Blue Springs, Mo. – On November 12 at 6 p.m., the Blue Springs Police Department and the Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board will host their annual public forum to discuss a series of issues related to public safety in Blue Springs. The forum will take place at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Center, 4715 W. Highway 40 and is open to the public.
Advisory Board Chairman Tom Echerd will preside at the forum and encourages any interested persons to attend. “Treanor Architects, MWL Architects and Burns & McDonnell will give a presentation on the status of the Public Safety Building expansion and remodeling project approved as part of the Public Safety Sales Tax,” said Echerd. “These meetings represent the Board’s ongoing efforts to keep residents informed and engaged in the activities of our Blue Springs Police Department.”
At a recent meeting, the Board established the following topics that are of great interest to the community and will be on the agenda for the November 12 public forum:
• The Blue Springs Police Department's Traffic Control Unit has made a concerted effort to reduce speeding violations in areas where accidents frequently occur, school zones and other areas in response to citizen's requests. What concerns do you have regarding the enforcement of traffic ordinances in our community? What suggestions do you have?
• What changes in coverage or services provided by our Animal Control unit would you like to see?
• What other services related to public safety would you like the Blue Springs Police Department provide or help coordinate?
“I encourage all residents to come and provide any input they may have. It is through the community’s partnership with the Blue Springs Police Department that we will be able to create and maintain the safest community possible,” Blue Springs Police Chief Wayne McCoy said. “We value everyone’s input; by working together we can celebrate our successes while gaining an understanding of those areas where residents feel we can do better.”
Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board
The Blue Springs Public Safety Citizens’ Advisory Board was created by City Ordinance in August 2009. The six-member board is comprised of two residents from each City Council District, along with non-voting ex officio members that include representatives from the Blue Springs Police Department, City Council and a student from the Blue Springs School District.
Public Safety Sales Tax
In April 2011, voters passed the 1/2 cent dedicated Public Safety Sales Tax to address needs found in the Public Safety Citizen's Advisory Board analysis. The Public Safety Advisory Board, made up of Blue Springs citizens, is charged with oversight of the tax. The Advisory Board makes regularly scheduled reports to the City Council on spending of funds collected by the tax and report on performance goals. These reports can be found on the City’s Web site by visiting www.bluespringsgov.com.
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