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 3, 2011

Update: November 3, 2011

Good Evening MJ:
Here’s some notes and updates on this rainy Thursday afternoon:

Update on Marty (aka “Pops”) Martin: Marty is recovering well at Centennial Hospital from open heart surgery (5 by passes). He asked that we let everyone know how much he appreciated the cards, calls and prayers. If all goes well he should be released in the next couple days and start rehab. We are inviting all to sign a banner to "Pops." Just drop by City Hall tomorrow between 9:30 and 4:00 to extend him your written best wishes.

While we have a wonderful community, MJ is certainly not immune to the wave of synthetic drug use sweeping large segments of the nation. Synthetic marijuana is an extremely dangerous drug marketed towards children and young adults. It is manufactured with various unknown chemicals which mimic the effect of marijuana. The city has a zero tolerance policy in regards to the sale, possession or manufacture of any drugs or narcotics, and this week arrested a merchant selling synthetic marijuana. Anyone with any information regarding criminal drug activity is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .

We’ve started an initiative where local animal related businesses can advertise at the MJ Bark Park. The Bark Park has been a big success, with far more utilization than we anticipated. If you are one of these businesses or know of one (e.g., vets, food stores, pet groomers, etc.) and want to market your store with a large group of local clientele, call Tina at City Hall, 754-2552 (ext 254) for details. For less than the cost of one newspaper ad, your sign will be prominently displayed for an entire year.

Elzie Patton Elementary School will hold an Expo bazaar on Saturday, 5 November, from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. Come join over 60 vendors, craftsman, artisans, and businesses for a jump on your holiday shopping. For more info call Beth Ruble at 773-9630.

Congratulations to MJHS Principal Mel Brown and his Team for their recent recognition as the best academic high school in the state. Wow, what an honor!

On a final note, Veterans Day will be this coming Friday (11 November), and City Hall will be closed. After nearly a decade of war, we ask all citizens to take a few moments next Friday to contemplate on the service and sacrifices our veterans have made in preserving our freedoms. There will be a special Veterans Day 30 Mile Walk, on the 11th, beginning at the Legislative Plaza in Downtown Nashville at 5:30 a.m. and ending in Lebanon Square at 5:00 p.m. This will be the 3rd year for this growing event, honoring our brave uniformed personnel who have given so much for each of us. For more info call Mr. Jim Retzke at 892-9060. Hooah!

Take care, God Bless & talk with you later.

R. Robertson
Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)