tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post6237300626934075548..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Keep the records straightGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-19142107148413994592009-05-06T11:36:00.000-05:002009-05-06T11:36:00.000-05:00I agree with Pat. I have told the BOA counteless ...I agree with Pat. I have told the BOA counteless times that ordinances are outdated, selectively enforced, or not enforced at all. Why are the books filled up with these useless ordinances? I bet there are ordinances no one knows about.<br /><br />I have suggested that ALL ordinances be reviewed and either rewritten or deleted. <B>ORDINANCES SHOULD BE ENFORCED EQUALLY WITH NO EXEMPTIONS FOR THE CITY BECAUSE THEY WANT TO VIOLATE ONE.</B> I have an issue with when an alderman is presented with a "what about question" at the BOA and states, "We will be reasonable." Either enforce the ordinance or don't write it. All exceptions should be stated in the ordinance!<br /><br />It is time that the lord of the Fief at 10000 E 59th St comply with all ordinances that us serfs are expected to comply with. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-69578100578287374232009-05-06T07:47:00.000-05:002009-05-06T07:47:00.000-05:00Listen, it's not just the billboards. It's not jus...Listen, it's not just the billboards. It's not just codes enforcement<br />and people not being told obey the laws of the city by the police or <br />parks people. It's all the above and more. We elect people to run <br />this city by making laws for us all to live by. These laws are supposed <br />to make life better and safer for everybody. Laws to make sure the publics property is kept safe and clean for all to use. We all pay taxes for this to happen.<br />We expect our city's elected officials and hired management to make sure it does. But, it never does. We pay more and more taxes after being promised<br />better things to come. Better streets, neighborhoods and parks. Even a public safety<br />tax was just passed. But still we don't feel safe in our own parks because of a hand full of people choose to disrespect the laws, and the good people of<br />Raytown. Look around town. Do you see anywhere or anything that has improved from tax increase after increase?<br />Department heads get raises, for doing a good job? <br />No, it's not just the billboards that have people confused and upset. It's all of it.<br />This town is falling apart all around us and we have elected officials that<br />have no idea how to stop it.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-41464417972630497592009-05-05T08:15:00.000-05:002009-05-05T08:15:00.000-05:00Billboards have nothing to do with cleaning up the...Billboards have nothing to do with cleaning up the city. It starts with homeowners and business cleaning up their property. We have three houses on our block that look like they need to be in the sticks. The goats need to be called in to clean up the grass. BUT we can't get anything done until due process is served. A case started with Neighbor Servicesand then the owner is given 10 ten days to mow or clean it up and then we have a court date. We got more done in this city when we didnk't have a city attorney or all of these so called wonderful departments. Everyone is wanting to move to Lee's Summit but have you noticed they have billboards, sin of all sin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-46541695255342994852009-05-05T07:37:00.000-05:002009-05-05T07:37:00.000-05:00You gentlemen can argue till you are blue in the f...You gentlemen can argue till you are blue in the face but,<br />it won't change the fact that nothing will be done about it.<br />This town is notorious for spot zoning and spot code enforcement.<br />Even though it would only take a week of patrol and enforcement <br />of the rules and laws to fix the problem. <br />Think about this, why was Round Up Days stopped? It's because of <br />a certain element of bad behavior and people not going by the rules<br />of this town. It got out of control. Punks and thugs causing trouble.<br />Same as in the neighborhood parks now. Without this being controlled<br />the upcoming BBQ and SummerFest should be at the very least, interesting.<br />Remember what that great law man Barney Fife said, you have to <br />"Nip it, Nip in in the bud!"Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31624739403235246442009-05-04T23:32:00.000-05:002009-05-04T23:32:00.000-05:00Mr. Walters-once again you are thinking small pict...Mr. Walters-once again you are thinking small picture. Just because an ordinance is passed in Raytown does not make it Constitutional. The US Supreme Court has said that a police officer's peace cannot be disturbed. And the wording talks about someones peace being disturbed. Someone could challenge that ordinance and win and possibly sue the city. I would advise any Raytown Police Officer not to sign a complaint for fear of losing a lawsuit.<br /><br />The EagleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-29140593205998759002009-05-04T22:01:00.000-05:002009-05-04T22:01:00.000-05:00I wonder if the Eagle may be siting case law? Any...I wonder if the Eagle may be siting case law? Any officer who observes a violation of the law is required to take action or he/she is in violation of his/her sworn oath to uphold ALL ordinances of the City of Raytown.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7240618803694471762009-05-04T13:33:00.000-05:002009-05-04T13:33:00.000-05:00Mr. Eagle,
I suggest you re-read the ordinance. I...Mr. Eagle,<br /><br />I suggest you re-read the ordinance. It is very specific in stating that it is a violation. It is not a complicated legal question.<br /><br />The officer can write a citation for excessive noise as described in the ordinance.<br /><br />There is no confusion on this at all. I was one of the sponsors of the bill that made it possible.<br /><br />Your stating otherwise does not change what the facts are, nor does it change the language in the ordinance.Greg Waltersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-21830766934638456142009-05-04T11:17:00.000-05:002009-05-04T11:17:00.000-05:00Eagle, Greg is correct. I can recall when that or...Eagle, Greg is correct. I can recall when that ordinance was written. The concern was that the average person was afraid to complain and to go to court. I believe the concern at the time it was written was obnoxious gangs in a park.<br /><br />Noise MAY be an indication that another illegal activity is taking place.<br /><br />Pat, good question. I am willing to bet the Walmart sign will not be a memorial. I am sure the arquement will be that a big box store needs a BIG sign. This will be a case of an actual mortar and bricks business while the billboards being discussed are advertising. Discrimination if you ask me.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28999513552034407162009-05-04T08:34:00.000-05:002009-05-04T08:34:00.000-05:00Yes Greg that is the ordinance but a police office...Yes Greg that is the ordinance but a police officer cannot sign a complaint for it because a police officer cannot have their peace disturbed and this is the wording in the ordinance annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety. I guarentee I know more about this subject than you do. You are not involved in the legal system. A police officers peace cannot be disturbed. That is why people are not arrested for calling police officers nasty names.<br /><br />The EagleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-13129576385231207632009-05-04T07:49:00.000-05:002009-05-04T07:49:00.000-05:00Not sure where the sign will be. Just know that fr...Not sure where the sign will be. Just know that from the dimension I have heard it will be huge and illuminated at night.<br /><br />This Mayor and Board of Aldermen should make up its mind. Either it is going to clean up this city or it is not. <br /><br />No one in their right mind is going to say how attractive one of these ugly monstrosities is going to improve the landscape around here. <br /><br />It can't be had both ways.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-51961768479418037332009-05-04T07:44:00.000-05:002009-05-04T07:44:00.000-05:00Dear Mr. Beagle,
Read and learn. This section of ...Dear Mr. Beagle,<br /><br />Read and learn. This section of the ordinances gives defined guidelines by which the police can ticket an individual for "Offenses Against Public Order. (check the last sentence. The verbage above defines those areas in which the police can use this power. It does include streets, public parks, schools, churches, parking lots -- generally speaking, anywhere people may gather in public.<br /><br />The ordinance has been used by police and has been tested in court.<br /><br />ARTICLE VI. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER<br /><br />Sec. 13-60. Noise disturbance.<br />(a) Prohibited. A person commits the offense of noise disturbance if he willfully makes, continues or causes to be made or continued any loud and raucous noise, which term shall mean any sound which, because of its volume level, duration and character, annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities within the limits of the city. The term includes the kinds of noise generated by the activities enumerated in section 13-60(b), except as provided in section 13-60(d). The terms shall be limited to loud and raucous noise heard upon the public streets, in any public park, in any school or public building or upon the grounds thereof while in use, in any church or hospital or upon the grounds thereof while in use, upon any parking lot open to members of the public as invitees or licensees, or in any occupied residential unit which is not the source of the noise or upon the grounds thereof, and in any event from a location not less than fifty (50) feet from the source of the noise, measured in a straight line from the radio, loudspeaker, motor, horn or other noise source.Greg Waltersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-87938061006152367002009-05-04T07:15:00.000-05:002009-05-04T07:15:00.000-05:00Does anybody know how big the new Wal-Mart sign wi...Does anybody know how big the new Wal-Mart sign will be?<br />That should be a test of who gets special privileges and who doesn't.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-8645515481665095892009-05-03T18:46:00.000-05:002009-05-03T18:46:00.000-05:00Greg you are wrong on the noise violations. Polic...Greg you are wrong on the noise violations. Police officers peace cannot be disturbed so they cannot sign the complaints for noise/peace disturbance. The only ticket an officer can right without a citizen signing is a car going down the street. Any other noise complaint a citizen has to sign.<br /><br />The EagleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-59004709266300852842009-05-03T07:54:00.000-05:002009-05-03T07:54:00.000-05:00Actually, the Board of Aldermen already voted to p...Actually, the Board of Aldermen already voted to purchase the billboards on 350 Highway in an effort to clean up the strip of the new development area. <br /><br />The attempt to bring it back in through the back door is something that came from city staff. <br /><br />The Planning and Zoning Commission voted it down when it came back before them. But they are only a recommending body. <br /><br />It is interesting to watch the debate go back and forth. This is really a test to see who runs city hall. Either city staff or the BOA. The Board already voted "yes" to buying out the billboards when the plan came before them initially.<br /><br />For reasons that are not clear -- probably because the question has not been asked -- is why and how the issue got back on the agenda. <br /><br />Perhaps one of our "most professional staff members in the history of the world" could enlighten us.<br /><br />As for complaints on possible city violations -- the police should investigate noise violations and they can, under our city ordinances, sign off on the complaint themselves.<br /><br />It is not required that a private citizen sign the complaint.Greg Waltersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-55757889395681650562009-05-02T07:47:00.000-05:002009-05-02T07:47:00.000-05:00I have been told by a city employee that Gary Knab...I have been told by a city employee that Gary Knabe is one of the "City Biggest Slum Landlords." If I left my property like some of his I would be cited by the city. Tell me the city doesn't play favorites. About the billboards call your alderman and tell them not to waste taxpayers(your) money.I am telling you if you don't they will vote to waste $45,000.00 of your money. They are not thinking about the money they will vote aganist it because THEY don't like billboards.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77640048385233070102009-05-01T22:42:00.000-05:002009-05-01T22:42:00.000-05:00The only time a citizen has to sign a complaint is...The only time a citizen has to sign a complaint is on a noise or peace disturbance. This is because the courts over the years have determined that a police officers peace cannot be disturbed so they cannot sign complaints for those. But parking in grass the officer writes the ticket but they have ot know about it.<br /><br />The EagleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-68801059302613552692009-05-01T11:31:00.000-05:002009-05-01T11:31:00.000-05:00When and if some idiot parks on the new green spac...When and if some idiot parks on the new green space, will they be cited?<br /><br />From reading the new postings, it is obvious there are 2 sets of ordinances: One for you and me, and another (unwritten) for big box stores and favored citizens. As I have stated several times, there is discrimination.<br /><br />I agree with the poster who suggest reporting suspicious activity. I have done this numerous times and never was I asked if I would sign a complaint. I have been asked if I would sign a complaint when complaining about loud music. In those cases, I will gladly sign a complaint.<br /><br />Pat is correct, the elected officials won't answer to the public. Why should they? A very small portion of the public elected them. The rest of us don't count. I think the reason for referring a question to the City Attorney is to make sure to CYA for the city.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-16127575640377106072009-05-01T10:04:00.000-05:002009-05-01T10:04:00.000-05:00Has any thought been given that Knabe might be mor...Has any thought been given that Knabe might be more then willing to address the standing water on his rental properties. Maybe he is just waiting on the city to agree to give him a tax break like they did for painting his real estate office. <br /><br />We should all be so pleased to have had him represent us on the Board of AldermanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-61448904454584248352009-05-01T09:49:00.000-05:002009-05-01T09:49:00.000-05:00Why is the city refusing to enforce the nuisance o...Why is the city refusing to enforce the nuisance ordinance on former alderman Gary Knabe's property at 79th and Spring Valley? There has been standing water there every since Knabe bought the property. The mosquitoes are terrible during the summer months. Again another example of Bower ignoring the REAL problems of our city and a perfect example of different rules for different folks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-82453834144513165382009-05-01T09:48:00.000-05:002009-05-01T09:48:00.000-05:00I was talking with a friend of mine who lives over...I was talking with a friend of mine who lives over by Kenagy Park. I learned they don’t let their kids go down to the skate park anymore because of some of the activities their kids came home and told them about. Yes, there is a group of teenagers that show up and smoke. The thing that concerned me more about what my friend told me was the tobacco is being removed and replaced with some other substance. Yes, her kids knew what the substance was by and I think we all can take a guess of what it was too.<br /><br />I just wish I would see a great police presents in our parks so those of us with families could enjoy themAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-30233994296118740012009-05-01T09:41:00.000-05:002009-05-01T09:41:00.000-05:00Pat,
Thank you for clearly stating how those trea...Pat,<br /><br />Thank you for clearly stating how those treat you and other small business owners at city hall. I find it hard to believe that they don’t realize that without small businesses like yours we truly have no sales tax base in the city as the rest of us are picking up the tab for the “Big Box Stores”. Maybe the just feel safe with the current trends of fewer and fewer voters turn outs in city elections. We can only hope that voters will realize there is a greater impact to them in the city elections then the national ones.<br /><br />Two years ago when I ran for the Board of Alderman I spoke with business owners who lived in my ward. They all shared your same feelings. One expressed a concern that they would be visited about once a week to follow up on the prior weeks exception of a code violation. They understood from time to time this would happen and noted they didn’t know all the city codes. What they couldn’t understand is on the first visit why the inspector couldn’t have mentioned all of the violations. This would have allowed for one follow-up as the business owner was more then happy to comply. However, after the three week’s visit this on going way of conducting a follow-up had them start to question the abilities of the inspector or rather they were just out right being harassed.<br /><br />I also learned several years ago under the direction of one of the Alderman auto shop owners were cited for vehicles on their property that didn’t display a proper license. The vehicles in question were all in the process of trying to be sold so the shop owners could recover repair cost that the owners had decided they wouldn’t pay for. After learning which Alderman was behind this action a couple of the owners took the time to do some research and learned that this very Alderman had a vehicle in their drive way with tags expired for several years. Clearly proving that some of those tied to city hall live by a separate set of rules.Richard Tushnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-81941093540975785912009-05-01T09:06:00.000-05:002009-05-01T09:06:00.000-05:00The Eagle is correct the police can not be at all ...The Eagle is correct the police can not be at all places at one. Those who visit the parks and live around them need to help do their part and report any questionable activity.<br /><br />1.) Parking in the grass<br />2.) Loud music<br />3.) Underage smoking <br />4.) Underage drinking<br />5.) Destruction of public property<br />6.) Visiting after hours<br /><br />The catch is the dispatchers want the citizens reporting the activity to sign a complaint. If as the dispatchers have indicated by there response, it is our responsibility to take the action against the involved parties in the questionable activity then why have the police and why did the city put the public safety tax issue before the voters. <br /><br />The point is when we report something we expect to be treated with respect and should never be asked to perform any aspect that the polices officers are sworn to do. Yes, the questionable activity has to be seen by the officers. This means not everyone thing report will, but it will get out that are police are beefing up being in the park and enforcing violations. This in itself will move the active on for some other city to deal with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-84613997071619244092009-05-01T08:40:00.000-05:002009-05-01T08:40:00.000-05:00Why is the park’s board going to provide feedback ...Why is the park’s board going to provide feedback on the grass located at the former old Baptist church site? Does this mean the property is getting ready to transfer to the them and actually become the next city park as some have indicated?<br /><br />I also would like to know who on the parks board has some kind of degree or other in depth knowledge of soil, soil erosion and what is the best corresponding grass to use. I find it hard to believe any really have the knowledge that is truly needed or they would either stop the driving and parking on the grass in the parks or replace the current grass with one that could handle being driving on.<br /><br />What are the next steps bring in the find minds from the school board? I am sure they have some great information and price breaks on artificial options. Wouldn’t it be great if our kids to start preparing for those scholarships by playing in our parks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-92125120554628591372009-05-01T08:38:00.000-05:002009-05-01T08:38:00.000-05:00There is an ordinance about parking on the grass i...There is an ordinance about parking on the grass in the park. Th police department can't be everywhere at once. People have to call to tell them there is someone parking on the grass.<br /><br /> <br /> Operation of vehicles.<br />No person, other than city personnel conducting city business therein, shall bring or use any of the following vehicles upon any portion of the park system (excluding streets, driveways, parking lots), except in those areas specifically designated by signs for their use:<br />(a) Motorcycles<br />(b) Mini-bikes<br />(c) Go-carts<br />(d) Snowmobiles<br />(e) Passenger cars or trucks<br />(f) Four-wheel drive recreational vehicles<br />(g) Mobile campers<br />(h) Horse-drawn vehicles<br />The following restrictions are applied to vehicles which are allowed in the park system:<br />(1) Bicycles are not allowed on ballfields or within spectator bleacher areas; on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any other facility not specifically designated for their use. <br />(2) Skateboards and roller skates are not allowed on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any other facility not specifically designated for their use. <br />(3) Snow sleds are not allowed on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any facility not specifically designated for their use. <br />(Ord. No. 1891-79, § 2, 6-5-79)<br />Cross references: Traffic generally, Ch. 23.<br /><br />The EagleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-27862447253042064232009-05-01T08:29:00.000-05:002009-05-01T08:29:00.000-05:00I was out and about last night and decide to do a ...I was out and about last night and decide to do a quick count of billboard signs within our city. It appears there is 14 of, which only one appeared to be single sided. While helping a local non-profit organization look at advertising options a few years ago we had been quoted between $500 and $800 based on location. The price is driving by the amount of traffic with them charging a higher amount for those on 350 Highway compared to Raytown Road. Based on quick and simple math someone has the potential to earn $18,500 per month or $222,000 a year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com