Raytown Report

2012-01-29T19:32:00.006-06:00

Ugly Signs Blight Raytown by Greg Walters

You see them everywhere. Ugly signs on telephone poles advertising for cheap loans, we buy ugly houses, etc. Not only are they ugly, they are illegal. A number of people in Raytown, including some of our elected officials, have taken it upon themselves to pull down the signs.

With all of that activity you would think the signs would be history in Raytown. But they are not.

So what has happened?

Whoever is putting up the signs has changed tactics. He is putting them so high up on the telephone poles that most people cannot reach them without a tool or a ladder.

I visited with City Administrator Mahesh Sharma last week about the signs. He explained that the city is actively removing the signs. It’s just that the people putting up the signs keep putting them up.

So it appears that the city workers charged with removing the signs must be having trouble locating the signs. After all, Mr. Sharma did say that the policy at Raytown City Hall is to remove the illegal signs.

A SOLUTION . . .Since most of the signs are beyond the reach of the average person to take down without equipment – call city hall and report the location. City Hall telephone number is 737-6000.

For instance, the signs pictured at the left are of illegal signs on 63^rd Street just east of Raytown’s Gateway intersection at 63^rd and Blue Ridge and the other is located on the south side of Elm Street between 68th Terrace and 69th Streets. Incidentally, the sign on Elm Street has been there all winter!

Now the good people at city hall know where at least two of the signs are located so they can remove them.

If we all work together we can make Raytown the City where you do not put ugly illegal signs on telephone poles. That’s a reputation we can all live with.

Jackson County Executive Michael Sanders has made it known that he wants term limits for the Jackson County Legislature. It is a good idea and one that is long overdue. Some members of the Legislature have been in place longer than many who are reading these words. One member has been there since I graduated from High School in 1972 – I’ll do the math for you – that’s 40 years!

But there are those who doubt his plans for term limits will pan out. The County Legislature recently debated whether or not they should change how candidates are placed on the ballot. It is not uncommon for candidates to “cue up” for the first position by lining up outside the courthouse to capture the coveted first position on the ballot.

Problem is that incumbents have been known to sneak inside the courthouse to pre-empt a challenger from being first in line.

The State of Missouri, and most municipalities (including Raytown) long ago went to a lottery system to place candidate names on the ballot.

The legislature turned the plan down cold.

If such a simple reform cannot be accomplished do not hold your breath for term limits to be accomplished.

Red Light Cameras are in the news again. This time it has been reported in the Kansas City Star that the number of accidents have actually gone up on those intersections in which they have been installed.

More than likely, the problem is a false sense of security by law abiding drivers who believe that simply because a red light camera is in place that someone who is drunk, putting on their makeup, dialing their cell phone, texting, or any other thing besides driving is going to pay more attention when going through an intersection.

The lights cost the City of Kansas City over $70,000 each month!

The number of accidents has gone up at the intersections are which they are installed.

But do not look for them to be taken out any time soon. They are revenue producers for the city and the Kansas City Police Department.

Does anyone believe the City would give up tax dollars for something as mundane as public safety on our streets?

Like Michael Sanders term limits, don’t look for those cameras to be taken down anytime soon.

5 Tips for Buying a Good Workout DVD by Jenn for Fit Bottomed Girls

With so many workout DVDs on the market, it’s easy to occasionally get hoodwinked by one or two. You think a dance workout will be totally fun and easy, yet the moves are so complicated it would take you years to master. Or you go to do a simple yoga DVD and end up needing everything but the kitchen sink. Or, worst of all, you spend three easy payments of $19.95 for a set of workout DVDs you end up never using because they’re just too darn hard. Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve all made a workout-DVD mistake or two. But no longer!

Here on FBG, we review workout DVDs almost weekly, so we’re kind of like experts when it comes to separating the good workout DVDs from the not-so-good ones. And what makes a really good workout DVD for one person does not mean that it’ll be a fit for someone else. So with all of that in mind, we’ve put together a video with five tips to help you buy a good workout DVD for you. Continue Reading

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2012-01-22T20:30:00.011-06:00

-- BREAKING NEWS --

From KMBC News

The Raytown School District said it has cancelled all classes planned for next Monday because of a widespread outbreak of the flu.

A district representative told KMBC 9 News that school officials will spend Monday cleaning and disinfecting all of the schools and busses.

There was no immediate information about how many students have been out sick.

Former Basehor administrator Loughry suing city for more than $500,000 by Matt Erickson of the Tonganoxie Mirror

Former city administrator Mark Loughry plans to sue the city of Basehor for actions surrounding his firing in September. He’s seeking more than $500,000 in damages.

Loughry informed the city of his intent to sue last week in a claim notice, which was turned over to the Sentinel via Freedom of Information request Monday. In the notice, Loughry's attorney accused the city of public defamation, breach of contract and due-process violations, alleging “egregious conduct” by city officials.

To read the rest of this article use this link: Mark Loughry Lawsuit

PREVIOUSLY PRINTED FROM THE BASEHOR SENTINEL

City attorney’s letter claimed Loughry lied about previous salary by Matt Erickson of the Basehor Sentinel

. . . A 2010 letter from Basehor's city attorney accused former city administrator Mark Loughry of misrepresenting the salary he was paid by his previous employer, the city of Hays, during his negotiations with Basehor in summer 2009. Reavey's letter said Loughry had reported to Hill that his salary in Hays had been $86,000 and had written on a Basehor job application that it was $85,000, but a League of Kansas Municipalities survey had reported his salary as $76,000. According to a background check document included by Reavey as evidence, the city of Hays reported Loughry's base pay at that time as $77,800. Loughry was assistant city administrator in Hays at the time.

To view the entire article use this link: Attorney Letter

Greg Walters

A Note About Our Blog by Greg Walters

These past two weeks has seen a phenomenal amount of traffic from viewers of the Raytown Report. Most of what we believe has driven the increase in hits and comments on our blog has concerned the Raytown Fire Department. One comment in particular has prompted these few paragraphs.

The writer began with something like this, “Greg, I know you don’t like firemen.”

Where that came from I do not know (it was, of course, unsigned). So I removed the sentence that had no bearing on anything and published the message.

I did have an opportunity to visit with my co-publisher, Paul Livius, before deleting the line. Paul wondered how such a statement could be made given that we have not written anything about firemen, policemen or paramedics. My guess was that our complaint about the secretive handling of the recent appointment to the Raytown Fire Board may have prompted the thought.

We have also received some notes that come close to accusing us of writing comments on the blog. Not so. Any comments written by Paul Livius or Greg Walters are rare and signed.

The blog is for the exchange of thoughts in Raytown by Raytowners of any stripe who wish to give their opinion on any given subject.

Primary Moments . . .

For those who are not paying attention there is one hell of a primary fight going on for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. The contest is down to four major players and it looks like those four plan to finish what they started in the Iowa caucuses.

The Republican Party has been very clever in using the national news media to showcase their candidates. I have not seen the ratings but am willing to bet that this version of “reality television” is probably drawing a pretty big following.

Some of the debates have been boring. Some, like last Thursday’s debate in Charleston were exciting and informative.

Mark Twain once said, “When a thing has been said and said well, have no scruple. Take it and copy it”.

This is the 21^st Century, and what Twain said applies today as well as it did in the 19^th Century when he wrote it. The only difference is that the media has changed.

The following link is Newt Gingrich’s response to a question from the debate moderator regarding comments his former wife had said earlier in the day.

Use this link Gingrich at Charleston

The Paul Livius Report

CITY COUNCIL MEETING – TUESDAY JANUARY 17, 2011

Paul Livius was out of town this week past week, so the report on last Tuesday’s City Council meeting is somewhat short. A "thank you" to Ward 4 Alderman Bill Van Buskirk for stepping in and filling in the details on the report.

The first three items handled by the Raytown Board of Aldermen at their last meeting dealt with contractual agreements between the Raytown Police Department and the specific vendors totaling $77,224. Two of the items were for the purchase and maintenance of computer equipment which were awarded to Dell Marketing and MS Govern.'

Item five was a Resolution declaring certain property owned by the city as surplus and authorized the sale of said items in public auction. The auction is to be conducted on the internet by Purple Wave Auctioneers. Most of the equipment to be auctioned off is heavy construction equipment from the Public Works Department. For a list of the equipment and information on how to access the auctioneer’s website contact Raytown City Hall at 737-6000.

Item six dealt with service fee contracts between the Raytown Water Company and the City of Raytown for disconnecting and re-connecting homeowner water lines for non-payment of sanitary sewer bills. The item was carried over until the next meeting to clear up some questions from certain members of the Board. Ward 4 Alderman Pat Etrz recused himself from voting because he is the Executive Director of Jackson County Water Supply District (Raytown’s other water company).

Item seven was an agreement between the City of Raytown and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a grant of $483,750 for streetscape improvements to Downtown Raytown. The City would have to match the grant with 25% of local funding ($120,938) if the entire grant was used.

The Board carried the item over until the next meeting.

The Creativity of Cooking by Jenn Walters

Back in college, when I started cooking for myself, I was a meticulous recipe follower. While I’d help out my mom with dinner sometimes and make chocolate-chip cookies occasionally in the years leading up to college, I wasn’t really comfortable with making anything that didn’t result in eating leftover batter. Seeing... Continue reading

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2012-01-15T20:33:00.005-06:00

-- BREAKING NEWS --

Iraq War Memories Haunted Raytown Veteran

by Brian Burnes / Kansas City Star

An Iraq War veteran fatally shot Thursday by Raytown police had been haunted by memories of his service, family members said in a statement released this week.Some media reports had described Long as excited about his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, according to the statement.

But, the statement added, “those who knew Rob best recognized that, although excited about serving his country, Rob was troubled by lingering memories of his previous deployment to Iraq.”

Read more here: Raytown Veteran Shot

An Argument for More Stringent Voter Identification by Greg Walters

The following happened to me two years ago.

I was visiting with one of the Directors of the Jackson County Election Board. Somehow the topic honed in on voter fraud. At this point in the conversation I was surprised to hear the Director tell me that he had received a call from the FBI regarding my voting record in the last Presidential Election. He did not elaborate, just said that they had called and wanted a copy of the record.

I did not give it too much thought . . . until . . . two years later when I received a phone call at ihome from a young lady who identified herself as a member of the FBI. She explained that in their investigation of voter fraud in the Kansas City area they had come across my name as voting five times in the last Presidential election in 2008. She asked if she, and another agent could visit with me regarding the matter. Since I was home that week anyway (recuperating from a bad allergic reaction to a spider bite) I asked them to come by the house.

They arrived, showed their credentials and came in to discuss the multiple votes. Though they did not say as much, I believe the real purpose of the visit was to establish in person that I was, in fact, Greg Walters, and, that this was actually my home. They also shared that four other “voters” has used my name and address to vote in the 2008 election.

After visiting for a while, they excused themselves and left. They told me that they doubted that I would be contacted again regarding the alleged multiple votes.

The whole episode made me a believer in more stringent controls on identifying voters . . . especially in Presidential elections.

I wondered how come my name was used. The agents had told me that people in public life (at the time I was still on the City Council) are sometimes targeted for such fraud by individuals. They did not explain why.

Many states have kicked around the idea of using photo identification. Most people in Missouri have a driver’s license or a state approved identification card. Both cards have photos on them and are easily obtained.

A simple change of our state’s laws regarding proper identification at the polls would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our elections.

Basehor to Move Forward with Recall Effort from the Kansas City Star

Recently appointed Raytown Finance Director Mark Loughry is busy getting his office in order at Raytown City Hall.

As regular readers will remember, Mr. Loughry’s previous employer, the City of Basehor, Kansas, ended their contract with him in what can only be described as a cloud of controversy. We have not commented on his previous employment at Basehor. But we do believe the story has merit and that many of those who were following it would be interested in the continuing story. The following was originally printed in the Kansas City Star on Sunday.

A Leavenworth County judge says a recall election against Basehor Mayor Terry Hill and two city council members can proceed.

But Hill said Thursday that he will appeal the ruling to allow a Feb. 28 recall election against him and city council members Dennis Mertz and Iris Dysart.

Hill’s lawsuit alleges the grounds for recall were not sufficient to remove him from office.

Opponents alleged Hill misused a city credit card and didn’t preside at all meetings. They also questioned his efforts to give former City Administrator Mark Loughry health benefits and severance pay without city council approval.

Judge David King ruled the first two issues were invalid for the recall but the allegations involving Loughry were sufficient for an election.

Mark Loughry was hired by the City of Raytown as the city’s Finance Director in 2011.

This Week's Poll Question

This week’s poll question is in response the extremely high traffic counts posted on this blog over the best path for Raytown to take with regard to the Ambulance and Fire Emergency service.

There have been a number of well thought out comments and opinions on the blog this past week regarding the issue. You may want to read through them before casting your vote.

New Raytown Fire Department Website Launched

Newly appointed Fire Director Barb Schlapia has not let the grass grow under her feet in her position on the Raytown Fire Board.

One of her first request was that the Fire District begin to publish minutes of their meetings. She contacted us last week to let us know of a new website hosted by the Raytown Fire Department that gives up to date minutes of public meetings and other tidbits about Fire Department business.

Schlapia credits Fire Marshall Matt Mace with constructing the new website.

We found the site to be interesting and newsworthy. Use this link to check out the new website. http://raytownfire.blogspot.com/

One “Ataboy” Award for Teachers at Spring Valley Elementary

Last week teachers at Spring Valley Elementary for keeping their promise of spending a night on the roof of the school when students reached a pre-set goal of donations to the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program.

The teachers who fulfilled the bet have done a service to community but just as important was the life lesson they taught their students. A promise is a promise and they should be fulfilled.

Drink Gatorade, Not Haterade! by Tish for Fit Bottomed Girls
Have you ever had a run-in with a hater? I run into them sometimes, even when it comes to Fit Bottomed Girls. A couple weeks ago, a fellow from my day job hit me with the “best-friend nepotism” angle. You see, Jenn and I have been best friends ever since we were fourteen. She and Erin created this snazzy sight, and I applauded... Continue reading

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2012-01-08T12:34:00.012-06:00

Breaking News

Raytown Man Dies in Fire by Lynn Horsley of the Kansas City Star

The Raytown Fire Department has identified the victim of an early morning fire. Raytown Fire Marshal Matt Mace said Donald Sherrow, 85, died after fire broke out in his home in the 5400 block of Willow Avenue.

Mace gave the following account:

The fire occurred shortly before 5 this morning in the living room of the residence.

Sherrow used a medical alert device to alert 911. He said his home was on fire and he was unable to get out of the residence. At 5 a.m. police arrived and were unable to gain entry due to the severity of the fire. At 5:03 a.m., firefighters arrived on the scene and found heavy fire and smoke coming from the front of the structure.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the initial fire while additional crews got inside and began to search for Sherrow. He was found, unconscious, in an adjacent room.

Emergency rescue crews tried to resuscitate him outside and continued this effort en route to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Firefighters said the fire started in an area around a living room recliner, and the cause is still under investigation.

The home did have working smoke detectors, and these had been recently replace by family members.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/14/3370181/one-person-killed-in-raytown-house.html#storylink=cpy

Raytown Police Shoot and Kill Armed Man from KMBC.com

Police in Raytown said an officer shot and killed a man on Thursday afternoon.

Officers were called to the area of 79th Street and Manning Avenue, just south of the Mount Olivet Cemetery, after reports of a man threatening his roommate with a rifle. Officers said that when they arrived, the man pointed the gun at an officer. The officer fired a shot and injured the man.

Neighbor Brian Hendrickson said there was a huge commotion."I heard the sirens, heard the cops coming. I saw the cops running around the house across the street with guns," he said.

"They were yelling at a guy to drop the gun and he didn't drop the gun, officer across the driveway took a shot."The wounded man was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police initially said they didn't think his injuries were life-threatening. His name has not been released.

Spring Valley Elementary Teachers Spend Night on the Roof from KMBC.com

Some Raytown elementary school students put their teachers out in the cold on Tuesday evening. Teachers at Spring Valley Elementary School challenged students to do something good for the community. When those students exceeded their goals, some of the school's staff wound up sleeping on the school's roof.

"It started last year with a group of teachers that decided, 'Let's give our students an incentive to bring in good for our families here in Raytown that need that,'" said principal Greg Owen.

The students at Spring Valley responded to the challenge, helping in fill the shelves of the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) with canned goods. "I think it's great," said Tim Wessley of REAP. "I went to Spring Valley Elementary School, so I've been around awhile. We never had a chance to put our principal up on the roof."

Under the terms of the challenge, the more food the students brought, the more teachers would have to sleep on the roof. At 1,800 pounds of food, the principal would join in. The students collected 1,900 pounds. "Our kids love seeing this," Owen said. "They love leaving in the bus and waving and enjoying it, and then coming up and seeing us once again up on the roof."

Staff members had hot drinks and tents on hand to help fight off the winter chill, and a long night of living up to their end of the bargain. Owen said he didn't think he'd have to sleep on the roof. The students were several hundred pounds short of the goal as the campaign's final days approached, but a late surge put the students over the top.

BREAKING NEWS: Three candidates file for Raytown School Board - see the last story in this week's Raytown Report.

Photos of America's Past

Last week we published pictures taken by the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. They are some of the only color photographs taken of the effects of the Depression on America’s rural and small town populations.

To view the pictures use this link: Rural America 1939 - 1943

This week we have added pictures from a collection of images from The Pacific War, a term referring to parts of World War II that took place in the Pacific Ocean, the islands of the Pacific and the Far East.

To view these pictures go to The Pacific War

EDITOR'S NOTE: The pictures were originally posted late last week. Since many of our readers view our pages earlier in the week we have re-posted. The same is true for the Paul Livius Report, which follows our weekly editorial.

Greg Walters

Bits and Pieces . . .by Greg Walters

Closed Meetings and the meaning of “transparency”.

The Raytown Board of Aldermen have strongly bought into the act of using a Consent Agenda so thoroughly that it takes a motion from a member of the Board to remove items onto an agenda for public discussion. Even then, a majority of the Board can refuse to discuss the item and leave it on the consent agenda.

Another trademark of the Board of Aldermen is their penchant for using “closed sessions” to discuss city business. The practice has become so common place that the number of public meetings is almost eclipsed by the number of closed door meetings.

The public is easily confused when the Mayor announces that by State Law the Board of Aldermen may recess into closed session to discuss legal matters having to do with lawsuits, personnel matters, contracts, etc., etc., etc.

The operative word here is “may”.

That’s right. The Board is not required to go into closed session. From my personal experience as a member of the Raytown Board of Aldermen for over 27 years I can tell you that frequently the reason for the closed session is flimsy at best.

For instance, should the Board of Aldermen go into closed session to exempt the Raytown City Administrator from city ordinances that require him to live in Raytown?

It happened. Given the frequency of the Board’s use of closed sessions there is little doubt the abuse continues.

Schlapia Asks for Public Access

Not all public servants believe that governmental actions should be held in private.

This past week we received an email from the newly appointed member of the Raytown Fire Protection District, Barb Schlapia.

Mrs. Schlapia wrote . . .

“I HAVE ALREADY TALKED TO CHIEF MAWHIRTER ABOUT PUTTING A SLIDE ON CHANNEL 7 WITH THE NEXT BOARD MEETING DATE AND HAVING A LINK THAT WOULD TAKE YOU TO THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING AS WELL AS SOME TYPE OF "WEEKLY REPORT" THAT WOULD BE SENT TO THE PRESS. IT WILL BE A PROCESS, BUT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.”

Who knows, maybe the Board of Aldermen will follow her lead and practice the meaning of transparency at City Hall.

Are Closed Sessions the Only Way?

In a word . . . No.

The best example of this was when former City Administrator Michael Miller resigned his position at Raytown City Hall.

The Raytown Report discovered and published that Miller was actively seeking employment for a position in Alaska. This was barely one year into his tenure at Raytown City Hall.

When hired by the City, Miller had promised that he intended to make Raytown his home for at least three years.

How did the Raytown Report confirm the story?

It was easy.

We looked up the newspaper that carried the article. Upon further investigation we discovered that Mr. Miller’s job interviews had been videotaped and broadcast to the public in Alaska.

By comparison, the hiring process in Raytown is one that is shrouded in sessions closed to the public.

We agree that the early interviews should be held privately for the consideration of those making application. But once the field has been narrowed down in a job search, the information should be made public.

The public release of information allows the public to complete the vetting process of applicants for leadership positions.

Paul Livius

The Paul Livius Report by Paul Livius

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – January 3, 2012

Invocation was given by Steve Jones of the Brooking Heights Baptist Church.

Mayor Bower proclaimed January 16, 2012 to be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Scott Gilligan was sworn in as a Police Officer in Raytown.

Mayor Bower said 2011 and 2012 saw major infrastructure improvements in Raytown. He thought this was because Raytown has the best Senior Public Works Staff in the metropolitan area. He said the Board of Aldermen were also very good. They come prepared to each meeting.

Tom Cole told the Board the end of year tax receipts continues to be strong.

The Board approved the minutes from the last meeting.
The Board passed a resolution between the City of Raytown and UMB Bank Mark Loughry to replace Jeremy Willmoth as the authorized agent for UMB banking business.
The Board authorized an agreement with Design Studio for City Hall Renovations. The first project will be the renovations to the bathrooms on the first floor that will impact board chambers, conference room, public bathrooms and employee bathrooms. The proposal is from Incite Design Studio that completed the facility plan for City Hall. The total amount requested of $20,300.00 includes the base design fee, Audio/Visual Design fee and a $2,000.00 contingency fund for reimbursable expenses.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2012 Ford F-150 truck from Dick Smith Ford for the Public Works Department.
The Board Approved the purchase of five new 2011 patrol cars at a total price of

$122,495.00 which is to be paid from the Capital Sales Tax Expenditure Budget. Alderman Van Buskirk asked about the cost of outfitting the vehicles for the Police Department. Chief Jim Lynch said there will be the following costs:

Decal and unit markings $ 1,300.00

P-25 Compliant Radios $ 15,094.50

Emergency Equipment $ 10,000.00

Strobe Lights $ 2,140.00

Total for 5 vehicles $151,029.50

The Board approved an agreement with the Ditzler Community Improvement District for the 350 Highway improvements. This will enable the start of Phase 2 of the project, which proposes a 5,500 sq. ft. multi-tenant retail building including two national restaurants and at least one general retailer.
The Board heard the first reading of a Resolution authorizing MoDot to begin a preliminary project design for the 350 Highway improvements. Alderman Aziere moved the rules be suspended. When the motion passed, the second reading of the Resolution was performed. The resolution was passed by the Board.

The Board adjourned and moved to closed session to discuss Legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys.

The Rules of the Run by Kristen for Fit Bottomed Girls

I rarely run alone these days. I have a weekly group run on Thursdays (which always ends with a beer or two), and I have several friends who join me on my long runs on the weekends. And, perhaps most exciting of all, my husband has started joining me on most of my shorter runs during the week, and even stays right around my preferred pace…for... Continue reading

Filing for Raytown C-2 School Board Closes January 17^th

Filing for two, three year terms on the Raytown C-2 Board of Education is open until January 17^th.

Candidates may file between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Raytown School District Headquarters located at 6608 Raytown Road.

Candidates are required to be registered voters living within the District. All property and personal taxes must be paid in full before filing for public office in Missouri. The Election for the Raytown School Board will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

As of this date three candidates have filed for the Raytown School Board. The two incumbents, Kristie Collins-Delarber and Amy Tittle have filed. A newcomer, Alonzo Burton has also filed.

To post a comment on this blog click on the word comments below:

2012-01-01T21:43:00.013-06:00

Paul Livius

The Paul Livius Report

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – January 3, 2012

Invocation was given by Steve Jones of the Brooking Heights Baptist Church.

Mayor Bower proclaimed January 16, 2012 to be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Scott Gilligan was sworn in as a Police Officer in Raytown.

Tom Cole told the Board the end of year tax receipts continues to be strong.

The Board approved the minutes from the last meeting.
The Board passed a resolution between the City of Raytown and UMB Bank Mark Loughry to replace Jeremy Willmoth as the authorized agent for UMB banking business.
The Board authorized an agreement with Design Studio for City Hall Renovations. The first project will be the renovations to the bathrooms on the first floor that will impact board chambers, conference room, public bathrooms and employee bathrooms. The proposal is from Incite Design Studio that completed the facility plan for City Hall. The total amount requested of $20,300.00 includes the base design fee, Audio/Visual Design fee and a $2,000.00 contingency fund for reimbursable expenses.
The Board approved the purchase of a 2012 Ford F-150 truck from Dick Smith Ford for the Public Works Department.
The Board Approved the purchase of five new 2011 patrol cars at a total price of

Decal and unit markings $ 1,300.00

P-25 Compliant Radios $ 15,094.50

Emergency Equipment $ 10,000.00

Strobe Lights $ 2,140.00

Total for 5 vehicles $151,029.50

The Board approved an agreement with the Ditzler Community Improvement District for the 350 Highway improvements. This will enable the start of Phase 2 of the project, which proposes a 5,500 sq. ft. multi-tenant retail building including two national restaurants and at least one general retailer.
The Board heard the first reading of a Resolution authorizing MoDot to begin a preliminary project design for the 350 Highway improvements. Alderman Aziere moved the rules be suspended. When the motion passed, the second reading of the Resolution was performed. The resolution was passed by the Board.

Barb Schlapia

Schlapia Named to Raytown Fire Board

Former Raytown City Councilwoman Barb Schlapia has been named to finish the unexpired term of one of the members of the Raytown Fire District Board of Directors. Mr. Bruce Bruch has resigned from his position on the Board effective January 1, 2012.

Schlapia’s appointment culminates a couple of weeks of hectic behind the scenes campaigning for the vacated position. Two other candidates who are active in the Raytown political arena were interviewed for the position, Richard Tush and Michael Downing. There were other names up for consideration, but it was these three that made it to the final round of interviews.

Tush currently serves on the Raytown Water District Board of Directors, is President of the Raytown Democratic Association (RDA) and is a Democratic Committeeman on the Jackson County Democratic Committee.

Downing is also a member on the Jackson County Democratic Committee.

Tush said that he would have been glad to serve, however, he did note that his plate is “pretty full” at this time.

The Fire Board is comprised of three positions. They are the governing body of the Raytown Fire District, which encompasses the same boundaries as the City of Raytown.

Board members are elected to six year terms. They are paid $100 each time they meet in session twice a month. The President of the Board is paid $150 per meeting. Willard Ross is the current President. Board members are also included in the Fire Department’s pension plan.

The next election for the Fire District will be in April of 2013. The seat Schlapia is being appointed to will be up for election at that time.

Filing for Raytown C-2 School Board Closes January 17^th

Filing for two, three year terms on the Raytown C-2 Board of Education is open until January 17^th.

America in Color from 1939-1943

Use the following link to view photographs taken by the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information, are some of the only color photographs taken of the effects of the Depression on America’s rural and small town populations. These images, by photographers of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information, are some of the only color photographs taken of the effects of the Depression on America’s rural and small town populations.

To view the pictures use this link: Rural America 1939 - 1943

Greg Walters

Observations Commentary by Greg Walters

THE maneuvering for a vacant seat on the Raytown Fire Board is not really a surprise. As a friend commented, “it’s the Raytown version of transparency”.

Sad to say, the observation is spot on when describing how a lot the public’s business is conducted by governmental bodies in Raytown.

City Hall’s penchant for closed door sessions is well known.

The handling of filling the vacancy for one of the seats on the Raytown Fire Board was handled just as poorly.

Consider this, one of the candidates for the vacant position on the Raytown Fire Board, Michael Downing, regularly publishes a small blog in Raytown. Not one word was written by Downing about the vacancy.

Do we need to tell you that our old friend, Randy Battagler, did not have any news on the item his newspaper either?

And these guys claim to be reporting the news in Raytown!

SPEAKING of behind the scenes maneuvering . . . what is going on with Mayor Bower and his refusal to appoint members to three vacancies on the Raytown Park Board? Some observers have noted that Bower’s plan to coerce the Park Department out of its independent status seems to have run up against a stone wall. The Park Board has continued to defer its decision on a Memo of Understanding that would, in effect, strip the independent Board of its autonomy.

Some have suggested that Bower is just biding his time in an effort to appoint individuals “friendly” to his position on the Memorandum of Understanding.

SMILE . . . that was about all we could do when we looked up the details on the School District’s website of the upcoming School Board Election scheduled for April, 2012. The small announcement closed the message with the instruction that applicants can “apply” for the position(s) at the Raytown School District Headquarters.

And here I thought it was an election!

“Apply” infers that an application is being accepted for review by someone at the School Board offices. That is far from reality.

Here is how it should read: “Candidates may file for election at the Raytown School Board offices.” The difference is subtle but very important.

If elected, those candidates will become the decision makers that run the District. They will be giving instructions to the very people who would suggest that they can “apply” for the position(s).

In the 2010 elections for the School Board dropped the ball by not qualifying candidates for placement on the ballot. Missouri State Statutes require that all taxes be paid before a candidate can file. One of those candidates was then the President of the Raytown School Board!

It would appear that the District needs a remedial primer on its responsibilities and duties. The position of the District bureaucrats is that of the gate keeper, nothing more, nothing less.

The voters have the final word on the contests deciding who should run the School District.

BARB SCHALPIA’S appointment to the Raytown Fire District does not really come as a complete surprise given the field of candidates the Fire Board was choosing from. Not that there is anything wrong with Richard Tush or Michael Downing.

Tush is too much of an independent thinker to fit into a governing body known for its “good old boy” status in the community.

Downing has been a good soldier for the powers that be in Raytown for many years. Being passed over for the position -- ouch -- that had to hurt.

Schalpia will do a decent job of representing the people of Raytown on the Board.

DURING the interview process it became clear that the Fire Board is considering yet another tax increase. Raytown already leads Eastern Jackson County with the highest sales tax. The Raytown area property tax is also the highest in Eastern Jackson County.

Another tax increase in either category would be like shooting an arrow through the heart of Raytown’s fragile economy.

There are already five city/park/fire district sales taxes imposed on Raytowners*. They are:

1.000% - General Sales Tax
.500% - Transportation Tax
.500% - Capital Tax
.374% - Public Safety Tax

.125% - Park Board Tax
.250% - Fire District Tax

When you add all other sales taxes including special tax districts (TIF, CID, etc.) the total sales tax increases to a ceiling of 9.250% in Raytown.

*SOURCE: Raytown Chamber of Commerce

INCIDENTALLY, the talk we hear is that there is already a “split” on how to raise a new tax for the Fire Department. Fire Board members Willard Ross and Bob Palmer are said to favor raising the property taxes on our homes. If a tax increase were needed, Schlapia would probably lean toward increasing the sales tax.

In fairness to Mrs. Schlapia, she was just took office on January 1st. She will need time to sort out before taking an official position.

Schlapia has a conservative side that will look hard into holding the line on spending in the Fire District. She has a good sense for the pulse of the community on tax issues. If there is a way to solve governmental money shortages without raising taxes she is one that is capable of finding it.

SPEAKING of taxes . . . a little known fact about the TIF agreement between the City of Raytown and Walmart is that it requires ALL sales tax revenue collected at Walmart be used to pay down the 23 years of debt created by the TIF agreement.

That includes NEW taxes like the 1/8 cent sales tax voters approved last November for the Kansas City Zoo. That sales tax became effective on January 1st. The new tax pushes the sales tax rate at the Raytown Walmart up to 9.250%.

Those “Occupy Kansas City” folks are protesting in the wrong place!

OCCUPY Kansas City . . . The Kansas City Star reported that the group, normally camped out at Penn Valley Park, held a parade last Friday in Downtown Kansas City. Since it was the day before the New Year Holiday the Downtown was pretty much vacated. Good thing the Star reported the event. Otherwise we never would have known that it took place!

The Under-Cheesing of America? by Erin Whitehead for Fit Bottomed Girls
First, let me acknowledge that I’m still in the Stone Age when it comes to commercials—I still watch them. But some commercials are darn funny and therefore worth checking out, whether they’re intended to be humorous like the Tide commercials I love or just happen to come out that way. One that falls into the latter category... Continue reading

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2011-12-26T07:10:00.017-06:00

. . . BREAKING NEWS . . .

Sears Closing Two Area Stores by Paul Livius

Sears Holdings has announced it will close two stores in the Kansas City Metro area.

The Sears store at 601 North 291 Highway, in Lee's Summit and a store in Lawrence, Kansas will be closed. Exact dates of the store closings has not been announced.

Raytown School District Joins Lawsuit from KMBC-TV

Five area school districts are asking a court to clarify the policy regarding Kansas City, Mo., School District student transfers. Blue Springs, Independence, Lee's Summit, North Kansas City and Raytown filed a petition in Jackson County last week.The Kansas City School District will lose its accreditation on Jan. 1.

"Parents and kids are wondering what in the world are they supposed to do? That's a great question," said Dr. Jim Hinson, superintendent of the Independence School District.

Under state law, KCMSD students can apply to transfer to an accredited school district in Jackson County. Under a 1993 amendment to the law, accredited schools are required to admit student transfers from an unaccredited district if that district provides transportation and pays the tuition determined by the accredited district. On Dec. 21, the Kansas City school board adopted a policy that requires the accredited school district to provide transportation for students.

The school districts claim Kansas City's plan is neither legal nor reasonable."Do we really expect buses, for example from the Independence School District, to be running bus routes in the Kansas City School District? That's how Kansas City's policy reads," Hinson said.

The school districts contend Kansas City's policy does not comply with state law. They also claim that Kansas City only wants to pay a fraction of what it really costs to educate a student. The school districts are asking a judge to order a hold on implementing any plan.

The school districts contend Kansas City's policy does not comply with state law. They also claim that Kansas City only wants to pay a fraction of what it really costs to educate a student. The school districts are asking a judge to order a hold on implementing any plan.

The Paul Livius Report . . . by Paul Livius

Paul Livius

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – December 20, 2011

Invocation was given by Stephen King, of the Ivanhoe United Church of Christ.

Several residents came before the Board with Public Comments:

Bonnie Stevens said she has lived in Raytown since 1998. She told the Board that on July 5, 2010, her neighbor, the Raytown Fire Marshall physically and verbally abused her. She present documents to the City Clerk.
Andy Whiteman said the consent agenda is being used to avoid public scrutiny. The Board has $155,000 of spending hidden in the consent agenda at this meeting alone. He said he told the Board two meetings ago that he is disabled and entitled to verbal and written communication. He requested that all consent agenda items be read, and he has been ignored. The Board of Aldermen are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Whiteman went on to say that Matt Cushman was the last Department Head living in Raytown and he resigned. There are now two positions open. He hopes the Board of Aldermen will require the new department heads to live in Raytown.
Alderman Bill Van Buskirk wished the Board, the staff and employees, as well as the resident of Raytown a Merry Christmas. He then turned on his hat, which sang “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Mayor Bower asked everyone to support local businesses and shop Raytown. He attended St. Matthew Episcopal Church and enjoyed listening to the Community Band.

Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator, reported that the Emergency Medical Services have been busy in December with the child safety seat education project. The River of Refuge is redeveloping the Parkland Hospital into transitional housing for the working poor.

Alderman Aziere reported that Monica Hernandez has received an appointment to the US Naval Academy.

Consent Agenda: Alderman Mock requested item R2467-11 be removed from the consent agenda. Alderman Van Buskirk requested items R2466-11 and R2468-11 be removed from the consent agenda. The other items on the consent agenda were passed by the Board:

Resolution accepting a community grant from State Farm in the amount of $2,000 to further the City’s Community Education programs through the Emergency Medical Services department.
Amended the 2011-2012 Budget to allow for $469 grant funds awarded in FY 2010-2011.

The items removed from the consent agenda:

Authorized an agreement between Dow Richards, MD and the City of Raytown for Medical Director Services. Alderman Mock asked what hospital Dr. Richards practiced and was told it is Research Medical Center. Alderman Mock asked why this agreement hadn’t been looked at since 2008, and was told this is only a renewal.
Approved a continuation of an existing service agreement with MED3000 in excess of $15,000 for EMS billing services. Alderman Van Buskirk said the contract doesn’t expire until 2013, so why renew it now. Brandon Buckman said this will authorize the expenditures. Alderman Van Buskirk pointed out that last fiscal year, the City spent $63,755 for EMS supplied, and Mr. Buckman was budgeting $84,000. Alderman Van Buskirk asked the amount budgeted increased by 32%. Mr. Buckman said this is what might be spent, but there is no way of knowing the exact amount. The EMS department doesn’t have to spend all the money.
Approved the purchase of medical supplies and uniforms from Alliance Medical, not to exceed $70,500. Alderman Van Buskirk asked Mr. Buckman if the Fire Department used the medical supplies of the EMS staff. Mr. Buckman said they did, but it is supplies the EMS staff would have used anyway.

The Board moved on to the Regular Agenda:

Amended the FY 2011-2012 Budget for Parks and Recreation operating and Capital Improvements. Kevin Boji asked for $150,000 for Super Splash. Alderman Van Buskirk asked Mr. Boji when the improvements would be done. Mr. Boji said it depended on how well the Super Splash park did this year. Perhaps the improvements would be done in March or April, and if not, then in September.
Appointed Senior Accountant Brianna Burrichter as a City Representative on the Ditzler Community Improvement District Board of Directors.
Approved the expenditure of $15,000 for transcription services with Speak Write for the Police Department.
Approved the expenditure of $68,301 for the purchase of a John Deere 310 SJ Backhoe from Murphy Tractor and Equipment. Andy Noll told the Board this will replace the Case backhoe Public Works employees use for storm water work in smaller yards. The Case backhoe was purchased last Fiscal Year, but it kept overheating. After several attempts by the manufacturer to repair the unit, the City returned it.
Authorized the purchase of a 2012 Ford F550 truck from Dick Smith Ford for $34,920 and expending $25,942 with American Equipment for a total of $60,862. This will replace old equipment slated to be sold at auction.
Approved the Intergovernmental agreement with Jackson County Board of Election Commission allowing City Hall to be used as a polling place.
Approved the first amended and restated Raytown Live Tax Increment Financing Plan and approved Project 2 as a Redevelopment Project.
Heard the first reading of the First Amendment to the agreement between the City and the Ditzler Community Improvement District. David Christy, with Christy Developers, came before the Board to say they had completed Phase I (Aldi’s Grocery Store) at Gregory Blvd. and 350 Highway. They are ready to start on Phase II, which will be a Jimmy John’s restaurant, as well as a national retailer. These businesses will have 10 year leases, with three five-year options. They are asking for an increase to the CID, due to additional costs for the project. They had to spend $2.500 for the concrete and heavy-duty asphalt at the site, build an additional trash enclosure for the restaurant for $21,000, and they had to make $44,000 in allowances to the businesses to get them to sign the lease. Mr. Christy pointed out they will have to install a left turn lane on Ditzler, as per the City’s request. That will cost an additional $50,000.
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance that would change the term of the pension plan’s Fiscal Year. Currently the FY is October through September. The ordinance would make the FY January through December. The Board voted to suspend the rules and hear the second reading of this ordinance, which the Board passed.

The Board moved into closed session.

Changes Coming to the Raytown Report by Paul Livius

We hear from our readers other than through the “Comments” portion of the Raytown Report. We make note of what we are told and try to incorporate suggestions into our weekly publication.

And now, we are going to do something significant about it.

Our readers often tell us that what they really miss in a local publication is hard news. From time to time we have addressed that need under the heading of “Breaking News”. However, the use of the Breaking News story has been limited.

We plan to use this Breaking News venue on a more regular basis to give you timely stories of interest to Raytown.

The following story is from one such news feed.

Bomb Scare in Raytown from KMBC TV

Several homes in the 9000 block of East 74th Street were evacuated Thursday morning after a homeowner on the block found a suspicious item in his house, Raytown police said.

Raytown police said the item appeared to be a home-made explosive device.

Investigators said they were called to the home Wednesday night to investigate a domestic dispute. One of the residents was arrested. Just before 10 a.m., police said they were called back to the house by another resident who discovered the device.

Authorities called the Kansas City Bomb Squad to check out the item. Bomb technicians deactivated the device. Raytown police said that there was harmful explosive material involved.

Police are questioning people in the home. No charges have been filed.

Sales Tax Increase Effective January 1, 2012

Last November voters in Jackson County, Missouri voted to increase the sales tax by one-eighth of a cent. As a result, Raytown shoppers can expect to pay 8.225% at most retail outlets in Raytown.

Some retail stores will have a higher sales tax rate due to so-called tax incentives provided them by the City of Raytown. Those retail outlets with the higher sales tax amounts are Aldi’s, Hy-Vee, Sutherland Lumber, Walmart and the House of Pancakes.

Walmart’s sales tax rate leads the Raytown area at 9.225%.

Unlike the Missouri State Sales Tax, the new sales tax in Raytown is applicable on all purchases, including food and medicine.

Thank You Readers!

A most appreciative “thank you” to our readers for their support in 2011. In the world of paperless news reporting a publication’s “strength” is based on how many hits it receives over a given period of time.

We are pleased to report that for the third year running, the Raytown Report has seen its readership increase. In 2011 the Raytown Report was visited over 31,000 times by readers.

It’s an impressive number of which we are very proud.

We like to think we are the right track as a news source and sounding board for the good people of Raytown.

But we are always ready to improve. They used to say “keep those cards and letters” coming to let us know what you expect from an electronic news source. In the 21^st Century it may be more appropriate to ask that you keep sending those emails and posting those blogs.

We are listening!

Filing for Raytown C-2 School Board Closes January 17^th

Filing for two, three year terms on the Raytown C-2 Board of Education is open until January 17^th.

Candidates may file between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Raytown School District Headquarters located at 6608 Raytown Road. However, District offices will be closed through January 2^nd for school break.

Candidates are required to be registered voters living within the District. All property and personal taxes must be paid in full before filing for public office in Missouri. The Election for the Raytown School Board will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Park Board Defers MOU Decision

The Board of Directors of the Raytown Parks and Recreation did not take any action on the proposed Memo of Understanding with the City of Raytown at its last meeting.

The Board did, however, elect Michael Hanna as its new President.

Hanna is a former Raytown Municipal Judge. He currently practices law from his office in Raytown. He replaces former President Bob Smith as a permanent President of the Raytown Park Board.

Smith resigned from his position on the Raytown Park Board when Mayor Bower first brought the Memo of Understanding to the Park Board for consideration.

Other Parks and Recreation news . . . Diane Krizek is stepping down from the Raytown Tree Board to be President of the Friends of Raytown Parks, Inc. During Diane’s term, she assisted in the creation, development and funding of the Walking Arboretum in Kritser Park and assisted in annual Arbor Day celebrations, which culminated in the planting of many trees for the betterment of our community.

Friends of the Park is an independent organization dedicated to promoting Raytown’s city parks.

This Week’s Poll Question

The New Year is fast approaching. With it comes the age old tradition of resolutions – a ritual of self-improvement that many take up annually -- some more seriously than others.

We wondered what folks thought of the concept of New Year’s Resolution. So, please take a few moments to check out this week’s poll question.

Greg Walters

Percentages Lie – Look at the Hard Numbers by Greg Walters

I read an interesting editorial in one of our competing Raytown news sources this past week. It was chock full of adjectives building up Mayor Bower and his crew of professionals of at City Hall for cutting the cost of running the city this last year. The story was written by the Mayor’s favorite bearer of good news, Randy Battagler.

The story was a clumsy use of percentages in making an argument that the city is increasing revenue while cutting costs.

BEWARE OF SMOKE . . . Typical of such stories was a reliance on percentages to make the argument. Not one hard number was used to back up the claims. We call this trick “Smoke and Mirrors”.

For instance . . . Battagler wrote that tax collections had increased 6 to 7 percent. We wondered where that increase came from. Certainly not Walmart. ALL of the tax revenue from Raytown’s leading retail giant is earmarked for the retirement of TIF bonds to build the store, parking lot and traffic intersections that serve the store.

There is one source of tax revenue that has seen an appreciable “bump” this year. That area is property tax revenue. Many homeowners and businesses in Raytown saw their property tax climb to new highs in 2011. When you include the property tax levy increase the city added in 2010, the increase in revenue begins to make sense.

Another source of revenue is the payment of delinquent property taxes. The recession that has held our country in its grip since the mortgage housing crisis has extracted a very high price in the way of foreclosed homes and businesses. Those foreclosures had a significant effect on local government revenues. Raytown is no exception.

As people re-populate homes and businesses fill up vacancies there should be growth in all areas of revenue.

However, it is important to look at the big picture and see how much is ground lost beig regained.

There are also reports from Jackson County (which collects all property taxes in Raytown) that 2011 was a significant year for property owners “catching up” with delinquent tax bills from the previous two year. A little known secret is that property owners can forego paying their tax penalty for two years. In year three, the property goes up for sale on the court house step.

Is the six of seven percent a real increase, or, is it just catching up? The percentages will never tell you that. Only the tracking of hard numbers and statistics will tell the whole story.

. . . AND MIRRORS

Battagler also wrote of another statistic of dubious qualification. The reduction costs by 29% (once again, percentage) of costs in running the city.

Battagler is quick to admit that the numbers are unaudited.

As a presidential nominee recently said, “whoops!”

That’s a big one.

Unaudited means unqualified. As anyone who has run a business, or, for that matter participated in working through a budget as complicated as one for a municipality can tell you, one year snapshots do not really tell the whole story.

But there is something that is even more puzzling about Battagler’s editorial point of view.

Let’s say the 29% figure is correct. It is, as he wrote, “a significant number”.

Then, why isn’t the money being used to correct some of the long overdue maintenance of our City?

Residential streets are crumbling. The gravel and slurry seal that Mayor Bower started using four years ago to resurface streets is at best a poor man’s street overlay. It looks bad. It rides rough, and in many places has proven not to weather the Midwest’s harsh winter very well.

I hope that Battagler’s “blue sky” reporting turns out to be accurate.

If it is let us use that surplus to improve the quality of life of our people in Raytown’s residential neighborhoods.

Our leaders at Raytown City Hall have proven to be adept at giving tax incentives to large corporations to locate here. As their official mouthpiece, Randy Battagler is now trumpeting how much they have saved the city.

Let’s see some real results. Take care of the people in Raytown with the benefits of those savings.

Gluten Free Cookies!!! by Jenn Walters for Fit Bottomed Girls

Each year my immediate family gets together for a day of holiday cookie making. I don’t do a ton of baking throughout the rest of the year, but I really, really enjoy this holiday tradition of ours where we spend all day baking far more cookies than we could possibly eat (thank goodness for neighbors and friends!). However, this... Continue reading

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2011-12-23T05:31:00.007-06:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: TO POST A CHRISTMAS GREETING TO YOUR FELLOW READERS GO TO THE END OF OUR CHRISTMAS STORY PAGE.

Happy Christmas to all of our readers from the Raytown Report. Please enjoy the following Christmas stories as our gift to you this Christmas.

^{Greg Walters} Paul Livius

The first story is by a writer named Luke. He was one of four scribes credited with compiling and writing the New Testament of the Bible. As you will see, he had a gift for reporting a story in a concise manner that told everything.

The Birth of Jesus by Luke

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The editorial, penned by veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church, has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial.

Francis Pharcellus

Is There a Santa Claus? by Francis Pharcellus Church of the New Youk Sun

DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in THE SUN it's so.” Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
115 West Ninety-Fifth Street

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

There are writers, and then there are writers. No one can match prose of Charles Dickens. His classic rendering of Christmas in 18^th Century England has characters so real that you can taste them. The story of redemption is so clear that it fits in perfectly with what Christmas is about . . . A chance for all to start anew.

The following is excerpted from his masterpiece, “A Christmas Carol”.

Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Again the spectre raised a cry, and shook its chain and wrung its shadowy hands.

"You are fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. "Tell me why?"

"I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?"

Scrooge trembled more and more.

"Or would you know," pursued the Ghost, "the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!"

Scrooge glanced about him on the floor, in the expectation of finding himself surrounded by some fifty or sixty fathoms of iron cable: but he could see nothing.

"But you were always a good man of business, Jacob," faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself.

"Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.

"Forgive me if I am not justified in what I ask," said Scrooge, looking intently at the Spirit's robe, "but I see something strange, and not belonging to yourself, protruding from your skirts. Is it a foot or a claw?"

"It might be a claw, for the flesh there is upon it," was the Spirit's sorrowful reply. "Look here."

From the foldings of its robe, it brought two children; wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable. They knelt down at its feet, and clung upon the outside of its garment.

"Oh, Man! look here! Look, look, down here!" exclaimed the Ghost.

They were a boy and a girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish; but prostrate, too, in their humility. Where graceful youth should have filled their features out, and touched them with its freshest tints, a stale and shrivelled hand, like that of age, had pinched, and twisted them, and pulled them into shreds. Where angels might have sat enthroned, devils lurked, and glared out menacing. No change, no degradation, no perversion of humanity, in any grade, through all the mysteries of wonderful creation, has monsters half so horrible and dread.

Scrooge started back, appalled. Having them shown to him in this way, he tried to say they were fine children, but the words choked themselves, rather than be parties to a lie of such enormous magnitude.

"Spirit, are they yours?" Scrooge could say no more.

"They are Man's,' said the Spirit, looking down upon them. And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it! cried the Spirit, stretching out its hand towards the city. Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse! And abide the end!"

"Have they no refuge or resource?" cried Scrooge.

"Are there no prisons?" said the Spirit, turning on him for the last time with his own words.

"Are there no workhouses?"

The bell struck twelve.

"What's to-day?" cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in Sunday clothes, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him.

"Eh?" returned the boy, with all his might of wonder.

"What's to-day, my fine fellow?" said Scrooge.

"To-day?" replied the boy. "Why, Christmas Day."

"It's Christmas Day!" said Scrooge to himself. "I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can. Hallo, my fine fellow!"

"Hallo!" returned the boy.

"Do you know the Poulterer's, in the next street but one, at the corner?" Scrooge inquired.

"I should hope I did," replied the lad.

"An intelligent boy!" said Scrooge. "A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there? -- Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?"

"What, the one as big as me?" returned the boy.

"What a delightful boy!" said Scrooge. "It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck!"

"It's hanging there now," replied the boy.

"Is it?" said Scrooge. "Go and buy it."

"Walk-er!" exclaimed the boy.

"No, no," said Scrooge, "I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell them to bring it here, that I may give them the direction where to take it. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes and I'll give you half-a-crown".

The boy was off like a shot. He must have had a steady hand at a trigger who could have got a shot off half so fast.

"I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's." whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands, and splitting with a laugh. "He sha'nt know who sends it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be!"

The hand in which he wrote the address was not a steady one, but write it he did, somehow, and went down-stairs to open the street door, ready for the coming of the poulterer's man. As he stood there, waiting his arrival, the knocker caught his eye.

"I shall love it, as long as I live!" cried Scrooge, patting it with his hand. "I scarcely ever looked at it before. What an honest expression it has in its face. It's a wonderful knocker."

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2011-12-18T21:15:00.013-06:00

-- Breaking News --

Police said they were looking for whoever was responsible for firing shots into a Raytown house early Sunday.

Officers said they were called to a home in the 5300 block of Hardy Avenue, where a party had been going on. Police said one of the residents got into a fight with one of the party-goers and made that person leave.

Police said shortly after that person left, someone fired shots into the house. They said they believe someone inside the home fired back.

No injuries were reported from the shooting, but police said there were signs of injuries that may have come from the fight inside the house.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

A Little Transparency Please! by Greg Walters

Like many of you, we have been reading the story(s) about Raytown’s new Finance Director, Mark Loughry. It certainly does make for some interesting reading. (see last week's Raytown Report)

One question comes to mind about the whole mess . . . how much did the Board of Aldermen know about Mr. Loughry’s past?

The readers have the facts before them as reported in the Basehor Sentinal. We assume the Board of Aldermen had those same facts as well.

We won’t use this space to pass judgment on Loughry. It is clear to see from the newspaper accounts that the City of Basehor is deeply divided over what has happened.

Raytown City Hall has a well-deserved reputation for making many decisions behind closed doors. Observers of City Council meetings have often commented that public meetings often seem to be an afterthought with the decision already made, the public vote a mere formality.

It is not uncommon to read in the news about other communities where applicants for the higher paying positions in government are narrowed down to a short list of candidates.

For instance, City of Kansas City, Missouri recently hired a new Chief of Police. Before the decision was made the four finalists were announced to the public through the local news media. The four top contenders were showcased on the front page of the Kansas City Star.

The point is that opening up the process to the public may be a good idea. At least there are no surprises, and, the public can have a better understanding of how their city is run. It also allows for public feedback that may be a help in the process.

A little transparency may prove to be a healthy way vet candidates for management team positions.

The Board of Aldermen would do themselves and the community a favor by opening up the process to a more free-flowing format in place of the closed door meetings. Announcing the finalists would raise public interest and remove any stigma of back room wheeling and dealing.

Missouri state law allows local governments to go into closed session to discuss matters of hiring and firing. It is important to remember that it is an option that local governments may use. To what extent is they use closed meetings is entirely up to the governing body.

City / Raytown Parks Memo of Understanding Back on the Table

On Monday, December 19^th, the Raytown Parks and Recreation is scheduled to conduct its regular monthly meeting. Though an agenda has not been published, a Memo of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Parks Department is expected to be discussed.

The controversial Memo of Understanding would dramatically shift responsibility of park funds from the Parks Department to the City of Raytown.

Raytown Parks and Recreation is governed by an independent board which sets its own funding and programs independent of the city. The Park Board is appointed by the Mayor with approval of the majority of the Board of Aldermen.

There are currently two vacancies on the Park Board that the Mayor has yet to replace.

The meeting is open to the public. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19^th at the Raytown Parks Headquarters located at 5912 Lane Street. (59^th and Lane, Coleman Park)

Poll Question . . .
From news stories we have read, this year's Christmas shopping started out with a bang on Black Friday but has quickly fizzled with shoppers being extra careful on how much the spend on gifts, etc. for Christmas.

We wondered if that trend was true for Raytowners as well. So, please take a moment to check out our poll question in the top left corner of the page.

Blog Rules Re-Defined

Last week we received an email about a potential candidate for the new state representative district that takes in Raytown. The email was full of allegations and accusations about one of the candidates that were, to say the least, disparaging.

The writer dropped names of public figures like raindrops in a thunderstorm to verify the accusations. It was a clever message – but it was clear that the intent was to condemn while hiding behind the mask of anonymity.

It is one thing to make an anonymous statement asserting a position or a belief. It is another to use this forum to vilify another person without having to at least stand up and say so publicly.

In our view, making such statements with intent to damage another person’s reputation without having to expose oneself is cowardice and underhanded.

Paul and I discussed whether or not to post the missive. Here is our decision.

We will publish the aforementioned message, provided the writer will sign off on the message and allow us to verify that he or she is the true author.

By doing so the playing field is leveled. The accusations can stand or fall on their merit.

As for the rest of those who like to share their thoughts on the blog, they may continue to do so anonymously. The new restriction only applies to those who make personal attacks on the Raytown Report blog.

Kitchen Sink Soup by Jenn Walters for Fit Bottomed Girls

Ever heard of kitchen sink soup? Where you put whatever you have (but the kitchen sink) in a pot and turn it into an edible and hopefully delicious soup? Well, I have no real proof to back me up on this besides my husband’s feedback and my own ego, but I’m going to go ahead and declare myself the Queen of the Healthy Kitchen... Continue reading

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2011-12-11T23:26:00.006-06:00

Contributed photo. Enlarge photo.

Basehor City Hall is at 2620 N. 155th St.

By Matt Erickson

October 26, 2011

Mark Loughry

Previous Sentinel coverage of the Basehor City Council's dismissal of Mark Loughry:
Sept. 19: Basehor City Council votes to fire administrator Loughry
Sept. 21: Vote sparks shock, questions at City Hall
Sept. 22: Loughry to clean out office; police chief asked to fill in
Sept. 27: Allegations, benefit questions preceded firing
Oct. 5: Council voids $50,000 severance check

Related document

Patrick Reavey letter: Exhibit D (PDF)

A 2010 letter from Basehor's city attorney accused former city administrator Mark Loughry of misrepresenting the salary he was paid by his previous employer, the city of Hays, during his negotiations with Basehor in summer 2009.

The allegation was one of four specific issues raised in the April 2010 letter from then-city attorney Patrick Reavey to city council members and Mayor Terry Hill regarding Loughry, who was fired in a surprise 3-2 council vote in September. The Sentinel obtained the letter, along with documents containing supporting evidence, in an open-records request last month. Read More

Mark Loughry Hired for Raytown Finance Job

Mark Loughry

The following article is reprinted from the Basehor Sentinal. Raytown City Hall has not formally released any information about the city’s new Finance Director. The article was written by Matt Erickson of the Basehor Sentinal.

December 8, 2011

His surprise firing continues to reverberate more than two months later in the form of efforts to recall three different elected officials, but former Basehor city administrator Mark Loughry is moving on.

Loughry was hired earlier this week to be finance director for the city of Raytown, Mo.

The city's 10-member board of aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an employment agreement with Loughry for a salary of $79,500. He is due to start work there Monday. Read More

Greg Walters

New State Representative District for Raytown by Greg Walters

Every ten years the Missouri State Constitution requires that state representative and senatorial districts be redrawn to bring balance to shifting populations. The goal is that all the citizens of the State of Missouri receive equal representation in the two legislative branches of government in Jefferson City.

This year the redistricting squabble between Democrats and Republicans ended up in court. But something unusual happened that may be a benefit to Raytown.

The “unusual” event occurred when a Judicial Panel handed down its decision on how the new districts will be divided.

Raytown came out a winner.

How so?

Traditionally Raytown has been the center of the metropolitan area where state representative districts are carved up. The result has been up to five state representatives sharing the duties of Raytown’s business in Jefferson City. Since Raytown is only ten square miles that means the areas represented by the various legislators is a very small part of their district.

Simply put, a small constituency does not receive as much attention as a large one.

Raytown is a winner because the newly formed state representative district contains all of the city. The boundary line stretches from 87^th Street on the South to just north Interstate 70 on the north.

On the East the boundary line is Woodson Road and Westridge Roads.

On the West the boundary line is Blue Ridge Cutoff.

Another interesting twist is that the new district does not have an incumbent State Legislator living in it. That means the seat is wide open for the next Primary election in August and General election in November.

The open seat has already attracted a number of candidates.

On the Republican side Raytown Ward 2 Alderman Jim Aziere is said to have stated his intention to run for the seat. Aziere is a senior member of the Raytown City Council and a former Republican Party Committeeman for the Raytown area.

On the Democratic side, no less than four individuals have shown more than passing interest in representing the newly formed District.

Daron McGee, Chris Moreno, Tom McDonald, and Matt Cushman are four names sources say are taking more than a cursory look at the possibility of a campaign.

Of those four, Cushman and Moreno have the higher name recognition in Raytown.

Cushman recently resigned his position as the head of the Raytown Ambulance Service after serving 17 years in that position.

Moreno is a seasoned campaigner who waged a campaign against former State Representative Will Kraus (now Senator Kraus) in which he carried the southern half of Raytown – the last Democrat to do so in over ten years. He also worked in Governor Jay Nixon’s office as a liaison to the Department of Labor.

Tom McDonald currently serves in the State Legislature. However, due to the redistricting, his home in northern Independence is not within the new district borders. In fact, he now resides in another District. The shifting District lines have him paired against another
Independence State representative, Ira Anders.

Daron McGee is a relative newcomer to Raytown area politics. He currently works for the Jackson County Prosecutor in the COMBAT anti-crime unit.

No doubt there are other potential candidates who will test the waters before the filing deadline in late March, 2012.

We will watching and promise to keep our readers up to date on what undoubtedly will be one of the most watched races for the State House in western Missouri.

Heard on the Street . . .

The Raytown Park Department is scheduled to meet with City officials to decide the fate of a plan to consolidate park and city services. Insiders from both City Hall and the Park Department are in agreement that the talks are all about the money (what else!). The main question remains as to who can best manage Raytown’s parks.

It is well known that Mayor Bower would prefer to have a smaller Board of Aldermen with which to conduct city business. Some say it is a matter of control. City Hall observers point out that he should be careful for what he wishes. Smaller governmental bodies may be easier to control. They are also easier to replace.

Christmas is just around the corner . . . which means that retail outlets are kicking it into high gear to chalk up the bulk of their profits for the year. This is especially important for the City of Raytown which has guaranteed the debt payments for the Walmart Store and staked $600,000 on the success of the new Aldi’s Grocery Store. Let’s hope they meet their goals. If they do not, there is only one place left for the city to raise the tax revenue to pay down debt – the taxpayers and businesses with city limits.

Paul Livius

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting by Paul Livius

Alderman Steve Mock thanked all sponsors and volunteers who helped out with the Holiday lighting ceremony.

Alderman Melson requested items R-2460-11 and R-2461-11 be removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately. Alderman Van Buskirk requested item R2457-11 be removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately.

The remaining items on the Consent Agenda:

Resolution authorizing a maintenance contract with Motorola Solutions, not to exceed $34,416.68
Resolution authorizing the purchase of office supplies from Office Depot in excess of $15,000.00

Resolution R-2457-11, reappointing Pat Jackson to the Jackson County Board of Equalization to represent the City on issues relating to the City of Raytown. Alderman Van Buskirk said his real estate assessment increased 22%, but his home value stayed the same. He and his wife both called Jackson County to try to get the assessment reduced. He talked with two or three different people. He was told if he continued to pursue the assessment reduction, the County would come to his house and then his assessed value would be increased. The reappointment was approved.

Resolution R-2461-11 authorized the continuation of services with Edwards Chemical in excess of $15,000.00. Alderman Melson said she had this item removed from the consent agenda because the Aldermen’s packets were missing information about this resolution and she wanted to make sure everyone had a copy. The resolution was approved.

Mahesh Sharma introduced Mark Loughry as the new Finance Director for the City of Raytown. Mr. Loughry thanked the Board and said he appreciated the opportunity to work in Raytown. Mr. Aziere welcomed Mr. Loughry to Raytown. The Board passed a resolution authorizing the Employment Agreement with Mr. Loughry.

The Board passed a resolution authorizing Change Order #1 with Vance Brothers for the 2011 Light Weight Aggregate Seal Project. Andy Noll said this is the final payment for the project. The change order was to put down double seals on areas with heavy cracks. He thinks the areas look nice and will last a long time.
The Board passed a resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds in the amount of $25,789.89 to Tyler Technologies. This is for a software upgrade needed by the Finance Department.
The Board passed a resolution authorizing a 60 month lease with Pitney Bowes for a Mail Solution System and Folder-Inserter machine, not to exceed $18,936. Mahesh Sharma said this is to increase efficiency when sending out the City Sewer bills to the residents.
The Board passed a resolution authorizing an inter-local agreement with the City of Kansas City, MO and the City of Raytown for the permitting and inspection services related to Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance approving an intergovernmental agreement between Jackson County, Mo Board of Election Commission and the City of Raytown to utilize Raytown City Hall as a polling place for precincts BR 14 and BR 15 during the 2012 calendar year.
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance approving the first amendment to the first amended and restated Raytown Live Tax Increment Financing Plan and approving Project 2 as a redevelopment project and adopting tax increment financing.

The Board of Aldermen moved to a closed session to discuss the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of employees.

Why I Don’t Eat Meat by Kristen for Fit Bottomed Girls

As a high school senior, I interviewed the teachers who had taught kindergarten to the kids in my class, and when I spoke to my old teacher, Mrs. Lake, she actually remembered a story about me. We were singing all the verses of She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain, and, when it got to the verse that says, “We will kill the old red rooster when she comes,” I raised my hand and asked, “Couldn’t they just order a pizza?” Continue reading

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2011-12-04T20:10:00.003-06:00

A Look Back by Greg Walters

Raytown has had four separate attempts at writing a Charter. Of those four, the last attempt was truly a grass roots effort.

Interest was high in the community when the last Charter effort was made. Over 30 individuals petitioned to have their name placed on the ballot to serve on the Commission. When the smoke had cleared twelve Commissioners were elected. It was an impressive list of community leaders.

It included current and past members of the City Council, a former Mayor, a former state representative, a former newspaper publisher/editor, business leaders from the private sector and a retired school teacher.

During the roll out of the campaign to create a Charter Commission there were many profound statements from City Hall endorsing the need for change. Mayor Sue Frank told the Board of Aldermen in public session that a Charter was the most important issue before the voters in the last 50 years. Then Alderman John Wiley sagely announced that “now was the time” for the city to write a charter.

All of that changed when the vote total of who would make up the Charter Commission was tallied. Simply put, the Mayor’s candidates did not fair well.

The first sign of discord came when City Administrator Curt Wenson arranged for a meeting between the City Attorney and the newly elected members of the Charter Commission.

Many on the Charter Commission were anxious to begin their work. They also wanted the public to know that the Commission was independent of City Hall. The public venue in which Wenson set up the meeting was perceived by some as a move to show that City Hall was in control of the process.

The city attorney attempted to give a report but was politely told her services were not necessary.

Support and communication between City Hall and the Charter Commission became stilted and rare.

With its position in the community established the Charter Commission went to work.

Public hearings were held at various locations throughout the city. Charter Commissioners brought their ideas to the table. A special sub-committee of the Commission was given the task of reviewing all the proposals.

The final product was reviewed by the members and approved by a vote of nine to two with one member absent.

The proposed Charter was not especially unique. It allowed for initiative, referendum and recall. It also had a clause in it that required that senior department heads reside within city limits.*

Mayor Sue Frank and her supporters, who had been deeply disappointed when her candidates did not win a majority position on the Commission, went public with her opposition to the Charter. Using the Raytown Post and its owner/publisher Randy Battagler as her bully pulpit, she orchestrated a campaign of dirty tricks that included attempts to block distribution of copies of the proposed charter.

The angst and division of the campaign spilled over to City Council meetings. When a member of the Board of Aldermen (who also sat on the Charter Commission) tried to read the location where the public could obtain copies of the proposed Charter, he was shouted down and ruled out of order by Mayor Frank.

Local merchants told of visits from members of the Board of Aldermen who opposed the Charter “requesting” that they refuse to distribute the books. Other merchants told of individuals who tried to walk off with multiple copies of the Charter books.

I personally viewed the extent of the outright thievery of books one evening while visiting the Raytown Public Library. The library had set up a table for distribution of the Charter books. I knew that a case of books had been delivered to the library earlier that day. When I inquired as to where the books were I was told that the Mayor had removed them because they had typographical errors in them.

The books were never returned.

Finally, Election Day arrived. Voters had their say. The negative campaign waged by Mayor Sue Frank and her supporters was successful. The Charter was defeated.

An interesting footnote to this story is the issue that so deeply divided the Charter Commission from the Mayor and her supporters was one of residency for appointed city department heads.

Within one year of the Charter election, four of the city’s senior department heads had moved on to other jobs. Only one of them lived in Raytown.

Were there mistakes in the Charter that were easily exploited by the opposition? Not really. There were differences of opinion – the anti-Charter crowd was unified and able to exploit divisions within the community that had been there before the campaign began.

The Charter Commission had done their homework. They had put together a workable document that would have strengthened Raytown and made its governmental structure more responsive to the public.

The Commission was not formed to run a political campaign. In the end the difference was a one-sided political campaign. Those who put forth the effort carried the day.

*At the time, six of the city’s department heads lived in Raytown. Today, none of the city’s appointed department heads live within the city limits.

Watch for The Paul Livius Report later this week for complete coverage of Tuesday night's Raytown City Council meeting.

Win a “Go! Go! Girls” Doll by Erin Whitehead

Now that I have a kiddo, I’m always on the lookout for fun, educational toys. So when an email from Go! Go! Sports Girls Dolls landed in my inbox, I got genuinely excited. Unlike some dolls that don’t exactly set the best example... Continue reading...

Illegal Signage on the Increase

While driving around Raytown this past week we noticed that there has been an increase of illegally posted signs on telephone poles throughout Raytown. Most of the signs are red and white and advertise low loan rates for homes. Most noticeable were two signs just blocks from City Hall located at 63rd Street and Raytown Trafficway and at 63rd street and Woodson.

Certainly our codes department drives by these signs on a daily basis. If they are not removed by this time next week we will begin publishing pictures of where the signs are located so they will be able to locate them.

O’Hara Basketball Team Goes to 3 - 0 by Brother Richard Geimer

On December 2, behind the 35 point scoring by Daniel Hurtt, the Archbishop O'Hara High School boys basketball team won their third game of the season when they handed the Pembroke Hill Raiders an 83-73 defeat.

In the first half the two teams traded points with a close 30-28 showing, but the Celtics obtained a little more breathing room by outpointing their opponents 22-17 in the third quarter.

For the fans who wanted to see a lot of scoring, the teams combined for a total of 59 fourth quarter points before the game ended with O'Hara ahead by ten.

Rayshaun McDonald contributed 22 points and Kyle Baker had 17.

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2011-11-27T21:22:00.009-06:00

Paul Livius

Shopper’s Comparison by Paul Livius

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article telling what I found at both the Save-A-Lot and Aldi’s grocery stores. While I was in each store, I glanced at the prices and was not impressed. I didn’t think the prices at the discount store were that much lower than other stores in the area.

One reader accused me of being an elitist who thought of myself as being too good to shop at a discount store.

Over the past month, I have visited four grocery stores within a two mile radius of each other. It has taken me awhile to pull this information together because I wanted all factors to be the same, as much as I could make them.

Therefore, I visited each store at 9:30 on a Saturday morning. I gathered the prices on the same items, making sure I compared the same size of each product. I looked for the absolute lowest price of the items on the shelves, paying no attention to the brand of item. I chose items that are basic ones that most families purchase every week. Here’s what I found.

	Hy-Vee	Apple Market	Aldi's	Save a Lot
White Bread	$0.99	$0.99	$0.89	$0.99
Butter - 4 sticks	$0.95	$0.89	$0.79	$0.79
Canned Corn	$0.64	$0.89	$0.55	$0.59
Eggs - 1 dozen large	$1.68	$1.75	$1.35	$2.15
Whole Milk-Gallon	$4.19	$4.35	$3.07	$3.19
Hamburger-80% lean	$2.25	$1.99	$2.69	$2.49
Peanut Butter-18 oz	$2.00	$1.99	$1.69	$1.99
Potatoes-5# Idaho	$2.00	$1.99	$3.49	$1.89
Totals	$14.70	$14.84	$14.52	$14.08

I realize some people chose 2% milk instead of whole milk. Others prefer 90% lean hamburger. The items I chose are the ones that are available at each store. Aldi’s and Save-A-Lot, for example, did not have 90% lean hamburger on their shelves. That’s why I priced 80% lean.

I did not go to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart sells food and food items, but is not a grocery store. I am only comparing grocery stores.

For myself, I will choose either Hy-Vee or Apple Market. Both stores offer customer service as well as groceries. I am willing to spend an extra $40 a year in order to have a young sacker carry my groceries to the car. This is important to me. It may not be important to you, the reader.

Should Raytown Consider a Charter? by Greg Walters

Raytown is governed under the laws of the State of Missouri as a Fourth Class City. It is a form of government originally set up in Missouri to bring conformity to all of the small communities that populate the state.

Fourth class cities are statutory cities. That means that their power to collect taxes and pass laws comes directly from laws that are first approved by the State Legislature.

When Raytown was incorporated the Fourth Class status was a good fit. The city was less than five square miles in size. The population was less than 5,000 people. But as the 1950’s turned into the 1960’s Raytown saw explosive growth that would continue into the 1980’s. Raytown was considered one of the premier residential areas in which to locate a business and raise a family.

As the metropolitan area grew, Raytown made the transition from an outer ring suburb to an inner ring suburb.

Many things have changed in Raytown since its days of rapid growth and expansion.

One thing has not changed. It remains a fourth class city.

Charter Government . . . a Better Way?

The first question most people ask about Charter Government is “what’s the difference?”

The biggest difference is that under a Charter government the people are allowed three basic rights of not allowed under a Fourth Class City.

Initiative Petition – The right of private citizens to petition to bring issues to the City Council for consideration.

· Referendum – Unhappy with legislation passed by the City Council? Referendum allows for the public to vote on decisions already approved by the City Council.

· Recall – Elected officials may be removed from office by a direct vote of the people.

Another difference is that elected officials would not be allowed to play the games they do with the laws that govern the city. A good example of this is the City Council’s shameful way of handling its residential requirement of the City Administrator.

There is a city ordinance that specifically requires the City Administrator to live within the city limits of Raytown. Twice, the City Council has voted to “extend” the deadline for the current City Administrator to move to Raytown. Their action have accumulated to an extension of six years.

They have made a farce of their own law.

If the residency requirement was written into the Charter the City Council would not be allowed to circumvent the rule. Such a change would require a direct vote of the people.

Recall is an effective tool to keep elected officials on the straight and narrow.

For instance, let’s say a City Councilman rarely shows up at meetings – is ill-prepared for discussion and is pretty much just collecting his or her paycheck for attending two meetings a month. Voters could petition to have the errant councilman removed from office in a special election.

___________________

There have been four attempts to create a Charter to govern Raytown in the city's 50 plus years of existence. Each attempt has been started by private citizens stepping up and gathering signatures to be elected to form a charter commission.

In each case the voters over-whelmingly approved the formation of the commission.

In each case the voters then rejected the Charter that was written by the Commission they elected.

This week's poll question asks if Raytown should explore the formation of another charter commission.

O'Hara Defeats St. Pius in Conference Game by Brother Richard Geimer

In a game that was scheduled to be played at Saint Pius, the Archbishop O'Hara Celtics boys basketball team won handily 70-47 in the O'Hara gym. The game had to move from St. Pius to O'Hara due to electrical problems at St. Pius X High School.

Building up a six point lead in the first quarter, the Celtics surged ahead 35-20 by halftime. Nine O'Hara players scored in the runaway contest with Daniel Hurtt leading the way with 21 points. Nine free throws along with three baskets gave Rayshaun McDonald 15 tallies and Kyle Baker was in double figures with 12, half of which came from two three-point shots.

Rice-Tremonti Open House

Rice-Tremonti Home welcomes you to "Puttin' on the Glitz", Holiday Open House and Country Store - December 3rd through December 18th. Open House hours 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. -- Santa visits 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. -- Twilight Tours: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, December 8, 10 and 17. Adult Admission - $4.00. Children under 12 are free. Complimentary cider, coffee and cookies will be served.

For more information go to http://www.rice-tremonti.com/

My Produce Picking Quirks by Erin Whitehead

I’m not a huge fan of the grocery store. I think it goes hand in hand with not totally loving to cook. I do both tasks because I have to, but I consider them both chores. Grocery shopping is always more fun when my hubby comes along, but I try to do most of the shopping while he’s at work because a) the store is less busy and... Continue reading

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2011-11-20T13:32:00.027-06:00

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

Happy Thanksgiving from Greg and Paul

. . . BREAKING NEWS . . .

Matt Cushman, Raytown's Director of EMS Operations turned in his resignation last Friday. His resignation is the third this year from the City's Management Team of Directors and Department Heads. Mr. Cushman was employed by the City of Raytown for 17 years. He told the Raytown Report that it was time to move on and that he had some opportunities he wished to explore.

News Updates . . . by Greg Walters

IT has been one month since Raytown Road between Downtown Raytown and 350 Highway was resurfaced. Many readers will recall that the job looked nice but had a serious flaw. The manhole covers and water company covers to sewer and water lines had not been raised before the work was begun. The result is a bumpy ride for anyone who travels over that section of Raytown Road.

We checked with the city's Public Works Director, Any Noll, ab0ut the timeline of the project. He said that the hardware needed to raise the covers of the manholes should arrive soon and that he anticipates the project completed within two weeks.

He also told us that the city is working in conjunction with the water companies that have lines under the streets so that the job can be completed without too much disruption of traffic.

____________________

Style changes are inevitable in any publication. The Raytown Report is no exception. We realize the Paul Livius Report can be a long "read" for many of our busy readers. For those who are in the habit of skimming large articles we have taken the liberty of highlighting in bold face those comments we found interesting or unusual. It will be our practice to note these sections of the Paul Livius Report without comment.

We have broken the Paul Livius Report into two sections this week. One dealing with a topic that will undoubtedly affect us all this winter, snow removal. The other with Paul's regular report on the last City Council meeting.

Paul Livius

The Paul Livius Report by Paul Livius

Work Session 1-15-11

Winter Weather Operations / Snow Removal

Before winter weather sets in, the Public Works Department reviews policies and procedures, reviews the snow routes, performs preventative maintenance on all snow removal equipment, and fill the salt barn. The Public Works Department uses passive GPS system to track the trucks.

They also review the snow removal maps. During winter weather, the Public Works Department will determine if 24 hour operations will be needed. If conditions change, the Raytown Police Department can call the Public Works Department to assess street conditions. The Public Works Department will give priority to street conditions reported by the Police, Fire, or EMS departments. Streets will be cleared according to the following maps.

The goal is to have all streets cleared in 36 hours. The Public Works Department will also clear the parking lot at City Hall and the EMS station. Andy Noll explained the Public Works Department considers an event to be freezing rain and sleet, as well as snow. Some challenges facing the Public Works Department are stuck vehicles and parked cars.

The Public Works Department asks citizens to be patient, prioritize vehicles trips, and do not park on the street. The Public Works Department recommends shoveling our driveways to the right. They also recommend we shovel out two feet past the driveway, and an area of 2’ x 24’ to the right of the driveway in the street to prevent the plows from leaving large amounts of snow blocking the driveway.

Citizens can contact the Public Works Department at 737-6012, or 737-6064 after hours. The Public Works Department will post weather information on the city’s website.

Alderman Ertz asked why the city uses passive GPS. Mr. Noll explained the passive GPS system allows the city to now where the trucks have been. For example, if a landscaper with a plow clears a parking lot and causes damage, the city will know if their trucks caused the damage. Also, “there have been times when we have employees who don’t live in the city that we needed here. We went to get them, and plowed them out of their neighborhoods, and brought them here.”

Alderman Mock asked what happened to the snow when the Public Works Department hauled it away from parking lots. Mr. Noll said they dumped it in the Green Space.

Mayor Bower asked about the difficulty in plowing cul-de-sacs. Mr. Noll said it was a challenge because of the open areas and fewer curbs.

Alderman Aziere said if citizens had difficulty shoveling snow from in front of their driveways after the plows have been through, they can call the Shepherds Center for help at 356-9000.

Consent Agendas Not in the Public's Best Interest by Greg Walters

CONSENT AGENDA. The term brings up images of everyone happily holding hands as they go about the routine business of governing. When originally used at Raytown City Hall, the Consent Agenda was meant to be used exclusively for the mundane types of business, such as appointments to citizen boards, resolutions recognizing community accomplishments, etc. Under the David Bower administration, the consent agenda has been morphed into a tool by which the minority is effectively silenced and the majority creates of facade of business as usual.

Two weeks ago the facade was cracked and came tumbling down when Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk gained acceptance from the majority of the Board in his effort to remove select items from the consent agenda. Three aldermen (White, Pardue and Aziere) fought VanBuskirk over a request to remove certain items from the Consent Agenda. Thankfully, calmer minds on the City Council prevailed when Aldermen allowed the items to be removed.

VanBuskirk specifically asked that certain money/contract items be read for the public's information.

We are glad he did. Here is why.

Supporters of the Consent Agenda argue that all of these items have already been approved in the City Budget. Therefore, the discussion is over -- the decision has been made. That may be true, but that does not mean that all involved approved of the Budget Committee's decision. What was a valid argument against the decision in the budget process remains a valid argument until the entire City Council signs off on the legislation approving the contract/money spent.

That is state law. And every one of the ten Aldermen sitting at Raytown City Hall should be well aware of it.

The reason is simple for this final vote. Budget meetings are not always well attended. In fact, one of the Aldermen who argued most vehemently against VanBuskirk's request (Ward 1 Alderman Shane Pardue) was absent at many of the budget hearings. In light of that information, Pardue's arguments should be ignored.

The people in Raytown have a right to know about the details of all legislation. Telling people they can look it up on the internet, or pay for a copy of legislation at City Hall is not really public access. They are roadblocks to the free flow of information.

Alderman VanBuskirk did the right thing in asking that certain items be removed from the Consent Agenda. And we applaud those on the City Council who supported his suggestion. At the same time, we question the ability of the entire Council to effectively "block" a request by any one Alderman to remove an item from the Consent Agenda.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the Paul Livius Report we highlighted those items in the Consent Agenda we believe should have been read for the public's information.

The Paul Livius Report (part 2) by Paul Livius

Board of Alderman Meeting / 1-15-11

The Invocation was given by Larry Jones, of the First Baptist Church of Raytown.

Chief Jim Lynch swore in Officer Scott Gillespie.

Steve Gunther said the Raytown Main Street Association is in the process of putting together information about what businesses and residents want in downtown Raytown. Street Scape and regional mass transit through the downtown project will make a dramatic impact. Light rail will create economic growth and Street Scape will allow a vision and help celebrate our community. One can tell a lot about a town by their downtown area.
Andy Whiteman asked why Kansas City has a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Raytown has a Holiday Lighting Ceremony. What is wrong with Raytown that they can’t have a Christmas Lighting? He also stated that the consent agenda is supposed to be for routine items. The consent agenda items that spent over $15,000 each last week was not routine. Alderman White had stated it appeared on the budget and was discussed in committee. Also, it was on the internet. She also said they would lose the TV audience if these items were discussed individually. He asked if she was watching the advertising budget or TV ratings. He said they spent more time arguing whether or not to read the items than if they had just read and voted on them. He asked why they were covering up their expenditures. Under the American Disabilities Act, he was entitled to ask for city communications be presented in writing and verbal. He was therefore demanding they be presented verbally.
Vicki Turnbow, with the Raytown Chamber of Commerce, reported the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony will be Friday, December 2 at 6:00 pm in downtown Raytown. She invited everyone attend and enjoy the festivities.
Mayor Bower urged all residents to shop in Raytown. Shoppers can also purchase gift cards for Raytown shops. Mahesh Sharma reported the new energy efficient street lights have been installed in front of City Hall They will evaluate the lights to determine their efficiency.

Within the Consent Agenda:

The Board approved a resolution to reappoint George Mitchell to the Raytown Park Board.
The Board approved a resolution to reappoint Clifford Sargeon to the Human Relations Commission.
The Board approved a resolution to reappoint Bill Williams to the Human Relations Commission.
The Board approved a resolution to appoint George Koepp to the Tax Increment Financing Commission.
The Board approved a resolution approving the expenditure of funds with Commenco, Inc. It is in excess of $15,000, but within budget.
The Board approved a continued agreement for inmate security housing services with Johnson County, Mo Sheriff’s Office. It is in excess of $15,000, but within budget.
The Board approved the expenditure of funds with MDL Technology, LLC for Information Technology related services. It is in excess of $15,000, but within budget.

During the regular legislative agenda:

The Board approved a resolution for expenditure of funds with AT&T Mobility for cellular and wireless services. It is in excess of $15,000, but within budget.
The Board approved a resolution accepting a Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety Crash Reduction/Hazardous Moving Enforcement grant in the amount of $8,500.
The Board approved a resolution for the reappropriation of funds received from the administration of a “Secure our Schools” grant from the US Department of Justice for security improvements for the Raytown School District. It will be approximately $150,354.
The Board approved a resolution approving change order #2 to the agreement with R.L. Phillips Construction Company for the Public Works Renovations project. This is to authorize the final payment of $623,020.53.
The Board approved a resolution approving additional payments to Incite Design Studio, LLC for design services for the Public Works Renovations project. The amount will not exceed $3,000.
The Board approved a resolution approving change order #1 with Superior Bowen Asphalt Company for the 2011 Asphalt Overlay project. They also approved the final payment in the amount of $496,569.46. The aldermen asked why the payment was $11,000 over budget. Andy Noll said the 2” overlay cost more, the striping changed because they used bike path markings, and they striped in front of the EMS building.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the final payment for the 63^rd Street Bridge project in the amount of $15,800.
The Board approved a resolution approving the expenditure of funds to Willey Disposal from the 2011 Annual Clean-Up Day.
The Board approved a resolution approving professional services agreement with Confluence for the design of the central business district Streetscape not to exceed $205,755.
The Board heard the second reading of the Ordinance regarding disorderly conduct and resisting or interfering with arrest.
The Board heard the first reading of an Ordinance approving an interlocal agreement between Kansas City, MO and Raytown for permitting and inspection of services related to Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The Board then moved into a closed session to discuss the hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information relating to the performance or merit of an individual employee is discussed or recorded; and/or individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment.

A Wonder Woman You Should Know by Tish Merritt

You never find the book; the book finds you. That’s my philosophy anyways. One day I was driving to work when I heard an NPR story about a gal named Babe Didrikson Zaharias who had made ESPN’s top 10 athletes list OF ALL TIME. She was the only woman in the top 10. I was immediately intrigued and went to work and Googled her.... Continue reading

COMMUNITY BILLBOARD

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2011-11-13T20:25:00.009-06:00

Greg Walters

The Rest of the Story

by Garth Bare and Greg Walters

One of our regular contributors, Andy Whiteman, questioned what the big deal was about KCP&L trimming trees under utility lines. It is a fair question. We hope the following answers it.

It may seem like ancient history to many reading this page. But here is what happened.

Back in the early 1980’s two very young Aldermen from Raytown received calls from their constituents about notice they had received from Missouri Public Service Company (MOPUB) concerning the trimming of trees in the utility right of way. The most upset calls came from homeowners who had not received any notification who returned home after a day at work to find their tree-lines decimated by MOPUB work crews.

The two aldermen were Garth Bare (Ward 2) and Greg Walters (Ward 1).

We did some checking through our resources at City Hall and found that the utility’s plan was not to just trim trees. But to eradicate any plants growing under a utility line. After the tree and shrub removal was complete, the utility then had intentions of using a herbicide to prevent new growth from taking place.

Garth and I wondered about the herbicide that was intended for use. We managed to obtain a label from one of the containers the utility had on the herbicide planned for Raytown homeowner’s backyards.

We were shocked to see that the warning label advised that if contact was made with the herbicide that extreme care was needed in cleaning it up -- to the point of burning the clothes that were worn by the handler in case of a mishap.

After reading that on the label it was off to the library for a few hours of research (remember, this was before the internet). We found the active ingredient in the herbicide planned for use by MOPUB was a chemical known as 2,4-D.

The name rang a bell. A little more digging and we found that 2,4-D was the main carcinogen found a chemical used in defoliating jungles in the Vietnam War – more commonly known as Agent Orange.

Here is an abbreviated explanation of what Agent Orange was used in Vietnam.

Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the United States military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. Vietnam estimates 400,000 people being killed or maimed, and 500,000 children born with birth defects.

A 50:50 mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D, it was manufactured for the United States Department of Defense primarily by Monsanto Corporation and Dow Chemical. The 2,4,5-T used to produce Agent Orange was later discovered to be contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachorodibenzodioxin, an extremely toxic dioxin compound. It was given its name from the color of the orange-striped 55 US gallon barrels in which it was shipped.

During the Vietnam War, between 1962 and 1971, the United States military sprayed nearly 20,000,000 US gallons of chemical herbicides and defoliants in Vietnam, eastern Laos and parts of Cambodia, as part of Operation Ranch Hand. The program’s goal was to defoliate forested and rural land, depriving guerrilla combatants of cover.

Armed with our information, we took out case to the Board of Aldermen. We eventually wrote and passed an ordinance banning the use of such defoliants in Raytown. The ordinance also set specific guidelines for tree trimming and for the timely notification of Raytown homeowners when utilities were doing line maintenance in neighborhoods.

The ordinance is still on the books. In fact, then City Attorney Robert Neds told us that he had received requests for copies of the ordinance from surrounding cities who used it as a model in writing similar laws for their communities.

Of course, this is not to say plans by KCP&L to trim trees in Raytown is a deep dark conspiracy. In fact, when the story broke a spokesman for KCP&L was quoted as saying that they do not used a “scorched earth policy” in their line maintenance in neighborhoods.

We hope that is still their policy.

So, Andy, now you know the rest of the story.

. . . Breaking News . . .

Raytown police are investigating a home invasion late Monday night in the 6900 block of Raytown Road, police said.

The homeowner told police that his son opened the door about 11 p.m. after hearing a loud bang and two men armed with guns demanded that he let them in.

The homeowner said the men forced him and his son to lie on the floor while the men took things from the house. They were not hurt. Police said one of the intruders was carrying a long gun and second man had a handgun. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Weekly Poll Returns . . .

We are bringing back a popular feature of the Raytown Report – the weekly poll. This week we are switching gears from local to national politics. The poll asks, “Who is your favorite of the Republicans running for President?” So far, there have been ten debates between the candidates. So everyone should be getting pretty familiar with who they like.

By the way, there are 15 more debates scheduled between now and March 19th. No doubt about it, this is a race that deserves to be watched!

Community Development Position Remains Vacant by Greg Walters

Raytown City Hall has seen two resignations of Senior Department Heads this past summer. The first resignation was that of former Raytown Community Development Director Beth Lynn.

There has not been any move by City Hall to replace the position since Mrs. Lynn worked her last day at City Hall on June 24^th.

One reason the position has not been filled may the creation of the Department of Economic Development.

In 2009, the City Council hired Mr. Tom Cole as its first Economic Development Director. Many of the duties of the office paralleled those of the Community Development Director.

City Planner John Benson has been assigned most of the duties of the Community Development Director. In fact, some City Council members refer to Mr. Benson as the “interim” Community Development Director.

The position of Community Development Director was created by in the mid-1990’s by then Mayor Jack Nesbitt.

There has been criticism of City Hall being top heavy in management. The fact that the City has not actively worked to replace the position since last June is viewed by many as admittance that the position is not really necessary.

Search for Finance Director has Begun

City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth served his last day at City Hall this past week. City Administrator Mahesh Sharma is not wasting time his time looking for a replacement. Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk and Ward 5 Alderman Michael Lightfoot have been asked to serve as representatives of the City Council in the hiring process.

The vacancy gives the city a unique opportunity to correct a flaw in its hiring practice. Raytown has seen a large number of departures of Senior Staff members over the years. This “revolving door” in senior staff positions is not in Raytown’s best interest.

The Board of Aldermen, and in particular, the two members who have been appointed to interview and review applications, have an opportunity to bring stability to City Hall.

The solution is simple.

Up until the mid 1990’s Raytown City Hall required its senior staff members at City Hall to live in Raytown. The practice brought stability and the ability to make effective long range decisions.

Since the city dropped its residency requirement there has been a revolving door at city hall in which department heads take a position, stay about three years and then move on. It is not a recipe for success.

The Board of Aldermen have an opportunity to look past the candidates who are looking at taking another step on the corporate ladder. They should set their sight on candidates who want to put down roots and become part of the community.

City Hall would be doing itself and the people of Raytown of favor by taking a firm stand and requiring the position of Finance Director to reside within city limits.

Paul Livius

We Wonder . . . by Paul Livius

The following press releases came from the office of Raytown’s City Administrator:

“Staff has participated in a series of meetings held by the Raytown Main Street Association on the forthcoming central business district Streetscape Project and ongoing regional planning efforts involving the Rock Island Rail Corridor. The meetings allowed staff to provide information about the nature of the streetscape project, the anticipated time line for project design and construction and that opportunities for community input will be available during project design. Staff also helped provide information on the planning efforts currently underway for the Rock Island corridor.”

Sounds good. We wonder why none of the Board of Aldermen attended the meeting. After all, they are the direct representatives of the people. Were they invited?

“Neighborhood Services impounded 30 animals during the month of September. Of those 30 impounded animals; 17 were released back to their owners and 1 was adopted. For this fiscal year (beginning November 1, 2010) a total of 385 animals have been impounded, 119 were returned to their owners and 106 have been adopted. The year to date total is approximately 30% less than those of FY 2009-10.”

Let’s see . . . 30 animals impounded, 17 released to owners and 1 adopted. That leaves 13 unaccounted for. We wonder what happened to the 13. Did they escape by tunneling their way out of the pound? Are they being held elsewhere by someone else? Or, are they not saying because pet animal advocates may get upset?

“KCP&L has notified the City that they may perform line clearance operations in Raytown during 2012 however, did not give specific locations and stated that affected customers would be notified no more than 90 days in advance of any work. Line clearance work is performed to minimize outages from trees interfering with electrical lines and equipment.”

We wonder if the City Administrator is aware of the city’s ordinances and prohibitions regarding “line clearance” operations by utilities. We wonder if the City Administrator has become familiar with them. If not, it would be a very good idea to do so.

It is good to know they will be notified no more than 90 days before the cutting of trees under power lines. The real question to ask is will home owners be notified before the utility crews show up. That way homeowners will not be in the dark as to what is going to be cut down by power and light crews.

Jon Stewart

The Plight of Muscled Americans by Jenn Walters

Fact: I love Jon Stewart. Fact: I also don’t dig the big, sweaty, loud grunting dudes at the gym who slam down their weights. Fact: This video is hilarious. Fact: We’re not for sure that it’s a true story—but we don’t think it’s entirely fictional. After all, Planet Fitness is a real gym with a real Lunk Alarm (beware:... Continue reading

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2011-11-06T20:14:00.004-06:00

Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote

POLLS ARE OPEN UNTIL 7:00 PM IN MISSOURI

Vote NO on Sales Tax Increase

Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, November 8^th. The only issue on the ballot is another eighth cent sales tax increase for the Kansas City Zoo. The ballot language reads:

QUESTION:
Shall a retail sales tax of one-eighth of one percent (1/8%) be levied and collected for the benefit of the Kansas City Zoological District, which shall be created and consist of the county of Jackson and the counties of Cass, Clay, and/or Platte, if approved by such other county’s voters, for the support of zoological activities within the district?

If it passes the sales tax rate in Raytown will skyrocket to 9.25%. Raytown already leads the Kansas City area in high sales taxes.

Fireworks over Consent Agenda by Greg Walters

FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT TRANSPIRED AT LAST TUESDAY’S MEETING READ THE PAUL LIVIUS REPORT. THE SECTION ABOUT THE CONSENT AGENDA IS IN BOLD TYPE.

Last Tuesday’s City Council meeting started off with a bang as verbal fireworks erupted over a request by Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk to remove seven items from the “consent agenda”.

Consent agendas are used by governmental bodies to vote on routine housekeeping issues. It allows for many items to be voted on at one time. City ordinances allow for any one Alderman to request that an item be pulled from the consent agenda to be considered separately on its own merits.

The real test of any consent agenda is that there is truly a consensus -- meaning that all are in agreement with those items placed on the consent agenda in the first place.

Therein lies the rub, Alderman VanBuskirk was opposed to seven of the items being posted to the consent agenda. His reasoning was simple. The items had to do with business of which the public should be made aware. All of the items dealt with considerable amounts of tax dollars spent by City Hall. Clearly, consensus had not been reached on those seven items. In other words, the items did not meet the first test of being placed on the consent agenda.

Shame on You, Mr. Pardue . . .

. . . and, shame on you Christine White and Jim Aziere.

The Board of Aldermen was aware that VanBuskirk would ask that certain items be taken from the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda. The move would allow for discussion of those seven items. Had they been left on the consent agenda, there would not have been any discussion before a vote was taken.

His reasoning was simple. He felt that the public was not being adequately informed about the business before the Board.

It is important to note that VanBuskirk did not “blind side” the Board on his plans. It is not his style. He calmly let them know of his intentions. The same cannot be said about Aldermen Christine White and Shane Pardue.

Alderman Shane Pardue led the charge to block VanBuskirk’s request. Before the meeting started he and Alderman Christine White scurried over to the City Attorney. The conversation is not recorded but we can imagine it went something like this:

Christine White:

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! He wants the public to hear what is going on!

Shane Pardue:

This is an outrage! We can’t have that. We will shut him down and silence him. How dare he want to have the public’s business discussed at a public meeting!

So Pardue and White started the meeting with blood in their eyes and ready to go to war. And they had help, Alderman Jim Aziere was serving as Mayor that evening. He used the position to pontificate with inanities like, “people get tired of watching the meetings and turn off their televisions if we discuss too much.”

Just the Facts . . .

· For a complete run down of the debate read The Paul Livius Report (next story).

· There were 15 business items on last Tuesday’s agenda. Thirteen of the items were on the consent agenda. The seven items VanBuskirk asked to be removed all dealt with considerable amounts of taxpayer dollars.

· Official city records are not clear on attendance at Committee meetings, City Administrator Mahesh Sharma has ruled roll calls are not necessary at committee meetings (how convenient!).

· At the end of the dust-up, cooler minds on the Board of Aldermen prevailed. The requested items were removed from the consent agenda.

· More time was spent arguing about whether or not to remove the items than was spent on the actual discussion on the seven items once they were removed.

An Analysis . . .

Consent agenda. The term brings up a vision of so much harmony that there is no need for discussion.

Last Tuesday’s meeting showed the fallacy of such thinking. Because a budget is passed does not mean that all were completely happy with the end product. Many politicians believe, and there is strong evidence to support, that consent agendas are nothing less than attempt to hide facts from the public.

Proponents of consent agendas will say that all the information is public. Which is true . . . IF:

IF you can make a 6:00 p.m. meeting. It may sound easy to do, but that is not always the case. Last Tuesday Alderman Joe Creamer was late for a 7:00 p.m. meeting. Mayor David Bower was out of town. Both absences happened even though both men knew the Board meets in public session twice a month . . . every month.

IF you are savvy enough to find the city web packets on the city’s website, or, you can drop by City Hall and pickup a copy of the Board’s agenda and supporting material, but be ready to dig deep in your pocket for those copies. The city has been known to charge up to a $1 a page for photocopies of such materials.

A simpler solution would be to explain at the meeting each item before the Board votes on it. Clumping 13 out of 15 items onto a consent agenda does just the opposite. Anyone watching a meeting at home is left completely in the dark as to what is going on.

Huddling with attorneys before meetings in an effort to stop someone else from speaking is not good politics. And, as this instance showed, counterproductive.

Alderman VanBuskirk was well within his rights to ask the items be placed on to the regular agenda. Aldermen Shane Pardue, Jim Aziere and Christine White were within their rights to argue against it. The big difference here is that VanBuskirk wanted to open the process up. Pardue and company were, in effect, trying to enforce a gag order on what could and could not be discussed in a public session of the Board of Aldermen.

The rest of the Board deserves credit for not following Pardue, Aziere and White’s lead in their scheme.

Last Tuesday the Mayor was out of town. Mayor Protem Jim Aziere was chair of the meeting. He clearly forgot the first rule of being the chair of a meeting. Your job is to run the meeting. In Tuesday’s debate he frequently sounded more like a cheerleader with some very partisan comments on the issue.

Being in charge carries the burden of having to rise above the debate. Aziere was way out of line at Tuesday’s meeting.

Pardue and White need to remember that they are all equals on the Board. They owe it to each other to hear what their seatmates have to say.

In our view, VanBuskirk went the extra mile in making certain the public was being informed on the issues of the day. No harm in that. In fact, it would probably make for better decisions by the Board of Aldermen.

Paul Livius

The Paul Livius Report by Paul Livius

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Aziere. The Invocation was given by Steve Jones.

Mr. Aziere read a proclamation recognizing November 11 as Veterans Day. The Proclamation read, in part, “Whereas, on Veterans’ Day we come together to pay tribute to the men and the women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans from across this land will commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, our State and our City, the families who support them and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans let our actions strengthen the bond between a grateful Nation and her warriors; and whereas, we continue our tribute, to all those who have worn the uniform and continue to serve our country and community, as civil servants. Many such veterans act as coaches, teachers, and mentors in their communities, selflessly volunteering their time and expertise. They visit schools to tell our children of their experiences and help counsel our troops returning from the theaters of war. These men and women possess an unwavering belief in the idea of America: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who your parents are, this is a place where anything is possible. Our veterans continue to stand up for those timeless American ideals of liberty, self-determination and equal opportunity; and whereas, as a grateful community, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our service members and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love for our country. On Veterans Day, let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.”
During public comments, Alice Stohl invited residents to come to the Raytown High gymnasium at 2:00 on Sunday to honor our Raytown veterans.
Dr. Richard Markley reported the KCMO Schools lost their accreditation, and Raytown Schools are expecting Kansas City students to transfer in. The School Board has been working on a plan that will be fair to students and taxpayers in Raytown. The fee required for non-resident students will have to be paid in advance of the student starting school.
Andy Whiteman told the Board 59^th and Raytown Road resurfacing project was done poorly. In his opinion, the Contractor should not be paid. The City should be liable for all property damage, accidents, and/or injuries. Two department heads recently resigned. Now is the time to require new department heads to reside in Raytown.
Pat Ertz said the Raytown Main street Association will have a Streetscape meeting at the FOP building at 63^rd and Blue Ridge on Thursday from 7:30-8:30 and from 5-6.
It was reported Raytown High School will perform “Dread Girls” November 3, 4, 5

Andy Noll told the Board his department was aware of the man-hole problems on Raytown Road. He said this is a new process for Raytown. The overlay should be ½” thick, but in some places it was much thicker. The terms of the contract limited the contractor as to how much hand work they can do to feather the overlay around the man-hole covers. The City is now installing rings under the covers to make the road smooth.
Mayor Pro Tem Aziere asked Board members to vote on the Consent Agenda. Alderman Van Buskirk asked that seven items be pulled off the Consent Agenda and voted on individually. Mr. Aziere asked Joe Willerth, City Attorney, if there had to be a motion to pull item items off the Consent Agenda. Mr. Willerth said if there were no objections, there needed to be a motion. Alderman Pardue asked if Alderman Van Buskirk was pulling the items off because he had questions or concerns about the items, or just because he wanted them read publically. Mr. Van Buskirk said it was not up for discussion at that time. Mr. Pardue said he objected. Mr. Van Bus Kirk made a point of order – each item had to be objected to separately and voted on separately. Mr. Pardue pointed out these were all budgeted items previously voted on by the Board. If anyone had questions about these items, they should have been brought up before. He asked Mr. Van Buskirk to reconsider. Mr. Van Bus Kirk asked these items be removed because it was a lazy way to govern when items were put on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Pardue said it was a waste of time to vote on each item. Mr. Aziere said the Board needed to stand their ground now, otherwise the items on future consent agendas would be pulled off and it would be a complete waste of time. Mr. Pardue said if Mr. Van Buskirk pulled these items off the Consent Agenda and the Board would have to along with it, so they should go along again. Mr. Aziere asked if there were any other comments. Alderman White said she agreed with Mr. Pardue. The information is available on the website. Time after time, items are pulled off the Consent Agenda for discussions and this is a complete waste of time. No one objected to the items being removed. The seven pulled off the Consent Agenda for individual votes were:
R-2428-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of computer equipment and supplies from Dell Marketing in excess of $15,000, but within budget amounts.
R-2429-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the expenditure of funds with Courier Printing in excess of $15,000 but within budgeted amounts.
R-2431-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the continuation of an existing agreement between the City of Raytown and Cochran, Head, Vick & Co for the performance of professional audit services not to exceed $42,810.
R-2433-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the Continuation of an agreement between the City of Raytown and United Missouri Bank in excess of $15,000 but within budgeted amounts.
R-2434-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the expenditure of fund with ACS, Inc. in excess of $15,000 but within budgeted amounts.
R-2436-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of parts and certain vehicle repairs from Dick Smith Ford in excess of $15,000 but within budgeted amounts.
R-2438-11: A resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of parts and supplies from O’Reilly Auto Parts within budgeted amounts.

All items previously pulled from the Consent Agenda were approved. The remaining items on the Consent Agenda were approved.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing change order #4 between the City of Raytown and Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. for the 63^rd Street Bridge Project. Andy Noll reported the extra costs were due in part to the back flow preventer. It was changed from a double check back flow preventer to a reduced pressure zone back flow preventer. Also, there was more paving on the East side of 63^rd Street than originally envisioned.
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 13 of the criminal laws. Joe Willerth praised the work done by Chief Lynch and his staff. He told the Board these additions to the Codes will protect Fire Department Employees, EMS employees and Code Department employees.
Sec. 13-66. Disorderly Conduct.

Any person who, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or to cause violence to persons or property, commits any of the following acts shall be deemed to have committed the offense of disorderly conduct:

Acts in a violent or tumultuous manner toward another, placing such person in fear of safety of life, limb or health;
Acts in a violent or tumultuous manner toward another, whereby property of any person is placed in danger of being destroyed or damaged;
Endangers lawful pursuits of another by acts of violence, angry threats and abusive conduct;
Causes, provokes or engages in any fight, brawl or riotous conduct so as to endanger the life, limb, health or property of another;
Assembles or congregates with another or others for the purpose of causing, provoking or engaging in any fight or brawl;
Jostles or roughly crowds or pushes any person in any public place;
Frequents any public place with intent to obtain money from another by an illegal and fraudulent scheme, trick, artifice or device;
Assembles with another or others for the purpose of engaging in any fraudulent scheme, device or trick to obtain any valuable thing in any place or from any person in the City, or to aid or abet therein;
Any person accosts or attempts to force his company upon another person;
Uses "fighting words" directed towards another who becomes outraged and thus creates turmoil;
Assembles or congregates with another or others for the purpose of doing bodily harm to another;
Any person, by acts of violence, interferes with another's pursuit of a lawful occupation;
Congregates with another or others in or on any public way so as to halt the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic and refuses to clear such public way when ordered by a peace officer or other lawful authority;
Congregates with others on a public street and refuses to move on when ordered by the police;
By actions taken causes a crowd to collect, except when lawfully addressing such crowd;
Takes up a position on the public streets or follows pedestrians for the purpose of soliciting alms, or who solicits alms on the public streets unlawfully;
Causes a disturbance in any bus or other public conveyance by running through it, climbing through windows or upon the seats, or otherwise annoying passengers or employees therein;
Stands on sidewalks or street corners and makes insulting remarks to or about passing pedestrians or annoys such pedestrians;
Wanders, prowls, or loiters upon the private property of another in the nighttime and peeks or peers in the door or window of any building or structure located thereon which is inhabited by human beings, without any visible or lawful business with the owners or occupants thereof.

Sec. 13-75. Resisting or interfering with arrest.

It shall be unlawful for a person to commit the offense of resisting or interfering with

arrest if, knowing that a law enforcement officer is making an arrest, or attempting to

lawfully detain or stop an individual or vehicle, or the person reasonably should know

that a law enforcement officer is making an arrest or attempting to lawfully detain or

stop an individual or vehicle, for the purpose of preventing the officer from effecting the

arrest, he:

(1) Resists the arrest, stop or detention of himself by using or threatening, in

addition to vocal protest, the use of violence of physical force or by fleeing from

such officer; or

(2) Interferes with the arrest, stop or detention of another person by using or

threatening, in addition to vocal protest, the use of violence, physical force or

physical interference.

(b) It shall be unlawful for a person to obstruct, hinder, molest, resist or otherwise interfere with any city public safety officer, employee or inspector, including, but not limited to, any firefighter or other fire suppression employee, fire prevention inspector, health inspector, building code inspector, zoning inspector, property maintenance or nuisances code inspector, illegal dumping inspector, regulated industries investigator or animal control officer, or any officer of the city police department or any member of any other law enforcement agency or police force, in the discharge of his/her official duty.

(c) It shall be unlawful for a person to obstruct, hinder, molest, resist or otherwise interfere with any firefighter, fire suppression personnel, City Emergency Medical Services Department staff, any ambulance contractor providing ambulance service for the City’s Emergency Medical Services Department or any first responder in the discharge of his/her official duty.

(d) This subsection applies to arrests with or without warrants and to arrests, stops or detentions for any crime or ordinance violation.

(e) It shall be unlawful for a person to commit the offense of interference with legal process if, knowing any person is authorized by law to serve process, for the purpose of preventing such person from effecting the service of any process, he interferes with or obstructs such person. Process includes any writ, summons, subpoena, warrant other than an arrest warrant, or other process or order of a court or by any duly authorized representative or officer of the City.

(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and knowingly obstruct, resist, oppose or fail to obey a lawful command of any duly authorized representative or officer of the City executing or attempting to execute and carry into effect any provision of this Code or other ordinance or order adopted by the proper authorities of this City.

Rice Tremonti Annual Fundraiser

Volunteers like the mother and daughter team of former Ward 4 Alderman Barb Schlapia and her daughter Nicole made sure there was plenty for everyone who walked in the door.

Rice Tremonti held its annual Soup Days fundraiser this past weekend. Pictured above enjoying a warm bowl of soup, Alderman Bill Van Buskirk, his wife Mary Jane, Mecee Walters and Machelle Grant.

Public Works Projects on the Horizon

Public Works Director Andy Noll reported to the Board of Aldermen that the City is in the process of repairing Raytown Road where manhole covers were not raised before the new overlay was put down. He did not give a timetable for the project to be completed.

An abandoned gasoline station located at 350 Highway and Raytown Road is scheduled in the near future to be removed for future development.

A quick check on two other projects came up without any definite timeline.

The pedestrian walkway planned for one mile of the south side of 350 Highway and a new developments of a restaurant to be in place at the new Aldi’s location are too far off to accurately say when they will be constructed.

Pumpkin Spice Fraffe Latte
(Plus a Giveaway!) by Jenn Walters

The following is a post sponsored by CLICK Espresso Protein Drink. For our sponsored post policy, click here. Oh, how we love coffee. And this time of year we really, really love pumpkin spice lattes. But, let’s face it, that sippable drink of heaven is far from healthy. Even without the whip and when it’s made with non-fat... Continue reading

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2011-10-30T21:40:00.014-06:00

About Town . . . by Greg Walters

Raytown Road resurfacing is complete. As many have noted on this website’s blog, the job looks good but does leave much to be desired around the manhole and water valve covers. So, what’s the city going to do about it? The following report came from City Administrator Mahesh Sharma.

“The asphalt overlay on Raytown Road was completed this week. The overlay was to be a ½” thick which would have resulted in a reasonable ride over manholes and water valves however the actual thickness varied significantly and some manholes and water valves are now significantly below the finished roadway surface to cause a rough ride. Public works will now evaluate the manholes and water valves and determine if adjustment rings are available to smooth the ride at the worst locations. It is imperative that the manhole lids and water valve rings are at or below the finished roadway surface or during winter weather the snow plows will damage the manhole lids or water valve rings.”

I hope that translates to “we will fix the problem.”

· Personnel changes at Raytown City Hall have been fast and furious this past year. The City’s Community Development Director, Beth Lynn, resigned from her position this past summer. City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth recently announced that he was moving on later this month. Mr. Wilmoth’s number two man in the City’s Finance Department also resigned his position last month.

Makes one wonder who is next as the door continues to revolve at Raytown City Hall.

In the wake of these resignations there is an opportunity for the City Council to change its course and require Raytown residency of is senior department heads. It would allow city employees to plant roots within the community and add to the city’s tax base. The positives definitely outweigh any negatives if the Council decides to move in that direction.

· High school football headed towards post season. One of our local teams, Archbishop O’Hara High School, is on track to repeat last year’s run at a state championship. Last Thursday the O’Hara Celtics won first place in their Class 3 Division with a victory over Central. (see related story below for more details)

· Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 8^th. The only issue on the ballot is another eighth cent sales tax increase for the Kansas City Zoo. The ballot language reads:

QUESTION
Shall a retail sales tax of one-eighth of one percent (1/8%) be levied and collected for the benefit of the Kansas City Zoological District, which shall be created and consist of the county of Jackson and the counties of Cass, Clay, and/or Platte, if approved by such other county’s voters, for the support of zoological activities within the district?

If it passes the sales tax rate in Raytown will skyrocket to 9.25% at some of the major retail outlets in Raytown.

The Raytown Report has recommended a NO vote on the sales tax increase.

· That’s all we have for now. Watch for The Paul Livius report later this week with news of what will take place at the November 1^st City Council meeting.

O’HARA WINS DISTRICT WITH 55-6 VICTORY by Brother Richard Geimer

With Ronnie Sailer an Gabe Spencer each scoring two touchdowns, the Archbishop O’Hara High School football Celtics won the Class 3 District 13 on October 27 defeating the Central Blue Eagles by a score of 55-6. It was the most points scored by the Celtics this season, the previous high being 47 against the Saint Pius Warriors.

O’Hara’s other four touchdowns were scored by Jake Fortin, Tanner Hull, Brandon Dennis, and D.J. Griffin, while Julian Gidley connected on seven extra points for eight attempts. Continue Reading

O'HARA DEFEATS LINCOLN PREP IN POST SEASON GAME

With two first quarter touchdowns and two in the fourth quarter, the Archbishop O'Hara High School football team won their first post season game against Lincoln Prep 28-0 on November 2. The Celtics scored on the first drive of the game on a rainy and windy evening. Continue Reading

What’s Your Favorite Part of Halloween? By Jenn Walters
I love, love, love Halloween! It’s not really the candy that gets me (I try to stay away from getting too much of a sugar-high, although I do have some of my faves—all good things in moderation!), rather it’s the silliness of the entire premise of the holiday. I mean, really. One day where you get to dress up as something... Continue reading

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Raytown Report

Editor's note: The following article is reprinted from the Basehor Sentinal.This is the second story in a Sentinel series examining events preceding the firing of former Basehor City Administrator Mark Loughry. To view the entire story use this link: City Attorney's Letter

City attorney’s letter claimed Loughry lied about previous salary

City administrator firing

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