February 29 - a curiosity if ever there was one.
It's a good day to prepare letters and memos - after all, it is February 29.
And this being agenda week, a lot of staff memos are being written to provide the necessary information to assist city council in deliberating on the matters requiring action at the March 6 meeting. So we're able to memorialize this day in fine fashion.
February 29 - let's do it again some day.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Web site
Have you visited the city website - bristoltn.org- lately?
If so, you were among 13,849 others that did so in January - 65% of which were new visits to the site.
Over 38,000 page views took place from folks located in 63 different countries or territories.
And the good news is traffic is up 10% over January last year.
If so, you were among 13,849 others that did so in January - 65% of which were new visits to the site.
Over 38,000 page views took place from folks located in 63 different countries or territories.
And the good news is traffic is up 10% over January last year.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Check mark
Each of us should have written, personal goals every year that are meaningful to some part of our life to achieve.
I have several - including to run a 10K race this year (6.2 miles).
So today I tightened up the laces and ran my first 6.2 miles in quite some time - a warmup to see if I still had it in me. Run is a bit generous - a gentle jog is more descriptive.
In any event the run was successful with no apparent wear or tear. So I guess I'm ready to sign-up for a race and put a check mark next to that one when completed.
While running, I realized that many of you are not familiar with the Bristol landscape. So I will be regularly adding photo's of our community to help you connect these words with a picture.
Monument entrance sign to downtown Bristol. The center line of State Street separates Bristol Tennessee (right) from Bristol Virginia (left).
I have several - including to run a 10K race this year (6.2 miles).
So today I tightened up the laces and ran my first 6.2 miles in quite some time - a warmup to see if I still had it in me. Run is a bit generous - a gentle jog is more descriptive.
In any event the run was successful with no apparent wear or tear. So I guess I'm ready to sign-up for a race and put a check mark next to that one when completed.
While running, I realized that many of you are not familiar with the Bristol landscape. So I will be regularly adding photo's of our community to help you connect these words with a picture.
Monument entrance sign to downtown Bristol. The center line of State Street separates Bristol Tennessee (right) from Bristol Virginia (left).
Friday, February 24, 2012
Process
The past two weeks have been budget focused - the fiscal 2013 budget that is.
Our budget team including Finance Director Tara Musick, Accounting Manager Hollie Verran, and Human Resources Director Belva Hale has been meeting with department directors to discuss their proposed work plan and funding needs for the 12-month period commencing July 1, 2012.
An important part of the discussions is to review where each department is in accomplishing their current objectives as we're now seven months and counting into the current fiscal year.
Our focus as a budget team is what we need to do as a city to enhance the public health, welfare, safety, and economy - once we know that, assigning resources to advance the desired outcomes is easy.
Well - maybe not easy - but at least we know what we need to do. And that's the most important part of the process.
Our budget team including Finance Director Tara Musick, Accounting Manager Hollie Verran, and Human Resources Director Belva Hale has been meeting with department directors to discuss their proposed work plan and funding needs for the 12-month period commencing July 1, 2012.
An important part of the discussions is to review where each department is in accomplishing their current objectives as we're now seven months and counting into the current fiscal year.
Our focus as a budget team is what we need to do as a city to enhance the public health, welfare, safety, and economy - once we know that, assigning resources to advance the desired outcomes is easy.
Well - maybe not easy - but at least we know what we need to do. And that's the most important part of the process.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Simple
During the first six months of the fiscal year, city sales tax receipts are running approximately 6% higher than last year.
While this is encouraging, it remains ever important to remember one of the simple financial rules taught by our mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather: "It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend."
That rule applies to all of us as individuals and families - and especially to city government.
So remember this simple principle - and we'll do the same.
While this is encouraging, it remains ever important to remember one of the simple financial rules taught by our mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather: "It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend."
That rule applies to all of us as individuals and families - and especially to city government.
So remember this simple principle - and we'll do the same.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pancakes
Since the Saturday before Fat Tuesday received a posting, you really didn't think Shrove Tuesday would pass without comment did you? Of course not.
Today was extra special as a warm plate of blueberry pancakes awaited me at work on this day before the start of Lent.
The food will provide the necessary nourishment to assist in the review of the 92 project, $78 million 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan with City Council this evening. Thanks are in order to City Engineer Tim Beavers and Finance Director Tara Musick who took leading roles in developing a sound CIP to guide future capital planning decisions of the city.
Oh, did I mention bacon was served up this morning too? Yep, some days are better than others - thanks in large part to Barbara, Tara, and Tim.
Today was extra special as a warm plate of blueberry pancakes awaited me at work on this day before the start of Lent.
The food will provide the necessary nourishment to assist in the review of the 92 project, $78 million 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan with City Council this evening. Thanks are in order to City Engineer Tim Beavers and Finance Director Tara Musick who took leading roles in developing a sound CIP to guide future capital planning decisions of the city.
Oh, did I mention bacon was served up this morning too? Yep, some days are better than others - thanks in large part to Barbara, Tara, and Tim.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Winter break
It's winter break for students of the city school system. Mother Nature tried it's best to put an exclamation point on the event but nary a flake fell around here.
But just look north into Virginia and snow is evident at the higher elevations - and big snow was recorded a little further than that.
While a little snow is always nice to see the savings for snow removal costs not spent is even better.
So travel a little north if you really like snow - and we'll let our neighbors worry about the rest.
But just look north into Virginia and snow is evident at the higher elevations - and big snow was recorded a little further than that.
While a little snow is always nice to see the savings for snow removal costs not spent is even better.
So travel a little north if you really like snow - and we'll let our neighbors worry about the rest.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday before fat tuesday
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday - always one of the best of the year.
A stroll through Steele Creek Park saw numerous walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and bikers enjoying the unseasonably pleasant day. The playgrounds were full and others enjoyed the fishing, basketball, and tennis available.
A group of kids were riding their motorized cars and jeeps around and around Rooster Front until the batteries ran low and then out.
The Bark Park was also busy with canines and owners each socializing under sunny skies in their own way.
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday in Steele Creek Park - now that's a Saturday to remember.
A stroll through Steele Creek Park saw numerous walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and bikers enjoying the unseasonably pleasant day. The playgrounds were full and others enjoyed the fishing, basketball, and tennis available.
A group of kids were riding their motorized cars and jeeps around and around Rooster Front until the batteries ran low and then out.
The Bark Park was also busy with canines and owners each socializing under sunny skies in their own way.
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday in Steele Creek Park - now that's a Saturday to remember.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
City bus
I found myself traveling on the Southside route of the Bristol transit system today and watched a couple of folks enter the bus for their journey somewhere within the city.
The bus departed the Downtown Center on its 12:15 p.m. run with service down the Volunteer Parkway, returning back downtown via Bluff City Highway for its next run an hour later. Of course it meandered a bit along its designated route to pass closer to points of frequent travel for the riders.
For 60 cents an adult ride, it is a good way to get around the town. Six buses operate 5 days a week and cover 850 miles a day taking passengers to major office, medical, and retail destinations in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia.
Service is also available for persons unable to use the regular bus service - and a special program is available to help our residents get access to their job.
With new 26-passenger coaches, this is a great service for the transit-dependent members of our community - and another good reason to live in Bristol.
The bus departed the Downtown Center on its 12:15 p.m. run with service down the Volunteer Parkway, returning back downtown via Bluff City Highway for its next run an hour later. Of course it meandered a bit along its designated route to pass closer to points of frequent travel for the riders.
For 60 cents an adult ride, it is a good way to get around the town. Six buses operate 5 days a week and cover 850 miles a day taking passengers to major office, medical, and retail destinations in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia.
Service is also available for persons unable to use the regular bus service - and a special program is available to help our residents get access to their job.
With new 26-passenger coaches, this is a great service for the transit-dependent members of our community - and another good reason to live in Bristol.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Fairmount
The Fairmount Neighborhood is a great area of Bristol that has received special focus from city government this past year.
Following the completion of a Fairmount Neighborhood Plan, the city has been actively advancing the numerous plan objectives in the areas of public works, neighborhood appearance and maintenance, transportation, neighborhood safety, zoning and land use, and others.
In the area of zoning and land use, the second of two major rezoning initiatives was recently approved by City Council that was designed to maintain the single-family residential character of the neighborhood and prevent additional multi-family uses. This was accomplished by the rezoning of 170 acres with over 500 dwelling units to a single family - duplex district only.
This rezoning followed an earlier one that replaced two industrially zoned areas in Fairmount with zones for general business use.
These actions were taken to enhance and maintain an already great neighborhood - and were actions identified in the earlier study with the full input and participation of residents of the Fairmount Neighborhood.
Planning is always good - and implementation is even better.
Following the completion of a Fairmount Neighborhood Plan, the city has been actively advancing the numerous plan objectives in the areas of public works, neighborhood appearance and maintenance, transportation, neighborhood safety, zoning and land use, and others.
In the area of zoning and land use, the second of two major rezoning initiatives was recently approved by City Council that was designed to maintain the single-family residential character of the neighborhood and prevent additional multi-family uses. This was accomplished by the rezoning of 170 acres with over 500 dwelling units to a single family - duplex district only.
This rezoning followed an earlier one that replaced two industrially zoned areas in Fairmount with zones for general business use.
These actions were taken to enhance and maintain an already great neighborhood - and were actions identified in the earlier study with the full input and participation of residents of the Fairmount Neighborhood.
Planning is always good - and implementation is even better.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Pointer Brand
The city council recognized the 100th anniversary of the L.C. King Manufacturing Company at its February 7, 2012 meeting.
Maker of Pointer Brand apparel, the Bristol company has been owned and operated continuously by the descendents of L.C. King and has been operated by the King family now for four generations.
The company logo “Pointer Brand” is a picture of L.C. Kings’ champion pointer dog King's Carolina Bill and is an internationally recognized label of quality clothing that is proudly made in America.
Congratulations to CEO Jack King and the L. C. King Manufacturing Company as it enters its 100th year of operation on 7th Street in downtown Bristol.
Maker of Pointer Brand apparel, the Bristol company has been owned and operated continuously by the descendents of L.C. King and has been operated by the King family now for four generations.
The company logo “Pointer Brand” is a picture of L.C. Kings’ champion pointer dog King's Carolina Bill and is an internationally recognized label of quality clothing that is proudly made in America.
Congratulations to CEO Jack King and the L. C. King Manufacturing Company as it enters its 100th year of operation on 7th Street in downtown Bristol.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Beaver Creek
Under sunny skies the Cities of Bristol Tennessee and Bristol Virginia held a groundbreaking ceremony for phase I of the Beaver Creek Flood Reduction Project.
This project is one a decade in the making that will provide flood and recreational improvements on the former Sears department store site downtown.
Lieutenant Colonel James A. DeLapp, Commander and District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, joined with Mayors David Shumaker and Ed Harlow in celebrating this important milestone.
Phase I work includes several improvements including the day lighting of the creek, channel improvements, and stabilization of the bank; construction of a public parking lot; and construction of a linear greenway, walkway, and a performing arts area.
Future phases include Sugar Hollow Dam modifications, channel widening near 6th Street Extension, and channel improvements and bridge removal at 8th Street.
The federal government will fund nearly two-thirds of the $6.8 million project with each city equally providing the local share.
Kudos to all that made this happen - and in particular to Jerry Goodpasture and Ann Gillenwater - who had the early vision to recognize what an asset the creek could be in adding to the attractiveness and viability of downtown Bristol.
This project is one a decade in the making that will provide flood and recreational improvements on the former Sears department store site downtown.
Lieutenant Colonel James A. DeLapp, Commander and District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, joined with Mayors David Shumaker and Ed Harlow in celebrating this important milestone.
Phase I work includes several improvements including the day lighting of the creek, channel improvements, and stabilization of the bank; construction of a public parking lot; and construction of a linear greenway, walkway, and a performing arts area.
Future phases include Sugar Hollow Dam modifications, channel widening near 6th Street Extension, and channel improvements and bridge removal at 8th Street.
The federal government will fund nearly two-thirds of the $6.8 million project with each city equally providing the local share.
Kudos to all that made this happen - and in particular to Jerry Goodpasture and Ann Gillenwater - who had the early vision to recognize what an asset the creek could be in adding to the attractiveness and viability of downtown Bristol.
Monday, February 6, 2012
TML
The Tennessee Town & City, the official publication of the Tennessee Municipal League, featured Bristol's new strategic economic development plan in their January 16th issue.
The article discussed in great detail the backdrop for the study and the resulting public-private and not-for-profit partnerships on which the plan is built.
It was nice to read and have validated that the premise for the plan - strategic partnerships - is a recognized economic development tool with proper public support.
As we move forward, we intend to keep our plan successes in front of our citizens so that they will remain educated on the steps being taken through these multiple partnerships to grow and sustain our economy.
The article discussed in great detail the backdrop for the study and the resulting public-private and not-for-profit partnerships on which the plan is built.
It was nice to read and have validated that the premise for the plan - strategic partnerships - is a recognized economic development tool with proper public support.
As we move forward, we intend to keep our plan successes in front of our citizens so that they will remain educated on the steps being taken through these multiple partnerships to grow and sustain our economy.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super
Super Sunday.
A holiday without a designation.
Enjoy the day - and the game.
But remember, your police, fire, and utility workers are hard at work as always today.
Thanks guys and gals for covering for the rest of us.
A holiday without a designation.
Enjoy the day - and the game.
But remember, your police, fire, and utility workers are hard at work as always today.
Thanks guys and gals for covering for the rest of us.
Friday, February 3, 2012
February 3
February 3 - the day after groundhog day.
Made me think of the movie of the same name that finds Bill Murray (Phil) living February 2nd over and over again as a news weatherman covering a story on a weather forecasting "rat" (a groundhog to the rest of us).
Each day was played over and over until Phil softened and became a friend to all. And once a better person, the time loop was broken and he moved on to February 3 and a happy ending.
Happy endings are good - so be a friend - everyday of the year.
Made me think of the movie of the same name that finds Bill Murray (Phil) living February 2nd over and over again as a news weatherman covering a story on a weather forecasting "rat" (a groundhog to the rest of us).
Each day was played over and over until Phil softened and became a friend to all. And once a better person, the time loop was broken and he moved on to February 3 and a happy ending.
Happy endings are good - so be a friend - everyday of the year.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Groundhog
February 2nd - groundhog day.
A curious day in the states. Punxsutawney Phil decides if there will be six more weeks of winter or if spring is just around the corner - depending on whether he sees his shadow or not.
Groundhog Phil saw his shadow this morning - so winter is with us for awhile.
Funny thing - winter officially ends and spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere at the Vernal Equinox, pretty much six weeks from today - so Phil can never be wrong.
What a good job - to never be wrong.
Now for the rest of us - try to be right. And do something. Remember the only man who makes no mistake in the man who does nothing - Theodore Roosevelt.
A curious day in the states. Punxsutawney Phil decides if there will be six more weeks of winter or if spring is just around the corner - depending on whether he sees his shadow or not.
Groundhog Phil saw his shadow this morning - so winter is with us for awhile.
Funny thing - winter officially ends and spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere at the Vernal Equinox, pretty much six weeks from today - so Phil can never be wrong.
What a good job - to never be wrong.
Now for the rest of us - try to be right. And do something. Remember the only man who makes no mistake in the man who does nothing - Theodore Roosevelt.
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