tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post5985621948532756441..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: In This Week's Raytown ReportGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7111588528770368212010-02-09T17:07:05.196-06:002010-02-09T17:07:05.196-06:00Andy, the school levy isn't what is hurting Ra...Andy, the school levy isn't what is hurting Raytown home sales. For what it's worth, Raytown C-II levy is 6.1992. My other home is in Platte City, and Platte County R-IIIs levy is 4.193. But dollar wise I pay a lot more to PC R-III. Overall in Raytown I'm taxed 9.0754 on real property and in Platte City it is 7.1489. But due to property values I pay nearly twice the $$$ to Platte County.<br /><br />As much as anything, Raytown is not the place to be in the metro right now. People are looking at JoCo, Blue Springs, Clay and Platte counties. Basically anywhere on the fringe of the metro. I won't repeat what my coworkers in JoCo said when they asked why I bought my house in Raytown, but it wasn't complimentary. And they would have felt the same for most of Jackson County. It's about image. As far as home values, look at all the foreclosures in Jackson County. That is why you can't sell your house for a decent price. I paid half of what Jackson County listed as market value for my house. And now, they say that market value is $10,000 less than it was a year ago.<br /><br />Raytown still thinks of itself as a suburb. Maybe instead they should look for a developer to build multi-storey residential downtown. Then turn the rest of the area into small shops (ala Zona Rosa), and bring public transportation into the area. Develop it as the urban area that it has become.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02341341227725640999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7299617004591898702010-02-06T22:28:43.546-06:002010-02-06T22:28:43.546-06:00As I predicted, prices at Walmart went up. Gorton...As I predicted, prices at Walmart went up. Gortons products are more expensive than Hy-Vee and about the same as Hen House. Marie Calendars frozen meals are cheap. Iams dog food is about the same as Hen House. There is a savings on some items but it depends what you want. People expect lower prices from Walmart but this isn't always true.<br /><br />Isn't it great that the taxpayers footed the bill for Walmart to come here and have a higher TIF sales tax, and now we are greeted with higher prices than Raytown merchants?<br /><br />After that I went to Arby's and got a FREE beef and cheddar. They publish an URL to take a survey on the receipts. Complete the survey and get a free Arby's! They also offer 5 regular Arby's for $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12127693022578033182010-02-06T10:28:30.911-06:002010-02-06T10:28:30.911-06:00Lee makes a good point about school bus safety tha...Lee makes a good point about school bus safety that I can't disagree with, but as I said school bus use should be cut back unless really required by distance. What happened to the use of one's two feet, bicycles, etc? Some districts are charging for riding the school bus. Raytown should do the same unless it is a real distance issue.<br /><br />Those riding the bus to various activities should pay for the cost, not the taxpayers. These are recreational and/or elective uses so let the riders pay. Back to the 3 R's. All the district should provide is the classes leading to a High School dipolma. There should be a fee on anything else so the taxpayers aren't paying. School taxes take up 69% of our property taxes and are driving people into the poor house. I think the school taxes have an effect on the non-marketability of Raytown homes hence declining properety values when prospective buyers check what their tax bill will be.<br /><br />Andy Whiteman<br /><br />PS. We are in for heavy snows and really cold weather so please drive safely and keep an eye on your neighbors who may need assistance.Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-48125190671963379562010-02-06T01:00:07.358-06:002010-02-06T01:00:07.358-06:00Comparing trash trucks to school buses isn't a...Comparing trash trucks to school buses isn't a very good comparison when considering stress on roads. Trash trucks are considerably heavier than school buses. A retired trash hauler once told me that every trash truck with a single rear axle was over weight, empty, just from the weight of the box. A loaded trash truck can be carrying a lot of weight. Chances are, trucks like Deffenbaugh uses are specced with a 12,000 front axle and 38,000 tandems. There's not a bus on the road rated at 50,000 lbs. Weight per axle, trash trucks are like semis driving up and down our streets daily. Another consideration is that school buses are held to a much higher maintenance standard than any fleet truck. In a former life I drove fleet trucks daily that would have been black flagged at any commercial vehicle checkpoint. Those kinds of fleets are still out there, you've seen them.<br /><br />As far as the school district having new buses in their fleet this year. I know than many would consider safe buses a pretty high priority. Maintenance costs rise on older equipment, safety can be affected, and just like cars newer models have improved safety features and fuel economy. There are plenty of other places to save money that won't put students at risk.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02341341227725640999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-30381203181059589152010-02-05T10:35:55.756-06:002010-02-05T10:35:55.756-06:00What irks me is a see numerous empty school busses...What irks me is a see numerous empty school busses going down Willow. Maybe they are going from the bus barn to whatever school they need to pick up kids. To me it is worse than more than one trash truck going down the street. Some BOA members say trash trucks are ruining the streets. What about school buses? <br /><br />What bothers me even more is even more school busses going down Willow for events at RHS. Taxpayers are paying for this (with the exception of one school board member). If the kids want to go to these events, they should pay the cost of the bus and not the taxpayers. Back to the 3 R's. Events are totally unrelated to getting a HS dipolma.<br /><br />I feel that the school bus program could be cut back. What happened to walking? I either walked or rode my bicycle 3/4 mile to Junior High and over a mile to HS. The exercise sure didn't hurt me and I got to know the neighborhood.<br /><br />I heard on the news of one lady in Hickman Mills who had to pay something like $148 or $184 so her child could ride the bus. Raytown should charge for riding school busses unless there is a great distance involved. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-81872470315918347882010-02-05T09:00:02.700-06:002010-02-05T09:00:02.700-06:00I also am not sorry that the city attorney is leav...I also am not sorry that the city attorney is leaving. She seems to have trouble getting things done that she is asked to do. But I do not believe that she is the cause of our codes problems. You must and I mean must lay that problem directly into the lap of Mayor Bower and Beth Linn, Community Development Dept. head. If you don't make your employees do their jobs that's is exactly where the buck stops.<br /><br />As for the new ordinance regarding vacant houses. It sounds good but If they don't enforce what we have on the books now why would we think that one is going to be enforced? Good luck on that one.<br /><br />There are so many people in this city that do not know what is actually going on at city hall. There is no reliable news paper and the K.C. Star does not give a ---- about Raytown. We need to find a way to get out to the rest of the city just what goes now at city hall. Maybe then we could actually get rid of that incompetent group that is running city hall. To bad Greg can't find a way to get this website to more people. Work on that Greg. I do believe that if more people knew they would be ashamed they voted for that pretty boy for mayor as I am I'm sorry to say. It won't happen again you can count on that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-34374629614393065422010-02-04T21:26:09.190-06:002010-02-04T21:26:09.190-06:00I totally agree with Robbie's last paragraph.
...I totally agree with Robbie's last paragraph.<br /><br />As for stolen license stickers, a really on the ball officer will also run the VIN and sticker as well as the plate to make sure all match.<br /><br />The way I try to discourage sticker stealing is:<br /><br />I put a drop of Super Glue on the sticky part on the new sticker before applying it to the plate. (All stickers in the stack have been super glued.) Next I take the pointed part of a box cutter and cut both horizontally and vertically om the sticher. The intention is to make it as difficult as possible to steal but of someone does steal it, their efforts will be worthless. The DMV now puts the sticker in the center of the new plates so someone can't cut the corner off.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-825155498418161702010-02-04T19:46:07.486-06:002010-02-04T19:46:07.486-06:00I was just noticing that the Raytown School Distri...I was just noticing that the Raytown School District has many new Thomas buses in the fleet. Also I have followed brand new maintenance vans that the school district just bought, they don't even have license numbers on the plates. It just says Raytown School District.<br /><br />If the school district is 4-7 million dollars in the red, isn't it amazing they can buy new fleet vehicles? If my budget was in the red, I sure couldn't go out and buy me a new vehicle,<br /><br />There is "no way in hell" that I would EVER VOTE FOR A SCHOOL TAX EVER AGAIN!! I vote every time there is an election. The kids have everything they need and you still can't make them learn if they don't want to. WASTE, WASTE, WASTE!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-91250096362753031922010-02-04T16:14:43.453-06:002010-02-04T16:14:43.453-06:00Hey 11:08am, I do not buy what you have said about...Hey 11:08am, I do not buy what you have said about reason one that the state has changed the license plates... tell us why the new plates are any different than the old ones.... they still require stickers for the expiration year. I know for a fact that I just got rid of a old plate in January, and I still have an old plate that will have to be replaced in May, so are you trying to tell us that I have illegal plates? I think not! they happen to expire in 2010! It is possible that you do not know what you are talking about! The last set of plates that we had ran for 10 years on my vehicle, so if someone still had a 2005 sticker on beneath the others, then it is possible that the others got lifted or stolen. Going back to the above post the plates were March of 2005, and if that was the case, they are still used until March of this year, 2010. DUH! <br /><br />and to your reason two, you are full of it! they will get what they can get, if time allows!<br /><br />I was a victim of the crime, and it happened to me. They actually took tape and put it on top of the year sticker, and pulled it off intact, and left the ones underneath intact. I also had to go to the police department to file a report as to the stolen stickers, and had to get them replaced by the Dept of Revenue. And I am not apologizing for thieves actions, I am just telling it like it is, moron! Get your facts straight before you go shooting from the hip!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-41540276327212817162010-02-04T15:02:25.757-06:002010-02-04T15:02:25.757-06:00To Anonymous 7:35pm -
Who do you think you are be...To Anonymous 7:35pm - <br />Who do you think you are being so disrespectful to his mother? It sounds like you don't even know what you're talking about. He's man enough to sign his name. Why aren't you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-43582457656999212672010-02-04T12:04:49.057-06:002010-02-04T12:04:49.057-06:00All you have to do, if you don't have a life o...All you have to do, if you don't have a life of your own,<br />is go to City Hall on Wednesday, I believe, and watch<br />the court proceedings. <br />Offenders for the most part have expired license plates,<br />no insurance, no drivers license and don't know how to <br />dress for court.<br />Welcome to Raytown!Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12876168354096368352010-02-04T11:30:41.225-06:002010-02-04T11:30:41.225-06:00Anonymous 7:35 PM
You may be right that my mother...Anonymous 7:35 PM<br /><br />You may be right that my mother was perceived to be part of the problem. You see, that was back when the schools were still segregated. Mother and several other members of the School Board were working to start desegregation. The Federal Judge you referred to became involved when a lawsuit was filed in Federal court by Arthur Benson.<br /><br />My mother worked hard to insure all children in the Kansas City School District were offered a good education. I am very proud of the work she and the other members of the Board did during those tumultuous times. The parents I referred to earlier were very much again desegregation.<br /> <br />The place for discussions and disagreements are at the meetings, or at the elected officials’ offices. Regardless of what we think about our elected officials, no one should be threatened in their own home.Robbie Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00487628976969148868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77926801035126459662010-02-04T11:08:29.571-06:002010-02-04T11:08:29.571-06:00I don't buy the story on the stickers.
Reaso...I don't buy the story on the stickers. <br /><br />Reason One: Missouri changed license plate styles two years ago. They should have been replaced by now.<br /><br />Reason Two: Sticker thieves do not just pull off the top layer. They remove the entire stack at one time. Taking time top remove the sticker at the scene increases their chance to getting caught.<br /><br />Unless of course they are real stupid. But, generally speaking I save that term for apologists for thieves actions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31223272863732200812010-02-04T10:49:42.897-06:002010-02-04T10:49:42.897-06:00I have suggested that the Police set up an office ...I have suggested that the Police set up an office at Walmart. KCMOPD had an office at Walmart on Hillcrest. It was located in the same place as the security cameras. It was mainly a walkin contact for the public, but there was a presence.<br /><br />6:49 AM, It is possible that the sticker was stolen. I had mine stolen once and the previous sticker was not left intact. 2005 was 5 years ago and there should have been fron 2 to 5 stickers under the current sticker. If stolen, a stacker can be replaced at the DMV contract office. My opinion is that an expired sticker is likely to indicate NO insurance since proof of insurance is also required. Insurance can be really expensive depending on age and driving record.<br /><br />I woke up about 3:30AM thinking about the latest staff resignation and with my insomnia couldn't get back to sleep:<br /><br />Usually when a high paid staff member resigns I assume it was for poor performance and they were asked to leave, OR there is some wrongdoing that wasn't made public or even discovered. <br /><br />This Fief seems to have a big turnover in staff. In this case, I am wondering if it may be a case of rats abandoning a sinking ship? What person on staff would be aware of wrongfull actions or ordinances or action that could come back to haunt the Fascist Fief?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-25260793699775454302010-02-04T08:18:08.974-06:002010-02-04T08:18:08.974-06:00Thanks for the tip that the expired plates might h...Thanks for the tip that the expired plates might have had their sticker stolen. I completely forgot about that possibility. SHS gradAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-81933639625694828072010-02-04T07:41:17.336-06:002010-02-04T07:41:17.336-06:00Can't say I'm sorry to see Nancy Thompson ...Can't say I'm sorry to see Nancy Thompson go. I believe that she was part of the problem instead of the solution when it came to getting codes enforced. WE DON'T NEED A FULL TIME CITY ATTORNEY. Wake up Bower and cronies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-10895599708425339602010-02-04T07:19:55.741-06:002010-02-04T07:19:55.741-06:00Who is kidding who?
The police will and do stop c...Who is kidding who?<br /><br />The police will and do stop cars with expired tags all the time. They are trained to do so. It is one hell of a revenue producer for the city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-66110889772163064942010-02-04T06:49:07.466-06:002010-02-04T06:49:07.466-06:00SHS Grad,
It is entirely possible that that perso...SHS Grad,<br /><br />It is entirely possible that that person with the so called expired plates, given the benefit of the doubt, had their year sticker stolen, especially if they do not scrape off the prior years sticker before putting on the new one.<br /><br />Also, it is up to the state Department of Revenue to catch the people when they re license their vehicles by checking for 2 years of personal property tax payments, insurance coverage, and a proper inspection certificate. The city has nothing to do with that process.<br /><br />However, the city could have something to do with it if the police pulled them over and they run their plates and check their insurance coverage by issuing citations for them.<br /><br />Just a little RWE (real world education)from past experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39871656520997053852010-02-03T22:11:38.037-06:002010-02-03T22:11:38.037-06:0011:18 AM, I have the non-emergency number of the R...11:18 AM, I have the non-emergency number of the Raytown Police programmed into my phones (3# on the cell and 9# at home.) I suggest reporting an expired plate driving on the street. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with expired tags on the street. When I dispatched a sheriff's dept., an officer would have such a vehicle towed because as I said it is illegal to operate it on he street. Also it is against Raytown code to park a vehicle with expired tags in the driveway.<br /><br />I strongly feel that Bobbie Saulsbery should not be allowed to vote on any school tax issue because she does not pay taxes. Her name defiantly should be removed from the ballot! We don't need a person like this on the Dysfunctional board. How long does it take for the county to have a tax sale on property for unpaid taxes?Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37305688017756277992010-02-03T11:18:33.456-06:002010-02-03T11:18:33.456-06:00This non-payment of taxes makes me so angry, too. ...This non-payment of taxes makes me so angry, too. After dropping my student off at South High this morning, I followed an older Silver Pontiac out of the parking lot with a tag that expired in March of 2005. These people should be penalized and penalized heavily. To be less than a year past due is bad, but how does this happen? I think if the city would put heavy pressure on these grossly past due citizens, some of them would somehow find the money to pay up. I am really shocked at the citizens who do not pay their fair share for the services they count on.<br /> SHS gradAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-55335803874985682062010-02-03T10:44:47.941-06:002010-02-03T10:44:47.941-06:006:19AM, You are entirely correct that most of what...6:19AM, You are entirely correct that most of what is said by speakers is ignored, but some of it is listened to. I spoke on vacant building registration the meeting before last and 2 alderpeople referred to my comments. I have complained about the "Consent Agenda" as a cover up to prevent open public discussion and Alderman VanBuskirk has, at times, requested a full reading for each item.<br /><br />There was one time in the past when the Mayor didn't like something that was said and a heated debate occured.<br /><br />There have been times that I have had responses from staff either during or after the meeting. Obviously if it is not on the agenda, a comment will not be addressed at that meeting, but maybe it has been heard.<br /><br />As I said, there is the time before or after the meeting when one can interface with officials and or staff on a one to one basis. That is a good time to ask questions, register complaints, or have a discussion.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-42861644531328971362010-02-03T10:42:49.844-06:002010-02-03T10:42:49.844-06:00I watched the board meeting on tv last night. I w...I watched the board meeting on tv last night. I wish I could have come through the tv screen and grabbed Simple and I do mean Simple Joe by the neck and shook some sence into him. He would do go to sit and listen instead of always wanting to talk. First of all the new ordiance they are putting in place(reguarding vacant properties) was nothing like you had first talked about so quit patting yourself on the back this ordiance had NOTHING to do with you. Second, trash pick up should be left to the home owner as to who they want for their service. You talk about crub side recycling and that every hauler needs to offer it. Did you ever stop and think that a differant truck is used to pick up the crub side recycling so instead of having six trash trucks on the street you now have twelve. Come on Simple Joe quit trying to act like you know everything you don't know a ---- thing!!!! If the streets are being ruined by the trucks then MY tax money is being mismanaged by you and others at city hall. We should have ample money to keep the streets in good shape. My advice to you, keep your mouth shut and listen you might learn a thing or two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-27823163527598862982010-02-03T08:53:54.689-06:002010-02-03T08:53:54.689-06:00After reading the KC Stars Neighhood News this mor...After reading the KC Stars Neighhood News this morning, I came up with a good idea. To save on space at City Hall, just open up an office for the Raytown Police at either the new Walmart or the new Hy Vee. Within a 2 week period there was a total of 17stealing or burglaries between the two stores. If would also save on gas for their cars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-36272800761377044042010-02-03T06:19:32.146-06:002010-02-03T06:19:32.146-06:00I disagree, Andy.
I have watched many council mee...I disagree, Andy.<br /><br />I have watched many council meetings where the mayor and city council acted as if they did not hear what the public speaker said.<br /><br />The public input portion of the meeting is a joke. Many on the council use the no give and take rule as a way to hide from their responsibilities.<br /><br />The mayor picks and chooses those items he wishes to address. If it is a cause he is champion of he will speak up. If it someone elses issue out comes the old bully boy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-71511015046389462272010-02-02T21:46:04.311-06:002010-02-02T21:46:04.311-06:00This non-payment of taxes makes me so angry. One o...This non-payment of taxes makes me so angry. One of the candidates, Bobbie Saulsbery, showed her true colors when she voted to raise our property taxes. Then she doesn't pay ANY of her taxes.<br /><br />If she had any dignity she would resign her post on the school board.<br /><br />I thought these kind of things only happened in the KC School District!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com