Sunday, October 30, 2005

Board of Commissioners November Work Session changed

Since the regular Board of Commissioners Work Session conflicts with the Municipal Planning Commission Regular Meeting (November 21), the Board of Commissioners changed the November BOC Work Session to Tuesday, November 15, 2005.

Time to change Smoke Detector Battery

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to change your smoke detector battery if you have a battery smoke detector or to test your smoke detector.

If you haven't changed your clocks/watches etc. one hour forward, now is definitely the time to do so!

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Lakeland Board and Commission openings

COMMUNITY LEADERS NEEDED - VOLUNTEER NOW!

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners is accepting applications from Lakeland residents willing to serve in the following volunteer positions:

Lakeland Board of Appeals (BOA) one vacancy. The BOA hears appeals on variances and other specified matters, normally planning oriented. This board meets “as needed” at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

Lakeland Design Review Commission (DRC) three vacancies. The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses. The DRC currently meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) two vacancies. The EDC is charged with developing a City environment conducive to the recruitment and retention of businesses. The EDC serves as a liaison between the City, its businesses, and the citizens of Lakeland. The EDC currently meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board/Lakeland Natural Resources Board (PRB/NRB) three vacancies. The PRB reviews and recommends park development plans, recreation programs and recommends locations of new parks. The NRB considers matters and makes recommendations related to the conservation of natural resources. The PRB/NRB meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

"Vacancies" includes current members who are eligible for and may apply for reappointment for another term.

For additional information or application, contact City Hall by phone at 867-2717, by email: cityhall@lakelandtn.org, or visit the City’s website at www.cityoflakeland.com. Applications are being received until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2005

Lakeland Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Lakeland is accepting bids on construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant until November 22, 2005. (The original bid date of November 14 is being extended to November 22 to obtain more competitive bids.)

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is planned for the same location as the existing plant to minimize costs.

Current plans are for the new plant to go into operation in 2007 in time for the City to comply with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulations on water quality entering the Loosahatchie River.

Environmental Violations

Environmental violations in Lakeland may be reported by calling City Hall at 867-2717, E-mailing CityHall@lakelandtn.org or stopping by City Hall.

Basically environmental violations include items such as excessive junk, disabled/derelict vehicles, high grass/weeds, recreational vehicles/boats etc. parked in the front yard etc. We also appreciate reports on erosion control violations, hazards etc. Residents are encouraged to call or e-mail if they have any questions about what constitutes a violation.

All violation reports are independently investigated by City personnel to determine if a violation exists. If it is determined that there is a violation, the resident or business or contractor is contacted and advised of the violation and provided time to correct the violations. If the violation is not corrected, further action will depend on the type of violation.

Persons reporting violations do not need to provide their names etc., although it may be helpful in investigating the problem.

FREE Household Hazardous Waste

From 8:30 am. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2005, household hazardeous waste will be collected FREE at the Fairgrounds parking lot behind Fairview Jr. High, next to the former site of the Tim McCarver Stadium (on Early Maxwell Blvd off Central Avenue).

Generally items such as electronics (including computers, tv's, printers etc.), automotive/marine products; paint products, home, lawn and garden products (including pesticides etc.) and miscellaneous such as pool chemicals, aerosols, medicine, compressed gas etc. will be accepted.

Commerical businesses are NOT allowed.

Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, medical waste, radioative material etc.

Items MUST be in a vehicle. Enter Early Maxwell off Central, stay in line and remain in your vehicle. Personnel at the site will remove the material.

The event is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Enviornment and Conservation and the City of Memphis.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of your old computers, printers, paint, chemicals etc. you haven't bee able to figure out what to do with and make Lakeland a safer place!

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Donations for IH Clubhouse

We appreciate donations from the Lakeland Civic Club, the Lakeland Lions Club, the Garner Lake Association and the Lakeland Estates Homeowners Association to improve the lighting at the IH Clubhouse.

The Lakeland Civic Club took the lead role in raising the funds for this project, and we appreciate their efforts.

The project will be completed in the near future.

We are reviewing needs of the IH Clubhouse (including air conditioning etc.) and plan to continue making improvements to the Clubhouse.

The Community is fortuate to have the IH Clubhouse and we are looking at ways to improve and preserve this important resource.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Thoughts on the passing of Uncle Wayne and conversations with Angela

Uncle Wayne passed away early this morning (Sunday, October 16). With his passing, the majority of the generation I always viewed as the “older generation” in my family are gone and I am probably now part of the actual “older” generation of our family.

By chance, I was talking with my daughter about Uncle Wayne passing, and she happened to mention she had passed through a town we had lived in years ago, and she commented how shabby and rundown the town now appeared. She mentioned the houses appeared rundown, the streets and parks were in disrepair, and even some of what were considered the town landmarks and identity features are rundown and not maintained.

This started me thinking of two important trends that I feel affect communities:

1. Everything changes. What I considered the “older generation” is no longer involved in many of the events of our lives. No matter how much we want to stop the clock or change, we can’t.

2. Everything changes, but the actions of the current generation(s) currently involved shape the change, and so their/our actions are important.

For example, Uncle Wayne was involved in many community organizations and activities that are still strong in his community today because of his leadership and work. He died near the flowers he loved (he mowed his own year until last summer and activities nutured the flowers) and in the house they lived in for over 60 years. He contributed substantially in his time and money to his Church, which is still an active institution in his community. Another Uncle had a learning disabled child, and, due to my Aunt and his efforts, the community now has a strong “sheltered workshop” that will be there to assist future parents and children.

I could note a lot more of their actions and how they contributed and helped pass on a better “human infrastructure” for their communities. Both of their communities are strong, vibrant communities, while other communities literally waste away and become shabby shadows of the past. While certainly a lot of other factors impact this, active residents contributing to the community infrastructure (human, social and physical), are a significant factor in the sustained success of a community.

One of the goals of Lakeland is for “sustainability” and this permeates many of the decisions of the City and the Lakeland Boards and Commissions. I think when I think of major actions by the Lakeland Community, I think of “Leadership Lakeland”, an effort to develop “sustainability” and provide the leadership infrastructure for the future changes Lakeland faces. I’m sure that today’s Lakeland Leaders and residents do not want to come back (or look back) years from now and find that the Lakeland of today has diminished to where the community could be considered in “disrepair” or could not sustain itself.

These are some thoughts I had on hearing of Uncle Wayne’s passing and considering his accomplishments followed by my conversation with my daughter. I think the key is developing “community leadership” structure that can deal with the future change of the community.

Applications for appointment to Boards and Commissions will be taken by the Board of Commissioners in the near future. These Boards and Commissions are extremely important to the future of Lakeland, as they carry on and pass on the traditions of quality and sustainability to future generations.

However, many people do not have the time, or ability, or desire to serve on City Boards and Commissions. In reality very few people can or do serve on Boards and Commissions, but they find other valuable roles to fulfill in the community. I feel it is equally valuable that our residents maintain and pass on the concept of good citizenship, caring about the community and doing what you can to maintain and pass on the community to future generations as a better place.

I feel it is important for residents to coach or assist in recreational programs for our children, call City Hall if you have strong feelings about a city policy, practice “being a good neighbor” and participate in community activities if you can maintain and improve them for future generations.

While Uncle Wayne took life seriously, he also knew how to have fun. As a professional photographer (we have few pictures of him since he was always taking the pictues!), he knew how to "break the ice" and always had a funny story or an unusual gadget to impress both the adults and the children.

We'll miss Uncle Wayne, and will remember him and I know his community will also remember him as an active steward of the community resouces for future generations.

Halloween "Trick or treating" Monday, October 31

We receive many phone calls asking the day for the Halloween tradition of children dressing up in costumes and going “trick or treating” in the community. We try to maintain the same night as other cities. After checking with other cities, Monday, October 31, appears to be THE night for going “treating”.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Where NOT to put leaves, grass and tree debris!

We urge all residents to avoid throwing leaves/grass/tree debris in the street or, even worse, throwing it over your back fence.

Leaves, grass and tree debris create major problems for our storm drainage system and pollute our streams and lakes. Grass clippings and leaves etc. thrown over the back fence or on vacant property can create major pollution and drainage problems for your neighbors when the clippings and leaves wash down to their property.

BFI will pick up all grass clippings, leaves and tree debris when properly bagged or prepared. I urge all residents to use the BFI service you already pay for and avoid fines and damages to private and public storm water drains by disposing of leaves, grass clippings and tree debris improperly.

Putting bags of leaves, grass clippings or tree debris on the city street surface is illegal and dangerous to other motorists, pedestrians and bike riders.

Please take the time to dispose of these items correctly!

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Jennifer Church is exhibiting in a return art showing at Lakeland City Hall’s “Art in City Hall” program. She has an all new show, and I encourage all residents to stop by and view her art.

Additional art by Jennifer Church can be viewed at her web site http://www.jenchurch.com/. Personally, I enjoy her art and feel this showing demonstrates the variety of her skills. After her first showing at City Hall, I really become fond of one painting, but never quite fond enough to purchase it. When I heard she was bring a return showing, I thought I may get another chance to consider purchasing the painting, but apparently it has found another home!

If you have an opportunity, I encourage you to stop by and see the Art Show!

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

What is the "Vector Control Fee" on my MLGW Bill?

By action of the Shelby County Commission, all County residents (include municipal residents) recently started paying .75 per household per month for “vector control”. The .75 is charged on the MLGW monthly bill.

The City of Lakeland has had it’s own mosquito spraying/control program for several years and apparently have been somewhat successful, since we have not tested positive for any viruses (such as West Nile), according to the Shelby County Health Department.

The Vector Control program is much more than mosquitoes. The Shelby County web site (www.shelbycountytn.gov) defines “vectors” as “small animals or Arthropods, which spread disease causing organisms (that) cause discomfort to the human population and domestic animals”.

Specific examples are mosquitoes, rats, flies, fleas, ticks and spiders and certain stinging insects.

The Shelby County Vector Control program will include both information and actions such as continually monitoring and spraying etc. An intensive program is being planned.

We checked with the Shelby County Health Department on mosquito spraying for Lakeland, and no spraying is scheduled until next year. Mosquito spraying will slow down and stop as the weather cools and will start again next spring. Other programs are currently being planned, with emphasis on mosquito control, and especially preventing rabies in dogs and cats.

Monday, October 03, 2005

New Lakeland Flag

A new Lakeland Flag is available to display our pride in Lakeland. The Lakeland Civic Club designed several designs for review by the Board of Commissioners and the Board selected a design with the Lakeland Seal on a royal blue background.

A picture of the new City flag and order forms are available at the City web site http://www.cityoflakeland.com. or from the Lakeland Civic Club.

We appreciate the dedication and efforts of the Lakeland Civic Club in designing and making up three versions of possible flags for review by the Board of Commissioners. If you are interested in a Lakeland flag, this is the time to order it!

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce active again!

All Lakeland residents and businesses are encouraged to attend the upcoming Lakeland Chamber of Commerce events. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce “After Hours Quarterly Mixer” is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, at the Oakwood Clubhouse in the Oakwood Addition.

The next monthly meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 10 at the Stonebridge Clubhouse.

Mark your calendars now for these dates and times so you can attend and greet and meet Lakeland residents and Lakeland business persons!

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meetings were started again due to the hard work of several Lakeland residents and business persons. I started to list names etc., but quickly decided I had better not, lest I forget someone!

Additional information is available at the Chamber web site, http://www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com/ or e-mail rsvp@lakelandchamberofcommerce.com .

An active Chamber is important for the community, and I encourage all residents and business persons to attend these Chamber events and joining the Lakeland Chamber and supporting our Lakeland businesses.

Lakeland Boards and Commissions Applications being accepted

An excellent way to serve the Lakeland community and “make a difference” in the Lakeland community is to serve on any of the Boards and Commissions appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

Lakeland Boards and Commissions are very important in the development of the Lakeland Community and take meaningful action in a variety of areas including planning and development, parks and recreation, trees and natural resources, review of commercial designs, economic development, and consideration and appoval of variances.

Several vacancies on Boards and Commissions appointed by the Lakeland Board of Commissioners are expected to be considered for appointments at the October 6, 2005 BOC meeting, and more appointments are expected in December.

The BOC normally appoints members of Boards and Commissions in December for terms of from one to three years, depending on the Board or Commission and available vacancies. Persons appointed would be eligible for reappointment to a normal term.

Current vacancies exist or are expected on the Municipal Planning Commission (members are appointed by the Mayor); Design Review Commission (members are appointed by a majority vote of the BOC); Design Review Commission, Economic Development Commission and the Park/Natural Resource Board (members are appointed by a majority vote of the BOC). A complete listing and explanation of duties of each Board or Commission is available at www.cityoflakeland.com.

Additional information and Applications are available by calling Lakeland City Hall, 867-2717. E-mailing CityHall@lakelandtn.org, or stopping by City Hall at 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland. If you have applied before and were not appointed, your currrent application will be considered or you may submit a new application. If you wish to check if your applicaton is still on file, phone, E-mail or visit City Hall.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Oath of Office Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6

All Lakeland residents are invited to meet the new Lakeland Commissioners this Thursday as they take their Oath of Office at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 6 at Lakeland City Hall.

Mayor Carmichael is, I believe, the first Mayor to serve two terms since the election of Mayor was changed to direct election by voters from the previous method of election by the Commissioners.

Commissioners Clark Plunk and Matthew Beatty will also take their Oath of Office as Commissioners. Both completed the Leadership Lakeland program this Spring, as part of the first graduating Leadership Lakeland class.

The BOC Regular Meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. after the Oath of Office ceremony. There will be a reception lasting after the Oath of Office until the start of the Regular Meeting to provide time for visiting and greeting.