| Watchdog Headlines ! |
Introduction:
"The man who reads nothing at all is
better educated than the man who
reads nothing, but newspapers."
Welcome to the O'Fallon Watchdog.
The quote above is from Thomas
Jefferson but it could just as well
have been said by anyone who
reads The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
and other smaller local papers.
The Post-Dispatch is a business
and like other businesses has
clients. Despite all the talk of ethics,
civic responsibility and meaningless
Platforms the bottom line for the
Post is the bottom line. The Post
would like you to believe its product
is the news which requires some
level of credibility to sell.
The truth is the Post is selling
newspapers which may by chance
contain news from time to time. The
more of its product it can sell the
more it can collect from its
advertisers.
However, even if it doesn't sell more
of its product the Post must keep its
major source of money, its
advertisers, happy or the bottom
line drops even further.
What the consumer is left with is not
news (we will refer to it at O'Fallon
Watchdog as "postnews") but what
the Post-Dispatch wants you to
believe is the news. Thus, the Post
will slant its coverage on issues by
choosing only those stories which fit
its agenda, refuse to research other
stories, omit relevant facts, provide
incorrect information, smear anyone
who dares to be on the wrong side
and then bundle it up and throw its
post news on our driveway.
This is never more true than in the
postnews about O'Fallon. For this
reason we started the O'Fallon
Watchdog. We hope to fill in the
blanks about allegations of past and
on going wrong doing in O'Fallon in
particular although other areas may
be covered as well. We plan to do
this by providing you with the facts
about what happened in O'Fallon
yesterday, what is happening today
and what we think may happen
tomorrow.
This page is a place where our
readers can read some of the
recent headlines in local
publications accompanied by the
O’Fallon Watchdog point of view.
We will provide our readers with
links to supporting documentation
when possible and our source of
information if practicable. By
providing this information we hope
to empower our readers to ask the
right questions, challenge our
elected officials to provide answers
and hopefully work to correct the
problems we expose.
"The man who reads nothing at all is
better educated than the man who
reads nothing, but newspapers."
Welcome to the O'Fallon Watchdog.
The quote above is from Thomas
Jefferson but it could just as well
have been said by anyone who
reads The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
and other smaller local papers.
The Post-Dispatch is a business
and like other businesses has
clients. Despite all the talk of ethics,
civic responsibility and meaningless
Platforms the bottom line for the
Post is the bottom line. The Post
would like you to believe its product
is the news which requires some
level of credibility to sell.
The truth is the Post is selling
newspapers which may by chance
contain news from time to time. The
more of its product it can sell the
more it can collect from its
advertisers.
However, even if it doesn't sell more
of its product the Post must keep its
major source of money, its
advertisers, happy or the bottom
line drops even further.
What the consumer is left with is not
news (we will refer to it at O'Fallon
Watchdog as "postnews") but what
the Post-Dispatch wants you to
believe is the news. Thus, the Post
will slant its coverage on issues by
choosing only those stories which fit
its agenda, refuse to research other
stories, omit relevant facts, provide
incorrect information, smear anyone
who dares to be on the wrong side
and then bundle it up and throw its
post news on our driveway.
This is never more true than in the
postnews about O'Fallon. For this
reason we started the O'Fallon
Watchdog. We hope to fill in the
blanks about allegations of past and
on going wrong doing in O'Fallon in
particular although other areas may
be covered as well. We plan to do
this by providing you with the facts
about what happened in O'Fallon
yesterday, what is happening today
and what we think may happen
tomorrow.
This page is a place where our
readers can read some of the
recent headlines in local
publications accompanied by the
O’Fallon Watchdog point of view.
We will provide our readers with
links to supporting documentation
when possible and our source of
information if practicable. By
providing this information we hope
to empower our readers to ask the
right questions, challenge our
elected officials to provide answers
and hopefully work to correct the
problems we expose.
| O'Fallon Watchdog |
Exposing Corruption, Injustices and the Truth.
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| It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. Thomas Jefferson |
Council wants safety director
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/14/2006
O'FALLON — In a move that could pave the way for the return of fired Police Chief Steve Talbott to O'Fallon, the City Council has
quietly taken action to establish the position of director of public safety that could be filled as early as next month.
Without discussion, the council introduced last week a $13,472 amendment to its current budget to cover the new position's salary
and administrative expenses through year's end. John Griesenauer, managing director of administrative services, said Monday
that staff members had been instructed to develop a job description within the $69,700 to $96,500 salary range that would also
include use of a city car. The council will have a final vote at its regular meeting next month.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/14/2006
O'FALLON — In a move that could pave the way for the return of fired Police Chief Steve Talbott to O'Fallon, the City Council has
quietly taken action to establish the position of director of public safety that could be filled as early as next month.
Without discussion, the council introduced last week a $13,472 amendment to its current budget to cover the new position's salary
and administrative expenses through year's end. John Griesenauer, managing director of administrative services, said Monday
that staff members had been instructed to develop a job description within the $69,700 to $96,500 salary range that would also
include use of a city car. The council will have a final vote at its regular meeting next month.
O'Fallon mayor's aide has tangled history with council
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/18/2006
O'FALLON, MO. — O'Fallon's political landscape has taken another unexpected spin.
On Friday, Mayor Donna Morrow hired Carl Maus, a St. Charles County political activist, as her assistant. His salary is $57,471, the
same as Pat Sobelman, who quit earlier this month in a dispute with Council President Peter Cantwell.
Maus, a founder of Citizens for Responsible Community, will begin his new job Monday, Morrow said. His group campaigned hard
for Morrow's successful mayoral bid last year, donating more than $18,000 to her campaign and funding fliers and ads in her
support. The group has been active in several key O'Fallon elections.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/18/2006
O'FALLON, MO. — O'Fallon's political landscape has taken another unexpected spin.
On Friday, Mayor Donna Morrow hired Carl Maus, a St. Charles County political activist, as her assistant. His salary is $57,471, the
same as Pat Sobelman, who quit earlier this month in a dispute with Council President Peter Cantwell.
Maus, a founder of Citizens for Responsible Community, will begin his new job Monday, Morrow said. His group campaigned hard
for Morrow's successful mayoral bid last year, donating more than $18,000 to her campaign and funding fliers and ads in her
support. The group has been active in several key O'Fallon elections.
Director just isn't needed, report says
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/25/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — An outside review of the city's police department criticizes the proposed formation of a public safety director —
a job the City Council may approve tonight.
The report, completed earlier this month and released Wednesday, recommends a variety of changes in the management of the
102-officer department as well as a new headquarters, more personnel and considerable new equipment.
It also criticizes the formation of a public safety director being pushed by the majority of the council. The council is expected to
make a decision on the position at tonight's regular meeting, at 7:30 in City Hall.
"In reality, the establishment of this unrequested position provides for an unnecessary level of bureaucracy and simply creates a
chief over the current chief of police, an unworkable solution to a problem that does not exist," consultant James Sewell says in his
report.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/25/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — An outside review of the city's police department criticizes the proposed formation of a public safety director —
a job the City Council may approve tonight.
The report, completed earlier this month and released Wednesday, recommends a variety of changes in the management of the
102-officer department as well as a new headquarters, more personnel and considerable new equipment.
It also criticizes the formation of a public safety director being pushed by the majority of the council. The council is expected to
make a decision on the position at tonight's regular meeting, at 7:30 in City Hall.
"In reality, the establishment of this unrequested position provides for an unnecessary level of bureaucracy and simply creates a
chief over the current chief of police, an unworkable solution to a problem that does not exist," consultant James Sewell says in his
report.
Former St. Peters mayor gets 18 months in bribery case
By Tim Bryant
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/30/2007
Shawn Brown's 18-month prison sentence, handed down Monday in federal court, came with a stinging rebuke from the judge, who
said the former St. Peters mayor abused his position and destroyed the public's faith in good government.
U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey rejected the request by Brown's attorneys to sentence him to home confinement. Autrey instead
gave Brown the minimum prison time guidelines called for in the felony bribery case. The former mayor could have gotten up to two
years.
Brown, 35, resigned Oct. 23 after pleading guilty of soliciting and accepting a $2,750 bribe from Redflex Traffic Systems Inc., the
company that is installing red-light traffic cameras in St. Peters.
Dressed in a dark, pin-striped suit, Brown stood as Autrey quizzed him about his mayoral campaign in 2004.
"Part of your promise to the citizens of St. Peters was honest government," the judge said.
By Tim Bryant
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/30/2007
Shawn Brown's 18-month prison sentence, handed down Monday in federal court, came with a stinging rebuke from the judge, who
said the former St. Peters mayor abused his position and destroyed the public's faith in good government.
U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey rejected the request by Brown's attorneys to sentence him to home confinement. Autrey instead
gave Brown the minimum prison time guidelines called for in the felony bribery case. The former mayor could have gotten up to two
years.
Brown, 35, resigned Oct. 23 after pleading guilty of soliciting and accepting a $2,750 bribe from Redflex Traffic Systems Inc., the
company that is installing red-light traffic cameras in St. Peters.
Dressed in a dark, pin-striped suit, Brown stood as Autrey quizzed him about his mayoral campaign in 2004.
"Part of your promise to the citizens of St. Peters was honest government," the judge said.
Old Koch v. New Koch
Part One of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Hyland Green is a development north of Highway 70 off of Highway P in O'Fallon. Koch Road (we will refer to it as "Old Koch") runs
right through the development. Hyland Green was first proposed during Former Mayor Paul Renaud's administration and despite
heavy criticism from residents in the area the city approved the project. McBride & Sons is one of the main builders of homes in the
development and Renaud was employed by a McBride company when Hyland Green was approved.
As part of the project the developer agreed to build a new road (we will refer to it as "New Koch"), however, the City would then allow
the builder to tear out Old Koch and use that land as part of the project. (In part two of this series we will look into the City's attempts
to pay the developer to build New Koch.) However, there was a problem with this plan because Old Koch was a County Road and
O'Fallon had no control over the road. City staff recognized this problem and made it a condition of approval of the plat that Old Koch
be vacated.
Part One of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Hyland Green is a development north of Highway 70 off of Highway P in O'Fallon. Koch Road (we will refer to it as "Old Koch") runs
right through the development. Hyland Green was first proposed during Former Mayor Paul Renaud's administration and despite
heavy criticism from residents in the area the city approved the project. McBride & Sons is one of the main builders of homes in the
development and Renaud was employed by a McBride company when Hyland Green was approved.
As part of the project the developer agreed to build a new road (we will refer to it as "New Koch"), however, the City would then allow
the builder to tear out Old Koch and use that land as part of the project. (In part two of this series we will look into the City's attempts
to pay the developer to build New Koch.) However, there was a problem with this plan because Old Koch was a County Road and
O'Fallon had no control over the road. City staff recognized this problem and made it a condition of approval of the plat that Old Koch
be vacated.
Official cleared of harassment
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
02/13/2007
O'FALLON - The city has closed its review of a grievance filed by a former employee against Council President Peter Cantwell and
cleared the official of wrongdoing.
In October, Mayor Donna Morrow's assistant, Pat Sobelman, resigned. She told officials in a letter that Cantwell had harassed and
intimidated her in her office, causing severe stress that made her job unbearable.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
02/13/2007
O'FALLON - The city has closed its review of a grievance filed by a former employee against Council President Peter Cantwell and
cleared the official of wrongdoing.
In October, Mayor Donna Morrow's assistant, Pat Sobelman, resigned. She told officials in a letter that Cantwell had harassed and
intimidated her in her office, causing severe stress that made her job unbearable.
O'Fallon, Mo., leaders point fingers amid sales tax slowdown
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/04/2007
O'FALLON, MO. - With a six-mile stretch of shopping centers along Highway K, O'Fallon has been considered the land of milk and
chain stores when it comes to retail in St. Charles County.
But a $600,000 shortfall last year in expected sales tax revenue has city officials nervously evaluating the surrounding competition
and picking old political fights.
"Is it time to panic? No. It's time to be concerned," said Council President Peter Cantwell, who noted the city had only a few major
commercial developments come before the planning board this past year and even fewer that broke ground.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/04/2007
O'FALLON, MO. - With a six-mile stretch of shopping centers along Highway K, O'Fallon has been considered the land of milk and
chain stores when it comes to retail in St. Charles County.
But a $600,000 shortfall last year in expected sales tax revenue has city officials nervously evaluating the surrounding competition
and picking old political fights.
"Is it time to panic? No. It's time to be concerned," said Council President Peter Cantwell, who noted the city had only a few major
commercial developments come before the planning board this past year and even fewer that broke ground.
Special Report - Peter Cantwell's Committee Disclosure report
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Peter Cantwell has filed his 40 day before the election report and it reads like the Who's Who in the Home Building and Development
Industry. Do the residents feel the contributors who funds Peters campaign do so because he is looking after the citizens of
O'Fallon's best interest or the best interest of the Homebuilding and Development Industry?
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Peter Cantwell has filed his 40 day before the election report and it reads like the Who's Who in the Home Building and Development
Industry. Do the residents feel the contributors who funds Peters campaign do so because he is looking after the citizens of
O'Fallon's best interest or the best interest of the Homebuilding and Development Industry?
Old Koch v. New Koch
Part Two of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
In Part 1 we discussed how both the City and County have ignored the law to give away public land ("Old" Koch Road) for the benefit of
a developer. Of course, ignoring the law is standard operating procedure when it comes to the
builders and developers but the giveaways don't stop with the road. As was first reported in the Watchdog, the City is now trying to pay
the developer $800,000.00 of our tax dollars for a road that is already built. This payment is
not only unnecessary and wasteful but it is also illegal as we will discuss below.
Part Two of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
In Part 1 we discussed how both the City and County have ignored the law to give away public land ("Old" Koch Road) for the benefit of
a developer. Of course, ignoring the law is standard operating procedure when it comes to the
builders and developers but the giveaways don't stop with the road. As was first reported in the Watchdog, the City is now trying to pay
the developer $800,000.00 of our tax dollars for a road that is already built. This payment is
not only unnecessary and wasteful but it is also illegal as we will discuss below.
Political Favors? You decide.
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
In researching Peter Cantwell’s latest campaign disclosure report the Watchdog took particular interest with a expenditure of
$4,750.00 to a company called Cannon Strategies. In researching documents on file with the Missouri Secretary of State office we
found the following information.
Cannon Strategies LLC
Purpose: Direct mail and political consulting
Organizers:
Steve Wyatt Earp, 541 Meadowlark Lane Arnold MO 63010
Brad Schneider, 429 N. Main. O’Fallon MO, 63366
One of the domains that Peter Cantwell is using for his web site is owned by Brad Schneider. That explains why Peter Cantwell’
s website looks very similar to State Representative Vicki Schneider’s web site. When the Watchdog saw the name Schneider at
429 N. Main that raised additional interest. That’s happens to be the same address for:
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
In researching Peter Cantwell’s latest campaign disclosure report the Watchdog took particular interest with a expenditure of
$4,750.00 to a company called Cannon Strategies. In researching documents on file with the Missouri Secretary of State office we
found the following information.
Cannon Strategies LLC
Purpose: Direct mail and political consulting
Organizers:
Steve Wyatt Earp, 541 Meadowlark Lane Arnold MO 63010
Brad Schneider, 429 N. Main. O’Fallon MO, 63366
One of the domains that Peter Cantwell is using for his web site is owned by Brad Schneider. That explains why Peter Cantwell’
s website looks very similar to State Representative Vicki Schneider’s web site. When the Watchdog saw the name Schneider at
429 N. Main that raised additional interest. That’s happens to be the same address for:
ELECTION 2007
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
On April 3, 2007 municipal elections will be held throughout the state. While the turnout for these municipal elections is generally low
the decisions we make in these elections impact our daily life and pocket book more than the more publicized state and national
elections. With that in mind we will look at the choices presented to the voters in the two contested races for council in O'Fallon.
Ward 3 pits incumbent Peter Cantwell against political newcomer Jeff Yelich while in Ward 4 incumbent Bill Hennessy is being
challenged by JC Caudle.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Do you think these local elections don't matter? Do you think your City council doesn't have any power? Think again.
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
On April 3, 2007 municipal elections will be held throughout the state. While the turnout for these municipal elections is generally low
the decisions we make in these elections impact our daily life and pocket book more than the more publicized state and national
elections. With that in mind we will look at the choices presented to the voters in the two contested races for council in O'Fallon.
Ward 3 pits incumbent Peter Cantwell against political newcomer Jeff Yelich while in Ward 4 incumbent Bill Hennessy is being
challenged by JC Caudle.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Do you think these local elections don't matter? Do you think your City council doesn't have any power? Think again.
Roe Lawsuit... The Graves Connection.
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
The lawsuit filed by St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil (R) against Republican consultant Jeff Roe could get very
interesting. Brazil sued Roe for a posting Roe put on his web site. In the posting, Roe claims Brazil was drunk when he
was involved in a tragic accident which resulted in the death of one of Brazil's close friends, Norval Pierce. Brazil denies
that he was drinking when the accident occurred. This accident dates back to 1982 when Brazil was a senior in high
school at McCluer North which is located in Florissant, Mo. The police officer who investigated the accident indicated
Brazil was not drinking as have witnesses who were with Brazil that night. News stories from the Post-Dispatch and the
old Globe Democrat dating back to 1982 make no mention of alcohol nor do any of the teachers, police officers and
students who were interviewed. So where did Roe get his information?
By the O’Fallon Watchdog
The lawsuit filed by St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil (R) against Republican consultant Jeff Roe could get very
interesting. Brazil sued Roe for a posting Roe put on his web site. In the posting, Roe claims Brazil was drunk when he
was involved in a tragic accident which resulted in the death of one of Brazil's close friends, Norval Pierce. Brazil denies
that he was drinking when the accident occurred. This accident dates back to 1982 when Brazil was a senior in high
school at McCluer North which is located in Florissant, Mo. The police officer who investigated the accident indicated
Brazil was not drinking as have witnesses who were with Brazil that night. News stories from the Post-Dispatch and the
old Globe Democrat dating back to 1982 make no mention of alcohol nor do any of the teachers, police officers and
students who were interviewed. So where did Roe get his information?
Ground Breaking held for 260-acre project in O'Fallon, Mo.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/29/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — As the promises went up, the trees came tumbling down in a ceremony Wednesday to mark the development of a
260-acre tract of pine trees and fields at highways 40 and DD.
THF Realty and Cullinan Properties announced preliminary plans for The Village of O'Fallon, an outdoor, 50- to 100-acre shopping,
dining and residential area to be built in conjunction with a 400-home subdivision.
Cullinan President Jeff Giebelhausen said the Village development was part of the growing commercial trend away from malls toward
"lifestyle" projects. Such projects use pedestrian-style streetscapes to house shops, restaurants and entertainment. In the case of
O'Fallon, the complex would probably include second-story office and residential units.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/29/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — As the promises went up, the trees came tumbling down in a ceremony Wednesday to mark the development of a
260-acre tract of pine trees and fields at highways 40 and DD.
THF Realty and Cullinan Properties announced preliminary plans for The Village of O'Fallon, an outdoor, 50- to 100-acre shopping,
dining and residential area to be built in conjunction with a 400-home subdivision.
Cullinan President Jeff Giebelhausen said the Village development was part of the growing commercial trend away from malls toward
"lifestyle" projects. Such projects use pedestrian-style streetscapes to house shops, restaurants and entertainment. In the case of
O'Fallon, the complex would probably include second-story office and residential units.
FRAUD 101
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
In Part 1 of a series on Koch Road we reported on the St. Charles County Councils' decision to vacate a portion of Old Koch Road. As
we explained, the councils' decision (it should be noted Joe Brazil was the lone dissenting vote) to vacate Old Koch was wrong under
the law but, of course, to be expected since the vacation benefited a developer at the tax payers expense. Well once again the
Watchdog got it right as a Judge in St. Charles County recently ruled that the councils decision to vacate Old Koch was incorrect.
However, despite warnings from staff, Bob Lowery allowed the developer to proceed as if Old Koch was vacated. Building permits
were issued by the city and houses were built on our road! In fact, the employees who warned Lowery of the legal problems with
allowing the builder to proceed were suspended and subsequently fired by Lowery.
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
In Part 1 of a series on Koch Road we reported on the St. Charles County Councils' decision to vacate a portion of Old Koch Road. As
we explained, the councils' decision (it should be noted Joe Brazil was the lone dissenting vote) to vacate Old Koch was wrong under
the law but, of course, to be expected since the vacation benefited a developer at the tax payers expense. Well once again the
Watchdog got it right as a Judge in St. Charles County recently ruled that the councils decision to vacate Old Koch was incorrect.
However, despite warnings from staff, Bob Lowery allowed the developer to proceed as if Old Koch was vacated. Building permits
were issued by the city and houses were built on our road! In fact, the employees who warned Lowery of the legal problems with
allowing the builder to proceed were suspended and subsequently fired by Lowery.
Blame the heat for street creep
Engineer explains the reasons for, solutions to shifts in concrete
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:54 PM CDT
For years, the expansion and contraction of concrete, more commonly known as street creep, has been plaguing communities.
O'Fallon officials are not only helping fix the problem in neighborhoods, they are establishing long-term solutions to prevent street creep
from occurring in the future.
Bill Guerdan, professional engineer and senior vice president of St. Charles-based SCI Engineering, was invited to the May 10 City
Council meeting to discuss street creep.
He explains that in the summer heat, concrete expands; the winter cold makes it contract. During expansion and contraction, dirt, rock and
debris collects between slab joints, slowly pushing a driveway slab, for example, into a home's foundation.
Engineer explains the reasons for, solutions to shifts in concrete
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:54 PM CDT
For years, the expansion and contraction of concrete, more commonly known as street creep, has been plaguing communities.
O'Fallon officials are not only helping fix the problem in neighborhoods, they are establishing long-term solutions to prevent street creep
from occurring in the future.
Bill Guerdan, professional engineer and senior vice president of St. Charles-based SCI Engineering, was invited to the May 10 City
Council meeting to discuss street creep.
He explains that in the summer heat, concrete expands; the winter cold makes it contract. During expansion and contraction, dirt, rock and
debris collects between slab joints, slowly pushing a driveway slab, for example, into a home's foundation.
‘Fish and Ships’: Ex-O’Fallon Officials Take To The Airwaves
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
They’re not quite Hannity and Colmes, and nothing like Bill O’Reilly or Chris Matthews, but the new duo of the St. Charles County
airwaves are certainly piquing interests around these parts.
Former O’Fallon City Attorney Rick Fischer and former O’Fallon Ward 2 Alderman Lyn Schipper have taken their uncensored opinions to
the airwaves.
Each Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., their outspoken voices resonate from radios throughout St. Charles County and beyond via station
KFAV 99.9 on your FM dial.
Their 15-minute “talk show” comically dubbed “Fish and Ships” (a takeoff on their names) brings to the light of day a more radical or
humorous look at issues of national, state and local importance.
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
They’re not quite Hannity and Colmes, and nothing like Bill O’Reilly or Chris Matthews, but the new duo of the St. Charles County
airwaves are certainly piquing interests around these parts.
Former O’Fallon City Attorney Rick Fischer and former O’Fallon Ward 2 Alderman Lyn Schipper have taken their uncensored opinions to
the airwaves.
Each Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., their outspoken voices resonate from radios throughout St. Charles County and beyond via station
KFAV 99.9 on your FM dial.
Their 15-minute “talk show” comically dubbed “Fish and Ships” (a takeoff on their names) brings to the light of day a more radical or
humorous look at issues of national, state and local importance.
Council considers adding fifth ward
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 7:04 AM CDT
As O'Fallon's population goes up, city officials are considering adding a fifth ward to district maps.
Currently, eight councilmen - two for each of the city's four wards - serve on the O'Fallon City Council.
During the council's work session Thursday, council President Bill Hennessy said Ward 3's population is getting humongous compared
to other wards.
"I just feel, at this point, the city has gotten big enough that it may be time to look at adding a fifth ward and redistricting in such a
matter," said Councilman Rick Lucas, Ward 2. "We're close to 80,000 residents within city limits, not including residents within the city
that are part of St. Charles County."
City Attorney Kevin O'Keefe said the City Council may redistrict by passing an ordinance, and is not required to take the matter before
voters during an election. He said being classified as a third-class city, O'Fallon is allowed to have either one or two councilmen per
ward and no less than four wards.
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 7:04 AM CDT
As O'Fallon's population goes up, city officials are considering adding a fifth ward to district maps.
Currently, eight councilmen - two for each of the city's four wards - serve on the O'Fallon City Council.
During the council's work session Thursday, council President Bill Hennessy said Ward 3's population is getting humongous compared
to other wards.
"I just feel, at this point, the city has gotten big enough that it may be time to look at adding a fifth ward and redistricting in such a
matter," said Councilman Rick Lucas, Ward 2. "We're close to 80,000 residents within city limits, not including residents within the city
that are part of St. Charles County."
City Attorney Kevin O'Keefe said the City Council may redistrict by passing an ordinance, and is not required to take the matter before
voters during an election. He said being classified as a third-class city, O'Fallon is allowed to have either one or two councilmen per
ward and no less than four wards.
A wreck of a night
By Steve Pokin
O'Fallon Journal
Crash into firehouse was a wake-up call
Saturday, April 28, 2007 12:33 PM CDT
A year ago, Steve Groeper, of Weldon Spring, had what most of us would consider a bad night. He drove his $80,000 Dodge Viper
into the Cottleville fire station on Motherhead Road.
His car was totaled and the damage to the firehouse would total $63,500. He personally paid for the repairs.
"It was definitely not a good evening," Groeper says.
But in one way the accident was fortunate, he says.
"You don't understand what is really important until something bad happens to you," he says. "My wife and I were both in that car.
We both could have easily been killed. My two kids could have been without parents."
Groeper, who turns 40 next month, until a year ago was a successful real estate developer. His St. Charles County projects include
the Heritage Trails subdivision, the old St. Charles Speedway property in St. Peters and the former St. Charles Golf Course in St.
Charles.
His life changed April 26, 2006, during the drive home from Travena's restaurant in Cottleville with his wife, Debbie. He was
eastbound on Highway N when he lost control at Motherhead Road.
By Steve Pokin
O'Fallon Journal
Crash into firehouse was a wake-up call
Saturday, April 28, 2007 12:33 PM CDT
A year ago, Steve Groeper, of Weldon Spring, had what most of us would consider a bad night. He drove his $80,000 Dodge Viper
into the Cottleville fire station on Motherhead Road.
His car was totaled and the damage to the firehouse would total $63,500. He personally paid for the repairs.
"It was definitely not a good evening," Groeper says.
But in one way the accident was fortunate, he says.
"You don't understand what is really important until something bad happens to you," he says. "My wife and I were both in that car.
We both could have easily been killed. My two kids could have been without parents."
Groeper, who turns 40 next month, until a year ago was a successful real estate developer. His St. Charles County projects include
the Heritage Trails subdivision, the old St. Charles Speedway property in St. Peters and the former St. Charles Golf Course in St.
Charles.
His life changed April 26, 2006, during the drive home from Travena's restaurant in Cottleville with his wife, Debbie. He was
eastbound on Highway N when he lost control at Motherhead Road.
O'FALLON WANTS TO ANNEX BUSCH WILDLIFE
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
The City of O'Fallon will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2007 at 7:30 PM concerning the proposed annexation of Busch Wildlife,
Weldon Springs Wildlife and Howell Island. (This was reported in the Watchdog Chit Chat last week.) This deal has been in the works
for months although O'Fallon has denied its plans. St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil indicated he spoke with O'Fallon City
Administrator Bob Lowery last week about the proposed annexation. Brazil indicated he was told by Lowery the City had no plans to
annex these areas.
Brazil indicated this is a bad idea because it would open up any areas contiguous to this land to annexation by O'Fallon and the city's
high density development and builder "friendly" policies. High density development would also likely restrict the ability to use firearms in
the annexed areas. (O'Fallon has an ordinance in place now against the discharge of firearms in the city limits.) Of course, the main
reason this is a bad idea is O'Fallon cannot be trusted. As informed readers of this site know, O'Fallon has a history of doing what is
best forbuilders/developers rather than residents. While Mayor Donna Morrow, Councilmen Yelich and Gardner and recently
Councilmen Christoff have stood up to the builders/developers, they are in the minority. We encourage anyone who is interested in
protecting these areas to call, email or write Lowery and the other elected representatives in O'Fallon as well as our County leaders.
Please also plan to attend the public hearing on July 12, 2007.The Watchdog will be following this story closely because we are sure
there is more to come.
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
The City of O'Fallon will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2007 at 7:30 PM concerning the proposed annexation of Busch Wildlife,
Weldon Springs Wildlife and Howell Island. (This was reported in the Watchdog Chit Chat last week.) This deal has been in the works
for months although O'Fallon has denied its plans. St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil indicated he spoke with O'Fallon City
Administrator Bob Lowery last week about the proposed annexation. Brazil indicated he was told by Lowery the City had no plans to
annex these areas.
Brazil indicated this is a bad idea because it would open up any areas contiguous to this land to annexation by O'Fallon and the city's
high density development and builder "friendly" policies. High density development would also likely restrict the ability to use firearms in
the annexed areas. (O'Fallon has an ordinance in place now against the discharge of firearms in the city limits.) Of course, the main
reason this is a bad idea is O'Fallon cannot be trusted. As informed readers of this site know, O'Fallon has a history of doing what is
best forbuilders/developers rather than residents. While Mayor Donna Morrow, Councilmen Yelich and Gardner and recently
Councilmen Christoff have stood up to the builders/developers, they are in the minority. We encourage anyone who is interested in
protecting these areas to call, email or write Lowery and the other elected representatives in O'Fallon as well as our County leaders.
Please also plan to attend the public hearing on July 12, 2007.The Watchdog will be following this story closely because we are sure
there is more to come.
BUSCH WILDLIFE UPDATE
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
As expected, O'Fallon's plan to annex Busch Wildlife and the Research Park has caused a stir. In a front page story in the
Post-Dispatch City Administrator Bob Lowery explained his plan was to annex Busch Wildlife so it could get to the Research Park. In
the same article Mayor Donna Morrow indicated she was unaware of the plan but that she was against it. Also this morning, The
Charlie Brennan show had on Adolphus Busch and St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil to discuss the proposed annexation.
Busch and Brazil did a good job of explaining why this a bad idea but attempts to reach Lowery to explain his views were unsuccessful.
And we do mean "his" views because Lowery does not speak for the city nor should he.
In yesterday's story we reported the public hearing was set for July 12, 2007, however, this has been changed to July 6, 2007. This just
happens to be the Friday night after the Fourth of July, a time in which many people will be out of town. Finally, one interesting aspect
of the Post story is that former alderman Peter Cantwell indicated he was an original proponent of the annexation plan.
This indicates a few things; (1) This plan has been in the works for months but has been kept secret from the public and possibly from
other elected officials, (2) Lowery's denials such a plan was being discussed were untrue, and: (3) electing Jeff Yelich over Cantwell
was a smart decision. Even after he was defeated Cantwell continues to prove he could care less about the residents
but instead is worried about his campaign contributors. Great start to your campaign for mayor Peter and while the firestorm builds we
look forward to reminding everyone you were an "original" proponent of the plan.
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
As expected, O'Fallon's plan to annex Busch Wildlife and the Research Park has caused a stir. In a front page story in the
Post-Dispatch City Administrator Bob Lowery explained his plan was to annex Busch Wildlife so it could get to the Research Park. In
the same article Mayor Donna Morrow indicated she was unaware of the plan but that she was against it. Also this morning, The
Charlie Brennan show had on Adolphus Busch and St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil to discuss the proposed annexation.
Busch and Brazil did a good job of explaining why this a bad idea but attempts to reach Lowery to explain his views were unsuccessful.
And we do mean "his" views because Lowery does not speak for the city nor should he.
In yesterday's story we reported the public hearing was set for July 12, 2007, however, this has been changed to July 6, 2007. This just
happens to be the Friday night after the Fourth of July, a time in which many people will be out of town. Finally, one interesting aspect
of the Post story is that former alderman Peter Cantwell indicated he was an original proponent of the annexation plan.
This indicates a few things; (1) This plan has been in the works for months but has been kept secret from the public and possibly from
other elected officials, (2) Lowery's denials such a plan was being discussed were untrue, and: (3) electing Jeff Yelich over Cantwell
was a smart decision. Even after he was defeated Cantwell continues to prove he could care less about the residents
but instead is worried about his campaign contributors. Great start to your campaign for mayor Peter and while the firestorm builds we
look forward to reminding everyone you were an "original" proponent of the plan.
O'Fallon, Mo., withdraws plan to annex Busch preserve
By Nancy Cambria ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 06/12/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — Busch wildlife fans can relax — O'Fallon has dropped an annexation plan that included the
conservation area and the Missouri Research Park.
"It's become such a divisive issue," City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. said Monday. "We want to be viewed as a good
neighbor. " Who is the "we" Lowery is constantly talking about? From all the reports, the plan to annex Busch Wildlife was
not even known by 7 of our 9 elected officials. Mr. Lowery still doesn't understand "we" did not elect him.
Lowery said widespread public unease over the fate of the wildlife area drove the city to reconsider its plans. Duh. If
Lowery isn't fired for working behind the back of elected officials he should be fired for the pure stupidity of this plan. The
city's rush to beat a competing annexation bid for the research park by Weldon Spring also caused further tension that
doomed the idea, he said. Bob, the plan was doomed because it was a bad idea.
"We didn't have the opportunities to fully discuss the issue because of the pressure and competition from other cities to sit
down and see if this was a viable option," he said. "We had to act or lose." You had months to discuss this plan but you
choose to keep it secret. If you would have run this idea by someone who looks out for the residents rather than just the
builders/developers you would have found out this idea would never work.
The plan came under fierce opposition last week from some local officials and environmentalists, including Adolphus Busch
IV, whose grandmother donated the $70,000 to the state to buy the parcel in 1947. Although Lowery said the city had no
intention of altering the area or superseding state authority over it, critics worried that the future of the preserve —
including its popular hunting and shooting range activities — would be compromised. Even though this plan was in the
works for months, Lowery was unable to answer even the most basic questions. His answers indicated he did not
understand the complexity or ramifications of the proposal.
By Nancy Cambria ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 06/12/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — Busch wildlife fans can relax — O'Fallon has dropped an annexation plan that included the
conservation area and the Missouri Research Park.
"It's become such a divisive issue," City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. said Monday. "We want to be viewed as a good
neighbor. " Who is the "we" Lowery is constantly talking about? From all the reports, the plan to annex Busch Wildlife was
not even known by 7 of our 9 elected officials. Mr. Lowery still doesn't understand "we" did not elect him.
Lowery said widespread public unease over the fate of the wildlife area drove the city to reconsider its plans. Duh. If
Lowery isn't fired for working behind the back of elected officials he should be fired for the pure stupidity of this plan. The
city's rush to beat a competing annexation bid for the research park by Weldon Spring also caused further tension that
doomed the idea, he said. Bob, the plan was doomed because it was a bad idea.
"We didn't have the opportunities to fully discuss the issue because of the pressure and competition from other cities to sit
down and see if this was a viable option," he said. "We had to act or lose." You had months to discuss this plan but you
choose to keep it secret. If you would have run this idea by someone who looks out for the residents rather than just the
builders/developers you would have found out this idea would never work.
The plan came under fierce opposition last week from some local officials and environmentalists, including Adolphus Busch
IV, whose grandmother donated the $70,000 to the state to buy the parcel in 1947. Although Lowery said the city had no
intention of altering the area or superseding state authority over it, critics worried that the future of the preserve —
including its popular hunting and shooting range activities — would be compromised. Even though this plan was in the
works for months, Lowery was unable to answer even the most basic questions. His answers indicated he did not
understand the complexity or ramifications of the proposal.
| Watchdog comments to story in yellow |
Will Bob Lowery get
fired or demoted after
this latest travesty?
fired or demoted after
this latest travesty?
Shouldn't Bob Lowery
be held to the same
standard as Al Renaud
or will Bob get a pass?
be held to the same
standard as Al Renaud
or will Bob get a pass?
| Maybe Security Guard at City will be a good fit for Bob? |
Koch Road Update
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Judge Lucy Rauch ruled on June 16th, 2007 in favor of the plaintiffs in the Koch Road lawsuit. The watchdog will keep you abreast of
further developments. To see the judgement click on the Koch Road judgement link below.
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
Judge Lucy Rauch ruled on June 16th, 2007 in favor of the plaintiffs in the Koch Road lawsuit. The watchdog will keep you abreast of
further developments. To see the judgement click on the Koch Road judgement link below.
Wrongful Death lawsuit
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
The family of Craig Dodson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kacie Kissell. Kissell is the daughter of former State Rep Don Kissell.
Dodson died of a drug overdose at the Kissell residence in July of 2005. Kacie Kissell is currently serving time for her involvement in the
death. The investigation by the O'Fallon police department of the death was criticized by O'Fallon elected officials and the St. Charles
County prosecuting attorney. Don Kissell was a lobbyist for the Missouri Police Chief's Association for which former O'Fallon Police Chief
Steve Talbott was a board member. The St. Charles Prosecutors office has also alleged that Talbott was involved in another cover-up
involving Kacie Kissell and drugs. These allegations were at the center of Talbott's removal as Police Chief. We will provide further
information on the lawsuit once we learn more details.
By The O'Fallon Watchdog
The family of Craig Dodson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kacie Kissell. Kissell is the daughter of former State Rep Don Kissell.
Dodson died of a drug overdose at the Kissell residence in July of 2005. Kacie Kissell is currently serving time for her involvement in the
death. The investigation by the O'Fallon police department of the death was criticized by O'Fallon elected officials and the St. Charles
County prosecuting attorney. Don Kissell was a lobbyist for the Missouri Police Chief's Association for which former O'Fallon Police Chief
Steve Talbott was a board member. The St. Charles Prosecutors office has also alleged that Talbott was involved in another cover-up
involving Kacie Kissell and drugs. These allegations were at the center of Talbott's removal as Police Chief. We will provide further
information on the lawsuit once we learn more details.
Charlie talks with Mayor
Pam Fogarty of Dardenne
Prairie, MO; Mayor Don
Licklider of Weldon
Spring, MO; Doyle Brown
of the Mo. Dept. of
Conservation; Adolphus
Busch; Bob Lowry, Jr., City
Administrator of
O'Fallon,MO; Rick Fischer,
former Special Counsel,
Pam Fogarty of Dardenne
Prairie, MO; Mayor Don
Licklider of Weldon
Spring, MO; Doyle Brown
of the Mo. Dept. of
Conservation; Adolphus
Busch; Bob Lowry, Jr., City
Administrator of
O'Fallon,MO; Rick Fischer,
former Special Counsel,
| ST CHARLES COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB presents Representative Cynthia Davis Receives Legislator of the Year Award |
This morning when I woke up, I felt like Cinderella the morning after the ball. Last
night I accepted an award for being the "Legislator of the Year". The award was
presented by a St. Charles County civic club. It is estimated there were between
35-40 people in attendance at the Noll's Restaurant in O'Fallon. The caption reads,
"In recognition of her outstanding service and remarkable impact on the community
she serves." It has been my honor to represent our district in any office in which I
have served. I do not perform my duties to get awards, yet when others appreciate
my service, it is extra special. A sincere "thanks" to all of you who attended.
sourced from Mrs Davis's newsletter.
night I accepted an award for being the "Legislator of the Year". The award was
presented by a St. Charles County civic club. It is estimated there were between
35-40 people in attendance at the Noll's Restaurant in O'Fallon. The caption reads,
"In recognition of her outstanding service and remarkable impact on the community
she serves." It has been my honor to represent our district in any office in which I
have served. I do not perform my duties to get awards, yet when others appreciate
my service, it is extra special. A sincere "thanks" to all of you who attended.
sourced from Mrs Davis's newsletter.
City will pay for WingHaven roundabouts
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:29 PM CDT
After months of debate, the City Council decided last week to release the final payment of $35,000 to WingHaven LLC for landscaping and
artwork, overriding Mayor Donna Morrow's veto
Councilman Bill Hennessy, Ward 4, presented a ledger from 2001, which indicated the Board of Aldermen approved the expenditure of
$230,000 in open session.
For the last several weeks, councilmen have discussed whether a reimbursement agreement to WingHaven LLC that was made under a
previous Board of Aldermen almost six years ago actually existed.
"We paid the $195,000 and now they want the rest of their payment," Hennessy said. "It's there, in black and white."
Morrow has argued that the reimbursement lacks form and substance, and merely fulfills an existing obligation. The roundabouts were part of
an $8 million St. Charles County road program for the WingHaven community.
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:29 PM CDT
After months of debate, the City Council decided last week to release the final payment of $35,000 to WingHaven LLC for landscaping and
artwork, overriding Mayor Donna Morrow's veto
Councilman Bill Hennessy, Ward 4, presented a ledger from 2001, which indicated the Board of Aldermen approved the expenditure of
$230,000 in open session.
For the last several weeks, councilmen have discussed whether a reimbursement agreement to WingHaven LLC that was made under a
previous Board of Aldermen almost six years ago actually existed.
"We paid the $195,000 and now they want the rest of their payment," Hennessy said. "It's there, in black and white."
Morrow has argued that the reimbursement lacks form and substance, and merely fulfills an existing obligation. The roundabouts were part of
an $8 million St. Charles County road program for the WingHaven community.
Citizen's persistence helps creek
By Kathy Etling
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
08/04/2007
Lisa Markham of O'Fallon, Mo., didn't set out to change the world, so she'll happily settle for making a difference in one small section of St.
Charles County. What Markham did — and how she did it — could serve as a template for other environmentalists dismayed by the
degradation of the nation's rivers and streams.
It was in 2005 when Markham, 47, a graphic artist, first learned that one of her neighbors was planning to have his property rezoned.
Curious, she phoned David Woods, O'Fallon's director of planning and zoning, who explained that the rezoning would involve seven parcels
of land totaling 35 acres located at the intersection of Highway K and Mexico Road. Woods said that once rezoning was complete,
construction would commence on a "big box" commercial development similar to those springing up all over St. Charles County, the Midwest
and the nation at large.
Markham knew that piece of land. One of her neighbors had purchased some of the property in years previous but had never developed it.
This "benign neglect" left Belleau Creek in a pristine state despite the tentacles of rapid growth and development that were threatening to
strangle its beauty.
By Kathy Etling
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
08/04/2007
Lisa Markham of O'Fallon, Mo., didn't set out to change the world, so she'll happily settle for making a difference in one small section of St.
Charles County. What Markham did — and how she did it — could serve as a template for other environmentalists dismayed by the
degradation of the nation's rivers and streams.
It was in 2005 when Markham, 47, a graphic artist, first learned that one of her neighbors was planning to have his property rezoned.
Curious, she phoned David Woods, O'Fallon's director of planning and zoning, who explained that the rezoning would involve seven parcels
of land totaling 35 acres located at the intersection of Highway K and Mexico Road. Woods said that once rezoning was complete,
construction would commence on a "big box" commercial development similar to those springing up all over St. Charles County, the Midwest
and the nation at large.
Markham knew that piece of land. One of her neighbors had purchased some of the property in years previous but had never developed it.
This "benign neglect" left Belleau Creek in a pristine state despite the tentacles of rapid growth and development that were threatening to
strangle its beauty.
Businesses, developers frustrated by O'Fallon's sewer hookup freeze
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/01/2007
O'FALLON — For years, sisters Janet and Linda Day have harbored the sweet dream of franchising their Heaven Scent doughnut shop.
But the popular purveyors of supersize doughnuts, towering wedding cakes and a signature chocolate Long John have encountered an
unpleasant blockage in their plans to build a prototype drive-through store on busy Bryan Road. Although they can build the shop, they are
now banned from connecting to the city's sewer service.
Ditto for Susan Davis of Davis Inc., whose family has been slowly building a lucrative warehouse complex on the northwest side of O'Fallon.
Davis has been told that she can build her new 15,000- and 20,000-square-foot warehouses on industrial property off Hoff Road — but she
too has been temporarily denied permission to hook into the sewer system because the city says it has run out of capacity.
Almost nine months have passed since O'Fallon began issuing letters to developers of everything from donut shops to shopping centers
and condominiums, informing them that their projects will have to remain on hold because the city's wastewater treatment plant at highways
M and 79 is almost maxed out. The city has so far denied wastewater hookups to some 14 developers, City Engineer Steve Bender said.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/01/2007
O'FALLON — For years, sisters Janet and Linda Day have harbored the sweet dream of franchising their Heaven Scent doughnut shop.
But the popular purveyors of supersize doughnuts, towering wedding cakes and a signature chocolate Long John have encountered an
unpleasant blockage in their plans to build a prototype drive-through store on busy Bryan Road. Although they can build the shop, they are
now banned from connecting to the city's sewer service.
Ditto for Susan Davis of Davis Inc., whose family has been slowly building a lucrative warehouse complex on the northwest side of O'Fallon.
Davis has been told that she can build her new 15,000- and 20,000-square-foot warehouses on industrial property off Hoff Road — but she
too has been temporarily denied permission to hook into the sewer system because the city says it has run out of capacity.
Almost nine months have passed since O'Fallon began issuing letters to developers of everything from donut shops to shopping centers
and condominiums, informing them that their projects will have to remain on hold because the city's wastewater treatment plant at highways
M and 79 is almost maxed out. The city has so far denied wastewater hookups to some 14 developers, City Engineer Steve Bender said.
O’Fallon Approves New Handguns For Police
By Amy Armour
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
It’s not in the budget, but the O’Fallon City Council will work around it.
Sgt. Jeff Gray, with the O’Fallon police department, addressed the City Council at its June 28 work session with four requests to help firearms
training at the police department. Gray would like to equip all of the officers with new handguns, purchase a firearms training simulator,
replace the shotguns in the police cars with rifles and provide tasers for every police officer.
None of the items were included for the budget this year.
Number one on the list was new pistols for all of the officers. The current pistols the police department uses have a 10 ½-pound trigger, which
Gray said is heavy for handgun standards.
The firearm is more difficult for an officer of a smaller stature and requires more training, Gray said.
The new pistols would have a 6-pound trigger, and Gray said the new gun was evaluated by the officers as a major improvement.
By Amy Armour
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
It’s not in the budget, but the O’Fallon City Council will work around it.
Sgt. Jeff Gray, with the O’Fallon police department, addressed the City Council at its June 28 work session with four requests to help firearms
training at the police department. Gray would like to equip all of the officers with new handguns, purchase a firearms training simulator,
replace the shotguns in the police cars with rifles and provide tasers for every police officer.
None of the items were included for the budget this year.
Number one on the list was new pistols for all of the officers. The current pistols the police department uses have a 10 ½-pound trigger, which
Gray said is heavy for handgun standards.
The firearm is more difficult for an officer of a smaller stature and requires more training, Gray said.
The new pistols would have a 6-pound trigger, and Gray said the new gun was evaluated by the officers as a major improvement.
| Watchdog comments to story in yellow |
Morrow Flexes Muscle - Could It Be, ‘The Pipeline Lady Is Back?’
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
Well before the fallout from the failed coup to annex the St. Charles County Research Park and Busch Wildlife, some residents were reacting
to O’Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow’s renewed demeanor saying the “Pipeline Lady is back.” At the O’Fallon City Council meeting held earlier
this month, there was no doubt: The O’Fallon chain of command has shifted — again.
Morrow acquired the nickname after gaining a reputation as an outspoken opponent of high-pressure pipelines built in Winghaven’s residential
areas and ran for mayor on a platform of “open and honest government.” At the last council meeting, Morrow chided City Administrator Bob
Lowery Jr. for moving forward with the annexation without her knowledge and the knowledge of the majority of the council. The Mayor
campaigned on the dangers of high pressure petroleum pipelines yet she has done nothing as Mayor to increase the safety to our citizens
from these hazards. If the Mayor is serious about open and honest government the why does she allow the city to charge $17,000 for public
records? If the mayor is sincere she should provide the information requested at a reasonable fee and inline with the Missouri sunshine law.
She put Council President Pro-Tem Bill Hennessy in his place when he referenced himself as “president,” and asked for clarification from City
Attorney Kevin O’Keefe that the president pro-tem does not chair City Council meetings, except in the absence of the mayor — blocking a
trend former President Pro Tem Peter Cantwell boldly took. Mayor, let Bill Hennessy chair as many meetings as he wants. He often comes
across as suffering some type of self-induced impairment and is very entertaining to watch. Not to mention provides material for the watchdog.
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
Well before the fallout from the failed coup to annex the St. Charles County Research Park and Busch Wildlife, some residents were reacting
to O’Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow’s renewed demeanor saying the “Pipeline Lady is back.” At the O’Fallon City Council meeting held earlier
this month, there was no doubt: The O’Fallon chain of command has shifted — again.
Morrow acquired the nickname after gaining a reputation as an outspoken opponent of high-pressure pipelines built in Winghaven’s residential
areas and ran for mayor on a platform of “open and honest government.” At the last council meeting, Morrow chided City Administrator Bob
Lowery Jr. for moving forward with the annexation without her knowledge and the knowledge of the majority of the council. The Mayor
campaigned on the dangers of high pressure petroleum pipelines yet she has done nothing as Mayor to increase the safety to our citizens
from these hazards. If the Mayor is serious about open and honest government the why does she allow the city to charge $17,000 for public
records? If the mayor is sincere she should provide the information requested at a reasonable fee and inline with the Missouri sunshine law.
She put Council President Pro-Tem Bill Hennessy in his place when he referenced himself as “president,” and asked for clarification from City
Attorney Kevin O’Keefe that the president pro-tem does not chair City Council meetings, except in the absence of the mayor — blocking a
trend former President Pro Tem Peter Cantwell boldly took. Mayor, let Bill Hennessy chair as many meetings as he wants. He often comes
across as suffering some type of self-induced impairment and is very entertaining to watch. Not to mention provides material for the watchdog.
Tow company operator charged in tax case
By Robert Patrick
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/06/2007
Federal prosecutors have accused a Wentzville tow company operator of failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars he made with
his towing business.
Rodney E. Sherman, 52, was indicted Thursday in federal court in St. Louis on seven felony counts of filing false tax returns.
The indictment accuses Sherman, who operates Budget Towing at 425 N. Business Highway 61 in Wentzville, of failing to report $418,000
in cash income to tax preparers preparing the company's 2002 to 2004 tax returns.
The indictment says that Sherman also used company funds to make payments on his behalf, meaning tax returns filed for he and his wife
were understated.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Sherman could not be reached for comment. Allegations of overcharging by Budget Towing surfaced at least as far back as 2005, when
federal and local authorities raided the company and seized computers and other items.
Watchdog Response: Well the long awaited indictment of Budget Towing’s owner Rodney Sherman has come with a surprise. While seven
felony accounts of filing false tax returns may not be surprising for someone allegedly involved in fraudulent billing practices. What is a
surprise is no indictments yet on the alleged fraudulent billing practices. A practice that Budget’s own employee’s spoke of in their
interviews with the media. What’s up?
The Watchdog feels this may be the tip of the iceberg with more indictments coming for Rodney Sherman and possibly others.
By Robert Patrick
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/06/2007
Federal prosecutors have accused a Wentzville tow company operator of failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars he made with
his towing business.
Rodney E. Sherman, 52, was indicted Thursday in federal court in St. Louis on seven felony counts of filing false tax returns.
The indictment accuses Sherman, who operates Budget Towing at 425 N. Business Highway 61 in Wentzville, of failing to report $418,000
in cash income to tax preparers preparing the company's 2002 to 2004 tax returns.
The indictment says that Sherman also used company funds to make payments on his behalf, meaning tax returns filed for he and his wife
were understated.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Sherman could not be reached for comment. Allegations of overcharging by Budget Towing surfaced at least as far back as 2005, when
federal and local authorities raided the company and seized computers and other items.
Watchdog Response: Well the long awaited indictment of Budget Towing’s owner Rodney Sherman has come with a surprise. While seven
felony accounts of filing false tax returns may not be surprising for someone allegedly involved in fraudulent billing practices. What is a
surprise is no indictments yet on the alleged fraudulent billing practices. A practice that Budget’s own employee’s spoke of in their
interviews with the media. What’s up?
The Watchdog feels this may be the tip of the iceberg with more indictments coming for Rodney Sherman and possibly others.
Anonymous attacks on Morrow are coward's work
By John Sonderegger
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/16/2007
Now I know I've been picking on O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow a lot lately, but not today.
I don't know why she lost her job shortly before she was elected mayor in April 2005, but she also lost her health insurance.
Some cities in St. Charles County, such as St. Peters and St. Charles, include elected officials in benefit packages for regular employees.
But O'Fallon does not cover the mayor. So Morrow needed to find a way to pay for her post-employment COBRA benefits after the election.
She accepted what she considered a loan from Tom Wilkerson, owner of the Trigg Banquet Center, who paid her monthly $280 COBRA
bills. Morrow said she was unaware that Jim Blechle, owner of the O'Fallon Plaza shopping center along Main Street, also contributed a few
hundred dollars for her coverage.
By John Sonderegger
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/16/2007
Now I know I've been picking on O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow a lot lately, but not today.
I don't know why she lost her job shortly before she was elected mayor in April 2005, but she also lost her health insurance.
Some cities in St. Charles County, such as St. Peters and St. Charles, include elected officials in benefit packages for regular employees.
But O'Fallon does not cover the mayor. So Morrow needed to find a way to pay for her post-employment COBRA benefits after the election.
She accepted what she considered a loan from Tom Wilkerson, owner of the Trigg Banquet Center, who paid her monthly $280 COBRA
bills. Morrow said she was unaware that Jim Blechle, owner of the O'Fallon Plaza shopping center along Main Street, also contributed a few
hundred dollars for her coverage.
O'Fallon, Mo., ordered to hand over police employee records in lawsuit
By Shane Anthony
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/31/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — City officials must turn over current and former police officers' personnel records to a man suing the officers and the
city over his own privacy, a judge has ruled.
Circuit Judge Ted House overruled most of the city's objections to a request for documents that included the employee files of former
Police Chief Steve Talbott, former Maj. Mark Henke, former Officer Jeffrey Allen and two current officers — Sgt. Tom Otten and David
Goewert.
The civil case deals with whether Henke, Allen, Otten and Goewert obtained an arrest record for Tom Wilkerson, the owner of Trigg
Catering, that was supposed to be closed.
House also ordered the city to turn over 10 years of contracts between O'Fallon and Allen, or his business, Network Real Estate LLC.
He also upheld a motion to dismiss the suit against St. John.
House's order said O'Fallon does not have to produce a copy of all reports or memos about the
By Shane Anthony
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/31/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — City officials must turn over current and former police officers' personnel records to a man suing the officers and the
city over his own privacy, a judge has ruled.
Circuit Judge Ted House overruled most of the city's objections to a request for documents that included the employee files of former
Police Chief Steve Talbott, former Maj. Mark Henke, former Officer Jeffrey Allen and two current officers — Sgt. Tom Otten and David
Goewert.
The civil case deals with whether Henke, Allen, Otten and Goewert obtained an arrest record for Tom Wilkerson, the owner of Trigg
Catering, that was supposed to be closed.
House also ordered the city to turn over 10 years of contracts between O'Fallon and Allen, or his business, Network Real Estate LLC.
He also upheld a motion to dismiss the suit against St. John.
House's order said O'Fallon does not have to produce a copy of all reports or memos about the
Residents Act to Keep Out Wal-Mart’s Detention Pond
The O’Fallon Wal-Mart is seeking to expand its store by 75,000 sq. ft. The site plans call for the existing “detention basin” behind Wal-Mart to
be nearly paved over, and a new commercial “detention pond” to be constructed across four-lane Highway K in the residential neighborhood
of Fort Zumwalt Heights in unincorporated St. Charles County.
Left with no alternative, residents of the Fort Zumwalt Heights subdivision recently voted to change their deed covenants in an effort to block
the City of O’Fallon from placing a Wal-Mart detention pond in their quiet neighborhood.
In 2006, before the expansion plans were known, Wal-Mart’s real estate arm, To Have Fun (THF) Realty, purchased a single residence at
302 Ernst Place for double the market value. THF and Wal-Mart are seeking to demolish the home and place a commercial detention pond
on the property, which adjoins nearby Belleau Creek and is feet away from neighbors. THF is also asking the City of O’Fallon to voluntarily
annex the property.
On Thursday, residents will discuss their plans for challenging both the detention basin and the annexation.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the annexation at their December 13th meeting.
Who:
Residents of Fort Zumwalt Heights and a local attorney
What:
Walk-through of proposed site for Wal-Mart detention pond
When:
Thursday December 6, 2007 at 11:00 A.M.
Where:
302 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO
For more information or directions, please contact:
Bud Jefferson
303 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO
636-240-5851
Watchdog Response: This was submitted by one of our readers who is trying to get the word out about this development and the effect it
will have on their neighborhood. The Watchdog has the deepest admiration for these residents and their efforts to protect their best interest.
Now we will see whose best interest the elected officials are looking after.
The O’Fallon Wal-Mart is seeking to expand its store by 75,000 sq. ft. The site plans call for the existing “detention basin” behind Wal-Mart to
be nearly paved over, and a new commercial “detention pond” to be constructed across four-lane Highway K in the residential neighborhood
of Fort Zumwalt Heights in unincorporated St. Charles County.
Left with no alternative, residents of the Fort Zumwalt Heights subdivision recently voted to change their deed covenants in an effort to block
the City of O’Fallon from placing a Wal-Mart detention pond in their quiet neighborhood.
In 2006, before the expansion plans were known, Wal-Mart’s real estate arm, To Have Fun (THF) Realty, purchased a single residence at
302 Ernst Place for double the market value. THF and Wal-Mart are seeking to demolish the home and place a commercial detention pond
on the property, which adjoins nearby Belleau Creek and is feet away from neighbors. THF is also asking the City of O’Fallon to voluntarily
annex the property.
On Thursday, residents will discuss their plans for challenging both the detention basin and the annexation.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the annexation at their December 13th meeting.
Who:
Residents of Fort Zumwalt Heights and a local attorney
What:
Walk-through of proposed site for Wal-Mart detention pond
When:
Thursday December 6, 2007 at 11:00 A.M.
Where:
302 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO
For more information or directions, please contact:
Bud Jefferson
303 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO
636-240-5851
Watchdog Response: This was submitted by one of our readers who is trying to get the word out about this development and the effect it
will have on their neighborhood. The Watchdog has the deepest admiration for these residents and their efforts to protect their best interest.
Now we will see whose best interest the elected officials are looking after.
| Important Headline submitted by Watchdog reader. |
| Updated Watchdog Response |
City Council rejects Wal-Mart retention pond
By Elizabeth Perry
Saturday, December 15, 2007 12:27 PM CST
The O'Fallon City Council on Thursday blocked a plan that would have enabled Wal-Mart to build a retention pond on a lot in a
subdivision in St. Charles Unincorporated County.
The City Council voted to reject the annexation of 302 Ernst Place, a single lot in Fort Zumwalt, where the company planned to build a
pond to capture water run-off from a Wal-Mart parking lot.
"I think it's great-they don't need it to ruin everyone else," Darlene Winkelman, a resident of the subdivision for 50 years, said. Residents
of the subdivision showed up in force to the meeting wearing hand-made tags proclaiming their opposition to the project. They also
distributed informational handouts.
The lawyers representing Wal-Mart and THF Realty, the company that owns the site of the proposed retention pond, also had a sizeable
presence at the meeting.
By Elizabeth Perry
Saturday, December 15, 2007 12:27 PM CST
The O'Fallon City Council on Thursday blocked a plan that would have enabled Wal-Mart to build a retention pond on a lot in a
subdivision in St. Charles Unincorporated County.
The City Council voted to reject the annexation of 302 Ernst Place, a single lot in Fort Zumwalt, where the company planned to build a
pond to capture water run-off from a Wal-Mart parking lot.
"I think it's great-they don't need it to ruin everyone else," Darlene Winkelman, a resident of the subdivision for 50 years, said. Residents
of the subdivision showed up in force to the meeting wearing hand-made tags proclaiming their opposition to the project. They also
distributed informational handouts.
The lawyers representing Wal-Mart and THF Realty, the company that owns the site of the proposed retention pond, also had a sizeable
presence at the meeting.
Press Release
SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Filed under: 2008, Campaign, Election, January, Press Release — Scott E. Lee @ 10:29:18 UTC
Contact: Scott E. Lee
Telephone: (636) 980-9841
Email: scott.eric.lee@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 03 January 2008
SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Candidate Supports Redistricting, Will Promote Responsible City Growth and a Proactive Attitude Toward Infrastructure
O’FALLON, MO — Scott E. Lee today officially announced his candidacy for the Ward 4 City Council seat. Mr. Lee is a first time candidate
and will supply the funds for his campaign, seeking no donations from either the public or the business community.A twenty-one year
resident of the O’Fallon area, Mr. Lee recently has taken an interest in the inner-workings of local government. He told a group of
supporters, “I have been watching what’s been going on in O’Fallon for a while, and I am not sure that I agree with everything that’s being
done. I want to see that the city grows with its residents and businesses, and expands to meet future needs. I want to try to make sure that
the city plans to meet future infrastructure needs, and doesn’t simply react to immediate demands.”
Mr. Lee believes that some of the personal property taxes that the city currently collects can be reduced or eliminated, and replaced with
a form of usury tax. He believes that this will lower the tax burden on city residents while shifting some of the load onto visitors and
commuters.
With the focus recently on the proposed expansion of some of O’Fallon’s most prominent businesses, Mr. Lee has added a plank to his
election platform. He said, “While I understand the need for these businesses to grow and improve their facilities, I think the way that some
of them approach their growth is somewhat – lacking – and in one case, they were just plain rude.”
On the subject of redistricting, Mr. Lee is in favor of conducting a study to see if it would be beneficial for the city to realign itself and
possibly add one or even two new wards. He feels that this would be a boon to the people of O’Fallon, as it would lower the number of
residents that each Councilman would represent. He also feels that redistricting would provide more logical boundaries for each ward.
Mr. Lee concluded his announcement by telling the supporters that, “I don’t know if I can make changes as quickly as we would all like, but
I will certainly try to lay the framework for the city to grow proactively. I would also like to provide property tax cuts for the residents, and I
would like to find some way to keep developers from acting like steamrollers.”
If you’d like more information about Scott E. Lee, his position on any of these issues, or to schedule an interview with Scott E. Lee, please
call him at (636) 980-9841 any day between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm; email him at scott.eric.lee@gmail.com; or view his blog:
Scott E. Lee’s B-b-b-blog at WordPress.com
Watchdog Response: This Press Release was received by the O'Fallon Watchdog on January 3rd 2008. We are glad to see that the
residents of Ward 4 will have a choice in the upcoming April election. We at the Watchdog hope no seats run unopposed.
SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Filed under: 2008, Campaign, Election, January, Press Release — Scott E. Lee @ 10:29:18 UTC
Contact: Scott E. Lee
Telephone: (636) 980-9841
Email: scott.eric.lee@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 03 January 2008
SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Candidate Supports Redistricting, Will Promote Responsible City Growth and a Proactive Attitude Toward Infrastructure
O’FALLON, MO — Scott E. Lee today officially announced his candidacy for the Ward 4 City Council seat. Mr. Lee is a first time candidate
and will supply the funds for his campaign, seeking no donations from either the public or the business community.A twenty-one year
resident of the O’Fallon area, Mr. Lee recently has taken an interest in the inner-workings of local government. He told a group of
supporters, “I have been watching what’s been going on in O’Fallon for a while, and I am not sure that I agree with everything that’s being
done. I want to see that the city grows with its residents and businesses, and expands to meet future needs. I want to try to make sure that
the city plans to meet future infrastructure needs, and doesn’t simply react to immediate demands.”
Mr. Lee believes that some of the personal property taxes that the city currently collects can be reduced or eliminated, and replaced with
a form of usury tax. He believes that this will lower the tax burden on city residents while shifting some of the load onto visitors and
commuters.
With the focus recently on the proposed expansion of some of O’Fallon’s most prominent businesses, Mr. Lee has added a plank to his
election platform. He said, “While I understand the need for these businesses to grow and improve their facilities, I think the way that some
of them approach their growth is somewhat – lacking – and in one case, they were just plain rude.”
On the subject of redistricting, Mr. Lee is in favor of conducting a study to see if it would be beneficial for the city to realign itself and
possibly add one or even two new wards. He feels that this would be a boon to the people of O’Fallon, as it would lower the number of
residents that each Councilman would represent. He also feels that redistricting would provide more logical boundaries for each ward.
Mr. Lee concluded his announcement by telling the supporters that, “I don’t know if I can make changes as quickly as we would all like, but
I will certainly try to lay the framework for the city to grow proactively. I would also like to provide property tax cuts for the residents, and I
would like to find some way to keep developers from acting like steamrollers.”
If you’d like more information about Scott E. Lee, his position on any of these issues, or to schedule an interview with Scott E. Lee, please
call him at (636) 980-9841 any day between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm; email him at scott.eric.lee@gmail.com; or view his blog:
Scott E. Lee’s B-b-b-blog at WordPress.com
Watchdog Response: This Press Release was received by the O'Fallon Watchdog on January 3rd 2008. We are glad to see that the
residents of Ward 4 will have a choice in the upcoming April election. We at the Watchdog hope no seats run unopposed.
Audit report won't be televised
By Latreecia Wade
Saturday, January 19, 2008 1:16 PM CST
The state auditor's office will present the results of a seven-month audit of St. Peters during a special meeting Wednesday - a meeting that
won't be televised, despite some residents' requests.
"This is a community thing, a very important meeting and this is the first time something like this was done in St. Peters," resident Ed
Appelbaum said Thursday.
State Auditor Susan Montee is expected to deliver a report about the audit at 7 p.m. Wednesday in activity rooms A through D at St. Peters
City Hall, located at 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.The audit came as a result of a resident petition that garnered 2,786 signatures. The audit
began May 29, 2007, and lasted through December, said Lisa Bedian, a city spokeswoman.
By Latreecia Wade
Saturday, January 19, 2008 1:16 PM CST
The state auditor's office will present the results of a seven-month audit of St. Peters during a special meeting Wednesday - a meeting that
won't be televised, despite some residents' requests.
"This is a community thing, a very important meeting and this is the first time something like this was done in St. Peters," resident Ed
Appelbaum said Thursday.
State Auditor Susan Montee is expected to deliver a report about the audit at 7 p.m. Wednesday in activity rooms A through D at St. Peters
City Hall, located at 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.The audit came as a result of a resident petition that garnered 2,786 signatures. The audit
began May 29, 2007, and lasted through December, said Lisa Bedian, a city spokeswoman.
| For our Reader's in St.Peters |
O'Fallon residents continue to pay cost of corruption
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
January 25, 2008
The widespread corruption that plagued the City of O'Fallon during the administration of former Mayor Paul Renaud
(and current Council President Bill Hennessy, pictured to the right) continues to cost the taxpayers of O'Fallon.
In a story which appeared in the Post-Dispatch today it was reported that:
In a ruling handed down last week, Circuit Judge Nancy Schneider said that under a June 2004 agreement between the city and Public
Water Supply District No. 2, the water district exclusively controls new sanitary sewer users. Barring a reversal on appeal, the ruling
means city officials won't be able to stop sewage from several customers, including the Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, a shopping center
scheduled to open its first phase in August.
O'Fallon City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. placed a freeze on hookups into the sewer system last fall because officials said the city's
aging wastewater treatment plant on the north side of town was operating at capacity. Its discharge risked exceeding environmental
standards, officials said.
The Meadows isn't the only new customer affected by the ruling. Schneider ordered the city to immediately take all measures necessary
to ensure that its treatment facility has adequate capacity to receive and treat all wastewater transferred to it by the water district's
users, present and future.
The end result of this will be that the taxpayers will be forced to pay the costs of upgrading the system to increase the capacity. How is
this related to corruption? During Renaud's tenure the city gave away tap ons to our water and sewer systems to the preferred
developers and builders. One of the builders who benefited from this was Renaud's employer McBride & Sons. The bill for these illegal
giveaways has now come due.
When paying their taxes the residents of O'Fallon should be sure to remember to send Renaud a thank you note and while you're at it
don't forget to include a note to Hennessy and former alderman (and current council candidate) Mark Perkins who supported giving your
money to the developers. This is but one example of many "favors" Renaud/Hennessy/Perkins provided to developers/builders and we
will be paying for this for years to come.
Watchdog Response: Isn't amazing Bill Hennessey continues to get re-elected despite the damage he has done to our city by looking
after the interest of his buddies and campaign contributors? He is currently trying to put the old team back together with Perkins running
for office in ward 1 and the Charter commission. His wife is even running for the Charter commission. Apparently he doesn't have
enough support to bring his buddy former police chief Steve Talbott back. I guess Christoff is one of the folks standing in the way. Must
be why the Water and Sewer plant is in such a mess and nothing is still being done about it. I guess its because fixing them wouldn't
benefit Bill's buddies or campaign contributors.
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
January 25, 2008
The widespread corruption that plagued the City of O'Fallon during the administration of former Mayor Paul Renaud
(and current Council President Bill Hennessy, pictured to the right) continues to cost the taxpayers of O'Fallon.
In a story which appeared in the Post-Dispatch today it was reported that:
In a ruling handed down last week, Circuit Judge Nancy Schneider said that under a June 2004 agreement between the city and Public
Water Supply District No. 2, the water district exclusively controls new sanitary sewer users. Barring a reversal on appeal, the ruling
means city officials won't be able to stop sewage from several customers, including the Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, a shopping center
scheduled to open its first phase in August.
O'Fallon City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. placed a freeze on hookups into the sewer system last fall because officials said the city's
aging wastewater treatment plant on the north side of town was operating at capacity. Its discharge risked exceeding environmental
standards, officials said.
The Meadows isn't the only new customer affected by the ruling. Schneider ordered the city to immediately take all measures necessary
to ensure that its treatment facility has adequate capacity to receive and treat all wastewater transferred to it by the water district's
users, present and future.
The end result of this will be that the taxpayers will be forced to pay the costs of upgrading the system to increase the capacity. How is
this related to corruption? During Renaud's tenure the city gave away tap ons to our water and sewer systems to the preferred
developers and builders. One of the builders who benefited from this was Renaud's employer McBride & Sons. The bill for these illegal
giveaways has now come due.
When paying their taxes the residents of O'Fallon should be sure to remember to send Renaud a thank you note and while you're at it
don't forget to include a note to Hennessy and former alderman (and current council candidate) Mark Perkins who supported giving your
money to the developers. This is but one example of many "favors" Renaud/Hennessy/Perkins provided to developers/builders and we
will be paying for this for years to come.
Watchdog Response: Isn't amazing Bill Hennessey continues to get re-elected despite the damage he has done to our city by looking
after the interest of his buddies and campaign contributors? He is currently trying to put the old team back together with Perkins running
for office in ward 1 and the Charter commission. His wife is even running for the Charter commission. Apparently he doesn't have
enough support to bring his buddy former police chief Steve Talbott back. I guess Christoff is one of the folks standing in the way. Must
be why the Water and Sewer plant is in such a mess and nothing is still being done about it. I guess its because fixing them wouldn't
benefit Bill's buddies or campaign contributors.
Susan Montee's audit of St. Peters should be investigated
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
January 24 2008
The St. Peters audit is in and if you listen to what Montee had to say, rather than what she wrote, you might think St. Peters is the
standard by which other cities should be measured. If that is the case we should all throw in the towel. Of course, based on Montee's
comments, St. Peters issued press release which claims nothing wrong was found in the audit. To make matters worse the media
picked up on this theme and reported Montee found St. Peters was clean.
First, I suggest everyone read the report and come to their own conclusions, since what has been reported as the facts are not true.
Then I suggest you take a look at the Government Auditing Standards (GAS) to which Montee was required to conduct the audit. I
do not profess to be an expert in regard to government auditing but Montee's poor audit is as evident based on common sense as it is
from reading the standards. I will be posting more details about the audit in another post but let me give you one example of what
Montee believes is a clean city:
St. Peters is involved in a project known as Lakeside 370. The city began purchasing land for the project in 2000 and has purchased
1552 acres for a total of 9.1 million. Montee reports that the city did not obtain an appraisal on some of the land purchased, most
notably 98 acres which was purchased from former mayor Tom Brown's son-in-law. (Montee did not mention the name of her fellow
Democrat Brown but instead said one sale "involved a related party to the mayor in office at the time.") Therefore, the average price per
acre for the land obtained from those not related to Brown was $5,227.00 while Brown's son-in-law received $15,306.00 per acre.
Montee offers no explanation for the large difference in price per acre and, for the most part, ignores this clear conflict of interest. The
GAS provide as an example of abuse the following:
c. Misusing the official's position for personal gain (including actions that could be perceived by an objective third party with knowledge
of the relevant information as improperly benefiting an official's personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family
member...)
The Brown land deal is a perfect example of "abuse" under GAS but to avoid making such a finding Montee simply ignores this part of
her job. In the report Montee states "because the determination of abuse is subjective, our audit is not required to provide reasonable
assurance of detecting abuse." Huh? I think this means Montee won't tell on her fellow Democrat Tom Brown.
Watchdog Response: Corruption comes in many forms. Forms that a performance audit may or may not uncover. Wake Up Call
Missouri brings up very good points. I can remember in O'Fallon two months after the state auditor did her audit. The Budget Towing
episode happened and the cities special counsel Rick Fischer uncovered a treasure trove of information on corruption in O'Fallon. Visit
the Looking Back section and play the video "The Renaud/Hennessy Administration Exposed" to hear what he uncovered after
O'Fallon's own state audit. Items that our state auditor seam to have missed.
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
January 24 2008
The St. Peters audit is in and if you listen to what Montee had to say, rather than what she wrote, you might think St. Peters is the
standard by which other cities should be measured. If that is the case we should all throw in the towel. Of course, based on Montee's
comments, St. Peters issued press release which claims nothing wrong was found in the audit. To make matters worse the media
picked up on this theme and reported Montee found St. Peters was clean.
First, I suggest everyone read the report and come to their own conclusions, since what has been reported as the facts are not true.
Then I suggest you take a look at the Government Auditing Standards (GAS) to which Montee was required to conduct the audit. I
do not profess to be an expert in regard to government auditing but Montee's poor audit is as evident based on common sense as it is
from reading the standards. I will be posting more details about the audit in another post but let me give you one example of what
Montee believes is a clean city:
St. Peters is involved in a project known as Lakeside 370. The city began purchasing land for the project in 2000 and has purchased
1552 acres for a total of 9.1 million. Montee reports that the city did not obtain an appraisal on some of the land purchased, most
notably 98 acres which was purchased from former mayor Tom Brown's son-in-law. (Montee did not mention the name of her fellow
Democrat Brown but instead said one sale "involved a related party to the mayor in office at the time.") Therefore, the average price per
acre for the land obtained from those not related to Brown was $5,227.00 while Brown's son-in-law received $15,306.00 per acre.
Montee offers no explanation for the large difference in price per acre and, for the most part, ignores this clear conflict of interest. The
GAS provide as an example of abuse the following:
c. Misusing the official's position for personal gain (including actions that could be perceived by an objective third party with knowledge
of the relevant information as improperly benefiting an official's personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family
member...)
The Brown land deal is a perfect example of "abuse" under GAS but to avoid making such a finding Montee simply ignores this part of
her job. In the report Montee states "because the determination of abuse is subjective, our audit is not required to provide reasonable
assurance of detecting abuse." Huh? I think this means Montee won't tell on her fellow Democrat Tom Brown.
Watchdog Response: Corruption comes in many forms. Forms that a performance audit may or may not uncover. Wake Up Call
Missouri brings up very good points. I can remember in O'Fallon two months after the state auditor did her audit. The Budget Towing
episode happened and the cities special counsel Rick Fischer uncovered a treasure trove of information on corruption in O'Fallon. Visit
the Looking Back section and play the video "The Renaud/Hennessy Administration Exposed" to hear what he uncovered after
O'Fallon's own state audit. Items that our state auditor seam to have missed.
Madam Mayor (flip) flops on You Paid For It
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
February 1, 2008.
Elliott Davis and the You Paid For It crew paid a visit to O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow last week to discuss the city's role in the ongoing Koch
Road scandal. I will be posting a copy of the story once it becomes available on the Fox 2 St. Louis web site. In the mean time I have set out
below (as best I could since Morrow constantly interrupted Davis) the questions asked by Davis and Morrow's answers, but first let me provide
some back ground:
Four families bought homes (estimated at $300,00) from McBride & Sons that were built on a public easement upon which a public road, Koch
Road, ran. St. Charles County had voted to vacate the road under certain conditions (conditions which have not been met) and a group of
residents filed suit to stop the county's action since it was in violation of the law. McBride and the developer, Hyland Green, illegally tore out
Koch Road while the lawsuit was pending. McBride did not have any rights to the easement at that time but they wanted the land to build houses
so they simply ignored the law and proceeded. The homeowners allege they were not told by McBride that their houses sat on a public
easement and now their homes are all but worthless since they cannot sell or refinance them. In addition, the Judge ruled that St. Charles
County's attempt to eventually vacate the road was unlawful since Koch Road was still useful to the residents.
At the direction of Mayor Morrow, city staff had originally followed the law and refused to issue building permits to McBride (flip.) (I know this
would seem obvious but when the favored builders/developers ask for something in St. Charles County the law is rarely an impediment.)
However, after the appointment of Bob Lowery as City Administrator, Morrow and the city changed their position and issued McBride building
permits to construct homes on a public road (flop.) Davis' story focused on this decision. Here are Davis' questions and Morrow's answer with
my comments in red:
Davis: Why did you issue (building) permits when this land was still tied up in litigation?
Morrow: First of all we issued the permits before the Judge made her ruling so it was not tied up in litigation. (Wrong. The case was tied up
in litigation as Davis points out in his follow up question.)
Davis: But it was still the subject of a court case.
Morrow: Elliott we're a political subdivision of the state just like the county is. (Interrupting Davis) So we have certain, there's a whole (pointing),
there's 20 volumes of what we have to do according to the state. (Um...Well yea...OK...I'll bet there wasn't 20 volumes) So the county and
the city have done their duty. (The county went out of its way to give land to a developer and violated the law in the process. The city
went out of its way to allow the builder to illegally construct homes and violated the law in the process. However, maybe Morrow
believes it is her duty to help out her political friends.)
Davis: Madam mayor I'm trying to ask some key questions here, my key question is why did the city issue building permits to... ?
Morrow: (interrupting) Because we had the authority to, because we had the authority to. (Wrong, Wrong. Of course, the law does not
give O'Fallon the authority to issue building permits on a county road and doing so is actually in direct violation of the law.
Caveat; I have not read the special set of 20 volumes of things O'Fallon has to do which Morrow keeps in her office. I can only say
that those "20 volumes" do not apply anywhere outside her office.)
Davis: Was that a mistake?
Morrow: No it was not a mistake. (Well, in Morrow's defense, Davis did not ask a mistake in whose mind. I'm sure it was not a mistake
to McBride, or Hyland Green, or Morrow's assistant, campaign supporter and friend of the developer, Carl Maus. However, if he
meant a mistake in the eyes of the citizens and the law Morrow was absolutely wrong.) (interrupting Davis) According to the state
statutes we had the full authority to issue it, whether or not it was pending in litigation or not. (OK Madam Mayor, now you are starting to
bore me. Everyone repeat after me...WRONG.)
For those interested in the full story on Koch Road I have linked all of my posts about it on the right. As for you Madam Mayor, I want you to think
about a suggestion I made to you shortly after you appointed me. Now would be a good time to follow my advice.
Watchdog Response: What more could the Watchdog add to Mr. Fischer's commentary other than Mayor Morrow's is like the weather is
St.Louis. Just wait long enough and it will surely change or in Morrow's case FLIP - FLOP. I guess thats the advantage of having a political
science degree?
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
February 1, 2008.
Elliott Davis and the You Paid For It crew paid a visit to O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow last week to discuss the city's role in the ongoing Koch
Road scandal. I will be posting a copy of the story once it becomes available on the Fox 2 St. Louis web site. In the mean time I have set out
below (as best I could since Morrow constantly interrupted Davis) the questions asked by Davis and Morrow's answers, but first let me provide
some back ground:
Four families bought homes (estimated at $300,00) from McBride & Sons that were built on a public easement upon which a public road, Koch
Road, ran. St. Charles County had voted to vacate the road under certain conditions (conditions which have not been met) and a group of
residents filed suit to stop the county's action since it was in violation of the law. McBride and the developer, Hyland Green, illegally tore out
Koch Road while the lawsuit was pending. McBride did not have any rights to the easement at that time but they wanted the land to build houses
so they simply ignored the law and proceeded. The homeowners allege they were not told by McBride that their houses sat on a public
easement and now their homes are all but worthless since they cannot sell or refinance them. In addition, the Judge ruled that St. Charles
County's attempt to eventually vacate the road was unlawful since Koch Road was still useful to the residents.
At the direction of Mayor Morrow, city staff had originally followed the law and refused to issue building permits to McBride (flip.) (I know this
would seem obvious but when the favored builders/developers ask for something in St. Charles County the law is rarely an impediment.)
However, after the appointment of Bob Lowery as City Administrator, Morrow and the city changed their position and issued McBride building
permits to construct homes on a public road (flop.) Davis' story focused on this decision. Here are Davis' questions and Morrow's answer with
my comments in red:
Davis: Why did you issue (building) permits when this land was still tied up in litigation?
Morrow: First of all we issued the permits before the Judge made her ruling so it was not tied up in litigation. (Wrong. The case was tied up
in litigation as Davis points out in his follow up question.)
Davis: But it was still the subject of a court case.
Morrow: Elliott we're a political subdivision of the state just like the county is. (Interrupting Davis) So we have certain, there's a whole (pointing),
there's 20 volumes of what we have to do according to the state. (Um...Well yea...OK...I'll bet there wasn't 20 volumes) So the county and
the city have done their duty. (The county went out of its way to give land to a developer and violated the law in the process. The city
went out of its way to allow the builder to illegally construct homes and violated the law in the process. However, maybe Morrow
believes it is her duty to help out her political friends.)
Davis: Madam mayor I'm trying to ask some key questions here, my key question is why did the city issue building permits to... ?
Morrow: (interrupting) Because we had the authority to, because we had the authority to. (Wrong, Wrong. Of course, the law does not
give O'Fallon the authority to issue building permits on a county road and doing so is actually in direct violation of the law.
Caveat; I have not read the special set of 20 volumes of things O'Fallon has to do which Morrow keeps in her office. I can only say
that those "20 volumes" do not apply anywhere outside her office.)
Davis: Was that a mistake?
Morrow: No it was not a mistake. (Well, in Morrow's defense, Davis did not ask a mistake in whose mind. I'm sure it was not a mistake
to McBride, or Hyland Green, or Morrow's assistant, campaign supporter and friend of the developer, Carl Maus. However, if he
meant a mistake in the eyes of the citizens and the law Morrow was absolutely wrong.) (interrupting Davis) According to the state
statutes we had the full authority to issue it, whether or not it was pending in litigation or not. (OK Madam Mayor, now you are starting to
bore me. Everyone repeat after me...WRONG.)
For those interested in the full story on Koch Road I have linked all of my posts about it on the right. As for you Madam Mayor, I want you to think
about a suggestion I made to you shortly after you appointed me. Now would be a good time to follow my advice.
Watchdog Response: What more could the Watchdog add to Mr. Fischer's commentary other than Mayor Morrow's is like the weather is
St.Louis. Just wait long enough and it will surely change or in Morrow's case FLIP - FLOP. I guess thats the advantage of having a political
science degree?
WARNING: THE JOURNAL HAS BEEN FOUND TO REPORT FALSE INFORMATION
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
February 10, 2008.
If papers were required to warn their readers of the dangers of their product as other products are, the
Suburban Journal would be required to place in big bold letters the following; WARNING: THE JOURNAL
HAS BEEN FOUND TO REPORT FALSE INFORMATION. As I have reported in detail (Does the O'Fallon
Journal have a credibility problem?) the O'Fallon Journal has not only failed to report on the actions of one
of its biggest advertisers, McBride & Sons, in illegally destroying a public road but the Journal has actually
reported false information on this story. Despite having been fully informed of the truth, the Journal
continues in its attempt to protect the guilty parties.
In an article dated February 9, 2008 entitled Koch Road Case Continues, the writer, Elizabeth Perry reports,
Last year, St. Charles County Circuit Judge Lucy Rauch determined St. Charles County was wrong in
deeming the road "useless," a decision that led to the destruction of that portion of road and homes being
built on the property.
A reader unfamiliar with the facts (i.e. readers of the Journal and Post-Dispatch) are led to believe that St.
Charles County's finding that Koch Road was "useless," allowed McBride & Sons (and the developer
Hyland Green) to tear out the road. This is absolutely false and Ms. Perry and her editor Erin Schultz are
aware this is false. However, by reporting the story in a false light the Journal is able to protect McBride &
Sons from further exposure of its illegal actions.
The Journal promotes itself as providing "the most comprehensive coverage" of the St. Louis area. Journal
readers should be warned that the Journal's "coverage" is limited to news, whether true or not, it wants to
report.
Watchdog Response: As you will read in the introduction on the Headline page. One of the reasons the
O'Fallon Watchdog was created was to get you the information that area publications leave out. Whether
done purposely or because of sloppy journalism we feel it's important that you know the truth. Click on the
Wake Up Call Missouri link above and you will see Mr. Fischer has had an on-going battle with the Journal
and their style of journalism. Or Click Here to Read another Questionable Story.
From: Wake Up Call Missouri
February 10, 2008.
If papers were required to warn their readers of the dangers of their product as other products are, the
Suburban Journal would be required to place in big bold letters the following; WARNING: THE JOURNAL
HAS BEEN FOUND TO REPORT FALSE INFORMATION. As I have reported in detail (Does the O'Fallon
Journal have a credibility problem?) the O'Fallon Journal has not only failed to report on the actions of one
of its biggest advertisers, McBride & Sons, in illegally destroying a public road but the Journal has actually
reported false information on this story. Despite having been fully informed of the truth, the Journal
continues in its attempt to protect the guilty parties.
In an article dated February 9, 2008 entitled Koch Road Case Continues, the writer, Elizabeth Perry reports,
Last year, St. Charles County Circuit Judge Lucy Rauch determined St. Charles County was wrong in
deeming the road "useless," a decision that led to the destruction of that portion of road and homes being
built on the property.
A reader unfamiliar with the facts (i.e. readers of the Journal and Post-Dispatch) are led to believe that St.
Charles County's finding that Koch Road was "useless," allowed McBride & Sons (and the developer
Hyland Green) to tear out the road. This is absolutely false and Ms. Perry and her editor Erin Schultz are
aware this is false. However, by reporting the story in a false light the Journal is able to protect McBride &
Sons from further exposure of its illegal actions.
The Journal promotes itself as providing "the most comprehensive coverage" of the St. Louis area. Journal
readers should be warned that the Journal's "coverage" is limited to news, whether true or not, it wants to
report.
Watchdog Response: As you will read in the introduction on the Headline page. One of the reasons the
O'Fallon Watchdog was created was to get you the information that area publications leave out. Whether
done purposely or because of sloppy journalism we feel it's important that you know the truth. Click on the
Wake Up Call Missouri link above and you will see Mr. Fischer has had an on-going battle with the Journal
and their style of journalism. Or Click Here to Read another Questionable Story.
| Click on Bob's picture to hear him speak. |
Dear Watchdog:
Thanks for put
Thanks for put