Plan now to attend the "Small Biz Bike Tour Homecoming" from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at the Kroger parking lot on Highway 64. Have fun at the the family-friendly festival while supporting small business owners and joining our Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton in welcoming the bicyclists at the finish line of their Nashville to Lakeland bicycle ride!
Enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks, live music and entertainment, and a youth bicycle safety program presented by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and booths featuring area businesses!
Bike riders will start in Nashville Wednesday, April 29 and end their ride approximately 200 miles later in Lakeland on Saturday at the Kroger parking lot.
Additional information is available at www.smallbizbiketour.com, or www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Memphis/Shelby County Merger/Consolidation “the Answer”?
Several residents have called asking about how Lakeland would be affected if Memphis and Shelby County should “merge” or “consolidate”. The current discussion by Shelby County and Memphis and the “listening tour” of several strong advocates of consolidation has raised questions as to the impact of this for Lakeland.
Is Consolidation the answer to all of our problems, the “magic wand” that will fix everything?
First-I want to state I resent the statements and implications that persons against Consolidation aren’t supporting the regional area etc. While my first loyalty is to Lakeland, I also love this area and frequently defend Memphis when I hear Memphis or the area unjustly criticized.
I realize that a strong Shelby County, a strong Memphis, a strong Arlington etc. is important to Lakeland.
I just don’t’ see how “consolidation” is the answer to all of our problems. Perhaps we should be using our energy and time to study all alternatives instead of trying to push/oppose consolidation.
Currently, there is no “plan” for Consolidation, so I can only comment about City/County Consolidation in general and based on current Tennessee Law. Some of my general comments are based on a survey of the subject, but a good summary is by Chris Pineda, with the Government Innovator Network, “City-County Consolidation, and Diseconomies of Scale”. (Available on the Internet at http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/cache/documents/9331.pdf ,)
1. Lakeland, as a municipal entity, cannot be affected, as far as the City of Lakeland. Obviousy we would be affected in a lot of ways, but changes in the Charter cannot be made except by a vote of Lakeland residents based on current Tennessee Law.
2. Based on current Tennessee Law, residents of the Shelby County area outside of Memphis must vote and approve the merger/consolidation as a separate vote, which I certainly feel, is reasonable, since consolidation would have a huge impact on Lakeland residents.
3. The current Consolidation discussion centers on “saving money”. In fact, studies have indicated Consolidation increases costs, due to diseconomies of scale and the simple inefficiency of extremely large organizations.
4. Currently, Lakeland and the surrounding County and Cities have three representatives on the County Commission. I feel they do an excellent job of representing our interests on the County Commission.
Based on any discussions I have seen, I expect Lakeland would have a maximum of ONE representative with a 26 member “Memphis/Shelby County” government.
5. One of the statements by proponents of Consolidation is that it would “increase accountability”. Quite frankly, I don’t see how a larger organization is ever more “accountable”.
6. Literally all of the “plans” I have seen do have a bottom line on cost. They propose increasing the cost for the “suburbs” and County area and decrease taxes for the Memphis area. This raises my suspicions as to the REAL reason for consolidation.
An example is the push for “single source” school funding. The entire basis of that plan is to increase costs for the County residents and decrease costs for the Memphis property.
7. Studies have shown that another reason for consolidation is to increase and consolidate POWER, not the government. The current supporters of Consolidation (big government entities, , big business, news media, etc.) seem to substantiate this.
It is similar to big organizations that buy their competitors and then raise prices and lower service quality. It is not “efficiency”; it is to increase their power and profits. (I am not saying this is wrong for the private sector, and obviously sometimes mergers do work for the good of all, but both results are possible.)
According to Chris Pineda in “City-County Consolidation and Diseconomies of Scale”:
8. There are numerous alternatives to Consolidation. One of the main reasons stated for Consolidation is that it would help recruit business.
In my opinion, the model of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce is an example of how one organization works for the benefit of the entire area. The Memphis Chamber involves representatives from the regional area, is a “unified” system of business information and recruitment (and they coordinate with the smaller Chamber of Commerce organizations that represent each smaller City) and works for the entire regional area.
There are numerous success stories of regional economic organizations that have been very successful in recruiting business and industry to a regional area.
This summary of my opinion on Consolidation is probably the first of many, if the current push for consolidation continues. I will appreciate your comments and thoughts.
I do feel that Lakeland is and should be involved in regional organizations that benefit both Lakeland and the region, but I do question why “consolidation” seems to be considered the only alternative.
Is Consolidation the answer to all of our problems, the “magic wand” that will fix everything?
First-I want to state I resent the statements and implications that persons against Consolidation aren’t supporting the regional area etc. While my first loyalty is to Lakeland, I also love this area and frequently defend Memphis when I hear Memphis or the area unjustly criticized.
I realize that a strong Shelby County, a strong Memphis, a strong Arlington etc. is important to Lakeland.
I just don’t’ see how “consolidation” is the answer to all of our problems. Perhaps we should be using our energy and time to study all alternatives instead of trying to push/oppose consolidation.
Currently, there is no “plan” for Consolidation, so I can only comment about City/County Consolidation in general and based on current Tennessee Law. Some of my general comments are based on a survey of the subject, but a good summary is by Chris Pineda, with the Government Innovator Network, “City-County Consolidation, and Diseconomies of Scale”. (Available on the Internet at http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/cache/documents/9331.pdf ,)
1. Lakeland, as a municipal entity, cannot be affected, as far as the City of Lakeland. Obviousy we would be affected in a lot of ways, but changes in the Charter cannot be made except by a vote of Lakeland residents based on current Tennessee Law.
2. Based on current Tennessee Law, residents of the Shelby County area outside of Memphis must vote and approve the merger/consolidation as a separate vote, which I certainly feel, is reasonable, since consolidation would have a huge impact on Lakeland residents.
3. The current Consolidation discussion centers on “saving money”. In fact, studies have indicated Consolidation increases costs, due to diseconomies of scale and the simple inefficiency of extremely large organizations.
4. Currently, Lakeland and the surrounding County and Cities have three representatives on the County Commission. I feel they do an excellent job of representing our interests on the County Commission.
Based on any discussions I have seen, I expect Lakeland would have a maximum of ONE representative with a 26 member “Memphis/Shelby County” government.
5. One of the statements by proponents of Consolidation is that it would “increase accountability”. Quite frankly, I don’t see how a larger organization is ever more “accountable”.
6. Literally all of the “plans” I have seen do have a bottom line on cost. They propose increasing the cost for the “suburbs” and County area and decrease taxes for the Memphis area. This raises my suspicions as to the REAL reason for consolidation.
An example is the push for “single source” school funding. The entire basis of that plan is to increase costs for the County residents and decrease costs for the Memphis property.
7. Studies have shown that another reason for consolidation is to increase and consolidate POWER, not the government. The current supporters of Consolidation (big government entities, , big business, news media, etc.) seem to substantiate this.
It is similar to big organizations that buy their competitors and then raise prices and lower service quality. It is not “efficiency”; it is to increase their power and profits. (I am not saying this is wrong for the private sector, and obviously sometimes mergers do work for the good of all, but both results are possible.)
According to Chris Pineda in “City-County Consolidation and Diseconomies of Scale”:
“A review of 25 research studies conducted over the past two decades on “fragmentation” versus centralization in U.S. local governments suggests “local government systems which are fragmented and de-concentrated are generally associated with lower spending and greater efficiency.” The power of bureaucracies grows the larger the centralized government becomes. This is evident in the difficulty locally elected officials have in privatizing municipal services in large cities. They are hemmed in by empire-building bureaucracies and government employee unions, which are stronger in the larger… municipalities.”
8. There are numerous alternatives to Consolidation. One of the main reasons stated for Consolidation is that it would help recruit business.
In my opinion, the model of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce is an example of how one organization works for the benefit of the entire area. The Memphis Chamber involves representatives from the regional area, is a “unified” system of business information and recruitment (and they coordinate with the smaller Chamber of Commerce organizations that represent each smaller City) and works for the entire regional area.
There are numerous success stories of regional economic organizations that have been very successful in recruiting business and industry to a regional area.
This summary of my opinion on Consolidation is probably the first of many, if the current push for consolidation continues. I will appreciate your comments and thoughts.
I do feel that Lakeland is and should be involved in regional organizations that benefit both Lakeland and the region, but I do question why “consolidation” seems to be considered the only alternative.
Lakeland Chamber to host “Small Biz Bike Tour” May 2nd
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is hosting the “Small Biz Bike Tour” in Lakeland on Saturday, May 2.
According to the Lakeland Chamber web site (www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com), the “homecoming” of the four day bike tour will be at the finish line at the Lakeland Kroger on Highway 64.
Mayor AC Wharton is the honorary Chair of the event. The event is sponsored by the Small Business Chamber, which hopes to raise $100,000 for the local Junior Achievement Chapter.
Volunteers and donations are needed by the Lakeland Chamber to make this event a success! Local businesses can promote their business by donations or sponsorships. Additional information and contact information is available www.lakelandchamberofcommere.com
According to the Lakeland Chamber web site (www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com), the “homecoming” of the four day bike tour will be at the finish line at the Lakeland Kroger on Highway 64.
Mayor AC Wharton is the honorary Chair of the event. The event is sponsored by the Small Business Chamber, which hopes to raise $100,000 for the local Junior Achievement Chapter.
Volunteers and donations are needed by the Lakeland Chamber to make this event a success! Local businesses can promote their business by donations or sponsorships. Additional information and contact information is available www.lakelandchamberofcommere.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Free Dance Lessons this Saturday
Free Dance Lessons (I understand Line Dancing) are being offered at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday at the IH Club.
A Dance follows at 7:00 p.m. The dance is sponsored on the third Saturday of each month by Lakeland Park and Recreation and the River City Bop Club. There is a $4.00 admission fee for the dance.
I have been asked about the age range at the dance and if you will dance if you attend. Persons of any age will feel comfortable at this dance. If you lived through the 50's, 60's or 70's, (or later or before), you will enjoy the music and dancing.
Persons should feel comfortable coming by yourself or with a group. You will dance if you wish to dance!
A Dance follows at 7:00 p.m. The dance is sponsored on the third Saturday of each month by Lakeland Park and Recreation and the River City Bop Club. There is a $4.00 admission fee for the dance.
I have been asked about the age range at the dance and if you will dance if you attend. Persons of any age will feel comfortable at this dance. If you lived through the 50's, 60's or 70's, (or later or before), you will enjoy the music and dancing.
Persons should feel comfortable coming by yourself or with a group. You will dance if you wish to dance!
www.ReadyShelby.org for emergency information
An excellent source for emergency preparedness information is www.ReadyShelby.org.
I encourage all residents to review this information.
I encourage all residents to review this information.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
May Events and Schedule Changes
The May 2009 City of Lakeland Calendar includes:
PET SHOW! 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009 at City Hall Park:
The Lakeland Park and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Pet Show. All ages and most animals (sorry, no reptiles) allowed!
Dress up your animals and come on out!
All animals must have proof of proper vaccinations etc. Registration forms will be available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.
FISHING RODEO! 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16 at IH Park.
The Lakeland Park and Recreation Department is sponsoring the annual Fishing Rodeo. Ages 4-12, participants must furnish their own fishing equipment and bait. Prizes for most fish and longest fish.
Registration Form available at www.Lakelandtn.gov on or before May 1 or is available at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.
BOC WORK SESSION RESCHEDULED:
Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, the BOC Work Session has been rescheduled from Monday, May 25 to Tuesday, May 26.
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
The City of Lakeland observes the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 25. City Hall will be closed and all trash collection will be moved to the next day. (Monday pickup is Tuesday, etc.)
PET SHOW! 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009 at City Hall Park:
The Lakeland Park and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Pet Show. All ages and most animals (sorry, no reptiles) allowed!
Dress up your animals and come on out!
All animals must have proof of proper vaccinations etc. Registration forms will be available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.
FISHING RODEO! 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16 at IH Park.
The Lakeland Park and Recreation Department is sponsoring the annual Fishing Rodeo. Ages 4-12, participants must furnish their own fishing equipment and bait. Prizes for most fish and longest fish.
Registration Form available at www.Lakelandtn.gov on or before May 1 or is available at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70.
BOC WORK SESSION RESCHEDULED:
Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, the BOC Work Session has been rescheduled from Monday, May 25 to Tuesday, May 26.
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
The City of Lakeland observes the Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 25. City Hall will be closed and all trash collection will be moved to the next day. (Monday pickup is Tuesday, etc.)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Land Regulations Advisory Committee Meetings Scheduled
The Land Development Regulations Advisory Committee will meet to review document drafts from Farr Assoc., including Article IV.4 (Open Space Type Standards) and Article II.8 (Street Type Standards) on April 14, 2009, 2:00-5:00 p.m., at City Hall, 10001 U.S. Hwy 70.
Another meeting is planned next Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend and monitor the meeting.
Another meeting is planned next Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend and monitor the meeting.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Grant approved for "green" Parking Lot at City Hall/City Hall Park
Mayor Scott Carmichael announced the approval of a grant for a "green" parking lot at Lakeland City Hall to support additional parking for City Hall, City Hall Park and the Soccer Fields at City Hall.
The grant is for 80% of the cost up to $28,000 and provides for construction of a parking lot constructed of permeable material that will minimize storm water drainage and the normal parking lot pollutants.
The Lakeland Board of Commissioners will consider approval of the grant contract at the next BOC meeting.
Staff Engineer Emily Boswell prepared the successful grant application under the leadership of City Engineer Philip Stuckert.
The grant is for 80% of the cost up to $28,000 and provides for construction of a parking lot constructed of permeable material that will minimize storm water drainage and the normal parking lot pollutants.
The Lakeland Board of Commissioners will consider approval of the grant contract at the next BOC meeting.
Staff Engineer Emily Boswell prepared the successful grant application under the leadership of City Engineer Philip Stuckert.
Proposed Land Development Regulations Joint Meeting Planned
The Lakeland Board of Commissioners and Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission have scheduled a Joint Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Lakeland City Hall to discuss the proposed Land Development Regulations.
Lakeland residents and interested persons are encouraged to attend this meeting. This will be an in-depth review and discussion on the proposed regulations by the BOC and MPC.
Lakeland residents and interested persons are encouraged to attend this meeting. This will be an in-depth review and discussion on the proposed regulations by the BOC and MPC.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Tee Ball and Coach Pitch Registration ends April 17!
City of Lakeland
2009 Tee Ball & Coach Pitch Registration
The City of Lakeland’s 2009 Tee Ball and Coach Pitch Registration is underway for children 4-8 years old. The season will begin the first week of June with practices starting in late May. Children ages 4-5 as of June 1, 2009, will play Tee Ball and children ages 6-8 as of June 1, 2009, will play Coach Pitch. Don’t delay! Registration form and fee are due Friday, April 17. The cost is $80.
Registration forms are available at City Hall, 10001 Highway or online at www.lakelandtn.gov. Please contact the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department for additional information at (901) 867-2717.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Shelby County Housing Assistance Program
The Shelby County Department of Housing provides home repair assistance (loans and/or grants) for qualified homeowners (including condominiums in many cases). The homeowner must meet certain income standards which vary by household size.
The home repairs include loan and/or grant funds for basic home repairs. Additional information is availably by contacting the Shelby County Department of Housing representative Mary Ann Wood at 379-71119.
The home repairs include loan and/or grant funds for basic home repairs. Additional information is availably by contacting the Shelby County Department of Housing representative Mary Ann Wood at 379-71119.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
New Canada Road, Land Regulation Advisory Committees meet next week
Two Advisory Committees with a possible substantail impact on the future of Lakeland will meet next week.
The New Canada Road Advisory Team will meet from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7,2009 at the IH Clubhouse. The results of the Public Meeting will be presented. The public is invited to attend and monitor the meeting. Additional information is available at www.newcanadaroad.com
The Land Development Regulations Advisory Committee will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Lakeland City Hall. The public is invited to attend and monitor the meeting. Additional information is available at www.lakelandtn.gov.
Both of these meetings are open to the public, but public input is reserved for meetings designated for public input.
Meetings are also announced on the Lakeland Facebook page (City of Lakeland Tennessee) and at www.twitter.com/Lakeland and www.twitter.com/CityofLakeland.
The New Canada Road Advisory Team will meet from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7,2009 at the IH Clubhouse. The results of the Public Meeting will be presented. The public is invited to attend and monitor the meeting. Additional information is available at www.newcanadaroad.com
The Land Development Regulations Advisory Committee will meet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Lakeland City Hall. The public is invited to attend and monitor the meeting. Additional information is available at www.lakelandtn.gov.
Both of these meetings are open to the public, but public input is reserved for meetings designated for public input.
Meetings are also announced on the Lakeland Facebook page (City of Lakeland Tennessee) and at www.twitter.com/Lakeland and www.twitter.com/CityofLakeland.
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