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.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Update: 11/14/09

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
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