Craig Lentz finally has been awarded custody of his son after 7 years. His son Noah was adopted without Mr. Lentz’s consent in 2004.  RaytownOnline.com reported on the custody dispute almost exactly one year ago.

 http://raytownonline.com/2011/a-raytown-father-battles-for-custody-of-his-son/

This new video on the battle is from FOX 4 Kansas City and we thank them for providing the embedding code that allows RaytownOnline.com to add the video to this article.

For more on this click HERE to read the FOX 4 Kansas City article.

AARP tax representatives will be at Raytown Mid-Continent Library, 6131 Raytown Road to help seniors with moderate incomes with questions and preparation of their tax forms at 10 a.m. on Monday the 27th of Feb.

 LaRay Jenkins, 45, pleaded guilty today to involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in connection with the 2010 murder in Raytown of his wife, Diana Jenkins.

 As part of the plea agreement, Jenkins was sentenced to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and 3 years for the ACA count, to be served concurrently.

Diana Jenkins, 45, died in March 2010 from gunshots at her home in Raytown. Court documents filed when Jenkins was charged with his wife’s murder revealed that the victim had told police that her husband had been smoking crack. Jenkins told detectives he didn’t intend to shoot his wife.

Blotter for 2/21/2012

Blotter for 2/22/2012

A fire in the garage of a house located on Hardy Ave., late  Sunday evening (Feb. 19, 2012) caused about $45,000 in property damages and destroyed two cars in the garage.

BEFORE

AFTER

(The after picture and the follwing text are from a Raytown Fire Department press release)

KCFD dispatch received a call for a reported structure fire at the residence. The reason why KCFD received the 911 call instead of the Raytown dispatch center is still being investigated and may be related to the 911 call being made from a cell phone. KCFD dispatched according to the automatic aid agreement that both departments entered into two years ago. This means citizens benefit from having the closest fire truck responding regardless of which departments name is on the door. KCFD pumper 43 arrived at the scene first to find smoke and flames emanating from the garage. Three occupants had safely exited the structure and were found at their predetermined meeting place in the front yard. Both Raytown and KCFD crews utilized two 1¾” attack lines to bring the fire under control, and managed to rescue the family dog from the structure unharmed.

The Ron Ballenger family got to see a lot off the crocodiles while waiting for the all clear for roaming gorillas at the Kansas City Zoo.  The Ballenger family joined others in the crocodile house for safety at the zookeepers direction.

Click HERE to read the KC Star article on the incident.

In a interesting article in the Kansas City Star, Raytown Superintendent Allan Markley is quoted as stating…

“Some will argue they’ve had a chance for 30 years,” Raytown Superintendent Allan Markley said. “But their feet haven’t been held to the fire the way they are now. If everyone is ready to rally behind them, they should be given the chance.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/19/3439864/scenarios-swirl-for-kc-district.html#storylink=cpy

Meeting Agenda

Meeting Web Packet

Work Session Agenda

Work Session Web Packet

There will be a 6:00pm work session this week.

The “Ultimate Chili Challenge” was held at Raytown High School last night where five teachers – one from each department – competed for the best chili concoction during halftime of the varsity basketball game for a monetary grand prize to put towards his/her department. Assistant Principal, Brad Drace, sampled the unique chili concoctions and chose the spicy, beefy chili recipe made by Social Studies teacher, Kevin Page. His secret ingredient? Raytown High School pride and, of course, Williams Chili Seasoning.  Clicking on the photos below will result in a much larger view.

Raytown High School Assistant Principal Brad Drace quickly samples the teachers’ chili concoctions during halftime of the varsity basketball game.

(L to R): Social Studies Teacher, Kevin Page, won $500 to put towards the Social Studies Department; Assistant Principal Brad Drace proudly displays the other check for $500 for Raytown High School. In total, Williams Foods donated $1,000 to Raytown High School.

There will be a Raytown School Board candidate forum on Feb. 25th at 2PM. The location is the Raytown Christian Church, located at 6108 Blue Ridge Boulevard. The event is sponsored by the NAACP and is open to the public. The NAACP held a similar forum for the candidates in the school board election held last year.

The following is from the invitation to the candidates.

“The forum format is a panel discussion, co-facilitated by two individuals with experience in education and community affairs. Candidates will have a brief opportunity to introduce themselves at the beginning of the forum, and to give a short summary at the conclusion. Questions will be solicited from district parents and other stakeholders in advance, as well as from audience members during the forum. Questions will be screened by the facilitators, and edited or condensed as needed to avoid redundancy and fit into the time allowed” 

City Administrator’s Report
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator

Administration

Mayor Bower will be delivering the 2012 State of the City Address on Wednesday, February 22nd. Reservations can still be made with the Raytown Chamber until noon on Monday, February 20th.

Economic Development

Staff is currently seeing a steady stream of development interest including potential new tenants for the Downtown, Gregory Square and Raytown Crossing East redevelopment areas. Additionally, we are assisting a number of firms in evaluating relocation (within Raytown) and expansions of existing operations. It appears that 2012 will continue the momentum established over the past few years.

Public Works

Crews responded to the first significant snowfall of the season on Monday; using 143 tons of salt and drove 1,549 miles in response to the snow event. Additionally, the sanitary sewer crews cleaned 5,781 feet of sewer line; the storm Crews removed debris and leaves from storm box inlets identified on the storm water issues spread sheet, repaired a ditch washout at 72nd Terrace and Hunter and reset a large storm box lid hit by a car at 81st and Spring Valley; and the maintenance garage mechanics have been busy up-fitting the new police patrol cars by installing lights, sirens, and data terminal equipment.

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is expected to announce a “Call for Projects” for the Federal Surface Transportation Program Grant Allotments for fiscal year 2015 – 2016, sometime this April. The Call for Projects is a competitive process with all municipalities and other eligible entities within the MARC metropolitan planning area vying to secure grant funding for roadway related projects. Staff has been successful in the past securing such grants and will work together to identify and submit projects that we believe to be the most competitive with the biggest impact and benefit to our community.

Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events

February 21 – Fire Board Meeting; Station 1, 9:00am
February 21 – Board of Aldermen Work Session; Council Chambers, 6:00pm
February 21 – Board of Aldermen Meeting; Council Chambers, 7:00pm
February 22 – Mayor’s State of the City Address; First Baptist Church of Raytown, 11:00am

RAYTOWN BOARD OF ALDERMEN

TENTATIVE AGENDA

FEBRUARY 14, 2012

REGULAR SESSION NO. 20

RAYTOWN CITY HALL

10000 EAST 59TH STREET

RAYTOWN, MISSOURI 64133

OPENING SESSION

7:00 P.M.

(or as soon as possible thereafter

the 6:00 p.m. Work Session)

Invocation

Pledge Of Allegiance

Roll Call

Proclamations and Presentations

? Proclamation recognizing Raytown Amateur Club

Public Comments

Communication from the Mayor

Communication from the City Administrator

Committee Reports

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

1. CONSENT AGENDA

All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Board of Aldermen and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion or debate. The Mayor or a member of the Board of Aldermen may request that any item be removed from the consent agenda. If there is no objection by the remaining members of the board, such item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. If there is an objection, the item may only be removed by a motion and vote of the board.

Approval of the Regular January 17, 2012 Board of Aldermen meeting minutes.

R-2484-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JO RIGGS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION COUNCIL. Point of Contact: Teresa Henry, City Clerk.

R-2485-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TERRY COPELAND TO THE RAYTOWN PARK BOARD. Point of Contact: Teresa Henry, City Clerk.

R-2486-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF AMMUNITION FROM GULF STATES DISTRIBUTORS OFF THE STATE OF MISSOURI LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY COOPERATIVE PURCHASE CONTRACT IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. Point of Contact: Jim Lynch, Police Chief.

R-2487-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS PARTS AND EQUIPMENT FROM BURNUP EQUIPMENT CO., INC. IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director.

Page 2 of 3

R-2488-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS PARTS AND EQUIPMENT FROM KEY EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY CO. IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director

R-2489-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS PARTS AND SERVICES FROM MID AMERICAN SIGNAL INC. IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. . Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director.

R-2490-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ASPHALT AND RELATED SUPPLIES FROM VANCE BROTHERS ASPHALT IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director.

R-2491-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ASPHALT AND RELATED SUPPLIES FROM HOT MIX MATERIALS IN EXCESS OF $15,000.00 BUT WITHIN BUDGETED AMOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director

REGULAR AGENDA

2. R-2492-12: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN AMENDED AGREEMENT FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES BETWEEN DOW RICHARDS, DO AND THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI. Point of Contact: Teresa Henry, City Clerk.

3. SECOND Reading: Bill No. 6281-12, Section V-A. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR A TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUNDS PROGRAM AGREEMENT. Point of Contact: John Benson, Interim Community Development Director.

4. FIRST Reading: Bill No. 6282-12, Section V-A. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY FOR THE BLUE RIDGE BOULEVARD BIKE LANE PROJECT. Point of Contact: Andy Noll, Public Works Director.

5. Public Hearing: A public hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit for property located at 9140 Highway 350.

5a. FIRST Reading: Bill No. 6283-12, Section XIII. AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO OPERATE A DAY CARE ON PROPERTY IN THE HIGHWAY CORRIDOR COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9140 EAST HIGHWAY 350. Point of Contact: John Benson, Interim Community Development Director.

Page 3 of 3

6. Public Hearing: A public hearing to consider the Rezoning of property located at 9109 East 63rd Street.

6a. FIRST Reading: Amended Bill No. 6284-12, Section XIII. AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND PLANNED DISTRICT OVERLAY TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND PLANNED DISTRICT OVERLAY ON LAND LOCATED AT 9109 EAST 63RD STREET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI . Point of Contact: John Benson, Interim Community Development Director.

DISCUSSION ITEM(S)

7. Memorandum of Understanding with the Raytown Park Board – Mayor Bower

ADJOURNMENT

Blotter for 2/13/2012

Blotter for 2/14/2012

Blotter for 2/15/2012

Blotter for 2/16/2012

Blotter for 2/17/2012

City Administrator’s Report
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator

Administration

As a reminder; the Mayor’s State of the City Address is slated for Wednesday, February 22nd, at the First Baptist Church of Raytown with networking time to begin at 11:00am, lunch to be served at 11:30am and the Mayor’s address approximately at noon. RSVP to the Chamber office by noon, Monday, February 20th.

Community Development

The Steering Committee for the CBD Streetscape Design met on Thursday, February 9th to discuss and provide direction to the consultant and city staff on design of the sidewalks and pedestrian areas along 63rd Street, as well as changes to the street width along Blue Ridge Boulevard between 63rd Street and 59th Street and Raytown Road south of 63rd Street. The next Steering Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, March 15th from 4:00 to 5:30 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

John Benson provided a presentation on development and planning efforts in Raytown to students in the Urban Planning Program at the University of Kansas on Thursday, February 9th.

Information Technology

The City’s network is performing at optimum level; one hundred percent (100%). All servers are online and functioning within their network service roles. Telephone system and related voice mail system is operational, the government channel system and related audio-visual recordings and playback systems, with playback of Board of Aldermen meetings, are scheduled, and the electronic door lock system and city’s website have experience zero downtime this week.

Public Works

Staff participated in the Jackson County Commuter Corridors Alternatives Analysis workshop this past Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The workshop focused on how the city could implement transit oriented design around future transit stops and the policies that would need to be implemented to effectively implement transit oriented development.

Responded to a sewer overflow reported by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A remote manhole located near the Southwood Equalization Basin was overflowing sanitary refuge from the manhole. Upon inspection it was determined the sewer main was blocked by tree limbs and a wood 4X4 post that had been thrown into the manhole. The obstruction(s) was removed and the adjacent soil was treated according to DNR directives. The manhole ring and lid will be replaced with a tamper resistant lid to deter further vandalism of the manhole.

Crews cleaned 6,231 feet of sewer main and repaired a broken sanitary sewer force main at 8401 Westridge and repaired the traffic detection system at 59th and Blue Ridge Cutoff that detects approaching vehicles; the repair will allow the traffic light cycle to be vehicle sensitive instead of a constant timed cycle.

Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events

February 13 – Park Board Meeting; Park Office, 7:00pm
February 14 – Board of Aldermen Work Session; Council Chambers, 6:00pm
February 14 – Board of Aldermen Meeting; Council Chambers, 7:00pm
February 16 – Council on Aging Meeting; Council Conference Room; 4:15pm

Retired GM worker with 6 grandchildren bought a ticket at Cosentino’s Apple Market in the Woodson Village sho[ing center and won 1 million dollars. Roberta Sinclair is the first person to win the Match 5, since the prize was raised from $200,000 to $1,000,000.

Police were called to a residence at the 8500 block of James A. Reed Road, today (02-09-12,) at about 10:30 AM. A resident told police that he saw a suspicious person outside his residence. The resident armed himself with a firearm. The resident then encountered the person in his residence. The resident called the police and told the person to wait for the police to arrive. Instead, the person ran to a light blue sedan and left the area. During the event, shots were fired by the resident. The resident was unharmed and there is no indication that the intruder was harmed. The intruder is described as being a black man, medium build, shoulder length braided hair, wearing black clothing. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this, or any other, crime is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 474-TIPS (8477).

From left to right, teacher Susan Miles, Hannah Steele, Zach Kujath, Michael Bartelli, Chris Sadler, Braden Best, Zoe Davis, Gabe Ammerman, Anthony Moore,  Skylar Stewart

Raytown Quality Schools Middle School Challenge students represented the district at the Great Plains Regional of the Future City Competition held at the University of Kansas in Lawrence in January.

The Future City Competition is a national, project-based learning experience where students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade imagine, design, and build cities of the future. Students work as a team with an educator and engineer mentor to plan cities using SimCity™ 4 Deluxe software; research and write solutions to an engineering problem; build tabletop scale models with recycled materials; and present their ideas before judges.

Several Raytown teams won awards. The Raytown Central Middle School Team Gravinetix made up of students Christopher Sadler, Hannah Steele and Zoë Davis brought home the “Mother Earth Award” recognizing the most innovative concept for improving the environment.

The Raytown Middle School Team Tight-Anium won the “Most Creatively Named City”. Those group members are Ceara Dorsey, Grace Little, Mia Rivera-Watkins, Conlan Miller, Maxine Nwachukwu, Steven Keener, and Nicolas Cruz.

The Raytown Middle School Team Hidden Valley Ranch won the “Camelot Award for Safest City”. Those group members are Jon Marple, Brooke Fielding, Carl Glosenger, Regan Ross, Trey Ludwig and Sean Laney. This team also placed 19th overall.

The Raytown South Middle School team Survivor Town placed 18th overall. Those team members were Isaac Barkley, Marigrace Heinze, Hannah McIntyre, Kaycee Mahone, and Kyra Little.

Overall, Raytown Central Middle School team ZINC, made up Lauren Owens, Macey Snell, Collin Guthrie, Savanna Jackson, Madison Burt, and Mariah Omland. They were represented by Sierra McMurray, Constanza Castro and Israel Hanke finished 13th out of 48 teams.