Bike Derby and Movie Night

The Lakeland Lions Club and Lakeland Parks and Recreation are scheduling a Bike Derby and Movie night on Friday, October 3 at City Hall Park. "Rockin Robin" will be present as DJ for part of the event.

A Bike Derby for children age 5-12 is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Friday, October 3 at City Hall Park on Highway 70. Trophies will be given to the 1st and 2nd place winners per age group. Age groups (tentative based on sign ups) are ages 5 and 6, 7, 8 and 9 and 10,11 and 12.

Sign up is immediately prior to the Derby on Friday, October 3.

Participants must bring their own bicycle. A bicycle helmet is required while riding in the Derby.

A drawing for a free bicycle is planned.

There is also an opportunity for children to be fingerprinted for security from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

The movie "Madagascar" will be shown at 7:15 p.m.

Isty Bitsy Spider

At a training session recently, the speaker started off with a demonstration of gestures (without words) and asked the audience to start singing the words and following when they knew what song he was signing.

The audience quickly joined in (one person almost as soon as the first gesture started). The speaker noted about “three people” in the audience of roughly 200 people didn’t understand, and we must be “International” attendees.

Even after he explained the song was “Isty Bisty Spider” and that “everyone” knew it, I realized I had never consciously heard or remembered it.

I mentioned this to Aliene and she said “Everyone” knew the song and to ask my 6 and 8 year old granddaughters.

Sure enough last night I called my 8 year old granddaughter and asked if she knew the “spider song” and she immediately started singing the entire song. (My 6-year-old granddaughter was crying in the background for the chance to sing it also).

The speaker was trying to demonstrate that we all retain a lot of information in our memory that can be accessed.

What I learned was that no one knows everything, and, again, it demonstrates the importance of involving as many people as possible in solving a problem and the importance of comments and suggestions! I was reminded again of the importance of public input and the persons who serve on volunteer Boards and Commissions and how valuable their contribution of knowledge and information is.

Perhaps appropriately, the speaker was Robert Fulghum, author of “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” and, yes, I am one of those persons who never attended Kindergarten!

City Hall E-Mail Off line Tuesday, October 7

The Lakeland City Hall e-mail will be off line all day Tuesday, October 7, 2008, for a scheduled e-mail upgrade. E-mail cannot be received or sent during this time.

Phone service and the Lakeland web site(www.lakelandtn.gov)is not expected to be affected.

New Sewer Emergency Number

For life-threatening emergencies requiring Police, Fire or Medical response: Dial 911

The new Sewer Emergency number is 870-8594. This is for "after hours" calls. PLEASE don't hesitate to call this number for the City to respond and check the sewer to determine if the problem is on the City line.

If you don't call, and call a plumbing company first, the City cannot reimburse you for the plumbing call.

There is no charge for the city to check the City sewer lines for blockages.

For other non-sewer emergencies, call 867-8920.

During regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays), call 867-2717.

Public Wi Fi connections, Surveillance Cameras to debut at City Hall Park

The final adjustments are being made to the system to provide Public Wi Fi connections at City Hall Park and in City Hall. Surveillance cameras will also be operational.

The Wi Fi system will allow persons using the park (or inside City Hall) to connect to the public wireless internet system. Coverage areas will include the picnic area and the soccer field area as well as inside City Hall. The Wi Fi system will be public access without the need for a password.

The Lakeland Economic Development Commission is planning a “Connection Day” ceremony . The Lakeland Economic Development Commission initiated the project, developed plans, guided the project through approval by the Lakeland Board of Commissioners, and provided assistance during the implementation stage.

Members of the Lakeland Economic Development Commission include Chair Mark Lawrence, Josh Roman, John Dudas, Pamela Womack, Connie Hess, Don Barber, Shirlee Clark, and Boyd Ruppelt. Vice Mayor Mark Hartz is the Board of Commission liaison to the Economic Development Commission.

Josh Roman was especially instrumental in researching and developing plans for the Wi Fi system. Past EDC members Don Oliver and Melissa Smithmier were also active in the development stages of the Wi Fi in the park concept.

Critical Edge Technology is the company installing the Wi Fi and surveillance system in the park. Michael Allsup and Forrest May of Critical Edge Technology worked closely with the City in implementing the project.

The “Connection Day” ceremony (the Economic Development Commission may select a different name!) will be scheduled in the near future.

Design Review Commission Meeting Canceled

The Lakeland Design Review Commission meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2008 has been canceled.

The Times They Are A-Changing

Lakeland is constantly changing, and recent developments will have a major impact on Lakeland and the Lakeland community. Some projects creating change include the following:

NEW CANADA ROAD ALIGNMENT:

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners has created a Stakeholders Committee to work with the consulting engineers on developing the alignment and amenities of New Canada Road. This is the first phase of the New Canada Road project.

The Board established the membership of the Stakeholders Committee to include a member selected from Lakeland boards and commissions, a representative of (and selected by) each homeowners association/neighborhood association along the route, four representatives of businesses and landowners along the route, and two members from the Lakeland community.

Residents interested in appointment to the New Canada Road Stakeholders Committee should submit a letter/e-mail of interest to CityHall@lakelandtn.org (put New Canada Road Stakeholders Committee in the subject line), mail or drop off at City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002 or fax to 867-2063. Stakeholders Committee members will be expected to invest a considerable amount of time in this project in attending meetings and reading.

Appointments of the representatives of businesses and landowners are made by the Board of Commissioners.

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER MANAGERIAL CLUBHOUSE

The Board of Commissioners’ September 4, 2008, Agenda will include an agreement with the International Harvester Managerial Clubhouse for the City of Lakeland to schedule the main part of the IH Clubhouse for public or private activities in the immediate future instead of 2015 as scheduled in the current lease agreement.

The agreement specifically provides for the International Harvester Club Managers to continue to utilize the Clubhouse and property in accordance with the original donation agreement, with the exception the City will handle the scheduling of the Clubhouse for civic and private groups.

Since the original lease agreement, the City has established and increased its capacity to provide recreational activities to Lakeland residents, and the ability to schedule the IH Clubhouse will substantially increase recreational opportunities in Lakeland.

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners has established guidelines to provide for continued use by the IH Clubhouse by Lakeland based civic groups, as well as booking private groups on a fee basis.

The City is currently in the process of upgrading the clubhouse. The upgrade started last year with the installation of central air conditioning.

The Lakeland Community certainly owes a lot to the foresight of the International Harvester Managers who purchased the property in the (I understand) mid- fifties and agreed to donate the building and 66 acre park to the Lakeland Community. The clubhouse and property will always be used for park and recreational purposes and will be a significant recreational feature in Lakeland.

The City agreed to name the park the International Harvester Managerial Park in recognition of the International Harvesters Managers’ substantial gift to the community. On behalf of all of Lakeland residents, I extend a big thank you to the International Harvesters Managers for this land and clubhouse that will forever be an asset to the City of Lakeland.

FIRE STATION # 2

While a lot of details remain to be worked out, the City of Lakeland and Shelby County are considering an agreement for the City of Lakeland to build Lakeland Fire Station # 2, which will be staffed by the Shelby County Fire Department.

The Agreement, which is on the September 4, 2008, Board of Commissioners Agenda, must be approved both by the City of Lakeland and Shelby County.

The station will provide enhanced fire protection to Lakeland residents as well as continue to increase the fire protection infrastructure in the event the City of Lakeland must establish a Lakeland Fire Department.

Preliminary plans are for Fire Station # 2 to be located in the City Hall area along Highway 70, although this could change.

STONEBRIDGE GOLF COURSE

The September 4, 2008, Board of Commissioners Agenda will include a proposal to establish a “Purchase Committee” to negotiate for the purchase of the Stonebridge Golf Course.

If the City is successful in purchasing the Stonebridge Golf Course, the City will renovate the greens and make clubhouse improvements. Tentative plans are for a restaurant at the clubhouse and upgrading of the clubhouse.

LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Perhaps the most significant potential change in the future of Lakeland is the potential new Land Development Regulations. I urge all residents to become familiar with and comment on the proposals. Information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov, and the Planning Department holds regular “1 on 1” meetings for residents who have questions on the proposed regulations.

The schedule of “1 on 1” meetings is posted on Channel 19 and at www.Lakelandtn.gov, and at www.youtube.com (search for Lakeland news) and reminders are on www.Twitter.com (follow Lakeland or City of Lakeland).

Trash/recycle schedule changes due to Labor Day

All scheduled trash pickup and recycling pickup will be changed to one day later due to the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, September 1.

Refuse pickup normally scheduled for Monday will be picked up Tuesday etc. Recycle pickup normally scheduled for Tuesday will be picked up Wedensday and recycle pickup normally scheduled for Wednesday will be picked up Thursday.

Reminders of the new schedule will be posted on http://www.twitter.com/ (follow Lakeland or CityofLakeland).

September Calendar changes

City Hall will be closed Monday, September 1, 2008 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners Work Session, normally scheduled for Monday, September 22, is rescheduled to Monday, September 29.

The BOC Regular Meeting is on the normal date, Thursday, October 2, 2008. The Town Meeting will start at 5:30 p.m.

The September calendar for Lakeland meetings is at http://www.lakeandtn.org/. Lakeland meetings are also on Comcast Channel 19, http://www.youtube.com/ (search for Lakeland news) and reminders are at http://www.twitter.com/ (follow Lakeland or CityofLakeland).

New Canada Road Stakeholders Committee

Letters of Interest are being accepted from Lakeland residents who are interested in participating in a “Stakeholders Committee” for New Canada Road. Four Members who are property owners in the area of New Canada Road and two Members who are residents of other areas of the City will be appointed to the Stakeholders Committee.

Letters of Interest may be e-mailed with the subject line “New Canada Road Letter of Interest” to CityHall@lakelandtn.org, mailed to City of Lakeland/New Canada Road, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002 or faxed to the City of Lakeland at 867-2063. We are asking for all Letters of Interest to be submitted by September 19, 2008. The Board of Commissioners will make the final appointment of all interested participants from these categories.

The New Canada Road Stakeholders Committee will work with the Project Engineer and City of Lakeland in recommending the alignment and preliminary design of New Canada Road. Design elements of the roadway include amenities such as landscaping, bicycle lanes, and street islands. The alignment of New Canada Road will also be a critical element in the decision making. The new alignment must fit into existing and developing neighborhoods while keeping the natural characteristics of Lakeland. It is anticipated that six meetings will be held with the Committee in the coming year to review and comments on the alignment and design elements. Most meetings will be held in the late afternoon and last no more than three hours. In addition to the stakeholder meetings, several public meetings will also be held to provide information to the public.

The Stakeholders Committee is composed of representatives of the Homeowners Associations/Neighborhood Associations along Canada Road and New Canada Road, a representative of several Boards and Commissions and the four positions for property/business owners along the route and the two general “at large” positions.

A considerable amount of time and effort will be required for meetings and reviewing information provided for the important decisions involved in the project.

The New Canada Road project has been planned since at least 1992 and is expected to be completed in 2012. The project is funded by a federal grant which will pay for 80% of all costs. The City of Lakeland is paying the remaining 20%. The Project is anticipated to costs nearly $10,000,000 and be completed by 2012.

Recycling/meeting reminders on www.Twitter.com!

Recycling day reminders and meeting reminders as well as notices are available on www.Twitter.com.  

Sign on to www.Twitter.com and follow either "Lakeland" or "City of Lakeland" to receive reminders.  Notices are limited to 140 characters so messages will be short!

Canada Road Bridge closing 8-22 to 8-25 for repairs

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced the Canada Road/I-40 bridge will be closed for repairs from 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2008 until 6:00 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2008.

One lane of Westbound I-40 traffic will also be closed.

Lakeland Phone book ad/announcement opportunities

Businesses, civic organizations and individuals are invited to purchase advertising in the forthcoming Lakeland PhoneBook. This will provide long term exposure for your message to all current and new Lakeland residents. As a bonus, proceeds from the ads are used to benefit the Lakeland Civic Club which invests the funds in the Lakeland Community for the benefit of the Lakeland Community.

Lakeland Civic Club members and other Lakeland residents are contributing their time to verify names and addresses etc. as well as selling ads and have put a lot of hours into this project.

If interested, contact Margaret Brown at 388-9190.

Channel 19 on You Tube!

The City is uploading Comcast Cable Channel 19 information to You Tube as a service to residents who don't have cable television or who wish to access the information from their office etc.

The current information was a test, but we will be uploading the information anytime Channel 19 information is updated.

To access the video of Channel 19, go to www.youtube.com and type in the search box "Lakeland TN Channel 19". It will pop up and you can click on the video, "Lakeland TN Channel 19-News you can use!"

Park Master Plan Public Input Meetings Scheduled

The future of Lakeland Parks and Recreation will be discussed at a meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 14 and at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21 at the IH Clubhouse on Canada Road.

All residents are invited to attend the meetings. Representation by all segments of the community will be emphasized so all views are considered in the Master Plan for Lakeland Parks and Recreation.

Residents wishing to participate are encouraged to complete the form at http://www.lakelandtn.gov/ and return it to Brenda Lockhart at Lakeland City Hall. We emphasize all residents are encouraged to attend and signup is not required. The signup is being conducted so efforts can be made to insure the participation includes representation reflecting Lakeland demographics.

Some examples of groups, in addition to traditional demographics, include representatives of business, health organizations, media, civic club leaders, youth organizations and scout leaders, arts organizations or local artists, church, schools, sports providers, coaches etc., and citizens with a special expertise.

I urge all residents to attend and participate in these important meetings.

Lakeland Parks Golf Tournament Friday, September 12

Keep this date! Friday, September 12, 2008 is the date for the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Second Annual Golf Tournament at the Stonebridge Golf Course. Funds raised by the tournament are used for required certification and background checks of volunteer Lakeland Recreation coaches. The City of Lakeland requires certification and background checks for all coaches in recreation programs.

Sign up and general information is available at www.Lakelandtn.gov or contact City Hall at 867-2717.

The Golf Tournament, which is co-sponsored by Saint Francis Hospital of Bartlett, is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 12. Entry fee will include dinner, greens fees, cart, open driving range, team picture, a chance for winning door prizes and a lot of fun! Other awards include prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive and a new car for a hole in one!

Businesses, organizations (such as Homeowner Associations’!), and individuals are encouraged to form Teams to participate in the tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses, organizations and individuals. Contact Brenda Lockhart at 867-2717 if you are interested in a sponsorship of tee signs, items for goodie bags, beverages, snacks etc. or other support of this worthwhile event.

LAST CHANCE TO BE LISTED IN LAKELAND PHONE DIRECTORY!

DEADLINE FOR LAKELAND PHONE BOOK WEDNESDAY, JULY 16TH

At the time of this writing the clocking is ticking down to the 11th hour of July 11 to submit your listing info for the NEW Lakeland Phone Directory. Have you returned the request from Lakeland City Hall? Your very last submission deadline is until Wednesday, July 16. Here are your options:

• Use the stamped return envelope
• OR send a fax to City Hall 867-2063
• OR call 867-2717
• OR complete the form online at www.lakelandtn.gov. Please provide the following information:

Names(s) to appear in directory (required)
Street Address (optional)
Subdivision (optional)
Telephone Number to be listed (###-####) land and/or cell
_____ No I/we do not wish to be listed in the City of Lakeland’s telephone directory

You Can Personalize the Phone Book Cover. Submit a picture(s), depicting “Where Quality of Life is a Way of Life” in Lakeland. If your

photo(s) is selected you will be recognized on the cover. Submit to Cecil Tompkins as a JPEG at crtomp@yahoo.com along with your name, address and phone number Or drop snap shots in the mail to Cecil , 9645 Blue Spruce Drive.

The Directory will include a section of only Lakeland businesses. Additionally Lakeland commercial and home businesses are being invited to place a paid display advertisement (black & white) in a section listed by category. This section is open to any business in and outside of Lakeland. Please contact Margaret Brown for pricing and layout information - 388-9190 or by email: mbrown@dbrown.com.

We have had an excellent response, and I am glad Lakeland has residents who understand the importance of this project and are working for a better Lakeland community.

Again, our thanks to Representative Ron Lollar, who understood the importance of this project for Lakeland residents and assisted in a Community Enhancement Grant which is paying for the costs of collection of the phone numbers and publication of the Lakeland Phone Book.

Number Please! July 11 Deadline!

Lakeland residents who desire to be listed in the Lakeland Phone Book must send back the response by Friday, July 11, 2008 or list your number at www.Lakelandtn.gov by Friday, July 11 to be assured of a listing in the Lakeland Phone Book.

To list your directory listing at www.Lakelandtn.gov is simple and easy. The listing information is at the top right of the opening page of the web site.

We appreciate the assistance of the Lakeland Civic Club and other Lakeland residents in this community project.

We have had an excellent response, and I am glad Lakeland has residents who understand the importance of this project and are working for a better Lakeland community.

Again, our thanks to Representative Ron Lollar, who understood the importance of this project for Lakeland residents and assisted in a Community Enhancement Grant which is paying for the costs of collection of the phone numbers and publication of the Lakeland Phone Book.

Ever since I moved to Lakeland I have received calls asking if BellSouth/ATT for some reason doesn't put Lakeland in the phone book why don't we print our own?

The more phone numbers included, the more useful the Lakeland Phone Book will be, so if you haven't provided your phone number, (and wish to do so), return the form or sign up at www.Lakelandtn.gov right now!

Trash pickup for Friday customers is Saturday!

The scheduled Friday, July 4 trash pickup will be on Saturday, July 5. No other routes are affected by the Independence Day Holiday schedule.

Sustainable Shelby County meeting-Doug Farr speaking

I received the following notice, which may be of interest to Lakeland residents. I understand anyone interested is invited and encouraged to attend.

Of special interest to Lakeland residents, Doug Farr is the owner of Farr and Associates, the company that is working with the City of Lakeland in developing new Land Development Regulations for Lakeland.

July 8 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Memphis Botanic Garden

You are invited to join Mayor Wharton in launching the Sustainable Shelby agenda, our community’s first comprehensive agenda that is equal parts sustainability, smart growth, green building, and more. This agenda was produced from committees and public polling that converged to create detailed recommendations for a sustainable future.

This Sustainable Shelby call to action meeting will announce the agenda for the future and next steps to accomplish them. Special remarks will be made by Doug Farr, author of Sustainable Urbanism, the seminal book that set the context for our local agenda.

Please invite your friends and colleagues to be part of this history-making meeting.