Headlines from the Mt. Juliet News, June 4, 2008

City appeals to Supreme Court to stop crematorium
[Bond Memorial won their case at trial court and at the court of appeals. Now the City has asked the State Supreme Court to review the case. Bond Memorial argues that operating a crematorium should be allowed as part of their funeral home business. The City has argued that a crematorium is a separate business that requires a different zoning and therefore should not be allowed on the property where Bond Memorial currently operates]

Mt. Juliet city manager contemplates job change
[according to Vice Mayor Hagerty, Mr. Robertson has an offer for substantially more money, and is considering the new job because it would allow him to live closer to his son, who lives in the D.C. area. Hagerty, Sellers, & Justice all are quoted as saying they would like Mr. Robertson to stay]

Census, Chambers investigation ongoing
Preliminary census numbers over 25,000
[The final census numbers were turned in to the State Planning Office on May 15th. It’s puzzling as to why the City hasn’t disclosed the results and the paper hasn’t asked]

Commission discusses land swap of city owned land for park property
[Commissioner Sellers: “. . .anyone else interested in a swap?” Commissioner Justice: “another appraisal exists on the Feenor property and the one considered by the commission may not be accurate”]

Then again, maybe it’s that “other appraisal” that’s not accurate. Commissioner Justice’s enthusiasm for this swap raises the question of whether he is acting on behalf of the City, or acting on behalf of Harold Feenor. . .

Bonus: Editorial on page 4:
Swapping might be best left to the kids

[heh]

– Publius

Next Meeting of the Mt. Juliet City Commission: Monday, June 9, 2008 – Grant Worksession at 5:45pm, Public Hearing at 6:45pm, Commission Meeting at 7:00pm. Link to Agenda

Headlines from the Mt. Juliet News and The Chronicle, March 12, 2008

from The Mt. Juliet News:

Commission super sizes land donation to YMCA; deal clinched
[deal clinched? Maybe, maybe not. Turns out there’s a little bit of TCA that doesn’t allow a city to increase the size of a grant between 1st & 2nd reading. When Commissioner Ray Justice sponsored an amendment to increase the size of the donation to the YMCA from 5.5 to 8 acres, according to TCA they should have started over again and treat last Monday nights ordinance as first reading. The deal can probably still be clinched, assuming three commissioners are still in favor of it, but its a shame that the Mayor (who is an attorney), the City Attorney (who is an attorney) and the other four Commissioners (none of whom are exactly rookies) still don’t understand how to conduct business properly at their meetings. The City Manager has some excuse. He’s never been a City Manager in Tennessee before. He’s only had a few months to pick this stuff up. Its a crazy idea, but they can’t even procedurally do it right]

And now Commissioner Justice is talking about using the remaining four acres on the old MJES to build a new police department. Wonder if the City of Mt. Juliet will ever build a road again?

Peace along railroad back on track
[the Quiet Zone is back on the table. Quiet Zone = the train NOT blowing a whistle at every grade crossing. All it took was a meeting with the RTA (the agency that runs the commuter trains) & the TML (who provide the City’s liability insurance) to sort things out. The new City Manager put this one on hold back last fall shortly after arriving when someone mentioned the word “liability” to him at a meeting in Nashville. One can understand why he would be concerned. The blame for dropping the ball rests squarely with the Mayor and her two allied Commissioners who decided to switch City Managers in the middle of the project]

from The Chronicle:

Old MJES  site approved for YMCA donation
[same story as above – the two newspaper accounts don’t differ much at all]

The City Commission did have two interesting “discussion items on their agenda: 1) a city of Mt. Juliet “vision statement” (we can hardly wait!) and 2) correction to an ordinance concerning Paddocks Plance (that two should be interesting). Both items were deferred due to the late hour.

– Publius

The YMCA story in last week’s Chronicle (March 5, 2008)

I know… that was last week! Deal with it!

from The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet:

YMCA land donation challenged by officials

Challenged? The quotes do sound like they’re challenging the donation. Which raises the interesting question of why elected officials would be opposed to a landowner donating land to the YMCA? Is there more going on here than meets the eye?

Dr. Kaelin’s comments were interesting. He’s concerned a) why “the city seems to be in such a hurry,” b) why is the City using $950k slated to correct Curd Road to buy land for the YMCA, and c) why is the city “cramming” the YMCA into 5.5 acres.

Commissioner Ray Justice (who represents the Little League on the Mt. Juliet City Commission) transparently hopes the YMCA turns down Dr. Kaelin’s offer and that Dr. Kaelin will then “offer the land to the youth sports organizations in our community.”

Commissioner Will Sellers (who represents Willoughby Station) said, “The Y looked at that area last year and had many concerns.”

Commissioner Ed Hagerty (who used to represent Davy Crockett and MJ penny-pinchers) said, “the old MJES site was identified as the number one site.”

Commissioner Jim Bradshaw (who represents Belinda City) said, “Mt. Juliet already has a Y – I went to the ribbon cutting already.”

City Manager Randy Robertson could not be reached for comment.

And Mayor Linda Elam is not mentioned in the article (what’s up with that?).

hmmmm…….

The question remains, “Why would elected officials challenge the land donation?”

– Publius

Headlines from the Mt. Juliet News and The Chronicle, February 27, 2008

Commission seals deal to purchase former MJES site
Elam opposes idea
[but apparently only because she wanted to do MORE for the YMCA. She’s suddenly more concerned with how the road to the new Mt. Juliet High School will be built – which is actually a very good question. How is that road going to get built?
Favorite line from this story: “Sparks flew at the commission table. . .” ]

Two-plus years before Phase II road project complete
[and by “road project,” the MJN means the widening of Mt. Juliet Road. TDOT has finally scheduled a letting date for December 2008. No word on whether the legislature has actually approved the TDOT road project budget yet.]

Ex-city planner sues city, mayor: officials weigh in
[update to the Lebanon Democrat article from last week – now with quotes from Mayor Linda Elam, Vice Mayor Ed Hagerty, Commissioner Ray Justice, and former planner Bobby Franklin]

“Mt. Juliet Mayor Linda Elam said she is not concerned about the lawsuit in a “legal prospective.” “But old issues are being brought up,” she said. “I think it is unfortunate for the city, [that] people are rehashing old issues. All you need to know is the city has yet to be served. It was filed over a week ago. That’s all you need to know about another attempt at character assassination.”

All we need to know is that the city hasn’t been served? Really?

Vice Mayor Hagerty said he didn’t “fully understand” the legal issues involved and wanted to reserve comment until he read the suit. “I don’t know why someone would work for the city and then turn around and sue them,” he said. “I’ve never sued a former employer before. I don’t get it. If it’s so bad why not quit? I think we have too many attorneys circulating City Hall.”

That’s right. The problem is too many attorneys. And if an employee finds out about ethical violations on the part of an elected official, they should just quit quietly… before they can be fired.

 District 1 Commissioner Ray Justice said he had obtained a copy of the suit. “Anytime there’s potential litigation, yes, I’m concerned,” he said. “But I have faith we’ll work out the details. Obviously Bobby thinks he has a case.”

a) Its not “potential litigation” once the lawsuit has actually been filed. Then its “actual litigation.” b) Commissioner Justice has a copy of the suit? But the Mayor said the City hasn’t been served! Hmmm….. sounds like somebody is not telling the truth again.

teaser for the inside opinion:
How many consultants does it take to run a city?
[heh]

from The Chronicle:

Former MJ planner sues City, mayor

“The mayor illegally prevented me from speaking at a city commission meeting,” Franklin said Monday. “The acting city manager illegally fired me. And then they lied about me. And the rest of the city commission did nothing to stop them.”

“This lawsuit is as much about the public’s right to know as it is about any damages done to me,” Franklin said Monday.

Funds for new MJHS road may be used to buy land
[This is turning into a very complicated deal – see below]

Developer to donate five acres of park land to MJ 

The inside story is headlined:
Curd Road funds could buy old MJES site
[the article talks about two different resolutions. One resolution would authorize a swap of four acres owned by the City on Mt. Juliet Road for 60 acres owned by local developer Harold Feener at the end of York Road. Will Sellers sponsored a resolution that calls for appraisals on both pieces of property. The second resolution was to purchase the old MJES site using, in part, money the County had pledged for the construction of a new road to the new MJES. The unanswered question is still, “Will there ever be a new road built to the new MJES?”]

lots to discuss…

– Publius

Mt. Juliet adds Easter Seals camp to park hunt

story from the Tennessean, Feb 01,2008.

“It’s kind of inconvenient for people to use it” as a city park, Vice Mayor Ed Hagerty said.

Mayor Linda Elam, who Hagerty said organized the trip, did not return calls seeking comment on the possible purchase.

Justice is part of a committee created last year to find land for new parks in the growing Wilson County city. He said the group has identified several possible park sites, including county-owned land at Division Street and North Mt. Juliet Road, as well as property in north Mt. Juliet on York Road adjacent to city ball fields.

By March, he said, the group could be positioned to move on one of those parcels.

“I don’t want to keep looking and keep studying” potential park sites, Justice said. “We’ve done all this studying, and all we have to show for it is pieces of paper.”

– Publius

Headlines – Mt. Juliet News – January 9, 2008

Mayor reveals goals for term’s last year; mum about re-bid
Her goals fall into three broad categories: 1) roads; 2) long-term planning; 3) “life-style” issues. In the category of roads, she mentioned the new I-40 ramp [already under construction by TDOT, really nothing left for the city to do], Mt. Juliet Road, phase 2, and the Curd Road upgrade. Under long-term planning she wants an update to the city’s zoning and a comprehensive checklist for developers. Under “life-style” issues, she’s looking for more parks, recreation, a new senior citizen center, and a new teen center. The most interesting quote of the article, though is the one where she complains about how “unsubstantiated allegations were allowed to divert so much time, energy, and attention.” [Readers who wish to evaluate whether the ethics complaint which led to the censure of Mayor Elam was unsubstantiated are invited to read through the documents released by the City found here – Ethics complaint against Mayor Linda Elam.]

First Baptist Church plans for dramatic renovation, expansion
[the familiar “dome” will disappear behind a new facade]

MJ juvenile traffic cases plummet

Developer plans to break ground for 294-unit luxury apartment complex in a few weeks
[in Providence, of course. When finished, this will add 800-1000 people to the population of Mt. Juliet]

– Publius

Headlines – Mt. Juliet News and The Chronicle, December 12, 2007

from the Mt. Juliet News:

City to levy hotel privilege tax; money directed to parks
[Despite the protest of the CEO of the Tennessee Lodging Association and the Wilson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau director]

New site for animal control pinpointed
[property owners on Industrial drive approached the city. Wonder if the Animal Control Facility will comply with the Village Center overlay architectural requirements?]

Keel accepts position as Public Works Director
[Keel has been working as the City Engineer since January of 2001]

City Commissioner proposes city buy old MJES site from county
[according to the article, Commissioner Ray Justice approached the county Road Commission and the county Finance Committee, with a proposal to buy the old elementary school property with five payments of $210,000 over the next five years and a credit of $950,000 to be offset by the city taking over complete responsibility for constructing the new road to the new Mt. Juliet High School. The article states that both groups have “nodded” a proposal by Commissioner Justice. Did they vote? Mayor Elam said she was sure there would be “lively debate” when the issue comes up again. heh.]

from the Chronicle:

Squires make the most of final 2007 meeting
[ahem – for the record, the old name for the county commission was the county “court,” and members of the county court were sometimes called “squires.” City commissioners have never been “squires.” – back on topic: Updated information on the “L” connector; City staff changes; new money for parks; a new animal control facility; and appointments to the city’s ethics commission.

Chronicle update on Curd Road connector to new high school:
According to City Manager Randy Robertson, officials are “still at a point of friendly condemnation” with property owners. “We’re ready to move forward, Robertson noted. “Now the money needs to be behind it.
According to Commissioner Ray Justice, city officials presented the road plans to the Road Commission which were unanimously approved. Permits from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation have been obtained, and now “money is the only issue.”

Staff changes:
Marlin Keel to be new Public Works Director
City Attorney Paula Flowers will leave her post in February

Squire’s comments raise biz owners’ ire
[“I mean, Lebanon Road is getting to be just like Dickerson Road,” said Justice. “All we need to do now is bring in the whores.” HDP Motorcycle owner David Howell and Shanti’s Restaurant owner Donna Reid were upset with Commissioner Justice’s comments. Justice apologized for his comments at the meeting this past Monday and said he hoped to work with the Mt.Juliet Chamber of Commerce to set up a Lebanon Road Business Association. Chamber Director Mark Hinesley said he thought splitting up the Chamber along regional lines would be a bad idea.]

– Publius

An Illegitimate Committee Considering Unusable Property

The Mt. Juliet City Commission continues to ignore its own ordinances and resolutions. In doing so, every elected official violates his or her oath of office. Their oath requires them to uphold the city charter, state law, and the ordinances and resolutions in place in Mt. Juliet. The City Commission has the authority to amend, repeal, and / or pass new ordinances and resolutions – but they do not have authority to ignore the ordinances and resolutions in place.

The current parkland search violates several Mt. Juliet policies, ordinances, and resolutions. Mt. Juliet established a Parks Board, by ordinance in 1984. That ordinance can be found on the city website here: Parks Board Ordinance 1984-05.

Section II, number 5 of the ordinance states the role of the Parks Board: “It shall recommend to the Board of Commissioners the sale or purchase of any land desired to be acquired or disposed of, now owned or used by the Mt. Juliet Board of Parks and Recreation”.

The Parks Board is the committee empowered by the City Commission to find and recommend new parkland. If the City Commission doesn’t like the recommendations of the Parks Board they are free to ignore them. But unless and until they amend or repeal the ordinance which established the Parks Board they are violating their own ordinances and showing contempt for the existing Parks Board. The ironic thing is that the members of Parks Board are appointed by the Mayor.

The Commission has recently appointed a special committee to recommend the purchase of parkland to the City Commission. That is in clear violation of ordinance 1984 – 05.

That appointed committee is considering property inconsistent with the Neighborhood Parks Plan resolution passed by the City Commission in 2002: Resolution 2002– 20 (the file name is incorrect – this really is Resolution 20).

That resolution set specific goals for the Parks Board to adhere to when adding parks in Mt. Juliet. The first goal stated: “Attempt to add at least 1 neighborhood park to each commission district”. Goal three said: “Attempt to place a park within 1 mile of every residence in the City of Mt. Juliet.”

The property being considered at the end of York Road is inconsistent with both those stated goals. In fact there is no Mt. Juliet resident within 1 mile of that property. So we have an illegitimate committee considering unusable property.

In 2004 the City Commission committed to fund a Greenway from the new Mt. Juliet Elementary School to Mt. Juliet Road, Resolution 2004-06. That resolution referenced resolution 2002 – 20.

It should be noted that the West Division Greenway is consistent with all ordinances and resolutions and was recommended by the Parks Board. The City Commission is capable of adding parkland correctly – at least it demonstrated that it could back in 2004.

The Parks Board was searching for parkland back in May and June of this year and finding it. Why is the City Commission violating its own law to circumvent the duties of the Parks Board?

Could it be that the Parks Board wasn’t finding the land that the City Commission wanted it to find?

-Publius

Headlines – Mt. Juliet News – November 14, 2007

Search committee pinpoints nine potential park sites
Teams will investigate
[with price tags that range from $2 million to $9 million – and that’s just for land!
PARTAS presented its 2006 study – again!
Team 1 to investigate Feener property
Team 2 to investigate other 8 properties
Next meeting of the PLSC will be Dec 10 at 5:30]

City overcomes right-of-way stall to progress safe road to new school
[ed. note: “progress” is not a verb
ed. note2: The text of the article refers to “Curd Road,” but the jump line says, “see CURB, page 9″ and the heading for the story continuation on page 9 is also “CURB.” Tends to undermine the readers confidence in the paper’s attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
comment: The owner of one of the parcels has agreed to give the city “possession” of the needed right-of-way across their land and postpone the question of compensation for a later date. One hopes the leaders of the City realize that once the City takes possession, the City is then obligated to pay the owner the fair market value of the land, if the owner insists. And that the owner can request that the question of what the “fair market value” of the land really is be decided by a jury. Why go to Vegas when you can do some high-stakes gambling right here at home?]

editorial teaser:
Why not explore a joint county / city animal control facility?
[What a novel idea! Wonder why it hasn’t been attempted before now? </sarcasm off> ]

Discuss amongst yourselves . . .

– Publius

Headlines – Mt. Juliet News – November 7, 2007

Need for park land moves to front burner
Thursday night devoted to discussion
Special City Commission meeting called by City Manager Randy Robertson.  The special meeting was to discuss  the rules and responsibilities of the newly formed Park Land Search Committee (PLSC) and to hear the results of a PARTAS (that’s the Park and Recreation Technical Advisory Service of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) study of Mt. Juliet’s current park system and needs.

editorial teaser:
Green space is a rare commodity in MJ these days

– Publius