Dead Soldiers (Not Suitable For Children)

This isn't pretty...

Today KCMO launched a new offensive to combat the lawlessness concerning use of the BRB (Barry Road Bridge). You know who you are, disregard for the speed limit (15MPH), foolhardy, dashing traffic in both directions, living the thrill of defying nature and the laws of man! If you thought KCMO would stand idly by...WRONG! This afternoon KCMO deployed their newest tactic to defeat lawbreakers...the Cones! No, no, I'm not talking about the real estate moguls from Weatherby Lake. View the pictures of the Army of Cones thrown into action to prevent West Siders from harming themselves and others. As you can see, some didn't even make it to sundown before they got theirs. Oh the horrors! As I took these pics cars continued to whizz by, unabated by the phalanx of orange warriors. What will be next? Prepare....

Encore: Tis the Season

KC Star yesterday...Voter Guide 2008 page 8 & 9, pieces on Platte County Commissioner Candidates, the primary being next Tuesday . You can read the summaries. My guess is Ms Kathy Dusenbery and Mr Bill Quitmeier are the presumptive winners of each party facing each other in the General Election in November.


It will give the election a decided Weatherby Lake flavor. Bill is a Weatherby Lake resident. Former WL Mayor Pauli Kendrick is deputy treasurer for his campaign. Kathy, is a Riss Lake resident, and WL alderman Mary Hoy is her campaign treasurer. Both have obvious Parkville roots, but I expect WL to be no less a battle ground. Based on this past April election turnout, WL could be the deciding factor for the Commissioner race.

http://www.billforplattecounty.com/


http://www.kathy4platte.com/


Advanced Signtology

Speaking of former mayor...Mike Henderson has a Dusenbery sign in his yard. Surprised? If you recall Henderson was instrumental in delivering WL to Dusenbery for her pet project, the South Platte Ambulance District. You might also recall that ballot issue was defeated here at WL by a large margin, but passed in the rest of the district.

9/11

The East side bridge (see previous post) is still out, so my trek today to the East side once again included the detour route. Not a big deal really, except for the fact I have to go 15MPH (what is the deal with 15MPH...BRB?). It winds through bucolic neighborhoods I usually don't see, except for Sunday, when Bubba and me run our 10K.

You can't miss one residence along the route...9308 NW 80th Terrace. There have been signs, two as I recall, in the yard in previous weeks, one specifically with a message regarding 9/11. Now there has been an explosion of signs and banners...yipes! Free speech? I guess so. Glad it is on the East side.

East Side Bridge Soon To Be Back In Service

Yes, you know the one...at 79th street? Well it isn't actually a bridge but a "detour" while necessary inprovements are being made to East Side as part of the ongoing road improvement projects. As an East Sider mentioned to me this weekend concerning the inconvenience " this is nothing compared to what you West Siders will have to deal with once the BRB goes down" I agree with him, the adventure of winding through charming Wildwood will quickly become unenchanting during multiple runs east during a day. Can't imagine the residents will find the huge increase in traffic amusing either.

Back to road improvements, one of the reasons the East Side project is going down now is to have East Side up and running for school buses (which isn't that far off) If you have noticed, George has tried to schedule construction/excavation so as to not interfere with the buses...thanks.

The storm water updates and improvements are part of the bond issue that was passed a couple of years ago. Apparently there are some (including Alderman DeJong) that believe the rest of the money should be spent exclusively on laying asphalt and not on storm water/equipment upgrades. Must have not attended the pre-election town hall meetings or read the literature distributed prior to the bond election. It was made quite clear the bond money would probably not be enough to cover all roads within WL...oh well, I guess we all have our forgetful moments.

Verbatim

I did not attend the WLIC Board Meeting, the following email is published as received...if you attended and have a different perspective...please comment.

Highlights of the July 08 WLIC Board Meeting
I was not at the meeting so all of the below info comes from Members who were there.
Before sending out this e mail, I sent a draft to all WLIC Board Members, the WLIC attorney and the Executive Secretary asking for any corrections. I received no reply other than an e mail from Coleman Jr. who stated there were "numerous errors" but he failed to identify any errors even after I gave him an additional 48 hours to do so. (One cannot "hold the presses" forever.)

Five juvenile vandals appeared before the Board with a parent to admit guilt to the blowing up of the men's room toilet at C point. The Member's were fined $250 each plus costs of repair.

Member Mrs Roth, spouse of Member Larry Roth, appeared before the Board to appeal a $250 fine for vandalism committed at the C point gazebo on the occasion of a family wedding. The fine was assessed by the Board at the June Board meeting. The Board took no vote which means the previously assessed fine stands unless reversed by a future Board vote.

Lengthy discussion held re construction of Peret property retention pond. Bids came in much higher than expected so no contract has been awarded.

Member Paul Gross presented the Board with a letter requesting to meet with the Board without the WLIC attorney present.

Don Coleman Jr presented some statistics re lake supervision citations issued. No explanation was provided as to why no violations were issued for May or June. Some discussion was held re improving the effectiveness of the water patrol. One problem seems to police don't want to work for ONLY $20 per hour, seems the going rate at shopping centers, etc is more like $25. (This means this matter will not be further addressed at the earliest until the August Board meeting which is shortly before the Labor Day weekend which weekend marks the traditional end of the water patrol season which means the Board will have effectively avoided addressing this important issue for the entire 2008 lake season.There has been no water patrol on the lake two out of last three Sundays)

(I do not know when the cables and locks will be installed at the three boat ramps. The posts and signs are in place.
Now wailing for Jim Miller and Access Area Committee to complete this project began by S&D Committee.)

Alan JennerichMember since 1986

Thar She Blows!

Apparently the pyrotechnics weren't limited to the annual 4th of July display. Some youths of our city damaged a toilet at C Point restroom (+/-$500). Said young men were identified. WLIC leadership has arranged for restitution and community service.



Speaking of stuff hitting the fan, number of comments made to me on the impression there were fewer "member fireworks displays" in previous years. Don't know about that, but there did seem to be less commotion after the City display.

On email:

$200.00 Reward for location of 14ft Runabout, Lot number T-1

LOST Runabout in July Storm. Please be on the look out for a Blue 14ft runabout that has sunk in Lake. The boat had the blue cover on and was pulled of the lift at Vinita point when the lake came up. Not sure how long it stayed afloat as the plug was pulled. Could be anywhere.

Keep your eye open on those fish finders.

Wilbur, 816-916-5386

Urban Legend(s)

Previous post (A Vast Wasteland) generated a number of comments, including the belief KC MO and Gladstone among others have similar clean up (or better) opportunities compared to WL. Fact Checker finds:

• KC MO does a yard waste pickup twice a year, limit 20 bags, no grass, large limbs (3" or less) must be bundled.
• KC MO operates their own yard waste sites with per bag charge over 5 bags.
• Gladstone has two clean up weekends.
• Gladstone operates their own yard waste site with a per bag charge for residents and commercial providers.

Know this...Both KC and Gladstone have sales tax and commercial interests that generate revenue beyond property tax. Additionally, KC MO has a 1% earnings tax (you are painfully aware if you have lived there or work is located there).

One last item, you probably recall KCMO faced a $70 million budget shortfall, causing layoffs and cutbacks, hardly the template for fiscal responsibility...the whole point was/is financial priorities.

Barry Road Bridge Guess The Completion Date Contest

Contest Rules:

• Must be a resident of Weatherby Lake
• One Guess per residence
• In case of tie, a coin flip or duel will be held on my front yard to determine winner
  
• A Fabulous Prize (to be determined) will be awarded, unless Bridge is never completed
• Guesses should be entered in comments of this posting
• If Anonymous wins, the contest judge (me) will exercise the right to determine which Anonymous citizen of Weatherby Lake is the winner
  
• Guesses will not be accepted after midnight, December 31, 2008
  

Bridge Etiquette

No, not the card game...I'm talking about the BRB (Barry Road Bridge). Nice woman in a red Nissan waved me through the gauntlet although she arrived at the one lane first. After you my dear Alphonse...no after you! On trip #2 today across BRB a white Chevy pickup was on my tail as I slowed for the BRB crossing, either he didn't care much for the speed limit or he thought drafting @15 MPH saves fuel...go figure. Hey, why don't you share your BRB story...just comment.

Speaking of comment, Alderman Hoy responded to an email I sent last week regarding my concerns about the BRB. She reports the Mayor has been in discussion with KCMO regarding the BRB and improving signage. A meeting has been scheduled for August 6th with KCMO to discuss Barry Road issues. Mary mentions AT&T is being very slow about moving their utilities...this may hold up construction. KCMO is still hoping to get the bridge replaced within the year.

I've been thinking of starting a contest to guess the completion date of the new BRB. Winner gets a fabulous prize (to be named) for being the closest guess without going past the official completion date. Don't submit your guess now, I will dedicate a post just for the contest.

Citizens Arrest

Coming back from Park Hill High this AM on Barry Road when the WL Police Cruiser pulled out in front of me, coming out of Forest. As I slowed down to meet the 15MPH speed limit for the bridge the Cruiser obviously did not, my guess he was going 25+ on the bridge. New driver/ son Mboy was in passenger seat and is very aware of speed across the bridge (I make him obey all speed/traffic signs and I try to model as well). He noted said speed of the Cruiser...I commented I was sure the Cruiser was proceeding to a call (no, his flashing lights were not on). As we crested Barry the Cruiser was waiting to turn on to Hillside...oops, no emergency.

"Ah, Officer, did you know how fast you were going back there?"

"I'm sure I was going under the limit"

"Well, Officer, Mboy's finely calibrated eyeball had you going over 25MPH over the steel plates, Clank, Clank."

"Gee, I wasn't aware"

"Officer, I am going to have to give you a warning this time, please be mindful of the example you are setting for novice drivers."

"Thanks Mr Citizen, I appreciate it, I will watch it in the future."

Thou Shalt Not Trespass/Thou Shalt Not Steal

Flashback to the spring elections, Judge Roper, then candidate Roper, mentioned the "assault" on our community. She was referring to the increase in trespassers and the need to get tough.

This past month a couple of high profile situations, plus others, have brought the reality of our City and Lake being mugged by the influx of people who don't belong here. A number of implications.

Case #1 - The Mongo Bass Boat Fishermen attempt to launch boat at C Point. Story goes they were advised by some members this was a private lake...why were they suspect? Might have been the the 200+ horsepower motor hanging off the back of the boar (slightly over the 9.9HP max on the lake). Said fishermen left, only to launch at Venita. Apprehended and cited.Zebra mussels are beginning to be a problem in nearby lakes (Perry in KS). One mode of transmission is boaters who go from one lake to another without inspecting and cleaning prior to launching. Zebra mussels are an aggressive nusaince once seeded. Trespassers like the above pose a threat to the lake.Tresspassers in effect steal from you and me. We pay fees, etc., for the use and maintenance of the lake. Tresspassers do not.

Case #2 - Three Boys, One Car, No City Sticker, No WLIC TagsNoticed three boys (one old enough to drive) across K cove in the access area a week ago. They were fishing, off multiple docks. I did not recognize them. I was leaving the house so decided to get a closer look, drove down Wayland Circle. The car they drove did not have a City Sticker, I could not see any WLIC tags. I called City Hall and asked for the Police to check them out, on a non-emergency basis. Chief McMullen arrived soon afterward. By the looks of things (cell calls) they did not belong there and left as Chief McMullen left.Were they guests that didn't have a member with them? Were they trespassers? Regardless, should they have been on docks that didn't belong to them?

Are you aware of the instances of vandalism and theft from boats this year?Brings to mind another question. Do some members encourage/allow non-members to use our lake? I suspect it happens...who pays?

I think you know the answer.

Running Around

One activity during summer vacation included the Bubbster and me competing in the Lenexa 4th of July Freedom run (5K/3.1 miles). This has become an annual event for us and probably at least the 5th or 6th in a row. We are in the Older Than Dirt Division (>50) and I am happy to report we finished 1/2 among the Weatherby Lake Running Club participants. It is always a challenge to compete in the race and then bolt for home to catch the 4th of July parade @ WL.
(www.weatherbylakerunningclub.blogspot.com)

Upcoming races include Komen Race for the Cure and the KC Half Marathon.

Speaking of the 4th, I understand contributions for this years Fireworks Funds met goal and more. Consensus on our raft up was two thumbs up for the display, we always like to see some of the new stuff.

Tomorrow: Who are those people anyway...and what are they doing here?

Sink or Swim

WLIC Board member Alan Jennerich has resigned from the WLIC Board, the following post has the text of his resignation letter to the Board and others. (S&D refers to Space and Docks)

"Dear S&Ders:
I went on to the Board to specifically accomplish 2 things.

First, I wanted to clean up the lake. To remove the rotting, sinking rusting docks/boat lifts as well as the debris that accumulated over the shoreline over the years. I also wanted to insure that the R&R was enforced against ALL MEMBERS in a fair and consistent basis. This has not always been the case in the past.

Second, I wanted to get the R&R rewritten in a more concise and logical format particularly as it applied to S&D issues.

Thanks to you on S&D as well as the folks on the Rules & Regulations Committee we were able to accomplish both.

At the end , I also wanted to shake this place up a little especially in the area of lake safety supervision, of which there was none. I have never believed that people should be paid good money for doing nothing.

I have been informed that I have been "too disruptive" to the WLIC community so I voluntarily resigned so as not to cause Joe any more problems than he already has.

Please give Joe and Guy Genske, your new S&D Chair, your full support. They will need it going forward.
See you on the lake,
Alan J"

As a WLIC member what do you think about safety and supervision? My observation this summer is more than a few members are ignoring "No wake" zones. Kind of like speeding in the City, if you knew speed limits weren't enforced, would you go 25? Trespass is another subject...next post.

Tis The Season!

HoHoHo! or maybe it should be NoNoNo! A little early for Christmas, never too early for political campaigns and in particular Dusenbery for Commissioner yard signs sprouting up here and there...as observed as we took a bike ride this morning on the West Side. Don't know if the same is true on the East, but I have a feeling they are there as well.

Speaking of No, wasn't it Dusenbery who promoted no yard signs during the campaign? Hmmm.

This should be an interesting race, especially if the early favorites from both parties (Dusenbery and Quitmeier) end up in the "finals" in November.

BRBU (Barry Road Bridge Update) Had to yield to a Homestead dump truck barreling west on BRB while I was going east...He did slow down, my guess from 45 to 40 as he hit the plates...Clank, Clank!

Getting Our Poop Together

Sorry, couldn't help myself. NY Times article today about Seattle's failed public toilet fiasco. Got me to thinking, because we (City/WLIC/Park Board) are flush with cash, why not upgrade the "Johnny on the Spots" to automated public toilets? The Seattle toilets are on EBay for $89,000 a piece (personally I think we can get them for much less). The units clean and disinfect themselves, so no maintenance involved. Perfect for C Point, Soccer field, maybe even the Boat Lot. Of note, the reason Seattle is abandoning the project is because of problems with drug abusers and prostitutes misusing the facilities...no problem here. Also, Seattle law barred the use of advertising on said poopers...we have no such law here at WL, I would guess Weatherby Lake Living would jump at the opportunity to increase ad revenue based on "spots" on the pots. Just a thought.

A Vast Wasteland

Finally! A use for the Community Center we can all agree...a dumping site for yard waste! I did tour both dumping sites (City Hall & CC) a couple of times and was amazed by the amount of very old tree limbs and brush folks dug up (very brown and seasoned), where did it come from? I am assuming here at Weatherby Lake, although I suspect some came from outside the City as well. Both dumping sites were "on your honor" with no security. A bit troubling, especially at City Hall. One of my visits to City Hall had multiple doors open on the Public Works garage open with no City employee in sight, another the door for the Kubota was open, an apparently unattended.

Sunday evening I chatted with Mr and Mrs Mayor at the CC dumping site. I mentioned to him my observation of a large truck (no City sticker, no markings but obviously a commercial truck) heading towards City Hall...and my assumption to dump a large load of very old brush and limbs. Jerry felt most of the depositors were residents.

Hopefully we will get an accounting of the cost of the weekend by next BOA, should be interesting.

What about you, did you use the dumping sites this weekend? How do you feel about the use of taxpayer funded monies to support private cleanup?

Unsafe At Any Speed or Chicken KCMO Style

Back to the Barry Road Bridge (BRB)...tried to observe the posted 15 MPH limit on the BRB going East (and downhill besides), aimed for the middle of the bridge (One Lane right?)...lady on cell phone in a black VW up my...rear bumper...car coming the other way...wow, more excitement than Worlds of Fun! For those who travel the BRB daily...yahoo!

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

If you live on the West side you are painfully aware...if you live on the East side and travel to the Community Center, you are too. The latest twist to the "plates" on the Barry Road Bridge is the reduction of Barry Road to a single lane with a 15 MPH speed limit. How many motorists observe the new rules? Stand on the foot bridge and count...not many. What does Kansas City MO have to say about it? See this news piece from Fox News.
http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=760C09C305B67E06EA672876C7E70A05?contentId=6965397&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

Take a look at the water flowing under the bridge and into your lake...chocolate anyone?

My Summer Vacation is Over

My unannounced haitus has ended. Thanks for those who have been patient (and not so much) while I have been away from the blogosphere. I'm back with much on the plate. Will be posting on a routine basis. If you will, let your friends and neighbors know...looking for your thoughts and posts...as always. Over 5,200 hits since March.