1-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 www.TML1.org

6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 61, Number 5 March 29, 2010 NLC testifies against federal Legislature unanimously collective bargaining bill approves TML priority BY NEIL BOMBERG working environment that is safe Others still pending difficult to make property tax pay- Nation’s Cities Weekly and appropriate.” He added that this ments in one lump sum,” Sen. Black bill would put the federal govern- Legislation to allow munici- explained before the Senate State Ellis Hankins, executive direc- ment in charge of what has been a palities to receive payments of and Local Government Committee. tor of the North Carolina League of state and local function for no com- property taxes on installment was “They would like to have the same Municipalities, testified in opposi- pelling reason. unanimously approved by the flexibility afforded to counties.” tion to H.R. 413, the Public Safety Citing the Constitution, Su- Tennessee General Assembly County trustees are allowed to Employer-Employee Cooperation preme Court decisions and existing March 15. receive property tax payments in in- Act of 2009, before the House Sub- law, Hankins noted that this bill dis- Sponsored by Sen. Diane stallments. But no comparable pro- committee on Health, Employment, regards and disrespects the demo- Black (SB 2792) and Rep. Mike vision in the law exists to allow cities Labor and Pensions earlier this cratic decision making process em- McDonald (HB 2870), the legisla- and towns to accept payments of month. ployed by states and localities to tion is one of TML’s 2010 legisla- property taxes in this same manner. Sen. Diane Black The bill would require that ev- decide how best to interact with their tive initiatives. “Municipalities want the ability ery state, county, city and town col- employees. The new law will allow mu- to provide their citizens with more lectively bargain with their police “This bill seeks to replace local nicipalities to receive property tax flexibility in budgeting,” said Rep. officers, firefighters, emergency solutions with a one-size-fits-all na- payments in installments, pro- McDonald. “They don’t have this medical technicians and correc- tional solution,” he said. vided they first file a plan with the authority under current state law.” tions officers, regardless of state Hankins added that it would state Comptroller’s office that in- By expanding state law to in- and local laws. NLC has opposed substantially alter the relationship dicates the trustee’s office has the clude municipalities, property own- this legislation since it was first in- between local elected officials and technology to receive payment of ers in those municipalities imple- troduced 15 years ago by Rep. Dale their employees by forcing every property taxes on installment. menting this option, will be able to Kildee (D-Mich.). local government to enter into feder- Property owners electing to choose between paying their prop- Hankins asked the members of ally sanctioned collective bargain- make partial payments are still ob- erty taxes on installment or making a the subcommittee not to fix what ing with their workers regardless of ligated to pay their property taxes lump sum payment. isn’t broken. For centuries, states state and local law; it would place in full by March 1. SB 2792/HB 2870 is the first of and local governments have devel- serious financial burdens on every “Municipalities have found several legislative priorities TML oped procedures for addressing the state, county, city and town; and it that some of their residents, par- has initiated in 2010 to be approved. needs of their employees, taxpayers would worsen the precarious fiscal ticularly senior citizens who may Legislation designed to protect and citizens. They have done so situation states, counties, cities and not have escrows and have their municipal governments from the Rep. Mike McDonald with and without collective bar- towns face, thereby threatening the houses already paid off, find it See LEGISLATION on Page 3 gaining, through laws that are de- economic recovery currently taking signed to “provide their workers place. with excellent working conditions, Hankins noted other problems competitive salaries, excellent with the legislation. It would only health and pension benefits, and a See H.R.413 on Page 5 Adopt-A-Meter program to help TML keynote focuses on Nashville’s homeless population sustainable communities BY VICTORIA SOUTH from the Adopt-A-Meter project TML Communications Coordinator will help put more outreach workers on the streets, according to Harris. during challenging times Although this downtown meter “On any given night, there are never expires, the spare change or 4,000 people out there who are How do cities create highly dollar bills fed into it could make the homeless,” said Clifton Harris, Key competitive and sustainable com- difference between someone getting Alliance executive director. munities in an era of economic un- into low-cost housing or living on “Outreach workers spend a tre- certainty? the streets. The Adopt-A-Meter pro- mendous amount of time developing Dr. Jim Johnson, professor of gram, announced by Nashville a relationship and a level of trust entrepreneurship and director of the Mayor Karl Dean and coordinated with homeless individuals,” said Urban Investment Strategies Cen- by Key Alliance, an initiative of the Harris. ter, University of North Carolina at Metropolitan Homeless Commis- “Trust and the relationships are Chapel Hill, will explore how mu- sion, refurbishes old parking meters especially important when you’re nicipalities can invest in “commu- donated by the Department of Public dealing with a homeless person who nity capital” in order to thrive and Works, to create housing opportuni- is suffering from a mental illness prosper in the twenty-first-century ties for homeless people, an initia- who is reluctant to enter shelters or economy. tive that unites nonprofit, faith- engage in services,” Harris explains. Johnson will give the opening based, government, and for-profit “Building these relationships often keynote address at TML’s Annual organizations toward a common leads people to change their minds Conference in Gatlinuburg, slated goal. and move into housing.” Photo courtesy of Mayor Karl Dean’s Office for Sunday, June 13 - 15 at the “Homelessness is not a govern- According to Harris, Nashville Gatlinburg Convention Center. ment issue or a nonprofit issue,” said is starting with 30 meters, donated Southwest Airlines is the first to Based on his research, Dr. Jim Johnson Dean. “It is a community issue. The by the Department of Public Works, take part in “Adopt a Meter,” a new Johnson’s presentation will high- Adopt-A-Meter program is a way for and will install a second round of program in Nashville that uses old light the economic and demographic His research on these and re- citizens to channel funding directly about 40 or 50 after the initial meters parking meters to raise donations challenges that cities will have to lated topics has been widely cited in toward the outreach efforts that ben- are sold. So far, more than 12 have for the homeless. respond to in the years ahead, and a number of national media outlets, efit homeless individuals and fami- been sponsored at $1,000 each. the “smart” infrastructure that cities including the New York Times, Los lies in our city.” Businesses will have the option of works through private landlords will need to put in place in order to Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, The project is based upon a decorating the meters in their com- across the city. remain attractive as places to live Washington Post, Detroit Free similar program implemented in pany colors and logos through a spe- Housing First moves a homeless and do business. Press, Newsweek, Time Magazine, 2007 in the city of Denver, where 86 cial project with the Arts & Business individual or family into permanent Dr. Johnson is the William R. U.S. News and World Report, and meters now generate more than Council. housing as soon as possible and re- Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor at Business Week. He has also ap- $100,000 a year toward homeless “The success of Housing First quires a range of supportive ser- Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business peared on a number of national tele- projects. has been phenomenal,” said Harris. vices, including case management, School. He has developed a concep- vision shows, including The Today Nashville’s homeless popula- “We’ve seen a reduction in jail time, mental health services, substance tual model of a highly competitive Show on NBC, CNN Headline News, tion is currently served by less than hospital visits, health conditions and abuse services, employment and community and will use it in his the CBS Evening News, ABC Nightly 10 outreach workers striving to get decreased time on the streets. The training, special needs child care presentation as the framework for News, Sunday Morning on CBS, In- people off the streets and into the program shows a housing retention and life skills training. Once the talking about these issues. See CONFERENCE on Page 5 city’s Housing First program. Funds rate of 92 percent.” The program See METERS on Page 3 Feds amend Family, Medical Leave Act for military personnel BY BONNIE JONES be used. • Managing financial and legal ar- MTAS HR Consultant Qualified Exigency Leave rangements, such as executing Exigency leave is available to powers of attorney, obtaining For the frst time since its adop- immediate family members of and military identification cards or tion in 1993, the Family and Medical relates to a call or order to active estate planning. Leave Act (FMLA) has been duty by members of the Reserve, • Rest and recuperation (that is, to amended. The revision provides two National Guard and certain retired spend time with a military fam- new entitlements for military per- members of the Reserve and regular ily member who is on short-term sonnel and their families and comes armed forces. It does not apply to rest and recuperation leave) and as a result of the National Defense family members of the regular post-deployment activities, in- Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fis- armed forces on active duty status. cluding arrival ceremonies, re- cal Year 2008 (Public Law 110- The servicemember must be a integration events and issues re- 181). spouse, son, daughter or parent of lating to the death of a military The expansion of FMLA as pro- the employee requesting leave. family member. vided by the NDAA more than Qualifying exigency leave may Since its inception, FMLA doubles the amount of protected be used for: regulations have required employ- leave some veteran families are en- • Short-notice deployment (de- ers to offer eligible employees up to titled to under the act. Under the new fined as notice of an impending 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected regulations, eligible employees may call or order to active duty within leave due to the birth or adoption of be entitled to take up to 26 weeks of seven days of the date of deploy- a child; to care for a child, parent or unpaid leave to care for an injured ment). spouse who has a serious health con- servicemember and up to 12 weeks • Military events and related ac- dition; or when an employee has a of unpaid leave for “any qualified tivities, such as informational serious illness. The expansion to the exigency” if a spouse, son, daughter briefings, family assistance pro- law allows eligible military family or parent service member is called grams or official ceremonies and members to now take family and up for active duty or is on active events. medical leave to deal with any quali- duty. While the term “qualifying • Childcare and school activities, fying event or “exigency” as defined Under the new regulations, eligible employees may be entitled to take exigency” was not defined in the including arranging alternative in the new regulations. NDAA up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for an injured servicemember and original amendment, it has since childcare, caring for children on amends the FMLA by adding two up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for “any qualified exigency” if a spouse, been clarified by providing ex- an immediate, urgent basis and new reasons an employee may re- son, daughter or parent service member is called up for active duty or amples for what exigency leave can attending school functions. See FAMILY on Page 5 is on active duty. 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 www.TML1.org

ing off 140 people. The plant will build infrastructure along the digital begin closing down from April 23 highway. Unlike a bricks-and-mor- and end by July 31. Bosch said it was tar approach, a digital factory func- closing the Johnson City facility as tions as a virtual job site, working part of a restructuring of the remotely for national companies via company’s brake division. Bosch the Internet or telecommunications. LLC produces a range of products in Selected for its technical resources BY TML STAFF REPORTS acquainted with German culture and automotive, industrial technology, already at hand, Vision Perry houses German businesses.The Chamber consumer goods and building tech- the pilot training program, which BRENTWOOD will offer six sessions covering top- nology markets. has received funding from the Rural The city’s Tree Committee held its ics such as the school sytems, com- Technology Assistance Grant pro- annual Arbor Day celebration at munication, and consumer habits. KNOXVILLE gram and the South Central Tennes- Crockett Park. Each year, the Tree The city plans to submit a proposal see Workforce Alliance. Like a stan- Committee plants a tree and dedi- FRANKLIN to Google Inc. in hopes of becoming dard factory, production lines exist TENNESSEE cates it to an individual or group that A local grassroots effort spear- a test site for its ultra-fast Internet based on training and skill level, has performed exemplary service to headed by Leadership Franklin and a system. Cities across the country are including programming, customer FESTIVALS the city and its citizens. A special few city employees has resulted in hotly competing to be one of service for call centers and crowd- Autumnalis cherry tree, donated by more than 120 businesses signing up Google’s preferred towns, and the sourced tasks qualifying data or per- the Brentwood Woman’s Club, was for the Live Green Partnership. Internet company is encouraging forming simple “cut and paste” tasks planted in Mayor Betsy Crossley’s Companies like Nissan, Health- them to make bold, creative state- online. At the highest skill set, work- name as a thank you for her years of ways, Mars Petcare and almost all of ments as to why they are deserving. ers will train for six months in Linux, service to the city. Crossley was Main Street in Historic Franklin are A more important part of the selec- Apache, MySQL and Php/PERL elected to the city commission in talking about the ways their busi- tion process is the number of nomi- (collectively known as “LAMP”) 2007 and has served on the nesses are being more sustainable nations cities receive. Knoxville is programming languages. Enterprise Brentwood Planning Commission, through efforts such as recycling, making its intentions to be a Google LAMP Group of Nashville will then Brentwood Historic Commission, using energy efficient appliances, city known on its website, where it is assist with job placement. Brentwood Tree Board and the Met- energy efficient vehicles and more. asking residents to fill out the nomi- ropolitan Planning Organization. Franklin is the first in the state to nations on the search site’s web MT JULIET She currently holds the office of dis- start this type of community driven page. Electronics distributor Celestica is trict board representative to the Ten- partnership, and hopes to be a leader closing its computer peripherals nessee Municipal League. This will in sustainability in the nation. The LA VERGNE packing and shipping center by be Brentwood’s 21st year to receive Live Green Partnership was a pri- Borders Books will lay off 120 April 15, eliminating 43 positions. The 4 Bridges Arts Festival pre- the Tree City USA Award. mary goal of the Public Education workers at its distribution facility in sents some of the finest contem- Committee in Franklin’s 2009 Sus- La Vergne. Borders alerted employ- NASHVILLE porary artworks from around the CLARKSVILLE tainable Community Action Plan. ees of the job cuts in late December. The U.S. Department of Health and country. Since breaking ground last year on The committee’s goal was to estab- The positions are part of a unit that Human Services is giving Metro one of Tennessee’s largest manufac- lish a green partner program that handles returns for the book store Nashville more than $7 million to April 17 & 18-Chattanooga turing investments, Hemlock Semi- enables entities to be publicly recog- chain and will be consolidated to stem rising obesity rates.The grant is 10th annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival conductor Group is making signifi- nized when they go green, which another site in Pennsylvania. The part of a new initiative called Com- Produced by the Association for Vi- cant progress on construction and will encourage environmental stew- shifting still leaves 600 jobs at Bor- munities Putting Prevention to sual Arts (AVA). Presenting some of infrastructure activities in order to ardship and create awareness in the ders’ logistics hub in La Vergne. Work. It aims to create public health the finest original artworks by con- meet its 2012 operation start-up community. programs that reduce obesity and temporary artists from around the date. The $1.2 billion project re- LAWRENCEBURG smoking, increase physical activity country. Located in the First Ten- flects worldwide demand for JACKSON Modine Manufacturing Inc., based and improve nutrition. More than 44 nessee Pavilion: painting, glass- polysilicon to support the growing Jackson has been ranked one of the in Wisconsin, is expanding its op- communities across the nation re- work, jewelry, textiles, sculpture solar industry. There are currently sixth-best places to locate a com- erations into the North Murray ceived the grants as part of the and more. Enjoy eclectic foods and 300 construction workers on site, pany, according to a new survey by building in Lawrenceburg. The ex- American Recovery and Reinvest- Kid’s Art Creation Area. For more with the total construction Site Selection Magazine. The maga- pansion could create approximately ment Act of 2009. Nearly 30 percent information, call 423-265-4282 or workforce expected to top 1,000 by zine ranked Tennessee the fifth-best 200 new jobs in the next three years. of adults in Nashville are obese and visit the website at http:// early 2011. Eighty Tennessee- place to do business, the highest The announcement represents the the state is ranked fourth fattest in 4bridgesartsfestival.org/www based companies are prequalified ranking of any Southern state given largest existing industry job creation the nation. and prepared to compete for these by the magazine this year. Part of last project in Lawrence County in a de- April 24- 25:Franklin construction contracts. year’s business occurrences that cade. Work in the new building will ONEIDA Main Street Festival helped lift Jackson to the sixth-place begin in late summer. Modine de- Tennessee officials and the National Franklin’s signature family friendly CLEVELAND spot was the announced arrival of signs, tests and makes heat transfer Park Service are looking to plug and event brings more than 200 artisans The Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Carlisle Tire and Wheel. The com- products. reclaim at least 45 orphaned oil & crafters, four stages, two carnivals Commerce is co-sponsoring a series pany is moving into the former wells around Big South Fork Na- and two food courts to historic of workshops called “Understand- Whirlpool Jackson Dishwashing LINDEN tional River and Recreation Area. downtown Franklin and Main ing the German Way.” With $2 bil- plant and is expected to hire 440 After years competing with more The project in the 125,000-acre Street. Hours are 10am to 7pm Satur- lion investments in the area from people this year. centrally located counties for woods is aimed at preventing day, with the Fourth Avenue Street Volkswagen and Wacker Chemical infrastructural dollars and manufac- groundwater pollution and to ensure Dance continuing until 10pm, and come German natives and the poten- JOHNSON CITY turing attention, Vision Perry, an public safety. According to an envi- all activities reopening noon to 6pm tial for new business. The work- Michigan-based Robert Bosch LLC economic development program ronmental study, many of the park’s Sunday. Arts and crafts booths line shops will be geared toward helping is closing its Johnson City automo- funded by the American Recovery abandoned wells could cause inju- Main Street from First to Fifth Av- local business people and others get tive brake production plant and lay- and Reinvestment Act, is working to ries and property damage by sponta- enue. Three food areas offer a tasty neously releasing pressurized and variety of foods like roast corn on highly flammable fluids. Funding the cob and stuffed baked potatoes, for the National Park Service’s ef- Polish sausage, Greek gyros, Asian forts comes from the American Re- and Mexican cuisine, fried green covery and Reinvestment Act. No tomatoes, barbeque, burgers and new wells have been drilled in the hotdogs, cinnamon roasted nuts, ice Big South Fork since about 1990. cream, smoked turkey legs, funnel BY TML STAFF REPORTS Gore May 14, Civil Engineering Manager in the cakes, kettle corn and more. There when he delivers Design Division. Carpenter holds a SHELBYVILLE will also be a full scale, traditional Rep. Joe McCord the commence- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Shelbyville’s city council approved carnival at Margin Street and Sec- of Maryville an- ment speech in Engineering and maintains profes- spending $30,000 for a railroad spur ond Avenue North the site of the nounced he won’t Knoxville. He is sional engineering registration in that could serve a potential industry future City of Franklin Bicentennial seek election to a the third person to Arkansas and Tennessee. that is looking at locating there. Walt Park. For more information, call sixth term repre- receive the honor Wood of the Shelbyville & Bedford 615-591-8500. senting his East following Dolly County Chamber of Commerce said Mark Brown is leaving his position Tennessee House Parton and Gore that the city is a finalist for an indus- April 24-25: South Pittsburg as Bartlett finance director to be- seat. McCord, 41, Howard Baker. trial prospect that is considering the National Cornbread Festival come Collierville assistant town ad- decided against an- McCord former DESA Industries building on An open-air shoppers’ mall where ministrator. The city is expected to other term in office so he could de- Ed Cole, TDOT’s Eagle Boulevard. Wood said the the streets are filled with live enter- re-hire former chief administrative vote more time to his family and environment and business would be a $7.2 million tainment, juried arts and crafts, and officer Jay Rainey to return to that work. McCord was first elected to planning chief investment, which would be spent great foods to taste. This Southern role in Bartlett. Lisa Ernest, the House District 8 seat represent- since 2003, has on the land, the building and equip- cuisine festival honors cornbread Bartlett’s assistant finance director, ing parts of Blount and Sevier coun- been hired by ment to be used at the proposed facil- with the National Cornbread Cook- will head the department on an in- ties in 1998. Transit Alliance ity. At least $30,000 would be re- off. Step back to a slower pace of life terim basis until the vacancy is of Middle Tennes- quired from the city for the local where people take time to visit, meet filled. House Republi- see, a private alli- match for the grant. family and friends and sample a can Leader Jason ance pushing for a Cole world of various cornbreads and Mumpower of significant overhaul of mass transit Retiring County Commissioner TRI-CITIES main dish recipes. Cornbread Alley Curtis Adams has become Bristol has also in Middle Tennessee, to head its American Eagle Airlines will begin is a taster’s delight. For more infor- Crossville’s new city manager. announced that he efforts. The move signals a new regional jet service between Tri-Cit- mation, call 423-837-0022 or visit won’t seek re- level of commitment by the group to ies Airport and Chicago O’Hare In- www.nationalcornbread.com Long time volunteer election to his urge Metro and surrounding com- ternational Airport with two flights a firefighter instruc- District 3 House munities to explore ways to pay for a day, starting on July 2. American April 29: Crossville tor Lewis Baker has seat, a position he multi-billion-dollar public transpor- Eagle will operate the service with Mayor’s 2nd Annual Sustainability Mumpower passed away. Baker has held for seven tation projects Cole will join the 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets. Chi- Fair taught firefighters terms. He was first elected to the Transit Alliance on April 15 cago O’Hare (ORD) is one of Ameri- Held in and around the Exhibit statewide classes General Assembly in 1996 at the age can Airlines’s premier international Building of the Cumberland County for fire pumper, of 23. He was elected by his col- Joe Carpenter has gateways and provides convenient Community Complex. Times: 9am - aerial trucks, main- leagues in December 2006 to serve been named as the Baker connections to American’s exten- 5pm. For more information, contact as Republican Leader, and was re- new Chief of Envi- tenance and instruc- Louise Gorenflo at 931-484-2633 or tor schools at the Tennessee State sive domestic network. “Air service elected to the position in 2008. “It’s ronment and Plan- is vital to allow our region to com- by email [email protected]. always better to leave the party ning for TDOT. Car- Fire Academy in Murfreesboro from the early 1970s until the school pete in the global marketplace. We early,” he said as he announced to penter currently are excited about American’s new the House his decision to not seek serves as the assis- closed in 2001. He was scheduled to be present March 17 when the Chicago service and how it will ben- another term. tant chief engineer efit business passengers traveling in Rain or shine, for Design for pumper operations building was Carpenter and out of our area,” said Newt Raff, The University of Tennessee will TDOT. He began named in his honor at the Tennessee sleet or hail, Fire and Codes Academy in Deason. chairman of the Regional Alliance award an honorary doctorate to Al working with TDOT in 2001 as a for Economic Development. every day is perfect for a GovDeals sale!

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Visit GovDeals.com today or call 1-866-377-1494 UT- IPS Organizational Review Committee releases final report Last year, the University of Tennessee initiated an in-depth study regarding the reporting struc- ture for the Institute of Public Ser- vice. The sole intent of the study was to position IPS to best carry out its mission. This study was a very thorough “The Institute is a high-quality undertaking. It involved discus- organization with a very large and sions with IPS staff members, with broad scope. It is a unique asset for Advisory Committee members, the University and connects us with with representatives from the elected and appointed leaders in ev- county and city government organi- ery county and municipality in zations—with input from all of IPS’ Tennessee. The organization is Billy Wilson, Greenbrier Mayor Sgt. Mark Chestnut Corporal Charles McWhirter customers, stakeholders and fund- functioning extremely well, with and volunteer fire chief Metro Nashville Police Dept. Mt. Juliet Police Dept. ing agents. less than five percent of its budget The study has been completed going to administration,” said and its findings strongly support the Simek. determination that as a statewide or- The study offered some oppor- Tennessee’s first responders ganization providing valuable ser- tunities for improvements: vice to the state of Tennessee, the • Increase engagement with fac- Institute for Public Service, through ulty in providing advice and ser- among America’s Most Wanted its leadership, should report directly vice to constituents and in de- veloping opportunities for schol- to the UT President. BY VICTORIA SOUTH gel’.” personifies what the Metropolitan arly efforts associated with that The committee considered sev- TML Communications Coordinator Wilson recently received the Nashville Police Department is all engagement; eral organizational alignment alter- coveted “Citizen of the Year” about," said Chief Ronald Serpas. • Build more synergy between IPS natives including: a direct report to "Mark is a survivor in every sense of and UT Extension through col- You don’t have to be a bad guy Award, issued by the Green Ridge the Vice President for Public and the word. I am proud to serve with laborations in service and out- to be on the most wanted list. That’s Civitan Club. As part of a tag team Government Relations; a direct re- what three middle Tennessee first with his wife Lisa, together the him and look forward to joining with reach; port to the President; joining with responders have discovered after Wilsons have helped to raise 80 fos- Mayor Karl Dean in presenting • Engage more students in IPS UT Extension; a direct report to the being nominated among their peers ter children along with six kids of Mark with our Distinguished Ser- activities, particularly at the ad- UTK Chancellor; becoming an addi- across the nation for an All-Star their own. During the holidays, Wil- vice Medal in April." tional unit of the Institute of Agri- vanced undergraduate and master’s levels so that students award presented by the popular Fox son can be spotted on the street col- culture; and joining the UTK Baker Corporal Charles McWhirter can gain hands-on experiences Network television program lecting for the Green Ridge Toys for Center. “America’s Most Wanted” hosted Tots, which he founded in 1994. The events that unfolded in and assist in solving real world “I believe the study’s clarifica- by John Walsh. While the program “He’s just a hero to a whole 2003, the day Officer Charles problems. tion of the reporting role and its will make its final decision in April, bunch of people,” said Dugger. McWhirter began his new job with “Dr. Mary Jinks has proven her- underscoring of the mission priori- these gentlemen already hold top the Mt. Juliet Police Department, self as an excellent manager and ties will further strengthen IPS and were not for the faint of heart. leader. I look forward to working honors in the cities and towns who Sgt. Mark Chestnut enhance its growth and scope in the McWhirter, a transfer from the with her and with the Advisory know them. Sgt. Mark Chestnut’s brush future,” said Jan F. Simek, UT In- with death began as a routine traffic Vanderbilt Police Department, Committee as we go forward,” said terim President. “I was particularly Billy Wilson stop June 25, 2009. The 23-year vet- hadn’t even been issued his uniform Simek. impressed with the strong level of In Greenbrier, Billy Wilson has eran of the Metro Nashville Police that morning, when two beloved vet- The full report is available at interest and support among constitu- been the city’s mayor and volunteer Department was well known for his eran law enforcement officers at- www.ips.tennessee.edu ents across the state.” fire chief since 2004, but some just desire to protect Nashville’s chil- tempting to end a high speed chase call him their angel, according to dren, families and visitors. He by deploying spike strips across In- NLC names committee chairs city Alderman Wayne Dugger. worked as a supervisor on the Inter- terstate 40, were mowed down in Helping folks became a passion state Interdiction Unit along with the cold blood. The scene was surreal National League of Cities early on for Wilson, who moved into Child Abuse Unit. and the community lost its inno- President Ronald O. Loveridge, the local fire hall at the age of 18 to Chestnut had pulled a car over cence. mayor, Riverside, Calif., has an- become a firefighter. Thirty-four and was running a computer check A recent graduate of the police nounced committee, council and years later, he is not only a certified on the driver’s license and plates academy, McWhirter seriously con- panel leaders for 2010. firefighter, but a medical first re- when suddenly shots rang out from sidered leaving the department. He “NLC’s strength lies in its sponder with extensive training in the passenger’s side of the vehicle. had everything to live for in his 9- members and their involvement homeland security, extrication res- Although he was injured, Chestnut’s month old daughter. Yet at the to advance the organization’s cue, and numerous hazardous mate- years of training kicked in immedi- officer’s funerals, the services pro- mission, especially advocating rials certifications. In his second ately. He instinctively threw his po- vided by Nashville’s Metro Police for municipal priorities on Capi- term as mayor, Wilson carries a 911 lice car into reverse distancing him- Drill and Ceremony Team stirred tol Hill and in their hometowns,” pager everywhere he goes, but the self from the shooter, and radioed for something within. McWhirter said Loveridge. “Committee, Wilhoite Perkinson 7,000 folks who know him as assistance as the car sped away. moved forward, helping to raise the council and panel chairs and vice Mayor, can also call him at home. Chestnut was able to communicate funds for Mt. Juliet to have their own chairs, along with the elected “He repeatedly amazes me,” the direction the vehicle was taking, squad. He appealed to the commu- leaders of the NLC constituency said Dugger. “Rarely have I run which resulted in a quick apprehen- nity as well managing to raise groups, play a key role in making across an individual who cares more sion of the two suspects. Although $10,000. Mt. Juliet’s honor guard the NLC’s legislative priorities about people than he does. He takes he had been wearing a bullet proof has provided their services to police count. This is an impressive lead- care of the day-today operations of vest, the gunshots had entered his departments in neighboring areas ership team and 2010 calls for the city, yet constantly looks for abdomen. Chestnut was hospital- and performed the color guard at nothing less than our best.” ways to help someone in need. ” ized for several weeks at Vanderbilt Titans football games. Among those selected from With more than 70 Life Saving Hospital, retuning to light duty in “Chuck McWhirter even went Tennessee are: Awards, commendations, medals November 2009. However, in Janu- to school to learn the proper protocol IT and Communications Policy and Firefighter of the Year awards, ary, Chestnut had to undergo even for the squad,” said Deputy Chief and Advocacy Committee Wilson has had to put his training to further surgery to repair internal James Hambrick. “He did the leg- Gilmore LaMarche • Vice Chair: Vivian Wilhoite work many times. Last year, Green- damage. work from the onset and has done a Nashville Councilmember • Vice Chair: Erica Gilmore brier received 700 calls for help and In April, Sgt. Chestnut will be tremendous job.” Nashville Councilmember Chief Wilson responded to almost awarded the police department’s Still with the Mt. Juliet Police Small Cities Council all of them, including a massive highest honor given to surviving Department, Corporal McWhirter • Co-Chair: William Bo Perkinson Congress of Cities Program house fire last week. Wherever he members of the agency, the Distin- wrote his department’s policy for Athens Vice Mayor Committee goes, according to Dugger, someone guished Service Medal. The award honoring fallen officers and has • Vice Chair: Dot LaMarche will approach and say Wilson saved exemplifies performance of an ex- trained other honor guards as far as University Communities Council Farragut Alderman/Vice Mayor their father, their brother, and the list ceptional act in a commendable Alabama. He has received various goes on. manner in the line of duty, while awards and commendations includ- “I happened to be with him one demonstrating great personal brav- ing Officer of the Month and a life day when a lady approached him and ery in an extremely dangerous situa- saving award. TML priorities moving hugged his neck,” said Dugger. “Her tion. “Being a dad and a cop is one of injured child had passed away at "Mark Chestnut's bravery in this the toughest jobs to have,” said LEGISLATION from Page 1 floor is HB 2766 by Rep. Harry home and Billy was on call. He instance, combined with his com- McWhirter. “But when your kids run misuse of city or town logos will be Tindell. TML’s Fuel Stabilization worked to help the family through passionate dedication to Nashville's up to you when you get home, the heard on the House floor Monday, bill amends existing law to remove the ordeal. She called him her ‘an- families as a 23-year veteran officer, troubles of the day disappear.” March 29. HB 2842 sponsored by the “sunset” date and provide local Rep. Charles Sargent and SB 2933 governments with clear and perma- by Sen. Jack Johnson prohibits the nent authority to enter into and re- Meters to fund homeless outreach unauthorized use of officially new fuel stabilization contracts with adopted governmental logos. a financial institution; provided the METERS from Page 1 involved.” it serves us as well.” When a local government logo term of any single contract does not homeless person is in housing and According to Harris, the Key Denver’s program, which is reproduced in a publication, in a exceed two years. has access to case management ser- Alliance hopes to draw nurse practi- started in 2007, has generated more solicitation, in a display, or on a It’s companion bill in the Sen- vices, the outreach worker has ful- tioners to the street outreach and is than $100,000 annually with 86 website without permission, it may ate, SB 2688 by Sen. Jim Tracy, is filled their duty to that individual. planning to put together a formal meters around the city. incorrectly imply official sponsor- still being heard in committee. To “We’re going to begin citywide proposal to bring a Metro Police For more information on the ship or endorsement by the local learn more about this proposed leg- training for individuals interested in Officer on board. meter program or to sponsor a do- government. islation, as well as other legislative becoming outreach workers and get “We will have all the compo- nation meter, call Laura Jumonville The bill unanimously passed the priorities initiated by TML go the them certified,” said Harris. “We nents we need to get people off the of the Metro Homeless Commis- Senate Feb. 17. Hometown Connection on TML’s also have church congregations who streets,” Harris said. This program sion at 615-780-7014 or visit Also calendered for the House website, www. TML1.org. have a heart for it and want to be has served Denver well and we hope www.thekeyalliance.org.

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made by the fermentation of plant sugars. In the U.S., it’s typically pro- duced from corn and other grain BY TML STAFF REPORTS from helicopters. According to the products. Ethanol is blended with USDA Wildlife Services, feral hogs gasoline when used as vehicle fuel, The state and several Tennessee aren’t that different from farmyard usually in blends up to 10 percent cities have been ranked among pigs – just with a longer snout, (E10) or as E85, which contains up other cities and states for their shorter tail, and bigger canine teeth to 85 percent ethanol. economic development perfor- and are nothing new to Tennessee, mance in 2009 in the Site Selection particularly in the East and the A $100,000 donation has been magazine’s annual Governor’s Cumberland Plateau. But in the last made to provide free books to chil- Cup rankings. Cookeville tied for few years they’ve expanded into dren in Middle and East Tennes- 17th place with Lewisburg in the more developed areas, including see through Dolly Parton’s Imagi- Top Micropolitan category, while Williamson and Sumner Counties. nation Library program. The Ap- the state ranked number five, the Feral swine can have anywhere from palachian Regional Commission highest ranking of any southeastern four to eight young per year. Some- donated the money to Tennessee state. Tennessee had a total of 10 times they can reproduce twice a Gov. Phil Bredesen’s Books from communities ranking among the top year. And they can begin reproduc- Birth Foundation, which will dis- small cities in the country, including ing at less than one year of age. perse the funds among 52 counties in Tullahoma, which tied for 12th Tennessee. More than 200 state Department of Transportation (TDOT) vehicles in place, Greeneville, Humboldt, Ath- About three dozen states, includ- East Tennessee can now fill up with cleaner burning E85 fuel. TDOT’s ens, Columbia, McMinnville, ing Tennessee, will soon offer a Tennessee’s five-member Race to Region One Complex Office on Region Lane in Knoxville now have E85 Shelbyville and Union City. rebate of as much as $250 for trad- the Top team, led by Gov. Phil fuel available. ing in select old appliances for a Bredesen, presented the state’s The Tennessee Department of more efficient model. Under the case to peer reviewers in Washing- Transportation will use federal federal stimulus act, the government ton earlier this month. Also partici- American Recovery and Reinvest- has allocated $300 million to the pating were Education Commis- ment Act funds to provide rural states and seven U.S. territories for sioner Tim Webb, Sen. Jamie residents with better access to appliance rebates. Total funding for Woodson, Knox County Schools BY TML STAFF REPORTS and middle-income people, at a cost daily public transit. TDOT plans to Tennessee is $5.96 million. The Superintendent Jim McIntyre, and to the government of $938 billion use $3.1 million in Recovery Act state’s program is tentatively sched- Tomeka Hart, a Memphis City Prisons in eight states let convicts over 10 years, according to the Con- funds to expand direct intercity bus uled to start April 22. The link to the Schools board member who serves work in jobs that give them access gressional Budget Office. It is ex- routes. The funds will be used by program’s website is at www.energy on the new Teacher Evaluation Ad- to Social Security numbers and pected to extend coverage to 32 mil- existing intercity bus carriers to pur- savers.gov/financial/70022.html. visory Committee. Tennessee is other personal information for lion additional Americans by 2019. chase 23 buses, security equipment, among 16 finalists in Round One of the public, despite years of warn- support vehicles, computers, intelli- Drivers across the nation are safer the education reform grant program. ings that the practice should end, For those who haven’t flown in a gent transportation system software, on today’s roadways than they Winners will be named next month. a federal audit finds. Most of the while, be prepared to be scanned, for ADA enhancements to vehicles have been since the 1950s, and prisoners hold jobs processing pub- swabbed or thoroughly patted down. and preventive maintenance. TDOT those in Tennessee and Georgia A University of Tennessee study lic records for federal, state and Maybe all three. Airport security announced the first intercity bus might be even more so. The U.S. quantifies the significant positive local governments, according to the measures have been stepped up routes in the state in March 2009. Department of Transportation an- impact Tennessee State Parks audit released by the Social Secu- following an incident in December, The program provides fixed route nounced that overall traffic fatalities have on the state’s economy. The rity Administration’s Office of In- when a man was accused of trying to public transportation services be- reported for 2009 reached their low- study indicates Tennessee State spector General. The work often blow up a U.S. jetliner using explo- tween rural areas and the state’s ur- est level, 33,963, since 1954, drop- Parks pump millions of dollars into involves entering and processing sives hidden in his underwear. The ban centers. ping by nearly 9 percent from 2008. local economies and create thou- data on documents such as student Obama administration is commit- Officials in Tennessee and Georgia sands of jobs.The study, entitled transcripts, tax files, and health care ting tens of millions of dollars to The size of Tennessee’s construc- report similar decreases in traffic “Economic Impacts of Tennessee’s and labor claims forms. “Although deploy more state-of-the-art screen- tion workforce grew in January, fatalities, with Tennessee’s fatali- State Parks,” was conducted by the we recognize there may be benefits ing equipment, and is tightening en- according to data published by the ties decreasing by 6 percent and UT Human Dimensions Research in allowing prisoners to work while forcement of some older security Associated General Contractors Georgia’s by 14 percent. The fatality Lab in the Institute of Agriculture. It incarcerated, we question whether measures. As the extra measures are of America. In Tennessee, 1,200 rate in Tennessee has also dropped concluded that in FY2008-2009, prisoners have a need to know other rolled out security lines are expected construction jobs were added from over the past three years. “We have Tennessee State Parks visitors di- individuals’ Social Security num- to grown. December 2009 to January 2010, the set a record in each of the last three rectly spent $725.2 million on items bers,” the audit says. “Allowing latest month for which data is avail- years for our fatality rate,” said such as food, gas, lodging and activi- prisoners access to Social Security U.S. Senators cleared the path for a able. Tennessee was one of about 20 Kendell Poole, director of the Ten- ties for visits to state parks, financ- numbers increases the risk that indi- final vote on legislation to bolster states to add workers in January. The nessee Governor’s Highway Safety ing nearly 12,000 jobs in Tennessee viduals may improperly obtain and the safety and nutritional value of January gains were not enough to Office in Nashville. “We’re all the communities. Additionally, the misuse (the data).” school lunches, including provi- make up for losses recorded in the way down to unprecedented levels study indicates that for every dollar sions to improve training for cafe- previous month-to-month cycle, in our fatality rates.” Fatalities have spent on trips to Tennessee State President Obama signed a land- teria workers and to alert schools which saw a loss of 3,800 jobs from decreased by about 25 percent dur- Parks, an additional $1.11 of eco- mark health-care bill into law last more quickly about recalls of con- November 2009 to December 2009. ing that time. nomic activity was generated, re- week, enacting a sweeping over- taminated food. The Healthy, Hun- The Volunteer state ranked No. 27 sulting in $1.5 billion in total indus- haul of the nation's $2.5 trillion ger-Free Kids Act of 2010 would for construction employment losses The American Recovery and Re- try output. That brings the total num- health system. The legislation was commit an additional $4.5 billion to over a 12-month period, shedding investment Act created or re- ber of jobs supported by state parks the subject of a fierce partisan battle child-nutrition programs over the 16,600 jobs, or 13.9 percent, from tained 7,507 jobs in Tennessee in in Tennessee to more than 18,600. and passed with only Democratic next 10 years and implement the January 2009 to January 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2009, ac- Indirect business taxes from state votes. Republicans have vowed to most sweeping changes to those pro- January, there were 119,000 people cording to Office of Tennessee park visitors were estimated at continue their opposition. The bill grams in decades. Among other employed in Tennessee’s construc- Recovery Act Management Direc- $106.3 million. According to the will require most Americans to have things, the bill directs the U.S. De- tion industry. tor Mike Morrow. Half of the study, state parks also play a role in health insurance by 2014, adds an partment of Agriculture to set new money that Tennessee expects to reducing physical and mental health estimated 16 million people to the nutrition standards for all food The Tennessee Secretary of State receive still hasn’t been awarded. As costs and increasing overall produc- Medicaid rolls starting in 2012, and served in schools, from lunchrooms says more than 10,000 dead voters of Dec. 31, the state expected to tivity, while increasing the state’s subsidize private coverage for low- to vending machines. have been removed from records receive $5.3 billion in stimulus attractiveness to industries and indi- as part of an effort to clean up the funds, had been awarded $3.5 bil- viduals looking to relocate in an area election rolls. Tennessee has con- lion and has obligated $2.6 billion. rich in natural amenities. Apply for innovations award nected with 14 states to share voter The state spent $1.6 billion as of registration information and see if Dec. 31. Environmentalists conceded de- Harvard University invites lo- state, local, tribal, and territorial— some voters are also casting ballots feat for their bill in the Tennessee cal governments to submit an initia- from all policy areas are eligible to in other states, said Secretary of More than 200 state Department legislature that if passed would tive program for the Innovations in apply for recognition. State Tre Hargett. The effort to of Transportation (TDOT) ve- have placed a five-cent refundable American Government Award. The top winner of the 2010 In- purge dead people from voter rolls hicles in East Tennessee can now deposit on beverage bottles. Spon- Administered by the Ash Insti- novations Award will receive a was inspired by a 2005 Memphis fill up with cleaner burning E85 sors of the "bottle bill" said it would tute for Democratic Governance $100,000 grant to support replica- special election in which the identi- fuel. E85 is a blend of ethanol and encourage recycling, reduce litter and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy tion and dissemination act- ties of dead voters were used to cast gasoline that helps reduce the emis- and create jobs at 500 planned re- School, the Innovations Award is ivities. Top finalists will also re- ballots in a tight state senatorial race. sion of carbon dioxide and a variety demption centers that could earn as heralded as the premier public-sec- ceive monetary grants. of ozone pollutants. The fuel sta- much as $200,000 a year by selling tor award in the nation. It is given Applications and additional in- Tennessee is stepping up efforts to tions at TDOT’s Region One Com- the recyclable containers to scrap annually to programs that serve as formation for both initiatives are control feral hogs – wild pigs that plex Office on Region Lane in buyers. The bill's opponents, which examples of creative and effective available on our website: www. eat crops, sometimes carry dis- Knoxville now have E85 fuel avail- included the National Federation of government at its best. innovationsaward.harvard.edu ease, and are prolific breeders. able. It can be used in flexible fuel Independent Business and the Ten- This year the Innovations pro- Applications are due April 7. The U.S. Department of Agriculture vehicles that run on higher ethanol nessee Grocers & Convenience gram has also launched a new initia- For smart ideas that deliver says they’re almost impossible to blends. Approximately 225 vehicles Store Association, contended the tive, Bright Ideas, designed to rec- public value and lower the cost of eradicate, and costly to control. So to will switch to E85 fuel in TDOT’s deposit amounts to a new tax and ognize and promote promising gov- government services, check out the keep the hogs’ population in check, Region One. Ethanol is a high oc- that it would create a burden for ernment programs and partnerships. website Better, Faster, Cheaper: the state is beginning to hunt them tane, domestic and renewable fuel retailers. All units of government—federal, www.bfc.ash.harvard.edu

Tom Spencer Engineering | Surveying Territory Manager Knoxville Tri-Cities 570 Beechgrove Way (865) 546-5800 (423) 467-8401 Burns, TN 37029 USA www.VaughnMelton.com T (615) 973-0367 [email protected] www.sensus.com Your Project... Our Promise

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P.O. Box 2968 Murfreesboro, TN 37133-2968 (615) 895-8221 www.griggsandmaloney.com 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 www.TML1.org Tennessee selected to develop strategy for transportaion and land use planning NGA Center selects ies and states,” said Gov. Phil needs of our citizens while also pro- Bredesen. “I’m pleased Tennessee is moting economic development in Tennessee to participate working with NGA to develop new our state.” in 10-month initiative strategies for better coordination Through the Policy Academy, between local, state, public and pri- Tennessee and the other selected Tennessee has been selected by vate industries when it comes to eco- states will work over a 10-month the National Governors Association nomic growth and the transportation period to: Center for Best Practices (NGA infrastructure needed to support it.” • Establish new governance mod- Center) to participate in the Policy As part of the Academy, Ten- els that work to align infrastruc- Academy on Shaping a New Ap- nessee will benefit from the experi- ture development and state goals; proach to Transportation and Land ences and knowledge of experts • Create a new planning frame- Use Planning. from across the nation who have work that addresses the state’s The state will develop a Corri- studied the issue of land use and unique needs and concerns for dor Management Agreement in one transportation planning. The Ten- mobility, accessibility, emis- of the state’s urban areas that will nessee team will be composed of sions, financial stability, demo- later be applied to other transporta- state, local, public and private lead- graphics, climate and topogra- tion corridors across the state. The ers involved in transportation and phy; goal is to create a system that helps land use decisions including repre- • Adapt new funding and financ- Collegedale closed a $2 million loan with the Tennessee Municipal local planning agencies learn how to sentatives from the Tennessee De- ing approaches that better re- Bond Fund (TMBF) to use for various city improvements. Seated left make land use decisions that better partments of Transportation, Envi- flect user costs and benefits, to right are: Ted Rogers, city manager, and Mayor John Turner. coordinate with transportation deci- ronment and Conservation, Eco- manage demand and help pay Standing are; Joe Muscatelo, TMBF representative; Cristy Pratt, city sions made at the local and state nomic and Community Develop- for transportation system man- recorder; and Michelle Brown, finance director. level. Colorado, Maryland, Wash- ment, Agriculture and Tourist De- agement and maintenance; and ington and West Virginia have also velopment. • Develop enhanced goals and been selected to participate in the “Improved linkages between metrics that best reflect the state’s TREEDC hosts two spring workshops transportation and land use planning transportation goals. program. The Tennessee Renewable En- Some of the topics to be pre- are essential in beginning to address For more information about this “As Tennessee continues to ergy and Economic Development sented at both workshops include the growing problem of congestion and other initiatives of the NGA grow, both economically and in Council (TREEDC) has scheduled • wood waste power systems, on our roadways,” said TDOT Com- Center Environment, Energy & population, a coordinated approach two workshops for Spring 2010. • e85 conversions, missioner Gerald Nicely. “With Natural Resources Division, visit to land use and transportation plan- The first workshop is a three- • solar development and next gen- state and local communities work- www.nga.org/center/eenr. ning will help avoid the gridlock and hour symposium for the city of Jack- eration biofuels such as cellulo- ing together, we can better serve the pollution problems seen in other cit- son and neighboring communities sic ethanol and biodiesel pro- on April 13 at the UT West TN duced from waste vegetable oil. Research and Education Center One of TREEDC’s goals is to Feds amend Family, Medical Leave Act from 9 am to 12 pm. Ernest Brooks, build relationships by connecting FAMILY from Page 1 or daughter of a covered service- eral, employers with fewer than 50 II , Jackson City Councilman and innovative renewable energy pro- quest job-protected leave from his or member,” which is defined as the employees are not subject to the West TREEDC Advisory Board viders with communities in Tennes- her employer. covered servicemember’s biologi- FMLA requirements. member, and Warren Nevad, see. TREEDC will also update ev- Under the revised law, military cal, adopted or foster child, step- An eligible employee may be MTAS management consultant and eryone on the various city and caregivers may be permitted to take child, legal ward or a child for whom required to use accrued vacation TREEDC executive director, are or- county projects across the state, pro- up to a combined total of 26 weeks of the covered servicemember stood in leave, sick leave, personal leave or ganizing this event. posals regarding energy efficiency unpaid leave during a single 12- loco parentis, and who is of any age. other types of leave as defined by the Also, TREEDC, the city of upgrades, municipal biodiesel pro- month period to take care of a child, The new law was effective Jan. 28, employer for any part of the 26- Franklin and the Tennessee Depart- duction systems, and a development parent, spouse or next of kin who 2008, and requires the Department week period. The regulations do not ment of Agriculture are sponsoring a of mobile energy educational unit. sustains an injury during active mili- of Labor (DOL) to review the Na- require the employer to offer paid six-hour regional workshop on June Please contact warren.nevad@ tary service when that injury results tional Defense Authorization Act medical leave in any situation in 8 at the Factory in Franklin. Ken tennessee.edu if you are interested in in the servicemember being unable for FY 2008 (Section 585) and to which the employer would not nor- Moore, Franklin alderman and attending the Jackson and/or to perform the duties of the issue final regulations on the mally provide paid leave. Middle TREEDC Advisory Board Franklin workshops.TREEDC and member’s office, grade, rank or rat- changes to the FMLA. Specifically, Requests for leave must be sup- member, and Nevad are organizing MTAS can also visit your commu- ing. FMLA defines a covered the DOL will attempt to better define ported by a certificate issued by the this workshop. University of Ten- nity to help craft a strategy and servicemember as a member of the the designation of “any qualifying healthcare provider of the eligible nessee President Emeritus Dr. Joe model resolution to meet you city’s armed forces, including a member of exigency” and provide guidance re- employee or of the son, daughter, Johnson will provide the keynote goals in sustainability. the National Guard or Reserves, garding rights and responsibilities spouse or parent of the employee, or address in Franklin. who is undergoing medical treat- under the revised act. In the interim, the next of kin of an individual in the ment, recuperation or therapy; is the Department of Labor encourages case of leave taken. An employer otherwise in outpatient status; or is employers to act in good faith and may require that an employee’s re- TML Conference June 13 - 15 in Gatlinburg otherwise on the temporary disabil- amend their leave policies to accom- quest for leave related to active duty ity retired list for a serious illness or modate families of the armed forces. be supported by a certification. The Schedule At-A-Glance injury. It is important to note that the Department of Labor is expected to Saturday, June 12 The employee requesting leave revisions to FMLA do not change address this issue when it clarifies 7 - 9 pm Welcome Reception must be a spouse, son, daughter, the eligibility requirements or gen- the regulations. parent or next of kin. eral provisions for employers and For more information on Sunday, June 13 Unlike other types of FML, the employees covered by the FMLA of FMLA, visit http://www.dol.gov/ 9:00 - 5:00 Registration age limits on servicemember leave 1993. Employees are still required to whd/fmla/NDAA_fmla.htm, or 10:30 -11 am Feud Game CONFERENCE from Page 1 are different. For covered service- work at least 1,250 hours and 12 contact Bonnie Jones or Richard 11-11:45 am Vendor Workshop member leave, an eligible employee months before becoming eligible for Stokes, MTAS human resource con- side Politics on CNN, and This Week 12 noon Lunch may take leave if he or she is the “son family and medical leave. In gen- sultants, at (615) 532-6827. in Review on NBC. 12 - 2 pm. Ice Cream The conference will kick off 1:15 -2 pm Vendor Workshop Sunday, June 13, with registration, 2:15-2:45 pm Feud Game NLC testifies against federal union bill vendor presentations, and the open- 3 - 3:45 pm District Meetings ing general session followed by the 4 - 5:30 pm General Session H.R.413 from Page 1 apply to its own law enforcement tional Public Management Associa- host city reception. 6:30 - 8:30 pm Host Reception apply to public safety officers, personnel. tion for Human Resources and Na- An awards breakfast on Tues- thereby giving one type of employee “Simply put,” Hankins said, tional Public Employer Labor Rela- day will conclude the conference. Monday, June 14 different rights than other types of “you may think your collective bar- tions Association. Workshops and general ses- 8 - 8:45 am Breakfast employees; would affect every state gaining laws and practices are fixed, This bill is in the first step of the sions will focus on key elements that 9 - 10 am General Session and local government, even those [but] the federal government may legislative process. It is important help mold and shape prosperous 10:15-11:15 am Workshops with collective bargaining, because find that you are broken.” that local governments remain vigi- hometowns during tough economic 11:30 - 12:15 Business Meeting they would be subject to a federal Joining NLC’s testimony were lant in our opposition to this harmful times. 12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch review and might have to make sub- the North Carolina League of Mu- legislation. More than 200 co-spon- While in Gatlinburg be sure to 1:30 - 2 pm Door Prizes stantial changes in their state collec- nicipalities, National Association of sors have signed onto this bill, in- make time to check out the many 2:15 - 3:15 pm Workshops tive bargaining laws to meet federal Counties, National Association of cluding five Tennessee congress- attractions the city has to offer, in- 3:30 - 4:30 pm Workshops standards; and would force states Towns and Townships, National men: Reps. Steve Cohen, Lincon cluding excting attractions, quaint 6:30 - 11 pm Pool Party and local governments to meet col- School Boards Association, Interna- Davis, John Duncan, Bart Gordon, shopping, great dining, and an ex- lective bargaining standards that it, tional City/County Management and Zach Wamp. If they represent tensive arts and crafts community. the federal government, refuses to Association, International Munici- your district, please contact them, To register, go to the League’s Tuesday - June 15 pal Lawyers Association, Interna- and urge them to vote “no.” website: www.TML1.org. 8:00 - 10:00 Awards Breakfast Good Risk Management is just Good Management

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5100 Maryland Way • Brentwood, TN • 800-624-9698 www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 TML associates awarded for engineering excellence An audience of more than 250 Tennessee engineers, business and civic leaders, and state, city and county officials attended the Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No charge to awards banquet for the 2010 Engineering Ex- TML members. Send advertising to: TT&C Clas- cellence Awards competition sponsored by the sified Ads, Mona Lawrence, 226 Capitol Blvd. American Council of Engineering Companies Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219; e-mail: of Tennessee (ACEC). Awards were pre- mlawrence@ TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 4752. sented to winning projects completed for cit- ies, towns and counties across the state. CITY MANAGER Wilbur Smith Associates, Franklin and CAPE CORAL FLORIDA. The city of Cape Knoxville, won top prize, the Grand Iris Coral is accepting applications for the position Award, for the firm’s work on the SmartFIX 40 of City Manager. The city manager, at the project in Knoxville completed for the Ten- Kingsport Wastewater Treatment, CDM direction of the city council, shall be the chief nessee Department of Transportation. administrative officer of the city. Responsible Among the Grand Award winners for en- to the council for the administration of all city gineering excellence, the highest honor in in- affairs by or under the city charter, the city dividual competition entry categories: manager will assist in implementing the Kingsport Wastewater Treatment Plant Up- council’s agenda through a collaborative ef- grades Construction Management at Risk fort. The city manager will direct a city Implementation, completed by engineering workforce of approximately 1,500 employees firm CDM, in the special projects category and and is responsible for day to day operations. Murfreesboro’s Stones River Treatment Plant Iris Award Winner Smart FIX40 Individual assigned to this classification is Expansion and Upgrade completed by Smith Wilbur Smith Associates accountable for applying extensive knowledge Seckman Reid, Inc., in the water and wastewa- of a wide variety of city government functions. ter category. Salary and terms of the contract are negotiable Among the Honor Awards recipients: and subject to council approval. Must establish Giles County Water Utilities Planning Evalu- residency in Cape Coral within 30 days of hire ation by Gresham Smith; Livingston New Wa- Murfressboro Signal Timing & Corridor and maintain residency for duration of employ- ter Source Cumberland River by J.R. Wauford Operations Study, Neel-Schaffer, Inc. ment. For additional information and to apply, & Company; Nashville International Airport please visit the website www.capecoral.net/ runway project by PBS&J; Coordinated Signal jobs. Employment opportunity closes April Timing and Corridor Operations Study com- 15, 2010. Female, minority, military, and pri- pleted for Murfreesboro by Neel-Schaffer, vate sector candidates are encouraged to apply. Inc.; Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Murfreesboro Treatment Plant Expansion in Pulaski by J.R. Wauford & Company; Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. FIRE CHIEF Ripley Courthouse by Askew Hargraves JOHNSON CITY. The city is looking for a fire Harcourt & Associates, and Shelby County professional to serve as Fire Chief. Minimum Rails to Trails by EnSafe, Inc. salary is $66,574 or higher depending on expe- Knoxville SmartFIX40 rience. The chief will plan, direct, coordinate Wilbur Smith Associates and supervise the city’s fire department while The Tennessee Department of Transpor- actively and visibly supporting the city’s vi- tation, after consultation with Wilbur Smith sion. Requirements include: at a minimum, a Associates, initiated SmartFIX40, the state’s bachelor’s degree in fire science, public ad- first accelerated highway project. This $220 Shelby County: Rails to Trails ministration or business administration; ten million reconstruction project included com- EnSafe, Inc. (10) years previous experience in fire suppres- plex interchange upgrades, freeway widening, sion and prevention; six (6) years progres- safety improvements, and city street recon- Livingston New Water Source sively responsible fire administration and fire nections to reunite neighborhoods that were Cumberland River, J.R. Wauford supervision at the managerial level; to obtain severed by the original interstate. Greenways, or possess and maintain a valid Tennessee creek restoration, wall and noise barrier fin- into the fully finished basement floor. An certified firefighter certification; emergency ishes, and a “signature” bridge were designed inside chairlift gives wheelchair access to the medical technician certification; hazardous in an effort to blend this urban interstate into its entire building. These plazas and all areas of materials technician certification.To succeed historic downtown setting. the square will be connected with extra wide in this role, applicants need teambuilding and Kingsport Wastewater Treatment Plant crosswalks to make it easy and inviting for a leadership skills; a comprehensive knowledge Upgrades, CDM pedestrian to stroll and shop without feeling of the principles and practices of equipment The city selected CDM to serve as plan- the need to get into a car and drive to the other employed in modern firefighting; fire hazards ning and design engineer, operations and start- side. The new design provides wheelchair and fire prevention techniques; the use of fire up consultant, and construction manager at accessibility from the street into every busi- records and their application to the solution risk. The construction management at risk ap- ness front door. and evaluation of fire problems and in the proach completed the comprehensive waste- Ripley Courthouse Nashville International Airport, PBS&J Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates effective planning of fire programs and assign- water treatment plant upgrades more than $1 The Nashville Airport was tasked with ments; federal, state and local laws and ordi- million below the $22.3 million guaranteed investigating and analyzing the various pave- nances; the ability to command the respect of maximum price and achieved substantial ment conditions that existed throughout the officers and personnel; establish and maintain completion nearly one year ahead of the airfield, focusing on its longest runway. Run- effective working relationships with other city project final completion date. By completing way 13-31 is utilized by large and heavy air officials and the public; flex, learn, and grow the original scope of work ahead of schedule cargo aircraft. Because of this, the reconstruc- with the changes and challenges of the city. and under budget, the city was able to imple- tion needed to support very large loads while, Send a confidential resume and application to ment additional improvements at the wastewa- at the same time, had to be sensitive to long- City of Johnson City, Human Resources De- ter treatment plant, increasing the value of term maintenance that would require taking partment, P.O. Box 2150, Johnson City, TN their infrastructure investment. this critical runway out of service for repairs. 37605. Visit the website to download an appli- Murfreeesboro Water Treatment Plant The $17 million runway rehabilitation project cation and for full job description, at Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. was a multi-year assignment, which involved www.johnsoncitytn. The Stones River Water Treatment Plant replacing the existing asphalt runway with org. EOE. was constructed in 1967 as the first lime soft- new concrete pavements and the rehabilitation ening water treatment plant in Tennessee. The of five intersecting taxiways, all totaled, some MTAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department 100,000 square yards of airfield pavements. The University of Tennessee Institute for Pub- wanted to expand the plant’s rated capacity to Due to the slow economy, lower-than-ex- lic Service is conducting a search for appli- 20 million gallons per day and improve the pected bids allowed the scope of the runway cants for the MTAS Executive Director posi- protection from both microbial pathogens and project to be increased by nearly 50 percent Nashville International Airport, PBS&J tion. The Municipal Technical Advisory Ser- disinfection byproducts. The department also over initial budget estimates to include the vice (MTAS) provides consulting and training wanted to replace aged treatment systems and design of a new runway intersection that was services to all incorporated cities in the State of renovate every building while maintaining completed within a 60-day period, allowing Tennessee as part of the university’s public treatment production. This level of renovation nearly $3 million in new work to be completed service mission. The MTAS Executive Direc- required complex construction phasing, ex- prior to winter shutdowns. tor is responsible for leadership of the agency tensive coordination between disciplines, and Signal Timing & Corridor Study including strategic planning, workforce devel- communication between engineer, owner and Murfreesboro, Neel -Schaffer opment, stakeholder relations and private fund contractor. The expanded and upgraded facil- Neel-Schaffer performed a traffic opera- raising. The Executive Director must establish ity is the largest membrane filtration system tions study of the most congested corridors in and maintain relationships with cities through with the largest onsite sodium hypochlorite Murfreesboro with the goals of reducing an advisory committee and with the TN Mu- system installation in Tennessee. Through an travel times, reducing fuel use and improving nicipal League and its affiliate organizations. innovative piping configuration, it may also be Pulaski Wastewater Treatment Plant air quality. The project optimized traffic sig- J.R. Wauford The executive director is responsible for over- the only water treatment plant in the U.S. that nal timing at 37 intersections along five major all agency management including human re- can operate its granular activated carbon ad- corridors in Murfreesboro. This optimization source and budget issues and performance sorption basins either prior to or after mem- work resulted in saving motorists an estimated Giles County Water Utilities Planning measures. Qualifications include a master’s brane filtration. 414,150 gallons of gas per year – equivalent to Gresham Smith degree in public administration, city manage- Livingston Water Source, J.R. Wauford $1.03 million at $2.50 per gallon. Based on the When water utilities formed throughout ment or a related field and a minimum of 10 As the result of a depleting raw water fuel savings alone, the project had an esti- the region more than 50 years ago, they had one years experience as a senior leader in a com- source in both quantity and quality, the Town mated benefit to cost ratio of 11 to 1. The common goal: to provide the public with safe plex organization, preferably in a local or state of Livingston commissioned J. R.Wauford in reduction in gasoline consumption is equiva- drinking water. While that goal is still the same government or nonprofit organization with 2000 to conduct a feasibility study to acquire a lent to approximately 977,000 tons of carbon today, most utilities have maximized their dis- similar work goals. Experience as a city man- new water source. Butlers Landing on the monoxide each year, which represents about a tribution networks to provide potable water to ager and/or managing staff in remote locations Cumberland River in Clay County some 19 20 percent decline across all project corridors. rural customers in a financially feasible man- a plus. Applicant must have strong oral and miles northwest of Livingston was concluded Pulaski Wastewater Treatment Plant ner. Through a strategic mail response survey written communication skills, ability to lead a to be the most economical and viable water J.R. Wauford and hydraulic modeling, Gresham Smith multi-talented, multi-disciplined municipal source. Due to the complexity of the project, Due to environmental issues, the Pulaski helped Giles County develop a plan that would consulting agency, and ability to manage bud- the construction was let through nine contracts Wastewater Treatment Plant was renovated to provide water accessibility to residents with- get and human resources. The position will be so Livingston would receive competitive bids. comply with enforcement action issued by the out a safe and reliable drinking water source. based in Knoxville and will require extensive The Water Treatment Plant was designed Tennessee Department of Environment and State legislators have taken note of the results statewide travel. Applicants should send a re- by J. R. Wauford and built in 1963, expanded Conservation. The original plant was con- achieved and are considering rolling out simi- sume and cover letter detailing how the in 1981. In 2006, the plant capacity was in- structed in 1959, and the unit processes that lar programs throughout the state. applicant’s credentials meet the requirements creased to treat 4 million gallons per day and were still in operation were either outdated or Shelby County Rails to Trails, EnSafe of the position. Include information on salary modernized with a Supervisory Control and overloaded. Renovation was inevitable which EnSafe helped set the stage, both in the expectations. Send all information to MTAS Data Acquisition system. Construction of the included an earthen 24 million gallon inflow forefront and behind the scenes, for the rede- Executive Director Search Committee Chair raw water lines and the Surge Tank at Hilham holding basin, headworks expansion, the aera- velopment of a 13.34-mile-long eyesore – an Chuck Shoopman via email at began September 2007. The raw water intake tion basin walls were raised and the aerator abandoned rail corridor – into a Greenfield that [email protected]. For more was designed to serve at least 100 years, to was converted from coarse bubble aeration to will provide health and economic benefits for information on the position and the statewide resist flooding if Wolf Creek Dam fails, and fine bubble aeration, new centrifugal blowers, the residents of Shelby County, as well as the UT Institute for Public Service, visit was completed September 2009. The new raw a new 100 diameter ground level clarifier, surrounding metropolitan area numbering. www.mtased.ips. tennessee.edu. The Univer- water facility is operating as designed and has converting a malfunctioning elevated clarifier Using a soil management plan that EnSafe sity of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title improved water quality and plant operations. to a gravity thickener, and replacing chlorine developed, the property will be restored to a IX Section 504/ ADA/ADEA institution in the Ripley Courthouse disinfection with ultraviolet light disinfection beneficial reuse for Shelby County residents; provision of its education and employment Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., Inc. followed by step post aeration. This project rid the county of an eyesore; prompt economic programs and services. All qualified appli- The city and the Ripley Downtown Devel- utilized part of the existing facilities along development through the creation of a park/ cants will receive equal consideration for em- opment Corporation selected Askew with implementation of more recent technolo- greenway/recreational property; eliminate ployment without regard to race, color, na- Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, Inc. (A2H) gies to achieve permit limits and decrease risks to human health and/or the environment tional origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital to produce a Master Plan for the Ripley Court- energy usage becoming more environmen- while promoting health activities. EnSafe also status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, house Square. A new plaza on the east side of tally sustainable. The facility also produces as assisted the county in obtaining the Site-spe- physical or mental disability, or covered vet- the courthouse was designed five feet lower a reusable by-product Class ‘A’ sludge, a cific Brownfield Assessment grant that funded eran status. than the existing grades to create an entrance fertilizing agent. the investigation. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2009-2010 Officers and Directors NLC supports Local Jobs for America Act PRESIDENT Tommy Pedigo Mayor, Sparta BY CAROLYN COLEMAN directly to communities with at least “The central focus and ap- VICE PRESIDENTS Nation’s Cities Weekly 50,000 residents, and $22.5 billion proach of this new legislation is Dale Kelley would go directly to states to distrib- something that we at the National Mayor, Huntingdon League of Cities have advocated for April 5-6: OSHA 10-hour training Kay Senter Earlier this month, NLC Presi- ute to communities with fewer than Councilmember, Morristown dent Ronald O. Loveridge, mayor, 50,000 residents. The funds may some time,” Loveridge added. “It exclusively for the roadway con- Ken Wilbur Riverside, Calif., joined House of only be used for compensation of will provide much needed assistance struction industry. Held at the Na- Mayor, Portland to cities as they seek to protect pub- tional Transportation Research Cen- DIRECTORS Representatives Education and La- full-time, full-year positions and Jody Baltz bor Committee Chairman George jobs that are regular government or lic safety and avoid laying off mu- ter, 2360 Cherahala Blvd. Knox- City Administrator, Tullahoma Miller (D-Calif.) and other members local community organization jobs, nicipal workers, which would only ville, 37923. Call 865-974-1500 for President (TCMA) of Congress on a conference call to under the proposed legislation. dig a deeper hole out of which directions. Also April 8-9 in Jack- Alan Barker (District 7) America’s economy would have to son at the West Tennessee Research Mayor, Humboldt announce new legislation, H.R. The bill, which was developed Angie Carrier 4812, the “Local Jobs for America with the input of city officials, will climb. It also will help build a foun- & Education Center, 605 Airways City Administrator, White House ( District 5) Act,” that, if passed, will put a mil- put 1 million people to work by dation for future growth by making Blvd., Jackson, 38301. Call 731- Betsy Crossley available funds to cities that can be 424-1643 for directions. This 2-day Mayor, Brentwood (District 6) lion people to work by restoring ser- restoring these services in local Karl Dean vices in local communities in both communities, in both public and pri- used to create useful jobs in both training program developed by Mayor, Metro Nashville public and private sector jobs. vate sector jobs. It also includes $23 municipal and nonprofit agencies, American Road and Transportation Chris Dorsey “I would like to thank the Con- billion to help states support an esti- and in the process put large numbers Builders Association and the Na- City Manager, Red Bank (District 3) of unemployed Americans back to David Edwards gressmen for their leadership in mated 250,000 education jobs; tional Safety Council sets the stan- Councilman, Murfreesboro sponsoring this vitally important $1.18 billion to put 5,500 law en- work.” dard for the entire industry. There is David Gordon bill,” said Loveridge. “This is a key forcement officers on the beat; and While the nation’s economy an administrative fee of $25 for this Mayor, Covington may be approaching the late stages ARTBA grant-sponsored work- J.H. Graham III piece of legislation that comes as $500 million to hire and retain fire- Mayor, Crossville (District 4) cities face the worst of the economic fighters and $500 million for ap- of the worst economic downturn shop, which is free. Instructor is Bill Haslam storm, with revenues down and ser- proximately 50,000 additional on- since the Great Depression, local Jerry Teeler, ARTBA Director of Mayor, Knoxville government budget tightening and Safety and Health. For registration Curtis Hayes vice needs at their highest. The ac- the-job training positions slots to Mayor, Livingston tions of cities are not insignificant, help private business expand em- spending cuts over the next several form, visit http://www.mtas. A.C. Wharton as collectively we are the nation’s ployment. years could well impose a signifi- tennessee.edu/ttap_april2010.pdf Mayor, Memphis fourth largest employer. The “Cities continue to make the cant drag on the nation’s economic Richard Hodges recovery. April 14-16: TAMCAR Certified Mayor, Millington economy cannot recover quickly if difficult choices of cutting services Dot LaMarche, cities falter, and so federal action and furloughing workers,”said According to the latest NLC re- Municipal Clerk Institute and Vice Mayor, Farragut now is essential.” Loveridge. “We are now beginning search brief, issued in January, cities Master Municipal Clerk Acad- Ron Littlefield face layoffs, canceled contracts with emy. Held at the Airport Embassy Mayor, Chattanooga Through a funding formula to see cities cut fire and police ser- David May based on the Community Develop- vices — activities essential to the small businesses and vendors, re- Suites in Nashville. For more infor- Council, Cleveland ment Block Grant program, the bill quality of life and safety of citizens duced services and sizable budget mation, visit the website at http:// Keith McDonald (District 8) would direct $75 billion to cities, in our communities. Traditionally, shortfalls for 2009 that are expected tamcar.org/ Mayor, Bartlett to grow much more severe and wide- Cindy Cameron Ogle towns and counties to save munici- this is an option of last resort, and City Manager, Gatlinburg (District 2) pal jobs and prevent layoffs. Of the only serves to demonstrate the ardu- spread from 2010 to 2012. April 15-16: ICMA Southeast re- Bo Perkinson $75 billion, $52.5 billion would go ous situation facing cities. gional Summit at the Courtyard Vice Mayor, Athens Nashville Downtown. Register Johnny Piper Mayor, Clarksville online by April 8 for this networking Charles “Bones” Seivers States relieved by school graduation plan and professional development op- President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund portunity for members and state of- Randy Trivette ficers in the Southeast. Visit City Recorder, Erwin (District 1) BY JAKE GROVUM readiness standards. Bob Wise, head of a group called the Special to Stateline.org The blueprint calls for states to Alliance for Excellent Education. ICMA’s website at http://icma.org/ PAST PRESIDENTS adopt standards, but stops short of a main/ns.asp?nsid=3357&t=0 Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge The standards released this Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo One state at a time, the push for federal mandate. Instead, it lets month by the Governors Associa- Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro common school graduation stan- states develop their own, or work in tion are the product of a state-based April 14-16: The Tennessee Pres- Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg dards has been gaining traction. In clusters. Federal funding would sim- Common Core State Standards Ini- ervation Trust Statewide Confer- Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland just five years, the number of states ply be an incentive to move ahead. In tiative, which is being led by the ence in Greeneville hosted by the Sam Tharpe (2001) Mayor, Paris Tennessee Preservation Trust in Dan Speer (1997) Mayor, Pulaski with such standards for college and that sense, the protests from state governors and school officials of 48 career-readiness has increased from capitols turned out to have the in- states and the District of Columbia. conjunction with the Tennessee TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS three to 31. tended effect. The draft common standards are Main Street program. Held at the (Ex-Officio Directors) General Morgan Inn, this confer- Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. But behind the progress there “We're offering support, incen- broad guidelines for what children Andy Wright, Lebanon has consistently been a looming tives and national leadership, but not should be learning at a given grade ence offers educational sessions, Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference concern: Would the federal govern- at the expense of local control,” level, but don't go so far as to dictate, tours and networking opportunities. John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet A Commission Assisted Mentoring Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works ment move in and supersede the Education Secretary Arne Duncan for example, what books they should gains that states have been making? said. “We don't think we can be reading. That's by design, to al- Program will be offered which is Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering required certified training for pres- Tennessee Government Finance Officers That concern grew into genuine micromanage 95,000 schools from low local control over the specifics Mark S. Brown, Bartlett alarm a few weeks ago when the Washington.” of the curriculum. ervation commissions and those ap- Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. Obama administration announced Like the administration’s Race “What's encouraging about this plying for certification with the Ten- Art Cate, Knoxville nessee Historical Commission. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. that a new set of federal graduation to the Top program, the new blue- one is that it's really boiling up from Tim Ward, Oak Ridge requirements would be forthcom- print relies largely on rewards for the state level,” says Gary Huggins, Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. ing. State education officials wor- positive achievement rather than director of the Aspen Institute's TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville Margaret Mahery, Executive Director punitive funding cuts. States get a Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports ried out loud that this might mean an Commission on No Child Left Be- certain number of points if they in- Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Larry Cox, Memphis attempt to hand down standards hind. “I think what we keep an eye Carole Graves, Communications Director & Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police from Washington to every school in clude common education and col- on is make sure it's a state-led ef- Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sterling Owen, Knoxville lege or career-ready graduation fort.” Edna Holland, Government Relations, TML/RMP Tennessee Water Quality Management the country. John Holloway, Government Relations Jack Graham, Maryville Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennes- standards. Top-performing schools It seems the White House has Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough, Director of Marketing / Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. see expressed the alarm candidly are rewarded and underperformers essentially endorsed the work of the Member Services Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst George Brogdon, Germantown earlier this month. “To the extent to receive assistance. Common Core Standards Initiative. Tennessee Chapter, American Planning Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant Karen Hundt, Chattanooga which they say, 'OK, you guys have “We really do feel this is a step On a conference call with reporters, Denise Paige, Government Relations forward and a step in the right direc- Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. taken this a little way down the road, Duncan pointed to Common Core Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning Steve Adams, Metro Development & we got it now,' that's not a good tion,” says Joan Wodiska, director specifically, saying “they're provid- Housing Agency of the National Governors Assoc- TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders thing,” Bredesen said. “Far better to ing extraordinary leadership.” (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 Shirley Dancy, Gates be building on the foundation that iation’s education and workforce Of course, the entire process — Official publication of the Tennessee Munici- Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing has been generated from the ground committee. “This is a vision, and still has to make it through the U.S. pal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery Rex Gaither, Smyrna now we have to roll up our sleeves Congress, and in an election year (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves TN Section, Institute of Transportation up, and has that anchoring and that ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. Engineers tie to what's really going on out there and get to work on the details.” with no shortage of partisan squab- Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to re- Kevin Cole, Knoxville in the world, than something up that Many states have already bling on Capitol Hill, everything's ject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. started down this path. Last week the classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence springs full-blown from the brows subject to politics. But for the time at 615-255-4752, or e-mail mlawrence@TML1. Rebecca Harris, Cookeville governors association, along with Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors of congressional staffers.” being, Obama's plan to build off org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Tommy White, Sevierville Earlier this month, the adminis- the Council of Chief State School what the states have already done Debbie Kluth-Yarbrough at 615-255-4752, or e- mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools tration threw the states a curve on Officers, released a new draft of seems to be exactly what many offi- Reecha Black, Alamo by non League officials or staff do not necessar- this issue — but one that most of common graduation standards that cials want to hear. ily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Town & them were relieved to see: President states will agree individually to sign “It's nice to see the federal gov- City is published, semi-monthly, 20 times per TML ASSOCIATE PARTICIPANTS year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, GOLD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Obama’s blueprint for a No Child on to. “There is a role for the federal ernment getting on board with the TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nash- Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. Left Behind overhaul generally al- government, but the role is to look at state agenda,” says Dane Linn, di- ville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to SILVER LEVEL MEMBERSHIP where to assist, not where to direct,” rector of the NGA Center's Educa- members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Post- AT&T lows states and localities to keep master: Send changes of address to Tennessee ING Financial Advisers, LLC control over college and career said former West Virginia Governor tion Division. Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Sensus Metering Systems Nashville, TN 37219-1894. BRONZE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC Alliance Water Resources BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Collier Engineering Co., Inc. Johnson Controls No loan is too McGill Associates, P.A. One Source Document Solutions, Inc. Rare Element, Inc. Sophicity Thompson Engineering large or too small CORPORATE LEVEL MEMBERSHIP A To Z MUNI-DOT Company Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Assoc., LLC Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 Comcast Cable Communications Concrete Paving Assoc. of Tennessee DBS & Associates Engineering Desktop Risk Manager Education Networks of America Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. Florence & Hutcheson, Inc. Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers,Inc. LaserCraft, Inc. Local Govt. Corporation Mattern & Craig, Consulting Engineers, Inc Nashville Tractor & Equipment, Inc. OHM(Orchard, Hiltz, & McCliment, Inc. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Statewide Insurance Group of America Tennessee Cable Telecomunications Assn. Tennessee Energy Acquisition Corporation Tennessee Fiber Optic Communities Thompson & Litton, Inc. Thompson Machinery Third Rock Consultants,LLC TLM Associates, Inc. Tri Green Equipment, LLC URS Corporation Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Volkert & Associates Waste Management Wiser Company, LLC The city of Murfreesboro closes a $103 million loan, The town of Nolensville closes a $21,000 loan. the largest in TMBF history. www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 29, 2010 Sen. Jack Johnson avid communicator with district, uses Facebook and Twitter Conservative about social and fiscal issues, he wants 9th and 10th amendment used to protect states and local governments

BY GAEL STAHL who forced them to abort a pregnancy. If a The new chair of Senate Commerce, La- woman chooses to have an abortion, that is her bor & Agriculture, Jack Johnson, has a new decision and her decision only. office too in the Legislative Plaza, Suite 11. He likes it and likes its history. For 32 years it was TT&C: What’s your political philosophy occupied by the dean of the Senate, Sen. Doug on state and federal relations? Henry who took up residence there in 1977 JJ: I’m glad you brought that up. Like many (half a dozen years after Johnson’s birth). folks, I’m concerned about things happening Johnson, in his fourth year as the senator at the federal level. I serve in state government representing Williamson County and a bit of and am a proponent of the 9th and 10th Amend- Metro Nashville/Davidson County, has al- ments and of states’ rights. I believe our ready chaired two important committees. In founding fathers wanted a federal government 2007, his first year as senator, Republicans that derived its power from the states, not the won a Senate majority since Reconstruction. other way around. Incidentally, Doug Henry In 2007, Republican Sen. Ron Ramsey became has been the General Assembly’s strongest the first Republican elected speaker and went advocate for the 9th and 10th amendments for about increasing the number of committees many decades. chaired by Republicans. Freshman Johnson (Note: The 9th declares “The enumeration in eventually became Chair of Government Op- the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be erations. Nine months later, when the chair of construed to deny or disparage others retained the Commerce Labor and Agriculture Com- by the people.” The 10th says: “The powers not mittee resigned the senate, Johnson replaced delegated to the United States by the Constitu- him. tion, nor prohibited by it to the States, are Johnson wasn’t really raised to play a role reserved to the States respectively, or to the in Texas, much less, Tennessee politics. Born people.) July 25, 1968, in Amarillo, he was raised in But right now, over 50 percent of our state Burnet, an hour’s drive northwest of Austin. budget is what is called “federal dollars,” Its population of 3,400 then, is now 7,100. He Photos by Carole Graves meaning money we taxpayers sent to Wash- attended Burnet schools and went to college at ington. The federal government distributes it I’m a pretty fierce defender of local control. We play a lot of defense up here ... We’re Southwest Texas State, 30 miles south of Aus- back to the states through federal appropria- Our city councils and county commission especially on the look out for bills that tin. His major interest was political science. tions attached with federal conditions and are the ones that help their communities mandate a municipality to do something or He also earned a teacher’s certificate not with strings that we have to comply with. That’s not determine what their long-term goals are. that affect in any way the revenue stream. the idea of starting a teaching career but the way our founding fathers intended the because getting certified seemed to be a good government to work. thing to acquire, just in case. When that other his senate seat and couldn’t run for both of- tion, insurance reforms and regulations. We Federal government, unlike our more re- Johnson from Texas, Lyndon Baines, attended fices. The filing deadline to run for his seat was deal somewhat with some of that on a parallel sponsive state and local governments, does a the same school, he definitely had teaching in Thursday at noon, giving me little time to file track with the Health Committee. There is a lot lot to us – and for us – that we don’t really like. mind and always prized his teaching years. if I wanted to run. of health insurance legislation at the state Decisions should be made at the most effec- The school, strictly a teachers college then, I decided to file, campaigned hard, and in level. I don’t think it is contradictory. It is just tive level of government. That is usually your was called Southwest Texas Normal School. November was elected. I served two years as a a big committee that has a tremendous volume city council, the government closest to you. George Strait went there for a couple of years, member on several committees after Speaker of legislation coming through here. Then your county commission and your state until a band lured him away and he took a Ron Ramsey was elected in January 2007. He Personally, I’m a huge fan of agriculture. government. The least effective is your fed- musical career path. After Jack Johnson named me chair of the Government Opera- When I was in high school, my main activity eral government. graduated with a degree in education in 1989, tions Committee in January 2009. That’s the was Future Farmers of America. I raised hogs the school would come to be called Texas State committee that deals with Sunset Law reviews and chickens and rabbits and other barnyard TT&C: Last year you introduced a resolu- University in San Marcos. of all boards, commissions, agencies and de- animals. In fact, I’m in the first generation in tion opposing cap and trade legislation cur- After finishing his student teaching and partments in state government. I enjoyed serv- my family going back as far as we can see that rently pending before Congress. Why? graduating, Johnson pondered what he ing on that committee. I’m still on it as a did not grow up on a farm. My father did. He JJ: Cap and trade is a good example of how the wanted to do with his life. Others were still member. In the late summer of last year, the got into banking; I’m in banking now. Maybe federal government based on a bad premise, going west. He was looking east to Nashville. former chair of the Senate Commerce Labor I’m starting another tradition. can take precedence over our local and state Why? “The reason I came is because I was and Agriculture Committee resigned from the As chairman of this committee, I look priorities. Tennessee derives the bulk of its young and carefree. Didn’t know any better. Senate, and I was named chair. beyond Williamson County to the importance energy from coal fire plants. As proposed, cap Just wanted to spread my wings and fly a little of agriculture to our state economy. We re- and trade would attack those methods of en- bit. Loved Texas, loved my family but just cently passed legislation dealing with dairy ergy production as harmful. That would have wanted to go somewhere different. At 22, I TT&C: Your district is known for its mu- farmers and milk production though that is a tremendously detrimental effect on our thought I’d go live in Nashville for awhile. I nicipalities being well run, beautiful, and decreasing. When you travel the state and look economy and raise our energy prices through didn’t know a soul. Put everything I owned in forward thinking with regard to high-qual- at all the cattle producers, dairy farmers, and the roof. my car and drove up here.” ity services? crop farmers, especially in West Tennessee, Cap and trade lets the federal government He had visited Music City a couple of JJ: We elected officials representing you see it’s a big part of our economy. As a determine for cities and businesses their allot- times and liked it enough to drift that way in Williamson County are so aware that we stand senator, I look at it from my district standpoint. ment of energy to use. If you exceed that, you 1991. It was a more exciting urban life with on the shoulders of giants. The folks represent- As chairman of the Commerce Committee, have to buy credit, pay taxes, in order to green rolling hills in all directions. While he ing our area over the last 20, 30, 40 years did I’m serving the state. consume more energy. I was vehemently op- missed the gray-green desert, sagebrush and an incredible job of making the area one of the posed on philosophical grounds as well as for manzanilla plains where you can see for end- more desirable places to live in the nation. It’s TT&C: A question we’ve never asked any- the consequences to our state and local gov- less miles, all that green in every direction was a very affluent community in terms of per one before is, why do you regularly use ernments. I passed a resolution in the Senate inviting and refreshing. capita income and median home prices. The Facebook and Twitter to communicate? Do that unfortunately did not pass in the House. It His father is a banker, so Johnson natu- schools are top quality with Franklin Special you think it is a safe and useful tool for local was a more strongly worded resolution than rally looked in that direction, in case that was and Williamson County schools showing up officials too? any I’ve ever seen. It said that we’re opposed his destiny. When through a friend of a friend as two of the top school districts in the nation. JJ: I’m learning as technical advancements in to your cap and trade scheme. If you pass it, we of a friend he landed a job interview with Third I just love everything about the communities communication come about and think that on will not participate. I’m running another bill National Bank applying to work in its wealth in Williamson County. the whole it’s a good thing. There are more now through the Senate that I’m looking for- management area, he was hired and spent 14 mediums for me and my constituents to com- ward to passing. happy years there. He is currently Senior Vice TT&C: What are your goals for your dis- municate with each other than ever before. It’s We also passed the Health Care Freedom President and financial advisor at Pinnacle trict and its cities in terms of economic hard to fathom that they didn’t have email up Act that said if the federal government passes Financial Partners. development? here about 20 years ago. When Sen. Henry was a health care bill proposed in Congress man- Two other important destinies were trig- JJ: I’m a pretty fierce defender of local con- here during his first 20 years up here, if anyone dating Tennesseans to buy a particular type of gered in the spring of 1992, when he and a trol. Our city councils and county commission wanted to contact their legislator, you tried to insurance, that it’s unconstitutional. The fed- friend attended a Davidson County Young are the ones that help their communities deter- call them or wrote a letter, stamped it, sealed it, eral government lacks the authority to do that, Republican meeting in House Committee mine what their long-term goals are. At the and mailed it. I sometimes get hundreds of so the Health Care Freedom Act passed in the Room 29, a few doors down from Suite 11. It same time, I should do everything I can here at emails in a day. That’s a good thing even Senate compels the state attorney general to was there that he met his future wife, Deanna. the state level to help them get to where they though it means additional work going sue the federal government if the bill is passed They eventually married and he eventually want to be with regard to their planning deci- through them and responding to them. It’s and pushes that mandate on our people. went into elective politics. He and Deanna sions. My role in state government is to be good that my constituents can reach me and I married in October 1996, 10 years before he responsive to their planning needs. I work for can stay in contact with them. We’re building TT&C: What’s the status of the bill ran for office. They now have three children. them. Their job is to communicate their vision our growing email data base every day. People Brentwood brought to TML that deals with She is a practicing attorney. In the spring of and policy to me and to Reps. Charles Sargent, have given me thousands of email addresses. I municipal control of their logos? 2006, Johnson had two days to prepare to Glen Casada, and Philip Johnson who repre- send them my weekly email updates and com- JJ: The bill was on the consent calendar and decide to seek an unexpected open Senate seat. sent Williamson County in their House dis- municate back to them. sailed through the Senate with very little dis- He ran and won and is now a Senate chair and tricts. Facebook and Twitter are also valuable cussion or debate. It’s a simple but important up for his first re-election campaign. He is I never take for granted the great working tools. We have some fun with them. I put items piece of legislation. Brentwood learned mu- appreciative that when faced with a fork in the relationship we four have with our county on there about my kids and what my kids say, nicipalities don’t have the same trademark road – to run for senator or stay in banking – mayor and city mayors and other local govern- because a lot of the folks following me are protection on their logos, seals, flags that the he was able to do both. ment officials. We talk, if not daily, certainly friends and family. Constituents respond as private sector has. Somebody was using the Johnson is a serious and effective banker, weekly about various issues happening up well. So far, I don’t use Facebook and Twitter city logo of Brentwood without permission. but not necessarily a staid banker. When asked here in the legislature. for substantive policy; but that could change. Its use made it appear the city was sponsoring for the names of his children, he quickly re- We play a lot of defense up here with I realize there are dangers because once a fundraising event. sponds: “My 10-year-old daughter is regard to bills that are filed that might not be something is on the Internet, it can haunt you The city looked into it and found no law Mackenzie. My 8- and 6-year-old sons are favorably viewed by local governing authori- for years and get you in trouble if you’re not gave them authority to forbid someone to use Seek and Destroy.” Pause. “Well, actually ties. We’re especially on the look out for bills careful. I use those methods of communication its logo since elements of the city seal, e.g., Trevor and Walker.” On his Twitter site, he that mandate a municipality to do something occasionally. With Twitter limiting you to 144 eagles, are already copyrighted. So the city tells how his younger son came home wanting or that affect in any way the revenue stream. characters, you can’t go into any great depth asked legislators for a stipulation that says the a swift Army knife. The older wanted a Mow When we spot them, that’s when I reach for the when we pass a substantive bill. But we can city could copyright its municipal logo. Cities Hog. What’s that? It’s a haircut where they phone or email this legislation to the local have some fun with it. certainly should have that ability. The Senate shave the sides of your head. Both accounts folks asking them to take a look at how it will bill says it’s up to the local government to are mostly about his roles as senator and impact them. TT&C: What current issues are important decide if they want to allow someone to use father, sometimes serious, sometimes humor- As a resident in the district and as the to you this session? their logo. That’s a good example of how we ous and often entertaining. If you click on father of three children who live in JJ: This year, having just become chairman of work with our local governments by carrying http://www.facebook.com/pages/Senator- Williamson County and as someone who cares Commerce, I’ve kind of established a policy any number of bills from the cities into law. Jack-Johnson/58310435761 and http:// deeply about the area, I have personal view- not to tackle or sponsor any overly difficult or twitter.com/SenJohnson you’ll see a more points about where I want to see my city and controversial legislative issues personally. TT&C: Do you meet much with the city whimsical side of the senator. community go. But when I’m in my capacity Chairing this committee, trying to get my arms officials in your district? as senator, I need to work for and represent the around it and figure out what’s coming JJ: Brentwood has a great idea about that. On TT&C: What’s the story behind your magi- voters and the citizens. through this committee is my top priority. a quarterly basis, they invite elected officials cal entry into politics? We’re continuing to work on some bills – such as the school board, county commission- JJ: I’d participated in Republican Party activi- TT&C: Your committee is so often referred workers’ compensation issues that are impor- ers, county mayor, legislative delegation, and ties over the years and worked in seven elec- to as “Commerce” for short, but it includes tant to the state. On the social issue front, I representatives from Rep. Marsha tion campaigns, served on community initia- labor and agriculture interests that could have a bill that’s important to me in the context Blackburn’s office to join city officials. We sit tives and was a board member of many munici- have contradictory issues. Is this an inher- of women who are coerced into having an around, have a nice dinner, and chat infor- pal and county organizations. Then, by the ent contradiction? abortion. You’d be surprised how often that mally about what we’re doing. Franklin grace of good timing, a senate seat suddenly JJ: It is a big committee. In the past, I believe, happens. That’s illegal already. This bill re- doesn’t do anything that structured, but we was open in early April 2006. there were separate agriculture and labor com- quires anyone who performs an abortion to certainly get together and spend time with the What happened was that my predecessor mittees. We handle any legislation that deals post in their facilities in clear language that it local folks down there on a frequent basis and Sen. Jim Bryson announced that he would run with business, banking, insurance, and com- is a significant crime to coerce a woman. of course see them all the time when we’re out against incumbent Gov. Bredesen who was up merce, but also with the agriculture business We’re going to have testimony about women and about in the community. for re-election. He was also up for election to side and the labor side, workers’ compensa- whose boy friend or husband or anyone else