Tuesday, March 08, 2005
SHERIFF SWOPE ST CHARLES POLICE CHIEF
At a special meeting of the St. Charles City Counil on Tuesday evening, St. Charles County Sheiff TIM SWOPE was offered a contract to become Chief of Police of the City of St. Charles. Read more in this weeks edition of the First Capitol News
Saturday, March 05, 2005
City Council Authorizes City Attorney To File For Restraining Order To Prevent County Residents From Hooking Up To City Sewers
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
In Executive Session Tuesday evening the St. Charles City Council authorized City Attorney, Mike Valenti, to file for a Restraining Order to stop East Central Missouri Water and Sewer Authority (ECM) from making any sewer connections to the City system. This would affect new homes in the T.R. Hughes St. Andrews development.
The City had placed a moratorium on connections in October of 2004. The Hughes’ St. Andrews development had 58 homes connected to the City system through ECM prior to the moratorium. The development is approximately 110 acres and 339 single family homes are planned.
ECM, calling the City’s moratorium illegal, allowed Hughes to resume hooking up last week.
ECM has been providing sewer service to County residents for many years, using their connections to the City system. Last year members of the City Council discovered a flow valve, used to measure the flow from County residents, was inoperable and had not been working for a good number of years. The Council also discovered ECM was paying rates much lower than those being paid by City residents.
The flow valve was repaired and ECM began arguing with the City about the amount of flow and charges the City wanted to apply. An evaluation of ECM was considered for possible purchase by the City but it was thought the system was in disrepair.
The Public Works Committee of the Council recommended a moratorium be placed on any additional hookups and ECM was notified.
Although Developer T.R. Hughes worked in opposition to a number of Council candidates who were elected, they say this is not a political matter. Their problem is not with T.R. Hughes. Their problem is with ECM.
Hughes had an opportunity to have his subdivision annexed into the City but choose not to. He evidently did not want to comply with restrictions, such as storm water, the City was insisting on.
In Executive Session Tuesday evening the St. Charles City Council authorized City Attorney, Mike Valenti, to file for a Restraining Order to stop East Central Missouri Water and Sewer Authority (ECM) from making any sewer connections to the City system. This would affect new homes in the T.R. Hughes St. Andrews development.
The City had placed a moratorium on connections in October of 2004. The Hughes’ St. Andrews development had 58 homes connected to the City system through ECM prior to the moratorium. The development is approximately 110 acres and 339 single family homes are planned.
ECM, calling the City’s moratorium illegal, allowed Hughes to resume hooking up last week.
ECM has been providing sewer service to County residents for many years, using their connections to the City system. Last year members of the City Council discovered a flow valve, used to measure the flow from County residents, was inoperable and had not been working for a good number of years. The Council also discovered ECM was paying rates much lower than those being paid by City residents.
The flow valve was repaired and ECM began arguing with the City about the amount of flow and charges the City wanted to apply. An evaluation of ECM was considered for possible purchase by the City but it was thought the system was in disrepair.
The Public Works Committee of the Council recommended a moratorium be placed on any additional hookups and ECM was notified.
Although Developer T.R. Hughes worked in opposition to a number of Council candidates who were elected, they say this is not a political matter. Their problem is not with T.R. Hughes. Their problem is with ECM.
Hughes had an opportunity to have his subdivision annexed into the City but choose not to. He evidently did not want to comply with restrictions, such as storm water, the City was insisting on.
City Council & City Staff Held Town Hall Meeting
By Tony Brockmeyer
This past Monday five Councilmembers brought City Hall to the people. City Councilmembers Rory Riddler, Mark Brown, Dottie Greer, John Gieseke and Joe Koester hosted a town hall meeting at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Elm Street. Each of the City’s departments had representation to answer questions about the City.
The meeting began with brief introductions of the Council and department heads and then a question and answer session. The audience was anxious to hear from City Administrator Alan Williams. They wanted to know when the City is going to have a permanent police chief. The crowd applauded when Major Robert Lowery’s name was mentioned. Williams explained he made every effort to convince Mayor Patti York to compromise on his candidate for Chief but was not successful. “I called Major Lowery to let him know the Mayor refused to approve him. He then asked to have his name removed,” Williams told the audience. This was an agreement Williams said he had made with Lowery to insure Lowery would not once again become a political football.
Councilman Joe Koester was critical of Williams for not keeping his word to bring Lowery’s name forward, no matter how the Mayor felt. Koester was more critical of York stating, “We were swindled.” This was in response to the comments made by York about her giving some Councilmembers her word to appoint Lowery if his name was brought forward by Williams. Koester made it perfectly clear he was not impressed by either York or Williams. The crowd applauded loudly with those statements showing support for Koester.
Councilwoman Greer hosted the meeting and arranged the use of the facilities with church officials. Greer made it a point to thank the church in her opening statements. Greer had the opportunity to speak of one of her projects; litter. Mrs. Donna Poeling asked why the City was not going after those who litter the streets and poles on the City right away with signs? Greer told the group, “ I have taken down over 3000 signs and the code enforcement department has fined those habitual offenders. One owner has been fined $200, $400 and if he continues to advertise his vacancies he will face another fine. The goal is to make sure those who think they can litter realize it will cost them.”
At one point in the meeting an open and frank discussion took place regarding the 73 police officers who signed hostile work environment complaints with language that had some in the audience wondering if these officers were fit for duty. The discussion began with audience members voicing their opinion that these officers need to be taken off the street. Williams told the crowd, “We have hired a lawyer to interview the officers and determine who needed help and those who did not. Those who did received it.”
Acting Police Chief Larry White was asked by Councilman John Gieseke, “There are 30 officers who did not sign the complaints and they are looking to the administration for leadership. What is the City going to do to demonstrate to those officers that this will not be tolerated?” White stood and told the crowd since this was an ongoing investigation he was unable to comment. As he sat down he used an (expletive deleted) to describe Gieseke. It was audible to some in the audience. One member of the audience told the First Capitol News they were disappointed to hear the acting Chief say such a thing when asked a simple leadership question.
Questions ranged from the police to littering. With over 100 residents in attendance some of the questions were not addressed. One question addressed by Councilman Mark Brown was, why the City Council needed Eric Tolen as their special counsel? Brown told the audience, “The council needed to have the ability to get legal opinions without the interference of the Mayor and the administration’s agenda.”
The meeting closed with Council President Riddler giving a brief overview of the personalities of those Councilpersons present.
This past Monday five Councilmembers brought City Hall to the people. City Councilmembers Rory Riddler, Mark Brown, Dottie Greer, John Gieseke and Joe Koester hosted a town hall meeting at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Elm Street. Each of the City’s departments had representation to answer questions about the City.
The meeting began with brief introductions of the Council and department heads and then a question and answer session. The audience was anxious to hear from City Administrator Alan Williams. They wanted to know when the City is going to have a permanent police chief. The crowd applauded when Major Robert Lowery’s name was mentioned. Williams explained he made every effort to convince Mayor Patti York to compromise on his candidate for Chief but was not successful. “I called Major Lowery to let him know the Mayor refused to approve him. He then asked to have his name removed,” Williams told the audience. This was an agreement Williams said he had made with Lowery to insure Lowery would not once again become a political football.
Councilman Joe Koester was critical of Williams for not keeping his word to bring Lowery’s name forward, no matter how the Mayor felt. Koester was more critical of York stating, “We were swindled.” This was in response to the comments made by York about her giving some Councilmembers her word to appoint Lowery if his name was brought forward by Williams. Koester made it perfectly clear he was not impressed by either York or Williams. The crowd applauded loudly with those statements showing support for Koester.
Councilwoman Greer hosted the meeting and arranged the use of the facilities with church officials. Greer made it a point to thank the church in her opening statements. Greer had the opportunity to speak of one of her projects; litter. Mrs. Donna Poeling asked why the City was not going after those who litter the streets and poles on the City right away with signs? Greer told the group, “ I have taken down over 3000 signs and the code enforcement department has fined those habitual offenders. One owner has been fined $200, $400 and if he continues to advertise his vacancies he will face another fine. The goal is to make sure those who think they can litter realize it will cost them.”
At one point in the meeting an open and frank discussion took place regarding the 73 police officers who signed hostile work environment complaints with language that had some in the audience wondering if these officers were fit for duty. The discussion began with audience members voicing their opinion that these officers need to be taken off the street. Williams told the crowd, “We have hired a lawyer to interview the officers and determine who needed help and those who did not. Those who did received it.”
Acting Police Chief Larry White was asked by Councilman John Gieseke, “There are 30 officers who did not sign the complaints and they are looking to the administration for leadership. What is the City going to do to demonstrate to those officers that this will not be tolerated?” White stood and told the crowd since this was an ongoing investigation he was unable to comment. As he sat down he used an (expletive deleted) to describe Gieseke. It was audible to some in the audience. One member of the audience told the First Capitol News they were disappointed to hear the acting Chief say such a thing when asked a simple leadership question.
Questions ranged from the police to littering. With over 100 residents in attendance some of the questions were not addressed. One question addressed by Councilman Mark Brown was, why the City Council needed Eric Tolen as their special counsel? Brown told the audience, “The council needed to have the ability to get legal opinions without the interference of the Mayor and the administration’s agenda.”
The meeting closed with Council President Riddler giving a brief overview of the personalities of those Councilpersons present.
McCarrick Now Interim Chief - White Calls Councilman A________
On Monday evening five members of the City Council held a joint Ward Meeting at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Elm Street. Numerous department heads were in attendance including Interim Police Chief Larry White. Residents in attendance told the First Capitol News, during the question and answer section Councilman John Gieseke Ward 8, asked White a question regarding leadership that should be provided to the 30 plus police officers who did not sign a letter claiming emotional stress. They said White mentioned it was a personnel problem and he could not respond. As White returned to his chair they overheard him say, “Gieseke is an A______.” City Council President Rory Riddler also heard White’s comment about Councilman Gieseke. The residents said Riddler leaned over to White and they heard him tell White he could not refer to a City Councilman in such a manner in a public meeting . Riddler told White if he could not control himself he should leave. White then got, up spoke briefly to City Administrator Alan Williams and left the meeting.
Although Williams had earlier told the City Council he wanted to extend White’s Contract beyond it’s $20,000 minimum, White was gone Tuesday morning.
White and Ron Battelle had been hired by Williams, at the urging of the Mayor, as Interim Chief and Consultant and others were given contracts of about $20,000, the maximum Williams can authorize without City Council approval. Battelle’s contract had expired earlier.
Captain Pat McCarrick Appointed Interim Chief of Police
Captain Pat McCarrick, a 31 year veteran and former Chief, was named St. Charles Interim Police Chief Tuesday morning.
McCarrick will head the department until such time as a permanent Chief is named.
McCarrick is the 6th person to serve as interim chief or consultant since former Chief Paul Corbin’s contract was not extended in September 2003.
When Corbin was forced out, Lt. Dennis Corley was appointed and served until the City Council ordered him removed. Then Major Gooch served until he retired in January. Larry White and Ron Battelle both served with $20,000 contracts and former Chief Dave King is currently serving as a consultant with a $20,000 contract.
Although Williams had earlier told the City Council he wanted to extend White’s Contract beyond it’s $20,000 minimum, White was gone Tuesday morning.
White and Ron Battelle had been hired by Williams, at the urging of the Mayor, as Interim Chief and Consultant and others were given contracts of about $20,000, the maximum Williams can authorize without City Council approval. Battelle’s contract had expired earlier.
Captain Pat McCarrick Appointed Interim Chief of Police
Captain Pat McCarrick, a 31 year veteran and former Chief, was named St. Charles Interim Police Chief Tuesday morning.
McCarrick will head the department until such time as a permanent Chief is named.
McCarrick is the 6th person to serve as interim chief or consultant since former Chief Paul Corbin’s contract was not extended in September 2003.
When Corbin was forced out, Lt. Dennis Corley was appointed and served until the City Council ordered him removed. Then Major Gooch served until he retired in January. Larry White and Ron Battelle both served with $20,000 contracts and former Chief Dave King is currently serving as a consultant with a $20,000 contract.
THE CITY DESK Rory Riddler CIty Council President
Tourism Tempest Brewing
Over Control Of Tax Dollars
Drive through any McDonalds and you’re contributing your share to the effort to lure tourists to the City of St. Charles. We have a tax on hotels, which most communities with tourism efforts employ, but we also extend our tourism tax to restaurants. Since the restaurant portion of the tax brings in far more than the hotel portion, those of us who choose to eat in our own town help generate over $1.3 million per year to promote St. Charles.
In theory, that’s a good thing. If you spend money promoting St. Charles, you attract more people who spend money in our town. That’s good for business, employment and our tax base. Besides, we have a lot to offer visitors in our fair city…real historic sites, a beautiful riverfront, new convention center and a downtown filled with specialty shopping and unique dining establishments.
If you think about it a little longer, you would probably also name Bass Pro as an attraction. The big one in Springfield is one of Missouri’s largest tourist attractions. Ours has outpaced the company’s own projections. The day after Thanksgiving, the line waiting outside for the doors to open took twenty minutes to get everyone inside. There were guys at the end holding signs, “Will Work For Ammo”.
But don’t stop with Bass Pro. The nature of what St. Charles has to offer visitors is expanding and we have to expand the more traditional definition of tourism to keep pace. We are now the proud home of The Foundry Arts Center. The “opening” parties for new exhibits are drawing upwards of a thousand people and the Friday Night Bistro is drawing its own loyal following. St. Charles as a cultural showcase is about to get another boost from Lindenwood University. They want to break ground on a performing arts center at West Clay and First Capitol. It will be larger than the Touhill Center at UMSL and promises to host diverse avant garde and classical entertainment.
Another major source of visitors to our community is sports. We may not have a Major League franchise, but high school, college and amateur sports tournaments bring tens of thousands of people to our community every year.
There is a lot more to St. Charles as a destination for tourist, visitors and shoppers than meets the eye. We need to be flexible and respond to new trends and new opportunities. I would never trade our position as the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, but let’s remember when Lewis and Clark visited St. Charles, they didn’t come back for three years. Businesses in our historic districts are, first and foremost, businesses. They need a steady flow of customers to keep their doors open.
This has caused somewhat of a “tourism tempest” between various interests in the community. At issue is whether our tourism tax dollars should be used primarily to fill hotel rooms (heads on beds in the vernacular of the industry) or to tap a larger share of the discretionary spending of consumers in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
The heads on beds crowd believe tourism dollars are best spent luring traditional tourists and conventions. They argue that people who stay here for a few days spend more on average. As someone who has survived my share of family vacations and conventions, I’ll attest to that. This faction supports the status quo which has been to spend the majority of our resources targeting those more than fifty miles away to make St. Charles a destination.
The tap St. Louis gang point outs the metro area has over two million people who can come here to shop, dine, attend festivals or discover St. Charles on day trips. They say traditional tourists are too seasonal and they need customers year round. They want to see far more tax dollars spent within our fifty mile radius.
I like to see our community written up in national magazines. I like to encounter out-of-state visitors on South Main. But statistics supplied by the Missouri Division of Tourism probably made more of the case for local spending than those who invited them in to justify the status quo would have liked. Our largest source of tourists, as a State, is our neighbor Illinois. The numbers then drop off rapidly for other surrounding states and become infinitesimal for the East and West Coasts. Less than 2 percent of Missouri’s tourists come from California, the most populous State in the Nation.
It’s not that we don’t have great things to offer. We do. It’s simply a matter of location and logistics. I don’t vacation much in the Napa Valley. There are great historic towns in Missouri like Arrow Rock and Lexington. But they don’t get a fraction of the visitors we do because we’re blessed with being within a major metropolitan area.
This debate on the focus of our tourism effort has been going on behind the scenes for some time. But two things have brought it into sharper focus recently. First, the City Council, at my suggestion, set up a review committee for spending by the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Councilman John Gieseke is chairman of the committee and they’ve started to question how some of the money is being spent.
Example: the committee recently questioned $17,000 the CVB was going to spend to be in the magazine Oprah. With all due deference to the Queen of daytime television (I’d be popular too if I gave away new cars at Council meetings), the magazine only has 38,000 subscribers in Missouri. I’m not one to peruse the ads or inserts in national magazines much myself. But if I did, I’m not sure that would be enough to entice me to book a flight to St. Charles for my next vacation. If 10% of the subscribers even saw our ad that would reach only 3,800 people in our prime market area for $17,000.
Needless to say the defenders of the status quo had their toes stepped on that anyone would dare question how any of the $1.3 million tourism budget is spent. I simply feel we need more consideration of the return on investment for our advertising dollars.
The debate has come into even sharper focus with a bill I’m cosponsoring. It would reduce the size of the Tourism Commission from 13 members to 11 and add the City Administrator as a voting member to provide more oversight of spending. Among other things the bill would finally spell out the role of the commission, allow the Chairman to vote, strengthen the voice of business and district representatives and reduce from two to one the number of hotel representatives.
Currently, hotels and restaurants have three votes on the commission. Now even though the change I proposed would only reduce their influence from 3 members out of 13 to 2 out of 11 (23% to 18%) it’s been enough to elicit some loud protest from the status quo lobby. In support of that group, one of my fellow Councilmen on Tuesday questioned the bill, and stated hotels and restaurants deserved more votes on the commission because they pay the tax. I quickly pointed out they don’t “pay” the tax…they “collect” the tax. We pay the tax and visitors to our community pay the tax.
If approved by the Council, the new make-up of the Tourism Commission should help provide a more balanced group to recommend where and how we should be marketing St. Charles. We’ve been given a wonderful marketing resource in the form of the tourism tax. We just need to remember it’s a gift from the taxpayers of St. Charles who expect a return on their investment. Sorry Oprah, but can I still get a new car? Just to drive through McDonalds?
Over Control Of Tax Dollars
Drive through any McDonalds and you’re contributing your share to the effort to lure tourists to the City of St. Charles. We have a tax on hotels, which most communities with tourism efforts employ, but we also extend our tourism tax to restaurants. Since the restaurant portion of the tax brings in far more than the hotel portion, those of us who choose to eat in our own town help generate over $1.3 million per year to promote St. Charles.
In theory, that’s a good thing. If you spend money promoting St. Charles, you attract more people who spend money in our town. That’s good for business, employment and our tax base. Besides, we have a lot to offer visitors in our fair city…real historic sites, a beautiful riverfront, new convention center and a downtown filled with specialty shopping and unique dining establishments.
If you think about it a little longer, you would probably also name Bass Pro as an attraction. The big one in Springfield is one of Missouri’s largest tourist attractions. Ours has outpaced the company’s own projections. The day after Thanksgiving, the line waiting outside for the doors to open took twenty minutes to get everyone inside. There were guys at the end holding signs, “Will Work For Ammo”.
But don’t stop with Bass Pro. The nature of what St. Charles has to offer visitors is expanding and we have to expand the more traditional definition of tourism to keep pace. We are now the proud home of The Foundry Arts Center. The “opening” parties for new exhibits are drawing upwards of a thousand people and the Friday Night Bistro is drawing its own loyal following. St. Charles as a cultural showcase is about to get another boost from Lindenwood University. They want to break ground on a performing arts center at West Clay and First Capitol. It will be larger than the Touhill Center at UMSL and promises to host diverse avant garde and classical entertainment.
Another major source of visitors to our community is sports. We may not have a Major League franchise, but high school, college and amateur sports tournaments bring tens of thousands of people to our community every year.
There is a lot more to St. Charles as a destination for tourist, visitors and shoppers than meets the eye. We need to be flexible and respond to new trends and new opportunities. I would never trade our position as the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, but let’s remember when Lewis and Clark visited St. Charles, they didn’t come back for three years. Businesses in our historic districts are, first and foremost, businesses. They need a steady flow of customers to keep their doors open.
This has caused somewhat of a “tourism tempest” between various interests in the community. At issue is whether our tourism tax dollars should be used primarily to fill hotel rooms (heads on beds in the vernacular of the industry) or to tap a larger share of the discretionary spending of consumers in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
The heads on beds crowd believe tourism dollars are best spent luring traditional tourists and conventions. They argue that people who stay here for a few days spend more on average. As someone who has survived my share of family vacations and conventions, I’ll attest to that. This faction supports the status quo which has been to spend the majority of our resources targeting those more than fifty miles away to make St. Charles a destination.
The tap St. Louis gang point outs the metro area has over two million people who can come here to shop, dine, attend festivals or discover St. Charles on day trips. They say traditional tourists are too seasonal and they need customers year round. They want to see far more tax dollars spent within our fifty mile radius.
I like to see our community written up in national magazines. I like to encounter out-of-state visitors on South Main. But statistics supplied by the Missouri Division of Tourism probably made more of the case for local spending than those who invited them in to justify the status quo would have liked. Our largest source of tourists, as a State, is our neighbor Illinois. The numbers then drop off rapidly for other surrounding states and become infinitesimal for the East and West Coasts. Less than 2 percent of Missouri’s tourists come from California, the most populous State in the Nation.
It’s not that we don’t have great things to offer. We do. It’s simply a matter of location and logistics. I don’t vacation much in the Napa Valley. There are great historic towns in Missouri like Arrow Rock and Lexington. But they don’t get a fraction of the visitors we do because we’re blessed with being within a major metropolitan area.
This debate on the focus of our tourism effort has been going on behind the scenes for some time. But two things have brought it into sharper focus recently. First, the City Council, at my suggestion, set up a review committee for spending by the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Councilman John Gieseke is chairman of the committee and they’ve started to question how some of the money is being spent.
Example: the committee recently questioned $17,000 the CVB was going to spend to be in the magazine Oprah. With all due deference to the Queen of daytime television (I’d be popular too if I gave away new cars at Council meetings), the magazine only has 38,000 subscribers in Missouri. I’m not one to peruse the ads or inserts in national magazines much myself. But if I did, I’m not sure that would be enough to entice me to book a flight to St. Charles for my next vacation. If 10% of the subscribers even saw our ad that would reach only 3,800 people in our prime market area for $17,000.
Needless to say the defenders of the status quo had their toes stepped on that anyone would dare question how any of the $1.3 million tourism budget is spent. I simply feel we need more consideration of the return on investment for our advertising dollars.
The debate has come into even sharper focus with a bill I’m cosponsoring. It would reduce the size of the Tourism Commission from 13 members to 11 and add the City Administrator as a voting member to provide more oversight of spending. Among other things the bill would finally spell out the role of the commission, allow the Chairman to vote, strengthen the voice of business and district representatives and reduce from two to one the number of hotel representatives.
Currently, hotels and restaurants have three votes on the commission. Now even though the change I proposed would only reduce their influence from 3 members out of 13 to 2 out of 11 (23% to 18%) it’s been enough to elicit some loud protest from the status quo lobby. In support of that group, one of my fellow Councilmen on Tuesday questioned the bill, and stated hotels and restaurants deserved more votes on the commission because they pay the tax. I quickly pointed out they don’t “pay” the tax…they “collect” the tax. We pay the tax and visitors to our community pay the tax.
If approved by the Council, the new make-up of the Tourism Commission should help provide a more balanced group to recommend where and how we should be marketing St. Charles. We’ve been given a wonderful marketing resource in the form of the tourism tax. We just need to remember it’s a gift from the taxpayers of St. Charles who expect a return on their investment. Sorry Oprah, but can I still get a new car? Just to drive through McDonalds?
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor:
How revealing that Steve Ehlmann has hired John Hancock to run his recently announced campaign for County Executive, even as Hancock is still cleaning up the GOP’s slimy mess from Sally Faith’s 2004 campaign for State Representative (R-15). It just goes to show that the Republicans in this county make no apology for employing dishonesty in their bids to take public office.
What Faith’s campaign did to the two-term, incumbent Representative Tom Green in the November election was a travesty. In mid-October, the state Republican Party committee, for which Hancock is the spokesman, sent at least two mailings to Green’s constituents, including me. The pieces were designed to look like picture postcards, complete with land and seascapes of an exotic locale. These attractive but counterfeit greetings states that “Liberal Tom Green” had spent wads of taxpayer money to go on a paid vacation to Alaska where he enjoyed such lavish perks a gourmet cuisine, deep sea fishing, and whale-watching aboard a charter boat.
As voters later found out, after Green secured a court order forcing the Republicans to stop these lies, the faked “vacation” concocted by the GOP had actually been a planned annual conference that was to have been hosted by the Council of State Governments. In other words, it was going to be a convention for officials of various state governments across the country. Even more outrageous than misrepresenting the nature of the conference and the reasons a decent and committed state legislator might attend, the Republican committee completely failed to mention that the conference never took place. That’s right. Green never went to Alaska. In fact, the entire Alaskan conference was scrapped as early as 2001 due to security concerns in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
And just last month, the state Republican committee spokesman and Ehlmann campaign manager, John Hancock, explained all of this to the Post –Dispatch by stating the committee believed the information it mailed out about Green was true when it sent out the fake postcards. I, for one, am not stupid enough to believe that. Whether the Republican committee deliberately deceived it by purposely avoiding the truth or it simply offers this feigned ignorance as a flimsy pretense to cover up deliberately deceiving the voters, the committee perpetrated a fraud.
Considering that almost three years elapsed between the cancellation of the Alaskan conference and the mailing of the “Alaskan vacation” postcards by the Republican committee, it is clear that Hancock and his party leaders are very comfortable playing fast and loose with the truth. And the closer we get to election time, the faster and looser you can expect them to play in order to win.
I thought honesty was a conservative value, however it appears that Hancock and his Republican state committee not only bore false witness against our neighbor Tom Green, they did it in order to steal the election from him. (See, Commandments VIII and IX). And apparently, Steve Ehlmann doesn’t mind any of this one bit.
Gracie White
Dear Editor
The House of Elohim would like to express their appreciation to Jim Swinney at City Hall of St. Charles and Paul at T.G.B. We thank you for working so diligently on the septic problems at 912 N. Second Street, St. Charles, Mo.
Thank you,
Pastor Donna Dake
How revealing that Steve Ehlmann has hired John Hancock to run his recently announced campaign for County Executive, even as Hancock is still cleaning up the GOP’s slimy mess from Sally Faith’s 2004 campaign for State Representative (R-15). It just goes to show that the Republicans in this county make no apology for employing dishonesty in their bids to take public office.
What Faith’s campaign did to the two-term, incumbent Representative Tom Green in the November election was a travesty. In mid-October, the state Republican Party committee, for which Hancock is the spokesman, sent at least two mailings to Green’s constituents, including me. The pieces were designed to look like picture postcards, complete with land and seascapes of an exotic locale. These attractive but counterfeit greetings states that “Liberal Tom Green” had spent wads of taxpayer money to go on a paid vacation to Alaska where he enjoyed such lavish perks a gourmet cuisine, deep sea fishing, and whale-watching aboard a charter boat.
As voters later found out, after Green secured a court order forcing the Republicans to stop these lies, the faked “vacation” concocted by the GOP had actually been a planned annual conference that was to have been hosted by the Council of State Governments. In other words, it was going to be a convention for officials of various state governments across the country. Even more outrageous than misrepresenting the nature of the conference and the reasons a decent and committed state legislator might attend, the Republican committee completely failed to mention that the conference never took place. That’s right. Green never went to Alaska. In fact, the entire Alaskan conference was scrapped as early as 2001 due to security concerns in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
And just last month, the state Republican committee spokesman and Ehlmann campaign manager, John Hancock, explained all of this to the Post –Dispatch by stating the committee believed the information it mailed out about Green was true when it sent out the fake postcards. I, for one, am not stupid enough to believe that. Whether the Republican committee deliberately deceived it by purposely avoiding the truth or it simply offers this feigned ignorance as a flimsy pretense to cover up deliberately deceiving the voters, the committee perpetrated a fraud.
Considering that almost three years elapsed between the cancellation of the Alaskan conference and the mailing of the “Alaskan vacation” postcards by the Republican committee, it is clear that Hancock and his party leaders are very comfortable playing fast and loose with the truth. And the closer we get to election time, the faster and looser you can expect them to play in order to win.
I thought honesty was a conservative value, however it appears that Hancock and his Republican state committee not only bore false witness against our neighbor Tom Green, they did it in order to steal the election from him. (See, Commandments VIII and IX). And apparently, Steve Ehlmann doesn’t mind any of this one bit.
Gracie White
Dear Editor
The House of Elohim would like to express their appreciation to Jim Swinney at City Hall of St. Charles and Paul at T.G.B. We thank you for working so diligently on the septic problems at 912 N. Second Street, St. Charles, Mo.
Thank you,
Pastor Donna Dake
Put St. Charles FIrst
By Jerry Haferkamp
Well, from reading the last issue of FCN, it seems we have a candidate for Chief of Police I’m sure the Mayor will support. His background has all her essentials. He served in Peoria for a short time (before he was apparently told to get out of Dodge) during which it is reported anonymous letters were sent to harm the reputations of innocent people and police were apparently used to spy on some of the opposition. He has also been away from Police work long enough that he probably isn’t capable of wrenching control of the our Police Department from the F.O.P. Sounds like Patti found her perfect “fit”.
All are welcomed to attend the gala at the Convention Center showcasing the new facility. No, this is not the same “invitation only” event that was held some time ago so the “losers and takers” could pat themselves on the back for building a building. Also, it is not going to be the next one they use to pat themselves on the back for the same thing. Not the one after that, either. Actually, it will be the fourth such event, where the folks who are footing the bill get to come in and pat the contractors on the back for doing what they were paid to do. How many of you “commoners” out there have had your employer throw you a party every time you completed a task you were hired to do?
It seems strange there couldn’t be a one time, all invited gala so we could all rub elbows with the folks who are benefiting from our spending. By doing four separate events, the Convention and Sports Authority, hand in hand with the equally inept Convention and Visitors Bureau, will spend nearly one half of a million dollars to pat themselves on the back for getting a building built. This also comes out of a budget that even the “losers and takers” say won’t be in the black the first 10 years.
This is just the beginning, folks. I’m sure it will follow the Convention and Sports Authority’s other venture, the enormously successful Family Arena. They’re off to a great start. Half a million in the hole is a great resume enhancement for the type of people who are “in charge” of your money. I think the ability to blow literally millions of your money with no feelings of remorse is a prerequisite for the job. It wouldn’t surprise me if they threw themselves a party every month to celebrate the fact the building hadn’t fallen down in the previous month. This party throwing is the epitome of how Ronald Reagan described government when he said government is like a baby—a voracious appetite on one end and no sense of responsibility on the other.
The structure has been described as “beautiful” and “warm”. It, unfortunately, has never been described as “profitable”. Nor, in the opinion of most who have read the studies on centers of this size, will it ever be.
Jay Underdown of the NICE organization has asked that I mention he could use some helping hands at the polls next election to get signatures on the petitions to recall Mayor York. Judging by the public outcry at the recent combined ward meeting concerning her bullheaded actions and lack of honor in the matter of not getting the best candidate appointed Police Chief, there should be plenty of folks willing to volunteer. If you want to help clean up the mess at City Hall and get this City back into the hands of the people who pay the freight, call Jay at 723-4200. Bad government occurs when good people do nothing.
While Stevie may not be able to be fired, one resident at the multi-ward meeting suggested making his salary low enough that he would quit.
I’ll drink to that!
Well, from reading the last issue of FCN, it seems we have a candidate for Chief of Police I’m sure the Mayor will support. His background has all her essentials. He served in Peoria for a short time (before he was apparently told to get out of Dodge) during which it is reported anonymous letters were sent to harm the reputations of innocent people and police were apparently used to spy on some of the opposition. He has also been away from Police work long enough that he probably isn’t capable of wrenching control of the our Police Department from the F.O.P. Sounds like Patti found her perfect “fit”.
All are welcomed to attend the gala at the Convention Center showcasing the new facility. No, this is not the same “invitation only” event that was held some time ago so the “losers and takers” could pat themselves on the back for building a building. Also, it is not going to be the next one they use to pat themselves on the back for the same thing. Not the one after that, either. Actually, it will be the fourth such event, where the folks who are footing the bill get to come in and pat the contractors on the back for doing what they were paid to do. How many of you “commoners” out there have had your employer throw you a party every time you completed a task you were hired to do?
It seems strange there couldn’t be a one time, all invited gala so we could all rub elbows with the folks who are benefiting from our spending. By doing four separate events, the Convention and Sports Authority, hand in hand with the equally inept Convention and Visitors Bureau, will spend nearly one half of a million dollars to pat themselves on the back for getting a building built. This also comes out of a budget that even the “losers and takers” say won’t be in the black the first 10 years.
This is just the beginning, folks. I’m sure it will follow the Convention and Sports Authority’s other venture, the enormously successful Family Arena. They’re off to a great start. Half a million in the hole is a great resume enhancement for the type of people who are “in charge” of your money. I think the ability to blow literally millions of your money with no feelings of remorse is a prerequisite for the job. It wouldn’t surprise me if they threw themselves a party every month to celebrate the fact the building hadn’t fallen down in the previous month. This party throwing is the epitome of how Ronald Reagan described government when he said government is like a baby—a voracious appetite on one end and no sense of responsibility on the other.
The structure has been described as “beautiful” and “warm”. It, unfortunately, has never been described as “profitable”. Nor, in the opinion of most who have read the studies on centers of this size, will it ever be.
Jay Underdown of the NICE organization has asked that I mention he could use some helping hands at the polls next election to get signatures on the petitions to recall Mayor York. Judging by the public outcry at the recent combined ward meeting concerning her bullheaded actions and lack of honor in the matter of not getting the best candidate appointed Police Chief, there should be plenty of folks willing to volunteer. If you want to help clean up the mess at City Hall and get this City back into the hands of the people who pay the freight, call Jay at 723-4200. Bad government occurs when good people do nothing.
While Stevie may not be able to be fired, one resident at the multi-ward meeting suggested making his salary low enough that he would quit.
I’ll drink to that!
The Conservative Factor by Alex Spencer
It appears we need to bring in a few more clowns in order to hire a permanent Chief of Police. The last group of clowns got used and duped by the Mayor, and together they made fools out of the majority of the City Council.
They deserve to look foolish. Knowing full well the Mayor lies on a regular basis, they took her at her word and agreed to hire her choice of City Administrator in order to hire a top-notch Chief selected by that administrator. Again, Lowery was the choice. Again, the Mayor said, “No way.”
This has raised even more alarms in the public mind regarding the strange hold Tommy Mayer has on Patti York. She will not approve any candidate who does not meet the approval of her “top cop.” The Councilmen have been besieged with questions about this strange relationship which has stopped City Government in its tracks. What has her “top-cop” done for her that she does not want the public to know?
It would be wise for the City Council to move swiftly and efficiently in investigating the Mayor’s disregard of our laws and our Charter for her own personal whims.
York has not only made fools out of the Council, she has made fools of the taxpayers. Since the loss of her previous rubber-stamping Council, she has methodically created incidents, set the Council up repeatedly, then carried it to the newspapers, the police department and an advertising executive to help her attack the newly-elected Council members.
The majority of this new Council has rolled up their sleeves and worked hard at City business. In less than one year, they have reviewed, changed, and saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars.
People who are legitimately performing their jobs to the best of their abilities do not have time for games, scheming and feminine manipulation. This is City Government, not a stage production to satisfy vanity. Spending $500,000 on parties to be hosted by the Mayor is but one more example of ego and vanity out of control.
If the City Council does not have the backbone to impeach this Mayor so we can get on with City business, then the Mayor should have the decency to willingly step down and stop this charade. York has served Tommy Mayer admirably at the expense of an entire city and any credibility she may have actually had. They deserve each other, but this city deserves neither.
They deserve to look foolish. Knowing full well the Mayor lies on a regular basis, they took her at her word and agreed to hire her choice of City Administrator in order to hire a top-notch Chief selected by that administrator. Again, Lowery was the choice. Again, the Mayor said, “No way.”
This has raised even more alarms in the public mind regarding the strange hold Tommy Mayer has on Patti York. She will not approve any candidate who does not meet the approval of her “top cop.” The Councilmen have been besieged with questions about this strange relationship which has stopped City Government in its tracks. What has her “top-cop” done for her that she does not want the public to know?
It would be wise for the City Council to move swiftly and efficiently in investigating the Mayor’s disregard of our laws and our Charter for her own personal whims.
York has not only made fools out of the Council, she has made fools of the taxpayers. Since the loss of her previous rubber-stamping Council, she has methodically created incidents, set the Council up repeatedly, then carried it to the newspapers, the police department and an advertising executive to help her attack the newly-elected Council members.
The majority of this new Council has rolled up their sleeves and worked hard at City business. In less than one year, they have reviewed, changed, and saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars.
People who are legitimately performing their jobs to the best of their abilities do not have time for games, scheming and feminine manipulation. This is City Government, not a stage production to satisfy vanity. Spending $500,000 on parties to be hosted by the Mayor is but one more example of ego and vanity out of control.
If the City Council does not have the backbone to impeach this Mayor so we can get on with City business, then the Mayor should have the decency to willingly step down and stop this charade. York has served Tommy Mayer admirably at the expense of an entire city and any credibility she may have actually had. They deserve each other, but this city deserves neither.
Straight Talk by Councilman Bob Hoepfner
Hello out there folks. Got some issues coming up here. First of all the County is trying to do us a favor by consolidating the fire departments. I say do us a favor because it will save us some money. That’s probably why the Mayor and Mr. Riddler are opposed to it. It will save us approximately $5 million dollars of the cost the City has imposed against us, the resident taxpayer. Eighty-eight firefighters and their civilian counterparts cost the City approximately $10 million plus annually. Once again its time to think of the resident taxpayer and save them some money and quit playing politics.
The next issue is Senator Gross’s bill that would require cities with casinos to spend the money they get from the casino on improving and rebuilding the City’s infrastructure, not spend it on city employees salaries. The excess money is required to go against the property tax so the residents would have to pay less. Once again, the Mayor and Mr. Riddler are opposed to this. No surprise here huh folks?
Community Center. How many do we need? Right now we don’t have any. Pretty soon we could have five. Why should the City build a community center when in fact you are going to have two YMCAs, one Boys and Girls Club and the Show-Me Aquatics facilities. Here again $12 million that somebody has to spend for another unneeded, unnecessary facility. Why don’t we take that $12 million and get rid of the utility tax? Why don’t we take the $5 million that could be saved from the fire department and provide trash service for the residents?
Once again folks, the resident taxpayers are getting it put to us. Let your Councilman know how you feel about this. Speaking of cost, why should we give the fire department a two percent pay raise based on the fact they might get into good physical shape and they know how to install a baby seat in a car? Doesn’t sound like justification. What do we tell the rest of the City employees? They can’t get a raise only, the fire department gets a raise.
Out of 465 city employees only 131 of them live in the City. Why is the emphasis on hiring non-city residents? Do you ever get the feeling you are second best according to some folks in City government? Pay attention folks. Let your Councilman know how you feel on this and all issues. 949-0956.
The next issue is Senator Gross’s bill that would require cities with casinos to spend the money they get from the casino on improving and rebuilding the City’s infrastructure, not spend it on city employees salaries. The excess money is required to go against the property tax so the residents would have to pay less. Once again, the Mayor and Mr. Riddler are opposed to this. No surprise here huh folks?
Community Center. How many do we need? Right now we don’t have any. Pretty soon we could have five. Why should the City build a community center when in fact you are going to have two YMCAs, one Boys and Girls Club and the Show-Me Aquatics facilities. Here again $12 million that somebody has to spend for another unneeded, unnecessary facility. Why don’t we take that $12 million and get rid of the utility tax? Why don’t we take the $5 million that could be saved from the fire department and provide trash service for the residents?
Once again folks, the resident taxpayers are getting it put to us. Let your Councilman know how you feel about this. Speaking of cost, why should we give the fire department a two percent pay raise based on the fact they might get into good physical shape and they know how to install a baby seat in a car? Doesn’t sound like justification. What do we tell the rest of the City employees? They can’t get a raise only, the fire department gets a raise.
Out of 465 city employees only 131 of them live in the City. Why is the emphasis on hiring non-city residents? Do you ever get the feeling you are second best according to some folks in City government? Pay attention folks. Let your Councilman know how you feel on this and all issues. 949-0956.
SSM St. Joseph opens “Healing Presents”
Five area business owners helped find a cure for the gift shop at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles. Each of them attended today’s grand re-opening ceremony to help “unwrap” the store.
The gift shop’s name, “Healing Presents,” also is new. It was selected to compliment the mission of SSM St. Joseph, which is: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.”
The gift shop underwent significant renovations during the past week. The glass windows and doors were covered while the renovations were being completed, and the shop was officially “unwrapped” during the ceremony.
“We’ve expanded our gift shop to provide even more unique and affordable gift items for our patients, employees and visitors,” Lisa Norwine, director of fund development for SSM St. Joseph. “We now have just the right gift you’re looking for – from crystal to designer jewelry, children’s gifts to collector’s dolls, inspirational gifts to seasonal items, and much more.”
“The community support for this project has been absolutely fantastic,” she continued. “We are pleased to be able to offer so much more in quality merchandise. We feel the entire community will really appreciate this expansion.”
Among the guests at the ceremony were five local merchants who gave of their time to assist hospital staff with the shop’s transformation, including Dana Rufkahr-Crenshaw, Golf Headquarters in O’Fallon; and Don Thebeau, The Flower Petaler; Jasper Noto, J Noto Fine Italian Confections; and Mary Fran Rash, Main Street Books all located along Historic Main Street St. Charles.
Thebeau assisted hospital staff by providing his design expertise to help reorganize the space to more adequately display stock items. The other vendors provided goods from their own stores, allowing the hospital’s gift shop to offer a wider variety of merchandise.
“This is such a good cause, and we are all happy to do what we could to help,” Rash said. “I think of this as my book store up the hill. There will be more than 100 books from my store on Main Street available for patients, families or employees who need an escape.”
Also in attendance during the re-opening ceremony was St. Charles County’s Director of Administration Steve Ehlmann, who signed copies of the book he published late last year, "Crossroads: A History of St. Charles County, Missouri.”
The gift shop is staffed by hospital volunteers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturdays; and, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Those interested in volunteering in the Healing Presents gift shop, or in any of the various areas available, should contact the Volunteer Department at 636-947-5466.
Proceeds raised in the gift shop are used to support the SSM St. Joseph Foundation, which provides financial support for special medical programs and improvement initiatives, such as assisting with the purchase and maintenance of sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment.
The gift shop’s name, “Healing Presents,” also is new. It was selected to compliment the mission of SSM St. Joseph, which is: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.”
The gift shop underwent significant renovations during the past week. The glass windows and doors were covered while the renovations were being completed, and the shop was officially “unwrapped” during the ceremony.
“We’ve expanded our gift shop to provide even more unique and affordable gift items for our patients, employees and visitors,” Lisa Norwine, director of fund development for SSM St. Joseph. “We now have just the right gift you’re looking for – from crystal to designer jewelry, children’s gifts to collector’s dolls, inspirational gifts to seasonal items, and much more.”
“The community support for this project has been absolutely fantastic,” she continued. “We are pleased to be able to offer so much more in quality merchandise. We feel the entire community will really appreciate this expansion.”
Among the guests at the ceremony were five local merchants who gave of their time to assist hospital staff with the shop’s transformation, including Dana Rufkahr-Crenshaw, Golf Headquarters in O’Fallon; and Don Thebeau, The Flower Petaler; Jasper Noto, J Noto Fine Italian Confections; and Mary Fran Rash, Main Street Books all located along Historic Main Street St. Charles.
Thebeau assisted hospital staff by providing his design expertise to help reorganize the space to more adequately display stock items. The other vendors provided goods from their own stores, allowing the hospital’s gift shop to offer a wider variety of merchandise.
“This is such a good cause, and we are all happy to do what we could to help,” Rash said. “I think of this as my book store up the hill. There will be more than 100 books from my store on Main Street available for patients, families or employees who need an escape.”
Also in attendance during the re-opening ceremony was St. Charles County’s Director of Administration Steve Ehlmann, who signed copies of the book he published late last year, "Crossroads: A History of St. Charles County, Missouri.”
The gift shop is staffed by hospital volunteers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturdays; and, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Those interested in volunteering in the Healing Presents gift shop, or in any of the various areas available, should contact the Volunteer Department at 636-947-5466.
Proceeds raised in the gift shop are used to support the SSM St. Joseph Foundation, which provides financial support for special medical programs and improvement initiatives, such as assisting with the purchase and maintenance of sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment.
A DAZZLING EVENING BENEFITS CRISIS NURSERY CHILDREN
A sell-out crowd of over 500 enthusiastic supporters of the Crisis Nursery gathered amongst the Wizard of Oz décor at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet for the Razzle Dazzle Ball: Somewhere Over the Rainbow! The gala held on February 19, far surpassed the Nursery’s goal bringing in an astounding $200,000; all for the benefit of the children and families helped by the Crisis Nursery.
Event Co-Chairs, Karen & Steve Reese (US Bank) and Bee (Citigroup) & Tom Morrell (US Bank Dealer Services), along with Vice Chairs, Noah Griggs (Hardee’s Food Services); Karen Prideaux (Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital); and Michael Staenberg (THF Realty) were delighted with the evening consisting of gourmet dinner and dancing to the up-tempo beat of Contemporary Productions MoTown Revue. An inspiring awards presentation recognized those who did so much to help the Crisis Nursery carry out its mission, while the auctions and the ever-popular Champagne and Dazzling Diamond Extravaganza raised additional funds.
“This is truly a community that generously supports child abuse prevention and we are so grateful for that,” said DiAnne Mueller, Executive Director of the Crisis Nursery.
Emcee extraordinaire, John Carney, who keeps the late night KMOX radio audience amused, used his humor to keep the auction and the evening moving along, while Honorary Chairs, David & Thelma Steward (World Wide Technology), welcomed guests in equally capable style. Special Guest, our very own Wizard of Oz, Ozzie Smith, brought excitement to the room by greeting guests and thanking them for their support. Don Wolff, renowned attorney and host of KMOX’s Saturday evening, The Jazz Show, further touted the Crisis Nursery by the live remote broadcast of his Jazz show on-site at the event.
The Crisis Nursery presented its prestigious H.U.G.S. & K.I.S.S.E.S. Awards, sponsored by Tiffany & Co., to Roberta Cohen as Woman of the year. Anthony, Allan & Quinn received the Distinguished Corporate Citizen of the Year Award.
And as is always the case, after the live and silent auctions were closed, everyone waited anxiously to hear who would win the gorgeous 1.1 Carat Diamond from the Champagne & Dazzling Diamond Extravaganza sponsored by Copernicus Fine Jewelers. John Heusler of Copernicus, who generously donated the diamond, announced ,the diamond went to the delighted Dr. Mark & Tammy Belcher of St. Charles.
Crisis Nursery- St. Charles is a non-profit agency committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing a temporary, emergency safe haven to children, birth through age ten, whose families are in crisis. The Nursery’s three residential care locations are open to children in St. Charles, St. Louis and surrounding counties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Crisis Nursery St. Charles has cared for more than 6,700 children and provided support and counseling to nearly 10,000 families since opening its doors in 1992.
For more information about the Razzle Dazzle Ball, please contact Ashley Bendoff at 314-768-3000 Ext. 2032 or ashley@crisisnurserykids.com.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or the Crisis Nursery and its services, please call Angie Osborne, Program Coordinator, at 636-947-0610.
Event Co-Chairs, Karen & Steve Reese (US Bank) and Bee (Citigroup) & Tom Morrell (US Bank Dealer Services), along with Vice Chairs, Noah Griggs (Hardee’s Food Services); Karen Prideaux (Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital); and Michael Staenberg (THF Realty) were delighted with the evening consisting of gourmet dinner and dancing to the up-tempo beat of Contemporary Productions MoTown Revue. An inspiring awards presentation recognized those who did so much to help the Crisis Nursery carry out its mission, while the auctions and the ever-popular Champagne and Dazzling Diamond Extravaganza raised additional funds.
“This is truly a community that generously supports child abuse prevention and we are so grateful for that,” said DiAnne Mueller, Executive Director of the Crisis Nursery.
Emcee extraordinaire, John Carney, who keeps the late night KMOX radio audience amused, used his humor to keep the auction and the evening moving along, while Honorary Chairs, David & Thelma Steward (World Wide Technology), welcomed guests in equally capable style. Special Guest, our very own Wizard of Oz, Ozzie Smith, brought excitement to the room by greeting guests and thanking them for their support. Don Wolff, renowned attorney and host of KMOX’s Saturday evening, The Jazz Show, further touted the Crisis Nursery by the live remote broadcast of his Jazz show on-site at the event.
The Crisis Nursery presented its prestigious H.U.G.S. & K.I.S.S.E.S. Awards, sponsored by Tiffany & Co., to Roberta Cohen as Woman of the year. Anthony, Allan & Quinn received the Distinguished Corporate Citizen of the Year Award.
And as is always the case, after the live and silent auctions were closed, everyone waited anxiously to hear who would win the gorgeous 1.1 Carat Diamond from the Champagne & Dazzling Diamond Extravaganza sponsored by Copernicus Fine Jewelers. John Heusler of Copernicus, who generously donated the diamond, announced ,the diamond went to the delighted Dr. Mark & Tammy Belcher of St. Charles.
Crisis Nursery- St. Charles is a non-profit agency committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing a temporary, emergency safe haven to children, birth through age ten, whose families are in crisis. The Nursery’s three residential care locations are open to children in St. Charles, St. Louis and surrounding counties 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Crisis Nursery St. Charles has cared for more than 6,700 children and provided support and counseling to nearly 10,000 families since opening its doors in 1992.
For more information about the Razzle Dazzle Ball, please contact Ashley Bendoff at 314-768-3000 Ext. 2032 or ashley@crisisnurserykids.com.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or the Crisis Nursery and its services, please call Angie Osborne, Program Coordinator, at 636-947-0610.
REPUBLICANS CELEBRATE LINCOLN DAY
REPUBLICANS CELEBRATE LINCOLN DAY
The annual Lincoln Day Celebration was held at the Columns Banquet Center on Friday evening and played to a “sold-out” crowd. After sweeping at the local, state and national levels in November, there was much to celebrate.
Governor Matt Blunt cancelled at the last moment due to the nearness of the birth date of his first child. The primary speakers were Senator Jim Talent, Senator Kit Bond, Representative Tod Akin, and Representative Kenny Hulschof.
County Administrator Steve Ehlmann was given unlimited time to talk about his book, “Crossroads to the History of St. Charles County.”
Lincoln Day provides the opportunity for Republicans to meet and greet the politicians they voted for and elected. Nearly all the elected officials who represent us locally, and many from the state level, were in attendance.
For the past three years, this event has been chaired by Roland and Dee Wetzel. The format has been changed from that of Barbara Flagg and Penny Bennett who previously chaired the event.
Rather than give all elected officials a brief introduction from the podium, Roland and Dee travel the room with microphones introducing the people who were not allowed to speak from the podium.
Although they got high marks for turning out a full house, there was much grumbling about the traveling microphones—from both guests and elected officials. With hundreds of people talking, it was nearly impossible to pay attention to the introductions. Also, people complained about a microphone showing up at their table while they were eating.
Jeff Morrison and David and Rhonda Hayes were also in attendance. They were seated at the farthest table at the perimeter of the room. If one wants a good seat at Lincoln Day, one does not make enemies of the Wetzels. Lincoln Day is clearly “The Roland and Dee Show.”
The annual Lincoln Day Celebration was held at the Columns Banquet Center on Friday evening and played to a “sold-out” crowd. After sweeping at the local, state and national levels in November, there was much to celebrate.
Governor Matt Blunt cancelled at the last moment due to the nearness of the birth date of his first child. The primary speakers were Senator Jim Talent, Senator Kit Bond, Representative Tod Akin, and Representative Kenny Hulschof.
County Administrator Steve Ehlmann was given unlimited time to talk about his book, “Crossroads to the History of St. Charles County.”
Lincoln Day provides the opportunity for Republicans to meet and greet the politicians they voted for and elected. Nearly all the elected officials who represent us locally, and many from the state level, were in attendance.
For the past three years, this event has been chaired by Roland and Dee Wetzel. The format has been changed from that of Barbara Flagg and Penny Bennett who previously chaired the event.
Rather than give all elected officials a brief introduction from the podium, Roland and Dee travel the room with microphones introducing the people who were not allowed to speak from the podium.
Although they got high marks for turning out a full house, there was much grumbling about the traveling microphones—from both guests and elected officials. With hundreds of people talking, it was nearly impossible to pay attention to the introductions. Also, people complained about a microphone showing up at their table while they were eating.
Jeff Morrison and David and Rhonda Hayes were also in attendance. They were seated at the farthest table at the perimeter of the room. If one wants a good seat at Lincoln Day, one does not make enemies of the Wetzels. Lincoln Day is clearly “The Roland and Dee Show.”
First Capitol Counseling
Divorce American Style
Dr. Howard Rosenthal
Dear Dr. Rosenthal,
My 21- year old son is getting married to a young woman who is approximately the same age. They fight constantly and disagree about nearly everything. I am truly worried that the marriage will end in divorce. My son says that things will get better after they are married. Maybe I just worry too much. What do you think? Joy
Dear Joy,
Since I don’t know your son or the young lady I can only respond from a statistical vantage point . . . but believe me it won’t be positive!
First, the U.S. divorce rate began to soar in the mid-1970s. Today, the odds of getting divorced are equal to flipping a coin. Simply put, about 50% of all first marriages fail in about seven years. The odds for a second marriage soar to about 64 or 65%.
Worse yet, young marriages have an even more dismal track record since there is often a discernable change in the personality around age 24 or 25.
My take is at odds with your son on another issue: I have rarely, if ever, seen a problem that got better after a couple got married. Indeed, my vast experience doing marriage counseling has taught me that such problems get worse after the couple signs on the dotted line!
My advice is to haul the couple in to see a counselor before they decide to get married. Otherwise (as I have stated in past columns) my crystal ball tells me that this is not a marriage made in heaven but rather another that will battle it out in divorce court.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal is Professor and Program Coordinator of Human Services at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. He is the author of numerous books and audio series. You can secure his book Help Yourself to Positive Mental Health by calling 1-800-634-7064 ext. 4. His newest website is www.counselingshop.com.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal
Dear Dr. Rosenthal,
My 21- year old son is getting married to a young woman who is approximately the same age. They fight constantly and disagree about nearly everything. I am truly worried that the marriage will end in divorce. My son says that things will get better after they are married. Maybe I just worry too much. What do you think? Joy
Dear Joy,
Since I don’t know your son or the young lady I can only respond from a statistical vantage point . . . but believe me it won’t be positive!
First, the U.S. divorce rate began to soar in the mid-1970s. Today, the odds of getting divorced are equal to flipping a coin. Simply put, about 50% of all first marriages fail in about seven years. The odds for a second marriage soar to about 64 or 65%.
Worse yet, young marriages have an even more dismal track record since there is often a discernable change in the personality around age 24 or 25.
My take is at odds with your son on another issue: I have rarely, if ever, seen a problem that got better after a couple got married. Indeed, my vast experience doing marriage counseling has taught me that such problems get worse after the couple signs on the dotted line!
My advice is to haul the couple in to see a counselor before they decide to get married. Otherwise (as I have stated in past columns) my crystal ball tells me that this is not a marriage made in heaven but rather another that will battle it out in divorce court.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal is Professor and Program Coordinator of Human Services at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. He is the author of numerous books and audio series. You can secure his book Help Yourself to Positive Mental Health by calling 1-800-634-7064 ext. 4. His newest website is www.counselingshop.com.
MY COLUMN Mike McCurran Sports Editor
It is often times said that timing is everything. Personally I know such to be true in reference to real estate and romance; it seems such is true in newspaper deadlines. It would have been great to cover the Missouri State High School Basketball Sectional action held Wednesday evening, but in order to meet deadline such was an impossibility. Both the boys and girls of St. Charles West traveled to Hannibal to take on Saint Francis Borgia. The girls’ season ended and the boys’ will continue until at least this Saturday. Details are unavailable at press time. What I can assure you is we will have coverage of the St. Charles West/Westminister quarterfinal action in next week’s issue. Should the Warriors win that match up they will be traveling to the final four in Columbia the following weekend.
The following is an explanation, not an apology. If you go back twelve editions to when I started this, I explained to you that I was it when it came to covering sports. Now, the wonderful action photos you have seen recently have been taken by Robert Joseph Barton, but as far as the written words and coverage, I am it. Oh sure, I could fill the pages with second hand press releases from all sorts of sources, but the philosophy of this weekly is to print news, first hand covered news. It is a philosophy that seems to be working by the number of e-mails, comments and letters I have received.
One such letter came from Tom Yockey, Jr., who wished to discuss everything from River Otters hockey to Classic Pro Wrestling (those last three words might just be a great example of the term paradox). Yockey compared the St. Charles/West rivalry to that of McCluer/North in the 70’s. Tom old buddy, I am even older than that. Before McCluer North even existed the real rivalry, at least in football, was between Riverview and McCluer. Was it my imagination or did a number of their games end with a 2-0 score? This was before there was a state championship in football. The winner was often times called the “unofficial state champion.”
The winter season of high school sports is just about over. As mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago, the state championships in basketball will be held next weekend. The spring season will bring baseball, girls’ soccer and boys’ and girls’ track. I will do my best to cover St. Charles High, West and Duchesne in these sports. At the same time it is becoming crunch time in the United Hockey League with the playoff right around the corner. Finally, the River City Rage will begin their first season under new ownership in just a few short weeks.
The following is an explanation, not an apology. If you go back twelve editions to when I started this, I explained to you that I was it when it came to covering sports. Now, the wonderful action photos you have seen recently have been taken by Robert Joseph Barton, but as far as the written words and coverage, I am it. Oh sure, I could fill the pages with second hand press releases from all sorts of sources, but the philosophy of this weekly is to print news, first hand covered news. It is a philosophy that seems to be working by the number of e-mails, comments and letters I have received.
One such letter came from Tom Yockey, Jr., who wished to discuss everything from River Otters hockey to Classic Pro Wrestling (those last three words might just be a great example of the term paradox). Yockey compared the St. Charles/West rivalry to that of McCluer/North in the 70’s. Tom old buddy, I am even older than that. Before McCluer North even existed the real rivalry, at least in football, was between Riverview and McCluer. Was it my imagination or did a number of their games end with a 2-0 score? This was before there was a state championship in football. The winner was often times called the “unofficial state champion.”
The winter season of high school sports is just about over. As mentioned a couple of paragraphs ago, the state championships in basketball will be held next weekend. The spring season will bring baseball, girls’ soccer and boys’ and girls’ track. I will do my best to cover St. Charles High, West and Duchesne in these sports. At the same time it is becoming crunch time in the United Hockey League with the playoff right around the corner. Finally, the River City Rage will begin their first season under new ownership in just a few short weeks.
Crunch time for the River Otters
Crunch time for the River Otters as they travel to take on Central Division opponents in 3 key contests
Compiled by: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Despite suffering two losses last week, the Missouri River Otters remain one of the hottest teams in the United Hockey League. The Otters are 9-2-1 in their last 12 contests and are only six points out of first place behind Fort Wayne and Rockford in the Western Division.
Frank Littlejohn’s three-point night led the Missouri River Otters to a 6-5 shootout victory against the Motor City Mechanics Sunday night at the Great Lakes Arena.
The Mechanics scored the game’s first goal, and it came on the power play. Blair Manning sent a puck at the net from the right point, and David Bonk re-directed it behind Kevin Reiter for his 11th goal of the season. The River Otters came right back with a goal of their own, as George Cantrall banged home the rebound of a Glenn Detulleo shot. Motor City regained the lead 17 seconds later when Jason Reimers blasted a slap-shot behind Reiter from the left point.
The second period featured five goals, three from Missouri and two from Motor City. Littlejohn, Jim Montgomery, and Lars Pettersen scored the goals for the River Otters, while Brad Smith and Reimers scored for the Mechanics.
Littlejohn scored his second goal of the game twelve minutes into the third period to give the River Otters the lead. Motor City came back strong, however, and Joe Burton’s power-play goal sent the game into the shootout tied at five.
In the shootout, Montgomery, Moore, and Riku Varjamo scored for the River Otters, while only Blair Manning and Burton scored for Motor City. Reiter made 25 saves for the victory while Cory Campbell made 24 saves in defeat.
Despite tying the game with a late two-goal rally, the Missouri River Otters lost 5-4 in regulation to the Muskegon Fury Saturday night at the L.C. Walker Arena.
The Fury scored the game’s first goal, and it resulted from a River Otters turnover. Rustyn Dolyny intercepted a pass and was robbed by Kevin Reiter on a shot, but Jon Insana slid the rebound between Reiter’s pads to give his squad the lead. The River Otters tied it up with four minutes remaining in the opening period. Frank Littlejohn found a puck to the left of the Fury net and rifled a wrist-shot that beat Sylvain Daigle over his right shoulder.
Despite outshooting the Fury 12-10 in the second period, the River Otters gave up the period’s only two goals. Todd Nelson scored the first on a quick wrap-around, while Todd Robinson fired home the second on an accurate one-timer. Fury defenseman Jon Insana was given a game misconduct in the second period for tripping referee Mike Mondalek with his stick.
Missouri scored first in the final period when Jim Montgomery banged home the rebound of a Mat Snesrud shot in front of the net. 23 seconds later Scott Hollis made it a 4-2 Fury lead on a two-on-one with Nelson. It stayed that way until late in the period, when Lars Pettersen perfectly deflected a Mike Dombkiewicz shot behind Daigle. Less than a minute later, Dombkiewicz beat a screened Daigle to tie the game at four. Unfortunately for the River Otters, they gave up a breakaway with less than a minute remaining in the game to Robinson. The Fury center made no mistake, beating Reiter with a top-shelf wrister. Daigle made 32 saves in the victory, while Reiter 25 saves in defeat.
The Otters play in Flint Friday evening, Detroit Saturday evening and Port Huron Sunday afternoon before returning home to the Family Arena on Sunday, March 13.
United Hockey League
Western Division
W L SL PTS
Fort Wayne 38 18 4 80
Rockford 36 22 6 79
River Otters 34 22 6 74
Quad City 25 24 9 59
Kansas City 22 35 3 47
Note: Two points are awarded for a win and one point for a shootout loss. Shootout losses are only denoted in the SL column, not the loss column.
Compiled by: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Despite suffering two losses last week, the Missouri River Otters remain one of the hottest teams in the United Hockey League. The Otters are 9-2-1 in their last 12 contests and are only six points out of first place behind Fort Wayne and Rockford in the Western Division.
Frank Littlejohn’s three-point night led the Missouri River Otters to a 6-5 shootout victory against the Motor City Mechanics Sunday night at the Great Lakes Arena.
The Mechanics scored the game’s first goal, and it came on the power play. Blair Manning sent a puck at the net from the right point, and David Bonk re-directed it behind Kevin Reiter for his 11th goal of the season. The River Otters came right back with a goal of their own, as George Cantrall banged home the rebound of a Glenn Detulleo shot. Motor City regained the lead 17 seconds later when Jason Reimers blasted a slap-shot behind Reiter from the left point.
The second period featured five goals, three from Missouri and two from Motor City. Littlejohn, Jim Montgomery, and Lars Pettersen scored the goals for the River Otters, while Brad Smith and Reimers scored for the Mechanics.
Littlejohn scored his second goal of the game twelve minutes into the third period to give the River Otters the lead. Motor City came back strong, however, and Joe Burton’s power-play goal sent the game into the shootout tied at five.
In the shootout, Montgomery, Moore, and Riku Varjamo scored for the River Otters, while only Blair Manning and Burton scored for Motor City. Reiter made 25 saves for the victory while Cory Campbell made 24 saves in defeat.
Despite tying the game with a late two-goal rally, the Missouri River Otters lost 5-4 in regulation to the Muskegon Fury Saturday night at the L.C. Walker Arena.
The Fury scored the game’s first goal, and it resulted from a River Otters turnover. Rustyn Dolyny intercepted a pass and was robbed by Kevin Reiter on a shot, but Jon Insana slid the rebound between Reiter’s pads to give his squad the lead. The River Otters tied it up with four minutes remaining in the opening period. Frank Littlejohn found a puck to the left of the Fury net and rifled a wrist-shot that beat Sylvain Daigle over his right shoulder.
Despite outshooting the Fury 12-10 in the second period, the River Otters gave up the period’s only two goals. Todd Nelson scored the first on a quick wrap-around, while Todd Robinson fired home the second on an accurate one-timer. Fury defenseman Jon Insana was given a game misconduct in the second period for tripping referee Mike Mondalek with his stick.
Missouri scored first in the final period when Jim Montgomery banged home the rebound of a Mat Snesrud shot in front of the net. 23 seconds later Scott Hollis made it a 4-2 Fury lead on a two-on-one with Nelson. It stayed that way until late in the period, when Lars Pettersen perfectly deflected a Mike Dombkiewicz shot behind Daigle. Less than a minute later, Dombkiewicz beat a screened Daigle to tie the game at four. Unfortunately for the River Otters, they gave up a breakaway with less than a minute remaining in the game to Robinson. The Fury center made no mistake, beating Reiter with a top-shelf wrister. Daigle made 32 saves in the victory, while Reiter 25 saves in defeat.
The Otters play in Flint Friday evening, Detroit Saturday evening and Port Huron Sunday afternoon before returning home to the Family Arena on Sunday, March 13.
United Hockey League
Western Division
W L SL PTS
Fort Wayne 38 18 4 80
Rockford 36 22 6 79
River Otters 34 22 6 74
Quad City 25 24 9 59
Kansas City 22 35 3 47
Note: Two points are awarded for a win and one point for a shootout loss. Shootout losses are only denoted in the SL column, not the loss column.
Friday, March 04, 2005
By 10-0 Vote City Council Initiates An Investigation Into The Unauthorized Signing of Insurance Contract By Mayor
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
During an Executive Session of the City Council the members of the Council by a vote of 10 - 0 agreed to start an investigation into the apparent unauthorized signing of a contract by the Mayor. The City Charter gives the Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses.
Section 3.13 of the Charter reads; Investigations. The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as may be prescribed by ordinance.
City Hall sources say the Council will conduct hearings and take depositions from witnesses called to testify. If the investigation determines the Mayor violated the charter in signing a contract illegally, impeachment proceedings could be commenced.
As reported on February 5, 2005, we were told by our source that Express Scripts, the company the Mayor signed the contract with, was expected to ask for damages in excess of $200,000.
On February 5, 2005, the First Capitol News reported; ..... 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 claimed no knowledge of it. The City legal department was not aware the contract existed and could not locate a copy. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which was signed by Mayor York.
Sources say 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.
During an Executive Session of the City Council the members of the Council by a vote of 10 - 0 agreed to start an investigation into the apparent unauthorized signing of a contract by the Mayor. The City Charter gives the Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses.
Section 3.13 of the Charter reads; Investigations. The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as may be prescribed by ordinance.
City Hall sources say the Council will conduct hearings and take depositions from witnesses called to testify. If the investigation determines the Mayor violated the charter in signing a contract illegally, impeachment proceedings could be commenced.
As reported on February 5, 2005, we were told by our source that Express Scripts, the company the Mayor signed the contract with, was expected to ask for damages in excess of $200,000.
On February 5, 2005, the First Capitol News reported; ..... 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 claimed no knowledge of it. The City legal department was not aware the contract existed and could not locate a copy. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which was signed by Mayor York.
Sources say 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.
By 10-0 Vote City Council Initiates An Investigation Into The Unauthorized Signing of Insurance Contract By Mayor
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
During an Executive Session of the City Council the members of the Council by a vote of 10 - 0 agreed to start an investigation into the apparent unauthorized signing of a contract by the Mayor. The City Charter gives the Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses.
Section 3.13 of the Charter reads; Investigations. The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as may be prescribed by ordinance.
City Hall sources say the Council will conduct hearings and take depositions from witnesses called to testify. If the investigation determines the Mayor violated the charter in signing a contract illegally, impeachment proceedings could be commenced.
As reported on February 5, 2005, we were told by our source that Express Scripts, the company the Mayor signed the contract with, was expected to ask for damages in excess of $200,000.
On February 5, 2005, the First Capitol News reported; ..... 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 claimed no knowledge of it. The City legal department was not aware the contract existed and could not locate a copy. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which was signed by Mayor York.
Sources say 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.
During an Executive Session of the City Council the members of the Council by a vote of 10 - 0 agreed to start an investigation into the apparent unauthorized signing of a contract by the Mayor. The City Charter gives the Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses.
Section 3.13 of the Charter reads; Investigations. The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as may be prescribed by ordinance.
City Hall sources say the Council will conduct hearings and take depositions from witnesses called to testify. If the investigation determines the Mayor violated the charter in signing a contract illegally, impeachment proceedings could be commenced.
As reported on February 5, 2005, we were told by our source that Express Scripts, the company the Mayor signed the contract with, was expected to ask for damages in excess of $200,000.
On February 5, 2005, the First Capitol News reported; ..... 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 claimed no knowledge of it. The City legal department was not aware the contract existed and could not locate a copy. Express Scripts provided the City a copy of the contract, which was signed by Mayor York.
Sources say 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.
Candidate For St. Charles Police Chief Had Reign Filled With Conflict In Peoria
By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned City Administrator Alan Williams intends to bring forward Keith Rippy as his choice for St. Charles Police Chief. Sources at the police department have told us Rippy, a former chief in Peoria, Illinois has already been in St. Charles and has met with the command staff at the police department. It is believed Rippy has already taken a psychological test. We believe he was scheduled to be interviewed by City Council members Thursday evening. We were unable to determine prior to press time if the interview was conducted.
Keith Rippy served as Chief of Police in Peoria, Illinois for about 3 years. He also served as Chief of Police in the country of Haiti. He is currently working with a company in St. Charles, Illinois that is involved in police computer systems.
On November 26, 1990, Rippy was hired as the Chief of Police of Peoria, Illinois. On August 19, 1993 Rippy resigned, two days after the Peoria City Council privately pressured the City Manager to make drastic changes in Rippy’s role or remove the beleaguered police chief.
Rippy’s reign as Police Chief of Peoria was filled with conflict.
Chief Rippy, along with the Mayor and City Manager, was accused of using police officers to conduct a secret investigation and surveillance of a City Council member (Peoria Journal Star June 23, 1995 by Phil Luciano); planning to use a prostitute to set up a City Council Member (Peoria Journal Star, June 23, 1995 by Phil Luciano, October 11, 1995 by Bob Bouyea, October 13, 1995 by Bob Bouyea); hiring an assistant Police Chief with questionable credentials (Peoria Journal Star, June 28, 1995 by Pam Adams; January 30, 1998 by Omar Sofradzija), attempting to force high ranking members of the department to retire (Peoria Journal Star, April 13, 1993 by Stephen Witmer) and firing a Police Lieutenant for allegedly leaking news to the media (Peoria Journal Star, January 29, 1993 by Sarah Okeson).
In 1992 the Council had an independent study made of the Peoria Police Department. In an editorial in the Peoria Journal Star dated March 9, 1992 it was reported the study turned up unexpectedly serious operational and safety problems. According to the editorial, supervision is weak, particularly at the lieutenant and sergeant level, in part because the positions seem to be out of the command loop. Mid-level managers spend too much time in the station shuffling paper and not enough time on the street talking to their officers and the public. Overtime is twice what it should be for a department this size, growing 107 percent in the last five years. Much of the overtime went to supervisors who schedule their own working hours or to patrol officers who built overtime into their regular schedules. Little consideration was given to whether the overtime was necessary; instead it was looked upon as a prerequisite. The police department is so rife with internal conflict that individual officers don’t trust or cooperate with each other. Routine daily patrols proceed without coordination between officers and supervisors. The department has no management development or training program so young cops can learn what it takes to become a supervisor. Officers don’t regularly follow up citizen complaints, inquiries or concerns, when they involve serious crimes. Crime victims for example, aren’t kept abreast of the investigation and, when an arrest is made, frequently don’t know the status of the case in court. Moreover, Police Chief Keith Rippy would like victims; witnesses and complainants referred to counseling, if they need it, or advised on how to avoid further problems. Because people fail to get their questions addressed, they believe the police department has little interest in them or their problems.
Peoria Journal Star, June 23, 1995
By Phil Luciana; Terry Bibo
RIPPY MADE SANDBERG TARGET OF PROBE
POLICE ALLEGEDLY LAUNCHED INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION AFTER TRAFFIC STOP
Peoria – Former Peoria Police chief Keith Rippy ordered his internal affairs department to investigate activities of City Councilman Gary Sandberg in 1993 – a rare departure from policy covering those investigators, sources tell the Journal star.
Rippy, through Assistant Chief Paul Bazzano, ordered the internal affairs division to investigate Sandberg after a traffic stop near Morton Square Park in May 1993 found a known prostitute was a passenger with Sandberg.
Police higher-ups “seized on it like a bloody piece of meat in the ocean. The sharks went after it,” one source said. Another source said internal affairs investigators were told to “target” Sandberg. Sandberg admits he was giving a ride to a woman he later learned was Kay Wright, a convicted prostitute. “I had no reason to believe she was a prostitute he says. He has always maintained he does not patronize prostitutes.
An anonymous letter about that incident was widely distributed to city and county officials, news organizations, neighborhood groups and churches earlier this week. That may have prompted four different sources within and outside the police department, speaking only on condition of anonymity, to reveal what happened next.
The first red flags were raised because Peoria police usually do not launch follow-up investigations regarding suspected misdemeanors such as prostitution. Further, internal affairs, which reports to the police chief and Assistant chief Bazzano, usually confines its investigations to intro-departmental matters. Using internal affairs to investigate possible misdemeanors by a non-police employee is thus extremely rare.
‘That’s kind of J. Edgar Hoover stuff,” says one source. “There’s nothing to justify . . . we don’t follow guys we catch 10 times,” for such offenses.
The incident was handled oddly from the beginning. The rookie officer who stopped Sandberg’s car after he made two right turns without a signal did not recognize him as a City Council member but did recognize the prostitute. The officer gave Sandberg a warning but issued no ticket. Later, the officer was advised to write a memo titled “Special Report,” dated May 20, 1993, and addressed to then Assistant Chief Jeanne Miller and Lt. Russell Buck. A second “Special Report” was made by Sgts. David Millard and Steve Eakle on June 2, 1993, after they interrogated Kay Wright.
Sources say police officials also took Sandberg’s photograph to other prostitutes, asking if they recognized him.
Another source said, “It proved he (Sandberg) was right. They had nothing.”
Twice questioned under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act in 1993, the city refused to release reports of that investigation or discuss the findings. (The internal documents, or a portion of them, were later leaked to the Journal Star.) Sandberg has not been charged with any prostitution-related offenses. Officially, the city still won’t confirm an investigation took place.
“The police department would not investigate any elected public official without cause or upon their own volition initiate one,” says City Manager Peter Korn. “To my knowledge.’
Asked if the investigation was closed, Korn said, “I can’t comment on that, even if there was an investigation, if there was.”
Bazzano told the Journal Star on Thursday that, because the matter was the subject of an internal investigation, he would not comment on its specific or if Rippy ordered the probe. Rippy quit under City Council pressure in August 1993, with Sandberg as one of his chief political foes.
However, Bazzano did say, “Something of that magnitude (politically) certainly has to be the decision of the chief executive of the organization.”
Rippy reportedly is out of the country and could not be reached for comment. His successor, Arthur Kelly, declined to comment about the matter Thursday.
Sandberg commented only briefly, but raised even more questions.
“My basic concern is, if government abuses it’s focus and powers, it’s not a government I want to be a part of,” he says. “I have some reason to believe this is not just focused on me, but anyone who disagrees with the ‘power team.’ “ Asked who he meant by the “power team,” he replied, “I don’t want to make any assertions until I can pin them down.”
According to the Peoria Journal Star Rippy also had officers stake out Sandberg’s home and Morton Square Park in hopes of catching Sandberg patronizing prostitutes.
The Peoria Journal Star also reported that Rippy put out qualifications for the job of assistant police chief. He required a Masters degree as part of the educational qualifications. Local officers suspected they weren’t considered merely because they were insiders. City manager Peter Korn explained, feebly, why they couldn’t find any qualified minority candidates.
Paul Bazzano was hired as assistant Chief. The Peoria Benevolent association, several years after Bazzano’s hiring, discovered that his bachelor’s degree was from an unaccredited correspondence school. Bazzano, when hired, wasn’t working on his master’s and he didn’t lie about his qualifications. He simply didn’t mention the name of the college he graduated from on his resume. It’s not clear whether anyone asked. The police officers union called for Bazzano’s ouster and an independent investigation of their bosses.
Peoria Journal star, January 29, 1993
By Sarah Okeson
A Peoria police officer accused of leaking information to the news media was fired Thursday, eight months after he was placed on paid leave while the department investigated the allegations.
Lt. Paul Hibser said he was fired from his $55,000-a-year post Thursday, effective immediately, after allegations that he had leaked information to reporters and tried to intimidate a clerical worker who saw him with a letter written by the leaker.
Hibser denied the charges and said Police Chief Keith Rippy is trying to get back at him for complaining that Rippy was pressuring him to back off investigating a 23-year-old murder case and another possible murder.
“Mr. Rippy and his staff have gone out of their way to harass me into early retirement,” said Hibser, who had won numerous awards during his 28 years as a Peoria police officer. “Because I wouldn’t retire they finally fired me.”
Rippy declined to comment on Hibser’s charges.
Hibser is a graduate of the FBI academy and has received more than 40 letters of appreciation and commendations from citizens and officials. He has received the Peoria department’s Distinguished Police Duty Award., Combat Valor Award, Life Saving Award, and in 1989 he received the Illinois Police Associations Distinguished Law Enforcement Award.
After leaving Peoria Rippy wrote a blistering letter to City Manager Peter Korn. In his letter Rippy wrote, “Most importantly, you sir are a liar, a coward, and totally lacking in ethics. I am incapable of understanding how someone can sell himself out for something as insignificant as a job.”
Should Rippy be selected as the Chief of Police of St. Charles, Missouri it will be necessary that he attend academy training before he can become a sworn officer. Until that time he would not have the power of arrest or be allowed to carry a firearm.
We attempted to contact several members of the City Council prior to press time for comment, but they were unavailable. A city hall source told us Rippy attended the FBI Academy with Dave King, former St. Charles Police Chief. King is in St. Charles to assist City Administrator Williams with his search for a police chief.
St. Charles has been without a permanent police chief since September of 2003.
MORE NEXT EDITION
The First Capitol News has learned City Administrator Alan Williams intends to bring forward Keith Rippy as his choice for St. Charles Police Chief. Sources at the police department have told us Rippy, a former chief in Peoria, Illinois has already been in St. Charles and has met with the command staff at the police department. It is believed Rippy has already taken a psychological test. We believe he was scheduled to be interviewed by City Council members Thursday evening. We were unable to determine prior to press time if the interview was conducted.
Keith Rippy served as Chief of Police in Peoria, Illinois for about 3 years. He also served as Chief of Police in the country of Haiti. He is currently working with a company in St. Charles, Illinois that is involved in police computer systems.
On November 26, 1990, Rippy was hired as the Chief of Police of Peoria, Illinois. On August 19, 1993 Rippy resigned, two days after the Peoria City Council privately pressured the City Manager to make drastic changes in Rippy’s role or remove the beleaguered police chief.
Rippy’s reign as Police Chief of Peoria was filled with conflict.
Chief Rippy, along with the Mayor and City Manager, was accused of using police officers to conduct a secret investigation and surveillance of a City Council member (Peoria Journal Star June 23, 1995 by Phil Luciano); planning to use a prostitute to set up a City Council Member (Peoria Journal Star, June 23, 1995 by Phil Luciano, October 11, 1995 by Bob Bouyea, October 13, 1995 by Bob Bouyea); hiring an assistant Police Chief with questionable credentials (Peoria Journal Star, June 28, 1995 by Pam Adams; January 30, 1998 by Omar Sofradzija), attempting to force high ranking members of the department to retire (Peoria Journal Star, April 13, 1993 by Stephen Witmer) and firing a Police Lieutenant for allegedly leaking news to the media (Peoria Journal Star, January 29, 1993 by Sarah Okeson).
In 1992 the Council had an independent study made of the Peoria Police Department. In an editorial in the Peoria Journal Star dated March 9, 1992 it was reported the study turned up unexpectedly serious operational and safety problems. According to the editorial, supervision is weak, particularly at the lieutenant and sergeant level, in part because the positions seem to be out of the command loop. Mid-level managers spend too much time in the station shuffling paper and not enough time on the street talking to their officers and the public. Overtime is twice what it should be for a department this size, growing 107 percent in the last five years. Much of the overtime went to supervisors who schedule their own working hours or to patrol officers who built overtime into their regular schedules. Little consideration was given to whether the overtime was necessary; instead it was looked upon as a prerequisite. The police department is so rife with internal conflict that individual officers don’t trust or cooperate with each other. Routine daily patrols proceed without coordination between officers and supervisors. The department has no management development or training program so young cops can learn what it takes to become a supervisor. Officers don’t regularly follow up citizen complaints, inquiries or concerns, when they involve serious crimes. Crime victims for example, aren’t kept abreast of the investigation and, when an arrest is made, frequently don’t know the status of the case in court. Moreover, Police Chief Keith Rippy would like victims; witnesses and complainants referred to counseling, if they need it, or advised on how to avoid further problems. Because people fail to get their questions addressed, they believe the police department has little interest in them or their problems.
Peoria Journal Star, June 23, 1995
By Phil Luciana; Terry Bibo
RIPPY MADE SANDBERG TARGET OF PROBE
POLICE ALLEGEDLY LAUNCHED INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION AFTER TRAFFIC STOP
Peoria – Former Peoria Police chief Keith Rippy ordered his internal affairs department to investigate activities of City Councilman Gary Sandberg in 1993 – a rare departure from policy covering those investigators, sources tell the Journal star.
Rippy, through Assistant Chief Paul Bazzano, ordered the internal affairs division to investigate Sandberg after a traffic stop near Morton Square Park in May 1993 found a known prostitute was a passenger with Sandberg.
Police higher-ups “seized on it like a bloody piece of meat in the ocean. The sharks went after it,” one source said. Another source said internal affairs investigators were told to “target” Sandberg. Sandberg admits he was giving a ride to a woman he later learned was Kay Wright, a convicted prostitute. “I had no reason to believe she was a prostitute he says. He has always maintained he does not patronize prostitutes.
An anonymous letter about that incident was widely distributed to city and county officials, news organizations, neighborhood groups and churches earlier this week. That may have prompted four different sources within and outside the police department, speaking only on condition of anonymity, to reveal what happened next.
The first red flags were raised because Peoria police usually do not launch follow-up investigations regarding suspected misdemeanors such as prostitution. Further, internal affairs, which reports to the police chief and Assistant chief Bazzano, usually confines its investigations to intro-departmental matters. Using internal affairs to investigate possible misdemeanors by a non-police employee is thus extremely rare.
‘That’s kind of J. Edgar Hoover stuff,” says one source. “There’s nothing to justify . . . we don’t follow guys we catch 10 times,” for such offenses.
The incident was handled oddly from the beginning. The rookie officer who stopped Sandberg’s car after he made two right turns without a signal did not recognize him as a City Council member but did recognize the prostitute. The officer gave Sandberg a warning but issued no ticket. Later, the officer was advised to write a memo titled “Special Report,” dated May 20, 1993, and addressed to then Assistant Chief Jeanne Miller and Lt. Russell Buck. A second “Special Report” was made by Sgts. David Millard and Steve Eakle on June 2, 1993, after they interrogated Kay Wright.
Sources say police officials also took Sandberg’s photograph to other prostitutes, asking if they recognized him.
Another source said, “It proved he (Sandberg) was right. They had nothing.”
Twice questioned under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act in 1993, the city refused to release reports of that investigation or discuss the findings. (The internal documents, or a portion of them, were later leaked to the Journal Star.) Sandberg has not been charged with any prostitution-related offenses. Officially, the city still won’t confirm an investigation took place.
“The police department would not investigate any elected public official without cause or upon their own volition initiate one,” says City Manager Peter Korn. “To my knowledge.’
Asked if the investigation was closed, Korn said, “I can’t comment on that, even if there was an investigation, if there was.”
Bazzano told the Journal Star on Thursday that, because the matter was the subject of an internal investigation, he would not comment on its specific or if Rippy ordered the probe. Rippy quit under City Council pressure in August 1993, with Sandberg as one of his chief political foes.
However, Bazzano did say, “Something of that magnitude (politically) certainly has to be the decision of the chief executive of the organization.”
Rippy reportedly is out of the country and could not be reached for comment. His successor, Arthur Kelly, declined to comment about the matter Thursday.
Sandberg commented only briefly, but raised even more questions.
“My basic concern is, if government abuses it’s focus and powers, it’s not a government I want to be a part of,” he says. “I have some reason to believe this is not just focused on me, but anyone who disagrees with the ‘power team.’ “ Asked who he meant by the “power team,” he replied, “I don’t want to make any assertions until I can pin them down.”
According to the Peoria Journal Star Rippy also had officers stake out Sandberg’s home and Morton Square Park in hopes of catching Sandberg patronizing prostitutes.
The Peoria Journal Star also reported that Rippy put out qualifications for the job of assistant police chief. He required a Masters degree as part of the educational qualifications. Local officers suspected they weren’t considered merely because they were insiders. City manager Peter Korn explained, feebly, why they couldn’t find any qualified minority candidates.
Paul Bazzano was hired as assistant Chief. The Peoria Benevolent association, several years after Bazzano’s hiring, discovered that his bachelor’s degree was from an unaccredited correspondence school. Bazzano, when hired, wasn’t working on his master’s and he didn’t lie about his qualifications. He simply didn’t mention the name of the college he graduated from on his resume. It’s not clear whether anyone asked. The police officers union called for Bazzano’s ouster and an independent investigation of their bosses.
Peoria Journal star, January 29, 1993
By Sarah Okeson
A Peoria police officer accused of leaking information to the news media was fired Thursday, eight months after he was placed on paid leave while the department investigated the allegations.
Lt. Paul Hibser said he was fired from his $55,000-a-year post Thursday, effective immediately, after allegations that he had leaked information to reporters and tried to intimidate a clerical worker who saw him with a letter written by the leaker.
Hibser denied the charges and said Police Chief Keith Rippy is trying to get back at him for complaining that Rippy was pressuring him to back off investigating a 23-year-old murder case and another possible murder.
“Mr. Rippy and his staff have gone out of their way to harass me into early retirement,” said Hibser, who had won numerous awards during his 28 years as a Peoria police officer. “Because I wouldn’t retire they finally fired me.”
Rippy declined to comment on Hibser’s charges.
Hibser is a graduate of the FBI academy and has received more than 40 letters of appreciation and commendations from citizens and officials. He has received the Peoria department’s Distinguished Police Duty Award., Combat Valor Award, Life Saving Award, and in 1989 he received the Illinois Police Associations Distinguished Law Enforcement Award.
After leaving Peoria Rippy wrote a blistering letter to City Manager Peter Korn. In his letter Rippy wrote, “Most importantly, you sir are a liar, a coward, and totally lacking in ethics. I am incapable of understanding how someone can sell himself out for something as insignificant as a job.”
Should Rippy be selected as the Chief of Police of St. Charles, Missouri it will be necessary that he attend academy training before he can become a sworn officer. Until that time he would not have the power of arrest or be allowed to carry a firearm.
We attempted to contact several members of the City Council prior to press time for comment, but they were unavailable. A city hall source told us Rippy attended the FBI Academy with Dave King, former St. Charles Police Chief. King is in St. Charles to assist City Administrator Williams with his search for a police chief.
St. Charles has been without a permanent police chief since September of 2003.
MORE NEXT EDITION
RAMBLING With The Editor - Tony Brockmeyer
WHO SELECTS THE CHIEF OF POLICE?
It appears many in the community have a difficult time understanding the process of selecting a chief of police. This process is spelled out in the Charter, something some might want to read before spouting off about who is to blame for the lack of a Chief. First, the St. Charles City Council does not pick the chief. They simply approve or disapprove a candidate. This holds true for the Mayor. The City Administrator is responsible for providing a name for the Mayor and the City Council approval. To date the only name presented to the Council has been Major Bob Lowery, they said yes. The only obstacle was the Mayor. Since that time a gentleman from the Kansas City suburbs was considered. He was willing to take the job until he spoke with the Mayor. During the conversation the Mayor allegedly told him certain officers were hands off. The next day he phoned the City Administrator and told him in a very professional manner to remove his name.
For those who like to point fingers, they should point them directly at the Mayor. York has someone on the police force that has some type of power over her and her husband and can block appointments to the chief’s job with just a phone call.
So let’s set the record straight, the Council has had only one name to consider and they said yes. The Mayor has had more than one and has yet to agree. The City Administrator has a candidate that appears less than qualified. See story on page one. With a budget of over $90 million and being the second largest city in the region, why would we accept someone who has been out of the job for 12 years? This paper has learned there are a number of more qualified candidates that have sent in applications once they understood Lowery was out of the running. Makes you wonder what we are passing up with Lowery when others refused to compete against him.
So the process is: City Administrator recommends, Mayor approves or disapproves, Council approves or disapproves. I just hope this City Administrator doesn’t try to make it look like the Council is standing in the way if he continues to push a less than stellar candidate to lead this leaderless police department. Let’s face it, if the Mayor would stop trying to protect the bad apples, the department would run with any Chief. As long as she allows the FOP and SCPOA the veto power, this City will never have a police department that runs well and one that has officers we can promote from within.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO RUN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?
Remember the jokes about how many people does it take to do anything? This City has somewhat of a joke going on right now. How many people can we hire to run this police department? The answer is five. We have hired two acting chiefs, a consultant to help the hiring process, a consultant to the consultant to do background checks and a City Administrator that is making $148,000 per year. By the way he promised to have a Chief over three weeks ago but has not lived up to that promise. So what is the problem? Let me tell you what I believe. We have a City Administrator who chose his candidate for Chief over a month ago. He knew the Mayor had a candidate she was pushing and he knew Major Lowery was the favorite of the Council and many in the community. How do you get around that? Williams brings forward Lowery’s name without much passion and tells the Mayor he is doing this for a show and Williams really doesn’t want him. Next Williams floats the name of the Mayor’s choice because Williams knows the Council will refuse her son’s boss. The plan is working. Both have been eliminated. Now it is time to bring forward the name of the person from Peoria who Williams had originally mentioned when first hired. The City Administrator brings in two acting chiefs the Mayor recommends because he knows they will be less than aggressive and have cut a deal to protect the chosen few. These two have been lacking in leadership to hold any of the officers accountable for costing the tax payers over $50,000 to determine if letters filed with City stating stress where true. By the way the acting chief wants these letters to be swept under the carpet. This sweeping is becoming a tradition with the Mayor. Every problem is just ignored or covered up. Instead of taking these officers off the street, the City Administrator once again bows to the Mayor and leaves them to protect and serve even though they state they are having difficulty in dealing with the public and are suffering from emotional problems.
The new City Administrator’s plan appears to be working. The original person he wanted is now the front runner. Williams gave the Council and the Mayor a speech saying he can’t find anyone who wants to work here, setting the stage to hire a less than qualified candidate. This is his choice, as well as the choice of former police chief Dave King, who the City Administrator has hired as a consultant.
The Chief of Police job should not be a political football. It has been made one by our Mayor. The City Council stood stead fast behind the only name presented to them. The Mayor has proven she is willing to play politics with your safety and her pick for City Administrator believes the same.
This Council has allowed the Mayor to run the City in this manner. They are responsible for the problems because they are allowing her to violate the Charter and the laws of the City. This Council was elected to clean up the City and the malfeasance that has plagued York’s administration. York has proven to be someone who can get elected but once she is in office has no idea what to do. Her lack of character and honesty will haunt this City for a long time if this Council does not hold her responsible.
It appears many in the community have a difficult time understanding the process of selecting a chief of police. This process is spelled out in the Charter, something some might want to read before spouting off about who is to blame for the lack of a Chief. First, the St. Charles City Council does not pick the chief. They simply approve or disapprove a candidate. This holds true for the Mayor. The City Administrator is responsible for providing a name for the Mayor and the City Council approval. To date the only name presented to the Council has been Major Bob Lowery, they said yes. The only obstacle was the Mayor. Since that time a gentleman from the Kansas City suburbs was considered. He was willing to take the job until he spoke with the Mayor. During the conversation the Mayor allegedly told him certain officers were hands off. The next day he phoned the City Administrator and told him in a very professional manner to remove his name.
For those who like to point fingers, they should point them directly at the Mayor. York has someone on the police force that has some type of power over her and her husband and can block appointments to the chief’s job with just a phone call.
So let’s set the record straight, the Council has had only one name to consider and they said yes. The Mayor has had more than one and has yet to agree. The City Administrator has a candidate that appears less than qualified. See story on page one. With a budget of over $90 million and being the second largest city in the region, why would we accept someone who has been out of the job for 12 years? This paper has learned there are a number of more qualified candidates that have sent in applications once they understood Lowery was out of the running. Makes you wonder what we are passing up with Lowery when others refused to compete against him.
So the process is: City Administrator recommends, Mayor approves or disapproves, Council approves or disapproves. I just hope this City Administrator doesn’t try to make it look like the Council is standing in the way if he continues to push a less than stellar candidate to lead this leaderless police department. Let’s face it, if the Mayor would stop trying to protect the bad apples, the department would run with any Chief. As long as she allows the FOP and SCPOA the veto power, this City will never have a police department that runs well and one that has officers we can promote from within.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO RUN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?
Remember the jokes about how many people does it take to do anything? This City has somewhat of a joke going on right now. How many people can we hire to run this police department? The answer is five. We have hired two acting chiefs, a consultant to help the hiring process, a consultant to the consultant to do background checks and a City Administrator that is making $148,000 per year. By the way he promised to have a Chief over three weeks ago but has not lived up to that promise. So what is the problem? Let me tell you what I believe. We have a City Administrator who chose his candidate for Chief over a month ago. He knew the Mayor had a candidate she was pushing and he knew Major Lowery was the favorite of the Council and many in the community. How do you get around that? Williams brings forward Lowery’s name without much passion and tells the Mayor he is doing this for a show and Williams really doesn’t want him. Next Williams floats the name of the Mayor’s choice because Williams knows the Council will refuse her son’s boss. The plan is working. Both have been eliminated. Now it is time to bring forward the name of the person from Peoria who Williams had originally mentioned when first hired. The City Administrator brings in two acting chiefs the Mayor recommends because he knows they will be less than aggressive and have cut a deal to protect the chosen few. These two have been lacking in leadership to hold any of the officers accountable for costing the tax payers over $50,000 to determine if letters filed with City stating stress where true. By the way the acting chief wants these letters to be swept under the carpet. This sweeping is becoming a tradition with the Mayor. Every problem is just ignored or covered up. Instead of taking these officers off the street, the City Administrator once again bows to the Mayor and leaves them to protect and serve even though they state they are having difficulty in dealing with the public and are suffering from emotional problems.
The new City Administrator’s plan appears to be working. The original person he wanted is now the front runner. Williams gave the Council and the Mayor a speech saying he can’t find anyone who wants to work here, setting the stage to hire a less than qualified candidate. This is his choice, as well as the choice of former police chief Dave King, who the City Administrator has hired as a consultant.
The Chief of Police job should not be a political football. It has been made one by our Mayor. The City Council stood stead fast behind the only name presented to them. The Mayor has proven she is willing to play politics with your safety and her pick for City Administrator believes the same.
This Council has allowed the Mayor to run the City in this manner. They are responsible for the problems because they are allowing her to violate the Charter and the laws of the City. This Council was elected to clean up the City and the malfeasance that has plagued York’s administration. York has proven to be someone who can get elected but once she is in office has no idea what to do. Her lack of character and honesty will haunt this City for a long time if this Council does not hold her responsible.
THE CITY DESK City Council President Rory Riddler
County Executive Announces
Plans For World Domination…
Starting With Our Fire Department
Forget about Alexander the Great. He was an amateur when it comes to asserting power over your neighbors. County Executive Joe Ortwerth has him beat hands down. In the “we can’t believe he said that” portion of today’s news, the County Executive announced he had all the authority he needed under the County Charter to take over any fire district, fire department or for that matter any municipal service he wanted to. His crack County Counselor was there to back him up and claim the Charter gave them power over “ALL” services of any municipality or political subdivision except school districts.
Wow! You have to admire the audacity. What would have taken Alexander the Great a good size army and a few elephants to accomplish, Joe Ortwerth is able to do with one attorney. He is truly a legend in his own mind. I would recommend Joe hold off on the coronation, however, till he gets a second opinion…say from a high school civics class.
Consulting the entrails of sheep or the local oracle might have been good enough for an ancient Macedonian to base his conquests upon, but Ortwerth may need a more firm legal foundation. People in this country tend to frown on overthrowing democracy. We’re sort of use to it.
What Joe Ortwerth wants to do is to consolidate all of the fire districts, our city fire department and the county ambulance service under one giant agency and, of course, under his control. Now some consolidation of fire districts might be a good thing, if all sides sit down and agree to it. But nothing is gained by city taxpayers, who currently don’t have to pay a separate fire district tax. Allowing the County to “steal” millions of dollars of fire apparatus and buildings we’ve already paid for, and then increase our property taxes, adds insult to injury. If County residents want better fire service, let them pay for it. Don’t tax us to give them full-time professional firefighters, if they weren’t willing to raise their own taxes to replace volunteer departments.
Of course what Ortwerth announced is more far sweeping than just taking over the fire department. He announced all municipal services, including our Parks System, are subject to be taken over by the County. I simply can’t believe the County Executive and County Counselor have uncovered a principal of law so profound as to change the relationship of municipal and county governments throughout the State of Missouri. It goes against everything I’ve learned about Missouri government. St. Charles City is a Constitutional Charter City. We are a creation of State Government, the same as the County. We have powers equal to, and in some cases greater than, those of the County. No where in Missouri’s Constitution does it say that cities in Missouri are subservient to the counties they are in.
Sometimes specific services are reserved for one or the other. For example, the County does restaurant inspections and we are prohibited from doing restaurant inspections. But it was the Missouri General Assembly that decided that’s the way it should be…not a creative interpretation of the County Charter.
I would have thought after wasting $500,000 of taxpayers money fighting a losing battle against the City of St. Peters over TIFs that the County Executive would slow down a little on trying to rewrite State Laws through the courts. But his latest “interpretation” of State Law, the Missouri Constitution and the County Charter sets the stage for legal battles that will make the St. Peters fight look tame…and cheap.
Speaking of the County Charter, I thought I should take a moment to introduce the County Executive to this important document. Later he can go back to using it to polish his armor.
SECTION 1.600: RESTRICTIONS
“Nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to give to the County of St. Charles any rights or powers over or pertaining to school districts; fire protection districts; or Cities, Towns, or Villages that are not granted by law to First Class Charter Counties.”
So in other words the County Charter specifically says “nothing” in the County Charter should be construed as to giving the County “any rights or powers” over any city. But isn’t that just what the County Counselor and County Executive said they were doing…construing the Charter to give them power to take over any municipal service? Shouldn’t a County Executive be upholding the County Charter?
Here’s another part of the Charter they must have missed:
SECTION 10.500: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
“In order to eliminate duplication of services and to provide for an equitable distribution of costs to all County residents, all departments, officers, boards and commissions provided for in this Charter, or later created, shall cooperate and coordinate their respective activities with the cities, towns, and villages and special purpose districts of the County. Any new service…shall be provided to or made available for all municipal residents provided such new service or activity is requested by resolution of the city, town, or village.”
First, it would seem to me that the framers of the County charter and the voters who approved it, wanted the County to get along with its neighbors, i. e. the cities, towns and villages. They wanted to discourage the kind of strife Ortwerth seems to feed on. I particularly like the part that says if the County offers its residents new services the cities have to request that service be extended to them. So if the County were to take over the operation of the fire and ambulance districts of the county, it would appear clear the only way that new service could be extended into the City of St. Charles would be by our requesting it by resolution. That must not be the part of the Charter that Ortwerth was referring to either.
The portion of the County Charter dealing with the powers of the County Council (Section 2.529) first says what they can do, then places a specific restriction that their power only covers those areas “outside” incorporated cities, towns and villages. Here is the exact language so you can see it for yourself:
“Exercise legislative power pertaining to public health and welfare, Police and traffic, building construction, and planning and zoning, in the part of the County outside incorporated Cities, Towns, and Villages…”
Even when the County Charter gives the County authority to tax or regulate business within an incorporated area, it does so only with the “consent” of the city (Section 2.514). Now why would the framers of the Charter put that language in, if, as the County Counselor said, municipalities are subject to the will of the county? This same section also contains this language in the same vein, “Nothing in this Charter shall preempt the power of any local government to license, tax, and regulate in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable law…”
Another interesting section of the County Charter gives the County the power to enter into “cooperative agreements” with cities to provide common services (Section 2.528). Now there is a novel approach. Why not sit down with your neighbors, the municipalities, to cooperate rather than trying to impose your legal will.
Section 3.612 speaks even more directly to this point:
“Promote and encourage cooperative relationships between the County and the political subdivisions within the County in matters relating to public health, safety, and public welfare and any and all other governmental functions in which the people of the County could gain through better cooperative arrangements…”
I know talking isn’t as much fun as putting your enemies to the sword and burning down their villages.
Plans For World Domination…
Starting With Our Fire Department
Forget about Alexander the Great. He was an amateur when it comes to asserting power over your neighbors. County Executive Joe Ortwerth has him beat hands down. In the “we can’t believe he said that” portion of today’s news, the County Executive announced he had all the authority he needed under the County Charter to take over any fire district, fire department or for that matter any municipal service he wanted to. His crack County Counselor was there to back him up and claim the Charter gave them power over “ALL” services of any municipality or political subdivision except school districts.
Wow! You have to admire the audacity. What would have taken Alexander the Great a good size army and a few elephants to accomplish, Joe Ortwerth is able to do with one attorney. He is truly a legend in his own mind. I would recommend Joe hold off on the coronation, however, till he gets a second opinion…say from a high school civics class.
Consulting the entrails of sheep or the local oracle might have been good enough for an ancient Macedonian to base his conquests upon, but Ortwerth may need a more firm legal foundation. People in this country tend to frown on overthrowing democracy. We’re sort of use to it.
What Joe Ortwerth wants to do is to consolidate all of the fire districts, our city fire department and the county ambulance service under one giant agency and, of course, under his control. Now some consolidation of fire districts might be a good thing, if all sides sit down and agree to it. But nothing is gained by city taxpayers, who currently don’t have to pay a separate fire district tax. Allowing the County to “steal” millions of dollars of fire apparatus and buildings we’ve already paid for, and then increase our property taxes, adds insult to injury. If County residents want better fire service, let them pay for it. Don’t tax us to give them full-time professional firefighters, if they weren’t willing to raise their own taxes to replace volunteer departments.
Of course what Ortwerth announced is more far sweeping than just taking over the fire department. He announced all municipal services, including our Parks System, are subject to be taken over by the County. I simply can’t believe the County Executive and County Counselor have uncovered a principal of law so profound as to change the relationship of municipal and county governments throughout the State of Missouri. It goes against everything I’ve learned about Missouri government. St. Charles City is a Constitutional Charter City. We are a creation of State Government, the same as the County. We have powers equal to, and in some cases greater than, those of the County. No where in Missouri’s Constitution does it say that cities in Missouri are subservient to the counties they are in.
Sometimes specific services are reserved for one or the other. For example, the County does restaurant inspections and we are prohibited from doing restaurant inspections. But it was the Missouri General Assembly that decided that’s the way it should be…not a creative interpretation of the County Charter.
I would have thought after wasting $500,000 of taxpayers money fighting a losing battle against the City of St. Peters over TIFs that the County Executive would slow down a little on trying to rewrite State Laws through the courts. But his latest “interpretation” of State Law, the Missouri Constitution and the County Charter sets the stage for legal battles that will make the St. Peters fight look tame…and cheap.
Speaking of the County Charter, I thought I should take a moment to introduce the County Executive to this important document. Later he can go back to using it to polish his armor.
SECTION 1.600: RESTRICTIONS
“Nothing herein contained shall be construed so as to give to the County of St. Charles any rights or powers over or pertaining to school districts; fire protection districts; or Cities, Towns, or Villages that are not granted by law to First Class Charter Counties.”
So in other words the County Charter specifically says “nothing” in the County Charter should be construed as to giving the County “any rights or powers” over any city. But isn’t that just what the County Counselor and County Executive said they were doing…construing the Charter to give them power to take over any municipal service? Shouldn’t a County Executive be upholding the County Charter?
Here’s another part of the Charter they must have missed:
SECTION 10.500: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
“In order to eliminate duplication of services and to provide for an equitable distribution of costs to all County residents, all departments, officers, boards and commissions provided for in this Charter, or later created, shall cooperate and coordinate their respective activities with the cities, towns, and villages and special purpose districts of the County. Any new service…shall be provided to or made available for all municipal residents provided such new service or activity is requested by resolution of the city, town, or village.”
First, it would seem to me that the framers of the County charter and the voters who approved it, wanted the County to get along with its neighbors, i. e. the cities, towns and villages. They wanted to discourage the kind of strife Ortwerth seems to feed on. I particularly like the part that says if the County offers its residents new services the cities have to request that service be extended to them. So if the County were to take over the operation of the fire and ambulance districts of the county, it would appear clear the only way that new service could be extended into the City of St. Charles would be by our requesting it by resolution. That must not be the part of the Charter that Ortwerth was referring to either.
The portion of the County Charter dealing with the powers of the County Council (Section 2.529) first says what they can do, then places a specific restriction that their power only covers those areas “outside” incorporated cities, towns and villages. Here is the exact language so you can see it for yourself:
“Exercise legislative power pertaining to public health and welfare, Police and traffic, building construction, and planning and zoning, in the part of the County outside incorporated Cities, Towns, and Villages…”
Even when the County Charter gives the County authority to tax or regulate business within an incorporated area, it does so only with the “consent” of the city (Section 2.514). Now why would the framers of the Charter put that language in, if, as the County Counselor said, municipalities are subject to the will of the county? This same section also contains this language in the same vein, “Nothing in this Charter shall preempt the power of any local government to license, tax, and regulate in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable law…”
Another interesting section of the County Charter gives the County the power to enter into “cooperative agreements” with cities to provide common services (Section 2.528). Now there is a novel approach. Why not sit down with your neighbors, the municipalities, to cooperate rather than trying to impose your legal will.
Section 3.612 speaks even more directly to this point:
“Promote and encourage cooperative relationships between the County and the political subdivisions within the County in matters relating to public health, safety, and public welfare and any and all other governmental functions in which the people of the County could gain through better cooperative arrangements…”
I know talking isn’t as much fun as putting your enemies to the sword and burning down their villages.
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