Derek Merrill

Mayoral Candidate

Derek Merrill
www.derekmerrillformayor.com
(615) 513-2991

Meet the candidates on video at the following link:
http://www.tennessean.com/section/special0469
Thank you to the Tennessean for taking this initiative for our community.

Spring Hill Alternate Questionnaire

1.What specific event(s) sparked your interest to run for this position, at this time?

-I’ve always had a driving desire for our city to reach its full potential - to define our city identity - to discover the heart of Spring Hill - the centering of business, government and community life.

I have met with many of you personally throughout the years about how to get positive changes implemented in our city. I’ve worked for over 14 years to build bridges to create unity in Spring Hill by trying to bring Maury and Williamson counties together for the common good. I believe I represent a bit of the “old”, and a bit of the “new”. I am not originally from this area, but I have come to respect the historic qualities of our town’s farming community and its people.
Our two boys are now men and are starting to move out on their own. I have more time to come up with creative solutions to our city’s challenges ahead.

I must admit to having grave concerns about our city’s finances and waited until many of my questions were answered by our current leadership before getting into this race for Mayor.
I have decided that what I have to offer cannot wait another four years to be implemented, it will be too late, now is my time.

2.What are the 3 greatest achievements in our city during the past 4 years? Why?

1-The formation of the Historic Commission by the current Mayor and Board of Alderman. Throughout my 14 years here in Spring Hill nothing has been more frustrating than to see the lack of proper planning concerning “land use” and “historic preservation.” The desire to work with the land instead of against it has always been an important issue with me personally. I believe, respect for history includes remembering what and WHERE an event took place. When something historically significant is gone, it’s gone for good. I strongly agree with the formation of this commission. In fact, I was a catalyst for it’s formation.

2-The current MOBA successfully approving the Future Land Use Map in October of 2008. The Future Land Use Map is further clarification of the planning and zoning regulations within the Municipal Zoning Ordinance. It is an overlay that designates what zoning will most likely be possible within our urban growth boundaries. Each area of land within the city is color coded to show the different types of future zoning potential throughout our borders.

3-The addition of Longview Recreational Facility, Harvey Park, and “sidewalk requirements” in all subdivisions within city limits. All of these have added to our quality of life here in Spring Hill.

-The approval of the Hospital (Which will bring a host of new jobs and service industry to Spring Hill)

3. What are the 3 greatest failures of our city during the past 4 years?

1-Waiting too long to implement the Historic Commission and the loss of several original historic places as well as the irresponsible approval of strip malls within historic “Old Town.”

2-The reinstatement of Spring Hill City Taxes causing a 3.9 m dollar deficit.

3-Not having enough Master Planning in place to hedge over building on the Williamson County side of Spring Hill. (Which extends back even further than the current Mayor and Board of Alderman)

4. Do you support the current HCA hospital coming to our city? Why or why not?

I am in support of the Hospital. My wife Tara and I were happy to work along side my running mates to rally the support needed for the monumental task of getting over 10,000 signatures together.

The bottom line on this issue is that we need this hospital in Spring Hill. We need emergency services within our own city limits and not treated as a “second responder city” from both Maury and Williamson counties.
5. Do you believe that the Mayor and Aldermen are adequately compensated? If not, what should the compensation package be?

-With the exponential growth of the city and the necessary oversight the past 10 years, I’ve heard many say that the task of being the Mayor or on the Board of Alderman is “full time work with part time pay.” This is something that could also be looked at by an independent study done by MTAS showing where our city officials fall in comparison to other municipalities. ¬-The Mayoral compensation package could be included in this MTAS study as well. My feelings are that if the city needs a full time Mayor they would need to pay full time wages.

6. What are your feelings regarding the eligibility of elected officials to be included in the City of Spring Hill’s medical insurance plan free of charge?

-I find this to be fair considering how much time is vested on the part of everyone on the MOBA.

7. In this economic downturn, where do you see additional income streams being generated to keep city services at our current level?

-Our biggest source of increased revenues will continue to be from the commercial sector of the marketplace. We must continue to provide open negotiations with commercial investors looking to open up here in Spring Hill. I have heard for many years and have seen recently a desire for a weekly Farmers Market located within historic “Old Town.” Working in conjunction with the Tennessee Children’s Home “street side market on Main” would be a great. This would help promote locally grown organic produce and give businesses a boost as well. The Franklin Farmers Market leadership is willing to help us as well. This is being done on a smaller scale at Utopia Café on Sundays and should continue to be supported.

8. If we need to begin cutting city expenses, where would you plan to trim the budget?

-I would start at the top with the most expensive budget items we have starting with Police, then Fire, then the General Fund, continuing to moving down the list asking ALL departments for cohesive and innovative input without compromising any necessary services. Many of the best suggestions will come from inside each department.
9. Were you in favor of re-instating our city property tax?

-“Yes” and “No”. Yes, because we must have enough money to fully fund our city services. No, because like everyone else, the new city tax came at a terrible time!

10. Do you see an immediate need for a tax increase? If so, to what rate?

-No. With the economy as unstable as it is right now we must be careful not to over burden our businesses or the citizens of Spring Hill.

11. What executive experience do you have that allows you to be qualified to lead our city?

-Since moving here in 1995, I have been a successful Realtor, Developer and restaurant owner. I served on the Merchants of Spring Hill, the original Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and most recently, concluded four years of service on the Spring Hill Arts Center Board.

I helped formulate the new Visual Arts Guild and was a catalyst for the newly formed Spring Hill Historic Commission.

12. How many Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?

-Under five times or so in the last 2 years. Many times prior to this with my own subdivisions and restaurant approvals prior to 2007.

13. How many Planning Commission meetings have you attended in the past 2 years?

-Under five times within the last two years. Many times prior to 2007.

14. What specific qualities and ideas do you bring to the table that make you most qualified for this position (feel free to elaborate in at least a paragraph or two)?

I believe we need to discover the Heart of Spring Hill. We have no town square or focal point to call home. We are a city geographically disconnected and fragmented. We have been known as the ‘step child from the north’ and ‘snob hill from the south’. We can change this image, by continuing to work together in our Comprehensive Master Plan design. This plan needs to reflect the long time desire of the people of Spring Hill to be one of the healthiest and “green” environmentally-friendly cities in the country.

If we can blend our rich Civil War history with our agricultural roots and incorporate the Commercial sector into this, we will be headed in the right direction. There is also a need for well thought out thematic designs that reflect our history encouraging “old world” (Historic Reproduction) construction, making a strong statement that recalls where we have come from and proclaims where we are going.

This successful long range plan must include a unified location, involving the voice of the people, for a future Town Center of Spring Hill. Done correctly, this Comprehensive Master Plan would set us apart from other cities in our area and make us a “model city” for other small towns. The heart of Spring Hill can only be discovered in the people, the places, and the business owners who live here.

I believe in the biblical principal that “Without a vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18. Without a strong vision for our future, we will be at the mercy of all incoming development. We do not want to be just another city full of strip malls. We have already made too many of those compromises already! We can do better.

For many years, I have been aware of both the need and demand for a weekly Farmers Market located within historic “Old Town.” Working in conjunction with the Tennessee Children’s Home small “street side market on Main” would be a great. This would help promote locally grown organic produce and give businesses a boost as well. This has been done on a smaller scale at Utopia Café on Sundays and should continue to be supported.

Spring Hill was named for its water sources: “Springs on the Hill.” I would like to see more water features celebrated throughout the city, with waterfalls and fountains in as many places as possible. Encouraging developers to use retention areas with fountains wherever possible within MS4 compliance must be strongly recommended.

A commercial Riverwalk utilizing both McCutcheons and Rutherford Creeks along the existing walking trail noted on the Future Land Use Map from Port Royal and Kedron road is also possible. Done correctly, this could bring in a lot more business interest including the possibility of future convention business, making us more than just a “quaint small town,” but rather a destination city.

I would also love to see an area set aside to host ‘old fashioned outdoor Rodeos’ again with enough parking to give the current 4-H and Rotary Club Horse Shows a bit more space as well. Evans Park is too small, although it’s a wonderful place for families to go. Carriage rides through certain parts of Old Town, The children’s home, Sweet Springs Victorian Village and the Spring Hill Battlefield areas could be done as well.

A Performing Arts Center large enough to have full scale musical and dance presentations, as well as classrooms and a Visual Arts Gallery are in negotiations right now.

Art sculptures and other artistic expressions can capture historic events and memories that forever preserve our rich civil war and southern influence. The many talented artists represented here in Spring Hill could enhance Historic Old Town and elsewhere to forever remind generations to come of the important places and events that make us Spring Hill.

What about a “Dinner Train” from Carters Creek Station in Neapolis to Nashville for a night at the Grand Ole Opry? We could cooperate with both Columbia and Thompsons Station in this effort to mutually increase popularity and overall cost.

Without a “Long Term Vision” none of these things will be possible. Join with me!

15.If you were going to ask 3 questions that all of your opponent(s) would have to answer, what would those questions be, and how would you answer them?

1) Where is the Heart of Spring Hill? 2) Do you think the citizens of Spring Hill really think we care about them, and why? 3) What do I have planned to help local business owners succeed?

16. What are your feelings regarding our current city commissions?

With all honesty, I believe they are just getting started and have a long way to go……but it’s a great start!

-Planning Commission * Are you interested in drastically changing any aspects of the commission?

The current Mayor and Board of Alderman (MBOA) successfully approved what is called the Future Land Use Map in October of 2008.

The Future Land Use Map is further clarification of the planning and zoning regulations within the Municipal Zoning Ordinance. It is an overlay that designates what zoning will most likely be possible within our urban growth boundaries. Each area of land within the city is color coded to show the different types of future zoning potential throughout our borders.

There is an immediate need for the city of Spring Hill to move ahead with a Comprehensive Master Plan. This vital detailed plan can be compared to the “blue prints” of what and where things should be built on that land (based on well thought out vision planning and design) and must include respect and cooperation of individual land owners. NOW is the time to act, to put in place a Comprehensive Master Plan that is determined and deliberate.

The current economic slow down is a blessing in disguise for Spring Hill. We have one chance while the market is taking a bit of a nap…..to solidify our future. We must consider what we want our city to look like in 10, 15, even 20 years from now. We must also be able to give incoming developers a better idea of what is needed within our city’s master plan “up front” before thousands of dollars have been spent on concept drawings only to be later denied because there was insufficient master planning in place to help guide us.

If elected, I would like to spend the first year of my term involving the citizens of Spring Hill in “Vision 20/20”, a program that will produce a consensus of innovative input setting us on course for being one of the best, well thought-out cities in the nation!
I believe that I am the best and most qualified candidate to carry out this Comprehensive Master Plan for the city of Spring Hill. There is still much to be done.

*Who would you recommend and support as the representative from Board of Mayor and Alderman to the Planning Commission? Currently that appointment is held by Jonathan Duda.

-I think Jonathan Duda is the man for the job. Jonathan has tried to listen to the voice of the people in our community and try to get things implemented since being on the Board of Alderman. Having him serve on the Planning Commission keeps that balance between what CAN be done opposed to carrying out what SHOULD be done.

*Do you feel that our current Adequate Facilities tax is in fact adequate considering the tough economic times ahead?

I do believe that we need to hold out on any increases regarding our impact fees to sustain and encourage the commercial investments being made in out city at this present time.

* Do you believe that incoming developments should be responsible for road and infrastructure improvements associated with their development?

-I do believe it to be the responsibility of incoming developers to provide infrastructure and road improvements that are necessary within the project they desire to build. However, sometimes it going to be to the advantage of the city to negotiate with representatives in order to accommodate both parties. Keeping in mind that when the projects are completed and the final paving of the roads take place it will then be taken over by the city for any upkeep or future maintenance. Short Term cost is the developers and Long Term cost is usually the city’s responsibility.

* Do you believe that there is a need for apartment buildings in our city? If so, where would you suggest that they be located?

This question was not answered.

-Economic Development Commission * What do you believe is the city’s role in economic development?

- The (EDC) of the city needs to be committed to serving the local business owners of our town “first” and then assisting incoming businesses. During these trying times it is especially important to bring awareness to city hall of major concerns facing ALL our business men and women.

I would like to introduce The Spring Hill Business Vote, a vehicle allowing local business owners a voice in city hall on economic decisions and ideas concerning their business.

Currently, the majority of our businesses are owned by out-of-town, non-voters. This vehicle would not be implemented to replace the local citizens’ “power of the people” but will instead, enhance connectivity and ultimately improve our community spirit. I believe this will also stimulate innovation and encourage a much higher success rate among our hometown business owners.

I plan on working closely with the Spring Hill Chamber Board and other business-related organizations, which are directly in touch with the pulse and at the heart of our local business conditions. I would like to personally be in regular communication with a representative of the Spring Hill Chamber or other liaisons. This has been a strong desire of mine and often a missing element to many of our past decisions.

As Mayor, I would also work closely with both the Williamson County Chamber and Maury County Alliance. The time for commercial development has finally come to Spring Hill. I look forward to the endless possibilities for this sector of the marketplace.

I would like to launch a statewide, “Why You Should Consider Spring Hill” campaign. One of the best ways to bring in more jobs is to be able to market our innovative and cutting edge Comprehensive Master Plan. When individuals and corporations see our “Clean and Green” approach to the future and the quality of life planned throughout this city, I believe they will want to be a part of it!

As a businessman for over 14 years here in Spring Hill, I have felt first-hand, the joys and sorrows of the real estate market as well as in the restaurant industry.

“I believe larger companies will act as Anchor Corporations within our city’s Comprehensive Master Plan and that Small Business ownership will further define the Heart of our city.”

-Historic Commission *The establishment of a Historic Commission was hotly debated in our city. Do you agree with the creation of the Historic Commission?

-Throughout my years here in Spring Hill nothing has been more frustrating than to see the lack of proper planning concerning “land use” and “historic preservation.” The desire to work with the land instead of against it has always been an important issue with me personally. I believe, respect for history includes remembering of what and WHERE an event took place. When something historically significant is gone, it’s gone for good. I strongly agree with the formation of this commission. In fact, I was a catalyst for it’s formation. Just to jog your memory…you may remember the “Star Pointer House” formerly in front of the Lowe’s on Highway 31? Well, it had to be moved or it was going to be demolished to make way for a parking lot. I helped in saving this house….it should never have been moved!

It was learned that the National Historic Society cannot do anything about local governmental decisions regarding historically significant properties, even if they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each local municipality must form it’s own Historic Commission to decide how they will handle their own historic preservation. The formation of this commission came out of this situation and I am happy that it has finally been implemented.

* What do you feel is the role of a Historic Commission in our city?

-This commission should be the voice of the people of our town concerning what is considered to be historically significant and help to restore and forever preserve these places. (Including assistance with Historic Restoration) *In your opinion, what are the 3 most significant historical sites in our city? -Number one on my list would be “Historic Old Town.” It’s small, but it is all we have that has survived the fires and tornadoes!!! We must make every effort to restore and preserve our newly designated Historic District. -The next site would be the “Spring Hill Battlefield” on Kedron Road across from the hospital and next to “Jefferey’s Grill.” I would love to see horse and buggy rides from Old Town through Tennessee Children’s Home, Sweet Springs Village and the Spring Hill Battlefield areas. -The third site would be the Tennessee Children’s Home and “Furgesson Hall.” Our city comes together every year for the Spring Hill Country Ham Festival and seems to be connecting through this central Hometown location. Alternate third choice: “Rippavilla Plantation” across from the General Motors Manufacturing plant. ( Which is not yet in the city. )

-Budget and Finance Committee Have you been pleased with the progress made during the past year to bring transparency to our city’s financial problems?

I do believe that the current Mayor and board of Alderman have done a pretty good job of making sure that the General public has been made aware of the financial condition we are currently facing. As far as being transparent about the progress we are making; I have reviewed the existing financial recovery plan with Jim Smith our city finance director and I am confident that we are on the right track.

Our city’s $3.9m short fall has been set up on a five-year pay back plan at $800,000 per year. This is paid for from the new city tax and local sales tax revenues. This five-year plan could be shortened if our commercial sector continues to grow and remain healthy.

The Municipal Technical Advisory Service(MTAS ) has offered to assist in the hiring of the new city administrator which I believe is a viable option to insure longevity in this very important position.

Within our city’s long range plans both Waste Water and Water Treatment expansion projects are needed to keep ahead of our infrastructure needs. The cost of the Waste Water expansion project is estimated $15-20 million dollars which will be paid back on a 20-year plan at a cost of $1m per year paid for by existing city water and sewer bills.

It is possible that Spring Hill’s Water Treatment expansion project can be aided by purchasing treated water from Columbia Power and Water until we have built up enough reserves to cover this cost. A past agreement was made with the (CPW) to purchase Treated Water and the agreement was cut short by the completion of our existing water treatment facility. This may be a viable option for us to consider again.

The other financial commitment we have right now is to pay back a $2.5m loan that was taken out for road maintenance and improvement projects throughout the city this past year. This loan will be paid back from the gas and motor fuel tax funds.

I have met with almost all of the Board of Alderman candidates and am confident that any line item adjustments or unnecessary spending will cut from the budget based on a consensus within MBOA members and other departmental head recommendations.