District 2 Councilmember

Kent Edmondson Retires

After 19 years on the Blue Springs City Council, District 2 Councilmember Kent Edmondson is stepping into a well-earned new chapter. Nearly two decades of leadership has helped shape the Blue Springs our community knows today.

During his tenure, Kent played a role in transformative moments for the City, from the voter-approved Parks Sales Tax in 2021, expanding recreational opportunities for residents, to the successful 2024 bond election that is now driving critical street improvements across Blue Springs. His fingerprints can be found on countless initiatives that will benefit our community for years to come.

His dedication extended far beyond the dais. Kent served on numerous boards and committees, including the Downtown Review Board, Public Art Commission, Public Safety Citizens Advisory Board, Economic Development Council, Planning Commission, Downtown Master Plan Implementation Task Force, Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Task Force, and the World Cup Task Force, to name a few.

A true community servant, Kent also gave his time as a Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Board Member, Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS), and leader within the Blue Springs Rotary Club, where he was named Rotarian of the Year in 2002 and served as President in 2004. He also contributed to local education, serving on the Blue Springs School District Board of Education from 1998 to 2001, including as Treasurer.

Councilmembers Sworn In

Councilmember Jerry Kaylor, District 1; Councilmember Brian Markworth, District 2; and Councilmember Nick Brummel, District 3 were sworn into their newly elected seats during Monday night’s City Council meeting. All three won their respective seats during the April 7 election.

Blue Springs Announces

Comprehensive Plan Kickoff

The City of Blue Springs is launching a major community planning effort for a new citywide Comprehensive Plan that will shape the City for years to come.

The Plan will provide a roadmap for future growth in Blue Springs focusing on land use, transportation, housing, education, parks and trails, infrastructure, and economic development. The planning and public engagement process will be guided by the Planning Division along with the support of our partners at Olsson.

Know Your City Codes

Need a fence for your pet? Want to rebuild that old, dated deck? Would you love to have a pool for those hot summer days? Construction on a fence, deck or pool typically require a city building permit. All pools that can hold 24 inches of water or more, including inflatable pools, must have a permit and proper pool barrier. A proper barrier consist of a 6-foot fence with self-closing gates that have latches at 54 inches above grade. Decks greater than 30 inches above all adjacent grade also require a building permit. For deck submittals, a completed application must be submitted with a copy of the building plan and plot plan showing all setback measurements from the new structure.

City code requires all new or modified fences be permitted. A completed permit application must be submitted with a copy of the plot plan or plat showing the location of the new fence. The City can typically provide a copy of the plat if needed. Fences are reviewed based on compliance with the City’s Unified Development Code for height, location and type of material.

For permit questions please call 816-228-0117 or 816-228-0118. Building code sections can be provided as needed. For more information on the city’s municipal code, please click https://ecode360.com/28249484#28249484. A copy of the City’s permit application can also be available www.bluespringsgov.com/1603/Permit-Application-Center.