Divide and Conquer

There is an inordinate number of strange things going on in City Hall today. The finance department has been decimated and Mayor Nickolas Guccione has been handed a fissure in the unity of this once strong knit Board of Aldermen, which he will surely exploit to his advantage.

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Last August, in an effort to find the City's investment accounts, the Board of Aldermen decided to abandon it's association with a long time auditor and go with another firm. At that time, the City had no idea how much or even where it's  money was invested—it's worthy to note that Nickolas Guccione was an aldermen when all of this was going on. Numbers have been thrown around over the past nine months in the range of $38 to $55 million dollars, that's a fair amount of dough to lose track of. As of today, the City believes they have located all of the accounts, banks, and investment firms holding Wentzville's money. The audit is still ongoing and will identify exactly how much money was invested and how much was retrieved. The Aldermen hope these numbers match and at this time they have no suspicion of wrong-doing or misappropriation.

Closely after the announcement to audit the City's investments using the new auditor, the City Finance Director, Dennis Walsh announces his retirement. Shortly after Walsh retired, the Accounts Payable Manager resigns, and then unexpectedly, this week the long-time Assistant Finance Director, Dana Belaska handed in her resignation. The question I had which was answered by President of the Board, Rick Stokes, was; "Can the City finance department function after losing these key employees?" I was assured that temporary employees have been brought on board and with the new Finance Director starting next week, everything is under control. The audit results will be public very soon and we will know if they located all of the City's investment accounts.

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Mayor Nuckolas Guccione is an opportunist, he always lays with the side that looks like it's a winner, that's why he will never commit or take responsibility for anything. His appointed Alderman, Michael Hays, who was allowed to serve on the Board thanks to Alderman Cheryl Kross (when she flipped on her vote), never adds anything to the meetings. I've learned over my short time on this planet that people become engaged in things they know about, and Hays has definitely lived up to that. He served 15 years on planning and zoning and if there is ever a discussion about that, or other committees, he's all over it. Unfortunately, that kind of representation does not get the business of the City done, so he's become a follower. It is amazing how much he resembles Guccione when he was an alderman, they both live under the same mantra; Get along to go along.

With the recent split in the Board, Guccione will choose to stay with the side he feels will do him the most good, as of now, it looks like he's snugging up to Aldermen Stokes and Chris Gard. Since Hays is of the same cloth, he will do whatever Guccione does. Next year, Stokes will be up for re-election and I'm confident that Guccione feels Stokes will be a huge political threat to run against him for mayor in 2016 so he will pull every trick he can to have him replaced in the 2014 election.

I know that Guccione all ready has enormous targets on both Aldermen Sonya Shyrock and Forrest Gossett and if he gets them replaced, he'll have the split board he wants where he will break the ties. There are some folks who say that Shyrock and Gossett are easy outs and if that's the case, Stokes, Gard, and Kross had better mend the fences soon or they will be having the same miserable time that Kross had in her first year.

A better Wentzville is not Guccione's goal—power—that's what he wants. After next April, he could have the power to screw up the City more than he and the Lurchettes had five years ago. It's known that he is not a leader, it was proven in his first year as an alderman and it hasn't improved at all since. His rein of terror will last at least two years after next year when he brings in feel-good legislation that will cost taxpayers dearly.

For the sake of Wentzville, this current Board of Aldermen need to reattach and keep their eyes on the brass ring. I've seen divides like this in the past and they have always worked out terribly for the City. The reasons this board is splitting are trivial and have nothing to do with the business of Wentzville and how it's governed, but if it's not resolved it will have a paramount effect. They need to stop taking the business of Wentzville personally—do the job and move on to the next one at hand—or everything you've accomplished will go down the crapper. You will be to blame for the chaos to come!

Article Interruptus

It is with guarded excitement that I await the Board of Alderman meeting this Wednesday, May 8th. The reason I'm looking forward to it is because the "Ethics Discussion," which was originally posted, and removed from the agenda of April 24th has been placed on the upcoming agenda. I'm apprehensive because here lately when I hear things, they haven't necessarily come to be. So, I'll be there to listen and see what happens.

This discussion item was placed on the agenda to address the  questionable ethics of Mayor Nickolas Guccione and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Hays during the election this past April. Remembering back to the election of 2012, during Mayor Lambi's final meeting as Mayor of Wentzville, the Board was going to have a similar discussion about Guccione's unethical behavior. Lambi's last official duty was to issue a pardon for him. I always thought it unfortunate for citizens of Wentzville to bear the shame of having a Mayor sworn in who was just pardoned by the outgoing mayor. And now, citizens of Ward 3 are represented by an alderman who won by only 39 percent of the vote, who would not have been elected if Guccione hadn't gotten involved.

Guccione must not have learned anything from Lambi's pardon because he continued along with his old campaign strategies this past election by using the mayor's office to promote the seating of Hays. I can only hope our Aldermen impose some drastic spankings.

NEWS FLASH: The body count rills up under Mayor Nickolas Guccione's administration. Ms. Petree Powell, Interim Wentzville Finance Director was fired Friday night about 8:30  PM by City Administrator, T. Michael McDowell. It was reported to The Wentzvillian that Ms. Powell and Mr. McDowell may have had some bad blood between them. Powell was hired January 10th of this year to replace Dennis Walsh who had served as Wentzville Finance Director for many years. Ms. Powell sent a blistering email to the City, which I will do my best to acquire. The Wentzvillian has been told that a new interim Finance Director will be present at the meeting this Wednesday.

Guccione was directly involved with the firing of four directors in Wentzville, so much for being in favor of the employees, huh? I have never seen such a turnover in the City as that created by Mayor Nickolas Guccione. My suggestion to City employees is: if you have a position of any responsibility with the City, duck! Do what your leader does; hide, pass the buck, lie, accomplish little or nothing, and always have someone you can blame.

I'm off to do some research, see ya later!

You Can Tell An Idiot...

I'm going to do my best to explain a situation that took place in city hall a couple of weeks ago without getting overheated. Normally, I wouldn't care one way or another about seating arrangements or assigned work stations in city hall but in this case I need to make an exception.

As everyone knows, Wentzville has been without a City Administrator for the better part of a year and Finance Director, Dennis Walsh has filled in during that time. Last Wednesday, an interim City Administrator was selected and he will be unveiled at this Wednesday's meeting of September 12th. In preparation of his coming, Mayor Nick Guccione made an executive decision about how best to prepare his new accommodations.

Five Wentzville Mayors, spanning thirty-five years have had an office in the current facility. Since the mayor position is a part-time job and the office is mainly used for signing documents, making a phone call or two, and the occassional spanking of a rowdy employee, it accommodated the needs of the mayor quite handily. It is situated just directly behind chambers, next door to the mayor's assistant and other essential clericals who may be neccessary for the support of the mayor's office. The office contains a desk, credenza, small conference table, and the many assorted plaques, photographs, and a few personal items—more than enough room and amenities for any part-time mayor to accomplish his or her duties.

Just to the east of the Mayor's office is the office of the City Administrator. It is larger with corner windows, bookcases, file cabinets, a larger conference table and numerous chairs for staff, All in all, an impressive and perhaps somewhat intimidating setting to vendors or complainants. This is a working office with enough amenities to tell anyone entering; it's occupant is important and in charge. In Mayor Gucciones infinite wisdom, he believes that he needs this office and let the day-to-day city administrator cope with a more humble setting, so he switched offices—the new king has a new thrown room befitting his stature and regal ego-driven authority.

I can think of no other reason for this illogical action other than ego! Our fat-head of a mayor isn't concerned with the assessments of his predecessors, by allowing the city administrator space to conduct everyday business of the city. The city administrator runs the city and puts in more hours a day in city hall than the mayor spends there in a month.

As you may, or may not know, I have issues with this mayor and not usually surprised by his frequent screw-ups but I didn't see this one coming. He believes that his job is so important to the city that he's willing to sacrifice the ability of his city administrator to conduct the business of the city. I used to call the previous mayor "The All Mighty Potentate," but Guccione is putting him to shame in his drive for power to fit his ego. I say to Mayor Guccione: You are a joke! You have no idea what a mayor does or the image one needs to put forth.

You can tell an idiot, but you can't tell him much.

The Mimesis

It's been a while since I've posted a report and after much prodding from my personal advisor, mentor, friend, and critic, Mr Skip Sanchez, I am now prepared to report what I've seen and heard in the past two weeks involving what's going on in City Hall. There's a lot happening, most of it confusing but much of it is crucial to the future of our city, so here goes:

I'll start out with the Aldermen work session of June 6th. The City invited the Public Education Director of the State Attorney Generals Office, Mr. Tom Durkin to give a presentation on the Sunshine Laws. Mr. Durkin spoke for approximately an hour and I found it most interesting and revealing. One segment he addressed was city emails and the fact that they are public record. I watched the Mayor during this presentation and when the subject of emails was brought up it was like catching a weight watcher with a half-eaten Twinkie in his hand, Guccione's deportment changed.

Guccione was so visually shaken when he found out that emails are a matter of public record I immediately assumed he had something to hide. I have the feeling he was asking around about how to delete those emails from the City system so, I immediately put in a request for information to obtain copies of all emails, to and from Guccione from July 2011 up to June 6th, 2012. I have a hunch that our mayor, Guccione, has been indiscreet during his use of the City email system. I'll get back to you on that one, he he he!

Before I get to the meeting of June 13th, I want to discuss something that has been puzzling me since the famous evening of April 25, 2012 after which I wrote "A Poke In The Eye" when Mayor Lambi gave the Aldermen an eye-poke saying: "'I'm ordering a pardon,' and with a crack of the gavel, 'This matter is closed.'" I've had time to think about this deal and I'm not so sure that the pardon Guccione received from Lambi was legal. I have put in another request for information asking for the signed and dated document that gives official pardon to then Alderman Nick Guccione. Something tells me, it doesn't exist.

The meeting last Wednesday was another marathon event. I finally left at 11:10 pm with three more items on the agenda. During the ten years I've been following Wentzville City government I can't remember a single meeting lasting until after 11:30 pm, and now we've had two with the first adjourning after midnight. Gooch needs to get his shit together and learn how to move a meeting along or this will become the norm rather than the exception. Surely, the Aldermen will grow weary of Guccione's lack of leadership skills. Our Public Works Director Scott Smith announced that housing was picking up, the City received 168 applications in the past month which equates to having longer agendas, consequently meetings in the near future will be going on into the wee hours of the morning if something isn't done. I can see nonuniform chicken parts going on sale at Schnucks meat department after a bleary eyed butcher tries desperately not to cut off any of his fingers.

There were many important items discussed but a few stand out: The recruitment of a new Major on the police department is first on my list. The Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh stated that they have the money for this new position this year without impacting the budget. It's interesting to me that they have 100,000 unallocated dollars laying around, but OK. My problem is next year and the years after that. Adding this new layer of personnel is going to be a budgetary problem that will create a quandary for the taxpayers and budget manipulators. The budget has been hammered for three years by this Board of Aldermen and frankly it baffles me how quickly they folded on their premise.

Another item that has me scratching my head is bill #3392, concerning the consumption of alcohol by persons in a moving vehicle which was under consideration for the first reading. No one wants drinking while driving or drunk driving but this bill doesn't address that, it pertains to a passenger with an open container in their posession. Ward 1 Alderman Forrest Gossett spoke out against this at least twice yet when it came to the vote, Ward 1 Alderman Cheryl Kross was the only one to vote "nay." Personally, I don't understand the need for this ordinance and can't figure out why it is being brought forward.

One thing I saw at the meeting that is disturbing; A lady came forward to complain about a contractor and the City Code people siding with it. After she finished, Mimesis Guccione stated; "This is the first time I've heard of this." To this I say; bullshit! Guccione served on the Board for five years before his current mimenic activity and during that time I have seen this lady at least two other times in open forum with that exact same complaint. I knew he didn't pay attention in meetings but why in the hell would he lie about something like this? The Mimesis likes to pass the buck, and he's good at it.

On Thursday, June 7th, at about 2:00 pm, the Alderman received an email from Acting CA Walsh, in which he wrote that the Directors were no longer to talk with the Aldermen without first going through the Mayor and/or himself. This email was directed by Guccione to set his "chain of command," which he said over and over during the ensuing discussion. Mayor Lambi did the same thing with then CA Dianna Wright, it didn't work for him and it ain't working for the Mimesis.

Alderman Gossett read a statement which called Walsh on the carpet saying; "this is poppycock!" He will have nothing to do with funnelled and filtered information. After some discussion, Walsh admitted he may have written it incorrectly. Guccione jumped in to admit that it was his words to set his "chain of command." General Guccione has started his regimented and orderly disruption of the staff, by the time he's done, there will be chaos looming large in Wentzville government. Every Alderman spoke on this matter and every one of them respectfully said to the Mimesis: Up yours!

There was much more to report on but this will have to do for now, I'll be back in a couple days, this is my vow to Ms. PSS.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

This week is a busy one for our city government, three meetings in the first three days. It started Monday with a joint meeting of the parks board and the board of aldermen for a "Parks Projects Presentation." Last evening the board of aldermen addressed issues effecting the city regarding county, state and federal laws. Tonight, they will host the regular board of aldermen meeting and several very important pieces of legislation will be voted on I'll report on this meeting tomorrow.

Monday's meeting addressed the $20 million dollar parks project. The parks board presented the scope, schedules, and progress of the planned parks to the board of aldermen. Mayor Lambi obviously didn't believe it necessary for him to attend so Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting. With the size of the expenditures regarding the parks project I was surprised to see the mayor not present.

Yesterday's meeting was very interesting and informative. Representatives from the county, state and federal level were invited by the city to attend and field questions from the aldermen. Very important people were there; County Councilman Joe Cronin, State Representative Chuck Gatschenberger; and Senator Scott Rupp's Chief of Staff Bruce Holt helped the board by answering questions of law that effect our city. Claire McCaskill was invited but unable to attend. Once again, Mayor Lambi didn't make an appearance and Acting Mayor Leon Tow directed the meeting.

I found it disturbing that Lambi didn't come to this meeting so I asked Acting Mayor Tow where he was. Tow said he expected him but didn't know his whereabouts. I understand no one in the city knew where he was including the Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh or City Clerk Vi Skillman. He didn't notify anyone regarding his absence and I'm sure he's going to need a note from his mother when he does come back.

ELECTION NEWS

Breaking news yesterday in STLtoday illuminated the fact that Mayor Paul Lambi will not seek re-election (like we didn't know). He cited his job was taking him across the county and another term would be impossible. This was not a press release to any of the news services so I have to conclude that he gave them the exclusive. There is more to the story and it will be coming soon.

Regarding the candidates filing on the first day, I received the list last night from our City Clerk. I am posting the names here but scratched through the names of those candidates that The Wentzvillian believes would create a disturbance in the force. If you take our city seriously, you won't support their bid for office.

MAYOR:

Bill "Lurch" Schuette

Nickolas "Nick" Guccione

Leon Tow

ALDERMAN, WARD ONE:

Jay Weber

ALDERMAN, WARD TWO:

SONYA SHRYOCK

Donna J. Sherwood

ALDERMAN, WARD THREE:

Michael Hays

RICK STOKES (incumbent)

Rodney E. "Rod" Stratman

In Ward 1, FORREST GOSSETT is expected to file. In Ward 2, SONYA SHRYOCK is my candidate of choice. In Ward 3,  RICK STOKES has been a bulldog when it comes to cutting the budget and pushing the half-million dollar real estate tax reduction, he is the kind of representative Wentzville needs to re-elect.

"Lurch" Schuette is serious about being Mayor but I'm sure he hasn't got the welfare of the city in mind, his record is filled with controversy. He is loud, confrontational, a bully, and has no idea of how government works. I have been hearing that he has been calling around trying to drum up some support, I wish he'd call me, (metaphorically speaking) I'd loan him a ladder, the use of a tree in my back yard, and a rope with a noose in it.

Meltdown in City Hall

The Board of Aldermen's special meeting of November 29th was a bust, hardly worth attending—that's probably why I didn't. The agenda items were only two: "City Administrator Recruitment," and "Police Chief Recruitment." Those lasted about 15 minutes and then they went into executive session for almost two hours. Sometimes watching legislation is like watching speed bumps, it's no wonder why more citizens don't attend city meetings, it takes a certain kind of screwball. But this doesn't mean there isn't entertainment in city hall because on any given day it is filled with mini dramas.

If you had been a fly on the mayor's office wall Wednesday afternoon you would have seen our mayor at his absolute worst. Code of conduct for elected officials doesn't seem to mean much for our omnipresent all mighty potentate; Mayor Lambi, as he went crazy. I think the pressures of trying to act like a mayor by someone who can't grasp the concept is catching up with our man Lambi.

Here's the way it went down: A citizen and old friend of Lambi's went to city hall to talk with Acting City Administrator, Dennis Walsh about a water bill problem. At the front desk he found that Walsh is no longer officed in city hall so he asked if he could have a few moments with the Mayor. Sitting in Lambi's office, he explained why he was there and the conversation evolved into a discussion of the recent employee benefits talks. He asked why Lambi supported the "no increase" in co pays for employees. Irritated, and in his best smart-ass condescending way, Lambi said: "You are always putting down city employees." His friend rocked by Lambi's statement retorted, "I take offense to your attitude! How can you justify passing these costs onto the taxpayers!"

Walsh and the purchasing manager, Jerry Hillin, arrived at city hall for a meeting with Lambi just as the gloves were being taken off in Lambi's office. Shouting and expletives (that even I wouldn't use) were being exchanged while the office employees and staff listened in the lobby. Finally, before it went to blows, Lambi shouted; "YOU'RE NO FRIEND OF MINE, GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!" On his way out, Lambi's ex friend said: "You'll rue the day you treated me this way!" In my opinion, that's one hell of a way to schmooze a taxpaying resident of Wentzville. I wonder if Lambi will get his vote?

You kinda have to feel sorry for Lambi he really is a nice person if you can get him out of his mayor hat. He was originally elected (2004) to dethrone Vickie Bodeker and re-elected (2006) to drive the nail in her coffin by beating her a second time to that old tune: "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead." Then after that he began thinking he was invincible.  Beginning to break promises and  lying to friends and followers became a pass time that lost him a great number of his constituency. In 2008, his third election, Leon Tow gave him a run for his money without even trying. In 2010 he won a split decision by obtaining only 38 percent of the vote but if there had been only one opponent, Lambi would not have been here today. I guess we are fortunate because if he had lost we would have had Lurch screwing things up today. Sometimes blessings come at a high price.

Turning friends into enemies has been a big part of his downfall. His reign of lunacy will lead to a legacy far beneath that which he had hoped to attain. This final meltdown in city hall could cost him any chance at a fifth term. Even some of his closest friends are now looking away and I'm beginning to believe that he finally doesn't want the job of mayor any longer, it's just too hard. With a little training I think he could become a top-notch Wal-Mart Greeter. Maybe he could use one of his $250 "volunteer" tutors to help land the job.

Jump to Conclusions

There are a lot of us that bitch about things in general and in today's time it's easy to bitch about everything but somehow I get the feeling that I'm taking it to a new level—raising the bar as it is. Anyway, I have a complaint, not only about the city but some of their contractors as well.

Complaint

Last night at the regular board meeting in the city I was disturbed about something that I have a little inside information about. Dennis Walsh in his city administrator's report stated that the Vision  (city newsletter) was really messed up. He went on to say; "The printer decided to move photographs into the wrong places so we are no longer going to use him." No hearing, no trial, no consideration that it may not be his fault, merely—the printer is fired.

I have been working in and around the printing industry for more years than I really care to speak of and I've learned a few things about it in that time. Without getting technical, photographs do not change places in documents unless there are anomalies or entities in the source document, or as Walsh stated, the printer intentionally went into the document and moved them. I know this newsletter costs between $2,000 and $3,000 dollars and I cannot believe any reputable printer would eat that cost by intentionally sabotaging the job as Walsh suggested. That leaves me to believe that the source document generated by the contractor's designer is to blame. Of course, the contractor is going to blame it on thier printer simply because that's where the problem surfaced, how else could it be explained. Enough about that for now I have to think about my blood pressure.

SubComplaint (same newsletter, different subject)
Santa Claus Has Just Committed Suicide

I couldn't help noticing the politically corrected front page articles; "Holiday Tree Lighting," "Holiday Parade...," and Holiday Night Lights." What a crock of crap! These things used to be prefaced by the word; "Christmas." I see pictured a Christmas tree, not a Hanukkah bush, or  Kwanzaa pole but a CHRISTMAS TREE! I also thought I saw Santa Claus, not Hanuclaus, or Kwansaaclaus—SANTA CLAUS! Whoever is responsible for this needs to be boiled in oil and burried with a stake of holly through his/her heart. I just wonder how much our Vision newsletter contractor had to play in this, or did the printer do it? Oh, my blood pressure!

SubComplaint #2 (same newsletter, different page)

Let's move on to page 7: The article entitled "Filing Opens for Municipal Offices." The problem here is; there is a picture of an old "holiday tree" next to a "holiday" dumpster. My complaint is that when the printer "moved the photographs," he didn't put Mayor Lambi's photograph (on page 3) in the Dumpster on page 7. I guess we'll have to wait until a few weeks before Easter, I mean "Holiday Sunday" to do that. Hmmm, all of a sudden I feel better.

Rattle Those Pots and Pans

The October 5th board of alderman's work session addressed the budget, another completely enjoyable two hour lesson in drollery. Acting City Administrator Dennis Walsh presented and the entire staff was on hand to field questions.

This board is intent on cutting the budget and completely focused on trimming the fat out of the city. Addressed in The Wentzvillian of September 29th; Payback Time for a Decade of Unbridled Growth, there are some hard choices to be made—reducing taxes and employee benefits are two of the proposed remedies. Alderman Vann Samples is on record that he does not want to lower the real estate taxes and on the other hand he is fighting a reduction in employee benefits. Samples was not in city hall during boom times when the city was increasing the size of Wentzville government so he seems unaware that we have a bureaucracy based on a population of 50,000 citizens, Wentzville falls considerably short of that number today sporting 13,000 platted and 3,700 undeveloped lots. With the election only 5 months away most of the aldermen are tip-toeing around the subject of layoffs but unless staff comes up with the directed half-million dollars, downsizing could be a possibility. Politicizing issues will come more frequent in the coming months.

Speaking of "cutting the fat out of the city," Mayor Lambi was in particularly rare form again last night. During the budget presentation, Alderman Cheryl Kross asked questions of Walsh regarding the reserve funds in every budget department trying to determine if they were non restricted funds. Along about the third time she questioned one of the unallocated funds Lambi had had enough of her inquisition and in his inimitably condescending manner cut in to challenge, "what (possible) value would that be?"

Lambi has a history of treating women aldermen disrespectfully. Since Kross was elected three years ago, he has continuously attempted to intimidate and belittled her in public meetings. In previous years when Peggy Meyer and Cheryl Kross were on the same board, Lambi was particularly aggressive in his quest to make them both look like idiots. There were times that I felt terrible about the abusive verbal beatings they took from Lambi. After one particularly hard badgering he gave Kross, he was called on his attitude toward her and gave an apology to her both publicly and in private. His pseudo remorse didn't last long. These are not isolated or infrequent incidents, any current or past alderman can verify them. Lambi, plain and simply is a chauvinist, his chauvinism is manifested in his public treatment of our women Aldermen. He has shown us that he thinks women don't belong in the political arena, it appears to him they should "get back in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans." I'm surprised that a husband or close friend of one of these women hasn't invited Mayor Lambi to a meeting on the parking lot.

One highlight of the meeting came when the aldermen asked Walsh about the ongoing investigation of the benefits comparison analysis and when it might be presented for board scrutiny. As Walsh began to answer their question and realizing he didn't have all of the information (which is understandable due to his performance of two major roles,) he called on the Human Resources Director Amy Holloway. She presented a list of items that she and her department are ready to report on which made the alderman's eyes sparkle. I thought she should have taken a bow. Great job Amy! (It's a good thing you're not an alderman and come under the scornful eye of the master.)

Welcome Back to Mayberry, Andy!

I've hesitated to comment on last weeks board of alderman's meeting of September 14, 2011, probably because I have been trying to figure out why the process of finding a new CA (city administrator) hasn't been started. The aldermen and mayor have known that Dianna Wright would be gone—they've known for sure since August 24th when in executive session it was decided to offer her the option to resign. Then two weeks later, after she declined the boards offer, again in executive session, they voted unanimously to fire her. Hadn't anyone noticed that when she left there was no one in her office?

Other than Dennis Walsh, our finance director taking over as acting CA, the only person crying about Wright's leaving is Mayor Lambi, but he's been crying a lot lately. Wednesday, Lambi introduced the idea to hire an interim CA, stating what a heavy burden has been placed on his staff and himself, wah, wah, wah. He said, "it's painfully obvious how much additional work has been placed on Dennis Walsh, and it's taking more time than I can spare," wah, wah, wah. "I don't want to burden Dennis to the extent of his jeaprodizing his health." Wah, wah, wah. He opened it up for discussion and the aldermen, in turn commented.

Alderman Tow asked Walsh, "are you so overburdened that you cannot cover both jobs?" "No, I can do it with the help of the other directors," said Walsh. Alderman Kross said that our directors were hired because they were intelligent, and capable to direct their departments, they will step up to the plate, "Mr. Smith, Can you do your job?" "We are well equipped to handle our ongoing projects," he answered. Lambi jumped in; "All of our department heads are capable but they need a CA, a CA is the ramrod," wah, wah, wah. Then he stated how he has only so much time to give and he's "already at city hall six to eight hours a day," wah, wah, wah. That's interesting, for the last few weeks I've passed city hall three times a day and I've seen Lambi's car there only twice. Unless he's carpooling or taking some other form of mass transit, I seriously doubt he's hanging around that much.

It's at this point, Lambi gets to his point; he wants to hire Andy McCown to fill in and direct the search for a new CA. McCown would require; travel, lodging, and an hourly wage for three days a week. McCown was the CA here and retired three years ago to move to Arkansas to be nearer his children. Don't get me wrong, I really like Andy McCown, he was always nice, gentile, and attentive to problems but, why do we need someone to travel to Wentzville to "fill in" for our absent CA. My answer is that Lambi and McCown were close for a number of years and Lambi wants to help his "bud" by having him come up to save his sinking ship. At least then he'll have someone in city hall who will talk to him.

Does the city really want to spend travel money (back and forth twice a week to and from Arkansas,) lodging, and hourly wages for three days a week? It's funny that Lambi says he's spending six to eight hours every day and McCown will do it in three days. Hmmm! The estimated term for McCown will be two to three months. Anyway, the aldermen would agree if McCown was the assistant CA under Walsh's direction. Lambi perked up, "That's exactly what I'm asking for," Lambi responded. It's amazing how long it took him to wise up the alderman to hire an "assistant CA." That guy can change his tune on a dime when he's not getting his way.

A Half-Million or Heads Will Roll

The Wentzville Aldermanic work session on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 dealt mostly with the 2012 budget, and budget meetings are always synonymous with dozing off for me. This one was a little different because within the first five minutes, before they even got into the topics, it got interesting.

Alderman Rick Stokes, Ward 3, got the attention of Mayor Lambi to ask for a brief Executive Session. I'm unclear about the exact reason for his request but I believe it was something to do with the agenda. Lambi replied: "Alderman Stokes, we've begun the meeting and I see no reason why we should stop it now." Stokes organized his papers and placed them in his briefcase, pushed his chair back, and started closing his computer, Lambi asked; "where are you going?" "I'm leaving." I thought I heard Stokes say something like; I'm not sitting in this meeting with a revised agenda that I've never seen until this very minute. They sat glaring at one-another for a few seconds when Lambi slammed the gavel down with a loud bang (something he's gotten a lot of practice at during past months), "We're going into a brief executive session," he said as Stokes, and Dennis Walsh, Acting City Administrator followed Lambi out of chambers. A few minutes later they returned and the meeting began. In my years reporting on city government I've seen aldermen go into executive session many times but never once during the regular meeting.

If I was surprised by the mid-meeting Executive Session, the second one was a complete mystery. Jerry Hillin, Wentzville's Purchasing Administrator, interrupted the meeting by saying, "there has been a breach of security," and called for executive session. This had to be a half-hour into the meeting when Hillin, Walsh, and Stokes followed Lambi out of chambers. The term "breach of security," had me looking out the window to see if maybe Afgan Rebels were storming city hall so I was preparing myself to duck out the side door. Prior to Hillin requesting the side-bar, Alderman Stokes was having trouble with his microphone and in the midst of his frustration he uttered; "shit," and of course the microphone started working just in time to record his expletive on tape. Shit may be a breach in most instances but I can't imagine how it effects the security of a meeting other than in the context of a Depends blow out, but the city's waste treatment people were present so I would think it could have been handled without Executive Session.

Voters should be disappointed in a couple of our aldermen regarding statements they made concerning the $500,000 real estate and property tax cut proposed by Stokes and supported by Alderman Kross, Ward 1 and Alderman Guccione, Ward 3 a while back. During discussion, Alderman Vann Samples, Ward 2, stated that he is "not in favor of cutting real estate taxes," implying that once you reduce a tax it's impossible to get it increased without a vote of the people, unfortunately Alderman Chris Gard, also Ward 2, agreed with him. It amazes me, after the city announced an increase of $38 million in sales tax revenues which go directly into the general fund, how a paltry half million in real estate and property tax is not a no-brainer. Samples and Gard believe that it should be found elsewhere in the budget, in other words; cut services, not taxes.

Toward the end of that discussion, Stokes told the city staff in no uncertain terms that he wants to see a half-million dollars cut out of the budget even if it means cutting heads. It has been said for quite a few years that there are too many employees in the city. He went on to say that "no one wants to see anyone lose their job, but I want that half-million, what ever it takes." I don't know how that statement will be perceived among employees or citizens but Stokes is persistent, and I don't think he's going to give up on it.

Earlier that evening I heard one of the City's Administrators say that they are trying to hire an assistant for him. I have noticed that any time someone gets a promotion (or a position is created) in the City, they get an assistant. Bob Swank, ex-Economic Development Director, left his employment with the city (in a similarly mysterious fashion as Dianna Wright), and whom accomplished very little, got an assistant. Before Andy McCown, ex-City Administrator, retired, he set up an HR department and named Amy Holloway director, she got an assistant within the first year of her position. When the smoke-and-mirror-shrouded eviction of our public works Director came about, the City turned his job into two jobs which created the need for at least one new assistant. My point is; it appears that anyone working for anyone in the City above the level of grunt, gets an assistant.

At least most of these promotions and their assistants come from within—lower level jobs were left vacant meaning they had to hire more people to fill those positions. The problem is that it appears that no one is promoted at lower pay levels than their predecessors and that adds up to higher payroll. A perfect example is Dianna Wright, she initially hired in at $117,550 that is $14,000 more than Andy McCown was making ($103,000) when he left. When Wright disappeared she was making over $121,000. Mark my words, whom ever is hired to replace Wright will earn as much or more than she did. The City's motto should be; "make room for lower level employees to make higher salaries." The mayor only makes $13,000, but then again that's way too much for what he does. And then you have the aldermen, I think our elected officials make (at last look) around $4,300 for making the hard decisions for their constituents. There was a time when Mayor Lambi wanted to do away with mayor and have a city manager—he wanted that job. Just think, if he had gotten his wish, he would have been gone last week—now we have to wait until April.

"Irreconcilable Differences"

The rumors about the possible departure (under unfavorable terms) of Wentzville's City Administrator, Dianna Wright, have come true. I've held off on this until now to gather as many facts as I could, so here goes: The rumors of her demise started in 2009 and was (unfortunately) spread citywide by then ex-Alderman John Luby when he walked into a meeting in town and interrupted the proceedings by expressing publicly his disappointment in hearing the rumor that she was to be fired. Prior to that I had heard it but didn't give it undo credibility, of course, I may be giving undo credibility to an ex-Alderman's knowledge, but since I had heard it from two other active Aldermen about that time I believed it—yet I remained questioningly silent (for me anyway).

Over the months, I watched the deportment of the board during regular meetings and the issue of Dianna Wright's fate began quacking like a duck—loudly. Last week August 24th at the regular public Board of Aldermen meeting, I realized it was true and that the end was near for Dianna Wright. How near I wasn't sure but I thought in a couple weeks she would more than likely be displaced. Boy was I wrong! That night they went into executive session after the meeting and I knew the subject would be regarding her termination.

Thursday afternoon, at about 1:30 PM, I was notified that Dianna had been given her walking papers a mere half-hour earlier at 1:00 PM that day. I'm going to have to tell my sources to be just a shade more prompt with news of this magnitude or ask for their resignations. There was no notice given by either the City or Dianna—just poof! That leads me to believe that it was not her choice and that a better option was not had for her. As time progressed, I thought it strange that none of the local publication's reporters knew anything about it and on Friday, A special meeting of the Board was scheduled for Monday August 29th—a full five days after her disappearance from city hall.

The only thing on the August 29th agenda was "Executive Session." It was to be regarding the press release that has now been sent to the various publications that serve the Wentzville area and surely what to do for a new City Administrator. The press release reads in part: "The Wentzville Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Monday, August 29 to discuss continuity of day-to-day city management and the search for a new city administrator as a result of the sudden departure last Thursday of Dianna Wright as city administrator. City officials cite 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for Wrights departure..." Until a replacement for Wright is found, Wentzville's Director of Finance and Assistant Administrator, Dennis Walsh, will serve as the interim city administrator." Dennis has served as interim administrator for several departing city administrator's, I don't know why they don't just give him the job and start looking for a new finance director. Seems to me that he could get a modest raise and hire a new finance director at a lower salary than he is currently making, but that's probably too logical for the city to understand.

The details of Dianna's severance provision will be public information probably at the next general board meeting. The press release is usual lawyer jargon and can be interpreted however someone wants to read it. The term "irreconcilable differences" could mean anything; either the board fired her or she got so unhappy with the situation that she walked out. Either way it's not going to be a promotional bell-ringer at her next position. For my money, she got fired. This press release is the same as other city staff terminations in recent years, just the name has been changed.

Personally, I liked Dianna, she was attentive, cooperative (with citizens), and as smart-as-a-whip. It's unfortunate that she and the city didn't blend, but in the end, both must go on. It's a shame that she had to sell her home in Harrisonville and that she'll be moving on from Wentzville to her next assignment where she'll be buying another home. With her credentials, it's not like looking for a job at Wal-Mart. I wish her success where ever she goes. I guess they can scratch one more off of our population signs now to read: 29,069.