Saturday, July 31, 2010

City Pays for Sewage Overflows

Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - The city of Lee’s Summit has agreed to pay nearly $60,000 as part of a settlement negotiated with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources related to a series of wastewater overflows during 2008 and 2009, the department announced today.

“This agreement holds Lee’s Summit accountable for wastewater overflows into Missouri ’s waters,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Mark N. Templeton.

The department considers discharges of wastewater from sanitary sewer collection systems to be potential threats to public health and the environment. Such discharges have the potential to contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems.

How does KCMO get a pass, especially in regard to Weatherby Lake?
http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/42630/

Weatherby Lake from the westImage via Wikipedia

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Friday, July 30, 2010

"Offshore Boozing Banned"

So reads the headlines, KC Star, July 27th.  Before you despair, no, not Weatherby Lake...it refers to San Diego.  The City Council there banned "floatopia parties where people in inner tubes drink offshore"  to avoid a ban of drinking on the beach.  The new ban prohibits drinking up to three miles offshore.  "The city says that attendance at the occasional drinking events has reached up to 6,000 people".

Yipes, a serious threat to our Noodle Float, now removed by the San Diego City Council
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Entrance Advisory Group Committee Update

From Chair Jim Miller:
The activity is mainly in 2 areas: infrastructure and fundraising
After our meeting with the only bidder, MTS Contracting, we were not able to get a complete response to the RFP; so we decided to break out parts of the Eastside Dr.-City Hall drawing and get informed opinions regarding the cost of significant features.  Kristopher Dabner{ the Greensman}, Scott Slaggie and Steve Cantrell are now contacting businesses to get a better understanding of the cost drivers of this project.  Although this has all taken longer than expected, we have a budget and the need to get the best result for our $'s.  We expect to modify our drawings and rebid.
We have received several ideas on shortcuts to getting results, however we do have some constraints that make this project different than building a structure(wall, gazebo, etc.) on private property.  Although our entrance project is projected to be about 90% funded by private donations, it is a City of Weatherby Lake project being constructed on City property.  City projects require an open, publicized bidding process and the inclusion of payment of prevailing wages.  We are optomistic that we can develop a terrific project within these constraints.
Regarding the fundraising activities, we have not contacted our supporters to collect 2010 pledge dollars yet(but City Hall will accept a check anytime!).  We are waiting to make substantial progress on plans for the Eastside entrance and will communicate that info. along with the request for the $'s.  Our fundraising committee continues to make individual contacts, and has scheduled a major fundraising gala for Saturday, June 18, 2011.
If you have any questions, please contact me.  
Thanks    Jim
Red highlights added

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Civil Disobedience

Mohandas K. GandhiImage via Wikipedia

Mass demonstrations of civil disobedience have forced the hand of the City.  Open consumption of alcohol in Cristhaven Park last year and this year during the Concert series has required a blind eye from the cops.  The Committee formed by the Mayor and BOA is meeting tonight to consider the revision of the City ordinance.  Additionally they will consider the issue of curfew.  From Mary Hoy's (Chair of the Committee) email:.

Residents:  Please let me know by tomorrow PM any comments you may have regarding these ordinances.  Sorry for the abgreviated version, but i didn't want to type it all in.....or come to the meeting!!!
SECTION 210.575
A.     No person shall consume or drink any intoxicating liquor of any kind or any beer on any public street, sidewalk, park or on the outside of any other public place which does not have a liquor license permitting outside consumption.
B.    No person shall possess any open container of any intoxicating liquor of any kind or any beer on any public street or park  in any motor vehicle.

Some typical alcoholic beverages.Image via Wikipedia
SECTION 210.590 Curfew for persons under Seventeen
A. ......(paraphrased) no person under 17 to be in or upon any public place or way within the City of WL between the hours of 12:01
AM and 6:00 AM."  This doesn't apply if a parent or guardian, or upon some "legitimate business".......
B.  Parents shall not knowlingly allow a person under age of 17 to violate this section
C.  A writtennotice will be sent to parents of violators
D.  Such notice may be left at the residence or mailed to parent/guardian

City Hall, 5:30PM
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Monday, July 26, 2010

Trifecta

Two of the three "big events" Saturday evening were spared by the Rainman.  Both the Progressive Dinner and TurnerFest squeaked past the downpour of Saturday afternoon, 1.88  inches according to Farmer John.  Sir Paul (McCartney) at Sprint wasn't affected by the weather although one eyewitness said he played up a storm.  Let It Be.

A wet week with well over 3.5 inches in the rain gauge and the Lake dumping water to get back to normal pool.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Need For Speed

Bridge at the foot of Balnabraid Glen.Image via Wikipedia
You'd have to be a hermit not to know about the closing of the ramp connected to I-470 in south KC.  Well, apparently it was important to get it done quickly.  The 34 foot collapsed section is being replaced by a 225 foot bridge at the cost of $4.5 million dollars with completion targeted for September 15th...this year.  Contractor can earn $40,000 per day bonus or $40,000  penalty each day plus or minus the 15th.  In the meantime construction continues to labor on at the Barry Culvert...How about that 2" rain storm this week and torrents of mud from construction emptying into North Cove?  We'll fix no bridge before its time. 
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Friday, July 23, 2010

Do Not Past Go

No post today, got stuck in ATL yesterday (actually early this AM) and had to catch the first flight out this AM, after a long day, 4 hrs of sleep is just not enough.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Eating The Increase

The Official Unofficial Minutes of theWL BOA
July 6th

During the discussion of the City financials led by Mayor Bos, he made a barely audible comment regarding water/sewer.  Apparently the decision has been made, for the 2nd year running, to not pass along the rate increase from KCMO on water/sewer rates.  Why?  We don't know, there has never been any public discussion, and for all I know never any consultation with the BOA.  The effective date of the current rate increase was May 1, the City being notified in March of this year.  The ironic part is one of the beneficiaries is KCMO itself...we charge them in regards to the operation of the lift stations...so they raise the price to us and we basically subsidize them by not turning around and passing along the rate increase...odd.  Same goes for our customers outside the City.  Looming improvements to their service will have to be subsidized by all of the users within the City.  Sooner or later the water tower will need paint and servicing...any funds encumbered for that?  Nope.   
We know KCMO is on at least a five year plan of rate increases, sooner or later we will have to pay the piper...and it could be a whopper.  Might be a good time to ask your alderman what they are thinking.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cash

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Sr Manager Cash Sweiven, of the CPA firm Cochran Head Vick presented the “Agreed Upon Procedures Results” for the City for the 2009 calendar year. Although the agenda and Jerry listed this as an Audit Report, Mr Sweiven was quick to point out this was not an audit but a report on the agreed upon proposal requested by the BOA. {Apparently his real name is Cash…makes you wonder how that happened…CPA parents?...Parents were country western fans? Conceived in a bank drive-through?...But I digress}


{More digresson…the last time City finances were reviewed by an outside firm (Miller) a financial review was performed at the cost of $4,000, this time around the bill will be no more than $12,000, nobody asked how much the final bill from CHV is.}

Bottom line, no major exceptions found in the review of cash receipts, cash disbursements, payroll disbursements, bank reconciliations and manual journal entries. Positive reflection on the work of the City Clerk and City Treasurer.

Areas for improvement include: including “encumbrance accounting prior to committing to purchase of items off budget, all time sheets need to be approved, hourly rate increase not supported by documentation/approval, review of bank reconciliations needs to be done outside of the individual responsible, certain journal entries need review.

Interview with staff did not uncover any other areas of interest or scope

Jerry mentioned he wanted the Audit Committee "to be involved" but the AC meeting scheduled just prior to the BOA could not be conducted for lack of quorum. 

Speaking of Cochran Head Vick, two notables from WL are listed as employees of the firm, Mark Horstman, chair of the WL Planning Commission and Dean Sparks, member of the WL Audit Committee.  This might be known to the aldermen, just never mentioned during public meetings.
http://www.chvcpa.com/6.htm

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Weatherby Lake Honoree

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

This is the submission by Mayor Bos for the MML Civic Leadership Award

Michael Henderson
The honoree from Weatherby Lake served this 4th class city in a variety of roles since he first moved to Weatherby Lake more than 20 years ago.  A major commitment on his part was the volunteer service on the Board of Directors of the Weatherby Lake Improvement Company (WLIC), a private corporation which owns the lake and some surrounding properties.  Under his leadership a group, called the Mud Rasslers was formed to monitor the runoff-waters flowing inot our lake for potential pollutants.  The long term work of this group has helped Weatherby Lake to retain some of the safest waters in the State of Missouri.

A proud Irishman, he along with a friend, formed the Irish-American Club.  The club has sponsored an annual St Patrick's Day parade and fund raiser which in the three past years has raised over $12.,500 for special equipment for the Weatherby Lake Police Department.

Mike Hederson also served as Mayor of Weatherby Lake.  As an elected official, he is known to many of us here in the audience tonight.  Weatherby Lake is proud to honor Michael Henderson.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Feeling the Pain

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th
 
During Jerry's comments regarding the Barry Road Culvert, it's what he didn't say that has the attention of Forest Drive  residents, especially those close to Barry Road.  Throughout construction they have escaped the reroute (like Westsiders) if going east bound on Barry.  No more.  Forest is now closed @ Barry so they have to go back up to Eastside to catch Barry.  And how about that grade from Forest to Barry.  Impressive.  Police/EMS/Fire/School Bus will now have to navigate the work around as well.  Same holds true for Hillside, their little shortcut is basically done as well.

Coming up on the 2nd year of the Bridge being closed.  

Sunday, July 18, 2010

TIme Seems to Fly

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Three months ago the BOA passed a resolution asking the Planning Commission to review  the City Code in regards to the "15,000 sq ft rule".  There is some sentiment (as previously noted) on the Board to grandfather or make exceptions for some homes on the Lake.  Jerry, in his review of various Committee reports, noted the Planning Commission had not yet set a date to consider the resolution.  Might be because the Planning Commission has never been officially notified of the resolution.  According to Mark Horstman, President of the Planning Commission, he has never received any communication from City Hall with a request for a meeting (I spoke with him on July 4th).  All the better, my guess is the Planning Commission is not in the mood to fiddle with  15,000 sq ft.  

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Just The Facts, Mam

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Detective Jack Friday from Dragnet, right?
Dragnet (series)Image via Wikipedia

Here is the scoop from the Police report as presented by Gary and Mike O'Neal.
  • O'Neal appeared again before the BOA in support of the "Resolution for Regional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan". (This is the plan the aldermen needed more time to review at last meeting)  After brief discussion it passed 4-0.  Mike also raised the issue of a need for an emergency action plan for the lake dam, he is working with WLIC. This would be part of a "Flood Mitigation Plan" for the City...the BOA gave the green light for Mike to respond to a Notice of Interest due by the 23rd of July to the County.  {Kudos to Mike, his involvement at the County level has benefited WL greatly} 
  • Gary requested approval of reciprocal commissions with Lake Waukomis.  Apparently the election of a new marshal there (Massock) caused resignations of most of thier police force, causing the need for an updated list.  Hackman from WL works there occasionally part-time.
  • Gary requested the BOA accept the resignation of officer Shaun HolbrookVic asked Gary, "why did he leave?"  Gary, after a pause, replied, "He needed to go somewhere else"  Based on that response it is my guess officer Holbrook did not leave with a smile on his face.  No other questions or comments by aldermen.  
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Friday, July 16, 2010

Intermission

Tour de LA
A break in the mundane (BOA) to report in.
Yes, I'm in LA...no, not Hollywood...Louisiana (Gwen is jealous)
Baton Rouge, Covington, Mandeville, Baton Rouge and a stop in Memphis for BBQ (pulled pork) at the Blue Note Cafe in the airport...no threat to KC.
Relief in LA as the initial reports are the well contraption is not leaking.
Patrick Dempsey (no relation to the boxer) sighting in BR as he is filming "Flypaper" in the Rouge.  Women going to extremes for a sighting, be still my heart.
My fair share of seafood, my contribution to the LA economy, okay, a couple of Abita Amber as well..
Dinner last night on Lake Ponchartrain, is it possible to "pigout" on seafood?
Let The Good Times Roll!



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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Buddy, Can You Spare Me a Car?

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th
Wichita PD's New Crown VicsImage by PhotoGuyWichita via Flickr

Jerry is borrowing a page from the Henderson playbook in regards to Police vehicles.  Apparently unanticpated repairs on vehicles, including multiple transmissions have taken their toll to the point where a new patrol car is need.  Problem?  No money budgeted for this year, the mayor tried to stretch the budget hoping to make it to next year.  Solution? Go to Riverside and beg for a castoff cop car.  As of the BOA meeting there were no guarantees that a car could be gotten.  And of course a used car has potential problems of its own.  No comments or questions by the BOA.

There was discussion of the purchase of a new car for next year.  Jerry called out the fact that the prototype cruiser was "cheap" (Crown Vic) and was big enough to carry all the stuff necessary for a patrol car.  He mused about the hybrid SUVs Gladstone has purchased and other alternatives like the smaller Taurus.  No comment by Chief of Police Gary.

Think out of the box?  What about a Harley?   The motorcycle idea was kicked around in times past.  Raybans and leather jacket not included.
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Civic Leadership Award

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

The political rehabilitation of former Mayor Mike Henderson is complete now that he has been nominated and will receive the Civic Leadership Award tomorrow night at the MML West Gate division meeting.  A description of the award from the MML web site:

"This banquet gives our elected officials an opportunity to acknowledge the important contribution of business and civic leaders in developing stronger cities. Each mayor has been asked to select an outstanding civic leader in his or her community. The civic leader selected by your city and his or her spouse will be guests of your city for dinner and will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. League President Gerry Welch, mayor of Webster Groves will read a brief statement regarding each honoree’s contributions."

This follows the recent appointment of Henderson to the WL Planning Commission.  The nomination came from Mayor Jerry Bos as did the nomination for the Leadership Award.  Time heals all wounds or maybe Mike is the beneficiary of Bos' total disengagement during the period Henderson was Mayor.  I know the loyalists from the St Patrick's crew will point to WL biggest annual beer bust, the the St Patties CC party, as a monumental contribution to civic pride and achievement...I know some of the proceeds have been used to buy equipment for the Police Department.  That's nice. 

Henderson's tenure as mayor was one of the more turbulent terms in recent memory, culminating in a spanking at the polls by more than a 2 to 1 margin in a huge election turn out.  His lack of leadership included a key role in the promotion (with Paul Gross) of the Ambulance District, his first budget for the City (prepared by Paul Gross), repeated violation of the Sunshine Law, opposition to the ban on guns on City property, and more, much more.  This lead to a unanimous resolution of censure passed by the BOA.

Party planner and partier?  Yes.  Civic leader?  Not so much, the voters of WL have already decided that.  Another measure of how disconnected Jerry was and is to the reality of leading the community.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Annexation

Alderman Hoy would like to annex property currently owned by KCMO.  The relocation of Amity to meet East Side Drive leaves KCMO with a piece of property just west of the proposed intersection to the WLIC owned "bean field".  Hoy is concerned with the potential use of the property which includes a possible QuickTrip-like convenience store, according to Mary. (Not sure of the current zoning of the property).  City Attorney John commented on the difficulty of gaining the position to annex in light of KCMOs unwillingness to de-annex any property they hold, historically they have never done this.  Mary gave the example of WLIC's purchase of the bean field as a model for the City to follow.  One small problem Alderman Hoy failed to address in her pipe dream...money.  Even if all of the other hurdles could be overcome the City is in no position to make a purchase and the mood of the taxpayers might not be there for votes to take on more debt. 
The exterior of a QuikTrip convenience store i...Image via Wikipedia
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Monday, July 12, 2010

Meeting of the Minds

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Mayor Bos reported on a recent meeting with KCMO, with the "acting guy in charge" of the Water Department.  Topic of the meeting was sewer spills and contmination of runoff into the Lake.  Othe notables in attendance were Vic, George and legal beagles Scott and John from the City, Joe Ennett, Harry Baum, Jim Miller along with their attorney from the WLIC...with the attorney(s)(?) from KCMO as well.  Jerry reported that KCMO had a "positive attitude" and the discussion was amiable.  KCMO "pledged to do better" and agreed to do joint sampling with the WLIC.  Reportedly KCMO said they "need to better" in regards to the East Side station, whatever that means.

[Does this sound vaguely familiar?  This has been the song and dance KCMO has been doing for some time]

The Mayor noted the West Side pump station has never had a failure because it is served by two electrical lines, whereas the East Side has one primary line.  There are five stations situated on lakes in the KCMO system and we have two of the five.  KCMO asserted we are a high priority.

To that end, during Public Comments, I noted my observations of runoff down Hillside Drive during the 4th of July rain storm.  The water, muddy brown, was flowing off Barry Road down Hillside, into the creek and into the Lake.  I offered pics I had taken to substantiate the flow.  I also pointed out the numerous points along Barry Road were erosion control were absent or in disrepair.  Alderman DeJong corroborated the situation, apparently having gone out in the rain storm himself.

I asked if the City has issued any citations/complaints regarding runoff?  The answer: None.

Just prior to the 4th I had a chance discussion with WLIC prez Joe Ennett regarding the situation.  He said an update communication was being prepared for WLIC members.  We shall see.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Man From LaMancha

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th
Pocklington's Mill, Heckington. Only complete ...Image via Wikipedia

During comments from the Board, Alderman Bossert shared an idea received from a constituent...why not consider wind power generated by a windmill for the City.  Quickly poo-pooed by the Mayor on the basis of the cost of connecting to the grid (he gave a rambling description of his observations from North Dakota) the discussion got legs.  Public Works Director George shared with the BOA wind power had been considered at one time for the "shed" at a cost of $86,000.  (I overheard a comment in the peanut gallery about all the hot air generated at BOA meetings...not sure if that was a reference to solar or wind...but I digress).  City Hall observers will recall Merlin actually inquired some years ago about the possibility of constructing a windmill on his property.

Bottom line:  Ed is going to report back to the board with more info.
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Saturday, July 10, 2010

Might Be Time

The confusion about garbage pick-up reinforces the problem already identified during the 4th fiasco...the City has not identified a way to keep citizens informed about important issues, other than the good old fashioned way of taking phone calls during business hours (or you could do what I did and call my West ward aldermen). The City web site has an "e-Notification" feature which to the best of my knowledge is not functional. I signed up early on and have never received anything from the City. As you know WLIC has "Robo-call" which seems to be pretty effective. Then there is Twitter...the Mayor could tweet to his hearts content. No matter, there are many ways to attack the problem...it is just a matter of doing something.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Garbage Out...Not Necessarily In

1:50PM Friday
Allied Waste made their weekly trek today through the City...did you have your trash/yard waste out? We didn't, thinking tomorrow was the pick-up day. Luckily Mboy was doing the lawn and flagged the guy down...he was kind enough to wait for us to haul our stuff to the road. I asked the driver if everybody had trash out, he said many did not. I assume we missed yard waste which usually comes through around 8AM. Why did I think it was tomorrow?
From the City web site:
" Trash pick up for the City is Friday starting at 7:00 a.m.
Trash pick up will be delayed one day for the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day."


I called City Hall and got Theresa, she said the City had not been notified of regular pick-up and she was getting lots of calls...she was the only one in the office so I imagine she wasn't having much fun.

Scaling Back

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

Mayor's Comments included an update of the Entrance Advisory Group Committee. Recently Steve Cantrell, Scott Slaggie and Khristopher Dabner met with the winning (and only) bidder MPS. Their goal was to explore the ways to "get the bid down". Results?

"Scale back (the project) quite a bit" Apparently the trio is working to accomplish this. No word from the mayor if this scaling back will require a re-bid. The Committee hasn't met in awhile, time will tell. In the meantime, the Fund Raising Sub-Committee met on the 6th. No mention of the results/minutes of that meeting which was not posted as a meeting @ City Hall, but was announced via email to select members.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

An Inspiration

And we think we are good...from a Comment.

"Still Saying They Will Be Done in August"

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

So says Mayor Bos in his Comments at the BOA meeting. After the snickers subsided from Board members and audience (eight strong)(Mayor had a smile as well) Jerry added a 24" main had to be added to the road bed prior to the topping and completion of the road. If you've been by lately I think you will agree there is lots of work to be done and little time (prior to August 31) to complete it.

More unhappy news regarding the piece of Barry west of Potomac. Jerry says the county may not start until next summer to prevent school (Hawthorne) disruption, Alderman Hoy in her newsletter says it is a done deal, no roadwork until next summer. Either way, long suffering West Siders will have another road project to deal with. No mention at the meeting of the Amity piece...that looms in the future of both sides of the lake as well as Barry to the east of East Side. Yipes.

In the meantime the huge Paseo Bridge (aka Christopher S. Bond Bridge) is roaring towards the finish line (See today's KC Star page 1). The 1,700 foot bridge with 316 foot tower will be transporting northbound traffic about the same time (maybe) the Barry Road Culvert opens up. Think about it. Virtually the same time period.

KC Star/Fred Blocher

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

"One of The Best Displays I've Ever Seen"

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
July 6th

So commented Police Chief Gary during the post mortem of the 4th fireworks display at the BOA meeting (I didn't get a chance to ask him if he was referring to this year or last year). Mayor Jerry praised Tanya's efforts and requested a "motion of gratitude" from the BOA which was promptly motioned by Vic and unanimously passed by his colleagues.

Both Jerry and Tanya offered the reason of the potential of keeping the dam road closed for another 24 hours as the reason to blow up the fireworks on the 4th rather than wait until the 5th. (Kind of odd, because as noted previously, Alderman Finn mentioned last Friday the 5th as the "rain date".) Other reasons included the difficulty in keeping the munitions dry and the computers dry as well. One audience member asked why the WLIC "robo call" system wasn't used to advise the community of the situation. No response from the BOA or Mayor, but Tom Henke mentioned the calls go to home phones and many folks may not have been home.

Alderman Hoy suggested a committee be formed to manage the fireworks as well as all of the other events of the 4th weekend (ie, parade on the 3rd/4th/3rd). Another idea was to "direct the Park Board" to take over the event management.

Jerry offered City Hall received "much more positive calls" than negative regarding the fireworks display. It was stated fund raising for the fireworks was 75% of goal to which Alderman Hoy observed it was unlikely the goal would be met.

In case you missed the action on the 4th, click the link to view some of last year's celebration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y_e4WchMNw

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Show Me Your Noodle


The Great WL Noodle event was fun, family and friends braved the waters (did you see the shark?) to party. Nice article in the KC Star, the pic above ( by Susan Pfannmuller) is from the article in the Monday edition.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/04/2063495_attempt-to-set-a-record-turns.html?storylink=omni_popular

Monday, July 5, 2010

Ohhh Say Can You See?

Rockets Red Glare
Bombs Bursting in Air

The early evening rains sent 4th of July celebrants scurrying for cover (and many home). We secured the patio furniture and watched the Lake clear of boats and C Point empty of party goers. Back home, jumped into take a nice warm shower and put on my bath robe and bunny slippers...when to my surprise...boom, boom bang! About 10PM. Yelled out to the family the fireworks were going, piled into the van and headed to Venita access, the closest viewing point from our house. Quite a few folks had the same idea as parking was tight and walkers were streaming in. Umbrellas and plastic sheet at the ready, we braved the wind and rain to watch the partially hidden display, clouds and smoke literally putting a damper on the proceedings. They finished with a whimper, but we did see fireworks right?

Who made the call to "light that candle"? Don't know. Some communities decided to cancel and re-do tonight, Leawood, Gladstone and Corporate Woods to name a few. We'll see if they were smarter, and luckier, than us this evening.

BTW-Farmer John says the rain gauge showed 2.24 inches of rain.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Just In Case

Fireworks Queen Tanya says if fireworks need to cancel because of weather, Monday the 5th is the rain date...I'm betting the 4th will be a go.

3,4,5

July 3
Parade 9:30AM
Women's Club Dance 6Pm

July 4
Noodle Float 3PM
Boat Parade 7PM
Fireworks 9:45PM

July 5
R&R Holiday for some

Friday, July 2, 2010

Millions

KC Star July 1st, page A4
"A bad week for sewage spills"
"More than 25 million gallons..."
"Two million gallons discharged into the Blue River..."
"A discharge near 77th and Prospect was discovered on Friday night but not reported until Monday."
"City(Grandview) officials estimated about 160,000 gallons flowed into a creek that leads into Longview Lake..."

KCMO is overwhelmed with problems in their sewer system, nobody can dispute that. We also know they face huge budget issues, making it impossible to address all the sewer problems they face. We know too the flow rate at East Side pump station, during a major storm, can be in the millions of gallons due to infiltration of storm water. Millions.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Government WIll Save Us, Right?

KC Star, June 30th, Opinion page
"After E. Coli Debacle, State's Clean Water Program Flails"

Maybe "Fails" would be a better word. Ken Midkiff, chairman of the Missouri Clean Water Campaign, documents the MO DNR's failure to keep up with spills and troubled waters. Funding of DNR is cited as the major reason for DNR's failure to cope. In any event, reliance on DNR to take care of business is a bad strategy for a City or private concern (say like WLIC). As Mr Midkiff says, "For the most part, dischargers are left to their own devices."