Hello neighbors,

As we move into the festive holiday season, I’m thrilled to invite you and your families to one of our City's new and most magical holiday traditions—the North Pole Trail of Lights and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rotary Park. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 3. It will be a night full of joy and community spirit.

To kick off the evening, local elementary school choirs from Chapel Lakes, John Nowlin and Voy Spears will fill the park with holiday tunes, setting the perfect seasonal mood. We’ll also have free hot dogs and hot chocolate to warm you up as you enjoy the performances and take in the breathtaking display of lights.

And of course, what would the holidays be without a visit from Santa Claus? Santa will be there to meet with children on December 3 and will make return visits each Friday and Saturday until Christmas.

The North Pole Trail of Lights will be open every evening from 5:30 to 10 p.m., December 3-30 for you to stroll through and enjoy a winter wonderland right here in Blue Springs. Whether you visit on the night of the tree lighting or come back later in the month, you’ll find plenty of holiday cheer waiting for you.

I hope to see you there to celebrate the season and make memories with your loved ones.

Chris Lievsay

Mayor, Blue Springs, Mo.

City News

Citizen Commission Begins 2024

City of Blue Springs Charter Review Process

The City of Blue Springs City Council has appointed a citizen-led Charter Review Commission to review the Blue Springs Home Rule Charter and provide recommendations to the City Council for amendments. The first Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 6 in the Administration Training Room (#210) of City Hall, 903 W. Main St.

The Blue Springs Home Rule Charter, much like the U.S. Constitution, contains the rules describing how the City functions, organizes itself, and makes the decisions that affect the daily lives of our residents. The Charter sets parameters for what laws and rules may be adopted by City Council, the type of services the public receives, and how tax dollars are collected and spent.

District 1 Appointees: Shanna Dennie, Ken Horrell and Kelli Montgomery

District 2 Appointees: Joe D’Angelo, Dayla Fullerton and Douglas Stacer

District 3 Appointees: Nicholas Brummel, Travis Graham and Kyle Legg

The Charter Review Commission will meet throughout the fourth quarter of 2024 and will submit a report including any recommended Charter amendments to the Mayor and City Council. All Charter Review Commission meetings are open to the public, and meeting information, agendas and minutes can be found on the City’s website.

Residents are encouraged to share input and suggestions with the Commission and can do so by attending the meetings and request to speak during the Visitor's Section of the Agenda or share their thoughts via email to the Charter Review Commission at smorgan@bluespringsgov.com.

New to Blue Springs? Check Out Our Resident Guide

New residents to the Blue Springs community quickly become aware that the quality of life is unparalleled, which is one of the many reasons that more than 60,000 people have decided to call Blue Springs home.

To help you get settled and learn about your new community, we have prepared this guide which contains helpful information about Blue Springs.

Some of the information you will find:

• Directory of services
• List of elected officials
• Where to have fun
• Special events presented by the City
• City contact information
• Emergency information
• History about the founding of Blue Springs

Lori Turner, Management/Financial Analyst,

Celebrates 35 Years with the City of Blue Springs

Lori Turner, Management/Financial Analyst, recently celebrated her 35th anniversary with the City of Blue Springs.

When Lori first joined the City, she started as a Utility Billing Clerk in the Water Department. She then moved to the Finance Department and held the positions of Accounts Payable and Contracts Payable.

Lori has two major responsibilities throughout the year that require daily attention – the development of the Capital Improvements Program Manual and the Annual City Budget Manual.

She develops the manuals with managers and then reviews the budget proposals for completeness, accuracy and compliance with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards. These must meet program criteria as a policy document, an operations guide, a financial plan and a communications device. She also prepares reports to help City departments monitor spending within their set budget and various types of analysis to keep the City’s budget on track.

Blue Springs Communications Department

Takes Home Three PRSA PRISM Awards

The City of Blue Springs Communications Department won three PRISM awards at last month's Kansas City Public Relations Society of America PRISM Awards Ceremony. The City competed with the likes of St. Luke's Hospital, Barkley, the United Way and the City of Merriam, Kan.

Nate Beck won a gold PRISM for his video on the Blue Springs BMX track and a silver PRISM for his City of Blue Springs Growth and Reinvestment video for the State of the City. Brian Spano, Communications Manager, won a gold PRISM for the redesigned Parks & Recreation Activity Guide launched in January

"Being recognized for the work we do is a great honor and achievement for our department," Spano said, "but more than that, it's the recognition of the passion we bring in striving for quality communications for our residents."

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