We received confirmation that the bid for traffic signals for the I-40/Canada Road Interchange is scheduled for approval by the Shelby County Commission.
The Public Works Committee of the Shelby County Commission (District 4 Commissioner Wyatt Bunker is the Chair) is considering the traffic signal at the Committee meeting starting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at the Shelby County Courthouse.
The full Shelby County Commission is scheduled to approve the bid for the traffic signals at the regular meeting starting at 1:30 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2009. (We will confirm this is on the agenda.)
We encourage all Lakeland residents and persons who use the Interchange to contact the Shelby County Commissioners (www.ShelbyCountytn.gov) and ask them to PLEASE approve this bid!
The traffic signals will substantially improve safety, reduce congestion and accidents and reduce air pollution.
The traffic signals will substantially improve the response of the Shelby County Ambulance, the Fire Department and the Hazardous Response Unit to all areas of Shelby County.
We appreciate all of the time, work and effort put into this project by the Shelby County Public Works and Engineering Department personnel.
Friday, August 21, 2009
New Canada Road Advisory Team September meetigns
The New Canada Road Advisory Team has scheduled the following September meetings:
-3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009: The Advisory Team will review the alignment of New Canada Road. The Team plans to make a final decision on the alignment at this meeting. The meeting is at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.
-7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009: The Advisory Team will have a Public Meeting concerning New Canada Road. This is the last scheduled meeting of the Advisory Team. The meeting is at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.
Additional information is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com
-3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009: The Advisory Team will review the alignment of New Canada Road. The Team plans to make a final decision on the alignment at this meeting. The meeting is at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.
-7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009: The Advisory Team will have a Public Meeting concerning New Canada Road. This is the last scheduled meeting of the Advisory Team. The meeting is at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.
Additional information is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com
Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance sponsoring Forum on "Consolidation"
The Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance is sponsoring a Forum on "Consolidation Issues" at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Memphis Area Homebuilders Association.
All Suburban Mayors (including Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael, who has accepted the invitation) are invited to speak to present their views.
Pat Hardy, with the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), has been invited to discuss the pro's and con's of "consolidation". Mr. Hardy had completed substantial research on the consolidation issue.
A research paper by Mr. Hardy is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov.
Save the evening of September 10, 2009 for this informative meeting!
All Suburban Mayors (including Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael, who has accepted the invitation) are invited to speak to present their views.
Pat Hardy, with the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), has been invited to discuss the pro's and con's of "consolidation". Mr. Hardy had completed substantial research on the consolidation issue.
A research paper by Mr. Hardy is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov.
Save the evening of September 10, 2009 for this informative meeting!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Business Appreciation Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 19
Lakeland businesspersons, including home-based businesses, are invited to the Business Appreciation Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the Stonebridge Golf Club. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Lakeland and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Existing Business Committee.
A limited number of attendees may still register-call Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717 or e-mail Tmeyer@lakelandtn.org!
Mayor Scott Carmichael, Vice Mayor Mark Hartz and members of the Lakeland Economic Development Commission (Connie Hess, Chair); the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce (Mark Lawrence, President) and the Existing Business Committee of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce will be present. The Business Liaison for the City of Lakeland (Debra Murrell) will also be present. This program has been nicknamed the “Friendly Face” program, since the City desires to display a “friendly face” to new and existing businesses.
Enjoy a free breakfast, win door prices and visit with other business persons, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, City officials and staff, the Greater Memphis Chamber and find answers to questions about Chamber and City services.
Businesses will be encouraged to sign up for personal visits with appropriate City staff to discuss any questions, opportunities, or challenges.
To maximize the opportunity for Lakeland businesses to attend, the City reserved several extra breakfast meals. Call (867-2717) or e-mail (Tmeyer@lakelandtn.org) to reserve a place today!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Don't make it easy, lock your car!
Lieutenant Horton, of the Shelby County Sheriff Department, recently presented a report to the Board of Commissioners that vehicle break-ins had increased (as it has in the metro area).
He mentioned the best protection was locking your car. His advice was to "don't make it easy, lock your car!".
I hope all Lakeland residents take the time to lock your car, not leave valuables in the car etc. and "don't make it easy"!
Business Appreciation Breakfast scheduled 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 19
INVITATION TO ALL LAKELAND BUSINESS OWNERS AND MANAGERS. HOME-BASED BUSINESSES ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!
Please RSVP by Monday, August 10 to Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717 or tmeyer@lakelandtn.org.
City of Lakeland
July 31, 2009
Dear Business Owner or Manager,
The City of Lakeland cordially invites you to a Business Appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at Stonebridge Golf Club starting at 7:30 am.
In an effort to better understand the challenges faced by business owners and managers, the breakfast will be an opportunity to network with other business owners and managers and learn more about City services that can benefit your business. This is also an opportunity for the City to listen to your ideas, concerns, and questions and find ways that we can improve to better serve you.
The breakfast meeting is FREE to attend, and there will be representatives of the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeland Economic Development Commission, and the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce in attendance to answer questions and record comments on an individual basis.
What: Lakeland Business Appreciation Breakfast
When: August 19, 2009
Time: 7:30 am
Where: Stonebridge Golf Club
3049 Davies Plantation Road
Lakeland, TN 38002
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Signal Light contract at I-40/Canada Road to be considered
A major safety and traffic hazard may be resolved in the near future as the Shelby County Commission will take final action on the bid for installing signal lights at the I-40/Canada Road interchange at a future meeting.
Tentative dates are Wednesday, August 26, for discussion at the Committee Meeting and Monday, August 31 for final action by the full Shelby County Commission. (This is a change from the original dates of August 12 and August 17.)
The signal lights will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of the I-40/Canada Road Interchange.
This bid will benefit residents of Memphis, Arlington and Shelby County as well as Lakeland residents. The traffic signals will reduce the congestion. The congestion at this interchange is a major safety hazard and increases air pollution.
A major concern is that this interchange is the major link between the areas south of I-40 and north of I-40. Traffic signals will significant increase response time for public safety vehicles responding to residents of Memphis, Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlet, and Shelby County.
We will publicize the time and dates of the meetings as soon as they are finalized.
All Lakeland residents and Shelby County residents who use this intersection are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak in support of the signal lights, or at least contact the Shelby County Commissioners and advise them of the importance of these signal lights.
The names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all Shelby County Commissioners are listed under at www.shelbycountytn.gov (Click on the "Elected Officials" tab and then "County Commissioners".)
The bid for the traffic signals at I-40 and Canada Road has been approved by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Final action on approval of the bid is by the Shelby County Commission, since the funds are a 100% "congestion grant" that flows through Shelby County.
We will be reminding residents and the vehicles using this intersection of this opportunity to support traffic signals at the I-40/Canada Road interchange and making it safer for all future motorists.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
David Pickler, New Canada Road next week in Lakeland
Shelby County Schools Board Chairman David Pickler will visit the Board of Commissioners Work Session at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2009 to discuss the recent recommendation by the Shelby County Commission for "single source funding" for both Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools. Pickler will discuss the effects of "single source funding" on Lakeland and other non-Memphis areas, including property tax increases of up to 40% to pay for Memphis City Schools.
The New Canada Road Advisory Team holds a Public Input meeting from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. with presentation scheduled from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
The Public Input meeting will be held at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road. See www.NewCanadaRoad.com for detailed information.
Plan to attend and get the facts and make your comments!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
New Canada Road Meeting Tuesday, July 28
The New Canada Road public input meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road will include a presentation on the proposed New Canada Road alternatives from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Interested persons are encouraged to arrive as early as 6:00 p.m. to review the maps and discuss the project with the Canada Road Advisory Team Members and the project consultants.
The New Canada Road public input meeting is scheduled to last until 8:00 p.m. and will include time for public comment and input.
Detailed information on the New Canada Road Advisory Team and New Canada Road project is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com
The New Canada Road public input meeting is scheduled to last until 8:00 p.m. and will include time for public comment and input.
Detailed information on the New Canada Road Advisory Team and New Canada Road project is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
Harzardous trees being removed this week
Monday, July 20, 2009: Hazardous trees are being removed this week primarily on Seed Tick Road, Old Brownsville Road and Evergreen Road in Lakeland. The trees are being removed by private contractors who have the specialized equipment to remove the trees quickly and safely.
These are trees which have been identified as immediately hazardous to property, people and vehicles and were designated for immediate removal, especially after the recent storm damaged the trees and made them even more hazardous.
Please call City Hall at 867-2717 if you have any questions or desire additional information.
These are trees which have been identified as immediately hazardous to property, people and vehicles and were designated for immediate removal, especially after the recent storm damaged the trees and made them even more hazardous.
Please call City Hall at 867-2717 if you have any questions or desire additional information.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Golf Tournament scheduled for September 11
The Saint Francis Hospital of Bartlett/City of Lakeland Annual Golf Tournament at Stonebridge Golf Course is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2009. It will start at 1:00 p.m. with a shotgun start.
St. Francis Hospital of Bartlett and the City of Lakeland are co-sponsors of the Tournament. Proceeds will be dedicated to obtaining Youth Coaches Certifications and background checks for Lakeland recreation programs.
Entry deadline is Tuesday, September 1, 2009. The Tournament will include a meal after the tournament, great door prizes, refreshments, practice balls and contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive (male and female), cash or team winners and a possible hole-in-one contest.
Support the Lakeland recreation program and sign up! Entry forms are available at Lakeland City Hall (867-2717) or will be available at www.Lakelandtn.gov.
The Lakeland Park and Recreation Board includes Clay Rogers (Chair);, Commissioner Randy Nicholson (Board of Commissioners liaison), Bennie Cobb, Kumar Patel, Hank Hess, Nikki Wheetley, and Michael Fortner.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Pickler to discuss plan to tax surburbs for Memphis Schools
Shelby County School Board Chair David Pickler is scheduled to visit with the Lakeland Board of Commissioners at the BOC Work Session at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2009 at Lakeland City Hall.
The Shelby County Commission recently adopted a recommendation that will result in Lakeland property taxes increasing from 26% to 40% solely to support Memphis City Schools.
This means if your current taxes are $2,000 per year, you could pay as much as $800 more per year solely due to the action by the Shelby County Commission. This is in addition to increased assessments of suburban areas by the County.
The "Plan" was adopted by an "Ad Hoc Committee" (meaning "self appointed") that held meetings without notifying suburban cities and did not involve suburban cities until after the plan was basically approved, in spite of the fact that the "Plan" targeted suburban cities for substantially increased taxes.
Pickler will discuss the impact of the proposed tax on suburban areas.
All residents and interested residents are welcome to attend the meeting and hear the presentation and how to protest this plan to increase taxes without any resulting additional services.
The Shelby County Commission recently adopted a recommendation that will result in Lakeland property taxes increasing from 26% to 40% solely to support Memphis City Schools.
This means if your current taxes are $2,000 per year, you could pay as much as $800 more per year solely due to the action by the Shelby County Commission. This is in addition to increased assessments of suburban areas by the County.
The "Plan" was adopted by an "Ad Hoc Committee" (meaning "self appointed") that held meetings without notifying suburban cities and did not involve suburban cities until after the plan was basically approved, in spite of the fact that the "Plan" targeted suburban cities for substantially increased taxes.
Pickler will discuss the impact of the proposed tax on suburban areas.
All residents and interested residents are welcome to attend the meeting and hear the presentation and how to protest this plan to increase taxes without any resulting additional services.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
New Canada Road Advisory Team Public Workshop July 28
The Canada Road Advisory Team will hold a Public Workshop from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road.
This is an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the possible alternatives for New Canada Road.
Interested residents and persons are especially invited to attend this important meeting and comment on the proposed alternatives.
Detailed information is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com.
Please plan to attend this meeting if New Canada Road will impact you!
Canada Road Advisory Team Members are noted on the copy of a page of the www.NewCanadaRoad.com website.
This is an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the possible alternatives for New Canada Road.
Interested residents and persons are especially invited to attend this important meeting and comment on the proposed alternatives.
Detailed information is available at www.NewCanadaRoad.com.
Please plan to attend this meeting if New Canada Road will impact you!
Canada Road Advisory Team Members are noted on the copy of a page of the www.NewCanadaRoad.com website.
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Monday, July 13, 2009
July Economic Development Commission canceled
The Thursday, July 23, 2009 Regular Meeting of the Lakeland Economic Development Commission has been canceled.
The next scheduled Lakeland Economic Development Commission Regular Meeting is August 27, 2009
The next scheduled Lakeland Economic Development Commission Regular Meeting is August 27, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Monday, July 13, Park Board meeting canceled
The Park and Recreation Board meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2009 has been canceled.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
ZIP Code Request Status
The application for a Lakeland ZIP Code has been submitted to the U.S. Postal Service. Several more items were requested and the City staff is preparing the information.
Advised that it could take about 3-6 months for review and a decision. If a new ZIP code is approved at this stage, they then do a survey of businesses and residents to see if they want a new ZIP Code. At least 51% need to approve. I advised him I don't think there will be any problem with that!
Advised that it could take about 3-6 months for review and a decision. If a new ZIP code is approved at this stage, they then do a survey of businesses and residents to see if they want a new ZIP Code. At least 51% need to approve. I advised him I don't think there will be any problem with that!
Help Lakeland Facebook get a usename!
Help the Lakeland Facebook page get a user name! Become a fan of the Facebook page City of Lakeland, Tennessee!
We only need 22 members to get out own "user name"! If you aren't a fan of the City of Lakeland, Tennessee Facebook page, become a fan now!
Thanks!
We only need 22 members to get out own "user name"! If you aren't a fan of the City of Lakeland, Tennessee Facebook page, become a fan now!
Thanks!
Brunswick Road closed at CSX RR Crossing until July 3
Brunswick Road at CSX Railroad crossing closed approximately through July 3rd for railroad crossing replacement. Detour signs posted. (Information provided by Shelby County engineering)
If you live in Lakeland (or north of Lakeland and east of Brunswick Road) or living in Lakeland and are going to Millington, the Brunswick Store or Post Office etc., I suggest you take the Highway 70/385 detour rather than the marked detour to avoid extra driving.
If you live in Lakeland (or north of Lakeland and east of Brunswick Road) or living in Lakeland and are going to Millington, the Brunswick Store or Post Office etc., I suggest you take the Highway 70/385 detour rather than the marked detour to avoid extra driving.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mark your calendar for these future events!
-3;00 to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009: New Canada Road Advisory Committee meets at the IH Clubhouse (See www.NewCanadaRoad.com for additional information.)
-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009: Joint Municipal Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss proposed new Land Development Regulations.
-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2009: "Red White and You" Family/movie night at City Hall Park. Enjoy "Rockin Robin", food and games followed by a movie! Watch for additional details!
-9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2009: Annual Children's Parade. Gather at 9677 Cutter Lane (Windward Slopes), parade at 10:00 a.m. Refreshments and visiting afterwards!
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-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009: Joint Municipal Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meeting to discuss proposed new Land Development Regulations.
-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2009: "Red White and You" Family/movie night at City Hall Park. Enjoy "Rockin Robin", food and games followed by a movie! Watch for additional details!
-9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2009: Annual Children's Parade. Gather at 9677 Cutter Lane (Windward Slopes), parade at 10:00 a.m. Refreshments and visiting afterwards!
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Lakeand Meetings and Events week of June 22-26
Meetings and events for next week in Lakeland include:
-6:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009: Board of Commissioners Work Session
-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009: Natural Resource Board Meeting
-6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2009: Economic Development Commission meeting
-6:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009: Board of Commissioners Work Session
-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009: Natural Resource Board Meeting
-6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2009: Economic Development Commission meeting
Lakeland Dance this Saturday, June 20
Dance on the new floor ad Eddie Richardson spins the music of the 60's and 70's (and a few years on either side) at 7:00 p.m., this Saturday, June 20 at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road in Lakeland.
The dance is sponsored by the Lakeland Park and Recreation Department and the River City Bop Club. This is the first dance since the renovation of the walls and the new floor was completed.
Soft drinks are available and the admission fee is only $4.00 for Lakeland residents and River City Bop Club members. The IH Clubhouse is a non-smoking facility.
The dance is sponsored by the Lakeland Park and Recreation Department and the River City Bop Club. This is the first dance since the renovation of the walls and the new floor was completed.
Soft drinks are available and the admission fee is only $4.00 for Lakeland residents and River City Bop Club members. The IH Clubhouse is a non-smoking facility.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Tree Debris pickup to start Monday
Tree debris from the wind storm should be placed behind the curb for pickup by either Lakeland Public Works crews or All Star Waste Systems. Lakeland crew pickup will be limited to smaller piles of limbs.
All Star Waste Systems will be running one truck Monday and two trucks Tuesday dedicated to picking up storm debris. Limbs should be cut and trimmed and placed behind the curb. For safety reasons, all tree debris must be placed behind the curb and not on the street.
All Star Waste Systems will continue regular pickup of tree and yard debris. Construction material or hazardous waste cannot be picked up by either All Star or city crews.
All Star Waste Systems will be running one truck Monday and two trucks Tuesday dedicated to picking up storm debris. Limbs should be cut and trimmed and placed behind the curb. For safety reasons, all tree debris must be placed behind the curb and not on the street.
All Star Waste Systems will continue regular pickup of tree and yard debris. Construction material or hazardous waste cannot be picked up by either All Star or city crews.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Meeting/Event Schedule Changes
Meeting/event changes for the next week include:
-Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting is rescheduled from Thursday, June 4 to Tuesday, June 9.
-Design Review Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, has been canceled.
-The Park and Recreation Board Family/Movie Night scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2009 is canceled. Plan to attend the Red, White and You family night on Friday, July 3 at City Hall Park!
-City Hall will be closed Friday, July 3, 2009 for the Independence Day Holiday.
-Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting is rescheduled from Thursday, June 4 to Tuesday, June 9.
-Design Review Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, has been canceled.
-The Park and Recreation Board Family/Movie Night scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2009 is canceled. Plan to attend the Red, White and You family night on Friday, July 3 at City Hall Park!
-City Hall will be closed Friday, July 3, 2009 for the Independence Day Holiday.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Project Updates
Traffic Signals at Highway 70 and Canada Road: We were advised this will be bid in July 2009 to allow time for contracts for utility relocation. Previously we had been advised this would be bid in June.
Traffic Signals at the I-40/Canada Road Interchange: A bid was received and is being reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). After approval by TDOT, the Shelby County Commission must also approve the bid.
We do not have a time frame for possible construction at this time.
Traffic Signals at the I-40/Canada Road Interchange: A bid was received and is being reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). After approval by TDOT, the Shelby County Commission must also approve the bid.
We do not have a time frame for possible construction at this time.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
June 2009 Lakeland Tennessee Meetings and Events
June, 2009 Lakeland Tennesee Meetings and events in a slide show "Channel 19" format:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLakelandTN
http://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLakelandTN
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Draft ZIP code request available for review
A draft of the ZIP code request to be considered by the Lakeland Board of Commissioners is noted below.
This draft will continue to be corrected, updated, and amended until final approval by the Board. U.S. Postal Service policy provides for the request to be submitted to the U.S. Postal Service District Manager.
Comments, suggestions and corrections are welcome, either on the blog, or e-mailing me directly.
This draft will be continually updated and posted on this blog.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR CITY OF LAKELAND REQUEST FOR SEPARATE ZIP CODE
This is additional information to support the City of Lakeland request for a specific, exclusive, "community identity" five digit ZIP code for the incorporated area within the City of Lakeland.
1. General Character of the City of Lakeland
Enclosed is the City of Lakeland's Comprehensive Plan which indicates the City of Lakeland is a unique, separate community with demonstrated substantial growth and substantial future growth.
2. City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners Resolution
Enclosed is a copy of the Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Lakeland's Resolution requesting a specific, exclusive ZIP code for the City of Lakeland.
3. Current ZIP code situation
Although the City of Lakeland has been incorporated for 32 years and is a significant separate, identifiable community, there is not a specific, exclusive, ZIP code for the incorporated area of Lakeland.
Instead, the City of Lakeland shares a ZIP code with a smaller town, and, in spite of repeated requests, Lakeland residents and businesses continue to receive mail addressed to the other City. (However, "Lakeland" is not an acceptable alternative for the other city in ZIP Code 38002).
When we request large mailers (including Shelby County, utilities, cable TV, magazines etc.) to use "Lakeland", we are advised that the U.S. Postal Service has designated the other city as the "preferred" alternative, in spite of the fact that it is a Lakeland address.
100% of the City of Lakeland is within ZIP code 38002.
4. The City of Lakeland is requesting a separate, specific ZIP Code which encompasses the City of Lakeland incorporated area separate from the current ZIP code of 38002.
REASONS FOR A SEPARATE ZIP CODE FOR THE CITY OF LAKELAND
!. The City of Lakeland loses a substantial amount of sales tax revenue to businesses, especially internet businesses, submitting their sales tax revenues to the other city sharing the 38002 ZIP code.
As an example a sample survey of large Lakeland businesses located in Lakeland showed 100% of the businesses were listed as “Arlington” on Whitepages.com, which leads to widespread confusion.
The U.S. Postal Service continues to provide “Arlington” instead of “Lakeland” as the preferred city address to large mailers including such large sales tax payers and mailers as Memphis Light Gas and Water, cellular phone companies, ATT and other phone companies, mail order companies which mistakenly direct that “Arlington" is the preferred address for "Lakeland" addresses and thus submit their sales tax revenue to the City of Arlington rather than the City of Lakeland.
In additional, ATT, Comcast Cable, Memphis Light Gas and Water and Millington Telephone Company all pay franchise fees and many of these fees appear to be going to Arlington rather than Lakeland. In addition, a review of the sales tax receipts shows some cellular phone companies pay no sales tax for Lakeland, so we assume the sales tax are misdirected and not received by the City of Lakeland.
Just recently, an audit by the Shelby County Fire Department indicated that 62 apartments in Lakeland still are mistakenly shown as “Arlington” by Memphis Light Gas and Water, which misdirects fees for fire fees and ambulance fees.
The usual procedure for an internet or mail order business is to ask for a ZIP code. Since the U.S. Postal Service assigns "Arlington" to Lakeland residents, the sales tax is frequently distributed to Arlington rather than Lakeland.
A separate ZIP code for Lakeland will eliminate this problem and result in the fair distribution of franchise fees and sales taxes for the benefit of Lakeland residents.
2. The City of Lakeland loses Hall Income Ta revenues, which is considerable for the City of Lakeland. This means that Lakeland residents who use "Arlington" have the portion of the Hall Income Tax due the City of Lakeland are misdirected and not received by the City of Lakeland.
3. The lack of a ZIP code identified as Lakeland has cost Lakeland residents in insurance and other costs. Just as one example, a member of the Lakeland Board of Commissioners discovered his house was identified as in "Arlington" rather than "Lakeland". He was being charged $300 per year in excess homeowners insurance due to this mistaken identification.
4. The lack of a separate ZIP code for Lakeland is confusing to persons who want to purchase a home in Lakeland, either due to the property tax rate, the excellent Elementary School, amenities, because they wish the protection of Lakeland codes and ordinances which are significantly different than surrounding cities or the county or for other reasons. Due to the lack of a ZIP code, many Lakeland houses are listed as Arlington addresses. If someone wishes to move to Lakeland, this lowers the property values of persons selling Lakeland homes and also may confuse someone who wishes to move to Arlington.
5. GPS location devices have become widespread and are used for emergency response, shipping and other commercial and personal uses.
Due to the lack of a specific ZIP code, “Lakeland” does not even show up on may GPS devices, which could lead to tragic delays in emergency response, as well as costly confusion in commercial and personal use.
6. Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael, the Board of Commissioners and the City of Lakeland City Hall is also listed as or receives mail addressed to "Arlington, Tennessee 38002". Obviously all are located in Lakeland, but it creates confusion.
A 440 unit apartment complex in Lakeland is listed as "Arlington" although it is 5 miles from the Arlington City limits. Until recently, the apartment staff answered the phone as “the best apartment complex in Arlington, Tennessee and all addresses were given out as “Arlington, Tennessee”.
This creates safety problems since apartment residents calling for emergency services give their address as "Arlington", leading to tragic delays. The City has had persons who live in Lakeland absolutely insist they live in Arlington because all of their mail is addressed to Arlington, Tennessee.
The City of Lakeland needs its own ZIP code.
7. The latest official population of Lakeland is 10,848, based on a Special Census approved by the State of Tennessee.
In spite of rapid growth, being incorporated for 32 years, and being a specifically identifiable community, Lakeland does not have its own ZIP code and the U.S. Postal Service continues to assign Lakeland residents and businesses as "Arlington, Tennessee 38002", which is a separate identifiable community.
No matter what it says, the U.S. Postal Service must realize the importance of the ZIP code. The City of Lakeland is losing thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars a year due to not being assigned an identifiable ZIP code and the U.S. Postal Service continuing to identify Lakeland residents and businesses with an "Arlington" address.
It is time that the U.S. Postal Service assigns a separate ZIP code to Lakeland. Lakeland's boundaries are "set" by Tennessee Law 1101 and the City of Lakeland is requesting that a separate ZIP code be assigned to Lakeland residents and businesses.
This draft will continue to be corrected, updated, and amended until final approval by the Board. U.S. Postal Service policy provides for the request to be submitted to the U.S. Postal Service District Manager.
Comments, suggestions and corrections are welcome, either on the blog, or e-mailing me directly.
This draft will be continually updated and posted on this blog.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR CITY OF LAKELAND REQUEST FOR SEPARATE ZIP CODE
This is additional information to support the City of Lakeland request for a specific, exclusive, "community identity" five digit ZIP code for the incorporated area within the City of Lakeland.
1. General Character of the City of Lakeland
Enclosed is the City of Lakeland's Comprehensive Plan which indicates the City of Lakeland is a unique, separate community with demonstrated substantial growth and substantial future growth.
2. City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners Resolution
Enclosed is a copy of the Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Lakeland's Resolution requesting a specific, exclusive ZIP code for the City of Lakeland.
3. Current ZIP code situation
Although the City of Lakeland has been incorporated for 32 years and is a significant separate, identifiable community, there is not a specific, exclusive, ZIP code for the incorporated area of Lakeland.
Instead, the City of Lakeland shares a ZIP code with a smaller town, and, in spite of repeated requests, Lakeland residents and businesses continue to receive mail addressed to the other City. (However, "Lakeland" is not an acceptable alternative for the other city in ZIP Code 38002).
When we request large mailers (including Shelby County, utilities, cable TV, magazines etc.) to use "Lakeland", we are advised that the U.S. Postal Service has designated the other city as the "preferred" alternative, in spite of the fact that it is a Lakeland address.
100% of the City of Lakeland is within ZIP code 38002.
4. The City of Lakeland is requesting a separate, specific ZIP Code which encompasses the City of Lakeland incorporated area separate from the current ZIP code of 38002.
REASONS FOR A SEPARATE ZIP CODE FOR THE CITY OF LAKELAND
!. The City of Lakeland loses a substantial amount of sales tax revenue to businesses, especially internet businesses, submitting their sales tax revenues to the other city sharing the 38002 ZIP code.
As an example a sample survey of large Lakeland businesses located in Lakeland showed 100% of the businesses were listed as “Arlington” on Whitepages.com, which leads to widespread confusion.
The U.S. Postal Service continues to provide “Arlington” instead of “Lakeland” as the preferred city address to large mailers including such large sales tax payers and mailers as Memphis Light Gas and Water, cellular phone companies, ATT and other phone companies, mail order companies which mistakenly direct that “Arlington" is the preferred address for "Lakeland" addresses and thus submit their sales tax revenue to the City of Arlington rather than the City of Lakeland.
In additional, ATT, Comcast Cable, Memphis Light Gas and Water and Millington Telephone Company all pay franchise fees and many of these fees appear to be going to Arlington rather than Lakeland. In addition, a review of the sales tax receipts shows some cellular phone companies pay no sales tax for Lakeland, so we assume the sales tax are misdirected and not received by the City of Lakeland.
Just recently, an audit by the Shelby County Fire Department indicated that 62 apartments in Lakeland still are mistakenly shown as “Arlington” by Memphis Light Gas and Water, which misdirects fees for fire fees and ambulance fees.
The usual procedure for an internet or mail order business is to ask for a ZIP code. Since the U.S. Postal Service assigns "Arlington" to Lakeland residents, the sales tax is frequently distributed to Arlington rather than Lakeland.
A separate ZIP code for Lakeland will eliminate this problem and result in the fair distribution of franchise fees and sales taxes for the benefit of Lakeland residents.
2. The City of Lakeland loses Hall Income Ta revenues, which is considerable for the City of Lakeland. This means that Lakeland residents who use "Arlington" have the portion of the Hall Income Tax due the City of Lakeland are misdirected and not received by the City of Lakeland.
3. The lack of a ZIP code identified as Lakeland has cost Lakeland residents in insurance and other costs. Just as one example, a member of the Lakeland Board of Commissioners discovered his house was identified as in "Arlington" rather than "Lakeland". He was being charged $300 per year in excess homeowners insurance due to this mistaken identification.
4. The lack of a separate ZIP code for Lakeland is confusing to persons who want to purchase a home in Lakeland, either due to the property tax rate, the excellent Elementary School, amenities, because they wish the protection of Lakeland codes and ordinances which are significantly different than surrounding cities or the county or for other reasons. Due to the lack of a ZIP code, many Lakeland houses are listed as Arlington addresses. If someone wishes to move to Lakeland, this lowers the property values of persons selling Lakeland homes and also may confuse someone who wishes to move to Arlington.
5. GPS location devices have become widespread and are used for emergency response, shipping and other commercial and personal uses.
Due to the lack of a specific ZIP code, “Lakeland” does not even show up on may GPS devices, which could lead to tragic delays in emergency response, as well as costly confusion in commercial and personal use.
6. Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael, the Board of Commissioners and the City of Lakeland City Hall is also listed as or receives mail addressed to "Arlington, Tennessee 38002". Obviously all are located in Lakeland, but it creates confusion.
A 440 unit apartment complex in Lakeland is listed as "Arlington" although it is 5 miles from the Arlington City limits. Until recently, the apartment staff answered the phone as “the best apartment complex in Arlington, Tennessee and all addresses were given out as “Arlington, Tennessee”.
This creates safety problems since apartment residents calling for emergency services give their address as "Arlington", leading to tragic delays. The City has had persons who live in Lakeland absolutely insist they live in Arlington because all of their mail is addressed to Arlington, Tennessee.
The City of Lakeland needs its own ZIP code.
7. The latest official population of Lakeland is 10,848, based on a Special Census approved by the State of Tennessee.
In spite of rapid growth, being incorporated for 32 years, and being a specifically identifiable community, Lakeland does not have its own ZIP code and the U.S. Postal Service continues to assign Lakeland residents and businesses as "Arlington, Tennessee 38002", which is a separate identifiable community.
No matter what it says, the U.S. Postal Service must realize the importance of the ZIP code. The City of Lakeland is losing thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars a year due to not being assigned an identifiable ZIP code and the U.S. Postal Service continuing to identify Lakeland residents and businesses with an "Arlington" address.
It is time that the U.S. Postal Service assigns a separate ZIP code to Lakeland. Lakeland's boundaries are "set" by Tennessee Law 1101 and the City of Lakeland is requesting that a separate ZIP code be assigned to Lakeland residents and businesses.
Consolidation Reports Available
Reports on "consolidation" or "merger" of cities and counties are available at www.lakelandtn.gov. The reports are by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and by the the Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance. The City of Lakeland was not involved in the preparation of these reports.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Board of Commissioners Meetings rescheduled
The Lakeland Board of Commissioners have rescheduled meetings as follows:
-The Work Session normally held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25 will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
-The Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009 has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2009. The Design Review Commission meeting is expected to be canceled. If a Design Review Commission meeting is held, the Board of Commissioners meeting will start after the Design Review Commission meeting.
-The Work Session normally held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25 will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
-The Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009 has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2009. The Design Review Commission meeting is expected to be canceled. If a Design Review Commission meeting is held, the Board of Commissioners meeting will start after the Design Review Commission meeting.
Refuse collection schedule change for Memorial Day Week
The schedule for refuse collection, recycling and yard debris pick will be delayed one day later than the normal scheduled pickup for Memorial Day week.
There will be no pickup Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Monday scheduled pickup will be Tuesday, the Tuesday schedule will be picked up Wednesday and the Wednesday schedule will be picked up Thursday.
There will be no pickup Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Monday scheduled pickup will be Tuesday, the Tuesday schedule will be picked up Wednesday and the Wednesday schedule will be picked up Thursday.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Week of May 18, 2009 in Lakeland
Monday May 18, 2009: Municipal Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov
Monday, May 18, 2009: Land Development Regulations review, Joint Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners 7:15 p.m. (or immediately following the MPC meeting)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009: New Canada Road Advisory Committee, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the IH Clubhouse. www.NewCanadaRoad.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009: Natural Resources Board, 6:30 p.m. (Note: meeting will be held at the Oakwood Clubhouse). Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov
Monday, May 18, 2009: Land Development Regulations review, Joint Meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners 7:15 p.m. (or immediately following the MPC meeting)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009: New Canada Road Advisory Committee, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the IH Clubhouse. www.NewCanadaRoad.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009: Natural Resources Board, 6:30 p.m. (Note: meeting will be held at the Oakwood Clubhouse). Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Lakeland Park and Recreation Events in May:
Lakeland Fishing Rodeo: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2009 at IH Park is the annual Lakeland Fishing Rodeo. See www.Lakelandtn.gov for additional information or call 867-2717 for additional information.
Trustmark Bank Family/Movie Night: 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2009 at City Hall Park. See www.Lakelandtn.gov for additional information or call 867-2717 for additional information.
Lakeland Park and Recreation event schedule is at http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ds25tv9_41c664wggb
Project Status Update
-Traffic Signals at Canada Road and Interstate 40: Bids will be opened on May 26, 2009 by Shelby County for this project. The Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration must approve the bids and the Shelby County Commission awards the construction contract.
Assuming no problems we anticipate the traffic signals being installed by late summer or early fall.
-Traffic Signals at Canada Road and Highway 70. The Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to bid this project in June of 2009. The construction award date and time of construction is not known at this time, but we anticipate having traffic signals at Highway 70 and Canada Road by fall of 2009.
-IH Clubhouse improvements: The interior repainting is complete and the new floor is expected to be installed in late May. Our thanks to the Lakeland Lions Club who donated funds for the new floor, R-A-F Construction (Lyle LaFave) for donating labor for installation of part of the floor and the Lakeland Civic Club for donating funds for the interior entrance lighting.
A special thanks to City of Lakeland personnel Bobby Carpenter, who painted and supervised the paint project, Jerry Potter and Dan Scott for the excellent painting and Jesse McCabe who did a super job of installing the chair rail.
-City Hall “Green” Parking Lot: The contract for the “green” parking lot at City Hall has been approved and City Engineer Philip Stuckert and Staff Engineer Emily Boswell are preparing the plans for the parking lot.
The parking lot is funded by a demonstration grant and will include pervious asphalt and other techniques to minimize the adverse effects of storm water.
-City Hall expansion project: The City Hall expansion project contract has been signed and construction is expected to start in the near future.
-Canada Road bicycle and pedestrian path (Canada Road from Interstate 40 to Highway 64): The grant agreement with TDOT has been signed for the $1.4 million dollar grant for the project. The Landscape Architect contract is expected to be signed in the near future. This is a 100% grant for this project.
Plans and specifications are expected to be completed this fall, with construction in spring of 2010.
This will provide much needed pedestrian and bicycle trails along both sides of Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64.
Canada Road and Highway 40 Interchange project: Design is still being reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Engineering is expected to start in the near future, with construction to start in 2012.
New Canada Road (Interstate 40 to Highway 70): The Advisory Committee is currently reviewing the alignment, amenities etc. with a recommendation expected by October of 2009. This project is being funded by an 80% federal grant.
These and other projects are updated on a regular basis at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pP82UfX4tSM1zO96rBEo-JA
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