Blue Springs Magazine - Winter/Spring 2023

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INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE THE COMMUNITY ISSUE UNDER CONSTRUCTION: BLUE SURF BAY BLUE SPRINGS magazine 2023 WINTER/SPRING WINTER WEATHER TIPS & THE CITY'S SNOW REMOVAL PLAN NEW FACES AT CITY HALL WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

YEAR IN REVIEW

Hello Blue Springs and Happy New Year! 2022 has been quite a year in the City of Blue Springs with many exciting changes and developments and much more to come. One of the biggest changes to our City government in 2022 was the hiring of our new City Administrator, Mike Ekey. Mike came to us from the City of Raymore to lead our City's day-to-day operations. We are very excited to have him on board. In addition to Mike's leadership, we also have several new faces among our Department leadership team, the newest of which is our Director of Public Works, who will start Jan. 23. We introduce you to the new Department Directors on page 6. I can't wait to see the innovation and creativity these public servants will bring to Blue Springs to keep us a City on the move and on the right track!

2022 was also the year we broke ground on the City's new state-of-the-art indoor/ outdoor water park – Blue Surf Bay! Construction on the facility began in November and we are eagerly anticipating the opening in spring/summer 2024. More information on Blue Surf Bay can be found on page 8.

You can hear more about our City's accomplishments and updates from some of our community partners in this issue if the Blue Springs Magazine

If you would like more frequent updates on City events, I encourage you to go online and sign up for my e-newsletter: ‘News Happenings Around Town’. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Gratefully in your service, Mayor Carson Ross

CITY OFFICIALS

Carson Ross, Mayor Mike Ekey, City Administrator

CONTACT INFORMATION

City of Blue Springs 903 W. Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-0110 www.bluespringsgov.com

Miranda Austerman, editor mausterman@bluespringsgov.com

DISTRICT 1 Galen Ericson 816-210-8293 Jerry Kaylor 816-220-0599

DISTRICT 2 Kent Edmondson 816-215-8175 Chris Lievsay 816-674-5108

DISTRICT 3 Susan Culpepper 816-916-5696 Ron Fowler 816-228-1568

2023 WINTER/SPRING • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
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CONTENTS Year in Photos 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Winter Weather Tips and Snow Removal New Faces at City Hall Development Updates New Water Park Updates Board Spotlight: Planning Commission Community Issue: Community Services League Community Issue: CJCFPD Community Issue: Chamber of Commerce Community Issue: Downtown Alive! One Life One Community: Fentanyl Awareness Technology and the Police Department Community Calendar

2022 YEAR IN PHOTOS

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING
THE QUALITY OF LIFE 3
COMMUNITY, IMPROVING
Mayor Carson Ross in the Fall Fun Fest Parade Mike Ekey became the City Administrator in May 2022. Councilmember Ron Fowler recognized for 30 years of service to the Council. The Blue Springs Police Department received its fourth reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Fast-casual restaurants including Whataburger , Hawaiian Bros, Mo'Bettahs and Tacos 4 Life opened. Keith Hannaman (far right)was named Blue Springs Citizen of the Year for his work on the Parks Commission. Improvements on more than 15 miles of City Streets were completed. New retail opened in Adams Dairy Landing. Two Parade of Hearts public art pieces were showcased in Blue Springs. The City broke ground on Blue Surf Bay in November

WINTER WEATHER

SNOW PLAN

The Blue Springs Snow Removal Team is made up of many of the best operators in the Midwest. Both Public Works and 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 mid-April. Emergency Snow crews work closely with first responders, police, fire and EMS to ensure they can respond to emergency calls.

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 pretreatment.

PHASE I - FIRST RESPONSE

When the snow begins to fall or ice begins to form in the City of Blue Springs, 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. When it first starts to snow, 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

When a snowfall accumulation exceeds two inches, seven additional residential trucks with plows join the eight first response plows to keep the main roads clear. As the weather event tapers off the residential trucks begin plowing one pass in each direction on residential roadways.

During Phase II, residents should move vehicles off all streets until plowing has been completed. The crews work around the clock until all roadways have one pass cleared.

PHASE III - HEAVY SNOW

If snowfall accumulation continues and reaches a depth of at least four inches, crews will continue plowing all roadways curb to curb. During Phase III, residents should move vehicles off all streets until plowing has been completed. The crews work around the clock until all roadways have been cleared.

To contact the Snow Removal hotline, call 816-228-0295. For more on the City's Snow Plan and to view maps of snow routes, go to www.bluespringsgov.com/ snow.

RESIDENT TIPS

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).

Get supplies early and before the weather comes in so you can stay off the roads if possible.

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.

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

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POTHOLES

It's that time of year. When we aren't clearing roads of snow and ice, City crews are out fixing potholes.

Potholes are typically more frequent in the late winter and early spring months due to the freeze/thaw cycle. When water freezes and thaws over and over, pavement will weaken and continue cracking. When cars and trucks pass over the weak spots, the material breaks down causing potholes.

It is generally the policy of Public Works to repair every reported pothole on city-maintained streets within two business days of receiving notification of a pothole. Response times may be impacted by weather events or other significant public works projects.

When its cold out, temporary repair materials known as cold mix are used. This means, there can be repeat occurrences in the same location until weather allows for a permanent repair using materials known as hot mix.

BEAT THE FREEZE

Protect your pipes from freezing this winter

To avoid freezing water pipes when temperatures drop, follow these simple tips to make sure your home is prepared:

• Be sure pipes in unheated parts of your home, including crawl spaces, are insulated.

• Open cabinets underneath sinks - especially those located on the outside wall or in basements - to keep warm air circulating.

• Plug up drafty cracks and repair broken window panes.

• Remove hoses from outside faucets and be sure they are drained and shut off.

• Advise all household members where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.

• Never try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. Instead use a hair dryer, sweeper exhaust, light bulb, or heat tape. Better yet, call your plumber.

• If you have experienced problems in the past with frozen pipes, keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the house. This trickle should be a steady stream the size of the lead in a pencil.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE 5
Did you know, on average the City repairs 9,000 potholes per year?
REPORT Call
OR on our website at www.bluespringsgov.com/report Join our hard-working team of dedicated professionals at the City of Blue Springs. We're hiring in a variety of positions Citywide including:
816-228-0195
Public Works Maintenance
Police Officer
Youth Sports Coordinator
Building Inspector
And More! Apply today at www.bluespringsgov.com/ jobs NOW HIRING!

NEW FACES AT CITY HALL

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS - KATI HORNER

Horner will serve as the City's new Public Works Director beginning on Jan. 23, 2023. A licensed professional engineer, Horner has an extensive background in municipal Public Works. She has served as the Assistant Director of Public Works and City Engineer in the City of Independence and as Director of Public Works in the City of Raytown.

“I am very excited to join the Blue Springs Public Works team as we continue to design, build, operate, and maintain a safe and reliable infrastructure system,” Horner said. “It is truly an honor to serve the community I call my own, and I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together.”

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - JASON NORBURY

In November 2022, Jason Norbury was hired to serve as the City's Director of Economic Development. This critical leadership role will lead the City’s evolving efforts to attract and retain quality businesses in Blue Springs. Norbury was previously the Executive Director of the Downtown Shareholder's of Kansas City, Inc.

“Blue Springs is a great city, yet still has plenty of potential for economic growth, from the emerging Downtown outward,” Norbury said. “I look forward to working with Mayor Ross, City Council, and Staff to turn that potential into reality.”

CITY ATTORNEY - SARAH E. CARNES

On Oct. 1 2022, Sarah E. Carnes began her Mayoral appointment as the new City Attorney. Carnes was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri and has extensive experience in local government previously serving as a Senior Associate for Lauber Municipal Law and as Utilities Counselor for the City of Independence.

"As an Eastern Jackson County native, I have watched Blue Springs grow into one of the top cities in the Kansas City metro,” Carnes said. “I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to serving the citizens of Blue Springs."

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - WILLIAM JAKUBEC

In December 2022, William Jakubec began as the City's Director of Information Technology. Jakubec is a seasoned IT professional with over 28 years of IT experience both on the Network, Server, and end-user device design and implementation. He also has extensive experience in team building and leadership.

“I am very excited to be here in Blue Springs and am looking forward to pushing the technology forward and making it more accessible!”

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DEVELOPMENT

RESTAURANTS

In 2022, we saw the openings of a multitude highly anticipated of fast-casual and fast-food restaurants including Tacos 4 Life at 1105 NW 7 Hwy in November, Mo'Bettahs at 806 NW 7 Hwy in August and Whataburger at 905 NW 7 Hwy in May 2022.

A new Chipotle at Sunset Plaza is under construction off SW 40 Hwy. The demolition of the previously existing structure on the property began in 2022 and we look to see construction on the new build begin in 2023.

MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING

New multi-family housing projects are in the works for 2023. The Edison at Blue Springs is a 10.4 - acre multi-family development on NW Mock Ave across from St. Mary's Medical Center. Luxe One, on NW 7 Hwy is a four story mid-rise apartment building sitting on two acres. Both projects are under construction and slated to be completed in late 2023.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

CURRENT PROJECTS MAPS

Did you know you can view all the current Development Projects in the City of Blue Springs on our website? Go to www. bluespringsgov.com/maps to access an interactive map of all the approved development projects in the City. You can also filter to see projects that are under construction or those that are pending review.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE 7
Community America Credit Union The Edison - NW Mock Luxe One - NW 7 Hwy
Spaces - Light Industrial Space
Blue Springs High School Bond Improvements Flex
McCarthy Blue Springs Hyundai

CITY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON

BLUE SURF BAY

Construction is officially underway for the new indoor/outdoor community water park. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in November, with the announcement that the new facility will officially be called "Blue Surf Bay."

“The name Blue Surf Bay embodies what a water park atmosphere should be: exciting, thrilling and most important, fun,” Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Director Dennis Dovel said. “With all of the amenities, both indoor and outdoor, we will offer, Blue Surf Bay will be one of the premier

entertainment destinations in the area.”

The facility will be an extension of the Fieldhouse at 405 SW Mock, Ave. and is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2024.

The water park is funded through the no-sunset Parks Sales Tax approved by voters in April 2021. The construction of Blue Surf Bay was one of the signature projects outlined in the renewal along with the construction of Southwest Park. The renewal passed with an 80 percent yes vote by the residents of Blue Springs.

Indoors, the facility will include a lap pool, warm water pool, splash play area, a rock wall and a retractable Ninja Cross Course.

Outdoors, Blue Surf Bay will feature a multi-slide tower with four unique water slides, a lazy river, a zerodepth entry pool with children's play structure, a wave ball pool, and a surf simulator.

Additionally, construction will include a spacious lobby that will serve as the primary entrance to both the Fieldhouse and Blue Surf Bay, meeting and part rooms, and updates to accommodate parking and traffic into the facility.

Visit www.bluespringsgov.com/water park to view videos and learn more about the new water park and its amenities.

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SERVING IN BLUE SPRINGS

Did you know there are a variety of ways to serve and make an impact on decisions and policies in the City of Blue Springs? You don't even have to run for elected office or be employed at City Hall. The City of Blue Springs has a number of advisory boards and commissions comprised of volunteers from within the community who

serve without compensation and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding actions and policies affecting municipal government, city departments, and the community. The City of Blue Springs is constantly seeking a pool of applicants from which the Mayor can make appointments to vacant

Board Spotlight: Planning Commission

spots on the City's 16 active boards and commissions. By getting involved, you have the unique opportunity to help foster new ideas, implement improvements and future growth for your community. To volunteer to serve on a City Board or Commission, go to www.bluespringsgov.com/ boards to fill out an application today.

SIGN

UP FOR

The Planning Commission is one of the most active citizen boards. It is responsible for reviewing a variety of planning and development applications, and holds public hearings on development projects to gather the information to make informed recommendations regarding planning and zoning regulations in the City. The Planning Commission is also responsible for reviewing and approving the City’s Comprehensive Plan, generally updated every 10 years. The Planning Commission is comprised of nine members who are residents that serve four-year terms and are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Members must be residents of Blue Springs; best efforts will be made to appoint equal representation from each Council District.

Beginning March 14, 2023, the Planning Commission will meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building, Council Chamber, located at 1100 SW Smith Street.

CITY ALERTS & UPDATES

Did you know you can get important information and updates from the City of Blue Springs, including meeting agendas, City news, events and more sent straight to your phone or email?

Sign up to get the City news you want as soon as it is posted at www.bluespringsgov.com/notifyme

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE 9

COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAGUE

Community Services League Blue Springs has been serving Eastern Jackson County residents in need for more than 100 years. CSL- Blue Springs offers a variety of services including providing basic needs like food and necessities to financial coaching, employment coaching, career pathways, income supports, family stability programs and much more.

"Our goal is to ensure all neighbors in crisis have choices and that we walk with them through the process of economic recovery," said Melodie Chrisman, Blue Springs CSL Director.

In 2022, CSL- Blue Springs was named “Non-Profit of the Year” by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce.

"That was a huge highlight for us, given the wonderful work so many non-profits do here in Blue Springs," Chrisman said. In 2022, CSL helped distribute more than $2 million dollars in direct assistance for past due rent, future rent and past due utilities to families still recovering from the pandemic. "We were able to accomplish that income support for neighbors, through many of our funding sources at the federal, state, and local level," Chrisman said. "Many of these families would have faced eviction and possible homelessness had we not been here to assist. "

Additionally, CSL served more than 300 children at the annual Back to School Event by providing every item on the student’s supply list, a backpack from the Chiefs and a new pair of shoes and socks. And the CSL Christmas store

served more than 1,200 residents by providing presents, decorations, wrapping paper and even batteries for toys.

Each year, the Blue Springs School District hosts a Community Unity week when the entire district works together to collect nonperishable items to provide to CSL. This year, more than 67,000 items were collected. This one donation helps CSL provide food to those in need for about 5-6 months.

"We are so thankful to be a part of such a giving community that always supports our efforts to be a light of hope for folks in crisis," Chrisman said.

For more information about CSL- Blue Springs, call 816-229-0033 or go to www.cslcares.org.

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COMMUNITY ISSUE

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

2022 proved an exciting and challenging year for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD).

CJCFPD provides a range of services including Fire and Emergency Medical Response, Community Risk Reduction programming, Emergency Management leadership, specialty rescue response, hazardous materials response, and community paramedicine services to most of Blue Springs, all of Grain Valley and portions of unincorporated Jackson County.

For the first time in District history, we responded to more than 10,000 calls for all types of assistance and attended more than 20,000 hours of Fire and Emergency Medical training.

Our fire loss continued to be significantly below the national average, though requests for Emergency Medical assistance continued to increase.

With voter approved bonds from April of 2021, we broke ground and began construction on Station 6. One of our biggest challenges has been navigating materials cost increases, supply chain delays and construction labor shortages during the planning and beginning phases of Station 6 construction. The station is finally taking shape and we hope to staff and open the station in late summer or early fall of 2023.

In addition to maintaining our accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and our Class 1 Insurance Services Office rating, we are also working toward the national designation of a HEARTSafe Community. The goal of the program is ultimately to improve survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, while also improving overall heart health and decreasing death

related to other cardiovascular events, like strokes. Communities are evaluated on thirteen different criteria, the two most important being cardiac arrest performance by Fire and EMS responders, and community readiness to assist cardiac arrest victims.

Residents should soon be seeing some of the results of our work on the community readiness component of our HEARTSafe campaign, including public access automatic external defibrillators in parks and outdoor locations around the District, a mobile community risk reduction training trailer, hands-only CPR demonstrations at fairs and public events and a 30-second Hands-Only CPR spot playing before all movies at the Miller Theaters in Blue Springs, and the B & B Theaters in Grain Valley.

In December of 2022, we also piloted a program during which we certified half of the 9th grade population attending the Blue Springs Freshman Center in K-12 American Heart Association CPR. We plan to expand the pilot program during 2023.

The women and men of CJCFPD thank you for the trust you place in us for your protection and care

Pictured Above: Rendering of Station 6 www.cjcfpd.org

MEET CHIEF 1

Chief Kirk Lair took over the CJC reins in late 2021. Chief Lair started his career with the District as a volunteer in 1990 and was hired as a career employee in 1994. During his tenure at CJC, Chief Lair also served as the President of the International Association of Fire Firefighters local 3133.

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COMMUNITY ISSUE

BLUE SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.bluespringschamber.com

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce celebrated it’s 60th anniversary in October 2022. We have proudly served the Blue Springs business community since 1962, but a lot has changed since then, and we decided it was time to update our mission and vision statements to better reflect the work we do to support our businesses today.

The mission of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is to be the leading resource for business and an effective influential community partner.

Our vision is a strong and prosperous economy that celebrates diversity, champions equity, and cultivates inclusion.

To help our members grow, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce has developed four pathways that help every business accomplish their goals: Learn, Strengthen the Community, Connect and Promote. By offering educational programs, community partnerships, several networking events and promotion opportunities, Chamber membership offers numerous benefits and keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community and local marketplace.

In 2022 the Chamber hosted it’s 53rd annual Fall Fun Festival on Main Street in Downtown Blue Springs. It

was a wonderful event, and we were excited to get back to tradition as our community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic.

In December, the Chamber held its annual Buy Blue Springs Receipt Rewards contest encouraging residents to shop local during the holiday season. Participants earned one drawing entry for every $10 spent at a Blue Springs business, and the lucky winner took home $500 cash!

The Chamber was also proud to partner with the Blue Springs School District to help connect businesses with the Real World Learning Program, as well as the City of Blue Springs and the Mid-Continent Public Library by co-hosting a How to Start a Business Expo last fall.

No matter which path your business takes, let the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce guide you on your journey! With over 520 members, together, we are #BlueSpringsStrong!

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COMMUNITY ISSUE
Chamber President, Lara Vermillion (center) celebrated 20 years in the Chamber of Commerce industry in March 2022. She has served the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce since March 2009.

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

After several attempts over several decades, Downtown Alive! was officially established in 2011 as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Blue Springs.

Downtown Alive! operates with the "Main Street America" concept and the Four Point Main Street® approach in which services are developed based on needs identified in action plans that are created by the four different volunteer committees and approved by the Board of Directors.

Besides promoting business development with education and incentives, Downtown Alive! offers and partners with other community organizations to enhance many community events. Downtown events included a weekly Farmers Market, Car Cruises, Trick or Treat Main Street, Shop Small Saturday, Mid-West Ford Fest, National Night Out, Corks & Canvas Art & Wine Fest and Christmas on Main. The primary goal is to bring people to Downtown Blue Springs so that we can create a thriving business community.

NEW BUSINESSES

Today, nearly 100 businesses call Downtown Blue Springs home, with more coming soon. Some of the new businesses that have opened this past year include: Pints-N- Play, an arcade bar & pub that includes a golf simulator and vintage games such as Pac-Man. The Grid On Main, a new small event space that offers a blank canvas allowing for personalization to suit event needs. Wild Souls Rescue and Rehab, a non-

profit wildlife rehabilitation program recently moved to downtown Blue Springs from their previous location in Grain Valley.

Coming soon! – The Bean Counter Cafe will offer breakfast, lunch, and brunch with treats to go as well.

KARMA Community Market, located in the newly renovated historic red brick building at 1117 W. Main Street, will include space for a large variety of vendors and start-ups. Opening dates for these businesses are yet to be announced, but we are looking forward to them joining our downtown business community.

BEAUTIFICATION & PUBLIC ART

Downtown Alive! has spearheaded many beautification efforts with art murals, benches, landscaping and two monument entrances.

The latest project to help to keep downtown flourishing is Cats on Main. The Cats on Main Public Art Exhibit will complement our existing public art located within the Downtown District and provide a connection between Downtown, the Blue Springs School District, and the Community.

Blue Springs Downtown Alive! has commissioned artists to paint on eight life-size fiberglass Cats using the Blue Springs High School and Blue Springs South High School mascots as the shape for the Cats in celebration of the Blue Springs School District. Each stand-alone life-size Cat will be displayed along the north and south sides of Main Street between 7 Highway and 15th Street throughout the summer of 2023 and then auctioned for sale during Homecoming Week to benefit future downtown projects.

www.downtownbluesprings.com

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COMMUNITY ISSUE

ONE LIFE. ONE COMMUNITY:

COMBATING FENTANYL OVERDOSES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN BLUE SPRINGS

The Blue Springs Police Department recognized an alarming trend. Fentanylrelated overdoses in our community were on the rise and most troubling, it was affecting teenagers and young adults.

"We knew we needed to do something about it," said Sgt. Keegan Hughes. "We created a new initiative called One Life. One Community, which focuses on reducing Fentanyl use and overdoses in our community, especially among our young people, by trying to save one life, one life at a time.

On Dec. 15, 2022, we kicked off the initiative with a community forum with many of our community partners including, The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, the Jackson County Health Department,

DID YOU KNOW?

• In 2022, CJCFPD has responded to 37 suspected opioid overdose calls with 10 being between the age of 13-21.

• In Jackson County, 1 in 5 overdose fatalities is a child under the age of 15.

• Since 2016, non-heroin opioid overdose deaths have increased by nearly 300% statewide.

Comprehensive Mental Health, and St. Mary's Medical Center. The community heard from these partners and a powerful story from Crystal Olson, a mother whose life was dramatically impacted by this drug when she found her teenage son overdosing on her front steps.

"Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous and potent drug," Hughes said. "And what makes this even more urgent is that it is also very cheap. This means drug dealers are cutting other drugs with fentanyl to stretch their supply. But even the tiniest miscalculation – we're talking two milligrams – could lead to an overdose or even death."

The community forum was just the first step. Soon, the BSPD and CJCFPD will be rolling out a pledge form with the hopes of encouraging ongoing conversations in homes around our community so that we can get our loved ones the help they need.

We will also be introducing other community training opportunities to educate on the dangers of fentanyl.

If you missed the community forum, you can view a recorded version on the City's YouTube page at www. youtube.com/cityofbluesprings. To learn more about One Life One Community, email Sgt. Hughes at khughes@bluespringsgov.com.

CITIZEN'S POLICE ACADEMY

Did you know the Blue Springs Police Department hosts a Citizen's Police Academy Class three times a year? This free nine-week course covers topics related to the everyday life of a police officer include crime-scene investigation, dispatch and the 911 system, street crimes, domestic violence, firearms training simulator and safety and more!

It is our intention that graduates of the Citizen's Police Academy course will have a better understanding of the law enforcement efforts in Blue Springs and a positive and close relationship with the Police Department.

Participants can complete an application at www.bluespringsgov.com, by emailing crimefree@bluespringsgov.com, or by calling 816-228-0178. Participants must be a resident, property owner or employee within the City limits of Blue Springs, 18 years of age and pass a criminal history background check prior to admittance into the program.

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TECHNOLOGY & PUBLIC SAFETY

The Blue Springs Police Department has made concentrated efforts to stay at the forefront of technology to keep Blue Springs residents safe.

MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

The Police Department partnered with local business, VanDoIt to customize a 2021 AWD Ford Transit Van into a Mobile Command Center. This vehicle allows the department to set up an operations center on site at crime-scene investigations, events and more. This stateof-the art vehicle is equipped with four stationary cameras on the exterior of the vehicle allowing recording and surveillance outside the van. Additionally, It is capable of extending an eight foot boom, which is equipped with a camera that is controlled with a joystick, capable of zooming in at great distances on small details and viewing in the dark with its infrared capability. Inside the Van are seven monitors to view the camera footage, to stream drone and bodycam video and to cast computer screens to the Mobile Command Post. Additionally there is one TV

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

The Public Safety Building at 1100 SW Smith Street was recently outfitted with an Emergency Operations Center. The EOC is an in-house area where the Department can monitor crime scenes, emergencies, events, and crisis situations in real-time. The EOC is outfitted with

SPEED RADAR SIGNS

capable of streaming live weather and news. The van is equipped with solar power and can run for more than 24 hours without recharging or running the engine.

two 88-inch digital and saveable white boards, four 55” television screens that together can create a wall and a 98” television. The room is capable of allowing different sources on each screen and is connected directly to the Journagan room for larger training or emergency events.

The Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association donated three portable speed radar signs to the Blue Springs Police Department. The portable radar signs are the first in Blue Springs and will join the two portable radar trailers currently used to encourage drivers to slow down and obey speed limits. The new speed radar signs store traffic data that can be used to determine if there is a speed problem in a certain area and can be moved from one location to another as deemed necessary or upon the request of citizens for increased speed patrol.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JANUARY

Christmas Tree Recycling

December 26 through January 31

Pink Hill Park

FEBRUARY

Youth Sports Registration Night

Feb. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Blue Springs Fieldhouse

Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance

Feb. 3 & 4 , 6-9 p.m. Vesper Hall Register by Jan. 25

MARCH

www.bluespringsgov.com/calendar

Adult Egg Hunt

April 7, 7-10 p.m.

Hidden Valley Sports Complex

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17, 9 a.m.

Downtown Blue Springs

Craft and Vendor Fair March 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vesper Hall

Egg-Cellent Adventure March 31, 6 p.m. Various Blue Springs Parks Register by March 29

APRIL

Easter Egg-stravaganza April 1, 9-a.m. Young Park

HELPFUL INFORMATION

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

Second Saturday Car Cruise

April 8, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Main Street

Get Outdoors

April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kemper Outdoor Education Center

MAY

Second Saturday Car Cruise

April 13, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Main Street

Fishing Derby May 13, 8:30 a.m. Rotary park

ALL (816) AREA CODES

Comm. Develop. Hotline 228-0223

Comm. Services Bureau (Police) ..........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

2023 WINTER/SPRING • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
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