Saturday, March 31, 2012

Is There A "Rental Problem" @ WL?

Next few posts will consider a discussion from the last BOA meeting. A citizen (more tomorrow) sent a letter regarding his view (including pics) of properties that he felt were violations of codes and ordinances.
Is there any relationship to what appears to be an increasing number of rental homes? Has Police activity increased at rental homes? Can/should anything be done?



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Thursday, March 29, 2012

X-Stream

Came home last night during the rain storm (10:15PM), it was coming down hard as I made my way up I-29 & 152.  Corner of Barry and Amity was awash in choc-o-late', right down the paved part of Barry, a 4 foot wide brown angry monster making its way to you know where.  Call it bad timing/bad luck, but I did notice the earth removal on the unfinished side of Barry on the hill up from East Side. Farmer John said we got 8/10ths of an inch from the storms that went through...I'd say a fair amount came within a short period of time.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A Doozy of a Race

Hot off the press...
Kathy Dusenbery, our Platte County Commissioner is running for re-election.  Yesterday, on the last day for filing, she got some competition.  Bev Roper, current Municipal Judge for Weatherby Lake, filed for the spot on the Commission.  Whoa, could be interesting.  Issues?  Quite a few, including the looming demise of the county road sales tax.  Stay tuned.

http://www.co.platte.mo.us/county_elected_officials/profile_first_commissioner.html

http://www.facebook.com/beverlee

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Money Down

EAGC Update

10 donors stepped forward earlier this month to allow the beginning of construction of the City monuments.  They were:

  • Welch Foundation, $25,000
  • Grasis Management Trust, $25,000
  • Bos Family Foundation, $20,000
  • Ken & Roswitha Schaffer, $15,000
  • James Miller and Ursula Terrasi, $15,000
  • Thomas & Katrina Henke, $15,000
  • Teri Knop, $8,000 
  • Richard & Heidi Neece, $5,000
  • Ecco Select Corporation, (Jeanette Prenger, CEO), $5,000
  • Raymond & Marge Stockwell, $1,000 

Monday, March 26, 2012

Closed

Final construction of Barry west of Potomac has begun, Barry Road will be closed west of Potomac beginning this AM.

Took off from blogging yesterday, spent most of the day outdoors...hope you had a chance as well.

Tomorrow, EAGC update.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Zebras Spotted @ Smithville

Zebra mussel
Zebra mussel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today's KC Star
Zebra mussels have been confirmed at Smithville Lake.  Difficult if not impossible to stop, we will get a chance first hand to see what happens there.  Venita ramp has been quite active with boats going in and out, makes one wonder if proper precautions are being observed by boaters who use their boats on other area lakes.
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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Limited Opportunities

KC Star Sunday Homes section
March 11

"Limited opportunities for new homes in Weatherby Lake" reads the headline on page H1, maybe you saw it.  "For years fiinding a new home in this community has been difficult"  as it describes West Ridge with "treed estate-size home sites".  "This is a tight-knit, close community that is incredibly safe".  "West Ridge homeowners can take advantage of available dock space in the "O" cove".  The article quotes the price range for homes from $300,000 to $400,000.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Rain Gauge

Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm
Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm (Photo credit: Hysterical Bertha)
Farmer John reports about 2 inches during Mon/Tue time frame.
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Committee Appointments

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
6 Mar
Discussion about filling openings on City Boards and Commissions.  Mayor asked the alderman to solicit volunteers.  During public comments I pointed out that many citizens may not be aware of the opportunities to serve in some capacity.  I mentioned a sure way to reach most citizens was a mailing that described each committee/board and the openings for each.  An update on the state of the city could be included.  Senor Bos frowned on the idea, citing "politics" and the concern it might be seen as electioneering...really?  (for all you East Siders who might be slow on the uptake, Jerry as well as Tanya/Vic and the Judge are running for re-election, all unopposed).

The City continues to remain largely incommunicado to the citizens.  The City Web site could be better used, the Mayor chooses to use an online E newsletter for his updates (did you see the last one...really informative), and that is about it.  When have you heard from the Mayor/BOA?  

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Choc-o-late'

Redesigned logo used from 2011-present.
Redesigned logo used from 2011-present. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Nope, not @ Starbucks, but right here at WL.  Observed the beginning of the creeping brown vein of late' push its way out of our cove yesterday afternoon...this AM quite a river of brown sludge, unmolested, coming down Barry, part of the unfinished area of construction, as I turned off Potomac.  And more to come.  
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Monday, March 19, 2012

Meander

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 6

Back in the saddle after recouping from last week's labor...
The BOA revisited the offer from Mr Shabazi regarding placing solar panels on City Hall.  Alderman Folkedahl, the apparent point on the proposal, gave a creditable review.  Indeed the viillage of Oak View has the panels on their City Hall, the panels made by LG.  The DOE says 800 square feet are necessary to obtain "net metering", that is, produce more energy than currently consumed.  Mr Folkedahl estimates the max savings to be $170 a month.  The guarantee on the panels indicates they should retain 90% effectiveness at 12 years and 85% at 25 years...in response to a question regarding performance.  The discussion tended to be circular with no strong feelings on the part of the BOA or Mayor.  Mary, " there is always a gift you want to say no" (?).  There was a sentiment that citizens would be pleased going green.

No further action was discussed or planned, so it is hard to say exactly where the offer stands.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Notes From The Road

Business travel finally caught up to me, left WL @ 6PM on Monday, waiting on plane in MSP @ 640PM on Friday?...no post today, ok this is a post. More stuff to post... Tomorrow.








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Thursday, March 15, 2012

National Sunshine Week

Yes, the weather is fab but no I'm not pointing out the forecast this week.  I'm referring to articles in a number of local and national publications that are focusing on the public right to information regarding government.

USA Today:
"During Sunshine Week, it's worth noting that efforts by governments to keep information secret undercuts American's right to know"
KC Star:
"State and local governing bodies routinely violate Missouri's open government laws according to a report by Auditor Tom Schweich."

The sunshine laws really define the difference between government and other organizations, clubs and businesses.  Accountability to the public can be uncomfortable at times, and maybe even viewed by some as unnecessary.  Too bad.  The business of the City is your business, not just "supporters" and not just when officials think you need to know.
  
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mary's Take On Monuments


Dear Residents:
 
Last night the Board of Aldermen at a special meeting approved the plans for the Weatherby Lake Entrance Monuments.  We approved not only the design but to approve construction up to the limits of collected funds.  Jim Miller brought over $136,000 in checks to last night’s meeting!!  It is now time for everyone to think about their interest in supporting this community sponsored endeavor.  Thanks to Jim Miller and the Entrance Advisory Group (EAG) for their three years of difficult work and planning.
 
Mary Hoy
Westside Alderman
Mary P. Hoy,PhD
816-584-1365
816-646-1024 cell

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Last Night's Special Board Meeting

Email from EAGC Chair Jim Miller:

I am very pleased to report that this evening the B of A unanimously approved the recommendation of the EAG, so our Entrance project will proceed!

Due to the generosity of 10 supporters who had previously signed pledges and were willing to make their total pledge "now" or part of it up front, I was able appear before the B of A with an envelope containing checks totaling $134,000. These donors had authorized me to give their checks to the City subject to an affirmative vote of the Alderman. So after the vote I handed the envelope to Gwen. Lyle, Ray, Marge, Scott, Ursula, Ron, Vic, George and others who were in attendance received a round of applause for their great work and for all those who have moved the project along!

The $134,000 added to the $20,615 balance in our Entrance account results in a total of $154,615 in the account, which is sufficient to complete the 3 entrances and proceed with the bidding for the Eastside-Barry Road. We need an additional $37,000 to proceed with the Barry Road construction. The most effective situation for us to be in would be to proceed with all the hardscape of the 4 entrances, so any contributions that you could make at this time would be extremely helpful. Joyce, Kristy and I have been keeping track of these contributions so please contact any of us.

Overall, this was a very good day for our Entrance Project! Thanks very much to all who have participated, and we will keep you informed of progress.

Jim Miller


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Monday, March 12, 2012

Washed Out

The parade got rained out yesterday, can't remember when that last happened. Saw some folks huddled with umbrellas, guess they figured out it was a no-go. Got a call, "did I miss it?". Nope, next year.



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Sunday, March 11, 2012

Late Breaking News

Pardon the interruption of the Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

An email sent to EAGC members and "supporters" announces a Special Board meeting of the BOA tomorrow,  Monday night, City Hall, 6PM.  The meeting is being held to consider "Motion to approval/not approve moving forward with the construction of the entrances".  Although the motion was not listed on the City web site, here is what the EAGC voted to recommend to the BOA at their last meeting:

  1. With $90,000 cash in the City Entrance Fund account, build the Eastside/City Hall monument
  2. With the next $28,000 cash in the account, build the Hillside and Forest monuments
  3. With the next $16,000 in the account, install the landscaping for Eastside/City Hall
  4. Obtain bids for the Eastside/Barry Road monument (cost approximately $57,000)
  5. With $57,000 in the Account, build Eastside/Barry Road, which will now total $191,000 collected.
After step 5, the EAG will reconvene to decide future action

Last call for those who have posted crabby Comments or have questions regarding the monuments.  The train is leaving the station.  (Most observers agree the train already has left, with Vic and Jerry all in, needing just one more vote on the BOA to pass the project)







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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Must Be The Weather

The Official Unofficial Minutes Of The Weatherby Lake BOA
6 March

Police
Gary reported the Department has been unusually busy, during a time when it is relatively quiet. Could it be the unusually warm winter he mused? Might be. Follow up to earlier post...Law Enforcement Convention... A bad actor was seen running in backyards, eventually ended up in the home in question. Woman of the house refused police request to enter, search warrant had to be secured. Platte County judge issued warrant, house searched two times, top to bottom, nothing. The chief says one more time. In the attic, in an unlit corner, there is a "lump" under the loose pink insulation...ta da!, bad guy. Long list of offenses, violation of probation included gets him a Go Directly To Jail.

Last night at 6:30, 3 police vehicles, lights flashing, @ East Side just short of Barry. Guy in cuffs, another looks to be in line to get bracelets as well. must be the weather.


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Friday, March 9, 2012

Water Board(ing)

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
6 March

Jerry and George recently attended a Water Department meeting @ KCMO.  Bottom line, rates to the City will increase by 11.9% on May 1.  Not news really, KCMO has been transparent on the increases...and ones to come on an annual basis.  Ms Hoy questioned if this would require an increase to users in WL.  Jerry said, "I think we are okay".  BOA members sat mute after that comment, apparently accepting his statement as fact.

Ironic because Jerry mentioned the lack of previous inaction on rate increases was "the worst thing we ever did".  Unless my calculations are wrong the last rate increase attempts to get us to break even, not restore the lost nest egg for the water department that had been built over time.  You would think one of the aldermen would ask for the numbers...nah.

Tomorrow: Gutter Talk (well actually Sewer)
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Roads To Hell Are Paved With...

A long dissertation by the Mayor on a hot topic discussed at the Northland Mayor's Council, the possibility of the 3/8 cent county road sales tax being eliminated or sharply reduced.  There is a sunset provision on the current taxing authority and if not addressed will expire next year.  If you have been following the current activities by the current county commissioners you would know they have been on a tear regarding current taxes or future taxes.   Jerry says the commissioners have turfed the issue to Commissioner Dusenbery.  Her take on it is the county roads are in fine shape and there is no need for the tax...according to Jerry.  Hello Ms Dusenbery, have you traveled any of the cities that use the funds?  WL relies heavily on the funds, which are distributed by population to the cities.  Mary's take on this?  "There was a discussion about the county's 3/8 sales tax.  That is a County Commission issue".  Yipes!  I think it is very much a city issue which needs leadership...will it happen?  Jerry says, "This is a serious problem."

I do have a solution.  We could form a Road Committee (donations tax deductible of course).  Platinum Level would get you naming rights for a street...ah yes, Moratz Avenue has a nice ring to it...I am in.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Bored Meeting

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 March

We got our money's worth of two hours of bluster, fluster and pontification by city officials as they trudged through the agenda.  Not many decisions but plenty of thinking out loud.

First order of business, finding a date to conduct the next regularly scheduled BOA meeting.  It falls next month on election Tuesday.  Although the polls close at the same time the BOA begins, Ms Finn, an election official could not make the start of the meeting.  BOA finally landed on Friday, the 13th of April @ 6:30 PM.  Ominous but appropriate.

A Special Board meeting had been proposed for March 13th to consider the recommendations of the EAGC due to the absence of chair Jim Miller yesterday.  Vic cannot make the 13th.  Jerry suggested the meeting go on.  Vic pointed out for a successful vote on the proposal it would take all three remaining aldermen to vote in the affirmative.  Hmm, apparently not wanting to take a chance, calendar bingo proceeded, with the BOA and mayor unable to come up with a date when all can attend.  Jerry, " I hate to let a month and a half go by", referring to the possibility of having to wait until the next BOA (see above).  The search went unresolved, with a date to be rescheduled...

Neither Vic nor Jerry seemed interested in briefing the BOA on progress to date...odd because both are on the EAGC and the Infrastructure Committee.  Vic has been the master of the economics of the project. But it is Miller or nothing...so nothing.  Stay tuned for a new meeting date.  In the meantime, official fund raising is still on hiatus.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

As Noted

The completion of Barry Road from Potomac going west resumes on March 19.  Good news of sorts, Potomac will remain open during the construction, however west of Potomac to and including West Side Drive will be closed until completion.  The rationale is Barry west of Potomac is 2 lane and concern over worker safety is paramount.  Potomac will be closed for approximately 2 days when they get to the point of project completion, when they will do the final layer of asphalt and stripe the road.

WL Hosts Law Enforcement Convention

USA - MO - Missouri State Highway Patrol
USA - MO - Missouri State Highway Patrol (Photo credit: conner395)
On my way out of our fine city yesterday around 12:30PM, going down Potomac when I notice a large contingent of state/county/local police vehicles (18 all told)...which I am told were joined by a fire truck and an ambulance.  Seems there must have been problems at one of the residences, enough to warrant handcuffing a man and a woman and being carted off.  Neighbors say this isn't the first time there have been "problems".  The residents are/were renting the home in the quiet neighborhood.  I assume more information will be scarce because it will certainly be "under investigation".
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This Evening's BOA

will not consider the EAGC/monument recommendation, Jim Miller is unable to attend to make the presentation.

Agenda for tonight's meeting:
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/UltimateEditorInclude/UserFiles/Common/agenda/Regular_Board_of_Alderman_Meeting_-_Board_of_AldermenAgenda_03-06-2012_125700.pdf

Monday, March 5, 2012

Update

March 5, 2012
Re: NW Barry Road Phase III Improvements (Potomac Ave. to Chariton Ave.) Work Notice
Dear Resident:
The Platte County Department of Public Works, on behalf of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is preparing to begin the final stages of roadway improvements to NW Barry Road between Potomac Ave. and Chariton Ave. Work is scheduled to begin on March 19, 2012, with the closure of NW Barry Road between Arcola Avenue and Potomac Avenue. Completion of the project is set for May 2012.
These dates are subject to change due to weather, unforeseen utility conflicts, etc. During this closure, we ask that you use an alternate route of travel. Also, for the duration of this project please observe and obey all posted traffic control signs.
Thank you for your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience this project may cause, however in the end the community will be served by a roadway that makes for a more efficient and safer travel experience in the years to come.
Respectfully,
Bob Heim
Capital Improvements Manager


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Spring Has Sprung

Ah yes, the warm weather makes for an early spring delight...allergies and all.  Never mind the huge snowflakes last Friday.  Robins are soon to follow...as well as orange cones and detours.  When is the Barry construction zone going to reappear...and the closing of West Side and Potomac?  Say it ain't so.
Road construction has many hazards but with pr...
Image via Wikipedia
Speaking of road construction, KS Star had a piece today about 169, ie., Broadway Extension.  Not good, will be closed after the All-Star game (mid-July) till December.  Going south to downtown or the Plaza will not be quite as pleasant.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/04/3468825/broadway-extension-will-close.html#storylink=omni_popular
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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Superstar

News you might not know... Former resident Alan Waters just won the 125 lb Big 12 Wrestling Championship, as Mizzou won the overall Big 12. Alan was a four time all-state wrestling champion @ Park Hill.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

"City News"

Hard to get info on what is going on in the City if you are an ordinary Joe/Josefina.  The city website is bare bones with a fair amount of missing or old information.  The current online edition of the old "Newsletter" is about all you can get from the Mayor.  Monument update on his current blurb?  Nah, even though he is on the Infrastructure Subcommittee and the EAGC, he passed on giving you an update.
http://eweatherbylakeliving.com/city-news-03-12

Why?  Odd at best.  Guess I need to get down to Amity Woods Animal Park and visit what Jerry calls a "Weatherby Lake asset".

Friday, March 2, 2012

Driving The Process

Infrastructure Subcommittee, EAGC

The heavy lifting of the monument process has been performed by this Subcommittee:

J. Bos
V. DeJong
S. Cantrell
A. Grasis
J. Miller
L. Phillips
S. Slaggie
R. Stockwell
R. Surma

George has participated representing Public Works.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Heavy Hitters

Here is the list of the members of the Entrance Advisory Group Committee. You will only find it here:

Jerry Bos
Vic DeJong
A. Grasis
P. Grasis
M. Stockwell
R. Stockwell
J. Miller
U. Terrasi (wife of Jim Miller)
L. Hinkle
B. Hornung
K. Lawrence
J. McInerny
L. Phillips
S. Slaggie
R. Surma
S. Cantrell
T. White


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