We are not talking about your throat for a doctor to check for an infection. We are talking about your wallets. Yepper, it's coming. What is it? Tax increases.
Let's start with this article regarding a Sept. 17, 2013 council committee meeting in the Shawnee Dispatch. Please read it, along with the other links posted here. I will have some additional comments at the end of this post.
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2013/sep/18/kendall-higher-taxes-coming-soon-shawnee/
Back in April, City Manger Gonzales was so happy about not having to raise taxes for the 2014 budget. Notice though how she doesn't really mention what is in store for 2015 and beyond. Didn't she see it coming? Was the info not being given to the citizens of Shawnee? Was she purposely omitting that. Don't believe me? Please read this article: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2013/apr/23/city-manager-2014-budget-wont-require-tax-increase/
Then the City of Olathe indicated that they would be looking at tax increases. No kidding, and I wondered if the same would be happening to Shawnee. That can be read here:
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2013/07/will-shawnee-follow-olathe.html#links
And then , wonder of wonders, Mayor Jeff Meyers plants the seed for a tax increase.
http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2013/07/is-mayor-planting-seed-for-tax-increases.html#links
Now, the Sept 17th committee meeting was one of the few I have missed. I haven't seen the minutes , as they are not posted yet, but it is my understanding that one of the council members (from Ward III, Vaught) had indicated something to the effect that if there was a tax increase then funds normally allocated for street repairs should go to other areas.
Whoooops. If we need a tax increase for street repairs, then let's also keep any "normal" allocations for that purpose. And, let's cut out the nonsense with the $3 million that we get from Deffenbaugh and apply all of it to infrastructure updates/maintenance. This as opposed to the current plan of 50/50 with streets and eco development. That could reduce the tax increases and maybe allow for them to have a specific end date, or project to revert back after a certain time frame.
As I said above, "Shawnee, Open Wide and say Ahhhhhhh"
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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Saturday, September 28, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
KC Star Comments on Council Selection Process
Last week, the KC Star ran a story about the upcoming selection process to fill the soon to be vacant Ward III seat.
I think it's a pretty interesting story, especially since it's not from anyone with an interest in the outcome.
Read it here at http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/17/4488440/questions-resurface-as-shawnee.html
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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I think it's a pretty interesting story, especially since it's not from anyone with an interest in the outcome.
Read it here at http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/17/4488440/questions-resurface-as-shawnee.html
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Why Do We Get Inflated New Job Projections?
In the past couple of months we have been given, what I feel, are inflated job projection numbers for two development projects. This is usually done when the city council has to look and vote on various financial packages for the developments.
Holiday Inn Express
The city council was told that this 112 room, mid-priced, limited service hotel would generate 70 new employees. One of the council members, Michelle Distler questioned this figure, for various reasons. Her figure of approximately 25 employees makes more sense.
Those of us who have either stayed at, or done business with these types of hotels know that the figure of approximately 25 employees makes more sense. Let's break it down.
Maintenance: 2, if they are lucky 3
Housekeeping: 8-10
Front end: 8-10 This would include a GM, ass't GM, front desk clerks during the day and a night clerk/auditor. Unless they have a large number of meeting rooms (which they usually don't) the GM or the assistant would also function as sales manager. Keeping in mind their function would be to get businesses to have folks stay there and use the meeting rooms. With no kitchen, all food would be catered in. Morning continental breakfasts would be handled by one of the front desk personnel.
Do we need this hotel? Yes Would 25 new jobs benefit the city? Yes Do we need the over inflated potential new job figures? No
West Link Business Park
OK, the first building is going in. It will be 170,000 sq ft. That's a nice size. The projected new jobs figure was stated as 250. Who is kidding who? We have all seen buildings like this in other business parks. They are usually subdivided into smaller units. Believe the builder even said no unit would be less than 20,000 sq ft. Where are the 250 potential new jobs coming from? You would need one heck of a manufacturing company, taking the whole building, and possibly running multiple shifts. Or, would dividing the building into smaller units, the kind we've seen elsewhere, that have warehouse space (and workers) and some front office personnel be more plausible? These types of facilities then usually employ between 5-8 people. That means we would be looking at between 40-60 new jobs. It is my understanding that the local chamber was given a presentation about this and that the dividing up of the building was a key factor. Also, look at the artist's rendition of what the building would look like at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/photos/2013/jul/02/52464/
Are there even enough parking places planned for 250 or are they planned for the subdividing of the building?
Do we need this development? Yes Would 40-50 new jobs benefit the city? Yes Do we need the over inflated potential new job figures? No
Going forward, I will have no problems in labeling over inflated potential new jobs as BS.
The city manager has expressed concern that local bloggers and local media sometimes provide bad or misinformation. Maybe, just maybe, she should look at the information that the SEDC provides to the city council when it comes to info that the council relies on to approve financial incentives.
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Holiday Inn Express
The city council was told that this 112 room, mid-priced, limited service hotel would generate 70 new employees. One of the council members, Michelle Distler questioned this figure, for various reasons. Her figure of approximately 25 employees makes more sense.
Those of us who have either stayed at, or done business with these types of hotels know that the figure of approximately 25 employees makes more sense. Let's break it down.
Maintenance: 2, if they are lucky 3
Housekeeping: 8-10
Front end: 8-10 This would include a GM, ass't GM, front desk clerks during the day and a night clerk/auditor. Unless they have a large number of meeting rooms (which they usually don't) the GM or the assistant would also function as sales manager. Keeping in mind their function would be to get businesses to have folks stay there and use the meeting rooms. With no kitchen, all food would be catered in. Morning continental breakfasts would be handled by one of the front desk personnel.
Do we need this hotel? Yes Would 25 new jobs benefit the city? Yes Do we need the over inflated potential new job figures? No
West Link Business Park
OK, the first building is going in. It will be 170,000 sq ft. That's a nice size. The projected new jobs figure was stated as 250. Who is kidding who? We have all seen buildings like this in other business parks. They are usually subdivided into smaller units. Believe the builder even said no unit would be less than 20,000 sq ft. Where are the 250 potential new jobs coming from? You would need one heck of a manufacturing company, taking the whole building, and possibly running multiple shifts. Or, would dividing the building into smaller units, the kind we've seen elsewhere, that have warehouse space (and workers) and some front office personnel be more plausible? These types of facilities then usually employ between 5-8 people. That means we would be looking at between 40-60 new jobs. It is my understanding that the local chamber was given a presentation about this and that the dividing up of the building was a key factor. Also, look at the artist's rendition of what the building would look like at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/photos/2013/jul/02/52464/
Are there even enough parking places planned for 250 or are they planned for the subdividing of the building?
Do we need this development? Yes Would 40-50 new jobs benefit the city? Yes Do we need the over inflated potential new job figures? No
Going forward, I will have no problems in labeling over inflated potential new jobs as BS.
The city manager has expressed concern that local bloggers and local media sometimes provide bad or misinformation. Maybe, just maybe, she should look at the information that the SEDC provides to the city council when it comes to info that the council relies on to approve financial incentives.
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Let's Party, Or, Are We Inivted?
A new precedent was set when Uncle Alan Willoughby's appointed term to the council ended. A bye-bye reception was held at city hall.
In an email dated August 8th from city manager Carol Gonzales to Jim Neighbor in which Dawn Kuhn's upcoming resignation was discussed it was stated by the city manager "We will probably plan a reception to thank Dawn, before the meeting on the 14th, similar to what we did for Alan."
Since this reception will probably be held in city hall, (most likely in the conference room across from the planning department), and the costs covered with city (read that as taxpayer) funds, maybe the citizens of Shawnee should also be invited. Bet there are a lot of people who would attend just to see that Kuhn really is going bye-bye, and happy about it. The council will probably be a better place when this classic harridan departs.
Keep that date in mind, Monday 10/14, probably around 6:30PM. (Correction originally shown as 8/14)
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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In an email dated August 8th from city manager Carol Gonzales to Jim Neighbor in which Dawn Kuhn's upcoming resignation was discussed it was stated by the city manager "We will probably plan a reception to thank Dawn, before the meeting on the 14th, similar to what we did for Alan."
Since this reception will probably be held in city hall, (most likely in the conference room across from the planning department), and the costs covered with city (read that as taxpayer) funds, maybe the citizens of Shawnee should also be invited. Bet there are a lot of people who would attend just to see that Kuhn really is going bye-bye, and happy about it. The council will probably be a better place when this classic harridan departs.
Keep that date in mind, Monday 10/14, probably around 6:30PM. (Correction originally shown as 8/14)
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Info on Applicants for Ward III Position
I have sent the following email to the city clerk, with copies to the governing body and the city manager:
In response to a question I sent to members of the council, part of Neal Sawyer’s is quoted below:
“I believe that we should conduct the interview process without public comment. I believe that the people that are interested in the appointment will contact the council members prior to the special meeting to let them know if they have concerns about a candidate or would like for them to support a candidate. That way the council members have time to carefully consider any citizen comments rather than hear them only minutes before a vote is cast.”
There is one minor problem with the above. Access to the information, i.e.cover letter,
resumé, and other items required to be submitted, apparently is only available
right now by KORA request.
The only individual who has applied so far (according to the city’s web site) is a Jason Sheahan, and that was a little over a week ago, and there is no link to the info.
I am suggesting the link for the applicants’ info be created within 24-48 hours of their submission. This time frame becomes important especially if individuals wait until near closing date, since the meeting will be held 6 days after the closing date. This would then allow citizens time to research the qualifications of the candidates, and submit timely comments to the members of the council as Neal Sawyer suggests.
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Monday, September 09, 2013
Neal Sawyer Responds
Reference is made to the previous post concerning who did or did not respond to my question concerning public input for the upcoming special council meeting (10/28/13). Councilmember Neal Sawyer responded last night:
Neal Sawyer, Ward II
7/9/2012 Ward 2 Mayor Meyers Willoughby was appointed No Public Comment
I believe that we should conduct the interview process without public comment. I believe that the people that are interested in the appointment will contact the council members prior to the special meeting to let them know if they have concerns about a candidate or would like for them to support a candidate. That way the council members have time to carefully consider any citizen comments rather than hear them only minutes before a vote is cast.
My comments about the above: City government is not as large as county or state and is closer to the people. As such, I'll disagree with Neal, and feel the comments of the people should be live and on the record.
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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Neal Sawyer, Ward II
At the state and county levels of grovernment when someone resigns
or leaves their office, the precinct committee people of the party have a
meeting to pick the successor. Those meetings can only be attended
by precinct committee people of that district and the only opportunity
for a citizen to make comments is to find out who their precinct
committee people are before the meeting and talk with them.
I went back and looked at other appointments that have been made
since 1998 and if commits were taken. Please see below.
7/8/1998 Ward 2 Mayor
Allen
Roche was
appointed No
Public Comment
1/14/2002 Ward 2 Mayor
Allen
Sawyer was
appointed No
Public Comment
5/4/2004 Ward 3 Mayor
Meyers Novosel was
appointed Public
Comment
2/7/2005 Ward 4 Mayor
Meyers Tubbesing
was appointed No
Public Comment
5/10/2012 Ward
3 Mayor
Meyers
Neighbor was
appointed Public
Comment7/9/2012 Ward 2 Mayor Meyers Willoughby was appointed No Public Comment
I believe that we should conduct the interview process without public comment. I believe that the people that are interested in the appointment will contact the council members prior to the special meeting to let them know if they have concerns about a candidate or would like for them to support a candidate. That way the council members have time to carefully consider any citizen comments rather than hear them only minutes before a vote is cast.
My comments about the above: City government is not as large as county or state and is closer to the people. As such, I'll disagree with Neal, and feel the comments of the people should be live and on the record.
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.
If you would like to comment about this post, or any other post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Which Council Members Support Citizen Input?
On October 28th, 2013 seven members of the city council will select an individual to replace Dawn Kuhn who has resigned effective October 14th, 2013.
Based on information contained on the city's web site, it did not appear that there was going to be time allocated for citizen input at that meeting. On August 28th I inquired of Mayor Jeff Meyers if public input would be permitted. The mayor responded that no public input would be permitted at that meeting. Full texts of both emails can be seen by scrolling down here.
So, last weekend I emailed the seven council members with the following:
In reply to a question about the upcoming meeting of 10/28/13 to select a replacement for Councilmember Kuhn, Mayor Jeff Meyers has said there will be no public input permitted.
Do you agree or disagree with the Mayor regarding public input at that meeting?
Thank you,
Here are the replies (and also a list of those who did not reply)
Dan Pflumm, Ward I
I disagree with the Mayor I believe the City of Shawnee should encourage public input, especially after what has transpired in previous appointments.
Mike Kemmling, Ward II
Disagree. I will be sending him an email expressing my opinion. Thanks for being pro-active in this.
Michelle Distler, Ward IV
We are not autonomous. Any decision that impacts the citizenry should involve them and allow for input.
The above three council members apparently believe that the citizens of Shawnee deserve a say at that meeting.
Mickey Sandifer, Ward IV
As the Mayor and I do not always agree on issues. I have asked in the past if the Council had a say in how the City Council meeting was operating. I was told that the Mayor makes the decisions on whether or not someone can address the Council. In this case I do not agree, although I do respect the office of the Mayor I will not challenge the Mayors authority
Looks like Mickey's answer is a breakfast food, a waffle. He was elected to represent the people, not the mayor.
The following three council members have NOT replied: Jim Neighbor, Ward I, Neal Sawyer, Ward II and Jeff Vaught, Ward III.
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Wednesday, September 04, 2013
The Oracle Speaks About Ward Three
The Oracle of Shawnee is located at Gum Springs Park. Unfortunately it is not as historically rich as the Oracle at Delphi that the ancient Greeks had.
Well, I visited the Oracle of Shawnee and inquired as to whom the Oracle feels will fill the soon to be vacated council seat of Dawn Kuhn.
The Oracle responded:
From the west of Shawnee
In the Land of Three
From the House of Meyer, a woman, known as Stephanie.
There you have it folks. The Oracle's prediction.
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. If you would like to comment about this post, or any othr post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
Well, I visited the Oracle of Shawnee and inquired as to whom the Oracle feels will fill the soon to be vacated council seat of Dawn Kuhn.
The Oracle responded:
From the west of Shawnee
In the Land of Three
From the House of Meyer, a woman, known as Stephanie.
There you have it folks. The Oracle's prediction.
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. If you would like to comment about this post, or any othr post on this blog, or about anything, please go to http://www.shawneeray.proboards.com
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