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| BY GREG WALTERS |
Paul and I were brainstorming yesterday to come up with some ideas that
we believe would help Raytown’s image and increase the city’s sense of
community.
KATY TRAIL: It appears there are plans for Raytown to be one of the first
areas to be developed on an expanded Katy Trail. The trail could pass through
Downtown Raytown and could lead directly to the Harry S Truman Sports Complex.
Raytown could become a pre-game location, especially for bicyclists. The trail
would be perfect. Sports fans could park in the Downtown area, unload their
bikes and peddle up to the games. The savings in parking cost would be well
worth the exercise!
DOG PARK: Probably the most under-used public area in Raytown is the
Green Space in Downtown Raytown. With the exception of an annual beer festival,
the land sits vacant for most of the year. For a small investment, the area, or
at least part of the area could be fenced for a dog park. The Green Space is
easily accessed from all points of the city. It is close to other public
services, police, ambulance and fire protection. The other upside is that the city can make use of the land with little expense. If plans are made for development, the city is only out the cost of a chain link fence.
RECYCLING CENTER: This idea is not a new one. Raytown had a functioning
recycling center at two different locations from the 1980’s through 2009.
Former Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters championed the cause at both locations. The
first location was located at what is now Walmart on 350 Highway. When the mega
Walmart was built, he was able to persuade the city to move the location to the
Public Works Garage. Former Mayor David Bower had the service shut down shortly
after Walters left office in 2009.
The Park Board has decided to shut down Super Splash USA. There is a
large parking lot which would be more than adequate to start up a new Recycling
Center in Raytown. It is not in a residential area, it has easy access off of
Raytown Trafficway. And, it can only be entered an exited off of one entrance way off of Raytown Road. This makes it perfect to keep secure during night time hours. All the police will have to do is lock a gate in the evening and open it back up in the morning while they are making their rounds.
Perhaps there are some members on the Board of Aldermen who believe recycling
is good for a community will take on the project.
Raytown had a recycling center before. It can be done again.
 |
| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
25% Pay Increase for Board,
Judge and Police Chief
Some may call it a mystery. Others may call it manipulation.
Some may call it a mystery. Others may call it manipulation.
A couple of meetings back the Board of Aldermen held a discussion regarding pay increases for the public officials in Raytown. A "special committee" assigned by Mayor Mike McDonough had recommended a pay 25% pay increase for the Board of Aldermen. Some pretty hefty pay increases were suggested for the Municipal Judge and City Marshal as well.
We did some checking. The Raytown Municipal Judge has a salary somewhat below surrounding cities. However, it should be remembered that Raytown is one of the smaller cities on the Missouri side, which should bring smaller dockets for the Judge to handle.
The Raytown City Marshal (Chief of Police) is the highest paid Police Chief in a fourth class city in Missouri. Once again, Raytown is small when compared to Lee's Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, and so on. It is only ten square miles in land area. It is land locked. Which means it is not going to grow. The population (according to the last census) has actually dropped!
Currently the Chief receives a car, fuel and insurance included, health insurance, and a pension that will leave him a wealthy man when he retires. Add to this a salary that pushes the total benefit amount into six figures.
It comes down to this. A small town can only afford to pay so much in salaries. Trying to compete with the salaries paid a Chief of Police in cities four an five times the size of Raytown is a fool's errand.
Currently the Chief receives a car, fuel and insurance included, health insurance, and a pension that will leave him a wealthy man when he retires. Add to this a salary that pushes the total benefit amount into six figures.
It comes down to this. A small town can only afford to pay so much in salaries. Trying to compete with the salaries paid a Chief of Police in cities four an five times the size of Raytown is a fool's errand.
The same holds true for the Board of Aldermen.
Raytown is made up of five wards. There are ten elected officials. They are currently paid $450 per month plus a $50 car allowance. A 25% pay increase will make them one of the highest paid City Councilman per capita in the metropolitan area (each ward is made up of approximately 5,000 people). The wards are approximately two square miles in size! And remember, they share the responsibility of representing the people in their wards with a seatmate who also represents the 5,000 souls under their watch!
Raytown is made up of five wards. There are ten elected officials. They are currently paid $450 per month plus a $50 car allowance. A 25% pay increase will make them one of the highest paid City Councilman per capita in the metropolitan area (each ward is made up of approximately 5,000 people). The wards are approximately two square miles in size! And remember, they share the responsibility of representing the people in their wards with a seatmate who also represents the 5,000 souls under their watch!
But that is not the mystery part.
The mystery is what happened to the agenda item addressing the pay increase question?
One week it was there -- then -- it was gone!
Don't be surprised if you see the Board bring it back before the budget is due for final review (October 31st). Then watch for this trick. Someone on the Board will offer a "compromise" to get the pay increases passed.
In the car business they call this the "bait and switch".
In politics they call it dirty!
Good Luck Kris! BY GREG WALTERS
Alderman Steve Meyers took time to pen some kind words about Kris Collins of the Raytown Eagle. Kris is the reporter for the Eagle, and in my opinion, a damned good one. My experience with Kris was a good one. I had written a story to be published in Raytown Eagle and Times.
Good Luck Kris! BY GREG WALTERS
Alderman Steve Meyers took time to pen some kind words about Kris Collins of the Raytown Eagle. Kris is the reporter for the Eagle, and in my opinion, a damned good one. My experience with Kris was a good one. I had written a story to be published in Raytown Eagle and Times.
Kris found a grammatical error in the text I had provided and called me
to ask permission to correct it. I thanked him for pointing out the mistake and
asked him to make the appropriate change.
Contrast that treatment to what I received from the Raytown Tribune. The editor of that paper did not find the error. This was done because the two stories, though similar, had been written separately to make them “fit” the publication in which it would be published.
Contrast that treatment to what I received from the Raytown Tribune. The editor of that paper did not find the error. This was done because the two stories, though similar, had been written separately to make them “fit” the publication in which it would be published.
The editor at the Times, deleted an entire paragraph from my work.
Worse than that, he “shared” the story with others before publishing it. I found this out when portions of what I had
originally written in an original draft were mentioned by a letter writer to
the Times paper!
From my observation and reading his work, Kris is a professional in
every way when it comes to his newspaper work. Meyers wrote that Kris is
heading to Germany to further his education. Germany’s gain will be Raytown’s
loss.
I wish Kris well on his travels.
Rice Tremonti Fundraiser
The Friends of Rice Tremonti will host an old fashioned “lawn party” at
the historic grounds of the Rice Tremonti Home located at 8801 East 61st
Street on September 25th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
People are invited to bring lawn chairs to relax and enjoy music
performances by the Short Leaf Band, Betse and Clarke, and Kelly Hunt.
Re-enactors will be on hand as well in period dress from the 1840’s.
The event is free to the public. Ice cream will be served and homemade
jams and bread will be for sale.
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33 comments:
I listened at the work session No Where did they mention a 25 percent raise for anyone but the Judge
Not the Chief and not the aldermen
Those were different figures and not anywhere near that figure
Get your info correct
Greg, All of your suggestions have merit! I hope the BOA acts on them.
I never could understand locking a recycling center! Why not leave it open for night drop offs? I never used the Raytown Center because it closed too early. If it had been open at night I would have been more inclined to drop off materials to be recycled.
Andy Whiteman
Yesterday Raytown lost one it's finest. 105 year young Roberta Bonnewitz passed away. She was very instrumental in documenting the history of Raytown and will be greatly missed by all that had the honor of knowing her.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Bonnewitz. We are sorry for your loss.
Greg I've heard their isn't any traction amongst the BOA for pay increases for themselves and have said so on several occasions including last week's budget committee meeting. This group has shown to be very diligent and rarely will broad brush expenditures without thorough review and budget impact. Expect the same for the upcoming Elected Officials Salary Reviews for the Chief of Police & Judge.
Andy,
Perhaps one good reason is, not everyone would be as "virtuous" as you might be. There would be too much temptation for people to simply just drop off their trash (garbage) instead. I can "recall" (this was 30 years ago) my grandparents would not pay for trash service. Paper (like junk mail) was stuffed into newspapers to be recycled, the rest was "deposited" in dumpsters behind shopping centers. There are people who still illegally dump, so keeping a recycling center open, would just give them another place to do it. Also, considering the materials, they could be either stolen, or like the cardboard and newspapers -- set on fire. Having extended hours, might be a good idea, but it still would a have to be monitored.
Hello Raytowners,
I did not know Ms. Bonnewitz, but I also send along condolences. I appreciate those who donate their time and talent to run the Raytown Historical Society Museum on 63rd. I don't know if she was part of that but those wonderful folks were able to help me learn the history of my old house. Even to the extent of putting me in touch with a very old lady who lived here with her family before WW 2.
I think using part of the Green Space as a dog park is a terrific idea. Our pooch is getting too old to go now but he loved getting out there at the parks in Independence when we lived there. We've also travelled to the dog park down by Penn Valley Park in KC and a nice one over in Lees Summit. Raytown Aldermen.....
If you build it they will come. Here's a chance to do something really great for the city for chump change (relatively speaking). And a nice thing is it shouldn't face too much NIMBY opposition from neighboring residents.
Next... please, while your at making use of the Green Space.... let's get some recycling going. We drive all the way to Independence now. Too far.
And BTW Andy, I think they lock those areas at night to discourage "donations" like old mattresses and various kinds of trash.
And... What a great thing it will be to jump on the bike here in Raytown and ride down to the ballpark for a game. Hopefully a free, or cheap, secure parking place could be worked out.
Then.... Thinking back several months... there were three projects the city was mulling over that I was very interested in.: 1. The downtown streetscape project, 2. the sidewalks along 59th by the junior high, and 3. the repaving of Blue Ridge Blvd to include some bike paths. Interesting to me that despite the Citizen's desire to have more walking/biking routes... the city opted to allocate well over a million on the Streetscape. Geeesh! Did anyone think that was a good way to spend our limited money?? It was almost funny to see the mayor strolling around down there taking pictures like it was his new baby or something.
One last thing... Build the gosh darn sidewalks on 59th before another kid gets hit by a car! And while your doing that... get the crosswalks at 59th and Blue Ridge Blvd in compliance with the current disability standards. There is no way someone in a wheelchair can even get to the crossing signal controls. I'm surprised the city has not been sued over that.
Okay then, time for supper.
You all have a great week.
RN
When has any pedestrian been hit in that area of 59th St? None within the last 25+ years that I can think of.
I guess that the Police Chief is already running for reelection. I really doubt that any on else has
permission to run against the Lynch. It is the slickest political mailing I have ever seen right down
to the name on the front and back. Maybe he is planning on the raise that he so dearly wants to
help with the expense.
The committee recommended a 25% pay increase for the BOA. Like it or not, that is the question before them. It is not so much the fact of this being the discussion. The real story will be on how the Board votes. I would put my money on them giving themselves a pay increase.
Well said Mr. Raytown Newbie. I urge everyone who reads this page to contact their representatives on the City Council and even the Mayor. A dog park, recycling. These are good ideas! Let's see if we can make them happen.
Anonymous 9:50PM
I'll take that bet.
As well as a park and bike, how about also having a bus for a park and ride to the games for people who don't have bikes or the ability to transport them? I used to go to the Padre's games in San Diego. I didn't want to get in that traffic plus finding my car after the game so always rode the bus. Parking at a game costs $$.
Andy Whiteman
It is sad to see a young Van Horn student killed yesterday. I remember when Van Horn and Raytown were both excellent schools and areas to live and raise a family, but not anymore.
Crime is here to stay and is getting worst. You can arm every citizen, but a cop on every corner, but criminals will always find a way because that is all they know. If fact, we invite criminals into Raytown with Section 8 housing, Dollar Generals, Smoke and Loan Shops. etc. Lower property values equal more crime, more code violations and more honest, hard working people moving to get the hell out of Raytown.
So go ahead Board of Aldermen, give yourselves a 20% raise and the Chief his big pay increase, while Raytown slowly goes under. We will remember you when it comes time for the next big tax increase you want us to vote on.
Andy,
Parking for that over paid football team in KC is now $40 at the gate or $30 online.
Just another sign of "In the Almighty Dollar"
September 20, 2016 at 5:04 PM
The above was a very good comment, I wish our lord mayor and the aldermen would read it.
Katy trail? I wouldn't walk the Katy trail unless I had a tactical SWAT team escorting me!!! Damn, you can't even go to the mailbox without fear of being assaulted in certain areas of this city anymore. How in the hell are you going to protected a trail, which offers excellent concealment for the bad guys and going through some of the worst crime areas this side of 435 and I-70?
Also, If I was a cop, I would be looking for another line of work. Even an under water, high-voltage electrician has a safer job than a Blue uniform on the street.
Much Respect to the Blue on the street, Detectives, SWAT, etc.
Anonymous 7:28 PM, Thanks for adding to my point. It is more advantageous to use a park and ride when going to a game. A park and ride would bring people hence $$$$ to Raytown. There could even be a minimal charge for using the park and ride (for upkeep) or it could be added to the bus fare. Vendor spaces could be rented at the park and ride for convenience and additional revenue.
Andy Whiteman
We heard gunfire while at KFC Saturday evening. Police were soon driving around looking for the shooter. Then I heard gunfire again at around 2:45 Sunday morning. This is becoming too regular.
Can anyone tell me where I can find information on carrying concealed and open on my person within the city limits of Raytown?
It seems Raytown hides their gun carry ordinances so that they can nail you with a serious violation. I want to exercise my constitutional right to carry and without going in front of a judge for a city ordinance violation I knew nothing about.
I understand the Police and City rely on their bogus and trumped up charges for revenue for the chief's pay raise and monthly out-of-town convention trips with free (taxpayers dollars) car, gas, food, hotel and more, but I do not wish to contribute more than I already have to.
I don't know the firearm carry laws here, but I think there must be open carry because I see a neighbor walking his dog all the time with a firearm on his side. If you are curious, you should just head down to the police station and ask.
Pretty sure concealed carry requires a permit, at least until the first of the year when a new law takes effect.
RN
I guess you really don't want to find it because you've already gone down a path by all of your wording about conceal and carry violations here in Raytown. If you really wanted to know the ordinance is you could find it. However if you just want to complain and argue about something that has t even happened yet I guess you will;; oh wait you did that.
I have a concealed carry permit and you can carry that way. I think that you are talking about if
you do not had a permit. In that case I do not know for sure. In reality you can carry in a holster
where it is visible but only in areas that do not prohibit you.
Have you already applied for your concealed carry license through the state of Missouri?
To 3:25pm
I typed into google search for Raytown Mo gun ordinances and this is one of that it pulled up
https://www.municode.com>mo>codes
ARTICLE V11.-OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER/Code of Ordinances / Raytown Mo. Municode Library
Tell your neighbor to strap his weapon on his hip and walk into the Raytown police station to find out if it is legal. I'd be interested to see what kind of reception he'd receive.
It's people like 9/22 at 3:25 that concern me.obviously angry with a chip on their shoulder. Goes off half cocked before anything happens. Yep those are the people with a gun that scares me as much as the criminals
I looked up the regulations that seem to apply for our city pertaining to "carrying" a firearm. It appears that what anon 8:12 said: "In reality you can carry in a holster where it is visible but only in areas that do not prohibit you." is correct. Keep in mind that this applies to those who are not otherwise excluded from owning or possessing firearms. And you must never brandish, menace, or threaten with said firearm... something someone who seems angry should think about.
BTW anon 9:35, legally carrying a firearm concealed or otherwise into the police station or many other places is reserved to a select group. Not sure if my neighbor qualifies. We just say hello occasionally.
RN
Just wait to Jan 1st and you don't need anything in MO to say you can conceal carry.
It will be just like the Wild, Wild West!
It might be of interest the number of times I have seen folks running around open carry in Wal-Mart.
BTW open carry has been on the books for years you just have to stop and read.
Guns, God, and Forced Births - Republicans making the state great!
Just wait to Jan 1st and you don't need anything in MO to say you can conceal carry.
To the person that wrote the above, just rememb er that the criminal has always been able to
carry when ever he or she wants. So are you referring to the legal person that is not going too
commit a crime or about the criminal that does what ever he wants when ever he wants.
You may be able to carry after 1 Jan but not across state lines.
Are you sure about NOT ACROSS STATE LINE?
KS passed the let anyone and everyone conceal carry over a year ago.
Hello Anon 8.46
I was against the "concealed carry" legislation when it first came around and then was passed. I was not comfortable with just everyone who could pass a short course and have a clean record being able to legally have a concealed weapon. Really couldn't figure out why you would need it. But then fast forward years and nothing too awful has happened that I am aware of. And if memory serves, I believe Kansas recently passed the same legislation that Missouri just passed. And so far I haven't heard of rampant shootouts over there.
Anyway, there's probably not a lot to fret about. As the previous poster mentioned... the bad guys we need to worry about have been carrying concealed for many years.
RN
Missouri borders many state lines so it might be wise for anyone to check out our neighboring states
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