LakelandTN Home Page

St. Jude Dream Home
St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway

You can win a house or other great prizes by participating in the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the world’s premier pediatric cancer research center. Unite with communities across the country by reserving your $100 ticket to qualify to win a home valued between $300,000 and $700,000 in cities where the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is being held. Each home will feature a master bedroom furnished by Hancock Fabrics and other amenities. Tickets are reserved on a limited basis. Additional prizes including jewelry, shopping sprees, automobiles and groceries increase your odds of winning.

CityWatch on QNet
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

THIS WEEK IN QNET:

Lakeland Elementary PTA Spring Carnival Today.
Lakeland City-Wide Garage Sale Today.
East End Playhouse Final Performance Today.
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer Thursday.

LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Residents may "meet with a Planner" to discuss the Land Development Regulations.

May, 2008 “Meet with a Planner Q & A” Schedule for Land Development Regulations

These are meeting times with Planning Dept. staff to discuss concerns for the new regulations project as it progresses. Documents will be available to share. The meetings will be at City Hall. Please call the front desk by the day scheduled, to let us know you are coming at or during one of these times. When you call, you will be told what room to go to at City Hall.

Thursday, May 08, 2008, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 22, 2008, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Times for future months will be announced regularly.

City web page updates online in April for the Land Development Regulations and Design Guidelines project: (See Planning Projects Page)

Draft Table of Contents, December 2007 (PDF)
Draft Zoning Ordinance Article I, Admin Provisions, December 2007 (PDF)
Draft Subdivision Regulations, Article II, Subdivision Types (portion), March 2008 (PDF)
Memo from CDF about Conservation Policies, August 2007 (PDF)
Public Meetings for April 2008 (PDF) (Note: New Land Development Regulation Meeting scheduled for April 28 BOC Work Session has been cancelled.)
“Planner Q & A” Forums through April 2008 (PDF)
"Planner Q & A” Forums for May 2008 (PDF)
“Background” section of this page was updated with new project comments.

LAKELAND AREA CRIME REPORT

Addresses of reported crime are rounded to the nearest 100 block. Exact addresses are not reported, in order to protect privacy.

Theft from Building 04/27/08 2700 Misty Valley Cove
Theft of Vehicle Parts/Accessories 04/26/08 Canada Road
Theft from Motor Vehicle 04/26/08 9300 Triumph Circle (Stonebridge)
Other Theft/Non-Specific 04/26/08 3500 Canada Road
Burglary/Non-residential 04/25/08 9800 Memphis-Arlington Road (riding mower)

Home Break-Ins On The Rise In Lakeland

Reported by: Lana Labrousse, Eyewitness News Everywhere - ABC24 - CW30 - Memphis TV 4/28/08

1:15 p.m., Lakeland, TN

According to police reports, home burglaries in Lakeland have increased by 126 percent since March. With word of the increase, Lakeland residents are making sure to keep a keen eye on their property and their neighbors for safety.

"We don't want to come home and find out if our home has been burglarized because we worked too hard for what we earn," said Ray Harris, a Lakeland resident. Some residents say they have burglar alarms, guard dogs and lock

their doors to keep their homes safe from crooks. "The alarm is always set. If we're at home outside, it's always set," Jason Taylor, a Lakeland resident.

In Millington, home break-ins have increased by about 50 percent. Shelby County Sheriff's Office spokesman Steve Shular said when deputies notice a spike of break-ins in a neighborhood, they increase deputy patrols and may even send undercover deputies to the neighborhood to help prevent burglaries. He also said they work closely with neighborhood watch leaders. Though there's a spike in burglaries in Lakeland, Shular said overall crime in Shelby County decreased by 6 percent so far this year.

Other reports from neighbors posted at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/:

1. "I live in the Fairway Meadows subdivision in Valley Green Cove. I was traveling from 9 AM Friday (4/25) thru Sunday 6 PM (4/27)....When I opened my back door, I discovered that my security door (not storm door) but a heavy glass security door had been blown to smithereens! Also, my dining room window had a couple of dings in it. I called the Sheriff's dept and they were dispatched & took a report.....they seemed to think it might have been a BB gun that did the damage! About $1,500-$2,000 bucks worth.

Also of concern is that late last Fall, my next door neighbor had a similar incident -- with one exception, they actually found a bullet! The trajectory was such that they felt it had to have been discharged from high up....they actually questioned people who lived behind them. My BIGGEST concern is that if this isn't stopped, someone will be seriously hurt! A gun whether real or a BB gun can inflict serious harm! Please post this on the website to alert folks and also to see if anyone might have any inkling or may have seen anything going on this past weekend!

2. Friday early evening gun shots were heard in the area of Kingsridge and Canada road. (there are several homes in there). The police was dispatched to the area. I do not know what they found.

3. "My neighbor just told me that the post man told him that there have been several doors kicked in in the Kingsway Greens subdivision recently. This is the first I've heard of it. We have seen the Sheriff's Dept. out here patrolling.

4. We found 2 rolls of tissues in our driveway on Shadow Green Lane Saturday morning. At around 2:25 am Sunday morning, my wife heard something like gun shots (at least 2). When she peeked through the windows, she saw tissues were hanging on our tree. The next day we reported to the Sheriff. When I opened the door for the Sheriff, I saw (human?) feces outside the front door. There were some 4-5 rolls of tissues hanging on the tree. The Sheriff said
it was not vandalism, but wrote a memo and gave us a case number.

Become a part of the solution by participating in a Neighborhood Watch group in your neighborhood. We far outnumber the criminals! Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in the Lakeland COLA Neighborhood Watch group, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/.

Click here to sign up for daily emails of crime occurring in your neighborhood, view photos of the sex offenders, and for information on Shelby County Warrants: https://kiosk.memphispolice.org/cyberwatch/

RECYCLING

Tuesday, May 6th, recyclables will be collected for the area West of Canada Road.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following April Recycling Winners:

Gennifer Hawkins, Green Meadow Cove (Fairway Meadows)

Maria Garcia, Ultra Green Lane (Plantation Fairways)

Susanne Jerome, Old Brunswick Road (Brunswick Road)

Tracy Hatley, East Old Brownsville Road (Old Brownsville Rd)

REMINDER: The city-wide recycling contest "Get Caught Recycling" is still in progress and four households will win $50 in May just for participating in curbside recycling. All you need is to have at least three different types of recyclable material in your bin to be eligible for the random drawing. A detailed list of acceptable recyclable items can be viewed at www.lakelandtn.com and click on Recycling.

THE GARBAGE CRISIS

The world has changed a lot in the past century. From individually packaged food servings to disposable diapers, more garbage is generated now than ever before. The average American discards 7.5 pounds of garbage every day. This garbage goes mostly to landfills, where it's compacted and buried. As the waste stream continues to grow, so will pressure on our landfills, our resources and our environment.

Recycling—An Important Part of the Solution

Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can help slow climate change and global warming. By recycling at home, you help significantly lower carbon emissions associated with extracting virgin materials, manufacturing products and waste disposal.

Last year the amount of energy saved from recycling aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging was equivalent to:

• The amount of electricity consumed by 17.8 million Americans in one year.
• 29% of nuclear electricity generation in the U.S. in one year.
• 7.9% of electricity generation from fossil fuels in the U.S. in one year.
• 11% of the energy produced by coal-fired power plants in the U.S.
• The energy supplied from 2.7% of imported barrels of crude oil into the U.S.
• The amount of gasoline used in almost 11 million passenger automobiles in one year.

MAY LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, May 12, 6:30 p.m.
DRC Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.
BOA Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. (If needed)
MPC Monday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.
EDC - Thursday May 22, 6:30 p.m.
BOC Work Session Monday June 2, 6:30 p.m.*

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.*

*City Hall will be closed Monday, May 26, 2008 due to the Memorial Day Holiday. The Lakeland Board of Commissioners Work Session (normally scheduled for Monday, May 26) is rescheduled to Monday, June 2, 2008.

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting (normally scheduled for Thursday, June 5) is rescheduled to Thursday, June 12, 2008

BOC REGULAR MEETING SUMMARY

Thursday, May 1st, 6:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER BY MAYOR: 6:32 PM

II. ROLL CALL BY RECORDER: Plunk absent (illness)

III. PUBLIC HEARING: None

IV. CONSENT AGENDA: Hartz motion passed 4-0
1. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings:
           a. Regular Meeting Minutes, April 03, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Development Contract between Belz Investco GP and the City of Lakeland for the development of Arcadia Planned Residential Development, Phase 1 Subdivision. (Stuckert)
3. Approval of Vehicle Lease Agreement with Enterprise. (Wherry)
4. Approval of the Fire Station Site. (Wherry) (Proposed location is the Hwy 70 corridor)
5. Approval of first reading of an Ordinance adopting a budget for Fiscal Year July 01, 2008 through June 30, 2008. (Wherry)
6. Approval of bid for planting on median (sketch). (Bridges)
7. Approval of establishing an encroachment policy on existing sewer and storm drainage pipeline easements. (Stuckert)

V. CONSIDERATION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA:

4. Approval of request for waiver of certain parts of the Lakeland Sign Ordinance for the City-wide Garage Sale. (Wherry). Hartz motion to allow signs but no balloons and streamers failed 2-2; Nicholson motion to allow signs with balloons & streamers passed 3-0-1 (Verschuur)

VI. TREASURER’S REPORT: Hartz motion to file passed 4-0

VII. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

VIII. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS & OTHER OFFICERS:

Report on the outcome of MLGW removing trees. (Lakin/Wherry)
Report on possible purchase of property east of the soccer fields in City Hall Park. (Wherry)

IX. SEWERAGE COMMISSION BUSINESS: None

X. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Action on leasing of vehicles. (Wherry). Verschuur motion to postpone to the next work session passed 4-0

XI. NEW BUSINESS:
2. Action on City Hall Expansion.* (Wherry). Hartz motion to enter into a contract with Habiterra Architects passed 4-0
3. Action on appointments to the Lakeland Natural Resources Board. (Board). Verschuur motion to reopen application period for six seats on the board expiring Friday, May 30 at the close of business passed 4-0
4. Action on appointment(s) to the Lakeland Parks & Recreation Board. (Board). Verschuur motion to post pone to the next work session passed 4-0
5. Action on appointment to the Lakeland Design Review Commission. (Board). Verschuur nomination of Salvador Feraci to fill the vacated seat formerly held by Connie Hess was the only nomination; Mr. Feraci was appointed by acclamation

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

XIII. ADJOURNMENT: 7:01 PM

*All proposed changes are to the current City Hall building and include: Area A - ten offices extending from the west hall south of the ladies' restroom (approx. 37'-6" x 71'-9"); Area D - ADA bathrooms with access to both interior corridor in Area A and to the outside; Area C - Security changes to the main entrance; Area B - alterations and additions to the foyer to include two offices and a ramp for access to the meeting room podium area east of the existing meeting room.

COME ONE, COME ALL!!!!!

TO THE 4th ANNUAL LAKELAND ELEMENTARY PTA SPRING CARNIVAL

10050 Oak Seed Lane off of Seed Tick Road

Today, May 3rd from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Rock Wall Petting Zoo Train Rides Moon Bounce

Dunk Tank Games Giant Slide Vendor booths

Silent Auction including baskets created by our classrooms

And items donated by the generous businesses in your neighborhood.

And of course FOOD. . . .

Come and have fun while you are supporting a great cause...

ANNUAL LAKELAND CIVIC CLUB GARAGE SALE
Today, May 3rd

Special Note: Garage Sale participants are being encouraged to load up their USEFUL treasures and deliver to the Goodwill Donation Center located at 9733 Highway 64 & Misty Bay. The center will be open till 6 p.m. The Donation Center is across the street from Gateway Tire and Service Center.

EAST END PLAYHOUSE FINAL PRODUCTION " FAT PIG"

Final Performance Tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Lakeland Outlet Mall, 3536 Canada Road, Suite 16
Tickets $10 General Admission

Due to the Mall renovations this will be our last production. We really appreciate your past support, and hope you will attend the show to tell us goodbye. We have really enjoyed bringing the arts to our community!

Fat Pig

“It’s not a shame thing for me. Not anymore,” states Helen in Fat Pig, Neil LaBute’s provocative exploration of the depths of beauty and the power of peer pressure that opens at The East End Playhouse on Friday, April 18th. This powerful play from one of America’s most thought-provoking playwrights promises to ask as many questions as it answers.

One of those questions—“Should we see each other again?”—is the question Tom asks Helen, a plus-sized woman whom he meets by chance at a crowded food court. This simple question becomes central to the play, for when forced to choose between his relationship with Helen and his desire to conform to the expectations of his friends, Tom discovers just how much influence our peers have over our actions. Affected by this influence, Tom finds his relationship continually tested by his ability to be honest with Helen and with himself, and he ultimately must determine whether love is enough to sustain a relationship beset by societal pressures.

The cast features Jessica Parker as Helen, Joe McDaniel as Tom, Michael Goff as Carter, and Monica Engessar as Jeannie.

The show runs April 18-19, 25-26, and May 2-3 with performances beginning at 7:00 p.m. The East End Playhouse is located in the Lakeland Mall just off I-40, exit 20. Tickets are $10.00 and are available at the door or in advance by calling (901) 494-0836.

Director Nicolas Crisafulli promises Fat Pig will provide audience members with “an emotional, thought-provoking and memorable experience that they will be sure to enjoy.”

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S AFTER-HOURS MIXER

Thursday, May 8th · 5:30 p.m., Winstead Farms

Mark your calendars now for this month's Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce's After-Hours Mixer scheduled for Thursday, May 8th. The May mixer is a little different than usual because it will be held at Magnolia Home's beautiful Winstead Farms' model home and it will be combined with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome this new development to the Lakeland community.

As always, all Chamber members and guests are welcome to attend. . . and there is no cost for this particular event. The format of our networking mixers is designed to give members an opportunity to socialize in a relaxed setting with their colleagues from the Lakeland business community, and hopefully make some new business contacts. Beverages and light appetizers will be served, so come join us for a great way to spend a weekday evening.

We do ask that you help us plan by letting us know if you are able to attend. Simply visit our website to RSVP: www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com

Winstead Farms, is located off Highway 70 across from Lakeland City Hall and Park. The main entrance is off of Highway 70 with two additional entrances off of Old Brownsville Road.

I look forward to seeing you on the evening of May 8th.

Melissa Smithmier, LACOC President
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

LAKELAND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Adult Exercise Class (Low Impact)

When: Every Tuesday

Time: 5:30 p.m. (Class will start promptly)

Where: Stonebridge Golf Course Club House

Has it been a long time since you were in a fitness program? Would you like to improve your Health? Then come and join us and we can improve our health together.

GET FIT, STAY FIT

The classes are FREE. Class Instructor is Randy Kostiuk, a Lakeland resident interested in promoting community fitness. For more information, or if you have any questions, please call Brenda or Joy at 867-2717, or email Brenda at blockhart@lakelandtn.org.

Click on headings below to view report

Special News Brief

Post your Homeowners, Civic, or Community Organization on this web page FREE!