Good Afternoon MJ:
Its Friday afternoon, and a gorgeous day outside; just the spring-like weather we’ll be looking for tomorrow at MJ’s annual “Easter in the Park” at Charlie Daniels Park. I toured the Park today with Mr. Rocky Lee, Acting Parks Director, and listened to all the great things they have planned for tomorrow. If you haven’t been to Charlie Daniels recently, I hope you have a chance tomorrow; the Parks and Rec crew have pulled out all the stops. New shrubs, new banners and bunting, mulching and painting. Take a look at the fifty state flags they will have on display, or catch a tour of the new Exercise and Game Rooms inside the Rec Center. “Easter in the Park” is one of the largest annual events hosted by the MJ Parks and Rec Department. Tomorrow events kick off at 10:30, with egg hunts for ages 1-4 at 11:00; ages 5-7 at 11:30 and the search begins at 12:00 for the 8-11 year group. Over 16,000 eggs are to be found; all stuffed with sugary delicacies. At 12:30 join us for the golden egg hunt with 10 hidden golden eggs containing receipts to fabulous prizes totaling over $1,000. If egg hunting isn’t your thing, then the Rec Center is offering a 2 months for the price of 1 deal just to acquaint new comers to the fabulous new exercise and game room unveiled this week. It truly promises to be a great day in the life of the Mt. Juliet community and we hope you’ll join us and invite others.
While crusin’ the park tomorrow you’ll have a chance to see some of MJ's finest on display. No, it’s not the PD . . . it’s some of our canines from the MJ Animal Shelter. Where else can you hunt for Easter eggs and take home a four legged friend for life? Thanks Sergeant Youmans, Reverend Gray and all the staff and volunteers of the MJ Animal Shelter for making this happen.
Though it’s not visible, we’re making progress with the West Division Greenway project. The Greenway project is divided into several phases with Phase 1 scheduled to get underway in the April timeframe. Phase I, though a relatively short section, is one of the most expensive and challenging since it involves crossing North Mt. Juliet Road at the West Division Street intersection. Phase 1 will provide about an 8 feet wide section of paved surface from the train station to the 4th Street area. For those who travel on that route, you’ll note a series of small tree saplings planted in the northern side of West Division. We hope this is the first in a series of contributions to the Greenway project. The area they are in has been acquired by the city, and will serve as a “trail head” for the Greenway, that will eventually make its way down to South Greenhills Road. We are hoping this first part will be done in the September/October timeframe. Stay tuned for updates.
Congrats to Mr. Shannon (AKA: Cajun) Joyner, who was selected by the Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 MJ Civil Servant of the Year. Cajun is a tremendous fellow, and as Deputy Director of Public Works, absolutely essential to the daily operations of the city. Cajun was the catalyst for the successful application of the TDOT Local Interstate Connector grant we received for the Reverse L, and along with Mr. Casey Binion, is spearheading efforts for the North MJ Road widening project. Well done Cajun!
When you are in City Hall next time, check out our new info kiosk in the PD lobby. Don’t want to wait in line; you can go on-line from the lobby to conduct most city business. Thanks to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Adams and Mr. Pugh of the Parks Department for helping us make a quantum leap in customer service.
On a more somber note, don’t forget the people of Haiti. While it’s been several weeks, the pictures and news from this impoverished nation don’t grow much better with time. Won’t you help the men and women of Team Mt. Juliet in making a positive difference in the lives of others who so desperately need your help? Please give the American Red Cross or the charity of your choice in the campaign to bring some relief to these people who have suffered so very much.
On a final note: Um unsere liebste Freundin Ute. Auf dieser, Ihren Geburtstag, sind unsere Gedanken, Gebete und die besten Wünsche mit Ihnen. Sie Freundschaft ist ein Segen für uns und wir freuen uns darauf, wieder mit Ihnen. God Bless.
Take care MJ and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Showing posts with label Haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haiti. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Update: 2/11/10
Good Evening MJ:
Some notes from the last couple weeks FYI:
1. The MJ Animal Shelter continues to exceed all expectations with adoptions running neck-to-neck with animals who are sheltered. Yesterday we had 15 animals. This kind of success isn’t possible without a tremendous staff and extraordinary group of volunteers. If you want to give something special to your Valentine’s Day sweetheart, think about a dog or cat from the MJ Animal Shelter. It will be the gift of year round love.
2. Some great news: December’s sales tax report just came in and once again MJ continues to exceed expectations. Sales tax revenue for the city was up a little over $30k from December 2008. There’s a little concern that the rate of acceleration is slowing, and with no major “big boxes” or major projects in the near future, we may see some flattening rates, but all in all, for an economic year unlike any most of have ever seen, we are still in an enviable position. Mr. Martin also tells me there’s going to be a large announcement in the near future. Stay tuned.
3. Received a report today reflecting the size of all municipal police departments in Tennessee. Here are a few stats based upon the number of officers serving for each 1k population: Nashville: 2.65; Lebanon: 2.86; Smyrna: 1.91; Franklin: 2.33; Crossville: 3.64; Cookeville: 2.55; Murfreesboro: 2.16; Oak Ridge: 2.19; Hendersonville: 2.01; and MJ: 1.66. You can draw whatever conclusions you wish, but from my vantage, I salute the men and women of the MJPD for the absolutely extraordinary work they do. They are a value and credit to this community.
4. Despite some challenging weather, work on NMJR continues to progress. Mr. Joyner, the city’s action officer for the project, advises there’s some major activity planned as soon as the weather improves; just take a look at the concrete pipes lining the area north of the railroad tracks. Be sure to stay posted on the project progress by tuning into Channel 3, or clicking on the project icon at the city’s home page.
5. Speaking of home page, kudos to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Adams of our IT Department. They’ve done an extraordinary thing by streaming Channel 3 through the web. If you don’t pick up Channel 3, or will be out of town, just go to the city’s web page to keep up with what’s going on. Good job fellows! We’ve received several reports from people outside MJ who like what you’ve done. While on congratulations, a hearty thanks to Mr. Brent Terry, Mr. Roy Acosta and Mr. Brandon Ambrose, for the great job they did in clearing city streets during the recent snowstorm. These guys logged in over 100 hours during the last weekend in January to ensure the city’s roads were in the best possible condition for Monday morning. Also thanks to the MJ BOC for taking time at their last meeting to recognizing these three accomplishments and hard work.
6. We are a victim of our own success as it relates to the Charlie Daniels Red Center. We’ve seen unprecedented growth in membership and use of the facility, especially in the Exercise Room. Based upon the demand, the BOC is moving forward to help the Parks Department underwrite switching the Game Room and Exercise Room. The new Exercise Room will be over twice as large, providing users with a safer, more inviting area to work out. Mr. Lee, Acting Director for the Parks and Rec Department, advises he's been meeting with several vendors to see if we can come to terms with the cost of special flooring, and hopes to have the new room up and operational in the near future. Also, a special thanks to Mrs. Linda McCallahan, for helping the Parks and Rec Department secure a storage area they so desperately need. While not a city employee or a member of the Parks Board, Linda saw a need and helped fill it. We appreciate you.
That’s about all for this evening. Remember, the city has been approved by the American Red Cross as a donation site for funds for Haitian relief. While the story of Haiti doesn’t fill the papers every day now, the horrors of what has happened in that country will last for many years to come. Help us help them. Stop by City Hall and let Tina know you care.
Talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Some notes from the last couple weeks FYI:
1. The MJ Animal Shelter continues to exceed all expectations with adoptions running neck-to-neck with animals who are sheltered. Yesterday we had 15 animals. This kind of success isn’t possible without a tremendous staff and extraordinary group of volunteers. If you want to give something special to your Valentine’s Day sweetheart, think about a dog or cat from the MJ Animal Shelter. It will be the gift of year round love.
2. Some great news: December’s sales tax report just came in and once again MJ continues to exceed expectations. Sales tax revenue for the city was up a little over $30k from December 2008. There’s a little concern that the rate of acceleration is slowing, and with no major “big boxes” or major projects in the near future, we may see some flattening rates, but all in all, for an economic year unlike any most of have ever seen, we are still in an enviable position. Mr. Martin also tells me there’s going to be a large announcement in the near future. Stay tuned.
3. Received a report today reflecting the size of all municipal police departments in Tennessee. Here are a few stats based upon the number of officers serving for each 1k population: Nashville: 2.65; Lebanon: 2.86; Smyrna: 1.91; Franklin: 2.33; Crossville: 3.64; Cookeville: 2.55; Murfreesboro: 2.16; Oak Ridge: 2.19; Hendersonville: 2.01; and MJ: 1.66. You can draw whatever conclusions you wish, but from my vantage, I salute the men and women of the MJPD for the absolutely extraordinary work they do. They are a value and credit to this community.
4. Despite some challenging weather, work on NMJR continues to progress. Mr. Joyner, the city’s action officer for the project, advises there’s some major activity planned as soon as the weather improves; just take a look at the concrete pipes lining the area north of the railroad tracks. Be sure to stay posted on the project progress by tuning into Channel 3, or clicking on the project icon at the city’s home page.
5. Speaking of home page, kudos to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Adams of our IT Department. They’ve done an extraordinary thing by streaming Channel 3 through the web. If you don’t pick up Channel 3, or will be out of town, just go to the city’s web page to keep up with what’s going on. Good job fellows! We’ve received several reports from people outside MJ who like what you’ve done. While on congratulations, a hearty thanks to Mr. Brent Terry, Mr. Roy Acosta and Mr. Brandon Ambrose, for the great job they did in clearing city streets during the recent snowstorm. These guys logged in over 100 hours during the last weekend in January to ensure the city’s roads were in the best possible condition for Monday morning. Also thanks to the MJ BOC for taking time at their last meeting to recognizing these three accomplishments and hard work.
6. We are a victim of our own success as it relates to the Charlie Daniels Red Center. We’ve seen unprecedented growth in membership and use of the facility, especially in the Exercise Room. Based upon the demand, the BOC is moving forward to help the Parks Department underwrite switching the Game Room and Exercise Room. The new Exercise Room will be over twice as large, providing users with a safer, more inviting area to work out. Mr. Lee, Acting Director for the Parks and Rec Department, advises he's been meeting with several vendors to see if we can come to terms with the cost of special flooring, and hopes to have the new room up and operational in the near future. Also, a special thanks to Mrs. Linda McCallahan, for helping the Parks and Rec Department secure a storage area they so desperately need. While not a city employee or a member of the Parks Board, Linda saw a need and helped fill it. We appreciate you.
That’s about all for this evening. Remember, the city has been approved by the American Red Cross as a donation site for funds for Haitian relief. While the story of Haiti doesn’t fill the papers every day now, the horrors of what has happened in that country will last for many years to come. Help us help them. Stop by City Hall and let Tina know you care.
Talk with you later.
R. Robertson
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