SAMPLE BALLOT CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 QUESTION 1 Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose an existing sales tax at a rate of one-eighth (1/8) of one percent for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City for a term of five (5) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving seventy-five percent (75%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty-five percent (25%) for their respective functions. YES NO
On Tuesday June 19th the Raytown Board of Aldermen attempted to change the laws governing the use of fireworks in Raytown. The reason I use the word attempted is that they actually failed to vote on the ordinance. The actual voting was on an amendment to the ordinance. The video clearly shows that the actual ordinance was not voted on.
The proposed changes would allow for shooting off fireworks for 4 days instead of 1, allow the use of Roman Candles, and strike the section requiring adult supervision of minors under the age of 16. It also allows for the shooting of fireworks on New Years Eve.
There was also an interesting discussion between Alderman Black and Chief Lynch concerning the Police Dept. requesting to be paid by Parks and Rec. to patrol the park for people setting off fireworks (which is illegal in Raytown). Chief Lynch cited force reduction due to budget cuts as a reason more attention cannot be given to patrolling Parks. Alderman Black attempted to bring up that this was the same policy that existed before the budget cuts, but did not get far on this point.
Raytown Online has no immediate knowledge about past actions concerning the parks on the 4th of July, but does know that the Raytown Police Dept. has ask for overtime payment from the parks to patrol Super Splash and the Summer Music and Arts festival in the past.
There are more details on this subject on the Raytown Report, click HERE The video below is the complete portion sourced from the city’s website.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. (5912 Lane, 358-4100) will be showing five free movies this year at Kenagy Park. The first of the series will be the movie Free Birds on May 15th. We choose great family films for young and old alike and are sure to put a smile on your face. Bring your lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy this event at Raytown Parks. Our sponsor is Google Fiber, who made a generous donation for our first two movies of the summer. The Friends of Raytown Parks have made these free movies possible with the donation of the movie equipment which they have purchased through grants and donations.
For more information on the Movie in the Park call the Raytown Park Office (5912 Lane) 358-4100.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Board meeting was less than calm on Monday night. Steve Guenther and Jason Greene attended the meeting to discuss the proposed Charter for Raytown. Parks Board members were not happy to find out that under the proposed Charter, they would no longer have the same control over hiring, salaries, and facilities use. Judge Michael Hannah is reported to have ask Jason Greene, what did we ever do to make them write a charter like this. Alderman Greene did not or was not able to answer that question.
From Alderman Aziere who was at the meeting…
I attended the Raytown Park Board Meeting last night because they had questions about the proposed charter and the section on the Park Department. They did not understand why the Park Board had not been personally invited to the meetings when changes in the Park Department were being discussed.
Discussions involving the Park Department requires that the Board of Alderman inform the Park Director. The Charter Commission did not do that.
Jason Green wrote the section on the Park Department. He was questioned why the Park Department was not informed or invited. literally, every member of the Park Board were angered when they were told that it was their job to follow the proceedings of the Commission.
The provision allowing the Alderman to override Park Board Decisions incited more anger. They did not understand what the Park Board had done so badly to cause the commissioners to strip them of their power to run the Park and Recreation Department.
There are two provisions in the Charter outside the section on Park Department that seal control of that department under the power of the Board of Alderman. I am planning to explain that to the Board of Alderman tonight early in the evening.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen voted on the Parks and Rec at this board meeting. The only alderperson to vote no was Emerson. There was a lengthy discussion concerning the additional finds required to keep Super Splash open. The short version is that the Parks Board ask for $80,000 in matching funds from the city to keep Super Splash open.
Super Splash was the topic that garnered the majority of the time at the Board of Aldermen meeting on Oct. 23rd. This is the study session for Super Splash USA Water Park.
This is a collection of clips from the CJ Walker, AFU Feat & KC Kelsey. and Linda Shell and the Blues Thang set. Guitar and Sax breaks, and a nice call and answer (sort of) between Linda Shell and Dave Cummings on Sax. There will be more videos to come, it just takes time to edit them video in a manner that respects the artists. Hopefully after the samples of the other two sets are posted, I may get permission to post complete songs from the musicians.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen approved the City’s 2015 budget on Tuesday evening, with one exception. That exception was the Parks and Rec. portion of the budget. The reason for the delay is to discuss alternatives to the Parks Boards decision to close Super Splash. On paper that decision is to suspend operations for the 2015 season, but more than one elected official has expressed the opinion that if it is closed for the 2015 season, it is unlikely that it will ever reopen.
The Raytown Park Board met Tuesday, Sept. 23rd and the main agenda item was the budget. The main topic for the night’s discussion was the closing of Super Splash. A previous article on the closing of Super Splash garnered record interest from the public, but the only audience for this meeting was the media, Mayor Bower and Ward 4 Alderman Pat Ertz.
The discussion was extremely informative, but the condensed version is…
Parks Board: We can’t afford Super Splash, it needs too much repair and is not making enough money to justify the expenses.
Mayor and Alderman Ertz: Super Splash is an important amenity for the Raytown Community.
Parks Board: We can’t afford it.
Mayor Bower: We may be able to help (come up with some money)
Parks Board: We might reconsider.
The main spokesperson for the Parks Board was former Judge Mike Hannah. There were a lot of details on what needed to be fixed and how there was not a lot of time to start the long sequence of events needed to allow Super Splash to reopen in 2015.
RaytownOnline.com recorded the entire meeting. The audio is clearly understandable, but at about half way through the meeting, the building heating and cooling unit kicked in with a mighty roar, next to the camera. This was partially abated by moving the camera away from the vent.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Board will have a special meeting Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 6:00 pm. If you have an opinion about Super Splash, this might be a good time to express it to the Park Board.
The address for Parks and Rec. is 5912 Lane, Raytown, MO, 64133
On September 15, the Raytown Park Board voted to close SuperSplash Water Park for one year while a plan could be studied for the future of the entire park system. “Generally, it was about the numbers,” said George Mitchell, Board Chair. “For several years the city has subsidized Super Splash as the park aged and operations costs increased. It was a difficult decision; it’s really all about the numbers. We had to be realistic about the future of the park and sustaining the park fund for the long term.”
There was discussion about keeping the park open as a smaller community pool vs. a full service water park. However, the logistics of making that happen would be onerous with minimal savings. Although Super Splash had a better year in 2014, with slight increases in attendance and revenue, it was not enough to sway the Board on their decision.
The substantial expenses that accompany a public swimming pool, including lifeguards, utilities, training and insurance can be the focus of budget fixes. Likewise, since public pools are usually used only during the summer months maintenance costs increase.
“The bottom line is public pools are only open three months a year. For the last 10 years, Super Splash has been operational due to the dedication of our Parks staff that was able to fix nearly anything,”said Kevin Boji, Parks Director. “The pool is 50 years old and showing its age; we face an extensive list of repairs, including leaks under the pool deck, that will be very costly.”
This year, the pool was challenged with broken water lines and closing 20 year old water slides due to structural concerns and the list goes on. Super Splash was one of the first waterparks of its kind in the Kansas City metro. Now, at 51 years old, it is estimated it will take nearly $450,000 of repairs to include pool painting, filter replacement, pool pumps, motors and general maintenance.
The Parks Board also voted to request the Board of Aldermen to work with them on hiring a consultant to prepare a Parks Comprehensive Plan for the entire park system that could be used to develop a strategic plan. “We want our residents to have a place that they can take their families. We want to be able to have a park system that future generations will be able to enjoy.” said George Mitchell.
Supersplash, USA originally opened in 1963 as a private swimming facility, Raytown Municipal Pool. The City of Raytown purchased the property in 1988, changed the name to Super Splash and began a 15 year development plan, operating the park as an enterprise fund to expand the park to a modern waterpark. Super Splash is a 10-acre park that includes three swimming pools, slides and a children’s area. It is located in the heart of Raytown at 53rd Place and Raytown Road.
Mark your calendars for Bark in the Park event on Saturday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. in Kenagy Park. This awesome, family-friendly event provides a howling good time for you and your furry family members.
Bark in the Park
First Baptist Raytown’s Bark in the Park is a FREE event and offers something for the entire family, including the four-legged members. We’ll have activities, contests, training, and more for your furry loved ones.
Volunteer!
Volunteers are always needed for this event partnering Hope Network, Raytown Parks and Recreation, and First Baptist Raytown. To volunteer, contactCarmen Krausorclick here.
The rain kept attendance down this year, but about 70 brave fishermen showed up ready to do battle with the fish. RaytownOnline choose not to do our normal walk around the lake with close up shots and instead shot mostly from under a tent until the rain let up.
8-15 age category:
Biggest stringer of 4 fish- Jordan Ohrmund 52-1/4” of fish.
Big Fish- Billy Jenkins Jr.-19”
Second biggest stringer of 4-KeyanaDavis- 44-1/2”
16+ Age category
Biggest stringer of 4 fish- Matthew Ohrmund-65-1/2”
Big Fish-Tie John Anderson-20-1/2”
Billy Jenkins Sr.-20-1/2”
Second Biggest stringr of 4 fish- Seth Reffitt- 40-3/4” of fish.
This is a free event open to all! Stable –T– Farms will bring their petting zoo to Summer Fest June 15th, 10AM-1PM. Check out the ambulance fire truck and police car for the kids to explore. The Raytown First Baptist Church, and the Friends of Raytown Parks will be hosting free games for the kids! You will find us near the softball field at Kenagy Park 79th & Raytown Rd. Don’t let the kids miss out on this great free event!
For more information call the Raytown Parks office at 358-4100 or www.raytownparks.com.
On Saturday, May 31, Raytown hosted its first ever Pickleball Clinic. Pickleball Midwest in partnership with Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. hosted a Women’s Pickleball Clinic at the Colman Park tennis courts, 5912 Lane Ave, Raytown. In 2013, the Colman Park tennis courts were renovated with $100,000 in grant funding. Pickleball lines were added to the courts following the court renovation. What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.
It is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net and played with a paddle and a plastic ball. The United States American Pickleball Association (USAPA) estimates there are now over 100,000 players actively playing pickleball. Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states. Many kids and teenagers play it in physical education classes in middle and high schools. Seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in their community. Tennis, racquetball and ping pong players love the competitive nature of the sport and regularly participate in competitive tournaments.
Brief History
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads-Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum-whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities were credited for creating the game. Pickleball evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well as many European and Asian countries adding courts.
Over 50 ladies participated in the event led by Dee Davidson, a 5 rated Pickleball player from Buckeye, Arizona. Participants came from several states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. Participants learned proper pickleball techniques such as serves, overhead shots, backhand shots, return shots and court positioning. Pickleball is open to all ages. For more information, visit contact www.usapa.org or Pickleball Midwest at pickleballmidwest@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pickleballmidwest.
Raytown’s Newest adult sports program is here! Adult Coed Kickball!
Starting June 10th on Tuesday evenings, Adult Kickball, at Kenagy park (79th & Raytown Rd.). The league will be six weeks long, $160 per coed team up to 20 people per team. Raytown will provide equipment, and umpire at each game. This will be a fun, recreation league, that is new this year! Games will be held in the evenings for 55 minutes per game, no limit on runs scored. Raytown Parks will be taking team, and individual registration, so come and give us a try. All regular kickball rules apply with me safety rules added to ensure a fun and safe atmosphere.
Call for any more details, this league is sure to be a riot!
For more information about the upcoming kickball leagues call the Raytown Park Office (5912 Lane) at 358-4100.
The Raytown Parks & Recreation Dept. is now offering the Raytown Fishing Derby for the 39th consecutive year. This activity is free to all. We are also happy to offer it to all ages, with appropriate prizes for all age groups. The derby will be June 7th starting at 9:00 am. The event will last for two hours and end at 11am.
This is a great family event and its FREE! The Sol-Pro Bass Club, The Friends of Raytown Parks, The Raytown BMX Association, and the Raytown
Fire Dept. will be volunteering as well as being sponsors of the event. Registration for the fishing derby will start at 8:00 am on the day of the event.
If you have any questions about the fishing derby please call the Raytown Park office at 358-4100. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. (5912 Lane, 358-4100) is showing free movies this year at Kenagy Park. The first of the series was the movie Planes on May 16th. Our next show will be June 13th, Despicable Me 2, then July 11th, Frozen, August 15th, The Nut Job, and our final movie of the year will be September 5th, Free Birds. All shows will start at sundown. These are great family films for young and old alike and is sure to put a smile on your face. Bring your lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy this event at Raytown Parks. Our volunteer support group, The Friends of Raytown Parks have made these free movies possible with the donation of the movie equipment which they have purchased through grants and donations. Concessions will be for sale through the Friends of the Park Foundation.
For more information on the Movie in the Park call the Raytown Park Office (5912 Lane) 358-4100.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. is now offering adult softball leagues for the spring/summer. Different skill levels are available for Men, Coed and 50+ teams as well as double header leagues available in the men’s ‘C’ division and no other leagues can beat our prices. Raytown provides ASA umpires, an official scorekeeper, fields drug and lined daily, and rainout line. The season starts in April for men’s, and coed leagues. Games will be played at Colman, Little Blue Trace or Kenagy Parks for the spring/summer season. Leagues will be played every night in Raytown’s Parks so there are plenty opportunities for all ball players interested.
For more information about the upcoming softball leagues call the Raytown Park Office (5912 Lane) at 358-4100.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. (5912 Lane, 358-4100) will be showing five free movies this year at Kenagy Park. The first of the series will be the movie Free Birds on May 15th. We choose great family films for young and old alike and are sure to put a smile on your face. Bring your lawn chairs, or blankets to enjoy this event at Raytown Parks. Our sponsor is Google Fiber, who made a generous donation for our first two movies of the summer. The Friends of Raytown Parks have made these free movies possible with the donation of the movie equipment which they have purchased through grants and donations.
The Raytown Parks and Recreation Dept. (5912 Lane, 358-4100) is showing free movies this year at
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