Thursday, November 5, 2009

FAMED MEDIA GURU: "Autopsies" Columbia Tribune


1)  CITY HALL:  Billing mess, legal violations widen
2)  ST. ROMAINE SHOCKER:  Raising rates better than cutting costs
3)  FAMED MEDIA GURU:  "Autopsies" Columbia Tribune 
4)  YULETIDE BUMMER:  Ashland City Hall to hold Christmas party -- out of town!
5)  MU RESEARCHERS:  Put AIDS on a "leash" 
6)  MISSOURI MATH:  Middle school scores improve  
7)  AMAZING ARCHIVE:  Missourian newspapers show Columbia's past 
8)  ONLINE PET GROUP:  Helps MidMo animals
9)  HOUSING NEWS:  With Bank of Missouri's Tom Stone


CITY HALL:  Billing mess, legal violations widen
Part 4 of a series

COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- A decades-long practice of underbilling large sewer users may be part of wider failures to follow city law at City Hall.   

Columbia's Protective Inspection Department -- like the sewer utility, a branch of Public Works -- failed to collect sewer connection fees from a Boone Hospital-owned office building, in violation of section 27-52 of Columbia City ordinances.  The fees are assessed to connect newly-constructed buildings to the city sewer. 

"I asked [protective inspection director] John Sudduth how much in sewer connection charges were collected for the 28-unit medical office building across from Boone Hospital at 1605 E. Broadway,"  34-year City of Columbia employee and sewer maintenance superintendent Bill Weitkemper emailed his supervisor, sewer utility manager Terry Hennkens.  "Sudduth's records show that there were never any sewer connection charges collected." 

Weitkemper discovered in March 2006 that city utility accountants weren't billing thousands of sewer utility users, sparking a process that has yet to be resolved.  His alert about the uncollected sewer connection fees set off a similar chain of confusion. 

"Sewer connection fees have been in effect at least as far back as City Ordinance 15324-1, dated 9/2/97.  Connection fees are a significant source of revenue for the sewer utility," Hennkens informed public works operation manager Mary Ellen Lea in a followup email.  "I believe the building Bill Weitkemper is referencing is Plaza 2....Plaza 4 was recently completed this year (2007).  Wonder if a collection fee was collected for it?"

"Good grief," Lea replied.  "Another one for the list.  Only this one is a Protective Inspection issue, not Utility Accounts Billing." 

"The sewer connection fee collection procedure may need to be reviewed," Hennkens added.   

LACK OF INTEREST

In emails obtained by the Columbia Heart Beat under the Freedom of Information Act, Hennkens -- also a decades-long city employee -- supports fixing the problems Weitkemper identified.  And like Weitkemper, Hennkens expresses frustration with his superiors.

"This situation has been allowed to develop due to the lack of interest in the proper management of sewer utility billing methods since at least 1987," Hennkens told Mary Ellen Lea in a Dec. 20, 2007 email.  "It is something that needs to be addressed."  

Hennkens also seemed surprised about the terms of a University of Missouri/City of Columbia agreement to increase MU's long-underbilled sewer rates, orchestrated without city council approval by public works director John Glascock.

"Discussions have been held with the University about paying for their approximately 8,100 equivalent residential units," Hennkens emailed Weitkemper on July 17, 2008.  "Ironically, they agreed to begin paying more, but Glascock gave them ten years to ramp up to get where they should be."   

Weitkemper characterized the MU/City Hall agreement as illegal, unfair favoritism. 

"The University of Missouri should not be given ten years to 'ramp up' to what the City and the University both agree the University should be paying," he wrote in a formal report to City Manager Bill Watkins on Sept. 20, 2008.  "This is not supported by ordinance and the multi-family residential property owners were not given this option." 

WRONG JOB

Expressing concern that his department had been dragged into a problem best resolved elsewhere, Hennkens told Lea he wanted to "get out of the billing process.  It is not an operations and maintenance function.  It is not an engineering function, either.  I prefer to be in the position of pointing out billing questions, not trying to resolve them."

Weitkemper's involvement, Hennkens explained, was problematic too.  "I don't want Bill involved in billing concerns by making inquiries which may result in criticism of him for pointing out what he perceives to be shortcomings of others.  He should not be involved in billing matters at all."   

Blaming a failure to update procedures, Hennkens again referred to a legal and political minefield that recurs repeatedly in the many exchanges about the sewer flap:  City Hall department heads interpreting the law.

"Prior to 1987, when we had a separate Division Head (Sanitary Engineer) for the Sewer Utility, the rates and ordinance interpretations fell upon that person," Hennkens emailed Lea, dropping the problem at her doorstep.  "Since that is no longer the case, you are it." 

"My intention is to get our list of billing concerns to the City Manager, then get it moved to Finance," Lea responded.  "I plan to tell Bill [Watkins] that these things cannot be fixed through Operations, they are billing problems.  We can help with interpretation of ordinances, but we should not the ones trying to fix the problems."


ST. ROMAINE SHOCKER:  Raising rates better than cutting costs

COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- In a surprise peak at guiding philosophies behind City Hall decisions, assistant city manager Tony St. Romaine made an unusual admission to sewer maintenance supervisor Bill Weitkemper, who had inquired about the terms of an employee bonus program.

Getting more money from city residents, St. Romaine said, is better than lowering costs at City Hall. 

"Would making a suggestion that resulted in the City collecting significant additional utility revenue qualify an employee for an additional payment or award?" Weitkemper asked St. Romaine in a November 2007 email.

"Absolutely," St. Romaine (left) responded, citing Chapter 19 of the City's personnel rules, which include bonuses for exceptional performance; working beyond the normal schedule; assuming additional duties; and "providing suggestions which result in significant cost savings," a notation St. Romaine underlined -- then undermined!

"I think that ideas that result in increased revenue are just as critical, if not more so, than reducing costs," St. Romaine
concluded. 


FAMED MEDIA GURU:  "Autopsies" Columbia Tribune

COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- In a colorful indictment of business as usual at the nation's newspapers, famed media guru and New York University professor Clay Shirky (below) performed an autopsy of sorts at Harvard University's Shorenstein Center -- on a copy of the Columbia Daily Tribune. 

His conclusion:  "Most of the substantive part of that day’s Trib wasn’t locally created, and most of it wasn’t news." 

Calling the Trib "my old hometown paper," Shirky -- a Columbia native -- "took two copies of the August 27, 2009 edition, slit them down the spine" and separated the content into two piles: "Created" by Tribune staff;  and "Acquired," from the Associated Press (AP) or other outside organizations. 

Like a pathologist weighing heart, lungs, liver, and other organs, Shirky weighed the paper piles in grams.  "The content created by Tribune staff made up less than a third of the total; over two-thirds was acquired from other sources," Shirky wrote.  "The paper was about one-third news and about two-thirds 'Other,'" while "news reported by the paper’s staff was less than a sixth of the total content of the paper." 

Even more surprising to Shirky:  "The number of local reporters who had a byline for hard news in that day’s paper: Six," he wrote.  "Janese Heavin, T.J. Greaney, Brennan David, Terry Ganey, Jonathan Braden, and Jodie Jackson Jr." 

At first blaming "August vacations or a slow news day" for so few local news stories, Shirky settled on "the most parsimonious explanation:  Only six reporters filed news stories that day because the Tribune only has six news reporters, out of a staff list of 59."  

Calling these local reporters "expensive lures put on the outside of a product that included none of their work," Shirky expressed surprise at the long list of staff on the Trib's masthead -- few reporters but plenty of editors, and "lots and lots of columnists, writing columns like Granny’s Notes." 

"There's nothing wrong with reading your horoscope or being reminded by Granny that May really is one of the nicest months of the year," Shirky wrote.  "But it’s not news, it’s not hard to do, and it’s not hard to replace." 

What is hard to replace are good reporters, Shirky argued.   But reporters -- paid for their work (unlike many columnists) -- come and go in this city like the seasons:  Kat Hughes, Matt LeBlanc, Sara Semelka, Jason Rosenbaum, Megan Means, Joe Meyer, and several more at the Trib in the last three years alone.   

"What matters in the Tribune, and what’s at risk," Shirky wrote,  "is Terry Ganey’s work on a state cover up of elevated levels of E. Coli in Ozark lakes; Jonathan Braden on anti-gay protesters from Kansas picketing in Columbia; Jodie Jackson’s reporting of on a child molestation case against a local politician."

The MinnPost (http://www.minnpost.com) -- a Minneapolis-based version of the Columbia Heart Beat -- covered Shirky's Columbia Tribune dissection, which they termed a "news biopsy."   

"If you're not hip to media savant Clay Shirky, he's a media futurist and NYU adjunct professor that all the cool kids swoon over," wrote MinnPost editor David Brauer.   "Shirky is unsparing about newspapers, viewing them as inefficient creators of original news content touted as a bulwark of democracy."

About newspapers here Shirky concluded, "There are a dozen or so reporters and editors in Columbia, Missouri, whose daily and public work is critical to the orderly functioning of that town, and those people are trapped inside a burning business model."


READ ALL ABOUT IT!

 
YULETIDE BUMMER:  Ashland City Hall to hold Christmas party -- out of town!

ASHLAND, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- A decision by City of Ashland officials to hold City Hall's annual Christmas party out of town has residents of our neighbor 15 miles to the south feeling Scrooged!

"This is a good example of why so many Ashland businesses are struggling to survive," writes a poster on the message board of that town's newspaper of record, the Boone County Journal.  "A lack of support from the community -- and in this particular instance, City Hall itself!  Whose decision was it?  Mr. Heard's?  I know for a fact that at least two local businesses were not even given the opportunity to 'bid' on this year's dinner."

"Mr. Heard" refers to city administrator Chris Heard, Ashland's equivalent of Bill Watkins.   Similar responses followed. 

"Poor decision, I think, by not supporting a local business," writes "Tony Johnson."

"Are you kidding?  With all the restaurants, banquet/meeting facilities and catering options IN town, the city has chosen to have it's holiday party OUT of town?" writes "Taxpayer."   "I also ask, who's decision was this, our illustrious city administrator?  It is ridiculous, and more than a little sad, that city hall is choosing to not support local business." 

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

 
MU RESEARCHERS:  Put AIDS on a "leash"


COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- An naturally-occurring antiviral protein aptly called "tetherin" literally puts AIDS-causing HIV on a leash to prevent its escape from infected cells, claims a national research team that includes Devon Gregory and Marc Johnson from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia. 

Reported in the October 30th issue of the journal Cell, the discovery helped the researchers design an artificial version of tetherin that also keeps the AIDS virus in check.

"Tetherin is essentially a rod with anchors at either end that are critical for its function," said team member Paul Bieniasz of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  "One anchor gets into the virus and the other in the cell membrane to form a tether.

The team designed "a completely different protein with the same configuration -- a rod with anchors at either end -- and it worked very well," Bieniasz explained.

Tetherin may exist in different forms, some more effective than others, and the AIDS virus produces proteins that can counteract it, which helps explain why HIV progresses differently in different people.   One goal is to enhance the power of the artificial version through closer examinations of naturally-occurring tetherin's gene sequence. 

RELATED:


AMAZING ARCHIVE:  Missourian newspapers show Columbia's past


COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Want to know what really happened, to the day, in Columbia history?  Check out the amazing online collection of Missourian newspapers dating back eighty years, to the Great Depression.

Maintained at the Missouri Digital Heritage Archive, the collection offers a search feature I've used several times to uncover what really happened when the city last activated a Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority and used eminent domain,
mostly against the black community. 

The Missouri Digital Heritage Archive has 18 separate collections, all available for viewing online.

The Missourian newspaper collection

Search the Missourian collection

The Missouri Digital Heritage Archive


MISSOURI MATH:  Middle school scores improve 

COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) --  Missouri was among 15 states that showed notable improvement in eighth-grade math performance, says a report released last month.  

The National Assessment of Educational Progress -- aka the "Nation’s Report Card" -- shows that Missouri gained on Kansas, where scores stayed flat.  The math test samples students nationwide every two years in the fourth and eighth grades.  Missouri experienced smaller gains at the fourth grade level, again beating Kansas, although both states show scores well above the national average. 

Missouri did not make any significant progress on narrowing the so-called "achievement gap" between white and black students.   Scores for other academic areas haven't been released yet. 

RELATED: 

ONLINE PET GROUP:  Helps MidMo animals

COLUMBIA, 11/5/09 (Beat Bytes) --  An online group dedicated to helping place adoptable animals is now one of mid-Missouri's largest animal welfare confabs, at 324 members.

Started in response to a pet ban on the giant Columbia Freecycle group, Pet Help for Central Mo offers to "help pet owners find a new home for their pets, find a new pet, or ask for help looking for a lost pet.  Or if you have a dog dish, leash, kennel or even extra pet food you no longer need, you are welcome to post that here also." 

The group does not accept posts "for breeding purposes." 

Check them out at: 


HOUSING NEWS:  From Bank of Missouri's Tom Stone

Highlights:

GDP rose by 3.5% for the first gain in a year and the strongest reading in two years.

$8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit set to expire at the end of this month.

Possible addition of $6,500 tax credit for other primary home purchasers, meaning the tax credit would no longer be limited only to first-time homebuyers.

Possibility that qualifying income limits could increase from $75,000 to $125,000 for singles, and from $150,000 to $250,000 for joint tax filers.

READ ALL ABOUT IT! 

Tom Stone
The Bank of Missouri
Asst. Vice President
3610 Buttonwood Dr, Suite 100
Columbia, MO  65201
573-874-4700



Mike Martin
Blogitor in Chief
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com

CIRCULATION:  5,216

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Monday, November 2, 2009

MAYORAL CANDIDATE: Calls MU a "terrorist" organization




1)  MAYORAL CANDIDATE:  Calls MU a "terrorist" organization
2)  FORMER AP CHIEF ASKS:  Why the Jeong Im pseudonyms? 
3)  FINAL THOUGHTS:  Police have solved the murder of Jeong Im
4)  AL GERMOND:  Tackles the vacant building problem
5)  LOCAL AD GIANT:  To occupy historic Mule Barn
6)  ADOPT-ME:  Aruba, from Columbia Second Chance
7)  DINERS REVIEW:  Hemingways; Flatbranch pumpkin ale
8)  READERS WRITE:  CPS marching bands; CMHS

MAYORAL CANDIDATE:  Calls MU a "terrorist" organization

COLUMBIA, 11/2/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Calling the University of Missouri a "terrorist organization" seems an unusual move for a potential mayoral candidate. 

But just one month before Paul Love declared his candidacy for the highest job in the city, he did just that.   Addressing the Columbia City Council at its 9/29/2009 meeting about "police intimidation," Love said "7-8 University and Columbia police officers" visited his home to deliver a "no-trespass warning" related to a decade-old dispute with University officials. 

A recurring theme in missives Love has posted on the Columbia Tribune website, the dispute involves a bomb threat allegation Love claims University lawyers filed in court during an employment-related lawsuit.  The allegation was a felony act of terrorism, Love told council members.  Because Columbia police officers helped MU police deliver the no-trespass warning, "Love asked the Council to stop assisting terrorist organizations," the minutes read.

That wasn't the first time Love said MU was perpetrating terrorism at a city council meeting.  During the council's June 1, 2009 meeting, Love spoke against a proposed city contract with the University of Missouri "regarding the Fourth of July celebration," minutes from that meeting read.  He again alleged that the "Curators of the University of Missouri" had committed "a criminal act and a terrorist act, under both State and Federal law" by "falsely reporting a bomb threat and transmitting this information through the mail or electronically over phone lines." 

University officials claimed in court filings that "they could willfully and maliciously falsely report a bomb threat and not be held responsible," Love told the City Council.  "He felt an organization that would commit terrorist acts and indicate they could willfully and maliciously harm citizens of the United States was a terrorist organization.  He was requesting that the Council not enter into contractual agreements with terrorist organizations."

A former employee at MU's Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), Love sued the University in Federal court six years ago, alleging University lawyers violated terms of a "forced resignation" agreement, the Columbia Tribune reported.  Love was allegedly forced to resign after fellow employees said he threatened to  "blow up the workplace and shoot them," an accusation he strongly denies. 

"What was falsely reported was that when I worked at MOREnet, I made threats to blow up the building and kill my co-workers and that I had detailed plans regarding the types of devices to be used," Love wrote on the Trib's website beneath the story on his mayoral candidacy.

RELATED:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Minutes/documents/cm09_sept21.pdf   (pg. 1)
http://gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Minutes/documents/cm09_jun1.pdf  (pg. 27) 
http://www.columbiatribune.com/users/Paul_Love/comments
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/oct/31/third-candidate-files-for-mayor



FORMER AP CHIEF ASKS:  Why the Jeong Im pseudonyms?

COLUMBIA, 11/2/09 (Beat Bytes) --  A former Jefferson City Associated Press bureau chief and MU spokesperson has questioned the use of pseudonyms in a recent Heart Beat series on the 2005 murder of Dr. Jeong Im.

"I always enjoy the Heartbeat blog, and I appreciate your efforts," Scott Charton (left), who now runs Charton Communications and Consulting in Columbia, emailed.  "As a retired journalist, I'm a bit puzzled about the technique of using pseudonyms in your Dr. Im followups.  What's the reasoning?"

Instead of real names, I used pseudonyms for two alleged suspects; an MU police officer who named one of the suspects; and two women who won stalking and harassment restraining orders against the other suspect on unrelated matters.    
 
Though I will release those names on background to reporters with bona-fide credentials and law enforcement officials, I used pseudonyms to achieve a balance.  MU police have filed no charges; and neither suspect has, to my knowledge, retained legal counsel, leaving them at an extraordinary disadvantage to the legal system.   At the same time, the public has a right to know what public officials are doing, in a manner that does not compromise an investigation. 

Though no one insisted that I omit their name, and though I was under no obligation to do so, I felt it best to tread lightly, and report what I found the best way I could. 
 
RELATED:


FINAL THOUGHTS:  Police have solved the murder of Jeong Im

COLUMBIA, 11/2/09 (Commentary) -- To prepare for what became a seven-part series on the murder of MU biochemist Jeong Im, I read several dozen stories across half-dozen newspapers, including the Columbia Missourian, the MU Maneater, the Columbia Daily Tribune, and the Kansas City Star. 

One thing stood out: a striking change in the MU police department's behavior.  Coupled with information from our own series -- the revelation of not one, but two suspects, and the idea that an MU police officer would reveal intimate details about the case while firmly insisting to a credible source that his department had solved it -- a logical, albeit arguable, 
conclusion is suggested: 

The University of Missouri police department has indeed solved the murder of Dr. Jeong Im.  They simply can't prove it -- yet -- in a court of law. 

A flurry of police-public interaction highlighted the aftermath of Im's stabbing in the University of Missouri's Maryland Avenue parking garage.  For over a year, MU police officers actively solicited public input, working with big-name investigators from out of the area, and routinely releasing information -- about the murder weapon, footprints, the crime scene, even a suspect description.

Then, nothing, coupled with standoffishness toward reporters whose help the police had earlier courted. 
 
"MU Police Chief Jack Watring was even less forthcoming about the case," wrote Columbia Tribune reporter Janese Heavin in a July 2008 update.  "He instructed a reporter to use information from archived news stories and at one point asked why the Tribune was interested in writing another article about Im’s murder."   http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jul/20080721news004.asp

In an age when John Walsh and America's Most Wanted have solved some of the nation's thorniest homicides with help from press and public, Watring's comment is unbelievable -- unless he doesn't need any more help.  Carefully read news accounts of the case and you can almost pinpoint, to the month, that police attitudes changed.  The logician in me suggests they have all the information they need.

They know who did it, and why, and how, and when.  They have the Big Three of any homicide investigation: motive, means, and opportunity. 

But as the OJ Simpson case starkly reminds, that can be a far cry from proving murder to a jury.

The Unsolved Murder of Dr. Jeong H. Im
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/08/unsolved-murder-of-dr-jeong-h-im.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/beat-byte-im-murder-discovery-changes.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/im-murder-mystery-elevator-person-last.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/columbia-heart-beat-92009.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/09/beat-byte-police-may-have-prime-suspect.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-murder-suspect-steps-forward-tells.html
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-murder-suspect-steps-forward-tells_11.html



LOCAL AD GIANT:  To occupy historic Mule Barn

COLUMBIA, 11/2/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Local advertising and PR giant Woodruff Sweitzer, best known in Columbia for backing the Roots and Blues and Barbecue fest with Blue Note owner Richard King, is on the move -- not only in Columbia, but in Kansas City, too.  

From their former downtown headquarters, the 20-employee firm is moving to a historic, environmentally-friendly labor-of-love called the Wright Brothers Mule Barn, an 18,000-square foot behemoth restored by architect Brian Pape that sports Columbia's first and only "green roof."  After 10 years at 515 Cherry St., the 17-year-old company will take up 5,000 square feet in the Mule Barn building, located across from Columbia College in the North Central Village, the Columbia Business Times reports.    

Woodruff Sweitzer also started construction on a new office in Kansas City's Crossroads District.

"Our Kansas City client base has grown exponentially in the last few years," says president Terry Woodruff.  "We recognized an increased need and desire to expand our Kansas City office into a building that reflects how we do business. We enjoy the Crossroads District and were happy we found a space to fit our needs in the area."

READ ALL ABOUT IT!
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com/6106/2009/10/30/woodruff-sweitzer-moving-to-historic-leed-certified-building
http://www.prweb.com/releases/Woodruff_Sweitzer/Crossroads_District/prweb3128094.htm
 
 
AL GERMOND:  Tackles the vacant building problem
from the Columbia Business Times

Doesn’t there seem to be an abundance of vacant commercial buildings for sale or rent around Columbia these days?
 
Based on my own “drive-by” survey (to borrow a term appraisers employ as they cruise around and spot check properties) the number of “available” properties seems inordinately high and apparently growing. The abundance includes factory and warehouse opportunities, along with a surfeit of retail leaseholds.

A new listing is the former MiTek Inc. premises at 1391 Boone Industrial Drive, a 85,000-square-foot building that can now be yours for a cool $2.7 million. The stealth-like departure of this employer of 35 people to the tax-friendly climes of St. Charles County was arranged this summer but only recently reported.
 
The move comes from the desire to consolidate operations under one roof, legitimately aided and abetted by a $634,000 property tax abatement from St. Charles County.

READ ALL ABOUT IT!
http://www.columbiabusinesstimes.com/6175/2009/10/30/from-the-roundtable-mitek-departs-empty-building-roster-goes-up-another-notch


ADOPT-ME:  Aruba, from Columbia Second Chance

We're starting a new series featuring adoptable animals from Columbia Second Chance.  

Aruba is a Female Siamese/Domestic Shorthair, 3 years 1 month old.  She's best in a home with no small children or
other pets.   She's very affectionate and for you fitness junkies out there, Aruba knows how to walk on a treadmill!

CHECK OUT ARUBA:
http://www.columbia2ndchance.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=2&tabid=23


DINERS REVIEW:  Hemingways; Flatbranch pumpkin ale

CoMo Whine and Dine has new reviews of Hemingway's and pumpkin ale from Flatbranch restaurant and brewery. 

"Wow. Why did I wait so long to give Hemingway's a try?" the editors write.  "I knew that Hemingway's specialized in crepes so I felt that this was a must.  I went with the crepe champignon with grilled chicken, asparagus, mushrooms and spinach finished with a creamy swiss cheese sauce.
 
"The crepes were really large. My husband and I split one and were still plenty full. I don't normally eat mushrooms but there were delicious - possibly because they were doused in cheese sauce. There was an abundance of cheese sauce and all the ingredients were perfectly tender, not at all crunchy. I ate every last bite and had I been at home would have licked my plate.
 
"It was that good." 
http://comowhineanddine.blogspot.com/2009/10/hemingways-crepes-on-my-favorite.html

Pumpkin Ale is also back at Flatbranch:
http://comowhineanddine.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-ale-is-back.html


READERS WRITE:  CPS marching bands; CMHS

On MU's "nuclear battery"
Hey Mike,  Just to let you know, I sent an email to Buzz Out Loud (one of my fave podcasts) and quoted your article about the nuclear battery.  They talked about it and it's on their website:
http://www.cnet.com/buzz-out-loud-podcast/?tag=contentBody;podcastMain
Keep up the good work. 
-- Tony Thorpe, Columbia


On the CPS marching band controversy
Mike, Thank you for the article regarding the attempt to eliminate the very heart and base of a wonderful, inspiring and successful marching band program. 

We recently moved away from Columbia (but still have a home there), and two of my children enjoyed Jeff Junior and Hickman High School's Marching Band programs.  My daughter is participating in a "marching band" program where we live now, and my heart breaks for these kids.  They have no idea how wonderful they could have it, and my daughter is sad because she knows.  My point in all this is, participation at the younger levels is an important developmental and inspirational step. 

Marching in middle school might be considered a minimal exposure, and therefore expendable, but is serves as an essential platform from which they launch into the incredibly complicated and award winning programs at HHS and Rock Bridge.
Throwing kids into an exciting and very complex marching band program in high school, without first exposing them to the basics in middle school, would be detrimental for our high school programs and our children. 

Eliminating the marching band component will undoubtedly undermine this rich and classic experience.  Please do everything in your power to keep marching band in the middle schools, or risk losing it in the high schools as well!
-- Tracey, formerly of Columbia


Mike,  Please be advised that the CPS Band issue, I feel, is being handled differently and more judiciously by the School Board itself than maybe as things may have appeared in the past. 

Any suggested changes purely came from the committee and NOT the Board.   Note the Board did move cautiously and removed the Junior High band piece far before approval of the rest of the curriculum.   In my opinion once again, it will be a matter of weighing the arguments and comments of the parents vs. the need to concentrate on instrumental instructional time at that level as suggested by expert faculty. 

I sure wish we could get an honest opinion from the students at that level as well (which may, not surprisingly, not be the same as their parents).  Again, these are my OWN opinions and not necessarily the viewpoint of the Board.  I appreciate your dedication to getting all sides of the story.
-- Tom Rose, member, Columbia, Mo Board of Education
 
 
On use of the term "snafu"
Mike:  One of my pet peeves is the use of the term "snafu."  The meaning has changed over the years and the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary has the following definition: 

Pronunciation: \sna-ˈfü, ˈsna-ˌfü\
Function: noun
Etymology: situation normal all f---ed up (formerly fouled up)
Date: circa 1941
Definition:  A situation marked by errors or confusion; muddle; also:  an error causing such a situation, e.g. a scheduling snafu. 

I would be terribly offended to read “f---ed up” in BEAT-BYTES.   So can we find something else to use for situations of this nature?   I have had this same issue with the COLUMBIA TRIBUNE for years and have had no luck in getting them to change their ways.  Here is hoping that you have more moral courage than [Tribune managing editor] Jim Robertson.  Thanks!   
-- Dick Otto, Columbia


Mike Martin
Blogitor in Chief
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com

CIRCULATION:  5,216

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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Shocking MU contract settles City Hall debt-- 10/30/09



1)  SHOCKING MU CONTRACT:  Settles City Hall debt
2)  NEW NON-PROFIT:  Seeks city money to hire director
3)  CITY COMMISSION:  Questions water quality
4)  "TIGER" JOHN CLEEK:  National advocate for scholarships
5)  STAN KROENKE:  At City Hall hog trough Monday night
6)  FINAL NUMBERS IN:  For Roots and Blues Fest
7)  HEAR YE!  HEAR YE!  Local Announcements
8)  HOUSING NEWS:  From Bank of Missouri's Tom Stone
 
 

SHOCKING MU CONTRACT:  Settles City Hall debt
Part 3 of an investigative series
 
COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- On September 24, 2009, with neither the advise nor consent of the Columbia City Council, public works director John Glascock entered into a formal agreement with University of Missouri facilities director Gary Ward, following a meeting between city and campus officials on July 14, 2008 -- one month before Glascock would submit a $1.1 million sewer rate hike for approval to the city council. 
 
Years of underbilling for sewer service at MU was costing the city nearly $1.2 million annually by estimates of sewer maintenance superintendent Bill Weitkemper, a career city employee who uncovered city-wide underbilling in March 2006.  The MU contract gradually ramps up payments, starting at $60,000/year ($5,000/month) and increasing by that same amount for 10 years, finally reaching $600,000/year.   The contract is unclear about how the past underbilling is collected, if ever, and never approaches $1.2 million yearly. 
 
A letter confirming the deal reveals the true nature of the astonishing oversight, raising the University's sewer rate over 1,000 times!   "Dear John [Glascock]," writes Ward.  "The University of Missouri...agreed to increase the sanitary sewer basic monthly service charge from $4.35 to $5,000.00 per month."
 
That's right:  From $4.35 to $5,000 per month! 
 
The flabbergasting MU/Glascock contract also departed substantially from protocol in which the City Council reviews and approves virtually every city-related deal or project, as one look at any given council agenda attests:  http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/cfforms/agenda/agendadetail.cfm?&UID=264
 
At this Monday's meeting, for instance, council members will be considering just such an agreement with MU, this one related to solid waste: 
 
Why Glascock and city manager Bill Watkins chose to withhold the MU sewer agreement from public scrutiny speaks volumes about how it came to be in the first place.  It also raises questions about why Glascock and Watkins have prodded the council to raise sewer rates while pushing the public to vote for multi-million dollar sewer bond issues absent knowledge about this critical and ongoing shortfall. 
 
Business as usual?
 
In a November 2007 report entitled "City of Columbia Sewer Utility Billing Irregularities and Recommendations," Weitkemper referenced a play from the good ol' boys handbook.  Identifying the University of Missouri as the "single largest source" of uncollected sewer revenue, Weitkemper wrote, "Apparently many years ago, someone with the City made some type of unwritten agreement with someone at the University, and the University has only ever been charged a single basic sewage service rate."
 
The unwritten agreement violated city law and cost ratepayers a fortune.  "It is my understanding that recently the University has agreed to pay the City an additional $1.2 million per year in sewer revenue," Weitkemper continued. 
 
That was in November 2007.  It wasn't until September 2009 that Glascock revealed the real deal, which is nowhere near an additional $1.2 million annually. 
 
Gross underestimates, "special" agreements
 
In a detailed September 2008 email to city manager Watkins, Weitkemper complained that in an employee award citation, his supervisor Terry Hennkens lopped nearly 4,000 underbilled premises from 6,000 identified in an internal audit. 

"My bonus recommendation stated that my suggestion resulted in an additional 2,328 units being billed [for sewer]," Weitkemper wrote.  "That is not even close.  I told Terry that this number was not correct before it was published in the City Insider [an employee newsletter].  Apparently he feels he can do whatever he chooses."
 
Then, citing his largest find, Weitkemper dropped the MU bombshell.
 
"I had indicated in March 2006 that the University of Missouri, Columbia (UMC) was not being billed properly.  I was told then that there was a 'special' agreement with UMC that allowed them to only pay a single base sewer charge.  I asked for a copy of this 'special' agreement.  Apparently, it never existed." 
 
That was on September 2.  On September 16, 2008 the Columbia City Council approved the $1.1 million sewer rate hike, with no knowledge of the ongoing billing problems; no knowledge of the unwritten agreements; and under the false impression that they'd heard everything during commentary from a public equally in the dark.
 
 
 
 
NEW NON-PROFIT:  Seeks city money to hire director
 
COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Cynics, start your engines. 
 
In this era of budgets so tight city employees are shouldering cuts and city services aren't happening, supporters of a new
"community foundation" will seek $40,000.00 from the Columbia City Council this Monday night to hire an "Executive
Director."   City Hall would employ the as-yet-unnamed foundation's director, and in a miraculous move, city staff "have identified funding which could be used to hire a person for the balance of 2010," according to a city council report on the issue.
 
Community foundations are non-profit organizations that accept donations to better the community.  But with a surfeit of non-profit groups clamoring for a pie city officials claim is shrinking, support for this latest group seems untimely.  "With city support, an Executive Director should be hired quickly," the staff report for Monday's council meeting reads.  "Funding for operating expenses are needed.  A board of directors will need to be identified...of 12 to 18 persons, all prominent in the community."
 
Backed by local VIPs like accountant Bob Gerding and Columbia Tribune managing editor Jim Robertson, the community foundation's proposal reads like so many other non-profits, with talk of marketing brochures, leading citizens, directors, staffers, and money, money, money.
 
Too bad all that money, time, and effort can't go directly to the people -- or existing non-profits -- who need it now.  How about a group of leading citizens going through our more impoverished neighborhoods, fixing, cleaning, and doing, rather than planning, meeting, and marketing?   
 
DETAILS HERE:
 
 
CITY COMMISSION:  Questions water quality

COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- City Hall's top voice on environmental issues, the Energy and Environment Commission, is raising questions about a plan to drill a new water well in the McBaine bottoms, a wetlands area that may be collecting trace contaminants: herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful materials that could leach into the groundwater.  
 
"Based on many years of data from the US Geological Survey; Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and the City of Columbia, the proposed location for alluvial well 16 is questionable from a water quality standpoint," board members explained in a letter to the Columbia City Council for its Monday, Nov. 2 meeting. 
 
Citing numerous unanswered questions, commission members are recommending city staff review different locations for the well and wait for the results of a new water treatment study. 
 
DETAILS HERE:

 
"TIGER" JOHN CLEEK:  National advocate for college scholarships
 
COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Supporting the loyal customers who helped make his rent-to-own furniture chain a household name in mid-Missouri, John Cleek recently spoke up for college scholarships as president of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, a national trade organization that has spent seven years building a trust fund to award scholarships nationwide. 
 
"The rent to own industry's commitment to education and scholarship funds is a testament to the industry's growth and establishment as a vital industry and contributor to the economy," said Cleek, best known in Columbia as a major University of Missouri booster.  "The rent to own industry is here to help our future with the most powerful contribution to our children through education scholarships."
 
Cleek became a franchisee of Aaron's, a nationwide rent-to-own chain, in 2008. 
 
RELATED:
 
 
STAN KROENKE:  At City Hall hog trough Monday night
 
COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Billionaire developer Stan Kroenke -- who enjoys some of the region's lowest taxes on some of its most expensive properties and projects -- will be visiting the City Hall trough Monday night to accept two payments totalling nearly $200,000.
 
Represented by his usual phalanx of lawyers, TDDs, and pseudonyms, Kroenke's Conley Road Transportation Development District and Broadway Crossings II, LLC will be convincing us all that the $180,000.00 we'll be spending on Trimble Road utility improvements -- adjacent to one of Kroenke's tracts -- is for our own good. 
 
The words "City will reimburse TDD for the costs incurred by the TDD" which appear in the contract seem absurd, as the TDD is really John and Jane Q. Shopper, paying a higher tax on any retail goods they purchase at said TDD-funded retail establishments.   
 
"TDD shall complete the improvements on Trimble Road," should therefore read, "Future shoppers shall complete...."
 
In other Kroenke related business, the council will pay Kroenke's THF Grindstone Plaza Development $20,190.00 for an easement to repair a pump station.  THF, for those who don't know, stands for "To Have Fun" -- with your money in many cases.   Too bad Mr. Kroenke can't simply donate the easement, given everything he takes out of here. 
 
Ahh, where to have fun with all that taxpayer money?  The soccer field, of course!  Mr. Kroenke just increased his stake in the UK soccer team Arsenal, taking him to the verge of a complete takeover and knocking out a rival Russian billionaire:   
 
 
RELATED:
 

FINAL NUMBERS IN:  For Roots and Blues Fest
 
COLUMBIA, 10/30/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Presenting a check to City Hall for services rendered during this year's Roots and Blues Fest, Thumper Entertainment has released a full accounting of ticket sales which includes a list of "Festival VIPs" topped by noted dermatologist and HSBM (husband of school board member) Dr. John Despain. 
 
This year's festival grossed $168,170.00 through the sale of 11,523 tickets.   Promoters also comped another 2,243 tickets, for a total of 13,766 ticketed attendees, according to a statement on file with the city. 
 
DETAILS HERE:
 

HEAR YE!  HEAR YE!  Local Announcements
 
The Columbia planning and zoning commission will meet November 5, 2009– 7:00 P.M. DANIEL BOONE BUILDING, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4TH FLOOR.  On the agenda is a request to rezone by Grindstone Investments to rezone agricultural land to commercial land of property located on the southwest corner of Heller and Rogers Roads, containing approximately 116 acres. 
 
4th Ward councilman and mayoral candidate Jerry Wade will hold coffeehouse office hours this Saturday, October 31.  The 3:00p – 5:00p Oct. 31 at the Rendezvous Coffeehouse, 3304 Broadway Business Park Ct., on the south side of West Broadway, west of HyVee.
 
3rd Ward councilman Karl Skala has kicked off his re-election campaign.  "I want to continue to help make our neighborhoods safer, improve our roads and city services, develop more thoughtful city planning, and create a more responsive city government," Skala says.  Skala will not hold office hours tomorrow as previously scheduled, but will resume his regular Sven's Kafe office hours NOVEMBER 21, 2009.   For more information, contact: 
Karl Skala
Columbia Third Ward City Councilman
573-474-2195
 
Columbia Missourian columnist David Rosman invites readers to check out his new commentary blog, devoted to a different set of issues than his long-running Missourian column:
 
The City of Columbia's meeting calendar for the week ending November 6 is now available on the City's website at
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Neighborhoods/Neighborhood_Associations/documents/CityCalendar_2009_11-06.pdf
 
 
HOUSING NEWS:  From Bank of Missouri's Tom Stone
 
"THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS..." Or so the famous saying goes. And when it comes to really understanding the various reports and events unfolding in the economy, it's important to take a look at the details - not just the headlines. Here's what you need to know.
 
On the inflation front, the Producer Price Index, which measures wholesale inflation, unexpectedly fell due to a drop in energy prices. While that seems like good news on the surface, keep in mind that next month's number could climb higher again, as oil and natural gas have both been on a tear higher lately.
 
In housing news, Housing Starts and Building Permits both came in a bit below expectations, but this may be a sign that builders are exercising some caution - particularly in the face of the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers that is presently set to expire on November 30th. 
 
Existing Home Sales came in better than expected - and a whopping 45% of those homes were sold to first time homebuyers - rushing to move in on that credit. Recent studies have shown that many who qualify for this tax credit aren't even aware of it...so please let me know if you or someone you know needs more information - the clock is ticking!
 
Additionally, the level of existing homes inventory shrunk to a 7.8 month supply, down from a recent high of 10.1 months in April.
 
Tom Stone
The Bank of Missouri
Asst. Vice President
Office:  573-874-4700
Cell:  573-489-4059
www.bankofmissouri.com
tstone@bankofmissouri.com

 
Mike Martin
Blogitor in Chief
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com

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Monday, October 26, 2009

MU analyst to run for 4th Ward council


1)  IN-FIGHTING STALLS:  Sewer billing stink
2)  MU ANALYST GREEVER-RICE:  Declares for 4th Ward Council
3)  ANGRY TRIB COMMENTS:  Spark latest Humane Society flap
4)  SULLIVAN SHINES:  Mayoral candidate on KFRU radio
5)  RUMOR HAS IT:  Auto baron/attorney pondering mayor/council races? 
6)  DINERS REVIEW:  Addisons, an American Grill
7)  READERS WRITE:  Headline error; Susan Taylor Glasgow



IN-FIGHTING STALLS:  Sewer billing stink

COLUMBIA, 10/26/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Three and a half years ago, Columbia sewer maintenance superintendent Bill Weitkemper notified his then-supervisor, Dennie Pendergrass, that a long-standing sewer billing practice violated city law. 

Weikemper's odyssey through his own bureaucracy is eye-opening, but not for reasons many readers may think.  A serious read of over 150 pages of documents related to the billing snafu reveals no corruption, no incompetence, and no stupidity, contrary to the opinion of Columbia Tribune publisher Hank Waters, who called the mess "stupid but innocent" in a recent op-ed. 

What it does reveal is a top-down management system that sends mixed messages, on the one hand giving cash awards to employees for their cost-saving and revenue-enhancing suggestions, while on the other hand griping, groaning, and procrastinating on the way to implementing those suggestions.   "Why do we have to bother with this stuff?" is an unfortunate undercurrent in dozens of conversations. 

MORNING MEETING:  March 2006

There's no such thing as a "sewer meter," so sewer bills are based on water meters, "which allow for many apartment complexes with one meter, like Villa Capri...to be charged a single Basic Sewer Service Charge," wrote Weitkemper, a 34-year public works employee, in March 2006.  "It also allows the University of Missouri to avoid paying a Basic Sewer Service Charge for most of its individual properties and rental units." 

Problem is, city law says each sewer user shall pay the sewer charge, so that sewer bills should be issued, not for a single water meter, but for each unit in an apartment; each store in a mall; each office in a building; and each room in a dormitory.  

Keeping notes as part of his official records, Weitkemper transcribed meetings with his superiors.  One spring 2006 morning, public works director John Glascock (above, Columbia Tribune photo) "was sitting in my office," Weitkemper writes. "I had just told him we were not billing sewer users according to the sewer ordinance and we were losing a lot of money." 

Pendergrass walked in.  "Do you think we will change how we are billing?" Weitkemper asked. 

"I didn't see that there was any suggestion to do anything different," Pendergrass responded. 

"The suggestion was that we need to start following the ordinance and bill every sewer user." 

Glascock jumped in.  "You mean we aren't following the ordinance?" he asked.

"I thought we were following the ordinance," Pendergrass said.  "We charge for sewer based on water meters."

"That's not what the ordinance says," Weitkemper reminded.  Pendergrass walked away. 

"We'll look into it," Glascock said, ending the discussion.   

NO PROGRESS:  October - December, 2007

Fully one and a half years after documenting his concerns and following up dozens of times, Weitkemper sent a frustrated 10/25/2007 email to public works operations manager Mary Ellen Lea.  "Needless to say, I'm just a little disappointed that we are no farther along on this issue," he wrote.  "I brought it to everyone's attention in March 2006....I need to know up front how you and John Glascock wish to proceed.  We need to get this done."   

Passing the buck right back, "Bill, You need to work with Terry on this," Lea responded, referencing Weitkemper's new supervisor, Terry Hennkens.  Pendergrass had since retired.  "John and I are relying on you and Terry to make recommendations on how to proceed." 

After two months and more exchanges between Weitkemper, Hennkens, and other city employees, Weitkemper emailed Lea for an update.  "Have you received any recommendation yet from Terry?  He doesn't like it when I communicate with you or John [Glascock] but he does not communicate with me.  What a mess!" 

"Terry mentioned some more billing issues, old and new," Lea replied.  "Frankly, until we get more action from the Utility Accounts Billing department, we're kinda spinning our wheels." 

BIG BILL, LITTLE BILL:  Christmas, 2007

Weitkemper asked Lea if anyone had informed the city manager about the problem.  Hearing nothing, Bill Weitkemper
emailed Bill Watkins.   It was the Saturday before Christmas, 2007. 

"Writing this is certainly difficult," Weitkemper told Watkins.  "I am still not sure if I should be contacting you.  I am concerned with retaliation, both from those who failed to correctly apply the ordinance as well as those who have thus far not done much to correct the situation." 

After carefully laying out the same case he'd recited so many times before, Weitkemper concluded by saying, "My intent was never to embarass the City or any City employee.  My intent has been to assure that the billing ordinance is being correctly applied....There is no question the Sewer Utility has failed to collect SIGNIFICANT revenue because the sewer ordinances have not been correctly applied."

Records show no reply from Watkins. 

OVERNIGHT, AFTER 2.5 YEARS:  September, 2008

Thirty months, hundreds of emails, and dozens of reports later, the tension surrounding Weitkemper and his discovery was evident.  During a September 2008 meeting with Lea, Weitkemper reminded that he had made his way up the chain of command. 

"I want you to know that I complained to the City Manager about the billing issue," he told Lea.

"I know," she said.  "I'm not sure that's going to do you any good." 

"I didn't expect that it would.  I just feel that I deserve answers to the questions I've asked."

"You can't expect for everything to be worked out overnight," Lea responded.  She pointed toward her old office.  "I've been working on billing problems since I was down there." 

"I don't expect things to be worked out overnight," Weitkemper said.  "It's been 30 months since I brought this up."

"Well, we are trying to work things out."

Two days later, Weitkemper learned that John Glascock was upset about a $3,000.00 employee bonus Weitkemper had received for discovering the sewer snafu.   After Watkins had issued the checks, Glascock told another supervisor, "You need to tell Bill [Weitkemper] that this is it.  That's all he's going to get." 

But the supervisor, referred to in notes as "EE," refused to say anything.  "I'm not going to tell Bill that," EE told Glascock.  "You are going to have to tell him yourself." 

NEXT:  Still unresolved, September 2009 



MU ANALYST GREEVER-RICE:  Declares for 4th Ward Council

COLUMBIA, 10/26/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Former City of Columbia planning and zoning commissioner Dr. Tracy Greever-Rice (right, Columbia Business Times photo), a data analyst with the University of Missouri and long-time 4th Ward resident, has declared her candidacy for the city council seat Jerry Wade is vacating in favor of the mayor's race.  By yesterday afternoon, she had collected most of the required signatures on her candidacy petition. 

A Columbia Vision Commission member whose husband Glenn currently sits on the planning and zoning commission, Greever-Rice presently serves as the associate director of the MU Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis.  She received her Ph.D. in rural sociology at the University of Missouri; has taught courses in juvenile delinquency, public policy, community service, and rural outreach; and published papers on a wide array of issues, from children's health care to retail economics.   

A former member of the City of Columbia energy and environment commission, Greever-Rice "has a top-notch, analytical mind and will serve the 4th Ward well," said long-time friend Deanna Walkenbach.   "She's an incredibly hard worker and will be very pro-active." 

Filing for slots on the city council opened last Friday.  So far, Wade and Sid Sullivan have filed for mayor, and 3rd Ward councilman Karl Skala has filed to retain his seat.   



RUMOR HAS IT:  Auto baron/attorney pondering council/mayor races? 



COLUMBIA, 10/26/09 (Beat Bytes) -- Dave Machens (right), whose father Joe started one of the midwest's best-known automobile dealerships, may be considering a run for mayor of Columbia, say folks in the know.  Machens took over the dealership, Joe Machens Ford, et. al., after his father Joe passed away in 1997.  He later sold his remaining shares in the company to current owner Gary Drewing and according to his website, presently serves as the financial director for Wright Communications, LLC.

Another possible mayoral candidate may be Paul Love, variously noted as an employee of O'Reilly Automotive and CarFax in local newspaper stories.  Love has testified before the city council with environmental concerns about development projects.  "Paul Love has posted on Facebook that he is running for mayor," a credible source told the Heart Beat.  "He already has a petition and is halfway to collecting his signatures." 


Attorney Sarah Read (left, Columbia Missourian photo) who mediated a dispute between the Shepard Boulevard and Timberhill Road neighborhood associations and developer Stadium 63 Properties, LLC over the controversial Cross Creek project, may also seek the 4th Ward council seat.  Read is listed as president of Columbia Parents for Public Schools in an April 2009 forum post on that organization's website.  Friends and acquaintances say she has circulated a candidacy petition.

RELATED:




ANGRY TRIB COMMENTS:  Spark latest Humane Society flap

COLUMBIA, 10/26/09 (Beat Bytes) -- A pending change in animal adoption policy at the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) -- allegedly prompted by Columbia Tribune readers -- has animal care advocates crying foul, and Humane Society staffers broadcasting a plea for help that made its way to local online listservs.   

"Our Board of Directors is re-drafting our adoption policies in response to the handful of angry folks who leave comments on the Columbia Daily Tribune message board about how 'rigid' the current guidelines are," wrote CMHS Foster Care/Rescue Coordinator Jeffrey Trotter.  "They are essentially changing our mission by taking out all screening procedures."

Under the new policy, Trotter said CMHS would no longer:  call applicants' landlords to assure that pets are allowed; check veterinary references to see if applicants are vaccinating pets they presently own; or prohibit leaving adopted animals outdoors 24/7.   

Trotter urged animal care advocates to voice their opinions at an open board meeting this Tuesday at 6 p.m.  A flurry of emails followed.   

"This is a desperate plea.  Their Board has NO CLUE."   


"With all the crazy things going on with CMHS, I think we need to be present and have a statement, but stay level and still supportive." 

"The proposed adoption policy for CMHS is disgusting, and potentially puts a lot of needy animals in danger of not receiving the care they should be getting."   

"With Tiffany McBee leaving the CMHS board, there are no longer any true animal advocates as members."

Both McBee and longtime CMHS advocate/staffer Heather Duren-Stubbs have recently departed CMHS.   Interested parties may call (573) 999-4955 or (573) 443-7387 for more information about the board meeting. 


SULLIVAN SHINES:  Mayoral candidate on KFRU radio

(Commentary) -- Coming off two small victories on the long road to Columbia mayor, candidate Sid Sullivan outmatched KFRU Sunday Morning Roundtable devil's advocate Skip Walther, a noted attorney, to emerge victorious in a series of mini-debates on the radio program yesterday morning.

By showing up at 5:00 am on the opening of candidacy filing last Friday, Sullivan claimed the top spot on the ballot and handed in one more signature than 4th Ward councilman/candidate Jerry Wade on his candidacy petition: 149 to Wade's 148.

The electoral gods kept smiling on Sullivan during Sunday morning's 45-minute exchange, during which Walther -- who frequently represents developers in front of the City Council -- crystallized Columbia's piecemeal approach to planning.  Are you suggesting that we don't simply allow a builder or developer to approach the council with his or her own plans, and then seek approval?  Walther asked Sullivan.  Are you suggesting that there's a different way?

Developers shouldn't be the city's main planners, Sullivan replied.  Rather, planning should be a function of the entire community, and where necessary, individual government entities -- like the school district and City Hall -- must work hand-in-hand to accomplish big projects, like the new high school.   

Co-host Al Germond asked Sullivan if he would have voted for the star-crossed Cross Creek project.  "I had a lot of problems with that proposal," Sullivan explained.  "We need the whole city involved in projects like a huge car lot on a major entrance to the city.  But instead, it was a plan that emerged during a fight between neighborhood associations and a developer.   After council defeated it the first time, I wouldn't have allowed it back for at least another year.  With the economy in the tank, nothing's happened and it's left a big hole on the east side of town." 

Callers praised Sullivan.  "It's nice to finally hear someone who is willing to say 'no' when necessary," said a woman concerned with unplanned sprawl in the Derby Ridge area.  "It's nice to hear from someone who will be the adult on the city council." 

Even the normally contentious Broadway Expansion Guy liked what he heard.  "It's high time we got away from this elitist planning system, where the builder with the most money dictates where high schools go and what improvements get made." he said.  "So far, I like what I'm hearing from Mr. Sullivan." 

Sullivan also said he supports council pay "because without it, too many good people, including many small businesspeople, can't even think about serving."   He suggested better pay for police officers and a common-sense additive to red light cameras. 

"We need to put up signs that warn drivers ahead of time, This Stop Light Patrolled by Camera," Sullivan said.  "That way, they really will slow down, and we're not just catching them after the fact." 



DINERS REVIEW:  Addisons, an American Grill

Calling it "another surprisingly good restaurant in Columbia," diners from Santa Clara, Calif. recently gave Addisons, a downtown dining favorite, 4.5 of 5 stars.  "We started by sharing the sweet potato chips, which is a huge and delicious appetizer." 

Known for its lifesize David Spear paintings of restaurant life, Addisons combines family-friendliness with adult sophistication.  I've dined there with family and friends dozens of times over the years, with consistently good food and service.  Readers at Yelp.com share my enthusiasm.   Here are some selected comments: 

"I had the mediterranean salad and was pleasantly surprised by the tasty addition of basil and artichoke hearts.  But I think the best deal was my husband's ahi tuna sandwich.  It's not really a sandwich, but more of a large ahi tuna steak on a piece of focaccia.  It was delicious, and seemed like a lot of tuna for $8.99!" 

"Order the phyllo-wrapped brownie!!  It might be the best dessert item at any restaurant in CoMo!" 

"The atmosphere is cheery and bright. I remember the wait staff being helpful also. The food was just OK though."

CHECK OUT Addisons on Yelp -- and at 709 Cherry Street in the District


READERS WRITE:  Headline error; Susan Taylor Glasgow


Re:  Susan Taylor Glasgow
Hi Mike:  I've received many, many fine comments about the article you wrote for American Craft Magazine about my work.  Personally, I feel it's the best article about my work to date!   Heller Gallery, my representative in NYC, also expressed what an insightful article it was.  The timing was perfect too -- right before my show there in September.   Thanks again. 
-- Susan Taylor Glasgow, Columbia


Re:  Sid Sullivan declares for Columbia mayor
One can't help but support a candidate nicknamed 'Sulley' to pilot Columbia's future.   
-- James F. Fairchild, Columbia


Here's a suggestion for Columbia Mayor -- reasoned, seasoned, brilliant, thoughtful:  Tim Harlan.
-- Nancy Copenhaver, Columbia


Just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoy your informative and entertaining emails.  Also, the table of contents says Stephens College: Named top military-friendly school, but in the story, it says Columbia College.  Keep up the great work!!
-- Christy Old, Columbia  
[Thanks!  Several other readers caught that error.  Columbia College, not Stephens College, received the honor.]


Mike:  I was about to forward this to my husband (he works in public relations at Columbia College), when I noticed that you have "Stephens College" in your table of contents when it should say "Columbia College: Top military-friendly school." Thanks for all the great reporting you do.
-- Marilyn L. Cummins,  Columbia


Hello Mike, I was reading your latest “BEAT BYTE” and I noticed that we at Columbia College got a nod for being awarded one of the top military friendly schools.  It was jarring however, to see the headline summary giving Stephens College that honor instead.  Would it be possible to clarify in an upcoming issue?   We’re pretty proud of the exclusivity of this honor, and regard it as a call to action to continue serving our veterans with the respect and professionalism they deserve.
-- Brendon Steenbergen, Director of Development, for Annual and Planned Giving, Columbia College


Mike:  The table of contents should read "Columbia College," and not "Stephens College."
-- Bob Hutton, Facilities Director, Columbia College

 
Mike Martin
Blogitor in Chief
The Columbia Heart Beat
http://columbiaheartbeat.blogspot.com

CIRCULATION:  5,216

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