What is a sustainability City/Community?

Sustainability is a word which is frequently used, but what does it mean when it comes to cities? One of the goals identified by the City of Lakeland is to be a "Sustainable City" and Shelby County has a program on "sustainability".

I recently read a definition of Sustainability that I feel communicates the meaning well. (It is from a document by the City of Alexander, Virginia):

"A Sustainability Community is an environmentally, economically, and socially healthy place people can live, work, and play for decades to come.

ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY: Ensures that all parts of the natural and built environments work together as a single ecological system.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY: Ensures a healthy economy that supports and sustains people and the environment in which they live over the long term.

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: Ensures that a community meets residents' basic needs and has the resiliency to prevent and/or address problems in the future."

Halloween Carnival scheduled for Friday, October 30

The Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a Halloween Carnival and event for Friday, October 30, 2009.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Halloween Carnival for children from 3 to 11 years old.

At 9:00 p.m., there will be a movie and treats for children ages 12 to 15 years old.

Watch for additional information. This notice is provided so Lakeland residents can schedule this event in if you have children in these age groups interested in attending!

Board of Commissioners appoint Liaisons to Lakeland Boards/Commissions

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners reorganized at the Regular Meeting on October 1, 2009, as Don Barber and Cecil Tompkins assumed their positions on the Board of Commissioners.

BOC Liaisons are appointed to Lakeland Boards and Commissions for one year terms (in this case from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009). The Liaison is a full voting member.

Appointments included:

Board of Appeals: Mark Hartz

Design Review Commission: Cecil Tompkins

Economic Development Commission: Cecil Tompkins

Municipal Planning Commission: Randy Nicholson

Natural Resources Board: Randy Nicholson

Park and Recreation Board: Don Barber

Tompkins, Barbara take Oath of Office, Mayor Carmichael starts new term

Cecil Tompkins and Don Barbara took the Oath of Office to the Board of Commissioners and Mayor Scott Carmichael took the Oath of Office for his third term as Mayor at the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2009.

Proclamations for Commissioner Gerrit Verschuur and Commissioner Clark Plunk were read and Commissioner Verschuur and Commissioner were thanked for their service. Both had elected not to run again.

Randy Nicholson was elected as Vice-Mayor to a two-year term. The Board of Commissioners elects a Vice-Mayor after every general election to a two-year term. The Vice-Mayor assumes the duties of Mayor in the Mayor’s absence and also assumes some administrative responsibilities.

The Board thanked Mark Hartz for his work as Vice-Mayor, He has been Vice-Mayor for six of his ten years on the Board of Commissioners.

Make a Difference! Volunteer now for Lakeland Boards and Commissions!

Each year the Lakeland Mayor and Board of Commissioners consider applications for appointment to vacancies on City of Lakeland Boards and Commissions as noted below. If you want to be part of Lakeland's future, apply now for the openings on 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) Design Review Commission members are appointed by the Mayor. The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses and new residential developments. Meetings are held 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 Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Municipal Planning Commission members are appointed by the Mayor. The MPC reviews development plans, zoning matters and planning-related matters. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at City Hall.


Lakeland Natural Resources Board (NRB) The NRB is charged with planning, advising, and promoting the development of a comprehensive, community-endorsed natural resources and environmental stewardship program for the City. The NRB generally meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday 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, visit the City website at www.lakelandtn.gov, or email tmeyer@lakelandtn.org.

Applications are being received until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November, 16, 2009

New Canada Road Public Workshop September 29

The third and final Public Workshop by the New Canada Road Advisory Team is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the IH Managerial Park, 4525 Canada Road.

The New Canada Road Advisory Team will present their recommendations for New Canada Road.

This meeting will also be the first National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) informational meeting. The NEPA process will be outlined at the meeting.

Additional information is at www.NewCanadaRoad.com

Emergency Management Resource Page available

An Emergency Management resource web page is now available at the the City of Lakeland web page, www.Lakelandtn.gov, or can be directly accessed at http://www.lakelandtn.gov/government/emergency.htm.

This page is designed to provide all Emergency Management resource information at one location.

New Canada Road Advisory Team meetings Tuesday, September 8

The New Canada Road Advisory Team is meeting from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the IH Club, 4523 Canada Road. Note that the 2:00 p.m. time is an hour earlier than the normal starting time.

Additional information is at www.NewCanadaRoad.com.

Public Forum on Consolidation September 10

The Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance is presenting a Public Forum on consolidation from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Memphis Area Homebuilders Association building at 776 Germantown Parkway.

Suburban Mayors (including Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael) will speak and Municipal Technical Advisory Service Consultant Pat Hardy will also make a presentation on the pros and cons of consolidation. (For an article by Mr. Hardy and other consolidation background information, www.Lakelandtn.gov.)

The Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance is an Alliance of the Lakeland, Millington, Arlington, Bartlett and Collierville Chambers of Commerce.

The Public is encouraged to attend.

Refuse Collection one day later next week

Refuse collection, including recycling, will be delayed one day next week due to the Labor Day Holiday.

Regular Monday pickup will be Tuesday, regular Tuesday pickup will be Wednesday and regular Wednesday pickup will be Thursday.

I-40/Canada Road Interchange traffic signals approved!

The Shelby County Commissioners approved the bid for installing traffic signals at the I-40/Canada Road Interchange at a recent meeting!

This is expected to minimize the congestion and safety hazards at the interchanage.

As soon as the contract is offiically signed, the materials will be ordered, which is expected to take 6-8 weeks.

Due to weather, the contractors schedule and other uncertainities, it is diffiult to predict when the project will be completed. However, I expect the project will be compeleted by early 2010, if not before.

We appreciate the hard work and time of the Shelby County Engineering Department on this and the support of the Shelby County Commission.

The traffic signals are funded by a "congestion grant", which is 100% federally funded.

Commissioner Joyce Avery to vist Board of Commissioners meeting

Joyce Avery, Shelby County Commissioner for District 4 (the Lakeland District) is scheduled to visit with Mayor Carmichael and the Lakeland Board of Commissioners at the regular Board of Commissioners meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 3.

Commissioner Avery is scheduled to assume the position of Chair of the Shelby County Commission in September. She has served on the Shelby County Commission for seven years and has been an active supporter of Lakeland and her District during her time on the Shelby County Commission.

I-40/Canada Road traffic signal bid considered for approval Monday

The Public Works Committee of the Shelby County Commission (District 4 Commissioner Wyatt Bunker is the Chair) approved the bid for the traffic signal at the I-40 and Canada Road Interchange.

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.

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 and the Shelby County Commissioners.

After approval of the bid, the traffic signals should be operational by early 2010.

Lakeland sign regulations

We have received questions about the Lakeland Sign Regulations especially as it relates to temporary political campaign signs.

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 the Lakeland sign ordinances are at www.Lakelandtn.gov, or contact Code Enforcement at City Hall, 867-2717.

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

I-40/Canada Road Interchange traffic signals scheduled for approval

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.

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

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!

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!

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