Update: 2/11/10

Good Evening MJ:

Some notes from the last couple weeks FYI:

1. The MJ Animal Shelter continues to exceed all expectations with adoptions running neck-to-neck with animals who are sheltered. Yesterday we had 15 animals. This kind of success isn’t possible without a tremendous staff and extraordinary group of volunteers. If you want to give something special to your Valentine’s Day sweetheart, think about a dog or cat from the MJ Animal Shelter. It will be the gift of year round love.

2. Some great news: December’s sales tax report just came in and once again MJ continues to exceed expectations. Sales tax revenue for the city was up a little over $30k from December 2008. There’s a little concern that the rate of acceleration is slowing, and with no major “big boxes” or major projects in the near future, we may see some flattening rates, but all in all, for an economic year unlike any most of have ever seen, we are still in an enviable position. Mr. Martin also tells me there’s going to be a large announcement in the near future. Stay tuned.

3. Received a report today reflecting the size of all municipal police departments in Tennessee. Here are a few stats based upon the number of officers serving for each 1k population: Nashville: 2.65; Lebanon: 2.86; Smyrna: 1.91; Franklin: 2.33; Crossville: 3.64; Cookeville: 2.55; Murfreesboro: 2.16; Oak Ridge: 2.19; Hendersonville: 2.01; and MJ: 1.66. You can draw whatever conclusions you wish, but from my vantage, I salute the men and women of the MJPD for the absolutely extraordinary work they do. They are a value and credit to this community.

4. Despite some challenging weather, work on NMJR continues to progress. Mr. Joyner, the city’s action officer for the project, advises there’s some major activity planned as soon as the weather improves; just take a look at the concrete pipes lining the area north of the railroad tracks. Be sure to stay posted on the project progress by tuning into Channel 3, or clicking on the project icon at the city’s home page.

5. Speaking of home page, kudos to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Adams of our IT Department. They’ve done an extraordinary thing by streaming Channel 3 through the web. If you don’t pick up Channel 3, or will be out of town, just go to the city’s web page to keep up with what’s going on. Good job fellows! We’ve received several reports from people outside MJ who like what you’ve done. While on congratulations, a hearty thanks to Mr. Brent Terry, Mr. Roy Acosta and Mr. Brandon Ambrose, for the great job they did in clearing city streets during the recent snowstorm. These guys logged in over 100 hours during the last weekend in January to ensure the city’s roads were in the best possible condition for Monday morning. Also thanks to the MJ BOC for taking time at their last meeting to recognizing these three accomplishments and hard work.

6. We are a victim of our own success as it relates to the Charlie Daniels Red Center. We’ve seen unprecedented growth in membership and use of the facility, especially in the Exercise Room. Based upon the demand, the BOC is moving forward to help the Parks Department underwrite switching the Game Room and Exercise Room. The new Exercise Room will be over twice as large, providing users with a safer, more inviting area to work out. Mr. Lee, Acting Director for the Parks and Rec Department, advises he's been meeting with several vendors to see if we can come to terms with the cost of special flooring, and hopes to have the new room up and operational in the near future. Also, a special thanks to Mrs. Linda McCallahan, for helping the Parks and Rec Department secure a storage area they so desperately need. While not a city employee or a member of the Parks Board, Linda saw a need and helped fill it. We appreciate you.

That’s about all for this evening. Remember, the city has been approved by the American Red Cross as a donation site for funds for Haitian relief. While the story of Haiti doesn’t fill the papers every day now, the horrors of what has happened in that country will last for many years to come. Help us help them. Stop by City Hall and let Tina know you care.


Talk with you later.
R. Robertson