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Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Maury County Joint Comprehensive Plan Survey
Monday, September 22, 2008
Name That School...
Williamson County Schools is building a new middle school in the Spring Hill/Thompson’s Station area to alleviate crowding at Heritage Middle School. The school, which will be located at Buckner Lane, is scheduled to open in August of 2010. While zoning has not been established, some students who attend elementary school at Chapman’s Retreat, Longview and Bethesda elementary schools will most likely attend the new school.
Under School Board policy 3.210 , community input on the school name will be gathered and shared with a committee which will then present three to five names to the School Board which will make the final selection. If you would like to submit a name suggestion, please complete the form at the following link.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Worth coming out of hiding for...The return of Ceja Kingsley
Cindy Williams (CPA12345) says:
During the administration of Mayor Williams the city lived within its means [in deficits that nobody knew about].....Mr. Schoenbrodt, I congratulate you for having the courage to tell [your version of the] truth about Spring Hill....our city leaders could easily carry out the promise of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights by holding a city wide voting referendum in Nov [breaking state law, just like they did when they tried to change the Mayor term from 4 years to 2 years. Because under Mayor Williams, that's how we rolled.].
From the Tennessean 'Your Voices' segment on Readers share their ideas to trim government budgets:
CPA12345 wrote:
Simply put......government should provide for citizens only what they cannot provide for themselves(streets, water, sewer, police protection). Anything else provided today by governments is purely wants(not needs) of elected leaders over the years when city or county revenues exceeded expectations. Governments must live within their means and instead of spending hours and hours at meetings discussing the raising of our tax rates, elected officials must cut out "all" of the services that citizens can and should provide for themselves. Our continually "growing" of government is not only bad business for government, but also harms private sector businesses who provide the same services.
Cindy WilliamsSpring Hill[Brentwood], Tn
Sounds pretty good. What else has Cindy Williams (aka CPA12345, aka Ceja Kingsley) said on the Tennessean website about Spring Hill??
See below to see her tee off on:
Mayor Leverette (of course), The current board, Citizens for Spring Hill Hospital, Jill Wiersma, Alderman Duda and...Vice Mayor Johnson
At the same time, she praises:
Mayor Williams, Charlie Schoenbrodt and Susan Zemek
I guess it is still pretty easy to keep tabs on Spring Hill politics from that Brentwood address. Some people in this city will just never run out of venom.
I have a question for Ms. Williams/Colette/Kingsley/CPA12345, or anybody else (feel free to chime in Charlie) who can answer:
Who's signature is that on the FORGED budget ORDINANCE and who doctored the agendas and meeting minutes to make it look like the board passed the FORGED budget ORDINANCE when the deficits REALLY began?
On 5/29/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
After reading the article written by Jill Wiersma I feel compelled to ask the sources of the monetary amounts listed. At one point Ms. Wiersma states according to Alderman Duda, however no certified reliable source is listed as a provider of the financial data. It is my understanding that yearly city audit financial data by local licensed CPAs, state audit financial data, Alderman Duda data and city manager Ken York financial data all contain substantially different general fund amounts. Which data is represented in this article (average of the above, data that favors present administration, toss of a coin to pick data, etc.?) and why isn't a data source listed?
On 6/11/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
Replying to Lucywhahappened:
What delusion is this guy living in? There was never a much of a surplus after the investigations into the accounting at city hall. Ray Williams made tax cuts that started the problems in the first place.
Lucy .......where have you been for the past ten years? Ray Williams put Spring Hill on the map by lowering city taxes a only couple of cents per year which strengthened and empowered the economics of Spring Hill. Everytime a government raises taxes, even by one cent, they hurt the economics of the area they govern.....do your research and you will be able to confirm. During the administration of Mayor Williams the city lived within its means.....you know.....what most of us folks have to do to in order to survive. Mr. Schoenbrodt, I congratulate you for having the courage to tell the truth about the Spring Hill.
On 6/12/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
Yes,, Lucy...... it is a shame that our city leaders decided to spend, spend and spend in the past three years. City employees have noted in the past few years that no elected officials ever looked or inquired into the city finances; yet continued to spend without any knowledge of city revenues available. Maybe each elected official should be required to take a course from Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace) to learn the basics of money management.
On 6/12/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
Susan Zemek is right! The signs/banners representing HCA reflect a private for-profit hospital....what is the difference in Ms. Zemek's signs/banners endorsing a private for-profit bi-annual consignment sale which donates profits to charities. When the city attorney states he will look into the matter.....it means lets stall for time until we can find some opinion somewhere that will get the city out of playing favorites. Continue your fight, Susan!!!
On 6/17/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
Spring Hill just threw away their claim to fame last night. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights made nationwide history, was a resolution that promised to the citizens of Spring Hill that taxes would not be raised without a public referendum. For the mayor to state it was illegal is irresponsible and incorrect. The resolution was unenforceable per law, however the resolution was much like a bible for governments to adhere to and live by. It is a sad day in Spring Hill!!!!
and also....
As a Spring Hill citizen I find it ironic that the Mayor has deemed two resolutions "illegal" that were approved by a prior board. First the two year mayoral term was declared "illegal" by the Mayor after city tax dollars were spent to get an "opinion" to state such and now another "opinion" declares the taxpayer bill of rights "illegal".....how convenient!!!
Does this mean that all the resolutions passed by our city board can be so easily tossed out just by getting an "opinion". The Taxpayer Bill of Rights was a promise to the citizens of Spring Hill that their taxes would not be raised unless approved by "citizens' approving a city-wide referendum. Can't help but wonder why our city leaders didn't do the right thing and put the city property rate increase up for vote in November? Were they afraid that the majority of Spring Hill citizens would vote "no"?
The citizens of Spring Hill need to demand that city leaders stick to their promise and hold a city-wide voting referendum to allow the citizens to determine if we need a property tax increase!!!!
On 6/19/2008, she wrote:
CPA12345 wrote:
Why aren't our city leaders doing the right thing and keeping their promise made when the Tax Payer Bill of Rights was approved by city officials Danny Leverette and Miles Johnson five years ago? Instead city leaders have opted to refer to an "opinion" by MTAS (club for city governments) stating the promise of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is "illegal" or unenforceable. Simply put, our city leaders could easily carry out the promise of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights by holding a city wide voting referendum in Nov. (during the presidential election....no extra cost to citizens) and allow the citizens to determine if a tax increase is really needed or not. Citizens, demand that your city leaders do the right thing......YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Wow! I am glad I am not on her bad side. Oh wait, maybe I am. I have a feeling that her distain for me will only increase as the months move along.
I am by no means in favor of higher taxes...in fact, it appalls me that financial shortfalls have been hidden and covered up for the last 8 years. I am furious that "good 'ol boys" from the previous regime continue to throw mud at those trying to shed light on our city's past indescressions. I am furious that previous elected officials LIED and twisted facts in order to mislead the public. The very reason that we are now having to RE-ISTITUTE this property tax at an increased rate is to pay back the money that previous city officials were hiding.
Let's start talking politics again. There is more deception flying around right now than at any time since I have lived in this city. I am sick of it!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Opportunity
Instead of throwing all of the stones, I will get to sit in the dunk tank for a change.
As many of you know, there is now a "gorilla" on the planning commission. The mayor has given me the opportunity to serve the city in this capacity and instead of throwing all of the stones, I will get to sit in the dunk tank for a change. I am extremely honored by the invitation and will do everything in my power to be an integral piece in holding our city to a higher standard.
Because of this appointment, there are going to be a few things changing a little bit. This forum will still be used for personal opinions on the happening of our city. I will write many of them, some of the other "gorillas" will write more, and I invite you to write as well. Those items that you would like to convey in a post format can be emailed to me at Gorilla_In_The_Corner@yahoo.com and I would be happy to post them as topics for discussion. Most importantly, the views and opinions expressed on this website are personal in nature and do not reflect the official view of The City of Spring Hill.
Much more to come. Enjoy!
-Michael Glass
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
At least it isn't Anonymous
All that I can say about this is...at least it is not anonymous. Some people just can't get over themselves. You would think a person with this much experience with attorneys (especially those in the family) would understand the legal system a little bit better than this. You would also think that Mr. Schoenbrodt and Mr. Dinwiddie, and all of the Shannon Glenn residents would understand the LEGAL implications to the actions taken by removing this item as a PUD and filing a lawsuit against the city. I would think that it is now VERY clear that the city CANNOT take a stand specifically against "The Shoppes at Belshire" even if they wanted to. You want to see lawsuits...then you would see lawsuits.
You have tied the city's hands on this one!
Do you want to see how hatred and dissension are fueled? Read through this email and then ask me how much credibility the Informer and it's main author have...
.So, we are stuck with the scoundrel till we get a Mayor with a majority of aldermen who have the backbone to take such action.
---
Subject: Re: Monday Night Government
Kathy,
Although I am not a blood member of the Irish Clan, I feel like I am an adopted child. I am going to pitch my opinion as an answer to your questions.
Megan, Susan, Patrick and Jerrold did an excellent job of stirring the pot tonight (last night now) at the two meetings at City Hall. Rob kept his mouth shut, well not really. It was obvious from the expression on his face several times, what he was thinking. As for what you can do to let people know about the lack of representation by our elected officials, talk to anyone you know from another subdivision.
Talk to people in Franklin, Columbia, Brentwood, Nashville and anywhere else, about what is going on in Spring Hill. The word will filter back. You can also write letters to the editor of the Williamson AM, Columbia Daily Herald, The Advertiser, The Williamson Herald, and the INFORMER. Get other residents of Spring Hill to sign them with you. There is power in numbers. Even if just the INFORMER publishes them (I am sure that Melissa will), it will get out. My articles are responded to often, but some people probably believe that you can't trust what it in the newspaper. They are more likely to believe what a resident takes the time to write and send in. The pen IS mightier than the sword. When you write, use the names of the Mayor and Aldermen. Elected officials can not sue anyone for what they say about them. My son is an attorney and said that is one of the first things they teach in Law School. Besides, what you say will be the truth anyway.
One of the sad things about our City's Charter, is that there is no provision for recall. Ray Williams and I talked about that on several occasions and, had I been elected mayor in 2005, would have pressed for a change to the charter to include such a procedure. So, we are stuck with the scoundrel till we get a Mayor with a majority of aldermen who have the backbone to take such action. This group would never enact such legislation. They know what would happen. Megan told them tonight what is going to happen. In 2009 we have to have honest, devoted, conscientious candidates from all four wards and someone to start to overcome the destruction of our current mayor. We can't wait till 2009 to start preparing for that. Within the next few weeks, there will be a new website in Spring Hill that does not allow postings by that powerful creature, "anonymous" or people who use cutesy names like "lovespringhill" or "gorillaintheicebox."; sp; They will have to take responsibility for what they say. It will have information about how to register to vote, when and where to vote, voting records of the mayor and aldermen, names and addresses of elected officials from the President to our aldermen. We are going to need a lot of help with this project, but will be careful about who we let get any control of it.
The most important thing is to NOT GIVE UP. Stay angry about this and keep looking for and finding ways to fight back. Complacency is our worst enemy. When Danny and the other incompitents went into office, there was about $6 million in the Spring Hill coffers. Now we are not sure how much is left, but it is certainly no more than about $2.5 million. There is only $1,049.890 left in CDs. Last month's financial report did not disclose how
much was left in the checking accounts and savings accounts. The end of December, it was only $1,994,750. Income was down in January and February and I do not think expenses was down any. We still had to pay the staff, pay the electric bill, and put gasoline in the police cars and other City vehicles.
Tonight, the new City Administrator, Mr. Ken Weaver said that the State Comptroller's audit will be completed in about two weeks. Spring Hill may start being managed by the State after that.
I know I sound like Chicken Little screaming "The sky is falling, the sky is falling." But just remember paranoia is not really paranoia unless what you believe is NOT true.
Keep it stirred,
Charlie Schoenbrodt
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Congratulations to Mrs. Colette!
Cheers to a happy new marraige, and good luck on your move out of Spring Hill.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Ice Cream Time
Jones’s Middle Tennessee operations will serve as test stores and model franchises for the company, Jones said.
Dippin’ Dots moves could mean jobs for Nashville
By Amy Griffith - The Nashville City Paper
June 28, 2007
These sweet confections planned for sale at new Dippin’ Dots test stores spell good news for ice cream fans. And if the company’s presence in Nashville continues to grow, the Dots could be delicious news for Nashville’s business community as well.
Dippin’ Dots is headquartered in Paducah, Ky., but Curt Jones, the company’s founder and chairman as well as inventor of the Dots, has lived in Brentwood for six years. The company’s president, Tom Leonard, relocated to the Nashville area in the past year.
“There is a chance that certain operations of our business may move to Nashville someday,” Jones said.
Spring Hill Economic Developmnet Committee, are you listening???
He said there are no certain plans for Middle Tennessee other than development of the test stores. Company spokesman Terry Reeves said Dippin’ Dots already has a "substantial investment" in Paducah, primarily in the form of a 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
"I think it’s a very safe statement to make that we’re going to continue to manufacture in Paducah for the long haul," Reeves said.
Reeves described Dippin’ Dots as "a $50 million company" in terms of wholesale products — sale of Dots to franchises — and does not include retail sales at individual store locations. Dippin’ Dots employs about 225, mostly in Paducah.
The new Dippin’ Dots stores in Middle Tennessee will technically be franchises owned by Jones. They will be the first stores he has personally operated since he and his wife, Kay, first started selling Dippin’ Dots 20 years ago.
"He’s an official Dippin’ Dots franchisee," Terry said.
The first store, located at a Kroger plaza on Nolensville Pike in Brentwood, opened with no advertising or publicity earlier this month and celebrates its grand opening Friday and Saturday. A location in Spring Hill, near Campbell’s Station, is planned for opening in July. A location will likely open in Lebanon soon, company leaders said, and several other stores may follow in the next 14 months.
Jones’s Middle Tennessee operations will serve as test stores and model franchises for the company, Jones said. Product offerings and marketing techniques will be experimented with for possible application at other locations. The first test store opened is one of Dippin’ Dots’ largest, at more than 1,200 square feet. Company leaders describe the store as an extension of Dippin’ Dots research and development.
"We can really experiment with new products," Jones said. "We’re hoping that it becomes a family destination."
Products to be tested include Fridgets, clusters of dots held together with chocolate. Other products include Dot-ed milkshakes, Dot sundaes, waffle-Dot cones and waffle-Dot sundaes. Dots and cream — Dots blended into regular ice cream — will likely debut this year. The store will also experiment with a party and meeting room concept, as well as party packages.
The store has obtained exclusive rights for ice cream sales in the Kroger center, including the portion of the area that has not been completed.
Despite the lack of advertising and "soft opening" strategy, store manager Amber Cruse said the Brentwood franchise is already in the company’s top 10 ranking in terms of sales.
"We’re going to have a full-scale ice cream store," said Walter England of Brentwood, general manager of Jones’s Middle Tennessee franchises. "We're very fortunate to have the inventor in town."
Jones — a scientist by training — invented Dippin’ Dots when he and his wife, Kay, and their daughter were living in a suburb of Lexington. At the time, Jones was working in a biotechnology lab. Jones and his wife moved to Nashville in 2001 because liked the size of Nashville, and its accessibility to Paducah, Jones said.
Now, Jones also owns a Nashville-based entertainment and music publishing company, Amylase, with offices on 17th Avenue. Amylase manages recording artist Gary Nichols and has produced several films.
Dippin' Dots has offered franchising operations since 2000, and now has approximately 300 stores in the system, including two company-owned stores. Franchises include everything from mall kiosks to full stores. The latter have become more popular in the last few years, and offer a venue for sale of products including floats and cakes. Jones’s franchises aren’t the first Dippin’ Dots locations in the Nashville area.
The newly opened Dippin’ Dots test store is located at 6688 Nolensville Pike in Brentwood.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Spring Break
Even though there have not been posts for the last month, I have still been paying attention. Thanks for hanging around.
Howdy everyone. For those that do not know, I have personally had a fairly involved last month or two with a new baby and some hospital issues, but this site will be back up and humming in the next day or two. Even though there have not been posts for the last month, I have still been paying attention. Thanks for hanging around.
This little "spring break" has allowed the newly elected aldermen to get their feet wet without much negative discussion. I am sure that will probably change in a few hours because there are a few things happening that leave me scratching my head. Much more to come this afternoon.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Know Your Facts If You Threaten!
So, there are now threats being lobbed around by multiple people since this election. One in particular was made by Mr. Raines at the meeting on Monday night, and it is laughable, so pay attention. With a little bit of basic math, we can all learn what the true numbers are in relation to the Cleburne Road site and its impact on our city.
Now, to catch you all up a little bit, at the meeting Monday night Charles Raines made the statement that he did not understand why the city would be turning down a 6 Million dollar income stream on Harvest Point(impact fees, etc.) for fear of a 2 million dollar road improvement. Well, let's look at the impact fees that the city would collect on 1,200 units at Harvest Point (real numbers), and figure our what exactly they are used to do.
Here we go...
First off, developers are required to pay a variety of fees (which are later passed on to the home buyer). Impact fees are collected to help the city pay for the impact that would be made by that particular development (ie roads, increased police and fire protection, city services, etc.) Our impact fee is collected on a lot by lot basis at $500 + $.50 per square foot. So, let's plug in the numbers.
Let's take an average home size of around 2,000 square feet.
$500 + $1,000 = an average of $1,500 per lot in impact fees.
Now, there were a few over 1,200 lots proposed...so $1,500 x 1,200 = $1,800,000.00
Huh, I wonder where that other $4.2 million of revenue is going to come from? I think if you asked Mr. Raines, he would say water tap fees, sewer tap fees and building permit fees. That will create quite a bit of extra cash, but sadly that cash goes directly to something (like inspectors, equipment, etc) and is not able to be spent on road upgrades.
Now let's look at how this would REALLY impact the city, because a $2 million dollar road improvement is just the start. I guess maybe I am a little confused, because I cannot figure out how exactly $1.8 million over the next 15 to 20 years going to pay for a road in excess of $2 million AND an increased police and fire force (paid on a yearly basis)? That is a $300,000 shortfall in roads and who knows how much in additional city staff and equipment.
The facts just do not add up on this, so please spare me the threat Mr. Raines. Business will not be conducted as usual in this city from this week forward, so please cease with the intimidation and misinformation. We are all (including you) in this for the good of the city, and frankly the only one that was really doing the honorable thing was Mr. Crutcher. I believe he truly wants to do his part to get a school in this city, I just don't believe we are quite ready to put it there. The time to build a school west of the railroad tracks is still a few years away.
For those of you that were not there, two very interesting things happened. First of all, Mr. Crutcher presented the school board with the DEED to the proposed school site. No conditions, just the land, and THAT should be commended. With or without this development, the land is there for the school to use if they so choose. And speaking of that, our school board member Tommy Dudley, and the school board chairman Shaw Daniels both assured the BOMA that they had no problem placing the school on that site with or without a single road improvement.
I am not sure if you heard that correctly so I will repeat it. Mr. Daniels and Mr. Dudley expressed NO concern over that site as it is right now.
So what does that mean? It means that the Maury County School Board needs to stop with the threats about taking a school out of Spring Hill. They now have FIVE school sites located in Spring Hill (or Neopolis) and also have the deed to the site on Cleburne Road that they preferred from the beginning.
No more threats! I am sick of hearing it from Mr. Raines, and I am sick of hearing it from the Maury County School Board.
Put up or shut up!
...as for the other threats, I will get to those later!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Media Advisory...and a good one!
I cannot explain to all of you how good and important this latest information is to this city! For now, here is the announcement. Later I will post some information about WHAT this means for our city. Enjoy!
MEDIA ADVISORY: Spring Hill to Receive Award as Tennessee’s Most Business-Friendly City
For March 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
CONTACT: Nicole Williams
(615) 383-6431 or editor@tennesseepolicy.org
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
WHERE: Spring Hill City Hall
199 Town Center Parkway
Spring Hill, TN 37174
WHO: Danny M. Leverette, Mayor, City of Spring Hill
Drew Johnson, President, Tennessee Center for Policy Research
Drew Ruble, Editor, Business Tennessee magazine
WHAT: Spring Hill has been named the Most Business-Friendly City in Tennessee for 2007 by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, and Drew Ruble, editor of Business Tennessee magazine, will present the award to Spring Hill Mayor Danny Leverette , who will accept the award on behalf of the City of Spring Hill.
WHY: The March edition of Business Tennessee will feature the Tennessee Center for Policy Research’s second annual ranking of the business climate of Tennessee ’s 50 largest cities. The Tennessee Center for Policy Research based the ranking of city business-friendliness on four categories essential to encouraging business success and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit: Business Tax Burden, Economic Vitality, Community Allure and Strategic Location. When the Tennessee Center for Policy Research compiled the rankings, Spring Hill achieved the best overall score, making it Tennessee ’s Most Business-Friendly City for 2007. The City of Spring Hill scored 93.98 out of a possible 100 percent on all counts of business-friendliness.
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions. Visit TCPR online at: www.tennesseepolicy.org.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sign Wars
Well, I thought that this whole thing would just go away when city hall decided to enforce the law, but it appears that a few want to fight a little longer. For those that would like to play a game of "one upmanship" this is going to be fun because I have a feeling that our city staff is now paying attention. It's a shame that a few in our city are TRYING to make our city look bad instead of just following the rules. Enjoy the game, and I hope that you don't get our BOMA to take a closer look at making our sign ordinance even MORE strict in the coming months. Then the "game" will really get fun, and then it will start hitting your wallet.
Enjoy...and here we go!
City Is Serious About Rules For Signs
By Richard Conn, Staff Writer
The Tennessean: January 12, 2005
Signs, signs, everywhere signs. In Spring Hill during the weekends, they are as much a part of the landscape as trees and grass and subdivisions.
Clusters of directional signs advertising new residential developments abound, from Buckner and Duplex roads to Highway 31.
That's because the city has a long-standing informal accord with local developers which allows them to erect signs to their subdivisions, but only from 4 p.m. on Fridays to 8 a.m. on Mondays.
When the privilege is abused - which happened recently when a Realtor placed a sign on a state right of way - the city uproots the sign and keeps it at City Hall.
So, that's how it all started..."the city has a long-standing informal accord with local developers which allows them to erect signs to their subdivisions". So, there's been an unsigned CODE, for lack of better term, 'stay on the city's good side and you won't have any problems advertising your subdivision anywhere you like'.
Here's an interesting situation that occurred a few years ago that some of you might recall:
Sign Reported Stolen Turns Up At City Hall
By Sue McClure, Staff Writer
The Tennessean: July 8, 2004
Saying the sheriff had run afoul of the law, a couple of city slickers "stole" the lawman's sign promoting a rodeo this weekend.
"I'll tell you where his sign is," Spring Hill Mayor Ray Williams said yesterday. "It's up here at City Hall, around back, by the Dumpsters."
"He was violating the sign ordinance, and codes inspectors took it down."
On Tuesday, an angry Maury County Sheriff Enoch George appealed to the public for help in finding the "low-down" person who took the 32-foot canvas sign that had been tethered to a low-bed trailer by nine ropes.
The sign was advertising a special rodeo the sheriff is holding tomorrow and Saturday at Maury County Park to raise money for the county's reserve deputies and school resource officer program, which puts a sheriff's deputy in every school.
When the sheriff discovered that the city of Spring Hill had his sign, he hit the roof.
"They don't have a license to steal," he thundered. "And state law overrides city law, meaning stealing someone's property is a worse offense than a sign ordinance."
The mayor said city officials tried to contact George five times to tell him he needed to get a city permit to display his sign even though it was on private property along Saturn Parkway.
"I don't know how they couldn't reach me," George said. "I'm the sheriff. If they had wanted to reach me, they could have."
George sent Lt. Jim Brady to Spring Hill to retrieve the sign and get a proper permit to display it.
But after the brouhaha with Spring Hill, the sheriff decided to take his sign out of the city limits, posting it at Beasley's Landscaping on Highway 31 within Columbia's city limits.
"And, yes, I checked with the city of Columbia and got a full permission to post the sign," George said.
"We're not going to have the problem we had with Spring Hill."
Again, we're back to enforcing codes BY CONVENIENCE. Maury County Sheriff George tethers a 32-foot canvas sign to a trailer, citing a violation of the city sign ordinance, city officials take the sign down. After looking through the zoning ordinance, I suppose this was the logic for the code violation...
Definition of a sign:
Any...pictorial presentation (including illustration or decoration)...which: 1. Is a structure or any part thereof, or is attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on a building or other structure, and 2. Is used to announce, direct attention, or advertise.
And, a definition of Structure:
Anything constructed, assembled, or erected, the use of which require permanent or semipermanent location on the ground, or attached to something having a permanent or semi-permanent location on the ground.
(Such as a trailer, or a moving truck?)
Then, there's the part where ALL SIGNS must have a PERMIT:
Do you think that Alderman Raines and Hometown Reality has a PERMIT for this?
Now, the ball is now in your court.
Hopefully in April we don't have to amend all of the codes to get a very few to play by the rules. Is it really that hard to just do what is right?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Code Enforcement...Again
I was really hoping that our city would begin to get a handle on some of this codes stuff, but I guess I was hoping for too much. By now, we are probably more familiar with our city codes than our codes department, so let's start with the following code regarding real estate signs:
"Only one (1) real estate sign for residential property shall be erected on the property for which it advertises. It shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in sign area per face."
Now, I think that we all remember this house.
The duplicate sign that was in the backyard is now in the front yard. Our codes department does not seem to notice a problem, do you???
Not only do we now allow too many signs on a piece of property, but you can pretty much choose your own size. Forget the code that states "no sign shall exceed 8 square feet in sign area per face" and put up whatever the heck you want? If I were Hometown Realty, I would probably use this sign...
That way you could put over 130 square feet of signage and just move it around from house to house during peak hours. Then, when the large movable sign is not in the front of your parking lot by Ponchos, we could all actually see our new library. (In case you missed it, the library is somewhere behind this particular sign.)
Now, I know...you think that I have some kind of personal vendetta against Charles Raines. Again, that is not the case. Hometown Realty just seems to provide ample examples for me to use. But don't worry, I have several more codes violations to spread around.
Moving along to another sign ordinance that you will all be happy to learn about.
"Directional signs, which are any off-site signs relating to the identification of another premise and its occupants and to products sold or services rendered on that premise, are prohibited."
"Generic real estate directional/open house signs shall be permitted at the entrance of the subdivision at the identification sign for said subdivision on weekends only (4:00 p.m., Friday until 8:00 a.m., Monday). Any sign erected off-premise at any other time may be impounded by the city with no prior notice to the owner."
Now class, how would we classify this particular sign? It is on Highway 31 across from Harvey Park.
Here is another photo of this area. Please note that this photo was taken around 100 yards down the street, near the Harvey Park parking lot. The arrow in the lower right hand corner show the direction of the Autumn Ridge sign (again, around 100 behind where I am standing taking this photo).
Do you all see that little arrow off in the distance several hundred yards from the sign on Highway 31? THAT is the property line of the park and Autumn Ridge. If Autumn Ridge wants to place a sign advertising new homes THAT is the legal spot to place the sign, not at the entrance to Harvey Park.
Here is an easy photo to see this...
Now let's re-visit an eyesore from a few weeks ago, and look at that city code again. First, here is the code.
"No business shall be permitted to erect more than four (4) such signs per year...The banner, pennant, flag, or streamer shall be removed after fifteen (15) days."
15 days huh?
Who is going to take control of our Codes Department at City Hall? When is Mayor Leverette, or Ken York, or our Board of Mayor and Aldermen going to start getting our Codes Department Head to enforce the policies that our BOMA hand down? Who knows, maybe in April we can start fixing some things...like the Historic Commission.
More on that later.
An amazing evening last night! It is just becoming too easy!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Update - The Real Good Ol' Boy Network
Last month, in a post titled "The Real Good Ol' Boy Network", we broke the story of how a few in city government had conspired to exclude a particular individual from potentially running for mayor. Since then, the Daily Herald has caught on to the story and published it in the Daily Herald a couple weeks ago and also recently in their sister paper, The Advertiser News.
Below is the article, in case you have not had the opportunity to read it yet. I have added some of my comments in bold.Deposition: Spring Hill mayor term limit designed to limit Mitchell
By D. FRANK SMITH/Staff Writer
SPRING HILL — Alderman Eliot Mitchell, who’s seeking his second four-year term in April, said he doesn’t bear his fellow aldermen any ill will even after discovering three of them may have attempted to stunt his political career.
In a November deposition, City Administrator Ken York said he heard conversations in 2004 between former Mayor Ray Williams and current Aldermen Brandon McCulloch, Sharron Cantrell, who are also up for reelection, and Miles Johnson.
York said in those conversations, all four individuals said they wanted to ensure that in case a future mayor was not doing a "satisfactory" job, their term would only be two years.
York said Williams had told him this limitation was aimed at keeping one person in particular from becoming mayor for more than two years — Mitchell.
When asked who other than Williams said this was a reason for the ordinance, York named McCulloch, Cantrell and Johnson.
"So if I understand it, the reason for the change in the ordinance was to keep Eliot Mitchell from holding office for more than two years?" Attorney John Schwalb asked York, according to the document.
"That’s correct," York said, adding later, "That is conversations I heard taking place."
Remember folks, this is all under oath.Asked this week how and where he overheard the conversations, York said he had "no comment whatsoever."
The deposition was taken at Schwalb’s offices in Franklin for the 2006 trial Charles Schoenbrodt vs. the City of Spring Hill and Danny Leverette, which contested the length of Leverette’s four-year term as mayor.
Schoenbrodt said because of the ordinance passed in 2004, the term should only be two years. However, Judge Robert Jones ruled in favor of Spring Hill and Leverette in December, allowing him to continue serving his four-year term.
As it turned out, Williams’ and the aldermens’ fears were unwarranted. Mitchell never ran for mayor in 2005.
Mitchell said he didn’t learn about the mayor and aldermen attempting to shorten his hypothetical term until Mayor Leverette informed him of York’s deposition.
Mitchell said the board in 2004 may have felt threatened by his successful campaign for aldermen against an incumbent in 2003.
"There was a contentious relationship between myself and that group of alderman, including the mayor, at that time," he said. "Anytime you’re running because you don’t agree with the way things are done, then that can be taken as a criticism by the people in power."
Johnson said Williams was likely the source of the animosity between aldermen, because he didn’t get along with Mitchell.
BINGO!"They disagreed on a lot of things, and Williams didn’t have a lot of respect for (Mitchell)," Johnson said. "I think that’s where a lot of this is coming from. There were some hard feelings, but things have changed a whole lot since then. We’ve got a good mayor in there now."
Yes, things have changed a whole lot from where we were. Let's not forget that we have fought for every single inch, the whole entire way. I wonder where the source of the resistance to this change has been coming from?Despite learning his colleagues allegedly worked against him, Mitchell said he’s on polite terms with Cantrell, McCulloch and Johnson, who remain on the board. Williams died of a heart attack in January 2005.
"I see them out in the community, and we have casual conversations," he said. "I don’t have any animosity against them. ... It (the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is) better than it used to be, for sure."
Johnson said he and Mitchell didn’t get along at first either, but they have since mended their differences.
"When he first came on board, he had his own ways and didn’t seem to care about anybody on there," he said. "Today, he has mellowed up, and I think he is a pretty good guy."
Though he doesn’t hold a grudge against his colleagues, Mitchell said he was surprised by what he learned from the deposition.
"I’m surprised anytime when you have people in power that conspire to manipulate the system. I think it’s an example of how small town politics can work," he said. "One of the reasons we have a Sunshine Law is to prevent back room politics."
York’s deposition did not reveal any direct evidence of a violation of the state’s open meetings law, also known as the Sunshine Law, Tennessee Press Association Attorney Richard Hollow said.
"There’s not a violation that jumps off the page," he said. "It hints at a violation, it suggests the potential for a violation, but it doesn’t give us a clear picture of one."
Asked if Mitchell was a target for the ordinance, Johnson said he did not remember.
"I don’t remember him being the reason for that, no," Johnson said.
What's interesting here is that Miles doesn't sound too sure...Cantrell also said she doesn’t remember the ordinance being targeted at Mitchell. But she said aldermen discussed the consequences of a two-year term for mayor at a 2004 work session.
"What I do remember thinking at the time is that it could be disastrous for the city — that in four years, someone could really do a lot of damage," she said. "But I don’t remember any one person being mentioned. ... So, to my knowledge, that conversation did not take place."
Sharon sounds a bit more definitive...McCulloch said he did not remember any conversation around that ordinance on anyone in particular.
"I have a lot of respect for (York), but I don’t know where he got that from," he said. "I don’t recall anyone being mentioned in particular for that ordinance."
and Brandon sounds like he just downright called Mr. York a liar.Cantrell and McCulloch are running for reelection this year. Four other candidates are vying for Cantrell’s seat for ward 3; McCulloch has two opponents for ward 1. The election will be held April 12. Early voting begins March 23.
Folks, somebody is lying here. Either the city administrator who was testifying for a deposition, or our aldermen...
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Effective Codes Enforcement...Part 2
So here I am, out and about enjoying a little dinner with some friends, and I can't help but continue to spot a multitude deficiencies...meaningful ones (not just sign ordinances that are fairly harmless). Why is it that we seem to have such a difficult time enforcing simple codes. I have met Mr. Herring, the codes enforcement officer, and let me tell you, he is one heck of a guy (in a very good way). But time and time again, simple things seem to slip through the cracks, so I am beginning to wonder very seriously about his superiors. Anyway, let me set up the situation for you all.
First of all, I am pulling into the new Ponchos parking lot and thinking Holy cow! This place is packed! I wonder if we are even going to be able to find a parking spot? We pull into the last spot in the place, kind of near the hotel an get out to walk in. Feeling very proud that business is alive an well in Spring Hill, I begin to wonder..."What happens when this particular business development adds another business or two? Where are the extra customers going to park?" In fact, I have often wondered why we require so little parking on all of our business developments in the first place. I might as well park at the Snappy Tomato when I go to Applebees. I might as well skip La Hacienda after about 6:30. When I visit Asuka after it opens I think I may just go ahead and reserve a spot at Taco Bell. Anyway, I digress...back to Ponchos.
I get into the restaurant and it is wiggle room packed. My friends are already there and we are on the list for about a 45 minute wait. That is fine, we like to catch up from the prior week. Anyway, moving along...
This is my first time to the new Ponchos, so I need to give it a once over. They have a pretty nice new little place there. Other than a need for much more parking, and maybe a little more waiting room area I think that it was a positive move for them.
As I continue to chat, wait, and look around, I begin to notice that something seems a little different to me but I can't quite put my finger on it. Wait, that's funny, where are the sprinklers? I see a fire extinguisher, but I can't find a sprinkler in the place. Surely our new business developments are required to have sprinklers? I guess I will have to go look that up when I get home.
Well now I am home, and this is what our city requires:
All commercial buildings of 10,000 gross square feet or larger ARE required to have an automatic sprinkler system. Well, I wonder how big this commercial building is?
Well, let's see now.
Okay, so the building is 10,500 square feet with no sprinkler.
WHY are we continuing to miss this stuff? Although many of you out there may think that this is some vendetta against Mr. Raines, it really is not. My beef here lies directly with city hall. More specifically, my beef lies with the Director of the Codes Department, and if the problems continue for too much longer...THEN my beef trickles up to the City Administrator for not fixing the situation with the Codes Department. And if it continues much longer after that...THEN my beef lies squarely with the Mayor and the BOMA.
I tell you what Mr. DeFrancisco, I have not yet made up my mind about who I am voting for in your Ward, but I would not mind if you put in your resume to begin working in codes enforcement with Mr. Herring. I think that Mr. White is a nice enough guy, but it seems to me that he is either in over his head, or he needs some help. I am not sure which, and I don't have to make the decision, but I could fill this entire website for days with items that slip though the cracks.
Also Ron, I have not forgotten about my promise to tell you what I think about your roads plan and 10 bullet points. It should be up soon (probably in pieces because frankly I have written too much.) But really, maybe you should think about turning in your codes department application. I would love some help with this stuff because I am getting too busy to add "Codes Director" to my list of responsibilities.
Update:
I asked Jonathan Duda to check up on this for me and this particular building is 9600 square feet. If the patio was ever enclosed, they would be required to put in a sprinkler system. So, having said that...I guess my beef does in fact lie with the developer in this case.
For any of you that want a homework assignment, attend the next couple of Planning Commission work sessions and we'll chat about it later. You would all be SHOCKED at what they would get away with if a person or two were removed from that board. You will also understand why several of them want Mr. Duda removed so badly.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
How Effective Is A Law When It Is Not Enforced
First it's a disregard of the current code for political signage in the city (see the previous post Tommy Duncan Introduction), now there's an apparent disregard of the Real-Estate sign code on certain pieces of property in Campbell's Station. Hopefully sometime in the near future we will start enforcing codes violations in our city. 
From the Spring Hill Code:
"Only one (1) real estate sign for residential property shall be erected on the property for which it advertises. It shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in sign area per face."
Maybe I should call the realtor and let them know that the house has two more sides that could also use a little advertisement.
In other news, Susan Zemek of The Kidz Klozet semi-annual consignment sale at The Tennessee Children's Home is being told by the city's code director that her special event signs don't meet the discretionary approval of the codes director (because her event is technically for a business) and that her grievance needs to be brought before the planning commission?!?!
Meanwhile, the folks at Sopranoz are allowed to seemingly add a new banner to their patio every week or so...
Wasn't this large "LIGHTBRIGHT" in the front of the development supposed to alleviate the need to place banners all over the place? Wait another week and that patio will be entirely covered up by signage. In fact, the new owner of Sopranoz should sell sponsorships like baseball stadiums do.
Maybe if Ms. Zemek was selling real estate or pizza she would have a little more luck in her battle. In fact, if I were her, I would sell some pizza at the consignment sale. Then maybe Mr. White would allow her a few hundred feet of signage.
Thank you to those alderman candidates that chose to wait until the legal sign deadline. And thank you to those Real Estate agents that are acting within the sign ordinance.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Real Good Ol' Boy Network
Definition of Good ol' Boy Network from wikipedia Huh, that is very interesting! Continuing on... there is more...
The good ol' boy network is said to still exert considerable influence over many aspects of local government, business, and law enforcement. Usage of the term can often imply a wrongful exclusion of others from the network.
For some time this blog has been trying to uncover some hard facts (aside from innuendo, coincidence, rumor and the like) as to the existence of a Good Ol' Boy network that existed in this city prior to the current mayor and aldermen. As it turns out, the suspicions do have merit. This blog has uncovered some startling evidence that Good Ol' Boy politics did exist in Spring Hill and sheds some light as to why there has been resistance to change in this city around almost every corner.
Let's start with a flashback and some mandatory reading - Post from February 14, 2006 regarding Re-Apportionment titled Good Ol' Boy Network
If you didn't read the whole post, make sure you read the following from the Daily Herald article regarding re-apportionment (which did ultimately pass unanimously):
Alderwoman Sharron Cantrell said she fears Spring Hill would become a "good old boy network" if the way the city's aldermen are elected is altered.
"I think they're fairly represented," she said. "I have people from all wards calling me and that's one of the things I particularly like about the politics of Spring Hill. If someone feels comfortable calling me from another ward, I think that's good."
Cantrell said she does not anticipate a lawsuit by citizens alleging unfair representation and maintained the Board of Mayor and Aldermen make decisions based on the good of the city as a whole.
"If some of this is done, you're going to have a real case of the good old boy politics, and that's what I'd hate to see happen in Spring Hill," she said.
Okay, this might get a little confusing, but I promise if you stick with me the end result will be worth it.
In June and July of 2004, the BOMA passed unanimously an ordinance to reduce the mayor term from 4 years to 2 years. Why, you ask? At the time, Mayor Ray Williams had made it well known that he did not intend to seek an additional term of office in 2005. There not being a clear replacement to fill the shoes of Mayor Williams, the board voted to reduce the term of mayor to 2 years. Not much was said at the time, but the prevailing concern was that the city was growing at a rapid rate and that an 'unknown' could potentially take the helm and make drastic changes.
In the following sections, I'll be making several references to the deposition of Mr. Ken York during the civil lawsuit this fall of Schoenbrodt v. Spring Hill, Mayor Leverette, et al. For those that are interested, you may download the entire deposition here: Deposition of Ken York - Schoenbrodt v Spring Hill 11-2006.pdf (approximately 1MB)
An interesting discourse occurred between Mr. York and Mr. Schoenbrodt's attorney, John Schwalb.
I wonder what they consider "acting satisfactorily?" Are they trying to say, that if someone was elected BY the citizens, and this "good ol' boy" network disagreed with the opinions of that elected mayor...there should still be a way for a few in the city to control the government?
As you all know, Eliot Mitchell is the antitheses of "good ol' boy network." In fact, Eliot Mitchell has been trying to make this city government more open and accessible to all for years, which is exactly why certain figures in our city have been quite uneasy. In fact, with our board becoming more open to the public by the day, that may be why desperation mode is setting in with a few of the "good ol' boys." 
Do I really need to comment?
Hold on! Is all of this really going on behind the scenes? Isn't there a Sunshine Law or something? Surely we have not cultivated an environment in this city that allows for, or even cultivates scheming behind the scenes to exclude certain members of the public. Let's see what else we can learn...
So Mayor Leverette was not involved in this scheme? Maybe that is why many of the "good ol' boys" in this city are not big Leverette supporters. I have heard rumor that this group of "boys" also held out hope that a certain former County Commissioner would be in prime position to take over as Mayor when the 2 year term was finished. Speaking of which...now this is just conjecture...but I wonder if this whole lawsuit was really pushed by Charlie, or by some of these people that are a little bit miffed at the current state of affairs in the city? Lawsuits are pretty expensive, and it would be a shame if Charlie was left holding the bill on all of this.
You know, this attorney sure does know all of the right questions to ask. If in fact there was a conspiracy to keep Eliot Mitchell, or other undesirables, from becoming mayor for more than 2 years, I wonder how widespread this opinion was (and how far this "good ol' boy" system extends)? Surely if Mr. Schoenbrodt's attorney knows the questions to ask, he must have found out from someone? You know, I think maybe I will revisit this particular thought here in a day or two, so for now, let's move along.
Wow! It sure is strange to hear Mrs. Cantrell talk about POWER (as was her argument against Re-Apportionment, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Subdivision Regulation Ammendmants by the Planning Commission and the formation of a Historic Commission), "good of the board", and not wanting "good ol' boy politics" to take hold in this city. (Flashback...Watch the video of Mrs. Cantrell lecture us about 'Control' and 'Power' during the Re-apportionment debate in February 2006.) In fact, if you talk to outsiders of Spring Hill, they talk about how crooked some of the past dealings are in this city, and THAT is why many choose to stay out of the business and development arena in our city. THAT is why new developers like GBT and Huntly Gordon are treated like outcasts and carpetbaggers by some in our city.
Indeed there was a "good ol' boy" network in this city (and to some extent still is) and it makes perfect sense for some of those on the board to fight tooth and nail to keep some of that in place. It now makes it clear to everyone the REASONS behind those fighting against Mayor Leverette, Jonathan Duda, Eliot Mitchell, Mingo Gallardo, and in many cases Miles Johnson (who has really been trying to do the right thing, despite immese pressure). I hope that everyone begins to understand now why re-districting was so important, why keeping the "Gorilla in the Corner" was so important to a few in Spring Hill. Now we understand why it was so important for some on the BOMA to squelch Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Duda when they had a chance. The doors to government are being opened a little wider in Spring Hill every day, and as more get involved, those that dealt in the back room and dark alleys are being pushed out the back door. As Mayor Leverette says so often, "The sun is shining on the city of Spring Hill today," and that "sun" is bringing to light many things that have gone on in the past, and are still going on today! Thankfully, there are also those going around with flashlights to search out some of the other nooks and crannies that are not lit by the sun all the time. Thank you to those aldermen carrying the flashlights!
THIS is what we are changing in this next election. We have an opportunity to take control of our city right here and right now. The foundation has been laid, and now is time to clean house and get on with building this city openly and cleanly. There are contested races in every ward thanks to re-apportionment, now get out there and vote!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Troop 65+
It seems to me that a couple of months ago the city held a special meeting to debate and approve additional spending for a rec center. This rec center will be able to provide a much greater assortment activities and quality of space than we would ever choose to provide on our own (at least in the near future). It will provide work out facilities, swimming pools, racquet ball, basketball, etc. It will also provide activities for all citizens in our city, both Maury and Williamson County. It will also provide a full assortment (a book in fact) of activities for our senior population.
So, considering this, I have 3 pretty big questions:
1. Why are certain members of the BOMA looking for a way to spend hundreds of thousands of additional dollars on a new building exclusively for the senior citizens? Are we not able to spend a much smaller amount ($175,000) to expand our current community center (in the next few months I might add) and virtually double its square footage, while we PLAN a Community Center and/or park complex? This leads me to my next question...
2. Why is this proposed building being rushed through the process without any sort of assessment of community needs? For instance, I would much rather build a much larger center (at a higher cost) that will meet a larger number of the city's needs, than push through a relatively expensive building, that only has square footage available to meet the need of the senior citizens (at least until they outgrow this one as well).
3. Why is this proposed building the exclusive right of our senior community, when there are organizations all over this city looking for available community space? And, why are we looking to build anything more than a nice band aid until the real deal is done...our REC CENTER...which we have poured millions into?
I think that there are many groups that will be knocking on the city's door to also have a building built to house their needs. In fact, I know for a fact that the Boy Scouts are also bursting at the seems. I hear on 950 AM every morning about new groups meeting in this city that are also looking for meeting space.
So...tell me again why we are looking to build a building specifically for the senior citizens in our region? Tell me again why they are not wanting to take the city up on its generous offer to double the size of their current location for a much smaller sum of money? And, don't I remember that one of the main reasons that the Effie Heiss' "senior community" was "really needed on Depot St" because it was within walking distance of the current community center? What is going to happen to that development if it is not within walking distance of the community center and city park like originally planned?
Leave it to "Troop 65+" to look a gift horse in the mouth and ask for more. I wonder if they even want the new rec center to provide activities and meeting rooms for them?
Make no mistake, regardless of what the BOMA decides to do tonight, "Troop 65+" will view this action as either the BOMA voting for or against THEIR senior center. Which, leads to my last question...Do you think that "Troop 65+" would be so supportive of the Donnie Cameron proposal for a new one room building if they had to share the space with the rest of the community???
I think I got my answer last week at the Work Session when Viola Pickard asked "So, how much parking does that give US?" (as in the Senior Citizens...)
This decision, along with the proposed creation of a Historic Commission, are a couple of the items on tonight's agenda. If you are interested in getting involved with our city, the time to step in is now. Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting tonight at 7:00 at City Hall. It will (as always) be very entertaining!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Things are starting to come together
I hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!
I am personally very thankful (among many other reasons) that our city has FINALLY begun to shake off some of our past habits and are really starting to look proactively at our city in terms of planning. It has begun to shape everything in our city, even despite the wishes of some. In fact, it appears that even those that have historically been most outspoken against some of these measures are even the ones now making and seconding motions. Good stuff...surely there isn't an election approaching? Nah!
Here is a quick glimpse of what happened while most of us were out of town (and of course a little commentary below).
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Economic Development Council has been formed
The amazing part of this article lies with those that oppose it. Here is a funny quote from the article that you should all enjoy.
"According to Cindy Williams, wife of former city mayor Ray Williams, her husband had set up the commission around 2002, but it had 'fizzled out' after a year when they realized larger companies would move to the city regardless of the commission's work."
While Cindy Williams is correct in her assumption that business follows growth, she is very poorly educated on the types of issues that drive major economic development and corporate development. This commission (in the hands of the right people...jury is still out) can be extremely effective in helping develop the right type of business in our city. This can be a tremendous tool for our city, as can a Chamber of Commerce "in the hands of the right people." Hopefully with the departure of some on the chamber, we can make great strides in improving both.
"Williams said she wasn't sure how much the commission could do for the city. She said larger businesses like Kroger, Target and Publix already know about the values and growth rate of Spring Hill without a group convincing them of it."
'Spring Hill will rock along whether they have it or not,' she said.
Now that is the type of attitude a community leader should have (tongue placed firmly in my cheek)! If we do not promote our city, no one else is going to do it for us. Both counties are beyond poor at promoting our city, and only fight us. I am sure that all of the development in Williamson County was brought about by sheer coincidence...especially Nissan!
Someday maybe people will begin thinking before they speak...
(in some cases, maybe they won't)
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Rec-Center approval
This is very much a needed thing. There are quite a few things that stink in this, but one way or another it needs to be done. Do a little research for yourselves and find out how much all of the other communities paid for their rec centers, etc.
I will save you the time...
Brentwood Indoor Recreation Complex - City of Brentwood Contribution: Land
Brentwood Indoor Soccer Complex - City of Brentwood Contribution: Land
Franklin Soccer Complex - Land
Fairview Recreation Center - City of Fairview Contribution: A big fat 'Thank You'
Bethesda, College Grove, Hillsboro, Nolensville, and Thompson's Station - Freebies
...the other communities don't pay for theirs.
Either way...great development for all of us!
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Spring Hill Hospital / Ambulance
The battle wages on...and I can tell you that it is going to get ugly again very soon. The appeal will not be affected one way or another, but if people at Williamson and Maury are listening the PR campaign is about to get rolling again by the Concerned Citizens for a Spring Hill Hospital.
The amount of taxpayer money being spent on this appeal is amazing! More to come soon.
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Money approved for Master Thoroughfare Assessment and Plan
This is probably the most needed thing that our city has done in quite some time.
We will talk about this at length soon (maybe even tomorrow), but it is a very good thing for our city, albeit late.
By the way, the state is planning to start fixing Duplex very soon! Great stuff!
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