MML Review Magazine, July/August 2022

REVIEW

A U N I T E D V O I C E F O R M I S S O U R I M U N I C I PA L L E A G U E C O M M U N I T I E S

THE MISSOURI MUNICIPAL

July/August 2022

Join us in September!

MML 88TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE September 11-14, 2022

OSAGE BEACH, MISSOURI

www.mocities.com 1 A Community Of Possibilities | Citizen Surveys | 2022 Innovation Award Winners

We’re committed to staying connected.

MOSIP has been providing investment services for Missouri school districts, municipalities, counties and other political entities since 1991, focusing on safety, liquidity and earning a competitive yield.

Our commitment to our communities remains steadfast as we help build and rebuild the transforming world around us. We’re with you all the way.

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This information is for institutional investor use only, not for further distribution to retail investors, and does not represent an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any fund or other security. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in any of the Missouri Securities Investment Program’s portfolios. This and other information about the Program’s portfolios is available in the Program’s current Information Statement, which should be read carefully before investing. A copy of the Information Statement may be obtained by calling 1-877-MY-MOSIP or is available on the Program’s website at www.mosip.org. While the MOSIP Liquid Series seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share and the MOSIP Term portfolio seeks to achieve a net asset value of $1.00 per share at the stated maturity, it is possible to lose money investing in the Program. An investment in the Program is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Shares of the Program’s portfolios are distributed by PFM Fund Distributors, Inc., member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (www.finra.org) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) (www.sipc.org). PFM Fund 2 theReview July/August Distributors, Inc. is a wholly2022 owned subsidiary of PFM Asset Management LLC.

THE MISSOURI MUNICIPAL

July/August 2022; Volume 87, No. 4

CONTENTS Features 6

A Community Of Possibilities

by Matt Lehrman

10

6

Citizen Surveys: Improving Local Government Performance Using Community Feedback

by Mark Ellickson

14

MML 88th Annual Conference • Overview • Agenda • Events • Pre-Conference

18

Putting Missourians On A Path To Learn, Work, And Prosper

by Joel McNutt

10

21

FAQ: Building Efficiencies And Clean Air Filtration

by Jennifer (Gray) Geen

24

News From The Bench: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v.

Bruen

by Lisa Soronen

26

Getting To Know You: Zac Burden

Departments

28

4

President's Review

28

2022 MML Innovation Award Winners

32

Elected Officials Training 2022

36

Member News

38

MML Calendar Of Events

MISSOURI MUNICIPAL LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Joe Garritano, Council Member, Wildwood; Vice President: Michele DeShay, Mayor, Moline Acres; Damien Boley, Mayor, Smithville; *Chuck Caverly, Council Member, Maryland Heights; Bryant Delong, Council Member, North Kansas City; Jerry Grimmer, Council Member, Bridgeton; Cemal Unmut Gungor, City Administrator, Grandview; Dwaine Hahs, Mayor, Jackson; Heather Hall, Council Member, Kansas City; *Debra Hickey, Mayor, Battlefield; *Chris Lievsay, Council Member, Blue Springs; Ken McClure, Mayor, Springfield; *Norman McCourt, Mayor, Black Jack; Chris McPhail, Alderman, Clever; Sheryl Morgan, City Clerk, Blue Springs; Lori Obermoeller, Finance Director, Creve Coeur; Tom Oldham, Council Member, Sedalia; Len Pagano, Mayor, St. Peters; *Matt Robinson, Mayor, Hazelwood; Mike Roemerman, Mayor, Ellisville; *Kathy Rose, Mayor, Riverside; *Carson Ross, Mayor, Blue Springs; Erin Seele, Attorney, Cunningham, Vogel and Rost; Matt Turner, Alderman, Harrisonville; Jeana Woods, City Administrator, Osage Beach *Past President AFFILIATE GROUPS Missouri City Management Association; City Clerks and Finance Officers Association; Government Finance Officers Association of Missouri; Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association EDITORIAL Laura Holloway / Editor Lholloway@mocities.com Richard Sheets and Lori Noe Contributing Editors GRAPHIC DESIGN Rhonda Miller The Review July/August 2022; Volume 87, No. 4 The Missouri Municipal Review (ISSN 00266647) is the official publication of the Missouri Municipal League state association of cities, towns and villages, and other municipal corporations of Missouri.

Publication office is maintained at 1727 Southridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Subscriptions: $30 per year. Single copies: $5 prepaid. Advertising rates on request.

Published bi-monthly. Periodicals postage paid at Jefferson City, Missouri.

Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 1727 Southridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

To contact the League Office call 573-635-9134, fax 573-635-9009 or email the League at info@mocities.com.

Website: www.mocities.com.

www.mocities.com

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President's Review

by Joe Garritano, Council Member, Wildwood, and MML President

Be Ready And Prepared For Success I don’t think I’m surprising anyone to say that our world is a bit volatile right now.

Events in the news can leave even the calmest of us a little rattled. As a local official, you are thinking about more than how world events affect your family or your career. You are also focused on your local community and how to best preserve the most important functions of your city, protecting citizens and working to keep your community vibrant and thriving.

Preparation can be key to your success.

"

Your personal

training is as crucial to your city as the services you

"

provide.

One way to ensure preparedness for your community is through workforce development. We have heard a lot about how this is a priority for Missouri Governor Mike Parson, and with good reason. Without a developed workforce, a company looking to develop in your community may pull back. As you will read about in this issue’s article on Missouri’s Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development services (page 18), Missouri has more than 150,000 online job postings each week – many of these positions require some training, and Workforce Development can assist your community to get started.

The Department works to put Missourians on a path to learn, work and prosper. It assists your community with financial aid opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and work-based learning opportunities. I encourage you to learn more about their services and how they can help keep the skills of your community members finetuned.

Besides assisting your community development, it is equally important to build yourself professionally. MML offers fantastic training throughout the year, and our largest event, the MML Annual Conference, is coming up right around the corner!

In addition to a keynote address that features workforce development, you will benefit from dozens of sessions providing important takeaways on topics like: •

Cybersecurity

•

Employee retention

•

Social media liability

•

Capital assets management

•

So much more!

You can learn more about the Conference and view an agenda on pages 14-17 of this issue. Be sure to register yourself and your colleagues at www.mocities.com. If you have not attended an MML annual conference before, you will quickly learn that it is an event not to be missed. Besides the excellent content, you will find valuable services from exhibitors with expertise in serving municipalities, and benefit from networking with peers from around the entire state.

Your personal training is as crucial to your city as the services you provide. Preparation occurs at many levels to achieve success in your city, and MML is a valuable resource ready to assist you throughout the year.

Thank you for the time and effort you tirelessly give to your community. I look forward to seeing you in September!

4

theReview July/August 2022

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5

FEATURE Review

by Matt Lehrman

A Community Of Possibilities

Generosity is a choice.

Whether inviting someone with just a few items to cut ahead of you in the grocery store checkout line or mailing off a check to a worthy charitable organization, every generous decision is a spark of grace in a hardhearted world.

As a civic leader – whether elected, appointed or hired – generosity is your personal choice too, but I respectfully suggest that you also recognize it as an essential professional responsibility directly related to the quality of civic engagement in your community.

Let us distinguish generosity from the common vocabulary of civic behavior: • Generosity means more than civility, the polite deference people owe each other in a nation that recognizes “… all men are created equal.” Civility alone is no guarantee of meaningful discourse.

• Generosity demands more than tolerance. Meaningful dialogue and collaboration require that people do more than simply endure or outlast those with whom they disagree.

• Generosity asks for more than respect of others’ opinions, especially when respect is converted to villainization aimed at stoking fear against or delegitimizing a source of disagreement.

Civility, tolerance and respect are not supposed to be choices. In American society, they are the minimum standard 6

theReview July/August 2022

by which people are expected to govern themselves via vigorous, informed and rational discourse.

Civility is supposed to be the guardrail that keeps reasonable disagreement from veering into the oncoming lane of being outright disagreeable.

Yet here is our uncomfortable truth: Civility, tolerance and respect are inadequate. They are failing at the job of sparking the grace of inclusion, dialogue, creativity and compromise necessary for healthy, vibrant communities.

We need to aim higher.

Civility, tolerance and respect are useful rules where local government is positioned solely as the arena in which opposing interests compete, but the more meaningful work of cities and towns should be about gathering consensus that “grows the pie” rather than “divvying up its slices.”

Civility Is Only The floor. Generosity Is The Roof.

Civility is necessary for conversations about the present.

Generosity is essential for conversations about the future.

And being oriented to the future – that is, being a community of possibilities – is what invites people to best connect with each other, collaborate for mutual benefit, and feel secure in their share of social prosperity. Our best future is built upon generosity.

Let me offer three tactics to help you lead a community of possibilities: 1. Consider and adopt a values statement that makes these (and perhaps other) generous promises: • Welcoming – In our community, we encourage the participation of all residents because we recognize that we can accomplish more by working together than any of us can on our own.

• Neighborly – In our community, everyone deserves to emerge from public decision-making feeling respected and heard.

• Courageous – In our community, you will repeatedly hear us say “Tell me more” because we truly want to hear, understand and consider others’ (different) perspectives.

2. Practice setting a generous mood.

There is no single method to do this. However, as a professional facilitator specializing in conducting public dialogue and gathering community consensus for cities and towns, I will share one of my most commonly successful (but not foolproof!) techniques to inspire generosity among groups of people of diverse backgrounds and opinions: Invite the group to reflect on this statement: “The purpose of local government is to enable individuals to join together in recognizing and solving community problems,” and stir the conversation gently following this recipe: • Invite someone’s observation that the statement reflects the tug-of-war between the sacred rights of individuals and the unchecked expansion

of community needs. (Do not back away, there is a lot of flavor in a strong conversation about peoples’ declarations of favoring “freedom and liberty” over “collectivism and socialism.”)

• Add in someone else’s observation that the statement can alternatively be read to empower all sorts of people to identify problems, injustices, concerns, responsibilities and/or opportunities – with the hope and expectation that local government (and fellow citizens) will help do something about it.

• Ke e p we l c om i ng a d d it i on a l obser vations until ever yone has participated.

• Let the discussion simmer; stir gently to help participants realize that difference does not necessarily mean opposition. For example, the latter do not want to pay for things they do not consider important while the former recognize some need for mutual cooperation.

• Your conversation is nearly done when someone shares: “Sometimes being part of a community means saying, ‘That is not what I would have preferred, but if others see that topic differently, I can be okay with that.’” Watch carefully for the sweet taste of generosity to spread because you have done it! Generosity means that people agree to deliberate together – are open to the possibility that they might not love the final decision, but may still be okay with it.

3. Reward generosity with accountability.

Never miss an opportunity to collect a name and an email address so that you can include them in an ongoing follow-up dialogue on the topic(s) they care about.

Inviting opinions and seeking advice but failing to offer the means to stay connected is profoundly ungenerous.

It is the nature of decision-making processes that some people will be disappointed. People are more accepting of such decisions when they know they have been heard and respected – and you accomplish that by being generous with your candid, timely and proactive follow-up.

Aspire To Be A Community Of Possibilities.

I truly and wholeheartedly believe that the single most important function of every city and town is to enable people to come together to recognize and solve community problems.

But, of course, that is not quite how towns and cities are operationally structured. Judged by budget size and the significance of their impact on daily living, you might www.mocities.com

7

SMITH&CO.

argue that infrastructure (i.e., roads, water/sewer, power, buildings) and public safety are a town’s or city’s most important functions. Surely, they are massive, durable, powerful – involving 901 Vine St., Poplar Bluff, MO 573.785.9621 ENGINEERS systems that, once constructed, will WWW.SHSMITHCO.COM last for generations. The priority of AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY DELIVERING QUALITY PROJECTS TO OUR CLIENTS infrastructure is obvious and universal.

As a beloved former Mayor of my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, said, “Potholes are neither Republican nor Democrat. They just need to be fixed.”

Infrastructure comprises the physical substance of cities and towns, and I use the word “ideastructure” to describe the enduring intentionality of people in communities. Just like infrastructure must be designed, constructed and maintained over a long period of time, so too must ideastructure.

LAND SURVEYING CIVIL ENGINEERING GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PARKS WATER AIRPORTS SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS A community of possibilities is a city or town willing to commit itself to an ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WASTEWATER BRIDGES ROADS ongoing process of visioning, that is, to a continuing exercise of welcoming, 2. What is something that we might conceive, create or evaluation, dialogue, research, partnership, innovation and preserve today, for which people in this community will be communication that enables individuals, organizations, deeply appreciative more than 20 years into the future? businesses and government to articulate their highest community aspirations togther.

The future is unknowable, but it is incredibly malleable.

More than 30 years ago, I took part in a Scottsdale, Arizona, A community of possibilities approaches that future with visioning process and still adore this simple but profound generosity. A community of possibilities offers time and space declaration in its final report: “Its purpose is to help for people with diverse perspectives, talents and capabilities to everyone pull together, in order that we may give our very join together to ask both what should not change – and what best to the future, just as all previously involved citizens can. A community of generosity invites civic leaders to find have done for us.” areas of common interest (even when they have well-known areas of disagreement) because in the long run the only thing Giving our very best to the future – now that is generosity! that matters is what we leave to successive generations.

And whether you are creating a full-bore community Look, I am not naïve. I offer no promise that everyone in endeavor – or personally engaging in generosity-inspiring your town will start singing Kumbaya. Disagreement is not conversations with fellow civic leaders or constituents, here only natural, it is necessary for a healthy and vibrant society. are two wonderful conversation starters: But generosity is a choice. And as a civic leader, it is also 1. What is something that you appreciate or value in your responsibility. Go spark the grace of generosity – and our community today that exists thanks to the efforts and investments of people here more than 20 years ago? commit yourself to leading a community of possibilities.

Matt Lehrman is Managing Director of Social Prosperity Partners, (www.

SocialProsperity.us) an Arizona-based firm that supplies visioning & strategic planning, group facilitation, collaborative decision making, and community engagement services to cities & towns, nonprofits, and companies nationwide. He will deliver the keynote address, From Conflict to Conversation: Must Disagreement be Disagreeable? at the Missouri Municipal League’s Annual Conference on September 12, 2022.

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theReview July/August 2022

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9

FEATURE Review

by Mark Ellickson

Citizen Surveys:

Improving Local Government Performance Using Community Feedback Citizen surveys are a powerful tool for local government managers and elected officials seeking to improve government performance and community livability.

Unlike other forms of community engagement, professionally designed and implemented citizen surveys provide accurate and unbiased feedback that is representative of the whole community, not just the vocal few. Citizen surveys are also extremely versatile. Survey results can assist local governments with strategic planning and budgeting, measuring citizen satisfaction with municipal services and identifying areas for improvement, assessing community needs and prioritizing those needs, tracking resident perceptions of community quality of life, and evaluating government performance, to name a few. Citizen perceptions of community characteristics commonly measured and monitored using citizen surveys include the following: • Public Safety • Economic Health • Schools/Education • Natural Environment • Image/Reputation • Overall Appearance • Sense of Community • Recreation and Wellness Opportunities • Mobility/Traffic • Built Environment/Housing 10

theReview July/August 2022

Data Collection

D e s i g n i ng and i mpl e me nt i ng a credible citizen survey involves a series of interrelated steps that require specialized expertise, attention to detail and precision. Specifically, the various steps in the survey process include planning, data collection, sampling, questionnaire design, data analysis and report writing, and communication of results.

Planning The most important step in the survey process is having a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the study. This step is critical because it determines the data collection method, sampling procedure, and the types of questions to consider when designing the questionnaire. A professional survey research firm will work closely with local government officials during this stage to ensure that everyone is onboard with the project’s goals and objectives before proceeding. Careful planning will also facilitate the development of a realistic timetable for completing the survey.

There are three primar y data collection methods associated with citizen surveys — telephone, mail, and online. Historically, telephone surveys have been the data collection method of choice but due to caller ID, call blocking, cell phones, telephone scams, and public fatigue with telephone surveys in general, response rates have plummeted (see Figure 1) raising concerns about the accuracy of telephone survey results.

Currently, the most common method of conducting citizen surveys is by mail.

Mail surveys have several important advantages over telephone surveys including a significantly higher response rate due in part to its less intrusive nature (mail surveys are self-administered), anonymity of survey responses, and the ability to convey survey legitimacy via a city’s logo on the mailing envelope and signed cover letter by a major city official such as the mayor or city manager. Also, respondents of self-administered surveys (mail and online) are less likely to suffer from “social desirability bias” (i.e., giving “socially acceptable” responses) as is the case with telephone surveys. Finally, mailing lists of community households are regularly updated by the USPS and have nearly 100% coverage in most areas.

No other data collection method comes close to that standard.

Online surveys are a relatively new data collection alternative. They can be significantly less expensive than mail or telephone surveys, easier to

Figure 1. Telephone Survey Response Rates: 1997 – 2018. Source: Pew Research Center

complete, and more likely to attract younger respondents. On the downside, response rates are generally low and comprehensive lists of email addresses do not exist, thus eliminating the possibility of drawing a scientifically valid sample from a community.

Consequently, combining mail surveys with an online component is currently the best method of conducting a citizen survey. This hybrid approach combines the strengths of a mail survey (accurate mailing list, scientifically valid sample, convenience, legitimacy) with those of an online survey (younger respondents, ease of completion).

with a known margin of error (e.g., +/- 5.0%). In contrast, a survey based on a nonprobability sample is open to anyone interested in taking the survey.

Since selection bias is not controlled, survey results cannot be generalized back to the population with any degree of confidence regarding their accuracy.

A recent trend involving probabilitybased mail citizen surveys is to post a link of the mail survey on a city’s website and its social media sites shortly after the mail survey cut-off date. The online version of the “official” mail survey is referred to as an “opt-in” survey because it allows all residents in the community not randomly selected to receive a questionnaire to participate in the survey. Since it is conducted after the “official” survey has been closed, survey results from the “opt-in” survey (nonprobability sample) can be compared to those from the “official” probability-based survey. In some instances, it may be possible to merge the two data sets if the demographic and geographic profiles of the two groups of respondents are similar. This “hybrid” data set has the “potential” to be a representative sample of the community, while at the same time maximizing community input.

Questionnaire Design Questionnaire design is arguably the most difficult step in the survey research process. The correct choice of words and phrasing of a question is critical if all respondents are to interpret questions the same way. A well-constructed questionnaire will elicit survey responses

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Sampling Ideally, everyone in the community would be asked to participate in a citizen survey and sampling would be unnecessary. Unfortunately, time and money are limited, and some form of sampling is required. There are two general types of samples — probability and nonprobability. Probability samples are based on random sampling techniques that give residents an equal opportunity to participate in the survey thus eliminating selection bias.

Findings from a probability sample can be generalized back to the population

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Opinion Research Specialists, LLC Springfield, Missouri

Connecting Decision Makers with the Voice of the People

We are a full-service survey research firm dedicated to providing local governments with a clear understanding of the opinions, priorities, and behaviors of their residents and employees.

Since 1991, clients have relied on us for survey research and analysis that is accurate, unbiased, and representative of the entire population — not just the vocal few.

Contact: Mark Ellickson, Ph.D. mellickson@ellicksonresearch.com 417-889-4506

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A copy of the questionnaire along with a tabular display of the crosstabulation analysis of every survey question by all demographic and geographic subgroups is usually included in the appendix.

Communication Of Results To maximize the usefulness of a citizen survey, a city should share the results externally with the media and public by posting a copy of the report on the city’s website and social media platforms. Results should also be shared internally by referring to them in discussions with elected officials for long-term strategic planning and shaping budget priorities, and with department heads and employees for purposes of tracking customer service quality and delivery of those services and adjusting resources accordingly.

Conclusion that are valid, reliable and accurate. To do so, the questions must be unbiased, clear and concise; while response options must be balanced, mutually exclusive and exhaustive. Survey questions should flow logically from one section to another, and each question must provide actionable information linked to specific survey goals and objectives.

Data Analysis And Report Writing Once the survey data has been collected and before any statistical analysis takes place, the demographic profile of survey respondents must be compared to that of the population surveyed using U.S. Census data. If significant differences exist, the sample data must be statistically weighted to reflect the population demographic profile.

Statistical analysis of the sample data typically includes frequencies and crosstabulations.

Frequencies report the number and percentage of people that responded to each category of a survey question.

This is the most basic output from a citizen survey. Crosstabulations are

frequencies broken out by demographic and geographic subgroups to determine if statistically significant differences exist.

Other types of analysis often associated with citizen surveys include the following: • Trendline Analysis: examines changes in citizen opinions and behaviors over time • Benchmarking: compares survey results to those of other “similar” communities • Importance – Satisfaction Matrix: identifies city services of high importance, but low satisfaction • Key Driver Analysis: weighs the relative importance of factors when predicting an outcome • GIS Mapping: mapping survey results by geographic location, e.g., zip code Most written reports consist of an executive summary, description of the survey methodology, and demographic profile of survey respondents. The main body of the report will integrate written analysis of the survey questions with judicious use of tables, charts and figures.

Local government managers and elected officials seeking to improve government performance and community livability should consider augmenting traditional performance measures with ongoing citizen surveys that take the pulse of the entire community. In doing so, they broaden the scope of community participation, narrow the gap between community perceptions and city knowledge of those perceptions, and expand avenues of public communication and trust.

Mark Ellickson, Ph.D. (Political Science), is president of Opinion Research Specialists, a full-service research firm located in Springfield, Missouri. Since 1991, Opinion Research Specialists has conducted hundreds of community surveys throughout Missouri and provided local government decision makers with accurate, unbiased resident feedback. Mark can be reached at mellickson@ ellicksonresearch.com or at (417) 889-4506.

For more information about Opinion Research Specialists and its staff, visit ellicksonresearch. com.

www.mocities.com

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MML 88TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Join Us at

Lake of the Ozarks!

MML 88TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE September 11-14, 2022

Margaritaville, Osage Beach, Missouri Full Registration Early Bird *Until August 6, 2022

$400 *After August 6, 2022

$450

You’ll receive:

• • • • • • • • •

Welcome Reception (2 drink tickets) Keynote Presentation Coffee & Conversation Exhibit Hall Entry Monday Box Lunch Popcorn & Prizes Bacon & Business Meeting Awards Luncheon Breakfast Buffet & Keynote

Keynote: Presentation: FROM CONFLICT TO CONVERSATION

How can leaders tackle complex and sensitive community issues in ways that make people feel heard, respected and empowered? This session explores pragmatic approaches for city and town leaders to conduct collaborative and courageous conversations.

Featuring Keynote Speaker: MATT LEHRMAN

Matt Lehrman is co-founder of Social Prosperity Partners, an Arizona-based firm that works nationally to help leaders and people in their communities achieve consensus around important decisions.

Wednesday Breakfast Keynote: Dr. Mardy Leathers

Navigating Missouri’s Workforce

This discussion will feature an overview of current labor market information, workforce development policy priorities, and labor market trends. Dr. Leathers will also provide a summary of the resources available to communities across Missouri from the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Grand Opening Reception

Bacon & Business

Coffee & Conversation

Awards Luncheon

Popcorn & Prizes

Register Now!

The Conference kicks off with a reception Sunday evening held in the Exhibit Hall. Network with exhibitors and colleagues while enjoying appetizers and drinks.

Join us for a continental breakfast Monday before the Keynote address and network with exhibitors and fellow attendees.

After the conclusion of sessions on Monday, join us for popcorn and beverages in the Exhibit Hall. Exhibitors will draw names for prizes. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. 14

theReview July/August 2022

Start your Tuesday morning with breakfast and add your voice to important changes proposed to the MML Policy Statement.

Join us for lunch and to honor MML Innovation Award winners along with other award recognitions.

www.mocities.com

REGISTER NOW! WWW.MOCITIES.COM

Tentative Agenda Sunday, September 11

Tuesday, September 13

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

11 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

12 p.m.

12-4 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

4-5 p.m.

5-6:30 p.m.

CCFOA Advanced Academy Scholarship Golf Tournament- The Oaks Golf Course at Margaritaville Lake Resort (separate registration required) Registration Booth Installation Pre-Conference Workshop: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent to Assist Local Governments in Service Delivery, "The New Normal.”

Nominating Committee (open) Nominating Committee (closed) New Attendee Reception Grand Opening Reception

Monday, September 12 7:30 a.m.

CCFOA Breakfast MCMA Breakfast 8-9 a.m.

Coffee & Conversation 9 a.m.

Welcome KEYNOTE: From Conflict to Conversation - Matt Lehrman 10:30 a.m.

Exhibitor Showcase 11:30 a.m.

Box Lunch 12:30 p.m. *NEW Cookie Break 12:30-2:30 p.m. *NEW Professional Headshots (pre-registration required) 1 p.m.

CONCURRENT (4) • Ethics: The Many Ways to Get into Trouble (MGI) • Legislator Panel • Capital Assets Management: Making Decisions For the Future • Census Data for Your Community on data.census.gov 2:15 p.m.

CONCURRENT (4) • The Third Place: Why Does Your Community Need One? (AMGI) • 12 Things Every Small City Can Do Now • Financial Stewardship and Best Practices (MCMA Sessions) • CCFOA Session 3:30-4:30 p.m. Popcorn & Prizes!

5:30 p.m.

MML Offsite Event at Bridal Cave

11 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

2 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

Bacon & Business Meeting CONCURRENT (4) • Zoning and Land Use Law in Missouri (MGI) • Cybersecurity: Getting It Right (Now) • Beyond Compensation: Keeping Employees Retained and Engaged • Citizen Videographers CONCURRENT (4) • Personnel Law (MGI) • Go Green: Brentwood and Springfield Initiatives • Getting The Lead Out: What Your Community Needs To Know • Opioid Overdose Prevention and the Impact of Fentanyl Awards Luncheon CONCURRENT (4) • Code Enforcement (AMGI) • The Relationship Between Municipal and County Law Enforcement • Creating The Destination: Case Studies in Sports Tourism • Social Media Liability CONCURRENT (4) • Elected Officials Guide to Governmental Accounting (AMGI; GFOA Session) • Funding Your Infrastructure Project • Enforcing Municipal Ordinances: Post SB 5 • CCFOA Session Reception Banquet

Wednesday, September 14 7:30 a.m.

8-10 a.m.

Breakfast Buffet KEYNOTE: Navigating Missouri’s Workforce - Dr. Mardy Leathers

www.mocities.com

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CONFERENCE EVENTS AND HOTEL INFORMATION

MML 11TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING

Sunday, September 11 | Registration: 11 a.m. / Shotgun Start: 12:30 p.m. | Cost: $125.00 The Oaks Golf Course at Margaritaville Lake Resort MML Board of Directors has established a scholarship program to assist those employed in municipal government with furthering their education. This program provides $500 college scholarships to be issued on a statewide basis. The money raised at the golf outing goes to fund the scholarship program.

MML ANNUAL BANQUET

Tuesday, September 13 | Reception: 6 p.m. / Banquet: 7 p.m. | Ticket Cost: $50.00 (Cost includes Reception, Banquet and Entertainment)

• Banquet Reception

Join us for a reception Tuesday evening prior to the Annual Banquet. Enjoy appetizeers and an open bar while listening to light background music.

• Annual Banquet

Enjoy a steak dinner and a short program recognizing the leadership of the Missouri Municipal League. Business dress.

• Entertainment: The Magic of Rob Lake

Experience one of the world’s greatest magicians as he performs mind-melting magic in an unbelievable one-man show. ​Rob Lake ​​brings you ​​Magic: Up Close​​, an intimate act of illusion and mentalism that will make you believe in magic like you did in pre-school. As seen on America’s Got Talent!

OFFSITE MONDAY EVENT: BRIDAL CAVE

Monday, September 12 | 5:30 p.m. | Cost: $57.00 Join us for a guided tour that will last approximately one hour. Tours are conducted over concrete pathways through the Cave’s refreshing 60-degree environment. Park interpreters will lead you through room after room of incredible mineral deposits. Giant columns, delicate soda straws and massive draperies abound throughout the cave. Millions of years of struggle between water and rock have created this cavern with more onyx formations than any other known cave or cavern. A tour through Bridal Cave is an adventure you will never forget. Along with the cave, dinner will be served at the Thunder Mountain Park Event Center, located on one of the highest points of Camden County with a million-dollar view of the Lake of the Ozarks and surrounding Ozark Mountains. Limited to 100. Tour, dinner and transportation included in the cost.

SPOUSE OUTING

Tuesday, September 13 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Cost: $63.00 Join us as we gather at Seven Springs Winery for a private painting class as a Paint the Town instructor takes you step by step in creating your own work of art! Celebrating 13 years, Seven Springs Winery & Vineyard sits atop 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. The covered porch and patio area will be ideal for lunch and there will be time to enjoy a glass of wine or admire the beautiful views. From there, we will head to The Landing on Main Street where you will find a quaint shopping village, with the most unique shops at the Lake of the Ozarks. Painting, lunch and transportation included in the cost.

HOTEL RESERVATION PROCEDURE

You must complete attendee registration to obtain the hotel booking link to make hotel reservations. The link will be sent in a confirmation email (to the registered individual), once registration process is complete. The discounted rate for Margaritaville is $142 (plus resort fee $5/room/night) and cutoff date is August 12, 2022. **It is recommended that you reserve your room by using the online link to ensure you get the discounted rate. ** All attendees are responsible for their own hotel arrangements and fees.

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theReview July/August 2022

PRE-CONFERENCE

Join Us!

MML Pre-Conference Session Sunday, September 11, 2022 1-3 p.m.

SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent to Assist Local Governments in Service Delivery, “The New Normal.”

Cost: $20

Systems Theory suggests very simply that "predictable inputs create predictable outcomes," and the same thing is true when it comes to council/staff relations. This dynamic session will provide you with proven strategies to take your team to a higher performance level, help you be more effective and more successful in serving your citizens, and even reignite your joy in serving the public.

Register today at www.mocities.com!

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Let’s face the future, together.

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Municipal bonds

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Housing and economic development

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Capital improvement planning

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Organizational management

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Strategic planning

Connect with us: +1 (816) 333 7200 | bakertilly.com/MunicipalAdvisory Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC is a registered municipal advisor and controlled subsidiary of Baker Tilly US, LLP, an accounting firm. Baker Tilly US, LLP trading as Baker Tilly is a member of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. © 2021 Baker Tilly US, LLP

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FEATURE Review

by Joel McNutt

Putting Missourians On A Path To Learn, Work And Prosper The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is working to reduce barriers to educational attainment and workforce participation. After a reorganization of state government in August 2019, we are now uniquely positioned to serve both students and adults, making MDHEWD a key player in community development. With a vision to empower all Missourians with the skills and education needed for success, MDHEWD offers free resources for all career options beyond high school, for people of every skill level,

and for all types of employers needing assistance.

After record-high unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OWD acted quickly to help Missourians get back to work. Partnerships with online learning platforms Coursera and CompTIA are still active, enrolling Missourians to learn new skills and earn certifications to advance in their career, or to find new opportunities for employment.

More than 25 Missouri Job Centers are located across the state to work directly with job seekers and employers. MoJobs

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theReview July/August 2022

and the new MoJobs Connect App, combined with virtual services both online and via telephone, help pair job seekers with interested employers. Job Centers offer resume assistance, mock interviews and even assessments, like WorkKeys and Talify, helping job seekers understand their skills and how to put their best foot forward when interacting with employers. Also, our Community Development team is committed to working directly with employers to find the best talent for their organization.

As t h e d e p ar t m e nt wor k s t o operationalize our mission to put Missourians on a path to learn, work and prosper, financial aid opportunities for students and adults continue to be a focus. Federal training dollars, like the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), the state’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, and investments to expand apprenticeship programs help Missouri adults earn certificates or degrees in high-demand fields.

Through Registered Apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities, Missouri helps employers build their own skilled workers. Missouri has consistently ranked in the top three in the nation for the number of Registered Apprenticeships, having recently met its statewide goal 30 months ahead of schedule of enrolling more than 20,000 apprentices by 2025.

By creating work-ready communities, we are identifying skill gaps, helping

Missouri Office of Workforce Development Mission:

Empowering Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. educators build career pathways aligned with the needs of local business and industry. Today, Missouri leads the nation with more than 85 fully Certified Work Ready Communities, and more than 4,500 supporting employers.

Missouri continues to see more than 150,000 online job postings each week – with many employers looking for skills that can be developed through short-term certifications, registered apprenticeships, or online learning platforms that OWD currently offers.

Whether you are an employer looking to fill positions, a job seeker needing training or employment, or a student weighing their options for continued education, MDHEWD is community development. Be sure to check out our booth and connect with us at the MML Annual Conference in September. Our services are free, and we are here to help!

MO OWD Apprenticeship Accomplishments: •

Apprenticeship Missouri works with employers, providers and partners to build a diverse and skilled workforce in Missouri through apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities.

•

Missouri currently ranks third in the nation for completed apprenticeships, fourth in the nation for new apprentices, and sixth for active apprentices.

•

In FY 2021, Missouri had 14,520 active apprentices across 460 registered programs. Missouri ranks in the top 10 in the nation across four out of five categories for registered apprenticeships. Since October 2019, Missouri has seen 20,285 new apprenticeships and 8,140 completed apprenticeships.

•

In 2019, Missouri established a goal of having 20,000 apprentices by 2025. Apprenticeship Missouri has surpassed this milestone 30 months ahead of schedule.

Learn more at www.moapprenticeconnect.com.

Questions? Contact: Joel McNutt, Community Development Manager, 573-751-1098. Joel.McNutt@dhewd.mo.gov Missouri’s OWD Community Development Team is available and ready throughout the state to assist communities and their employers with all of their workforce development needs. Their purpose is to help ensure Missouri’s workforce is skilled and ready to meet the current and future labor force challenges of tomorrow. Connect with our Community Development Team today to see how we can assist your community and employers with the strongest workforce development solutions possible and see what an impact connecting to the right resources can make in taking your community to the next level.

Learn more about Missouri Workforce Development at the MML Annual Conference.

Dr. Mardy Leathers, Director, Office of Workforce Development, is MML’s Wednesday morning keynote speaker!

www.mocities.com

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theReview July/August 2022

FAQ: Building Efficiencies And Clean Air Filtration

by Jennifer (Gray) Geen

In November 2021, the federal government established the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and touted as a “once-in-a-generation level of funding,” this bill aims to deliver $1.2 trillion.

Although most of the investment is allocated to modernizing our roads, bridges and railways, there is also significant funding to improve indoor spaces, including updating America’s ports, airports, schools and more. In addition, the Department of Energy will receive $63 billion in funding to cover a large swath of rural and tribal energy upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It is an opportunity for government entities to fund projects that will make a lasting impact on the health and wellness of shared spaces, while also reducing carbon emissions.

People expect more from their indoor environments than ever before. What does indoor environment mean now amidst the ongoing pandemic/endemic?

Indoor environmental quality remains a primary concern as people return to offices, restaurants, shopping, and travel and entertainment. One important challenge this bill aims to address is improving the indoor air quality of buildings.

Air quality is about so much more than how comfortable you feel in a space – though that is undoubtedly important.

Improvements may lead to better productivity and overall wellbeing. The quality of the indoor air we breathe impacts our comfort. Better air handling may mean less contagion spread and increased comfort. This sets buildings up to be better prepared to handle any future endemics, pandemics or other major widespread health events.

What are the key elements to understanding the indoor environment?

• Air Quality - Address airborne health risks for more comfortable and cleaner air.

• Thermal Comfort - Create a stimulating environment that is also energy efficient.

• Lighting - Foster positive, productive spaces that work with the body’s circadian rhythm.

• Acoustics - reduce noise to enhance comfort, concentration or improve sound privacy.

I want to focus on indoor air quality specifically.

What are the basics and why?

Air quality is vital to our ability to thrive. With assistance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE®) and the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA®) guidelines, Trane recommends a fourpillar approach to improve air quality: • Dilute – Use proper ventilation to ensure plenty of fresh, outdoor air comes into the building to dilute any buildup of contaminants.

• Exhaust - Remove exhaust air efficiently – especially from kitchens, restrooms, and combustion systems.

• Contain - Keep indoor humidity levels within the ASHRAE recommended ranges to maximize the comfort of the building and remove contaminants at their source.

• Clean - Reduce particles, odors or microorganisms, such as mold, bacteria and certain viruses.

To understand how your facilities perform in these four key areas, you will need an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. This is a fact-based, comprehensive review of your building with a report of conditions and if needed, recommendations on how www.mocities.com

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We believe that providing smart legal advice is vital, but providing this help in a timely manner is just as critical to meeting the needs of our clients. Our attorneys are experienced and trial-tested at addressing legal issues and regulations affecting government and public agencies.

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theReview July/August 2022

A MML Member City Example: The city of Wentzville Law Enforcement Center underwent significant HVAC upgrades in 2018 under an Energy Performance Contract. Since then, the annual environmental impact has been tremendous for this one building: • Reduced annual Co2 emissions totaling: 204 Metric Tons, which is the equivalent of: • 90,525 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle.

• 249 acres of carbon sequestered by acres of forest.

This equates to 236,555kwH electrical saving /6,805 therms in natural gas annually.

to improve the building’s air quality to meet the latest industry guidelines.

How do I get started assessing my indoor air quality and overall building efficiency, and how do I know where to focus?

The word “decarbonization” is used a lot. What does it mean for my facility infrastructure?

Working with a quality air quality provider, you can create a customized approach to assessing IAQ and building efficiency through one of the following offerings:

As sustainability efforts have grown, decarbonization (or decarb) is taking center stage. At its most basic, decarbonization is the removal of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from a product or process. One of the best ways to achieve decarbonization is through electrification.

Electrical grids are also undergoing a decarbonization process as high-emissions fuels are replaced with carbon-free energy sources including solar, wind and other renewables.

IIJA funding will accelerate this shift to more renewable grid infrastructure. This shift to reduce the energy intensity of electricity has made it the preferred energy source for emissions-conscious owners.

What are some procurement options for these types of energy efficient/indoor air quality projects to have the best return on investment (ROI) for utilizing funds?

Optimize and simplify your procurement of these complex design build projects by utilizing a qualified Department of Energy, Energy Savings and Performance Contractor (DOE ESPC) with expertise in scoping and executing energy performance contracts. Also consider using an energy performance contract in tandem with special government pricing that has been competitively solicited and satisfies competitive bid requirements. Some commonly used cooperative contracts are as follows:

• IAQ Assessment: A comprehensive, full on-site assessment with visual inspection and physical measurement of air quality indicators.

• IAQ Audit: A remote, sensor-enabled assessment using the power of air quality sensors and the capability of Trane controls.

• IAQ Pilot: A before-and-after performance analysis of mitigation options specifically selected to improve the IAQ for your unique space.

When completed, you will be provided a detailed assessment report with strategic recommendations to align your building with leading industry guidelines and any local or building certification goals.

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23

NEWS FROM THE BENCH

by Lisa Soronen

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the U.S. Supreme Court held 6-3 that states and local governments may not require “proper cause” to obtain a license to carry a handgun outside the home.

In New York, to have “proper cause” to receive a conceal-carry handgun permit an applicant must “demonstrate a special need for self-protection distinguishable from that of the general community.”

California, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey have similar requirements to New York.

Justice Thomas, writing for the Court, articulated the standard the Court would apply to determine whether New York’s law violates the Second Amendment.

“When the Second Amendment’s plain text covers an individual’s conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct. The government must then justify its regulation by demonstrating

that it is consistent with the Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Only then may a court conclude that the individual’s conduct falls outside the Second Amendment’s ‘unqualified command.’”

Both parties agreed that the Second Amendment guarantees a general right to public carry. As Justice Thomas pointed out “[n]othing in the Second Amendment’s text draws a home/public distinction with respect to the right to keep and bear arms.”

So, the burden fell to New York to

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theReview July/August 2022

show that its proper-cause requirement is “consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.” The Court looked at gun regulation from the following time periods: (1) medieval to early modern England; (2) the American Colonies and the early Republic; (3) antebellum America; (4) Reconstruction; and (5) the late-19th and early-20th centuries. It concluded there is no historical tradition justifying a “proper cause” requirement. “ T h rou g hout mo d e r n Ang l o American history, the right to keep and bear arms in public has traditionally been subject to well-defined restrictions governing the intent for which one could carry arms, the manner of carry, or the exceptional circumstances under which one could not carry arms. But apart from a handful of late 19thcentury jurisdictions, the historical record compiled by respondents does not demonstrate a tradition of broadly prohibiting the public carry of commonly used firearms for self-defense. Nor is there any such historical tradition limiting public carry only to those lawabiding citizens who demonstrate a special need for self-defense.”

Justice Kavanaugh’s concurrence, joined by Chief Justice Roberts, notes that many of the 43 states that do not have a “proper cause” requirement require applicants to comply with “fingerprinting, a background check, a mental health records check, and training in firearms handling and in laws regarding the use of force.” According to these Justices these “objective” licensing regimes are permissible.

The State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) filed an amicus brief in this case supporting New York. The brief highlighted the challenges police officers face in interacting with people who are armed. Justice Breyer discussed these concerns in his dissenting opinion that

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“The presence of a gun in the hands of a civilian poses a risk to both officers and civilians. Amici prosecutors and police chiefs tell us that most officers who are killed in the line of duty are killed by firearms; they explain that officers in states with high rates of gun ownership are three times as likely to be killed in the line of duty as officers in states with low rates of gun ownership.”

Larry Rosenthal, Chapman University School of Law wrote the SLLC’s amicus brief that the following organizations joined: National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, International City/County Management Association, Major Cities Chief Association, National Police Foundation, and National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Lisa Soronen is the Executive Director of the State and Local Legal Center (SLLC). Contact her at lsoronen@sso. org.

www.mocities.com

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Review

Getting To Know You. . .

ZAC BURDEN Mayor City of Kirksville What sparked your interest in serving in local government?

Voters in Kirksville were asked to consider a sales tax to better support our parks and recreation system. I served on a citizen’s advocacy group helping to get the measure passed. Working with members of the city council and staff throughout the project helped me learn so much about our city, how it works, and what it takes to impact positive change. After the matter was overwhelmingly approved by the voters, I was inspired to continue serving the community and decided to run for a seat on the Kirksville City Council.

What has been the toughest lesson you have learned during your career in local government?

I studied to become a teacher. As mayor and member of the city council, I felt that if I could just explain something well enough to the public or individual citizens, people would not only understand where I was coming from on a decision but might even rally to the cause. Someone pointed out that my strategy came across less like teaching and more like preaching. Message received. If anything, this has taught me to listen more actively to citizens and be more willing to acknowledge that we may never agree on a point. Having that dialogue is critical though, and people are more included in their local governance when someone in my position values the discussion over trying to convince.

In your opinion, what are the most important issues facing local government in Missouri?

Every day people rely on local governments to deliver critical utilities without having to fully contemplate how those services are delivered. Clean drinking water, effective wastewater and stormwater management, electricity, and

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even internet access may be part of a city’s utility portfolio.

Planning and funding for maintenance and expansion of these resources has to be high on any local government’s priority list. The infusion of federal funds may offer a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to tackle these projects. City governments must work quickly to capitalize on these opportunities and celebrate how they can benefit their communities.

How did the pandemic affect your community and what steps are you taking to recover?

For a community like Kirksville, it was hard to lose the sense of connection upon which we had built our community identity. In the months of efforts to keep each other safe during the public health emergency and through disagreement about what that should look like, we drifted apart a bit. It is wonderful to see the people of Kirksville now striving to rekindle their community spirit through personal and organizational efforts. The city of Kirksville is assisting, too. Our police department is helping neighbors connect as they build out modern neighborhood watch programs. Our parks and recreation team is developing new activities and programs to engage people of all ages.

The events of our recent Red, White, and Blue Festival focused on bringing back traditions and starting new ones that got people to sit down and connect with new faces.

By prioritizing community engagement, we reinforce what makes our community an outstanding place to live and invite everyone to come together for Kirksville.

What advice would you offer to someone considering service as a local government official or employee in their community?

Do not let the realities of the work we do diminish any idealism you bring to the role. There will always be limitations to what is possible or should be taken on in

local government, but it is critical that we be aspirational in our planning and deliberations. I relish the aspirational conversations we have as local government and the big ideas citizens bring forward.

How would you describe your city to someone who had never visited?

I have always seen Kirksville as a proud community, and it should be! With a rich legacy as a place of innovation, industry, and commerce, our founding roots still drive who we are as a community and impact both Missouri and the nation. The founding school of osteopathic medicine, one of the state’s first public universities, diversified manufacturing, and an ever-evolving retail market continue to be the pistons for our engine of growth. We are proud of that legacy and how it has welcomed so many people here throughout the past two centuries. Kirksville is a city on the move, and I would encourage anyone to consider making this amazing city their home.

What are your interests outside of local government?

I wouldn’t call myself a cyclist, but I enjoy riding my bicycle around town and on trails throughout the state. It is a unique way to see and experience a place as you slow down a bit and really take a look. The same is true for my love of local history. It’s a lot of fun to go exploring in museums and libraries, look for clues on cornerstones, and talk with people about the past.

Where would you most like to travel, and why?

I am excited to travel with my family back to Yosemite National Park next year. It is a strikingly beautiful place to visit, and its role in the establishment of our National Park Service is a great story about who we are as Americans. I visited once before and found the experience to be almost religious in nature. I would encourage anyone who has the time and ability to visit Yosemite or any of our other phenomenal national parks to do so.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Review

2022 MML Innovation Award Winners The Missouri Municipal League is proud to feature the winners of the 2022 MML Innovation Awards! These awards honor outstanding projects happening in communities across Missouri that enhance the quality of life for Missouri cities.

Seventeen great projects were submitted, and the four winners were announced during Missouri’s Local Government Week May 1-7. Winning projects will also be honored during the Awards Luncheon on Sept. 13, 2022, at the MML Annual Conference in Osage Beach.

This year’s winners are:

Extra Large-sized City (population greater than 30,000), and Member Choice CITY OF ST. PETERS

GOLD GROW Biosolids Compost The City turns waste into “gold” for people’s lawns, gardens and for many of Missouri’s leading vineyards. The city of St. Peters Earth Centre is where the team combines biosolids from their wastewater treatment process with the yard waste collected from area residents to create a nutrient-rich, environmentally friendly soil amendment. Today, happy customers line up with trucks, trailers and buckets to enjoy Earth Centre’s award-winning GOLD GROW product at market rates. Biosolids composting reduces waste and associated costs; reduces the City’s carbon footprint; improves the quality of the soil and waterways; and helps manage storm water runoff.

No one can predict when service lines

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Over 240,000 water main breaks occur each year in the U.S.* There are more than 800,000 miles of public sewers susceptible to structural failure.* Join the more than 900 partners that have chosen to work with us to help protect their homeowners.

• Educates homeowners about their service line responsibilities • Provides solutions that help address aging residential infrastructure • Offers affordable plans to protect homeowners from the high cost of service line repairs • No cost to the city Contact us to learn more: Emilie Zalfini, Regional Director 412.527.2511 • Emilie.Zalfini@homeserveusa.com www.NLC.org/serviceline

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www.mocities.com

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Large-sized City (population between 15,000-30,000) CITY OF NIXA

Sensory Path In October 2021, Nixa unveiled a new sensory path at one of its city parks. The sensory path was designed to provide those with sensory needs a quieter space.

Since the path was being created in a park that already had walking paths but could not have traditional playground equipment the construction cost less than $1,200. The Nixa Community Foundation provided a grant to help add the path to the park. The attendance within this park grew dramatically as people took advantage of the new activities. The activities can be implemented anywhere a hard surface exists or is created, as they are simply spray painted on the path and small signs are installed to give simple instruction.

Medium-sized City (population between 5,000-15,000) CITY OF WILLARD

Jackson Street Park Solar Project This project will remove common barriers to extended time in outdoor spaces by utilizing solar energy to power USB charging stations in outdoor spaces difficult to reach by conventional methods. Quick and easy access to charging stations for cell phones, tablets and laptops provides the opportunity for extended play time without the fear of a dead cell phone battery and helps to move the office outdoors. Willard Parks and Recreation in partnership with NewTek Energy, LLC, has multiple features including emergency lights, call stations and security cameras, as well as charging stations for cell phones and laptops.

Small-sized City (population less than 5,000) CAMPBELL

The Downtown Project With a deteriorating downtown area, loss of identity, and disinvestment in the City, there were 16 vacant buildings in the downtown area in early 2017. It was then the City, in cooperation with the Campbell Downtown Development Corporation, and local businesses came together to revitalize the downtown area. The City implemented a five-year plan that has resulted in re-establishing the downtown area as a center of activity. The Downtown Project has been successful in that most every downtown building has been completely remodeled and occupied. The success of The Downtown Project has resulted in increased foot traffic, employment, and sales tax due to new businesses and activities.

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Local Government Workers

ALWAYS ESSENTIAL

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We'll see you at MML Annual Conference!

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Thank you to all public servants working to keep our communities safe and healthy.

GER

800-447-4334 | molagers.org

For your next financing, Realize the Power of Partnership ®

At Piper Sandler, we cultivate creative ideas and tailored solutions that serve client interests first and foremost. Instead of leading with what’s best for us, we start with what matters to you.

Chris Collier

Todd Goffoy

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Managing Director +1 314 726-7535 chris.collier@psc.com

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Vice President +1 913 345-3355 matthew.courtney@psc.com

Associate +1 913 345-3302 hannah.draper@psc.com

PiperSandler.com Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. © 2020 Piper Sandler & Co. 9/21 CM-21-1267

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Review

Elected Officials Training 2022 More than 250 Missouri local officials met June 9-10 in Columbia, Missouri, for MML’s Elected Officials Training Conference.

This Conference provides a nuts and bolts review of the myriad of important issues municipal officials face on a regular basis, from Sunshine Law to fraud, ethics and budgets to leadership and more. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with organizations who provide resources to local governments, such as state agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The keynote speaker was Kim Becking with Momentum Motivation, who shared advice for heart-led resilient leadership and how to show up as your best self.

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WE KEEP ECONOMIES FLOWING Our affordable, high-quality water and wastewater services have helped Missouri communities grow since 1879.

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWING™

missouriamwater.com

www.mocities.com

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Now is the time to build.

Missouri’s municipalities and utilities are reevaluating capital improvement plans to advance critical infrastructure projects. Combining today’s financial backing with design‑build delivery makes now an opportune time to pursue your projects. To learn how to capitalize on the opportunities, listen to our webinar at burnsmcd.com/MML82022.

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theReview July/August 2022

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Review

COLIN KINKADE

MML Research and Policy Associate MML is excited to welcome a new member to our team!

Colin Kinkade joins us as a full-time research and policy associate.

“My first experiences with public service came early in life at my grade school, St. Simon, where a field trip to our state capitol inspired me to run successfully for president of student council. I continued down this pathway at Lindbergh High and the University of Missouri—St. Louis, seeking courses in political science and law that interested me, that ultimately culminated in my Master of Public Policy Administration degree.

While taking classes, I was also building my professional experience by working in local government at both the municipal and county levels.

At the city of Chesterfield, I worked in the city administrator’s office on

dozens of projects, the mayor, and every department director in the City, including a critique of Better Together’s financial reports. At the St. Louis County Council, I investigated political campaign contributions, provided research for upcoming legislation, and attended a plethora of meetings ranging from the charter commission to police task force units.

I recently moved from St. Louis and could not be more excited to start my career with MML! As a research and policy associate, I’ll be channeling all of my previous experiences to best serve our municipalities across the state.

In my free time you can find me on my laptop planning for my annual family reunion, in the kitchen learning to cook a new dish, at the gym pretending to train as hard as Rocky Balboa, or in bed falling asleep to a good book.”

Welcome Colin!

www.mocities.com

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MEMBER News Jay T. Bell Award Winner: Steve Arbo Steve Arbo, city manager for the city of Lee’s Summit, was chosen as the 2022 Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award by the Missouri City/County Management Association (MCMA). The award recognizes his outstanding commitment to the profession of local government management and is the association’s highest honor for members.

MCMA established the Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award in honor of Jay T. Bell, who served as executive director of the Missouri Municipal League from 1965 until 1981. The award recognizes public service that displays the same high standards of accomplishment, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Bell felt strongly that the professionalism exemplified by city managers and administrators was an essential part of good governance.

Photo: (l-r) Clayton City Manager David Gipson (2021 Jay T. Bell Recipient) presents the 2022 Jay T. Bell award to Lee’s Summit City Manager Steve Arbo.

Stephen has more than 35 years of experience in the public service sector. He was appointed city manager for the city of Lee’s Summit in 2008, after serving as the City’s deputy city administrator and assistant city manager. He is a community-oriented leader with a focus on strong teams, fiscal responsibility and optimizing performance for the delivery of quality city services.

Richard R. Noll Award Winner: Jessica Hoffman Jessica Hoffman, assistant city administrator for the city of Wentzville, was chosen as the 2022 Richard R. Noll Outstanding Assistant Award by the Missouri City/ County Management Association (MCMA). The award honors an assistant city manager or city administrator who demonstrates professionalism, high standards of accomplishment and ethical conduct. The recipient must hold an administrative position that is responsible for assisting the chief administrative officer in carrying out various administrative duties and other responsibilities.

In her current role as assistant city administrator, Jessica oversees economic development, communications and community relations. In her work for the city of Wentzville, she has demonstrated continual growth in accepting new challenges.

Jessica has been on teams or been the lead on successful projects, including the construction of Wentzville’s new city hall, the citywide implementation of Google and the creation of a dedicated customer relations division.

Photo: (l-r) Springfield Deputy City Manager Collin Quigley (2021 Richard R. Noll Recipient) presents the 2022 Richard R. Noll award to Wentzville Assistant City Administrator Jessica Hoffman.

Contract Hearing Officer for Missouri State Agencies and Political Subdivisions

Daniel Jordan, Attorney and Counselor at Law Contested and Noncontested Cases • Evidentiary Hearings and Conferences • Rulemaking ADR • Decisions and Orders, Final and Interlocutory • Investigative and Legislative Hearings Drej4114@gmail.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-jordan-6440a283/ | 573-424-4071 36

theReview July/August 2022

MEMBER News City of Albany Administrator Receives National Award

45 Years of Service

Derek Brown, city administrator for the city of Albany, Missouri, received the Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The APPA award recognizes managers of small utilities serving fewer than 2,500 meters. These managers have a very small staff and must assume multiple roles. The ‘seven hats’ they must wear are planning and design, administration, public relations, field supervision, accounting, human resources, and community leadership.

The city of Winchester recently honored Barbara Beckett for 45 years of service to the City as city administrator/clerk. Throughout her career with the City, Barbara became a certified municipal clerk, served as president of the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association, became a master clerk from the Municipal Clerk Academy and established a safety committee for the City.

Brown spearheaded a long-term upgrade plan and design to Albany’s electric distribution system to increase reliability and system efficiency, and engaged in the successful planning, design and construction of a new $5.5 million wastewater treatment plant, which went online in 2020.

Improving our world one project at a time.

Mid-Continent Public Library / Lee’s Summit, Missouri

We’re Olsson, a nationally recognized engineering and design firm that adds purpose to every project we create. We have offices in Missouri to serve our clients throughout the state. Learn more at olsson.com.

www.mocities.com

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MEMBER News & Notes MML Calendar of Events July 2022 28 ����� MML West Gate Regional Meeting, Civic Leadership Awards Banquet, Blue Springs, Missouri

August 2022 2 ����� Primary Election Day 4 ����� MML Resolutions Committee Policy Meeting, Jefferson City, Missouri

September 2022 11-14 ����� MML Annual Conference, Osage Beach, Missouri 17-21 ����� ICMA Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio

November 2022 17-19 ����� National League of Cities' City Summit, Kansas City, Missouri Find more events and details on www.mocities.com and in the MML monthly e-newsletter.

www.mocities.com Quality Training Without Leaving Your Office or Home!

Usewww.mocities.com Tax Campaign Toolkit: Proposition U

Become a partner in damage prevention

Call or Click BEFORE you dig 1-800-DIGRITE or mo1call.com Our passion is creating LASTING COMMUNITY ASSETS and that is what motivates us every day.

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theReview July/August 2022

MML and the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis have produced a Use Tax Campaign Toolkit for cities seeking to put the Use Tax on an upcoming ballot. The information is designed to assist municipal officials and community groups in their effort in passing a local use tax.

Learn more about materials for Prop. U:

www.mocities.com Community Planning, Economic Development, & Urban Design in St. Louis and around the country for more than 50 years. www.pgavplanners.com

Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

(What the competition has over us)

©1981

We actually answer the phone.

Missouri Rural Services Corp.

Missouri Rural Services Workers’ Compensation Insurance Trust P.O. Box 104268, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4268 800-726-9304. www.missouriruralservices.com Public Entity and NonproÞt Insurance

Customer Satisfaction www.mocities.com

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