“Tree Tag” available, tree information at www.tufc.com

The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council is sponsoring a very attractive specialty “tree tag” for vehicles, with a tree and the slogan “trees make the difference”.

The literature from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council notes that “At 1000 miles per month, even fuel efficient automobiles emit 3.5 tons of CO2 annually. That requires 17 new trees to offset the impact each year”.

At least 1,000 tags must be ordered for the vehicle tag to be made available . If interested, online reservations are available at www.tufc.com. The tag will help Tennessee Urban Forestry Council continue its education, awareness and arboretum programs. Full reservation information is available at this site.

The web site also contains a wealth of information about trees, even if you are not interested in the specialty tags.

An example of information is noted below:

• Tree Toppings Hurts
• Storm Damaged Trees
• Tree Health
• Tree Identification
• Virginia Tree ID
• How To Plant A Tree
• General Pruning Information
• Hazard Trees
• Insect & Disease Problems
• What Tree Is It?
• Top 100 US Trees
• TLC for Trees
• Pruning Young Trees
• Pruning Mature Trees
• BUGS
• Tree ID
• Tree Selection
• Planting Near Utility Lines

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

City of Lakeland
New Land Development Regulations
Neighborhood Meetings

Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 PM, Oakwood Clubhouse, 10133 Matwood Oak Drive - The City of Lakeland Planning Department is inviting residents in the Central part of Lakeland to a neighborhood meeting to discuss new land development regulations that have been in progress since 2007. The Central area is considered to be the area north of I-40, and south of the Loosahatchie River. The City will be inviting as many neighborhoods from this area as possible to the November 12 meeting.

Thursday, November 13, 5:20 PM, Stonebridge Clubhouse, 3049 Davies Plantation Road - The City of Lakeland Planning Department is inviting residents in the South part of Lakeland to a neighborhood meeting to discuss new land development regulations that have been in progress since 2007. The South area is considered to be all of the area in the City limits south of I-40. The City will be inviting as many neighborhoods from this area as possible to the November 13 meeting.

City of Lakeland "YouTube Channel"

The City of Lakeland "YouTube Channel" address is http://www.youtube.com/user/CityofLakelandTN.

This will enable residents to view any video posted by the City of Lakeland by searching this one address.

At this time, only the Channel 19 slide show is posted.

We plan on adding more videos to allow viewers to learn about different aspects of the City and this will allow easy searching of the videos.

We are looking for volunteers who can assist us in setting up the project and developing quality videos to provide information on aspects of Lakeland. Ideas are also welcome!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SERVICE ON LAKELAND BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

City of Lakeland Accepting Applications

for appointed Boards and Commissions

Applications are being accepted for open positions on the City of Lakeland Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Commission, Economic Development Commission, and Parks and Recreation Board. Application and information are available at www.lakelandtn.gov (under “employment"), at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 (867-2717) or e-mail CityofLakeland@gmail.com

Persons appointed to Boards and Commissions play an important role in City government. Many decisions are final decisions; others are recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Recommendations by Boards and Commissions are always seriously considered by the Board of Commissioners.

If you are willing to serve and would like to be involved in important aspects of the Lakeland community, please consider applying for appointment to one of the volunteer Boards or Commissions. Applications are being accepted until 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 17, 2008. (The deadline may be extended by the Board of Commissioners.)

A brief description of each Board or Commission is noted below:

COMMUNITY LEADERS NEEDED - VOLUNTEER NOW!

The City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for Lakeland residents willing to serve in the following volunteer positions:

Lakeland Board of Appeals (BOA) The BOA hears appeals on variances and other planning-oriented matters. This board meets “as needed” at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at City Hall.

Lakeland Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses and new housing developments. The DRC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall.

Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) The EDC reviews and proposes economic development initiatives/programs and maintains an active relationship with current and potential Lakeland businesses. The EDC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at City Hall.

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) The PRB reviews and recommends park development plans, recreation programs and recommends locations of new parks. This board meets at City Hall on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

For additional information or application, contact City Hall by phone at 867-2717, by email: cityoflakeland@gmail.com or visit the City website at www.lakelandtn.gov Applications are being received until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November, 17, 2008.

City Hall E-mail Address

Due to excessive spam and viruses, we have had to close the CityHall@lakelandtn.org e-mail account.

The new general City Hall e-mail account is CityofLakeland@gmail.com

Changes in Refuse Collection procedures and fees to be considered

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners will review possible changes to solid waste (refuse) collection procedures and rates at the Work Session on Monday, October 27, 2008. This will include an amendment to the contract with All Star Waste Services and an amendment to the rate structure.

The proposal is based on the following circumstances:

-The contract with All Star Waste Services expires December 31, 2009. (I had previously incorrectly advised several residents it expired December 31, 2008.)

-We have had requests for regular recycling pickups and yard waste (tree limbs, leaves etc.) pickup. Weekly pickup would eliminate or reduce many of the problems concerning pickup of yard waste.

-Starting with the new contract on January 1, 2010 (this will be bid in late 2009), the City will require more separation of yard waste (recycling) etc. and improved recycling containers that we cannot realistically require in this contract due to the high capital costs and only one year remaining in the contract.

-The City Storm Water Management program emphasizes reducing contamination of the surface water ( resulting contamination of creeks and lakes etc.) and control of litter. Increased pickup up yard waste and recycling will help meet this goal.

The proposed changes, to be effective January 1, 2009 are:

1. Weekly pickup of recycling. All Star will pick up all recycling on a weekly basis. Existing bids would be used. In addition, customer supplied hinged carts etc. of recycling up to 65 gallons and a maximum of 50 pounds will be picked up. (My understanding is newspapers will need to be separated from the other recycling). The hinged/covered carts will prevent recycling items from being blown out of carts. Any carts would be a customer provided item and are not required.

2. Weekly pickup of all yard waste (grass, limbs etc.). All bagged leaves will be picked up by All Star regardless of the number. Heavier loads of limbs, branches and brush will be picked up by a specialized truck (a “knuckleboom” truck). Yard waste will not be recycled this year, but Lakeland proposes to require the contractor to recycle yard waste (rather than putting it in a landfill) starting in 2010 in order to begin compliance with regulations proposed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The proposed fee for the increased services, along with a scheduled rate increase, will increase refuse collection rates for Lakeland residents to $20.53 per month.

Residents are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioners Work Session, which starts at 6:30 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2008.

Comments or questions can be e-mailed to a temporary e-mail set up for comments or questions at CityofLakeland@gmail.com or at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, (867-2717) Comments may also be made through the web site at www.lakelandtn.gov.

Storm Water Program/ Fees to be considered

Fees to fund storm water activities designed to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate for Storm Water activities are being considered by the Board of Commissioners at the BOC Work Session on Monday, October 27, 2008.

Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II Storm Water Rules and Regulations requires the City to have the following activities as part of a Storm Water Management Plan:

· Public Education and Outreach

· Public Participation/Involvement

· Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

· Construction Site Runoff Control

· Post-Construction Runoff Control

· Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

· Storm Sewer Mapping and Update

The program will include contracted litter pickup of major streets, enforcement of violations of the Storm Water Rules and Regulations, storm water mapping and public education.

The Board of Commissioners will consider instituting a Storm Water Fee to pay for activities associated with complying with the Storm Water requirements.

The Board will consider a basic fee of up to $3.20 per “basic residential unit” per month which in most cases would be the charge for residential single family units. Businesses with large parking areas etc. may pay more depending on the area of the property, type of surface etc.

Residents are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioners Work Session, which starts at 6:30 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2008. Comments or questions can be e-mailed to a temporary e-mail set up for comments or questions at CityofLakeland@gmail.com or at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, (867-2717) Comments may also be made through the web site at www.lakelandtn.gov.

Lakeland Phonebooks are Coming!

The new Lakeland Phone Book has been published and received. A phone book will be delivered to all Lakeland residents and businesses within the next several weeks. We expect to start delivering the phone books Monday, October 27, 2008. Delivery is expected to take seveal weeks, depending on the weather and coordination with normal daily activities.

Phone books will be delivered by City personnel in City of Lakeland uniforms in identified City of Lakeland vehicles. Each phone book will be in a frosted clear bag.

Representative Ron Lollar was instrumental in coordinating a State of Tennessee grant for the phone book. He reviewed the grant application and otherwise assisted in the grant process. We greatly appreciate his assistance.

We appreciate the efforts of the Lakeland Civic Club and other Lakeland residents and City of Lakeland personnel in this process. A lot of time and effort went into this Directory and we hope it is helpful to Lakeland residents and businesses.

I-40/Canada Road Traffic Signal schedule

Shelby County recently provided the following schedule for installation of traffic signals at I-40 and Canada Road:

-Advertisement Issued for Signal Construction October 6th, 2008

-Prebid Conference October 27th

-Bids received from Contractors Nov 4th

-Notification of Award to Contractor December 2008

-Spring 2009 completion of project

2010 Census workers needed!

The City recently received a flyer from the Department of Commerce that “Partnership Specialist” positions are available in Tennessee and other states for working on the 2010 Census. Persons interested in working with the 2010 Census may get more information at www.census.gov/rocha/www or www.usajobs.com.

In addition, the Charlette Regional Census Center (the census center for Tennessee) is hiring about 75,000 persons in a five state region to help build address lists in pre-census operations. Information on these positions is available at www.census.gov/rocha/www.

I encourage interested persons from Lakeland who know Lakeland isn’t Arlington, Memphis, or Bartlett or Cordova etc. to apply so Lakeland will get a fair census count!

Dance at IH Clubhouse, Saturday, October 18

Dance to the music of the 60’s and 70’s (and a few years on either side) this Saturday, October 18 at the International Harvester (I.H.) Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Road from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

D.J. Eddie Richardson will be playing music from the 60’s and 70’s for dancing. Richardson is well known in the Memphis area and always plays an excellent selection of music!

The River City Boppers dance club will be operating the dance as a joint recreational event with the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.

Cost is $4.00 for Lakeland residents and club members. Soft drinks are available for a donation. The IH Club is a non-smoking facility.

A future event is scheduled for November 15, 2008 and will resume in January of 2009, depending on attendance.

The International Harvester Managerial Club and the City of Lakeland recently agreed that the City of Lakeland will schedule the Clubhouse for both public and private events such as company gatherings, Christmas Parties, weddings, anniversaries reunions etc. Fees are currently approximately the same as previously charged by the IH Managerial Club. Clean up service or self-cleanup options are available.

Persons or organizations wishing to reserve the Clubhouse may call 901-867-2717, Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002.

Lakeland Elementary School PTA fund raiser

The Lakeland Elementary School PTA is sponsoring an "Enchanted Evening", Friday, October 17th at the historic Hillwood in Davies Plantation. This is an adults only fund raiser and will include an Italian dinner (with delicious desserts!), live music and a live auction.

Support Lakleand Elementary and plan to attend this event! information at www.lakelandpta.com/currentnews.html.

This site also contains a lot of valuable information about Lakeland Elementary activities!

The infomation on this event on the site is copied below:


“Some Enchanted Evening”

Italian Dinner, Live Auction and GREAT Parents Night Out!

OCTOBER 17th

Historic Hillwood in Davies Plantation
Dinner @ 6 p.m. Auction @ 7 p.m.
Join us in an evening specifically designed for adults to enjoy an Italian dinner, listen to live piano music, bid on fabulous live auction items, and win generous door prizes!

It promises to be a fun way to mingle with other LES parents, meet new people, and win prizes! It is a celebration of school and community. It promises to be a relaxing evening to be enjoyed before the rush of the impending holiday season!

The planned dinner menu consists of Spaghetti w/ Marinara or Meat Sauce, Meatballs, Italian Salad Garlic Bread and a variety of Delicious Desserts provided by LES Bakers!

The elegant dinner will begin at 6:00 and the live auction will start at 7:00. Adults are invited to wear their “festive attire” which is anything from your party clothes, nice work attire to your Sunday best.

Alcoholic beverages will be available for cash donations.

Tickets are $15.00 per person. Visa and Mastercard will be
accepted for auction items.

All proceeds benefit the students of LES!

Hillwood @ Davies Plantation
3570 Davieshire Drive Memphis, TN 38133

To see our venue go to:
http://www.eventective.com/USA/Tennessee/Memphis/107984/Hillwood-at-Davies-Plantation.html

Reservations for couples/groups with tables up to 10 are available – reserve your table now!

Please MAIL the bottom form with your money (checks payable to LES PTA) to:

Lakeland Elementary
10050 Oakseed Lane
Lakeland, TN 38002

Please send in an envelope marked PTA Enchanted Evening.
__________________________________________________________________
Ticket Order Form
Please return your order no later than October 15th.
Number of Tickets: _________ x ($15.00) each = __________
Individual Tickets Name: _______________________________________
You will give your name at the door the night of the event
Group Reservations: If you are a part of a group reservation for a table of 10 please indicate the other names
at your table:
_______________________________________ _________________________________________
_______________________________________ _________________________________________
_______________________________________ _________________________________________
_______________________________________ _________________________________________
_______________________________________ _________________________________________
Confirmations sent via email. Email Address: ____________________________________________________
(Please PRINT)
Phone number: ________________________
How did you hear about our “Enchanted Evening”? ____________________________________________
Regretfully, I am unable to attend but, would like to donate the following: _____________________________
If you have any questions please email me @ sjneri@fedex.com.

Lakeland Station Mall details!

Learn the lastest about the Lakeland Station Mall renovation! Rene Daniel with Gilad Property Management (leasing manager for Lakeland Station) will be at the October Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, October 9 at the Stonebridge Golf Club.

Additional information or make reservations at www.LakelandChamberofCommerce.com RSVP by calling Chris Perry at 867-1988 by Tuesday, October 7!

Also, this is your opportunity to get involved! Chamber Members will have the opportunity to nominate themselves or other members for the leadership positions of President, Vice-President of Programs, Vice-President of Membership and Treasurer.