Council hears first reading on annexing Highway 14 right‑of‑way to align city signs

NIXA, Mo. — The City Council on Monday took the first reading of an ordinance to annex approximately 4.29 acres of right‑of‑way along West Highway 14 that the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission holds, with the stated purpose of aligning the green state‑road city‑limit sign with a new “Welcome to Nixa” sign the city recently installed.

Planning and development director Scott Gabbi said state procedure requires voluntary annexation requests to be noticed to communities within five miles; the city notified Clever, Highlandville, Fremont Hills, Ozark, Springfield and Christian County. Gabbi reported no negative feedback and said the owner of a nearby solar farm phoned to express support. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously reviewed the request and recommended approval unanimously.

Gabbi told council that annexation would not change policing or maintenance responsibilities substantially beyond reporting requirements to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and would primarily formalize the city boundary for signage purposes. He said staff would ask MoDOT whether the existing sign will be moved or replaced to reflect the annexation and that staff would report back at second reading.

Ending: Staff recommended approval; the annexation ordinance will return for a second reading and vote at a later council meeting.