6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 63, Number 5 March 19, 2012 Online travel agencies prevail against cities

BY CAROLE GRAVES statutes that clearly state the TML Communications Director scope and application of the tax laws and, upon identifying any In a legal fight that pitted Ten- potential revenue shortfalls in nessee local governments against their application, to address online travel companies, a U.S. Dis- those perceived shortfalls by trict Court Judge ruled in favor of appropriate legislation," the online booking agencies. Trauger wrote. The class-action suit filed on Online Travel Companies behalf of 56 municipalities and 73 including Expedia, Travelocity, counties claimed that online travel Orbitz, Priceline, and companies (OTCs) collect hotel Hotels.com contract with ho- occupancy taxes from consumers tels to control and sell hotel but only remit to local governments rooms over the telephone and a fraction of the taxes collected. Internet. The travel companies U.S. District Judge Aleta A. pay discounted rates to hotels Trauger granted summary judgment that are not disclosed to con- on the merits for the online travel sumers. The OTCs charge con- companies, ruling that the “tourist sumers a full, marked-up retail rate accommodation tax” should be col- and collect hotel taxes based on the tween the amount the consumer lected on the rates hotels charge and retail rate. They also typically pays in taxes and processing fees, Photo by Victoria South not the ultimate rates paid by con- charge consumers a processing and the amount of occupancy taxes sumers. fee. paid to the hotel. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey speaks with Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley and In her Feb. 23 opinion, she said The city of Goodlettsville was “We are disappointed in Judge Maryville Assistant City Manager Roger Campbell at the recent it was up to the cities to rework the the lead plaintiff in the certified Trauger's ruling because we think Tennessee Municipal League Legislative Conference. State and local current tax laws if they want to be class-action suit, which claimed the intent of the hotel-motel tax was leaders met in Nashville to network and discuss key legislation able to go after the companies for that OTCs only remit to taxing au- that the amount should be based currently being considered on Capitol Hill. taxes. thorities hotel taxes based on the upon the rate paid by the person "It is ultimately the role of the discounted rate. The travel compa- staying in the room and not the lesser TML’s legislative event state legislature to enact revenue nies then pocket the difference be- See CLASS-ACTION on Page 5 educates, advocates Brentwood opens Tennessee’s for local autonomy first Next Generation call center BY CAROLE GRAVES Public Safety Commissioner BY VICTORIA SOUTH and VICTORIA SOUTH Bill Gibbons discussed Gov. Bill TML Communications Coordinator Haslam’s 40-step action plan de- Acknowledging that many of signed to improve public safety Brentwood made history re- the planning and zoning bills cur- statewide. cently by becoming the first city in rently being considered by the Ten- He said that the main goals of the Tennessee to make a leap into the nessee General Assembly are “con- plan are to significantly reduce drug Next Generation. Around 60 people troversial,” Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey abuse and drug trafficking; curb vio- attended grand opening festivities reassured city officials attending lent crime; and lower the rate of for the city’s new, fully-equipped TML’s Legislative Conference that repeat offenders. Next Generation (NG) 911 emer- he’s working to find a compromise. To address the state’s meth gency call center located at 5211 “The two major ones aren’t go- problem, he said that they are in the Maryland Way. The center includes ing to pass,” Ramsey said. “But I do process of launching a major public state-of-the-art radio, telephone and believe we at least brought this up for awareness campaign, as well as de- power backup systems, all support- discussion, brought this up to try to veloping a real-time database to ive of NG911 technology. find some common ground. I under- track the purchases of pseudoephe- “This is digital 911,” said Ten- stand that what works for Memphis drine products (commonly used to nessee Emergency Communica- won’t work in Mountain City.” make meth). The plan also includes tions Board (TECB) Chair Randy Lt.Gov. Ramsey explained that establishing a statewide meth lab Porter. “It’s a major stepping stone during his “red tape road trip” last clean-up system. toward a state-of-the-art network Brentwood’s new Emergency Call Center is the first in the state fully fall, business owners said that they As part of the Governor’s plan that will improve public safety. wired for NG911, and will allow dispatchers to communicate directly were frustrated with a lot of bureau- to crack down on prescription drug NG911 will replace the analog net- with surrounding public safety agencies, while controlling city-wide cratic red tape. abuse, legislation is currently mov- work and increase the reliability of traffic cameras along with other high-tech capabilities. “When a sign gets knocked ing through the Legislature revises the 911 system. The statewide de- down because somebody had a car various provisions of present law ployment will provide all Tennessee quated copper-wire technology to tures. Brentwood’s 911 center has wreck and they can’t put that sign in regarding the controlled substance citizens with a more responsive state-of-the-art digital capabilities. the capability of receiving data from and stand it back up, that’s a prob- database. Pharmacies will be re- emergency communications system The digital version of 911 is then multiple new telephone technolo- lem,” Ramsey said. quired to enter information into the that will offer improved function in transmitted over Tennessee’s exist- gies. The NG 911 system will allow Ramsey says he would like to database in a timelier manner – the case of disaster.” ing statewide Internet Protocol (IP) all of the state’s 911 centers to ac- hold some of the legislation over for within 24 hours of dispensing the Similar to converting televisions network. cept calls from any type of phone. a summer / fall study committee and drugs. And stiffer penalties will be from analog to digital, the state’s In the near future, NG 911 sys- Connecting to a wide range of de- involve TML, TACIR, chamber of handed down for those caught “doc- conversion to NG911 requires that tems will routinely receive text mes- vices, the equipment identifies the commerce members, and citizens. tor shopping” or selling prescription 911 trunks be converted from anti- sages, videos and cell phone pic- See NEXT GEN on Page 5 “It’s a hot issue,” he said. “We need drugs on the to be talking about it as a group.” See LEGISLATIVE on Page 12 Anti-Eminent Domain bill passes U.S. Annual Conference to focus House, Senate consideration possible on making TN cities great BY MIKE WALLACE such as the construction of roads, Housing and Urban Development June 9 - 12 in Knoxville Nation’s Cities Weekly hospital facilities, airports or military Appropriations (THUD) bill that pro- bases. Such authority would also be hibits the use of federal funds on any How do we keep America great? Seven years after the U.S. Su- permitted in cases of developing project connected to the exercise of Rick Baker, former mayor of St. preme Court affirmed the right of public transportation systems or in- eminent domain unless it is exercised Petersburg, Florida, will provide a cities to use eminent domain to se- frastructure, such as the proposed for a “public use.” compelling—and challenging—an- cure land for proposed private com- Keystone pipeline, or to remove Under the normal process, the swer: by making American cities mercial development, and after more threats to public health and safety. House-passed eminent domain bill great! And great cities are built first than 40 states that have reassessed During House debate, the bill would be referred to the Senate Ju- of all through strong leadership. and limited their own state eminent was championed by cosponsors diciary Committee, which has juris- Baker will serve as the keynote domain laws in response, a biparti- Reps. James Sensenbrenner (R- diction over the issue, and which is speaker at TML’s Annual Confer- san group of federal lawmakers is Wisc.) and Maxine Waters (D-Ca- unlikely to consider eminent domain. ence, slated for June 9 - 12 in Knox- still seeking to legislatively overturn lif.). Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), However, in an effort to gain support ville. the decision in Kelo v. City of New ranking minority member of the and advance a difficult transporta- During his two terms in office, London. House Judiciary Committee, was the tion reauthorization bill, Senate lead- Rick Baker worked toward a clear, On Feb. 28, the House of Repre- sole speaker in opposition. ers have decided to permit a number uncompromising goal: to make St. sentatives approved by voice-vote Although Conyers called pro- of non-germane amendments on the Petersburg the best city in America. H.R. 1433, the Private Property tections against eminent domain transportation bill. He led a downtown renaissance, re- Rights Protection Act of 2011. The abuse a laudable goal, he referred to The first of those amendments built the most economically de- bill would prohibit federal, state and the bill as a “one-size-fits-all, Wash- is a controversial contraception pressed area of the city, attracted local governments that receive fed- ington-knows-best solution,” and measure. Waiting in the wings is an businesses, worked to reduce vio- eral economic development funds said that, “Congress should not now amendment submitted by Senator lent crime, and made public schools from using eminent domain to ac- come charging in after seven years John Boozman (R-Ark.) that mirrors a city priority. quire land for economic develop- of work and presume to sit as a the eminent domain legislation In this session, Baker will dis- Rick Baker ment purposes. “Economic devel- national zoning board, arrogating to passed by the House. If Senate lead- cuss how to find and implement the opment” is defined in the bill as our national government the right to ership allows consideration of the most effective solutions to a city's private, for-profit projects, or decide which states have gotten the Boozman amendment and it passes, most challenging problems. through public-private partner- ships; projects designed to increase tax balance right and deciding which the new eminent domain legislation With a theme of Charting a revenue, the tax base or employ- projects are or are not appropriate.” could ride the higher-stakes trans- Course for Local Progress, many of • Maturing of America: Preparing for the aging population; ment. The bill imposes punitive mea- In 2006, an overwhelming bi- portation reauthorization bill to the the conference workshops and sures on governments for violating partisan majority in the House ap- President’s desk and enactment. speakers will focus on helping com- • Civility in government; • Employee benefits & public pen- the ban and creates a cause of action proved a stronger eminent domain NLC is urging Congress to pass munity leaders plan for a progressive for landowners who have property bill, but it was never considered by a clean transportation reauthoriza- future. Topics will include: sions; • Urban revitalization; wrongfully taken by a state or local the Senate. Instead, the Senate com- tion bill free of non-germane amend- • The property tax relationship to government. promised with NLC and other state ments and to oppose legislation that efficient and responsive local gov- • Solution for cities in addressing abandoned properties; The bill creates safe harbor for and local groups advocating for local would usurp local control and fur- ernment; specific “public purpose” activities authority by inserting a new, perma- ther limit eminent domain authority. • Non-traditional revenue sources See CONFERENCE on Page 5 that necessitate eminent domain, nent section in the Transportation- www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 Keeper Kids Spring break lion in the project, which will distrib- ute domestic auto parts for its Passat at the Tennessee Aquarium sedan, which it began cranking out in Chattanooga last year. The 400,000-square-foot center, to be BY TML STAFF REPORTS built in Roane Regional Business and CLINTON Technology Park, is expected to Becromal of America Inc. is closing open a year from now and employ up ALCOA its Clinton plant and laying off 30 to 45 people by 2016. It will initially A portion of the proposed Alcoa workers. The plant will close by the redistribute parts before expanding Parkway is a step closer to reality. end of September. The closing is into a full-fledged distribution facil- Alcoa city officials learned the Ten- part of a streamlining of Becromal’s ity that will reach customers across nessee Department of Transporta- global businesses. Becromal of the United States, Canada and tion has accepted a new redesign for America is a wholly-owned subsid- Mexico. the plans they originally accepted for iary of Becromal S.p.A., headquar- reworking the Hunt Road/Alcoa tered in Milan, Italy. KNOXVILLE Highway interchange. The redesign The University of Tennessee’s would call for replacing the current COLUMBIA Knoxville campus is gearing up for Hunt Road bridge with one further A proposal to form a metropolitan years of construction along south. City Manager Mark Johnson government for Columbia and Cumberland Avenue. The school said a new bridge is needed because Maury County failed in both voting plans to complete a $130 million the stretch of Alcoa Highway be- jurisdictions, with 84 percent of gothic-style University Center in tween Hall Road and the bypass county voters rejecting the plan and several phases by 2016. Just across In Chattanooga, children will be soaking up free animal facts and interchange will be expanded to 68 percent of city voters. the street, a project to rebuild Strong habitat information during the Spring Break Keeper Kids Activities at three lanes each way and six lanes Hall is slated for $94 million in state the Tennessee Aquarium through April 8. The Aquarium is can’t fit under the current bridge. ETOWAH funds under Gov. Haslam’s current launching its new free-flight bird program in addition to its daily bird Etowah Utilities boasts the best-tast- budget proposal. This year marks shows and animal encounters offered in the Ranger Rick gallery. BRENTWOOD ing water in Southeast Tennessee, the first time in four years the budget Children, ages six and up, may choose two of the 19 different daily A master grading plan for the 55 according to a competition among proposal has included money for activities offered with Aquarium admission. Kids explore “Keepers acres of land known locally as “the water utilities conducted by the Ten- major capital investments at the Only” areas to meet penguin experts, feed feisty otters, make toys Cooper property” is on the agenda nessee Association of Utility Dis- state’s higher education institutions. for playful parrots or discover what it’s like to care for sharks, sea for the Brentwood Planning Com- tricts. In a taste test of water turtles or reptiles. To see the complete list of Keeper Kids activities, mission developer PLC Properties is samples, by a three-judge panel, MANCHESTER go to: http://www.tnaqua.org/SpringBreak.aspx asking for permission to start grad- Etowah water was judged to be the VICAM recently held its official ing work at Virginia Way and best and its water utility will partici- grand opening in Manchester. The Granny White Pike, including a fu- pate in a statewide competition with company announced its plans to lo- tional. Its Memphis customers will and indirect jobs, according to esti- ture office complex and 24 acres to other regional winners in August. cate a facility in Coffee County in be residential as well as institutions, mates in the legislation. be handed over to the city as a The statewide winner then will com- March 2011. The facility represents businesses and nonprofit groups. passive park. If the grading work is pete in Washington, D.C., for the an investment of $32 million and 70 NASHVILLE approved, that doesn’t mean that “best tasting water in America” new jobs. VICAM will produce MURFREESBORO The University of Tennessee’s so- office buildings could start sprout- award. polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Middle Tennessee State University lar-powered house is visiting ing on the land. Any proposed struc- stable carpet fiber by recycling PET and Nashville State Community Col- Nashville.The 750-square-foot tures would face their own detailed FRANKLIN clear bottles using Oyama lege will announce a new agreement home will be on display at site plans and final plat approvals Affinion Group recently announced Chemical’s fiber technology. The to “strengthen ties” and afford stu- Nashville’s Centennial Park through from the Planning Commission at it will add 150 jobs to two existing carpet fiber will then be used in dents more academic options at each April 1. It showcases how solar later meetings after grading is com- locations in Williamson County. The headliner, seat backs and door pan- school. The agreement will allow technology can maximize energy ef- pleted. Instead of a surface parking company currently employs 500 els in the automotive industry. students to enroll at both schools ficiency and sustainability. Several lot, developers will be asking for a people and is expected to grow to VICAM is a subsidiary of leading simultaneously, which could help educational events about the project three-story, 950-space parking ga- 650 by year’s end. Affinion Group is non-woven materials producer Ja- NSCC students who need low-level are being held in conjunction with rage in the southeast corner of the a worldwide customer service com- pan Vilene Company and managed major-specific classes that aren’t tours of the home. The house, called property. pany and privately held by Apollo by VIAM Manufacturing. A leader offered at the community college Living Light, was completed by the Management and General Atlantic in automotive floor mats and interior level. Students wishing to participate UT College of Architecture and De- CHARLESTON Partners. products, VIAM Manufacturing has in dual enrollment must meet sign in collaboration with nine UT Arch Chemicals recently completed been operating in Manchester since MTSU’s admission standard. Also, academic disciplines. Collaborators a $26.5 million expansion of its FRANKLIN 1998, and became the North Ameri- a new “reverse transfer” program include the Tennessee Valley Au- Charleston facility, creating 59 A joint venture between the city’s can headquarters for the company in will let former NSCC students en- thority and other corporate and manufacturing and research and de- Parks Department and the Franklin 2008. rolled at MTSU retroactively apply alumni partners. velopment jobs. Arch Chemicals Baseball Club has facilitated up- credits toward an associate’s degree Inc., now part of Lonza Group’s grades at the concession stands at MEMPHIS from NSCC. NSCC president NASHVILLE Microbial Control business, is a glo- Jim Warren Park. New windows KTG USA plans to hire more than George Van Allen and MTSU presi- Six mass transit projects with a bal leader in providing innovative, featuring exterior doors and glass 100 new employees at its Memphis dent Sidney McPhee signed the heavy emphasis on technology are chemistry-based solutions to selec- windows with sliding panels will tissue mill this year as part of a $316 agreement on NSCC’s campus. The competing for $1.65 million in fed- tively destroy and control the make the stands more energy effi- million expansion project launched two schools already have a dual eral funds to be awarded in Middle growth of harmful microbes. The cient while offering an additional in 2011. The plant, which produces admission program, which provides Tennessee this spring. The propos- business is focused on water treat- layer of protection against vandal- products like White Cloud bathroom advising, registration priority, and als include a smartphone app for bus ment, hair and skin care products, ism. Franklin Baseball Club covered and facial tissue, is doubling in size. admission to MTSU for NSCC stu- riders, a computer system to match wood treatment, preservation and the costs of the upgrades at approxi- Manufacturing capacity is also dents. riders with carpools, Park-n-Ride lot protection applications. mately $5,000 per stand. The Parks growing at the plant with the addition improvements in Gallatin and Department staff, Welding Unlim- of new equipment. NASHVILLE Springfield, a short commuter rail CHATTANOOGA ited and Lewis Glass did the installa- Metro government has developed a siding line to increase train trips to American Tire Distributors (ATD), tions. Just last December, vandals MEMPHIS deal to offer a 60 percent tax break and from Lebanon, and new bus- the nation’s leading replacement tire broke into several buildings at the Oxford Diagnostic Laboratories on the water and snow park near the ticket vending machines for the distributor, announced plans to open park and caused thousands of dol- plans to open a new laboratory in Gaylord Opryland resort, helping to Music City Central station down- a distribution center in Chattanooga, lars in damage. Memphis. The company will invest fuel what amounts to a $50 million town. The Nashville Metro Transit a project that will bring a projected $3 million and create 65 lab process- investment by a pair of entertain- Authority and Regional Transit Au- $10-20 million in investment and 40 JOHNSON CITY ing, medical technologist and man- ment powerhouses. Legislation that thority submitted four of the six new jobs with annual wages averag- Ground was broken recently on the agement positions.Oxford Diagnos- Mayor Dean’s administration has proposals. Winning projects will be ing $50,000 to the area over a period future site of a $69 million surgery tic Laboratories is the service labora- filed would provide the break on real announced in May. of three years. ATD is expected to tower at Johnson City Medical Cen- tory division of Oxford Immunotec. and personal property taxes. If ap- purchase a nine-acre tract situated ter. Expected to be completed by the Oxford Immunotec is a global im- proved by the Nashville Metro UNION CITY directly across from eSpin on Enter- summer of 2013, the 156,000- munology focused diagnostics Council, the deal would make way Greenfield Products, LLC expanded prise South Industrial Park’s Dis- square-foot addition to the JCMC company developing novel new for a massive project that Gaylord its Union City facility. The company covery Drive. The company submit- campus will feature 16 operating tests for various diseases based on Entertainment Co. and Dollywood invested $1 million and created 27 ted its proposal to the Hamilton suites — each 30 percent larger to its patented T-SPOT® technology. Co. — a venture tied to country jobs. Positions included welders, County Commission at a public house new technology and more The company’s first product is the music icon Dolly Parton — an- machinists, painters/blasters, fabri- meeting March 15. ATD is a pri- space for patient care — along with T-SPOT.TB test, a blood test for nounced previously. The tax break cators and engineers. Greenfield vately held company that serves 48 patient beds for pre- and post- Tuberculosis (TB) infection. would extend over the course of 12 Products is a leading manufacturer more than 124,000 tire, wheel and operative care and a satellite phar- years. Officials estimate the park of custom fork truck mounted at- automotive service retailers nation- macy. MEMPHIS will ultimately provide $60 million in tachments such as masts, carriages, wide. The company’s proposed A Nashville-based company that in- annual economic output, 1,800 di- steel handling attachments, concrete Chattanooga facility will become KINGSTON stalls solar-panel systems is opening rect and indirect jobs and $400,000 carriages and pipe handling ATD’s fifth location in Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America will a branch office in Memphis. in sales taxes to Metro per year, carriages. The company is also a joining Johnson City, Knoxville, add to its Tennessee footprint by LightWave Solar is the same firm according to the proposal. The out- custom manufacturer of intermodal Memphis and Nashville in distribut- building a warehouse in Roane that is building the million-kilowatt put of the project itself would be attachments such as container chas- ing the company’s products to the County, west of Knoxville. The Ger- solar farm at Agricenter Interna- $100 million total and 1,900 direct sis shipping units, chassis rotators Southeast region. man auto maker will invest $40 mil- and bomb carts for port and rail. Gallatin site Tennessee’s first transit ready development for proposed northeast corridor; project takes long-range view on city’s, region’s needs Gallatin has the green light to become the site of the first Transit Ready Development (TRD) in Ten- nessee following an unanimously vote of the Gallatin City Council to approve a rezoning request for the development of 150 acres of land in Gallatin for the Greensboro North mixed-use community. It was also a signal that developers and munici- palities are taking a long-range look at the importance of transportation options. As a Transit Ready Develop- ment, Greensboro North will be de- veloped as part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Regional Transportation Plan that calls for a proposed Northeast Cor- ridor transit line. Greensboro North will be one of 13 stations on the Northeast Corridor transit line. Greensboro North is located on approximately 150 acres of land in Gallatin along both sides of GreenLea Boulevard, south of the CSX Railroad and adjacent to Volun- teer State Community College. On Feb. 7, the Gallatin City Council voted to rezone the property from R15-PUD to SP Specific Plan Dis- trict. Greensboro North will be a mixed-used community including retail, commercial and office space, and a variety of housing options along with Greensboro North will be a undeveloped, common green space; it will be a compact community connected by a walkable and bikeable street network. mixed-used community including retail, commercial and office space, Recognition is growing that al- Commission are and a variety of housing options ternative solutions must be found to looking to the fu- along with undeveloped, common adding new roadway lanes to meet ture, focusing on green space; it will be a compact the increased demand placed on quality-of-life and community connected by a interstates and highways. The sustainability is- walkable and bikeable street net- Greensboro North TRD is one of the sues, and laying the work. alternative solutions. foundation for Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves “This action places the city of growth opportuni- said, “This transit-ready develop- Gallatin in the forefront of preparing ties.” ment will provide our citizens with a for a new era of transportation The build-out new alternative in residential choices. I truly believe these choices for the property will choices. The close proximity of will add to the quality of life for those occur in phases mass transit provides opportunities who will live, shop, work or play in over a 20-30 year for cost-savings and convenience to Greensboro North,” said Ed Cole, period, a time- those who live there. Transit-ready executive director of The Transit frame that coin- developments are a quality-of-life Alliance. cides with the pro- issue for people of all ages and are Lee K. Zoller with Green & jected development the way of the future. Gallatin is Little, L.P., developer of Greens- of the Northeast excited to accept this development boro North, explained that Greens- Corridor transit as evidenced by its unanimous sup- boro North will be a village-style line. It is antici- port from the city council.” development with a mixture of retail, pated that the first While there are other mixed-use commercial, office and residential phase of develop- communities are under development housing options. It will include ap- ment at Greensboro in the Nashville area that offer simi- proximately 1 million square feet of North will focus on lar features, Greensboro North is retail, commercial and office space, residential units distinctive because of its long-range and approximately 2,000 residential which will include focus on proposed transportation units. both single family plans in the greater Nashville region. “A minimum of 20 percent of homes and multi- It is uniquely positioned to be the the total property will be reserved for family units. central transit stop in the Gallatin common, open green space,” Zoller “The MPO’s area due to its location near Volun- noted. “We appreciate the support 2035 Regional teer State Community College and and vision of the Gallatin City Coun- Transportation an overall vision that leverages its cil and the Planning Commission. It Plan rewards com- proximity to the future transit line. is clear that the Council and Planning munities that find

Greensboro North will be a mixed-used community including retail, commercial and office space, and a variety of housing options along with undeveloped, common green space; it will be a compact commu- nity connected by a walkable and bikeable street network.

ways to reduce the burden that new part of our strategic plan to keep the growth places on roads, by provid- region moving,” said Michael Skip- ing funding for targeted infrastruc- per, executive director of Nashville ture improvements in areas like MPO. Gallatin that are interested in creat- Skipper added, “This transit- ing walkable, mixed-use develop- ready development is proof that pri- ment patterns. These projects really vate developers are seeing a shift in can help to reduce driving and they the market toward more sustainable should be considered a significant housing and transportation choices.”

As a Transit Ready Development, Greensboro North will be developed to take advantage of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Regional Transportation Plan that calls for a proposed Northeast Corridor transit line. Greensboro North will be one of 13 stations on the Northeast Corridor transit line. www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 first poll conducted by Public Policy Polling in which voters were asked House Speaker Emeritus their impression of all 50 states, and the project was not paid for or autho- Naifeh won’t seek reelection rized by any campaign or political BY TML STAFF REPORTS tions for its citizens academy. The organization. Forty-eight percent of Before a packed chamber, four-week academy, beginning May people said they have a favorable House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Employed figures on increase 1, will offer the public a look at TBI’s opinion of Tennessee, and 14 per- Naifeh, D-Covington, announced he State Labor officials say 2.8 million investigations of crime scenes, cent had an unfavorable outlook of would not seek re-election to the Tennesseans with jobs in January is cyber crime and terrorism informa- the Volunteer State. House seat he first won in 1974. the most since March 2008. Offi- tion and other aspects of criminal Naifeh, 72, holds the distinction of cials cited the figure as they an- activity. Classes will be held for Voters say ID law confusing being re-elected a total of 18 times. nounced a Tennessee unemploy- three hours, one night a week. The Most Tennesseans think the state’s The House elected him as its ment rate of 8.2 percent, down from academy will be limited to 15 partici- new law requiring government-is- speaker, the chamber’s powerful 8.5 percent in December. The na- pants. Applications are at sued photo ID in order to vote is a presiding officer, for nine terms tional rate was 8.3 percent. “This www.tbi.tn.gov . “good idea,” but many remain con- from 1991 until 2009, making month the numbers show an in- fused about what forms of identifi- Naifeh the longest-serving House crease of 12,700 jobs so we are Walking path to honor Conte cation are acceptable, according to a speaker in Tennessee history. Dur- seeing positive growth in private in- Gov. Bill Haslam says the state will poll released by Middle Tennessee ing his career, Naifeh saw the dustry,” said Tennessee Department cover the estimated $6,000 cost for State University’s College of Mass Governor’s office switch parties six of Labor and Workforce Develop- erecting signs that name a walking Communication. Eighty-two per- times, beginning with Gov. Winfield Jimmy Naifeh ment Commissioner Karla Davis. path at Bicentennial State Park in cent of 646 adults surveyed think the Dunn in 1975 and ending with Gov. The state’s number of unemployed honor of Andrea Conte, wife of new law should be kept in place. Haslam’s administration in 2011. by tributes from House Minority persons, 257,500, was the fewest former Gov. Phil Bredesen. The Eleven percent consider the law a Following a two-minute stand- Leader Craig Fitzhugh; former since November 2008 and below the Haslam administration had initially bad idea that should be done away ing ovation from lawmakers across Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry, U.S. rate for the first time since issued a “fiscal flag” opposing the with. The remainder aren’t sure. party lines, Naifeh, in making the the only member of the House who November 2010. From November bill by House Speaker Emeritus However, while 93 percent know a announcement, was allowed to pre- has served longer than Naifeh; and to December, the biggest job gain in Jimmy Naifeh to name the walkway current Tennessee driver’s license is side over the state House of Repre- state Rep. Steve McDaniel, the long- Tennessee was 3,900 in profes- in Conte’s honor, citing the cost that acceptable and 81 percent know a sentatives one last time. “Governor est-serving Republican in the House. sional and business services. was not included in Haslam’s state valid military ID will do, only 21 McWherter, my mentor, always “Speaker Naifeh’s door was al- budget plans. Naifeh said five percent know that an expired Ten- told me I would know when it was ways open to me and all those who Task Force tackles obesity friends and associates of Bredesen nessee driver’s license also will be time to go home and I know that time wanted to talk with him,” McDaniel Tackling obesity will be the focus of had told him they would put up $750 accepted. has come for me to step aside for the said. “The man’s heart has always Gov. Haslam’s Health and Wellness each to cover the cost, but Haslam next generation of leaders,” Naifeh been in the right place.” Task Force. Haslam announced the assured him that will not be neces- Lottery sees record sales in Feb. said. Naifeh helped shape the legisla- 16 member task force last October sary and the expense can be covered The Tennessee Education Lottery “Whatever he told you, you tive agenda in Nashville for the better and tasked them with developing an by the routine operations budget of Corp. reports record sales of $130 could take it to the bank,” said Lt. part of two decades. He listed his initiative to improve the state’s the Department of Environment and million in February. Lottery officials Gov. Ron Ramsey. “Even though support for in-school health and health status. More than 1.5 million Conservation, which oversees state said it was an 11.4 percent increase many times I disagreed with him, maternity leave as among his proud- adult Tennesseans – or nearly 32 parks. over the previous record of $116.7 he’ll be missed in this institution.” est accomplishments, as well as per- percent – are obese, according to the million last March. They attributed Ramsey recessed the Senate so that suading McWherter to fund a satel- America Health Rankings report, March 29 Vietnam Vets Day the record to strong growth in in- members could attend Naifeh’s an- lite campus for Dyersburg State and data from 2009 showed nearly Gov. Haslam proclaimed March stant games, a restructured nouncement. Community College in Tipton 30 percent of K-12 schoolchildren 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day, four Powerball and new games. The lot- Naifeh’s speech was followed County, which also bears his name. surveyed are overweight or obese. years after Tennessee became the tery has been selling tickets since Obesity adversely affects health, first state in the nation to designate a January 2004. contributing to high blood pressure, special day of observance in honor heart attacks and strokes, and it is a of veterans of the Vietnam War. “On TN sees increase in expunged leading risk factor for Type II diabe- March 30, 1973, the U.S. Armed criminal records requests tes. Evidence also points to obesity Forces completed the withdrawal of More Tennesseans are filing to have as a risk factor for arthritis and some combat troops from Vietnam. More dismissed and deferred criminal Rep. Eddie in place to help Tennesseans to live in cancers such as breast, esophagus, than 58,000 members of the United charges wiped from their records as Bass is retiring a way that doesn’t continue the epi- and colon. Tennessee’s status in the States Armed Forces lost their lives jobs become scarcer and employers from the Gen- demic of obesity. America’s Health Rankings report in Vietnam and more than 153,000 are able to be pickier. Tennessee has eral Assembly. has recently moved in a positive were wounded in battle. Upon their reported a 71 percent jump since Bass, a former Clay Banks joins ECD as the new direction – from 42nd to 39th in the return home, many members of the 2007 in the number of people filing to Giles County Southwest regional director. In his overall rankings. The task force will United States Armed Forces who have charges expunged. While most sheriff, is leav- new role, Banks will serve as the partner with and fortify efforts al- bravely served their country were applications to expunge criminal ing the Legisla- primary point-of-contact for South- Bass ready underway by organizations not given the “Welcome Home” they charges are free, the state is looking ture to attend to west Tennessee companies seeking such as the YMCA, the Coordinated so richly deserved. to increase the cost for defendants his growing private businesses. He is state assistance with expansion or School Health Program, the Tennes- who successfully finish a judicial the eighth Democratic lawmaker to with accessing state services in see Obesity Task Force and local American voters rank TN 3rd diversion plan. A proposed law sail- announce his retirement this year. Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, health departments and encourage Over the course of four months, ing through the state legislature Bass is serving his third term in the Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, new efforts by the business commu- leaders with Public Policy would raise the cost from $50 to state House after first being elected Madison and McNairy counties. nity to bring coordination and con- Polling asked American voters $350 plus a $100 application fee, in in 2006. Prior to joining ECD, Banks served sensus to these efforts. across the nation for their impres- order to raise funds for the Tennes- as the director of Economic Devel- sions of each state and Tennessee see Bureau of Investigation. Its opment for the Bartlett Area Cham- TBI offers citizen’s academy came in at No. 3. Public Policy sponsors expect it to raise about Republican state ber of Commerce. Citizens get a chance for an inside Polling conducted four national $4.4 million each year, as opposed to Sen. Mike Faulk look at the Tennessee Bureau of monthly polls, surveying American about $400,000 raised each year won’t seek a sec- Steve Bowers, Investigation. The TBI, the state’s registered voters through random under current prices. Not everyone ond term in the communications lead investigative law enforcement automated telephone interviews can get a charge expunged. General manager of Jack- agency, is now accepting applica- conducted nationwide. This is the Assembly’s upper son Energy Au- chamber. The thority, was cho- Kingsport attorney Faulk sen as Jackson’s TN city airports receive grant funds said that he is retiring to spend more “Man of the Year” time with his ailing mother and to by the Jackson Ex- Bowers attend to his legal practice. Fifty- change Club. Past winners of the The Tennessee Department of • Memphis International Airport tures, grant applications are re- eight-year-old Faulk won the seat in award are not only leaders, but com- Transportation (TDOT) announced • Smithville Municipal Airport viewed by the Tennessee Aeronau- 2008. munity servants who have given today that state aeronautics grants • Lovell Field (Chattanooga) tics Commission, which is a five back to Jackson philanthropically. totaling $16,751,893 have been ap- • Centerville Municipal Airport member board charged with policy Former Tennes- Bowers is a supporter of numerous proved for 17 Tennessee airports. • Dyersburg Regional Airport planning and with regulating see State Senator causes, including the Boys and Girls Airports receiving grants in- • Arnold Field (Halls) changes in the state Airport System Rosalind Kurita Club, the Ayers Children’s Medical clude: • Lebanon Municipal Airport Plan. The board reviews all applica- of Clarksville has Center, and the March of Dimes. • McMinn County Airport (Athens) • Henry County Airport tions to ensure that the proper state taken on a new • Cleveland Municipal Airport For more details on each of and local matching funds are in place job as Health • Elizabethton Municipal Airport these grants visit:www.tn.gov/tdot and that the grants will be used for Policy Advisor to Longtime • Sumner County Regional Airport The grants are made available needed improvements. the Commis- Johnson City • Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport through the Tennessee Department The TDOT Aeronautics Divi- sioner of the Ten- Kurita building codes • McGhee Tyson Airport of Transportation’s Aeronautics Di- sion has the responsibility of in- nessee Department of Health, John inspector Dave (Knoxville) vision. specting and licensing the state’s J. Dreyzehner. Kurita will be advis- Jenny has been • McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport The Division administers fed- 126 heliports and 75 public/general ing the Commissioner on policies named the city’s (Jackson) eral and state funding to assist in the aviation airports. The Division also relating to health across the state. chief building of- • Charles W. Baker Airport location, design, construction and provides aircraft and related ser- Kurita said she was hired specifically ficial. The post Jenny (Memphis) maintenance of Tennessee's diverse vices for state government and to put all of her time and energy on was vacated a few years ago when • General DeWitt Spain Airport public aviation system. staffing for the Tennessee Aeronau- what can be done to put new policies Steve Shell retired. (Memphis) Except for routine expendi- tics Commission. 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 www.TML1.org Tennessee sales tax collections Brentwood opens state’s first continue upward trend, $20.2 million over budgeted estimates Next Generation 911 Call Center Tennessee tax collections con- lion. For seven months revenues are NEXT GEN. from Page 1 tinued their upward trend in Febru- under collected by $3.6 million. location of the call, and recognizes ary. Department of Finance and Ad- Tobacco tax collections were the technology that is generating the ministration Commissioner Mark $2.2 million under the budgeted esti- call. Installation of an uninterruptible Emkes today announced that overall mate of $22.1 million. For seven power supply is part of the project. February revenues were $726.6 mil- months revenues are under collected “We upsized our generator for the lion, which is $20.2 million more than in the amount of $11.0 million. building and now have a room dedi- the state budgeted. Inheritance and estate taxes cated to nothing else but a battery “February sales tax collections, were under collected by $4.5 million back up for the emergency center,” reflecting January spending, re- for the month. Year-to-date collec- said Kirk Bednar, Brentwood assis- corded the 23rd consecutive month tions for seven months are $4.0 tant city manager. of positive growth,” Emkes said. million more than the budgeted esti- “Because of the digital network, “While we believe the healthy growth mate. if one 911 center is knocked out of rate in sales tax collections for Febru- Privilege tax collections were service, a center from another loca- ary is indicative of an improving $2.4 million more than the February tion will be able to pick up the calls economy in Tennessee, we are con- estimate, but on a year-to-date basis, seamlessly. This function is ex- cerned that escalating gasoline prices August through February, collec- pected to result in saving both time will soon begin to erode the positive tions are $1.9 million below the esti- and lives,” said Lynn Questell, growth trend we are now enjoying. mate. TECB executive director. All other taxes were over col- “In the months ahead, we will The center’s five answering monitor very closely our collections lected by a net of $2.7 million. Year-to-date collections for points will allow for increased staff- and expenditure patterns and work Brentwood’s center is designed to receive data from multiple seven months were $251.5 million ing during major incidents, such as closely with the Legislature in order telephone technologies. Connecting to a wide range of devices, the more than the budgeted estimate. the 2010 flood, while the adjoining to end this fiscal year with a balanced equipment identifies the location of the call, and recognizes the The general fund was over collected conference room creates space for budget as constitutionally required.” technology that is generating the call. On an accrual basis, February is by $237.8 million and the four other command staff to coordinate and the seventh month in the 2011-2012 funds were over collected by $13.7 direct responses during a crisis. fiscal year. million. The new technology will also The general fund was over col- The budgeted revenue estimates allow dispatchers to communicate lected by $23.5 million and the four for 2011-2012 are based on the State directly with surrounding public Funding Board’s consensus recom- other funds were under collected by safety agencies and control city- mendation of April 15, 2011, and $3.3 million. wide traffic cameras. “That’s a big Sales tax collections were $22.0 adopted by the first session of the point when we’re tracking cars and million more than the estimate for 107th General Assembly in May. February. The February growth rate They are available on the state’s bad guys on the loose, and having the was positive 10.24 percent. The website at http://www.tn.gov/fi- capability of watching officers as year-to-date growth rate for seven nance/bud/budget.shtml. they conduct traffic stops,” Tech- months is positive 6.98 percent. The State Funding Board met on nology Director John Allman told Franchise and excise taxes com- December 9 and 14 to hear updated news reporters at the opening. bined were $3.8 million above the revenue projections from the state’s “It’s an amazing process,” budgeted estimate of $36.0 million. various economists. The board met agrees Questell. “Not only will this For seven months revenues are over again on December 19 and adopted network improve 911 operations, it revised revenue ranges for 2011- collected by $148.4 million. The will also save local Emergency Com- 2012. The revised ranges assume an year-to-date growth rate for seven munications Districts millions of months is 21.45 percent. over collection of $187.8 million to dollars a year in routing and trunking Gasoline and motor fuel collec- $220.5 million in total taxes and $177.0 million to $209.6 million in charges. We will be among the first tions for February decreased by One room contains the battery back up system for Brentwood’s general fund taxes from the fiscal states in the nation to have a truly 4.06%, and were $4.0 million below NG911 project, while a larger generator was installed for the year 2011-2012 budgeted estimate. statewide NG911 network. the budgeted estimate of $70.8 mil- municipal building. The state completed the first heating and cooling system. phase of the NG911 conversion in Tennessee deserve nothing less.” Dynamic conference lineup set for According to city officials, October 2011, then testing the core Next Generation 911 should be June; registration now available online technology before moving on to the available statewide by 2014. Brentwood has no debt on the CONFERENCE from Page 1 shops and the host city reception. An second phase, connecting local 911 The upgraded 911 Emergency property and the upgrades are Center is part of a larger renovation being funded through the city’s • Guarding your city assets; and awards breakfast on Tuesday will centers to the core. “We’re excited effort of the city’s municipal center operating budget. “It all took • Improved government operations conclude the conference. to be moving forward with the Next through IT technology. To register, go to the League’s Generation 911 project,” said at Maryland Farms. Built in 1987, about 18 months to complete,” website: www.TML1.org. Questell. The TECB has carefully the main lobby recently underwent a said Bednar. “We only occupied In addition, the University of planned for the NG911 project and major transformation with the in- one end of the building in the late has partnered with the state’s digital 80s and the rest was lease space. Tennessee Municipal Technical Ad- Schedule at a Glance stallation of new entrance doors, a visory Service (MTAS) will offer network, NetTN, and with industry receptionist station and two new It was all a hodgepodge of where leaders AT&T and Telecommunica- several conference sessions this SATURDAY, JUNE 9 service windows. A new computer we could fit things and not very 7 - 10 pm Welcome tions System, Inc. to bring it to functional.” year as part of the Certified Munici- server room was added to the inte- Reception fruition. It’s been a shared vision and The end result is the emer- pal Finance Officer program. rior to centralize the city’s technol- Workshop sessions have been ap- we’re going to do all we can to gency dispatch center modifica- SUNDAY, JUNE 10 ogy department, along with new proved by the State Comptroller as ensure we get NG911 right every tions, now two and a half times 8 am Golf Benefit step of the way. The citizens of office spaces and a more efficient what Brentwood had before. continued education units (CEU). 9 am -5 pm Registration Sessions are open to all confer- 11 Exhibit Hall Opens ence registrants. 12 noon Lunch Some of the workshops being 1:30 -2:15 pm Workshop Online travel agencies prevail in lawsuit offered are: 2:15 - 2:45 pm District Meetings • Outsourcing of public services 3 - 4:15 pm Opening Session CLASS-ACTION from Page 1 collect hotel occupancy taxes and convention centers or for historic • Assessment of internal controls 4:30 - 5:30 pm Workshops wholesale amount paid by the online were identified as class members in preservation. • Tax increment financing 6:30 -8:30 pm Host City travel companies to the hotels,” said the suit. Specifically, each class Tennessee was not alone in • Budgeting and economic fore- Reception Todd Moore, local counsel for member’s ordinance makes hotel its battle; nor defeat. In the last cast. Goodlettsville. operators responsible for collecting month, various courts around the Other conference highlights in- MONDAY, JUNE 11 He said they are still reviewing the tax from hotel guests and remit- country have dismissed cases clude a welcome reception Saturday 9 -10 am Workshops their options with regard to a poten- ting it to the relevant tax authority. brought against online travel night, a Sunday morning golf tour- 10:15 -11:15 am Workshops tial appeal. Each ordinance also states that the companies for avoiding hotel oc- nament to benefit the University of 11:30 - 12:15 am Annual Business “The hotel-motel tax was en- tax owed shall be calculated as a cupancy tax ordinances. Tennessee Institute for Public Ser- Meeting acted before people booked rooms percentage of the rate that is charged According to Legal vice Scholarships, a full exhibitors’ 12:30 - 2 pm Lunch online and the court has ruled that it by the operator. Newsline, the Kentucky Supreme 2:15 - 3:15 pm Workshops program, and a Host City reception. is up to the legislature to determine if Proceeds from the hotel-motel Court and a state appeals court in 3:30 - 4:30 pm Workshops and how the tax should apply to Pennsylvania all affirmed that lo- 6:30 - 11pm Pool Party tax can be used for purposes autho- The conference will kick off online hotel reservations,” said rized in the enacting ordinance. cal jurisdictions in those states Sunday, June 10, with district meet- Moore. cannot impose taxes on online TUESDAY, JUNE 12 Many jurisdictions designate and use ings and the opening general session, In Tennessee, there are approxi- travel companies for their reser- 8 – 10 am Annual Awards the tax proceeds for tourism devel- followed by two dynamic work- mately 129 taxing authorities that Breakfast opment, such as the construction of vation services. www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 Crime labs struggle with DNA test demands

BY MELISSA MAYNARD investigating others that may have Stateline Staff Writer been committed by the same person.

March 28-29:UT MTAS hosts Twelve years ago, Congress More data MunicipalCourtClerksConference passed a bill aimed at bolstering the This is because in addition to held at the Marriott Cool Springs, capacity of state and local crime analyzing DNA evidence recovered 700 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin. labs. It was known as the “DNA from crime scenes, crime labs are Sessions include: a review of Mu- Backlog Elimination Act.” The ensu- tasked with maintaining databases nicipal Court processes, court ac- ing effort now bears the more mod- that hold DNA profiles of certain tion reports, electronic submittal: est title of “DNA Backlog Reduction convicted offenders. State and local time management and recovering Program.” But even with the new DNA databases and the national money owed the court. For more name, it is an ambitious venture. DNA database, connected through information, contact the MTAS of- Since 2006, Congress has poured the FBI-run system CODIS, have fice at 865-974-0411. $785 million into helping to fix the become important tools for solving F logjam in DNA evidence collection at crimes in cases for which there are April-May: The TML Risk Man- the state and local level through this no suspects. As of January 2012, agement Pool Free Regional and other programs. CODIS had led to 171,800 “hits” or Workshops. Designed to give Pool There’s no question that a seri- matches and assisted in more than member municipalities/agencies the ous problem exists. Recent ad- 165,100 investigations, according to One way that states have tried to minimize backlogs is to work more opportunity to better understand vances in science and technology the FBI. closely on the front end with law enforcement officials. The Pool’s liability, property, and have made DNA a more useful tool As the utility of DNA databases workers compensation policies and for convicting the guilty and exoner- in solving crimes has become appar- were to disappear. New technology coverage. The workshop will also ating the innocent, but major back- ent, state policies have expanded to But the federal rules lead to a Still, funding from the National focus on ways a strong risk man- logs persist, despite broad require that more and more DNA be bit of a conundrum: While the core Institute of Justice has helped state agement program in your entity will acknowledgement that delays in collected and processed for inclu- backlog reduction program is for- and local labs bolster their capacity help reduce your risk exposures, processing DNA evidence are keep- sion in those databases. New York mula-based and available to states so that they can sustain higher improve safety for your employees ing criminals on the streets. “A lot of Governor Andrew Cuomo is push- that do not have backlogs, other workloads on their own. Invest- and citizens as well as help reduce it is supply and demand,” says ing a bill that would require DNA funds give priority to states that ments in technology and robotics your premiums. Staff that work in Kermit Channel, director of the Ar- from any person convicted of any have documented large backlogs. and improvements to workflow pro- your risk and insurance program, kansas state crime lab. “Because the crime to be included in a database, That gives them less incentive to cesses have enabled some states to especially risk managers, are en- technology offers so much more and about half of the states now get the problem fixed. “It makes process higher volumes of DNA couraged to attend. All workshops today than even five or six years ago, include DNA from arrestees who you more competitive if you have more quickly in ways that aren’t begin at 9 am and conclude at 2 pm. law enforcement is asking for more have not been convicted of crimes. an existing backlog,” admits Sheila reliant on ongoing federal support. Lunch provided. Dates and loca- and more from us.” While inclusion of additional offend- Jerusalem, a spokesperson for the After seeing a 48 percent jump tions: April 17: Jackson, UT West Federal help is making a differ- ers and arrestees has made CODIS a National Institute of Justice. in DNA requests over the course of TN Research & Education Center, ence. Between 2004 and 2010, the more useful tool, it has also clogged Some state officials concede one year, the Louisiana State Police Room 150 – 605 Airways Blvd; Backlog Reduction Program, run by crime labs and raised major con- that the promise of federal support Crime Laboratory used federal April 18: Martin, First State Bank – the National Institute of Justice, has cerns about privacy for individuals can provide a perverse incentive. grants to implement more advanced 106 University St.; April 19: funded completion of 172,761 cases who have not been convicted, says “It's kind of just an accepted prob- technologies and hire management Germantown, The Great Hall & and significantly increased state and Sara Katsanis, a researcher at Duke lem now,” says Adam Horst, di- experts to evaluate and overhaul Conference Center – 1900 South local DNA laboratory capacity. University’s Institute for Genome rector of the Indiana Office of workflow processes. Germantown Road; April 24: Channel credits federal funding with Sciences & Policy. “The presump- Management and Budget. “The The result was a significant im- Springfield, Volunteer State Com- dramatically reducing the Arkansas tion is that if we had the whole fact that we have federal funding provement in lab productivity, from munity College at Highland Crest – backlog — which peaked at 18,000 population in there then it would streams that encourage you to 32 completed DNA requests per 150 Laureate Ave.; April 25: in 2005 — to 4,200 now. work best," she says. have [a backlog] may be part of the month in 2007 to 175 per month in Cookeville, Leslie Town Centre – “Without those funding When states expand require- reason why states have them.” 2011. Average turnaround time One West First St.; April sources, we wouldn’t be anywhere ments to include more offenders and Horst experienced this as he went from 287 days to 59 days. 26: Brentwood, Brentwood Li- near where we are today,” Channel arrestees, Katsanis adds, they often pushed the Indiana state crime lab Process improvements included ev- brary – 8109 Concord Rd.; May 1, says. Federal grants have allowed fail to consider the impact on their to eliminate its backlog, which it erything from eliminating unneces- Alcoa, Alcoa Services Center– 725 the state to invest in more sophisti- existing crime lab capacity. “There's finally did in 2009. It now main- sary procedural steps to removing Universal St.; May 2: Kingsport, cated equipment that sorts through not a lobbyist for the rape victims tains an average turnaround time of doors to make it easier for staff to Kingsport Center for Higher Educa- evidence faster, as well as nine addi- who aren't getting their samples pro- 30 days for processing DNA move around. Spaghetti charts map- tion – 300 W. Market St.; May 3: tional staff members to process the cessed," she says. samples, well within federal guide- ping the travel time around the lab Collegedale: Collegedale City Hall, evidence. lines. “I literally would have con- showed that staff had to walk a total 4910 Swinyar Dr. Still, while the crime lab is now The federal connection versations with people about elimi- of 2.4 miles just to process evidence Register on line at http:// able to stay up to date with homi- Crime labs have become highly nating the backlog where they'd from a typical sexual assault case. www.ThePool-TN.org/ cides and sexual assaults, property reliant on federal funding. A recent say, ‘You know we're losing fed- About a mile was eliminated from WorkShopRegistration.html Or crimes remain a major driver of the report by the Congressional Re- eral money,’” Horst recalls, “and that. print a PDF of the registration form state’s persistent backlog. Process- search Service notes that 83 percent I'd say, ‘Well you know what, Another way that states have and fax to Lynn Bates at 615-377- ing evidence of property crimes is of state and local crime labs say they maybe that's OK.’ Maybe the fed- tried to minimize backlogs is to work 3067. Find the form at: http:// critical, Channel says, not just for would see an increase in DNA case- eral government needs to change more closely on the front end with thepool-tn.com/ solving those offenses, but also for work backlogs if federal funding their policy.” law enforcement officials — the ClientServicesDocs/ ones submitting the evidence — to 2012PartnersWorkshopRegistration ensure that the right evidence is be- Form.pdf ing tested. “Our contributors some- time watch too much CSI and they April 3-5: Local Government don't realize it takes so much time to Corporation Annual Confer- conduct these tests,” says David ence, “Resource 2012” Held at the State Unemployment Rates for Michigan saw the largest over- after the last few recessions, states Coffman, chief of forensic services Murfreesboro Embassy Suites and January 2012 the-year decline in unemployment, slashed financing for colleges. Then for Florida’s state crime lab. Conference Center, 1200 Confer- Unemployment rates decreased dropping 1.9 percentage points from when the economy recovered, most Florida and many other states ence Center Blvd. Early registration in 45 states and D.C. in January the unemployment rate in January states never fully restored the money have raised acceptance thresholds from 5 - 6:30 p.m. April 3. this will 2012. The rates remained un- 2011. Utah also saw significant im- that had been cut. The recent reces- so that, for property cases espe- be registration only. Classes will be changed in four states; only one provement over the year, with un- sion has amplified the problem. State cially, they aren’t testing DNA from held April 4-5. 2012 marks LGC’s state and Puerto Rico saw unem- employment falling by 1.8 percent- appropriations for colleges fell by doorknobs or other places where 35th year in business. We will cel- ployment rise for the month. Com- age points. 7.6 percent in 2011-12, the largest samples from multiple people are ebrate this milestone with a 35th pared with a year ago, unemploy- State unemployment figures for annual decline in at least five de- likely to be found. Still, says anniversary dinner on Wed. night at ment has declined in 48 states and February 2012 will be released on cades, according to a report from Coffman, “there's a way to ask us to 6 p.m. For registration and confer- Puerto Rico, risen in one state and Friday, March 30, 2012. the Center for the Study of Educa- bend the rules depending on the na- ence information, visit the website D.C., and remained unchanged in tion Policy at Illinois State Univer- ture of the case." When there is lots www.localgovcorp.com. one state. As state funding has dwindled, sity. Since 1985, the average amount of evidence — a trail of blood, for The positive report was aided public colleges have raised tuition that public institutions spend on example — Florida now works with April-May: workshop series: Re- by significant job growth in many and are now resorting to even teaching each full-time student over law enforcement to pick the five best storing the river system affected states. Texas added more than more desperate measures — cut- the course of a year has barely samples first, and then will go back by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant 67,000 new jobs during January, ting training for jobs the economy budged, hovering around an infla- and test more as necessary. coal ash spill. Hosted by TVA and followed by New York with 44,600 needs most. Technical, engineering tion-adjusted $10,000, according to State crime labs don’t typically the Environmental Protection and Ohio with almost 33,000 new and health care expertise are among a State Higher Education Executive charge local law enforcement agen- Agency, workshops will be held at jobs. In percentages, New Hamp- the few skills in huge demand even in Officers report. But in the same cies for their services, but Arizona Roane State Community College, shire experienced the largest job today’s lackluster job market. They period, the share of instruction costs experimented with this approach as 276 Patton Lane in Harriman, begin- growth, with employment rising by are also, unfortunately, some of the paid for by actual tuition — not the a way to reduce costs and provide an ning at 6:30 p.m. Information will be more than 1.0 percent, followed by most expensive subjects to teach, sticker price, but the amount stu- incentive to law enforcement not to provided on the River System Colorado, Kansas and Maine, where partly because of equipment and dents actually pay after financial aid submit unnecessary evidence. The Evaluation and Cost Analysis Report employment rose by 0.9 percent in safety precautions. Because these — has nearly doubled, to 40 percent legislature passed a law in 2007 re- on the effort to clean up the Emory January. skills are in such high demand, pro- from 23 percent. State laws usually quiring it but reversed course in River and surrounding countryside. Nevada again led the states with fessors also have more opportunities bar colleges from charging different 2009 because of pushback from lo- Workshop dates and topics are: the highest unemployment rates, at in the private sector and so can tuition amounts for different under- cal jurisdictions. April 5: nature and extent of residual 12.7 percent for January 2012, but command higher pay. As a result, graduate subjects, regardless of ash in the river system; April 19: that is a significant improvement some state colleges have eliminated costs. Traditionally the higher cost presentation of data on fish, birds compared to a year ago when entire engineering and computer sci- of technical training has instead been TENNESSEE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE STAFF and frogs; May 3: presentation of Nevada’s unemployment rate for ence departments. At one commu- subsidized with state funds. Many Margaret Mahery, Executive Director data on turtles, mammals, plants and January 2011 was 14.2 percent. nity college in a state with a severe state colleges have been leaning Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director other organisms; May 17: ecological California and Rhode Island had nursing shortage — nursing pro- more heavily on the federal govern- Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst the second highest jobless rates for gram applicants so outnumber avail- ment, including through expanded Carole Graves, Communications Director & risk assessment process and devel- Editor, Tennessee Town & City opment of general response actions; the month, each with 10.9 percent able slots that there is a waiting list Pell Grant funding and Recovery Act John Holloway, Government Relations and June 7: evaluation of removal unemployment. North Dakota con- just to get on the waiting list. This money. President Obama recently Debbie Kluth, Director of Marketing / alternatives. The workshops are tinued to experience the lowest un- squeeze is one result of the states’ proposed a $8 billion federal package Member Services Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst open to the public. For more infor- employment rate among the states, 25-year withdrawal from higher for community colleges to provide Mona Lawrence, Administrative Assistant mation, call TVA’s Community at 3.2 percent. education. During and immediately additional job training. Denise Paige, Government Relations Outreach staff at 865-806-7688. Victoria South, Communications Coordinator Sylvia Trice, Director of Conference Planning TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY (ISSN. No. 0040-3415) Publication No. 539420 — Official publication of the Tennessee Munici- pal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: Carole Graves ([email protected]; Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising deemed unacceptable. Fax classified ads to TT&C: Attention Mona Lawrence at 615-255-4752, or e-mail mlawrence@TML1. org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed by non League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect policies of TML. Tennessee Town & City is published, semi-monthly, 20 times per year at 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. Periodicals postage paid at Nash- ville, TN. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Tennes- see Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd., Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219-1894. 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 www.TML1.org Department of Labor announces 2012 Summer Jobs Program

BY NEIL BOMBERG for employment through job shad- Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. ment, pension, investments, and cer- effectively with local, state, regional Nation’s Cities Weekly owing and internships. No charge to TML members. Send tain aspects of the payroll process and federal law enforcement per- • Or they can provide young advertising to: TT&C Classified and purchasing. This position re- sonnel, local officials and the public; Cities and towns across the people with “learn and earn” train- Ads, Mona Lawrence, 226 Capitol quires a bachelor’s degree in Ac- extensive knowledge of criminal and United States can become part of a ing, more commonly known as on- Blvd. Suite 710, Nashville TN counting, Finance, or closely related civil law. Position requires a team solution to put America’s young the-job training. 37219; e-mail: mlawrence@ field, and five years of progressive player who can work well with other people to work by participating in No matter which approach or TML1.org; or fax: 615-255 4752. experience in the accounting/finance city departments, the city manager, Summer Jobs+, a White House ini- approaches a city adopts, it can field, preferably in the area of gov- the city council and outside agen- tiative that is being implemented by make a huge difference in the lives of ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER ernmental accounting and budget- cies. POST certification and a the U.S. Department of Labor. young people by providing them FAYETTEVILLE, NC. The city is ing. Candidate must have profes- Bachelor’s degree with a major in Governments, along with non- with a summer experience and in- seeking candidates for an Assistant sional certification, or be able to ob- criminal justice, law enforcement or profits and businesses, can help put come that is likely to positively im- City Manager position. One of two tain such within two years of em- closely related field required. At least young people to work by choosing at pact their understanding of the ACM positions reporting directly to ployment date, such as Certified Mu- ten years in the profession with ex- least one of the following three path- world of work. the City Manager, the vacancy was nicipal Finance Officer (CMFO); tensive supervisory and command ways to employment for low-in- Details: A city or town inter- created by the resignation of an Certified Governmental Financial experience. Resume, cover letter come youth: ested in becoming part of this na- ACM who accepted a city manager Manager (CGFM); Certified Public and application to: Jefferson City • First, cities and towns can tional movement to put hundreds of position in another state. The Assis- Finance Officer (CPFO); or Certi- Manager, John B. Johnson, P.O. provide youth with “life skills” train- thousands of disadvantaged young tant City Manager will serve as an fied Public Accountant (CPA) in Box 530, Jefferson City, TN 37760, ing — work-related soft skills, such people to work this summer should ambassador, facilitator and repre- Tennessee, in active status with a no later than April 10, 2012 or until as communication, time manage- go to the Department of Labor’s sentative of the city manager’s of- minimum of five years of primarily filled. EOE. ment and teamwork, through website at www.dol.gov/ fice. The successful candidate will governmental experience, with at coursework and experience. This summerjobs/Employers.htm for have a commitment to teamwork least three of those years in Tennes- RISK MANAGEMENT ANALYST includes resume-writing or inter- more information. There, city lead- and professionalism, outstanding see, in order to comply with the CLARKSVILLE. The city seeks view workshops and mentorship ers will find a listing of those govern- supervisory, budgeting, and admin- provisions of the Municipal Finance qualified applicants for the position programs. ments that have committed to pro- istrative skills, the interests of the Officer Certification and Education of Risk Management Analyst. In- • They can also provide “work Act of 2007. Salary: DOQ; compre- viding jobs, and a toolkit that can entire community at heart, highly cumbents plan, coordinate and skills” training — insights into the developed communications and lis- hensive benefit package including help implement the program at implement a comprehensive risk world of work that prepares youth home. tening skills and a demonstrated the city Retirement Plan. Applica- management program. Responsi- record of successfully managing tions will be accepted until April 5, bilities may include evaluating risks and completing complex projects 2012. A background investigation and identifying and implementing Tennessee’s cities receive and assignments. The candidate will and pre-employment physical will be appropriate responses; determining hold a Bachelor’s degree in business, required. EOE/DRUG FREE the need for third party or self insur- Recreational trails grants public administration, political sci- WORKPLACE Submit a letter of in- ance; selecting third party insurers; ence or a related field. A graduate terest, current resume with salary investigating, evaluating and moni- degree in business, public adminis- history and at least three professional toring liability claims; compiling and Gov. Bill Haslam and Environ- tration or a related field is preferred, references to: UT – MTAS, attn.: analyzing financial information; in- ment and Conservation Commis- but not required. Ten years of pro- Portland Finance Director; 226 Capi- specting city facilities for risks and sioner Bob Martineau awarded gressively responsible municipal tol Blvd. Suite 606, Nashville, TN liabilities; and developing and pre- $565,000 in Recreational Trails Pro- work experience, with three years 37219. senting loss control training. Super- gram grants to recipients across service as a city manager, assistant vises lower level staff. Qualifica- Tennessee. “These grants help local city manager or the equivalent is ENGINEER tions include: Bachelor’s degree in governments and organizations en- required. Starting salary range is BRENTWOOD. The city is seeking risk management or a related field hance or expand community ameni- $100,000 to $130,000 annually de- qualified applicants for the position and five years experience in risk ties such as trails, greenways and pending on qualifications, with an of Engineer. The position will per- management, safety and loss con- recreational facilities,” Haslam said. excellent fringe benefit package. In- form site inspections of commercial trol, or a closely related field; a juris The Recreational Trails Pro- terested candidates should apply by and residential construction and also doctor or masters degree is strongly gram is a federally-funded program March 23 to Heidi Voorhees at monitor storm water drainage sys- preferred; or an equivalent combina- established to distribute funding for Voorhees Associates.com/current- tems and erosion control for compli- tion of education and experience motorized, non-motorized and di- positions. For more information, e- ance with municipal regulations.This sufficient to successfully perform verse recreation trail projects. The mail Heidi Voorhees at HVoorhees @ position has the responsibility to co- the essential duties of the job. Typi- funds are available to federal, state VAR esume .com or call 847-580- ordinate new developmental con- cally requires reaching, standing, and local government agencies, as 4246. struction with existing develop- walking, hearing, seeing, talking, well as non-profit organizations that ments; coordinate construction ac- grasping and other repetitive hand have obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status access road, parking lot, small CITY MANAGER tivities with departmental mainte- motions. Exerting up to 10 pounds and have a written trail management greenway trail, boat-launch area and MT JULIET. The city is accepting nance activities and with other gov- of force occasionally and/or a negli- agreement with the agency that restroom facility; Memphis Com- applications for the position of City ernmental agencies. This position gible amount of force frequently or owns the property where the trail munity Development Council: Manager. The position is respon- requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or project is located. $88,400, for the provision of a 12- sible to a five member commission, Engineering or related field with at otherwise move objects, including Cities receiving grants include: foot-wide hard surface, non-motor- for the day-to-day administration of least two (2) years of experience as the human body. Sedentary work Athens: $120,000, for the develop- ized, multi-use trail from Overton all city services and departments. an engineer knowledgeable in resi- involves sitting most of the time. ment and restoration of Mouse Park to the pedestrian-signaled inter- Individual must have demonstrated dential/commercial construction, May be subjected to travel. The sal- Creek Trail, including ADA access; section at East Parkway and Sam ability to motivate and delegate re- storm water management, and gen- ary range is $52,151 - $73,011. Newport: $89,600, for the acquisi- Cooper roads, and Unicoi: sponsibility, ability to identify long eral construction inspection. The Application available at the Career tion and development of a park and $105,000, for improvements to the term goals and issues for the starting salary for this position is Service Center of TN, 350 Pageant float facility on the Pigeon River. Pinnacle Tower trailhead, including commission’s consideration. Can- $46,400 DOQ plus excellent ben- Lane, Clarksville. Or send a resume Proposed improvements include an the installation of a bathroom facil- didates must have demonstrated efits. More information and applica- to [email protected]. ity. ability to deal with the public, and tions are available at www. Position open until filled. able to be articulate and interactive brentwood-tn.org. Submit applica- with the community, and commu- tions to City of Brentwood, Attn: nity groups. Experience in budget- Human Resources, 5211 Maryland ing, control of expenditures, man- Way, Brentwood, TN 37027. agement of multiple departments, legislative issues, economic devel- FIREFIGHTER opment, and planning are high priori- FRANKLIN. The city is seeking ties. The ideal candidate will have: a qualified applicants for the position bachelor’s degree in public adminis- of firefighter. Under general supervi- tration, political science, or business sion, performs all duties of a management, a master’s degree firefighter which includes fighting would be preferred, and will have fires, salvage and rescue work, and five to seven years of experience as administering minor first aid. Com- a city manager or assistant city man- pletes regular training sessions and ager in a similar sized community; or performs some maintenance work will have more than ten years of on the fire station and vehicles as experience in a management role in required. Reports to the Captain and/ municipal government or another or Lieutenant. HS Diploma (or related field. Salary: DOQ, EOE. GED), 21 years of age, the ability to Letters of application, Resumes and work under stressful and dangerous 3 professional references will be conditions, active EMT Basic (mini- received at: City of Mt. Juliet, attn: mum) license required, active Para- City Manager Search, P.O. Box 256, medic license preferred, a valid TN Mt. Juliet, TN 37121, by April 20th. driver’s license, and a record free from habitual use of drugs or intoxi- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT cants, felony convictions & misde- PROFESSIONAL meanors involving dishonesty or BRISTOL. The city is seeking an false statements. Applicants will be Economic Development Profes- pre-screened for training, education, sional. The successful candidate and experience. Highest-rated candi- should hold a B.S. degree in plan- dates will be invited to written test ning, business administration, mar- and pass-fail physical agility test keting public administration, or (date yet to be determined). Must closely related field and a minimum score 63 or higher on written test. As of two years related experience, a condition of employment with the preferably in municipal government. City of Franklin Fire Department, all Competitive salary and benefit pack- firefighters must attend and suc- age. To apply please submit an cessfully complete Franklin Fire application along with a resume, and Academy training school as speci- introductory cover letter to: City of fied by the Franklin Fire Department. Bristol, H.R. Department, P.O. Box Must work a 24 hours-on/48 hours- 1189, Bristol, TN 37621-1189, or off shift (average 56 hours week), electronic submissions may be and live within 45-minute drive of faxed to 423-968-7197. Position Fire Department Headquarters open until filled. To download an within twelve (12) months of em- application and review summary of ployment. May be subject to call- benefits, go to www.bristoltn.org. back 24 hours a day. Please submit EOE applications online at www.franklintn.gov/jobs. EOE/ FINANCE DIRECTOR Drug-free Workplace. PORTLAND. The city is seeking qualified applicants for the position POLICE CHIEF of Finance Director. This position JEFFERSON CITY. The city is ac- has responsibility for all aspects of cepting applications for Chief of Po- financial management and requires a lice. Current chief is retiring with 25 comprehensive understanding of years of service in the position. city government finance. The fi- Seeking a well-rounded individual nance director manages the budget- with proven leadership skills; strong ing, accounting, accounts payable, interpersonal, organizational, super- debt service management and par- visory and decision making skills; ticipates in the daily cash manage- ability to interact and communicate www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012

Tennessee Municipal League 2011-2012 Officers and Directors New research shows cities still working PRESIDENT Kay Senter through recession, recovery; jobs number Mayor Pro-Tem, Morristown VICE PRESIDENTS Ken Wilber shows there’s more work to be done Mayor, Portland Allen Barker Mayor, Humboldt Report: National League of Cities’ improving local economic condi- creation and the recovery of Main David May Local Economic Condition Survey tions,” said Christopher Hoene, di- Street economies. TENNESSEE Councilmember, Cleveland rector for the Center for Research & The city officials also received a DIRECTORS Today’s jobs numbers, while Innovation at the National League of FESTIVALS Bryan Atchley briefing on First Lady Michelle Mayor, Sevierville showing improvement, do not show Cities. He continued, “But, we're a Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining April 13 -April 15: Franklin Madeline Rogero sufficient enough growth to propel long way from recovery. It’s clear Forces Initiative and the need for 9th Annual Bloom ‘n’ Garden Expo Mayor, Knoxville the nation to full economic recov- that cities and city residents will still cross-sector, community-based Held at 4215 Long Lane, the Expo is Kevin Helms ery. New research from the National be confronting the impacts of this support including education, train- a one-stop-shop for all things gar- City Manager, Oak Hill ( District 5) League of Cities (NLC) shows that past recession for a while longer.” ing and health care for returning Vance Coleman dening, and a must see for casual and Mayor, Medina (District 7) the nation still has a considerable Evidence that cities are not out veterans and military families. Both serious gardeners alike. For more Betsy Crossley way to go before the recovery will of the woods yet includes 39 percent city officials and the Administration information, call 615-973-2112. Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) find its way into every community. reporting decreases in city person- acknowledged that chief among the Karl Dean In an NLC survey, city leaders nel. Cities have been eliminating per- challenges for the nation and for April 14: Knoxville Mayor, Metro Nashville report that individual families con- sonnel since the summer of 2008 in cities and towns is to develop private Bo Perkinson Marble Springs Storytelling Vice Mayor, Athens (District 3) tinue to feel the pain most acutely. In order to balance budgets in response business capacity for hiring veter- Festival. David Gordon addition to the high unemployment to the recession. ans. A Dogwood Art Festival event held Mayor, Covington (District 8) numbers, residential property values “The unemployment numbers "Thanks to the White House from 1 pm - 8 pm at tbe Marble J.H. Graham III are still down and in many cases are nothing to cheer just yet,” said Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Springs State Historic Site, 1220 Mayor, Crossville have continued to drop (36 percent Ted Ellis, mayor of Bluffton, IN and for facilitating such a valuable forum West Gov. John Sevier Hwy. Free Bill Hammon of cities). Demands by families for president of NLC. He continued, Asst. City Manager, Alcoa (District 2) for open discussion with White parking and food on site. Festival Curtis Hayes safety net services, such as local “Both the federal government and House policy makers," said NLC seating, bring chairs and blankets. Mayor, Livingston food banks, have increased signifi- local officials need to find ways to President Ted Ellis. "President Professional storytellers, liars con- Dot LaMarche, cantly in the past year (31 percent of partner that will lay down a frame- Obama and his team have a firm cert, Appalachian folk tales, fairy Vice Mayor, Farragut cities). work to allow for local growth and understanding of the needs of cit- tales & myths, historic & life stories, Ron Littlefield Despite this, there are signs of to make the nation competitive for Mayor, Chattanooga ies." For more information, call 865-573 Keith McDonald some improvement. Mirroring the years to come.” Speakers included: 5508 or e-mail Mayor, Bartlett positive news at the national level, 57 Mayor Ellis recently joined • David Agnew, director, White marble [email protected] Troy Beets percent of community leaders re- nearly 2,000 city leaders in Wash- House Office of Intergovern- Mayor, Kingston port modest improvements in unem- ington, DC, for the National League mental Affairs Norman Rone April 20-21: Winchester ployment and in the retail sector (57 of Cities Congressional City Confer- th Mayor, McMinnville (District 4) • Brad Cooper, executive direc- 25 High On The Hog Festival Charles “Bones” Seivers percent). In the survey, which was ence. During the conference, Ellis tor, Joining Forces Carnival,world-class horseshoe President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund sent to lead executives in cities, the and other NLC leaders met with • Greg Nelson, deputy director, pitching contest, BBQ contest, free Margaret Feierabend data shows 45 percent of city lead- White House Administration and White House Office of Public concert. For more information call, Councilmember, Bristol (District 1) ers say that their commercial prop- Congressional leaders to discuss the Engagement Brenda Long at 967-7879 or 607- A.C. Wharton erty vacancies are improving. Cities role local governments are playing in Mayor, Memphis • Don Graves, executive director, 7879. Ron Washington (Director-at-Large) are also seeing modest gains in busi- rebuilding the nation’s economy and White House Council on Jobs Councilmember, Murfreesboro ness permits/licenses with 43 per- what the federal government can do and Competitiveness April 19-21: Clarksville James Lewellen cent saying that the situation is im- to help. • Jason Furman, principal deputy Rivers & Spires. City Manager, Collierville proving in their community. As part of the briefing, the offi- director, National Economic Grammy and CMA nominated coun- President (TCMA) Cities derive their revenue from cials exchanged ideas with city lead- John Holden Council try music vocal group Little Big Mayor, Dyersburg sales taxes, income taxes, and for ers on strategies to develop regional • Karen Mills, administrator, Small Town will be the featured headliner. PAST PRESIDENTS the majority of cities, property economies that leverage local skill Business Administration Jazz n’ Wine, Kidz Zone, Teen Area Sam Tharpe, (2011) Mayor, Paris taxes. As city revenues remain stag- sets and the need for greater infra- and Green Zone. For more info, visit Tom Beehan, (2008) Mayor, Oak Ridge nant, it places a greater strain on structure investment. The speakers NLC is a resource and advocate www.riversandspires.com. Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo cities when responding to the in- also emphasized the need for all lev- Tommy Bragg (2006) Mayor, Murfreesboro for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg creased demands for city services. els of government to support small representing more than 218 million April 21: Red Bank Tom Rowland (2002) Mayor, Cleveland “Our latest numbers point to businesses which are key to job Americans. Jubilee Parade and New Moon Pie Dale Kelley (2010) Mayor, Huntingdon Festival. TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS Parade, featuring the biggest Moon (Ex-Officio Directors) Pie, starts at 10 a.m. with the festival Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. activities starting immediately fol- Joe Thompson, Gallatin Municipal Administration Program lowing. The festival will include Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference craft and food vendors, entertain- John T. Gwin, Mount Juliet April/May Schedule ment and Moon Pie games. craft Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works Calvin D. Clifton, Little John Engineering vendors with unique, hard-to-find Tennessee Government Finance Officers items, children’s activities and en- Daisy Madison, Chattanooga tertainment. Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. How to Improve Your ISO Rating Melba Johnson, Lexington Tennessee Building Officials Assn. This class is designed to Franklin, Williamson County April 28: Lynchburg Steve Mills, Hendersonville give the participant an over- Agricultural Expo Park, 4215 Spring In The Hollow. Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. view of the ISO rating sys- Long Lane Held on the Lynchburg square. For Jerry W. Crawford, Collierville tem. At the conclusion of more information, visit the website Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports To better meet the needs of our Larry Cox, Memphis the class, participants will www.lynchburgtn.com Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police know the various factors customers, MTAS has changed Gil Kendrick, Jackson that go into an ISO rating; to an online registration system April 28: Franklin Tennessee Water Quality Management how the ISO rating impacts their effective Jan. 1, 2012, and will 29th Main Street Festival. Jack Graham, Maryville community; and how to develop Time accept registration and payment Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. Features more than 200 high-quality George Brogdon, Germantown a plan to improve the ISO rating Public administration courses are by credit/debit card through a Solu- arts and crafts vendors, superb en- tion Point account. You must regis- Tennessee Chapter, American Planning intheir city. The course material held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tertainment, great food and fun for Karen Hundt, Chattanooga will cover communications, wa- ter for each session individually. the entire family. Opens at 10 am. Tennesseee Personnel Management Assn. ter supply, divergency factor, Dates and locations Online registration for any Peter Voss, HR Director, City of Bartlett and other fire department com- April 26 — Knoxville MTAS course is available at: http:/ For more information, visit http:// Tenn. Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders May 10— Franklin www.solutionpoint.tennessee.edu/ festivalnet.com/cgi-bin/subs/ Lanaii Benne, Franklin ponents. May 17— Jackson TPOnline/TPOnline.dll/ subsdb Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing Who should attend?: Rex Gaither, Smyrna MTASHome.For assistance with TN Section, Institute of Transport Engineers Elected officials, fire chiefs, Training Facilities registration or payment, call 865- April 28-29: South Pittsburg deputy chiefs, assistant chiefs, Kevin Cole, Knoxville Jackson, West Tennessee Center 974-0411.The registration fee for National Cornbread Festival Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. and ranking staff members for Agricultural Research, Exten- MAP courses for Tennessee Mu- Arts & Crafts, carnival, kids corner, Rebecca Harris, Cookeville charged with master planning, sion and Public Service, 605 Air- nicipal employees is $40/person/ cornbread cookoffs, live entertain- Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors and all others in city government Tommy White, Sevierville ways Boulevard class. A fee of $55 is charged for ment, exhibits, call 423- 837-0022 who have a desire to understand Assn. of Independent and Municipal Schools Knoxville, University of Tennessee non-city employees. For more infor- or visit www.nationalcornbread. the details of the ISO rating. Reecha Black, Alamo Conference Center, 600 Henley mation, contact Elaine Morrisey at com Street 865-974-0411. TML ASSOCIATE SPONSORS 5 STAR SPONSOR Bank of America E & A Solutions 3 STAR SPONSOR Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. CMI Equipment Sales, Inc. Fifth Third Bank No loan is too large or too small First Tennessee Bank 2 STAR SPONSOR Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc ING Financial Advisers, LLC Master Meter, Inc. 1 STAR SPONSOR Alexander, Thompson, Arnold CPAs Alliance Water Resources Brown, Pearman, Russell, LLC Caldwell Tanks Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers, Inc. Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley, P.C. Local Govt. Corporation Mapletronics Computers McGill Associates, P.A. Republic Services SIC Project Management Sophicity Third Rock Consultants TLM Associates, Inc. Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc. The city of Dyersburg closed a $4.5 million loan to use on various Woodard & Curan, Inc. municipal projects. The town of Cumberland Gap closed a $5,000 Highway Safety Grant Anticipation Note.

Target Your Advertising Call Debbie Kluth See us for your special projects 615-255-6416 dkluth@ TML1.org. needs. (615) 255-1561 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 www.TML1.org Legislative Conference: Educates, advocates for local autonomy

Kingston Mayor Troy Beets and Dyersburg Alderman Bob Kirk Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley and Elkton Mayor Carolyn Thompson

Bristol Councilmember Margaret Feierabend Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero

Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley

Dyersburg City Recorder Bob Jones and Dyersburg Mayor John Holden

Humboldt Mayor Allen Barker and Portland Mayor Ken Wilber

Above: Linda Russell with TN Department of Homeland Security, Crossville Mayor J.H. Graham III and Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes

Far left: Athens Vice Mayor Bo Perkinson and Cleveland Councilmember David May

Photos by Victoria South www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 Legislative Conference: Educates, advocates for local autonomy

Knoxville Downtown Coordinator Rick Emmett and Farragut Vice Mayor Dot LaMarche

TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau speaks with Covington Mayor David Gordon and Assistant ECD Commissioner Kingsley Brock

TML Executive Director Margaret Mahery and Brentwood City Manager Mike Walker Collierville City ManagerJames Lewellen (right) and assistants to the Town Administrator Janet Geyer and Josh Suddath

Jason Mumpower with the State Comptroller’s office and MTAS Executive Director Steve Thompson Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson and Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan

TN Municipal Bond Fund President/CEO Charles “Bones” Seivers and UT- IPS Assistant Vice President Chuck Shoopman Brownsville Mayor Jo Matherne and Brownsville Alderman Leon King

Far left: Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey, Columbia Councilmembers Mike Greene, Debbie Matthews and Mark King

Right: Brentwood Councilmember Betsy Crossley

Photos By Victoria South 11-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 www.TML1.org Legislative Conference: Educates, advocates for local autonomy

Oak Ridge Government & Public Affairs Coordinator Amy Fitzgerald and TML President Kay Senter, Morristown Mayor Pro Tem Athens Councilmember Ann Davis, Athens City Manager Mitch Moore, and Athens Mayor Hal Buttram

Memphis legislative liaison TaJuan Stout Mitchell, Oak Ridge Councilmember David Mosby and Columbia Councilmember Carl McCullen

Shelbyville Councilmembers Jo Ann Holland, Kay Rose and Jean Pruitt

White House Alderman Farris Bibb and White House Police Chief Gerald Herman

(L-R) Unicoi Vice Mayor Doug Hopson, Unicoi City Recorder Larry Rea, Erwin City Recorder Randy Trivette and Erwin Vice Mayor Glenn Tilson

Alcoa Mayor Don Mull and Alcoa Commissioner Vaughn Belcher

Above: Coopertown Building Commissioner Vicki Bumgardner and Coopertown City Recorder Cathy Smith

At left: Trenton Mayor Tony Burris, Medina Mayor Vance Coleman, and Savannah City Manager Garry Welch

Photos by Victoria South www.TML1.org 12-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 19, 2012 City leaders updated on key happenings on Capitol Hill LEGISLATIVE from Page 1 off those revenue forces right now be- street. Gibbons said part of the plan cause city officials are probably going to also includes building alliances with feel it faster than anybody.” other states to tackle prescription Matheny said some of the biggest drug abuse. changes will occur from within the state Other parts of the Governor’s administration itself. “We’re looking at crime package include imposing consolidating one hundred plus boards tougher sentences for certain types and commissions to make sure there’s no of gang-related crimes; and mandat- redundancies we can’t fix,” he said. “We ing incarceration time for repeat do- want to make sure that people still serving mestic violence offenders. on those boards and commissions are there for the original purpose of those State Comptroller Justin entities and that they are truly profession- Wilson reminded city officials about als in those fields, not appointed for the state’s debt management law that political reasons. We’re moving slowly requires that any city wishing to and methodically until we get something issue debt, or borrow money after less than an asymmetric clutter of regula- Jan. 1, 2012, must have a locally- tions. This is a subculture change and the adopted debt management policy in authority that we would be giving supervi- place. sors and commissioners in the future, will Speaker Pro Tem Judd Matheny “There’s no requirement to file be much more than they have now.” Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey copies of the debt policy with the As a House sponsor of the prescrip- state — although most cities have,” tion drug database bill, Matheny said the said Wilson. “But when a city sub- bill, currently moving through the senate, mits a request to borrow money or to will take aim at doctor shopping and the issue debt, it must also provide a selling of prescription drugs on the street, copy of its debt management a legitimate concern for local officials policy.” throughout the state. “We want to put a Wilson advised that cities follow system in place where law enforcement four principles when issuing debt: can more readily identify targets out there know what you are doing; let your in the drug industry,” Matheny said. citizens know what you are doing; don’t have any conflicts of interest; State Treasurer David Lillard and know what type of rates you are While The Tennessee Consolidated paying. “I don’t think that’s an un- Retirement System’s (TCRS) assets are reasonable request,” he said. the highest they’ve ever been for the plan, Wilson concluded his remarks paying about $1.6 billion a year in retiree by briefly talking about his tax incre- benefits to Tennesseans, today’s tough ment financing (TIF) legislation. He economy still presents significant chal- said the purpose of the legislation is lenges for both TCRS and the state of to provide more transparency and Tennessee. Among those challenges, 54 accountability when seeking to uti- out of the 481 local government entities Public Safety Commissioner Bill Gibbons lize TIF revenues. His legislation re- currently participating in TCRS pay an State Comptroller Justin Wilson quires that his office or the ECD employer contribution rate of 15 percent commissioner make a determination or greater of payroll, State Treasurer that the project is in the best interest David Lillard informed attendees. of the state when seeking to finance “In the last two plan years, we have a project for more than 20 years or had several local government entities ei- for privately-owned sites, equip- ther withdraw or give notice that they ment or facilities. planned to withdraw from TCRS due to changes in market conditions,” Treasurer Sen. Ken Yager Lillard said. “This cost pressure has led us As chair of the State and Local to propose additional options for pension Committee, Sen. Ken Yager pro- plans for local governments, to give them vided an update for local officials on an option that might be more cost efficient some of the major bills he is sponsor- from their standpoint.” ing. With 550 bills under consider- Using the input received from more ation this year, the committee is than 200 local government representa- scheduled to shut down its work tives, who participated in regional meet- April 3. ings held across Tennessee last fall, and in One bill is designed to provide consultation with pension planning ex- counties relief in the reimbursement perts at the state’s financial advisor, Pub- it receives from the state for the care lic Financial Management, a formula for of inmates. The current figure is $35 the Treasury Department’s proposed new State Treasurer David Lillard per day. “We’ve been unsuccessful retirement options for local government in getting that number changed for a entities was presented to the General As- TEDC Commissioner Bob Martineau long time,” said Yager. “We plan to sembly. The options include: take the current rate of pay indexed • local governments may take no action with the cost of living. There is a and remain in the current TCRS defined large fiscal note attached. We plan to benefit pension plan with retirement gen- run the bill and see what happens.” erally at 30 years of service or age 60; Another major bill Yager is sponsor- • local governments may adopt a TCRS ing is for TML. SB1254 asks that any defined benefit pension plan with an an- legislation enacted that has a cost to nual service accrual rate of 1.4 percent, local governments in excess of with an increase in retirement age, limits $100,000 be matched by a dedicated on cost of living adjustments, a cap on state appropriation. maximum allowed benefits and a revised “We’re looking at the merits of employee contribution structure; the bill in my committee, where I • local governments may adopt a TCRS think I can get majority support, and defined benefit pension plan with an an- then get it to the Finance Commit- nual service accrual rate of 1percent to tee,” Yager said. “Like most bills of offer reduced pension benefits, but with a this magnitude, it might take a year or supplemental deferred compensation pro- two to get through. This is a huge bill gram; with possible significance of chang- • local governments may decide to offer ing the policy and also the dollar only a deferred compensation program as amount. I’m happy to carry this bill. a stand-alone option. We should work with local govern- The options do not apply to state Sen Ken Yager ments to avoid unfunded mandates.” employees, K-12 teachers or Higher Edu- ECD Assistant Commissioner Kingsley Brock Yager also made note of a rash cation employees, nor do they affect any of bills dealing with planning and current retiree of the TCRS, according to combined, the impact of Tennessee State Parks to the exercises we reduced our state operating permit pro- zoning issues. “I think bills that Lillard. “I’m a great believer in local gov- state’s economy was $1.5 billion in total industry cess by one-third of the time,” he said. change the current planning and zon- ernment autonomy in decision making,” output. Supporting more than 12,000 jobs, about 40 ing laws should be looked at with Lillard said. “If you’re satisfied with what percent of visitors are from out of state, Martineau Asst. ECD Commissioner Kingsley Brock great scrutiny,” he said. “I’m not you’re doing now, that’s fine. The advised, channeling tourist dollars directly into local ECD Assistant Commissioner Kingsley Brock pro- saying that we won’t change them, choices are optional and do not force any communities. vided an in-depth look at Gov. Haslam’s Jobs4TN plan as I understand your situation.” local government to change anything.” As a component of the Haslam administration’s that includes four key initiatives for economic develop- According to Lillard, the goal is to Top to Bottom review, Martineau said he conducted ment. By restructuring its field staff, ECD established Speaker Pro Tem Judd Matheny make sure pension benefits are affordable, an outreach initiative to meet with local and county a “jobs base camp” with nine regions across the state. Bright spots are visible on the sustainable and sufficient. “That’s why I officials. The effort, he said, revealed a need to do a Each base camp will work with local partners to horizon of Tennessee’s economic am recommending some choices that better job in relating and communicating with external develop and/or revise a regional economic development future, according to House Speaker would give local governments greater stakeholders, whether it’s local governments, citi- plan and align existing federal and state resources Pro Tem Judd Matheny, including flexibility to meet their specific needs,” he zens or regulating industries. “We are partners with around that plan. A key function of the jobs base camps the restoration of some axed pro- said. Lillard said the options would apply you in providing fresh drinking water and wastewater will be reaching out to rural counties to incorporate grams and the replenishment of to new hires after the proposed effective and share a unique relationship with you as co- them into broader regional economic development monies into the state’s reserve fund. date of July 1, 2012, and only for those government entities, while you also have your own strategies that leverage existing resources and maxi- “I’ve been here 10 years and this is local governments that elect to adopt operating facilities, so it was important for us to get mize the assets of rural communities. A newly-created probably the easiest budget process them. that feedback,” he said. “We also conducted surveys position of Assistant Commissioner of Rural Develop- I’ve been through,” Matheny said. For a copy of the local government on what we’re doing and how we can do it better as ment will help lead this effort. “Revenues and expenses are begin- pension option proposals and other docu- a department in the most efficient cost effective way “One of the Governor’s key initiatives was to ning to match up. And Gov. ments, go to http://treasury.tn.gov/tcrs to serve our citizens.” identify all our top industries in Tennessee, the top Haslam’s done a terrific job of going and look at the tab titled “Proposed Plans As part of the state’s reorganization effort, CEOs and presidents of those companies, go out and back and renegotiating some of our for Local Gov’t.” Martineau said an Office of External Relations has meet with them to say thank you, and to talk about state lease and vendor contracts. been created and each TDEC regional office will have competing if they have an expansion in mind,” said He’s also been able to capture fed- TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau a director of regional relations to act as a liaison for Brock. “The Governor’s administration is also focused eral money owed to us in the past.” Announcing the 75th Anniversary of local entities. Additionally, an Office of Sustainable on feedback about business regulation from industries, Matheny stressed that the cur- the State Parks System, TDEC Commis- Practices has been created. “I know that communi- to identify issues and problems around the state that rent administration intends to facili- sioner Bob Martineau reminded confer- ties are looking at ways to further their sustainability make it hard for companies to do business in Tennes- tate changes through slow, incre- ence attendees that the state’s outdoor effort to promote green communities,” Martineau see.” mental steps. “We all want to re- parks system not only figures prominently said. “Our office is there to be a resource and share “Another strategy is focused on assets in Tennes- move inheritance taxes, death taxes, into the health and fitness goals of all best practices across the state, help you develop ideas see; how to tap into those resources, promote research gift taxes, the Hall income taxes in Tennesseans, it contributes to the eco- and look at grant opportunities for funding initia- and development, develop new ideas and promote the state, but we’re very concerned nomic vitality of Tennessee. tives— all which can help save operating costs for small businesses,” Brock said. The final goal is to about cash flow,” he said. “We real- “For every dollar spent on trips to local governments.” identify red tape, the federal regulations that federal and ize that rolling back these taxes is Tennessee State Parks, an additional According to Martineau, TDEC is learning how local governments have to deal with in addition to state going to be a great job creator and $1.11 of economic activity was generated to apply Lean initiatives to help streamline processes regulations. “We’re making progress,” said Brock. great attractor for wealth in our throughout the state,” he said. When the such as turnaround times for parks and recreation “We had a record year for job announcements, 18,300 state, but we can’t just cut the head direct and indirect expenditures were grants and to eliminate departmental waste. “In Lean jobs with 80 percent of that as existing businesses.”