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.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, August 25, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
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!
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!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 02, 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!
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!
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