Transportation Project: I-269 (will follow current route of Highway 385)

To provide background information on possible projects that may be discussed, I am writing this series on transportation projects underway, planned, anticipated or even rumored! The State and County officials will have the latest available information. Many levels of approvals are involved in each project. A project could have the City, Shelby County, metro planning organization, state and federal government involved in just that one project, so the process is complicated and can take time.

I will also include latest information (to the best of my knowledge) on the status of the project and what agency needs to make a decision before the next step in the project process.

The project involves changing Highway 385 to I-269. I-69 is projected to be by the Mississippi River an I-269 will follow the present and projected Highway 385.

I am not really familiar with this project, so if you have questions, this is a good meeting to ask the top TDOT officials on the status of the project and what is planned.

(The current Lakeland Transportation Plan projects Chambers Chapel to be extended accross the Loosahatchie River to connect with I-269. This project is well in the future.)

Transportation project: Noise barriers on I-40

To provide background information on possible projects that may be discussed, I am writing this series on transportation projects underway, planned, anticipated or even rumored! The State and County officials will have the latest available information. Many levels of approvals are involved in each project. A project could have the City, Shelby County, metro planning organization, state and federal government involved in just that one project, so the process is complicated and can take time.

I will also include latest information (to the best of my knowledge) on the status of the project and what agency needs to make a decision before the next step in the project process.

Transportation project: Noise barriers on I-40

We get a lot of comments and questions on when there may be noise barriers installed on Interstate 40.

Our best answer on this is it is our understanding when I-40 is widened through Lakeland, noise barriers are installed under certain conditions.

STATUS: No action planned. When I-40 is widened, TDOT will be contacted to consider noise barriers as a part of the project.

The Lakeland Chamber meeting is a good time to ask this question is you are interested in this project. I’m sure anyone who lives close to I-40 is very interested in this project!

Transportation Project: Temporary Traffic Signals at I-40/Canada Road

From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will host top Tennessee Department of Transportation, Shelby County and City of Lakeland officials at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce “Kick Off” meeting.

To provide background information on possible projects that may be discussed, I am writing this series on transportation projects underway, planned, anticipated or even rumored! The State and County officials will have the latest available information. Many levels of approvals are involved in each project. A project could have the City, Shelby County, metro planning organization, state and federal government involved in just that one project, so the process is complicated and can take time.

I will also include latest information (and to the best of my knowledge) on the status of the project and what agency needs to make a decision before the next step in the project process.

This project is to install temporary traffic signals at I-40/Canada Road to eliminate the stop signs and improve traffic flow.

This project is expected to be bid in January or February of 2007, with construction in the summer of 2007.

STATUS: Shelby County is administering this project. Shelby County will bid the project as the next step in this project.

Transportation Project I-40/Canada Road Interchange

From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will host top Tennessee Department of Transportation, Shelby County and City of Lakeland officials at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce “Kick Off” meeting.

To provide background information on possible projects that may be discussed, I am writing this series on transportation projects underway, planned, anticipated or even rumored! The State and County officials will have the latest available information. Many levels of approvals are involved in each project. A project could have the City, Shelby County, metro planning organization, state and federal government involved in just that one project, so the process is complicated and can take time.

I will also include latest information (and to the best of my knonwledge) on the status of the project and what agency needs to make a decison before the next step in the project process.

The I-40/Canada Road Interchange effort has been underway for some time. Currently the project is in the design stage.

The final plan of the proposed interchange project is still under review although we expect an answer in the very near future. Either a “diamond” interchange (similar to the Appling/I-40 interchange) or a “single point” (similar to the Germantown Road/Walnut Creek interchange except that the light would be on top rather than on the bottom) is planned.

The City is requesting that the State include funds for right-of-way acquisition in the next fiscal year budget with funds for actual construction in the next fiscal year budget. Anticipated completion, at the very earliest, is 2009.

STATUS: Waiting on Tennessee Department of Transportation to make the decision of whether the Interchange is to be a "diamond interchange" or a "single point" interchange.

Paul Degges information

This is information on Paul Degges, TDOT Chief Engineer, who is scheduled to appear at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Kick Off meeting at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at the Oakwood Clubhouse.

As I noted previously, Mr. Degges is highly respected and has been very responsive to requests for information etc. by the City of Lakeland

I think Lakeland residents will enjoy meeting and hearing Ed Cole, Paul Degges, and Michael Oakes and urge all area residents and businesses to attend.


Paul D. Degges, P.E.
Chief Engineer
Tennessee Department of Transportation


The mission of TDOT is to plan, implement, maintain and manage an integrated transportation system for the movement of people and products, with emphasis on quality, safety, efficiency and the environment.

As Chief Engineer, Paul Degges oversees the design and implementation of all of TDOT’s engineering projects. Each year TDOT lets several $100 million in projects to contractors. In addition to this responsibility, Paul manages the activities of 10 divisions and 4 regional offices.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University and is a licensed engineer. Beginning his career with TDOT in 1988, Paul has worked within several disciplines including field construction, roadway design, information systems, hydraulic design and structures. Paul has served in many roles including Assistant Director of Construction, Director of Region 3 (Nashville), and as Transportation Administrator, which supports the Chief Engineer.

With 18 years of experience, Paul is the youngest individual to serve as Chief Engineer for TDOT. Paul and his wife, Saundra, have two children.

Ed Cole information

This is information on Ed Cole, Tennessee Department of Transportation Chief of Enviornment and Planning. Mr. Cole is scheduled to appear at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Kick Off meeting at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at the Oakwood Clubhouse.

As I noted previously, Mr. Cole is highly respected and has been very responsive to requests for information etc. by the City of Lakeland

I think Lakeland residents will enjoy meeting and hearing Ed Cole, Paul Degges, and Michael Oakes and urge all area residents and businesses to attend.

Edward H. Cole

Chief of Environment and Planning
Tennessee Department of Transportation

Before his appointment by Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely to become the Chief of Environment and Planning for the Department of Transportation, Edward H. Cole served as Executive Director of Cumberland Region Tomorrow. A ten-county regional planning organization, this agency was responsible for development of a regional vision for land-use, transportation, historic site, social service and other factors that influence regional development in the Nashville area. Prior to that service he was senior principal for American Management Systems, a Fairfax, Virginia company.
Cole’s experience in state government totals 16 years. He functioned as deputy commissioner in the Department of Environment and Conservation and briefly served as interim commissioner in that department. He also had a stint as Chief of Finance and Information for the agency. His other involvement in Tennessee state government includes positions in information services in the Department of Children’s Services and the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment. He also worked briefly as an information systems consultant for the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet of the state of Kentucky.

A former employee of the Metropolitan Government in Nashville, Cole was an assistant to the executive director of MDHA from 1981 to 1983 and an environmental analyst for the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Metropolitan Health Department from 1978 to 1981. Cole has also taught planning and political science courses at the university level and was a visiting lecturer in government at the University of Sydney, Australia from 1970-72.

A 1965 graduate in political science from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Cole has an MS in Planning from the University of Tennessee and an MA in political science from the University of Florida.

Cole has served on many boards and commissions during his career including the Environmental Council of States, the Tennessee Public Health Association, the National Advisory Committee on Environmental Policy and Technology, the EPA Executive Steering Committee, the National Association of Information Systems Resource Executives, the Dede Wallace Mental Health Center, and the Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Association.

Cole and his wife Pat live in Nashville where he enjoys bicycling, boating, traveling and volunteer work.

Plan to attend the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting-January 11, 2007

Top State, County and City transportation officials will be available to Lakeland and area residents at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce After Hours Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 11, 2007. The meeting will at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive, Lakeland, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) State Chief Engineer Paul Degges and Ed Cole, the Chief of Environment and Planning for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Shelby County County Engineer Michael Oakes and Lakeland personnel will be present to answer questions and discuss transportation for the Lakeland and Shelby County area.

Shelby County, and County Engineer Michael Oakes have been instrumental in improving transportation in Lakeland, including a partnership on Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64 and a planned partnership on New Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 70 with emphasis on a “context sensitive design”.

Detailed information on Paul Degges and Ed Cole will follow in separate blog entries, but both are highly respected and have been very helpful and responsive to the City of Lakeland and we are very pleased to have Mr. Degges, Mr. Cole and Mr. Oakes at one meeting and available to Lakeland residents.

Residents with questions on transportation are encouraged to attend this meeting. Pending or anticipated long-term and short-term projects in the Lakeland area include:

-I-40/Canada Road interchange upgrade

-I-40/Canada Road temporary traffic signals (to be installed in 2007)

-The proposed I-269 (proposed for the existing 385 route)

-Highway 70 safety, including speed limits, bike lanes and the intersection of Highway 70 and Canada Road

-Highway 64 speed limits and safety; the construction of New Canada Road

-Sound barriers on I-40 from approximately the MLGW water tower to Chambers Chapel Road (not planned at this time, but could be included as part of any future expansion of I-40)

-the construction of Beverle Revira Drive to connect Canada Road with Huff & Puff/Seed Tick

-the re-striping of Canada Road from approximately Green Spruce to I-40 and widening (providing additional turn lane) on Canada Road from Davies Plantation/Beverle Revira Drive to I-40

-New Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 70, including a possible partnership with Shelby County and TDOT on a “context sensitive design” of the road.

-Bike lanes and other future transportation projects.

Future entries will include discussion of these future or anticipated projects in more detail.

All Lakeland and area residents and business owners and managers are especially urged to attend this Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting. Transportation is essential to the survival of existing businesses and the future development of commercial businesses. Transportation is also especially important to Lakeland residents, and residential developers and builders.

Detailed information on the meeting is available at www. LakelandChamberofCommerce.com.

Fletcher Trace Construction Schedule

Construction on Fletcher Trace is expected to resume shortly after January 3, 2007, depending on the weather. Major work remaining includes “milling” (removal of some of the old asphalt) and new asphalt.

For safety reasons, the work was postponed over the holidays. Asphalt plants shut down over the holidays and we did not want to create any safety hazards. Milling leaves the street rough and weather conditions could have created major safety problems if asphalt could not be laid after the street is milled either due to weather conditions or the asphalt plants being closed.

The Work is expected to take approximately two weeks after it is restarted. Please use extra caution when using Fletcher Trace during this construction.

Karen Jarrett, City Engineer

Karen Jarrett has resigned as City Engineer after she accepted a similar position with another City. We wish Karen well and appreciate her substantial contributions to Lakeland. She will be missed both professionally and personally.

Karen is the first full-time City Engineer for the City of Lakeland. She established procedures and standards for engineering and development that provide a high standard for development in Lakeland, benefiting both current and future residents. I think she found talents in herself she didn’t realized she had as she grew professionally in her position at Lakeland.

Karen is moving to another position, but her time at Lakeland will continue to benefit Lakeland. She will be missed.

The City is currently interviewing applicants for City Engineer and expects to offer the position to an applicant for City Engineer in the near future. Of course, the time will depend on the applicants and whether the applicant accepts the offer. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

Holiday Schedule Changes

-Week of December 24-December 30 and December 31-January 6, 2007:

-Trash pickup will be delayed one day (Monday picked on Tuesday, Tuesday picked up on Wednesday, Wednesday picked up on Thursday, Thursday picked up on Friday, Friday picked up on Saturday)

-Recycling will be picked up on WEDNESDAY rather on Tuesday of each week.

-City Hall will be closed Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26. City Hall will also be closed Monday, January 1.

Bobbi Cornett-Art in City Hall Artist

Just in time for Christmas, Bobbi Cornett is the Artist for the Art in City Hall exhibit. Continuing the 2006 tradition of outstanding art by Lakeland artists, Bobbi Cornett's art is brightening the walls of City Hall!

Stop by and view her art! It will make you forget about the cold weather! The public is welcome to view the art at any time City Hall is open. Persons wishing to purchase art may contact the artist directly.

Thanks to applicants for Lakeland Boards and Commissions!

The Mayor and Commissioners appreciate the strong interest demonstrated by Lakeland residents in applying for positions up for appointment on the Lakeland Boards and Commissions.

Making the appointments was very difficult due to the high quality and the number of applications for the positions up for appointment/reappointment. It was even more difficult because many of the persons currently serving are doing an outstanding job and applied to continue on the Board or Commission they are currently serving on.

The City received over twenty-two applications for the eleven positions that were open for reappointment or appointment.

The Mayor and Commissioners urge all persons not appointed to continue to apply as positions become open. All positions are advertised prior to an appointment to the opening and the Board of Commissioners is pleased at the interest demonstrated by Lakeland residents.

Please do not be discouraged if you were not appointed. The City needs interested and motivated residents to serve on the Boards and Commissions!

ALERT-Curb address painter solicitor

On Tuesday, December 5, we received seveal complaints about an illegal solicition to paint addresses on the curb.

The vendor does not have a license and their notice did not list any address, phone number or any contact point.

We have notified the Shelby County Sheriff Department and encourage citizens not to buy from "door to door" businesses, since this is illegal in Lakeland and purchasing from them only encourages illegal behavior.

The Notice reads as follows. The copy I have was on a red piece of paper:

**NEIGHBORHOOD ADDRESS PROGRAM**

REFLECTIVE ADDRESS NUMBERS ARE BEING PIANTED ON THE CURB

Your Street will be worked on starting tomorrow. We are trying to install individual house numbers straight down the street, so in case of an emergency, especially at night, your home can be found a lot easier by ambulances, patrol cars, fire departments, cabs, repair and delivery persons. Statistics show that 75% of our homes are inadequately numbered for night use, and that’s hen these numbers really stand out.

We are doing something different. Instead of just painting numbers on the curb, we first put down a Midnight Black background, then apply large 4” white Night Vision numbers on top of he black background. This system is very attractive, extremely durable, and the numbers show up at night like street and interstate signs brilliantly reflective.

The cost of this professionally installed service is only $5.00 cash or check. A courteous representative will collect after the Reflective numbers have been installed. If not at home payment instructions will be left.

Thank you.

To be include…Print your house number on the back of this notice and put it on the inside olf a window so it can be seen from the street. We will not install you address numbers unless this slip is in the window.

***Endorsed by CRIMEWATCH AMERICAN**

Can 900 quickly find your address when every second counts

If you have any information on this, please call City Hall (867-2717) or the Shelby County Sheriff at 379-7625. If you have purchased this service, please advise City Hall of the name and number so we can contact them.

Sign Ordinance Public Input Meeting 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 13

Residents and business representatives are encouraged to attend a Public Input meeting on the Lakeland Sign Ordinance at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 13. The meeting is at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70

The Lakeland Sign has been reviewing the Sign Ordinance and wants YOUR input on the Lakeland Sign Ordinance and especially the proposed revisions to the Lakeland Sign Ordinance Committee

Persons interested in attending should contact Jim Atkinson at 867-2717. While an RSVP is not necessary to attend, it will be beneficial to know approximately how many plan on attending.

I urge all residents and business representatives to attend this important meeting.
The Sign Committee will propose amendments to the Lakeland Board of Commissioners. The BOC will hold, at a meeting a first reading, a public hearing and a final reading before the changes are enacted.

Highway 70 and Canada Road intersection-TDOT recommends 4-way stop/signalization

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently studied the Highway 70 and Canada Road intersection and recommended a 4-way stop in the immediate future and traffic signals when possible.

This recommendation is on the Lakeland Board of Commissioners Work Session agenda on Monday, November 27, 2006 for discussion with possible action at the Tuesday, December 4, 2006 Regular Meeting. The Lakeland Board of Commissioners meet at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.

The TDOT letter notes that traffic signals are recommended, but only with left turn lanes on Highway 70. The recommendation states this would be an “expensive and lengthy process”.

A 4-way stop, including the conversion of the existing flashing light, stop signs and flashing warning signs of the stop ahead is recommended in the immediate future, while the City prepares plans for signals and searches for funding for signalization. I understand from the TDOT letter that funds are available to assist in a four-way stop in the immediate future.

The Canada Road alignment is being finalized from I-40 to Highway 70 within the next year. The City is currently waiting for funding for the necessary engineering study. We expect this funding in the immediate future.

Natural Resource Inventory meetings

The adoption of the Natural Resource Inventory includes a series of meetings in addition to the Public Input meetings. The schedule includes:

-Tuesday, November 21, 2006: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Public Input Meeting, Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70

-Saturday, December 2, 2006: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Public Input Meeting, Lakeland Mall (after Christmas Parade)

-Tuesday, December 5, 2006: 6:30 p.m., Lakeland Board of Commissioners. The Natural Resource Inventory will be presented to the Lakeland Board of Commissioners for information.

-Monday, December 11, 2006: 6:30 p.m., Lakeland Park/Natural Resource Board. The Natural Resource Inventory will be presented to teh Lakeland Park Board/Natural Resources Board for recommendation.

-Monday, December 18, 2006: 6:30 p.m. Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission. The Natural Resources Inventory will be presented to the Municipal Planning Commissoin for action.

All meetings are open to the public. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Refuse Collection changes Thanksgiving Week

Refuse collection schedule for the week of November 20-25 (Thanksgiving week) is:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday routes will be picked up on their normal schedule.

Thursday routes will be picked up Friday, November 24.

Friday routes will be picked up Saturday, November 25.

Natural Resource Inventory Public Input Meetings

Public input meetings on the Natural Resource Inventory are scheduled for:

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70; and

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2009 at the Lakeland Mall (site of the end of the Christmas Parade) The meeting will be inside the mall.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend. There will be a short presentation of the Natural Resources Inventory followed by a comment and question time.

Natural Resource Technician Nick Bridgeman developed the Inventory and this is the assessment stage of the process with the ultimate goal of conservation of Lakeland natural resources.

The Future

I just realized today, 20 years ago (Veterans Day) I purchased my first “real” (IBM Compatible) computer. It didn’t have a hard drive (the store told me I wouldn’t need one for awhile!), and I thought I was up to date on technology! (I had had several Commodores, a VIC 16 and a Commodore 64). I actually used it for at least 6 years when I jumped at least two generations of computers.

I had no idea of the tremendous changes yet to come. I believe cell phones had just come out and were still a novelty, Blackberry’s, GIS,digital cameras, digital music, GPS navigationsystems and similar items were still to come. Lakeland was just 9 years old as an incorporated city.

I can remember in the late nineties I went to a conference where a speaker observed that it was possible to build and operate a plane that would be completely computer operated form take-off to landing and it was feasible for small “computer” airplanes. This hasn’t happened yet and I don’t foresee it in the future. Also, when I was about ten years old, I remember seeing an ad with a car with the passengers playing cards etc. with the car controlled automatically. I never thought that in 2006 we would be driving cars the “same old way”!

Technology has completely changed the way cities operate, yet we still do many things, mow grass, fix streets, drive cars etc. basically the same way. In other areas, including communication, we would never have imagined the future of 2006 back in 1986.

The Board of Commissioners, Lakeland Boards and Commissions and city staff are always preparing for the future, especially now in our period of rapid growth. When we look back from 2026, I expect there will be many concepts we can’t even imagine now but we do our best to prepar for the future. Every structure, street and residential or commercial addition built today (and trees and natural resources saved) will impact our future and the BOC, Lakeland Boards and Commissions and city staff have the difficult task of forecasting and preparing for the future.

The City will soon be announcing the dates for Public Input Meetings on the Natural Resources Inventory. The Assistant Natural Resources Director Nick Bridgement and Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges have completed an AMAZING amount of work on this. I encourage all residents to attend one or both of the meetings to provide input. The Natural Resources Inventory will also be reviewed at Board of Commissioner and Municipal Planning Commissions meetings.

The Natural Resources Inventory, along with the Comprehensive Plan, Code revisions and a Park and Recreation Plan are only a few of the tools the City of Lakeland uses to forecast and prepare for the future. We especially value the comments, suggestions and input from Lakeland residents as we prepare the Lakeland community for future generations. (Times and dates for the Natural Resources Inventory public comment meetings will be announced in the near future.)

Help-Ok signs now available.

“Help-OK” placards are available immediately from Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee or at Lakeland Fire Station # 1 on Beverle Revira Drive. We are also providing placards for Home Owners Associations, Neighborhood Associations and other groups to distribute to individual dwelling units.

Placards have two sides a “Help” side and an “OK” side. Rescue workers can quickly determine if a resident is ok or needs help. This will substantially increase rescue operations and all residents are encouraged to participate in this program.

The Placards are not just for an emergency. They also provide useful information on an item you need to keep in easy reach in the event of an emergency. The Placards are the color “red” on one side (the “needs help” side) and the color “green” on one side (the “ok” side). In addition to providing assistance in an emergency, the Placards also contain useful information on emergency preparedness, helpful numbers, and information on the type of emergencies in Shelby County and what to do for each one.

I feel these are excellent tools for an emergency and I encourage all residents to get a placard and, more important, know where you put it.

The Placard is prepared by the Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency.

Remember to get your “Help-Ok” placard now

Trash pickup is on normal schedule this week

The Vetereans Day holiday will not affect the trash pickup schedule. Residents with scheduled Friday collections will be picked up on Friday.

Wyatt Bunker speaks thisThursday in Lakeland

Shelby County Commissioner Wyatt Bunker is the featured speaker for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Meeting at11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. this Thursday, November 10, 2006 at the the Oakwood Clubhouse. The scheduled speaker, Shelby County Commissioner Joyce Avery, will be unable to attend due to having to attend funeral services Thursday.

If you haven’t met Commissioner Bunker, come out and meet him! If you have met him, stop by and visit with him!

This is an excellent opportunity for Lakeland and Shelby County residents to hear and visit with one of our elected representatives in Shelby County government.

Additional information is available at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce site www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com..

Schedule Changes for November and December

Closings and changes in schedules for meetings and for City Hall for November and December are:

-Friday, November 10, 2006: Veterans Day (observed): City Hall closed

-Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24, 2006: (Thanksgiving, Day after Thanks giving): City Hall closed

-Thursday, November 30, 2006: Economic Development Commission meeting changed from Thursday, November 23 to Thursday, November 30)

-Tuesday, December 5, 2006: December Board of Commissioners Regular December meeting changed to Tuesday, December 5 (from Thursday, December 7)

-Tuesday, December 19, 2006: December Board of Commissioners Work Session (for January, 2007 meeting) changed to Tuesday, December 19, 2006 (from Monday, December 25, 2006)

-Monday, December 25, 2006 and Tuesday, December 26, 2006: Christmas Day and Christmas Eve (observed): City Hall closed

-Economic Development Commission meeting is cancelled for December, unless it is rescheduled a the November meeting

A City Calendar is available at www.lakelandtn.org and is updated when changes are made.
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It's Lakeland, Tennessee!

A resident recently advised me of a mixup because of a Lakeland store using an “Arlington” address rather than the correct “Lakeland” address.

There was a special event at the store and apparently several residents saw the “Arlington” address and went to the Arlington store and missed the event.

The Economic Development Commission recently discussed this at the October meeting and resulting action hopefully will lead to a resolution of the reason why so many Lakeland businesses and residents are assigned “Arlington” addresses.

Also, the City staff is sending flyers to all Lakeland based businesses suggesting they make sure their residents can find them by using “Lakeland, Tennessee” in their address!

Shelby County Commissioner Joyce Avery to speak in Lakeland

Shelby County Commissioner Joyce Avery is the featured speaker at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, November 9, at the Oakwood Clubhouse.

This is an excellent opportunity for residents to hear and visit with Commissioner Avery. I have found her to be very responsive to requests and interested in the needs of Lakeland residents. We actually rarely have one of our County Commissioners speak locally, and this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Lakeland area residents are encouraged to attend this luncheon and hear and visit with Commissioner Avery. Mark it on your schedule now! Detailed information is available at LakelandChamberofCommerce.com.

City Hall Phone System-Click "0" for the receptionist!

Lakeland City Hall is converting its internal phone system to a new system effective Monday, October 23, 2006. While this has been underway for several months, there may be some problems after it is “switched over” on Monday morning. The supplier has technicians at City Hall to resolve any problems.

Callers will be greeted with a message, but may talk with a receptionist by clicking “0” at any time and personally discuss your needs with the receptionist. We have had requests for the convenience of directly contacting the department desired, but we also wanted to insure that callers could talk with a live person immediately if desired.

Again, if you wish to talk with the receptionist, simply click “0” as soon as the message starts and you will immediately be connected.

Lakeland Civic Club meeting, Tuesday, October 26, 2006

Don’t miss the Lakeland Civic Club Quarterly General Meeting and Potluck Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at the IH Clubhouse.

Scheduled speaker is Gary Patterson with the University of Memphis Earthquake Center. He is an interesting and informative speaker and will present information on earthquakes and how to prepare for one.

All residents are welcome to attend, you are not required to be a Lakeland Civic Club member although membership is only $10 per year.

Contact Allison Ely at 386-8650 for additional information.

It’s LITTER, not advertising!

At a recent Board of Commissioners Town Meeting, residents noted that companies continue to litter the City with ads and flyers, in spite of City ordinances. (Newspapers are exempted from Ordinances and can legally distribute newspapers on yards.)

At the meeting a small “sandwich” bag type of plastic bag was presented with an ad (and rocks) inside. Residents have found numerous bags of this type (with the advertising inside) in Garner Lake, as well as other lakes and streams, drainage structures etc. They clog drains, damage the environment and create hazards for wildlife and pets.

The damage and pollution created by these items are substantial and are a violation of City Ordinances as well as Federal Laws and Regulations on Storm Water. I assume the plastic bags last almost forever and can destroy or harm wildlife and pets, as well as damage lawn equipment and especially damage the City stormwater system. Flyers, and other such items, other than newspapers are also illegal.

By coincidence, within several days, another round of littering advertising (including my house) occurred in Lakeland. City staff contacted the violators and advised them that this is illegal in Lakeland and citations will be issued for future violations.

If you received any “litter” pretending to be “advertising”, including flyers, plastic bags with ads in them etc. (note again that newspapers are exempt), I urge you not to purchase anything from the company. If you feel comfortable doing so, contact the advertiser and advise that you resent the littering of Lakeland yards and polluting the waters and land.

City staff will contact the violators and will take as strong enforcement action as possible to reduce littering. I would like to say “until the littering stops”, which is our goal, but I expect all we can expect is to greatly reduce the littering.

Recycling Books and magazines

For residents who have magazines and books they wish to discard, one excellent way of recycling is to donate them to one of the area libaries. They appreciate it and it "recycles" the magazine and book in a useful and effective way.

If you desire, it also is a tax deduction and the library will provide the documentation (the list of items donated)upon request. I always get a good feeling about donating the magazines (and especially books) in this manner. I feel much better about donating a book where I know someone else can read it. I probably couldn't bear to discard the books I no longer need if I just had to throw them away or knew they would be destroyed!

Project Identification and other security measures

Closing your garage door, not leaving items on the lawn and marking your possessions were the three best ways Lakeland residents can prevent crime losses, according to Shelby County Sheriff representatives at the recent Board of Commissioners Town Meeting.

Groups, such as Homeowners Associations/Neighborhood Associations interested in the Project Identification program are encouraged to contact Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717 (cityhall@lakelandtn.org) and ask for us to contact the Shelby County Sheriff representative who handles Project Identification.

Project Identification involves marking your possessions so they can be identified and returned to the right owner. If the item is not marked or identifiable as your item after it is recovered, the Sheriff Department cannot return your item to you! You must be able to identify it as your item by either the serial number on the item or through a marking etc. Project Identification will provide the means and information to mark your possession so they can be returned to you.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I was a teenager. I knew the items were mine, the Police knew the items were mine (it was a samll town), but they still couldn't return the items since they were not marked! Don't let this happen to you!

"Get Caught Recycling" program dates

The "Get Caught Recycling" program involves random checks of residents to see if at least three items are being reycled. Winners will receive $50 plus be recognized at the following Board of Commissioners meeting.

I want to clarify an earlier entry that this will involve a check during a scheduled recycling day during each month, not necessarily the first recycling day of each month.

Representative Marsha Blackburn Town Meeting in Arlington

Representative Marsha Blackburn is having a Town Meeting at Arlington Town Hall at 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2006.

Arlington community officials encourage Lakeland and area residents to attend and hear Representative Blackburn and ask questions.

Shelby County Schools District 2 appointment

The Shelby County Commission is scheduled to appoint a Shelby County Schools Board Member to replace Wyatt Bunker at the October 9, 2006 County Commission Meeting. (This is my latest understanding. At one time it was scheduled for October 2.)

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners recently adopted a Resolution asking the Shelby County Commission to appoint a resident of either Lakeland, Arlington or the part of Collierville that composes Shelby County School District # 2, which is “our” District.

The reason for the Resolution wording is Shelby County Schools District # 2 includes Lakeland, Arlington and the north part of Collierville and Reserve Areas. Note that the only other areas of what is now the “county” part of Shelby County Schools District # 2 is in the Memphis Reserve Area, meaning that when Memphis annexes the area, it will be a part of Memphis City Schools.
If an appointment to the Shelby County Schools District # 2 is made from this area, one of our Board Members will actually be a resident of the Memphis City Schools District, not Shelby County District # 2!

No matter how qualified an appointee is, the Board of Commissioners feels the new School Board Member should represent the District and not a separate School District! It seems logical that the Shelby County Commission would appoint a person who truly represents the District and the Board Member should live in that District.

This is a brief explanation of the reason for the Board of Commissioners action. Basically it is their believe that a representative of the voters should live in the same district as the voters.

Residents may wish to contact the Shelby County Commissioners with comments on this matter. Shelby County Commissioners and a contact number are noted below. District # 4 Commissioners are “our” County Commissioners.

As a general rule, I have found the Shelby County Commissioners (both the Commissioners representing Lakeland as well as Commissioners representing other Districts) to be very responsive and at least are willing to listen to your position and explain why they take the actions they do.

SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

District 1:

Mike Ritz
(901) 545-4301

George Flinn, Jr.
(901) 545-4301

Mike Carpenter
(901) 545-4301

District 2:

J.W. Gibson, II
(901) 545-4301

Henri E. Brooks
(901) 545-4301

Deidre Malone
(901) 545-4301

District 3:

James Harvey
(901) 545-4301

Sidney Chism
(901) 545-4301

Joe S. Ford
(901) 545-4301

District 4 (Lakeland’s District):

Joyce Avery
(901) 545-4301

Wyatt Bunker
(901) 545-4301

David Lillard
(901) 545-4301

District 5

Steve Mulroy
(901) 545-4301

Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Hearing scheduled

A joint Lakeland/Arlington Hazard Mitigation Plan is scheduled for a Public Hearing at the regular Board of Commissioners meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2006 at Lakeland City Hall.

The joint Hazard Mitigation Plan was built through the efforts of the staff of the Town of Arlington and the City of Lakeland and was funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan is a 49 page document that reviews all possible hazards facing the joint area, impact of the hazard, previous hazards and unique risks.

The document is currently available at Lakeland City Hall and will be E-mailed upon request (CityHall@lakelandtn.org). We expect to have the document posted on our web page in the near future.

After the Public Hearing, the Lakeland Board of Commissioners will consider a Resolution of approval of the document.

Jenny Lawrence featured Artist in "Art in City Hall"

Local artist Jenny Lawrence is the featured artist presenting her “Art in City Hall” and I encourage all residents to visit and view her excellent display. I feel it highlights her variety of artistic talents and her love of the subject. She primarily specializes in pastel, colored pencil and pen and ink.

She is a resident of Lakeland and is a lifelong artist. Her art reflects her love of horses and animals. In addition to being an artist, she also owns and manages a boarding stable in Lakeland, and competes nationally in horse dressage.

Jenny Lawrence has a wealth of experience and interests which combine for a unique artistic presentation. She obtained a BFA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, has years of experience as a commercial graphic designer and notes that “I’ve been drawing horses since I could pick up a pencil. There is no animal more beautiful to me”. Her love of both horses and art present a special character to her art that I enjoy every day!

City Hall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. Persons wishing to purchase any of the works may contact the artist directly. I encourage you to stop by and see this excellent display. I am always pleased to find a local artist of this caliber, especially when she agrees to display her art in City Hall!

Congratulations to Eric Bridges!

Eric Bridges, Lakeland Natural Resources Director, has been presented the “2006 Government Employee of the Year” award by the Tennessee Urban Froestry Council at the 15th Annual Forestry Conference on September 7 in Nashville.

Congratulations to Eric on a well-deserved award! Eric has established an award winning Natural Resources program in Lakeland, including designation of Lakeland as “Tree City USA”, has established several arboretums in Lakeland, diligently took an inchoate Tree Ordinance and developed it into an effective tree preservation tool, established (and is currently developing) an innovative Natural Resources Inventory, prepared and implemented grants for community improvement, including trees and personnel to assist in preparing the Natural Resources Inventory, and especially important, has been very active in making presentations, workshops and speeches on tree (and Natural Resources) preservation and development. He has also effectively developed an army of volunteers who assist in beautifying and preserving Lakeland as a unique residential experience.

It has been a pleasure to work with and watch Eric develop as a professional, as a person and as a proponent of the conservation of natural resources in Lakeland. Eric is one of the few professionals with both a Forestry and Arborist Certification and I think this is just an indication of the pride and dedication he takes in his profession and his position of Natural Resources Director with the City of Lakeland.

Eric is also recognized nationally. He is presenting a paper "Urban Planning During Growth and Restoration" during the 2006 Society of Foresters National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The paper is based on Eric's experience in Lakeland in developing ordinances and programs to conserve natural resources during rapid growth periods.

When you see Eric, congratulate him not only for his award, but also for a job well done! I am proud that Eric Bridges works for the City of Lakeland!

Get Caught Recycling!

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners has approved a “Get Caught Recycling” program to encourage increased recycling. It will truly “pay” for several Lakeland customers to recycle!

Starting October, 2006, ten Lakeland households will be selected in a random draw to be checked on one of the scheduled recycling days for each route. A City representative will check the bins at the households (in order).

The first two bins on each route to have at least three types of recycled material will receive $50 and will be invited to Lakeland Board of Commissioners meeting the following month for recognition by the Board of Commissioners. Pictures will be taken and printed in Citywatch and a press release will be sent out to recognize the residents “caught recycling”.

Items that can be recycled include glass, metal cans, aluminum cans, plastics, newspaper and small cardboard boxes. Note that BellSouth and similar phone books, paperback and hardback books cannot be recycled due to the type of binding used.

“Get Caught Recycling”-it may pay you in more ways than helping conserve our natural resources!

All Terrain Vehicle "no tolerance" on volations

The Shelby County Sheriff Office has advised that, due to the number of complaints and damage by All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), they are instituting a “zero tolerance policy" on illegal use of ATV’s. Violators will receive a citation.

ATV’s may NOT be operated on City streets, on public property or on private property without advance authorization of the property owner.

Residents noting illegal usage of ATV should contact the Shelby County Sheriff at 901-379-7625. (Only call 9-1-1 if it is a life threatening matter.) The Shelby County Sheriff has been excellent about responding, but many times it is not possible for them to respond while the ATV is there.

Residents should not personally confront the ATV violator.

The City is also emphasizing that ATV use on City streets or on public property (parks, etc.) is illegal and is blocking entrances to areas where ATV’s can illegally access public property.

We appreicate residents calling the Shelby County Sheriff on illegal usage of ATV's and similar equipment.

511 System (Those tall poles with boxes on the Interstate)

The “tall poles with boxes” you see on I-40 are actually part of the “511” system instituted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

The poles with boxes you see in this area on I-40 measure the “mass and speed” of traffic and report it back to the 511 system, news media, the help vehicles and law enforcement. They actually use radar (vehicles with a radar detector will detect a radar in operation), to measure this.

Also part of the 511 system are the live web cameras that you can look up on the internet to view actual traffic.

If you want traffic or road information, dial 511!

For an interesting review of the 511 system and how it is used, go to http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/tdotsmartway/schedule.htm., or do what I did and to to tdot.state.tn.us and type in a search for TDOT.

To me, this is truly amazing and I encourage you to look at the web site for additional, more detailed information both on the 511 system and how to use it to your advantage.

Why a Tree Ordinance/Erosion Requirements needed!

If you want to see a devastating reason for the Lakeland Tree Ordinance, you need look no further than immediately next to Lakeland.

To go to the part of Lakeland north of the Loosahatchie River, I go north on Canada Road, which turns into Old Brownsville Road. There is a development is at the northeast corner of Old Brownsville Road and Brunswick Road and directly north of a similar development.

I was already shocked at the “clear cut” method of development, but, I thought, at least the developer left some trees to screen the road from the (I assume) housing development.

I was shocked last week to see ALL of the trees screening the road ripped out by a dozer. It literally looked like a murder scene (with obviously trees instead of people).

While discussing this with other staff, it was mentioned that some developers think they should “tear out the trees and plant new ones where the trees SHOULD be”!

This development is in Shelby County (Bartlett Reserve). It is another strong reason why Cities should have regulatory authority in their Reserve Areas!

Seeing this, I appreciate even more the efforts of Eric Bridges, Nick Bridgeman, J. Higbee, Karen Jarrett and our Inspectors and other staff in preserving our natural resources and avoiding erosion problems.

I hope all residents will also tell the developers and builders who do conserve trees and natural resources “thanks” for keeping Lakeland beautiful and following the spirit as well as the letter of the Tree Ordinances.

Refuse Collection changes Labor Day week

Since Monday, September 4, is a Holiday, all refuse collection will be delayed one day (Monday will be picked up Tuesday, Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday, Wednesday will be picked up Thursday, Thursday will be picked up Friday, and Friday will be picked up Saturday.

Recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, September 6, rather than Tuesday, September 5.

The regular schedule resumes starting Monday, September 11.

Sign post policy on Agenda Monday, August 28

It has been the standard administrative policy of the City of Lakeland to replace all street signposts (the posts in the right of way that hold the street name sign) with “standard” posts, which cost approximately $30.

If a developer, neighborhood group or Homeowners Association choose a more expensive signpost, the City is normally supplied with extra signposts and these are installed in place of the standard signposts so the signposts will match.

The reason for this is that, while a more decorative signpost is always nice, the rest of the city residents should not have to pay for it.

Due to recent questions on this police, the staff is recommending the Board of Commissioners officially adopt the following policy in regard to street signs:

-All street signposts will be replaced with “standard” street signposts; or

-If a signpost (approved by the City) is supplied by a developer, neighborhood association or Homeowners Association is supplied, the City will install that sign in lieu of the standard signposts.

This is scheduled be discussed at the August 28 Board of Commissioners Work Session at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Office furniture for sale!

Interested in some office furniture for your office or home?

The City of Lakeland is accepting sealed bids for used office furnishings.

Items may be inspected at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee, Monday, August 28 - Thursday, August 31 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Bids must be received by 2 p.m. on Friday, September 1 with payment and removal by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 6. Buyer is responsible for all removal.

Some of the items are nice, some aren’t!

The City is selling these items because of our change to cubicles, which require integrated office furniture. Many of the desks would be great for that room in your house where you always planned to have an office!

City Hall rearrangement of offices

We are rearranging offices in City Hall and installing partitions to provide a better working environment for City personnel. From today (August 24) until September 1, we are moving furniture and setting up temporary offices. Furniture and boxes of documents are being installed in a variety of areas, including the Board of Commissioners meeting room while the partitions are installed.

I have found this is not a simple matter, since it also involves relocating electric and computer connections, but I expect both City personnel and Lakeland residents will be pleased with the end results.

West Nile Virus Update for Lakeland Area

(The following was written by Eric Bridges, Natural Resources Director for Lakeland based on information received from the Shelby County Health Department. In the interest of getting information out quickly, I am reprinting it here.)


The County Health Department, Vector Control will be spraying in Lakeland this evening (August 22, 2006) in an effort to control adult mosquito populations. The spraying will be between the hours of 8 pm and 11 pm. The County has notified the City that a positive sample for West Nile Virus has been found in an adult Culex mosquito in Lakeland. This means that the virus is active in our area. Residents should take the proper precautions including not sitting out in the evenings in an exposed setting and wearing proper repellents when performing outdoor activities. It’s also important to make sure your screens (on your screened in porch) are intact and to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds like pools of standing water. Drain and refill your birdbath every few days.

It’s important to note that this positive sample was from an adult mosquito and was not a human case of the virus. The mosquito was of the Culex genus, sometimes referred to as a “house” mosquito, and is one of our most common mosquitoes. Fortunately, this mosquito is generally a bird feeder, not humans, but precautions are still necessary. As always, the Health Department is continuing to focus on controlling the outbreak through larviciding and will continue this program until the outbreak has passed. Lakeland staff will continue to pass along information as it becomes available from the Health Department. For more information on West Nile Virus and the County Health Department’s Vector Control efforts log on to the County website (http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/) where you will find the latest information and useful tips. Or you may call the County Health Department at 324-5547. Also, the Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/) website has lots of great information on West Nile and other health topics. Click the link for “Diseases and Conditions” and there you will find links to West Nile Virus information.

25 years!

August 20, 2006, I realized that on August 20, 1981, I walked into City Hall on my first day as City Manager. Today is my 25th Anniversary as City Manager!

Would I do it again. You bet! I remember how I considered all the factors before accepting my first City Manager job, thinking of all the challenges and risks. Somehow, I knew from the start it was for me.

One of the first things I realized was that my jokes suddenly became funnier! (Of course, I knew the real reason!)

Although I can always see places where I would have done different in retrospect, I do feel I learned from my mistakes. Although I occasionally repeat my mistakes, I find myself repeating fewer and fewer of them, and, of course, occasionally making new ones.

Several years ago, at a Toastmasters meeting, I was asked what would I do if I won a large prize, such as 50 million dollars. I thought about it, and finally decided I wouldn’t really change anything, except perhaps buy a better car etc., but I certainly wouldn’t quit as City Manager!

Some brief history, when I was a small child, although I grew up on a farm, I played “City Manager”, although I didn’t call it that. I had rocks and sticks for cars and buildings and I built several enterprising “cities” and played for hours managing the cities.

I started working for a city when I was in high school. I mowed streets, parks, the cemetery and helped locate water lines etc. One of my most memorable moments was when the Water Superintendent and I tore up a yard and I first heard the phrase “ I’m going to sue”. (We actually got it worked out. I found I had the “gift” of finding water lines with a wire coat hanger and that is how we located them after that.)

I actually got my first career job with a City because I got “stood up” for a date. I was attending Wichita State University for my Masters Degree and had just finished my degree requirements. While I was dejectedly driving back after I realized my “date” was not there, at a job light, one of my Professors pulled up along side of me and yelled about a job opening at a City in western Kansas.

I called him the next day, sent in my application and got the job as “Assistant to the City Manager”. The City Manager showed me my office and advised me my job was to “get a grant” to revitalize a section of the City. (This was in October of 1974).

One special situation I remember is during my first few months on the job is standing in line for a movie and I looked at the people and a chill went down my back when I thought, “I help improve their daily lives by my work”. The chill has never left. I enjoy my job and I enjoy working for cities and especially with the residents, elected officials, volunteer boards and other City personnel. Everyone may have different beliefs on what to do, but almost all have the goal of improving the community.

The 25 years (and the 32 years of working for cities) has gone fast. I find it fulfilling that I still look forward to going to work after 32 years and I can’t think of anything I would rather do!

Quarterly Lakeland Civic Club meeting is this Tuesday!

The Quarterly Meeting of the Lakeland Civic Club is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 22 at the IH Club at 4523 Canada Road. (If you are like me, this kind of snock up on me-at the last meeting, August seemed so far away!)

Persons attending may dress and bring a dish with a luau theme, but any dish of any type is welcome and causal attire need not be a luau them if you don’t have or don’t care to wear clothes with a luau theme!

The Lakeland Civic Club is a valuable associations that makes the Lakeland community unique. The Civic Club has been a major force in enhancing the living environment for all Lakeland residents and visitors since the early days of Lakeland.

All Lakeland residents are welcome to attend and join the Lakeland Civic Club. Contact Margaret Brown at 388-9190 for additional information. Reservations are not required.

Membership is only $10 per year (individual or family). New members (and their presence and ideas!) are welcome!

Windward Slopes Park Grant

The Lakeland Park Board recommended the Lakeland Board of Commissioners include the following projects in the Windward Slopes Phase II improvements:

Playground and misters
Group Shelter
Restroom
Two tennis courts
Ball Wall
Parking Lot
General Landscaping
(No overhead lighting etc. is planned for the park.)

The Board of Commissioners will consider the application and, if the projects are approved, the grant agreement will be signed. The grant agreement is expected to be effective in mid-September.

Homeland Security Information

Information on many Tennessee programs on homeland security is available at http://www.tennessee.gov/homelandsecurity.

This web page is operated by the Governors Office on Homeland Security and is updated on a regular basis to obtain information and even to report suspicious activity on-line. I have looked at it and it contains a substantial amount of information on almost any aspect of Homeland Security and a lot of just good basic information on how to prepare for an emergency, training, volunteer opportunities and much other information.

Windward Slopes Park Grant

The City of Lakeland has been approved for a Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant of $142,000 for completion of phase II & III of Windward Slopes Park (the park by Lakeland Fire Station # 1). Since the city applied for a $300,000 grant, we will need to reduce the project somewhat, but it still will be an excellent park facility. The City has $300,000 budgeted for this project.

Park and Recreation Director Brenda Lockhart prepared and wrote the grant. She spent a lot of time and effort on preparation of the grant, and it paid off! Congratulations Brenda!

Windward Slopes Park currently has a walking trail. Planned improvements include picnic facilities, playground equipment and expanded recreational opportunities.

Removal of Political Signs

Residents and candidates are reminded that all political sign must be removed to receive a refund of the political sign deposit.

Signs must be removed within three days of the election.

Political signs are not allowed until 30 days before “early voting” for the General Election in November of 2006.

Thoughts on traffic violations and taxes

Tonight, while riding my bike in the Fairway Meadows Addition, I watched in amazement as eight cars went through a 4-way stop, some of them without even touching their brakes. I’m sure I could have witnessed the same thing at any other residential intersection in Lakeland.

Sure, we could call the Sheriff-the Shelby County Sheriff has always provided outstanding service-but then they wouldn’t be available for other areas where we (Lakeland) or another area for more serious crimes.

If motorists didn’t speed, the City wouldn’t need “speed humps” (at a cost of $8,000 and up depending on the road etc.) and we could spend the money we spend on “traffic calming” on such things as better streets, parks, trails etc.

This train of thought made me think of a paper I did in graduate school (I still have it) on “citizen participation”. The concept is that the citizens take action to perform some of the services government normally provides, so that government has the resources to provide other services.

Probably this course and paper is one of the more thoughtful and “new” theories I learned in graduate school (it was a course on “Political Philosophy” and I had an excellent instructor who made me actually “think”!-sometimes a difficult procedure!)

Certainly one way Lakeland residents can continue to benefit from no property taxes is to “participate” in restraining themselves so the Shelby County Sheriff can continue to provide public safety services for Lakeland. If we have to call them for such violations as people running stop signs-a very dangerous practice, especially in a high traffic/high child area or for meaningless, but dangerous speeding on a residential street (how much time do I REALLY save by going 50 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone for one mile?), they may not be available for more serious crimes.

I’m going to try to increase my “citizen participation” in public safety by watching my speed and stopping at stop signs etc. I hope residents will join me in this citizen participation effort!

Recreation Facilities improving and expanding!

The Lakeland Soccer Field renovation is almost completed, with the final sod being installed in time for a good grass field by soccer season. Renovations included leveling of the fields and installation of sod.

We especially thank Bobby Winstead of Winstead Turf Farms for donation of the sod for the soccer fields; Chuck Singer of Hard Four Company for installing the sod at a reduced price and Nanette Smith, Lakeland Administrative Coordinator for facilitating donation of the sod and arranging for installation of the sod.

Winstead Turf Farms held a Trade Show at an opportune time, and our thanks to Winstead Turf Farms for donating the sod and assisting in finding a qualified company to install the sod.

NEW SOCCER AND BASEBALL FIELDS: The Lakeland Board of Commissioners recently approved plans for construction of new soccer fields and baseball fields. We expect the administrative matters to be completed by late this fall and hopefully construction can begin by next Spring.

LAKELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AIR CONDITIONING: Additional recreational opportunities will also be available when the Lakeland Elementary School gym is air-conditioned. The City of Lakeland and the Shelby County Schools have an agreement which allows the City to use the gym for recreational programs. Of course, this is subject to the needs of the School System, but this will allow more late Spring and Summer City recreational programs in the gym.

Recycling Schedule

By popular request, the schedule for recycling is being changed back to an “every other week” basis. The first actual date this change will become effective is the “5th Tuesday” in August.

The Tuesday schedule for August will be:

East of Canada Road/North of Hwy 70
July 25, August 8, August 22, & September 5

West of Canada Road
July18, August 1, August 15 & August 29

This will eliminate the problem of the “5th Tuesday” creating problems with accumulations of recycling and confusion as to the recycling schedule. The “every other week” schedule will be posted on the City web page and cable channel 19.

Reports on recycling indicate that Lakeland residents are substantially increasing recycling each month. Keep up the good work and recycle!

Fletcher Trace Construction starting

Construction on Fletcher Trace street and curb improvements is expected to start within the next 25 days. The project is expected to take 120 days. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to be careful during this period and avoid using the street if possible.

Work will include repaving the street, replacement of deteriorated curb and gutter, and “traffic calming” measures to include medians in a few areas (to slow traffic) as well as several “speed humps”. Plans also include changes at several intersections to make the street narrower at intersections and slow traffic.

Bicycle lanes will also be included on each side of the street on most of Fletcher Trace. The bicycle lane will be on the inside of the parking lanes.

Residents who use Fletcher Trace on a regular basis are urged to use Davies Plantation/Highway 64 intersection instead of Fletcher Trace during construction.

Refuse/Yard Waste Schedule

Yard waste (bagged leaves and grass) will now be picked up on the same day as the regular refuse collection. All Star Waste Systems will pick up both the refuse cart and other refuse and bagged leaves and grass on your regularly scheduled day when your cart is picked up.

Loose limbs will be collected the same week as the your recycling. A notice similar to the notice below will be distributed.


NOTICE

NEW YARD WASTE/LIMB SCHEDULE

ALL STAR WASTE SYSTEMS WILL PICK UP ALL REFUSE, YARD WASTE, AND LIMBS ON THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:

Ÿ YARD WASTE (BAGGED GRASS AND LEAVES) WILL BE PICKED UP THE SAME DAY AS YOUR SCHEDULED CART (REFUSE) COLLECTION.

(For example, if your refuse cart is picked up on Monday, your yard waste will be collected Monday also; if your scheduled refuse cart pickup is Thursday, your yard waste will be collected Thursday etc.)

Ÿ LIMBS (LOOSE PILES) WILL BE COLLECTED THE SAME WEEK AS YOUR RECYCLING

This schedule is effective immediately. The City of Lakeland will follow-up until July 26, 2006, on the previous yard waste pickup day schedule to assist in the transition period and insure yard waste is picked up on a timely basis.

Contact the City of Lakeland at 867-2717 if you have any questions or if you set out yard waste on the former schedule and it is not picked up.

This Week-July 9 -July 14, 2006

Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend two important events on Thursday, July 13:

-Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Memberhship Mixer-5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13 at The Oakland Clubhouse, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive (off of Seed Tick)

Guest Speakers are Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris and Chuck Rychen, TDOT Director, Divison 4. They will discuss the planned renovation of the I-40/Canada Road interchange. All interested are encouraged to attend.

Reservations may be made at the Chamber web site, www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com. Cost is $10 per member or $20 per guest.

-Political Forum for Shelby County Candidates-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13 at the First Baptist Church, 4500 Canada Road.

All Shelby County candidates on the August 3rd election ballot have been invited! This is an excellent chance to hear the candidates and make the important decision of how you will vote on August 3.

Other meetings or events this week:

-6:30 p.m., Monday, July 10, 2006: Lakeland Park and Natural Resources Board, City Hall

-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2006: Lakeland Design Review Commission, City Hall

-10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 12: Ribbon cutting, Canada Road, Highway 64 and Canada Road

Fletcher Trace Construction to start

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners have approved bids for construction on Fletcher Trace and construction will start in the near future. The project will include reconstruction of the surface and some curbs and some "traffic calming" measures.

The "traffic calming" measures will include short medians at strategic points, as well as extending curbs, several "speed humps" and a bicycle lane on the street surface.

Residents who use Fletcher Trace should plan an alternate route during construction. Construction is expected to last 120 days.

Canada Road, I-40 Interchange to 64 completed (almost)

The widening of Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64 is almost completed. A small of amount of detail work remains.

The speed limit on this portion is posted at 45 MPH, and it really is the highest safe speed on this portion. Motorists still need to watch for construction crews and be aware that a large number of motorists from residential areas will be turning onto Canada Road.

This project was funded by Shelby County and the City of Lakeland on a 50-50 basis. The City has applied for a grant to provide landscaping and bike paths along each side of Canada Road.

July 4 Childrens Parade

A 11 year tradition continues in Lakeland as the 11th Annual Childrens Parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 4 in Fairway Meadows. The parade will gather at 9:30 p.m. at Meadow Green Cove (a block north of Kingsridge on Shadow Green).

This is the type of event which makes a City unique! The parade is limited to children 12 and under and motorized vehicles etc. are not allowed. Contact Mark or Nancy Hartz at 373-8962 for additional information.

July 4 Schedule

City Hall will be closed Tuesday, July 4.

There is no refuse pickup Tuesday, July 4. The rest of the week pickup is delayed one day. If your pickup is Tuesday, trash will be picked up Wednesday, if the scheduled pickup is Wednesday, it will be Thursday etc.. Friday's schedule will be picked up Saturday, July 8.

Recycling will be picked up WEDNESDAY instead of Tuesday. Please remember this is the pickup scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month.

Eric Bridges paper selected for national presentation

Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges was recently formally notified that his paper "Urban Planning During Growth and Restoration" has been accepted for presentation during the 2006 Society of Foresters National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The paper is based on Eric's experience in Lakeland in developing ordinances and programs to conserve natural resources during rapid growth periods.

Congratulations Eric!

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., July 13-I-40 Interchange to be discussed!

Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris and a Tennessee Department of Transportation representative are scheduled to attend the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce "after hours mixer" on Thursday, July 13. Senator Norris will discuss the upcoming improvements to the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange.

The mixer will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at the Club at Oakwood (Oakwood Addition Clubhouse) at 10133 Matwood Oak Drive.

All Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend and learn and discuss this important issue! RSVP may be made on-line at LakelandChamberofCommerce.com. The fee is $10 for Lakeland Chamber of Commerce members, and $20 for non-members. There is a $5.00 fee for tickets at the door.

We appreciate the Lakeland Chamber and the Club at Oakwood for hosting this event.

Call 379-7625 to report door-to-door solicitors!

The Board of Commissioners recently finalized the Ordinance banning commercial door-to-door Solicitors. Religious and non-profit organizations may still solicit with a City of Lakeland permit and of course, political campaigning is authorized without any type of permit.

The Shelby County Sheriff Department will assist residents who are contacted by door-to-door solicitors. Lakeland residents who suspect violations should contact the Shelby County Sheriff at 379-7625 to report violations.

Copies of the ordinance have been distributed to Deputies to expedite enforcement.

Biking on Lakeland trails and streets

I recently took advantage of the excellent weather to ride on some of Lakeland's new trails and look at some of Lakeland's new subdivisons.

I find I see a lot more when I look at the City as a bicycle rider rather than through the windshield of a car!

I am pleased that Lakeland is becoming more "bike friendly" and that trails are being developed for walkers and bicyclists that will make it safer for all concerned.

With the exception of Canada Road, traffic has been very courteous (and I try to also be courteous to vehicles in turn), so I enjoy my rides.

I have noted several areas where we need to improve our trails and streetsf or bike riding as a "user".

Fletcher Trace construction (repaving and "traffic calming" devices installed to reduce speed) is expected to start in the near future and plans are for dedicated bike lanes on the street. I have seen the same design work well in other cities.

The City also has a grant application in for bike paths (separate from the street) on Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64. If this is improved, it will substantially improve opportunities for safer biking and walking in Lakeland.

Pardon the mess!

Some remodeling activity will be starting at Lakeland City Hall this week (starting Monday, June 5, 2006).

There will be changes to the front desk and other offices in City Hall, and this week the carpet in the front area and hallways is being replaced with a surface (acid wash concrete) which will be easier to maintain and also provide for an improved appearance.

The other chances are expected to be start and be completed in mid-July.

Please excuse the mess!

Commercial Door to Door Soliciting Prohibited

Effective Friday, June 2, the City of Lakeland will no longer issue permits for commercial door-to-door solicitors. Permits are still issued to religious and chariable organizatons.

Political campaigning is allowed without a permit.

We are checking on the legal status of companies with an existing valid door-to-door permit.

Recycling reminder-5th Tuesday

Recycling pickup is the First and Third Tuesday or the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month.

On the Fifth Tuesday (which occurs 4 times a year), there is no recycling pickup. Last week was the Fifth Tuesday of the month, and, therefore, there was no pickup for recyclables.

This Tuesday (June 6) will be the First Tuesday, so the reycle route will pickup residents whose regular recycle schedule (First and Third Tuesday) was May 16.

Residents with recycling scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, (second and fourth Tuesday) next reycling date is Tuesday, June 13, which is the second Tuesday in June.

Memorial Day Refuse/Yard Waste Schedule Changes

City Hall is closed on Monday, May 29 for the Memorial Day observance.

Refuse and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day. If your normal pickup is Monday, the pickup will be Tuesday etc.

Canada Road, I-40 Interchange lights

City Engineer Karen Jarrett recently announced that traffic signals are planned for the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange to replace the existing stop signs. Currently, we expect the project to be bid in June of 2006. Due to the unique nature of manufacturing traffic signals, we can't really forecast an installation date.

We know a lot of residents will welcome the traffic signals and City Engineer Karen Jarrett is working hard to expedite this project.

Mississippi River

Recently I had the opportunity to visit with a Mississippi River boat worker. It was an interesting conversation (he works 30 days on and 30 days off).

In an eerie way, he reminded me of many of the old (old to to me at the time) farmers I knew when I was a child. They loved and lived their job, were independent, opinionated had a lot of common sense and generally seemed to enjoy their career choice in spite of what are seen as negative aspects of the job. The only real difference seems to be one makes his living on the land, one on the river.

I enjoyed our conversation and wish I knew his name so I could have a cup of coffee or a lunch with him in the future and keep on with our discussion.

One of the things I love about Tennessee and this area is when I realize how similar, yet different it is from where I grew up and how I really notice the difference when I visit family in Oklahoma or Kansas. (Oklahomans and Kansans are great-kind, generous and just fine people. I have found Southerners to be the same, at least in this area, with the addition that they truly know how to be hosts and are truly courteous people.)

Also, I have found drivers to be much more courteous in Memphis. In spite of our tendency to streeeeetch yellow lights and make frightening close left turns, there is little tailgating and I have yet to have another car not let me in, even when I was in the wrong! (If you drive the Canada Road and I-40 interchange area, this is demonstrated on a daily basis.)

I was always fascinated by the Mississippi River when I was a child, and I can remember how excited I was at my first view of the River! One of my secret obsessions for some odd reason is the Mississippi River Level in the paper each day! I really don’t even know what it means, (except generally) but it fascinates me. I still get that “tingle” when I first see it and every time we have relatives or friends visit, I am always glad because it usually gives me a chance to take a Mississippi River Cruise or at least walk the Mississippi! Now I know that when I cross the “Mighty Mississippi” I am almost home!

Lakeland Chamber Meeting 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 11

DON'T FORGET THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING THIS THURSDAY, MAY 11!

Mayor Scott Carmichael is the feature speaker at the May Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Oakwood Club House, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive.

Come out, hear Mayor Carmichael and visit with other Lakeland and area residents and business persons!

I have reprinted the notice of the meeting below.

Don't Forget to RSVP….
What: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce May Monthly Luncheon
Where: Oakwood Club House
10133 MATWOOD OAK DRIVE (CLICK HERE FOR MAP)
When: May 11, 2006, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Cost: $10.00 Per Member / $20 Per Non-Member
RSVP: Please RSVP and make lunch selection by May 9, 2006
Online: http://www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com/calendar.htm
Phone: Lakeland City Hall, Nanette Smith, (901) 867-2717
Fax: Lakeland City Hall, Attn: Chamber of Commerce, (901) 867-2063
Honored Guest Speaker
LAKELAND MAYOR SCOTT CARMICHAEL
We look forward to seeing you there.

Recycling Oil Centers

Autozone on Highway 64 in Lakeland has advised they accept used motor oil for recycling. There is no charge for this service.

Lakeland City Hall no longer is able to accept used oil for recycling. We are unable to provide an attendent at all times and new storm water regulations do not make it feasible to continue to accept used motor oil. Secure storage of used oil was also a problem.

In addition to Autozone, many other gas stations, auto parts stores etc. accept used motor oil for recycling and we encourage persons who change their own oil to recycle at an approved oil recycling facility.

Development fees-The user pays!

Recently I heard a comment about development fees, something to the effect that "Developers don't pay fees, they just pass on the fees to the new buyers".

Of course they do, and that is the whole point-the "new buyers" pay the costs associated with the new development, NOT an existing resident who does not benefit from the new development, and may even have an adverse effect on the existing resident!

I woudn't expect my neighbors in the next subdivision to pay for my new house and I don't expect to pay for a future subdivision. The person benefitting pays. Seems fair to me!

The City does continually revise fees in an effort to insure that the person (or future person) generating the cost pays the costs. In the case of development fees, the developer knows the fees in advance, the new homeowner/buyer knows the fees and decides if it is worth it. Again, seems fair to me!

Yard Waste Schedule (bagged leaves and grass)

The new schedule for yard waste pickup is noted below. Yard waste pickup will be made on the days noted. In the event pickup is not made on the scheduled day due to weather or equipment problems, the pickup will be on the next day.

This may be a temporary schedule. The City is getting bids on the yard waste removal and this schedule may change on or about July 1. Notice of any new schedule will be provided well in advance of the new schedule.

YARD WASTE SCHEDULE AS OF APRIL 17, 2006

Yard waste (bagged leaves and grass clippings) is picked up each week in accordance with this schedule.

MONDAY SCHEDULE

Lakeland Heights Addition
Evergreen Hills Addition
Creekside Manor Addition
Hwy 70-Evergreen-M/A-Seed Tick area
Oakwood Addition
Cool Springs Addition
Eastshores Addition
Herons Ridge Addition
The Pointe
Beverly Rivera - Canada
Windward Slopes
Area north of the Loosahatchie River

TUESDAY SCHEDULE

Lakeland Estates
Plantation Hills`
Woodbridge
Mphs/Arl-Chambers Chapel-Chapel Hill Rd
Chambers Chapel - Chapel Cv-Chambers Cv.
Chambers Chapel -Monroe Rd- Cobb Rd
Bentbrooke Hills
Plantation Woods Dr
Hwy 64-Fletcher Trace

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Stonebridge Subdivision
Fletcher Trace-Daly / ChiChi
Club View
Club Walk
El Hill
Fairway Meadows
Canada Woods
Woodland Park
Sterling Place

(If pickup is delayed due to adverse weather or equipment problems, pickup will be the next day.)


NEW SCHEDULE MAY BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1,2006 DUE TO NEW CONTRACTOR
Advance notice will be provided if schedule is changed by new contract

New Lakeland Signs on Exit 18

Did you notice the new “Lakeland” exit signs for exit 18 on Interstate 40? Prior to this week, there had not been any signs to indicate that motorists could access Lakeland by using I-40 exit 18.

Thanks to Tennessee Senator Mark Norris, Tennessee Representative Bubba Pleasant, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), there are now signs letting eastbound motorists know, yes, you can exit at I-40 exit 18 and find the City of Lakeland!

Prior to this, I always gritted my teeth a little when I saw the lack of notice for Lakeland at exit 18 while cities literally miles away had large exit signs!

Thanks to the cooperation and assistance of Representative Pleasant, Senator Norris and TDOT personnel, the signs were recently installed.

We appreciate their cooperation and assistance on this matter.

The big overhead signs will be maintained only for Exit 20 into Lakeland which is considered to be the “main” entrance to Lakeland. Logically enough, Exit 18 is considered a “secondary” entrance. To avoid confusion, TDOT only provides one “major” sign for a City of Lakeland’s size.

The next time you are eastbound on Interstate 40, watch for the new “Lakeland” signs on I-40!

Fishing Rodeo/Community Day Saturday, June 3!

The annual Fishing Rodeo/Community Day at IH Park is Saturday, June 3, 2006.
The Fishing Rodeo is for children aged 4-12 and starts at 9:00 a.m.

On-site registration starts at 8:15 a.m., but avoid the lines and pre-register! Registration forms are available at www.Lakelandtn.gov, or at City Hall.

Events include the Fishing Rodeo (9:00 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m.) and “Uncle Fudds Farm” at 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Moon Bounce, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo etc.)

Events for all include:

-FREE eye exam by the Lakeland Lions Club from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.

-Nature Hike with Eric and Nick from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.

In addition, the Lakeland Civic Club will have a concession on site! All of the proceeds are used in the local area, and a share of the proceeds goes to Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources!

Come out to IH Park Saturday, June 3 and enjoy our beautiful IH Park, fun activities and excellent food!

IH Park is located at 4523 Canada Road (west side of Canada Road). The First Baptist Church of Lakeland is allowing participants to park in the Church parking lot. We appreciate the First Baptist Church of Lakeland allowing parking for this event.

All Star Waste Systems trash pickup procedure

The procedure for All Star Waste Services on routine household trash pickup is that the automated truck picks up the carts. A follow-up truck is used to pick up trash which is not in the cart.

This procedure has understandably created some concern in residents who see their cart picked up, but not the trash outside of the cart.

If you see your cart picked up, but not the trash outside the cart, another truck will be coming by to pick up the other trash.

Also, All Star Waste Systems has advised that the “arrow” on the cart should be pointing towards the street for the most efficient pickup of trash.

Mosquito problems? Call 324-5547

The Shelby County Vector Control Program is now handling mosquito control for all areas of Shelby County, including Lakeland. If you have any questions on mosquito control or other pests, contact the Shelby County Vector Control mosquite control hotline at 324-5547.

This program is funded by a .75 monthly charge on the utility bills of Shelby County residents.

Art in City Hall displays Arbor Day entries

We are pleased to announce that Lakeland Elementary School children are the artists for current “Art in City Hall” display. Entries for the Arbor Day contest (including the winning picture) are on display in City Hall.

The public is invited to visit and view the creative efforts by our Lakeland Elementary School children!

City Hall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and entries may also be viewed when evening meetings are scheduled.

Artists interested in displaying for the Art in City Hall program should contact Shirley Broom at City Hall. Thanks to Dan Scott, the halls of City Hall are now outfitted with a picture hanging system which will avoid damage to the walls and will expedite display of pictures.

Tuesday (not Monday) is recycling day!

Residents are reminded that Tuesday-not Monday- is the new recycling day. If recycling for your area was the first and third Monday, it is not the first and third Tuesday. If it was the second and fourth Monday, it is now the second and fourth Tuesday.

Dan Scott achieves designation as National Certified Parks Inspector

I am pleased to announce that Dan Scott is now designated as a National Certified Parks Inspector. He passed his exam on the first try! This provides Dan with the training and expertise necessary to insure our parks meet the highest standards of safety for our children.

Dan joins other members of our staff who have achieved excellence in their field. Other Staff members who have designations for excellence in their field include Growth Management Director J. Higbee (AICP*); Planner Jim Ackinson (AICP); City Engineer Karen Jarrett (P.E.**); Public Works Director Chris Masin (P.E.); City Recorder Sontidra Franklin (Certified Municipal Clerk) and Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges (Arborist AND Forester, one of the few professionals in Tennessee with both designations). I also am a “Credentialed” City Manager, meaning that I have comply with certain standards on training each year.

All of these designations require yearly (or periodic) training to maintain their designation and provide the highest service to Lakeland residents.

*AICP means meeting requirements for certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners. This designation requires a minimum amount of experience, passing a stringent test and periodic training in the field of planning.

**P.E. means Professional Engineer. A P.E. is obtained only after a minimum number of years of experience, passing a stringent test and periodic training in engineering.

Lakeland and story about Environmental Court in Arlington-The facts!

Recently some statements about Lakeland were made in the Commercial Appeal about Lakeland's request to participate in the Shelby County "Environmental Court" in Arlington.

We appreciate the invitation of Arlington Mayor Wiseman and other Arlington City officials to participate in the Arlington Environmental Court sessions and submitted an Interlocal Agreement to Shelby County for approval.

The Interlocal Agreement was considered by a Shelby County Commission Committee on Wednesday, April 5, 2005 and was delayed for 30 days. According to a story in the Commercial Appeal, the County Commissioner who requested the delay is not correctly informed.

I feel it is important that the misconceptions about Lakeland not be allowed to continue.

-The statement was made that “Lakeland depends on the County for fire services”. This is correct. Lakeland also pays more than it’s share of the County Fire Department. Each resident pays $24.00 per month and each business also pays a fire fee. In addition, the City of Lakeland spent over $1,200,000 on Lakeland Fire Station # 1 and provides it free to the County Fire Department.

We aren’t complaining. We’re glad to help our neighbors in the County out, but the statement that Lakeland is freeloading on the County Fire Department is absolutely false.

-The statement was made that “Lakeland doesn’t have a Police Department". Neither does the City of Arlington, so I don’t know what this has to do with it.

-The City of Lakeland pays it’s full share of the ambulance system.

-The County already pays whatever extra expenses there are to have a separate Environmental Court in Millington and Arlington. Actually, the County would make money off of this, since the City of Lakeland would file more citations (which pay the County fines and court costs) in a nearby Court. Also, it would save Lakeland residents and the City of Lakeland time and money in not having to go to downtown Memphis.

-If the Shelby County Commission is so concerned about the costs to other suburbs, why were the Courts approved for Millington and Arlington? If the Shelby County Commission objects to “other suburbs” subsidizing the courts, this is already happening and it seems that Lakeland is subsidizing Millington and Arlington.

We did not ask for another Court site, we only asked to participate in an existing site, which would actually profit the County, not cost the County money. We have absolutely no objection to the Courts in Millington and Arlington, even if we can't file our citations there. We feel the locations benefit Shelby County residents and we support that and applaud Millington and Arlington for better serving their residents. We appreciate the invitation by Arlington to participate and hope that the Shelby County Commission will consider the Interlocal Agreement on the merits as soon as possible.

I don’t know the real reason for delaying the Inter-Local Agreement with Shelby County so our residents don't have to travel to Memphis, but the reasons presented are not valid and continue incorrect perceptions about Lakeland.

CityWatch Article on yard waste

I provided incorrect information in CityWatch about yard waste. Bagged leaves and grass will be picked up on a weekly basis, not every other week. I had understood that the bagged weeds and grass would be picked up on the same schedule as limbs are currently picked up (every other week)at the time I wrote the article and provided the information to CityWatch.

Small amounts of bagged grass and leaves will be picked up on Monday. Large amounts will be picked up on Tuesday or Wednesday. Weather or equipment may affect this schedule.

I apologize for any inconvenience, and I am glad it is more often and not less often!

Yard Waste pickup clarification

Starting Monday, April 3, All Star Waste Systems will begin residential refuse collection service for City of Lakeland residents.

-Regular refuse collection schedules (except for yard waste in bags) will not change. All Star Waste Systems will pick up all refuse except for bagged yard waste, and loose limbs. Some items, as noted in the notice from All Star Waste Systems, are the responsibility of the resident.

-The recycling schedule will remain the same, except it will be on Tuesdays.

-Small amounts of yard wsste (bagged leaves and grass clippings) will be picked up on Mondays. On Monday, we will also note the larger amounts of yard waste for collection later in the week. We plan to collect larger amounts up on Tuesday and Wednesday, but weather, equipment problems etc. could change the schedule.

-Limb pickup will remain every other week.

There has been some confusion on the yard waste schedule and we apologize for the confusion on this matter.

Thanks, Jesse!

Our thanks to Jesse McCabe for having the idea, and coordinating, a "clean-up day" in IH Park. The Cleanup was very successful and he attracted a lot of volunteers who pitched in to clean-up the park.

Lakeland Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges and Natural Resoures Technician Nick Bridgeman, also assisted in the efforts.

It is residents like Jesse McCabe who make Lakeland such a nice place to live. He also serves on the Lakeland Design and Review Commission.

Thanks Jesse for all you do for Lakeland!

Trash hauling changes

The complete text of the All Star Waste Systems letter on the change-over in trash service is noted below.


Effective April 1, 2006City of Lakeland Solid Waste Disposal Service:
ALL STAR WASTE SYSTEMS

Your solid waste collection day WILL NOT change.
Recycling collection day WILL change to every other TUESDAY.
(All Star will begin delivering new carts and recycle bins on MARCH 27, 2006.)

During the week of March 27, 2006, BFI will pick up your trash
for the last time and remove your trash cart and recycle bin.



Collection Day: Collection day will not change. There will be no pick-up on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If your scheduled collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, solid waste collection will be delayed one day.

Preparation: Containerize/bag all household trash and rubbish. It is important that you place your cart at the curb by 7 a.m. with the front of the cart facing the street (handle away from street), because your cart will be collected by a fully automated truck. All Star drivers will document occurrences when carts are not out at time of collection.

Collection Point: Garbage, rubbish, and recyclables will be retrieved from your curbside.

Containers: It is required that you use the All Star 95-gallon roll cart for refuse and 18-gallon bin for recyclables. Should you have additional refuse that will not fit into the cart, please bag and place it on top of the cart or next to the cart.

Acceptable Material: All household garbage and rubbish. All Star WILL NOT collect yard waste such as: grass cuttings, leaves and brush. Yard waste will be collected as a separate pick-up.

City of Lakeland note: Small amounts of bagged grass clippings and leaves will be picked up on Monday of each week. Larger amounts will be scheduled for later in the week. Limb chipping will continue on an every other week schedule.

Unacceptable Material: NO construction materials, rocks, dirt, or concrete will be collected. Car batteries, paint, tires, large auto parts, and dead animals are also unacceptable. To dispose of any material labeled “hazardous,” contact the Shelby County Health Department at 576-7656. Some of these substances are extremely dangerous chemicals and may cause injury to All Star personnel or to the public. Please do not put hot coals or ashes in your container. Remember the liability remains with you.

Home Appliances: Small appliances may be placed in your 95-gallon roll cart or left at the curb with regular trash. If you have large appliances or furniture weighing more than 75 pounds, you should call All Star (854-8865) to arrange a special pick-up. Any appliances, such as refrigerators or air conditioning systems, containing refrigerants, will not be picked up unless drained and tagged by a licensed technician. When purchasing such appliances, it is strongly recommended you make sure the seller will dispose of the old item at the time of purchase.

Customer Service: Contact Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717 for information or to request roll carts and recycling containers. Please refer to Cable Channel 19 or city websites www.lakelandtn.gov or www.cityoflakeland.com for updates on trash and recycling schedules.