RAYTOWN REPORT

Richard Tush contributing editor Too much signage At last Tuesday night’s Board of Alderman meeting a special issue item was brought before the Board of Alderman regarding replacing an existing billboard with an even larger one. My primary concern is not the proposal of an even larger sign, which by the way I do oppose. It is the missing information that should have been included within the meeting pact. This is not a new issue, but an unfortunate reoccurring theme. Maybe I am wrong, but it seem reasonable to assume that the following should have been included: 1.) Number of billboard signs in the city by size and type. 2.) The specific physical location of each billboard sign. 3.) The specific agreement to the $45,000 that is in Escrow 4.) The specific budget area the funds came from The underlining issue maybe the board needs to provide a set of guidelines of what they expect to be included. This would eliminate the current method of if not ask don’t tell nor do any additional...

Richard Tush contributing editor May 2 nd the city will be hosting its annual community cleanup day from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Super Splashing parking lot. Those wishing to take advantage of this opportunity need to show proof of Raytown residency and pay a corresponding fee for dumping. The timing couldn ’t be better as I am sure I am not the only one suffering spring fever and the desire to clear out some clutter. This also fits in with many individuals posting concerns with the city code enforcement or more so the lack of over the past several weeks. This gives several of the violators a means to dispose of their debris before the city gets motivated to take action. For the fee schedule, please visit http://www.raytown.mo.us/vertical/Sites/%7B418C71C3-E397-4C87-B464-C498EC8900F9%7D/uploads/%7B39D5E241-4054-4A51-9A7B-FADF144C6025%7D.PDF Before any of us jump to pass judgement on our fellow residence for their violations, we need to look at what the city is doing with city ...

The extremely high number of page loads, visitors and posters on this page has shown there is a real need for this blog in Raytown. With that in mind I am pleased to announce that I am taking in some partners to help cover the goings on at Raytown City Hall. Since I am no longer a member of that body my photograph will no longer be shown on the front page. Instead, the blog will continue as a group effort of three individuals who have chosen not to announce their identities at this time. Kansas City Star Ranks Raytown Second Highest in Sales Tax When voters in Raytown approved the half cent sales tax hike last Tuesday they raised Raytown’s status to a new level in the metropolitan area. According to the lead editorial in the Star, Raytown’s sales tax (effective, October 1) will be 8.1%. The rate is second only to Belton which posted a sales tax of 8.225%. In special taxing districts Raytown places first with the new Walmart under development on 350 Highway (for a sample of that tax r...

My computer had a major melt-down this weekend so I was unable to place the posts until this morning. The machine was only 18 years old -- I guess they don't build 'em like they used to. So, here is my very short post for this week. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7th, is election day. Please remember to vote. I should be up and running with a new computer by the end of day Tuesday. So, check out this page for the results of this election.