News Happenings Around Town
A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
Mayor's Message
Hello Blue Springs! As usual, there are some great things happening in our City.

First of all, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our City Administrator, Eric Johnson for receiving the very prestigious Jay T. Bell Award, the top award for City Managers and Administrators in Missouri. You can read more about this honor below.

Also in this newsletter are several exciting events coming up, so make sure you scroll down and don't miss all the things happening in our City.

I hope you enjoy this edition of News Happenings Around Town!
Out and About
City Administrator Eric Johnson Awarded State-Wide Honor
Blue Springs City Administrator, Eric Johnson has been presented the Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award by the Missouri City/County Management Association (MCMA) at the annual conference on Thursday, May 2 in Lake Ozark, Mo. The award recognizes a member’s outstanding commitment to the profession of local government management. The award is the Association’s highest honor for its members.
“I am thrilled for Eric to receive this honor,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “He has proven time, and time again, to be worthy of this award. I am proud to have worked with Eric for the last eleven years and I believe the future continues to be bright for this City with his leadership.”


Police Department honors nation's fallen officers in 18th Annual Ceremony
The Blue Springs Police Department hosted the 18th Annual Fallen Officer Memorial Service on Friday, May 10. The service featured guest speaker, Sgt. Shane Lawson of the Clinton, Missouri Police Department and recognized officers across the nation who were killed in the line of duty in 2018. More from the event.
New Council Sworn In: Welcome, Councilmember Ericson
The new Blue Springs City Council was officially sworn in on Monday April 15, the first Council meeting after the April 2 Municipal Election.
Councilmember Galen Ericson now represents District 1 along with Jerry Kaylor.

Councilmember Chris Lievsay will continue to serve District 2 along with Kent Edmondson.

And Councilmember Susan Culpepper will continue to serve District 3 along with Ron Fowler.

Councilmember Fowler will serve as the 2019-2020 Mayor Pro Tem.
Dale Carter honored for his service to City Council
The April 15, 2019 Blue Springs City Council meeting marked the last meeting as a District 1 Councilman for Dale Carter.

The Council and I honored his service to the City by naming April 15, 2019 Dale Carter Day in Blue Springs.

Thank you Mr. Carter for your dedication to our City!
Eleanor Frasier and Ed 'Doc' Golden receive Lt. Gov Senior Service Awards
I had the pleasure of nominating two outstanding Blue Springs Citizens for the Lt. Governor Senior Service Awards: Ms. Eleanor Frasier and Mr. Ed 'Doc' Golden.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service Award is intended to promote and highlight the positive accomplishments Missouri’s senior citizens provide their local communities.

For the past 20 years, Eleanor has been involved as a volunteer in various community organizations. Currently, Eleanor is the chair of the Blue Springs Public Art Commission, where the last 12 years she has worked tirelessly to bring art to Blue Springs that is accessible to all.

“Doc” has dedicated his life to service and to veterans and first responders in Blue Springs and throughout the region. “Doc” currently serves as Chaplain for the Blue Springs Police Department and Inter-City Fire Protection District. He is also the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) Chaplain and Operations Supervisor where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the VIPS program, is responsible for coordinating and scheduling volunteers and assists in VIPS training. He has also worked extensively with our youth and was a mentor in the “Champions for Children” program with the Blue Springs Police Department’s Community and Youth Outreach Unit (CYOU) from 1994 to 2014. 

Congratulations to Eleanor and Doc for receiving this prestigious state-wide award.
New public art installed along Adams Dairy
The four pieces above are part of the 'Momentum' exhibit along Adams Dairy Parkway that will be featured for 2019.
People's Choice Winner Announced
The 2018 Temporary Art Exhibit theme “Capricious” People’s Choice Award was presented to Stephen Fairfield of St David, Arizona for his piece “The Chase”.
What's Happening in Blue Springs
May 18: Get Outdoors
Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, Burr Oak Woods Nature center with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Jackson County Parks + Rec banded together to organize a day full of outdoor activities at Lake Remembrance.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Grounds Park, 1901 NE Jefferson St., in Blue Springs. The activities will take place around the lake. 
May 23: Public Works Celebration
Join the City of Blue Springs Public Works Department as they host a free family night, on Thursday, May 23 from 5-8 p.m. at the Public Works facility located on 500 S.E. Sunnyside School Road. 

This FREE family event is an opportunity to learn more about the people, projects and services of the City’s Public Works Department. Families can participate in an array of activities throughout the evening, including balloon characters, games, free food, prize drawings and demonstrations of the equipment the City uses to provide vital services like maintaining our streets and water supply.  Read More
May 26: Music in the Park Featuring Cherry Bomb
The summer concert season brings a variety of blues, rock, classics and country favorites that will appeal to the whole family. Each band has a different business sponsor. Concessions will be available or bring your own picnic to beautiful Rotary Park in Blue Springs.

Additional upcoming concerts will feature CrossThread on Sunday, June 2 and Connie Hawkins and the Blues Wreckers on Sunday, June 9. Read More
May 27: Memorial Day Parade
Hosted by VFW Post 6603 and Post 30
 
Parade/March starts at 9 a.m. on the corner of Main and 11 th streets. For Veterans or families of Veterans that wish to march, please meet at 8 a.m. The route is on Main Street from 16th Street to Walnut Street and will end at the Blue Springs Cemetery. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Blue Springs Cemetery, 2800 SW Walnut St, Blue Springs.
June 6: D-Day event at Veteran's Way Memorial
The City of Blue Springs, in partnership with the Blue Springs Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will host the 75 th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday, June 6 at the Veterans Way Memorial in Pink Hill Park. The commemorative program, “Forever Welcomed Home” will feature speakers, veterans groups, and students in a patriotic ceremony. In addition, the Blue Springs DAR will dedicate a bench to recognize and honor the courage and valor of those who served. WWII memorabilia will be displayed. Certificates and pins will be available to all veterans at the reception following the ceremony. The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at 10:30 a.m.  
June 8: Second Saturday Car Cruise
View the latest innovations in car restoration from exhibitors, enjoy a friendly atmosphere, and concession treats. Area food and beverage establishments will also be open. Bring the family and enjoy a terrific evening in downtown Blue Springs.

Cruises will be held the second Saturday of the month, April through October, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. (exception 9/14) Located in Downtown Blue Springs on Main Street between 10th & 12th Streets. Come out and enjoy the sight of Custom Cars, out of production classics, Trucks, and Hot Rods! Read More
Resident Tips & Tricks
Protect your Property from Flooding
There are several bodies of water nearby the City of Blue Springs including Lake Remembrance, Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake, and Lake Tapawingo and living near so many bodies of water increases the risk of flooding. You can contact the community development department at 816-220-4538 to determine if your property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Below are some tips to protect yourself and your property in the event of flooding.

1: Designate an evacuation route and rendezvous point for your family in case of a flood event. Never attempt to cross a flooded road or area, just go around on higher ground.

2: 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.

3: 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.

4: 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 .
Contact Your City Councilmember:
Ross sig
Carson Ross, Mayor 
City of Blue Springs