The following is from the City's website: http://www.cityofshawnee.org/WEB/ShawneeCMS.nsf/vwContent/ShawneeSalutesOurVeterans?OpenDocument
Celebrate Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11th at the
Shawnee Veterans’ Memorial Park, Johnson Drive and Pflumm at 4:00 p.m. The City
of Shawnee, along with VFW Post 10552, American Legion #327, Knights of
Columbus, Civil Air Patrol – Kansas City Composite Squadron #034 and the Sons of
the American Revolution - Monticello Chapter invite you to join them in honoring
all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.
Richard Soetaert, VFW All State Commander,
will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Jim Allen, Johnson County Commissioner and
former Shawnee Mayor will present the keynote address. This year’s ceremony will
be dedicated to the men and women who served in the Vietnam
War.
Refreshments will be served
compliments of the Sweet Life and a reception will follow at Johnny’s Tavern
following the ceremony. For more information call 631-5200.
I hope we have a good crowd.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Vote Nov 6, 2012
My choices:
State Reps:
18 John Rubin
39 Charles Macheers
23 Kelly Meigs
17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
21 Greg Smith
State Board of Education:
2 Steve Roberts
Pres & VP:
Romney & Ryan
State Reps:
18 John Rubin
39 Charles Macheers
23 Kelly Meigs
17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
21 Greg Smith
State Board of Education:
2 Steve Roberts
Pres & VP:
Romney & Ryan
Saturday, October 27, 2012
More Media Updates on KOMA Investigation
As many may already be aware, the JoCo District Attorney, Steve Howe has been conducting an investigation into a possible KOMA (Kansas Open Meetings Act) violation by the City of Shawnee.
Additionally, his office recently conducted a class regarding KOMA.
Two recent articles, one from the Shawnee Dispatch and one from the Kansas City Star have much useful information.
Dispatch: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/oct/24/da-says-decision-shawnee-open-meetings-case-due-so/
Star: http://joco913.com/news/getting-the-word-out-on-open-meetings/
Additionally, his office recently conducted a class regarding KOMA.
Two recent articles, one from the Shawnee Dispatch and one from the Kansas City Star have much useful information.
Dispatch: http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/oct/24/da-says-decision-shawnee-open-meetings-case-due-so/
Star: http://joco913.com/news/getting-the-word-out-on-open-meetings/
Friday, October 26, 2012
Shawnee is Number 1
Contrary to popular belief, and the mindless comments of certain council members, I am thrilled when Shawnee does something that leads other local cities.
I know our city manger loves to compare Shawnee to other cities. Well here is a comparison, that shows we are number 1..................in the number of folks going to Boston for the National League of Cities event 11/28-12/1/12 (see my post immediately below this one).
Shawnee 8
Lenexa 6
Olathe 5
Overland Park 2
Merriam 2
Mission 1
Congratulations, for being willing to waste taxpayer's money. Some of those going had voiced objections (money) to going back to detailed meeting minutes. And yet, they can be willing to spend money on something like this. And some, who finally voted to give us back our detailed minutes still made snotty comments about the city spending the money.
Based on previous expense reports that I obtained, I'm going to guesstimate that this little soirée will run between $16K-$18K. I'm also going to guesstimate that Mickey "Traveling Man" Sandifer spends the most.
The two good things are that Councilmembers Pflumm and Distler are more concerned about saving the taxpayers' money and are not going. But the others....................wellllllll..........party hearty.
Sidebar: I wonder how many are going to hang around Boston after the convention for an extended vacation. Kind of like how Kuhn stayed extra days in Vegas.................
I know our city manger loves to compare Shawnee to other cities. Well here is a comparison, that shows we are number 1..................in the number of folks going to Boston for the National League of Cities event 11/28-12/1/12 (see my post immediately below this one).
Shawnee 8
Lenexa 6
Olathe 5
Overland Park 2
Merriam 2
Mission 1
Congratulations, for being willing to waste taxpayer's money. Some of those going had voiced objections (money) to going back to detailed meeting minutes. And yet, they can be willing to spend money on something like this. And some, who finally voted to give us back our detailed minutes still made snotty comments about the city spending the money.
Based on previous expense reports that I obtained, I'm going to guesstimate that this little soirée will run between $16K-$18K. I'm also going to guesstimate that Mickey "Traveling Man" Sandifer spends the most.
The two good things are that Councilmembers Pflumm and Distler are more concerned about saving the taxpayers' money and are not going. But the others....................wellllllll..........party hearty.
Sidebar: I wonder how many are going to hang around Boston after the convention for an extended vacation. Kind of like how Kuhn stayed extra days in Vegas.................
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
From Shawnee to Boston
The National League of Cities is holding their Congress of Cities and Exposition Nov 28-Dec 1, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Long time readers of this blog know that I have in the past been critical when we sent large delegations to these meetings. It has been my opinion that the most number of people we need to send to NLC conferences is four (Mayor, City Manager and 2 Council Members).
For awhile, that is what was happening. The city reduced the number of participants to these NLC conferences to four.
Now, that is changing. Even though Council is supposed to announce who is taking these trips in advance they very seldom do. At least not without some prodding.
Last week I obtained the list of those who are planning on attending:
Mayor Jeff Meyers
Jim Neighbor Ward I
Alan Willoughby Ward II
Neal Sawyer Ward II
Dawn Kuhn Ward III
Jeff Vaught Ward III
Mickey Sandifer Ward IV
Carol Gonzales City Manager
The city manager did confirm that tentative travel and hotel arrangements have been made for those listed above.
Eight folks going!!!!! Unbelievable. The only two not going are Dan Pflumm, Ward I and Michelle Distler, Ward IV. Happy to see that they care enough not to add to this waste.
Four people would be sufficient. They could come back and educate the others, and the city. As a matter of fact, there was an effort to have the attendees write a synopsis of these meetings, and publish them on the city's web site. To the best of my memory, that was only done once.
Sidebar: A cup of coffee says that Mickey Sandifer spends the most for this trip. In the past, his schedule has usually shown him to arrive before the others and leave after them, resulting in more hotel nights and per diem expenses.
Long time readers of this blog know that I have in the past been critical when we sent large delegations to these meetings. It has been my opinion that the most number of people we need to send to NLC conferences is four (Mayor, City Manager and 2 Council Members).
For awhile, that is what was happening. The city reduced the number of participants to these NLC conferences to four.
Now, that is changing. Even though Council is supposed to announce who is taking these trips in advance they very seldom do. At least not without some prodding.
Last week I obtained the list of those who are planning on attending:
Mayor Jeff Meyers
Jim Neighbor Ward I
Alan Willoughby Ward II
Neal Sawyer Ward II
Dawn Kuhn Ward III
Jeff Vaught Ward III
Mickey Sandifer Ward IV
Carol Gonzales City Manager
The city manager did confirm that tentative travel and hotel arrangements have been made for those listed above.
Eight folks going!!!!! Unbelievable. The only two not going are Dan Pflumm, Ward I and Michelle Distler, Ward IV. Happy to see that they care enough not to add to this waste.
Four people would be sufficient. They could come back and educate the others, and the city. As a matter of fact, there was an effort to have the attendees write a synopsis of these meetings, and publish them on the city's web site. To the best of my memory, that was only done once.
Sidebar: A cup of coffee says that Mickey Sandifer spends the most for this trip. In the past, his schedule has usually shown him to arrive before the others and leave after them, resulting in more hotel nights and per diem expenses.
Monday, October 22, 2012
State Senate & Board of Education
Remember, election day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My preferences:
State Senate, Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
For State Board of Education, Dist 2: Steve Roberts
My preferences:
State Senate, Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
For State Board of Education, Dist 2: Steve Roberts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Can Coincidences Be Created?
To fully understand this, one must read the blog post "Sheddidng Light on Sunshine Review" from 9/14/12 http://www.shawneeray.blogspot.com/2012/09/shedding-light-on-sunshine-review.html#links
Basically we know that on 9/10/12 the city council was to vote on returning the method of recording meeting minutes back to full minutes. One of the arguments for this was that the "action minutes" which were being used were less than transparent. Fortunately the council voted to go back to the older detailed format.
Earlier that day the Sunshine Review gave the city an A+ rating for transparency. As mentioned in the blog post, the info from their web site indicates that their ratings are based on info on the city's web site. Such as, are there links on the city's site to various sites? If yes, they consider that tranparency. In the case of the meeting minutes, they don't rate the transparency of the minutes style, rather just that they are there.
Something was strange, since the last review by that organization was on Friday, 9/7/12.
So I contacted Sunshine Review and apparently the city had requested the review.
A KORA request indicates that starting Tue, 9/4/12 there was a group of emails back and forth between the city and Sunshine Review. Information was exchanged as to what it would take to raise the city's previous rating from a B. On 9/6/12 the rating was changed to an A- and the Sunshine Review was prepared to issue a press release to that effect. They were asked to hold off while the city made some more adjustments to its website, and finally the city came up with the A+ rating.
After having a B rating for quite some time, it's just wonderful that the city put on a massive drive to raise the rating of the web site. And yes, it's just coincidence that all of this occurred within 6 days (4 if you eliminate Sat & Sun) before the action on the meeting minutes change.
Basically we know that on 9/10/12 the city council was to vote on returning the method of recording meeting minutes back to full minutes. One of the arguments for this was that the "action minutes" which were being used were less than transparent. Fortunately the council voted to go back to the older detailed format.
Earlier that day the Sunshine Review gave the city an A+ rating for transparency. As mentioned in the blog post, the info from their web site indicates that their ratings are based on info on the city's web site. Such as, are there links on the city's site to various sites? If yes, they consider that tranparency. In the case of the meeting minutes, they don't rate the transparency of the minutes style, rather just that they are there.
Something was strange, since the last review by that organization was on Friday, 9/7/12.
So I contacted Sunshine Review and apparently the city had requested the review.
A KORA request indicates that starting Tue, 9/4/12 there was a group of emails back and forth between the city and Sunshine Review. Information was exchanged as to what it would take to raise the city's previous rating from a B. On 9/6/12 the rating was changed to an A- and the Sunshine Review was prepared to issue a press release to that effect. They were asked to hold off while the city made some more adjustments to its website, and finally the city came up with the A+ rating.
After having a B rating for quite some time, it's just wonderful that the city put on a massive drive to raise the rating of the web site. And yes, it's just coincidence that all of this occurred within 6 days (4 if you eliminate Sat & Sun) before the action on the meeting minutes change.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Local Candidates for Nov 6 Election
As to be expected, most folks are focusing on the "top of the ticket", the Presidential election.
Remember though, that what happens in Topeka can have more of an effect on your life than what happens in DC.
With that in mind, I'd like to take the time to mention the following individuals as folks that I hope you will support by voting for them on Nov 6.
State Representative:
Dist 18 John Rubin
Dist 39 Charles Macheers
Dist 23 Kelly Meigs
Dist 17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
Remember though, that what happens in Topeka can have more of an effect on your life than what happens in DC.
With that in mind, I'd like to take the time to mention the following individuals as folks that I hope you will support by voting for them on Nov 6.
State Representative:
Dist 18 John Rubin
Dist 39 Charles Macheers
Dist 23 Kelly Meigs
Dist 17 Brett Hildabrand
State Senator:
Dist 10 Mary Pilcher-Cook
Friday, October 05, 2012
Shawnee Dispatch Poll
We all know that on line polls are not accurate. But they can be interesting.
Anyway, the Shawnee Dispatch is running a poll on their website at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/ (click on the link to the left and then scroll down to the lower right side of their website)
Here is the question, with the three possible answers:
Note: You must go to the Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com to take the poll. You cannot take it here.
The people have a right to know what is happening. Things aren't always rosey. When someone sees some warts, instead of criticizing them for it, take the necessary action to treat the problem.
When certain individuals say that there are items that need not come to the public's attention because it makes the city look bad, I say balderdash (actaully I say something else but trying to keep this post family oriented). They are not worried about how the city looks, they are worried about how they look.
When a city grows from small farming town to a component of a major metro area it needs to realize that local media has a responsibility to keep the citizens informed about all aspects of what is happening. Then the citizens can praise the positives and work to reduce the negatives.
Go to the Dispatch and take the poll................what the heck...................
Anyway, the Shawnee Dispatch is running a poll on their website at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/ (click on the link to the left and then scroll down to the lower right side of their website)
Here is the question, with the three possible answers:
Note: You must go to the Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com to take the poll. You cannot take it here.
A few people have criticized The Dispatch recently for covering “negative” news regarding local government. What do you believe is the role of a community newspaper?
My opinion is that a local newspaper is supposed to write about "the good, the bad and the ugly". Unfortunately the two previous local reporters seemed to be extensions of city hall's PR department, and shied away from anything bordering on the controversial. It seemed like the paper may have at one time been a tool of certain senior officials of the city.
The people have a right to know what is happening. Things aren't always rosey. When someone sees some warts, instead of criticizing them for it, take the necessary action to treat the problem.
When certain individuals say that there are items that need not come to the public's attention because it makes the city look bad, I say balderdash (actaully I say something else but trying to keep this post family oriented). They are not worried about how the city looks, they are worried about how they look.
When a city grows from small farming town to a component of a major metro area it needs to realize that local media has a responsibility to keep the citizens informed about all aspects of what is happening. Then the citizens can praise the positives and work to reduce the negatives.
Go to the Dispatch and take the poll................what the heck...................
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Training for Kansas Open Meetings Act
Interesting article in the KC Star
http://joco913.com/news/officials-to-be-schooled-in-open-meetings-law/
Apparently, according to the article, the JoCo DA is going to hold a training class regarding the Kansas Open Meetings Act.
This has been prompted by an increase in complaints regarding possible violations of the act. So far both Gardner and Mission have been found to have violated the act, and there is still an open investigation into whether or not Shawnee violated it.
This training session (Oct 18, 9- 11 AM) is also open to the public.
This is probably a step in the right direction. The question on my mind is with the number of folks that have been invited to attend, and the training session open, how much can be accomplished in two hours?
http://joco913.com/news/officials-to-be-schooled-in-open-meetings-law/
Apparently, according to the article, the JoCo DA is going to hold a training class regarding the Kansas Open Meetings Act.
This has been prompted by an increase in complaints regarding possible violations of the act. So far both Gardner and Mission have been found to have violated the act, and there is still an open investigation into whether or not Shawnee violated it.
This training session (Oct 18, 9- 11 AM) is also open to the public.
This is probably a step in the right direction. The question on my mind is with the number of folks that have been invited to attend, and the training session open, how much can be accomplished in two hours?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
KC Cash Mob Coming to Shawnee
The KC Cash Mob is coming to Dodge City Beef in Shawnee on Saturday, Sep 29, 2012 at 11:00AM. This is at the corner of Nieman Rd & Johnson Dr in the historic Shawnee State Bank building. The INDIOS CARBONSITOS
food truck will be parked out front selling their cooked meat.
The concept of cash mobs was started to help promote local businesses. Over 1000 people voted on Facebook for this week's selections and Dodge City Beef won.
Each "Mobber" is asked to bring $20 to spend at the chosen business and also encouraged to join in the "after mob" for celebratory Mob-tails and Mob-tini's after the successful mob.
I love it when local businesses get recognition.
The concept of cash mobs was started to help promote local businesses. Over 1000 people voted on Facebook for this week's selections and Dodge City Beef won.
Each "Mobber" is asked to bring $20 to spend at the chosen business and also encouraged to join in the "after mob" for celebratory Mob-tails and Mob-tini's after the successful mob.
I love it when local businesses get recognition.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Good Article About Tony Lauer in the Dispatch
Good article at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/news/2012/sep/26/whos-tony-lauer/
A couple of interesting items, one of which was his discovery of the over payments to JoCo Wastewater. The city manager claims to have found out about that at the end of July, but council didn't even know about it until Tony wrote about it on his blog in September. When was the city manager going to inform the council? This kind of follows some of my comments on how some members of council have abrogated their responsibilities and we have role reversal as to who works for who.
A couple of interesting items, one of which was his discovery of the over payments to JoCo Wastewater. The city manager claims to have found out about that at the end of July, but council didn't even know about it until Tony wrote about it on his blog in September. When was the city manager going to inform the council? This kind of follows some of my comments on how some members of council have abrogated their responsibilities and we have role reversal as to who works for who.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Why Can't Council Reps Answer Simple Questions?
Recently, a former city council member, David Morris derided elected officials when they revert to "government speak". I have run into this when trying to get some council reps to answer some very basic, simple questions. Instead of providing simple, direct answers, they do everything to avoid a direct answer.
Examples:
Jim Neighbor, Ward I: Still hasn't answered the question as to why he did not acknowledge in a council meeting that he had received a $500 donation from a company that is interested in a CID in Shawnee.
Dawn Kuhn, Ward III: Remember this one? She gets her salary check as Dawn White (her maiden name) but her city expense checks as Dawn Kuhn. Now, many women get paid under their maiden name. But, how many get two different checks from the same employer, using both marriage and maiden names? When asked why, she danced around it and still hasn't answered that question.
Jeff Vaught, Ward III: Ahhh yes............the council member who expects people to answer his questions, but doesn't answer theirs. When he originally ran for office he refused to comment to the Shawnee Dispatch what his education level was. That was one of about 5 or 6 basic questions they asked. You know, a resumé question. But he probably doesn't know anything about resumés, since you don't need one when you work for daddy. When I asked him, he, like Kuhn above, Tijuana Two Stepped around it. But, in this case I think I figured it out. Is it possible that he didn't want to admit that he and I share something in common? What is that you ask? Well, I freely admit that I'm a high school drop out. Is that what he is also?
Examples:
Jim Neighbor, Ward I: Still hasn't answered the question as to why he did not acknowledge in a council meeting that he had received a $500 donation from a company that is interested in a CID in Shawnee.
Dawn Kuhn, Ward III: Remember this one? She gets her salary check as Dawn White (her maiden name) but her city expense checks as Dawn Kuhn. Now, many women get paid under their maiden name. But, how many get two different checks from the same employer, using both marriage and maiden names? When asked why, she danced around it and still hasn't answered that question.
Jeff Vaught, Ward III: Ahhh yes............the council member who expects people to answer his questions, but doesn't answer theirs. When he originally ran for office he refused to comment to the Shawnee Dispatch what his education level was. That was one of about 5 or 6 basic questions they asked. You know, a resumé question. But he probably doesn't know anything about resumés, since you don't need one when you work for daddy. When I asked him, he, like Kuhn above, Tijuana Two Stepped around it. But, in this case I think I figured it out. Is it possible that he didn't want to admit that he and I share something in common? What is that you ask? Well, I freely admit that I'm a high school drop out. Is that what he is also?
Friday, September 14, 2012
Shedding Light on "Sunshine Review"
It’s really nice when the City of Shawnee receives a high rating in an area that has an effect on how people perceive our city.
Such could be the case with the recent release that “Sunshine Review” gave Shawnee an A+ rating in transparency of government.
At this past Monday’s city council meeting, I felt it necessary to menttion a few things about that rating. Basically what it was based on, so that there would be no confusion.
Today, I’d like to go into more detail. Keep in mind that on Monday the issue about returning to detail minutes of meetings was on the agenda. An item that many thought would provide more transparency to city proceedings. There were some who thought that the system that has been around for about 1 ½ years now of “less than action minutes” was sufficient. Even though those minutes basically did not do anything about explaining to folks what happened at the meetings.
OK, let’s start with the item posted Monday morning on the city’s website:
“Sunshine Review applauds Shawnee, Kansas for improving their transparency score from a ‘B‘ to an ‘A+.’ By enhancing their website and increasing access to information, Shawnee is proactively championing government openness and transparency.
Taxpayers in Shawnee should be proud that their government learned from Sunshine Review’s transparency checklist and made rapid improvements to allow more light into their government. We urge all of Kansas’ city and county governments to put the necessary resources into increasing their transparency like Shawnee has done.
Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to state and local government transparency. Sunshine Review collaborates with individuals and organizations throughout America in the cause of an informed citizenry and a transparent government. Since its inception in 2008, Sunshine Review has analyzed the websites of all 50 states and more than 6,000 state and local entities. In 2012, Sunshine Review at rated more than 1,500 websites."
What all of that means, is that in that organization’s opinion Shawnee scored high because of its website. Breaking that down, it means that Shawnee provides links on its web site to various items of information (i.e.meeting minutes, checkbook info, access info for government officials, etc.). But, what it does not do is rate the quality/transparency of those items. So, it is saying that there is transparency because there is a link to the minutes, but how good (transparent) are those minutes? That they do not rate.
Now here is something that I found interesting. If you go to the Sunshine Review page about Shawnee at http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Shawnee,_Kansas you will see this comment: “This site was evaluated on Sept. 7, 2012.” That is really interesting, as that was the Friday before the Monday (Sept. 10, 2012) that the question of the way the minutes were being done was scheduled. Wasn’t that neat that the city got that rating at that most propitious time?
Such could be the case with the recent release that “Sunshine Review” gave Shawnee an A+ rating in transparency of government.
At this past Monday’s city council meeting, I felt it necessary to menttion a few things about that rating. Basically what it was based on, so that there would be no confusion.
Today, I’d like to go into more detail. Keep in mind that on Monday the issue about returning to detail minutes of meetings was on the agenda. An item that many thought would provide more transparency to city proceedings. There were some who thought that the system that has been around for about 1 ½ years now of “less than action minutes” was sufficient. Even though those minutes basically did not do anything about explaining to folks what happened at the meetings.
OK, let’s start with the item posted Monday morning on the city’s website:
“Sunshine Review applauds Shawnee, Kansas for improving their transparency score from a ‘B‘ to an ‘A+.’ By enhancing their website and increasing access to information, Shawnee is proactively championing government openness and transparency.
Taxpayers in Shawnee should be proud that their government learned from Sunshine Review’s transparency checklist and made rapid improvements to allow more light into their government. We urge all of Kansas’ city and county governments to put the necessary resources into increasing their transparency like Shawnee has done.
Sunshine Review is a nonprofit organization dedicated to state and local government transparency. Sunshine Review collaborates with individuals and organizations throughout America in the cause of an informed citizenry and a transparent government. Since its inception in 2008, Sunshine Review has analyzed the websites of all 50 states and more than 6,000 state and local entities. In 2012, Sunshine Review at rated more than 1,500 websites."
What all of that means, is that in that organization’s opinion Shawnee scored high because of its website. Breaking that down, it means that Shawnee provides links on its web site to various items of information (i.e.meeting minutes, checkbook info, access info for government officials, etc.). But, what it does not do is rate the quality/transparency of those items. So, it is saying that there is transparency because there is a link to the minutes, but how good (transparent) are those minutes? That they do not rate.
Now here is something that I found interesting. If you go to the Sunshine Review page about Shawnee at http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Shawnee,_Kansas you will see this comment: “This site was evaluated on Sept. 7, 2012.” That is really interesting, as that was the Friday before the Monday (Sept. 10, 2012) that the question of the way the minutes were being done was scheduled. Wasn’t that neat that the city got that rating at that most propitious time?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Tragedy in Libya
Please take a minute to remember the loss of four Americans murdered in Libya.
Something is wrong when people are killed for perceived insults to religious thoughts.
City Might Need to Listen to Citizens More Often
There are still some comments being made about the potential cost of returning to detailed minutes of city council proceedings.
There appears to be a strong possibility that the city's estimates for the costs might actually be on the high side.
All one has to do is go to the blog http://blog.shawneefwiw.com/ and read the post "Bittersweet victory: Detailed minutes restored" posted 9/12/12.
Tony Lauer's research into costs for this procedure are coming in substantially lower than the city's. Every day it becomes more evident that his research is complete and accurate. Witness his discovery of the substantial overcharges to the city for sewer fees.
Maybe certain individuals who have this "we know better than the people" attitude need to rethink that attitude. Maybe they need to stop acting like the "Father Knows Best" benevolent parent and start listening to their "children". It would be a travesty for the city not to follow some of Mr. Lauer's guidelines/research with regards to the cost of transcription services.
Why were the city's estimates for transcription services so high? Was it a move by certain individuals to inflate the potential costs so as to attempt to sabotage the return of the detailed minutes?
There appears to be a strong possibility that the city's estimates for the costs might actually be on the high side.
All one has to do is go to the blog http://blog.shawneefwiw.com/ and read the post "Bittersweet victory: Detailed minutes restored" posted 9/12/12.
Tony Lauer's research into costs for this procedure are coming in substantially lower than the city's. Every day it becomes more evident that his research is complete and accurate. Witness his discovery of the substantial overcharges to the city for sewer fees.
Maybe certain individuals who have this "we know better than the people" attitude need to rethink that attitude. Maybe they need to stop acting like the "Father Knows Best" benevolent parent and start listening to their "children". It would be a travesty for the city not to follow some of Mr. Lauer's guidelines/research with regards to the cost of transcription services.
Why were the city's estimates for transcription services so high? Was it a move by certain individuals to inflate the potential costs so as to attempt to sabotage the return of the detailed minutes?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Minutes Are Back, The Minutes Are Back
Last night, the Shawnee City Council voted to bring back detailed minutes of council meetings.
This is a victory for transparency and democracy. The city will also keep the audio feed of the meetings and the ability for people to listen to the audio after the meeting.
Now individuals will once again be able to search the minutes to basically find out what happened, when and who said what. The current "action" minutes (mistakenly called summary minutes) were virtually useless for anyone wanting to find out what had transpired at any meeting.
The mayor indicated that in the past he had found the detailed minutes to be helpful in researching various items, and yours truly brought out statements made in November of 2010 by Jeff Vaught on how useful he had found the detailed minutes to be. That was ironic, since on Feb 14, 2011 Vaught then became one of the council members who had voted to eliminate the detailed minutes.
Anyway, Ward I Council Member Dan Pflumm made the motion and Ward IV Council Member Michelle Distler seconded it and when the vote came to bring the detailed minutes back, it passed 6 to 1. Jim Neighbor, Ward 1 Council Member apparently has problems with open government. (More on that in a separate post). Ward III Council Member Dawn Kuhn was absent. She was a strong proponent of not bringing back the detailed minutes. She has in the past followed the guidelines of the League of Kansas Municipalites, which are not citizen friendly. Based on previous council meetings, the one thing we were probably spared was probably 30-60 minutes of her ramblings.
I will contact the city manager to find out when the mechanism will be in place for the date the detailed minutes will resume.
Sidebar: Ironically, earlier yesterday it was announced and reiterated by the mayor that Shawnee had received an A+ rating in transparency from the Sunshine Review. It must be remembered that their ratings are based on city websites linking to specific areas (agendas, minutes, government officials etc). The ratings don not reflect whether certain info (i.e minutes) are themselves transparent. Action minutes are definitely not transparent.
This is a victory for transparency and democracy. The city will also keep the audio feed of the meetings and the ability for people to listen to the audio after the meeting.
Now individuals will once again be able to search the minutes to basically find out what happened, when and who said what. The current "action" minutes (mistakenly called summary minutes) were virtually useless for anyone wanting to find out what had transpired at any meeting.
The mayor indicated that in the past he had found the detailed minutes to be helpful in researching various items, and yours truly brought out statements made in November of 2010 by Jeff Vaught on how useful he had found the detailed minutes to be. That was ironic, since on Feb 14, 2011 Vaught then became one of the council members who had voted to eliminate the detailed minutes.
Anyway, Ward I Council Member Dan Pflumm made the motion and Ward IV Council Member Michelle Distler seconded it and when the vote came to bring the detailed minutes back, it passed 6 to 1. Jim Neighbor, Ward 1 Council Member apparently has problems with open government. (More on that in a separate post). Ward III Council Member Dawn Kuhn was absent. She was a strong proponent of not bringing back the detailed minutes. She has in the past followed the guidelines of the League of Kansas Municipalites, which are not citizen friendly. Based on previous council meetings, the one thing we were probably spared was probably 30-60 minutes of her ramblings.
I will contact the city manager to find out when the mechanism will be in place for the date the detailed minutes will resume.
Sidebar: Ironically, earlier yesterday it was announced and reiterated by the mayor that Shawnee had received an A+ rating in transparency from the Sunshine Review. It must be remembered that their ratings are based on city websites linking to specific areas (agendas, minutes, government officials etc). The ratings don not reflect whether certain info (i.e minutes) are themselves transparent. Action minutes are definitely not transparent.
Take A Minute To Remember
Today marks the 11th Anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001.
Just take a minute to remember..............that's not hard to do.
Just take a minute to remember..............that's not hard to do.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Citizen feedback to article about DA's evaluation
Regarding the post below about the DA's evaluation that too often public items are kept private, there has been some citizen response.
Visit the article at http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/07/3803115/johnson-county-district-attorney.html and then scroll down to read the comments.
Keep in mind that Shawnee was not the only city mentioned in the article.
Visit the article at http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/07/3803115/johnson-county-district-attorney.html and then scroll down to read the comments.
Keep in mind that Shawnee was not the only city mentioned in the article.
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Why does the JoCO DA say public business is too often private?
A recent article in the KC Star entitled "Johnson County district attorney says public business is too often private" is one indication of why folks need to get more involved in local government.
One item coming up locally is the Shawnee City Council meeting which is considering the reinstatement of full version minutes of its proceedings. That is important at it will add to transparency and better information to the citizens as to what their local elected representatives are doing. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, 9/10/12 at city hall at 7:30PM. Show up and see, listen, and even contribute your comments and thoughts.
The above mentioned KC Star article can be viewed at http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/07/3803115/johnson-county-district-attorney.html
There are some references in the article to recent happenings in Shawnee.
One needs to be aware that the comment that the League of Kansas Municipalities is a taxpayer funded organization means that cities become members, using taxpayer dollars to join, but it is governing bodies that choose to join, not taxpayers themselves.
One item coming up locally is the Shawnee City Council meeting which is considering the reinstatement of full version minutes of its proceedings. That is important at it will add to transparency and better information to the citizens as to what their local elected representatives are doing. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, 9/10/12 at city hall at 7:30PM. Show up and see, listen, and even contribute your comments and thoughts.
The above mentioned KC Star article can be viewed at http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/07/3803115/johnson-county-district-attorney.html
There are some references in the article to recent happenings in Shawnee.
One needs to be aware that the comment that the League of Kansas Municipalities is a taxpayer funded organization means that cities become members, using taxpayer dollars to join, but it is governing bodies that choose to join, not taxpayers themselves.
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