The "lost" post

A mild criticism of the City of Lakeland's recent action on the City Facebook page CityofLakelandTN was apparently deleted shortly after the comment was made. The following comment was made on Facebook, as a comment to an entry on future city meetings:

Nick wrote: "Interesting to see that the parks board and natural resources boards are combined again. I guess out of nessecity since the entire parks department and natural resources departments were either fired or made miserable enough to quit."

The comment concerned the recent consolidation of the Park and Recreation Board and  the Natural Resources Board and the possible reasons for consolidation.  No obscene words etc. were used.

As a general rule, if comments are allowed an organization using public funds to operate a web page, Facebook page etc. must allow critical comments as well as positive comments.

The comment was observed on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 and deleted (along with the original post by the City of Lakeland) by Wednesday, March 26, 2014.

We will monitor the Facebook page to see if future comments of any type are deleted and advise!

New Lakeland Welcome signs

New Lakeland "Welcome" signs.  (I wonder if this complies with the Lakeland Sign Ordinance.)

The signs had a baby!  (Actually babies, not shown are signs on the other side and elsewhere in the area.)  Talk about litter!

"No Service City" hits home

(Facebook entry):

When will the little playground behind city hall be reopened? I have a seriously sad toddler on my hands now that it's getting warm and the playground that we can walk to is unusable. We can't even go for walks there because the bathrooms have been locked.

Comments:

This is the playground that was the subject (among others) of an independent Report.  The City Hall Part proposal was presented  at a Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting and it was noted safety and other improvements were needed.  Instead of approving the $70,000 needed to continue to provide one of the most popular parks in Lakeland, it was described (by the mayor) as "underutilized" and it was decided not to spend the money to make it safe, but to tear down part of it with city workers.  It was difficult to determine exactly what was decided on this, but obviously there was a decision not to make the needed improvements to maintain this popular park.

 Read the report on City parks here and see other safety and other improvements recommended by the independent report.

Other "no service city" decisions including turning down a $1.2 million dollar grant to provide bike and pedestrian trails down Davies Plantation (from Highway 64 to the I-40 Bridge) which would have service several thousand Lakeland residents directly and eliminate a major safety hazard for bikers and walkers in Lakeland.  

Recently, the "Lakeland Outdoors" was canceled, and Arbor Day and the non-renewal of Tree City were not even mentioned.

New Lakeland Street Art

New Lakeland Street Art.  This "art" has been here since December, 2013.  Quite a sculpture!

"Open Records" -"Frivolous Requests"?

· The BOC placed on the consent agenda for first reading of an ordinance addressing how Lakeland will comply with requirements of the state’s Open Records law. The ordinance will match the practice already proscribed by BOC resolution. City Attorney Chris Patterson said the measure is cautionary based on issues that have arisen in other Tennessee cities. He said the ordinance is necessary to protect the City against frivolous records requests that can be a time drain on City staff members. The City must acknowledge public records requests within seven days and must make requested records available within 30 days, but can charge a fee for copying and staff research.

It seems that the objective would be to emphasize how residents may review "their" records rather than put up "protections" about "frivolous record requests". (Who decides what is "frivolous"?)

There are very strict Tennessee Laws that protects residents rights to government Open Records.  Hopefully the new Ordinance will expedite this rather than emphasize "protection" against so called "frivolous record requests".  

A good link to the Open Meeting Act is here.

New "Lakeland Spring Flower"

A new "Lakeland Spring Flower" was spotted (actually there were three of them, called the "Ashley Furniture Store going out of business sale"

Thought for the Day

"Political Operatives, intoxicated with victory, think they can get away with anything"

THIS PAGE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITY OF LAKELAND

This page is not associated with the City of Lakeland, Tennessee as of November 26, 2013.  All opinions, pictures or statements after this date are personal opinions or views of the writer.

Lakeland Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Lakeland Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2013 AGENDA:http://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?AMID&Type&ADID=271

Shelby County Sheriff to discuss home security at 1:30 p.m. to 2;30 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 at the Lakeland Senior Center

Shelby County Sheriff Department will discuss home security at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 19 at the Lakeland Senior Center! 

Also, Scrapbooking Classes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.!

The Lakeland Senior Center schedule for Tuesday, November 19th:

YMCA Silver Sneakers
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Muscular Strength & Range of Movement Class
If your insurance does not cover Silver Sneakers, each class costs $4. First class is FREE.

Scrapbooking Classes
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lakeland resident Tonya Paul will be teaching a scrapbooking class starting in Tuesdays in October. Tonya will bring supplies (papers, embellishments, and ribbons) and a project printout for everyone for the first class.

Please bring scissors, paper cutter (if possible), and 4-5 pictures. Participants will leave with at least two 12x12 pages. After the first class, the instructor will tailor her instruction to the participants’ interests.

Home Security
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
A Shelby County Sheriff will give a talk about the most effective ways to secure your home against intruders. Attend this class to learn strategies to protect yourself and your home.

If you have questions about the Lakeland Senior Center or Senior Programs, please contact Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 901-867-2717 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2013  AGENDA

Lakeland Board of Appeals 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 18, 2013

Lakeland Board of Appeals meeting 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 18, 2013: AGENDA:http://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/267

FLU SHOTS AND JAM SESSION AT LAKELAND SENTIOR CENTER WEDNESDAY!

The Lakeland Senior Center program schedule for Wednesday, November 13^th:

Flu Shots For Adults 55+
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.Walgreens Pharmacist Adrienne Jones will be providing flu shots at the Lakeland Senior Center. Flu shots for Medicare patients are covered under Medicare, and other insurance plans will be accepted if the flu shot is covered by the plan. You may call Walgreens at 901-382-1533 to learn if flu shots are covered by insurance.

Participants using insurance must bring their insurance card the day of the flu shots program. Walgreens requests that participants RSVP by November 8th so that Walgreens has enough of the vaccine on hand. RSVP to Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 901-867-2717 or  jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

Jam Sessions

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except 1^st Wed. of the month)

Ken Gurley will be hosting Jam Sessions at the Senior Center. The after lunch bunch invites players and singers to come and jam on Wednesday afternoons. Bring your guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass, harmonica, etc. to play and/or sing country, pop, rock, rockabilly, gospel, or whatever. Bring an instrument, come to play or sing, or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment!

If you have questions about the Lakeland Senior Center or Senior Programs, please contact Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 901-867-2717 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

Veterans Day Schedule, Monday, November 11, 2013

Monday, November 11:  Veterans Day. City Hall is closed.  Regular refuse collection routes this week,refuse routes will be picked up Monday.

Lakeland Park and Recreation Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Lakeland Park and Recreation Board meeting 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2013  Agenda:http://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/265

Design Review Commission meeting 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 12

Design Review Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2013:  Agenda

Free Flu Shots available Saturday, November 16

November 5, 2013

News Release

  Shelby County Health Department

     814 Jefferson Ave., Memphis, TN 38105

CONTACT: Elizabeth Hart
(901) 500-5227 Mobile
Heather Burton
(901) 270-7179 Mobile

Shelby County Health Department Offering
FREE Seasonal Flu Vaccines During Emergency Preparedness Exercise
MEMPHIS – The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) Emergency Preparedness Program will host a FREE Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 16, as part of an exercise to test the capabilities to quickly mass vaccinate the public in response to a threat of any new emerging infectious disease.
“We annually review and revise our plans to mass vaccinate the public, should it ever be needed, but it must be tested as well,” said Helen Morrow, M.D., health officer for SCHD. “A flu clinic, thankfully, allows us to simultaneously test our plans and offer the public an opportunity to protect themselves and their family from the flu and participate in an exercise to increase our abilities to protect the community.”
WHEN:
WHERE:
Vaccinations will be provided free of charge to all participants, including high-dose in limited quantities for individuals 65 and older. All Medicare, Medicaid and TennCare recipients will need to show their insurance cards.
While the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age, specific populations are at an increased risk for severe complications associated with the flu, including:
Pregnant women;
Individuals over the age of 50;
Individuals of any age with chronic medial conditions, including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes;
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, such as:
 Health care workers
 Household contact of persons at high risk for complications from the flu  Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

Saturday, Nov. 16

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christ Church Bartlett

5955 Yale Rd. (corner of Yale Rd. and Bartlett Blvd.)

The flu vaccine is NOT recommended for the following:
Individuals with a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
Individuals who have previously experienced a severe reaction to a flu vaccine; Children less than six months of age.
To help facilitate the ease and effectiveness of the exercise and clinic, participants are encouraged to email SCHDResponse@shelbycountytn.gov to request a packet of forms which should be completed and brought to the clinic. 

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS!

Keep a Tennessee Tradition, Volunteer for your City!

Lakeland residents are encouraged to volunteer for openings on Lakeland Boards and Commissions! Applications are due by 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2013.

Applications are available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or by calling City Hall, 867-2717 or at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.

Service on Lakeland Boards and Commissions is interesting and members contribute to molding the future (or present) of Lakeland!

Openings are available on all Boards and Commissions, including:

Lakeland Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses and new residential developments.  Members are appointed by the Mayor. 

Staff Advisor is City Planner/Deputy Growth Management Director Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) The EDC reviews and proposes economic development initiatives/programs. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

 Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) The MPC reviews development plans, zoning matters and planning-related matters.. Members are appointed by the Mayor. 

Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Natural Resources Board (NRB) The NRB has an active role in planning, advising, and promoting the development of a comprehensive, community-endorsed natural resources and environmental stewardship program for the City. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

 Staff Advisor is Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges.

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) The PRB reviews and recommends park development plans, recreation programs and recommends locations of new parks.  Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners

Staff Advisor is Executive Coordinator Thad Jablonski.  

Lakeland Board of Appeals (BOA) The BOA hears appeals on variances and other planning-oriented matters. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. 

Staff Advisor is City Planner Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Storm Water Board of Appeals (SWBA)  The SWBA reviews civil penalties and/or damage assessments concerning storm water management and pollution control plans. The SWBA meets on an “as needed” basis with at least an annual meeting. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

Staff Advisor is City Engineer Philip Stuckert.

Applicants are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioner’s Regular Meeting (Thursday, December 5 ) to express their interest and present their qualifications.

For additional information or application, contact the appropriate Staff Advisor, or City Hall at 867-2717, visit the City website at www.lakelandtn.gov, or email Rfink@lakelandtn.org. a

Lakeland Board of Commissioners Regular meeting 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2013:

(Note rescheduled starting time to allow the Board of Commissioners to attend the Emerald Thai Grand Opening and congratulate the newly elected School Board members!

Agenda:http://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/263

LAKELAND JOINS "WALK TENNESSEE" CHALLENGE!

Get points for yourself and Lakeland by walking and exercising!  Lakeland has joined “Walk Tennessee”  wellness initiative and Lakeland residents are encouraged to exercise and support Lakeland by signing up at http://www.cmecompete.com/communities/walk-tennessee/. Signing up is quick and easy and then watch your progress as you accumulate your points with exercise!

“Walk Tennessee” is an initiative by the Tennessee Municipal League to promote exercise with a program that recognizes all exercise activities in a fun challenge to determine “the most active city in Tennessee”.  

Join other Lakeland residents in exercising for yourself and for points for Lakeland!