Mayor Distler was invited and accepted an invitation to speak at the NW JoCo Republicans meeting on Monday, 10/19/15 at Minsky's I-435 & Midland on Renner. There is a self pay dinner at 5:30PM for those wishing to eat and the meeting starts at 6:00PM.
This is just additional proof that Mayor Distler is more than willing to meet with people who not only did not support her candidacy but were actually hostile towards it.
It is no secret that I blogged in favor of her candidacy. The vitriol that I received about that from the senior leadership of NWJCR both in emails and verbally was outrageous. Their hostility was obvious by the various adjectives used to describe Ms. Distler. The icing on the cake was a call made by that same senior leadership on the night that the mayor was sworn in. Outrageous!!!
IMHO, Mayor Distler is definitely a better person than the leadership of that group for being willing to walk into the lion's den to speak with a group whose leadership is openly hostile towards her.
She is, as they would say in Yiddish, a mensch. Not familiar with that term?
A mensch is a someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being "a real mensch" is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous. (Rosten, Leo. 1968. The Joys of Yiddish. New York: Pocket Books. 237)
Friday, October 16, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Third Thursday With The Mayor - 10/15/15
Reminder, tomorrow, Thursday Oct 15, 2015 is the next "Third Thursday With The Mayor"
Mayor Distler has started something that no other mayor has done and that is to have monthly, informal meetings so citizens of Shawnee can come in and exchange info, ideas and ask questions. This is keeping with her campaign promise of promoting more open and transparent government.
Additional info on this event can be found by clicking here.
Mayor Distler has started something that no other mayor has done and that is to have monthly, informal meetings so citizens of Shawnee can come in and exchange info, ideas and ask questions. This is keeping with her campaign promise of promoting more open and transparent government.
Additional info on this event can be found by clicking here.
A Big Thank You to Our Out of Town Visitors
I'd like to take a minute to say thank you to those folks who do not live in Shawnee/KC Metro who visit and read this blog.
Over time we have had visitors from various cities in California, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Washington DC, many, many, others, and our favorite, those fine folks from Mansfield Mass.
We appreciate the visits and hope you find the blog interesting.
Again, thank you for visiting.
Over time we have had visitors from various cities in California, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Washington DC, many, many, others, and our favorite, those fine folks from Mansfield Mass.
We appreciate the visits and hope you find the blog interesting.
Again, thank you for visiting.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Part II - A Step to Insure Open Government
The Shawnee dispatch has posted an article concerning the council committee meeting from this past Tuesday. It can be read by clicking here. You can also scroll down in the blog and read my comments in my first post.
When reading the Dispatch article you might want to pay particular attention to this item concerning a statement of Jeff Vaiught's:
“I think we’re encouraging it to turn it into a conversation, which isn’t good because then we turn it into a conversation about something that’s not on the agenda,” Vaught said. “I just don't want to make a comment and have somebody get up and turn it into a debate against me at the end of a meeting."
As I have previously stated, it would appear over time Vaught has given lip service to open government but is not really a proponent. He feels that as a councilmember he is above the people of the city. His arrogant attitude towards using the miscellaneous items section of the meeting to be a bully pulpit becomes more evident every day. This arrogance has to be one of the reasons why the citizens of Shawnee voted against him in the recent mayoral primary so he did not advance to the general election.
Methinks that councilmembers Sandifer and Neighbor need to rethink their position on this issue if they want to be looked at as truly supporting open government.
In the Dispatch article Council President Meyer, who voted in favor of the proposed change is quoted:
Meyer said she could see the value of allowing the change as well.
“I have seen instances where members of the council have sort of said something directed at someone who spoke earlier and then they don’t get an opportunity to respond to that,” Meyer said.
She and the other four who voted to advance this item are to be commended for their open government stance. That would be Meyer, Dan Pflumm, Eric Jenkins Mike Kemmling and Brandon Kenig.
DTJVSD
When reading the Dispatch article you might want to pay particular attention to this item concerning a statement of Jeff Vaiught's:
“I think we’re encouraging it to turn it into a conversation, which isn’t good because then we turn it into a conversation about something that’s not on the agenda,” Vaught said. “I just don't want to make a comment and have somebody get up and turn it into a debate against me at the end of a meeting."
As I have previously stated, it would appear over time Vaught has given lip service to open government but is not really a proponent. He feels that as a councilmember he is above the people of the city. His arrogant attitude towards using the miscellaneous items section of the meeting to be a bully pulpit becomes more evident every day. This arrogance has to be one of the reasons why the citizens of Shawnee voted against him in the recent mayoral primary so he did not advance to the general election.
Methinks that councilmembers Sandifer and Neighbor need to rethink their position on this issue if they want to be looked at as truly supporting open government.
In the Dispatch article Council President Meyer, who voted in favor of the proposed change is quoted:
Meyer said she could see the value of allowing the change as well.
“I have seen instances where members of the council have sort of said something directed at someone who spoke earlier and then they don’t get an opportunity to respond to that,” Meyer said.
She and the other four who voted to advance this item are to be commended for their open government stance. That would be Meyer, Dan Pflumm, Eric Jenkins Mike Kemmling and Brandon Kenig.
DTJVSD
Friday, October 09, 2015
Dealer Plates = No Property Taxes - Will Vaught Respond?
Below is a copy of an email that I sent to Councilmember Jeff Vaught earlier today. It is interesting that a member of the council would drive a vehicle that has not had property tax paid on it, since part of that comes back to the city.
As stated in my email, there are basically two scenarios in which this is legally permissible. See the State of Kansas info on page 12 on this web site.
I have asked Vaught if he qualifies under either of the two legally permissible scenarios, and if so which one? Past experience would indicate that Vaught will not respond to my email.
The email:
It has been noticed that for about two or more months you have been operating a motor vehicle that is displaying dealer plates.
As stated in my email, there are basically two scenarios in which this is legally permissible. See the State of Kansas info on page 12 on this web site.
I have asked Vaught if he qualifies under either of the two legally permissible scenarios, and if so which one? Past experience would indicate that Vaught will not respond to my email.
The email:
Good afternoon,
It has been noticed that for about two or more months you have been operating a motor vehicle that is displaying dealer plates.
When a vehicle displays dealer plates it is usually because
it is for demonstration purposes. Since it is not registered to an
individual there are no personal property taxes being paid to the state and as
such the corresponding percentage is not remitted to the city. As a
sitting city council member I am sure you are aware of that fact.
The State of Kansas on page 12 at this location http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/dlrhb-complete.pdf
provides the information as to when it is appropriate for individuals to use
these types of plates:
“Dealer plates are issued to
dealers for demonstration purposes. Owners and their spouses can legally
drive on dealer plates as long as the vehicle is in the dealership inventory
for sale. Licensed salespersons that work 20 hours or more a week are also
authorized to drive on dealer plates. Newly licensed dealers are eligible
for 3 plates per plate type to begin. Their business may require more dealer
plates and can be requested if sales warrant additional plates to be issued.
Dealers must have 5 sales per plate type to maintain or increase their plate
quantity. We will automatically decrease plates at renewal time if reported
sales do not equal plate allowance. The first auto/motorcycle plate is $275.50;
each additional plate is $25.50. Manufactured Home and Trailer plates are
$25.50 each. K.S.A. 8-136, K.S.A. 8-2406”
As you can see there are
basically two scenarios that would allow a person to use dealer plates.
Do you qualify in either of those categories? If so, which one? These are two
very simple questions. Should you respond with the answers to these two
questions I will be happy to post those answers on my blog.
Thank you
DTJVSD
DTJVSD
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
A Step to Insure Open Government
Last night at the council committee meeting there was an item on the agenda to insure open government. The item was a proposed change to PS-7 which would clarify that citizens could comment on items brought forth by council members during the portion of council meetings known as "Miscellaneous Council Items"
Five council members voted to forward the item to a council meeting with a recommendation to approve the change. These five were Dan Pflumm, Eric Jenkins, Mike Kemmling, Stephanie Meyer and Brandon Kenig.
Three of the council members voted against this item. They were Jim Neighbor, Jeff Vaught and Mickey Sandifer. As to be expected Vaught especially showed his true colors when it comes to open government and citizen participation. Neighbor and Sandifer were not far behind him. Naturally, Vaught, feeling he was immune from citizen feedback, has on numerous occasions used that portion of the meeting as his own personal bully pulpit to excoriate individuals and entities.
He did say last night that if I didn't like what was said I could always blog about it. Well, I'll continue to do that too.
DTJVSD
Five council members voted to forward the item to a council meeting with a recommendation to approve the change. These five were Dan Pflumm, Eric Jenkins, Mike Kemmling, Stephanie Meyer and Brandon Kenig.
Three of the council members voted against this item. They were Jim Neighbor, Jeff Vaught and Mickey Sandifer. As to be expected Vaught especially showed his true colors when it comes to open government and citizen participation. Neighbor and Sandifer were not far behind him. Naturally, Vaught, feeling he was immune from citizen feedback, has on numerous occasions used that portion of the meeting as his own personal bully pulpit to excoriate individuals and entities.
He did say last night that if I didn't like what was said I could always blog about it. Well, I'll continue to do that too.
DTJVSD
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Shawnee PD Looking for Suspect in Shooting
Please read the article in the Shawnee Dispatch about a shooting that took place early this morning.
Shawnee PD are looking for an individual relative to this incident. The individual's name and physical description are in the above article.
Shawnee PD are looking for an individual relative to this incident. The individual's name and physical description are in the above article.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
A Fourth Fire Station? Yes, We Need It.
At the 9/8/15 council committee a list of projects was presented to the council members for prioritization.
One item that caught my eye was a new fire station (to be station 74) for western Shawnee, most likely in the northwest area.
Where the council puts it in the prioritization is yet to be determined. Personally, I feel that this is an item that needs to be looked at sooner rather than later. Growth in Shawnee has been phenomenal in that part of the city.
As a result, response times have become slower than what would be optimum. Minutes become important, both in saving property and in saving lives. A fire spreads exponentially. Basically it doubles every minute. A fire that covers 100 sq. ft. becomes 200 sq. ft. one minute later, 400 sq. ft. the next minute etc. With regards to individuals in need of medical care, I don't think we have to mention how important it is to get that care to them as quickly as possible. Especially for strokes, heart attacks and/or traumatic injuries, sooner is always better.
A side benefit could possibly be better ratings for home owners insurance.
Contact your council representatives. Get more information on this item and urge them to bring it to fruition sooner rather than later.
One item that caught my eye was a new fire station (to be station 74) for western Shawnee, most likely in the northwest area.
Where the council puts it in the prioritization is yet to be determined. Personally, I feel that this is an item that needs to be looked at sooner rather than later. Growth in Shawnee has been phenomenal in that part of the city.
As a result, response times have become slower than what would be optimum. Minutes become important, both in saving property and in saving lives. A fire spreads exponentially. Basically it doubles every minute. A fire that covers 100 sq. ft. becomes 200 sq. ft. one minute later, 400 sq. ft. the next minute etc. With regards to individuals in need of medical care, I don't think we have to mention how important it is to get that care to them as quickly as possible. Especially for strokes, heart attacks and/or traumatic injuries, sooner is always better.
A side benefit could possibly be better ratings for home owners insurance.
Contact your council representatives. Get more information on this item and urge them to bring it to fruition sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Reminder - Third Thursday With the Mayor 9/17/15
Tomorrow is the third Thursday of September (9/17/15) and folks can meet and interact with Mayor Michelle Distler.
No previous mayor has ever undertaken a program like this. Citizen input with elected officials is very important.
More info can be found here
No previous mayor has ever undertaken a program like this. Citizen input with elected officials is very important.
More info can be found here
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Never Forget 9/11
Tomorrow is the 14th Anniversary since the carnage of 9/11. It is a day that is now known as Patriot Day.
Please...............never forget.
Please...............never forget.
Monday, September 07, 2015
New Action on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
On this coming Wednesday, 9/9/15 the Planning Commission will hear proposals to place electric vehicle charging stations at two Wal-Mart locations. One set at the facility near SMP and Maurer and the other set at the Neighborhood Market at Nieman and 74th Street.
Now these locations make sense, unlike the plan that was tabled back in May to place charging stations at city hall and the justice center.
Use of the charging stations at commercial locations means that people who have those types of vehicles can shop while their vehicles are being charged up. A lot different than just sitting in the city hall parking lot, doing nothing, for possibly hours.
Whether the owners of the vehicles have to pay for the service or if Wal-Mart picks up the charges (as an advertising/customer relations activity) is immaterial. This still makes more sense than the city (all taxpayers) paying for it at city hall/justice center as advocated by Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught. The taxpayers of the city do not need to subsidize the "refueling" of these vehicles that in reality not everyone can even buy because of the costs.
If a retailer and/or shopping center owner wants to absorb the costs, well, that is a business decision. Just like when they put items in their stores on sale. If Vaught and Neighbor (another advocate for the city to pick up costs) get smart they'll let the commercial/retail segment of the city take care of the placement of these items.
Anyway, I hope the two items on the Planning Commission agenda regarding Wal-Mart and the charging stations moves forward.
See my previous posts on this subject:
6/1/15
5/27/15
5/19/15
DTJVSD
Now these locations make sense, unlike the plan that was tabled back in May to place charging stations at city hall and the justice center.
Use of the charging stations at commercial locations means that people who have those types of vehicles can shop while their vehicles are being charged up. A lot different than just sitting in the city hall parking lot, doing nothing, for possibly hours.
Whether the owners of the vehicles have to pay for the service or if Wal-Mart picks up the charges (as an advertising/customer relations activity) is immaterial. This still makes more sense than the city (all taxpayers) paying for it at city hall/justice center as advocated by Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught. The taxpayers of the city do not need to subsidize the "refueling" of these vehicles that in reality not everyone can even buy because of the costs.
If a retailer and/or shopping center owner wants to absorb the costs, well, that is a business decision. Just like when they put items in their stores on sale. If Vaught and Neighbor (another advocate for the city to pick up costs) get smart they'll let the commercial/retail segment of the city take care of the placement of these items.
Anyway, I hope the two items on the Planning Commission agenda regarding Wal-Mart and the charging stations moves forward.
See my previous posts on this subject:
6/1/15
5/27/15
5/19/15
DTJVSD
Friday, September 04, 2015
Support Your Local PD
The recent increase in physical attacks (including homicides) on police officers across the country bothers the heck out of me.
So I ask, have you ever said thank you to a member of law enforcement? And not just when they have done something that affects you, but just for the heck of it. If you happen to be around and see an officer pumping gas, grabbing a snack or a meal, just go up to them and say "thank you". It takes two seconds but you'd be surprised at what those two little words will mean to them.
Here in Shawnee we are fortunate to have a pretty gosh darned good PD. Let them know they are appreciated
So I ask, have you ever said thank you to a member of law enforcement? And not just when they have done something that affects you, but just for the heck of it. If you happen to be around and see an officer pumping gas, grabbing a snack or a meal, just go up to them and say "thank you". It takes two seconds but you'd be surprised at what those two little words will mean to them.
Here in Shawnee we are fortunate to have a pretty gosh darned good PD. Let them know they are appreciated
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Down Town Coffee House
Ya gotta love this fairly new business in Shawnee located at 11101 Johnson Drive, in the same building as Dodge City Beef.
First, it is owned by an Army vet, Drew Thornton, who has served multiple tours over in the sand box. Next, it is a neat place to grab a coffee, or a breakfast or a lunch. They serve lunch every day, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are "Brats and Burgers" day. Found that out last week when I went in for a cup of coffee, decaf Irish Cream. Good brats.
Food was good, price is right and the atmosphere if ya decide to stay and eat there is relaxing. They also deliver.
Check out the wall he is setting up for locals who have served.
First, it is owned by an Army vet, Drew Thornton, who has served multiple tours over in the sand box. Next, it is a neat place to grab a coffee, or a breakfast or a lunch. They serve lunch every day, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are "Brats and Burgers" day. Found that out last week when I went in for a cup of coffee, decaf Irish Cream. Good brats.
Food was good, price is right and the atmosphere if ya decide to stay and eat there is relaxing. They also deliver.
Check out the wall he is setting up for locals who have served.
Monday, August 24, 2015
2d Shawnee CERT Class Completes Training
On Saturday, 8/22/15 the second Shawnee CERT Class completed its training. The class was for 24 hours over three consecutive Saturdays.
For more information about CERT please click here. Also, check back on the city's web site for information about future classes.
For more information about CERT please click here. Also, check back on the city's web site for information about future classes.
Shawnee Received Secretary of Defense Freedom Award
Fortunately I was able to watch the live video feed from DC on Friday 8/21/15 as Mayor Michelle Distler accepted the Secretary of Defense's Freedom Award on behalf of the City of Shawnee.
As quoted in an article in the Shawnee Dispatch "This prestigious award is the highest in a series of DoD employer awards that include the Patriot Award, the Above and Beyond Award and the Pro Patria Award."
Of over 3000 organizations nominated only 15 received this honor, three small businesses, eight large businesses and four from the public sector (governmental and educational organizations.
As quoted in an article in the Shawnee Dispatch "This prestigious award is the highest in a series of DoD employer awards that include the Patriot Award, the Above and Beyond Award and the Pro Patria Award."
Of over 3000 organizations nominated only 15 received this honor, three small businesses, eight large businesses and four from the public sector (governmental and educational organizations.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Council Chambers Remodel
I'm going to keep this short, maybe not so sweet. The Dispatch has info on their website and you can read it by going here
The only part of the council chamber remodel that I can see as a needed item is the upgrade of the A/V system, for various reasons including future video streaming, and the ability for members of the public to be able to see documents better. To me, the majority of the rest of the items are fluff.
Yours truly got up and mentioned that the bid by SKC for the A/V was based on a State of Kansas contract but that did not necessarily mean that it was the lowest possible price. There are companies that can provide services/products to the state at prices lower than the contract prices and as such can get state business. Ironically, a representative from SKC was there (and if I heard correctly he lives in Shawnee) and he even said that their portion could have probably been bid by others at 10%-15% less (you figure that out on approximately $63K). But then he went on to say we could get hit with change orders...........hmmmm even if we keep to the philosophy of guaranteed maximum price.
Now, some council members wanted to be able to do an a la carte remodel. Pick some items and eliminate others. Here is the rub. We would have had to get a new set of plans/drawings because the drawings/plans became proprietary to Turner even though we paid $23K for them. This was because the contract was one of these "design/build" items. Going forward rest assured I will voice opposition to any design/build projects unless we get ownership of the plans/drawings. Our council needs to be able to select elements of projects without an all or nothing option as the only option.
The biggest voice (literally) for doing this project, so we can look nice was Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught. The same arrogant, anti open government fool who has repeatedly spoken against elections to fill open council seats that occur in other than normal circumstances. He doesn't want to spend money on letting the people choose their representatives, but he is willing to spend money on new chairs, carpeting and a ridiculous conference room that will cost a small fortune to finish (it is only going to be roughed in now),
DTJVSD
The only part of the council chamber remodel that I can see as a needed item is the upgrade of the A/V system, for various reasons including future video streaming, and the ability for members of the public to be able to see documents better. To me, the majority of the rest of the items are fluff.
Yours truly got up and mentioned that the bid by SKC for the A/V was based on a State of Kansas contract but that did not necessarily mean that it was the lowest possible price. There are companies that can provide services/products to the state at prices lower than the contract prices and as such can get state business. Ironically, a representative from SKC was there (and if I heard correctly he lives in Shawnee) and he even said that their portion could have probably been bid by others at 10%-15% less (you figure that out on approximately $63K). But then he went on to say we could get hit with change orders...........hmmmm even if we keep to the philosophy of guaranteed maximum price.
Now, some council members wanted to be able to do an a la carte remodel. Pick some items and eliminate others. Here is the rub. We would have had to get a new set of plans/drawings because the drawings/plans became proprietary to Turner even though we paid $23K for them. This was because the contract was one of these "design/build" items. Going forward rest assured I will voice opposition to any design/build projects unless we get ownership of the plans/drawings. Our council needs to be able to select elements of projects without an all or nothing option as the only option.
The biggest voice (literally) for doing this project, so we can look nice was Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught. The same arrogant, anti open government fool who has repeatedly spoken against elections to fill open council seats that occur in other than normal circumstances. He doesn't want to spend money on letting the people choose their representatives, but he is willing to spend money on new chairs, carpeting and a ridiculous conference room that will cost a small fortune to finish (it is only going to be roughed in now),
DTJVSD
Monday, August 03, 2015
Volunteer "Victims" Needed
Shawnee will be holding its 2d CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training over a period of three Saturdays, 8/8, 8/15 and 8/22.
Part of the training includes a simulated disaster situation on 8/22/15. Volunteer 'victims" are needed. Some individuals will have moulage applied. That is the makeup that makes a person look like they have been injured. Normally we get students from a drama class to play the victims, but they will be getting ready for a return to classes.
This could be an interesting and fun time for some folks who want to volunteer. Individuals and groups can be used.
If interested please contact Terry Kegin at TKegin@CI.Shawnee.KS.US or at (913)742-6139
Part of the training includes a simulated disaster situation on 8/22/15. Volunteer 'victims" are needed. Some individuals will have moulage applied. That is the makeup that makes a person look like they have been injured. Normally we get students from a drama class to play the victims, but they will be getting ready for a return to classes.
This could be an interesting and fun time for some folks who want to volunteer. Individuals and groups can be used.
If interested please contact Terry Kegin at TKegin@CI.Shawnee.KS.US or at (913)742-6139
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Shawnee Dispatch Comments on "Third Thursdays"
The Shawnee Dispatch has provided additional information regarding Mayor Distler's first "Third Thursday With the Mayor"
The article can be read here
I personally urge more citizens to get involved with future activities of this kind.
The article can be read here
I personally urge more citizens to get involved with future activities of this kind.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Mayor's Third Thursday Very Positive
This past Thursday saw Mayor Michelle Distler have her first
“Thursday With the Mayor” coffee. It is my understanding that
approximately 25 people attended this event.
When queried about this event because it was a daytime
meeting (9:00AM) the mayor said it was set up that way to make it easier for
senior citizens who don’t attend evening meetings to be able to attend.
She indicated that there will be other meetings set up at differing times so
that others could fit them into their schedules. This is something that
no other mayor has done, and should prove helpful in opening up lines of
communication between the citizenry and city hall. It was also mentioned
that the mayor has been meeting with other groups to obtain first hand
feedback on various items of interest. What is nice is that this is being
done now, not four years from now when the next election will be coming
around. So I’d guess it is not “an election year gimmick”. More info on the future plans for these events
can be found at this article on the Shawnee Dispatch web site
Thursday, July 16, 2015
How Not to Lose Matching Funds
Recently council member Eric Jenkins has come up with a unique idea so that the city does not lose matching funds.
A little background: In the past the city has had to delay projects because it could not produce matching funds. What are matching funds? The county, state or feds will periodically propose funding for a project (usually a public works type such as storm water, street etc). The other entity will provide funding if the city can match funding. Usually the funding is not a one to one match. In many cases the other entity will provide two, three or more dollars for every one put up by the city.
Example would be if a storm water project is proposed for $600,000 and the county offers a 3:1 match, that means that the county will pay $450,000 if the city comes up with $150,000. This provides a way for the city to get back monies paid in taxes to the other entities (county, state and fed).
What Eric Jenkins has proposed, and it makes sense, is to take unspent funds from other projects that are self funded and place them in a "matching fund" account and held for when these other matching fund projects come up. An example of this would be if there is a street project that is budgeted for $900,000, and after all is done, the final cost comes in at $865,000. Mr. Jenkins' proposal would place the unspent $35,000 in a matching fund hold account. That would potentially reduce the possibility of having to turn down matching funds from other entities.
A little background: In the past the city has had to delay projects because it could not produce matching funds. What are matching funds? The county, state or feds will periodically propose funding for a project (usually a public works type such as storm water, street etc). The other entity will provide funding if the city can match funding. Usually the funding is not a one to one match. In many cases the other entity will provide two, three or more dollars for every one put up by the city.
Example would be if a storm water project is proposed for $600,000 and the county offers a 3:1 match, that means that the county will pay $450,000 if the city comes up with $150,000. This provides a way for the city to get back monies paid in taxes to the other entities (county, state and fed).
What Eric Jenkins has proposed, and it makes sense, is to take unspent funds from other projects that are self funded and place them in a "matching fund" account and held for when these other matching fund projects come up. An example of this would be if there is a street project that is budgeted for $900,000, and after all is done, the final cost comes in at $865,000. Mr. Jenkins' proposal would place the unspent $35,000 in a matching fund hold account. That would potentially reduce the possibility of having to turn down matching funds from other entities.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Reminder - Third Thursday With The Mayor
A reminder that tomorrow, 7/16/15, will be the first "Third Thursday With The Mayor"
In keeping with her commitments to provide open and accessible government, Mayor Michelle Distler is beginning to set up meetings that make it convenient for citizens of Shawnee to be able to express their views and ask questions on a face to face basis.
Tomorrow's event will be at the Shawnee Civic Center at 13817 Johnson Drive at 9AM. Stop by, speak with the mayor and have a cup of coffee.
Further information can be found here:
In keeping with her commitments to provide open and accessible government, Mayor Michelle Distler is beginning to set up meetings that make it convenient for citizens of Shawnee to be able to express their views and ask questions on a face to face basis.
Tomorrow's event will be at the Shawnee Civic Center at 13817 Johnson Drive at 9AM. Stop by, speak with the mayor and have a cup of coffee.
Further information can be found here:
Monday, July 13, 2015
Ger Involved - CERT and CPA Classes Announced
Announcements have been posted on the city's web site regarding the next CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and CPA (Citizen's Police Academy) classes.
Two great programs that citizens who want to get involved with their city might want to consider signing up for.
For CERT info please click here
For CPA info please click here
Two great programs that citizens who want to get involved with their city might want to consider signing up for.
For CERT info please click here
For CPA info please click here
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Jenkins Gets It, Vaught and Sandifer Never Will
Apparently at this week's Council Committee meeting (7/7/15) there was some fur flying, again.
Some previously suggested budget changes/recommendations submitted by Eric Jenkins were reviewed. And again, Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught accused Jenkins of micro managing the city manager and staff. These sentiments were echoed by Mickey (The Parrot) Sandifer.
Apparently Vaught and Sandifer really don't understand what their jobs as council members are. Providing suggestions and ideas to the city manager is part of the job. Apparently both Vaught and Sandifer feel that the city manager should be left to her own devices and that the council should rubber stamp everything she does. Wrong...............if that was the case we would have no need for a city council.
The last time I looked it appeared to me that the city manager was human. As such, if she cut her wrists she would bleed blood not miniature spread sheets. Nobody is 100% perfect. As mentioned here many times in the past, we are fortunate to have in Shawnee individuals, both elected and members of the community with diverse backgrounds. These individuals are highly capable of providing suggestions and recommendations for the city's operations. Some will be good, some will not be good. But it shows people thinking. I believe that is the message that our new mayor put out before the election about folks "thinking together", not thinking alike, but together, to come up with ideas. Apparently Vaught and Sandifer want to abrogate their responsibilities and would give the city manager carte blanche to do anything she wants. That is NOT what a city manager form of government is supposed to be. Is it possible that Vaught's attitude is what caused him to not even advance past the primary in the last mayoral election?
It just becomes more obvious every week that Vaught, and Sandifer, have this need to perform osculatory functions upon the gluteus maximus of the city manager.
Sidebar: It also appears that Vaught is taking over for former council member Dawn Kuhn as the motormouth of the council. He just goes on and on and on.
DTJVSD
Some previously suggested budget changes/recommendations submitted by Eric Jenkins were reviewed. And again, Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught accused Jenkins of micro managing the city manager and staff. These sentiments were echoed by Mickey (The Parrot) Sandifer.
Apparently Vaught and Sandifer really don't understand what their jobs as council members are. Providing suggestions and ideas to the city manager is part of the job. Apparently both Vaught and Sandifer feel that the city manager should be left to her own devices and that the council should rubber stamp everything she does. Wrong...............if that was the case we would have no need for a city council.
The last time I looked it appeared to me that the city manager was human. As such, if she cut her wrists she would bleed blood not miniature spread sheets. Nobody is 100% perfect. As mentioned here many times in the past, we are fortunate to have in Shawnee individuals, both elected and members of the community with diverse backgrounds. These individuals are highly capable of providing suggestions and recommendations for the city's operations. Some will be good, some will not be good. But it shows people thinking. I believe that is the message that our new mayor put out before the election about folks "thinking together", not thinking alike, but together, to come up with ideas. Apparently Vaught and Sandifer want to abrogate their responsibilities and would give the city manager carte blanche to do anything she wants. That is NOT what a city manager form of government is supposed to be. Is it possible that Vaught's attitude is what caused him to not even advance past the primary in the last mayoral election?
It just becomes more obvious every week that Vaught, and Sandifer, have this need to perform osculatory functions upon the gluteus maximus of the city manager.
Sidebar: It also appears that Vaught is taking over for former council member Dawn Kuhn as the motormouth of the council. He just goes on and on and on.
DTJVSD
Friday, July 10, 2015
Did Ya Miss Me?
Welllllllllllll, did ya?
LOL..............took a vacation......spent time with the kids and grandkids.............
Had a great time..........the upper peninsula of Michigan is beautiful at this time of the year. Daytime highs were mid 70's to low 80's..............nighttime lows were high 40's low 50's. Had to wear a long sleeve shirt and fleece hoody to watch the July 4th fireworks.
Anyway, I'm baaaaaaaaack and will have some comments about some of our council members.
Stay tuned...............
LOL..............took a vacation......spent time with the kids and grandkids.............
Had a great time..........the upper peninsula of Michigan is beautiful at this time of the year. Daytime highs were mid 70's to low 80's..............nighttime lows were high 40's low 50's. Had to wear a long sleeve shirt and fleece hoody to watch the July 4th fireworks.
Anyway, I'm baaaaaaaaack and will have some comments about some of our council members.
Stay tuned...............
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Council to Reevaluate and Reconsider Budget Suggestions
At the last council committee meeting (6/16/15) council member Jenkins had some suggestions for the new budget. If you read this blog on 6/19, 20, 22 & 23 you will remember that council members Vaught and Sandifer accused Jenkins of micro managing the staff and the city manager. In reality, Jenkins was doing his job as a council member to suggest possible changes. Vaught and Sandifer on the other hand just seem to want to rubber stamp anything the city manager does. If we have a council that abrogates their responsibilities then we don't really need a council.
Anyway, staff has been requested by the council president/chairman of the council committee Stephanie Meyer to provide specific information regarding certain, not all, of the suggestions Jenkins made. Plus some other items, so that the council committee can reevaluate and reconsider them at the 7/7/15 meeting. This is how a council is supposed to operate. Not the way that Vaught and Sandifer would do it. Maybe that is because they are incapable of independent thought?
Anyway, it's nice to see that the Shawnee Dispatch has finally (yesterday 6/29/15) covered what happened on 6/16 /15. But I don't remember reading anything about the reevaluations being done on 7/7/15. It only makes reference that the council will set budget limits at the next council meeting (which would be 7/13/15) and set a public hearing for 7/27/15. Well, now those figures could change based on what happens on next Tuesday. Methinks the Dispatch might want to inform the public of that.
The Dispatch makes reference to some comments of Mayor Distler's:
Mayor Michelle Distler said she would agree with Jenkins in that the council should be able to give the city ideas and suggestions for improvement. "I think anyone can always offer any suggestion," Distler said. "It all goes back to us thinking together, which is good for the city." and then this Lastly, Jenkins suggested that the city re-evaluates how it presents its budget each year so it is more understandable to the public. This idea is already being explored by Distler and Gonzales, and Distler said she would continue that conversation as a way to make the city's government more user-friendly to the citizens of Shawnee.
Now that is what we need, leadership and guidance by the governing body. Not an abrogation of responsibilities.
DTJVSD
Anyway, staff has been requested by the council president/chairman of the council committee Stephanie Meyer to provide specific information regarding certain, not all, of the suggestions Jenkins made. Plus some other items, so that the council committee can reevaluate and reconsider them at the 7/7/15 meeting. This is how a council is supposed to operate. Not the way that Vaught and Sandifer would do it. Maybe that is because they are incapable of independent thought?
Anyway, it's nice to see that the Shawnee Dispatch has finally (yesterday 6/29/15) covered what happened on 6/16 /15. But I don't remember reading anything about the reevaluations being done on 7/7/15. It only makes reference that the council will set budget limits at the next council meeting (which would be 7/13/15) and set a public hearing for 7/27/15. Well, now those figures could change based on what happens on next Tuesday. Methinks the Dispatch might want to inform the public of that.
The Dispatch makes reference to some comments of Mayor Distler's:
Mayor Michelle Distler said she would agree with Jenkins in that the council should be able to give the city ideas and suggestions for improvement. "I think anyone can always offer any suggestion," Distler said. "It all goes back to us thinking together, which is good for the city." and then this Lastly, Jenkins suggested that the city re-evaluates how it presents its budget each year so it is more understandable to the public. This idea is already being explored by Distler and Gonzales, and Distler said she would continue that conversation as a way to make the city's government more user-friendly to the citizens of Shawnee.
Now that is what we need, leadership and guidance by the governing body. Not an abrogation of responsibilities.
DTJVSD
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Third Thursdays With the Mayor
This is something new, and interesting. According to the city's web site
Beginning in July, the City of Shawnee will launch a new program called Third Thursdays with the Mayor, which will give citizens another opportunity to engage with their City government. Join us for a free cup of coffee every Third Thursday of the month and hear from Mayor Michelle Distler as she updates citizens on the latest news regarding Shawnee and takes your questions and comments. The first Third Thursday will take place on July 16 at 9:00am at the Shawnee Civic Centre (13817 Johnson Drive). All residents of Shawnee are welcomed to attend.
“One of my goals as Mayor is to make sure that our City government is always open, friendly, and accessible to all citizens,” said Mayor Distler. “This will be a great opportunity for me to provide important information on City programs and projects directly to our residents while also listening to their concerns and finding out what issues and priorities are most important to them.”
Great idea.......gives folks a chance to interact with the mayor in a relaxed atmosphere.
Beginning in July, the City of Shawnee will launch a new program called Third Thursdays with the Mayor, which will give citizens another opportunity to engage with their City government. Join us for a free cup of coffee every Third Thursday of the month and hear from Mayor Michelle Distler as she updates citizens on the latest news regarding Shawnee and takes your questions and comments. The first Third Thursday will take place on July 16 at 9:00am at the Shawnee Civic Centre (13817 Johnson Drive). All residents of Shawnee are welcomed to attend.
“One of my goals as Mayor is to make sure that our City government is always open, friendly, and accessible to all citizens,” said Mayor Distler. “This will be a great opportunity for me to provide important information on City programs and projects directly to our residents while also listening to their concerns and finding out what issues and priorities are most important to them.”
Great idea.......gives folks a chance to interact with the mayor in a relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
He Really Doesn't Get It - Part IV
This is the final installment of this series. The previous items were posted 6/19, 6/20, and 6/22.
If you have read the previous items you will see that Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught was very wrong in accusing fellow council member Eric Jenkins of attempting to micro manage city staff. And then Mickey Sandifer has to be the parrot. All that Jenkins was doing, was his job, something which apparently Vaught is not fully cognizant of. Obviously Vaught feels that council members need to rubber stamp anything and everything the city manager does. That is not the function of a council member, even with a city manager form of government.
Anywhere, here are the last two items that Jenkins suggested:
What is really interesting is Jenkins' last suggestion. Golly gee, he would like to see the budget presented in a manner that is easily understood by both the governing body and the citizens of Shawnee. Gee, he wants to use the KISS theory from what I can tell, when it appears that we've been given the old "if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS". My take, not Jenkins. Citizens and governing body should not need MBAs in finance to understand the basics of the budget.
Sidebar: Where was the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
If you have read the previous items you will see that Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught was very wrong in accusing fellow council member Eric Jenkins of attempting to micro manage city staff. And then Mickey Sandifer has to be the parrot. All that Jenkins was doing, was his job, something which apparently Vaught is not fully cognizant of. Obviously Vaught feels that council members need to rubber stamp anything and everything the city manager does. That is not the function of a council member, even with a city manager form of government.
Anywhere, here are the last two items that Jenkins suggested:
4)
Storm Water Management: I was very disturbed that we turned down
substantial funding from the county to effect storm water improvement due to
lack of funds. I feel we should always
be in a position to accept funding for important improvement projects in the
city when our funding match is very favorable to us. This item fits in with our highest stated
priorities: Public safety and
infrastructure. If we turn away funding
for one of our highest priorities, it underscores our need to manage our budget
and our staffing levels more effectively.
Our budget needs to adequately fund these projects in the future. I propose that we budget a more realistic
amount for storm water management projects in the 2016 budget and have a
contingency plan available to enable the City to accept any additional funding
which may become available.
5)
One last item of concern is the complexity of
the display of our budget. Departmental
cost as reflected in Departmental budgets is not comprehensively presented. There are too many separate budget systems
for anyone other than those most familiar to the budget to comprehend without
very serious study. Public attending the
budget hearings are overwhelmed by the way numbers are presented. I believe the complexity of the budget
discourages public comment or input. I
believe public input is important.
Transparency is important. The
way we present the budget achieves neither of those objectives. If the city management team requires
additional tracking mechanism, programmatic spreadsheets or other management
tools, they could be maintained in-house.
However, the budget for presentation to the Governing Body and the
public should be clear, understandable and of sufficient detail to allow
formulation of a position. I
ask that the City Manager examine ways of simplifying the presentation of the
budget to make it more user-friendly and more easily understandable to citizens
of Shawnee and the Governing Body. I believe we are too far along in our budget
process to accomplish this task in this budget year, but it should be ready for
the 2017 budget.
What is really interesting is Jenkins' last suggestion. Golly gee, he would like to see the budget presented in a manner that is easily understood by both the governing body and the citizens of Shawnee. Gee, he wants to use the KISS theory from what I can tell, when it appears that we've been given the old "if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS". My take, not Jenkins. Citizens and governing body should not need MBAs in finance to understand the basics of the budget.
Sidebar: Where was the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
Monday, June 22, 2015
He Really Doesn't Get It - Part III
Parts I & II were posted here on 6/19 & 6/20. Please read them so you have continuity.
Basically what we are showing here is that Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught was totally off base when he accused fellow council member Eric Jenkins of attempting to micro manage city staff (the city manager in particular). What Eric Jenkins was doing was his job, to wit, to recommend and suggest courses of action that could be in the beat interests of the city with regards to its budget. Whether or not they are truly viable would have to be looked into. Vaught, on the other hand seems to take a "she can do no wrong" approach to the city manager. Basically, he, Vaught has abrogated his responsibility as a member of the council. Jenkins on the other hand is doing what he is supposed to do.
Jenkins had five suggestions. Yesterday we posted the first one. Tonight we are posting numbers 2 & 3. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see that Jenkins is suggesting (like he is supposed to), and not micro managing. Well, almost everyone. Sandifer played "me too" with Vaught's comments.
Here are numbers 2 & 3:
Selected Moratorium on Projected Staff Hiring to Return to Pre-Recession Staffing Levels: I am opposed to rehiring to previous staffing levels, excepting public safety staff, i.e., police and fire positions. It may also be prudent to examine carefully the possible limited support of Public Works positions on a case-by-case basis. Other than those potential hires, there should be a moratorium of one year on acceptance of the proposed staffing plan to more carefully examine the justification for additional hiring. There are multiple reasons for this position. (1) During the economic downturn the City put in place staff reduction policies and has purchased various automation software and equipment to reduce dependency on staff. These improvements should begin to bring a return in the investment by the City in real terms, such as the reduction of previously filled staff positions. (2) The economic turnaround of the economy is a far less optimistic picture than is being offered up by the current national administration. One could easily argue that we experienced continued recession in recent fiscal quarters. Although revenue appears to be on an upward trend, it may not be based on a sustained recovery. (3) By implementing a moratorium of one year on non-public safety staff, more time would be available to new council members to review the need for these additional positions and would provide the City Manager additional opportunity for better justifying the need for these positions. Once new staff is hired, it would be very difficult to address overstaffing issues without significant harm to those who may be subsequently let go.
Increase Contribution to Road and Street Maintenance from the General Fund: It is somewhat disturbing to review the budget for maintenance of our city streets and see that although the taxpayers for this city have done their due diligence and paid their taxes, we are not spending their hard-earned dollars for one of the primary purposes for which they pay. Stated priorities for this city are Public Safety and Infrastructure. The small amount we are allocating from the General Fund to street and infrastructure maintenance is a very small portion of the City’s general revenue. The argument has been made that the budget is being raised for this purpose. However, that argument does not withstand close scrutiny. The budget for infrastructure is being increased on the backs of the taxpayers by the assessment of an additional 3/8 cent sales tax. The taxpayer would like to see appropriate funding of street maintenance from the General Fund, supplemented by the increased revenues from the 3/8 cent sales tax in order that the city can accelerate the process of catch up on postponed and deferred maintenance which occurred during the recent years of reduced city revenue. I therefore request the City Manager submit a revision to the currently proposed budget that places appropriate priority on the maintenance of city streets. I believe that a minimum of $2 million from the General Fund, in addition to the other funding streams currently indicated in the proposed budget would be a move in the right direction.
Read the suggestions and see for yourself. Unfortunately we are stuck with Vaught for about two more years. Let's just hope the voters in Ward III see the light and do not return him to the council. The citizens of the city overall saw him for what he is by bouncing him out in the recent mayoral primary.
Sidebar: Again, where is the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
Basically what we are showing here is that Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught was totally off base when he accused fellow council member Eric Jenkins of attempting to micro manage city staff (the city manager in particular). What Eric Jenkins was doing was his job, to wit, to recommend and suggest courses of action that could be in the beat interests of the city with regards to its budget. Whether or not they are truly viable would have to be looked into. Vaught, on the other hand seems to take a "she can do no wrong" approach to the city manager. Basically, he, Vaught has abrogated his responsibility as a member of the council. Jenkins on the other hand is doing what he is supposed to do.
Jenkins had five suggestions. Yesterday we posted the first one. Tonight we are posting numbers 2 & 3. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see that Jenkins is suggesting (like he is supposed to), and not micro managing. Well, almost everyone. Sandifer played "me too" with Vaught's comments.
Here are numbers 2 & 3:
Selected Moratorium on Projected Staff Hiring to Return to Pre-Recession Staffing Levels: I am opposed to rehiring to previous staffing levels, excepting public safety staff, i.e., police and fire positions. It may also be prudent to examine carefully the possible limited support of Public Works positions on a case-by-case basis. Other than those potential hires, there should be a moratorium of one year on acceptance of the proposed staffing plan to more carefully examine the justification for additional hiring. There are multiple reasons for this position. (1) During the economic downturn the City put in place staff reduction policies and has purchased various automation software and equipment to reduce dependency on staff. These improvements should begin to bring a return in the investment by the City in real terms, such as the reduction of previously filled staff positions. (2) The economic turnaround of the economy is a far less optimistic picture than is being offered up by the current national administration. One could easily argue that we experienced continued recession in recent fiscal quarters. Although revenue appears to be on an upward trend, it may not be based on a sustained recovery. (3) By implementing a moratorium of one year on non-public safety staff, more time would be available to new council members to review the need for these additional positions and would provide the City Manager additional opportunity for better justifying the need for these positions. Once new staff is hired, it would be very difficult to address overstaffing issues without significant harm to those who may be subsequently let go.
Increase Contribution to Road and Street Maintenance from the General Fund: It is somewhat disturbing to review the budget for maintenance of our city streets and see that although the taxpayers for this city have done their due diligence and paid their taxes, we are not spending their hard-earned dollars for one of the primary purposes for which they pay. Stated priorities for this city are Public Safety and Infrastructure. The small amount we are allocating from the General Fund to street and infrastructure maintenance is a very small portion of the City’s general revenue. The argument has been made that the budget is being raised for this purpose. However, that argument does not withstand close scrutiny. The budget for infrastructure is being increased on the backs of the taxpayers by the assessment of an additional 3/8 cent sales tax. The taxpayer would like to see appropriate funding of street maintenance from the General Fund, supplemented by the increased revenues from the 3/8 cent sales tax in order that the city can accelerate the process of catch up on postponed and deferred maintenance which occurred during the recent years of reduced city revenue. I therefore request the City Manager submit a revision to the currently proposed budget that places appropriate priority on the maintenance of city streets. I believe that a minimum of $2 million from the General Fund, in addition to the other funding streams currently indicated in the proposed budget would be a move in the right direction.
Read the suggestions and see for yourself. Unfortunately we are stuck with Vaught for about two more years. Let's just hope the voters in Ward III see the light and do not return him to the council. The citizens of the city overall saw him for what he is by bouncing him out in the recent mayoral primary.
Sidebar: Again, where is the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
Saturday, June 20, 2015
He Really Doesn't Get It - Part II
In yesterday's post (6/19/15) I attempted to explain why Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught was way out of line for accusing Eric Jenkins of micro managing city departments. Vaught is the one who just doesn't get it.
Jenkins was doing what he as a council person is supposed to do, make suggestions and attempt to give guidance. In no way did he attempt to micro manage city departments. On the other side of the coin, no matter how long a person has been in a position, and no matter how good they may be at it, everybody can always learn from other individuals' ideas and perspectives. Sometimes they will be good, sometimes not.
Anyway, Eric Jenkins had five suggestions. The first one is going to be displayed below. You can hear all of them by listening to the audio of the meeting, waiting for the minutes to read them, or keep coming back here as I will be presenting them here.
Here is his first suggestion:
Department Reorganization: In looking at staff organization, it does not seem a judicious use of taxpayer dollars to fund two departments, when they could be easily rolled into one department. I would propose the elimination of the Development Services Department by combining it with the Public Works Department. The timing is excellent for making this change because the Department lead for Public Works has retired, leaving a managerial vacancy. Instead of hiring a new Department lead for Public Works, it would make sense to move the Director of Development Services and supporting staff into the position of Director of the Public Works Department. As a minimum, this would eliminate the cost of one senior management position. This would amount to a significant savings. I did bring this up with the City Manager. She was not strong in her opposition to the concept. However, she preferred the idea of combining Public Works and Development Services with the Planning Department upon the retirement of the current planning director in a few years. I disagree. The timing for a change is excellent now, and secondly, I think Development Services and Planning are not a good pairing because it removes appropriate checks and balances currently in place with them being separate.
Now, I did a little research and came up with the following information regarding compensation for the two department directors from 2009 to 2014.
Development Low $118,836 High $154,715
Public Works Low $129,553 High $165,562
Also, what other admin overhead could be saved by combining the two?
Rather than being thankful that his fellow councilmember is thinking about ways to make the budget better, Vaught decides to belittle the individual. Methinks he (Vaught) should be more concerned about doing some thinking himself rather than being a rubber stamp for the city manager.
When the rest of the suggestions are posted, you, the reader will see that Jenkins was doing his job, by thinking and recommending, and putting time and effort into those thoughts. Vaught on the other hand would prefer to denigrate, wrongfully, his fellow councilmembers for doing their job. As I said yesterday, his hypocrisy is showing as in the past when councilmembers have suggested reducing the budget he would say "show us how". Now when somebody shows some potentially viable suggestions he becomes a shill for the city manager, and, as such is abrogating his responsibility as a councilmember.
Sidebar: Where was the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
Jenkins was doing what he as a council person is supposed to do, make suggestions and attempt to give guidance. In no way did he attempt to micro manage city departments. On the other side of the coin, no matter how long a person has been in a position, and no matter how good they may be at it, everybody can always learn from other individuals' ideas and perspectives. Sometimes they will be good, sometimes not.
Anyway, Eric Jenkins had five suggestions. The first one is going to be displayed below. You can hear all of them by listening to the audio of the meeting, waiting for the minutes to read them, or keep coming back here as I will be presenting them here.
Here is his first suggestion:
Development Low $118,836 High $154,715
Public Works Low $129,553 High $165,562
Also, what other admin overhead could be saved by combining the two?
Rather than being thankful that his fellow councilmember is thinking about ways to make the budget better, Vaught decides to belittle the individual. Methinks he (Vaught) should be more concerned about doing some thinking himself rather than being a rubber stamp for the city manager.
When the rest of the suggestions are posted, you, the reader will see that Jenkins was doing his job, by thinking and recommending, and putting time and effort into those thoughts. Vaught on the other hand would prefer to denigrate, wrongfully, his fellow councilmembers for doing their job. As I said yesterday, his hypocrisy is showing as in the past when councilmembers have suggested reducing the budget he would say "show us how". Now when somebody shows some potentially viable suggestions he becomes a shill for the city manager, and, as such is abrogating his responsibility as a councilmember.
Sidebar: Where was the Shawnee Dispatch on this?
DTJVSD
Friday, June 19, 2015
He Really Doesn't Get It - Part I
We witnessed a heck of a donnybrook at this past Monday's (6/15/15) council committee meeting during budget discussions. Not sure why our local newspaper, the Shawnee Dispatch hasn't reported on it. Since it did involve the budget.
First, it is important to explain Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught's use of the term "I just don't get it". Anyone who has attended many meetings has seen and heard him use that expression as a subtle put down directed towards other members of the council and even occasionally the public. He uses it when someone says something contrary to his beliefs, and he uses it as if to say his thoughts are more correct and he can't understand why the other person doesn't agree with him.
OK, so what happened? Councilmember Eric Jenkins submitted some suggestions regarding the budget and the organization of the city. Vaught jumped on that accusing Jenkins of "micro managing" and harping on the fact that we have a city manager form of government.
Apparently what Vaught doesn't get is what his responsibility is as a member of the council That is to set the tone, make suggestions and give guidance to staff. Apparently Vaught is one of those who has abrogated his responsibilities as a council member and become a shill, a puppet, for the city manager. The council is not supposed to be a rubber stamp for the city manager. The city manager is human, and sometimes others may have ideas and suggestions that can be beneficial. And that is what Jenkins was doing, giving suggestions.
Vaught does not understand the term "micro manage". To micro manage is when somebody on top goes down the line to control the working element. Jenkins did no such thing. As a matter of fact, Vaught was really showing his hypocrisy, in that in previous years when other council members said the budget needed to be cut he would ask them, "how?" Now, when someone tries to show how, he claims "micro manager". I really shouldn't toss out epithets, but Vaught is an idiot. And he wouldn't really know what management is since he's never really had to manage any kind of an organization. Methinks the citizens of Shawnee are finally waking up to what kind of an incompetant he really is, as witnessed by his being bounced out in the recent mayoral primary.
Then, the other puppet, Mickey (I Love Trips the City Pays For) Sandifer, joins in also accusing Jenkins of micro managing. Unfortunately Sandifer is lacking the intelligence to recognize a suggestion and positive input.
Now, if you don't believe me, go to the city's web site and listen to the audio of them meeting.
I will have more info on this in Part II tomorrow.
Sidebar: Still can't believe the Dispatch reported on the council remodeling but not what took place regarding the rest of the meeting. And alot went down. Is the Dispatch getting into that old mode of not reporting things that "make the city look bad"? That's OK, keep the citizens in the dark.
DTJVSD
First, it is important to explain Jeff (The Arrogant One) Vaught's use of the term "I just don't get it". Anyone who has attended many meetings has seen and heard him use that expression as a subtle put down directed towards other members of the council and even occasionally the public. He uses it when someone says something contrary to his beliefs, and he uses it as if to say his thoughts are more correct and he can't understand why the other person doesn't agree with him.
OK, so what happened? Councilmember Eric Jenkins submitted some suggestions regarding the budget and the organization of the city. Vaught jumped on that accusing Jenkins of "micro managing" and harping on the fact that we have a city manager form of government.
Apparently what Vaught doesn't get is what his responsibility is as a member of the council That is to set the tone, make suggestions and give guidance to staff. Apparently Vaught is one of those who has abrogated his responsibilities as a council member and become a shill, a puppet, for the city manager. The council is not supposed to be a rubber stamp for the city manager. The city manager is human, and sometimes others may have ideas and suggestions that can be beneficial. And that is what Jenkins was doing, giving suggestions.
Vaught does not understand the term "micro manage". To micro manage is when somebody on top goes down the line to control the working element. Jenkins did no such thing. As a matter of fact, Vaught was really showing his hypocrisy, in that in previous years when other council members said the budget needed to be cut he would ask them, "how?" Now, when someone tries to show how, he claims "micro manager". I really shouldn't toss out epithets, but Vaught is an idiot. And he wouldn't really know what management is since he's never really had to manage any kind of an organization. Methinks the citizens of Shawnee are finally waking up to what kind of an incompetant he really is, as witnessed by his being bounced out in the recent mayoral primary.
Then, the other puppet, Mickey (I Love Trips the City Pays For) Sandifer, joins in also accusing Jenkins of micro managing. Unfortunately Sandifer is lacking the intelligence to recognize a suggestion and positive input.
Now, if you don't believe me, go to the city's web site and listen to the audio of them meeting.
I will have more info on this in Part II tomorrow.
Sidebar: Still can't believe the Dispatch reported on the council remodeling but not what took place regarding the rest of the meeting. And alot went down. Is the Dispatch getting into that old mode of not reporting things that "make the city look bad"? That's OK, keep the citizens in the dark.
DTJVSD
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Shawnee Youth Receives Award From KSRA
Daniel Smith, 13, of Shawnee, received the award naming him Outstanding Youth Shooter of the year from Kansas State Rifle Association President Patricia Stoneking at the group's annual meeting July 13 in Olathe. Daniel has been actively shooting competitively with the Johnson County 4-H Shooting Sports program since 2008. He currently shoots BB gun and air rifle, and he will enter the smallbore rifle program this summer and the air pistol program this fall. In addition to winning this year's Top Shot award at the Kansas State Rifle Association BB Gun Championship in February, he was also this year's BB Gun Top Shot at the Kansas 4-H Championship Match in April. As president of his local 4-H club, the Johnson County Livestock Club, he also raises and shows lambs, pigs, chickens and dogs, as well as participating in cooking and other projects. Daniel was a member of Johnson County's first qualifying squad for the Daisy Nationals BB Gun Championship Match in 2012, and he will be representing the county and the state of Kansas again this year at the national championship match in Rogers, Ark.
Way to go Daniel.
Happy Birthday - US Army
Two hundred forty years ago marks the day of the establishment of the US Army.
For a brief history on this please click here.
For a brief history on this please click here.
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
BBQ for the PD
Members of the Shawnee Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association hosted a BBQ for officers and staff of the Shawnee PD. Additionally, Shawnee was the host for a class on Field Training Officers from around the area and those folks were invited to partake of the goodies.
Among the CPAAA participants was our own Mayor, Michelle Distler, a CPAAA member and a 2011 graduate of the citizen's academy.
Among the CPAAA participants was our own Mayor, Michelle Distler, a CPAAA member and a 2011 graduate of the citizen's academy.
Click on image to view larger
Monday, June 01, 2015
Vaught Again Proves He Is Lacking In Common Sense
Ya gotta love it. At the council meeting last week that delayed any action on electric vehicle charging stations on city property Jeff Vaught again showed a lack of common sense.
This is what is appearing in the most recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch byJeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught:
Vaught was entirely in favor of installing the charging stations on city property because of the opportunities it opened up for the city to eventually purchase electric vehicles for staff.
"Do we want to be a froward-thinking city or the last ones on the block?" Vaught asked the council. "The reality is we could probably have electric vehicles in our fleet pretty quickly.
"Forward thinking starts right here, its starts with our government."
Electric vehicles in our fleet pretty quickly? Who is he kidding? Let's look at the department that uses the most sedans and small SUVs, the PD. Do we want a fleet of vehicles in that department that only get 80 miles on a full charge? That require eight hours to fully charge? That would have to stop every couple of hours for an electric "top off", for what, an hour? Now, with all of the electrical/electronic equipment in these vehicles (radar, computers, radios, etc) they would never last 80 miles on a full charge. You are not going to see all electric vehicles in public works, parks or the FD anytime soon. Those large vehicles would never make it. The only place that I can see electric vehicles would be maybe two or three for codes administration, and even then we would probably be better off with hybrids (let the gas part of the engine recharge the electrical system). Then he has the temerity to put his fellow council members down for not being forward thinking.
In the same article, Stephanie Meyer is quoted as saying:
"If I have the option of charging while I go watch a movie or at City Hall, I know which one people would rather choose," said Council member Stephanie Meyer.
Now that is common sense. Put the units in business areas so folks can shop and create dollar flow.
Maybe Vaught does need a lesson in economic development.
See my two previous posts on this subject:
5/27/15
5/19/15
DTJVSD
This is what is appearing in the most recent article in the Shawnee Dispatch byJeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught:
Vaught was entirely in favor of installing the charging stations on city property because of the opportunities it opened up for the city to eventually purchase electric vehicles for staff.
"Do we want to be a froward-thinking city or the last ones on the block?" Vaught asked the council. "The reality is we could probably have electric vehicles in our fleet pretty quickly.
"Forward thinking starts right here, its starts with our government."
Electric vehicles in our fleet pretty quickly? Who is he kidding? Let's look at the department that uses the most sedans and small SUVs, the PD. Do we want a fleet of vehicles in that department that only get 80 miles on a full charge? That require eight hours to fully charge? That would have to stop every couple of hours for an electric "top off", for what, an hour? Now, with all of the electrical/electronic equipment in these vehicles (radar, computers, radios, etc) they would never last 80 miles on a full charge. You are not going to see all electric vehicles in public works, parks or the FD anytime soon. Those large vehicles would never make it. The only place that I can see electric vehicles would be maybe two or three for codes administration, and even then we would probably be better off with hybrids (let the gas part of the engine recharge the electrical system). Then he has the temerity to put his fellow council members down for not being forward thinking.
In the same article, Stephanie Meyer is quoted as saying:
"If I have the option of charging while I go watch a movie or at City Hall, I know which one people would rather choose," said Council member Stephanie Meyer.
Now that is common sense. Put the units in business areas so folks can shop and create dollar flow.
Maybe Vaught does need a lesson in economic development.
See my two previous posts on this subject:
5/27/15
5/19/15
DTJVSD
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Shawnee CERT Training Exercise 5/30/15
On Saturday, 5/30/15 6 members of the Shawnee CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and our emergency management coordinator joined members of four other teams in responding to a simulated tornado damage incident.
A soon to be demolished church on Midland Drive was the site selected for the exercise. Prior to the exercise the emergency management coordinator had various simulated situations placed around both interior and exterior locations of the building. In some cases dummies were used and in some cases volunteers playing the part of a victim were used.
This exercise allowed the members of the CERT team (all volunteers) to practice various skills that they have been taught. Like all exercises, it gave the team valuable information and feedback on their skills. It also emphasized how important it would be to attract more volunteers to the Shawnee CERT. We currently have approximately 25 members, but in a real life situation only about 25% would be able to show (what we had yesterday).
Needless to say, I personally am happy to be part of this team.
Two important links:
More info with pix of the exercise at Operation100 Facebook page Cick on any of the pix to start the slide show with captions. Or here to see the photo stream.
More info on Shawnee CERT by clicking here Check periodically to see when the next volunteer training class will be held.
A soon to be demolished church on Midland Drive was the site selected for the exercise. Prior to the exercise the emergency management coordinator had various simulated situations placed around both interior and exterior locations of the building. In some cases dummies were used and in some cases volunteers playing the part of a victim were used.
This exercise allowed the members of the CERT team (all volunteers) to practice various skills that they have been taught. Like all exercises, it gave the team valuable information and feedback on their skills. It also emphasized how important it would be to attract more volunteers to the Shawnee CERT. We currently have approximately 25 members, but in a real life situation only about 25% would be able to show (what we had yesterday).
Needless to say, I personally am happy to be part of this team.
Two important links:
More info with pix of the exercise at Operation100 Facebook page Cick on any of the pix to start the slide show with captions. Or here to see the photo stream.
More info on Shawnee CERT by clicking here Check periodically to see when the next volunteer training class will be held.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Electric Charging Stations Put on the Back Burner, Good
Well, the council meeting last night was, to say the least, somewhat interesting. And, one item in particular.
First, to understand this post, take a quick peek at this post about electric vehicle charging stations from last week (5/19/15).
Last night the idea of installing charging stations for electric vehicles came before the council. Fortunately, clear thinking heads prevailed, even over the belligerent, denigrating, condescending attitude of, yep, you guessed it, Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught.
KCP&L wanted to install 10 electric car charging stations (old technology already) on city property and the city was supposed to pay $200-$400 per station for two years. Vaught kept putting down his fellow council members for not agreeing with him. He still was pushing the idea that the city would wind up with electric vehicles in its fleet. That besides the fact that most electric cars get about 80 miles on a full charge and it takes, with the old technology, about 8 hours to fully charge on one of these things but used primarily to "top off".
Throughout Johnson County there are some of these charging stations on various pieces of government land. But there are also some that are on business property. And that is what some of the clearer heads on the Shawnee City Council would like to see here. Virtually all of the other council members saw the logic to that, especially Stephanie Meyer and Mickey Sandifer. The locations that KCP&L wanted to use would mean that basically someone would come up, plug their vehicle in and wait for it to charge. With no place to go.
Those locations in JoCo that are on business properties give the vehicle owners the ability to plug in and then go shopping (two examples being the Hy-Vee at 95th & Antioch and the Hen House on 87th Street in Lenexa) And there are various other locations including shopping centers.
We have various locations that would be perfect for these stations. How about 10 Quivira, or Shawnee Parkway Plaza or the Hy-Vee in Shawnee. Plus, these locations would either have the vehicle owners or the businesses paying the electric charges...........NOT the taxpayers of Shawnee.
But Vaught, for all his chest thumping about Eco Development and his constant reminders that he is in commercial real estate, apparently cannot understand the benefits of this arrangement.
Curious, will he have to refund to KCP&L the donation they made to his failed mayoral campaign?
:-) :-)
BTW, go here and there is an interactive map of electric vehicle charging stations, nationwide and you can drill down to any community.
DTJVSD
First, to understand this post, take a quick peek at this post about electric vehicle charging stations from last week (5/19/15).
Last night the idea of installing charging stations for electric vehicles came before the council. Fortunately, clear thinking heads prevailed, even over the belligerent, denigrating, condescending attitude of, yep, you guessed it, Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught.
KCP&L wanted to install 10 electric car charging stations (old technology already) on city property and the city was supposed to pay $200-$400 per station for two years. Vaught kept putting down his fellow council members for not agreeing with him. He still was pushing the idea that the city would wind up with electric vehicles in its fleet. That besides the fact that most electric cars get about 80 miles on a full charge and it takes, with the old technology, about 8 hours to fully charge on one of these things but used primarily to "top off".
Throughout Johnson County there are some of these charging stations on various pieces of government land. But there are also some that are on business property. And that is what some of the clearer heads on the Shawnee City Council would like to see here. Virtually all of the other council members saw the logic to that, especially Stephanie Meyer and Mickey Sandifer. The locations that KCP&L wanted to use would mean that basically someone would come up, plug their vehicle in and wait for it to charge. With no place to go.
Those locations in JoCo that are on business properties give the vehicle owners the ability to plug in and then go shopping (two examples being the Hy-Vee at 95th & Antioch and the Hen House on 87th Street in Lenexa) And there are various other locations including shopping centers.
We have various locations that would be perfect for these stations. How about 10 Quivira, or Shawnee Parkway Plaza or the Hy-Vee in Shawnee. Plus, these locations would either have the vehicle owners or the businesses paying the electric charges...........NOT the taxpayers of Shawnee.
But Vaught, for all his chest thumping about Eco Development and his constant reminders that he is in commercial real estate, apparently cannot understand the benefits of this arrangement.
Curious, will he have to refund to KCP&L the donation they made to his failed mayoral campaign?
:-) :-)
BTW, go here and there is an interactive map of electric vehicle charging stations, nationwide and you can drill down to any community.
DTJVSD
Friday, May 22, 2015
New Municipal Election Procedures
OK, I am not a lawyer, and many times even lawyers disagree on interpretation of laws (evidence various lawsuits).
The legislature passed the new election laws yesterday and the governor will probably be signing the bill into law soon.
Here is how I interpret the new law, as it affects city elections in Shawnee:
1. We will keep our odd year elections.
2. We have the option of keeping them non-partisan.
3. General elections for city positions will move from April to November, primaries if needed would be in August.
4. Winners in November, would take office in January
5. Those currently serving whose terms currently expire April 2017/2019 would have their terms extended.
6. Charter Ordinance 40 would need to be amended (or repealed and a new one issued) to reflect those cycle changes.
7. It appears that it would still be up to the city to determine the methodology of filling vacant seats on the governing body caused by resignation, death, election to another office, etc.
8. By keeping the elections in odd years local elections would not be affected by "top of the ballot" offices such as president, governor, congress, senate (US) etc.
Please do not take the above as being the final/accurate interpretation of the new law, but I'd bet it's real close.
The legislature passed the new election laws yesterday and the governor will probably be signing the bill into law soon.
Here is how I interpret the new law, as it affects city elections in Shawnee:
1. We will keep our odd year elections.
2. We have the option of keeping them non-partisan.
3. General elections for city positions will move from April to November, primaries if needed would be in August.
4. Winners in November, would take office in January
5. Those currently serving whose terms currently expire April 2017/2019 would have their terms extended.
6. Charter Ordinance 40 would need to be amended (or repealed and a new one issued) to reflect those cycle changes.
7. It appears that it would still be up to the city to determine the methodology of filling vacant seats on the governing body caused by resignation, death, election to another office, etc.
8. By keeping the elections in odd years local elections would not be affected by "top of the ballot" offices such as president, governor, congress, senate (US) etc.
Please do not take the above as being the final/accurate interpretation of the new law, but I'd bet it's real close.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Memorial Day Monday 5/25/15
Please remember, it's not just about BBQs and a day off from work. It is about why we can have those BBQs and a day off from work.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Shawnee
At last month's council committee meeting a proposal from KCP&L to install electric charging stations was moved forward for the council to consider. More info is at this article in the Shawnee Dispatch.
The agreement calls for KCP&L to install ten of these chargers, for use with electric vehicles, on city property. The costs of the installation to be absorbed by KCP&L. The kicker that comes into play is that the city would pay for the electricity used for two years. The current estimate for that is $400 per station per year.
Jeff Vaught questioned as to why more of these stations were not planned for western Shawnee. In his statements he intimated but didn't say that it would be folks in that part of town that were more likely to spend the money for an electric vehicle. The KCP&L representative said that since Westar Energy handled most of western Shawnee, that that would be up to them. Hmmmm, doesn't he know who his electric provider is?
Anyway, another comment by Vaught was interesting. From the article: "Vaught said putting the charging stations at public facilities also gives the city the option of purchasing some electric vehicles in the future." Since most of these vehicles only get 60-80 miles on a full charge I'm wondering how many vehicles the city would obtain? How effective are they? My question is why, if the cost of these vehicles is such that there are a limited number of folks who can afford them, should the city absorb the first two years of the charging station costs?
My thoughts: If ya can afford one of these cars, you can afford to pay for the electricity and you need to be happy that more charging stations are being installed. The council IMHO should approve the installation of these units, but not absorb two years worth of electrical costs.
DTJVSD
The agreement calls for KCP&L to install ten of these chargers, for use with electric vehicles, on city property. The costs of the installation to be absorbed by KCP&L. The kicker that comes into play is that the city would pay for the electricity used for two years. The current estimate for that is $400 per station per year.
Jeff Vaught questioned as to why more of these stations were not planned for western Shawnee. In his statements he intimated but didn't say that it would be folks in that part of town that were more likely to spend the money for an electric vehicle. The KCP&L representative said that since Westar Energy handled most of western Shawnee, that that would be up to them. Hmmmm, doesn't he know who his electric provider is?
Anyway, another comment by Vaught was interesting. From the article: "Vaught said putting the charging stations at public facilities also gives the city the option of purchasing some electric vehicles in the future." Since most of these vehicles only get 60-80 miles on a full charge I'm wondering how many vehicles the city would obtain? How effective are they? My question is why, if the cost of these vehicles is such that there are a limited number of folks who can afford them, should the city absorb the first two years of the charging station costs?
My thoughts: If ya can afford one of these cars, you can afford to pay for the electricity and you need to be happy that more charging stations are being installed. The council IMHO should approve the installation of these units, but not absorb two years worth of electrical costs.
DTJVSD
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
New Ward IV Council Member Selected
At the special council meeting last night Brandon Kenig was selected as the Ward IV council member to serve the unexpired seat of newly elected mayor Michelle Distler. The position will come up for election April 2017.
His background is in information technology and he has served on the city's planning commission.
There is now a position open on the city's planning commission. To apply for the position submit a letter of interest, with a resumé, indicating that you are interested in the open planning commission position, to:
Mayor’s Office - Shawnee City Hall
11110 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66203
His background is in information technology and he has served on the city's planning commission.
There is now a position open on the city's planning commission. To apply for the position submit a letter of interest, with a resumé, indicating that you are interested in the open planning commission position, to:
Mayor’s Office - Shawnee City Hall
11110 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66203
Friday, May 08, 2015
Date & Time for Special Council Meeting-Ward IV Vacancy
The special council meeting will be Monday, 5/11/15 at 6:30PM at City Hall
Copies of the resumés for the individuals who have applied for the position are available on line by clicking here
Copies of the resumés for the individuals who have applied for the position are available on line by clicking here
Wednesday, May 06, 2015
Filling the Ward IV Vacancy
On Monday My 11, 2015 the City Council will hold a special meeting prior to the regular meeting to choose an individual to fill the vacant Ward IV position.
The agenda for that meeting will be posted on the city's web site on Thursday 5/7/15 usually at the end of the day at http://www.cityofshawnee.org Please check that posting for the meeting time.
Rather than wait until tomorrow to read the resumés for free, I've been paying for the copies as they were filed as I wanted to review them as soon as possible. As a Ward IV resident I have a particular interest in this appointment.
So, what did I learn? I leaned that five individuals showed an interest in serving and filed for the position. I commend them for that.
Now, let's cut to the chase. Of the five applicants, the one that stands out most in my mind as being the best suited for the position, IMHO, is Douglas Hill. He has been employed by GM for over 30 years and has had increasing positions of responsibility during that period of time. Currently he is responsible for an element of their business with a $110 million annual budget, a three shift operation, and has had administrative responsibility for local and national collective bargaining agreements. He would be my first choice.
When the information is posted tomorrow you will be able to view all the resumés.
The agenda for that meeting will be posted on the city's web site on Thursday 5/7/15 usually at the end of the day at http://www.cityofshawnee.org Please check that posting for the meeting time.
Rather than wait until tomorrow to read the resumés for free, I've been paying for the copies as they were filed as I wanted to review them as soon as possible. As a Ward IV resident I have a particular interest in this appointment.
So, what did I learn? I leaned that five individuals showed an interest in serving and filed for the position. I commend them for that.
Now, let's cut to the chase. Of the five applicants, the one that stands out most in my mind as being the best suited for the position, IMHO, is Douglas Hill. He has been employed by GM for over 30 years and has had increasing positions of responsibility during that period of time. Currently he is responsible for an element of their business with a $110 million annual budget, a three shift operation, and has had administrative responsibility for local and national collective bargaining agreements. He would be my first choice.
When the information is posted tomorrow you will be able to view all the resumés.
Friday, May 01, 2015
Where is Your Money Going?
Over the years I have heard many folks ask "Why is the city spending money on xyz?" or "Why doesn't the city spend money on abc?"
Then I ask those folks "have you ever attended a council budget session?" And they look at me like I was being ridiculous. The "city's money" is really your money. Why not sit in on some of these sessions and see and hear what is happening with your money. You have a right to do that. Heck, you have an obligation to do that. You also have a right to contact your council members and voice your opinion(s). Do it!!!!!
This year the first budget session will be Tuesday, 5/5/15 at the council committee meeting, scheduled for 7PM, which is following a special call meeting of the city council at 6:30PM the same night.
For a complete schedule of the budget meetings this year please click here.
Then I ask those folks "have you ever attended a council budget session?" And they look at me like I was being ridiculous. The "city's money" is really your money. Why not sit in on some of these sessions and see and hear what is happening with your money. You have a right to do that. Heck, you have an obligation to do that. You also have a right to contact your council members and voice your opinion(s). Do it!!!!!
This year the first budget session will be Tuesday, 5/5/15 at the council committee meeting, scheduled for 7PM, which is following a special call meeting of the city council at 6:30PM the same night.
For a complete schedule of the budget meetings this year please click here.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Vaught Proves Again He Does NOT Believe in Open Government
Council member Jeff Vaught once again has proven he doesn't rreally believe in open government.
At the 4/13/15 council meeting an item came up and he recused himself from the discussion and then abstained from voting. That happens, and it's usually when a member has an interest (usually financial) in the outcome.
So, based on that I sent him an email:
At the 4/13/15 council meeting an item came up and he recused himself from the discussion and then abstained from voting. That happens, and it's usually when a member has an interest (usually financial) in the outcome.
So, based on that I sent him an email:
At the recent council meeting when that item came up you
recused yourself from the discussion and then abstained from voting.
Those are the proper actions to take when one has a personal
interest in the item being discussed/voted on.
Please provide me with the nature of the interest that you
have that required your recusal and then abstention.
Thank you
Needless to say he doesn't answer. So, guess he doesn't believe in full disclosure, nor in responding to citizen inquiries.
<><><><><><><>
Sidebar: At this evening's council session I came up with a proposal regarding the Deffenbaugh Impact fees and road repairs. Used my 5 minutes. Guess what happened? Instead of questioning my reasoning at that time, which would have allowed me an additional 5 minutes to respond, Vaught waited until the end of the meeting during miscellaneous council items to voice his comments. Knowing full well that I could not, under meeting policy, get up to answer. When I was in the military (something he never did) we'd call that a chicken s*^t move.
DTJVSD
DTJVSD
Friday, April 24, 2015
Another Applicant for the Open Ward IV Council Seat
Another individual has applied to fill the open council seat in Ward IV.
Douglas Hill
6935 Bell Road
Shawnee, KS 66217
(913) 248-0401
The final day for filing is Wed, 5/6/15. The council will interview the applicants at a special meeting to be held prior to the regular council meeting on Monday 5/11/15.
For more info go here.
Douglas Hill
6935 Bell Road
Shawnee, KS 66217
(913) 248-0401
The final day for filing is Wed, 5/6/15. The council will interview the applicants at a special meeting to be held prior to the regular council meeting on Monday 5/11/15.
For more info go here.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Ward IV Vacancy - Need More Applicants
So far only two folks have applied for the open position in Ward IV created when Michelle Distler was elected mayor.
The city's web site lists these two individuals as having applied and provides info on how to apply: click here to view
The city's web site lists these two individuals as having applied and provides info on how to apply: click here to view
- Christine "Chris" Loomis-Nay
6745 Vahalla Ct.
Shawnee, KS 66217
(913) 962-9119
Brandon Kenig
13502 W 72nd St.
Shawnee, KS 66216
(913) 548-3297 66216
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Ward IV Vacancy - Applications Being Accepted
With the election of Michelle Distler as mayor there is now a vacancy in Ward IV for a member of the council.
Applications are being accepted up until 5/6/15. There will be a special council meeting, prior to the regular council meeting on 5/11/15 to make the selection. For information on what documentation is required please visit the city's web site at this location http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwNews/779CD50C9E2AA8CA86257BD400666DE0?OpenDocument
If a selection is not made within 60 days of the vacancy occurring then the matter goes to a special election.
Applications are being accepted up until 5/6/15. There will be a special council meeting, prior to the regular council meeting on 5/11/15 to make the selection. For information on what documentation is required please visit the city's web site at this location http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwNews/779CD50C9E2AA8CA86257BD400666DE0?OpenDocument
If a selection is not made within 60 days of the vacancy occurring then the matter goes to a special election.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Ward III - Most Apathetic in Shawnee
Well, it looks like Ward III in Shawnee is the most apathetic in the city when it comes to participating in local elections. Now, I'm sure this statement of mine will ruffle some feathers. Too bad. The election results prove it.
First let us look at Shawnee overall in the most recent election:
Registered voters 40,682 Voted 5,780 14.21% (overall this is not good)
Now we will break it down by ward. The first figure is the number of registered voters, the second figure is the number who voted and then the percentage.
Ward I 10,718 1,821 16.99%
Ward II 9,518 1,446 15.19%
Ward III 10,499 1,241 11.82%
Ward IV 9,947 1,272 12.79%
Did you notice another interesting item? Both Wards II & IV have fewer registered voters than Ward III. But, not only did they have higher percentage turnouts, they also had higher actual turnouts.
First let us look at Shawnee overall in the most recent election:
Registered voters 40,682 Voted 5,780 14.21% (overall this is not good)
Now we will break it down by ward. The first figure is the number of registered voters, the second figure is the number who voted and then the percentage.
Ward I 10,718 1,821 16.99%
Ward II 9,518 1,446 15.19%
Ward III 10,499 1,241 11.82%
Ward IV 9,947 1,272 12.79%
Did you notice another interesting item? Both Wards II & IV have fewer registered voters than Ward III. But, not only did they have higher percentage turnouts, they also had higher actual turnouts.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Michelle Distler's Swearing In- Vid Clip
Last night Michelle Distler took the oath of office as Shawnee's first female mayor. A new era is beginning at Shawnee's city hall.
We witnessed a subtle, but very important change last night. In the past when an item came up before the council a motion would be made and seconded to approve. Then discussion and input from the public and council would be asked for. After that, the motion would either be changed or voted on. Mayor Distler now asks for comments from the public and the council before entertaining any motions on an item. This should give the council opportunities to hear various points on an item prior to making any motions.
We witnessed a subtle, but very important change last night. In the past when an item came up before the council a motion would be made and seconded to approve. Then discussion and input from the public and council would be asked for. After that, the motion would either be changed or voted on. Mayor Distler now asks for comments from the public and the council before entertaining any motions on an item. This should give the council opportunities to hear various points on an item prior to making any motions.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
The New City Council
After Monday's swearing in ceremony the Shawnee City Council will be short one person as our soon to be new mayor, Michelle Distler will be vacating her Ward IV council seat.
Look for the announcement to be made as to the procedure for filing to fill the seat and how the appointment will be handled.
One qualification that is mandatory is that the individual has to live within the boundaries of Ward IV. A map of the city's wards and then each ward individually can be found here: https://gis.cityofshawnee.org/GISImages/PDF_Maps/WARDS.pdf
Look for the announcement to be made as to the procedure for filing to fill the seat and how the appointment will be handled.
One qualification that is mandatory is that the individual has to live within the boundaries of Ward IV. A map of the city's wards and then each ward individually can be found here: https://gis.cityofshawnee.org/GISImages/PDF_Maps/WARDS.pdf
Friday, April 10, 2015
Come See History Being Made
History will be made Monday evening 4/13/15 when Michelle Distler takes the oath of office as Mayor of Shawnee, the first female mayor in the city's long history.
The meeting starts at 7:30PM at City Hall 11110 Johnson Drive (Johnson & Nieman). Newly elected Council Member Eric Jenkins will also be sworn in along with returning Council Members Stephanie Meyer, Jim Neighbor and Mickey Sandifer.
Come witness history being made.
The meeting starts at 7:30PM at City Hall 11110 Johnson Drive (Johnson & Nieman). Newly elected Council Member Eric Jenkins will also be sworn in along with returning Council Members Stephanie Meyer, Jim Neighbor and Mickey Sandifer.
Come witness history being made.
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Shawnee Has A New Mayor
The unofficial final results are in and it looks like Michelle Distler will be Shawnee's new mayor. And, she will also become the first woman to be elected to that position.
After the primary election many people commented on the high road that both Michelle Distler and her opponent Dan Pflumm took towards each other.This will prove beneficial to the city as Dan Pflumm still retains his council seat. They both deserve to be congratulated for their hard work in getting their messages out, and in the manner that they conducted their campaigns
In Ward I Jim Neighbor was able to hold on to his seat and fend off first time challenger Ben Terrill. Don't count Ben out. Look for him to be involved in city happenings going forward.
In Ward II Eric Jenkins defeated the incumbent Neal Sawyer. Eric will bring some well deserved freshness to the council.
Stephanie Meyer, running unopposed in Ward III will be serving a full term, and Mickey Sandifer, also running unopposed, in Ward IV will be returned to his seat. But, there were 34 write-in votes in Ward IV :-) :-)
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.
After the primary election many people commented on the high road that both Michelle Distler and her opponent Dan Pflumm took towards each other.This will prove beneficial to the city as Dan Pflumm still retains his council seat. They both deserve to be congratulated for their hard work in getting their messages out, and in the manner that they conducted their campaigns
In Ward I Jim Neighbor was able to hold on to his seat and fend off first time challenger Ben Terrill. Don't count Ben out. Look for him to be involved in city happenings going forward.
In Ward II Eric Jenkins defeated the incumbent Neal Sawyer. Eric will bring some well deserved freshness to the council.
Stephanie Meyer, running unopposed in Ward III will be serving a full term, and Mickey Sandifer, also running unopposed, in Ward IV will be returned to his seat. But, there were 34 write-in votes in Ward IV :-) :-)
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.
His Ego Won't Let Go
Like a scorned lover, it would appear that Jeff "The Arrogant One" Vaught can't seem to accept that he was bounced out of the primary election for mayor on March 3, 2015. Today it is five weeks since the voters told him he was out of contention for mayor.
Why do I say he can't accept it? Easy, his "Mayor" Facebook page is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His "Mayor" web site is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His monument sign on Nieman Road has not been changed out, back to a commercial one, and I have been told (unverified) that he still has some yard signs out there, particularly in Ward III.
It's time to let go.............you lost...........
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.
Why do I say he can't accept it? Easy, his "Mayor" Facebook page is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His "Mayor" web site is still up, even though he has another one as a council member. His monument sign on Nieman Road has not been changed out, back to a commercial one, and I have been told (unverified) that he still has some yard signs out there, particularly in Ward III.
It's time to let go.............you lost...........
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Sidebar: A big thank you to all those who have been visiting this blog from outside of Kansas. I hope you have found it interesting and will continue to check it out. A particular thank you to whoever has been visiting from Mansfield, Massachusetts. Our form of government out here is different than your Selectmen/Town Manager/Town Moderator style :-) :-)
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.
DTJVSD
Sunday, April 05, 2015
Two Days to Go
Two days to go before the election.
Let's keep it simple:
For Mayor: Michelle Distler
Ward I Councilmember: Ben Terrill
Ward II Councilmember: Eric Jenkins
Ward IV Councilmember: Write in my name, your name, the name of any resident of Ward IV as a statement to Mickey Sandifer
I have been asked why the sudden move for a write-in campaign against Mickey Sandifer. Scroll down (posted 3/19/15) and you'll see my comments about the recent NLC conference in Washington DC. Apparently the city manager thought the highlight was sitting seven rows back to hear Obama. When challenged about this, by email, Mickey Sandifer replied:
"I would say a highlight was when we received some very good information about the quiet zones in western Shawnee from the Senators and it appeared that they were going to help up us try to achieve that goal. And their were many other ideas of cost saving things that I was able to listen to from other Cities around the country."
When asked to be more specific about the cost savings ideas, he wanted to talk about it. He was asked to put that info in writing. He wouldn't. Typical. By talking he could deny that he said certain things or that the listener misunderstood. By putting the items in writing he could be held accountable. He was also asked to provide that info before he had time to have someone else write it for him.
I realize a write-in won't stop him from getting reelected, as he is running unopposed. But, whatever number of people do write-in, it might make a statement.
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.
Let's keep it simple:
For Mayor: Michelle Distler
Ward I Councilmember: Ben Terrill
Ward II Councilmember: Eric Jenkins
Ward IV Councilmember: Write in my name, your name, the name of any resident of Ward IV as a statement to Mickey Sandifer
******************************
I have been asked why the sudden move for a write-in campaign against Mickey Sandifer. Scroll down (posted 3/19/15) and you'll see my comments about the recent NLC conference in Washington DC. Apparently the city manager thought the highlight was sitting seven rows back to hear Obama. When challenged about this, by email, Mickey Sandifer replied:
"I would say a highlight was when we received some very good information about the quiet zones in western Shawnee from the Senators and it appeared that they were going to help up us try to achieve that goal. And their were many other ideas of cost saving things that I was able to listen to from other Cities around the country."
When asked to be more specific about the cost savings ideas, he wanted to talk about it. He was asked to put that info in writing. He wouldn't. Typical. By talking he could deny that he said certain things or that the listener misunderstood. By putting the items in writing he could be held accountable. He was also asked to provide that info before he had time to have someone else write it for him.
I realize a write-in won't stop him from getting reelected, as he is running unopposed. But, whatever number of people do write-in, it might make a statement.
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.
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
Mayor Meyers Fails to Properly Inform
Unbelievable. In his third rant about the proposed change in dates of city elections, even Mayor Jeff Meyers holds back on important info.
On the city's web site and in an email sent out to the city's listserv addresses the mayor fails to mention that the current proposal calls for city offices to be listed at the top of the ballot. That would be ahead of any "biggies", like president, governor, etc. Gee, will his latest also show up in the Shawnee Dispatch?
Why is the mayor so vehemently opposed to November elections? Spring elections for city offices usually only draw about 10% of registered voters. Fall elections usually draw 50%-70%. Don't we want more participation in city elections?
But I guess city officials don't disseminate bad or misleading information, only bloggers do that. 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.
On the city's web site and in an email sent out to the city's listserv addresses the mayor fails to mention that the current proposal calls for city offices to be listed at the top of the ballot. That would be ahead of any "biggies", like president, governor, etc. Gee, will his latest also show up in the Shawnee Dispatch?
Why is the mayor so vehemently opposed to November elections? Spring elections for city offices usually only draw about 10% of registered voters. Fall elections usually draw 50%-70%. Don't we want more participation in city elections?
But I guess city officials don't disseminate bad or misleading information, only bloggers do that. 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.
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