Since last week the entrance monuments have received plenty of conversation around the community.
While it is good seeing the community voicing their opinions, city commissioners wish the discussion would have happened before they voted for the project’s approval.
Last week Mayor Jim Kessler put the project on hold while the situation could be assessed and they could gather more input. Since then the city manager and the city commissioners have received votes of support for and against the project.
As the community has been having discussions about the project it has raised more questions.
The community knows that city commissioners have approved funding the project to the tune of more than $100,000. There are estimates the city is committed to spending $36,000 and to date checks for $12,615 have been paid out.
Since tax money has already been spent on the project Gazette reporters set out to answer reader questions by looking at the stone and seeing what work has been completed.
What happened next was shocking. Our reporters were met with resistance and denied access from seeing the rock monument. Bob Davis, who owns the quarry where this rock is proclaimed - that no one would get to see the monument until it’s done.
Even though Gazette reporters received permission from the city manager, the project manager and the stone carver, Davis didn’t care.
It’s hard to know what Davis is thinking. Perhaps he wants to keep the community in the dark since he benefits financially from the project. Or maybe he wants to be the hero by surprising the community with a grand finished product.
Whatever his motives, we conclude the community is not in the mood for any surprises.
People have worked hard on this project. Jamie Sauder and his Building Futures Committee who were tasked with putting the project together have spent countless months discussing and developing a plan. Architect Dave Emig, sculptor Alan Tollakson and countless others have spent many unpaid hours working on the project. Unfortunately, Davis’ actions do little to garner support for this project and undermines the work people involved with the project have done.
The community has very basic questions. How tall is the actual monument? It was reported that it is 10 feet tall. Now there are reports of it being 20 feet tall.
How wide is it? There are reports that the monument will look much different than the artist’s rendering that has appeared in the paper. There are reports that the actual display will have flowers, lighting and the actual monument will look different. Is there an actual rendering that can be presented to the community?
Since taxpayer money is footing the bill we believe the community should have accurate and plentiful information. That can only happen by working together.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher
lowereastside (anonymous) says...
Has Emporia come up with any emergency shelters yet? There are a lot of people that would be in terrible shape if the power went out. No heat & sub zero temps coming. Oh, that's right, the large "pet rocks" are much more important than protecting the lives of citizens in an emergency situation.
January 31, 2011 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chevy_Guy (anonymous) says...
I'm not surprised Bob reacted the way he did. When companies shaft the public like this, the last thing the company wants is for the public to see what they are buying before the money is in the bank. For that kind of money, this should be made out of granite or marble, not limestone. And Bob should be ashamed of himself for thinking his rock carving is worth what he thinks it is. The rock quarry outside Florence has 20 rocks bigger than these lining their driveway just because it's cheap landscaping. Unless they are just doing well enough to be able to spend half a million dollars landscaping their driveway. What we will probably end up with is something that looks like this: http://i.imgur.com/gY8is.png
January 31, 2011 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
The commission approved the expenditure on 19 January 2011 yet now we are hearing that commitments were made before that date and public funds were released before an approval.
That is what is known as an unfunded commitment. You want to know what happens to officials who make unfunded commitments everywhere else in government? They see it come out of their own pay. That's what should happen here. All of the public officials who agreed to spend public money before the commission approved it need to sit down and write a personal check to the contractors that they agreed to pay for services that were provided prior to the vote of the commission.
January 31, 2011 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I don't think it's "shocking" that they don't want people to see it before it's done. If a person is buying a car for $20,000, they don't want to see it before it's put together, do they? No, they want to see it fully assembled so they have an accurate depiction of what they're paying for. If the dealer showed them a picture before the car was painted of something, the person may not think it was worth it and back out of buying it. See how that works, Chris? Plus, artists usually don't like people seeing their unfinished work. Trying to look at an unfinished canvas is sorta rude. You need to stop trying to sensationalize this subject. "What happened next was shocking". I LOL'd at that statement. Grow up, Walker!
I'm most offended that the rocks are made to resemble a giant cigarette. I thought we got rid of all that nonsense with the smoking ban!
'enry
January 31, 2011 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Now, Now, you people of Emporia are finally, " GETTING IT " , EYES are finally beginning to be opened, minds are finally beginning to understand, that the " CRONYISM, FAVORITISM and the " CLASS RULE " of how things have been and are being done in the little " KINGDOM OF EMPORIA " and how it matters not what " THE PEOPLE " have to say and think ! Only the " FEW ELITE UPPER CRUST " have the right and ability, ( according to them ) to have anything to say and the ability to think and it has been that way for far too long !
Even the mighty Emporia Gazette can be conned, shamed, scamed by the supposed " TRUSTED ONES " ! And yes any contracts that were signed, given and tax moneys paid, before any Approval was given by the elected leaders of the City, County, before a final approval of the taxpayers, either to the commission to proceed with contracts, pay out of moneys or even the approval of taxpayers given to the Commission to do so , is a blatant violation of trust between the elected officials and " THE PEOPLE " !
I guess since the subject of entrance signage upgrade, landscaping was discussed 10 years ago, that meant it was preapproved by " THE PEOPLE " !
Oh, I am so NEGATIVE ! HAH !
January 31, 2011 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
OH, comon enry, You see a likeness of the car in a brochure or another one just like it, before you make the purchase and if you don' t like it you have the right to refuse it and even after you buy it, you do have the right to complain about it !
And besides, you don' t have 5 boobs making the wrong decision for you in the first place !!!
January 31, 2011 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Unauthorized Commitment: An agreement that is not binding solely because the government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the government.
In order to preclude personal financial liability of individual employees, everyone needs to understand the limits of authority to commit the Government to purchases or contracts. The laws and regulations are very clear in this regard: If you do not have a warrant that was issued by an authorized Government official, then you cannot commit the Government. An unauthorized person who commits the Government is establishing a personal commitment and possible personal financial liability for the action.
Let's see, rocks were quarried and stone work began in November 2010. The commission approved the purchase in January 2011.
Sounds like an unauthorized commitment to me.
January 31, 2011 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Sounds like it to me too, REWBA.
Davis's behavior is shameful and just plain fraudulent if he wants the city to buy something sight unseen. What a crook!
His reason for refusing the press should inform us right away that he's not worth dealing with. Not now, not in the future. All this for a piece of limestone? Stop the deal now.
I've already e-mailed commission members to say that after Davis's attitude, I don't care how big the damn rock is. Stop the deal now.
I thought last week's fiasco was bad. This makes it worse.
January 31, 2011 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fuggetabodit (anonymous) says...
Oh, Chris! Now, LONG after the fact, the Gazette is trying to become a leader in hard-headed investigative journalism worthy of Woodward and Bernstein? I would laugh if your editorial weren't so pathetic. The editorial would have had much more impact if the Gazette had been in tune with the City Commission's intent to begin with. Do reporters who attend the commission meetings ask any questions? Do they ever follow up with decisions that are made? Are they "out there" in the community, gathering leads?
Unfortunately, the answer is "no". Rather, we have the privilege of reading about Ashley's soccer mom identity, your kiddie reporters, and your other reporters writing about their dogs passing away. I'm certainly not objecting to some human interest stories...but let's face it. The Gazette is a joke and editorials such as this one are even more amusing, again "after the fact." I think that Davis has pulled a good one on you!
January 31, 2011 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gg (anonymous) says...
The Emporia Gazette removed my post for an innocent, sane and civil rant against these rocks. Unreal they would remove my post as there were no personal attacks or foul language.
Regardless, the thought of $100,000 for 4 rocks is disgusting when the city and county are raising rates for EVERYTHING.
January 31, 2011 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Chris,
You are upset because you can't get a picture?
Nothing like a big muddy rock lying on the ground to stir the peasants up, huh?
You said above; "People have worked hard on this project. Jamie Sauder and his Building Futures Committee who were tasked with putting the project together have spent countless months discussing and developing a plan."
If you want to stir people up, (OR JUST REPORT THE NEWS), WHY NOT DIG AROUND AND TELL US :
1. WHO tasked the building futures committee with this?
(Who was the original proactive leader who thought of this)?
2. How was the $25,000.00 allotment from the city transient guest tax spent by the Building Futures Program in 2009?
3. How is the $25,000.00 allotment from the same tax to the Building Futures Program being spent this year (2010-11)?
4. How will the $25,000.00 allotment (est) from that tax be spent by the Building Futures Program in 2011-12?
If this is all volunteer work, what have we spent $50,000.00 on so far for this committee?
Please don't come back from the city reporting that this is a part of the CVB 's allotment of the tax money, I AM LOOKING AT A COPY OF THE CITIES BUDGET AS I TYPE.
January 31, 2011 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
If they approved it after the work on them started, they're probably already done and someone had to take the fall for being the "bad" guy by not allowing the reporters in.
It just seems really freaking fishy that he wouldn't allow the Gazette staff to see the work in progress.
Unless there's a sound explanation, I would love to hear it. And I mean that in all seriousness. I would love to be proven wrong.
January 31, 2011 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
OR,
We could get a black-ops group together with night vision and infrared , break in to the quarry and snap some clandestine shots.
January 31, 2011 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Holy crap Steve, you're my new favorite person. What time do you want to met?
January 31, 2011 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Why is this surprising? Rememer Davis underhanding a pay raise for the county commish?
January 31, 2011 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jafo (anonymous) says...
You could submit a request for funds through the city for the NVG's.....I'm sure they would pay for them up front. After all, they gave the gazette permission to see the rocks in the first place. Is Mr. Davis holding OUR rock hostage?
January 31, 2011 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
jafo, That ain't our rock. It belongs to whoever ordered it without authority. Cancel the project. De-commit the funds and have the city manager, building futures and anyone else involved divvy up the costs and write some personal checks to Davis, Emig & Ass. and the rock carver. They wanted it. Let them pay for it. jmo
January 31, 2011 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
Remember to vote on election day!!!!! Oh Yeah hasn't Bob Davis had his "know more than the common man" hand in politics all over this county?
January 31, 2011 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jafo (anonymous) says...
REWBA...........I agree whole heartily, but until or even if that happens. That stupid rock still belongs to the taxpayers.
If I understood the article, the face of the stone has been machined flat, let them pay for it and then donate it for a bench at the clock tower. If by some stupid law, they are allowed to finish it, erect it inside the tower as a monument to commish.
January 31, 2011 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
The Rolling Stones, Stoned, DECCA Recording Company, First released in 1963. It didn't make a whole lotta money either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVj5A_...
January 31, 2011 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Doggone you, REWBA, now I'm going to have that tune floating around in my head.
@jafo, LOL on a monument to the commish, but it would have to be hollow too.
January 31, 2011 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Doggone you, REWBA, now I'm going to have that tune floating around in my head. Just for that, and just for you wanting those walking trails down by the river, this is for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FUI8k...
@jafo, LOL on a monument to the commish, but it would have to be hollow too.
January 31, 2011 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Good one create ! I could see The Zimman and Kess dancing around LOL
January 31, 2011 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Folks, you got to have heart.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPj0hoVpYSg
January 31, 2011 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
FOLKS, YOU GOT TO HAVE HEART.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPj0ho...
January 31, 2011 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
WALKER, QUIT CALLING IT A DAMN MONUMENT, IT AINT A DAMN MONUMENT!!!!,, Its a damn ROCK, GET OVER YOURSELF WALKER. Davis sold all 4 for $1000.00 each,, the least paid of all those being paid. with our tax money. So far davis has been the only on that hasnt lied, its muddy out in the country, he probably didnt want those prefect picture taking folks from the emporia times , (oh sorry that TO was a washed up newspaper also) to get muddy loafers. GOOD for you davis for NOT giving walker a picture of it, I personally dont give a damn what it looks like, IT'S A DAMN ROCK!!!!!!!!!, it will always be a damn rock, NOT a monument walker. LEARN the difference.
January 31, 2011 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
jafo,
I don' t thin Mr. Davis is holding The Citys rocks hostage, I think Mr. Davis has the City by the " ROCKS " !!!!
January 31, 2011 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
If Clint Bowyer really like his home town, he'd pay for the rocks.
'enry
January 31, 2011 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ksnewsie (anonymous) says...
Forgive me if I missed it, but did the Gazette cover this story when it was first discussed by the commission and others?
We all seem "shocked" by the sudden disclosure of the project. However, I suspect the Gazette has only recently brought into the sunlight even though it is not a new story. I count on the Gazette to keep watch on our elected officials. I hope my trust has not been misplaced.
Are the rocks currently located on Mr. Davis' land? If so, then why shouldn't he be able to deny access to them, especially if they haven't been paid for.
Also not sure about the statement, "rock is proclaimed..." What does that mean?
To Mr. Walker, not to throw stones (pun intended) but I'm not convinced the Gazette has kept us abreast as this story has developed (I could be wrong) nor am I surprised that someone would deny reporters access to the rock. What did you expect?
January 31, 2011 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Rocky conversation over the top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9prN...
January 31, 2011 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Walker must have awfully long legs to ride the fence the way he does and not get injured. Now we are going to do some hard hitting journalism, after we see everyone with any sense sees this as a shameful waste of money.
I don't care if they are a thousand feet tall and 500 feet across, Emporia Kansas has no business spending $100000 on what amount to city limit signs, that will never, ever generate a drop of revenue.
January 31, 2011 at 11:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
The government is taking your tax money to spend on their wants and not on your needs. Yet, you want to criticize the Gazette.
Although the Gazette should be the watch dog for the citizens of Emporia and Lyon County, isn't it also your responsibility to follow those you elect into office? Although you might not be able to attend council meetings, you could watch on Channel 18. (another media outlet). You have access to internet, you could read the minutes & agendas online (another media outlet).
Even though we have police and my neighbors are attentive, I still take responsibility to secure my personal property. When have some of you taken admitted you have not tried (until now) to secure your community from government irresponsibility and wasteful spending? At least 3 media outlets; your own personal responsibility as tax payers and voters ... yet, blame is placed on The Gazette.
"Now, LONG after the fact, the Gazette is trying to become a leader in hard-headed investigative journalism worthy of Woodward and Bernstein?"
- Are you f*in kidding me. Woodward & Bernstein started with the Watergate break-in which lead to the discovery and investigation of scandals inside Nixon's administration. This took years of investigative research. If you are going to place blame on The Gazette, then you could also say, with the same illogical argument, The Washington Post is also to blame for not researching and following Nixon (at the start of his presidency) and allowing Watergate.
Does The Gazette need to ask more questions? Heck yes.
Does The Gazette need to follow up and gather leads? Heck yes.
I thought Mr. Shapiro did a great job, tonight, reporting on the rocks and the money spent to-date.
We all have a responsibility to stay informed and be proactive. The Gazette will help transform the government and town .. But, what are you doing?
Do you need to ask more questions? Heck yes.
Do you need to follow up and hold your government responsible? Heck yes.
Deep Throat that.
February 1, 2011 at 1:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
THEONE (anonymous) says...
To even ponder whether or not to spend $101,000 dollars on rocks is ridiculous. Why do you want to attempt to up this town's "moral", is beyond me. How do you figure it is going to increase anything in this town. Businesses all over this town are shutting down and more and more people are leaving. Before long the more places close the less students will come here because there is no where to work. Seriously college students LEAVE this town to go shopping/ partying/ just plain wanting to get out, every week. Why not spend that money on getting better business. Putting in, or attempting to, get more reasons for people to stay. I have worked for both the city and the county and I saw one (1) 20 cent raise in the 3 years I worked for the city. But city commisioners can vote themselves raises? Straight out of OUR pockets. I say put it to a community vote. And if that vote were to pass, and these LIMESTONE rocks are put in. I will gladly take myself and family out of this place.
February 1, 2011 at 5:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
browneyebabygirl22 (anonymous) says...
it is curious that as i read comments posted there are so many diffrences on what should have or should be done. well honestly the truth is the city com is not going to pay for what was spent that is reality, so what has ben spent is 1 either going toward completion or 2 flushed down toilet. heres the problem we are faceing i disagree with the rocks very much and that they were even approved of is beyond destroying the trust of the people, however thats what elections are for to put people in office we want, perhaps there should have been better votes for better people. so if we let our tax payer money go seeing how its not really their money to spend at least not this kind anyway then we are showing that its ok to mess things up we dont mind wasteing it either. so we should get our moneys worth, however when the first stone is done if it is just emporia welcome well we should use that there rock to well never mind, anyway the point is i have seen many ROCKS with peoples family names on them around town and i doubt they spent that kinda money. not to mention perhaps the city should keep more jobs here local see the problem is this is a distraction from the real dirty work thats going on, did you relize that the city hires out of town companys to do work that can be done by hireing local, if we hire local that money spent to hire will more than likely get spent local and boost as a down the chain directive back into emporia.and yes of course its the ELITE people, course im sure this comment wont last to long, but to think a small town is not a big deal it is like a pyramid sceme we got fake big wigs in gov, they elect small fake wigs to state, then state elects stupid wigs to countys, as so on and so on. does anyone watch glen beck, like he says dont take my word for it do some homework, research whats really going on yourself, dont complain do something about it.
February 1, 2011 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
A reminder if you can make it in this weather.
The City Commission is having an ACTION meeting Wednesday, 1:30.
Municipal Court Room/City Commission Room 518 Mechanic.
Watch it live on channel 18.
February 1, 2011 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
hey Chris,
That picture of the Hardway Ranch rock.
Who owns Hardway ranch?
Just wondering what they paid for their rock? Or did they get a family discount?
The rock did look good though, the best thing about it, is it wasn't paid for by tax dollars.
February 1, 2011 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
i'm no expert in how things are done at commission meetings, and certainly not in
"Roberts Rules of Order", but I think once commissioners vote on approving the minutes of the last meeting it is a done deal. This is the 2nd item on the agenda, right after "role call". I don't know if the motion to approve the minutes could be laid aside or postponed but don't see it happening.
February 1, 2011 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I bet a hanging would draw in some tourists.
February 1, 2011 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Steve, I was trying to find that out on the Robert's website but can't find the answer. I don't know. I don't think motions can carry from one meeting to another and it would take a motion to pay the bills. We'll soon see, won't we.
February 1, 2011 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...
I believe the decision can be reversed unless contracts were already signed and money paid out AFTER the last board meeting. In order to do so, a commissioner must make a motion to rescind and, of course, that rescission motion must carry by majority vote.
February 1, 2011 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )