September 25, 2019
Nixa News | October 2019 Edition
In this month's edition you can read about...

  • How you can help us plan for the future of Nixa Parks
  • How you can help bring more art and culture to Nixa
  • Where and when you can drop off old electronics
  • New businesses now open in Nixa
  • Nixa Police update the way crime is counted
  • Upcoming events
  • A letter from the Mayor
  • And more!

As always, you can find much more information at Nixa.com and engage with us on our official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.
Nixa is known for its long term planning - whether that be at the City, our utilities, Nixa Public Schools or our Chamber of Commerce. The theme for our community in 2020 will again be planning.  Its these plans that have allowed us to stay ahead of the curve as we have continued our rapid growth. The plans we make in 2020 will lay the groundwork for our next phase of growth and improvement.
 
The City will not only be creating a 5-year strategic plan, but also a long-range comprehensive plan for the community. We are going to try some new and exciting ways for everyone to have an opportunity to contribute ideas. The public’s input will inform our planning in a deep way. We want to identify innovative ideas for how we can improve not only as a municipal government but as a community. We also want to know the direction you want us to take and what values we should prioritize to ensure the community heads in that direction. I encourage you to start thinking of ideas now so that you can present them when we start taking public comment in a variety of ways.
 
Currently our Parks Department is working with SWT Design to develop our next Parks Master Plan. This master plan will look at our entire parks system to evaluate where we stand today, and give areas to work towards for the future. This master planning process will take several months to complete and will involve community input, national/regional trends and statistics, and overall best practices to leave our parks department with a direction for the future.
 
This will also give us the framework to begin the development of the Eoff Family Century Farm Park. We are excited about what this master plan will provide to our community and the Parks Department and look forward to sharing this report with our community upon its completion in May 2020.
 
I hope many of you will take the opportunity to get involved with these planning processes and help set a direction for Nixa's future!



Sincerely,
Mayor Steele
The Baffler
This perplexing puzzle will keep you bewildered, befuddled, and bemused.

Q: What room do ghosts avoid?

The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Working For You
Parks Master Plan
Parks Master Plan
Nixa Parks and Recreation is beginning the process to create a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This document will be the roadmap for our long-term plan for recreation facilities, parks, amenities and initiatives that will further enrich the lives of our community members. You can help us with this process by participating and giving us your feedback!


We thank you for taking the time to complete this input form and look forward to creating a vision for Nixa Parks and Recreation with you through this planning process.
Now Open for Business in Nixa
Now Open sign
Shop local! The following brick and mortar businesses have received new Nixa business licenses.

  • Curly Q's - 411-C Northview Rd. (Beauty Salon)
  • Mobomo LLC - 103 S. Ridgecrest Ave. (Consulting-Software Engineering)
  • Nixa Behavioral Services LLC - 202 S. West St. Ste. 4 (Behavioral Health Counseling)
  • The Healthy Trend LLC - 210 N. Massey Blvd. (Healthy Shakes & Energy Teas)
  • Sinkits Mounting Solutions (new ownership) - 107 W. Aldersgate Dr. Ste. 10 (Metal Part Distributor)
  • Nixa Nutrition - 107 W. Aldersgate Dr. Ste. 10 (Meal Replacement/Energy Teas)
  • I Am Wireless - 324 N. Massey Blvd. (Retail/Repair Phone Services)

Thinking about opening a business in Nixa?
Call City Hall at 417-725-3785 to talk to us about your idea.
We would be thrilled to assist you through the process.
Roadwork Ahead! Sign up for traffic alerts.
Swift911 app traffic alerts
Sign up for traffic alerts so you won't get caught by surprise by any road closures or other traffic impacts.



Be sure to follow the City of Nixa's official social media accounts too!
Is your project designed to maximize safety and prevent crime
Is your project designed to maximize safety and prevent crime?
Designing a structure or landscape? Doing a remodel? Hosting an event?

Nixa Police now offer FREE consulting and site plan reviews according to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) best practices.

To learn more, send an email to Officer Brent Forgey: bforgey@nixa.com
Or call 417-725-2510.
Nixa Police transition to NIBRS reporting - update the way crimes are counted
Nixa Police Patch
The Nixa Police Department is transitioning its system for reporting crime statistics from the old Summary Reporting System (SRS) to a new, more thorough method known as National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

This is part of the exciting changes under way in how crime is counted and reported in the United States. The transition is driven by demand for more accurate and detailed crime stats. The FBI is pushing law enforcement agencies around the country to transition to NIBRS by January 1, 2021. This transition will expand the crime analysis capabilities not only at the local level, but also at the state and federal levels.

Nixa was picked to receive federal grant money to be among a select group of agencies to make the transition to NIBRS ahead of the rest of the nation. The grant funding means that Nixa taxpayers do not have to foot the bill for this transition. Nixa, Springfield, Greene County, and other regional agencies are transitioning together to this new crime reporting system. The new software (Niche Report Management System) which enables us to comply with NIBRS standards also allows our regional agencies to share information more easily. The enhanced statistical data from this new reporting system will also allow Nixa Police to use resources more strategically and effectively, although the time required to complete each crime report has also increased with the transition.

Nixa, as an early adopter of NIBRS, will see an increase in statistics, but that will not necessarily mean that our community experienced an increase in crime. Rather than only counting the highest chargeable offense related to a particular incident which may have actually involved multiple crimes, the new system allows us to count each offense related to the incident. For example, if in a single incident, someone steals your personal property and then assaults you, we would have previously only been able to report the assault as a crime statistic, because it was the higher offense. The new system means we would report both the theft and the assault for statistical purposes.
Recycle Center Winter Hours
Recycle Center Winter Hours
Winter hours for the Nixa Recycle Center will go into effect beginning September 30th. During winter hours, the recycle center is open Monday-Saturday 8am-4:15pm. The recycle center is closed on Sundays and holidays.

The Nixa Recycle center is located at 1093 Eaglecrest.
Parks Program Guide
Exceptional City Staff
Employee Spotlight
Emily Hall joined the Street Department Building/Grounds Maintenance crew in 2015 and has been working hard since then to keep all of our city grounds and facilities looking as good as possible.

Emily was promoted to the Lead position of this 4-person crew in 2018 and continually strives to find more efficient ways to serve Nixa.

During the winter, Emily can be found at any one of our facilities doing things like sheetrock patching, painting, moving office furniture and even helps with remodels for added office space. She is an excellent member of our team and we're fortunate to have her serving the community. Thanks for all you do!
Katie Buford and Jimmy Liles with 2019 Innovation Award
Another Innovation Award
Assistant Director of Nixa Parks and Recreation (and Think Tank Coordinator) Katie Buford with City Administrator Jimmy Liles pictured following the presentation of the 2019 Missouri Municipal League Innovation Award (large city category).

On September 10th in St. Charles Missouri, the City of Nixa was presented with its third consecutive Innovation Award during the annual conference of the Missouri Municipal League. In 2017, we won for creating the Community Alternative Sentencing Court. In 2018, we won for the public/private partnership which resulted in the development of the Nixa Solar Farm. In 2019, we won for establishing a Think Tank made up of line level and mid level staff to engage them in development of solutions to high-level challenges which face the municipal government as an organization.

Stream Team
On Friday September 20th, Nixa city staff conducted our Fall Stream Team cleanup on the lower James River. We typically try to do our cleanups on the Finley River, but the water levels were too low to float canoes full of trash.

Even the James river was so low that there was a lot of dragging and walking the canoes. Everyone worked really hard for just a fraction of the trash that we normally find but every little bit helps... It's great to see the river looking clean!

If you want to learn how to start your own Stream Team, visit  www.mostreamteam.org
City Events
Nixa Public Arts Committee Town Hall meeting
Sept. 30: Nixa Public Arts Committee Town Hall Meeting
Love art and culture? Want to see more of it in Nixa?
You need to be at this meeting. We want your input!

Nixa Public Arts Committee Town Hall Meeting

When: September 30th, 6pm
Where: Nixa City Hall, 715 W. Mt. Vernon, Nixa MO
Who: Anyone in the Nixa area (65714) who wishes to participate.
Coffee With A Cop Oct 2 2019
Oct. 2: Coffee With A Cop
Got questions for our police department? Want to talk about a concern or just want to meet one of our officers? Stop by the Nixa McDonald's on Wednesday, October 2 between 8am and 10am. We'd love to meet with you and chat over coffee!
Movies in the Park
Oct 5: Movies in the Park
The Movies in the Park series is presented by the Massengale Group. All movies are held at McCauley Park, begin at dusk, and all movies are FREE! Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. All movies are dependent on weather. No smoking and no alcohol.

October 5th:  Incredibles 2
Oct. 12: Electronics Recycling Day
Got old electronics you need to get rid of?

The City of Nixa is partnering with Complete Electronics Recycling to host a collection day for electronics recycling.

When? Saturday, October 12 9am-Noon
Where? Nixa Public Works, 1111 W. Kathryn St.

Any resident, business, church, school, and organizations in the Nixa area are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity.


Or contact David Kramer at 417-864-4415 or david@recyclingmore.com
Spooktacular 2019
Oct. 25: Spooktacular
Spooktacular is presented by Mac Dental! Join Nixa Parks, Nixa Police, Nixa Fire District, and local businesses for the annual Halloween Spooktacular.  The event will be held on Friday, October 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  Please bring a canned food item for donation. Wear your costumes and Trick-or-Treat at The X Center. In addition to candy, there will be lots of fun activities for an evening full of fun!

Businesses: booth spaces will be available—call us at 725.5486 to register for a booth space.
Creepin at the Crossroads
Oct. 26: Creepin' At The Crossroads
The Downtown Revitalization Committee is hosting the 3rd Annual Creepin' at the Crossroads. Funds raised go to the revitalization of downtown Nixa.

Learn more about the chidren's activities, glow run, and more by visiting the Downtown Nixa Facebook page.
The Update is a great way to learn more about what's happening in Nixa and have your questions answered while enjoying lunch. Each month, we bring a different guest speaker from Nixa local government. These events give senior citizens an opportunity to meet and interact with the city's leadership, voice their concerns, and stay informed!

2019 DATES: September 25, October 30, November 27, December 31.

Anyone can enjoy lunch at the Nixa Senior Center. The cost of lunch is $3.50 for those 60+ and $6.00 for those under 60. Learn more about the Nixa Senior Center at the   Nixa Senior Center   website.
Parks Programs
Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the Park
Bring your towel, mat, and water and come ready to relax in an outdoor setting. We will be guided through a 60-minute yoga session by a certified yoga instructor. This class is free and open all community members and fitness levels.  We will meet at McCauley Park beneath the willow tree.

Saturday, October 5th: 6 - 7 pm
Saturday, October 12th: 6 - 7 pm
Saturday, October 19th: 6 - 7 pm
Art Classes
Art Classes
Art Classes are open to ages 3 years old to 8th grade. The fee per session is as follows: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40. All supplies will be provided; make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty! A project list is available for each session on the registration form.

Registration ends: October 4th

Tuesdays (Intro to Art): October 8th - November 12th. PK - 2nd at 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm. 3rd-6th at 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm.

Thursdays (Studio Art 1st - 8th Grade): October 10th - November 14th. Studio 2D at 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm. Studio 3D at 7:15 pm to 8:00 pm.
Basketball
Recreational basketball
Recreational Basketball is geared towards introducing and fostering interest in basketball. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun.

Season Dates:  Saturday, November 2nd - December 14th.
Open To:  Boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by November 2nd) to 6th grade.
Location:  Games are played at The X Center and Nixa Public Schools.
Fees:  Members $40, Nixa Residents $45, Non-Residents $53.
Registration:  Begins August 5th and ends October 2nd. *Late registration from October 3rd - October 6th with a $10 additional late fee.
More Nixa Parks Events, Programs, & Sports Leagues
For the latest info on all the events happening at Nixa Parks and The X Center, follow the link to NixaParks.com
At the Nixa Branch Library this Month
The Nixa Branch Library is located at 208 N. McCroskey.
Fall Book Sale
Fall Book Sale
Find great deals on books for all ages and interests, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and more at the Nixa Branch Library.

Book sale hours:
Oct. 9-10 8:30am-8:00pm
Oct. 11-12 8:30am-5:00pm
Oct. 13 Noon-4pm

Friends of the Library members can attend the preview sale on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4pm-8pm. Ask us how you can become a Friend of the Library!

Library cards are free to all Christian County residents.
Call (417)-724-6100 for details.
Business resources available through Christian County Library
Starting or operating a business?
Christian County Library cardholders have access to powerful online resources for entrepreneurs. Create a business or non-profit plan, get reliable research on business and marketing topics, create targeted business or consumer mailing lists, and gather detailed and accurate data on community demographics.

Visit  christiancountylibrary.org/research  and click on BUSINESS to access all the resources available to you free with your library card.
FYI: For Your Information
Sign Up for Text Alerts and
E-Notifications
Get emergency alerts on your phone by downloading the Swift 911 Public app. Subscribe to the "Nixa City News" alerts category and any other categories you'd like to receive text alerts about.

Sign up here for e-mail notifications from the City of Nixa. You may select which categories of e-notifications you will receive, so you only get emails on the topics you're interested in. From bids, to calendar events, to press releases, you can get an alert as soon as the information is released so you don't have to wait for the monthly newsletter.
Now Hiring!
The City of Nixa has job openings for various city departments!

Visit the  jobs section of our website   or you can call our Human Resources department at 417-725-3785.

You can learn more about what it's like to work for the City of Nixa when you  check out our page on LinkedIn .
Follow us on Facebook , Nextdoor, Twitter !
CITY CONTACT NUMBERS:

City Hall: 725-3785
Police: 725-2510
911 Non-emergency and Animal Control: 582-1030
Nixa Utilities and report an outage: 725-3229
Public Works: 725-2353
Parks: 725-5486
The Baffler Answer
The solution to your scalp scratchin'.

Q: What room do ghosts avoid?

A: The living room.
Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com