Good Afternoon MJ:
Greetings from City Hall. I thought I posted my last update before departing, but there’s a lot of things going this week you should know:
1. Do you want to help those who aren’t as fortunate as you? Here’s a chance through the MJPD’s “Shop with a Cop.” Members of the MJPD are sponsoring less fortunate children with a shopping trip this, their 7th season. Most of the funds have been secured, but here’s a great opportunity to make up some the difference, or plant some dollars for next year. It takes about $150 to sponsor a child, but any donations would be appreciated. For more info call Sgt. Tyler Chandler at (615) 773-6260.
2. Another gift to consider at this time of year (with tax season looming around the corner) is the MJ Animal Shelter and the non-profit Mount Juliet Animal Shelter Volunteer Organization. Donations must postmarked NO LATER THAN DEC. 31st to be tax deductible. Here’s a few reasons why you might want to give and what your contributions are used for:
- Every cent you give goes directly to and for the animals.
- In three years, through donations, the MJ Animal Shelter has not had to spend any tax payer funds for animal food.
- The Benefit Fund pays for medical procedures and provides extended medical care when needed and transportation to a Rescue.
- The Pet Therapy Program reaches into Mt. Juliet Nursing Care, The Providence Gardens, Rutland Senior Community.
- In 3 short years the Shelter has taken 1,563 animals off our city streets. That’s an average of 44 a month.
- Maybe most important: The MJ Animal Shelter, through the help of volunteers and the 501 3c non-profit fund, has placed close to 95% of the animals who enter the facility. That is unheard of in public animal control programs.
Send your check to MJASVO: 115 Industrial Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. 37122 or drop your gift off any day of the week EXCEPT WEDNESDAY, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
3. On behalf of your Team Mt. Juliet staff, we wish to express our thanks to Mr. Jason Loggins and the kind folks at Wilson Bank and Trust for the great Christmas luncheon they provided city employees today. It was fabulous, and their generosity are truly appreciated. Also, the Team wants to thank Mr. Rob Porter and his partners, Kevin, Jim, and Ryan at Civil Site Design Group for their extraordinary kindness in the donation for gift certificates. For several years the staff at Civil Site have recognized the hard work of Team MJ through a cash donation equally shared by all employees. Many thanks fellows. Finally, a Christmas cheer for the staff at Houston’s Market for once again catering a fantastic meal, and for providing a lot of extra’s on the gift certificate side for the price we paid. You guys are great. Need further evidence of what a wonderful community we live in?
4. Remember: All City offices will be closed on Friday, 23 December and Monday, 26 December. Full service resumes at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, 27 December. City offices will be closed on Monday, 2 January for New Year’s Day.
5. As we depart MJ, I want to thank to the Mayor and Board of Commissioners for their support and kind remarks at my last BOC meeting. Also, special thanks to Team MJ for their continued support and accomplishments the last four years. You have done some remarkable things and it has been an honor to lead you. Finally, remember the farewell reception for Darlene and I, tomorrow (Saturday, 17 Dec), at the Charlie Daniels Recreation Center, starting at 7 p.m. (that’s 1900 for everyone else). We’ve already bought the refreshments, so come on out and say goodbye. Hope to see you there.
Best wishes for a safe, blessed and Merry Christmas and successful 2012.
R. Robertson
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
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.
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
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Update: 6/21/09
Good Afternoon Mt. Juliet and Happy Father’s Day!
Today I have just a few short notes to share with you. Before I begin, many thanks to those of you who wrote or called me to express your condolences about the passing of our best friend, Blaze. It is absolutely amazing how much a pet can find its way into your heart, but hearing from so many of you let me know how common, yet special that can be. Darlene and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Work progresses well on both the North Mt. Juliet Road widening project and the “Reverse L“ portion of the Eastern Connector. Chief Garrett tells me that he and the members of the MJPD are very pleased that despite the blasting that is taking place and the construction equipment along N MJ Road, drivers seems to be handling things well. Remember, this is likely to be a two year endeavor, so patience is a key. On that note we are looking for a late July or early August time to conduct another “Town Hall” meeting about the widening project. Watch Channel 3, the city web page, or our own local papers for specifics.
A special “tip of the hat” goes out to Reverend Jon Gray who recently took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator for the MJ Animal Shelter. If you haven’t visited the Animal Shelter you owe it to yourself to take a look. This is one of the newest facilities of its type in the region and is truly a professionally run operation under the leadership of Sergeant Keith Youmans and his dedicated staff. But it takes a lot more than a handful of paid staff to keep the Shelter open evenings and weekends and take care of the animals correctly; it takes lots and lots of volunteers. Jon plans to have the volunteers bring some of the pets to Providence Marketplace during the afternoon of 4 July; he and his folks are hoping for the state’s largest “adopt-a-thon” that day. Interested in helping? Call the Animal Shelter at 773-5533. Thanks Jon and all our Volunteers!
Speaking of the Fourth of July, a special thanks to another group of volunteers who have been working since 5 July 2008 to make the 2009 version a capstone event. If the weather holds I’ve heard forecasts of 30k to 35k participants and spectators around Providence Marketplace on the Fourth. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the staff I want to thank all of the volunteers who have spent hundreds of hours since last year preparing for our fireworks show. There are far too many to mention by name, and I might miss some, so I’ll simply say we truly appreciate all you have done. There is still plenty of time though it you would like to help. It take thousands and thousands of dollars to make Mt. Juliet’s largest event a success. I want to thank many of the merchants and private donors who have stepped up, but the Fourth of July Committee is still in dire need of additional contributions. If you are interested please contact Mr. Dennis Buchanan or Mr. Taylor Bates, at the Mt. Juliet Recreation and Parks Department, 758-6522.
This is a call to all clergy and church leaders in Mt. Juliet. On Thursday, 2 July, at 10:00, in the courtroom of the Mt. Juliet City Hall, we will be holding a special city update brief for leaders of all Mt. Juliet churches. These men and women touch and influence the fabric of our city. As community leaders they need to know what is going on inside the city . . . parks and recreation events, crime statistics, police activities, roads and infrastructure work, finances and economic development. This will be our first effort to bring this body together so if you are a minister, reverend, pastor, associate, lay leader, choir director, priest, etc., please make plans to join us. The point of contact is Ms. Sharon Bachelier at 754-2552. If you know someone who should be there bring them along as well. Sharon’s email address is: sbachelier@cityofmtjuliet.org
On a final note, I want to wish my alma mater a happy birthday. Last week was the 234th birthday of the United States Army . Every post, fort, forward operating base and patrol base containing America’s finest stopped for a few minutes on 14 June to commemorate this historic occasion. The tradition of service and professionalism of our great Army goes back to the inception of the Continental Army. Today’s soldiers . . . sons, daughters, husbands, and wife’s, from teens to their 60’s are among the best of their respective generations. They set the standard for valor, professionalism and integrity. No matter what the mission, our Army has always answered its county’s call. Darlene and I are proud to have been and will always be soldiers. Thanks and a hearty salute to the millions of others who have and continue to serve.
Take care and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Today I have just a few short notes to share with you. Before I begin, many thanks to those of you who wrote or called me to express your condolences about the passing of our best friend, Blaze. It is absolutely amazing how much a pet can find its way into your heart, but hearing from so many of you let me know how common, yet special that can be. Darlene and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Work progresses well on both the North Mt. Juliet Road widening project and the “Reverse L“ portion of the Eastern Connector. Chief Garrett tells me that he and the members of the MJPD are very pleased that despite the blasting that is taking place and the construction equipment along N MJ Road, drivers seems to be handling things well. Remember, this is likely to be a two year endeavor, so patience is a key. On that note we are looking for a late July or early August time to conduct another “Town Hall” meeting about the widening project. Watch Channel 3, the city web page, or our own local papers for specifics.
A special “tip of the hat” goes out to Reverend Jon Gray who recently took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator for the MJ Animal Shelter. If you haven’t visited the Animal Shelter you owe it to yourself to take a look. This is one of the newest facilities of its type in the region and is truly a professionally run operation under the leadership of Sergeant Keith Youmans and his dedicated staff. But it takes a lot more than a handful of paid staff to keep the Shelter open evenings and weekends and take care of the animals correctly; it takes lots and lots of volunteers. Jon plans to have the volunteers bring some of the pets to Providence Marketplace during the afternoon of 4 July; he and his folks are hoping for the state’s largest “adopt-a-thon” that day. Interested in helping? Call the Animal Shelter at 773-5533. Thanks Jon and all our Volunteers!
Speaking of the Fourth of July, a special thanks to another group of volunteers who have been working since 5 July 2008 to make the 2009 version a capstone event. If the weather holds I’ve heard forecasts of 30k to 35k participants and spectators around Providence Marketplace on the Fourth. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the staff I want to thank all of the volunteers who have spent hundreds of hours since last year preparing for our fireworks show. There are far too many to mention by name, and I might miss some, so I’ll simply say we truly appreciate all you have done. There is still plenty of time though it you would like to help. It take thousands and thousands of dollars to make Mt. Juliet’s largest event a success. I want to thank many of the merchants and private donors who have stepped up, but the Fourth of July Committee is still in dire need of additional contributions. If you are interested please contact Mr. Dennis Buchanan or Mr. Taylor Bates, at the Mt. Juliet Recreation and Parks Department, 758-6522.
This is a call to all clergy and church leaders in Mt. Juliet. On Thursday, 2 July, at 10:00, in the courtroom of the Mt. Juliet City Hall, we will be holding a special city update brief for leaders of all Mt. Juliet churches. These men and women touch and influence the fabric of our city. As community leaders they need to know what is going on inside the city . . . parks and recreation events, crime statistics, police activities, roads and infrastructure work, finances and economic development. This will be our first effort to bring this body together so if you are a minister, reverend, pastor, associate, lay leader, choir director, priest, etc., please make plans to join us. The point of contact is Ms. Sharon Bachelier at 754-2552. If you know someone who should be there bring them along as well. Sharon’s email address is: sbachelier@cityofmtjuliet.org
On a final note, I want to wish my alma mater a happy birthday. Last week was the 234th birthday of the United States Army . Every post, fort, forward operating base and patrol base containing America’s finest stopped for a few minutes on 14 June to commemorate this historic occasion. The tradition of service and professionalism of our great Army goes back to the inception of the Continental Army. Today’s soldiers . . . sons, daughters, husbands, and wife’s, from teens to their 60’s are among the best of their respective generations. They set the standard for valor, professionalism and integrity. No matter what the mission, our Army has always answered its county’s call. Darlene and I are proud to have been and will always be soldiers. Thanks and a hearty salute to the millions of others who have and continue to serve.
Take care and talk with you later.
R. Robertson
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Update: 11/13/08
Hello Mt Juliet
Some news from City Hall . . .
I would like to thank Jim Curtis, Del Webb and Rutland Place for hosting a couple Veterans Day events yesterday. My wife and I participated in the one at Del Webb, and as retired veterans ourselves, thank all involved for the thoughts and tribute. Major (Ret) Pat Unger, Colonel Jeff Holmes, Senator Beavers, students from Rutland Elementary and Del Webb singers all made the morning a little special for those of us who were there. Also, a special well done and “HOOOAH” for the members of the MJ Police Department Color Guard. They were absolutely superb! All of us at City Hall sincerely appreciate the MJ News and MJ Chronicle for their front page coverage of these remarkable young men.
I happened to be at City Hall for a little while on Tuesday morning, and was surprised by the number of phone calls received. It looks like lots of people forgot it was Veterans Day, and that City Hall was closed; which led me to the conclusion we need to better advertise our holiday schedule. Ms. Tina Guinan, the brilliant lady who is responsible for so much of what happens in City Hall, will post a voice mail message on our system for future holidays. Remember, City Hall will be closed on Thursday, 27 November (Thanksgiving), and the 28th as well. Emergency calls should go through the Police Dispatch system.
In the next few weeks we hope to be reaching out to the community in whatever forum available, to solicit your thoughts and wishes regarding higher education here in MJ. We’ve been working with a couple colleges and universities about a presence in the city, and we’ll be asking for help in defining what you think that should look like. I would certainly appreciate hearing from you on this matter, but more info will be available in the not too distant future. We’re also looking into the possibility of some type of recycling program within the city. Again, we will use whatever media available to us to solicit your thoughts on what you might like and what you might be willing to pay for. Stay tuned!
I’ve spoken with Mr. Mike Davis, Director of Wilson County Schools, about having quarterly get togethers between MJ schools leadership staff and those of us in City Hall. It looks like our first meeting will be the first week of December. If there is an issue you would like us to discuss please let me know by call or email.
Finally, some good news . . . September sale tax receipts are up: $422,260 for Sept 08 versus $355,955 last year. This is a 19% gain and the highest increase MJ has had this year.
Take care.
R. Robertson
Some news from City Hall . . .
I would like to thank Jim Curtis, Del Webb and Rutland Place for hosting a couple Veterans Day events yesterday. My wife and I participated in the one at Del Webb, and as retired veterans ourselves, thank all involved for the thoughts and tribute. Major (Ret) Pat Unger, Colonel Jeff Holmes, Senator Beavers, students from Rutland Elementary and Del Webb singers all made the morning a little special for those of us who were there. Also, a special well done and “HOOOAH” for the members of the MJ Police Department Color Guard. They were absolutely superb! All of us at City Hall sincerely appreciate the MJ News and MJ Chronicle for their front page coverage of these remarkable young men.
I happened to be at City Hall for a little while on Tuesday morning, and was surprised by the number of phone calls received. It looks like lots of people forgot it was Veterans Day, and that City Hall was closed; which led me to the conclusion we need to better advertise our holiday schedule. Ms. Tina Guinan, the brilliant lady who is responsible for so much of what happens in City Hall, will post a voice mail message on our system for future holidays. Remember, City Hall will be closed on Thursday, 27 November (Thanksgiving), and the 28th as well. Emergency calls should go through the Police Dispatch system.
In the next few weeks we hope to be reaching out to the community in whatever forum available, to solicit your thoughts and wishes regarding higher education here in MJ. We’ve been working with a couple colleges and universities about a presence in the city, and we’ll be asking for help in defining what you think that should look like. I would certainly appreciate hearing from you on this matter, but more info will be available in the not too distant future. We’re also looking into the possibility of some type of recycling program within the city. Again, we will use whatever media available to us to solicit your thoughts on what you might like and what you might be willing to pay for. Stay tuned!
I’ve spoken with Mr. Mike Davis, Director of Wilson County Schools, about having quarterly get togethers between MJ schools leadership staff and those of us in City Hall. It looks like our first meeting will be the first week of December. If there is an issue you would like us to discuss please let me know by call or email.
Finally, some good news . . . September sale tax receipts are up: $422,260 for Sept 08 versus $355,955 last year. This is a 19% gain and the highest increase MJ has had this year.
Take care.
R. Robertson
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