Home Landscaping Workshop scheduled January 20, 2011

A Home Landscaping Workshop will be scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 2011. The Workshop is partially sponsored by the City of Lakeland.

Details at: http://www.lakelandtn.gov/pdfs/activities/landscape.pdf

Canada/I-40 Interchange construction scheduled for 2012

Senator Mark Norris recently advised Lakeland Mayor Scott Carmichael that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) had advised him that construction on the I-40/Canada Road interchange is expected to start in 2012. This is approximately two years sooner than previously expected.

Both Senator Norris and Representative Ron Lollar have been instrumental in working with the City on this project. TDOT personnel have also been very effective in keeping the massive amount of paperwork moving that is necessary on a project like this.

Our appreciation to Senator Norris, Representative Lollar and TDOT personnel for their assistance in moving this project along.

Activation of signal lights at I-40 and Canada Road scheduled

Shelby County officials have advised the traffic signals at I-40 and Canada Road are scheduled to be inspected Tuesday, December 7.

The signal lights will “blink” for 7 days before being fully operational on or about December 14. The Tennessee Department of Transportation requires that signal lights “blink” for at least seven days before becoming operational.

Keep a Tennessee Tradition, Volunteer for your City!

Keep a Tennessee Tradition, Volunteer for your City!

Lakeland residents are encouraged to volunteer for openings on Lakeland Boards and Commissions! Applications are requested by 4:30 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2010.

We have noticed that there appears to be a cycle of a surplus of qualified applicants one year and then too few qualified applicants the next year! This is a “too few” year, so this is your opportunity if you want to serve on a Lakeland Board or Commission!

Service on Lakeland Boards and Commissions is interesting and you play a role in the molding the future (or present) of Lakeland!

Openings are available on all Boards and Commissions, including:

Lakeland Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses and new residential developments. Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall. Members are appointed by the Mayor. Staff Advisor is City Planner/Deputy Growth Management Director Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) The EDC reviews and proposes economic development initiatives/programs. The EDC is currently preparing a Strategic Plan for economic development. The EDC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at City Hall. Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) 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. Members are appointed by the Mayor. Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Natural Resources Board (NRB) The NRB has an active role in 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 second Thursday of each month at City Hall. Staff Advisor is Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges.

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) The PRB reviews and recommends park development plans, recreation programs and recommends locations of new parks. Meets at City Hall on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Staff Advisor is Park Director Brenda Lockhart.

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. Staff Advisor is City Planner Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Storm Water Board of Appeals (SWBA) This is a new Board. The SWBA reviews civil penalties and/or damage assessments concerning storm water management and pollution control plans. The SWBA meets on an “as needed” basis with at least an annual meeting. Staff Advisor is City Engineer Philip Stuckert.

Applicants are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioner’s Regular Meeting (December 4) to express their interest and present their qualifications.

For additional information or application, contact the appropriate Staff Advisor, or Theresa Meyer at City Hall at 867-2717, visit the City website at www.lakelandtn.gov, or email tmeyer@lakelandtn.org.

What are the Cameras for at the I-40/Canada Road interchange?

Many residents have noticed the cameras at the I-40/Canada Road interchange. City Engineer Philip Stuckert explains the use of the cameras:

The I-40/Canada Road signals have overhead optical cameras that provide for vehicle detection. They cannot be used for red light violations. The purpose of each camera is to determine the presence of a vehicle in a driving lane. If the camera detects the presence of a vehicle, then information is sent to the signal controller box whereby the controller decides to service that lane with a green light for traffic movement. If no vehicle is detected, then the signal controller does not service that lane of traffic by turning the signals green. This allows the controller to give that “green time” to other legs of the intersection which has vehicles and needs that time to move more traffic through the intersection.

The cameras take the place of induction loops that are installed in the pavement. Induction loops are installed as vehicle detection devices because they are much cheaper than cameras. However in certain conditions such as bridge decks, induction loops cannot be cut into the pavement as they can be in asphalt pavements. Therefore cameras were installed at this signal location.

Lakeland HIstory

Video clip on Lakeland History

Slideshow of Lakeland events, meetings and information.

Slideshow of Lakeland events, meetings and information. Click here.

Lakeland Meetings and News Week of November 8-12, 2010

6:30 p.m., Monday, November 8, 2010: Park and Recreation Board Meeting. Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov or www.CityofLakeland.com

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 9, 2010: Joint Meeting: Design Review Commission and Natural Resources Board: PUBLIC WELCOME TO ATTEND FOR A PRESENTATION BY BART JONES ON NATIVE PLANTS!

Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov or www.CityofLakeland.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010: Veterans Day, City Hall closed

6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010: Board of Appeals, Special Meeting. Agenda at www.Lakelandtn.gov or www.CityofLakeland.com

Lakeland-Your Thoughts Needed on Keeping Lakeland Beautiful

The Lakeland Natural Resources Board wants your thoughts on improving Lakeland and keeping it beautiful!

Take this survey to help the Board design future programs making Lakeland even more beautiful!

Applications open for Board and Commission Positions

COMMUNITY LEADERS NEEDED

VOLUNTEER NOW!

The City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for the following volunteer positions until 4:30 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2010:

Lakeland Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC reviews the design, sign, lighting, and landscaping plans of commercial businesses and new residential developments. Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall. Members are appointed by the Mayor. Staff Advisor is City Planner/Deputy Growth Management Director Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Economic Development Commission (EDC) The EDC reviews and proposes economic development initiatives/programs. The EDC is currently preparing a Strategic Plan for economic development. The EDC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at City Hall. Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) 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. Members are appointed by the Mayor. Staff Advisor is Growth Management Director J. HIgbee.

Lakeland Natural Resources Board (NRB) The NRB has an active role in 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 second Thursday of each month at City Hall. Staff Advisor is Natural Resources Director Eric Bridges.

Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) The PRB reviews and recommends park development plans, recreation programs and recommends locations of new parks. Meets at City Hall on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Staff Advisor is Park Director Brenda Lockhart.

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. Staff Advisor is City Planner Jim Atkinson.

Lakeland Storm Water Board of Appeals (SWBA) This is a new Board. The SWBA reviews civil penalties and/or damage assessments concerning storm water management and pollution control plans. The SWBA meets on an “as needed” basis with at least an annual meeting. Staff Advisor is City Engineer Philip Stuckert.

Applicants are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioner’s Work Session (6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 22) or Regular Meeting (December 4) to express their interest and present their qualifications.

For additional information or application, contact the appropriate Staff Advisor, or Sontidra Thomas at City Hall at 867-2717, visit the City website at www.lakelandtn.gov, or email sthomas@lakelandtn.org.

Applications are being received until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Survey

The Shelby County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is gathering feedback on local bicycle and pedestrian issues, concerns, and habits from local residents to use in the update of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Please click on the link below to complete the survey. It will take you just a few minutes and is a great way to be sure YOUR voice is heard.

Bike/Pedestrian survey

Additonal information on he MPO is available at the MPO website.

Public Invited to Native Plant Presentaton December 9

The public is especially invited to attend a presentation on the use on native plantings in landscaping at a joint meeting of the Design Review Commission/Natural Resources Board at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2010 at Lakeland City Hall.

The presentation will highlight where and how native plants are especially suitable to avoid or reduce expensive irrigation and wasteful use of water.

The public is always welcome at any Design Review Commission and Natural Resources Board meeting, and is especially invited to attend this meeting.

The Realities of Consolidation"

(This is a Press Release. I saw an ad this morning where the organization that calls itself "Rebuild Government" apparently feels that if the lawsuit questioning the two separate votes is not constitutional, somehow the election will be valid. Hopefully, any court finding would require an entire new process. Of course, the organization that calls itself "Rebuild Government" started off saying it wasn't pro or anti Metro, it just wanted a "conversation" was actually raising over $500,000 to, in my opinion, support any Metro Charter. Hopefully any court decision will recognize that the election was held on the basis of two separate votes and, regardless of the court decision, this election will not be reversed.

Regardless, it is important that suburban voters VOTE. This Press Release was sent Sunday afternoon and is being reprinted for voter information.)

THE REALITIES OF CONSOLIDATION

Ron Williams and Tom Guleff

Save Shelby County

Consolidation is the only path to create a leaner, less expensive and more responsive Metro organization replacing Memphis and Shelby County government, or so we are led to believe by promoters. Why? Efficiency, they say. Their job was to recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of local government, the commission members write. They believe their recommendations will do that and, as a result, lower the cost of local government and, by implication, should reduce property taxes. Too bad it’s not true. Making such a statement shows a remarkable lack of familiarity with the real world of local government consolidation. Even the experts who research this area question the inevitability of improved efficiency.

For instance, Indianapolis is used as an example of vibrant growth and success resulting from consolidation. However, the publication Indiana Policy Review surveyed researchers with direct knowledge of the effects of local government consolidation in the fall of 2005. Ninety percent of those responding believed that consolidation would not reduce taxes. Only about half with direct knowledge of Indianapolis believed local UNIGOV had reduced overall costs while more than half believed it was harder for citizens to access government services after the consolidation, Mr. Sam Stanley, Ph D. testified before the Indiana legislature

.

The reasons for such results are complicated and reflect the practical difficulties of implementing consolidation. In many cases, the consolidation process simply negotiates up. That is, employees in local governments who are paid less are brought up to the pay scales of the best-paid government workers. Moreover, the transition costs of consolidation - renegotiating collective-bargaining agreements, developing and adopting common standards, restructuring and realigning public services - are routinely underestimated by the consolidation advocates. In fact, the most rigorous statistical studies of police and fire department consolidations find little or no impact on service levels, productivity or efficiencies.

As an incentive to suburban cities, the Commission included a provision in the charter to allow current annexation reserve areas to remain with the suburban cities, as provided in Tennessee Public Act 1101, allowing them to continue with their plans for future growth and development. This was against the finding of then County Attorney Brian Kuhn that annexation reserve areas would disappear under consolidation. Disregarding this advice, the commissioners sought a different opinion from a private law firm, Baker-Donnellson, which would be more to their liking and obtained it. The provision was subsequently included in the charter. Now comes the State Attorney General of Tennessee Robert Cooper Jr. who issued an opinion this week affirming the opinion of the County Attorney. So, growth and development plans of the suburban cities appear to be dead under the new charter.

This is only one example of the claimed benefits for consolidation not being well thought through. Advantages to the taxpayers of Memphis and Shelby County remain elusive or fuzzy. We asked the Charter Commission about many issues of concern to the voters throughout the past six months. There have never been clear facts and hard numbers given by them about:

• Efficiencies Gained – We contend there are few, if any, duplications resulting in efficiencies. Simply stated, efficiencies go down in bigger organizations.
• Organization Simplification – The new organization is an overlay of the two old ones with all the same functions and staff – just bigger. It will contain the same number of people.
• Projected Tax Rates – Tax rates will go up significantly in the General District due to cost shifts, single source school funding and increased costs.
• Cost Reductions – None have been demonstrated. We contend costs will go up.
• Staff Reductions – All jobs are guaranteed at first by the charter and claimed reductions will be realized through attrition. There’s no political stomach for layoffs.
• Salary & Benefit Leveling – Will level upwards to the highest values, increasing costs.
• Service Delivery – Projected to go down due to inefficiencies of the larger government bureaucracy
• Transition Costs – Very significant costs from merging systems and organizations are unidentified and no provisions for funding have been provided.

When asked about those things during the charter commission’s work, people were repeatedly told: “well, we’ll decrease work force by attrition”, or “that will be up to the transition commission or the new metro council”. The transition commission will be composed of people in city and county government who will be appointed to the position, not elected by you and I. The transition commission will create a plan that is recommended to the metro council. The council can amend it. Do you trust they will act in your best interests?

Advocates contend a metro government will offer a “one stop shop” for investors and developers, eliminating red tape and approvals by both Memphis and Shelby County. Despite not having consolidated government, most other urban communities are successful in attracting business and industry. They also have dual governments. They’ve figured out a way to make the process smooth and seamless without government merger. Importantly, companies that don’t choose Memphis look long and hard at other barriers to coming here: crime rate, work force deficiencies, education and property tax rates. They practically have to be bribed with PILOT tax incentives to come here, eroding the tax base. Those firms which locate to De Soto County don’t do so because of a consolidated government there. Either do those who re-locate from Memphis/Shelby County.

The frozen tax rate is a fallacy. Although the charter says the tax rate shall be capped for the first three years, it speaks of it as a single rate and doesn’t say when the three years begin. It’s actually composed of two rates: the general services tax and the urban services tax. When services that were previously paid wholly by Memphians are pushed over onto the general services district, the latter’s tax rate has to go up (while the urban services rate goes down). If the three years begin when Metro Government does, that’s not until year 2014. What happens to the tax rates between now and then is anybody’s guess.

The charter commission has agreed not to include consolidation of the two public school systems in its proposal for metro government. However, there is no prohibition for the new metro government, once established, or other interests to consider a merger of the Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools. In fact, metro government will establish the general services tax as the single-source funder to both systems with revenues split on an average daily attendance basis. Assuming metro picks up what Memphis has been contributing separately to MCS and adds in SCS’ share, the property tax rate would need to rise by at least 25%.

With a few exceptions, there aren’t many duplicated services. Cities and counties aren’t really tasked with the same responsibilities. Except for some urban-style services that Shelby County now provides in unincorporated areas, there are differences. Cities collect garbage, fix streets, police, respond to fire and medical emergencies, operate parks and recreation, provide public housing, handle community development and run libraries. Counties provide the justice system of courts and incarceration, local funding for education, the health department and the constitutional office functions. Any claimed cost reductions due to “duplicated services” are, in fact, minimal in the bigger picture, once the two are overlaid on each other.

Elections of the Mayor and Metro Council are nonpartisan under the new charter. Instant Run-Off Voting will apply when it can be implemented in the future using new software yet to be written, much less purchased. Given the difficulties, year after year, with the voting process in Shelby County, the confusion and the contentious arguments (sometimes well founded) of fraud and deception, its irrational to think that Shelby County voters are prepared for IRV. When it was promoted to the Charter Commission, it was clear that some (maybe many) of the commissioners were struggling to figure out how it works. It’s admirable to try to reduce election expenses by eliminating run-offs but not if the voters aren’t confident that their votes (for first, second, third, etc.) will be correctly counted. The two-party system in Memphis/Shelby County will effectively disappear for local elections.

Although a significant effort was made by the Charter Commission, the results are very disappointing. The opportunity for real change and reform has been missed. For many reasons, their product is one that practically nobody wants – the county and suburban mayors, the county and suburban legislative bodies, local unions, political and social groups, religious leaders and civic organizations all oppose it. What’s wrong with this picture and why did we go down this road? Consolidation is very risky at best, especially in today’s down economy. Once put in motion it can’t be reversed, leaving little room for error. It’s time to re-think the entire issue. Save Shelby County believes consolidation will not pass but serious reform in governance is desperately needed. That’s the reality.

We urge you to vote against consolidation!

November Meetings and Events

November 2010 City of Lakeland Meetings and Events

Monday, November 1, 2010: 5:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners/Municipal Planning Commission Joint Meeting to discuss Land Development Regulations

Tuesday, November 2, 2010: VOTE!

Thursday, November 4, 2010: 6:30 p.m, Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Saturday, November 6, 2010: Fall Dance Workshop, IH Clubhouse Click for Brochure

Monday, November 8, 2010: 6:30 p.m. Park and Recreation Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 9, 2010: 6:30 p.m., Joint Meeting, Design Review Commission/Natural Resources Board

Thursday, November 11, 2010: Veterans Day, City Hall Closed

Thursday, November 11, 2010: 6:30 p.m. Board of Appeals (Special Meeting)

Monday, November 15, 2010: 6:30 p.m. Municipal Planning Commission meeting

Thursday, November 18, 2010: 6:30 p.m. Board of Appeals (if necessary)

Thursday, November 18, 2010: 7:00 p.m. Economic Development Commission (Special Meeting)

Friday, November 19, 2010: 11:30 a.m., Senior Lunch (Potluck), IH Clubhouse

Monday, November 22, 2010: 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners Work Session

Thursday, November 25, 2010: Thanksgiving Day, City Hall Closed

Friday, November 26, 2010: City Hall Closed

Monday, November 29, 2010: Joint Meeting, Board of Commissioners/Municipal Planning Commission, Land Development Regulations

IH Clubhouse Improvement Plans

Preliminary plans for the IH Clubhouse include:

-Current IH Clubhouse with proposed areas of change, click here

-Planned IH Clubhouse improvements, click here

-Proposed parking lot Alternative A (48 spaces) click here

-Proposed parking lot Alternative B (55 spaces) click here

Press Release!

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Tom Guleff

www.SaveShelbyCounty.Org

tomguleff@gmail.com

(901) 413-7804

Memphis Big Money Can’t Win at Ballot Box, Asks Court to Save Their Investment in Consolidation

Memphis, TN – October 8, 2010 – Nine voters have filed suit in Memphis federal court against Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper, the Shelby County Election Commission and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to throw out the requirement that a consolidation charter must pass in two separate votes on the Nov. 2 ballot. Currently, state law says that in order for a metro consolidation to win at the polls it must pass in a vote of the city and a separate vote of the county outside the city.

This legal action changes the entire dynamics of the discussion around consolidating Memphis City Government with Shelby County Government. Every talking point from the pro-consolidation side up to now has been constructed on the foundation that both city and non-city voters have to agree before consolidation can move forward. The very politicos who voted for the consolidation charter process are now acting in bad faith. Whatever trust that was built around the charter process is now gone. The promoters of consolidation can’t just change the rules less than a week before voting begins on the referendum.

“It is clear that the conversation of consolidation was sold under false pretenses,” says Tom Guleff, co-chair of Save Shelby County. “It pretty obvious that big money can’t win at the ballot box, so the investors have to ask the courts to save their investment in consolidation.”

Consolidation Watch; VOTE Novermber 2!

A lawsuit to change the rules in the middle of the consolidation process was recently filed. If the Tennessee Constitutional provision protection of County and suburban residents is not valid, the entire provision for Metropolitan Government should be thrown out.

One way to settle the question is to VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2! If a majority of voters in Shelby County vote "no to consolidation", the lawsuit is moot.

October Meetings and Events on YouTube

Lakeland Tennessee meetings, information and events on YouTube (click) Channel 19 format

Applications being accepted for Storm Water Board of Appeals

STORM WATER BOARD OF APPEALS

Lakeland residents with legal, arbitration or related experience or having the expertise to evaluate actions are needed to determine if actions are in accordance with regulations are encouraged to apply!

The Storm Water Board of Appeals is an appeals board that reviews decisions or actions of the City of Lakeland in storm water and erosion control matters. The board meets only when an appeal is filed on a storm water issue. However, the board is required to meet once per year.

Knowledge of storm water issues such as erosion and sedimentation, storm water pollution prevention plans, and state environmental regulations is not required. The ability to review a decision to insure that the appropriate procedures were followed is required. Persons with a legal, arbitration or similar background are especially encouraged to apply, but residents with the ability to review information, state and city regulations, and the enforcement actions taken on a specific situation and then make fair and impartial decisions are encouraged to apply.

The decision of the board is the last administrative appeal for violations, so it is important that members be able to consider all facets of a situation and make a ruling based on the appropriate regulations.

Members of the five member board are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Contact Theresa Meyer at 867-2717 for an application form. Potential applicants are also encouraged to discuss the position requirements with City Engineer Philip Stuckert, City Manager Robert Wherry or City Attorney David Lakin.

Lakeland approved for $94,000 grant for IH Clubhouse improvements

Mayor Scott Carmichael was notified that the City of Lakeland is approved for a $94,000 grant from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund for IH Clubhouse improvements. The grant is matched by the City of Lakeland.

Improvements will include:

Upgraded restroom facilities

Remodeling of part of the clubhouse to provide for additional instructional or meeting space

A deck to the south of the building (overlooking the lake)

A gas line to help in lowering utility costs.

The Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) is a statewide grant problem with funds provided by the Real Estate Recordation Tax Collection. LPRF is a division of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Parks and Recreation Director Brenda Lockhart prepared the grant and also prepared the foundation for receiving the grant by the Comprehensive Park Plan, Benchmarking Certification and excellent administration of past grants.

The letter to Mayor Carmichael indicates the grant will not start until at least February of 2011, so the actual work will not begin until an estimated Fall of 2011.