Nixa News | December 2019 Edition
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In this month's edition you can read about...
- How you can share ideas regarding Downtown Revitalization
- How to write a letter to Santa
- Remember to renew your business license, dog tags, and golf cart tags
- K-9 Officer Jannie to retire
- Upcoming events
- New businesses now open in Nixa
- A letter from the Mayor
- 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.
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As we come to the end of another year, I wanted to take this chance to look back at 2019 and the many achievements the city has had.
This last year has been a year of leadership transition for the City of Nixa. Our new City Administrator Jimmy Liles and new Chief of Police Joe Campbell have hit the ground running and are settling into their leadership positions.
2019 was also a year of laying a solid groundwork for future economic development. Council established a façade grant program to help encourage the beautification of downtown Nixa as well as visual improvements to older buildings around town. The City continues to work closely with Show Me Christian County and the Nixa Chamber of Commerce on several projects to draw investment, jobs, and development to Nixa, including the recent announcement of the new CoxHealth "Super Clinic" in Nixa. We continue to see strong residential growth for Nixa, with another estimated 250 new homes begin built this year, keeping Nixa as the fastest growing community in Southwest Missouri.
The City continues its ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility. In 2019 the finance department earned its third consecutive Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from Government Finance Officers Association. Moody’s credit services also upgraded the city’s bond and credit ratings. This is a reflection of our fiscal responsibility and healthy budgetary and reporting practices. We were also able to pay off nearly $1.3 million dollars in city debt this year, leaving an outstanding balance of $5.3 million. The city’s debt has been cut by 82% in the 10 years I have served on City Council.
Our police department remains one of the best in the region and across the state. Comparing to 2018 Nixa has seen a 38% increase in calls of service, but through extra enforcement efforts, we have seen an 18% decrease in motor vehicle crashes and a 20% decrease in DWI offenses. Nixa once again ranked as the safest city in Southwest Missouri according to a list of the safest cities in Missouri, placing number 20 statewide.
I also want to brag on the fact that the City continues to be recognized as one of the most innovative cities in the state. Nixa earned its 3
rd
consecutive Innovation Award from the Missouri Municipal League for establishing a Think Tank made up of city staff who work to develop innovative solutions to our organizational challenges. As Mayor, I am extremely proud of the innovative reputation our city has established!
I hope you will all celebrate the successes of 2019 with me and look forward to a great 2020!
Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
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This perplexing puzzle will keep you bewildered, befuddled, and bemused.
Q:
Santa is bringing a gift for each person in the Mustard family. Mr. and Mrs. Mustard have six daughters and each daughter has one brother. How many gifts is Santa bringing?
The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
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Candidate Filing For April 7th General Municipal Election
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If you would like to run for Mayor or for a seat on Nixa City Council, please contact Nixa City Hall to register as a candidate for the election which will take place on April 7, 2020.
Candidates must have lived within their district for at least 1 full year prior to candidate filing and must be a registered voter and US citizen.
Candidate filing opens at 8:30am on December 17th and closes at 4:30pm on January 21st.
Mayor and council serve 3 year terms. The next term starts April 8, 2020 and ends in April of 2023.
Call 417-725-3785 to speak with Elizabeth Gibson regarding registration, or send an email to egibson@nixa.com or crobbins@nixa.com.
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Nixa State of the Community 2019
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Want to learn more about what the Nixa community accomplished in 2019 and what's ahead for us in 2020? Check out the 2019 State of the Community video above! (Thanks to Nixa Public Schools for creating this video!)
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Now Open for Business in Nixa
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Shop local! The following brick and mortar businesses have received new Nixa business licenses.
- Gary's Storage - 106 N Main (storage)
- Farm Fresh Steakhouse and Bakery - 701-7 N McCroskey (restaurant)
- Sugar Cube Lane - 109 S Main St. (kids and baby boutique)
Thinking about opening a business in Nixa?
Call City Hall at 417-725-3785 to talk to us about your idea.
We would be thrilled to assist you through the process.
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Are you remodeling a commercial space in Nixa located downtown or built before January 23, 1975?
If so, you may now apply for a façade grant from the City of Nixa. This program is intended to help Nixa businesses beautify the exterior of their buildings. Qualifying projects may receive up to $7,500 in matching funds.
Call Nixa City Hall at 417-725-3785 to learn how to apply!
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Renew Your Business License
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All Nixa business licenses expire on December 31. Stop by Nixa City Hall or visit our website to renew with our new online form!
Renewals cost $25 and new licenses cost $50.
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Renew Your Golf Cart Permit
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All Nixa golf cart permits (which are required for use on city streets) expire on December 31. Stop by Nixa City Hall or visit our website to renew.
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All Nixa Dog Tags expire on December 31. You must visit Nixa City Hall to show proof of rabies vaccination in order to renew your tags. These tags help Animal Control return your furry friend back to you if they get lost and ensure that all dogs in Nixa city limits have been vaccinated against rabies.
$2 for spayed/neutered dogs. $3 if not.
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Water Tower #10 Under Construction
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Water Tower #10 is under construction on S. Norton Road. Contractors have begun pouring concrete for the various levels of the tower, which will be crowned with a 1 million gallon tank! This new water tower will help ensure Nixa's water utility provides sufficient supply and pressure as our community continues to grow and add hundreds of new homes each year.
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Nixa City Offices Holiday Closures
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Nixa city offices will be closed on:
- Tuesday Dec. 24th (open 8:30am - Noon)
- Wednesday Dec. 25th in observance of Christmas.
- Wednesday Jan. 1, 2020 in observance of New Years Day.
- Monday Jan. 20, 2020 in observance of MLK Day.
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Jordon Odem joined the Electric Department June 2018 as lead Tree Trimmer and has made several positive impacts since he arrived. He is a Certified Arborist who loves educating the community about trees. Jordon implemented an integrated vegetation management program which includes using new vendors with specialized equipment and tree growth regulators. This process has saved the city time and money, completing projects and providing safe and reliable power to our citizens. He also has started a plant health program to save and better care for public owned trees on city property and right-of-way. Jordon is a member of the Missouri Community Forestry Council the International Society of Arboriculture and team member of the N-Shape committee for the City of Nixa. He enjoys spending time with his three children in his spare time.
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Tree Trimmer Earns Arborist Certification
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Congratulations to Johnny Neal who is now recognized as a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. He passed this difficult exam with 8 years experience in the Utility Arboriculture industry. Johnny has attended conferences, taken classes and spent many hours of studying in manuals in preparation for this test. Nixa Utilities now has two staff Certified Arborists in the Electric Department.
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Dec. 7: Mayor's Tree Lighting and Caroling at the Crossroads
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Join Mayor Brian Steele downtown for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which will be part of the "Caroling at the Crossroads" event on Saturday, December 7th beginning at 5pm, presented by Nixa Parks and the Downtown Revitalization Committee.
There will also be caroling, choir performances, Christmas crafts, and Santa Claus too!
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Dec. 8: Nixa Christmas Parade
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On Sunday, December 8th, Nixa will hold its annual 65th Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is ‘An Old-Fashioned Christmas’.
The parade will start at 2:00pm at The X Center and end at Nixa Jr. High.
Parade participants:
registration will end on Monday, December 2nd.
Call 417.725.5486 to register for the parade.
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Dec. 20: K-9 Jannie's Retirement Party
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It's the end of the thin blue line for Nixa's hardest working dog. Join us as we celebrate Officer Jannie's 8 years of service to Nixa.
The party will be held at Nixa City Hall on December 20th from 3pm-5pm.
Feel free to bring her a retirement gift.
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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: December 30, January 29.
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.
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Write to Santa, c/o Nixa Parks and Recreation,
P.O. Box 395, Nixa, MO 65714
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Please include an important event or accomplishment for 2019, a wish list, mailing address, email address, parent first and last name, and phone number.
In order to receive your letter from Santa, he must receive yours no later than December 11th, 2019.
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While Nixa is out of school for Winter Break—join us, at The X Center, for a camp full of fun and awesome activities.
Registration begins October 28th and ends December 19th.
Camp will be held Monday - Friday, December 20th - January 3rd (with the exception of December 25th and January 1st), from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
The program is open to ages 5 years old to 6th grade.
The fees for the program are as follows (per day): Members $15, Nixa Residents $20, Non-Residents $25.
Please send a sack lunch and two snacks each day.
Register by visiting nixaparks.com, calling 417.725.5486, or come by The X Center located at 701 N. Taylor Way.
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Recreational Basketball is geared towards introducing and fostering interest in basketball. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun.
Season Dates:
Saturday, January 11th, 2020 - February 15th, 2020.
Open To:
Boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by January 11th) to 6th grade.
Location:
Games are played at The X Center and Nixa Public Schools.
Fees:
Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53.
Registration:
Ends December 4th. *Late registration from December 5th - December 8th with a $10 additional late fee.
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More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
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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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At the Nixa Branch Library this Month
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The Nixa Branch Library is located at 208 N. McCroskey.
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How can we make downtown Nixa a vibrant and active destination?
The Nixa Downtown Revitalization Committee wants to hear your ideas!
Join us at the Nixa Branch Library at 208 N. McCroskey from 6pm-8pm on December 2, 2019.
The Nixa Downtown Revitalization Committee is kicking off its participation in the Missouri Main Street Connection program by inviting the community to this discussion forum. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided. Attendees will be encouraged to share input and will be able to learn how they can help.
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Debra Tucker of 417 Create Art and Yoga will demonstrate breathing techniques, stretches, and many other methods of finding calm and relieving stress.
Registration is required. Call 417-724-6100 to register.
Saturdays 10am-11am
- December 14 at the Ozark Branch
- January 11 at the Nixa Branch
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Meet Santa and shop for inexpensive gifts for friends and family. For kids and families.
At the Ozark Branch.
Friday Dec. 6: 2pm-5pm
Saturday Dec. 7: 10am-5pm
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FYI: For Your Information
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Sign Up for Text Alerts and
E-Notifications
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Get emergency alerts on your phone by downloading the Swift 911 Public app. Subscribe to the "Nixa City News" alerts category and any other categories you'd like to receive text alerts about.
Sign up here for e-mail notifications from the City of Nixa. You may select which categories of e-notifications you will receive, so you only get emails on the topics you're interested in. From bids, to calendar events, to press releases, you can get an alert as soon as the information is released so you don't have to wait for the monthly newsletter.
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The City of Nixa has job openings for various city departments!
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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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The solution to your scalp scratchin'.
Q: Santa is bringing a gift for each person in the Mustard family. Mr. and Mrs. Mustard have six daughters and each daughter has one brother. How many gifts is Santa bringing?
A:
Santa is bringing 9 gifts. Since each daughter shares the same brother, there are 6 girls, one boy, and Mr. and Mrs. Mustard.
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Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com
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