Midweek
Update
Don Bennett
Planning
Commission Work Session Agenda for Thursday, 6:30p.m.
Highlights:
• Clubhouse/recreation amenities for Oakwood s/d.
• Walgreen's final plat and contract.
• New Concept Plan for The Oaks at Lakeland Village Square s/d across
from Club Windward.
• Lakeland Zoning for Annexation Area IV, approximately between 600 ft.
N. of US70, the Loosahatchie River and City Limits on E. and W.
• Status of Land Disturbance Permits for D&M Grading and Makoswki
& Ringel on US64.
City Board Meeting
Agendas Now on City Web Site: www.cityoflakeland.com
City Manager, Bob
Wherry has announced that the agendas for all City board meetings will now
be posted on the City's official Web site: www.cityoflakeland.com. So far
the site has been posting QNet's agenda summaries, but soon City staff
will send agendas directly to webmaster Nancy Holmes for posting as soon
as agendas are released.
If you have not browsed the City site recently,
take a look.
Rural Routes II Art & Pottery
Show/Sale: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
The second annual Rural Routes Art and
Pottery Show and Sale at three local galleries is set for this coming
weekend. Visit all three shows for great Christmas gifts (from $3 to
$3,000) to enjoy a cup of cheer, or just to be visually entertained and
enriched by these local artists works. Read Lakeland Citywatch,
delivered later this week, for many more details.
Studio 4881 - 4881 Canada
Road
Works by Deborah Fagan Carpenter, Jimmy Croswaith, and Angela Mullikin
Eads Pottery - 12370 Washington, Eads
Works by Ellen and Butch Boehm
Stark Pottery - 12675 Donelson Rd. - Arlington
Works by Agnes Stark
November 23, 2001
Next Week in Lakeland
Rural
Routes II Art & Pottery Show & Sale
The East
Shelby Review has asked QNet to announce that the Rural Routes II Art
& Pottery Show & Sale at Deborah Carpenter's Studio 4881, Ellen
and Butch Boehm's Eads Pottery, and Agnes Stark's Plum Nelly Studio is not
being held this weekend. The show is next weekend, Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday. The ESR article jumped the gun. Look for full
details in Lakeland Citywatch to be delivered to your home next week.
Monday, November 26
Board of Commissioners
Work Session, City Hall, 6:30p.m.
Agenda
Following are some of the key items of general interest:
• Special Audit report - Zoccola and Assoc.
• Offer of 11 acres by Clair VanderSchaaf at Canada Rd. and Larch Point
Cove.
• Reducing speeding on Kingsridge, El Hill, Fletcher Trace, William
Little, and possibly other streets.
• Banning ATV's from all public lands, parks, easements, right-of-ways.
• Discussion of citizens applying for volunteer board positions.
Tuesday, November 27
Design Review Commission Regular Meeting,
6:30p.m., City Hall
AGENDA
• City Documents given to applicants.
• Sign permits for annexation area.
• Ground sign for Lakeland Elementary School
Thursday, November 29
Municipal Planning Commission Work
Session, 6:30p.m., City Hall
AGENDA
The City has not yet posted the agenda. QNet will post it as soon as
possible.
What is Happening in the Woods Across from Club Windward?
Clair VanderSchaaf and David Hagedorn have been given permission to clear underbrush and trees smaller than 4" in diameter using a tracked mulching machine similar in appearance to an excavator or track hoe. The purpose of the clearing is to be able to obtain a tree survey of the 100 acre property—The Oaks at Lakeland Village Square site A concept plan for development of the site is likely to be on the MPC work session agenda this week for discussion. There are a good many "specimen" oaks in the site (24" or greater in diameter) which the developer will be encouraged to protect. The developer is not clear-cutting or bulldozing. These activities are not permitted in conjunction with tree survey clearing.
Oaks located near the NE edge of "The
Oaks at Lakeland Village Square" property
Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of
Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
A Special
Report
How Are We Doing, Lakeland?
Don Bennett
The 1996 Comprehensive Master Plan for Lakeland is clear and to the point. Following are some key goals quoted from the opening pages:
"The purpose of this Master
Plan is to provide a vision for the development of the City of Lakeland .
. . a plan that will direct quality development in a form to maintain the
rural character of the City . . . . It is dismal to
contemplate sitting back and letting developments take the course of least
resistance . . . that will ultimately produce endless acres of low
density, single-use subdivisions.
The clustering of lots is important to preserve open space and natural
features of the land. The Master Plan . . . is based upon protecting
and promoting natural features such as stream valleys and drainageways,
large tree masses, scenic rural roadways, and to maintain the rural
character and to not permit typical suburban subdivisions."
How are we doing, Lakeland?
A lone sentinel stands guard over
felled neighbors awaiting their
inglorious final retreat as the conquering army approaches.
This
scene in Windward Slopes is not the result of illegal actions on the part
of the developer. He had a market plan and asked Lakeland's Planning
Commission and Board of Commissioners to approve it. They did.
The plan documents, if carefully examined, clearly called for the
"alteration of the natural features" and the removal of trees.
So why did the ten citizens who control the physical destiny of the city
agree to the developers plan? Why did these ten individuals, five on the
Board of Commissioners and five more on the Planning Commission fail to
adhere to the objective of the Comprehensive Master Plan? Did the
City's planning staff and City Engineer tell the BOC and MPC what their
approvals would result in? And why did the hundreds of Lakeland Citizens
who now shake their heads as they drive by this scene every day not attend
meetings and pay attention to what was happening during the approval
phases?
These ten people, nine of them new since the
Windward Slopes design approvals, will have an opportunity to evaluate
another developer's preferred plan as The Oaks at Lakeland Village Square,
across Canada Road from Windward Slopes, is presented to the City. Will
the current BOC and MPC be able to find a "good fit" for the
developer's desires and the will of the citizens, as expressed in the
Comprehensive Master Plan? Will you help?
The concept outline plan for the new
"Oaks" subdivision is likely to be on the Planning Commission's
work session agenda on November 29.
Citywatch on QNet is a
community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Top
Midweek
Lakeland Update
Don Bennett
Chamber
of Commerce Meeting Nov. 8
Home Business Owners Invited
Bradley
Ball
The
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meets this Thursday, November 8th, from
5pm-6pm at Days Inn. This meeting is open to all in Lakeland,
especially home business owners, who are welcome in the C of C.
The first few minutes of the meeting will be a business meeting. Then Tom
Jenkins and I will give brief presentations on estate planning and
investments, respectively, with plenty of time for Q&A. Tom is
an experienced planner with MassMutual and I am a former investment
adviser with Goldman Sachs.
Snack foods and drinks will be provided. All are welcome without
charge. If you have questions you may contact me at 634-0600 prior to the
meeting.
Joint
BOC/MPC Meeting Report
Forcing the main issue
Don
Bennett
The
Board of Commissioners and Municipal Planning Commission met in a joint
special meeting at the request of Cedar Ridge s/d owner Fred Saliba's
engineer, Mark Davis, to allow a new off site force main sewer route for
this subdivision. Mr. Saliba and Canada Woods developer Randy Benham were
required to jointly construct segments (2/3 by Saliba, 1/3 by Benham) of a
new 10" forced main sewer line running northward from lift station 3
(on Monroe Rd) to I-40. It seems that there was a presumption on all
parties (city too) that the new line would be built in an existing
easement through the Belz property parallel to the existing 6" force
main. However, when Davis Engineering recently attempted to get a
temporary construction easement wider than the existing permanent easement
(The easement is 5' in places, 10' in places, 20' in other places!)
Ron Belz said no! Apparently no one checked the width of the easement or
the possibility of getting a wider construction easement. This is
ultimately the responsibility of the developers.
Mr. Belz and Davis Engineering are asking the city to approve a new route
for the necessary larger forced main—westward in a city easement from
lift station 3 to Canada Rd., then northward in a city easement to the
Mall entrance drive, then eastward to E side of the Mall annex in a new
easement, then northward after passing the Mall Annex to the I-40
"bore" where it would connect to the existing 6" line going
under I-40. But the Belz/Davis plan calls for a 12" forced main with
the closing of the 6" FM through the Belz property and the
abandonment of the easement through the center of the Belz property.
(The City Engineer states that the 12" > 6" connection will
function properly.) The Belz/Davis plan would also allow the 12" FM
to be continued northward at a later date and attached to the new I-40
bridge rather than under the I-40 roadway, a plan that would allow gravity
flow from the north side of I-40 all the way to the treatment plant on Old
Brownsville Rd. — a major maintenance savings.
The problem is that this new plan will cost about $40,000 more than the
10" line straight up the Belz property. The developers want the city
to pick up the extra cost. In discussion, BOC members said that this was
solely the responsibility of the developers. Several BOC members
suggested that Davis Engineering ask Belz Enterprises to pay the $40,000
since they will benefit from the change!
It was also noted that Canada Woods is now using the 6" FM,
apparently without specific approval to do so.
After an hour discussion the MPC approved recommending to the BOC the new
12" FM concept plan as an alternative to the existing plan if the
developers wish to use it. The BOC approved the 12" FM concept plan
as an alternative to the existing plan.
If the developers wish to build the alternative FM plan, their next step
would be to submit engineering drawings to the city and the MPC.
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Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council
of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor
News About
Town
Don Bennett
Lions Club
Pecans Are Here
Lions Club members have those fall baking and snacking favorites available
for home delivery. Call any Lions Club member, (Victor Parker, 377-5666,
Ray Holmes, 373-1865, for example) or e-mail QNet. The price is the same
as last year—$5 a bag, with no reduction in size.
Available are freshly shelled pecan halves,
chocolate coated, cinnamon glazed, log rolls, cashews, and a new
selection—roasted salted pecans. These will be big hits with any snacker.
Call or e-mail now.
Holiday Dinner-Dance is
December 29
The annual Lakeland
holiday dinner-dance, jointly sponsored by the Lakeland Lions Club and the
LakeShore Ladies Club will be held at the I. H. Managerial Club in the
park on Saturday, December 29. This year's party can serve as your
Christmas season postlude relaxer or your New Year's Eve prelude. Everyone
in Lakeland is invited. Tickets are only $25 per person for setups and
appetizers from 7:30-8:30, a catered dinner by Georgia Smith, new Club
Windward owner, from 8:30-9:30, and live music by "The
Quotations" from 9:00 to 1:00, plus great door prizes throughout the
evening. For tickets, contact any Lions Club member, Ladies Club member
(Bobbie Cornett, 372-9245, or Norma Martin, 384-0199, for example), or
e-mail QNet. Seating is limited so take action soon.
Lakeland License Plates
and Cookbooks available
The LakeShore
Ladies Club has created an attractive 4-color front license plate for your
car. The cost is just $10 for the sturdy plastic plate.
Also available is the new Lakeland cookbook, a real bargain at only $10.
Both are available from any Ladies Club member, (Alison Ely, 386-8650, or
Robin Rooney, 373-8535, for example) or e-mail QNet. Both items will be
perfect "stocking stuffers" or gifts for friends.
Jon Boat
"Borrowed" from Green Spruce Home?
A 14' green
jon boat (no motor, brown carpet) disappeared from Al Norton's dock last
weekend. If the boat somehow finds its way into or onto Garner Lake or
perhaps parked at a construction site and you spot it, please give Al a
call—386-2146.
Planning Commission
Meets Tuesday
The MPC will
hold its regular meeting at 6:30pm Tuesday. On the agenda:
• continued work on the Comprehensive Plan and Subdivision Regulations.
• consideration of requested changes to Windward Slopes s/d, phase 2 and
2A lot configurations.
• consideration of final plat approval and final acceptance
recommendation for Oakwood s/d, phase 1.
• consideration of site plan for a one retail center at 6964 US64.
• consideration of a resubdivision of the Tim Hogan Carpet Center
commercial lot.
• consideration of an amendment to the Land Disturbing Permit
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Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council
of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Board of
Commissioners 11/1/01 Meeting
Highlights Report
Don Bennett
New Faces: Welcome Bob Wherry and John Semien
Bob Wherry, Lakeland's new City Manager, reported for work Thursday, spending 13 hours on the job! You can contact him at lakelandcitymgr@aol.com. Also reporting for work (and he stayed for the entire 3 hour and 15 minute meeting) was John Semien, Lakeland's new Commercial Appeal, NE Neighbors reporter. Welcome to you both.
Development Documents
Consultant Dexter Muller
presented a brief summary of a lengthy written report to the BOC on his
observations of how the city's guiding development documents
(Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations) might be
adjusted for a better synchronous fit. Included were suggestions for
adjusting how the BOC, Planning Commission, and staff process work. All
three documents have been in various stages of revision by the BOC and
Planning Commission for some time—five years in the case of the Zoning
Ordinance! The BOC voted (unanimously) to hold two special meetings,
inviting the Planning Commission and staff to meet with them, in order to
arrive at a consensus on changes to: a) the Comprehensive Plan and Land
Use Plan revisions, b) corresponding changes that would be needed in the
Zoning Ordinance, c) the implementation techniques needed in the
Subdivision Regulations. The documents would then be formally approved by
the Tennessee Code designated boards—BOC approves the Zoning Ordinance;
Planning Commission approves the Comprehensive Plan and the Subdivision
Regulations. The unique twist would be that the content of all the
documents would be worked out by both boards ahead of the formal approvals
so that important inter-board agreement could be achieved. The first joint
meeting is likely to be later this month.
More Special
Meetings—Budget; Retreat
The BOC agreed to hold a special
meeting on the budget process in the near future to consider possible
revisions to the current budget, receive a detailed report on the still
incomplete 1999-2000 budget audit, and review how special funds are being
accounted.
Another special meeting will be the BOC retreat to prioritize goals for
2002. Look for this to be held at a local conference site early in 2002.
Walgreen's Update
The construction of Lakeland's first
drug store moved a step closer to reality with the Board's approval of the
sewer plan. Concerns were voiced over the potential incompatibility of
photo processing discharges with the city's aeration sewer processing
system. The applicant assured the board that discharge into the sewer
would be certified safe by their engineer.
Gray's Creek Sewer
Access
Dexter Muller presented an interim
report on his discussions with Memphis regarding Lakeland being permitted
to use the Gray's Creek sewer interceptor—a vitally important matter in
terms of development in Lakeland between I-40 and US64. The key seems to
be the predicted number of homes in the current Memphis and Memphis
annexation reserve within the Gray's Creek basin. There are currently
conflicting estimates. If Memphis believes it has long-range excess
capacity, Lakeland may be allowed to tie in. But if Memphis believes it
has no excess capacity—no way. We may know within two months.
Mayor Proposes Change
in Planning Commission Selection
Mayor Carmichael proposed asking the
State Legislature to amend the Tennessee Code to give up a key perk—the
mayoral appointment of all but one of the members to the Planning
Commission. The proposal seeks to give this authority to the entire Board
of Commissioners. The request was unanimously approved and will be sent to
the Legislature.
Citizen Applications
for Board Appointments Due Nov. 19
Anyone interested in being considered
for an appointment to the Planning Commission, Design Review Commission,
Parks and Recreation Board, or Board of Zoning Appeals, must submit an
application by November 19. Forms are available at City Hall. In addition,
QNet recommends discussing your interest with at least one member of the
BOC. The BOC will consider the applications at its newly set December work
session—December 17.
Other Matters Passed
Unanimously
Mutual Emergency Aid Agreement Between
Shelby County Municipalities.
Procedures for Requesting Public Records.
Monthly Update Report on Construction Site Violations.
Golf Course Perimeter Residents Concerns Committee: City Manager to set
this up.
Holiday Parade Reimbursement for Awards - $500.
Phase II Clean Water Act Prorated Participation Contribution to Shelby
County Study - $2500.
Kingsridge to Canada Woods Easement. City Attorney to draw up legal
document.
Matters
Deferred to Next Month or Tabled
Creekside Manor Development Contract:
minor language changes needed.
Local Option Sales Tax for County Schools: tabled pending further
information.
Special Audit Regarding VanderSchaaf Matters: moved to next work
session—audit incomplete.
Donation of 11 acres on Canada Rd. by VanderSchaaf: moved to next work
session pending audit information.
Raise Salary of Commissioners: Tabled. This staff-initiated item did not
receive broad support.
Matters
Rejected
None.
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Citywatch on QNet is a community
communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Lakeland
Midweek Update
Don Bennett
Civic Club Presents
$10,000 to City for Zadie E. Kuehl Park
Lakeland Civic Club president, Al Norton, presented the City of Lakeland a $10,000 check last night at the quarterly LCC meeting for the purchase of playground equipment at Zadie E. Kuehl Park located at the south end of Canada Woods subdivision. Mr. Norton also presented the Lakeland Elementary School PTA with a check for $300. The Civic Club also voted to give the PTA and the City Parks and Recreation Department 25% each of the profit from next year's FunFest BBQ Contest.
Greg Kuehl accepts $10,000 Lakeland Civic Club contribution on behalf of the City. The gift is to be used for playground equipment in Zadie E. Kuehl Park. Park Board member, Vicky Glass is in the background.
This Civic Club gift is in additional to the Zadie E. Kuelh Memorial Playground fund held at Trustmark Bank which now totals over $8,000. The fund was begun five years ago by teenager, Megan Glass. Randy Benham, the developer of Canada Woods, has contributed $2500 as has the City of Lakeland. Roger Helms, Park Board Chairman, informed the Civic Club that plans were in place for the picnic area, parking lot, trails and play area with work to begin immediately and be completed by next spring.
Planning Commission to Hear New Plans for Blabey Property on US64
Plans for the 1.7 acre commercial site located between FunTime Learning Center and Seventh Fairway subdivision's Palmer Drive will be on the Planning Commission work session agenda for Thursday, (6:30p.m. at City Hall). The submission for a four-unit retail center by The Reasons Company is the third attempt to develop the property. Over two years ago Wonder Bread and Dollar General's application was turned down by the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Earlier this year the Reasons Company presented plans for a three-unit commercial center, including a Pet Store, but this application was withdrawn. The current four-unit application does not specify tenants. Palmer Drive residents have previously been vocal about deficiencies in plans for buffering their back yards from the planned commercial activities.
A Public Hearing on the revised Subdivision Regulations will be held at 6:15p.m. Thursday. The draft document is available at City Hall.
Also on Thursday's work session agenda are discussions on the following:
• Subdivision Regulations and Comprehensive Plan revisions/updates.
• Revised Preliminary Plans for Windward Slopes s/d, phase 2.
• Construction Plans for Windward Slopes, phase 2A.
• Final Plat approval and Final Acceptance of Oakwood s/d, phase 1.
• Preliminary s/d plans to divide the Tim Hogan property on Huff 'n Puff into two lots.
• Adding bike/jogging paths to Canada Rd.
• Amending the Zoning Ordinance to accommodate required Tree Survey work.
• Identifying Scope of Work for City Stormwater Management bidding.
• Abandoning or keeping Old Brunswick Rd. right-of-way.
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Citywatch on QNet is a
community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Lakeland
Civic Club Quarterly Meeting
The Lakeland community is invited to attend the potluck dinner and
general membership meeting of Lakeland Civic Club on Tuesday, October 23
at 6:30 p.m.
The dinner and meeting will be held at St. Paul United Methodist
Church fellowship hall.
St. Paul UMC is located at the corner of Davies Plantation and
Highway 64.
Bring family and friends along with your potluck and enjoy the
fellowship.
Reservations are not required.
On this evening LCC will present a check to Lakeland’s Park and
Recreation Board for playground equipment for the Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial
Park. This
new park is under development and located at the south west corner of
Canada Woods Subdivision.
The club will also present a check to Lakeland Elementary School
PTA. These
gifts to the community are made possible by the Civic Club sponsored
Funfest BBQ Contest at Agricenter International each June.
On the business agenda members will elect officers for 2002 and
president elect 2003, discuss LCC float in the Lakeland Christmas Parade
on December 1 and an update on events planned for “Celebrate Lakeland
June 2002.”
Special guests speakers Evonne and Don Siemer have been invited to
outline the history, writing and staging of Mystery Theaters.
Evonne and Don have extensive experience in writing and staging
these mystery presentations.
Interest has been expressed in Lakeland to stage a mystery theater
and this is a great opportunity to investigate this project.
The evening offers you the opportunity to become a Lakeland Civic Club member and become part of this community club. Family membership fee is $5 a year. Membership fees may be mailed to Mary Lou Shannon, 9730 Green Spruce Drive, Lakeland.
In and
Around Lakeland
Make Plans to Attend . . .
Don Bennett
Monday,
October 22
Board of Commissioners Work Session,
City Hall
There is a lengthy agenda of some 27
items of business. Of general interest:
• new policy/procedures for requesting copies of public records.
• Clair VanderSchaff wishes to give the city the 11 acre tract on Canada
Rd opposite Maple Point for a park. This is the third time! Is there a quid
pro quo?
• Oakwood developer requests "final acceptance" before the
streets are paved.• The initial layer of asphalt
for the streets has been installed in Oakwood s/d, phase 1. We incorrectly
indicated that this had not yet been done. We regret the slopply
reporting.
• Access to Zadie Kuehl Park from Kingsridge.
Tuesday, October 23
Lakeland Civic Club Quarterly Pot Luck
- 6:30p.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church
Everyone is invited - bring a dish to
share - meet new friends - have a great meal.
Civic Club to present a check to the City's Park Board for playground
equipment for Zadie E. Kuehl Park and also to Lakeland Elementary School
PTA. Evonne and Don Siemer are guest speakers.
Design Review Commission Regular Meeting - 6:30 City Hall
• Entrance sign request for The Pointe.
• Ornamental street light pole standardization.
Thursday, October 25
Municipal Planning Commission Public
Hearing, 6:15p.m., City Hall
Draft Revisions to the Subdivision
Regulations
Municipal Planning Commission Work Session, 6:30p.m., City Hall
The agenda has not yet been posted, but it is expected to be lengthy
with continuing discussion of the Subdivision Regulations and
Comprehensive Plan revisions.
Friday, October 26
Lakeland Elementary School Dedication,
9:30a.m., 10040 Oak Seed Lane
Small dogwood, great fall beauty.
Sunday,
October 28, Bartlett Community Band Concert, 2:30p.m., Craigmont
M.S.
The Bartlett Community Concert Band concert is
Sunday, October 28, at 2:30 p.m. in the new
Craigmont Middle School auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door for
adults. Children, middle-school-age and under are free.
Practice is on Monday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at
Whitten Memorial Baptist Church, corner of Whitten and Macon Roads, in
their Life Center. This fun community group is open to everyone, Lakeland
residents included. Call (382-6115) for information. Drummers are
especially needed!
• Fall Festival at Lakeland First
Baptist Church is Oct. 31st.
Everyone is invited to bring the children, ages 2-12, to the Fall Festival
between 6:00 and 8:00p.m. on October 31st. Call the church for additional
details‚ 372-1179.• Forum to be established for hearing
from residents living around the Stonebridge Golf Course regarding various
problems.
IRIS DEMENT at BPAC, November
9, 2001, 8:00 p.m.
An American classic whose musical beauty,
and raw honesty are an emotional cache of immense power. A Grammy
nominated singer/songwriter whose distinctive voice adds a piercing
reality to everything she sings.
Event Sponsors - WEVL Radio FM90 and
Memphis Music. Tickets on sale now - $15. Call 385-6440.
Born in Arkansas and home-based in Kansas City, Iris
embraced her childhood dream at the age of 25 to write and sing songs.
Her first CD, Infamous Angel, brought her industry attention and
was quickly picked up by Warner Brothers. She took her place as a
country/folk/bluegrass artist outside of the Nashville mainstream.
The collaboration between Iris and her new producer, Randy Scruggs, has
resulted in a group of talented and creative musicians who not only share
an appreciation of Iris' work, but create an atmosphere that best frames
Iris' lyrics. She has been invited to sing with Merle Haggard, Emmy
Lou Harris, Tom Paxton, John Prine and many other fine artists. She
has performed several times in Memphis, the last time with John Prine at
the Orpheum Theater last year.
Social Security Agency Free On-line Newsletter
Available
Send an e-mail to: seniors@ssa.gov and ask
for: FIRSTGOV FOR SENIORS NEWSLETTER
Here are a couple of representative pieces from recent months:
IRS TO COLLECT OVERDUE TAXES FROM SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
If you get Social Security benefits and you owe delinquent federal tax to
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you should make arrangements to pay
off your tax obligation. If you don't, IRS can reduce your payment by 15
percent a month to collect the money owed to them. IRS will send warning
notices starting this month. Beneficiaries who owe a delinquent federal
tax will
receive a notice before their Social Security benefits are reduced.
For more information about this new automated tax levy program, see
http://www.ssa.gov/enews/irsoverdue.html
COMMERCIAL DRUG DISCOUNTS TOUTED
http://www.seniors.gov/articles/1001/drug-discounts.html
Last week the Bush administration praised the pharmaceutical firm
GlaxoSmithKlein for starting a new private drug discount plan for senior
citizens which will enable an estimated 11 million elderly to qualify for
25-40% discounts on medication produced by the firm.
ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS AND ZINC REDUCE RISK OF MACULAR DEGENERATION
http://www.seniors.gov/articles/1001/antioxidant-vitamins.html
High levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of
advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision
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Citywatch on QNet is a community communication
service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor
More
Woes at Canada Woods
Don Bennett
Today's big rain left a murky lake blocking the southern
entrance to Canada Woods. The detention pond was full and since all the
streets drain into the pond the water backed up out of the drains
into the street. A restricting plate had been placed over the detention
pond outlet by Lakeland to reduce the flow of muddy water onto Woodland
Park's common area. The homeowners there are concerned that the gradually
thickening layer of deposited silt will soon kill the trees. The diameter
of the hole was too small for today's rain.
Attention to erosion control in Canada Woods by Summit Homes continues to
be less than ideal despite repeated stop work orders. Note the condition
of the silt fencing today at this homesite opposite the model home at the
north entrance.
Perhaps Lakeland's new City Manager, Bob Wherry, will possess the magic
needed to motivate compliance. Mr. Wherry begins work on November 1.
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Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
The
Shelby County Phase II Stormwater Program
Gerrit
Verschuur
The
City of Lakeland is a member of the Shelby County Phase II Stormwater
Program, which in turn has been brought into existence by the National
Clean Water Act. I have just joined the Shelby County committee
representing the City of Lakeland.
The goals of the Program are to:
• Reduce the discharge of
pollutants from regulated systems such as stormwater drains
• Protect water quality
• Satisfy water quality
standards set by the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act prohibits anybody
from discharging “pollutants” through a “point source” into a
“water of the United States” unless they have an NPDES permit.
That stands for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. (A
point source includes storm drain outlets to rivers, streams and lakes.)
Uncontrolled stormwater discharge can
result in the destruction of fish, wildlife and aquatic life habitats and
poses a threat to public health, hence the nationwide program to protect
and restore bodies of water for the public good.
Mandated by Congress under the Clean
Water Act, the NPDES Stormwater Program is a comprehensive two-phased
national program for addressing the non-agricultural sources of stormwater
discharge. The permitting mechanism requires local jurisdictions to
prevent, to the maximum extent possible, harmful pollutants and sediments
from being washed into local bodies of water, and to reduce the flow
wherever possible.
Many Lakeland residents are acutely
aware of the damage done to Oliver Creek by the unrestrained flow of
stormwater from new development. The Creek was never intended to
handle the enormous extra flow created by the creation of non-pervious
ground cover (streets, parking lots, and the footprints of houses), not to
mention the builder debris that can be seen floating in the creek on rainy
days. This problem is not unique to Lakeland, hence the Clean Water
Act was created by Congress.
It is worth noting that development
in Shelby County and counties to our east is beginning to affect the
amount of water that reaches the aquifer on which we depend for drinking
water. The more we cover the terrain with streets, parking lots and
houses, the more water that would otherwise permeate the ground to keep
the aquifer topped up flows into creeks, streams and rivers. These,
in turn, are unable to handle the additional flow without damage to the
water course and surrounding property (through flooding), which is why we
also need to get a handle on how to reduce the flow of stormwater in the
first place.
Each state administers its own NPDES permits and the program was first
applied to all cities with populations above 100,000, Phase I. Now
Phase II is being confronted nationwide, which means that smaller towns
and cities are being drawn into the program in a highly organized manner.
In our case, Shelby County is developing the program to suit the needs of
the county and the municipalities within the county. It is crucially
needed here because the large majority of streams, rivers and creeks in
the county have been designated as non-sustaining, which means that they
no longer function as they should. The good news is that as the
result of the implementation of Phase I of the program, streams, rivers
and lakes in the area of larger cities have been significantly cleaned up
in the last decade.
Together with the aid of consultants and the Corp of Engineers, the Shelby
County Stormwater Program is producing a hefty manual of BMPs (best
management practices) for use by everyone who plans to develop or build in
the County and those who administer the municipalities within the County.
A Steering Committee has been formed consisting of the mayors of every
municipality (or their designate) plus representatives of developers,
environmental groups, engineering firms, the City of Memphis, the Corp of
Engineers, and of course Shelby County planning personnel. Under the
chairmanship of Ed Williams, it now meets monthly to help produce the
compendium of BMPs and to guide the work required to obtain a countywide
NPDES permit. During this process it will review all the relevant
ordinances throughout the county and attempt to being order to what is a
very non-uniform policing
of storm water
discharge.
Lakeland
Involvement
Although
we are small by way of population, in light of our rapid growth Lakeland
should be involved in the program so that we can benefit from the work
being done by the Shelby County Steering Committee. Costs of the program
are being shared and Lakeland’s contribution would be approximately
$2,500 of a total in excess of $100,000. We will benefit by not
having to reinvent the wheel when it comes time to set in place new
ordinances that will bring Lakeland into full compliance with the
requirements of the NPDES permit system relating to storm water discharge.
Bank
It should be noted that within the City the increased flow of stormwater laden with debris is not only damaging Oliver Creek but also Garner Lake, which flows into Scotts Creek. Clear Creek, on Lakeland’s eastern border and Arlington’s western border, is an even larger potential trouble area in the future. All of these streams flow into the Loosahatchie, which is part of Lakeland and Lakeland’s reserve for several miles—between Clear Creek and Oliver Creek. What this boils down to is that some very careful thought and a lot of work may be required for Lakeland to meet the requirements set by the Clean Water Act as we prepare to clean up our act. The groundwork being prepared by the Shelby County Phase II Stormwater Program will in future help us take care of our own creeks, streams, rivers and lakes.
Top
Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council
of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
This
'n That About Town
Don Bennett
3-Mo.
Old Black Lab Needs Home
Loving, playful,
female black lab not accepted by Alpha Dog in house. Free. E-mail Diane at
LakelandTN@aol.com.
Dave's Retrieval and
Salvage Yard Freebies
A
deck table from Garner Lake's Juvenile Cove was retrieved Wednesday.
The plastic table has a beige top and dark green legs. I suspect it
blew into the lake Saturday or Sunday when the winds were gusty. If anyone
(or their neighbor) is missing the table, it can be claimed from my dock
near the park bench. If it goes unclaimed, I shall probably let BFI
take it away Wednesday. Speaking of which...the BFI container I
pulled from the lake a couple of weeks ago is still unclaimed. Anyone need
an extra cart? Contact me at dbrown@dbrown.com.
BPAC Coming Events
CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
October 20, 8:00 p.m.
"Sold
out performance last season and back by popular demand!—A whirlwind of
instrumental styles fusing classical, rock, blues, jazz, bluegrass and
even California surf music. Stunning and innovative…dubbed the World’s
greatest acoustic band." - - says the BPAC publicity.
Tickets on sale today! Call BPAC's box
office at 385-6440 or stop by.
SELECT SEATING IS NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE BY
VISITING OUR WEB SITE AT
www.bpacc.org.
(Ed. Note: A very entertaining and talented
group - will be enjoyed by all guitar-friendly folks with tastes ranging
from country to classical. (DB)
Why Have Pictures Been Acting Oddly?
QNet mail has
been misbehaving recently. Many of you got multiple copies of the BOC
report for some reason. Others have had trouble downloading pictures from
the group e-mail, but can easily download when pictures are sent directly
to you a second time. Possible reason? The Federal Government is
apparently screening group e-mail with picture attachments because of the
possibility that the terrorist organizations are using hidden messages
within such mail. Their screening software may be affecting the mail. Just
a hunch. If your pictures do not download, send us an e-mail and we will
send the picture again. This seems to work. The above embedded visuals are
a gif (top) and a jpeg (bottom) sent from BPAC. The small jpeg file (14K)
is also attached. I don't expect it to get through, but why not try! It is
a picture of the trio. (DB)
Top
Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Board
of Commissioners Report
BOC Taking
Applications for Board Appointments
At
its first regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4, the newly constituted Board
of Commissioners (Mayor Carmichael, Commissioners Temple, Hartz, Bennett,
and Verschuur) took the following actions after the newly elected trio was
sworn in by Judge George McCrary.
Administrative Matters:
• Commissioner Mark Hartz was
elected vice-mayor.
• The following process for
considering applications for appointment to city boards was established:
Citizens wishing to be considered for positions on the Design Review
Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, and the Board of Zoning Appeals
must use applications forms available at City Hall and submit their
applications before 4:30 p.m. on November 19. Mayor Carmichael
informed QNet today that applications for the Planning Commission are also
welcomed.
Appointments will
be made at the December 6 regular meeting of the BOC with citizen
volunteers taking office in January.
(Ed note.) Citizens interested in
applying for a board position may also wish to discuss their interest and
experience in person with at least one BOC member.
• Commissioner Bennett was
appointed to serve as liaison to the PRB and Commissioner Verschuur to the
BOZA.
• The Mayor appointed Don
Bennett to a three-year term on the Planning Commission.
• Commissioner Verschuur was
appointed to be Lakeland’s representative on the Shelby County
Stormwater Steering Committee.
Other Board Actions:
• The Windward Hills
Subdivision construction plan conditions were sent back to the MPC in
order to take into account a "green" setback along Seed Tick
Road of 50 ft, to be in accord with the nearly adjacent Oakwood
subdivision. Otherwise the contract appeared to be ready for action
and it was suggested that the MPC deal with this matter ASAP.
• The Cedar Ridge subdivision
contract was approved. The city engineer noted a potential problem
with sewage easements across the Belz Outlet mall property. Although
the present easement allows the sewer line to be installed so that the
project can move ahead, a more appropriate easement was still being
negotiated.
• A resolution defining a
policy to ensure that Sales Tax revenues are correctly credited to the
City was passed with the rider that the new policy be reviewed after two
months. (Some Lakeland businesses list their address as Arlington and
taxes may have been incorrectly credited.)
• An ordinance setting speed
limits around the school and near the intersection of Memphis –Arlington
and Seed Tick Road was passed on first reading with a public hearing set
for Oct 22, prior to the BOC's next work session. The school area
will have a 15 mph limit during school hours while a 35 mph zones would be
created within half a mile of the aforementioned intersection.
• An agenda item regarding
the city having to install fencing of a lift station on Lighthouse Cove
was struck because the Acting City Administrator had received an assurance
from the builder that he would complete the job.
• An asphalt patching contract was
approved as was a plan to buy a new tractor while trading in the old one.
The following items were postponed
until the next work session in order for the new BOC to fully consider the
issues.
• Discussion on how to move
ahead on a retreat for the BOC.
• Report of a Special Audit.
• Procedure for dealing with
the anticipated budget surplus for 2000/2001.
• Action on the sign
ordinance.
• Action on a citywide sewer
plan.
• Report on future of
improvements to Canada Road from I-40 to Hwy 64.
• Action on the Creekside
Manor subdivision contract.
TOP
Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
New
Lakeland Recipe Book Available
Proceeds to Benefit Lakeland 2002 Celebration
Margaret Brown
For months the LakeShore Ladies
Club has been hard at work collecting favorite recipes from folks all over
town. The project is now reality with the publication of our 120 page
Lakeland 25th Anniversary Treasured Recipes collection.
You will find some surprises:
• the secret to preparing a proper cup of tea,
• tomato pie
• Calvin's drunken chicken
• the colonel's ketchup gravy
• dirt pudding (with gummy worms)
and hundreds of truly yum things you may have sampled at Civic Club
potlucks. Most of the recipes are quite easy to prepare—useful for busy
families.
The book costs only $10, ($9 for each additional copy). They will make
superior extra Christmas gifts for everyone you know who eats.
Here is how to get the books:
Call me (388-9190), e-mail me: (mbrown@dbrown.com), or write me (3996 Blue
Spruce Cir.) and let me know how many copies you would like. Checks should
be made payable to LakeShore Ladies Club. Half of the proceeds will be
contributed to the Lakeland 2002 Celebration Committee.
Top
Citywatch on QNet is a community communication
service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Municipal
Planning Commission Report
Bomprezzi-era MPC Quietly
Concludes
Gerrit
Verschuur
The
final Municipal Planning Commission meeting of Mayor Bomprezzi’s term
was attended by the remaining 5 members Tuesday evening. (Richard Davis
had resigned and Don Bennett was removed from the board by the Mayor on
election day.) The agenda was disposed of in just over an hour.
Matters placed on the agenda by the former chair were all moved to the
next work session. Temporary leadership was assumed by the secretary,
Larry Thomas. This was also Mr. Thomas’s last meeting since he
submitted his resignation to take effect at the end of the evening. Three
MPC members continue on the board after today—Dianne Baldi, Judy Balton,
and Comm. Mark Hartz. Four members are minimally required for a quorum.
The full complement is seven members.
Three members of the public spoke
concerning the issue of draft changes to the Comprehensive Plan which had
been confusingly presented as changes to the Land Use Plan, the final
version of which had only just reached the MPC members.
The MPC took the following actions at the meeting:
• Postponed to the next work
session any action on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan— plans that
serve to guide development in the City, by a vote of 4 yes, 1 present (Bomprezzi).
• Postponed to the next work
session any action on amendments to the subdivision regulations while also
setting a date for a public hearing on these amendments for October 25 at
6:15 before the next MPC work session. A new section on park land
donations required from developers was added, but was not discussed. This
complex document may be read at City Hall. Copies may also be
purchased—call Ms Franklin at 867-2717 to order a copy.
• By request of developer
Terry Edwards, an item concerning master plan revisions for Windward
Slopes S/D Phase 2 was removed from the agenda. At the work session
it became clear through the observations of Comm. Hartz, Dianne
Baldi and Judy Balton that a requested addition to phase 2 actually
swapped portions of several lots with Belz Enterprises' Village at Waters
Edge development (concept). Thus, a new legal boundary description is
required and the revised Planned Development Master Plan must be OKed by
the Board of Commissioners.
• Approved unanimously a
preliminary plan and construction plan for a 2-lot subdivision
(Walgreen's) on the corner of Canada Road and Hwy 64. This was the
only controversial issue of the evening, the problem centering on just
what constitutes a legal subdivision. That question was
begged—answerable only by a court of law. However, Charlie Goforth, City
Planner, had recommended to the applicant and the MPC that creating two
legal lots for Walgreen's rather than just one, would seem to satisfy the
State law. Bartlett has used this technique, apparently without legal
challenge. Lakeland has previously approved one lot subdivisions for
commercial sites along US64. These have also gone unchallenged in court.
But led by objections from Comm. Mark Hartz over the past several months,
the two-lot "technique" recommended by Mr. Goforth was approved.
Mr. Goforth assured the MPC that the zoning ordinances in place in the
future when further development of the remaining 19 acres may take place
will apply to the buffer dedication south of Woodland Park. The current
two-lot subdivision will have no impact on the establishment of a buffer
at this time.
• A sewer plan for this two-lot
subdivision was recommended for consideration by the Board of Sewerage
Commissioners.
• The Cedar Ridge S/D contract was
recommended for BOC approved by a vote of 4 yes, 1 present (Bomprezzi).
Reporter's Note:
This brings to an end my series of QNet reports on the activities of the
MPC over the last several years. Given my new responsibilies as a
commissioner, someone else is sought to take over this task. It has
been a fascinating way to learn what is about to happen in development
matters in the City, to see how members of this commission, all of whom
are selected by the Mayor, rise or not rise to the requirements of the
position, and to be a key part of getting out the word to citizens before
development decisions are made. If anyone wishes to consider public office
in the future, reporting on the MPC for QNet will be give valuable insight
into the city's most vital activity—development.
Please contact QNet's editor, Don Bennett, to discuss the mechanics of the
task.
Thank you. GV.
Top
Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland
City Government. COLA member organization news
intended for QNet release may
be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.MPC
Report
Next Week in
Lakeland
October 1 - 7
Tuesday,
October 2
Municipal Planning Commission Regular
Meeting, 6:30p.m., City Hall
Agenda:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Comprehensive Plan narrative draft changes
2. Verifying the amendments to the Subdivision Regulations
3. Setting public hearing on Subdivision Regulation revision
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Preliminary subdivision plans for Woodland Park
Commercial S/D (Walgreens).
2. Construction plans for Woodland Park Commercial S/D).
3. Master plan revisions for Windward Slopes S/D Phase 2.
Wednesday, October 3
Civic Club - Chamber of Commerce Golf
Scramble, Stonebridge Golf Course, 1:30p.m.
Agenda:
Lunch is served from 12:00 to 1:15
Tournament begins at 1:30p.m.
Chipping and putting contest during the afternoon.
Awards and recollections of great shots beginning approx. at 5:00p.m.
Thursday, October 4
Board of Commissioners Swearing in and Reception 5:45p.m.
The three winners in the recent municipal election, Scott Carmichael, Mayor, Judy Bennett and Gerrit Verschuur, Commissioners, will be sworn into office at 5:45p.m. by Judge George McCrary at a brief ceremony at City Hall. Everyone in the community is invited. A reception, hosted by the city staff, will follow.Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, 6:30p.m., City Hall
Old Business
1. admin policy re: Lakeland business sales tax
2. sign ordinance
3. master sewer plan
4. TN Emergency Management
5. Special Audit report on possible VanderSchaaf fees owed
6. surplus from 2000/2001 budget and amendments to 2001-2002 budget
7. speed limit in school zone
8. Windward Hills s/d contract
New Business
1. appointment of vice-mayor
2. appointment of BOC liaisons for BOA and PRB
3. announce procedure for accepting applications from citizens for DRC, BOA, PRB appointments
4. recommendations from DRC regarding 3989 Lighthouse Cove lift station screen
5. Creekside Manor s/d contract
6. Cedar Ridge s/d contract Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor
Municipal
Planning Commission Agenda
for September 27 Work Session
Lakeland Planning Commission Work
Session Agenda
Thursday, September 27, 2001
City Hail 6:30 PM
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Discussion on the Comprehensive Plan narrative draft
changes. (Allen & Hoshall)
2) Discussion on verifying the amendments to the Subdivision Regulations.
(Allen & Hoshall)
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Discussion on preliminary plans for Woodland Park Commercial
S/D. (Walgreen's-staff)
2) Discussion on construction plans for Woodland Park Commercial S/D).
(Walgreen's-staff)
3) Discussion on Major Road Plan Map for the Comprehensive Plan Update.
(Bennett)
4) Discussion on master plan revisions for Windward Slopes S/D Phase 2.
(Pickering-staff))
5) Discussion on Park Board recommendations for Subdivision Regulation
revision. (Bennett)
6) Discussion on MPC recommending to the BOC funding for adding base and
paved shoulders to Canada Rd. between
1-40 and US 70 and Seed Tick Rd. Beverle Rivera Rd. between
Mem. Arl. Rd. and Huff'n Puff Rd. (Bennett)
7) Discussion on recommending to the BOC closing certain city-owned rights
of way to include: Old Brunswick Rd.
(between US64 and 1-40, Old Canada Rd. E. of Belz Mall). (Bennett)
8) Discussion on enforcement of erosion control regulations in Bentbrooke
Hills S/D. (Bennett)
Do you know
proper US Flag Protocol?
Stephanie Anderson
It is wonderful
to drive through the city and see so many American flags displayed. But
since many of us have not previously done this, following are proper
flag-displaying hints extracted from "The Betsy Ross Homepage" -
- link.... Ask
Jeeves Answer: Flag Rules and Regulations. Let's be sure that we
properly respect our American flag as we display it.
1. It is the universal
custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on
stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is
desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly
illuminated during the hours of darkness.
2. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is
inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
3. The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back
of a vehicle or boat. When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall
be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
4. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall,
the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the
observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed
in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer
in the street.
5. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the
ground, the floor, or water.
6. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or
drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but
always allowed to fall free. (Flag-like apparel is not a problem).
7. The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a
fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way,
preferably by burning.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we
shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any
friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
--- John F. Kennedy
Midweek
Update
Don Bennett
Board of Commissioners
Swearing in and Reception
Thursday, October 4, 5:45p.m.
The three winners in the
recent municipal election, Scott Carmichael, Mayor, Judy Bennett and
Gerrit Verschuur, Commissioners, will be sworn into office at 5:45p.m. on
October 4 at a brief ceremony preceding the regular meeting of the Board
of Commissioners at City Hall. Everyone is invited to this ceremony,
followed by a reception hosted by the city staff.
One of the first items of business to be considered by the new board will
be to schedule a goal and priority-setting retreat with the new City
Manager, Bob Wherry, possibly in November. The BOC also will
announce procedures for citizens applying for positions on the Parks and
Recreation Board, Design Review Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Mayor-elect Carmichael said tonight at the BOC work session that he might
have to immediately appoint members to the Municipal Planning
Commission which has experienced a sudden loss of membership. The board
will have only three members as of October 4. The MPC Bylaws call for 7
members with 4 required for a quorum.
Flag Source Found
This from Pam Lewis: If you know of anyone who has been looking for an American Flag to put on their automobile window, I finally found some! Tennessee Sports Zone on Germantown Parkway at Dexter, four doors down from Corky's, has a couple of different styles. Mine was $12.99.
Lose Your Garbage Cart?
A BFI garbage cart was retrieved from Garner Lake last week by Dave Brown. Is it yours? E-mail Dave at dbrown@dbrown.com.
Picture Attachments Still Flakey
QNet needs a little advice from a computer graphics whiz. Why are the jpeg attachments not downloading properly when sent as group mail, but coming out fine when sent individually? Here is the new Lakeland license plate again. If it does not download well, send a note back and we will mail you one separately.Top
Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council
of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Next Two
Weeks in Lakeland
September 24 - October 5
Don Bennett
Monday,
September 24
Board of Commissioners Special
Meeting, 6:00p.m.
Agenda
Discussion/Action re: City Manager Contract
Board of Commissioners Work Session, 6:30p.m.
NOTE: This is a combined work session: old BOC/New BOC
Agenda
Old Business
1. admin policy re: Lakeland business sales tax
2. sign ordinance
3. master sewer plan
4. TN Emergency Management
5. Special Audit report on possible VanderSchaaf fees owed
6. surplus from 2000/2001 budget and amendments to 2001-2002 budget
7. appoint BOC member to work with Bartlett and Arlington on parks
cooperation
8. speed limit in school zone
9. funding Canada Rd improvement with County assistance
10. public streets in need of repair
11. fire protection
12. City Manager contract (will be removed to Special Meeting)
13. Windward Hills s/d contract
New Business
1. appointment of vice-mayor
2. appointment of BOC liaisons for BOA and PRB
3. announce procedure for accepting applications from citizens for DRC,
BOA, PRB appointments
4. recommendations from DRC regarding 3989 Lighthouse Cove lift
station screen
5. Creekside Manor s/d contract
6. Cedar Ridge s/d contract
Tuesday, September 25
Design Review Commission Regular Meeting, 6:30p.m.
Agenda
Old Business
1. rear and side exterior elevations for Walgreen's store, US64
at Canada Rd
2. city documents given to applicants
3. sign permits for annexation area
New Business
1. building addition, lighting, landscaping for R.A. B. 3009
Davies Plantation Rd.
2. MLGW sign option
Thursday, September
27
Municipal Planning Commission Work
Session
Agenda
The agenda has not yet been posted.
Tuesday, October 2
Municipal Planning Commission Regular
Meeting
Agenda Unknown at this time.
Wednesday, October 3
Scramble 2001 Golf Tournament
Sign up at Trustmark Bank ASAP, $50
per person. Lunch at noon, shotgun tee-off at 1:30. Lots of prizes for all
(goodie bag, t-shirt, longest drive, closest to hole) and some BIG BUCK
opportunities for the mega-lucky. For full details see QNet mail of
9/18/01.
Thursday, October 4
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Agenda
Remainder of the agenda is unknown at this time.
Found Dog
A black "Scottie" looking dog was found on Seed Tick Rd. several days ago - no collar or ID tag but is a very friendly, and is quite clean - apparently belongs to a family. Think this may be your lost dog? Call 386-3591.
Picture Difficulties
Some folks not on AOL are having difficulties downloading attached pictures. From now on we will not attach pictures to the main story. Embedded pictures will appear on AOL screens as before. For others, check the next mail; it will contain only the picture as an attachment. We will resend just the pictures for the license plate and the grading problem in Canada Woods.God Bless America
Our thanks once again to Sandy Higginbotham for sending this visual from a friend. You may copy and print it.
Top
Citywatch on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Summit Homes
Continues Environmental
Degradation at Canada Woods
Don Bennett
Summit Homes is altering the
western slope in Canada Woods to allow
easier home footprints. Building with the existing terrain would have
required
the ground floor to be below grade at the rear—a more costly building
method.
The few remaining still living oaks may be doomed; bank erosion from the
new
elevations is a possibility too. The City is taking a passive role.
Summit Homes, the sole builder at Canada Woods s/d on
Canada Rd, is now pursuing a new environmental degradation at this
repeatedly abused development. The builder is cutting down and leveling a
gentle slope running from Yukon Drive to the rear of the lots abutting
Fairway Meadows s/d by about six feet at the rear, leaving an unprotected
6 to 8 ft. high wall of earth next to Fairway Meadows lots. The new
grading, apparently not part of the approved subdivision grading plan, is
exposing roots and nearly assuring the death of the remaining few oaks
that were not doomed by the Planning Commission's approved grading plan
and Randy Benham's early tree removals more than two years ago, a plan
that failed to follow the environmental preservation standards of the
Comprehensive Plan. Currently, the still-alive oaks are in mounds about 5
to 8 ft. above the grade of the remainder of the lots—a design that will
make the yards look quite odd if the trees are left.
City Code Enforcement officer, Darren Sanders, informed QNet last week
that builders are not restricted by any regulation on how radically they
may alter a building site so long as the lot drains to the street. The new
Tree Ordinance also does not apply since the building lots are less than
one acre in size. A Land Disturbing Permit also does not apply when a home
site building permit has been drawn.
However, Summit Homes has not obtained building permits for these lots,
thus could be in violation of the approved construction plat grading plan
by doing the above shown site work. Mo Khelif, Acting City Administrator,
has been notified of this concern but indicated that he was unaware of the
issue until QNet brought it to his attention. Mr. Sanders had been aware
of the work for nearly two weeks, but he told QNet that Summit Homes had
not mentioned this work to him. Mr. Khelif told QNet he was uncertain
exactly what ordinance or regulation might have been violated but said
that further Stop Work Orders would be issued if violations have occurred.
Stop Work Orders were placed on several lots two weeks ago due to
excessive mud in the streets from trucks carting earth from these lots
being shaved to several "low" lots, and other problems. Mr.
Sanders said that the sites would be checked to see if retaining walls
would be required in order to assure the stability of Fairway Meadow lots
when home site plans were submitted. Mr. Khelif also indicated he would
ask the City Engineer to look at the lots to make sure that the drainage
slope was adequate.
If the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners care to look, they
will see first hand a preview of how builders may be able to get around
the tree preservation mandates of the new Tree Ordinance. The Subdivision
Regulations and Tree Ordinance may require amending so as to prevent builders
from wiping out trees saved by the Tree Ordinance in the developer's
approved subdivision plan. (The Canada Woods subdivision plan was approved
prior to the Tree Ordinance but the technique being used here may still be
possible.)
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Citywatch on QNet is a community communication
service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Carmichael
- Mayor
Bennett - Commissioner
Verschuur- Commissioner
Win Municipal Election
Don Bennett
The frenetic biannual Board of Commissioner election campaign climax is spent; the yard signs are removed; the doorbells are silent; the trash containers are full; and Lakeland can let out a collective sigh of relief and hope. Life can now return to normal, but not business as usual at City Hall! This new BOC and our new City Manager are likely to lead us in a quite different manner into Lakeland's next quarter century.
Here is the voting breakdown
(unofficial):
TOTAL St. Paul's
First Baptist Early/Absentee
Carmichael * 789
206
399
184
Carlota
610
184
300
126
Bennett *
870
226
431
213
Verschuur *
829
194
427
208
Keith
512
162
258
92
Wilkerson
483
162
232
89
The new BOC members will be sworn into office on Thursday evening, October
4, at City Hall prior to the 6:30p.m. regular meeting of the board. All
citizens are invited to attend.
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Citywatch on QNet is a
community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
New Lakeland
License Plate
Alison Ely
Lakeland has a new decorative front
license plate.
The plate was commissioned by the
LakeShore Ladies Club for the Lakeland 2002, 25th Anniversary Celebration.
They are made of flexible, sturdy plastic in 7 colors and cost $10 each.
Plates are available from any Ladies Club member. Call 386-8650 to order
one or more plates. Half the profits will be donated to the Lakeland 2002
Festival Fund for free public events (fireworks, family sports day, music
in the park and so much more).
Post-Election
Celebrations/Thanks Activities
Gerry Burditt
Partnership Lakeland is hosting a
Unity Celebration Thursday evening after the election. All Lakeland
citizens are invited to the International Harvester Clubhouse in IH Park,
on Canada Road at 8:00 p.m., September 20th. There will be snacks,
liquid refreshments, and plenty of conversation.
A letter of invitation has been sent to all candidates. Each
candidate will be given the opportunity to thank their workers and
congratulate the winners. The winners will be invited to express
their hopes for the next four years.
When the voters determine the membership of our next Board of
Commissioners, we all need to pull together and unite behind the new
board. The Unity Celebration is the beginning of that process; we
look forward to seeing you there.
For additional information call Gerry Burditt at 372-1784 or Diane Eason
at 388-5072.
Editor's Note
QNet offered Gearld Smith an opportunity to send QNet an announcement regarding the Carlota/Keith/Wilkerson party which is believed to be set for Stonebridge Golf Clubhouse Thursday evening. Mr. Smith has not responded to QNet's invitation. We will post details if they are sent.Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Scramble
2001 Golf Tournament:
Wednesday, October 3—Stonebridge
Civic Club and Chamber of Commerce are Sponsors
Dave Martin
This year's post-election golf
tourney will be a great opportunity for everyone in town to come together
for lunch, golf, and fellowship and put to rest the rigors, rumors, and
rhetoric of the election process for another two years. Sign up, free
lunch, putting and chipping practice begins at 12:00 noon. The Shotgun tee
time is 1:30p.m.
Scramble 2001 costs only $50 a person—barely more than an
ordinary round of golf. Participants will receive:
• free lunch • free goodie bag
• free t-shirt • 18 holes of golf
• three flights awarded
• prizes for longest drive and closest to pin
• cash prizes for chipping contest
• putting contest winner will have one shot at a 100ft putt for
$10,000!
• following the tournament, two names will be drawn from all the
participants for one shot at a hole-in-one on #2 worth $100,000!
Register no later than Sept. 26 at Trustmark Bank (Suzan Brown), 3714
Canada Rd. on your own, in pairs or as part of a complete team of four
($200 per team). Reminder: lunch at 12:00, shotgun tee time is 1:30p.m.;
awards and relaxation approximately 5:30p.m.
Hole sponsorships are still open ($100). Call for details.
Any other questions? Call me at 384-0199. We ALL need a relaxing break.
See you on Oct. 3.
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Citywatch on QNet is a
community communication service of the Council of Lakeland Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
Election
2001
Don Bennett
President Bush has asked all
Americans to return to work—to begin the rebuilding process required to
stabilize our economy, our government, our lives.
Early voting last Saturday totaled 310 including prior voting downtown.
(Absentee ballots will not be counted until the polls close on Thursday.)
As difficult as it is to focus on "normal" things, the September
20 election will go on as scheduled and the Civic Club's Candidate Forum
will take place tomorrow evening. Electing good city governments via the
democratic process all across America is one of our country's strongest
assets. And it takes an informed electorate to make the best choices for
those governments. The Civic Club Candidate Forum is an excellent
opportunity to compare candidates "in the flesh." Listen to what
they say; ask them questions; then make your decisions on Thursday,
September 20.
Civic Club
Candidate Forum
Tuesday, September 18, 7:00p.m.
Lakeland First Baptist Church
4500 Canada Rd.
Municipal Election
Thursday, September 20, 7:00a.m. -
7:00p.m.
Precinct 1: Lakeland First Baptist Church
and
Precinct 2: St. Paul United Methodist Church
Citywatch
on QNet is a community communication service of the Council of Lakeland
Associations
and is not affiliated with Lakeland City Government. COLA member
organization news
intended for QNet release may be sent to Don Bennett, QNet editor.
A Gift from Sandy
Don Bennett
QNetter, Sandy Higginbotham, a computer graphics whiz, created the attached graphic which is ready to go as a desktop background. She offered to share it with QNetters who might want to use it. Just tell your computer to change its desktop background in whatever way your system uses and select the file that is attached. Save the file where you know you can get at it. If you don't know how to do any of this, Sandy can probably help. Contact her by e-mail at: GraciusMee@aol.com.
Here's
a desktop
image
I made.
The file
attached
is for
an 800
x 600
screen
setting.
I am sending
the .bmp
file
version
because
some
computers
will
only
accommodate
a .bmp
file
on the
desktop,
so it
will
be a long
download.
However,
if you'd
prefer
the