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
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
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!
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!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
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!
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, September 04, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)