Absent WithOutLetting the aldermen know.
For all those familiar with military service, AbsentWithOutLeave (AWOL) is basically abandoning your post without permission...I have a personal story about being AWOL...but I digress.
I mentioned Mayor Botbyl was not present for the BOA meeting this month, Alderman Stevenson as Mayor Pro Tem presided over the meeting. Apparently Hizzoner continues to be away, but did not let Aldermen Finn, Richmond and Clark know about his extended absence. Presumably he let Stevenson know, I would think. Botbyl did let City staff know. Why not the alderman? You would have to ask him but it seems to fit the pattern of lack of communication with the Board. A bit irritating wouldn't you say?
How does this play into the renewed City interest in enforcing codes? We'll have to wait until the next BOA.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Muddy Waters
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
14 Sept
After addressing the continuing fluff issue of noise abatement from aircraft at MCI, the BOA was blistered during public comments regarding the lack of enforcement of erosion control in the City. Bob Campbell, Jim and Carol Getty, made comments about a property on Westside Drive. The house being built is directly across from the Getty's at 7709 Westside Drive. If you have driven on Westside Drive at all this past year you are well familiar with the house, modern appearing, relatively steep slope and a mess when it comes to runoff. The mud from the property has flown across the street on to the Getty property as well as into the access area...and according to the Getty's, siltation into the lake. Additionally Mr Campbell made remarks in regards to the lack of siltation control measure in WestRidge as well. (He had made similar remarks earlier this year at a BOA meeting). Campbell asked the Police Chief how many citations had been issued this year, his first response was "2".
The conversation bounced from the Board, to the Chief, to Dept of Public Works and back to Campbell and the Getty's. The frustration of the citizens has was apparent. Add to this the concerns voiced by the City Attorney of what a "nuisance" is, based on recent decisions by the State Legislature, inserted another element for indecision (this came up regarding the overgrown weeds on the Duncan property).
Some perspective. I have attended many BOA meetings since the development of Sonoma/WestRidge began. There has been over time commentary to the Board, and by the Board on siltation issues, lack of portapotties, construction equipment blocking roads, etc. Mr Campbell's question, how many citations/tickets have been issued is a good one. My guess is, not many, until now. I understand this has picked up this past week after the BOA meeting...interesting, huh?
Some questions. Who has the responsibility to insure City Codes are enforced? The supervisor of Public Works and Public safety and chief administrative officer of the City is the Mayor. Why has he not made Code enforcement a priority? Where does WLIC leadership stand regarding protecting the lake from siltation? We know they are active on the E coli problems, If they are supportive of the "Getty" situation, it is has not been made public.
Another point of interest...the uptick of enforcement has begun as the Mayor is AWOL from City Hall. Subject of the next post.
14 Sept
After addressing the continuing fluff issue of noise abatement from aircraft at MCI, the BOA was blistered during public comments regarding the lack of enforcement of erosion control in the City. Bob Campbell, Jim and Carol Getty, made comments about a property on Westside Drive. The house being built is directly across from the Getty's at 7709 Westside Drive. If you have driven on Westside Drive at all this past year you are well familiar with the house, modern appearing, relatively steep slope and a mess when it comes to runoff. The mud from the property has flown across the street on to the Getty property as well as into the access area...and according to the Getty's, siltation into the lake. Additionally Mr Campbell made remarks in regards to the lack of siltation control measure in WestRidge as well. (He had made similar remarks earlier this year at a BOA meeting). Campbell asked the Police Chief how many citations had been issued this year, his first response was "2".
The conversation bounced from the Board, to the Chief, to Dept of Public Works and back to Campbell and the Getty's. The frustration of the citizens has was apparent. Add to this the concerns voiced by the City Attorney of what a "nuisance" is, based on recent decisions by the State Legislature, inserted another element for indecision (this came up regarding the overgrown weeds on the Duncan property).
Some perspective. I have attended many BOA meetings since the development of Sonoma/WestRidge began. There has been over time commentary to the Board, and by the Board on siltation issues, lack of portapotties, construction equipment blocking roads, etc. Mr Campbell's question, how many citations/tickets have been issued is a good one. My guess is, not many, until now. I understand this has picked up this past week after the BOA meeting...interesting, huh?
Some questions. Who has the responsibility to insure City Codes are enforced? The supervisor of Public Works and Public safety and chief administrative officer of the City is the Mayor. Why has he not made Code enforcement a priority? Where does WLIC leadership stand regarding protecting the lake from siltation? We know they are active on the E coli problems, If they are supportive of the "Getty" situation, it is has not been made public.
Another point of interest...the uptick of enforcement has begun as the Mayor is AWOL from City Hall. Subject of the next post.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Airport Noise Angst
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
September 13
The Mayor was not present for the meeting (no reason announced) so Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson pinch hit in the Chair seat. 8 citizens appeared for the free entertainment.
One of the topics discussed by the Board was the ongoing concern regarding overflights/noise created by air traffic over the lake. Alderman Richmond mentioned what seems to be rather ineffective calls to a gentleman named Bob Johnson at the airfield, apparently the all hands on deck appeal got nowhere. The urban legend of agreements, formal and informal, between airport officials/FFA and WL (at some point in the past) continues, with notions of "the box" and flight path restrictions almost always brought up. And so, the rather pointless back and forth continues. It is almost as if there is nothing else to focus on.
But WL officials got hammered by a few citizens on an important issue not on the evening agenda. That will be the subject of the next post.
September 13
The Mayor was not present for the meeting (no reason announced) so Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson pinch hit in the Chair seat. 8 citizens appeared for the free entertainment.
One of the topics discussed by the Board was the ongoing concern regarding overflights/noise created by air traffic over the lake. Alderman Richmond mentioned what seems to be rather ineffective calls to a gentleman named Bob Johnson at the airfield, apparently the all hands on deck appeal got nowhere. The urban legend of agreements, formal and informal, between airport officials/FFA and WL (at some point in the past) continues, with notions of "the box" and flight path restrictions almost always brought up. And so, the rather pointless back and forth continues. It is almost as if there is nothing else to focus on.
But WL officials got hammered by a few citizens on an important issue not on the evening agenda. That will be the subject of the next post.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Horsing Around
After over a decade of serving on the BZA (Board of Zoning Adjustment) I sat on the other side of the bench in observing a BZA hearing from the cheap seats as part of the public. The hearing was held last week to consider the request by a prospective buyer of the "Duncan property" (corner of Barry and Potomac...often referred to as the Horse Farm) to house horses on the property. A little background.
The property actually resides partially in KCMO, and it was mentioned at the hearing, the property was annexed many years ago into the city...but without privileges for the WLIC. The Duncan's kept horses on the property, up to 4, during the time there were there. Mr Duncan has passed away, Mrs Duncan lives in a nursing home and their son, who lives in Wyoming, is in charge of the estate. Based on testimony at the hearing, horses have not been kept on the property for over two years. Thus the problem. The City Code was updated in the mid-80's in regards to animals, allowing for only cats and dogs. The Duncan's horses were "grandfathered" based on their status prior to the Code update. The City Code also has a "Cessation" clause, basically stating a non-conforming use, once abandoned, must go through the request for a variance if an owner so desires. Still with me? So the Restrepo family desired to buy the property and house horses there. They are not currently residents of WL and board horses off Mace Road.
The hearing was well attended, around 30 people. The Restrepo's and their attorney outlined their plans for the property. Most of the adjacent property owners, with one exception, were in favor of the variance. Underlying a few of their comments were concerns about the property being subdivided, the son of the owner's Mr Jones, mentioned in his written comments, the subdividing as "Plan B" if the property was not able to be sold to house horses. Opposing comments, from former WLIC Prez Joe Ennett, current Prez Rick Neece, and Director Beth Moraitis, all cited potential contamination of the lake if runoff from the property containing E Coli from horse feces flowed into the lake. Similar problems with runoff from property east of the Lake (Owens) was mentioned.
After all the comments and testimony the BZA voted 4-0 to deny the request for a variance, the chair, Linda Winter, did not vote. The Restrepo's are left with either appealing the hearing findings in court, modifying their application and request another hearing, or abandoning their quest for the property. Time will tell.
The property actually resides partially in KCMO, and it was mentioned at the hearing, the property was annexed many years ago into the city...but without privileges for the WLIC. The Duncan's kept horses on the property, up to 4, during the time there were there. Mr Duncan has passed away, Mrs Duncan lives in a nursing home and their son, who lives in Wyoming, is in charge of the estate. Based on testimony at the hearing, horses have not been kept on the property for over two years. Thus the problem. The City Code was updated in the mid-80's in regards to animals, allowing for only cats and dogs. The Duncan's horses were "grandfathered" based on their status prior to the Code update. The City Code also has a "Cessation" clause, basically stating a non-conforming use, once abandoned, must go through the request for a variance if an owner so desires. Still with me? So the Restrepo family desired to buy the property and house horses there. They are not currently residents of WL and board horses off Mace Road.
The hearing was well attended, around 30 people. The Restrepo's and their attorney outlined their plans for the property. Most of the adjacent property owners, with one exception, were in favor of the variance. Underlying a few of their comments were concerns about the property being subdivided, the son of the owner's Mr Jones, mentioned in his written comments, the subdividing as "Plan B" if the property was not able to be sold to house horses. Opposing comments, from former WLIC Prez Joe Ennett, current Prez Rick Neece, and Director Beth Moraitis, all cited potential contamination of the lake if runoff from the property containing E Coli from horse feces flowed into the lake. Similar problems with runoff from property east of the Lake (Owens) was mentioned.
After all the comments and testimony the BZA voted 4-0 to deny the request for a variance, the chair, Linda Winter, did not vote. The Restrepo's are left with either appealing the hearing findings in court, modifying their application and request another hearing, or abandoning their quest for the property. Time will tell.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Sounds of Silence
Today is the 15th anniversary of what we refer to as "911". One of those events that usually initiates a conversation or thought..."I was...". I do recall vividly where I was and what I was doing. I was on a business teleconference in my office here in WL, a colleague in Indy and another in Pennsylvania were on the phone discussing whatever, the topic was quickly forgotten. Someone in the Pennsylvania office had been on the net when the initial news broke about the attack in NY. Business was quickly set aside, we were all struggling to make sense of the initial news and agreed to end the call. I went to the nearest TV, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the almost immediate consequences was the shutting down of the entire air travel system. If you didn't live here at the time it is hard to imagine. Erie silence. No airplanes landing, none taking off. Nothing. For me, the silence was not hallowed but scary. It emphasized our vulnerability. It focused the attack, it disrupted what was normal. In the succeeding days, as I walked from the house to my office and back, I often stopped to listen...all there was, was the sound of silence.
At a few of the last Board of Aldermen meetings there have been comments/discussions regarding airplane noise, flights of planes "out of the box", and the demand by some to do something about it. Alderman Richmond and Mayor Botbyl are both interested in gaining momentum in the community to keep flights from any incursion into WL airspace (neither btw lived here during 911). Jerry Bos, when he was mayor, formed an Airport Noise Committee, with much fanfare. There was an initial wave of enthusiasm, followed by settling in, followed by malaise, followed by eventual disbandment.
One of the reasons we moved to WL in 1999 was proximity to KCI. Business required me to travel about 50% of the time, I grew weary of the trek from Brookside and even more weary of the trip, usually later in the evening back home. I once calculated the time saved by living here versus Brookside, it was substantial. I traded the noise of the city, police and ambulance sirens for the most part, for the sounds of being close to the airport. Funny how the brain accommodates noise so that airplanes are hardly noticed? Okay, we do get flights over WL on occasion. Some I assume out of issues related to weather or other flight path concerns...some maybe not.
But to me, the sounds, when I notice them, are the sounds of commerce. They are the sounds of friends and relatives coming and going, it is the sound of normal. Some folks are apparently annoyed enough to complain to the Mayor and Alderman to take action...whatever that might be.
I am okay with the occasional fly-over, the noise doesn't bother me. My fervernt hope is to never hear the Sounds of Silence and everything it may mean again.
One of the almost immediate consequences was the shutting down of the entire air travel system. If you didn't live here at the time it is hard to imagine. Erie silence. No airplanes landing, none taking off. Nothing. For me, the silence was not hallowed but scary. It emphasized our vulnerability. It focused the attack, it disrupted what was normal. In the succeeding days, as I walked from the house to my office and back, I often stopped to listen...all there was, was the sound of silence.
At a few of the last Board of Aldermen meetings there have been comments/discussions regarding airplane noise, flights of planes "out of the box", and the demand by some to do something about it. Alderman Richmond and Mayor Botbyl are both interested in gaining momentum in the community to keep flights from any incursion into WL airspace (neither btw lived here during 911). Jerry Bos, when he was mayor, formed an Airport Noise Committee, with much fanfare. There was an initial wave of enthusiasm, followed by settling in, followed by malaise, followed by eventual disbandment.
One of the reasons we moved to WL in 1999 was proximity to KCI. Business required me to travel about 50% of the time, I grew weary of the trek from Brookside and even more weary of the trip, usually later in the evening back home. I once calculated the time saved by living here versus Brookside, it was substantial. I traded the noise of the city, police and ambulance sirens for the most part, for the sounds of being close to the airport. Funny how the brain accommodates noise so that airplanes are hardly noticed? Okay, we do get flights over WL on occasion. Some I assume out of issues related to weather or other flight path concerns...some maybe not.
But to me, the sounds, when I notice them, are the sounds of commerce. They are the sounds of friends and relatives coming and going, it is the sound of normal. Some folks are apparently annoyed enough to complain to the Mayor and Alderman to take action...whatever that might be.
I am okay with the occasional fly-over, the noise doesn't bother me. My fervernt hope is to never hear the Sounds of Silence and everything it may mean again.
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