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, November 17, 2011

Update: November 17, 2011

Greetings MJ:

Let me begin by wishing you and your loved ones "Team MJ's" best wishes for a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. Now, here are a few updates and FYI:

1. Let's start with some great news, we just got word that MJ again named by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research as one of the Top 5 (#4) “Most Business Friendly Cities” in the state. That’s a powerful message about our community . . . scoring higher than perennial powerhouses like Nashville, Oak Ridge, Clarksville and Murfreesboro. This is the fourth consecutive year MJ placed in the “Big 5.” An accomplishment is woven of elements from across the fabric of our city, economic and business, government, schools, churches and non-profits, and its speaks volumes about our community, its’ vision and values and the tremendous importance each component plays. Congratulations MJ!

2. Sales tax receipts were up again last month. In 2010 the city's share was just around $496k while 2011 was up to $514k. Through October MJ was up 9 of 10 months in sales tax revenue from last year; overall that comes up to about $180k more collected than from the same time period in CY10. Thanks and remember to "Shop Mt Juliet First."

3. The 2011 edition of the MJ Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, 3 December, starting at 11:00. Led by Grand Marshal Gretchen Wilson, the route runs from the front of West Wilson Middle School to the intersection of Division and North MJ Roads. There's still plenty of time to enter a float or group in this festive seasonal extravaganza. For more info call Taylor Bates or Jay Cameli at 642-1095. Our friends at Crye-Leike Realty will even be offering free hot chocolate at their 1285 NMJR office. We look forward to seeing you there.

4. Congrats to Judy Roark and her crew for their efforts in supporting MJ social services. Through their Sweet Tooth Auction in October, they raised just under $3400 that will be split between the Sr. Citizen's Center and the Mt. Juliet Help Center. Good work Judy!

5. Interested or know someone who might be interested in serving with the Tennessee National Guard? There's a new recruiter in town, Sergeant First Class Austin Phelps is on duty and would love to talk about opportunities to serve your state and nation. He's can be reached at Cell: 615.772.6587 Office: 615.772.6587. Can you say "Hooah?"

6. Want to make a positive impact in your community but don't have a lot of money? This one doesn't take funds, just a little time to take the "Pepsi Challenge." Ava's Splash Park is the vision, and the goal is to vote at www.refresheverything.com/avassplashpad or by texting the code 109856 to 73774. VOTE EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Help make a difference!

7. Reminder, this Saturday is Family Preparedness Day at the MJ Lowes, from 10:00 till 3:00 pm. The Red Cross, TEMA, Wilson 9-1-1 and WEMA's station 3 will be there helping and they want to extend an invitation for you to join them. For more info call Capt. Stephen Spencer, WEMA, at 444-8799 x123

8. Have you used the city's "311" call system? if so, let me know your thoughts. Drop me a line at rrobertson@cityofmtjuliet.org

9. One final note, we've been informed that the City Manager Blog, the same as these Nixle updates, has been named as one of the top 50 municipal blogs by the Master's in Public Administration of the United States. Thanks for reading and tell your friends to sign up.
That's all for now. Take care, God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

R. Robertson
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