Recreation Calendar, October and November 2012

Community Calendar 

Oct 1-26 - Lakeland Youth Coed Basketball and Cheerleading Registration

Oct 1 - Beginner’s Bridge classes start, 1:30 p.m.  – 3:00 p.m. , Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Oct 2 - Silver Sneakers begins, 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m., I.H. Managerial Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road

Oct 2 – Medicare Seminar (1 of 3), 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Oct 4 - Davis Manor Presentation, 1:00 p.m.  – 2:00 p.m.  Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Oct 22 - Dr. Gerrit Verschuur, The Astronomical Universe presentation (part 1 of 3), 11:00 a.m  and  6:30 p.m.  Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Oct 31 - Medicare Open Enrollment (sponsored by the Aging Commission) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Nov 14 - City Stormwater Management, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. , Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Nov 15 - Bluegrass Music, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.,  Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Nov 20 - Eric Bridges, Tree Planting and Blooming, 1:30 p.m.  – 2:30 p.m. , Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Nov 27 - Dr. Gerrit Verschuur, The Astronomical Universe presentation (part 2 of 3), 11 a.m.  & 6:30 p.m., Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

***For weekly Senior Center programs and activities, see the Lakeland Senior Center Weekly Schedule (below).

YMCA Basketball and Cheerleading in Lakeland  Registration Opens October 1

Lakeland Elementary School, 10050 Oakseed Lane 

Registration for youth basketball and cheerleading in Lakeland for children ages 5-11 from October 1 to October 26 is October 1 to October 26.   

Practices begin November 26^th with games from January 12^th - March 2^nd. 

Fee for YMCA Basketball is $90; Cheerleading is $85. 

Registration forms are available at City Hall, or register online at www.YMCAMemphis.org by clicking on the “register” tab found at the right-hand side of the page. 

Contact Michael Moore, YMCA-Millington Program Coordinator, at 873-1434 or mmoore@ymcamemphis.org or Lakeland Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org for additional information.

NEW ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS 55+ 

Please RSVP for the following by contacting Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

NEW WEEKLY LAKELAND SENIOR CENTER PROGRAMS

BEGINNER’S BRIDGE CLASSES STARTING MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

By Brian Cummins, accredited ACBL teacher

Starting October 1st, and every Monday thereafter, in October (1:30 a.m.  – 3:00 p.m. )

Duplicate bridge instruction will begin on Mondays from 1:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Senior Center, at 4527 Canada Road, starting October 1^st. Brian Cummins is a professional bridge teacher, director, and player; member of the American Bridge Teachers Association; and Club Manager of Memphis Area Bridge (www.memphisareabridge.com). 

As a player, Brian has been a Regional Pairs Champion, North American Pairs District 10 Champion, and placed at national events in the North American Bridge Championships. 

SEWING, KNITTING, AND CROCHETING CLASS

By Mavis Knight

October/November  

Fridays from 1:00 p.m.  - 2:00 p.m.  

Do you want to learn how to sew, knit, and/or crochet? You will be taught the step-by-step process of what it takes. Bring a pair of pants or an item of your choice, as well as scissors, thread, and a needle, or other related materials. If you have any questions about the class or what you should bring, contact instructor Mavis Knight at 461-1704.

MEN’S 55+ COFFEE GROUP

Mondays from 8:00 a.m.  – 9:00 a.m. 

Senior Men are invited to drop in at the Center on Monday mornings to share a cup of coffee, trade stories, and make new friends. The Men’s 55+ Coffee Group will gather every Monday from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM for fun and fellowship.

UPCOMING SENIOR CENTER PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINARS

MEDICARE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

By Lefler Financial and Insurance Services

October 2 at 1:30 p.m. , November 6^th at 1:30 p.m. , and December 4^th at 1:30 p.m.  (Each seminar lasts two hours)

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is October 15^th - December 7^th. 

The Lakeland Senior Center will be hosting free educational seminars, “Your Medicare and Medicare Insurance,” on the first Tuesday of each month October through December. Learn how Medicare insurance works, the pro’s and con’s of each type, and the questions to ask to make the best decision for one’s own health coverage needs. Also discussed at the seminars are the rules governing Medicare, the exceptions to those rules, the role of employer group health plans, and where to find the answers to questions about Medicare.

The seminars are open to all Lakeland residents age 55 and above. Each seminar lasts two hours with a 15 minute break. Participants should bring a notepad and pen. Light refreshments will be served. Each person attending will receive a resource packet to help guide you through the maze of Medicare insurance choices.

The Medicare educational seminars are sponsored by Lefler Financial and Insurance Services. No individual plan details will be shared, nor will any plan be marketed or sold. Space is limited, so please call Stephanie Lefler at 305-7488 to reserve your seat today. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

“DAVIES MANOR PLANTATION” PRESENTATION

By Mandi-Pitt-Reed, Museum Assistant

Thursday, October 4^th from 1:00 p.m.  – 2:00 p.m. 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Have you ever visited Davies Manor Plantation? It is like walking into a past era. This local treasure, located in Bartlett, is the oldest log home in Shelby County open to the public. The grounds include thirty-two acres of plantation land and numerous outbuildings, as well as gardens and trails.  Mandi Pitt-Reed, museum assistant, will give a short presentation on the history of the home and the Davies family. 

Please RSVP if you plan to attend the presentation by contacting Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org. 

“THE ASTRONOMICAL UNIVERSE” SEMINAR

By Dr. Gerrit Verschuur,

Monday, October 22^nd; Tuesday, November 27^th; and Monday, January 14^th 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Gerrit Verschuur, Ph.D, author and adjunct physics professor, will present a series of talks about the universe. On each of the three seminar dates, Dr. Verschuur will be giving two identical presentations.  

The first presentation is at 11 a.m., and the second at 6:30 p.m. each will last about 50 minutes.

Seminar Dates/Topics:

Monday, October 22^nd : What is out there? A tour to the edge of space and time.

Tuesday, November 27^th: Stars and Galaxies. How far away and how old? How can we possibly know?

Monday, January 14^th: Is anyone else out there? On listening for voices from space.

Dr. Verschuur, a Lakeland resident, has written extensively about science for the lay person and is author of eight books and co-author of three textbooks ranging from the story of the Invisible Universe, Comets and Asteroids, Interstellar Matter, as well as Magnetism. He has published 70-plus articles in Astronomy Magazine and other popular science magazines and has authored nearly 100 technical research papers.

He has given talks to the general public on three continents and during the past 18 years has been a speaker at Mid-South Star Gaze, the annual gathering of a hundred or so amateur astronomers at French Camp in Mississippi.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend the presentation by contacting Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org. 

CITY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

By Jesse McCabe, Lakeland Stormwater Coordinator

November 14^th, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Stormwater, Stormwater Management, Stormwater Fees and the Water Cycle: What do these terms mean and why are they important? Join us for a discussion on stormwater problems and solutions for the 21^st century. Lakeland Stormwater Coordinator, Jesse McCabe, will give a short presentation on stormwater issues and lead a question and answer session afterwards. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by contacting Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

BLUEGRASS MUSIC

By Gordon and Judy Jones

November 15^th from 1:30 p.m.  – 2:30 p.m. 

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Gordon and Judy Jones will be playing bluegrass music, as well as country and gospel, on November 15^th from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. . Gordon and Judy Jones met at the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association where the two played music in a jam session. Gordon is a native Memphian who went to Humes High School and graduated in 1956. Jean is from Scotts Hill, TN and has lived in the Memphis area since 1957 moving to Lakeland in 1992. They have been married 3 and 1/2 years. Gordon began playing guitar after retiring whereas Jean has been playing guitar since the age of 12 and learned to play the dobro 5 years ago. 

Please RSVP if you plan to attend by contacting Recreation Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

TREE PLANTING AND BLOOMING

By Eric Bridges, Certified Arborist and Natural Resources Director for the City of Lakeland

November 20^th, 1:30 p.m.  - 2:30 p.m.

Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road

Trees are very much alive all winter and require proper care. Come learn about fall and winter tree care including planting and pruning. Learn the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, how to choose the right tree for the right location and how to care for the trees you already have. Please RSVP 

if you plan to attend by contacting Program Coordinator Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or jcloud@lakelandtn.org.

LAKELAND SENIOR CENTER WEEKLY SCHEDULE 

Mondays:  Social Time from 9:00 a.m.  – 3:00 p.m.;  Beginner’s Bridge Class from 1:30 pm.  – 3:00 p.m. 

Tuesdays:  "Tech Tuesdays" - Basic Computer Skills Classes are held every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ; Social Time 11:00 a.m.  – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesdays:  CERT Classes 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Thursdays:  Bingo games held weekly from 10:00 a.m.  – 12:00 p.m. 

Fridays:  "Fun Fridays" - Game Day/Social Time with friends and neighbors from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ; Sewing, Knitting, and      Crocheting Class from 1:00 p.m.  – 2:00 p.m. 

Saturdays: “Kings and Queens” Bridge Game/Class 

Bridge is played from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm.. Come out and enjoy the camaraderie! There is also a class that begins at 12:30 PM. Coffee will be provided. 

An instructor fee of $5 will be charged to class participants. For more information, contact ACBL Instructor Judy Knox at 737-8087 or judy.knox@att.net.

Silver Sneakers Enrollment in Lakeland Monday, October 1 to Friday, October 5

“SILVER SNEAKERS”
EXERCISE, STRENGTH-BUILDING, AND YOGA
Open Enrollment Monday, October 1st - Friday, October 5th, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road  

The YMCA will offer Silver Sneakers MSROM classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday, October 2nd from 10 - 11 a.m.  Yoga Stretch classes will be held Fridays from 10 - 11 a.m.  

Enrollment will be held October 1st thru October 5th, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (bring your insurance card). 

Silver Sneakers is a program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events.  Health plans around the country offer the program as a benefit to people who are eligible for Medicare or to group retirees. Silver Sneakers provides a fitness center membership to any participating location across the country.

Benefits include: access to conditioning classes, exercise equipment, pool, sauna and other available amenities (specific per location); customized Silver Sneakers classes designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance; health education seminars and other events that promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle; a specially trained Program Advisor at the fitness center to introduce you to Silver Sneakers and help you get started; and, a member-only access to online support that can help you lose weight, quit smoking or reduce your stress. 

Call 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711) to find out if your health plan offers Silver Sneakers Steps.

You can participate in classes such as Silver Sneakers Muscular Strength & Range of Movement (MSROM). This is a core class for total body conditioning. The instructor will guide you through functional, daily exercise activities with resistance tools to be used at your own pace while improving overall strength, flexibility, posture and balance.

Along with MSROM is Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch. This class offers a variety of safely designed movements to increase flexibility and balance, with restorative breathing exercises to promote stress reduction and mental clarity. This class helps to increase joint range of motion, strength, balance and helps with relaxation. 

Contact Michael Moore, YMCA Memphis, at 901-873-1434, email mmoore@ymcamemphis.org for additional information or questions. 

Yard Waste Collection Procedures

Fall Season

Yard Waste Reminders

Yard waste collection and disposal activities will increase over the next few months so we have included some reminders for everyone to make this year’s yard work much more enjoyable and fun!  

Here is a list of helpful reminders as you work in your yards these coming months.

ALL YARD WASTE MUST BE BAGGED OR PlACED IN GREEN YARD WASTE CARTS

• All yard wastes  must be placed in plastic bags and placed at the curb. (Or in the green  trash container.
• Yard waste must be limited to 25 pounds per bag.  This will avoid breakage and injury to sanitation workers.  
• Please use clear bags if possible.  Workers need to check all bags to insure only yard waste is put into the yard waste trucks.  Clear bags will speed up this process.

ALTERNATIVE PICK-UP FOR LOOSE YARD WASTE

• If you do not wish to bag or containerize your yard waste, residents can call Republic Services for special pickup.  There is a $25 minimum charge for the pickup.  Call Republic Services directly at 901-794-3800 to schedule a pickup and for further information.

GREEN YARD WASTE CARTS

• A green yard waste carts is available at no additional.  Please place yard waste into the green carts to assist us in our recycling efforts.  Additional yard waste carts can be requested for a monthly charge of $3.00 per cart.  

• Cut branches and small limbs to such a length that the lid of the cart can be closed.  Yard waste carts with limbs or branches protruding above the rim of the cart cannot be dumped without damaging the cart and possibly damaging the dumping mechanism of the garbage truck and will not be picked up.   

Carts and bagged refuse should be placed behind the curb no later than 7 a.m. of the scheduled day of collection

FREE LANDFILL VOUCHERS

For a limited time Lakeland residents who wish to transport to the landfill yard wastes and other household trash generated on their property can request a voucher enabling them to dump one load of trash at the BFI North Shelby County Landfill.  This voucher is limited to one load not exceeding in size a regular pickup bed or 4 ft. by 8 ft. trailer.  The trash must be covered by a tarp and is subject to the rules and regulations of the landfill operator.  The vouchers are limited to one per residential address per month. A voucher can be requested by calling Lakeland city hall at 901-867-2717 and speaking with Shelia.

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) for Seniors

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) for Seniors

Be prepared for an emergency!  Attend the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) training sessions, for Lakeland senior residents (55+), at the Lakeland Senior Center, 4523 Canada Road, beginning Wednesday, September 12.

The CERT course provides participants with the training necessary for responding to disasters.

Classes are scheduled  from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. each Wednesday:

September 12 Introduction / Disaster Preparation
September 19 Fire Suppression
September 26 Disaster Medical
October 3 Search & Rescue
October 10 Hazardous Materials
October 17 Disaster Psychology
October 24 Terrorism
November 7 Search & Rescue Scenario

All 8 sessions must be attended to receive a certificate of completion.

Persons who can’t attend all the courses are encouraged to register and attend as many sessions as possible.

This training is for seniors over 55 years old and is open to all seniors within Shelby County. The maximum for the class is 30 students, so register now!

To register for classes, contact either Claude Talford at 867-5407, ctalford@lakelandtn.org, Joy Cloud at 867-5414, jcloud@lakelandtn.org; or, click here to apply over the internet.

This training is sponsored by the Assisi Foundation which provided the CERT trailer and significant technical assistance for emergency training.

Labor Day schedule changes

Due to the Labor Day Holiday, City Hall will be closed Monday, September 4, 2012.

Refuse collection (including recycling) will be delayed one day, throughout the week, including Friday's scheduled pickups being picked up on Saturday.

Lakeland Economic Development Assessment available

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) has worked on Lakeland’s first Economic Development Strategic Plan for over a year. Recently, the first major document for this project was completed and placed online. The 2012 Economic Development Assessment examines local business climate, economic development efforts, business leadership, quality of life, business clusters, and infrastructure, to inform us about conditions, needs, and opinions, for use in developing the Plan.

We hope that you were part of the public meetings and surveys which helped us to create the Assessment.  If not, more opportunities are coming. Please stay tuned for the next phase of the project, which is public visioning. EDC will be presenting suggested economic development visions, and associated goals to implement them, for public feedback.

If you are an existing or potential Lakeland resident or stakeholder, the upcoming new Plan should interest you. Please take the time review the assessment at this link, or by going to our website Planning Department pages (www.lakelandtn.gov).

2012 Economic Development Assessment

There will be an announcement for the time and place of the public visioning meeting later in 2012, or early 2013. In the meantime, all EDC meetings are open, and you are encouraged to come. EDC usually meets the 4^th Thursday of the month, if there is scheduled business. 

Take this Survey now!

City of Lakeland 2012 Communications’ Survey

We want your feedback! Lakeland City Hall staff would appreciate a few minutes of your time as the City of Lakeland 2012 Communications’ Survey has now been released. The purpose of the survey i

s to learn about where residents get information related to City events, news, and public meetings.

Please take a few minutes to answer nine quick questions to help City staff better-understand how the City of Lakeland communicates news and information to its residents!

Street Repair Schedule

The first phase of Street Repairs is scheduled or completed.  The schedule is contingent on weather and other priority projects.  The cost of each repair is also noted.

Lakeland Chamber Expo is Tomorrow (Saturday, August 11!)

Check out the Lakeland Chamber Business Expo tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.!  Visit with local businesses and organizations, win an iPad!  Information at www.mylakelandchamber.org.

Board of Commissioners Work Session 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Board of Commissioners Work Session scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012.  Agenda

Political Sign Content Not Regulated

The City has been made aware of a complaint filed with the Shelby County District Attorney's Office regarding political signs and the upcoming municipal school referendum.  The essence of the complaint was that some signs relating to the referendum were illegal because they did not contain disclaimer language indicating who had paid for the signs.  While the motivations of those filing the complaint are not known at this point in time, the City is concerned about any activity that may have a chilling effect on public participation, especially as regards an issue of such importance to the City as the municipal schools referendum.

The City Attorney has communicated directly with the Attorney General's Office and the State Coordinator of Elections regarding this matter.  Anonymous issue-oriented speech (e.g. signs encouraging citizens to vote one way or another in the upcoming referendum) is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and as such, no disclaimer is required on signs encouraging a vote in one way or another on the municipal schools referendum.  Please contact City Hall if anyone tries to convince you that your sign is illegal because it does not contain disclaimer language. 

Putting Up a Political Sign? Please Read This!

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

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

Political signs are allowed under the following circumstances:

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

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

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

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


For specific information contact Neighborhold Services/ Code Enforcement at City Hall, 867-2717.

We appreciate the cooperation of all residents in observing these sign regulations.  Lakeland residents are welcome to express their opinion by political signs.  In fairness to all candidates and all issues these regulations are enforced on a regular basis.  Signs on public property are immediately picked up as traffic hazards. 

A letter from Arlington Mayor Wissman

(NOTE:  After some questions about the future of Lakeland and Arlington schools, Mayor Wissman sent this letter to a Lakeland resident concerning Arlington's view of the future of Lakeland and Arlington Schools. Since a substantial number of Lakeland children attend schools located in Arlington, and we have received a lot of questions about this, this letter is being republished for the information of Lakeland residents.  Mayor Wissman is also a member of the Shelby County Board of Education)

ARLINGTON MAYOR SAYS 'FACTS, NOT RUMORS AND FICTION"

After reading former Mayor Bomprezzi's flyer about the school issue, I am extremely concerned about the message he is spreading.  Although there are many unknowns in this whole scenario, both for unified or municipal schools, everyone must really consider the facts.  This should be about education, not politics or money.  The question shouldn't be "can we afford it?", but more of "can we afford not to do it?".  Two issues any realtor will tell you affect property values are crime and schools.....where good schools are located, crime is usually down, and vice versa. Our children are our future leaders, and they need the best education possible  to compete with the global economy. 
 

I can assure you we, the suburban mayors as a group, have done our homework.  We hired Southern Educational Strategies (SES) to let us know what it will cost and how to move towards the creation of municipal schools.  We know how much funding we will receive per pupil from the county and the state.  In comparison, it is very close to what Shelby County Schools (SCS) has been receiving for quite some time.  We know how many students are in our schools now, and that we want to continue to educate those same children....whether they live in our municipal boundaries or not. 

Arlington and Lakeland have much in common, and some consider us more of family than neighbors.  Arlington needs Lakeland, and Lakeland needs Arlington.  Mayor Bomprezzi's comments that "Lakeland will be REQUIRED to build a middle and high school" could not be further from the truth.  In fact, many of his comments are misleading and are just more of an opinion than fact.  Just because a municipality has its own school system, doesn't mean you have to have an elementary, middle or high school.  Other systems in the state have shared resources to educate children when facilities are not available.  A great example of that is SCS educated children of Memphis for years in Chimneyrock Elementary since MCS did not have a facility for those children.  The money follows the child, so it really isn't a burden for another system to educate children.  I do think that is why there is such opposition to municipal schools, because many feel this will be taking money out of the new unified system. 

I know there are people in the municipalities that are on limited incomes and/or do not have children, but education is a key component for the success of a community. I challenge Mayor Bomprezzi or anyone else that opposes municipal schools to at least read the SES report....ours is on the Town of Arlington website.  Read the facts, case studies, past precedents, financial documents, etc... and come up with your own conclusions.  This is too important to get wrong!

Don't let fear tactics ruin the future of your city.  Again, I'm not telling people how to vote, but how to get educated on the facts.  Bomprezzi stated " LAKELAND CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST AND SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE THE BEST" which is true for now, but the SCS we all know only has 1 year left in its current existence.  The leadership will change, and your suburban representation will be minimal.  In fact, changes are already occurring in SCS prior to the merger that concern faculty and parents.  All the children in this county deserve the best, but is that in a system of 150,000, or in smaller systems where your voice and concerns make a difference?  It's in the hands of the voters now, not the elected officials....so only time will tell.

Mike Wissman
Arlington Mayor 

Three Property Tax Goals

Lakeland’s Board of Commissioners have  unanimously voted to set a property tax for the first time in the City’s 35-year history. Having recently experienced a 50 percent decrease in sales tax revenue, due the closing of the Lakeland Kroger and the effects of a dwindling economy since 2008, the Board felt this was the right decision, though a difficult one.

This property tax will help continue the quality of life Lakeland residents have grown accustomed to over the years. With rising needs to improve our infrastructure – bridges, roads and municipal recreation areas for families, among other needs – this tax will help provide the revenue needed to address these concerns. 

The new property tax rate will be 85 cents per $100 of assessed property valuation. The new property tax will generate more than $2 million annually for the City. 

Based on state law, the property tax period actually started on Jan. 1, 2012.  The City is arranging with the Shelby County Trustees Office to collect the taxes.  Residents will get official notices in the mail regarding the amount due and actual due date. 

Objectives of the Recently Approved Property Tax

Three goals that can be reached through a property tax 

A resident at a recent meeting asked what three projects/objectives would not be possible (from a financial standpoint) without property tax revenues, not counting a Lakeland Municipal School System. 

This is an excellent question.  I am noting three achievements  that, in my opinion, the Board of Commissioners considered when determining that a property tax for capital improvements was necessary. 

1. Protecting Our Quality of Life  

Over the past several years, the decline of economic activity at the Lakeland Factory Outlet Mall and the relocation of the Lakeland Kroger have severely squeezed City financials, which have historically depended substantially on the retail sales tax. Sales tax revenues decreased by approximately 50 percent from 2006 to 2012, roughly $600,000 per year. During the same time period, development activity was virtually nonexistent after years of six figure revenues from development fees.

Could the City have survived on the a minimal  “survival budget”? Yes, but the quality of life for Lakeland residents could have suffered as infrastructure deteriorated faster than the City could afford to make the necessary repairs and implement much-needed projects.  

Any city is a major provider of quality-of-life services. These include a range of amenities including quality streets, recreation facilities and adequate storm drainage. The City of Lakeland takes this role very seriously, and we promote our quality of life as a top reason to live here and do business within our limits. Our tagline says it all: Where quality of life is a way of life.”

2.  Kicking the Can

Another major consideration of the Board of Commissioners was that the City is facing capital-intensive projects that relate both to the quality of life and the maintenance of property values.

Delaying these projects would be merely passing these issues on to a future Board of Commissioners and future generations of Lakeland residents. The current Board wanted to face the situation head on and take immediate action.

These major projects include:

• The Canada Road/I-40 Interchange.

• Extension of Beverle Rivera Drive to Huff and Puff/Seed Tick, as well as the traffic signal at Canada Road and Beverle Rivera/Davies Plantation Road:  This will eliminate the traffic hazards at Huff and Puff and Canada Road. 

• New Canada Road: The current Canada Road is inadequate for the traffic. The New Canada Road project has been planned since 1992, and the City has the opportunity to fund this project with a federal grant with a 20 percent match. This means the City is getting an estimated $12 million project for 80 percent off if we take advantage of the federal grant. It is still a cost to the City of $2.4 million, and costs will only increase if not taken care of soon.

• Street and storm drainage repairs: The City engineer has noted numerous street and storm drainage failures. Through effective use of City personnel with some added contract work, the cost of street repairs has been substantially reduced, but it is still expensive. Street overlays and major renovations are necessary throughout the City.

• Park and recreation improvements: The City soccer and baseball fields for our children are woefully inadequate. The City also has undeveloped parks. These play a major role in the quality of life as we cultivate a safe, fun environment for all families choosing to live in our City.

3.  Maintenance of Property Values

During the discussion on the possible establishment of a Lakeland Municipal School System, I fielded many calls and comments about a locally controlled school system helping maintain local property values, ability to sell property, etc. 

This got me thinking about the maintenance of our existing infrastructure and neighborhoods. Factors in maintaining solid property values also include good streets, quality civic and physical infrastructure, recreational opportunities, economic diversity and public safety.

These high-quality essentials are not free; there are costs associated with them. For a house valued at $200,000, the taxed value is 25 percent or $50,000. A property tax rate of 85 cents per $100 of assessed value yields $425 per year in revenue for the City. Simply put, this revenue is invested right back into the City to help maintain those quality-of-life essentials.

I don’t have to go too far from Lakeland to see the terrible result of failing to maintain infrastructure for rapidly growing communities. I feel the Board of Commissioners reviewed the benefits and the costs and then determined that the time was right for a tough decision to be made. 

Because of the commitment of Lakeland’s citizens who have chosen to stay here and enjoy the high quality of life offered, others have taken notice and have decided to also make Lakeland their home. The creation of a property tax will make it possible to continue providing the quality of life that you have grown accustomed to in our City. 

We will continue to keep you updated as more progress is made to make our City the best it can be. 

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Lakeland Schools Resource Center

Lakeland Schools Resource Center.  Central location for information on Lakeland schools and the election

Is Lakeland Municipal School System financially possible?

Southern Educational Strategies study indicating Lakeland Municipal  School System is both financially feasible and possible!

Get the facts and then decide!

http://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=179

Lakeland Municipal School Information!

This link is for information on the possible Lakeland Municipal Schools.  This is a flyer and a presentation that contains information on the upcoming election.

Information prepared by a consultant that provided information to the Lakeland Board of Commissioners finding that establishment of a Lakeland Municipal School System is both feasible and affordable is available at www.lakelandtn.gov.

Lakeland's Budget starting July 1, 2012 to include capital projects

Earlier this month, Lakeland’s Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to implement a property tax for the first time in the City’s 35-year history. With rising costs to improve and maintain our infrastructure – bridges, roads and municipal recreation areas for families, among other needs – this property tax will help continue the quality of life Lakeland residents have grown accustomed to over the years. 

The new property tax rate will be 85 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The new property tax will generate more than $2 million annually for the City. Based on state law, the property tax period actually started on Jan. 1, 2012, and will be due beginning this fall.

A question we’re hearing from residents is regarding whether MLGW fees will be reduced as a result of the introduction of property taxes.  The Board felt it is necessary to provide for reserves for the possible Lakeland Municipal School System at this time. If the school system is approved by voters, we would have to be in operation by August 2013 without any immediate state funding, and this would include the election of a board, the hiring of a superintendent, getting ready for new school year, etc., all using existing City revenues. State funding would begin once the school system opens.   

Other considerations are:

The Board of Commissioners received overwhelming support for a Lakeland Municipal School System at several public meetings. To be successful, the Lakeland Municipal School System must be adequately funded. Although the estimate for the local contribution of the first year of operation of a Lakeland Municipal School System is approximately $500,000, the Board of Commissioners felt it was prudent to establish a reserve of one year’s operational expenses, or $1million, with $800,000 funded by the property tax and $200,000 from the increase in the local option sales tax.  

The City will be facing immediate expenses in establishing a Lakeland Municipal School System to start by August 2013 (electing a school board, the appointing of a superintendent, office staff, office space, legal and consulting expenses, etc.). It is our understanding the Lakeland Municipal School System would not receive any state or federal funds until the school actually starts in August 2013. 

Based on the budget needs, the Board of Commissioners decided to establish a property tax for capital improvement needs, which could not be funded by current revenues. This is estimated to be approximately $1.4 million and is for capital and infrastructure improvements or repair, not for salaries or operational expenses.

The objective of the capital improvements is to maintain property values and protect the quality of life in Lakeland while providing for sustainable financial and economic growth in our City. This includes providing for financial stability by promoting economic growth and reducing/avoiding debt.

These capital projects would include:

• Road improvements including major street maintenance and renovation: Major repairs include isolated repairs (potholes, street failures, curb and drainage issues, etc.) in all subdivisions.

• Bridge and drainage repair: This would include major renovations on a bridge on Stewart Road and other street drainage improvements.

• Extension of Beverle Rivera Drive, including traffic signals at Canada Road and paying the match for a grant for renovations to Huff and Puff: Part of this is paid for by the Tennessee Department of Transportation as part of the I-40/Canada Road interchange project.

• Payment of the City’s share of the I-40/Canada Road interchange, including loan payments.

• New Canada Road: This will help with the completion of the preliminary design of New Canada Road. The next step will cost an estimated $400,000 in local funds and $1.6 million in federal funds.  

• Construction of a City-owned fire station to be staffed by the Shelby County Fire Department to provide improved fire protection in Lakeland  

• Park and recreation development and improvements, including provision for adequate youth recreation, such as soccer and baseball fields

• Funding necessary to establish, maintain and operate the Lakeland Municipal School System and continued implementation of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The plan is updated annually with an immediate scope of five years.

In the meantime, the Board of Commissioners will be working on a program to offset other fees, especially the fire and ambulance fees.

As the Board of Commissioners moves forward, we will continue to keep our citizens informed and updated with developments as they occur. We appreciate residents working with us as we continue to move Lakeland forward during this growing and exiting time for our City.   The Lakeland web site (www.lakelandtn.gov) will have updated news as will this blog. 

Link to Shelby County Commission legal action on schools

Here is a link to the legal action instituted by the Shelby County Commission (or at least a couple of the Commissioners) regarding the establishment of locally controlled schools in Lakeland and other suburbs.

BURN BAN ISSUED FOR LAKELAND

...  Effective immediately the Shelby County Fire Department has issued a burn ban for all areas in un-incorporated Shelby County and Lakeland who receive emergency responses from the Shelby County Fire Department. ...This ban includes the burning of any material in barrels, residential back yard fire pits in addition to agricultural and construction / air curtain pit burning.  Contact the Shelby County Fire Department for additional information.

 

Board of Commissioners Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Work Session agenda

Board of Commissioners Work Session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012.  Agenda

Lakeland School Board filing now open

Lakeland residents may pick up petitions NOW for the Lakeland Municipal School Board!  If approved by voters, petitions are due into the Shelby County Election Commission by noon on August 16.  The Election for the Lakeland Municipal School Board is at the November election.  Petitions and other information are at the Shelby County Election Commission.

The new Lakeland Municipal School Board hires the Superintendent and makes other significant decisions on the Lakeland Municipal School System, if approved by voters.

The Lakeland Municipal Board will be composed of five members, elected at large,  who will elect a Chair.  Members are paid $200 per month.

The Shelby County Election Commission offices are at Suite 205, 150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, phone # is 901-545-2600.  The website is ShelbyCountyTn.gov

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission meeting 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2012

The Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission June meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2012.

Agenda

Senior Luncheon 11:30 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2012

“STARS AND STRIPES” BBQ SENIOR LUNCHEON

Friday, June 22nd, 11:30 a.m., IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road

 

Sponsored by the City of Lakeland and St. Francis Hospital-Bartlett

 

Seniors (55+) are invited to celebrate our freedom and friendship at the “Stars and Stripes” BBQ Luncheon. The featured entertainment for the event is The Sgt. W. K. Singleton Pipes and Drums.  They are an all-volunteer group that performs throughout the Mid-South. The band is associated with Detachment 476 of the Marine Corp League, Memphis, Tennessee. They perform as part of their Honor Guard.  Music played includes traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, American Patriotic music, and songs to warm the heart and bring a smile

 

The luncheon will be BBQ, beans and slaw catered Central BBQ, and includes dessert and drinks.  The cost of the meal is $10 per person, payable at the door.

 

Bring a friend, make a friend and spend a wonderful afternoon eating great BBQ, enjoying conversation and a laugh or two with fellow seniors, and the special program planned by The Sgt. W.K. Singleton Pipes and Drums.  You may a door prize!

 

Make your reservation today by contacting Vickie Holland at 867-2717, or by email at vholland@lakelandtn.org.

 

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

Design Review Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2012.  Click for Agenda..

School Board Forum set for August 7, 2012

Possible Lakeland Municipal School Board candidates are encouraged to attend the Candidate Forum from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., August 7, 2012 at the Bartlett Municipal Center.  The Forum will be sponsored by the Tennessee School Board Association .  Of course, this is subject to Lakeland residents approving the referendum to establish a Lakeland Municipal School District at the August 2, 2012 election.

Lakeland Municipal School District candidates will need to file in August.  The election for Lakeland Municipal School District School Board will be at the regular November election. 

Avoid Scams! Senior Scams program at Lakeland Senior Center on June 26

"Senior Scams" will be presented at the Lakeland Senior Center from 1:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012.

Airnee Burnwall, Program Coordinator for the Rise Foundation will present a program on "Senior Scams".  Burnwall will discuss outright fraud, as well as financial products that may not be suitable for everyone, including reverse mortgages, annuities and insurance plans.  There is no charge for this program.

The Lakeland Senior Center offers a variety of programs for persons at least 55 years old.  A calendar of activities is available  here.

Board of Commissioners Meeting, Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners Regular June meeting will be 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2012.
Click for Agenda

Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Board of Commissioners Special Meeting 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012  Agenda

No Refuse Collection Monday, May 28, 2012, Memorial Day

Refuse Collection/recycling routes will not be picked up on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.  All routes will be delayed one day. For example, Mondays routes will be picked up Tuesday, Tuesday's routes will be picked up Wednesday, Wednesday's routes will be picked up Thursday, Thursday's routes Friday, and Friday's routes on Saturday.

City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28, 2012 for the Memorial Day Holiday.  

Lakeland Senior Center schedules Computer Classes and Bingo!

"Tech Tuesdays" in June

SENIOR 55+ COMPUTER CLASSES

Computer classes for seniors 55+ in basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Office, internet and email will be held every Tuesday in the month of June.  Tech Tuesday classes will begin June 5th and will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeland Senior Center located at 4527 Canada Road.  Bring your own laptop computer.  Free wireless internet is available.  There is no cost for this activity.

Please RSVP if you would like to attend.  For more information or to RSVP, please call Joy Cloud at 901-867-5414 or email at jcloud@lakelandtn.org .

BINGO FOR SENIORS 55+

All seniors are invited to come out on Thursdays for an exciting game of BINGO!  Relax, have a cup of coffee, enjoy yourself and socialize with friends and neighbors at the Lakeland Senior Center, 4527 Canada Road.  Be the first to get five across, down, or diagonally and you can win a small prize!  Bingo games will be held weekly on Thursdays from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. beginning on Thursday, June 7th.  The is not charge for tis activity.

Space is limited, so please call Joy Cloud at 867-5414 or email at jcloud@lakelandtn.org to reserve your spot.

I-289 Corridor Planning Meeting Scheduled Thursday, June 5, 2012 in Lakeland

An Open House on the planned land use along the I-269 Corridor (now Highway 385) is scheduled for Lakeland from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the International Harvester Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road in Lakeland.  

I-269 will affect the north side of Lakeland, including two interchanges (Brunswick Road and Stewart Road).  All residents, and especially residents in this area, are encouraged to attend.

The Open House is sponsored by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.  Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend and comment.  Additional information is available at the MPO website or this flyer on the meetings.

Tell us your opinion! Take this short survey on what you want from the Lakeland Park and Recreation Program today!

Tell us what you want!  Take this short survey on what you want to see offered by the Lakeland Park and Recreation program!

City of Lakeland meetings this week

Municipal Planning Commission meets at 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 21, 2012 Agenda  (click on "Agenda" link and then click on Municipal Planning Commission on the pull down menu)

Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2012  Agenda at Lakelandtn.gov (click on "Agenda" link and then click on Board of Commissioners on the pull down menu) or CityofLakeland.com.

Economic Development Commission meets at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 24, 2012.  Agenda (Click on "Agenda" link and then click on Economic Development Commission on the pull down menu)  (Agenda to be posted.)

Municipal School Election to be set August 2, 2012

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners are considering adopting an Ordinance for a referendum on creating a Lakeland Municipal School District on August 2, 2012.  Agenda is at Lakelandtn.gov or CityofLakeland.com.

The referendum on raising the local option sales tax to 2.75% (a 1/2 cent increase) is also set for August 2, 2012.

If adopted at the special meeting, the Public Hearing on the Ordinance will be Tuesday, May 22, with the second and final reading scheduled on May 29 or after.

The creation of a Municipal School District also requires that the City of Lakeland contribution 15% of our assessed taxable valuation (approximately $500,000) to the Lakeland Municipal School District.

Board of Commissoeners Meeting this Thursday, May 3, 2012

Board of Commissioners meeting, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 3, 2012.  Agenda at Lakelandtn.gov or CityofLakeland.com. 

Lakeland Outdoors is coming Saturday, May 5. See the Video!

Lakeland Outdoors is coming Saturday, May 5 at IH Park in Lakeland.  See the video of the exciting events!

I-40 and Canada Road maintenance

The I-40 and Canada Road interchange is maintained by the State of Tennessee.  For a variety of reasons, the City of Lakeland  cannot work on property not owned by the City of Lakeland without an easement or other legal authority.

City Engineer Philip Stuckert has advised the Tennessee Department of Transportation schedule for the next maintenance of the I-40 and Canada Road interchange is:

      1.  Pickup trash during the week of April 23, 2012

      2.  Mow the right of way during the week of April 30 to May 4, 2012

Anonymous letters are a one-sided conversation!

We appreciate comments, suggestions and complaints from Lakeland residents about the Lakeland Community.  Resident comments, suggestions and complaints have frequently helped change the future of Lakeland.

Recently I received an articulate letter with some excellent comments and suggestions about Lakeland.

However, I was unable to follow up on some of the comments because the writer did not include a contact number, name or address.  The writer essentially was having a one-sided conversation.

While I appreciate all comments (as I say, if you don't tell me, I don't know what you are thinking), it is impossible to respond to anonymous comments and even the best comments or suggestions lose some of their impact if we can't follow up.

Also, I feel that we encourage open communication and while we may not agree, I certainly would hope that residents feel comfortable in openly making comments, suggestions and complaints.  We may disagree, but we will listen and discuss the situation, and we cannot discuss it without a contact number or name.

We encourage residents to leave their name or at least a contact number or e-mail.  While we consider all comments, suggestions and complaints, the fact hat we can respond to and discuss problem areas with the person(s) directly affected will benefit all of us.

Lakeland Outdoors Scheduled Saturday, May 5, 2012

The first Lakeland Outdoors event is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012.  Information flyer is available HERE

Plan on attending this event and enjoy Lakeland Outdoors!