"A lot of time has been spent talking about and looking at the Hillside entrance."

Mayor Jerry Bos in the July issue of Weatherby Lake Living.

Here is the result of the talking...and looking.

The tube faces the McMichael residence/property.

Bracket Creep

When is someone old? Depends on who you ask. USA Today article points out survey done by the Pew Research Center. 18 to 29 year olds were asked when old age begins for the average person...60. 50 to 64 year olds responded...72. Over 65 crowd said...74.

In 1900, 4% of the US population was 65 or older. Today, 13% are 65 or older.

Here is the interesting part. 21 % of respondents 65 to 74 feel old, and of those over 75, 35% feel old. So there you have it, you are what you think!.

Have a quality day.

Funeral Details

For Don Birmingham. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=donald-joe-birmingham&pid=128995897

What a fitting way to celebrate his life. In addition to the visitation and service, the gathering at Birmingham Park @ 4:30 should be memorable event.

Don Birmingham

Received the news late Friday afternoon of Don's passing. He is a great example of some of our finest citizens who give to the community without any reservations. A veteran as well. Our condolences to Kathy and the Birmingham family.

No Ringy Dingy

Our household experienced the 2nd loss of telephone service within a month, this time from this past Sunday to late yesterday afternoon. Repeated calls to AT&T, service resumption times pushed back, estimates of households affected ranging from 200 to 600 residences. If it wasn't for cell phones we would have been isolated from the rest of the world (hmm, not bad thing?)

ATT promises to refund days lost, ok. More collateral damage from the Barry Road project (according to ATT). Speaking of Barry Road, the piece from Congress west continues to crawl along. Any bets it is finished by the start of school (3rd week of August)?

Segway

Had a chance this week while in Chicago to experience that two wheeled wonder, the Segway. Took a 2 hour plus tour that began at Millenium Park and went south, just short of McCormick Place. What a blast!. We started with a short orientation session then hit the trail. Between the steering handle and weight shifting one can go up to 12 mph. Some of the skyline views from the lakefront were awesome. We took the 7PM tour so the temp was acceptable after a hot day. The network of walking/biking paths in the area is impressive, pedestrians, bikers and segwayers(?) coexist without any mayhem, at least during my tour. http://www.chicagosegway.com/

Speaking of mayhem, a friend stopped for a howdy in front of our house the other day when a lawn mowing rig approached going pretty darn fast. They had to slow down to navigate around...I took the opportunity to flag them down and explain the speed limit was 25...I don't think their primary language was English, but at least they continued on at a lower rate of speed. I usually give the "slow down" hand signal once a week to vehicles speeding down Potomac. Many don't have City stickers, yesterday the car had KS plates. One routine lead foot is a neighbor who lives just down the street. Loves his cell phone as he plows down Potomac. The worst, a distracted, speeding driver. Lots of kids on bikes on our street, many strollers and some runners like me. Unlike Millenium Park in Chicago with its dedicated paths, we all share the streets here at WL. 25 mph might be a pain for us motorists, but to me it is the absolute max based on our roadway with no sidewalks.

Big Bang

I see where a few communities in the metro have cancelled 4th fireworks due to financial problems (Lenexa & Shawnee) No such problem here, our Fireworks Fund, 100% funded by private donations keeps perking along...as a matter of fact our display will be upgraded this year to include synchronized music. By most accounts last year's display was one of the best ever. Alderman Finn is the chief fund raiser, your donations can be made/sent to City Hall.

If the outdoor temp gets much hotter the fireworks will light themselves...right?

Marina Del Weatherby

The recent discussion by the WLIC Board concerning dock spaces has generated a fair amount of interest. Lots of pros and cons, here's a few more apparently thrown into the mix:

• Access area W-1

Close to WestRidge subdivision. Parking, gazebo. Cove is fairly protected. Current dock space could be configured to accommodate a marina style "finger" into the cove, doubling available spaces.

• Access area B2

Not close to WestRidge, however, desirable because of proximity to the "castle" and across from popular C Point. A marina style "finger" could be installed more than doubling current space.

For those WLIC Board members interested in expanding the number of dock spaces there are lots of options. The WLIC web site has a nice section with descriptions and pic of the access areas.

http://www.wlic.org/accessarea.html

Political Chatter

Had some friends over this past weekend, the conversation drifted into local politics. A sampling:

• The Mayor tends to insert foot in mouth regularly
• Many concerns over the long term for sewer and water
• Roads and maintenance challenges
• Barry Road, promises made, promises broken
• With Mayor's financial background you would think managing the budget would be a piece of cake
• Arrogance of the aldermen will be their downfall (and the City)
• The Mayor's wife is the real powerhouse in the family
• Many who voted for him in the past election would not today

Yeah, you've got to admit, the Funk is something else.

Happy Father's Day

Reaped the benefits of being a father today...not one but two ties, beauties both. I've been a bit miserly lately, the economy and all, it didn't escape notice from the son and daughter. I wear suits to business meetings and have been in a rut lately. Two new shirts and ties should give my laggard wardrobe a decent upgrade.

Congrats to you Fathers, it's a big job but with great benefits. And of course remembering our Dad's today is important. Mine I'm sure is looking down and smiling, he got his share of ties, back in the day.

When Free is a Problem

Hard to believe but Riverside is still trying to figure out how to carry out an ordinance they passed on March 3rd. This is the one where the City is going to pay for residents' sewer bills. Kind of like Aldermen Gone Wild without the nudity. Evidently they leaped first then started asking questions.

Here's how it goes. "Kansas City owns the sewers Riverside residents use and Missouri American Water handles the billing for use of those sewers, as it's based on the amount of water used through Missouri American Water" Sun Gazette, June 18

Missouri American and KCMO have recommended a reimbursement setup where Riverside refunds residents payments from the records of MO American.

Oh the Humanity! All parties are wrapped around the axle, attorneys are involved (sorry Bill) and the flushing continues unabated...or unrebated, well you know what I mean.

The best things in life are free? Nah. Give me my sewer bill or give me...

Bank On It

KC Star, Thursday, June 18, 2009

"Bank veteran named No. 2 at Fed of KC"

Yesterday's paper(p. A15) had an interesting article concerning Weatherby Lake resident Esther George. She has been promoted to first vice president and chief operating officer of The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, effective August 1st. She's been with the Fed since 1982. Her boss, President Thomas Hoenig, will retire in 2011 when he reaches mandatory retirement. The Star speculated on Ms George replacing him when he turns 65. The Star notes only 2 of the Reserve Banks have female Presidents.

Would it be out of line to ask Esther to bring a brief case full of Grants for the City after work some day? After all, we only need $400,000 more for entrance monuments. Kind of like a stimulus package, yeah, that's the ticket!

Comments

My last post "See Post Below" received an interesting Comment, partially reproduced here. Hope the WLIC & City are on this one.

In the Conference Room on the 15th Floor of City Hall, 414 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, the Plats Review Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, commencing at 8:30 a.m. to consider the following matters. You may contact City Planning and Development at (816) 513-2846 for further information.

Subject: Plats Review Committee Meeting - Wednesday – June 24, 2009
9:00 AM

LS 4. Case No. 12652-GP-22 - About 38.5 acres generally located on both sides of N Congress Avenue between Missouri Highway 152 and a point about 1,200 feet north of NW Barry Road, to consider amending a previously approved development plan in District GP-3/4 (regional business/high density residential), to allow approximately 499,000 square feet of commercial, office, institutional and residential uses.
Agent: White Goss Bowers

See Post Below

Technically O cove is not correct in the "Docks" posting. The area specifically mentioned in the discussion is M1.

Dock(s) On The Bay

Otis Redding, right? I remember the song well back when it hit the airwaves. Can you remember the state his plane crashed? Double bonus points, do you remember the lake? No fair to use Google...but I digress.

WLIC monthly board meeting had interesting discussion of placement of new docks (or so I am told, I was out of town). Here's the scoop.

Apparently Joe came forward with an idea to accommodate the developers of WestRidge and eventually the new homeowners there. The proposal is to have dedicated docks (7) for WestRidge residents with a walk way leading to the area on O Cove off Westside Drive. Not a new idea, previous developers have had similar thoughts, I just don't know if it ever made it to the board. Apparently a majority of board members didn't warm to the idea and the proposal, for now, is going no where. I'm thinking the general membership wouldn't be excited either.

Same tune different verse. Another discussion regarding more docks focused on the possibility of adding docks along the dam. Really. Some board members were less than enthused about this idea as well...thank goodness from my perspective. If space is the issue, the board has helped contribute by continuing the double docks practice.

So, what are your thoughts?

Slow News Day

You know it's a slow news day when the headlines include:

• Gas Prices Are Up: National Average $2.63, a year ago $4.05 (AAA)
• Vasectomy By The Numbers: Men in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Parkville most likely to have a vasectomy, least likely in DC, New Jersey and Hawaii. No report on WL (USA Today)

Ok, I might have added local color to the second item, more observational in nature.

Bin Laiden

Did you see the latest from San Francisco in the paper yesterday? Looks like they will be moving to curbside composting...really. A bin for garbage, a bin for recycling and a bin for compost materials. The article (KC Star) indicated the garbage bin will be scrutinized for stuff, like orange peels, that should be placed in the compost bin. Some folks compost here, although I don't think it is very many. Do you compost? I used to in compost Brookside, it worked pretty well.

Speaking of vegetation, anybody take advantage of the City drop off program a week ago? I didn't but reports are there was a pretty big stack of vegetation behind City Hall.

Left KC early this morning in the middle of a gigundo downpour. Made me wonder how we fared with all the piles on Barry and vicinity...any reports?

BOA Considers New Add On for City Vehicles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCUBxgdKZ_Y

Music To Their Ears

Park Board members present at last night's concert had smiles on their faces after the first Concert in The Park concluded. A number of folks estimated the crowd to be in the neighborhood of 250 (I agree). Perfect weather and a decent band made for a pleasant evening, the volume just right to accommodate socializing. Park Board members are seeking your input about future concerts.

By the way, the grass was treated pre-oncert for chiggers, etc., I used a bit of Off anyway...no problems.

Electronics Recycling

• June 20, 9AM to 2 PM, next to drop-off recycling center at Metro North Mall.
• Computer monitors $10, TVs $10 to $25 based on size
• Other electronics accepted include, keyboards, cell phones, printers, stereos and other electronics.
• Sponsored by MARC Solid Waste, The Surplus Exchange and a number of cities. Open to everyone.

If you have a non-digital TV and don't intend on getting a converter box now is the time to dump that baby. I have one in my home office, hate to part with it but it's time to go.

Music In The Park

• Tonight, 7PM, Cristhaven Park on Roberts Road
• Swing Fever (Jazz and Blues)
• Rain date 1 week later
• Tailgate, bring chairs blankets
• Sponsored by the Weatherby Lake Park Board

The first in a series, July 17, August14, September 11.

Bigger is Better

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL Board of Aldermen
2 June

Finance

• The BOA passed a resolution moving a majority of the City's banking business, including checking to UMB. Very little discussion by the Board.
• Jerry proposed the move, stating "we want a stronger bank" and "there is reason to believe alot of banks have serious long term issues like Liberty Bank" but then stated he was not aware of any current problems with Liberty. Jerry felt there were problems with our current bank, stating, "I don't know who they are" referring to the securities backing our deposits over $250,000. Construction, Debt Service and Park Board are staying at Liberty, all under the FDIC maximum.

The Yellow Brick Road

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL Board of Alderman
2 June

No, not that Road (Barry), the roads within WL. Hopefully you have noticed the completion of the repaving projects for this year. George reported the total expenditures came to $499,000 which largely spends the money made available by the Bond money from three years ago.

Because of the opportunity of lower asphalt costs, Jerry decided to "throw away the old (5 year) plan" and start a new 5 year plan. According to the new plan, by the end of 2014, Jerry believes all of our streets will be in "excellent condition". These conditions will persist until 2020 when six roads will need repaving. Jerry says money is there to fund the new 5 year plan. Vic helped draft the new plan. One of the interesting assumptions was the life of newly paved roads is 20 years. Seems like a long time to me. I haven't seen the details of the plan, but I would like to see the funding sources and the information used to come up with the 20 year figure.

Speaking of bricks, the Monument Committee has received a figure of $1,800 per site for survey of each site. $3,000 has already been paid to the design firm.

Committee/Boards/Commissions

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL BOA
2 June

Appointments by Organization, they were discussed and voted on by organization.

• Board of Zoning Adjustment- Linda Winter moved up from alternate. Linda Eckerle, nominated by Mary Hoy, is added.
• Park Board- Lisa Moratz reappointed, Heather Shafe'.
• Planning- Jerry Hannah reappointed, Mike Henderson added to fill term expiring in 2011.
• Historical- Glenda Negrilli, Karen Skinner (2010) added. The discussion was a bit muddled so I can't tell if Bob Pease had a reappointment or not, he is on the Committee. Jerry mentioned his nomination of Cathy Bossert, wife of alderman Ed Bossert. Alderman Finn asked City attorney Scott if there were any issues of Ed voting on a his wife's nomination. Scott felt there weren't any problems because she would be an unpaid volunteer. Jerry deferred the nomination until next BOA for further inquiry. (Interesting because when I was an alderman my wife's term for Park Board was up for reappointment. The issue was vetted prior to discussion with City Attorney, she was nominated and approved.)
• Plans Review- Jim O'Laughlin reappointed
• Code Enforcement- No appointments, George and Burt are active members. Apparently Gene Brown had decidec not to seek reappointment. During the discussion Jerry mentioned they were going to focus on "empty houses".
• Jerry mentioned the Liason roles he had assigned to the Aldermen upon taking office was a "dumb idea on my part". He encourages aldermen to attend the various committes/boards/commissions.
• There are no terms assigned for Audit or Airport Noise (Info) committees.
• Speaking of Audit, Jerry mentioned he has not found a firm to do the 2008 audit for the City. "I've asked many firms...they are not doing municipal audits" Jerry said the liability issues in doing municipal audits is an issue. Rather odd, there were no shortage of firms in the past who were willing to do the audit. Some had fees that were over the top, but firms were found. Interesting coming from the campaign (Bos) who fed the rumors/innuendos about financial problems in the City is now foot dragging on doing the audit of the first year of his administration. Go figure.
• Vic brought discussion regarding reappointment's. He feels the Mayor is in the best position to make recommendations. He feels there should be not automatic appointments. He wants the chairs of the various committees/boards/commissions to elect chairs/presidents after new members are seated. Vic made a motion (motion carried) for a letter to be sent by the Mayor to the committees/boards/commissions to this effect. During the discussion of the motion Jerry said he believed in term limits, including the Mayor. For a City that can't even get someone to run for alderman (East side) that is pretty funny. It isn't like we have an unending supply of volunteers. Marvin Springer just finished a 17 year run on the Park Board (thanks, Marvin). Term limits? To me, the best form of term limits is an informed electorate/Mayor/BOA...now that is a challenge here at WL that has no limits.

The Long and Winding Road

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL BOA
2 June

Barry Road Update

• Hillside & Barry is a mess. Mayor, George and City Engineer have met at the site. New tube placed on Hillside is going to be moved, currently it is facing the McMichael property. KCMO engineers claim the new culvert and added road surface will not increase the velocity of water coming down to the lake. I'm not sure the stripping of the roadside to 40 or 50 feet back is being accounted for. Big piles of soil and asphalt abound with little or no soil erosion protection. Jerry mentioned they have discussed things we (WL) can do for $30,000 to $40,000 to remedy the situation. Alderman Finn asks "why we should pay". Jerry responds, "its our road, its our lake". (Hmm, seems like all the problems are being caused by KCMO). Jerry mentions a quote from "Abe" the construction foreman who says, "two years and it's only money". Vic says he is technically correct because they have 700 days plus from the commissioning of the project. Funny, huh? Not.
• I asked during the citizen comments portion if anyone (road construction related) has been cited under the city ordinance for erosion issues. One citation, coming up to Court this month. I chided the BOA and Mayor for relative inactivity on this issue. Jerry's response is they are working with WLIC, they need good evidence, prosecuting is difficult, etc., etc. This has been the party line for months. Where is the passion? The single most important issue that faces our City, in my opinion, is the Barry Road Project. Not so much the road itself, but rather the collateral damage during the construction phase.
• Take a walk from Potomac to Eastside along Barry. Bring a camera with you. Take pics. Share your views with Jerry and your aldermen. This isn't a West side issue because of the inconvenience (although it is a royal pain to navigate Wildwood), this is a problem of pollution and erosion contaminants going directly into the lake.
• Mary mentioned her concerns during the discussion of disaster preparedness of an aircraft crash. In my opinion a much worse disaster has already begun...who is going to call 911?

Bits and Pieces

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL BOA
Meeting 2 June

Codes Update

• City is in the process of updating Building Codes to adopt 2009 International standard, Mayor sees no major differences from current standard.

Fireworks

• Alderman Finn point person. Donations welcome at City Hall . This year's display an upgrade to last year (many say last years was terrific). July 5th is the rain date.

Recycling

• Bins continue to fill, especially at City Hall. There is concern of "outsiders" using the bins, Alderman Finn has caught a couple of non-WL folks making deposits. Crushing recyclables is important, as we pay $25 for each time a bin is emptied. Some consideration of moving one of the bins from the CC to City Hall to alleviate the overfill situation. (I'm not sure that will be very helpful as the bins at the CC have been mostly full when I use them.)

West Ridge

• Trees have been planted along right of way and mowing along same has been done.
• Reconstruction of containment ponds has started.

Police

• Door to door magazine vendors have been caught recently without license. Most say they have permission. Chief mentioned some citizens report not receiving magazines after ordering from these kind of folks, if approached by door to door salespeople without documentation call City Hall.
• Chief presented Emergency Management Promulgation Statement for BOA approval, this is part of the county master plan for disaster management. Large binder with all the details was also presented. Many questions from aldermen including liability if we signed. BOA decided to delay till next BOA. The Chief was obviously irritated and mentioned many of the questions asked by the aldermen and Mayor could have been answered if they had attended a seminar held by the County last month...which Gary had advised the BOA and Mayor. WL was the only City not represented by anyone. Ooops. The good news is two of our part-time officers are very well versed in the County plan (as well as Gary) so even if the elected officials aren't, somebody is.

Clean Up Your Act

The Official Unofficial Minutes
WL BOA
Meeting 2 June

The City is hosting a yard waste program today through Monday (maybe). There was some confusion whether the dumpsters would be available on Monday, Jerry said yes, George seemed as if it was new information. My advice if you are hauling yard waste do it by Sunday evening and if you have more check to see if available on Monday.

NOTE: The dumpsters will only be available at City Hall, NOT THE Community Center. Reason being the CC schedule was not consulted when the Cleanup Day was scheduled. Turns out a wedding reception is set for the CC this weekend, making a dumpster drop there a bit unappealing for the renters. so if you have yard waste take it to City Hall. (I'm thinking the dumpsters will be behind City Hall in the work yard.)

There are concerns about non-WL citizens dumping yard waste, so if you borrow a vehicle to haul without a WL sticker I recommend ID. Hopefully there will be spot checks to insure only WL residents are dumping.

Raring to Go

The Official Unofficial Minutes
Weatherby Lake Board of Aldermen
June 2

11 citizens in the audience.

The Mayor was so excited about getting the meeting called to order he jumped right past the roll call and into the agenda. That's why we pay the City Attorney the big bucks to say "whoa partner" and get back on track.

Ron Wheeler, our representative on the South Platte Ambulance District gave an update on the District...or should I say nodate. Other than reporting what already has been published in the local newspapers, not much news. The district extended its contract with MAST for another year. Lots of questions after that. They (District) have no feel for what direction MAST may go as KCMO gets involved. Ron crowed about our District having the second lowest in the country. He failed to mention it is probably not a great accomplishment since the administration is the only overhead. And the fact that the now defunct WL Ambulance District represented the City at a much lower cost than South Platte...and with the same level of service. Oh well, how quicklly we forget.

Off to Tampa...much, much more to report...stay tuned.

In The Meantime

From Mary's info email regarding tonight's BOA:

• Ron Wheeler, Ambulance District
• Committee Appointments
• Barry Road Update
• 5 Year Road Plan
• Bills
• Reports from Departments & Committees
  

Free Entertainment

Who says there's nothing free anymore? WL Park Board's Concert in the Park series kicks off next week, hopefully the weather will cooperate. This week there is the monthly BOA meeting at City Hall, tonight 7 PM. Although the agenda has not been posted on the City web site (as of 6PM this morning) discussion items will include the appointment of members to boards and commissions. I'll post if the full agenda is made known. I'll be there.

Follow-up to yesterday's comment regarding Hillside Drive. Wow. I drove down there last evening. The culvert/tube just placed is huge, I can only imagine the velocity of water during a big storm not to mention the increase of soil/mud to be added to North cove. Take a look.

Detour de Northland

My Garmin is getting very good at "Recalculating" around the area. If you haven't noticed"

• Tiffany Springs closed @ Amity. One of my favorite shortcuts to get to the backside of the Target/Home Depot complex rather than trek Barry. Still works but you have to take Congress north to HOJO's instead.
• Beech off of Barry. Basically kaput because of the Hillside redo at Barry. Now stuck with Crawford to escape WL.
• Hillside. Don't bother, use Potomac.
• NW Hampton, north of 152. I don't have to get to the sports fields but if you do it's not via Hampton.

152 East from 435 is interesting just to read the various "Detour" signs. I can only imagine what a first timer experiences trying to find WL. Look at it this way, it might give us another measure of protection from the bad guys...they have to figure out how to get here (and escape) before they could do anything bad.