ool

Sign at a friend's outdoor pool..."Please notice there is no P in our ool, Please help us keep it that way, Thank You."

KC Star May 23
What's really in that pool? New national survey finds 17% of American adults actually admit they pee in the pool. 8 in 10 adults are convinced other swimmers are convinced that other swimmers are doing it, even if they don't own up to it themselves.

Which leads me to the thought, how many people pee in the lake? Observe the casual swimmer at C Point, why would they interrupt their ritual of sun bathing for a brief interlude in the lake? Pee. Based on comments at a recent WLIC meeting on the condition of the rest rooms, especially the Women's facility, it might warrant relief in our fine body of water. Me I'm one of the 8 who think everybody else is doing it, and of course, I would never consider doing it myself...eeeuuuu! Don't think it is against WLIC rules, especially if you are in the stealth mode. I have observed both men and women spraying off the stern...not cool. So etiquette should rule, all swimmers, should report to the leeward end of the swim area to take care of biz and return to normal activities. That is all, you are now free to roam the lake.

For further instructions, view this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6mLQ1BTQkk

New User Fee

As you saw in the previous post, the WLIC has prevailed (again) against Paul Gross in court, this time in regards to the "New User Fee". While there are differing views on the effect of the fee (see Comments last post) the position Mr Gross used to contest it (discrimination) was ludicrous at best. More than a few folks have grown weary of the litigation costs caused by one member. Funny how we (WL) got the moniker "Litigation Lake" because of our external lawsuits in years past. It still might apply but seems we have spent most of our time, and resources, on litigation within the Company.

In the meantime, our Lake continues to suffer. If you have had the chance to get out on your boat in the past couple of weeks you would have noticed the visible effects of recent rains. The clarity of the water is still poor. And of course if you drive by the various construction sites (add Hillside and Barry to the list) little to no erosion control. Cause and effect? You make the call.

Speaking of Hillside Drive, you might want to take a stroll or drive over there. Yipes! Looks like and engineering problem to me. Who's in a bind? KCMO or WL? Both?

Missouri Casenet-08AE-CV02550 - WEATHERBY LAKE IMPROVE CO V BRIAN STEVENSON ETAL

Date:
05/26/2009
Description:
Judgment Entered
Against:
GROSS, PAUL

Amount of Judgment:
see text
Date of Satisfaction:
not yet on file

Text:
The Court having heard this matter on April 28, 2009 and having heard and considered the evidence, the Court now finds that this cause is a Defendant Class action, and is binding upon all members, their successors and assigns, of the Weatherby Lake Improvement Company. The New User Fee Resolution requested by the Plaintiff is approved by the Court, as valid, enforceable, based upon need, is equitable and equitably apportioned among the members, based upon the need of the WLIC, and binding upon each and every member, owner (both current and future) and their transferees and assigns, of real propety located within the boundaries of WLIC, individually and as a class, in accordance with the terms and provisions set out herein. The New User Fee and any accumulated interest thereon shall constitute a lien on the respective lands, tracts, lots and parcels of real property of each New User and future property owner in WLIC subject to the New User Resolution. The Assessment approved shall constitute a lien and run with the land in accordance with the property classification, assessment ratios and assessment amounts. Costs assessed agains the Plaintiff. Court further finds all as per formal JUDGMENT filed herein. Certified copy of Judgment mailed to attorney, James Kessinger and Charlie Dickman and one mailed to defendant, Paul Gross. Exhibits retained by the Court are mailed to attorney James Kessinger and defendant Paul Gross. (sld)

AWOL

After 4 weeks of traveling undercover I was apprehended by the Shore Patrol in DC yesterday, currently in home detention ala Michael Vick without the leg gizmo. Reports are I have missed not much in the past weeks...actually that is good, right?

Let me see, I could bore you with my itineraries of the last month, but better judgment prevails. Just note my friends at Delta have awarded me Silver Pubaw level with Gold in reach. Really.

I have been traveling 4 out of 5 business days this month, a grind, but business is good, important in these times.

So while in detention, I'll crank it up.

Oh, by the way, the Mayor called our house today...wait until you find out why.

There's something about Jerry.

Paparazzi

I was traveling so I missed the Special WLIC Board meeting regarding the Costello issue last week, too bad, I hear it was a doozy. Among other things, Paparazzi Paul appeared with camera in hand to capture the action for his digital library. Missing in action was his mentor Ed. You might recall Ed was on a roll in the not too recent past with his camera at WLIC proceedings as well as an occasional BOA. Wonder where all those pics went? Maybe he gave them to Marge for the archives. In any event, heat was felt from many quarters, including an inference of racial discrimination which seems to be heavy on Paul's mind here at the lake...kind of like the NAACP/ACLU all rolled in to one. Thank God we have someone to protect us from ourselves. Apparently the evening ended in a stalemate, one of those have your lawyer call my lawyer moments. The dispute is supposed to be resolved by the next WLIC board meeting or suspension of Mr Costello's lake privileges will be invoked. Those who live next to access areas around the lake are watching with keen interest, the rumor of a run on Stihl chain saws by certain residents cannot be verified. My guess is cooler heads will prevail.

If that wasn't fun enough, your BOA meets again tonight for the monthly meeting. Your opportunity to see your City government in action. Here's the agenda as posted:
Oops, none posted as of this morning, I'll update if possible.

All the News that's Fit to Print

Just finished my ritual of reading the Sunday paper. Thought I would separate the "readable" stuff from the ads. As you know the pile of ads outweighed the news, by far. Made me think advertisers must be getting a bit nervous as the news content shrinks. Oh sure, there was a followup story on the tannery sludge from St Joe, but really most stories are just rehashed from somewhere else. I subscribe to Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and NY Times on line, lots of original reporting there. But still I love the feel of a newspaper, guess that is just old school.

Local news is very hard to come by, you already know that as well. While I try to make meetings (I went to the WLIC Board meeting but missed the BOA last month) it is a challenge with business travel, kids activities, and home obligations. Oh sure, there is the WLL, once a month. If you depend on that you really aren't interested, and most of it isn't news or old news anyway. The WLIC and City both have websites, ok places for historical info, not so much for up to date stuff(By the way, does the music on WLIC drive you crazy...I know I can mute it, but what is the purpose?) Could they be better? Yes. Why aren't they? Don't know.

Both organizations have no problem spending money...but not much money is spent keeping the membership informed (the recent" Zebra communication" being the exception). What's the latest on Peret? What's going on with Barry Road. The insiders know...aren't you curious too?

Doing the Math

May issue of WLL has Mayor Bos comments regarding the "Entrance Advisory Group (EAG)". The City is supposed to receive $50,000 from KCMO (check is in the mail). Funds donated to date amount to $5,000. Grand total $55,000. $15, 200 has been spent for design, leaving $39,800 in the kitty. The rest is on the shoulders of you and me.

The road Bond money will be depleted after this round of overlays as Jerry mentions. A smart move to spend now because of the abnormally low asphalt prices. Problem is the ten year plan as outlined by Jerry and Vic will be largely unfunded after this. We will receive some monies from Platte County, but clearly not enough. Where will the money come from? You and me.

The water main relocation part of Barry road will cost us a net of $10,000. Texturing the walls, $7,500. In the budget? Ask your alderman.

TGIF

Weekly Wrapup:

• Seems to be raining everywhere, cats and dogs on my way home via Detroit. Rain gauge indicates a little of an inch here at WL for Wed/Thur. Got water? A number of folks at the lake have water in the basement/first floor. Not good. The rain has battered the high school baseball schedule, son Mboy has had more rainouts than games with two weeks left in the schedule.
• WL Planning Commission had a meeting last Monday night to consider the re-platting of the Blakewood subdivision from 3 lots to 2 lots. Passed with no issues. During the meeting, acting chair Burt Woods mentioned an upcoming Planning Commission hearing which will consider adoption of the revised building codes. Last update was 2003. Mayor Bos attended the meeting and was asked for his comments. He mentioned the length of the building permits should also be considered (currently the length of the permit is 12 months with a fee if it needs to be renewed) This was predicated by comments and an appearance by Don Coleman (some months ago at a BOA meeting), regarding the permit for his new home. Jerry also indicated the owners of WestRidge may seek to do some replatting with a net loss of two lots.
  
• Had to switch flights at the last minute yesterday from Reagan to Baltimore, expected to get pasted on airfare. Result. Booked a flight from BWI to MCI on Delta, one way, $91. My cab ride to Baltimore was almost that much. Colleague at my meeting there gave me a mask to wear on my flight home. Didn't wear it (nobody else did either) but it was noticeable when someone coughed on the flight, an easy way to get a dirty look from the guy/gal sitting next to the cougher. CDC advisory says to try and keep at least six feet away from those who exhibit symptoms...planes are probably the worst case scenario for exposure. No high fives at my meeting, just the obligatory sharing of the Purell as we parted company.