Nixa council approves solid‑waste exception, Blue Shield resolution, CID appointments, electric credit and police equipment purchase

The Nixa City Council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions March 25, including a second‑reading ordinance creating exceptions to the city's weekly solid‑waste pickup requirement, adoption of a resolution to pursue Missouri Blue Shield designation and associated grant eligibility, consent to mayoral reappointments on a Community Improvement District board, authorization of an energy cost adjustment credit for electric customers, and authorization to purchase suppressors for the police department.

Council votes and key details

- Ordinance (council bill 2025‑07): The council adopted a second‑reading ordinance amending chapter 22, article 5, division 1, section 22‑345 of the Nixa City Code to add an exception to the weekly solid‑waste pickup requirement when documented inclement weather, natural disasters, or other events reasonably prevent collection. The measure was moved by Mayor Kelly Morris and seconded by Aaron Peterson. Roll‑call votes recorded in the meeting transcript show votes of Yes from Aaron Peterson, Kelly Morris, Darlene Graham, Zern Vest and Sean Lucas. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑17 (Blue Shield commitment): The council approved a resolution expressing the city's commitment to public safety and to apply for Missouri's Blue Shield designation. Police Chief Joe Campbell briefed the council on the program announced March 5 by Governor Mike Kehoe, noting the state intends to make up to $10 million in grants available for law enforcement training and equipment and that the Missouri Department of Public Safety will administer the program. Chief Campbell said the city meets the listed criteria and staff recommended passage. Motion moved by Sean Lucas and seconded by Darlene Graham. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 2025‑18 (CID appointments): The council consented to the mayor's reappointments to the McCroskey Street Community Improvement District board of directors. City Attorney Nick Woodman explained the district was established in 2011 and that the petition and statute require mayoral appointments with council consent. The motion (first by Aaron Peterson, second by Kelly Morris) carried by voice vote.

- Resolution 2025‑19 (Energy Cost Adjustment): The council authorized the annual energy cost adjustment (ECA) and, because wholesale costs were below the base year, approved an ECA credit of 0.56 cents per kilowatt‑hour that will appear on April bills and run through March of the following year. Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Director Doug Colvin explained the formula and recommended the credit. Motion moved/seconded and approved by roll call/voice as recorded.

- Resolution 2025‑20 (Police suppressors): The council authorized the city administrator to purchase suppressors for the emergency tactical team at a cost of $12,296.40. Police Chief Joe Campbell said the suppressors reduce noise exposure and improve accuracy; funding was available in a trackable assets line in the police budget. Motion moved by Darlene Graham and seconded by Sean Lucas. Outcome: approved.

Other council business and follow up

- Staff updates: Assistant administrators and department heads told the council the ADA transition plan would be returned at the next meeting, the city planned a community volunteer day and the annual Easter egg hunt, and the parks department needs to replace a diving‑board stand that is no longer supported by the manufacturer at an estimated additional cost of about $14,800.09, to be covered by funds reallocated from a pool‑painting CIP that will not be done this year.

- Closed session: The council voted to go into closed session under RSMo —710.021 subsections 1, 3 and 13. The roll call recorded Yes votes from Aaron Peterson, Zern Vest, Sean Lucas, Darlene Graham and Kelly Morris.

What passed and what happens next: Ordinances and resolutions approved March 25 will be effective according to the provisions of each ordinance or resolution and as specified in the Nixa City Code; staff will proceed with the Blue Shield application, the ECA credit will appear on April bills, and the police department was cleared to order suppressors under the cooperative purchasing agreement noted in the staff presentation.