Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Keep the records straight
Richard Tush contributing editor
Too much signage
At last Tuesday night’s Board of Alderman meeting a special issue item was brought before the Board of Alderman regarding replacing an existing billboard with an even larger one. My primary concern is not the proposal of an even larger sign, which by the way I do oppose. It is the missing information that should have been included within the meeting pact. This is not a new issue, but an unfortunate reoccurring theme. Maybe I am wrong, but it seem reasonable to assume that the following should have been included:
1.) Number of billboard signs in the city by size and type.
2.) The specific physical location of each billboard sign.
3.) The specific agreement to the $45,000 that is in Escrow
4.) The specific budget area the funds came from
The underlining issue maybe the board needs to provide a set of guidelines of what they expect to be included. This would eliminate the current method of if not ask don’t tell nor do any additional up front research.
The bigger picture is the city needs to do a better job of record management. It is no wonder that residents continue to violate the same ordinance over and over with this type of record keeping. The management team at city hall needs to see the issue with unknown information on the existing sign’s locations, sizes and types as a call to review all record keeping. This will ensure our city management will be able to quickly answer questions in the future and hopefully start to address the habitual ordinance violators.
A word of thanks
I want to thank City Administrator Mahesh Sharma for the quick turn around on some request I recently made on having items added to the city website. If you have not recently visited the city, I would recommend you take a quick look. They have a lot of interesting information from the city’s budget to the minutes from the Board of Alderman’s meetings. In addition, you will find useful links to other organizations within our city.
http://www.raytown.mo.us/
Richard Tush contributing editor
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50 comments:
What has happened to our Raytown Parks? They used to be like small jewels that our city could show off. That’s not the case now.
Park Director Kevin Boji should take a trip to Raytown from Harrisonville. That’s where he lives. He is keeping with that unwritten rule that our city department heads DO NOT live in our city.
Boji should drive by Kenagy Park and check out the skate board park. It would be more appropriate to call it “Graffitti Park” with all the spray painted messages left for the good people of Raytown to see. For that matter, he should check out who has taken over the skate board park. These young “toughs” look and act like they own the joint. Maybe they are just wannabe gang members. But it sure seems like they have found a home at Kenagy.
Or perhaps Mr. Boji should drive by Coleman Park. The shelters houses will soon be shelter houses surrounded by mudholes when its wet and dust when its dry.
Why?
Because the people using the shelter houses are parking their vehicles on the grass right next to the buildings.
It amazes me how a common homeowner will receive a ticket for parking on his grass – think about it, his own private property. But if someone is using a park shelterhouse for a party they pull their cars up on the grass right next to the shelterhouse and leave them there all day long. The police, code enforcement officers and park employees just look the other way.
Guess they don't believe the rules should be enforced on someone unless they can pick on the vilators one at at time.
I used to take my grandchildren to Raytown Parks for outings. Anymore, I am not sure they are a safe place to go.
I have no problem with Senator Callahan. Though I do with Michael Downey. The antipathy between those two is legend. I suspect Michael is the one that wants to hear what is wrong with Victor.
I have to agree with Michael about one thing. The gigantic billboards on 350 Highway are the very definition of blight.
I cannot believe that the BOA would even consider allowing more of them to be constructed anywhere along that strip of 350.
Isn't the plan to beautify and upgrade Raytown? Putting up more billboards is not the way to go.
Especially when you consider some of the signage that will end up on them. Liquor ads, fringe element church ads -- won't that look pretty on 350 Highway next to the new Walmart?
Anybody that tells you that the School District is exempt from city code violations like tall weeds on their property is blowing smoke.
Those ordinances are written for the health and safety of the community. They cannot be ignored by any government entity anymore than a health violation in their student cafeteria can be ignored.
Zoning requirements are another matter. It is unjust. But unfotunately, it is the way that it is.
The place to change those exemptions (from zoning code regulations) is at the state level.
Greg, You may recall my fence issue. Both the city and Dysfundctional School District are in violation with fences higher than the allowed 6 feet. But I was told that both are exempt from ordinances. Are they exempt from certain ordinances?
The street condition creates a nuisance. Why is the city allowed to maintain a nuisance and safety hazard?
Andy Whiteman
That doesn't suprise me about Sue Frank actions. I for one want to offer a big thanks to Greg, for all he has doneve done and I hope he runs again in the next election.
Pardue sure has big shoes to fill!
It's too bad that Sue Frank had to be that way at the resent Board of Alderman meeting. Greg did more for this town than almost any of the rest of them on any board.
During the former mayor's reign, this town spent more money than it had, on things like the church property. She was instrumental in the Wal-Mart deal, and much more. These aren't good things for our town.
Yet, she couldn't even acknowledge Greg's many years of service.
Shame on you who don’t live in our town, but make negative comments about our fine schools. Should owning a business in our city give you that right?
And how long do you think this wonderful new and pretty WalMart will stay pretty? Look at what we have now. The lot is not kept up and the inside is trash.
I am sick and tired of hearing beautify the city. To make the city beautiful starts with the homeowner keeping up his own property. If codes is to lazy to enforce the laws we have and I might add to do so fairly then we might as well give up trying to beautify the city.
We are going to have a short fall in the city budget next year and we are worried about a billboard. We are going to give away $45,000.00 to make the city beautiful. I think it is about time the city gets things straight and thinks about the citizens and taxpayer. If we are so free with our money then why did the PD need more money. The city thinks it has a money tree growing and it is called the tax papers checkbook. Wake up Raytown.
If this town is wanting the neighborhoods to clean and safe they have to start enforcing the codes on eyesores like this one. It's time for the lip service to stop and the work to begin. If the current codes enforcers aren't doing their jobs it's time to get some that will. I've been told that at least one of the codes people has codes violations on their own property. So maybe cluttered back yards, dangerous abandoned homes and more animals than the law permits doesn't bother City Hall or the codes people.
Anon 1:56 PM, A business owner who doesn't live in Raytown has every right to complain about the Dysfunctional School District. The business owner is a big tax payer. The Disfunctional School District keeps 75% of ALL property taxes. I susppect a business owner is paying more to the Dysfunctional School District than you pay in property taxes.
As for code violations, what gives the city the right to maintain a nuisance and safety hazard of unmaintained streets that in some places are worse than country roads?
Andy Whiteman
What business owner said something against the school district?
If you think it was me you better read again. I said they didn't have to
live by the same codes as the rest of us. Again please stop quoting me
wrong. I get it, you don't like me and you don't think I should have a voice in Raytown. That's your opinion and you know what they say
about opinions.
Every new blog yeilds the same old crying. Did any of you even read this weeks issue? I for one am sick and tire of listening to people who only complain about what has happened, or they complain about what they are not willing to fight and change. If you have a problem with the codes enforcement not doing the job they were given. ONE go to BOA meetings, in large numbers, and explian you concerns. TWO start over loading the codes enforcment complaint line, and give addresses. I was talking to one of the codes workers the other day while they were driving around my neighborhood. She said that they do driver around to look for violations, but they also have to work on loads of follow ups with previous voilations, which keeps them from dealing with new on there own. IF you, THE PEOPLE, call and give them the address and the complaint itself, it goes into there system and is assigned. They have a certain amount of time per their head of office to look into and report back the findings.
It sounds to me that all you want to do is complain about something, not fix the problem. I feel that the reason you don't do this simple thing to keep Raytown's looks is because then you would have to find something else to complain about, and eventually you would have nothing to complain about giving your life no meaning.
Try not complaining and acting, it works better.
The Hawk
Oh one more thing. Andy, get over the fence thing. It is a past thing. Let the past sit in the past. Figure something else to complain about. 99% of Raytown does not care about the size of the fence at the city equipment lot/Recycle center. Only you and 3 other people. I am very sure that your time could be put to much better worth than this plea for a bigger fence, because that is all it is.
Everyone wants to complain about others issues. Look at your own. I am sure that none of you follow codes to the letter either. So none of you have any room to complain about anyone else, city of private.
The Hawk
I am a regular follower of the blog and sometimes sign my name. Unfortunately, this will be my last post.
When Greg was writing, the blog was mostly factually based with a couple of opinions strategically placed. The new posts are 100% opinion. They appear to be an elongated cut of the comment section. Very formal, don't get me wrong, just not what I am looking for when looking for insight into Raytown's political underground.
It appears once again there are those contributors who believe the city is operation at efficiency or that our elected officials really care about address issues and concerns of the citizens.
I don’t disagree with others that we must all step up to the plate and contact codes when we see outright and ongoing violations. However, I find it difficult to accept that with four code enforcement associates as well as an administrative assistant for this team that they are not pro-active as other would like us to believe. There is no reason or excuse when they are in a neighborhood on one violation that they don’t do a set number of reviews for the surrounding properties. I believe a 3 or 5 property radius would be sufficient and the only reason I can foreseen this is not the policy is city hall either has no set guidelines or are aware how big they have let the problem grow.
I for one always encourage others to speak with their elected officials either one on one or at the Board of Alderman meeting. However, the lack of addressing code violations is not a new issue. It is one that six of the current Board of Alderman and the mayor are well aware of from their own survey sent out over a year ago. If they really want to address concerns from the citizens and justify the cost of the survey they would have addressed this issue long ago. I hope that the four new members will be a little more aggressive in addressing the lingering issues at city hall.
By the way the mayors take on this is we should address code violations to our neighbors. This seems like a way of saying that he is very well aware that the codes department is not meeting the needs for which the department was designed. However, as a project manager I would question why he has not setup a committee to review the current procedures for this area and get to the root cause of the problem. We all know this would take true leadership and commitment, which is not what we have been receiving.
I further validate the lack of concern by this administration, just trying to travel East bound on 79th to visit Kenagy Park. The street is just one of many that represent continuing downward spiral as a result of giving a major portion of our sales tax reviewing to one of the largest companies in the world. Although not an issue for codes enforcement, but as one of the others reported there is an issue with those who are using the skate part of the park. It seems it is the latest and greatest place to tag as well as for the underage to setback and have a smoke.
What some see as complain others could see as bring the issues to light and allowing others to brainstorm on possible new solutions to the issues.
The Wise Old Owl
I agree that Kenagy Park is not what it should be. The issue with the graffitti is a major problem, as well as under age smoking. But there is no way of stopping undr age smokers it is not against the law to smoke cigarettes, it is only against the law to bu them. As far as the graffitti well i thought the the parks department placed cameras at the parks for nightly security, well that should be used to put a stop to the vandals.
Wise Old Owls point on a comittee to look in to the codes not effectively doing its job is a great idea. Now transfer it from here to the BOA for consideration.
Now something new. Lets get more on this Billboard issue. The blog start is a little lacking in information. I would like some more on it.
The Hawk
Mr. Hawk,
I have talked to the Park Board Director about the problem of people pulling cars up to the shelter house when they party.
It is against the park's regulations. I have suggested they have the regulations codified so the p.d. can enforce the rules as well.
I get the distinct impression that they don't want that heavy of a burden on their shoulders.
They have done nothing to address the problem. They are well aware of the problem.
What did you say was the next step in getting them to do their job?
Better check that on the smoking. I think it is illegal for underage kids to smoke.
Perhaps if the police stopped their car and went over to the kids and talked to them it might help.
Hawk, I totally agree with you that people should complain to the BOA. But in numbers? People have said in this blog previosuly that they have better things to do on Tuesday night. The truth is I do too but I go just to see what this Fascist Fief is doing. I wonder if the BOA members listen? If they are listening, they sure don't act or even react. I got a reaction two times that I can remember.
The fence is in the present. My point is that code enforcement is arbitrary, capricious, and not uniformly enforced. I also have mentioned barking dogs but you didn't mention that. Maybe it bothers you too.
What good does it do to call in a code complaint? I did that and spoke to a live person, not the recording? Nothing was done. I emailed city officials and even took it to the BOA, still nothing was done!
As I have pointed out, the streets are in violation of city codes. Nothing is done. The city claims they have no money. If a citizen claims no money, the city doesn't give a damn.
Frankly, I don't think anyone cares. If someone is hurt or is killed, the city will be sued, but they won't pay because they have insurance. Knowing the way attorneys do things, they will sue the city and all individuals involved such as elected officials and those in administration.
I will be glad when I can get out of this Fascist Fief of Raytown, State of Misery; but I wonder if my house will sell after I move? After a buyers sees the condition of the streets, they won't want it. I doubt people are rich enough to pay the outrageous property taxes to the Dysfunctional School District. Truthfully, the State of Misery bothers me much more than the Fascist Fief.
I sure hope that Mr. Thode has success in getting the budget under control then I can stop calling it a Dysfunctional District.
Andy Whiteman
An interesting story in the Raytown Post this week. The city is going to use the expertise of the Park Board to evaluate when the grassy area at the old First Baptist Church is ready for Raytowners to walk on it, play on it, etc., etc., etc.
Maybe those same experts at the park department can study the effect of cars pulling up onto the grassy areas around the shelter houses.
What the heck! They could write a report about it and everything.
Who knows, they may even decide it's a good idea to enforce their own rules. Maybe the police could join in with a companion report as to why the will not enforce those rules.
Or, they could just keep on acting like those big metal things on wheels are not cars that are pulling up by the shelter houses.
And that those deep dark furrows in the dead grass are not caused by the tires on those big metal things.
See how easy it is solve a problem when you are in bureaucrat heaven.
I don’t know who would indicate the new contributing editor’s postings do not contain factual information. I myself followed the link provided back to information about the cleanup event. I found the link to provide additional helpful information. Based on the city’s lack of communicating events like this to the public in the past I believe this can only help improve participation just as the editor indicated.
The current week’s posting has me personal enraged that we could make a deal with an advertising company to potentially spend $45,000. That might seem like a small amount of money to some, but it wouldn’t even pay a year’s salary to our city’s department heads. However, I sure it could have been put to help resurface a few more feet on some of our street needing attention. Again this was fact, based on calls I made to my Alderman.
It was only through this blog that I learned about this large amount of money spent. So, I hope to hear more about how are tax dollars are really being spent as it sure explain why are streets are not being overlayed. Sure is a lot more information then I have ever hear our mayor give about where money is going.
On this one I can speak with experience. If you go before the board
with a problem, they won't listen to you. If you go before the board
with a suggestion, they won't listen to you. If you go before the board
and ask a question the lawyer and City Administrator have to conference before they can give you an answer. Most of the time you ask our elected
officials a question that will look at you like deer looking into headlights
and then look towards the lawyer and City Administrator for help.
Buy the way, if you open a business in Raytown you will be told you can
only have what they call a "monument sigh." this is a sign that is eye level
when driving by. We have been told, pole signs are no longer permitted in
Raytown. Want to make any bets on what kind of signs Wal-mart gets to put
up? I'll bet you will be able to see it from outer space. Just another reason
going before the board will get you nowhere.....unless you are a huge corporation
that is. For those of you that say all we do on this blog is complain, have you given
any thought that this is the only place that complaints are even read or listened to?
Maybe the people that think we complain too much get to talk to their elected
representatives. But in the real world elected officials only talk to anybody, other
then the people that only pat them on their backs and tell them how great they are,
is a pipe dream.
The reality is this, complain to codes, they might get around to it if they feel like it.
Talking to elected officials out of their safety zone in City Hall, fat chance. Having
An elected official actually do what their constitutes expect them to do, not going
to happen.
So if you don't like our complaining on this blog, it's a free country. You just don't read
or turn on the blog. It's really that easy.
Can someone explain to me the benefit to the citizens of Raytown for the fine billboard signs. I have been told by a former Alderman that they generate no tax dollars for the city. If that is the case why don’t we start taxing them? The city sure does a good job of taxing us home owners.
Is that Turk fellow already planning on running again for Congress? I noticed he has a billboard sign up on Raytown Road.
Also has Rick Thode kicked off his re-election campaign as he has two signs up down on Raytown Road. I guess this one makes sense as he will be running again this coming April and we sure need him on the school board to stop that wasteful spending.
I was out and about last night and decide to do a quick count of billboard signs within our city. It appears there is 14 of, which only one appeared to be single sided. While helping a local non-profit organization look at advertising options a few years ago we had been quoted between $500 and $800 based on location. The price is driving by the amount of traffic with them charging a higher amount for those on 350 Highway compared to Raytown Road. Based on quick and simple math someone has the potential to earn $18,500 per month or $222,000 a year.
There is an ordinance about parking on the grass in the park. Th police department can't be everywhere at once. People have to call to tell them there is someone parking on the grass.
Operation of vehicles.
No person, other than city personnel conducting city business therein, shall bring or use any of the following vehicles upon any portion of the park system (excluding streets, driveways, parking lots), except in those areas specifically designated by signs for their use:
(a) Motorcycles
(b) Mini-bikes
(c) Go-carts
(d) Snowmobiles
(e) Passenger cars or trucks
(f) Four-wheel drive recreational vehicles
(g) Mobile campers
(h) Horse-drawn vehicles
The following restrictions are applied to vehicles which are allowed in the park system:
(1) Bicycles are not allowed on ballfields or within spectator bleacher areas; on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any other facility not specifically designated for their use.
(2) Skateboards and roller skates are not allowed on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any other facility not specifically designated for their use.
(3) Snow sleds are not allowed on tennis courts, multipurpose courts, shelter houses, sidewalks or any facility not specifically designated for their use.
(Ord. No. 1891-79, § 2, 6-5-79)
Cross references: Traffic generally, Ch. 23.
The Eagle
Why is the park’s board going to provide feedback on the grass located at the former old Baptist church site? Does this mean the property is getting ready to transfer to the them and actually become the next city park as some have indicated?
I also would like to know who on the parks board has some kind of degree or other in depth knowledge of soil, soil erosion and what is the best corresponding grass to use. I find it hard to believe any really have the knowledge that is truly needed or they would either stop the driving and parking on the grass in the parks or replace the current grass with one that could handle being driving on.
What are the next steps bring in the find minds from the school board? I am sure they have some great information and price breaks on artificial options. Wouldn’t it be great if our kids to start preparing for those scholarships by playing in our parks.
The Eagle is correct the police can not be at all places at one. Those who visit the parks and live around them need to help do their part and report any questionable activity.
1.) Parking in the grass
2.) Loud music
3.) Underage smoking
4.) Underage drinking
5.) Destruction of public property
6.) Visiting after hours
The catch is the dispatchers want the citizens reporting the activity to sign a complaint. If as the dispatchers have indicated by there response, it is our responsibility to take the action against the involved parties in the questionable activity then why have the police and why did the city put the public safety tax issue before the voters.
The point is when we report something we expect to be treated with respect and should never be asked to perform any aspect that the polices officers are sworn to do. Yes, the questionable activity has to be seen by the officers. This means not everyone thing report will, but it will get out that are police are beefing up being in the park and enforcing violations. This in itself will move the active on for some other city to deal with.
Pat,
Thank you for clearly stating how those treat you and other small business owners at city hall. I find it hard to believe that they don’t realize that without small businesses like yours we truly have no sales tax base in the city as the rest of us are picking up the tab for the “Big Box Stores”. Maybe the just feel safe with the current trends of fewer and fewer voters turn outs in city elections. We can only hope that voters will realize there is a greater impact to them in the city elections then the national ones.
Two years ago when I ran for the Board of Alderman I spoke with business owners who lived in my ward. They all shared your same feelings. One expressed a concern that they would be visited about once a week to follow up on the prior weeks exception of a code violation. They understood from time to time this would happen and noted they didn’t know all the city codes. What they couldn’t understand is on the first visit why the inspector couldn’t have mentioned all of the violations. This would have allowed for one follow-up as the business owner was more then happy to comply. However, after the three week’s visit this on going way of conducting a follow-up had them start to question the abilities of the inspector or rather they were just out right being harassed.
I also learned several years ago under the direction of one of the Alderman auto shop owners were cited for vehicles on their property that didn’t display a proper license. The vehicles in question were all in the process of trying to be sold so the shop owners could recover repair cost that the owners had decided they wouldn’t pay for. After learning which Alderman was behind this action a couple of the owners took the time to do some research and learned that this very Alderman had a vehicle in their drive way with tags expired for several years. Clearly proving that some of those tied to city hall live by a separate set of rules.
I was talking with a friend of mine who lives over by Kenagy Park. I learned they don’t let their kids go down to the skate park anymore because of some of the activities their kids came home and told them about. Yes, there is a group of teenagers that show up and smoke. The thing that concerned me more about what my friend told me was the tobacco is being removed and replaced with some other substance. Yes, her kids knew what the substance was by and I think we all can take a guess of what it was too.
I just wish I would see a great police presents in our parks so those of us with families could enjoy them
Why is the city refusing to enforce the nuisance ordinance on former alderman Gary Knabe's property at 79th and Spring Valley? There has been standing water there every since Knabe bought the property. The mosquitoes are terrible during the summer months. Again another example of Bower ignoring the REAL problems of our city and a perfect example of different rules for different folks.
Has any thought been given that Knabe might be more then willing to address the standing water on his rental properties. Maybe he is just waiting on the city to agree to give him a tax break like they did for painting his real estate office.
We should all be so pleased to have had him represent us on the Board of Alderman
When and if some idiot parks on the new green space, will they be cited?
From reading the new postings, it is obvious there are 2 sets of ordinances: One for you and me, and another (unwritten) for big box stores and favored citizens. As I have stated several times, there is discrimination.
I agree with the poster who suggest reporting suspicious activity. I have done this numerous times and never was I asked if I would sign a complaint. I have been asked if I would sign a complaint when complaining about loud music. In those cases, I will gladly sign a complaint.
Pat is correct, the elected officials won't answer to the public. Why should they? A very small portion of the public elected them. The rest of us don't count. I think the reason for referring a question to the City Attorney is to make sure to CYA for the city.
Andy Whiteman
The only time a citizen has to sign a complaint is on a noise or peace disturbance. This is because the courts over the years have determined that a police officers peace cannot be disturbed so they cannot sign complaints for those. But parking in grass the officer writes the ticket but they have ot know about it.
The Eagle
I have been told by a city employee that Gary Knabe is one of the "City Biggest Slum Landlords." If I left my property like some of his I would be cited by the city. Tell me the city doesn't play favorites. About the billboards call your alderman and tell them not to waste taxpayers(your) money.I am telling you if you don't they will vote to waste $45,000.00 of your money. They are not thinking about the money they will vote aganist it because THEY don't like billboards.
Actually, the Board of Aldermen already voted to purchase the billboards on 350 Highway in an effort to clean up the strip of the new development area.
The attempt to bring it back in through the back door is something that came from city staff.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted it down when it came back before them. But they are only a recommending body.
It is interesting to watch the debate go back and forth. This is really a test to see who runs city hall. Either city staff or the BOA. The Board already voted "yes" to buying out the billboards when the plan came before them initially.
For reasons that are not clear -- probably because the question has not been asked -- is why and how the issue got back on the agenda.
Perhaps one of our "most professional staff members in the history of the world" could enlighten us.
As for complaints on possible city violations -- the police should investigate noise violations and they can, under our city ordinances, sign off on the complaint themselves.
It is not required that a private citizen sign the complaint.
Greg you are wrong on the noise violations. Police officers peace cannot be disturbed so they cannot sign the complaints for noise/peace disturbance. The only ticket an officer can right without a citizen signing is a car going down the street. Any other noise complaint a citizen has to sign.
The Eagle
Does anybody know how big the new Wal-Mart sign will be?
That should be a test of who gets special privileges and who doesn't.
Dear Mr. Beagle,
Read and learn. This section of the ordinances gives defined guidelines by which the police can ticket an individual for "Offenses Against Public Order. (check the last sentence. The verbage above defines those areas in which the police can use this power. It does include streets, public parks, schools, churches, parking lots -- generally speaking, anywhere people may gather in public.
The ordinance has been used by police and has been tested in court.
ARTICLE VI. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
Sec. 13-60. Noise disturbance.
(a) Prohibited. A person commits the offense of noise disturbance if he willfully makes, continues or causes to be made or continued any loud and raucous noise, which term shall mean any sound which, because of its volume level, duration and character, annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities within the limits of the city. The term includes the kinds of noise generated by the activities enumerated in section 13-60(b), except as provided in section 13-60(d). The terms shall be limited to loud and raucous noise heard upon the public streets, in any public park, in any school or public building or upon the grounds thereof while in use, in any church or hospital or upon the grounds thereof while in use, upon any parking lot open to members of the public as invitees or licensees, or in any occupied residential unit which is not the source of the noise or upon the grounds thereof, and in any event from a location not less than fifty (50) feet from the source of the noise, measured in a straight line from the radio, loudspeaker, motor, horn or other noise source.
Not sure where the sign will be. Just know that from the dimension I have heard it will be huge and illuminated at night.
This Mayor and Board of Aldermen should make up its mind. Either it is going to clean up this city or it is not.
No one in their right mind is going to say how attractive one of these ugly monstrosities is going to improve the landscape around here.
It can't be had both ways.
Yes Greg that is the ordinance but a police officer cannot sign a complaint for it because a police officer cannot have their peace disturbed and this is the wording in the ordinance annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety. I guarentee I know more about this subject than you do. You are not involved in the legal system. A police officers peace cannot be disturbed. That is why people are not arrested for calling police officers nasty names.
The Eagle
Eagle, Greg is correct. I can recall when that ordinance was written. The concern was that the average person was afraid to complain and to go to court. I believe the concern at the time it was written was obnoxious gangs in a park.
Noise MAY be an indication that another illegal activity is taking place.
Pat, good question. I am willing to bet the Walmart sign will not be a memorial. I am sure the arquement will be that a big box store needs a BIG sign. This will be a case of an actual mortar and bricks business while the billboards being discussed are advertising. Discrimination if you ask me.
Andy Whiteman
Mr. Eagle,
I suggest you re-read the ordinance. It is very specific in stating that it is a violation. It is not a complicated legal question.
The officer can write a citation for excessive noise as described in the ordinance.
There is no confusion on this at all. I was one of the sponsors of the bill that made it possible.
Your stating otherwise does not change what the facts are, nor does it change the language in the ordinance.
I wonder if the Eagle may be siting case law? Any officer who observes a violation of the law is required to take action or he/she is in violation of his/her sworn oath to uphold ALL ordinances of the City of Raytown.
Andy Whiteman
Mr. Walters-once again you are thinking small picture. Just because an ordinance is passed in Raytown does not make it Constitutional. The US Supreme Court has said that a police officer's peace cannot be disturbed. And the wording talks about someones peace being disturbed. Someone could challenge that ordinance and win and possibly sue the city. I would advise any Raytown Police Officer not to sign a complaint for fear of losing a lawsuit.
The Eagle
You gentlemen can argue till you are blue in the face but,
it won't change the fact that nothing will be done about it.
This town is notorious for spot zoning and spot code enforcement.
Even though it would only take a week of patrol and enforcement
of the rules and laws to fix the problem.
Think about this, why was Round Up Days stopped? It's because of
a certain element of bad behavior and people not going by the rules
of this town. It got out of control. Punks and thugs causing trouble.
Same as in the neighborhood parks now. Without this being controlled
the upcoming BBQ and SummerFest should be at the very least, interesting.
Remember what that great law man Barney Fife said, you have to
"Nip it, Nip in in the bud!"
Billboards have nothing to do with cleaning up the city. It starts with homeowners and business cleaning up their property. We have three houses on our block that look like they need to be in the sticks. The goats need to be called in to clean up the grass. BUT we can't get anything done until due process is served. A case started with Neighbor Servicesand then the owner is given 10 ten days to mow or clean it up and then we have a court date. We got more done in this city when we didnk't have a city attorney or all of these so called wonderful departments. Everyone is wanting to move to Lee's Summit but have you noticed they have billboards, sin of all sin.
Listen, it's not just the billboards. It's not just codes enforcement
and people not being told obey the laws of the city by the police or
parks people. It's all the above and more. We elect people to run
this city by making laws for us all to live by. These laws are supposed
to make life better and safer for everybody. Laws to make sure the publics property is kept safe and clean for all to use. We all pay taxes for this to happen.
We expect our city's elected officials and hired management to make sure it does. But, it never does. We pay more and more taxes after being promised
better things to come. Better streets, neighborhoods and parks. Even a public safety
tax was just passed. But still we don't feel safe in our own parks because of a hand full of people choose to disrespect the laws, and the good people of
Raytown. Look around town. Do you see anywhere or anything that has improved from tax increase after increase?
Department heads get raises, for doing a good job?
No, it's not just the billboards that have people confused and upset. It's all of it.
This town is falling apart all around us and we have elected officials that
have no idea how to stop it.
I agree with Pat. I have told the BOA counteless times that ordinances are outdated, selectively enforced, or not enforced at all. Why are the books filled up with these useless ordinances? I bet there are ordinances no one knows about.
I have suggested that ALL ordinances be reviewed and either rewritten or deleted. ORDINANCES SHOULD BE ENFORCED EQUALLY WITH NO EXEMPTIONS FOR THE CITY BECAUSE THEY WANT TO VIOLATE ONE. I have an issue with when an alderman is presented with a "what about question" at the BOA and states, "We will be reasonable." Either enforce the ordinance or don't write it. All exceptions should be stated in the ordinance!
It is time that the lord of the Fief at 10000 E 59th St comply with all ordinances that us serfs are expected to comply with.
Andy Whiteman
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