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

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