Drain the Lake

A news piece on KCTV5 this past weekend investigates zebra mussels and the potential invasion in Weatherby Lake.  Interesting short interview with Rick Neece and Hank Nussbeck.  Neece's solution if we do get Zebras..drain the lake and start over, nothing else can be done.

Wonder if this is a plan hatched by the WLIC Board or just a random interview.  My guess the public campaign might cause angst among a couple of property owners here trying to sell...is it necessary to go on Kansas City TV?

Zebra mussel Español: Dreissena polymorpha (mejillón cebra) Nederlands: Driehoeksmossel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide

In the case of Suspect #2, hiding didn't quite work out.

Tomorrow marks one week since the events in Boston, I'm still struggling to make sense of it all.  As a runner (3 marathons), I know the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, the cheering by the crowd at the finish is always part of the rush of crossing the electronic mat that signifies 26.2 miles (crazy, huh?).  It wasn't all that long ago that running really wasn't much of a sport let alone a spectator sport.  It is really the only sport I know of where a rank amateur can stand at the start along side an elite professional athlete, just a matter of paying the entrance fee, think about you suiting up and deciding to be part of the kick-off team at Arrowhead (ok for you sharpshooters, Boston is a little bit different, you have to qualify or participate in a charity).

2013 Boston Marathon (Photo credit: Pete Tschudy)

As running has become more of an event, the size of the races has increased as far as runners are concerned...and thus more spectators as well.  Especially at the finish, friends, loved ones congregate to cheer their runners on and greet them after the finish.  There are literally millions of stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  So for Boston, to have virtually all the casualties in the crowd, makes it all the worse.  Runners know there are always risks in running, spectators, other than coffee that is too hot, none.  It casts a pall.  One local race has already put out a ban on back packs.  Hospital Hill Half is soon (ready Bubba & Matthew?) security will be beefed up, more procedures, more hassle.  Innocence lost.  In spite of it all, we will run.  Because we can, because we need to.

B Strong.    

Related articles

• Thank God for Spectators
• In the wake of Boston... we will run.
• Boston Marathon - A Letter From Runners Everywhere

Sneak Peek For WLAISI Insiders

Lake Front Home Going On The Market
Tomorrow, Sunday the 21st
Open House, 1 to 3PM
7606 NW Eastside Drive

Fabulous View of the Lake
Move In Ready

No Way Jose

"KC's Airport Doesn't Need Fixing"
That is what US Representative Todd Graves says in a "As I See It" editorial yesterday in the KC Star (hmmm, suspiciously close to WL As I See It)

Graves, I suspect not a best bud of VanLoh of the Airport Authority, mentions the $250 million already spent in recent years for upgrades to the current terminals, advising it would be a "waste" to spend more on a new single terminal. That big whooshing sound you might hear is little bit of the hot air from proponents advocating the new terminal, promising among other things, more airport usage and attracting more airlines. Pure fantasy.


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A Bit Short

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL
April 9th

During the public comment portion of the meeting the Mayor was questioned, by a citizen, about the lack of a report on the agenda for the Entrance Advisory Group Committee.  Jerry's response was that there was no report, but the EAG was thinking about having a meeting".  He felt that there were not problems with the leadership of the group, but they needed energized "worker bees" to renew the efforts of the EAG.  The EAG fund has $18,000 in the bank with two pledges of $25,000 uncollected and another $7,000 to be collected as well.  It is Jerry's estimate that a total of between $135,000 and $150,000 total needs to be accrued to finish the monuments.  When asked about the effect of the new reassessment, he believes it means an extra $2 million out of WL taxpayers pockets.  Despite this, he believes they can raise the amount of money needed.  Really.

#2

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 9

The first business of the new BOA was to elect a President of the Board/Mayor ProTem.  Finn nominated Vic, seconded by Botbyl, nominations closed.  Jerry commented how he wanted to put Vic to work more...a pipe dream but what the heck.

If you want to work, the City has scheduled a "Work Day" on April 28th, 8:30 AM (presumably at City Hall) to clean up the City right of way.  Should take about 2 hours...and there might be coffee and doughnuts.

Royal Flush

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 9

If the reassessment wasn't enough to cause you financial stress, Hizzoner the Mayor announced the City received notice of a 14% increase in sewer rates from KCMO.  This will bring the new rate to $34.50 per month.  No mention when the City (or if the City) will pass on the new rates...I imagine soon.  This will continue for the foreseeable future because of (supposedly) the EPA settlement with KCMO.  A King's ransom for a poo.

Lëtzebuergesch: En Häerzer-Royal Flush. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Boat Motor Guy

Chances are if you have had problems with a balky outboard motor you have met Arlie Fagan or at least heard his name.  We have had him tend to a couple of our motors on occasion.  A quiet man, he got down to business, had the motor purring and off he went.  If you ever went to his home, you saw quite an assortment of boat motors, many very old, in all states of repair.  Arlie passed away Thursday and a note in email was received from his friend Ray Stockwell with the following information:

Arlie Fagan died. Had a heart attack Sunday evening and was on life support 
until Thursday. I think the Services plan is for Visitation Sunday at 1:00 and Funeral at 
2:00 at Rollins Funeral Home, Platte City.  The Fagan family is going to gather 
at the Pavillion at C Point  from 3 to 5. (I have reserved the Pavillion from 2 to 6).  Betty would like to visit with 
Arlie's boat friend/friends from the lake  - please help pass the word.


Ray

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=arlie-r-fagan&pid=164193536#fbLoggedOut

Next Saturday the 20th-Recycle

Information courtesy of Alderman Finn, WL Guru of Recycling...

A RECYCLING EXTRAVAGANZA

http://www.vintagetechrecyclers.com/recycle-with-us-at-the-northland-recycling-extravaganza/

Swan Song

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 9

The BOA after the election is always a bit unique, the outgoing officials preside over the beginning of the meeting followed by the swearing in of the new officials, followed by the rest of the meeting.  A motion was needed to accept the results of the election, Mary stumbled in placing the motion on the table for a vote, commenting "after six years", referring to the fact she still could not get it right...she is not alone, they all have their share of trouble following parliamentary procedure.

Picture of Whooper Swan, taken at Martin Mere, UK (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Before stepping down Ms Hoy asked for the opportunity to make parting comments, which the Mayor granted.  A summary of her remarks:

• She believes we should have term limits
• Being in office after six years affords officials to be "too lazy" (wonder how Finn felt about that?)
• That all being a result of being in office "too long"
• She has accepted a full time position at the institution she is currently working
• She gushed in her praise of the Police and Public Works Departments, acknowledging Gary and George, commenting how safe she feels at night and confident about the snow removal.  No mention of the City Clerk (Gwen) and staff.  Odd.  Oversight in the moment or intentional.  Go figure.

Mary also listed some of the "failures" during her term in office:

•  Progress on the completion of the Entrance Monuments
• Updating the city codes
• West Ridge development (although not specific, this refers to her efforts to reduce lot size,  allow patio homes, etc).  

More of Main Event

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 9

Additional Comments from Stevenson and Roper (who attended the meeting with Bos at County Assesor's office).

Stevenson:

• The motivation for the County to do reassessment was the State requirement for property to be assessed at 95% of market value, if the County does not adhere there is the possibility the State could take over the County assessment process (the Assessor cited examples where in fact this has been done).
• Once you "open your case" (with Assessor) it is open, meaning the assessor/appraiser and Board of Equalization can increase your assessment over the current proposed.  (Alderman Finn actually was involved in a case where this happened.

Roper:

• She shared with Assessor the background of WL including the fact that we had the reputation of "litigation lake" and she opined "there will be litgation" regarding the assessment issue.

Bos:

• Regarding impact on city taxes/levy he said, "I think we can go up to the same amount as last year plus cost of living".
• Jerry estimated the income to the City via taxes is roughly "$9.85 per $100. (He came to this via a rambling and difficult to understand soliloquy on the various sources of tax revenue to the city).
• It was during this ramble (Jerry loves a crowd) that he took special effort to make a reference to "that Idiot at the Landmark".  This is in regard to, I presume, a piece written by Ivan Foley at the Landmark that discussed the road sales tax issue just voted on this month.  Jerry felt the need to engage but then recalled advice he once received from an attorney, "never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel"  Of course he took the opportunity to call him an "Idiot" in a public forum and on the record...so Ivan, have at it.  http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/ink-by-the-barrel-on-the-internet_b11933
• Various comments from the peanut gallery, in the end, pretty much the same, how unfair the process is.  Bob Campbell seems to be heading up an ad hoc group to fight the process, and requested use of the Community Center (for free) for a town meeting on the subject.  The Mayor and City Clerk replied it would have to be rented, for as low as $30, based on time of day/week.  Verlin Boes volunteered to ante up the $30.
• In the crowd was Don Hoy, presumably to watch Mary get her sendoff from the BOA.  Of interest, for those inquiring minds, Mr Hoy is currently President of the Board of Equalization...yep the BOE is the body where your appeal may end up in July.   

So after all the huffing and puffing, with this portion of the BOA meeting finished there was a mass exodus from the Hall, leaving me and Holli Payne to endure the rest of the meeting...which did have some interesting information...which you can read, right here, starting tomorrow.

If your neighbor has questions regarding the assessment here in WL...forward them to this blog, right?

The Main Event

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
April 9

There was/was not a meeting regarding the property assessment furor last night.  There was discussion at the BOA meeting last night regarding the issue as part of their monthly agenda.  There was not, as reported on several emails making the rounds in WL, a separate meeting to chat about the problem.  In any event the audience was packed, my guess around 30 people, as the BOA meeting began.  They had to endure the swearing in of new aldermen, judge, and comments from the outgoing aldermen, Hoy and Folkedahl, as well as Mayor's Comments before getting to the subject that all were there to take in.

There was a meeting on April 5th in Platte City with the County Assessor and two staff members.  Mayor Bos, incoming alderman Brian Stevenson and County Commissioner (and WL resident) Beverlee Roper were in attendance.  The meeting lasted 3 hours or more...some highlights, as described by Jerry, he listed these as "facts".

• 2005  WL was reassessed
• 2007  No reassessment (the County may reassess every two years)
• 2009  No reassessment, due to "housing market collapse"
• 2011  No reassessment, primarily because assessor "Lisa Pope was sick"

During the meeting the Assessor (David Christian) talked about discussions with "WL citizens".  (Who they were and how many was not mentioned.  Comments included"

• 2nd tier people felt 1st tier people were under-assessed
• the north end of the lake wasn't as deep as the south (presumably referring to lake depth at docks)
• although not part of comments from WL citizens, it was mentioned numerous times the concerns that some at The National had expressed concern over the lower assessments at WL.

Methodology for Assessment process:

• Measurement of 1st tier footage on the lake
• 2nd tier determination of "good lake view", performed by assessor's office this past winter.
• The good view lots assessed @ $60,000 for value of land, "no view" $40,000.  Their were variances to this methodology, one example was lot next to Rick Noble which increased  to (without explanation) $80,000.  
• Another odd example, two contiguous fishing lots being assessed as if they were one building lot (Stevenson is in this situation)
• "Comparables" - When looking for valuation examples other like homes on the lake being used.  For whatever reason Vic DeJong's house was used and an example of a comparable (no real reason given).  MLS was cited as a source potentially.  Evidence you might provide include a certified appraisal, recent refi appraisal or "other convincing evidence"

More tomorrow.

When It Rains...

Farmer John said the rain gauge read 1.14" from the deluge on Sunday evening, early Monday.  The lake is up visibly.

Speaking of pouring, a couple of emails bouncing around a couple of email lists pointing out the discussion about the latest round of appraisals @ WL.  Expect an above average audience to great the Mayor and the newly elected aldermen tonight at the BOA meeting @ 7PM.

And Dumber

Forgot to mention a couple of more things about the single terminal proposal.  There is a fair amount of resistance to the idea gaining support.  Need more facts to balance the BS from KCMO?.
  
http://www.savekci.com/

Interesting web site with the latest counterpoints to the Airport Authority's PR machine.

If you like standing in long lines you will love the single terminal proposal for KCI.  Newark and Philly are some of my favorites, and neither of those are technically single terminal.  There are a couple of ways to beat the system, other than being part of the flight crew that goes to the front of the line.  Be an elite flyer (like Bubba and me on Delta) and bypass the riffraff and go to the front of the line (ok, when I fly American and Southwest, I am riffraff too) (so as not to short change Ace's employer, I am riffraff @ United as well).  Or you could sign up for programs like CLEAR which have  bypass lanes for their members but are not universal yet...and you have to pay up.

Have a nice flight.

Related articles

• We're Becoming Dumber and Dumber
• Study: Costs primary driver behind airport authority push

Dumb

That is about as direct as I can be in regards to KCMO moving forward with the new terminal boondoggle.  The Mayor and the Council have fallen in line with Airport Chief Van Loh to gush about the future of a new terminal, with a vision of "if you build it, they will come".  Only one problem, the facts present a different picture.  The average number of passengers per year has dropped by two million (20+%) since 2001.  Why,?  One big factor of course is/was 9-11.  Not discussed in today's Star article was the changing business environment.  Companies found different ways in the aftermath of 9-11 to operate, including the use of teleconferencing and video-conferencing.  Add a touch of recession and pressure of the bottom line and companies have scrutinized expenses, including air travel.

An example.  This week I had a business meeting in Memphis.  I started planning for the trip two weeks ago, the best airfare I could find that met my needs was $853...yes, $853.  I considered traveling to Little Rock, and driving to Memphis, would have saved me $400, and if it had not been for bad return connections I would have done that.  Memphis just completed a very nice redo of their airport...relocated their car rental back to the terminal, new ticketing, added some shops, really nice.  One problem, it is a virtual ghost town compared to five years ago, when I arrived on Monday, I passed gate after gate with nobody there...during prime time, 4PM.  The consolidation of airlines, use of smaller regional jets has not been kind to Memphis.

Who will pay for the new terminal at KCI, $1.2 billion.  The story is changing from the Feds chipping in a big chunk (unlikely) to a bond issue...saddling KCMO with even more debt, good luck with that.  And of course there is you and me...(yes, you, because the forces that be agree, you the air passenger will bear the sure bet of increased fares).

One word, Dumb.

One more thought...TSA.  On the trip this week to Memphis I traveled on Delta. One of the reasons promoted for the new terminal, is the streamlined security it will bring over the current costs because of the three terminal configuration (actually I think it may go to two shortly).  Anyway, after having the guy at the stand make red marks on my boarding pass I encountered a young TSA guy directing me to which line to be scanned...he pointed to the right, with 4 people...while the line to the left had 1...I pointed it to him and he said "I am supposed to balance the lines"...Da...I think most passengers could figure that out...and then, after going through the detector, observed a number of TSA agents watching other TSA agents, all the while grabassing around...I feel safer, don't you?

Related articles

• Move forward with planning for new KCI terminal
• Memphis International Airport Relocates Car Rental Area
• A new KCI is closer to takeoff

Be Careful What You Wish For

The brewing brouhaha concerning the new appraisals and assessments in WL is quite simple really.  It's all Jerry's fault...and the EAC (Entrance Advisory Committee).  Remember they promised the new entrance monuments would increase property values...shazaam!  And to think they are only half finished.   Maybe a more understated approach would have kept WL under the radar....nah.  Oh the agony.

The BOA was delayed until next Tuesday because of the election, so...the BOA next Tuesday should be very interesting.  The coronation of the newly elected and the hand wringing over the appraisals begins then..  So far the biggest appraisal increase I have heard is north of 70%.  Yikes, the WL Chamber of Commerce must be sweating this one out. 

Jerry vs The Robot

You may have received a "robo call" is past weekend prompting you to vote no on the 3/8 sales tax for roads (there is an email bouncing around as well). A bit of misinformation and sadly a very big negative impact if successful. Jerry took to the mail to reiterate how important it is to renew the tax for WL. Vote yes to renew the 3/8 tax for roads.


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Zebras Discovered in WL

Inside info has it the WLIC is preparing a communication to the membership announcing the verification that the dreaded Zebra Mussels have arrived @ WL.  The exact source of the infestation is unknown, however, one the the Board members, (she asked her identity remain anonymous) feels sure one of the little buggers was attached to someone's bottom.  More to follow.

 

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  Of course this is an April Fools gag. 

Rabbit Raisins

It's the Easter Bonnie! (Photo credit: Tabbymom Jen)

You might have received a pre-Easter gift in the mail form Platte County Assessor David Christian this past week.  Certainly something you might not night put in your Easter basket though.  Most folks in WL have seen their assessed/appraised value on their property sky rocket...I imagine many Easter gatherings had this as a common discussion..."did you get a new appraisal on your property?"  (Sorry, zebra mussels got squeezed out of hot topics)

What is the percent change from your last appraisal?

http://www.co.platte.mo.us/county_offices_departments/assessor.html

http://www.plattecountycollector.com/realsearch.php

http://www.plattecountycollector.com/docs/levies.pdf?PHPSESSID=447309e93b1dddbba37edc8f9a6e072e