Well, the last day of the work year has arrived - Friday, December 30, 2011.
No fanfare, no cakes, no balloons. I thought I saw a conga line starting to form a few minutes ago on the first floor......but I was wrong. Just folks going about their business.
It should to be a very quiet day if the first two hours are an indication. No telephone calls, no walk-in's, just a few random emails.
So it's a good day to look over the collection of letters, memo's, reports, and other assorted papers and notes covering the desktop, update the to-do list, get the 2012 calendar of events current, and just get ready for the new year.
My wish to each of you is that 2012 is the best year ever. However you measure "best" - may you reach and surpass it next year. It may take some work, effort, good fortune, and a little luck - but you can get there if you put your mind to it and focus on making it happen.
I think 2012 will be a good year for Bristol - the signs are pointing in the right direction. It will take some work, effort, good fortune, and a little luck - but we can get there too. We're focused on it.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Savvy
The Department of Community Relations was recently recognized for winning two Savvy Awards from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA).
The city won a 1st place Savvy Award for its submittal "Then & Now - The Bristol Sign" in the category of TV and Videos - Regularly Scheduled Programming. A 2nd place Silver Circle Award was also received for the 2010 Farmers Market Posters under the category of Printed Publications.
The Savvy Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.
Our hats go off to Terrie Talbert, Director of Community Relations, and her talented staff for bringing home these awards this year.
The city won a 1st place Savvy Award for its submittal "Then & Now - The Bristol Sign" in the category of TV and Videos - Regularly Scheduled Programming. A 2nd place Silver Circle Award was also received for the 2010 Farmers Market Posters under the category of Printed Publications.
The Savvy Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.
Our hats go off to Terrie Talbert, Director of Community Relations, and her talented staff for bringing home these awards this year.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Work week
Whoa, the last few days have been different. Two shortened work weeks in a row - with one more to come to usher in the new year.
They say getting out of your routine is a good thing - shake things up, a bit of fresh air.
I suppose they're right, but there is something comforting in the same old, same old.
But for now I look forward to the return of a full five-day work week - at least until the next holiday rolls around.
They say getting out of your routine is a good thing - shake things up, a bit of fresh air.
I suppose they're right, but there is something comforting in the same old, same old.
But for now I look forward to the return of a full five-day work week - at least until the next holiday rolls around.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Pageviews
According to my blog-o-meter, this is the 100th posting since the first one went live in early July 2011.
A total of 2,573 pageviews were recorded for the first 99 posts led by the U.S. with 87% of the total. The next most pageviews by country are Russia, Germany, France, Latvia, United Kingdom, China, Israel, Malaysia, and Poland.
Thanks to all for spending a few minutes of your day this past six months. Hopefully you've come to know the Bristol Tennessee community better as a result of the time spent and will visit often in the future.
It's Christmas eve here - Christmas day for many of you already - so I'm signing off for now.
Next up: Number 101. Merry Christmas to all.
A total of 2,573 pageviews were recorded for the first 99 posts led by the U.S. with 87% of the total. The next most pageviews by country are Russia, Germany, France, Latvia, United Kingdom, China, Israel, Malaysia, and Poland.
Thanks to all for spending a few minutes of your day this past six months. Hopefully you've come to know the Bristol Tennessee community better as a result of the time spent and will visit often in the future.
It's Christmas eve here - Christmas day for many of you already - so I'm signing off for now.
Next up: Number 101. Merry Christmas to all.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Going on 9
The City Council recently recognized Finance Director Tara Musick for being awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
This prestigious award is given to state and local governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. The report this year is a mere 175 pages long.
The City of Bristol has received this award for the 8th consecutive year and is one of only 27 cities in Tennessee to be so awarded this year.
Thanks to Tara and her staff for a job well done, year-after year.
This prestigious award is given to state and local governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. The report this year is a mere 175 pages long.
The City of Bristol has received this award for the 8th consecutive year and is one of only 27 cities in Tennessee to be so awarded this year.
Thanks to Tara and her staff for a job well done, year-after year.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Property value
Did you ever wonder what the total taxable assessed value of property is in the city? This number is important as it is the basis upon which property tax revenues are generated.
According to the the Sullivan County Tax Assessor, the amount is $660,383,000.
And how does it break down by category you ask? Commercial and industrial property is $286.8 million; residential property is $280.5 million; personal property is $66.9 million; public utility property is $16.6 million; and other real property is $9.4 million.
Of course the assessed value is just a fraction of the actual value of the property - an amount established at $2.13 billion.
So we have $2.13 billion in improvements in Bristol - sounds about right doesn't it.
According to the the Sullivan County Tax Assessor, the amount is $660,383,000.
And how does it break down by category you ask? Commercial and industrial property is $286.8 million; residential property is $280.5 million; personal property is $66.9 million; public utility property is $16.6 million; and other real property is $9.4 million.
Of course the assessed value is just a fraction of the actual value of the property - an amount established at $2.13 billion.
So we have $2.13 billion in improvements in Bristol - sounds about right doesn't it.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Land use
City Attorney Jack Hyder presented a training session this evening to members of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals on land use law.
The class was one of several scheduled this year to satisfy the continuing education and training requirements for members of these important boards.
A rather dry subject you say? In theory - perhaps. But in camera - not a bit. Jack was able to weave important concepts into learnable moments with real life examples and an instructional cadence conducive to knowledge sharing.
The city staff in attendance took away much from this session as well - time well spent on a Monday evening.
The class was one of several scheduled this year to satisfy the continuing education and training requirements for members of these important boards.
A rather dry subject you say? In theory - perhaps. But in camera - not a bit. Jack was able to weave important concepts into learnable moments with real life examples and an instructional cadence conducive to knowledge sharing.
The city staff in attendance took away much from this session as well - time well spent on a Monday evening.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Turn 4
One of the special seasonal events in Bristol is Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway.
Millions of lights and hundreds of displays are spread over the four mile long route that includes a drive on the "world's fastest half-mile." And if you don't think the banks at BMS are high you'll quickly change your mind as you enter turn 4 and head for the finish line.
Proceeds from the event go to the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities that has raised over $6.5 million for the benefit of area children's agencies.
So bring some joy to yourself and others by visiting Speedway in Lights this season - it's a really good thing to do. peace
Millions of lights and hundreds of displays are spread over the four mile long route that includes a drive on the "world's fastest half-mile." And if you don't think the banks at BMS are high you'll quickly change your mind as you enter turn 4 and head for the finish line.
Proceeds from the event go to the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities that has raised over $6.5 million for the benefit of area children's agencies.
So bring some joy to yourself and others by visiting Speedway in Lights this season - it's a really good thing to do. peace
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Mixed to overweight
Drum roll please......................
Sales tax receipts for the month of October are up 18% over October 2010. Wow.
While this is a huge - it's still less than was received seven years ago in October 2004. Yikes.
So the sales tax future remains mixed to overweight - we're climbing steadily from the bottom (cumulative 10% increase above last year) but still have a long way to go.
Sales tax receipts for the month of October are up 18% over October 2010. Wow.
While this is a huge - it's still less than was received seven years ago in October 2004. Yikes.
So the sales tax future remains mixed to overweight - we're climbing steadily from the bottom (cumulative 10% increase above last year) but still have a long way to go.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
990 years
Today we celebrated with 70 of our employees at the annual service award luncheon held in the lodge at Steele Creek Park.
Employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service were recognized with a luncheon in their honor along with a small gift to commemorate the milestone. In total the 70 employees provided 990 years of service to the community - an average of 14 years each.
Fourteen years is a long time; but can you imagine 35 and 40 years of service with the same employer? Now that's commitment and dedication.
A special shout-out to Captain Mac - Tom McDaniel - with 40 years of service and to Barbara Ryan, Walt Musgrove, Mike Robinette, and Benjie Tolbert with 35 years of service.
We couldn't have done it without you.
Employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service were recognized with a luncheon in their honor along with a small gift to commemorate the milestone. In total the 70 employees provided 990 years of service to the community - an average of 14 years each.
Fourteen years is a long time; but can you imagine 35 and 40 years of service with the same employer? Now that's commitment and dedication.
A special shout-out to Captain Mac - Tom McDaniel - with 40 years of service and to Barbara Ryan, Walt Musgrove, Mike Robinette, and Benjie Tolbert with 35 years of service.
We couldn't have done it without you.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Strategic economic development plan
A strategic economic development plan titled Strategic Partnerships for Economic Growth and Sustainability was accepted by City Council in December. The plan was prepared by a blue-ribbon steering committee appointed to complete that task.
The committee met for over four months with subject area experts in education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and the hospitality and tourism industries to identify ways to grow and sustain Bristol's economic future. The committee melded its own direct work with the feedback from a 10-person citizen focus group, a community-wide survey, and interviews with members of City Council.
The purpose of the economic plan is to guide the city and its strategic partners in achieving long-term economic growth and sustainability through a multitude of identified objectives and key action steps. The plan includes short term primary objectives and 3-5 year strategies deemed essential for strengthening key economic sectors, job creation, and tax base growth. The underlying premise of the plan focuses on key community partnerships that are essential and move plan success from outside the walls of city hall to a collaborative process with other entities working hand-in-hand with the city to secure the city's economic future.
The plan includes an economic mission statement with six strategic goals to guide the planning process and resulting economic strategy. Fourteen (14) key community partners were identified to accomplish 70 specific objectives over a five-year planning horizon involving "short term primary" projects (years 1 and 2) and 3-5 year strategies. A number of key actions were also put into place that are considered milestones toward the accomplishment of various objectives as deemed appropriate.
The planning process validated past assessments that future community economic success will come from niche manufacturing, the healthcare industry with Bristol Regional Medical Center as the anchor, and from the hospitality and tourism industries as the home of Bristol Motor Speedway and the culturally significant birthplace of country music.
Two transformational special opportunities were identified including (1) Public Chapter 420, The Border Region Retail Tourism Development District Act and (2) construction of the BCMA Cultural Heritage Center in downtown Bristol.
Seventeen (17) supportive projects to be undertaken by the City of Bristol were identified to complement the work objectives set forth for the city and its community partners to achieve.
A number of performance metrics (beyond accomplishment of the objectives themselves) were established to assess plan success with target levels for each of the performance metrics identified 2 1/2 years out in Fiscal 2014.
With the plan development process complete, it's now time for execution - in partnership with our strategic partners.
Interested in reading the plan?
Click Here
The committee met for over four months with subject area experts in education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and the hospitality and tourism industries to identify ways to grow and sustain Bristol's economic future. The committee melded its own direct work with the feedback from a 10-person citizen focus group, a community-wide survey, and interviews with members of City Council.
The purpose of the economic plan is to guide the city and its strategic partners in achieving long-term economic growth and sustainability through a multitude of identified objectives and key action steps. The plan includes short term primary objectives and 3-5 year strategies deemed essential for strengthening key economic sectors, job creation, and tax base growth. The underlying premise of the plan focuses on key community partnerships that are essential and move plan success from outside the walls of city hall to a collaborative process with other entities working hand-in-hand with the city to secure the city's economic future.
The plan includes an economic mission statement with six strategic goals to guide the planning process and resulting economic strategy. Fourteen (14) key community partners were identified to accomplish 70 specific objectives over a five-year planning horizon involving "short term primary" projects (years 1 and 2) and 3-5 year strategies. A number of key actions were also put into place that are considered milestones toward the accomplishment of various objectives as deemed appropriate.
The planning process validated past assessments that future community economic success will come from niche manufacturing, the healthcare industry with Bristol Regional Medical Center as the anchor, and from the hospitality and tourism industries as the home of Bristol Motor Speedway and the culturally significant birthplace of country music.
Two transformational special opportunities were identified including (1) Public Chapter 420, The Border Region Retail Tourism Development District Act and (2) construction of the BCMA Cultural Heritage Center in downtown Bristol.
Seventeen (17) supportive projects to be undertaken by the City of Bristol were identified to complement the work objectives set forth for the city and its community partners to achieve.
A number of performance metrics (beyond accomplishment of the objectives themselves) were established to assess plan success with target levels for each of the performance metrics identified 2 1/2 years out in Fiscal 2014.
With the plan development process complete, it's now time for execution - in partnership with our strategic partners.
Interested in reading the plan?
Click Here
Sunday, December 11, 2011
20/20
Today is a special day for downtown Bristol - the soft-opening of the 620 State Restaurant & Venue took place Sunday evening.
A soft-opening is a good way for the restaurant staff to get the kinks out of their system before opening to the public - which is scheduled to occur Monday evening.
The restaurant is the first of several uses to locate in the H.P. King Building on State Street. A second floor banquet facility - Prive - is under construction and should be opening soon.
That will be followed by several other interesting projects that are working their way to the top - both literally and figuratively. Stay tuned.
Thank you Allen Hurley and Mark Rowan for your vision and confidence in downtown Bristol.
A soft-opening is a good way for the restaurant staff to get the kinks out of their system before opening to the public - which is scheduled to occur Monday evening.
The restaurant is the first of several uses to locate in the H.P. King Building on State Street. A second floor banquet facility - Prive - is under construction and should be opening soon.
That will be followed by several other interesting projects that are working their way to the top - both literally and figuratively. Stay tuned.
Thank you Allen Hurley and Mark Rowan for your vision and confidence in downtown Bristol.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Goldilocks
Section 2-1 of City Charter requires city election districts to be drawn so as to give due regard to an equalization of population. Following the 2010 federal census and receipt of the data, a review took place to determine if the city's election districts satisfied this requirement.
The US Supreme Court has indicated that a 10% overall range in district size satisfies the "equalization of district" threshold which upon our review, was satisfied without a change to our boundaries. However, our range was 9.7%, just slightly below the threshold. Accordingly the Planning Commission, working with staff, identified some minor changes to modify the election boundaries to reduce the range to a lower percentage to ensure a higher-level of conformity with requirements.
As adopted by City Council at the December meeting, the new election districts now have a population range of 5.8%, with the east district being a little more populated, the south being a little less, and the west being just right.
Sounds a bit like Goldilocks and the three bears doesn't it - now for that rest.
The US Supreme Court has indicated that a 10% overall range in district size satisfies the "equalization of district" threshold which upon our review, was satisfied without a change to our boundaries. However, our range was 9.7%, just slightly below the threshold. Accordingly the Planning Commission, working with staff, identified some minor changes to modify the election boundaries to reduce the range to a lower percentage to ensure a higher-level of conformity with requirements.
As adopted by City Council at the December meeting, the new election districts now have a population range of 5.8%, with the east district being a little more populated, the south being a little less, and the west being just right.
Sounds a bit like Goldilocks and the three bears doesn't it - now for that rest.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Cultivate
Three hour city council meeting last night - and it was a good one.
The lengthy meeting ensued due to the large number of items on the agenda that were unique in their own, various ways.
The meeting was good too because of a large number of citizens that attended and constructively participated in the process. An engaged citizenry is always positive as the more the public knows and understands what is happening at city hall, the more they can support the actions being taken to advance the public health, welfare, and safety of the community.
Never forget that an informed citizenry is a friend of city government - cultivate those friendships whenever you can.
The lengthy meeting ensued due to the large number of items on the agenda that were unique in their own, various ways.
The meeting was good too because of a large number of citizens that attended and constructively participated in the process. An engaged citizenry is always positive as the more the public knows and understands what is happening at city hall, the more they can support the actions being taken to advance the public health, welfare, and safety of the community.
Never forget that an informed citizenry is a friend of city government - cultivate those friendships whenever you can.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
TRI
Has anybody flown out of the Tri-Cities Regional Airport recently? Did you ever stop to wonder who owns it?
Well, we do, for one. As does five other local governments that appoint a board to oversee the administration and operation of this 1,250 acre facility complete with a 113,500 square foot terminal, 8,000 foot ILS instrument main runway, parking for 1,600 vehicles, and all of the accoutrements. And the best news is that it financially stands on its own - there is no local tax money supporting it.
The airport is also the home an Air Cargo Logistics Center that houses a US Customs & Border Protection Port and foreign trade zone - both of which serve as great business and economic development tools for the region.
So back to my initial question - have you flown out of TRI? If you did, you were one of 432,398 passengers that did so last year. Every flight helps support an important community asset - your airport. Fly TRI.
Well, we do, for one. As does five other local governments that appoint a board to oversee the administration and operation of this 1,250 acre facility complete with a 113,500 square foot terminal, 8,000 foot ILS instrument main runway, parking for 1,600 vehicles, and all of the accoutrements. And the best news is that it financially stands on its own - there is no local tax money supporting it.
The airport is also the home an Air Cargo Logistics Center that houses a US Customs & Border Protection Port and foreign trade zone - both of which serve as great business and economic development tools for the region.
So back to my initial question - have you flown out of TRI? If you did, you were one of 432,398 passengers that did so last year. Every flight helps support an important community asset - your airport. Fly TRI.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Good thing
OK folks - here's my challenge for tomorrow. Be positive. Avoid the negative.
Just for the day. A mere 24 hours - closer to 16 waking hours (and for those of you with somniloquy - talking in your sleep does count).
Just one day. If it doesn't need to be said - don't.
And then let's try for two days in a row. Then three. At some point our challenge will become our practice - and won't that be a good thing.
Just for the day. A mere 24 hours - closer to 16 waking hours (and for those of you with somniloquy - talking in your sleep does count).
Just one day. If it doesn't need to be said - don't.
And then let's try for two days in a row. Then three. At some point our challenge will become our practice - and won't that be a good thing.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Better
Today was a day of physical activity. Lawn raking followed by a season-ending mowing, followed by a long bicycle ride on the normal course.
About five hours of activity - not a full-day of hard labor like so many jobs require - but enough.
The importance of physical activity is well-understood as a key element in maintaining health. For those of us who spend most of our work in an office the need to exercise is particulary important.
Try to exercise everyday. It doesn't take much to start. And once you're into it - your day won't seem right without it.
And the payoff is huge - you'll feel better, look better, work better and live better. What's better than that?
About five hours of activity - not a full-day of hard labor like so many jobs require - but enough.
The importance of physical activity is well-understood as a key element in maintaining health. For those of us who spend most of our work in an office the need to exercise is particulary important.
Try to exercise everyday. It doesn't take much to start. And once you're into it - your day won't seem right without it.
And the payoff is huge - you'll feel better, look better, work better and live better. What's better than that?
Friday, December 2, 2011
Difference
One of our finer, older neighborhoods is the Holston Neighborhood that recently approached the city to initiate a National Register of Historic Places District process for their neighborhood.
The city quickly agreed and enlisted the assistance of the First Tennessee Development District that unhesitatingly assigned a historic preservation planner to work on the project.
Now this is where it really gets good - ten residents of the neighborhood stepped up to undertake the structural survey process. They spent time learning how to properly survey the properties, divided the neighborhood into sectors, and began to collect the requisite data for the 100 plus homes in the neighborhood.
The data collection phase is now complete and city staff will be working with the development district and neighborhood volunteers to complete the nomination process for submittal to the Tennessee Historical Commission next spring.
A successful nomination process will result in the second historic residential district being designated in Bristol - and all because of residents that cared enough to make a difference.
Step up when you can - it will make a difference.
The city quickly agreed and enlisted the assistance of the First Tennessee Development District that unhesitatingly assigned a historic preservation planner to work on the project.
Now this is where it really gets good - ten residents of the neighborhood stepped up to undertake the structural survey process. They spent time learning how to properly survey the properties, divided the neighborhood into sectors, and began to collect the requisite data for the 100 plus homes in the neighborhood.
The data collection phase is now complete and city staff will be working with the development district and neighborhood volunteers to complete the nomination process for submittal to the Tennessee Historical Commission next spring.
A successful nomination process will result in the second historic residential district being designated in Bristol - and all because of residents that cared enough to make a difference.
Step up when you can - it will make a difference.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sugarplums
The Christmas parade took place in downtown Bristol tonight. 7:00 p.m. start. A night parade - nice.
The temperature was cooling down after a temperate and sunny day - 37 degrees at parade time. Just like it should be for a Christmas parade - but without the snow. No snow a good or bad thing? I'll leave that to you to decide but I know the city budget appreciated that fact.
This event ushers in the month of December when visions of sugarplums dance in the crowds heads as they await the magic of the season ahead.
A large crowd was gathered for a great time. The kids lined the curbs - they were everywhere.
Thanks to Lisa Meadows and the staff of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce for hosting a great event in the way they always do - with execution, class, and a lot of spirit and fun. Merry Christmas
The temperature was cooling down after a temperate and sunny day - 37 degrees at parade time. Just like it should be for a Christmas parade - but without the snow. No snow a good or bad thing? I'll leave that to you to decide but I know the city budget appreciated that fact.
This event ushers in the month of December when visions of sugarplums dance in the crowds heads as they await the magic of the season ahead.
A large crowd was gathered for a great time. The kids lined the curbs - they were everywhere.
Thanks to Lisa Meadows and the staff of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce for hosting a great event in the way they always do - with execution, class, and a lot of spirit and fun. Merry Christmas
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