Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Restore and Improve Our Parks

On August 3, voters will consider a half-cent sales tax to help restore and improve our green spaces, parks, and parks facilities to provide safe, ADA-compliant and desirable amenities for our residents and help maintain them for our future generations.

Did you Know…
  • The parks sales tax has a 10-year sunset; voters must approve the continuation of this half-cent sales tax in ten years.
  • The parks sales tax will generate approximately $50-60 million in revenue. The revenue generated will be used only for specific parks projects that have been identified by a citizens committee.
  • Approximately 42% of sales tax is paid by those who don’t live here but use our parks and other amenities when visiting our community.
  • The cost is one-half cent on every $1 spent. On a $10 purchase, it is an additional 5 cents. On a $200 purchase, it is an additional $1.
  • The priority areas are green spaces, equipment, indoor and outdoor facility infrastructure, maintenance and aquatics. Major projects include improvements to Krug Park, Hyde Park, Bode Sports Complex, Noyes Complex, Northside Complex, the addition of an east side park and a dog park, improvements to Phil Welch Stadium, Civic Arena, Missouri Theater, Fairview Golf Course, aquatics, park restrooms, ball field lighting, and sidewalks throughout the park system.

For more information and a list of specific projects, visit the city's website.
Reporting Non-Injury Crashes

Involved in a non-injury crash? If you find yourself in a minor traffic crash, you are not obligated to call or wait for a police response. The police department encourages motorists involved in minor crashes to exchange information, as required, with one another or file an online crash report.

To file a citizen crash report, all of the following must apply:
  • Crash happened within the St. Joseph city limits
  • Property damage to vehicles only
  • No injuries requiring immediate medical attention
  • There was no drinking or drug impairment involved
  • All vehicles involved are operational
  • Both drivers have insurance
  • Both drivers have a driver's license

To file an online crash report:
1. Exchange Driver Information
  • Name and date of birth 
  • Address
  • Home and work phone numbers
  • Driver's license number and state of issue
  • Vehicle information (make, model, year, color license plate number, state of issue, etc.)
  • Insurance information

2. Complete form at the kiosk located in the lobby of the St. Joseph Police Department, 501 Faraon Street, available Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm, or

3. Submit an online crash report
Transit Rebranding

A rebranding external focus group is being formed to discuss ideas on how to rebrand, update and improve the transit logo and signage around the city. Working closely with a marketing company TICO Productions, please join staff on Wednesday, July 28, from 11am-12:30pm, in the 4th floor conference room of City Hall to discuss the rebranding information. If you would like to attend the rebranding meeting, please contact the Transportation Planning Manager through email or by calling 236-1489.

The Ride is also conducting a survey to gather more information on ridership and brand recognition. Staff is looking forward to meeting with stakeholders to develop long term rebranding goals for the transit agency “The Ride” as a whole. If you are not able to attend the meeting, still provide your feedback through the survey and look for updates coming this fall.
Looking Out For Our Four-Legged Friends

The St. Joseph hike and bike trail system is a wonderful asset for humans and dogs alike. However, the hot summer heat can cause discomfort and potentially permanent damage to your pets if owners are not careful. This is why it is important to watch out for your dog this summer by knowing the signs of dog heat stroke, pad burn, and dehydration.

To help keep your dog comfortable while walking in the summer heat, think about the following tips. 
  • Walk in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler.
  • Try the seven-second rule. Place the back of your hand against the pavement. If you are unable to comfortably keep your hand against the surface for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s pads.
  • Keep your dog hydrated by bringing along a collapsible bowl which you can fill with your water bottle.
  • Monitor your dog’s activity. If they are experienced increased panting, drooling or shade seeking, they might be overheating. 

For more tips and tricks to prevent, spot and treat dangerous heat-related illnesses your pets can experience, visit rover.com.
Harlem Globetrotters

The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters return to the St. Joseph Civic Arena on Thursday, August 5, at 7pm, bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game Tour. This fully modernized show brings in ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim rattling dunks. Part streetball from the players who define it, part interactive family entertainment, the new tour will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game. 

Tickets are on sale now at various price points depending on seat location. Don’t forget to get a pre-show Magic Pass ticket. Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters shooting, trying out ball tricks, and getting autographs and photos. This unique 30-minute show will create memories of a lifetime. Tickets for the pre-show are $20 each. A game ticket is also required to join the pre-show event. The pre-show takes place at 5:30pm.

Get tickets by visiting Ticketmaster.com, calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or calling the Civic Arena Box Office at 271-4717.
(816) 271-5300