City of Ozark Newsletter: September 2017

September Newsletter

Wishing everyone a safe school year

With Ozark Schools recently back in session, drivers need to be aware of an increase in traffic near all schools. Allow yourselves more time when traveling. Expect delays and Officers to be enforcing school zones. Be aware some students will be walking on city streets, on their way to and from school. Please take extra precaution at crosswalks near their schools.

"Safe Exchange Zone" added at Ozark PD

Due to the continual increase in internet sales and criminal activity involving some sales, the Ozark Police Department has officially designated the front lobby of the Ozark Police Department and two (2) parking spots in front of the Ozark Police Department as “Safe Exchange Zones.” Although our Officers will not get involved in transactions, our designated parking spots and our front lobby are monitored and recorded by surveillance cameras to assist with deterring criminal conduct. While it’s not foolproof, we hope the transactions taking place at our police station provides a feeling of security for individuals worried about potentially dangerous encounters.

Christian County voters approved a renewal of the library's 20 cent property tax levy on August 8th, last approved by voters in 1971. This will mean additional revenue for the library beginning in 2018. For Ozark residents, it will also mean significant improvements to the Ozark branch of the library, located across from the Finley River park. By the end of 2018, Ozark residents can expect to see a modernized library exterior, an improved front entryway and handicap accessibility, a new children's programming room, a drive-up service window and book drop, and renovations to the interior. Interior renovations will not only make the library more attractive, but create additional public space for the collection and for seating, and make the layout more conducive for technology use.

Residents who want to keep up with the renovation plans and opportunities for community input can sign up for the library's Expansion Plans e-mail list HERE

Rain Barrel Rebate Program

James River Basin Partnership is offering a rebate program for residents of Christian County.

Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store the rainwater running off your rooftop. Captured water can be used for numerous things including watering your lawn or garden, filling ponds and even washing your car.

For more information click links:

Homeowner Guide & FAQ Information

Rain Barrel Application Form

Ozark PD warns of phone scam hitting Ozark

Businesses and residents of Ozark have recently been contacted via phone by individuals purporting themselves as employees of Empire Electric, regarding unpaid balances and/or electric shut off notices. The individuals advise Empire Electric will immediately shut off electricity if the balance is not paid in full immediately using “prepaid credit cards” or “re loadable gift cards.” THIS IS A SCAM!! Typically, no legitimate business will ever mandate you pay a balance with a gift card or prepaid credit card.

Empire Electric corresponds with its customers via US Mail regarding electric shut off notifications. In the event a collection agency calls representing Empire Electric, the collection company will request the customer contact Empire Electric’s actual phone number for bill rectification. It should be noted if a customer is contacted by the collection agency, the customer will not be provided the overdue amount over the telephone or be threatened immediate shut off if the bill is not paid during the phone call. Additionally, Empire Electric will not specifically request a customer to pay their bill using re loadable gift cards.

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Congrats to newly sworn in Officer Robert Suzuki, Officer Dakota Inlow and Officer Marco Cabrales.

Congrats and thank you Denny Hall on your retirement

As we look to the future and make plans to ensure adequate, affordable long-term water supply, we want to better understand our customer/citizen’s opinions about water use and water supply. Below you will find a link that will take you to the 2017 Citizen Water Supply and Usage Survey. Your participation in the survey is very important and the survey findings will assist the City of Ozark in its efforts to better serve the long-term water supply needs of our citizens/customers.

The information you provide will be completely confidential and anonymous. Your completed survey will go directly to Opinion Research Specialists, LLC, an independent research company, which will collect and analyze the results.

The survey takes about three minutes to complete. Upon completion of the survey you will have the option of entering a drawing to win one of five Bass Pro Shops gift cards!

You may take the survey now at CitizenWaterSurvey.

Thank you for participating in this important project.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Parsons

City of Ozark Public Works Director

417-581-1702 or jparsons@ozarkmissouri.org

Ozark Receives Downtown Revitalization Grant from Missouri Main Street

The City of Ozark has been selected in a competitive application process to participate in a cost-sharing Affiliate Grant that provides training, mentoring, and technical services to revitalization programs in Missouri’s historic commercial districts. The grant is provided by Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. (MMSC)

Click here to read full press release