tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post241340866933273824..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Sewer Rates / Light Rail / The Public's Right to KnowGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60378866319056293682017-10-05T08:38:53.857-05:002017-10-05T08:38:53.857-05:00I totally agree about Raytown Residents getting ri...I totally agree about Raytown Residents getting ripped off on Sewer/Water! But when you don't have it and are still being billed for it is a real rip off and the other BIG RIP OFF IS the reason you don't have it is because of outstanding bill from a deceased relative and my husband is disabled!! So I think someone needs to really look into the finances of the City of Raytown and really on how they DON'T CARE about their residents it's about how much money they can rip off of their residents and put in someone pocket! And to stoop low enough to make a disabled man and his family do without running WATER and try to condemn his house for a deceased relatives sewer bill is stooping pretty low in my book! City of Raytown you need to get your priorities straight residents first yes men last including you Mr. Mayor who thinks people that break the law don't get water! But they didn't break the law or it was a invisible charge! Until the right caring people get in our chairs for the City of Raytown we might as well put your house for sell cause we the residents are SCREWED!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13190048589851880072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-82600112559554993132008-06-28T23:51:00.000-05:002008-06-28T23:51:00.000-05:00Why doesn't everybody call the water company and a...Why doesn't everybody call the water company and ask the rate?<BR/><BR/>I received my Raytown Water Company bill. I seems high because they don't itemize. I was told that I sould know the rate because they mailed a letter when the rate went up. If they did I certainally don't remember it. The rate is $5.48 per 1000 gallons + slightly over $7 service charge + 23 cents for state clean water called a premacy fee + tax. I told them that they should itemize as the electric and gas do. The previous month my bill was $11.89 for 1000 gallons giving me the feeling that was the rate since they don't itemize. An itemized bill should be required. Next month, I will ask for the owner and after that I go to the PUC if there are no results.<BR/><BR/>I know nothing about Dist 2--only Raytown water company where I get my water. It seems to me that a phone call should get an answer.<BR/><BR/>If you are wondering why my bill is only 1000 gallons for one month, I don't waste money watering the yard. You have to be rich to water a yard. Besides that, there is enough humidity and dew at night to keep it moist. It is wet every night when I take Red Dogg out. It certainally isn't worth $200 a month to me to water so I will have to pay to have it mowed more often. <BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-90339181099431838792008-06-28T17:27:00.000-05:002008-06-28T17:27:00.000-05:00Lee's Summit family of four, sewer and water are r...Lee's Summit family of four, sewer and water are running around $50 a month for both. I think you Raytowner's are getting ripped off between your city sewer and Water District #2.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-70223100081210689812008-06-28T16:53:00.000-05:002008-06-28T16:53:00.000-05:00Mine was for 23 thousand gallons and it was 152.72...Mine was for 23 thousand gallons and it was 152.72 that was with hardly any outside watering because of all the rain lately. Normally with having to water plants and the lawn it is easily over 200.00 during this time period. Their water rates are definately too high.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-59601670065172862702008-06-28T14:47:00.000-05:002008-06-28T14:47:00.000-05:00Just received my water bill from Public Water Dist...Just received my water bill from Public Water District #2. Is anyone else having a high water bill? Can't believe with no outside watering that bills are this high. Cheaper to buy water in Lee's Summit. Also noted on their web sight that they do not list the elected members of this board. Wonder why? Maybe it's time for some new faces on the board of Public Water District #2. What do some of you others think? Need some answers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-9858389261214903792008-06-27T23:44:00.000-05:002008-06-27T23:44:00.000-05:00It was stated in the business section of the KC Re...It was stated in the business section of the KC Red Star that Walmart cut back on capital expenditures due to the poor ecomony. They already have a location on I-70. I don't expect them to start construction in the near future. My prediction was NEVER.<BR/><BR/>I wonder if the city has a clause in the TIF to protect the city encase Walmart defaults or backs out?<BR/><BR/>By the way, Walmart stock is up. They do well in a poor economy. I don't understand why. I went to Walmart last week for some only at Walmart kind of items. I checked Alpo canned dog food 13.2 oz. 58c at Walmart or 2 for $1 at Hy-Vee. I bought it at Hy-Vee. Generally I see very few items cheaper at Walmart. I wonder how they get business? Boy are people fooled if they think things are cheaper!<BR/><BR/>I don't get the Tribune. From what the Salamander says, they write science fiction.<BR/><BR/>I know Greg pays attention to the blog, but I wonder who else in city government pays attention to it?<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7511998376270491572008-06-27T21:51:00.000-05:002008-06-27T21:51:00.000-05:00Was your father Ann Richards? That Texas governor ...Was your father Ann Richards? That Texas governor said: This dog won't hunt.<BR/>Sorry Sally (Salamander)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53670892140153087252008-06-27T18:09:00.000-05:002008-06-27T18:09:00.000-05:00Greetings From the SalamanderThe new WalMart Cente...Greetings From the Salamander<BR/><BR/>The new WalMart Center:<BR/> <BR/>Everything’s up-to-date in Raytown. That’s what we’re being told by the Raytown Tribune. <BR/>According to the Tribune we should all just sit back and watch Walmart rise from the ashes of blight as about-to-begin construction incubates the New Raytown.<BR/><BR/>The scenario of what will happen once earthis turned for the New Walmart is incredible. It is majestic. It will surely rival the ancient Seven Wonders of the World.<BR/>Month-after-month the beat crescends on. Time and again we are regaled with glowing descriptions of how<BR/>“everything is falling into place.”<BR/><BR/>We are then told that all left is do is acquire another two or three dozen permits, hire a few more planners, have some more meetings, re-study architect plans. Oh, yes, it will speed things up if the Chiefs have a winning season.<BR/>When are those people in city hall going to wake up?<BR/><BR/>How long is this charade going to continue? Do they really think a successful company such as Walmart operates in this manner? Walmart did not become the largest retailer in the world by not planning the most minute move in detail.<BR/><BR/>If the Walmart project is to ever materialize there has to be a starting date; a deadline, at least some sort of target to shoot for if you hope to accomplish an end to any major endeavor.<BR/><BR/>Not Raytown, however. Not if you have a mayor who won’t pull his head out of the sand; a leader who publicly agrees with the senseless blabbering about waiting for this and that permit or the results of a study or a government handout.<BR/>The Salamander can only wonder if his honor’s employer operates in the manner as does our city.<BR/>Perhaps your correspondent is being overly impatient.<BR/><BR/>Maybe he should sit quietly and wait until Walmart gets rolling, the Baptist Church comes down. (It has only been seven years, folks), the school board gets its telephone lines hooked up and, we can only pray, the Chiefs have a winning season.<BR/><BR/>Something is amiss is my conclusion. As my daddy used to say, “this dog ain’t gonna hunt.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-25353528431786147592008-06-27T17:53:00.000-05:002008-06-27T17:53:00.000-05:00trust me, they don't ignore the blog.trust me, they don't ignore the blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-16621662387351101072008-06-27T11:14:00.000-05:002008-06-27T11:14:00.000-05:00Andy, these idiots at city hall won't listen to yo...Andy, these idiots at city hall won't listen to you even if you do put them in writing. They can choose to ignore the blog, but that doesn't make what we're saying any less truthful. Only FOOLS ignore true citizens complaints.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39927671297753985902008-06-27T11:01:00.000-05:002008-06-27T11:01:00.000-05:00To those commenting on paid out of town vacations ...To those commenting on paid out of town vacations for city employees, sewer billing, and any other matters of importance to you; please put your opinions and suggestions in writing and snail mail or email to your Alderman, Mayor, or other official.<BR/><BR/>There is a BOA meeting on Tuesday. Since the paid vacation issue came up at the last meeting, I have a few things to say. <BR/><BR/>I was told that blog comments are not considered by the city. I understand that not everyone has the time to go to board meetings but you can email or snail mail your representatives or call them. Of course you will not be anonymous.<BR/><BR/>PS. I think an email will take about as long as a blog post.<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-8336042225163667812008-06-27T10:17:00.000-05:002008-06-27T10:17:00.000-05:00I will say this much. The city is not in the sewer...I will say this much. The city is not in the sewer business. The LBVSD (Little Blue Valley Sewer District) is the entity that has to operate and deal with the raw sewage that comes from Raytown and several other Eastern and Southern Jackson County communities as well as a few communities in Cass County. They are the ones who set the rates for what each City has to pay according to the amount of sewage flow from these communities. the residents are the end users, the Cities are the middlemen handling the billing and money taken in, and forwarding said funds to the LBVSD probably minus a fee for personel to process the payments and mailing costs I suspect. With costs of electricity, water, and their overhead rising including workers wages at the LBVSD sewage tratment facility, plus the costs for the construction work to expand the processing capacity of the existing plant in Atherton.<BR/><BR/>Someone has to pay for this. I realize that. But I do not believe that it is fair to base it on ones average winter water usage using the 'what goes in must come out' theroy. The two meter system Andy mentioned would be by far a more accurate, and fair system for all, and would actually not penalize one for garden and lawn watering, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools and hot tubs. And, the water companies could offer a reduced rate for the lawn watering water, and combine both meters onto one bill. Sewer billing would remain the same, only slightly cheaper per user.sparkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04867447880649690988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-63156815307701064582008-06-27T09:25:00.000-05:002008-06-27T09:25:00.000-05:00I think the point of anonymous June 26, 2008 3:23 ...I think the point of anonymous June 26, 2008 3:23 PM is that there is money being wasted on out of town trips that are nothing more than vacations at taxpayer's expense. When the city can show attempts to save me money, then I would show acceptance to a sewer rate increase.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-85865512445726849482008-06-27T06:48:00.000-05:002008-06-27T06:48:00.000-05:00As usual, some of you have it all wrong. Some of u...As usual, some of you have it all wrong. Some of us do not do Starbucks or the coffee shops, so we dont spend 40-50 dollars on coffee, and we do not have cable tv, which also saves 80-100 dollars a month, and we do not have sattelite tv either. But we would like to save some money in the area of the sewer bill. I think that the dual water meter system, one for outside watering and one for house usage like laundry, kitchen, and bath would be the way to go instead of the system that they have now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-29517053319196763912008-06-26T22:31:00.000-05:002008-06-26T22:31:00.000-05:00What planet are you living on? Who can afford $4...What planet are you living on? Who can afford $40 a week for coffee? You sound like one of our "out of touch" city officials.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-21611912022122584012008-06-26T21:52:00.000-05:002008-06-26T21:52:00.000-05:00I'd like to know where you think you could move wh...I'd like to know where you think you could move where City Department heads are paid less? And your finance director had really nothing to do with the increase in sewer rates, that was sealed by the public when they voted to stop ignoring the aging sewers, and start fixing them. <BR/>What is really sad is that people complain about $30 or $40 a month for sewer (which in reality for your overal quality of life is cheap) but they will pay $80-$100 a month for cable (which is not necissary). Heck $40 is only like $10 Starbucks, that's a week for some people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-19506553002070758912008-06-26T15:23:00.000-05:002008-06-26T15:23:00.000-05:00The City has no ideal how much water/sewer usage y...The City has no ideal how much water/sewer usage you have. They only care about how many dollars does it take to pay all these high price department heads who take out of town vacations to exotic places and cover it up as training.<BR/>Take the new Finance Director, here less than 8 months and the city paid for a "conference" for him to attend in Florida. Now that's a bunch of BS. Thank him, the new City Finance Dirctor, for raising our sewer bills on his City paid family vacation to sunny Florida. Did'nt see that in the press did you? <BR/><BR/>Just look at the over paid, self important people on the payroll at City hall and the School District. <BR/><BR/>Better move while you can get a little for your devalued property, because City hall has flushed us down the toliet drain and increased the sewer rate to do it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39784232428980372792008-06-26T11:40:00.000-05:002008-06-26T11:40:00.000-05:00I don't understand the Anonymous who said somethin...I don't understand the Anonymous who said something about quarterly meter readings. Maybe the other water dept. does that but the meters of Raytown Water Company are read MONTHLY. Sometimes it may extend to 5 or 6 weeks because of weather of staff problems. My complaint is when a winter will was much monger than a month.<BR/><BR/>I suggested sewer meters to a Public Works person and was told it is possible but the problem would be when the meters were blocked as sewer lines get blocked. Yes, it would be expensive but it could be required on new construction and optional to those property owners who want to install one.<BR/><BR/>At one time Albuquerque, NM had 2 water meters for some residences. One for home use and one for lawn use. That was because long ago, there was a much lower water rate for lawn use. Maybe the 2 water meter system would be a more accurate measurement of sewer useage. Could be required in new construction and optional for those who want to replumb.<BR/><BR/>Since businesses are billed for actual water use as sewer use (not using winter averages), I question What about:<BR/>1) business watering landscaping required by the city? This water is not going down the sewer.<BR/>2) business using water in manufacturing process?<BR/>3) business tanking water off premises such as lawn care companies, or employee drinking water?<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-83189572559934381272008-06-26T08:44:00.000-05:002008-06-26T08:44:00.000-05:00Qualifications, Honesty, Knowledge, Common sense a...Qualifications, Honesty, Knowledge, Common sense and <BR/>Compassion are all that is needed in my opinion, to be a great <BR/>elected official. One that thinks more of the people and town<BR/>than how they look on TV or what monuments they can attach<BR/>their names to.<BR/>Democrat or Republican shouldn't make any difference in running<BR/>a small town government like Raytown's.<BR/><BR/>"Gateway" projects with their pillar monuments don't fix the streets.<BR/>Losing businesses everyday should never happen in Raytown.<BR/>Paying the wealthiest company in the world to come into town by<BR/>giving up a large percent the cities income should never have <BR/>happened either.<BR/>I don't know if people realize it but, I've been told, that tax giveaway will build the <BR/>building for this company so they will actually have no or little cost to be here. In essence welfare for a multi billion dollar company given<BR/>by one of the smallest towns in the area. Don't think for a second that the<BR/>new school building on 350hwy. is free either.<BR/><BR/>Trying to run businesses out of town should not be tolerated.<BR/>Unreasonable, codes or spur of the moment rules along with enforcing<BR/>codes on one and the same not on others are an embarrassment to the community.<BR/>Spending time on a commuter rail system while the town is<BR/>literally crumbling around us doesn't seem right either. <BR/><BR/>It just seems that City Hall cares more about trains, smoking rules<BR/>and raising taxes than the real problems that face this town.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60523367291654314652008-06-26T06:45:00.000-05:002008-06-26T06:45:00.000-05:00They assume that what goes in must come out and th...They assume that what goes in must come out and they are wrong!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-1571009865282875052008-06-26T06:42:00.000-05:002008-06-26T06:42:00.000-05:00That is really not a fair way of dealing with sewe...That is really not a fair way of dealing with sewer use costs, especially if one is on a septic system, and waters a lot of plants and grass, whereas it is absorbed into the soil and does not runoff into the storm sewer.<BR/><BR/>Even though they feel that the winter average is the best way to bill users for sewer usage it really is inaccurate. Like I have said, how can they break down whether you are watering plants, washing vehicles, filling up pools, and using that water to water plants, and it gets absorbed into the ground or evaporates? I feel that some bills would be half as much if they took those factors into account.<BR/><BR/>I also understand that we have to pay for the LBVSD Improvements and upgrades at Atherton, as do other participating communities. As it is right now I have to pay around $660.00 a year for the sewer because of the 'winter average'. That is a bunch of $%&#!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-80584488092307632562008-06-26T01:02:00.000-05:002008-06-26T01:02:00.000-05:00Actually Andy it is based on a 60 month rolling av...Actually Andy it is based on a 60 month rolling average, so it potentially moves quarterly (when the meters are read). And with you thinking, you could have say 1 customer that accounts for 1% of all sewer, and you would be willing to pay the same as them? Not likely. The only real accurate way would be to dig up everyone's sewer line, put a meter on it and read it monthly. Not sure what all that would cost, plus the manpower to read them. But hey at least you would only be billed for what your house delivers to the sewer system. Now when it rains and your groundwater connection puts extra water in for a couple of weeks, and you are charged for that water, cause you now have a meter that measures it, you'll really miss that 4 month winter average water bill.<BR/><BR/>It would be interesting to see what other cities do. And also, how rates will be effected when Kansas City has to start building their $2 Billion+ improvements, that will hit the rates they charge Raytown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-65107499316634127672008-06-25T23:26:00.000-05:002008-06-25T23:26:00.000-05:00I will point out also that depending on when the w...I will point out also that depending on when the water meter is read, the reading may actually be October's usage. If the reading is the first week of November, it is actually ALL October usage. My meter is read about mid month so actually my November bill includes 1/2 of October's usage.<BR/><BR/>I have seen a neighbor watering her lawn in December and January. I don't waste money watering lawns, but have watered my roses in December and January. I am not going to debate global warming. I will just say that it was warmer than normal.<BR/><BR/>Actually, for various reasons, I feel that I have more sewer usage in the summer than winter. Is billing for winter usage fair?<BR/><BR/>The Finance Director said the City pays a fixed price for sewer processing. Assuming his statement is correct, wouldn't it be more logical to divide the city's costs by the number of sewer users and bill a flat rate. My bill would be higher, but I don't understand why we are billed for estimated usage when the city has a fixed cost.<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53826855195688809602008-06-25T22:20:00.000-05:002008-06-25T22:20:00.000-05:00I realize there are legitimate arguments on either...I realize there are legitimate arguments on either side of the global warming theory or theories. <BR/><BR/>My point in the article is that November is not really a winter month. People still use water for outdoor purposes. Those who take the care to beautify their lawns or grown their own vegetables are in effect, penalized for their practices.<BR/><BR/>The calendar only has 12 months. The city should recognize this and use true winter averages to estimate sewer bills.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-842494361699695252008-06-25T12:57:00.000-05:002008-06-25T12:57:00.000-05:00Andy, you haven't lived in this town very long. I...Andy, you haven't lived in this town very long. I can tell you almost anyone's politics. They are elected as non-partisan, but they all have ties to a political party. That's what happens from being here too long. Not assumptions, FACTS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com