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, February 27, 2020
Severe Weather Preparedness Week

In the Midwest, weather can be very unpredictable and change in a matter of minutes. This year, March 2-6, is designated as Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week. With spring right around the corner, it's important to be weather aware and have a plan in place. On Tuesday, March 3, a statewide tornado drill will take place at 10am, and r esidents are encouraged to treat the drill as if it were an actual tornado warning. For more information and resources, visit  StormAware or the National Weather Service.
Floodplain Administrator

With the flooding season right around the corner, many may ask the question, “Am I in the floodplain?” Fortunately, there is a person to assist you with those questions and concerns, and that person is the floodplain administrator. The floodplain administrator manages floodplain(s) in the community to prevent the loss of life, property, health and safety hazards, and disruption of commerce and governmental services from inundation by flooding. Some of the functions an administrator does include:
  • Require, review, evaluate floodplain development applications 
  • Provide Base Flood Elevations (BFE) information and answer questions. A BEF is the elevation of which the one-percent chance flooding could reach.
  • Review elevation certificates
  • Review plans and specifications
  • Discourage development in the Special Flood Hazard Area which is the land in the floodplain that is subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
  • Advise regarding other state, federal or local permits
  • Provide notification of watercourse alterations
  • Inspect developments
  • Educate the public and officials
  • Record keeping 
  • Remedy violations
These duties not only help promote the public health, safety and general welfare, but also provide a way to help shape the city for a better future. For any questions about floodplains, contact the city's floodplain administrator, Alan Dewey, at 271-4869.
Beware of Scammers

Scammers are pretending to be government employees. Scammers will try to scare and trick you into giving them your personal information and money. They may threaten you or your family and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. These individuals will generally attempt to take advantage of the older population. Do not be fooled! If you receive a suspicious call, you should:
  • Hang up
  • Do not give them money or personal information
  • Report the scam to the appropriate governmental agency

There are numerous individuals who will take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and either make threats or promise things that are too good to be true. There are a variety of scams as some may ask you to give them money upfront so they can pay fees to get to their money, or for your help they will give you a larger sum once their money is freed up. Also, there are those who call and say you have inherited a large sum of cash, but first you must pay certain fees to get the money. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Ask the caller to mail you the information so you can review. 

This time of year, there are several scams in which the caller says you owe the IRS thousands of dollars, there is a problem with your social security account, or a loved one is in jail in either the U.S. or a foreign country. Here are things to watch for:
  • They make a threat
  • Demand immediate payment
  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card or wire transfer
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash
  • Scammers will pretend they are from Social Security, IRS or another government agency
  • The caller ID or documents sent by email may look official, but they are not 

At the end of the day, it is important to protect yourself, friends and family:
Make a Difference Today for a Better Tomorrow

If you have ever wanted to get involved in your community, now is the time. There are many ways and opportunities for you... read more
City Talk

We want to hear what you have to say... So, we are inviting you to attend the upcoming City Talk, which will be held at 7pm, on Monday, March 2, in Spratt Stadium on the campus of Missouri Western State University. This City Talk is being hosted by Mayor Bill McMurray and Brenda Blessing, Councilmember At-Large. Light refreshments will be provided from 6:30-7pm, if you'd like to come early and visit with your City Council representatives.

This is your opportunity to let us know what is on your mind. We welcome questions, suggestions, complaints and even compliments. Or, you can just come and listen to what your neighbors have to say.
(816) 271-5300