BLUE SPRINGS magazine 2022 SPRING/SUMMER
PAVING THE WAY
2022 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND BEYOND
INTRODUCING THE NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR AQUATICS CENTER UPDATE
WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
CONTENTS 3
New City Administrator
4
Blue Springs Aquatics Center Update
6
Paving the Way: City's Plan for Improving Streets
8
Spring and Summer Resident Tips
10
Staff Spotlight
11
Development Updates
12
Fireworks and Independence Day
13
SPRING FORWARD I don't know about you, but I am certainly looking forward to what is to be a momentous Spring and Summer in Blue Springs. Our City and Parks Department has so many exciting things coming up and I hope this issue of the Blue Springs Magazine provides you with some valuable information. First and foremost, I am pleased to announce that we have selected a new City Administrator to help lead the day-to-day City operations. Mike Ekey will begin his service in Blue Springs on May 31. You can read more about him on page 3. Additionally, we are excited to announce that our 2022 Street Improvement Program has commenced and you will soon be seeing crews overlaying various City Streets in need of repair. Head on over to pages 6&7 for more information about how we carefully select the streets most in-need and how we hope to improve the process in the future with your help! Also included in this issue is an update on the progress we are making on designing the new Aquatics Center for our community. We've also included various resident tips and tricks to help you through the season.
Gratefully in your service,
Public Art in Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross
14
Pawportunities Partners with City for Animal Control
ON THE COVER
CITY OFFICIALS 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
Learn more about the City's plan to improve our Community's streets on pages 6 &7.
2
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
Carson Ross, Mayor Christine Cates, Acting 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
EKEY TO SERVE AS NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR
After a lengthy and diligent nationwide search, Mayor Carson Ross has selected Mike Ekey as the City’s next City Administrator. The City Council approved the appointment at the Monday, April 18 City Council Meeting. “I am confident in Mike’s ability to lead our community as the next City Administrator. As a resident of Blue Springs, Mike already has a passion for our beautiful City and he has the experience and enthusiasm to take us to the next level,” said Mayor Carson Ross. Ekey has most recently served as the Assistant City Manager of Raymore, Mo., where he led strategic planning initiatives, the development of the annual budget and Capital Improvement Programs and spearheaded economic development initiatives. "When my family moved to Blue Springs several years ago, I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to join the incredible team at City Hall. I am thrilled to be working with the Mayor, City Council and staff, and look forward to serving the residents of our great community each and every day" Ekey said. As City Administrator, Ekey will work under the
Mike Ekey, City Administrator direction of the Mayor and City Council to oversee City operations including strategic planning, direction, personnel management and budget preparation. Ekey’s start date will be May 31.
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
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 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.
SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS
TEXT YOUR ZIP CODE TO 888777 (Example: 64015)
OR VISIT
WWW.NIXLE.COM
INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
3
Rendering based on initial designs
PARKS SALES TAX PROJECT UPDATE:
AQUATICS CENTER With the renewal of the Parks Sales Tax in April 2021, voters approved the construction of a new Community Aquatic Center. The Blue Springs Aquatics Center will be a brand new, state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor facility constructed as an expansion to the Blue Springs Fieldhouse. "Since the passage of the sales tax last April, we have been working on center's design and amenities and we are very excited to share with you some of the new and exciting features we are planning on bringing to our community," said Dennis Dovel, Director of Parks and Recreation. INDOOR AMENITIES The indoor aquatic center will feature a four-lane cool water lap pool that will include a rock-climbing wall, waterfall, cliff climbing opportunities and two diving platforms. There will also be a ninja crosscourse suspended from the ceiling over the pool that can be raised when not in use. Additionally, the indoor facility will include a warm-water lifestyle pool with a current channel to allow for aqua exercise, youth swim lessons, fitness classes, physical therapy programs and leisure use.
4
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
A spacious indoor splash pad, water slide, and hot tub are also included in the indoor facility. OUTDOOR AMENITIES Outdoors, the Aquatics Center will have a waterpark design that features a 40-foot slide tower with multiple slides and types. Additionally, the outdoor space will include a lazy river with a special action
channel for guests who don’t want to be so “lazy.” A hydrotherapy and seating areas will complete the river allowing guests to choose which type of experience they are looking for. The facility will also feature a wave pool with an attached activity pool and a zero-depth entry pool with play structure for younger children.
2022 PARKS SALES TAX PROJECT LIST • Playground at Woods Chapel Park
"And we are very excited to be able to bring Blue Springs a double surf simulator, which will allow visitors to try knee boarding or stand-up surfing in the right here in the Midwest," Dovel said.
• New Boiler for Vesper Hall
The facility will also include a covered concession area and an observation deck that can be used for lounging or special events.
• Young Park Restroom Building
"And while all of these amenities are very exciting, we want you to know we are planning for the increased traffic with a new entry plaza, lobby, additional parking and street improvements to provide a unique and inviting experience," Dovel said.
• Duncan Road Trail Overlay
We are anticipating an opening date of May 2024, so look for future updates about the facility during construction on www.bluespringsgov.com and the City's social media channels.
• New Roofs for Concession Buildings at Hidden Valley Park Baseball Complex
• Blue Springs Park Restroom Building
• Pink Hill Park Parking and Road Paving and New Curbs • Pink Hill Park new Shelters • Keystone Park Trail Overlay • Keystone Park Parking and Road Paving and New Curbs • Hidden Valley Park Soccer Complex Parking Lot Paving, New Curbs and Walking Path Overlay • Grounds Park – Construction of Trail connection along Jefferson St. • Rotary Park Gazebo Replacement • James Walker Park Basketball Court Renovation • Ward Park – Pickleball Court construction • Rotary Park – Wheelchair swing installation
INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
5
PAVING THE 2022 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND BEYOND The 2022 City Street Maintenance Program is underway. This year, the Blue Springs City Council allocated a total of $6.8 Million, which is about a $4 million dollar increase over the last two budget cycles. This funding will allow for an estimated 9.59 miles of overlay, 3.17 miles of reconstruction and an estimated 5.13 miles of surface treatment for a total of 17.89 miles of City Streets – the largest amount of lane miles rehabbed since 2009.
PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
There are three major components to the Pavement Management Program – overlay, reconstruction and surface treatment. Surface treatment is a 3/8th of an inch overlay done on roads around 7-10 years old that helps us extend the life expectancy of a street segment for another 7-10 years. It helps keep the road in good condition longer and for less cost than a traditional overlay. Overlay is the industry standard for road repair once potholes STREET SELECTION and other defects become widespread. This process includes the The City has a total of 636 lane miles to maintain each year, and with a limited amount of funds to accomplish street overlay removal and replacement of the top two-inches of asphalt. An overlay extends the life of the road by 7-20 years, depending on projects, it is imperative that the streets selected are based on the volume and type of traffic using the street. strong data. A complete road reconstruction occurs when the rentire The City uses three criteria to select the segments of streets road must be removed and replaced. When doing a road that will be improved each year – volume, condition and age. reconstruction, the City strives to do it in sections so that a fewer Volume is the measure of how much traffic a particular street number of residents are impacted. This is more difficult on segment sees each day. To measure the condition of a street, the City uses data from a collector and arterial streets. “We’ve tried to design the process to provide the least comprehensive inspection and evaluation process. Every three interruptions to residents while still being able to do a full years, the City contracts with a company called Stantec to do a reconstruction,” said Chris Sandie, Director of Public Works. complete evaluation of City streets. Stantec drives every CityThe 2022 Pavement Management Program will include owned Street with a special truck that evaluates variations in the various street segments from all sections of the City. If your pavement and measures the bounce of the vehicle as it drives. neighborhood is affected by street improvements, you can They also take 360-degree photos of the streets. All of this data expect to see notifications from the City within a few days of the is then evaluated through a computer program that provides a rating to each street segment and a technician then goes through roadwork beginning. For major street segments that see a large amount of traffic, we will send updates on closures or detours the report to check for accuracy. This summer will be the third prior to the work commencing. Stantec evaluation – previously done in 2016 and 2019. We appreciate your patience this summer as we work to Streets most in need of overlay and maintenance are evaluated complete the 2022 Pavement Management Program. by age and when the street segment was last maintained. 6
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
WAY
DID YOU KNOW?
At current funding levels (not accounting for cost increases) it would take the City 38 years to overlay every single City street.
FUNDING THE FUTURE
The City of Blue Springs currently has 636 lane miles of Streets to maintain. Due to rising costs, finding a consistent and adequate source of funding to make the necessary improvements to maintain and rehabilitate our City’s Streets is a constant challenge. But we know the condition of the City streets are a primary concern of our residents. That is why the City will be putting a Use Tax on the August 2, 2022 ballot. Approval of a City Use Tax in Blue Springs will provide the City with up to an estimated additional $750,000 per year to put toward improving the quality of our City’s streets and other vital City programs that directly affect residents. This amounts to roughly an additional 3.2 miles of overlay per year using estimates from 2022 and would add up to nearly 15 miles of overlay over the course of 5 years. SO WHAT IS A USE TAX? use tax in place including Grandview, Lee’s Summit, A local use tax is applied instead of a local sales tax to Raytown, Gladstone, Liberty, Independence, Excelsior goods purchased from certain online and out-of-state Springs, Kansas City and St. Joseph. vendors for delivery and use in Blue Springs. A purchase would never be subject to both local sales tax WHY IS A USE TAX IMPORTANT FOR BLUE and use tax. SPRINGS? The City relies heavily on revenues from local sales tax to If goods are purchased at a Blue Springs retail store, the fund basic services. With the rise in e-commerce, the City City of Blue Springs sales tax (2.25%) is applied. is seeing a decline in sales tax growth. To keep pace with With a local use tax in place, if goods are purchased from this trend, the City must modernize its revenue sources an out-of-state vendor, a use tax (2.25%) would apply. to continue to provide the essential services our residents expect. THE LOCAL USE TAX MUST MIRROR THE LOCAL SALES TAX. HOW ARE LOCAL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY A If the City's sales tax is decreased or increased by voter USE TAX? approval, the City's use tax rate also changes by the Local businesses are at a competitive disadvantage when same action in order to remain the same. local taxes are avoided by out-of-state vendors. A use tax would eliminate the disparity in tax rates collected by VOTER APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR THE CITY TO local and out-of-state sellers by imposing the same rate RECEIVE LOCAL USE TAX REVENUE ON GOODS on all sellers. PURCHASED FOR USE LOCALLY FROM OUT-OF- With no local use tax in place, residents have an incentive STATE VENDORS. to purchase goods out-of-state instead of buying In Missouri, more than 200 cities have a voter-approved locally. This would even the playing field. INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
7
TOP 10
SPRING AND SUMMER TIPS 1. LAWNS
Lawns should not exceed 8 inches in height. Eradicate any poison ivy on your residential or commercial property.
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 Limbs, leaves, and yard clippings must be removed, bagged, and disposed of properly. Open burning is not permitted within the City limits.
4. TRASH CONTAINERS On pick-up day, trash receptacles should be placed no further than 5 feet from the front of the home. Curbside pick-up is strictly prohibited. All trash must be bagged and contained in the proper receptacles at all times.
5. FENCE, DECK AND POOL CONSTRUCTION New construction or replacement of these structures requires a building permit. All pools (including inflatable or kiddie pools) that are capable of holding up to 24 inches, or more, of water must have an issued building permit from Codes Administration.
6. GARAGE SALE SIGNS Garage and yard sales may run for three days at a time and only three sales per year. All signage for the sales must be posted on the premises, cannot be posted on public utility poles or in the City right-of-way, and do not require a permit from the City.
www.bluespringsgov.com/codes
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.
8. SPRINKLERS AND BACKFLOW 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.
9. BLOCK PARTIES A “Special Events Permit” application must be turned in to Business Licensing, at City Hall, at least two weeks prior to any event. The application can be found under “City Services-Business & Special Events” links via the City website at: www.bluespringsgov. com
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.
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.
8
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
[RESIDENT TIPS [ MINOR HOME REPAIR PROGRAM NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS The Minor Home Repair Program was developed in response to the City Council's implementation of Blue Springs' first Property Maintenance Code. The MHRP was designed with the desire to offer a program to primarily assist homeowners who do not have the financial means to respond to code violations that may exist at their single-family, residential property. The emphasis of this program is on neighborhood conservation, and only minor exterior home repairs will be eligible. The program will encourage a high level of maintenance among property owners in a neighborhood by providing a grant to help cure
the most visible home defects which may adversely affect the value of the home as well as surrounding properties. The City is currently accepting applications for the Minor Home Repair Program. Applications will be accepted continuously until funding has been depleted or until May 31, 2022, whichever comes first. For additional information contact Shana Kelly, Associate Planner, Community Development at (816) 220-4538 or by e-mail.
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)
INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
11
[STAFF SPOTLIGHT [ SHANE HALLOWELL | GIS COORDINATOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
JORDAN LITZ | TRAFFIC UNIT BLUE SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT
How long have you worked for the City of Blue Springs? This is my first position with the city, beginning October of 2020.
How long have you worked for the City of Blue Springs? I was on regular patrol from 2018 to 2019 and then went to the Traffic Unit at the end of 2019.
Tell us a little about what you do each day. I manage the day to day “mapping” needs. I design the City Council and Planning Commission maps for developmental projects. Once projects are approved, I input the parcel boundaries, building footprints, street centerlines, and assign addresses for each property. What is the best part of your job? My team. The planners provide such a positive and fun atmosphere, and my supervisor trusts me enough where I never feel like I’m being micromanaged. We collaborate extremely well together, and they make the workdays truly enjoyable. Tell us about a time you felt proud to serve the residents Blue Springs? Participating in household hazardous waste. Staff volunteer to assist residents with removal of unsafe materials. It gives us a chance to not only serve the residents but to also interact with our community face to face. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself. I once sailed to an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Mexico and spent ten days camping. 10
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
Tell us a little about what you do each day. I conduct traffic enforcement (Hazardous Moving, Non-Hazardous Moving), Investigate traffic crashes, and conduct surveys on problem areas with traffic concerns. What is the best part of your job? Being able to go out into our community and making a positive impact and develop relationships with the citizens. Tell us about a time you felt proud to serve the residents Blue Springs? By getting dangerous drivers off the roadway to keep the citizens of Blue Springs safe while they drive throughout the city. Tell us one interesting fact about yourself. I was born on a military base in Bitburg, Germany in 1994.
[DEVELOPMENT[
WHATABURGER SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN MAY 2022
Final preparations for the Blue Springs Whataburger, 905 HWY 7 are being made. The company has reached out to the Police Department for assistance with traffic control for the first few days upon opening. Signage for detours will be posted and police officers will be assisting traffic direction. The City will be publishing traffic maps on our social media pages.
DOWNTOWN
MO-BETTAHS
In preparation for future downtown development, the City has cleared the lumberyard property. The City has issued a request for development proposals for this site and we are excited for the future possibilities of our downtown.
Mo-Bettahs Hawaiian Restaurant has demolished the former Long John Silver's Restaurant off 7 HWY and is in the process of putting up a new structure. The City has not received confirmation on an anticipated opening date, but construction is moving along.
INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
11
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 19 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
Be kind to your neighbors and the environment, and properly dispose of all debris after discharging fireworks.
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
PUBLIC ART PARADE OF HEARTS
Blue Springs is the proud home of two hearts in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts. "Connected Heart" By Shelly Pinto is displayed at the corner of 10th and Main streets in front of City Hall and "Flowers in Remembrance" by Sara Engman-Slaughter is displayed at Pink Hill Park, 2715 NW Park Dr. The Parade of Hearts is a regional Public Art experience with a mission to set a national example of unification, showing the country KC is truly the heartland and embracing Kansas City's place as the "Heart of America." 154 hearts, designed by local and regional artists were placed throughout the Kansas City Metro.
REGENERATE The Blue Springs Public Art Commission is pleased to announce a major collaboration with Colonial Gardens of Blue Springs, MO for the 2022 Temporary Public Art Installation. Four unique sculptures have been installed at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs. The Regenerate exhibit will be open through March 2023.
20+1 YEARS OF PUBLIC ART BOOK The Blue Springs Public Art Commission's 20+1 Years of Public Art in Blue Springs commemorative booklet is now available at the Blue Springs Fieldhouse, 425 NE Mock Ave. The PAC is requesting those who wish to take home a book, leave a small donation to help continue bringing Public Art in Blue Springs for the next 20 years.
INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
13
A PERR-FECT PARTNERSHIP CITY PARTNERS WITH PAWPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE ANIMAL CONTROL The City of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs Police Department are partnering with a local animal rescue group, Pawportunities, Inc., to provide Animal Control Services for the City. The Blue Springs City Council approved a threemonth trial contract for this unique partnership during their regular meeting on Monday, February 7 and renewed the contract for a full year at the May 2 City Council meeting. "We’re excited about our partnership with Pawportunities to provide the Animal Control services for the City of Blue Springs. We are hopeful that this ‘outside-the-box' solution will provide the level of service and compassionate care the people and animals of Blue Springs deserve,” said Police Chief Bob Muenz.
14
2022 SPRING/SUMMER • WWW.BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM
“This is a unique opportunity to merge our mission as an animal rescue with the responsibilities and functions of a traditional Animal Control service. And it is our goal to help keep all our residents – including the furry ones – safe and secure as well as provide additional resources to animals in need,” said Carrie Siems, Pawportunities Chief Executive Officer. Essentially, Pawportunites Inc. provides personnel to perform animal control services such as responding to calls for service, boarding and releasing animals, education to the community and issuing citations for animal related municipal ordinance violations. The Blue Springs Police Department will provide the use of the animal holding facility located at Barrett Park, the use of the current animal control vehicles, dispatching services, necessary training related to police operations in this area, and designate a liaison
within the department to communicate with Pawportunities staff. "An animal rescue running animal control services provides us the unique opportunity to help pet-owners and animals in need with resources like housing solutions, an animal food bank and more. People know we are here to ultimately there to help animals and save animals in need," said Jeff Siems, Pawportunities Chief Financial Officer. Over the last two years, the Police Department has had difficulty staffing the Animal Control Unit and much of that time, the entire unit has only had one Animal Control Officer (ACO) on-duty with limited availability. Outsourcing Animal Control Services to Pawportunities provides an opportunity to enhance services to the residents of Blue Springs at, or below the budgeted in-house unit. Since the partnership began, Pawportunities has hired three full-time Animal Control Officers, two full-time and four part-time shelter staff. Additionally, they have expanded hours of operation to provide more coverage on the streets when needed and a faster response to calls for service. Pawportunities ACOs enforce all City animal-related codes and ordinances. Pawportunities will charge residents directly for reimbursement of boarding and veterinary fees. Currently, the Police Department collects these charges by requesting restitution through Municipal Court. The City will continue to collect any fines resulting from citations for ordinance violations. For more information about City of Blue Springs Animal Control Services, go to www.bluespringsgov.com/animalcontrol or call 816-228-0151. INFORMING RESIDENTS, EMBRACING COMMUNITY, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
15
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR MAY
www.bluespringsgov.com/calendar
Fishing Derby
BLUE SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET
May through October, Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, Downtown Blue Springs, Municipal Parking Lot www.bluespringsfarmersmarket. com
May 15 , 8:30-Noon All Ages Rotary Park at Railroad Lake
Public Works Celebration
JULY
Concerts in the Park
Red, White & Blue Springs
May 19, 5-7:30 PM 500 SE Sunnyside Rd.
May 30 through August 29 Sundays, 6-8 p.m. Rotary Park at Railroad Lake
DOWNTOWN CAR CRUISES
April through October, Second Saturday of the Month along Main Street in Downtown Blue Springs.
Regenerate Public Art Reception June 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Colonial Gardens 27610 E Wyatt Road
JUNE Corks & Canvas Art and Wine Walk
June 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Downtown Blue Springs
Aug. 20, 10 a.m. Young Park
Dog Days of Summer Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to Noon Blue Springs Dog Park
SEPT.
July 4, Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Larry Stewart Memorial Stadium Blue Springs South High School
Flicks and Food Trucks
Movie in the Park A Christmas Carol
Wild Miles
Sept. 9, 7 PM Hidden Valley Park-football lot
July 22, Dusk Rotary Park
Sept. 10, 9 a.m. Grounds Park
AUG.
Race to Escape
Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m. Vesper Hall
Hidden Valley Camp Out Aug. 5, 3 PM- Overnight Hidden Valley 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
Chalk the Walk
Fall Fun Fest
Sept. 16-18 Downtown Blue Springs
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