St. Louis County Is Not the Only Place Having Trash Problems

Trash problems in Ft. Collins, CO parallel those of St. Louis County. A letter received from a Ft. Collins resident.

"Yet again, the City is dragging out the chance for Fort Collins citizens' to hear what is going on and get some answers about the new trash district. The November 17 public hearing has now been canceled by the City in order to "get more information." The latest is that this public hearing will be in January – two months away. We'll keep you informed on latest developments since the City doesn't seem to want you to know. What decisions will the City be making between now and January? And why don’t they want input from citizens?"

Shades of action taken - or not taken - by the St. Louis County Council and County Executives.

Meet Bill Corrigan; Running for County Executive

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the November 17 Town Hall Meeting with Bill Corrigan.

South County Town Hall Meeting

on

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Inn South

6921 South Lindbergh at I-55 (Marshall's Plaza)

Bill Corrigan will speak on important issues facing St. Louis County such as property taxes; real estate assessments; public safety; and trash districting. We hope you will attend.

More information at: http://www.corriganforexec.com/

Tuesday Night Comedy Hour Featured Dooley Saving Residents $6 Million

The Tuesday Night Comedy Hour on Channel 2 featured County Executive, Charlie Dooley, refusing to answer important questions from Fox reporter, Elliott Davis. In case you missed the interview attempt, you can see it at: http://www.fox2now.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=bceb50d9-4a5f-40f7-a94f-9e03e5cc515c&src=front.

Dooley repeatedly and arrogantly stated the County saved residents $6 million but refused to answer Davis' question as to how much it cost to the County to save that $6 million. Estimates for expenses to the county, subdivision trustees, subdivision associations, trash haulers, law enforcement, attorney's, municipal and federal courts, and others are in the area of $12 million and growing.

The bottom line is the County spends about $2 to save $1. That just doesn't make sense. County residents are smarter than a 5th grader, but maybe county execs and accountants are not. With three lawsuits pending and a possible fourth in the making, the liability the county is facing cannot be ignored. Should the county loose these litigations, the result could cost the County tens of millions of dollars. And county residents, after all, paid for this mess.

Where does the prime responsibility lie and who can correct this situation - like now? The regulation was passed by the County Council and the County Council can pass additional regulations to correct the situation . . . and save the county's "you know what."

Hello County Council members! Are you listening?

Man stole $109,000 from St. Louis condo association

Fron St. Louis Post Dispatch

By Robert Patrick

A man who stole more than $109,000 from his condo association was sentenced Tuesday to a year and a day in federal prison.

Geoffrey Truskowski, 35, was the volunteer property manager of the Traymoor 3 Condominium Association in the DeBaliviere Place neighborhood. Between 2006 and 2008, Truskowski diverted money from the association for his personal expenses, according to court testimony and documents.

For the full story, visit: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/st-louis-crime-beat/2009/11/10/man-who-stole-109000-from-st-louis-condo-association-sentenced/

Advertising Space Available at SubdivisionTrustees.com

Click on photo to enlarge

Advertise your products and services at the #1 website for subdivision trustees in the Metro St. Louis Area – http://subdivisiontrustees.blogspot.com.

The website is visited by over 1,000 times a month subdivision trustees, residents, state & county officials and local businesses.

Your ad will appear in two locations – on the site in the right hand column and in the body of the news. The cost is $30 per month or $300 per year. Based on 1,000 inquiries a month, the cost is only $.03 per inquiry. For more information, contact Bill Rogers at subtrustees@swbell.net or call 1-314-892-8632.

Cape Girardeau City Council approves $2.36 million for automated trash collection

Automated trash collection is on the way, the Cape Girardeau City Council decided Monday night.

The council approved spending $2.36 million from the sale of bonds to purchase six new garbage trucks, 22,000 new trash and recycling bins and a public education campaign to promote the switch. Public works director Tim Gramling said he expects the service switch to be made sometime in the spring, perhaps as early as the first weeks of May.

Since July, the city has been looking at automating the collection of trash as a way to save money on employee costs, equipment maintenance and workers' compensation insurance. Gramling at first wanted to have the switch completed by Jan. 1, but council reluctance to make the change led to a public awareness campaign that included a city-produced video and demonstrations at the SEMO District Fair and the Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

The spending requires a final vote. Once that takes place at the council's Nov. 16 meeting, Gramling said he will place an order for the trucks. Under the terms of a $150,000 grant supporting the purchase, the trucks must be delivered to the city by April 30.

More at: http://www.semissourian.com/story/1583852.html

Kidney Donor Wanted

Melissa Clynes has lived all of her 19 years with extreme physical challenges, yet there has always been someone who has been placed in her life at the right time to allow her to pursue the life God has planned for her.

Nineteen years ago, it was a young baby named Emily whose life ended short, but her parents donated her heart to Melissa. At 16 years old it was her own mother who donated a kidney, but unfortunately a virus attacked that organ and she now needs another.

Melissa cannot survive without a kidney. She is a beautiful, selfless young girl whose only desire is to go to college.

Who can be a donor?

Donors need to be between the ages of 18 and early 70s and can include parents, children, siblings, other relatives, and friends. An ideal donor should have a genuine interest in donating and a compatible blood type with the recipient.

Donors should be in good general health. Typically, someone who has high blood pressure (both treated and untreated), cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, sickle cell disease, HIV or hepatitis will not qualify to be a donor. However, these diseases are not all absolute contraindications to donation. Every donor will be considered on an individual basis.

Click here to download a Word 2003.doc file with more information about Mellisa.

http://www.mydocsonline.com/pub/wrogers/Mellisa%20Word%202003.doc

Click here to download a .pdf file.
http://www.mydocsonline.com/pub/wrogers/Mellisa%202003.pdf

For more information on donating a kidney, visit:
http://www.umm.edu/transplant/kidney/qanda.htm#3

What Do Subdivisions Do With Unwanted Common Ground?

Do you know what other subdivisions do? What about subdivisions with very little common ground - especially when it's not usable - such as wooded land bordering a creek? Who is responsible for this property? Can we sell off our common ground as it’s not wanted or needed?

Maintenance of common ground is one of the biggest headaches subdivision trustees must cope with. In many cases it’s totally unusable due to the terrain. Some areas even flood. Trees must be maintained and the grass must always be cut. Hundreds of thousands of dollars is spent by subdivisions each year . . . for virtually nothing. Really! Does this make sense?

One attorney said a subdivision can sell off its common ground, providing all residents of the subdivision give approval. That may be difficult if it requires 100% approval.

We heard of one subdivision that had a retaining wall on part of their common ground that was in need to big time repair. The first estimate they received was around $400,000.

Have you got a story to tell about common ground? Please write up your experience and share it with others here. Mail to subtrustees@swbell.net.

..

County Says 988 Residents Issued Citations for Failure to Have Trash Service

A St. Louis County spokesperson said the county has issued almost 1,000 citations to county residents who have failed to use the County’s assigned trash hauler. While the county says this is a very small percentage of residents and plays down the impact, the fine and court cost to residents adds up to over $112,000 which is no small change.

In addition, St. Louis County is incurring overhead expenses which are estimated in the hundreds of thousands per year. Since the trash program was approved by the County Council in December 2006, estimates of accumulated costs from all parties is well in excess of $11 million.

St. Louis County officials have refused to publish any figures on their on-going expenses, mainly because they just don’t know. The overhead is coming from all directions – employee labor, travel mileage, trash containers, meeting expenses, postage, printing, telephone, office overhead, plus the expenses of their designated trash haulers for trucks, labor and administration. Subdivision trustees from across the county have spent countless hours and expenses communicating with their residents over the past three years.

This situation has a contingent liability hanging over the county along with their assigned trash haulers. If the County loses the pending lawsuit that requires their designated haulers to refund money collected, the end result could be disastrous to both the haulers and the County. Will the haulers – and St. Louis County – be in a position to refund potentially millions of dollars to county residents? It’s a question that cannot be ignored, but it’s being ignored by County officials.

Are residents in your subdivision affected? You bet they are. Although a subdivision may have opted in to the County’s trash program, the odds are not all residents of your subdivision are happy with the selection. Unfortunately, they are unable to change to a trash hauler of their choice. If the County is found to be in violation, those residents will jump on the band wagon and move to their preferred hauler - and look for their refund.

Southview Subdivision Set's Up Blog Site for Residents

Hats off to Southview Subdivision for setting up a blog site to communication with their neighbors. You can view their site at: http://southviewsubdivision.blogspot.com/

Jury Trash Trial Set for 2011; “Unrealistic” Say Residents

With the dispute about St. Louis County’s Waste Program going on three years old, the battle will continue for more than another year as the cost to all county residents continues to increase.

U.S. District Judge Charles Shaw set January 10, 2011 for a jury trial. “This is ridiculous,” said one county resident when asked his opinion about the trash program. “What happens if the County loses the suit and the money collected by the trash haulers has to be returned? Will the county be liable?” Should that occur, it will impact all county residents.

More than 310 subdivisions opted out of the county’s program back in 2007 in protest of not being able to select their own trash hauler. This is not the only dispute. More than a few residents are business owners and dump their home trash at their place of business. Currently they are required by the county to pay double – at home and business.

Condo and apartment residents do not come under the county trash regulation. Many county residents using the designated trash hauler are satisfied with the program, however, many others have complaints about their trash service but are unable to do anything about it.

County Counselor, Patricia Redington, told the judge that the deadline may prove too stringent for the county. (Click Redington Photo to Enlarge)

However, plaintiffs' attorney Jane Dueker said her clients have waited long enough for action on their litigation. She told the court that the case wasn't complex — either the county issued the two-year notice or it didn't. "It's not rocket science," Dueker said Oct. 20.

It’s embarrassing to think that our county officials would over a year to be ready to address this issue.

More information is available at the Call Newspaper site at: http://www.callnewspapers.com/Articles-i-2009-10-28-239486.112112_Jury_trial_set_in_2011on_trashdistrict_suit.html

Vendor Trade Show Presented by St. Louis County; Coming November 4

Coming - Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

St. Louis County's Community Association

Vender Trade Show

specifically for

Subdivision and Condominium
Trustees & Assoc. Directors

at

DoubleTree Hotel-Pavilion

Chesterfield, MO

5:30 P.M. to 8:30P.M.

This event will be a great opportunity for association trustees to meet directly with vendors and learn about all the services they provide to homeowner associations. The trade show is designed to help you better manage your subdivision, care for your amenities, and improve the quality of life for your residents.

See the event brochure for more details, including the list of guest speakers. Please RSVP your attendance by November 4th to Peter Glanvill of Community Associations Institute at peter@cmamgrs.com or calling (314) 878-0025 ext. 109.

This is a joint venture between St. Louis County and the Community Associations Institute.
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/index.cfm?ViewMe=13696

County Still Hauling Residents into Court for Questionable Trash Violations

The newest of three lawsuits was filed on September 11 in the Circuit Court for St.Louis County and it asks the three trash haulers (IESI, Veolia and Allied),who won the eight county trash districts, to repay county residents their trash fees plus damages. In addition, the suit claims that the trash districts are illegal and that the county charter requires elections when the county sets up special assessment districts, such as the trash districts.  (click on photo to enlarge)

Everyone in St. Louis County who is not a party to the first two lawsuits or a defendant is a plaintiff in this lawsuit, unless they have filed a request for exclusion.

While the three cases are on the docket and awaiting judgment, the county is still hauling residents into court for either not having the county mandated trash service or for not using the county designated trash hauler for area resident's respective trash district. However, in response to numerous complaints from residents and state legislators, the county counselor(Patricia Redington) said that the county will no longer suspend the driver's license privileges of those residents who fail to appear in municipal court for failure to participate in the county's trash program.

Tax Approval Needed for Emergency Radios

St. Louis County emergency officials say Proposition E911 is about protecting the public.On November 3, county voters will decide whether to approve a new communications system for emergency responders. It would be paid for and maintained with a one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase.

"Today we're using the same radios that we used when we got into this business in 1977," Police Chief Tim Fitch said. "Since that time we've changed our handguns three times, but we're using the same radio system."

Currently the county's 65 police departments and 43 fire departments are not able to communicate with one another because each uses a different radio system.

Officials say revenue from the sales tax increase could only be spent on emergency communications.

Wife's First Hunting Trip

My sweet husband invited me to go hunting with him this year.


I couldn't believe it...the first time ever! I never thought he'd be
willing to share his 'guy time' with me. And being the thoughtful
man that he is, he even gave me an opening day present. He
calls it 'The First Timers Lucky Hat'. I'm so fortunate to be married
to him. I have attached a picture of me in my lucky hat.
..

West County Trustees to Discuss Forming Networking Group

The South County Network Group has received inquiries over past months about forming a networking group for West County subdivision trustees. The 8-year old Problem Solving Committee in North County provides similar services to north county residents.


Organization of a West County Network Group will be discussed at the October 26 meeting at the St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh starting at 7:00 pm.


Advantages of a Trustee Networking Group are:

• Exchange of information between trustees in your area
• Indepently operated by your trustees
• Present programs for the exact needs of subdivisions in your area
  

There is no cost or need to make a reservation. Just get with your fellow trustees and join in the program on October 26.
..

Subdivision Trustee Network Meeting Set for Oct. 26, West County

You’re Invited
Subdivision Trustees Network Meeting
Monday, October 26, 2009
St. Louis County Main Library
1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis Co, MO 63131
7:00 pm – 8:45 pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Program

Organizing a Subdivision Networking Group
For West County
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seven Habits of a Healthy Subdivision
for Subdivision Trustees
Presented by Lori Fiegel and Andrew Meyerkord
St. Louis County Dept. of Planning
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No reservations required
Tools for subdivision trustees

Cape Girardeau Council Approves Automated Trash Collection

Cape Girardeau will move ahead with plans to automate trash collection, the city council decided Monday evening.

By the end of April, if everything goes as planned, the city will distribute almost 11,000 new 64-gallon trash cans and 11,000 96-gallon recycling bins to every resident using city garbage service. The council voted to move ahead with preparing for the switch, including new ordinances that would be needed to direct the program.

During a presentation to the council, Public Works Department director Tim Gramling said the switch will mean fewer injuries among sanitation workers and give the city the ability to deal with a growing population without expanding the fleet of trash trucks.

The city initially began looking at reworking trash pickup as a way to save money. Other, simpler ideas could have saved more in the first years after automation, Gramling said, but residents would see services diminished.

The move to automation is expected to save the city trash service about $21,000 in the first year. Changing the recycling pickup to once every two weeks from the current system of weekly pickups would have saved almost $52,000.

But that savings wouldn't provide the other benefits an automated system would offer, Gramling said. The switch will provide long-term stability for the trash division budget and should mean no additional trucks or sanitation workers for 10 to 15 years, he said.

"It wasn't just about saving money," he said.

In addition, by purchasing a fleet of replacement trucks financed by bonds, the trash division budget will be able to repay the city general fund about $200,000 of the division's outstanding debt. That money is needed for reserves that have been depleted by five years of spending more than the city received in revenue.

And, city manager Scott Meyer said, the new program will be easier to deal with both for residents and the city workers. "It is going to be a better process," he said.

The city currently allows every residential trash customer to put two 35-gallon trash cans on the curb. Recyclables must be separated before being placed at the curb. If a resident needs to put out additional trash, the city sells stickers for $1 each that must be on the garbage bag to be removed.

Under the program being proposed, each home would get free replacement trash cans, but the sticker program would be eliminated. The city will likely offer an option of allowing a second 64-gallon trash can, Gramling said, but the monthly charge would be doubled for that residence.

(Read more at: http://www.semissourian.com/story/1580063.html)

Charlie Dooley likely to be the major issue in next year's county exec race

By Jo Mannies, Beacon political reporter
Posted 4:20 p.m. Tues., Oct. 13 -
http://www.stlbeacon.org/region/dooley_campaign_may_get_early_start


Bill Corrigan, a Republican candidate for St. Louis County executive, held a news conference a few weeks ago to outline his proposed ethics policy and make veiled jabs at the man he hopes to oust next year: Democratic incumbent Charlie Dooley.

But in an age of instant reaction, it took the Dooley camp almost 24 hours to respond.

The delay wasn't prompted so much by his rival's jabs, a Dooley spokesman explained, but because Dooley isn't ready to launch his re-election campaign.

With more than a year to go before Election Day, campaign treasurer and manager John Temporiti said that Dooley would, ideally, prefer to wait until candidate filing ends in late March.
Only then, Temporiti added, will Dooley know whether a challenger like Corrigan has company.

But lately, Dooley has been confronted with less-than-ideal public scrutiny of his administration and his allies, which may force him to reassess his own campaign timing:

>> Dooley's governmental lobbyist, Darin Cline, resigned a few weeks ago after acknowledging he was in serious tax trouble with the Internal Revenue Service.

>> Temporiti, former chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party and a former top Dooley aide, has drawn fire over his private lunches with two Democratic County Council members. Temporiti wanted to know why they had rejected a proposed county contract involving a firm that employs his son, and if the council members might change their minds if it came up again. (The two -- Democrats Barbara Fraser and Steve Stenger -- say their opposition remains.)

>> Controversy arose over a Saturday meeting of county department heads , all appointed by Dooley, held on Oct. 3 at a private law office. An initial media report -- which the executive denies -- said the department heads were to provide a list of firms that do business with the county for possible campaign donations.

(Read the entire story at: http://www.stlbeacon.org/region/dooley_campaign_may_get_early_start)

Just a reminder of the smoking sources of the bans

Just a reminder of the sources of the bans, the RWJ Foundation, owned by big pharma, and the coalitions, more concerned with "social change" than the bans themselves:

http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?ia=143&id=14912

And what the 99 million dollars was going to. Note on page seven the "inside -out", provision going for patios later, AFTER business owners spend thousands of dollars to build them to accommodate their smoking customers, clearly showing that the tobacco control activists have ABSOLUTLY NO CONCERN about local issues or businesses.

They will only allow a ban with exemptions at first to find gullible lawmakers to get a foot in the door. The last pages instruct them to keep returning every year until ALL exemptions are gone.

You may need to CTRL and scoll to enlarge it.
http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Fundamentals.pdf

My asthma is a result of second hand smoke as a child

A friend of mine wrote me today to tell me about some health problems she's suddenly been faced with.

"I've had more medicine lately than an old woman. The doctors say my asthma is a result of second hand smoke as a child. I was diagnosed with that a few years ago. Both of my parents smoked like a chimney the whole time I lived at home. They have both quit now but the damage is done. Daddy has emphysema and my mom has multiple heart and pulmonary issues."

No, she does not live in St. Louis County. Never the less, St. Louis County residents pay for her family's medical expenses through our increased insurance premiums . . . and federal taxes, etc.

We have to start somewhere to stop this crazyness. What do you think?

Non-Smoking Ordinance Available On-line

Ordinance 24,105 calling and providing for the holding of an election in St. Louis County on the third day of November 2009, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the county a proposition to prohibit smoking in enclosed public places is available at:
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/index.cfm?ViewMe=13440

St. Louis County's Community Association Vendor Trade Show

St. Louis County is partnering with the St. Louis Chapter of the Community Associations Institute to offer a vendor trade show. This is an opportunity to meet directly with vendors and learn about all the services they provide to Homeowner Associations.

Whether your interest is insurance, pools, roofing, landscaping, remodeling or security systems, this trade show is designed to help you better manage your subdivision, care for your amenities and improve the quality of life for your residents.

Mark your calendar:

St. Louis County Vendor Trade Show

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The DoubleTree Hotel-Pavilion

Chesterfield, MO

You need to RSVP by October 23 to Peter Glanvill by phone at 314-878-0025 Ext. 109 or e-mail to peter@cmamgrs.com or caistlouismo@sbcglobal.net.

Bans on clotheslines getting new look

Like the majority of the 60 million people who now live in the country’s roughly 300,000 private communities, Saylor was forbidden to dry her laundry outside because many people viewed it as an eyesore, not unlike storing junk cars in driveways, and a marker of poverty that lowers property values.

In the last year, however, state lawmakers in Colorado, Hawaii, Maine and Vermont have overridden these local rules with legislation protecting the right to hang laundry outdoors, citing environmental concerns since clothes dryers use at least 6 percent of all household electricity consumption. Florida and Utah already had such laws, and similar bills are being considered in Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon and Virginia, clothesline advocates say.

The new laws have provoked a debate. Proponents argue they should not be prohibited by their neighbors or local community agreements from saving on energy bills or acting in an environmentally minded way. Opponents say the laws lifting bans erode local property rights and undermine the autonomy of private communities. “It’s already hard enough to sell a house in this economy,” said Frank Rathbun, a spokesman for the national Community Associations Institute, an advocacy and education organization in Alexandria, Va., for community associations.

“And when it comes to clotheslines, it should be up to each community association, not state lawmakers, to set rules, much like it is with rules involving parking, architectural guidelines or pets.” As much a cultural clash as a political and economic one, the issue is causing tensions as homeowners, landlords and property managers have traded nasty letters and threats of legal action.

(For the entire story, click on: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/story/96AA1D7EAC4DF12E8625764B007E6430?OpenDocument )

GPS: Something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

GPS Caution

A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house.

The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.

..

St. Louis County Police Now Have Crime-Mapping Database

The St. Louis County Police Department has joined the ranks of their comrades in blue in the city and created a crime-mapping database for use by the public.

​The database features crime happenings for the past 90 days in municipalities patrolled by county police. (County suburbs such as Kirkwood, University City, Florissant etc. with their own police force do not report to the county and are absent from the crime map.) These three cities represent a large population within St. Louis County. It's a shame they are not reporting. Visit maps.stlouisco.com/police/index.html.

St. Louis County police chief Timothy Fitch says the database was created in-house and at no additional expense to taxpayers. (Perhaps that's why the map is missing a toggle bar allowing you to move your vantage point around inside the map -- the main flaw I've found so far with the website.)

As for other imperfections to the site...the database forces users to click their way past several disclaimers stating that the county police are not responsible for any errors in the crime reports. They simply enter into the database any and all incidents that come their way.

Checking the site today, the database already contains crimes committed within the past 24 hours. As stated earlier, the St. Louis police have had a similar database now for at least a year -- perhaps longer.

Ballwin Resident Ordered to Clean Up His Yard

For years, Lewis Greenberg's structures of wood, plastic, steel and aluminum have vexed neighbors in the Whispering Oakwood subdivision. He has said the works are a statement on the Holocaust.

A mosaic of chipped granite serves as the pathway to his door, and the Star of David appears throughout the work. Floodlights illuminate the yard at night.In the summer of 2007, dozens of residents showed up at a Ballwin Board of Aldermen meeting to complain. Shortly after, the city cited Greenberg for violating litter and hazardous material ordinances. The case has been winding its way through the courts since.

Greenberg's attorney, David Howard, said he plans to appeal a court’s ruling and hopes to keep Greenberg from having to dismantle the project.

During the trial, Howard and Greenberg's other lawyer, Veronica Johnson, noted that a city administrator called Greenberg in 2005 and told him that his work did not violate city ordinances. The Board of Aldermen didn't act until political pressure from residents, the lawyers argued.

Let’s face it. The yard is visual pollution, and pollution is illegal. Would you want to live next door to this person? What if everyone in this subdivision did the same thing? Good move.

West County Subdivision Trustee Meeting Oct. 26

Mark your calendar for a special meeting and presentation sponsored by the Subdivision Trustees Network Group.

October 26, 2009

7:00 pm - 8:45 pm

at

Main St. Louis County Library

1640 S. Lindbergh (South of I-64)

The agenda includes the following:

• Organization of a network group for West St. Louis County
• Subdivision Trustee support tools from St. Louis County

More details and information will be announced shortly.

Frontenac Says Free Trash Service May be Dumped

Aldermen in Frontenac say they may soon have to begin paying for trash service. The trash fee would be $30 a month per household and would generate about $500,00o annually.

Information was not available as to the type and extent of services provided (trash/recycling/yard waste, etc.). Frontenac residents may be joining the protest lines being formed by many other county residents.

Don't Be A Fooley Merchandise & More Dump Dooley Stickers Surfacing

Merchandise found recently on the St. Louis County Police Officers website posted as T-Shirts.

It appears there is a “Dooley” apparel line for the entire family. Who knows, maybe “helmet head” wigs will be next along with a PR “crown” who thinks she’s queen over the state appellate court.


http://www.printfection.com/ConradsCorner/Dont-be-a-Fooley/_s_309650










Another line of Dump Dooley bumper stickers has surfaced in opposition to the trash districting program. County residents continue to strongly protest the trash program and the fact that residents were not allowed to vote on the program in accordance with a state regulation.

If you're interested in a bumper sticker or more information, contact Cathy Armbruster at 314-544-0298.
(Click on photos to enlarge)

St. Louis area officials' failure to plan hurts the city and the region

Regarding "Now departing: American" (Sept. 18) in the Post Dispatch:

It never ceases to amaze me that St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and his cronies never fess up to errors and shortcomings. Obviously, it's easier for them to cast blame elesewhere.

Their latest target is American Airlines, which made a business decision to reduce its air traffic at Lambert Airport(remember when we called it Lambert International Airport?). Simply because our city managers cannot plan ahead or offer inducements to new businesses, the whole city and area are made to suffer.

And to think, this same inept bunch wants St. Louis County to merge with the city. Obviously, what they lack in business acumen they make up with a sordid sense of humor.

Even so, it's not entirely their fault. An uninformed electorate and a biased newspaper put them into office and lack the foresight to strive for a two-party system in the city.

Richard H. Gerding — Concord Village
For more info: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/7DAE314788A302A78625763B008165F6?OpenDocument

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Do two wrongs make a right? St. Louis County has its own inept bunch bumbling around Clayton. Same goes in the county placing blame and not taking responsibility. While Charlie Dooley and Garry Earls have had their successes, their failures far out weigh them in both numbers and cost.

Its time citizens in both the city and county take note and stand up to speak their piece. Unfortunately, too many of our leaders are not listening. When's the next election?

Mike Roberts, South Couonty

Spending on education regarding recycling and waste management

Two members of the St. Louis County Council say John Temporiti, County Executive Charlie Dooley's campaign treasurer and former key staffer, asked them to reconsider their votes on legislation that would have benefited a company that employs his son.

Hughes was selected for the contract by the county health department, which asked for proposals for a program not to exceed $100,000. Craig LeFebvre, a spokesman for the health department, said he believed six or eight companies submitted proposals and he did not know why Hughes was selected.

Money for the contract would have come from the educational materials account in the Solid Waste Management Fund. That money is derived from the fee the county levies against waste haulers who dump their trash at the county landfill.

- - - - - - - - -

Reading between the lines . . . does this mean more money being spent on the county’s trash program that already has three lawsuits pending in the courts to determine if the program is legal?

Read the entire article at: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/6B6C0B0279B545C78625763D00094E50?OpenDocument#tp_newCommentAnchor
Or
Click Here

Subdivision Trustees Meeting Provides Answers and Information

Attendees at the Subdivision Trustees meeting on September 23 participated in lively discussions on presentations by Steve Stenger, County Councilman; Bill Rogers, Editor of SubdivisionTrustees.com website; Lieutenant James Schneider and Officer Aaron Roediger of the St. Louis County Police Department. Linda Henry, assistant to Stenger also provided important information.

Rogers opened the program with a lively discussion on the current status of the county’s trash program. He presented an overview of the highlights of the program along with the benefits and problems experienced. On the “plus” side, the program is working well for many county residents, rates have been reduced for many in the county, subdivision traffic has gone down for most areas, there’s been a large increase in recycling and trash going to landfills has been reduced.

On the “minus” side, Rogers listed the following.

> Subdivisions should not have been allowed to opt out. This allows residents to circumvent the law allowing them to select their own hauler and not use a trash service at all.

> The county has an ongoing problem in effectively communicating with subdivision trustees since there is no requirement for trustees to be registered with the county. Their mail list is entirely voluntary.

> Some residents claim discrimination since they are not a part of a subdivision. There are no effective means to allow exceptions for seniors, low income, handicap or self disposal of trash or recycling.

> Residents must pay even if they don’t use the service. Examples are someone wintering in Florida for a month, or homeowners who do not dispose of trash every week, but once or twice a month.

He suggested a pay-as-you throw program would resolve some of these problems of use and discrimination. He also pointed out that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone and that no program is perfect.

Rogers said the resolution to the current complaints and problems lies in the three suits pending in the courts. He also pointed out this is a poor way to do business. The problems are not of cost or service, but freedom of choice.

Steve Stenger delivered straight forward answers to questions dealing with the trash program, challenges being faced by the county council and the county and resources available from the county for trustees. He also answered complaints from attendees regarding summons received and others.

Stenger said it’s unlikely that any action will be considered until the pending cases make their way through the court system.

Class-action lawsuit calls for refunds to householders in trash districts

By Phil Sutin
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/25/2009

A new class-action lawsuit challenges St. Louis County's trash system and asks three trash haulers to repay county residents their trash fees plus damages.

The county last year began operating eight trash collection districts in the unincorporated area. Most households in each district receive service from a hauler the county selected by bidding; residents pay the hauler a monthly charge. Paul Marquis of southwest St. Louis County and Cathy Armbruster of Oakville are the plaintiffs in the suit before Associate Circuit Judge Patrick Clifford that seeks class-action status.

Aside from the county, haulers Allied Services, IESI MO and Veolia ES Solid Waste Midwest, which collect trash in the districts, are the defendants.

To view the entire article, visit: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/E2C334254EFFCBE48625763C00066BE3?OpenDocument

or click here.

County Residents Being Intimidated Under Threat of Arrest and Loss of Drivers License for Unpaid Trash Bills

State Senator, Jim Lembke, says St. Louis County is intimidating county residents with threats of imprisonment and loss of their drivers license for unpaid trash bills. County residents say the regulation is illegal stating they had no voice in the trash selection process. They say St. Louis County has continued to carry out, contract, enforce, prosecute and convict persons under its invalid trash district ordinance.

A third law suit was recently filed as a class action suit to recover money paid to the trash haulers. The three haulers in question are IESI, Veolia and Allied Waste. St. Louis County was also named in the suit.

The County says they do not intend to suspend driving privileges, but this is so stated on documents issued by the court along with the threat of arrest.

The plaintiffs say the defendants conspired and agreed among themselves to have St. Louis County continue to enact, enforce and require obedience to the illegal trash ordinances because the trash ordinances result in millions of dollars per month being paid to defendants - Veolia, IESI and Allied Waste.

WARNING TO BE REVISED

The St. Louis County Municipal Court will soon change the form it sends to people who fail to appear on charges that do not involve traffic, County Counselor Patricia Redington said on Tuesday (10/22). The revised form will remove a warning that the county could take away their drivers license.

"It is a mistake," she said. State law limits the court's ability to seize drivers licenses to traffic cases, he said. Redington said the county municipal court has been using a single form for all cases without complaints.

Plaintiffs say this is not the only mistake.

Why Ban Smoking? Heavy Smoking Ages You 10 Years

Smoking Not Only Shortens Life Expectancy, It Also Affects the Quality of Life in Old Age - But Some People Don't Want to Ban It.

Not only does smoking shorten life expectancy, it also has a significant impact on the quality of life in old age, according to a study.

The Finnish study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, evaluated data on 1,658 white men born between 1919 and 1934 of similar socioeconomic status. They were participating in the Helsinki Businessmen study. At the start of the study, in 1974, all men were healthy. Their cardiovascular risks and smoking habits were evaluated at that time. The men were re-evaluated 26 years later through surveys. At that time, there had been 372 deaths.

Participants who had never smoked lived an average of 10 years longer than heavy smokers (defined as more than 20 cigarettes per day). The quality of life of the surviving participants was measured using a survey scale that measures health-related quality of life in categories including physical functioning, role limitations caused by health problems, role limitations caused by emotional problems, social functioning, emotional well-being, fatigue/energy, and general health perception.

The greatest difference was between those who had never smoked and heavy smokers. Two categories where the differences were particularly stark: physical functioning and role limitations caused by health issues.

Nearly 70% of the heavy smokers in 1974 had quit by 2000. However, the researchers write that the effect of smoking status at the start of the study still had a strong impact on death and quality of life.

Meet Steve Stenger, County Councilman, Subdivision Trustees Meeting

Here’s your opportunity to meet and direct your questions to Steve Stenger, Councilman for District 6 in South County. Mr. Stenger will speak at the semi-annual program of the Subdivision Network Group on -

Wednesday, September 23
Tesson Ferry Library
9920 LinFerry at Lindbergh
Just east of Tesson Ferry
6:00 - 9:00 pm.

County District 6 includes Mehlville, Sappington, Oakville, Lemay, Affton, St. George, Lakeshire, Green Park, Bella Villa, Wilbur Park, Sunset Hills and others.

Issues of current interest include:

· Real estate tax assessments
· County regulations
· County smoking ban
· Pending lawsuits for trash program
· Law enforcement and police salaries

Seating is limited so plan to arrive early. This is a group discussion program and your participation is encouraged. This program is sponsored by the Subdivision Trustees Network Group. The group presents programs of interest to subdivision trustees in fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities.

Attendance is open to the public so please invite your neighbors.

For information, contact:

Bob Meyer, 314-892-6646. bjmey2@sbcglobal.net
Bill Rogers, 314-892-8632, subtrustees@swbell.net

St. Louis County Now in Third Law Suit on Unwanted Trash Collection

St. Louis County illegally forces residents to pay for unwanted trash collection under threat of criminal prosecution, a class action claims in St. Louis County Court. Three trash haulers are named in the suit.

Named plaintiffs Paul Marquis and Cathy Armbruster say the county violated its charter by not giving residents 2 years notice and not holding an election to give voters the right to approve the trash districts.

St. Louis County ignored an Oct. 21, 2008 Missouri Appeals Court ruling that it had to give residents the notice, the suit states. The plaintiffs say that failure to pay for the trash services could result in fines and imprisonment.

The class consists of all St. Louis County residents and business owners within trash districts 1-8, who paid for trash services due to the illegal ordinance. It seeks damages and wants the ordinances declared void. It is represented by Robert Schultz of Chesterfield, Mo.

IESI MO, Veolia ES Solid Waste Midwest and Allied Services are also named as defendants.

St. Louis County Announces New Ordinance Guidebook for Subdivisions

St. Louis County’s Department of Planning has recently completed an Ordinance Guidebook for subdivisions. The purpose of the Ordinance Guidebook is to provide a quick reference of St. Louis County laws and regulations that commonly affect everyday life in our subdivisions and neighborhoods. The Ordinance Guidebook is primarily targeted to subdivision trustees and neighborhood leaders in unincorporated areas who frequently deal with property maintenance problems, nuisance complaints, and other issues that have an impact on a community’s appearance, safety, and environment.

The Ordinance Guidebook, however, also includes laws that are enforceable throughout St. Louis County and may be of interest to municipal residents.

The Ordinance Guidebook is available on St. Louis County’s website at:http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/plan/subdivision/OrdinanceGuidebook.pdf

For more information contact: Department of Planning at (314) 615-2520

Ft. Collins Facing Same Trash Problems as St. L County Residents

In Fort Collins, city government doesn’t pick your grocer or your bank.

Why should they pick who hauls your trash?

Fort Collins City Council recently voted 4 to 3 to make part of the city a 'guinea pig' trash district – without notifying the public or asking for citizen feedback. This issue is not about recycling. It’s about loss of choice, loss of customer service and higher costs to consumers,without notifying the public or asking for citizen feedback

Hmm. Sounds familiar. Details at:
http://www.donttrashourchoice.org/

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090905/NEWS01/909050324/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02/City-sets-special-meeting-on-trash-district-proposal

Dr. Randy Jotte to run for St. Louis County Council

Dr. Randy Jotte of Webster Groves has announced his candidacy in next year’s election for the 5th District seat on the St. Louis County Council.

Jotte, 49, is seeking the seat that will be vacated by Councilwoman Barbara Fraser, D-University City, who is running for the Missouri State Senate.

Jotte, a Republican, is a emergency physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He served on the Webster Groves City Council from 2004 to 2008, and was mayor pro tem of the city from 2006 to 2008.

Last year, Jotte (pronounced Jot-E) narrowly lost a race for the Missouri House of Representatives to Democrat Jeanne Kirkton.

The treasurer for Jotte’s campaign is Sandy Odenwald, the wife of former 5th District County Councilman Kurt Odenwald.

The other announced candidate for Fraser’s seat is Terri Williams, a Democrat from Webster Groves.