Parks: Good News, Bad News

Bad News: I am a little late in posting about this. However, on the Saturday before Christmas (12/22?) the Post listed the cities that received the parks grants. Not too much of a suprise that Overland was NOT on the list.

Good News: This was buried in a Journal article. I am happy to see inter-city cooperation on projects such as these. I have only been preaching this for 7+ years!

Overland could be joining three other cities in an effort to develop a large recreation complex available to all their residents.A plan was outlined Dec. 20 to the Overland Business Association in which Overland, Olivette, Creve Coeur and Frontenac would be involved in developing a recreation center in Olivette's Stacy Park, located near Wismer Road and Olive Boulevard.Fred Steinbach, a former Chesterfield mayor who's spearheading the project, said the group needed to raise about $25,000 in corporate donations to develop a plan for the center. About half amount has been obtained, he said.The proposed center would include meeting rooms, athletic facilities and other amenities, he said.

Coyote Ugly

Just thought I would pass along an Overland sighting. Last week, I was coming home in the evening. I saw an animal walking from my neighbors front porch. At first, I thought it was a dog because of its size. Then I thought it was a cat by the way it walked. As I got closer, I realized it was a coyote!

So, if you are missing a cat, dog, cattle....

Filings Thus Far

Here are the filings for the City Council elections as it stands today:

Ward 1: Jerry May Rich Knode

Ward 2: Jeff O'Connell

Ward 3: Ken Owensby

Ward 4: Les Dills

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee

The committee reviewing the comprehensive plan met on Wednesday (12/26). They seem to be making progress. Here are the highlights:

They decided to narrow their focus on changes to a list of less than 10 items. This will make it more managable for both the council and the CA (once hired).

Discussion of the city's demographic data. Note: I found this bit of discussion to be ironic, since it was apparent that the committee itself was not diverse in respect to age and race. I have since mentioned this to both the mayor and Mark Giroux (the committee chair) in hopes that future such committees might be more representative of the population.

A lot of discussion on transportation issues, including any Metrolink expansion that would go to Westport Plaza.

Economic Development. Included a hand-out from the Elmhurst City Planner that was a recent guest to Overland courtesy of the Overland Business Association.

They made plans to meet again on Wednesday, January 30.

Send them the Bill!

On today's noon news on Channel 4, they just had a story about a man with such an outrageous holiday display that caused such traffic disruptions, the city council suggested charging him $200/day for the added police service.

I know Windom residents should be sent the bill for their current waste of power as well as their late October celebration that uses almost an entire shift of the OPD.

I say send them the bill? What do you think?

Progress on Midland

Was driving down Midland today and noticed that the County Traffic Department is putting up traffic signals at Midland and West Milton.

Had the council ever addressed the county's additional recommendations for Burns?

Owensby's Childish and Foolish Behavior Continues

About the only exciting thing to happen in Monday's City Council meeting was the discussion over a group's use of the Wild Acres gym and facilities. At a previous meeting, an OHS member spoke and asked if this could be provided free of charge for a meeting of the "Council of Docents". This is an area-wide organization of volunteer docents at various museums and historical buildings. Our own OHS docents are members of this organization.

The goal was to not only provide a meeting place, but to provide a tour for the docents of the historical buildings at the Wild Acres facility. It is priceless PR, as these are already people who are interested in preserving our treasures, and to get them excited or interested in this property can only bring about good things.

Well, not in Owenby's small mind. He can only rail on the expenses (lighting, water, maintenance) and cannot see past the nose on his face. I think the itty bitty costs that Overland will incur will more than be made up for in free publicity and goodwill.

But, then again, goodwill is a concept lost on Owenby.

Meeting Tonight

Just a reminder that there is a council meeting tonight. Agenda can be found online here.

Just a few comments:

Quilt raffle?
I don't want any complaints about this blog mocking the city when the city mocks itself with this kind of stuff. It's as if council meetings, especially resident comments, have become a tool of self promotion.

Thali Palace.
That is a new place going into the old Shoney's, most recently VN Cafe.
Though I do wonder if it is Thai not Thali.

Head's Up to the Schneiders

I saw this on the Post Dispatch's Political Blog today. My mind immediately went to Empty and wife (the latter still hasn't paid any property taxes on that car).

Tuesday's Workshop Meeting on the City Adminstrator

I couldn't attend the meeting last night (that pesky job), but did receive the following report from Jim Schmidt. It is posted here with his permission.

Last night in the City Hall council chambers, Julie Stone, from the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, noted that 6 of the 8 elected officials at the tables were new to the process. Only Ms. Conlon and Mr. May had been through the lesson before. Mr. Owensby called in sick.

Ms. Conlon brought up the item sure to need attention - our Pension. The City Administrator advertisement wording appears ready to roll out. All eight felt that a minimum of a bachelors degree was important (which is in the ordinance anyway) but even more important was a track record of success in dealing with concerns facing Overland.

Ads in trade newletters and magazines, direct contacts to Julie Stone's peers and industry contacts, and online promotion seem to be a strong part of the task, for which EWGCC charges $5000. Julie shared countless examples of nearby cities, listing their populations, budgets and their CA salaries.

• Five weeks campaign will put the deadline for submission about mid January.
• All calls and resumes will go to East-West Gateway, where Julie will help the council weed out the worst.
• Interviews might take four weeks.

Julie told the audience that preservation of the applicant's identities is of extreme importance, and the responsible steps planned to preserve anonymity for them. All but one applicant will not be hired, yet all applicants must preserve the jobs they've considered leaving. When applicant anonymity is needed, the procedure must go into private sessions.

Much of what the team wanted was what Julie Stone called "Eco-Deevo". Nothing was mentioned about a better employees' manual [with a complaint resolution system, a whistle-blowing policy, and written and precise job descriptions],- but HR skills were mentioned as a desireable trait. Lack of a PW director was mentioned and noted. Other competencies required were financial savvy, motivational skills, good communication skills, insights into Missouri laws, regs and statutes, and a sense of humor.

The budget for salary was described as $75,000 to $90,000, Depending On Qualifications. The CA position must have compensation higher than any other city worker, Julie said. Also mentioned was City Halls "archaic" vacation plan, "nothing until a year of service." A modern plan provides accrual of combined vacation days and sick leave, accrued at so many hours each pay period, Julie said. Under the archaic system, a parent is discouraged, if not punished, for keeping a sick child at home. Such a plan is a deterrent, not a benefit. Julie said wise applicants would know better and seek work elsewhere.

CU (see you) at the CA Workshop?

Hello and Happy Wednesday everyone!

In case you were not aware, there is a council workshop meeting this Tuesday (12/4) at 6:30 in the council chambers at City Hall. The sole topic is the City Administrator position and ordinance.

I was at the meeting Monday and Julie Stone from E-W stated it was a typical ordinance.

Which leads me to ask what needs to be changed? I remember Owensby stating he wanted to weaken the position so that Ol' Empty could have more power.

But, exactly what changes would they want to make?

Council Clusterf***

Last night’s meeting was long. Most of that can be attributed to a long, drawn-out debate over a St Louis County’s Traffic and Highway proposal for Midland Blvd.

The proposal is being made due to the Hwy 40 construction. St Louis County is estimating that traffic on Midland will increase from 15-20% during the construction. Here is what they proposed:


Burns and Midland:
Remove the stop sign on eastbound Midland at Burns. This will allow for smoother flow of traffic.
Because of the limited sight distance at that intersection, they would like to make Burns one-way between Midland and Holtwood (southbound only). Thus, you could only turn onto Burns from Midland, but won't be able to get to Midland from Burns.

W Milton and Midland
They would like to remove the four-way stop and replace it with a traffic light.


Regarding the latter proposal, I personally believe it would be better if they just made it a two-way stop (for Milton traffic). The four-way stop was a good idea when Legion pool was still up and running. Now, that intersection really shouldn’t be treated any different than the others. Also, Midland is pretty straight there, so sight lines should not be an issue.

Now the other issue (Burns and Midland) is bit more contentious. The owner of Carol’s Corner spoke and thought this might be damaging to her business. Council members questioned if this could be kept two-way but limited to right turn only on Midland (not advisable because of sight concerns).

The council also brought up that they were not happy that this was coming to them at the last minute. However, these changes are minor considering some of the MAJOR changes made to some roads to facilitate the Hwy 40 project.

I am not sure if they thought the one-way was a bad idea (heck it’s good enough for Our Redeemer and All Souls on Sunday) or if they were just punishing the guy because they felt slighted. Whatever their thoughts, it was voted down unanimously.

Empty Schneider said he has to “look out for the residents and businesses” of the community. Doesn’t “looking out” include making travel through the city quick and efficient? Does “looking out” for businesses meaning pandering to one of his buddies (Carol’s Corner)?

I, personally, do not feel that this will hurt any business. Usually businesses are hurt when there is construction directly at the entrance to/from their business (think about the seemingly never-ending Lackland Road project). People will hesitate to drive through construction as it may damage tires and their autos. However, I hardly think people will shun Carol’s Corner because they may have to go around the block to either arrive or leave.

Another concern is how this appears. It makes it look as if Overland is completely uncooperative with other government entities. We have looked fool-hardy enough in the recent past (probably a reason County wasn’t rushing to come over here) and thsi follishness continued with voting this down yesterday.

The Good Ol' Boys and Chuckie Baby

Just when one thinks that there is an end to the "Good Ol' Boy" system at city hall, one attends the council meeting last night and discovers otherwise.

At the end of the meeting (new business?), Les Dills asks that the council give Chuck Boone a raise for doing duties as PW Director. Tim "I never met a good ol' boy I don't like" Jones couldn't second the motion fast enough.

Now, mind you, there was no mention of how much of an increase. There was no mention if this was a temporary salary adjustment until the city actually hires a qualified and competent Public Works Director.

Conlon correctly mentioned that the city should wait until a CA is in place, along with a comprehensive Human Resources policy, before adjusting any salaries.

This was voted to bring up at a future workshop meeting.

City Administrator search toddles along

At the last workshop meeting (11/19), MT Schneider announced that there would be a workshop meeting on Tuesday, December 4 where the sole topic would be the hiring of a City Administrator.

Before this was announced Owensby asked if anyone can apply for the job. Of course, anyone--qualified or not--is welcome to apply for any job in America. Whether they should be given due consideration is another story.

However, the most distressing thing was Ol' Empty promising that ALL candidates/applicants will be reviewed by the ENTIRE council.

What?!

1. What is the point of E-W Gateway?
Are we not engaging their services to do the preliminary legwork and weed through all the nonsense, unqualified candidates.

2. What is our guarantee that the process will be apolitical if our entire council gets to vett all applicants?

3. What is to stop a completely unqualified candidate (ala Frank Munsch) from being considered?

4. What is to stop each and every one of us from applying for the job?

More City Hall Incompetence

The agenda for tomorrow's meeting has yet to be posted on the city hall website. This is in direct violation of Judge Sherry's order regarding meetings of the city council.

Considering some of the "last minute deals" pushed through before, we have plenty of reasons to be leery of the hiding of this agenda.

Ol' Empty pretends to be above the law all the time. But, does he really think he is above a judge's order that stated meeting notices and agendas must be posted online, too?

Overland, For What Are You Thankful?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A day we set aside to stuff ourselves with food and pass out on the couch watching football. We also take time to ponder on those things for which we are grateful.

As an Overlander, for what are you thankful?

I'll start:

I am thankful that next year Owensby's term is up and there is that possibility that he will be voted out. I think this is likely this year because Owensby has embraced those things he previously ran against. Ward 3 people will remember.

Speed Trap City we are NOT

A story in the Journal shows that we are surrounded by cities listed on a NATIONAL speed trap registry:

Based on an online poll by the NMA and from comments submitted by motorists, the area's top speed-trap sites are in Charlack, St. John, Edmundson, Woodson Terrace, Bel-Ridge and Breckenridge Hills. Overland did not make the list.

Perhaps if it works for those cities, we should get in on the action! ha!

Wag the Dog Workshop

For those that missed the pop-up on the City Hall website:

There will be a COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING on November 19, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Topics for discussion:

• Employee Insurance Benefits
• City Liability Insurance

I have heard that the city clerk has stated that the Benefits/Insurance issues are priority items and need to be passed by the next city council meeting (Monday, 11/26). If it was so priority why wasn't it brought up at the last workshop meeting? Is this like PoolPro where we wait to the last minute to discuss issues so that they are rammed down the throat of the citizens (without proper debate)?

Where's the CA discussion? I am disturbed that this is missing since the council voted to have a workshop meeting dedicated to this discussion at the beginning of the month. This was the perfect opportunity. All other pending items for the 11/26 were discussed at the previous workshop session (11/5). Is this urgency of insurance/benefits a ploy to keep the CA issue off the agenda?

I have a feeling that this is a case of the tail wagging the dog.

Or, perhaps another case of inefficiency at city hall. As in, "why are we always waiting until the last minute to do these things"?

CA Arguments

You know I am a girl who likes to broaden my horizons as well as one who likes to keep my finger on the pulse of what is happening. As part of that, I am a regular reader of Tony Messenger of the Springfield News-Leader. This allows me to read about Missouri news without a St. Louis slant.

While on the News-Leader site tonight, I came across the following: "City Should Cast for Top Talent". It gives some good arguments on the case for professional management, including how it is not only worth the salary but worth the money spent on the search.

Will You Tolerate a Watered-Down CA?

Next Monday, November 19, the city is to have a workshop meeting. I assume it will be the one that concentrates on the City Administrator position.

One thing they want to do is review the ordinances. I can only assume this is to water-down the qualifications and/or responsibilities.

Do you want an over-paid office manager or do you want someone who will lead the city foward?

Do you want someone that the people and the city council can hold accountable for what is happening at city hall? Or, do you want just another position filled, with no real meat to the job?

Sometime this week, take the time to write your city council member and let them know how you feel about the CA position?

Oh, by the way....they finally established those city e-mail addys for the council members:

Ward 1
eediecumanale@overlandmo.org
jerrymay@overlandmo.org

Ward 2
marybethconlon@overlandmo.org
jeffoconnell@overlandmo.org

Ward 3
peggykeller@overlandmo.org
kenowensby@overlandmo.org

Ward 4
timjones@overlandmo.org
lesdills@overlandmo.org

UK or US?

Exactly why does Man About Town/Rich Knode post their YouTube videos on the UK version instead of the US version?

If he is such an anglo-file, perhaps we can change Knode's name to "Spotted Dick".

Coming Soon to an "Empty" Mailbox

According to this story in the Post, the Missouri Ethics Commission will soon be sending letters to MT Schneider and his ilk as part of their investigation of over-the-limit campaign contributions.

The article states that the investigations will be held "off the record" until the case is finalized. However, even if "ol' Empty" claims a hardship for his pre-July 19 contributions, there is no disputing his post-July 19 over-the-limit contributions are illegal.

C'mon Empty! Do the right thing and give back those donations! Or, do you have to wait until the Missouri Ethics Commission FORCES you to do the right thing?

PoolPro: Dead or Not

Please read this story in the today's Post. Reading this makes one think that the Pool Pro thing is not dead. If it is not dead:

Was MT Schneider lying to the Journal, who reported with quotes from him that it was dead?

Was the lie about PoolPro NOT coming a diversionary tactic to keep those opposed from organizing any effort to keep them from coming?

I truly hope that the Post is just behind on reporting this issue, but....

DillsProof

Someone on chat posted the following:

Also, there is some talk about Councilman Dills and his comment about folks going to the boat therefore not paying for trash.....is there any recording of this or is this strictly hearsay???

While we may make fun, we really don't post gossip as content for this blog. The post by Nellie provided a link to the video. In addition, Rich Knode was there taping the workshop, if you don't trust Sailor's version.

I guess we could make it real easy. I was previously provided with audio and divided out Owensby's Munsch comment. I used the same audio and divided out Dill's comments.

He pretty much says "people can't pay their trash here, but are paying Maryland Height's trash out at the boat". Audio of this is here.

Dills: Hypocrisy or Slime?

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to watch Sailor's video of the October 29 City Council workshop. During the debate on how to help those who cannot pay for their trash, Les Dills states something about people were "spending their trash money at the boat".

Casinos! Yes, that is the reason why no one can pay their trash bill. It's not the rising cost of living, the lowering of wages in comparison. It's not that gas has been over $2.50/gallon for months. It's not the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, including prescription meds. It's not like we haven't seen an abundance of foreclosures in North County. No, sir--according to Les Dills it's because of slots!

(Someone cue the "It's the economy, stupid")


I just find the whole thing ironic, considering the man had to be bullied into paying his property taxes by those on this blog and the Contrarian's. Maybe ironic isn't the correct word is the word I am looking for here. Perhaps HYPOCRISY is better!

Here are some experienced folks!

According to a story on KMOX this morning, University City is laying off 21 employees. Surely some of those folks had positions similar to those in which we are hiring.
Surely this would be a better alternative than the "watering down of qualifications to hire friends of Empty" plan we got going now.

The Suburban Journal as Empty's PR Firm

Every week, I am amazed by the Suburban Journal and their blind efforts of just printing whatever MT Schneider tells them as fact.
This week's case in point--buried within the News Briefs section--is a story about the pool company pulling out of the Midland property. It's about mid-way down the page under the Overland heading.

While the story details about the child care in the near vicinity, there is no mention of Cold Water Creek that abuts the property or the many residents within a square block of this property. Both of these were major objections during the meeting. Also, no mention about the outside storage tanks of cholorine--oustide storage that is prohibited by city ordinance.

MT hopes we can find another developer. Hopefully, this time he will not just use a "development for development's sake" take, but use some common sense about appropriate businesses to locate in that plot of land.

Owensby: Sellout Extraodinaire

Who needs to stay home and watch Two and a Half Men when one can get a hearty laugh watching the Overland City Council at work. The laughter was audible and continous during Owensby's rant last night. The rant subject: How the city should hire Frank Munsch to be the City Administrator?

I'm laughing now just typing about it. Just something more to Munsch on.

Edited by ORT Contrarian: I was given a copy of the audio and isolated the Munsch statement here.

Something to Munsch on...

Thought I would post Schneider's and COGG's 3rd quarter financial reports. The former should give you something to Munsch on until tomorrow's workshop meeting.
Schneider 3Q
COGG 3Q
I would have posted others, but they did not exist/did not need to file.

The Peepin' Tom Fitzgerald Committee

Coming Soon to a Window Near You

Ever wondered what was the "high profile project" that MTSuit was asking of COGG? Or, you may have read this Journal story and wondered "gosh, when did they get that database done?" Well, of course, the Journal story is a bit of a fabrication. This assignment was just made during Sunday's COGG Meeting and is hardly started, let alone completed. What? Did you read COGG?

Yes, the mayor in all of his lack of wisdom, has assigned this project to a political action committee. One that files reports with the Ethics Commission. One that promoted his candidacy when running for the mayor's job.

Besides this inherent and blaring conflict of interest, there are so many other things wrong with "assigning" a task such as this to a political group. Where to begin...

1. Do we really want the Peepin' Tom (Fitzgerald) Committee to be travelling our fair city on the lookout for "vacant" property? What is their methodology when it comes to residential property? No car in the driveway--let's look in the windows and see if anyone is living there.
2. Do either Tom or Carol Fitzgerald have any experience in real estate, databases, surveying, or marketing? Or any of the other 100 skills you might need to do this job effectively?
3. Wouldn't the better committee be made up of real estate professionals and other interested parties? Don't they already have access to databases (e.g. MLS) of available properties? Wouldn't it be win-win for the city to get their real estate expertise and we help them in marketing any Overland properties?
4. Just because a property is vacant, does not mean that it is available for lease or purchase.

You really have to question the mental processes of a mayor who thought this was the best route for this project. All behind closed doors. All not open to public scrutiny. But, hey, I think Tom and Carol are accepting donations for gas money if you are interested.

Cronyism is Alive and Well!

From the American Heritage Dictionary:



cro·ny·ism (krō'nē-ĭz'əm)

n. Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

To see this noun in action, one only needed to attend the Overland City Council meeting on Monday, October 22. One item on the agenda was adding the job classification and description for "Computer Technician". This opening was discussed at the workshop meeting on October 1 (video here on Overland Sailor's site).

During last night's council meeting, O'Connell reminded the council that they had agreed during that workshop to make the minimum qualifications for this new position to be an Associates degree AND 2-years experience. The ordinance last night made that schooling OR experience (or some sort of combination).

When asked why the qualifications for the new position were being watered down, the staff MIS guy stated that they were written to qualify an existing city employee he had in mind. THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!

Yes, cronyism is alive and well at Overland City Hall. And when you wonder why things are not progressing with the city, you only need to look at this type of occurence--where we hire the least qualified and dumb-down the employee force--as your reason.

Schneider to Ward 1: "F*** You"

At last night's city council meeting, the issue of merging the three properties on Midland was broached again. There was probably 30-45 minutes of debate over this issue.

While on the surface this seems like a clearly administrative issue, it may have been the only opportunity to question the appropriateness of a pool company--and its associated chemical storage--coming to that location. During the meeting, Chuck Boone pointed out that since the pool company was a similar business to the construction company there previously, the business license and conditional use permits would NOT have to go through Planning and Zoning and/or the Board of Adjustment.

The two Ward 1 Councilmembers spoke vehemently against the proposal. Cuminale pointed out that it was an inappropriate business in a semi-residential area with some historical buildings.

May stated that he had visited the company's business on Link and found their lot to be a mess. He felt that not only this type of business was bad for that area, but bad for the image of Overland since this would be located on one of the main streets of our city.

Of course, notice to residents and businesses in the area surrounding 9620 Midland was not provided at any time about the possibility of these chemicals being stored near their homes, daycare, or children's walk to school.

In politics (at all levels), it is custom to respect the opinion of the legislators of the ward/district/state of an affected area. This protocol was clearly broached during last night's meeting. Both Ward 1 councilmembers voted no. Both Ward 2 council members respected that and also voted no. Unfortunately, the other four council members voted in favor of this ordinance.

Schneider, in breaking the tie in favor of the Pool Company, pretty much flipped the bird to Ward One and its residents.

City Council Meeting Monday 10/22/07

For those who are interested the agenda for Monday's meeting is posted online.

Agenda

I got a sense of deja vu reading this.

A Very Special Blossom Council Meeting

I wanted to let y'all read and comment on the RAT meeting before adding my comments about the "special" City Council meeting.
The question on everyone's mind was "WHY". As in why are we having this meeting? Or, why is this matter considered so urgent? As well as the most common, why can't we have a special meeting to hire a CA?

WHY's aside, only about 15 people cared enough to stick around for this portion of the meeting. We were practically outnumbered by the people on the dias.

Herman reads the bill by title only. He then explains that, although he isn't sure where this is coming from, that merging properties is pretty much standard procedure. He notes that the property owners will also need to meet with the Board of Adjustment before going further.

O'Connell and Conlon were both on top of this. They rightly questioned why the rush for such a meeting and why were we circumventing P&Z or the Board of Adjustment.

It was explained that the property was being sold and that the mortgage carrier only would finance if the properties were combined. We were also told that the closing for the property was this week. Herman pretty much summed up my thoughts when he said "A lack of planning on your end does not make an emergency on mine." Or, as Jeff O'Connell stated "you can close your loan at any time, why can't they adjust this to next week."

Also debated was that a pool (the swimming variety) company was moving into that location. Jeff O'Connell questioned if it would be wise to have such a chemical-intensive company near residential properties and a day care, as well as Cold Water Creek.

Schneider could see that this favor for a friend wasn't just going to skate through the city council and offered to table the measure. The Foolish Four (Owensby, Keller, Jones and Dill) were too busy scheming at the end of the table to listen to the debate, let alone acknowledge Schneider's white flag. They come out of their huddle and Jones motions for a "second reading by title only". Owensby seconds the motion. At that point, even Schneider was looking at them with irritation.

After Schneider explained that he wanted to table the item and rightly pointed out that the new owners didn't even bother to show up and plea their case, the measure was tabled unamiously.

What I learned:

• The Foolish Four were willing to ram this legislation down our throat regardless of how unwise or hurried it might have been.
• Schneider is willing to bend over backward to repay his political favors--regardless of how bad it may be in the long run.
• O'Connell and Conlon seemed to get their groove back and hopefully can be a force to be reckoned with when partnered with their Ward 1 compatriots.

In the end, the buyer of the land is probably grateful. Since it is apparent there is some disinterest in having his company at that particular location, it may give him/her a way out of the deal.

The Schneider BullSh** Machine

Schneider and his PR representative, Buck Collier, have been at it again! The latest is this laughable headline from the Journal: Overland edges closer to seeking administrator


This "edging" must be occuring behind the scenes. I've been to every council meeting. I've been to almost every workshop--and have watched those I haven't attended online. Each time a CA search has been mentioned, Empty has brushed it off with "we plan to workshop that in the near future". Each time a CA search has been mentioned, it has been met with groans from the COGG-like supporters of Empty.

Has he had a change of heart? That would be welcome. However, me thinks he is full of crap. And what is that saying...you can't bullshit a bullshitter!

Town Hall Meeting: RATastrophic

Only about 60 people showed up for the Town Hall Meeting. Not surprising since the letters announcing the meeting still haven't arrived at a majority of Overland households.

Most folks I spoke with said they heard about the meeting on the news. I guess that's a good thing, though Mrs. Empty was overheard saying it "made Overland look bad" to have this covered by Channel 2. I say be grateful, as then there might have only been 10 people in attendance.

The story on the letter was that it was given to the bulk mailer on October 3. Hmm...

Not really much was decided during the course of the meeting. Chuck Boone, contrary to previous workshop statements that he didn't have the manpower, stated that he no longer wanted to give the poison to the residents. He wanted the rabies/animal control dude to lay out the poison so that he could, at the same time, check for causes of the rat infestation.

Sounds like it would be a good plan on its face. However, many questioned how come this could be done now and not in August when Boone said he didn't have the manpower. The city website states there is a two-week lead for occupancy permit inspections. What will be the lead-time for the rabbies guy to answer rat calls?

Peggy Keller, ever so eloquent, stated that Chuck Boone and Tom Puppillo "were the experts" and we should allow them the chance to work this plan. She continued that if that didn't work, then they could look at alternatives. Gosh, that is not the citizen-first thinking that Keller campaigned upon. If this issue has deteriorated to the point of Town Hall Meetings, do we think "giving it the old college try" is the best we can offer the citizenry?

About Those Rats....

Did any of you attend or watch the September 17 Council Workshop meeting? I viewed it via Sailor’s website.

During that meeting they talked for over 30 minutes on the Rat Issue (start time 1:03 -- end time 1:34), including drafts of a letter to residents about this issue and remedies that the citizens could initiate. This lengthy debate was thorough and covered everything from how the letter would be mailed (first class vs. bulk) to the format and discussion items for the Town Hall Meeting, as well as various other issues.

Obviously this was an important enough issue for “Empty” to promise a Town Hall Meeting.
It was important enough for 30 minutes of debate! Yet, the letter has not darkened anyone’s mailbox!!!!

The meeting is tonight!!! How many affected residents will attend?
I am sure you may get some folks who come to all meetings because of their interest in civic happenings. I am sure you will get those who cheer on “Empty” Schneider’s every move. As much as they have the right to be there, the meeting isn’t for them. The purpose is to address a problem of the residents WITH THOSE RESIDENTS!

Almost an entire month to send out a letter notifying the residents of this meeting--nothing was done!!

Just another example of the complete incompetence at City Hall.
Just another reason why we need a fully-qualified City Administrator.

A "High Profile Project" for COGG

I know not all of us have an interest in Economics, Development Plans or otherwise. Thus, being on the "Giroux Gang" probably holds little luster.

However, the following was in an e-mail sent to COGG members regarding their upcoming meeting.

Would like to let you know , based upun the membership decision at the September COGG meeting, the October meeting is scheduled for Sunday October 21st at Yesterday's at Noon with meeting beginning promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Also would like to let you know that we were contacted by the City regarding the possibility of the group working on a particular high priority project that would be of great benefit to the city. The plan is to discuss this at the upcoming meeting-so we hope you can attend.

Any guesses on what the "high profile project" could be?

For Those Interested in Being Part of the Giroux Gang

A meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Review Committee has been set for October 16th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. to be held at the Overland Community Center Activity Room.

Stars aligned or Seeing Stars

Earlier Edgar Casey posted the following comment:
Edgar Casey said...
Sounds like the OBA has come up with 5 points...


The article referenced states that the "stars are lining up" for Overland. Actually this article brings to light the lack of action by our city to take advantage of the Hwy 40 shutdown. Instead of the stars being aligned it is more like seeing stars as we realize we have been punched by a lack of leadership in our city.

What else has been missed this millenium by our city "mis-leaders"?

• Centenne development (hey, we are just as centrally located as Clayton and no eminent domain needed)
• Move of National Records Center operations
• Any type of development at Page and Dielman

What can you add to the list?

We must PUSH for a City Administrator

We have had two to three workshop meetings since the August election. None have mentioned the "CA word", let alone has this important issue been added to a workshop agenda.

This is important if Overland has any hope to move forward. We desperately need the expertise required in areas of grant writing, municipal law and union negotiations. (Expertise--what a novel idea!)

Aside from expertise, we need the continuity. A CA would allow the city to transcend politics. Currently, every two years we can change dynamics of the city council and every four, the mayor’s office. Having a CA will allow these transitions to be as seamless as possible administratively.

It might be easier to pass tax initiatives if we had a CA. I think people would be more trusting of City Hall that is not beholden to campaign contribution favors than they would be trusting of the politicians.

It is our responsibility to hold the council’s feet to the fire on the hiring of a CA. I propose that we contact our city council members and demand this be added to a workshop agenda this month!!

Suzy's Little Helpers

In case you haven't realized, some readers have stepped up to the plate to become contributors to the blog. There are now a total of four people writing posts for OVCC2.



I even added a box to the right side of the blog listing these fine folks:



Contributors
Nellie Bly
suzyjax
Overland Muckraker
ORT Contrarian



We will always take more writers, so if you are interested please let me know.

A different type of Laptop Debate

The headline in today's Post read: The Laptop Debate. It seems everywhere there are laptop stories everywhere. After reading Sailor's summary of last night's workshop, perhaps there should be a different kind of debate.

Why in the world do we need to spend our taxpayer money on laptops for all of the council members?

This was claimed to be needed to increase communication.

• Hasn't state politics recently been riddled with stories about Sunshine Law violations due to lack of oversight and control of e-mail and its retention?
• Didn't we recently have issues with city-paid cellphones for council members?
• Would the city be paying for internet service, too?
• What about providing for our officers on the street before the city council (as Sailor points out)?

I shake my head in disappointment. The city has so many larger priorities than whether Mikey-Mike can e-mail Owenbsy at a moment's notice.

Workshop Meeting Tonight

From the City's website:

There will be a COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING on October 1st, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Possible topics for discussion:

Job Description-Computer Technician
Lights for Brooks Park
Marquis
Park Grant for Norman Myers & Brooks Park
Parking Problem at 2200 Woodson Rd
Appointment for Board of Adjustment
Trash-for those not able to pay

The Giroux Gang--Overland's Comprehensive Plan

For those of you who think cronyism has died with the Schneider election, well you should have been at the meeting last night.

During the "Mayor's Report", MT Schneider claims to have met with the County Economic Development Council. At that time, he is told that Overland created a comprehensive plan back in 2001.

He is told that we do not need to go through the process of another plan (after all NOTHING much has happend since then), only a fine tuning.

MT Schneider then announces that his crony and political supporter (and President of COGG), Mark Giroux will be in charge of such fine tuning. Giroux has also been given the go-ahead to form his own committee.

When asked about input from the city council or mayor, MT replied that he was going to have a hands-off approach and let "Mark do his thing".

I find this a shame, considering that with the Overland Redevelopement board each council member was allowed to choose an appointment. Why can't this be the policy for any new board or committee in the future?

MT Schneider had a chance to show his own sense of compromise and ability to reach out to the entire community. Instead he chose the path of patronage.

During Residents's Comments, Bonny Giovani summed it up best: "Just because you have the right to do something, doesn't make it the right thing to do."

Lacking Backbone

Last night's council meeting was a demonstration of what can happen with a lack of backbone. Les Dills was appointed unanimously. I have spoken with several council members and this is NOT what they wanetd. However, they were worried about their political reputation and thus voted with "the crowd".

I think last night's meeting will stand as a defining moment for the entire city council, but especially for those folks who voted against their conscience and better judgment. These are the people who put their political futures above the city's future. These are the people we will hold accountable for all the lack of progress and continued cronyism that will happen. And, indeed it has begun to happen in that very same meeting (see above story on Giroux Gang).

Even if these folks vote "progressively" in the future, the fact that the helped in changing the balance of the city council to ensure that progress would NOT happen makes them culpable.

To those city council members who are worried about re-election should take heed that these are the very actions that the constiuency remembers. For any COGG votes you may have gained, you lost two to three of the rest of us.

You should be ashamed of yourselves!!

Council Agendas and Web Links

As of this morning, there is not a link for the agenda to Monday's meeting on the city hall website. In fact, it doesn't even reference a meeting for Monday but states that the next meeting is September 10.

• Wasn't posting meeting notices and agendas online part of the Sunshine Law suit brought against the Purzner regime?
• Does MT Schneider think that the recall of Purzner automatically vacated that decision?

I have another issue with the website. I noticed for the first time today that there is a link to the American Legion's website. Why? Didn't we go through this before with Ann's link to her personal website? What are the policies to be included on the web page? A few questions:

• Why not link to other community organizations?
• What about the Overland Lions?
• Churches (not just All Souls)?
• The Rotary?
• The Optomists?
• The Pessimists?
• What about linking to this blog?
• Overland Chat?
• Sailor's blog/site?
• My Contrarian blog?
• Knode's site?
• Other council member sites?

Obviously all of these links on the front page would make the page too busy and not serve the public. A separate page for "community web links" would be of better service. However, when we start to cherry pick just the organizations that MT Schneider belongs or favors, we still have the inherent unfairness that was brought up when Queen Ann posted links to her website.



It all just begs the question: Did MT Schneider not learn ANYTHING during the short-lived Purzner administration?

Caught on Tape: Frank Munsch for CA?

Well, the rumor floated around last week. So, I taped the City Council meeting last night to hear for myself.

Indeed, when the topic of the CA position was brought up, Owensby leaned over to Tim Jones and said the following:

"We don't need no City Administrator. We need Frank Munsch who knows the value of a dollar. I will make the motion to bring him in."

Comments?

ORT Contrarian edited: Listen here for audio.

Open Letter to the City Council regarding Ward 4 seat

I want to thank the council for including the topic of a Ward 4 replacement in a workshop session.

A year ago, our city was in a quagmire of controversy with a mayor who wanted to appoint her friends and associates to not only the city council, but important positions such as Chief of Police and City Attorney. At that time, the citizenry stood up and said NO to such cronyism.

Our city has had not only a year of controversy, but decades of stagnancy that have lead to the disappearance of businesses, jobs, and city-paid services. When people have examined why that was allowed to happen many come back with answers of apathy, antagonism and cronyism that have infested our city government.

It is these three things that all candidates in the last election said they would eradicate in an effort to put the city back on the path to healing. However, we cannot heal if we continue to allow these things to fester within our city. My main concern with the process of filling the Ward 4 vacancy is cronyism.

At the last city council meeting, the mayor stated he was nominating his choice because this person “stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him through two campaigns.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines patronage as “the distribution of jobs and favors on a political basis, as to those who have supported one's party or political campaign.” How are we, the citizens of Ward 4, to see this as anything other than just another example of cronyism that will continue to hurt our city.

I am disappointed that this could not have started out as an open process. Since before he filed to run for mayor, Mr. Schneider has stated that Mr. Dills would be his choice—where is the openness in that? And, unfortunately, you can’t unring that bell. An appointment of Les Dills will leave some with questions of cronyism and a continuance of the patronage positions to fill city openings.

It is unfortunate that Overland couldn’t research on how other cities have handled this issue. In Saturday’s paper there was an article on a similar situation in St. Peters (where the special election of a mayor opened a city council seat). In the article, the Post-Dispatch informs us that each candidate was able to “earn an interview by gathering 150 petition signatures” from voters in their ward. What a novel idea to assure that the person has the backing of some of the constituency before proceeding!

However, we have what we have and we have the process that the city council has brought forth. And that process is important because the vetting process is important.

Normally, one obtains a council seat by running for election. During that process the voters have the opportunity to ask the candidates about current issues, pet projects or long-time problems. We are unable to do that during this process. You, our remaining elected officials, must do this on our behalf.

Because you are doing the vetting process, I would like to state what is important to me—a resident of ward four—in a council member. There are the obvious requirements. Age, residency and tax issues that are part of state statute to run for election to the city council should also be applied when appointing the same position. The other obvious factors are attendance and participation at council meetings and workshops, as well as responsiveness to all of the ward 4 residents. (Which doesn’t mean he or she satisfies all our wishes, but at least listens.)

However, there are attributes that I, as a resident of Ward 4 need to see in the appointment to this position.

First and foremost, independence. While the open seat will be nominated by the mayor, I do not want this person beholden to the mayor or any other person or entity. I want to know that when this person votes it is truly their vote.

Second, I want someone with fresh ideas as well as creative ways to implement existing policies. Let us not be guided by “that’s the way we’ve always done it” type of thinking.

Third, I want someone who is truly for progress. The person who is willing to examine new ideas, someone willing to look at what other cities have done with success and incorporate that into Overland. We need someone who is looking forward and who only looks back to examine past mistakes.

Part of that progressive mentality is my fourth wishlist attribute. And that is someone who supports the city in obtaining professional management. Of course, by this I mean that the Ward 4 seat should be filled by someone who has the desire to fill the City Administrator position with a quality and qualified individual and does not desire to weaken the position.

From personal experience, I know it is a lot easier to campaign for someone else than to go out there and stick our own necks out on the line. It is nice to get to skip the door knocking, the forums and debates. It is nice to not have to answer the questions that the electorate would pose to any and every candidate and have someone hand them a position on the council. Again, that is why the council's input into the opening is so important. I thank the council for doing this on behalf of the entirety of ward four.

Purchase a term of service for this blog

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How Others Do It

Came across an interesting article in the St Charles Post regarding the City of St. Peters. They provide information on how the city council is going about filling the seat of Len Pagano, who was recently elected mayor (to replace Shawn Brown).

In the article, they state that each person interested in filling the position had to go out and get XXX amount of signatures to be considered.

How enlightened!
Not only appointed, but has to have some backing to even be considered.

Ward 4 Open Seat

This flyer was left at the houses of several Ward 4 residents. I agree with all but the last sentence. It is imperative that citizens of Ward 4 attend Monday's meeting to have their say in who will represent us for the next 8 months.

Why this is important?

Because the vetting process is important.

Normally, one obtains a council seat by running for election. During that process the voters have the opportunity to ask the candidates about current issues, pet projects or long-time problems. We are unable to do that via the current appointment system.

And that is why this meeting is so important. Our remaining elected officials must do this on our behalf. Because the council is doing this vetting process on our behalf, it is important to attend and state your own expectations of the Ward 4 open seat.

Monday Workshop Meeting

This is posted on the city's website. Quite a big list of items to cover on Monday.

There will be a COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING on September 17th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Possible topics for discussion:

• Consider Appointment of Les Dill.
• Names for Directors of Redevelopment Corporation.
• Flyer on Rat Issue.
• Bids for Repair of Roof on Mansion.
• Fall Clean Up.
• Trash-for people not able to pay.
• Rolling Marquis.
• Lights at Brooks Park.
• Park Grant for Norman Myers and Brooks Park.

Note: this is a complete cut and paste. I think someone needs to determine once in for all that it is DILLS before his name plate is printed incorrectly. :)

May Hits it on the Head!

Just wanted to give some feedback from Monday's meeting. Of course, I will expect lots of comments once you have seen it for yourself on Channel 18, come Thursday.

I couldn't help myself, but poking a bit of fun at the Mayor. So, I posted a story on the Picayune about Salesman Schneider trying to Cold Call Costco.

Okay, on to the serious stuff.

During appointments the mayor appointed Jeff O'Connell (Ward 2) to the remainder for the term in Planning and Zoning. He did NOT mention that some members on P&Z terms have expired.

He also tried to appoint Les Dills to the open seat in Ward 4. This generated debate on the process (or lack thereof) in coming up with this appointment. It was decided to table this and discuss at a workshop meeting. This was much to the chagrin of Tim Jones, who pleaded with the council that he needed help in serving Ward four (I thought maybe he would start to cry).

The best part of that debate was Jerry May (Ward 1). He correctly stated that during the Purzner administration the council voted down her appointments because of the lack of transparency in the process of her picks. And, among those voting it down were himself and the Mayor. Wouldn't it be a bit hypocritical if they were to ignore that same circumstance on this occasion?

Wow! I could not have said it better! May really came to the point that everyone was supposedly fighting for last year--Open Government.

Okay, the rest of the meeting. A few new businesses were approved and bids for things such as concrete and asphalt were opened (snooze). The only bills passed dealt with buying salt from the City of Chesterfield and having it hauled to Overland.

Overall uneventful. Lots of stuff deferred to the workshop meeting this Monday (9/17). That might last 5 hours with all they have planned.

Pension Meetings

The following is posted on the city's website.

There will be a JOINT PENSION BOARD MEETING (Police and Non-Uniform) held on September 11th, at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Merrill Lynch will be present and also a representative from Segal Actuarial Co. will give a presentation..

2:30 on a Tuesday?

Will MT Schneider be the most UnEthical Mayor in the History of Overland?

Well, he is certainly off to a good start judging by his Campaign Finance Reports. Despite advisory statements from the Missouri Ethics Commission, he still continues to take illegal, over-the-limit contributions.

Here is a copy of Schneider's 30-day post-election report, so that you can follow along. Contributions are on pages 5 and 6.

1. Ann Scott contributed a whopping $2,000.00!!! That is more than 6 times the legal limit of $325 per election! Who is Ann Scott and what does this Clayton resident hope to gain from Overland?

2. Bob Ortmann gave another$200.00. This brings his total contribution for this election to $500.00. This is $175.00 above the legal limits.

3. Cliffords Big Signs contributed $400.00. It's not as if that big sign rolling though Overland wasn't the laugh of the city (jaundiced candidate and all) but now we see it was also ILLEGAL!!

What are your thoughts?

Meeting Reminder: Monday, 9/10

There is a City Council meeting this Monday, September 10, in the Community Center gym.

The agenda can be found online here. My thoughts on the agenda:

What is the subject of the MSD presentation?

Boring bid openings. Blah!

Buying more salt from Chesterfield.

The surprise is nothing is listed as "appointments". Is Les Dill officially out of the picture? Or, is MT Schneider giving him a bit more time to take care of his "baggage".

Comparing Apples and Oranges (or Missouri and Illinois Tax Rates)

On the surface, Illinois tax Real Estate tax rates may seem in line with those in Missouri. However, as always, the devil is in the details.

Doing some research I found the following rates:

Highland, IL 8.0354 (Source: Madison County Il Treas/)

Troy, MO 5.870 (source: Lincoln County Assessor)

Overland, MO 8.6615 (source: St Louis County Dept of Revenue)

I included Troy Mo because it was really unfair to compare an inner suburb and all of its services with Illinois cities, which can be more like Lincoln County, Missouri governments).


Now, the "devil" part. Missouri state law states that residential property is only taxed at 19% of its real value. Or, for a $100,000 house it is only taxed at an assessed value of $19,0000.

In Illinois, state law states this amount is 33.33%. Or, a $100,000 house is taxed at an assessed value of $33,333.33.

Thus, when you extrapolate out to the "similar tax rate" the Highland Illinois tax is $1000.00 more for that same $100,000.00 house.

Trends in Lies

Hello everyone. We are here to point out the latest trends in Overland lies, half-truths and misstatements. This week's trend goes to those who want to blame MBC (and MBC alone) for their personal property tax rates.

Enough with blaming MBC for Overland's personal property tax rates! The council vote went down 5-2, so she was just one of five in that arena. In reality, we the voters of Overland have voted what the maximum levy rate will be. (Something about "when you point a finger, three more are pointing back at you" seems fitting here.) The council cannot work outside those parameters that the voters have put in place.

If you are going to blame MBC for the personal property tax rates then you must also credit her for lowering of the levy for real property. You really can't have it both ways.It's almost reminiscent of ORTian logic. Then again, some of these folks have bitten from the poison apple of Schneider promises. Speaking of which, why are they not blaming Schneider for this? After all, it was one of the first things passed during his administration?

What's in a Name?

Am I the only one who sees the irony in someone who uses the handle "uareidiots" that then goes to spout off the biggest batch of BS in recent OVCC history? Excerpts from his comments: uareidiots said... Conlon certainly showed her true colors. Conlon fought for that tax increase which we all know is only going to benefit the school district and probably not even them much. ...Goodbyecc I agree with you 100 percent, but I am not a good public speaker, but I will certainly applaud you.

1) Many others have already pointed out that Overland tax rates has little-to-nothing to do with the either the Ritenour or University City School Districts.

2) You quote Goodbyecc who we have also proven he/she is full of crap with their $380 increase claim. (The difference for mine is $2.32, so pardon me if I don't buy that $380 figure.)

3) You are not only not a good public speaker but a BS writer. Don't come here with lies, half-truths and mis-statements. You may think we are idiots, but that is just your reflection in the mirror.