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, March 26, 2010

Update: 3/26/10

Good Afternoon MJ:

Its Friday afternoon, and a gorgeous day outside; just the spring-like weather we’ll be looking for tomorrow at MJ’s annual “Easter in the Park” at Charlie Daniels Park. I toured the Park today with Mr. Rocky Lee, Acting Parks Director, and listened to all the great things they have planned for tomorrow. If you haven’t been to Charlie Daniels recently, I hope you have a chance tomorrow; the Parks and Rec crew have pulled out all the stops. New shrubs, new banners and bunting, mulching and painting. Take a look at the fifty state flags they will have on display, or catch a tour of the new Exercise and Game Rooms inside the Rec Center. “Easter in the Park” is one of the largest annual events hosted by the MJ Parks and Rec Department. Tomorrow events kick off at 10:30, with egg hunts for ages 1-4 at 11:00; ages 5-7 at 11:30 and the search begins at 12:00 for the 8-11 year group. Over 16,000 eggs are to be found; all stuffed with sugary delicacies. At 12:30 join us for the golden egg hunt with 10 hidden golden eggs containing receipts to fabulous prizes totaling over $1,000. If egg hunting isn’t your thing, then the Rec Center is offering a 2 months for the price of 1 deal just to acquaint new comers to the fabulous new exercise and game room unveiled this week. It truly promises to be a great day in the life of the Mt. Juliet community and we hope you’ll join us and invite others.

While crusin’ the park tomorrow you’ll have a chance to see some of MJ's finest on display. No, it’s not the PD . . . it’s some of our canines from the MJ Animal Shelter. Where else can you hunt for Easter eggs and take home a four legged friend for life? Thanks Sergeant Youmans, Reverend Gray and all the staff and volunteers of the MJ Animal Shelter for making this happen.
Though it’s not visible, we’re making progress with the West Division Greenway project. The Greenway project is divided into several phases with Phase 1 scheduled to get underway in the April timeframe. Phase I, though a relatively short section, is one of the most expensive and challenging since it involves crossing North Mt. Juliet Road at the West Division Street intersection. Phase 1 will provide about an 8 feet wide section of paved surface from the train station to the 4th Street area. For those who travel on that route, you’ll note a series of small tree saplings planted in the northern side of West Division. We hope this is the first in a series of contributions to the Greenway project. The area they are in has been acquired by the city, and will serve as a “trail head” for the Greenway, that will eventually make its way down to South Greenhills Road. We are hoping this first part will be done in the September/October timeframe. Stay tuned for updates.

Congrats to Mr. Shannon (AKA: Cajun) Joyner, who was selected by the Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 MJ Civil Servant of the Year. Cajun is a tremendous fellow, and as Deputy Director of Public Works, absolutely essential to the daily operations of the city. Cajun was the catalyst for the successful application of the TDOT Local Interstate Connector grant we received for the Reverse L, and along with Mr. Casey Binion, is spearheading efforts for the North MJ Road widening project. Well done Cajun!

When you are in City Hall next time, check out our new info kiosk in the PD lobby. Don’t want to wait in line; you can go on-line from the lobby to conduct most city business. Thanks to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Adams and Mr. Pugh of the Parks Department for helping us make a quantum leap in customer service.

On a more somber note, don’t forget the people of Haiti. While it’s been several weeks, the pictures and news from this impoverished nation don’t grow much better with time. Won’t you help the men and women of Team Mt. Juliet in making a positive difference in the lives of others who so desperately need your help? Please give the American Red Cross or the charity of your choice in the campaign to bring some relief to these people who have suffered so very much.

On a final note: Um unsere liebste Freundin Ute. Auf dieser, Ihren Geburtstag, sind unsere Gedanken, Gebete und die besten Wünsche mit Ihnen. Sie Freundschaft ist ein Segen für uns und wir freuen uns darauf, wieder mit Ihnen. God Bless.

Take care MJ and talk with you later.

R. Robertson
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