Trouble in Missouri

[parttimetaxidermist]

Barb and everyone else who jumped on board with this THANK YOU, you all did an outstanding job. I was overwhelmed with the responses this post has gotten. I feel bad that I haven't been able to do more, but my full time business has been taking up a huge majority of my time.I just wanted to say thank you all for standing up to this guy who thinks he can bully everyone.

[Manny]

Barb and everyone else who jumped on board with this THANK YOU, you all did an outstanding job. I was overwhelmed with the responses this post has gotten. I feel bad that I haven't been able to do more, but my full time business has been taking up a huge majority of my time.I just wanted to say thank you all for standing up to this guy who thinks he can bully everyone.

Now would be a good time to join the UTA, MTA, NTA either one or more.
If you havent already.

[clifftax]

Just another public THANK YOU ! to Barb.

She did great and kept her composure.
For someone to come in and take the reigns like you have is incredible.

Your time is greatly appreciated.

Manny

X 1000 !!

[onesportylady]

If you only knew how nervous I was.......   I didn't realize just how many people where in the room, until I turned around with the turkey heads.   WOW......  I didn't get to half of what I really wanted to say, but I had previously had sent them most of the information I was going to read.   

If you took the time to write them, and even if you didn't you could send a THANK YOU to the council.  What they are doing can help other taxidermists across the country, using St Charles as an example.

Council@sccmo.org   
100 North 3RD Street  Room 124
St. Charles, MO   63301
 
Just so you don't have to look back on this thread.

Thanks for all the comments. 

[onesportylady]

These are the counties that adjoin Franklin County (HOME OF PAUL KANTOR).  Warren, St. Charles, St. Louis, Washington, Crawford, Gasconade, and Jefferson.   We know for certain he has already attacked St. Charles, is on record contacting Gasconade County and Jefferson County.   Is there anyone that would like to spearhead the other counties?   

Remember, we all thought it was just OUR own taxidermy business, but he filed against ALL of us.  He filed the written complaint in JANUARY, and we received a notice of complaint in JUNE.   

Please don't sit back and wait for this to happen.   Go to the planning and zoning, County Council BEFORE he does.  If you need copies of the taxidermist in your county, let me know, I have them.  Go as a GROUP, if necessary.  If they tell you you don't need a permit, GET IT IN WRITING......   We were ALL told at the time we opened, that we did not require anything.   Do not assume what you were told in the past is still current.   Most importantly, GET IT IN WRITING.   If you need me to, I will help as much as I can.

[onesportylady]

Washington County does not have planning and zoning, so if you live in the COUNTY, and not within a city limits, you do not need anything.   Janet Adams will be sending me a letter I will have on file.  If you would like a copy let me know.   

If you reside within a CITY limit, you will need to contact your city clerk.   

[onesportylady]

I would also suggest either or both the NTA and or the UTA work with supply companies and get a compiled list of every taxidermist  they have sold to over say the last 5 years and use this story and other facts to attempt to get everyone practicing taxidermy to join them as well as share that info with each state so that letters can be sent to practicing taxidermist in their state. Riverratray if you are who I think you are I hope your lively hood in life is pulled from under you and you have to start your life over just as you attempted to do to others!

I contacted our Conservation Dept. and they emailed a list of ALL the licensed taxidermist in the state broken down by County.   Mr. Kantor was nice enough to show me his list on Aug 18th, so I contacted MO Dept of Conservation,  and got the same information.  Thanks for sharing that info PAUL.    If anyone from MO needs the list PM me with your email, and I'll send you the copy. 
 

[coonhollow]

I would also suggest either or both the NTA and or the UTA work with supply companies and get a compiled list of every taxidermist  they have sold to over say the last 5 years and use this story and other facts to attempt to get everyone practicing taxidermy to join them as well as share that info with each state so that letters can be sent to practicing taxidermist in their state. Riverratray if you are who I think you are I hope your lively hood in life is pulled from under you and you have to start your life over just as you attempted to do to others!

I contacted our Conservation Dept. and they emailed a list of ALL the licensed taxidermist in the state broken down by County.   Mr. Kantor was nice enough to show me his list on Aug 18th, so I contacted MO Dept of Conservation,  and got the same information.  Thanks for sharing that info PAUL.    If anyone from MO needs the list PM me with your email, and I'll send you the copy. 
 

I would still work with supply companies there are a lot of hobbyist and now is the time to get them to join your state association and the others even someone that doesn't do it for a living should join it will only make us / you stronger.

[duckmounter]

Great job Barb.I wanted to make it but had prior engagements. I told Paul he needed to chill on this S##t. Now it cost him money and probably one of the most hated guys around.Well I,m glad we won.Barb I would like to come by sometime and meet you and your husband.Call me when you get time if you would and let me know where you are located. take care Bruce 636-295-2214

[antlerman]

Barb, JJ called me today and gave me the whole lowdown. Sounds like you did one hell of a job, and the counsel wasn't buying Kantors crapola.  He might not be done, but YOU have now stacked the deck so full, he should just fold, but don't expect that to happen. He's drawing dead to an inside straight against your Fullhouse. In other words everyone in Mo needs to go ALL In and shut this idiot down. Join the MTA and take a stand. Good Job Barb, and once again, THANK YOU!

[CLewis]

There is no question that a number of dedicated people have worked on the St Charles issue.  From a political standpoint, to be as persuasive as has been the case is extraordinary, because, in reality; those operating taxidermy businesses out of their home or on their property in the unincorporated areas of St Charles County not specifically designated industrial or business  were violation of the County zoning laws.  Kudos to the County Council and those at the meeting who recognized that taxidermy is really an industry composed of wildlife artists who do no harm  to a neighborhood or neighbor.  Their support to amend the applicable zoning ordinaces is a significant decision.

However, please understand that this is NOT OVER.  There are two more steps required which, at any time can be postposed, tabled or reversed.  Nothing in politics is guaranteed.  Other than thanks all those who are currently supportive, the inertia and vigilance need to be maintained until the actual amendment language is drafted, approved by legal review, approved by the Council - which takes two readings and then signed by the County Executive.  The County Executive  may veto the document or sign it.  If signed, the fat lady (or man) has sung.  If vetoed, we start over to persuade the Council to override the veto which takes a 2/3 majority.  My message is keep watching and following but don't prematurely think it is a done deal.  

Having said that, it is still important for those who live in other municipalities (cities or counties) to research their zoning laws and verify what is there.  If there are restrictions regarding taxidermy in the home - start the same process as was initiated in St Charles.  By the time it gets to the decision makers, St Charles should have developed language for amending ordinances and then it will be of great help.  If there are any questions on all this, please feel free to contact me.

One last thing, this is not a UTA, NTA, MTA or any other set of initials issue - the bigger and longer Forum threads get, they tend to take on a life of their own -this is a group of taxidermists,  across the spectrum, standing together and utilizing the fantastic breadth of expertise that exists within our family.  One does not have to be a member of an organization to support their goals and objectives - or to support each other when times are difficult.  It is to an individuals advantage to become active with their own State Association because of the networking available - it is also advantageous to join one or both of the National Organizations because of the increased availability of important assistance - but above all, we have to stand together to really count.

Craig Lewis,  Chairman of the Board
United Taxidermist Association.

[RBUCSHOT]

I talked to a friend about all this crap kantor is trying to pull and it looks like he is going to do an artical in a local mag and paper. I will post the info when it comes out, it wont be in time for the ST Charles or J C meetings but it might help with any other plans kantor may have.

[cw]

 i have called and talked to jefferson county. as long as you are in unincorporated jefferson county and not inside any city limits you do not need any kind of business license as long as you are just providing a service and are not selling any products or merchandise.

[coonhollow]

what you need is a spot on local TV. is there a outdoor show that could tell this story on how Kantor is trying to attack other taxidermist? this would turn off a lot of his clients! I would look into it Or see if someone here would do a story on it does Lou Bellman do video?

[onesportylady]

i have called and talked to jefferson county. as long as you are in unincorporated jefferson county and not inside any city limits you do not need any kind of business license as long as you are just providing a service and are not selling any products or merchandise.

SAME IS TRUE IN ST CHARLES COUNTY.  WE DID NOT AND STILL DO NOT NEED A COUNTY BUSINESS LICENSE AS LONG AS WE DO NOT CHARGE SALES TAX.  If we pay the taxes when we purchase our supplies, You do NOT need a St. Charles County business license.   

This is NOT the same as planning and zoning.