Sunday, July 09, 2006

This Week-July 9 -July 14, 2006

Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend two important events on Thursday, July 13:

-Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Memberhship Mixer-5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13 at The Oakland Clubhouse, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive (off of Seed Tick)

Guest Speakers are Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris and Chuck Rychen, TDOT Director, Divison 4. They will discuss the planned renovation of the I-40/Canada Road interchange. All interested are encouraged to attend.

Reservations may be made at the Chamber web site, www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com. Cost is $10 per member or $20 per guest.

-Political Forum for Shelby County Candidates-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13 at the First Baptist Church, 4500 Canada Road.

All Shelby County candidates on the August 3rd election ballot have been invited! This is an excellent chance to hear the candidates and make the important decision of how you will vote on August 3.

Other meetings or events this week:

-6:30 p.m., Monday, July 10, 2006: Lakeland Park and Natural Resources Board, City Hall

-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2006: Lakeland Design Review Commission, City Hall

-10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 12: Ribbon cutting, Canada Road, Highway 64 and Canada Road

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Fletcher Trace Construction to start

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners have approved bids for construction on Fletcher Trace and construction will start in the near future. The project will include reconstruction of the surface and some curbs and some "traffic calming" measures.

The "traffic calming" measures will include short medians at strategic points, as well as extending curbs, several "speed humps" and a bicycle lane on the street surface.

Residents who use Fletcher Trace should plan an alternate route during construction. Construction is expected to last 120 days.

Canada Road, I-40 Interchange to 64 completed (almost)

The widening of Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64 is almost completed. A small of amount of detail work remains.

The speed limit on this portion is posted at 45 MPH, and it really is the highest safe speed on this portion. Motorists still need to watch for construction crews and be aware that a large number of motorists from residential areas will be turning onto Canada Road.

This project was funded by Shelby County and the City of Lakeland on a 50-50 basis. The City has applied for a grant to provide landscaping and bike paths along each side of Canada Road.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

July 4 Childrens Parade

A 11 year tradition continues in Lakeland as the 11th Annual Childrens Parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 4 in Fairway Meadows. The parade will gather at 9:30 p.m. at Meadow Green Cove (a block north of Kingsridge on Shadow Green).

This is the type of event which makes a City unique! The parade is limited to children 12 and under and motorized vehicles etc. are not allowed. Contact Mark or Nancy Hartz at 373-8962 for additional information.

July 4 Schedule

City Hall will be closed Tuesday, July 4.

There is no refuse pickup Tuesday, July 4. The rest of the week pickup is delayed one day. If your pickup is Tuesday, trash will be picked up Wednesday, if the scheduled pickup is Wednesday, it will be Thursday etc.. Friday's schedule will be picked up Saturday, July 8.

Recycling will be picked up WEDNESDAY instead of Tuesday. Please remember this is the pickup scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Eric Bridges paper selected for national presentation

Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges was recently formally notified that his paper "Urban Planning During Growth and Restoration" has been accepted for presentation during the 2006 Society of Foresters National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The paper is based on Eric's experience in Lakeland in developing ordinances and programs to conserve natural resources during rapid growth periods.

Congratulations Eric!

Friday, June 23, 2006

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., July 13-I-40 Interchange to be discussed!

Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris and a Tennessee Department of Transportation representative are scheduled to attend the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce "after hours mixer" on Thursday, July 13. Senator Norris will discuss the upcoming improvements to the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange.

The mixer will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at the Club at Oakwood (Oakwood Addition Clubhouse) at 10133 Matwood Oak Drive.

All Lakeland residents are encouraged to attend and learn and discuss this important issue! RSVP may be made on-line at LakelandChamberofCommerce.com. The fee is $10 for Lakeland Chamber of Commerce members, and $20 for non-members. There is a $5.00 fee for tickets at the door.

We appreciate the Lakeland Chamber and the Club at Oakwood for hosting this event.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Call 379-7625 to report door-to-door solicitors!

The Board of Commissioners recently finalized the Ordinance banning commercial door-to-door Solicitors. Religious and non-profit organizations may still solicit with a City of Lakeland permit and of course, political campaigning is authorized without any type of permit.

The Shelby County Sheriff Department will assist residents who are contacted by door-to-door solicitors. Lakeland residents who suspect violations should contact the Shelby County Sheriff at 379-7625 to report violations.

Copies of the ordinance have been distributed to Deputies to expedite enforcement.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Biking on Lakeland trails and streets

I recently took advantage of the excellent weather to ride on some of Lakeland's new trails and look at some of Lakeland's new subdivisons.

I find I see a lot more when I look at the City as a bicycle rider rather than through the windshield of a car!

I am pleased that Lakeland is becoming more "bike friendly" and that trails are being developed for walkers and bicyclists that will make it safer for all concerned.

With the exception of Canada Road, traffic has been very courteous (and I try to also be courteous to vehicles in turn), so I enjoy my rides.

I have noted several areas where we need to improve our trails and streetsf or bike riding as a "user".

Fletcher Trace construction (repaving and "traffic calming" devices installed to reduce speed) is expected to start in the near future and plans are for dedicated bike lanes on the street. I have seen the same design work well in other cities.

The City also has a grant application in for bike paths (separate from the street) on Canada Road from I-40 to Highway 64. If this is improved, it will substantially improve opportunities for safer biking and walking in Lakeland.

Pardon the mess!

Some remodeling activity will be starting at Lakeland City Hall this week (starting Monday, June 5, 2006).

There will be changes to the front desk and other offices in City Hall, and this week the carpet in the front area and hallways is being replaced with a surface (acid wash concrete) which will be easier to maintain and also provide for an improved appearance.

The other chances are expected to be start and be completed in mid-July.

Please excuse the mess!

Commercial Door to Door Soliciting Prohibited

Effective Friday, June 2, the City of Lakeland will no longer issue permits for commercial door-to-door solicitors. Permits are still issued to religious and chariable organizatons.

Political campaigning is allowed without a permit.

We are checking on the legal status of companies with an existing valid door-to-door permit.

Recycling reminder-5th Tuesday

Recycling pickup is the First and Third Tuesday or the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month.

On the Fifth Tuesday (which occurs 4 times a year), there is no recycling pickup. Last week was the Fifth Tuesday of the month, and, therefore, there was no pickup for recyclables.

This Tuesday (June 6) will be the First Tuesday, so the reycle route will pickup residents whose regular recycle schedule (First and Third Tuesday) was May 16.

Residents with recycling scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, (second and fourth Tuesday) next reycling date is Tuesday, June 13, which is the second Tuesday in June.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Memorial Day Refuse/Yard Waste Schedule Changes

City Hall is closed on Monday, May 29 for the Memorial Day observance.

Refuse and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day. If your normal pickup is Monday, the pickup will be Tuesday etc.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Canada Road, I-40 Interchange lights

City Engineer Karen Jarrett recently announced that traffic signals are planned for the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange to replace the existing stop signs. Currently, we expect the project to be bid in June of 2006. Due to the unique nature of manufacturing traffic signals, we can't really forecast an installation date.

We know a lot of residents will welcome the traffic signals and City Engineer Karen Jarrett is working hard to expedite this project.

Mississippi River

Recently I had the opportunity to visit with a Mississippi River boat worker. It was an interesting conversation (he works 30 days on and 30 days off).

In an eerie way, he reminded me of many of the old (old to to me at the time) farmers I knew when I was a child. They loved and lived their job, were independent, opinionated had a lot of common sense and generally seemed to enjoy their career choice in spite of what are seen as negative aspects of the job. The only real difference seems to be one makes his living on the land, one on the river.

I enjoyed our conversation and wish I knew his name so I could have a cup of coffee or a lunch with him in the future and keep on with our discussion.

One of the things I love about Tennessee and this area is when I realize how similar, yet different it is from where I grew up and how I really notice the difference when I visit family in Oklahoma or Kansas. (Oklahomans and Kansans are great-kind, generous and just fine people. I have found Southerners to be the same, at least in this area, with the addition that they truly know how to be hosts and are truly courteous people.)

Also, I have found drivers to be much more courteous in Memphis. In spite of our tendency to streeeeetch yellow lights and make frightening close left turns, there is little tailgating and I have yet to have another car not let me in, even when I was in the wrong! (If you drive the Canada Road and I-40 interchange area, this is demonstrated on a daily basis.)

I was always fascinated by the Mississippi River when I was a child, and I can remember how excited I was at my first view of the River! One of my secret obsessions for some odd reason is the Mississippi River Level in the paper each day! I really don’t even know what it means, (except generally) but it fascinates me. I still get that “tingle” when I first see it and every time we have relatives or friends visit, I am always glad because it usually gives me a chance to take a Mississippi River Cruise or at least walk the Mississippi! Now I know that when I cross the “Mighty Mississippi” I am almost home!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Lakeland Chamber Meeting 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 11

DON'T FORGET THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING THIS THURSDAY, MAY 11!

Mayor Scott Carmichael is the feature speaker at the May Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Oakwood Club House, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive.

Come out, hear Mayor Carmichael and visit with other Lakeland and area residents and business persons!

I have reprinted the notice of the meeting below.

Don't Forget to RSVP….
What: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce May Monthly Luncheon
Where: Oakwood Club House
10133 MATWOOD OAK DRIVE (CLICK HERE FOR MAP)
When: May 11, 2006, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Cost: $10.00 Per Member / $20 Per Non-Member
RSVP: Please RSVP and make lunch selection by May 9, 2006
Online: http://www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com/calendar.htm
Phone: Lakeland City Hall, Nanette Smith, (901) 867-2717
Fax: Lakeland City Hall, Attn: Chamber of Commerce, (901) 867-2063
Honored Guest Speaker
LAKELAND MAYOR SCOTT CARMICHAEL
We look forward to seeing you there.

Recycling Oil Centers

Autozone on Highway 64 in Lakeland has advised they accept used motor oil for recycling. There is no charge for this service.

Lakeland City Hall no longer is able to accept used oil for recycling. We are unable to provide an attendent at all times and new storm water regulations do not make it feasible to continue to accept used motor oil. Secure storage of used oil was also a problem.

In addition to Autozone, many other gas stations, auto parts stores etc. accept used motor oil for recycling and we encourage persons who change their own oil to recycle at an approved oil recycling facility.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Development fees-The user pays!

Recently I heard a comment about development fees, something to the effect that "Developers don't pay fees, they just pass on the fees to the new buyers".

Of course they do, and that is the whole point-the "new buyers" pay the costs associated with the new development, NOT an existing resident who does not benefit from the new development, and may even have an adverse effect on the existing resident!

I woudn't expect my neighbors in the next subdivision to pay for my new house and I don't expect to pay for a future subdivision. The person benefitting pays. Seems fair to me!

The City does continually revise fees in an effort to insure that the person (or future person) generating the cost pays the costs. In the case of development fees, the developer knows the fees in advance, the new homeowner/buyer knows the fees and decides if it is worth it. Again, seems fair to me!

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Yard Waste Schedule (bagged leaves and grass)

The new schedule for yard waste pickup is noted below. Yard waste pickup will be made on the days noted. In the event pickup is not made on the scheduled day due to weather or equipment problems, the pickup will be on the next day.

This may be a temporary schedule. The City is getting bids on the yard waste removal and this schedule may change on or about July 1. Notice of any new schedule will be provided well in advance of the new schedule.

YARD WASTE SCHEDULE AS OF APRIL 17, 2006

Yard waste (bagged leaves and grass clippings) is picked up each week in accordance with this schedule.

MONDAY SCHEDULE

Lakeland Heights Addition
Evergreen Hills Addition
Creekside Manor Addition
Hwy 70-Evergreen-M/A-Seed Tick area
Oakwood Addition
Cool Springs Addition
Eastshores Addition
Herons Ridge Addition
The Pointe
Beverly Rivera - Canada
Windward Slopes
Area north of the Loosahatchie River

TUESDAY SCHEDULE

Lakeland Estates
Plantation Hills`
Woodbridge
Mphs/Arl-Chambers Chapel-Chapel Hill Rd
Chambers Chapel - Chapel Cv-Chambers Cv.
Chambers Chapel -Monroe Rd- Cobb Rd
Bentbrooke Hills
Plantation Woods Dr
Hwy 64-Fletcher Trace

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Stonebridge Subdivision
Fletcher Trace-Daly / ChiChi
Club View
Club Walk
El Hill
Fairway Meadows
Canada Woods
Woodland Park
Sterling Place

(If pickup is delayed due to adverse weather or equipment problems, pickup will be the next day.)


NEW SCHEDULE MAY BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1,2006 DUE TO NEW CONTRACTOR
Advance notice will be provided if schedule is changed by new contract

New Lakeland Signs on Exit 18

Did you notice the new “Lakeland” exit signs for exit 18 on Interstate 40? Prior to this week, there had not been any signs to indicate that motorists could access Lakeland by using I-40 exit 18.

Thanks to Tennessee Senator Mark Norris, Tennessee Representative Bubba Pleasant, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), there are now signs letting eastbound motorists know, yes, you can exit at I-40 exit 18 and find the City of Lakeland!

Prior to this, I always gritted my teeth a little when I saw the lack of notice for Lakeland at exit 18 while cities literally miles away had large exit signs!

Thanks to the cooperation and assistance of Representative Pleasant, Senator Norris and TDOT personnel, the signs were recently installed.

We appreciate their cooperation and assistance on this matter.

The big overhead signs will be maintained only for Exit 20 into Lakeland which is considered to be the “main” entrance to Lakeland. Logically enough, Exit 18 is considered a “secondary” entrance. To avoid confusion, TDOT only provides one “major” sign for a City of Lakeland’s size.

The next time you are eastbound on Interstate 40, watch for the new “Lakeland” signs on I-40!