1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 62, Number 6 April 11, 2011 Former Gov. McWherter dies Making sense of the 2010 Census and BY CAROLE GRAVES what it means for state shared revenues TML Communications Director BY KEVIN KRUSHENSKI percent of the total increase in the in population of 95,637 or about 22 Former Tennessee Gov. Ned TML Research Anaylst state’s population over the decade. percent of the total increase in the Ray McWherter died April 4, after a The largest percentage increase state’s municipal population. battle against cancer. He was 80. Every 10 years the U.S. Cen- in municipal population occurred in Oakland and Arlington saw McWherter was elected the sus Bureau determines the popula- Middle Tennessee, 68 percent, fol- the largest percentage increase in 46th governor of Tennessee in 1986 tion of the United States. Nearly lowed by East Tennessee, 17 per- population with growth of 418 and served two terms. everyone understands the impor- cent, and West Tennessee, 15 per- percent and 348 percent, respec- Prior to his election as governor, tance of these numbers as they are cent. tively. There were eight cities or McWherter served 18 years in the used for determining reapportion- The populations of the cities and towns whose population grew by state House of Representatives ment and redistricting at the fed- towns located in the counties imme- more than 140 percent. elected in 1968. A Dreseden resi- eral, state and local levels. How- diately contiguous to Shelby, For population information dent, he ran to represent a rural ever, the census numbers are of Davidson, Knox and Hamilton Coun- concerning any municipality, district in the northwest corner of added importance to cities as the ties grew, on average, at a rate of please refer to the 2010 Census the state. After only two terms, his census numbers are also used to 35percent over the last decade. section on TML’s website colleagues elected him Speaker, determine eligibility for a number of These cities and towns accounted www.TML1.org serving a record seven terms. For federally-funded direct and/or for about 46 percent of the growth in the next 14 years he was the domi- competitive grant programs and by the state’s municipal population or State Shared Revenues nant force in the House. the state to distribute shared rev- about 30.7 percent of the growth in With the release of the 2010 During his tenure at the state Ned McWherter (1930 - 2011) enues that are allocated on a per the state’s population. decennial census and the updated Capitol, he helped pass many pieces capita basis. All told, 228 cities and towns municipal populations, cities and of landmark legislation including the friend to local governments, making The 2010 decennial census experienced an increase of 456,808 towns are wondering how the new 21st Century Schools education re- sure that whenever the state enacted shows that the state’s population in their collective populations, while population figures will affect the form program, now known as the any tax increases that local govern- now numbers slightly more than 119 municipalities collectively lost distribution of state-shared rev- BEP, to more fairly distribute and ments received their share, includ- 6.3 million. This represents an in- 16,043 in population. enues and when cities can expect increase school funding across the ing a portion of a gas tax increase in crease in the state’s population of Nashville realized the largest in- to see this change reflected in the state. He replaced Medicaid with 1986 and a sales tax increase in 656,822, or 11.5 percent, over the crease in actual population; increas- distributions received from the TennCare, a pioneering program and 1993. last 10 years. The census also ing by 55,698. Nashville was fol- state? regarded as a national model for After leaving the governor's shows that the population of the lowed by Murfreesboro, which real- State shared revenues are expanding health insurance to the office in 1995, he remained in poli- state’s cities and towns increase by ized an increase of 39,939. Together, funds collected by the state, dis- poor. He helped pass a comprehen- tics working as an unofficial adviser 440,765; accounting for about 67 these two cities realized an increase See CENSUS on Page 6 sive road program, launching an ag- to former President Bill Clinton, gressive plan of constructing four- whose friendship was forged when lane highways to every county seat. Clinton was governor of Arkansas. He also ushered in a $300 million He often campaigned for Demo- Agenda for higher education linked corrections program that included cratic candidates, including future construction of prisons across the Gov. Phil Bredesen, Vice President state. Al Gore during his 2000 bid for to state’s economic development He has been described as an president, and his son Mike during “Old South” politician, a quintessen- his own run for governor in 2010. BY CAROLE GRAVES tial good ole boy who was known for Aside from his son, McWherter his plain talk and forever “easing is survived by his daughter-in-law Calling it a landmark opportu- along.” He has been lauded for his Mary Jane; two grandchildren; a nity for education in Tennessee, Dr. bipartisan approach and his master- stepdaughter; and two step grand- Richard Rhoda, executive director ful consensus building. children. of the Tennessee Higher Education He was considered to be a true See MCWHERTER on Page 5 Commission (THEC), recently briefed city officials on the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010. His remarks came during the TML Legislative Conference held in March – a little more than a year from when the Act was first en- acted. He said that over the last 12 months THEC, the University of Tennessee (UT), and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) have com- pleted the planning stage and are well 2011 TML Annual Conference fast into the implementation stage now. “The Complete College Tennes- approaching; make plans to attend! see Act is unique, not just for Ten- nessee but on the national scale. No The TML Annual Conference is other state has enacted higher edu- fast approaching and city officials in cation reform legislation of this mag- Murfreesboro and members of the nitude, at least within the last number TML staff are working hard to make of decades,” he said. sure the 2011 Annual Conference is At the center of these reforms is another memorable event. the need for more Tennesseans to be Photo by Victoria South Scheduled for June 11 - 14 at the better educated and trained, while Dr. Richard Rhoda, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Edu- Murfreesboro Conference Center, also acknowledging the state's di- cation Commission, recently briefed city officials on the Complete the conference will feature dynamic minished fiscal capacity to support College Tennessee Act of 2010. speakers and informative work- higher education. One of the key shops. components of the act is a new creased 25 percent over the last missions at a community college and With a theme of Rising to the funding formula that rewards three years, and the likelihood of university simultaneously, and elimi- Challenge, many of the conference schools for their graduation rates. increased support of any signifi- nation of remedial and developmen- workshops and speakers will focus “It dictates development of new cance in the near future is remote.” tal courses at universities. on helping community leaders plan higher education funding formula The Act, initiated by the “It speaks to reorienting the for the difficult challenges ahead. that is driven by concrete outcomes Bredesen administration during the community colleges more as a uni- Dr. Scott Paine, professor of and replaces the formula that was 2010 special session on education fied system,” said Rhoda. government affairs at the University Scott Paine largely enrollment driven,” he ex- reforms, was also designed to en- The Act also calls for enhancing of Tampa, will lead a two-part work- plained. “The outcomes include hance cooperation between colleges the research function of UT Knox- shop on public leadership entitled number of graduates, research and universities in the Tennessee ville, largely by strengthening its re- Rethinking Leadership; Reclaiming funding, and graduation rates at the Board of Regents and University of lationship with the Oak Ridge Na- Public Trust. Scheduled for Mon- universities, and student Tennessee systems. It contains a set tional Lab, and with the Memphis day, June 13, the workshop will remediation, job placements, stu- of measures to improve student suc- Research Consortium - - a collabo- examine a wide-range of political, dent transfers, and associate de- cess, including: common courses ration of the University of Memphis, social, and technological changes grees at the community colleges. and course numbering among insti- UT Health Science Center, and St. that have taken place in the last half- “State support for higher educa- tutions to ease the transfer of stu- Jude Hospital. century that have altered the stage on tion has been reduced dramatically dents, clearly identified curriculum Rhoda said that by improving which contemporary public leader- as a result of the recession,” Rhoda designed to transfer from commu- the educational attainment levels of ship must be enacted. He paints a continued. “Appropriations have de- nity colleges to universities, dual ad- See EDUCATION on Page 9 compelling picture of a political world that now challenges the tal- ents of the most skilled leaders. By EPA conducts Phase II stormwater survey following some of his recommenda- tions, community leaders can help BY JOHN CHLARSON diction, while still having access to erators by providing one set of restore the public confidence and MTAS Public Works Consultant enforcement support from TDEC. requirements to follow; and trust necessary for a thriving Ameri- The EPA is committed to ex- • ultimately, the improvement of can democracy in the 21st Century. MTAS has been working with panding the use of the QLP option. water quality protection due to Also on Monday, Dr. Brian Brian Polansky the Tennessee Stormwater Associa- Voluntary participation anywhere in increased program efficiency. Polansky will offer a workshop on tion, the Tennessee Department of the U.S. is lacking. Participation in developing trust and collaboration; leadership and communications en- Environment and Conservation the QLP option is mandatory in some If these surveys show that the and provide tools to effectively mo- titled What Great Leaders Say. (TDEC) and the U.S. Environmental states. outreach program in Tennessee is Polansky believes that the pressure tivate commitment and cooperation Protection Agency (EPA) on a sur- EPA and TDEC are trying, effective, the EPA plans to use Ten- on municipal leaders to communi- in others. vey of the NPDES Phase II through an outreach with MTAS, to nessee as a national model. The pro- cate with their constituencies has Other workshop topics will in- Stormwater Permit holders in Ten- find incentives and rewards for par- gram materials that TDEC and never been greater or more challeng- clude Retail Retention & Economic nessee to determine a baseline of ticipating in the QLP option. An ef- MTAS develop will be used by the Development, Entrepreneurship for ing. Financial shortfalls, combined attitudes toward those systems par- fective QLP is expected to offer EPA to assist other states with devel- Rural Communities, Civility in Gov- with an increasingly critical public ticipating in the qualified local pro- multiple benefits including: oping and implementing the QLP and media, require leaders to have a ernment, Employee Benefits & gram option (QLP). • the creation of a streamlined and option in their states, utlimately im- strong understanding and command Public Pensions, Fuel Stabilization , The survey will be repeated over more efficient process for man- proving water quality across the of communications skills. Partici- Sign Reflectivity Regulations, and a three-year period, a total of three aging construction stormwater United States. pants will learn specific techniques City Best Practices. times, to determine if there has been activities by eliminating duplica- For more information on the New this year are several added that enhance their leadership abilities a change in opinions toward the QLP tion of the effort between MS4s QLP option, contact Chlarson at networking opportunities including and personal effectiveness; identify option. An MS4 that is a QLP will and TDEC; [email protected] or the critical verbal skills of leading a special fun-filled evening on Sat- have sole jurisdiction over construc- • the lessening of confusion and (731) 425-4785. others; present proven strategies for See CONFERENCE on Page 3 tion permits and activities in its juris- burden on construction site op- 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL, 11, 2011 www.TML1.org

BY TML STAFF REPORTS tions to its current corporate pres- KINGSPORT ence. Mars spokespersons said An Irish company is negotiating with BRENTWOOD those new operations are to be part local economic development leaders Williamson County has been named of the company’s expanded cam- to bring a new plant and up to 450 the healthiest county in Tennessee pus. Mars Petcare, the parent com- jobs to the area. The company has by a new annual study. The County pany of brands like Pedigree and signed a memorandum of under- Health Rankings report, issued by Whiskas, currently occupies about standing (MOU) to bring a new The University of Wisconsin Popu- 142,000 square feet in two Franklin manufacturing operation to the lation Health Institute and the Robert locations. former Magneti Marelli building near Wood Johnson Foundation, ranks Tri-Cities Regional Airport. If all counties using factors ranging from JACKSON goes as planned, 90 percent of the length of life to clinical care and Tennessee Mental Health Commis- company’s production work in socioeconomic factors. sioner Douglas Varney says Jackson Kingsport will be auto related in the is leading the way in mental health first year. The company supplies CHATTANOOGA and substance abuse prevention ef- parts for various automakers, in- Chattanooga has installed its first forts. Varney toured the Criminal cluding BMW and Volkswagen. It After decades of lying empty, Jonesborough’s Chester Inn will be public charging station for electric Justice Complex and Madison also manufactures small wind tur- brought back to life as a museum helping to tell the history of vehicles. The station at the down- County Jail to view some of the bines, a growing green energy tech- Tennessee’s oldest town. The museum will serve as an extension of town Doubletree Hotel was unveiled issues local authorities have to deal nology. the histories told in the Jonesborough/Washington County History recently. Use of the station is free with in the courts and jails. Local Museum, located in the Visitors Center. and provides electric vehicles a officials said Jackson’s Mental LA VERGNE nearly full charge in four to six Health Court helps keep the mentally Borders has reversed a decision to cility will be renamed Blues City NASHVIlLLE hours. Such stations are going up in ill out of jail and on the proper medi- close its distribution center in Brewery. The Metro Transit Authority is 18 cities and major metropolitan ar- cation. The area also has placed LaVergne, sparing about 300 jobs. launching an on-demand bus service eas in six states and the District of more efforts on getting officers to In January — one month before the MURFREESBORO in the Antioch area, a suburb of Columbia. The national EVProject complete Crisis Intervention Team struggling Michigan-based book- CNN recently aired “Unwelcome: Nashville. The new bus link service will eventually place 100 public units training. seller filed for Chapter 11 bank- The Muslims Next Door,” a one- allows customers to dial a phone in Chattanooga plus about another ruptcy protection — Borders an- hour documentary about the debate number and schedule a pick-up. 100 residential units. The project is JACKSON nounced it would close the location inside and outside the courtroom funded by the U.S. Department of Diamond Foods Inc. has signed an later this summer. Employees were both for and against plans by local PIGEON FORGE Energy through a federal stimulus agreement to take over Procter & informed that the center will instead Muslims to build a mosque and com- Leaders and residents in Pigeon grant of $114.8 million. Gamble Co.’s Pringles business, stay open for the foreseeable future. munity center just south of the city Forge celebrated the city’s 50th an- which includes a factory in Jackson. limits. “We focused on both sides,” niversary recently with featured DYERSBURG Proctor & Gamble has said the plant MEMPHIS said CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, who speaker, former Pigeon Forge city The Water/Sewer Department has is not shutting down and the employ- Major reductions in regional and traveled to Murfreesboro to con- attorney and now Justice of the Ten- found a way to control spending by ees will be offered jobs by Diamond. connecting flights by Delta Air Lines duct interviews as anchor for the “In nessee Supreme Court Gary R. recycling. Employees are returning Inc. at Memphis International Air- America” documentary series. The Wade. The city, incorporated in good used parts and placing them in JONESBOROUGH port will be a hard hit on an airport Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s 1961, has grown to a tourist destina- the department’s inventory. On in- After decades, Jonesborough’s de- known for its regional routes. Citing plans to build the mosque has drawn tion with more than 10 million annual clement days the sandblasting ma- serted Chester Inn will soon be increased fuel costs, Delta dropped debate from multiple sides since site visitors. “Our sister cities planned to chine is used to blast and refurbish brought back to life as a museum 2 percent of its worldwide capacity, plans for the 53,000-square-foot build an airport through the middle of the parts. First, they are cleaned telling the history of Tennessee’s cutting the capacity of its flights at community center were approved Pigeon Forge,” said Veta King, city manually of dirt and debris and then oldest town. The Heritage Alliance Memphis International, a number by the Rutherford County Regional historian. To fight that plan, Pigeon put in the sandblaster to remove and the Tennessee Historic Com- based on the number of seats, by 8- Planning Commission in May 2010. Forge decided to incorporate. corrosion. The city saved $4,859.37 mission have been working together 10 percent. This translates to a 20 in replacement value on parts that for several years to get the museum percent reduction in flight activity at were put back in stock during the up and running. While the exhibits the airport. MTAS Consultant named demolishment of an unused apart- haven’t been finalized, the museum ment building. Also, scrap cast iron will include the story of William MEMPHIS Assistant Commissioner and brass parts were sold to a local Chester, who built the once re- A Wisconsin brewing company auto parts and metals dealer for a nowned inn; two of the city’s educa- plans to buy a tornado-stricken bot- Commerce and Insurance total of $2,612.11 tional anchors — the Graded School tling plant in Memphis, a $41 million Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak and the Warner Institute; the town’s venture that will employ 500 people. has appointed Gary West as assis- FRANKLIN transportation and architectural his- City Brewing Co. plans to purchase tant commissioner of fire prevention Franklin-based Mars Petcare is plan- tory and much more. Because space the Hardy Bottling facility for $30 for the state of Tennessee. ning for a new 500,000-square-foot is limited, the museum will rely million and will invest another $11 West has served as a fire man- campus in Williamson County’s heavily on photographs to tell the million to update the plant and restart agement consultant for the UT Mu- Thompson’s Station. The campus story of the town’s past. The largest beer production. The company nicipal Technical Advisory Service would include five buildings on more photographic display will actually be hopes to begin beer production at the (MTAS) since 2005. He is certified than 54 acres located south of State outside the museum for those walk- Memphis facility in July, if all the in more than a dozen specialty areas Route 840 on Columbia Pike. Re- ing or driving past. The new mu- proper licenses are approved. As a ranging from code analyst to zoning ports in October said that the pri- seum will be an extension of the contract beverage producer, City inspector. vately held company was pursuing a histories told in the Jonesborough/ Brewing makes and packages beer, As the assistant commissioner, he will oversee the Division of Fire major expansion that would add Washington County History Mu- tea and energy drinks for large bev- Gary West manufacturing and research func- seum, located in the Visitors Center. erage companies. The Memphis fa- Prevention, which includes the state's building and safety codes enforcement operations, arson and Among many important explosives investigations, and train- projects at MTAS, West spear- ing for volunteer and career headed a fire mortality project with firefighters and codes officials Dr. David H. Folz, UT professor of through the state's new Fire Service political science. “His keen interest and Codes Enforcement Academy. in and passion for advancing fire “Gary West has been a great protection with the aim of reducing BY TML STAFF REPORTS Cook was the longtime Anderson water Manager (CSM) designation consultant for MTAS and for the fire fatalities and injuries in Tennes- County budget director, serving from the American Public Works cities and towns of Tennessee, and see proved to be contagious,” said Clinton’s long- from 1999 to 2008, and is currently Association. The CSM is intended I’ve been very impressed with his Folz. time parks and employed by the University of for experts in the public and private hard work, his professionalism and Prior to his work with MTAS, recreation depart- Tennessee’s Municipal Technical sectors who coordinate and imple- his leadership,” said MTAS Execu- he served as the city of Gatlinburg’s ment head now Advisory Service (MTAS) as a fi- ment storm-water management pro- tive Director Steve Thompson. fire chief. has a second, full- nance and accounting consultant. grams for city, county, state, pro- time job - city vincial and federal agencies. These Knoxville bids adieu to Chief Sterling Owen manager. Roger Retired Dyersburg Police Chief individuals assist in administering Houck, 46, will Bobby Williamson has been ap- drainage, flood control and water Gov. Bill Haslam made a special stop in serve as city man- pointed by Gov. Haslam to the Peace quality programs. Knoxville to join others in wishing his friend ager and director Houck Officers Standards and Training and colleague Chief Sterling Owen a happy of parks and recreation. Houck has (POST) Commission. The POST East Tennessee State retirement. Owen, who retired March 26, was been a city employee for 24 years Commission sets standards, qualifi- University President appointed as chief of police during Haslam’s and was named parks and recreation cations and training for police offic- Paul Stanton Jr. term as Knoxville’s mayor. The city director on Jan. 1, 1990. ers and departments throughout the plans to retire next held Owen’s retirement party at the Knoxville state of Tennessee. The commission year on Jan. 14, 2012, Civic Coliseum where hundreds showed up for meets monthly at the Law Enforce- the 15-year anniver- Stanton the celebration. Gail Cook has ment Training Academy in sary of his becoming ETSU presi- A former FBI agent, Owen moved to been hired as Donelson, Tenn. dent. Upon the approval of the Ten- Knoxville in 1981 to investigate the Butcher Clinton’s new fi- nessee Board of Regents, he hopes bank fraud cases. He has been chief of the 558- nance director. Jason R. Scott, engi- to be named president emeritus and member Knoxville Police Department since She replaces neering technician and perhaps assume a fundraising role at September 2004. James Cotton, Stormwater Matters the university. When he retires next Before that, Owen served as the first chair- Knoxville Police Chief Jr., who had program coordinator year, Stanton will have spent 27 man of the city’s Police Advisory and Review Sterling Owen accepts been serving as for the Town of years at ETSU, as a faculty member, Committee when it was created in 1998. Chief Cook 2010 TML Achievement the interim fi- Farragut, has earned department chair, dean, vice presi- Owen’s successor will be Chief Deputy David Award for Excellence in nance director since October 2010. the Certified Storm- Scott dent and then president. Rousch. Police Services.

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Email: [email protected] 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 www.TML1.org Charleston officials bid new industries welcome

BY VICTORIA SOUTH Hiwassee River TML Communications Coordinator from Charles- ton, and now one It’s not every day that a tiny of the largest community in Tennessee becomes newsprint mills the manufacturing envy of the na- in North tion, but big dreams are coming true America, pro- for Charleston, where the city, ducing 750,000 along with Cleveland and Bradley metric tons of County, is welcoming a string of newsprint and celebrity industries like specialty paper Amazon.com, GE, Olin, Whirlpool per year. and Wacker Chemie as neighbors. Adjacent to Charleston Mayor Walter Goode the Wacker site, said he’s excited to extend all of the a new Olin Cor- Photo by Victoria South incoming industries a heartfelt wel- poration factory come from the community. will act as a sup- First Lady helps plant Pinwheels for Officials broke ground April 8 at the 550-acre site “I am so happy they are coming plier of chlorine that will become the new Wacker Chemie AG plant, here. This is the best thing since to Wacker as Prevention Garden at State Capitol near Hiwassee Industrial Park, adjacent to Olin Bowater in 1954,” said Goode, fol- well as to other First Lady Crissy Haslam joined Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee in the Chemical in Charleston. Wacker Chemie is the lowing the April 8 ground breaking major customers planting of a pinwheel garden at the Capitol to help launch Child Abuse second-largest producer of hyperpure polysilicon in celebration of Wacker Chemical throughout the Prevention Month. Pinwheels have become a focal point of the annual the world. awareness campaign, which is held in April of each year.“This is a Corp., the second-largest producer region. The great opportunity to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, of hyperpure polysilicon in the Charleston plant recently invested Hamilton County, Amazon.com is and create strong communities to support children and families,” Mrs. world. The Munich company is $160 million in new technology to planning to invest $49 million in a Haslam said. “The pinwheel is reflective of the bright futures all building a $1 billion polysilicon pro- expand the production of potassium one-million square foot distribution children deserve.” In addition to the blue pinwheel garden, the capitol duction facility at Charleston’s hydroxide, while ending their use of center on a parcel of land that sits on will be lit with blue lights in observance of child abuse prevention, Hiwassee Industrial Park in north- mercury cell technology in 2012. I-75 at the Charleston Exit, adjacent representing the 95,000 infants to be born in Tennessee this year. ern Bradley County, its first solar Similar in size to its planned one- to an existing distribution center op- “Looking forward,” Mrs. Haslam said to attendees and prevention cell plant outside Germany. million square foot distribution/ful- erated by none other than General partners at the capitol, “the pinwheels will also represent the children Bowater, Inc., now called fillment center, to be built on Electric. whose lives are made better because of the mission that gathered us AbitibiBowater, is a pulp and paper Volkswagen Drive, in the Enterprise Amazon.com projects full-time all here.” giant in Calhoun just across the South Industrial park in nearby employment of approximately 226 people to work with larger products and the possibility of an additional KaBOOM! to offer $2.1 million grants to municipalties 600 to 800 seasonal jobs. Just recently, Whirlpool Corp. BY NLC STAFF quantity of playspaces by develop- sealed its decision to remain in ing joint-use agreements with local Cleveland permanently with a new In an effort to combat the Play school districts to open school rec- $120 million, 1.4 million square-foot Deficit among children, KaBOOM! reation facilities to the public during manufacturing facility and distribu- and Dr Pepper Snapple group will non-school hours. tion center. The plant celebrated its award 103 grants totaling $2.1 mil- Upon becoming a Playful City groundbreaking on Veteran’s Day. lion during the next three years as USA community, Dothan, Ala., The facility will add about 130 new part of the Playful City USA pro- committed to using a community- jobs to it existing workforce of gram. The Playful City USA grants build process for the construction of 1,500. are part of Let’s Play — a commu- all future parks and playgrounds in Global industry and economic nity partnership led by Dr Pepper the city. The community-build pro- possibilities could be a lot to digest Snapple Group to get kids active cess engages citizens and organiza- for a small city that registered nationwide. tions, while relying on volunteers for around 630 population in the 2000 According to the Centers for construction, which significantly census. But Police Chief Hank Disease Control and Prevention, lowers the cost of building play- Hayden sums Charleston’s success only one in five American children grounds. up to being neighborly. “I saw about lives within walking distance of a St. Petersburg and Tucson 10 cars and a group of people at the park or playground, resulting in a were among the 12 communities firehall one weekend. I approached play deficit among children. This featured in Play Matters, a and it was Wacker officials just play deficit is having disastrous con- KaBOOM! report designed to help looking around and taking pictures,” sequences for kids physically, as cities build awareness and political he said “They shook my hand and I well as mentally and socially. Chil- capital while developing a policy on This year KaBOOM! and its partners will help 200 deserving commu- was tickled to death to meet them!” dren desperately need a place to play play. The complete report is avail- nities to fund & build playgrounds. Pictured above is Anderson Park in every day in order to be active and able for free at www.kaboom.org/ Bristol, Tn., built last year. healthy. playmatters. KaBOOM created the Playful The new Playful City USA These communities are making a TML Annual Conference June 11-14 City USA program in 2007 to help grants will go toward supporting commitment to play and physical CONFERENCE from Page 1 local governments ensure their chil- two of these best practices commu- activity by developing unique local SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE dren have the time and space they nities across the country. action plans to increase the quantity urday night to welcome you to the conference. Scheduled SATURDAY, JUNE 11 need to play and to be active and A total of 103 grants worth $2.1 and quality of play in their commu- 7 - 10 pm Murfree Carlo Night healthy. The program rewards cities million are available to Playful City nity. In doing so, some of the most from 7 to 10 p.m. at the USA recognized cities and towns innovative ideas and cost-effective Embassy Suites, the Murfree and towns that make play a priority SUNDAY, JUNE 12 and use innovative initiatives to get between 2011-13. Grants range in programs are being developed in Carlo Night will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of 9 am -5 pm Exhibit Hall / Registration children playing outdoors more. values of $30,000, $20,000 and Playful City USA communities — 11-11:45 am Vendor Workshop 1 “Cities receiving Playful City $15,000 and will be awarded to ex- proving that parks and play are more Middle Tennessee and will feature games, refresh- 12 noon Lunch USA recognition have always en- isting Playful City USA communities important than ever. 1 -1:45 pm Vendor Workshop 2 joyed the benefits of identifying and as well as communities receiving Communities wishing to receive ments, and both a silent and live auction. On Sunday, the 2 - 2:45 pm District Meetings sharing best practices, inclusion in Playful City USA recognition for the grants and apply for Playful City 3 - 4:15 pm Opening Session the national discussion about the im- first time. USA status must meet five core city of Mur-freesboro is hosting a golf tournament at 4:30 - 5:30 pm Concurrent Workshops portance of play and local praise for The $30,000 and $15,000 commitments of the program: 6:30 -8:30 pm Host City Reception their dedication to children,” said grants are available for projects re- • Create a local play commission the Old Fort Golf Course. lating to joint-use agreements and task force The tournament will include KaBOOM! CEO and co-founder MONDAY, JUNE 13 Darell Hammond. “In these difficult the $20,000 grants will be awarded • Design an annual action plan for 18-holes of golf, prizes, re- freshments and more. 9 - 11:15 am Mobile Workshop: economic times, KaBOOM! is to cities using the community play- play Murfreesboro thrilled to offer grants to Playful City ground build process. Cities also are • Conduct a playspace audit of all The conference will kick off Sunday, June 12, with Public Works Facility USA communities to help them cre- eligible to receive multiple grants publicly accessible play areas 9 -10 am Concurrent Workshops ate even more play opportunities for during the three-year period. Dr • Identify current spending on capi- registration, vendor presen- tations, district meetings, 10:15 -11:15 am Concurrent Workshops their children and help KaBOOM! Pepper Snapple Group, a member of tal projects and maintenance of 11:30 - 12:15 am Annual Business Meeting save play.” the leadership circle within the playspaces and the opening general ses- sion followed by the host city 12:30 - 2 pm Lunch Despite budget deficits, Playful KaBOOM! National Partner Pro- • Proclaim and celebrate an annual 2:15 - 3:15 pm Concurrent Workshops City USA communities continue to gram, is providing the funding for “KaBOOM! Play Day” reception. An awards break- fast on Tuesday will con- 3:30 - 4:30 pm Concurrent Workshops dramatically increase play opportu- the grants. Details: Cities and towns can apply 6:30 - 11pm Pool Party nities for children, using innovative In 2010, 118 communities in 36 to become a Playful City USA com- clude the conference. best practices. different states earned Playful City munity by completing the applica- To register, go to TML’s website to download a regis- TUESDAY, JUNE 14 Cities including Orlando, St. Pe- USA recognition, ranging in size tion available at www.kaboom.org/ 8 – 10 am Annual Awards Breakfast tersburg, Fla., and Tucson, Ariz., from Atlanta and San Francisco to playfulcityusa. The application tration form, www.TML1. have significantly increased the Shirley, Mass., and Ottawa, Kan. deadline is June 1. org. Good Risk Management is just Good Management

Municipal parks and playgrounds can contribute to a community’s overall quality of life. But they can also pose some safety hazards. Each year, emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and under for playground-related injuries.

Through a comprehensive training program offered by the TML Risk Management Pool, city leaders are taught hazard identifica- tion and risk management methods.

5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 Your Partner in Risk Management since 1979. BY TML STAFF REPORTS proof we need to intensify our ef- Tenure bill approved forts to educate the public about The state legislature has approved Unemployment benefits ending taking unnecessary risks at railroad Gov. Haslam’s plans to rewrite Some 28,000 Tennesseans will lose crossings.” TDOT said the average Tennessee’s teacher tenure laws, their unemployment benefits of train weighs 12 million pounds. And handing the governor his first vic- $275 per week earlier than they that’s something to keep in mind tory on his education reforms. The thought because the state no longer before trying to beat the train. state House voted 65-32 to approve qualifies for federal stimulus funds Haslam’s proposal to lengthen the TDOT’s new safety campaign aims to keep drivers and others safe at designed to help the long-term un- TN ranks laziest of states waiting period for teacher tenure by railroad crossings. In the last two years, there have been 95 vehicle- employed make ends meet. The ex- The South is home to eight of the 10 two years and to create a procedure train collisions in Tennessee, killing 5 people and injuring 26 others. tra benefits will be cut off as of April “laziest” states in the U.S., with Ten- for taking away tenure from low- 16. At issue is 20 weeks of extended nessee being the laziest of all, ac- performing teachers. The vote federal benefits that had been made cording to a new list published by comes as Haslam’s other main pro- $200 million electric car charging ages in medical malpractice cases. available since June 2009 to Tennes- online news site MainStreet.com. posal — to lift the state’s cap on the station network; and various solar seans without work for long peri- The list was compiled from a report number of charter schools — is generation and research initiatives. TN ranks 8th in bridge mainte- ods, as well as to thousands of done by the Centers for Disease advancing through the legislature. Two years ago, another state report nance others in the same leaky boat in other Control and Prevention that lists “be- forecast that 40,000 jobs could be Federal data from Transportation high unemployment states. But be- havioral indicators” relating to fit- Mass layoffs headed downward created from $1.9 billion being in- for America shows that Tennessee cause Tennessee’s unemployment ness. The indicators range from how Mass layoffs in Tennessee reversed vested in energy efficiency and re- ranks eighth best in maintaining its rate has stabilized — several coun- often residents exercise to the num- course and headed back down in newable energy. Those funds in- bridges. The organization said Ten- ties have seen their rates improve by ber of parks and playgrounds located February after a one-month uptick, cluded federal stimulus money for nessee has a “fix-it-first” commit- a percentage point or more in the in a particular area. The most impor- according to a report issued by the such things as weatherizing homes ment to ensure that existing bridges past 12 months — the extra weeks tant statistic on the list is the “propor- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. and making public housing more are maintained before new ones are of jobless pay are about to go up in tion of adults who achieve at least Tennessee experienced 11 mass lay- energy efficient. built. The report cites TDOT’s ag- smoke. 150 minutes a week of rigorous offs, defined as a layoff of 50 or gressive program for identifying physical activity.” Tennessee topped more employees by a single com- Citizens favor malpractice caps problems in bridges before those State receives $8.3M for GM MainStreet’s list with the lowest per- pany, in February. That compares to More than 60 percent of Tennesse- maintenance problems become seri- Tennessee has received a federal centage of adults, 51.8 percent, re- 26 in January, 19 in December and ans support caps on malpractice ous. However, many bridges in the award of $8.3 million to assist Gen- porting that they exercise at least two 15 in February 2010. For the month, lawsuits, according to a new poll. state are rapidly nearing the end of eral Motors workers affected by and a half hours per week. 632 people made initial claims for The survey, conducted by Catalyst their design life. layoffs in the automotive industry. unemployment insurance, com- Healthcare Research and commis- The award from the U.S. Depart- TN income grows 3.8 percent pared with 2,143 in the prior month sioned by the Tennessee Medical Proposal zaps overgrown lawns ment of Labor will help former GM Tennessee’s income grew 3.8 per- and 1,033 a year ago. In February, Association, found that 61 percent Thousands of property owners employees in Spring Hill and these cent from 2009 to 2010, according U.S. employers initiated 1,024 mass of respondents said they favor a bill across the state allow their yards and supplier companies: Johnson Con- to the U.S. Bureau of Economic layoff actions involving 85,585 to cap jury awards for non-eco- lawns to run wild, growing high trols, MAPA Spontex, Penske Lo- Analysis. The national average was 3 workers, seasonally adjusted. That nomic damages. For those 65 and grass and weeds that become neigh- gistics and Premier Manufacturing percent growth in personal income. was down from 1,183 mass layoffs older, that support rises to 72 per- borhood eyesores and sometimes Services. Gov. Bill Haslam said the However, wages remain below pre- in February 2010. Manufacturing cent – the highest percentage among threats to public health. Govern- goal of the grant is to provide work- recession peaks in most job catego- accounted for 22 percent of all mass all age groups. The survey polled ments struggle to collect liens as- ers with the necessary training to get ries. State personal income estimates layoffs events nationally, down 600 people. “This survey is a fair sessed against such properties. new jobs. include three major components - from 24 percent a year. snapshot of adults in our state and it Other kinds of liens often take prece- earnings, property income and per- shows most of our citizens under- dence, and city officials have to wait TDOT railroad safety campaign sonal current transfer receipts. All Ticks pose health concern stand how high jury awards – or the for a house to be sold before they can TDOT is launching a new safety three components rose nationally Tick-related illnesses have more threat of them – affect rising health collect the money they’ve assessed campaign aimed at keeping drivers and in Tennessee last year. “In 2009 than doubled in Tennessee since care costs and their access to their against the owner. Legislation intro- and others safe at railroad crossings. only transfers grew as lower em- 2005. There were almost 400 cases doctor,” said TMA President-elect duced by Rep. Janis Sontany and From now until 2013, 16 billboards ployment reduced earnings and last year, most of them Rocky Dr. Michael Minch. Currently, the Sen. Joe Haynes would give liens for and 94 large digital posters will be lower interest rates and profits re- Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are legislature is pondering the Tennes- overgrown properties a priority over displayed across the state near rail- duced property income (dividends, raising new concerns as new types see Civil Justice Act of 2011, which everything but property taxes, and road crossings with a lot of traffic. interest, and rent).” of ticks and new tick-borne infec- would make a number of changes to they would be due at the same time In the last two years, there have been tions are emerging. Ticks that were the state’s tort laws, including a as those taxes, ensuring that cities 95 vehicle-train collisions in Tennes- 2,200 inmates could be released previously rare in Tennessee, such $750,000 limit on jury awards dam- could collect them annually. see, killing 5 people and injuring 26 Roughly 2,200 inmates across Ten- as Gulf Coast and deer ticks have others. One person has died in a nessee could be eligible for release now been found to be much more collision with a train this year. earlier than expected. The state De- widespread, possibly because of cli- Making Great Cities Even Better TDOT said nearly two-thirds of all partment of Corrections is offering a mate change. Both are associated collisions occur during daylight 60-day sentence credit to some in- with tick-borne infections. Ticks hours. According to TDOT Com- mates through a program that’s in- typically get active as soon as the missioner John Schroer, “More than tended to relieve overcrowding and weather becomes warm in the 700 fatalities occurred in the U.S. help save the state about $6 million. spring. Infection reports peak in last year as a result of vehicle-train But crime survivors worry society June and July, but some are getting collisions….Those statistics are will ultimately pay the price. tick bites already, possibly as subur- ban growth pushes into tick habitats. Treatment is most successful within five days of symptoms. That’s why anyone who feels ill and has been around ticks needs to go to a physi- cian and start treatment, even before blood tests show an infection. BY TML STAFF REPORTS additional seven district offices will not affect customer service, mail delivery, operations or ZIP codes. Report gauges “green jobs” wave The U.S. Postal Service will elimi- The extent to which green jobs can nate 7,500 administrative jobs Farmers in states from Florida to help restructure Tennessee’s and offer voluntary early retire- Indiana are pressuring—and in economy will be addressed in a state ment to employees with 20 years some cases persuading—state report “Growing Green: The Poten- or more of service. The announce- politicians to rethink proposed tial for Green Job Growth in Tennes- ment follows a decision made in legislation that would authorize see” being released in two months January to eliminate the Southeast crackdowns on illegal immigra- identifying the number of green jobs Area Office of the U.S. Postal Ser- tion. They argue that the legislation that already have been created and vice, and its 120 jobs on Humphreys will drive Mexican workers out of how many will be created in the next Boulevard in Memphis. How the ad- their states, and that there aren’t year. A state report last year said at ditional streamlining will affect local enough American workers willing to least 6,000 direct jobs would be postal employment won’t be clearly pick crops. They want legislation at created by a handful of major clean- known until March 2012. The Postal the federal level, which wouldn’t energy investments. They include Service employs about 1,800 people favor one state over another. At least Hemlock and another polysilicon in Memphis. Postmaster General 25 states are weighing proposals to manufacturer, Wacker Chemie AG; Patrick Donahoe said.the move will crack down on illegal immigration Volkswagen’s billion-dollar facility The city of LaFollette closed a $1.5 million loan with the Tennessee result in $750 million in annual sav- and employers who hire them, ac- to build cars with high fuel effi- Municipal Bond Fund to be used for public works projects. Pictured ings, once fully implemented. The cording to the National Conference ciency; Nissan’s lithium-ion battery are: Terry Sweat, finance director; Mayor Michael Starfield; and Joy Postal Service says the closing of an of State Legislatures. and Leaf electric car production; a Ellison, city clerk.

Engineering | Surveying Knoxville Tri-Cities P.O. Box 2968 (865) 546-5800 (423) 467-8401 Murfreesboro, TN 37133-2968 www.VaughnMelton.com (615) 895-8221 www.griggsandmaloney.com Your Project... Our Promise

Tom Spencer Territory Manager

570 Beechgrove Way Burns, TN 37029 USA

T (615) 973-0367 [email protected] www.sensus.com 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 www.TML1.org The following is an excerpt of a 1986 article in Tennessee Town in City when then Speaker of House Ned Ray McWherter was running for governor. McWherter says he’d be a first day governor “Just give me a cup of coffee and four vanilla wafers and I'll be ready to go to work.” - Ned McWherter

BY GAEL STAHL the state’s tax effort. “Over my 14 years as Speaker, One of the self images Ned the legislature’s distribution formula McWherter is very comfortable has funded local governments every with is in the saddle of a horse time we’ve had revenue increases in walking through stubbled fields on Tennessee,” McWherter said. his farm in duck hunting season. “The road program turned out Another is the Ned McWherter who okay,” he continued. “I did not want began on a shoe manufacturer’s as- to leave the Chamber as Speaker sembly line and worked so hard he knowing that I failed to give Tennes- eventually owned the company, plus see and local governments a pro- beer and oil distributorships, a nurs- gram they needed. I gave it my best ing home, a trucking firm and other and passed it.” “small” businesses. Ned McWherter, now a million- The rags to riches story goes aire, proudly remembers dropping further. He was elected to the state out of college to help his sharecrop- House of Representatives in 1968 per parents, and his incessant self- and as Speaker since 1972 he has education in management tech- gaveled himself into perhaps the niques that allowed him leeway to most influential politician in state take part in the legislature. government in the last 14 years, He lives nearly as modestly as known more for his fairness and when he lived in the family frame powerful persuasiveness than for house during his youth, does his broad, new initiatives. own stock brokering, shrugs off Resisting the traditional Tennes- non-productive tax shelters, pays see conservative beat of sacrificing cash rather than deducting interest, general progress for the lowest state and prides himself on doing his fair taxes in the nation, he has voted for share. In 1993, the Tennessee Municipal League worked with the McWherter Administration to make the half- all the major tax increases during He was born in 1930 in Palmers- cent increase in sales tax permanent. most of that long period of unprec- ville, now a resident of Dreseden. He edented growth and immigration, said he got into politics so that “the and was instrumental in seeing that business community could have a local government received shares of representative in government.”

Gov. Ned McWherter with Sen. Leonard Dunavant. Legendary former Gov. Ned Ray McWherter remembered (1930 - 2011)

“When I became governor, Ned McWherter said, ‘I’m going to help him, because if he succeeds, our state succeeds.’ He was true to his word. That bipartisan spirit symbolized Ned’s entire career. He was one of our state’s finest public servants and a close friend. I will Pictured at a 1973 dinner of the Tennessee Municipal League are Senate Speaker greatly miss him.” - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander John Wilder and House Speaker Ned McWherter. TML called on the leadership in both chambers to modify Gov. Winfield Dunn’s budget that ignored local government “I join my fellow Tennesseans in mourning the loss of one of our state’s finest and most concerns. beloved public servants. Ned was always upbeat, looking for the best in people and situations. He was incredibly kind to me when I came in as commissioner of finance. I never forgot that and continued to seek his counsel throughout my career, as recently as the past few weeks. He was a great friend to me, and I will miss him.” - U.S. Senator Bob Corker

“Ned was a giant of Tennessee politics in every sense of the word. “We Miss Ned” bumper stickers are still seen around Nashville because he was one of the best governors in history.” – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper

“Governor McWherter was the most influential and loved Democratic politician from Tennes- see during my lifetime. Governor McWherter crossed racial and economic lines to commu- nicate and work with people to get things accomplished. - U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen

“This is a sad day for Tennessee. Governor McWherter was a true statesman who cared about this state and its citizens. He had a long and distinguished career in the legislative and executive branches as well as in business. I will always be grateful for his personal kindness to me and the wise advice he gave me during my first months in office. Crissy’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and the entire McWherter family during this difficult time.” - Gov. Bill Haslam

“Few men have meant as much to as many Tennesseans as Gov. Ned Ray McWherter. This state has lost a true statesman and a true original." — Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey

“Tennessee lost a true statesman with the passing of Governor McWherter. He understood the role of the legislative body, and he carried it out to the fullest. He will be missed, and my heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.” - House Speaker Beth Harwell

"I served as his majority leader when he was speaker, served as his speaker when he was governor. He was a mentor to me throughout my legislative career. ... I tried to mold the way I handled myself in the Legislature after the way he had taught me." — Rep. Jimmy Naifeh

"Not only was he my speaker, he was my friend. The one thing I admire about Ned is that he was always able to get both sides of the aisle together." — Rep. Lois DeBerry Two Tennessee legends Country Music Star Johnny Cash with Gov. McWherter

“Ned McWherter was our House speaker. He was our governor. And, he was our friend. He taught us how to bring new business, better education and prosperity to our state while taking care of those Tennesseans who many times went without. Most of all, he taught us what it was about to be a Democrat while working with our friends on the other side of the aisle. He was a governor of and for the people.”- TN House Democratic Caucus www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 U.S. Census Numbers At-A-Glance

CENSUS from Page 1 tributed to city and county govern- ments, and assist local government in the provision of such vital services as fire and police protection, schools and libraries, clean drinking water, streets and roads, and environmen- tally safe sewer systems. Tennessee employs four basic methods for distributing state- shared revenues: situs or origin- based distributions; population or per capita-based distributions; land area of county for highway funding; and equal shares. The majority of state-shared revenues are distrib- uted on the basis of population data. The concept of shared responsi- bility for services and shared fund- ing arrangements can be traced back to the 1834 Tennessee Constitution. Direct revenue sharing has a history dating back to 1883 when the state poll tax was enacted. The current system of centralized taxation and revenue sharing has developed over the last 80 plus years. Of the current regimen, the gas tax has the longest history, with sharing beginning in 1923. Some of the major reasons for revenue sharing include efficiency in taxation, partial payment of state- imposed mandates, maintaining the state and local fiscal partnership, and providing funds for essential ser- vices delivered by local govern- ments, which operate with limited taxing authority. There are a number of taxes levied by the state that are shared with municipalities; including: gaso- line and diesel fuel taxes, Hall income tax, beer tax, TVA impact tax, sales and use tax, mixed drink, special petroleum, excise, corporate excise, and alcoholic beverage taxes. Of these all but the Hall, corporate ex- cise, and mixed drink revenues are distributed on a per capita basis.

Effective Date Now that the US Census Bureau has released the 2010 federal decen- nial census population for munici- palities, cities are inquiring as to when the new numbers become ef- fective. The short answer is that the numbers became effective on the day they were released by the census bureau. However, for purposes of calculating the per capita distribution of state-shared revenues to munici- palities, the new population figures will not take effect until July 1, 2011 – the first day of the new fiscal year. On July 1, 2011, the Office of Local Government Planning within the Department of Economic and Community Development will re- lease the certified municipal popula- tion for 2010. The Department of Revenue will utilize the numbers provided by the Office to calculate the per capita distribution for state- shared revenues. This calculation will be based upon the total fiscal year 2010-2011 revenues that are to be shared with municipalities, as provided in statute, and the 2010 decennial census municipal popula- tions, as certified by the Office of Local Government Planning. Accordingly, there will be an approximate five-month delay be- tween the release of the final decen- nial counts by the U.S. census bu- reau and the date on which any change in population is reflected in the distribution of state-shared rev- enues received by a city. While there have been questions about this delay, parties responsible for the process and involved in the calculations ar- gue the delay is necessary and pru- dent. First, and perhaps most impor- tantly in light of the recent economic and current fiscal posture of many municipalities in the state, the delay means there will not be any immedi- ate change in revenues that might adversely impact a municipality; avoiding adding to the existing fiscal challenges cities must navigate. Moreover, the delay gives cities time to carefully analyze their population to determine how it might alter their revenue projections for the upcom- ing fiscal year. Many experts recom- mend that any city that experienced a decrease growth in population as well as any city that experienced nominal or marginal growth should give special consideration to the re- vised population when putting to- gether their fiscal year 2012 budget. Second, the delay allows any city that feels its population, as re- ported in the decennial census, is incorrect to begin the process to correct the error. Some errors can be corrected prior to July 1, 2011, while other errors will not be cor- rected until July 1, 2012. The timing of any corrections depends upon the nature of the error. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 www.TML1.org U.S. Census Numbers At-A-Glance

Distribution of state shared revenues With the release of the 2010 decennial census and the updated municipal popula- tions, cities and towns are wondering how the new population figures will affect the distribution of state-shared revenues and when cities can expect to see this change reflected in the distributions received from the state?

For purposes of calculating the per capita distribution of state-shared revenues to mu- nicipalities, the new population figures will not take effect until July 1, 2011 – the first day of the new fiscal year.

Tennessee Data - 2010 Census

• The state’s population now numbers slightly more than 6.3 million.

• This represents an increase in the state’s population of 656,822, or 11.5 percent, over the last 10 years.

• The population of the state’s cities and towns increase by 440,765; accounting for about 67 percent of the total increase in the state’s population over the decade.

• The largest percentage increase in municipal popula- tion occurred in Middle Tennessee, 68 percent, followed by East Tennessee, 17 percent, and West Tennessee, 15 percent.

• The populations of the cities and towns located in the counties immediately contiguous to Shelby, Davidson, Knox and Hamilton Counties grew, on average, at a rate of 35 percent over the last decade. These cities and towns accounted for about 46 percent of the growth in the state’s municipal population or about 30.7 percent of the growth in the state’s population.

• All told, 228 cities and towns experienced an increase of 456,808 in their collective populations, while 119 munici- palities collectively lost 16,043 in population.

• Oakland and Arlington saw the largest percentage increase in population with growth of 418 percent and 348 percent, respectively.

• There were eight cities or towns whose population grew by more than 140 percent.

For a pdf version of these charts got to the 2010 Census section on TML’s website. www.TML1.org. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 IPS launches internship program for college students; interested cities to contact MTAS Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No ances; paid holidays, vacation and sick charge to TML members. Send advertising leave; and Tennessee Consolidated Retire- to: TT&C Classified Ads, Mona ment System plan. Salary is dependent on Local government in- The application process Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. Suite 710, qualifications and experience. For details ternships will be available for the prospective gradu- Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: mlawrence@ of the job description, candidates are asked this summer through a ate interns requires submit- TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 4752. to go to www.munford.com/governement/ partnership between the tal of a cover letter and employment. All interested candidates University of Tennessee resume from the student. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT should submit a letter of interest, current (UT) Institute for Public Prospective interns will in- resume with three personal and three pro- ASSISTANT III Service (IPS), UT Knox- terview with a panel that The University of Tennessee Municipal fessional references to Mayor Dwayne Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) is Cole, 1397 Munford Avenue, Munford, ville, UT Chattanooga, East will include representa- seeking qualified candidates for the posi- TN 38058 by end of business day on April Tennessee State Univer- tives from the campus, an tion of Administrative Support Assistant 15, 2011, or by email to dcole@munford. sity, the University of III in our Nashville office. This position com. EOE . Memphis and Tennessee State Uni- • potential work or projects for area MTAS/CTAS consultant and serves as general office manager and admin- versity. IPS and its partners cur- graduate student interns; from the community providing PUBLIC SAFETY COORD istrative assistant to consultants based in rently are seeking prospective com- • specific discipline or field of study placement. the Knoxville, Nashville and Johnson City OAK HILL. The city of is accepting re- The intern experience helps de- offices. Orders office supplies and main- sumes for a part-time position as Public munity partners and placements for (if any); Safety Coordinator. The position coordi- these graduate student interns. • name of a staff member that will velop the next generation of local tains inventory of equipment and its con- government leaders with exposure dition. Coordinates facility and service nates policing activities for the city as Although the program can easily work with the MTAS or CTAS needs. Key detailed information into learn- provided by Metro Police West Precinct accommodate any city or county consultant for placement and for the students to service in com- ing management system, GML (Lotus and the Secondary Employment Division. with funding for an intern, it is antici- mentoring; any local condition munities. Internships also provide a Notes database). Excellent customer ser- Law enforcement experience is desired, and pated that more cities will be inter- or issue that may be particularly venue of support to local govern- vice skills are required as well as the ability the applicant must live within Nashville or ested in hosting interns than there are attractive to an intern; and ments in Tennessee from the aca- to plan and process projects and handle its surrounding counties. Due to the mini- demic and research resources of the mal number of hours needed to perform this internships available. This will be a • any ability of the city or county inquiries. Position requires expertise in to share in the internship ex- universities through these students. Micro-soft Office (Word, Excel, Power- job, it is anticipated that the successful competitive selection process for in- applicant may either be a retired law en- terns and interested cities and coun- penses. point, Outlook). This position requires at Letters of interest should be mailed least two years of college education or forcement officer or an active law enforce- ties. Interns will be placed based on additional office experience evidencing ment officer seeking secondary employ- IPS, through the consultants of the total experience or value to the to: writing and analytical skills. A high level of ment. Interested parties should submit a the Municipal Technical Advisory student and to the program. Letters Steve Thompson cognitive or intuitive skills are necessary to resume on or before April 25, 2011. For Service (MTAS) and the County of interest from communities or as- Executive Director fully understand, design and implement salary information and a more defined job Technical Assistance Service sociations interested in hosting UT MTAS successful solutions to municipal prob- description, contact the City Manager, (CTAS), is asking that cities and graduate interns will be accepted 120 Conference Center Building Kevin Helms. All contact information is lems. Position is open until filled. Please counties indicate interest in hosting until the internships are assigned, Knoxville, TN 37996-4105 send application and resume to: UT available at www.oakhilltn.us internships by providing a letter of starting immediately for the upcom- or e-mailed to: OHRM; 600 Henley Street, Suite 221; [email protected]¦ Knoxville, TN 37996. The University of POLICE CHIEF interest that includes: ing summer semesters. Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section DRESDEN. The city is accepting applica- 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provi- tions for Chief of Police. This position is sion of its education and employment pro- responsible for the planning, organizing grams and services. All qualified appli- and directing of all activities of the Police cants will receive equal consideration for Department. Applicants should meet the Municipal Administration Program employment without regard to race, color, following qualifications: Graduation from national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, an accredited high school or equivalent, May Schedule marital status, sexual orientation, gender preferably graduation from a college or identity, age, physical or mental disability, university with major course experience in or covered veteran status. police administration or related field; Have at lease five year’s (5) experience in law CITY RECORDER enforcement with administrative experi- Healthcare Legislation Update MUNFORD. The city is seeking qualified ence and be P.O.S.T. certified. Salary is candidates for the position of City Re- dependent upon qualifications. A job de- In March 2010, the President Dates and locations corder. This position is responsible for the scription and application may be obtained signed sweeping health care legis- May 3 Johnson City maintenance of official public records; pre- at Dresden City Hall. Applications should lation into law. Health care reform May 5 Knoxville be submitted by Noon on Monday, May 2, paring and reviewing agenda documents affects all Tennessee cities, coun- May 17 Athens and recording/transcribing meeting min- 2011 to the following address:City of utes, ordinances, resolutions and public Dresden, Attn: City Recorder, 117 West ties, and private employers of all May 19 Franklin notices; and administration support of the Main St., Dresden, TN 38225. sizes. This Municipal Adminis- May 24 Jackson city’s seven-member Board of Mayor and tration Program session will cover Aldermen. The position reports directly POLICE CHIEF the implications of the health care The registration fee for MAP to the mayor. Candidates must possess the WAYNESBORO. The city is accepting legislation and subsequent clarifi- Training Facilities courses for Tennessee city officials ability to be bonded, become certified as a applications for the position of Police cations to the law as it relates to Athens, Athens Conference Center, is $25 each. A fee of $55 is charged recorder by the State of Tennessee and as Chief. Applicants must be POST Certified, Tennessee municipalities. Note: 2405 Decatur Pike for non-city officials. Registration is a Municipal Finance Officer by the State of have an Associates Degree in Criminal Jus- Municipalities that participate in Franklin, City Hall Training required. Seating is limited at all tice or related field, and have a minimum of Tennessee. Five to seven years of progres- the state of Tennessee health plans room,109 3rd Ave. South sites, so please register in advance. sively responsible managerial positions in 5 years in Police Administrative Position or equivalent. Resumes should be submit- should be aware that the law does Jackson, West Tennessee Center for Submit payment with your registra- accounting and financial management is tion. preferred. Benefits include: group medical, ted detailing applicants experience and affect them. Agricultural Research, Extension, dental, life and long-term disability insur- training to Waynesboro City Hall or by e- and Public Service, 605 Airways MTAS will need to receive pay- mail to [email protected] Time Johnson City, The Carnegie, ment in order to confirm your atten- by April 29, 2011. Benefits include Health All classes begin at 9 a.m. and end 1216 W. State of Franklin Rd. dance for the class. For more infor- Insurance, Dental Insurance, Paid Vacation at 11 pm local time. Knoxville, Farragut Town Hall, mation, contact Kurt Frederick at and Holidays, Retirement Plan and De- 615-253-6385 or Elaine Morrisey at Instructors 11408 Municipal Center Dr. ferred Compensation Plan. The City re- 865-974-0411. serves the right to reject all applications. MTAS Training Consultants EOE.

Through May 15:American Enka and the Modern Labor Move- Rain or shine, ment” A new feature exhibition at the Museum of East Tennessee His- sleet or hail, tory, 601 South Gay Street, Knox- ville. The exhibit follows the violent every day is perfect 1950 strike at the American Enka plant in Hamblen County. Features for a GovDeals sale! firsthand accounts and photos, tell- ing the story from the perspective of the strikers and that of the workers seeking to replace them. Hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sat.10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Sun- days are Family Day with free ad- mission for everyone. BankBank ofof AmericaAmerica

April 14-16: Cleveland State Online Government Community College’s 4th An- isis proudproud toto supportsupport Surplus Auctions—24/7 nual Multicultural Fair. Guest speakers will be Herman Boone and ABC News’John Quinones. A “pa- Tennessee Municipal League. Visit GovDeals.com today rade of nations” April 16, will open Tennessee Municipal League. or call 1-866-377-1494 the fair, to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the courtyard outside the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium. The fair is free and open to the public. Free TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF ethnic food will be served from 11 Margaret Mahery, Executive Director a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Boone will speak Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst April 14 at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium Carole Graves, Communications Director & and Quinones, April 15 at 7 pm. Editor, Tennessee Town & City Admission for both speakers is free, John Holloway, Government Relations Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough, Director of Marketing / but tickets are required. Tickets will Member Services be available until April 13 at the Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Cleveland State switchboard in the Denise Paige, Government Relations administrative building from 8 a.m. Victoria South, Communications Coordinator to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thurs- Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning days and until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com. — Official publication of the Tennessee Mu- June 1-3:Transforming Local nicipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Government Annual Confer- (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole ence: How Bold can Government Graves ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255- 6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right Be? Held in Clearwater, Florida. to reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Case study sessions include: col- Fax classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail laboration and partnerships; public- [email protected]. Fax advertising copy private partnerships; regionalism, to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255- shared service delivery; manage- 4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opin- ions expressed by non League officials or staff do ment strategies for continuous im- not necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennes- provement; streamlined operations, see Town & City is published, semi-monthly, organization models, measuring per- 20 times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals formance; public involvement - en- postage paid at Nashville, TN. Subscription gaging citizens; communication rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmem- techniques; and skills for today’s bers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol leaders. For more information and Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2004 Bank of America Corporation. Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. to register, visit the conference SPN-41-AD website www.tlgconference.org. 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2010-2011 Officers and Directors Local leaders to lead Earth Day discussions PRESIDENT Sam Tharpe BY CORINNE KINSNER AND time during the month of April in Earth Day Network will compile Mayor, Paris CHRISTINA CERNANSKY conjunction with other Earth Day success stories and best practices VICE PRESIDENTS Nations Cities Weekly activities or at town hall meetings, and disseminate a report to local Kay Senter libraries, schools or community governments worldwide. Councilmember, Morristown While great strides have been centers.These conversations will By engaging their communities Ken Wilber made in the advancement of help constituents and other partici- in discussions about sustainability, Mayor, Portland TENNESSEE Allen Barker sustainability, the approaching pants achieve a deeper, shared un- local leaders can help constituents Mayor, Humboldt commemoration of Earth Day this derstanding of how to best address and other stakeholders reach com- FESTIVALS DIRECTORS April provides an opportunity to re- the complex challenges and oppor- mon ground, share experiences, Bryan Atchely member that local actions and in- tunities involved in building a sus- voice new ideas and plan a sustain- April 16: Cleveland Mayor, Sevierville tainable future. Through these dia- able future. Ultimately, this day will Daniel T. Brown volvement are necessary catalysts Treads and Threads Antique Mayor, Knoxville for implementing change. Local logues, leaders will share environ- elevate the collective voice of local Automobile Show Angie Carrier leaders are on the front lines of mental best practices, educate and governments in the national and in- Held at the new First Street Park at City Administrator, White House ( District 5) sustainability — addressing the im- learn from the public and highlight ternational environmental dialogue. the corner of Parker St and First St Vance Coleman pacts of climate change, creating the prominence of city governments Earth Day is an occasion to celebrate NE from 9 am to 1 pm. Original and Mayor, Medina (District 7) green job opportunities, finding en- in the global sustainability dialogue. the environment and encourage resi- Betsy Crossley modified vehicles twenty-five years Mayor, Brentwood (District 6) ergy savings and promoting a Previous conversations have dents, businesses and all sectors of and older with a $5 entry fee— no Karl Dean healthier environment. focused on energy efficiency, con- the community to commit to build- judging. Proceeds go to the Multiple Mayor, Metro Nashville To advance sustainability on the servation, water reduction, trans- ing a sustainable and green economy Sclerosis Foundation. Bring old Chris Dorsey local policy-making level, the non- portation, environmental education — beginning with an inclusive con- quilts. The Cherokee Blossom Quilt City Manager, Red Bank (District 3) profit organization Earth Day Net- and clean energy jobs, and have versation. Guild can approximate the year it David Gordon For more information regarding Mayor, Covington (District 8) work and its partners invite local served as launching pads for innova- was made. For more information, J.H. Graham III officials worldwide to join the tive sustainability strategies. how to host an event in your com- call Denise Bivens at 423-479-8031 Mayor, Crossville fourth annual Global Day of Con- Using the event platform and munity, visit the Earth Day Network or 423-715-2617. Bill Hammon versation. The event provides a plat- gaining constituent input, local lead- website at http://www.earthday. Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) form for leaders to promote com- ers can develop their own policy org/campaign/global-day-conversa- April 15-16: Somerville Curtis Hayes munity conversations on the chal- innovations. In 2011, at least 500 tion. For questions, contact Chris- Mayor, Livingston All American Music Show Richard Hodges lenges and opportunities related to local leaders around the world will tina Cernansky, Director of Advo- Held at 7 pm at the Fair Theater, 114 Mayor, Millington sustainability. convene a discussion in their com- cacy at Earth Day Network, East Market Street. Features “The Dot LaMarche, Inspired by Earth Day, April 22, munity for the Global Day of Con- [email protected] or call Volunteer Country Band” and Mr. Vice Mayor, Farragut these discussions can be held any- versation. Following these events, 202- 518-0044. Ray Motley. Proceeds benefit The Ron Littlefield Mayor, Chattanooga American Cancer Society Relay- Keith McDonald Higher education plan links funding to outcomes for-Life. For tickets, contact Pam Mayor, Bartlett Clift, Somerville Bank & Trust Co. Bo Perkinson 901-465-9864, Ray Motley, event Vice Mayor, Athens coordinator, 901-262-9113, or Judy Norm Rone Sides, Somerville City Hall, 901- Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) Charles “Bones” Seivers 465-7301. President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund Randy Trivette April 25-30: Paris City Recorder, Erwin (District 1) Annual “World’s Biggest Fish Fry” A.C. Wharton Enjoy all the festival activities, Mayor, Memphis Bob Wherry dance, rides, musical entertainment, City Manager, Lakeland carnival, arts & crafts, junior fishing President (TCMA) rodeo, catfish race, hushpuppy eat- Doug Young ing contest and much more. Fish Council member, Murfreesboro fry on April 27-30. For more infor- PAST PRESIDENTS mation, visit the festival website Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge At the center of these reforms is the need to increase college graduation rates. Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo www.worldsbiggestfishfry.com or Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro call 731-644-1143. Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg EDUCATION from Page 1 the Board of Regents, Tennessee education functions in Tennessee. Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland Tennesseans, it will ultimately sup- lags in completion of bachelor's de- And it is a once-in-a-career opportu- April 29-30 : Columbia Dale Kelley (2010) Mayor, Huntingdon port, strengthen, and sustain eco- grees, 40th in the nation, and for nity to be part of a major reform.” Ladies Weekend at the Anthenaeum associate degrees, the state is ranked Rhoda said that the ultimate suc- TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS nomic growth, and why city offi- The Anthenaeum Rectory, located (Ex-Officio Directors) cials should support and initiate mea- 45th. On average, only 46 percent of cess of the Complete College Ten- at 808 Athenaeum Street, an ex- Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. sures in their communities that drive full-time students at four-year nessee Act will be determined by the traordinary school for girls from Ken Krushenski, Oak Ridge increases in the educational attain- schools graduate within six years, extent to which its provisions are 1852 to 1904. Explore period dress Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference ment of their citizens. and only 12 percent of full-time embraced at the towns, cities, and and activities. Ladies of all ages wel- John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet community college students attain counties. Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works “This is about jobs in your coun- come. For cost and further informa- Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering ties, cities, and towns. It is about associated degrees within three “We look to you, the members tion, call 931-381-4822. Tennessee Government Finance Officers better educated citizens, with more years. of the Municipal League for guid- Daisy Madison, Chattanooga and better options and opportuni- “I would say that all of us cur- ance, support, and local initiatives April 27 – 29: TCMA 2011 Spring Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. ties,” Rhoda said. “We need to have rently in our positions in higher edu- that drive increases in the educa- Conference. Held at the Franklin Melba Johnson, Lexington cation truly appreciate the gravity of tional attainment of your citizens.” Marriott Cool Springs Hotel, 700 Tennessee Building Officials Assn. many more adults with meaningful Steve Mills, Hendersonville skills and credentials that will enable this moment,” Rhoda said. ‘We see For more information about the Cool Springs Blvd. For reservations, Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. them to live better than they cur- the Complete College Act as a ve- Complete College Act, go to call 888-403-6772. On-line reserva- Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville rently can.” hicle to make a significant, long- wwww.state.tn.us/thec/complete_ tions may be made at Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports According to data released by term difference in the way higher college_tn/complete_college_tn www.marriott.com/bnacs. Larry Cox, Memphis Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Gil Kendrick, Jackson Tennessee Water Quality Management Jack Graham, Maryville Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. George Brogdon, Germantown Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Karen Hundt, Chattanooga Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. Alan Jones, Metro Knox Airport Authority Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders Lanaii Benne, Franklin Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing Rex Gaither, Smyrna TN Section, Institute of Transport Engineers Kevin Cole, Knoxville Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. Rebecca Harris, Cookeville Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Tommy White, Sevierville Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Reecha Black, Alamo TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS PLATINUM LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Bank of America First Tennessee Bank GOLD L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP ING Financial Advisers, LLC No loan is too SpeedFix BRONZE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources large or too small Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Lee Company Sophicity CORPORATE L EVEL M EMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. DBS & Associates Engineering Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers,Inc. Local Govt. Corporation Mapletronics Computers Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc McGill Associates, P.A. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Thompson & Litton, Inc. TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC Tysinger, Hampton and Partners, Inc. URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Volkert & Associates Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries of Tennessee Waste Management The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, The town of Nolensville closes a $21,000 loan. Wiser Company, LLC the largest in TMBF history. Woodard & Curran, Inc. www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/APRIL 11, 2011 Remedy for disaster: cities stepping up emergency plans

BY VICTORIA SOUTH gram this year in response to last sections of the Mississippi River to TML Communications Coordinator year’s massive floods across Middle momentarily run backward and re- In the wake of the massive de- Tennessee. Two-day rain totals last verberations were experienced as struction in Japan and record flood- May were greater than 19 inches in far away as Boston and Washington ing in Tennessee, an advanced call to some places and the Cumberland D.C. citizen preparedness for both natural River crested at 51.86 feet in Nash- A 2003 U.S. geological study and man-made disasters is taking ville, a level not seen since 1937. predicts a seven to 10 percent center stage across the state and the The city’s CERT class, which chance of another major event oc- nation with regional drills, prepared- now has a waiting list, is filling up curring within the next 50 years, and ness programs and unlikely stars with an unusual demographic, eld- in its wake, devastating injuries. emerging in the process. erly citizens in the 65-70 year range. Tom Charlier in the article “The Big A group of court employees are “We have a large retirement commu- Quake: How Ready Are We?” notes geared to mobilize the Memphis fed- nity in Washington County with scientists estimate a 7.7 magnitude eral court system in the event of an people from different walks of life earthquake in the Memphis and Mid- earthquake or other widespread di- who’ve had these programs in their South region could kill as many as saster, and emergency courses in hometowns for years,” Bruckman 4,300 people and injure 65,000, de- Johnson City are filling up fast with said. “Now, we’re getting a whole stroying up to 179,000 homes along senior citizens who really want to new base of volunteers.” with major bridges and utilities. “The consequences today would be help their loved ones and commu- The curriculum covers disas- Photo by Japanese Red Cross Society nity. ters indigenous to the area, such as catastrophic,” Charlier writes. In light of recent events in Japan, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake followed “Many people think as long as floods or tornados, but also includes “There would be long-term recon- by a devastating tsunami, the Great Central “Shakeout” drill set for they have a small supply of water situations uncommon to the state, a struction afterward and city gov- April 28, is being emphasized in western Tennessee because of the and a few can goods, they’re pre- tsunami or volcano eruption. After ernments would have to make many significant earthquake threat near Memphis. major decisions.” Adhering to the lessons learned ronment, whether there are children, Shakeout,” coordinated by the Cen- in the aftermath of Hurricane or other dependents, where they tral U.S. Earthquake Consortium, Katrina, Memphis officials are de- live, whether it’s too far away.” The the U.S. Geological Survey and doz- veloping plans to keep federal courts beauty of the plan, according to ens of other partners and is geared running— literally— should an Gould, is that it works, even if there toward schools, businesses, gov- earthquake or other type of disaster isn’t a widespread problem. ernment agencies, as well as non- strike the city. “We retooled our “If the building itself was in profits and other organizations. “We concept to be mobile where we can turmoil, I could just go to another all must get better prepared for major go anywhere and create a court site, set up court and while we’re earthquakes, and also practice how within 72 hours,” said Tom Gould, running with the mobile system , real to protect ourselves when they hap- U.S. District Court clerk for the estate agents or court personnel pen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is Western District of Tennessee. could be scouting for a more perma- to help people and organizations do Gould experienced flood and recov- nent site. To me the flexibility of both,” said the organization’s ery efforts in New Jersey and race mobility gives so many options to go website. riots in Cincinnati, but the chaos of as far as we need to go, wherever For more information and to Katrina still burns fresh in his mind. there is a need for court, whether it participate, visit www.shakeout. “None of us have gone through be northern Mississippi or Nashville org/centralus/tennessee/ what the hurricane brought on New or across the river in Arkansas.” On May 16, the Bicentennial an- Orleans. There was a disappearance Each year, at the typical nuclear niversary of the New Madrid quakes of law and order,” he said. “The reactor in the U.S., there’s a one in of 1811-1812, FEMA will conduct a Super Dome and the bull pens cre- 74,176 chance of an earthquake drill centered on the scenario of a Photo courtesy of CERT ated to hold prisoners and the sheer strong enough to cause damage to Johnson City is conducting its first year of Community Emergency catastrophic earthquake in the New number of people that needed to be the reactor’s core, which could ex- Response Program (CERT) courses taught by Emergency Manage- Madrid Seismic Zone. National dealt with and no court system was pose the public to radiation. The U.S. ment Agency personnel. CERT operates in partnership with the Level Exercise or NLE 2011, will overwhelming.” Nuclear Regulatory Commission Citizen Corps, which strives to bring together citizens, government encompass four FEMA regions and Reminiscent of the hit 80s tele- has calculated the odds of an earth- and community leaders in all-hazards emergency preparedness. eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, vision series “The A-Team,” the quake causing catastrophic failure to Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missis- pared,” said Anna Smith, Tennessee completing the nine sessions, par- court’s plan took four years Citizens Corp Program coordinator. ticipants will take part in a full-scale to develop. It centers “It’s much more involved and cities mock disaster. around two heavy duty, spe- need to get the message out there.” “We have a training facility at cialized trucks built to drive According to Smith, several com- the fire department to create a col- through deep water and munities are heavily involved with lapsed building or whatever situation across rugged terrain. The the Corps’ Citizen Emergency Re- we’d like to arrange,” said trucks are free army surplus sponse Training Program (CERT) Bruckman. “Participants look for vehicles Gould’s office ac- including: Memphis/Shelby County, electrical and utility hazards, utilize quired in 2007. “These Clarksville/ Montgomery County, fire, search and rescue techniques trucks go 35 mph, but in Knoxville and Johnson City. and how to help someone in need. eight hours we could get “As the largest city in the state, They learn everything from how to 250 miles from here,” said Memphis has several outlying com- use fire extinguishers properly to Gould. “We could have a munities, Bartlett, Arlington, and employing the psychology of disas- court up and running in four Collierville, all who are active in the ter to help survivors. to five hours after arrival citizen program,” said Smith. “They “We also emphasize that citi- and have a full capacity sys- work together as a community but zens take responsibility for their own tem, down to internet and also work together as a county to lives,” adds Bruckman. “It may be access to Washington.” make sure they all know what the three to four days in a large disaster The vehicles are parked separate communities are doing.” before we can get into areas, espe- in separate locations, one at Coordinated and grant funded cially if there’s a lot of debris or the Shelby County fire sta- by the Department of Homeland damaged roads. A person without tion in the southeast section Security’s Federal Emergency this type of training might not even of the county, and the other Memphis officials are making plans to keep federal courts mobile and running Management Agency (FEMA), the attempt it.” at another court office in if an earthquake, terrorist attack or other disaster damages the downtown Citizens Corps was created to help CERT graduates are encour- Jackson. A variety of staff courthouse. coordinate volunteer activities to aged to support emergency response members, from IT and au- make communities safer, stronger agencies in the future by taking a dio visual specialists to intake a nuclear plant in the U.S. The odds sippi, Missouri and Tennessee. It is and better by bringing together citi- more active role in emergency pre- people, those who handle bonds for taken into consideration include two a linked event to the Great Central zens, government and community paredness projects within the com- arrestees, comprise “the team” se- main factors: the chance of a serious U.S. ShakeOut. leaders in all-hazards emergency munity. “I’ve been here since ‘95 lected to carry out the court’s mis- quake, and the strength of design of Experiencing what could only preparedness. CERT is one of its and volunteerism has taken a down- sion. the plant. Ranked 4th on the Top 10 be described as pre-trial butterflies; five programs educating residents ward plunge,” Bruckman reveals. In the event of a disaster, the List with a one in 19,608 risk is Gould says he and his staff will be about hazards that may impact their “The Sullivan County Fire Associa- employees will load the portable Sequoyah 1 and 2 in Soddy-Daisy. performing a full scale implementa- areas, providing training in basic tion received a grant and have been equipment and computer servers/ The old estimate was one in tion of the Memphis court disaster disaster response skills, such as fire doing promotions for volunteers and laptops, currently stored at various 102,041. The increase in risk is now plan the day of NLE 2011, right safety, light search and rescue, team they’ve been successful, but overall, locations around Shelby County, in- 420 percent. down to holding court. “It will be an organization, and disaster medical it’s still not what it used to be.” cluding their own homes, into the On April 28, The Tennessee interesting day. We’ll either learn operations. As part of the New Madrid Seis- trucks and drive the vehicles to a “Shakeout,” a Drop, Cover and that we were good at what we “The course is aimed toward mic Zone (NMSZ), which runs from safe place to establish an emergency Hold-On drill, will occur at 10:15 planned or if not, what we did citizens that want to learn how to West Memphis through Southern court. Fuel-powered generators on am. Supported by the Tennessee wrong,” he said. “But I’d rather protect their family and neighbors Illinois, the warning to prepare for the trucks would feed electricity to Emergency Management Agency learn on May 16 in a test, than try to from the impacts of disaster,” ex- disaster is a concept many West the equipment. Team members were (TEMA), the drill is part of a larger figure it out during the real thing.” plains Chad Bruckman, training and Tennesseans, particularly Memphis selected according to a variety of exercise, “The Great Central U.S. operations officer for the Johnson and Shelby Countians, are familiar factors, said Gould. City Emergency Management with. The area experienced record “We selected individuals based Agency (EMA). Johnson City is earthquakes in 1811-1812, where on their personal skills, a bit of EMERGENCY RESOURCES implementing their first CERT pro- the magnitude reportedly caused knowledge about their home envi- • To learn more about Commu- • More than one million people are nity Emergency Response expected to participate in the Great The State offers Tennesseans storms-related tips Teams (CERT) and the Citizens Central U.S. ShakeOut to be held at Corps, visit the website 10:15 a.m. on April 28. For more Review policy, contact your insurer and check contractors before hiring www.citizencorps.gov/cert information or to sign up to partici- Spring storms, especially • Secure and protect your property fairs division hotline for non-in- pate, visit www.shakeout.org/ tornadoes, can damage our against further rain or other damage surance issues at 800-342-8385. • The Center for Earthquake Re- centralus/tennessee/ homes. The Department of Com- as much as possible without making • Tennessee’s Board for Licensing search (CERI). CERI serves the merce and Insurance (TDCI) permanent repairs, so that the adjus- Contractors has found that un- University of Memphis and the • The 28th annual National Flood would like to offer storm-af- tor can see and document the full scrupulous, unlicensed contrac- public by providing authoritative Conference will be held in New fected consumers some tips for extent of the damage, tors like to take advantage of scientific education and infor- Orleans, LA, on May 1-4 at the: interacting with insurance com- • Keep receipts for expenses of homeowners anxious to rebuild mation. Visit the website at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, panies and selecting contractors: protecting your property from fur- after disasters. Be sure to hire only www.ceri.memphis.edu/ Two Poydras Street. For infor- ther damage. licensed contractors and check index.shtml mation on registration, speakers, • As soon as possible after an · Follow the claims-filing proce- them out with the Board. Consum- workshop schedule and descrip- event affects your home, contact dure set forth in your policy. If there ers may verify a license status by • Learn more about how to tions, visit the conference your insurance carrier or your is a dispute, follow the company’s calling 800-544-7693, or may prepare your family, home and webite www.nfipiservice.com/ agent. Locate a copy of your dispute process. check TDCI’s website for various business for all types of nfc2011/nfc2011.html. policy and read through it. • Many larger companies have trades at http://verify.tn.gov. emergencies. Visit ready.gov • Make a thorough inventory for quick-response teams that come or call 1-800- BE-READY • Mayor Karl Dean and commu- your adjustor of all of the items into areas of heavy damage to pro- The Department of Commerce nity leaders will host a ceremony missing from or damaged in your cess large numbers of claims as and Insurance works to protect • For more information about commemorating the one-year home. quickly as possible. Others will not consumers while ensuring fair the National Level Exercise anniversary of Nashville’s dev- • Take pictures, if possible, of all send someone out unless you call competition for industries and (NLE 2011) in May, visit the astating floods on May 2.The 11 damage – inside and outside, them. Call your company to be sure. professionals who do business in website www.ccdem.net/ a.m. event is on the Shelby Street from several angles – to get full • Call TDCI with insurance issues at Tennessee. For more information, home/nle11. Pedestrian Bridge documentation before any re- 800-342-4029 or its Consumer Af- visit www.tn.gov/commerce/ pairs are made.