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The Paul Livius Report BY PAUL LIVIUS
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One of our regular readers sent us an email asking the following question:
Do we really need to spend over $34,000 or do we take other cities policies and use them to save our taxpayers money?
No doubt, the question
was spurred by the adoption of a contract by a majority of the Board of
Aldermen to spend $34,000 to hire a consultant to advise the city on how to
implement Traffic Calming Policies in Raytown.
TRAFFIC CALMING is the practice of designing streets to literally encourage (if not force) motorists to slow down the speed of their vehicles on city streets.
It is a serious problem in Raytown. The city has an abundance of four lane street structures that encourage speeding. Residential streets that stretch over a quarter mile in distance also encourage speeding.
Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters asked the Board to carry the item over two weeks so Raytown city officials could consult with Kansas City and Lee’s Summit to see how they have managed traffic calming in their cities.
None of the members of the Board of Aldermen spoke against the need for traffic calming in Raytown.
However three members of the Board voted against the spending of $34,000 to conduct the study. Some members on the Board indicated they saw merit in checking how surrounding cities are conducting their improvements.
HOW THEY VOTED:
$34,000: Fundng for a Traffic Study Program.
YES: HAYDEN, MIMS, KRIZEK, GARZA, MORALES, TUSH
NO: EMERSON, WALTERS, AZIERE
ABSENT: THOMAS
Walters pointed out that Kansas City has already installed 100 speed humps in residential neighborhoods. Plans are for another 120 to be installed by the end of 2025 are in place.
Mayor Mike McDonough was the only elected official to speak against the use of speed humps to slow speeders down on residential streets. His comments were a message of “”Speed humps don’t work."
When asked about the Mayor's opposition to speed humps, Walters replied, “I know the Mayor does not believe speed humps are effective. But he is so wrong. If he wants proof he should visit Colman Park on any evening. The speed bumps installed at Colman have been a success story.
Tonight is a Sunday evening. Typically it is the most crowded night at Colman Park. It used to be the noisiest, with neighborhoods bombarded by over-amplified music, screeching tires and the sounds of vehicles speeding through the park, and sad to say, gunfire as well. This evening the only sound from the park is laughter and the noise you would expect coming from a park as families and friends gather to have a good time.
We can thank the Park Board for stepping up and creating an environment that does not allow car races, sideshows and reckless driving at Colman Park.
OUR VIEW:
Watching the news this morning I saw an interesting statistic. A list of the highest crime areas in America was shown. Kansas City was ranked as the 5th highest city suffering from violent crime in America.
This does not bode well for Raytown. Our city is surrounded by Kansas City.
In response to dangerous driving habits a number of the cities surrounding Raytown have adopted Traffic Calming Programs. Most notably are the cities of Lee's Summit and Kansas City.
A major part of the programs adopted by other cities include the use of Speed Humps to slow down speeders in their respective cities.
As Colman Park in Raytown has shown, this simple traffic calming method works well.
The important take-away on the change is that the Park Department made the change without spending $34,000 to have an out of town consultant explain how the program works!
In our view, the $34,000 would be much better spent installing Traffic Calming methods as now used at Colman Park.
What's your opinion? Use the following link to leave a comment.
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Terry Copeland Park is a new dog park located at 5330 Raytown Road. It is open daily to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm.
The park has been built on the grounds of what used to be Raytown SuperSplash.
SuperSplash was closed in September of 2016. Competition from newer area Splash Parks and an operating cost exceeding $200,000 annually made the water park unsustainable.
Demolition of the old water park and construction of the dog park was funded by a $2 million dollar federal grant through HUD and an additional $1 million matching grant through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land/Water Conservation Fund.
The Park is being built in two phases:
PHASE 1 of the project is complete. Phase one included demolition of the old SuperSplash Waterpark and construction of two separate dog parks, as splash pad, an all-inclusive play ground and a pavilion/shelter house.
One of the dog parks is for dogs under 30lbs.
One of the dog parks is for dogs over 30lbs.
PHASE 2 of the project is paid for by a grant of $2 million and is anticipated to be completed by the end of summer in 2026. When completed Phase 2 will include:
Splash pad and all an all inclusive playground.
A pavilion shelter house and more.
Operating hours of the park are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Police Report
VOTE Tuesday, August 5th
THERE IS ONLY ONE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT
QUESTION 1: Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose a sales tax for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City but at an increased rate of one fourth (1/4) of one percent for a term of seven (7) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving eighty percent (80%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty percent (20%) for their respective functions.
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGESHOWN ABOVE
CONSIDER THESE FACTS BEFORE YOU VOTE
City Hall says this is a "renewal" of a current tax. The fact is it is NOT a "renewal". A "renewal" implies it is the same amount and length of term. This tax is neither.
The current tax is for a term.............................. of (5) years.
The proposed tax is for a term.......................... of (7) years.
If the tax is approved the
Local Parks/Storm Water Control Tax
WILL DOUBLE!
VOTE TUESDAY, AUGUST 5TH
TRUTH WATCH RETURNS!
Police Report
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| BY GREG WALTERS |
Something
to Ponder
City Hall has known for a long time that the renewal of
the Parks/Storm Sewer Sales Tax was set to expire in less than a year.
Last April the City was required by State Law to hold and
election for one-half of the Board of Aldermen.
The State reserves the first Tuesday in April as the time
to hold elections of local governmental bodies.
By holding all the elections on the same date the Jackson
County Election Board can economize on the cost of the elections. By doing so
cities like Raytown cans save a substantial cost to holding elections.
Consider
the following:
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Raytown conducted a city
election. So did 22 other governmental bodies located in the Eastern Jackson
County Election Board’s jurisdiction. Since
there were so many elections held at the same time, Raytown’s share of the cost
of holding the election came to (approximately) $35,000.00*.
On August 6, 2025, Raytown, and, a school District located
in Oak Grove, Missouri are the ONLY two governmental bodies holding an election
in the Jackson County Election Board jurisdiction.
Since
there are only two governmental units holding an election on August 6th,
Raytown’s share of the cost of the elections goes up to approximately $80,000.00.*
Had the
upcoming tax election on August 6th been held on April 1st
the city would have saved approximately $45,000.00.**
*Cost figures are based on the cost of Raytown’s last election held on April 1st. The August election cost is an estimate based on historical data of voter turnout in the Raytown and Oak Grove School District when single issue elections are held in August.
Our View . . . The above figures
show that the city, with just a little planning, can make a big difference.
Raytown City Hall dropped the ball on planning the August 6th Election. We made inquiries as to why the election was not held in April, which would have freed up $45,000.00 that could be used for street improvements.
We never received an answer. Our best guess is the city did not put the item on the ballot because of fears it might hurt incumbent(s) chances for re-election.
We doubt that excuse as viable.
Still the damage is done. If City Hall wants to enjoy the trust of the voters in Raytown, they must practice more accountability in their decisions. A harder look at the bottom line on spending practices would be a good starting point. Taxpayers expect better decisions on the management of their tax dollars at City Hall.
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| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
The
Rest
of the Story . . .
On June
18, 2025 the Raytown Board of Aldermen met in public session. At the beginning
of the meeting Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters gave a report about a Public
Meeting the Park Board held the previous night.
The meeting was attended by approximately 30 Raytowners who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Colman Park. Residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinion to the Park Board regarding rampant gunfire at Coleman Park at 2:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Walters report to the Board of Aldermen outlined improvements the Park Board has decided to make. Those improvements include the construction of Speed Bumps, increased private security measures and increased patrols by the Raytown Police. Also included was a means to better monitor the amount of noise coming from Park Shelter Houses when amplifiers are in use.
Towards the end of Walters’ report the Mayor interrupted him and said you are finished. Alderman Walters pointed out that he had the floor and that under Roberts Rules of Order, he is allowed to continue until he finishes his comments.
This caused a short exchange between the Ward 1 Alderman and the Mayor in which the Mayor started pounding his gavel.
The Mayor then loudly announced words to the effect of “I am calling a three minute recess.”
Walters told the Mayor that if he wants to discuss the matter, we can hold this discussion in public during the meeting.
To which the Mayor replied “That’s it . . . in my office now!
To which the Ward 1 Alderman laughed and replied “I am not going to your office”.
The Mayor then stomped out of the room and (we assume) went to his office where he spent three minutes all by himself.
Three minutes later he returned to his seat at the dias.
When we were preparing this story we followed our usual procedure of using the video tape available to all Raytowners of the meeting. Much to our surprise we learned that (approximately) 5 to 15 minutes of the video had been cut from the public video posted on the city’s website page.
We are also aware that they could easily fix the “so-called” oversight once they read this story. All the same to us.
The important thing is . . .
Now you know the Rest of the Story.
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| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
Reports of a homeless camp has been re-established near the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) headquarters located on 75th Street. This is the second time a homeless camp has been established at the location.
A few years ago a similar camp was shut down by the Raytown Police Department with assistance from the City of Independence.
- Another area of concern has been an uptick of the number of panhandlers who seem to be increasing at major Raytown intersections. Restrictions on such activity are very clear. It is illegal for motorists to be approached on a public street in traffic to ask for donations. Such activity is dangerous to both the motorist and solicitor. Streets are made for one ton vehicles and up to travel on. Sidewalks are for people If you witness this dangerous activity you are urged to call 911.
- Mark your calendars for AUGUST 5, 2025! There has hardly been any talk on the internet about it, but the voters of Raytown have a Sales Tax Increase on the Raytown Ballot in the near future. The sales tax question will be voted on August 5th. Here is the official language of the ballot”
SPECIAL ELECTION CITY
OF RAYTOWN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5,
2025
Notice is hereby given to the registered
qualified voters of the City of Raytown, Missouri, that the Board of Aldermen
of said City has called a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, August 5,
2025. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. The
official ballot will be substantially in the following form.
QUESTION 1: Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose a sales tax for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City but at an increased rate of one fourth (1/4) of one percent for a term of seven (7) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving eighty percent (80%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty percent (20%) for their respective functions.
There is only 16 days until Election Day. The lack of any publicity on the election has left some in Raytown wondering why the campaign is being kept so tightly under wraps.
Some information voters should know before they cast their vote on August 16th.
Make no mistake about it. The “whole tax” of the “Storm Sewer and Park Tax” is being doubled.
The question voters must consider – is it worth it? This is question every voter should ask themselves before casting their vote on Tuesday, August 2, 2025.
There are some valid reasons for the tax to be increased for the Parks Department. The cost of security at the parks has increased. Some of those costs are one time costs. Others are ongoing.
The Storm Sewer portion of this proposed tax has been lowered because voters approved a Storm Sewer Water Bond Issue a couple of years ago. This does call into question why the tax is being continued when the bond issue already pays for storm sewer improvements.
There is also the question of the “Sunset Clause” of the question. Past elections have set the tax for a period of five years. This tax question increases the sunset Parks and Storm Sewer Sales Tax to a seven year life.
City Hall is also looking at other sales taxes that may be up for consideration in the next year. One is the renewal of a Transportation Sales Tax which is supposed to be used to pay for street repair. Another is a Public Safety Tax which helps fund the Raytown Police Department.
All of these sales taxes are charged on retail sales in Raytown. When added up the following shows the total amount you pay on purchases in Raytown.
The minimum sales tax rate in Raytown is 8.48%. Most retail sales are currently at this rate.
The maximum sales tax rate is 9.48%. This second figure is charged on sales tax that part of pay down TIF debt owed by the City on major projects, such as Walmart, Sutherland Lumber, Aldi, etc.
The Parks / Storm Sewer Sales tax increase will push Raytown's sales tax very near, or over the 10% Raytown shoppers will spend on all purchases.
We will keep you informed as these issues come up at City Hall.
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| Take me out to the Ballgame! BY GREG WALTERS PHOTO CREDIT: MECEE WALTERS |
So we decided, the hell with what the weather guessers are saying about rain . . . "Let's go take in the game".
At 7:10 on the dot the skies opened up and drenched the field with about half an hour of rain.
The game finally go under way at 8:30. the picture above is the back side of the storm that dumped all the water on Royals Stadium. The unusual view of the "back side of the storm", illuminated by the the setting sun from the west, as you can see, was amazing.
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| Photo of a line of cars entering Colman Park in Raytown, Missouri on June 9th. Over one hundred shots were fired into the air. the quick reaction of neighbors immediately calling the police is credited with the park being emptied of curfew violators. Thankfully, there were not any injuries from the rapid fire shot from moving vehicles as the drove through the park. |
BY PAUL LIVIUS
Surrounding
Community Leaders take a
strong stand against Celebratory Gunfire
Firing a gun into the air has always been illegal in Kansas City. But under Blair’s Law the indiscriminate firing of a weapon into the air is now illegal in ALL cities in Missouri.
The law is named after a Blair Shanahan Lane, who died
instantly when a bullet fired nearly a mile away struck her spinal cord and instantly
killed her. She was waiting in line to get her sparkler lit to celebrate the
Fourth of July at a gathering of friends.
Another celebratory gunfire event has been reported of a Kansas City Police officer who was struck by a bullet as he left City Hall. The shooter was eventually discovered. He had fired his handgun into the air to celebrate a football game win by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Police Department credits a tree that altered the trajectory and slow down the bullet as it fell back to Earth.
Mayor Quinton Lucas On Wednesday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton
Lucas and Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson highlighted the consequences of firing guns into the air and urged safety in
firing a weapon and disregarding where the bullet will go.
“Don’t shoot your gun, don’t shoot them into the air,” said
Mayor Lucas. “You will be investigated, you will be charged, and you will be
prosecuted.”
A reporter from KCTV 5
Under Blair’s Law
the following penalties apply to recklessly firing a weapon into the air:
FIRST OFFENSE:(misdemeanor) Up to one year in jail or a $2,000 fine.
SECOND OFFENSE: (felony) Up to four years in jail.
According to Jackson Prosecutor, Melesa Johnson, 23 people
have been arrested in Jackson County under Blair’s Law. She asked all the metropolitan
community help in keeping our communities safe.
If you see or hear what may be the firing of a gun into the air call the police at 911.
MYTHS about Celebratory Gunfire:
Bullets shot upwards simply vanish into space. No, we know better now. The bullets do most definitely come back down to Earth and fall on something, the ground, a car, a building, or a person. Celebratory gunfire is harmless. Firing random bullets may result in death and injury. It is a potentially fatal activity, which regularly results in the deaths of bystanders.
We don’t know why. But we do. Bullets fired at angles less than vertical are more dangerous, as the bullet maintains its angular ballistic trajectory, is far less likely to engage in tumbling motion, and so travels at speeds much higher than a bullet in free fall.
1 Firearms expert Julian Hatcher studied falling bullets in the 1920s and his study showed that 30 caliber rounds can reach terminal velocities of 300 feet per second as they fall. Injury from random gunfire isn’t really serious. More recent research has indicated that 200 feet per second is enough to penetrate the skull.
Examples of fatalities due to celebratory gunfire abound. A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 80% of celebratory gunfire-related injuries are to the head, feet, and shoulders.
Injury from celebratory gunfire is rare.
That is because those hit by falling bullets, the chance of the wound being fatal was far higher than a typical shooting.
The hospital put deaths from regular shootings between 2% and 6%, while for those struck by falling bullets the death rate was close to one third.
The reason is simple – those unlucky enough to be hit by falling shells were more likely to be struck on the head, and while the bullets were travelling slower after being shot into the sky, they were still capable of smashing skulls.
Doesn’t happen anymore though.
It’s still happening. On January 1, 2015, a 43-year-old man, Javier Suarez Rivera, was
struck in his head and killed while watching fireworks with his family in SE Houston.4