News Happenings Around Town
A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council
Mayor's Message
Hello Blue Springs!

It appears there is finally some light (and warmer temperatures) at the end of this cold weather tunnel we've experienced the past few weeks.

I know this time has been very difficult for many of us as we've experienced below freezing temperatures, snow and ice, and most recently, planned power outages to combat the strain on the power grid the extreme cold temperatures across the Mid-West has caused.

Thank you so much for your patience with our City snow removal crews and for doing your part to conserve energy where you could this week amongst the most frigid temperatures this area has experienced in years. And a big KUDOS to our Public Work Department employees for a job well done by keeping our streets clear while dealing with repairing and fixing frozen /broken water mains.

Remember, March (and hopefully spring-like weather), is only a few weeks away.

Speaking of March, if you are interested in attending my State of the City Address on Thursday March 18 at the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at Adams Point Conference Center, you can call the Chamber Office for tickets at (816) 229- 8558. If you are unable to attend, you will be able to view the speech in it's entirety on the City's Facebook page and YouTube channel following the event.
Out And About
Mayor Ross elected 1st Vice-Chair of Mid-America Regional Council Board of Directors
I was recently humbled to be elected First Vice-Chair of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors.

MARC is a nonprofit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region.

The Board of Directors is made up of local elected officials consisting of 33 locally elected leaders from the nine member counties and the six largest cities in the region. MARC provides a forum for the region to work together to advance social, economic and environmental progress.
Evening dance classes resume at Vesper Hall
Evening dance classes have resumed at Vesper Hall (socially distanced and abiding by Jackson County and CDC guidelines). Have you had a chance to check them out yet? Go to http://www.bluespringsgov.com/1244/Social-Dance for more information.
Blue Springs Snow Removal Plan
The last few weeks have been very trying in terms of winter weather and our snow removal crews did an excellent job given the circumstances. As of Thursday, February 17 at 5 p.m. snow operations have come to an end for the current event. All 1st, 2nd, 3rd priority streets and residential streets have been cleared. Thank you to our City employees who work around the clock to ensure our streets are safe and drivable. You are appreciated!

And thanks to all of you all for always being patient and courteous to our snow plow drivers.

Have questions about the City's snow removal process, Click here for more information about the City of Blue Springs Snow Removal Plan.
COVID-19 and Blue Springs
Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in our region, but the supply remains very limited.

Residents in Blue Springs interested in the COVID-19 Vaccine should register for the vaccine in as many places they can including the the Jackson County Health Department’s Vaccine Survey tool and the State of Missouri's Vaccine Navigator tool to ensure a spot in line as soon as the vaccine supply becomes available. 

Additionally, those who qualify for Phases 1 and 2 Tiers A and B should check with their primary care providers and/or hospital system. For more information go to www.bluespringsgov.com/vaccine.

The state of Missouri is also offering regional mass vaccination events. Please check this page often for opportunities to register at a nearby event: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/events/.

 
Fill out the COVID-19 vaccine survey tools here. ⬇️
CITY HALL
Closed to the public until further notice. During this time, the City of Blue Springs will continue to provide vital City Services via our website, telephone and email.

City phones are still active and we encourage residents to call 816-228-0110 or use our website www.bluespringsgov.com to determine the appropriate email or phone number to contact each department directly.

  • BUILDING INSPECTIONS AND LAND USE PERMITS: The City is expanding its efforts to help protect residents from the spread of COVID-19 and has temporarily suspended in-person services at all City Hall facilities. Building permits and land use applications can now be submitted electronically, via mail, or dropped off at City Hall. Please follow the instructions to assist you in submitting your proposal or for resubmitting documents. You may also submit select permits and license applications by visiting our Citizens Self Service Portal. 




A list of COVID-19 testing sites and dates.

Read more
www.jacksongov.org
Resident Tips & Tricks
Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Thawing Frozen Pipes
Even if you take all the proper precautions, your pipes may still freeze during an extended cold spell. If that occurs, the best solution is to call a plumber.
  • DO NOT try to thaw the pipe with an open flame (ex: blow torch, kerosene or propane heater etc.)
  • DO NOT heat only one spot on the pipe, as this can cause it to burst.
  • NEVER leave heat sources unattended.

If you chose to try to thaw the pipe yourself, be careful when heating the pipe, as it may already be broken and just not leaking because the water inside is frozen. So be ready with the master shut-off valve in case water comes gushing out.

You can use multiple methods to warm frozen pipes, including:
  • Portable heater: Position away from flammable materials as needed;
  • Heating cable: Affix to the pipe and plug into a nearby outlet;
  • Electric heating pad: Wrap around the frozen pipe and plug into an outlet;
  • Hairdryer: Slowly oscillate along the frozen pipe section;
  • Towels: Soak in hot water and wrap around frozen pipe, changing when the towel cools.

If you believe your water might be frozen at the meter, call Public Works at 816-228-0195.
What's Happening?
Youth Sports Registration Day

Come learn about all the sports that Blue Springs Parks and Recreation will be offering this Spring/Summer!

Read more
www.facebook.com
Easter Egg-Stravaganza
This FREE Easter Egg hunt is great for families and kids of all ages. In between hunts your family can enjoy fun yard games, meet with our vendors, get creative with crafts and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. Pre-Registration REQUIRED by March 19. Read More
Contact Your City Councilmember:
Ross sig
Carson Ross, Mayor 
City of Blue Springs