Blitter

I'm ahead of my time...well by a day. Today's USAToday has quite a few articles about Twitter. Not quite there yet, but here is my version, Blitter, with my Bleet (I know, it's hard to swallow)


From DC: The News:

• Washington Capitals make 2nd round of the playoffs


• Water main break snafus trains/metro


• Swine flu


• Swine flu


• Swine flu


• Secretary Sebelius talking about swine flu


• Arlen Specter photo op with Obama/Biden


• Cost of Air One photo op in NYC

in that order...really.

Back in WL:

• Not much news regarding WLIC v Paul Gross case. Court went from 9 to about 2 with a power shortage during (no conspiracy theories please). Apparently Mr Gross did not have an expert witness to testify regarding the discrimination of certain minorities. Both parties may submit documents by 15 May ( or so I am told)


• Received email from Mr Jennerich regarding the Costello/WLIC issue. According to the email some of the trees removed from WLIC property included:


• 2" diameter American Elm, 6" Walnut, 8" Rosebud, 16" Sweet Gum, 18" Hackberry, 4" American Elm, 6" Red Bud, 15" Oak, 18" Hickory, 20" Hackberry


• The appraised value of the trees is $32,320 and the appraisal cost $950.


• WLIC posted a meeting: " The WLIC Board of Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday May 1, 2009, 6:30PM at City Hall. The agenda will be to consider the status and possible suspension of a membership"


• The Stream Team Committee is having a meeting tomorrow afternoon (Thursday at 4:30PM). I think they do good work but it is difficult for working folks to attend meetings or volunteer during working hours. I have the same gripe when the City does the same thing.

Blogeratti

Yes, I am on Twitter, No, I don't get it. My sister, and a few business associates have requested to join...oh well.

So what the heck, what about blogeratti? This will be more than 140 characters.
No I haven't heard anything about the WLIC court case (v Paul Gross), I'll post just as soon as I hear or better yet, post your comments.

Left 7Am today, meeting in Philly, then travel to DC, my constitutional tour compliments of my employer. DC for two days. Sebelius followed me, apparently, to be coronated today as Secretary of HHS, yipes, can you say swine flu? 88 degrees here today.

Ate at the Lauriol Plaza Restaurant on 18th Street tonight..."Latin American" food. Picture of Hillary's husband with owner on the wall as you enter. Very good, best ceviche I have had in years, moderately priced. The corridor has every kind of food you can imagine...except...BBQ.

Georgetown for meetings tomorrow...

Does this count as a tweet? Nah, more like a bleep!

Sun/Mon

Local rain total 2.7" as of 10:30 today.

Fast Track

Ran the Trolley Run yesterday, the skies parted and it was a sunny, warm day, at least for the race. A fund raiser for visually impaired children, the course wends its way through Brookside ending in the Plaza. Son Matthew decided to run with me, well, he was on the same course. The gun went off and as he shot off the starting line I tried to match his stride only to see his backside for a moment...not to be seen until the finish. He completed the course in less than 30 minutes (4 miles) a bit out of my reach in the geezer bracket. I made my target time, so smiles all around.

Something not to smile about is the rain. Morning news said we got 2.53" @ KCI over the past 24 hours. Chatted with two friends yesterday and they both remarked how bad the lake looked. I know this is like a broken record (I may have to take some time to explain to the new generation what a record was) but the condition of siltation and runoff can/will get worse. We're just in the prep stages of Barry Road near the lake and you can see the havoc it raises. What happens when the roadway is removed and all that remains is dirt? On the bright side, our friends at the National finally reap the benefits of Weatherby Lake, one giant siltation pond to protect the water quality downstream. We're on a fast track in a race where we can be big losers.

Fund Raisers

Jerry mentioned right after taking office the need to have a fund raiser for the Community Center. Tanya is active in raising money for the 75th anniversary celebration. The Entrance Monument Committee is gearing up for a major drive to pay for the Arch de Triomphes. I'm sure there are more. Had enough spaghetti? A loyal blogite sent this to me for your consideration as a fund raiser, a good old fashioned square dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WxyzS0vCME&feature=related

Silly Little Rules

This week's issue of the Sun Gazette has an article about a state audit of Public Water Supply District #6, just to our west. The audit was caused by a successful petition drive by a citizen. The article quotes the VP of the water district saying in regard to the citizens concerns "he was probably correct in reference to the Sunshine Law". Yipes, I bet their attorney (hope they have one) is swallowing hard after reading that statement. Isolated situation, right? Wrong. Ironically I encountered Sunshine Law problems in a project I am working on this past month. The Florida State Nursing Board had to reschedule a meeting twice because of failure to properly give notice for the meeting.

What's the deal? Government business is different than commerce or clubs. At work if I want to have a meeting, I schedule it on Outlook, set up a Live Meeting and away we go. Most of our clubs have regularly scheduled meetings, nothing prevents them from having leadership pow-wows whenever they want, no problem. The Entrance Committee or Audit Committee can get together anytime to chat, informally, about "stuff"...problem. Casual meetings, phone conferences, polling emails can all be part of a potential Sunshine violations. Are you a member of a City board or committee? Sunshine might seem silly but not very entertaining when questions have to be answered. Best bet? The City Attorney can keep you on the straight and narrow. It's not just a rule, it is the law.

Today is Arbor Day

Take a road trip up I-29 to the spot where Arbor Day started, just across the NE border.
http://www.arborday.org/

Plant a tree or hug one.

Thank the Park Board for maintaining our green space in the community.

Hope for the restoration of trees in the dispute between the WLIC and the Costellos.

WLIC Board Notes

Finishing up on the 4/20 meeting.

• The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and in the packet for members. Under "New Business" there was an extensive discussion of the "Costello" Property. Too long to summarize, if you are interested I am sure you could obtain a copy at the WLIC office.
• "New User Fee" case to be heard on 28 April, 9AM, Platte County Courthouse. WLIC v Paul Gross.
• There is an interest on the Board to streamline the variance (docks) request process, currently it can take up to 60 days.
• Currently there is no waiting list for access spaces, there is actually a surplus. There is a waiting list for "preferred spaces", ie, I want to wait for a space on Venita. If you want to be on the water...it can be done immediately.
• Jim Miller presented the Fisheries and Wildlife report. The Fishing Club placed over 400 old Christmas trees in the lake for "fish habitats" They were anchored by460 cement blocks. Tom Henke mentioned he had received a phone call from a member concerned about the accumulation of blocks over time. The habitat project has gone on for many years, so the number of blocks sunk could well approach 4,000 over a ten year period of time. John Bugg reported the artificial habitats using PVC did not seem to attract crappie very well.
• Two other concerns were discussed concerning mercury and zebra mussels as the lake is stocked with fish every year. John Bugg mentioned the fish are farm bred and shouldn't pose a problem for either. John and Joe are going to take an inspection tour of the breeding facility to insure the fish are not contaminated.
• Comments from members included Sue Genske's concerns about the bathrooms at CPoint. Last years conditions were poor with toilets often not working. Paul Gross questioned the use of guest tags during large gatherings @ CPoint and the usefulness of tags in general. Mike Henderson gave a rambling question/recollection of the dock situation at the Sherwood/Costello property.

Earth Day 2009

Daughter Sarah posing with one of our "green monsters" at the CC. Weatherby Lake has had the chance to recycle more than newspapers since mid September of last year. We were averaging almost 3 tons of recycled stuff every month last time I asked. A years worth would make an impressive pile...not going to the landfill. Doing your part? I hope so, if not, give it a whirl. As I drive around the lake on Friday I see lots of folks just waiting to join us...at least by the looks of all the potential recycled material at roadside. Maybe they need some gentle encouragement.

Speaking of encouragement, the Stream Team report at the WLIC Board meeting is encouraging. Five teams formed and trained, kits and cameras in hand. Joe mentioned the WLIC is "building a foundation" when it comes to documentation regarding those who would ignore proper measures for stormwater management. A real Earth/Lake day concern for all of us. Want to help? Contact any Board member or the WLIC office. You are now free to hug a tree.

You, Me & The WLIC

Attended the Board of Directors monthly meeting last night along with 14 other WLIC members. Some of the highlights:

• Treasurer Tom Henke gave overview of YTD 09 budget. Handouts provided to members with all the details. (City could take a hint from Tom and replicate this practice)
• There are about 30 to 35 members who have not paid 09 assessments & fees. 2 have not paid since 2005. Henke recommended consideration of liens against property at next Board meeting. Several more 2yrs delinquent. All members delinquent have received several calls and notices.
• The "Ruth property" Lots W10/11 will be sold at public auction on the Platte County courthouse steps on April 28th (You can hang around to participate if you are going to be there for WLIC v P. Gross case). If you buy you'll have to pony up $5,000 to the WLIC, that's the amount of assessments and attorney fees due WLIC.
  
• Bottom line, if you don't pay your assessments the title company will be notified when they do the title search.
• Peret Property Update: Long discussion by President Ennett. Short version is this. The construction of the spill way on the property did not meet specs and will have to be removed and replaced with proper construction. Cost to members=$0. The construction company and supervising contractor will pick up the bill. Ouch. This will cause the KCMO permit @$200 a month to be extended.
• Zebra Mussell Update: New policy to go into effect 1May or soon after. Ramps will have all weather locks with keys that cannot be duplicated. About 15 to 20 members have picked up the sets. Member John Bugg in a comment during a related discussion said the contamination of the lake with the Zebra mussell was "inevitable".

More to follow.

• 
  

WLIC Board Meeting Tonight

Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, 7PM, City Hall

WLIC/Paul Gross Court case proceeds. Next hearing, April 28th.

Case.net summary of hearing, 4/17:
"Plaintiff appears by attorneys, James Kessinger and Katherine Spillers. Intervenor, Paul Gross appears in person, Pro Se. The Court takes up Plaintiff's Motion to Compel/Alternative Motion for Sanctions filed April 10, 2009 and their Amended Motion to Compel/Alternative Motion for Santions filed April 16, 2009 and Request for Attorney Fees and Defendant's Suggestions in Opposition to same filed April 16, 2009. Arguments and Statements of counsel and Intervnor having been heard and considered the Court finds that the Intervenor shall not introduce any evidence or testimony with regard to his fishing lot or value of same. Plaintiff's request for attorney fees is DENIED. (sld)"

It's Your Money

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
The Unofficial Official Notes of FKAMPT Mary Hoy
4-14

"interesting and important information" per Mary

The texturing of the walls on Barry Road facing WL residents will cost the City $________
Background-Early negotiations with KCMO (pre Bos) focused on not paying "extra" to have the retaining walls texturized. These wall will be constructed across the street from WL residents who live in the area of Hillside Drive. KCMO textured the walls at two different spots near the high school without charging residents. Apparently KCMO saw deep pockets, and we caved. How much will this cost you?

The City water lines are having to be relocated as part of the Barry Road improvement. We are taking the opportunity to upgrade to a 12" line. Where will the money come from and how much will it cost you?

"We approved an expenditure to purchase Report Writer for our Incode system of accounting"
How much will it cost you?
Background: The Incode software system is a sophisticated accounting program. Mary cites the new application might "reduce the amount of paper the aldermen receive each month". My wish is the aldermen would take time to review the current information. Example, how much is being spent on Treasurer expenses, is it budgeted, and why. How much is it costing you?

Kristopher Dabner hired to design entrance monuments.
How much will it cost you?

Geezers

A break from the recap of the BOA meeting...

Small news article in today's KC Star Sports Section. The KU Relays are going on in Lawrence, KS. KS redshirt pole vaulter Jordan Scott won the pole vault @ 18'1/2". Impressive. Paul Babits finished in 8th place at 15'7". So what? Paul is 48 and has been competing in the Relays since 1984. Really Impressive.

The Weatherby Lake Running Club has its own stable of over achievers. Ok, the WLRC is a figment of my imagination whose only members are me and Bubba. But in my mind all the folks who take it to the streets in WL to run/jog/stroll/walk are part of the club. Whether it be for exercise or enjoy the scenery or both the club has a huge following and the average age by my reckoning...well I know Bubba is north of 50.

The other part of running/jogging/strolling/walking on our "track" is the encouragement we get from the "stands". Folks wave, say good morning and generally make way (in their vehicles) to give safe passage to our members. Nice.

Hopefully Bubba and me will make our Sunday run "around the block" tomorrow. I guess that will be our version of the Boston Marathon which just happens to be Monday...lots of geezers there too.

But I Digress...

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
The Unofficial Official Notes of FKAMPT Mary Hoy
4-14


(There will be no mention of Pat White on this post)

Received Mary's (Formerly Known As Mayor Pro Tem) notes from the BOA meeting and as she points out they are "not official minutes". She said she is trying to report information that is interesting or important". I will assist in translating or filling in the blanks.

Mary writes: "Over the past year I have met with a number of Westside residents regarding their concerns about sewer rates. To that end, I developed a proposal which would require each home to pay it'sshare of the Weatherby Lake infrastructure costs and a pro rata share of the Kansas City costs based upon water consumption in moderate usage time period. We had some small discussion, but the general support did not seem to be there. If we are to pursue this further it would need to have a public hearing. Let me know if you think it should be pursued".

Translation: I got hammered by the Mayor and my fellow aldermen. If I had been involved in city government more than two years ago I would have known this has been discussed ad nauseum by the past two administrations...but I can't let Pay By The Flush go. If there are more than the number of residents I have met with (two) who are interested in PBTF, please, please let me know.

Mary writes:
"May 2nd is the City Cleanup Day"

Fill in the blank:
Meet at_______ at ______AM

Mary writes:
"The crack sealer that we purchased will be used this fall to repair those streets with cracks..."

Translation:
Yep, it is still new, unused after a year. No, I don't know why it wasn't used last fall, it's Vics fault. We'll get around to it, maybe, this fall.

Mary writes:
"We approved an agreement with KCMO regarding Barry Road. Finally. The negotiations for this agreement have been over 12 months in process."

Translation:
Must be a typo...Mary knows this has been going on well over 2 years ago back to York. Ask the City attorney.

Mary writes:
"We removed the 5$ water meter fee."

Translation:
We remove no fee before its time. Almost a year ago the BOA moved to stop the radio read meter program. No meters purchased, but your money was spent. Can't fill in the blank on this one...you'll have to ask Mary.

Enough for now. I turn it over to the apologists for Mary. Did I get it right?

Formerly Known As...

Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
4-14

Tuesday night's BOA had its share of thrills and spills, just like a demolition derby at the Platte County Fair.

Mr Bossert took his seat and Pat White, formerly known as one of the East Ward alderman was recognized for her service to the community. Thanks Pat, I'm sure you will attest, it was a challenging job.

Each year the BOA elects one of its own to be President of the Board and Mayor Pro Tem. Mary Hoy was the incumbent. The election for President was opened by Mayor Bos requesting nominations. Vic nominated Tanya Finn, Ed Bossert nominated Mary. Vic voted for Finn, Mary voted for Finn...done deal. Mary, formerly known as Mayor Pro Tem, passed the baton to the new Mayor Pro Tem, Tanya Finn. Let's hope Tanya shows leadership that was absent during Mary's reign.

Speaking of formerly known as Mayor Pro Tem Mary, I understand Mary's PBTF (Pay By The Flush) proposal didn't generate much enthusiasm by the BOA. Her First Tier/Second Tier discussion needed a heavy dose of bioxide (the chemical we use in the sewers to eliminate the stink). City Attorney John advised the BOA a public hearing needed to be posted (30 days in advance) to consider the change in the calculation of the rate. Looks like the voters for write-ins Sparrow and Fickle were right on. This idea is going down with the next flush and into the grinder pump. Porta Potties were not discussed although it might be the next possible solution to the "inequity" of the sewer rate.

Cease Fire!

"Dear Members:

The Board of Directors April 20th meeting agenda will not include the "Suspension of a Membership" item.

The Suspension of a Membership matter will be addressed at a later meeting.

Thank you,
WLIC"

Guess some of the passionate posters on Comments about the WLIC meeting will have to wait.

Obama Weighs in on WLIC Suspension

I received an email from "Barack Obama, wlic.news@live.com regarding "Willful Destruction of WLIC Property" along with pics of the property. It is addressed to WLIC Members, so you may have received one too. He/she calls out Danny and Paula Costello as the members who have gotten cross wise with the WLIC Board regarding the removal of trees from WLIC property. I don't think there is any doubt whether trees were removed, I believe one of the issues is the allegation of lack of permission. As I mentioned in the previous WLIC post, this has been before the Board since at least the last Board meeting if not before. Additionally I have received some back and forth emails from Alan Jennerich and Diane Soule regarding the matter. Heated.

One of the comments under the previous post mentioned City water issues on the property as well. The person posting must have been confused, there is a water problem with a property owner on the East side (close to the dam) but not on East Side Drive, which of course is where the tree problem is.

Barack has had his hands full with the new puppy and capping pirates and the like, so I rather doubt he is weighing in on the WLIC issue. Nonetheless, your comments always welcome.

BOA Tonight, 7PM City Hall

Tonight's agenda: http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/Agendas/116.pdf

Highlights to include:

• Swearing in of Ed Bossert, newly elected East side alderman
• Removing of meter fee
• Sewer rate increase
• Paving contract to be awarded
• Possibly a Park Board report
• Farewell to Pat White, outgoing East side alderman
• and much more

What you won't see tonight is an increase in your water bill. The Mayor and BOA inexplicably have decided not to pass along the water rate increase from KCMO, effective May 1. The City is going to eat (maybe drink is better) the increase. Of course, the "City" is you and me. Rather than build equity in the water fund for future improvements and repairs they are choosing to spend down the fund. Oh well.

Mary may introduce her PBTF (Pay By The Flush) concept for calculation of your sewer bill. Seems some snowbirds have been pushing her to change the way sewer bills are calculated, apparently they feel it's not fair to pay sewer while they are vacationing in FL/TX/AZ. Also rumored she is working on a recalculation of property taxes, same issue the snowbirds don't want to have to pay for services they don't use while gone. I assume the levy on the Parks is next, after all, they're not swinging here 365...well, that's the topic of another post.

Bobby and Betty

Recent Sun Gazette article had interesting quotes from some Northland notables involved with the ongoing MAST crisis. Bobby Kincaid, president of the South Platte County Ambulance District (SPCAD) Board of Directors said he was concerned about response times and additional costs to the district contract if the MAST kidnapping took place. Almost funny, turn back the clock, and hot button issues in the formation of the district were response times and additional cost. What most WL voters believed was there would be no improvement in response times but added cost. Tadaa! Thanks, Bobby. Now the shoe is on the other foot.

Another backer of the formation of SPCAD, Presiding Commissioner Betty Knight, has weighed in on the crisis. Her position? "Neutral" Huh? You might recall her comments at the town hall meeting held here at our own CC when the SPCAD issue was coming up on the ballot. No neutral there. The overall positive vote bailed out Betty and her fellow commissioners to fix a festering problem in rural South Platte that had been ignored by the County Board. If you ever bump into Betty you might ask her how things are going with NRAD, the provider of ambulance service in northern Platte county, especially in regards to costs to taxpayers in that district. Can you say $$$.

April Showers Bring...

Amity Road, east side and west side, guess where the flow goes? 5AM April 10.

WLIC Board Meeting April 20th, 7PM

If you are on the list serve for WLIC, you just received the monthly meeting reminder. It would be easy to overlook a sentence inserted after the reminder, "The Board of Directors will consider the suspension of a Membership". That's it, no name, no circumstances. Let's fill in the blanks. There has been an ongoing discussion among the Board regarding a situation involving a member, living on the East side, who has removed vegetation and trees from WLIC property without permission. Apparently the situation has escalated to the point where suspension of membership is being considered. Need/want more info? I recommend talking with a Board member or go to the meeting.

And the East Side Winner Is...

Ed Bossert-90 votes
De Surma--24 votes

Congratulations Mr Bossert. Ed will take his place on the BOA next Tuesday, 7PM at City Hall.

Dead Man Wins Mayoral Race

Speaking of moribund campaigns, Harry Stonebraker* of Winfield, MO was re-elected Tuesday. One small problem, he died on March 11th. Stonebraker died of a heart attack after the ballots had been printed and some absentee ballots had been cast. He won by a wide margin, 206 to 23 for his opponent, Alderman Bernie Panther (reflects about the same ratio Madame Hoy received vs write-ins).

The County Clerk said she thought he would win because "he seemed to get even more popular after he died".

Consider the possibilities. Nonetheless, the law is the law, and if you don't have a pulse you cannot serve.

Which leads me to propose an addition to our monthly BOA agenda. First, Pledge of Allegiance, Second, before the roll is called, hook up em up, our elected officials that is. No pulse, no vote. "Present" will not suffice. That's the rules.

*As presented in the KC Star, April 8.

East Side Election Update

The write-in process takes a bit longer, review and certification by the Election Board. I understand the results will be posted by Friday...stay tuned.

Hoy Whomps Sparrow, Fickle

http://www.co.platte.mo.us/docs/elections/2009/results_040709.html

Results posted on the Board of Elections website indicate Mary received 122 votes, write-ins 13 votes for a total of 135 voters out of a possible 767 West side voters...18% is the number. Just scrolling through the County results, turn outs were generally low to very low.

I returned late last night from Columbia, SC (Sorry anons, didn't see Mark Sanford) so I do not know who won the East Side. 117 write-in votes were recorded (15% turn out), so all the winner needed was 59 votes to take the brass ring (it could be less, depending upon invalidated ballots and/or more write-in candidates). If you are from the Surma or Bossert camp and know the results, feel free to Comment.

Next week Tuesday the winners will take their places at the BOA meeting, 7PM.

Election Day Today!

Ahoy mates, there's a dirty deed to be done. Blacken that dot if you will or suffer the curse of the Black Pearl. Or better yet, scribe the name of Captain Jack Sparrow. In his own words, "I'm not sure I deserve that!" Arrrrrrrrrgh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z1XpfbuZOA

Forbes Most Liveable Cities

1. Portland, OR
2. Bethesda, MD
3. Des Moines, IA
4. Stamford, CT
5. Tulsa, OK
6. Weatherby Lake, MO

Ok, I did some minor editing on the story. Some of the criteria included: Income growth, cost of living, culture, crime and unemployment. Can't tell you much about income, COL or unemployment. We do have the Music in the Park series sponsored by the Park Board this summer, so we got the culture covered. I think you would have to agree, thanks to the Police Department, our crime rate is trivial. Anything else in common? Three of the top five are on the water (albeit a big pond). Our crown jewel? The Lake of course. Without it we are just another Wildwood or Gladstone, ok places to live. The quality of the water goes down, so do we, no matter what tier you live on. My wish? The new BOA and the WLIC board become more aggressive and visible in their efforts to protect your lake. If you drive down Barry Road, like I do every day, you have be concerned...aren't you?

One of the tag lines in the Forbes article is "The Good Life". I'll go one up for WL, "The Great Life". I hope we can keep it that way.

KCMO Throws Out The Anchor On MAST

Doug Hooten got his walking papers from the MAST Board this past week as KCMO takes one more step towards the takeover of MAST and our ambulance service at WL. Some historical perspective from a source who should know:

• 1995, John Sharp dismissed as head of MAST. MAST mired in severe financial problems.
• Doug Hooten appointed director, gradual improvement in service and financial condition.
• The Funk, current alderman John Sharp (yes, one and the same) and others move to take control of MAST under the theory they could save a million bucks.
• Proposal to make MAST an independent agency in KCMO.

Where will this lead? Nobody knows but various articles in the KC Star allude to Louie Wrights (KCMO Fire Chief) lust for MAST. Almost always Local 42 is in the same sentence as Wright. Choices? South Platte Ambulance District has to start casting about, not many fish to catch. NRAD to the north. South Platte Fire if they would choose to enter the ambulance business. Possibly another ambulance company altogether. One thing for sure, your ride to the hospital is going to go up eventually.

Can You Feel the Love?

"I think the fatal flaw of a lot of people in politics is they want to be loved"
Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina

I've been traveling quite a bit to South Carolina lately, nice state. Charleston has that southern charm and character, if a person has to work, SC not a bad place to do it. I saw this quote attributed to their governor. Isn't it the truth? Folks running for office often make lots of promises, to get elected of course, but maybe a little bit to feel the love of their potential constituency. Happens at the national level all the way down to the local level. Same situation once in office. Vocal advocates lobby for a point of view that may not represent the common good, but yet gain leverage with the elected officials. Why? Maybe it's love or fear of loss of love. Saying no to a citizen can be difficult, it goes counter to an elected officials intuition. Tough love? Sometimes saying no is the right thing even if it isn't terribly popular with some. Examine the upcoming proposal for a change in the calculation of water rates being put forth by a certain nautical oriented alderman from the West Side. Why? Maybe it's love.

20,000

"I almost never read this blog, mainly because I would rather watch paint dry."
Tony White

Hey Tony, lighten up. Use your imagination, think GoldFinger. For the rest of you, whatever your fascination is with watching paint dry...thank you. 20,000 plus hits for something I started as a lark 12 months ago, that is a hoot. Your comments are always welcome, never censored. Forward to a neighbor or friend. Join the fun with Tony, me and the rest of the gang!

And that is Weatherby Lake As I See It.

P.S. Tony, click here>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1VEY7ndKCs

There's Something About Mary

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3874816793/

Funny movie, odd but funny. Speaking of Mary,

A HOY, A HOY. So starts a letter from Alderman Hoy to some West Side residents, asking for support in the upcoming election. Save your breath Mary, you've got it in the bag. But nice of you to support our postal service. For those of you who didn't get her letter (East Siders and "B" list West Siders) here are the highlights.

"When I ran two years ago, opposing a long time incumbent, I promised you one thing." What was that one thing? "I would communicate with you" Mary mentions her emails regarding BOA meetings. Here is a quote from one of her infomails to residents concerning Barry Road, "Naturally, Weatherby Lake City officials have no control over what happens. I am just informing you of the situation". (Gee, you could fire her, save $100 a month, read my blog). There you have it, don't blame me, I'm just communicating with you. She did make other promises of action, of course, during the campaign two years ago. What were they and what were the results?

• Long range planning-Nothing to date
• Underground utilities-Oops, millions of dollars, take a look, still above ground
• Get grant money-$0
• New revenue streams-See above
• Fiscal responsibility-Spent unbudgeted funds for decorating CC
• Roberts Rules for BOA-nope
• Public disclosure-Refused to reveal reason for abstention vote (Robert's Rules says"Present in record for abstention") see above
• Examine financial affairs-code words for York had financial issues, after appointment of an Audit Committee and Audit conducted by independent auditor, City passed w/flying colors, of course she already knew that.
• Cooperate with other governmental agencies-Nary a whimper as KCMO dumps 30,000 gallons of human waste into our lake, I guess that is cooperating.
• The City needed a purchasing policy-She found out we actually had a purchasing policy
• Purchasing cards-Never happened
  

She also states in her letter "I have also made it a point to learn as much as I can about sewer issues". See last post. Wait until you see her plan for your water bill which she plans to launch at the next BOA. Why wouldn't she mention it in her letter? It will be very unpopular, with the exception of the snow bird population of WL.

I am going to vote next Tuesday. Alderman West Side, I'm going to write-in my neighbor, Dick Fickle. Nice man, great neighbor. No he doesn't know, that's not the point. Send Mary a message. Vote for your neighbor. When she sees the number of votes cast and her tally doesn't add up, well she'll figure it out. After all.

There's something about Mary.

Catching Up

Out of town the past two days and missed the Sewer Hearing. Cliff Notes from a couple of the attendees.

• 9 citizens in attendance
• 50 minute hearing or so
• BOA will proceed with $12 increase for sewer next BOA mtg (14 April)
• Grinder fee will be kept in place

BOA relying on the Instituform vendor regarding the upgrade of the gravity sewer system. City Engineer does not agree with Instituform on amount of upgrade they can perform, he believes some of the sewer will have to big dug up and replaced. The difference? Instituform upgrade will be around $80,000, City Engineer estimates over $300,000 with a combination of Instituform and replacement of pipe. Who is right? Let's hope Instituform is on the money, because there is no money to fund a sewer project beyond the $80,000 mark.

There were some questions regarding water from the audience. Yes, the water meter fee is going away. Where did the money go? Into the Water Fund on various projects.nnot for meters of course Question is, if the fee is going away and the BOA is not passing along the rate increase from KCMO effective May 1 where will that leave us? Long term, in my opinion, not in a good place. The system still needs repairs, and our customers outside the City who need system work. The City eating the increase is not smart...because...we are the City.

Hey Mr Bossert/Ms Surma, that's an issue to sink your teeth into.