Thursday, February 25, 2010
Belly Up
The Sun Tribune (the freebie on your driveway) has announced suspension of distribution in our area...probably a sure sign it is adios amigo. I found occasional articles to be interesting but mostly rehash of news found elsewhere...certainly had more Northland stuff than the Star. Oh well. We still have the Landmark and the Luminary.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Happy As A Clam
Did you read your latest WLIC info mailing? Some good stuff. If you didn't read carefully you might want to take a closer gander (oh, I guess I shouldn't even mention a goose?).
- RoboBob will be calling you soon as a test. You might want to insure Bob has the right number.
- Stream Team recruits on March 6th @10 @ City Hall.
- C-Point renovation @ www.wlic.org with a comment page
- Rules and Regs changes
- Zebra update
- "reduce property values and negatively impact the economies of the communities which depend on the water".
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mt Olympus
That's where I have been, no contact with the outside world, no internet, nada. Well, not exactly. Between the Presidents holiday weekend, keyboard kramps and extended stays for business in Ohio & Wisconsin (I'm in MKE now)I have neglected the WL Kingdom...but I'm baaack.
Been watching the Olympics? Lots of drama and some great performances no doubt. Amid all the hoopla you might have missed this. Last Saturday a Class 4 Missouri State High School Wrestling Champion was crowned, Weatherby Lake's own Alan Waters. Winning is nothing new to this high school senior, he finished the season undefeated and crushed his finals foe with a pin. And that's not all. He has been the reigning State Champion the past three years, being only one of nineteen in Missouri history to fourpeat. Quite an achievement. On top of Mt Olympus? Yep, that's where he is in the high school wrestling universe.
Been watching the Olympics? Lots of drama and some great performances no doubt. Amid all the hoopla you might have missed this. Last Saturday a Class 4 Missouri State High School Wrestling Champion was crowned, Weatherby Lake's own Alan Waters. Winning is nothing new to this high school senior, he finished the season undefeated and crushed his finals foe with a pin. And that's not all. He has been the reigning State Champion the past three years, being only one of nineteen in Missouri history to fourpeat. Quite an achievement. On top of Mt Olympus? Yep, that's where he is in the high school wrestling universe.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Fresh Paint and a Drink of Water
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
2 Feb Mtg
BOA authorized spending $350 to have the Town Hall painted. I could try to describe the colors but because I really only recognize about 12 colors, you'll have to come see it for yourself when complete. Designer shades of blue. Next time you are in "facility" in either the City Hall or CC you will find a new coat of paint there as well. As they say, everything is up to date in Weatherby Lake.
The Five Year Water Plan was unveiled and discussed. Jerry, "Every resident should have access to a fire hydrant" (no mention of dogs rights, our Bear does have an affinity for the plug in front of our house...why is that anyway?) Vic gave a short course on "electrolytic corrosion" with an example of a cast iron pipe that has been dug up...impressive in how the pipe has been eaten through. Life of a cast iron pipe? 45 years. How much do we have in the City? Not known. Could it be a big time problem. Maybe. The Water Plan is to be posted on the City Web site...I think I need a drink...of water.
2 Feb Mtg
BOA authorized spending $350 to have the Town Hall painted. I could try to describe the colors but because I really only recognize about 12 colors, you'll have to come see it for yourself when complete. Designer shades of blue. Next time you are in "facility" in either the City Hall or CC you will find a new coat of paint there as well. As they say, everything is up to date in Weatherby Lake.
The Five Year Water Plan was unveiled and discussed. Jerry, "Every resident should have access to a fire hydrant" (no mention of dogs rights, our Bear does have an affinity for the plug in front of our house...why is that anyway?) Vic gave a short course on "electrolytic corrosion" with an example of a cast iron pipe that has been dug up...impressive in how the pipe has been eaten through. Life of a cast iron pipe? 45 years. How much do we have in the City? Not known. Could it be a big time problem. Maybe. The Water Plan is to be posted on the City Web site...I think I need a drink...of water.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
WE
From May Hoy's email update on the BOA, Feb 2nd
"We raised the non-resident rental fee for weekends for the Community Center
from $350/day to $450/ day to keep us in line with other venues. We defeated
an ordinance approving a contract for City Hall management."
Must be the use of the imperial we. Just to reiterate, the vote for the service contract with Shawna Payne was:
Finn-Yes
DeJong-Yes
Hoy-NO
Bossert-Absent
Need three votes to pass
So I think it is fair to say...Mary torpedoed the contract with her NO vote, not "we". Furthermore, she did not offer a reason, at least in public, why she voted no. If she were a man I would tell her to Man Up...is there such a thing as Woman Up?
"We raised the non-resident rental fee for weekends for the Community Center
from $350/day to $450/ day to keep us in line with other venues. We defeated
an ordinance approving a contract for City Hall management."
Must be the use of the imperial we. Just to reiterate, the vote for the service contract with Shawna Payne was:
Finn-Yes
DeJong-Yes
Hoy-NO
Bossert-Absent
Need three votes to pass
So I think it is fair to say...Mary torpedoed the contract with her NO vote, not "we". Furthermore, she did not offer a reason, at least in public, why she voted no. If she were a man I would tell her to Man Up...is there such a thing as Woman Up?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
More Grinders
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Feb 2 Mtg
Public Works
During George's Report...
Feb 2 Mtg
Public Works
During George's Report...
- More Grinders...no, not sandwiches, grinders that pump (for most of us) your #1&2 to the sewer. George came across a deal for used grinders, 152 to be exact for $10,000 plus around $1,000 for shipping. 12 will be used for parts, the rest put into service as needed. According to George this should save the City a substantial amount of money. According to the G-Man we spend about $20,000 a year to rewind the motors.
- KCMO Water Meeting on 25 Feb @ 1PM. We will found out the new water rate.
- The manholes for Pleasant Ford and Westside have been delivered and will be installed pending weather.
- The developers of WestRidge have been in discussion on placing "screening" plantings as agreed upon.
- A storm water grant has been submitted ($20,000) to Platte County for potential work at Potomac and Wayland.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Jerry Speaks
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
2 Feb Mtg
Mayor's Comments
2 Feb Mtg
Mayor's Comments
- SWAT (Supporting Weatherby's Adopted Troops) members attended a farewell @ Ft Riley for deploying troops
- SWAT is sponsoring a Talent Show, you don't have to be a WL resident to compete
- April 17th, WL will host the Boy Scouts of America 100th anniversary Community Service Event, with around 470 scouts working on three projects in WL. Organizational meeting @ 7:30 AM on the 10th at City Hall.
- 28 Feb, Fishing Club Wild Game Dinner
- Mayor's prayer breakfast Feb 23rd @ Hyatt
- Torkelson resigned from MS4 Committee. Jerry nominates Lyle Phillips to take his place, confirmed by BOA.
- The Harveys can pursue a request to vacate the road.
- Process to vacate will be followed to include public hearing and publication of notices in Landmark.
- May be complete on or before next BOA.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Smile, You're On WLPD Camera
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Feb 2 Mtg
Gary announced the Police have received a Justice Department Block Grant of $8,721. A camera system with 6 cameras and 1 server will be purchased to cover the interrogation room, Town Hall (for Court) and front service window. It won't pay to be a bad actor (sorry couldn't help myself) now that the proceedings will be caught on camera.
Feb 2 Mtg
Gary announced the Police have received a Justice Department Block Grant of $8,721. A camera system with 6 cameras and 1 server will be purchased to cover the interrogation room, Town Hall (for Court) and front service window. It won't pay to be a bad actor (sorry couldn't help myself) now that the proceedings will be caught on camera.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Thanks for the Comment
I do read all the Comments, but usually don't comment to/on a Comment. However the post with the comment "Who's on First" got me to thinking...so I went to YouTube and sure enough the routine was there...pretty funny, click her for your enjoyment.
Constipation
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Feb 2 Mtg
It happens. In the case of the Mayor and BOA, this bout of financial review/audit constipation dates back almost two years, yep two years. Bos in his mayoral campaign referred to whispers of financial "problems". Once elected, he appointed and the BOA confirmed an Audit Committee. The Committee did it's work, reviewed the findings of the 2007 review conducted by the Miller company (cost $4,000) and gave thumbs up to the city's financial practices by then Mayor York. About this time last year the discussion began on an audit/review for the 2008 financial year. No decision, no action. Following? Tuesday evening the discussion was begun again by Jerry. What to do? By his own description, Bos admits he is "wishy-washy" when it comes to a financial review. (In fact he used the term multiple times during the discussion).
Alderman Finn, after the long and winding discourse of Bos asked Jerry, "so what do you think?" He said he was concerned about people who would say "they never did have an audit" and it was probably a good idea "for his own protection" He then offered the CPA firm of BKD (Springfield) to do a review of 2009 for $11,000, abandoning 2008 altogether. Although the item was on the agenda to include "motion" there was no supporting information on the scope of work for the review. Here's the interesting part...are you sitting down? I agree with Mary Hoy, when she said, "I don't know what it is they (BKD) are going to do". "We should have had it in our packet" Atta girl Mary! Sloppy work on the part of the Mayor and his attitude of trust me I know what I'm doing.
Vic asked Jerry what the Audit Committee thought about the process. Once again the "wish-washy" term was used multiple times. Jerry spoke as if they had met recently. Unless there was an illegal meeting in the last month or so, there has been no official meeting in almost a year. Old news.
And so my friends, the discussion ended with no decision, no motion, just the continued paralysis of the board and mayor with the motivation being political at this point from the mayor's point of view. What's best for the City? Novel concept. Stay tuned for next month as we continue the trek. In the meantime...
Please pass the Ex-Lax.
Feb 2 Mtg
It happens. In the case of the Mayor and BOA, this bout of financial review/audit constipation dates back almost two years, yep two years. Bos in his mayoral campaign referred to whispers of financial "problems". Once elected, he appointed and the BOA confirmed an Audit Committee. The Committee did it's work, reviewed the findings of the 2007 review conducted by the Miller company (cost $4,000) and gave thumbs up to the city's financial practices by then Mayor York. About this time last year the discussion began on an audit/review for the 2008 financial year. No decision, no action. Following? Tuesday evening the discussion was begun again by Jerry. What to do? By his own description, Bos admits he is "wishy-washy" when it comes to a financial review. (In fact he used the term multiple times during the discussion).
Alderman Finn, after the long and winding discourse of Bos asked Jerry, "so what do you think?" He said he was concerned about people who would say "they never did have an audit" and it was probably a good idea "for his own protection" He then offered the CPA firm of BKD (Springfield) to do a review of 2009 for $11,000, abandoning 2008 altogether. Although the item was on the agenda to include "motion" there was no supporting information on the scope of work for the review. Here's the interesting part...are you sitting down? I agree with Mary Hoy, when she said, "I don't know what it is they (BKD) are going to do". "We should have had it in our packet" Atta girl Mary! Sloppy work on the part of the Mayor and his attitude of trust me I know what I'm doing.
Vic asked Jerry what the Audit Committee thought about the process. Once again the "wish-washy" term was used multiple times. Jerry spoke as if they had met recently. Unless there was an illegal meeting in the last month or so, there has been no official meeting in almost a year. Old news.
And so my friends, the discussion ended with no decision, no motion, just the continued paralysis of the board and mayor with the motivation being political at this point from the mayor's point of view. What's best for the City? Novel concept. Stay tuned for next month as we continue the trek. In the meantime...
Please pass the Ex-Lax.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lights Out
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Feb 2nd Mtg
One vote away from going dark @ WL. Mary Hoy once again resurrected the thought of turning off/removing street lights...supposedly because of cost. Jerry of course has mused about this for some time, more of same Tuesday night. Do the math, if another alderman votes for turning off the lights, Mayor Jerry steps in as the tie breaking vote...adios street lights. Will anybody on the board break ranks? Who will it be...Finn, DeJong, Bossert? My guess it won't be Finn, leaving the DeJong/Bossert votes up for grabs.
Police Chief Gary when asked by Finn what his thoughts were said the PD would not be leading the charge on no lights. Gary said noise and light are what makes the bad guys nervous. Bos quoted an unknown study cited by Gene Roberts as evidence crime goes down when lights go off. Really?
Two members of the audience voiced their concerns about no lights, especially for those who walk or are on the street after dark because of the lack of sidewalks or in some instances shoulder on the road. Too bad.
Feb 2nd Mtg
One vote away from going dark @ WL. Mary Hoy once again resurrected the thought of turning off/removing street lights...supposedly because of cost. Jerry of course has mused about this for some time, more of same Tuesday night. Do the math, if another alderman votes for turning off the lights, Mayor Jerry steps in as the tie breaking vote...adios street lights. Will anybody on the board break ranks? Who will it be...Finn, DeJong, Bossert? My guess it won't be Finn, leaving the DeJong/Bossert votes up for grabs.
Police Chief Gary when asked by Finn what his thoughts were said the PD would not be leading the charge on no lights. Gary said noise and light are what makes the bad guys nervous. Bos quoted an unknown study cited by Gene Roberts as evidence crime goes down when lights go off. Really?
Two members of the audience voiced their concerns about no lights, especially for those who walk or are on the street after dark because of the lack of sidewalks or in some instances shoulder on the road. Too bad.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
No Payne, No Gain
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Feb 2 Mtg
No...that was alderman Hoy's vote when it came to the Ordinance for the Service Contract with CC Manager Shawna Payne. Finn, Yes...DeJong, Yes...Bossert, Absent...Motion Fails. An ordinance takes three fourths vote and with Bossert absent the vote was doomed with the Hoy No vote. The ordinance would have given Ms Payne a raise from her current salary of $387.5o to $425 a month, a whopping of $37.50 a month increase. There has been bad blood on the part of Hoy for some time, this wasn't much of an ambush. What was surprising is the lack of leadership by Mayor Bos on Paynes behalf...maybe he doesn't want her around. City Clerk Gwen gave a positive endorsement for Payne, pointing out the hours and customer service Shawna has given, not to mention the many bookings she has brought in.
Maybe it was a budget issue? Hoy seemed confused after Jerry pointed out the raise was well within the budget for the year. So what was the problem? Mary didn't say, except for "No". Right after the ordinance failed, the BOA voted, on a motion made by Hoy, to increase the non-resident fee from $350 to $450 for a weekend rental...the motion passed.
So what does Shawna do exactly? From the proposed contract, she would:
Feb 2 Mtg
No...that was alderman Hoy's vote when it came to the Ordinance for the Service Contract with CC Manager Shawna Payne. Finn, Yes...DeJong, Yes...Bossert, Absent...Motion Fails. An ordinance takes three fourths vote and with Bossert absent the vote was doomed with the Hoy No vote. The ordinance would have given Ms Payne a raise from her current salary of $387.5o to $425 a month, a whopping of $37.50 a month increase. There has been bad blood on the part of Hoy for some time, this wasn't much of an ambush. What was surprising is the lack of leadership by Mayor Bos on Paynes behalf...maybe he doesn't want her around. City Clerk Gwen gave a positive endorsement for Payne, pointing out the hours and customer service Shawna has given, not to mention the many bookings she has brought in.
Maybe it was a budget issue? Hoy seemed confused after Jerry pointed out the raise was well within the budget for the year. So what was the problem? Mary didn't say, except for "No". Right after the ordinance failed, the BOA voted, on a motion made by Hoy, to increase the non-resident fee from $350 to $450 for a weekend rental...the motion passed.
So what does Shawna do exactly? From the proposed contract, she would:
- Show the facility to prospective renters within 72 hours of contact from said prospective renters and/or by the City
- Obtain a completed and executed rental agreement and remit same to the City prior to use of CC
- Verify that all rentals required by the rental agreement have been paid by the renter to the City
- Keep an accurate calendar and schedule with regard to the use of the CC
- Point of contact with the City is to be the Mayor
- Provide the Mayor and City Clerk by the second Monday of each month a report concerning the previous months activities
- Provide the Mayor and City Clerk with weekly reports concerning the updates to the schedule
- Check the building and grounds following the event for clean-up compliance
- Notify the City Clerk regarding the renter has complied with the rental agreement and should the receive a refund of the renter's security deposit
- Notify the Police Department regarding "alcohol" oversight for events
- Maintains track of keys and pendants
- Notify Mayor and Public Works Director of all needed repairs
- Provide other information/labor as directed
- Obtain other reasonably requested documentation from the Renter
All that and the pleasure of being on call 24/7 for about $14.16 a day (new contract) or $12.91 current agreement. A bit of a disgrace, don't you think? Like other bonehead votes she has done, you won't read this in Mary's update...if she sends one.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Speaking of Shows
Tonight @ 7PM, the monthly BOA meeting @ City Hall. Free Admission. Plenty of seats. Watch you City government in action.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Got Talent?
In case you haven't received your WLL, WL version of the TV show is coming on March 28th at the CC. Two age groups, 18 & younger, over 18. A fund raiser for SWAT, Supporting Weatherby's Adopted Troops. Pat & Tony White have the info at 741-3100 or patwhite@kc.rr.com.
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