BI-WEEKLY UPDATE 13 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION SUCCESSFUL
We had our City of Lebanon Fourth of July Celebration on Sunday, July 4. It was estimated that more than 15,000 people joined in the festivities, which included the 129th United States Army Band, Evermean Evergreen Cloggers, and the fireworks show! I want to personally thank Patsy Anderson for organizing the event. Thanks also to the many City of Lebanon employees who volunteered their time to make the event successful.
CITY PARK COMING TO WARD 2
With money already approved by council several years ago, I was pleased to work with Councilmember Fred Burton to move forward on a new city park in Ward 2. The City of Lebanon will enter a lease agreement with the Lebanon Church of God to operate and maintain a public city park. The park will be located at 600 C L Manier St. This will be a great addition to Ward 2 and continue the great tradition of city parks in our city.
FLOOD CONTROL TOP PRIORITY
I continue to collaborate with city officials on flood control issues. This is a top priority for my administration as we continue to seek solutions. A promising project is the work to develop a warning system that will rely on stream sensors. This new warning system will notify appropriate emergency personnel, and ultimately business and property owners, of potential and/or pending flooding of areas located over and along Sinking Creek. I am also interested in looking at a similar warning system for Barton’s Creek and the businesses and property owners in that area. I recently went under the Square with Brian Chomicki, the City’s Stormwater Coordinator. I wanted to see for myself what is beneath our Town Square. As we explored to see if there are ways to make water flow better, I gained a better understanding of what we are dealing with. Brian, and many other members of the city staff, are working diligently on our water issues. This was an educational experience that will help me make decisions as we move forward. I appreciate city employees who recently completed the removal of 40 loads of debris and sediment from the square area and upstream.
CITY PERMITS WAIVED FOR RENOVATION AFTER FLOOD I appreciate the Lebanon City Council voting to officially waive the city permits for renovations for homes and businesses that were affected by the recent flood. Many of our fellow citizens are struggling through the process of rebuilding or renovating their homes and businesses. The waiving of these fees is a small way the city can aid these citizens in their recovery efforts.
MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN JOHN ROSE It was great to spend some time this week with Congressman John Rose. We discussed a variety of topics including the upcoming Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair traffic improvement projects. I appreciate my working relationship with all the city, county, state, and federal officials as we work diligently on the issues that I campaigned on: Quality of Life, Smart Growth, Financial Responsibility, and Lebanon’s Identity – protecting what makes Lebanon a special place to live. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS APPOINTMENT I recently appointed Stewart Knowles to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Mr. Knowles is a Lebanon native and graduated from Lebanon High School and Middle Tennessee State University. He is married to Madelyn and they have three daughters. Mr. Knowles takes the place of Mike Manous. Mr. Manous has served on the board for 20 years. We appreciate his service to our community. The Board of Adjustments and Appeals makes decisions on city codes issues. Board members must be an architect, engineer, or a contractor. CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT SATURDAY The Lebanon Fire Department and the Lebanon Police Department are hosting the 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, July 10 at 9 a.m. The tournament will be at the Lebanon Fire Department Administration Building, 520 Coles Ferry Pike. The cost is $40 per team. To enter e-mail Jeffreyd556@gmail.com. All the proceeds this year will benefit Matt Dedman and family. Matt is an employee of the Lebanon Police Department, and the fundraising event will help with medical and family expenses due to a recent health issue. | 