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| BY GREG WALTERS |
Raytown
Closes Down
Venues
at Some City Parks
There is non-stop hand-checking when players use their
hands to mark the nearest opponent. Rebounds of missed shots can be especially violent.
When a player sets up screen to clear a way to the goal for a team mate there
will be body on body contact by the opposing team to get past the screen.
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| COALMAN PARK PLAY GROUND |
In
Raytown, there is a similar problem.
Earlier
this week I took a stroll through Coleman Park. The basketball court had 15
teenage players* (yes, I counted) playing a pick-up game of basketball.
All the
contact I described above was going on.
It was not
the definition of social distancing health advisors throughout the country are
calling the most effective way to defeat the coronavirus.
*Another group of teenagers was waiting in the parking lot to
use the basketball court.
A Solution . . .
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| COLMAN PARK BASKETBALL GOAL |
·
Any
area where individuals participate in a manner that does not allow for social
distancing is being closed down.
·
Tennis
court nets are being removed. Basketball goals are being taken down down. Even
shelter houses are under consideration.
·
The
walking trails are an example of proper social distancing. The city has not seen
any reason to shut them down.
City
Administrator Damon Hodes stated . . . "staff is currently purchasing orange
fencing". And placing informational signs at venues where use of park equipment
is off limits.
In
summary, these pro-active steps will go far in stopping the spread of the
coronavirus.
We urge
our readers to continue practicing social distancing. It is, one of the most
effective ways to keeping our city safe from the virus.
And,
please, please, please, keep your washing hands.
12 comments:
Do you know if the city will suspend cutting off water because of non-payment? Would be a nice gesture if they would.
March 28, 2020 at 5:31 PM
Both water companies in Raytown are privately, not city owned.
I don't know if they would be compelled to follow such an order from the city or not.
I still see folks playing basketball at the church at 83rd and Raytown Rd.
One more time - the city does not control the water companies. Jackson County Public Water Supply District # 2 is a privately owned company with Board of Directors who live in Raytown. The Raytown Water Company is privately owned by Neil Clevenger. If you have questions about your water service, you should contact one of these two companies. The only thing the city controls is the sewer bills.
It is true the two water companies in Raytown are not controlled by the City. However, the city can compel both of the water companies to turn off commercial and residential property owners water for non-payment of sewer bills. Check it out at City Hall. When the water is turned off it is NOT a request. The city is allowed by law to order the water turned off.
Hope this clears up the urban legend the city does not have the authority to turn off water service. In the city's defense, what can you do when someone refuses to pay their taxes?
Some other laws regarding taxes. In Missouri, people running for elective office are not allowed on the ballot unless their taxes are paid in full. But (there is always a "but") those same people can be appointed to serve on city boards and commissions but not have their tax bills paid up to date.
Go figure?!?
I for one think any individual who serves on a city board should have their taxes paid up to date. It shows good intent and sets a good example for others.
OK, so let's assume that someone sponsors a bill requiring anyone appointed to a committee or board or commission be paid up to date on their taxes. All that means is when a person is up for appointment or reappointment they have everything paid up. Then they can sit back and not pay any taxes until time for reappointment. And what about those hired to work for the city? Are you going to check on them too? Will you check on everyone each January to make sure they're in compliance? How is the BOA going to police that? They couldn't even censure the alderman who moved out of his district. So, now what?
Everyone has paid their taxes. They have to or the Board would never approve of them.
The new police chief's swearing in ceremony is on the city's website if you would like to watch it.
Here it is:
https://raytownmo.swagit.com/play/04012020-552
NOT TRUE on the last two comments. The last appointee to the Park Board was in arrears in her taxes. Obviously, all of the Board voted for her anyway. She did get her taxes paid up after she was sworn in.
It would be easy to check an individuals property tax payments. Jackson County publishes them on line for everyone to see. The city has complete control over the sewer billing. They can look anyone up at anytime to see if bills are paid in full. How do you think the find out who is delinquent? They simply look it up on the computer. Not a tough task.
Can someone get in and not pay their taxes. Yes they can. But it is doubtful they would be re-appointed once their term was up for re-appointment
A couple of years ago there was a school board member who did not pay all their property taxes. That person eventually paid after receiving a lot of criticism and advise to pay her fair share.
What is your solution? Allow people to file for election who have not paid their taxes? Allow people to hold appointive office who do not pay their taxes. Sounds hypocritical for someone to say raise this tax, but I will not pay it myself.
As far as the City Councilman who did not live in town being left on the Board of Aldermen. Put the blame where it was deserved. The Mayor and Board all knew of the situation. They had the power and authority to remove the Councilman but decided not to. Go ask one of them. Some of them are still on the Board as is the Mayor.
Just drove by the great sign at city hall. The sides look nice but the tv is smaller than I thought it would be, and it is just advertising. I thought it was supposed to be for events but instead I guess the city is making money off ads? Maybe they'll lower our taxes.
"Just drove by the great sign at city hall."
Haven't seen it yet. The "Raytown Chamber of Commerce and....and...and...and..." appears to be needing some maintenance, if anyone has some free time on their hands. Just some minor issues there, including some peeling paint. Maybe a sign might spiff things up there as well.
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