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