In This Issue
Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge
City & America's Community Bank with Missouri Main Street Connection's Outstanding Public Partner Award
Construction on Downtown Parking Lots
Civic Leadership Award Winners
Blue Springs Police K-9 Urich
Contact Your
 City Councilmember

District 1

 Jeff Quibell   
 
District 2  
 District 3
 Susan Culpepper 
 
Join Our Mailing List
Find us on Facebook       Follow us on Twitter
Need Information?

Stay Connected.
www.bluespringsgov.com
15 Years of Service
        

Congratulations to City Administrator Eric Johnson for serving the Blue Springs community for 15 years!  I presented a clock to Eric at a recent City Council meeting to celebrate his commitment and service.

Rendezvous with Lil' Blue
       Our Friends at Buy Blue Springs are hosting a scavenger hunt called Rendezvous with Lil' Blue! They will be hiding a Lil' Blue plushie in multiple Blue Springs locations over the next few weeks. 

Find Lil' Blue, snap a selfie with him and post it to the  Buy Blue Spring Facebook (click here) page to be entered to win a prize!
Business Innovation Award
   

 

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce wants to help businesses take innovative ideas to the next level by offering financial help for those ideas.

  

Companies and organizations must meet certain requirements and applications must be completed and returned to the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce office by August 15, 2014.

The finalists must attend the luncheon on October 16, 2014. At that time the finalist will be introduced and the grant will be awarded. The winner shall make a presentation about their innovation to members of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce in the fall of 2015.
 
Click here to learn more about the grant or call the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce office at (816) 229-8558.
St. Jude Dream Home
   

 

The St. Jude Dream Home is currently under construction in the Shores at Chapman Farms development and is located at 8808 SE 1st Street, Blue Springs, Mo.
 
The home is being built by Summit Custom Homes and features six bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, three garages and is valued at over $525,000.
 
For more information, about the St. Jude Dream Home, click here.  To purchase your raffle ticket, click here.
For Your Review
   

 

   Public Safety Sales Tax Reports

Did you know that all of the Public Safety Sales Tax Reports are available online?  Click here to access all of the reports. 


 City Budget
The 2014-15 Proposed Budget Manual was submitted to City Council on August 1.  This proposed budget, the City's current and past budgets can be viewed by clicking here.

On August 14, at 6 p.m. we will be hosting a Budget Work Session in the Municipal Annex.
Blue Springs EDC EMPOWER Business Award
   

 

  

The EDC's Board and Investors want to recognize local and surrounding area companies and individuals that have made a positive impact and added value to Blue Springs.

 

Award nominations are currently being accepted for:

  • Small Business of the Year (Fewer than 25 employees)
  • Large Business of the Year (25 or more employees)
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Civic Leader of the Year

Applications will be accepted through August 20, 2014 until 5 p.m. To nominate an award winner, click here.

Upcoming Parks & Recreation Events
     

   

 Car Cruise

Friday, August 8 from 6 p.m. till dusk

Downtown Blue Springs

  

Bring the family out to view the latest innovations in car restoration from over 100 exhibitors and enjoy delicious food and drinks from downtown merchants as well as concession treats and sodas.

Co-sponsored by Mid-America Mustangers and Blue Springs Ford.

   


 

Glowing Night Ride

 Car Cruise

Friday, August 9 beginning at 9:30 p.m. 

Wilbur Young Park

  

Riders of all ages enjoy this annual entertaining, untimed, night-time ride through the streets of Blue Springs.  Click here for more information.

 

 

Music in the Park Concert Series

Rotary Park at Railroad Lake

  

 Sunday, August 10, 6-8 p.m.

Four Fried Chickens and a Coke

 Join us as the Four Fried Chickens and a Coke (Blues & Rock) takes the stage.  Presented by the UMB Bank.


 

Sunday, August 17, 6-8 p.m.

Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders

Join us as the Whiskey Benders (Country) takes the stage.  Presented by the House of Envirostar Waste Service. 


 

 Let's Move! Saturdays!

 
Title Boxing
1821 SW Highway 7 
August 9, 10-11 a.m.
Join us for a morning of kick-boxing for kdis ages 8+ with a signed waiver.
 
Action Martial Arts
2416 S Highway 7 
August 9, noon to 1 p.m.
Join us for a morning of kickboxing and cross-training, for kids ages 7-13.  This class is open to the first 25 - register at (816) 224-4105.
 
Club 7 Fitness
1241 SW Highway 7 
August 16, 9-11 a.m.
Join us for Kids Fit Boot Camp, fitness activities, open gym for adults.
City Government on
CTV-7
 Watch City Government Channel 7 
Check out what's new and going on in Blue Springs, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
 
Watch Comcast Cable
Channel 7
City of Blue SpringsNews Happenings
Around Town
 A bi-weekly message from your Blue Springs Mayor and City Council
Greetings!  
 
Hello and welcome to News Happenings Around Town, your one-stop source for City information and news updates, including those items most important to you.

 

It has been a very busy summer here in Blue Springs!  It is hard to believe that school will be back in session next week.  Mark your calendars!  The Blue Springs School District's firs day is August 14 so please be mindful of school buses going through neighborhoods soon.

 

Also, I would like to mention that the Community Services League has new hours to better serve those in need in our community.  Help is available on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, 1-4 p.m., and emergency assistance is available on Fridays.  For more information, volunteer and donation opportunities for the Community Services League, click here.

 

As always, please continue sharing this timely publication and spreading the word about what's good and going on in the City of Blue Springs.

Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge
Top photo from left to right: Raytown Mayor David Bower, Grain Valley Mayor Mike Todd, Pleasant Hill Mayor John VanGorkom, Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross, Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, Oak Grove Mayor Jeremy Martin, and Lee's Summit Mayor Randy Rhodes. Second row, left photo: Mayor Ross stakes his final shoot in the play-off; Second row, right photo: The winners! Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross takes the gold, Raytown Mayor David Bower takes the silver and Oak Grove Mayor Jeremy Martin takes home the bronze.  Third & fourth row photos: Employees from participating municipalities compete in the opening games.

Last week, I participated in the fourth annual Mayor's HotShot Challenge featuring mayors from Blue Springs, Independence, Lee's Summit, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill, and Raytown to celebrate the opening games of the Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge.  

 

I am proud to report that I brought the GOLD MEDAL home to Blue Springs!  I would like to give a special 'shout out' to Councilman Dale Carter, Tim Crone and Sheryl Morgan for their help with this event.

 

The games began on July 25 and continue through August 20 on various days and locations located throughout Eastern Jackson County.  Each city will earn points based on employee participation as well as how teams place in the competition.  The city with the highest number of points at the end of the two-week competition will win a trophy which will remain in that city until the next year's competition.

 

The Municipal Challenge provides a chance for city employees to come together for fun, wellness and fellowship between neighboring communities.
City & America's Community Bank with Missouri Main Street Connection's Outstanding Public Partner Award 
Top from left to right: Dr. Steven Hoffman, President Missouri Main Street Connection; Cindy Miller, President Downtown Alive!; Wes Condron, President America's Community Bank; Susan Culpepper, City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem.  Second photo from left to right: Susan Culpepper, City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem; Kim Nakahodo; Shirley Tullis; Vickie Jack, CPA; Peggy Condron; Cindy Miller, President Downtown Alive!; Wes Condron, President America's Community Bank, and Downtown Alive! Volunteer of the Year nominee Deanna Gilbert.  Third and fourth row show the historic restoration of the America's Community Bank building.
 

Downtown Blue Springs accepted the Outstanding Public Partner Award for a joint project completed by America's Community Bank and the City of Blue Springs at Missouri Main Street Connection's Evening of Excellence Awards on Thursday, July 31.


We were honored that Downtown Alive! nominated the City for such a prestigious award. This project is a great example of public and private partnership to help restore a historic treasure in our downtown. I want to thank Wes Condron for reinvesting in our City and for his commitment to Downtown revitalization efforts.

To learn more about Blue Springs Downtown Alive, click here.
Construction on Downtown Parking Lots
Top photo: The City's new Municipal Lot.  Second photo:  The new parking lot in Central Park.  Third photo:  Entry way into the City's new Municipal Lot.  Bottom photo:  Construction is underway on the new parking lot at Main & 12th Streets.
I wanted to give you a quick update on the new parking options in the Downtown Corridor.  This summer, the City has been hard at work constructing three new downtown public lots to expand parking options for visitors and businesses in the downtown corridor. All three lots are currently under construction, but will be open very soon.

Municipal Parking Lot
An important part of the Public Safety Building renovation and expansion project is increasing public parking for visitors. The Municipal Parking Lot, located east of the Public Safety Building features over 90 spaces. 

Central Park Lot
The second public parking lot is located in Central Park and supports parking for both the Public Safety Building, the Chicago & Alton Train Depot, the Community Garden and Central Park. This new lot will have over 55 public parking spaces.

12th Street Parking Lot
In partnership with the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, the City is in the process of constructing a new parking lot on the southwest corner of 12th and Main Streets. This new public parking lot will be completed in early September and will offer over 20 parking spots for downtown visitors.
Civic Leadership Award Winners
 

I am proud to announce that the 2014 Missouri Municipal League Westgate Division's recipient of the "Civic Leadership Award" are Blue Springs residents, Cindy Miller and Steve Greer.


The Civic Leadership Award celebrates the work of outstanding business and civic leaders and their contributions to the improvement of their communities. Mayor Carson Ross, past president of the Missouri Municipal League, describes Miller and Greer as "extraordinary residents that have enabled positive growth and community partnerships in Blue Springs."

Cindy Miller and Steve Greer's civic life has centered on leadership, volunteering and service with a focus on various civic groups, committees and boards in the Blue Springs community. Cindy is currently serving on the City of Blue Springs Downtown Review Board.  Cindy and Steve help with the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, are graduates of the Citizen's Police Academy and volunteers with the Police Department's Volunteers (VIPS).

Cindy has been the President of Downtown Alive! since 2012, whose goal is to improve and create a vibrant downtown and return vitality to the heart of Blue Springs. Steve has been instrumental in the restoration of the interior of the Train Depot in Central Park and completed a major restoration project of the America's Community Bank building in the downtown district.

Cindy and Steve have three children: Grant, Stevie and Sarah and one granddaughter Harlee. Steve and Cindy purchased a historic home in the downtown district, which will be a project they work on together for many years to come. 

I was honored to recognize Cindy and Steve for their amazing commitment to our community.

Blue Springs Police K-9 Urich  
 

Blue Springs Police K-9 Urich passed away on July 12, 2014 due to health complications. Urich had worked along side his handler, Officer Robert Unruh since 2006. 


The Blue Springs Police Department introduced K-9 Urich and Officer Unruh as its first K-9 Unit in September of 2006. The City received a Federal grant that covered the cost of training for the dog and handler.

K-9 Urich proved to be an invaluable asset in tracking suspects, clearing buildings, and conducting searches. In addition to his enforcement and operations duties, K-9 Urich participated in hundreds of K-9 demonstrations throughout Blue Springs.


K-9 Urich was a valued and productive member of the Blue Springs Police Department and will be missed immensely.
 

I hope you have found this issue of News Happenings Around Town to be both informative and timely for your City information needs. Is there anything we missed? Do you have questions about any of the articles from this issue? Share your thoughts with me and the City Council by calling City Hall at (816) 228-0110. Know that we truly value your time and support for our City and hope you join us for the next issue of News Happenings. 
 
Sincerely, 
 Ross sig
Carson Ross, Mayor
City of Blue Springs
Our
Mission 
The City of Blue Springs is a unique community where families, visitors and businesses share a special quality of life and an abundant spirit of community closeness and cooperation. 

 

Our number one goal is to ensure that our residents, visitors and patrons receive quality customer service and attention with every program and service the City provides. Just as you stand by a community that strives to meet your family's needs, we promise to do our best to meet these needs and anticipate what's best for you and our community, to the best of our ability.