Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Who Dat?
Travel schedule cramping my style since last Friday...In NJ today and trying to escape incoming snow this afternoon. Forgot my EAGC notes @ home...but tomorrow I will list EAGC members, have received several requests for that info. Manana.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A Little Leverage
One of the strategies for fund raising discussed at the EAGC meeting came up when the pros and cons of building the Barry/East Side monument in phase one. Jim Miller went over the rationale for not including the Barry Road monument concluding, with a wry smile, that it just might be a reason for folks to contribute if the want that monument done. Odd. All the funds provided by KCMO will have been spent before construction of the Barry road monument has been built and that should encourage folks to ante up?
By the way. I think you can view the renderings of the various entrances at City Hall. I'd be interested in your thoughts, especially on the prototype for Forest/Hillside.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
By the way. I think you can view the renderings of the various entrances at City Hall. I'd be interested in your thoughts, especially on the prototype for Forest/Hillside.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Whopper
Based on Comments to last post I thought some clarification was in order.
- The City Hall monuments (one on each side of the road) will cost a total of $103,586
- The total length of the combined walls is 281 feet.
- As a comparison the East Side and Barry is projected at 80 feet
- Kerns, Potomac & West Side, 16 feet
- Forest, Hillside and 76th at 8 feet.
EAGC member Slaggie commented the walls on either side of East Side at City Hall should have a slowing effect of traffic as it enters the City. (I guess what he meant was a chute like effect). As Scott commented, "it will give a sense of arrival to our community." Indeed.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
EAGC Part 2
The recommendation from the EAGC to be considered by the BOA at the next meeting:
- Construct monuments @ City Hall, Hillside & Forest
- Total cost for the first sites=$129,878 ($103,586 City Hall, $13,146 each for Hillside & Forest)
- Request bids for East Side/Barry.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Another Brick in the Wall
A long meeting of the EAGC last night culminated in a recommendation for construction of a set of new monuments for WL. The wall pictured above is a sample of the look the monuments will have once constructed, natural stone with recessed grout. The cutaway allows viewers to see the construction method to be used by the construction firm. (the demo wall is at City Hall).
Bottom line, if all monuments at all sites are built, the projected cost is $303, 974. Add to that the $39, 186 already spent on design, the grand total for the project will be $343,160, subject to bids for phases as they are implemented. Subtract funds already received, $59,881 (KCMO $50,000, plus other donations) the necessary money to cover the project start to finish via contributions is $283,279.
All in all...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mock Wall @ City Hall
Another reason to attend tonight's proceedings at the EAGC meeting, a potential contractor has erected a wall, or at least a piece of wall, to view. Haven't been there yet but will try get a pic and post.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Insider Treading
Question in last post Comments regarding the lack of posting on the City website for the EAGC meeting tomorrow night. I don't know if the intention was to keep the meeting out of the general public eye but is it is interesting how the project has gone from a much ballyhooed project and fund raising with design options being made readily available, to the current small working group (Infrastructure) meeting during normal working hours to take the lead. Who has been getting the updates and meeting info? The EAGC members and "supporters".
Who are they? Here is the list from the recent email sent to announce the EAGC meeting:
Pete Pierce, Lyn Pierce, Jeanette Prenger, Jason & Heather Doyle, Pat & Judy Kelly, Heather & Jim Graham,
Beth & Peter Moraitis, Debbie & David Folkedahl, Jerry Bos, Augie Grasis, Pam Grasis, Tom Henke, Kim James, Ron Knop, Dean Lawrence, Jim Miller, George Regan, Glenda Negrilli, Bob Pease, Ken & Roswitha Schaffer Marge & Ray Stockwell, Betty Turner, Laura Welch, Pat & Tony White, Diane Coleman, August & Ruta Grasis, Steve Cantrell, Scott Slaggie, Vic DeJong, Ursala Terrasi, Ron Surma, Lynn Hinkle, Lyle Phillips, Kristy Lawrence, Joyce McInerny, Bill Hornung, Alan York, Mary Hoy, Marianne Ennett, Scott Lehr, Tanya Finn, Marvin Sprinnger, Kim Wedman, Jack VanCleave, Kristopher Dabner, Gwen Cenac.
Who are they? Here is the list from the recent email sent to announce the EAGC meeting:
Pete Pierce, Lyn Pierce, Jeanette Prenger, Jason & Heather Doyle, Pat & Judy Kelly, Heather & Jim Graham,
Beth & Peter Moraitis, Debbie & David Folkedahl, Jerry Bos, Augie Grasis, Pam Grasis, Tom Henke, Kim James, Ron Knop, Dean Lawrence, Jim Miller, George Regan, Glenda Negrilli, Bob Pease, Ken & Roswitha Schaffer Marge & Ray Stockwell, Betty Turner, Laura Welch, Pat & Tony White, Diane Coleman, August & Ruta Grasis, Steve Cantrell, Scott Slaggie, Vic DeJong, Ursala Terrasi, Ron Surma, Lynn Hinkle, Lyle Phillips, Kristy Lawrence, Joyce McInerny, Bill Hornung, Alan York, Mary Hoy, Marianne Ennett, Scott Lehr, Tanya Finn, Marvin Sprinnger, Kim Wedman, Jack VanCleave, Kristopher Dabner, Gwen Cenac.
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| Image via Wikipedia |
Sunday, February 19, 2012
When Not If
One reason to attend the EAGC meeting Tuesday night, if you are interested, is to get a final look at the monument project and the timeline it will follow. Rest assured, it isn't a matter of if the project will go forward, it is when and how. Although the EAGC is advisory in nature only to the BOA, it is a done deal on whatever the committee recommends. Why do I say that? Alderman DeJong and Mayor Bos are up to their eyeballs on the so-called Infrastructure SubCommittee which is the driving force of the EAGC. All they need is one more alderman as a positive vote, likely Hoy or Folkedahl and it is a done deal with Bos breaking a tie if that happens. Finn has been the only one skeptical at times of the project, but it is just one vote.
The biggest decision the EAGC has to make on Tuesday is the "how". The original plan was to construct the City Hall monuments plus one each at Hillside and Forest. Mostly because of Finn's questions, the inclusion of East Side and Barry in the first phase will be discussed...would make sense wouldn't it?
Speaking of "if", it seems that raising sufficient funds for the project is not a concern of the Committee, so I assume all the pledge(ers) are still on board.
The biggest decision the EAGC has to make on Tuesday is the "how". The original plan was to construct the City Hall monuments plus one each at Hillside and Forest. Mostly because of Finn's questions, the inclusion of East Side and Barry in the first phase will be discussed...would make sense wouldn't it?
Speaking of "if", it seems that raising sufficient funds for the project is not a concern of the Committee, so I assume all the pledge(ers) are still on board.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Hold The Date
EAGC meeting, Tuesday, the 21st at 6:30, City Hall.
More to follow tomorrow. Get a glimpse at what will be sent to City Hall for approval of the long awaited, long anticipated entrance monument project.
More to follow tomorrow. Get a glimpse at what will be sent to City Hall for approval of the long awaited, long anticipated entrance monument project.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Shadow Boxing
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 Feb
George gave a proposal to the BOA to replace the boat yard fence which is in need of replacement. The design is a cedar and steel pole construction with a "shadow box" look. Additionally the yard entrance will be moved a tad to accommodate the new monument when constructed in the vicinity. Salvaged fence from the side will be placed in the back of the yard to insure a secure perimeter for the yard. The fence will last "25 to 30 years" says George. Cost=$6,500 for materials to be installed by the City crew. Motion made and approved.
Vic "is it in the budget?" Jerry "No, but we are ok".
7 Feb
George gave a proposal to the BOA to replace the boat yard fence which is in need of replacement. The design is a cedar and steel pole construction with a "shadow box" look. Additionally the yard entrance will be moved a tad to accommodate the new monument when constructed in the vicinity. Salvaged fence from the side will be placed in the back of the yard to insure a secure perimeter for the yard. The fence will last "25 to 30 years" says George. Cost=$6,500 for materials to be installed by the City crew. Motion made and approved.
Vic "is it in the budget?" Jerry "No, but we are ok".
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
On A Prayer
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 Feb
Mayor Bos is assembling a list of WL citizens involved in the Boy Scouts to attend this years Mayors Prayer Breakfast at the Convention Center. Date is March 8th, 7:30 to 9AM. He has two tables reserved. If you haven't been contacted but want to be part of the posse, give Jerry a call.
7 Feb
Mayor Bos is assembling a list of WL citizens involved in the Boy Scouts to attend this years Mayors Prayer Breakfast at the Convention Center. Date is March 8th, 7:30 to 9AM. He has two tables reserved. If you haven't been contacted but want to be part of the posse, give Jerry a call.
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| Image via Wikipedia |
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rocky Road
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| Image via Wikipedia |
7 Feb
During Alderman Comments two piped up about road concerns. Mary described "horrible" ruts next to the roadway "at the north end of West Side Drive". The ruts ostensibly have been caused by police officers parked on traffic patrol. Dave commented on " 2 square cut outs on Rocky Point". George mentioned the cut outs will be paved as soon as the asphalt companies are back in business, nobody produces asphalt during the winter months.
Roads are a good topic to discuss. Despite a very light winter (ok, today is different) a number of City streets are showing wear. One ominous cloud on the horizon, the county road tax renewal. It sunsets next year and without it WL (and other cities) would be in a world of hurt to come up with money for streets. No indication where the county commissioners stand on this one...it would be well advised to start the lobbying now.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Prevailing Wage
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 Feb
Jerry reported news from the Missouri Municipal League (MML) regarding pending legislation regarding prevailing wage (a bane to the Mayor as he leads the effort for the entrance monuments). He reported a couple of bills have been introduced to eliminate or make exceptions to the current statute. Jerry mentioned he had contacted his legislator and his response was it "wasn't important".
City Attorney John added there was "strong support" for abating the requirement in the Joplin area as they try to rebuild.
Besides Joplin, don't look for any overturning of prevailing wage. Even if legislation passes my guess there are not enough votes to override a veto...which Nixon would certainly do.
7 Feb
Jerry reported news from the Missouri Municipal League (MML) regarding pending legislation regarding prevailing wage (a bane to the Mayor as he leads the effort for the entrance monuments). He reported a couple of bills have been introduced to eliminate or make exceptions to the current statute. Jerry mentioned he had contacted his legislator and his response was it "wasn't important".
City Attorney John added there was "strong support" for abating the requirement in the Joplin area as they try to rebuild.
Besides Joplin, don't look for any overturning of prevailing wage. Even if legislation passes my guess there are not enough votes to override a veto...which Nixon would certainly do.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
More Better
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 Feb
Vic gave a Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Entrance Advisory Group Committee update (phew, mouthful, huh?) He said he is close to getting final pricing and possibly presenting to the BOA in March...to which Alderman Hoy exclaimed, "Oh good!". Good indeed.
Alerting all EAGC members. Clear your calendars for a possible meeting before the next BOA. You will have to make a recommendation that can be presented to the BOA so kickoff of fund raising can begin. This notice is in lieu of any formal communication from the Infrastructure Subcommittee.
You are welcome.
Note on Pic...My web crawler Zemanta keeps wanting to put Boa as a related item to the post so I thought what the heck.
7 Feb
Vic gave a Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Entrance Advisory Group Committee update (phew, mouthful, huh?) He said he is close to getting final pricing and possibly presenting to the BOA in March...to which Alderman Hoy exclaimed, "Oh good!". Good indeed.
Alerting all EAGC members. Clear your calendars for a possible meeting before the next BOA. You will have to make a recommendation that can be presented to the BOA so kickoff of fund raising can begin. This notice is in lieu of any formal communication from the Infrastructure Subcommittee.
You are welcome.
Note on Pic...My web crawler Zemanta keeps wanting to put Boa as a related item to the post so I thought what the heck.
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| boa (Photo credit: jolanda v) |
Friday, February 10, 2012
Three 3's
Observation that the new WLIC patrol boat is over the limit on HP, technically the old boat wasn't @9 either, but to answer the question the new boat has three 3's...as you can see.
Sunny Side Up
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 February
Mr Chris Shahbazi presented himself to the Board to discuss a proposal he is making to the City (Shabazi is a property owner in WL (unimproved lot) not a resident as identified by Mary Hoy in her meeting notes). Shahbazi has a solar energy company (he did not identify the company name) and would like to convert City Hall to solar energy via solar panels. He projects the City could save $100 to $125 a month and actually sell excess energy produced back to KCPL.
The devil is in the details. The cost of the panels and installation could be up to $60,000. According to Mr Shahbazi there is a federal "rebate" that would amount to $20,000. The other $40,000? He would donate to the City. Vic, "what posses you to donate $40,000?" The promise/hope of gaining private homes at the lake of converting to solar.
Shahbazi said he has already installed panels on City Hall for the Village of Oakview, MO, a small burg off of Oak in Gladstone, apparently they are taking advantage of the deal. His company is located in the area. Contractual details need to be reviewed by the City Attorney, John said he had compiled "a list" during the discussion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakview,_Missouri
Outcome? Mayor Bos, says we should "get a little group, get some people to kinda look a this". Mary says in her notes a Committee will be formed, although that was not mentioned specifically at the BOA, maybe that was decided after the meeting was over. In any event nothing formal, we shall see at next BOA meeting.
7 February
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| Image via Wikipedia |
The devil is in the details. The cost of the panels and installation could be up to $60,000. According to Mr Shahbazi there is a federal "rebate" that would amount to $20,000. The other $40,000? He would donate to the City. Vic, "what posses you to donate $40,000?" The promise/hope of gaining private homes at the lake of converting to solar.
Shahbazi said he has already installed panels on City Hall for the Village of Oakview, MO, a small burg off of Oak in Gladstone, apparently they are taking advantage of the deal. His company is located in the area. Contractual details need to be reviewed by the City Attorney, John said he had compiled "a list" during the discussion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakview,_Missouri
Outcome? Mayor Bos, says we should "get a little group, get some people to kinda look a this". Mary says in her notes a Committee will be formed, although that was not mentioned specifically at the BOA, maybe that was decided after the meeting was over. In any event nothing formal, we shall see at next BOA meeting.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
WLIC Buys Patrol Boat
WLIC officials have confirmed the purchase of a used patrol boat from Texas in order to step up the effort to catch trespassers and prevent the introduction of zebra mussels into the lake. An official launch date will be announced after the completion of the C Point renovation.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Don't Flush Today
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 Feb
George announced a test by KCMO Water being conducted today from 6AM to 8PM. The water tower will be topped off prior to the intake being shut off, and for the following 14 hours the water system will be run off the tower. It is a test prior to the replacement of intake valves for the system at the Big Mo scheduled for this summer. While no problems are anticipated, it is possible there might be low water pressure in the evening hours. What if a fire occurs? The system can be bypassed to insure the supply of water to fight a house fire, so says George.
7 Feb
George announced a test by KCMO Water being conducted today from 6AM to 8PM. The water tower will be topped off prior to the intake being shut off, and for the following 14 hours the water system will be run off the tower. It is a test prior to the replacement of intake valves for the system at the Big Mo scheduled for this summer. While no problems are anticipated, it is possible there might be low water pressure in the evening hours. What if a fire occurs? The system can be bypassed to insure the supply of water to fight a house fire, so says George.
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| Image via Wikipedia |
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tonight
Agenda posted on the web
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/UltimateEditorInclude/UserFiles/Common/agenda/Regular_Board_of_Alderman_Meeting_-_Board_of_AldermenAgenda_02-07-2012_015829.pdf
Additional item of note "using solar energy alternative" will be a topic of discussion. Mary mentioned in her agenda update the issue of using sick leave to care for a family member, this item appears on the agenda in the Police report.
http://www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov/UltimateEditorInclude/UserFiles/Common/agenda/Regular_Board_of_Alderman_Meeting_-_Board_of_AldermenAgenda_02-07-2012_015829.pdf
Additional item of note "using solar energy alternative" will be a topic of discussion. Mary mentioned in her agenda update the issue of using sick leave to care for a family member, this item appears on the agenda in the Police report.
Related articles
- Solar Energy - On Path to bring revolution by saving energy??? (buildingthegateways.wordpress.com)
- 8 Invaluable Resources for Installing Solar in 2012 (leeddaily.com)
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| Image via Wikipedia |
Monday, February 6, 2012
The BOA Tomorrow
Time flies...BOA tomorrow @ 7PM, City Hall.
Mary on her agenda noted to interesting agenda items:
Mary on her agenda noted to interesting agenda items:
- "Discussion of the ability of a City employee to use sick leave to take care of a family member. I'd love to hear how you feel about this potential change for our employees.
- Discussion of the insurance clause for rental of the Community Center."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Insider Buying
The Mayor reviews the recent sale of a City truck in the month's issue of Weatherby Lake Living (http://eweatherbylakeliving.com/city-news-08-11/city-news-feb-12). I have received a couple of Comments regarding the sale of the truck:
- 1)How do I get in on the buying of surplus or unwanted City equipment?
- 2) If the City didn't take bids, how do they know they got the best deal?
- 3)When is the City required to take bids?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Talking Shop
Coming off a week of work group meetings, it's good to be back home. Most of you have been through the drill, meetings all day followed by group dinners in the evening, it is just difficult to avoid business discussions until your head hits the pillow. That is business.
Today's KC Star describes an effort by Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor to investigate alleged violations of the KS open meetings act by the governor and Republican legislators during "dinners". Prediction: nothing will happen but those involved will be chastened to be more careful during the dinner chitchat, especially when they have a quorum of legislators. It may seem an unreasonable law especially by those of us who have been participants on the rubber chicken circuit. But that is the point, this isn't business, it is government which has a separate set of laws which are not optional. So despite the inconvenience, the so called Sunshine Laws must be complied with...something lost at times at the local level. It's not a club, not a business, it's government
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Today's KC Star describes an effort by Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor to investigate alleged violations of the KS open meetings act by the governor and Republican legislators during "dinners". Prediction: nothing will happen but those involved will be chastened to be more careful during the dinner chitchat, especially when they have a quorum of legislators. It may seem an unreasonable law especially by those of us who have been participants on the rubber chicken circuit. But that is the point, this isn't business, it is government which has a separate set of laws which are not optional. So despite the inconvenience, the so called Sunshine Laws must be complied with...something lost at times at the local level. It's not a club, not a business, it's government
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Friday, February 3, 2012
SNAFU
Situation Normal All Fouled Up
Best laid plans, was at CVG, flight delayed, missed connection @ MSP, complimentary stay from Delta at the Embassy Suites. Bubba is smirking I am sure. Road Warriors unite! Hope to be back in WL today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, February 2, 2012
DGB to MIZ
"Now, I am pleased to announce that I will be continuing my education at the University of Missouri".
Big news and covered in the media (including Cincinnati where I am in meetings) was the commitment of Dorial Green-Beckham of Springfield to play football at Mizzou. fan or Okay, you may not be a college football fan, or might even be a JHawk (we have one in our house), but you have to marvel at his story. It reminds me of Michael Oher, offensive tackle of the Baltimore Ravens and his story in the movie "The Blindside". Hope the kid keeps his head screwed on right and has a successful college career with the Tigers.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Come On Down
On break at a business meeting yesterday, an associate of mine said, I've got to come to KC! I smiled thinking he had selected me as his mentor...not. He pulled out of his computer bag the November issue of The Atlantic and pointed to an article highlighting the Kauffman Center. It was a glowing review, high praise from a highbrow mag. Jim mentioned a friend from VA had already journed to KC to attend an event at the Center...nice.
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