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
Comments
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 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?
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.
The street condition creates a nuisance. Why is the city allowed to maintain a nuisance and safety hazard?
Andy Whiteman
Pardue sure has big shoes to fill!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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?
Perhaps if the police stopped their car and went over to the kids and talked to them it might help.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 just wish I would see a great police presents in our parks so those of us with families could enjoy them
We should all be so pleased to have had him represent us on the Board of Alderman
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 Eagle
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.
The Eagle
That should be a test of who gets special privileges and who doesn't.
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.
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.
The Eagle
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
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.
Andy Whiteman
The Eagle
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!"
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 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