Merry Christmas

From Show Me Progress Just say no to religious bullies (+) by: sarah jo Sat Dec 26, 2009 at 20:50:18 PM CST [subscribe]

Happy December 26th ! I hope you had a lovely Christmas or at least a happy gastronomic experience !! A few weeks ago, while cleaning out old files, I came across a copy of the Post Dispatch editorial from 12/25/04. I knew right away why I must have kept it. It's a great summary of how Christmas traditions have changed over the centuries. I emailed the editor of the paper and asked him to re-run it this year. Which he did, on 12/24.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Dec. 28th, 2009

It's amazing. The Mehlville Fire Department has posted a meeting more than 48 hours ahead of time. Congratulations Mehlville Fire District! Of course, there's absolutely nothing on the agenda, so why not let people know you'll be meeting.



Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting December 28, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.


OLD BUSINESS


NEW BUSINESS


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT


Posted 12/21/2009 @ 1600

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Dec. 23rd,2 009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting December 23, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.


OLD BUSINESS
Wage Scales/Local 1889

NEW BUSINESS


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

( Posted 12/21/2009 @ 1600

State Senator Jim Lembke (from Fired Up)

Lembke A Featured Speaker At Next Month's "National Sovereignty Symposium"
Submitted by .Sean on December 21, 2009 - 9:55am
Sharpen your pencils, Tenth Amendment scholars!
Sen. Jim Lembke is speaking next month to the Constitutional Conservative Alliance's "National Sovereignty Symposium" in Omaha. The Constitutional Conservative Alliance says it "strive[s] to advance all constitutional rights and privileges ratified by our founding fathers in 1789," and appears to be almost entirely focused on advancing their extreme understanding of the Tenth Amendment (which was actually ratified in 1791).
As I understand it, "Tenther" activists are convinced that most everything the federal government does is unconstitutional because it interferes with states' rights. Health care reform, clean energy legislation and "Cash for Clunkers" are obvious targets of their ire – but so are things like a federal minimum wage and all that New Deal garbage. I'm sure there is some variation in tenther ideology -- especially for politicians like Lembke who want to capitalize on the anger from the extreme right, but not get booted out of office by independents who tend to like things like Social Security and Medicare -- but a general fear of and hatred for the federal government seems key to the tenther worldview.
The Constitutional Conservative Alliance, the group to which Lembke is speaking, outlines its "point of view" as follows:
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of being told what is right and what is wrong by those who say Conservative Christian values are no longer relevant.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of my children being taught the religion of pagan worship of the earth, air, beasts and man by those who removed the Ten Commandments and The Lord’s Prayer from our schools.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of my children being taught natural selection in school by those who will not allow the strong to survive and the weak to perish in the business world and the job market.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of those who preach equal rights while they give preferential treatment on the basis of sex, race, or economic status.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of those who swear an oath before God and to the Constitution and proceed to trample on both in policy and practice.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of being told that my lone voice no longer matters!
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH of the twisting and marginalizing of My Religion, My State, and the Constitution of The United States of America.
Just another awesome conference for your 'mainstream' Missouri Republican Party.

Mehlville Fire BOD Meeting Agenda Dec. 17, 2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting December 17, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 8, 22 & 29, 2009

PAYMENT OF BILLS OF DECEMBER 7, 2009

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
Local 1889 Proposals
Catherine Enz Consulting Contract
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Amendment
Defined Contribution Pension Plan Amendment Number 2
Wage Scales

PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

Another New Hire is Gone at the Mehlville Fire Department

Information received per Sunshine Law request of closed session meeting on Dec. 3, 2009:

Mike,
Closed Session Vote of December 3, 2009 A unanimous vote was taken to terminate the employment of Benjamin Vemmer, effective December 7, 2009, based on his failure to be admitted into the St. Louis County Fire Academy. All board members were present.
Carla Juelfs

Mehlville Fire BOD Agenda Thurs. Dec. 10th, 2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting December 10, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
Arron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan

CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.


OLD BUSINESS
Archimages Report
Health Insurance Renewal
Physician's Statement Requirement


NEW BUSINESS
Computer Bid


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Legal
Real Estate

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 12/8/2009 @ 1600

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes Dec. 3, 2009

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
3RD DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 3rd day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of November 23, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Ryan made a motion to approve the Board meeting minutes of September 10, 17, 24, and 30, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of October 31, 2009 and waive the reading. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the change to the Vacation Policy Regarding Paramedic School that would require employees to take vacation time in the year earned. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Battalion Chief Ed Berkel reported on the ICC annual conference he recently attended. The conference included code change hearings, business meetings and educational sessions.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion that Privates James Jameson, Darren Knight, Patrick Schumm, Eric Traylor and David Wideman be removed from probationary status. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposed requirement for employees recovered from injury or illness to provide MFPD Administration with a Physicians’ Statement asserting their physical fitness to return to duty before coming back to work. The proposal will be voted on at a future meeting.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve Private Thomas Viviano’s request to complete three courses towards an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science at a cost of $725 each. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Greg Garner from Archimages discussed plans for House 4. He presented a completed survey as well as a preliminary floorplan that adds a mezzanine area for gear storage and expanded exercise capacity and storage at the back of the bays. He provided a breakdown of additional square footage and a cost per square foot analysis which shows an estimated $190,000 in costs over House 2. He then reviewed two site plan options. The Board members agreed they prefer the site plan that does not require the removal of a utility pole. Mr. Garner said he would forward a final contract to the Board for their review. Mr. Hilmer stated that it could be voted on at the next meeting. Mr. Hilmer asked when the building would be complete. Mr. Garner said that construction could begin in four months, and the building could be completed by next year.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Elaine Kilker of National City who discussed renewal of the District’s Health Insurance plans. Mr. Hilmer stated that his instructions had been to keep the budget for dental, vision and health insurance the same as last year. The proposal provides the same coverage to employees, but the District will make a smaller contribution to their Health Savings Account. Ms. Kilker discussed the renewals in detail. The United Healthcare renewal would show a 19% premium increase and Assurant Dental a 70% premium increase. Ms. Kilker proposes moving dental and vision coverage to United Healthcare in order to obtain a multi-line discount. The coverage is comparable. The District would be able to save $15,000 for the next year with the multi-line discount. In addition, United Healthcare would give an additional 2.5% discount if only one plan option was available to employees. Only 19 MFPD employees have opted for the Base, rather than HSA, coverage. Offering only the HSA plan would save MFPD an additional $70,000 over the next year, allowing the District to maintain current premium levels and contribute $700 to each employee’s HSA. Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board would vote on the proposal at the next Board meeting. Mrs. Stegman requested that Ms. Kilker provide her with information on the HSA and what it provides to employees.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.


________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman

Breaking News: Mehlville Fire Tax Issue is Still Up in the Air

I was just told by a spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney General's office that they have made no decision regarding the Mehlville Fire Protection District's tax rate for 2010. Any comments made by the district, the Call Newspapers or the Truth Defector are obviously premature.

Lembke Can't Wait to Thwart the Will of the Voters

With the ink barely dry on the certification of the E-911 sales tax, Jim Lembke is already trying to stop what 70% of the voters just approved. What an Ass!



STL Beacon 2009 12-02 Lembke lays out reasons for seeking restrictions on E-911 tax & ending it after 5 years.htm (42.2 KB)

Taxes Are Going Up in Mehlville

I don't mind paying taxes. It hurts, but it's the price we pay to live in a civilized society.
I just paid our personal property tax. It was almost triple from last year. The primary reason for the significant increase is the newer car. But of course, it didn't help that the Mehlville Fire Department's tax rate went up over a nickel. Next year, it's going up even higher. I thought I was gonna pay lower taxes.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes Nov.19th, 2009

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 19th day of November, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of November 9, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposed change to the Vacation Policy Regarding Paramedic School that would require employees to take vacation time in the year earned. He asked that the Board would review the change and vote on it at the next meeting.
Chief White discussed the need to replace physical fitness equipment at the Fire Houses. He proposed replacing aging treadmills with ellipticals and stated that he had located five commercial quality ellipticals at a substantial closeout price reduction. Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the purchase of up to five ellipticals at $3,520 each, for a total of up to $17,600. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White informed the Board that the Tower Lease with Clearwire is ready to be signed. The Tower will be fully leased, bringing in about $80,000 annually. Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Communication Tower Agreement with Clearwire. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White described the need to repaint the 1760 Pumper. The job will be put out to bid and those bids brought to the Board for approval at a later date.
Chief White discussed the need to improve security at the MFPD Administration offices for employees as well as members of the public. He proposed installation of a Security Camera System, which would include one camera in the lobby and additional cameras in the parking lot and around the perimeter of the building. Chief White proposed acceptance of the lowest of three bids, which was also the best system, with the addition of three cameras. Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve $3,635 plus $400 per additional camera for a total of $4,385 to purchase the Security Camera System. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White stated that the 1 House Generator needs to be replaced. The replacement will be put out to bid and those bids brought to the Board for approval at a later date.
Chief White discussed the need to replace a seven-year-old thermal imager camera that has been breaking down. The thermal imager cameras assist with search and rescue operations and firefighter safety, seeking out hidden pockets of high heat, flames and smoky conditions. Due to a trade-in deal with the seller, upgrade to a high resolution camera similar to the one purchased recently by the District would cost $4,990, a savings of almost $5,000. Mr. Ryan made a motion to approve the purchase of the upgrade camera at a cost of $4,990. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer excused himself from the meeting.
Greg Garner from Archimages presented a feasibility study for modifications to the existing House 2 plan to enable the Board to review possible changes, additions and deletions and their potential costs. Five schemes were described which included modifications such as bay size reduction, additional fitness space and gear storage space, a mezzanine level for storage and training, an added larger bunk room, a second floor addition, and stair towers as required.
Chief White and Board members discussed the plans, especially focusing on the extent of training facilities that should be included in House 4 and future houses. They agreed that decisions about House 4 are contingent on future plans for House 3. Mr. Garner stated that he would return to the next Board meeting with a conglomerate plan including associated costs.
Mrs. Stegman recognized Union President Nick Fahs. Captain Fahs expressed a concern regarding the Fit for Duty test.Mrs. Stegman then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mrs. Stegman, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes From the Jefferson City Meeting

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
17TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Office of the Attorney General in Jefferson City, Missouri on the 17th day of November, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board; and
Matthew Hoffman, Attorney for the District.
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board was not present.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing legal matters regarding the tax rate of the District with the Office of the Attorney General immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Hilmer yea.Mr. Hilmer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:16 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman and was unanimously approved.

Breaking News Mehlville Fire BOD Allowed to Increase Taxes

Apparently, the Missouri AG's office disagrees with the Missouri Auditor's office. In a surprise announcement yesterday, we found out that the Mehlville Fire Board didn't have to ignore any tax laws. All they had to do was ignore the tax decrease measures that they put on the ballot in April. This has got to be the strangest tax story in the history of Missouri. First, the Mehlville Fire Board tries to place this measure on the ballot but gets successfully sued by a citizen. Then, they get the legislature to pass a law so the can put it on the ballot. They get sued again and successfully defend their right to put it on the ballot. Then, they use tax dollars to promote this measure. They dupe the voters into voting for what they're told is a permanent tax decrease. Then, they raise our taxes and get the state to agree that the ballot measure was bogus. I got a feeling, the BOD will be hearing from a few Teabaggers very soon.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Nov. 19th, 2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda Directors' Meeting November 19, 2009
MFPD Conference Room 11020 Mueller Road

Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary


CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PAYMENT OF BILLS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2009
OLD BUSINESS

Vacation Policy Regarding Paramedic School
NEW BUSINESS

Archimages Report
Tower Lease with Clearwire
Approval to Refurbish 1760 Pumper
Security Camera System
Approval to Bid for 1 House Generator
Purchase of Thermal Imager

PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 11/17/2009 @ 1600

Mehlville Fire Board Breaking the Law

The BOD, minus Ed Ryan, met in the AG's office today. It was clearly a record setter. The open session lasted approximately 1 minute. Then they went into a closed session to talk about legal, real estate and personnel issues, according to their posted agenda. After finding out their meeting was in violation of Missouri Statute 321.200, they adjourned their closed session. There was no discussion or votes according to their attorney. After that Bonnie Stegman was asked to leave so that the menfolk could get down to work. Actually, she left because there was no longer a majority so they weren't breaking the law any longer. Arron Hilmer and the district's attorney met with representatives of the Missouri Attorney General.
For the record, Board Chairman Hilmer was dressed a little better for this meeting. He was wearing a pair of dockers and a polo shirt. It was noted by one observer that he was wearing Jurrasic Park socks.

Retirees and Vets Allowed to Salute Flag

Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations render the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which Former President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

Mehlville Fire BOD Will Meet in Closed Session in Jeff City

The Misouri's Attorney General's office has confirmed that a scheduled meeting will take place tomorrow with the BOD of the Mehlville Fire Protection District. Although the district's meeting posting says Personnel, Legal and Real Estate, the purpose of the meeting is widely known to be a plea by district officials for AG Koster not to enforce state statutes. The AG's office confirmed that state legislators had previously been scheduled to attend the meeting but were no longer expected and/or invited.

All business will be conducted in closed session.

Breaking News Mehlville Fire BOD Will Meet in Jeff City

Apparently two members of the MFPD BOD decided to join the three stooges mentioned below at the AG's office in Jeff City. I've got a request to the Fire Dept. to find out if they've srewed this posting up but according to this, the meeting will be in closed session. Forget about transparency!
We'll stay on top of it.

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting November 17, 2009
Office of the Attorney General
207 West High Street
Jefferson City, Missouri

Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary


CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 3:00 P.M.


OLD BUSINESS


NEW BUSINESS



BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

Tilted Kilt

I found another reason to patronize the Tilted Kilt in Arnold. They offer 25% off food prices to military, police and firefighters. Add that to the non -smoking environment for an enjoyable time.

Mehlville Fire Board Breaking News

This coming Tuesday, a meeting will be held by Missouri State Attorney General Chris Koster at the AG's office in Jefferson City. Several people will try to persuade the the AG to ignore the State Auditor's Office that said the state law was violated when the Mehlville Fire Protection District Board of Directors submitted a tax rate of .593 when they had just proposed a major tax decrease to the voters in April. The .593 is actually a few cents higher than last years tax rate and about four times what is allowed by Missouri statute after passage of April's ballot measure. Should the Attorney General's Office find the district broke the law, our fire district will have a budget shortfall of 12 million dollars next year.
All of this comes because of the politics of the Mehlville Fire Board and Mr. James Stonebraker, a Republican activist from St. Louis County. The board had the authority to lower its own tax rate but instead sought legislative approval and went before the voters. This earned them much praise in conservative circles around the state. All the while, they spent lots of money with their co-conspirator, the Call Newspapers, which not only passed the unnecessary ballot measure but helped bring voters to the polls for their candidate Director Bonnie Stegmann.
Numerous people will be heading to Jeff City Tuesday, among them State Senator Jim Lembke(R), and State Representatives Walt Bivins (R) and Mike Leara(R). Rep. Leara controls the district's employees' pension funds. Rep.Walt Bivins was the author of the bill that allowed the district to put the issue on the ballot. Sen. Jim Lembke pushed hard for its passage after not being for it but then getting pressure from Stonebraker and the Call Newspapers! None of these three are lawyers but they will try to defend Arron Hilmer's irresponsible decision to put a ballot measure before the voters with only the advice of a political activist. They will ask that AG Chris Koster to ignore the law and speculate as to what the voters really wanted. I voted against the measure in April but I think the voters wanted a tax decrease not a tax increase. Get yourself some popcorn. This will be fun to watch.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting

I attended last evening’s Mehlville Fire Protection District board meeting. I stayed for all three minutes of it. They approved the minutes from August and had one public comment. A captain in the department asked for a copy of the new training evaluation criteria. Then the board went into closed session.

I have just a couple of quick comments.

I shouldn’t be surprised anymore by what happens in our fire district but I was. How in the world could you implement a new fitness for duty program and not share the details with the firefighters?
Also, Aaron Hilmer is a slob. This guy walks in a little late looking like he just got out of bed. His hair was dirty, he was unshaven and he was wearing gym clothes. It’s remarkable that he could care so little about his appearance when he’s the board chairman of a uniformed institution. If the new chief would have pulled out one of his famous irons, we all could have enjoyed a laugh.

Mehlville Fire Board Speed Meetings

I have no interest in long meetings, but the Mehlville Fire Board has been breaking records along with Missouri laws with their record setting times. Notice that I've been posting all agendas and minutes for the last several weeks and there is no mention of the tax debacle and looming bancruptcy. When are they discussing it?

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Nov.12th, 2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting November 12, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road

Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary


CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 20, 26 AND 27, 2009


OLD BUSINESS


NEW BUSINESS


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes Nov. 3rd, 2009

These guys are so screwed up. The decide to yet again postpone approval of the minutes. They don't even know that they still haven't approved August's minutes.


MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 3rd day of November, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board, and James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, were not present.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the payment of bills of October 26, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board would vote on the approval of minutes from the September, 2009 Board meetings at the next meeting. ( I got money says they won't.)
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Fit for Duty Program as presented by Chief White. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Wellness Program. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m.


________________________________________
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman

Pay Up Deadbeat Bill Milligan

It's been three months and Milligan and The Call have still not paid off their court judgement!

08/10/2009
Judgment Entered Against:
CALL PUBLISHING INC

Amount of Judgment: $9,182.69
Date of Satisfaction: not yet on file

AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER

Wanda's Too Funny

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/cspanjunkie/meet-president-obamas-new-where-go-and

Mehlville Fire Protection District BOD Agenda Tuesday Nov. 3th, 2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting November 3, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road

Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary


CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.

PAYMENT OF BILLS OF OCTOBER 26, 2009

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 20, 26 AND 27, 2009


OLD BUSINESS
Fit for Duty
IHS Wellness Program


NEW BUSINESS


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes Oct.29th, 2009

The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 29th day of October, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board is still reviewing the Fit for Duty and Wellness Program policies and postponed the vote until the next meeting.
The Board recognized Captain Nick Fahs who said he had some concerns with the Fit for Duty test which he would share with Mrs. Stegman.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve tuition reimbursement to Daniel LaFata in the amount of $934.50 for Introduction to Computer Systems, a course in the Fire Service Administration Associate of Science Degree program at Columbia College. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:04 p.m.


________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman

James Stonebraker Is Consistent!

That's consistently a Hypocrite! I understand the South County Truth Spot has some information from a recent deposition of a Mehlville Firefighter. Wasn't it just a month or so ago Stonebraker was condemning me for writing about a deposition? Wasn't he suggesting that I should fear the wrath of the judge in the case for releasing just such information? Perhaps Stonebraker knows I didn't do anything wrong or perhaps he feels that Mrs. Stonebraker's employment with former federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway and John Hancock will protect him. Either way, Jimbo, you're a hypocrite. But at least you're consistent.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
22ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 22nd day of October, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of October 12, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of September 30, 2009 and waive the reading. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Ryan made a motion to accept the Board Meeting minutes of July 2, 14, 21 and 30, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed the possible donation of the District’s Ford 1980 F350 maintenance truck to South County Tech, in addition to the pumper donation already approved. Mr. Ryan made a motion to donate the truck to South County Tech. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer recognized David Hope, Director of South County Tech Fire & EMS Academy. Mr. Hope indicated that the Academy would be re-lettering the exteriors of both donated trucks to acknowledge Mehlville Fire Protection District’s donation.
Chief White presented the Board with finalized Fit for Duty and Wellness Program policies. He also pointed out related changes to the Employee Manual of Policies & Procedures. Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board would vote on the policies at a later meeting.
Mr. Ryan recognized and thanked Mr. Jason Roberts, a Boy Scout from Oakville Middle School, who was attending the meeting to learn about local government.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Mr. Garner from Archimages. Mr. Garner introduced civil engineer Paul Boyer and project manager Roy Mangin. Mr. Garner presented preliminary site plans for a new house, similar to House 2, to be located on Tesson Ferry. Paul Boyer presented a brief overview on the site itself. Mr. Garner stated that he would be providing the Board with a proposal that would reflect different scenarios based on retaining a building footprint similar to House 2 or modifying it. Mr. Ryan asked if it was possible for SCI to be contracted and directed by Archimages. Mr. Garner stated that while it was not possible for Archimages to contract with SCI, a better organization and structure could be implemented to address the Board’s concerns. Mr. Garner said that Archimages would send its proposal next week. Mr. Hilmer asked that the proposal include a tentative timeline and be sent to Chief White.
Chief White presented three bids on thermal imaging cameras. The price range was from $8,507 to $11,705. Chief White had Rescue Squad and Pumper personnel evaluate the cameras, and the unanimous agreement was that the Scott camera, at $11,329, was the best option. The primary use of the camera will be search and rescue. The camera will replace a broken thermal imaging camera which cannot be repaired and is out of date. Mr. Ryan made a motion to purchase one Franco Fire Scott Thermal Imager for $11,329. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Paul Alvino, a resident of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, who requested paramedic assistance with transportation to the hospital last Saturday. Mr. Alvino praised the professionalism and care of the two Fire/Medics who responded, Darren Knight and Joe Danner.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:35 p.m.

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Oct.29th,2009

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting October 29, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road



CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.

OLD BUSINESS
Fit for Duty
IHS Wellness Program


NEW BUSINESS


PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda

Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting October 22, 2009
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road

Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary


CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.

PAYMENT OF BILLS OF OCTOBER 12, 2009

TREASURER'S REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 2, 14, 21 AND 30, 2009

OLD BUSINESS
Donation of Maintenance Truck
Fit for Duty
IHS Wellness Program

NEW BUSINESS
Archimages
Thermal Imager

PUBLIC COMMENTS

BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION

OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT

CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate

CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 10/20/2009 @ 1600

Mehlville Fire Board News

Is this a slow news month? No, just the opposite. The facts are that so much is swirling around, I just don't want to get in the way. Investigations are currently being done concerning incompetence in addition to malfeasance. Stay tuned!

Deadbeat Bill Milligan

Concord Publications and Call Publishing, those are the business names for the Oakville Call, Concord Call, Green Park Call and Suncrest Call, has still not paid what they owe to the Pelarious Inc. even though they were slapped with a judgement in the 21st Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County) Court over two months ago.


09SL-AC16994 - PELARIOUS INC V CONCORD PUBLICATIONS
This information is provided as a service and is not considered an official court record.
Judgment
Date:08/10/2009
Description: Judgment Entered Against:
CONCORD PUBLICATIONS INC

Amount of Judgment: $9,182.69
Date of Satisfaction:
not yet on file

Against:
CALL PUBLISHING INC


not yet on file

AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER

Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
8TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2009


The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 8th day of October, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board, was not present.
Mrs. Stegman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of September 28, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman stated that approval of the Board Meeting minutes for July would be postponed until the next Board meeting.
Chief White updated the Board on the Fit for Duty and showed a DVD of the timed portion of the test. He has been working with ProRehab to finalize the full test and will present the completed package to the Board at a future meeting.
Mr. Ryan discussed #1 House landscaping. Farinella has provided an estimate of $3,170 for removal of the honeysuckle and planting of evergreen shrubs. Mr. Ryan made a motion to accept the bid of $3,170 from Farinella Landscaping. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White introduced Elaine Kilker from National City Insurance Group who outlined a Wellness Program to be provided by Interactive Health Solutions (IHS), which is establishing wellness programs for the City of Chicago Firefighters and New York City Firefighters. The IHS Wellness Programs include annual on-site testing for employee-controllable issues such as blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and tobacco use, and setting of goals and incentives for achieving goals. United Healthcare will cover the testing as preventive care. Chief White added that the Wellness Program would be a third component, along with the Fit for Duty and a Physical Fitness Program, in his plan to improve firefighter health. The program would be HIPAA compliant. Chief White would like the Board to consider the Wellness Program and vote on it at a future meeting.
Mr. Ryan updated the Board on House 2 landscaping. He stated that the landscaping looks attractive and that the bioswale functioned effectively during recent strong rains. He suggested the planting of a white pine to obscure the shed from neighbor view.
Mrs. Stegman then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mrs. Stegman, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Stegman yea.
There being no further business, Mrs. Stegman adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m.


________________________________________
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer


ATTEST:


____________________________________
Edmond Ryan, Secretary

The undersigned, being all members of the Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, have affixed their names thereto in evidence of their consent to the meeting at the time and place indicated, and in evidence of their approval of the actions taken at the said meeting.

_________________________________________
Bonnie C. Stegman


_________________________________________ Edmond Ryan

Mehlville Fire Department Board of Directors Break Many Laws

The Mehlville Fire District's Board of Directors has been breaking so many laws lately that they're not even trying to be sly about it anymore.
Let's start with last week's approval of a bid to sell a district firehouse. This was done in closed session. When I asked about the closed session votes, I was told by their records' custodian that she could withhold the votes for 72 hours. I informed her that that was not the law, that only votes on personnel issues could be withheld. I've gone back and forth with the district's attorney for the last couple of days but he won't give me a straight answer. They violated the law and are just playing stupid! Believe me the Call would be crying all the way to the courthouse with this one if it was anybody but their buddies with the Mehlville Fire Board! When I got the info on the sale of the firehouse, I asked why it was in closed session when approval and execution of the sale should be in open session. Guess what? The agenda for the next meeting was amended to include the sale of the firehouse. Either Matt Hoffman or the district should be paying me for legal advice.
Then, I looked a bit closer at the agenda for the meeting on the 27th and there's no tax rate hearing on it. That's good, cause one was never held. Board Chairman Arron Hilmer held perhaps the fastest meeting on public record. His agenda included the sale of the firehouse, public comments and a tax rate hearing. All were done within a minute. He didn't even read the tax rate resolution. No citizens were offered the opportunity to speak. This is what Missouri Law says about tax hearings.

Prior to fixing the rate of taxes, as provided in this section, the county governing body shall hold a public hearing on the proposed rate of taxes at which citizens shall be heard.

And guess what, no minutes were taken of the meeting as required by Missouri's Sunshine Law. The meeting was recorded. There will not be an official record of this meeting, as required by law, for perhaps months, if the district follows its normal practice.

Update/Correction I was wrong. Apparently the regular board secretary wasn't at this meeting and the interim secretary took minutes. Could this be the beginning of complying with Missouri statutes?

Now that's the facts. Here's my opinion. The district's record custodian needs some training on the sunshine law, the district needs to get a new attorney, one that will give legal advice instead of participating in this in this theft of good government and the mainstream media in this town needs to look in on our fireboard. It's understandable why the Call Newspapers willingly go along with this board. They make money off them. But, it's a shame that the Post Dispatch doesn't look into them. My only guess is that the Post gives that north county fire department hell cause their BOD and its lawyer is black. I'm guessing that its more popular with their white readers to go after the black guys when they break the law and abuse the public's trust.

Oh yeah, after all that nonsense about getting a tax decrease after the first ever tax decrease election in the spring, the fire board raised the tax rate the other night!

I Must Praise the Mehlville Fire Board

The Mehlville Fire Protection District's BOD broke all records and Missouri law by having a public meeting Thursday that lasted approximately one minute. In it, they approved the sale of a firehouse and held a tax rate hearing. Unbelievable!

Skippy Worked His Magic in Mehlville

You won't read about it in the Oakville Call, but Milton "Skip" Ohlsen III worked on a volunteer basis for Michael Ocello when he defeated me for the Mehlville School Board. During the election in 2003, Mehlville School District parents were sent an anonymous flier that was less than flattering about me. OK, it was downright mean. I have received a couple of calls over the last few days telling me that these fliers and the ones from the Carnahan election look quite similar. Only two people requested the parents names and addresses during the campaign. That was Skip and myself. These are major violations in the campaign world. But did the Concord Call report on it. Of course not.

The Pitchforks of August

Submitted by Jean Carnahan on August 11, 2009 - 3:38pm

In recent weeks we have seen disruptions at town halls, mob hysteria, arrests, death threats, and remarks that border on treason. Those who should be in control of the GOP remain mute or, even worse, they bless the hordes that take up pitchforks to puncture the idea of health care reform.

Yes, boys and girls, the anti-government tea baggers are being ginned up anew to squelch the president's health care plan. Sara Palin recently spoke of an “Obama death panel” that would decide when and how her parents and disabled child would die. Newt Gingrich—who knows better—endorsed her nonsense. High Priest of the GOP Rush Limbaugh took time out from rattling the cage of the birthers to compare Obama Health to Hitler Health of the 1930s. Scary stuff.

All across the country, pitchfork carriers are shouting spoon-fed slogans compliments of GOP pols and insurance big wheels. One distraught woman at a town hall meeting cried out, “I want my country back.” A man in South Carolina told his congressman that “there is not a day that goes by … that I don’t hear talk of revolution in our country.” A GOP nominee in Virginia declared we could “fight this battle at the ballot box” … or “the bullet box.”

Cenk Uygur is one of those who thinks the current outrage has little to do with health care reform. Writing on Huffington Post, he calls the ugly flair ups “the last gasp of the angry white man.” According to Uygur, the town hall screamers are upset at having a black man in the White House, a Hispanic woman on the Supreme Court, and immigrants competing for the few available jobs. They resent the bailouts, scientists tampering with their firmly held beliefs, and gays and women gaining more influence in society. Like a fomenting volcano their fear and anger erupts, spilling into the public arena, scorching civil discourse.

If what Uygur says is true, there is little hope of placating their frustrations. They are willing pawns being manipulated by those who find raw prejudice and passion convenient tools in maintaining the status quo.

But I am by nature hopeful. As I thought about the current pitchfork wielders, I recalled that during the early days of hot air balloon flight, French farmers would attempt to chase away the newfangled contraption to protect themselves and their cattle. At landing, they would flatten the balloon with their pitchforks, thinking it was a diabolical intruder from outer space.

Clever balloonist discovered that if they waved a bottle of champagne bearing a label from a nearby town their descent was far more welcomed. (This ancient ritual is still observed by balloonists. Once when I was in a balloon that set down in a field, the farmer’s wife upon discovering that I was the First Lady of Missouri, ran to the house and brought back her best wine glasses so we wouldn’t have to drink from the bottle—but that’s another story.)

It remains to be seen if lawmakers can dodge the pitchforks of August long enough to land a health care bill safely onto the president’s desk. Somehow, I suspect it will take more than champagne to get the job done.

Stolen from Firedupmissouri.com

The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

I wonder if the Truth Detector, James Stonebraker, of the South County Truth Spot, knows what that means. Surely, his attorney has advised him to to evade, avoid and delay, but will he lie in a sworn deposition. It's one thing to lie about a political opponent. It's another to lie in a sworn deposition. Well, James, what's it gonna be, the truth or perjury?

Call Newspapers Fail Again Update

The numbers are in on the judgement slapped on Milligan and the Call Newspapers/Call Publications for not paying their bills.

09SL-AC16994 - PELARIOUS INC V CONCORD PUBLICATIONS

Judgment Date:08/10/2009
Description: Judgment Entered
Against: CONCORD PUBLICATIONS INC
This is Call Publishing AKA the Oakville Call, Concord Call, Sun Crest Call and other rubbish.

Amount of Judgment: $9,182.69
Date of Satisfaction: not yet on file

Text:
AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER

We'll keep you updated on the payment of this judgement.

Civil Discussion About Health Care

Ramblings _One Who Can Discuss Health Care Without A Gun (+)
by: Tom B

My wife was an old school, hands on RN for all of her too short adult life. We met when she was an MICN and I was a firefighter/medic hauling patients into her ER over 30 years ago.
When she learned that a maternally hereditary and terminal kidney condition had picked her generation to strike and her in particular to afflict, she quietly sat down and put her affairs in order. When the time came that she knew the only way she was going to be able to live was through constant dialysis treatment in some assisted care facility she, again very quietly, checked herself out of the hospital and went home to die.
She firmly believed in every person's inherent right to live a life of dignity and to a certain standard quality of life in regard to health issues, with the knowledge that nobody will be given preferential treatment based on their position on the financial food chain, especially when it comes down to living or dying. She worked her entire life doing what she could to provide that right to anyone and everyone she ever came into contact with professionally. Now those beliefs are being spit on by gun toting extremists being whipped up by pimp politicians and radio and TV talking heads.
We spent many hours during those days in the hospital, me not wanting to let go and her trying to explain to me that what was going to be left was not going to be her anyway and that she truly needed to go... for our sakes and for hers. She finally managed to convince me and I and the rest of the family were able to finally realize that we selfishly wanted her around for us and that it was time to think of her for a change.
She came home on a Monday, lapsed into a coma eight days later and passed away ten days after coming home to be among friends and family at the end. I hope... when my time comes... I can meet it head on with as much grace and dignity as that woman did.
I learned a lot of lessons during the short weeks after her decision was made. Things that today, the running dogs of the health care industry are attempting to marginalize in favor of higher profits for their corporate handlers. I've seen things in recent weeks and months that have led me to develop huge levels of contempt and disgust for those politicians and other government lackeys that would have denied her the care she received had the hospital she worked at not been a public entity.
In other words, had she, as a public employee, not had the "public option" health insurance that the ultra right wing mavens of religious righteosity and corporate self interest would deny the average citizen... most often while enjoying and/or taking advantage of it themselves... the choice wouldn't have been hers to make. She would have been SENT home instead of them trying their damnedest to get her to have surgeries and other expensive treatments that she as well as they did would not improve her condition.
By the way, his is not a political issue for me. I don't give a damn what party you belong to or what your "ism" happens to be, so don't start flinging labels or calling names. This is an issue of my right to decent health care at an affordable price as opposed to your right to unimaginably obscene profits based on denying me that right or... if your a running dog politician... your "right" to make more money acting against the public interest than for it. It's an issue of right or wrong, pure and simple and I just wanted to get that crap out of the way.
People who profit hugely... to the point of profiteering especially... from the suffering of other people are simply evil. There is no other word for it. Republican, Blue Dog Democrat or what the hell ever, if you're taking huge amounts of money from our for profit health care system and supporting the abuses and what ought to be called crimes against humanity being committed daily by the corporations and Wall Street bloodsuckers, then I'm sorry... you're nothing but totally evil, greedy little punks... jackals pecking at the bones of the dead... and often before the dying is even over.
I used to think there were a lot more people like my wife out there than there were miserable self serving malignant little gnomes who would vote to let people die if they didn't have the means to contribute to the obscene bottom line of the health care "industry". But I suppose that if the percentage of punks in congress reflects the percentage of punks in our society, then I was probably wrong about that, eh?
When you stand in the way of universal health care... and ESPECIALLY when your sole verifiable reason for doing so is that you have taken MONEY for it and you have to make up bullshit stories to absolve your masters of being little more than maggots... you lose any credibility you might ever have had with any thinking human being on the subject.
The more I hear the crap coming from the fringe 29 percenters, most recently epitomized by the blithering fricking idiot who openly wore a damned gun to a presidential appearance on health care with who knows WHAT fricking purpose in mind and thereby crapped on the entire concept of reasoned debate on an issue of supreme importance, the more convinced I become that maybe the wrong people are wearing guns to the wrong rallies. I wonder what would happen if I strapped on my old Colt and went to a "tea party".
To you bloviating right wing punks... I'm sorry, punks is the most printable name I can come up with for you right now... you congressional and right wing talking head punks... who advocate and egg on the kind of political "dialog" and "debate" we're seeing today... thanks, you miserable little sonsofbitches for turning this country into a fricking banana republic style lampoon of itself. Too bad you're doing it solely for the money and, even worse, including gnawing the bones of the dead and dying as one of your major means of doing so.

Call Newspapers Fail Again

Judge Judy slapped a default judgement on deadbeat Bill Milligan and the Call Newspapers, The Concord Call, Oakville Call, SunCrest Call, Green Park Call and other assorted rubbish) after he failed to show up for his hearing on why he refused to pay his bill. This case has been going on for several years now. Milligan thought that a corporation from out of town didn't have the smarts to stand up to him. As usual, the arrogant bully was wrong. I guess will have to update that court list against Milligan.

08/10/2009
Docket Entry:Default Judgment
08/06/2009 , 09:00:00 - Hearing
Docket Entry:
Judgment Entered
Text:
AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER

More Legal News

It looks like South County will be one step closer to the true owners of the South County Truth Spot later this month. Apparently, Mehlville Fire Chief(?) Silvernail and Board Chairman Hilmer have testified under sworn oath that James Stonebraker is the Truth Detector. Mr. Stonebraker has delayed testifying till the 19th of this month. For those new to our blog community, The Truth Spot is a blog that operates in coordination with the Call Newspapers primarily to defame our local firefighters and any of their supporters. When they have time, they attack other public institutions. Mr. Stonebraker has already admitted to me that he was responsibile for the blog in the past. Much of the information on the site is completely fabricated. Mr. Stonebraker is a former LemayRepublican Club president, unsuccessful candidate for state representativeand, former director of the Lemay Fire District. While running for the state representative position, he falsely accused his opponent of selling illegal drugs and was forced to publically apoligize in the face of a lawsuit. Mr. Stonebraker has been arrested on drug charges himself, but has had the public record expunged. He is married to Miriam Stonebraker, one of the most powerful political women in Missouri. Mrs. Stonebraker currently works for John Hancock and Assoc. as his political director. Here's Mrs. Stonebrakers's bio from John Hancock's website:

Miriam Stonebraker currently serves as Political Director for John Hancock and Associates. She brings a lengthy career in grassroots organization, political strategy, and campaign management. Stonebraker was previously employed in the political division of the Missouri Republican Party with emphasis on party building, candidate recruitment, and campaign management. She has served in senior staff positions in multiple statewide campaigns and GOP Victory operations, including Talent for US Senate 2002/2006, Bush-Cheney 2000/2004, Hulshof for Governor 2008, and multiple statewide ballot initiatives. She has conducted successful grassroots lobbying campaigns for national organizations and corporations.

Stonebraker has assisted with the planning and management of multiple Presidential, Vice Presidential, and U.S. Cabinet member visits to Missouri. She has planned and executed events in all 114 counties in Missouri, including candidate announcements, town hall forums, press conferences, and campaign rallies. Stonebraker specializes in grassroots lobbying, field management and get-out-the-vote operations. In addition, she serves as Senior Consultant for Friendly Phones, Inc., a cutting edge voter contact and mobilization tool.

Call Newspapers Back in Court

	It looks like Bill Milligan, owner and bully of the Oakville, Concord Call, was back in court this week after refusing to pay one of his vendors. 09SL-AC16994 - PELARIOUS INC V CONCORD PUBLICATIONS 07/09/2009 Docket Entry: Hearing Continued/Rescheduled Associated Docket Entries: 06/15/2009 - Hearing Continued/Rescheduled CAUSE CONTINUED DUE TO 6/11/09 POWER OUTTAGE Associated Docket Entries: 06/15/2009 - Hearing Scheduled Associated Events: 07/09/2009 , 09:00:00 - Hearing Docket Entry: Hearing Scheduled Associated Events: 08/06/2009 , 09:00:00 - Hearing

Here's Why It's a Good Idea To Sit Down and Talk About Race

Complete text of Officer Barrett's e-mail

Below is the text of Boston Police Officer Justin Barrett's e-mail sent to Globe columnist Yvonne Abraham following her July 21, 2009, column about the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr. The message was sent all in one paragraph. Punctuation and spelling are the author's.

• Boston police, black leaders decry racist slurs by officer
• Yvonne Abraham The deleted e-mail that led to suspension
• Statement by Police Commissioner Davis
• PDF of e-mail as released by Police Department

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Article writer, That was, by far, the worst article I've ever read. I am a former English teacher, writer, current police officer. father, husband and military veteran. You need to be corrected and I certainly hope others have attempted, for your written messages and material is so 4th grade level. I am embarassed I paid the 1.50 for the paper [rest assured, it is my aim to tell as many readers The Boston Globe and your biased reporting is both sub standard and strictly one sided]. For you are not professional and basically, your writing is ridiculous. A reader may assume, per your article, that criminals are never well-dressed with a tucked in polo [2nd paragraph] . Your defense [4th paragraph] of Gates while he is on the phone while being confronted [INDEED] with a police officer is assuming he has rights when considered a suspect. He is a suspect and will always be a suspect. His first priority of effort should be to get off the phone and comply with police, for if I was the officer he verbally assaulted like a banana-eating jungle monkey, I would have sprayed him in the face with OC deserving of his belligerent non-compliance. Further [5th paragraph], a reader may assume that crimes only happen in back alleys at 0300?! You're kidding me, right? Are you still in the 5th grade, Catholic School? That paragraph was as pathetic as jungle monkey gibberish - I might as well ax you the question. "Is this your first test at reporting?" You do not understand roles, tactics and dangers police officers face, as apparently you think no one wearing a polo might possess a firearm or knife on his/her person. Might you fathom a woman could be a criminal? Or are criminals all hairy, dirty, stinky, mean looking ugly men? You are a hot little bird with minimal experiences in a harsh field. You are a fool. An infidel. You have no business writing for a US newspaper nevermind detailing and analyzing half truths. You should serve me coffee and donuts on Sunday morning. My last point counters your final 2 paragraphs, in which you state Gates is "this immensely famous expert on race" - you really have to be kidding me? Famous for what? Expert why and says who? What has he done for me and my family? What has he done for the law enforcement community or military veterans or to secure freedoms and our borders in this country? What has he done to help limit and reduce my income tax? He has proven to work to get himself attention and become a wealthy lecturer. He lectures students on the subject of racial ethics and profiling. Jee whiz. I must attend that lecture lest I lose my identity and right to free speech and the right to celebrate God and beliefs as I see fit. I am not a racist. but I am prejudice towards people who are stupid and pretend to stand up and preach for something they claim is freedom when it is merely attention because you do not receive enough of it in your little fear-dwelling circle of on-the-bandwagon followers. You mention Gates' charges were dropped but that it was too late to stop the damage? Damage? Still kidding? You need to serve a day with the infantry and get swarmed by black gnats while manning your sector. Or you just need to get slapped, look in the mirror and admit, "Wow. I am a failure. I am a follower. Who am I kidding?" Again, I like a warm cruller and hot Panamanian, black. No sugar. Your final statement reads, "Gates, whose great success has allowed him to transcend the racial divide-" to which I ask, when did he transcend? He indeed has transcended back to a bumbling jungle monkey, thus he forever tremains amid this nation's great social/racial divide that makes it a free and great nation mixed with crazy and awkward differences. Go ahead, ax me what I think? Gates is a goddamned fool and you the article writer simply a poor follower and maybe worse, a poor writer. Your article title should read CONDUCT UNBECOMING A JUNGLE MONKEY - BACK TO ONE'S ROOTS. JB

Mehlville Fire District Loses Again

Captain Don Hoskins has won in the Missouri Court of Appeals.
A few years ago, Bonnie Stegman and Arron Hilmer tried to screw Cpt Hoskins out of his disability payments. Not only was their action in violation of Missouri law, it was also done in a meeting in violation of Missouri's Sunshine Law. The Call tends not to report on their friends' misdeeds.
I'm sure you'll be hearing about more losses by the board in future months.

Want to Talk About ACTs?

Here's your ACT thread.

The Oakville Call

Call Newspapers Legal Problems - Ignoring the Law
For those new to our blog, below is just some of the legal problems Bill Milligan and the Call Newspapers have been involved in.

Litigation versusWilliam & Deborah MilliganConcord Publications, Inc

dba Call PublishingCall Newspapers·

Case #21C94-18795 Landlord, Darrel D. Climer back rent for over $11,000 Release of Garnishment Oct 27, 1995.· Case # 21C97-23879 State of Missouri Failure to pay taxes,· Case #681813 Alonzo Potts- Former Business Partner with Call Publications sues the Milligans and the Call for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Breach of Contract, and Fraud ($30,000).· Case # 97CC-001749 continued action to settle previous case by Alonzo Potts- Judgment #781307, March 26th, 2003.· Case # 21S90-02371 Small claims by Lockos, hostile work environment· Case #21S90-02372 by Voyles· Case # 21S96-01019 by Service Assurance CorporationAgainstWilliam T. Milligan· Case # 21B901359 07/17/90 Adult Abuse brought by Deborah S. Baker (spouse)· Case #21C98-04554 Failure to pay account Commercial Phone Marketing· Case #931976939 Failure to register vehicle· Case # 932000078 speeding· Case #96010990 Failure to register· Case #76151990 Failure to appear· Case #90030990 speeding· Case #7651990 Failure to appear· Case #21-94TR-011892 speeding· Case #94TR-11892· Case #95TR-7291· Case # 90TRTR-26455 Disobeyed red light· 2 cars were totaled in 1990!AgainstDeborah (Baker) MilliganCase # 613949 Dissolution of marriage 08/14/90

Sarah Palin Quits

This is the best rumor I've heard.

Updates by Shannyn Moore on Brad Blog (4.00 / 2)

Say that there are reports of an ongoing federal investigation and that investigators have found that her new Wasilla home and the Wasilla Sports complex, which were built at the same time, have most of their building materials in common, including wood, windows and other materials and that a federal embezzlement indictment is likely.

The Modern Militia Movement

The right wing showed us the true definition of political correctness condemning this analysis of the modern militia movement!


http://www.scribd.com/doc/13290698/The-Modern-Militia-MovementMissouri-MIAC-Strategic-Repor

Councilman Campisi

Did everyone read today StL Post article about former John Campisi's. Apparently, he attempted to intentionally misinform the public about the fireworks display at JB Park.
This is very sad indeed!

Diehl Appeal Grinds to a Halt!

With little fanfare, Tom "the Trashman" Diehl's lawsuit against Fred Weber ended earlier this week in the Missouri Court of Appeals. This follows his loss in the City of St. Louis earlier this year.


ED92843 - THOMAS DIEHL, ET AL, APP V FRED WEBER, INC., RES


06/03/2009
Docket Entry:
Dismissal Notice Sent
Text:
DISMISSAL NOTICE MAILED: ROA DUE 6-18-2009