Meeting of the Minds

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Mayor Bos reported on a recent meeting with KCMO, with the "acting guy in charge" of the Water Department.  Topic of the meeting was sewer spills and contmination of runoff into the Lake.  Othe notables in attendance were Vic, George and legal beagles Scott and John from the City, Joe Ennett, Harry Baum, Jim Miller along with their attorney from the WLIC...with the attorney(s)(?) from KCMO as well.  Jerry reported that KCMO had a "positive attitude" and the discussion was amiable.  KCMO "pledged to do better" and agreed to do joint sampling with the WLIC.  Reportedly KCMO said they "need to better" in regards to the East Side station, whatever that means.

[Does this sound vaguely familiar?  This has been the song and dance KCMO has been doing for some time]

The Mayor noted the West Side pump station has never had a failure because it is served by two electrical lines, whereas the East Side has one primary line.  There are five stations situated on lakes in the KCMO system and we have two of the five.  KCMO asserted we are a high priority.

To that end, during Public Comments, I noted my observations of runoff down Hillside Drive during the 4th of July rain storm.  The water, muddy brown, was flowing off Barry Road down Hillside, into the creek and into the Lake.  I offered pics I had taken to substantiate the flow.  I also pointed out the numerous points along Barry Road were erosion control were absent or in disrepair.  Alderman DeJong corroborated the situation, apparently having gone out in the rain storm himself.

I asked if the City has issued any citations/complaints regarding runoff?  The answer: None.

Just prior to the 4th I had a chance discussion with WLIC prez Joe Ennett regarding the situation.  He said an update communication was being prepared for WLIC members.  We shall see.