RAYTOWN'S LEADING NEWS SOURCE

The Olympics are in full swing. In tribute to all the athletes who have dedicated themselves to the hard work of competition we have linked the epic 10,000 meter race won by Steve Jones of Great Britain in the early 1980’s. We have linked to it before on the Raytown Report. Some things are worth seeing over and over and over….

Use this link . . . STEVE JONES

If you liked the Steve Jones reel, you will love Olympic Sportsmanship
Use this link . . . OLYMPIC SPORTSMANSHIP

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BY GREG WALTERS

Park Board Tax
Proposal Receives

Cold Reception 
The Raytown Board of Aldermen was nearly unanimous in their denunciation of plans by the Raytown Park Board to raise the city sales tax by a 1/4 of a cent to pay for renovations at Super Splash.

It also became clear that contrary to reports of increased attendance in 2016 over 2015, that attendance is still at a historic low since the Water Park was opened in the 1980’s.

The lower attendance is not a surprise.

Raytown has changed since the 1980’s when Super Splash was the only water park in the area. Competition from both the private sector and public sector (new pools have since opened in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, and Independence) has cut deeply into attendance figures at Super Splash.

The aging population of Raytown underscores the reason the number of teens and pre-teens do not use the facility. According to figures from the census bureau the average age of Raytown residents continues to rise. The median age in Raytown is 51. Not really a demographic of those who would spend their free time sliding down a waterslide at a public pool.

Members of the Raytown Board of Aldermen were not shy about with their questions and statements regarding Super Splash.

Jeff Branford, with Pros Consulting and Jeff Bartley from Water’s Edge Aquatic Design presented the results of a Park Board survey that had been sent out to 3,250 households.

486 surveys were completed and returned.  They also held a focus group consisting of 50 Raytown residents.  They discovered 65% of the residents visited the parks in the past year, but only 12% participated in the recreation or sports activities.

They are recommending renovating Super Splash at a cost of $4.75 million.  It would require raising the Park Board sales tax to 3/8 cent.

Alderman Teeman said they are recommending spending $4.75 million on Super Splash when the survey shows the aquatic park only ranks #12 on the survey.  If Super Splash isn’t in the top ten, why should we spend the money?

Alderman Meyers said in the early 2000’s, there were 75,000 people attending Super Splash.  Now, in a good year, there might be 30,000 guests.  Why put more money into Super Splash when attendance is down?

Alderman Black asked what would happen if the sale tax increase didn’t pass.  She was told Super Splash would be closed.

Alderman Emerson said Raytown should not be in the business of owning a business.  Many people want Super Splash closed.  The Raytown Fitness Center will take its place.

Alderman Josh Greene said we need to do a better job of marketing the park system.  Survey results show 29% of the residents did not know what was being offered in our parks.  According to the survey, 65% visited the parks in the last year, but only 17% visited Super Splash.  The future of the Raytown parks does not seem to be Super Splash.  This year cost recovery is about 95%. Cost recovery does not include maintenance of the facility.

Alderman Jason Greene said the big problem he sees is only 485 people responded to the survey.  That’s about 15% of what was sent out.  Was the survey sent out to the people who use Super Splash?  Alderman Greene said Kevin Boji told him there have not been large expenditures at Super Splash this summer.  Alderman Greene went to Super Splash and found large areas closed off.  They weren’t repaired, just closed off.  There are large cracks on the pool decks and concrete is crumbling.  It looks to him like a lot of stuff is being ignored.  Are they doing that to increase the bottom dollars?  Kevin Boji said last year Super Splash spent over $100,000 - $88,000 on the slides alone.  This year, the park board was told to keep expenses to a minimum.  This year they have spent $21,000 on repairs and closed one slide.  Alderman Greene said Super Splash is embarrassing.  Raytown residents are getting hit twice for Super Splash.  First they have to pay sales tax to the park system, then they have to pay the same admittance fee as non-residents. 

Alderman Van Buskirk said we will drive away consumers and businesses if we increase taxes.  We have one of the highest tax rates in the KC area.  He believes it’s the Park Board’s responsibility to manage the parks, but they need to do it within their means.

Alderman Moore said the Park Board wants the Board of Aldermen to issue almost $5,000,000 in bonds over 20 years for improvements to Super Splash and other parks in Raytown.  The Board has been told they will have to raise the sales tax by ¼ cent to pay for the bonds.  The interest cost will be $7-9 million dollars alone.  The sales tax increase won’t be enough to pay off the principal in interest in 20 years.

Alderman Teeman said to date, Super Splash shows a revenue/cost ratio at 110%.  The budget shows $100,000 for painting and sandblasting the pool and tower.  If they were to spend that money, would the ratio still be 110%?  Mr. Boji said no, the ratio would be only 65%.

To review the survey results of the Park Board Survey . . .  (start on page 16)

GO TO . . . PARK BOARD SURVEY

ANALYSIS
What we find most disturbing about the discussion is the insistence of Park Board members to ignore the wishes of the people of Raytown. Alderman Teeman is correct in pointing out that aquatic sports and pool improvements rated 12th out of 25 as the choice of Raytowners who participated in the Park Board survey.

The number one choice (according to their own survey!) was an increase in more bicycle and walking trails.

But not one word was mentioned in the report to the Board of Aldermen by the Park Board.

Which is a shame.

Walking trail and bicycle trails are inexpensive to build. They are also low maintenance. One would think it would be a no-brainer to satisfy the desires of the public.

Instead the Park Board is trying to shove an unpopular swimming venue down the public’s throat at the expense of a quarter cent more in sales tax.

Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk hit the nail on the head when he reminded all present that Raytown is already has the highest sales tax in the area.If you want to drive businesses and consumers away, increase a tax that is already one of the highest in the metropolitan area.

Ward 2 Alderman Jason Greene made a salient point when he told Board members (and audience) that if he goes to the Lee’s Summit water park (Summit Waves) he has to pay a surcharge because he is not a Lee’s Summit resident. Raytown’s Super Splash charges the same fee for residents and non-residents. His comment about Raytowners being taxed twice for Super Splash is right on the money.

Some have suggested that the reason Raytown Parks does not charge less for Raytown residents is because it will become clear that most people who  use Super Splash are not Raytown residents. A discount for Raytown residents would settle the controversy. If it works in Lee's Summit, it would work in Raytown.

The City and Park Board paid over $50,000 for a survey and guidance on which direction to take Raytown Parks in the future. The original recommendation from the report was to close down the water park. The Park Board has obstinately dug its heels in and insisted the failing pool be kept open.

The Raytown Board of Aldermen have listened to the people and are telling the Park Board “no”.

Our elected officials at City Hall have asked the right questions. It appears they are coming to the correct solution.

QuikTrip Kids Test Kitchen

Eleven children participated in this fun event, serving as taste-testers of a variety of frozen treats – with flavors including Caramel Golden Oreo, Candy Stash/Halloween Candy Twister, Holiday Cookie Shake, Banana Nilla Twister and Brownie Batter. 

Brianna Hightower, 10, and Aleya Dailey, 9

Children ranging in age from 5-12 participated in the QuikTrip Kids Test Kitchen at the new location on east 350 Hwy in Raytown on Wednesday, August 10^th. Participants enjoyed sampling QuikTrip’s breakfast pizza, along with taste-testing new frozen treat concepts. Each participant received their own personalized apron and visor, and got a sneak peek of the store before it opened to the public on Thursday, August 11^th.

ATTABOY AWARDS

This week’s Attaboy Award goes to the City of Raytown Property Codes Enforcement Department. Last week we published a picture of a field overgrown with weeds and tall grass just east of Blue Ridge Elementary Grade School.

The weeds have been cut! We are certain those folks with allergies are thankful for the mess being cleaned up. Thank you for a job well done.

JUNK CARS AT 59TH AND RAYTOWN TRAFFICWAY

Now, if you can take care of the miniature junk yard that is located just across the street from the Raytown Chamber of Commerce headquarters (and just one block from City Hall!). 
The junk yard is easy to find. The junk cars, some that appear to have been stripped for parts, can be found on the southwest corner of 59^th and Raytown Trafficway.

The Paul Livius Report

BY PAUL LIVIUS

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – August 9, 2016

The presentation of the Park Board's Report to the Raytown City Council dominated the meeting, but other business was handled as well during last week's lengthy session of the Board of Aldermen.

Mayor McDonough said Israel Hanke a debater at Raytown High School finished second with his partner in the United States bracket and third in the International bracket of the Public Forum Debate at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Israel and his partner were undefeated in the preliminary rounds and were victorious in two out of three elimination rounds in the United State bracket before suffering defeat in the third and final elimination rounds,  They defeated teams from California, Texas, Japan, China, Maryland and Pennsylvania; and the lessons learned and skills required in preparation for events and the national tournament assist promising young men like Israel to develop into leaders who will benefit our community and world for years to come. Mayor McDonough urged all citizens to recognize the hard work and commitment of Israel Hanke and congratulate him on his achievement.

Mayor McDonough said Steve Guenther has served in multiple leadership roles in the community and the metropolitan area with his recognized service as Scoutmaster for 14 years, President of the Raytown Main Street Association and recently as the Chair for Charter Commission.  Steve has shown his commitment for our City by serving on various municipal related boards including Raytown Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Team, the Raytown Board of Zoning Adjustment and Raytown Marketing Committee.  He has shown interest and dedication with other groups that have impacted our community such as working with the Truman Heartland Foundation Community for All Ages, served on the Mid America Regional Council’s Community for All Ages Coalition, the Rock Island Corridor Coalition, Raytown’s Farmers Market and his involvement with the River of Refuge which provides transitional housing for families in need.  Because of Steve’s hard work, dedication, and love for our community, he deserves to be recognized and honored.  The Mayor said the City of Raytown hereby recognizes Steve Guenther as the City of Raytown’s 2016 Missouri Municipal League Civic Leader of the Year.

Chelsea Mock, daughter of former Alderman Steve Mock, went before the Board to request permission to raise money for a tree to plant in front of City Hall in memory of her father.  She was thinking of a Cherry Blossom tree.

Acting City Administrator, Mark Loughry, told the Board they have tendered an offer to a new Economic Development Director.  He also said 7611 Woodson is down and they are cleaning up the block.

The Board passed a resolution approving the purchase of computer equipment and supplies from Dell Marketing not to exceed $19,777.33 for fiscal year 2015-2016.  The Police Department utilizes an IT hardware replacement schedule.  This allows the department to better forecast expenditures and avoid large, single time expenses of hardware replacement.  A storage SAN is scheduled for replacement.  Dell Marketing’s cooperative bid pricing makes a responsible choice for the city’s IT needs.  This project was presented to the Special Sales Tax Oversight Committee on January 19, 2016 and was found to meet the intent of the Capital Sales Tax.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing support for the issuance of $20 million in bonds by the Little Blue Valley Sewer District to make improvements to the incinerator to meet air emission guidelines.  The Little Blue Valley Sewer District (LBVSD or District) has received an Administrative Consent from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to make updates to the existing incineration facilities at the LBVSD treatment plant.  These updates will bring the treatment plant in compliance with EPA emissions standards.  As a part of the Consent which was finalized in February, LBVSD has four years to design and implement the necessary upgrades to bring the air emissions within compliance.  As a result, the District is requesting a resolution of support for the issuance of $20 million in bonds to pay for incinerator updates.  During this time, the facility will continue to operate as normal except for portions of the construction phase.  During those phases, sludge will be hauled to the Johnson County landfill instead of being incinerated.  If the updates are not made, the incinerator will be taken out of service.  This will result in approximately $3 million per year in hauling and disposal fees to a landfill.  Currently the Courtney Ridge landfill is not accepting sludge from LBVSD or Kansas City, Missouri and it must be hauled to Johnson County. The bonds to be issued will be in the amount of $20 million and will be sold publicly. The anticipated debt service is $1.3 million per year and will be paid off in 2036. There will be no change in the 2010 financial forecast with this bond issue through a number of implementations made by LBVSD. These implementations include overtime management practices, attrition, the implementation of new shift schedules that manage overtime and keep the facility running 24/7 to increase plant efficiency through the elimination of cool-down and warm-up operations. In order for the bonds to be issued, 10 of 13 customer agencies must approve the issuance of the bonds through resolution. The District plans to issue the bonds in November if customer approval can be attained by mid-September.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Olsson Associates for the design and construction services of the 83rd Street Bridge in an amount not to exceed $407,071. Per the direction of the Board, staff solicited design proposals for the replacement of the 83rd Street Bridge. One proposal was received for the replacement of the bridge from Olsson Associates. Upon review of the proposal, staff determined that the proposal met or exceeded all requirements of the proposal and awarded the project to Olsson Associates. The design phase of the project will be divided into two phases: Preliminary Design and Final Design/Construction Services. Phase I has been completed and a presentation for the preliminary design findings and recommendations was given on June 21, 2016. The contract is for the Final Design and Construction Services for the selected/recommended improvement alternative which is the two-span full replacement option. Phase II includes all right-of-way work including temporary construction easements, utility coordination, public involvement, progress meetings, environmental considerations, design of the new bridge and associated construction phasing, development of specifications and final cost estimations, and construction submittal review, inspection, and testing. The tentative schedule is as follows: Notice to Proceed (Design) August 9, 2016 Final Design January 20, 2017 Bid Opening February 22, 2017 Notice to Proceed (Construction) March 17, 2017 End Construction September 1, 2017 Public involvement, utility coordination, and project meeting dates and times are to be determined.

The Board passed a resolution approving the expenditure of funds for the Park Master Plan with Pros Consulting, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $29,172.  The Park Master Plan is a planning document to guide future park development for the next 10-15 years. The process includes a comprehensive audit of the City’s park facilities, identifying system weaknesses, evaluating recreation programs and exploring new opportunities to generate additional revenue. The plan has the potential to produce positive economic development and become an integral part of the City of Raytown’s comprehensive plan. The Board of Alderman approved Resolution R-2746-15 on February 12, 2015 authorizing a professional services agreement with PROS Consulting, Inc. for $78,275.00 plus 15% contingency for a total cost of $90,000.00. Total project cost is split over two fiscal years. The fiscal year 2014-2015 budget (Phase I) was $50,000.00. The fiscal year 2015-2016 budget (Phase II) is $40,000.00. Of the fiscal year 2014-2015 $50,000.00 budgeted, only $20,827.63 was spent. PROS Consulting, Inc. has been paid $46,969.73 in total with $26,142.10 of the total in fiscal year 2015-2016. The Park Fund budget will be amended to appropriate $29,172.37 to the fiscal year 2015-2016.

The Board passed a resolution authorizing a market adjustment to the city of Raytown Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician wage.  Raytown EMS is the lowest paid in the region, of the agencies shown for which data were available.  This fact puts us at a considerable disadvantage both for recruiting and retaining employees, as well as increasing our overtime expenditures, as vacant shifts are mostly covered by full-time employees earning overtime.  While our ideal target was the approximate middle of the field—an 18% increase—this has been determined to be unfeasible at this time.  It was determined in the course of Finance Committee discussions that the 10% increase was much more feasible and sustainable at the present time and into the near future.  We believe the 10% increase will mitigate the staffing problems somewhat, though to a lesser extent.

Alderman Jason Greene said he can’t remember the last time employees received a raise.  He hesitated to vote for the new ambulance because it can’t be staffed.  The EMS wages aren’t competitive.  But he’s not in favor of a 10% raise.  He thinks it needs to be more significant. 

Alderman Emerson said the Finance Committee decided on 10% due to the budget constraints.  They would like to do more, but the money is just not there.

Alderman Teeman said the Board needs to be very careful with the amount of raises.  Once the raise is given, whether it’s 10% or 15%, it’s done.  When the Board puts together the new budget, they can’t take that money back.  Once they give a raise, it’s given.

Alderman Van Buskirk said he’s not in favor of a 15% raise.  He said he would support a 10% raise.  He said there are a lot of city employees who deserve raises, but the money is just not there.

Alderman Meyers said the city has trouble staffing EMS and had to send more than 300 calls to the KC EMS.  The EMS staff can get paid better working at Hy-Vee.

Mark Loughry told the Board that it is true EMS employees need more money, but the Board has to understand if more money is given to one department, then there is less money for another department or project.

The Board passed an amendment to the resolution increasing the EMS wages 15%.

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