News Happenings Around Town
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
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Hello Blue Springs! We're halfway through our summer and boy can we feel that heat! Make sure you are staying hydrated and cool on these hot days and please check on your neighbors and pets.
As you will read below, Jackson County has moved us into Phase 2.5 of the Recovery Plan. Good news, that means the splashed and all our playgrounds are now open! This phase of the plan also comes with a mask requirement, so please read the information below for more details. And remember, if we wear our masks now to protect ourselves and our neighbors, we should see numbers decline so that we can continue getting back to normal.
And lastly, I want to encourage you to fill out the 2020 Census if you have not done so. The City's population is determined by the National Census and that number also directs how much federal and state funding our community receives. We're counting on you, Blue Springs!
I hope you have a great rest of the summer and remember, stay healthy, stay safe and stay strong!
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COVID-19 and Blue Springs
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Jackson County moves to stage 2.5 of Recovery Plan
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Jackson County – including Blue Springs – has moved into the Recovery Plan Phase 2.5 effective Wednesday, July 1. This is an extension of Phase 2 with a few notable changes.
In Phase 2.5 playgrounds and splashpads are open.
Please note that construction of the new playground at Young Park is NOT complete and therefore that playground is NOT OPEN. Playing on this structure while still under construction is dangerous and could cause damage to the unfinished structure.
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Jackson County Now Requires Masks in Public Places
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During Phase 2.5 the use of masks covering the nose and mouth are required while in a public indoor space including workplaces, businesses, schools, places of worship and public facilities such as community centers or libraries. Masks may be removed in restaurants and bars when individuals are actively eating or drinking but must be worn at all other times.
Additionally, masks must be used while utilizing public transportation, ride-sharing services or taxis. Masks are also required in public outdoor spaces when social distancing of 6ft cannot absolutely be guaranteed.
Also under Phase 2.5:
- Schools are allowed to open for summer school starting July 1. Schools are required to submit a plan for how they are going to ensure social distancing and student safety.
- Large outdoor gatherings including parades, festivals, etc. are allowed with no more than 100 people. Everyone should be social distanced and wearing masks.
- Youth sporting tournaments are allowed. No more than 100 people per field – athletes not included in count.
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CITY HALL
Closed to the public until further notice. During this time, the City of Blue Springs will continue to provide vital City Services via our website, telephone and email.
City phones are still active and we encourage residents to call 816-228-0110 or use our website
www.bluespringsgov.com
to determine the appropriate email or phone number to contact each department directly.
- BUILDING INSPECTIONS AND LAND USE PERMITS: The City is expanding its efforts to help protect residents from the spread of COVID-19 and has temporarily suspended in person services at all City Hall facilities. Building permits and land use applications can now be submitted electronically, via mail, or dropped off at City Hall. Please follow the instructions to assist you in submitting your proposal or for resubmitting documents. You may also submit select permits and license applications by visiting our Citizens Self Service Portal.
- BACKFLOW PREVENTER INSPECTION DUE DATE EXTENSION:In an effort to protect the health of the community by preventing the spread of COVID-19, the City of Blue Springs will grant an extension until May 30, 2020 for backflow preventer inspections that are located inside businesses or homes. All inspections for outside devices will be due as scheduled. For more information, call City of Blue Springs Public Works Operations Division at (816) 228-0195.
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We're Counting on You, Blue Springs!
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We're counting on you Blue Springs! It's not too late to take the 2020 Census and your response matters. The Census data determines federal and state funding given to local municipalities and schools. Take the 2020 Census today:
https://bit.ly/3ivxLXz
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Show us your masks, Blue Springs! Mayor Ross and council members Susan Culpepper, Galen Ericson, Jerry Kaylor, Chris Lievsay and Kent Edmondson have submitted photos to Jackson County's Show Us Your Mask Campaign. You can submit your photos here: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyMO
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City of Blue Springs News
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Construction on 7 HWY and South Ave. Intersection Improvements Begin
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The Missouri Department of Transportation will CLOSE the right lane of southbound Missouri Route 7 Hwy at South Ave., in Blue Springs beginning on Wednesday, July 8 until approximately Aug. 27. The closure will be 24/7 between Wednesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 15. After that, the closure will only be daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. until approximately August 27. All work is weather permitting.
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ROAD CLOSURES: SW Keystone Drive and NW 22nd Street
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The City of Blue Springs is alerting motorists to road closures over the next few weeks.
SW Keystone Drive
, between SW Stoney Brook Lane and SW Gladstone Drive, will be closed for road reconstruction to through traffic from 8 a.m. Monday, July 20 until 4 p.m. July 27, weather permitting. Traffic will be detoured to SW Stoney Brook Lane and SW Gladstone Drive.
NW 22nd Street
will be closed for a full depth asphalt removal and replacement between NW Ashton Drive and NW South Outer Road.
- The road closure for the south portion will occur on Friday, July 17 at 7 a.m., weather permitting. The south portion will be from NW Ashton Drive to south of the park entrance.
- The road closure for the north portion will occur Saturday, July 18 at 7 a.m., weather permitting. The north portion will be from NW South Outer Road to south of the park entrance.
- There will be no through traffic allowed during this time. Please use NW 19th Street as a detour route.
- Once the contractor has removed and replaced the base of the roadway, the surface will be installed. There will not be a detour, but there will be flagmen used for traffic control. Minor delays are expected.
For both the safety of construction workers and drivers, we urge motorists to be cautious in work zones and watch for workers.
For more information, contact the Public Works Engineering Division at (816) 228-0121.
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Parks Master Plans Public Forum July 22
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Please join us on Wednesday July 22nd for a public meeting to review the final master plans of two future Blue Springs parks.
The City is offering two options; attend in person from 5:00-6:30 at the Fieldhouse as a drop-in and review, or, in person or on-line at 6:30pm to see the formal public presentation. City staff and the project design team will be presenting a project background and master plan for both Southwest Park and Roscoe Righter Park beginning at 6:30PM.
During the presentation, the public will be able to ask questions and make comments either in person or through the online platform. Please come in person and follow social distancing guidelines or go to the link below on July 22nd to view the presentation and provide your feedback on the master plans.
There is no download required to view the presentation, but we recommend logging in a few minutes early to register and participate. We look forward to sharing the vision of these two parks with the community and receive feedback on the proposals.
Use the link below to access the on-line public forum: https://bit.ly/2WrAB6k
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July 18: Dog Days of Summer
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Grab your furry friend and join us at our Second Annual Dog Days of Summer!
Saturday, July 18 at the Blue Springs Dog Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Prizes | Dog Training | Pet Friendly Vendors | Contest and more!
*Jackson County Social distancing and mask guidelines will apply.
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Sept. 12: Skateboard Competition
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Registration is now open for our 2020 Skateboard Competition at Old Mill Park! This year’s competition is set for Saturday, September 12 beginning at 11:00 am (Registration opens at 10:00 am). It will be the second competition at the newly renovated Old Mill Skate Park.
We are happy to announce the Elks Lodge will be providing a free lunch with refreshments for all those competing and spectators.
Registration is $10 per skater and can be done before or the day of. We highly encourage everyone to pre-register so we can get a good idea of our numbers for the day of. We have two divisions again this year a beginner and an advanced division. A signed waiver the day of by a parent and a helmet is required to compete. Please see the attached flyer with more details.
To register please call 816-228-0137, stop by the Fieldhouse in person, or go online at the link below:
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Contact Your City Councilmember:
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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 816-228-0111 or by sending us an email. Know that we truly value your time and support of our City and hope you join us for the next issue of "News Happenings."
Sincerely,
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Carson Ross, Mayor
City of Blue Springs
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