Did You Go?

I missed the open house hosted by the EAG Committee earlier this week at the CC. I understand about 50 folks or so stopped by during the event. Did you go? If so, what are your comments?

The Envelope Please

Just back from a business trip, so pardon the gap.
A few things:

• The answer to WhereIsIt, WhatIsIt, is...the corner of Hillside and Barry Road, and if you look closely you will see where the new road bed will be...yep, way up there. It should be veeeeery interesting!
• Pull Over and Put Your Texting Device in the Air! I know you saw on page one of the KC Star today another fine piece of legislation go into law in MO compliments of your state level elected officials. Those under 21 are now violating the law when texting and driving. Now don't get me wrong, I am totally against anyone texting while driving. I just think the current laws are sufficient when it comes to driving a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner. Guess the lawmakers took time between tweeting and texting to clamp down on those young people. As the article mentions, no cities have passed ordinances to enforce the law leaving it to the State Patrol to catch the criminals. Here is hoping our BOA doesn't waste their time passing a just plain bad ordinance to match state counterparts.

Pity The Dogs

Where Is It? What Is It?

Tonight

EAG (Entrance Advisory Group) Committee Open House, CC @ 6 to 9 PM. View plans for entrance proposals.

From the unapproved minutes of August 6th meeting, Joyce McInerney and Tony White co-chairs for fund raising.

• Fund raising to be conducted on a 3 year donor calendar, theme="Jewel of the Northland" with associated donor levels.
• Diamond - $50,000
• Ruby - $40,000
• Emerald - $20,000
• Amethyst - $10,000
• Aquamarine - $5,000
• Pearl - $3,000
• Birthstones - more than $25

You Had Mail

Emails bouncing around about mail theft from WL mail boxes. Don't know if it is true, but it does bring to mind some best practices. I attended a seminar conducted by a Treasury/Secret Service Agent. Some of his recommendations concerning mail were:

• Do not use your mailbox for outgoing mail with any personal or confidential mail, including of course, checks.
• If you choose to use the mailbox, do not raise the flag signifying outgoing mail.
• Sign up for paying bills on line, and paperless statements.
  
• Try to collect the mail as soon as it is delivered, or have someone do it for you.
• Arrange for pickup during vacations even if it is a short time.
• If you are expecting mail with important documents/items (credit cards) keep in touch with sender.

One of the most secure methods is a post office box, unfortunately it is an inconvenience to go back and forth. Some of the smaller post offices, including the one in Boardwalk, are in jeopardy of closing due to the huge losses being suffered by the Postal Service. Getting a box might become harder.

WL is a pretty decent Neighborhood Watch community. Get the make/model/color/plate and call the Police...take a bit out of crime.

Pretty Potty

Not. The structure in yesterday's WhereIsIt, WhatIsIt is the porta potty at Venita access area. Hand crafted years ago, this enclosure was pretty much out of sight until a week ago. The WLIC is on a beautification tear and removed trees and brush from the road (Potomac/Pleasant Ford) down into the access area, next to Verlin's house. Now the storm water "creek" has nothing to hold the soil in place...call the Stream Team...oh wait, WLIC would be investigating itself.

Driving down Potomac/Venita/Pleasant Ford is a little less pleasant with the rustic shed in full view. For a community that seems very much concerned about appearance, this one is a head scratcher.

By Popular Demand

Where Is It, What Is It?

One hint, East siders would have a hard time recognizing this feature.

What's Your Fantasy?

USA Today noted KC Mayor Mark Funkhouser will participate in a fantasy football league with a number of other NFL city mayors with the hopes of winning a$10,000 check to a local charity of his choice. USA handicapped the Funk as a likely winner of the league, surmising it would be about the only thing KC would win this football season.

In a related story, WL Mayor Jerry Bos is organizing a fantasy shuffleboard league, this from reliable sources. Platte City, Platte Woods and Platte County Roads have already agreed to participate and rumor has it Lake Waukomis is waiting on Board approval. This began with Jerry's brainstorm to incorporate shuffleboard and bocce into the Eastside City Hall entrance proposal. The idea being park-like structures could be included in the design thus justifying the Park Board contribution (and maintenance) of that particular site. Before you grab your shuffleboard apparatus, hold on. The courts are being designed for "old folks" (Jerry hasn't defined parameters yet) so unless you are older than Jerry...forgeddaboutit!

Winner will receive a $10 Dillard gift certificate, Jerry already has committed his winnings to the Entrance Committee.

Stay tuned for details and score updates.

TGIF

Back in KC after a business trip CA, got nailed by the storms in MN on Wed and got to stay overnight in Bloomington compliments of Delta. Life on the road.

Last post struck a nerve with some...maybe some folks do care. A couple of other items regarding Mary Hoy's "info" mail. Despite what she thought she heard, they are not laying "fiberglass" pipe for water. I felt that was kind of odd, never heard of that...the pipe really is a type of PVC. She mentioned all the arrangements needed to be made to accommodate the temporary road closure. While she pointed out the emergency crew aspect, she missed a biggie...if you have school age children. Disruption of school bus service. If you have kids you know the buses run pretty much on schedule, so when the bus doesn't appear anxiety levels rise. The buses in fact had to re-route because of the Potomac closing. A sign of things to come.

Today's KC Star has an interesting piece, "The politics of anger", page 1. Focus is, of course, the current town hall meetings across the country. If you didn't read it, here is an interesting quote. "You can't change policy without a tidal wave that translates (unfocused) public opinion into something that registers with politicians" Todd Gitlin, Columbia University. My point is this. A year ago there was anger over the closing of the BRB. Politicians, KCMO, County, City flocked to the site for a photo op and pontification. One year later...? I mentioned three BOA meetings ago in public comments my concern over the lack of "passion" I perceived from the Mayor and BOA. It is not discussed at meetings other than "nothing new" comments from Jerry. No comments from aldermen, especially West side aldermen. Moribund. That is how I would describe our elected officials. It goes beyond the inconvenience of the work around of construction. I think Alan York got it right at the birthday celebration. The development around WL and Barry Road are the biggest threat to the lake and our community. Concerned? Frustrated? I suggest you call your elected officials (and WLIC board members). Better yet, show up at the next BOA, and during the public comment section ask them what they are doing...or you can just follow Mary's advice and call Ed Ford (good luck). You make the call...on what to do.

Call KCMO

That's the advice Alderman Mary Hoy gives Westsiders regarding the closure of Potomac. This from her email:
"If you remain concerned and frustrated, you might continue to write or call the Kansas City Councilmen."

Mary Hoy

Good advice, call someone else. The general malaise by the BOA and Mayor regarding the Barry Road project is stunning to say the least. Jerry's monthly updates as of late are basically "nothing to report". The BOA spent more time, much more time, discussing entrances and all the fluff. Maybe we should have a town hall meeting, ala health care. If you live on Potomac or Hillside you should be upset..."frustrated". Dr Mary has the prescription for you, take to aspirin and call KCMO in the morning.

When It Rains...

My neighbor's rain gauge reads about 4 & 1/4 inches since Saturday, that should cover watering the lawn and plants for the rest of this week, right? Forecast shows more potential rain the next two days. Oh well.

Gene Roberts told me the Friday night Band in the Park was well attended. His estimate was over three hundred people, the best attendance yet. One more concert in September.

Happy Birthday to Us

Yesterday's 50th birthday party for the City was a nice event, kudos to Tanya Finn and her band of volunteers for putting on the party. Mid-party there was a mayor's forum of past mayors. 5 former mayors and current mayor Jerry were given the floor (Tanya gave Jerry last dibbs because of her trepidation over Jerry's ability to be long winded). Not to worry, all made short recollections of their terms and the city. John Mikulic started out, pointing to volunteerism as being the heart of our city. That theme was picked out by the others as well as being the hallmark of our city.
The drawings for the three proposed options for the entrances were on view. Quite a few folks browsed the table. Another community meeting regarding the entrances will be at the CC on the 25th at 6 to 9.
50 years from now...where will the City be? Hopefully a cozy little spot in a big metro area.

West Ridge at Weatherby Lake

Foundations on three homes have been poured with the above being framed in. Permit for one more home will be requested. Brochure says there are 43 Walk Out Lots, and "Lot prices starting at $54,950."

www.johngrayhomes.com

How Time Flies...

Happy Birthday BRB! For a flashback on the BRB fiasco from the beginning, visit my blog, take a look at the photo on the right. http://barryroadbridge.blogspot.com/

Here is a pic taken this morning, progress right? The Westside gulag (and Wildwood companions) have suffered through the first year of what seems like a life sentence. Will we get time off for good behavior...nah.

This Weekend

Last weekend before back to school, hard to believe, huh? Where did the summer go? On special assignment in Branson, so you are on your own...

1st Annual Whine and Cheese Postponed!
Gloria had a long honey do list for the Funk, Kathy is busy planning for the tax $ and Jerry doesn't have much to say. Ed Ford sends regrets via his signature middle finger salute to WL. I'm considering a combo get together...Entrance Fund raiser/Community Center fund raiser/BRB Memorial/Mary Hoy for Mayor Fund Raiser/Lights Out Protest. Did I miss anything? No, no Town Hall meeting on Health Care, that is oh so 90's.

Friday Night in The Park
Tonight, Zydeco baby! Let the Good Times Roll. I don't know if there will be beads and boobies ala Bourbon Street but it should be an enjoyable evening anyway. Lawn chair and beverage is all you need. 7PM at Christhaven Park.

Sunday Afternoon, 2PM, CC
Happy 50th Birthday to you (WL)! Part of the festivities include info on the Entrance Monument vision. Check it out.

Sunday SeaDoo Races at C Point, Hosted by WLYC
You don't really believe that do you? I think a new club needs to be started, us powerboaters need to take back the lake from the chardonnay sipping elitist yachters.

So there you have it, you are now free to roam WL!

So Goes Parkville...

Another election where the Big Dog calls the race. The Parks vote a week ago wasn't even close in Parkville, 75% yea, 25% nay with a win by 347 votes. What about WL? Yea 107, Nay 103, basically a dead heat. That vote total does not reflect absentee votes, my nay is accounted for in the absentee column, so it is possible the proposal was defeated here. A number of small cities, even in the north, voted nay overall. Congratulate Commissioner Kathy, she brought home the bacon to her hometown, like every good politico does. The Parkville connection at WL is alive and well although Dusenbery's campaign treasurer, Mary Hoy, didn't quite deliver the vote expected here. Reminiscent of the Fire Protection vote a couple years ago, where Dusenbery and her pals, Mike Henderson and Paul Gross pushed the envelope. You might recall WL revolted, tubed the initiative at the polls, only to be trumped by our friends in Parkville. Where will the money from the sales tax go? I'll give you a hint...Woof! What about us? Meow.

Speaking of Mike Henderson, his appointment to the Planning Commission by Jerry completes Mike's rehabilitation to public life after getting the boot in his run for a second mayoral term.

Streaking...

Ok, for those with a salacious appetite, I have your attention. What I am really referring is the Perseid Meteor shower just finishing up as I peck away. I got up @ 3:45AM to view what was supposed to be a spectacular show...it was, depending on your point of view. First of all, requirements for the viewing.

• A strong cup of joe
• Proper clothing (sweats)
• Beach towel for sweaty outdoor lounger
• Specs for sharpened eyesight
• Did I mention coffee?

The half moon didn't help the surveillance, a little too bright, so I positioned my lounger facing away from the moon. Pulled back, full tilt, facing upward. Quiet. So, where are the 200 meteors per hour? Patience. No where near that count, but I did see 5 during the 40 minutes or so that were very bright, very quick across the sky. Here then gone. In between meteors, just the quiet of the lake, an occasional flop of a fish (or something) and stars twinkling. My solace was broken by a kind of growling, grunting noise behind me. Not loud, but close. I rise to catch sight of two racoons larger than dogs (well they seemed that big) waddling, now hightailing a foot or two behind me. "Holy Crap" I think was on our collective minds (if a coon has a mind). A little racket as they vacated the area. Then back to peace and quiet.

So I'll admit I expected more of a show, but really it is quality, not quantity. I bagged my limit of meteors and had some quiet time to enjoy the early morning stars and solitude of WL. Nice.

Finishing Up-Your Money

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
August 4 Mtg

Sorry for the gap, had pressing stuff the past few days
Finance
Jerry once again mused about the cost of having street lights in the City, "some people want the street lights out". The annual cost is about $40,000. Jerry cited Platte Woods as a community without lights. No comment by the Police Chief but I have to believe he has concerns over safety and security in a city without lights. Ironic in that the plans for the Entrances have accommodations for lights, guess the bad guys need help in finding us in the dark.

Our financial statement for the first six months is to be published in an unnamed paper, "according to the rules".

No news on the audit of 08. Jerry reiterated the Audit Committee "can't figure out why we want an audit" The BOA is set to consider the issue at the next BOA...if there is a full BOA. Audit wasn't discussed because of the absence of alderman DeJong.

The City agreed to a settlement with ATT and will receive $37,560.93. Part of a multi-city MML lead lawsuit (KCMO got 10MM) (we still have T-Mobile as a holdout). No discussion of what will be done with the money-it goes into the general fund "kitty".

The valuation of the City declined $1MM dollars which will affect the levy process. Look for a Special Board meeting this month to set the levy for next year. Jerry wondered out loud about "why does the city do the Park Board levy". Odd because he had already received feedback from the PB on the levy...maybe he forgot.

Odds/Ends
Alderman Finn announced the first 6 months recycling results. 73 tons of recycling and 8 tons of paper. That is a lot of stuff for a little community...and just a fraction of us recycle at WL.

October 13 is the BOA meeting date in October, the first Tuesday is being left open so BOA can attend the MML annual meeting in Lake of the Ozarks.

Water, Water, Everywhere

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
August 4 Meeting

Public Works
George reported another water main break on 77th Street, the 2nd this year and the 4th in the last three. The main is cast iron. The problem is unusual and George believes it is either soil acidity or electrolysis. In any event the recommendation is to replace 523 feet of line at the projected cost of approx. $90,000. Although not in the budget, there are monies in the water fund accrued for maintenance of the system. Jerry projects $407, ooo for year end in the fund.

(It is a bit worrisome in that there are a number of projects, valve replacements, Weatherby Highlands upgrades, water tower maintenance, South Miami line and more that are not on the books. The surplus will disappear quickly and, as indicated previously, the BOA decided not to pass along the last increase from KCMO.)

The road stripes on the new pavement on Eastside Drive have been applied.

PTI-The Golden Arches

Pardon the Interruption, I'll continue the BOA Minutes tomorrow. Last night's Entrance Advisory Committee (EAC) meeting offered up some insights worth blogging. I was unable to attend, but one of my legion of field reporters gave me Cliff Notes for your information. First, the time line the Committee has adopted:

• Sketches of 3 design offerings available @ WL 50th celebration, August 16th @ CC, 2 to 4PM.
  
• Open House @ CC August 25th, 6:30 to 8:30.
• EAC meeting 24 September, decision on design to be recommended to BOA.
• 13 Oct, BOA to consider recommendation at monthly meeting.

A question on many folks minds is "how much?". Depending on design, projections are:

• 2 major monuments (Eastside and Potomac) $80,000 each
• 2 monuments, $50,000 each
• 4 monuments, $40,000 each.
• Total $420,000
• KCMO owes WL $50,000 for removal of old monuments on Barry Road, payment has not been received, once received will leave a projected balance of $370,000 to be raised by donations.

There is an elaborate fund raising plan to feature a "Jewel of the Northland" theme. Various levels will be bestowed based on a donation that can be spread over a three year period, top level @ $50,000.

Mayor Bos believes the statutory limits of the WL Park Board (PB), in his words, could be "stretched" to accommodate using Park Board funds for one or both of the major entrance monuments. He feels this stretching has already happened by the PB contributions to the Fireworks Fund. Justification for PB involvement could be an expansive design on the City Hall/Eastside entrance which would include a shuffleboard and bocce area, as Jerry puts it, "games for old people". He suggested the Potomac entrance could also be incorporated in the already existing PB facilities there.
Stay tuned.

Jim Miller

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
August 4 Mtg

Jim Miller delivered two reports to the BOA:

WLIC

• O Cove and K Cove sea wall projects are virtually complete with some landscaping to be completed in the fall.
• Peret Property (38 acres) siltation pond should be completed within a month
• The property will be listed for sale in a week or two
• WLIC will retain rights to manage storm water (7-8 acres)
• The Board is considering lowering the lake level this fall by 4 feet to allow seawall repair.
  
• Long Range Planning Committee has reviewed C Point and identified 4 issues:

1. Road
2. Bathrooms
3. Gazebo
4. Seawall

• There will be a straw poll at November membership meeting to consider "How do we pay for that?"

Entrance Advisory Committee

• Meets tonight @ 6:30, City Hall
• C Dabner to present design sketches tonight and results of residents survey (53 sent, 30 returned).
• Restrictive right of way will limit design options
• Fund raising will be discussed.
  

David Clair Detamore

Long time resident and neighbor down the street on Potomac passes away.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=david-clair-detamore&pid=130992371

Happy Birthday George and Barack

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
August 4 Meeting
Disclaimer: this post contains adult language that may be offensive and inappropriate for children.

5 residents attending at the start, two more joined in progress. No Boy Scouts. Alderman DeJong was absent
Mayor's Comments:
The nomination of Kathy Bossert for Historical Committee was moved to next meeting because of the DeJong absence. (Apparently Alderman Bossert would abstain leaving only two votes available to support the nomination).

This Friday @ 2PM bids will be opened for sewer repairs. Look for Insituform to win the bid and start work shortly.

MPR (Missouri Public Risk, our insurer) is soliciting nominations for Board Members. Jerry asked if there were any volunteers from the Board, Mary raised her hand, Jerry will submit to MPR.

West Ridge at Weatherby Lake is pouring two foundations with a third in the works weather permitting. A fourth building permit may be on the way. Two of the siltation ponds are complete and the other on Westside Drive has been drained.

Barry Road-Jerry says"I don't know what to report." (I can help here. Parents of High School and Middle School students can tell you the Barry Road project continues to disrupt traffic flow to the schools. This week is registration and conveniently Congress South is closed. This is year 3 of the project well east of WL.) The cooperative agreement with KCMO has been signed, no sign though of the $50,000 payment for the replacement of entrance monuments along Barry Road.

"What's that hose on Barry Road?" Mary asked. George explained it was a manhole to manhole fix as the sewer line is being replaced. One could close their eyes and take a wiff to make an educated guess.

Speaking of George, festivities at the end of the BOA included cake and ice cream to celebrate the Public Works Directors...without disclosing his age I do believe he qualifies for the Sexagenarian Club. Happy Birthday Barack and George.
More to follow.

Parks Tax Passes

In a vote that was closer than anticipated, the 1/2 cent sales tax question passed in Platte County, 54% for, 46% against. The tax will expire in 10 years. 4,940 ballots were cast or just 8% of the registered 61,231 in the county. Hopefully the City and the Park Board will continue to be aggressive in pursuing the relatively small amount available every year for Parks and storm water grants.

Wisdom from a Comment

BOA and More comment references Col David Crockett. For your edification and information...

http://www.juntosociety.com/patriotism/inytg.html

BOA & More

Monthy BOA meeting 7PM, City Hall, 4 August. No agenda posted on the City website as of noon Monday.

Mary did send out an email agenda for the meeting as well as mentioned her endorsement of the proposed 1/2 sales tax for Parks (vote is Tuesday the 4th at the CC). She is the only public official that I know in the City that has taken a position. She attached a copy of a letter from a group called "Yes for Parks Committee". Not sure who they are, googled the name and nothing popped up. They do use twitter and have 19 followers. Speaking of twitter, recieved a tweet from Ivan Foley regarding the sales tax issue.
http://www.plattecountylandmark.com/Letters.htm

Lots of last minute rock throwing between pro and con. I don't think there is any doubt Parks needs funding, there seems to be plenty doubt 1/2 cent is needed. I am puzzled by the Commissioners wisdom in scheduling the vote on a Special Election and the costs involved. I see it the way the Platte County Republican and Democratic Central Committees see it. Vote no and have the Commissioners propose a sales tax that is more realistic based on the times and needs.

The Long and Winding Road

Took my weekly round the lake tour yesterday...for the first time found it virtually impossible to use Barry Road to get from Hillside to Forest, the utility work prevents it for the time being.

Double

The Funk's court victory pushed other KC news to the side in Saturday's KC Star. Page A11 article notes KCMO Water Services Department is proposing new sewer rates beginning next spring which will cause rates to double by 2015. Water rate increases would be on top of that. WL purchases water and sewer services from KCMO, so anticipate rates that at least reflect that doubling or more. You might recall the Mayor and Council elected not to pass on the last water increase by KCMO, opting instead to spend down our modest surplus. Don't look for that to happen again.

Speaking of water, ever jump in the shower and get nary a drop? Happened to me on Thursday, getting ready for a business trip. Apparently a main got "nicked" as part of the Barry Road project and Potomac/Hillside among others had to be shut down, no valve to limit the problem and then a broken valve to boot. Heard last night there was a break @ 77th. As you all know, we bear the cost of maintaining our water and sewer lines.

Twit

Ivanfoley tweet:
"Just in from Parkville: Kathy Dusenbery starts inappropriately yelling "liar!" at a neighbor who opposes her bloated park tax proposal."

City Morgue

Freezer Update

After some digging, here is the scoop. The freezer is owned by the City/Police Department and used as a temporary morgue, primarily for small animals, that bite the bullet (in a manner of speaking) over the weekend. Since this seldom happens, there is plenty of capacity to store fish for the fishing club. No room for Aunt Edna.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDkbYDFlINM

Don't buy that?

Ok, how about this. (From a reputable source, a current employee of WL) The freezer is owned by the WL Fishing Club. It has been there for a long time, probably years. John Bugg or Chief Gary would know, my guess. It is in the Police Garage.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FactSheets/Focus_On_Freezing/index.asp