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 7, 2011

Update: January 7, 2011

Good Afternoon:

It’s been some time since I last posted a note. I hope those reading this had a safe, and blessed holiday’s.

Have you clicked on the Tennessee Center for Policy Research logo at the top of our home page? It takes you to the articles about MJ’s selection as the “Number 1 Business Friendly City” in Tennessee. It’s an extraordinary honor to be selected as #1 from a pool of several hundred cities. Take a few minutes to read the articles and see why MJ came to the top.

Work progresses well on the North MJ Road widening project. The wooden utility poles are down; replaced by new metal ones paid for by the city. Drivers will see substantial work has been done on sidewalks and curbing on portions of the project. For the most part, all utility work has been complete, so the project is now focusing towards road widening.

Several new businesses have opened their doors in the last couple months: the Sonic near Publix #2; a Greek restaurant in the Valley Center, and Cheddars in the Paddock’s complex. By all accounts all are doing well.

CoC members and other business owners are encouraged to attend the Chamber’s next monthly luncheon, on Wednesday, 19 January, at the Rutland Place, starting at 11:15. Mayor Elam will be delivering the 2010 State of the City address, so it should be an interesting and educational presentation. For more details or to make a reservation, call the Chamber at 758-3478.

The Shelter needs your help. We’ve got 12 puppies looking for good homes. They’re a mix of Chow and Sheppard, making them absolutely adorable and friendly fur balls. If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, here’s a chance to pick out your own personal friend and companion. Speaking of the Shelter, the year end stats are in, and thanks to our volunteers nearly 6,300 hours were donated last year. If we had to pay prevailing wages for their work hours, it would have cost us nearly $100k. Many thanks to this cadre of individuals whose call to duty is “Everything we do, we do for the Animals.”

Another interesting year end data point came up last week. We issued 367 new housing permits for 2010. Compare that to 217 for 2009. It’s easy to see why MJ is one of the state’s fastest growing cities.

On a final, personal note, all of us here at Team MJ, express our condolences and sorrow at the loss of Commissioner Jim Bradshaw’s daughter last month. Jim, our thoughts and prayers have been with you.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

R. Robertson
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