A total of 764 building permits were issued in August of which 657 were residential projects, 15 were commercial projects, and 92 were other construction-related permits. The total construction value for all 764 permits was $5,740,000 for an average improvement value of $7,500.
Interestingly, 555 permits (72%) were occasioned by the spring storms that impacted our community.
For the first two months of the fiscal year, a whopping 1,506 permits were issued this year as compared to 279 for the same two months one year ago. Yep, those were two big storms this year - plus a slight uptick in the economy is underway.
The average construction value for the same period last year was nearly twice as high which reflects the large number of lower cost roof, siding, and window repairs from the hail this year.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Dispatch Center
Did you ever wonder when you called the Bristol emergency dispatch center how many other folks did so too seeking law enforcement, fire, or medical support? The answer: a lot.
During the month of August, a total of 14,609 calls for service were received of which 2,661 (18%) were 911 calls and 11,948 were 7-digit calls. Of all the incoming calls received, a total of 7,500, or approximately half, resulted in a response.
The Police Department had the majority of responses (87%) which is typical with the remainder being Fire Department EMS calls, fire calls, and fire assists.
The busiest day and time of the month: Wednesday between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. And the busiest day in August - August 25. Race week Thursday. Imagine that.
During the month of August, a total of 14,609 calls for service were received of which 2,661 (18%) were 911 calls and 11,948 were 7-digit calls. Of all the incoming calls received, a total of 7,500, or approximately half, resulted in a response.
The Police Department had the majority of responses (87%) which is typical with the remainder being Fire Department EMS calls, fire calls, and fire assists.
The busiest day and time of the month: Wednesday between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. And the busiest day in August - August 25. Race week Thursday. Imagine that.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fall
Where has the year gone? Here it is a few days into fall - fall? Seems like just yesterday we were dealing with cold weather awaiting spring. Fall? Didn't summer just start and all the warm weather events just kick into gear. Fall?
Well yes, the leaves are starting to turn, I'll grant you that; well yes, the days are more temperate and the evenings a bit cooler; OK, the outdoor pool is closed and the summer playground programs have ended.
It must be fall, all the signs point to it. Our leaf collection program will soon begin gearing up, a few more streets will be paved before the asphalt plants close, and Pumpkin Palooza will take place soon at the Downtown Center.
Fall? Come to think of it, it's one of my favorite seasons - hope it is one of yours too. peace
Well yes, the leaves are starting to turn, I'll grant you that; well yes, the days are more temperate and the evenings a bit cooler; OK, the outdoor pool is closed and the summer playground programs have ended.
It must be fall, all the signs point to it. Our leaf collection program will soon begin gearing up, a few more streets will be paved before the asphalt plants close, and Pumpkin Palooza will take place soon at the Downtown Center.
Fall? Come to think of it, it's one of my favorite seasons - hope it is one of yours too. peace
Monday, September 26, 2011
Washing Machine
With 9,400 residential customers and 410 commercial customers, one of the biggest tasks undertaken each day by city crews involves solid waste management. This past month alone, over 917 tons of household refuse was collected for an average of 50 tons a day and taken to the Bristol Virginia sanitary landfill for proper disposal. That is equal to nearly 50 pounds of waste from each pickup site each week.
In addition, 3,480 cubic yards of brush and yard waste and 1,640 cubic yards of junk and white goods were collected during the month.
All of this was handled by fully-automated side-loader trucks and rear-loader packers providing the community a high quality service at a bargain price not found in many places.
We sometimes take for granted what we have but this is one service that I routinely hear complimented for all that it provides. So the next time you wheel that cart out for collection, place brush along the curb, or set-out for collection that old washing machine, remember that it will be shortly gone and the crews will be back next week to do it again.
That’s just another example of the advantage of living in Bristol.
In addition, 3,480 cubic yards of brush and yard waste and 1,640 cubic yards of junk and white goods were collected during the month.
All of this was handled by fully-automated side-loader trucks and rear-loader packers providing the community a high quality service at a bargain price not found in many places.
We sometimes take for granted what we have but this is one service that I routinely hear complimented for all that it provides. So the next time you wheel that cart out for collection, place brush along the curb, or set-out for collection that old washing machine, remember that it will be shortly gone and the crews will be back next week to do it again.
That’s just another example of the advantage of living in Bristol.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A simple ritual
The other day I found myself behind a school bus on a two-lane road and watched several stops of kids enter the bus en route to elementary school.
The excitement of each child was evident as they climbed aboard the bus with bright and smiling faces and the adventure of the day before them. I couldn't help but notice the tiny backpacks they carried with stuff carefully selected to make the day a success.
I saw too the moms and dads, grandparents, and others who watched as their charges went off for the day - often with coffee cup in hand and the wisdom of years on their face.
Two and three generations waiting for the bus. A simple ritual repeated over and over but one of such importance when placed in perspective as to what it is - grooming our next generation of citizens.
So too is our mission as the city - to make decisions not just for today or tomorrow but for the next generation of citizens. They deserve no less.
The excitement of each child was evident as they climbed aboard the bus with bright and smiling faces and the adventure of the day before them. I couldn't help but notice the tiny backpacks they carried with stuff carefully selected to make the day a success.
I saw too the moms and dads, grandparents, and others who watched as their charges went off for the day - often with coffee cup in hand and the wisdom of years on their face.
Two and three generations waiting for the bus. A simple ritual repeated over and over but one of such importance when placed in perspective as to what it is - grooming our next generation of citizens.
So too is our mission as the city - to make decisions not just for today or tomorrow but for the next generation of citizens. They deserve no less.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Whoa
Whoa - it's been a few days since I've visited with you. A combination of factors - busy work days, major project work, and business travel - are the primary causes. But those are just excuses.
Really, how hard is it to spend a few minutes at the keyboard and share information? It's not hard at all - it just takes the will to do it........and I will do it.
By the way, sales tax receipts over the past three months have been an encouraging 9% to 10% higher than the same three months one year ago. While much of that increase is likely attributable to spending associated with storm damage repairs, it nevertheless is a positive sign of better things to come. We'll see if the trend can hold as we advance further into the year. peace.
Really, how hard is it to spend a few minutes at the keyboard and share information? It's not hard at all - it just takes the will to do it........and I will do it.
By the way, sales tax receipts over the past three months have been an encouraging 9% to 10% higher than the same three months one year ago. While much of that increase is likely attributable to spending associated with storm damage repairs, it nevertheless is a positive sign of better things to come. We'll see if the trend can hold as we advance further into the year. peace.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Partnership
It's all about a community partnership - what a great 2011 Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival was had this year!
Our thanks go out to the RRR board and staff for their tireless commitment, planning, and vision in making it the premier music event in the southeast. Special thanks are in order to the hundreds of volunteers who give of their time to make it happen - it just couldn't be done without them.
It's a community partnership of the highest kind - much like a barn raising in olden days. Neighbors helping neighbors - that's community. That's Bristol.
Our thanks go out to the RRR board and staff for their tireless commitment, planning, and vision in making it the premier music event in the southeast. Special thanks are in order to the hundreds of volunteers who give of their time to make it happen - it just couldn't be done without them.
It's a community partnership of the highest kind - much like a barn raising in olden days. Neighbors helping neighbors - that's community. That's Bristol.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Rounding third, heading for Home
The steering committee tasked with developing a strategic economic development plan met Tuesday night and reviewed the draft mission statement; strategic goals; key partnerships; and key objectives with priorities, actions, and responsibilities. Two special opportunities were also identified and will be highlighted in the plan.
Six strategic goals were identified: (1) Increase tourism and tourism-related activities; (2) Enhance and strengthen the vibrancy of downtown; (3) Strengthen, expand and attract businesses; (4) Enhance the growth of Bristol Regional Medical Center and expand and attract other healthcare-related businesses; (5) Make Bristol a center of educational excellence; and (6) Build community capacity for economic development while ensuring the fiscal health of the city.
Working with 14 community partners, 64 key objectives were identified supported by another 17 city activities to be addressed immediately or over the next few years.
The plan is ambitious but achievable due to its focus on community partnerships which unleashes talents and resources far beyond the walls of city hall.
Finalization of the plan is underway for sign-off in October by the committee and presentation to City Council in November.
Perhaps the title of the plan says it all - Strategic Partnerships for Economic Growth and Sustainability.
Together we stand - divided we fall.
Six strategic goals were identified: (1) Increase tourism and tourism-related activities; (2) Enhance and strengthen the vibrancy of downtown; (3) Strengthen, expand and attract businesses; (4) Enhance the growth of Bristol Regional Medical Center and expand and attract other healthcare-related businesses; (5) Make Bristol a center of educational excellence; and (6) Build community capacity for economic development while ensuring the fiscal health of the city.
Working with 14 community partners, 64 key objectives were identified supported by another 17 city activities to be addressed immediately or over the next few years.
The plan is ambitious but achievable due to its focus on community partnerships which unleashes talents and resources far beyond the walls of city hall.
Finalization of the plan is underway for sign-off in October by the committee and presentation to City Council in November.
Perhaps the title of the plan says it all - Strategic Partnerships for Economic Growth and Sustainability.
Together we stand - divided we fall.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Barometer
If your barometer ever goes on the blitz, just come over to Steele Creek Park
The park was brimming with folks today – hundreds of kids lined the lake for the K of C fishing rodeo this morning. Plus a large numbers of walkers, joggers, bikers (including me) and picnickers. The golf course looked like it was carrying its own today too.
Take advantage of these great fall days and come to the park. The weather today will be beautiful – so start today.
The park was brimming with folks today – hundreds of kids lined the lake for the K of C fishing rodeo this morning. Plus a large numbers of walkers, joggers, bikers (including me) and picnickers. The golf course looked like it was carrying its own today too.
Take advantage of these great fall days and come to the park. The weather today will be beautiful – so start today.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Cultural Heritage Center
The Bristol City Council, at its meeting last night, formally committed financial support to the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Inc., for the Cultural Heritage Center (CHC) project. A commitment of $600,000 was unanimously approved with the first $300,000 to be paid in equal $100,000 installments over the next three years to help cover pre-opening expenses and help build an operating reserve; with the second $300,000 to be provided over the first five years of operation to backstop operating losses should any occur.
The contribution, which will be formalized in a funding agreement, provides the requisite safeguards for the use of public funds including (1) that the first payment not be made until all funds to construct the CHC are in place and (2) that a facility management company be engaged to manage the center during the period of the city's financial commitment (through the first 60 months of operation). The City of Bristol Virginia has also made a robust financial commitment that will be recognized in the funding agreement.
This project is now on the cusp of reality with a $2.2 million funding application before the Virginia Tobacco Commission which when matched with another $2.2 million in federal New Market Tax Credit proceeds, will provide the remaining funds to advance the project to construction, build-out, and opening.
The city's financial commitment and the conditions that accompany are believed prudent to maximize operational success in the early years of the CHC while ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, a sustained long-term return for our city.
The contribution, which will be formalized in a funding agreement, provides the requisite safeguards for the use of public funds including (1) that the first payment not be made until all funds to construct the CHC are in place and (2) that a facility management company be engaged to manage the center during the period of the city's financial commitment (through the first 60 months of operation). The City of Bristol Virginia has also made a robust financial commitment that will be recognized in the funding agreement.
This project is now on the cusp of reality with a $2.2 million funding application before the Virginia Tobacco Commission which when matched with another $2.2 million in federal New Market Tax Credit proceeds, will provide the remaining funds to advance the project to construction, build-out, and opening.
The city's financial commitment and the conditions that accompany are believed prudent to maximize operational success in the early years of the CHC while ensuring, to the greatest extent possible, a sustained long-term return for our city.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Doggie Swim
Hey everybody - the 2nd annual Doggie Swim takes place this week at the Haynesfield Pool, 327 Sleepy Hollow Road (behind the Central Fire Station on Bluff City Highway).
Bring Phoebe, Lullabelle, Bonny, Oscar, and Lucky to the pool for a splashing good time from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, September 9; and again on Saturday, September 10 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.
The admission fee is $3 per dog - please no more than two dogs per handler. People are free.
This is a nice event to round out our summer pool season and give our canine friends a chance to work on their butterfly or backstroke.......
Remember, the 2012 London summer games are just around the corner. peace.
Bring Phoebe, Lullabelle, Bonny, Oscar, and Lucky to the pool for a splashing good time from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, September 9; and again on Saturday, September 10 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.
The admission fee is $3 per dog - please no more than two dogs per handler. People are free.
This is a nice event to round out our summer pool season and give our canine friends a chance to work on their butterfly or backstroke.......
Remember, the 2012 London summer games are just around the corner. peace.
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