1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 59, Number 7 April 14, 2008 Former Lt. Governor Wilder Compromise reached on cable bill will not run for re-election BY CAROLE GRAVES

BY CAROLE GRAVES After spending more than three TML Communications Director months hammering out details, Speaker Jimmy Naifeh and a host of “I love this state and this sen- legislators unveiled a compromise on ate. It is more a part of me than the Cable Franchising bill during a anything else I’ve known,” said press conference held last week in Sen. John Wilder as he announced Nashville. his decision not to seek re-election. “It’s not a silver bullet for rising “It is a hard thing for me to say media prices, nor will Tennesseans I am not running. I’ve been run- see immediate impact in their next ning all my life. I feel the time I cable bill,” said Naifeh. “But what have spent serving has been worth this bill does is create a climate that the difference it has made. If my levels the playing field for companies life has made any difference, it has Wilder wanting to provide the best services been as State senator..... Service to areas of focus during his tenure. in Tennessee for television and government is among one of the “We have some of the best roads Internet to the people in Tennessee. most honorable things one can in the nation,” he said. “We did it The bill is designed to balance a num- do.” because the Senate was the Sen- ber of competing interests with the Wilder, 86, has served 44 ate.” outcome to benefit the consumer. years in the Senate with 36 of them Recognized nationally for That is what this group has been Photo By Victoria South as Lt. Governor and speaker. his bipartisan leadership, Wilder working so hard to accomplish.” A Democrat who represents used what could be one of his Tennessee’s cities and towns op- Chairmen Charles Curtiss and Ulysses Jones were instrumental in West Tennessee’s rural Fayette final speeches on the Senate posed last year’s bill because it would negotiating a compromise on the cable bill that helps provide Tennes- County was first elected to serve in floor to remind his colleagues to have been a win for big corporations, seans with a choice in their cable provider without harming Tennessee the Senate in 1959-1961. After a be statesmen. See CABLE on Page 6 communities. six-year break, he resumed his seat “I want to encourage those in 1967 and was elected as speaker of you who will stay here and TN Safety Coalition, laws to protect citizens in 1971 – a position he held until those who will newly be elected last year when he was defeated by to be good state senators, to be BY VICTORIA SOUTH raising the classification of violent Sen. Ron Ramsey. statesmen. To do what is good TML Communications Coordinator crimes committed by two or more Wilder is the longest-serving and right for this state and leave individuals acting together. current member of the Tennessee partisan politics out of it. It is The greatest portion of society The coalition also backs legisla- General Assembly, and up until destructive, not constructive. isn’t violent, according to Randy tion curbing copper and other pre- last year, was the the longest serv- Each district in this great state Nichols, Knox County District At- cious metal thefts, which was re- ing presiding officer of any state needs men and women who will torney and Tennessee Public Safety cently signed into law, and strength- legislative body in America. vote their conscience and not Coalition Chairman. It’s less than ening Tennessee’s existing DUI In his remarks on the Senate what some partisan politician seven tenths of the population that laws, as part of Gov. Bredesen’s floor, Wilder named roads, tells them to. The good of our keep this group of sheriffs, police initiative against drunken driving, healthcare and education as three state depends on it.” chiefs and district attorneys general while continuing its quest to add 32 awake at night contemplating legis- more district attorneys across the lation that would provide law en- state. forcement the legal teeth needed to Tennessee is second highest in Grim statistics place Tennessee Rinks joins slate not protect the state’s citizens. the nation among states with high second highest in the nation among Lobbying seven proposals be- rates of violent crime. states with high rates of violent fore the state legislature, the group’s eliminating parole for individuals crime, falling short behind South seeking another term 2008 legislative package revisits sev- convicted of aggravated burglary; Carolina only by a small margin. BY CAROLE GRAVES eral items from last year’s agenda, enhancing last year’s Crooks with “Tennessee is vying to be num- those against violent gun crime; Guns law by adding second degree ber one,” Nichols said. “Everyone is April 3 marked the qualifying longer prison terms for convicted of- murder, aggravated robbery, rape against violent crime, and from the deadline for the 2008 state elections fenders possessing guns or using and burglary to the list of felonies; perspective of economic growth and and along with it came a host of them in the commission of a crime; and targeting street terrorism by See SAFETY on Page 3 announcements from legislators who have chosen not to run for an- other term. Rescinded TDOT funds spotlights The most recent announcement came from Rep. Randy Rinks, House Democratic Caucus chair, cap on Tennessee’s toll projects bringing the total number to 12 law- BY VICTORIA SOUTH makers who have announced they will not seek re-election next fall. After a House vote to remove limits on the number of toll roads or Rinks, 54, was first elected to Randy Rinks the House in 1990 and has served as bridges that could be built in Tennes- the Caucus chair for 12 years. A (TACIR). see, the Senate sponsor, Sen. Tommy former mayor of Savannah, Rinks’ “It has been an honor to serve Kilby, has withdrawn the bill for con- district covers Hardin, McNairy and the people of Tennessee during sideration this year. part of Decatur county. these critical times in our state’s his- The House approved the com- As House Majority Caucus tory,” Rinks said in a statement. “I panion measure as a means to facili- chair and a member of some of the am forever grateful to the citizens of tate future infrastructure projects and most significant House committees, District 71 for giving me the oppor- cushion a funding shortfall after the Rinks has been responsible for gath- tunity to serve and be a part of such United States Department of Trans- ering the votes needed to pass bills an amazing body of government.” portation rescinded $66.3 million in or to keep legislation from derail- Rinks is said to be interested in federal funds from the Tennessee De- ing. He also serves as chair of the running for secretary of state – a partment of Transportation’s Tennessee Advisory Commission position held for the past 16 years by (TDOT) federal allocation of funds for the fiscal year 2008. on Intergovernmental Relations See ELECTION on Page 6 “Nearly 50 percent of the department’s budget comes from the federal government, so a reduction in A loss of federal funding, coupled with massive inflationary costs of TMBF has money available these revenues significantly impacts construction materials, further reduces TDOT’s ability to address the the resources available to TDOT,” transportation needs of the state. for qualified city projects said TDOT Commissioner Gerald portation needs of the state.” The Tennessee Tollway Act In view of the problems that a since 1985. Since that time, more Nicely. The federal government has cut gained momentum shortly after number of Tennessee cities have than $2.2 billion has been loaned “This loss of funds, coupled with nearly a quarter-billion dollars from TDOT placed an earlier freeze on been experiencing in the issuance to Tennessee cities and counties the massive inflation in the cost of Tennessee’s anticipated road new projects due to impending fed- or remarketing of bonds, TMBF from these programs. Historically construction materials, further re- money since 2005. See TDOT on Page 6 has recently mailed the following the interest rates on our loan pro- duces our ability to address the trans- letter to all TML members: gram have been very favorable. For instance, since its inception in Memphis hosts Annual Conference As you may be aware, several August 2001, the base rate on our Tennessee local governmental en- daily rate program has averaged Make plans to attend the TML’s tities have recently been unable to 2.21 percent. For a typical bor- 69th Annual Conference held at the issue or remarket their bonds, due rower, this translates into a total all Cook Convention Center in Mem- Save the Date! to credit problems experienced by end interest rate of only 2.64 per- phis, slated for June 22-24. certain municipal bond insurers. cent. Also our program has been The conference will kick off June 21-24, 2008 We do not know how long these relatively unaffected by the recent Sunday, June 22, with a festive jazz problems may persist, but if you financial turmoil. Over the last brunch in the exhibit hall and con- need funds in the immediate future, month the average daily interest clude on Tuesday, June 24, with the we may be able to help. rate on the bonds issued to fund the annual awards breakfast. Memphis programs which we administer has Workshop topics will focus on a On Feb. 14, the Clarksville Cook been only 2.29 percent. variety of issues, including: Public Building Authority issued Convention $200 million in bonds to provide Again, if you need funds im- • changes in the Open Meetings / funds for the city and county loan mediately for any project in your Open Records laws; Center programs administered by The city or county, please let us know • a panel presentation that focuses Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund. by contacting me or any of our staff on annexations, court rulings, and listed below at 615-255-1561: Although approximately $60 mil- pending cases; Tennessee Municipal League lion of the proceeds of this bond Bones Seivers, President/CEO • disaster training and lessons issue have already been loaned, we Wade Morrell learned in Jackson; 69th Annual Conference still have approximately $140 mil- Executive Vice President • how to overcome NIMBY oppo- lion available to immediately fund Linda Mooningham sition (Not In My Back Yard) on qualified projects for Tennessee Marketing Director public projects; cities and counties. Joe Muscatello • leadership training and working projects through public/private two member-participation work- The loan programs adminis- Marketing Representative to reflect your city’s values; partnerships; and shops that will focus on small city tered by the Tennessee Municipal Steve Walker • media training and techniques for • Municipal Urban Forestry and issues and Tier 1 concerns. In addi- Bond Fund have been in existence Marketing Representative ensuring a good interview; becoming a Tree City USA. tion, the Tennessee Chapter of the • planning for affordable housing Also included in the lineup are See CONFERENCE on Page 8 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008

next year, with plans for a third one on the horizon. The first new fire station will be nearly 7,000 square BY TML STAFF REPORTS Gov. Bredesen feet — the second-largest station in honored Assis- the city, complete with three bays, a Mayor Willie tant Chief Mike BY TML STAFF REPORTS new fire engine, exercise room, po- Herenton, just Williams of the DYERSBURG lice substation and HazMat team. At beginning his Chattanooga Po- Dyersburg High School head foot- a cost of $2 million, money was fifth term in of- lice Department BARTLETT ball coach James Counce has intro- allocated in the 2008 fiscal year bud- fice, announced with the Honor- The Allstate Foundation presented duced a $2.2 million plan to renovate get. The second new fire station will plans to pursue ary Tennessean the city with an $11,500 check in the 40-year-old J.C. Sawyers Sta- feature a three-bay station with an the position of Award. Williams March, which will be used to pur- dium and lure a national college engine truck and eventually a ladder schools super- Herenton was recognized Williams chase six defibrillators to be placed championship to the field. The sta- truck. Cost for the station and equip- intendent, a po- for his career in Bartlett’s social, educational, ath- dium renovation would set ment is estimated to be $1.8 million. sition he held for 12 years before achievements and dedication to law letic and shelter facilities. The Dyersburg on the path to host a Na- Funding has been proposed through becoming the city’s first black enforcement, having been in law en- Allstate Foundation is an indepen- tional Association of Intercollegiate a new five-year capital improvement mayor in 1991. Herenton, 67, is in forcement for more than 25 years. dent, charitable organization made Athletics game, which in turn would plan. As for the third fire station, that his 17th year in the post, serving Williams gained credibility as a possible by subsidiaries of The boost the city’s stature and inject project is still a couple of years away longer than any other mayor. Should trainer early in his career after devel- Allstate Corporation. revenue into the local economy. from being implemented. he not be offered a position by the oping the Chattanooga SWAT Representatives said the group will Memphis school board, Herenton Team to a level that’s received re- BRISTOL formally ask the city to help with the MEMPHIS said he plans to fulfill his mayoral gional and national recognition Battery maker Exide Technologies project by affirming a 20-year mu- The University of Memphis has re- term. Herenton originally an- while providing training to adjoin- has asked permission to increase air nicipal bond at the city board’s April ceived a $1 million enhancement nounced plans to resign in July in ing counties in other areas of law pollution from its Bristol plant. The 21 meeting. The annual payment, grant from TDOT that could be used which City Council Chairman Scott enforcement and investigation. Tennessee Division of Air Pollution estimated at $135,000 over the 20- toward the construction of the first of McCormick would become mayor is reviewing the request and taking year period, will be paid though us- two proposed pedestrian tunnels un- for 20 days, under the Memphis city Knoxville Po- public comments through April 20. ing the new stadium as an entertain- derneath the Norfolk Southern Rail- charter. Afterward, the council lice Depart- The company’s plans to modify a ment venue for concerts ranging road tracks. Tunnels under the would choose an interim mayor to ment Deputy dust collector and filter system will from top Christian acts to national tracks, like overpasses over the serve until the next election, in No- Chief Don increase airborne emissions, includ- flag-football championships. tracks, have been discussed for vember. Green joined ing lead, by about 3.5 tons a year. years. The TDOT grant, which re- the University The company wants to increase its ESTILL SPRINGS quires 20 percent in matching funds Nashville attorney of Tennessee total facility emissions from 60 tons U.S. Air Force officials announced from the university, stipulates that Joe P. Binkley Jr. Law Enforce- per year to 65 tons. State officials say that the land lease to operate Morris the school move to the construction has been ap- ment Innova- Green that is well below the legal limit of Ferry Dock on Woods Reservoir has document development phase of the pointed to the tion Center (LEIC) as program man- 100 tons per year. been extended until Sept. 30 but project during the calendar year. Davidson County ager of the National Forensic Sci- won’t be renewed or re-competed Circuit Court, Di- ence Institute April 1. Green has CHATTANOOGA after that date. Air Force officials say NASHVILLE vision V, and been with the KPD since 1979 and This fall, the University of Tennes- it was too expensive to manage the Every Metro employee who deals Russell Perkins Binkley last served as division commander see at Chattanooga will offer the lease and that proposals to modern- with sensitive data will now go of Whites Creek, for the department’s Criminal Inves- state’s only four-year degree in con- ize the dock would require a long- through special information security has been ap- tigative Division. At LEIC, Green struction management. The degree term commitment that wouldn’t be training. Nashville Mayor Karl pointed to a posi- will oversee the National Forensic is a bachelor’s of science in engi- the best choice. Woods Reservoir, Dean signed an executive order tion on the Academy, a 10-week, hands-on neering technology management located primarily in Franklin mandating Metro employees, con- Davidson County training program for crime scene in- with a concentration in construction County, was created to serve Arnold tractors, temps and interns who deal Chancery Court, vestigators. management. The major and related Engineering Development Center, with hard copy or electronic data go Part IV. Binkley through the program. Dean’s execu- The town of Bell Buckle has hired courses are in the areas of engineer- but has been available for recre- will fill the va- Perkins ing, engineering management, ac- ational use. tive order also establishes an infor- cancy created Bill Haywood as judge. Haywood counting, management, English and mation security advisory board when Judge Walter C. Kurtz retired formerly served as Chapel Hill’s mathematics. FAYETTEVILLE whose voting members will be ap- from the Circuit Court post in March municipal judge and city attorney for Goodman Company, the second- pointed by the mayor but made up of to become a Senior Judge. Perkins’ Lewisburg. Greg Perry of Manches- CLARKSVILLE largest domestic unit manufacturer industry experts. appointment fills the vacancy cre- ter will become Bell Buckle’s new A rising number of Fort Campbell of heating, ventilation and air condi- ated by the appointment of Richard city attorney. soldiers and retirees have helped tioning products for residential and OAKRIDGE H. Dinkins to the Tennessee Court of make Clarksville the nation’s 10th- light commercial use, has an- As part of an experiment, Oak Ridge Appeals in January. Keith Curlin is the newest member fastest-growing metropolitan area. nounced an expansion of its National Laboratory is bringing of the South Fulton City Commis- U.S. Census figures show the Fayetteville plant. The expansion back fish species that used to live The Elizabethton City Council sion filling a vacancy created by the Clarksville metropolitan area grew will add 300 new jobs to the area and there, stripetail and snubnose dart- voted unanimously to hire Fred Ray recent resignation of Commissioner at a rate of 3.7 percent between July represents a $7.2 million capital in- ers, rock bass, striped shiners, Edens of Johnson City to be the next William “R.K.” Kane. Curlin, 48, 1, 2006, and the same time in 2007. vestment by one of the nation’s larg- bluntnose minnows and northern city manager. Edens served in the has been employed with the Re- Regional planning officials said Fort est manufacturers of heating, venti- hog suckers. White Oak Creek Army for 15 years as an officer and gional Health Department for 15 Campbell is the major contributor to lation and air conditioning products winds along the industrial backside noncommissioned officer in a wide years. the growth, bringing new recruits for residential and light commercial of the ORNL campus, passing variety of managerial assignments. and retired soldiers to the area. Ac- use. The plant is expanding its pro- through the lab’s outlying acreage He has no previous experience as a Kim R. Helper of Franklin has been duction line to include HVAC once used for nuclear-waste dis- city manager but holds a master’s appointed as the district attorney cording to the Census Bureau, the st four counties in Tennessee and Ken- equipment for the light commercial posal landfills. degree in city management from general in the 21 Judicial District. tucky that surround Fort Campbell market and will manufacture units East Tennessee State University. He The vacancy was created by the grew at an average of nearly 4 per- with a cooling capacity of three tons RUTHORFORD/ also has worked six years with the death of District Attorney General cent from 2006 to 2007. to 25 tons. WILLIAMSON COUNTIES state of Tennessee in the Department Ron L. Davis last month. Helper will Rutherford and Williamson counties of Children’s Services and the De- serve as district attorney general un- COLLEGEDALE JACKSON ranked first and second, respec- partment of Human Services. til the office is permanently filled by The airport is about to grow again, Scholarship America has set up a tively, for highest percentage of the August 7 election. coming a long way since its early $270,000 emergency financial aid growth from 2006-07, each posting days as a landing strip in a cow fund for Union University students about 4.5 percent gains. The popu- pasture. The runway will be ex- with financial need to help them stay larity is no fluke — U.S. Census Karen Camper replaces Gary tended 300 feet, a relocation of in school after they lost possessions Bureau figures also show the same McDonald Road, and a safety zone and their dorm rooms in the Feb. 5 trend since 2000. Rutherford Rowe in General Assembly added at the end of the runway. The tornado. The fund comes from grant County’s 2007 population stands at city will pay 10 percent of the $1 dollars from the Lumina Foundation 241,462, a 25.73 percent increase Karen D. Camper, a teacher million while a grant from the Ten- for Education. The program is avail- from 2000. Williamson County’s and retired military officer, was nessee Department of able to students who meet eligibility population jumped 24.82 percent to elected by the Shelby County Transportation’s Aeronautics Divi- requirements for federal Pell Grants. 166,128 during the same period of Commission to serve as state rep- sion will provide the remaining 90 Students and families seeking help time. Newcomers to Nashville’s resentative for District 87. percent. may contact Union University’s Of- suburbs cite quick trips to the city, Camper, 50, will be the interim fice of Student Financial Planning. cheaper housing than coastal areas, a representative for the district that COLUMBIA Scholarship America has managed better climate than in northern states includes Whitehaven and the The Columbia Police Department scholarship and financial aid funds and overall better quality of life as Hickory Hill area. She replaces recently received national accredita- to help students maintain their post- primary reasons for moving here . Gary Rowe, a Democrat, who tion from The Commission on Ac- secondary educations in the wake of died in February. creditation of Law Enforcement major disasters including the terror- SMYRNA Rowe was first elected in Agencies (CALEA). The accredita- ist attacks of 9/11 and Hurricanes Nissan has cut its workweek to four 2005 to fill the House District 87 Camper tion program provides law enforce- Katrina and Rita. days from five, with nine-hour shifts seat vacated by former represen- ment agencies an opportunity to vol- instead of the current eight, to fur- tative Kathryn Bowers when she year term in 2006. Camper said she untarily demonstrate that they meet KINGSPORT ther help “balance inventories” amid was elected to the state Senate. intends to run for the seat in the an established set of professional The city of Kingsport is planning to a slowdown in U.S. car sales. The Rowe was re-elected to a full two- November election. standards. build two new fire stations within the change will last two months.

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designed to protect state’s citizens from crime BYCHIEF RONAL SERPAS Metro Nashville Chief of Police SAFETY from Page 1 impact; competition’s tough. It’s 9 p.m. on a Friday People don’t want to locate in high night. You are walking to your crime areas; they’ll just take their car from a restaurant and a gun- businesses somewhere else.” man suddenly jumps into your Among the group’s concerns is path, points his pistol at your the high rate of repeat offenders in head, and demands your wallet. Tennessee, with crime a way of life You provide police officers for some individuals. Recent statis- a good description of the fleeing tics in Nashville indicate about a suspect. He is arrested, eventu- third of those convicted on charges ally convicted, and sentenced to of armed robbery three years ago a prison term of eight years. Chief Serpas have been arrested again. Accord- How much time do you ing to the district attorney’s esti- think this gunman, who made lent offenders. This legislation mates, subjects incarcerated for your life flash before your eyes, does that in a very specific, la- armed robbery (aggravated rob- The House considers The Adminstrative License Revocation Act of is actually going to serve? ser-like approach. bery) would receive an 8-12 year 2008 which provides for the immediate seizure of a drivers license of Would you believe as little as 18 By the time a criminal de- sentence for the first offense pared anyone driving under the influence or refusing to take a sobriety test. months? It’s true. cides to put a gun to your head down more than 30 percent through of Commerce and Insurance by Oct. broaden Tennessee’s handgun carry Persons convicted of first and rob you, he or she in all parole and other measures, return- 1, facing criminal penalties if they laws, which include: time armed robbery in Tennes- likelihood is not new to the jus- ing the person to society within 2 do not. • Allowing handguns to be carried see achieve parole eligibility af- tice system, in fact, many are years at the most. A valid state or federal photo ID in restaurants and state parks; ter serving just 30 percent of quite experienced. The persons “That’s not sufficient,” said is required of those selling to dealers • Authorizing faculty and staff at their sentences. Take into con- convicted of first time armed Nichols. “Once a person has put a along with a thumbprint and dealer public schools and universities sideration time off granted by robbery in 2005 had already gun to a citizen’s head over a purse, purchases of copper or catalytic con- to carry firearms on campus; and the prison system for good be- been arrested 1,406 times on we’ve lost that person. They are no verters may only be made by check. • Giving people voluntarily hospi- havior and the sentence served is 2,723 charges. longer a functioning member of so- Thieves recently stole two tons talized in mental institutions the even less. Is 18 months time We need to lose the roman- ciety.” of copper wiring from a Nashville right to obtain handgun permits enough to rehabilitate a danger- tic notion that these people “We need to think of the deter- Electric substation off Allied Drive. after seven years. ous gunman who, absent a slight somehow went astray only once rent effect,” Nichols continues. While the coalition concedes “We are in a defensive mode trigger pull, would have left you in their lifetimes. Armed rob- dead on a sidewalk? bery is one of the most serious “Crime in Tennessee is taking a toll on our communities. We understand I expect most of you are violent offenses and is a crime the financial crisis the state is faced with this year, but many feel their saying absolutely not. that can put our families in real Tennessee’s Public Safety Coa- fear. communities are in a crisis with crime the victor and citizens the victim.” lition, consisting of police It is high time that armed — Kim Wallace, TACP president and Dover police chief chiefs, sheriffs and district attor- robbers in our state know that if neys general from across our they do the crime, they can ex- “People might think twice about lawmakers are concerned about most of the time, having to head great state, strongly agree with pect to serve 85 percent of their committing a crime if they knew crime, their nemesis has always them off at the pass,” Lewis said. “I you and is asking the General sentences behind the walls of a they’d get eight years minimum.” been lack of funding, this time in the like guns myself and I’m a hunter, Assembly to change the law this penitentiary. This change in “Crime in Tennessee is taking a form of an estimated $74 million but some of this legislation, if session. sentencing will make you safer toll on our communities,” said Kim fiscal note. passed, would cause a great deal of Thanks to the support of as well as deter would-be rob- Wallace, Tennessee Association of “We take strong exception to trouble. It concerns me that we have Gov. Bredesen, Speaker Naifeh, bers. Chiefs of Police president and Do- that estimate,” Nichols said, citing legislators who want to allow men- Lt. Gov. Ramsey and lawmakers A state analyst has esti- ver police chief . that to his knowledge, the figure was tally ill people to obtain gun permits. from across the state, the Crooks mated that the cost of making “Do we wait until we are No.1 determined by calculating the num- Every time you hear of these mass with Guns law was enacted last first time armed robbers serve in the nation for our violent crime or ber of people incarcerated annually shootings, it’s always by someone legislative session. It mandates 85 percent of their sentences do work with our legislative bodies at the cost of $60 per day times the who is mentally disturbed.” that convicted repeat armed rob- would total $74 million. We, in to pass legislation that will keep the number of years before parole. Both men refer to the success of bers serve 85 percent of their the Public Safety Coalition, be- criminals off the streets? The citi- “Look at 2007,” said Nichols. best practice states, primarily, New sentences before being consid- lieve that number is grossly in- zens deserve to live in a safe com- “There’s only 142 people the law York. After eliminating parole for ered for release. We, in the Pub- flated. We estimate the cost to munity. We understand the finan- would have applied to. In Memphis, all violent offenders in the state, the lic Safety Coalition, believe first be more like $15 million. The cial crisis the state is faced with this it was 400. We’re talking 600-700 number of arrests in New York de- time armed robbers are also de- legislative leadership has also year, but many feel their communi- people, and that’s not $73 million.” creased dramatically, saving mil- serving of that 85 percent desig- expressed concern over the $74 ties are in a crisis with crime the According to Nichols, the lions of dollars in annual revenues nation. million estimate. victor and citizens the victim.” coaltion has an expert with the Uni- by decreasing the flow of criminals During calendar year 2005, Yes, Tennessee is facing a Nichols notes that crime per- versity of Memphis that has pre- into the state prisons and jails, ac- 142 persons were convicted of tight financial year. Even so, petually crosses generational lines. pared a report proving the note to be cording to a 2005 City Journal re- first offense armed robbery in the cost of strengthening the “At one point, Shelby County Sher- an over-estimate. port. With recidivism on the de- Nashville. All but eight of them sentences for first time robbers iff Mark Luttrell had a son, his fa- “I’ll never understand how they crease, the city closed correctional received sentences with 30 per- is equal to a very, very small ther, and grandfather locked up at came up with that figure,” agrees facilities in Brooklyn, Queens, and cent parole eligibility. Of those percentage of the state’s total the same time,” he said. Norman Lewis, Montgomery the Bronx along with portions of convicted of first offense armed spending. On the bright side, a bill to curb County sheriff and coalition mem- wings in other facilities. robbery in 2005, one third has Our constitution says one of Tennessee’s out of control metal ber . Increasing budget cuts have ig- already been rearrested for state government’s primary re- theft epidemic, sponsored by Rep. “It’s like some magic number nited financial distress at law en- many crimes, to include violent sponsibilities is public safety. Mike McDonald, was approved and they pulled out of the sky.” forcement units all across the nation. and dangerous offenses; 21 per- We believe our proposal is rea- and signed by the Governor. The bill Lewis said he was relieved Alarmed state and local officials, cent of those persons have al- sonable and affordable. requires dealers buying scrap metal when the House subcommittee including 50 governors and 50 state ready been convicted of another Think of your safety and to register with the state Department killed several proposals designed to attorneys general, members of the criminal offense. that of your family the next time National Association of Counties My friends, it is only the you go to dinner on a Friday and National Sheriff’s Association beginning of 2008. To make our night. Can Tennessee afford are urging Congress to restore the communities truly safe, we must not to make this change? Edward Byrne Memorial Justice As- address the issue of repeat vio- sistance Grant Program to its origi- nal 2007 level after last year’s crip- pling funding cuts reduced the amount from $520 million to $170 million, according to John Tennessee law and no parole Gramlich, Stateline.org. “When the economy lags, crime Current Tennessee law says vated robbery, often spikes,” Arizona Gov. Janet that persons convicted on the fol- • Rape or aggravated rape or Napolitano told the U.S. Senate Fi- lowing charges must serve 100 aggravated rape of a child, nance Committee, Gramlich notes. percent of the sentence, or 85 per- • Aggravated sexual battery, The law enforcement organizations cent along with credits for good • Aggravated arson, warn that reduced funding usually behavior or jail-sponsored pro- • Aggravated child abuse, precedes an increasing drug traffick- grams: • Sexual exploitation of a minor ing problem across the nation. • First or second degree murder, involving more than 100 im- “We’re not giving up on any of • Aggravated or especially ag- ages, this,” Nichols said. “The Constitu- gravated kidnapping, • Aggravated or especially ag- tion says to provide for the peace and • Second or third offense of ag- gravated sexual exploitation Photos by Victoria South safety of its citizens, and we need to gravated or especially aggra- of a minor TN Highway Patrol officers await a House vote on the Administrative appropriate an efficient amount of License Revocation Act. Under existing law, it can take 45 days or dollars to do it.” longer before a DUI suspect appears in court.

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ASKEW HARGRAVES HARCOURT AND ASSOCIATES P.O. Box 29268 • Murfreesboro, TN Engineering an enhanced quality of life for our clients and community. 37133-2968 www.a2h.com

www.ctienviron.com

CHATTANOOGA NASHVILLE Phone: 423/267-7613 Phone: 615/731-6003 Fax: 423/267-0603 Fax: 615/731-4149

KNOXVILLE Phone: 865/539-8209 Fax: 865/694-0848 www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 Texting, most wanted video

companies are willing to take a big- assisting Oak Ridge Police ger risk,” said Dwayne Tyrkalo, Citizens of Oak Ridge can now mous way for them to share with BY TML STAFF REPORTS statement. “On the lower rungs, president of Montello Resources text a message to the Oak Ridge us,” said Oak Ridge Police Chief though, the climate is turning rapidly Ltd. USA and the leader of the Police Department Emergency David Beams. Home foreclosures in Tennessee grim for many, with issues like company’s Tennessee project. “Fif- Communications Center. “The Police Department is tak- increased 29 percent in February health care, financial hard times and teen years ago, a barrel of oil brought Police anticipate receiving ing advantage of technology that is from a year ago, according to crime posing more significant prob- $12. Now it brings $100,” Tyrkalo crime tips, witness observations, readily available to make it easy for RealtyTrac Inc. The California com- lems. Unlike most ladders, this one said. Neither Tyrkalo nor Montello and other information from anony- the public to help enhance the safety pany reported 4,959 foreclosure fil- is shakiest and scariest at the bottom CEO Bill Cawker specified what the mous senders.This new capability is and security of Oak Ridge.” ings, default notices, auction sale rather than the top.” new well, one of the state’s deepest made possible by locating a cellular Chief Beams is proud of an- notices or bank repossessions, in the at more than 9,500 feet, has yielded. phone in the City’s dispatch center other recent innovation; the “You state last month. That’s up 29.28 The Tennessee House of Repre- But said the findings are promising. that is dedicated to receive text mes- Tube” most wanted video featuring percent from Feb. 2007 and 16.99 sentatives unanimously passed a sages. The text phone, 865-755- suspects wanted by the Oak Ridge percent from January. Tennessee bill designed to prevent scalpers Seven Tennessee hospitals are ORPD (6773), will be monitored by Police Department. had one foreclosure filing for every from jumping in front of others among this year’s “100 Top Hos- the public safety dispatchers. Thanks to this technology, sev- 532 households last month, placing waiting to buy tickets online. It pitals” according to Modern “We know there are many eral individuals have either been ar- it 10th among the states in the rate of would also prevent scalpers from Healthcare magazine and several “texters” that possess information rested or surrendered to authorities foreclosure. Nevada was first, with purchasing more tickets than vendor are located in the Nashville area. we would like to have and we are after being placed on “You Tube” one filing for every 165 households. rules permit an individual to buy. Maury Regional Hospital in Colum- trying to provide an easy, anony- and a local cable TV station. Nationwide, foreclosure filings in- The measure comes after frustrated bia and Centennial Medical Center creased 60 percent. parents saw tickets to last year’s in Nashville made the list in the Hannah Montana tour, featuring magazine’s large community hospi- The Tennessee Housing Develop- teen star Miley Cyrus, snapped up tals category. Vanderbilt University ment Agency has received $1.3 within minutes by scalpers who later Medical Center was listed in the million to support the state’s fore- sold them for prices that reached major teaching hospitals category. As states prepare for the predicted shootings last year, reassure college closure prevention counseling ef- more than $2,500. record-breaking turnout on Election officials that they will not face pen- forts. The federal grant will enable Tornado victims in Tennessee Day this year, many are paying spe- alties for reporting fears about men- foreclosure prevention counselors Tuberculosis cases in the state are began receiving the mobile homes cial attention to the elderly — the tally ill students. The proposed regu- to advise the state’s homeowners in up by more than 50 percent com- that have been tested for formal- nation’s most avid voters. In the last lations were prompted by concerns danger of foreclosure. In the second pared with this time last year, with dehyde after concerns over unsafe presidential election, at least 79 that colleges were overemphasizing quarter of 2008, THDA expects to black and Hispanic residents dispro- levels. Tennessee has accepted 37 percent of those 65 and older cast the students’ privacy rights under see 2,769 adjustable-rate mortgages portionately affected. There were 27 homes that tested at or below 40 ballots, compared to an overall the Family Educational Rights and reset in Tennessee. THDA recently confirmed cases of tuberculosis in parts per billion of formaldehyde. voter turnout of 52 percent, accord- Privacy Act to not intercede with partnered with NeighborWorks Tennessee at this time last year com- Average indoor air levels of formal- ing to the U.S. Census Bureau. And young people who appear troubled. America to certify 23 counseling pared with 41 this year, according to dehyde measure between 10 and 20 as the 70.3 million-strong baby Although the law has always had a agencies as foreclosure prevention the state Health Department. Tuber- parts per billion, according to the boomers begin to retire, the number health and safety exception that al- counselors. culosis is a contagious disease U.S. Centers for Disease Control of senior voters will soar, putting lows releasing confidential informa- caused by bacteria that can attack the and Prevention. Because there are new pressures on traditional voting tion in emergency situations, many Since 2004, Tennessee has seen a lungs, kidney, spine and brain. With- no federal standards set for formal- systems. Of greatest concern are college officials have been wary of 59 percent decrease in meth labs, out proper treatment, it can be fatal. dehyde exposure, state officials in older voters, many of whom have invoking it, fearful of being found to according to the Office of National People who move to America from a Tennessee and elsewhere must de- some degree of mental impairment violate the federal privacy law. Drug Control Policy in Washington, country where there is a higher rate termine the levels they find accept- or who are under the care of a guard- D.C. The decline in labs statewide of TB are at greater risk of develop- able. Jeremy Heidt, a spokesman for ian or nursing staff. Driven by a painful mix of layoffs bolsters a national report stating that ing the disease. Of the 41 confirmed Tennessee Emergency Management and rising food and fuel prices, the meth use continued to decline in TB cases in Tennessee this year, 13 Agency, said the state decided to cap In a move that has alarmed the toy number of Americans receiving nearly every part of the country last involve foreign-born people. the formaldehyde level based on industry, lawmakers in Washing- food stamps is projected to reach year. Overall, the number of work- consultation with the state health ton have overwhelmingly passed a 28 million in the coming year, the place employees who tested positive Tennessee’s felon population is and environmental departments, bill that would set the toughest highest level since the aid program for meth dropped 22 percent last projected to grow by 12 percent along with Gov. Phil Bredesen’s of- restrictions in the nation on the began in the 1960s. The number of year, according to the study by New over the next eleven years. The fice. lead content of children’s prod- recipients, who must have near-pov- Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics Oversight Committee on Correc- ucts. The bill would reduce the al- erty incomes to qualify for benefits Inc., the nation’s largest drug-test- tions received that figure from the The State Funding Board is delay- lowable level of lead in toys and averaging $100 a month per family ing company. The national decrease state Corrections Department. The ing its projections for state rev- other goods to 90 parts per million member, has fluctuated over the in meth use occurred as the govern- department commissioned a re- enues until after the April 15 tax — and possibly as low as 40 parts years along with economic condi- ment sharpened its crackdown on search company to analyze growth filing deadline, officials an- per million, the recommended limit tions, eligibility rules, enlistment precursor chemicals used to make between 2007 and 2019. In 2007, the nounced. The postponement makes of the American Academy of Pediat- drives and natural disasters like Hur- the illegal drug. Laws restricting the felon population was 26,849. By plans championed by Senate Repub- rics, and far below the current fed- ricane Katrina, which led to a spike sale of cold medicines containing 2019, it’s projected to be 29,983, an licans to adjourn by the end of April eral standard of 600 parts per mil- in the South. But recent rises in many pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient increase of about 3,000 inmates. unlikely. The Legislature uses the lion. It would also set tough limits on states appear to be resulting mainly used to cook meth, and efforts to Projections are based on previous board’s estimates to prepare the an- cadmium, a metal used in paints and from the economic slowdown, as thwart drug trafficking from Mexico trends in admissions and length-of- nual state spending plan. The Gen- plastics, and on plastic-softening well as inflation in prices of basic have disrupted the market for meth. stay data, among other things. eral Assembly’s only responsibility chemicals called phthalates that goods that leave more families feel- According to the TBI, the state’s under the state constitution is to pass have been linked to childhood de- ing pinched. decrease in meth labs can be attrib- The rising price of crude oil has a balanced budget before adjourn- velopmental problems. Washington uted, in part, to the passage of anti- entrepreneurial oil companies ing. House Finance Chairman Craig accounts for about 2 percent of total U.S. Housing and Urban Develop- meth laws in 2005. drilling and prospecting the Ten- Fitzhugh said the administration and U.S. toy sales, which last year ment Secretary Alphonso Jackson nessee mountains for black gold. A lawmakers will work on an acceler- equaled $23.5 billion in annually. announced he will be stepping A Middle Tennessee State Univer- Canadian oil company in recent ated schedule to try to quickly wrap down as the nation’s chief housing sity poll shows that the economy months dug a new $8 million well in up the budget after the revenue esti- The Federal Education Depart- officer. Jackson will conclude his will be an important factor in how the Highpoint community of Mor- mates are released. Fitzhugh said ment proposed new regulations to government service as the nation’s Tennesseans vote in the presiden- gan County near Wartburg and Oak May 9 could be a realistic ending clarify when universities may re- 13th HUD Secretary on April 18. tial election. The poll shows that 34 Ridge. “This was a science project, date for the 105th General Assem- lease confidential student infor- Jackson oversaw HUD’s $37 billion percent say the economy will be the but with oil at the price it is, oil bly. mation and, after the Virginia Tech budget and 9,200 employees. most important issue to them when they decide on whom to vote for president. Nineteen percent choose the Iraq war and 16 percent cited health care. Another 10 percent choose illegal immigration, 8 per- cent terrorism, and 10 percent named some other issue including abortion, gay marriage and morality. The rest were undecided. Wealthier, more-educated Tennesseans see education as the state’s top problem, but poorer, less educated Tennesse- ans see the economy, health care and crime as more problematic. “Life is good for those standing on the top rung of the state’s economy,” Robert Wyatt, director of communication research at MTSU, said in a released Good Risk Management is just Good Management

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5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 www.TML1.org Tennessee Municipal League 2007-2008 Officers and Directors RM 1Ø1: MAXIMIZING YOUR RISK & INSURANCE KNOWLEDGE PRESIDENT Tommy Green Presented by: THE TML RISK MANAGEMENT POOL Mayor, Alamo VICE PRESIDENTS Tom Beehan The TML Risk Management Time Chattanooga: The Chattanoogan, Mayor, Oak Ridge Pool is sponsoring regional work- The workshops will begin at 1201 Broad St., Chattanooga, Royce Davenport 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. 37415, (800-619-0018) Mayor of McMinnville shops for its members in May and Dale Kelley June titled “Maximizing Your Lunch will be provided. There will www.chattanooganhotel.com TENNESSEE Mayor, Huntingdon Risk and Insurance Knowledge.” be door prizes and, of course, the Cookeville: Leslie Town Centre, DIRECTORS infamous TML Pool Risk Game will One West First St., Cookeville, Alan Barker The workshops are designed FESTIVALS Mayor, Humboldt to give TML Pool municipal gov- wrap up the workshop. 38501, (931-526-2211) Linda Bennett ernment partners the opportunity www.leslietowncentre.com April 17: Ribfest & Wings Councilmember, Chattanooga (District 3) Dates and Locations Montgomery Bell State Park: Gatlinburg. Enjoy live entertain- Ed Craig to better understand TML Pool li- City Manager, Shelbyville (District 6) ability, property and workers com- May 6 Knoxville 1000 Hotel Ave., Burns, 37029 ment, children’s activities, and hot Jean Davis pensation policies and coverage. May 7 Kingsport (615-797-3101) wing eating contests throughout the Vice Mayor, Cookeville The last review and substantive May 8 Chattanooga www.state.tn.us/environment/ event, 5a.m. to 8 p.m. A $10 Karl Dean armband buys all you can eat hot Mayor, Metro Nashville policy changes were implemented May 13 Cookeville parks/montgomerybell Johnny Dodd, in 2002. Beginning with the July 1, May 22 Montgomery Bell Henry Horton State Park: 4358 wing samples. For more informa- Councilman , Jackson 2008, policy year, there will be a May 29 Henry Horton Nashville Hwy., Chapel Hill, tion, visit www.gatlinburg.com or Eddy Ford, June 10 Jackson 37034 (931-364-2222) call 800-568-4748. Mayor, Farragut few policy changes to be imple- David Gordon, mented that will be explained at the June 11 Bartlett www.state.tn.us/environment/ Mayor, Covington workshops. Training Facilities parks/henryhorton April 17: Taste of Spring 2008 Bill Haslam JACKSON: Holiday Inn Jackson, Nashville.Great wine, food and jazz Mayor, Knoxville The workshops will also focus Knoxville: Holiday Inn Select, Ce- W.W. Herenton on ways a strong risk management dar Bluff, 304 Cedar Bluff Road, 541 Carriage House Drive, Jack- benefiting Prevent Child Abuse TN. Mayor, Memphis program in your entity will help Knoxville, 37923 (865-693-1011) son, 38305(731-668-6000) For more information, call 615-383- Ron Littlefield reduce your risk exposures, im- www.cedarbluff.hiselect.com www.holidayinn.com/jacksontn 0994 Mayor, Chattanooga Keith McDonald (District 8) prove safety for your employees Kingsport: Meadowview Confer- Bartlett: City of Bartlett Perform- Mayor, Bartlett and citizens, and help reduce your ence Center, 1901 Meadowview ing Arts & Conf. Ctr, 3663 April 25 - 26: Brimstock Blue- Mitch Moore premiums. The Pool is offering a Parkway, Kingsport, 37660 Appling Rd, Bartlett, 38133 (901- grass Festival City Manager, Athens (TCMA) 385-6440) Moss, TN. Features a pig roast with Jane Myron, great incentive for every member (423-578-6600 Vice Mayor, Johnson City (District 1) to send representatives to a work- www.meadowviewresort.com www.bpacc.org Bluegrass music. For more informa- Tommy Pedigo shop. A 5 percent credit will be tion, call 931-258-4499 Mayor, Sparta (District 4) Johnny Piper applied to each member’s Errors or Mayor, Clarksville Omissions Liability coverage if May 3-24: Tennessee Strawberry John Proffitt you have representation in full at- Festival 2008 Mayor, Athens Dayton. A10-day extravaganza, Charles Rahm tendance at any one of the work- Councilmember, Jackson (District 7) shops. Your entity’s administra- jam-packed with a myriad variety of Charles “Bones” Seivers tive staff that work in your risk and events and activities sponsored by President-CEO, Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund insurance program, especially risk the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. Kay Senter Vice Mayor, Morristown (District 2) managers, are encouraged to at- For more information, contact the Ron Washington tend. Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979. Dayton Chamber of Commerce at Councilmember, Murfreesboro 423-775-0361 or visit www.tnstraw Ken Wilber berryfestival.com. Mayor, Portland ( District 5) PAST PRESIDENTS Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro Municipal Administration Program Duke Franklin (2005) Councilman, Chattanooga Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland Sam Tharpe (2001) Vice Mayor, Paris May Schedule Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski

TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS (Ex-Officio Directors) Quality Growth Toolbox (5415) Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. April 23 -25:TCMA and KCCMA Barbara Lapides, Millington Cookeville Town Center, One West Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference Quality communities and re- (Tennessee City Managers and Ken- Ewing Sellers, Murfreesboro gions don’t just occur by accident. First Street tucky City Managers) Joint Spring Tennessee Chapter, American Public Works Desired community and economic Franklin Williamson County Expo- Conference at the Embassy Suites, Richard Whaley, Maryville sition Center, 4215 Long Lane Tennessee Government Finance Officers development requires thoughtful ap- Airport in Nashville. For more infor- John Troyer, Knoxville proaches about how strong commu- Jackson West Tennessee Center for mation and to register, contact Mar- Tenn. Assn. of Housing & Redevel. Auth. nities and regions can become stron- Agricultural Research, Extension, garet Norris at 865-974-9063. Marilyn Medley, Morristown and Public Service, 605 Airways Tennessee Building Officials Assn. ger. It also requires continuing com- Time Jim Brown, Bartlett mitment to fostering and shaping Public administration courses begin Boulevard April 25: 2008 Child Abuse Preven- Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. ideas and actions into tangible re- at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 Knoxville University of Tennessee Richard Martin, Lenoir City tion Conference. “Child Exploita- sults. Join us in this comprehensive p.m. Conference Center, 600 Henley tion on the Internet” presented by the Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports Street Larry Cox, Memphis session and technical assistance re- Dates and locations Children’s Advocacy Center Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police source - our region’s Quality May 6 Franklin To register for this municipal (CAC), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kim Wallace, Dover Toolbox, to assist you in leaning May 7 Bartlett administration program class, in the Tennessee Room of the UTC Tennessee Water Quality Management Assn. please visit the MTAS web site at Jack Graham, Maryville how your community can grow in a May 8 Jackson University Center. Key note speaker Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. quality way. May 13 Collegedale www.mtas.tennessee.edu or contact will be Gregg Sullivan, U.S. Dennis Suiter, Martin May 14 Cookeville Elaine Morrisey at Elaine.morrisey Attorney’s Office for the Eastern Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Assn. @ tennessee.edu. or 865.974.0411. Steven Neilson, Brentwood Instructor May 21 Johnson City District of Tennessee. The confer- Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. Dr. Bridget Jones, Executive Direc- May 27 Knoxville For program information, con- ence is designed for child protective Vicki Burton, Jackson tor, Cumberland Region Tomorrow tact Kurt Frederick, MTAS Training services workers, attorneys, law en- Tenn. Assn. of Municipal Clerks & Recorders Consultant, at 615.253.6385 or e- Connie Kittrell, Gallatin Training Facilities forcement personnel, educators, Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing Who Should Attend Bartlett Bartlett Performing Arts mail [email protected]. parents and others interested in the Susan White, Jackson This course is designed for all mu- and Conference Center, 3663 Fees are $25 per person per class for TN Section, Institute of Transportation healthy development of children. nicipal employees who deal with fi- Appling Road municipal employees and $55 per For more information and to register Engineers person per class for all other partici- Greg Judy, Nashville nance and the implementation and Collegedale Collegedale City Hall, call the CAC at 423-266-6918 or Tennessee Public Transportation Association collection of business tax. 4910 Swinyar Drive pants. email [email protected]. Tom Dugan, Chattanooga Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Tommy White, Sevierville Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Wayne Miller, LenoirCity Rain or shine, TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS DIAMOND LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Does your city sleet or hail, Bank of America GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP every day is perfect Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. ING Financial Advisers, LLC SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP for a GovDeals sale! AT&T Kendall Metering Systems & Solutions need money for Redflex Traffic Systems Sensus Metering Systems BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Adenus Technologies Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Charter Communications capital projects? LaserCraft, Inc. Rare Element, Inc. Thompson Engineering Vaughn & Melton Williams Equipment Online Government CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP AMEC Earth & Environmental If your pipes are calling, call the Tennessee Municipal Bond Surplus Auctions—24/7 Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, & Cannon, Inc. BellSouth Telecommunications Fund for all your financing needs. Buxton Visit GovDeals.com today Christopher Burke Engineering, LTD or call 1-866-377-1494 CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Comcast Cable Communications We offer: Concrete Paving Association of Tennessee DBS & Associates Engineering TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Education Networks of America • low rates, Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Florence & Hutcheson, Inc. • lowest costs and Carole Graves, Communications Director & Geothermal Utilities, LLC Editor, Tennessee Town & City Johnson Controls Edna Holland, Government Relations, TML/RMP Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc. • best service. John Holloway, Government Relations J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Debbie Kluth, Dir. Marketing & Member Services Local Govt. Corporation Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant The Malone Company Denise Paige, Government Relations Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc. Victoria South, Communications Coordinator McGill Associates, P.A. Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Phoenix Tank Services — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- Rush Truck Center, Nashville We’re making great cities even better. nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves SSR Ellers Inc. ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. Stowers Machinery One loan at a time. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to re- Tennergy Corporation ject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. (615) 255-1561 classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities [email protected]. Fax advertising copy to Thompson & Litton, Inc. TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, Thompson Machinery or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions ex- TLM Associates, Inc. pressed non League officials or staff do not Utility Service Co., Inc. necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Volkert & Associates Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 Waste Management times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Wiser Company, LLC Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Ten- nessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 Cable bill compromise CABLE from Page 1 but at the expense of consumers and Training (EIT) license. We offer excellent Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No Work experience in a range of economic communities. Cit- charge to TML members. Send advertising development issues including community salaries and benefits, including insurance to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona Lawrence, development, leadership development, (medical, dental, life, short- and long-term ies have remained 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, Nashville TN entrepreneurship development, or tech- disability), a retirement plan, paid sick steadfast in the be- 37219; e-mail: mlawrence@ TML1.org; or nology development is preferred. Demon- leave and vacation, educational reim- lief that the local fax: 615-255 4752. strated experience in seeking and success- bursement, training opportunities, and a franchising pro- fully securing grant funds is preferred. merit pay system. For a detailed job de- ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ AD- cess has worked This person must be familiar with the latest scription and information, see for nearly three MINISTRATION economic development trends; have dem- www.lakelandtn.gov or call KINGSPORT.The city is seeking a highly onstrated experience and knowledge of 901.867.2717. E-mail resumes or applica- decades and that qualified individual to serve as Assistant the industrial site selection process includ- tions to: [email protected]; or fax to the opportunity to City Manager for Administration. The ing recruitment, proposal development, 901.867.2063; mail to: City of Lakeland, compete is avail- selected candidate will report to and assist and working with industrial prospects or 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, TN 38002. able to any cable the city manager in the day to day opera- site selection consultants. Strong verbal EOE or telephone pro- tions of the administrative departments and written communication skills and (purchasing, human resources, fleet main- vider. strong listening skills are required. This WASTEWATER SPECIALIST However, tenance, facilities maintenance, and spe- position also requires the applicant to pos- LAKELAND. The city of Lakeland, lo- Photo By Victoria South cial projects) of the city, will act on behalf sess a B.A. or B.S. degree. The comple- cated in the metropolitan Memphis area, is TML realized that on the city manager in his/her absences the General As- Bill Sponsors Rep. Steve McDaniel and Sen. Bill tion of IEDC (International Economic De- seeking applicants for the position of Ketron support the compromise for the benefit of and serve as one of nine highly motivated velopment Council) basic core curricula Wastewater Specialist. The Wastewater sembly was intent professional leadership team members. or additional economic development re- Specialist will assist in the maintenance, on bringing the the consumers. We expect the successful candidate to lated course-work is preferred. This posi- operations, and/or repair of the recently debate surrounding local franchis- channels; and the preservation of have a Bachelor’s degree in Public or tion requires a person that is highly moti- built wastewater treatment plant and the Business Administration or related field (a ing versus state franchising to an end local revenues have dramatically vated with a high level of integrity. Cur- City’s collection system. The position’s this year. And, therefore, the League improved the bill. Master’s degree is desired) and experience rent priorities of the Southwest Commu- requirements include a high school degree as a city manager or assistant city manager; nity Development Authority include or G.E.D; minimum of two-years related is appreciative of having been af- “Through the efforts of Chair- possess a solid understanding and knowl- building relationships with economic de- experience; the ability to use hand and forded a seat at the table and a voice man Charles Curtiss, Chairman edge in areas of responsibility with a velopment partner organizations, devel- power tools and operate equipment; a in shaping this compromise legisla- Ulysses Jones and the process pro- strong finance and budgeting background; oping strategies to position our region for valid driver’s license and CDL with tanker tion. vided by Speaker Naifeh, the com- be a team player, team builder, excellent future growth, building the skill level of endorsement within time frame deter- communicator, effective decision maker “Cities and counties didn’t get promise provides a fair resolution the workforce, retaining and assisting ex- mined upon entry into the position; me- everything that they wanted,” said that ensures that consumers and and a strategic thinker with an ability to chanical and construction knowledge; the isting industry to expand, and building Chairman Curtiss. “But the main communities are protected,” said effect change. Salary will depend on awareness for economic development ability to respond to emergency call-out on qualifications & experience Resume with within the general public and enhancing a 24/7 basis; and wastewater certification thing they were fighting for was to Margaret Mahery, TML executive a city application should be submitted no tourism opportunities. Salary: DOQ & within two years after entering the posi- make sure that the people back home director. “However, this bill is a later than 5 p.m., April 25, 2008 to the City Exp. plus excellent benefits. Deadline is tion. Salary range is $27,278 to $32,730 were being protected. As legislators, compromise and any comprise is, by of Kingsport, Human Resources Depart- May 1, 2008. negotiable based on experience. We offer that’s our responsibility also.” its very nature, imperfect. Cities won ment, 225 W. Center St., Kingsport, TN excellent salaries and benefits, including 37660. For more information on For local governments and the our share of arguments but we also GENERAL MANAGER insurance (medical, dental, life, short- and citizens they serve, some of the ma- lost some arguments. Left to our Kingsport and to access our application, long-term disability), a retirement plan, LEXINGTON. Lexington Electric System jor changes came in the areas of visit us at www.ci.kingsport.tn.us. EOE is seeking applicants for General Man- paid sick leave and vacation, educational own devices, this is not the bill cities ager. Ideal candidates will have bachelors reimbursement, training opportunities, build-out requirements and con- would have written, but the compro- CITY ADMINISTRATOR and master’s degrees; in engineering, and a merit pay system. For job descrip- sumer protections that will prohibit mise offered represents a victory for BOLIVER. The city is seeking applica- management, administration or related tion and additional information, visit “cherry-picking” or discrimination Tennessee’s consumers. We will tions for the position of City Administra- technical area is required combined with www.lakelandtn.gov or call based on income or race. In addition, continue to work with the General tor. Salary is market competitive and experience in computer, staff develop- 901.867.2717. e-mail resumes and appli- negotiable DOQ. Mayor and 8 member the revisions made in the areas of Assembly to ensure a positive out- ment, finance/budgeting, organizational cations to [email protected]; or customer service protections; local come for all those involved. ” council with 110-115 full-time employ- planning and development. Interested ap- fax, 901.867.2063 or mail to: City of Lake- ees. Strongly prefer degree in public ad- plicants may pick up applications at: Job land, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland,TN control of the public rights of way; For a summary of the proposed ministration and demonstrated success as Service, 67 W Church Street, Lexington, 38002. EOE public, education and government changes, see the chart on Page 7. chief administrative officer in full-service TN 38351.Submit Resumes to: Lexington municipal government. Require mini- Electric System, Attn: Ronnie Davis, P O mum bachelor’s degree in business/public Box 219, Lexington, TN 38351. Applica- administration/political science/closely Rescinded TDOT funds spotlights tions must be received by April 11, 2008. related field. Looking for accomplished, Applicants will be notified of interview assertive, and forward thinking; strong schedule. EOE. emphasis on current knowledge of munici- cap on Tennessee’s toll projects pal finance, economic development, STAFF ENGINEER growth management, and transportation TDOT from Page 1 • The New Tennessee River Bridge, these areas, especially those pro- LAKELAND. The Staff Engineer has a eral funding deficits and predictions north of Chattanooga near Soddy grams which receive a majority of issues; strong interpersonal and communi- key role in assisting and working closely cation skills. Prefer experience managing with a licensed City Engineer in providing of an accumulated shortfall of $2 Daisy, proposed by Rep. Jim funds from the federal government.” in city council/manager form of govern- professional engineering advice and assis- billion by 2015. Cobb; and The Safe, Accountable, Flex- ment; served as city manager of similar tance on matters pertaining to the growth Under current law, TDOT is au- •The New Mississippi River ible, Efficient Transportation Equity size organization, or as deputy director in of Lakeland in the development of com- thorized to pursue only two pilot Bridge, proposed by the Mem- Act, a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA- larger organization. Reports directly to mercial and residential subdivisions; projects, a toll bridge and roadway phis Metropolitan Planning Or- LU) signed into law in 2005 by council and responsible for oversight of implementation of Lakeland’s storm water departments, administration, finance, toll project as a test of the success of ganization. President George W. Bush, autho- phase II program; and the design, con- toll roads in Tennessee, however, planning and community development, struction, and maintenance of its street, House supporters of the compan- rizes the Federal surface transporta- utility, public works, police, fire, parks storm water, and sanitary sewer systems. TDOT spokesperson Julie Oaks ion toll measure said the state tion programs for highways, high- and recreation and library.Equivalent edu- The position is responsible for planning, confirmed in 2007 that several local should consider proposals by way safety, and transit for the five- cational qualifications or experience will reviewing, designing, and inspecting a governments have expressed inter- local governments that are aware year period 2005 to 2009. be considered. For more information, call variety of municipal civil engineering est in toll projects. The three bridge 731-658-2020. Send cover letter, detailed it could take years before their SAFETEA-LU put into place projects of moderate complexity. In per- project proposals by local leaders projects could make TDOT’s pri- the levels of annual federal funds resume and references to City of Bolivar, forming these duties, the Staff Engineer Attn: Mayor Bobby Sain, 211 N. Wash- are: ority list. each state transportation department confers with a wide range of individuals • The Hadley Bend Connector, a ington Street, Bolivar, TN 38008. EOE. and groups including engineers, contrac- “Federal funds support a variety receives. However, in the past sev- Tennessee Drug Free Workplace. tors, developers, and public officials in toll bridge over the Cumberland of programs at TDOT, such as high- eral years authorized funding levels addition to coordinating projects with the River near the Old Hickory Dam way maintenance, bridge repair, have been significantly reduced by DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF City of Lakeland’s staff. Salary Range providing Hendersonville com- road building, and environmental rescissions. JACKSON. Will serve as principal assis- $41,414 to$49,689. The position’s re- muters a quicker alternative route tant to the chief in organizing, directing, programs,” Nicely said. “Continu- quirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in to Nashville proposed by Sen. ing federal shortfalls will force us to supervising, disciplining and coordinat- Civil Engineering and an Engineer-In- ing activities associated with the depart- Diane Black; make difficult decisions in all of Legislators ment, ensuring effective and efficient daily operational practices, firefighting techniques and procedures. Specific job not running duties include: supervising, directing, and evaluating fire prevention officers, train- for election ing officers, and emergency medical ser- vices officer; handle employee concerns ELECTION from Page 1 and problems; direct work; counsel; disci- Riley Darnell. As stipulated in the pline and complete employee performance Tennessee Constitution, the General evaluations; direct personnel, apparatus, Assembly elects all three constitu- equipment and property of the department at emergency scenes, ensuring strict com- tional officers during a joint session pliance with rules and regulations of the of the legislature. The secretary of department, as designated by the fire chief; state is elected every four years, assist the chief in the development, imple- whereas the comptroller and the mentations, and monitoring of operational treasurer are elected every two and administrative procedures and poli- years. cies; assist fire chief with the preparation Rinks’announcement makes and presentation of annual budgetary BankBank ofof AmericaAmerica evaluations and related analysis to appro- the eleventh member in the House priate individuals; review the financial op- opting not run for another term. Two erations of the department and make rec- of the Representatives have their ommendations on annual operating bud- isis proudproud toto supportsupport sights on the Senate. Rep. Doug get and capital improvements. Overbey, R-Maryville, plans to run Associate’s degree in Fire Science pre- against Sen. Raymond Finney. Rep. ferred, with a minimum of three years’ Tennessee Municipal League. Delores Gresham, R-Somerville, is experience as a Captain. Must have State Tennessee Municipal League. of Tennessee or National certification as a running for Sen. Wilder’s open seat. Firefighter II, Fire Instructor, Fire Officer Also noteworthy, three former I and II. Must possess a minimum of legislatures are wagering a come- medical First Responder’s certification back. Former Rep. Jim Vincent, R- from a Department of Public Health. Gen- Soddy-Daisy, plans to run for his old erous benefit package; salary is seat, now held by Rep. Jim Cobb, R- $61,000.00. EOE/M/F/V/D. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Job description Spring City; former Rep. Bob on city web site: www.cityofjackson.net. Patton, Johnson City, who lost in Contact the City of Jackson, Personnel 2004 to Rep. Matthew Hill, R- Department, 127 E. Main Street, Suite Jonesborough, plans to challenge 303, Jackson, TN 38301: phone 731- 425- Hill; and Jerome Cochran, who lost 8252: Fax: 731-425-8673. in 2006 to Kent Williams, plans to challenge Williams for the District 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST HAYWOOD/TIPTON seat in Carter County. The state pri- COUNTY. The Southwest Community mary is scheduled for Aug. 7. Development Authority is seeking appli- Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. House Members Not Running for cants for the position of Economic Devel- Re-Election: opment Specialist to lead the agency. The Rep. William Baird, R-Jacksboro duties of this position include coordinat- Rep. Rob Briley, D-Nashville ing regional efforts to assist with the cre- ation, retention, and expansion of high Rep. Frank Buck, D-Dowelltown quality job opportunities for the people of Rep. Chris Crider, R-Milan southwest Tennessee.The position will be Rep. Delores Gresham, R-Somer- based in Haywood or Tipton Counties. ville Haywood County is located 50 miles north Rep. John Hood, D-Murfreesboro of Memphis on Interstate 40; the county Rep. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville seat is Brownsville. Tipton County is Rep. Phillip Pinion, D- Union City located 25 miles north of Memphis; the county seat is Covington located on High- Rep. Randy Rinks, D-Savannah way 51. A minimum of five years profes- Rep. Gary Rowe, D-Memphis sional work experience in an economic Rep. Parkey Strader, R-Knoxville development environment is required. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Senate: ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. SPN-41-AD Sen. Tommy Kilbey, D-Wartburg Sen. John Wilder, D-Mason 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 www.TML1.org Issue AT&T Bill Negotiated Compromise

Treatment of Incumbent cable providers required to abide by terms and conditions All providers are free to choose either a local franchise or a state franchise. Incumbent of local franchise and could only opt for a state franchise once the local Cable Providers franchise had expired or a competitor offered service within the State holder may define (draw boundaries) its franchise area, which could encompass more than one municipality municipality and/or county.

An incumbent cable provider may elect to terminate its existing local franchise in favor of a state franchise; however, the incumbent is required to honor many of the conditions under the local franchise until the natural expiration of such agreement

If an incumbent is operating under an expired agreement, then the incumbent must continue to abide by the terms of the local agreement, until one of the following occurs: 1. Is granted a state franchise. 2. Negotiates a renewal of a local franchise. If after 180 days, the municipality has not successfully negotiated a renewal, then the municipality may require the incumbent to obtain a state franchise.

Che rry Did not contain a build out requirement If AT&T is going to apply for a state franchise, then it must do so within one year. Picking Build out AT&T and any new entrant to the market must begin to provide service in the state within 24 months of receiving a state franchise

AT&T is required to offer video service to approximately 570,000 households within its existing telephone customer base no later than 4 ½ years following receipt of a state franchise.

Cable would have to offer service to 30% of households, if expanded into an area not currently serving under a local franchise.

Providers can count any customers provided access to the Internet against the build out requirement.

Anti-discrimination Prohibited discrimination but included loopholes that negated affect of Requires at least 25% of households offered service must have an annual household income below $35,000 prohibition.

Rights of Way Preempted or altered existing rights-of- way ordinances. Requires all providers to abide by local rights-of-way ordinances.

Precluded cities from enforcing ROW ordinances Allows local government to enforce its ordinances.

Includes additional protections for private property owners with regards to placement of facilities.

Grants local government authority to regulate the placement of facilities for aesthetic purposes.

Customer Service Provided that the only customer service standards were those Requires providers to comply with federal customer service requirements and allows the state to adopt additional provided in the customers' service agreement. requirements.

Municipalities lacked enforcement authority and could only seek Allows an individual or municipality, on behalf of an individual, to bring complaint to Tennessee Regulatory Authority voluntary resolution of complaint. The only binding avenue to (TRA). recourse was through the courts. TRA reviews complaint and is empowered to levy civil penalties against violating provider and to award service The only option available to the courts was to require the violating credits to customer. provider to cure the problem.

PEG channels Transferred costs currently paid by cable providers to the Costs not currently borne by the municipality will continue to be paid by the provider. municipality. The costs of any equipment and costs associated with the transmission of the PEG signal will be borne by the Provided for additional responsibilities and costs to be borne by the provider. municipality. Provides for the continuation of existing PEG grants until the expiration of the franchise. Did not provide for continued funding or provider capital and operating grants included in existing local franchise agreements. Provides for continued capital and operations funding beyond expiration as well as funding for new channels.

Imposed utilization requirement that would have allowed state holders Imposes more reasonable utilization requirements and allows municipality to cure any deficiency prior to losing use of to terminate any channel currently in existence. the channel.

Eliminated character- generated programming (community bulletin Allows for character-generated programming on one PEG channel per municipality. boards and power point programming). Allows providers to move PEG channels to a tier available to at least 50% of its subscribers within its franchise area Allowed state holders to move PEG channels to a service tier that is incrementally, provided the local franchise agreement does not prohibit such a move. Preserves at least one PEG not available to all subscribers. channel in each municipality on the basic tier that is available to all subscribers.

Required PEG channels to pay costs associated with providing signal A provider may move PEG channels more rapidly than allotted schedule provider makes equipment available to in a format that is compatible with AT&T's technology. subscribers, at a norminal cost, that enables all subsctribers to view PEG channels.

Allowed AT&T to degrade signal quality and functionality. Requires AT&T to pay for encoding equipment necessary to ensure PEG signal is compatible with its technology.

Provides that any provider that degrades or alters PEG signal must provide public notice on Web site, marketing materials and customer contracts.

Franchise Fees AT&T and any other state holder would pay a municipality the same AT&T and any other new market entrant will pay a franchise fee equal to 5% of its gross revenues generated within franchise fee rate paid by the incumbent cable provider operating the municipality. under a local franchise. Incumbent cable provider will pay a municipality a franchise fee as follows: 1. If incumbent cable provider elects to preserve its local franchise, then it will pay the agreed upon rate until such agreement expires. 2. If an incumbent cable provider elects to terminate its local agreement in favor of a state franchise, then A. The city may allow the incumbent to continue to pay the agreed upon rate until the agreement would have expired, provided the incumbent continues to abide by the build out provisions included in the local franchise agreement; or, B. A municipality may, by duly adopted resolution, increase the franchise fee paid by an incumbent cable to 5%; however, the incumbent would be relieved of any build out requirements with respect to future growth in the municipality, under the local franchise agreement.

Once an existing local franchise agreement reaches its expiration date, even if the incumbent has terminated its local franchise in favor of a state franchise, then the incumbent cable provider must pay 5%.

Audits Limited the frequency of municipal audits of franchise fees paid by Allows a municipality to audit franchise fee payments annually. cable/video providers. Each audit may cover the 3 most recent years; however, a municipality may not audit the same records more than Reduced statute of limitations for franchise fee audits. once.

Required municipality to sue provider to resolve disputes regarding Restores statute of limitations regarding municipality's right to pursue a claim for underpayment of franchise fees to 6 fees owed. years.

Prohibited contingency fee audits. Grants authority for municipality to request TRA resolve disputes concerning unpaid fees.

Preserves right to file suit to recover fees owed.

Allows municipalities to contract with the state comptroller's office for audit or to contract with other third-party, but prohibits such contracts from being based on contingency.

Enforcement Provided TRA no enforcement authority; therefore municipalities were Provides TRA the authority to enforce a number of important requirements. Authority at the mercy of the providers. TRA may deny an amendment to an application if the holder has acted in bad faith. Only enforcement occurred through court action and only remedy was cure - no civil penalties. TRA may levy civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation (discrimination against each individual constitutes a separate violation) of the anti- discrimination provision ("low- income" households). TRA had not authority to deny an application for any reason other than its "completeness." TRA may levy civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day per violation not to exceed $2 million for violation of the build out requirement. TRA had not authority to revoke a state franchise. TRA may levy civil penalty of up to $1,000/day per violation, not to exceed $10,000 (counting all subscribers as a single violation) for all other violations.

TRA may revoke a state franchise if the holder has repeatedly and knowingly failed to comply with the anti- discrimination and build-out requirements. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 14, 2008 National Civil Rights Museum keeping the dream alive BY VICTORIA SOUTH board membership that’s 60 percent TML Communications Coordinator African-American and to empha- size educational objectives along It’s been 40 years since the man with more communication between who had a dream large enough to citizens and museum membership. change a nation was cut down by an Complaints include that the assassin’s bullet, yet at the vintage museum’s board of directors fa- motel in Memphis where Dr. Martin vored corporate-linked membership Luther King Jr.’s life abruptly over individuals with civil rights ended, every day is April 4, 1968. movement experience and was unre- Now, the site of the National ceptive to the concerns of the com- Civil Rights Museum, commemora- munity. tive events in Memphis, “The Man, “I’m not discontented,” said The Mission, The Movement,” not state Rep. Barbara Cooper, chair of only drew national attention to the the Black Caucus, after the recent anniversary of King’s death but ig- museum board nominations and se- nited a pilgrimage to the place where lection process. he was mortally wounded by James Cooper helped facilitate the Earl Ray. Lorraine Civil Rights Museum A rainbow of marchers of all Community Oversight Committee, ages, creeds and colors, along with a grassroots group of concerned citi- local and national political leaders zens unaffiliated with the museum, and prominent members of the civil after she became aware of manage- rights movement, converged upon ment concerns. the Lorraine Motel to pay their re- “There is no rotation on and off spects to the slain civil rights leader. the board with fresh board members “The great stain on our dream in with fresh new perspectives; young my lifetime has been racism,” said people,” Cooper added. Gov. Phil Bredesen. “And yet, just Two persons from the Over- Martin Luther King delivers his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the1963 March on Washington. when we seem unable to ever start clearing the stain, along comes a Martin Luther King. Along come all The National Civil Rights Museum presents inter- those who worked with him, along active audiovisual displays, life-sized replicas, and come all those who followed him. And he taught us. And the world actual artifacts that present an emotionally charged changed.” history of the American civil rights movement. Actor Samuel L. Jackson and the Hampton Hotels “Save-A-Land- mark Program” brought more than 100 volunteers together to build, paint, landscape, and clean the mu- seum, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors a year, and where original exhibits such as Rosa Parks’ bus and the historic Woolworth’s lunch counter publically document America’s struggle for civil rights. A current exhibit of artifacts and photos “From Memphis to Atlanta: The Drum Major Returns Home” chronicles the final days and hours leading up to King’s death. A 1968 photograph of a mule-drawn wagon surrounded by thousands of mourn- ers transporting King’s casket to his Standing in front of the former Lorraine Motel, sanitation workers alma mater, Morehouse College, Elmore Nickelberry, 76, center, and his son, Terrence hold a replica of forms the centerpiece of the exhibit, The museum display depicts the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike – the placard used by strikers in Memphis. Photo by Carl Juste/ Miami and reinforces his dedication to the one of the reasons why King was in Memphis. Herald poor of all races. The week before his death, Dr. King was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers striving for equal rights and better pay in what he called, “The Poor People’s campaign,” calling for a bill of rights for poor people that would offer massive government job programs and guaranteed livable wages. Yet, through the years, the Civil Rights Museum has suffered its share of struggles as well. King’s assassination plunged the Lorraine, a small minority-owned business in In 1955, the Montgomery bus boycott began with the act of one the south-end of downtown Mem- woman, Rosa Parks, but it grew into more than that. phis, into a long and steep decline before a group of prominent citi- zens, concerned that the historic site would be destroyed through neglect and indifference, formed the Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation to save the building. After coming up short of the full Actor Samuel L. Jackson paints the railing at the National Civil Rights contract price of $250,000 in their Museum outside the room at the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin earlier fundraising efforts, the Foun- Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Photo by Greg Campbell / AP dation was able to purchase the Lorraine at auction for $144,000 in sight Committee were selected to bers and categories are: State Rep. 1982. With vital support from the help fill the museum’s eight board Johnnie Shaw; Dorothy Crook, city of Memphis, Shelby County, vacancies. AFSCME; Clarence Jones, civil and the state, nearly $9 million was Cooper is currently sponsoring rights historian; Kenya Bradshaw, On Feb. 1, 1960, four North Carolina college students sat down at raised to create and construct the legislation requesting that the mu- civil rights community activist; Pas- a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro. They read books until civil rights center, yet the motel’s seum board report back to the Gen- tor Dwight Montgomery; Dr. Darryl closing time and returned the next day to do the same. Their protest last resident had to be forcibly eral Assembly in 2009 concerning Tukufu, associate professor; Cathy received media attention and sparked sit-ins across the South. evicted in order for the project to compliance of the new general op- Ross, financial officer; and Rev. move ahead. Protesting the decision erations mandates rather than in Gina Stewart. for several years, the resident main- 2012. tained a constant vigil near the mu- “We’re not trying to change the Memphis hosts TML Annual Conference seum. people who have already been In the meantime, public criti- picked for the board,” Cooper said. CONFERENCE from Page 1 will present vendor presentations on Other conference highlights in- cism about the manner in which the “It’s just a matter of monitering American Public Works Associa- Sunday, focussing on topics that clude: a 5K walk / run scheduled for museum is managed and operated progress.” tion (TCAPWA) will present two range from automated utility meter- Sunday morning; a special spouse’s prompted the museum’s owner, the The National Civil Rights workshops – topics to be an- ing services, occupational dog bite program that includes a guest state of Tennessee, to mandate a Museum’s eight new board mem- nounced. safety, and banking/financial ser- speaker, lunch and a trip to Mem- In addition, several exhibitors vices. phis’ Botanic Gardens; the host city reception; the an- If You Go.... nual TML Risk The Lorraine Civil Rights Returns Home” runs through 2008 Annual Conference At-A-Glance Management Foundation held an official Aug. 31 and incorporates the Pool Party; door groundbreaking in 1987 and on Aug. 28 anniversary of King’s “I Saturday, June 21 Legislative Overview 9 am – 5pm MTAS’ EOA prizes; awards; September 28, 1991, the Na- Have a Dream” speech during the 12:30–1:30 pm Lunch in Exhibit Hall plus much more. tional Civil Rights Museum 1963 March on Washington. 3 – 5 pm TML Board Meeting 1:30 – 2 pm Door Prizes Sunday, June 22 Be sure to opened its doors to visitors. The exhibit title is taken from 2:15 – 3:15 pm Concurrent Workshops come early or stay In February 2001, the Mu- a sermon King preached at 6:30 – 9:30 am 5K Walk / Run 5) Open Records 9:30 am Exhibit Hall / Registration after the confer- seum broke ground for an $11 Ebenezer Baptist Church two 6) Leadership Training ence concludes to million expansion project en- months before his assassination. 10 – 10:45 am Vendor Workshop 7) NIMBY opposition 10:45 – Noon Jazz Brunch take in all the dif- titled, Exploring the Legacy “Tell them I was a drum ma- 8) Tree City USA ferent activities which adds 12,800 square feet of jor for peace and a drum major for 12 – 3:30 pm Vendor Workshops 9) Disaster Training 3:30 – 5 pm Opening General Session that Memphis has exhibition space and connects justice,” he said. 3:30 – 4:30 pm Concurrent Workshops to offer.The Civil the main campus of the Museum Other phtotographs at the 6 – 8 pm Host City Reception 10) Public Meetings Monday, June 23 Rights Museum to the Young and Morrow build- exhibit include: 11) Leadership Training featured above is ing and the Main Street Room- • The Memphis garbage work- 7:30 – 8:15 am Continental Breakfast 12) Media Relations 8:30 – 9 am District Meetings not to be missed. ing House where James Earl Ray ers strike; 13) Public Partnerships For more in- allegedly fired the fatal shot re- • King, Hosea Williams, Jesse 9 am Exhibit Hall Opens 6:30 – 11pm Pool Party 9:15 – 11 am Concurrent Workshops formation and to sulting in the death of Dr. Martin Jackson and Ralph Abernathy Tuesday – June 12 register online, Luther King, Jr. on the balcony of the Lorraine 1) Annexations 8 – 10 am Third General Session 2) Small Cities Track go to TML’s web Both buildings were do- Motel where King would lose Awards Breakfast site at www. nated to the Museum by the his life one day later; and 3) Tier 1 Cities • TML Achievement Awards 4) TCAPWA TML1.org. Hyde Family Foundation. • King mortally wounded on the • Spouse of the Year Deadline for ad- The exhibit, “From Mem- balcony with his aides by his 11:15 – 12:30 Second General Session • City Manager Annual Business Meeting vanced registra- phis to Atlanta: The Drum Major side. • Mayor of the Year tion is May 30.