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- - - BREAKING NEWS - - -
The Special Storm Water/Park Sales Tax Committee is
scheduled to hold its first meeting on Thursday, November 19th at
Raytown City Hall.
Storm Water/Park Sales Tax Committee
Council Chamber Conference Room
10000 East 59th Street
7:00 p.m.
The meeting will held in the Council Chamber Conference Room. This is a
public meeting and the public is welcome to attend.
The topic of the meeting will be how to split revenue from the sales
tax approved by the voters in 2010. In that election the voters approved the following
ballot question:
Bill No. 6207-10, Section III-A-9. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND
APPROVING SUBMISSION AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD AUGUST 3, 2010 TO THE
QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE
CITY SHALL IMPOSE A SALES TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE-EIGHTH (1/8) OF ONE PERCENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING LOCAL
PARKS/STORM WATER CONTROL WITHIN THE CITY FOR A TERM OF SEVEN (7) YEARS
AND IMPOSING SUCH TAX IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED VOTERS VOTING
THEREON.
Voters approve the sales tax for a seven year period. In the five years
since approval of the tax 100% of the sales tax dollars has gone to fund local
parks. None of the money has been spent on storm water control.
Family Dollar Opens in Downtown Raytown
Family Dollar is holding its Grand Opening this week. The
new store is located at 9601 East 63rd Street.
Operating hours of the store are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm., Monday
through Saturday and 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sunday.
A young lady named Mindy was on hand to greet her new
customers as a steady stream of shoppers stopped by to check out the new Store.
 |
| BY GREG WALTERS |
And they said we
were the only ones . . .
A short story in one of the local newsprint sources in
Raytown caught our eye this week. The story was about the absence of streaming
video of Tuesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Apparently their reporter
was not available to attend the meeting so they went searching for the replay
of the meeting on the web. The re-broadcast was not available. So, they called
City Hall but the Public Information Officer did not return their call before
they published.
Not to worry. We have your back. Paul Livius has written an in-depth
report of what transpired at last Tuesday’s meeting.
As for the “non-broadcast” . . . in our view there is no
excuse. The Board of Aldermen meets 24 times a year on a pre-scheduled basis.
There is not a good reason for the timely broadcast of Council Meetings. Plenty of time to make sure things run well without any excuses. The non-broadcast leaves the City Council and Mayor with a black eye.
They are not directly responsible for the sloppy operation. But they do have a responsibility to see the meetings are re-broadcast on a timely schedule.
We noticed that the city’s Public Information Officer, Brenda Gustafason, was at the meeting. So it was not for lack of city personnel being on hand.
And we were told we were the only ones who ever complained!
There is not a good reason for the timely broadcast of Council Meetings. Plenty of time to make sure things run well without any excuses. The non-broadcast leaves the City Council and Mayor with a black eye.
They are not directly responsible for the sloppy operation. But they do have a responsibility to see the meetings are re-broadcast on a timely schedule.
We noticed that the city’s Public Information Officer, Brenda Gustafason, was at the meeting. So it was not for lack of city personnel being on hand.
And we were told we were the only ones who ever complained!
Greg tells me the KCATA bus service is tied to the 350 Walmart Store. The city built what is termed an intermodal bus station at the Walmart location. It is the long street connecting the East and West bound lanes of 350 Highway. The contract between Walmart and the City requires the bus service be provided for the length of time Walmart is in operation at the 350 Highway location.
Some Aldermen had questions for the KCATA representative but he did not show up for the meeting!
 |
| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
Raytown
Board of Aldermen Meeting – November 10, 2015
Mayor McDonough said in 1954 President
Dwight Eisenhower signed the first Veterans Day proclamation calling on our
nation to “pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed
so much to the preservation of this nation”.
We recognize that our freedom, and the freedoms of millions of others
around the world, was secured through the bravery and sometimes the ultimate
sacrifice of the American men and women who have answered the call of duty as
members of the United States Armed Forces.
We remember those men and women who have served the United States with
distinction and valor as sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines and offer our
sincere prayers for those who continue to defend the principles on which our
nation was founded. Veterans continue to
promote America through their support of the present day Armed Forces and all
organizations that share the common purpose of protecting the freedom and
integrity of our nation. Veterans
encourage civic education and patriotism among our nation’s youth in advancing
their awareness of the virtues of discipline and selflessness, as well as the
differences between liberty and license, and democratic peace and the mere
absence of war. Our country is forever
indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. These brave men and women made the ultimate
sacrifice for our benefit.
POLICE SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT: The Board passed
a resolution approving
an annual maintenance agreement with Harris Computer-Global Software in an
amount not to exceed $42,993. Harris
Computer-Global Software is the Records Management System and Computer Aided
Dispatch system vendor. These systems were installed in 2005 and at the time of
implementation included 5 years of support and that plan expired in 2010. The
support plan is now an annual expense. This support plan is critical to the
Police Department’s function as these systems directly affect how they respond
to calls and investigate crimes.
POLICE IT SERVICE CONTRACT: The Board passed
a resolution approving
the expenditure of funds with MDL Technology for information technology-related
services in an amount not to exceed $122,880.00. In Fiscal Year 2013, the Board of Alderman
approved a three-year agreement guaranteeing service pricing for three years,
approved annually, with MDL Technology, LLC to manage the IT services of the
Police Department. The agreed upon service plan is a monthly fee of $80.00 per
workstation and $400.00 per server. MDL Technology, LLC has agreed to renew the
agreement for an additional three-year period with no increase in service cost.
POLICE UNIFORM CONTRACT: The Board passed
a resolution awarding
a two year bid to Alamar Uniforms for the purchase of police uniforms and minor
equipment and approving the purchase of uniforms and minor equipment in an
amount not to exceed $30,600. The Supply
Unit is responsible for the purchase of police uniforms and equipment for use
by Police Officers and civilian employees. The contract they currently have
with Alamar Uniforms expired October 31, 2015. A sealed bid was requested for
uniforms and equipment utilized by the Police Department for a two-year period
of time starting November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2017. Alamar Uniforms was the
only quote received. The bid they provided was appropriate.
KCATA BUS SERVICE
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance approving a
contract for transit Kansas City Area Transportation Authority in an amount not
to exceed $58,151. This is a demand-response public transportation service
(Metro Flex) that the City has provided under contract with the KCATA since
April 2001. The City of Kansas City also
pays the same amount as the City of Raytown to the KCATA for the Metro Flex
service as the service area extends beyond Raytown to make connections with the
rest of the KCATA network to the north and to the south within Kansas
City. The hours of operation for the Metro
Flex service are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. The proposed agreement would maintain that level of service
at a cost of $58,151 which is an increase from $55,273 for 2014-2015.
The increase is due to increased operational costs but is within the amount budgeted by the City for this service. This contract will be for a 12-month period that mirrors the City’s budget year. A presentation by the KCATA will be provided at a future Board of Aldermen meeting which will provide further details relating to number of riders, origins, and destinations of riders and other service information over the past 12 months. Alderman Van Buskirk asked how many Raytown residents rode the bus annually. He also asked how many people rode this bus annually and what the route was the bus took. No one from KCATA was present, so no answers were given.
The increase is due to increased operational costs but is within the amount budgeted by the City for this service. This contract will be for a 12-month period that mirrors the City’s budget year. A presentation by the KCATA will be provided at a future Board of Aldermen meeting which will provide further details relating to number of riders, origins, and destinations of riders and other service information over the past 12 months. Alderman Van Buskirk asked how many Raytown residents rode the bus annually. He also asked how many people rode this bus annually and what the route was the bus took. No one from KCATA was present, so no answers were given.
MASSAGE PARLOR ORDINANCE
The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance granting an
amendment to the regulations governing massage establishments as specified in
Chapter 10 of the code of ordinances. Raytown staff is proposing to amend the
language written in Chapter 10, titled Massage Establishments, Bath Houses,
Modeling Studios, and Body Painting Studios”, outlining business licensing
requirements for massage establishments and massage therapists. The City has previously adopted an ordinance
requiring those wishing to open and operate a massage establishment within the
city limits to go through extensive procedures and prerequisites that are now
undertaken by the State of Missouri as part of their licensing requirements for
these establishments. Such requirements include, but are not limited to, mandatory
background checks for criminal convictions, written character references from
three state residents, and health certificates proving the absence of
communicable diseases from all massage therapists and employees.
TRAFFIC COURT FINES The Board heard the first reading of an ordinance amending
chapter 28, Offenses and Nuisances, failure to appear of the Code of Ordinances
of the city of Raytown. On May 27, 2015
the Missouri Legislature enacted legislation known as Senate Bill 5 signed by
the Governor on July 7, 2015 which modified distribution of Traffic Fines and
Court Costs collected by Municipal Courts which provides there be no additional
charges for Failure to Appear Charges for ‘Minor Traffic Violations” and
modified State law regarding collection of court costs.
GREEN
SPACE ZONING
Alderman
Janet Emerson
said in May, 2013, the zoning changed on the “Green Space” in order to allow
Walmart to buy and develop the property.
The Planning and Zoning Commission denied the request, but the Board of
Aldermen approved the change. Alderman Josh Green said the Board is
looking at a comprehensive master plan for the downtown area. He thinks the Board should wait for the
master plan and see what it shows. Alderman Steve Meyers stated the
comprehensive master plan is not that detailed.
It does not address zoning parcel by parcel. Alderman
Jim Aziere said he believes the Board should hold public meetings to find
out what the residents of Raytown want.
Alderman Meyers pointed out the Board could send the motion back to the
Zoning and Planning Commission. Then the
public could make their thoughts known.
The Board sent the item to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for consideration and a recommendation. The Planning and Zoning Commission is required
by city ordinance to hold a public hearing during their deliberations before
any zoning change can be made. Aldermen Aziere and Josh Greene can make use of
that forum for the public hearings if they wish to do so.
Fridge Cleaning Tips for National Clean Out Your Fridge Day BY KRISTEN
Are you ready for the upcoming holiday? No, I’m not talking
about Christmas, or even Thanksgiving — this weekend (Nov. 15) is National
Clean Out Your Fridge Day!
What, you’re not jumping up and down in glee? Well, okay.
It’s not exactly the same thing as sharing a meal with all of those you hold
nearest and dearest, or waking up to gifts under the tree, but you have to
admit — getting your fridge sparkling clean feels really good, and we have a
few tips from Arm & Hammer that’ll make fridge cleaning (not to mention
cleaning other parts of your kitchen) considerably easier.
Ready to get to it? Here’s how to get your kitchen clean and
odor-free. READ MORE
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3 comments:
I would imagine that the meeting to be held on Thursday will be well attended. I say this because of all the people making comments about the mayor and the board. I know that they are really interested in what solution they will arrive at so that more comments can be made.
From Raytown Park Board Minutes dated October 19, 2015
Reports of Standing:
Finance - Terry Copeland stated he had read reports that Super Splash expenses were reported to exceed other city parks. He said Raytown has 6 parks totaling 103 acres with total revenue of $1.2 million. He estimated if total park revenue is divided by park acres, the city spends an estimated $11,600 per acre on park maintenance. He would prefer that Super Splash stay open as a community pool. When compared to Super Splash expenses this is not an excessive amount.
Staff Reports:
Director - The Finance dept has been provided an up to date list of FY15 Capital Expenditures for Super Splash. The Park Board would like to split this cost with the City as per the agreement made earlier this year. The FY15 Super Splash capital improvements total spent is $129,281.53. This does not include the water-slide change order since the BOA rejected that change order in May 2015. The City's share to be transferred to the Park Fund is $64,640
$11k annual on one acre - REALLY????
The parks department also maintains the grounds at city hall and along city streets. This runs up the dollars which are being averaged over the park acreage. Also is Super Splash include in this figure? In my opinion $11,600 per acre may be skewed.
Andy Whiteman
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