From the city: The City of Springfield is seeking volunteers to assist with beautification and sign removal in public right-of-way along city roadways.

An information and training session will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, in the Busch Municipal Building, room L45.

Section 98-7 of the Springfield City Code prohibits the placement of advertisements within the right-of-way of any public thoroughfare. The ordinance is designed to ensure visibility for drivers and to reduce litter in areas where Springfield Public Works mows grass. Public right-of-way is usually defined as the area from the street curb to the outer edge of a public sidewalk. Signs and advertisements on utility poles are also prohibited by City code.

This ordinance is difficult to enforce, and signs are typically removed only on a complaint basis or when Public Works employees mow grass in a right-of-way. For this reason, the City will seek volunteers interested in beautification to help spot and remove illegal signs in the right-of-way.

Volunteers will receive training by City staff, and will be able to conduct their work on their own time. The City will not ask volunteers to remove out-of-reach signs; signs related to the sale or lease of property; political signs; signs advertising on-premises businesses; or any signs on private property. Instead, these will be referred to City staff for further enforcement.

Signs that may be removed by volunteers include any off-premises business or activity advertised in the right-of-way or on telephone poles. As they keep an eye on beautification, volunteers may also report other concerns such as broken curbs, potholes, graffiti, dead animals, trash and tall weeds. Volunteers assisting the City must be at least 18 years of age and are required to sign a release form.

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Recycled Fish is the perfect charity for former SGFer Aaron Scott.

Aaron Scott, former SGFer and MORawk founder, is getting ready for a long weekend on the North Fork of the White River. As a member of Team Longboat, Scott will spend 24 consecutive hours – from Friday (Sept. 10) at 6 p.m. until Saturday at 5:59 p.m. – casting and reeling. It’s the fisherman’s version of a marathon.

The Recycled Fish event provides fly fishermen a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness for the streams. “It’s an organization I really believe in because I try to be as environmentally minded as possible, and I also love fly fishing,” Scott said. “Recycled Fish is the perfect marriage of those two passions, so I’m very glad to dedicate some volunteer effort to the organization.”

Last year, the first 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon raised more than $6,000, making it their largest fundraiser. They’ve set a goal of $20,000 for this year’s event. Team Longboat has already almost reached its goal ($1,200), with $1,000 so far, and is leading the 27 team field in money raised. “I’d love to totally smash that (goal of $1,200) and hit $2,000. That’s my personal goal, anyway.” Scott has a personal pledge of $1/fish he catches and has some other creative ways to grab sponsorships, such as the $15 to earn him a 15-minute power nap. The Coffee Ethic is the team’s official “coffee fix.”

The money is good, but awareness is the main issue. Scott said if water quality on the North Fork and other Ozarks streams is not maintained and improved, we run the risk of not only losing the great rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing, but also the endangered Ozark Hellbender, a giant salamander unique to only a few streams in the Ozarks.

Team Longboat will be fishing in a traditional wooden White River johnboat, handbuilt by Kyle Kosovich, Scott’s teammate. Brian Wise is the third member of Team Longboat.

Donation opportunities available via Team Longboat.

Other media:

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SGF is a very gardening enthused communities. The new botanical center is just about complete.

Prime parking at the Botanical Center is reserved for environmentally friendly vehicles.

The new $4.3-million Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene Park is just about complete and will be ready for its week-long grand opening October 11-17. Taxpayers voted in 2006 on a 1/4-cent tax to provide $3-million for the project. The Center is a “green building” and was designed by H Design Group and constructed by R.E. Smith Construction Company of Joplin.

The building is tremendous to look at – it overlooks the 55-acre park below, adjoining Close Memorial Park and Nathanael Greene. There is a roof-top plaza above the 12,000 square foot building, which will hold exhibits, seminars and meeting rooms. Demonstrations which never had a home before, will soon be able to be held in SGF.

According to Ozarks Gardens, the botanical center will:

… provide classes, workshops, and demonstrations in identifying, growing, and caring for plants of all kinds. It includes botanical gardens that are essentially teaching gardens where people can see first-hand plants that grow well in their region, how to grow them, and how they can be used to beautify one’s own surroundings.

Aside from visiting and learning the Botanical Center, you can also join Friends of the Garden with a $25 tax-deductible donation. It gets you a season pass for two to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, discounts on seminars and more.

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Lt. Dangle had nothing to do with SGF's prostitution bust. Local vigilante Lori Ross took it into her own hands.

* Props to SGF vigilante, Lori Ross, who saved Grant Beach Park from prostitutes. – Joanna Small, KSPR

* Class-action suits for red light tickets dismissed by federal judge – News-Leader

* SGF Superintendent Norm Ridder makes case for four-day school week – Claudette Riley, News-Leader

* Former SGF corrections officer sentenced for string of rapes – Kyle Bosch, KSPR

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The glass exterior was removed from the Heer's Building earlier in the 2000s leaving a boarded window exterior. If all goes well, it could be back in action by June 2012.

The historic Heer’s Building on the square has sat empty since closing for business in 1995. Board-covered windows create an eyesore as the rest of the square and downtown area has continued to take shape as an economic and gathering focal point for the city. Three years ago, SGF executed a Developer Agreement with Kevin McGowan. After a 2008 amendment, the economic recession resulted in a tight financing market which has led to changes in McGowan’s plan for the historic site. SGF continues to stand behind the project and a public hearing will take place during next week’s City Council meeting (August 23) regarding the redevelopment.

Despite the economic climate, SGF Mayor Jim O’Neal said a redeveloped Heer’s building would create a local financial boom. “At a time when traditional demand for those loans is down, I believe the Heer’s building presents a great opportunity to put that funding to use in a project that will be a catalyst for further investment in Springfield,” O’Neal said. SGF doesn’t own the Heer’s building, McGowan does. He purchased it for $3 million in 2007, so the city is under no obligation to repurchase the vacant landmark.

McGowan’s final application to HUD is due October 6, 2010. If approved by all parties, closing on all financing would occur near March 1, 2011. The project would then take an estimated 14 months to complete.

“I appreciate the willingness on the part of the City Council and the citizens of Springfield to stick by my vision for the Heer’s building,” McGowan said. “This road has been longer than most imagined, and there are still a few miles left to go. Springfield, and the downtown community in particular, has been patient. I continue to believe the wait will be well worth it.”

The Heer’s building opened in 1915 as a premiere shopping destination. It expanded in 1951 and got a major renovation in 1969 when a glass exterior was added in an attempt to modernize the building.

The plan would combine commercial and residential, business and pleasure. St. Louis Cardinals fans would certainly be excited for a Mike Shannon’s on the square.

McGowan’s plan for Heer’s includes:

• 63 market rate apartments
• Rooftop pool and deck
• Common study den
• Fitness center
• High-speed Internet access
• Indoor parking
• Security system
• 33,000 square feet net rentable commercial space
• Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood restaurant
• Banquet space
• Bowling alley, bar and restaurant

Proposed Funding:

• Department of Housing and Urban Development – $11.8 million (Federal Housing Authority loan guarantee for market rate apartments)
• Federal Historic Tax Credits – $5.1 million
• State Historic Tax Credits – $4.93 million
• McGowan’s contribution – $4.4 million
• Small Business Development Loan from the City – $2 million
• Loan from the Missouri Development Finance Board (passed through the City) – $1 million

The City of SGF’s participation in the plan includes:

• Amend the existing Community Improvement District first outlined in the August 2007 agreement, which levies a 1 percent sales and use tax, or terminate the existing CID and establish a new CID.
• Establish a Tax Increment Financing District as outlined in the August 2007 agreement. The TIF District would capture 100 percent of the incremental increase in property taxes and 50 percent of the incremental increase in sales taxes. McGowan contractually agrees to a fixed PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) that will cover at least 70 percent of the City/MDFB debt service and to not protest property valuations so long as they do not exceed the PILOT payment schedule. The remainder of the debt service will be repaid from sales taxes generated at the development.
• Loan $2 million from the Small Business Development Program with a 23-year term at 5 percent interest, to be repaid from TIF and CID revenues generated at Heer’s.
• Request the Missouri Development Finance Board’s participation on behalf of the Heer’s project by loaning the City $1 million that the City will loan to the developer, also with a 23-year term at 5 percent interest. This loan will be limited recourse to the City of Springfield, with repayments limited to TIF and CID revenues.
• Request the Missouri Development Finance Board assist in the collateralization of the state historic tax credit bridge loan.

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Don't drink and drive. It's dangerous, and when SPD catches you, it's expensive. (And SPD will probably catch you)

From the city: From Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, members of the Springfield Police Department will be participating in a statewide effort to remove intoxicated drivers from the roadways. Enforcement efforts will be increased with a focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers.

A grant received from the Missouri Department of Transportation‘s Highway Safety Division will fund this effort.

Driving while intoxicated remains one of the top causes of fatal car crashes in Missouri. In 2009, 268 people were killed and 1,134 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. In Springfield alone, four people were killed and 127 injured. These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive. Don’t risk it!

We are all part of the solution, so please consider the following tips:

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com

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The Simpsons' Springfield isn't the only namesake in environmental trouble. SGF is closing in on a potential impactful citation.

During City Council’s August 9 meeting, City Manager Greg Burris acknowledged that the SGF may be cited by the Environmental Protection Agency for ground-level Ozone pollution at the end of August, and labeled with “non attainment” status. The impact is far reaching, and this will in no way be a knee scrape for our city, which makes it surprising to have passed so far under the radar.

Doug Neidigh, a member of Ozarks Clean Air Alliance, said the EPA is revisiting its national ground-level Ozone standards, and when that standard is lowered SGF will likely fall below the cut. “Our community is the fastest growing community in Missouri and with that growth comes more automobiles, businesses, and more emissions. (OCAA) has taken a proactive approach, but at some point we’re going to cross that line.” That line is measured in parts per billion and Springfield measures at 69 ppb. The max currently sits at 75, but is expected to be moved somewhere between 60-70 when the EPA announces the new mark (likely on the last business day of August). “It’s a matter of public health. People have significant health risks. Those with respiratory problems, heart disease and children whose lungs are still developing are especially in danger,” Neidigh said.

Generally the course of action for the EPA is to give the citation which normally comes with a three-year window to get a corrective action plan in place. OCAA has been working with the EPA and Department of Natural Resources to get a jump start, but regulations are likely heading our way. Vehicles, gas stations, businesses (large and small), and even your lawnmower could get regulated. Nothing’s out of reach. “It costs communities a lot of money to fix air quality under regulated (terms),” Neidigh said, “and the government doesn’t help funding. They didn’t pollute our air.”

Kansas City and St. Louis are examples of towns to have been labeled “non attainment.” The process that follows is building a State Implementation Plan in which a local action group, OCAA in SGF’s case, works with the EPA and the state to lower the parts per billion count. K.C.’s regulations include gas stations offering less volatile fuel that is of higher cost to consumers. Other regulations limit emissions from printing and auto painting operations, industrial solvent use, and the manufacture of paints, solvents and pesticides.

This pollution is caused during the day, mostly in the heat and simply changing pieces of your routine can help tremendously (carpool, walk or bike; pump gas at night and DON’T top off your tank; use water-based solutions, not solvent; mow at night; paint at night; landscape with native plants – less grass, less fertilizers and insecticides). Visit OCAA for more ideas on how you can help.

The time to quaff at the hippies and tree huggers is over. Turns out they were right. Government and science says so. It’s our health and our economy at risk. We all must make changes.

What is Ozone?

Ozone (O₃) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground-level and can be “good” or “bad,” depending on its location in the atmosphere. – EPA

What is ground-level ozone?

In the earth’s lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is considered “bad.” Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOx and VOC that help form ozone. Ground-level ozone is the primary constituent of smog. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-level ozone to form in harmful concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air pollutant. Many urban areas tend to have high levels of “bad” ozone, but even rural areas are also subject to increased ozone levels because wind carries ozone and pollutants that form it hundreds of miles away from their original sources. – EPA

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From the city: Starting the week of Aug. 16, crews are scheduled to begin milling pavement on National Avenue at Seminole Street as part of the improvement project at that intersection. The older surface pavement will be milled down to the same level as the new concrete base installed this summer.

Milling is expected to be complete in about one week. Crews are then scheduled to begin laying a new asphalt surface over the entire intersection. Installation of a new median along National Avenue on the south side of the intersection also will begin at this time.

Motorists can expect lane shifts throughout this process. Northbound and southbound traffic on National Avenue will remain open. Eastbound and westbound traffic on Seminole, including right turns, will remain closed.

Once the new paving work is finished, the intersection will be near functional completion and access to Seminole will re-open. Final striping and other finishing touches will occur following that. The project is expected to be fully complete by fall.

The National Avenue and Seminole Street intersection improvement project includes straightening of National to improve driver sightlines, new turn lanes and storm water drainage upgrades. The project is funded by the 1/4-cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements.

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1984 Arcade

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Burris

City Manager Greg Burris brought SGF City Council up to speed on the commitments made prior to the Police/Fire Pension Fund sales tax vote in September of last year.

Five are completed and two are in progress. The commitments in progress include: put 100 percent of the pension fund sales tax revenue into the pension fund and sell surplus properties to put money into the pension fund. Those already completed include: continue to contribute 35 percent of payroll into the fund, increase the amount Tier I employees pay into the fund, put all new hires into LAGERS, put all telecomm settlement money into the fund and restructure the pension board. The Council also pledged not to seek any new city sales taxes during the lifetime of the pension sales tax. – City Council Minutes 8/9/10

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SGF police looking for any tips on the elderly robber

From the city: The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating three strong armed robberies that occurred yesterday. In each of the robberies the target victims were elderly females, including one victim in a wheelchair. In all three robberies the lone suspect either stole or attempted to steal the victim’s purse.

The first robbery occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. at 712 W. Commercial St. (Price Cutter) when a black male suspect attempted to steal the purse of a 75-year old female. The victim was able to hold on to her purse and the suspect fled. The photographs attached to this release are from that attempted robbery. At 12:54 p.m., a 63-year old female in a wheelchair had her purse grabbed by a suspect matching the description of the earlier attempted robbery. This incident occurred at the Womack’s located 1130 N. Grant Ave. Later in the afternoon, an 81-year old female had her purse taken when the suspect pushed the victim and escaped with her purse. That incident occurred at 2:24 p.m. at the Aldi’s located at 1645 E. Kearney St. The suspect in that robbery also matched the previous incidents.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6-0 200 lbs, 20-30 years old. The suspect may be in an older full size van two toned with brown and beige paint. Anyone with information should call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 869-TIPS.

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Only deadbeats don't get out and vote. Don't be a deadbeat.

Proposition C has been the recent political hot topic, and you get to cast your vote today. No statements here supporting either side on today’s measure, only support to get you out to vote (it’s your duty, after all), and to present the language you will see on the ballot (as published to the web by the Secretary of State).

How the ballot reads

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

* Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?

* Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.  However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language

A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

The polls are open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Look here, if you don’t remember where to vote.

Candidate List from the Greene County Library (PDF): candidates & issues

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The following streets will see lane closures for wastewater system maintenance next week.

* 1165 S. Kimbrough Ave. – The southbound lane between Loren and Catalpa streets will be closed from 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4, or until work is completed.

* 1248 S. National Ave. – The northbound lane between Catalpa and Meadowmere streets will be closed from 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 5, to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 6, or until work is completed.

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Help SGF map out a wastewater improvements plan.

From the city: The City of Springfield is seeking volunteers to serve on a Wastewater Improvements Task Force that will help guide potentially significant improvements to Springfield’s wastewater services and treatment system.

The City and its Public Works Department are undertaking this process because state and federal regulations regarding the Clean Water Act are becoming more extensive and more expensive to meet. The City is facing some significant challenges related to high flow rates in its sanitary sewer system during wet weather periods that sometimes result in overflows from the system.  System improvements are required to comply with state and federal regulations, and protect public health and the environment.

In order to make the process of determining a fair and equitable plan for paying for the cost of these improvements as transparent as possible, the City plans to create a 20-member stakeholder task force. The Wastewater Improvements Task Force will include eight citizen representatives, two from each Council zone. It will also include stakeholders from the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the development community, environmental organizations, and engineering or technical experts.

The group will receive input related to affordability, cost distribution and decision-making criteria; help develop programs to reduce basement backups and extra water that enters the system from private property connections to the sewer system; and address issues regarding satellite communities (Willard, Strafford, Battlefield and Republic) which discharge wastewater to the City’s system for treatment.

The task force will follow a structured schedule, and will be assisted by a facilitator. It will hold approximately eight meetings in nine months, and will take public comment throughout the process. The group will make its final recommendations to City Council by the middle of 2011.

All of the task force members will be approved by City Council. Citizens interested in serving on the task force are only required to be ratepayers of the City’s wastewater utility. Those interested in serving should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (417) 864-1654 or fill out an application online at www.springfieldmo.gov/boards. Click on ‘Apply To Serve’ and choose Wastewater Improvements Task Force when asked which group you are interested in joining. The deadline to apply for the Wastewater Improvements Task Force is Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Further explanation of the issues facing Springfield’s wastewater system can be found at www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect.

For more information, contact: Steve Meyer, Co-Interim Director of Public Works, (417) 864-2047; or Brenda Cirtin, City Clerk, (417) 864-1650.

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From the city: The Uniform Crime Report for the first six months of the year shows an overall rise in reported crime in the city of Springfield. According to the Springfield Police Department, there was nearly a 7 percent increase in reported crime during the first six months of the year. The Uniform Crime Report compares the first six months of 2009 to January through June 2010.

The increase was driven by a 27 percent increase in aggravated assaults compared to the same reporting period a year ago. The report also indicates a significant increase in the number of murder cases worked by the department. Last year police worked three murders, compared to eight from January to June this year. The number of forcible rapes dropped just more than 8 percent, while the number of robberies reported in the city dropped from 129 to 128.

Property crimes increased just more than 6 percent during the first six months. Larceny and theft rose over 9 percent, while motor vehicle thefts increased almost 8 percent. There was a significant decline in the number of burglaries reported between January and June. Last year 1,125 burglaries were reported during the first six months. The number decreased by 95 this year and resulted in an 8 percent decline. The department’s clearance rate for burglaries improved from approximately 16 percent to more than 29 percent during the rating period. However, the overall clearance rate for property crimes declined just more than 1 percent. The clearance rate for crimes against persons improved less than 1 percent.

PDF:2010 Uniform Crime Report (first half)

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Three downtown streets will be repaved with new asphalt overlay beginning today (Monday, July 26). Parking lanes will be blocked off during this time.

The streets include:
* Walnut Street, from Jefferson to Kimbrough
* Jefferson Avenue, from McDaniel to Elm
* St. Louis Street, from Jefferson to Kimbrough

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From the city: On July 1, Mayor James O’Neal declared July as “Smart Irrigation Month” in Springfield. The proclamation will be presented at a related training event to be held at 11 a.m., July 20, at Ewing Irrigation, 1841 W. Sunset St. in Springfield.

Smart Irrigation Month was created by the Irrigation Association (www.irrigation.org) as a public awareness campaign to promote efficient use of water in irrigation. Using water wisely saves money on utility bills, nurtures green spaces that deliver real environmental benefits, protects our community’s water supply for generations to come, and minimizes added investments in infrastructure to store and carry water. Automatic watering, sprinkler, and irrigation systems can deliver exactly the right amount of water at the right time. Efficient irrigation systems minimize overwatering while keeping lawns and gardens beautiful and healthy by adjusting water levels automatically to account for rain and other contributing conditions. This puts every drop of water to work by minimizing evaporation and waste, and makes maintaining landscapes more convenient and cost effective.

In Springfield, summer water usage can increase by as much as 50 percent due to irrigation. In an effort to even the load this increased consumption creates, City Utilities has implemented the “Odd or Even?” program where property owners are asked to water on specific days depending on whether they reside at an address with an odd or even house number.

Many property owners unintentionally over-water lawns and landscapes, sometimes by as much as 40 percent. Since irrigation can be one of the largest uses of water, tremendous potential exists for water savings through proven water-saving technologies and effective irrigation management practices. The July 20 training event will focus on realizing these potential savings through implementing best management practices and cutting-edge irrigation products, as well as other means of conserving water. While the intended audience for this training is area irrigation contractors, it is also open to the public as the information provided will be very beneficial to homeowners and property managers.

For more information about the July 20 training event, contact Scott Shadwick at Ewing Irrigation, (417) 891-9876.

For more information on City Utilities’ “Odd or Even?” landscape watering guidelines, contact Mark Viguet at (417) 831-8686, or go to www.cityutilities.net/resident/pgms/waterevenodd.htm

For information about Smart Irrigation Month, contact Joe Payne, (417) 864-1954, or go to www.smartirrigationmonth.org.

Organizations supporting the “Smart Irrigation Month” observance include: City of Springfield Public Works, City Utilities of Springfield, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence, Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods, Professional Grounds Management Society Greater Ozarks Branch and Ewing Irrigation of Springfield.

For more information from the Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods program on smart water management of lawns and landscapes, contact Barbara Lucks, (417) 864-2005. More information on Smart Irrigation Month cooperating organizations can be found in the “Resources” section at www.OzarksEnvironment.com.

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From the city: Effective immediately, the City of Springfield’s Recycling Center drop-off at 2525 W. College St., located at the site of the former Price Cutter, is closed. Recyclers are asked to use the City’s nearby Franklin Avenue Recycling Center, located at 731 N. Franklin Ave.

The City has been able to offer recycling drop-off services at the site since the early 1990′s through the cooperation of a series of property owners – Consumers Markets, Smiley’s IGA, and the current Price Cutter. The site is currently being converted to Springfield Public Schools’ new Early Childhood Special Education Center, to be operational in January 2011. The new education facility will require all the available space at the site.

As a result of stable funding provided by the agreement reached between the City and solid waste haulers WCA and Allied Services, the City will be offering a new, staffed Recycling Center at a site to be selected in the future.

The City’s recycling drop-off centers are components of the City’s voter-approved Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS), which also includes the Household Chemical Collection Center, Market Develop Program, Information and Education Program, Springfield Sanitary Landfill, Yardwaste Recycling Center. The Curbside Recycling component of the ISWMS is provided by private solid waste haulers. The primary funding source for the ISWMS is revenue generated from Landfill tipping fees, along with revenue with service fees, donations and the sale of compost and mulch products.

Directions to the Franklin Avenue Recycling Center from the College Street site: East on Chestnut Expressway to Broadway Avenue, North on Broadway Avenue to Poplar Street, West on Poplar Street. The Franklin Avenue Recycling Center is located at the Northwest corner of Poplar Street and Franklin Avenue.

Additional information: Recycling Hotline: 864-1904 or www.springfieldmo.gov/recycling

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There’s a 1/4-cent tax on today’s ballot. The Capital Improvements Sales Tax is not a tax increase, but a continuation of a tax which has been around for more than two decades. It’s a general fund which goes to road repairs, traffic signals, etc. The money for the ($600k) wayfaring signs came from this fund, which will create an estimated $26M for the community.

Here are a couple links to help you form your decision, then get out and vote. It’s your responsibility.:

* Capital Improvements Sales Tax Details

* Springfield Chamber of Commerce says “Yes”

* AllVoices.com says “No”

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The early budget for the SGF 2010-11 school year came out and, to say the least, it didn’t paint a pretty picture. In 2009-10 Springfield Public Schools cut $6.1 million, up from $4.2M the year before. Among the disturbing low-lights are reductions from text book, instruments and the elimination of teacher recognition. Here’s Norm Ridder’s grim outlook for next year’s slashes:

This district performs at a very high level and is one that, compared to any district of its size, is a very lean operation. Due to this fact, cuts of any type, but certainly of this magnitude, will have a negative impact on the quality of service provided to our staff and patrons. Please know that we are working very hard at making the most of these difficult times and decisions. – SPS Superintendent Norm Ridder

View the entire Springfield Public Schools 2010-11 Budget Proposal

Upcoming events:

* Dr. Roger Young at the Discovery Center this weekend for Scientist Saturdays (May 15): Young teaches biology at Drury University and this event provides the public an opportunity to get an inside scoop of what’s happening in science – also check out Science Cafe on Monday (May 17) for a discussion on sustainable energy.

* Free Clothing Exchange and Art Sale at the Art Factory this weekend: Friday Noon-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – In an effort to “curb mass production of goods”, a local clothing bank has been established. Bring unwanted clothing to trade with the bank. only taking as much as you bring. The leftover clothes go to Isabelle’s house, the Family Violence Center, and Rare Breed. The art sale will feature work from local artists. All proceeds go to the development of studios and gallery space. Donations are welcome with an 80/20 split. For more information, contact the Art Factory at 860-2557.

* May Poetry Slam announced for Thursday May 20 at Nathan P Murphy’s – Cash prize to winner of slam – first 10 poets to sign up may compete, tickets are $5. Poet sign up at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. with featured poets and musical guests. For more information email mopoetry.slam@gmail.com

Other news and notes:

* In case you missed it, K2 banned, laws could mimic marijuana misdemeanor: What do you think? The argument in the Missouri Senate is how it’s related to two already illegal substances which are handled very differently. Meth and pot. Like meth, K2 is man made, but won’t blow up a house. K2 is compared to pot because it’s said to produce a similar high. There had been pushing for possession laws to produce felonies, like meth, but now it looks like it could be a misdemeanor like pot. What’s your barometer?

* Two cases of measles showed up in Greene County. Where do you stand on immunization? Look for a poll soon.

* The final MSU president candidate interviewed.

News tips? Interesting story or link? Comment below of email Brett@TAGsgf.com

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From the city: The outside northbound lane in the 3700 block of South Campbell Avenue will be closed from 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 11 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2010, or until work is completed, for storm water pipe installation.

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City manager Greg Burriss addresses the media on Wednesday.

City manager Greg Burris could have given developer John Q Hammons another extension to break ground on the Embassy Suites next to the Expo Center. Instead, he said SGFers deserved more credibility from their local government.

“If you don’t hold people accountable, what does your word mean?” Burris said during a press conference on Tuesday. “We have an obligation to the citizens of Springfield to enforce that contract.”

Burris was referring to the ultimatum he gave JQH – start building or sell the land back for $1, a proposal Hammons called “ridiculous”. At first glance, it seems like a measuring stick competition, while Burris appears to be the first to publicly stand up to the entrepreneur.

There are, however several other variables to take into account. Thus, I will present the keys to the issue that have created a tangled mess on St. Louis Street by answering the questions that came to mind.

Why does this hotel/contract matter so much?

* When SGF built the Expo Center it was to not only host an incredible Chili Cookoff each year, but bring in several conventions a month which would be almost pure revenue. When these events and conventions book their sites, an attached hotel is a huge selling point. According to Burris, SGF has already missed out on several events.

* The Embassy Suites would not only serve as the host for these tourists, but would offer a full kitchen – something the Expo Center is missing – for catering these events.

* The deal not only was to build the hotel but to provide $550,000 worth of improvements to the Expo Center – including: enhanced acoustics, new sprinkler system, electronic sign board, and marketing among others. “We weren’t just looking for cash,” Burris said.

How did it fall apart?

* In one word: Financing. You’d think that word wouldn’t even come into play with America’s top solo hotelier, right? Neither did SGF. According to Burris, Hammons got the contract because he said it was “not contingent upon financing.”  In a letter from JQH dated April 13 (received by Burris on May 3), Hammons said, “Financing is not available and won’t be for another one to three years … Money is available but at horrible costs, and business-wise, it is not advisable.”

* Hammons received one free extension in September of 2008, which is damn near unheard of in development talks, but in what looks like an act of good faith it happened. Another one would have cost JQH a half-million dollars. He didn’t want to pay and Burris needed to put his foot down.

What’s the whole $1 thing about?

* It’s the part of the deal that’s not expected to come up. Hammons is supposed to do his contractual obligations, and it shouldn’t ever be an issue. In the contract, if Hammons didn’t break ground on April 1, 2010 (after the ’08 extension) the city could buy back the land for $1 after a 45-day grace period and sell to another developer. “We’re trying to get financing right now to come up with that,” Burris joked. JQH said it’s “ridiculous”, but as Burris said about the value of a contract … it was part of the contract. If you don’t like the clauses in an agreement, you probably shouldn’t sign the thing.

* The cost to Hammons was $7 million. With that, Hammons not only purchased the land for the site of the Embassy Suites, but the adjacent Car Park, taking on the city’s debt of the garage.

Where does it go from here?

* The city can start taking official offers for the development 60 days after Burris sent the letter to Hammons. At least one interested developer has already made contact. City officials expect several nods. Perhaps the most interesting twist is when the process begins again? Burris said JQH will have the same opportunity to make a bid as anybody else, which screams Groundhog Day. The City Manager expects to have a new proposal to city council in June.

* If Hammons doesn’t get the development, there are many other pieces that make it a tricky puzzle to fit together. JQH owns the parking garage on one side and the food and drink rights to the Expo Center (even though the city owns the building … huh??). This could slow down negotiations with other hotels and events, even though contractually Hammons must “operate in good faith.”

Other coverage:

* Amos Bridges, News-Leader
* Marie Saavedra, KY3
* Chris Wrinkle, Springfield Business Journal
* Jennifer Denman, Ozarks First (KOLR/KSFX)

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If you drive by the corner of Cherry Street and Florence Avenue today on your way home from work and see the Springfield Fire Department urgently helping 50 to 100 people take their clothes off, please know that what you’re witnessing is not one of the following:

1. A scene for a movie soon to be aired late at night on the SyFy Channel.

2. A performing-arts prank on passers-by to make them think the apocalypse is coming.

3. Any actual disaster of any kind.

The fire department is holding what is known as a Mass Decon Exercise at that corner today at 5:30 p.m. with a little help from the Logan-Rogersville Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team. Essentially, it’s an instructional drill for a hazardous materials spill rather than for a fire. The Missouri State University chapters of the Sigma Kappa and Alpha Chi Omega sororities are helping out by playing the “contaminated” individuals–between 50 and 100 people in all. Part of the drill involves getting the contaminated clothing items off the person, and in this case the “contaminated” clothes will be taken to Glo Cleaners and subsequently donated to the Family Violence Center, so the practice run ultimately helps people in need, too. Just don’t pull your car over and start clubbing guys in hazmat suits; it’s not the zombie apocalypse. Promise.

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City manager Greg Burris informed City Council during last night’s meeting that he has issued a letter to John Q Hammons regarding the downtown hotel development which has yet to get started.

From the council meeting:

“Burris also informed Council that he sent a letter to John Q. Hammons about Hammons’ proposed hotel development in downtown Springfield next to the Expo Center. Hammons had a deadline of April 1, 2010 to begin construction. This didn’t happen, and per the agreement signed with Hammons in 2008, the City has a right to buy back the land for $1 following a 45-day warning period from the City. The letter starts the countdown on that 45-day period, though negotiations may continue during that time.”

Read the letter in full: Hammons 45-day letter 5-3-10

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May is National Bike Month, doesn't that look like fun? (photo of Tour of Missouri by Carmelita DeLeon)

With National Bike Month a day away, TAGsgf.com will post general bicycle tips and SGF tips as well. The city released the following, consider this an appetizer. The biggest tip

From the city:

May is National Bike Month, and Springfield’s “Bike, Bus, Walk Week” is Monday, May 17 through Friday, May 21. We encourage Springfield residents to leave their automobiles at home and walk, bicycle, carpool or ride the bus. During that week, City Utilities buses are free to those traveling with bikes, some fitness centers are offering showers and towels for participants, and a free breakfast is available for bicycle riders. Further, employees and schools are encouraged to register for the annual “Commuting Challenge” sponsored by Ozark Greenways. The goal is to promote personal health and a bike/pedestrian friendly community.

The City of Springfield and Ozark Greenways are continuously working to expand the network of bike routes and trails throughout Springfield and Greene County, which have already demonstrated a great potential to reduce the number of motor vehicles using the roadways and improve the overall quality of life for those who use this resource. Springfield Traffic Engineering is working on improving roadways for bicycle suitability. Currently, there are 60 miles of designated on-street bike routes. These streets typically carry lower traffic volumes and have lower speeds than parallel major thoroughfares, and are safer for bicyclists than streets with heavy vehicular traffic.

The key to a safe bike commute is the mutual respect between biker and motorist.

* Bicyclists fare best when they act as, and are treated as, drivers of motor vehicles. It is vital that bicyclists obey the same traffic rules and blend in with overall traffic so that motorists on the street know what to expect. Bicyclists should never assume the right-of-way and should always signal their intentions to motorists. Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the street parallel to, and in the same direction as, other vehicular traffic. Bicycles should be equipped with a headlight and a tail light and/or reflectors for operation after dark. Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to use proper safety helmets and wear bright clothing.  Good visibility of the bicycle and rider is essential for motorists to see the bicyclist on the roadway.

* Motorists must learn to respect the bicyclist as any other vehicle on the street.  Approach with caution and pass with care, giving adequate space for the bicyclists to handle their vehicles. This behavior shows respect for other road users and alerts other motorists on the street to do the same. Motorists must check for bicyclists and pedestrians when making right and left turns at intersections and entering and exiting from driveways.

Motorists and bicyclists are encouraged to become familiar with facilities and programs for alternative transportation available in Springfield, including the Bike and Ride availability on CU buses. Riding your bike is one of many ways to improve your personal health and the overall quality of life in our community.

For more information on the “Bike, Bus, Walk Week” go to www.ozarkgreenways.org
For Springfield’s Bike Route map go to: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/traffic/
For information transit services and more go to: www.cityutilities.net/transit/transit.htm
For bike route maps and other information go to: http://www.ozarkgreenways.org/bike-to-work/index.php

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