Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory
Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory – Vol. 7, No. 7 – Friday, February 14, 2014
1. City Council Notes Changes in Workshop Dates
2. Reserve Your Seat at the Neighborhood Networking & Awards Luncheon
3. City Faces ‘Tough Decision’ on 2014-2015 Budget
4. League to Highlight History of Struggle for Voting Rights
5. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Published by the City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhoods to report news important to Knoxville’s residential neighborhoods.
1. City Council Notes Changes in Workshop Dates
A combination of factors, including the weather, has altered the dates for several upcoming City Council workshops.
First, a workshop scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13, was cancelled due to uncertainty over road conditions. This workshop — which will cover two topics (economic development activities in the Innovation Valley and “complete streets”) — will be rescheduled.
Second, a workshop on the city’s proposed new homelessness plan, originally set for February 27, is now scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Finally, a workshop on the concept of pocket neighborhoods, which had been scheduled for March 13, is now to be held on Thursday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m.
More about all of these topics later. City Council workshops typically are held in the City County Building, either in the Large Assembly Room or Small Assembly Room. Free parking is available behind the CCB after 5 p.m.
2. Reserve Your Seat at the Neighborhood Networking & Awards Luncheon
Are you an officer, committee chair or member of a neighborhood organization in Knoxville? Someone who is interested in neighborhood improvement and would like to learn more?
Is your group an HOA? A tenant association? A neighborhood watch group? A neighborhood association? Not yet organized?
Is your neighborhood off Chapman Highway? Middlebrook Pike? Broadway? Kingston Pike? Magnolia?
No matter whom you are… No matter where you live in the city… No matter what role you play in your neighborhood organization or your neighborhood… if you care about the quality of life in your neighborhood, you will find good reason to attend the City of Knoxville’s Neighborhood Awards & Networking Luncheonon Saturday, March 8, at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Visit http://www.planetReg.com/
This is a great opportunity to meet neighborhood advocates all across the city, compare notes, find out what works and doesn’t work in other neighborhoods, and make connections that can help your neighborhood down the road. In short, use this event to recharge your neighborhood involvement batteries!
Be sure to bring your business cards to this event — you will need them. If you don’t have business cards, make your own on 3×5 cards. If you can’t make your own, the Office of Neighborhoods will provide blank cards when you check in.
Here’s what the day will look like:
10 a.m.-Noon: Check-in
Pick up your name tag, gather city brochures and other information.
10 a.m.-11 a.m.: Morning Reception
Enjoy fruit juice, coffee and tea as you meet and greet other neighborhood activists, city staff, members of Knoxville City Council, and other elected officials.
11 a.m.-Noon: Small Group Discussion
Participate with others in a guided discussion to share ideas on positive projects to strengthen your neighborhood and build a strong sense of community.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.: Awards Luncheon
Enjoy a free box lunch and lively conversation, and then celebrate with Mayor Madeline Rogero as she presides over the presentation of Neighborhood Achievement Awards and the Diana Conn Good Neighbor of the Year Award.
We will conclude with some inspiring and ear-boggling entertainment.
3. City Faces ‘Tough Decision’ on 2014-2015 Budget
Steep fixed-cost increases projected for the 2014-2015 fiscal year led Mayor Madeline Rogero and her staff to lay out some “tough decisions” at a recent City Council budget retreat.
City officials detailed the City’s most recent accomplishments and proposed some strategic short-term investments aimed at protecting City infrastructure and leveraging private-sector partnerships in a way that will continue to grow the city’s revenue base.
However, costs for the City’s unfunded pension liability are projected to rise by $7.8 million next year – prompting the Mayor to tell Council members that she’s preparing two budget scenarios for 2014-15: One budget with 6 percent cuts, and another one that would maintain the city’s recent momentum.
“There will be a lot of tough decisions,” the mayor said, “weighing the citizens’ desire for City services, the need to continue to leverage private investment, and our legal obligations to pay the unfunded pension liability. We’ll be looking at all of our options.”
Finance Director Jim York said next year’s fixed increased costs will total about $11 million — $7.8 million more for pension fund debt, $2.2 million for cost-of-living salary adjustments, and about $1 million more in health care costs.
The City contributed $16 million to pensions this year; and that amount is projected to rise to $23.8 million next year.
Mayor Rogero in 2012 pushed for Council- and voter-approved reforms of the existing City pension system, which will save taxpayers millions of dollars in pension benefits for future City workers. But the City remains obligated for existing liabilities under the previous pension plan.
See http://www.cityofknoxville.
4. League to Highlight History of Struggle for Voting Rights
The League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County has announced a new initiative, “Lest We Forget,” an effort to highlight and continue a long tradition of education and advocacy around the right to vote and encouragement to participate in the democratic process at all levels of government.
On Saturday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m. at Pellissippi State Community College, the League will screen the film “The People Speak,” which records the history of many groups, races, religions and political parties who fought for the right to vote.
In addition to the film, there will be a panel discussion, a reception, and an awards presentation for the winners of a contest to write the best essays on current events related to voting and participation in the democratic process.
High school and college students, as well as community members of all ages, are urged to submit essays. Awards will be presented, and all essays will be compiled into a book and presented to the East Tennessee History Center and the Beck Cultural Center. The essay deadline is Feb. 21. For details, contact Vivian Shipe at [email protected] or 617-8353.
5. Neighborhood and Government Calendar
Include your neighborhood-related event or meeting in this space. Call 215-3232.
All government meetings will be held in either the Large or Small Assembly Room unless otherwise noted. For a complete list of meetings of various city boards and commissions, visit http://www.
Also see: Community Events Calendar: http://www.cityofknoxville.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to attend a public meeting, please contact Stephanie Brewer Cook at 215-2034 or [email protected] n
than 48 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend.
Saturday, February 15 — 10 a.m.
South Haven Neighborhood Association (Third Saturdays)
Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1615 Price Ave.
Pat Harmon, 591-3958
Monday, February 17 — 7 p.m.
Alice Bell Spring Hill Neighborhood Association
(Third Mondays except June, July, December)
All are welcome to attend.
Ronnie Collins, 637-9630
Monday, February 17 — 7 p.m.
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization
Board Meeting (Third Mondays except January)
Contact Judith Neff for Location
Judith Neff, [email protected], 567-7980
Tuesday, February 18 — 5 p.m.
Knox County Board of Education – Work Session *Rescheduled from February 17
(Monday before the regular meeting and third Mondays, except holidays or holiday weeks)
First Floor Board Room, Andrew Johnson Building, 912 South Gay St.
For agenda, work sessions, and other items:
Visit http://knoxschools.org. Click on “Board of Education.”
Tuesday, February 18 — 6 p.m.
Delrose Drive Neighborhood Watch (Third Tuesdays)
Riverview Baptist Church, 3618 Delrose Drive
Corina and John Buffalow, 523-0102
Tuesday, February 18 — 6:30 p.m.
Lonsdale United for Change (Third Tuesdays)
Lonsdale Recreation Center, Stonewall Ave.
Steve Ritter, 973-0877
Tuesday, February 18 — 7 p.m.
Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association (Third Tuesdays, except December)
Speaker: Ethiel Garlington, Director of Preservation Field Services, East Tennessee Preservation Alliance
Larry Cox Senior Center, 3109 Ocoee Trail
Tuesday, February 18 — 7 p.m.
City Council (Every Other Tuesday)
http://www.cityofknoxville.
Agenda: http://www.cityofknoxville.
Thursday, February 20 — 8:30 a.m.
Historic Zoning Commission (Third Thursdays)
http://www.cityofknoxville.
Thursday, February 20 — 12 p.m.
KUB Board of Commissioners (Third Thursdays, except July)
Historic Miller’s Building, 445 S. Gay St.
See www.kub.org. Click on “About Us” at top of the page.
Thursday, February 20 — 4 p.m.
City Board of Zoning Appeals (Third Thursdays)
Small Assembly Room
Pre-Agenda Meeting: 3 p.m. in Room 511
http://www.cityofknoxville.
Thursday, February 20 — 6 p.m.
MPC Public Meeting
Review of Preliminary Proposals for Updating Knoxville’s
One Year Plan for the West and Northwest Sectors
See www.knoxmpc.org …“Plans and Studies” … “Sector Plans.”
Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church, Rm. 31, 7234 Middlebrook Pike.
Mike Brusseau, 215-2500 or [email protected]
Thursday, February 20 — 6:30 p.m.
Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association
Monthly Meeting (Third Thursdays)
Community Club House, 916 Shamrock Avenue at Henagar St.
Saturday, February 22 — 1 p.m.
Burlington Homeowners & Residents Association
Burlington Library, Asheville Highway
Next Meeting: March 22
Kimberley Fowler, [email protected], 524-7094
Monday, February 24 — 1:45 p.m. (zoning at 5 p.m.)
Knox County Commission
(Fourth Mondays, Jan.-Oct. Third Mondays, Nov.-Dec.)
Agenda: Click on “Commission Agendas”
Public Forum held at beginning & ending of meeting
Zoning Issues heard starting at 5 p.m.
Monday, February 24 — 5:30 p.m.
Downtown Residents Board Meeting
Central Business Improvement District
Knoxville Chamber offices, 17 Market Square
Michele Hummel, 246-2654
Monday, February 24 — 5:30 p.m.
Pembroke Condominium Association (Last Mondays, except May and December)
Lobby of Pembroke, 508 Union Ave.
Jessie Brown, 525-6500
Tuesday, February 25 — 6 p.m.
Inskip Community Association (Asociación de la Comunidad de Inskip)
Community Meeting (Fourth Tuesdays)
Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Rd.
Betty Jo Mahan, 679-2748, [email protected]
Tuesday, February 25 — 6 p.m.
MPC Public Meeting
Review of Preliminary Proposals for Updating Knoxville’s
One Year Plan for the South Sector
See www.knoxmpc.org …“Plans and Studies ”… “Sector Plans.”
Community Room, Flenniken Landing, 115 Flenniken Avenue.
Mike Brusseau, 215-2500 or [email protected]
Tuesday, February 25 — 6:30 p.m.
Chilhowee Park Neighborhood Association (Last Tuesdays)
Administration Building, Knoxville Zoo
Paul Ruff, 696-6584
Thursday, February 27 — 9 a.m.
Special Events Community Meeting (Fourth Thursdays, Jan.-Oct.)
“Meet with city services that may assist in planning your event.”
Civic Coliseum Ballroom, Third Floor
Free Parking available at Civic Coliseum Parking Garage
Office of Special Events, 215-4248
Thursday, February 27 — 3:30 p.m.
Better Building Board
(Last Thursday, Jan.-Oct. First Thursday, Dec.)
Small Assembly Room, City-County Building
http://www.cityofknoxville.
Friday, February 28 — 9:30 a.m.
Public Officer Hearing – Neighborhood Codes Enforcement
(Usually held on the Friday following Better Building Board meetings)
The PO considers action on violations of city’s building codes.
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Saturday, March 1 — 1:30 p.m.
“The People Speak”
Howard Zinn film on history of efforts to secure voting rights
Panel Discussion, Reception, and Awards Presentation
(Awards for essays on current issues about voting and citizen involvement)
League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County
Pellissippi State Community College, Hardin Valley Road
Vivian Shipe, [email protected], 617-8353
Monday, March 3 — 5 p.m.
Knox County Board of Education – Work Session
(Monday before the regular meeting and the third Mondays, except holidays or holiday weeks)
First Floor Board Room, Andrew Johnson Building, 912 South Gay St.
For agenda, work sessions, and other items:
Visit http://knoxschools.org. Click on “Board of Education.”
Monday, March 3 — 5:30 p.m.
Council of Involved Neighborhoods (COIN)
(First Mondays, except holidays)
CAC/L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Ave.
Dave Gartner, 862-2066
Monday, March 3 — 7 p.m.
Cedar Heights Residents Association (First Mondays)
5316 Cedar Heights Rd.
[email protected] or 765-1047
Tuesday, March 4 — 5 p.m.
Dandridge Avenue Neighborhood Watch (First Tuesdays)
Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave.
Lawrence Washington, 524-4498
Tuesday, March 4 — 6:30 p.m.
Parkridge Community Organization (First Tuesdays)
Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine St.
Jerry Caldwell, 329-9943
Tuesday, March 4 — 7 p.m.
Mechanicsville Community Association (First Tuesdays)
Fairview Recreation Center, 1628 Dora St.
Charles Wright, 637-1802
Wednesday, March 5 — 5 p.m.
Knox County Board of Education (First Wednesdays, except holiday weeks)
Large Assembly Room, City County Building
For agenda, work sessions, and other items:
Visit http://knoxschools.org/. Click on “Board of Education”
Thursday, March 6 — 8:30 a.m.
City Tree Board (First Thursdays)
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Avenue
www.cityofknoxville.org/
David Vandergriff, Tree Board Chair, [email protected]
Thursday, March 6 — 4 p.m.
Montgomery Village Resident Association (First Thursdays)
4600 Joe Lewis Rd. #175
Tonja Warren, 577-5555
Saturday, March 8 — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Neighborhood Awards & Networking Luncheon
For All City Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Organizations
Office of Neighborhoods
David Massey, 215-3232, [email protected]
Monday, March 10 — 7 p.m.
Town Hall East
(Second Mondays in September, November, January, March and May)
Fellowship Hall, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 409 Asheville Highway
Mac Goodwin, 524-9954
Monday, March 10 — 3 p.m.
Northgate Resident Association (Second Mondays)
Social Hall, 4301 Whittle Springs Rd.
David Wildsmith, 219-0417
Monday, March 10 — 5-6 p.m.
Michael Meadowview Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
CAC East Neighborhood Center, 4200 Asheville Hwy.
Marian Bailey, 525-5625
Monday, March 10 — 6 p.m.
Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch (Second Mondays)
Magnolia Avenue Methodist Church, 2700 Magnolia Avenue (Harrison St. Entrance)
Terrell Patrick, 525-4833
Monday, March 10 — 6 p.m.
Lyons View Community Club (Second Mondays)
Lyons View Community Center, 114 Sprankle Ave.
Mary Brewster, 454-2390
Monday, March 10 — 6 p.m.
Vestal Community Organization (Second Mondays)
South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Old Maryville Pike
Newman Seay, 577-4593
Monday, March 10 — 6:30 p.m.
Old North Knoxville (Second Mondays)
St. James Episcopal, Parish Hall, 1101 N. Broadway
Lauren Rider, 964-3905
Monday, March 10 — 6:30 p.m.
Community Potluck
Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood Organization (Second Mondays)
Central United Methodist Church, 210 Third Ave.
Judith Neff, 567-7980
Monday, March 10 — 7 p.m.
Belle Morris Community Action Group (Second Mondays)
City View Baptist Church, 2311 Fine Ave.
Rick Wilen, 524-5008
Monday, March 10 — 7-8 p.m.
A Knox County Health Department presentation
Fountain City Town Hall (Second Mondays, September-April)
Church of the Good Shepherd, 5337 Jacksboro Pike
Ken Cloninger, 688-6257, [email protected]
Tuesday, March 11 — 11:45 a.m.
Agenda Review, Metropolitan Planning Commission
(Tuesday before MPC’s monthly meeting)
Small Assembly Room, City County Building
Tuesday, March 11 — 2 p.m.
Western Heights Resident Association (Second Tuesdays)
Building to the right of the mail boxes when you enter Western Heights
Jamesena Nolan, 237-5558
Tuesday, March 11 — 6 p.m.
Brown Avenue Neighborhood Watch (Second Tuesdays)
Hoitt Avenue Baptist Church, 2121 Hoitt Ave.
Jimmy Ramsey, 637-0243
Tuesday, March 11 — 7 p.m.
Mechanicsville Neighborhood Watch Association (Second Tuesdays)
Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, College St.
R. Bentley Marlow, 607-4357
Wednesday, March 12 — 11:30 a.m.
Community Forum (Second Wednesdays)
West Knoxville Library, 100 Golf Club Rd. Kingston Pike
Sue Mauer, 690-0269
Wednesday, March 12 — 1 p.m.
100 Block Association (Second Wednesdays)
Dewhirst Properties, 123 S. Gay St.
Jody Freeman, 525-1554
Wednesday, March 12 — 4:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Advisory Council, City of Knoxville
(Every Second Wednesday, except July and December)
CAC / L.T. Ross Building, 2247 Western Avenue
http://www.cityofknoxville.
David Massey, 215-3232
Thursday, March 13 — 1:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Planning Commission (Second Thursdays)
Agenda: http://agenda.knoxmpc.org
Thursday, March 13 — 5:30 p.m.
City Council Workshop
Knoxville City Council Workshop
Topic: Proposed Homelessness Plan
Main (Large) Assembly Room, City-County Building
Thursday, March 13 — 6 p.m.
Lonsdale Homes Resident Association (Second Thursdays)
Community Building, 1956 Goins Dr.
Phyllis Patrick, 323-7224
Thursday, March 13 — 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Greenwood Heights Neighborhood Watch (Second Thursdays)
Corner of Buttercup Circle and Sundrop Dr.
Alice Wershing at [email protected]
Thursday, March 13 — 5:30 p.m.
Knoxville City Council Workshop
Topic: Proposed Homelessness Plan
Main (Large) Assembly Room, City-County Building
Friday, March 14 — 6 p.m.
Beaumont Community Organization (Second Fridays)
Community Room, Solid Waste Transfer Station, 1033 Elm St.
Natasha Murphy, 936-0139
Monday, March 17 — 7 p.m.
West Hills Community Association (Third Mondays)
Executive Committee: Jan., March, April, July, Aug., Sept., Nov., Dec.
General Meeting: February, May and October
First Church of the Nazarene, 538 Vanosdale Rd.
Ashley Williams, 313-0282
Monday, March 24 — 7-8:30 p.m.
South Woodlawn Neighborhood Association
Bi-Monthly Meeting (Fourth Mondays, odd months, except holidays)
Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike
Janice Tocher, 686-6789
Saturday, March 29 — 9 a.m. until last person is heard
“Coffee with the Councilman”
(Last Saturday of Each Quarter)
Vice Mayor and First District City Council Member Nick Pavlis
Bring your concerns or stop by to chat; open to all city residents.
Roundup Restaurant, 3643 Sevierville Pike
Nick Pavlis, 454-7216
Monday, April 7 — 6:30 p.m.
Wesley Neighbors Community Association
(First Mondays, even-numbered months)
Bearden Branch Library, 100 Golf Club Rd.
Donnie Ernst, 207-9355
Thursday, April 10 — 5:30 p.m.
Knoxville City Council Workshop
Topic: Pocket Neighborhoods
Small Assembly Room, City-County Building
** This Advisory is produced on most Fridays of the year.
** Ideas and contributions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
** May be copied and forwarded via neighborhood e-mail lists and newsletters.
** See past issues at our Website: www.cityofknoxville.org/
** Don’t have Internet access? Call 215-3232 if you need a copy of a particular document.