Kirksville Connection for November 2024
Lead service line inventory
The City of Kirksville wants to inform residents of a water service line letter they may soon receive in their mailbox.
New regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency require all drinking water systems to inventory all water service lines on both the public and private sections of the line. Every public water system must be able to identify the primary material of each line, particularly if it is lead, galvanized, non-lead (copper or PVC), or unknown.
The City needs your help to identify what material your service line is. Those with an unknown material type, which is mostly buildings built before 1989, will receive a letter. The letter includes mandated information from the EPA, along with instructions on how you can determine what your service line material is. The City will soon have a form on its website to submit your information. The City will make an announcement when that site is ready to use.
If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at 660.627.1291.
See you at Kirksville’s Hometown Holiday
Kirksville’s Hometown Holiday is back with a day of festive fun downtown on Saturday, November 30.
Get a start on gift-giving with local businesses as part of Small Business Saturday.
The 13th Annual Kirksville Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade will begin at 5:30 pm. Complete the form here if you’re interested in joining the parade. This year’s theme is “Tinseltown,” so decorate your float or dress up under the inspiration of your favorite holiday movie.
The ceremonial tree lighting at Dover Park will happen at 6:00 pm, followed by Christmas Sing-Along.
Then enjoy living windows around the square, or see Santa in the Adair County Courthouse from 6:15 to 8:00 pm.
Downtown ice skating will be available from November 28 to December 1 in the courthouse parking lot. Stay tuned for more information on registering for that.
Water, sewer rate changes for 2025
The Kirksville City Council has approved slight increases for water and wastewater that will take effect in 2025. Revenues from these fees are used solely to maintain and improve utility operations.
The Service Availability Fee for water has not been increased since the tiered system was implemented in 2016. The amount, based on the size of your water meter, will increase 10 percent. Most residents in Kirksville have 5/8-inch meter, so that is an increase from $10.24 to $11.26.
A 5-percent increase on water and sewer consumption was also approved. The average customer uses 624 cubic feet (4,668 gallons) of water each month. Based on the average, the increase would amount to $1.18 for water and $1.75 for sewer. Every utility customer’s consumption history is different, so some customers may see increases lower or higher than the average figure.
The volume charge for water was last increased in 2018 and the sewer rate was last increased in 2023.
Sewer smoke testing to occur
The City of Kirksville is planning smoke testing on the sanitary sewer lines in several areas during the week of November 11. These tests involve blowing harmless smoke into parts of the sewer system to find damage, improper connections, and where unwanted water may be entering the sewer system. As a result, smoke may be seen coming from roof vents, building foundations, catch basins, clean-outs, downspouts, sewer laterals, or manhole covers. The smoke will not enter your home or business if it is properly plumbed, vented, and the water traps contain water.
If you have a bathroom or plumbing fixture that is not used or is seldom used, traps should be filled by running water in the fixtures the day before scheduled smoke testing. Water can evaporate from unused plumbing fixtures and sewer gases can enter the home. Water should be added every month thereafter to prevent sewer gas from entering the home or office.
Your presence is not required during the tests. Benton and Associates, Inc. and City staff will be supervising and conducting the smoke testing. The smoke used is a non-toxic substance that is harmless to humans, pets, food, and material items. If smoke does enter the building, it will clear in a few minutes with proper ventilation. Please advise a representative of the smoke testing crew if any leakage occurs in your home or business. Please call the City of Kirksville at 660.627.1291 if you have any questions.
City website is now Kirksville.gov
Kirksville.gov is the new URL for the City of Kirksville’s website. Additionally, email addresses for City staff will change to have @Kirksville.gov as the domain.
A .gov domain is only available to official government agencies through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This move improves security and lets residents know they are visiting a verified government website or communicating with verified City staff.
The previous URL of KirksvilleCity.com and previous staff email addresses will still work. They will simply redirect to the new domain. This ensures uninterrupted access to City information and communication channels.
Upcoming office closures
In observance of Veterans Day, all City offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024.
In observance of Thanksgiving, all City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, 2024.
Additionally, City offices will be closed on Friday, December 6, 2024, for an employee meeting.
November events schedule
Friday Food Trucks, November 1, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm @ Truman State University
Stop by the parking lot between McClain Hall and the Student Union Building and enjoy food from seven different food trucks.
Market at the Barn, November 7, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm @ White Oaks Barn (23255 Highway 11, Kirksville, Mo)
Start your holiday shopping or enjoy some food and drinks at this fun market.
“Ride the Cyclone,” November 7-9, 15-17 @ the James G. Severns Theatre
Ride the Cyclone is a quirky, edgy musical where six teen chamber choir members want another chance at life after a tragic accident. In limbo, a mechanical fortune teller offers them a chance to return to life—the kids explore the inner passions they never revealed while alive through catchy tunes and dark humor. Find tickets online at https://trumanstateuniversity.tixtrack.com/tickets/series/RidetheCyclone.
Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, 11:00 am @ Rieger Armory
The Adair County Veterans Organizations host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
Holiday Marketplace, November 14-December 14 @ Sue Ross Arts Center
The Kirksville Arts Association opens its Holiday Marketplace on November 14. Support local artists and get some great gifts at this unique market. It will be open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday each week and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday.
Blessing of the Hunt, November 14, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm @ NEMO Fairgrounds
Vendors, speakers, and hunters come together to learn more about safety, the hunt and more. Prizes will be given away throughout the evening.
Kohlenberg Lyceum Series presents the Vienna Boys Choir, November 14, 7:00 pm @ Baldwin Hall Auditorium
This world-renowned choir of boy sopranos and altos between the ages of nine and 14 perform for nearly 500,000 people each year. This performance will include Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns and holiday carols. For more information about the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series, visit lyceum.truman.edu.
Adult Prom Night, November 15, 7:00 pm @ Kirksville Moose Lodge
Head out for a night of dancing and fun to support NEMO Connect, a local organization that assists people at risk of becoming homeless. See more info at https://www.facebook.com/share/1AWzBBNEQA/.
Turkey Trot, November 16, 9:00 am @ Adair County Family YMCA
For more info on registration, see https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5049/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP4877&offering_id=SES1309671&location_id=B134.
“Into the Woods,” November 21-24 @ William Matthew Middle School
Kirksville High School Theatre hits the stage with another fantastic production this November. Performances on November 21-23 happen at 7:00 pm and the November 24 show is at 2:00 pm.
See even more events happening at kirksville.gov/p/calendar.
November meeting schedule
November 4: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
November 5: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
November 6: Tourism Advisory Board, 8:00 am @ Economic Development Alliance Building
November 12: Airport and Transportation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
November 12: Council Budget Review Meeting, 4:00 pm @ City Hall
November 13: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
November 18: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
November 21: Friends of Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery Committee, 4:00 pm @ City Hall