News Happenings Around Town |
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A monthly message from your Mayor and City Council |
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Happy Spring, Blue Springs! We're having and exciting April so far.
First of all, I just want to say congratulations and thank you to our voters who overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the Parks Sales Tax on April 6. This important tax will ensure the quality of our Parks will continue to improve for years to come. Below you can read more about what we will accomplish with these funds.
And we can finally announce that Amazon will become the new tenant in the former Haldex facility.
Jackson County has also lifted restrictions on businesses and gatherings and we were able to re-open City Hall and Vesper Hall to the public (face masks and social distancing still required.)
Please continue reading below for details about all these things and more in this edition of my monthly newsletter.
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Voters Approve Parks Sales Tax Renewal |
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Thank you Blue Springs for approving the NO INCREASE Parks Sales Tax renewal that will continue to dedicate funds for parks and recreation facilities through retail purchases in Blue Springs.
The renewal of the ½-cent sales tax does not increase what you are paying today for retail purchases and has no sunset.
The current 1/2-Cent Parks Sales Tax has been the catalyst to the improvements made throughout the community to our parks, including major renovations to playgrounds at Young Park, Ward Park and Rotary Park and the new splashpad and playground at Burrus Old Mill, to name a few. The renewal of the parks sales tax ensures the City’s ability to continue the improvement of our park facilities, parkland development and facility improvements for years to come.
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Blue Springs to be home to new Amazon Delivery Center in former Haldex facility |
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The City of Blue Springs and Amazon, are excited to announce Amazon plans to open a delivery center in Blue Springs. The delivery center, would be located at 2400 NE Coronado Drive, in the former Haldex facility and...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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City Hall, Vesper Now Open
On Monday, April 5, 2021, Blue Springs City Hall and Vesper Hall re-opened to the public. "We are encouraged by the positive downward trend in the region's COVID cases and increased availability of the COVID vaccine," said Mayor Carson Ross.
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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City to resume in-person City Council meetings April 19
The City of Blue Springs resumed in-person City Council meetings for the April 19, 2021 meeting. With the April 9, 2021 Jackson County Health Order eliminating restrictions on gatherings, the City will allow applicants and presenters to...
Read more
www.bluespringsgov.com
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Mayor Ross delivers 2020 State of the City Address |
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On March 18, Mayor Carson Ross delivered the 2020 State of the City Address at the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon. Watch the full video here.
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Community Services League administering rental and utility assistance funds |
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If you have questions about the application you can call (816) 709-3014. Please allow 48 - 72 hours for a return phone call.
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COVID-19 and Blue Springs |
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Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine |
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As of April 16, all Missouri adults age 16 and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
The Jackson County Health Department has COVID-19 vaccine appointments available. (jacohd.org/events).
Anyone who is a Missouri resident and is old enough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (16 years old to receive Pfizer; 18 years old to receive Moderna) can sign up for an appointment. A parent/guardian of individuals who are 16 or 17 must sign the consent form.
Walk-ins are being accepted at the Lee’s Summit clinic from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The clinic is located at the Pavilion at John Knox Village in Lee's Summit - 520 NW Murray Rd.
In addition to these walk-in opportunities, residents can sign up for an appointment in advance:
- Thursday, April 22 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Accepting walk-ins, no appointment necessary
- Friday, April 23 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Accepting walk-ins, no appointment necessary
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Jackson County eases gathering restrictions |
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- All essential and non-essential businesses, including gyms, fitness and recreation centers, can open at full capacity. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
- Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
- There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.
- Mask mandate and social distancing protocols will remain in effect.
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Celebrating 5 years of the Veterans Way Memorial |
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The The Harry S Truman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution color guard held a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Veterans Way Memorial at Pink Hill Park, 2204 SW Ave. on March 29, 2021 in honor of the 5th Anniversary of the dedication of the Veteran's Way Memorial monument on March 29, 2016.
Mayor Carson Ross, a Vietnam veteran, assisted with the Color Guard ceremony and Councilmembers Jerry Kaylor and Kent Edmondson were in attendance.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Kansas City Cannabis |
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Mayor Carson Ross, Mayor Pro Tem, District 2 Councilmember Kent Edmondson, District 1 Councilmember, Jerry Kaylor attended the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony April 20, 2021, for the Kansas City Cannabis Company located at 1713 NW Burdett Crossing, Blue Springs. |
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Its springtime, which means the weather is getting warmer and we're enjoying more time outdoors. But as you do so, please be cautious near the City's stormwater infrastructure. Stormwater systems include both drainpipes and creeks and are designed to convey rising waters away from properties to avoid potential flooding. Like all flood waters, water in these systems can change level and speed very quickly and without warning. Please be cautious when around these potentially dangerous, but necessary, parts of our city’s infrastructure and avoid playing in creeks during or following rainfall. |
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Protect your property from flooding |
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As we all know, spring and early summer can often bring very wet weather. Here are some tips to protect your property from flooding.
Educate yourself about nearby flooding hazards
There are several bodies of water nearby the City of Blue Springs: Lake Remembrance, Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake, and Lake Tapawingo to name a few. Living near so many bodies of water increases the risk of flooding. Contact Community Development (816-228-0207), to determine if your property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Additionally, designate an evacuation route and rendezvous point for your family in case of a flood event; and never attempt to cross a flooded road or area, just go around on higher ground.
Protect your property from flooding
Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the floor level of your property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation” of the 100-year flood determined by FEMA, consider elevating your structure. Utilities (furnace, air-conditioner, water heater, etc.) should also be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation. Utilize flood resistant materials when possible. Prior to beginning construction, obtain building permits at the Community Development Department or call 816-228-0207 for more information.
Consider purchasing flood insurance
Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. The City of Blue Springs participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures, whether or not they are located in the floodplain. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damage.
Keep our roads and water clean
Keeping drainage channels free of obstructions reduces the risk of flooding for you and your neighbors. Unimproved drainage channels are not maintained by the City, they are the property owner’s responsibility. Report any street adjacent catch basin obstructions to Public Works at 816-228-0195.
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What's Happening in Blue Springs |
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Blue Springs Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 24 2021, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. drop off potentially dangerous unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Read more
www.facebook.com
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Drive in Movie: Featuring Onward |
Friday, May 14, 2021, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Hidden Valley Park. Come out to our FREE drive-in move featuring Disney’s Pixar, Onward. This movie will be held at Hidden Valley Sports complex on Friday, May 14. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and movie will start at dusk. Kona Ice will be onsite selling your favorite refreshments.
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Saturday, April 24, 2021, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: This FREE event will include fishing, yoga and more. Explore a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities available in our community.
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30th Annual Fishing Derby
Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. 30th Annual Fishing Derby Presented by the Optimist Club of Blue Springs.
Free for ages 5 - 14 years old Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. free goody bag included.Awards at 11:30 a.m.
Read more
www.facebook.com
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Contact Your City Councilmember: |
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I hope you have found this issue of "News Happenings Around Town" to be both informative and timely for your City information needs. Is there anything we missed? Do you have questions about any of the articles from this issue? Share your thoughts with me and the City Council by calling City Hall at 816-228-0111 or by sending us an email. Know that we truly value your time and support of our City and hope you join us for the next issue of "News Happenings."
Sincerely,
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Carson Ross, Mayor
City of Blue Springs
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