MCI

Just in case you are wondering...

"The Kansas City Airport System is an Enterprise Fund Department of the City of Kansas City, Mo., and is supported wholly by airport user charges. No general tax fund revenues are used for the administration, promotion, operation, or maintenance of the airports in the system. Visit www.flykci.com for more information. Find us on Twitter and Facebook."

Airport user charges?  Don't look for cheaper air fares with the building of the new terminal.  Ask any visitor about the airport car rental costs here in KC...premium prices jacked up by a surcharge...and the City frets about the declining convention numbers?

Some non-hub cities are really struggling, take a look at St Louis, Memphis and Cincinnati.  The downhill slide for CVG has been nothing but stunning if not sad.  Couldn't happen here, right?

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http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-and-worst-airports-2010

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The Elephant In The Room

Platte County Pachyderms
Thursday, January 5, 2012
5:30-7:00 p.m.

Topic: Future of KCI – Need for Change


The Platte County Pachyderm Club welcomes Mark VanLoh to its January 5, 2012, meeting at the Tiffany Greens Golf Club to discuss the future of KCI and the need for change in design and operation.
As Director of Aviation for the Kansas City Aviation Department, VanLoh is responsible for 550 employees and annual revenues of over $100 million. VanLoh oversees all aspects of the management, development, operation, and maintenance of Kansas City International Airport and Charles V. Wheeler Downtown Airport.
Drinks and appetizers starts at 5:30 pm and the program at 6:00 pm. Arrive early and socialize. Please note the prices increase for hors d’oeuvres and one drink. The cost for members is $12 and $15 for non-members.

Tiffany Greens Golf Club
6100 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64154
(816) 880-9600

http://www.tiffanygreensgolf.com/directions.html


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Wild Blue Over Yonder

"Oh, that doesn't make it pretty anymore"
WLakean Lynn Hinkle, KC Star, Page 1, December 27

Don't know if you read the article "KCI's Trouble Waters". Seems to be part of a well orchestrated effort by aviation director Mark VanLoh to justify the building of a new airport terminal. The gist of the article cites the runoff of deicer into the pond by the Marriott and the hazard it poses.

The Star identifies Ms Hinkle as a "member of an airport committee in nearby Weatherby Lake". (Gee, when was the last time that committee met?) Not sure of the connection with our committee and the deicer situation, but then I might not see the dots.

The whole new airport discussion is a head scratcher. Previous comments have extolled the benefits for travelers and the need for a single terminal. Those of us who travel (100K this year for me, Bubba has way more) wonder what the heck could make KCI better...it seems just fine.

Tomorrow, details of how you can get the inside scoop on whole kit and kabodle.


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West Side Reigns

The Christmas Lighting contest was again dominated by hip west siders.
Jack and Sharon VanCleave on Potomac Avenue nabbed the First Place trophy, after a considerable amount of lobbying and purported playoffs to certain judges. Congratulations!

There was a three way tie for 2nd place, the Starks (my favorite), right across the street from the VanCleaves on Potomac, the Turners on Venita (former 1st place winners), and the lone East side winner, the Penns on NW 75th Terrace.

I might post pics tomorrow.

Excellent

Looking for a good restaurant in the vicinity?  Try this.

Luna Azteca Mexican Grill

In the strip shopping area across from the Embassy Suites, the food is very good, authentic.  Luna Azteca is a family owned business with recipes originating in western Mexico.  They do have bar service, two thumbs up on the margaritas.

10004 NW Ambassador Drive

M-Th 11 to 9
F-Sa 11 to 10

816 326-8877  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luna-Azteca-Mexican-Grill/178967535520826

Merry Christmas

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Santa Comes Early

Barry Road west is now open with access @ Westside & Potomac!
10:30 AM


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Monument Email Template

As promised.

Multiple Choice/Fill in the Blank Template for the WL Monument Project

Dear (Jerry, Mary, Vic, Dave, Tanya, or all),

I am (satisfied/disgusted) regarding your role in the monument project.  I feel three years is (adequate/unreasonable) to plan the project and hope construction (begins/never begins) in 2012.  Do you know when the original monument at Barry Road and Eastside Drive will be built?  I (care/don’t care) if that monument is not built first.  Likewise it (doesn’t/does) concern me that half of the money for replacement of the original monuments has already been spent with not one monument being constructed.  Because the 19 member Entrance Advisory Group Committee is advisory in nature, I think you (should/should not) take a more active role in spending tax payers money.  Because there is no specific line item in the 2012 city budget, could you (tell me/estimate) how much the entire project will cost, including the maintenance costs for the new monuments?

I (do/do not) believe all of the existing monuments need to be replaced.  It (does/does not) make sense to move forward with the project as it is currently proposed.  I think it is (important/not important) that the impetus for the project is the ability for donors to get a tax write off for their donations.  I (will, will not) donate for the project, and hope you do the same.  Finally, I (hope/don’t care) that you go on the record at the next BOA regarding your position of the project.

Thanks,

Your Name 

Jerry Bos - jerrybos@kc.rr.com

Vic DeJong - vjdkan@sbcglobal.net

Dave Folkedahl - dfolkedahl@kc.rr.com

Mary Hoy - maryhoy@kc.rr.com

Tanya Finn - tkfinn@yahoo.com 

I Just Couldn't Help Myself

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Hot off the Press

From Platte County

Winter weather has finally caught up with the project to the point the contractor can no longer be productive for an entire week. Therefore, the roadway is being prepared to allow for the return of traffic temporarily through the winter. When temporary traffic signs have been installed the roadway will be reopened - please observe and obey all posted warning signs.
The roadway will be closed again for several weeks in Spring 2012 to allow the contractor to complete the remaining tasks. Updates, mailings, and press releases will be used to notify the public a few weeks in advance of the road closure giving them time to establish alternate routes of travel until the road is opened permanently.

Template tomorrow

Image via Wikipedia

The Eyes Have It

One reader suggested a petition regarding the current monument project. Interesting idea. I'll sign one if someone drafts it. In the meantime, I'll post an easy to use template tomorrow you can use to tell your elected officials just how you feel about the whole darn thing, either way, pro or con. Just a public service




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lost dogs

We were dog sitting for our daughter and the two dogs broke out of the run late this afternoon and we cannot find them.

PENNY:   is a female pit bull, GENTLE, she is not aggressive at all.  Black with some white trim.  Tag says her name and her owner, Erica Gerrond in Lawrence.
BEAU:  male Boston Terrier mix, maybe 10 lbs, energetic. Black with white markings around the nose.  He looks like a mini-Penny

My cell is always on 816-810-7373.

If you see either one, please let us know.

Thanks.

David and Linda Robbins

Same Story

New Page
Jerry Bos, Vic DeJong and Tanya Finn all have filed for re-election.  Will be interesting to see if anyone comes forward to challenge them.  Someone else out there ready to throw their hat into the ring?  

$77,000 Plus

Bids for Monuments
That's the price tag from one bidder that includes the City Hall monument, "without or emblem" from the only bidder that included both a base and rock monument.  The way the bid was submitted it really needs some serious "negotiations/clarifications" making me wonder if it is a credible bid at all.  So really the EAGC is stuck with a bid that is questionable and not complete because it does not include signage or landscape.

Oh well.

Turn Your Lights On

Christmas Lights Judging and Christmas Caroling
Saturday 17th
City Hall, 6:30 PM
Hot Chocolate and Cookies @ Jean & Jerry Bos Home

Time Flys When You're Having Fun

A Refresher
Just in case you have lost track, when did this whole monument thing begin?

BOA minutes
November 5, 2008
"Mayor Communication to the Board
Barry Rd update-Meetings are on going at this time.  KCMO will allocate
$50,000.00 for monument replacement"

January 6th, 2009
Blog notes
."Alderman DeJong predicts Entrance Monument construction could start as early as October."

Since then it has been the BOA approving bill payments, usually without discussion for EAGC expenditures.  Alderman Finn has been the only one, on occasion, to ask questions.  The 19 member super committee appointed by Jerry and confirmed by the BOA has met infrequently.  The power group has been the "Infrastructure Sub-Committee", driven mainly by Bos, Alderman DeJong, and Jim Miller.  Their meetings/discussions have been mainly out of the public eye and EAGC for that matter.


Three years later?  Another round of failed RFPs and half of the money KCMO gave to the City gone.  No monument at Eastside and Barry and no definitive plans to do so.  Where is all the money promised and pledged?  How confident would you be for this crew to manage your "donation"?


Tomorrow, the folly continues.  The bid results, read em and weep. 

$26,000

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Dec 6

Monument Update
Well, there wasn't one, at least Jerry didn't intend on giving one.  Nothing on the agenda, (no mention in his EWLL December piece).

So, during public comments, when a citizen asked about an EAGC update, Jerry reminded everyone Jim Miller, EAGC chair, had just given his update a couple of weeks ago.  So, what were the results of the bids for the monuments that were opened on November 28th?  It was quite apparent Jerry didn't want to go there.

The good news, there were 19 individuals/companies that picked up RFP packets.  The bad news is there were only three that submitted bids...and the results are...we will get to that.

In the meantime $26,000 has been spent on what is now a full fledged fiasco.  The $50,000 given by Kansas City is almost half gone with nothing to show for it...and not even a thought about replacing the original monument at Barry and Eastside  Squandering of tax payer money?  Squander might be a gentle description

Who is to blame?  More tomorrow.

Christmas Early?

The Unpublic Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Dec 12

Us working stiffs had to work so I think it is safe to say there wasn't much public about the meeting yesterday @ Mary's house...maybe Don was there.  I do know the BOA voted to approve around $49,000 for the police radios.  It looks a little low based on Gary's comments at the last BOA regarding peripherals to include batteries, chargers, etc.  Did something come off Gary's Christmas list?  Don't know, guess we will have to wait until next BOA to ask.   By The Way...amend the last question, strike Christmas and substitute the word "Holiday" instead.  We all know government cannot celebrate Christ mas.

By George

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Dec 6

Only 9 Grinder calls for past reporting period, gave the boys a break in the action.  Royal flush?  Apparently not.

Image via Wikipedia

KCMO is studying placement of an antenna on our water tower to monitor the east and west lift stations.  Our "halo" on top of the tower could be used for such a purpose.

High Rent District

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
December 6

Proposed Ordinance No. 1137
New Rules & Regulations & Applications for the Use of the City's Community Center

City Clerk Gwen led the discussion regarding the new ordinance (the draft was written by Assistant Clerk Nan, Gwen and City Treasurer Marianne Ennett).  She mentioned the intention of the ordinance would "make it (CC) more of a business venture"  New to the rental contract is a requirement that the renter provide proof of "General Liability Insurance in a sum no less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).  Said letter to be deposited with the City no later than (2) months prior to rental date".  Gwen mentioned they had checked other cities "Gladstone and other places" and this requirement was quite common.

Image via Wikipedia

What spurred the addition of the insurance requirement?  Apparently there has been at least one incident (men's  restroom) where damage occurred in excess of the deposit ($200).  Asked if we are able to recover the amount over the deposit Gwen responded "sometimes".

Discussion focused on the ease of obtaining said insurance.  City Attorney John believed that most can obtain statement/coverage through their homeowners policy at no extra cost.  Question came up...what if the individual is not a homeowner, but rents an apartment?  How costly would it be to buy insurance for an event?  Not asked during the meeting, but just a thought...what about community organizations/clubs like Womens's, Yacht, and others who might rent, does one of the members have to obtain the insurance on behalf of the club?  Will this additional requirement discourage potential renters?

Alderman Finn moved to table the ordinance for further study.  Motion passed.  Look for it to reappear at the next BOA meeting in January.

    

Special

Special Board Meeting of the WL BOA

Posted on the City website, a Special Board Meeting has been called for Monday, December 12th, 1:30 PM at Alderman Hoy's home.  As usual, the crew insists on having meetings during the time that most working folks are at work, so much for being public servants.  Add to that a meeting at a private residence, interesting.  Although not mentioned publicly at the BOA meeting, apparently Mary is recovering from back surgery on the 29th (from Don Hoy's Facebook wall).  Unless there is a lack of quorum there really isn't a need to have Mary's presence unless...

What is the need for the meeting anyway?  The agenda lists only "Motion to authorize the placing of an order for new radios for the Weatherby Lake Police Dept".  Could there be an alderman or two who has an issue with the radio order?  None was expressed at the last BOA.

Sunshine...no, not the weather forecast, the so called Sunshine Law. The Mayor and Aldermen can't tarry and have Christmas cookies and chit-chat lest they drift into casual discussion about all things City, they are limited to the items on the agenda only. Get a "go cup" for that eggnog and hit the road.   No, it isn't the Grinch, it is Missouri State statute.

Image via Wikipedia

Confusion, Not Burglary

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
December 6

Police Report
Gary wanted to set the record straight on an apparent report of  a burglary in the City (the alderman get a monthly summary).  Not to worry, it wasn't really a burglary, "just a drunk who thought he still lived in the house".  What you say?  Not that uncommon.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x9002765

Long discussion regarding the purchase of new police radios.  Fed requirement by 2013 which requires all rescue/fire/police to comply.  It is not cheap.  Proposal is for 8 radios, could cost anywhere from $45,000 and higher.  Money ($75,000) has been set aside from the telephone companies settlement received over the past two years.  Looks like a special meeting prior to years end will be called to authorize the final purchase.

Barry Road Update #227

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
6 December

Back to the grindstone.  Ms Hoy was absent, Mr Folkedahl present as the meeting began @ 7PM with Mayor's comments, and as noted on the Agenda, his update on Barry Road.

Well there is no update, other than what you already know.  Construction is proceeding as weather permits, sidewalks and retaining walls are being completed. Jerry mentioned George has been talking with Platte County and they are being cautious about saying just when the road might open, even temporarily if there is a hiatus due to weather.  To quote the Mayor, "they are working hard".

A "Re-remind" to the BOA, December 17th, 6:30, City Hall, the rally spot for the judging of  Christmas decorations in the City.  Post judging bash @ the Mayor's house.
Jerry: "Who is in the contest?"
Tanya: "Every house"
Discussion followed on the enormity of the task, Mayor requested Finn and DeJong to scout their respective wards for best in class to narrow down homes to view.  My advice is to lobby with Finn and DeJong immediately and often (they are in the phone book) if you even want a chance to win the coveted first place trophy.  (Jack, Tanya already has you on her list)  My belief any inducements would be considered.

Speaking of Christmas (oh, is that legal to have in the same line as City?), the City employee Christmas party is being held @ the CC on Monday the 12th @ 11AM.   HoHoHo

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No Fly Zone

BOA Minutes Tomorrow, Overcome By Events (OBE)

The roar was unmistakable,  a huge plane was violating WL airspace.  Time, 1548.  I'm scrambling to find the phone number of anyone on the WL Airport Noise Committee, dang, coming up short.  In desperation I ran outside to hopefully get a glimpse of the offending aircraft and get an id...Delta? AA? United?

Nope, Obama 1.  Oh well, never mind.

Image via Wikipedia

PS.  For those thirsting for BOA minutes, come back tomorrow.  Meeting took 1 hour and 3 minutes, BOA and Mayor congratulating themselves on a short meeting...their memory is short as well, they only had two weeks of business to do because of the reschedule of last meeting.

BOA Agenda, 12/6

What's missing?  No EAGC report, at least formal.  Interesting to see what's up with the CC.
Mayor’s Communications to the Board
Barry Rd update

Open Floor to Visitors (Limited to a total of fifteen (15) minutes)
Communications from Aldermen

Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Regular BOA minutes-October 4, 2011
Water & Sewer Rate increase & Budget hearing-November 14, 2011
Regular BOA minutes-November 14, 2011
Approval of Bill Payments made/to be made $117,280.57
General Fund $           9,354.59    
Road & Street Fund        43,151.22
Water Fund                 33,767.28  
Sewer Fund   15,503.74
Historical Fund      250.00
Debt Service      350.00  
               
Reports

 Community Center
Written report submitted
Bill No. 1138 as Ordinance No. 1137 an ordinance adopting
new rules and regulations and applications for the use of the City’s
Community Center

Time Flys

Seems like it was just a few weeks ago we had a BOA meeting (we did).  Tomorrow is the December issue @ 7PM.  No agenda posted on the City web site yet.

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Pony Up

From the EAG/City Web Site 

Pledge Form

Yes! I want to support the Weatherby Lake Entrance Project and enhance our street entrances to provide safe and attractive thresholds to the City of Weatherby Lake.

Levels of Giving

Crown Jewels of the Lake                 Gems of the Lake
Diamond	$50,000 and above	Aquamarine	$3,000 - $4,999
Ruby	$25,000 - $49,999	Opal	$1,000 - $2,999
Emerald	$10,000 - $24,999	Topaz	Up to $999
Amethyst	$5,000 - $9,999

Beauty and the Beast

In DC this week for a conference and lucky enough to have a view of the Washington monument from my room (pic is early riser edition). Awesome. Not quite inspiring are the glut of huge govt buildings in foreground and all around...our tax dollars @ work, well, being spent. Makes me wonder.



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Speed Yes, Weed No

Tomorrow is the City sponsored shredding and drug event @ City Hall, 9AM to 12 noon.  If you didn't read the mailing, in addition to the shredding opportunity there will also be the WL cops on hand to take your unused/out of date/unwanted pharmaceuticals, both human and pet products.  "Illicit drugs, such as marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin also will not be accepted"  My suggestion is you dispose/burn your marijuana in the privacy of your home.  

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