project; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2019-008.PDF

15.

Council Bill 2019-009. (Prater)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for the Smith Park Sanitary Sewer Capacity Improvements Project being generally located at Division Street and Fremont Avenue and generally referred to as Plan No. 2018PW0032se; accepting the bid of Hamilton and Dad, Inc., in the amount of $381,428.95, for said Project; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2019-009.PDF

16.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

17.

Council Bill 2019-016. (McClure And Ferguson)

A resolution establishing a Sexual Assault Task Force; setting the charge and scope of duties for said Task Force; and establishing the membership of said Task Force.

18.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

19.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

20.

GRANTS.

21.

AMENDED BILLS.

22.

COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On. Except Item No. 23. Council Bill 2019-017 Was Advertised As A Legal Public Hearing; However, Will Be Read As A One-Reading Bill. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

23.

Council Bill 2019-017. (Fisk) This Bill Was Advertised As A Legal Public Hearing; However, Will Be Read As A One-Reading Bill. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

A resolution accepting a report on the status of all existing Tax Increment Financing plans within the City of Springfield and determining that the redevelopment projects of each Tax Increment Financing District are making, or have made, satisfactory progress under the proposed time schedule contained within their respective plans.

Documents:

1. 2019-017.PDF

24.

Council Bill 2019-018. (Schilling, Ollis, Hosmer, And Simpson)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 98 of the City Code, Article VII, ‘Encroachments on City Property;’ and amending Chapter 36 of the City Code, Article III, ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Division 5, Supplemental District Regulations,’ section 36-454; for the purpose of authorizing the placement of bicycle docks on City right-of-way.

Documents:

1. 2019-018.PDF

25.

Council Bill 2019-019. (Schilling, Ollis, Hosmer, And Simpson)

A general ordinance amending the Fee Schedule for certain City services as provided in the Springfield City Code, by making such adjustments as provided in the attached “Evaluation of Charges for Municipal Services”; and adopting new fees for certain City services. (The Finance and Administration Committee recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2019-019.PDF

26.

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

27.

Council Bill 2019-020. (Schilling, Ollis, Hosmer, And Simpson)

A general ordinance amending the Fee Schedule for certain municipal services as provided in the Springfield City Code, Chapter 2 ‘Administration,’ Article VI ‘Finances,’ Division 3 ‘Charges for Various Municipal Services,’ Section 2-424, ‘Police and fire department records’ by amending the fees set for accident/incident reports in order to waive the incident report fee for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. (The Finance and Administration Committee recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2019-020.PDF

28.

Council Bill 2019-021. (Prater)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for the Mt. Vernon Street Bridge over Jordan Creek project, referenced as Plan No. 2015PW0007T; accepting the bid of Hartman & Company, Inc., in the amount of $1,456,230.00, for the project; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2019-021.PDF

29.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

30.

NEW BUSINESS.

As per RSMo. 109.230 (4), City records that are on file in the City Clerk’s office and have met the retention schedule will be destroyed in compliance with the guidelines established by the Secretary of State’s office.

31.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

32.

MISCELLANEOUS.

33.

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

34.

Council Bill 2019-022. (Prater)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and BNSF Railway for the purpose of sharing the costs of a BNSF Crossing project generally located along Sherman Parkway.

Documents:

1. 2019-022.PDF

35.

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

36.

Council Bill 2019-023. (Lear)

A resolution declaring the intent of the City of Springfield, to annex 9.3 acres of private property and 0.3 acres of Greene County right-of-way generally located at 3851 West Farm Road 148 into the City of Springfield. (Staff recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2019-023.PDF

37.

Council Bill 2019-024. (Prater)

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an application requesting the rezoning of 4.75 acres of property owned by the City of Springfield, generally located in the 2800 block of East Blaine Street, from R-SF, Single Family Residential District to GM, General Manufacturing District. (Staff recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2019-024.PDF

38.

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

39.

Council Bill 2019-010. (Prater)

A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the dedication of public streets and easements to the City of Springfield, as shown on the Preliminary Plat of “AFM Pet Corp Subdivision,” generally located at 2710 and 2738 East Kearney Street, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with all the terms of this Ordinance. (Staff recommends that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)

Documents:

1. 2019-010.PDF

40.

Council Bill 2019-011. (Lear)

A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the dedication of public streets and easements to the City of Springfield, as shown on the Preliminary Plat of Morris Industrial Park generally located at the 3200 block of East Kearney Street, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with all the terms of this Ordinance. (Staff recommends that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)

Documents:

1. 2019-011.PDF

41.

Council Bill 2019-012. (Ollis)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a developer’s agreement with Peterson’s Properties, LLC, for the recovery of proportional square foot costs of the construction of a trunk sewer to serve the Replat of Lots 28 and 29 of Woodcliffe 1st Addition, in a sewer basin in the Lake Springfield drainage area and to establish a per square foot connection fee to reimburse the developer for proportional costs of construction of the trunk sewer. (Environmental Services staff recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2019-012.PDF

42.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

43.

ADJOURN.

Springfield Police Department releases quarterly public safety report

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield Police Department released its Quarterly Public Safety Report on Wednesday.

The issue provides details about SPD's new "Victim Resources" webpage. The “Victim Resources” page is geared toward victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse, their loved ones and anyone looking for more information. 

The new page is located on the top menu bar of SPD's website, Springfieldmo.gov/SPD. On this page, SPD has provided a comprehensive list and contact information to community resources that can help victims map out their options. There are also detailed descriptions of investigative processes and information on how to file a police report. 

The QPSR also features Springfield crime statistics for the fourth quarter of 2018. Between October and December, SPD reported an overall decrease in crime by 10 percent, compared to the same time frame in 2017.

Crimes against persons (violent crime) increased by six percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, while there was a 12 percent decrease in crimes against property.

Springfield fire station construction projects to be funded by level property tax

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Two of Springfield’s most underserved areas are getting brand-new fire stations while two of its oldest stations will be demolished and rebuilt, thanks to the renewal of the Level Property Tax in November 2017.

“We are keeping our promise to Springfield voters,” said Fire Chief David Pennington.

The City is soliciting letters of interest and qualification statements until 3 p.m. March 1 from firms interested in providing architectural services for four fire station projects across the city. A pre-submittal meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the former Springfield Mill & Lumber Building classroom, 216 W. Central St. Firms have until 3 p.m. Feb. 15 to email questions to PWRFQ@springfieldmo.gov before submitting their statements of qualifications.

Two of the projects – Fire Station 13 in the 1900 block of West College in the West Central neighborhood and Fire Station 14 at the northeast corner of West Chestnut Expressway and North Duke Avenue – are brand-new stations, while two will replace Fire Station 4 at 2423 N. Delaware and Fire Station 7 at 2129 E. Sunshine.

“I am very excited about building two new fire stations in underserved areas of Springfield, both of which have high fire risk,” said Pennington. “These new stations will reduce the amount of travel time for our fire crews to reach emergencies in these areas."

Pennington said that Fire Stations 4 and 7, which were built in the 1950s and ‘60s, have long exceeded their usefulness.

“We look forward to replacing 4 and 7 with modern facilities and equipment,” he said.

The City recently purchased the lots for Fire Station 13 and is working to complete a lot combination and demolition of on-site residential structures.

Community Risk Reduction

In addition to addressing fire risk with new stations, the Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction efforts include Project RED Zone, (Reduce, Educate, Deliver) – a multifaceted campaign to reduce fires and fire deaths in Springfield.

“Community Risk Reduction is about prioritizing our fire risks as a community and working together to invest the time and resources necessary to reduce them,” Pennington said.

Data shows that 42 percent of Springfield homes in which a fire occurred in 2016 had no working smoke alarms and two-thirds of all Springfield homes don’t have enough smoke alarms to adequately protect the occupants. The Fire Department recommends smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom.

As part of Project RED Zone, fire crews go door to door on Saturdays canvassing neighborhoods and offering to test smoke alarms, replacing batteries and installing new alarms when needed.

As of Project RED Zone’s launch in April 2017, fire crews have:
visited more than 14,000 homes in Grant Beach, West Central, Heart of the Westside, Woodland Heights, Westside Community Betterment, Tom Watkins, Robberson, and Doling Park neighborhoods;
tested nearly 4,200 smoke alarms;
installed 2,246 new smoke alarms and;
replaced 642 batteries.

“We will continue these efforts by moving more into Zone 2 during 2019,” Pennington said. “Our community risk reduction efforts would not be possible without the support of our citizens and grants from the American Red Cross, Springfield Public Schools and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”

RFQ Timeline
Feb. 1, 1:30 PM: Pre-submittal meeting with consultants at Springfield Mill & Lumber Classroom, 216 W. Central Street.
Feb. 15, 3 p.m.: Deadline for questions to PWRFQ@springfieldmo.gov.
Feb. 25: City to post final addendum (if required).
March 1, 3 p.m.: Deadline for submittal of Statement of Qualifications to PWRFQ@springfieldmo.gov.
April 5: Selection committee completes first round of submittal review.
April 29-May 3: Selection committee conducts interviews
May 3: Selection committee completes selection of top firm.
June 28: Professional design contract issued.

Portion of Kimbrough Avenue to close beginning January 29

(From the City of Springfield)

Kimbrough Avenue will close between Montclair Street and Rockwood Street beginning 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 through 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 for street maintenance repairs. The repairs have been rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route.

Portion of LeCompte Road to be closed for a week

(From the City of Springfield)

North LeCompte Road will be closed between Farm Road 116 and the Springfield Underground southeast entrance driveway beginning 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 27 through 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, for roadway maintenance.

Access to this Springfield Underground entrance will be maintained from the south.

This closure is weather permitting.