News Happenings Around Town |
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council |
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Summer is right around the corner and we are thankfully seeing a return to our normal activities in Blue Springs.
On May 14, following the CDC recommendation that fully vaccinated persons can go maskless both indoors and outdoors, Jackson County lifted the County-wide mask mandate for businesses and other gathering places. While masks are still encouraged for those who are unvaccinated, we are very excited about this change.
Keep reading below for more information on the Jackson County announcement and how to access the COVID vaccine.
We're also very excited to announce the return of Red, White and Blue Springs, our popular July 4 celebration featuring live music and fireworks. This year's event is at Blue Springs South High School. Other summer events coming back in 2021 are Concerts in the Park and the Downtown Alive! Corks and Canvas event. See below for more details.
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Face Masks No Longer Required in City Facilities |
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As of Friday, May 14, 2021, with the expiration of the Jackson County Health Order, masks in indoor facilities, businesses and public spaces are no longer required. This includes City of Blue Springs buildings and facilities including City Hall,...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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MoDot Making Sidewalk, ADA improvements to 7 Hwy |
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MoDOT Kansas City is in the process of making American Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements along MO Route 7 between Pink Hill Road and Shaw Parkway. This work will require the right lane closure of southbound MO Route 7 in this area for sidewalk and ADA improvements. The closure will be daily beginning at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. starting on Monday, May 24, through late Nov. 2021. At times, there may be intermittent closures of various driveways on the west side of this project. All work is weather permitting. Please be patient and considerate to your fellow motorists.
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Police Officers Memorial Service |
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On Wednesday, May 12, the Blue Springs Police Department held a Police Officers Memorial Ceremony in recognition of National Police Week to honor police officers who died or were injured in the line of duty in 2020. For the full ceremony view our Facebook Live video here: https://fb.watch/5tj5KDxp2U/
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2021 Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class |
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Myself and members of the City Council had the opportunity to meet with the 2021 Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class earlier this month. The Class visited City Hall, the Public Safety Building, Public Works Operations, Sni-A-Bar Wastewater Treatment Facility and The Fieldhouse to learn about the various aspects of City government. LEADership Blue Springs (LEAD) was established in 1991 by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce to develop a community leadership pool. Participants develop skills and knowledge of our community through a series of workshops focusing on business, government, quality of life, and volunteer services. |
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Blue Springs Point of View |
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Watch the latest episode of Blue Springs Point of View. |
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Celebrating Public Works Week 2021 |
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May 17-22 is National Public Works Week. Public Works is much more than what is visible to the eye. It includes many underground systems such as stormwater pipes, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, and some electrical conduits for street lighting and traffic signals. Along with street maintenance, snow removal, curbs and sidewalks, traffic signs/signals, customer service, wastewater treatment, and vehicle/equipment maintenance all of these components are continually requiring maintenance and repair in order to provide residents services that most people take for granted. This work requires more than a 40 hr/week effort to accomplish and often requires night time and weekend hours to complete. The dedicated staff in the Public Works Department takes great pride in taking care of our City's streets, sewers, drinking water, stormwater, sidewalks, curbs, traffic signals and signs and much more.
A big thank you to these hard-working men and women!
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COVID-19 and Blue Springs |
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Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine |
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As of April 16, all Missouri adults age 16 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Anyone who is a Missouri resident and is old enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (16 years old to receive Pfizer; 18 years old to receive Moderna) can sign up for an appointment. A parent/guardian of individuals who are 16 or 17 must sign the consent form.
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Community Services League administering rental and utility assistance funds |
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If you have questions about the application you can call (816) 709-3014. Please allow 48 - 72 hours for a return phone call.
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Its springtime, which means the weather is getting warmer and we're enjoying more time outdoors. But as you do so, please be cautious near the City's stormwater infrastructure. Stormwater systems include both drainpipes and creeks and are designed to convey rising waters away from properties to avoid potential flooding. Like all flood waters, water in these systems can change level and speed very quickly and without warning. Please be cautious when around these potentially dangerous, but necessary, parts of our city’s infrastructure and avoid playing in creeks during or following rainfall. |
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Protect your property from 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 (816-228-0207), 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 816-228-0207 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. Unimproved drainage channels are not maintained by the City, they are the property owner’s responsibility. Report any street adjacent catch basin obstructions to Public Works at 816-228-0195.
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What's Happening in Blue Springs |
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Red, White & Blue Springs |
Sunday, July 4, 2021, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Blue Springs South High School.
Join us as we celebrate Independence Day this year. The event will be held at Blue Springs South High School at the Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium.
Gates Open at 6:30PM, 7:30PM Live Music featuring: Loose Change Band, 9:45PM Fireworks Display
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Sundays starting May 30 from 6-8 p.m. in Rotary Park.
FREE concert in the park! Bring your lawn chairs, face masks and get ready for a great time. Food trucks will be on-site.
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Corks & Canvas
June 19, 2021. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Join us for our eighth annual Corks & Canvas Art and Wine Walk in the historic downtown district of Blue Springs.
Read more
downtownbluesprings.com
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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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