WINTER /SPRING 2024
BLUE SPRINGS BLUE SPRINGS PD Winter driving
DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN Things you need to know, and should know
NEW FACES IN PLACES BRIAN SPANO
Fieldhouse Marketing Manager takes it to the next level
CITY TRASH ORDINANCE Staying in the know
PUBLIC WORKS Getting ready!
Cover Photo by: Denny Craft, Burr Oaks
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MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING @ CITY HALL
01 TABLE OF CONTENTS
09 CITY TRASH ORDINANCE
02 MAYOR'S MESSAGE/CITY OFFICIALS
10 MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS TREE
03 2023 YEAR END PHOTOS
11 NEW PROMOTIONS & EMPLOYEES
04 BRIAN SPANO
12 DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
05 - 06 WINTER WEATHER
13 BLUE SURF BAY WATERPARK
07-08 BLUE SPRINGS PD
14 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Things you need to know
Contact information
An eventful year
Bringing home awards
Revised snow operations policy
Winter safety driving tips and more
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Moving forward
The latest update
Upcoming events
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MESSAGE from Mayor Carson Ross
Hello Blue Springs, This is the time of year where it is important to embrace family and dear friends as we get ready for the New Year. I know for many in our community this has been a challenging year. When you look back and reflect on 2023, I implore you to focus on our successes we've had as a community. We will hear from Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department, Public Works, and the Blue Springs Police Department. We also have staff members that have been promoted, new employees and a staff member who has won awards. You will get some great tips from our Police Department on winter weather driving, joining our Citizen's Police Academy and if you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement then, you have come to the right place. I hope you will join me virtually or in-person for my 2023 State of the City address in March. More information will be made available soon. Gratefully in your service,
Mayor Carson Ross
CITY OFFICIALS Carson Ross, Mayor Christine Cates, City Administrator
CONTACT INFORMATION City of Blue Springs 903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-0110 www.bluespringsgov.com David Watson, Editor dawatson@bluespringsgov.com
DISTRICT 1
Galen Ericson Jerry Kaylor
DISTRICT 2
Kent Edmondson Chris Lievsay
DISTRICT 3
Susan Culpepper Ron Fowler
816-210-8293 816-220-0599 816-215-8175 816-674-5108 816-916-5696 816-228-1568
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PHOTOS We continue to grow in the City of Blue Springs. It was a good year and we plan on having more great success in the future as we continue to reach higher as a community .
New developement Chipotle, Hwy 40 & Dollar General, Hwy 7
Mayor Ross and First Lady in the Fall Fun Festival Parade
Fall Fun Festival Parade
Residents enjoying Downtown Blue Springs
Christine Cates became the new City Administrator in October 2023
Cats on Main
Blue Surf Bay Construction
Re-elected City Officials
Police Memorial Service
Moreland School Road Overlay Downtown Mural 33 | Travel Blue Springs Magazine Magazine
BRIAN SPANO
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Bringing home awards to Blue Springs rian Spano, Marketing & Events Coordinator Bfor Blue Springs Parks & Recreation, recently
earned two Silver PRISM Awards from the Kansas City Public Relations Society of America for his work on the department’s Annual Report and a behind the scenes walk-through video for the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark. The PRISM awards, given annually, are the pinnacle of excellence in the public relations industry, showcasing exemplary campaigns, initiatives and individuals who have made a significant impact in the field. “It was a great honor to be recognized for the work we do as a department,” Spano said. “Because of our successes, my goal is for other parks and recreation departments to look to us as the one to emulate as the gold standard.” Spano says.
“Brian has done an outstanding job in connecting the community to the Parks and Recreation Department through his marketing and public relations work and this recognition is well deserved.” - Dennis Dovel, Senior Director of Parks & Recreation
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WINTER WEATHER
The Blue Springs Snow Team = "Prepared Readiness!"
T
he Blue Springs Snow Removal Team is made up of many of the best operators in the Midwest. Both Public Works and the 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 November to midApril. Emergency Snow crews work closely with first responders, police, fire and EMS to ensure they can respond to emergency calls.
PHASE I - FIRST RESPONSE When winter weather arrives, the City of Blue Springs and the Public Works Department executes an emergency winter storm plan to remove snow and ice accumulation from roadways in order for you to travel safely throughout the City. Initially, eight primary trucks with spreaders and plows begin clearing snow and ice from first, second, and third priority streets as identified on the snow removal map which can be viewed on the City’s website. PHASE II - MORE SNOW, MORE RESOURCES
PHASE 0 - PRE-TREATMENT When snow or ice is in the forecast, snow crews begin pre-treatment on all City-owned streets and roads in priority order. However, if rain is in the forecast prior to the snow or ice, the timing of any pre-treatment may be impacted since rainfall could wash away the pre-treatment.
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When a snowfall accumulation exceeds two inches, seven additional residential trucks with plows are called in to join the primary trucks in keeping the main roads cleared. As the weather event tapers off the residential trucks break off and begin plowing one pass in each direction on residential roadways. The crews work around the clock until all roadways have received service.
>>> Get supplies early and before the weather
If snowfall accumulation exceeds four inches, crews will continue plowing all roadways curb to curb. Crews will continue to work around the clock until all roadways have been cleared. During this phase, we ask for residents to remove vehicles from all streets in an effort to assist our crews in doing the best job possible.
comes in so you can stay off the roads if possible.
To contact the Snow Removal hotline, call 816-2280295. For more on the City's revised Snow Plan visit
>>> Remember, our crews are trying to clear our streets quickly, efficiently and safely, so please give us time and room to work.
www.bluespringsgov.com/snow RESIDENT TIPS
A CLOSE-UP LOOK AT NATURE
PHASE III - HEAVY SNOW
>>> Don't let your children build forts or play in snow piles near the streets. Large piles created by plows can be tempting but are extremely dangerous as plows may make multiple passes down a street.
View snow routes and maps here
Help our drivers keep the City safe and please: >>> Remove vehicles from streets and park in driveways. Please also remove items like basketball goals from cul-de-sacs. Travel Magazine | 66 Blue Springs Magazine
07 BLUE SPRINGS PD
Winter safety driving tips... Q&A with Detective Troy Hofstetter
The winter weather is slowly making it's way in and that
means driving conditions will soon change. Snow, slush and ice will soon pave our roads. Preparing yourself for what lies ahead can give you an advantage. We sat down and spoke with Detective Troy Hofstetter for some winter driving safety tips that can help keep you stay safe on the road this winter. City of Blue Springs: Detective Hofstetter thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk to us. Det. Hofstetter: My pleasure. COBS: How should our residents prepare their vehicles for winter driving? Det. Hofstetter: The best way is to have all the fluids checked to make sure there is an appropriate amount of them for the engine to work properly. Oil, anitfreeze and windshield washer fluid. They also need to check tire pressure and tread so vehicles can have the best traction available.
COBS: What supplies should we keep in our cars during the winter driving season? Det. Hofstetter: The best thing to keep in the vehicle is a blanket for when it is extremely cold to help keep warm if you should break down away from any facilities. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged, especially if you Magazine Magazine 77 | Travel Blue Springs
are going to be out for an extended period. A flashlight is always good along with fresh batteries. COBS: If you should find your vehicle sliding due to ice or snow, should you just slam on the brakes? What would you recommend? Det. Hofstetter: Never slam on your brakes when dealing with ice and/or snow. By doing that you lose the ability to steer your vehicle and it will just slide. The best thing to do is pump your brakes and allow for enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Always look ahead and anticipate sudden stops. COBS: What are many accidents contributed to during the wintertime? Det. Hofstetter: Most accidents in the winter are due to inattention and not allowing enough space between vehicles. When driving conditions are not good you should never be on your phone while driving. Your conversation can wait, or you can pull over to check your text message. COBS: And finally, what would you recommend for young drivers who are driving for the first time in inclement weather? Det. Hofstetter: Never be afraid to ask for help or tips from an experienced driver. My best advice is to slow down, allow yourself adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you just in case you have to stop suddleny and take your time. COBS: Detective Hoffstetter thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge with us. Det. Hofstetter: Anything I can do to help. Thanks for having me.
BECOME A BLUE SRINGS POLICE OFFICER
WE ARE HIRING !
Becoming a police officer can be a rewarding and challenging career choice, with several potential benefits.
. Police Officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and order, contributing to the overall wellbeing of communities.
. Police Officers often receive
competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
. Law Enforcement offers various
career paths and specializations such as detective work, SWAT teams, canine units, narcotics, cybercrime, and more. This allows officers to tailor careers to their interests.
. With experience and continued
education, officers may have the chance to advance in their careers, taking on leadership roles or specializing in specific areas of Law Enforcement.
. Many police departments offer
Citizen's Police Academy Have you ever wondered what does it take to become a Blue Springs Police Officer? Then you need to sign up for the Citizen's Police Academy classes. The CPA is nine classes over an eigth week period. The course covers: History of Law Enforcement, Dispatch Traffic Unit, Drone Unit, Command Vehicle Tour, (CSI) Crime Scene
Investigation, Domestic Violence, Fire Arms Training Safety and a ride along. Each session takes place on Thursday night between 6:00P.M. -9:00P.M. at the Blue Springs Police Department. If you would like to sign up for the CPA please contact Officer Doug Heishman at (816) 228-0178 or e-mail dheishman@bluespringsgov.com
pension plans, providing officers with financial security in their retirement years.
If this sounds interesting to you and you would like to apply click the link below to get started in your career in Law Enforcement. Apply for a position here
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City Amended Trash Ordinance At the Monday, December 5th meeting, the Blue Springs City Council approved a City Code amendment regulating the placement of trash and trash containers for residential properties that are placed for pickup by trash haulers. The new City Code specifically allows for trash/ trash containers to be placed curbside for pickup, changing a long-standing rule that prohibited curbside pickup throughout the
City which had been in place since 1975. Under the new regulations, all trash and trash containers are allowed to be placed at the curb from 6:00 P.M. the previous night through 10:00 P.M. on trash collection day. The new regulation also stipulates that at all other times, trash containers must be stored within five feet from the residential dwelling premises, including attached garages. 1.All solid waste including trash containers, tree limbs and yard waste, may be deposited for pickup either at the curb or no closer to a public street than five feet from the dwelling premises, including attached garages. 99 | Travel Blue Magazine Springs Magazine
Curb-side pickups of trash are no longer expressly prohibited. 2. Solid waste and solid waste containers shall only be placed for pickup from 6:00 P.M. the night before collection day until 10:00 P.M. on collection day. 3. Residential solid waste containers shall be stored upon the residential premises within five feet of the dwelling premises, including attached garages, at all times other than when allowed to be placed for pickup. The new regulations for the storage and placement of trash containers on residential properties throughout the City are aimed to be more reflective of the prevailing, modern-day industry standard methods of trash collection using trash containers and trucks with mechanical grab-arms. City staff believes the proposed amendments will provide residents, neighborhoods and trash haulers more clear direction and understanding of the regulations regarding the placement and storage of trash containers while still preserving the visual integrity and aesthetics of residential neighborhoods. In order to help residents become aware and more familiar with the new regulations, enforcement by City Codes Enforcement staff will not begin until after January 2024.
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NEW PROMOTIONS & EMPLOYEES
Christine Cates, promoted to City Administrator
Sheryl Morgan, promoted to Assistant to the City Administrator
Erin Ford, promoted to City Clerk
Dennis Dovel, promoted to Senior Director of Parks & Rec
Karen Van Winkle promoted to Senior Director of Finance
Mike Mallon, promoted to Senior Director of City Development
David Watson, promoted to Communications Manager
Welcome Traci Breshears, new Administrative Assistant
Welcome Mandy Jo Brockman Utility Billing Clerk Welcome Amanda Steele Utility Billing Clerk
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DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The City of Blue Springs previous Downtown Master Plan was adopted by City Council in February of 2007. Many of the goals and visions have been achieved and the City is seeking new ideas to continue to push the community into the future. Community Development staff developed a request for proposals that was publicized in May 2023. Proposals were submitted and reviewed by Community Development staff and RDG Planning & Design was selected as the preferred consultant for the project. On August 21, 2023, the City entered into a contract with RDG Planning & Design for professional consulting services for the preparation of the Downtown Blue Springs Master Plan. There have been a variety of stakeholder meetings, Open House and Design Studio events that have been held thus far to gain public
feedback on what the future of Downtown Blue Springs could look like. There will be a final Public Open House at City Hall on February 8th, 2024 @5P.M. -7P.M. with a consultant presentation at 5:15P.M. where draft plan documents that contain more finalized concepts, goals, strategies and potential implementation steps will be shared with the public. The plan is anticipated to be presented to the Planning Commission in late February and then presented to the City Council on March 4, 2024. The City is excited about the possibilities of what could be in Downtown Blue Springs and continues to encourage the public to participate in the process. Other opportunities to participate include going to the Project Website and taking a survey or visit the Interactive Map and share your ideas! Take Survey here. For more information contact Cara Elbert, Asst. Director Community Development at (816) 220-4504 or celbert@bluespringsgov.com
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UPDATE
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City staff recently took a tour to see the progress of the Blue Surf Bay Waterpark. Here is an update from Senior Director of Parks and Recreation, Dennis Dovel. Construction on Blue Surf Bay Waterpark is progressing well. The outdoor aquatics area is nearly 80% complete and will offer a variety of attractions, including four waterslides, lazy river, wave ball pool, social pool, and a zero-depth entry pool with a play structure. Additionally, a double surf simulator is being installed. The lobby and locker rooms are nearing completion, with fixtures and case work being installed. As for the indoor aquatics area, it is about 70% complete and will feature a four-lane lap pool with a rock-climbing wall and a ninja
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cross course suspended above. There will be a warm water lifestyle pool with vortex, hydrotherapy, and current channels along with a large whirlpool to cater to younger guests, a splash pad and water slide will be included. Additionally, the indoor aquatics will provide a sauna for those working out and needing a little downtime to recover. The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to bring this fantastic amenity to the community and is eagerly anticipating the facility's opening in May 2024.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR www.bluespringsgov.com/calendar
*All Events and Programs listed in the Winter/Spring 2023-24 Blue Springs Magazine/Play Naturally Activity Guide are subject to change or cancellation . Follow us on social media and bluespringsgov.com for updated program/event information.
FEBRUARY Daddy Daughter Dance February 2 & 3, 2024 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Vesper Hall Spring Youth Soccer League Registration Deadline February 19, 2024 All Day Blue Springs Feildhouse
MARCH Spring Break Camp March 18 -22, 2024 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Blue Springs Fieldhouse
HELPFUL INFORMATION ALL (816) AREA CODES
Youth Baseball League Registration Deadline March 25, 2024 All Day Blue Springs Fieldhouse
APRIL Adult Soccer League Registration Deadline April 19, 2024 All Day Blue Springs Fieldhouse Get Outdoors April 20, 2024 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Blue Springs Fieldhouse
Adams Pointe Conf. Center...............................228-8100 Adams Pointe Golf Club.....................................220-3673 Alarm Permits........................................................228-0217 Animal Control......................................................228-0149 Building Inspections............................................228-0104 Building Permits....................................................228-0118 Business Services Division.................................228-0131 City Administrator’s Office................................228-0111 City Clerk.................................................................228-0111 Planning Department.........................................228-0207 City Communications.........................................655-0497 Codes (Compliance)............................................220-4565 Codes (Permits).....................................................228-0118 Community Development................................228-0207 Comm. Develop. Hotline...................................228-0223 Comm. and Youth Outreach.............................228-0178 Economic Development....................................228-0208 Engineering............................................................228-0121 Finance Department...........................................655-0320 Fire Depart. (non-emergency).........................229-2522 GIS - Mapping Division ......................................228-0119 Human Resources................................................228-0190
Liquor License (Individual)................................228-0160 Liquor License (Business)..................................228-0131 Mayor and Council...............................................228-0111 Municipal Court Clerk.........................................228-0274 Parks & Recreation...............................................228-0137 Parks & Recreation Hotline................................228-0116 Police Administration..........................................228-0164 Police (non-emergency)....................................228-0151 Police Detectives..................................................228-0156 Police Records........................................................228-0160 Pothole Hotline.....................................................228-0291 Public Works...........................................................228-0195 Sales Tax...................................................................220-4542 Snow Removal Hotline.......................................228-0295 Street Department...............................................228-0195 Swimming Pool.....................................................228-0188 Vesper Hall..............................................................228-0181 Voter Registration................................................228-0110 Water & Sewer Billing..........................................622-4444 Water/Sewer Maintenance...............................228-0195
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