January 29, 2020
Nixa News | February 2020 Edition
In this month's edition you can read about...

  • Nixa to soon launch the community brainstorm phase of its 2020-2025 strategic planning process
  • Nixa residents to vote on Home Rule Charter updates
  • How to respond to the 2020 Census
  • City of Nixa to hire key positions this year
  • New businesses now open in Nixa
  • 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.
I'm excited to be leading the City of Nixa into another 5-year strategic planning cycle which will kick off this month.

Past strategic planning efforts required attendance at many meetings to collect public input. But not everyone has the time to attend several long strategic planning meetings. That's why this year we are changing things up - so everyone can have a voice.

On February 11th, we will launch a community-wide brainstorm which we are calling "Imagine Nixa" which will be supported by a website - IMAGINENIXA.COM. Through that website and other efforts, we will engage the community in discussions over three months. This will help us gain deeper understanding of what our community wants the municipal government to do in order to make Nixa even more amazing.

Attendees to the Nixa Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on February 11 will be the first to learn about this brainstorming process, but stay tuned because we will also do much more between now and May to show you how you can participate. We will collect input with a giant “wall of ideas” which will travel to events like NIXPO and Sucker Days, and you can post ideas to it when we take it to several locations around town. We will also visit various community groups to collect input. You may even request that city staff visit your group. The community brainstorm phase will end at the close of the Sucker Days festival (May 15-16).

I encourage you to start thinking of ideas now, so you can speak up when we open the community brainstorm. Your ideas will help us determine the specific action steps we will include in our strategic plan. We will then unveil the strategic plan this fall and begin taking action to make it reality by 2025.

I can't wait to learn how you imagine Nixa's future!


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

Q: What animal is most likely to eat a relative?

The answer to The Baffler is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Nixa residents to decide on proposed Home Rule Charter Updates in April 7 Election
The City of Nixa passed its Home Rule Charter in 2010. This document essentially serves as the constitution for our city. Every 10 years, we have an opportunity to review and update the charter to ensure our local government works efficiently to serve the community.

On April 7th, 2020, Nixa residents will vote to either accept or reject 4 proposed updates to our Home Rule Charter which have been recommended by the Home Rule Charter Review Commission. That commission reviewed the entire charter and decided that each of the proposed updates would allow the city to operate more efficiently.

None of the proposed updates would impact taxation, representation, or city services.

April 2020 voter info - Home Rule Charter proposed updates
Mark your 2020 calendar!
Feb. 7: Father Daughter Dance
Feb. 29: Indoor Garage Sale
Mar. 21: NIXPO
Apr. 7: Municipal Election
Apr. 11: Easter Egg Hunt
Apr. 25: Medicine Take Back Day
May 2: Health & Wellness Expo
May 9: City Wide Garage Sale
May 15-16: Sucker Days
May 16: City Wide Clean Up
May 23: The X Center Pool Opens
Jun. 28: Friends of the Park Pool Party
Aug. 4: National Night Out
Sep. 7: Doggie Dive In
Oct. 30: Spooktacular
Oct. 24: Creepin' at the Crossroads
Dec. 5: Mayor's Tree Lighting
Dec. 6: Christmas Parade
Working For You
Now Open for Business in Nixa
Now Open sign
Shop local! The following brick and mortar businesses have received new Nixa business licenses in the last month.

  • Springfield's Best Wrap - 1020 Eagle Crest St. (automotive wrapping)
  • TNS Boutique - 109 S Main St. (plus size clothing boutique)
  • Blessing by Design LLC - 728 W Center Cir. (beauty salon)
  • Canna Belew's Dispensary LLC - 105 Sherman Way, Ste. 107 - (CBD products)
  • Carwash USA Express - 601 McCroskey Plaza (car wash)

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.
City of Nixa seeking to hire City Attorney, Assistant Director of Nixa Utilities & Public Works, and new Finance Director in 2020
The City of Nixa will be hiring three key leadership positions during 2020. We have already posted the opening for full-time City Attorney and are currently accepting applications. In the past, we have utilized an outside firm on a part-time basis but have reached the point where we need a dedicated attorney on a full-time basis.

Later this year, we will also seek to hire a new Director of Finance as the current director, Donna Swatzell, will be retiring later this year. We hope to allow the new hire to experience several months of training with our current director prior to her retirement.

Also later this year, we will be seeking to hire an Assistant Director of Nixa Utilities & Public Works. Those departments represent large and complex elements of the municipal government and the person in this position will play a key role in their management.

Neither the finance nor public works positions have yet been posted, but keep an eye on our jobs page at Nixa.com if you know someone who may be interested in applying. We offer great benefits and pride ourselves on being a team of innovators. Nixa is a place where an outstanding professional can make their mark.
How to Respond to the 2020 Census
Christian County Counts
The Census is a simple questionnaire about yourself and everyone who is living with you on that day. Responding to the Census is now easier than ever with three options; by mail, phone or online.

When responding, remember - everyone living in your household on April 1 st , 2020 counts, even babies!

By April 1 st , 2020(Census Day) most households (95%) will receive an invitation at their residence to participate in the census.

The remaining 5% of households will receive their Census invitation when a Census taker drops it off; this is commonly due to households using a P.O. Box to receive all mail. P.O. Boxes will not receive an invitation to participate as they are not tied to specific housing units. For those who do not respond by May, you can expect to receive a follow up in person by a Census taker.

Remember 2020 is Christian County’s chance to get a complete and accurate population count!

The City of Nixa has partnered with the county-wide effort to encourage all Christian County residents to respond to the 2020 Census. To learn more, visit the Christian County Counts web-page, and follow the Facebook page where you can ask questions about the upcoming census.
2020 Nixa Parks Program Guide
Exceptional City Staff
Employee Spotlight
Varian Plank
Varian Plank has served the City of Nixa since 2007, when he started with the utility office as a meter reader. In 2012 he transferred to the water department as a utility worker then worked his way up to lead operator/electrician in 2015. Varian is in charge of maintaining all of the wells, water sampling, flushing, and the SCADA system for the water department. He is always willing to help anyone and to learn new skills in order to keep the water system running smoothly. In his spare time Varian likes to spend time with his family. His hobbies include target shooting, reloading ammunition and rebuilding guns. He also likes to fish and plays poker tournaments when time allows.
City of Nixa Finance Department Earns Honor for Fourth Consecutive Year
Mayor Steele presents GFOA honor to finance dept
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Nixa for the fourth consecutive year by the Government Finance Officers Association for our 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). We are so proud of the hard work by our Finance Department to ensure we are accountable for all the money touched by the city.

We previously earned this recognition for our 2015, 2016, and 2017 CAFRs which anyone may view on our website.

The finance department is led by Donna Swatzell and her team includes: Barb Blevins, Autumn Miller, Stephanie Ewing, Jenni Gerhauser, and Laurie Wilkerson.
City Events
Father Daughter Dance 2020
Feb. 7: Father Daughter Dance
Join Nixa Parks and Recreation for the annual Father Daughter Dance! The dance is sponsored by Mac Dental. Dance the night away while enjoying light refreshments, activities, and a picture to remember the evening!

Date: Friday, February 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Location: The X Center

Registration: Pre-registration will end on February 6th: Members $25, Nixa Residents $30, Non-Residents $35. Day of Registration will begin on February 7th: Members $30, Nixa Residents $35, Non-Residents $40. The registration fee includes admission for Dad and one daughter. Each additional child is $10.
Indoor Garage Sale 2020
Feb. 29: Indoor Garage Sale
The Indoor Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Entrance is FREE to the public.

Registration for booth spaces begins December 1st. Space is limited—please register early!

A 10x10 space is $20 and a 10x15 space is $30. Tables are available for $5 per table. The X Center reserves the right to refuse any item inappropriate for sale in this event. No concession items allowed.
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!

Upcoming dates: February 26, March 25, April 29.

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
Babysitter's Training Class
babysitters training class
This American Red Cross in-person childcare certification course is designed for those ages 11 to 15 and builds on the skills to provide basic care to infants and children, what to do in an emergency, how to choose age-appropriate activities, and recognize and handling specific behaviors. This class can help you gain the skills and confidence needed for babysitting. The class covers some basic first aid however it does not include CPR or First Aid certifications.

Date:  Saturday, March, 14th; 9 am to 4 pm. Please bring lunch and snacks for the day.
Open To:  Ages 11 to 15 years old.
Location:  The X Center
Fees:  $58 per participant.
Registration:  Ends March 6th. (Space is limited!)
Spring Break Camp
While Nixa is out of school for Spring Break--join us, at The X Center, for a camp full of fun and awesome activities. Registration begins January 27th and ends March 12th. Camp will be held Monday through Friday, March 13th - 20th, from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The program is open to kids ages 5 years old - 6th grade. The fees for the program are as follows (per day): Members $17, Nixa Residents $22, Non-Residents $27. Please send a sack lunch and two snacks each day!
Recreational Soccer
Recreational Soccer is geared towards introducing and fostering interest in soccer. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. The league is open to boys and girls; it is comprised of 4 different divisions, 3&4 years old, 5 years old and Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th – 8th grade. Games for every division are on Saturday morning/afternoons.
 
Season Dates: Saturday, March 14th - April 25th.
 
Open To: The program is open to boys and girls ages 3 years old (must be 3 by March 16th) to 8th grade.
 
Location: Games are played at McCauley Park and practices are held at Rotary Park.
 
Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.
 
Registration: December 10th, 2018 and ends February 12th, 2020. *Late registration February 13th - 16th with an additional $10 late fee.
Recreational Volleyball
Recreational Volleyball is geared towards introducing and fostering girls 3rd through 6th grade an interest in volleyball. Emphasis is on learning the game and having fun. 

Season Dates: March 23rd/24th through April 20th/21st. 3rd/4th grade plays on Monday evenings; 5th/6th grade plays on Tuesday evenings. The season ending tournament will be on Saturday, April 25th.

Open To: The program is open to girls in 3rd - 6th grade.

Location: Games will be played and practices will be held at The X Center.

Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.

Registration: December 10th, 2019 and ends February 19th, 2020. * Late registration from February 20th - 23rd with a $10 additional late fee.
Flag Football
Recreational Flag Football is designed as an introduction to the sport, to build on skills, and to foster an interest in football. Participants will learn the basic skills and concepts of the game.
 
Season Dates: Saturday, March 14th with the six-game season ending April 5th.
 
Open To: The program is open to boys and girls 3rd-6th grade.
 
Location: Games will be played and practices will be held at Rotary Park
 
Fees: Members $42, Nixa Residents $47, Non-Residents $55.
 
Registration: December 10th, 2019 and ends on February 12th, 2020. *Late registration from February 13th - 16th, 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
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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 animal is most likely to eat a relative?

A: An Ant-Eater.
Nixa City Hall | 417-725-3785 | CityHall@Nixa.com | Nixa.com