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.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Update: February 14, 2011

Good Afternoon MJ:

We’ve endured winter for what seems to be far too long, so today’s near 60 degrees is a very pleasant change.

Here’s some updates on a few items of interest:

There will not be a special meeting of the MJ Board of Commissioners tomorrow to hear from leadership of the La Vergne FD. We had initially talked to La Vergne about “privatizing” efforts here, but since then they’ve indicated they are not interested in expanding. Right now we are looking into other privatized options, and will announce any special meetings on this subject in the local papers and on our web-page.

MJ’s portion of the sales tax receipts continue to be strong. December’s data showed a 10.7% gain over December 2009. Remember to “Shop Mt. Juliet.”

We recently sat down and took a look at the numbers from contributions, gifts and other “in kind” donations made to MJ over the last couple years. The value is absolutely staggering: over $830k. Some of the largest donations included the Panattoni wing of the Charlie Daniels Rec Center, volunteer hours and 501 3C donations at the MJ Animal Shelter, vehicles from Carl Black Chevrolet and U.S. Community Credit Union, funds for the city newsletter from University Medical Center and AED’s donated by Summit. We’ve had dollars, items or services donated by Life Assembly Church, Howell Motorcycles, ACE Hardware and Lowe’s, WalMart, MJ Furniture and Furniture Unlimited, Lofton Creek Records, at least five banks (Region’s, First Tennessee, F&M, First Freedom and Wilson), several physicians, CPS Land, Civil Site, Providence Mall and many restaurants. All told we’re up to line 81 on the spread sheet. Over $830k . . . wow. What magnificent gifts from a wonderful, caring community who know just how hard we work to stretch dollars in these challenging times. From all of us here in City Hall, many thanks.

What may be the highest flagpole in Tennessee is coming, close to the I-40 entrance/exit area. We hope the ribbon cutting will be in the next 45-60 days. This will be a tremendous addition to the landscape of our city.

A couple items to look out for:
The MJ Senior Citizens Center will be holding a “Sweetheart Serenade” at the St. Stephen Community Church on Friday, February 25th, from 6 to 9 p.m. There’ll be live music, a silent auction, and your choice of Prime Rib or Chicken. Corporate tables are available, or individual tickets at $40.00 ($25 for individual Center members). Info at 758-9114.

Want help keeping that New Year’s resolution to shape up? Check out the Zumba or Yoga classes at the CD Rec Center. Better yet, go at your own pace at the CD Exercise Room. They’ve got a load of modern aerobic equipment and lots of free weights. It’s only $2.00 a visit or monthly membership is $15.00; what a great deal. For more info call 758-6522.

Reminder, City Hall and municipal services will be closed on Monday, 21 Feb in commemoration of President’s Day.

Looking for a perfect gift for your special Valentine’s? Check out the dogs and cats at the MJ Animal Shelter. If you have some time, consider volunteering. Talk with Eddie Blackwood or any of his staff at 773-5533.

Take care, God Bless and have a great Valentine’s Day. Talk with you later.

R. Robertson
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