Blue Springs Magazine 2021 Spring/Summer

BLUE SPRINGS magazine 2021 SPRING/SUMMER

ALL ABOUT STORMWATER SPRING & SUMMER TIPS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE RECYCLING RETURNS CITY HALL, VESPER RE-OPEN

Photo by Eric Clark, 2020 My Blue Springs Photo Contest

WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

CONTENTS 3

Emergency Preparedness

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Household Hazardous Waste

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Spring and Summer tips for residents

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Stormwater Safety

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COVID in Blue Springs - One Year Later

STILL GOING STRONG Hello Blue Springs, we have passed the one-year mark of probably one of the toughest years I can remember. This global COVID pandemic and subsequent health orders has certainly changed our daily lives.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. On April 9, all Missouri adults are eligible for the COVID vaccine. I have already received mine, do you have plans to get yours? On page 10, you will find some links to resources on how to access the vaccine.

Additionally on page 10, there is information on funds available to help those of you who have struggled economically during this difficult year.

I am absolutely thrilled the weather is warming up and we are starting to see the first signs of spring. In this issue of the Blue Springs Magazine, you will find a variety of helpful information and City news to assist you in making plans for the warmer weather.

As you enjoy your outdoor activities this spring, I encourage you to be as prepared as possible for emergency weather situations. Keep reading to learn how you can sign up with Everbridge Nixle for emergency alert notifications. Additionally, we want you to celebrate summer safely, and as always, be a good neighbor during the Independence Day holiday if you plan to shoot fireworks.

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City Hall, Vesper Re-open to public

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COVID information

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 “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and now Nextdoor!

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Development in Blue Springs

Gratefully in your service,

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Community Calendar

Mayor Carson Ross

CITY OFFICIALS

ON THE COVER 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 Photo by Eric Clark, 2020 My Blue Springs Photo Contest

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2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

Carson Ross, Mayor Eric Johnson, City Administrator

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

EMERGENCY

[PREPAREDNESS[ Although you can’t fully plan for every unexpected event, a prepared community can put Blue Springs in a better position to handle a disaster locally. Early warning systems and Community Emergency Response Teams can help prevent loss of life and reduce the economic impact of disasters.

SEVERE WEATHER TIPS Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather.

Create a Plan & Practice: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan Get In: If you are outside, get inside. If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.

Get Down: Get underground. If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible.

Cover Up: Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer.

Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc., to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

EMERGENCY ALERTS SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS!

TEXT YOUR ZIP CODE TO 888777 (Example: 64015)

Everbridge Nixle is the primary emergency notification system for the Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency.

This tool is free to users and allows OR VISIT individuals a higher level of control over the type of information they receive. Users can sign up for notifications about emergency alerts, weather advisories, event notifications and more.

WWW.NIXLE.COM

POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT The 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report is now available online at www.bluespringsgov.com/ pafr. The report summarizes the financial activities of the City of Blue Springs government and includes a portion of the information that appears in the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which is also available on our website.

This report provides an easy-to-read overview of the City's financial activities, including revenues and expenditures and a breakdown of both property and sales tax percentages.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE The City of Blue Springs has rejoined the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program for the 2021 calendar year. As a participating member, Blue Springs residents can utilize year-round facilities in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, as well as dropoff events held April through October. The Blue Springs event will be held August 28, 2021 at Pink Hill Park, 2715 NW Park Drive. We encourage residents to use the yearround facilities as-needed.

Materials that may be disposed of at the Kansas City and Lee’s Summit facilities include automotive fluids, batteries, CFL light bulbs, household cleaners, hazardous liquids and solvents, lawn and garden products, pesticides, pool chemicals, paints and related products. Explosives, tires, asbestos, and yard, medical and commercial waste are not accepted at facilities or at any drop-off events. Commercial waste includes waste from nonprofits, churches, home-based businesses, and rental property owners. Proof of residency is required at facilities and events.

For more information on the Household Hazardous Waste program, including facility locations, hours of operation, appointment requirements, and materials accepted, contact the MARC SWMD recycling information line at (816) 474-8326 or visit www. recyclespot.org. For additional questions, please contact the Blue Springs Community Development Department at 816-228-0207.

HHW FACILITY/EVENT INSTRUCTIONS •

Seal containers tightly.

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Bring items in their original containers inside a sturdy box.

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If original container is leaking or damaged, transfer product to a safe container and re-label.

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Don't mix products together,

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Be prepared to leave your containers. Containers such as gasoline cans will not be returned at mobile events.

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No business waste.

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Bring your ID with proof of residency to utilize regional events or drop-off centers FREE.

ADOPT-A- STREET City street crews maintain 268 miles of streets year-round. Unfortunately, the best of care doesn’t stop people from littering our roadways.

Citizens interested in helping to preserve the cleanliness of Blue Springs streets can volunteer to Adopt-AStreet in Blue Springs. Volunteers are provided fluorescent safety vests, flags and bags. The rubbish collected will be picked up for disposal by the City of Blue Springs. Those who sign up to Adopt-A-Street are asked to serve at least a 1-year commitment to pick the litter up nine times throughout the year.

For more information about the program, contact Donna Caton, Utilities Project Manager at 816-228-0277 or complete the Adopt-A-Street Request form at www.bluespringsgov.com.

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2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

TOP 7

SPRING AND SUMMER TIPS

www.bluespringsgov.com/codes

1. LAWNS

8. SPRINKLERS AND BACKFLOW

Lawns should not exceed 8 inches in height. Eradicate any poison ivy on your residential or commercial property.

All residential water customers with an in-ground sprinkler system must have a backflow device and annual backflow inspection report registered with the City. Call 816-228-0195 for more information.

2. TREE LIMBS Limbs that overhang the sidewalk or street must be trimmed. Call Public Works at (816) 228-0195 if you have questions about limbs in the rights-of-way of streets.

3. BRUSH PILES Brush piles must be removed and disposed of properly.

Open burning is not permitted within City limits.

4. TRASH CONTAINERS Trash for pick up should be placed no further than 5 feet from the home. Curbside pick up is prohibited. All trash must be contained at all times.

9. BLOCK PARTIES A Special Events Permit application must be filed and approved two weeks prior to the event. Go to www.bluespringsgov.com/ permitcenter to download the permit application.

10. PETS A dog or cat or other animal owner, or a person having charge, care, control or custody of any dog, cat or other animal, shall keep their dog, cat, or other animal under restraint at all times. No owner shall permit a dog or cat to bark, howl, meow or cry, in such a manner that it annoys or disturbs a reasonable person.

5. FENCE, DECK AND POOL CONSTRUCTION Construction or replacement of a deck, fence or pool requires a City building permit. All pools holding 24 inches of water or more, including inflatable pools, must have a permit from the Codes Administration.

6. GARAGE SALE SIGNS Garage and yard sale signs must be placed on your own property.

These signs do not require a permit. Signs can be posted on premises for up to 3 days per sale. They may not be posted on public utility/light poles or on public street rights-of-way.

7. REPLACEMENT FURNACES, WATER HEATERS AND AIR CONDITIONERS All replacements require a building permit and City inspection. If a contractor is used, they are required to have a valid City business license.

EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY YARD WASTE COLLECTION CENTER

37910 E. Pink Hill Road, Oak Grove April-November, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This facility allows residents to recycle grass clippings, leaves, brush and limbs for a nominal fee.

For fee information, visit www.jacksongov.org/ yardwaste. For more information, call 816-847-7050.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

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[STORMWATER SAFETY [

PHOTO BY ERIC CLARK, 2020 MY BLUE SPRINGS PHOTO CONTEST

Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other sites. When stormwater is absorbed into soil, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground.

Instead, the water flows into storm drains, sewer systems and drainage ditches that ultimately feed into area lakes and rivers.

PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS Anything dumped or dropped on the ground or in the gutter can end up in the nearest body of water. Stormwater pollution results from materials and chemicals washed into the storm drains from streets, gutters, neighborhoods, industrial sites, parking lots and construction sites. This type of pollution is significant because, unlike the water that goes down a sink or toilet in your home, stormwater is untreated and flows directly to a lake, river, or the ocean.

• Don't dump waste into storm drains – this includes fireworks and yard waste.

Stormwater systems were originally intended to route rainwater quickly off the streets during a heavy storm. Unfortunately, these systems can carry pollutants such as pesticides, bacteria and chemicals through city streets and straight to our waters.

• Use drip pans to catch engine oil and other pollutants while repairing cars.

• Keep yard clippings out of the street.

• Dispose of household chemicals properly by following the directions on the package or by utilizing Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Facility or event.

• Clean up oil spills and fix leaking automobiles.

• Recycle used motor oil.

• Sweep driveways clean instead of hosing them down.

For Questions or Concerns regarding stormwater or the City's stormwater infrastructure, contact Public Works at 816-228-0121 6

2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM FLOODING 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 (816228-0207), 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 (816-228-0195)

PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY MEMBERS 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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COVID IN BLUE SPRINGS

ONE YEAR LATER “When the going got tough in 2020, the tough got going,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This community is surviving through a pandemic, an economic downturn, and our way of life being turned upside down. And we are still here and we’re still going strong!”

Springs business and restaurant community while still following CDC health guidelines and Jackson County regulations.

The multitude of health orders implemented to protect our residents has not made it easy for our business community, but Blue Springs has risen to the occasion to protect the health and safety for all while also ensuring local businesses continue to be supported.

In April 2020, when restaurants were relying on curbside orders, the Council enacted an ordinance to allow the curbside sale of liquor. And in May 2020, when some businesses were allowed to reopen based on occupancy limits, the Council unanimously approved an ordinance that allowed businesses to modify or expand their premises and seating by using adjacent outdoor areas to serve as many customers as possible.

Over the last year, the Mayor and City Council have enacted several measures to support the Blue

The City also ensured Community Development Block Grant CARES funds allocated to our community

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2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

CITY HALL, VESPER NOW RE-OPEN TO PUBLIC Blue Springs City Hall and Vesper Hall are now re-open to the public.

Glass has been installed at all City Hall and Vesper Hall counters. In addition, social distancing guidelines and Jackson County mask policies will be enforced to protect the health and safety of residents and City staff while conducting business at City Hall.

All no-contact methods of conducting City business available while City Hall was closed to the public will still be available.

This includes drop-boxes and online services for planning, development and public works engineering. Additionally, Water/Sewer Payments can be made by calling (816) 2280220, utilizing the secure drop box at City Hall or by going online to our website at http://www.bluespringsgov.com/ utilitybilling.

funded small business loans. CARES CDBG funds also went to the Community Services League to help assist residents pay outstanding mortgage, rent and utility bills.

Many City operations were modified to ensure the health and safety of residents and City employees.

The City used creative methods to ensure all City services remained available throughout this time including no-contact drop-boxes for City plans and permits and online options for other City services. The City never stopped working to provide residents vital services.

Vesper Hall re-opened with a modified schedule and preregistration requirements for all classes, events and lunches.

Walk-ins will not be allowed at this time. Social distancing protocols and Jackson County mask policies will be enforced.

The Jackson County Health Department has approved the opening protocols to ensure it meets the current Jackson County Health orders related to Covid-19 and the Safe Re-opening plan of Jackson County. Please go to www. bluespringsgov.com/vesper for more information on the Vesper Hall Re-Opening.

These facilities have been closed since March 17, 2020 in an effort to protect residents and staff and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, go to www.bluespringsgov.com/ COVID19 or call 816-228-0111.

“I am so thankful that we were able to work together as a community to adapt and overcome during the COVID-19 crisis," Ross said. And while we are not out of the woods yet, I am sure that if we continue working together to follow all the health and safety guidelines, we will soon see some light at the end of the tunnel and be able to get back to some sense of normalcy.”

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

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[COVID[ VACCINE INFORMATION

COUNTY HEALTH ORDER Effective 12:01 a.m. April 9, Jackson County has announced the easing of restrictions on businesses and gatherings.

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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.

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Restaurants, bars and taverns can operate at full capacity to serve food and alcohol. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.

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There are no capacity limits on gatherings. Mask wearing and social distancing are required.

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Mask mandate and social distancing protocols will remain in effect.

The easing of these restrictions coincides with the activation of Phase 3 in the State of Missouri's Vaccination plan that will open vaccine eligibility to ALL Missouri adults.

As of April 9, 2021, all Missouri adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information on how to access the COVID-19 vaccine, go to https://www.jacksongov. org/1251/Vaccine-Information.

If you, or someone you know, are homebound and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please call the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) vaccine registry helpline at 816-421-4980 or 1-800-593-7948. Phone lines operate MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

UTILITY AND RENT ASSISTANCE The Blue Springs Community Services League is administering Federal Rent Assistance funds to households behind in their rent or utilities.

This program is part of the stimulus package passed by the United States Congress in December 2020 to help communities and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that includes relief for renters.

Residents in Jackson County, Missouri outside of Kansas City, Missouri behind in rent and/or utility payments, due to the impact of COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance through this program.

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2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

Applicants will need several documents to start their application and should thoroughly review the documents listed here: www.jacksoncountyerap.org/ applicationchecklist This opportunity is only for residents of Jackson County outside of Kansas City, MO. Applications open April 5, 2021.

For more information about the program or eligibility requirements, go to https://www.jacksoncountyerap.org

[DEVELOPMENT[ THE YARD: DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Blue Springs City Council has selected Henry Lyons Inc., to develop the City-owned downtown lumberyard property. The preliminary site plan includes an outdoor gathering space, retail and apartments. Specific development plans have yet to be finalized. This plan was in response to the City's request for proposals to develop the nearly 3.5-acre property between Main Street and Walnut Street in downtown Blue Springs.

BLUE SPRINGS LOGISTICS

WHATABURGER

Blue Springs Logistics is a 585,660 square-foot industrial facility currently under construction that could house multiple tenets that may include manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution uses. The development is located along NE Jefferson Street east of Faurecia and north of Interstate 70.

In March, the Texas-based burger restaurant officially announced plans to bring Whataburger to Blue Springs at the former Winstead's location, 905 HWY 7.

The company is working with the property owner, the City and MoDOT to ensure the success of the location. Development plans have not yet been finalized.

INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

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CELEBRATE SMART THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

Be

Hours of fireworks discharge within city limits • July 1-3, 2020 - 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• July 4, 2020 - 10 a.m. to Midnight The Blue Springs Police Department will increase street patrol and enforcement measures during these times to make sure residents are complying with the regulations of the City’s Fireworks Ordinance.

To report fireworks violations: • Call Police Dispatch at 816-228-0151 • Text-A-Tip; text BSPD plus your message, including location to Crimes (274637)

Think

• Use city-approved fireworks only • Includes fireworks sold by the 18 licensed nonprofit organizations in Blue Springs • Discharge of bottle rockets or aerial luminaries is prohibited For a list of approved fireworks vendors, visit www.bluespringsgov. com/fireworks or call 816-228-0131.

Play

Keep it 12

• • • • •

Always have an adult present when discharging fireworks Avoid discharging fireworks in dry areas Do not discharge fireworks around pets or animals If burned, observe proper burn care and call 911 Visit www.fireworksafety.com for more information

Be kind to your neighbors and the environment, and properly dispose of all debris after discharging fireworks.

2021 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM

Red, White & Blue Springs Returns for 2021!

The City invites residents to the Red, White and Blue Springs Celebration on Saturday, July 4.

Location to be announced.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Entertainment at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks display begins around 9:45 p.m.

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

www.bluespringsgov.com/calendar

APRIL BLUE SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

May through October, Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, Downtown Blue Springs, Municipal Parking Lot www.bluespringsfarmersmarket. com

Blood Drive

April 16 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Blue Springs Christian Church

Rx Take Back Event

April 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Blue Springs Police Department

Virtual Escape Room

April 19-24, Call the Chamber, 816-229-8558 to register

Get Outdoors

DOWNTOWN CAR CRUISES

April through October, Second Saturday of the Month along Main Street in Downtown Blue Springs.

April 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lake Remembrance

Food Truck Night April 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Wilbur Young Park

MAY

Corks & Canvas Art and Wine Walk

Downtown Gateway Dedication

May 13, Time TBA Downtown Gateway Arch on Main

Red, White & Blue Springs

Hidden Valley Park

July 4, Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Location TBA.

Fishing Derby

May 15 , 8:30-Noon All Ages Rotary Park at Railroad Lake

Concerts in the Park

June 19, TBA Downtown Blue Springs

JULY

Drive-in Movie Onward May 14, Dusk

May 30 through August 29 Sundays, 6-8 p.m.

Rotary Park at Railroad Lake

Dog Days of Summer July 17, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Blue Springs Dog Park

AUGUST

Movie in the Park The Lion King August 6, Dusk Rotary 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

JUNE

ALL (816) AREA CODES

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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