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Friday, February 18, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
"MAYOR LIES," SAY COUNCIL MEMBERS
By Tony Brockmeyer
“The Mayor and I sat down and I asked her if she would stand in the way if her choice for City Administrator brought Lowery’s name forwardfor chief. She said “let me think about that.” Twenty minutes before the meeting she agreed that if we appointed Williams and he brought Lowery’s name forward she would not stand in the way. She said that in front of three of us. We are paying Williams $148,000 a year to run the day-to-day operations of the City and yet the Mayor wants to pick the Chief. Her political ties to the Police Union are more evident now than ever. She is allowing a few bad apples in the Police Department tell her whom to pick for Chief so they can continue to run the PD and basically run the City. This Mayor has sworn an oath and is not living up to that oath.”
Ward 8 City Councilman John Gieseke made those comments after Tuesdays City Council meeting where City Administrator Alan Williams told the council he was not bringing Major Robert G. Lowery’s name forward because the Mayor would not approve him.
“We are paying this man over $148,000 a year to run this city on the Mayor’s recommendation and she refuses to go along with his decisions, “said Gieseke. “We may as well stop the process now and let the Police Union leaders come to us and decide who their boss will be, all this so she can protect a political ally that appears to have some unyielding power over her and the office of the Mayor. Endorsements should not buy decisions or appointments. They allow for better access but not total control,” said Gieseke.
“I am so sorry for Major Lowery. He would have never reapplied and never gone through the process, up to taking a psychological exam, if he hadn’t been told he would have a contract and that the Mayor would say yes. We all took the Mayor at her word and we have all learned from this mistake.”
The Mayor has a close relationship with Tommy Mayer, a St. Charles Police Sergeant and state president of the Fraternal Order of Police. She has traveled the state speaking for the FOP and attending their meetings. So much so that she received an award from them in 2002. Mayer has a $104 million dollar lawsuit against the City Administrator, City Council Members and the City of St. Charles but has not named the Mayor in the suit.
The closed-door executive session of the City Council Meeting Tuesday night erupted into a heated discussion. City Administrator Alan Williams had earlier made promises to City Council members that he would bring forward the name of Major Robert Lowery, Jr., Assistant Police of Chief of Florissant and Commander of the Greater St. Louis Major case Squad, to be his choice for Chief of Police of St. Charles.
Councilwoman Dottie Greer told the First Capitol News, “She (Mayor York) lied again. That’s all I can say. I am sick of her lying. I am disgusted with her and her ways. She told us unequivocally if Mr. Williams wanted to appoint Major Lowery as Chief of Police she would approve it if we appointed Mr. Williams as City Administrator. She lied again.”
Council President Rory Riddler told the First Capitol News, “I think it was a terrible disservice to Major Lowery who has been a pillar of the law enforcement community with an outstanding career to have put him through this a second time. The only reason Major Lowery consented to put his application in again for Chief is because the Mayor had made a direct promise to myself and several other Council members. That promise was if Allan Williams were hired as City Administrator and went through another selection process for Chief and if Alan Williams recommended Major Lowery as the best person for the job, she, the mayor, would go along with his appointment.
That promise was not ambiguous I considered it made in earnest and in plain English. It was not only made to myself but two other council members and once again to all three of us at the same time. I believe that my version of the event will coincide exactly with how my fellow council members remember what was said.
The city administrator made it clear to me and the entire council that he was going to bring major Lowery’s name forward and in fact at last weeks council meeting in executive session discussed contract terms. He subsequently indicated to me that he could not get the mayor to go along with the appointment of Lowery and therefore was not bringing Lowery’s name forward. I don’t blame Major Lowery for withdrawing his name from consideration under the circumstances. His position had obviously been made into that of a political football by an administration that would not keep its word. The City Administrator had, prior to Tuesday’s meeting introduced another candidate for police chief to a few select members of the Council and the Mayor. Not all Council members on Tuesday evening had been given the courtesy, of receiving this individual’s resume or being given the same access to the applicant that some were. Therefore as Council President I felt it best to make sure all Council members get a copy of the resume and were given the opportunity to interview as a group before any further discussion took place that evening. The administration seemed anxious to rush through the name of this other individual and I felt it important the Council be allowed to do its own due diligence and fairly consider the individual on his merits.
I also informed the Council the contract with acting chief Larry White was coming to a close the first week of March. Mr. White is being paid $9000 per month in a contract entered into by City Administrator Alan Williams. Because the total contract amount was less than $20,000 the Administrator had the authority to sign the contract without Council approval. A second contract with former St. Louis County Police Chief Ron Battelle had also been entered into by the Administrator for $5,000 per month to be paid to Ron Battelle and $2,500 per month to be paid to Backstoppers, the agency Mr. Battelle took leave from to serve as a consultant to the Administrator. His contract was not to exceed $19,500.
The Council and myself are extremely concerned and that our community is still without a full time police chief that we have had to extend large sums in consultant fees during this interim period. We would hope the City Administrator could quickly bring us applicants for chief to consider without any obvious political ties.”
Councilman Mark Brown said, “I think it is a shame the mayor is trying to hoodwink the public and infiltrate our police department with St. Louis City Politics. I think it is bold that she would recommend her son’s boss to be the police chief. This would only make our police department 100 percent political. I think her actions are out of line and she owes the public an apology.
Obviously I am disappointed Lowery isn’t going to be taking the position especially after our new City Administrator new also agreed he was the best for the job. It is a shame the Mayor said if the City Administrator said he was the best choice she would accept him and then she refuses.
It appears the Mayor is trying to trade favors to see her son advanced in the city police department.”
Tuesday would have been the third time Williams had told the Council he would be announcing his appointment of Major Lowery. Council members had been told prior to two previous meetings the appointment would be made. Williams postponed it on each previous occasion.
Williams had started contract negotiations with Major Lowery a couple of weeks ago. “Dr. Williams called me and told me he was appointing me Police Chief of St. Charles,” Major Lowery told the First Capitol News. “We started discussing contract terms. He offered me a contract and asked me to take a psychological test. I took the test and was told I had passed. He told me he would be offering my name to the City Council and the Mayor. He later called me and told me he was going to wait until the next meeting to ask for a vote because the Mayor opposed my appointment and he needed some time to try and change her mind.”
Apparently Williams asked Councilman Kneemiller to talk to the Mayor. Evidently Councilman Kneemiller was unable to get her to change her mind.
Just before the start of the Council meeting on February 1st Major Lowery received a telephone call from Williams. “Dr. Williams told me the Mayor had just told him she had five City Council votes against my appointment,” said Major Lowery. “He asked me if it would be okay to postpone the vote on my appointment for a week so he could see how many votes I would receive from the Council members and he thought he could change the Mayor’s mind.”
As the City Council meeting progressed that evening, spectators in the audience had their curiosity peaked as they watched Williams approach the dais and take individual Council members out into the hallway one at a time. He was checking to see if the Mayor had the five votes she claimed to block the appointment of Major Lowery. Even though the Mayor had told Williams she had five votes to block the appointment he discovered she did not.
The City Council went into closed session and remained there for an extended period of time discussing the vote on Major Lowery in addition to the contract the Mayor signed with Express Scripts without Council approval as requested by ordinance. It was during that executive session the Mayor told the Council she needed a week to determine what requirements she wanted in his contract. After the meeting Williams called Major Lowery and told him that his appointment would be voted on February 8th, as the Mayor needed time to work on a contract.
After that meeting Councilman Brown asked the Mayor why she would not approve Lowery that evening. She told him, “I never get anything.” When Brown asked her what she wanted he said she replied, “I want the Community Center killed in Riddler’s Ward (Rory Riddler, Council President and Councilman Ward 1).”
Tuesday morning, February 8th, Williams contacted Major Lowery and told him the Mayor would not approve his appointment. It was at that time Major Lowery decided he had had enough and withdrew his name from further consideration.
Williams then contacted a few members of the City Council and asked that they come to City Hall and meet and consider Captain Gerald Wurm of the St. Louis Police Department for appointment as Chief of Police.
Councilmen Muench and Reese acknowledged they had met Wurm and had copies of his resume.
Other members of the Council expressed concern that Wurm is the Commander of the Second District of the St. Louis Police Department and is in command of 80 Officers including Adrian York the Mayor’s son. They also said Williams told them Wurm had heard of Officer York but was not familiar with him. They are also concerned about the recent investigative report in which it was reported the St. Louis Police were not writing police reports and not investigating some crimes.
It was reported that York has said she had considered a proposal that Lowery be hired with the understanding that she could review his performance after six months. Council members believe that would be a violation of the City Charter.
Sources within the Police Department have told the First Capitol News the Mayor has a small group of bad apples that want to be in control of the department and she is doing everything she can do to help and protect them.
Councilman Joe Koester said, “I have learned the Mayor had been allowed to go through the applications and she picked out Wurm’s application and suggested Dr. Williams hire him. It is a violation for her to be allowed to do this and I am appalled with the recent actions of Dr. Williams. I am very angry about what is going on in this city and am concerned we have hired a City Administrator who has abdicated his authority to the Mayor in direct violation of our City Charter.”
“The Mayor and I sat down and I asked her if she would stand in the way if her choice for City Administrator brought Lowery’s name forwardfor chief. She said “let me think about that.” Twenty minutes before the meeting she agreed that if we appointed Williams and he brought Lowery’s name forward she would not stand in the way. She said that in front of three of us. We are paying Williams $148,000 a year to run the day-to-day operations of the City and yet the Mayor wants to pick the Chief. Her political ties to the Police Union are more evident now than ever. She is allowing a few bad apples in the Police Department tell her whom to pick for Chief so they can continue to run the PD and basically run the City. This Mayor has sworn an oath and is not living up to that oath.”
Ward 8 City Councilman John Gieseke made those comments after Tuesdays City Council meeting where City Administrator Alan Williams told the council he was not bringing Major Robert G. Lowery’s name forward because the Mayor would not approve him.
“We are paying this man over $148,000 a year to run this city on the Mayor’s recommendation and she refuses to go along with his decisions, “said Gieseke. “We may as well stop the process now and let the Police Union leaders come to us and decide who their boss will be, all this so she can protect a political ally that appears to have some unyielding power over her and the office of the Mayor. Endorsements should not buy decisions or appointments. They allow for better access but not total control,” said Gieseke.
“I am so sorry for Major Lowery. He would have never reapplied and never gone through the process, up to taking a psychological exam, if he hadn’t been told he would have a contract and that the Mayor would say yes. We all took the Mayor at her word and we have all learned from this mistake.”
The Mayor has a close relationship with Tommy Mayer, a St. Charles Police Sergeant and state president of the Fraternal Order of Police. She has traveled the state speaking for the FOP and attending their meetings. So much so that she received an award from them in 2002. Mayer has a $104 million dollar lawsuit against the City Administrator, City Council Members and the City of St. Charles but has not named the Mayor in the suit.
The closed-door executive session of the City Council Meeting Tuesday night erupted into a heated discussion. City Administrator Alan Williams had earlier made promises to City Council members that he would bring forward the name of Major Robert Lowery, Jr., Assistant Police of Chief of Florissant and Commander of the Greater St. Louis Major case Squad, to be his choice for Chief of Police of St. Charles.
Councilwoman Dottie Greer told the First Capitol News, “She (Mayor York) lied again. That’s all I can say. I am sick of her lying. I am disgusted with her and her ways. She told us unequivocally if Mr. Williams wanted to appoint Major Lowery as Chief of Police she would approve it if we appointed Mr. Williams as City Administrator. She lied again.”
Council President Rory Riddler told the First Capitol News, “I think it was a terrible disservice to Major Lowery who has been a pillar of the law enforcement community with an outstanding career to have put him through this a second time. The only reason Major Lowery consented to put his application in again for Chief is because the Mayor had made a direct promise to myself and several other Council members. That promise was if Allan Williams were hired as City Administrator and went through another selection process for Chief and if Alan Williams recommended Major Lowery as the best person for the job, she, the mayor, would go along with his appointment.
That promise was not ambiguous I considered it made in earnest and in plain English. It was not only made to myself but two other council members and once again to all three of us at the same time. I believe that my version of the event will coincide exactly with how my fellow council members remember what was said.
The city administrator made it clear to me and the entire council that he was going to bring major Lowery’s name forward and in fact at last weeks council meeting in executive session discussed contract terms. He subsequently indicated to me that he could not get the mayor to go along with the appointment of Lowery and therefore was not bringing Lowery’s name forward. I don’t blame Major Lowery for withdrawing his name from consideration under the circumstances. His position had obviously been made into that of a political football by an administration that would not keep its word. The City Administrator had, prior to Tuesday’s meeting introduced another candidate for police chief to a few select members of the Council and the Mayor. Not all Council members on Tuesday evening had been given the courtesy, of receiving this individual’s resume or being given the same access to the applicant that some were. Therefore as Council President I felt it best to make sure all Council members get a copy of the resume and were given the opportunity to interview as a group before any further discussion took place that evening. The administration seemed anxious to rush through the name of this other individual and I felt it important the Council be allowed to do its own due diligence and fairly consider the individual on his merits.
I also informed the Council the contract with acting chief Larry White was coming to a close the first week of March. Mr. White is being paid $9000 per month in a contract entered into by City Administrator Alan Williams. Because the total contract amount was less than $20,000 the Administrator had the authority to sign the contract without Council approval. A second contract with former St. Louis County Police Chief Ron Battelle had also been entered into by the Administrator for $5,000 per month to be paid to Ron Battelle and $2,500 per month to be paid to Backstoppers, the agency Mr. Battelle took leave from to serve as a consultant to the Administrator. His contract was not to exceed $19,500.
The Council and myself are extremely concerned and that our community is still without a full time police chief that we have had to extend large sums in consultant fees during this interim period. We would hope the City Administrator could quickly bring us applicants for chief to consider without any obvious political ties.”
Councilman Mark Brown said, “I think it is a shame the mayor is trying to hoodwink the public and infiltrate our police department with St. Louis City Politics. I think it is bold that she would recommend her son’s boss to be the police chief. This would only make our police department 100 percent political. I think her actions are out of line and she owes the public an apology.
Obviously I am disappointed Lowery isn’t going to be taking the position especially after our new City Administrator new also agreed he was the best for the job. It is a shame the Mayor said if the City Administrator said he was the best choice she would accept him and then she refuses.
It appears the Mayor is trying to trade favors to see her son advanced in the city police department.”
Tuesday would have been the third time Williams had told the Council he would be announcing his appointment of Major Lowery. Council members had been told prior to two previous meetings the appointment would be made. Williams postponed it on each previous occasion.
Williams had started contract negotiations with Major Lowery a couple of weeks ago. “Dr. Williams called me and told me he was appointing me Police Chief of St. Charles,” Major Lowery told the First Capitol News. “We started discussing contract terms. He offered me a contract and asked me to take a psychological test. I took the test and was told I had passed. He told me he would be offering my name to the City Council and the Mayor. He later called me and told me he was going to wait until the next meeting to ask for a vote because the Mayor opposed my appointment and he needed some time to try and change her mind.”
Apparently Williams asked Councilman Kneemiller to talk to the Mayor. Evidently Councilman Kneemiller was unable to get her to change her mind.
Just before the start of the Council meeting on February 1st Major Lowery received a telephone call from Williams. “Dr. Williams told me the Mayor had just told him she had five City Council votes against my appointment,” said Major Lowery. “He asked me if it would be okay to postpone the vote on my appointment for a week so he could see how many votes I would receive from the Council members and he thought he could change the Mayor’s mind.”
As the City Council meeting progressed that evening, spectators in the audience had their curiosity peaked as they watched Williams approach the dais and take individual Council members out into the hallway one at a time. He was checking to see if the Mayor had the five votes she claimed to block the appointment of Major Lowery. Even though the Mayor had told Williams she had five votes to block the appointment he discovered she did not.
The City Council went into closed session and remained there for an extended period of time discussing the vote on Major Lowery in addition to the contract the Mayor signed with Express Scripts without Council approval as requested by ordinance. It was during that executive session the Mayor told the Council she needed a week to determine what requirements she wanted in his contract. After the meeting Williams called Major Lowery and told him that his appointment would be voted on February 8th, as the Mayor needed time to work on a contract.
After that meeting Councilman Brown asked the Mayor why she would not approve Lowery that evening. She told him, “I never get anything.” When Brown asked her what she wanted he said she replied, “I want the Community Center killed in Riddler’s Ward (Rory Riddler, Council President and Councilman Ward 1).”
Tuesday morning, February 8th, Williams contacted Major Lowery and told him the Mayor would not approve his appointment. It was at that time Major Lowery decided he had had enough and withdrew his name from further consideration.
Williams then contacted a few members of the City Council and asked that they come to City Hall and meet and consider Captain Gerald Wurm of the St. Louis Police Department for appointment as Chief of Police.
Councilmen Muench and Reese acknowledged they had met Wurm and had copies of his resume.
Other members of the Council expressed concern that Wurm is the Commander of the Second District of the St. Louis Police Department and is in command of 80 Officers including Adrian York the Mayor’s son. They also said Williams told them Wurm had heard of Officer York but was not familiar with him. They are also concerned about the recent investigative report in which it was reported the St. Louis Police were not writing police reports and not investigating some crimes.
It was reported that York has said she had considered a proposal that Lowery be hired with the understanding that she could review his performance after six months. Council members believe that would be a violation of the City Charter.
Sources within the Police Department have told the First Capitol News the Mayor has a small group of bad apples that want to be in control of the department and she is doing everything she can do to help and protect them.
Councilman Joe Koester said, “I have learned the Mayor had been allowed to go through the applications and she picked out Wurm’s application and suggested Dr. Williams hire him. It is a violation for her to be allowed to do this and I am appalled with the recent actions of Dr. Williams. I am very angry about what is going on in this city and am concerned we have hired a City Administrator who has abdicated his authority to the Mayor in direct violation of our City Charter.”
THIS JUST IN - THE KING IS COMING
EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA
THE KING IS COMING
The First Capitol News learned at press time Dave King, former Police Chief of St. Charles, is expected back in town Monday. King, a close friend of City Administrator Alan Williams, will help Williams in a search for a police chief.
Apparently, Williams will not be offering Gerald Wurm, a Captain with the St. Louis Police Department, to the Council as his selection as St. Charles Police Chief. A City Hall source told us that Williams was not aware that Wurm was the District Commander for Officer Adrian York, the son of Mayor York, until informed by several Council members.
The St. Charles Police Officers Association and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, headed by St. Charles Police Sergeant Tom Mayer, were constantly at odds with King when he was St. Charles Chief. They apparently wanted to run the police department and King was just as determined they would not.
We have been told that Mayer and the FOP were responsible for King being removed as Chief of Police.
THE KING IS COMING
The First Capitol News learned at press time Dave King, former Police Chief of St. Charles, is expected back in town Monday. King, a close friend of City Administrator Alan Williams, will help Williams in a search for a police chief.
Apparently, Williams will not be offering Gerald Wurm, a Captain with the St. Louis Police Department, to the Council as his selection as St. Charles Police Chief. A City Hall source told us that Williams was not aware that Wurm was the District Commander for Officer Adrian York, the son of Mayor York, until informed by several Council members.
The St. Charles Police Officers Association and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, headed by St. Charles Police Sergeant Tom Mayer, were constantly at odds with King when he was St. Charles Chief. They apparently wanted to run the police department and King was just as determined they would not.
We have been told that Mayer and the FOP were responsible for King being removed as Chief of Police.
DOUBLE CROSSED BY THE MAYOR & CITY ADMINISTRATOR
By Joe Koester
Councilman Ward 9
Vitamin B ...
In German, “Vitamine B” stands for “Beziehung.” In English, Beziehung means “Relationship” or perhaps better translated as, “Connections.” Vitamine B is a phrase used by Germans to describe that extra help that comes from knowing the right people. None of us are naïve enough to think that connections are unimportant in business, and since lines between business and government have grown increasingly blurred over the past few years, it is not surprising to hear about a little “Vitamin B” at City Hall. After all, doesn’t it sometimes help to know that this lady or that gentleman or that firm or company is known in the community and has, perhaps, done some good things and might therefore be a good candidate for a City contract? Take the recent contract for City web design that was granted to Quilogy rather than a California based company because Council believes it makes sense to support local businesses; especially those who have proven to be a positive force such as Quilogy has. Quilogy wasn’t the low bid, but they weren’t far from the California bid and they have invested much money in downtown Saint Charles infrastructure and employ our townsfolk. We will be working together with a company that can be reached by foot from City Hall in a matter of 60 seconds rather than a company that is hours away by plane!
This kind of symbiotic relationship makes sense, and since no one on Council is employed by Quilogy, there is no conflict of interest.
Enters Mayor York and Companion, Dr. Alan Williams…
For about one and one half years now (pre-dating this Council) Saint Charles has needed a police chief. A litany of individuals and groups declared their support for Major Robert Lowery of Florissant, including the Mayor-appointed selection committee, the acting City Administrator, Mike Valenti, many on the previous Council, the current Council, and most recently, Dr. Alan Williams, our City Administrator chosen by the Mayor and supported by a majority of the Council (this Councilman not included). Dr. Williams stated to the press that he was ready on February 1st to bring Major Lowery’s name forward as his pick! All indications were that this matter would soon be resolved and a spirit of compromise had prevailed! Now we could look forward to working on anything and everything besides this wedge issue that had lingered for this long while.
Recent History…
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; a closed session at City Hall became heated when Mayor York decided to double-cross the City Council and renege on her word to accept Dr. Williams’ choice for Police Chief regardless of who that might be, including Major Lowery. My first concern expressed to Williams during our personal interview was his ability to act fairly in this matter. I trusted Major Lowery’s resume and credentials and knew that they could stand on their own feet as long as Dr. Williams wasn’t scheming with the Mayor to oppose him without reason. The Council took a leap of faith and reached out to Mayor York by appointing Dr. Williams with the Mayor’s pledge that she would not interfere with the administrator’s choice, nor would she stonewall Bob Lowery if Dr. Williams chose him for the job. In the end, this duo of deceit proved that their word is a slippery thing by playing a game of selective memory and semantics.
For the Record…
During that February 1st meeting, the Mayor asked for one week to think over Dr. William’s choice and consider things. She said that if we gave her this one more week (because 1 & 1/2 years isn’t enough time) she might accept Dr. William’s candidate, thereby, keeping her word. I did have a problem with waiting yet another week, however, I agreed to it if Dr. Williams agreed to bring Major Lowery’s name forward regardless of the Mayor’s final decision. I think it would have been appropriate for the public to see the obstinacy of the Mayor, as well as, her interference with the day-to-day running of the City and to see her lack of faith in the competency of her choice for city Administrator. Dr. Williams is compensated well and learned in City Administration, yet the Mayor chose not to accept his counsel. Certainly, we could have chosen a far less expensive administrator to ignore…one without a $400/month car allowance and lifetime health insurance for three years of work!
Our City has not benefited from the arrival of this administrator; and in fact, the Council put its trust in this man to help calm the tension between police and council. Upon his arrival, Council was told that the police wanted to lay down their arms and pledged not to attack the council and incite more conflict between both sides. For our part, we would need to refrain from placing ads in local papers, taking any type of action that would anger police. We agreed and Dr. William headed back home for a long weekend. During his departure, the Police took out full page advertisements that compared the Council to criminals on the street and enhanced their claims with images of wolves in sheep’s clothing. My name too was included in this ad; that was a surprise since I have never had malice towards the Police and have never considered them with such disrespect.
Fait Accompli…
Together, the Mayor and Administrator feigned cooperation and sincerity only to act in concert to swindle the Council. This utter lack of integrity on the parts of York and Williams was heightened by Dr. Williams presenting us with a candidate for police chief who happened, coincidentally, per chance to be the Mayor’s son’s superior on the Saint Louis Police force, proving that too much “Vitamine B” can be a bad thing!
Follow Up…
It is important for me to state that I have no axe to grind with the Police Department of Saint Charles. I truly believe that most of our officers are dedicated and hardworking and they wish to do their job well and with dignity like any of us would. They want to be treated as professionals and they want to have input in their careers. If they feel that a chief is treating them poorly, they need to know that they can approach Administration and Council to address such issues. The Police Department had no trouble expressing their concerns over Chief King a few years back, and in fact, the force drove Chief King from his position. My concern is simply that the elected leaders of this community do not devolve their authority in police matters to the police department itself, because I cherish a civilian-controlled government on all levels; the alternative is police control that trumps that of the elected representatives of the community. If you would have that, then you would agree to state police over the general assembly and governor, and military over Congress and the President. Our City is a microcosm of both of those layers of government, nothing more, and nothing less.
Councilman Ward 9
Vitamin B ...
In German, “Vitamine B” stands for “Beziehung.” In English, Beziehung means “Relationship” or perhaps better translated as, “Connections.” Vitamine B is a phrase used by Germans to describe that extra help that comes from knowing the right people. None of us are naïve enough to think that connections are unimportant in business, and since lines between business and government have grown increasingly blurred over the past few years, it is not surprising to hear about a little “Vitamin B” at City Hall. After all, doesn’t it sometimes help to know that this lady or that gentleman or that firm or company is known in the community and has, perhaps, done some good things and might therefore be a good candidate for a City contract? Take the recent contract for City web design that was granted to Quilogy rather than a California based company because Council believes it makes sense to support local businesses; especially those who have proven to be a positive force such as Quilogy has. Quilogy wasn’t the low bid, but they weren’t far from the California bid and they have invested much money in downtown Saint Charles infrastructure and employ our townsfolk. We will be working together with a company that can be reached by foot from City Hall in a matter of 60 seconds rather than a company that is hours away by plane!
This kind of symbiotic relationship makes sense, and since no one on Council is employed by Quilogy, there is no conflict of interest.
Enters Mayor York and Companion, Dr. Alan Williams…
For about one and one half years now (pre-dating this Council) Saint Charles has needed a police chief. A litany of individuals and groups declared their support for Major Robert Lowery of Florissant, including the Mayor-appointed selection committee, the acting City Administrator, Mike Valenti, many on the previous Council, the current Council, and most recently, Dr. Alan Williams, our City Administrator chosen by the Mayor and supported by a majority of the Council (this Councilman not included). Dr. Williams stated to the press that he was ready on February 1st to bring Major Lowery’s name forward as his pick! All indications were that this matter would soon be resolved and a spirit of compromise had prevailed! Now we could look forward to working on anything and everything besides this wedge issue that had lingered for this long while.
Recent History…
Tuesday, February 1, 2005; a closed session at City Hall became heated when Mayor York decided to double-cross the City Council and renege on her word to accept Dr. Williams’ choice for Police Chief regardless of who that might be, including Major Lowery. My first concern expressed to Williams during our personal interview was his ability to act fairly in this matter. I trusted Major Lowery’s resume and credentials and knew that they could stand on their own feet as long as Dr. Williams wasn’t scheming with the Mayor to oppose him without reason. The Council took a leap of faith and reached out to Mayor York by appointing Dr. Williams with the Mayor’s pledge that she would not interfere with the administrator’s choice, nor would she stonewall Bob Lowery if Dr. Williams chose him for the job. In the end, this duo of deceit proved that their word is a slippery thing by playing a game of selective memory and semantics.
For the Record…
During that February 1st meeting, the Mayor asked for one week to think over Dr. William’s choice and consider things. She said that if we gave her this one more week (because 1 & 1/2 years isn’t enough time) she might accept Dr. William’s candidate, thereby, keeping her word. I did have a problem with waiting yet another week, however, I agreed to it if Dr. Williams agreed to bring Major Lowery’s name forward regardless of the Mayor’s final decision. I think it would have been appropriate for the public to see the obstinacy of the Mayor, as well as, her interference with the day-to-day running of the City and to see her lack of faith in the competency of her choice for city Administrator. Dr. Williams is compensated well and learned in City Administration, yet the Mayor chose not to accept his counsel. Certainly, we could have chosen a far less expensive administrator to ignore…one without a $400/month car allowance and lifetime health insurance for three years of work!
Our City has not benefited from the arrival of this administrator; and in fact, the Council put its trust in this man to help calm the tension between police and council. Upon his arrival, Council was told that the police wanted to lay down their arms and pledged not to attack the council and incite more conflict between both sides. For our part, we would need to refrain from placing ads in local papers, taking any type of action that would anger police. We agreed and Dr. William headed back home for a long weekend. During his departure, the Police took out full page advertisements that compared the Council to criminals on the street and enhanced their claims with images of wolves in sheep’s clothing. My name too was included in this ad; that was a surprise since I have never had malice towards the Police and have never considered them with such disrespect.
Fait Accompli…
Together, the Mayor and Administrator feigned cooperation and sincerity only to act in concert to swindle the Council. This utter lack of integrity on the parts of York and Williams was heightened by Dr. Williams presenting us with a candidate for police chief who happened, coincidentally, per chance to be the Mayor’s son’s superior on the Saint Louis Police force, proving that too much “Vitamine B” can be a bad thing!
Follow Up…
It is important for me to state that I have no axe to grind with the Police Department of Saint Charles. I truly believe that most of our officers are dedicated and hardworking and they wish to do their job well and with dignity like any of us would. They want to be treated as professionals and they want to have input in their careers. If they feel that a chief is treating them poorly, they need to know that they can approach Administration and Council to address such issues. The Police Department had no trouble expressing their concerns over Chief King a few years back, and in fact, the force drove Chief King from his position. My concern is simply that the elected leaders of this community do not devolve their authority in police matters to the police department itself, because I cherish a civilian-controlled government on all levels; the alternative is police control that trumps that of the elected representatives of the community. If you would have that, then you would agree to state police over the general assembly and governor, and military over Congress and the President. Our City is a microcosm of both of those layers of government, nothing more, and nothing less.
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR Tony Brockmeyer
ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF HIDDEN OAKS & SOUTHERN OAKS SUBDIVISIONS
At press time we were notified by City Councilman Mark Brown, Ward 3 that he had scheduled a meeting relatiing to the proposed development plan for the St. Charles Golf Course Property. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain input and comments from the residents of the area. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2005, in the City Council Chambers, 4th Floor, City Hall, 200 North Second Street at 7:00 PM.
The developers of the St. Charles Golf course Property will be in attendance at the meeting to present the proposed plan, and to address questions the residents have. Councilman Brown says, “I am offering this opportunity for you to view the proposal and voice any new concerns. You can Reach Councilman Mark Brown at his home 636-896-9977 or on his cell phone at 636-368-8359.
TRASH SAVINGS?
Councilman Bob Hoepfner of the 10th Ward has been trying to get free, or at least less inexpensive, trash service for the residents. The Council has discussed furnishing 90 gallon containers and offering once a week service. Those who want twice a week service would have to pay an additional amount. The trash service believes offering twice a week to just a few residents would cause a logistics nightmare. The savings for once a week pick up would be approximately $5 a month.
Councilman Riddler of Ward One believes he has a workable solution. “We would still furnish the 90 gallon trash cans to the residents. This would be a savings of about $60 and would be more safe and sanitary. One of the problems that the trash company faces is when someone does not pay their trash bill and they have to resort to collection, the resident usually places their trash with the neighbor or in a business trash container. The trash company has offered a discount of about 25 percent if the city would bill the residents on their water bills. Then when a resident did not pay the bill, their water would be shut off until they paid. Also, in exchange for the city doing the billing, the company would offer a senior discount. That discount would be in addition to the approximately 150 residents who receive free trash service because of their income.
WHAT IS NEWS?
We often give tours to groups wanting to see how a newspaper is put together. During a recent tour a group member asked us, “What Is News?” Before we could respond another member of the group spoke up, “In the First Capitol News, news isn’t something that everybody else is reporting. News in the First Capitol News is something that nobody else knows about.”
INCREASED COVERAGE
Due to many requests, with this edition we are expanding our coverage to include some areas of St. Peters and St. Charles County. More on this later. We continue to make a difference one week at a time.
At press time we were notified by City Councilman Mark Brown, Ward 3 that he had scheduled a meeting relatiing to the proposed development plan for the St. Charles Golf Course Property. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain input and comments from the residents of the area. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2005, in the City Council Chambers, 4th Floor, City Hall, 200 North Second Street at 7:00 PM.
The developers of the St. Charles Golf course Property will be in attendance at the meeting to present the proposed plan, and to address questions the residents have. Councilman Brown says, “I am offering this opportunity for you to view the proposal and voice any new concerns. You can Reach Councilman Mark Brown at his home 636-896-9977 or on his cell phone at 636-368-8359.
TRASH SAVINGS?
Councilman Bob Hoepfner of the 10th Ward has been trying to get free, or at least less inexpensive, trash service for the residents. The Council has discussed furnishing 90 gallon containers and offering once a week service. Those who want twice a week service would have to pay an additional amount. The trash service believes offering twice a week to just a few residents would cause a logistics nightmare. The savings for once a week pick up would be approximately $5 a month.
Councilman Riddler of Ward One believes he has a workable solution. “We would still furnish the 90 gallon trash cans to the residents. This would be a savings of about $60 and would be more safe and sanitary. One of the problems that the trash company faces is when someone does not pay their trash bill and they have to resort to collection, the resident usually places their trash with the neighbor or in a business trash container. The trash company has offered a discount of about 25 percent if the city would bill the residents on their water bills. Then when a resident did not pay the bill, their water would be shut off until they paid. Also, in exchange for the city doing the billing, the company would offer a senior discount. That discount would be in addition to the approximately 150 residents who receive free trash service because of their income.
WHAT IS NEWS?
We often give tours to groups wanting to see how a newspaper is put together. During a recent tour a group member asked us, “What Is News?” Before we could respond another member of the group spoke up, “In the First Capitol News, news isn’t something that everybody else is reporting. News in the First Capitol News is something that nobody else knows about.”
INCREASED COVERAGE
Due to many requests, with this edition we are expanding our coverage to include some areas of St. Peters and St. Charles County. More on this later. We continue to make a difference one week at a time.
THE PEOPLE SPEAK Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
I have been out of town for a few weeks and was reading back issues of your paper. I noticed Dan Gould’s notice to boycott all of your advertisers. Since I haven’t noticed any brewers, beer distributors or bail bondsmen advertising in the FCN, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
Name withheld by request
To The Conservative Factor
Well you and your party did it, you have elected a pro-life candidate and conservative to the State’s highest office you should feel proud and yell loud. His first weeks have been that of person who believes in cut, cut, cut but don’t hurt those who can give, give, give to further the right political agenda.
This week we have found out that if your child is not a perfect child, the child is not deserving of special education from the state. In the early years of this great country when a less than perfect child was born they were institutionalized. Not in Missouri, Blunt cut the funding of institutions too. The term right to life has to mean more than just protecting the unborn. Jesus Christ would not turn his backs on those in need, the less fortunate, the little children who have been born out of love thinking our society who claim this moral high ground will somehow help insure life is not the only inalienable right within reach. Blunt and the party faithful have said they are right to life but what about liberty and the pursuit of happiness? If the party and those right to lifers who parade around town with their little bumper stickers think that will get them points with the big guy I have news, he will judge the totality of your existence. To say that those born with special needs are not worthy of all of our help to pursue a normal life will not bode well with the man upstairs. Blunt has proven the true meaning or should I say meanness of the Republican Party. The party leadership has forsaken their compassionate conservatism, to keep those who line the pockets of their campaign coffers happy.
Blunt is a poor excuse of someone who believes in the right to life. This, the richest country in the world has the means to take care and invest not just in making sure a fertilized egg emerges from the womb, we have a responsibility to make sure that little person has every chance to make this world a better place. I am proud to say I am not pro choice or pro life, I am pro kids. It is not enough to say stop abortion without showing the opportunities that the child can have if he gets to take his first breath. Of course we now know that if the first breath is that of a downs baby our governor believes that the baby is worthless. If it is a deaf child our governor believes hear not, have not. If it is a child that is learning impaired our governor must have checked to see they don’t vote or send money so they don’t matter. Good job right to lifers, let’s have all the babies we can and have them suffer at the hands of an angel of light, Governor Matt Blunt.
Watching Spector
Tony
Maybe you could put some of the new driving laws in your paper. ex. driving with your lights on when it is raining/foggy. Moving over a lane when there is a police car/emergency vehicle on the shoulder,driving in the left lane only to pass not to drive in etc.
This might be a help for the readers.
Received by e-mail
AJLAFFLEUR
To The Editor:
At the last City Council meeting when the Council went into a closed door session for about two hours, when the Mayor returned to the Council Chambers and before the TC cameras were turned on, she turned to the citizens in the audience and said very sarcastically, “Don’t you people trust me?” My wife almost instantly responded, “No we don’t.”
Makes me wonder how other people might answer Mayor York’s question if asked of them - like Dr. Hank, Henry, and Mel who were very instrumental in getting her re-elected and how they might answer her after 22 months into her second term. I just wonder what their answer might be? Well, do you or don’t you? (Trust her).
Before I could respond and not without interrupting the re-start of the meeting I kept quiet. So now I would “ditto” my wife’s remark and say, “No we don’t trust you Mayor York.”
Respectfully
Bob Bredenstiner
To The Editor:
It had to happen. After months of people who know me stopping to thank me on the articles I write for the Put St. Charles First group, I received my first negative e-mail on the column. The e-mail came to me from “unknownsender111@charter.net” It was sent at 4:08 on Sunday morning. The entire e-mail was: “Your articles in the First Capitol News make you sound like an idiot and your photo makes you look like an idiot.” (as with most of the posters on the stchuckwatch computer hate site and senders of letters to FCN advertisers, they haven’t the guts to sign their names}
This well thought out comment on the issues that I bring forth was obviously from an individual with great insight on issues of importance to St. Charles residents. His intense reasoning has a flaw though. Although my columns make me sound like an idiot, my picture doesn’t make me look like an idiot. Making me look like an idiot was purely the doings of my parents. (Somehow my siblings avoided the “idiot” gene) I couldn’t help that. I’ve looked like an idiot all my life. I still wonder why that good-looking young lady married me. Of course, she still calls me an idiot on occasion.
Jerry Haferkamp
Editor’s note (Mr. Haferkamp’s photo has never appeared with his column)
Dear Editor
Words fail me (almost). If Mayor York’s violation of a City ordinance in
signing a contract with Express Scripts without first submitting it to
the city council for their approval could result in her prosecution does
anyone think she is worried? If this were to occur her legal defense
probably would be at city expense which is no small consideration.
It would seem Express Scripts does not have an enforceable contract with the required signatures missing. Why would the city need to be released from a contract that is not fully executed. Surely our staff of lawyers could work this out without “incurring cost upwards of $200,000”.
Carol Diller
Thank You:
We enjoy the First Capitol News a great deal and look forward to the next issue. Thank you and keep up the GREAT work.
We have a question, last summer there was talk about the City of St. Charles being audited. Can you tell us, did they ever do the audit and if they did what was the outcome? Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou & Wally Watson
Editor’s Note.. The report is expected wihtin the next 60 says.
I have been out of town for a few weeks and was reading back issues of your paper. I noticed Dan Gould’s notice to boycott all of your advertisers. Since I haven’t noticed any brewers, beer distributors or bail bondsmen advertising in the FCN, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
Name withheld by request
To The Conservative Factor
Well you and your party did it, you have elected a pro-life candidate and conservative to the State’s highest office you should feel proud and yell loud. His first weeks have been that of person who believes in cut, cut, cut but don’t hurt those who can give, give, give to further the right political agenda.
This week we have found out that if your child is not a perfect child, the child is not deserving of special education from the state. In the early years of this great country when a less than perfect child was born they were institutionalized. Not in Missouri, Blunt cut the funding of institutions too. The term right to life has to mean more than just protecting the unborn. Jesus Christ would not turn his backs on those in need, the less fortunate, the little children who have been born out of love thinking our society who claim this moral high ground will somehow help insure life is not the only inalienable right within reach. Blunt and the party faithful have said they are right to life but what about liberty and the pursuit of happiness? If the party and those right to lifers who parade around town with their little bumper stickers think that will get them points with the big guy I have news, he will judge the totality of your existence. To say that those born with special needs are not worthy of all of our help to pursue a normal life will not bode well with the man upstairs. Blunt has proven the true meaning or should I say meanness of the Republican Party. The party leadership has forsaken their compassionate conservatism, to keep those who line the pockets of their campaign coffers happy.
Blunt is a poor excuse of someone who believes in the right to life. This, the richest country in the world has the means to take care and invest not just in making sure a fertilized egg emerges from the womb, we have a responsibility to make sure that little person has every chance to make this world a better place. I am proud to say I am not pro choice or pro life, I am pro kids. It is not enough to say stop abortion without showing the opportunities that the child can have if he gets to take his first breath. Of course we now know that if the first breath is that of a downs baby our governor believes that the baby is worthless. If it is a deaf child our governor believes hear not, have not. If it is a child that is learning impaired our governor must have checked to see they don’t vote or send money so they don’t matter. Good job right to lifers, let’s have all the babies we can and have them suffer at the hands of an angel of light, Governor Matt Blunt.
Watching Spector
Tony
Maybe you could put some of the new driving laws in your paper. ex. driving with your lights on when it is raining/foggy. Moving over a lane when there is a police car/emergency vehicle on the shoulder,driving in the left lane only to pass not to drive in etc.
This might be a help for the readers.
Received by e-mail
AJLAFFLEUR
To The Editor:
At the last City Council meeting when the Council went into a closed door session for about two hours, when the Mayor returned to the Council Chambers and before the TC cameras were turned on, she turned to the citizens in the audience and said very sarcastically, “Don’t you people trust me?” My wife almost instantly responded, “No we don’t.”
Makes me wonder how other people might answer Mayor York’s question if asked of them - like Dr. Hank, Henry, and Mel who were very instrumental in getting her re-elected and how they might answer her after 22 months into her second term. I just wonder what their answer might be? Well, do you or don’t you? (Trust her).
Before I could respond and not without interrupting the re-start of the meeting I kept quiet. So now I would “ditto” my wife’s remark and say, “No we don’t trust you Mayor York.”
Respectfully
Bob Bredenstiner
To The Editor:
It had to happen. After months of people who know me stopping to thank me on the articles I write for the Put St. Charles First group, I received my first negative e-mail on the column. The e-mail came to me from “unknownsender111@charter.net” It was sent at 4:08 on Sunday morning. The entire e-mail was: “Your articles in the First Capitol News make you sound like an idiot and your photo makes you look like an idiot.” (as with most of the posters on the stchuckwatch computer hate site and senders of letters to FCN advertisers, they haven’t the guts to sign their names}
This well thought out comment on the issues that I bring forth was obviously from an individual with great insight on issues of importance to St. Charles residents. His intense reasoning has a flaw though. Although my columns make me sound like an idiot, my picture doesn’t make me look like an idiot. Making me look like an idiot was purely the doings of my parents. (Somehow my siblings avoided the “idiot” gene) I couldn’t help that. I’ve looked like an idiot all my life. I still wonder why that good-looking young lady married me. Of course, she still calls me an idiot on occasion.
Jerry Haferkamp
Editor’s note (Mr. Haferkamp’s photo has never appeared with his column)
Dear Editor
Words fail me (almost). If Mayor York’s violation of a City ordinance in
signing a contract with Express Scripts without first submitting it to
the city council for their approval could result in her prosecution does
anyone think she is worried? If this were to occur her legal defense
probably would be at city expense which is no small consideration.
It would seem Express Scripts does not have an enforceable contract with the required signatures missing. Why would the city need to be released from a contract that is not fully executed. Surely our staff of lawyers could work this out without “incurring cost upwards of $200,000”.
Carol Diller
Thank You:
We enjoy the First Capitol News a great deal and look forward to the next issue. Thank you and keep up the GREAT work.
We have a question, last summer there was talk about the City of St. Charles being audited. Can you tell us, did they ever do the audit and if they did what was the outcome? Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou & Wally Watson
Editor’s Note.. The report is expected wihtin the next 60 says.
THE CITY DESK by Council President Rory Riddler
City Shouldn’t Reward Failure
When Numbers Don’t Add Up
Events Of Broader Appeal Needed At Family Arena
Time to pack up the kids and camp out in line at the County’s Family Arena. I wouldn’t want to miss purchasing those hot tickets to the Troy High School Graduation. Now that’s the kind of big name entertainment we’re looking for to fill a 10,000-seat arena.
If that doesn’t interest you there are probably still tickets available to the numerous dance recitals the Arena managed to land. We’re just lucky they didn’t book the Edward D. Jones Dome first. Who cares if you aren’t related to any of the kids in the recital? Buy some seats in nosebleed territory, order a hot dog and start doing the wave.
Looking for something with a little broader appeal? The Jehovah Witnesses held six (count ‘em) six “ticketed” events at the Family Arena last year. No offense to anyone of a different religious affiliation than my own, but if 99.9% of the population belongs to some other religion, it probably cuts down on the mass appeal of the event.
Of course now that the former Steamers indoor soccer team moved to St. Louis and Lindenwood University hockey moved to a facility in Wentzville there are plenty of additional open dates on the calendar to fill. You could get your Church’s sewing circle together and book the Family Arena for making your next quilt. Or with the great echo effect the empty arena provides, how about a regional yodeling demonstration?
The under-utilization of the Family Arena would be almost funny if the County weren’t trying to pass off these events as legitimate “ticketed” events. A lot is riding on our interpretation of the word ticketed and what was meant at the time. That’s because the City of St. Charles has an agreement with the County that calls for the arena to have 115 “separate ticketed events” in any twelve-month period, to receive a $300,000 contribution from the City.
The man who helped negotiate the agreement between the City and County is a man of great integrity and honor, Tom Engle. He was then the administrator for the County and was assigned the task of putting together the complex financing of the arena. Participation by the City of St. Charles was critical. Construction of a multi-million dollar facility that would attract sports teams, entertainment and boost the local economy was an admirable goal and the agreement forged between the City and County was the kind of intergovernmental cooperation it takes to do big projects.
Of course we wanted safe guards for our contribution, but the terms were liberal. The County would have five years to get the Family Arena up to speed. Not one or two, but five years. And the bar we set was one everyone felt they could attain…115 separate, ticketed events in any twelve-month period.
The County provides the City with a list and this year and it showed a mere 120 events. Looking over the list I noticed there were: eight high school graduations;,four dance recitals, six Jehovah’s Witness Conferences and the Bush/Cheney Political Rally. That’s nineteen dates I had serious problems counting.
I questioned them because they aren’t dates open to the general public and the “tickets” are for controlled access and not sold through Ticket Master or other general outlets. My definition of a ticket is something Ticket Master would handle, that you or I could go and purchase if we were interested in attending…not given out or even “sold” to a pre-selected or screened group of attendees. Tickets, especially at the Bush/Cheney Rally were given out free as “passes” to the event and access to them was strictly controlled. So are high school graduation tickets.
The term “separate, ticketed events” was added to the contract between the City and County specifically so private events, conventions or conferences would not be counted. I was there. I know. I even remember quipping that we didn’t want them having a wedding reception and calling it an event. Now it looks like if you gave out invitations marked tickets to your friends and relatives, your wedding would qualify under the County’s new creative accounting.
The news gets worse for the County as we progress through the year. There are twelve dates on this list for the Steamers that aren’t taking place this year. Likewise, there were dates shown for Lindenwood’s hockey team last year and the team isn’t playing in the arena this year. The bottom line…they have a lot of ground to make up.
So I brought the matter to the attention of the City Council and we’ve referred it to the City Administrator. I hope when the $300,000 is due in September we are going to hold it back this year. The County had five years to make good on its promise. Also, if they meet the 115 ticketed event threshold next year they would get the contribution for that year. That will serve as a big incentive for the County to take marketing the Family Arena and booking sports and entertainment venues more seriously.
By the way, just so you don’t feel too sorry for the County, when the City asked them to help with the Convention Center project, the County turned us down.
The Family Arena does book some great events, like the Moolah Shrine Circus. The Missouri River Otters are also the anchor of the facility and do a good job of making the place look full on a weekend during their season. I enjoy the Otter games and wish there were more events to draw people to this first class facility.
One of the biggest problems has been the lack of a national management company. There are companies that are experts at managing arenas elsewhere, but the County Executive won’t loosen the reins of micro-management. If the City is to continue to share in the cost of the facility, then we need a bigger say in the management of the Family Arena.
When the City agreed to help with the financial structure of the Family Arena it was with the hope that sales tax revenues would help offset some of the cost of participation. When you book a group that draws a few hundred people instead of a few thousand, the taxpayers are losing out on the sale of tickets, food, beverage and souvenirs that otherwise might have occurred. It isn’t just the taxpayers of St. Charles City being shortchanged, but the taxpayers of St. Charles County, who subsidize the operations and long-term debt with their tax dollars.
Perhaps Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, could just round up the gang and “put on a show”, but they only had to fill an old barn…not a 10,000-seat arena. It’s time to realize the dream and true potential of this underutilized attraction.
When Numbers Don’t Add Up
Events Of Broader Appeal Needed At Family Arena
Time to pack up the kids and camp out in line at the County’s Family Arena. I wouldn’t want to miss purchasing those hot tickets to the Troy High School Graduation. Now that’s the kind of big name entertainment we’re looking for to fill a 10,000-seat arena.
If that doesn’t interest you there are probably still tickets available to the numerous dance recitals the Arena managed to land. We’re just lucky they didn’t book the Edward D. Jones Dome first. Who cares if you aren’t related to any of the kids in the recital? Buy some seats in nosebleed territory, order a hot dog and start doing the wave.
Looking for something with a little broader appeal? The Jehovah Witnesses held six (count ‘em) six “ticketed” events at the Family Arena last year. No offense to anyone of a different religious affiliation than my own, but if 99.9% of the population belongs to some other religion, it probably cuts down on the mass appeal of the event.
Of course now that the former Steamers indoor soccer team moved to St. Louis and Lindenwood University hockey moved to a facility in Wentzville there are plenty of additional open dates on the calendar to fill. You could get your Church’s sewing circle together and book the Family Arena for making your next quilt. Or with the great echo effect the empty arena provides, how about a regional yodeling demonstration?
The under-utilization of the Family Arena would be almost funny if the County weren’t trying to pass off these events as legitimate “ticketed” events. A lot is riding on our interpretation of the word ticketed and what was meant at the time. That’s because the City of St. Charles has an agreement with the County that calls for the arena to have 115 “separate ticketed events” in any twelve-month period, to receive a $300,000 contribution from the City.
The man who helped negotiate the agreement between the City and County is a man of great integrity and honor, Tom Engle. He was then the administrator for the County and was assigned the task of putting together the complex financing of the arena. Participation by the City of St. Charles was critical. Construction of a multi-million dollar facility that would attract sports teams, entertainment and boost the local economy was an admirable goal and the agreement forged between the City and County was the kind of intergovernmental cooperation it takes to do big projects.
Of course we wanted safe guards for our contribution, but the terms were liberal. The County would have five years to get the Family Arena up to speed. Not one or two, but five years. And the bar we set was one everyone felt they could attain…115 separate, ticketed events in any twelve-month period.
The County provides the City with a list and this year and it showed a mere 120 events. Looking over the list I noticed there were: eight high school graduations;,four dance recitals, six Jehovah’s Witness Conferences and the Bush/Cheney Political Rally. That’s nineteen dates I had serious problems counting.
I questioned them because they aren’t dates open to the general public and the “tickets” are for controlled access and not sold through Ticket Master or other general outlets. My definition of a ticket is something Ticket Master would handle, that you or I could go and purchase if we were interested in attending…not given out or even “sold” to a pre-selected or screened group of attendees. Tickets, especially at the Bush/Cheney Rally were given out free as “passes” to the event and access to them was strictly controlled. So are high school graduation tickets.
The term “separate, ticketed events” was added to the contract between the City and County specifically so private events, conventions or conferences would not be counted. I was there. I know. I even remember quipping that we didn’t want them having a wedding reception and calling it an event. Now it looks like if you gave out invitations marked tickets to your friends and relatives, your wedding would qualify under the County’s new creative accounting.
The news gets worse for the County as we progress through the year. There are twelve dates on this list for the Steamers that aren’t taking place this year. Likewise, there were dates shown for Lindenwood’s hockey team last year and the team isn’t playing in the arena this year. The bottom line…they have a lot of ground to make up.
So I brought the matter to the attention of the City Council and we’ve referred it to the City Administrator. I hope when the $300,000 is due in September we are going to hold it back this year. The County had five years to make good on its promise. Also, if they meet the 115 ticketed event threshold next year they would get the contribution for that year. That will serve as a big incentive for the County to take marketing the Family Arena and booking sports and entertainment venues more seriously.
By the way, just so you don’t feel too sorry for the County, when the City asked them to help with the Convention Center project, the County turned us down.
The Family Arena does book some great events, like the Moolah Shrine Circus. The Missouri River Otters are also the anchor of the facility and do a good job of making the place look full on a weekend during their season. I enjoy the Otter games and wish there were more events to draw people to this first class facility.
One of the biggest problems has been the lack of a national management company. There are companies that are experts at managing arenas elsewhere, but the County Executive won’t loosen the reins of micro-management. If the City is to continue to share in the cost of the facility, then we need a bigger say in the management of the Family Arena.
When the City agreed to help with the financial structure of the Family Arena it was with the hope that sales tax revenues would help offset some of the cost of participation. When you book a group that draws a few hundred people instead of a few thousand, the taxpayers are losing out on the sale of tickets, food, beverage and souvenirs that otherwise might have occurred. It isn’t just the taxpayers of St. Charles City being shortchanged, but the taxpayers of St. Charles County, who subsidize the operations and long-term debt with their tax dollars.
Perhaps Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, could just round up the gang and “put on a show”, but they only had to fill an old barn…not a 10,000-seat arena. It’s time to realize the dream and true potential of this underutilized attraction.
THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR by Alex Spencer
There have always been two schools of thought pertaining to “Hands on” leadership or governing. The proponents of “hands on” believe it to be an advantage to know everything rather than delegate everything. The opponents believe too much “hands on” amounts to meddling and preventing people from doing their jobs.
It is a basic question of style and effectiveness. One or the other is not always the perfect answer. What actually works determines the correctness of the management style.
Mayor York appears to have literally adopted the “hands on” method. However, her interpretation of the method does not coincide with what leaders and business executives understand “hands on” to mean.
The mayor physically puts her hands on people. She has enjoyed more than five years of Huggy, Squeezy, Touchy, Feely. If her male counterparts did this, they would be accused of sexual harassment, taken to task, and run out of office. Especially if they did not vote her way.
There could be a logical innocent explanation for the mayor’s methodology. It’s possible she thinks she is a “faith healer” and the laying on of hands cures the ills of mankind. Perhaps she thinks she is Mr. Wiffle and the City Councilmen are rolls of Charmin. Even a mayor could not be expected to resist squeezing the Charmin!
Then, there is the real possibility the huggy, squeezy, touchy, feely lulls the councilmen into a false sense of security so they do not suspect she is signing secret contracts without their knowledge or consent. Hmmmm….
If the persons being hugged, squeezed, touched and felt aren’t offended and their wives approve, then it must be okay. But fair is fair and I insist the men on the City Council be entitled to behave the same way. From this point forward they shall feel free to lay their hands and arms upon the bodies of Mayor York and Dottie Greer. (Why do I think Dottie Greer will slap somebody’s face upon the first instance of another’s hand sliding up her back?)
Greer shakes peoples’ hands. Perhaps that is why the mayor’s friends are attempting to recall her. Greer shakes while Patti hugs. One of the two women is behaving correctly and the other is doing it wrong. I shall leave that verdict to the Shakees and Huggees—after all, they are the recipients of the acts.
Bystanders at the Movers and Shakers party reported Mayor York hugged, squeezed, then invited Councilman Bob Hoefner to dance with her. Since she appears to have immense dislike for Hoefpner, whatever was she thinking? Hoefpner must have needed more happy juice or a shorter memory. He turned her down flat.
Aside from the mayor bringing about an unusual number of lawsuits for our City to fight, her biggest accomplishment may be the relaxing of prudish conduct at City Hall. People are only human and we have obviously gone to the extreme with political correctness.
No red-blooded American male should be punished for occasionally copping a feel in the workplace ever again. The Huggee always has the option to slap the Hugge r, and that’s as far as the law should go. We commend our liberal Republican mayor for having sensitivity to the public’s need for “hands on attention.”
It is a basic question of style and effectiveness. One or the other is not always the perfect answer. What actually works determines the correctness of the management style.
Mayor York appears to have literally adopted the “hands on” method. However, her interpretation of the method does not coincide with what leaders and business executives understand “hands on” to mean.
The mayor physically puts her hands on people. She has enjoyed more than five years of Huggy, Squeezy, Touchy, Feely. If her male counterparts did this, they would be accused of sexual harassment, taken to task, and run out of office. Especially if they did not vote her way.
There could be a logical innocent explanation for the mayor’s methodology. It’s possible she thinks she is a “faith healer” and the laying on of hands cures the ills of mankind. Perhaps she thinks she is Mr. Wiffle and the City Councilmen are rolls of Charmin. Even a mayor could not be expected to resist squeezing the Charmin!
Then, there is the real possibility the huggy, squeezy, touchy, feely lulls the councilmen into a false sense of security so they do not suspect she is signing secret contracts without their knowledge or consent. Hmmmm….
If the persons being hugged, squeezed, touched and felt aren’t offended and their wives approve, then it must be okay. But fair is fair and I insist the men on the City Council be entitled to behave the same way. From this point forward they shall feel free to lay their hands and arms upon the bodies of Mayor York and Dottie Greer. (Why do I think Dottie Greer will slap somebody’s face upon the first instance of another’s hand sliding up her back?)
Greer shakes peoples’ hands. Perhaps that is why the mayor’s friends are attempting to recall her. Greer shakes while Patti hugs. One of the two women is behaving correctly and the other is doing it wrong. I shall leave that verdict to the Shakees and Huggees—after all, they are the recipients of the acts.
Bystanders at the Movers and Shakers party reported Mayor York hugged, squeezed, then invited Councilman Bob Hoefner to dance with her. Since she appears to have immense dislike for Hoefpner, whatever was she thinking? Hoefpner must have needed more happy juice or a shorter memory. He turned her down flat.
Aside from the mayor bringing about an unusual number of lawsuits for our City to fight, her biggest accomplishment may be the relaxing of prudish conduct at City Hall. People are only human and we have obviously gone to the extreme with political correctness.
No red-blooded American male should be punished for occasionally copping a feel in the workplace ever again. The Huggee always has the option to slap the Hugge r, and that’s as far as the law should go. We commend our liberal Republican mayor for having sensitivity to the public’s need for “hands on attention.”
PUT ST. CHARLES FIRST
By Jerry Haferkamp
“Help is on the way!” This catchy little phrase was used by the Republican Party in the first Bush campaign and by the Democrats in the second. Now we would like to use it in reference to Councilman Hoepfner’s campaign to do what PSCF’s name implies.
One of the PSCF issues was that citizens were tired of playing “second fiddle” to any tourist that made a wrong turn on I-70 and was sucked into that tax vacuum known as South Main Street. Our Mayor and her previous rubber stamp Council couldn’t find enough ways to spend millions in order to entice that tourist to spend a few bucks in St. Charles. While our streets are tossing out large chunks of concrete from freezing in the cracks, the Queen took monies from the crack sealing program and diverted them to repave the Boathouse parking lot for those tourists who may spent a few hundred dollars during their visit. Earth to Mayor! Your residents who are driving over broken streets and picking chunks of concrete from their yards spend millions in this City each year, including your salary. While the tourists are treated like royalty, our Mayor, in her answer to the residents’ plight, seems to be saying a version of Marie Antoinette’s “let them eat cake”. Remember, flippant little Marie was beheaded for her indifference.
Now enter our “knight in shining armor” in the personage of Senator Chuck Gross. Senator Gross is introducing legislation that will require some of the casino revenue the City receives to go to a direct reduction of our property taxes. Yes, Councilman Hoepfner, we now have a Senator who has had enough and is attempting to administer a little “tough love” to get this City off the addiction to casino receipts.
The voters approved the gaming issue expecting to see the revenues used for capital improvements and maybe a little relief in taxes. Much has been used for the nice improvements to our city like Hackmann Road, Randolph, Muegge Road, Old South 94, Friedens Road and other projects.
Other money has been used for ongoing everyday expenses, salaries and benefits. That was never the intention and Councilman Hoepfner has been leading the battle to pull the City, kicking and screaming as she might be, back into fiscal responsibility. He is achieving some success along with this Council, but we would like to see more help in this area. Under the previous Council, it would have been impossible. They had an addiction to spending that would seem similar to heroin addiction. The worst part is they let things like the deteriorating sewer system continue. After all, in their opinion, that money could better be used on the afore mentioned tourists.
The current Council has done much to get the financial house in order and is even considering giving something back to the residents in the form of free trash service. It is a step in the right direction.
A St. Louis paper quoted our City Finance Director as saying that the effects of Senator Gross’s bill being passed would be “ugly”. I agree, but seeing a heroin addict go through withdrawal is also ugly. The result would be worth it.
Senator, good luck in your effort to rehabilitate addicted cities. At the risk of being accused of political incorrectness, God bless you.
By the way, a little town named New York, New York filled a police chief vacancy in less than a week. We have been thwarted in getting a chief for a little longer than that. What’s up with that? Could it be their Mayor isn’t in political debt to their police union? Maybe up there the unions don’t get to pick bosses. Maybe when the Mayor of New York was presented with an obviously superior candidate, he knew he should do what was best for the residents. Maybe it was easier because New York is only the largest city in the U.S., not the “Center of the Universe”. ………. Just maybe.
Next meeting Feb 17th, 7pm at the Linneman Library.
Has Steve Powell been fired yet? Why not?
“Help is on the way!” This catchy little phrase was used by the Republican Party in the first Bush campaign and by the Democrats in the second. Now we would like to use it in reference to Councilman Hoepfner’s campaign to do what PSCF’s name implies.
One of the PSCF issues was that citizens were tired of playing “second fiddle” to any tourist that made a wrong turn on I-70 and was sucked into that tax vacuum known as South Main Street. Our Mayor and her previous rubber stamp Council couldn’t find enough ways to spend millions in order to entice that tourist to spend a few bucks in St. Charles. While our streets are tossing out large chunks of concrete from freezing in the cracks, the Queen took monies from the crack sealing program and diverted them to repave the Boathouse parking lot for those tourists who may spent a few hundred dollars during their visit. Earth to Mayor! Your residents who are driving over broken streets and picking chunks of concrete from their yards spend millions in this City each year, including your salary. While the tourists are treated like royalty, our Mayor, in her answer to the residents’ plight, seems to be saying a version of Marie Antoinette’s “let them eat cake”. Remember, flippant little Marie was beheaded for her indifference.
Now enter our “knight in shining armor” in the personage of Senator Chuck Gross. Senator Gross is introducing legislation that will require some of the casino revenue the City receives to go to a direct reduction of our property taxes. Yes, Councilman Hoepfner, we now have a Senator who has had enough and is attempting to administer a little “tough love” to get this City off the addiction to casino receipts.
The voters approved the gaming issue expecting to see the revenues used for capital improvements and maybe a little relief in taxes. Much has been used for the nice improvements to our city like Hackmann Road, Randolph, Muegge Road, Old South 94, Friedens Road and other projects.
Other money has been used for ongoing everyday expenses, salaries and benefits. That was never the intention and Councilman Hoepfner has been leading the battle to pull the City, kicking and screaming as she might be, back into fiscal responsibility. He is achieving some success along with this Council, but we would like to see more help in this area. Under the previous Council, it would have been impossible. They had an addiction to spending that would seem similar to heroin addiction. The worst part is they let things like the deteriorating sewer system continue. After all, in their opinion, that money could better be used on the afore mentioned tourists.
The current Council has done much to get the financial house in order and is even considering giving something back to the residents in the form of free trash service. It is a step in the right direction.
A St. Louis paper quoted our City Finance Director as saying that the effects of Senator Gross’s bill being passed would be “ugly”. I agree, but seeing a heroin addict go through withdrawal is also ugly. The result would be worth it.
Senator, good luck in your effort to rehabilitate addicted cities. At the risk of being accused of political incorrectness, God bless you.
By the way, a little town named New York, New York filled a police chief vacancy in less than a week. We have been thwarted in getting a chief for a little longer than that. What’s up with that? Could it be their Mayor isn’t in political debt to their police union? Maybe up there the unions don’t get to pick bosses. Maybe when the Mayor of New York was presented with an obviously superior candidate, he knew he should do what was best for the residents. Maybe it was easier because New York is only the largest city in the U.S., not the “Center of the Universe”. ………. Just maybe.
Next meeting Feb 17th, 7pm at the Linneman Library.
Has Steve Powell been fired yet? Why not?
HONEST STUDENT FINDS & RETURNS WALLET
HONEST STUDENT FINDS & RETURNS WALLET
On Thursday, February 3, Tim Stahlman, a junior student at St. Charles
West High School, found a wallet in the parking lot. Contents of the
wallet included cash, several credit cards, and other personal items.
Stahlman immediately turned the wallet in to the School Resource Officer, who located the owner. The owner of the wallet was identified as one of the construction workers completing the remodeling of St. Charles West. Stahlman was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Certificate by Chief Larry White and DARE / SRO supervisor Sergeant Ron Lloyd of the St.Charles Police Department for his honest actions.
On Thursday, February 3, Tim Stahlman, a junior student at St. Charles
West High School, found a wallet in the parking lot. Contents of the
wallet included cash, several credit cards, and other personal items.
Stahlman immediately turned the wallet in to the School Resource Officer, who located the owner. The owner of the wallet was identified as one of the construction workers completing the remodeling of St. Charles West. Stahlman was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Certificate by Chief Larry White and DARE / SRO supervisor Sergeant Ron Lloyd of the St.Charles Police Department for his honest actions.
STRAIGHT TALK BY COUNCILMAN BOB HOEPFNER
Hello again out there. Well as you probably know by now, we passed up an opportunity to hire a good man, an honorable man, that man being Bob Lowery, Jr. asour Police Chief. Unfortunately, politics has been used in the wrong direction here and unfortunately, we can’t even get an explanation why Mr. Lowery was not hired. I guess we will continue to struggle with this issue for a while. However, I feel confident Dr. Williams, our City Administrator, will ultimately give us another good nominee. Things in the City are progressing. Soon we will have four community centers: one at New Town, one at Lindenwood, one at Blanchette Park and one at the Noah’s Ark site. Do you think we have enough now folks? I do.
It doesn’t look like I am going to be successful in getting you lower trash rates. I apologize for this, however, the majority of the Council is apparently not really interested. Again we have this $99 million budget and the majority of the Council doesn’t want to eliminate your utility tax or even reduce your trash bill. A shame. A big shame that you resident taxpayers, the people who pay the bills, are in third place in the big scheme of things. We are always spending that money but never giving any relief to you, the residents. In 2007 we are going to have a new Mayor and a new Council. The new Mayor will have all the power. So, I am saying to you now, do your homework. Research the candidates for those positions. Only support those who put you first, you the resident taxpayer.
The insurance coverage for the City employees is way out of line. If the City can’t afford to get rid of your utility tax how can we afford to pay the employees and their dependents in full? If this bill gets passed to subsidize the insurance coverage for the employees and their families, I am going to introduce a bill to provide insurance to every resident of St. Charles. I know this sounds outlandish. However, if we can take care of everybody other than the resident taxpayer, I am going to see if we can’t take care of the resident taxpayer. Most of these employees, 70 percent, do not live in the city. I think it is high time the residents get something back and if they won’t abolish the utility tax and provide services such as free trash, fine, then let’s all get medical insurance! We have people in this town who run out of money before they run out of month. People have to decide if the husband or the wife goes to see the doctor because they don’t have enough money for both to go. This city needs to take care of its residents.
Keep up the faith. I will keep fighting for you. God love you one and all, friend or foe 949-0956.
It doesn’t look like I am going to be successful in getting you lower trash rates. I apologize for this, however, the majority of the Council is apparently not really interested. Again we have this $99 million budget and the majority of the Council doesn’t want to eliminate your utility tax or even reduce your trash bill. A shame. A big shame that you resident taxpayers, the people who pay the bills, are in third place in the big scheme of things. We are always spending that money but never giving any relief to you, the residents. In 2007 we are going to have a new Mayor and a new Council. The new Mayor will have all the power. So, I am saying to you now, do your homework. Research the candidates for those positions. Only support those who put you first, you the resident taxpayer.
The insurance coverage for the City employees is way out of line. If the City can’t afford to get rid of your utility tax how can we afford to pay the employees and their dependents in full? If this bill gets passed to subsidize the insurance coverage for the employees and their families, I am going to introduce a bill to provide insurance to every resident of St. Charles. I know this sounds outlandish. However, if we can take care of everybody other than the resident taxpayer, I am going to see if we can’t take care of the resident taxpayer. Most of these employees, 70 percent, do not live in the city. I think it is high time the residents get something back and if they won’t abolish the utility tax and provide services such as free trash, fine, then let’s all get medical insurance! We have people in this town who run out of money before they run out of month. People have to decide if the husband or the wife goes to see the doctor because they don’t have enough money for both to go. This city needs to take care of its residents.
Keep up the faith. I will keep fighting for you. God love you one and all, friend or foe 949-0956.
Is $2,760,00 Too Great A Gift To Loose?
Is $2,760,00 Too Great A Gift To Loose?
St. Charles County recently passed up the opportunity to add 600 feet to the existing runway at Smartt Field Airport bringing it up to 4400 feet in length.
Of the $800,000 to purchase the land, $760,000 would have been a federal grant with the county paying only $40,000.
Of the $2 million to be spent for expansion, $1,900,000 would also be a federal grant with the county paying only $100,000.
The Great Rivers Habitat Alliance compromised of Adolphus Busch, Charles Hager and other wealthy duck hunters, convinced the majority of the County Council members that “Ducks” would be sucked into jet engines.
Obviously, the County Council and County executive Joe Ortwerth did not do their homework. The FAA website clearly states that the minimum runway requirement for a business jet is 5000 to 5500 feet. The proposed 4400-foot runway at Smartt Field is incompatible to even business jets, let alone anything larger. There will be NO jet engines to suck ducks in.
Doug Funderburk, Chairman of the County Council, voted against the runway expansion. Funderburk received $5,000 for his last campaign via a fundraiser hosted by Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. The Alliance has also contributed to other county council members.
As previously reported, Carl Maus and Raymond Stone of Citizens For Responsible Community receive huge monetary contributions from Great Rivers Habitat Alliance and serve as a distribution center of funds to campaigns supporting their agenda.
County Executive Joe Ortwerth, a proponent for the runway expansion donated more than $7,000 to Citizens for Responsible Community, which means Ortwerth’s money could have been spent to oppose the runway expansion.
Ortwerth, along with Busch and Hager opposes the St. Peters 370 Development. The money apparently goes into the same pot. Ortwerth’s anti-Tom Brown (former Mayor of St. Peters) anti-St. Peters and anti-TIF (Tax Increment Financing District) stances have apparently blinded him into aligning himself with individuals whose goals are detrimental to St. Charles County and its economy.
The three Council members voting for the runway expansion are Don Foust, Sally Faith (now a state representative) and Bob Schnur. Voting against the expansion are Doug Funderburk, Jeff Morrison and Joe Brazil. John White, the most timid and least proactive of the Council, again teetered on the edge and broke the tie voting against the runway expansion.
White was originally appointed to the Council by a few members of the Republican Central Committee to fill a vacancy. He was supported and mentored by Penny Bennett. He since ran as an incumbent and was reelected. Both Foust and Faith advocated the need for a regional county airport.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will not withdraw the available funds for several months. There is still time to for residents to convince the Council that $140,000 could be well spent for our regional airport.
Some County residents have indicated they consider a regional airport that provides revenue and keeps us progressive to be a greater asset than the wealthy duck hunters playing in their multi-million dollar clubhouse.
J. Williams told the First Capitol News, “The County Council should accept their fiduciary responsibility to the residents instead of bowing to the Duck Hunters; $2,760,000 is too great a gift to ignore or lose.
St. Charles County recently passed up the opportunity to add 600 feet to the existing runway at Smartt Field Airport bringing it up to 4400 feet in length.
Of the $800,000 to purchase the land, $760,000 would have been a federal grant with the county paying only $40,000.
Of the $2 million to be spent for expansion, $1,900,000 would also be a federal grant with the county paying only $100,000.
The Great Rivers Habitat Alliance compromised of Adolphus Busch, Charles Hager and other wealthy duck hunters, convinced the majority of the County Council members that “Ducks” would be sucked into jet engines.
Obviously, the County Council and County executive Joe Ortwerth did not do their homework. The FAA website clearly states that the minimum runway requirement for a business jet is 5000 to 5500 feet. The proposed 4400-foot runway at Smartt Field is incompatible to even business jets, let alone anything larger. There will be NO jet engines to suck ducks in.
Doug Funderburk, Chairman of the County Council, voted against the runway expansion. Funderburk received $5,000 for his last campaign via a fundraiser hosted by Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. The Alliance has also contributed to other county council members.
As previously reported, Carl Maus and Raymond Stone of Citizens For Responsible Community receive huge monetary contributions from Great Rivers Habitat Alliance and serve as a distribution center of funds to campaigns supporting their agenda.
County Executive Joe Ortwerth, a proponent for the runway expansion donated more than $7,000 to Citizens for Responsible Community, which means Ortwerth’s money could have been spent to oppose the runway expansion.
Ortwerth, along with Busch and Hager opposes the St. Peters 370 Development. The money apparently goes into the same pot. Ortwerth’s anti-Tom Brown (former Mayor of St. Peters) anti-St. Peters and anti-TIF (Tax Increment Financing District) stances have apparently blinded him into aligning himself with individuals whose goals are detrimental to St. Charles County and its economy.
The three Council members voting for the runway expansion are Don Foust, Sally Faith (now a state representative) and Bob Schnur. Voting against the expansion are Doug Funderburk, Jeff Morrison and Joe Brazil. John White, the most timid and least proactive of the Council, again teetered on the edge and broke the tie voting against the runway expansion.
White was originally appointed to the Council by a few members of the Republican Central Committee to fill a vacancy. He was supported and mentored by Penny Bennett. He since ran as an incumbent and was reelected. Both Foust and Faith advocated the need for a regional county airport.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will not withdraw the available funds for several months. There is still time to for residents to convince the Council that $140,000 could be well spent for our regional airport.
Some County residents have indicated they consider a regional airport that provides revenue and keeps us progressive to be a greater asset than the wealthy duck hunters playing in their multi-million dollar clubhouse.
J. Williams told the First Capitol News, “The County Council should accept their fiduciary responsibility to the residents instead of bowing to the Duck Hunters; $2,760,000 is too great a gift to ignore or lose.
PALS ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL CHAIRMAN'S BSA BOONE TRAILS DISTRICT SERVICE AWARD
Pals Announces First Annual Chairman’s BSA Boone Trails District Service Award
Harlan Pals, District Commissioner of BSA Boone Trails District, has unveiled an annual Chairman’s Award to be presented to individuals from St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties who have made a continuing and distinguished contribution to the scouting program. According to Pals, “The Chairman’s Award is given to those not generally recognized by a scouting district or council. The award is presented to help honor those who have given service to their scouting community and they must have served the district with continuous service for ten years or more.” Pals presented the Chairman’s District Service Award to: Ed Pundmann, Dennis Spellman, and Jean Maurice “Mo” Thro, Jr.
Ed Pundmann has been a predominate leader of the corporate community in St. Charles. Pundmann has been president of Pundmann Ford since 1962. Pundmann is also a member of the Board of Directors for First State Bank and Mutual Fire of St. Charles. Pundmann’s professional highlights include inclusion in the 2000 and 2004 Marquis Who’s Who in America and the World. In 1995, Pundmann was chosen as one of the top ten finalists for the Time Magazine “Quality Dealer Award.” Pundmann was selected as Citizen of the Year in 1986, and as the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 2002. Some of Pundmann’s major community activities include being: past president and board member of St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, member of the Parkside Meadows Foundation, member of Citizens for St. Charles Progress, member and past president of St. Charles Rotary Club, and Bonne Center Workshop Board of Directors from 1982 to 1997.
Pundmann also served as District Chairman for BSA Boone Trails District from 1979 to 1982, and has been a member of the district committee since 1975. As a youth, Pundmann was a Cub Scout for several years, which is one of the reasons he supports BSA. “The program does an incredible job with young people, even if you are only with the program for a short time it will have a great impact on your entire life,” said Pundmann.
Dr. Dennis Spellmann is recognized nationally as a leader in management and fiscal responsibility. His company, Spellmann and Associates, was called upon frequently by the White House during the Reagan administration to provide assistance to struggling colleges. Spellmann’s expertise has included consultation with the private sector and work with numerous foundations and municipal organizations. He served as city manager of three Texas cities and balanced the city budgets by focusing on infrastructure improvements, better city services and new industry. His list of college turnaround successes spans the country. It includes such familiar names as Missouri Valley College, Maryville University and Lindenwood University. Since Dr. Spellmann became president in 1989, Lindenwood has become the fastest-growing college or university in Missouri. Spellmann serves on the NAIA National Council of Presidents. In the area of volunteer and community service, Dr. Spellmann has served as chairman of the St. Louis Interfaith Partnership. He started the highly successful American Humanics program at Lindenwood University, bringing the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and other non profit organizations to the students. He is an Eagle Scout and served as District Chairman for Boone Trails District from 1997 through 1999. Dr. Spellmann currently serves on the Greater St. Louis Area Council Executive Committee. He has been a scout for 57 years, and received two of scouting’s highest honors: the Silver Beaver Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
Jean Maurice “Mo” Thro, Jr. has been in the clothing business for most of his life, except from 1950 to 1954 when he was in the Navy serving our country at Guam. Thro has been President of Thro Clothing Company since 1978. Thro’s uncle originally opened a small part of his men’s clothing store as a Boy Scout supplier to the former St. Charles Council in 1935. Today, Thro’s continues to be a BSA supplier to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Boone Trails District. Thro spent three years in the Cub Scout program and says, “Every time a young Cub Scout comes to the store, I’m reminded of the happy times I had as a Cub Scout.” Thro continues to be a BSA supplier as a service to those in the program. Thro says, “I believe in the BSA program and what it does in guiding young people to values and morals that the model citizen should have.” In addition to his support of scouting, Thro has served on the St. Charles Special Business District since the organization’s formation in 1978. His company has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since it was established in 1939, and Thro has served on the chamber’s board from 1991 to 1996. Thro was presented with the Chambers Civic Award in 2002. Thro was chairman of the St. Charles County Government Center Committee, a founding member of the St. Louis Bi-State chapter of the National Head Injury Foundations, member and past president of St. Joe’s Health Center for 25 years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to announcing the establishment of the Chairman’s Boone Trails District Service Award, Pals has announced the award will be known as the “Spellman Award” in honor of Dr. Dennis Spellman’s extraordinary support of Boy Scouts in our local community.
Harlan Pals, District Commissioner of BSA Boone Trails District, has unveiled an annual Chairman’s Award to be presented to individuals from St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties who have made a continuing and distinguished contribution to the scouting program. According to Pals, “The Chairman’s Award is given to those not generally recognized by a scouting district or council. The award is presented to help honor those who have given service to their scouting community and they must have served the district with continuous service for ten years or more.” Pals presented the Chairman’s District Service Award to: Ed Pundmann, Dennis Spellman, and Jean Maurice “Mo” Thro, Jr.
Ed Pundmann has been a predominate leader of the corporate community in St. Charles. Pundmann has been president of Pundmann Ford since 1962. Pundmann is also a member of the Board of Directors for First State Bank and Mutual Fire of St. Charles. Pundmann’s professional highlights include inclusion in the 2000 and 2004 Marquis Who’s Who in America and the World. In 1995, Pundmann was chosen as one of the top ten finalists for the Time Magazine “Quality Dealer Award.” Pundmann was selected as Citizen of the Year in 1986, and as the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 2002. Some of Pundmann’s major community activities include being: past president and board member of St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, member of the Parkside Meadows Foundation, member of Citizens for St. Charles Progress, member and past president of St. Charles Rotary Club, and Bonne Center Workshop Board of Directors from 1982 to 1997.
Pundmann also served as District Chairman for BSA Boone Trails District from 1979 to 1982, and has been a member of the district committee since 1975. As a youth, Pundmann was a Cub Scout for several years, which is one of the reasons he supports BSA. “The program does an incredible job with young people, even if you are only with the program for a short time it will have a great impact on your entire life,” said Pundmann.
Dr. Dennis Spellmann is recognized nationally as a leader in management and fiscal responsibility. His company, Spellmann and Associates, was called upon frequently by the White House during the Reagan administration to provide assistance to struggling colleges. Spellmann’s expertise has included consultation with the private sector and work with numerous foundations and municipal organizations. He served as city manager of three Texas cities and balanced the city budgets by focusing on infrastructure improvements, better city services and new industry. His list of college turnaround successes spans the country. It includes such familiar names as Missouri Valley College, Maryville University and Lindenwood University. Since Dr. Spellmann became president in 1989, Lindenwood has become the fastest-growing college or university in Missouri. Spellmann serves on the NAIA National Council of Presidents. In the area of volunteer and community service, Dr. Spellmann has served as chairman of the St. Louis Interfaith Partnership. He started the highly successful American Humanics program at Lindenwood University, bringing the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and other non profit organizations to the students. He is an Eagle Scout and served as District Chairman for Boone Trails District from 1997 through 1999. Dr. Spellmann currently serves on the Greater St. Louis Area Council Executive Committee. He has been a scout for 57 years, and received two of scouting’s highest honors: the Silver Beaver Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
Jean Maurice “Mo” Thro, Jr. has been in the clothing business for most of his life, except from 1950 to 1954 when he was in the Navy serving our country at Guam. Thro has been President of Thro Clothing Company since 1978. Thro’s uncle originally opened a small part of his men’s clothing store as a Boy Scout supplier to the former St. Charles Council in 1935. Today, Thro’s continues to be a BSA supplier to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Boone Trails District. Thro spent three years in the Cub Scout program and says, “Every time a young Cub Scout comes to the store, I’m reminded of the happy times I had as a Cub Scout.” Thro continues to be a BSA supplier as a service to those in the program. Thro says, “I believe in the BSA program and what it does in guiding young people to values and morals that the model citizen should have.” In addition to his support of scouting, Thro has served on the St. Charles Special Business District since the organization’s formation in 1978. His company has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since it was established in 1939, and Thro has served on the chamber’s board from 1991 to 1996. Thro was presented with the Chambers Civic Award in 2002. Thro was chairman of the St. Charles County Government Center Committee, a founding member of the St. Louis Bi-State chapter of the National Head Injury Foundations, member and past president of St. Joe’s Health Center for 25 years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to announcing the establishment of the Chairman’s Boone Trails District Service Award, Pals has announced the award will be known as the “Spellman Award” in honor of Dr. Dennis Spellman’s extraordinary support of Boy Scouts in our local community.
KILLED IN CRASH
Crash Kills 36-Year-Old Man
Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
Jesse L. Taylor, 36, of the 3500 block of Grandview in St. Charles was killed Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle accident when his 1996 Nissan truck struck a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
St. Charles Firefighters responded for a roll over motor vehicle crash on Elm Street near Cole Street at 1:22 Wednesday morning. Upon arrival they found a male pinned beneath a pick-up truck that had rolled over and struck a utility pole ejecting the driver. Crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to cut the victim from the wreckage. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the vehicle.
The St. Charles Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash. Central County Fire and Rescue assisted St. Charles City crews. AmerenUE responded for utility lines that had been knocked to the ground due to the impact of the vehicle.
Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
Jesse L. Taylor, 36, of the 3500 block of Grandview in St. Charles was killed Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle accident when his 1996 Nissan truck struck a utility pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
St. Charles Firefighters responded for a roll over motor vehicle crash on Elm Street near Cole Street at 1:22 Wednesday morning. Upon arrival they found a male pinned beneath a pick-up truck that had rolled over and struck a utility pole ejecting the driver. Crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to cut the victim from the wreckage. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the vehicle.
The St. Charles Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash. Central County Fire and Rescue assisted St. Charles City crews. AmerenUE responded for utility lines that had been knocked to the ground due to the impact of the vehicle.
HOUSE FIRE ON NORTH BENTON
St. Charles County Golden Games Began 17 Years Ago
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
HOUSE FIRE ON NORTH BENTON
St. Charles County Golden Games Began 17 Years Ago
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
HISTORY OF THE GOLDEN GAMES IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY
St. Charles County Golden Games Began 17 Years Ago
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
The St. Charles County Golden Games began 17 years ago (1987) with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles for seniors (50 years and older) through education, fitness and sports.
The 1987 games included thirty athletic and eleven non-athletic events with the goal to eventually become affiliated with the National Senior Games Association (Senior Olympics). Over the years, at the request of participants, the number of events have increased and become more competitive.
The 2005 St. Charles Golden Games are scheduled to be held April 26 – 30, at twenty different sites and will feature fifty seven events compared to the original forty one.
There are six regional games within Missouri; the St. Charles County Golden Games are the second largest.
All events are open competition and divided into age groups of five year increments, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, etc. This allows equitable competition. Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all events.
The registration fee for individuals to participate in the Golden Games is $22 with no limit to the number of events. There are additional fees for those participating in the golf competition and the post game dinner. The softball team entry fee is $160; T-shirts are not included in this fee.
All individual participants of the St. Charles County Golden Games receive a T-shirt and are entitled to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games to be held June 23 – 26 in Columbia, Missouri. First and second place winners at the 2006 Missouri State Games will qualify to represent the State of Missouri at the 2007 National Senior Games to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
The St. Charles County Golden Games emphasize the importance of staying fit 365 days of the year. Studies have proven, improved physical fitness leads to healthier lifestyles and the reduction of illness and disease. Therefore reducing medical costs and increasing the quality of life.
Getting Past the Barriers
Many older adults are reluctant to start exercising even though they know that it’s one of the healthiest things they can do. The reasons vary; some older people are afraid physical activity will harm them; others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment and are concerned they won’t be able to afford it. Still others may feel embarrassed to exercise because they think it’s for younger people who look great in gym clothes.
The fact is just about every older adult can safely do some form of physical activity at little or no cost. You don’t have to exercise in a public place or use expensive equipment.
Our society protects older people from doing physical tasks. This mindset has led to poor health and disability for millions. Studies show that, in the long term, older adults in all age groups hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. Let’s get rid of the old mindset and start a new one!
What kinds of activities improve health and ability?
Endurance Exercises – are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. They improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system.
Strength Exercises – build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They may improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own. They also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.
Balance Exercises – help prevent a common problem in older adults … falls. Some balance exercises build up your leg muscles; others improve your balance by requiring you do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises – are stretching exercises. They help keep your body limber by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body’s structures in place. Flexibility also may play a part in prevent falls.
The success of the St. Charles Golden Games is the result of many volunteers who serve as Directors, Ambassadors, Event Coordinators, Timers, First Aid Assistants and many others doing a lot of small jobs, many loyal sponsors, local sports facilities and of course the many participants.
DATES SET FOR GOLDEN GAMES FOR THOSE OVER 50
Dates Set For 17 Annual Golden Games For Those Over 50
The St. Charles County Golden Games Association has announced the dates for the 2005 Golden Games will be April 25 – 30. They also announced the addition of Trap Shooting as a new event.
None of the other 57 events have been deleted. However, the Contract Bridge and Pinochle events have been extended to two separate days. The Daisy Air Gun event is moving to the Missouri Gun and Quail Club location in Wright City with the Trap Shooting.
The purpose of the Golden Games is to “Promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness and sports.”
Any person who will be 50 years of age or older before April 25, 2005 is eligible to participate, with the exception of team competition (3 on 3) Basketball, Softball and Volleyball) which will be determined by his/her age as of December 31, 2005.
The St. Charles County Golden Games is a countywide event classified as an “Open Event” which means out-of-county and out-of-state residents are eligible and encouraged to participate. The Golden Games attracted 811 participants last year and is the second largest of the six Senior Games programs in Missouri. All Golden Games participants will be eligible to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games being held June 23–26, 3005 in Columbia, Missouri.
The 2004 Missouri State Senior Games had 783 participants qualify for the 2005 National Senior Games being held in Pittsburgh, PA. June 3 – 18, 2005.
All participants will receive a St. Charles County Golden Games T-shirt. In the Olympic tradition, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each age division of each event.
The St. Charles County Golden Games Association is a not-for-profit organization. All of the people involved in organizing and conducting the Golden Games are volunteers. Most are involved in full or part time work or other volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are always welcome to serve on the Planning Committee or to help during the week of the events.
The St. Charles County Golden Games can be contacted at PO Box 1081, St. Peters, MO 63376 or you can reach them by phone at 636-441-6442.
A registration form available from the St. Charles County Golden Games must be completed in its entirety, and submited along with all required fees. All entries must be postmarked or delivered no later than March 14, 2005. For each team sport, each individual team member must submit a completed entry form.
The St. Charles County Golden Games Association has announced the dates for the 2005 Golden Games will be April 25 – 30. They also announced the addition of Trap Shooting as a new event.
None of the other 57 events have been deleted. However, the Contract Bridge and Pinochle events have been extended to two separate days. The Daisy Air Gun event is moving to the Missouri Gun and Quail Club location in Wright City with the Trap Shooting.
The purpose of the Golden Games is to “Promote healthy lifestyles for seniors through education, fitness and sports.”
Any person who will be 50 years of age or older before April 25, 2005 is eligible to participate, with the exception of team competition (3 on 3) Basketball, Softball and Volleyball) which will be determined by his/her age as of December 31, 2005.
The St. Charles County Golden Games is a countywide event classified as an “Open Event” which means out-of-county and out-of-state residents are eligible and encouraged to participate. The Golden Games attracted 811 participants last year and is the second largest of the six Senior Games programs in Missouri. All Golden Games participants will be eligible to participate in the Missouri State Senior Games being held June 23–26, 3005 in Columbia, Missouri.
The 2004 Missouri State Senior Games had 783 participants qualify for the 2005 National Senior Games being held in Pittsburgh, PA. June 3 – 18, 2005.
All participants will receive a St. Charles County Golden Games T-shirt. In the Olympic tradition, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each age division of each event.
The St. Charles County Golden Games Association is a not-for-profit organization. All of the people involved in organizing and conducting the Golden Games are volunteers. Most are involved in full or part time work or other volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are always welcome to serve on the Planning Committee or to help during the week of the events.
The St. Charles County Golden Games can be contacted at PO Box 1081, St. Peters, MO 63376 or you can reach them by phone at 636-441-6442.
A registration form available from the St. Charles County Golden Games must be completed in its entirety, and submited along with all required fees. All entries must be postmarked or delivered no later than March 14, 2005. For each team sport, each individual team member must submit a completed entry form.
SCE ALMUNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
SCW Alumni Basketball Tournament
Individual players are still needed for St. Charles West’s fourth annual All-Alumni Basketball Tournament to be held in the school gym March 18-19, 2005. Proceeds will benefit the school’s basketball program and the alumni association’s scholarship fund. SCW graduates may play whether they were on school teams or not.
Registration is $20 per player and teams will be organized by graduating classes. All participants will receive a free one-year membership in the Alumni Association. The event begins on Friday night with an entertaining skills competition. Tournament play runs Friday night through Saturday. The event is open to the public. Open-gym practice sessions are being held on Sunday nights for those who are interested starting on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 5 PM at SCW H.S.
For more information on the SCW Alumni Basketball Tournament, contact Alumni Association President Natalie (Sandfort) Angell at 636-947-6970 or Dave Riazi at 636-949-2993.
Individual players are still needed for St. Charles West’s fourth annual All-Alumni Basketball Tournament to be held in the school gym March 18-19, 2005. Proceeds will benefit the school’s basketball program and the alumni association’s scholarship fund. SCW graduates may play whether they were on school teams or not.
Registration is $20 per player and teams will be organized by graduating classes. All participants will receive a free one-year membership in the Alumni Association. The event begins on Friday night with an entertaining skills competition. Tournament play runs Friday night through Saturday. The event is open to the public. Open-gym practice sessions are being held on Sunday nights for those who are interested starting on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 5 PM at SCW H.S.
For more information on the SCW Alumni Basketball Tournament, contact Alumni Association President Natalie (Sandfort) Angell at 636-947-6970 or Dave Riazi at 636-949-2993.
MIKE MCCURRAN First Capitol News Sports Editor
Super Bowl Sunday might just be the largest holiday celebrated for celebration’s sake. Oh sure there is Christmas, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving, but Super Bowl Sunday centers around football – a game.
The party I was at, hosted by Mark and Tammy Francis, was a gathering of adults whose children attend school together and Mark’s college roommate. What I want to first write about is what happened before the game even began.
It seems Mark’s next-door neighbor, Todd Swope, is a football guy like me. By “football guy” I mean football comes first –all other sports are a distant second place. Todd, by the way, was the starting quarterback for the St. Charles Pirates in 1982, the year they won the State Championship with a 31-3 victory over Bishop O’Hara of Kansas City. Talking to him about football was very refreshing. We did not mention X’s and 0’s, or try to stump the other with useless trivial questions. No, we discussed the soul of the game. We talked about things like guys crying, for both winning and losing. It is something I look forward to annually while working the “Show-Me Bowl” at the Edward Jones Dome – guys crying that is. The most moving part of the day, at least for me, is to see the number of players in tears after the game – both winners and losers. One year I even brought a couple of my players down to the game to work as ball boys so they could see, and hopefully feel the emotions. “Until it hurts to loose, you will never be winners,” I told them. Yes, talking to Todd was intellectually stimulating for me – at least as intellectually stimulated as I can get. Todd and his son, nine month old Marshall Swope (what are the chances he is named after Marshall Faulk?) had to leave before the game started. After Todd left, Mark then broke the news to me: “He came over here to meet you. He reads your column all the time in the FCN, and when he heard you were going to be here, he wanted to meet you and shake your hand.” It is with the same enthusiasm that Dolly Parton exclaimed, “I’m a franchise!” in the movie Steel Magnolias that I can now proudly say “I’m a celebrity!” Of course the others at the party rode me the entire game, “What’s your take on that, Mr. Celebrity?” Never have I been accused of being the sharpest tool in the shed, heck, I’m usually not even mentioned as a tool, but I can recognize jealousy when I see it.
Swope, Todd, not Marshall, made a suggestion about the Sports Section of the FCN, and he was not the first to make the suggestion. Do some extensive interviews with some of the sports’ celebrities of St. Charles City (yours truly excluded). Swope is the third person to contact me with such a request – each suggesting a different personality. Sounds like a good idea to me. Stay tuned to future editions for just such interviews.
There were far more than three readers who contacted me to let me know Cory Spinks was Leon’s son, not nephew. At first I felt like a complete journalistic failure, until my lovely wife pointed out mistakes are made all the time, admit the mistake and move on. The good news is, gauging by the number of readers who let me know my mistake, there are now at least 18 weekly readers, 19 if you count Swope, 20 if you count Marshall.
The party I was at, hosted by Mark and Tammy Francis, was a gathering of adults whose children attend school together and Mark’s college roommate. What I want to first write about is what happened before the game even began.
It seems Mark’s next-door neighbor, Todd Swope, is a football guy like me. By “football guy” I mean football comes first –all other sports are a distant second place. Todd, by the way, was the starting quarterback for the St. Charles Pirates in 1982, the year they won the State Championship with a 31-3 victory over Bishop O’Hara of Kansas City. Talking to him about football was very refreshing. We did not mention X’s and 0’s, or try to stump the other with useless trivial questions. No, we discussed the soul of the game. We talked about things like guys crying, for both winning and losing. It is something I look forward to annually while working the “Show-Me Bowl” at the Edward Jones Dome – guys crying that is. The most moving part of the day, at least for me, is to see the number of players in tears after the game – both winners and losers. One year I even brought a couple of my players down to the game to work as ball boys so they could see, and hopefully feel the emotions. “Until it hurts to loose, you will never be winners,” I told them. Yes, talking to Todd was intellectually stimulating for me – at least as intellectually stimulated as I can get. Todd and his son, nine month old Marshall Swope (what are the chances he is named after Marshall Faulk?) had to leave before the game started. After Todd left, Mark then broke the news to me: “He came over here to meet you. He reads your column all the time in the FCN, and when he heard you were going to be here, he wanted to meet you and shake your hand.” It is with the same enthusiasm that Dolly Parton exclaimed, “I’m a franchise!” in the movie Steel Magnolias that I can now proudly say “I’m a celebrity!” Of course the others at the party rode me the entire game, “What’s your take on that, Mr. Celebrity?” Never have I been accused of being the sharpest tool in the shed, heck, I’m usually not even mentioned as a tool, but I can recognize jealousy when I see it.
Swope, Todd, not Marshall, made a suggestion about the Sports Section of the FCN, and he was not the first to make the suggestion. Do some extensive interviews with some of the sports’ celebrities of St. Charles City (yours truly excluded). Swope is the third person to contact me with such a request – each suggesting a different personality. Sounds like a good idea to me. Stay tuned to future editions for just such interviews.
There were far more than three readers who contacted me to let me know Cory Spinks was Leon’s son, not nephew. At first I felt like a complete journalistic failure, until my lovely wife pointed out mistakes are made all the time, admit the mistake and move on. The good news is, gauging by the number of readers who let me know my mistake, there are now at least 18 weekly readers, 19 if you count Swope, 20 if you count Marshall.
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
First Capitol News High School Athlete of the Week
Julie Maurer, junior
St. Charles West High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Anyone who doesn’t think genetics plays an important role in the athletic development of youngsters and adolescents need only to become a regular reader of this column to see the light. Our inaugural athlete of the week, Jeff Coffey, spoke of how his brother, who also played at West, was not only his role model in basketball, but in life. Just two short weeks ago the story of Duchesne sophomore Zach Plackemeier was told, which includes the chasing of the school’s scoring record, held by none other than his father. And now the FCN Athlete of the Week may have found the most athletic basketball family in the City, the Maurers’.
Sophomore guard Julie Maurer is presently averaging 15 points per game while leading the Lady Warriors to a 3-1 Gateway Athletic Conference North division record and 15-6 over all. Julie is the third member of the Maurer family to play at West. Before her there was Brett, who presently is a senior at Kentucky, Kevin, who is a freshman at Mizzou, and her younger brother Brian who shares his playing time with the varsity and j.v. at West.
“I have been playing basketball pretty much since I have been able to walk,” shared the 5’7” shooting guard, “Me and some of my girlfriends played at the YMCA. We had to play in the boys’ league because there were not enough girls to form our own league.” She has never looked back.
Her all-time favorite basketball moment was during her freshman year, when she was named to the All Tournament Team at the Rockwood Summit Tournament. “Being named All Tournament was nice, but winning it was even better,” she shared. This year she was named to the All Tournament Team at the prestigious Visitation Holiday Tournament. “The highlight had to be scoring 20 against Parkway South and beating them in double over time.”
Julie’s dad, Jim Maurer, is the family athletic coordinator, “He has all four of us playing in the back yard all summer long,” shared the blue-eyed Julie. “It is a nice, comfortable environment, but believe me, sometimes it can get very intense.”
Maurer knows this might just be the Lady Warriors best shot at a District title, “Winning District would be so cool, but High and Duchesne are right there waiting for us to mess up, believe me,” she shares.
West coach, Ellen Parker, offers, “Jules is just a great kid, she has started here since her freshman year. Her freshman year we had a great group of seniors and Julie kind of laid back a little bit, but from the beginning it was clear she was going to make some noise.” Parker continues, “Julie is definitely our floor leader, without a doubt. You can tell when she steps up and decides she has had enough and takes control of a game. She has that kind of ability.”
Julie has a special ritual she goes through before every game. Her mom, Liz Maurer died almost three years ago, while Julie was in 8th grade. “I pray to her before every game, telling her this game is for you, That motivates me to play harder than I did the game before. I know she sees all my games,” says Maurer proudly.
Julie has the distinction of being the first FCN athlete of the week to know what the last question of the interview would be. “I would travel to some fancy Italian Restaurant in New York City and order Chicken Alfredo.”
Julie Maurer, junior
St. Charles West High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Anyone who doesn’t think genetics plays an important role in the athletic development of youngsters and adolescents need only to become a regular reader of this column to see the light. Our inaugural athlete of the week, Jeff Coffey, spoke of how his brother, who also played at West, was not only his role model in basketball, but in life. Just two short weeks ago the story of Duchesne sophomore Zach Plackemeier was told, which includes the chasing of the school’s scoring record, held by none other than his father. And now the FCN Athlete of the Week may have found the most athletic basketball family in the City, the Maurers’.
Sophomore guard Julie Maurer is presently averaging 15 points per game while leading the Lady Warriors to a 3-1 Gateway Athletic Conference North division record and 15-6 over all. Julie is the third member of the Maurer family to play at West. Before her there was Brett, who presently is a senior at Kentucky, Kevin, who is a freshman at Mizzou, and her younger brother Brian who shares his playing time with the varsity and j.v. at West.
“I have been playing basketball pretty much since I have been able to walk,” shared the 5’7” shooting guard, “Me and some of my girlfriends played at the YMCA. We had to play in the boys’ league because there were not enough girls to form our own league.” She has never looked back.
Her all-time favorite basketball moment was during her freshman year, when she was named to the All Tournament Team at the Rockwood Summit Tournament. “Being named All Tournament was nice, but winning it was even better,” she shared. This year she was named to the All Tournament Team at the prestigious Visitation Holiday Tournament. “The highlight had to be scoring 20 against Parkway South and beating them in double over time.”
Julie’s dad, Jim Maurer, is the family athletic coordinator, “He has all four of us playing in the back yard all summer long,” shared the blue-eyed Julie. “It is a nice, comfortable environment, but believe me, sometimes it can get very intense.”
Maurer knows this might just be the Lady Warriors best shot at a District title, “Winning District would be so cool, but High and Duchesne are right there waiting for us to mess up, believe me,” she shares.
West coach, Ellen Parker, offers, “Jules is just a great kid, she has started here since her freshman year. Her freshman year we had a great group of seniors and Julie kind of laid back a little bit, but from the beginning it was clear she was going to make some noise.” Parker continues, “Julie is definitely our floor leader, without a doubt. You can tell when she steps up and decides she has had enough and takes control of a game. She has that kind of ability.”
Julie has a special ritual she goes through before every game. Her mom, Liz Maurer died almost three years ago, while Julie was in 8th grade. “I pray to her before every game, telling her this game is for you, That motivates me to play harder than I did the game before. I know she sees all my games,” says Maurer proudly.
Julie has the distinction of being the first FCN athlete of the week to know what the last question of the interview would be. “I would travel to some fancy Italian Restaurant in New York City and order Chicken Alfredo.”
Monday, February 07, 2005
Illegal Contract Draws Fire
By Tony Brockmeyer
Recently the St. Charles City Council asked the City Administration to bid the City’s health insurance. Since the polices were due for renewal, the Administration informed the City Council that there were out clauses and the policies in force would be renewed. The companies would be told the Council was taking bids and would exercise the out clauses provided for in the policies if they were able to obtain better rates.
After appointing a new broker of record and obtaining quotes from several companies, the Council members determined the City could save between $700,000 and $1 million in insurance premiums by changing companies. The City Council members told the administration to notify the insurance companies the City was exercising their right to cancel the policies.
After the companies were notified, the City was contacted by Express Scripts, who provided prescription drugs to the employees. The City was told there was no out clause in their contract. In fact, their contract had been renewed in June of 2004 and had been signed by Mayor York.
A search of City Hall failed to locate any such contract. The City Clerk, who by state law is the keeper of all city records, could not locate a contract with Express Scripts and had no knowledge of it. The City legal department did not know the contract existed and could not locate a copy of it. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which had indeed been signed by Mayor York.
Apparently on June 22, 2004 Carrie Caskey, former St. Charles City Human Resources Director, requested and received Mayor Patti York’s signature on a contract with Express Scripts Inc. (ESI). The contract was for a three-year period and was part of the City’s prescription drug benefit plan.
Seabury Smith and Marsh Advantage, who were previously handling the insurance for the City, both recommended this program and documents show Seabury would be paid .35 cents to $1 for each prescription filled by Express Scripts. ESI also promised numerous rebates that would be paid for special prescriptions.
The contract with ESI was signed and dated, yet no record of the contract existed at City Hall. Council President Rory Riddler told the First Capitol News, “It is highly unusual for no one in City Hall to be in possession of the City’s copy of a signed contract. Our City Clerk’s office and City Attorney’s office are both extremely careful about how records are kept and would have a copy on file if it had gone through proper channels.” State Law requires the City Clerk to be the keeper of all records and this contract was never submitted to her office.
Sources within City Hall tell us Caskey did not follow the proper protocol which requires the City’s legal department to review the contract before passing it on to the Mayor. Also, it appears York violated a City Ordinance by executing the contract without the approval of the City Council.
Section 40.23 of the City’s code of ordinances states “No contract for the provision of any services, materials, supplies, or equipment shall be extended for a period in excess of one year without an opportunity for public bidding or a request for proposals, unless the extension is by the Mayor and City Council by ordinances.”
This section also provides for a penalty if any violation occurs, 10.99 of the code of ordinances says, (A) “Whenever in this code or in any ordinance of the city, any act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense, or the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful or a misdemeanor, except where a specific statutory penalty is provided for, the violation of any such provision shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both such fine and imprisonment, as may be just for any offense, recoverable with cost of suit:provided, however, that, where the city and the state both prescribe the same offense, the penalty for violating the city provision shall be the same. (B) Each act of violation and every day upon which a violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense. (C) The failure of any officer or employee of the city to perform any official duty imposed by this code shall not subject such officer or employee to the penalty imposed by this section unless a penalty is specifically provided.” The ordinance provides the above penalty. City Hall sources said both Mayor York and Caskey could be prosecuted under this section,
Marsh Advantage was the broker of record, Seabury and Smith the Third Party administrator and Mercer the insurance consultant for the City of St. Charles. These companies are all subsidiaries of Marsh and McLennan who recently settled with the Attorney General of New York for $850 million. The settlement might include money for St. Charles if it is determined Marsh violated the law in dealing with the City.
On July 13,2004, Marsh representatives gave a presentation reviewing the City’s health insurance plan and the cost associated with the plan. During the meeting, the City Council was told that using benchmarks provided by Mercer, the City is just below the average increase.
Councilman Mark Brown told the FCN, “Of course we will appear to be paying comparable rates when we are being compared to only Marsh plans by the Marsh consulting company, Mercer. When you get down to it, if you are charging everyone higher rates, then ours will naturally look normal.” Brown’s comments appear to have merit. The new Broker of Record quickly pointed out every bid the City received for insurance was lower than the bid Marsh claimed was the best the City could hope for. Brown went on to say, “Anytime you meet with the resistance this Council met regarding the insurance, you know something is wrong.”
During the presentation the Marsh representative explained her close relationship with the City and Caskey’s department. Some on the Council believe this close relationship may be the reason for the blatant disregard for policy, procedure and ordinances when dealing with contracts that obligate the taxpayer’s money. Caskey left the City’s employment during the bid process and after it became apparent the City would no longer use the services of Marsh.
Councilman John Gieseke was very outspoken about Marsh, “This Company has violated the trust of the people they claim to represent, and their motive was profit. I argued in the past that having one company as the only source of information was dangerous, but Caskey fought for Marsh all the way. The cost savings we were able to achieve, and now the backroom deal with this contract demonstrates bad things can happen when you deal in this manner.”
Since the Council took office, they have complained about city staff directing and entering into contracts and then presenting them to the Council after the contract had been executed. It appears this happened with this contract. ESI told the City they are not willing to release the City from their obligation. The City might incur costs upwards of $200,000. This has many on the Council questioning why York and Caskey would enter into a contract knowing the council had not been informed and knowing they did not have the authority to do so.
Council members are reviewing their options.
Recently the St. Charles City Council asked the City Administration to bid the City’s health insurance. Since the polices were due for renewal, the Administration informed the City Council that there were out clauses and the policies in force would be renewed. The companies would be told the Council was taking bids and would exercise the out clauses provided for in the policies if they were able to obtain better rates.
After appointing a new broker of record and obtaining quotes from several companies, the Council members determined the City could save between $700,000 and $1 million in insurance premiums by changing companies. The City Council members told the administration to notify the insurance companies the City was exercising their right to cancel the policies.
After the companies were notified, the City was contacted by Express Scripts, who provided prescription drugs to the employees. The City was told there was no out clause in their contract. In fact, their contract had been renewed in June of 2004 and had been signed by Mayor York.
A search of City Hall failed to locate any such contract. The City Clerk, who by state law is the keeper of all city records, could not locate a contract with Express Scripts and had no knowledge of it. The City legal department did not know the contract existed and could not locate a copy of it. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which had indeed been signed by Mayor York.
Apparently on June 22, 2004 Carrie Caskey, former St. Charles City Human Resources Director, requested and received Mayor Patti York’s signature on a contract with Express Scripts Inc. (ESI). The contract was for a three-year period and was part of the City’s prescription drug benefit plan.
Seabury Smith and Marsh Advantage, who were previously handling the insurance for the City, both recommended this program and documents show Seabury would be paid .35 cents to $1 for each prescription filled by Express Scripts. ESI also promised numerous rebates that would be paid for special prescriptions.
The contract with ESI was signed and dated, yet no record of the contract existed at City Hall. Council President Rory Riddler told the First Capitol News, “It is highly unusual for no one in City Hall to be in possession of the City’s copy of a signed contract. Our City Clerk’s office and City Attorney’s office are both extremely careful about how records are kept and would have a copy on file if it had gone through proper channels.” State Law requires the City Clerk to be the keeper of all records and this contract was never submitted to her office.
Sources within City Hall tell us Caskey did not follow the proper protocol which requires the City’s legal department to review the contract before passing it on to the Mayor. Also, it appears York violated a City Ordinance by executing the contract without the approval of the City Council.
Section 40.23 of the City’s code of ordinances states “No contract for the provision of any services, materials, supplies, or equipment shall be extended for a period in excess of one year without an opportunity for public bidding or a request for proposals, unless the extension is by the Mayor and City Council by ordinances.”
This section also provides for a penalty if any violation occurs, 10.99 of the code of ordinances says, (A) “Whenever in this code or in any ordinance of the city, any act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense, or the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful or a misdemeanor, except where a specific statutory penalty is provided for, the violation of any such provision shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both such fine and imprisonment, as may be just for any offense, recoverable with cost of suit:provided, however, that, where the city and the state both prescribe the same offense, the penalty for violating the city provision shall be the same. (B) Each act of violation and every day upon which a violation occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offense. (C) The failure of any officer or employee of the city to perform any official duty imposed by this code shall not subject such officer or employee to the penalty imposed by this section unless a penalty is specifically provided.” The ordinance provides the above penalty. City Hall sources said both Mayor York and Caskey could be prosecuted under this section,
Marsh Advantage was the broker of record, Seabury and Smith the Third Party administrator and Mercer the insurance consultant for the City of St. Charles. These companies are all subsidiaries of Marsh and McLennan who recently settled with the Attorney General of New York for $850 million. The settlement might include money for St. Charles if it is determined Marsh violated the law in dealing with the City.
On July 13,2004, Marsh representatives gave a presentation reviewing the City’s health insurance plan and the cost associated with the plan. During the meeting, the City Council was told that using benchmarks provided by Mercer, the City is just below the average increase.
Councilman Mark Brown told the FCN, “Of course we will appear to be paying comparable rates when we are being compared to only Marsh plans by the Marsh consulting company, Mercer. When you get down to it, if you are charging everyone higher rates, then ours will naturally look normal.” Brown’s comments appear to have merit. The new Broker of Record quickly pointed out every bid the City received for insurance was lower than the bid Marsh claimed was the best the City could hope for. Brown went on to say, “Anytime you meet with the resistance this Council met regarding the insurance, you know something is wrong.”
During the presentation the Marsh representative explained her close relationship with the City and Caskey’s department. Some on the Council believe this close relationship may be the reason for the blatant disregard for policy, procedure and ordinances when dealing with contracts that obligate the taxpayer’s money. Caskey left the City’s employment during the bid process and after it became apparent the City would no longer use the services of Marsh.
Councilman John Gieseke was very outspoken about Marsh, “This Company has violated the trust of the people they claim to represent, and their motive was profit. I argued in the past that having one company as the only source of information was dangerous, but Caskey fought for Marsh all the way. The cost savings we were able to achieve, and now the backroom deal with this contract demonstrates bad things can happen when you deal in this manner.”
Since the Council took office, they have complained about city staff directing and entering into contracts and then presenting them to the Council after the contract had been executed. It appears this happened with this contract. ESI told the City they are not willing to release the City from their obligation. The City might incur costs upwards of $200,000. This has many on the Council questioning why York and Caskey would enter into a contract knowing the council had not been informed and knowing they did not have the authority to do so.
Council members are reviewing their options.
Frenchtown Mardi Gras King & Queen
Frenchtowne Celebrates Mardi Gras
Saturday evening at the third annual King’s Ball, Historic Frenchtowne selected Marilyn Geery as their Queen and posthumously selected her husband, Peter Geery, as King. Peter died unexpectedly January 23, 2004 while on vacation in Mexico. He was active in the Discovery Expedition. Marilyn operates Geery’s Bed & Breakfast on North Fifth Street in St. Charles. Peter was represented by his son, Matthew, pictured above with his Mother, Marilyn. Peter is a Crew Chief stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
Saturday evening at the third annual King’s Ball, Historic Frenchtowne selected Marilyn Geery as their Queen and posthumously selected her husband, Peter Geery, as King. Peter died unexpectedly January 23, 2004 while on vacation in Mexico. He was active in the Discovery Expedition. Marilyn operates Geery’s Bed & Breakfast on North Fifth Street in St. Charles. Peter was represented by his son, Matthew, pictured above with his Mother, Marilyn. Peter is a Crew Chief stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
Suspect Charged in Burglary of Gas Station
Suspect Charged in Burglary of Gas Station
By Sgt. Donovan Kenton
Public Information Officer
A 37-year-old St. Charles man has been charged with burglary following a break in at the Citgo Station, in the 2700 Block of Veterans Memorial Parkway, in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 27, 2005.
The suspect, who has been identified as Todd C. Westergaard, age 37, of the 100 Block of Riverbluff in St. Charles, is being held on the charge of Burglary 2nd with a cash only bond set at $50,000.
Alert St. Charles Police patrol officers observed a silver colored four-door car emerge from the rear of a closed business, the Mr. Steak Restaurant, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Mr. Steak is located next to the Citgo station. Officers observed the suspicious car traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing over into the oncoming traffic lane. The officers initiated a traffic stop of the car and contacted the occupants, finding Westergaard as a passenger. The officers observed Westergaard to have a cut on his hand and blood on his clothing, along with glass fragments inside of the vehicle.
While Westergaard was being detained, other officers of the St. Charles Police Department responded to an alarm sounding at the Citgo station, where they discovered the door glass of the business had been smashed out. Further investigation revealed fresh blood inside the business.
Westergaard is currently being held at the St. Charles County Jail.
By Sgt. Donovan Kenton
Public Information Officer
A 37-year-old St. Charles man has been charged with burglary following a break in at the Citgo Station, in the 2700 Block of Veterans Memorial Parkway, in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 27, 2005.
The suspect, who has been identified as Todd C. Westergaard, age 37, of the 100 Block of Riverbluff in St. Charles, is being held on the charge of Burglary 2nd with a cash only bond set at $50,000.
Alert St. Charles Police patrol officers observed a silver colored four-door car emerge from the rear of a closed business, the Mr. Steak Restaurant, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Mr. Steak is located next to the Citgo station. Officers observed the suspicious car traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing over into the oncoming traffic lane. The officers initiated a traffic stop of the car and contacted the occupants, finding Westergaard as a passenger. The officers observed Westergaard to have a cut on his hand and blood on his clothing, along with glass fragments inside of the vehicle.
While Westergaard was being detained, other officers of the St. Charles Police Department responded to an alarm sounding at the Citgo station, where they discovered the door glass of the business had been smashed out. Further investigation revealed fresh blood inside the business.
Westergaard is currently being held at the St. Charles County Jail.
New Group For Young People By Sister Cities
St. Charles Sister Cities Program Assists in Formation of new Young People’s Group
With the encouragement of the St. Charles Sister Citie organization, a reception was held recently for the young people who have experienced the Student Exchange program with Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Since 1996, approximately 450 students from Duchesne, Francis Howell North, Lutheran, St. Charles and St. Charles West High Schools, alon with approximately 550 students from Schiller, Moerike, Goethe and Otto Hahn Gymnasiums in Ludwigsburg, Germany, have shared life’s experience with each other through the Student Exchange program.
It is the aim to form a new organization to bring together these young people with their own organization to bridge the gap between the young people and the members of the St. Charles Sister Cities organization through educational and social programs.
The young people elected the following as Board Members, Megan Lammert, Shannon Lammert, Renee Rine, Lauren Pickardt and Nathan Pickardt. Megan Lammert was elected President of what is now known as the C.I.A., or the Cultural Interest Ambassadors. Megan, an Exchange student in 1997 and 1998, a graduate of Webster University, is in Land Development with the T.R. Hughes Company. Megan stated: “I am thrilled to be at the spearhead of this division of the Sister Cities program.
Hopefully, we can encourage the youth of our community to not only participate in the Exchange programs during high school, but to extend cultural interaction and appreciation through their lives”. The first C.I.A general membership meeting, open to all past Ludwigsburg Exchange
Students, is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, February 20th at 1:00 PM at Willikers in St. Charles. If you would like more information, you may contact Megan at: mlammert@trhughes.com>
With the encouragement of the St. Charles Sister Citie organization, a reception was held recently for the young people who have experienced the Student Exchange program with Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Since 1996, approximately 450 students from Duchesne, Francis Howell North, Lutheran, St. Charles and St. Charles West High Schools, alon with approximately 550 students from Schiller, Moerike, Goethe and Otto Hahn Gymnasiums in Ludwigsburg, Germany, have shared life’s experience with each other through the Student Exchange program.
It is the aim to form a new organization to bring together these young people with their own organization to bridge the gap between the young people and the members of the St. Charles Sister Cities organization through educational and social programs.
The young people elected the following as Board Members, Megan Lammert, Shannon Lammert, Renee Rine, Lauren Pickardt and Nathan Pickardt. Megan Lammert was elected President of what is now known as the C.I.A., or the Cultural Interest Ambassadors. Megan, an Exchange student in 1997 and 1998, a graduate of Webster University, is in Land Development with the T.R. Hughes Company. Megan stated: “I am thrilled to be at the spearhead of this division of the Sister Cities program.
Hopefully, we can encourage the youth of our community to not only participate in the Exchange programs during high school, but to extend cultural interaction and appreciation through their lives”. The first C.I.A general membership meeting, open to all past Ludwigsburg Exchange
Students, is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, February 20th at 1:00 PM at Willikers in St. Charles. If you would like more information, you may contact Megan at: mlammert@trhughes.com>
NIGHT CLUB FIGHT BRINGS LICENSE REVIEW - TWO OFFICERS INJURED
Large Fight At Night Club Injures Two Police Officers
Councilman Riddler Asks For Review of Liquor License of Baha Rock Club on North Main
On 1/14/2005 the St.Charles Police Department responded to a call for police at the Baha Rock Club, 305 North Main Street. According to the police records a large fight broke out inside the establishment.
All police officers on duty were called to respond and control the fight. Two police officers were injured during the fight. Both officers were treated and released from St. Josephs’ Health Center.
This fight along with other alleged incidents involving the club has prompted Council President Rory Riddler to ask the City Administrator to investigate and determine if the owners and operators of this establishment have failed to maintain an orderly place of business. Riddler also asked that procedures be implemented to review and possibly revoke their liquor license. He also said that he believes that the Police Chief has the power to temporarily suspend their liquor license pending an investigation.
Riddler told the First Capitol News he has become more and more concerned with increasing calls for service at Baha Beach Club. The Club is located in Riddler’s Ward and was formerly known as Key West Night Club.
Councilman Riddler Asks For Review of Liquor License of Baha Rock Club on North Main
On 1/14/2005 the St.Charles Police Department responded to a call for police at the Baha Rock Club, 305 North Main Street. According to the police records a large fight broke out inside the establishment.
All police officers on duty were called to respond and control the fight. Two police officers were injured during the fight. Both officers were treated and released from St. Josephs’ Health Center.
This fight along with other alleged incidents involving the club has prompted Council President Rory Riddler to ask the City Administrator to investigate and determine if the owners and operators of this establishment have failed to maintain an orderly place of business. Riddler also asked that procedures be implemented to review and possibly revoke their liquor license. He also said that he believes that the Police Chief has the power to temporarily suspend their liquor license pending an investigation.
Riddler told the First Capitol News he has become more and more concerned with increasing calls for service at Baha Beach Club. The Club is located in Riddler’s Ward and was formerly known as Key West Night Club.
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
IT’S A RUMOR
The latest rumor on the street is that the new owners of the Post are considering closing the St. Charles County section. We were told that they feel it is in direct competition with the Journals that they also own.
FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS IN FRENCHTOWN
Historic Frenchtowne Association has announced that they will be offering Friday Night Flicks in Frenchtown on the 4th Friday of every month, May through September.
The movies will be shown at Blanchette Landing at North Second Street and Olive Street.
They invite you to bring a chair and enjoy the movies. A schedule of titles has not yet been released.
According to President, Tammy Lawing, food and refreshments will be served. Bring your family or a group or just come alone. She promises a fun filled evening.
Councilman John Gieseke Wants Sam’s Club To Be A Good Neighbor
Councilman John Gieseke while serving as the City Council Representative on the Planning and Zoning Commission has asked Sam’s Club to put up a sound barrier fence to protect the residents of the condos located behind Sam’s. Sam’s has asked the Planning & Zoning Board for permission to improve the facade at their location, Councilman Gieseke added the fence as part of the conditions for the new improvements.
Sam’s has not responded to Gieseke’s request as of yet, but he is hopeful that they will be good neighbors and do the right thing. Gieseke wants to make sure that Councilman Reese and his neighbors have the peace and quiet they deserve.
Reese has been trying to find ways to decrease the noise and the Walmart Company has not been responsive. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to have the City negotiate a fence and in return allow Sam’s an upgraded sign package. Even though the upgrade to the facade is non-revenue generating, Gieseke hopes Sam’s will see the light and build both the fence and the facade.
OKTOBERFEST TO EXPAND
We have learned that the organizers of the Oktoberfest are planning on changing from to a three day celebration this year. The event, held in Frontier Park on the Riverfront will also stay open later in the evenings.
FIREWORKS ON TWO DAYS
The City Council is moving forward to having a City fireworks display on Sunday, July3rd as well as Monday July 4th.
The latest rumor on the street is that the new owners of the Post are considering closing the St. Charles County section. We were told that they feel it is in direct competition with the Journals that they also own.
FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS IN FRENCHTOWN
Historic Frenchtowne Association has announced that they will be offering Friday Night Flicks in Frenchtown on the 4th Friday of every month, May through September.
The movies will be shown at Blanchette Landing at North Second Street and Olive Street.
They invite you to bring a chair and enjoy the movies. A schedule of titles has not yet been released.
According to President, Tammy Lawing, food and refreshments will be served. Bring your family or a group or just come alone. She promises a fun filled evening.
Councilman John Gieseke Wants Sam’s Club To Be A Good Neighbor
Councilman John Gieseke while serving as the City Council Representative on the Planning and Zoning Commission has asked Sam’s Club to put up a sound barrier fence to protect the residents of the condos located behind Sam’s. Sam’s has asked the Planning & Zoning Board for permission to improve the facade at their location, Councilman Gieseke added the fence as part of the conditions for the new improvements.
Sam’s has not responded to Gieseke’s request as of yet, but he is hopeful that they will be good neighbors and do the right thing. Gieseke wants to make sure that Councilman Reese and his neighbors have the peace and quiet they deserve.
Reese has been trying to find ways to decrease the noise and the Walmart Company has not been responsive. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to have the City negotiate a fence and in return allow Sam’s an upgraded sign package. Even though the upgrade to the facade is non-revenue generating, Gieseke hopes Sam’s will see the light and build both the fence and the facade.
OKTOBERFEST TO EXPAND
We have learned that the organizers of the Oktoberfest are planning on changing from to a three day celebration this year. The event, held in Frontier Park on the Riverfront will also stay open later in the evenings.
FIREWORKS ON TWO DAYS
The City Council is moving forward to having a City fireworks display on Sunday, July3rd as well as Monday July 4th.
THE CITY DESK - City Council President Rory Riddler
Long Running TIF Feud Ends In Disappointing Non Decision
If our new Governor needs more money to balance the budget, he might try setting up a gift shop in Jefferson City. I think one just outside the Missouri Supreme Court building would do nicely. They could sell the usual corncob pipes, walnut bowls and the colorful headdress of our indigenous aboriginal peoples that you expect to find in Missouri’s finer roadside gift shops. But they could also carry a few specialty items for when those city slickers come to town with their high priced attorneys expecting definitive answers to lofty legal questions.
A taxpayer from St. Charles County could take home a souvenir T-shirt that beneath an image of the scales of justice might say, “I spent $500,000 on a law suit and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.” I think there’s a definite market among our County officials for ones that read, “I’m With Stupid…the lawyer who told me I could file a law suit five years late.”
Or they could all chip in and give the County Counselor a comical mug that says, “What Statute Of Limitations?” Like the massive legal fees wasted on the County’s TIF lawsuit against St. Peters, it’s the kind of thoughtful gift that makes a real impression. The County Executive might even pick up a few bumper strips that say, “Honk If You Hate The Missouri Supreme Court.”
Honk! Honk!
Joe’s holy war against TIFs came to an abrupt end last week when the Missouri Supreme Court returned the County’s challenge to St. Peters use of tax increment financing to the Appellate Court without instruction or an opinion. Even if you disagree with the County Executive, his propensity for suing other taxing entities or the abusive language he reserves for public officials whose only crime is following State Law, you still have to wonder what the Supreme Court was thinking. They agreed to hear the TIF case on appeal, allowed both sets of lawyers to present their case, asked pointed questions and then didn’t render an opinion.
Way back in 1993, St. Peters used the TIF law to help generate funds to pay for the popular Rec-Plex. New businesses like COSTCO eventually made the TIF area a financial success. You would think that would have been cause for the County Executive to give then St. Peters Mayor Tom Brown a pat on the back. The bottom line is that the citizens of St. Peters, and from an even wider area of the County, ended up with a first-class public recreational facility.
Instead, the County Executive said Tom Brown and St. Peters were criminals “stealing” money from the County. If that’s true, then I want to report a robbery that takes place every April 15th. St. Peters was merely following the State Law and used the redevelopment tools at its disposal. Whatever complaint Joe Ortwerth and some members of the County Council had with the State’s TIF laws, the place to change them was in Missouri General Assembly. It isn’t as if that option was foreign to the County Executive. After all, he spent twelve years as a State Representative before running for County Executive the first time. Hmmm, I wonder when the State’s TIF Law was first voted on?
Now State Representative Tom Dempsey is trying his hand at rewriting the State’s TIF Law. People get heartburn, and rightly so, over some developments that have qualified for TIFs in the past. But even under the reforms proposed by Tom Dempsey, it looks like the St. Peters TIF of 1993 would have qualified. It was a model of what’s right with the TIF law.
It was the wrong case for the County Executive to pursue from the beginning. Not to mention how late the law suit was. Circuit Judge Lucy Rauch rightly ruled in 2003 that St. Peters had followed the law. The Appellate Court rightly ruled that St. Charles County had filed its challenge way too late. In the face of these earlier defeats, one wonders why the County pursued such an expensive course to the detriment of the taxpayers. Most political observers agree the case had more to do with a feud between Ortwerth and Brown than about what made legal sense.
St. Peters taxpayers shelled out over $400,000 and the County claims it spent over $100,000 on this case. The County total is probably far more when you consider the time and effort of the County Counselor’s office. And where did all that money come from you might ask? That’s right, it was your money. In the end, the much-hyped Supreme Court showdown between the County Executive and St. Peters was as disappointing as the Cardinals post-season. Honk if you hate the Red Sox.
If our new Governor needs more money to balance the budget, he might try setting up a gift shop in Jefferson City. I think one just outside the Missouri Supreme Court building would do nicely. They could sell the usual corncob pipes, walnut bowls and the colorful headdress of our indigenous aboriginal peoples that you expect to find in Missouri’s finer roadside gift shops. But they could also carry a few specialty items for when those city slickers come to town with their high priced attorneys expecting definitive answers to lofty legal questions.
A taxpayer from St. Charles County could take home a souvenir T-shirt that beneath an image of the scales of justice might say, “I spent $500,000 on a law suit and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.” I think there’s a definite market among our County officials for ones that read, “I’m With Stupid…the lawyer who told me I could file a law suit five years late.”
Or they could all chip in and give the County Counselor a comical mug that says, “What Statute Of Limitations?” Like the massive legal fees wasted on the County’s TIF lawsuit against St. Peters, it’s the kind of thoughtful gift that makes a real impression. The County Executive might even pick up a few bumper strips that say, “Honk If You Hate The Missouri Supreme Court.”
Honk! Honk!
Joe’s holy war against TIFs came to an abrupt end last week when the Missouri Supreme Court returned the County’s challenge to St. Peters use of tax increment financing to the Appellate Court without instruction or an opinion. Even if you disagree with the County Executive, his propensity for suing other taxing entities or the abusive language he reserves for public officials whose only crime is following State Law, you still have to wonder what the Supreme Court was thinking. They agreed to hear the TIF case on appeal, allowed both sets of lawyers to present their case, asked pointed questions and then didn’t render an opinion.
Way back in 1993, St. Peters used the TIF law to help generate funds to pay for the popular Rec-Plex. New businesses like COSTCO eventually made the TIF area a financial success. You would think that would have been cause for the County Executive to give then St. Peters Mayor Tom Brown a pat on the back. The bottom line is that the citizens of St. Peters, and from an even wider area of the County, ended up with a first-class public recreational facility.
Instead, the County Executive said Tom Brown and St. Peters were criminals “stealing” money from the County. If that’s true, then I want to report a robbery that takes place every April 15th. St. Peters was merely following the State Law and used the redevelopment tools at its disposal. Whatever complaint Joe Ortwerth and some members of the County Council had with the State’s TIF laws, the place to change them was in Missouri General Assembly. It isn’t as if that option was foreign to the County Executive. After all, he spent twelve years as a State Representative before running for County Executive the first time. Hmmm, I wonder when the State’s TIF Law was first voted on?
Now State Representative Tom Dempsey is trying his hand at rewriting the State’s TIF Law. People get heartburn, and rightly so, over some developments that have qualified for TIFs in the past. But even under the reforms proposed by Tom Dempsey, it looks like the St. Peters TIF of 1993 would have qualified. It was a model of what’s right with the TIF law.
It was the wrong case for the County Executive to pursue from the beginning. Not to mention how late the law suit was. Circuit Judge Lucy Rauch rightly ruled in 2003 that St. Peters had followed the law. The Appellate Court rightly ruled that St. Charles County had filed its challenge way too late. In the face of these earlier defeats, one wonders why the County pursued such an expensive course to the detriment of the taxpayers. Most political observers agree the case had more to do with a feud between Ortwerth and Brown than about what made legal sense.
St. Peters taxpayers shelled out over $400,000 and the County claims it spent over $100,000 on this case. The County total is probably far more when you consider the time and effort of the County Counselor’s office. And where did all that money come from you might ask? That’s right, it was your money. In the end, the much-hyped Supreme Court showdown between the County Executive and St. Peters was as disappointing as the Cardinals post-season. Honk if you hate the Red Sox.
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