News Happenings Around Town
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
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Hello Blue Springs! As we begin the month of June, I wanted to make sure I updated you on the many changes related to the COVID-19 Recovery Plan. Myself and the other mayors of Eastern Jackson County have been working tirelessly with the Jackson County government to do what we can to open our community as soon as possible while still keeping the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents at the forefront of our minds.
We have officially moved into Phase 2 as of June 1. This has brought some much-requested changes to capacity on retail, restaurants and other facilities and businesses. We have also began to see more of our Parks facilities and courts open as well as shared swimming pools like those in HOAs or hotels.
There will also be some disappointment as we've had to announce the cancellation of some beloved events due to county social distancing guidelines. But I want to assure you that this Mayor, the City Council and City Staff are working diligently alongside Jackson County to ensure we open safely and responsibly during this strange time we are all living in.
For additional information on COVID-19 in Blue Springs and Jackson County, please visit our website at www.bluespringsgov.com/COVID19 and www.jacksongov.org.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Strong!
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COVID-19 and Blue Springs
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Phase 2 of Jackson County Recovery Plan began June 1
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Phase two of the Jackson County Recovery Plan is scheduled to take effect on June 1 but is subject to change based on local data of COVID-19 transmission in our community and key metrics being satisfactorily met.
A start date has not yet been determined for phase three, however, each phase is estimated to last at least 14-28 days.
“I want to specifically thank the Mayors of eastern Jackson County for their input and partnership over the past few weeks. They are deeply connected to the residents of their cities and have played an instrumental role in allowing us to re-open as quickly, safely and effectively as we have," said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr.
All open facilities are required to complete, post and follow social distancing procedures. In addition, the County strongly recommends that all residents stay six feet from others, encourages seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home, working remotely if possible, and wearing a mask or face covering when in public.
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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.
- WATER/SEWER PAYMENTS: Water/Sewer Payments can be made by calling (816) 228-0220, utilizing the secure dropbox at City Hall or by going online to our website at http://www.bluespringsgov.com/utilitybilling. The City understands water is critical to the health and safety of our residents and is ensuring Utility customers have uninterrupted access to water and sewer utility services. Therefore, the City has decided to suspend the implementation of Water/Sewer Utility shut-offs for nonpayment during this time.
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
The Public Safety Building, 1100 SW Smith Street, lobby is now open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Citizens that need Liquor License, Private Security License or Fingerprints to are asked to make an appointment between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 816-228-0160. The CYOU lobby is also open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the rest of the Public Safety Building is closed to the public until further notice.
Police Department staff will continue to perform normal operations, but the Public Safety Building will be closed to the public. Call 911 for emergencies and (816) 228-0151 for non-emergency police services.
MUNICIPAL COURT
The Blue Springs Municipal Court is only holding domestic violence dockets through the month of June. These dockets are set by appointment only.
Those attending court will be required to wear masks while in the building as part of the Missouri Supreme Court’s directive.
Due to social distancing requirements and limitations on occupancy, entry into the building/court room will be limited to only those necessary for the cases set on the dockets. If family/friends appear with someone required to be in court, they will be asked to wait outside.
THE BLUE SPRINGS FIELDHOUSE
VESPER HALL
See below.
ADAMS POINTE GOLF COURSE
Now open with social distancing guidelines.
PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS
Closed to the public until further notice. Full staff, all services provided. Call 816-228-0195 for assistance or submit an online request for services at
www.bluespringsgov.com
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The City of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department has
developed a plan
to re-open several parks facilities and amenities on June 1, 2020 as allowed by the Jackson County Health Department Recovery Plan.
“We are extremely excited to continue the re-opening of our City’s parks facilities,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “Parks and recreation are an important part of any thriving, healthy community and our residents have been patiently waiting to use our outdoor sports courts and fields. We are hopeful that soon we will be able to move into Phase 3 where we will see the re-opening of ALL our parks amenities and facilities.”
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Council enacts process for businesses to expand footprint
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On Monday, May 20, the Blue Springs City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that will ultimately allow businesses to modify or expand their premises and seating by using adjacent outdoor areas to serve as many customers as possible under the Jackson County Recovery Plan guidelines with the approval of the Mayor and City Administrator.
This ordinance temporarily allows the Mayor and City Administrator the authority to waive, modify, or suspend business license and permit requirements without the necessity of amending the Code of Ordinances. Therefore, allowing businesses to more quickly make changes to accommodate more customers during this time.
“The COVID-19 crisis and subsequent Stay At Home order and Recovery Plan restrictions have left many of our community’s businesses in a place of financial crisis,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This provision will allow the City to quickly approve requests for businesses to expand their outdoor footprint, so they can serve more customers while still abiding by the Jackson County Recovery Plan restrictions and safe social distancing guidelines.”
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City of Blue Springs cancels 2020 Red, White and Blue Springs Fireworks Show
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The City of Blue Springs is announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Red, White and Blue Springs Fireworks Show.
This decision was made with great care and consideration for the health and safety of the community and is in accordance with the restrictions on large gatherings in the
Jackson County Recovery Plan.
“We’re living in a time where we have to make hard, but necessary, decisions to keep our community safe and keep our City running,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This is an extremely difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of our City as a whole and one that will not only by fiscally responsible for our City but also keep our residents safe and healthy in this uncertain time.”
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City of Blue Springs News
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Roanoke Drive Improvements Completed As Promised
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Completed as promised! Improvements to Roanoke Drive from from Adams Dairy Parkway to Falcon Wood Drive are substantially complete. Thank you all for your patience during this project.
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Be a Good Neighbor this 4th of July
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BE LEGAL
LEGAL FIREWORKS DISCHARGE HOURS
• July 1-3, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• July 4, 10 a.m. to Midnight
Police Officers will also exercise increased street patrol and law enforcement measures during these times to make sure residents are complying with the regulations provisioned by the
City’s Fireworks Ordinance
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To report fireworks violations, call (816) 228-0151 or Text-A-Tip; text BSPD plus your message, including the location of the violation to Crimes (274637).
THINK SAFE
ONLY USE CITY-APPROVED FIREWORKS
• Includes fireworks sold by the licensed nonprofit organizations in Blue Springs
• Discharge of bottle rockets and aerial luminaries is prohibited
PLAY SMART
ALWAYS HAVE AN ADULT PRESENT
• Avoid discharging fireworks in dry areas
• Do not discharge fireworks around pets or animals
• If burned, observe proper burn care and call 911
KEEP YOUR CITY CLEAN!
Be kind to your neighbors and the environment by disposing of all debris after
discharging fireworks.
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City of Blue Springs 2019 Water Quality Report
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Now accepting applications for Boards and Commissions Appointments
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We are currently accepting applications for City advisory boards and commissions. By serving on a board or commission, you have the unique opportunity to help foster new ideas, improvements and future growth for your City.
Click here for an application. Please submit by Monday, June 8, 2020 to have first priority consideration.
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Protect Your Property from Spring Flooding
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As we all know, spring and early summer can often bring very wet weather. Here are some tips to protect your property from flooding.
- Educate yourself about nearby flooding hazards. There are several bodies of water nearby the City of Blue Springs: Lake Remembrance, Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake, and Lake Tapawingo to name a few. Living near so many bodies of water increases the risk of flooding. Contact Community Development (816-220-4538), to determine if your property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Additionally, designate an evacuation route and rendezvous point for your family in case of a flood event; and never attempt to cross a flooded road or area, just go around on higher ground.
- Protect your property from flooding. Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the floor level of your property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation” of the 100-year flood determined by FEMA, consider elevating your structure. Utilities (furnace, air-conditioner, water heater, etc.) should also be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation. Utilize flood resistant materials when possible. Prior to beginning construction, obtain building permits at the Community Development Department or call (816) 220-4538 for more information.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. The City of Blue Springs participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures, whether or not they are located in the floodplain. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damage.
- Keep our roads and water clean. Keeping drainage channels free of obstructions reduces the risk of flooding for you and your neighbors. Report any storm drain obstructions or illegal dumping to Public Works (816-228-0195). Para un folleto en Español, haga clic aquí.
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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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