JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

WELCOME!BLUE SPRINGS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

2016 was an exciting year for the City! Two notable accomplishments include the approval of our first Parks Master Plan by the Mayor and City Council and the reorganization of the Economic Development Council (EDC) under the City's umbrella.

As we move into 2017, the City Council will consider an ordinance to place a 1/2 cent dedicated sales tax on the April 4, 2017 ballot. This dedicated sales tax is designed to address deferred maintenance in our City's parks. Over the next month, employees will be receiving more information about this initiative and tips on interacting with the public about the possible tax.

Speaking of moving forward, I am happy to introduce our new Economic Development Manager, Mark Stombaugh. You can read more about him and how he will help Blue Springs grow in this edition.

Thank you to each person who completed the online, anonymous survey for The City Beat. Our Communications team will review feedback to guarantee that every effort is being made to produce content that matches employee needs and is easy to access by all. If you would like to contribute to the next edition by sharing a kudos, a department photo or submitting a City Champion nomination, you can email them to ajones@bluespringsgov.com.

Finally, keep reading to learn more about our City's updated records retention, get local development updates and meet the newest City Champion.

Sincerely

Eric Johnson, City Administrator

City Administrator Eric Johnson

THE CITY BEAT

1 JAN/FEB 2017

DOWNTOWN ALIVE! PICCADILLY GALA

TICKET SALES KICKOFF EVENT

Join Downtown Alive! as they host a special Piccadilly Gala

Ticket Sales Kickoff. Tickets are specially priced at $45 each for this one night only and will be

$50 each after January 30, 2017.

The Piccadilly Gala is a Ladies Night Out and auction benefit for Downtown Alive!, a 501c3

nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and

revitalization of Downtown Blue Springs.

For more information, visit www.downtownbluesprings.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 305:30-7 P.M.AMERICA'S

COMMUNITY BANK

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESSOn Thursday, February 16, Mayor Carson Ross will present his annual State of the City Address at the Chamber of Commerce lunchon. This presentation will highlight the City’s award-winning accomplishments in 2016 and goals for 2017.

The complete presentation will be available at www.bluespringsgov.com in late February.

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CONTENTS1 Eric’s Welcome Downtown Alive! Piccadilly Gala Pre-Sale Event

2 City SharePoint

3 Department Spotlight: Administration

4 Do You Know

Employee Updates

5 City Hall Updates

6 Around Town

7 Kudos & Congrats

8 Safety First Physical Activity Tips

9 Police Services Agreement

Local Elections

City Champion

10 Community Events EMMC Updates

11 Photo Corner

JAN/FEB 2017

CITY SHAREPOINTThe IT Department rolled out City SharePoint as our City’s new intranet and a replacement to CityNet. This new site acts as our local communications network where departments store data for use across departments and within each department. You will need to login when accessing the site but this allows you to visit City SharePoint inside and outside of the office.

When navigating the new site you will see department pages listed horizontally at the top and citywide information is listed in a column on the far left of the main page. Once you go onto a department page, the far left column will show department specific information.

Each department site also contains an internal site visible specifically to your department members. The internal sites can be used for forms and information that only your department can access including contacts or team plans. To navigate from a department page back to the main site click the words “City SharePoint” in the row of links at the top.

For help navigating the new site, contact IT at ITDepartment@bluespringsgov.com

MASTER CALENDAR The main City SharePoint will have a combined calendar view with all department events. By clicking on a department name from the list on the far left you can isolate and view a specific calendar.

WHO TO CONTACT LINK Each department page has a link that lets users know who should be contacted for certain functions within each department. This list includes the contact's name, email extension and photo if available.

HELPFUL LINKS This feature is on the main SharePoint page and some department pages. The main list includes links frequently searched for by employees including Kronos, the employee directory, the Office 365 portal and more.

What do you want to see in the next edition?

Send your story ideas and comments to City

Communications at ajones@bluespringsgov.com

NEW FEATURES

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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: ADMINISTRATIONRECORDS RETENTION

JAN/FEB 2017

RECORDS STORAGE & DESTRUCTIONThough keeping track of records for decades can seem overwhelming, the process is made easier with the help of Deputy Records Custodian (DRC). City Administrator Eric Johnson has signed an Executive Order designating each DRC. This allows departments to better manage the responsibility of properly maintaining documents in adherence to the Blue Springs Records Retention Schedule. City records are currently stored either within each department and managed by the DRC or they are stored in the City’s new record center located on the bottom level of City Hall. The series on the records determine the minimum amount of time the documents have to be kept and what to do once that time passes. Assistant City Clerk and Records Manager Dylan Gibson will assest with any questions on records retention or storage.

Proper and timely destruction of records is crucial to make sure the retention process doesn't become a burden or liability for the City. The Records Manager will work regularly with the City Attorney and each DRC to determine which records have met their retention schedules and need to be destroyed. A list will be created and will need to be reviewed and approved by Council before destruction. If approved, a shredding company will come shred on-site or transport the documents to their facility to be securely shredded.

BLUE SPRINGS RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE Over the past year, the City Clerk's Office has been working diligently to create the Blue Springs Records Management Policy. to guarantee it follows the guidelines set up by Missouri State Statues (RSMo 610) commonly referred to as the “Sunshine Law”. This Sunshine Laws focuses on public access to information including votes, deliberations, meeting minutes and other official actions.

Records retention is a vital part of our internal function and the documents maintained are used by management to

make decisions on a variety of topics including short-term and long-term development projects, department or citywide spending and employee training to name a few. Records retention is also important for properly storing records that must be kept permanently such as historical papers and legal documents.

Assistant City Clerk and Records Manager Dylan Gibson giving a tour of the new records center.

EMPLOYEES CAN ACCESS VARIOUS FORMS AND THE RECORDS RETENTION DESTRUCTION POLICY ONLINE.

VISIT THE NEW CITY SHAREPOINT AND SELECT ADMINISTRATION. FROM THERE YOU CAN SELECT THE RECORDS MANAGEMENT TAB AT THE TOP.

RESOURCES

JAN/FEB 2017

WELCOME ABOARD!Full Time EmployeesMunicipal CourtJeanette Kniffen

Public WorksKip BarkerChristopher BrownTom Degenhardt

Michael Viayra

Part Time EmployeesParks & RecreationAvery FowlerNoah JohnsonZachary Johnson

Ryan KregloSusan SnellingJohn StraubTammarie Tucker

RECENT EMPLOYEE MILESTONES35 YearsMark Redelberger- MC

15 YearsCorey Alford- PW

10 Years Sara Murphy - PD

5 YearsAmanda Bates - PDDennis Dovel - PRJoshua Haggard - PD

Jamie McCain - PDDavid Ostendorf - PDPaula Pickett - PDKyle Sanderholm - PD

EMPLOYEE BIRTHDAYSJanuaryCommunity Development Gail PorterAliyah Mihalko

Human ResourcesSue Heiman

Parks & RecreationMartha BearsJayla ColemanDebbie OlingerAllen Wilson

PoliceDenise AmerineAnita ByrdDavid BrothertonPhyllis CampMark GristJanet JarvisAlex KunellisPhillip LeslieChristina LaingJayne NevilleAnda OffenbackerDarren RhodenPaul RinkerKyle SanderholmJuan Saucedo

Alex SmithRaquel StarkDannie Stewart

Public WorksJeff AtenChristopher BrownKeith Enfield Michael HensleyDominick MarshallMichael Viayra

FebruaryBusiness ServicesKristen Crosslin

Community DevelopmentDeborah DunhamJames HolleyBrian Heublein

FinanceMelissa Braun

Municipal CourtJohn Jack

Parks & RecreationRay AdamsonRandy CooperJefferey Ketchum

Jake MooreClif StarnesRachel Uptergrove

PoliceNick AndersonTracy BensonNick BrooksJennifer ChinnJohn GaleShannon HumphreyKevin LangeJustin SmithSean SullivanCarolina Yeager

Public WorksTimothy AdamsAaron Hammerstrom Nicholas HarmsRobert HorneGus LappatChristopher StowellBrian Turner

MATTWRIGHTSenior PlannerCommunity Development2 Years of Service

Q. What skills or new relationships are you looking forward to developing while with the City?

A. For years I've worked in economic development in the private sector. I'm looking forward to learning more about economic development efforts from the City's perspective.

Q. The best way for me to relax is...

A. To do something creative; my newest challenge is tapestry weaving.

Q. What is your favorite outdoor activity and when is the last time you did this?

A. I enjoy hanging out in Colorado though I haven't been in over 3 years. That's way too long!

DO YOU KNOW?TERESA EVANSEconomic Development CoordinatorAdministration4 Months of Service

Q. What's the most recent book you've read that you would recommend to others?

A. I'm re-reading Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City" about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. It's the perfect mix of history and murder mystery.

Q. The best way for me to relax is...

A. Doing logic puzzles.

Q. What is your favorite outdoor activity and when is the last time you did this?

A. I do enjoy swimming, but I have not done this since the summer because I am not a cold water fish. Swimming in an indoor pool is just not the same.4

5 JAN/FEB 2017

WELCOME ABOARD! Mark Stombaugh has been named the new Economic Development Manager and will join the City on January 23, 2017.

The Economic Development Manager position was created as a result of the Economic Development Corporation being reorganized structurally under the City’s umbrella as the Economic Development Council in response to the changing needs of our business community.

With a focus on economic growth and prosperity, this new position will work to retain, support, and collaborate with existing businesses while also recruiting new businesses that are in-line with the city’s long-term strategic plan.

Stombaugh will manage the many initiatives implemented over the past few years to ensure a business-friendly environment for new and existing businesses.

To contact the Economic Growth & Development Division, call 816-622-4004 or email tevans@bluespringsgov.com.

CITY UPDATES

JACKSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTION COUNTERAt 5 p.m. on January 31, the City will discontinue operation of Jackson County tax collection services. Discontinuation of Jackson County tax collection services will allow employees to better focus the integral services the City provides on our residents and customers.

This tax collection is currently performed by Community Development's Business Services Division. This team performs a number of duties including: processing Blue Springs business licenses, issuing business liquor licenses and peddler/solicitor permits, and assisting with tracking and routing of Blue Springs special events permits.

On February 1, the Business Services Division will move from City Hall into the Community Development Annex. This move will unite the department under one roof and improve work flow. It will also allow them to focus on department improvements including expanding and enhancing current the Citizen's Access Portal capabilities to include new permit types.

MEET MARK STOMBAUGH!

Economic Development Manager

816-622-4004

mstombaugh@bluespringsgov.com

From left to right: Halee Stevens, Business Services Representative; Tina Dale, Business Services Coordinator;

Kristen Crosslin, Business Services Representative

JAN/FEB 20176

AROUND TOWN

ST. LUKE'S SPECIALTY CLINICThe building's structural skeleton is complete and crews are well into the process of completing the sheet rocking. Once that is complete, they will begin installing an exterior brick façade.

QUIKTRIP Development is moving along on schedule for this service station at the corner of Highway 40 & 7. Structures for the pumping stations have been erected and an exterior brick facade has been started for the convenience store.

This location will feature a 24-station fuel pump center, a convienice store with pre-made food and limited grocery items, outdoor picnic tables and an automatic teller machine.

WHITE OAK MARKETPLACECrews are currently installing infrastructure and the foundation for the 85,000-square-foot Cosentino's Price Chopper that will feature an attached retail space measureing 6,000 square feet.

RESTAURANTS COMING TO TOWN

POPEYE'S LOUISIANA KITCHENA final plat has been approved for a Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen location to open on 727 NW Highway 7.

This restaurant will take the place of the former Taco Bueno that closed in 2016.

JOHNNY'S TAVERNDuring a City Council meeting, Johnny's Tavern announced that they would be the first new tenant in the White Oak Marketplace development.

KC Power & Light location pictured.

7JAN/FEB 2017

KUDOS & CONGRATS25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Bob Muenz on his December 2016 graduation from the FBI National Academy. D.C. Muenz

was selected to train for 10 weeks with other law enforcement leaders from around the world at FBI Headquarters in

Quantico, VA.

While there, participants had the option to take undergrad/graduate level course work on topics including forensic

science, behavioral science, leadership training and more.

BEST WISHESIn November 2016, Nancy Yendes was presented with a proclamation from Mayor Carson Ross and our City Council in recognition of her service for the past two years as the City Attorney. November 30, 2016 was her last day in office and was fittingly named "Nancy Yendes Day."

During her time with the City, Nancy was instrumental in improving the City's responsiveness to neighborhood concerns, updating our Unified Development Code and more.

Best wishes to Nancy on her future endeavors.

CONGRATS GRADUATE!

“ I made a call to your office and no more than 20 minutes later I had two men checking my line and

running the auger to clear it. When that didn't work I called a local plumber but before I got off the phone with him a call was coming in from an

awesome City of Blue Springs employee. He came out to meet the plumber and make sure the line was clear. I want to thank them so much for their

fast response and perfect attitudes.

- Pamela Heman, Blue Springs Resident ”

RESIDENT THANKSSANITARY SEWER MAINTENANCE

This January, Lunar Bowl owner Gary Cobb sent his thanks to the team of men who came out to repair a water line break in front of his business.

He stated that he was very impressed with the overall work of the team and their dedication

to make the repair in very challenging conditions. Kudos to Collections System Supervisor David Stacy, and

maintenance workers Kip Barker, Chris Brown, Jeremy Hamilton, Robert Horne and Jacob Phillips.

In December 2016, Public Works Maintenance Worker Russell Monaco retired after 25 years with the City.

Russ began as a temporary employee with Parks &

Recreation in 1988 before coming to Public Works; he retired as a Street Maintenance Worker. Russ is known among the Public Works team and around the City as a great guy with a huge personality, big smile and dedication to his work. In recognition of his dedication, Friday, December 30, 2016 was declared "Russ Monaco Day" by the Mayor and City Council.

Best wishes to Russ as he starts his retirement!

Deputy Chief Bob Muenz (right) with his wife (Suzie) at his graduation from the FBI National Academy

Nancy (center left) receiving proclamation from Mayor and Council

Russ Monaco (left) with Jeff Mock of Public Works.

KUDOS TO YOU

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SAFETY FIRST

WINTER DRIVING1. Limited VisibilityThe change in seasons means it is getting darker earlier in the evening. Darkness limits your visibility while driving so be sure your headlights are on and are clean. Slow down to make up for reduced visibility and be especially cautious during rush hour when roadways are crowded.

2. Behind the WheelWhen traveling in the snow, be sure to apply the brakes with moderate pressure to determine your car's grip. To navigate turns: you should brake before, negotiate the turn and then accelerate after the turn. Finally, be sure to turn off your cruise control in wet, icy or snowy conditions.

3. Share the RoadIf you have to get out during a snow storm, be sure to safely share the road with snow plows. Do not tailgate or try to pass a snowplow; stay at least four car lengths back from the snowplows and their equipment. A snowplow operator's vision is restricted; you may see them but they may not be able to see you.

LIABILITY & SAFETY MEETING

In late 2016, City department directors and supervisors attended the annual Midwest Public Risk (MPR) partner report to review liability and

injury trends within our organization. Attendees then discussed the best practices to improve overall safety in the workplace.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITYInformation presented by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) states adults ages 18- 64 need to do two types of physical activity each week for a total of 150 minutes to improve their health. These workouts should include aerobic exercise and muscle-

strengthening. For more information, visit cdc.gov.

Muscle-strengthening activities should be done to work all the seven major muscle groups of your body: legs, hip, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders and arms. You should try to complete at least one repetition or one complete movement each time.

Aerobic activity (cardio) causes you to breathe harder and increase your heart rate. Try an aerobic activity each day for at least 10 minutes at various levels of intensity. The more intense the workout, the more energy you use.

CARDIO

MUS

CLE

AEROBIC (CARDIO) MUSCLE-STRENGTHENING

WORKOUT OPTIONS

JAN/FEB 2017

Riding a Bike on Hills Working with Resistance Bands

Jogging or Running Lifting WeightsJogging or Running Lifting Weights

Swimming Laps Body Weight Resistance

Playing Basketball Yoga

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Congratulations to our January/February City Champion, Liz Powers!

Employees have recognized her for her consistent demonstration of excellence

in service.

She strives for high quality work and is supportive and willing to go the extra

mile—all with a smile on her face.

"She is an asset to the City of Blue Springs."

LIZ POWERSLegal Assistant Administration

The following employees were also recently nominated for the City Champion recognition:

Norman Gurney - Codes Administration

Wally Meyer - Information Technology

Special thanks to our Public Works team for constructing the City Champion trophy!

POLICE SERVICES AGREEMENT

In early January, the City shared that it has been exploring a cooperative police services agreement with the City of Lake Lotawana. Before moving forward, Blue Springs and Lake Lotawana will present the proposal to their respective communities, allowing residents to provide input about the agreement.

If approved, the City of Lake Lotawana would contract with the City of Blue Springs for law enforcement services beginning in April 2017. These services would include comprehensive community policing, animal control, crime prevention, investigations and 911 and non-emergency communications support.

If the cooperative agreement moves forward, the Blue Springs Police Department will receive funding from Lake Lotawana to increase staffing to provide law enforcement services to their community.

LOCAL ELECTIONSTuesday, April 4, 2017 is the date for the next General Municipal

election. If you have not registered to vote in Jackson County, you can register at City Hall or at either Mid-Continent Public Library

Blue Springs branch.

You can get answers to questions about voter registration online at www.sos.mo.gov by searching "voter registration."

JAN/FEB 2017

CITY CHAMPION NOMINATIONSDon't forget you can nominate a fellow employee for their good work

or good deeds year-round! Employees can log onto SharePoint to complete the digital City Champion Nomination form found on the

City Communications page under the Documents section.

You now have the option to select "anonymous submission" which allows you to complete the form without including your name as the

submitter.

If you have any questions about the form completion process, please contact Asia Jones at ajones@bluespringsgov.com or call x0490.

BLUE SPRINGS PUBLIC FORUMThe Blue Springs public forum will be hosted by the Public Safety Citizens' Advisory Board

on January 24 at 6 p.m. at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building.

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JANUARYChristmas Tree RecyclingDecember 26 through January 22Pink Hill Park

Blue Springs Dog Park FundraiserJan. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Vesper Hall

Youth Sports & Recreation ExpoJan. 28, 9 a.m. to NoonBlue Springs Fieldhouse

FEBRUARYDaddy/Daughter Valentine DanceFeb. 10, 6-9 p.m.Adams Pointe Conference Center

Vesper Hall Health FairFeb. 23, 8:30-11 a.m.Vesper Hall

State of the City AddressFeb. 16, 11:30 a.m.Adams Pointe Conference Center

COMMUNITY EVENTS

LET’S MOVE! SATURDAYS PROMOTES THE FUN IN MOVEMENT WITH YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES HOSTED

BY LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

THESE EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!

A FULL WINTER SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT BLUESPRINGSGOV.COM/LMS

SATURDAYS

JAN/FEB 2017

The Eastern Metro Municipal Challenge (EMMC) Planning Committee has reviewed employee surveys and is working to incorporate your feedback to make EMMC events even more enjoyable.

You can find more information about 2017 events by visiting the City Sharepoint then selecting the Administration tab; from there you should choose 'EMMC' from the tabs listed across the top of the page. Additional details will be added closer to event dates.

YOUR FEEDBACK IN ACTION!

The events have been spread out more evenly throughout the year with events starting in February and continuing through November.

Challenge Duration

Family-Friendly Options

Pickleball Thursday, February 16

Trivia Challenge Friday, March 3

Table Tennis Thursday, March 30

Bowling Wednesday, April 26

5k* Saturday, May 6

Golf Saturday, May 20

*Your family is encouraged to participate in this event with you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Planning Committee is working on two additional events that would be either family-friendly or allow a plus one option.

The majority of events have been moved from Wednesday nights to avoid conflicts with family scheduled events.

Scheduling

PHOTO CORNER NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2016

Chris Flathers (left) and Wally Meyer (far right) receiving anniversary

pins from IT Director Dan Hood (center) during the 2016 Service

Recognition Program & Holiday Party.

(Left) Assistant City Clerk Dylan Gibson (front, right) with staff at the Records Center ribbon cutting.

Asphalt Maintenance Supervisor Dennis Lafal with his winning design during the annual Public Works holiday

cookie decorating contest.

JAN/FEB 2017 11

Blue Springs Police Officers, Mayor Carson Ross, City Council members and

Blue Springs Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association representatives

at the annual 'Shop with a Blue Springs Cop' event.

Brunch With Santa

Parks & Recreation

Department volunteers.