Good Evening MJ:
At the end of a long but productive week here's a few items for your info:
1. Chief Garrett advised the PD have a confession in the vandalism incident at the outdoor restrooms at Charlie Daniels Park last week. A female juvenile confessed and has implicated others. This was just senseless; and it won't be tolerated. Parents, know what your children are up to; the consequences of not doing so could last a lifetime.
2. Speaking of a senseless act, you may have seen an article in the papers indicating a MJ Codes Enforcement Officer was struck while serving a Notice of Violation at a MJ residence this week. While we've heard a litany of excuses from the culprit, the bottom line is there is no excuse; the witness and the tape says it all. While no one wants to see a Codes Officer at the door, the consequences of not enforcing city ordinances would make MJ a less desirable place to live and work. These men are simply doing the job that your elected officials have asked them to do. It's ok to disagree, but not with acts of violence. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated; there's been an arrest and a hearing scheduled.
3. Several lane closings of North Mt. Juliet Road are scheduled next week. Plan accordingly.
4. Mark your calendars for the Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar at the Charlie Daniels Rec Center from 5 to 7 December. This indoor event will bring about 50 local and regional craft persons together for the ultimate in Christmas shopping. Also, don't forget MJ's Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for the following Saturday, 12 December, starting at 11:00. The parade forms up at Stoner Creek Elementary and heads north to Division Street. This is one of our biggest events of the year, and the 2009 edition is extraordinary with Captain (USN) Barry Wilmore, the latest shuttle commander, serving as the Grand Marshal. And it's not too late to get a float in; call Taylor or Tim at the Charlie Daniels Rec Center.
5. Looking for something a little different to do in MJ. After visiting the Holiday Bazaar on the 5th, join us and hundreds of other animal lovers for the MJ Animal Shelter's 1st Anniversary celebration, at the Shelter on Industrial Drive. I know our volunteers will be there in force, hoping to give a pet a home for the holiday's. I understand there will be a blessing of the animals as well as a photo opportunity with your pet and a certain red-suited bearded fellow. I hope you'll put this on your calendar.
6. While city sales tax revenue was up for the latest reporting period (October), as a percentage the rate of growth was the smallest in nearly 18 months. What can you do? Frequent your local merchants and shop MJ. And please don't forget those stores along Mt. Juliet Road while it's under construction. We all know the holiday's are the biggest shopping time of the year, and in today's economy, it's a make-or-break time for many of these stores. TDOT and all utilities involved in the MJ Road project have committed that every store along the construction path will be accessible. While it might take a little extra effort please consider these long-standing merchants with some of your holiday shopping.
7. Our IT Director, Mr. Travis Taylor, ran some web use data last week and we continue to be amazed at the power of Mt. Juliet and the internet. Travis advises that over 24,000 first time visitors checked out the city's home page in the First quarter of the fiscal year (July thru October). That's a phenomenal number. Speaking of technology, please encourage your friends and colleagues to sign up for Nixle. Info on how can be found on the city's web page. We continue to get compliments of how this "push" message system helps keep citizens connected with events across the city. It's also a great way to know when there are emergencies or road closures that will save you time and frustration.
8. Finally, thanks to the many of you who have called city hall asking how to help with the county's contributions to the "Reverse L" road project. You must be reading the local papers or watching Channel 3. The short answer is call your County Commissioner. A listing of Wilson County Commissioners and their phone numbers can be found at: www.wilsoncountytn.com
Take care and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Update: 11/6/09
Good Morning MJ:
Here’s a few items of interest and FYI:
Don’t forget the city is running a “Job Seeker Bulletin Board ” to assist those looking for employment. If you’re a city resident and in need of a job, know someone who is in need of a job, or may have a job your looking to hire for, please check out our Action Line on the City Web Page. Click on “Action Line”, then “Job Seekers Bulletin Board” and follow the directions. Just yesterday a major MJ employer asked for our assistance in filling 75 full and part time positions. At this time we are checking with those who have resumes on the Job Seekers Bulletin Board and some who recently posted their resume on the system. If you’re interested in us passing your name along for various retail and stocking positions please get your resume (in the format outlined on the web) to Ms. Tina Guinan, at 754-2552.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to recognize 15 residents who have made a tremendous positive difference in our community. The 15 are volunteers who have given at least 100 hours or more of time and service to the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter. The Animals Shelter couldn’t operate the way it does without the efforts of these 15 and many more like them. I shared with yesterday’s audience that at the recent Tennessee City Manager’s Association several Managers from across the state approached me to ask just how we run such a first class operation at the Shelter. I told the audience how pleased and proud I was to know that leaders from one end of Tennessee to another had heard of how great the MJ Animal Shelter is. I also shared with the volunteers that much of the credit goes to them and their selfless contributions to our city and its animals. If you are interested in joining the elite group, please contact Sgt Keith Youmans, Director of the MJ Animal Shelter, or Mr. Jon Gray, Volunteer Coordinator, at 773-5533.
Construction work progresses well along North Mt. Juliet Road (NMJR) and the Reverse L. We hope to have the Curd & Clemmons Road intersection back on line today with the Reverse L projected to be drivable by mid December. What a tremendous safety improvement this will be for MJHS traffic! On this same note, NMJR motorist are again reminded to slow down and be patient. Work on the peripheral utilities has progressed well, but road work really hasn’t started. The NMJR project will take around 30 months to complete. Construction crews are doing everything they can to make your journey safe and timely, but there is no question of additional traffic delays and longer commute times. Please be mindful and drive respectful knowing that there are workers and heavy equipment all along this two mile section of road. Plan your trips accordingly!
SOME BAD NEWS: There was vandalism of the restrooms at Charlie Daniels Park Wednesday night. It was senseless destruction of public property that affects every citizen of Mt. Juliet.
SOME GOOD NEWS: The Police already have some suspects; they appear to be juveniles.
THE REST OF THE STORY: We simply will not tolerate this kind of behavior; it is an offense against all of us. We have, and will continue to use every resource possible to ensure things like this don’t happen, but if they do we will do everything within our means to ensure the perpetrators and their parents are held responsible. Parents, please know where your children are and what they are doing.
After months of work with a firm in Florida we now have a first draft of the city’s code. We are posting the draft on the city’s web page this evening, with a special invitation to everyone to open it up, see how its organized, and if you identify any errors. This represents the first time the city has ever posted the entire code going back to ordinances from 1972. There are thousands of them. Putting the code on-line means every citizen can check what the most current laws are on any issue within the city. Take a look and let us know what you think. The point of contact is Mrs. Sheila Luckett at 754-2552, or email sluckett@cityofmtjuliet.org
Those of you receiving this update via Nixle, I'm asking you to please ask your friends and family to register at www.nixle.com as well. Not only will they be able to receive the timely police alerts and/or community event announcements, but for the next 45 days we have the opportunity to raise money for the City. Nixle is offering a $10,000 grant to the (3) cities that get the most citizens registered per capita before mid-December. So please help by letting people know how much Nixle has helped you, and encouraging them to register.
In closing, my prayers and that of the city are sent to the families and friends of the soldiers and civilians murdered at Fort Hood yesterday. The Army was my and Darlene’s home for nearly 30 years. As retired officers we will always consider it our first love. The senselessness of yesterday’s tragedy is incomprehensible and beyond words. God Bless our brave soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians.
Take care MJ and talk with you later.
Here’s a few items of interest and FYI:
Don’t forget the city is running a “Job Seeker Bulletin Board ” to assist those looking for employment. If you’re a city resident and in need of a job, know someone who is in need of a job, or may have a job your looking to hire for, please check out our Action Line on the City Web Page. Click on “Action Line”, then “Job Seekers Bulletin Board” and follow the directions. Just yesterday a major MJ employer asked for our assistance in filling 75 full and part time positions. At this time we are checking with those who have resumes on the Job Seekers Bulletin Board and some who recently posted their resume on the system. If you’re interested in us passing your name along for various retail and stocking positions please get your resume (in the format outlined on the web) to Ms. Tina Guinan, at 754-2552.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to recognize 15 residents who have made a tremendous positive difference in our community. The 15 are volunteers who have given at least 100 hours or more of time and service to the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter. The Animals Shelter couldn’t operate the way it does without the efforts of these 15 and many more like them. I shared with yesterday’s audience that at the recent Tennessee City Manager’s Association several Managers from across the state approached me to ask just how we run such a first class operation at the Shelter. I told the audience how pleased and proud I was to know that leaders from one end of Tennessee to another had heard of how great the MJ Animal Shelter is. I also shared with the volunteers that much of the credit goes to them and their selfless contributions to our city and its animals. If you are interested in joining the elite group, please contact Sgt Keith Youmans, Director of the MJ Animal Shelter, or Mr. Jon Gray, Volunteer Coordinator, at 773-5533.
Construction work progresses well along North Mt. Juliet Road (NMJR) and the Reverse L. We hope to have the Curd & Clemmons Road intersection back on line today with the Reverse L projected to be drivable by mid December. What a tremendous safety improvement this will be for MJHS traffic! On this same note, NMJR motorist are again reminded to slow down and be patient. Work on the peripheral utilities has progressed well, but road work really hasn’t started. The NMJR project will take around 30 months to complete. Construction crews are doing everything they can to make your journey safe and timely, but there is no question of additional traffic delays and longer commute times. Please be mindful and drive respectful knowing that there are workers and heavy equipment all along this two mile section of road. Plan your trips accordingly!
SOME BAD NEWS: There was vandalism of the restrooms at Charlie Daniels Park Wednesday night. It was senseless destruction of public property that affects every citizen of Mt. Juliet.
SOME GOOD NEWS: The Police already have some suspects; they appear to be juveniles.
THE REST OF THE STORY: We simply will not tolerate this kind of behavior; it is an offense against all of us. We have, and will continue to use every resource possible to ensure things like this don’t happen, but if they do we will do everything within our means to ensure the perpetrators and their parents are held responsible. Parents, please know where your children are and what they are doing.
After months of work with a firm in Florida we now have a first draft of the city’s code. We are posting the draft on the city’s web page this evening, with a special invitation to everyone to open it up, see how its organized, and if you identify any errors. This represents the first time the city has ever posted the entire code going back to ordinances from 1972. There are thousands of them. Putting the code on-line means every citizen can check what the most current laws are on any issue within the city. Take a look and let us know what you think. The point of contact is Mrs. Sheila Luckett at 754-2552, or email sluckett@cityofmtjuliet.org
Those of you receiving this update via Nixle, I'm asking you to please ask your friends and family to register at www.nixle.com as well. Not only will they be able to receive the timely police alerts and/or community event announcements, but for the next 45 days we have the opportunity to raise money for the City. Nixle is offering a $10,000 grant to the (3) cities that get the most citizens registered per capita before mid-December. So please help by letting people know how much Nixle has helped you, and encouraging them to register.
In closing, my prayers and that of the city are sent to the families and friends of the soldiers and civilians murdered at Fort Hood yesterday. The Army was my and Darlene’s home for nearly 30 years. As retired officers we will always consider it our first love. The senselessness of yesterday’s tragedy is incomprehensible and beyond words. God Bless our brave soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians.
Take care MJ and talk with you later.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Update: 10/28/09
Good Evening MJ:
I recently received an anonymous email posted on the blog which asked: " What is the best way to find out about upcoming events in Mt Juliet? I often read about them after they occur and wish I had known about them."
First I want to thank this reader for keeping posted. Mr. Taylor, the city's Information Technology Director, indicates we are averaging several hundred "City Manager's Blog" readers. Keep up the inquiries!
As to the question there are several ways I'd suggest keeping updated with City of Mt. Juliet events. The first is through the city web page, which normally would be the fastest and most timely route to follow. Go to: "www.cityofmtjuliet.org". Once on the main page in the bottom right corner there is a current events section to link up with our events calendar. You can also contact Ms. Tina Guinan or Ms. Sharon Bachelier at City Hall (754-2552). Sharon and Tina are on-duty from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. Both local papers, The Mt. Juliet News and The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet post city updates. Finally, if you live inside the city and subscribe to Comcast, you can monitor our very own Channel 3. All current city events are posted there along with lots of other wonderful information.
Again, thanks for your support of the City of Mt. Juliet. Please don't hesitate calling on me or any member of my team for assistance.
Take care and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
I recently received an anonymous email posted on the blog which asked: " What is the best way to find out about upcoming events in Mt Juliet? I often read about them after they occur and wish I had known about them."
First I want to thank this reader for keeping posted. Mr. Taylor, the city's Information Technology Director, indicates we are averaging several hundred "City Manager's Blog" readers. Keep up the inquiries!
As to the question there are several ways I'd suggest keeping updated with City of Mt. Juliet events. The first is through the city web page, which normally would be the fastest and most timely route to follow. Go to: "www.cityofmtjuliet.org". Once on the main page in the bottom right corner there is a current events section to link up with our events calendar. You can also contact Ms. Tina Guinan or Ms. Sharon Bachelier at City Hall (754-2552). Sharon and Tina are on-duty from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. Both local papers, The Mt. Juliet News and The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet post city updates. Finally, if you live inside the city and subscribe to Comcast, you can monitor our very own Channel 3. All current city events are posted there along with lots of other wonderful information.
Again, thanks for your support of the City of Mt. Juliet. Please don't hesitate calling on me or any member of my team for assistance.
Take care and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Update: 10/22/09
Good evening MJ
Just a short posting this evening. Kudos to Chief Garrett and his force for identifying the individuals responsible for several thefts around town. We have a great group of highly dedicated men and women who watch over our city 24/7.
My real note today is to thank the men and women of our armed forces for their service. Darlene and I have been back in our "home" of Heidelburg for the last few days. We've visited old friends in Bamberg, Mannheim, Schweinfurt and Heidelberg for the last week. We got to talk with colleagues who just returned from the Middle East after 15 months of hard, dangerous duty. There were mothers and fathers reunited with each other, there were fathers who have never seen their new born children, friends, families and nothing but smiles. There were also tears for several who did not return. It was wonderful to be back with these brave heroes, and we wish them every success and God's speed.
Back on Monday, see you then.
R. Robertson
Just a short posting this evening. Kudos to Chief Garrett and his force for identifying the individuals responsible for several thefts around town. We have a great group of highly dedicated men and women who watch over our city 24/7.
My real note today is to thank the men and women of our armed forces for their service. Darlene and I have been back in our "home" of Heidelburg for the last few days. We've visited old friends in Bamberg, Mannheim, Schweinfurt and Heidelberg for the last week. We got to talk with colleagues who just returned from the Middle East after 15 months of hard, dangerous duty. There were mothers and fathers reunited with each other, there were fathers who have never seen their new born children, friends, families and nothing but smiles. There were also tears for several who did not return. It was wonderful to be back with these brave heroes, and we wish them every success and God's speed.
Back on Monday, see you then.
R. Robertson
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Update: 10/10/09
Good Evening MJ:
It is 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening and I've just left this year's Halloween in the Park. What a wonderful day it was. By our count we had between 6k and 7k ghosts & goblins, princesses, skeletons, Michael Jackson look alikes, pirates and the parents they brought with them; our largest crowd ever according to Commissioner Jim Bradshaw who has been part of Halloween in the Park since the first one. Not only was it the largest but by every comment it was also the best. There are dogs trying to find a home spearheaded by Jon Gray and Marty Potts of our Animal Shelter, Mr. Buddy Brent of U.S. Community Credit was giving away popcorn by the barrel, there were lines for the best costume contests, the petting booths and our wagon ride, and overseeing it all was Mr. Rocky Lee, Acting Parks Director, who is certainly one of the best MC's around. To me "Halloween in the Park" exemplifies the great spirit of Mt Juliet. To the thousands who were there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I hope to see you at the 24 October Flea market, or if you want to up your calorie burn join Ms. Kat Woodson as she introduces Yoga at the Rec Center. For more info call 758-6522.
The Parks and Rec Crew have really been hustling the last few days. Yesterday the Mayor and Commissioners, Hayne and Whitfield Hamilton of the Panattoni Corporation, along with David Corlew and Angela Wheeler of the Charlie Daniels Band cut the ribbon on our new Rec Center extension building. Over a year in the making, this new, 2,800 square foot facility houses a large meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and an expanded weight room/exercise area. It is a tremendous gift made possible between a three-way partnership between the city, Mr. Charlie Daniels and the Panattoni Corporation. We invite the public to check it out.
In addition to the ribbon cutting on Friday we had a major announcement regarding higher education in Mt. Juliet. After extensive discussions with city reps over the last couple years, Dr. Harvill Easton, President of Cumberland University (CU), announced the January 2010 opening of a division of the CU's School of Nursing to be held here in Mt. Juliet. With primary classrooms done at the Shiloh Plaza on Lebanon Road, CU is also partnering with Mt. Juliet's Environmental Sciences Corporation (ESC) to conduct lab-centric classes at ESC's Lebanon Road complex. This marks the city's first permanent presence for higher education and a milestone in expanded educational, employment and professional opportunities in the community. Many thanks goes to Mr. Peter Schuler of ESC, Dr. Eaton and Mr. Joe Gray of Cumberland University, and the city's own Mr. Kenny Martin for making this long awaited initiative a reality.
Remember, to keep in touch with work on North MJ Road, check out Channel 3, where Mr. Shannon Joyner, Deputy Public Works Director for the City, posts biweekly updates. You'll can also keep abreast of other road and emergency type issues by signing up with Nixle. Just go to the city's home page and join the several hundred who get real time postings about issues across Mt. Juliet.
That's all for tonight. Take care and have a great rest of the weekend.
R. Robertson
It is 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening and I've just left this year's Halloween in the Park. What a wonderful day it was. By our count we had between 6k and 7k ghosts & goblins, princesses, skeletons, Michael Jackson look alikes, pirates and the parents they brought with them; our largest crowd ever according to Commissioner Jim Bradshaw who has been part of Halloween in the Park since the first one. Not only was it the largest but by every comment it was also the best. There are dogs trying to find a home spearheaded by Jon Gray and Marty Potts of our Animal Shelter, Mr. Buddy Brent of U.S. Community Credit was giving away popcorn by the barrel, there were lines for the best costume contests, the petting booths and our wagon ride, and overseeing it all was Mr. Rocky Lee, Acting Parks Director, who is certainly one of the best MC's around. To me "Halloween in the Park" exemplifies the great spirit of Mt Juliet. To the thousands who were there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I hope to see you at the 24 October Flea market, or if you want to up your calorie burn join Ms. Kat Woodson as she introduces Yoga at the Rec Center. For more info call 758-6522.
The Parks and Rec Crew have really been hustling the last few days. Yesterday the Mayor and Commissioners, Hayne and Whitfield Hamilton of the Panattoni Corporation, along with David Corlew and Angela Wheeler of the Charlie Daniels Band cut the ribbon on our new Rec Center extension building. Over a year in the making, this new, 2,800 square foot facility houses a large meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and an expanded weight room/exercise area. It is a tremendous gift made possible between a three-way partnership between the city, Mr. Charlie Daniels and the Panattoni Corporation. We invite the public to check it out.
In addition to the ribbon cutting on Friday we had a major announcement regarding higher education in Mt. Juliet. After extensive discussions with city reps over the last couple years, Dr. Harvill Easton, President of Cumberland University (CU), announced the January 2010 opening of a division of the CU's School of Nursing to be held here in Mt. Juliet. With primary classrooms done at the Shiloh Plaza on Lebanon Road, CU is also partnering with Mt. Juliet's Environmental Sciences Corporation (ESC) to conduct lab-centric classes at ESC's Lebanon Road complex. This marks the city's first permanent presence for higher education and a milestone in expanded educational, employment and professional opportunities in the community. Many thanks goes to Mr. Peter Schuler of ESC, Dr. Eaton and Mr. Joe Gray of Cumberland University, and the city's own Mr. Kenny Martin for making this long awaited initiative a reality.
Remember, to keep in touch with work on North MJ Road, check out Channel 3, where Mr. Shannon Joyner, Deputy Public Works Director for the City, posts biweekly updates. You'll can also keep abreast of other road and emergency type issues by signing up with Nixle. Just go to the city's home page and join the several hundred who get real time postings about issues across Mt. Juliet.
That's all for tonight. Take care and have a great rest of the weekend.
R. Robertson
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