 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
To secure initial federal and state approvals and funding, we received very valuable assistance by our State Senate and House Representatives, the staff of TN Department of Transportation, and our Congressmen and Senators. We are now on the verge of opening the fifth section of the bypass, which leaves only the section from Coles Ferry Pike and widening improvements of the old section of Hartmann Drive to give us a complete western by-pass that takes Lebanon and Wilson County to the next level in being a "retail destination".
We cannot emphasize enough the time and effort spent by our local City Engineering Staff and the assistance of the City Transportation Committee (now Public Works Committee) chaired by Councilman Carl Wood in bringing this project to success. The ribbon cutting on Wed. will be the result of intense intergovernmental cooperation and citizen involvement, with special thanks to Don Chambers, and to all of them, the citizens of Lebanon and Wilson County are grateful. Our major efforts now center on the completion of the bypass loop north of Coles Ferry Pike to Highway 231 North. We continue to be successful in this effort with the same kind of support by Wilson County through the Lebanon/Wilson County Development Board. The City of Lebanon City Council appropriated nearly $1.7 million dollars to this new section that we are opening which was accompanied by $800,000. in TDOT funding. We are very appreciative to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, his staff and Governor Bredesen for recognizing the growing transportation needs of our city.
This is, once again, a true example of what intergovernmental cooperation has and continues to accomplish.
Don W. Fox
Mayor
City of Lebanon Five Year Plans Summary
All City Departments have updated their Five Year Plans. Within the next five years, several departments project the need for new or replacement equipment and vehicles, due to wear and increasing demand on services. Changing technology will require the replacement and upgrading of computer software and hardware. Some departments also anticipate the need for additional personnel. The Police and Fire Departments project the largest increase in personnel. For all departments, population growth and business development are contributing factors for their need to hire more employees in the future. The change in technology and increased use of the internet by most households will also affect most City departments in the next five years, with the addition of web-based services.
Some of the more significant needs identified by Department
Heads for the next five years include:
· City Hall Annex: $1,000,000 is a preliminary estimate to construct
an annex to City Hall to house the Accounting, Purchasing and Finance administrative
staff. Commissioner of Finance and Revenue Hal Bittinger noted the building
will be needed to relieve overcrowding and to allow for records storage.
· Fire Department: In addition to the renovation of fire station #1 and the new station (replacement for fire station #2) in the upcoming FY 04-05 budget, projections are for a new, fourth fire station within the next five years.
· Police Department: Police Chief Bowan noted the department will need to increase future office and storage space with an addition to the current building. The officers’ weapons and vehicles will also need periodic replacement. The Police Department’s new firing range that is currently in final planning stages will be in use in the upcoming year. It will be accessible for training of officers and the public.
· Recreation Department: Improvements that will be needed at Baird Park in the next five years primarily include improvements to fields and parking. A sinking fund for future land acquisition is also recommended and future batting cages are proposed. Much needed improvements to electrical service at the Community Park are included in next year’s budget. Also proposed in the next five years are funds to extend the Cedar City Trail, an ice skating rink, putt-putt golf, and improvements to the playgrounds and fitness courts.
· Jimmy Floyd Family Center: In the next five years, the Floyd Center will need routine maintenance to buildings, pools, the parking lot and replacement of some equipment. Also recommended was the establishment of a sinking fund to purchase additional land/buildings near the Center for the future addition of indoor tennis and racquetball courts, as well as additional outdoor tennis.
· MIS Department: Upgrades of the telephone system and computer systems will be necessary in order to accommodate changing technology. The ability for citizens to do online permitting, electronic bill payment and traffic ticket payment, and other features such as access to maps is planned through the City of Lebanon website, requiring software and hardware upgrades. An estimated 60% of all households now have internet access. As more households gain internet access, this will improve efficiency for both City staff and the citizens.
· Lebanon Municipal Airport: Recommended improvements at the airport over the next five years include the development of the east and west side properties, with a terminal building and T-hangars.
· Street Construction: The highest priority remains the completion of Hartmann Drive, with construction of section five from I-40 to Old Murfreesboro Rd. in next year’s budget. Also slated for next year is right-of-way and design for the remaining sections 1 and 2. Construction of the final sections 2 and 3 are planned for years 2-5, with the plans to pursue state and federal assistance. Other needs noted are improvements to Old Murfreesboro Rd. and Briskin Lane, and the extension of Holloway Drive to Cainsville Rd. Recommendations for incremental increases in street paving funds and street lighting funds were also recommended.
· Sanitation Department: Due to residential growth, the Sanitation Department will need to add four employees, another garbage truck and green carts.
· Sewer/Wastewater: Upgrades to the sewer/wastewater system are noted, along with several major extensions to business and residential areas. Sewer extensions to South Hartmann Drive (south of I-40) and Highway 109 Business Park are planned for the upcoming year. Future extensions also include SouthFork, Horn Springs and Georgetown Subdivisions and business areas near South Hartmann and Highway 109. A major improvement to the Wastewater Treatment Plant is also planned.
· Gas Department: The customer base of the City’s Gas Department continues to grow, increasing the demand for gas. An estimated $2.7 million in extensions and expansions are planned over the next five years, with more then $900,000 planned for rehabilitation and insertions throughout the City.
· Cedar Grove and Resthill Cemeteries: Continued improvements to existing graves and drainage and improvements to mapping and data base information are planned, along with remodeling and expansion of the administrative building.
· Public Works Complex: Within the next five years, paving, fencing and painting will be needed at this building and parking areas.
· Engineering: The Engineering Department has recommended several improvements to existing sidewalks, curbs and buildings to improve accessibility for all persons. The Department plans the addition of a Coordinator to work with staff, employees and citizens to fulfill federal ADA, OSHA/TOSHA guidelines for safety and compliance. Additional staff and equipment is also needed for engineering, inspection and GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping management. The Department also recommends upgrades to traffic signals.
· Town Square/Farmers Market: The City of Lebanon recognizes the importance of the historic Town Square area, and the need to maintain our small town charm as our community grows. The Town Square area will continue to be enhanced through more attractive signage and sidewalk improvements. Other proposed improvements to the Farmers Market will provide an attractive area for citizens and tourists to purchase fresh produce from local farmers, and a focal point for visitors coming to Lebanon on the excursion trains.
Summary of Capital Outlay Budget for FY 2004-05
Many of the capital outlay requests are for computers or other office equipment, and a few departments have requested replacement equipment or vehicles. The largest expenditures are in the areas of sewer service, water service and street construction. This is due to the extended age of sewer and water lines in older areas of the city, residential growth, new businesses and existing business expansions. Some of the more significant projects to be completed in the upcoming budget year include:
· Sewer System: $4.58 million is budgeted
for rehab to the existing system and pump stations, line improvements on West
Main, extension to serve the Highway 109 Business Park, and new sewer lines
in South Fork, Horn Springs and Georgetown subdivisions.
· Fire Department: $425,000 is budgeted for net trade/replacement of
a ladder truck, and $1.8 million for a new fire hall to be built in Baird
Industrial Park on land donated by Toshiba America (listed in Capital Outlay
Budget under TML Bond Construction Fund).
· Street Construction Improvements: $1.94 million is budgeted for Hartmann
Drive including construction of Section 5, design and engineering for Section
1 & 2, right-of-way acquisition for Section 1 & 2, and new street
lights. Other street projects in the amount of $60,000 include design of improvements
to Old Murfreesboro Rd. and various small drainage projects.
· Water Transmission System: $1.76 million is budgeted for upgrades
of several small water lines within older sections of the city to improve
household and fire protection supplies.
· Water Plant: $1.6 million is budgeted for improvements for solids
and backwash disposal, which are normal by-products of the treatment process.
These by-products are not environmentally hazardous, but must be disposed
of in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
· Gas Department: $600,000 is budgeted for improvements including rehab
and line extensions.
· Farmers Market: $300,000 is budgeted for improvements to the Farmers
Market.
· Commuter Rail Station: $250,000 is budgeted for construction of the
proposed Lebanon rail station.
· Public Works Department: $175,000 is budgeted in street aid for improvements
of existing city sidewalks.
· Sewer Plant: $100,000 is budgeted for plant maintenance and $80,000
for new pumps.
· Parks and Recreation Department: $99,500 is budgeted for improvements
in lighting and electrical service at the community park.
· Street Department: $75,000 is budgeted for a chipper truck with dump
bed.
· Airport: $50,000 is budgeted for security measures
· Traffic signals: $50,000 is budgeted for improvements.
· Building Maintenance-City Hall: $50,000 is budgeted for carpet and
painting.
· MIS: $35,000 is budgeted for software licensing, printers and a computer
server.
