[SPRINGFIELD CITY EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA ]

July 2020 Police union establishes fund to assist Officer Mark Priebe The Springfield Police Officers’ Association striking the suspect and (SPOA) has set up a fund (https://www. stopping the vehicle. spoarelieffund.com/officer-priebe-fundraising) to Officer Priebe and the support Springfield Police Officer Mark Priebe suspect were sent to the Mizumoto Japanese and his family during his recovery from injuries hospital to be treated Stroll Garden received during a June 9 incident at Springfield for their injuries. Routh Reopening Police Headquarters. Officer Priebe served as was booked into the Greene County Jail later that 2400 S. Scenic Ave. the Neighborhood Watch coordinator for several day and has been charged with first-degree assault Springfield neighborhoods. Wednesdays-Sundays: and armed criminal action. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. On June 9 at approximately 9:30 a.m. officers were Officer Priebe is a father, husband, and a 21-year The Mizumoto Japanese notified of a white male, later identified as 28-year- veteran of SPD. “We are still trying to wrap our Stroll Garden reopened to old Jon Tyler Franklin Routh at the front entrance the public on June 17. It had head around why this person did it," Officer Priebe’s been closed due to ongoing of Springfield Police Headquarters (321 E. Chestnut wife, Heather, said. "I appreciate all the support. sidewalk construction. Expressway) causing a disturbance and urinating We have a long road ahead of us, but seriously The garden located at the on the front door. Officers contacted him and asked Springfield Botanical Gardens there is nothing we can’t conquer! We accept the at Nathanael Greene/Close him to leave. Routh then got into a white SUV, diagnosis, whatever it may be, he is alive and that Memorial Park is a 7.5-acre drove away, then circled back through the parking is all that matters." walled garden created in lot, heading toward the front entrance of Police On June 18, Officer Priebe was escorted via 1985 with authentic Japanese Headquarters. landscaping, celebrating police motorcade from the hospital, passed SPD Springfield's Sister City Isesaki, He accelerated directly toward Officer Priebe, who headquarters, to the airport where he was flown Japan. Admission is was standing in front of the building. The officer to Colorado to continue his rehabilitation. You $4/adults, $2/kids 12 attempted to get out of the way, but it appears the and under. Learn more at can follow Officer's Priebe's progress on the ParkBoard.org/Mizumoto. driver intentionally struck the officer who became Prayers for Priebe Facebook page at facebook.com/ trapped under the vehicle. The vehicle continued PrayersforPriebe-102271438196635. 6K Social Distancing forward with the officer still trapped, striking a Fun Run concrete bollard. Through A second officer yelled at the driver to stop and Aug. 8: 6K Social get out of the vehicle and when he refused and Distancing continued to drive forward, the officer fired shots Fun Run is a FREE event designed to Phase 3 of City’s Road to Recovery Plan to continue through July 15 get people out and competing Mayor Ken McClure and Springfield-Greene Greene County Health Department’s COVID-19 while still practicing safe County Health Department Director Clay Goddard Recovery Dashboard, information we have received social distancing. Runners compete at their own pace on announced today that the City of Springfield from our health care partners and partner public their own course and submit will continue with the Phase 3 Road to Recovery health agencies, as well as what is taking place in results once they complete guidance that was announced in early June. The neighboring counties, we have elected to continue their run. The leaderboard order took effect June 15 and expires July 15. Before with Phase 3 in our Road to Recovery Plan through will be updated weekly so runners can keep track of it expires, officials will announce whether the City is the current order’s expiration date of July 15,” how well they are doing. ready to move into a new phase of reopening. McClure said. T-shirts available starting at “We know that this virus is still circulating in The Phase 3 order increased the percentage of $20. All ages welcome. Visit ParkBoard.org/Virtual to our community, and in the communities around occupancy restriction in most categories to 50%, learn more and sign up! us. Due to the metrics tracked on the Springfield- 4See ROAD TO RECOVERY on page 2

Seven SPD officers retire City employees attend Springfield Lasers announce after 25 years of service Facing Racism Institute 2020 season schedule Respect Other Views: Respond to different opinions with a fair and open mind. 3 5 10 [SPRINGFIELD CITY EMPLOYEE NEWS EXTRA] 4ROAD TO RECOVERY from page 1 so by using the 50% occupancy formula and which is a formula created to maximize employing the CDC guidelines for physical EDITOR Cora Scott physical distancing. distancing and hygiene. “We must continue to take thoughtful Swimming pools are limited to 50% of MANAGING EDITOR Melissa Haase steps in our measured phase approach to the bather load of the pool. Playgrounds, reopening our community. Reopening too parks and trails are open. DESIGNER Rebecca Pfitzner quickly will not serve us well, as we have Noncontact and contact sports practices seen in other cities and states. We do not and games are allowed with a 50% PHOTOGRAPHER want to go backward,” McClure added. occupancy limitation based on the square Christopher Akins The City’s Road to Recovery Plan footage of fixed seating in the spectator document maps out the next few phases, COPY EDITORS area. Sharon Spain based on data gathered throughout the Essential retail establishments and Sharon Smith phase. businesses considered nonessential can Kamille Barker The plan maps out the area’s next phases continue operating with 50% occupancy Julie Greer in reopening the local economy. The based on square footage of indoor and individual components and phases of the outdoor seating areas. This number does The SCENE is published monthly by the City of Springfield, plan are subject to change based on local not include employees. 840 Boonville, P.O. Box 8368, and national COVID-19 data as well as by Restaurants and bars, entertainment Springfield, MO 65801 measures tracked on the Springfield-Greene Comments and articles which appear in venues and museums, gyms and fitness The SCENE do not necessarily reflect the County Health Department’s COVID-19 centers, religious services, weddings and views or opinions of City administration Recovery Dashboard. funerals can continue operating with or any employee thereof, but are for information only. Permission to reprint The Phase 3 order increased the 50% occupancy based on square footage material may be obtained from the percentage of occupancy restriction in of indoor and outdoor seating areas, or Department of Public Information, most categories to 50%, which is a formula with 35 people, whichever is greater. This (417) 864-1010. created to maximize physical distancing. number does not include employees. According to the order, all businesses Personal care services can continue shall carry out to the greatest degree operating with a 50% occupancy limitation possible Centers for Disease Control & based on square footage. The occupancy Prevention-recommended social distancing limitation includes employees, and masks and cleaning guidelines in all situations, are required on the part of the patron and MISSION including, but not limited to, when the service provider if the distance between We are committed to customers are standing in line or when them during the service is less than 6 feet. working with the community to individuals, including employees, are using Gyms and fitness centers can continue provide ethical and responsible shared indoor or outdoor spaces, except as local government so that everyone operating with a 50% occupancy limitation can enjoy the benefits of living otherwise provided. If a business cannot based on square footage. Fitness classes and working in Springfield. comply with CDC recommended social are allowed with 50% of the occupancy distancing, then the business shall carry limitation or 35 people, whichever is Additional City info out to the greatest degree possible social greater. is available on our Web site at distancing of at least 3 feet and require www.springfieldmo.gov. Day cares can continue operating with persons in areas open to the public to wear Videos may be viewed on CityView no limitations. Day camps can continue on the Web or on Mediacom a mask or other facial cover at all times. operating if the primary role is child care channels 15.1 and 80 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. The formula is: (Square footage) / 30 x with limitations of stable groups of 25. 50% = Occupancy limit. Private schools can reopen. SCENE Deadline For example, religious services, In-person religious services, weddings conferences, exhibitions, attractions and and funerals can continue operating with July 23, 2020 other enhanced-risk activities will be able 50% of the occupancy limitation based on Please direct your submissions to accommodate additional people, given the square footage of the facility. to the Department of Public certain safety parameters are followed. The City is permitting special events Information. Submissions and Occupancy allowances are determined by on public property with a 25% occupancy ads via e-mail are preferred: measuring the space where the activity is to limitation based on the square footage of [email protected] occur, divide it by 30 and multiply that by the area designated as the event site. Event 50%. organizers are asked to provide a mitigation printed on recycled paper Entertainment venues that are ready to plan that includes answering a few welcome back questions about how they plan to socially patrons, may do 2 SCENE 4See ROAD TO RECOVERY on page 4 Seven officers retire from SPD after 25 years of service After 25 years of service arrests in a year and the other seven Springfield Police for action taken to help save a Department veterans retired suicidal person. He represented this week. Each began their Lieutenants on the SPD career as a Springfield Police Leadership Council, attended Officer in 1995 after graduating the first Leadership Springfield as a member of the 39th Police Access class, and graduated Academy and they have many from the Missouri Police Chief ’s notable accomplishments Command College, among other since that time. Upon their accomplishments. retirement, each was nominated L-R: Capt. Chad Eutsler, Lt. Chris Wells, Maj. Greg Higdon, LIEUTENANT CHRIS WELLS and approved for the Springfield Capt. Kevin Grizzell, Sgt. Justin Gargus, Lt. Mark Schindler, Lt. Chris Wells began his time at Police Department’s Lifetime Sgt. David Stone, Cpl. Chris Welsh the Springfield Police Department Achievement Award for their as a cadet, volunteering for Commander over both the Uniform work. four years before beginning the Police Operations Bureau and Investigations “I am very proud of the outstanding Academy as a 20-year-old recruit and and Support Services Bureau until his careers of each of these dedicated police graduating in 1995. After graduating, he retirement. officers and their absence will be felt at served as a Patrol Officer, as an officer in SPD. However, I know their impact within During his career, Major Higdon the Community Services Section and as a the department has been broad and they graduated from the FBI National Academy, member of the Special Response Team. PERF’s Senior Management Institute for will serve as an example to our younger After being Police, and Leadership Springfield, (Class officers,” said Chief Paul Williams. “I thank promoted to 30) among many other accomplishments. them for their service and wish them the Corporal, Lt. best of luck in retirement.” CAPTAIN KEVIN GRIZZELL Wells continued Congratulations to Major Greg Higdon, Captain Grizzell his work in the Captain Kevin Grizzell, Lieutenant Chris began his police Patrol Unit. He Wells, Lieutenant Mark Schindler, Sergeant career in 1989 after later served as Justin Gargus, Sergeant David Stone, and graduating from an investigator Corporal Chris Welsh. the SPD Reserve in the Criminal MAJOR GREG HIGDON Academy. He worked Investigations Major Higdon in Patrol as a reserve Section and finally as a member of the began his career before attending the Special Response Team. as a Patrol Officer. 39th SPD Police Upon promotion to Sergeant, he worked During that time, Academy where he was honored as the as a patrol supervisor and in the SPD he served as a Field class valedictorian in 1995. Captain training section. In 2017 he was promoted Training Officer, Grizzell worked as a Patrol Officer and to Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, Wells training new Field Training Officer, training new worked as a patrol shift commander, the academy graduates. academy graduates, until 2001 when he was Special Response Team Commander, and He was also a promoted to Corporal. in the Support Services Section where he member of the full- As a Corporal he served as the Resource served as the Department Safety Officer. time Special Response Team (Red Team) Management Officer, serving as the Lt. Wells is also a member of the U.S. among other roles. SPD recruiter while also responsible Naval Reserves and was deployed to the Major Higdon was promoted to Corporal for maintaining SPD’s accreditation middle east during Operation Enduring in 2001 and served in the Criminal and updating the Standard Operating Freedom in 2011. He is commissioned as a Investigations Unit as a Detective in the Guidelines system. Naval Intelligence Officer and works for the Persons Crimes Section, investigating cases Captain Grizzell was promoted to U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air involving Sexual Assaults, Missing Persons, Sergeant in 2002 and worked as a patrol Force Base in Illinois. Domestic Assaults, and Robbery/Homicide. supervisor and then as the Community Lt. Wells is a graduate of the Missouri In 2006 he was promoted to Sergeant Oriented Policing sergeant, working out of Police Chief ’s Command College, among and moved back to the Uniform Operations the Commercial Street substation. other accomplishments. Bureau, working as a patrol supervisor In 2008 he was promoted to Lieutenant LIEUTENANT MARK SCHINDLER and served as a patrol shift commander and then as the Special Response Team Lt. Mark Schindler began his career with before transferring to the Criminal Supervisor. In 2009, Major Higdon was SPD in the Patrol Unit, where he served Investigations Property Section in 2012. In promoted to Lieutenant, working in Patrol for four years. In 1997 he began working 2018 he was promoted to Captain and has and as the Special Response Team and part-time with the Special Response Team served as the commander over SPD Zone 1 Community Services Section Commander. (Blue Team) and in 2000 he was assigned to He was promoted to Captain in 2013 Patrol Division and Traffic Section. 4See OFFICERS RETIRE on page 4 and served as the UOB-Zone 2 Division During his career, Captain Grizzell Commander. In 2017 he was promoted received two Command Commendations- to Major and worked as the Bureau one for achieving a high level of DWI SCENE 3 4ROAD TO RECOVERY from page 2 4OFFICERS RETIRE from page 3 Outstanding Officer of the Year for two distance participants and organizers. the full-time Special consecutive years and was awarded a PD All residents should encourage senior Response Team (Red Command Commendation Award for drug citizens and vulnerable populations should Team). enforcement efforts. stay at home. Working from home, if Lt. Schindler In 2001 Sgt. Stone served as the Crime possible, is also encouraged. Physical transferred to the Stoppers Coordinator before being distancing, increased cleaning and hand Training Unit as a promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2002. hygiene are also encouraged. Wearing range instructor in As a Corporal he served in SPD’s Property masks is encouraged. Quarantine is 2006 and in 2010 Crimes Unit and in 2006 he became part of encouraged upon return from high-risk he became the the Cyber Crimes Unit, being named the travel. department Recruiting Acting Sergeant of the unit in 2011. The goal of the phased recovery plan is Officer. In 2013 he was promoted to Sergeant and to reopen the community as quickly and Lt. Schindler was promoted to Sergeant was assigned to the Uniform Operations safely as possible, while monitoring the in 2014 and then to Lieutenant in 2018, Bureau as a patrol supervisor. Sgt. Stone spread of disease and taking action to keep serving in Patrol as a squad supervisor and was working the night Officer Aaron the spread of disease to an acceptable level. shift commander. Pearson was shot, and he received a The Road to Recovery Plan is a “living” SERGEANT JUSTIN GARGUS Command Commendation Award for his document that serves as a framework for Sergeant Justin performance that night. Mayor Ken McClure’s future reopening Gargus worked Sgt. Stone was selected as the Inspections orders. The plan allows community as a patrol officer and Internal Affairs Unit supervisor in members and organizations to have a firmer for five years 2017, where he served until his retirement. understanding of what recovery looks like, after graduating CORPORAL CHRIS WELSH when the spread of the disease is controlled from the academy. Corporal and healthcare, public health and testing During that time, Chris Welsh capabilities are strong. he worked as a has served his Within this framework, community Field Training department, his leaders will make decisions approximately Officer, training community and every three weeks on whether the new academy graduates, and as a Major his fellow officers community is ready and prepared to take Crime Scene Investigator. in a number the step into the next phase or if it is In 2000, Sgt. Gargus was selected for of capacities prudent to remain in the current phase. a detective position with the Criminal during his time Phases are fluid and based on dashboard Investigations Division Task Force. He at SPD. During his 25 years, Cpl. Welsh indicators and state orders. To a large was promoted to Corporal in early 2001 helped lead the inception of SPD’s Crisis extent, the virus will dictate the timeline of and transferred to the Property Crimes Intervention Team, working to assist recovery. Unit. During his time in the Criminal people experiencing mental health crisis. He This dashboard covers five areas, Investigations Division, Sgt. Gargus also was named the National Alliance for Mental including: served on the Major Crime Scene Response Illness Crisis Intervention Officer of the • detailed case information, including Team Year in 2016. total and daily cases based on a He was promoted to Corporal in 2006 Serving the majority of his career in person’s onset of symptoms and active, and served in the Special Investigations patrol, Cpl. Welsh received the following deceased and resolved cases. Unit (SIU). Department Awards for his efforts: • hospital capability, which is based on After being promoted to Sergeant in Meritorious Service Medal-2003, Command hospital staffing, supplies and space 2009, he served as a patrol squad supervisor Commendation-2008, Meritorious Service available to respond to COVID-19. before moving back to the Special Medal-2011, Life Saving Medal-2012. • public health capability, which is Investigations Section in 2010, where he He was promoted to Corporal in 2014 based on the capability to conduct has served for the last 10 years. For his and was assigned to the Community epidemiological interviews and work, Sgt. Gargus was named the 2019 Services Section as the Special Events contact tracing, and risk pertaining to Midwest Gang Investigator’s Association’s Coordinator. unmitigated community exposure for Officer of the Year. He was honored by the Cpl. Welsh has served as the president COVID-19. local Chapter of the Sons of the American of the FOP Lodge 22/Springfield Police • testing capability, which measures the Revolution with the Law Enforcement Officers Association (SPOA) since 2015, estimated community testing capability Commendation medal upon his retirement helping to negotiate significant increases for COVID-19. The index is based SERGEANT DAVID STONE in pay and benefits for SPD officers, on the available testing and result corporals, and sergeants. During his time turnaround time. After graduating with the SPOA, he also helped create a • regional data information, which from the academy, mental wellness program that provides free measures the estimated public health Sgt. Dave Stone anonymous professional counseling for all capability and testing capability for worked as a patrol members and their families. surrounding counties. officer until 2001. During that time, We congratulate all seven of these fine he was honored men and wish them well in their next 4 SCENE as his squad’s chapter of life. City employees attend Facing Springfield Police Department names Racism Institute Lt. Jennifer "I was able to "Two years ago, attend the Facing my supervisor was Charleston as Racism Institute asked to attend this February. the Facing Racism LGBTQ+ liaison It may be the Institute. At the The Springfield best workshop I time I wished Police Department have been able to that I had been has named attend thus far allowed to attend. Lieutenant Jennifer for my personal Growing up in Charleston as the and professional rural southwest Springfield Police growth. As a Missouri, I Department’s first-generation had very little LGBTQ+ liaison. Japanese American introduction to In this role, who went through a school system in diversity of any kind, and I wanted to which has been St. Louis that was predominately white and learn more about it. After his return from in place since black students, I didn’t have many people in the seminar, my supervisor could not say early this year, my life to have conversations about racism. enough good things about the experience. Lt. Charleston In college, I was surrounded by mostly Fast forward 18 months, I was asked to acts as a direct white men since I went to a school where attend one of the 2020 offerings. I went in point of contact for community members engineering is the most popular discipline. with high hopes and was not disappointed. to help foster positive relationships and And now I live in Springfield where the The staff were extremely welcoming and address unique safety concerns within the population is 88% white and my workplace knowledgeable. It was the other attendees LGBTQ+ community, among other roles. is even more white. My world has been a that really made the difference in the Lt. Charleston is a 20-year veteran of SPD world where it’s “uncomfortable” to talk program. Getting to hear their life stories who serves as the commander over the about racism. This training was the first brought home to me just how sheltered Community Services Section, center city environment that I was able to have honest and uninformed I was. Things that I felt I zone and special events. conversation about racism with people who knew intuitively were presented in a way We want to reassure the citizens of don’t look like me. I again was the only that shined a light on the experiences of Springfield that the SPD values and Asian in the room which made me feel like I those of other racial backgrounds. I knew I respects all members of our community, had to act as the spokesperson for all Asian had limited knowledge, but this experience whether it’s the citizens we serve or Americans, but I eventually had the courage made it clear to me just how ignorant I the officers within our ranks. We also to share my own stories and have been was of how others have to live on a daily recognize the tumultuous past between law sharing it with many more people since basis. Now when I view a news account enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community then. I was so thankful for the facilitators, or speak with my co-workers or even my in our country and will continue working Dr. Leslie Anderson and Dr. Lyle Foster, family I have a new appreciation for the together to further the level of trust who created such a safe environment difficulties of others of a different race. I and cooperation between the police and that welcomed open and honest dialogue feel more free to express my opinion on the members of the LGBTQ+ community. As about racism. I am not the spokesperson topic and provide facts and the experiences part of those efforts, SPD implemented the for racial minorities, Asian Americans, or of others to support that opinion. I highly “Interaction with LGBTQ+ Individuals even Japanese Americans, but I learned recommend the Facing Racism training for Policy” in February. how impactful it can be to share my story anyone who can attend." and to listen to others. This training gave Find more information about Lt. me the tools so that I can start to have KEVIN TROGDON Charleston, and the new policy, visit these “uncomfortable” conversations with DIVISION CHIEF, FIRE springfieldmo.gov/spd. people who don’t look like me, and I am forever grateful. There is so much more WHAT IS THE FACING RACISM I could say about this topic, but I would INSTITUTE? like to invite you to educate yourself but The Facing Racism Institute is the area's Connect with the City especially without relying on your token leading program for uncovering racism and minority friend, coworker or family member understanding its impact on individuals #MyCitySGF to educate you. There are so many books, and the workplace. More than 200 people podcasts, websites and documentaries out have attended the two-day Facing Racism there that I am exploring even after this Institute. training. I would be more than happy to If you are interested in learning more share any recommendations." about or attending the Facing Racism SAKI URUSHIDANI Institute please contact HR. You can ENGINEER, ES also learn more at https://diversity. missouristate.edu/FacingRacism.htm SCENE 5 City's Diversity and Inclusion Focus Group A Note from Jason ... enters third year DEAR CITY EMPLOYEES, degrades dignity On May 25, George Floyd, an African or disregards Approximately two years ago, in American man, died unjustly at the hands human life. response to a project for the Public Entities of four Minneapolis, Minnesota police Finally, the subcommittee for Diversity and Inclusion, officers. This horrific incident has sparked resolution calls Amie Davis sought input from other City shock, sorrow and anger across the United on all of us to look deeper at ourselves as employees. When this project moved onto States and certain other countries. It has public servants, fellow citizens and brothers the next phase and the group’s task was spawned both peaceful protests and riots. and sisters. done, they saw an opportunity to make a As an organization, this is a time to difference by continuing to meet, learn from On June 1, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2020-133, denouncing think deeply about what has occurred and each other, and advocate for diversity and what that means to our community and inclusion. this intentional and hateful act. The resolution also calls on our community organization, to comfort each other in unity One of the group’s accomplishments was and organization to more intentionally and to recognize the value we share as team creating verbiage for the City’s Job page, recognize the value of human dignity members with a common service cause and specifically the following diversity and and life and calls for peaceful unification as human beings worthy of respect and inclusion statement: to oppose similar deplorable acts against dignity. Going forward, we want employees We stand for mutual respect and equity persons of color, different ethnicity, to know we stand against racism in all of within our work environment where team religion, beliefs or expression. It also its forms and are committed to working members have the opportunity to reach commits our organization to community together for positive change. their full potential. Embracing our diverse healing and to never accept the violent 4See a second Note from Jason concerning perspectives and ideas allows us to be or disrespectful treatment of others that the budget on the next page. innovative and effective in how we build the Springfield community. Together, we are better. Thanks to those who donated blood June 1 City employees stepped up! We had 70 register for the blood drive, and we collected 52 Additionally, the group has advocated pints of much-needed blood for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. for promotion of the City’s commitment to not tolerate discrimination based on sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity. This broad application of “sex” was recently confirmed by a Supreme Court decision. Group participants have invited others to attend and in turn the group has had a variety of members. First and foremost, the group is intended to be a safe place for candid conversation. The group hears each voice at the table with respect. We all want to see every person respected and valued, understanding equal treatment is not synonymous with equality. Although change doesn’t happen overnight, we are dedicated to making a difference. If you’re interested in joining the Diversity and Inclusion Focus Group, let one of the group’s current members know. As new members are considered, our priorities will include creating a safe place for conversation and to be productive. Current members include: Joshua Best (Art Museum), Jarrett Brown (Parks, Derrick Estell (PW), Kellie Foster (BDS), Julie Hawkins (PW), Ashley Krug (ES), Veronica McKinney (Police), Krystal Ray (HR), Tim Rosenbury (City Manager’s Office), and Saki Urushidani (ES).

6 SCENE Officer Josiah Overton returns Thanks to SPD, Fire, OEM, PIO, 911 for to duty June 23 service for during Welcome back Officer Overton! Officer Josiah Overton came back to work peaceful protests June 23 after being injured in the line of Thanks to all of those who worked to duty on March 15 during an active shooter ensure public safety during the recent situation at a Springfield Kum & Go that peaceful protests at Park Central Square. claimed the lives of Springfield Officer Chris Walsh and three others. SPD still mourns the loss of Officer Walsh every day and his absence has been painful for the entire department. But the department is incredibly thankful to be able to celebrate the return of Officer Overton and is proud of his strength and perseverance. His big smile and positive attitude were sorely missed! He is an inspiration to us all. A Note from Jason ... Mayor Ken McClure launches As you know, the Coronavirus has not delays filling “Wear a Mask” Video Contest only been a health challenge, but it has certain position To promote the Centers for Disease affected our national and local economies. vacancies, Control & Prevention’s recommended City Council has approved our FY 2020-21 includes a few measure of wearing a mask in public, Budget (July ’20 to June ‘21). Retail sales minor department reductions and uses self- Springfield Mayor Ken McClure announces is being hit the hardest due to community insurance reserves to offset the rest of the a contest that invites community members restrictions and public health concerns. We impact. to submit videos on why it’s necessary to rely on sales and use taxes for over 60% of Unlike many other cities in Missouri, wear a mask, with the winning ad to be our General Fund and about 34% of the our FY 2020-21 Budget does not used as a public service announcement total budget. The State of Missouri collects include significant spending cuts or any (PSA) submitted to air on Springfield sales taxes from retailers and remits to reduction of classified personnel from any television stations. cities their portion a couple of months later. department. Simply put, we are making “Each one of us keeps the other safe So, we are always about two months behind every effort to avoid layoffs for the benefit — every person has a responsibility here, knowing if our sales tax revenue was up or of our employees and service to the public. social responsibility. And that’s what down. This means that right now we only In addition, please note that the FY2021 wearing a mask is all about,” said Mayor know how we did in March and April. Also, employee salary freezes will be re-evaluated Ken McClure. “The right thing to do is the timing of retailers to send in sales tax once we get a clearer picture of our to wear a mask because it’s not about you, can vary from month to month. So, we need Coronavirus influenced sales tax trend. it’s about my health and the health of our three to five months of sales tax receipts to Unfortunately, we still need to finalize essential workers. You wear a mask to clearly see growth or decline shifts. a contingency budget plan just in case the protect me, I wear a mask to protect you.” A survey summary from the Missouri economy becomes worse than expected and The videos, which have to be submitted Municipal League (MML) highlights our revenues are lower than budgeted. Our by July 15, should be 30 seconds or less expected Coronavirus financial impacts hope is to never use the contingency plan. and include someone wearing a mask over from cities across the state. Between To date we can say so far, so good! Sales tax their mouth and nose. The Springfield- March 1 and December 1, approximately collections for March and April were better Greene County Health Department and the 76% of these Missouri cities expect a than anticipated. We still need to receive City of Springfield’s Department Public negative revenue impact between 1% and two or three more months of sales tax to be Information & Civic Engagement will then 20%. Many cities expect a bigger decline. confident in where we are headed. I can say pick the five finalists and put them online The negative revenue impact is primarily that for right now we are still cautious but for people to vote on. The video with the due to collecting less sales tax. For this beginning to be optimistic. highest amount of votes in the finals will be same period as the survey, we estimated Thank you for all you do to delivery high deemed the grand prize winner. a sales tax reduction of about 12%. The quality services to our residents in difficult To submit a video, people should post MML survey also addresses services times!! it on social media and tag #MaskUp417 expected to be most affected, cuts and other and the City’s social media (@cityofsgf on JASON GAGE, ways cities expect to offset lost revenue. Twitter and Instagram, or Facebook). Our FY 2020-21 Budget freezes employee ​YOUR CITY MANAGER salaries, cuts non-essential travel/training, SCENE 7 Mayor congratulates Springfield Cardinals on plans to host St. Louis Cardinals players Springfield Mayor Ken McClure Current and Upcoming is pleased to learn that the St. Louis Cardinals plan to use Hammons Field Exhibitions in Springfield as a location for its taxi squad. A "taxi squad" is a group WATERCOLOR USA: THROUGH AUG. 16 of players, not on the active roster, This is the 59th exhibition of Watercolor USA, a national, annual juried exhibition who will stay ready to provide fill-in recognizing aqueous media painting. The players as necessary for a big-league event is open to artists from all 50 states team. and U.S. territories and judged for a variety “Congratulations go out to the of prizes and possible purchase by the Springfield Cardinals! Springfield is museum. This year’s exhibition was judged proud to serve as a host for the St. by Misa Jeffereis, Assistant Curator at the Louis Cardinals players and I see this to watching the St. Louis Cardinals at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. as a vital step towards economic vitality as Hammons Field as no games will be played Approximately $20,000 in cash awards our community reopens,” McClure said. and players will social distance from others to reduce the spread of COVID-19. were available. Congratulations to Steve It is unlikely fans will have access Cavallo of Jacksonville, N.C. whose work “A Distant Melody” won the Greg G. Thielen Memorial $2,000 cash award this year. Please check COVID-19 Travel Policy A link to a Virtual Tour of the exhibition is at sgfmuseum.org/246/Watercolor-USA before making vacation plans As we make summer vacation plans and In order to FRAMED: THE ART OF THE PICTURE submit leave requests, each of us must be assist employees FRAME: THROUGH SEPT. 27 cognizant of our responsibility to prevent and supervisors This special exhibition features over possible virus exposures within our work in discussing 40 works from the museum's permanent groups. In accordance with the City’s these key collection, demonstrating art framing styles current COVID-19 Travel Policy, if your considerations, and trends as varied as the paintings they surround and illustrating the important vacation plans include travel you must Human role of art framing in conserving and coordinate with your supervisor when Resources preserving artwork. This exhibition submitting your leave request. developed a checklist (available on is divided into three areas: history of The purpose of the policy is not to CityShare). Use the checklist to help guide art framing, aesthetics, and a hands-on prevent employees from traveling, but your travel plan discussions, and if you educational frame show. This exhibition to evaluate high risk aspects of the trip have questions you can direct them to was guest curated by Exhibitions Manager that can affect how soon an employee Human Resources at 864-1596 or 864-1635. Cindy Qualye. can return to the workplace. Vacation Should the policy be updated, a revised A link to a Virtual Tour of the exhibition destinations and activities vary widely and policy and checklist will be posted to is at sgfmuseum.org/248/Framed-The-Art- not all destinations will trigger post-travel CityShare and sent out to employees. of-the-Picture-Frame. quarantine, however, in order to determine All of the City's updated polices on whether a quarantine may be necessary, COVID-19 (use of leave, travel and remote THIS & THAT: CARTOONS BY BOB employees must discuss their plans with work) are available in the COVID-19 folder PALMER: SEPT. 5-NOV. 29 their supervisor. on the left-side navigation on CityShare. This exhibition will feature over 100 original political cartoons created by local cartoonist Bob Palmer during his tenure at the Springfield News-Leader. Learn more sgfmuseum.org/247/This-That-Cartoons- by-Bob-Palmer.

EYE TO I: SELF-PORTRAITS FROM THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY: OCT. 17-JAN. 17, 2021 This exhibition examines how artists in the United States have chosen to portray themselves since the beginning of the 20th century. Learn more at sgfmuseum.org/251/ Eye-to-I-Self-Portraits-from-the-National.

8 SCENE Do You Know...? A Q&A of City of Springfield employees. To suggest a colleague for “Do You Know...?” e-mail [email protected]. Christine Peoples Timmons Hall Coordinator, Parks Christine has worked for the City for 1 year.

Thanks for the great Spirit Day selfies even from home!

Ethan Nance from Public Works was June's winner! He won an Andy’s gift card and an extra What have you learned since working at the City Spirit T-shirt. Don’t forget to snap a pic wearing City? I’ve learned so much in regards to the closed loop model of severe weather in connection to your City Spirit shirts Fridays, July 10 & Aug. 7 parks operations, revenue loss, community and and send it to [email protected]! employee safety during climate conditions! Most importantly since working for the Parks I’ve IMPORTANT NOTE: learned what “REAL TEAMWORK” looks like! JULY'S SPIRIT DAY WILL BE A WEEK LATE DUE TO CITY OFFICES BEING CLOSED THE PREVIOUS FRIDAY IN What are you passionate about? I’m passionate OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY. about children growing up safe and secure in a community that encourages and re-affirms them in their own identity self-love, care and creativity! How does your position impact the community? As the coordinator of Timmons Hall, I’m excited to bring community history back to the table. Timmons Hall connects past, present and future communities in a creative space of rediscovery. Our community will benefit from something they have done together. The saving of Timmons and now the celebration and exploration of educational, cultural and historical community events and activities through Timmons! If you could switch your job with anyone else, whose would you want? No one, I’m just where I want to be!

SCENE 9 Springfield Lasers announce Jordan Valley Park 2020 season schedule fountain opens The 2020 World TeamTennis June 19 season schedule has been set in Jordan Valley Park’s stream and fountain advance of the 45th WTT season to opened for the season June 19. be played entirely at The Greenbrier The interactive water feature typically “America’s Resort” in White Sulphur opens in the first weekend of May, but Springs, West Virginia, July 12- opening was postponed this year due to Aug. 2. previous limits on the number of people World TeamTennis’ schedule will allowed at public gatherings, outlined in include at least three matches per City of Springfield COVID-prevention day at The Greenbrier’s 2,500-seat orders. outdoor Center Court at Creekside The stream runs continuously Stadium. In accordance with state throughout the day. The fountain show health guidelines, WTT will allow takes place every hour, on the hours, up to 500 fans (20% capacity) to 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., for about 30 minutes. attend its outdoor matches. An The fountains also run continuously 11 a.m. • Sunday, July 26: 8 a.m. indoor court, with a fan capacity of through 1:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to vs. Orlando Storm (ESPN+) 250, will be used in case of rain. change due to fountain maintenance, park • Monday, July 27: 2 p.m. rentals or community events. The 2020 World TeamTennis season will vs. Vegas Rollers (Tennis Channel) Admission to Jordan Valley Park is free, showcase a 63-match regular season over 19 • Tuesday, July 28: 10 a.m. and parking is available at Jordan Valley Ice consecutive days from July 12-30, with the vs. Washington Kastles Park, 635 E Trafficway. WTT Playoffs to follow on Aug. 1–WTT (Tennis Channel) Semifinals at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – and • Thursday, July 30: 11 a.m. The Park Board’s outdoor swimming Aug. 2 – WTT Final at 11 a.m. vs. Orange County Breakers pools remain closed, but indoor pools are The two-time defending WTT champion (Tennis Channel) open at Doling and Chesterfield family centers, and daily open swim is offered at Springfield Lasers will kick off the season “Our players, coaches and staff are $3/youth and seniors, $4/adults. For more on Sunday, July 12, against the Orlando excited to bring tennis back to the fans schedules, visit ParkBoard.org/Aquatics. Storm at 11 a.m. That will be followed by when we hit the court on July 12 to start WTT’s newest expansion franchise, the the 2020 World TeamTennis season,” said All visitors to any pavilion, park or Chicago Smash, taking on the Vegas Rollers WTT CEO Carlos Silva. “It’s going to be trail are asked to keep a minimum six-foot at 3 p.m. an extremely exciting year with all of our distance from others, make sure they wash SPRINGFIELD LASERS MATCH players competing for the full three-week their hands frequently, avoid touching their SCHEDULE: season at The Greenbrier. We’ll see if the faces, cover any coughs or sneezes, and • Sunday July, 12: 11 a.m. Springfield Lasers can complete a three- please stay home if they are feeling any vs. Orlando Storm (ESPN+) peat or if one of the other eight WTT symptoms of illness. Bring your own water • Tuesday, July 14: 6 p.m. teams will be hoisting the King Trophy on bottle. vs. Philadelphia Freedoms (ESPN+) Aug. 2.” For more information on COVID-19 • Thursday, July 16: 2 p.m. All of WTT’s 2020 regular season and prevention in Parks, visit ParkBoard.org/ vs. Washington Kastles (ESPN+) playoff matches will be televised on CBS, Coronavirus. • Friday, July 17: 2:30 p.m. CBS Sports Network, Tennis Channel or For more information on Jordan Valley vs. Vegas Rollers (ESPN+) the ESPN family of networks. In addition, Park visit ParkBoard.org/JordanValley. • Saturday, July 18: 3 p.m. select matches will be live-streamed on vs. Philadelphia Freedoms (ESPN+) ESPN+, Facebook Watch or WTT.com. • Monday, July 20: 7 p.m. Safety guidelines have been put into vs. New York Empire (Tennis Channel) place by World TeamTennis with guidance • Tuesday, July 21: 11 a.m. of local and state government officials vs. New York Empire (Facebook Watch, in West Virginia and an adherence to all CBS Sports Digital) health and safety protocols set forth by the • Wednesday, July 22: 2 p.m. Center for Disease Control (CDC) due to vs. Chicago Smash (Tennis Channel) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Every • Thursday, July 23: 10 a.m. fan at The Greenbrier will be required to vs. San Diego Aviators (ESPN+) pass a temperature check of 100.4 degrees • Saturday, July 25: 11 a.m. before entering the grounds. All fans will vs. Orange County Breakers be checked a second time before entering (CBS Sports Network) the outdoor stadium, Center Court at Creekside, or indoor court for any matches and will be denied entry should they fail the 10 SCENE temperature check. MILESTONES Promotions Kristopher Inman Director of Emergency Communications – Emergency Communications Brian Fick Bradyle Wormington Rescue & Salvage Specialists – Fire Retirements Paul Byer Park Ranger – Parks, 7 years Charles Collins Senior Systems Adminstrator – Emergency Communications, 34 years Christine Dahl Health Program Assistant – Health, 10 years Justin Gargus Police Sergeant – Police, 25 years Kevin Grizzell Police Captain – Police, 25 years Gregory Higdon Police Major – Police, 25 years Clint Hunt Fire Captain – Fire, 24 years Darren Neal Residential Construction/Zoning Inspector – Building Development, 4 years Terry Neill Computer Support Assistant – Workforce Development, 40 years Mark Schindler Police Lieutenant – Police, 25 years Don Sheppard Fire Captain – Fire, 22 years David Stone Police Sergeant – Police, 25 years Christopher Wells Police Lieutenant – Police, 25 years Christopher Welsh Police Corporal – Police, 25 years SCENE 11 Working with the Community ( Awards & Recognition

To: Bailiff Martin Daniels and To: Amanda Davis, 9-1-1 check vehicle call and the vehicle matched Bailiff Tina Sides, Municipal Court Telecommunicator the description and plate information. The I would like to take this opportunity to On June 15, a City of Springfield Telcomm operator later called in to thank point out the professional and proficient employee called 9-1-1 because the employee Cheyenne for her impressive recollection. way both of the above mentioned bailiffs felt unsafe entering the Busch building. Excellent work, Cheyenne! handled themselves this morning during Amanda Davis, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator, the arraignment docket. The line for took the call and assisted the employee. The To: Tracy Whipple, 9-1-1 entry was wrapped around the building. employee later called back to thank Amanda Telecommunicator Bailiff Sides kept the line moving with the for being helpful, kind and appreciated On June 16, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator taking of temperatures, and giving face how she handled the call. Great customer Tracy Whipple took a call regarding a protection outside. Bailiff Daniels kept the service, Amanda! burglary. Later that evening, the citizen line moving inside, directing people where involved called back to thank Tracy to sit or which window they could go to for To: Cheyenne Brinson, 9-1-1 Whipple for staying on the line and processing. In today's environment people Telecommunicator assisting him through the call. Great job, are very quick to point out negatives, with On June 17, 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Tracy! that being said I wanted you to know how Cheyenne Brinson took a call regarding a well your Bailiffs preformed their duties this check vehicle. Later that evening, Telcomm morning. Thank you for your attention. called dispatch to pass along stolen vehicle – Ann Routh information. Cheyenne remember the vehicle information from the previous

WELCOME TO THE CITY

We will be restarting the Scene Marketplace next month in the August issue. If you would like to submit an ad or would like to rerun an ad you have previously submitted please email [email protected]. Also, if you would like an ad to run for a certain length of time please let us know; otherwise ads will run for three months before being removed. Ads must be received by Thursday, July 23 to appear in the August issue. FOR SALE SERVICES

Back Row, L-R: Sean Barnhill, Health; Peyton Hall, Parks; Ray Givens, Parks. Front Row: Toby Stevenson, Workforce Development; Allison Mitchell, Health; 12 SCENE Mike Payne, Airport.