News Happenings Around Town
A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
Mayor's Message
Hello Blue Springs! Here we are in mid-November and the holiday season is right around the corner. I want to take this time to personally invite you to our annual Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 3, right outside City Hall, 903 W. Main Street. There will be Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, the return of fireworks, and of course, a visit from the big guy himself – Santa! The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

Additionally, there are several other holiday events coming up in our community and I hope you'll take the time to read through this edition of News Happenings and mark your calendars.

As always, thank you for subscribing and reading my newsletter so that you can learn more about what is happening in our great City.
Out and About
Royals GM Dayton Moore talks leadership, faith at Community Prayer Breakfast
It was an inspirational morning at the Community Prayer Breakfast on Nov. 8. Royals General Manager Dayton Moore spoke to a packed crowd about leadership and his faith. The Prayer Breakfast also recognized the work and history of the Blue Springs Police Department.
Mayor Ross supports Hope House's iCare
Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign
October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to celebrate, I had the privilege of donating $1,000 from the Mayor's Fund to the Hope House iCare Awareness Campaign.

Halloween in Blue Springs
Blue Springs was certainly spooky this Halloween season as residents dressed up for Downtown Blue Springs's Trick or Treat Main Street, Parks and Recreation's Spooky Springs at Adams Pointe Golf Course and Vesper Hall's Halloween Party. For more photos from the events, check out our Facebook page.
Drug Take Back Results
Once again, Blue Springs hosted another successful Drug Take Back Day on October 26. Along with the 14 boxes of unused medications collected at the Police Department's permanent drop box throughout the year, Blue Springs Drug Take Back collection sites recorded 13 additional boxes – for a total of 510 lbs of medications.
City celebrates GIS Day
The City’s Community and Economic Development Department celebrated National GIS Day on Wednesday Nov. 13 with a Mayoral proclamation delivered by City Administrator Eric Johnson.

GIS (or Geographic Information Systems) is a very detailed mapping software that allows us to conduct in-depth analyses to better understand our City’s current needs and then design and plan to fulfill those needs. 

We use GIS to track and plan for infrastructure — streets, water/sewer lines, storm drains etc. We use GIS for economic development to help determine “site-suitability.” We use GIS for a multitude of things every day to help make Blue Springs a great place to live, work and play! 
Community News
City offices closed Nov. 28 & 29 for Thanksgiving Holiday
City of Blue Springs offices, Municipal Court, The Fieldhouse and Vesper Hall will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Vesper Hall will close at 2 p.m. and the Blue Springs Fieldhouse will close at 8 p.m. and reopen on Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 a.m.

Public Safety staff will continue to perform normal operations, but the Police Department offices will be closed to the public in observation of the holiday. Call 911 for emergencies and (816) 228-0151 for non-emergency police services.  Blue Springs Water Services and Municipal Court customers can access the City’s online pay portal 24/7 via the City’s website: www.bluespringsgov.com.

MoDOT Will Turn on Traffic Signal at MO Route 7 and Brookside Dr. on Nov. 25
Crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation plan to turn on the traffic signal located at Route 7 and Brookside Dr. just north of Colbern Rd. in Blue Springs on Monday, Nov. 25. Motorists should use caution in the area. All work is weather permitting.

This signal was previously installed due to an anticipated business development. The signal has remained off. MoDOT is activating the signal now to accommodate the increased housing development in the area.
What's Happening in Blue Springs
November 27: Public Safety Forum on Medical Marijuana
On Tuesday, November 26 the Public Safety Citizen’s Advisory Board will host a Community Forum on Medical Marijuana in Blue Springs. 

Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, Mike Mallon will be presenting on the new Missouri Medical Marijuana laws and what that means for the City of Blue Springs.  Following the presentations citizens are encouraged to ask questions and join a community discussion about the new laws. Citizens can participate in-person at the Public Safety Building or via Facebook Live.

December 3: Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
Join Mayor Carson Ross and the City of Blue Springs as we kick off the holiday season with the 2019 Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 3. This free, family holiday event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place outside City Hall at 903 W. Main Street in downtown Blue Springs, Mo.

December 7: Brunch with Santa
Enjoy a festive holiday brunch with family, friends and Santa! Visit with Santa, create a craft and join in on the candy cane hunt.

December 8: Spirit of Caring Concert
The 21st Annual Spirit of Caring Concert kicks off the holiday season in Blue Springs with a potpourri of talent that includes Blue Springs Elementary School choirs, soloists, bands, and ensembles from throughout the community. Mayor Carson Ross will emcee this holiday tradition, presented by St. Mary's Medical Center and the Blue Springs School District .

Admission is $5 at the door and all proceeds benefit Community Services League - Blue Springs.

December 13: Movie on the Turf
Join us for a special screening of "Home Alone" on the turf!

Snacks and hot cocoa will be provided. Blankets and pajamas are encouraged.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 8:10 p.m.

Resident Tips & Tricks
Keeping our roads and waterways clean
Remember, r aking or blowing leaves into the street can create traffic hazards, such as slippery or unsafe obstructions for traffic – especially motorcycles and bicycles – and environmental hazards, such as carrying road contaminants downstream through the storm drain and eventually into our drinking supply, rivers, and lakes.

These clogged catch basin can create neighborhood flooding issues. According to City Code, residents are required to properly dispose of their yard waste.

The easiest way to keep our neighborhoods clean, people safe, and protect our waterways is to clean up and properly dispose of your yard waste.
Yard Waste Collection
The Eastern Jackson County Yard Waste Collection Center is open a few more Saturdays through the end of November.

City of Blue Springs Snow Removal
  • When driving behind a snow plow truck, be sure you stay at least fifty feet back. Do not tailgate or try to pass.

  • Never build tunnels or snow forts near the street. The weight of the snow coming off of the snow plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm people playing inside.

  • Move vehicles off the street whenever possible. Parked cars can obstruct snow removal operations and leave snow packed areas after they are moved.
The Blue Springs Snow Removal Team is made up of many of the best operators in the Midwest. Both Public Works and Parks Department employees work together to serve as the City’s first responders for snow emergencies. 

The team maintains a 24-hour state of readiness for inclement weather from mid-November to mid-April. Emergency Snow crews work closely with first responders, police, fire and EMS to ensure they can respond to emergency calls. To contact the Snow Removal hotline, call 816-228-0295.

To view the City's Snow Plan or to check out our snow route maps, visit our website .
Contact Your City Councilmember:
Ross sig
Carson Ross, Mayor 
City of Blue Springs