Roads in Ward 1

Royal Oaks and Rt. 96 / Murfreesboro Road

Yes, it is true - you are not dreaming. Road improvement work has begun on SR 96 at the Royal Oaks Blvd Intersection. This project was listed on the Major Thoroughfare Plan way back in 1998 and was listed as a planned improvement in 2003. Various issues surrounding this intersection, including delays in working with the State, have slowed and impeded its progress. We have moved beyond these problems and the work is now progressing.

The project extends from the north part of McDonald’s property line to Center Point Place. The project will consist of new straight and turning lanes (see the attached map) and new pavement. These improvements will help address traffic congestion and delays currently experienced when traveling through this intersection. The city will use message board signs along SR 96 to alert commuters of lane closures and detours. Civil Constructors will work mainly during the day, but some “night work” can be expected. Work is slated to be finished by June 2010. Questions or concerns can be directed to our Traffic Engineer at 550-6663.

McEwen Drive

Update:
McEwen Phase III has been approved by BOMA as the number three project on our Capital Investment Project (CIP) list. We have committed to fund it for the 2009-2010 budget year. You should see the earth movers churning up the ground by the end of the year.
As you know, McEwen Phase IV was mired way down on the CIP list at #47. I am pleased to report that because of your attendance at many meetings and work sessions where you voiced concerns and supported my efforts; my colleagues have heard your voices as well as mine and have voted to move this project up on the CIP list. The other Aldermen listened, took your concerns to heart, and we were able to move it up from #47 to #7. Miracles do happen. Now we have a reasonable opportunity to get this road designed and constructed in the near future.

Phase III: Carothers East of I 65 to Oxford Glen/East Cool Spring intersection
Phase IV: McEwen Drive from Oxford Glen/East Cool Spring intersection to Wilson Pike.
Last year, we were set to move ahead on biding out McEwen - Phase III when the State contacted us, requiring a stream mitigation study before we could move ahead. This stopped the project dead in its tracks for over 10 months. I contacted the Mayor, who in turn worked with the State to get this study completed. We now have a letter from the State releasing us to move ahead. BOMA will be re-assessing the Capital investment Project list in July ’09. I suspect we will vote to bid this project in early fall and fund the project sometime in late fall with work to begin immediately thereafter. Please let the other Aldermen know that this is a priority and that you want them to keep Phase III on the very top of the CIP list. Please be aware that, because of Nissan’s relocation to Franklin, the State committed $4M to McEwen Phase III. The city’s portion is between $3 and $4M.

Unfortunately, we have a long way to go with McEwen - Phase IV. I am working to see how we might move this road project along more quickly. We do have the preliminary design completed, but now BOMA needs to fund both the design and Right of Way acquisition. Only when these tasks are completed, can we vote to bid the job, accept the bid and begin work. The current time line for Phase IV is projected to be a minimum of 5 to 6 years. My position is that this schedule is unacceptable.

Past Planning Commissions and Boards voted to allow dense developments (Player’s Mill area of McKay’s Mill, Garden Club Estates, Avalon, and The Meade of Avalon) without looking carefully at the consequences. These developments were approved with no timely plans in place for McEwen Drive to be finished during construction of these communities, or even after their completion dates.

As an Alderman who took office in 2005, I inherited this situation, but I have been working diligently to identify better / faster solutions. When I am re-elected, I will continue working on this problem with several new initiatives that I plan to put before the BOMA. My initiatives would speed up the current timetable for this project and others as well.

I will be asking for assistance from area residents since your voices must be heard in support of my plans and efforts to “overhaul” the process. The timing is right for these new initiatives. I plan to challenge the current process and work with our administration to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses these road projects from an “integrated perspective” rather than the current “piecemeal” approach. If these changes are incorporated into the process, we should be able to reap the benefits by completing road projects in a faster, more effective manner.

Jordan Road

The intersection of Jordan Road and Liberty Pike has numerous problems and there are no easy answers. I have worked with the traffic engineer and streets department to institute a number of “fixes” to help alleviate the access problem vehicles have in getting from Jordan onto Liberty Pike. The latest effort will be to extend the left turn lane on Liberty and erect additional “Do not block intersection” signs on both sides of the road and to add this same text lettering on the road as the vehicles approach the intersection of Jordan. I know this is not going to be the best “long term” solution, so I requested funding for a study of this intersection in the 2009-2010 Budget. Based on the study results, the BOMA will need to move forward with a more workable solution. Access to Mack Hatcher from Jordan Rd. was considered when Mack Hatcher was built, but it was opposed by the residents at that time. A “right-in” and “right-out” is one alternative that could be submitted to TDOT for consideration, but first we need to wait for the study results since the recommendations should carry significant weight with TDOT.

Clovercroft and Oxford Glen Dr

A few years ago county and city residents along Oxford Glen requested that I, and County Commissioner, Jason Para, address this dangerous intersection. Upon meeting with the residents, I asked the City to conduct a traffic study and compile the accident reports. Based on 13 crashes in the past five years (four involving injuries), I requested that flashing lights be placed at the two stop signs along Oxford Glen. Since that time we have not had any accidents. Because three of the four legs to this intersection are in the county, Jason Para tasked the County to complete a full traffic study. The county will be addressing this hazard by reducing the speed limit in the area and possibly adding a light and / or eliminating a hill that impedes the sight distance along Clovercroft. Working along with our County Commissioner is critical when we encounter issues that affect both city and county residents.

Corridor and Connector Program (aka “Streetscape”) for Central Franklin

Up-Date:

The Corridor and Connector Program (“Streetscape”) for Columbia Ave. was estimated to cost between $4 - $5 M dollars. The actual bid came back at a low $2.6 M to the shock of everyone. In addition, the City has applied for money through Build America Bonds (BAB). If we are awarded the BAB (which is very likely), we may be able to reduce the cost of the entire project by another $1M dollars. Let’s be clear. At no future time will the City be able to complete the infrastructure and enhancements for less. This is certainly the right time and a wise investment for the future.

While we move other road infrastructure projects ahead (McEwen Drive, Mack Hatcher) we must not put all our eggs in one basket. We must make sure we are investing wisely and moving ahead with projects that will spur economic development and increase City revenues. I am convinced that the Columbia project is a smart investment for future growth which will bring additional revenues to our city. This view is also shared by a majority of residents in Ward 1. I have communicated with Ward 1 residents through many emails, phones calls received, HOA meetings, community functions I have attended, as well as city meetings. The majority of Ward 1 residents have responded with a positive, “Yes, move ahead on Columbia Ave.”

Important Background Information:
The street corridors coming into Downtown Franklin have been in need of infrastructure work and up-dating for many, many years. These areas are some of the oldest sections in Franklin, dating back to the Civil War.

In 1989, Franklin visionaries approved a Corridor and Connector {Streetscape} Program for Main Street. This project revitalized the downtown and in a few short years, people and businesses started to invest in property along Main Street. We now have a vibrant downtown today because of that effort by the city leaders, the non-profits, businesses and people in Franklin.

Here are some very interesting stats from a 1995 economic survey which demonstrates what that program has meant to Franklin. The survey shows that the downtown gained because of what the City Government did by improving infrastructure and adding in some enhancements:
$50M in investments, plus A 28% increase in new businesses producing approximately 400 new jobs It is clear that after the “Streetscape” project, our city saw new business start-ups, re-investment, jobs, additional sales and property taxes, and all-around increased revenues for the city. We now have a healthy, thriving downtown. Of course it is always a delicate balance and it is in everyone’s best interest to promote continued growth, especially during stressful economic conditions like we are now facing.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen have studied other thriving, historic communities in order to identify key factors that have influenced sustained development. Many of these communities have been supported by local government investment partnerships that have set the stage to spur and encourage development by private enterprise. Local governments have a responsibility to provide positive incentives that encourage citizens, businesses and the private sector to invest in re-development as well as new projects that will continue to build our economic base.

Franklin has again considered the Corridor and Connector {Streetscape} program and BOMA has currently committed to a long term 20-year program to re-invest in the oldest part of town with infrastructure (roads, sewer, traffic signalization, curbs, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping) and enhancements. Franklin will once again make an investment to be a spring board for re-development, and spur private enterprise to invest in Franklin.

The core of Franklin is extremely important to all the citizens as it is the diamond that sets us apart from any town USA. It is the engine that helps set the stage for our historic landmarks and our tourism, bringing hundreds of millions of dollars per year into our city and county economy. (2008’s figures are just shy of $300 Million dollars. Tourism helps keep our taxes low and our services high. If we lost our tourism dollars today, we would be raising property taxes tomorrow.

Here are a few quick facts that show the projected impact of our investment dollars. Currently, we are projected to spend approximately $100M over 20 years. We will be applying for Build America Bonds and Grants to help assist in those costs. The following figures show the benefit of these investment dollars and are based on the average benefits derived from completed programs in other cities:
Annual revenues of approximately $178M which means more jobs and a much stronger economic base Annual sales tax revenues of $2M - $4M + additional property taxes In 2007, tourism created more than $5M in county tax revenue. A significant portion of the tourist dollars were spent in Franklin (80% named Franklin as the top attraction). While the following articles indicate that Franklin has considerable drawing power, it is incumbent that we continue to build the Franklin brand in order to attract even more tourism dollars to our wonderful city. Projects like Streetscape are wise investments that will yield dividends (from re-development and re-investments in the area, new businesses, new jobs, additional revenues for the city through property values increases once re-development takes place, and increase in revenues from tourism and sales tax dollars) for many, many years to come.

Water Issues

Update - this just in!

Good News about our Reservoir Repair:
BOMA just voted on September 14, 2009 to accept the ARRA/State Revolving Loan Fund for our participation in the $2.5 million raw water reservoir repair project. This will provide loan forgiveness of approximately $1 million and low-loan interest financing for the project.
A lot is going on with water and sewer issues here in Franklin. Citizens wonder why the BOMA has not been moving faster on these problems. It seems that we have been talking water issues for years. It is true, we have. But these issues are very complex and need much research and thought. Three and four years ago we were headed in one direction, but we did not have a well designed, comprehensive plan. In Oct. 2007 new members were elected to the BOMA along with a new Mayor. Then, in January of 2008 our City Administration experienced some major changes, which is not that unusual when there is a change of leadership. Once the new board got their “feet wet,” the water issues were brought to the forefront for serious discussion. Much happened and some decisions were made, but we still realized that we did not have a strategic plan to deal with our water issues. The Mayor, along with the Aldermen knew that these water issues, {drinking water, sewer treatment plants and water re-use} needed to be discussed as a whole and not piecemeal.

After much study, research and discussion, BOMA asked for a Regional Integrated Water Resource Plan. To bring you up-to-date, the City has just finished conducting interviews with the three short-listed consultant teams who submitted RFP’s for a Regional Integrated Water Resource Plan for Franklin. The BOMA will be reviewing those interviews and will select a company to construct an Integrated Water Resource Plan for Franklin. This plan will address: drinking water, drinking water plant, sewer, sewer treatment plant (s) and water re-use for our immediate and long term needs as a community. Please note: The presentations and Q/A session with the three consultants were video recorded. You may request a DVD of the presentations by calling the city of Franklin at 615.791.3217.

Other up-dates:

In March, BOMA approved moving forward with the repair of the reservoir. The city plans to move forward with the repair by late October or as soon as the reservoir levels go down, whichever comes first. The project was also added to the water capital program.
GOOD NEWS: We have applied for and should be receiving $1M.
In addition, 60+ system improvement projects are being worked on. We have approximately five projects that may get funded by ARRA (stimulus) funds through the State Revolving Fund. In addition, a two-year budget, along with a five-year outlook has been developed, and a “cost of service study” has been completed for the five projects. Finally, the water budget for 09 – 10 will be presented to the budget and finance committee in July ’09.

Solid Waste

We are very fortunate to have a well-run Solid Waste Department with a competent staff that serve the people of Franklin day in and day out. Yes, the monthly garbage fees have increase from $9 to $12 during the City’s 2009-2010 budget process with BOMA voting 7-0 for the increase. However, keep in mind that the real cost to the city is between $18 and $20 per household per month. This has been the third consecutive year garbage fees have increased and the cost deficit continues to be taken out of the general operating budget.

Covering the true cost of collecting residential garbage is an ever present issue. If the city chose not to fund a Solid Waste department, each household in the city would need to contract with a private company for garbage and trash removal. Other locals use the contract approach and their residents pay many times our city’s current “true cost” of $18-$20. If we are to continue to offer this service, residents should expect additional cost increases until fees actually cover the “true cost” of garbage collection. If residents prefer to have property taxes raised to cover such costs, or they want to contract with private companies, then they should speak with me and the other Alderman and make their views known.

Recycling

In past city-wide surveys, citizens have expressed interest in having a recycling program. But, yet, citizens tell us that they are not willing to bear the cost of such a program. This situation presents a dilemma on how to proceed with this need. The new sustainability commission is addressing recycling along with other pertinent issues. This winter, our city is partnering with the county to add an additional recycling location near Liberty Park near Turning Wheel Lane, making it more convenient for residents in Ward 1, east of I65 to participate in recycling. I will keep you updated as we hear more from the sustainability commission on future efforts to address “curb-side” pickup.

The Budget

The 2008-2009 City Budget was $59M. During our mid-year review, City Administrator, Eric Stuckey, requested that each city department recommend cuts so we could adjust /reduce our budget by $2M. City staff and the department heads came back with budget reductions totaling $2.5M. Not one current employee lost their job during this reduction. Based on this year’s economic downturn, the BOMA, along with the City Administration and Finance Director also worked diligently to identify reductions in expenditures for the next year’s budget. I am proud to tell you that through everyone’s diligent efforts, a reduced budget of $54M was presented to BOMA for the 2009-2010 operating year.

During the 2009-2010 budget approval process, aldermen voted to keep the city property taxes unchanged at a rate of 43 cents per $100 of assessed value. The Board also approved the following allocation: of the 43-cent tax rate, 11.4 cents will be dedicated to paying off the city’s debt service while the remaining 32 cents will be used to cover the city’s operating budget.

Finally, Property Taxes: Since the tax rate has not changed for the 2009-2010 budget year I could easily not address this subject, but that would not fair or honest to those I serve. I want to confirm that I do not intend to support any increase in property taxes now or in the near future, especially during the current recession. With that said keep in mind that Franklin has not raised property taxes in over 20 years. I am sure there will be a time when it may be appropriate to add a few cents to our rate, but please know that I will exhaust every other resource and means to keep from raising our tax rate.