April Schedule of Meetings and Events

Scheduled April, 2010 meetings and events include:

-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2010: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010: Lakeland Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting at Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse.

-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010: Lakeland Natural Resources Board meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010: Arbor Day Ceremony, City Hall Park

-6:30 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2010: Lakeland Park and Recreation Board meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2010: Lakeland Design Review Commission meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010 (Tentative): Board of Commissioners, Special Meeting

-Saturday, April 17, 2010: CERT Training (also Saturday, April 24): All Lakeland residents are encouraged to take this course. Applications and information at www.Lakelandtn.gov.

-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2010: Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2010: Lakeland Economic Development Commission meeting at Lakeland City Hall

-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010: Lakeland Board of Commissioners Work Session

Agendas for City of Lakeland meetings are posted at www.Lakelandtn.gov.

Lakeland Elementary School chain link fence

We have received several calls about the chain link fence being constructed at Lakeland Elementary School. A chain link fence of this type is not in conformance with City of Lakeland regulations.

However, County Schools are not required to comply with municipal ordinances in this circumstance, so the City has no authority to require compliance with City regulations on this project.

Be Prepared - Sign up for Lakeland CERT Class

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes are being offered in Lakeland on Saturday, April 17 and Saturday, April 24.

CERT classes are FREE and will prepare Lakeland and area residents to respond to emergencies.

Applications and additional information are available at www.Lakelandtn.gov.

BE PREPARED! Sign up for the CERT classes!

Putting up a Political Sign? Please read this!

Lakeland Sign Regulations especially relating to temporary political campaign signs are:

Signs on medians, intersections, or placed illegally on traffic control signs or public property (street right of ways, parks etc.) or, common open space, unoccupied property etc. are illegal signs and are picked up immediately. Common Open Space owned by the Home Owners Association etc. is not considered occupied property.

Political signs are allowed under the following circumstances:

-One sign per candidate or issue on an occupied lot. (with permission of the owner).

-Placed no closer than 15 feet to the edge of the pavement (or 5 feet behind the sidewalk), whichever is greater.

-Cannot be erected more than 30 days before Early Voting and must be removed within three days after the election.

-Signs cannot exceed 5 square feet in area per side and cannot exceed 48” in height.

For specific information the Lakeland sign ordinances are at www.Lakelandtn.gov, or contact Code Enforcement at City Hall, 867-2717.

We appreciate the cooperation of all residents in observing these sign regulations.

Shelby County Health Department Vector Control Services

The Shelby County Health Department provides the following Vector Control services for Lakeland residents. These are services provided by the .75 per month Vector Control Fee:

(Examples only):

Mosquito concerns, Abandoned Swimming Pools, Mosquito Spraying, Mosquito Surveillance, Insect identification, Rat infestations, Rat baiting, Rat haborage, Sewage out-cropping, illegal dumping and littering, garbage/junk nuisances, used tires contributing to mosquito breeding, high grass/weeds etc.

Lakeland residents may file a complaint with the Shelby County Health Department by calling 901-324-5547 or 901-423-5922 or e-mail Vector.Control@shelbycountytn.gov

Congratulations to The Grove at Lakeland and Askew Hargraves Harcourt!

Press Release

Two Lakeland Projects Nab Prestigious Awards

Local Projects Earn High Marks at Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference in Nashville

By Eric Bridges, Natural Resources Director, City of Lakeland

Lakeland, March 15, 2010: The City of Lakeland today announced two local winners of statewide awards presented at the prestigious Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference on the campus of Nashville’s Lipscomb University. The Builder/Developer award was presented to The Grove at Lakeland, while the Green Industry award was presented to Askew Hargraves Harcourt (A2H).

Developer Tammy Navarre accepted the Builder/Developer Award for her team’s work on The Grove at Lakeland, a uniquely designed conservation residential development, the first of its kind for Lakeland.

Developers were recognized for displaying a strong commitment to natural resource conservation. Under the direction of SR Consulting, a civil engineering firm in Memphis, TN , The Grove designed over 40% open space including 28 acres developers donated to be placed within a conservation easement where it will be forever free of future development.

These conservation easements align with future planned open spaces on adjacent properties, leading to an even greater system of protected open spaces, a trait encouraged by city leaders. Residents have access to lakes, pocket parks, and paved walking trails through a diversity of forests and meandering streams, and benefit from the outdoor opportunities to view wildlife and lead a healthier lifestyle, yet still be close to all amenities.

“This is one of the first subdivisions to be named for a natural resource that was actually protected,” says Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges, referring to the 72” sugar maple which the developer worked diligently to preserve.

“The Grove’s combination of quality architecture and permanently protected open space creates a responsible balance between developing land and preserving natural areas. Protecting natural areas is just the right thing to do for our environment" said Navarre.

For more information on The Grove at Lakeland, contact Tammy Navarre at (901) 870-8193 or visit www.thegroveatlakeland.com.

The Green Industry award was accepted by Andy Reynolds, Landscape Architect with A2H, an engineering & architectural firm located in Lakeland, for his work on the Canada Road median design.

This design incorporates many environmental features such as major soil improvements to address long-term survival and health of the plant material. “Mitigating soil compaction and poor soil quality is critical to the health and viability of our landscapes,” says Nick Bridgeman, City Forester. With the exception of some small areas of sod, this design also utilizes all native plant material in a naturalized arrangement avoiding a typical formal arrangement.

Another sustainable feature of the design is the low-flow irrigation system designed to conserve water. A2H designed the median to serve as a demonstration of how infrastructure can be designed to have actual ecological value as well as utilitarian value. This type of design illustrates the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship by not introducing exotic invasive species, promoting natural diversity, and by conserving a critically important resource, water.

For more information on The Canada Road Medians, contact Andy Reynolds at (901) 372-0404 Tammy Navarre at (901) 870-8193 or visit www.a2H.com.

Consolidation Watch: Money for Experts

Just saw where the organization that wants to "help" us "understand" consolidation is paying outside consultants for advice. Even if the study or advice is neutral, it is presented as a pro-consolidation study.

I have to wonder why "someone" (they won't say who) is paying so much money to ram through "consolidation"? Even to the point that they are trying to deny us (suburbs) the opportunity to vote on it? Why didn't the organization have the consultant provide a study on what Memphis can do NOW to improve, rather than attempt to use it as some type of pro-consolidation study?

A consultant served as Indianapolis Mayor from 1992-2000. Indianapolis adopted "unigov" (what they call consolidation) in 1970. If consolidation is so efficient, where did all the waste come from that Mayor Goldsmith eliminated in the 22 years since consolidation before he was elected Mayor? I applaud his accomplishments, but they hardly resulted from consolidation as is insinuated by the organization that wants a "conversation" about consolidation!

Good government comes from good elected people, not the type of government!

I think the answer for all of this is, as usual, money. From us, with our property taxes increased up to 40% for less service and more bureaucracy.

It doesn't take a lot of "conversation" to decide how to vote on that!

Take 10 for Lakeland!

TAKE 10 FOR LAKELAND!

The U.S. Census Bureau is urging everyone to take 10 minutes to answer the 10 simple questions on the 2010 census form.

Return your Census form!

Lakeland residents are urged to send your Census form in today! The little effort of returning your Census form means a lot to the City of Lakeland and Shelby County in the next ten years.

More on Why it Matters

Obtaining accurate numbers for the 2010 Census is critical for Shelby County and Lakeland in determining the number of seats Tennessee occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives and in deciding how more than $400 billion per year in federal funds is distributed among states, counties, cities, and communities to meet the needs of the people. The more accurate the count... the more funds our county and community will receive.

By answering the census, you are determining the amount of federal funding Lakeland receives. As just one example, for every resident, the City of Lakeland receives approximately $110 in State Shared Funds by itself. Do yourself a favor and return your Census Form today!

Metro Charter Commission Agenda 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2010

MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY

METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT CHARTER COMMISSION

4^th Floor Committee Room

160 N. Main Street Suite 850

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

March 18th, 2010

4:00 p.m.

Commission Values:

(1) Inclusiveness (2) Efficiency (3) Integrity (4) Innovation (5) Service

1. Moment of Silence/Theme from Memphis the Musical Julie Ellis

2. Roll call Julie Ellis

3. Approval of Minutes-March 3, 2010 Julie Ellis

4. Administrative Update Rayne, Kuhn and Attorneys Kinard and Payne

5. Rebuilding Government update Darrell Cobbins

6. Charter Issues Outline John Ryder

7. Public Amenities and Betterment Task Force Report Andre Fowlkes

8. Malcolm Baldridge Quality Initiatives for Charter Donn Fisher

9. Items of Discussion for Next Meeting

a. Report on Annexation options

b. Ethics Task Force report TF11

c. Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force report TF 1

.

10. Comments from the Public and Organizations Julie Ellis

11. Other Business Julie Ellis

12. Adjournment Julie Ellis

Lakeland Egg Hunt scheduled

Lakeland Trustmark Bank and the Lakeland Lions Club are cosponsoring the Lakeland Egg Hunt, scheduled for 10: a.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010. at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.

Ages from 2 years to 9 years old are welcome to participate in the egg hunt.

Sign in is at 10:00 a.m Entertainment is scheduled to start at 10:15 a.m. by Vickie Carr (Keyboard and sing along); Bonnie Carr demonstrating Gyrotonics (which she also teaches at the IH Clubhouse) and Jim Atkinson and his Magic Drum!

The Lakeland Lions Club volunteers will assist the Easter Bunny in hiding eggs etc.

Lakeland Chamber Meeting Thursday, March 11

Kenton Collins with TMK Wealth Management highlights the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse.

Mr. Collins will offer guidance, opportunities and points for consideration in the matter of the continuity of business (the "what ifs" that can happen in life while we are busy living it).

Reservations are important! Please contact Sondra Blondis at 213-2143 or e-mail at sblondis@bellsouth.net. Reservations are important so enough food can be ordered.

Cost is only $10 for Lakeland Chamber of Commerce members, guests are $15 and first time visitors are free!

Environmental Awards Presented

Mayor Scott Carmichael presented the 2010 Environmental Awards at the March 4, 2010 Board of Commissioners meeting. Winners were selected by the Environmental Awards Committee and approved by the Lakeland Natural Resources Board included:

ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING FIRM: Asknew Hargraves Harcourt (A2H) of Lakeland for their work on the Canada Road Median Landscaping project. The Committee found the project showed innovation in the non-formal design, low flow irrigation, is exceptional in it's scale of almost 1 mile in length and utilizes native plants.

CITIZEN/ACTIVIST: Patrick Fisher, for his organization of two events in 2009 where he gathered trash with volunteers along Lakeland's roadsides, collecting over 40 bags of trash and furthermore separated out 200 pounds of recycling. material.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS: Woodland Tree Service, for their work in planting trees at the Lakeland Elementary School. Woodland Tree Service donated trees, workers and equipment for planting trees at the school.

BUILDER: Frazier Construction, for home construction on Lot 109 of the Grover at Lakeland. This project is exceptional in exceeding the requirements of the Lakeland Tree Ordinance in its tree protection efforts and provides environmental benefits of the wooded lot upon completion of construction. A representative could not be present to accept the award.

The Lakeland Environmental Awards Committee was formed in 2007 and over the course of 2007 and 2008 developed a program of recognition for environmentally responsible activities in Lakeland.

The Environmental Awards Committee reviewed the nominations and recommended award recipients to the Lakeland Natural Resources Board. The Natural Resources Board recommended the above award winners to the Lakeland Board of Commissioners for the First Annual Environmental Awards.

Additional information on the Environmental Awards program is available from the Lakeland Natural Resources Department.

Land Development Regulations Project Status

The proposed revision of the Lakeland Land Development Regulations is important to the future of Lakeland and it is important that Lakeland residents, developers and builders are familiar with the proposed changes and comment on the proposed changes.

Currently the process is in the final stages of completion and there is still plenty of changes to comment on the proposed Land Development Regulations. In addition to discussions with Planning Staff (J. Higbee and Jim Atkinson), the Advisory Committee, the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners will all discuss the proposed revisions at public meetings.

I am including a copy of an article by J. Higbee in which he emphasizes some important issues that are being debated.

Lakeland Land Development Regulations Project Status

by: J. Higbee, Growth Management Director

The writing of new Land Development Regulations has been underway since 2007. This would impact zoning and new land development in Lakeland.

Early on, an Advisory Committee was formed to review concepts prior to the development of a code draft, and then to review and revise the code as sections came in. Along the way the Municipal Planning Commissions (MPC), and the Board of Commissioners (BOC), have also reviewed the documents. A number of items had been largely accomplished by late 2008, including developing approaches to tree protection, open space, streets, storm water, subdivisions, buildings, zoning districts and uses, integrating the codes, making processes more efficient, and eliminating some known conflicts.

Since then, the Consultant has been making revisions, including for some items listed below, as requested by the Advisory Committee. The revisions will come with the next code draft. In 2009, the MPC and BOC held several joint sessions to review the code again. Output from these meetings may result in additional revisions. In addition, the intent is for MPC & BOC to continue with joint sessions in the immediate future, so that a 2^nd review of Articles II thru IV of the current draft will be complete.

Several issues below are related to a retail typologies study that was received in 2009. This is under review by MPC & BOC. The results will be sent to the Consultant, and are likely to require revisions.

Please see the code table of contents on the City Website, under “Coding and Related Documents, I Administration”. The web page is at

http://www.lakelandtn.gov/government/plan-projects.htm

Article I

-Thresholds for requiring compliance when nonconforming uses or sites expand.

Article I, II, II, & IV

-Clear breakdowns of where commission’s discretion lies, which items are administrative (staff) decisions, and decision criterion.

Article II

-Differing utility company practices regarding the location and installation of utilities, and the approval processes.

Articles II & IV

-The impact of caps on numbers of dwelling units, sizes of commercial centers, and sizes of commercial tenant spaces, and code revisions.

-Viability and form of the commercial typologies proposed.

-Visibility of commercial developments where they would not be immediately entered from planned 4-lane roads or highways, including impacts on signs.

-Concern over parking in the rear of commercial buildings from a security, accessibility, and design standpoint.

-“Corner stores” in suburban residential areas.

-The impact of the number, location, or distribution of the smallest types of residential lots.

-Controlling multi-family or attached housing.

-Coding to transition from one type of development to another.

-Control repeated “land splits”, if it could result in discontinuity, or too much intensity, in some areas.

Article III

-The impact and consequences of very-high tree bank contributions that would be required for removal of large trees.

Article IV

-“Accessory dwelling units” (e.g., “in law” quarters).

Other

-What can be required at the zoning stage so that the City can maintain control?

When can the City say “no”?

-Consistency with statutory law and case law precedents.

-Controlling the phasing of development to aid in making development viable.

-City maintenance responsibilities for rights-of-way and dedicated lands.

-Which properties to rezone, and when, if any?

As the Advisory Committee and Commissions determine needed changes, they will be introduced (including at public meetings prior to or during the adoption process). The next code draft may be delivered as soon as 1^st Quarter 2010, and will be placed on the City Website.

Consolidation Watch: Why not Regional Cooperation?

"Regional Government Districts", a report by the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), and a Report "Recommendations of the Hampton Roads Regional Structure Project" raises the question of why "Metro government" or "consolidation" is always raised as the "silver bullet" to the future of Shelby County and the region.

The TACIR Report is available at www.tn.gov/tacir and the other report is available at www.fhrinc.org. (Be careful, the TACIR Report is about 43 pages and the Hampton Roads Report is about 22 pages).

Instead of "consolidating" political and financial power into a central wasteful "big government", the Reports provide justification for partnership and cooperation of individual governments and regional organizations instead of a centralized decision making type of single government envisioned by Metro government.

I just received these today, and I will note additional thoughts in the future after reviewing them in more detail. However, this is the type of intergovernmental cooperation promoted by the suburban cities and other organizations opposed to the "rule of the few" type of centralized government promoted by Metro Government.

Recent attempts to disenfranchise the suburban city residents and Shelby County residents is a strong indication of the type of "government" we would have if consolidation should pass. It would be "government by the few, for the few!" with our taxes going to pay for services and benefits that our residents would never see or use.