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.