Longfellow's Christmas Bells

"Christmas Bells"
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Some Pate' with Your Quackers?

Rendevous spot for the Geese in K Cove along with a few Ducks.
Honk Honk Honk
Honk Honk Honk
Honk Honk all the way.

Silent Night? No Way!

Sunday's KC Star

Don't know if you saw it in yesterday's paper, Section E (House & Home). page E-2, our daughter Sarah was recognized for her role in recycling. Last week the MidAmerica Regional Council (MARC) which is comprised of a nine county area in the metro, recognized Sarah for her "Green" event held a couple of months ago at the CC. Alderman Finn was gracious enough to submit her name and MARC recognized Sarah at an awards ceremony held last week at the Sprint Center. A nice lunch with leaders from throughout the metro area.

It did start with a simple question from Sarah, "Why don't we recycle?" WL has now taken the initial steps to foster recycling in the community. Haven't started yet? This Christmas would be a great time to start, with all the cardboard packaging that is bound to be hauled to the curb...flatten it and take it to the CC or City Hall instead.

Try it, you'll like it.

Follow the Money, Part III

The Hanman-Bos connection reminded me of the last mayoral campaign. I documented here (see archives, April 1 ) the various contributors for both the Bos and York efforts, and as you might recall, Jerry Bos had quite a few CEO/CFO/COO (12) contributors who lived outside of Weatherby Lake. If you were interested in becoming the next Mayor of Weatherby Lake, how much would it take per vote to win? Based on the last election, $22 per winning vote. Jerry raised $8,601 and received 396 votes. York raised $2,302.43 or $6 per losing vote. Jerry's margin of victory was 16 votes.

Wonder if the penalty assessed earlier this week against Jerry would have swung nine votes, thus change the outcome of the election? One of his campaign themes was his experience as an executive businessman, would that float today? Obviously the securities investigation issue was brewing prior to the election but out of sight to virtually all of the voters.

Where did all the campaign money go? York spent all of his money, his fund zeroed out. Bos did have a surplus at the end of the campaign, and here is where his funds went:

Brandon McPherson Memorial Foundation=$415.42
Tour de Cure=$500
National Multiple Sclerosis Society=$500
Committee to Elect Brian Stevenson=$714.37

After these distributions the Bos campaign zeroed out.

source: Missouri Ethics Commission Committee Disclosure Reports, Platte County Board of Elections

Spilled Milk

I was traveling on business on Tuesday the 16th, but it was not difficult to notice the headlines from a number of online sources, Wall Street Journal, KC Star, KC Business Journal, The Newark Examiner and the Associated Press, among others.

"DFA, former execs will pay $12M to settle trading investigation"
"The Commodity Futures Trading Commission said DFA (Dairy Farmers of America), former CEO Gary Hanman and former CFO Gerald Bos will pay the 12M civil penalty for attempting to manipulate a Class III milk futures contract and exceeding speculative position limits in the contract, in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act."

"The agency's order regarding DFA, Hanman and Bos found that from May 21 through June 23, 2004, the three tried to manipulate the price of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's June, July and Augus 2004 Class III milk futures contracts through purchases of block cheddar cheese on the CME Spot Call market.
Kansas City Business Journal, December 16, 2008.

Mr Hanman and his wife Shirley were both listed as contributers to the Bos campaign ($300 each) in this past mayoral campaign. They also own a home on Pleasant Ford.

The Road Warrior Returns

Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it! I beg your indulgence as I undergo the initiation rites that all new employees must endure. Mix in a decent amount of business travel and a relatively quiet WL news scene...I neglected my blog a bit (understatement huh). Any way, recent events prompted me to catch up with a number of interesting events. So, for those of you who have been persistently touching base...I'm back.

Next post: Nov 17th news releases.

2009 Budget to be Adopted @ BOA, Dec 2

Thanksgiving

It's hard not to wonder if everything is going down the tubes if one follows the daily news...however, there is lots to be thankful for, especially for family and friends at Weatherby Lake. Happy Thanksgiving!

Weatheby Lake Man Abducted by Aliens!

Currently being held captive in Captiva (really). Due to a series of seen and unforseen events I have been absent, as you know, but am getting back on the block. First order of business to catch up on comments left during the past two weeks...which I will start today. December is a busy month as the City and WLIC lurch to the calendar finish line.

Just when you thought it was safe to go to your mailbox...another election looms, two aldermen positions up for grabs with filing opening up soon. Never a dull moment, right?

Today is America Recycles Day

Have you been to the bin? We have recycling bins for newspaper,plastic,cardboard and cans at City Hall and the CC. It's a habit, start today!

I'm baaaack!

After all the travails of traveling and computer problems, I am back with lots of catching up to do. Your help and insights would be helpful...did you attend the WLIC Annual meeting? Would love to see your perspectives. Please post under this title. Did you attend the BOA meeting on the 10th were they discussed the City Website? Post your comments on the previous posting. Thanks.

BOA City Website Meeting, Dec 10th

Were you there? Your comments...

Gremlins and the Backwoods

I'm a road warrior this week, somewhere in the woods in KY an hour south of Cincinnati...business retreat. Of course first thing Monday morning my computer decided to go on retreat...just back on the net late last night. Hopefully back to posting today after wading through way too many emails that have stacked up.

Rude

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

That's putting it mildly, the rude behavior of the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor last Wednesday evening. As noted in previous post, there was a BOA Work Session on the 09 budget @ 5PM. It was to be followed by the regularly scheduled monthly BOA meeting @ 7PM. The BOA went into closed session around 6:45 PM to discuss salary related issues to the budget. As is customary, the citizens in attendance were ushered out into the hallway so the BOA and Mayor could discuss business, but not before three pizzas and soft drinks were delivered to the Town Hall for the pleasure of the BOA and Mayor. With the smell of Pizza Hut hanging in the air, 8 or so citizens waited for the start of the BOA meeting. 7:10...still in closed session, 7:20...ditto, 7:30 one citizen, let's call him Will, bailed on waiting any longer as the rest of us stood in the hallway, leaning on the WL topographic map. Just short of 7:50 PM the Town Hall doors swung open and we were allowed in. Jerry gave a rather sheepish "I'm sorry" and the BOA meeting began. Not a peep from the aldermen, guess they felt it was ok to stiff their constituents.
In the best of circumstances it is difficult to get attendance at BOA meetings. When the Mayor and Board insist on scheduling early meetings and not conducting meetings on time, it has a chilling effect on those who might want to attend. I saw a couple of faces that have not attended a BOA meeting, at least not recently. My guess is Wednesday's performance will cure them of attending another soon.
Oh yeah, if the closed session wasn't enough the for the first meeting, they went into closed session again after the BOA...no reports of dessert being served...to quote Marie Antoinette "let them eat cake"
And that my friends, is as I see it.

If you've got the time, they got the Money

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Special Board Meeting "Budget Workshop"
Wed, Nov 5th, 5PM

I left work a few minutes early to sit in on the workshop. One other citizen and City Treasurer Marianne Ennett in attendance.

Some of the highlights:
Mayor Bos provided a General Fund Summary Sheet on 2009 Proposed Budget

• Revenue=$867,400
• Disbursements=$813,425
• Net surplus of $53,975

The Community Center revenue projected to be $22,000 and expenses $27,500. The revenue includes a $2,000 "donation" which Jerry described as "fund raiser" in 09 to narrow the deficit for the operation of the CC. The expense line also includes a low projection of security expenses by $1,500. Removed were legal and personnel salary/taxes/benefits which would subtract another $1,000. Bottom line, the revenue to expense differential will come in at a negative $10,000...the CC discussion ended with an observation by Alderman White that the CC "was paying for itself". Huh? The rest of the Board and Mayor looked like bobble heads as they nodded in agreement.

09 Police budget includes an addition of one more full time officer

Public Works projected to add one full time split between Roads and Water/Sewer.

The Sewer Fund is projected to operate on a net loss of $38,450. Proposals are to either raise the sewer rate $4.25 per month per household, now or to wait until KCMO raises their rates (up to 20%) and then increase sewer rate to pass along the increase and cover shortfall. My sense is the former might be the will of the Board.

The Water Fund is projected to have a $10,000 surplus, however a rate increase by KCMO would require a similar increase to cover costs.

The Board went into closed session around 6:45, I surmise to discuss salaries of employees for 2009.

Tonight

"Budget Work Session at 5PM, City Hall
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/Agendas/103.pdf

Monthly BOA meeting, 7PM, City Hall

Caught in our own Web

Interesting comments concerning the WWW post. Just an observation, the City might want to add a counter widget to the current web site. I'm fairly certain City Hall has no foggy idea how many hits the web site gets in a month. A counter has its own issues (is that ten hits or one person hitting ten times?) but it would be a start.

What I would like to see is immediate postings on the site of meeting notices. Currently there is an agenda posted for tomorrow nights BOA meeting dated 30 October, but apparently there is an amended agenda that includes a Budget meeting at 5PM. I assume this is posted at City Hall. A "blast" feature that posts an email list regarding meetings would be helpful...if our City leaders really want to keep citizens informed and involved.

What do you think?

WWW

I don't know if Al Gore has been invited, but you can attend a special BOA meeting that will consider a face lift for the current City web site. Toni Osterle of Tower Innovations will give a presentation on the capabilities of her company, November 10th, 6PM at City Hall. If you are a reader of this blog I consider you part of the WL computer nerd kingdom. Although the Mayor and BOA aren't exactly seeking your input (okay, Mary sent an email about the meeting), thought you might want to take a crack at it.

Have you ever visited the City website?
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/index.aspx

What do you like about it?
What don't you like?
What features would you like to have added?
(Ease of use is important, especially for City staff to do postings)

Many cities in MO have web sites, some very good, some horrid. The Missouri Municipal League (MML) has a convenient tab that lists members' web sites.
http://www.mocities.com/MemberCitiesLinks.html
Take a look, if you see one you like, post a comment

Turn Back the Clock

Nice, huh, having that extra hour? My internal clock will have none of it, thus I awoke at my usual appointed time.
Historic week/month ahead of us for local and national decisions. As much as we might yearn for the good old days, as both McCain and Obama predict, change is coming.

Couple of questions from blog viewers this past week. Can I see who posts when they use Anonymous? Answer, No.

Have I ever deleted a Comment? Answer, No, not yet. Could I? yes. If someone used vulgar language (use your imagination) or made an over the top personal attack I would consider deleting the comment. I haven't added up the comments versus hits, but, as you know, most folks do not comment, just click in, click out.

Not so Strange Bedfellows

Received a postcard from Mike Henderson (former WL Mayor) yesterday, "Dear Mike, Please join me in supporting my friend Kathy Dusenbery". A Republican guy touting a Republican gal...right? Yes, and then some.

Who was the ringleader for the Ambulance District? Dusenbery.
Who committed and supported Weatherby Lake to join the District? Henderson.
Result: The initiative was overwhelmingly defeated at WL (passed in the other areas) and Henderson was soundly defeated in his re-election bid.

Who consorted with Mr Owens in his initial attempt to develop the property adjacent to Eastside Drive? Henderson.
Who was noticeably absent in the last round of sparring to fight the rezoning of the Owens property? Dusenberry.
Result: Rezoning failed.

Dusenberry campaign Treasurer? Alderman Mary Hoy.

Looks like they are going for the trifecta, "making our county an even better place to live".
Bedfellows? Yes. Strange? Not so much.

Agenda, BOA November 5th

http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/Agendas/104.pdf

BOO!

Been following the Toplikar debacle in Johnson County? County Commissioner Toplikar was caught on camera stealing opponents campaign signs. Scary, huh? Not sure where that fits in my course curricula for Signtology. Might have to add a grad course on the subject. We did have a bit of the same activity during the last mayoral/aldermen races, as reported by York and Finn. Who and why unknown. Friends over in Wildwood reported missing Obama signs on Beech...I cannot verify if a white haired gentleman was caught on camera relocating the Bama signs...could have been a ghost.

I'm on duty tonight to reward the gobblins and ghouls who come to our door. Adults...please have the kids wear something reflective and carry a flashlight. Drivers...our streets are fairly dark with little shoulder for pedestrians to walk. Tonight, if you are going the speed limit, you are probably going too fast. Let's be safe.

Vote Once, Twice

You might want to vote twice this next Tuesday...but no I'm not talking about that. After the November 4th election, there is another important vote opportunity at the WLIC Annual Meeting on November 11th at the Airport Hilton. You should have received your packet by now. Read it carefully. If you cannot attend the meeting, sign over your proxy to another member. Speaking of proxy (I would hope this would be common sense) give your proxy to someone who represents your point of view. I understand there are a few individuals who are actively seeking proxies. No problem with that, but you give them absolute control on all issues that come before the membership that night. The Directors elected the 11th will be making decisions that affect the Lake for years to come.

Most importantly, if you can, attend the meeting. Based on comments in the blog, many don't understand how WLIC operates and worse yet, confuse it with City government. The meeting provides the opportunity to interact with the Directors and hear the latest at WLIC.

Barry Road Bid

Thanks to Anonymous on the BRB blog:
"Low Bidder for Project 89008078 NW Barry Road - North Potomac to North Conat and North Amity with a planned completion date of November 2010. $13,493,986.85 Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company. They did the piece of Barry Road in front of the Fire Station and Congress south of Barry Road. Not the current contractor that is working in front of the Park Hill High School"

Follow Up to Wail of Sirens

Dorothy Devaney was the resident pinned under a fallen tree as posted on Monday. She was taken to NKC Hospital and yesterday was moved from ICU to the general floor. She has broken bones among other injuries. Drove past her house this AM, a crew is there disposing of the tree and remnants. Just goes to show ya, life can have those totally unanticipated moments.

Evie Penn, Updated

Evie Penn, age 15, daughter of Weatherby Lake residents Ray and Tamara Penn, passed away yesterday after a 3 year battle against cancer. I received the following email from Alan Jennerich and publish it with his permission. Our heartfelt condolences to the Penn family.

From: alan jennerich

Evi Penn, daughter of Ray & Tamra Penn, 9709 NW 75th Ter, Weatherby Lake died early this morning after a valiant 3 year struggle against cancer. Over the last 5 years my family has grown to know Evi as a bright, talkative, energetic, and loving person. Evi enjoyed Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings. Evi loved anything pink and penguins. Evi was a student at Park Hill H.S.
On Nov 20th, she would have been 16 years old.

Funeral arrangements as posted in KC Star: http:http://www.legacy.com/KansasCity/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=119477398

The Wail of Sirens

Almost always a sign of something bad happening. Yesterday afternoon certainly was just that. The dog started to bark, picking up the siren much before I heard it. Then I heard the sound and finally the fire truck raced past out house. Some time after, another, this time a KCMO fire truck followed by another KCMO vehicle, an unusual sight here at WL.

A little bit later, neighbors stopped to tell us of an accident at a home down the street on Potomac. An elderly neighbor was pinned by a fallen tree in the yard (it was especially windy yesterday afternoon). I don't have any more details, I will post as I get them.

Another reminder of how important the BRB is when minutes count for police/fire/rescue.

Signtology 201 & Strange Bedfellows

Ok, class now in session, time again to visit the local scene for political signs and what they mean. Remember, it isn't just the sign itself, it is yard the sign is in, companion signs in the yard and the absence of signs themselves.

First observation: A heated national race has generated relatively few yard signs. I expected many more signs. Interesting.
2nd observation: There are the sprinkling of "vote the ticket" yards, Democratic and Republican
3rd observation: Split tickets. McCain/Quitmeier...Obama/Dusenberry, party aberrations happening at the county level. (Full disclosure, our yard has the former).
4th observation: Some prominent WLakeans who in the past traditionally had signs are signless...what to make of that?

Your assignment: Observe and comment on the signs of the season.

Extra Credit: Fantasy Ticket. The 3rd observation got me to thinking. What if... Have you ever played Fantasy Football/Baseball (Hockey?JN?). Basically you have a mock draft of professional players and make your own team. How about fantasy politics, mixing national and local politicians...example, Palin/Quitmeier or Obama/Dusenberry? Move to the head of the class, submit your tickets!

Duplexes/Triplexes @ Sonoma Ridge

I was approached at the Octoberfest/Recycling event last Sunday by two different people with the same question, "Have you heard about the rumor concerning Sonoma Ridge?"

My answer, "Yes, and depending what you heard, it is true"

Here is what I know. During the same telephone discussion I had with Mayor Jerry Bos (noted in previous post) he asked for my opinion about a discussion he had with a developer who had called him. The developer had done the "math" regarding single family dwellings @ Sonoma and concluded, at this time, the arithmetic did not make the venture profitable. However, if a development of duplexes/triplexes with a few single family dwellings sprinkled in was possible, the economics worked. Benefit to the City, increased tax base where, to this point, it is undeveloped. Jerry asked for my perspective as a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) member. My response was the BZA has no responsibility, but rather the Planning Commission and Board of Aldermen would be involved in any consideration. I can share with you in another post all the reasons I mentioned to him why I think the proposal is bad for the City.

Jerry mentioned he had discussed the proposal with former Alderman Gene Roberts. I know Jerry has discussed this with one alderman, I assume by now, all of the aldermen. I recommended Jerry seek the opinion of Westside resident Larry Maher. Larry was part of the group of residents trying to block the development of the current tract. I do not know if Jerry and Larry have spoken.

My advice to Jerry was not to conduct further discussions with the developer, but rather ask the developer to come forward at a regularly scheduled BOA meeting to present the concept and details to the Board as well as the public.

You might recall during the April City election the rumor about "patio homes" for Sonoma was bouncing around. So much so, at the Candidates Forum the question was put to all the candidates regarding Sonoma Ridge. All the candidates emphatically responded with the need to maintain Sonoma as a single family dwelling development. Has anybody changed their mind? I don't know. It might be a good question to ask Jerry, Mary, Vic, Pat, Tanya. I feel sure they would appreciate your feedback.

Free Ride

During the Nuisance Meeting mention was made of an odd circumstance. Apparently a resident on Eastside Drive had trash that was not picked up by Allied Waste due to the nature/quantity of the trash. After being informed by the Police that the trash needed to be picked up, the owner said he didn't have the money to haul it off. During the weekend with the consent of the Mayor, the Chief of Police used a city truck to pick up the trash and deposit the stuff in the City Dumpster...free. Well, not exactly. You see it was paid for by you and me, the taxpayers. The City Attorney observed that being unable to pay is not a reason to avoid giving a citation. Case in point, the last City Court saw a WL citizen get 10 days in Platte County slammer because she said she did not have the money to pay court fines for similar "nuisance" violations. Magically, the morning after her first night in jail she produced bail to spring the joint.

Another example of the use of public resources for a private endeavor was the recent trip to Fort Riley by some folks in the WL Police vehicle. Don't get me wrong, it was a great cause, but in my opinion it was a misuse of a City vehicle, fueled by City paid gasoline, carrying private citizens. I pointed this out in a telephone conversation with the mayor shortly after the event. His take? He said maybe he should reimburse for the gas. My response? He missed the point. I don't believe there is intentional wrong doing. Six months into their terms Vic and Jerry can't claim they are "new". I don't know what veteran aldermen Mary, Pat, and Tanya are thinking. Somebody needs to take charge, after all, it is your money.

A Little Egg with your Sausage

Finishing up on the Special Nuisance Board Meeting on Monday, topics discussed included:

• Dead and fallen trees
• Noise related to home businesses
• Smoke propagated by fire pits
• Big lights on homes that disturb neighbors

Despite the more than two hour discussion of the current ordinance dealing with nuisances, apparently the only change moving forward will be the 8" maximum length of grass (although not mentioned, I believe this includes weeds as well). This will apply to developed property as well as undeveloped property that has been mowed.

If this board is really ambitious, a comprehensive review of the City Codes, in my opinion, is in order. It has been a number of years since the last revision. My bet is it won't happen or even worse another committee will be formed. A little egg with that sausage, mister? As Emily Littela used to say, "Never mind".

Update: Alderman Hoy sent out her notes from the Nuisance meeting last night @ 10:29, subject "BOA meeting last night". As my astute blogites know, the meeting was held Monday afternoon at 1:30. Absent from her notes was the recommended height change on grass. Maybe they have changed their mind?

Next bloggings to include: Update on Barry Road, The Meter is Running Update, Get Your Trash Picked Up for Free, RoundUp on Octoberfest/Recycling, Sonoma Ridge Development Heating Up, November Election.

Making Sausage

Otto von Bismarck nailed it when he said no one should ever watch the making of sausage or laws.
I went for a portion of the Nuisance meeting yesterday. Two other citizens in attendance. All of the aldermen, the mayor, city clerk, the chief of police and both city attorneys as well. First nuisance topic: length of grass. The current code allows up to 12 inches before the city can issue a citation and/or abatement (cut the offenders grass and charge them). After an agonizing discussion of fifty minutes the Board recommended lowering the limit to 8 inches. How many households of the 700 plus here at WL are "habitual offenders"? According to Chief McMullin, "5 or 6".
Will lowering the height make a difference? The discussion about this issue alluded to "absentee owners" as being part of the problem, so don't know if it will.
Mercifully I had business to attend to and had to leave after the grass discussion, like Mike at the GrassPad says, I was high on grass. I understand the discussion continued, well over another hour, discussing other nuisances which I will outline. The meter was running, the attorneys getting paid time and distance...life is good here at Weatherby Lake.

A Nuisance of a Meeting

Without any fanfare a meeting agenda was posted on the City website (http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/Agendas/102.pdf) October 14th announcing a Special Board Meeting of the Board of Alderman on Monday the 20th at 1:30 PM . The puropose?..." Review of the Weatherby Lake Code as it pertains to nuisances." Now I can think of lots of nuisances to consider, some on the BOA itself. In the spirit of transparency I guess I would have to nominate myself as well, especially from the perspective of the nuisances on the board. I'm not sure nuisances are a priority in the City right now, but I defer to the City leaders on this one. I am generally opposed to meetings during working hours unless there is an emergency that needs to be dealt with. Our community is comprised mainly of working households which makes attendance at weekday, business hours BOA meetings impossible to attend. Does the mayor and BOA want public input and feedback? Schedule meetings after business hours so working people can choose to attend. In the meantime, call Jerry, Mary, Pat, Vic and Tanya with your favorite nomination for nuisances, I feel sure they would appreciate your input.

This Sunday, 3PM

Two concurrent events at the Community Center:

Official Citywide Recycling Kickoff

• Hosted by the Park Board
  
• Activities and prizes for Children and Adults relating to recycling
  
• Facts and figures on recycling
  
• Official ribbon cutting for the Recycling Bin around 4 PM
  

Octoberfest

• Hosted by the Monument Committee
• Activities & events by various clubs
• See/discuss proposals for entrance monuments to the City
  

Helping Hands-Saturday the 18th

WLIC is sponsoring an "Adopt a Road" project, on Barry Road...objective to gather trash, etc. from the roadway and shoulders before it makes its way to our watershed. Can you spare some time? Meet at the Community Center @ 9AM Saturday morning for assignments. Wear bright clothing/and or safety vest. Bring gloves and water. Contact Tom Lowman (437-8441) for more details.

KaBoom!

I had this feeling I missed something...4th of July! Alderman Tanya Finn headed up the fundraising for the Fireworks Fund, which was very successful last year. The fund currently has a surplus. Cost per year, $12,000, your fair share=$17.

Another footnote for 2009. If the WLIC pursues purchase of lakefront property to expand dock space, additional capital will be necessary. Whatever manner it is funded, your fair share for 2009 will increase.

Speaking of property, apparently a developer is interested in developing the Sonoma Ridge tract. The plan is controversial to say the least. What would your reaction be to allow structures other than single family dwellings in Sonoma?

Deep Pockets

Hope you have em, because 2009 is shaping up to be a year when lots of folks are going to want a piece of your "rock". Just a few (amount divided by 700 households):

Fund Raisers
Monument Committee: Looking to raise $400,000 to replace entrance monuments to the City. KCMO has offered $50,000 to subsidize the cost of those involved in the Barry Road project...so that reduces the amount to $350,000. Your fair share $571

WL 75th Anniversary Commitee: Goal is $50,000 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the city in 2011. Your fair share $71.

Community Center Fundraiser: The CC is slated to lose money again in 2009. Mayor Bos mentioned the need for a fund raiser at last BOA. Amount needed, $6,000 to $8,000. Your fair share is $11.

Taxes:
Ambulance District=UP, City Property Tax (Levy) UP

Utilities
Water will go UP
Sewer will go UP

WLIC
Property Transfer Fee (new), Special Assessment, Bean Field, Annual Assessment Fee Increase

Not to mention all the rest, Boy/Girl Scouts, School fund raisers, Band Backers, sports fund raisers, etc. Hey buddy, can ya spare me a dime? (Well, that was before Star Bucks!)

Clean/Crush

Toured the City recycling bins Saturday with the Queen (Tanya Finn) and Princess (Sarah Moratz) of WL Recycling. The good news=recycling continues to pick up, the bad news=we need to be smarter when we drop off recycling. The City Hall recycling bin was stuffed on Saturday, after being emptied last Tuesday. The bin could have held much more if users had crushed cans/bottles and broken down the cardboard boxes. The boxes are especially a problem because if they turn side ways or upside down they take up an enormous amount of space. Can you help us out? Thanks!

Speaking of recycling, the official beginning of the new WL Recycling effort begins this Sunday at the Community Center, 3 to 5 PM, the same time/place as the Octoberfest. Informative recycling displays and "green giveaways" will be available hosted by the WL Park Board.

Number Crunching

From last Tuesday's KC Star:

2007 median household income for:

Jackson County=$44,231

Platte County=$60,796

Clay County=$61,553

WL stats from 2000 Census:

Weatherby Lake=$88,030

Like Jerry says, Life is good at Weatherby Lake.

Pay to Play

New post regarding Ford letter to Bos, click on Barry Road link to the right.

Come Out With Your Hands Up!

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
News you will only see here

You may see a patrol car from Platte Woods or Lake Waukomis in our fair City from time to time. No, they didn't lose they way in the detour and got lost. They are probably here responding to a call for assistance. The officers of these two cities and WL have reciprocal commissions, allowing them to respond to calls without having an officer from the respective city at the scene. This is especially helpful for our small departments where an officer is already on a call and another call comes in with no backup readily available. The BOA voted this week to renew the reciprocal agreements already in place.

One concern has been what seems, at time, a disproportionate number of calls we respond versus calls they respond in our City. Chief McMullin mentioned he has surveyed the situation and the results indicate some times "we win/lose" "it depends". It does warrant monitoring, we don't want to end up covering "gaps" in those cities because they don't have full time coverage.

Speaking of gaps, Tony White, during Public Comments mentioned his concern regarding the starting pay for part-time officers. This past summer the City hired temporary help @ $12 to do manual labor. We pay our new part-time officers $13. It has become more difficult to find part-time officers...wonder why? Think we are going to have to buck up and open our wallet to find quality officers to protect us. The 09 Budget talks have begun. Jerry gave a top line at the BOA meeting. More discussions to follow. Do you care how your tax money is spent?

10,000

Sometime today the blog will surpass 10,000 hits since March, mind boggling for me, since I started this on a whim as a way to try out blogging. It has developed into a forum of sorts. Interesting to say the least. Pass the site along to another WeatherbyLakean...and join the fun!

Roads/Salt/Bills & Sticky Pads

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

Alderman De Jong, Public Works Director Lowman and Mayor Bos recently surveyed all the roads in the city and assigned a subjective score. George mentioned there was a correlation of the conditon of the road and last paving. Based on their evaluations the following streets are being considered for resurfacing in 2009:

• Pleasant Ford
• South Venita
• Wayland Circle
• 73rd Terr
• Whipple
• 74th

Funds for the repaving are coming from the bond issue money for roads. There are additional funds available as part of our share of Platte County Road Tax money and revenue (small, from the three road districts within the City).

WL is now prepared for winter, George has contracted for 300T in addition to the 100T on premises. Public Works is going to obtain a tarp like structure to store and protect salt behind City Hall

Bills for the month totaled $132,832.25. Motion for payment passed, DeJong, Finn, White-Aye, Hoy-Abstain (she had not reviewed the bills)..

Speaking of red flags, newly enacted federal legislation by the Federal Trade Commission, required all municipalities to adopt a "Identity Theft Prevention Program" or so called red flag. Included in the legislation are steps like "Prohibiting Account information to be written on sticky pads or note pads" We can now sleep safely at night. The City Attorney presented the draft legislation which passed unanimously.

BRB Update

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Barry Road Bridge
Mayor Bos gave update on progress (or lack of it) on the Barry Road project. There are two parts, the Maintenance Agreement and the Cooperative Agreement.

Maintenance Agreement
In effect "allows" WL to snow plow Barry Road or any service road that would be beneficial to citizens of WL. Jerry did not mention, but I assume, the agreement includes KCMO being the responsible party for road & curb maintenance for the service road that will connect to Hillside.

Cooperative Agreement
There are two water main issues in the right of way, one in the right of way, and as Mayor Bos put it, one "somewhat" in the right of way. Proposal is to replace the two with one. Cost to the City could be as high as $80,000.
Five entrance monuments will be affected by construction, Eastside(1), Forest(2), Hillside(2). KCMO proposal is to offer $50,000, $10,000 for each. (the committee organizing fund raising for entrance monuments is projecting a cost of $50,000 each)
KCMO has no use for the current walking bridge parallel to the BRB.
The elevation of Barry Road will be lowered significantly in places, causing concrete retaining walls to be constructed, especially in the area west of the BRB. Plans call for plain concrete walls, however, for aesthetic purposes the walls can be textured. Current projections indicate a cost of $10,500 to texture between the Bridge west to Hillside. KCMO has offered to split the cost, WL portion=$5,250. Mayor Bos stated he hoped the four WL homeowners fronting this particular piece would be interested in contributing to the cost of the city's portion because they would be facing the walls every day.
There is no resolution over the issue of blasting restrictions in regard to rock removal.

There are no incentives in the contract for early completion of the project. Reason given is the lack of money. Mayor Bos confirmed KCMO had received money from the state when ownership was turned over to KCMO, this amount currently is in the neighborhood of $800,000.

In regards to construction delays, ATT currently points to KCPL as the culprit. Mayor Bos indicated a citizen "letter writing campaign" may be necessary to get the power poles moved in a timely fashion.

All in all a fairly grim outlook. Lots of fingers in the pie, Funkhouser, Ford, Johnson, KCMO Public Works, ATT, KCPL and others. If you have been monitoring the progress/lack of progress of Barry Road in the vicinity of Park Hill High/PineRidge Presbyterian you have to wonder if we are going to fare much better.

RoundUp

Official Unofficial Minutes of the Weatherby Lake Board of Alderman Meeting, October 8th


I'll do my best to summarize over two and half hours of discussion last night. I'll break the notes into smaller pieces over the next week. About 10 citizens were in the audience, lots of competing events last night.


Support the Troops

Mayor Bos and Don Birmingham gave their update of the presentation of gifts to the 23 members of F Detachment at Fort Riley. Each soldier was given $250 cash and a contribution of $1250 was given to the Army Emergency Relief fund. A reciprocal visit to WL by members of the detachment is planned for Nov 6th, including a pontoon tour of the lake and a reception at the CC.


Airport Information Committee

Committee Chair Carol Hornung reported flyovers had been declining, but recently the committee has noted an increase in complaints about flyover noise. The charter for the committee was approved by the BOA with a 5 year sunset provision. They will meet on a "as needed" basis.


Web Page

The City has been approached by a vendor to improve/change the current web site. The company currently provides services to Smithville( http://www.smithvillemo.org/). Cost for the redo, $4,200 plus $100 a month maintenance. Although the Smithville site is ok, I think a little more due diligence could be done, there are a number of great municipal web sites in MO. See MML listing http://www.mocities.com/MemberCitiesLinks.html


Another Committee formed

MS4 Committee to execute and maintain renewal responbilities for storm water. Members include Armand Matthews, Joe Ennett, Jo Gruenwald, Rich Torkelson and Nancy Mueller. Alderman Vic DeJong is the liason.



And Another

Weatherby Lake 75th Anniversary Fund/Committee is organizing a number of events to raise $50,000 for the celebration scheduled in 2011. A Chili Cookoff/Supper and Texas Hold-EM Poker Tournament are two fund raisers being held by the Committee on November 7th at the CC. Interesting article in KC Star yesterday regarding fund raising poker. http://www.kansascity.com/504/story/829526.html

The City Attorney was not consulted prior to the launch of this City sponsored event...maybe we need a committee to watch the committees?



Speaking of Committees...

The committee organized to raise money for new entrance monuments to the City is hosting their first fund raiser (Octoberfest) on Sunday October 19th at the CC, 3 to 6 PM. The eventual goal is to raise $400,000. Concurrently at the CC, the WL Park Board is hosting a recycling awareness event, celebrating the arrival of the Recycling Bins at City Hall and the CC.



And there is more, much more.

How about that erosion/silt control?

While some WLakeans seem to be very focused on siltation from Sonoma Ridge, our friends from KCMO and their contractors largely ignore any preventative measures along the Barry Road Mud Hole by Park Hill High. Where does the flow go? Downhill. Where does it end up? Yep, the same spot you and I recreate/swim/fish/boat/enjoy. For them, our lake is one big containment pond. Oh, by the way, Bob Williamson from KCMO Water is "sorry" about the last sewer spill that caused 30,000 plus gallons of raw sewage to spill into our lake. But then he said that the last time it happened. We narrowly missed hundreds of thousands of gallons spilling into the lake that time as convoys of tankers had to haul sewage from the pumping station at U Cove. Hey, the City will pound you if you don't have proper siltation control on your property. Outside the City, as Borat would say, not so much.

Tonight

BOA, 7PM, City Hall
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/Agendas/100.pdf

Pasta Anybody?

Ed Ford has a proposal for WL, a $1.5 million fix can be had for the BRB...all we have to do is come up with "our share", which is $550.000. No, really. Might be the reason Mr Ford is not coming to our BOA meeting tomorrow night. He is waiting for us to plan the mother of all pasta dinner fund raisers so he can buy the first ticket. Ask Mayor Jerry. Meanwhile the latest reason/excuse for foot dragging on the BRB project is KCPL. That's right ATT is no longer the scapegoat. Apparently ATT says they can hang the lines on the utility poles...but KCPL is being slow on the necessary measures to move the poles.

Time to carbo load!

Did you know?

KCMO Councilman Ed Ford (who may appear at the BOA this week) has opined if it were possible he would have Weatherby Lakeans pay for a portion of the new BRB.

Some facts about the KC earnings tax, paid by WLeans who work/own businesses in KCMO.

(Yael Abouhalakah, KC Star, August 28, 2008)
The 1% income tax on individuals and businesses (we have both) account for 45% of the KCMO general fund.

• As earnings tax revenues go up, most of it is diverted to pay for TIF projects.
  
• Earnings tax money is used to pay for street pavements, trash, cut weeds, maintain parks and pay for other city services.


• This is of course in addition to almost 8% in sales tax you pay when you shop in KCMO.

WLeans freeloaders? Ask Ed Ford.

The Meter Is Running

An initiative was begun by then Mayor York and the Board of Aldermen in 2006 to replace on existing homes or begin with new homes radio-read water meters. You probably are aware the current meters are read by hand held wand by city employees. This is fairly labor intensive for the city's small staff. The idea of radio-read meters had merit because: 1)many of the current meters are aging and will need to be replaced, 2) radio-read meters could be read from an electric device from a police car while on patrol, saving time and money. A $5 dollar meter fee was put on your water bill to begin to accrue monies to make the transition over time.

At the July 1st BOA meeting the decision was made to end the initiative. From the BOA minutes:
"Discussion followed about the advisability of continuing the radio read program for the water system. DeJong moved and second by Hoy to stop the replacement of radio read meters and return the meters. Yeas: DeJong, Hoy, White and Finn. Motion carried unanimously."

If you noticed your current water bill the $5 fee is still there. Matter of fact, it was there the last bill as well. If the meters aren't going to be purchased, where is the money going? Why? Should we expect a refund? You might ask your alderman or mayor, I'm sure they can explain.

Going Up!

Part two of the review of your property tax bill for 2008

City of Weatherby Lake
Raised levy by 14 cents from last year (8% increase). Better roads, right? No. New Police Car? Nah. More for sewer & water? Not a chance. AC for Community Center? Ask the Women’s Club.

As Paul Harvey says, “And now the rest of the story.”

It’s pretty simple, the City (Mayor and Aldermen) voted to take money from your bank and put it in their bank, the City’s that is. The increase in property taxes reflects a significant amount above projections to meet debt service of city bonds. The City already has $180,000 in reserves for debt service. The 14 cents will add to that total. The debt service is calculated by our financial adviser/bond underwriter Jack Dillingham of Piper Jaffray. There is an amortization table that shows the amount necessary year to year to service the debt. The funds dedicated for this purpose cannot be used for anything other than debt service. The calculation for 2007 was set using the table and based on tax collections and assessed value. It came in a little over projection for 2007. Why would the current administration increase the levy above the table and why would they not explain it? Neither the Mayor’s column in the September/October issue of Weatherby Lake Living nor Alderman Hoy’s meeting summary email (Sept 1) mentions the increase in debt service. I’m not sure what is worse, raising taxes or not owning up to it.

Property Tax Rates for 2008, Part One

As promised this is part one of two, reviewing the tax rates as set by key taxing bodies in our City.

Park Hill School District
They have lowered their levy by two hundredths of one cent, in effect no change from last year to this year. Accounts for almost 60% of taxes due.

Weatherby Lake Fire Protection District
Lowered their levy ten cents from last year

Platte County
Lowered their levy by one cent.

Southern Platte County Ambulance Distict
Raised their levy by one cent. This is a story of the initial year’s levy being too high, and subsequently spending down of the excess funds. Look for another increase next year and certainly more than one cent.

Next post, City of Weatherby Lake

Ft Riley Troop Presentation

If you went to the event yesterday, feel free to comment. I'm sure there are those who would like an update.

Where is Waldo?

If you lived in Brookside like we did for many years, you would know. "Downtown" Waldo is around 75th and Wornall, lots of small businesses (our favorite pizza place in the whole world, Waldo Pizza), a small town feel in a big City, another well kept secret. Changed a little bit with the construction of two big box drug stores, but all in all still pretty much the same. Quaint. No signs to indicate you are there, none to announce you are leaving.


Was on a teleconference yesterday with managers from across the country. I was introducing myself to the group when I was asked, "Is Weatherby Lake near Kansas City or St Louis?" My stock reply is "near KCI" because most of the business folks I deal with have at least been to the airport. I kind of like the anonymity we have. Best kept secret? Could be. Do we have an identity problem? Don't think so. Do we identify ourselves like Riss Lake, The National or Tiffany Greens? Nope. Just a quiet suburban bedroom community with a lake, smack dab in the middle. To me, the Lake is our monument, it defines, in part, who we are.

Where in the world in Weatherby Lake?

A Monumental Fest

In the next edition of the Weatherby Lake Living, you will notice flyers for upcoming events, the "coming out" of the ad hoc committee to raise funding for entrance monuments to our City and a concurrent event to kick off recycling in the City, both events at the Community Center on Sunday October 19th, 3 to 5. If you must, watch the resurgent Chiefs (ok, that might be a stretch) and then trek to the CC. Rain or Shine. Save the Date.

Trash Talkin

One of my weekly tasks is hauling the trash to the curb (well road), sexy huh? We've been recycling for some time, but I have to tell you I haven't notice a big difference in my trek from the garage in the amount of garbage left for Allied Waste. Since the new Bins have arrived at the CC and City Hall I have been more diligent in our recycling consciousness...it is still a work in progress. No doubt recycling is a habit to be cultivated. In any event, I can tell you we have consistently reduced our trash by one third. Really. What about you?

There are a number of metros in the country that have gone to PBTB, Pay By The Bag, policy. KC's MARC (Mid-America Regional Council) recently discussed this in regards to recycling. Projections on waste vs waste sites aren't pretty going forward. Recycling of course helps ease the pressure. PBTB is one way to incent citizens to focus on trash. PBTB coming here? Someday, probably. Why wait? Now we're talkin trash!

Trifecta?

Apparently KCMO Councilman Russ Johnson will also be in attendance at the next BOA meeting on October 7th. As previously posted, Councilman Ed Ford is on the tentative agenda. Could Mayor Funkhouser resist a third visit to the Northland and WL? Of course the BRB will be a subject of conversation, I wonder if they will address our anxiety about siltation and pollution of our crown jewel, the Lake.

Bet You Missed This One

"Athletes donating brains" KC Star 24 Sept pg D2

Part of the Boston University Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. No mention of a study of local politicians, although many locals have been heard to say..."What were they thinking?"

Previous comment regarding online info regarding the City, there is a fair amount online now at the City website (http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/index.aspx) , hopefully the current administration will continue to upgrade the web site. Obviously those who check in on this blog are "wired" (well, actually I am wireless, but you know what I mean).

Speaking of info, the agendas and minutes of the BOA are published on the web site. The back and forth comments regarding the event at Birmingham Park stimulated me to check the minutes of April 17th 2007. That was the meeting then Mayor York gave an update on a Northland Mayor's Council project "Adopt a Soldier". Present at that meeting were Finn, Hoy and White among others (I was there too). I agree with Brian, the focus should properly be on the soldiers who shipped out to Iraq and thankfully returned home safely. And thanks to all those involved, good things happen.

Being a Nuisance

Question regarding nuisances and discussion at last BOA. See link below from City code. While general in nature, there are some specifics, for example, grass length >12 inches. Depending on your read, this blog might be considered a nuisance by some City officials. Another reason why the exact location of the blogster in chief is unknown.


http://codes.sullivanpublications.com/weatherbylake-slp/

Ed Ford coming to town

Lisa Minardi, aide to KCMO Councilman Ed Ford indicates Mr Ford has requested to be added to the BOA Agenda for October 7th. If this is confirmed I urge you to make your reservations for seats now, this one will be SRO. It is my understanding he will request a WL fund be established so WL citizens can make donations to the "UCanFordaBridge Foundation" to pay for the WL fair share of the new construction of the BRB bridge.

BTW, see the comment on the BRB blog regarding specs for construction of our piece of the Barry Road project...we will build no bridge before its time!

Last Sunday

I was out of town last Sunday and could not attend the gathering at Birmingham Park to support returning soldiers from Iraq. If you attended could you post your thoughts? See post of the 18th for comments on funds raised.

Household Hazardous Waste-October 4th

The City of Weatherby Lake is a member of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), thus all citizens of WL can participate in their regional mobile collection program for hazardous waste. The closest collection for the rest of this year will happen on October 4 in Parkville in the parking lot next to English Landing in downtown Parkville. They will accept, anti-freeze, batteries, motor oil and paint. ID may be required. 8 to 11 AM. Recommend you go early.

Prying Eyes

Sunday's Star, Section B, page 4 - Neighborhood Cameras

A subdivision in Wentzville, MO is marketing homes with surveillance cameras. Interesting idea. I have been a proponent of the City posting surveillance cameras at the CC/Tennis Courts, City Hall, and the Public Works garage. They could be monitored by police/city employees/city officials via internet. As you already know, the WLIC uses cameras on C point. The Barry Road Bridge closing makes it more difficult for coverage/surveillance of the City. Why not let technology help? Should this be a 2009 budget item? What do you think?

Between a Rock and a Hard place

Did you see the article in the KC Star Saturday? The Hard Rock Casino is coming to the Kansas Speedway, along with another NASCAR race. Wow. The mega Legends complex just keeps growing. Shouldn't WL take a hint? We could request Barry Road be vacated west of Amity, (gee, its already vacant, right?) and have a cooperative agreement betweeen the City and WLIC to have a "boat in a moat" casino anchored by the bean field. Consider the possibilities.


Speaking of possibilities, Bubba and I were discussing/brainstorming the future of WL...I'll get to that in another post.

Another Good Reason for a Lake Patrol

As stated on previous posts, trespassers and evildoers abound...you might recall the sub sighting this summer.

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=176443

Odds N Ends

The Funkhouser spectacle concerning his volunteer wife certainly removes him from active interest in the BRB project...too bad, he seemed to be the only KCMO official with any intentions of resolving the problem in a timely manner. The KCMO vetoed ordinance regarding volunteers will likely cause other cities to look at the role of volunteers...any impact here?


A sewage spill occurred on Brush Creek in Johnson County a little over a week ago, caused by a pump failure at a sewage pumping station and subsequent dumping of poop into Brush Creek. Attributed to volume of storm water. Is it coincidence that recent problems at U Cove pumping station have occurred during rain events? If storm water is getting into the system, where is it coming from...WL or KCMO...both?

WLIC is considering the acquisition of lake front property to add dock spaces? Good idea?

The Recycling Bin at the CC is getting immediate use, impressive. Today as you haul your trash to the street, take a look. How many cans/plastic/cardboard items are at the curb when they could be recycled? It's a habit, start today.

Next week a review of your upcoming property tax bill... a preview of levies :
Park Hill School District-about the same
WL Fire Protection-Down
SPlatte Ambulance-Up
City of WL-Up, 8%

Support The Troops fundraiser-Sept 21

A program initiated by the Northland Mayors Council during the York administration is becoming a reality as Weatherby Lake "adopts" a 23 member Army contingent returning to the US/Fort Riley from Iraq on 1 October. The goal is to raise $2,300 to present gift cards to these returning heroes. A fund raising event will be held on Sunday, September 21st at Birmingham Park, beginning at 3PM. Food and drinks for purchase, raffles, music, games and VFW color guard.

Want to help? De Surma, 746-1491. Donations, "Support the Troops Fund" at City Hall.

Don Birmingham is traveling to Ft Riley to present the gift cards. Contact him, 741-1753 if you would like to join him.

WL Recycle!

The recycling bins have been delivered to City Hall and the Community Center for your use...no excuse! It started as an innocent enough question from daughter Sarah (in pic), "Dad, why don't we recycle?" There really wasn't a good reason, I felt a bit ashamed. So our family started recycling. We made the trip to the Metro North recycling center to dump our treasure. We talked about recycling here in the City. We had a paper bin at City Hall that's it. So one thing led to another, a presentation at the April BOA, an engaged supporter in Alderman Finn and tadaaa! The bins are here. I'd love to see curb side, but one step at a time. Fill the bins, make the case that WL is interested in reducing waste and landfill space.

A few tips, Clean and Crush. Rinse out the cans and plastic. Crush to reduce the amount of space your contribution to the bin takes. At both sites we have a separate paper bin and a recycling bin that allows cans, aluminum cans, plastic and cardboard. Sorry, no glass please, you'll have to save that for a Metro North run.

Thanks to Tanya for her leadership and running down the details. Thanks to Sarah for asking why.

Rocky Road

I've been taking the "back way" to get to East Side rather than Wildwood. Yipes, talk about buck board, navigating Pleasant Ford is like playing dodge ball, ya gotta be quick to dodge them holes! Pavement spidering, shoulders eroding and winter on the way. Driving Pleasant Ford isn't so pleasant in my Honda. My nominee for worst West Side road is the Ford, although I can think of two more roads vying for the silver and bronze...which street is your nominee?

Water, Water, Everywhere

About 5.6" in a little over 24 hours (at 9:30AM) and more on the way. The water is the highest I can recall since we moved here in 1999. Getting more than our fair share of silt/sludge/garbage. Yuck.

BOA Continued

The official unofficial minutes of the Board of Aldermen

Stainless/ROI/Pigs
Carol Regan appeared at the meeting on behalf of the Women's Club. She distributed a "Community Center Appliance Discussion Document" that reviews their rationale for the donation of new appliances. Document outlines their thinking in donating household/kitchen appliances versus commercial grade. They have ordered household/kitchen because:

• The granite counter tops & current configuration do not lend itself to commercial sized appliances. (Note, the Women's club donated the counter tops)
• The gas main has been disconnected due to age and condition.
• Cost of Commercial or Pro appliances would require upgrades costing $15-20K.
• Lack of ROI
• Caterers bring their food already prepared.

During discussion it was noted by former mayor Henderson the recurring comments and interest on warmers for prepared food. This was also one of the top priorities noted by former alderman Rittenhouse in a previous review of upgrades for the CC. On deaf ears.

The BOA voted to accept the appliances as proposed.

At least they are consistent. Despite Aldermen White and Hoy as the appointed "overlords" of the CC, there is still no plan for the use and or promotion of the CC. Rather, a continued pattern of sinking money into a facility that bleeds red. ROI? Hard to determine if there is no business plan. You can redecorate and replace appliances but to borrow a phrase in the news today...you can put lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig.

More BOA

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Aldermen

Mayor meets with KCMO...continuing discussions regarding the Cooperative Agreement which have been ongoing for the past year and a half. (This should be some indication of what it in store for the BRB...between bureaucrats and lawyers little progress has been made).

Discussion regarding a Nuisance Ordinance. The Mayor and BOA are looking for your feedback on nuisances in the city...hmm, having a hard time keeping a straight face. A few Boards ago grass height was the topic for this discussion. City Hall is looking for volunteers to weigh in on nuisances...this is your chance to get involved...just don't be a nuisance.

Apparently there is a "groundswell of interest" in constructing new entrance monuments to the City. The Mayor said the prospective project is "bigger than a breadbasket" and will be "expensive" How expensive? No figures mentioned, but numbers bouncing around rumor control certainly seem pricey. Will be interesting to see how the groundswell handles this one. A City bank account is being opened to support the project. More to follow.

Mayor Bos is "turning up the heat" on Sonoma Ridge a "stern letter" will be/has been sent. Added to the collection of previous stern letters sent, I am sure the cc file at City Hall is impressive. A number of ordinances are in place to hammer the paper holder...wonder why we just don't smack them rather than fry them?

Alderman Finn(fondly called the Trash Lady by insiders) reported on delays to the delivery of the recycling rolloffs. Patience, soon we'll be off in running. In the meantime, crush those cans and containers so when the day arrives we have more room in the bin.

One more item for this post. The Eleemenosynary Society submitted their annual request for free use of the Community Center. (Background...for a number of years they have been granted free access to the CC by the BOA) It was pointed out during last year's request the group was granted one last free pass and henceforth would have to pay a fee, according to the soon to be posted updated CC fee schedule. Guess they (the Society) forgot. As readers of the blog know, the days of free use are over at the CC. A motion to support their request was not made.

More to follow.

BOA Sept 2nd Recap

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Aldermen
I had a baseball conflict (Mboy) and could not attend, these notes are a compilation of info gathered from those in attendance.

Glen Miller, Miller Management
Mr Miller, principal of Miller Management, presented the official findings of the 2007 audit (last year of York administration). His firm has conducted audits of cities, non-profits, churches and fraternal organizations for the last 19 years. Here are some of his comments.
"(WL audit is the) best audit from his staff he has ever seen"
"Great financial records, easily accessible"
"Staff very cooperative"
"Management committed...ran a tight ship....followed all laws, policies and procedures"

Mr Miller pointed out a few minor recommendations for improvement and with little discussion the BOA voted (4-0) to accept the audit findings.

Audit Committee Charter
The BOA considered the Audit Committee(AC) recommendations for its charter. (Kind of bass ackwards in the sense the Committee has already reviewed the 2007 audit and presented to the BOA last month.) (You might recall the AC voted to accept the 2007 audit) One of the modifications of the charter is the AC will make recommendations to the BOA regarding audit, it will not approve/disapprove of audits, that is the purview of the BOA.
There was a spirited discussion regarding the need for a sunset provision for the AC. Final vote (4-0) decided to place a 5 year sunset provision on the AC.

More notes to follow.

Opportunity Knocked

Got behind this week, Labor Day/two days of off site meetings/and party for two hundred guests will do that! Back to the grindstone.

Wrap up on the party. It was fun, of course, and thanks for introducing yourselves yesterday. Enjoyed talking with all of you. I can't imagine turning over our house for almost a week like the network show does...Have to tell you we are curious and will tune in on ABC the 23rd to watch the premiere show. Speaking of ABC, they covered everything yesterday including any costs incurred (like WL Police overtime). Our turnout was estimated at over 200, better than the last two sites, Dallas and Phoenix. The ABC corporate exec in attendance was impressed by our community (she is from LA).

Goodies aside, we'd probably do it again. The kids had fun and we managed to escape without any major embarrassment. Back to normal, now that sounds good.

ABC's Opportunity Knocks-Thursday Sept 4th

New ABC game show coming to Weatherby Lake...in fact it is coming to our house!

In August our family was selected to host the game show set as a neighborhood block party. There are fifteen cities across the country that are hosting local metro versions as part of the promo for the new network show premier on Sept 23rd.

KMBC TV along with radio Mix 93.3 are sponsoring the event which promises to be fun-filled with food and prizes for many. We'll be up on stage competing for prizes as well. Time of the event is from 4PM to 7PM

The NBRB (New Barry Road Bridge)

Hard not to trip over a dignitary at yesterday's press conference at the BRB. I was able to obtain (the source asked to remain anonymous) drawings of the proposed NBRB, one posted here. News to me, apparently there is going to be a condo development on the bean field which will have access to the lake via gondola...go figure. When asked about the rumor of His Holiness the Pope coming for the bridge dedication in one year, Crispen Rea of the Mayor's Communication Team replied, "No comment".

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

And a great day for a photo op, especially if you are a politician. Mayor Funkhouser hosted a press conference today regarding the Barry Road Bridge, his second visit to the site visit within two weeks. Abundant news coverage by the local TV networks, radio and press. Many elected officials. One TV station already had a snippet on the air @ 11AM.

Funkhouser said all the right things for the crowd of about 75 folks. “This problem had been developing for years and years” “Two and a half years to replace the bridge is too long” “We want to be a good neighbor” “Routing (traffic) through a residential area is not good” We need to pay attention…city staff should talk and listen”

Julie Floyd of the Coalition to Fix Barry Road mentioned the 4 plus years the Coalition has been toiling to get the improvements of Barry Road in place. A great quote…”The road that time has forgotten”.

WL Mayor Jerry Bos pointed out this was not a Weatherby Lake problem, cited the earnings tax and sales tax WL citizens pay to KCMO. Mentioned our relationship with KCMO because of water and sewer.

Doug Hooten of MAST, Kathy Dusenberry and Bill Quitmeier, candidates for Platte County Commisioner all made brief remarks, nothing earth shattering.

Q & A from those in the crowd
“What is a realistic timeframe for the bridge replacement?” Funkhouser mentioned the I-35 bridge in MN…if they could do it in a year we could do this too.

“What happened to the payment from the State to KCMO when the bridge was deeded to KCMO. Wasn’t this for replacement of the bridge?” Funkhouser, “I know nothing.

Curiously AWOL. Councilmen Johnson and Ford. Of course City Manager Cauthen, or any other KCMO bureaucrat. County Commissioners Plunkett, Pryor and Knight. Possibly heading out early for a long weekend on the Lake?

So, the Funk has put, as he says, “the flag in the ground”. For those of you who use Outlook/Outlook Express make a date with me on the BRB for one year from today, 2009. Ribbon cutting?

BOA votes to increase taxes

Last night the Board of Aldermen voted to increase your taxes for 2009. I'll have a detailed analysis and what it means to you on another post.

Meeting of the Minds

Thanks to the Anonymous heads up..There will be a press conference on/at the BRB tomorrow (Friday). Those attending will be Mayors Funkhouser and Bos, as well as others. If you have the time and interest it might be worth attending. Wonder if Mayor Bos will bring up the poo spill (by KCMO) in North Cove? They might even be able to get a whiff. Between the BRB closing and the spill we have taken our ration of excrement for the month...right?