1. This won’t be a “blog” per se. It isn’t meant to be a place to post all commentary or opinions. Everyone is invited to send in a note, but don’t be offended if it isn’t posted. There’s other sites that are perfectly content to drag through what they believe to be wrong with every issue at every turn. This is about what was done, why and where do we go from here. We won’t talk about two and three year old issues. If the desire is to engage in those discussions then look somewhere else.

2. This isn’t the Board of Commissioner forum. MJ has a City Manager form of government. The Board makes policy; the staff implements. I’ll be happy to pass your comments along to the Board, either good or bad, but the intent of this medium is to address how we could better enact policy and improve city services.

3. The narratives will be directly from me, your city manager. I won’t hide under some pseudonym or other persona. My name is Randy Robertson. My phone number is 754-2552. I am your City Manager. If your issue or concerns involves another department of the city (Public Works, Police, Animal Control, etc.) I will invite the appropriate team member to provide some comments, but it will still be done under the auspices of the City Manager.

4. I will try and be as timely as possible, but this is another one of the “additional duties” for which civil service is renown.

5. The City Staff is here for you. The desired outcome is for us to have a positive relationship with the citizens we serve, but we all know that always won’t happen. Everyone has an opinion. It is the staff’s responsibility to work through the opinions and emotion, meet the requirements of the laws and rules under which we operate, and hopefully serve the greatest number in that process. It is not an exact science. The more we have a relationship with you, the better we can meet your expectations.

6. Finally, this is about telling our story. Hopefully you will be able to sort the myth from reality or see the issue through a different set of lens. I hope you will find this of value and participate.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Update: December 16, 2011

Good Afternoon MJ:

Greetings from City Hall. I thought I posted my last update before departing, but there’s a lot of things going this week you should know:

1. Do you want to help those who aren’t as fortunate as you? Here’s a chance through the MJPD’s “Shop with a Cop.” Members of the MJPD are sponsoring less fortunate children with a shopping trip this, their 7th season. Most of the funds have been secured, but here’s a great opportunity to make up some the difference, or plant some dollars for next year. It takes about $150 to sponsor a child, but any donations would be appreciated. For more info call Sgt. Tyler Chandler at (615) 773-6260.

2. Another gift to consider at this time of year (with tax season looming around the corner) is the MJ Animal Shelter and the non-profit Mount Juliet Animal Shelter Volunteer Organization. Donations must postmarked NO LATER THAN DEC. 31st to be tax deductible. Here’s a few reasons why you might want to give and what your contributions are used for:

- Every cent you give goes directly to and for the animals.
- In three years, through donations, the MJ Animal Shelter has not had to spend any tax payer funds for animal food.
- The Benefit Fund pays for medical procedures and provides extended medical care when needed and transportation to a Rescue.
- The Pet Therapy Program reaches into Mt. Juliet Nursing Care, The Providence Gardens, Rutland Senior Community.
- In 3 short years the Shelter has taken 1,563 animals off our city streets. That’s an average of 44 a month.
- Maybe most important: The MJ Animal Shelter, through the help of volunteers and the 501 3c non-profit fund, has placed close to 95% of the animals who enter the facility. That is unheard of in public animal control programs.
Send your check to MJASVO: 115 Industrial Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. 37122 or drop your gift off any day of the week EXCEPT WEDNESDAY, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

3. On behalf of your Team Mt. Juliet staff, we wish to express our thanks to Mr. Jason Loggins and the kind folks at Wilson Bank and Trust for the great Christmas luncheon they provided city employees today. It was fabulous, and their generosity are truly appreciated. Also, the Team wants to thank Mr. Rob Porter and his partners, Kevin, Jim, and Ryan at Civil Site Design Group for their extraordinary kindness in the donation for gift certificates. For several years the staff at Civil Site have recognized the hard work of Team MJ through a cash donation equally shared by all employees. Many thanks fellows. Finally, a Christmas cheer for the staff at Houston’s Market for once again catering a fantastic meal, and for providing a lot of extra’s on the gift certificate side for the price we paid. You guys are great. Need further evidence of what a wonderful community we live in?

4. Remember: All City offices will be closed on Friday, 23 December and Monday, 26 December. Full service resumes at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, 27 December. City offices will be closed on Monday, 2 January for New Year’s Day.

5. As we depart MJ, I want to thank to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners for their support and kind remarks at my last BOC meeting. Also, special thanks to Team MJ for their continued support and accomplishments the last four years. You have done some remarkable things and it has been an honor to lead you. Finally, remember the farewell reception for Darlene and I, tomorrow (Saturday, 17 Dec), at the Charlie Daniels Recreation Center, starting at 7 p.m. (that’s 1900 for everyone else). We’ve already bought the refreshments, so come on out and say goodbye. Hope to see you there.

Best wishes for a safe, blessed and Merry Christmas and successful 2012.
R. Robertson
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