During multiple hours and through two meetings, the BOC (Board of Commissioners) met tonight (4.5.18) to hash out a myriad of topics.
There was a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. for a first reading of Lakeland development regulations and a resolution for a temporary moratorium on accepting building permits. Both items passed. There are three components to the proposed ordinance: Size of bricks, simulated divided windows architectural shingles.
Agenda for special meeting: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/760Link to business meeting agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/761
The work session followed the special meeting. Both were at City Hall.
Motel 6
Addressing code violations, Jim Atkinson, city manager, talked of the aesthetics of Motel 6 and its continuing case with Shelby County Environmental Court. He said the switch of brands (Motel personnel said over the weekend the brand was changing to Econo Lodge) was news to the City. “There are a lot of problems with the building and the site,” he said.
Asked by Commissioner Matt Wright about garbage bags which currently cover both Motel signs, Mr. Atkinson said likely the owners would be given 30 days to remove the bags, signs or replace the signs.
And then there’s the drug bust from April 5 and criminal activity, said Mr. Atkinson.
Mayor Wyatt Bunker said he talked to the DA (District Attorney) about state statutes declaring the business a nuisance. He said that the Motel 6 is not in the ballpark of properties which can be declared a nuisance. “That’s not an avenue we can take, unfortunately,” he said.
“We will be in contact with the owners for different options and see what level of cooperation we get. We want to see that area changed, improved, see criminal activity gone.”
Mr. Bunker said there are other options like the City purchasing the property or rebuilding.
FY19 budget priorities
Vice Mayor Josh Roman solicited items for the budget wish list and Mr. Atkinson announced a suggested timetable for discussing and approving the budget this spring. (See attached slides). Mayor Bunker said this will be the first budget since announcing the Lakeland 2020 vision plan.
Vice Mayor Roman said he would like to get internet services for all of Lakeland. He noted there are not a huge number of people without internet, but basic services should be offered. He suggested this topic be part of discussion of the legislative initiative for 2019.
Among the 11 items on the list were fire, school and recruitment of businesses.
Community Clean-Up Day
Mr. Atkinson announced the semi-annual collection of unwanted items like computers, bulky waste and tires will be Apr. 28 at Fireworks City, 3509 Canada Road. You must be a Lakeland resident to participate. IDs will be checked.
David Lenoir, Shelby County Trustee
Mr. Lenoir came before the BOC to present tax information to officials and the City of Lakeland. He commented the economy in Shelby County continues to improve. So much so, he noted, that there will be an $18-$25 million surplus.
For Lakeland, he said $14,197,837 was billed in realty taxes with 97% collected ($13,793,557). “Property taxes are the lifeblood of the local economy,” he said. Mr. Lenoir commended Lakeland residents for paying their taxes and paying on time.
Personalty taxes billed for Lakeland were $183,573 with 86% collected ($158,021). Money allocated to Lakeland schools was $3,058,227 for this year compared to $3,150,226 a year ago.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Lenoir saying, “Great schools produce great development.”
SCSO
Sgt. Nathan Cockman presented the monthly crime report. He said there were nine thefts from motor vehicles, seven of those cars were unlocked and a gun was stolen from one of the cars; one each burglary of a business and construction burglary. He said surveillance video is being reviewed on some of the vehicle thefts which is helping the investigation.
Municipal Court
One applicant for the to-be-created Municipal Court was interested by the BOC to be the Court judge. He is Michael E. Cross, a Lakeland resident 14 years. He has three degrees from the University of Memphis, including a law degree. He has worked as a Memphis police officer, an assistant district attorney for Shelby County and served in the military. He is retired from the County and is currently the Collierville prosecutor.
City Manager’s report
- The City’s past, present and future will be on display downtown in the Shelby County Administration Building starting in May. The material and visuals provided by the City will be in three large glass cases through the summer.
- There were 90 bulk waste pickups in March and service to residents is usually within 24 hours.
- The trials and tribulations of new gateway signs on the eastern end of U.S. Highway 70 were outlined: TDOT (Tennessee Department of Transportation), denied; MLGW, denied; private land owner, denied. Mr. Atkinson suggested going to the western end of Highway 70. Wanting to make a decision tonight, Commissioners decided to move forward with a new sign on U.S. Highway 64 and look at the Highway 70 location later.
- He provided an update on the sewer issues with the City of Memphis which affects a small portion of Lakeland by Stonebridge. “They are entertaining some other types of sewer systems,” he said. Commissioner Clark Plunk said there is chatter on social media about MLGW or Memphis maintaining that sewer in perpetuity. Atkinson said no, that contract expired in 2014.
- Two projects are to go before the Municipal Planning Commission: A next phase of Winstead Farms and improving the exterior of Sprouts Farmers Market to match more closely the rest of the shopping area. He also said the space beside Sprouts is to be leased by Aspire Fitness.
The Lake District
Yehuda Netanel, developer for The Lake District (TLD), showed commissioners a slide of what he called the second pyramid of Memphis. Actually, it was the crumbled concrete and asphalt which will be recycled back into the roadways of the project. He announced he is ready to submit his grading permit to the City. And once again he presented TLD site plan and the spot he would like the City to relocate City Hall. “I would like to take the next natural step to make it easier,” said Mr. Netanel. “I will donate the actual pad,” he said for 12-13,000 square feet.” The space could be doubled if the space were two stories. After much back and forth, commissioners agreed to let City staff meet with Mr. Netanel to consider the proposal.
Other code violations
Anis Kapadia, Mobil gas station on Canada Road, spoke to BOC members, saying the stonework is complete, there is a sign on the canopy and they should finish the landscaping Friday or Monday. Mayor Bunker said he was concerned with the quality of the stonework on the columns. He said there are spaces between the stones. Mr. Kapadia said he would call his contractor. Asked about a restaurant on the property (replacing the former McDonald’s) Mr. Kapadia said nothing has materialized yet. The barbecue restaurant mentioned earlier did not work out.
Mike Long said he is getting several quotes on landscaping on the property outside his development, Long Landing on Seed Tick Road. He said his first bid was $16,000 and he is seeking other bids. Commissioner Wesley Wright said $8-10,000 is probably a realistic cost to replace the trees. He asked Mr. Long to have the trees in the ground by Apr. 20 at the latest.
Of the Cool Springs property, Mayor Bunker said the arborist took out more trees than allowed. “We need to assess the penalties, more like Mobil,” he said. The owner of the property on Cool Springs Cove requested permission from the City to remove a certain number of trees to build a pool, children’s play area and additional garage. The work was accessed via Seed Tick Road, a scenic corridor and not allowed.
Other business
The final reading on an ordinance amending the FY 17-18 budget was put on the regular agenda. Going to the consent agenda were a plan for Herons Ridge, storm sewer improvements contract, a paving project, an amendment dealing with Huff N Puff Road and a sanitary sewer easement for The Pet Hospitals.
There was discussion on an amendment to the City municipal code and discussion on Gillespie Cemetery went to executive session. That was the second executive session of the evening.
Link to live stream of meeting: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8145486
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
