Status Report of Transportation Projects

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners recently approved an engineering contract to design landscaping and bicycling/pedestrian trails for Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64. We plan to complete the landscaping in the median this winter (which is the best time to plant landscaping).

The City has applied for an “enhancement grant” to fund these improvements. If the grant is approved, the bicycling/pedestrian trails will be completed within the next year. If it is not approved, the City will use the funds budgeted for matching the grant to landscape the median and the bicycling/pedestrian trails will be funded by a variety of means. Parts of the trail will be constructed by development adjacent to Canada Road, grants and local funding until the entire project is completed.

The City of Lakeland has a number of on-going transportation projects significantly affecting Lakeland residents, especially in the Canada Road corridor. A comprehensive plan is in progress, which will impact all persons using Canada Road.

Major transportation projects are:

I-40 Interchange:

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has approved the design on the I-40 Interchange improvement. A “diamond” design was approved and the Lakeland Board of Commissioners have agreed to provide the extra funds for a “Single Point Urban Interchange”. (An example of a Single Point Urban Interchange is Walnut Grove and Germantown Road. To get the full impact of the Single Point, go east on Walnut Grove and then south on Germantown Road. The “single point” on I-40 and Canada Road will be on the top rather than on the bottom.)

STATUS: Plans being developed. Necessary easements and right-of-way to be acquired around July 1, 2008.

“New Canada Road” from I-40 to Highway 70

This project will create “New Canada Road”. The existing Canada Road will remain, but through traffic will use New Canada Road.

The City is approved for an 80% grant to engineer and build New Canada Road (estimated cost is $10,000,000). The Engineering is starting in the immediate future as soon as final contracts are approved by TDOT.

STATUS: A “Context Sensitive Solution” (CSS) design approach is planned to obtain input on the design of New Canada Road. The City is awaiting approval from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to start on the CSS. This should start in the near future. The CSS approach is to involve all stakeholders along the route of New Canada Road to have the opportunity to be involved in the design phase of New Canada Road.

Traffic Signals at Highway 70 and Canada Road

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has approved this project. We are awaiting final approval from TDOT for design and construction of this project.

STATUS: We expect this project to proceed relatively quickly as soon as the necessary environmental and other requirements are met. Some easements will be required since this will be a full signal with left hand turn lanes.

Beverle Revira extension to Seed Tick

Traffic signals at Beverle Revira/Davies Plantation and Canada Road

The City of Lakeland has funds budgeted to fund the extension of Beverle Revira to Huff &Puff/Seed Tick, thus eliminating the bottleneck at Huff & Puff and Canada Road.

The City has also been approved for a traffic signal at Beverle Revira/Davies Plantation to provide a much better traffic flow.

This project will significantly improve fire/ambulance response to the Lakeland Elementary School area and improve the current bottleneck at Canada Road and Huff and Puff.

Eventually, Beverle Revira Drive will extend from Canada Road to Chambers Chapel Road.

For those persons who are new to Lakeland, Beverle Revira Drive is named in honor Beverle Revira, the first Mayor of Lakeland.

STATUS: Plans have been completed and funds are budgeted for the extension of Beverle Revira Drive. We are currently awaiting final approval of easements.

Funds for the traffic signals have been approved. If we obtain the easements in the near future, the traffic signals will be installed at approximately the same time as the road extension.

Striping/Turn Lanes on Canada Road north of I-40

The City has been approved for state funding to re-stripe Canada Road from I-40 to Green Spruce. This will include striping to provide for improved flow of traffic and include a center turn lane.

The City also plans on installing a right turn lane from Davis Plantation East to the west (Memphis) entrance ramp to I-40 to expedite the flow of traffic going west on I-40

STATUS: This project has been approved for some time and funds are expected to be released in the near future.

Traffic Signals at I-40 and Canada Road

Funding for temporary traffic signals at I-40 and Canada Road have been approved. These signals will replace the “stop” signs and will substantially improve the flow of traffic until the interchange construction is completed.

STATUS: Funding is approved. Final approval is contingent on some final environmental reviews.

When all of these projects are considered as a comprehensive plan, they are a comprehensive solution to the problems in the Canada Road Corridor. Reflecting the regional nature of this Corridor, the projects will be paid for by a combination of Federal, State, County and local funds.

Woodland Park Street Improvements

Woodland Park Addition street improvements are programmed for this budget year to complete the street improvements started last year. The project will include repair of curb and gutter, repairs as needed and then an asphalt overlay of streets needing an overlay.

The areas needing repair are being identified at this time. Curb and gutter repair and some street repair will be required prior to the overlay of streets needing an overlay.

Please don’t hesitate to call City Hall (867-2717) if you have any questions about personnel marking the street repairs etc. In most cases, City personnel will be driving a marked City vehicle, wearing a uniform or have identification badges. PLEASE never hesitate to ask for identification or call City Hall for verification.

The curb and gutter repair and street repairs will be accomplished first followed by the overlay of the streets to be repaired. The schedule will depend on the weather and contractors schedule and amount of repairs necessary prior to the final overlay.

Trash/Recycling one day later next week

Lakeland residents are reminded trash pickup will be delayed by one day due to the Labor Day Holiday:

Monday routes will be picked up on Tuesday

Tuesday routes will be picked up on Wednesday

Wednesday routes will be picked up on Thursday

Thursday routes will be picked up on Friday

Friday routes will be picked up on Saturday

Tuesday recycling route will be picked up on Wednesday

Wednesday recycling will be picked up on Thursday

Lakeland selects single-point interchange for exit 20

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners decided to provide funding for upgrading the design of the Canada Road/I-40 exit 20 interchange from a “diamond” design to a “single-point” design.

The Board of Commissioners made the decision after hearing the upgraded design will be functional (from the standpoint of handling traffic) up to 15 years longer. (Although not mentioned at the meeting, I have heard forecasts of the single point design functional life of 40 years and beyond versus 20 years for the diamond design.)

Other benefits of the single point I have heard are reductions in “waiting” time, reductions in emissions (thus improving air quality), easier access to businesses in the area of the interchange, and safer traffic flows.

The City is requesting that the city share be a maximum of 3 million dollars and especially that the new design not have a negative impact on the schedule of the project. I believe there is an excellent chance that the city share may be capped at a maximum of 3 millions dollars and that the new design will not delay the project.

Other levels of government (County, State and Federal) and other private sources will be requested to participate in this project in recognition that the single-point design will benefit the entire region, not just Lakeland.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will complete the design of the interchange and acquire necessary easements prior to bidding construction of the interchange.

We appreciate the assistance and substantial work of many Lakeland residents in their support of the single point interchange design.

Representative Ron Lollar Announces Forestry Grant

Representative Ron Lollar, Lakeland's Tennessee State House Representative advised of approval of a grant of $8,761 to the City of Lakeland to help with urban forest management staffing.

The grant was approved after a review by state urban forestry officials and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council Grant Review Committee. Properly managed trees in urban environments can aid economic development efforts and help with air quality, heat island effect, storm water retention, water quality and aesthetics.

This grant has substantially increased the capacity of the City of Lakeland to handle Lakeland's forests and natural resources. The grant has partially funded the Natural Resources Technician position, which has provided the City to develop the Natural Resource Inventory and the nationally recognized Lakeland Natural Resources Program.

Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges, Natural Resources Director Nick Bridgeman and the Natural Resources Board are dedicated to the effective management of our Natural Resources and we appreciate their dedication and hard work. The Natural Resources Board includes John Ward, Hank Hess, Billie Fae Horton, Anthony Neri, James Bacon, Clay Rogers and Commissioner Randy Nicholson.

Special Meeting on I-40/Canada Road Interchange

A Board of Commissioners Special Meeting is being scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Monday, August 27, 2007 to discuss consideration of the City of Lakeland providing/finding the funding for a Single Point Interchange (upgraded from the diamond interchange approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation).

The Special Meeting is being scheduled prior to the normally scheduled Work Session.

Neighborhood Watch meeting-Tuesday, August 21st at Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse

At City Hall we receive reports of vandalism and crimes and I have observed the effectiveness of a strong Neighborhood Watch program in a number of additions in Lakeland. Brian Haines advised of a meeting in Lakeland on Neighborhood Watch and how you can assist in developing an effective Neighborhood Watch program.

Mid South Neighborhood Watch Seeks to Unify Lakeland Assocations:

Please join us for an informational crime prevention meeting on Tuesday August 21st, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be located at the

Stonebridge Golf Club Clubhouse, 3049 Davies Plantation Rd., Lakeland, Tennessee.

We will have panelists from Bartlett Government and Police Department to share how they have doubled their Neighborhood Watch numbers in just a few years.

We have the information and the tools you need to make your Neighborhood Watch program successful! If you want to stand your ground in defending the safety and security of Lakeland, please mark this date and time on your calendar!

Any questions maybe directed to Fran Wilson at 901-246-7020 or via e-mail: fwilson22@comcast. net.

If you organize Neighborhood Watch in your area, are an HOA officer, a "block captain" or if you merely have an interest in preventing crime in Lakeland, this meeting is for you!

TDOT announces decision on I-40/Canada Road interchange design

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has notified Mayor Carmichael that the “enhanced diamond” interchange design was selected for the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange rather than “single point” interchange desired by the City.

Good news is that the “enhanced diamond” has a 20-year design life. The original “diamond interchange” would have been obsolete as soon as it was constructed so the efforts of the City have not been completely in vain and will mean a much better interchange.

The Board of Commissioners will also review the option of the City paying for the single point interchange design after a report by the consultant Traffic Engineer.

Portions of the TDOT letter to Mayor Carmichael are noted below:

The Department of Transportation has selected the conventional diamond concept for the interchange of Interstate 40 and Canada Road. This decision does not come easily, but has come from a very thorough evaluation process of the two interchange forms. We understand your preference in the single point interchange over the conventional diamond, however, based on our evaluation each will provide sufficient reserve capacity for the interchange turning movements at Canada Road.

The estimated costs for each interchange form were a large factor in this decision. As you may know, since December of 2005, TDOT has lost more than $171 million in federal highway funding. As such, with the statewide commitments underway the department is unable to provide the estimated $3 million in additional funds required for the single point interchange.

The Department is willing to consider the single point interchange further if the additional costs can be provided through local funding sources. Should you be interested in providing the additional funding, pleased contact me at (phone number). Unless I am advised in writing that the additional costs required for the single point interchange will be provided by local sources by Friday, August 31, 2007, the department’s engineering staff will resume the design work on the conventional diamond interchange. (Letter is signed by Paul Degges, Chief Engineer)

We appreciate TDOT reviewing all options to the Interchange design and are looking forward to a rapid completion of a successful project.

At this time, we do not have a time frame for project completion.

Press Release on discolored water

This is the MLGW Press Release on the discolored water situation:

A problem last night at MLGW’s Shaw Water Pumping Station serving the Cordova, Arlington, Lakeland and unincorporated areas of Shelby County resulted in discolored water for many of these customers. They may also experience low water pressure. Please limit unnecessary water usage in this area for the remainder of today.

The discoloration is caused by iron and does not pose a health hazard. If your water is not clear enough to see through, it will probably have a metallic taste and may stain white clothing. Until you see you water clear please do not wash clothes, dishes and automobiles.

MLGW is diligently working to resolve this problem.

*IMPORTANT** Discolored Water in Lakeland

We have had numerous reports of discolored/brown water this (Thursday, August 16) morning. The water is safe to drink but may have a metallic taste.

This is due to a problem with a pumping station that serves Lakeland, Arlington, Cordova and County residents.

MLGW has advised residents (including all Lakeland residents) to take the following precautions:

-Avoid using water if at all possible. The repairs are creating low water pressure problems.

-DO NOT WASH CLOTHES ETC!! The water may stain clothes etc. If they are discolored, leave them wet if possible.

MLGW is working on resolving the problem as soon as possible.

New City Engineer

Philip Stuckert is starting as Lakeland City Engineer on August 20. Philip and his wife (Joyce) are in the process of moving from Casper, Wyoming, where Philip was Public Services Director for the City of Casper. Philip has a M.S. degree in Civil Engineer and has been with the City of Casper since 1985. He started as an Associate Engineer, was promoted to City Engineer and then promoted to his current position as Public Services Director.

Philip and his family had been looking to relocate to this area and we are pleased he agreed to assume the Lakeland City Engineer position.

Philip is looking forward to starting (he is already reviewing all of the agendas and materials and studying city procedures and regulations). After he has a chance to get oriented, he has emphasized he is looking forward to being available to visit with Lakeland residents and City and area officials.

60-no longer an abstraction!

60 years old. What used to be an abstraction (and a far off one at that) is now a reality. I don’t really dwell on it. Over 20 years ago, I firmly decided not to worry about events I couldn’t do anything about so I could concentrate on events I could do something about. Turning 60 is definitely not something I can change!

I have learned the value of experience the older I get! I have also realized how important it is to look at life with the wonder of a child looking at something new and exciting and not to get into a rut.

Probably, as for the past 20 years, maybe 30 years, what bothers me most is the lack of time to do what I want/have to do. Probably for the last 15 years, I don’t like the idea that opportunities are closing on me.

I will always remember the first time (and subsequent) times I heard or read the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken” and how I immediately recognized the Great Dilemma of life.

Some roads I am glad I have taken is my career as City Manager, marrying Aliene, moving to Lakeland, bike riding, walking in the morning, l loving to read etc. Not to say there aren’t many things I would have done different, but overall I feel I am on the right road in those areas. I think that helps facing the years to come and the feeling that opportunities are closing.

Looking back, I am glad that at 40 I realized the “future is now”. While I realized you still need to plan for the future, you live in the present. At 50 I finally understood the beauty of experiencing every minute of life, including the rough times.

One thing about living in a 55+ community, I see some many people “more mature” than I who still enjoy life and have a high quality of life. It can be done!

Yesterday I mentioned that perhaps the scariest thing about turning 60 is that in 10 years I will be 70! I hope to work at least 10 more years, so in only 10 short years I could be facing the major life change of retirement. Of course, I remember when I was in my 30’s I thought retiring at 55 was a great idea, in my 40’s I thought retiring at 62 was great, when I was 57 I liked the idea of retiring at 67, now I am thinking of retiring at 70 when I am 60!

Of course, one reason I picked 67 was that in 2015 I wanted to walk up to the stage and receive my “40 years of service” award from the International City Managers Association at the Annual Conference! It is hard to believe on October 21, 1974 I started my first full-time career job with the City of Liberal, Kansas. (I started my first City Manger position in 1981. I can still remember the impact of realizing my responsibility-as well as the opportunities-of the position.)

The first real impact of working for City government actually came shortly after I started my first job. I was standing in line for a show and I looked at the line and a chill went down my back (a pleasurable chill) when I realized that my job affected, however small, the quality of life for everyone in the City. I am pleased to note that I still feel that chill of pleasure!

60 years-perhaps still an abstraction, but I am living it!

Lakeland Natural Resources Program presentations

We are pleased to announce the Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges and Natural Resources Technician Nick Bridgeman are invited to make of presentation to the Arbor Day Foundation “Partners in Community Forestry” Conference in Baltimore in November AND to the International Society of Arboriculture-Southern Chapter in Knoxville next March.

The Presentations include the Lakeland Natural Resources Program.

We are proud of our Natural Resources Department and are glad the hard work and dedication of Eric and Nick are being recognized on an international scope.

With the above conferences, the presentation on the Lakeland program have included two national/international. Conferences, two regional presentations and two state (Tennessee) presentations.

These presentations are providing Lakeland with international recognition, and much more important, providing a standard and information for similar programs internationally based on the Lakeland model.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT

Smoke Free Environment

The State of Tennessee has adopted a Non-Smoker Protection Act. Many businesses may not realize that this Law is effective June 11, 2007 so it is now in effect. However, all businesses have until October 1, 2007 to comply with the law.

Basically, the law will prohibit smoking in almost any enclosed public buildings (“public” defined as open to the public) and requires almost every public and private employer to comply. The law prohibits smoking in retail stores, public places, restaurants, offices etc.

“No Smoking” signs or the international no-smoking symbol must be placed at every entrance to a public place or place of employment where smoking is banned.

The smoking ban is enforced by the Tennessee Department of Health and Department of Labor and Workforce Development. A person smoking in violation of the ban is subject to a civil penalty of $50. Owners or managers of public places who violate the ban will be subject to a warning for a first violation, a civil penalty of $100 for a second violation in a 12-month period, and a civil penalty of $500 for a third or subsequent violation in a 12-month period.

A copy of the bill is available at http://tennessee.gov/sos/acts/105/pub/pc0410.pdf

Political Signs

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners recently amended the Ordinance concerning Political Signs to delete the requirement for a permit and for the $500 deposit effective immediately.

Sign Regulations are noted below. Please contact Lakeland Code Enforcement (867-2717) or e-mail CityHall@lakelandtn.org if you note a sign violation or have quesitons. City personnel are trained to enforce the sign ordinance in a fair and equitable manner. At least for the present time, Code Enforcement will handle political sign enforcement as follows:

-Signs on occupied private property: For minor violations, Code Enforcement personnel will attempt to contact the occupant (signs are allowed only on occupied property with approval of the occupant), advise of the violation and provide an opportunity to correct the violation.

-If a violation appears simply to be a misunderstanding of the rules and regulations, the occupant, campaign manager or candidate will be contacted, if possible, to remedy the violation.

-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. will be picked up immediately. Common Open Space owned by the Home Owners Association etc. is not considered occupied property.

Please contact Lakeland Code Enforcement if you have any questions. Basic standards for political signs are noted below.

-Signs are not allowed on public property, which includes right of ways, streets, on signs, medians, parks, public facilities etc.

Signs on public property are immediately removed by Code Enforcement personnel.

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 City Hall.

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

Lakeland BOC Regular Meeting Changed to Wednesday, August 1

The August Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 1, 2007.

Hunting/Discharge of Weapons in Lakeland

The City of Lakeland has designated certain areas of the City where is it is legal to discharge weapons.

Discharge of weapons, bows, pellet guns is illegal except as follows:

-In the protection of life

-Law Enforcement Officers in the performance of their official duties

-At a legal Firing Range

-Military functions such as parades, funerals etc.

-In areas of Lakeland described as follows:

-Zoned AG (Agricultural) in the Lakeland Zoning Ordinance AND;

-At least 20 acres in size

There is a map of areas where, under Lakeland Ordinances, weapons can be discharged at www.Lakelandtn.gov.

The Shelby County Sheriff may be called at 379-7625 if a resident feels weapons are being discharged illegally.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulates hunting and hunting may not be allowed in areas described above. There are restrictions on hunting within a prescribed distance of a public road, a residence etc. The discharge of weapons such as firearms, bow, pellet guns etc. are not authorized in the City limits except as noted above.

Illegal hunting can be reported toTWRA at 1-800-831-1173. Call TWRA at 1-800-372-3928 for general questions on hunting. The TWRA web page is www. Tennessee.gov/twra.

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission-Postponed Agenda Items

The applicants have requested the following items be postponed to a future agenda for the July 16, 2007 Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission Agenda. The applicants requested that the projects be heard on August 20, 2007.

-Equestria Planned Development (Preliminary Development Plan)

-Arcadia Planned Development (Secondary Detailed Development Plan)

-Lakeland Commons Planned Development at Seed Tick and Highway 70 (Preliminary Development Plan)

MLGW Tree cutting on Memphis Arlington Road

I read in the Commercial Appeal this (Saturday) morning that MLGW had advised they would hold future work until they discussed the matter more with the City of Lakeland.

All we have requested is that the plans be reviewed by the Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission as is required by Tennessee Law.

We hope the matter can be worked out quickly. Obviously we want MLGW construction to proceed as fast as possible. However, as with any construction the plans need to be reviewed to insure that the plans are appropriate for the area.

MLGW Tree cutting on Memphis Arlington Road

MLGW is installing 3-phase service the Estates of Maple Grove, which is on Memphis Arlington, roughly ½ mile east of Seed Tick Road.

For some time, we have been discussing with MLGW the Tennessee State Law requirement (T.S.A. 13-4-104) that they submit plans before they start “improvements” (not maintenance) such as this.

The last discussion included the promise that MLGW would submit documentation on their position (that the State law on this does not apply to them) and also review the State Law that we (including the City Attorney) feel requires such approval.

We understand that there are interpretations to every law and we are willing to discuss this with MLGW.

Yesterday, without any notice, MLGW started construction, including moving several protected trees in the process. They did stop when we issued a “Stop Work” order.

This morning (Friday, July 13) am MLGW representative called the City staff person who issued the Stop Work order and basically advised him (in essence) that the officials who make such decisions at MLGW didn’t care what Lakeland thought and they were proceeding with the project.

The City staff is reviewing our options on this matter but we hope that MLGW will keep their promise to review the Tennessee State Statute involved and submit the information that they feel exempts them from the statutes before taking any further action.

I fully expect that the City of Lakeland will take whatever action is necessary to insure that MLGW complies with Tennessee State Law and City Ordinances.

I will post to this Blog as necessary to update on this matter.

Lakeland Retail Future to be discussed 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12

A Community Retail Development Program discussion will highlight the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce “Lakeland After Hours” at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12.

All Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend.

RSVP to Sondra Blondis at 213-2143 or 483-6367. Additional information is available at www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com. Lakeland After Hours is at the Oakwood Clubhouse at 10133 Matwood Oak Drive.

A Tennessee Valley Authority representative will be present and discuss how the Lakeland community can partner with TVA to design a Retail Attraction Package that is tailored to Lakeland.

The Lakeland Retail Attraction Package will kickoff in September of 2007. The Lakeland Chamber and Lakeland Economic Development Commission encourage any person interested in the future of Lakeland to attend this meeting.

This could be the meeting that sets the pattern for the future of Lakeland! Plan to attend this important meeting. This Lakeland After Hours is sponsored by Trustmark Bank and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

Trash pickup changes week of July 4, 2007

Trash pickup will be delayed one day this week after the July 4 Holiday. Specific changes are:

-Wednesday trash pickup route will be picked up Thursday.

-Thursday trash pickup route will be picked up Friday.

-Friday trash pickup route will be picked up Saturday.

The recycling schedule will not be affected.

Operation Safe Community

Operation Safe Community is a partnership of a number of organizations and persons to reduce crime in Shelby County. As noted by one of the participants, criminals don’t recognize municipal boundaries.

Chair of the Committee is U.S. Attorney David Kustoff. Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell and District Attorney Bill Gibbons are actively involved (and I believe initiated Operation Safe Community). Representatives of Shelby County departments, all Shelby County municipalities, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Memphis Tomorrow etc. are actively involved in the initiative so it is a program which may make a difference and be effective. Some action items have already been implemented.

Operation Safe Community has a number of priority action items and I believe it will make a difference. I am impressed by the action accomplished thus far and the continued interest in the organization and the implementation of the action items.

Detailed information is available at www.operationsafecommunity.org. Interested persons can sign up for E-mail updates etc. at this web site.

Proposed Sign Ordinance Amendments

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners is considering the following amendments to the Lakeland Sign Ordinance. This will be on First Reading at the BOC meeting on Thursday, July 5. Residents or Businesspersons with questions may contact Jim Atkinson at Lakeland City Hall with any questions, clarifications or comments.

Incidental Signs – Currently, incidental signs are permitted up to one square-foot with a maximum height of two feet. The proposed change would allow two square feet in area and three feet in height. Incidental signs are typically used for directional purposes, such as “entrance”, “exit”, etc. Incidental signs may not contain any commercial message.

Temporary Signs (banners) – Currently, each business is allowed one temporary sign permit for a banner each year and the permit is good for 30 days. The proposed change would allow three permits per year, good for 10 days each (30 days total per year).

Ground Sign – Currently, principle ground signs must be setback at least 20 feet from front property lines. The proposed change would allow a 10-foot setback.

Window Signs – Currently, window signs are not permitted. The proposed change would allow a maximum of 2 window signs per business not to exceed 10% of the total window area and be no larger than 20 square feet.

I emphasize these are staff proposals and may not be approved or may be revised prior to final adoption.

Jeffery Thomas

Jeffery Thomas passed on on Saturday, June 22, 2007 after collapsing while playing basketball.

He worked for the Lakeland Parks Department in the recreational program and maintaining and improving the City parks.

When I first interviewed him, he mentioned his goal of becoming a Coach. As part of the Lakeland Parks Department he was a Coach as well as a Referee for the Lakeland Recreation program.

Jeffery was talented and dedicated to improving the recreational program for Lakeland residents and especially enjoyed working in the recreational activities. I observed him over the time he worked for the City and noted his dedication and hard work, and, most of all, his pride in doing an excellent job.

The City Staff and children and parents who participated in the Lakeland Recreation Program will miss Jeffery.

Update on I-40/Canada Road Interchange

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) advised at a meeting with Lakeland City staff and engineering consultant on Monday, June 18, 2007 that both the Enhanced Diamond and the Single Point Urban Interchange designs are still under consideration.

TDOT advised that, if all performance factors are equal over a 20 year period, the more inexpensive Enhanced Diamond design would be selected. However, the City of Lakeland Transportation Consultant is submitting documentation showing that the Single Point Urban Interchange is more effective and will save money over the 20 year period and is worth the initial extra cost.

City staff also presented petitions with over 1,100 signatures (!) urging TDOT to select the Single Point Urban Interchange. (A big thanks to all the persons who spent a lot of time and effort in collecting signatures! Your support and work are appreciated and I believe it will be a factor in the final decision.) TDOT noted the petitions and letters were received and than recommended the City retain them.

We do definitely feel that TDOT has not yet determined the design and will consider all the facts before making a decision in the near future.

A TDOT representative also called me last week to remind me that TDOT will hold a Public Hearing after the design is selected. Even if the Enhanced Diamond interchange is selected, persons may still appear and recommend the Single Point Urban Interchange or recommend changes to the Enhanced Diamond design.

We will keep you advised of any news we hear on this matter.

Thanks for your Support!

984 signatures (letters and on petitions) have been counted as of 4:30 p.m. Friday in support of the “Single Point Urban Interchange” for the I-40/Canada Road interchange upgrade.

We expect the total signatures will top 1,000 by Monday.

We appreciate the support of area residents and especially the persons who dedicated a lot of time and effort in collecting signatures and passing out letters!

We expect that the Tennessee Department of Transportation will select a design in the near future. A Public Hearing on the design will be held after the design is selected.

Letters and petitions may still be turned into City Hall until approximately 10 a.m. Monday morning. City staff will take the petitions and letters to Nashville Monday afternoon for a meeting with TDOT as an indication of the support and concern for the Canada Roard/I-40 interchange.

Interchange at I-40 and Canada Road

What is a Single Point Interchange and why is it so important to Lakeland and residents of surrounding areas (anyone using or affected by this Interchange)?

Detailed information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov on why the Single Point design is so important to Lakeland.

Downloadable petitions and sample letters are available at this website so you can support the Single Point design.

If you haven't already done so, I urge you to downloand a petition now and get signatures and/or download a sample letter!

All petitions and letters should be sent to Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002 so they are received by June 15, 2007.

Lakeland events-special thanks

The Lakeland Fishing Rodeo and the 30^th City of Lakeland Birthday Celebration was successful due to excellent and dedicated work by the staff and volunteers, including the Lakeland Park Board/Natural Resources Board.

We especially appreciate the efforts of Lakeland personnel, including

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Brenda Lockhart

Recreation Coordinator Joy Cloud

Park Coordinator Dan Scott

Park Maintenance Jeffery Thomas

Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges

Natural Resources Technician Nick Bridgeman

As always, volunteers are especially important to Lakeland, and the members of the Lakeland Park and Recreation Board/Natural Resources Board contributed a lot of volunteer time and effort to making these events successful. Members include

John Ward (Chair of the Park Board/Natural Resources Board)

Commissioner Randy Nicholson

James Bacon

Bille Fae Horton

Anthony Neri

Clay Rogers.

I-40 Canada Road Action needed!

All residents of the area who are impacted by the I-40/Canada Road Interchange-We need your help!

The Tennessee Department of Transportation advised the City that a Public Hearing on whether the Single Point Interchange design or the enhanced diamond design is being selected. Instead there will be one more meeting with City staff only and TDOT.

THE MEETING IS JUNE 18, 2007. WE WANT TO BRING ALONG ALL THE LETTERS AND PETITIONS POSSIBLE TO INDICATE THAT EASTERN SHELBY COUNTY RESIDENTS (AND FAYETTE COUNTY RESIDENTS) WANT AN INTERCHANGE WITH THE "SINGLE POINT DESIGN" AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

YOU CAN HELP!

The information provided below is also at www.Lakelandtn.gov, as are Petitions and sample letters. Petitions and sample letters can also be E-mailed to you by contacting the City of Lakeland at CityHall@lakelandtn.org, faxed or mailed by calling 867-2717 or picked up at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee.

NOTE THAT PETITIONS AND LETTERS MUST BE RETURNED TO LAKELAND CITY HALL BY JUNE 15, 2007 TO BE DELIVERED IN PERSON TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ON JUNE 18, 2007!

ACT NOW!

PLEASE HELP GET THE BEST INTERCHANGE DESIGN AT I-40 AND CANADA ROAD.

1. Download the attached petition and get it signed by as many people and possible and return it to Lakeland City Hall by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 15. (Petitions will be at www.Lakelandtn.gov

Or

2. Download the attached letter, date and sign it and return it to City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15. (Sample letters will be at www.Lakelandtn.gov

Or

3. Write a letter to Mr. Degges at the address noted in your own words (handwritten is fine) and return it to City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15.

The mailing address for Lakeland City Hall is Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002.

We will handcarry all letters and petitions to Nashville on Monday, June 18, 2007 to personally deliver them to Mr. Degges at the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED!

Census Verfication Team in Lakeland starting today (Wednesday, May 30)

The State of Tennessee sends out a Census Verification Team to spot check the Census Data collected by the City.

They are in Lakeland today (Wednesday, May 30, 2007) and will shortly be verifying names and addresses in the following Subdivisions:

-Oakwood

-Stonebridge

-Plantation Hills

-Lakeland Estates

-Woodland Park.

They will be driving marked Tennessee State vehicles and wearing identification badges.

They may verify other subdivisions as needed.

Please call City Hall if you have any questions or desire additional information.

The Receptionist at City Hall will have a list of names if you wish to call and verify any name.

Mark Neel

We are sorry to hear about the recent passing of Mark Neel at the age of 45.

Mark Neel played a major role in Lakeland development as a Partner in the Partnership that developed Woodbridge Addition and the Oakwood Additions. He is a major influence on the development of Lakeland as a result of his involvement in these two subdivisons as well as other residential areas.

I was not surprised to learn from the story in the Commercial Appeal that Mark Neel had quietly used his own money and time in developing a youth sports complex without any publicity. His comment was "These kids need a chance".

I-40/Canada Road Interchange Action

Petitions will be available in the near future for residents to petition the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to schedule the Public Hearing on the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange. We understand this is the next step in the process.

The Lakeland Economic Development Commission recently discussed plans to encourage the Tennessee Department of Commerce (TDOT) to take promised action to have a Public Hearing "this Spring" in the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange.

At this time, priority is on requesting that the promised Public Hearing be held as soon as possible so the project can get started!

I understand a 30 day notice period is required before the Public Hearing is held. During this period the Lakeland Economic Development Commission will encourage all persons who use the Interchange to attend the Hearing and followup with written comments.

City Hall Entrance signs

I hope you have noticed the refurbished Lakeland City entrance signs! These signs are the result of a lot of work by a number of people! A lot more is involved in this than I realized. I encourage all residents to give a special "thank you" to Kathleen Brasfield, City Beautiful Project Coordinator, and Michael Brasfield, Project Leader, whose woodworking skills made salvaging the signs a reality.

Persons who worked on the sign project include:

Civic Club Members: Michael Brasfield, Margaret Brown, Bobbi Cornett, Mary Lou Shannon, Vi Flannagan, and Shirley Broom.

Lion's Club Members: Bert Faller and Bill Gibson.

Girl Scout Leaders: Barbara Ellacott, Melissa Skovdal.

Girl Scout Studio 2B Troop 392: Jordan Spegele, Ashley Wei, Laura Ellacott, Jessica Weaver, Emily Adkins, Brittani Craft, and Carlin Gray.

Brownie and Junior Troop 472: Jennifer Hopper, Sorina Skovdal, Rachel Crawford, Taylor Adams, Kyrsten Gray, Evy Montgomery, Nikki Adams, Andrea Crawford, Morgan Chinery, Kayla Johnson, Ana Cuesta, and Caitlin Cuesta.

In addition I want to thank the Public Works crew who installed the signs, James Riley, Joey Courtney and Nelson Hardaway and to Eric Bridges and Nick Bridgman for the landscaping around the sign on Canada Road (all of the signs are in the process of being landscaped at the appropriate time of year).

Our thanks to all of these residents who helped make Lakeland entrances more attractive!

Art in City Hall-Glenda Brown

Artist Glenda Brown has a special treat for persons stopping by Lakeland City Hall. She is the "Art in City Hall" artist this month and you will enjoy the outstanding portraits on display.

This is a show you will need to stop by, study and enjoy.

Lakeland City Hall is at 10001 Highway 70 in Lakeland. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Art may also be viewed during evening meetings.

Fountain at IH Club Lake

The new fountain is installed at the Lakeland at IH Club! It is an impressive sight! This is a combined community effort with contributions by the Lakeland Lions Club, Lakeland Funfest and the City of Lakeland. Another company contributed to the fountain, but wishes to remain anonymous.

It is on a timer and so is on from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stop by and take a look. Of course if you plan in attending the Fishing Rodeo this Saturday, you will have the opportunity to see it along with lots of fish!

Lakeland Memorial Tree Program

The Lakeland Natural Resources Department’s Memorial Tree Program is now available. A tree may be sponsored in honor or of in memory of a person selected by the donor, to commemorate individuals, families or organizations, or even to celebrate a special event such as a wedding, birth, birthday, anniversary or other special event.

A tree may be sponsored for a payment of $400. The Natural Resources Department will plant a tree from the Lakeland Tree Species Selection List (specific species may be requested and will be honored where possible), include an aluminum display with the type of tree, the donor and the person or event being commemorated. The tree will be guaranteed for five years and will be replaced for any reason within that five year period.

Additional information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or contact the Natural Resources Department at 867-2717. Brochures with an application are available at City Hall and will be e-mailed or mailed if requested.

Schedule Changes and Events

Schedule changes and special events over the next several weeks are:

-Monday, May 28, 2007: City Hall is closed for Memorial Day. Board of Commissioner Work Session is rescheduled to Monday, June 4, 2007.

-Saturday, June 2, 2007: 9:00 a.m. Fishing Rodeo at IH Park.

-Sunday, June 3, 2007: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Hall Park. 30^th Anniversary of incorporation of the City of Lakeland

-Monday, June 4, 2007: 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners Work Session (rescheduled from Monday, May 38)

-Thursday, June 7, 2007: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting rescheduled to Thursday, June 14, 2007

-Thursday, June 14, 2007: 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

I always especially recognize Memorial Day, probably because when I was a kid, we always went what (to me) was a relatively long trip to the cemetery to visit our ancestors and deceased family members.

The small town where the cemetery was located (Soldier, Kansas) always had a big Memorial Day dinner for the persons visiting the cemetery. They also provided the lunch etc. for funeral services.

My parents both rest at the Soldier, Kansas Cemetery and the residents of Soldier provided the lunch at their funeral services and I still enjoy their Memorial Day lunches when we visit on Memorial Day.

I am still impressed by the dedication of the residents of Soldier, Kansas over all these years where they still provide such a service to visitors.

I think one of the reasons I enjoy being a City Manager so much is that I have some strong memories of the small towns I visited when I was a child and I realize the impact of city services and facilities. In addition to the Memorial Day visits being one of my earliest memories, we were heavy users of the Holton, Kansas library, parks and recreational facilities when we came to town on weekly shopping visits. I still remember how well they were maintained and the true dedication of the librarians and park workers and I hope we leave similar memories for our residents and visitors.

Windward Slopes Park improvements starting

Windward Slopes Park improvements will begin in the immediate future. The project will include off-street parking, playground equipment, a pavilion, tennis courts and a “ball wall”. The alignment of the walking trail will also be adjusted to allow for the projects.

The project is expected to be completed no later than early Spring of 2008 and hopefully well before that. The park improvements are funded by the City of Lakeland and a grant from the Tennessee Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Recreation Educational.

Last Chance to count in Lakeland Census!

The current “Special Census” count of Lakeland’s population is now 10, 838! If you haven’t completed the Special Census form, the deadline is Tuesday, May 15 for you to be counted!

Census information requested is only the names of the persons in your household and the address. This may be called in to City Hall at 867-2717, e-mailed to CityHall@lakelandtn.org or a form may be downloaded at www.Lakelandtn.gov and faxed to City Hall at 867-2063 or bought by City Hall at 10001 Highway 70.

If you haven’t submitted your census information, make yourself count and send your information today!

We appreciate the efforts of all Lakeland residents who submitted census information. I also thank Lakeland City personnel Debra Murrell, Anita Hughes, Bristol Roberts, Joey Courtney, Nelson Hardaway, James Riley and James Roberts for their special efforts to assist in “making everyone count” in the 2007 Special Lakeland Census.

Lakeland over 10,000 Population

On Monday, April 30, the Special Census count totaled 10,044 Lakeland residents. Approximately 668 census forms have not been returned, but City personnel are making a final effort to count all Lakeland residents.

We appreciate the assistance of all Lakeland residents who have returned the Special Census forms or called/e-mailed in their household names.

It's not too late! If you haven't returned your Special Census form, you can still call 867-2717, e-mail CityHall@lakelandtn.org, or download a form from www.Lakelandtn.gov and mail, fax or personally bring in the form!

If you did not list all of the persons in your household, you also still can submit a corrected form.

Lakeland city personnel Debra Murell, Anita Hughes, Bristol Roberts, Nelson Hardaway, James Riley and Joey Courtney all worked hard on making the Special Census a success.

Garage Sale Sign Guidelines

As the Garage Sale season approaches, Lakeland residents are reminded that City of Lakeland regulations allow one regulation size “Garage Sale” sign on the property of the Garage Sale. No flags, banners, balloons etc. are allowed to call attention to the Garage Sale. No permit is required for a Garage Sale or a Garage Sale sign.

Signs are not allowed on public property (intersections, street right of ways) and garage sale signs on public property will be removed.

We appreciate your cooperation in complying with the Lakeland community requirements on garage sale signs.

Specific regulations are:

Yard Sale Signs (14-404.2(20))

Signs for yard sales shall be allowed provided that:

(a) Only one (1) such sign shall be on the lot where the yard sale is located;

(b) Such sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in sign area per side and 48 inches in height measured from finished grade;

(c) Such sign shall be removed immediately upon conclusion of the yard sale;

(d) No such signs shall be placed in such as manner as to obstruct visibility or be attached to utility poles, directional or regulatory signage, or trees; and

(e) Such sign shall not be placed closer than 15 feet from the edge of pavement or five (5) feet behind a sidewalk, whichever is greater.

Please contact City Hall at 867-2717 or CityHall@lakelandtn.org if you have specific questions on Garage Sale sign regulations.

Transportation Project Update

Beverle Revira Drive Extension: Plans for the Beverle Revira Drive extension (extension of the street past Lakeland Fire Station # 1 to Huff and Puff) are complete. The project will be bid as soon as the Municipal Planning Commission reviews the construction plans and necessary easements are obtained.

The project is a major effort in plans to improve access from Seed Tick to Canada Road.

The City has also been approved for a grant for a traffic signal at Beverle Revira Drive and Canada Road after the extension is completed.

This project will significantly improve fire/ambulance response to the Lakeland Elementary School area and improve the current bottleneck at Canada Road and Huff and Puff.

Eventually, Beverle Revira Drive will extend from Canada Road to Chambers Chapel Road.

For those persons who are new to Lakeland, Beverle Revira Drive is named in honor Beverle Revira, the first Mayor of Lakeland.

Traffic Signals at I-40 and Canada Road Interchange: I regret to announce that the traffic signals have been delayed for another three months. I understand the project, which is funded by the federal government and administered by Shelby County will be delayed for some required environmental reviews. Current plans are for the project to be bid in June of 2007.

This project is desperately needed and I hope this is the last delay.

Canada Road/I-40 Interchange: The Tennessee Department of Transportation is expected to schedule a Public Hearing in the near future. There will be at least 30 days notice of the date of the Public Hearing on the interchange.

The Lakeland Economic Development Commission is actively working on an educational campaign to inform Lakeland residents and all motorists using the interchange of the Public Hearing and the advantages of the Single Point Interchange.

Traffic Signals at Highway 70 and Canada Road: We are waiting confirmation that the Tennessee Department of Transportation intends to install traffic signals at this intersection (with left-turn lanes in all directions). We learned that this project was funded by a safety grant, but we are awaiting a letter of confirmation.

New Canada Road planning: Planning is expected to start in the near future on New Canada Road. Shelby County, the State of Tennessee and the City of Lakeland are using the Context Sensitive Solution approach, which will involve a citizens in planning the route and other features of New Canada Road.

We expect this to start in the near future.

Funds for the construction of New Canada Road were recently approved in the MPO Plan for New Canada Road. This will be an 80% grant, with the City contributing 20%. The City has requested that Shelby County participate in funding and planning this project, since Canada Road is a major north/south artery that serves many Shelby County residents who are not Lakeland residents.

I-40/Canada Road interchange Public Hearing emphasis of EDC Action

The Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) is emphasing the importance of attending the upcoming Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Public Hearing on the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange. The date of the Public Hearing is expected to be announced shortly.

An informational brochure and galvanizing public attendance at the Public Hearing is a top priority. Following the Public Hearing, the emphasis will be on demonstrating continued public support to State Officials. The brochure will include information on the need for the interchange and the differences between the “single-point interchange” and the enhanced “diamond” interchange.

The EDC held the Special Meeting to set priorities and decided that the logical priority is the completion of the interchange, with the immediate emphasis on the Public Hearing and follow-up support.

Lakeland Economic Development members include Board of Commission Liaison Randy Nicholson, EDC Chair Mark Lawrence, Melissa Smithmier, John Dudas, Municipal Planning Commission Liaison Kathleen Brasfield, Don Oliver, Connie Hess, Josh Roman and Pamela Womack.

The Economic Development Commission members are appointed by the Lakeland Board of Commissioners.

Join Neighborhood Watch efforts!

I am reprinting the item below from QNet since I feel this is an excellent method to raise awareness of and prevent crime in Lakeland.

Yahoo Groups is easy to use and is very effective. I urge all Lakeland residents to join this Yahoo Group and fight crime in Lakeland!

LAKELAND NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Brian S. Haines, Council of Lakeland Associations

The Council of Lakeland Associations (COLA) invites all Lakeland neighborhood leaders to join our interactive online forum by signing up at the following address:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/
Click the "Join This Group" button to apply for access and discover the quick and easy polls and discussion threads that are aimed at sharing knowledge, experience and encouragement for establishing and maintaining effective Neighborhood Watch programs in Lakeland. Please don't wait until you feel the sting of criminal activity in your neighborhood or home before you get involved. Take a proactive role in making Lakeland a less attractive place for criminals to operate. Together we can!

Recycle Bin Lids Available

The City is receiving approximately 100 lids for the recycle bids for testing by Lakeland residents. The lids are designed to "snap" onto the recycle bins and prevent recyclables from blowing and also keeps them dry in wet weather!

Lids are available at City Hall (10001 Highway 70) on a first-come basis. Persons who are unable to stop by City Hall should e-mail cityhall@Lakelandtn.org or call 867-2717 and leave your name and address and we will deliver a lid as long as they are available.

We will appreciate your comments on the lids after you have tested them before we decide to proceed with providing lids to all customers who recycle.

Lakeland Census-We Count on You!

Lakeland residents who have not yet responded to the 2008 Special Census are encouraged to respond to the census survey. Surveys are currently being mailed out to residents who have not responded.

Also, if you did not include all household members in the survey, please complete another survey listing all persons in your household. (We will simply use the new survey and delete the previous survey)

Residents who do not receive a form (especially new residents) or residents who need to complete another form to list all household members may obtain a form at www.Lakelandtn.gov, e-mailing CityHall@lakelandtn.org or calling City Hall at 867-2717.

We appreciate the high response rate of Lakeland residents and encourage residents who are not counted to respond to the survey and residents who may have submitted an incomplete survey to complete a survey. Every resident counts! For every resident counted, the City receives approximately $109 per year, which benefits all Lakeland residents.

Please call Debra or Anita at Lakeland City Hall if you have any questions or desire additional information.

May 7 Community Meeting HOLD THIS DATE!

The second Lakeland Community Meeting with Farr and Associates on the Lakeland development code rewrite is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 at the IH Clubhouse.
Hold this date! This will be an entertaining and informative meeting that you will enjoy!

J. Higbee, Lakeland Growth Management Director, advised that

The goal of this meeting is to gather community preferences for the types of development desired in Lakeland. The meeting will last about 2 1/2 hours and will focus on an image preference survey (IPS). During this activity, participants will view and rate photographs illustrating different development types. The images will include photographs from Lakeland, metro-Memphis, and communities from around the country. The results of the IPS will be compiled and used to help create zoning and subdivision standards that will guide future development in Lakeland.

Additional information will be provided in the near future, but mark this date on your calendar now and plan to attend this important meeting!

Connecting trail in IH Park under construction

Construction will start soon on a connecting trail between the main parking lot and the lake area at IH Park. The trail will start at the south side of the parking lot and end near the lake at IH Club.

The trail is designed to be accessible to persons with a disabilty and also willl provide a safe way to access the lake area of the park from the parking lot.

Call MLGW First!

During a recent meeting with Memphis Gas Light and Water (MLGW), it was noted that some property owners do not contact MLGW before contacting or starting development of property. If your property requires extensive work to hook up to electric, water or gas service (or if 3-phase service etc. is required), it may affect your development or even your purchasing decision.

Contact MLGW Residential Services before you make any major decisions! Call 528-4855 and ask for Chris Williams. If he is not available ask or leave a message for Wayne Ellis.

This call could save you a considerable amount of money!

Yard waste trucks added

Hunter Carruthers, with All Star Waste Service, recently advised he has added several yard waste trucks to handle the increased yard waste generated by the recent warm weather.

We appreciate All Star's response to this seasonal increase in yard waste.

Economic Development Commission meeting postponed

The Economic Development Commission scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2007 will be rescheduled.

Lakeland's 30th Birthday!

Mayor Scott Carmichael recently noted that 2007 is the 30^th Birthday for Lakeland. Brenda Lockhart and other City staff are working on a 30^th Anniversary. Other organizations or individuals may wish to celebrate and participate in the City celebration.

Please contact Brenda or I if you have any suggestions!

Carol Pollard art display at Lakeland City Hall

Carol Pollard presents her art as the Art at City Hall artist. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and view a variety of her enjoyable art display.

She has a degree in Art and is a Charter Member of the Bartlett Art Association. Her art has been displayed in a variety of galleries and public areas and is now available for viewing at Lakeland City Hall!

We are enjoying her art daily at City Hall and appreciate her display and invite all residents to stop by and enjoy Carol Pollard’s art display.

Dogs: Please keep on lease and clean up after dogs!

Lakeland residents are reminded that dogs must be on a leash in public areas. The Lakeland Park and Recreation Board members recently have had complaints about dogs running loose in city parks. This is a danger to others, as well as a violation of park rules.

Also, persons walking dogs are reminded to clean up after the dog. This is a courtesy to others as well as necessary for health and sanitation reasons. Again, park rules require persons to clean up after dogs or other animals.

If necessary, the City will start giving citations to violators to emphasize the need to comply with these rules.

ATT Cable Bill-Oppose it!

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution urging Tennessee State Representatives and Senators to oppose the ATT Cable bill and I urge Lakeland residents (and any Tennessee citizen) to insist that this bill be defeated! I have enclosed a copy of the Resolution.

Remember, BellSouth is now part of ATT and BellSouth has refused to do ANYTHING to clear up the phone directory or number mess in Lakeland (they don't even RECOGNIZE Lakeland!).

This is the same company that advised that Lakeland residents could "write all the letter and call all they want", but BellSouth wouldn't do anything about providing a Lakeland phone book or clearing up the phone mess in Lakeland. They kept their word-they still can't find Lakeland or determine if a phone subscriber lives in Lakeland!

WRITE, CALL, E-MAIL OR FAX YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO OPPOSE THIS BILL!

A RESOLUTION OF THE LAKELAND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS URGING THATSB1933 / HB1421 THE “COMPETITIVE CABLE AND VIDEO SERVICES ACT” NOT BE ADOPTED BY THE TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE

WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress established procedures and standards in order to foster competition and encourage the growth and development of cable systems, assure that cable systems are responsive to the needs and interests of the local community, assure that cable companies provide and are encouraged to provide the widest possible diversity of services to all, and provide for the orderly renewal of cable television franchises; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress, having determined that local governments are best suited to decide what is in the best interest of the citizens of their respective city, town or county, granted cable franchising authority to local governments; and

WHEREAS, municipalities across America have the legal right to enter into non-exclusive cable and video franchise agreements with cable and telephone companies; and

WHEREAS, municipalities welcome competition in the cable industry and stand ready to negotiate franchise agreements with cable and video operators in a timely fashion; and

WHEREAS, the “Competitive Cable and Video Service Act” is premised on the erroneous and unsubstantiated assertion that local governments and the local cable franchising process impedes competition among cable and video providers; and

WHEREAS, the existence of more than 600 cable franchise agreements that cable and telephone companies have entered into with local governments in Tennessee provides clear and convincing evidence that such assertions are baseless; and

WHEREAS, this legislation, under the guise of increased consumer access and choice, is simply an attempt by a corporate giant to bypass the local cable franchise process and unjustly gain advantages in its competitive fight with other cable and telephone companies that have duly and lawfully adhered to the congressionally authorized local cable and video franchising process and entered into more than 600 local cable franchise agreements with local governments in the state; and

WHEREAS, the local franchising process in Tennessee has benefited consumers and municipalities by ensuring that cable and video operators respond to local needs and interests; and

WHEREAS, these benefits include, but are not limited to, locally imposed and enforceable customer service standards; build out requirements that ensure cable operators serve the entire community; provision of public, educational and governmental (“PEG”) access channels; complimentary cable and Internet service to public buildings and community facilities; municipal management of the public rights-of-way; and franchise fee revenues for use of the public rights-of-way; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee General Assembly is considering legislation that would effectively eliminate the process by which local governments establish and enforce requirements that protect its citizens and ensure that all residents are assured access to cable or video service; prohibit the state and local governments from enacting any consumer quality and service protection standards; greatly minimize local governments’ enforcement of customer service standards; significantly reduce PEG channel obligations, including local control and PEG support; abolish the granting of complimentary services; and limit local authority over the public rights-of-way; and reduce franchise fees paid to local governments for use of the public rights-of-way; and

WHEREAS, such legislation would radically alter the regulatory framework for cable operators that has been in place for decades, allow cable and video providers to “cherry pick” the most profitable neighborhoods and customers, and impede local governments’ ability to protect their citizens and provide for the needs and interests of their communities; and

WHEREAS, the affect of such legislation would undermine congressional intent regarding the provision of cable and video service; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress considered and rejected similar legislation last year;

RESOLVED by the Lakeland Board of Commissionersthat the City of Lakeland hereby opposes the “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act” currently being considered by the Tennessee State Legislature and the United States Congress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Lakeland will send this resolution to all the members of the 105^th Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Congressional delegation, and the two U.S. Senators from Tennessee

No Burning without a Permit!

We have had several calls concerning burning debris, leaves and debris in Lakeland. We checked and found that NO BURNING is allowed in Shelby County (not just Lakeland) without a permit as noted below.

NO “agricultural burning” is allowed (this is how leaf burning is classified). Controlled burning is allowed by permit only from Shelby County Fire Department AND the Shelby County Health Department. This type of burning is the pit-type burning by developers.For burn permit, individuals should contact the Battalion Chief on duty at Shelby County Fire Department at 379-7072 and Allen Simpson from the Shelby County Health Department at 544-7303. Mr. Simpson said there are some exceptions to the “no agricultual burning” rules. He also indicated that cooking and ceremonial fires are permitted.

A copy of the Shelby County Fire Regulations will posted at www.Lakelandtn.gov in the near future.

Census 2007-Followup forms sent

The City has just sent a second mailing of Census forms to residents who have not yet returned a Census Form. If you have not received a Census Form, please download a form from www.lakelandtn.gov or call 867-2717. We can fill out a form over the phone or by E-mail (cityhall@lakelandtn.org).

If you have not sent a Census form, please send a form listing all residents of your household as soon as possible. You may also call City Hall at 867-2717 and provide the information over the phone or E-mail the information to cityhall@lakelandtn.org.

If you have sent in a form and did not include the names and addresses of all residents of your household, please send in a revised form or call/e-mail City Hall with the names of the additional residents.

This is extremely important to Lakeland residents since the City receives approximately $109 per year for EACH resident!

Please contact City Hall if you have any questions or desire additional information.

New Natural Resources Web Site on www.lakelandtn.gov

Www.Lakelandtn.gov now has a page dedicated to Natural Resources, including a link to the nationally acclaimed Lakeland Natural Resources Inventory, links to webpages of a variety of natural resources as well as local programs and events involving natural resources. (Click “natural resources” under the government tab.)

The site includes detailed information on a variety of topics and issues on natural resources, as well as a comprehensive list of webpages. An example of links is noted below. This site is one the most comprehensive sources of information on Natural Resources I have seen.

(Some links on the www.Lakelandtn.gov Natural Resources web page).

US Forest Service
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- US Park Service
- TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation
- TN Wildlife Resources Agency
- TN Division of Forestry

· Other Agencies and Non-Profits
- National Arbor Day Foundation
- University Ag Extension (Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries)
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Society of American Foresters
- TN Urban Forestry Council
- TN Native Plant Society

· Articles and Manuals
- TN Best Management Practices
- TN Exotic Invasive Plant Pest List

Congratulations to Natural Resources Technician Nick Bridgeman and Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges on this outstanding site!

Memphis area top 10 in pure water

According to an article in a national magazine, Memphis water ranks in the top ten as the most pure water of all metropolitan areas (the top 100 in population). Since Lakeland water is provided by Memphis Light Gas and Water, which serves most of the Memphis area, we have some of the most pure tap water that is available in the nation!