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.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
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
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