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, January 14, 2011

Update: January 14, 2011

Greetings MJ:

It has been a challenging week, with weather related issues and closings abounding. I want to commend our citizens for the patience and care in driving on the snow; PD records reflect there were 10 weather related auto crashes, but none were serious enough to require hospitalization.

We received info on our share of November sales tax. MJ continues to do well with an 8% increase over November 09. Thanks to all those who understand and continue to support our “Shop Mt. Juliet” campaign. Here’s a few other data points for 2010:
1. Sales tax was up every month of the year compared to 2009;
2. We issued 367 building permits in CY10. Compare that to 217 last year; that’s nearly a 60% gain in a year; and
3. 179 new business permits were issued in CY10. Think about it . . . that’s a new business nearly every other calendar day; and
4. Police calls for service was nearly 83,000; about 6,000 more calls for your police department than last year; and
5. There were 210 auto crashes, with 58 injuries. There were also 117 DUI’s. That’s too many of both.
6. Close to 400 animals were adopted from the Shelter. The Shelter now enters its third year without having spent tax dollars for animal food; and
7. Over 6,000 hours were donated last year by Shelter Volunteers. This contribution would have cost the city over $100,000 if the Volunteers were paid; and
8. Congratulations to the citizens of MJ for being the rated by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research as #1 Business Friendly City in the State! 2010 was a good year!

Here’s a business update from Mr. Martin, Economic Development Director:
- Zaxby’s is under Construction
- The Corner Pub Between the Lakes build-out underway
- A branch of the Wilson Bank and Trust is under construction
- Grading Work is underway for a branch of Region’s Bank
- Paddocks Dental build-out is underway
- Tokyo Restaurant build-out is on-going
- Ballroom Dancing Studio build-out is underway
- A Sushi Restaurant is undergoing construction
- A Greek Cuisine and Grill recently opened
- There was a closing on property within Paddocks for Murphy Oil
- Construction should start on LEXON Insurance this Spring
- A build out for The Party Zone is underway
- Plans have been approved for a Super Speedy Car Wash
- A cell tower is being constructed at Life Assembly Church
Pretty impressive list isn’t it? We’re also gearing up to make a special announcement about a federal agency who will soon have a footprint right here in MJ. Stay tuned.

The BOC will be holding another special work session on fire protection issues on Wednesday, 19 January, in City Hall starting at 4:00 p.m.

Make plans for a Father/Daughter Dance, hosted by the MJ Parks at the Charlie Daniels Rec Center, on Saturday, 5 February. It’s a perfect Valentine’s day gift for daddy’s little girl. For more info or to register, call the MJ Parks Department at 758-6522. Some other Parks and Rec coming initiatives are Zumba classes (a Latin jazz style of aerobics) and our own “Sarge’s Fitness Boot Camp”. Both are fun ways to help stick to that New Year’s resolution. Both programs will likely start in early February. For more info, call 758-6522.

Several adorable puppies at the Shelter looking for homes. There are Chow and Lab mix, or full Labs that are ready to leave now; the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special person. Speaking of the Shelter, don’t forget we still have some 2011 Animal Shelter Calendars and Commemorative bricks for sale. Your contribution will go straight to support the work of the Shelter, and its continuing mission of serving both our animals and the health and safety of our community.

On a final note, if you know anyone who might be interested in donating a couple acres on the south side, please give me or Kenny Martin a call at 754-2552. We’d be happy to talk about potential tax implications and good will associated with this initiative.

Have a safe Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. For those of you that have time on Monday, here are some local ceremonies honoring this great American.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day March
    Nashville's Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March usually begins at around noon on Monday at Jefferson Street and following the march there's also normally a MLK day convocation scheduled at Tennessee State University.
  • Scaritt Bennett Center
    The Scaritt Bennett Center also offers their own Martin Luther events, every year that includes lectures and/or workshops all about Martin Luther King.
  • Discovery Center
    On Monday, the Children's Museum at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring usually hosts a Free Admission day in honor of the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. There's always plenty of special activities for the day

    Until next time, stay safe and God Bless.

    R. Robertson
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