Duse-Palooza

Seen on the West Side Streets this past weekend...
A County Commissioner running for re-election with a WL Alderman in tow.
Yep, Kathy Dusenberry and longtime pal and WL West Side Alderman/woman/person Mary Hoy making the campaigning rounds.  Should be an interesting election with WL Judge Beverlee Roper the other Republican candidate in a winner takes all primary.  Roper needs a strong turnout in WL to combat Dusenberry's base in Parkville.  More to come.

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Do As I Say

Not as I Do...might be the case in regards to the Mayor and BOA.  After agonizing over the current sign ordinance last BOA meeting, the Board left the ordinance as is with the exception of "pointer" signs.  If you have been around the City this past weekend you could not have missed the red signs asking for Fireworks Donations...all the ones I have seen are certainly not to code, and they have been joined by announcements about the upcoming 4th activities.  Never mind.

Length or Girth?

Size matter, as the saying goes, so what is your opinion on the monuments?  Is it length (height in this case) or girth?  Neighbor already has dubbed the newly placed "lighthouses" as "Stubby".  I know the monuments are not complete so maybe a wait and see position on the final product is appropriate.  But the City has already jumped the gun and declared it "Art".  Really.  How can that be, you ask?  More tomorrow.

Herpes @ WL?

Big fish kill at Blue Springs Lake, 16,000 carp according to the KC Star.  What happened?  Apparently the koi herpesvirus was the culprit...no it doesn't affect other fish or humans.  It is possible the virus was introduced by someone dumping an aquarium into the lake.  If you need to dispose your now deceased pet fish, try the recommended approach of flushing...and risk clogging your grinder...if you have one.

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The End

The Destruction and Construction of Barry Road comes to a virtual end with the striping late yesterday of the KCMO piece of the project east of East Side and Amity.  Basically four years in the making, does the result make the four year pain in the *** worth it?  For overly patient West Siders I don't know many who think the final product was worth the wait and bother, sure it is pretty and yes there is an extra lane west of Amity.  Speed will be an issue all along the new piece of roadway...just watch KCMO go crazy running radar...drivers beware.

What do you think of the approach going west on Barry at East Side/Amity?  Kind of a weird merge, huh?  If you are in the right lane be on the lookout, that car on your left might be making the merge (to the right) without looking, already happened to me yesterday.  Should be a Body Shop Delight.

Google Me

We were entertaining guests Monday afternoon when a "whoop" went up from the clan bobbing in the cove...I looked up to see the "Google car" making a sweep down Wayland Circle as it shot a street view.  The odd looking car draws attention to itself...a friend had reported it being around in a different part of KC last week.  So, I guess some of our guests will be captured, frozen in time (and digits) floating in "K cove" on a hot summer day @ WL.

google street view car in Israel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Stoned

Well, actually "rocked" would be a better description of the activity at the Venita Access area.  If you haven't been by, on the road or lake, WLIC has initiated stabilization of the shoreline at Venita...similar to what they did at the end of "C" cove.  Power is also being run to lakeside to allow plug-in for dock owners.  The shoreline needed a fix, the pounding, like yesterday's winds, continued to eat away at the shore.  There is still plenty of unprotected shoreline, WLIC and private property around the lake.

Running Around

Me and Bubba did our weekly 10K around the lake on Sunday, a bit warm but hey, it is summer (almost).  If you are interested in a little less aggressive exercise venture this Saturday might have an event you will like, .the "Making a Difference" 5K Walk/Run, right here at WL.  The proceeds benefit the Brandon McPherson Memorial Foundation which provides teaching grants in the area.

Saturday, June 23
Cristhaven Park
9AM
Packet pick-up Friday 3-7 Cristhaven Park.

More Info:
http://www.bluebullshark.com/index.html

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Making Noise

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 5

During the discussion and appointments of the various boards and commissions, the Mayor paused to opine regarding the new airport terminal at MCI, saying "if" then correcting himself to say "when" it is built".  You might recall the plans call for a single terminal positioned to the south of the current complex with the main access being from 152.  The concern of course is the traffic, runoff, etc., that is sure to follow.

Yesterday's KC Star, page 1, highlighted MCI guru Van Loh's plan to scrap that idea and place the new terminal where the current A terminal is located.  Projected cost savings of $500 million and reducing the construction time by years...at least that is his belief.  (the article also noted the fact that many travelers (me for one, think MCI is just fine).

The Airport Information Committee (Often referred to as the "Noise Committee") was commissioned by the Mayor to address the concerns of a few folks here at WL regarding planes flying "out of the box" and buzzing the lake as they depart/land.  They have met a few times over the last number of years, but for the most part are another moribund committee (like Audit) that started with a bang but are now in the and interesting artifact.  The news of the potential change at MCI will leave the committee all dressed up and nowhere to go.

Dud

Mail (Photo credit: Pacdog)

You may have received the flyer yesterday in the mail with information (and solicitation) regarding the 4th of July Fireworks.  Got a call yesterday asking me if I looked at the postage on the envelope...I looked at mine, all normal, 45 cents, First Class mail.  His was $1.05...hmm.  He checked with another resident, hers was 85 cents.  What gives?  Administrative screw-up?  Don't look at the City staff, they didn't do the mailing.  Postal machine gone wild?  Maybe or could it have been operator error...and who was the operator?  Inquiring minds.

English: Fireworks at the celebration of the United States independence day (2009, 4th July) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you looked at the flyer it gave a detailed explanation of what is and is not allowed by City Code in regards to "legal" fireworks.  Alderman Finn very focused on a clamp down on scofflaws who ignore the law...apparently she has a neighbor who is a chronic violator.

Multi-Tasking

Tuesday evening, after a day of delays and cancellations, finally made it to EWR.  After deboarding the plane   I (and a number of fellow passengers) headed to the nearest restroom.  As I hurriedly rounded the corner to take my place at one of the urinals I see and hear a man say, " I love you too, honey", cell in one hand and...well I guess you might imagine what was in the other.  (This is where I would insert a smiley face).

Really.

I didn't know if I should laugh or be disgusted...oh, for the good old days.
   

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Oh well

Between flight delays yesterday because of weather delays in EWR...and early morning meetings just couldn't muster up the time to blog...never fear, mañana.

EAG MTG

A meeting of the Entrance Advisory Group is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, 6:30 pm at City Hall to discuss the current progress and future issues of the Entrance Project

All That Jazz

Email passed along from Beth Moraitis:

"My name is Joel Gordon, and I’m a music major at Truman State University.  I’m back home for the summer living in Weatherby Lake. I’ve put together a jazz band with seventeen of my friends.  All of the musicians are between 17- and 21-years-old. (I myself am 19). We have a concert at Cristhaven Park on Roberts Road in Weatherby Lake this Thursday night from 7 to 8:30.  I’d like to personally extend an invitation to you, your family, and any of the Weatherby Lake Women’s Club that are music lovers.  It’s supposed to be a lovely night; bring chairs and blankets for the lawn! The concert is free and open to all."

Multiple Choice

Speed Limit What??? (Photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik)

This should be an easy one for all the sharp WeatherBeans out there.

What is the speed limit in the vicinity of Barry Road and East Side Drive?

a) 25 mph
b) 35 mph
c) 40 mph
d) 45 mph
e) all the above

Warning...trick question, maybe.

Okay, so you sneaked a peak to see the answer.  The answer, depending on your point of view is...e.  If you are at the corner of Barry on East Side, a right hand turn on Barry is 25 mph, work zone, who knows what it will be after construction.  Straight ahead on Amity, burn rubber it is 40 mph.  Take a left on Barry, although the sign is covered up, I believe it is 35 mph (the south side of the road has both 25 and 35mph signs.  A little further west on Barry it is 45 mph.  As you recall, prior to the conversion of the two lane Barry road and old bridge it was 45 mph.  Ah, the good old days.

Speed enforcement (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One conversation with an informed individual leads me to believe our friends from KCMO will take advantage of the confusion in speed limits to literally cash in (your cash) and conduct numerous "traffic surveillance" exercises...speed traps.  Drivers beware.

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Pole Dancing @ City Hall

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 5

Although the poles have been in place for months, the BOA finally got around to passing a resolution to construct a "Pole Barn" behind City Hall (kind of compliments the new city entrances a short distance away).  Cost "not to exceed $11,000".  A scootch more than originally discussed some months ago, maybe there is a fudge factor built in.  The resolution noted this would be "funds not included in previous passed budget".

English: Pole barn under construction. Former power cable pole being used to construct a new pole barn. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alderman Finn inquired in regards to the pole barn, "What is it for?"  George responded, " to shelter stuff that sits out all the time".  Although not mentioned, I suppose the pole barn could be cleared in the event it needs to be used....

English: Pole dance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

for dancing.    

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Nay

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 5

Committee/Board appointments were considered by the BOA.  FYI, the process is the Mayor appoints, the BOA confirms (or denies) the appointments.  The BOA chose to review the appointments by Commitee/Board, starting with the BZA (Board of Zoning Adjustment).  Current member Mike Mcdermott was up for reappointment as announced by the Mayor.  Jerry asked if there was any discussion...none.  Vote: Finn, Aye, Folkedahl, Aye, Hoy, NAY, DeJong Aye.  Mike reappointed...whoa, what is with the NAY?  What could possibly be the reason why Ms Hoy voted No?  You would have to ask her, because she offered none.  This wasn't the first time she has voted NAY on an appointment.  Last year she voted NAY on the reappointment of Mike Moratz (that would be me) with no explanation either.

Payback?  You bet.  Goes back to a particular BZA hearing that did not go the way of one of her pals (and former campaign treasurer).  Unlike Mary, the members of the BZA did explain their position and why, on the record.  Oh well.

Mary's email "meeting notes" declares, " We approved appointments to all of WL's city boards and commissions". She just omits her vote or reason for the vote on McDermott...so much for accountability.. 

Sign of the Times

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 5

A major chunk of time Tuesday night was spent discussing the current city ordinance regarding signs.  This was precipitated by requests by two homeowners, Starlette McHale and Norm Runyon.  They both appeared at the BOA and stated their issues during Public Comments.  Ms McHale has a unique circumstance caused by the Barry Road redo, real estate signs positioned on the KCMO right of way have been removed (presumably by KCMO officials, leaving her with not many options to advertise her home.  She currently has a large banner hung from her house.  The Runyons dilemma is a bit different, they live basically on a dead end street and their "For Sale" sign cannot be seen from the connecting street.  Thus, after a long and somewhat convoluted discussion, the BOA voted to amend the city ordinance to allow pointer/directional signs (2).  Watch for them to pop up in your neighborhood soon.

This is a continuation of a theme the BOA has embraced in recent years, trying to please everyone without keeping the greater good and majority in mind.  It makes for bad legislation, and bad policy.  The unintended consequences may actually increase the issues of compliance and enforcement...the Police Department and City Attorney can only watch as the BOA plods along.

The BOA is not finished with the issue.  Vic for one sees no reason to have a 15 foot requirement for setback of signs and Mary is right there with him.  All they need is one more vote on the BOA/Mayor and it is a done deal.

There are a number of ways to deal with the problems McHale and Runyon face.  Changing the city ordinance to accommodate them, in my opinion, should be the last option.  

The Greatest Show on Earth

circus circus clown (Photo credit: jessica wilson {jek in the box})

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 5

There weren't any wild animals but plenty of clowns as Ringling, Barnum and Bos settled in for another evening of entertainment.  No admission price...but I guess you get what you pay for.  I left the proceedings at 9:45 PM with the council still in session, muddling through a series of ordinances aimed at awarding contracts for the entrance monument project.  The City Clerk and City Attorney made hurried trips back to the office to make amendments, the hum of the copy machine in the background.  Even Mary wondered aloud whether the written  copies resembled what they were talking about.

The Mayor crowed last month about the record time for the BOA meeting (around 40 minutes), it was not to be last night.  A strong 50 minutes was spent last eve discussing the "sign ordinance" and changes thereto.  Appointments to committees took a bit and a new committee was formed, which, I think you will enjoy...but I digress.  Details to follow in posts to come.

In the meantime George announced the final paving of Barry Road begins today, striping tomorrow and completion and traffic ready by Friday...at least that is the plan.  He didn't specify, but I think he meant the Platte County end of the project beginning at Potomac.   

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Tonight At The BOA

7PM, City Hall, interesting agenda includes:

• Committee appointments
• Discussion of Tax Levy meeting
• Discussion regarding City Code for signs
• Discussion to adopt a beautification and arts policy
• Resolution to build Pole Barn
• More resolutions regarding the entrances

Road Closed

Apparently just a suggestion at this point...Barry and Potomac barricade got creamed sometime Saturday night.  The barricade at Mace was pushed aside (I assume by some impatient resident) this weekend as traffic freely flowed on to Barry.  The natives are restless as Barry Road continues to drag on.  Mass civil disobedience follows (does anybody go 25 or close to that on Barry?).

Word to the wise when traveling Potomac at Barry.  Observe traffic like the barricades are not there...Sunday a pick-up came barreling on Barry from the west, fully expecting he had right of way and going, my estimate 40+, and not even hesitating as he dodged the barricade.

Huge Sale

Eastlake Garage Sales (Photo credit: Eastlaketimes)

Thus read the sign @ Barry and Potomac, indicating the enormity of junk, I mean items, for sale at our house during the garage sale this past weekend.  The traffic was a little disappointing, some garage salers said the "Road Closed" signs on Barry were discouraging.  Nonetheless, lot of our stuff is now your stuff, the ultimate in recycling and capitalism combined...and our dirty little secret goes unnoticed by our friends at the IRS.  Around 4:30PM or so on Friday we were down to one customer and we faced the prospect of packing up and going after it again on Saturday.  Looking at what we had left, not much of value we pondered donating the rest to a charity...when the customer overheard our conversation.  She offered to take the rest off our hands, she was going to have a garage sale herself and sell the stuff...Sold!...I mean Given.  She took every last item, our problem solved.  Off to Garrozzo's for a celebratory carbo load.  

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Head For The Hills

If you are an early riser (5:30AM or so) you could be getting ready for the 39th Annual Hospital Hill Half Marathon.  Start time around 7AM @ Crown Center.  The hills in WL are perfect for training for the event...and so I'll be on the start with a bunch of other folks, young and not so young (just depends on your definition of young).  Bubba can't make it due to travel issues, so it will be solo for me this year...at least it will be cool unlike last year.

Hospital Hill_20110604_0074 (Photo credit: kuminiac)

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"Avoid Wading or Direct Contact"

Today's KC Star
South Lake (OP KS) issued a warning as part of a blue-green advisory for the lake, "noting that people who come in contact with the water should wash and bathe their skin as soon as possible".


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