6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 66, Number 9 June 8, 2015

Coalition calls on lawmakers Police weighing the benefits of body cameras to address road funding crisis BY KATE COIL Transportation funding addressed during Annual Conference TML Communications Specialist The Transportation Coalition Police departments nationwide of Tennessee (TCT) recently held a are weighing the benefits of outfit- news conference, streamed live over ting their officers with body - cam the Internet from Nashville, to call on eras and whether they would help state lawmakers to address Tennes- alleviate public concerns over police see’s transportation infrastructure conduct in the wake of some recent crisis that threatens the safety of high-profile incidents. drivers and the economic competi- In Tennessee, legislation was tiveness of the state. introduced this year that would re- “Tennessee’s transportation quire all law enforcement officers system is now in a crisis,” said Su- to wear wide-angle body cameras sie Alcorn, executive director of the at all times when the officer is on Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance. duty. (SB 868 by Sen. Sara Kyle and “At a time when our state is growing Sen. Jim Tracy HB 712 by Rep. Brenda Gilmore). – in terms of population and econo- Sen. Jim Tracy, chair of Videos recorded by these cameras my – we no longer have the ability to the Senate Transportation would have to be maintained by agencies for seven days, but cannot create and maintain a transportation Committee, and Kent Starwalt, be destroyed if the footage contains infrastructure to support it.” member of the Tennessee The Transportation Coalition evidence that may be used in the Police departments nationwide are considering the adoption of body Transportation Coalition, will investigation of a crime or complaint of Tennessee, which the Tennessee update TML members on the cameras for officers to ease concerns of residents. The Maryville Police Municipal League is a member of, against the officer. growing transportation issues Department has been using such cameras for several years, and Chief formed late last year to shed light The bill further provides that facing our state, as part of the Tony Crisp says they have proven to be a valuable resource. on the growing transportation issues “no video recording made under and to put pressure on Tennessee’s information provided during this bill may be duplicated and made Crisp said his department has six “We have had cameras in our patrol lawmakers to address those issues. the Second General Session available to the public by a law cameras they have been using for cars for a number of years, and it’s Bill Moore, chairman of the on Monday, June 8, from 9 enforcement agency until final dis- about a year and a half as part of a been very beneficial to have those Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance to 10:15 a.m. at the Nashville position of any criminal charges that pilot program but is already working cameras in our cars. I’ve always felt, and former chief engineer for TDOT, Convention Center. arise from the event or events that on more cameras. even going back to in-car cameras See ROADS on Page 6 were recorded” and no law enforce- “We assigned two per shift, for that the cameras are more of a benefit ment agency may reproduce these daytime and night to see how they to the officer than anybody because videos for commercial footage. would perform in different lighting it shows what did in fact happen. It To finance cameras, the bill stip- and weather conditions,” Crisp said. is certainly a very valuable tool in TN Municipal Bond Fund ulates that grants, private donations “We have since ordered 22 more. the prosecution of offenders, even and federal funding can be used to And after July, we plan to order an in something as simple as a DUI. reaches $4 billion mark obtain these cameras and if federal additional 10. It’s strictly for our uni- Instead of the officer just testifying funding is not available to an agency, form personnel who are assigned to and just trying to portray the condi- Savings to cities exceeds $575 M that agency is exempt from the bill. patrol or traffic, which would be our tion that person was in, you now not The Tennessee Municipal Bond A poll conducted by Vanderbilt initial response officers. If you were only have the officer telling them Fund (TMBF) achieved a pair of University’s Center for Democratic to call 911, it would be those officers what condition the person was in but milestones recently. TMBF has Institutions indicated a majority of who would respond that would use you have video tape.” loaned $4 billion and has now closed bipartisan support for police body those cameras.” The body cameras currently in more than 1,250 loans. cameras among Tennessee residents This is not the first time the use by the Maryville Police Depart- “These milestones show with 86 percent of respondents department has experimented with ment are “about the size of a pack of TMBF’s ongoing commitment to saying officers should be required equipping officers with body camer- cigarettes,” according to Crisp, and providing your community with the to wear small cameras while on as. Crisp said the department tested are worn on the chest of an officer. loans you need at the lowest cost duty. some cameras four to six years ago, Crisp said there are other models al- so that you can create opportunities Joshua Clinton, co-director but held off on adopting them be- lowing officers to clip cameras onto for your communities to grow,” of the poll, said equal numbers of cause the quality of the technology their collars and glasses. He said the said Charles G. “Bones” Seivers, respondents who were identified as was still in its early stages. battery power of the cameras lasts for president and CEO of the Tennessee Democrats and Republicans favored Now that the technology has about one shift and the cameras can Municipal Bond Fund. cameras for officers, which received caught up, Crisp said the cameras be recharged on the same docking The TMBF was created by the Charles G. “Bones” Seivers more widespread report than any have proven beneficial for the- de stands that download the video. TML Board of Directors in 1986 to other issue raised by the statewide partment. Video has also been useful for provide municipalities in Tennessee day to ensure they provide the best poll. “It’s something we saw as new training purposes, Crisp said. with low cost funds. It began full service and the loan options you want Maryville Police Chief Tony technology we could use,” he said. See CAMERAS on Page 8 operations by offering a pooled at the best price.” variable rate loan program as well TMBF feels that the valuable as an alternative loan program. part of its job is maintaining a great To date, the TMBF variable relationship with all municipal of- Cities given more tools to fight blight rate program has saved cities and ficials. This is a practice we have BY KATE COIL counties more than $575 million in strived to create over the past 29 interest costs alone. TMBF was cre- years. Seivers said, “When we look As many municipalities con- ated for the sole purpose of saving at the number of repeat borrowers, tinue to deal with blight created by cities and towns money. “I feel we we get a renewed sense of dedication the collapse of the housing market are accomplishing our mandate,” that makes us work harder every during the Great Recession, a new added Seivers. day to prove that the faith these state law aims to help cities stream- In recent years, the TMBF has communities have placed in us is not line the process of putting tax-delin- made a few changes in an effort to misplaced. I sincerely appreciate our quent real estate back on the tax rolls. better serve Tennessee communi- partnership with the Tennessee Mu- Signed by Gov. Bill Haslam on ties. TMBF began offering a fixed nicipal League, and our relationship May 20, Senate Bill 331 will shorten rate loan option in addition to its with all cities and towns in the state.” the amount of time delinquent prop- variable rate option. Since adding Seivers stated that he is excited erty owners can repay their taxes the fixed rate option, TMBF has about the future of TMBF. “We offer and redeem their property, thereby grown and the fixed rate loan option many features and advantages that allowing municipalities to sell the has become very popular. can save you money. All we ask is properties more quickly. “We could not have done this that you give us a chance to provide Owners of properties deemed without all the hard work of our you with options. We were created by vacant or abandoned under the law dedicated board members and our you, for you. Our board of directors have 30 days from the entry of the extraordinary staff,” Seivers com- is composed of municipal officials order confirming the sale to redeem mented. “They work hard every and we are always here for you.” the property. Those owning properties or Update on FCC’s wireless siting unoccupied parcels with delinquent While the economy and the housing market continue to improve, many taxes going back five years or less cities are still dealing with properties that were foreclosed upon or left On May 5, 2015, the Office of • Following a supplemental sub- have one year to redeem their prop- vacant during the Great Recession. A new state law aims to lessen the Management and Budget (OMB) mission from the applicant, the local erty. For unoccupied properties with amount of time it takes to sell the properties of tax-delinquent owners gave its approval to three outstand- government will have 10 days to five to eight years of delinquent tax- so real estate can be put back on local tax roles and communities can ing information collection require- notify the applicant in writing if the es, owners have a 180 day redemp- tackle blight. ments associated with the Federal supplemental submission did not tion period. Owners of unoccupied Communications Commission’s provide the information identified properties that have been delinquent foreclosures were filed that same companies take properties, but don’t (FCC) Acceleration of Broadband in the local government’s original for eight or more years have 90 days year, roughly 3.9 percent of the total change it to their name. They own it, Deployment by Improving Wireless notice delineating missing informa- to redeem their property. foreclosures in the state. but it is still in the old owner’s name Facilities Siting Policies which were tion. Second or subsequent notices Additionally, Senate Bill 1123 Since then, the report found and the property is not being kept up. adopted by the Commission in Oc- of incompleteness may not specify will allow counties with metro- most of the housing markets state- That is one of the challenges we have tober 2014. missing documents or information politan governments to convey wide have begun to recover, but the faced here, but they have put a new When the policies were first that were not delineated in the orig- delinquent properties to nonprofit Memphis housing markets have not law in place to correct that by mak- adopted, the 30 day /10 day and inal notice of incompleteness. organizations for the purpose of rebounded as quickly. The city of ing mortgage companies that have deemed granted letters of the FCC’s • If a request is “deemed granted” constructing affordable or workforce Memphis ranks 36 out of 100 cities properties register with the city.” 6409(a) order were not effective because of a failure to timely approve housing. across the nation with negative equi- Shelby County handles tax until OMB reviewed and approved or deny the request, the “deemed In April 2015, a staff report ty as 33 percent of homes in the city sales for properties within the city these under the Paper Work Reduc- granted” remedy does not become was presented to members of the limits are classified as “underwater” of Memphis, but that doesn’t mean tion Act. effective until the applicant notifies Tennessee Advisory Commission on or having more debt owed than the the city isn’t affected by the issues The newly approved require- the applicable reviewing authority in Intergovernmental Relations titled home is worth. The average home created when owners are delinquent ments provide: writing after the review period has “Dealing with Blight: Impediments price is also 25 percent below aver- on property taxes. While these prop- • In order to toll the order’s 60- expired that the application has been Caused by Foreclosure.” The report age the peak of the housing market. erties wait to go on the market at tax day review timeframe on grounds “deemed granted.” details strategies to both keep homes Memphis Treasurer John “Pat” sales, Black said the city is losing on that an application is incomplete, the OMB’s approval was published occupied as well as address blight Black said many of the properties not potential revenue streams. reviewing local government must in the Federal Register and became created by foreclosed homes. being maintained within the city are “As a result of them not being provide written notice to the appli- effective May 18, 2015. According to the report, fore- in the hands of mortgage companies, paid, that is when they put it on a cant within 30 days of receipt of the These newly established re- closures statewide peaked in 2008, not individual owners. tax sale to have someone buy it and application, clearly and specifically quirements are in addition to other with 44,153 foreclosure filings that “It’s a tough time right now for maintain the property,” Black said. delineating all missing documents or wireless siting rules that became year alone. The majority of these a lot of people,” he said. “A lot of it “We are losing tax revenues. The city information. effective April 8, 2015. were in Shelby County, where 15,516 stems from foreclosures. Mortgage See BLIGHT on Page 6 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015

port will be undergoing a $5 million runway expansion project beginning in May. The improvements include the removal of runway/taxiway con- nectors “B” and “C”, constructing new taxiway connectors “A2” and HENDERSONVILLE five years. This marks TQL’s third A3”, construction of a new LED air- Officials with the city of Henderson- expansion in the state in over a year. field lighting system and improved ville got their first look at plans for The company has two others offices signage and drainage to meet FAA a new city park when Mayor Scott in Nashville and Knoxville. TQL’s standards for Stormwater runoff. The Foster presented his 2015-16 fiscal Memphis office is expected to open LED lighting system will have an im- year budget on April 22. The budget in August in an existing building mediate impact in reducing electrical proposal includes a $3.6 million in the heart of downtown located expenses. Atkins Engineering is bond for four capital projects, one at 100 Peabody Place. TQL moves working with the Tennessee Division of which is a $1.5 million park off approximately 3,500 different types of Aeronautics and contractor LoJac Drakes Creek Road. Leaders voted of commodities including fresh fruits Enterprises, Inc. To accommodate earlier this year to take $7,500 from and vegetables, packaged foods and the construction, the airport began the city’s general fund for a master beverages, meat and poultry, ma- nightly closures from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. plan for the park, which would be chinery and equipment. to minimize air traffic disruption on located on 55 acres owned by the May 18. The closures are expected A circular common area, marked with a large military star and three city. Plans for the park include seven MEMPHIS to take 75 days while the project flagpoles, honors fallen military veterans with the symbol of each U.S. soccer fields, a lacrosse field, a horse The city of Memphis is one of 16 itself is expected to be completed in military branch. barn for the city’s police department, cities worldwide and four in the 135 days. parking, restrooms and concessions. U.S. to receive an IBM Smarter Spring Hill celebrates opening of new park Parks Director Dave LeMarbre said Cities grant, which will help the city NASHVILLE the $1.5 million Foster wants to bor- handle non-emergency calls that are Franklin-based Community Health Spring Hill recently held a grand rial Wall, playground, football fields. row in the upcoming budget for the driving up response times and costs Systems has announced it will invest opening for the city’s news 30-acre walking track, concessions building, park will allow the city to construct for the city’s emergency responders. $66 million to expand its operations Port Royal Park. It is the city’s larg- picnic shelters, basketball and tennis the first phase of the project. LeMar- Memphis was one of 100 cities that by constructing a new Shared Ser- est park and was designed with its courts, and amphitheater. bre said he’d like for city leaders to applied for the IBM grant, which vices Center in Nashville, which will citizens in mind. Also on the park property is consider increasing the amount to $2 will help the city collect, analyze and create 1,500 new jobs over the next “Spring Hill has a uniquely the new Fire Station No. 2, which million. City leaders hope the new store information about non-emer- five years. CHS will construct the high percentage of young families includes three truck bays, a large park will help with traffic congestion gency calls and improve services to new office building near Cane Ridge with children, and so many of those training room, offices, sleeping and provide more sporting venues citizens. Of 120,000 EMS calls the Road in the Antioch area of David- families had asked us for years to quarters, showers, and a kitchen. for the growing city. Memphis Fire Department respond- son County. The six-story, 240,000 create more lively park space,” It replaces the old makeshift house ed to in 2014, 25,000 calls were square foot CHS Shared Services Mayor Rick Graham said. “We also on Port Royal Road that had been KINGSPORT non-emergencies. Officials have said Center will perform some business had children who wanted to play renovated into a fire station. The city of Kingsport has been non-emergency call volume has in- and administrative functions that football, but were being turned away “I am very excited to see this recognized by the Tennessee De- creased 10.5 percent in the past three support the organization’s affiliat- because there were not enough fields park open,” City Administrator Vic- partment of Environment and Con- years, which has driven up response ed hospitals, enhancing operations in Spring Hill. What we have built on tor Lay said. “The city has had the servation, in conjunction with Clean time. The new grant will use data to efficiencies and standardizing - pro Port Royal Road is truly a first-class property available for several years Air Month for outstanding efforts to combat these problems and improve cesses. Across Tennessee, CHS has park and public gathering space that to be developed but only recently reduce transportation-related ener- response time. 19 affiliated hospitals and corporate our residents can be proud of. It adds has been financially able to do so. gy and emissions at the inaugural headquarters in Franklin, totaling the needed football fields, and it’s The Skate Park last year, and this Sustainable Transportation Awards. MURFREESBORO nearly 16,000 employees across the the only park in Williamson County year’s Port Royal Park, highlight a Kingsport was recognized for its The city of Murfreesboro and Mayor state. Community Health Systems, with a splash pad.” new commitment the city has toward Downtown Employee Bicycle User Shane McFarland have recognized Inc. is one of the nation’s leading Some of the features in- community livability.” Group (DEBUG), which provides city employees at the Sinking Creek operators of general acute care hos- clude:splash pad, Veterans Memo- city employees with bikes and hel- Wastewater Treatment Plant with pitals and one of Tennessee’s largest mets for free so they can travel to a STARS award for outstanding employers. The organization’s affil- TN high schools make nation’s best list meetings, luncheons and business performance. The award stemmed iates own, operate or lease 199 hos- events. New bicycle lanes were also from the team’s performance in bio- pitals in 29 states with approximately Nashville’s Hume-Fogg Academ- Central Magnet School in Mufrees- built in the city and other businesses logical nutrient removal, specifically 30,000 licensed beds. ic High School topped the list of the boro, and Farragut High School in and organizations in Kingsport opted phosphorous and nitrate. While most top high schools in Tennessee in a re- Knoxville. to promote bicycle use themselves. people don’t understand the sci- PLEASANT VIEW port compiled of the best high schools Farragut High was the only The city has also partnered with ence behind wastewater treatment, A Clarksville-based packaging dis- across the nation by U.S. News and non-magnet school to be ranked several local organizations, hospitals City Water and Sewer Department tribution company is moving its op- World Report. among the state’s top five schools. and businesses to grow the DEBUG Director Darren Gore emphasized erations to the former Flexible Whips Hume-Fogg also cracked the top Farragut High School was also the program. that what the plant achieved was a facility on Highway 41-A in Pleasant 50 schools in the nation, ranking as top-ranked public school for the “significant accomplishment,” espe- View. QC Industrial Solutions plans No. 48 on the publication’s list of best state. KNOXVILLE cially as the Tennessee Department to open in the new location by June. schools and ranked tenth on the list Johnson City’s University The city of Knoxville launched the of Environment and Conservation The company’s current headquarters of best magnet schools. Hume-Fogg School came in sixth statewide. Purple Cities Initiatve in May with (TDEC) was unsure if the older are on Madison Street in Clarksville. was also the highest ranked magnet Dobyns-Bennett High in Kingsport the goal of becoming one of the first plant could perform under the new It also has warehouses in Paris, school in the state. ranked seventh followed by Bearden dementia-friendly cities in the coun- standards. Meeting the new stan- Tenn., and Hopkinsville, Ky. The The school earned the ranking for High in Knoxville, and Soulsville try. The Purple City Alliance hopes dards were required in order for the company paid $1.5 million for the offering a curriculum heavy in honors Charter School in Memphis. Morris- to serve as a model for communities plant to receive a new permit for 13.9-acre property at 6341 Highway and Advanced Placement courses as town West High School rounded out across the country to support de- treating effluent water. Phosphorous 41-4 in Pleasant View. The compa- well as the school’s internship pro- the top 10. Soulsville Charter School mentia sufferers and their families. treatment efficiency was increased ny has many clients in the Middle gram, community services opportu- was the highest ranked charter school Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox 100 percent. In addition, changes in Tennessee area, including Lebanon, nities, high proficiency in algebra and in the state and the only charter County Mayor Tim Burchett helped operation saved the city more than Dickson, Springfield and Nashville. English as well as a student-teacher school ranked in the state’s top 10. kick off the effort, which featured $130,000 in electricity costs in one The company supplies cardboard ratio of 21:1. The rankings were compiled on keynote speaker Dr. Monica Crane year. boxes among paper, plastic and wood Nashville’s Martin Luther King statistics based on student-teacher of Cole Neuroscience Center. Ten- products mostly to auto parts plants Jr. Magnet at Pearl High School ratios, college readiness, and profi- nessee Lady Vols Basketball Assis- MURFREESBORO in Middle Tennessee and Southern earned the second-highest ranking in ciency in algebra and English. Pub- tant Coach Kyra Elzy also shared The Murfreesboro Municipal Air- Kentucky. the state followed by Merrol Hyde lic, charter and magnet schools were her personal story of her family’s Magnet School in Hendersonville, all ranked by the study. experience with dementia. The Pur- ple Cities Alliance, led by a team of local volunteers, practitioners and community leaders, provides dementia education and training re- sources to community members and organizations. To date, more than 40 organizations and businesses have joined the alliance.

MEMPHIS Total Quality Logistics will be ex- panding its operations with a new location in Memphis. The transpor- tation services company will invest $1 million to open a sales office downtown to meet the needs of its client base. The move will create at least 100 new jobs during the next 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org TML salutes 2015 Achievement Award winners

partment’s success is Brentwood: Police Services rooted in the individ- Managing limited resources, igently alongside citizens, commu- uals who make up the proactively approaching crime and nity groups and businesses to keep police force and their delivering quality services to citi- the area safe. dedication to the com- zens on a smaller-than-average staff “Building and maintaining strong munity. are among the efforts that have led community relations continues to be “I am very proud Brentwood to be consistently ranked a priority of the Brentwood Police of the men and wom- as one of the state’s safest cities. In Department, which proudly over- en that comprise the 2013, the city was ranked as 30th sees 45 active Neighborhood Watch Brentwood Police De- safest city in the country by Neigh- groups,” said Rex Barton, an MTAS partment and I con- borhoodScout.com and presently has police consultant. “Through partner- sider it an honor to no unresolved homicide or violent ships with neighborhoods, schools, lead such an esteemed crime investigations pending. businesses, civic organizations, and group of professionals In recognition of Brentwood’s churches, agency personnel strive in this internationally outstanding efforts to employ best to instill confidence and build trust accredited agency,” practices within its police depart- throughout the community while Hughes said. “Our ment – to serve, protect and keep the promoting a desirable quality of life members are mindful peace – the Tennessee Municipal to the citizens they serve. of their role as pub- League awards the city with an Ex- Barton said Brentwood provides lic servants and take cellence in Police Services Award. excellent services to citizens despite pride in providing the The Brentwood Police Depart- having a staffing level below the state highest quality service A Brentwood Police officer works with local students as part of D.A.R.E. programs the ment is the most tenured accredited and national averages for number of possible to our citizen- department offers through local schools. The Brentwood Police Department performs agency in the state of Tennessee and officers per unit of population. To ry. To be recognized a variety of outreach programs at local schools and daycares. has been internationally accredited help maintain a high level of service by TML for Excellence and recognized by the Commission to the community, he said the agen- in Police Services for what we con- on Accreditation for Law Enforce- cy implements a stringent selection sistently strive to accomplish as an Chattanooga: Public Works ment Agencies (CALEA). The process to recruit and hire the best organization, day in and day, out is agency has also been recognized as candidates, maintains current and le- indeed an honor.” a “Meritorious Agency” based on gally sound policies and procedures, Since the inception of the Brent- tenure, a “Flagship Agency” based provides mandatory and specialized wood Police Department in 1971, on merit, and most recently received training for all agency personnel, and only three people have held the posi- their 2014 award “With Excellence” provides personnel with state-of-the- tion of chief of police. The position is for completing the Gold Standard art equipment and technology. currently held by Chief Jeff Hughes, Assessment, he said. Brentwood Police Chief Jeff who was selected to head the agency The police force also works dil- Hughes said the credit for his de- in 2012 and has spent 28 years with the department. Columbia: Fire Services

The city of Chattanooga collects brush from about 60,000 customers a year, which typically totals 28,700 tons of wood. The wood is deposited at the city’s wood recycling center where it is grinded into wood waste to be used as landfill cover on city property and a small portion as boiler fuel to be sold back to citizens.

Public works departments are 28,700 tons of wood a year, which tasked with providing essential are then deposited at the city’s own services to citizens, and the city of wood recycling center. A city-owned Chattanooga’s Department of Public grinder processes the wood waste, Works has gone above and beyond which is used as landfill cover, on the call of duty in providing snow city owned property and sold back removal, stormwater management to residents as boiler fuel. Officials with the Columbia Fire Department celebrate attaining a Class 1 ISO rating, making the department services, and brush, refuse and haz- Public works crews also collect the highest rated in the state. From left to right, Asst. Fire Chief Ty Cobb, retiring Fire Chief Lee Bergeron, ardous material cleanup to residents. curbside refuse from residents once Admin. Asst. Donna Osmon, incoming Fire Chief Tommy Hemphill, Asst. Chief Tim Holt, Asst. Chief Tony For its excellence in providing city a week, a service which is offered Scott, Asst. Chief Jimmy Elliott, and City Fire Marshal Anthony Davis. services, the Tennessee Municipal for free. The city participated in the League recognizes Chattanooga University of Tennessee Municipal When the Insurance Services sultant with MTAS, said Columbia is the community’s overall risk for with an award for Excellence in Technical Advisory Service’s mu- Office (ISO) recently released its the first Tennessee city in decades to fire-related losses.” Public Works. nicipal benchmarking program and newest rankings for fire services, receive such a high ranking. These rankings can affect the When snow struck the state learned they collect nearly double the Columbia Fire Department was “I have seen tremendous work rates of insurance premiums paid by in February 2015, Public Works the state average in residential refuse awarded the rank of Class 1 depart- and commitment to improving the local residents and business owners, Administrator Lee Norris and city and recycling materials in 2013. The ment, the highest level possible. Co- level fire protection in Columbia, which in turn may save the larger crews worked throughout the night city also spent $74 per ton collected, lumbia is also the only community which resulted in the city of Colum- community money, Wolf said. to plow, spread salt and brine, and lower than the average $136 for other out of 933 ranked in Tennessee to bia being award the Public Protection “The Class 1 rating is another in- keep 1,400 miles of roads in the city cities in the program. In December earn a Class 1 ranking and one of Classification of Class 1 from the In- centive for recruiting businesses, and passable. The city also used an inter- 2015, the city had a record month only 97 departments in the nation to surance Services Office,” Wolf said. will save property owners money on active tracking system on its website in total recyclable tons collected earn the coveted top ranking. “The Class 1 rating is exceptional, insurance premiums,” he said. “Co- to keep residents informed of where through its curbside recycling The city of Columbia’s fire as there has not been a Class 1 fire lumbia has improved significantly city crews are at work. program, up 54 percent from the services also stand out for their com- department in Tennessee in more the level of fire protection in the The city also demonstrated previous year, and saw 2,300 new munity risk reduction efforts. In rec- than 20 years. The efforts of City community, and they truly deserve excellence in its removal of brush, residents signing up for the program. ognition of these accomplishments, Manager Tony Massey, Fire Chief recognition for their efforts.” refuse and hazardous material. The The city also provides hazardous the Tennessee Municipal League is Lee Bergeron, Columbia Power and The city of Columbia’s Fire department collects and disposes of waste services for residents of Chat- proud to present Columbia with an Water Systems Executive Director Department was first founded as a brush for about 60,000 customers on tanooga and Hamilton County. Citi- Excellence in Fire Services award. Wes Kelley, and Maury County volunteer service in 1868 and today a “call for collection” basis, allowing zens are permitted to dispose of haz- The ISO rating ranks depart- E-911 Director Mark Gandee, and employs 90 full-time firefighters residents to use the city’s 311 service ardous materials the second Saturday ments from one to 10 based on three the men and women of these de- who manage department operations center to schedule collection. Ser- of every month at the public works components of the community’s fire partments, over the past five years 24/7 at five stations across the city. vice requests are then entered into department’s Household Hazardous protection plan: communications, to improve emergency communica- The department protects nearly software to create the most efficient Waste Collection Facility. The items fire department and water supply. tions, fire services, and water supply 35,000 residents in an approximately pickup routes. collected are either reused, recycled Dennis Wolf, a fire management con- infrastructure succeeded in lowering 30 square-mile area. Crews collect approximately or disposed of accordingly. Chattanooga also promotes environmentally-friendly policies in Greeneville: Employee Relations/Human Resource Practices the operation of its water and storm- To help control rising healthcare ers. The town also partnered with the water systems, according to Sharon costs, the Greeneville Board of May- two local hospital systems to develop Rollins, MTAS technical consultant. or and Aldermen began looking for the town’s plan so it could be adapted “Chattanooga is a leader in sus- ways to lessen the expense of insur- for use by other organizations. tainable water quality management,” ance costs while promoting wellness Greeneville Human Resources Rollins said. “The department is dil- among employees. In 2014, the town Director Patsy Fuller was given the igently complying with its NPDES implemented its own wellness pro- task of developing, implementing MS4 Permit and has recently imple- gram, which was developed through and sustaining the newly created mented new policies, ordinances, a partnership with town leaders and wellness program, which allowed and codes which promote the use of Greeneville’s two hospital systems, participating employees to get their green infrastructure.” Laughlin Healthcare and Takoma $100 per month premium waved for The city received the 2014 Regional Hospital. successful completion. American Council of Engineering In recognition of its proactive Additionally, participating em- Companies (ACEC) Tennessee En- approach to rising health care costs ployees undertook an annual health gineering Excellence Honor Award and its encouragement of town em- assessment including a blood pres- for its Citico Creek Interceptor Re- ployees to improve their lifestyles, sure check, weight and blood work habilitation project, which involved the Tennessee Municipal League screening to identify risk categories Greeneville HR Director Patsy Fuller presents Chris Pursley, a public the repair of approximately 6,300 presents the town of Greeneville with like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, works employee, with a certificate for winning the Biggest Loser con- feet of 42-inch interceptor pipe an award for Excellence in Employee blood pressure and cholesterol. test for city employees. Pursley lost 38 pounds as part of the city’s using trenchless rehabilitation. The Relations and HR Practices. The town also implemented a wellness program. city also reduced its sanitary sewer overflows by 60 percent in 2014 with As a first step to find solutions point system as part of the program ments in their lives,” Hardy said. average monthly insurance claims to increasing costs of healthcare, and required employees to earn at a five-year overall reduction of 50 “One employee was diagnosed as per person on the town’s insurance percent. Chattanooga also used the the Greeneville Board of Aldermen least 100 points over the course of diabetic and lost 38 pounds with coverage drop from $713 in 2012 to decided to implement its new well- a year. Employees are able to earn Moccasin Bend wastewater treat- the Biggest Loser competition. An- $608 in 2013 to $545 in 2014. ment plant to treat approximately ness program and took $30,000 out points by attending wellness classes other employee realized they had “These results demonstrate the of the town’s health insurance fund to learn about ways to improve their 25 billion gallons of wastewater in high blood pressure as a result of wellness program is having both a 2014 and used 71,595 tons of nutri- reserves to cover program costs, lifestyles, participating in special the annual health assessment. Five personal and financial benefit that according to Pat Hardy, municipal events like a town Biggest Loser ent-rich biosolids to help local farms employees quit smoking during the more than pays for itself,” Hardy reduce the need for petroleum-based management consultant with MTAS. competition and maintaining a log first year of the program.” said. “This is a perfect example of The goals of the new program of their fitness activities. fertilizers. Greeneville spokeswoman Amy the kind of innovations a town can The department also provides included improving the health Only one year after the program Rose said a total of 450 pounds were implement in order to develop last- and quality of life for employees, began, Hardy said the town began to other necessary day-to-day services lost by the city’s 144 employees in ing, long-term solutions to difficult including engineering, operation and improving workplace efficiencies, see dramatic results in the healthful- 2014 health and insurance related chal- reduce employee sick days and mit- ness of its employees. maintenance of parks, maintenance The program also saw the number lenges. Not only are the town and of streets and roads, stormwater igate the large increases in health in- “A number of employees have of sick days utilized dropped from its citizens winners, but so too are surance costs for Greeneville taxpay- demonstrated lifestyle improve- management, and wastewater col- 14,058 in 2013 to 9,586 and the employees.” lection and treatment. 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org TML salutes 2015 Achievement Award winners Troy: Small Town Progress A mix of new initiatives and water line extensions and replace- reviving old traditions are just some ment, he said. of the projects the town of Troy has Additionally, improvements are undertaken since December 2014. In being made to two local parks. merely six months, the town has seen “The city park on the square is in rapid change through the renovation the process of being renovated with of infrastructure and facilities to dead trees removed and remaining the promotion of local events. City trees trimmed,” he said. “The park is leaders have been hard at work on being seeded and sodded as weather a wide variety of projects ranging permits and the existing pavilion is from parks to infrastructure to online being repaired to make it the focal resources and grant writing. point of the town once again. The In recognition of the improve- town has also begun a renovation of ments being made by town officials, Trojan Park where ball fields are be- the Tennessee Municipal League is ing repaired and bleachers repaired pleased to give the town of Troy an or replaced.” award for Small Town Progress. The city has also upgraded its Dana Deem, a municipal man- technology with new computers, agement consultant with MTAS, said server, printers and software to make the town has implemented multiple staff more efficient and accountable projects since new Mayor Deanna for city hall. The town is also in the Chappell was sworn into office on process of designing its first website Dec. 1, 2014. Chappell is the city’s to showcase the town’s assets and first new mayor in 30 years and has help residents and visitors connect worked with other local leaders to with officials. bring out the best in Troy. On April 18, the mayor and staff Upgrading local infrastructure is held Ladies Day in Troy, an event one of the biggest tasks the town has designed to help promote women in Upgrading local infrastructure, such as the park seen here, has been one of the many projects the town undertaken in the past few months. the community. The event featured of Troy has been working on in the past six months. The town has made upgrades to both City Park and Crumbling sidewalks on the south music, a fashion show, shopping, Trojan Park as well as upgraded technology and working with the local senior center. side of the town’s square have been door prizes, a fitness demonstration, repaired and the town has applied for and featured food prepared and come more involved in the local se- working to revive Troy Involvement event of fun and community service and received three grants to upgrade served by culinary arts students from nior citizens center, where the town Days this July, an annual two-day originally started 33 years ago. their utility system with a new water Obion County Central High School. recently provided lunch and a bingo plant, remote read water meters, and The town is also working to be- event. The mayor and staff are also Sevierville: Eagleville: Small City Progress Excellence in Governance A new sewer system, the expan- runs along north Main Street, which 30,000 square feet to the school. Mixing traditional sion of a local school, the redevel- is mostly agricultural. It connects “Expected to be completed for services with inventive opment of downtown and the hiring that neighborhood to the downtown the start of the 2015-16 school year, approaches to meet the of new personnel are just some of area, and we hope and anticipate the school will have nine additional needs of citizens, offi- the things the city of Eagleville has having this public sewer system will classrooms, two science labs, offic- cials with the city of accomplished in the past year. With spur some economic development es, a book store and rehearsal space Sevierville have made a population of 604, Eagleville is through residential development. for the band and choir,” Broughton it their goal to improve poised for progress and working We have had some conversations said. “A cafeteria that has also served both the quality of their toward future development. with interested contractors on what as an auditorium will be replaced governing and quality In light of these accomplish- is going on with the sewer develop- with an auditorium with dressing of life for citizens. The ments, the Tennessee Municipal ment. We are seeing more interest rooms, while the cafeteria will be city’s Board of Mayor League is pleased to present Eag- in residential development, which expanded by 1,500 square feet with and Aldermen work leville with an award for Small City is common throughout all of Ruth- an extra serving line.” hand-in-hand with city Progress. erford County, but especially in this Brown said the Rutherford employees to develop To eliminate run off from failing area real estate gets scooped up very County School system has invested best practices, find septic tanks and to enhance property quickly.” $5 million into the school to help unique solutions to city values and spur economic growth, The area’s rural local and its expand the school, which underwent issues and provide cit- the city constructed a $3.5 million proximity to larger cities has made its last major renovation in the 1990s. izens with easy access The new My Sevierville app allows citizens to sewer system, which was funded it a draw for developers and those He said the small size of the school to necessary services. track ongoing projects. from a $1 million USDA grant and seeking homes, Ellard said. is one of the reasons many families The Tennessee low-interest loans. Mayor Travis “We have a population push are attracted to Eagleville. Municipal League honors Sevier- mote the flow of public information Brown said the project began in April coming from the Murfreesboro To help facilitate future growth, ville with an award for Excellence and public communication through 2014, and city leaders hope it will be area,” he said. “We have a draw Ellard said officials plan to work in Governance for its innovative the My Sevierville app, citizen completed by the end of May. from our school. We are right on the with the state and officials with the approach to policy, administrative enewsletters, and the establishment “In the last year, we have made border of Williamson County, which Nashville Metropolitan Planning Or- dimensions and providing both of Facebook pages and Twitter ac- some tremendous changes with the has a big influence from housing cost ganization to develop traffic plans to traditional and new services to the counts, as well as a new city website, sewer being the biggest one,” he standpoint. We are in a unique corner accommodate future growth and an community. he said. said. “That really took in the center of the county, which seems to be influx of motorists downtown. The Pat Hardy, a municipal man- The online website allows part of town, which was an older part gathering a great deal of interest. We town’s Main Street is also Highway agement consultant with MTAS, residents access to forms and ap- of town. We had some bad problems have great access to Murfreesboro, 99/State Highway 41A and provides said Sevierville’s BOMA works plications. The city has also used with noncompliance on the personal Nashville, Franklin and Shelbyville. access to the Eagleville School. seamlessly together with the city’s technology to provide enhanced level there. As a result, we were able This area is a bedroom community Ellard said the city is looking staff to provide an array of traditional hospitality tax software allowing to offer sewer service to commercial and has an atmosphere people en- into some streetscaping and beauti- services and supporting a variety of the online filing and payment of businesses as well.” joy.” fication projects in the future as well innovative approaches to the deliv- hotel, restaurant and amusement Additionally, the Maple Street As the residential development as reviving a popular Main Street ery of these services. These efforts taxes. The city’s monitoring of water Grill decided to open its second lo- continues, commercial development festival. He said officials are looking are led on the board side by Mayor and sewer resources has also been cation on Main Street in Eagleville. may not be far behind. “As the to bring the festival back in the fall Brian Atchley and on the adminis- centralized through a product called Brown said this is one of many busi- community here grows, we expect and have been talking with interested trative side by City Administrator SCADA (System Control & Data nesses that has looked into relocating business to follow,” he said. “We entertainers and vendors. Russell Treadway. Acquisition), which is available via to the area. have heard from the post office that The past year has also brought City leaders began by conduct- the Internet on desktop computers “The sewer project has spurred there is a lot of growth in the business new personnel to the city. After ing a variety of needs-assessments and mobile devices. some renewal in that center part of they do. We have a lot of home-based a nationwide search assisted by studies to find out what was in the The city also partnered with town that would otherwise be dying businesses as well. As the residential MTAS, city leaders hired Ellard as best interest of citizens, including various other local entities and the off on the vine,” he said. “It is very grows, there is definitely possibility Eagleville’s first ever full-time city a comprehensive cost of delivery state to undertake a variety of proj- difficult to open a new business on for commercial growth, which the manager. Brown said the city has also review to determine the actual cost of ects. A partnership with the town of a septic system. You have to have a new sewer system is essential for. hired its first full-time daytime fire- services provided to citizens. These Pigeon Forge resulted in a $445,750 sewer system.” The sewer system opens the doors fighter and has added more officers citizen surveys will be completed ev- grant for a traffic flow improvement City Manager Andrew Ellard, for tons of potential development.” to its police department. ery two years to provide information project on the Highway 66/Parkway who began work with the city in The new sewer infrastructure Eagleville was also ranked as about the direction the city needs to corridor. Two partnerships with Se- September 2014, said the new sewer also allowed the expansion of Eag- the safest city in Tennessee in the take with its services. Additionally, a vier County led to the purchase of a system may also encourage residen- leville School, the only K-12 school overall and small cities categories survey was distributed to employees former bank facility to be marketed tial development in the area. in Rutherford County, according to by Movoto.com. The city was one to gauge their job satisfaction and to higher education providers and “The system also serves one of Jeff Broughton, a municipal man- of the earliest adopters of body-worn take suggestions for improvement. the rebuilding of eight public tennis our oldest and more densely popu- agement consultant with MTAS. The camera systems for police officers, The city hired an economic courts. The state and the U.S. Ten- lated neighborhoods,” he said. “It expansion project will add more than which contributed to the ranking. development director to undertake nis Association also helped provide a retail recruitment study and has funding for the tennis court renova- become a participant in the MTAS tion, which won the city an award for Benchmarking Project. outstanding public facilities. Officials also worked to make Sevierville also used a TDOT city codes more streamlined. The Enhancement Grant to grow and Sevierville Municipal Code was connect the city’s already extensive completely recodified in 2015 and a greenway system. In 2014, an un- revision to the city’s zoning and land derutilized vending area in the city’s development regulations is expected community center was converted to be complete by the end of this year. into an information area for pro- As a result of these surveys and grams and activities in Sevierville closer looks at city codes, the city and Sevier County that promote has developed a strategic approach green communities. Named the to improving the community that “Green Corner,” the project received both demands quality and promotes a TDEC award. imaginative ideas. “These are but a few of the “Each of these points to the many accomplishments the city continued innovation and ‘push to has achieved over the past couple do better’ that has become a hallmark of years,” Hardy said. “Sevierville of the way Sevierville conducts its is truly a ‘city on the move.’ The business,” Hardy said. “Projects like city staff, along with a top-notch this are not accomplished without Board of Mayor and Aldermen, has a high-quality governance team of worked together as a team to achieve both elected officials and appointed these things. They have done this by staff, who are able to work together strategically planning, hiring and to conceive of, design, and imple- retaining top staff, and by embracing ment exciting and new approaches to a customer-oriented focus in every- otherwise standard service delivery.” thing they do.” The city has also strived to pro- An upgraded sewer system has allowed the town of Eagleville to promote growth at its K-12 school and along the Main Street corridor. Residential growth in the area has also been boosted by the new infrastructure. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org

are expected to last more than twice chased the new streetlights through TML salutes Achievement Award winners as long. the Street Aid Fund,” Angerer said. “We could purchase these lights “The lights were installed through an that are supposed to last 20 years or intergovernmental agreement with Somerville: Energy Effi ciency 100,000 hours and save money on Chickasaw Electric at a total cost of To help reduce the cost of op- our electricity,” he said. “If the lights $135,000. Once installed and com- erating its streetlights, the town of are going to last 20 years, we decided pletely operational, the town gave Somerville developed an innovative to take on maintenance ourselves the street lights to Chickasaw Elec- and energy effi cient light replace- and budget for the maintenance. We tric and signed an agreement with ment program that will not only save talked to Chickasaw Electric into them to maintain the street lights on money for taxpayers and the town ending that maintenance agreement, an as needed basis.” itself, but help decrease the area’s which also saved us. The money is The town opted to pay for the environmental footprint. Town offi - now going into our general fund to lights over a 10-year period to save cials were able to fi nd a unique way repair streets and sidewalks, put up its general fund money and will have to problem solve the need to reduce new street signs and everything to annual debt service and interest of street lighting costs, and will see a maintain our streets.” $15,022. The energy effi cient bulbs return on their investment in a little Turner said it took about fi ve will save the town’s Street Aid Fund over two years. minutes for crews to replace each by some $75,000 annually, and the For this reason, the Tennessee individual light and around three town’s investment will be complete- Municipal League is pleased to months to replace all of the lights in ly recovered in 27 months. The town honor the town of Somerville with town. Whereas, the old bulbs used also has an extra $60,000 to spend for an award for Excellence in Energy 400 watts per bulb, the new lights the next 10 years. Effi ciency. only use 101 watts, which led to a In addition to brightening up the In fi scal year 2011, the town of 55 percent reduction in electric costs. town, Somerville’s new street lights Somerville was being charged al- “The life expectancy of your will save the area energy. most $110,000 to power 551 street average bulb is eight years and the “Somerville’s willingness to lights, including maintenance fees life expectancy of the new bulbs is innovate has resulted in substantial and electricity cost. As the city only Replacing streetlights, like this one downtown, helped the town of 23.5 years,” he said. “The failure rate savings to the community, a reduc- received $70,000 in gasoline taxes Somerville save money and energy. The new lights are expected to is supposed to be a low percentage, tion in the town’s energy consump- through the state’s Street Aid Fund, last more than twice as long as the older ones. which I fi gured to be 1.7 lightbulbs. tion and environmental footprint, the town had to take $40,000 from its There is a 10 year warranty, so we got and street lights which are brighter general fund to pay the rest of the fee. lit, according to David Angerer, a tive,” Angerer said. “In response, the those bulbs back for free.” and more aesthetically pleasing,” The high cost of operating and municipal management consultant electric company made an inventory The cost of operating the old Angerer said. maintaining the lights lead the with MTAS. of Somerville’s street lights and dis- street lights was dropped down to Turner said the lights are helping Somerville Board of Mayor and “The town discussed its concerns covered there were only 452 in ser- $97,000 per year, but Angerer said the town save money, electricity and Aldermen to explore more cost with their local electricity company, vice – some 18 percent less than for the town decided to explore other energy.“In 15 years, these lights are effective ways to keep local streets the Chickasaw Electric Coopera- which the town was being billed. As ways to save even more money. As still going to be putting on the same a result of this discovery, Chickasaw a result, the Board of Mayor and amount of light as when we fi rst in- Electric gave Somerville a refund of Aldermen proceeded with the Street stalled them,” he said. “It’s a 20-year Cleveland: Green Leadership the overbilled amounts.” Lighting Energy Effi ciency Program deal that could save us $1.5 million Robert Turner, the former mayor (SLEEP), which involved the re- over that time period, which is a huge and current city administrator of placement of the 452 lights in service deal for the town. The best part is, it Somerville, said the LED lights were with highly-effi cient LED bulbs. has changed the way the town looks. more costly than average bulbs, but “The town of Somerville pur- The light is so much better.” Goodlettsville receives TCMA 2015 Excellence in Government award The Tennessee City Manage- ment Association is recognizing the city of Goodlettsville with its 2015 Award for Excellence in Municipal Government. The award was selected based on four criteria including unique and creative programs developed by the municipality, sustainable University of Tennessee landscape architecture student Taylor Dotson programs operated by the city, reviews her proposal to redevelop the old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, programs that improve service part of the school’s partnership with the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of to citizens and generate cost Commerce and Impact Cleveland for the Smart Communities Initiative. savings, and initiatives that have boosted the local economy, such The city of Cleveland has proved 19 civic projects, including stormwa- as expanding the local tax base its leadership in green and sustain- ter mapping and analysis, streetscape or increasing opportunities for ability initiatives time and time again improvements, greenway extensions employment. through building partnerships with and redevelopment of old industrial Residents of Goodlettsville clean up a local stream as part of a City Manager Tim Ellis said organizations like Cleveland State sites,” Nevad said. “The initiative community project organized through the new “My Goodlettsville” the entire city came together to Community College, the Tennessee is a great way to merge “theory and program. The initiative’s aim is to promote community involvement make the award possible. Valley Authority and Tennessee practice” for both students and fac- among citizens, businesses, organizations and churches. “This is a culmination of hard Renewable Energy and Economic ulty in meaningful and useful ways.” work that not only our city staff but decrease by 25.45 percent since its Development Council. One of the University faculty and city staff tion collection was outsourced for a our community at large has come implementation. city’s newest partnerships with the will lead these projects while stu- reduction of $2 per month per res- together to be recognized for,” he For sustainability efforts, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville dents handle the work, produce ident with the addition of curbside said. “This has been a team effort, city developed and implemented a has showcased how government reports and make suggestions for recycling as well as outsourcing all putting a lot of pieces together, stormwater and water quality pro- personnel, nonprofi t organizations, resolving the various issues they are of the city mowing, which will save to be recognized for this award. gram addressing and improving the local businesses and students can studying, Nevad said. the city $68,000 yearly as well as Naturally, when you have myself, quality of local creeks and streams, come together for sustainability. “City personnel, nonprofi t or- untotaled cost reduction for replac- along with Mayor John Coombs which are fed by underground and In honor of the city’s practices ganizations and the business sector ing mowing equipment. and all the city staff -- and even surface water systems. The city and comprehensive networking have combined to make Cleveland a The city also made efforts to the citizens joining together to adopted a stormwater ordinance, to build sustainability through its perfect partner city,” he said. “Creat- expand its tax base by conducting be recognized, it makes you feel educated the public through social region, the Tennessee Municipal ing the groundwork for SCI involved market analysis of local businesses, great.” media, provided workshops for League recognizes the city of Cleve- a holistic approach that embraced which confi rmed the need for more To meet these criteria, the teachers to help educate students land with an award for Excellence in environmental viability and sustain- hotels in the area. The study al- city developed a community en- about improving the environment Green Leadership. ability as well as social integrity.” lowed the community to make extra gagement program called “My and water quality and provided an In 2014, Cleveland partnered In addition to its work with UT marketing efforts to recruit hotels. Goodlettsville” that allowed citi- interactive website for citizens to with UT Knoxville for the Smart Knoxville, Cleveland has been a Goodlettsville also the General zens, businesses, civic organiza- learn about water and participate Communities Initiative (SCI), be- long-time Tree City USA member Assembly adopt Public Chapter tions and churches to give back in programs like Stream Watch and coming the university’s fi rst partner and member of The Tennessee 748 to allow the city’s industrial to the community and become Adopt-A-Stream. in the student service learning pro- Renewable Energy and Economic development board to offer tax more aware of city services and The city partnered with local gram. Warren Nevad, director of the Development Council. abatements not permitted in the rest programs including litter pick-up, colleges and universities to test Tennessee Renewable Energy and The city has also partnered with of the state. As the result of these keeping neighborhoods and parks water quality and implemented Economic Development Council Cleveland State Community College efforts, one hotel is currently under safe, and starting a community stormwater good housekeeping (TREEDC) and an MTAS municipal to bring more community sustain- construction in Goodlettsville and garden. policies within city government. management consultant, said this ability awareness through creative two others are in the fi nal planning The city’s police department The city also declared stormwater a partnership has brought Cleveland’s events and worked with Cleveland stages. also implemented a comput- utility, which is expected to generate sustainability efforts to the next Utilities to advance the Tennessee Changes were also made to the er-based crime reduction process $850,000 in revenue for the city level. Valley Authority’s Green Power city’s zoning restrictions, which two years ago, which has seen annually. “The program will give students Switch program which encourages helped recruit a new corporate Uniform Crime Report incidents To improve city services, sanita- hands-on experience as they tackle the use of renewable energy. headquarters for Loden Vision.

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Mark Cate, until 2003 and worked as a consul- The Tennessee Bureau of In- Online Services database chief of staff tant and state director for Women in vestigation released two studies on an iPhone or Android de- for Gov. Bill Government. From 2003 until 2005, that show the state of hate crimes vice, search for a job based Haslam, an- she also served as Chairwoman of in Tennessee, as well as data on on current location using nounced he is the Shelby County Democratic Ex- law enforcement officers who are the unique “Jobs Nearby” stepping down ecutive Committee. targeted for violence while on function, and pinpoint jobs from his posi- duty. Both studies are based on on a map for easy reference. tion within the Chris Dorsey statistics submitted by the state’s Users may also save and administration Mark Cate has been ap- law enforcement agencies through share their favorite jobs via later this sum- pointed city the Tennessee Incident Based Re- email, Facebook, and Twit- mer. As chief of staff, Cate has served administrator porting System. The Hate Crime ter, as well as login to their as a top advisor, strategist, and nego- for the city of 2014 report includes the following account so that all job search tiator for the administration. He has Sparta, effec- findings: in 2014, law enforcement activity is recorded. The assisted the governor in day to day tive May 18, departments reported 340 victims app is compatible with the activities and has acted as his liaison 2015. Dors- of 295 bias-motivated incidents in iPhone, the iPod Touch, and to various departments, agencies, and The Tennessee Department of ey previously Tennessee, which represents a 2.6 the iPad. The app does require iOS internal and external stakeholders, as Chris Dorsey Transportation is celebrating its served as inter- percent decrease in the number of 6.0 or later. Employers and jobseek- well as overseen top-level, strategic 100th anniversary this year, and im city manager of Millington. He victims since 2013. Of the 2014 hate ers can download the “Jobs4TN” app projects and initiatives of the admin- department commissioner John worked as the city manager of Red crimes, 42 victims and 43 offenders at the Apple Store or Google Play at istration including the TEAM Act, Schroer is traveling across the state Bank from 2005 to 2011, and served were juveniles. The findings in the no charge. workers’ compensation reform, and on a Centennial Bus Tour as part as a budget manager for the city of Law Enforcement Officers Killed the governor’s Drive to 55 initiative, of the celebration. During the tour, Memphis prior to that. Both Dorsey’s or Assaulted 2014 report include The kitchen and cutting garden which includes the Tennessee Prom- Schroer and local elected officials master’s and bachelor’s degrees are the following: law enforcement at the Tennessee governor’s man- ise. Before serving in state govern- are unveiling commemorative signs in public administration from the departments reported 1,704 victims sion has been recognized as the best ment, Cate managed the governor’s marking State Route 1, the first state University of Tennessee, Knoxville. in 1,378 incidents in 2014, which demonstration garden in the United campaign, and before that, was vice road built by TDOT. State Route 1 represents a 7.7 percent decrease in States and Canana by the Interna- president at Knoxville real estate goes from Memphis to Bristol. Valesa Wells the number of reported victims. The tional Master Gardener Association development firm Lawler-Wood. He has joined the most frequently reported offense Search for Excellence program. previously served 16 years in execu- The number of new business filings town of Collier- was simple assault. According to the office of first lady tive management in higher education increased during the first quarter of ville’s Finance Crissy Haslam, the garden was com- at Maryville College. Department as Tennessee Department of Labor pleted in September 2013. Since then 2015, according to numbers recently released by the Secretary of State’s a budget officer. and Workforce Development has it has grown to produce about 2,700 Longtime state Wells has ex- a new iPhone and Android mobile pounds of fruits and vegetables that Office. The state recorded 8,685 new filings between January and March, lawmaker tensive experi- app that makes finding available are served in the home, known as Kathryn Bow- ence in financial Tennessee jobs even easier. The the Tennessee Residence. More than which is a 9.3 percent increase over last year according to the Tennessee ers died on May management, Valesa Wells free mobile application brings thou- 3,000 students and visitors have 14 at the age of including work- sands of employment opportunities toured the garden and learned about Quarterly Business and Economic Indicator’s report. Filings have in- 72. She served ing as a billing and contract admin- to smart phones with advanced gardening, composting and healthy in the Ten- istrator at Cimarron Field Services location and sharing features. The eating. The garden is cared for by a creased for 14 consecutive quarters now. The Metro-Nashville area nessee House in Germantown and as a financial new app’s functionality will allow team of volunteer master gardeners from 1995 to consultant and office manager at users to access the entire Jobs4TN who select, plant and harvest. reported the most new filings with 1,509 and was followed closely by 2005, serving as Kathryn Bowers Public Financial Management. Memphis-Shelby County with 1,195 House Major- Valesa served in the U.S. Navy and Newly certified law enforcement filings. The report also found the ity Whip during the 103rd General earned her bachelor’s degree in pro- state’s unemployment rate fell to 6.3 Assembly, and then was elected to fessional and technical writing from officers graduate Police Academy percent in March from 6.6 percent in represent the 33rd district in the state the University of Memphis as well February. The state is still above the Senate in 2006, until her resignation as a certificate in accounting from Nearly 80 newly certified offi- past five years, TLETA has gradu- later that year. In addition to her time Southwest Tennessee Community ated more than 1,800 basic police national unemployment rate of 5.5 cers will graduated May 22 from the percent but below the 6.4 percent un- as a state lawmaker, Bowers was College. Her duties in Collierville Tennessee Law Enforcement Train- students. Every year, TLETA trains president of Women in Action for a will include planning and helping to between 2,000 and 5,000 specialized employment rate this time last year. ing Academy (TLETA) in Donelson. To read the report, visit sos.tn.gov. New Direction (WAND) from 1999 pass the municipal budget. The graduation for Basic Police course students. School Class 1750 marks the con- Basic Police School Class 1750’s clusion of the 10-week Basic Police members will serve a variety of law School course, which is designed to enforcement agencies including the Cities given more tools to fight blight provide technical and tactical exper- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, tise as well as the ethical and profes- Tennessee State Parks, the Tennessee BLIGHT, from Page 1 sional standards of law enforcement Alcoholic Beverage Commission really wants these properties to go to necessary for success. This is the and the following police departments someone who maintains the property second of five Basic Police Schools (PD) and sheriffs’ offices (SO): and pays taxes.” offered by TLETA every year. This Bartlett PD, Bedford County Patrick Dandridge, senior assis- session lasted from Mar. 15-May 22. SO, Brentwood PD, Carter County tant city attorney for the city of Mem- “Being a law enforcement of- SO, Centerville PD, Collierville phis, said the loss of tax revenue is ficer is one of the most challenging PD, Columbia PD, Crockett County not the only issue for the city. Vacant and most rewarding careers some- SO, Dickson County SO, Fentress properties can also draw crime. one can choose,” TLETA Director County SO, Franklin PD, Gallatin “If you have a vacant property Brian Grisham said. “TLETA gives PD, Hamilton County SO, Hender- that is not boarded, you can invite its graduates the training needed to sonville PD, Humboldt PD, Johnson in all kinds of criminal activity make good choices in the midst of County SO, Lauderdale County SO, from murder to drugs,” he said. “If high-pressure situations. I congrat- La Vergne PD, Lexington PD, Ma- the property is not well kept, it can ulate the students of Basic Police con County SO, Maury County SO, bring down the property values of the School Class 1750 for their commit- McMinnville PD, Memphis-Shelby surrounding units. If the property is ment, dedication and accomplish- County Airport Authority, Middle not maintained, it gets worse over the ments.” Tennessee State University PD, years. Blight tends to spread. If you Upon completion of their class- Millington PD, Murfreesboro PD, see a home that has been vacant for Memphis has passed a law requiring buyers of tax-delinquent proper- work and graduation, the newly Newbern PD, Putnam County SO, two or three years, you start to see ties to present plans for rehabiliating blighted real estate in the hopes certified officers will join the ranks Savannah PD, Smyrna PD, South another one and another one in that of improving property values and discouraging crime. of thousands of law enforcement Fulton PD, Sullivan County PD, same area because people leave.” officers across Tennessee who Trousdale County SO, Unicoi Coun- Dandridge said it can take any- dilapidated property doesn’t keep the property afterwards. Dandridge said studied at TLETA and went on to ty SO, Vanderbilt University PD, where from 60 days to several years structure in the same condition. he and others in Memphis hope the be commissioned by state and local Warren County SO, White County for properties to be brought back up “If you have a vibrant and grow- new law will mean blighted proper- law-enforcement agencies. In the SO, and Williamson County SO. to code, depending on if an owner ing neighborhood, it continues to ties are repaired sooner. chooses to redeem a property or if invite investors and they continue to Shortening the redemption pe- the property goes through the tax make progress,” he said. “If you have riod is something we have worked sale process. If a property cannot a dying and decaying neighborhood, on for a long time,” Dandridge said. Lawmakers must address be prepared, Dandridge said it may the people who buy those properties “This way, someone can take pos- take the city as much as five months are typically not trying to rehab them session of those dilapidated pieces of transportation funding crisis to complete the entire demolition or not rehab them fast. They often property in a shorter amount of time grab them because they are a bargain. ROADS, from Page 1 process. after that tax sale and actually have percent since 2000, bringing more However, Dandridge said those That is why we passed a neighbor- an opportunity to start rehabilitating says the growing number of com- traffic to roads and highways. Trans- who buy properties at tax sales – hood rehabilitation act that requires and fixing the property. That long mitted but unfunded transportation portation experts estimate it would whether there is a structure on the buyers to come up with a rehab plan redemption rule has been a problem projects will only get larger and more take an additional $6 to $8 billion land or not – are not always looking to make it habitable.” for a while, especially when some- expensive if they are not addressed to begin to seriously address some to immediately get to work on the Previously, Dandridge said it one buys a property and wants to but now. of the committed but unfunded road property. As a result, Dandridge may take several years for a home is not able to fix it for a long period “These are all projects TDOT projects across Tennessee. said Memphis has put measures into to be put up for a tax sale and then of time because of the redemption has identified as needs,” said Moore. “Safe roads and bridges are a key place to ensure that the buyer of a owners had up to a year to redeem the property.” “A maintenance-only budget not factor in overall highway traffic safe- only means no new roads or transpor- ty,” said Tim Wright with Auto Club tation options, but it also means less Group/AAA Tennessee. “These are TDEC announces rebates for qualifying electric vehicles safe roads, more traffic congestion the roads that we travel on every day and more inconvenience for motor- to go to work, to take our children to The Tennessee Department of of electricity. Plug-in hybrid electric • Fiat 500e ists.” school, or to run basic errands. We Environment and Conservation’s vehicles have zero-emission vehicle • Ford Focus Electric “This is not just a state prob- need to maintain these roads and Office of Energy Programs an- range capability and an onboard elec- • Honda Fit EV lem. Counties are impacted too. We bridges in a safe condition and we’ve nounced it will offer a two-tiered trical energy storage device that can • Mercedes-Benz B-Class operate county roads and bridges got to have additional funding to do rebate on qualifying electric vehicles be recharged from an external source Electric Drive that are funded largely through state that.” that are purchased or leased and reg- of electricity. In general, plug-in hy- • Mitsubishi i-MiEV transportation dollars,” said Rod- The coalition was launched to istered in the state of Tennessee. brid electric vehicles can be driven • Nissan LEAF ney Carmical, executive director educate the public and state legisla- Electric vehicle dealerships will using electricity, gasoline or both. • smartED and Electric Fortwo of the Tennessee County Highway tors as it seeks an increase and reform be responsible for providing the re- There is currently $682,500 • Tesla Model S Officials Association and a coalition in Tennessee’s transportation fees. bate to consumers after such funds available for this second iteration of • Toyota RAV4 EV member. The coalition includes businesses, are received from the state. The state the electric vehicle rebate program. • Volkswagen e-Golf “Keeping our infrastructure residents, community leaders, public will rebate $2,500 on zero-emission The rebate program will go adequately funded makes our roads officials and organizations that are battery electric vehicles and $1,500 into effect for vehicle purchases or Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and bridges safer for our residents, interested in continuing Tennessee’s on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles leases made after June 15, 2015. (PHEV) $1,500 Rebate it makes our commutes better and transportation infrastructure for the sold or leased (with a three-year Rebates will be dispersed on a • BMW i8 more efficient, and it improves our long haul. minimum lease term) by a Tennessee first-come, first-served basis, and • Cadillac ELR state economy,” Carmical said. The group intends to work close- dealership to Tennessee residents, the program will remain active until • Chevrolet Volt State and local transportation ly with Gov. Bill Haslam and the after a claim is filed by the dealership. funds are exhausted. • Ford CMAX Energi projects in Tennessee are funded Tennessee state legislators moving For the purposes of this rebate, The following vehicles are eligi- • Ford Fusion Energi primarily by state and federal fu- forward in hopes that they will find battery electric vehicles are defined ble to qualify for a rebate: • Honda Accord Plug-in el-tax revenues. These projects in- a long-term solution in 2016. as fully electric, zero-emission vehi- Battery electric vehicles (BEV) • Porsche 918 Spyder clude maintenance, repair and new “It is our hope that a permanent cles that have an on-board electrical $2,500 Rebate • Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid construction. Tennessee’s fuel taxes solution to our state’s transportation energy storage device that can be • BMW i3 or i3 Rex • Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid have not changed since 1989, yet the funding crisis can be found,” said recharged from an external source • Chevrolet Spark EV state’s population has increased 14 Alcorn. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2014-2015 Officers and Directors Nashville is Center Stage for the Congress of Cities PRESIDENT Tom Rowland Registration is now open with special, discounted rate for members of the Tennessee Municipal League Mayor, Cleveland VICE PRESIDENTS Music City is setting the stage can stroll Lower Broadway and hear Curtis Hayes for the 2015 National League of the sounds of live music being played Mayor, Livingston Cities Congress of Cities, which at the world famous honky-tonk row, John Holden will take place at the new Music visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, Mayor, Dyersburg City Center convention hall in the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Ann Davis heart of downtown Nashville, Nov. Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Mayor, Athens 4-7. visit the Cumberland River greenway DIRECTORS The NLC Congress is the larg- Andy Berke and visit many other local attractions. Mayor, Chattanooga est annual gathering of municipal Nashville is receiving accolades Randy Brundige elected and appointed officials who for diverse dining options that are Mayor, Martin meet for an exchange of ideas de- available throughout downtown and Roger Campbell signed to enhance leadership, pro- in neighborhoods that include The Asst. City Manager, Maryville (District 2) vide educational enrichment and Gulch, 12 South, East Nashville and Wallace Cartwright advance innovative concepts and Germantown. Mayor, Shelbyville policies to improve our nation’s Conference programming is Vance Coleman, cities. The Congress will spotlight geared toward practical, proven Mayor, Medina (District 7) national and local innovatives and solutions for problems facing 21st Betsy Crossley successful municipal initiatives, century cities. It will cover eco- NLC’s Congress of Cities will take place at the new Music City Center Commissoner, Brentwood while delivering the kind of enter- Karl Dean nomic development, innovation convention hall in the heart of downtown Nashville, Nov. 4-7. Mayor, Metro Nashville tainment experience that can only and technology, energy and climate Richard Driver be found in Music City. change, new and social media, crisis Mayor, Lafayette (District 5) “Nashville is thrilled to host management and leadership, and will John Hickman the National League of Cities. demonstrate how Nashville has led City Manager, Waynesboro (District 6) Along with Vice Mayor Diane on these issues. Jill Holland Neighbors and the Metropolitan As a complement to the tradi- Mayor, McKenzie Council, I look forward to the ar- tional conference structure, Metro Hoyt Jones rival of our colleagues from cities Nashville will conduct 13 high-im- Alderman, Sparta (District 4) and towns across the country,” pact mobile workshops, including: Chris McCartt said Metro Nashville Mayor Karl Asst. City Manager • Spotlighting City Strengths, Kingsport (District 1) Dean. “NLC has a great reputation featuring government and private Bo Perkinson for the role it plays to set the con- sector partnerships that result in Vice Mayor, Athens (District 3) versation for how to strengthen our continued progress, growth and pros- Madeline Rogero nation through stronger cities and perity of major industries; Mayor, Knoxville communities. Nashville is ready to • Coming Together for Crime Paula Sedgwick contribute to the experience with a Reduction, featuring Metro Nash- Alderman, Bartlett (District 8) strong lineup of mobile workshops ville Police Department initiatives Charles “Bones” Seivers and the involvement of local plan- that have dramatically decreased the President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund ning experts. As Music City, we number of persons victimized by Mary Ann Tremblay Within an easy walk from the Music City Center, visitors can stroll Lower know how to entertain guests, and major criminal offenses in the last 10 Broadway and hear the sounds of live music being played at the world Vice Mayor, Three Way our friends in the music industry Ron Washington years; famous honky-tonk row. Councilmember, Murfreesboro are looking forward to being a part • A Green and Active City, fea- A.C. Wharton of this great event. We are ready to turing city and community leaders for the new languages spoken and through the Metro Government Mayor, Memphis make certain that all of our guests are working together to make Nash- cultures represented; website, www.nashville.gov, and PAST PRESIDENTS have an outstanding time in No- ville the greenest city in the Southeast • Clean Water, Healthy Envi- through the Nashville Convention Dale Kelley (2014) Mayor, Huntingdon vember.” and one of the most active cities in the ronment, featuring a program to and Visitors Corporation website, Ken Wilber (2013) Mayor, Portland NLC is expecting nearly 5,000 nation; improve wastewater system infra- www.visitmusiccity.com, which fea- Kay Senter (2012), Morristown Council attendees for the 2015 Congress, • Enriching Education for a structure that will provide lasting tures information on the “Top Things Sam Tharpe, (2011) Commissioner, Paris up from recent averages of around Stronger Community, featuring key Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo benefits for future generations. to do in Nashville” and “Where to 3,000. Nashville’s central location initiatives to expand opportunities Spouses and guests will enjoy cus- See Live Music.” Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg is easy to reach by car or plane, and AFFILIATE DIRECTORS and enrich the experience of Nash- tomized programming throughout Registration for both the con- Dot LaMarche, Vice Mayor, Farragut (NLC) the city’s status as one of the coun- ville’s youngest citizens; the conference, including dynamic ference and mobile workshops is Janice Casteel, Cleveland (TCMA) try’s hottest entertainment markets • An Innovative Court System, tours of the history, sights and open now online, with a special, will drive attendance. Attendees featuring programs have proven to sounds Nashville is known for, discounted rate for members of the TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS represent small towns and big cities reduce repeat criminal offenses, pro- and opportunities to experience the Tennessee Municipal League. Visit (Ex-Officio Directors) from 50 states, plus Washington vide lasting rehabilitation effects and flourishing culinary, art and artisan www.nlccongressofcities.org for Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada. reduce costs to the criminal courts goods scenes. more information. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. The Music City Center is system; Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Plans include an extensive located on Fifth Avenue South, • Urban Infill Success, featuring arrival and departure program at TN Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders along the Avenue of the Arts, across Government Finance Officers public and private interests working Nashville International Airport; live TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. the street from the Country Music together to create a sustainable, mod- music played by songwriters and not- STAFF Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Hall of Fame and Museum, and ern and thriving community; ed performers throughout the Music the Omni Nashville Hotel, and in Margaret Mahery, Executive Director Tennessee Association of Floodplain • Engaging New Americans, City Center lobby, in the expo hall Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Management the core of the city’s entertainment featuring solutions for the increasing and in the NLC general sessions. Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. district. trajectory of immigrants moving to Guides and resources for plan- Kate Coil, Communications Specialist Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. Within an easy walk, visitors Nashville and the lack of support Carole Graves, Communications Director & Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference ning your trip are available online Editor, Tennessee Town & City Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works John Holloway, Government Relations Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. Debbie Kluth, Director of Marketing / Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Member Services UT-MTAS JULY MAP CLASSES Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Tennessee Personnel Management Assn. Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing Denise Paige, Government Relations TN Section, Institute of Transport MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Assn. of Independent and Municipal This course will provide a summary of legislation passed by (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. Schools the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2015 session 539420 — Official publication of the Tennessee Municipal League. Publisher: Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic that will impact municipalities. Public acts touching every Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Development Council aspect of municipal operations will be discussed. The course Editor: Carole Graves ([email protected]; Tennessee Urban Forestry Council Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Publisher will be conducted by MTAS legal consultants and will offer reserves the right to reject any advertising Tennessee Stormwater Association participants the opportunity to ask questions about any new legislation. To register for a course, go to TML ASSOCIATE SPONSORS deemed unacceptable. Fax classified ads to www.mtas.tennessee.edu, or fax TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence at 615-255- 4 Star Sponsor to 865-974-0423. Credit card pay- 4752, or e-mail [email protected]. Fax Bank of America Target Audience: Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, City advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Debbie ments must register online with the 3 Star Sponsor Attorneys, City Recorders, Code Enforcement Officials, and Kluth at 615-255-4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ First Tennessee Bank Utility and Public Works Directors and Managers. Solution Point System: http://www. TML1.org. Opinions expressed by non League solutionpoint.tennessee.edu/MTAS officials or staff do not necessarily reflect 2 Star Sponsor policies of TML. Tennessee Town & City is Alexander, Thompson, Arnold CPAs Dates/Locations/Times: or by invoice. For registration published, semi-monthly, 23 times per year Alliance Water Resources July 7 Nashville 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST assistance, call 865-974-0413. Or at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, Ameresco, Inc. TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid July 8 Jackson 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CST for more information, contact Kurt at Nashville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. July 9 Knoxville 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST Frederick, training consultant, at year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a Buxton Company July 10 Collegedale 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST 615-253-6385. copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC July 14 Kingsport 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST Fessenden Consulting Group Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. lbtelematics Master Meter, Inc. Nationwide Retirement Solutions Parsons Brinckerhoff VC3 No loan is too large or too small Voya Financial Advisors Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee 1 Star Sponsor A2H Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers Local Govt. Corporation McGill Associates, P.A. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Republic Services Smith Seckman Reid TLM Associates, Inc. Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc.

The city of Morristown closed a $20 million loan for sewer system Missed an Issue? upgrades. The city of Bartlett closed a loan through the TMBF loan progam in the amount of $1.3 million for a capital outlay note for an equipment acquisition.

Read it On-line See us for your special projects needs. at (615) 255-1561 www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org Police weigh use of body cameras CAMERAS, from Page 1 cruisers in the state, and we’ve had “We have found things we have those for 20 plus years.” Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. to Human Resources Department, 801 performed well in, that perhaps you For departments that want to No charge to TML members. Send Anderson Street, Bristol, TN 37620 or want to illustrate,” he said. “It is also adopt body cameras, cost is often the advertising to: TT&C Classified Ads, to P. O. Box 1189, Bristol, Tennessee a good tool for officer safety. We biggest issue. June 18: 7th Annual Power of 10 Mona Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. 37621-1189. An application may have utilized it there as well.” “The same thing with in-car Regional Summit, Cumberland Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219; be submitted on-line and a benefit Crisp said departments state- cameras, you get what you pay for,” Region Tomorrow, Nashville, e-mail: [email protected]; or summary can be obtained at: www. wide are exploring the option of out- Barton said. “You can get them TPAC’s Polk Theatre. A 10-county fax: 615-255 4752. bristoltn.org. EOE. The position will fitting officers with video cameras, for $100 and you can get them for summit focusing on shared future remain open until filled. though there are some obstacles to $1,000.” for regional transportation, land use, BUILDING COMMISSIONER adoption of the technology. There is also the question of transit trends, the region’s priorities PLEASANT VIEW. The Town of COMBINATION BUILDING “I have heard a lot of talk when officers should record and how and next steps. For more information INSPECTOR Pleasant View is seeking a motivated amongst fellow police chiefs, and I long to store those recordings. and to register visit www.10power. and dedicated individual with a strong KNOXVILLE. The city of Knoxville “When you start using body org is currently accepting applications for a think everyone is beginning to take work ethic and great people skills to or already has taken a closer look cameras, are you talking about re- fill the position of building commis- Combination Building Inspector. SAL- at this,” Crisp said. “The cost of cording just when you make contact August 9-13 Sustainability Coor- sioner. The building commissioner ARY range is $41,249 -$63,746 annu- dinators’ Workshop, Grand Lake, ally (DOQ). Under general supervision, the storage is the largest hurdle you with someone or if you are going to is a full time position that reports to record 24 hours – which is the entire Colorado. The Sustainable Cities the mayor and carries out guidelines responsible for inspecting construction have to cross. The cameras aren’t inexpensive, but they are affordable. shift?” Barton said. “If you are going Institute at the National League of the Planning Commission. The work for compliance with regulatory of Cities is hosting a special four- building, mechanical, plumbing and elec- The storage is costly, and you have to to record the entire shift, there is a building commissioner is responsible day conference for sustainability for technical work in the enforcement trical codes. Responsible for interpreting do a good job deciding how long you question of how long do you store it. I and enforcing building, mechanical, are going to keep video. If you equip get people asking me all the time how professionals in collaboration with of building and zoning codes and city the Shadowcliff Institute. This ordinances, as well as other duties as plumbing and electrical codes; conduct- every officer you have, you will have long should they store something, professional development work- assigned. Qualifications for the posi- ing comprehensive building inspections; storage issues.” and I tell them if you don’t need it, tion include a valid Tennessee driver’s consulting with building contractors; Currently, Crisp said the don’t store it.” shop is open to planners, public license, high school graduation or maintaining building inspection records; Maryville Police Department keeps The U.S. Department of Justice works officers, or anyone else equivalent, and current certification as and maintaining good public relations its body camera videos for around 13 recently announced it will be offer- with sustainability duties in cities. building inspector by the state of Ten- with the citizens of Knoxville. Minimum months, but keeps video tagged for ing $20 million in competitive grants One all-inclusive rate of $950 pro- nessee Department of Commerce and requirements include high school diploma evidence for a longer period of time. to help local police departments vides lodging, meals, conference Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office. or GED equivalent; a minimum of five Rex Barton, a police manage- purchase body cameras for officers, materials, and travel vouchers for Individuals not currently certified may years of experience in general building ment consultant with the Municipal part of a pilot program proposed by round-trip airfare on Southwest apply but must be certified within 12 construction with general knowledge of Technical Advisory Service, said President Barack Obama to invest Airlines. Click the link below for months of hire date. The town of Pleas- the mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical many departments are choosing to $75 million over three years to pur- more information, http://www.nlc. ant View offers competitive benefits trades; possession of or ability to obtain a adopt cameras to avoid “he said, she chase 50,000 body cameras for law org/build-skills-and-networks/ed- Class D Tennessee State Driver’s License; and salary. Salary range is $42,983.04 said” debates between officers and enforcement agencies. ucation-and-training/event-calen- to $57,364.56 DOQ/E/ED. Please send must obtain State of Tennessee Building Of the $20 million in grants be- dar/2015-shadowcliff-sustainabili- Inspector Certification within the proba- citizens. application, resume and cover letter “Departments are adopting ing offered by the DOJ, $17 million ty-coordinators-workshop to Mayor Perry Keenan, 1008 Civic tionary period; must obtain State of Ten- these for the same reasons they put would be set aside for cameras, $2 Court / P.O. Box 127, Pleasant View, nessee Mechanical Inspector Certification Oct. 13-14: 2015 Governors within two years of hire; must obtain State video cameras in cars,” Barton said. million for training and technical TN 37146. Deadline 6/26/15 at 4:30 assistance, and $1 million for eval- Conference on Economic and p.m. For information contact Pleasant of Tennessee Plumbing Inspector Certifi- “You can see what did occur during an interaction between a cop and a uation. With the president’s encour- Community Development, Nash- View CitY HALL AT (615) 746-0600. cation within two years of hire; registered ville Convention Center at the with the State of Tennessee as Electrical citizen. Even if you aren’t on camera, agement, the DOJ has also asked Renaissance Hotel. www.govcon. Inspector within three years; ability to the audio works. It takes away the he Congress for increased funding for BUILDING INSPECTOR tnecd.com. UNION CITY. This is inspection work become a Municipal Enforcement Officer said, she said. It’s not perfect, but you body cameras. in building control and construction. (unarmed) within the probationary period. have a better understanding of what The building inspector is responsible To apply, go to www.cityofknoxville.org. actually transpired. If the officer is for the enforcement of the building Applications MUST be submitted online wrong, you know he was wrong and code adopted by the city. Respon- by 4:30 p.m. on: Friday, May 22, 2015. if the officer isn’t wrong, you know sibilities include monitoring storm EOE / Drugfree workplace. Drug testing he isn’t wrong.” water control methods on construction may be required. Video taken from these cameras sites and in new sub-division devel- also has the potential for use in offi- opments, flood plain management and CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS cer training, he said. development in the city flood prone SUPERINTENDENT - WQC “Same as the cameras in the car, areas. Applicant must be graduate of COOKEVILLE anytime you have real life video of an a standard high school or GED equiv- The city of Cookeville is accepting ap- incident, you can dissect it,” Barton alent, hold active State of Tennessee plications for a construction operations said. “I’ve seen dozens of dash car superintendent who plans, supervises certifications in building, plumbing videos used for exactly that.” and mechanical. For a complete job and organizes all construction per- sonnel and support staff in the water However, Barton said he doesn’t description notify: Lisa Chambers – think body cameras will become a re- [email protected] or mail to quality control department. Directs quirement for officers in Tennessee. resume to: City of Union City, PO Box and controls the installation and main- 9, Union City, TN 38281 tenance activities of the city’s water Cost and privacy issues are the two and wastewater distribution systems, biggest factors Barton said that may CITY ADMINISTRATOR and water and wastewater pumping prevent body cameras from becom- LAFOLLETTE. The City of LaFol- stations. Education equivalent to ing a requirement. lette is seeking qualified applicants graduation from a standard high school “In the departments where the to fill the position of City Adminis- required. Must possess a Tennessee cameras are useful and they can trator. The selected candidate will Water/Wastewater Distribution Certif- afford them they will use them, but I serve as the administrative head of icate equal to or higher than that of the don’t think it will become a require- the City government and oversee day facility classification or obtain within ment,” Barton said. “We don’t even to day operations and is responsible two years. Must possess a valid Ten- have dash cameras in all the police for supervising all department heads. nessee driver’s license. Graduation Minimum qualifications shall include from an accredited four year college a college degree or training and expe- or university with a degree in construc- rience in municipal management or tion management; civil engineering public administration. The Mayor and or comparable degree preferred. Five Council desire a person with skills in years progressively responsible expe- budgeting and financial management. rience in water or wastewater construc- The applicant should also have good tion and or maintenance preferred. Pay public relation skills, as well as good Range : $51,292 - $76,918. Deadline oral and writing communication skills. for applications: 4:30 pm, Friday, June The applicant should have experience 12, 2015. Submit applications to: Hu- and knowledge in the application for man Resources Department, 45 East and administration of state and feder- Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501. al grants. The applicant should also The city of Cookeville is an Equal have the ability to deal with personnel, Opportunity Employer. public safety and long range planning. Salary and benefits to be discussed INSPECTOR IV - SENIOR during candidate interviews. Qualified ELECTRICAL candidates should submit applications FRANKLIN. The Franklin Building and/or resumes before June 30, 2015 and Neighborhood Services Depart- to: The City of LaFollette, City Ad- ment has a vacancy for an Inspector ministrator Position, Attn: Human IV- Senior Electrical. Please see the Resources, 207 South Tennessee Ave, full job announcement and submit an LaFollette, TN 37766 online application at www.franklintn. gov/jobs. Deadline to apply is open COMBINATION INSPECTOR II until filled. Salary: $23.95/hr- $26.07/ BRISTOL. Under general adminis- hr The city of Franklin is an EOE/ trative direction of the Code Admin- Drug-free Workplace istrator, the purpose of the position is to perform responsible professional, TRAFFIC OPERATIONS technical, and administrative work in COORDINATOR relation to inspection activities and BRENTWOOD. The city of Brent- regulatory standards for permitting wood is currently accepting appli- and licensing approval of residential cations for the position of Traffic and commercial building construction Operations Coordinator. The purpose throughout the city. Employees in this of this job is to manage the day to classification perform at high profes- day operation of the City’s Traffic sional skill level, and are responsible Operations Center (TOC) and assist for enforcing adopted city ordinances the Public Works Director in plan- and codes; the inspection process, ning, coordinating and budgeting for assessing, evaluating and enforcing the improvements to the city’s traffic adherence to and compliance with all signal and Intelligent Transportation applicable city, state and federal code systems. Duties and responsibilities and regulatory requirements regard- include operating and maintaining all ing new and existing construction. equipment in the TOC, maintaining all The overall objective is to ensure the data and reports generated through the safety, health and general welfare of TOC, identifying and solving problems the general public and business com- related to signal operations throughout munity. High School Diploma or GED the city and performing inspection and required; supplemented by three to five maintenance on all signal equipment years related inspection experience; or and ITS components. The salary for an equivalent combination of educa- this position $47,500 – $52,500 + tion, training, and experience. Must be DOQ plus excellent benefits. The city certified as a Residential Combination of Brentwood is an equal opportunity Inspector and Commercial Combi- employer. A full job description and nation Inspector by the International application is available at www.brent- Code Council. Must possess a valid wood-tn.org to be submitted to hr@ Driver’s License. Salary: $37,400 brentwood-tn.org. Yearly. Please submit an application 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org

Be sure to visit the TML Marketplace at TML’s Annual Conference June 7-8 at the Nashville Convention Center The Exhibit Hall will be open Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Monday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The TML Annual Conference is fast approaching and the Exhibitor’s Program plays a significant role in the entire conference experience. The services and products presented by the Conference Exhibitors help city officials solve problems and serve their community. Many city and town officials look to convention exhibitors for the latest in- formation about the techniques, products, and services their municipalities need.

Be sure and check out some of this year’s highlighted vendors. By scanning the QR code with your smartphone app, you can learn more about each company listed below and featured in our on-line TML Marketplace showroom.

This QR code (when scanned) will take you to the TML marketplace, where company contact information and marketplace listing will be found.

City Showcase highlights innovative programs The City Showcase celebrates successful, creative pro- (CH 4) White House’s all-inclusive handicapped grams from cities and towns from across the state. playground donated to the city by Miracle Recreation and built in honor of two brothers with an inspiring sto- (CH 1) Unicoi’s “Community Kitchen,” where resi- ry - Conner Long, 10, and his brother Cayden, 8, who dents can use the commercial-grade equipment to can was born with spastic cerebral palsy. The playground foods for sale at local and regional markets. The goal is features about 15 pieces of equipment, rubber turf for to support the regional economy in value-added agricul- easy mobility, and a large shaded area. ture, nutrition, and community development. (CH 6) McKenzie’s preservation and revitalization of (CH 2) Johnson City’s “Tweetsie Trail,” a rails- their downtown through new development strategies, to-trails project that travels the former ET&WNC hosting more community events, and funding historic (“Tweetsie”) railroad right-of-way between Johnson restoration projects as part of the new vision for the city. City and Elizabethton. The trail provides opportunities for walking, hiking, running, biking, etc. on a relatively (CH 5) Savannah’s award-winning Tennessee Street flat grade in a beautiful, natural setting. When complete, Park project that spans six-acres, and features two the 10-mile trail will be the longest rails-to-trails project age-appropriate playgrounds with ADA accessible fea- in Tennessee. tures, two splash pads, two large pavilions suited for events and reunions, and a paved quarter-mile walking CH 3) Manchester’s Parks and Recreation Department trail. The top-notch neighborhood park, has not only and community-wide health iniatives with a long-term, introduced a new way of life to the community, it is pro- community-wide effort to measurably improve the jected to increase community involvement, build citizen health of its residents. interactions and reduce crime in the future. 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JUNE 8, 2015 www.TML1.org Nashville flourishes under Mayor Karl Dean’s leadership

BY LINDA BRYANT the recession. To build that building now and state authority. Tennessee is a great would cost $50 million more. Music state. Its got a great rural backbone, and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has City Center reflects the optimism of the it has metropolitan areas that are thriving led Music City during an unprece- city and the willingness of the people and doing well. We have to try to strike a dented – and undeniably dynamic of Nashville – through their represen- balance between the needs of both areas. – time in its history. Job growth tatives – to invest in the city and create Politics is all about balance and fairness. and entrepreneurism is flourishing, something better. The old convention and the city routinely lands on Top center essentially had us not competing TT&C: In April, Gov. Bill Haslam 10 lists for job growth and business with other similar-sized cities – or even signed a bill that took away the right friendliness. The residential and cities smaller than us. And none of those of local governments to ban guns in commercial real estate markets are cities, even those bigger than us, have parks, although it was amended to hot and population growth has been the attractions Nashville has in terms of restrict guns in the immediate vicinity on the upswing for several years. Lower Broadway and Nashville’s music of a school-sanctioned event at a park Nashville has gained promi- scene, history and natural beauty. while that event is under way. Talk nence in the national and interna- The Music City Center investment more about this in terms of a local tional media under Mayor Dean’s has worked. You just have to go over autonomy vs. state authority? watch. The city has been praised as to that area – or anywhere downtown KD: Local control is a complicated issue. the “It” city by the New York Times – to feel the excitement and energy its With the guns in parks legislation the and become the focus of the popular created. It has done what we thought it legislature (initially) said, “We are going ABC nighttime drama, “Nashville.” would do as far as attracting visitors to to allow guns in parks, and we are going It has also emerged as a hotspot for the city. We have $45 million in reserves to allow local governments to opt-out.” young people. According to mul- now. That’s how far ahead in projections That seemed like the right decision to me. tiple surveys, adult “millennials” we are. We have that much money put Whether or not to have guns in parks is between the ages of 25 and 34 are aside to pay bonds and operations if not an easy question, and I don’t think flocking to Nashville faster than the economy slows down or if we hit it’s best addressed high up from the state, nearly any other city in the country. some lean years. Music City Center has imposed upon the local government. It’s a Dean is a popular mayor, known exceeded my expectations. The success classic issue where the state should allow Nashville Mayor Karl Dean for his accessible, low-drama lead- of the project is a good example of how the local government to make the final ership style. But that doesn’t mean things happen in Nashville. The private decision about their own local parks – he’s won all of his political battles. For example, Metro Council reject- ed his vision of transforming the Tennessee State Fairgrounds into a mixed-use development. The AMP project, a contentious $174 million bus rapid transit route proposed for the West End corridor of Nashville, was abandoned earlier this year. Dean still believes in the spirit of the project and says, at the very least, it jump-started a much-needed conversation about mass transit in Middle Tennessee. “I appreciate the citizens of Nashville for giving me this oppor- tunity to serve and lead,” Dean said in his State of Metro address on April 30. “The state of our city is very good, and we’ve accomplished a lot together over these past eight years. “But we can’t afford to take our eye off the ball and stop hitting those Mayor Dean mountain biking at Bells Bend Mountain Bike Trails. Since three pitches. This is Nashville’s taking office, Dean has led more than 4,000 participants in the Walk time, and we have to lean into it 100 Miles with the Mayor Campaign, involved thousands of walkers and give it everything we have so and runners in the Mayor’s Challenge 5K and brought children and Mayor Dean riding a Nashville MTA bus to the Nashville International families out to the Mayor’s Field Day with the Tennessee Titans. we can live the future we see: a city Airport. on a hill, a city of opportunity.” With his mayoral duties set to sector and other business leaders first time around. But they came We have companies moving here, parks that we own. end later this year, Dean is taking were essential in rallying commu- back to focus on it, and it happened. people moving here. Millennials are There are other issues where inventory of his time in office while nity support and building the case We have dramatically in- moving here just because it’s where you could argue that a certain continuing to push new initiatives. for the new center. We went through creased the budget for transit since they want to live. amount of state uniformity is im- He’s not sure what he’ll do after the multiple votes to get it done in Metro I’ve been mayor. In terms of bus It’s going to be important portant. But for the life of me, with new mayor is elected and sworn in, Council. In the end, I think there service, we offer more routes, and to continue to emphasize our the guns and parks issue I don’t see but it doesn’t sound like he’ll disap- were nine votes against it. we have 100 new covered bus stops. strengths. The next mayor will have it. We weren’t having a big uproar pear from view. Another good result of Music We have electric buses coming all sorts of great projects to work on about guns in parks in Nashville. It “I haven’t made up my mind City Center is the collaboration be- online shortly. Middle Tennessee is to make Nashville a better place. He was a created issue, and now we are about what I’m going to do yet, but tween Omni Hotel and the Country projected to grow by about 1 million or she will have their interests, but left with a problem. It’s not an issue I’m interested in public affairs,” he Music Hall of Fame. The Hall of people by 2035. Mass transit will there is no shortage of work to be that’s going to go away. said. “I don’t think that’s going to Fame is a great non-profit institu- occur. I am absolutely confident it done. Tennessee is a very strong change.” tion. Omni is a great for-profit com- is going to happen, and I think the Second Amendment state, and I pany and very well run. I believe we AMP project played an important TT&C: What are you looking can accept, appreciate and support TT&C: You took office in 2007. created the most unique convention role. I talked about transit when I forward to when you leave office? that. But when you are in an urban Nashville’s recognition has really center and hotel in the country with ran for mayor in 2007, and no one KD: I love the job, so I’m not really area you have real complications grown since then, and now its that partnership. paid attention to it. You polled it, looking forward to leaving office. with public safety issues. For ex- been named the ‘It’ city. Why and it wasn’t an issue people were I’ve been able to work in a great city ample, we are building a new park do you think this has happened? TT&C: What else stands out? talking about. If you polled it now, filled with great people. But they are on the riverfront in Nashville, and Can the Mayor’s Office take any KD: I take a lot of pride in our it would be near the top of the list. not going to have to pull me out of it includes an amphitheater. We are credit for it? team’s focus on regionalism. We Everybody is paying attention to it. here. I have been around Metro gov- going to have seven or eight thou- Karl Dean: We are the ‘It’’ city started the Mayor’s Caucus, and ernment a long time. I was the law sand people going to concerts. We’ll for a variety of reasons. Numerous we invited all of the mayors from TT&C: What’s still left to do? director and public defender, before have many big celebrations such as people, past and present, deserve the Middle Tennessee to come here What do you think the new mayor I became mayor. I knew this was the Fourth of July and New Year’s credit. I came to Nashville in 1978, and discuss regional issues. We should focus on? going to be a good job because I’d Eve on the riverfront. We also have and for most of that time period borrowed the idea from Denver, and KD: There’s obviously a lot of already seen that Nashville is a place parks located right next to schools, Nashville has been a city on the rise. its worked out well. The regional work that needs to continue. I where you can get a lot done and see and we have parks where schools Decisions made both in the public discussion is a real important one. have approached the job with three the results. I will miss the job, but I conduct activities. Naturally, we and private sectors have resulted in Increased collaboration and coop- priorities that I work on consistent- am looking forward to having more are concerned about keeping these Nashville becoming more and more eration regionally is critical. ly – education, public safety and free time and spending time with my areas safe for all. prominent and an attractive place to Another program that always economic development. We have family. I’ll probably travel some at live in and to visit. brings the biggest smile to my face made progress in all three areas. At first. I will remain a Nashvillian, but TT&C: Are there any other issues The creativity element really is Limitless Libraries, a partnership the same time, these are the types I’m not exactly sure what I’m going you’d like to mention? contributes to Nashville being the with the public library system and of things that are never really done. to do for employment. I’ve got to KD: The Great Recession and the “It” city. We’re an immense attrac- the school library system. This You hear people say the next work, so we’ll see what happens. 2010 flood were two of the biggest tion as a convention and tourist program has broken down the doors mayor has got to solve problems challenges we went through during destination. The Music City Center between the two institutions. Our in the education system, but it’s TT&C: Do you feel different now my first term. They actually brought certainly spurred that along, and it public school libraries were not an issue that’s never finished. You than from when you came in the out our strengths. The recession was resulted in a lot of other projects. where we wanted them to be, and yet just keep moving forward. There is office? Have you changed? more significant than many people There’s a sense that Nashville is our public library system is a great not one city, one state or one place KD: I don’t feel different, and I remember. People forget about how a unique city with its own spe- system. Limitless Libraries made where everything is perfect. I’m think that’s mainly because I have dramatic it was and how fast it came cial character. Its always been a access to the public library easy, proud of the work we’ve done with my family. My daughters were on. It was the worst economic down- highly-regarded city, but its been and we were able to increase the Teach for America and with the young when I ran for mayor, and turn since the Great Depression, and rediscovered in the past five years. number of kids with library cards charter schools. I think Jesse Reg- my son was a new college student. it resulted in us managing the gov- This rediscovery happened when – dramatically. We made almost two ister (director of Metro Nashville They kept it real. If anyone calls me ernment very conservatively. We contrary to much of the country – we million more books available to our Public Schools) has done a great mayor at home, it’s usually because also went through the flood during were coming out of the recession at school kids. Donna Nicely, the for- job. But the work will go on, and I’ve done something wrong. all of that. We were able to make an early and strong pace. It helped mer director of the Nashville Public education will continue to be the investments like the Music City create a sense of excitement about Library, gave me the idea. She did a top priority for the city. TT&C: TML often addresses is- Center even during the recession. the city. great job of getting it started, and our Crime is down. We have hit sues that have to do with local gov- The fact that we came out of tough When we were building the new director, Kent Oliver, is equally 50-year lows for homicides for two ernment autonomy. Has it been times in good shape says a lot about Music City Center, the New York committed to it. Jesse Register did a consecutive years. Those statistics hard for Metro Nashville to deal Nashville. We’ve been able to create Times came to Nashville. I spent great job at Metro schools. are probably the most reliable num- with issues such as guns in parks, remarkable public-private partner- half of the day with them. I took the bers to look at for crime. We had 41 employee anti-discrimination ships. There’s a sense of teamwork reporter to the center and to a variety TT&C: Can you name one of your homicides last year. If you go back laws, minimum wage etc.? Can and collaboration here that’s rare. of other places around the city. She biggest challenges or disappoint- to 1997, it was 112. Still, 41 people we find a balance between state There’s one more thing I want had a strong interest in restaurants, ments as mayor? were murdered in our city last year. authority and local autonomy? to say. You are only as good as the and Nashville was just beginning to KD: I wish the AMP had been suc- Those homicides aren’t scattered KD: This issue has intensified over people around you. I literally don’t emerge as a real gourmet city. She cessful, but I believe it will come evenly throughout Davidson Coun- the past several years, not just in do anything by myself in this job. really ‘got it,’ and her article further back. Nashville is going to continue ty; they are concentrated in areas Nashville but also in other large Somebody is always helping me – amplified the attention coming our to address issues of transit. You can of poverty. We know that, and we cities across the state. Understand- whether it’s an entire department or way. It was a great story for the city. look at most major American cities, have invested a lot in addressing it. ing the role of state leadership in the people who work in this office. not the Northeastern cities that went Hopefully results will follow that the economic and social growth of I have a really great team. I’ve TT&C: What are some of your into transit heavily in the latter part effort. metropolitan areas is an important been very fortunate that the deputy proudest accomplishments of the of the 19th century and the 20th When it comes to economic part of the issue. Politics change mayor, Greg Hinote, and the finance past eight years? century, but cities like Charlotte, development, you can never stop. over time, and I do think the state director, Rich Riebeling, have been KD: The big project was the Music Austin, Denver and Salt Lake City. One of the reasons we’re the ‘It’ is evolving. We will hopefully come with me from the very beginning. City Center. It was not an easy lift, They are cities that had resistance city is because we’re aggressive in to a better place and find effective Nashville’s success is a team effort. and we did it during the depths of (to investment in public transit) the terms of economic development. ways to balance local autonomy It’s a city effort.