Meeting Change Notice

For those who did not know:

THE OVERLAND COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 11TH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO MONDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 2008 AT 7:15 P.M.


That gives Courtney one more week to try to figure out how to tape the show off of cable.

However, this notice was also posted on the city's website. Don't know why this topic can't be covered at the Monday meeting that week.

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 21st 2008, 5:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL

AGENDA TOPICS:

The purpose of the meeting will be to set the City's Tax Rate

Overland in the News: Dumb and Dumber

Just browsing through my Journal and found two stories of interest to all you Overlanders.

First, Overland proposes a Page program for the municipal court. The story talks about how the three court employees are working 12 hours a day. That means lots of overtime, which seems a bit silly. The proposal to lighten the load is to start a Page program for area high school students. But, these kids won't just supplement their work and lessen overtime, the plan is to fire one of the court clerks in favor of these kids. The article states the court is making over $100,000 more per year in increased fines. Surely--with that kind of cash flow in the courts--we can afford to keep the 3 workers, limit or elmiminate the overtime, and institute a page program. What next, replacing the mayor with Ritenour's Student Council President? File this under DUMB.

In the Dumber category, is the not so bright Courtney Cerulo. This friend of Ann Purzner and pal to Owensby is complaining to Journal hack Buck Collier that the city is charging her for a DVD copy of a recent city council meeting. Having some experience in the world of multimedia, the prices quoted by the city are right in line with the local industry. Part of the high cost are the minimums and that only one copy is being made. Usually dozens, if not hundreds, of copies are made which spread the cost among the larger quantities. Surely, some of her ORT or COGG pals have access to Charter cable and could tape a copy for her. Like Cerulo's attacks on Cuminale that just make the prior Public Works administration look bad, this attempt to make the city appear aggregious only serves to make her look--well, not smart.

So there is the Dumb and Dumber. Surely, readers, you have some nomination for Dumbest in recent Overland news.

COGG shows their A** (as usual)

I'm still shaking my head in disbelief over what is wrong with some of these COGG fools. They were completely disruptive during Monday's meeting. Their friend Mayor Mike was none too pleased. The Chief had to settle them down a few times.

But, really, what is wrong with COGG?

Save the Drama for your Mama

Recently, the never before heard of Overland Symphony performed at Wild Acres. From what I saw last night, the Overland Drama Society should also be formed. With Chuck Boone-doggle as the lead.

Talk about the drama. In something that would only happen in a Jerry Springer show (or an OVCC meeting), Boone went out with flair. When it came time for his Public Works report, he grabbed the microphone, went out amongst the people for dramatic effect, and QUIT!

Good News for Overland!
Good News for the Drama Society!

Why does Tom Fitzgerald hate Kathy Kelly Burkett?

Why does Tom Fitzgerald hate Kathy Burkett, the Overland resident/representative on the St Louis County Council? During citizens comments at the Monday meeting he ranted and raved about how the County dis's Overland.

Owensby Almost Gives Himself an Anuerysm

Owensby almost stroked out last night during the city council meeting. After the swearing in and seating of the new council (which looked suspiciously like the "old" council), a motion was made for Councilperson Cuminale to be made Mayor Pro-Tem.
Now, let's step back a few paces. Dills and Jones were both absent from the meeting. This meant that it was pretty likely that Eedie would be elected.
First, Owensby tried to put it off until a full council was elected. However, city ordinance does state that it should happen at the first meeting after election results are certified (SECTION 110.240 of Overland City Ordinances).
Then, after the vote Owensby tried to proclaim 5 votes were needed. Well, since we all pretty much know the rules from the turmoil during the Purzner era--everyone knew that the 5 votes applied to ordinances. Appointing/electing a Mayor Pro-Tem is done by resolution, which by RROR, only requires the vote of the majority of those present.

Overland House Tour

At last night's meeting, Schneider was lamenting the poor attendance of citizens at community events. It could be that they are not very well publicized. For example, I knew nothing of this house tour until last night.

That aside, here is an article from the Journal covering the event that will be held this Sunday.

A Busy Monday

Looks like a busy Monday for the City Council. A workshop meeting at 7:00 and then a city council meeting at 7:15. Or, perhaps these are two different meetings and the council has cloned itself.

WORKSHOP MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY APRIL 28, 2008 AT 7:00
P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL
AGENDA:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3.CREATION OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
4. ADJOURNMENT

City Council Meeting Agenda here.

Monday's Council Meeting

I would have written earlier about this, but someone just came by the council chambers and woke me up! That's to say it was a bit boring--not that there is anything wrong with that.
The only big item on the agenda was buying property, which was tabled. That left the only big item as some dude complaining that the city wanted to make repairs to his street (Olden).

Meeting on Monday, 3/24

In case you didn't see, the meeting Monday is at the Community Center. I believe someone said something about a reception to welcome the new CA afterwards. I could have dreamed that, though.

The agenda hasn't been posted yet. I will update this entry once it is posted.

What Idiots!

I finally watched the Monday 3/10 meeting on video. It was very apparent that Chuck Boone and Ken Owesnby did not know the meaning of the word "permeable". I find that amazing considering Ken's touting of his educational credentials and his "I am a teacher" rhetoric. Also, doesn't Chuck think he is qualified to be the Public Works Director? His reaction (one of ignorance) to the permeable concrete and asphalt proposal made it apparent he doesn't have the least bit of educational qualification for that position.

And, in case you didn't read it in the newspaper or on overlandchat, MSD will start charging people for all non-permable surfaces. But, heck, we can't expect our "acting" PW director to be up on these types of changes, can we?

Last Night's CC and Workshop Tonight

First, there is a workshop meeting tonight. The following are possible topics:

OVERLAND REDEVELOPMENT CORP.
HVAC MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
FLOOR COVERING FOR WALKING TRACK
STREET LIGHT-GOTHLAND
FACILITIES AT BROOKS PARK
PARKS GRANT
PARK GUARDS
BATHROOMS AT NORMAN MYERS PARK
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING
GREEN SPACE AT MIDLAND AND WOODSON
FARMERS MARKET

Not much happened at the meeting last night. All the bills/proposed ordinance passed unanimously and without much debate. Not much brought up on new/old business. Yawner (a good thing) and was home in time for Old Christine.

City Council Meeting 02/25/2008

Monday's meeting was another short and sweet one. It was overall a fairly boring meeting with the exception of the following gems:

They finally passed a bill to address the complaints about the difficulty driving on Lackland, just past Midland. I was surprised that they made it "no parking, all the time". I thought maybe they would go for 2 hour limits or such. Especially since that parking is used during events at Norman Meyers Park.

There were some changes to the budget. I browsed the ordinance that was posted on the board and there were a few errors (e.g. went from 23,000 to 247,000 in one category). Although changes were made to the copies given to council members, they were not on the copy posted for the public. I realize typos can be made, especially when dealing with lots of numbers as there are in a budget bill. I just wonder how often proposed ordinances that pass are different than what is posted without going through an actual amendment/vote? Especially when such changes are NOT mentioned during the meeting.

The council tabled the proposed ordinances to change the building codes. This was being done by suggestion of Chuck Boone. Thankfully, we have some responsible (read non-rubber stamp) council members who researched this further. Council member Conlon questioned why there were few cities who had adopted the code that we were proposing. It is wise to table this motion and wait to see if we are just ahead of the curve (when does that happen) or if we are doing unnecessary changes for this time.

The rest of the bills/proposed ordinances passed without debate, as they had been discussed in previous meetings and workshops.

Speaking of workshops, the situation with vandalism at Brooks Park was suggested to be discussed in a workshop. That wasn't good enough for Kenny-boy who proceeded to whine and cry about the topic during the meeting instead of waiting until the workshop. Most of his arguing was with Ward 1's Cuminale. After the meeting, Kenny was overheard telling Richard Knode that Owensby will remember this when they want something for their ward. Of course, The Big Kmode did not defend his own ward (Ward 1). Such non defense is surprising considering he is a (non-campaigning) candidate for the seat in Ward 1.

They went into executive session to discuss some items with the woman from East-West Gateway. One can only assume that the light at the end of the tunnel is about to shine--or, that a CA should be hired soon.

Meeting this Monday

There is a OVCC meeting this Monday. Agenda is posted online, here.

There seems to be a lot of proposed ordinances. A lot seem to deal with upgrading the version of the international building code used by Public Works.

There are two that amend the budget. Anyone know what those are about?

Cozad, Lies, and Videotape

When the city spends money--whether it is for the gas bill or a tax incentive--they are truly giving away our money. The city council is elected to oversee the expenditures.

No one is saying that they should micromanage every penny. However, when we give away money via TIFs and tax abatements, we expect our city leaders to assure that such giveaways are not one sided. We expect them to follow-up to make sure the recipient is living up to their end of the bargain.

Such is the case with the Cozad development at Page and Walton. We have provided a tax abatement. We have heard nothing about progress. Thankfully, certain council members (Conlon, O'Connell, Cuminale, May) have requested information.

Unfortunately, as the following video shows, Ol' Empty has been as forthcoming or vigilant. We are not even sure if he has or has not been in contact with Cozad.

Tonight's City Council Meeting

The agenda for tonight's meeting is posted online. Not much going on, the only proposed ordinance deals with the cell phone tower at Legion (probably more of interest to Breckenridge Hills than us, since it is practically in their people's backyards). This lack of agenda items does not bode well for Schneider and his promises of bringing in business.

So, the most interesting question about tonight's meeting is: "Do they ever cancel these for weather?"