Wednesday, June 8, 2016
OOgle GOOgle
Just a reminder, @ City Hall tonight, 630PM, Google will be present to update those interested in the soon to be launched construction phase of Fiber. The monthly BOA meeting will follow.
The Empire Strikes Back
Last comment on previous post...two alternates (Hoy/Eckerle), two nominations to the regular seats, two failure to confirm. Why? Failure of the Mayor and some BOA members (Richmond/Stevenson) to be aware of or investigate previous history of the City. It is all there to discover...but one has to perform due diligence...which tends not to be the case in this administration.
THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES
Open comments are never captured in the BOA minutes other than mentioning that an individual made a comment. I raised my hand to comment on the agenda item (appointees) which was held before comments. A summary of my comments, in regards to my not being reappointed to the BZA.
I thanked the City for the opportunity to serve the community the past 13 years as an alderman and member of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning adjustment. I had made my interest in being reappointed to the Mayor and Chair of the BZA, Linda Winters known prior to the meeting as well as board members. The Mayor never responded to my request other than to say thank you for your service...Winters told me to tell the mayor I wanted to serve.
But you know the reason...thus the analogy I used to describe the situation from the fairy tale regarding the emperor...the townspeople saw the emperor had no clothes but chose not to say anything. In my case, Botbyl's actions, or lack, were pure political pay back. I think it is fair to say I have been critical of the Mayor on occasion. I voted NO, on a request by his pal and colleague Alderman Stevenson when Stevenson approached the BZA for a variance...I was not the only NO vote BTW. Thus followed the Stevenson replat mess with the Finn/Clark NO vote and the ensuing controversy, threat by Stevenson to sue Finn/Clark. Nice, huh?
Clark and Finn were up for reelection in April, Botbyl actively supported candidates running against them...citing "fresh ideas". More like packing the Board with sycophants. The voters were smarter than that and both challengers lost. End of story...or is it?
So, Botbyl was able to remove a thorn in his side, me. Best move for the community, I will let you decide. But wait...is the thorn really gone? Temporarily maybe. Alderman Richmond's seat is up next April, the seat that physically sits next to the Mayor. Wouldn't he love to have me sit next to him for the remaining year of his term. I know you don't want to think about next April's elections now...but hold that thought...I am coming.
THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES
Open comments are never captured in the BOA minutes other than mentioning that an individual made a comment. I raised my hand to comment on the agenda item (appointees) which was held before comments. A summary of my comments, in regards to my not being reappointed to the BZA.
I thanked the City for the opportunity to serve the community the past 13 years as an alderman and member of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning adjustment. I had made my interest in being reappointed to the Mayor and Chair of the BZA, Linda Winters known prior to the meeting as well as board members. The Mayor never responded to my request other than to say thank you for your service...Winters told me to tell the mayor I wanted to serve.
But you know the reason...thus the analogy I used to describe the situation from the fairy tale regarding the emperor...the townspeople saw the emperor had no clothes but chose not to say anything. In my case, Botbyl's actions, or lack, were pure political pay back. I think it is fair to say I have been critical of the Mayor on occasion. I voted NO, on a request by his pal and colleague Alderman Stevenson when Stevenson approached the BZA for a variance...I was not the only NO vote BTW. Thus followed the Stevenson replat mess with the Finn/Clark NO vote and the ensuing controversy, threat by Stevenson to sue Finn/Clark. Nice, huh?
Clark and Finn were up for reelection in April, Botbyl actively supported candidates running against them...citing "fresh ideas". More like packing the Board with sycophants. The voters were smarter than that and both challengers lost. End of story...or is it?
So, Botbyl was able to remove a thorn in his side, me. Best move for the community, I will let you decide. But wait...is the thorn really gone? Temporarily maybe. Alderman Richmond's seat is up next April, the seat that physically sits next to the Mayor. Wouldn't he love to have me sit next to him for the remaining year of his term. I know you don't want to think about next April's elections now...but hold that thought...I am coming.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Roberts Does Not Rule
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA, May Meeting
Typically, Boards and Commissions appointments are fairly routine at WL. First, there aren't that many slots to fill at any given time and Second, there isn't this overwhelming clamor from citizens to be part of the process (it is really more like pulling teeth to find good candidates...my apologies to any dentists/hygienists in the group) May is a normal time to do the appointments, terms tend to expire and be filled just after the election in April.
The process is the Mayor nominates, the Council confirms (or you could call it the old advise and consent process). Alderman Clark had made it clear to Mayor Botbyl as earl as February he would like to get the nominee well in advance before considering the vote. The idea being sometimes a nominee could relatively unknown to an alderman. In this case Botbyl sent a list of nominees on Monday prior to the meeting...irritating Clark.
The BZA had a number of openings. One member had left the city, yours truly was non renominated for another term (more on that later) and alternate Hoy had resigned...the Mayor recommended McGovern and alternate Eckerle be named members and Unshield to be an alternate. All good right?
Alderman Clark pointed out there are 3 alternate positions that would be open, according to the city code. Botbyl, deer in the headlights look, was unaware of the City Code language...odd
Motion by Clark to vote individually on each prospective member (this has been done in the past). After a motion, discussion, another motion (not in order) and amended motion and confusing looks on a number of faces...the process proceeded A motion was made to go into close session, apparently to discuss an issue of one the candidates but tied on the table. Motion to consider Eckerle, to move up from the alternate spot failed to gain a second and denied. A truly frustrated Mayor was left with an opening the BZA...
Next...why the Mayor had no clothes...on.
Typically, Boards and Commissions appointments are fairly routine at WL. First, there aren't that many slots to fill at any given time and Second, there isn't this overwhelming clamor from citizens to be part of the process (it is really more like pulling teeth to find good candidates...my apologies to any dentists/hygienists in the group) May is a normal time to do the appointments, terms tend to expire and be filled just after the election in April.
The process is the Mayor nominates, the Council confirms (or you could call it the old advise and consent process). Alderman Clark had made it clear to Mayor Botbyl as earl as February he would like to get the nominee well in advance before considering the vote. The idea being sometimes a nominee could relatively unknown to an alderman. In this case Botbyl sent a list of nominees on Monday prior to the meeting...irritating Clark.
The BZA had a number of openings. One member had left the city, yours truly was non renominated for another term (more on that later) and alternate Hoy had resigned...the Mayor recommended McGovern and alternate Eckerle be named members and Unshield to be an alternate. All good right?
Alderman Clark pointed out there are 3 alternate positions that would be open, according to the city code. Botbyl, deer in the headlights look, was unaware of the City Code language...odd
Motion by Clark to vote individually on each prospective member (this has been done in the past). After a motion, discussion, another motion (not in order) and amended motion and confusing looks on a number of faces...the process proceeded A motion was made to go into close session, apparently to discuss an issue of one the candidates but tied on the table. Motion to consider Eckerle, to move up from the alternate spot failed to gain a second and denied. A truly frustrated Mayor was left with an opening the BZA...
Next...why the Mayor had no clothes...on.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Eye Candy
Not...How long are these signs going to interrupt the beauty of the Lake? Might be a topic for the next BOA meeting coming up. Even more galling is the fact KCMO is taking the liberty of trying to make you feel better for improving the sewer system by "Investing in KC"...with your money. Oh well.
Been a bit remiss since last BOA, I will post a few catch up item from last month in the next two days. Highlights include: skeletons in closets, burying the knife and nakedness...yep, all at the last meeting...in full view. You had to have been there>
Been a bit remiss since last BOA, I will post a few catch up item from last month in the next two days. Highlights include: skeletons in closets, burying the knife and nakedness...yep, all at the last meeting...in full view. You had to have been there>
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