At the 3/24/14 city council meeting the Monticello Road - South project was placed on a list for the Mid America Regional Council for projects getting federal funding. Being placed on the list of submitted projects does not guarantee that it will be approved. If it is approved though it is listed for the 2018 year with federal funds of $10,960,000 with the city's match to be $2,740,00.
Let's do a quick recap about what has happened in the past. The city spent over $3 million and virtually got nothing for their money. They got some land, with homes that had to be demolished, some temporary easements for construction and a few other things. Some street lights were removed to make way for the proposed widened street. Telephone poles were moved. When residents of the area questioned whether or not an 8" high pressure natural gas pipeline would have to be relocated, many of them were met with derision and condescending comments. For those who might need something physical to understand an 8" pipeline, take a 25" belt and see how many people it would fit. Those folks could fit inside an 8" pipeline.
Anyway, the light bulb finally went off and the city negotiated the cost of relocating the pipeline. After about 1 to 1-1/2 years of negotiations it came to pass that the cost of the relocation would be $1.85 million and the city's share would be 70%, or $1.3 million. This information is available in the minutes of the 7/13/2009 council meeting minutes. That is only 4 months shy of five years ago.
Yours truly, got up last Monday and asked some general questions: like what would the cost be now? or two years from now? or five years from now? Naturally, there were no estimates given. I did make a slight error when I spoke to the council. I said my memory seemed to recall that the city's cost was going to be $1.5 million.
Now, what happend in the past? Because of the time it took the city to negotiate the cost of relocating the pipeline, the city lost its ability to come up with its share of matching funds, and lost the CARS money that would have been used for the project.
I feel the city needs to make a determination as to when they are going to begin negotiating a new cost for the relocation of the pipeline. Especially in view of how long it took last time. Additionally, the citizens of Shawnee (all of Shawnee, not just the residents in that area) need to know how much extra the city will have to pay, over and above construction costs, for the relocation of the pipeline.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
When Is A Change, Not A Change?
When the city manager says so....................................
At Monday's (3/24/14) city council meeting Councilmember Stephanie Meyer asked for an update on the PIO/Communication Manager position.
The city manager indicated that the position had been advertised a second time because they received apps from the first one, but not quite what they were looking for. She indicated the 2d posting of the position had a name change, a higher starting salary, but no change in the salary range. Huh? No change in the salary range?
Well, here again is the info from the two different postings:
From 11/1/2013
JOB TITLE: Public Information Officer
STARTING SALARY: Starting Salary: $56,388 - $64,800 (DOQ)
Application Deadline: First review of resumes beginning November 15, 2013, open until filled
That posting was eventually replaced with this on 2/19/2014:
Department: Administration
Hiring Salary: $60,000 - $69,000 (DOQ)
Position Open Until Filled
First review of application materials beginning March 21, 2014.
I don't know, but it sure looks like the salary range was changed. What happens if someone is hired at the top end? What will be the total cost of this position when you add in benefits? Is the position really needed?
Will the person who is ultimately hired really be straight with the citizens or will they practice city sanctioned dissemination of misinformation?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
At Monday's (3/24/14) city council meeting Councilmember Stephanie Meyer asked for an update on the PIO/Communication Manager position.
The city manager indicated that the position had been advertised a second time because they received apps from the first one, but not quite what they were looking for. She indicated the 2d posting of the position had a name change, a higher starting salary, but no change in the salary range. Huh? No change in the salary range?
Well, here again is the info from the two different postings:
From 11/1/2013
JOB POSTING 2013
DEPARTMENT: AdministrationJOB TITLE: Public Information Officer
STARTING SALARY: Starting Salary: $56,388 - $64,800 (DOQ)
Application Deadline: First review of resumes beginning November 15, 2013, open until filled
That posting was eventually replaced with this on 2/19/2014:
Job Posting
Position: Communications ManagerDepartment: Administration
Hiring Salary: $60,000 - $69,000 (DOQ)
Position Open Until Filled
First review of application materials beginning March 21, 2014.
I don't know, but it sure looks like the salary range was changed. What happens if someone is hired at the top end? What will be the total cost of this position when you add in benefits? Is the position really needed?
Will the person who is ultimately hired really be straight with the citizens or will they practice city sanctioned dissemination of misinformation?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Final Results - Heroes Pull
With the event scheduled for tomorrow it looks like the Shawnee City Hall Crusaders are the number one donation getter of all the teams entered: http://heroespull.ksso.org/
Michelle Distler is number one in donations received of all the members of the team: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/
Michelle Distler $2600
Stephanie Meyer 765
Maureen Rogers 615
Neal Sawyer 445
Dan Pflumm 50
Jeff Meyers 20
Matthew Schmitz -0-
A big thank you to all who contributed.
Michelle Distler is number one in donations received of all the members of the team: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/
Michelle Distler $2600
Stephanie Meyer 765
Maureen Rogers 615
Neal Sawyer 445
Dan Pflumm 50
Jeff Meyers 20
Matthew Schmitz -0-
A big thank you to all who contributed.
Friday, March 14, 2014
PIO or Communications Mgr & How Much?
Last year, with many on the council voicing trepidation about it, a new position, Public Information Officer was created. The stated compensation was to be about $70K and the indications were that that would include salary and benefits.
Now, fast forward from that point to 11/1/2013. That is when the city sent out a notice announcing the Public Information Office opening:
JOB TITLE: Public Information Officer
STARTING SALARY: Starting Salary: $56,388 - $64,800 (DOQ)
Application Deadline: First review of resumes beginning November 15, 2013, open until filled
That posting was eventually replaced with this on 2/19/2014:
Department: Administration
Hiring Salary: $60,000 - $69,000 (DOQ)
Position Open Until Filled
First review of application materials beginning March 21, 2014.
It would now appear that the compensation, including salary and benefits, can very easily exceed the original amount presented to the council. Yet, I cannot find anything that indicates the council was notified about the potential increase, nor that it approved or supported same.
During the original conversations Councilmember Neal Sawyer even made comments about how he had in the past heard items quoted at one level and then came in higher. (side note: that would have been very true for the costs involved if we did have a spring mail ballot for the proposed sales tax increases)
I think the council needs to look into this.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the position gets filled. Will the individual "speak the truth" or will they provide senior city official sanctioned misinformation. See, local bloggers and media have been accused of providing misinformation to the public. Anybody want to see the misinformation provided by senior city officials? Some of which has already been documented here.
The person filling this position, whatever you want to call it, is being paid with our tax dollars.
He or she BETTER provide accurate information and answers to questions. If not, their toes will get toasty from having their feet held to the fire.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Now, fast forward from that point to 11/1/2013. That is when the city sent out a notice announcing the Public Information Office opening:
JOB POSTING 2013
DEPARTMENT: AdministrationJOB TITLE: Public Information Officer
STARTING SALARY: Starting Salary: $56,388 - $64,800 (DOQ)
Application Deadline: First review of resumes beginning November 15, 2013, open until filled
That posting was eventually replaced with this on 2/19/2014:
Job Posting
Position:
Communications ManagerDepartment: Administration
Hiring Salary: $60,000 - $69,000 (DOQ)
Position Open Until Filled
First review of application materials beginning March 21, 2014.
It would now appear that the compensation, including salary and benefits, can very easily exceed the original amount presented to the council. Yet, I cannot find anything that indicates the council was notified about the potential increase, nor that it approved or supported same.
During the original conversations Councilmember Neal Sawyer even made comments about how he had in the past heard items quoted at one level and then came in higher. (side note: that would have been very true for the costs involved if we did have a spring mail ballot for the proposed sales tax increases)
I think the council needs to look into this.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the position gets filled. Will the individual "speak the truth" or will they provide senior city official sanctioned misinformation. See, local bloggers and media have been accused of providing misinformation to the public. Anybody want to see the misinformation provided by senior city officials? Some of which has already been documented here.
The person filling this position, whatever you want to call it, is being paid with our tax dollars.
He or she BETTER provide accurate information and answers to questions. If not, their toes will get toasty from having their feet held to the fire.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Two Days Left
There are two days left (today and tomorrow, Friday) to make any donations to the 2014 Heroes Pull. A great event, with the proceeds going to Kansas Special Olympics. Come out on Sunday to watch these folks pull a fire truck and an armored vehicle after the St Patrick's Day parade behind Splash Cove, in the parking lot.
More specifically: Sunday March 16th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
All donations are tax deductible, and you may list yourself as anonymous if you wish.
Of all the teams entered, it appears that the Shawnee City Hall Crusaders are on the way to collecting the most donations for this worthy cause, again: http://heroespull.ksso.org/
It also appears that Michelle Distler is leading her team in donations collected, again: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/
Let's help Michelle to again lead the way, click here to donate in her name: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/mdistler/
There is also a Heroes in Training Pull added to the event this year, where children will be able to pull smaller vehicles.
More specifically: Sunday March 16th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
All donations are tax deductible, and you may list yourself as anonymous if you wish.
Of all the teams entered, it appears that the Shawnee City Hall Crusaders are on the way to collecting the most donations for this worthy cause, again: http://heroespull.ksso.org/
It also appears that Michelle Distler is leading her team in donations collected, again: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/
Let's help Michelle to again lead the way, click here to donate in her name: http://heroespull.ksso.org/2014/schcrusaders/mdistler/
There is also a Heroes in Training Pull added to the event this year, where children will be able to pull smaller vehicles.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Next Year's Mayoral Election April 2015
Word on the street is that two currently serving city council members are gearing up to make a run for mayor at the next city election.
These would be Mickey Sandifer from Ward IV and Jeff Vaught from Ward III.
Sandifer's council seat is also up for election, whereas Vaught's seat is not. What that means is that Sandifer has to choose between running for mayor or running for reelection. Vaught, on the other hand can run for mayor, and even if he loses still keeps his council seat for two more years.
Probably, IMHO, one of the worst things that could ever happen to Shawnee would be for Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught to become mayor. This is a man who has actually insulted 25% of Shawnee's citizens. You ask how? At the March 26, 2012 meeting he claimed that even though renters have property taxes included in their rent unless they have "one of these" as he held up what appeared to be a property tax receipt, that they did NOT have a stake in Shawnee. Unfortunately, this is one of those council meetings that did not have full printed minutes, but, it is on the audio recording. As long as that doesn't get tampered with. Vaught has a habit of insulting citizens, fellow council members and others, and then pontificating on how folks have to get along and be more civil.
Is he in this because he wants to serve the city and its residents, or is he in this for his own personal benefit?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
These would be Mickey Sandifer from Ward IV and Jeff Vaught from Ward III.
Sandifer's council seat is also up for election, whereas Vaught's seat is not. What that means is that Sandifer has to choose between running for mayor or running for reelection. Vaught, on the other hand can run for mayor, and even if he loses still keeps his council seat for two more years.
Probably, IMHO, one of the worst things that could ever happen to Shawnee would be for Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught to become mayor. This is a man who has actually insulted 25% of Shawnee's citizens. You ask how? At the March 26, 2012 meeting he claimed that even though renters have property taxes included in their rent unless they have "one of these" as he held up what appeared to be a property tax receipt, that they did NOT have a stake in Shawnee. Unfortunately, this is one of those council meetings that did not have full printed minutes, but, it is on the audio recording. As long as that doesn't get tampered with. Vaught has a habit of insulting citizens, fellow council members and others, and then pontificating on how folks have to get along and be more civil.
Is he in this because he wants to serve the city and its residents, or is he in this for his own personal benefit?
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Did You Change Your Batteries?
This past weekend we changed our clocks because of daylight savings time.
Did you remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms? If you haven't, please do so.
A simple thing such as a battery could be the difference between life and death for you, a member of your family or a friend.
For more info please go to http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/FireCMS.nsf/vwContent/SmokeDetectors?OpenDocument
Did you remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms? If you haven't, please do so.
A simple thing such as a battery could be the difference between life and death for you, a member of your family or a friend.
For more info please go to http://gsh.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/FireCMS.nsf/vwContent/SmokeDetectors?OpenDocument
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Shawnee City Elections
In a little over a year from now (April 2015) the voters of the city will be going to the polls to vote for 4 city council members (one in each ward) and the office of mayor.
I will have some comments earlier than normal, as there are some things out there on the radar that are disturbing to me.
So, please keep tuning in, and naturally, there will be commentary on items other than the city elections.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
I will have some comments earlier than normal, as there are some things out there on the radar that are disturbing to me.
So, please keep tuning in, and naturally, there will be commentary on items other than the city elections.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Monday, March 03, 2014
Shawnee Has a New City Clerk
Well, it is a former city clerk coming back to be with us in that position. Stephen Powell has apparently been appointed to the office of city clerk sometime in February of 2014 according to the info at http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/c0019294e957d2c28525754a004b58b4/4101d9fdca8b282986257c89006a1302?OpenDocument
I ran across that item while researching something else. When was the city going to make the announcement?
Stephen had previously served in that position and then left for a position with JoCo. He returned to Shawnee for a position in our municipal court, and is now back in his old office.
Welcome back Stephen.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
I ran across that item while researching something else. When was the city going to make the announcement?
Stephen had previously served in that position and then left for a position with JoCo. He returned to Shawnee for a position in our municipal court, and is now back in his old office.
Welcome back Stephen.
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
National League of Cities - Wash. DC
In about two weeks the National League of Cities will hold its annual congressional conference.
Long time readers of this blog will remember that I have always said good information can be gotten from these conferences. My primary objections in the past have been that the city has overloaded the size of the delegation that we have sent.
My repeated suggestion has been to send four people: the mayor, two members of the council and the city manager. These folks can then come back and inform the other members of the governing body, and any city staff as to the highlights of the meetings and how they affect Shawnee.
This year, we have a milestone. Based on information that I received on 2/21/14 only four individuals will be attending:
Mayor Meyers
Councilmembers Sandifer & Sawyer
City Manager Gonzales
Congratulations for getting it right!!!!!
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Long time readers of this blog will remember that I have always said good information can be gotten from these conferences. My primary objections in the past have been that the city has overloaded the size of the delegation that we have sent.
My repeated suggestion has been to send four people: the mayor, two members of the council and the city manager. These folks can then come back and inform the other members of the governing body, and any city staff as to the highlights of the meetings and how they affect Shawnee.
This year, we have a milestone. Based on information that I received on 2/21/14 only four individuals will be attending:
Mayor Meyers
Councilmembers Sandifer & Sawyer
City Manager Gonzales
Congratulations for getting it right!!!!!
WARNING!!!!!! The City Manager of Shawnee has determined that local bloggers post items that may contain bad or misinformation. Please read these posts with care and determine for yourself whether the information is valid.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)