Interesting Council Committee Meeting Tomorrow Tue 1/5/16

First let me wish everyone a Happy New Year.  Really enjoyed my holidays with the kids and grandkids.  I will say this, Sault Ste. Marie, MI was above average in temperature and had minimal snowfall.  Not good as their tourist industry depends on it.

Anyway, tomorrow will be an interesting council committee meeting.  Councilmember Eric Jenkins (Ward II) had made some suggestions regarding the method to present the budget to the council and accordingly the public.  The suggestions were geared to make it more understandable to all.  The city's Finance Director, Maureen Rogers will show what the new presentation will look like.  Budget presentations can be hard to understand and dull.  Hopefully a presentation that is easier to understand will get more individuals involved in the process.

Also, as a result of a suggestion last year, there will be a discussion about setting aside unused project monies for matching funds.  Some projects come in at amounts lower than projected.  These surpluses could be used towards matching funds for other projects where there is funding from county, state or federal agencies that require matching funds.  Now, the term "matching funds" can be misleading, as usually the match is not dollar for dollar.  Example: There could be a project that costs $600,000. The state may pay $500,000 for it and require the city to pay $100,000 to get the state's money.  The percentages vary, but usually the city's share is quite small compared to the amount by the other entity. 

Click here for information from the agenda packet.

Wishes of the Season

Want to wish all those who read this blog the best of the season.  A Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.

It doesn't look like we will get one this year, but we can always dream

Shawnee Leads The Way at Police Academy Graduation

Last night the 116th Class of the Johnson County Regional Police Academy graduated and its members are now certified law enforcement officers in the State of Kansas.

What was really nice was that Shawnee really led the way, starting with our police department's honor guard presenting the Colors.  And Captain Ben Mendoza's daughter, Alyssa was the vocalist who performed the National Anthem.

Then our own Captain Mitch Brim was the keynote speaker.  Very inspirational.

And on top of that Officer Derek Miller, one of four Shawnee graduates of the academy last night, was chosen by his peers to be the class spokesperson.

The new officers will now undergo department specific training and then field training with veteran officers (FTOs).

Let's wish the new "rookies" the best in their careers.

Apartment Saga Brings Out the Worst in Some

The Vantage at Shawnee Apartments are still in limbo.  I have a few things I'd like to say about this past Monday's council meeting and it has nothing to do with whether or not the project is good for Shawnee.

It has to do with some of the side events that took place.  Any long term reader of this blog knows how I feel about citizen participation/input at these meetings.  It was my suggestion that got PS-7 modified to allow additional public input.  I feel that I had something to do with the city going back to full minutes of council meetings rather than the abbreviated ones we had for a short period.

I just feel that some, not all, but some of the folks that were against the project acted like a bunch of immature hood rats.  Tough analysis.  But, IMHO, true.  When they got up to speak they spoke.  When folks got up to speak in favor of the project they were met with heckling and other negative displays.  One immature idiot was seen to be mouthing obscenities at the mayor.  Threats of physical violence were voiced against proponents of the project, and against the mayor. 

Now there is a rumor going around that some of these folks want to show up at tomorrow's Third Thursday With the Mayor just to be disruptive.  Total lack of class.  They have spoken at a planning commission meeting, at a city council meeting, and when it comes back to the council am sure they will be there then.  The third Thursdays are not necessarily designed for that.  If they do show up, and are disruptive, they will be doing a disservice to their fellow citizens who are there for its intended purpose.

So some of these self righteous folks who have on occasion belittled the types of individuals who live in apartments are actually showing that they are pretty low life themselves.  Decent people can live in private residences and apartments.  The same goes for low life's.

One additional comment about Monday's meeting.  The hired gun (attorney) for the developer came across as an arrogant twit. During his monotonous ramblings it appeared that on at least four occasions he was getting ready to conclude his commentary.  Wow, was I fooled.  He was worse than the Energizer bunny. He reminded me of an old sales philosophy which I have never liked, "If ya can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with BS." Even if the developer's VP was not a polished speaker he might have come across as more human than the hired gun.

'Nuff said, for now.

The Dispatch take on the meeting.

Elect or Appoint Council Replacements?

At the upcoming Council Committee meeting (Tuesday 12/8/15) one of the topics up for discussion is whether to appoint or have an election when a council seat becomes vacant.

This discussion is prompted by various factors.  First Charter Ordinance 40 is going to have to be changed to comply with the new Kansas law regarding when local elections will be held.  Since 2012 we have had three council vacancies.  Two because of resignations and one because of a council member being elected as mayor. 

The appointment of Alan Willoughby (former mayor Jeff Meyers' uncle by marriage) to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of David Morris resulted in an investigation by JoCo DA Howe regarding possible violations of KOMA (Kansas Open Meetings Act).  In a blistering rebuke at the time, DA Howe found that there was an apparent violation of the spirit of the law.  With the two appointments that were subsequent to that one various members of the public and even some council members questioned the fairness of the appointment system currently being used. 

Some have now called for an election process to fill vacancies.  No decisions will be made Tuesday but input will be taken for consideration for when the charter ordinance has to be changed.

Personally I favor the election process.  In the recent citizen satisfaction survey this item was one of the questions, and a majority favored keeping the current appointment process.  I will attempt on Tuesday night to show, how, in my opinion, the question was asked in such a manner as to manipulate the answer.

Being Politically Correct Can be a Bunch of Garbage

Very seldom do I write anything on this blog that does not have anything to do with Shawnee, but today will be one of those times.

With some of the recent events that have been happening it is time to speak out.  There are folks who don't like the term Islamic terrorist.  Well, let's see, what would you call someone who is of that religion who uses terror to try and subvert others to their way of thinking?  Another no no is illegal aliens or illegal immigrants.  Golly gee, there are legal ways to enter the United States.  If ya don't do it legally then you have to be illegal.  Simple, isn't it?

Maybe the PC police would like us to change other terms:

1.  Illegal parking becomes improperly positioned motor vehicle
2.  Murderer becomes a life termination expeditor
3.  Wife/husband batterer becomes a spousal attitude adjustment specialist
4.  Thief becomes a wealth distribution specialist (synonymous also with Democratic presidents/presidential candidates)
5.  Drug dealer becomes amateur pharmaceutical distributor
6.  Drunk becomes limited alcohol tolerance
7.  Drunk driver becomes limited alcohol tolerance vehicle operator
8.  Arsonist becomes an uncontrolled pyrotechnic display artist

We Are Behind in Donations for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund

We are running behind last year's donations:

As of today there is $11,484.99 collected.  Last year a total of  $21,683.58 was collected.  This is a very worthy cause and it is sincerely hoped that Shawnee will respond.

Time is rapidly coming to the end of when donations can be made for this year's Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.  December 5th is the date that the funds will be given to this year's selected charity, Shawnee Community Services  This is a local community food pantry.

More information about the fund can be found here

What is nice is that donations can start at just $5 by clicking here and can go up to $2,500 by clicking here.

The people of Shawnee have always shown a willingness to help others in the community.  Please do so this time.

Examples of Stupidity

On 11/6/15 I posted "Stupidity Costs All of Us" (scroll down), concerning how we are all affected by what some folks do (or don't do) that causes vehicles to be stolen, or other crimes to be committed.

Going through the various cases posted on line here in Shawnee I could post dozens of examples of stupidity.  But, I have chosen just to post two of them (underlining mine).

CN1505215 11/16/2015 06:11 AM 24100 Block W 67 TERR AUTO THEFT Victim's unlocked vehicle was stolen from the driveway with keys taken from another unlocked vehicle in the driveway

CN1504892 10/27/2015 10:26 AM 13600 Block W 49 TERR RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY Open garage door entered, unsecured vehicles entered and items stolen from vehicle

Folks, ya gotta start using some common sense.  I personally have little or no sympathy for these "victims".  As previously posted, on top of all the problems, financial losses, potential insurance rate increases, etc., we are creating cases for our PD that are unnecessary and it could better use its resources for other crimes.

Tomorrow 11/19/15 - Third Thursday With the Mayor

Great way to get info and also to get involved and ask questions about YOUR city


From the city's web site:

The next Third Thursday will take place on November 19 at 9:00am at the Shawnee Civic Centre (13817 Johnson Drive). All residents of Shawnee are welcomed to attend

Kansas Bill of Rights - Sections 3, 2 & 20

At various times, when addressing the Shawnee city council I have had to remind some of their members of Section 3 of the Kansas Bill of Rights.  This has usually come up when some members who profess to support open government, actually try to suppress it (i.e. restrict input by citizens, not wanting full minutes of meetings etc.)

For those not familiar with Section 3, it is quoted below (highlights and underlining mine): 

§ 3. Right of peaceable assembly; petition. The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances.

Now I think it is time to remind certain members of the council about Section 2 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas State Constitution.  Mainly because some on the council seem to think that they "are above the citizens" of the city and this might entitle them to certain privileges.

§ 2. Political power; privileges. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and are instituted for their equal protection and benefit. No special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted by the legislature, which may not be altered, revoked or repealed by the same body; and this power shall be exercised by no other tribunal or agency.

This is not to say that the council has attempted to grant any special privileges to themselves or any members, it is just to say that some members seem to think that they have special privileges.

There are 20 sections to the State's Bill of Rights.............I just love Section 20

§ 20. Powers retained by people. This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people; and all powers not herein delegated remain with the people.

The Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund 2015

Time is rapidly coming to the end of when donations can be made for this year's Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.  December 5th is the date that the funds will be given to this year's selected charity, Shawnee Community Services  This is a local community food pantry.

More information about the fund can be found here

What is nice is that donations can start at just $5 by clicking here and can go up to $2,500 by clicking here.

The people of Shawnee have always shown a willingness to help others in the community.  Please do so this time.

Stupidity Costs All of Us

No, I am not going to be politically correct.  I will refer to some people as stupid, and if nothing else, some folks have a definite deficiency in common sense.

What am I referring to?  The inordinate increase in car thefts due to "player error".  I am not talking about vehicles that have their windows broken, doors jimmied and then the ignition hot wired.  I am talking about the fools that leave their vehicles in their driveways, unlocked and some with the keys in the vehicle..  Even worse, are  those who leave their cars warming up with the keys in the ignition.  In most jurisdictions this action is a traffic offense.  To the best of my knowledge the only cars that can be running are those that have been remote started as there are no keys in the ignition and the steering wheel will remain locked and the transmission cannot be put into gear. Some folks have been losing items from their vehicles for the same reason(s), not securing their vehicles.

How do these actions cost all of us?  A spike in these illegal activities could affect the insurance rating for a zip code.  So besides the "victim" others could be subject to higher insurance rates.  What other costs are involved?  What about the cost of law enforcement?  We are very fortunate in Shawnee in that we have a pretty darn good police department.  And yes, they take vehicle thefts seriously.  How many man hours (or woman hours) could they save by not having to investigate crimes that were the result of individuals being inattentive and putting their property in a vulnerable position?  How many other crimes could they bring to a speedier resolution if they weren't working on crimes that could have been avoided?  How many positive activities could they be involved in if they didn't have to be investigating crimes that could have been avoided?

So, if you are one of those that have lost property because of your own stupidity, and if you are offended by that characterization..............too bad.  I and others are tired of paying for your mistakes.

Part III - A Step To Insure Open Government

Scroll down if you'd like for Parts I & II

At this past Monday's meeting (10/26/15) the Shawnee City Council approved a slight modification to Policy Statement -7 which provides for additional input by members of the community at these meetings. Shawnee Dispatch article is here

The change was to allow for comment during that portion of the meeting known as "Miscellaneous Council Items". There have been occasions when council members have used that portion of the meeting to add additional comments to an item that was on the agenda earlier in the evening and even to comment about members of the community. These comments were made with presupposed impunity as it has not been routine for citizens to add their own comments to those made by council members. It was almost like the council members were being given a free pass to say whatever they wanted to.
 Anyway, yours truly finally requested the council to consider the change at a previous council meeting and the action then started at a committee meeting on 10/6/15. That Dispatch article is here

At this past meeting the council was reminded of Section 3 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution, which, among free speech allows for citizens to "instruct their representatives". Also, a copy of the city's organization chart was displayed and it clearly shows that at the top are the citizens of Shawnee.

Anyway, five of the council members voted to approve the change and it will now be part of PS-7. The five members of the council who voted to insure citizen rights were Dan Pflumm of Ward I, Eric Jenkins and Mike Kemmling both from Ward II, Stephanie Meyer Ward III and current council president and Brandon Kenig of Ward IV. All five of them voiced various positive reasons both at the council meeting and the previous committee meeting for input by the public.

Two council members voted against the action, Jim Neighbor of Ward I and Mickey Sandifer of Ward IV. One of Neighbor's reasons for voting against it was a provision in PS-7 that says that council members are not to engage in debate with members of the public. Where has he been the past couple of years? Whenever a member of the public comes to the podium, and if council members ask questions, and opinions are rendered isn't that a debate? What a lame excuse. He also said that members of the public could comment at a later meeting in business from the floor. He had to be reminded that by doing that it did not get the comments in in a contemporaneous manner and on the record (minutes) as such.

Sandifer used two of his favorite comments to justify being against public input. First, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and then he questioned the cost of staff to prepare the change. Adding a half sentence to the policy statement? Well, it was broke, because there was no assurance that the public could comment at that time and based on his previous votes for costly items to complain about the cost for adding a half sentence to a document is a form of hypocrisy. I really question both his thought processes and his intelligence.
 Jeff Vaught of Ward III was absent from the meeting and did not vote. But, at the previous committee meeting he had joined Neighbor and Sandifer in voting against bringing the matter to the council meeting. He was quoted in the earlier Dispatch article about that committee meeting as saying "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."

Excuse me! Vaught thinks his comments are exempt from rebuttal/challenge or questioning.  Another example of his arrogance, in his own words.

At the meeting this week yours truly mentioned that no member of the council is above the citizens of Shawnee. But I guess Vaught thinks he is on a higher plain. 



DTJVSD

Vaught's Answers Just Raise More Questions

The Shawnee Dispatch today published an article concerning Jeff Vaught's use of dealer license plates.  Some of his comments seem to raise more questions, and some of them seem to be made in the manner that Hillary Clinton answers questions. The article can be read by clicking here

We are also quoting the article here, and interspersing in red, our comments/questions.

A member of the Shawnee City Council is explaining why some constituents have seen him driving a vehicle with special dealer plates that don’t require him to pay all the usual motor vehicle taxes that other residents are required to pay.
Shawnee City Council Member Jeff Vaught has been seen driving on dealer plates — which are speciality plates issued by the state to licensed car dealers — for more than a month. Dealer plates do not require a county registration fee, which is a significant source of income that the city of Shawnee uses to fund city operations.
Or has it been two to three months?
Kansas law states that dealer plates are “issued to dealers for demonstration purposes” and that “owners and their spouses can legally drive on dealer plates as long as the vehicle is in the dealership inventory for sale.” State statute also allows salespeople who work more than 20 hours per week to drive on dealer plates.
Vaught says that he is not an owner of the dealership, but his brother is and that he serves as an “officer of the corporation.” Vaught started the used car dealership Vaught Boys, 11711 Kaw Drive, in Kansas City, Kan., with his brother in 2000. Vaught is currently the secretary treasurer for the company and he says his role in the company justifies his use of the plates.
Is that what the law says or is that Vaught's interpretation?
Vaught says he regularly works with his brother to help sell cars, which he described it as “flipping” cars. He takes used cars, which he said remain in his brother’s inventory while he drives them, and does maintenance and upgrade work on them.
What maintenance and upgrades has he done to that Avalanche?  Does he put in 20 or more hours a week?  Even if the vehicle is in inventory for sale, if he is driving it around for his real estate business how can potential buyers know of its availability?
Vaught is a licensed car dealer and can legally purchase cars at auctions. He said that even though he works primarily in commercial real estate through his company, The Vaught Group, he has always remained active in his brother’s business and helped sell cars.
But is that 20 hours or more a week?
He said that their father and grandfather also sold cars and that selling cars has been a family business for generations.
And how does that comport with him complying with state law?
"I've always sold cars," Vaught said.
For 20 hours or more a week?  At which location?
Vaught explained that the Chevy Avalanche truck he has been driving is registered under his brother’s name, is for sale and will only be in his possession for a short period of time. Vaught also owns two cars that are registered and tagged through Johnson County on which he does pay property taxes.
Hmmm, is it supposed to be registered in his brother's name or the name of the dealership?  How long has it been in his possession so far?  If it is for sale, is it sitting on a lot during business hours or is Vaught driving it for his real estate business?
Vaught has not been cited for his use of the dealer plates.
Is that because what he is doing is legal, or because the proper authorities are/were not aware of it?

DTJVSD

Electric Charging Stations - Walmart

As a reference point you might want to read my previous posts about when some folks wanted to put electric car charging stations on city property (city hall and the justice center) and have the city (read that as taxpayers) pay for the owners to charge their cars up.

A review of some recent building permits indicates that Wal Mart will be putting in electric chargers at two locations (74th & Nieman and SMP & Maurer).  This is really very positive, as folks needing to charge their cars will be able to spend time shopping.  Totally different from sitting at city hall or the justice center with nothing to do while waiting for a charge up.  It is unknown at this point as to who will be paying for the use of the charging stations, the vehicle owner or the merchant(s).  If current trends are any indication it will probably be the merchants.  But, for them, that would be good public relations/advertising. 

Fortunately the city is not stuck with these items, on city property, and paying for their use with taxpayer funds.  Even though his royal arrogance Jeff Vaught aided and abetted by Jim Neighbor were pushing for that outcome.  BTW, that item will come back up in about another six months.  Will keep you folks posted about that so we can do what needs to be done to stop that travesty from happening.



DTJVSD

Vaught Fails to Respond Re: Dealer Plates

If you scroll down you will see my post of 10/9/15 regarding the use of dealer license plates by Jeff Vaught.

An email was sent to him asking about the plates since with dealer plates there are no property taxes paid.  To date, Vaught has not responded.

There are three possibilities:
1.  Vaught is using the plates contrary to state law and needs to change them.
2.  Vaught (or his spouse) have become owners in a car dealership which makes the use of the plates legal, provided the vehicle is carried in inventory and is available for sale.
3.  Vaught is working 20 hours or more per week as a car salesman and is authorized the use of the plates, similar to 2 above.  Has he had to make a career change from commercial real estate?

So, which is it?  One would think that as a council member Vaught would respond, especially since it involves property taxes.  But then, his arrogance probably is coming to the forefront in that he doesn't feel he has to answer to citizen inquiries.  That arrogance probably was a contributing factor to his not advancing past the last mayoral primary election.

When will the local media start inquiring and demanding specific answers?

The original post can be viewed here.



DTJVSD

Mayor Distler, A Class Act, To Meet With Hostile Group

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)

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.

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.

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