www.lakelotawananews.com YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTION Lotawana News Volume 41, Number 15 January 14, 2015 Association News Baseball is like driving, it’s the one who gets home safely that counts. – Tommy Lasorda The other day a respected member of our community came by the office to voice his concerns about the safety of our roads. His complaint was not about how the roads have been maintained this winter, but about the way people drive on them. I think sometimes we take for granted the quality of the roads and the way our crew maintains them in the winter. People routinely drive too fast on them. As good as they are, we still have plenty of blind spots from hills and hairpins. The speed limit is 20 mph for a reason. I log a lot of miles on the lake roads and if I had a dollar for every time an oncoming car came across the center line in the back of Union, Shawnee or Quantrill’s Cove, I would have enough dollars to be logging more miles on the water. I have heard more than once from some of the “old timers” that they wish the roads were as they were 25 years ago. Going back to dirt and gravel to get folks to slow down is not a solution to the problem. With respect to Tommy Lasorda, maybe driving is like baseball; it’s the one who gets home safely that wins. Speaking of driving safely, our crew will inevitably be on the roads plowing and spreading salt and sand in the coming weeks. Please watch out for them and give them the right of way whenever possible. Pushing snow does require hugging the center line and in order to do it effectively, a certain degree of momentum is required. Dues statements have been mailed and should be in your mailboxes by now. The statements are marked due on January 1st, but you have until February 28th to pay without interest being charged. Any dues not paid by February 28th will accrue interest charges back to January 1st at the annual rate of 9%. If you’ve been paying for trash service or have indicated that you want trash service prior to our billing, it will be already be added as a line item on your statement. Some have been adding money to their check without looking to see if the trash has been included. If you’re not sure you’re (continued on page 2) Lake Lotawana Association, Inc. Association Office Hours Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: Sat: Sun, Mon Phone: 578-4272 9 am - 4:30 pm 8 am - 12 noon Closed Fax: 578-4080 Board of Directors Meeting January 13, 2015 7:30 p.m. Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church - Gate 1 Lake Improvement Board January 22, 2015 Lake Lotawana City Hall Mason School Carnival Friday, Jan 30th 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm SUPERHERO theme! Dress as your fav hero! COTTON CANDY, HOT CHOCOLATE, GAMES, PRIZES, BOUNCE HOUSES! Purple Sunrise at Lake Lotawana Mayor’s Column The beginning of a new year is the time when we all think about what is in the offing for the next twelve months. Cities are no exception to that exercise. For the City of Lake Lotawana, the new year will see a multitude of changes and challenges. A major change will occur after the election on April 7th with new people for the City’s elected representatives. There will be a new mayor, two new aldermen and possibly a third. The deadline for registering at City Hall for the four open offices is January 20th at 4:30pm. There will be a new City Administrator. The City’s most recent administrator resigned this past November and the selection committee has narrowed down more than 70 applicants to two finalists. The decision to select the new City Administrator will be finalized by the time this issue of the Lotawana News is published. The daily activities in City Hall focus on the priority list the Board of Aldermen adopted for 2015. Heading the list, as it did last year and will in future years, is the repair to the sewer lines that run around the lake. Last year the Public Works Department spent its second consecutive summer supervising the company hired to do the repairs. The work initially continued the job along the north side of the lake, but also addressed major leaks identified by the flow meter studies at each of the 23 lift stations. The budget for this coming summer’s repairs is $122,500. Land use questions have become a new priority. Lot splits and joining lots need approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission as do zoning changes and annexations. The City currently has requests submitted for approval that covers all of these issues especially south of the lake near Route 7 and 50 Highway and south of (continued on page 2) City of Lake Lotawana Tuesday, January 6, 2015 PHOTO BY SARAH FRASHIER Lake Lotawana Phone Numbers Water Patrol: Ron DesCombes Lotawana Fire (non emergency) Prairie Township Fire (non emergency) Water District # 15 564-8250 578-4211 525-4200 578-4424 Lotawana News Next issue: January 28, 2015 Deadline: January 19, 2015 City Minutes Police Report pages 9, 12, 13 page 13 City of Lake Lotawana www.lakelotawana.org Visit us on Facebook – City of Lake Lotawana City Hall Office Hours Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am-4:30 pm 578-4215 Emergency - 911 Police (non emergency) 578-4333 Animal Control 578-4333 Board of Aldermen Meeting January 20, 2015 7:00 p.m. PO Box 6613, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Lake Lotawana City Hall Phone: 578-5834 www.lakelotawananews.com email: lotawananews@aol.com Board of Adjustment January 27, 2015 Lake Lotawana City Hall Lotawana News Page 2 January 14, 2015 U.S.P.S. NO 076690 1 Section 16 Pages Subscription Price $18.00 per year (includes state sales tax) LOTAWANA NEWS Vol. 41, No. 15, January 14, 2015 Published 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month LOTAWANA NEWS P.O. Box 6613 Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-6613 Barb Cooley, Publisher PHONE: 578-5834 e-mail: lotawananews@aol.com Postmaster send address corrections to: P.O. Box 6613, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-6613 Periodical Postage Paid at Lee’s Summit, MO $1 OFF Any 12” Pizza $2 OFF Any 16” Pizza Delivery Hours: All deliveries start at 4 pm Mon thru Sat Sun Open at 4 pm Open at Noon HAPPY HOUR Mon.- Fri. 4 - 6 pm www.facebook.com\russospizzamo 578-4943 RUSSO’S Lake Lotawana 7 Hwy North of Colbern Security Cameras! Coded Access! Pay Online! Bring Me In For 1 Free Month’s Rent! (WITH NEW RENTAL AGREEMENT)(APPLIES TO SELECTIVE UNITS) Indoor and Outdoor Storage Available Boats, RV’s and Trailers Welcome From 5x10’s to 10x40’s we have you Covered! (816) 224-1166 8408 S. HWY 7 www.lockbox-storage.com Blue Springs, MO 64014 Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church 28901 E. Colbern Rd. 8 and 10:00 am Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School EVERYONE WELCOME! Rev. Mike Costanzo, Pastor www.llcumc.org 578-4544 Association News Mayor’s Column (continued from page 1) (continued from page 1) paying for trash service, look on the statement. Trash service is optional and IS NOT included in your regular maintenance assessments. Envirostar has told us that they will not be picking up trash for those homeowners unless they are paying the Association for it (whether you have a special EWS container or not). If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer them here at the office. Submitted by: Jan T. Olson - Executive Director If you need to reach me for anything, please email me at jollassn@earthlink.net or call the office at 578-4272. Rt 50. The City currently employs a Planning and Zoning consultant, but there is an increasing need for a fulltime Planning & Zoning Administrator. Another possible change in 2015. Ongoing activities, of course, include the ever challenging public safety issues. Under Police Chief Brent Miller, the City’s Police Department is as professionally supervised and staffed as we have every reason to expect. However, the encroaching threats and challenges from our neighboring larger cities have meant the Department cannot operate as it has in the past in an isolated environment. Additional changes will include these ongoing projects: a major update to the City Code with an online component; continued work on the Public Works garage; roads maintenance; City Hall repairs; economic development; and environmental concerns. Despite the challenges and changes to our City, there is every reason to expect the City of Lake Lotawana will continue to be a unique place to live in 2015. Dave Welsh, Mayor City of Lake Lotawana dwelsh@lakelotawana.org Lake Lotawana Association COMBINATION CONTACT LIST BOAT RAMP &/OR TRAILER STORAGE Rena Allin 816-550-0921 Michelle Anderson 816-578-5718 Don Leven 816-578-4596 Chuck Kitley 816-679-4136 Dick Stuart 816-578-4752 MARTIN PROPERTY Brush & Yard Waste Drop Off Michelle Anderson 816-578-5718 Brad Barnhart 816-578-2233 Dwane Ficcadenti 816-578-5782 Dave Higdon 816-774-3513 Nancy Myers 816-578-5786 Peggy Rudder 816-309-9578 Dave Williams 816-875-8646 Alternates Mike Morlan 816-589-7134 Jeff Moore 816-578-4944 Lotawana Fire Protection District 101 Lotawana Drive, Lake Lotawana, MO 64086 Phone: (816) 578-4211 Fax: (816) 578-5815 email: chiefbilllarge@lotawanafire.org Fire Chief Bill Large Notice of Candidate Filing for Election This will notify the general public that the Lotawana Fire Protection District, a political subdivision in Jackson County, Missouri, will hold an election on April 07, 2015 for the Board of Directors’ position. The opening filing date shall be at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 and shall close at 5:00 P.M. on January 20, 2015. Any candidate may file during that time at Lotawana Fire Protection District’s Station 1, located at 101 Lotawana Drive, Lake Lotawana, MO. To be qualified to serve as a Board of Director, you must be a voter of the district at least two years prior to the election, be over the age of twenty-five, pay a fifty ($50.00) dollar filing fee and sign the Financial Interest Statement under oath that such person possesses the required qualifications. Please contact Fire Chief Bill Large at the above listed number with any questions! NOTICE OF ELECTION FILING Legal Notice NOTICE is hereby given that an election will be held in the City of Lake Lotawana, Jackson County, Missouri, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, for the purpose of electing the following: Mayor; City Collector; Aldermen for wards 1, 2, and 3. Filing forms must be filled out during normal business hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday), starting at 8:00 am, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2014, and ending at 4:30 pm, TUESDAY JANUARY 20, 2015, in the office of the City Clerk, 100 Lake Lotawana Drive, Lake Lotawana, Missouri, 64086. Candidates filing must bring proof of citizenship, registered voter identification card, and paid tax receipt for both real estate and personal property taxes. Candidates having filed and desiring to withdraw such candidacy shall appear in person before the City Clerk on or before 4:30 pm, January 21, 2015, and execute and deliver to the City Clerk a proper withdrawal of such candidacy. City of Lake Lotawana Rhonda Littrell City Clerk USED MOTOR OIL Used MOTOR oil is collected at the Association Office at 10417 E. Thompson Road. The used oil provides the fuel to heat the shop portion of the building. Please leave motor oil in containers outside the garage door. ASSOCIATION TRAILER STORAGE Boat trailer storage is available at the Avise property, across the dam. Decals are available at the Association office. The cost per year for each trailer is $35.00. Permits are to be renewed each year, the same as watercraft. When calling, be prepared to give either a boat or trailer registration number. Lotawana News Page 3 January 14, 2015 LAKE LOTAWANA COMMUNITY CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Princess Princ Pr P rincesss P aarrty ty Party Januar Januaryy 24 • 11am-2pm Dress up as yourr Dr ffavorite Princess!s!! PARTY P PA AR ARTY Y Dress up as your favorite Superhero! fa f ro! DON’TT FORGET YOUR DON’ YOUR CCAMERA! AMERAA! TTM M 1021 NE C Colbern olbern Rd. Rd. • Lee’s Lee’s Summit, SSummit, MO 64086 816-246-5224 • P Paradise-Park.com aradise-Park.com Check Our Website for Special Offers! www.blplumbingserviceinc.com Licensed & Insured Senior Discounts Family Operated Major Credit Cards Accepted Residential/Commercial Sewer & Drain Cleaning Excavating (816) 347-2610 or (913) 321-6237 Sump Pumps Remodeling Water & Gas Piping Fax: (816) 347-2612 Water Heaters sales@blplumbingserviceinc.com On the 27th of January, the Lake Lotawana Community Club will have its first luncheon of 2015. For those new to the club, we ask you to arrive at 11 AM to check in and bring $8.00 for a delicious lunch served right to your table. We have a short general meeting after everyone is seated, followed by lunch and a program. Come get to know our members and join in the fun. In addition to our monthly luncheons, we offer bridge, yoga and special activities each month. They range from fundraising dinners to community service projects; all are designed to get to know one another better and to help and improve our community. Our annual dues are $30. We have a wide range of ages and anyone can join and participate as they like. Members are asked to email Cathy Chapman at clynn24@me.com to make standing reservations, reserve your luncheon spot monthly, for cancellations or for guest reservations. Since a luncheon count is needed to have enough food and not to waste food and money, you must do us the courtesy of canceling any reservation that you cannot make or you will be charged for that meal. You may also call Cathy at 816914-9071, but if you have email, please use it to save her some time! If you are thinking of joining and want to come to a luncheon first to see what we are about, simply call Cathy to say you would like to join us for lunch and bring $8.00 for your lunch. We will give you membership information when you request it. Most months our luncheon is the last Tuesday of the month. All activity, event and luncheon dates will also be published in the Lotawana News in advance. For additional information or questions, you may call this year’s President, Debbie Wagner at 816-2130043. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones this year. The club is located inside Gate One on the left side of the road just before you reach the dam. If you need a ride, we have ladies willing to pick you up! Servicing Lake Lotawana over 16 years Sprinkler Winterization • Pumps • Irrigation Systems 816.540.9180 • WWW.IDLCOMPANY.NET 1001 Industrial Drive • Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 DON’T BLOCK THAT VIEW! TOTAL SCREENING SOLUTIONS Retractable Door & Window Screens Power Screens - Large Openings Stationary Screens Solar Screens Rolling Shutters Clear Mylar Film THE REMODELING CENTER AND SCREEN WAREHOUSE 1803 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 816-525-4442 www.phantomscreens.com Elf Boat Docks We sell & install GALVANIZED STEEL DOCKS and BOAT LIFTS Serving our customers since 1985 City of Blue Springs Vesper Book Club 10:30 – 11:30 am January 15, 2015 Vesper Hall Gather with other avid readers for discussion and readings. Bring suggestions for books to read in the coming year. Pre-register with Parks and Recreation/Vesper Hall, by phone or in person, at Vesper Hall, 400 NW Vesper Street. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For additional information call Vesper Hall at 228-0181. 10-year limited warranty on our dock frames 15-year limited warranty on encapsulated floats TREATED LUMBER, COMPOSITE, CONCRETE AND ALUMINUM DECKING ANGULAR LADDERS & REGULAR SWIM LADDERS WET STEPS - DOG RAMPS - SWIM BUOYS STORAGE DOCK LOCKERS We sell, install, repair and service all dock products. Place your order now. 5% Discount till January 31, 2014 Contact Ed & David Frazier Office# 816-257-1686 Fax# 816-257-1688 1600 N. M-291 Hwy, Independence, MO www.elfdocks.com Email: Elfmachineworks@sbcglobal.net Lotawana News Page 4 January 14, 2015 CHINNERY EVANS & NAIL, P.C. Attorneys At Law Carl Chinnery Gayle Evans Molly Nail Nancy Blackwell Andrew Felker Estate Planning • Corporate Real Estate • Probate 525-2050 800 NE Vanderbilt Lane, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Mike Morlan Owner 3rd Generation Lotawana Homeowner Licensed & Insured Premier KC Lawn, LLC “We take pride in your lawn” 816-578-5818 Cell: 816-589-7134 27 N Street, Lake Lotawana, MO 64086 Email: PremierKCLawn@comcast.net Vince Saluto Masonry Lotawana’s Mason since 1981 From the Gate Markers to some of the Finest Homes STONE, BRICK or BLOCK I personally install and repair. 816-225-2877 Blue Springs Police Department – Tips To Reduce Your Risk of Auto Theft Blue Springs, MO – Due to an increase in motor vehicle thefts in our area, the Blue Springs Police Department has some tips to make your vehicle less appealing to thieves. Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk: 1. Always lock your vehicle. 2. Never leave your vehicle with the engine running and always take your keys out of the ignition – no matter how briefly you are stepping away. 3. Close all the windows and your sunroof. 4. Avoid leaving valuables or personal information visible in your vehicle. 5. If you can, park in your garage to protect your vehicle. 6. Consider investing in extra security such as remote starts, auto alarms or automated GIS locator systems. Thieves are reluctant to steal a vehicle if they know it can be recovered quickly. Insurers may offer discounts for these types of systems. Jacomo Chorale begins spring season The Jacomo Chorale, Eastern Jackson County's community chorale, begins its spring season with rehearsals at Mission Woods Community Of Christ in Blue Springs at 7 PM on January 22nd. The Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Helena Vasconcellos, presents music in a variety of styles from MasterWorks to Broadway. The Chorale will present "Look at the World" on April 26th at Nativity of Mary Parish in Independence, in conjunction with the MAIstersingers of the Music/Arts Institute. Singers interested in joining this dynamic choral group are invited to contact Nancy White at (816) 355-0114 or nwhite1973@gmail.com. Additional information about the Chorale is available on their websitehttp://jacomochorale.org. The Jacomo Chorale is a 503(c)(b) organization Hot Savings on Amtrak Missouri River Runner Winter Fares Save 20 Percent on Adult Fares through March JEFFERSON CITY – The weather outside might get frightful, but this winter, savings on Amtrak travel are delightful. Missouri River Runner passengers can save 20 percent on adult fares for travel January 5 through March 31. Book your seat using discount code V419 effective now through March 30, 2015. Reservations are required at least one day in advance of travel on the route between Kansas City and St. Louis, which includes stops at Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit and Independence. Complete your plans now for the lowest fares. Savings are possible by booking through the "Deals" tab at Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.You can also purchase tickets using Amtrak eTicketing and simply print your boarding documents from any printer or present them on board electronically via your smartphone. Terms and conditions vary. Some blackout dates and other applicable restrictions apply, including advance reser- vation and purchase requirements, which are displayed on Amtrak.com. The offer is valid for coach seats and is dependent upon availability. sŝĞǁĂůůŵLJ>ŝƐƟŶŐƐĂƚ ^ŚĞƌƌŝD͘ZĞĞĐĞEŝĐŚŽůƐ͘ĐŽŵ >^ͬWhZ,^͊ Sherrii Moorree 6KHUUL0# 5HHFH1LFKROVFRP -- -- ϯϬϰ^t'ƌĞĞŶdĞĂů ><&ZKEdϭ͘ϱ^ƚŽƌLJ͕ϱďĞĚͲ ƌŽŽŵ͕Ϯ͘ϱďĂƚŚƐ͕/ŶŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƉŽŽů͕ŵŽǀĞŝŶŶŽǁ͊ Treated lumber or concrete decking. Hot dipped and galvanized framework. Encapsulated floats carrying a 15-year warranty. Other Dock Services: Additions - Repair - Refoam - etc. Mac’s Cove Docks Guarantees • On schedule completion • Cost-effective process from beginning to end • Final product exceeds expectations • Honesty, integrity, and great value Find us on Facebook: Macs Cove Docks www.macscovedocks.com • Jearmy Mc Cubbins 573.999.9169 Lotawana News Page 5 January 14, 2015 Santa Visits Lake Lotawana! One of Eastern Jackson County’s Finest Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurants Now taking reservations for Valentine’s Day! HOURS Tues/Wed/Thur Fri/Sat Sun Seating 5:30 to 8 pm Seating 5 to 9 pm Seatng 5 to 8 pm (816) 578-5511 for RESERVATIONS or INFORMATION www.marinagrogandgalley.com Lake Lotawana’s Trusted Real Estate Specialist 816-401-8190 Cell 816-525-7000 Office Belindao@kw.com Thank you to Santa and the Lake Lotawana Fire Department for bringing Christmas joy to the Lake Lotawana community on Sunday, December 14. Pictured with Santa are Layla Charboneau L block; baby Zoey Flinn and her sister Dakota of W block; and in front Sydney and Addy Rodman, V block. What’s this? Brad Rodman, V block, received coal from Santa! Surely not! Lotawana News Page 6 January 14, 2015 Join us January 17th for our annual COP ON TOP Every building needs a foundation. IT’S CALLED COMMUNITY. fundraiser event for SPECIAL OLYMPICS of MISSOURI For more details go to: Facebook.com/HabanerosLS Character. Trust. A work ethic you can set your watch to. These are eternal. They’re the values of community. Pinnacle Bank has captured these in stories of your friends and neighbors. Watch and share them at WHYCOMMUNITYMATTERS.COM. LAKE LOTAWANA 26500 E. Colbern Rd., 816.578.4334 Lake Lotawana Optimist Club Student of the Month - November 2014 www.markfrashierconstruction.com Ava Reed, Kindergarten Ava is pictured with her teacher, Teresa Bryant, and Optimist Club President, Stu May. The November Optimist student of the month is Ava Reed. Ava is an eager learner that comes in daily with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. Her parents, John and Kristen Reed, along with older brothers, Jack in 6th grade and Anthony in 4th grade, have prepared her well for kindergarten at Mason Elementary. Ava has a positive outlook and is quick to help others in need whether it is letting them borrow supplies or giving them a kind word or much needed hug. Teresa Bryant, Mason Kindergarten Teacher Lotawana News Page 7 January 14, 2015 New Contribution Limits Make 401(k) Plans Even More Attractive If you are interested in saving for retirement, here’s some good news: For 2015, the IRS has raised the maximum contribution limits for 401(k) plans from $17,500 to $18,000. And if you’re 50 or older, you can put in an extra $6,000, up from $5,500 in 2014. These same limits also apply to 403(b) plans, for employees of public schools and nonprofit organizations, and to 457(b) plans, for employees of state and local governments and other governmental agencies, such as park boards and water districts. So, in other words, a lot of workers have gotten a “raise” in their ability to contribute to tax-advantaged retirement plans. Although you may not think you will ever contribute the maximum amount to your retirement plan, you may still benefit from making small increases each year. Unfortunately, many people don’t do this. In fact, approximately 30 percent of eligible workers don’t even participate in their employer’s 401(k)-type plan, according to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. And the median savings rate for these plans is just six percent of eligible income, with only 22 percent of employees contributing more than 10 percent of their pay, according to a recent report by Vanguard, an investment management company. www.edwardjones.com Keep Your Retirement on Solid Ground – Even If Things at Work Are Up in the Air. Few things are as stressful as worrying about work. Because it’s easy to feel like things are out of control, it’s essential to consider any financial decision carefully. This is especially true when it comes to your retirement savings. Edward Jones can help. We’ll start by getting to know your goals. Then we’ll sort through your current situation and work with you face to face to develop a strategy that can help you keep your retirement on track. To make sense of your retirement savings alternatives, call or visit today. Chris Madden Financial Advisor . 2410 South 7 Highway Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-224-9278 IRT-1425A-A Member SIPC In any case, you do have some pretty strong motivations to put in as much as you can possibly afford. First of all, your 401(k) earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis, which means your money has more growth potential than it would if it were placed in an account on which you paid taxes every year. Eventually, though, you will be taxed on your withdrawals, but by the time you start taking out money, presumably in retirement, you might be in a lower tax bracket. But you can also get a more immediate taxrelated benefit from contributing as much as you can to your 401(k). Consider this hypothetical example. Suppose that you are in the 28 percent tax bracket. For every dollar you earn, you must pay 28 cents in taxes (excluding state and other taxes), leaving you 72 cents to spend as you choose. But if you put that same dollar into your 401(k), which is typically funded with pre-tax dollars, you will reduce your taxable income by one dollar — which means that if you did contribute the full $18,000, you’d save $5,040 in federal income taxes. Your particular tax situation will likely be impacted by other factors, but you’d have that $18,000 working for you in whatever investments you have chosen within your 401(k) plan. If you kept contributing the maximum each year, you will be giving yourself more potential for a sizable fund for your retirement years. Even if you couldn’t afford to “max out” on your 401(k), you should, at the very least, contribute enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. (A common match is 50 cents per dollar, up to six percent of your pay.) Your Chris M. Madden Financial Advisor 816-224-9278 Human Resources department can tell you how much you need to contribute to get the greatest match, so if you haven’t had that conversation yet, don’t put it off. As we’ve seen, investing in your 401(k) is a good retirement strategy — you get tax benefits and the chance to build retirement savings. And midlakesmarine@hotmail.com with the contribution limit increasing, you’ve got the chance for more savings in the future. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Make a Change If you're like most busy homeowners, you don't have the time to handle all of your landscapes’ maintenance needs. That's where we can help. With Lone Oak Lawns, you can spend less time working on your property and more time enjoying it. Whether you need basic weekly care or total property maintenance, Lone Oak Lawns is here for you. 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(Lotawana News received from City Clerk on Dec. 10, 2014) A full recording of the meeting is on the City’s website: lakelotawana.org 1) At 6:30 pm Mayor Welsh called the meeting to order. 2) City Clerk Rhonda Littrell called roll Mayor David Welsh - Present Alderwoman Rita Aholt – Present Alderman Larry Byrne – Present Alderman Scott Miles – Present Alderman Chris Jackson – Absent Alderman David Tillema – Present Alderman Charles Falkenberg – Present There was a quorum present. 3) A motion to close the meeting pursuant to Section 610.020.1 to discuss legal matters was made by Alderman Falkenberg and seconded by Alderman Tillema. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Aholt, Byrne, Miles, Tillema, Falkenberg; Nay – None; Absent – Jackson. The Board went into closed session at 6:32 pm. The open session reconvened at 7:27 pm. 4) Tillema brought up a concern that the vote on the consideration and approval of the lot split of Y-53 at the October 21, 2014 Board of Aldermen meeting being improperly done. Tillema – “An Alderperson along with her husband have ownership of two lots directly adjacent to Y-53. Therefore has the potential and serious financial conflict of interest in this decision. She did not disclose ownership and she made no effort to recuse herself from discussing or voting on the lot split. This lack of disclosure thereby calls into question the validity of the motion as considered on October 21st. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, you should not vote on a question in which you have a direct or financial interest not common to other members. Having adjacent lots goes above and beyond a common interest. Robert’s Rules of Order allows for a motion previously made to be rescinded and thereby annulled.” A motion to rescind the motion of lot split at Y-53 considered at the Board of Aldermen meeting October 21, 2014 was made by Tillema and seconded by Falkenberg. If the Board does this, the Board would have to vote on the lot split again. Aholt – “I am the one who decides whether or not I have a conflict.” City Attorney – “What makes the conflict is that you have property immediately adjacent and maybe affected either adversely or positively by the action that this Board will take. Because of that you have a conflict of interest. It is a direct or indirect benefit that you may be derived by the land use decision that this Board is going to make in that lot split. That is the conflict. We are talking about you acting in your elected capacity in a rule making position and that is what that conflict law is about. When you are in a rule making position, you cannot exercise that vote when you have a conflict of interest and the conflict interest is a direct or indirect financial benefit or loss as related to your rule making.” Aholt – “My objection is that is creates a buildable lot. To follow the comprehensive plan, we allow merging of lots but we do not want the separating of lots.” City Attorney – “The other legal issue involved here is that the process of platting is an administrative process. If someone applies to the City and follows the rules, the Board of Aldermen has little to no discretion to deny it. You are acting administratively when you are making decisions as it relates to plats. This plat met the ordinance that you are compelled to vote and approve it.” Aholt stated several times that she did not feel that there was a conflict of interest since she did not exercise her right to the waiver. Tillema – “I think that we should call for the question with the idea that Alderwoman Aholt has indicated that she feels she does not have a conflict of interest.” The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Miles, Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne; Nay – Aholt; Absent – Jackson 5) The Board did not consider the lot split of Y-53 in order to verify who the current owner of the property is and the Board would take the consideration of the Y53 lot split up at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. 6) Doug Hermes was asked to come before the P&Z Commission to be interviewed to broaden his scope because the City needs his expertise not only for the Route 7 and 50 Highway annexation but also for another land use situation in Foxberry requiring re-platting and dealing with the Foxberry development agreement. The original agreement was limited to the scope of the specific annexation. What the Mayor was asking for was a motion to broaden the scope of Doug Hermes. Aholt – “I think that it should be done as each project comes up to limit the amount because we are responsible for the finances. We are already over on several issues.” A motion to amend the present agreement to allow the Mayor to work with the gentleman who is doing the planning for projects as needed was made by Tillema and seconded by Byrne. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles, Tillema; Nay – Aholt; Absent - Jackson 7) A motion to approve the first reading of Bill 14-33 an Ordinance accepting final plat entitled “The Brain Family Farm Lots 1&2 a subdivision to the City of Lake Lotawana, Jackson County, Missouri was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Tillema. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles; Nay – Aholt; Absent – Jackson A motion to approve the second reading of Bill 14-33 adopting Ordinance 14-13 an Ordinance accepting final plat entitled “The Brain Family Farm Lot 1&2 a subdivision to the City of Lake Lotawana, Jackson County, Missouri was made by Byrne and seconded Falkenberg. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye-Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles; Nay – Aholt; Absent - Jackson 8) A motion to approve the first reading of Bill 14-31 an Ordinance amending and restating by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri revising Chapter 500 Building Codes and Regulations, Section 500.095 Fees For All Types of Permits and Applications of the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Miles. For the record the names of the people of the committee who worked on the fees are: Jan Olson from the Association, Julie Souders from the City, Carl Calcara who was a former Board member, Doug Carlson that was on the Board of Adjustments, two builders Mark Frashier and Tommy Needles who attended all of the meetings who had a lot of input. The committee did a really good job and came up with a really nice document. The second reading will be at the November 18th meeting. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles, Tillema; Nay – Aholt; Absent - Jackson 9) The proposal is to stick with the Humana plan currently in place which has the 23% increase of which the City would pay 13% of the increase and the employ- ees will pay 10% of the increase. The goal is to come out of this meeting with a proposed budget ready for the first reading at the November regular meeting and the second reading at the December regular meeting. Aholt – “I just want to state if we do this with healthcare and allow 13% and have them pay 10%, I would like to see how those figures were figured. My numbers don’t come out the same as theirs. The other thing that I would like to point out is there are other options. You treat the Affordable Care Act as if you are going to get less care or not as good care if you have private healthcare insurance. I don’t believe that that is true. I believe that the City has at its disposal a ACA Humana PPO 20 plan that would save the City 4% and in addition to that we could buy insurance to cover the deductible to make it equal to the present plan. The only difference is it is an ACA plan. Saying you can’t go back and using that as a fear factor, I don’t think is fair.” Falkenberg – “The reason we are holding back from going with ACA plan is because once you go forward, you can’t go back. The only creditability you’ll have with me is if you can show me in writing that you can go back.” Aholt – “The increase was 23% this year at some point there will be a tipping point at which nobody will be able to afford it. Cities are not doing this. Cities are going to ACA plans to save money. Rather than a buy-up, they can buy insurance so that the deductible is as low or lower than it would be. Their cash payout on that plan is half of what it is going to be if we have a private insurance.” A motion to allow the City to spend the amount that is in the budget for administrative and sewer fund to spend on the healthcare plan at their discretion up to the amount of $136,883 was made by Tillema and seconded by Byrne. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Byrne, Miles, Tillema, Falkenberg; Nay – Aholt; Absent - Jackson 10) A committee to help select a new City Administrator is being formed. There have been quite a few resumes already submitted. The people the Mayor proposed to be on the committee are: Scott Miles, Jay Lentz, John Edwards, and Dave Welsh. The Mayor wanted the Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Miles to select one other Alderman to be on the committee. Miles suggested Rita Aholt but she declined stating “I have one vote and it has already been decided. When you hold a committee, I am not going to be a pawn.” Welsh asked Byrne if he would like to serve and Byrne accepted. 11) The CID Board met at City Hall last Tuesday. Among a lot of things that were discussed was the fact that one of the CID Board member’s term ends in December, Dennis Tenney. He does not want to continue to be on the Board. The information regarding the nomination will be provided to the Board and the approval of the person will take place at the November 18th meeting. 12) Discussion was held regarding the list of projects in progress and keeping those projects going once the City Administrator has left. 13) A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Falkenberg and seconded by Alderman Miles. The motion passed with a voice vote of Aye Unanimous: Nay – None. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm. Minutes submitted by: City Clerk Rhonda Littrell Minutes approved by: Mayor David Welsh Lotawana News Page 9 January 14, 2015 City of Lake Lotawana Board of Alderpersons Meeting Minutes (Unapproved) November 18, 2014 (A full recording of the meeting is on the City’s website: lakelotawana.org) 1) At 7:05 pm Mayor Welsh called the meeting to order. 2) Michelle St. Croix called roll Mayor David Welsh - Present Alderwoman Rita Aholt – Present Alderman Larry Byrne – Present Alderman Scott Miles – Present Alderman Chris Jackson – Present Alderman David Tillema – Present Alderman Charles Falkenberg – Present There was a quorum present. 3) A motion to approve the minutes for the Work Session/Special Meeting, October 7, 2014; Special Meeting, October 17, 2014; and Regular Meeting, October 21, 2014 was made Falkenberg and seconded by Miles. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Aholt, Byrne, Miles, Jackson, Tillema, Falkenberg; Nay - None 4) Alderman Falkenberg presented the October 2014 financial report to the Board. The General Fund department expenditures have the following remaining budget to spend in the last two months: Administration 7.61%; the Police Department 9.44%; Court 20.75%; Operations 10.98%; Streets & Roads 60.97%; Planning & Zoning we have 54.54%. If you look at the bottom line, revenues we only have 10.69% remaining to come in and on overall expenditures we are at 22.72 % which is much better than 16.6%. In the dollar amount the revenues exceed expenditures by $143,052. We are projected to come out within the budget by the end of the year. The Sewer Fund numbers are much more constant. In the revenues we have remaining 16.57% and on expenditures we have remaining 15.84%. The net statement is typical of the Sewer Department; we are virtually on track. It appears that we are about $20,000 behind but it is still on track to be on budget. Welsh added for a point of clarification that we are ahead quite a bit on sales tax and other taxes. The one percent sales tax it was anticipated that we would receive $148,500 and year to date we have received $186,316 so there are some lines that are ahead and a few behind but overall we are on track. The property tax revenue primarily comes in during December and January. At the point we are right now with the year to date at $229,821, we are going to an influx in December which will help that number considerably. 5) A motion to approve the General Fund disbursements for the period of October 11, 2014 thru November 10, 2014, the amount of $101,435.79, check numbers 39986 thru 40037 was made by Alderman Falkenberg and seconded by Alderman Miles. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Miles, Jackson, Tillema, Falkenberg, Aholt, Byrne; Nay - None A motion to approve the disbursements for the Sewer Fund for the period of October 11, 2014 thru November 10, 2014, in the amount of $91,542.54, check numbers 25735 thru 25765 was made by Alderman Falkenberg and seconded by Alderman Byrne. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Miles, Jackson, Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne ; Nay - Aholt 6) Department Reports: A) The Board had the City Clerk’s report and was instructed by the Mayor if they had any question on anything in the report to let the Mayor know or send Rhonda an email. B) The Public Works Director called in sick; however the Mayor had two points which he had wanted Keith to talk about. Welsh gave a quick update on. Bids were requested to put heat in the Public Works building. Five companies were contacted, two responded with bids, two are yet to come in with bids and one is not going to put in a bid. Missouri Gas Energy has been contacted to put the gas line in for the heating system. They have said that they are six to eight weeks back ordered. A request for bids was put out for the repair to the clarifier at the sewer plant. The deadline for opening those bids is at 8:00 am on Friday morning. C) The Police Department report was presented by Officer Thompson. The overtime hours have gone down a little bit but may go up a little bit due to the work being done on the burglaries. Moving violations have gone down a little bit due to working on the burglaries. The Police Officers have been finishing their training for this three year reporting period. All officers are caught up until the new reporting period starts January 1 for 2014, 2015, and 2016. All of the Police Officers are certified to carry and are carrying the Glock guns. All of the old guns have been turned in. Officer Hawkins did a safety lecture with the Lake Lotawana Fire District at Mason Elementary School. 7) Public Speaks – no one addressed the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. 8) Aldermen Concerns: A) Aholt – I have a list of things I would like to be put on a work session. I think that we need some policies on credit cards since we have twice as many credit cards as employees. B) Jackson – It is definitely winter season again and once we are the pinnacle that the City has yet to deal with the snow removal issue. We do have a large community at this City’s southern city limits that has no snow removal at this point if the City stays on its stance that it doesn’t provide it. Welsh stated that there needs to be some kind of communication. The City had put the ball back into the CID Attorney hands and he has not responded. 9) Mayor Welsh commented – I am busily working on the applicants for City Administrator. The deadline for resumes is for December first. I am trying to stay ahead of the curve with the information from the resumes that are coming in. So far we have received 54 resumes, not counting the ones that came in this week since Rhonda has been gone. 37 of those are people who have no specific experience with respect to the requirements that there were requested in the ad placed. There are two other categories, former or current administrators of which there are nine and the education is for administrator but no specific experience at all. We are working towards having a meeting with the committee right after December first. 10) Unfinished Business a. A motion to approve the Second Reading of Bill 14-31 adopting Ordinance 14-14 an ordinance amending and restating by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri revising Chapter 500 Building Codes and Regulations, Section 500.095 Fees For All Types of Permits and Applications of the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Tillema. Jackson – “After checking all the rates around us, I think that this is a foolish move. The rates that we already have and what this will establish are triple and double of every community around us. We are not using this money for this purpose; we are using it for a revenue source. We are not using the fees obtained through building permit fees to enforce code and to inspect buildings. We are using it as a revenue source to cover general expenses. I think that it a determent to community to have such high expenses for builders and that is why you have slow growth to no growth.” There were two builders on the committee who helped to develop the recommendations. Between the two builders they probably built/remodeled 20 homes. Falkenberg – “Generally it is revenue neutral from where we were. There was an inadvertent addition of four percent for the major trades on our previous $1.25 per square foot. That four percent was hard to collect, pin down and difficult for a builder to get this established. We eliminated the four percent. We replaced it with an increase from $1.25 to $1.45 that was twenty cents per square foot. We reduced significantly the rates for the remodel, the home use, replacing driveways, roofs for which I use the term punitive. Those definitely should not have been approved but they were numbers that we did. I would say that all-inall we have done justice to the community by making it easier for home owners to maintain their property. We eliminated a very difficult and mystifying four percent that no city in the entire metropolitan community has done anything like that as I know. I would say that what we have done is made this a revenue neutral and it is not for funding others. It is for giving us enough money to be consistent. It is a business that you don’t know what it will be from this year to next. We still have a Codes Administrator that we are trying to hire and any excess money could probably be used to hire that person that would work in that role.” The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles, Tillema; Nay – Aholt, Jackson 11) New Business A) A motion to nominate Ron Snyder to replace Dennis Tenney on the CID Board of Directors was made by Jackson and seconded by Falkenberg. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Falkenberg, Aholt, Byrne, Miles, Jackson, Tillema; Nay – None B) A motion to approve the lot split of Y-53 was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Byrne. The Board had in their packet a letter that came from the former landowner and current landowner. They both are requesting this so that it carries across from one landowner to the next. City Attorney – “Because of the fact that this is an administrative process, there is very little discretion to deny it. I checked the ordinances to make sure that there wasn’t anything that would prohibit us in essentially considering this as an amended application. Just the amendment of the name of the applicant and no changes to the rest of the application. My opinion and the advice that I provided was that we can do an amended application. Amended only in the sense of who the applicant is now and go ahead and consider it at this level without going back to the Planning Commission. This is essentially the same application.” Jackson – “We voted this down because it was going to create a buildable lot. We had the belief that the concept going around the lake was that they did not want to add anymore buildable lots so why would we reconsider that?” Welsh – “It is already a buildable lot. According to the Jackson County land records, GIS it needs to be 6,000 square feet and it is over 6,000 square feet. Without the lot split or without the results of the lot split being added to the neighbor’s lot it is already a build(continued on page 12) Lotawana News Page 10 January 14, 2015 Cobia Diem - or how Dave Steinke seized his day by Kirk Boggs, Canadian Correspondent Dec 30, 2014 Near Com. Tower T - Gulf of Mexico Dave Steinke wanted only one present from his friends for his 59th birthday - a fishing adventure to Com. Tower T. The weather gods co-operated and he got his wish. Com. Tower T is one of approximately eight U.S. government communication towers situated at varying distances from shore in the Gulf of Mexico. It is located 72 miles offshore of Marathon, Florida, in 65 feet of beautiful blue water. The tower, which rises several hundred feet directly out of the water, is hard to get to but a magnet for a variety of excellent game fish including large cobia, grouper and permit. The morning of December 30th, Dave's birthday, dawned sunny with virtually no wind. Seizing the day, Dave and his friends, Chuck Falkenberg, Dean Martin and Kirk Boggs, set off early with a full tank of gas, lots of bait and four SNICKERS bars. After over 1.5 hours of glass water running in their boat, the tower suddenly appeared before them with only one other boat to compete with for the attention of the fish. While Kirk busied himself strategically anchoring the boat, Chuck got the chum bag ready and Dean started looking for fish. Almost immediately, six large cobia popped to the surface less than 40 ft. behind the boat. Dave, who had been taking a picture of the tower, grabbed his rod, secured a pinfish on the hook and made a perfect cast. The lead fish struck his bait hard and immediately took off for the bottom of the tower. Game on! Twenty minutes later, Kirk boated Dave's 35 lb. fish and birthday congratulations were had all around. About 30 minutes after that, Kirk hooked his own virtually identical fish with Dave returning the favour of gaffing it into the boat. Later that day, Kirk caught a 40 lb. fish. Not to be outdone, shortly thereafter Dave caught that fish's twin, limiting out the boat and making it time to run home. In the meantime, Chuck and Dean had fought numerous fish as large or larger than those that had been boated only to have them bitten off by other fish or cut off on bottom coral. Dean fought one particularly large fish for over 30 minutes before finally having it sheared off near the boat by a hungry barracuda. Chuck subsequently evened the score a bit by getting a 4.5 ft. barracuda to the side of the boat for a strong talking to before releasing it. Dave's birthday wish fulfilled, the group hurried home, arriving shortly before sunset, leaving just enough time to refill their gas and celebrate Dave's successful adventure with a SNICKERS bar and a cold beer. Early reports suggest Dave is already picking out another tower for a visit on his 60th birthday. Eat in, Take out, or Drive Thru 3111 South Highway 7 Blue Springs, MO Com. Tower T is one of approximately eight U.S. government communication towers situated at varying distances from shore in the Gulf of Mexico. It is located 72 miles offshore off Marathon, Florida, in 65 feet of beautiful blue water. The tower, which rises several hundred feet directly out of the water, is a magnet for a variety of excellent game fish including large cobia, grouper and permit. LANDMARK South Body Shop New larger showroom! Same great service! FULL SERVICE AVAILABLE 7820 E 171st Street, Belton, MO 1000’s of products to choose from! Expanded inventory! Daily and Weekly Specials! 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Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and ing on the sparkling SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved. waters. Lotawana News Page 12 January 14, 2015 City of Lake Lotawana Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes (Unapproved) November 18, 2014 (continued from page 9) A full recording of the meeting is on the City’s website: lakelotawana.org able lot.” Aholt – “Do you have a picture of that lot that it is 6,000 square feet?” Welsh – “I got it off of the Jackson County GIS and it says.” Aholt – “In the draft of the P&Z minutes, Tony said that he didn’t have 6,000 square feet and that is what he needed to be lake residential. That is a quote from him, the owner of 52 Y. Do you want to see it, it is right here?” Welsh – “All I know is that I went and looked at the lot next door to 52 Y and they said that it was over 6,000 square feet.” Aholt – “It wasn’t divulged that it wasn’t 6,000 square feet. What Jill said was, I believe a misrepresentation of the lot but she said ‘it is a similar request’ which it isn’t. The previous request was a buildable lot that was split in half and absorbed by both of the neighbors. That is what happened. This is not a similar case. This is a case where one lot is not buildable and the other one is buildable once he buys it and merges the two. My objection is the Comprehensive Plan calls for us not to create buildable lots as quoted by Dave Cooley when he thought that he wasn’t creating a buildable lot in the draft of the minutes. He said and he was under the impression that he wasn’t creating a buildable lot ‘I just feel that anytime you approve something like this, it is a two step process. The first step is contingent on the second step. I want to create more lots.’ That was my argument at the meeting before last that you are creating a lot. You are taking two unbuildable lots and putting them together to make a buildable lot. I also said that I didn’t care if Tony builds a garage there if that was his intent.” Welsh – “The facts show that the lot that is next door to 53 is actually buildable because it is over 6,000 square feet.” Jackson – “It does come up as 6,900.” Aholt – “Say it again which one you are talking about.” Welsh – “The lot that Tony Seibert owns.” Aholt - “It has my garage on it.” Welsh – “Right the one he owns.” Aholt – “Which has my garage on it and which cuts down on the 6,000 square feet.” Welsh – “That is a problem between you guys.” Aholt – “No, it is a problem with the size of the lot. If you already have something on the lot that takes up part of the 6,000 square feet, you don’t have the 6,000 square feet unless you tear down my garage.” Welsh – “Your garage, I believe sits across the property line, doesn’t it?” Aholt – “Yes.” Welsh – “It bisects the property line?” Aholt – “Yes.” Welsh – “So half of the garage is his and half of it is yours?” Aholt – “Three fourths of the garage is mine.” Welsh – “Whatever part of the garage that sits on the line and goes into his property, he can tear it down.” Aholt – “If he repairs my side of the garage.” Welsh – “My point is that is between you guys as joint landowners.” Aholt – “He has been told that he can do that.” Welsh – “My point it that the lot itself is over 6,000 square feet so if he tears down whatever the size of the garage is and then builds on that lot, it has nothing to do with this lot split because his lot is already big enough to be a buildable lot.” Aholt – “It isn’t big enough to be a buildable lot if something is already on it.” Welsh – “If he tears it down.” Aholt – “Well he has to have my permission to tear it down because I own the lot.” Welsh – “That doesn’t have anything to do with us. We can split this Y-53 and then what happens after that is between the landowners. We are just being asked to split a lot.” Aholt – “Actually you are being asked to do something different than what the waiver dictates. The waiver would dictate that he would buy all of 53 and then add an unbuildable lot to it if it is a buildable lot.” Welsh – “The thing that gets me confused on this is what the City can do in terms of what the City is being asked versus what the rules are that roll into this that come from the Lake Association which the City is not part of. Therefore, the City is simply being asked by the owner of Y-53 to split it. That is what is on the table. There are a lot of other issues that come after that takes place.” Aholt – “With that split you are not following the directive of the Comprehensive Plan. We don’t need a Comprehensive Plan. We don’t need rules. We don’t need a Planning and Zoning Coordinator. We don’t need to out all of this money for a review of the Comprehensive Plan because we are going to do what exactly we please.” Miles – “What is the administrative task we are being asked to do? I am looking at the data right here and everything that they have said is true. There is a garage which three-quarters and one-quarter, 6,900 is the square footage for the lot, what am I being asked to vote on? It is an administrative task.” City Attorney – “It is a lot split”. Mile – “Where am I looking to split the lot 52 to 53?” Aholt – “You are splitting 53 in half, well not in half.” Welsh – “We are being asked to split 53 which is not the lot that is owned by either Rita or Tony.” Miles – “That is a big lot. I see that one. Are we are being asked to take half of 52 and add it to 53?” City Attorney – “You are being asked just to split an existing lot. I did not review the engineering piece of this so I can’t tell you but the resulting two lots should be compliant with our code. That is why you had a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve this because the action resulting in two conforming lots under the same code. What people do with those lots after you take this action will depend on what application they bring. If there are some private contract issues that arise under the Lake Association regulation, which is a separate issue.” Miles – “I agree with that. All that we are being asked at this point is to split lot 53.” Aholt – “You are asking to split a buildable lot and allow two unbuildable lots to create a buildable lot.” Welsh – “That is not entirely correct.” Aholt – “Yes, it is.” Jackson – “Theoretically at the 6,900 meets the buildable lot dimensions but we are going to clearly make it buildable lot probably in the future when they ask to merge those two.” Welsh – “It already is a buildable lot.” Aholt – “Neither one of them is a buildable lot.” Welsh – “The portion that he wants to add from Y-53 that piece that he would get if this would take place, and then you are saying it is not a buildable lot because of the half garage that is on there? Is that correct?” Aholt – “Yes.” City Attorney – “We don’t care if it is a buildable lot. All we care about is that it is a lot that has the square footage that is required by your ordinances to have two lots meeting our ordinances. That is all that we care about as far as what this action results in.” Aholt – “You don’t care that there is an existing garage on a buildable lot and you are going to count the room that that garage takes up as non-existent. It’s not a buildable lot if something is already on it.” City Attorney – “When calculating the square footage of a lot, you don’t take out the foot print of say a house. I don’t know what the ordinance says but say you require 8,400 square foot lot a single dwelling residence, you don’t take the footprint of the residence that is on that lot and subtract it out of the 8,400 square feet. It is 8,400 square feet in a land area. It is actual land area which is a lot and that is what we are defining as a lot not a buildable lot, it is a lot.” Miles – “Even if we did subtract it out, I am not sure that your garage plus a five foot setback is enough square footage to get it below the 6,000 square foot mark. Even if we did your math versus the math she is saying we really do, I still don’t think that there is enough square footage there to get it under the 6,000 square foot threshold.” Welsh – “Assuming that this gets approved, then the owner of the property has to come to the City and get permission to do the various things like adding on, consolidating.” Aholt – “Tony be honest are you going to use it for parking or are you going to build a garage on it?” Tillema – “May I ask another legal question? There is a statute in our code, something about conflict of interest. You recuse yourself on something that has to do with conflict of interest. It seems to me if you are worried about your garage on your lot next to it, there is a definite conflict.” Aholt – “That does not keep me from arguing, that keeps me from voting. Especially when the P&Z was misled and they thought that Tony’s lot at Y-52 was a buildable which it is not. Otherwise he would have already built a garage on it. He had people come out and look at.” Tony – “Y-52 is already a buildable lot and there is a garage already on the thing.” Welsh – “Jackson County says that it is over 6,000 square feet.” Aholt – “My garage.” Miles – “That is not our discussion. Whose garage is on it isn’t our discussion, our discussion is it a buildable lot. When 53 is split what square footage are we going to have between those two lots?” Falkenberg – “I don’t think it matters. If you split the lot and you then have two lots that weren’t buildable, then you can’t build on it. Somebody has made the decision that they want to split the lot so that is all we are deciding on, can we spilt the lots. That is what the motion is, to approve splitting that lot. What happens after that, you have to make however it is joined, let’s say that it becomes two unbuildable lots, nothing can be built until they are joined officially and legally within the City and County into a buildable lot.” Aholt – “That is why the first step is so important, Chuck because that leads you to the second step.” Falkenberg – “Y-52 doesn’t count. We are talking specifically about Y-53, splitting at some line that someone has determined and we say yes, split the lot.” Welsh – “I want to have a vote on this issue first and then if there is going to a discussion about conflict okay. The thing that is on the table right now is the question of whether or not to split this Y-53.” Tillema – “My question is should an individual be voting if they have a conflict of interest.” Welsh – “I think that I heard her say that she is not going to vote. She said that she is not going to vote.” Tillema – “I am sorry, I did not hear that. That is my fault.” Miles – “I am still trying to get my arms around all of this. When all is said and done, after tonight we will have two unbuildable lots and a buildable lot at the end of tonight. If I am reading this correctly that is what we will end up with at the end of this vote tonight. One buildable lot and two unbuildable lots.” Welsh – “People on both sides of this lot split are going to consolidate those into their lots.” Miles – “For step two when they come back, ask to basically have this lot line moved and the consolidation done, we will still have two buildable lots by county definition.” Welsh – “If you split Y-53 and join up one-half of it to Y-52, you are creating a bigger buildable lot on both sides. Are we ready to have a vote?” Several Aldermen responded yes. Welsh – “Please call the role”. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – (continued on page 13) Lotawana News Page 13 January 14, 2015 City of Lake Lotawana OBITUARY Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes (Unapproved) November 18, 2014 James Horace Mundy (continued from page 12) A full recording of the meeting is on the City’s website: lakelotawana.org Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles, Jackson, Tillema; Nay – None; Abstain - Aholt C) A motion to approve the First Reading of Bill 14-24 an Ordinance establishing the 2015 budget for all departmental expenditures and anticipated revenue for the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Miles. Aholt expressed concern that a truck to plow snow should take priority over other things on the budget. Welsh – “Keith is set for this winter with the current two trucks that he has. What we are anticipating is that in 2016, one of those trucks is going to have to be replaced. Vehicles for both Public Works and the Police Department, we expect to make those purchases near the end of the year when we have a sense of how the revenues are coming in. What is in here is not something to be acted upon in January. This is something that we act upon in September or October when we have a better sense of how the year is going.” The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Falkenberg, Byrne, Miles, Jackson, Tillema; Nay - Aholt 12) A motion to close the meeting pursuant to Section 610.021.1, 610.21.3 and 610.21.13 RSMo to discuss legal and personnel matters was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Miles. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Aholt, Byrne, Miles, Jackson, Tillema, Falkenberg; Nay - None. The Board went into closed session at 8:20 pm. The regular meeting reconvened at 8:50 pm. 13) A motion to approve the First Reading of Bill 14-35 an Ordinance approving a general release of claims and settlement agreement by and among the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Village by the Lake LLC, Karen Day Fineout (individually and on behalf of any and all companies in which she has/had any interest) and Aaron Day (individually and on behalf of any OBITUARY Judy Chorice Judy Chorice, age 63, of Blue Springs, MO passed away December 12, 2014, at home. Judy was born on November 2, 1951, in Hays, KS. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, Mimi and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Bill Chorice; children, Shelly Harmon (Charlie), Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Candy Chorice (Eamon), Lee’s Summit, MO, and Rick Brungardt (Brigette), Lee’s Summit, MO; Grandchildren, Shane Brungardt (22), Chaz Harmon (21), Kaylee Harmon (20), and Hayden Behrens (5); Siblings, Dave Basgall, Plainville, KS, Cliff Basgall, Russell, KS, Gladys Leiker, Topeka, KS and Sheila Gaschler, Ellis, KS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Parents, Maurice and Eleanor Basgall, and sister, Mary Louise, preceded her in death. Memorial was held Sunday, December 21, 2014, at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church, 28901 NE Colbern Road, Lake Lotawana, MO. The visitation was at 3:00 and the service began at 4:00. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church, Kansas University Cancer Center, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. and all companies in which he has/had any interest) and authorizing execution of same by the Mayor was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Byrne. City Attorney – “The vote you took in closed session was that conceptually agreed with the terms that were there. This is the formal vote that actually approves the agreement and authorizes the execution. The authorization of the execution is really the critical piece of what this ordinance does. It gives the Mayor the authority to sign it and that the majority wills to have that happen.” The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne, Nay – Miles, Jackson, Aholt; The Mayor broke the tie by voting aye A motion to approve the Second Reading of Bill 1435 adopting Ordinance 14-15 an Ordinance approving a general release of claims and settlement agreement by and among the City of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Village by the Lake LLC, Karen Day Fineout (individually and on behalf of any and all companies in which she has/had any interest) and Aaron Day (individually and on behalf of any and all companies in which he has/had any interest) and authorizing execution of same by the Mayor was made by Falkenberg and seconded by Tillema. The motion passed with the following votes: Aye – Tillema, Falkenberg, Byrne; Nay – Miles, Jackson, Aholt; The Mayor broke the tie by voting aye 14) A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Alderman Miles and seconded by Alderman Falkenberg. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm. Minutes submitted by: City Clerk Rhonda Littrell Minutes approved by: Mayor David Welsh James Horace Mundy, 93, a long time resident of Mexico, MO, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Lenoir Woods Health care in Columbia, MO. Mr. Mundy was born on July 17, 1921, the son of Fred T. and Tennessee B. Mundy, in Mexico. He graduated from the one room country school, Maple Grove, where his father and children also attended. He then attended Mexico High School and graduated in 1939. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corp during World War II as an airplane mechanic in the Pacific Theater. On April 13, 1946, he was married to Lena Chrisman, who preceded him in death after 59 years of marriage. Mr. Mundy was a postal carrier in Mexico and then finished his career as a rural carrier in Thompson, MO, covering 75 miles every day on his mail route. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Mexico, VFW, American Legion, and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. He also served on the Board of the Mexico Public Library. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Fred Mundy, Jr., sister, Kathleen Alvord, and daughter-in-law, Wendy Mundy. He is survived by his three children: Ginger (Doug) Graham, Lake Lotawana, MO; Duicie Tyann Hinshaw (Peter), Columbia, MO; and Joe Munday, Sparks NV. He leaves five granddaughters: Courtney Graham, Kansas City, MO; Margo Hinshaw, Los Angeles, CA; Paige Hinshaw, Kansas City, MO; Morgan Mundy, Reno, NV; and Christine Mundy, Reno, NV. Services for Mr. Mundy were on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial followed at East Lawn Cemetery. For the wonderful care he received at Lenoir Woods, donations would be appreciated to Christ Care Funds, 3710 Lenoir St., Columbia MO 65201. Other remembrances can be sent to the Lake Lotawana Rose Garden in care of Jackie Gammill at 18 L St, Lake Lotawana, MO 64086. Lake Lotawana Police Department Report December 1 - 31, 2014 Report Date 12/1/2014 15:18 12/1/2014 21:33 12/2/2014 16:24 12/3/2014 10:45 12/7/2014 0:33 12/8/2014 11:56 12/10/2014 12:36 12/12/2014 14:16 12/12/2014 14:19 12/13/2014 3:50 12/14/2014 12:28 12/17/2014 12/20/2014 12/20/2014 12/21/2014 12/22/2014 12/23/2014 12/23/2014 12/23/2014 12/28/2014 12/31/2014 1:15 3:49 15:54 3:35 12:20 14:34 14:35 23:00 19:26 18:51 Offense Description Location PROPERTY DAMAGE A ST EXCEED POSTED SPEED LIMIT / ALL OTHER Nbnd 7 Hwy / S Of Gate 6 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY WITH NO CRIME V ST TRESPASS IN THE FIRST DEGREE H ST EXCEED POSTED SPEED LIMIT / ALL OTHER Nbnd 7Hwy / South Of Gate 6 FAILURE TO APPEAR INFORMATION ONLY Lake Lotawana DR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Langsford Rd West of 7 Hwy G / J Block SOLICITORS & CANVASSERS PROHIBITED I ST OUTSIDE AGENCY WARRANT CONFIRMATION Y ST PROPERTY DAMAGE S ST OUTSIDE AGENCY WARRANT CONFIRMATION Gate 4 / Nbnd 7Hwy MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT 7Hwy / Foxberry PROPERTY DAMAGE I ST ASSAULT - SIMPLE E Colbern RD STEALING - FROM MOTOR VEH W ST STEALING Old Lone Jack Lee's Summit RD MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT 7 Hwy / Wb 50 Hwy BURGLARY 1ST DEGREE B ST PROPERTY DAMAGE C ST FAILURE TO APPEAR Lake Lotawana DR Lotawana News Page 14 January 14, 2015 The past year in conservation news 2014 had gains in some wildlife populations, important milestones and anniversaries, continued restoration efforts, and numerous opportunities for citizen input. By Jim Low, Missouri Department of Conservation JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Nature lovers found much to celebrate in 2014 and continued to expand the frontiers of conservation in the Show-Me State. Here is (an excerpt from: ****indicates text omitted) a brief summary of the year’s top outdoor news stories. JANUARY The second-largest archery deer harvest in Missouri history (50,507) pushed the final tally for the 2013-2014 hunting season to 252,574. Hunters donated 227,358 pounds of venison to needy Missourians during the 2013-2014 hunting season. That is enough for more than 600,000 meals. Get more information on Share the Harvest at mdc.mo.gov/node/2544. MDC researchers started a five-year study in northeast Missouri to better manage our valuable wild turkey population. Staff captured 260 turkeys in Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion counties to radio track the birds throughout the year to determine survival rates and nesting success. FEBRUARY The National Wild Turkey Federation named Conservation Agent Jeff Berti its 2013 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Berti, who has served 19 years in Grundy County, also won the NWTF's Missouri State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. In 2013, he documented 248 resource violations, made more than 112 arrests, and 31 assisted arrests. His efforts resulted in the detection of 42 violations and 30 arrests for illegally killing wild turkeys in a single fivemonth period. Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, conservation groups, agriculture organizations and landowners, the Department continued to lead the battle against feral hogs. Last year more than 1,400 feral hogs were removed from Missouri’s landscape. MARCH The four trout parks were stocked with more than 30,000 keeper-size trout for opening day. A late snow storm kept some anglers away, but those that came enjoyed an excellent opening weekend. Paddlefish snaggers found a bumper crop of big “spoonbills” in the Osage River, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Lake Taneycomo thanks to a record stocking of more than a quarter of a million paddlefish from MDC’s Blind Pony Hatchery in 2008 and an additional 145,000 stocked in 2007. These two strong year classes will continue to provide superb fishing over the next few years. Missouri hosted the first ever white-tailed deer summit meeting March 3-6 at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson. The meeting brought more than 200 hunters, landowners, wildlife managers, and hunting-industry representatives from the U.S. and Canada. Deer hunters from 20 states, representatives of state and provincial wildlife agencies, citizen conservation groups, universities, and deer-research institutes heard reports from some of North America’s top deer experts. Afterwards, MDC staff facilitated the process of identifying the most pressing issues facing those who love white-tailed deer. MDC received calls from all over the state about fish kills in large and small lakes and ponds. After looking into the reports, biologists concluded that the widespread problem was the result of an unusually cold winter. Missouri Stream Team celebrated 25 years of a citizen movement that now has more than 85,000 volunteers working to protect and improve Missouri streams. Sponsored by MDC, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the program focuses on education, stewardship, and advocacy for Missouri stream resources. The sixth annual Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program tournament at Tan-Tar-A Resort March 28-29 turned into a record fest in which the state record score fell and fell again, and again. The tournament brought together nearly 1,267 contestants in grades 4-12 from 81 schools to test their skills with bow and arrow. Eighth-grader Joe Wilder of St. Peters set a new tournament record by scoring 295 points out of 300 possible. The next day Hunter Berry, a 12th-grader from Sarcoxie, nudged it up another notch to 296. Lee’s Summit High School Freshman Shelby Winslow had the last word when she raised the bar to 297 points, just two points shy of the world record. APRIL Young hunters checked 4,332 turkeys during Missouri’s youth turkey hunting season, topping the 4,000 mark for the second time in the youth season’s 14year history. The Conservation Commission voted to reduce the number of firearms antlerless deer permits that a hunter may fill in all or part of 59 counties. It also reduced the availability of antlerless permits to two in all or part of another 19 counties. In previous years, hunters could buy any number of antlerless permits in most of the affected counties. **** MAY Missouri turkey hunters enjoyed another successful season and checked 43,273 turkeys during the regular spring turkey season, the third annual increase in a row. The Conservation Department continued trapping black bears for the fourth year, placing radio tracking collars on dozens of bears to learn more about their habits and population dynamics. Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer estimates the Show-Me State’s bear population at 300. Learn more about the Missouri Black Bear Project at fwrc.msstate.edu/carnivore/mo_bear/ The Missouri Black Bear Foundation was formed to sponsor educational programs, conduct public outreach, and coordinate field research in partnership with conservation agencies. Get more information at moblackbears.org. ***** JUNE The Conservation Commission approved regulation changes regarding the regulation of hunting preserves and deer-breeding facilities in an effort to reduce the risk of fatal diseases to the state’s free-ranging deer herd and captive deer. MDC invited hunters and other Missouri residents with an interest in white-tailed deer to express their opinions about deer management at 14 open house meetings around the state in June and July. Information from the meetings and online comments are being used to develop future deer hunting regulations and the statewide deer management plan. MDC is still seeking input at mdc.mo.gov/node/28079. Free Fishing Days on June 7-8 encouraged Missourians to enjoy the Show-Me State’s fishing resources by allowing anyone to fish without having to buy a fishing permit, trout stamp, or daily trout park tag. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center received a TripAdvisor award for providing excellent public service. JULY Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon nominated former Conservation Federation of Missouri Executive Director Dave Murphy to a six-year term on the Conservation Commission. A citizen alerted state conservation and agriculture officials to an emerald ash borer infestation in St. Charles County. It was the destructive insect’s first known infestation in the St. Louis area. AUGUST Thousands of people visited the Conservation Pavilion at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, peering into aquariums teeming with live fish and terrariums harboring exciting reptiles and amphibians. Staff from every conservation discipline were on hand to answer questions and present live programs on topics ranging from birds of prey to fish cleaning and cooking demonstrations. MDC waterfowl biologists announced that duck-hunting prospects were extremely bright, with mallard numbers topping 10 million and blue-winged teal numbers at a record 8.5 million. A Colorado man pleaded guilty to illegally trafficking paddlefish caviar obtained in Warsaw in 2012. The case was part of an undercover investigation called "Operation Roadhouse” led by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and MDC. To date, 240 out of 256 state charges have been completed against numerous individuals with over $61,000 in fines and court costs levied. The fine money went to the school districts in the counties where the violations were committed. MDC released alligator gar reared at its Chesapeake Hatchery in Mount Vernon in a continuing effort to restore the species at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and other parts of southeast Missouri. The alligator gar is by far the largest of gars and is one of the largest freshwater fishes in North America, sometimes reaching 10 feet in length and 350 pounds. The species was driven to near extinction partly because they were mistakenly believed to reduce numbers of sport fish. SEPTEMBER Missouri’s Sept. 1 opening of dove season fell on the Labor Day weekend, drawing larger than usual crowds of hunters at more than 100 conservation areas with fields specially managed for dove habitat. Conservation agents helped rescue eight motorists stranded on or near Interstate 29 by a flash flood in Holt County and a school bus driver stranded on Route N north of Mound City. MDC released a small game hunting forecast showing quail, pheasant, and squirrel numbers increasing and rabbits likely to follow the trend. Results of the annual wild-turkey brood survey showed a poult-to-hen ratio 26 percent greater than the previous 10-year average. MDC offered a new application for mobile devices that lets hunters and anglers buy permits and view permits purchased during the previous year. The MO Hunting app also allows deer and turkey hunters to telecheck their current harvests and view past telechecked harvests. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/mobile/mobile-apps/mo-hunting. About 30 MDC staff specially trained in fighting wildfires helped their western colleagues contain and extinguish wildfires in northern California, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This year, Missouri hatcheries stocked more than 1.5 million trout in trout parks, Ozark streams, and winter fishing lakes. MDC warm-water hatcheries stocked (continued on page 15) Lotawana News Page 15 January 14, 2015 Mason Elementary School 6th Graders Celebrate with a giant “Whobilation!” “Whobilation” is the Mason Elementary School’s 6th grade December Earn It Event. Sixth grade teachers, Mrs. Keller and Mrs. Frashier, created the Whobilation Celebration in an attempt to motivate 6th graders to be great students. Mason sixth grades have some type of Earn It event each month, but the Whobilation is the biggest! It includes a who-feast where the whole class eats family style, who-games, who-crafts (creating gingerbread houses with the sixth graders’ kindergarten buddies), and who-caroling as other students load the buses. Sixth graders also perform handbells at the assembly. The sixth grade students build up the Wackiest-tackiest “Who-like” holiday attire. This year a number of girls spent their recess time for two weeks working on homemade tutus! In "preparation" for middle school, the BIGgest part of Whobilation is a Who-dance: lights off, strobe lights, disco balls, loud music! The kids have a great time dancing for over an hour. This year Santa came to visit and the sixth graders’ kindergarten buddies came down to dance with the sixth graders for the last 15 minutes. A great time was had by all! PHOTOS FROM MASON WEBSITE AND AMY CHINNERY-VALMASSEI The past year in conservation news (continued from page 14) more than 10 million fish in public waters including hybrid striped bass, walleye, muskie, channel catfish, paddlefish, hybrid sunfish, and hybrid striped bass. OCTOBER Self-guided driving tours to view wild elk at Peck Ranch and Current River Conservation Areas continued to grow as a tourist draw for the Ozarks, especially in the fall when bull elk bugle as part of their mating ritual. MDC estimates the Missouri elk herd has grown to more than 120 animals. MDC’s Champion Tree Program certified several new state record trees including a 95-foot tall black willow in St. Louis County, a 118-foot swamp chestnut oak near East Prairie, and an 82-foot-tall slippery elm in Neosho. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center celebrated 25 years of serving millions of Missourians with special events and programs. MDC and Ducks Unlimited hosted a dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of a multi-year renovation project at Duck Creek Conservation Area in Bollinger, Stoddard, and Wayne counties. The project was part of the Golden Anniversary Wetlands Initiative launched in 2004 to revitalize managed wetland projects constructed in the mid-20th century. MDC, Ducks Unlimited, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, and dozens of other conservation and hunting organizations partnered on the 480-page book, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri - A Model of Collaboration. For ordering information, visit mochf.org/2014/04/book-waterfowl-hunting-and-wetlands-conservation-in-missouri/. The Conservation Commission approved regulations regarding the operation of hunting preserves and wildlife breeding facilities that hold captive deer. The regulations focused on preventing the spread of diseases, including chronic wasting disease. MDC received more than 40,000 public comments on the topic with most supportive of the regulation changes. The spread of chronic wasting disease could negatively impact Missouri deer hunting as well as deer-dependent businesses that support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs and generate over $1 billion in economic activity annually. Hunters checked 5,691 turkeys during Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season Oct. 1-31. Working with conservation partners and private landowners, MDC reintroduced Topeka shiners to the Spring Creek watershed in northeast Missouri. This small prairie minnow was once common in Missouri and is designated as a federally endangered species. The minnows were released on Union Ridge Conservation Area and designated as a “non-essential experimental” population, which allows landowners and managers to continue with normal agricultural and land management practices. NOVEMBER Building on a strong opening weekend harvest, Missouri hunters checked 167,205 deer during firearms deer season Nov. 15-25. The number exceeds last year’s harvest of 157,273. Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,418 deer checked, Franklin with 3,338, and Texas with 3,170. **** DECEMBER The Department started a five year study in northwest and southcentral Missouri on white-tailed deer to determine the impact of large-scale habitat changes, hunting pressure, movement patterns, and survival rates. MDC staff are working with landowners to capture and fit deer with radio collars. Information from the study will help staff better manage our state’s valuable deer herd. Hunters checked 9,107 deer during the antlerless portion of Missouri’s firearms deer season, bringing this year’s tally to more than 240,000. Remaining portions include alternative-methods portion Dec. 20-30 and the late youth portion Jan. 3-4. Lotawana News Page 16 January 14, 2015 Lake Lotawana History: From the Archives - January 70 YEARS AGO LAKE LOTAWANA NEWS January, 1945 Thin Ice Is Always Dangerous Bob White and Ed Williams Learn Everyone has enjoyed the sight of the Bob White motor-propelled ice boat skimming over the ice with skaters hanging on by the rope or gaily trailing it over our big ice rink. It is more than a novelty, it is an innovation. Bob has cut quite a figure with it, and somehow because of the motor attached, maybe, we thought it was fool proof. But the ice plays no favorites. If a load is too heavy it gives. Bob and son, Bobby, found that out on January 7, late afternoon. A somber pair of well soaked and well chilled iceboaters appeared at the Van Hook household, and applied for dry raiment and hot coffee... 60 YEARS AGO LAKE LOTAWANA NEWS January, 1955 Gentlemen! There’s a Lady Present Something new has been added to the Lake Lotawana Association Board of Directors. For the first time in its history, the Board includes a woman--Miss Alma G. Jackson, 32 R, a resident at the lake since 1951... 50 YEARS AGO LAKE LOTAWANA NEWS January, 1965 MYC to Feature Olympic Yachting Saturday evening, Jan. 16, the Missouri Yacht Club has scheduled an Olympic Yachting program featuring two members of the United States Olympic Sailing team. Bud Melges of Zenda, Wisc., and Dick Stearns of Chicago were both Olympic medal winners in Tokyo. Bud and Dick will present an informal program on their Olympic experiences illustrated with color slides. They will also discuss sailing tactics and give hints on improving sailing... 40 YEARS AGO Lotawana EXPRESS January 8, 1975 United Missouri Bank to Resume Gold Sales On Jan. 2, 1975 gold coin and bullion sales will resume at United Missouri Bank of Kansas City, NA. Under an agreement with the Mocatta Corporation, the largest dealer of gold and silver bullion in the United States, United Missouri Bank will receive an initial consignment of gold bars and coins which will be offered for sale at the current world price... Lotawana EXPRESS January 22, 1975 Missouri Yacht Club By Linda Wood Now I ask you, who’s cuter than Orlando Webb in one of his costumes? New Years Eve was no exception when the retiring Commodore led out the old and brought in the new--year that is. Orlando and Connie Webb joined the Yacht Club three years ago, took an office and became a bright spark in the Yacht Club.s future. As this couple came in with enthusiasm, hard work and long hours ahead of them, so they left the helm with a great deal of style. Dressed in authentic military admirals uniform from the 1800 complete with saber and head gear, he delighted and amused those present... 30 YEARS AGO Lotawana EXPRESS January 9, 1985 Lake Lotawana Sportsmen’s Club By Maurice Livingston Many activities are planned for the coming year. A speaker from Earl May Gardening Center will speak at our February 12th meeting. Keep the date open and come with your gardening questions...The Club house will be open Super-Bowl Sunday, Jan. 20th, with Chili and Salad Bar available. Please make reservations if you plan on coming. Big Screen T.V....March 23rd on a Saturday we are having the Wild Game Dinner. This should be an exceptionally good dinner and we have a large variety of Wild Game already. Rabbit hunts will be forming... 20 YEARS AGO Lotawana Express News January 11, 1995 Mason Elementary’s “Gift of Love” Mason Elementary students performed a delightful Holiday Program December 12 entitled, “The Gift of Love,” at the Performing Arts Center at the Lee’s Summit High School. Over 400 students, under the direction of music teacher Valeaira Luppens, sang a variety of songs. Numerous dances and instrumental numbers were also highlighted. In carrying out the theme of the program, students donated brand new stuffed animals which were given to Lee’s Summit Social Services after the program. Mason’s student council collected 23 bags full of several hundred stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes... Lotawana Express News January 25, 1995 Orchids to Dwight Westholt On Tuesday, January 17th, Cheryl Booker, A-19, saw a black Chow fall through the ice and ran to the Marina Grog & Galley for help. Dwight Westholt came to the rescue, breaking the ice enough for the dog to swim to the dock and then lifting the Chow to safety... 10 YEARS AGO Lotawana News January 12, 2005 The Business Beat: B & L Plumbing Service, Inc. By Paula Koch Bill and Lisa Welker of B & L Plumbing, Inc. could write a textbook on customer service. Great customer service has led to their growth and success. From the company’s beginning in 1998 when the couple ran calls together in their truck, B & L has grown to 12 employees, five vans and two trucks. Their secret to success? “Hard work, dedication, and a lot of hours,” says Bill. Lisa says, “Great customer service, good employees and referral business.” A winning combination... Lotawana News January 26, 2005 Mason Elementary students help Tsunami victims Second grade Mason Elementary students reached out to help Tsunami victims by selling trail mix during lunch hours the week of January 10th...Parents donated ingredients to make the over 400 bags of trail mix. Monies raised will be donated to the American Red Cross... Got Holiday photos? Please email to lotawananews@aol.com or place on the website: www.lakelotawananews.com Back in the 80s, the Cooley kids had fun skiing at Silver Creek, CO. In 2015, Dave, Robin, and Linda returned along with Dave’s wife, Regina, and their girls, Zyza and Adeline, and Robin’s husband, Matt Machado, and their girls Neve and Meadow. Silver Creek has been renamed Granby Ranch, but it is still a small, family friendly ski area. Good times for all! Lotawana News Page 17 January 14, 2015 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE and more SERVICES SELL B & L Plumbing Service, Repair, YOUR Complete Installation, Sewer & Drain ad page 3 “STUFF” Cleaning--see BOAT UPHOLSTERY FREE ESTIMATE HERE Call Jim 816-525-1939 HOME SWEET HOME REALTY 816-808-4000 hshrealty.com Classified Ads First 15 words - $10.00 Each additional word - 25 cents. Please send your ad and payment in advance of publication to: Lotawana News P.O. Box 6613 Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-6613 You may pay by cash or check. Next Issue: January 28 2015 Deadline: Mon., Jan. 19, 2015 by 5 pm phone: 578-5834 email: lotawananews@aol.com) FREE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE Customized House Cleaning Lynda Reed 816-838-7789 www.lakelotawananews.com References gladly furnished in Lake Lotawana Lotawana News Custom Boat Covers & Interiors covers made on site Tim Gust 816-721-8680 “NO ONE FITS ‘EM TIGHTER” Waste Hauling Service to Get HOOKed On 816-220-3227 ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS 10-30 CU.YD. SERVING GREATER K.C. METRO AREA 578-5834 lotawananews@aol.com RECYCLE YOUR ALUMINUM CANS Help Lotawana Ski Club! The Aholt family, Jim, Rita, and James, collect cans year round as passive income for the Lake Lotawana Ski Club. Cans should be secured in plastic bags and placed on second tier along the left side of the beige garage across the street from Y-7. (There is a sign by the garage.) They also take bulkier pieces like window frames, tire rims and gutters etc. They average $1000/yr for Ski Club depending on the price of aluminum. A Gift of Time Offering peace of mind while you’re away! Personalized care for your home and pets Serving Lake Lotawana exclusively. Call Ron & Lynda Rogacki 816-886-7894 COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL No January 2015 meeting. Scott Matthews 816 726-1644 Mark Frashier 816 215-3327 Lotawana News Page 18 January 14, 2015 Jack Stafford's New Year's Eve surprise by Kirk Boggs, Canadian Correspondent January 1, 2015 Key Colony Beach, Florida Chuck Falkenberg loves to fish. He fishes alone, he fishes with friends and he particularly loves to fish with his family. So when his 13-year-old grandson Jack came to visit him for New Year's in the Florida Keys, it was the perfect opportunity for a family fishing trip. Little did Chuck and Jack know what excitement the end of the year would bring! Jack, his father Scott and grandpa Chuck set out late morning with some light weight poles, shrimp, ice and small hooks for a fun afternoon of yellowtail fishing in the family's vintage Boston Whaler. After visiting several of Chuck's "lucky spots," the intrepid trio was not doing very well. With the fish locker largely empty, spirits flagging and dinner in doubt, they decided to try a final "can't miss spot" favoured by savvy fisher people-Dean and Paula Martin. With the sun getting lower in the sky, they tied up and dropped their lines. Soon Chuck, Scott and Jack all had nice keeper yellowtails in the boat and dinner was safely provided. Down to their last bedraggled shrimp, Jack baited his small hook and sent it back behind the boat with hopes of boating one last fish. Shortly thereafter, Jack was hooked up and diligently reeling in another yellowtail. Chuck turned away to untie the boat and Scott moved to assist. Both figured that Jack would have his fish in the boat by the time they were ready to go. Such was not the case. Jack kept reeling away, but for some reason his yellowtail had decided that it wasn't ready for the dinner table. His rod seemed to be bending more and more and line kept streaming off his reel no matter how hard he cranked the handle. Chuck, who was still securing the anchor line, told Jack to "hurry up and get the fish in the boat" but the yellowtail kept taking out line. Jack skillfully fought the fish, slowly gaining line as his fish kept diving for the bottom. Suddenly, after about 15 minutes, up to the surface came a 24.5 inch Black Grouper with Jack's 8" yellow tail lodged half way down its throat and his hook stuck precariously in its mouth. Chuck, managing to control his excitement, quickly hauled the fish into the boat where it immediately spit the hook. With the sun setting on 2014, the excited trio roared home to show Jack's mom Jennifer and grandma Judy his impressive catch. As grouper season ended at midnight, Jack's fish may have been the last keeper grouper caught in Monroe County in 2014! Needless to say, grandpa Chuck can't wait for Jack's next Keys visit. Chuck Falkenberg with grandson Jack Stafford and Jack’s 24.5” Black Grouper. A very happy New Year’s Eve! Ellie Stafford and the bonnethead shark she caught while fishing with Grandpa Chuck Falkenberg in the Florida Keys. Great fishing day for all the ladies! Judy Falkenberg with daughters Kristen Falkenberg and Jennifer Stafford and granddaughters Emma and Ellie Stafford. Judy Falkenberg enjoys watching granddaughter Emma Stafford reel in a lively yellowtail snapper. Lotawana News Page 19 January 14, 2015 LET’S DO BUSINESS! Got YARD WASTE? Call for plans and options. EnviroStar Waste Service, Inc. Mercruiser Master Certified • Mercury Outboard Certified 25 years experience • New, used & rebuilt engines & parts Trailer repair & welding • Custom stereos installed Mobile service available to local lakes Residential ~ Commercial ~ Roll-Off Industrial • Courteous, experienced staff and drivers • New equipment--cleaned and sanitized • 90-gallon PolyKarts • 1.5 to 6 yard commercial rear-load containers • 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 cubic yd roll-off containers 816-220-3227 www.johnsmarineservice.com Blue Springs, MO EZ got-boat.com BOAT REPAIR - mobile & shop BOAT LIFTS - sales & repair 816-697-6627 50 and 7 Highways www.envirostarwaste.com Squeaky Clean Joanie Borton President FRAZIER CONSTRUCTION WE PUT THE SQUEAK BACK INTO YOUR CLEAN SERVING LAKE LOTAWANA AREA OVER 30 YEARS Organic & Biodegradable Products Insured & Bonded Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly, One-Time Cleaning Move-In, Move-Out Specials Pre-Party & After-Party Cleaning 816-506-3736 q q CUSTOM HOME REMODELING NEW ADDITIONS q STRUCTURAL REPAIRS q GARAGES, DECKS, STAIRS 578-4308 Free Estimate References squeakycleaning@sbcglobal.net Hunt Electric JOHN GARDNER Insurance Claims Specialist Branch Manager Tim Hunt Master Electrician 24 years of experience Licensed and Insured (816) 830-4110 SIDING SINCE 2004 GUTTERS Cell: 816.769.4679 6ɉJL! Fax: 866.894.7944 ^^^KOPYVVMZJVT QNHYKULY'YVVMHSS`JVT 5>4HPU:[YLL[:\P[L3LL»Z:\TTP[46 ENERGY CONTROL PRODUCTS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WINDOW TINTING SCOTT A GAFNEY, Owner sagafneyecp@gmail.com P.O. Box 2771 Mission, KS 66201 913.488.3029 Affordable Maintenance and Repair Services for your Home or Business Quality Service since 2008 SHAYNE REGAN 304 SE 3rd Street Lee’s Summit, MO Donna’s Cleaning Service DOING BUSINESS SINCE 1992 Donna Sturdevant Licensed and Bonded 804-7417 M& M GOLF CARS, L.L.C. onestophandymanshop.com JEFF McDONOUGH Phone 816-795-7575 4252 N.E. Port Dr. Cell 816-223-5739 Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 jeffm@mmgolfcars.com Licensed & Insured www.mmgolfcars.com 816-517-6655 ficcs@aol.com Residential & Commercial Lotawana News Page 20 January 14, 2015 www.Lotawana.com www.PeggyRudder.com Wow! 1 acre at Lotawana, a rare find- Adorable upper tier home offers open main level living, multiple docks, large private patio, and parking galore! Priced to sell!! H-60&61
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