The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 8
Be Advised...the April BOA will be held tonight, versus, Wednesday night, the Mayor will be out of town.
During Mayor's Comments, and after his apology, Mr Botbyl recited a litany of "accomplishments" during his reign, a bit unusual, but then many things about this Mayor are not usual. It wasn't a state of the city speech, more like I'm So Pretty. In any event, he did mention one item that needs to be addressed, but won't, at least this year, and maybe next, paving of roads in the City. If you have walked or biked on the streets I am sure you are aware of the poor condition of some streets and the deterioration of others. We do have some funds available from Road Taxes at the county. His reason for no action? Well, we are waiting on the construction of of the sewer lift stations by KCMO and don't want to tear up the streets. Hmmm. Let's see. The lift stations are at U and O Coves, construction access could be limited to Barry to both sites, leaving the rest of the City available for some road work.
In the current issue of Weatherby Lake Living, Botbyl remarks, "Several residents have asked about repaving our roads". "I think it would be prudent to hold off this effort until Kansas City concludes the construction of the two new Waste Water Lift Stations". What he doesn't say is when that project will begin...or end. Ask Alderman Richmond, who is point for the City part of the project, he will tell you, in a word, how the planning is going...Frustrating. But then this is KCMO, right?
A classic example of kicking the can down the road.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Apology X 2
Back to the business of reporting the highlights of the last BOA...
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 8
The meeting did not start on time, the result of Closed Session which began at 6:30 and went on well past the appointed 7PM start time for the BOA meeting. (FYI, Closed Sessions are shielded from attendance by the public, and must have specific reasons cited to be Closed, as described in the Missouri Code.) Chief Gary was visible through the windows on the door, presumably the Aldermen, Mayor and City Attorney were in attendance as well. The few attendees from the public were able to sit in the City Office while awaiting the end of the session. It is quite unusual for a Closed Session to begin prior to the BOA, almost often if they are held it is after the Public business has been conducted. Kind of rude to let those waiting for the BOA to make them cool their heels.
Heels duly cooled, we were eventually allowed to enter the Hall for the BOA meeting. The Mayor began by issuing an apology for starting the meeting "a few minutes late" (actually my watch had 20 minutes). Apology#1
Apology #2 was really odd. It came during the section, "Comments from Aldermen". When it was Brian Stevenson's turn, he said he wanted to make a "public apology" to Aldermen Finn and Clark. The apology was about an email he had sent to them "about a year ago". You might recall there was quite a controversy regarding Stevenson's quest for a replat of three fishing lots, which eventually came to a vote for the BOA, Finn and Clark voted no. Stevenson lawyered up, threatened to sue the City, Finn and Clark relented, a revote and Stevenson got his wish. Following this? During the pushback regarding their vote (Finn/Clark) Stevenson sent an email (with a long cc list) exhibiting his unhappiness. In any event, time heals all wounds, Stevenson is building his house, and I guess his last gesture to his colleagues was to kiss and make up...well not kiss...and not sure about making up...whatever.
The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
March 8
The meeting did not start on time, the result of Closed Session which began at 6:30 and went on well past the appointed 7PM start time for the BOA meeting. (FYI, Closed Sessions are shielded from attendance by the public, and must have specific reasons cited to be Closed, as described in the Missouri Code.) Chief Gary was visible through the windows on the door, presumably the Aldermen, Mayor and City Attorney were in attendance as well. The few attendees from the public were able to sit in the City Office while awaiting the end of the session. It is quite unusual for a Closed Session to begin prior to the BOA, almost often if they are held it is after the Public business has been conducted. Kind of rude to let those waiting for the BOA to make them cool their heels.
Heels duly cooled, we were eventually allowed to enter the Hall for the BOA meeting. The Mayor began by issuing an apology for starting the meeting "a few minutes late" (actually my watch had 20 minutes). Apology#1
Apology #2 was really odd. It came during the section, "Comments from Aldermen". When it was Brian Stevenson's turn, he said he wanted to make a "public apology" to Aldermen Finn and Clark. The apology was about an email he had sent to them "about a year ago". You might recall there was quite a controversy regarding Stevenson's quest for a replat of three fishing lots, which eventually came to a vote for the BOA, Finn and Clark voted no. Stevenson lawyered up, threatened to sue the City, Finn and Clark relented, a revote and Stevenson got his wish. Following this? During the pushback regarding their vote (Finn/Clark) Stevenson sent an email (with a long cc list) exhibiting his unhappiness. In any event, time heals all wounds, Stevenson is building his house, and I guess his last gesture to his colleagues was to kiss and make up...well not kiss...and not sure about making up...whatever.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Footer, Not By A Shoo-In
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
Election Results:
Both sides of the Lake, non-campaign candidates barely missed winning the race.
East Side
Footer-98
Surma-90
Although she told the Star she "no longer wanted to be considered" there were enough FOB (Friends of Botyl) and Stevenson associates that wanted her considered. In any event, Botbyl lost his automatic tie breaker with the retirement of Stevenson and the election of Footer. Let's hope the Mayor is paying attention.
West Side
Richmond 126
Berglund 112
Another head scratcher as neither waged an active campaign, one would think the incumbent wins in a landslide...not so. Matter of fact a handful of Richmond voters vote the other way and he would be out. I count Richmond as still in the FOB camp...but it is apparent at recent BOA meetings, Mr Richmond might be growing tired of Botbyl's antics. We shall see.
Election Results:
Both sides of the Lake, non-campaign candidates barely missed winning the race.
East Side
Footer-98
Surma-90
Although she told the Star she "no longer wanted to be considered" there were enough FOB (Friends of Botyl) and Stevenson associates that wanted her considered. In any event, Botbyl lost his automatic tie breaker with the retirement of Stevenson and the election of Footer. Let's hope the Mayor is paying attention.
West Side
Richmond 126
Berglund 112
Another head scratcher as neither waged an active campaign, one would think the incumbent wins in a landslide...not so. Matter of fact a handful of Richmond voters vote the other way and he would be out. I count Richmond as still in the FOB camp...but it is apparent at recent BOA meetings, Mr Richmond might be growing tired of Botbyl's antics. We shall see.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Sign (or lack thereof) of the Times.
First time ever, for me, not to see election signs for City candidates...I like it. With the exception of some School Board signs the City is clean as a whistle, could it be signs are passe'? It used to be fast and furious with signs...then the police had to police how close they could be to the road, all in all a pain in the a#@. The same holds true for the past presidential election with some exceptions, relatively few signs (I had more than a few folks suggest to me the reason is nobody wanted to broadcast their support for either candidate...hmmm, maybe).
Hope you voted today.
Hope you voted today.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Other Election Issues
The only other prominent ballot issue is the proposed "no tax" bond issue being proposed by the Park Hill School District. We have supported the bond issues in the past although I thought the last prop was a bit of a stretch. The current proposal should pass, in large part because there really isn't any organized opposition to the measure. If you read the pro literature that has been mailed out...carefully...the evidence to support the needs going forward is sketchy to say the least. Not sure if the District needs to get into the housing of school buses...not sure of funding for a building in case we need a new high school.
I am struggling to muster a Yes vote for the bond issue...as noted by media outlets, the Park Hill bond issue is the largest in the area. Which leads me to voting for School Board candidates. Do I really want to vote for incumbents who put the bond issue together...again, hard for me to blacken the dot next to their names.
Another bond issue that could be in trouble, KCMO's three proposals for "infrastructure". Plenty of push back from the East side community. You might have received the magazine "KCMOre" in the mail, the "KCMO Resident Engagement Magazine". Not that we could vote, but nice that Sly would keep us up do date on Kansas City affairs. Could you really trust someone who goes by the name Sly? Just thinkin.
I am struggling to muster a Yes vote for the bond issue...as noted by media outlets, the Park Hill bond issue is the largest in the area. Which leads me to voting for School Board candidates. Do I really want to vote for incumbents who put the bond issue together...again, hard for me to blacken the dot next to their names.
Another bond issue that could be in trouble, KCMO's three proposals for "infrastructure". Plenty of push back from the East side community. You might have received the magazine "KCMOre" in the mail, the "KCMO Resident Engagement Magazine". Not that we could vote, but nice that Sly would keep us up do date on Kansas City affairs. Could you really trust someone who goes by the name Sly? Just thinkin.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
East Siders Only
Same drill, West Siders can be clandestine participants.
The ballot for East Siders next Tuesday will have two candidates for Alderman, De Surma and Rick Footer.
De
2nd time on the ballot, she had a failed attempt last year to unseat Tanya Finn. It was a contentious battle, with former Mayor Jerry Bos giving an endorsement to Finn in the last week of the campaign, much to the chagrin of Surma and Botbyl I am sure. Surma filed first for this election and I understand she had second thoughts as Footer filed for the seat as well. The Star, in their election mag says, "candidate De Surma no longer wants to be considered".
Rick
A member of what I describe as the new demographic to WL. Young (well compared to me) with school age kids, nice family. If you are on the East Side you should have received his campaign brochure (nicely done). If you didn't receive it or didn't read it, a quick recap:
The ballot for East Siders next Tuesday will have two candidates for Alderman, De Surma and Rick Footer.
De
2nd time on the ballot, she had a failed attempt last year to unseat Tanya Finn. It was a contentious battle, with former Mayor Jerry Bos giving an endorsement to Finn in the last week of the campaign, much to the chagrin of Surma and Botbyl I am sure. Surma filed first for this election and I understand she had second thoughts as Footer filed for the seat as well. The Star, in their election mag says, "candidate De Surma no longer wants to be considered".
Rick
A member of what I describe as the new demographic to WL. Young (well compared to me) with school age kids, nice family. If you are on the East Side you should have received his campaign brochure (nicely done). If you didn't receive it or didn't read it, a quick recap:
- He and his family (wife Ashley and four children) have lived here since 2012
- 20 years work experience n asset management, brokerage and consulting
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickfooter/
- A member of a number of WL clubs
- You might recognize Ashley's name, she resurrected the Kids Club and more with Weatherby Lake Families
- Rick is a notary public (he can notarize documents for you at no charge.
Rick has been to a number of recent Board of Aldermen (BOA) meetings, and has observed how things work (or not).
I highly recommend a vote for Rick. I have talked with him a number of times, I love his enthusiasm and energy, something this Board is in sore need. I believe his election, along with Dan on the West Side give our Board perfect balance...two new faces along with the experience and wisdom of Board veterans Finn and Clark.
A year ago Mayor Botbyl wanted "new faces" on the Board...a little late, but I think he is going to get his wish.
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