BY PAUL LIVIUS

Paul’s Rant!

CALL FOR THE QUESTION

There has been a spate of “tie” votes on the Raytown Board of Aldermen in the last three meetings. The tie votes show a deep division on the Board. Most of these votes have been on procedural matters. There have been motions to adjourn, motions to carry items over, and last week, there was a motion to “call for the question”.

A “call for the question” is a tactical maneuver to end debate without discussion. It is, in fact, a way to muzzle the opposition. At the last meeting Ward 3 Alderman Ryan Myers made just such a motion to “call for the question” (seconded by Alderman Bonnaye Mims).

In his comments leading up to the motion Myers said some need to re-visit what he called “Zoning School 101”. He indicated the Board’s job was only to vote up or down on a conditional use permit. He suggested much of the discussion regarding fire sprinklers, fire walls, parking and traffic issues, should not matter in the Board’s decision.

He is so wrong.

Each Alderman has a duty to become familiar with all issues before them. It is the Board’s job to listen to and inform the public of changes in property use that will affect surrounding property owners.

To ignore potential problems that may occur because of zoning changes and license applications would be an act of negligence.

The Board of Aldermen is not elected to rubber stamp items as they come before the Board. It is their job to ask questions and investigate all aspects of applications before them.

In this case Myers “call for the question” failed to muster enough votes for passage. The Mayor mistakenly said the motion had passed. Alderman Walters and Alderman Derek Ward* objected to the ruling. City Attorney Jennifer Baird (who also serves as the Board’s Parliamentarian) ruled the vote fell short of the 2/3^rd majority needed for passage.

Debate continued for about another 20 minutes – at which time the Board voted 5 yes to 5 no with the Mayor casting a tie-breaking vote to carry the item over to a date certain of July 21^st. 

Myers and Mims have a right to make a motion to limit debate. But the reasoning given by Myers was faulty. Thanks to the proper use of Roberts Rules of Order by the City Parliamentarian, all members of the Board were able share their thoughts and questions with each other in open debate. 

*Ward’s vote had not been counted. The Mayor announced the motion passed 7 to 3. After counting Mr. Ward’s vote, the City Attorney ruled the motion failed because it fell short of the required 2/3rds majority.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM RAYTOWN CITY HALL

EDITED BY GREG WALTERS

BOA to Meet in Public

Session on June 9^th

Tuesday night will be the Raytown Board of Aldermen's first in person Board meeting since Jackson County locked down area cities. 

Will the public be permitted to attend?- While the public will be allowed to attend, we will be following Jackson County Health Department Phase I guidelines including but not limited to checking temperatures prior to the entrance to the building (if temp is 100.4 the individual will not be permitted to enter the building?), strongly recommending a mask be worn while in City Hall, requesting social distancing be observed, and not allowing individuals to approach the dais or tables for Aldermen and Staff. With the social distancing requirements and number of staff attending to present we will have 6 seats available for citizens to attend. We are urging citizens to view via live stream etc.

Who will be required to wear masks?- Staff, Board members and Public are strongly encouraged to wear mask. Staff will provide mask if necessary. Board and Public are welcome to wear their personal mask.  

Will we enforce 6 foot separations? Yes, the 6-foot social distancing will be enforced for everyone, including Board members. The Board of Aldermen seating, along with Staff seating, will be reconfigured to address social distancing during the meeting.  

Will sanitizer be available and where? Yes, we will have hand sanitizer available in multiple locations including a touchless unit immediately outside the Council Chambers in the front lobby. Gloves will be placed at each Alderman’s seat prior to the start of the meeting.  

Will our stations be sanitized, by what means and when? The entire Council Chamber has been sanitized. Each station will be sanitized. The council chambers has been fog sanitized after evening court on Wednesday, June 3^rd. Staff will continue daily sanitization of door handles, knobs, commonly touched spaces in City Hall.

How will we access the rear chambers and restrooms without touching door handles?- Anyone attending the Council Meeting is asked to enter and exit from the from the double door located off the front lobby. The rear door in the back of the Council Chamber should not be used for entering or exiting the Council Chamber during this time.

Crime and Police

Overview Activity

• On May 24th, at approximately 2:05 pm, officers attempted to stop a vehicle for dangerous and careless driving. After a short pursuit, the driver eventually stopped in the area of 67th & Hardy. The driver gave a fake name and officers located drugs and multiple loaded firearms in the car. The subject’s true identity was confirmed and he is a convicted felon. The subject was arrested at the scene.
• On May 24th, at approx. 5:23 pm, officers were called to a residence in the 6000 block of Kentucky regarding a disturbance with a possibly armed subject. Officers arrived on scene and located the subject. During the encounter, one officer fired, striking the subject. The subject was transported to the hospital and released back into police custody. No officers were injured during the incident. The officer was placed on routine administrative leave and the incident is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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