Qnet 2007

CityWatch on QNet
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

I wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy and Wonderful New Year ~ Gerry

Lakeland City Hall will be closed Tuesday, New Year's Day.

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.

0712001235SH Theft from Building 12/27/07 4900 Canada Road
0712001208SH Theft from Building 12/27/07 116000 Memphis Arlington
0712001175SH Burglary/Residential 12/26/07 9500 Chi Chi Lane
0712012989ME Theft from Motor Vehicle 12/26/07 2600 Berryhill
0712012576ME Burglary/Residential 12/25/07 4400 Cedar Glen
0712012563ME Burglary/Residential 12/25/07 4400 Cedar Glen
0712012127ME Theft from Motor Vehicle 12/24/07 2500 Plum Creek Drive
0712001088SH Theft from Motor Vehicle 12/24/07 9600 Davies Plantation
0712001063SH Burglary/Residential 12/23/07 9800 Saskatoon Drive
0712001140SH Theft from Building 12/23/07 9700 Huff N Puff
0712001049SH Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/23/07 9100 Valkrie Lane
0712001047SH Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/23/07 9500 Chi Chi lane
0712001029SH Aggravated Assault 12/22/07 3600 Canada Road
0712001025SH Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/22/07 8400 Hwy. 70
0712001023SH Shoplifting/Misdemeanor 12/21/07 9000 Hwy. 64
0712010959ME Theft from Motor Vehicle 12/21/07 8400 Hwy. 64

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/

Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in the Lakeland COLA Neighborhood Watch group, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR REFUSE PICKUP AND RECYCLING

REFUGE COLLECTION: Since Tuesday is a Holiday, all refuse collections will be delayed one day next week. If your regularly scheduled garbage pickup is Tuesday, it will be picked up on Wednesday; Wednesday's pickup will be Thursday. Friday's pickup will be Saturday.

Wednesday, January 2nd, recyclables will be collected for the area West of Canada Road.

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . . . . .

CONGRATULATIONS To the following December Recycling Winners:

Jana Filsinger, Chi Chi Lane, Stonebridge
Gregory Bryant, Creekwood Cove, Creekside Manor Subdivision
Jeffrey Whitney, Saffron Springs Drive, Creekside Manor Subdivision
Teresa Henry, Mitchwood Oak Drive, Oakwood Subdivision

REMINDER: The city-wide recycling contest "Get Caught Recycling" is still in progress and four households will win $50 in January 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.

From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, American's throw away about 25% more trash--much of which can be recycled. Yet in December, Lakeland recycled only 20.63 tons of material (or 5.15 tons per week) DOWN from November's record high of 25.55 tons (average of 6.3875 tons per week). After the New Year's and Football parties are over, don't forget to recycle all the aluminum cans and plastic and glass bottles.

MAKE RECYCLING ONE OF YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

The time of year has come around where we all make New Year's resolutions -- to slim down, get healthier or to do all those things we've been putting off. One resolution that is easy to do and really can make a HUGE difference is to recycle more of your household waste. Think about all the waste that your household produced this Christmas -- all the cans, bottles and packaging materials.

By making a little change here and there, you will find that separating your waste as you produce it is easier than you think. Make recycling one of your New Year's resolutions this year because you will really be helping to make a difference.

WHY BOTHER? Because recycling brings multiple blessings. Recycled aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy it took to purify the metal, 95 percent of the water pollution and 97 percent of the air pollution. Every ton of recycled paper saves 35 percent of the energy, 74 percent of the air pollution, 35 percent of the water pollution it takes to make new paper. If you recycle plastics, you'll save not only dump space, but fossil fuel, and the production of some of the most hazardous wastes in all industry.

The following items can be Recycled: (Remember all containers must be empty, clean of food, and rinsed. Labels do NOT have to be removed.)

Glass: Any glass container that contained food or beverages is acceptable, regardless of color. Examples are iced tea and soda bottles, food jars (baby food, spaghetti sauce, juice, jelly, pickle, salad dressing, and vegetable oil jars), and beer, wine, and liquor bottles.

Metal Cans: Tin cans, steel cans and tin plated food and beverage containers of all sizes, (including metal lids from both cans and jars), such as pet food, soup, tuna, juice, fruit and vegetable cans, spice cans as well as tins from cookies, fruit cakes, popcorn, and bandage containers.

Aluminum Cans: Used aluminum beverage containers (soda, beer, juice and tea cans, to name a few) and foil (clean of food)

Foil Containers: TV dinner trays and other foil packaging.

Plastics: Plastic recycling is easy. You just have to look for the PET or PETE 1 and HDPE 2 triangular symbols on the container, Examples are: milk jugs, plastic soft drinks, water, sports drinks, mouthwash bottles, beer, catsup, salad dressing, peanut butter, jelly and jam, cooking oil, cosmetic, shampoo, dish and laundry detergent bottles, yogurt and sour cream containers (be sure and check—sometimes only the lid is recyclable, but not the container), pill bottles, bleach bottles, and containers from baby wipes and many household cleaners.

Acceptable Cardboard: Only small cardboard boxes which fit in the recycle bin can be recycled in Lakeland. Large boxes are recyclable, but will not go into the All Star recycling truck bins, unless they are cut to fit the recycle bin.

Paperboard or Chipboard: Some chipboard is plastic coated and is not acceptable. The way to identify plastic coated materials is a simple tear test. If you CAN tear it, you CAN recycle it. Examples of chipboard that CAN be recycled are: cereal and cracker boxes (throw away the liners), pasta, laundry detergent, gift, and shoe boxes, soda and beer cartons, frozen juice containers (throw away lids and plastic tabs), all boxes used as packaging for toothpaste, bar soap, over the counter and prescription medicines, dry goods packaging, and paper towel and toilet paper cores.

Paper: Newspapers and inserts, advertising circulars, magazines, catalogues, home telephone books, computer and office paper, paperback books, unwanted mail (be careful with personal information), office paper, file folders, printed paper, school papers, calendars, envelopes, paper that has been shredded (be sure it is secured in a paper bag), and paper bags. Please practice “responsible recycling” and double check to insure that all materials to be recycled will not blow away. Place ALL your paper and cardboard on TOP of your other bin materials. This helps the crew place the paper products in a separate part of the truck

Unacceptable Paperboard, Chipboard and Paper: Waxed paper and waxed boxes, gift wrap (which has too much ink on it and, therefore, the mills do not want it), carbon paper, beverage containers such as milk or juice cartons which are wax or plastic coated, paper towels, napkins, paper plates and cups and cardboard which is soiled or greasy.

Other Unacceptable Items: Motor oil, antifreeze and Tidy Cat containers (this product clogs the machinery, AND it is not a recyclable type plastic), black restaurant and frozen food trays, flower pots or trays, soaked or extremely yellowed newspaper, wet or previously wet magazines. Styrofoam containers or packing pellets, and plastic grocery bags CANNOT be recycled.

If you need additional recycle containers, contact All Star Waste (901) 854-8865. Additional containers can be purchased for a one-time charge of $6 each (which is their cost).

JANUARY LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Work Session, Thursday, January 3, 6:30 p.m. (Rescheduled from December 24)
BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.

DRC Tuesday, January 15 11, 6:30 p.m.

BOA Thursday, January 17, 6:30 p.m. (If needed)

MPC Tuesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m. (Rescheduled from Monday 1/21 because of Martin Luther King Holiday)

EDC - Thursday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.

BOC Work Session Monday January 28, 6:30 p.m.

KEITH LONGBOTHAM AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN LAKELAND
Tomorrow, December 30, 2007, 10:45 a.m.

Acclaimed Bluegrass and Contemporary Christian guitarist and songwriter, Keith Longbotham, will perform during Sunday's service. All are welcome.

Keith is a native of Plainview, Texas where he grew up playing guitar and singing in churches and performing for civic organizations. In 1982, Keith moved to Nashville, Tennessee to perform at Opryland in their bluegrass show. While performing at Opryland, he was invited, several times, to appear on the Grand Ole Opry as a guest of Roy Acuff and Porter Wagonner. Keith also appeared on many of The Nashville Network's TV shows.

In 1984, Keith was given his own show at the Nashville KOA music theatre. His show was so well received that he began to receive invitations to perform for RV rallies and conventions all over the USA. In 1989, Keith began to take his show to the RV resorts in Arizona and California, where each year, he performs for over 50 resorts. Keith still performs at the Nashville KOA music theatre every Thursday night from April through October.

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.

CityWatch on QNet
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

I wish you and yours all the Magic and Joy of the Christmas Season ~ Gerry

SHELBY COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS

By Bob Wherry, City Manager

Plan now to attend the Public Hearings on the Shelby County Charter Amendments on Thursday, January 31, 2008 (a Public Reception at 7:00 p.m. and the Public Hearing will start at 7:45 p.m.) at Arlington High School and on Tuesday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center.

Detailed information is available at www.shelbycountytn.gov. I urge all residents to visit this site and read the detailed information and take advantage of the opportunity to comment directly to the Shelby County Commission.

Chairman David Lillard has been very active in publicizing the activities of the Shelby County Commission and providing an opportunity for all Shelby County residents to review actions by the County Commission and comment.

I cannot overemphasize the importance to Lakeland (and any City in Shelby County other than Memphis) of the Shelby County Charter Amendments reading as follows:

Sheriff and other “Constitutional Officers” (Trustee, Register, County Clerk, Assessor) be ELECTED with the SAME title and duties and current constitutional officers.

This is also an opportunity to suggest other amendments to the Shelby County Charter.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Law Enforcement Consolidation (which has ended) recently adopted a recommendation to the Shelby County Commission basically providing for the Sheriff (or the “Chief Law Enforcement Officer” of the County) to be appointed by the MEMPHIS MAYOR meaning that Lakeland residents would have a Sheriff without any say in who it is!

REPRESENTATIVE RON LOLLAR PRESENTS CHECK

FOR LAKELAND PHONE BOOK

By Bob Wherry, City Manager

Representative Ron Lollar stopped by and presented the City of Lakeland with a check for $20,000 early this week! The funds are provided by the Community Enhancement Grant program. The City applied for $20,000 for funding to develop a Lakeland Phone Book for use of Lakeland residents.

We will be requesting assistance and input on development of the phone book in the near future. This is a chance to finally update the "Lakeland" phone book which was produced approximately 10 years ago!

We appreciate the assistance of Representative Lollar in obtaining this grant.

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.

Burglary/Residential 12/21/07 2900 CHAMPIONS DR
Burglary/Residential 12/21/07 2900 CHAMPIONS DR
Shoplifting/Misdemeanor 12/20/07 9000 HWY 64
Burglary/Residential 12/19/07 9100 MORNING WALK
Shoplifting/Felony 12/18/07 7900 HWY 64
Drugs/Narcotics Violation/Misdemeanor 12/18/07 7300 BRUNSWICK
Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/17/07 4300 OAK POINT CIRCLE
Simple Assault/DV 12/15/07 9000 BRECKENRIDGE CV
Simple Assault/DV 12/15/07 9000 BRECKENRIDGE CV
Aggravated Assault/DV 12/14/07 900 LENOW PARK
Drugs/Narcotics Violation/Misdemeanor 12/13/07 9500 MORNING SHADOW

SEX OFFENDERS:
4 Sex Offenders Name, offense, and Address

1 JACKSON, JAMES D 12/14/1991 SEXUAL BATTERY, 9146 Hillman Way
1 GINN, DAVID WAYNE 10/01/1997 INDECENT ASSAULT ON A CHILD /AGE 6, 8656 Memphis Arlington Road
1 FISHER, JAMES BAXTER 05/19/1997 RECEIVING AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNO, 9722 Kingsridge Drive
1 FAULKNER, ANDRE CENTELL 08/05/2005 STATUTORY RAPE, 4174 Seed Tick Road

Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in the Lakeland COLA Neighborhood Watch group, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR REFUSE PICKUP AND RECYCLING

REFUGE COLLECTION: Since Tuesday is Christmas Day, all refuse collections will be delayed one day next week. If your regularly scheduled garbage pickup is Tuesday, it will be picked up on Wednesday; Wednesday's pickup will be Thursday. Friday's pickup will be Saturday.

Wednesday, December 26th, recyclables will be collected for the area East of Canada Road.

Thursday, December 27th, recyclables will be collected for the area North of Canada Road.

REMINDER: The city-wide recycling contest "Get Caught Recycling" is still in progress and four households will win $50 in December 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.

It's the Holiday Season--a time when we create more throw away material than at any other time of the year. But just because we create it all doesn't mean we have to throw it all away. You can recycle gift boxes, Christmas trees, cards, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers, and more!

DECEMBER LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.

DRC Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.

MPC Monday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

BOA Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 p.m.

BOC Work Session Rescheduled to Thursday, January 3, 2007 (from Monday, December 24, 2007)

EDC - Does not meet in December.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CenterPoint Church

Free Gift Wrap for Customers of the Lakeland Outlet Mall

Saturday, December 22nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and

The Community is also invited to CenterPoint Church Night of Worship on Sunday Evening, December 23rd, at 5:00 p.m.

CityWatch on QNet
Friday, December 14, 2007
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

PLEASE NOTE: The Holiday Parade has been postponed to 2:00 p.m. Sunday. See details below under Holiday Events.

SHELBY COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS

HOLD THESE DATES

By Bob Wherry, City Manager

The Shelby County Commission is having approximately 13 Public Hearings on possible Charter Amendments. The two Public Hearings most convenient for Lakeland residents are:

Thursday, January 31, 2008 (joint with Arlington/County area)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 (joint with Bartlett/County area)

I urge all residents to attend at least one of the Public Hearings.

Shelby County Commission preliminary guidelines are that each resident can speak only one time. However, residents may attend any or all Public Hearings on the Charter Amendments.

Shelby County Commisson Chairman David Lillard has insured that detailed information is available at http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/. The website also allows residents to comment on the Charter. Of course, letters and calls to the Commissioners are also encouraged.

As soon as detailed information is finalized, detailed information on Shelby County Charter issues will be posted at http://www.lakelandtn.gov/.

VOLUNTEERING IN LAKELAND
By Stephanie Anderson

A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. —Henrik Ibsen, poet and playwright

When I offered to write an article for Qnet on volunteering in our community, I was coming off of a four year term as a Lakeland Commissioner. I felt like I had “done my duty,” so to speak. During the last election, hundreds of Lakeland residents campaigned for the candidate of their choice – often sacrificing personal family time or taking time off work to make phone calls, wave signs, and travel through neighborhoods in support of a candidate. They also “did their duty.”

Now the election is over, and yet, in a strange way, the need for volunteerism is greater than during the election, and perhaps, greater than ever. The lesson that I have learned after being a Commissioner is that in a small town such as Lakeland, yes, we have a professional staff that runs our city, but volunteers run our community. There is clearly a position for any willing participant! Do you have expertise in a particular area relating to construction, architecture, recreation, law, etc? Then consider serving on a city board. Do you enjoy writing and meeting people? Our community newsletter, Citywatch, can always use good articles! Do you have a desire to work with young people to help them grow physically and boost their self-esteem? Consider coaching a youth sports team. Do you enjoy gardening and landscaping? I am sure that the Natural Resources Director has a need for your talents. Do you just want to help others and your community, but not sure exactly how? The Lions Club, the Civic Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Helping Hands, and Lakeland Elementary are all looking for new members and new ideas.

Sometimes, I have been asked, “Why should I get involved?” Mostly, I get told, “well, I’d like to be involved, but I don’t have the time.” So, why should you, Lakeland resident, take an active role in our community?

1. Getting involved is the BEST way to meet people and invest in our community. Over 95% of working adults who live in Lakeland do not actually work in Lakeland – we work in Cordova, Memphis, Millington, Bartlett, Germantown, etc. I’d like to challenge each resident to “plant some roots” in our community. You moved here for a variety of reasons, but one that I keep hearing is because it’s a great community. It didn’t get that way on accident. There are so many long-time citizens of our community who have invested their time and energies to make our city great, and have for years. They are longing for the new young families that are flocking to our community to invest the same energy to ensure Lakeland’s future greatness.

2. If even ½ of our 10,000 Lakeland residents volunteered only 1 hour per week – those 5,000 man hours per year is the equivalent of 2 full-time paid positions. In a city where we preach “no property tax,” – it’s time for us to “walk the walk” to keep city costs to a minimum.

3. Lakeland’s population includes a huge percentage of children. If you volunteer for no other reason than to model good citizenship to your own children and the children of our community, you have made the world a better place.

Lakeland needs you, and needs you now! When you are making your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2008, please include serving our wonderful community in your list. The benefits are incredible, and this resolution is so much easier to keep than losing weight, exercising, or stopping smoking – ha!

For more information on how you can get involved, call City Hall at 867-2717 and ask for City Manager Bob Wherry. He’ll put you in touch with the person or organization that can best use your talents. Happy Holidays!

“Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others.” - Danny Thomas

HIGHWAY 70 SPEED LIMIT IS 50 MPH!

By Bob Wherry, City Manager

Highway 70 in Lakeland now has a 50 miles per hour speed limit. The reduced speed limit signs were posted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation this week.

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.

MVT/Passenger Vehicle 12/13/07 8400 HWY 64
Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/12/07 8300 CRAVEN RD
Burglary/Residential 12/11/07 5300 CEDAR BROOK DR
MVT/Passenger Vehicle 12/11/07 800 LENOW PK
Burglary/Residential 12/09/07 2800 MORNING TRACE
MVT/Passenger Vehicle 12/09/07 900 LENOW PARK
Burglary/Residential 12/07/07 1400 REGAN
Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/07/07 3500 CANADA RD

Warrants: Shelby County Warrants:

Name: DANNIE BERRY 01/15/73 B M 8757 INDEPENDENT 12/12/07 Court: GS Type: BW Charge: VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW

Name: JASON FINN 01/16/86 B M 9677 WOODGREEN 11/28/07 Court: BT Type: BW Charge: FAIL TO APPEAR IN MISDEMEANOR CASE

Name: HERMAN MATHEWS 04/15/52 B M 10255 MOOSE 11/19/07

Click here to sign up for daily emails of crime occurring in your neighborhood:
https://kiosk.memphispolice.org/cyberwatch/

Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in the Lakeland COLA Neighborhood Watch group, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/

RECYCLING

Tuesday, December 18th recyclables will be collected for the area West of Canada Road.

‘Tis the season to give, celebrate and renew. It only takes a small commitment to protect the environment. Here are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference this holiday season:

Energy: Use a timer on your Christmas house and tree lights to avoid keeping lights on all night; you can save a lot of energy this way.
Make gift tags or decorations from last year's cards.
Recycle gift and cardboard boxes and catalogs. Cardboard tubes, cardboard gift boxes and catalogs are all recyclable. Recycle these along with your other mixed paper and cardboard.
Wine and Beer Bottles and Aluminum Beverage containers. Recycle these along with other glass and plastic recyclables.
Trees: Recycle your Christmas tree (no flocking or decorations!). You can use a live, uncut tree and replant it after the holidays.

DECEMBER LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.

DRC Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.

MPC Monday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

BOA Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 p.m.

BOC Work Session Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (from Monday, December 24, 2007)

EDC - Does not meet in December.

LAKELAND BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, December 20, 2007, 6:30 P.M., Lakeland City Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER:

II. ROLL CALL:

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Regular Meeting: November 15, 2007

IV. OLD BUSINESS: None

V. NEW BUSINESS:

1) Action on a request for a variance of 175 feet from Article XIV Section 7 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a subsurface septic system to be located within the required Streamside Management Buffer on lot number 42 of Bentbrooke Hills Subdivision Phase 3 (10501 Bentbrooke Drive).

2) Action on a request for a variance of 225 feet from Article XIV Section 7 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow a subsurface septic system to be located within the required Streamside Management Buffer on lot number 43 of Bentbrooke Hills Subdivision Phase 3 (10515 Bentbrooke Drive).

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Thursday, December 6, 2007; 6:30 p.m., Lakeland City Hall

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

II. ROLL CALL BY RECORDER: All Present

Note: Hartz motion to amend agenda to add New Business 8. Action to reschedule the Board of Commissioners work session from Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 to Thursday, January 3, 2008, and reschedule the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting from Thursday, January 3, 2008 to Thursday, January 10, 2008. Motion Passed 5-0.

III. PUBLIC HEARING: None

IV. CONSENT AGENDA: Hartz motion passed 5-0

1. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings:

a. Regular Meeting Minutes, November 01, 2007, 6:30 p.m.

2. Approval of 2008 Grass Mowing Contract. (Stuckert)

3. Approval to release Letter of Credit for the Preserve. (Bridges)

4. Approval of Enhancement Grant on Canada Road between I-40 and U.S. Highway 64 for a pedestrian/bicycle pathway. (Stuckert)

5. Approval of first reading of an Ordinance amending Article VII, Flood Plain Overlay Zone of the Zoning Ordinance. (Stuckert)

6. Approval of first reading of an Ordinance to amend Article IX, Section 3 and Article II, Section 2 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide regulations regarding enclosed patios. (Atkinson)

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

VI. TREASURER’S REPORT: Hartz motion passed 4-0-1 (Plunk)

VII. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

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

1. Status of purchase of Stonebridge Golf Course. (Wherry)

2. Status of purchase of property next to City Hall. (Wherry)

3. Report on Shelby County Law Enforcement Task Force and Shelby County Charter Committee. (Wherry)

4. Report on solid waste collection with All Star regarding yard waste (leaf bags). (Wherry)

IX. SEWERAGE COMMISSION BUSINESS:

1. Action to recommend to the BOC the acceptance of the low bid of Transway System, Inc. for a 3600 gallon vacuum tank truck. (Stuckert) Hartz motion passed 5-0

2. Action to recommend to the BOC amendments to Title 18, Chapter 2 regarding sewer service. (Stuckert) Hartz motion to postpone indefinitely at the request of staff passed 5-0

X. OLD BUSINESS:

XI. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Action on End of Warranty for Sterling Place/Phases II & III. (Stuckert) (pgs. 93-102) Hartz motion passed 5-0

2. Action on a request to place a construction sign on the property owned by Harding Academy located north of Highway 70 near Seed Tick Road. (Atkinson) (pgs. 103-106) Verschuur motion to deny the appeal on the grounds no plans have been approved for the development of Harding Academy. Motion passed 4-1 (Carmichael)

3. Action on Agreement with HESS Environmental Services for professional services related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Storm Water Phase II Regulations. (Stuckert). Hartz motion passed 3-1-1 (Plunk) (Verschuur)

4. Action on recommendation from BOSC accepting bid for 3600 gallon vacuum truck. (Stuckert) Hartz motion passed 5-0

5. Action on first reading of an Ordinance amending and creating certain sections of Title 18, Chapter 2 of the Lakeland Municipal Code pertaining to sewer. (Stuckert) Carmichael motion to postpone indefinitely passed 5-0

6. Action on appointments to various Boards & Commissions:

a. Design Review Commission (due to a potential technical error there will be no announcement)

b. Parks & Recreation/Natural Resources Board appointed to 3-year terms are: Tony Neri and Nikki Wheetley

c. Economic Development Commission appointed to 3-year terms are: Boyd Ruppelt and Shirlee Clark

d. Board of Appeals appointed to a 3-year is Kenneth Collins; appointed to a remainder term 1-year term is Tom Mitchell

7. Action on Board of Commissioners liaisons to the various Boards & Commissions:

a. Design Review Commission liaison is Comm. Verschuur

b. Parks & Recreation/Natural Resources Board liaison is Comm. Nicholson

c. Economic Development Commission liaison is Vice mayor Hartz

d. Board of Appeals liaison is Comm. Plunk

e. Municipal Planning Commission liaison is Vice mayor Hartz

8. Action to reschedule the Board of Commissioners work session from Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 to Thursday, January 3, 2008, and reschedule the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting from Thursday, January 3, 2008 to Thursday, January 10, 2008. Hartz motion passed 5-0.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

XIII. ADJOURNMENT:

HOLIDAY EVENTS

EAST END PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS PRELUDE TO A KISS
Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:00 p.m., Now thru December 15th
Lakeland Outlet Mall, 3536 Canada Road, Suite 16
Tickets $10 General Admission

East End Playhouse at the Lakeland Mall Production Well Worth a Visit
Gerrit Verschuur

I was fortunate enough to attend the production of Prelude to a Kiss by the East End Playhouse the other night in the Lakeland Factory Outlet Mall. Yes, that is where they have converted a store to a small, very intimate theater. A group of theater buffs, known as Arlington for the Arts, is based in Arlington and their productions are staged right here under our noses in Lakeland.

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance, which is at a very high level of professionalism. I left profoundly impressed by this dedicated group of actors and was also struck how well the limited stage area was managed to produce a sense of a change of scene using only a few well-placed and well-timed lights.

Prelude to a Kiss is “a celebration of unselfish love that never dies and true love that transcends flesh” and the manner in which the leading lady, Aliza Moran, playing Rita, finds herself transformed . . . well, I don’t want to give it all away. But I will say that she handles the transformation convincingly with evident enjoyment, while the leading man, Michael Frame, struggles brilliantly to come to terms with the confusing transformation in his wife.

Even though I am no theater critic, I have watched plays in many large cities and make no apologies for unabashedly recommending this production. It is not for kids, however, given some risqué language. But do take to time out to support this highly accomplished group of actors.

Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 7 & 8, and December 14 & 15. Tickets are $10. Make reservations by calling 674-7584 or emailing arlarts@aol.com.

HELPING HANDS NEEDS YOU!

Last call for Donations and Gifts

Christmas is just 11 days away. Helping Hands needs your help provide Christmas for children in this area. So far 32 children have been referred from the schools in Lakeland and Arlington. As you can see, lots of toys are needed to fulfill their Christmas wishes. Toys are especially needed for girls ages 2-5 and boys ages 6-10.

If you would like to make a donation or purchase a toy contact Vicki Glass at 386-7492 or VBGlass@comcast.com. Checks can be made payable to Vicki Glass Helping Hands, 9664 White Spruce, Lakeland, Tennessee 38002.

2007 LAKELAND HOLIDAY PARADE

Rescheduled for Sunday, December 16th 2:00 p.m.

Grand Marshall: Jerry Lawler, the King of Wrestling

Parade Announcer: Dave Brown, WMC-TV Weatherman

Come be a part of the Lakeland Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 16th, at 2:00 p.m. The theme is “A Down Home Southern Celebration.”

Prizes and trophies will be given to the top three or four winners in the categories of floats, bands, cars and Lion's Choice (which encompasses anything not in the above categories). All parade entrees will be judged on theme, originality, presentation and appearance.

This year's event will feature floats, horses, cars, bands, walking entrees and Santa Claus ushered to the Lakeland Outlet Mall on a fire truck.

The parade will line up at the corner of Lakeland Hills Drive and Shadow Green Lane, and will begin at the corner of Shadow Green and Kingsridge. It will proceed down Kingsridge Drive to Canada Road, ending at the Lakeland Outlet Mall. Viewing is best at the Lakeland Outlet Mall (lining the entrance drive) or on both sides of Kingsridge between Shadow Green and Canada Road. Bring your lawn chairs and drinks for a relaxing show.

The awards presentation will be immediately afterwards in the center hall of the Mall. Santa Claus will be in the Mall after the parade to listen to all the children's wishes following the parade.

Whether you are just going to watch the parade or be a participant in the parade, it will be a fun time for all--see you there!

LAKELAND CIVIC CLUB HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR

Lakeland Outlet Mall

Saturday, December 15th 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 16th 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Lakeland Civic Club is sponsoring a Holiday Crafts Fair featuring all hand made items. The Crafts Fair date has been changed to coincide with the Lakeland Christmas Parade. This fair is perfect for last minute shoppers looking for unique, handmade gifts. Take advantage of this great opportunity to purchase handmade Christmas gifts, and while there support our local businesses in the Lakeland Outlet Mall by shopping the stores as well--one stop shopping for all those special people on your Holiday gift list! Your purchases from the Crafts Show will benefit the community as the proceeds will be used for Lakeland city projects. The “Memorabilia” store in the mall is having a card show as well.

WINNERS OF THE LAKELAND LIGHTING CONTEST 2007

By Margaret Brown

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!!!!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that entered this year's contest. We had a record number of entries and it wasn't an easy job for the judges! We have so many beautiful displays throughout Lakeland that we hope you will take time to drive around and enjoy them all.

I have taken the step to list the map location of each street from Lakeland’s city map furnished by Partnership Lakeland. I thought if the map locations were listed then families could layout their journey through Lakeland to see the winners. Maps are available at Lakeland City Hall.

GRISWOLD DIVISION:

1ST PLACE is Derek McCraw, 9840 Quebec Lane (Canada Woods subdivision I: 4)

2ND PLACE is Kevin McDonald, 9540 Memphis Arlington Road (Rural, D: 5-8, E: 2-4)

3RD PLACE is Scott Summers, 9374 Canabridge Dr. (Canabridge, F: 2-3)

ELFIN DIVISION:

1ST PLACE is Josh and Angela Mathews, 5361 Evergreen Creek Rd. (C-D: 6, D:7)

2ND PLACE is Sherry Krause, 9611 Pine Point Dr. (Lakeland Estates, G: 3-4)

3RD PLACE is Todd and Tracey Sanders, 4507 Mount Gillespie Dr. (Oakwood subdivision, E-F: 5-6)

ANIMATED DIVISION:

1ST PLACE is Chris, Shera and Garrett Klinger, 9288 Laurel Hill Dr. (Plantation Hills subdivision, F: 2-3)

2ND PLACE is Bob and Sonja Bursi, 9684 Pine Point Dr. (Lakeland Estates, G: 3-4)

3RD PLACE is Brian and Dee Dee Tipler, 9319 Fir Hill Dr. N. (Plantation Hills subdivision, F: 2-3)

We would like to wish all of Lakeland a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Lakeland Civic Club. Richard and Alison Ely

CenterPoint Church

Free Gift Wrap for Customers of the Lakeland Outlet Mall

Saturday, December 22nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and

The Community is also invited to CenterPoint Church Night of Worship on Sunday Evening, December 23rd, at 5:00 p.m.

CityWatch on QNet
Friday, December 7, 2007
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

LAKELAND MOURNS PASSING OF NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND
Edgar Riley Cole

Funeral Services will be Tomorrow, 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel

EDGAR RILEY COLE, 84, passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer just over a year ago. He is survived by his wife, Ann; a brother, Charles; and four sons, Wayne, Ken, David, and Mark. He also leaves behind a stepdaughter, Diane Brown; a stepson, John Conrad; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of over fifty years.

Ed served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he went on to work for Exxon for the next thirty-six years. He was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Oakland and a former president of the G.M.S. & R.D.A. From 1995-98 he was the chairman of the Shelby Baptist Foundation and he also taught a small business class at the University of Memphis for five years. Ed has lived a long and prosperous life and will be dearly missed by all the family and friends that he has left behind. It would be greatly appreciated if donations were sent to the Cancer Research Foundation in place of sending flowers.

MAJOR ROAD PLAN UPGRADE REVIEW MEETING

Thursday, December 13, 2007, 6:00 p.m., Lakeland City Hall

Mark your calendars now for Thursday, December 13, 2007! All residents are encouraged to attend. This is the first opportunity of several for Lakeland residents to comment on the Major Road Plan, which will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. The overall scope of the Major Road Plan is to evaluate the ability of the City's existing and planned street system to handle future traffic volumes, and any changes needed.

Kimley Horn and Associates is evaluating and preparing the Major Road Plan and will hear comments at the review. Several meetings are planned to obtain resident comments on traffic problems and congestion. Additional more detailed information is being developed and will be available prior to this first review.

This session is in addition to the review by the Municipal Planning Commission and Board of Commissions at public meetings.

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.

Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/03/07 2700 Davies Plantation
Aggravated Assault 12/03/07 9200 U S Hwy. 64
Other Theft/Non-Specific 12/03/07 102000 Silver Heron
Forcible Rape 12/02/07 3800 Planters View
Shoplifting/Misdemeanor 12/01/07 3500 Canada Road
Shoplifting/Misdemeanor 12/01/07 3500 Canada Road
Theft from Motor Vehicle 12/01/07 3100 Knob Hill

Warrants: Shelby County Warrants
Name: Jason Flinn 01/16/86 BM 9677 Woodgreen 11/28/07 Court:BT Type: BW Charge: FAIL TO APPEAR IN MISDEMEANOR CASE

Name: Herman Mathews 04/15/52 BM 10255 Moose 11/19/07 Court:BT Type: BW Charge: FAILURE TO PAY FINE

Click here to sign up for daily emails of crime occurring in your neighborhood:
https://kiosk.memphispolice.org/cyberwatch/

Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in the Lakeland COLA Neighborhood Watch group, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/

RECYCLING

Tuesday, December 11th recyclables will be collected for the area East of Canada Road.

Wednesday, December 12 recyclables will be collected North of Canada Road.

‘Tis the season to give, celebrate and renew. It only takes a small commitment to protect the environment. Here are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference this holiday season:

Energy: Use a timer on your Christmas house and tree lights to avoid keeping lights on all night; you can save a lot of energy this way.
Make gift tags or decorations from last year's cards.
Recycle gift and cardboard boxes and catalogs. Cardboard tubes, cardboard gift boxes and catalogs are all recyclable. Recycle these along with your other mixed paper and cardboard.
Wine and Beer Bottles and Aluminum Beverage containers. Recycle these along with other glass and plastic recyclables.
Trees: Recycle your Christmas tree (no flocking or decorations!). You can use a live, uncut tree and replant it after the holidays.

DECEMBER LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.

DRC Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.

MPC Monday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

BOA Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 p.m. (If needed)

BOC Work Session Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (from Monday, December 24, 2007)

EDC - Does not meet in December.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Thursday, December 6, 2007; 6:30 p.m., Lakeland City Hall

Qnet has not received the summary of yesterday's BOC meeting and it has not as yet been posted on the City's Web Site. The summary will be posted in next week's Qnet.

DESIGN AND REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING

Tuesday, December 11, 2007; 6:30 p.m., Lakeland City Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER:

II. ROLL CALL:

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Regular Meeting November 13, 2007

IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION REGARDING LDRC MATTERS:

V. OLD BUSINESS: None

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion regarding Canada Road median landscaping.

VII. OFFICER AND STAFF REPORTS:
• Presentation by Natural Resources Director.
• Reports on Illegal Signs (Staff)

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IX. ADJOURNMENT:

HOLIDAY EVENTS

EAST END PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS PRELUDE TO A KISS
Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:00 p.m., Now thru December 15th
Lakeland Outlet Mall, 3536 Canada Road, Suite 16
Tickets $10 General Admission

East End Playhouse at the Lakeland Mall Production Well Worth a Visit
Gerrit Verschuur

Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 7 & 8, and December 14 & 15. Tickets are $10. Make reservations by calling 674-7584 or emailing arlarts@aol.com.

ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

Heartsong Church, 800 Houston Levee Road, Cordova

Saturday and Sunday, December 8th and 9th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Make Heartsong’s outdoor depiction of the birth of Jesus part of your family Christmas tradition. Meet Matthew and Luke, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph and the Innkeeper; search for the baby Jesus along wooded trails with angels, shepherds, wise men, a camel, donkey and sheep. This family event is FREE.

Shop our Arts and Crafts Fair all day tomorrow. For more information, call 901-755-6332 or visit the church website at www.heartsongchurch.net. Michelle Worth, Director of Creative Arts, Heartsong Church.

CenterPoint Church

Free Gift Wrap for Customers of the Lakeland Outlet Mall

Saturday, December 8th, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and

Saturday, December 22nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Community is also invited to CenterPoint Church Night of Worship on Sunday Evening, December 23rd, at 5:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST
December 11th, 2007, Deadline to Enter is December 9th

Once again the Lakeland Civic Club is hosting the annual Christmas Residential Lighting Contest.
Last year was a great success and we are looking forward to having more households participate in
lighting up our great city.

Big or small, we judge them all. Get together with your neighbors and light up your streets.

Homes will be judged in three divisions. The Elfin Division is a small yard display or a small display on your house, the Griswold Division is a very large display of lights on your house or in your yard or both! The Animated Division has to have at least three or four moving objects along with the lights. You do not have to put what division you are entering, the judges will decide your category. There will be three winners in each category, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Winners will be notified by phone that same evening and a wooden yard sign will be placed in the winning yards to keep throughout the holidays!

The contest is open to all Lakeland Residential homes. Judging will begin after 6:00 on Tuesday, December 11th. Deadline for entering is Sunday December 9th.

Come on Lakelanders and light up your homes and give our city a warm glow for the Holidays!

To enter please email Alison and Richard Ely at rtely@bellsouth.net.

HELPING HANDS NEEDS YOU!

Deadline for Donations and Gifts December 15TH

Christmas is just a few weeks away. Helping Hands is reaching out to the community to help provide Christmas for children in this area. So far 32 children have been referred from the schools in Lakeland and Arlington. As you can see, lots of toys are needed to fulfill their Christmas wishes. Toys are especially needed for girls ages 2-5 and boys ages 6-10.

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Christmas Get Together and Business "Show & Tell"

Thursday, December 13th, 11:30 a.m.

Stonebridge Clubhouse, 3049 Davies Plantation Road

Enjoy the regular monthly luncheon with a slight holiday twist for December. Plus, this month you'll have the opportunity to "show and tell" your fellow members a little bit about what your business offers. Who knows. . . . you might find someone who has an immediate need for your products or services, or perhaps you might find someone who can refer a new customer to you. Just bring any printed materials you have, or even bring your display and present your business in a casual, relaxed way at the luncheon.

We welcome all business people and residents of Lakeland to attend the monthly luncheons.

Please help the hospitality committee get an accurate count of who will be attending the luncheon by reserving your spot today. Please call either 373-3068 or 483-6367 to RSVP. Or visit the Chamber online at: www.lakelandchamberofcommerce.com. Cost is $10 per members and $15 per non-members to be paid at the door or online via PayPal.

Season's Greetings!
Don Oliver, LACOC President

Special Thanks to Community Bank! Our Monthly Sponsor
6465 N. Quail Hollow Road, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120; telephone 901-309-3753

2007 LAKELAND HOLIDAY PARADE

Saturday, December 15th 11:00 a.m.

Grand Marshall: Jerry Lawler, the King of Wrestling

Parade Announcer: Dave Brown, WMC-TV Weatherman

Come be a part of the Lakeland Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 15th, at 11:00 a.m. (Rain date is Sunday, December 16th, 1:30 p.m.). The theme is “A Down Home Southern Celebration.” If your business or organization would like to participate in the parade, just download the form (PDF) at wwwlakelandtn.gov., or contact Stephanie Lefler at 233-6655 or 266-5850 (alternate contact is Burt Faller at 386-0894). The deadline for entry is Wednesday, December 12th at 6:00 p.m.

This year's event will feature floats, horses, cars, bands, walking entrees and Santa Claus ushered to the Lakeland Outlet Mall on a fire truck.

The awards presentation will be immediately afterwards in the center hall of the Mall. Santa Claus will be in the Mall after the parade to listen to all the children's wishes following the parade.

Whether you are just going to watch the parade or be a participant in the parade, it will be a fun time for all--see you there!

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Parade Provides Businesses with Great Promotional Opportunity

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will be participating in the upcoming Lakeland Holiday Parade and we'd like to help promote your business. We're requesting items from local businesses to be thrown to parade spectators (relatively soft items only for safety reasons). These items might include wrapped candy, mini footballs, plastic cups, Frisbees, plush animals, moon pies, T-shirts, hats, etc. or other trinkets with your business logo imprinted on them. If your business card is attached to the item, please make sure that it is securely affixed. If you'd like to donate items for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to throw at the parade, please contact Chris Perry at 867-1988. The deadline for all donated parade items to be delivered to Chris is Wednesday, December 12th.

LAKELAND CIVIC CLUB HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR

Lakeland Outlet Mall

Saturday, December 15th 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 16th 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Applications are still being accepted for booth space. Only handmade items are acceptable. Please contact Margaret Brown at 388-9190 for an application. Booth fee is $50.

CityWatch on QNet
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Gerry Burditt, Editor
Qnetcola@bellsouth.net

SHELBY COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS

WHAT DO THEY MEAN TO LAKELAND RESIDENTS?

Bob Wherry, City Manager

I urge all Lakeland residents to monitor the news on the Shelby County Charter amendments. Any amendments could significantly affect Lakeland in the future.

Shelby County Chair David Lillard is expected to announce Public Hearings on this in the near future. I expect at least one Hearing to be held in this area for the convenience of area residents.

What does the Charter Amendments mean to Lakeland residents? It depends. Some POSSIBLE changes are:

The County elective offices could be become appointed
The County elective offices could be eliminated (with their duties preformed by other officials)
The County elective offices could remain the same
Any combinations of the above.
In theory, any part of the Shelby County Charter can be proposed for changes.

I urge all Lakeland residents to go to the Shelby County Web Page (http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/) and read and comment on the Shelby County Charter procedure. There is provision for citizen comment and I urge you to comment on the proposed Charter changes and procedures. I don’t see any reason to reinvent the wheel. I found the article noted below on the Shelby County Website and feel that it gives an excellent history of the reasons for the Shelby County Charter amendments.

Charter Amendment to be Proposed by County Commission (from the www.ShelbyCountytn.gov website).

The voters of Shelby County, Tennessee ratified the Shelby County Charter on August 2, 1984 and, as a result, Shelby County became a charter form of government effective September 1, 1986.

Because the 1984 County Charter Commission recognized that the offices of the Sheriff, Trustee, Register, County Clerk, and Assessor were firmly embodied in the Tennessee Constitution, these offices were not "recreated" under the Shelby County Charter.

Further, the Charter Commission sought to comply with the state enabling legislation that authorizes counties to adopt a charter form of government wherein "the duties of the constitutional county officers [mayor, legislative body, sheriff, trustee, register, county clerk, and assessor] as prescribed by the general assembly shall not be diminished."

On January 12, 2007, the Tennessee Supreme Court held that where a county adopts a charter form of government, the charter document must provide for, or otherwise assign the duties and functions of, the offices of the constitutional county officers. On January 26, 2007, the Shelby County Attorney's Office issued an opinion to the County Mayor recommending that an amendment to the Shelby County Charter be proposed at this time to cure any potential deficiencies similar to those found in the Knox County Charter by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Essentially, an amendment should be proposed that either specifically provides for the elected offices of, and assigns the duties and functions to, the Sheriff, Trustee, Register, County Clerk, and Assessor; or provides for newly titled appointed administrative offices to carry out the duties and functions of these offices; or provides for a combination of these two options. Thereafter, the amendment must be submitted to the voters of Shelby County at the next election allowed by the state election laws.

After advising the County Mayor and explaining the potential impact of the Knox County decision to the effected officers, the Shelby County Attorney's Office briefed the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on the charter amendment options during a January 31, 2007 public meeting. The Board of Commissioners immediately took action to become informed on this issue so as to be in the best position possible in proposing an amendment to the Shelby County Charter.

First, the Board of Commissioners held a retreat on April 20, 2007. During that retreat, employees of Shelby County from the areas of finance, legislation, and law made presentations. A member of the 1984 County Charter Commission and a representative from County Technical Assistance Service were also present.

Next, the Board of Commissioners created an ad hoc committee (Ad Hoc Committee on Shelby County Charter Amendments) for the purpose of receiving and analyzing additional information relative to the financial implications that may result from each amendment option, the effect each amendment option would have on the entire charter, and the time constraints faced when proposing a voter referendum.

The ad hoc committee will hold regular open meetings until such time as the committee has sufficient information to prepare a report that, when submitted to the full Board of Commissioners, will allow the Commissioners to determine which amendment option should be proposed and submitted to the voters of Shelby County. For a discussion of the operations of the ad hoc committee and the need for public participation see Chairman's Letter.

A Schedule of Meetings and Transcripts from past meetings are also available. Additional information is available through Links, including the full Knox County Opinion and the County Attorney's Opinion discussed above. Citizen comments are welcome.

LAKELAND'S KRISTA STEVENS WINS POSTER CONTEST

Bob Wherry, City Manager

Krista Stevens won first place in a Poster Contest at the 7th Annual Geospatial Information and Technology Conference sponsored by the Memphis Area Geographic Information Council and the Tennessee Geographic Information Council.

The poster prepared by Krista explained the process of how the Lakeland Natural Resources Department is working in conjunction with the City Geographic Information System to create a Conservation Priority Map integrating the analysis of many Natural Resource GIS layers to create a final working priority map and illustrating the challenges faced during the process and how those challenges were overcome.

The Poster was part of a booth at the Conference staffed by Krista and City Planner Jim Atkinson. While at they booth they had the chance to discuss some of the innovations Lakeland has pioneered in Natural Resources, Planning and Engineering and how our GIS program operates with these activities.

The Poster will be on display at City Hall. Congratulations to Krista on this achievement!

The Lakeland Geographic Information System has become extremely important to Lakeland in all areas of municipal operations including mapping, planning, and data collection analysis.

MEMPHIS POLICE/SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF

CONSOLIDATION: "BEST PRACTICES SITE ON-LINE"

Bob Wherry, City Manager

The recent proposal submitted to the Law Enforcement Task Force recommending eventual consolidation of the Shelby County Sheriff as an appointee of the Memphis Mayor quoted liberally from a report titled "Best Practices".

The entire report is available at www.memphiscrime.org. Click "Research" at the Home Page of the site. The "Best Practices 11" is available at that site. (It is over 70 pages, so have your printer ready if you want to print it out!)

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.

MVT/Passenger Vehicle 11/29/07 2800 Morning Trace
Shoplifting/Felony 11/27/07 3500 Canada Road
Theft from Motor Vehicle 11/27/07 4400 Cedar Glen
Other Theft/Non-Specific 11/25/07 103000 Herons Ridge Drive
Aggravated Assault 11/25/07 8800 Valley Creek Drive
Other Theft/Non-Specific 11/24/07 10000 French Springs Road

Warrants: Shelby County Warrants
11/20/07 Court:GS Type: BW Charge: Fail to Exercise Due Care Name: JAMES JACKSON 07/26/86 B M 8757 Independent
11/20/07 Court:GS Type: SW Charge: Fail to Appear for Booking/Process Name: JAMES JACKSON 07/26/86 B M 2757 Independent
11/17/07 Court:GT Type: SW Charge: Failure to Appear Name: LEOBARDO HERNANDEZ 04/16/77 H M Lucky Point 10
11/14/07 Court:BT Type: BW Charge: Fail to Appear in Misdemeanor Case Name: JAMES JOHNSON 09/26/89 B M 8757 Brunswick

Click here to sign up for daily e-mails of crime occurring in your neighborhood:
https://kiosk.memphispolice.org/cyberwatch/

Neighborhood Watch Works! To participate in a Neighborhood Watch group in your area, click here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/

RECYCLING

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . . . .

CONGRATULATIONS to the following November Recycling Winners:

Jose Bibiloni, Daly Drive (Stonebridge)
Adam Hughes, Stewart Road
Jack Sams, Woodland Birch Drive (Woodland Park)

Tuesday, December 4th recyclables will be collected for the area West of Canada Road.

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO ARE RECYCLING! In November Lakeland recycled 25.55 tons -- a new record high! That is great news. In November Lakeland averaged 6.3875 tons of recyclables per week, and in two of the 4 weeks in November over 7 tons were collected for the first time ever! November also broke May's record high average of 5.538 tons/week. That is 25.55 tons of material that did NOT end up in a landfill! Keep up the good work. A detailed list of acceptable recyclable items can be viewed at www.lakelandtn.com and click on Recycling

‘Tis the season to give, celebrate and renew. It only takes a small commitment to protect the environment. Here are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference this holiday season:

Energy: Use a timer on your Christmas house and tree lights to avoid keeping lights on all night; you can save a lot of energy this way.
Make gift tags or decorations from last year's cards.
Recycle gift and cardboard boxes and Catalogs. Cardboard tubes, cardboard gift boxes and catalogs are all recyclable. Recycle these along with your other mixed paper and cardboard.
Wine and Beer Bottles and Aluminum Beverage containers. Recycle these along with other glass and plastic recyclables.
Trees: Recycle your Christmas tree (no flocking or decorations!). You can use a live, uncut tree and replant it after the holidays.

DECEMBER LAKELAND MEETINGS
Lakeland City Hall Board Room

BOC Regular Meeting Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.

PRB Monday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.

DRC Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m.

MPC Monday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.

BOA Tuesday, December 20, 6:30 p.m. (If needed)

BOC Work Session Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (from Monday, December 24, 2007)

EDC - Does not meet in December.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Thursday, December 6, 2007; 6:30 p.m., Lakeland City Hall

The agenda will be based on the work Session Agenda published last week.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

EIGHTH ANNUAL RURAL ROUTE HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO TOUR
November 30th thru December 2nd (No Admission Fee)

The Studio of Deborah Fagan Carpenter at 4881 Canada Road in Lakeland, TN will host an Open Studio Weekend November 30th through December 2nd. This opening is part of the 8th Annual Rural Route Holiday Open Studio Tour, which in addition to the Fagan-Carpenter Studio includes: The Lugar Bronze Foundry, Agnes Stark’ Pottery and Ead’s Pottery.

Deborah will introduce new paintings in a mixed media series entitled: Passages and Portals. But also included in the show will be a variety of the mixed-media contemporary expressionist pieces, for which Fagan-Carpenter is best known, as well as a couple of “whimsical” pieces.

Joining Fagan-Carpenter at her Studio Opening will be well-known local musician and puppeteer, Jimmy Crosthwait, who will present mixed media sculptures. His new bottle sculptures will be his feature presentation, and he’ll also have some free standing outside pieces and wall hangings.