Many of us heard Congressman, Blaine
Luektemeyer accuse some Lake of the Ozarks residents of "fanning the
flames", and spreading “misinformation” about the recent confusion with
FERC and Ameren on KRMS earlier this week. He also made the comment that we
need to just sit back and let FERC and Ameren work it out. He said that “you
cannot fix a problem that does not exist”(yes, he really said that). He also
said that we need to just “let this play
out” acknowledging his confidence in FERC and Ameren’s ability to work it out.
Stupefied we were. Did he really say that?
Listen and decide for yourself.
It can be safely said that there is still a problem at the Lake of the
Ozarks. Is anyone else scratching their
heads when we are being told that we just “misunderstood”? Congressman Luektemeyer recommended we READ the
documents so we stop spreading so much “misinformation”. It would appear that our good congressman
may think we are just a dumb bunch of
hillbillies, but shucks, some of us can
read and it is crystal clear that we are informed. We always have been. Therefore, Congressman Luektemeyer’s
repetitive statement that “you cannot put a solution in place to a problem that
is not there” and the insistence that the idea of allowing the same entities
that got us into the mess of ordering the removal of 4200 structures at our
lake be given the luxury of figuring out this disaster THAT THEY CREATED
without some of us being a little upset , does not seem to register with
him.
Forgive us Mr. Luektemeyer, if we do not want to take your advice and
just “let this thing play out”. This
ain’t our first rodeo, sir. We have been
here before with Ameren and FERC back in 2005-2006 with our last SMP and that
was a disaster, too. In case you did not
know that, or if YOU were misinformed,
Google it. It is all there. So forgive us if we are not so trusting as
yourself. We do not share your
confidence that Ameren and FERC can figure out that little detail of the SMP
(shoreline management plan) without a little “fanning of the flames” from the “misinformed”
public who are sick of it. You are
pleading with us to “let this play out”; just sit back and wait and trust that
they are going to get it right next time around. We do not have the luxury of that kind of time.
~Eye roll~ Silly. Remember: It is not a problem, we need to
trust them according to Congressman Luektemeyer.
Can someone let Sparky Sharp, or Patsy Riley
know that Congressman Luektemeyer says he “can’t fix a problem that does not
exist”. Could you tell those home owners
who can’t sell their homes and are still paying taxes on them that they don’t
have a problem. Congressman Luektemeyer
said so. He said he has had one on one
meetings with Ameren and FERC and he thinks they will do the right thing. I don’t know how Joyce Hudson is going to
feel about that? I do not want to be the
one to tell her that "there is not a problem" seeing as how she has been told by
Ameren that she does not own her house.
Yet, she has been told by the County that if she stops paying her taxes
since she is told she does not own her home, that they will take it to a tax
sale. Sounds like a problem. But, probably not since Congressman
Luektemeyer said so.
~Exaggerated Eye roll…. Again~
Funny, how he can meet with the “authorities”
and chastise the property owners without ever coming to or sending any
representative from his office to a town hall to hear from the people. Remember, there is a lot of "misinformation"
out there.
Did anyone tell Congressman Luektemeyer that 1200 of those "structures" are entire homes where people have invested their life's savings? Has anyone asked him what he would do if a big black line was cutting off the house he had lived in for years, and he was being told it was not his? Does he know that Ameren is not just claiming that these homes are in their "project boundary", but that Ameren is telling property owners who have been paying taxes for decades that they own their properties "fee simple"? Did anyone show him the letter that those people got 2 years ago that reads something to the tune: (taken from Ameren's Request for Clarification/Rehearing)...
Did anyone tell Congressman Luektemeyer that 1200 of those "structures" are entire homes where people have invested their life's savings? Has anyone asked him what he would do if a big black line was cutting off the house he had lived in for years, and he was being told it was not his? Does he know that Ameren is not just claiming that these homes are in their "project boundary", but that Ameren is telling property owners who have been paying taxes for decades that they own their properties "fee simple"? Did anyone show him the letter that those people got 2 years ago that reads something to the tune: (taken from Ameren's Request for Clarification/Rehearing)...
Dear Mr. and Mrs. X (this could be you):
"Our records reflect that you own property adjacent to the Lake of the Ozarks upon which a residential structure has been constructed. Lake of the Ozarks was created pursuant to authorities granted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and its predecessor agency. As a FERC regulated lake, certain restrictions apply to the utilization of the lake and surrounding properties that lie within FERC-designated boundaries known as Project Lands
"Our records reflect that you own property adjacent to the Lake of the Ozarks upon which a residential structure has been constructed. Lake of the Ozarks was created pursuant to authorities granted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and its predecessor agency. As a FERC regulated lake, certain restrictions apply to the utilization of the lake and surrounding properties that lie within FERC-designated boundaries known as Project Lands
(also known in many cases as our deeded recorded easement that
has been in place since 1932). One of those
restrictions is a prohibition on habitable structures on Project Lands. Ameren
Missouri is responsible to the Federal Government for operating and
administering the Project pursuant to a license issued by FERC.(Not a problem?)
It has come to our attention that all or a portion of your dwelling may be located on property OWNED or
CONTROLLED by Ameren Missouri (no problems here) within the boundaries of the Bagnell Dam
Project. .....While our license from the federal government grants authority to
permit construction of certain types of facilities on Project Lands....the
license DOES NOT authorize permits for residential structures on Project Lands.
This determination is based upon a review of records available to the Company and we suggest that you consider having your property surveyed to verify your ownership relative to Ameren Missouri's property interests. We also recommend that you review your title records, commitments and similar land records to determine the extent of the encroachment. While at present we do not plan to take any adverse action respecting your residence, we can give you no assurances at this time. The continued construction and habitation of the premises is done at your sole risk and with the specific knowledge that Ameren Missouri reserves all rights it or others may have to take appropriate action in the future to preserve our property interests. “ (Nope, no problems at all).
This determination is based upon a review of records available to the Company and we suggest that you consider having your property surveyed to verify your ownership relative to Ameren Missouri's property interests. We also recommend that you review your title records, commitments and similar land records to determine the extent of the encroachment. While at present we do not plan to take any adverse action respecting your residence, we can give you no assurances at this time. The continued construction and habitation of the premises is done at your sole risk and with the specific knowledge that Ameren Missouri reserves all rights it or others may have to take appropriate action in the future to preserve our property interests. “ (Nope, no problems at all).
Can someone please give Congressman
Luektemeyer this letter and ask him if it were his house if he would be so
condescending to the residents of Lake of the Ozarks? Shucks, we probably are overreacting. We just need to let this thing "play out". Maybe he is right. Let it take years. Let it devastate our real estate market and
kill home values. He is a
congressman. He knows best.
Yes,
this is the letter that you could have or may still get IF the FERC and Ameren
cannot get this figured out. Note the
map above. Realize that ONLY a small
handful of people have even been notified.
MOST have no idea that this is them.
Oh but you will. The map is not
great, but it is all that is shown with reference to the “encroaching
structures”. This is all that can be found anywhere. The little red dots are representing entire
homes. The yellow dots are representing
decks, gazebos, patios, garages, etc. If
you think you could be in one of these areas you better give Ameren a
call. And, then buckle up.
REMEMBER: That Ameren went on the record last Saturday at the town hall in Camdenton and said that they are only considering moving the project boundary to the 662 elevation for the 1200 homes that fall within the project boundary. THEY ARE NOT MOVING IT FOR THE OTHER 3000 STRUCTURES. MOST THAT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE THERE BASED ON THE DEEDED EASEMENT FROM 1932. 63-162 (BOOK AND PAGE NUMBER). AND THE ONLY WAY AMEREN CAN ACCOMPLISH THIS IS IF FERC the same agency that says this in their “Order”:
As a general policy, the Commission does not allow the
interests of private property owners to override the public’s use and enjoyment
of project lands and waters. Such structures have the potential to
impede public access to the project if they are located in the project
boundary. This prohibition would protect public access to and recreational use
of project lands and waters.” ...if and only if they approve.
Yeah, those guys have to approve it.
Same guys that said this....
per FERC Order; July 26, 2011
In the majority of cases, the existing non-conforming
structure/encroachment should be removed in a timely manner and the site restored to
pre-existing conditions.Same guys that said this....
per FERC Order; July 26, 2011
Heck Folks, let's just take Congressman Blaine Luektemeyer's advice and "let this thing play out". It may take another 4 or 5 years or so, and then they still may not get it right. We could end up with something similar to what we just got, or worse. But, we the stakeholders, probably need to stay out of their business and let them do what is best for the rest of us. Probably should just keep our mouths shut and let the professionals figure this out.
Who is misinformed I ask you?
Misinformed? I think not. Fanning the flames? Well, someone needs to. Let this thing play out? Haven’t we been doing that since 2005? Yes, we have and they still cannot get it right. Should we just let them take another 6 years while real people are suffering and property values are at risk of plummeting due to apathy? We cannot afford to do that. Sorry, Congressman Luektemeyer.
If you pay taxes at Lake of the Ozarks you are a stakeholder. Get involved. Get educated. This is your fight, too.
Quote of the day: “To try to find a solution to a problem that does not exist does not make sense.”
Congressman Blaine Luektemeyer on KRMS radio, November 24, 2011.
