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.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Update: 7/15/10

Good Afternoon MJ:

I had an interesting posting on the blog today that I thought should be shared. Since responses to the blog are anonymous unless the writer identifies him/her self, the only way to respond, if one is warranted, is this way. With that in mind below is today’s note:

From: Anonymous
To: Randy Robertson
Sent: Thu Jul 15 01:04:02 2010
Subject: [City Manager Blog] New comment on City Manager Update - July 13, 2010.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "City Manager Update - July 13, 2010":

“I was looking at the Charlie Daniels Park website and noticed that the park was temporarily shut down for repairs from "vandalism". Well I can just hope you cant blame all of that on the free runners out there. We do not want to hurt any of your property and we are terribly sorry about the slide. We are using EXTREME CONSIDERATION and putting a lot of thought into our tricks at the park so I just wanted to let you know that MJ is our home.
NOTHING ELSE WILL BE BROKEN BECAUSE OF US WE LOVE OUR PARK!”

RESPONSE: If “Anonymous” is credible, I want to thank him or her for recognizing what they did to Planet Playground, and thank them for posting to my blog. I spoke with Parks and Rec Director Cameli this morning, and here’s some data he asked me to share with “Anonymous” and others who participated in our “free running” episode:

- A new left turn slide will cost $2,423.17
- There were 10 broken board on the floors that were replaced;
- There were 7 broken handrails that were replaced;
- There were broken chains that were replaced;
- There was graffiti that had to be removed;
- The cost of manpower to do all the above was about as close to $3,800.

While not all of the damage listed above was attributable to your “free running” adventures, most of it was. All told, the bill was over $6,000. But most important, what’s been missed in this issue is the immeasurable losses our community has felt; to the parents and children who haven’t been able to use Planet Playground this past few weeks. I’m not sure how much “EXTREME CONSIDERATION” or “LOVE” for the Park we can afford. Thanks for indicating that “NOTHING ELSE WILL BE BROKEN” and please give some thought to stepping up your courage a little more and going over to the Rec Center to help fix what you've broken. Years from now you will be glad you did.

On a much different note, please remember early voting starts tomorrow at the Charlie Daniels Rec Center and runs through 31 July. Hours will be from 0800 to 1800 Monday thru Friday; and 0800 to 1300 on Saturday’s. While at the Rec Center, take a few minutes to look at the facility and programs. Lots of effort went into the new exercise and game rooms, so while you’re there consider becoming a member.

One last comment, the Nashville Sounds Baseball Team is sponsoring Mt Juliet League Night this Sunday July 18th at 6:30. 100% of the proceeds of League ticket sales will go back into our own Little League. We want to thank the leadership of the Sounds for this kind and generous offer to help rebuild the MJLL fields after the devastating May floods. I want to encourage all on Nixle or who read the CM blog to head for the Sounds game this Sunday, and please share this note with your family and friends. Until next time . . . take care and God Bless.

R. Robertson
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