July 2, 2020
Nixa News | July 2020 Edition
In this month's edition you can read about...

  • Election Results
  • A reminder about 4th of July Fireworks
  • Cops Connecting with Kids
  • Road Work Ahead!
  • How to respond to the 2020 Census
  • And more!

As always, you can find much more information at Nixa.com and engage with us on our official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.
As we moved to Phase 2 of our Nixa Strong Recovery plan on June 17th and let our existing emergency orders expire, we are thankful for how well our community has made it through this crisis so far. In concert with other local leadership and our healthcare partners, we felt that the low number of cases we have had allowed us to move into a phase where people can make personal decisions about how they deal with the virus. If you feel comfortable going out in public, you can do that. If you don't, you can still stay home. The coronavirus is not just going away, but hopefully we are now in a position where government at the local or state level will not be needed to step in again.

It is important that individuals and businesses continue to make good choices for themselves to limit exposure to COVID-19 and to help minimize its spread in our community. We have been fortunate to see low numbers of cases in Christian County, and we can keep those numbers low if we all do our part to mitigate the risks. We have all learned about techniques for limiting the spread of infectious diseases in our community over the last few months. I ask that you don’t forget what you’ve learned and continue to exercise reasonable caution.

That being said, I know many of us are ready to move forward and look to the future. To escape our current issues and dream of what could be. To that end I want to thank everyone who contributed ideas about what Nixa's future should look like at ImagineNixa.com over the last 5 months. We had planned to complete this project with a big push at Nixa Sucker Days, but with the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of that event, we decided to keep the website open to public comment through June 30th. Now, we move into a phase where city leaders are reviewing and considering every idea that was contributed to help us draft our 5-year strategic plan. Once the plan is written by the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee and adopted by a vote of city council, we will unveil it to the public later this year. I'm excited to see what you all have imagined for our future and the progress we will make in the coming years to make our vision become reality.


Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
Happy 4th of July!
Fireworks
We want you to have a safe and wonderful 4th of July celebration. Please use fireworks safely and remember that per city ordinance, fireworks may only be used inside city limits between 2pm-11pm on July 4th.


(Nixa city offices will also be closed Friday July 3rd in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The X Center will close at 6pm on July 4th.)
Election Results
Thank you for voting Nixa!

  • Mayor Brian Steele will serve another 3-year term.
  • Jarad Giddens (District 1) will serve his first full 3-year term on city council (he was previously appointed to council to fill a vacant seat).
  • Darlene Graham (District 3) will serve another 3-year term on city council.
  • All four propositions to update the Nixa Home Rule Charter were approved by voters.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Construction to widen Highway 14 thru Nixa is now underway. Expect traffic impacts.
It's finally happening! Construction work to widen Missouri Route 14 (Mount Vernon Street) thru Nixa will begin week of June 1.


Drivers in Nixa can expect traffic impacts and potential delays along Missouri Route 14 (Mount Vernon Street) west of U.S. Route 160/Missouri Route 13 in Nixa when a widening project begins the week of June 1, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
Route 14 will be widened to five lanes -- two lanes in each direction with a center-turn lane -- between Estes Street and a point west of Christian County Route M/Nicholas Road.

Here’s a look at the project:
  • Widen Route 14 to five lanes – add a new lane in each direction, creating a five lane roadway with two lanes in each direction with a center-turn lane.
  • Add turn lanes at Nicholas Road, Truman Road and Tiffany Boulevard.
  • Install new storm drains with curb and gutter.
  • Replace traffic signals with new signals to accommodate the new lanes.
  • Build sidewalks along south side of 14 (City of Nixa contributing to the cost of sidewalks).

Traffic impacts:
  • Lane closings during lower traffic volume times.
  • Route 14 and side streets closed at times for storm drain pipe installations. Road closings announced well in advance of the traffic impacts.
  • Business entrances closed half at a time or one entrance closed if other entrances exist. Businesses will be notified in advance of entrance work.
  • Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas.

The project is scheduled for completion by early June 2021.
The prime contractor is D & E Plumbing of Nixa.
The total estimated project cost is $8.4 million.
(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit  www.modot.org/southwest )
TRAFFIC ALERT: Construction to improve the intersection of 160 & South St. is now underway. Expect traffic impacts.
Drivers in Nixa can expect lane closings, street closings and potential delays at the intersection of U.S. Route 160 (Massey Boulevard) and South Street in Nixa when a project to add turn lanes and new traffic signals begins the week of July 6, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Here’s a look at the project:
  • Widen southbound Route 160 by extending a second southbound lane through the intersection of South Street (The second southbound lane will end just south of South Street.)
  • Add right-turn lanes at each corner of the intersection
  • Add a sidewalk on the south side of South Street between West Street and Route 160 that connects to the existing sidewalk on the northeast side of the intersection
  • Replace traffic signals with new signals to accommodate the new lane. New signals will have flashing yellow arrows in left turn lanes at the intersection.

Traffic impacts:
  • Lane closings where crews are working during lower traffic volume times
  • South Street closed for up to two (2) days for storm drain pipe installations. Road closing will be announced well in advance of the traffic impacts.
  • Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

The project is scheduled for completion by early November 2020.
The prime contractor is D & E Plumbing of Nixa.
MoDOT and the City of Nixa are sharing the cost of the project.
The total estimated project cost is $1.45 million.
(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)
(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit  www.modot.org/southwest )
Working For You
Public comment period closes on ImagineNixa.com
Thank you for helping us imagine what Nixa should be like in the future!

City leaders are now reviewing and considering all the ideas submitted as we begin crafting a 5-year strategic plan for the City of Nixa.

Want to see the ideas that were submitted? The public comment period is now closed, but you may still visit  ImagineNixa.com  to see what your neighbors suggested.

We will unveil a strategic plan based on your input later this year. Stay tuned!

And congratulations to Tessa P. and Eloise w. who won the final two prizes for sharing their ideas in the discussion forums between June 22 and June 30. They join Jennifer C., Gene C., Fue H., Kim M., Jenny S., and Emily S. who were winners of the previous drawings.
Parks Master Plan
Nixa Parks Master Plan

The survey for the parks master plan closes at noon on July 3rd. This input survey is an opportunity to share general feedback on the recommendations and identify your priorities for implementation of the master plan recommendations. Make sure to take the survey by following this link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NixaParksandRecSurvey
Cops Connecting With Kids
Cops Connecting With Kids
Nixa Police (with the help of the Nixa Community Foundation) have begun a new program called Cops Connecting With Kids.

This summer, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you might see Nixa Police officers cruising around your neighborhood who will be looking for opportunities to stop to meet with children and give them some cool gifts, from stuffed K-9s and backpacks, to chocolate bars, hand sanitizer, and more. The intent of the program is to help children and officers develop friendly relationships and have more conversations as another aspect of our community-oriented approach to policing.

Thanks to the  Nixa Community Foundation  for providing grant money to help us purchase giveaway items.
How to Respond to the 2020 Census
It's not too late to respond to the 2020 census. Please encourage your neighbors and HOA members to complete their census form online!

Also be sure to encourage elderly loved ones, young adults living on their own for the first time, and loved ones who live in rural areas to complete the census for the address where they live.

Complete the census survey online in less than 5 minutes at www.my2020census.gov .

A complete census count will help our community bring our tax dollars back to our community that we've already paid to the federal government. It helps us fund roads, schools, and healthcare right here in Nixa. Every person that goes uncounted will cost our community thousands of dollars.

You can also respond to the census by calling 844-330-2020, or by completing the paper form and mailing it back.

When responding, remember to count everyone living in your home or apartment, even babies!

Learn more about the census at 2020census.gov . If you have questions about the census, you can call Nixa City Hall at 417-725-3785. If we don't know the answer to your question, we know where we can find an answer.
2020 Nixa Parks Program Guide
Exceptional City Staff
Employee Spotlight
Kirk Farris
Kirk Farris has served the City of Nixa since 2015. Kirk started as a Utility Worker at the Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) and was previously promoted to Operator. He has worked diligently at gaining knowledge of the WWTF and currently holds a Wastewater Treatment Class B license. Kirk is a resourceful person to have on staff, always willing to lend a hand in areas that need it. Kirk works hard to make sure our equipment is running smoothly and our facility is always kept in the best looking shape. He's a vital part of the team that ensures the water that we put back in Finley Creek is cleaner than the water upstream of our facility. Thanks for all you do!
City Events
Movies in the Park 2020
July 18: Movie in the Park - Jumanji: The Next Level
The Movies in the Park series is presented by the Massengale Group. All movies are held at McCauley Park, begin at dusk, and all movies are FREE! Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. All movies are 
dependent on weather. No smoking and no alcohol.
  
Saturday, July 18th:  Jumanji: The Next Level (PG 13) 
Saturday, August 8th:  Toy Story 4 (G) 
September 12th:  Aladdin (PG Live Action)
Citywide Garage Sale 2020
Jul. 31 - Aug. 2: Citywide Garage Sale
The Citywide Garage Sale for 2020 has been rescheduled for the weekend of July 31 thru August 2!

This weekend only, no garage permits are required in order to hold a garage sale.
National Night Out 2020
Aug. 4: National Night Out
Nixa's National Night Out event will be held on August 4th, 2020 at The X Center pool. We'll have food, games, and lots of fun for the whole family! Come hang out with Nixa Police, Fire Fighters, and other first responders.
The Update is a great way to learn more about what's happening in Nixa and have your questions answered while enjoying lunch. Each month, we bring a different guest speaker from Nixa local government. These events give senior citizens an opportunity to meet and interact with the city's leadership, voice their concerns, and stay informed!

Upcoming dates: The Nixa Senior Center is still closed due to the elevated health risk for COVID-19 associated with senior citizens. We will resume these events as soon as it is safe to do so.

Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Nixa Senior Center. The cost of lunch is $3.50 for those 60+ and $6.00 for those under 60. Learn more about the Nixa Senior Center at the   Nixa Senior Center   website.
Parks Programs
Summer It Up!
Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for Summer It Up! The day camp is offered Monday through Friday (with the exception of Memorial Day and the 4th of July), from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The program is open to children ages 5 to 12 years old; entering Kindergarten - 6th grade.

Summer camp will begin May 4th (in a limited capacity) and end the day Nixa Public Schools start school for the 2020-2021 school year. You can still register by contacting Nixa Parks. The fees for the program are as follows: $25 (per family) registration fee, Members (per week) $96.50, Non-Members (per week) $110.
Swim Lessons
There are 6 levels of swim lessons. Each level has 4 sessions, with each session consisting of 8 total classes. Classes are held Monday - Thursday for two weeks. In case of inclement weather or holidays, Friday may be used as a make up day.

Tadpoles and Intro to Swim are 30 minute classes; Levels 1 - 5 are 45 minute classes.

Registration for swim lessons begins March 2nd and ends the Thursday prior to the session start date.

Fees for Swim Lessons are as follows: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.

For details on each lessons, available times, or for private lessons--contact us! Fridays are reserved as rain make up days.

Session 3: July 6th - July 16th
Session 4: July 20th - July 30th
Session 5: August 3rd - August 15th
Jr. Lifeguards
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Lifeguard? Check out Jr. Lifeguards! Registration begins March 2nd and ends Thursday, July 16th--space is limited to 30 kids!
The program is open to ages 10 to 15 years old. The fees for the program are as follows: Members $32, Nixa Residents $37, Non-Residents $42.
Classes will be held Monday - Thursday from 11 am - 12 pm July 20th through 30th.
Martial Arts
Martial Arts
Join GMHMA Springfield for Martial Arts classes at Nixa Parks and Recreation. Martial Arts enables students to develop a higher degree of speed, balance, control, and confidence.
Dates: Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm at The X Center.
Open To: Ages 5 years old and older.
Registration: Tuition is $40 per month with a $60 startup cost (includes uniform) made payable to GMHMA Springfield at the first class.
Fall Recreational Soccer
Recreational Soccer is geared towards introducing and fostering interest in soccer. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. The league is open to boys and girls; it is comprised of 4 different divisions, 3&4 years old, 5 years old and Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th-8th grade. Games for every division are on Saturday morning/afternoons. 
 
Season Dates:  September 19th - October 24th 
 
Open To:  Boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by September 19th) to 8th grade. 
 
Location:  Games will be played on Saturdays at McCauley Park and practices are held at Rotary Park. 
 
Fees:  Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55. 
 
Registration:  June 15th and ends August 19th. Late registration from August 20th - 23rd with an additional $10 late fee.
Fall Recreational Volleyball
Recreational Volleyball is geared towards introducing and fostering girls 3rd through 6th grade an interest in volleyball. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. 

Season Dates:  September 21st/22nd - October 19th/20th. 3rd/4th grade plays on Monday evenings; 5th/6th grade plays on Tuesday evenings.  The season ending tournament will be held on Saturday, October 24th.

Open To:  The program is open to girls in 3rd - 6th grade.

Location:  Games will be played and practices will be held at The X Center. 

Fees:  Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.
 
Registration:  June 15th and ends August 19th. Late registration 
August 20th - 23rd with a $10 additional late fee.
More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
For the latest info on all the events happening at Nixa Parks and The X Center, follow the link to NixaParks.com
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Now Hiring!
The City of Nixa has job openings for various city departments!

Visit the  jobs section of our website   or you can call our Human Resources department at 417-725-3785.

You can learn more about what it's like to work for the City of Nixa when you  check out our page on LinkedIn .
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CITY CONTACT NUMBERS:

City Hall: 725-3785
Police: 725-2510
911 Non-emergency and Animal Control: 582-1030
Nixa Utilities and report an outage: 725-3229
Public Works: 725-2353
Parks: 725-5486
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Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com