. . BREAKING
NEWS . .
Raytown
Police Chief Jim Lynch Resigns
Jim Lynch announced his resignation as Raytown Chief of Police effective Febaruary 14, 2019. In a prepared statement Mr. Lynch wrote:
After 43 years of service with the Raytown Police
Department, Raytown Chief of Police James B. Lynch announced that he will
retire on February 14, 2019. Chief Lynch is grateful for the unwavering support
of the residents and businesses of Raytown.
“I would like to thank the Raytown community for
their continued support through the years, of not just me, but the men and
women of the Raytown Police Department,” Chief Lynch said.
“I have lived in Raytown for decades and have
raised my children here. I am grateful to be part of the Raytown community and
to the people of Raytown, I say thank you for allowing me to serve you.”
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. . . Raytown
Report Extra . . .
Filing
Closes for City Offices
FIVE CANDIDATES
FILE ON LAST DAY
A week ago
races for who will be elected to lead Raytown City government for the next four
years exhibited symptoms of apathy. One week later, on the last day of filing
five candidates came forward to fill out the races.
Ward 1 has the
most crowded race with four candidates vying for the seat currently held by
Alderman Karen Black. Alderman Black had previously announced she would not
seek re-election.
Three
candidates have filed for the open seat in Ward 3. Ward 2 and Ward 4 have two
candidates each.
MAYOR
Michael McDonough
Tony Jacob
ALDERMAN,
WARD 1
Joe Creamer
Josh Bennett
Greg Walters
Quentin J. Brown
ALDERMAN, WARD 2
Jim Aziere
Loretha Hayden
ALDERMAN WARD 3
Janet Emerson
Jeremy Utterback
Otis Taylor III
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Bob Cochran
Mary Jane VanBuskirk
ALDERMAN WARD 5
Derek Ward
CITY COLLECTOR
Cathie Schutte
Candidate Filings / Raytown C2 School District
Filing Closes
January 15 for Raytown ElectionCandidate Filings / Raytown C2 School District
VOTE FOR TWO
Bobbie
Saulsberry
LaShonda
Orkes
Rick Thode
Rick Thode
 |
| BY GREG WALTERS |
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 is the last day
candidates can file for public office in Raytown.
As of this writing, only two of the twelve seats
being contested have attracted more than one candidate.
Elections will be held the first Tuesday in April
for candidates filed for Mayor and the Raytown Board of Aldermen, the Raytown
Fire District, Raytown School Board, and Jackson County Public Water Supply
District No. 2.
A list of the positions up for election can be
found at the end of this week’s Raytown Report.
 |
| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
Paul’s Rant
FAKE NEWS ALERT?
Browsing around the internet the other day I came across
Mayor McDonough’s new website. The new page is actually an old page from four
years ago with a few very large pictures and five bullet points.
It was the fifth bullet point that caught my attention. It
read . .
“Mayor McDonough led a
collaborative effort of a diverse group of elected officials and
staff to facilitate refinancing of the Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) area around Walmart, Scooters, IHOP, Freddy’s, Ace
Hardware and NAPA Auto Parts, resulting in an expected savings of over $2
million by decreasing the cost and term of the original TIF”.
At first glance I thought, hey,
this is good news. But then I remembered that just two meetings back the City’s
Financial Advisor on the selling of the new bonds, Mr. Kalen Dwyer, CFA of
Columbia Capital, advised the Mayor and Board of Aldermen the financial climate
was not good at this time to market bonds.
He must have a had a crystal
ball, because the next day the Fed increased the nation’s prime lending rate –
along with a forecast of the rate being increased two more times in 2019.
Mr. Dwyer said the city’s goal
was to save two to three million dollars by refinancing the bonds. The Mayor’s
website has scaled the prediction down to “over 2 million”.
POOR DECISIONS LEAD TO LOSS
What is unsaid here is the city
originally had hoped to market the bonds early last summer. But could not do so
because they had become an entangled in a lawsuit with the Raytown Fire
Department over the 350 Live TIF debacle.
Investors are skittish folk.
They do not like to invest their hard earned dollars with people who waste
money on frivolous lawsuits.
Incidentally, the legal
maneuvering between the City and Fire District was eventually settled most decidedly
in the Fire District’s favor. Had the city not sued the Fire District, the savings at that time, due to lower interest rates, could have surpassed 3 million dollars.
Going back to the heading of the
article, is the Mayor’s proclamation of the City saving $2 million dollars fake
news?
It is a good question.
We checked with a couple of the
Aldermen to confirm the claim. None of them (we checked with two) were aware of
any sale of new bonds.
So, is the Mayor’s proclamation
Fake News or the real deal? Unless someone is being much less than transparent
in the city’s business, the Mayor’s political website falls under the FAKE NEWS
category.
The Paul Livius Report
Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting – January 8, 2019 BY PAUL LIVIUS
City Administrator, Damon Hodges, said work is progressing on 59th Street. He said some citizens have chosen to drive through, even though the “road closed” signs are still up. He asked citizens to not drive through the area or remove the road closed signs. It is dangerous to both the citizens and the contractor.
The Board passed a resolution approving an agreement with Wiedenmann, Inc.for an emergency repair project to the sanitary sewer main located at 5825 Cedar Avenue in an amount not to exceed $20,648.95.On Monday, November 19, 2018, the sanitary sewer crew was called out to a sewer backup in the 5900 block of Cedar. Upon arrival, the crew discovered there was a backup within the City main line, and after a considerable amount of time we were able to free the clog and open the City main line.
During post backup investigation, our CCTV crew discovered some heavily cracked and collapsing pipe along with large tree roots. Staff reviewed the CCTV work and found 3 segments of pipe that needed to be immediately replaced to prevent further backups. This segment of sanitary sewer main is not eligible to be lined without the removal of the upstream lamp hole and its replacement with a manhole. Staff determined that point repairs would be the most cost-effective solution.
Due to the seriousness of the partial collapse, staff recommended this be handled on an emergency basis and have a contractor mobilize immediately to perform these point repairs. Staff received an estimate of $18,484.89 for Wiedenmann Inc. on November 20th. This cost estimate is based on a time and materials cooperative agreement being utilized through the City of Lee’s Summit. The work has been completed, and staff has received a final invoice for this emergency project in the amount of $20,648.95. This will be paid from the Sanitary Sewer Fund for emergency repairs.
The Board passed a resolution authorizing the Public Works department to make a grant application to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources air pollution control program. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is administering a grant program for the replacement or repowering of class 4 through class 8 trucks. The program is made possible as a part of the VW EPA settlement for clean air violations.
Public Works has budgeted the purchase of a new class 7 single axle dump truck for FY 2019, the total project is expected to be near $165,000.00 with the chassis portion being about $78,000.00 This grant if successful will reimburse the City 50% of the cost of the bare chassis or approximately $39,000.00. The grant has some requirements such as it only works for the replacement of a vehicle and the old vehicle must be permanently disabled and destroyed. The new vehicle must be retained for at least five years. The grant application process will close on January 12, 2019. This is a reimbursement grant and will require fully funding the purchase.
The Board passed a resolution approving the purchase of two 2020 Ford police utility interceptors from ShawneeMission Ford off the Mid America Council of Public Procurement joint bid in an amount not to exceed $66,384.00 The Police and Public Works Departments annually evaluate the Vehicle Replacement Program to determine which vehicles are reaching the end of their life cycles. This year two (2) marked patrol vehicles are due to complete their service based on mileage, age and projected maintenance costs. Shawnee Mission Ford participated in the Mid America Council of Public Procurement (MACPP) bid process and was awarded the bid contract for the PI Utility. The Sales Tax Oversight Committee reviewed the vehicle purchase request and found it to be consistent with the voter intent.
Major Randy Hudspeth presented information to the Board concerning a proposed ordinance concerning tow truck services. The ordinance would prohibit tow truck companies from arriving at the scene of a disabled vehicle unless the service is requested by the vehicle owner or a law enforcement officer. Unsolicited tow truck drivers could be charged with a class D misdemeanor and the tow truck may be subject to impounding. Alderman Bonnaye Mims moved the police department work with the city staff to bring this to the Board as an ordinance.
City of Raytown
Salary and Benefits
Candidate
Filings / City of Raytown
MAYOR
Michael
McDonough
Tony
Jacob
ALDERMAN, WARD 1
Joe
Creamer
Incumbent
Alderman Karen Black
is not seeking re-election
is not seeking re-election
ALDERMAN, WARD 2
Jim
Aziere
Loretha
Hayden
ALDERMAN WARD 3
Janet
Emerson
Incumbent
Alderman Mark Moore
is not seeking re-election
is not seeking re-election
ALDERMAN WARD 4
Bob
Cochran
Incumbent
Alderman Steve Meyers
is not seeking re-election
is not seeking re-election
ALDERMAN WARD 5
Derek
Ward
Appointed
to the seat in 2017
CITY COLLECTOR
Cahie Schutte
MAYOR
Paid $14,400 annually
Paid $14,400 annually
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group Health Care Plan
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group Dental Care Plan
ALDERMAN
Paid $450.00 monthly
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group Health Care Plan
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group Dental Care Plan
CITY COLLECTOR
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group Health Care Plan
Eligible to participate in the City’s Group
Dental Care Plan
For more information contact the Raytown City
Clerk Teresa Henry at 737-6004.
Candidate Filings / Raytown Fire Board
Candidate Filings / Raytown Fire Board
RAYTOWN FIRE BOARD: The
Raytown Fire Protection District is governed by three Board Directors. Each
Director is elected to a six year term of office. This year one Director is up
for election.
Salary / Benefits
Paid $450.00 monthly
Eligible to participate in the Fire District’s
Health Care Plan
Eligible to participate in the Fire District’s
Dental Care Plan
Eligible to participate in the Fire District’s
Retirement Plan
For more information contact Fire Chief Matt Mace at 737-6034.
Jackson County
Public Water District #2
JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC WATER DISTRICT #2: The Jackson County Public Water District #2 is governed by five Directors. The Directors meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Directors are not paid a salary. There are two seats up for election this year, Subdistrict 3 and 5.
JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC WATER DISTRICT #2: The Jackson County Public Water District #2 is governed by five Directors. The Directors meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Directors are not paid a salary. There are two seats up for election this year, Subdistrict 3 and 5.
For more information contact District Manager Pat
Ertz at 353-5550.
Current fillings:
Subdistrict 3 – Fred Hartwell
Subdistrict 5 – Jim McClanahan
Raytown C2
School District
Candidate
Filings / Raytown C2 School District
VOTE
FOR TWO
Bobbie Saulsberry
LaShonda Orkes
Rick Thode
For
more information contact Rachel Johnston, School Board Secretary, at
816-268-7008.
Comments
Paul is probably thinking what we're all thinking. Must respect how diplomatically he posed the question, as always.
"Fake news?" We have another word for it.
One syllable, three letters.
C'mon, potential mayoral candidates. Step up.
Raytown deserves better. Smiling faces and positive feels haven't fixed anything, we are worse off than we were 4 years ago. We need real solutions and those only come from correctly identifying problems. I know the problems and I understand them. I've put together a real plan, and we can rebuild.
I've posted all my claims publically, and I've posted my source materials.
Back in August he said the city was falling apart, a couple months later and now he says we are all better. That seems to go along with his other lies. He sure smiles a lot for a guy being audited.
We've had 3 finance people, money has been lost, and money has been found.
There's no continuity.
We've lost several department heads, and this knucklehead says he brings people together? I work at city hall and can tell you this isnt true. He's hardly here and when he is it's eggshells for everyone.
We need change.
If the FD knows something maybe they should tell us, or at least call the whistleblower hotline.
WHO, in their right mind, would re-elect any of these people, given the events of the past couple years, as well as the peril this city currently finds itself in?!
You're going to vote the city that many of us grew up into OBLIVION by mindlessly allowing these incumbents, ONE IN PARTICULAR, to slink back into office.
Think.
THINK!
Better that than continue running us into the ground.
Thanks for your input, Mikey!
Do you also have candles in front of his picture?
And then he was sighing and mocking alderman van buskirk with alderman black.
He talked through almost the whole parks presentation. So much for respect!
The mayor couldn't even get the aldermen to come back for the sunshine meeting, no one respects him. We NEED change.
Cheif resigns days later.
Nothing to see here
Greg Walters
Thank goodness. Thank you for filing, Mr. Walters!!
Very happy to see another couple names as well.
Let's do this! <3
Maybe he's another dept head making over 100k leaving under the mayor.
Convinced now?
The Cheif quit days after the audit became offical.
He's hasn't finished his term, and since none of the majors or captains live in Raytown I wonder who will be appointed.
I'd hate to be them and have to answer for what my predecessor did.
Meanwhile, perhaps he didn't know he can't run from the auditors. They can still subpoena him.
He gave 40 years of good service and will only be remembered by the controversy he left. That's punishment enough. He knows it you know it. We know it.
Move on, leave him alone.
"VB". VanBuskirk, correct?
If "droning" means a thoughtful, thorough analysis of an issue after already studying it at length, or returning every single the phone call and speaking thoughtfully with a constituent, we're exceptionally fortunate that they've chosen public service.
When I heard I couldn't stop crying I was so happy that Raytown's dark cloud is slowly lifting.
You forgot the 5 positions in the police department that never got filled.
The officer that is in the library is working off-duty security.
I hope this has answered your concerns.
The news has been talking about additional snow, but the great thinkers at city hall have not had the plows back out pushing the snow to the curbs or end of the streets.
Maybe the audit will bring to light we need to hire brighter folks
He bailed with no notice? That's super professional. What's up?
Please understand that we can't possibly bring every resource we may need to consult. For example, last night I used my phone's calculator and pulled up a copy of Robert's Rules of Order as I was considering making a procedural motion. Other times, I've pulled up a state statute that relates to what we are discussing.
I know that it probably would look better if we had laptops, but we don't have a lot of extra room. I'm not even sure if we have enough outlets.
Derek A. Ward
https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/16/raytown-police-chief-retires-after-43-years-of-service
In what world does a library need police protection. Raytown isn't that bad. He's lounging reading instead of on patrol, yet another reason it'll be nice to have a new leader that will hopefully hold people to a standard. Not even a high one, at this point any standard would be better.
3 million dollars short, that's got cop all over it .
Cops didn't get laid off, not 1! They walked off the job.
https://raytownmo.swagit.com/play/01152019-1591
Invocation and Pledge of Allegience: "...we'!l get that out of the way.". (2:30)
Citizen Comments: In response, McDonough uttered "WOW.", the proceeds to shake his head nonstop. (3:40)
McDonough's initial dismissive behavior regarding flag and invocation was completely unacceptable. Additionally, McDonough's role is to listen to citizen comments, regardless of the identity of the speaker, or the CONTENT of their comments, as remarkably difficult as that may be.
McDonough's behavior in this public forum clearly demonstrated impulsivity and a complete lack of decorum. It was painful to observe.
The mayor wants to raise taxes again. Stop the madness.
Please let me know what questions I can answer. Also, if there are any groups you would like me to speak to during the campaign season (or any other time), please let me know.
-Derek Ward
Andy Whiteman
Raytown has responded days after all the other communities, according to 41 action news, we are the only city charging citizens to pickup debris.
Once again folks it cost extra and the city will gouge you whenever they can. Maybe Meyers and crew should make that the new tagline. "Come pay more".
I'm sincerely ashamed to live here after nearly three decades.
I don't know too much about this Tony guy running for Mayor but he seems smart as a whip. She also said he was the one that finally got the audit done so many have tried before!
The thing that impressed me the most is how he isn't in office yet and he's already cleaning up the city. Getting the chief to step down and getting people unblocked from city websites.
She said he was at the Board meetings everytime and warned them about how to write the TIF refinance and they laughed at him, but now everything he warned about is true.
I hope we hear more from him, I'd vote for anyone that isn't the guy in now that's ran the city down the drain.
I think a simple financial class should be mandatory for all these people, I've never seen anything like it!
Will you please call or visit the library and ask WHY they need security? The comments on this are so ignorant!
officer to be at least available.
1. Vulgarity. If you would not say it out loud in church or in a public meeting then do not expect it to be published here.
2. Personal attacks. It is one thing to challenge a point of view. It is entirely another to call someone a name simply because they do not agree with you.
3. Misinformation. A good number are of the posts removed were pure fabrication. If we are unaware of the facts you are presenting, we suggest you sign your name so we can verify what you have written.
As far as a permanent replacement goes, does this happen via a special election? If an individual is appointed, we're hoping that it isn't going to be who we think it is. If so, that individual needs to be stringently monitored by the city council...and the citizens. The appointment of this person needs to be effectively opposed, if it all possible.
No one wants to endure any more of the same core group doddering around in the background pulling the same old tired strings.
An unconnected person and a fresh start would be optimal, in our opinion.
Retired City Emplooyee.
GO Chiefs!!!!!!! Two more wins!! We got this!!!!!!
We are at the start of an audit process and based on FACTs that I am at least aware of and have reported to the state auditor, Sec of State and Attorney General based on the issue our city has some major cleanup efforts needed at city hall.
It should be noted because of the audit anything that has been reported to the other two agencies has also been reported to the auditor.
If our Board of Alderman want to turn a blind eye allow the abuse and misconduct of department heads that is on them, but the minute they asked for three taxes and have another department upset a forth question is not come forward someone must take a stand.
At least three of the Alderman have show after a term on the Board doing the right thing is to much for them and they choice not to seek re-election. We have another one in WARD 2 that needs to go as he is the last still on the board with a direct tie to the down fall, and we must be careful of the former Alderman whistle blower in WARD 1 as too voted for the largest mess in the St of MO.
Did you go to school in Kansas City? Must have, since you can't read a calendar. Chief Lynch gave his formal notice to the public on January 15. His last day is February 14. That's 30 days (one month). The Command staff, the city staff, and the Board of Aldermen knew a few days before that. If you're going to gripe about something, at least get your facts straight!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
STOP THE CENSORSHIP!!!!!!!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!
"Given that this Chief of Police HAS CHOSEN TO RESIGN PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF HIS FOUR YEAR TERM, what is the procedure for replacing him?
As far as a permanent replacement goes, does this happen via a special election? If an individual is appointed, we're hoping that it isn't going to be who we think it is. If so, that individual needs to be stringently monitored by the city council...and the citizens. The appointment of this person needs to be effectively opposed, if it all possible.
No one wants to endure any more of the same core group doddering around in the background pulling the same old tired strings.
An unconnected person and a fresh start would be optimal, in our opinion."
There. Is that better? They await your response, Learned One. TIA.
Prove it. Of the 5 members I talked to none knew before that day. He's also demanded who will take his place.
I am sorry if I was not correct on my math.
I graduated from Raytown South and as you know more money is spent on field than in the class rooms
Yes things do cost more now than 1978, but we need to look at the full picture.
1 The board members serving between April 2013 and April 2017 shouldn't have been giving Lynch a raise based on the way the department was being ran.
2 Everyone should live within their budget (expense should be greater than income) Yet, how much over than did we have an that same time frame and where did the extra money come from (some same it was reserves others same bond money not spent on Walmart) In either case where did that money come from. If reserves the tax plans where working. If Walmart Bonds looks like time for orange jumpsuits.
3 In 1978 how many officers did we have compared to the calls for service and of those officers how many had a take home car.
I guess that is why there is an audit to get to the truth
3
Time for a change in Raytown