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Homeowners Distrust
of City Hall Grows
DEVELOPER CALLS OFF PUBLIC
MEETING ON 5835 BLUE RIDGE PROPERTY
BY PAUL LIVIUS
Approximately two years ago, seven of the ten members of the Raytown Board of Aldermen gave approval for the development of a gasoline station / convenience store / liquor store to be built at 5835 Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Fast forward to today. The owner of the property did not meet an 18 month deadline to begin the project. The announcement of homeowners close to the proposed gas/liquor/convenience store gave a collective sigh of relief.

Homeowners living near the location were informed three to five days before the meeting by mail from the developer to hear of his plans to re-submit* his application.

A large number of Raytown homeowners living near the 5835 Blue Ridge Property Boulevard were on hand for the so-called four o’clock “informational meeting” with the developer. Ward 3 Alderwoman Janet Emerson and Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters were also in attendance

However, at 3:55 a city employee from the Community Development Department entered the entrance to the Council Chambers and announced the developer had called off the meeting.

This caused an immediate reaction from the homeowners on hand who questioned (1) why the meeting was called off . . . and (2) . . . who had given the messenger the direction to notify them. To which the messenger said she “did not know who told her” to post signs up announcing the meeting had been called off!

And people say Raytown City Hall is not transparent!

The event was a black eye for the City Administration on the rezoning of the property. It was appeared to the homeowners from the neighborhood waiting for the meeting to start that the cancellation of the meeting was contrived by City Hall and the developer.

All that was accomplished was a deepening of the mistrust between homeowners and City Hall.

We will continue to follow and report on this story as it slowly unravels.

The Winds of Change
Continue to Blow in Raytown
RAYTOWN SCHOOL BOARD ATTRACTS SEVEN CANDIDATES

The winds of change are blowing in Raytown. You have heard about the number of individuals who have stepped up to represent Raytown on the Board of Alderman. Raytown has more change coming and it is to the Raytown School Board. One school board member is not seeking re-election. Six non-board candidates and one current member have filed for the two seats that are up this year.

This year the Raytown School Board Elections are held on April 8th. The same date as the Raytown City Elections. 

The elections are a "winner take all" format. The two candidates receiving the top number of votes will become new members on the Raytown School Board

Candidates are listed below:

Joe Creamer

Former Alderman and Raytown South graduate is at the top of the list of candidates. Creamer has historically been concerned around the direction of the Raytown School District.

Bobby Saulsberry
Has served on the Raytown School Board since 2007.

Jordan Jamerson
Has been a coach for the Raytown School District.

Edna Adelusola
This is her first time running for the Raytown School Board.

Sam Madson
This is his first time running for the Raytown School Board.

Jules Sneddon
She ran unsuccessfully for the school district in 2023 after moving to Raytown from California a few years prior.

David Holman
This is his first time running for the Raytown School Board.

Crickette's favorite resting spot.

Greg and Crickette relaxing.

Happy Birthday

to Crickette!

It is not every day that a young pup turns two years old! Mecee thought this photo was a fitting memorial for Crickette’s Birthday this past Christmas.

Crickette is a Yorkipoo. A confused mixture of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. One thing she is not is shy. If you are ever over at our home, take care to keep your shoes on your feet. She loves to steal shoes. She is an equal opportunity thief. She will take anyone's shoes so she can enjoy the chase for your to get them back! 

Evergy Substation Public Hearing
The City of Raytown will hold a Public Hearing on a proposed Evergy substation on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 during the City Council’s regular business session. The public is invited to attend and speak at this public hearing.

Time and place of the meeting:

Raytown City Hall, 10000 East 59^th Street, Raytown, MO 64133
Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Public Hearing will be the first Agenda Item
QUESTIONS?
Call Raytown City Hall at 816 737 6000 (extension 9)

 

The Paul Livius Report

Much has Happened
in the past 18 Months . . .

53^rd Street / Blue Ridge Property Owner
late on Property Development Deadlines

In April of 2023 the Raytown Board of Aldermen approved a contentious zoning change for the former Blue Ridge Nursery Property located at 53^rd Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Homeowners from surrounding neighborhoods vigorously opposed the plan to open a gasoline / convenience and liquor store in their neighborhood. 

Three Public Hearings were held by the City for meetings concerning the planned development. 

The first meeting, held by the Planning and Zoning Commission went well for the homeowners. 

Private citizens met with members of the Commission for over four hours. After hearing the evidence and comments from area residents, all but one member of the Commission voted to recommend the City deny the application. 

The issue then went before the Board of Aldermen for consideration. 

The City held two public hearings on the issue. At both meetings the Council Chambers was filled to capacity. 

The Mayor had a City Hall Clerk take down the names of anyone who wished to address the Board of Aldermen. The clerk then cross checked the names of those who had signed up with those who had already spoken previously at the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Mayor then pulled a of stunt that should go down as one of the dirtiest political tricks I have ever witnessed in politics.

He ruled that anyone who had spoken at the Planning and Zoning Commission would not be allowed to speak at the Board of Aldermen meeting! 

There is a lesson to be learned here. If you ever attend a meeting at City Hall and they want you to sign a list saying you intend to speak, it would be in your best interest not to sign -- but to simply say, "I am thinking it over. Let me get back to you."

Otherwise you will end up sitting for over three hours to speak only to be told you will not be allowed to speak.

Shame on you Mr. Mayor. Raytown taxpayers deserve better treatment.

The “gag rule” the Mayor used was a dirty trick with the intention of keeping the public from having their say.

At the end of the night, the Board voted 7 yes to 3 no to approve the application. 

HOW THEY VOTED: Rezoning of the property located at 53^rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard to commercial use as gasoline/convenience and liquor store.

VOTING YES:   Ryan Myers, Loretha Hayden, Bill VanBuskirk, Bonnaye Mims, Ian Scott, Diane Krizek, Janet Emerson

VOTING NO:   Teresa Garza, Greg Walters, Jim Aziere

Fast Forward to December, 2024 . . .
Morris Melloy is a local Raytown resident who worked with neighbors and testified in opposition to the opening of a gas station/convenience/liquor store in their neighborhood.

From his point of view, the fight over the zoning of the property at 53rd and Blue Ridge is not over. He points to the language Raytown’s City Attorney drafted approving zoning application.

The pertinent language reads . . .

“Performance zoning shall be applied to this rezone, establishing an 18 month time frame from the date of approval of the rezoning ordinance. Within this time frame shall occur approval of Conditional Use Permit for the Fuel Station component, approval of the Final Site Plan, issuance of building permits, and the start of project construction.” 

Should construction not commence by the end of this 18-month period, the Planning Commission may publish a notice, conduct a public hearing for purpose of determining whether or not the zoning is in the public’s interest by recommending to the Board of Aldermen that it either extend the deadline, or  rezone the subject land to another specific district.”

In December of 2024, Mr. Melloy attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. He pointed out the lapse of enforcement by the city. The attorney for the Planning and Zoning Commission told Mr. Melloy she would be back to him with a response.

That was over one month ago! Melloy says he has not heard from the Planning and Zoning attorney or anyone from City Hall regarding the issue.

Our View . . .

Melloy is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen currently held by Ward 3 Alderman Ryan Myers. 

The two men are complete opposites. Ryan Myers was the most outspoken member of the Board to support the zoning change at 53rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Mr. Melloy worked the neighborhoods in opposition to the zoning change. 

When asked why he was opposed to the zoning of the property from residential to commercial Morris said, “I simply asked myself if I would want such an establishment in my neighborhood.” He continued, “Those on the Board who voted to approve the zoning change turned their back on the people elected to represent them.” 

Morris has not given up the fight to block the unwanted development. 

THIS JUST IN . . . 

Just as we were putting the finishing touches on this week's story we received the following photo taken by a neighbor of the 53rd Street / Blue Ridge Cutoff Neighborhood. 

Given the opposition shown by the public in both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the two hearings held by the Board of Aldermen, it is abundantly clear this project is NOT in the public's best interest.

Homeowners from the areas around the 53rd Street / Blue Ridge Boulevards should take the time to attend this meeting. 

Perhaps this time their voices will be heard.

Oh yes, in case you wondering, Mr. Melloy is still waiting to be contacted by the Attorney who represented City Hall at the December, 2024 meeting of the Raytown Planning and Zoning Commission.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please

contact Morris Melloy at 816-260-1925

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Hearing and the Planning and Zoning Meeting regarding a Public Use Permit from 1/22/ regarding a Conditional Use Permit from 1/22/25 thru 3/18/25.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

7:00 p.m.

at Raytown City Hall

10000 East 59th Street

Raytown, Missouri

This meeting is a Public Hearing, Raytown citizens 

are allowed to speak at this meeting.

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Final list of candidates
for Raytown Municipal Election
April 8, 2025
Filing for office in Raytown has closed.

Municipal Judge - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Traci Fann

Alderman Ward I - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Theresa Tush

Demonte Rochester

Phillip D. Conway

Alderman Ward II - 4 year term expiring April 2029
Loretha Hayden
Ryan Hoffman

Alderman Ward III - 4 year term expiring  April 2029

Morris Melloy

Ryan Myers

Latrice Thomas

Alderman Ward IV - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Josh Morales

William E. (Bill) Van Buskirk

Rodney V. Fritz

Alderman Ward V - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Bonnaye Mims

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Paul's Rant!
BY PAUL LIVIUS

New Year's Eve will soon be upon us. Greg told me he and his lovely wife have special plans for the New Year Year Holiday. So,  he left me here at the keyboard to send out our final message of the year.

I am more than up to the task.

The Christmas / New Year Holiday season is a slow time for social media sites. As you can see, most of what has been reported has been keeping track of who has filed for next April's Election to the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

This filing season has been a very active one. Thirteen candidates have filed for five open seats on the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

The extremely active filing period is an indication that Raytown voters want a change. 

One final note . . . I understand the Mayor recently referred to people in Raytown who participate on social media pages as "keyboard warriors".

Coming from the Mayor it certainly does not seem like a compliment.

From our point of view Raytown has a very healthy social media community. It is clear that most who post are advocates of free speech. 

I did some checking with our friendly AI app and found an appropriate definition for the term "keyboard warrior" as used by the Mayor at the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

The tactic would be to use a simple term such as "keyboard warrior" to degrade who the author considers a political opponent. AI defines this tactic as that of a "troll".

Explanation: Trolls intentionally provoke or offend others online by posting inflammatory or disruptive comments, often with the goal of eliciting a reaction and then disappearing before consequences can occur, including deleting their comment quickly. 

Sharing information and informing the public as to what is going on is a noble and time honored tradition in America. Raytown may have lost its local newspapers. But some innovative individuals have stepped up to fill that void. Judging by the surge of interest in what we and others publish in Raytown.

Want proof? Check out what we call the "Back Pages" of the Raytown Report by clicking on the Comment link below to find out what your neighbors have to say.

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Our home planet, Earth, as seen from the moon.

All of this could not have happened by chance.

Merry Christmas from the Raytown Report.

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BY GREG WALTERS

Raytown taxpayers have had a very rough year when it comes to taxes.

Jackson County raised the assessment of our homes to historic highs in 2024. To add insult to injury, the County also filed a law suit against approximately 1,000 of our fellow taxpayers because they had challenged the County's failure to notify taxpayers of a deadline set by state law. Postmark dates on the mail showed mail was late in appearing Jackson County homeowner's mailboxes. 

The law suit, which is still being heard at this writing, asks the property tax rate in 2024 be rolled back to 15%.

Those named in the lawsuit are made up of individuals who challenged Jackson County's mishandling of the notification process. I found out about the lawsuit when a local news station called asking if I was aware I had been name in the suit!

The Raytown School Board may have over-taxed Raytown School District patrons with higher rates than allowed by law. There is a lawsuit slowly working its way through the judicial system to determine who is right and who is wrong on this matter. If the Court sides with the plaintiffs in the case, Raytown taxpayers will see a reduction in their Property Tax bills from the Raytown School District.

Seven of the ten members of the Board of Aldermen voted to increase the sanitary sewer bills we all pay by a 7% increase. Raytown City Staff had recommended an increase of 5%. For reasons that were never explained, seven of the Board of Aldermen voted to increase the tax increase to 7%.

The vote seemed somewhat contrived. Very little discussion and, even more telling, no explanation by the City Administrator or his staff in defense of the lower tax amount they had recommended.

On a more positive note, Raytown Taxpayers can ease the burdens that have been heaped on them this year. There is also a way you can save 2% on your annual sanitary sewer bill from the City of Raytown. Sanitary sewer bills are based on the winter average of water used at your home bills. 

The city will reduce your sanitary sewer bill by 2% if you pay a lump sum payment at the beginning of the year. For more information call 816-737-6000 (extension 9) to contact City Hall if you have any questions regarding this program.

The Raytown City Council has directed City Staff to make available to Raytown homeowners a fund of $200,000 for the clean and maintenance of homeowners property. The money comes from the American Rescue Fund Act established during the Covid19 Epidemic.

If you are a homeowner in need of repairs on your property the City can       arrange for low interest loans and/or a grant to help pay for the cost of needed repairs. To find out if you qualify for this program contact Diane Egger at Raytown City Hall at 816-737-6093.

For those who are over 62 years old and own their own home, please read the following press release regarding the Jackson County Missouri Property Tax Credit for homeowners 62 years and older living in Jackson County. Provided you make application before January 1, 2025, your property taxes will be frozen at the current rate you are paying in 2024. There is no cost to join this program.

The following press release from Jackson County, Missouri goes into further detail on this program.

Raytown
Police Report

Period of Review: November 18 - December 8th

Number of calls for service:          755
Number of Arrests:                         14
Number of Reports:                        87

Summary of Notable Events:

On November 21st, at approx. 2:00 am, a Raytown officer on routine patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Gregory Blvd & Evanston for an equipment violation. The driver turned out to have a revoked driver’s license and was also on parole for a previous burglary. The officer could also see drug paraphernalia in plain view in the passenger compartment. A search of the car resulted in the officer locating fentanyl and meth. The driver was arrested on drug and parole violation charges. The investigation is ongoing.

On December 2nd, at approx. 6:45pm, officers were called to the 8800 block of 86 Street regarding a shooting. The victim reported that while physically grappling with a male acquaintance, he was shot one time by the other male’s girlfriend. Both suspects fled the scene before police arrived and the victim was transported to the hospital. Charges on both suspects have been submitted to the prosecutor.
 
On December 8th, at approx. 12:50am, officers were dispatched to a bar in the 7100 block of Ditzler Avenue on a robbery. The female victim reported that she was in a physical altercation in the parking lot with some acquaintances, and the suspects sprayed her in the face with pepper spray and stole her purse. The two female suspects fled before police arrived. The investigation is ongoing.

A Candidate's Primer

for the April 8, 2025 Election

Five Seats on the Raytown Board of Aldermen are up for election on Tuesday, April 5^th . . . If you are interested, here is the “low-down” on what is involved in running for public office in Raytown.

 

So, let’s get to it. Here is the first question most perspective candidates ask.

“How much does the job pay?"
The Board of Aldermen recently approved an increase of the compensation package Aldermen to $525.00 per month. The compensation package is a combination of salary ($450 monthly) and automobile allowance of &75 per month.

"Which Ward do I live in?"
The City is divided into five wards equally divided by population.* Each Ward is represented by two Aldermen. Collectively they make up the ten members of the Board of Aldermen. 

To view a map of how the wards are geographically divided go to the end of this story. 

"Candidate Requirements"
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Be a registered voter within the City of Raytown.
Have all state and local taxes paid up to date.
Be at least a one year resident of the City of Raytown.

"Do you file by party affiliation"

No. Raytown City Elections are non-partisan elections. There is not a Primary Election. The elections are a "winner take all" election. 

"When will the Election be Held?"

The election will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

"What is the Filing Deadline?"
Filing Closes on December 31, 2024. There is not any fee to file for the election.

"Where do you file to run?"

At Raytown City Hall. Contact City Clerk Theresa Henry to make an appointment to file. The City Clerk’s office can be reached at 816-737-6000, Extension 9.

How often does the City Council Meet?

The Board of Aldermen meet twice monthly on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Meetings generally last from one to three hours in length.

The Board of Aldermen is the legislative branch of Raytown City Hall. The Board’s job is to oversee and approve all ordinances and budget of the City of Raytown. 

 

The Mayor has the authority to call an occasional work session on dates other than the first and third Tuesday of each month – in the last year there has been one such meeting called.

 

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Richard Tush. Mr. Tush can be reached at 816-914-9423.

Official Ward map of the City of Raytown. Click on image to enlarge.
Hard copies of the map are available at Raytown City Hall.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: We received the following article from Morris Melloy. Mr. Melloy publishes a Facebook page named Raytown Community Awareness. Mr. Melloy has also filed for an open seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen. His opponent is Ryan Myers.

In the past few years I’ve been involved with Raytown.  I’ve learned a few things.  What follows is what I remember.

BY MORRIS MELLOY

Only one alderman has introduced his/her own ordinance or proposal regarding Raytown. The Board under the Mayor's leadership seems more interested in a game of who gets to make a motion or a second on legislation created for them by City Staff. I am not stating what staff proposes is wrong, rather that most Aldermen seem to be complacent to the point that very few offer any legislation of their own on behalf of their constituents.   

That game needs to end and Aldermen need to think for the future of Raytown, beyond what  the city staff's goal of maintaining our community. Staff goals are important, but so is our city's future.  

So the filing for candidacy has started. I filed for Alderman in Ward 3, hope that there is enough interest in other Raytown residents who want to change the status quo at City Hall.  And, make Raytown the place we love and call home. Finally, provide a reason to appreciate our community.. 

I would encourage everyone reading this page to seriously consider filing for an open seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen. We need action and representation of the citizens, persons with views of their own. Visions and ideas to address the issues of our community.

If you have ever considered running for Public Office. Now is the time to step forward and speak up for your neighbors and fellow Raytown residents. Our city needs new guidance that will put Raytown residents first. 

Morris Melloy

Candidate for Alderman, Ward 3

BY GREG WALTERS

Seven Candidates File for Alderman on the Opening Day of Filing

Seven candidates took the first step to being elected as Alderman to represent Raytowners on the City Council by filing for office on Tuesday, December 10th.

The candidates listed at the end of this narrative shows three of the incumbents have already drawn opposition to their seat on the Board of Aldermen. Two of the races listed have only one candidate filed.

"It's not unusual for potential candidates to sit back and observe what is happening in their particular ward before filing," said Richard Tush, President of the Raytown Democrat Club.

"Filing does not close until December 31st, so potential candidates have time to determine if they wish to jump into the race in their particular ward, continued Tush.

It is important to remember that Raytown City Races are a "winner take all election". The candidate with the most votes will win, even if their vote total reaches a plurality of votes cast.

Filing for office in Raytown closes on December 31, 2024. Interested candidates can find out the filing procedure by calling City Clerk Teresa Henry at 816 737 6000 (extension nine).

FILING FOR OFFICE

April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election

Municipal Judge - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Traci Fann

Alderman Ward I - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Theresa Tush

Demonte Rochester

Alderman Ward II - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Loretha Hayden

Alderman Ward III - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Morris Melloy

Ryan Myers

Alderman Ward IV - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Josh Morales

William E. (Bill) Van Buskirk

Alderman Ward V - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Bonnaye Mims

The Hat in the Ring Club

Merriam-Webster defines "Toss one's hat into the ring" as
An announcement that one is going to enter a contest, such as an election to public office.
FOR EXAMPLE: "A candidate has thrown his hat into the ring".

On November 19th we published a tutorial for anyone considering to run for election to the Raytown Board of Aldermen. It was our attempt to clear up any questions a novice candidate may have regarding how much the job pays, when the filing opens and closes, plus a Ward Map of the City showing the boundary lines of each Ward in Raytown. The story also gives a brief explanation of the protocol used by City Hall in conducting Raytown City Elections. 

Those who have not seen the story can scroll down to the November 19th edition of the Raytown Report immediately following this week's edition.

If we ruffled some feathers . . . I am so very sorry. We had hoped that the information would help clear the fog of confusion that can sometimes befuddle first time candidates for public office. After all, the incumbents are already know all the rules. 

This could be important news for those who hope to see their name as the first choice at the top of the ballot when voters come to cast their votes on April 8th.

Up to this point we have not discussed which five incumbent Aldermen are eligible to run for re-election on April 8, 2025.

No time better than the present! So here we go . . . 

One half of he Board of Aldermen (five seats) are up for election next April. Those candidates are listed below.

LIST OF INCUMBENT CANDIDATES UP FOR RE-ELECTION.

WARD 1        Ian Scott
WARD 2        Loretha Hayden
WARD 3        Ryan Myers
WARD 4        Bill VanBuskirk
WARD 5        Bonnaye Mims

Filing for Alderman opens December 10th and closes on December 31, 2025.

Next week we will take a look back of a number of the votes and issues those incumbents addressed in the past.

For any questions regarding the filing for a election to the Raytown City Board of Aldermen contact Richard Tush, President of the Raytown Democrat Association at 816-914-9423.

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