January Meeting Recap!
As often as I can, I will summarize the neighborhood meetings for those of you who missed it. But here’s the catch-I am not going to do a great job. Why you ask? Simple. I want you to attend the meetings, of course!
But seriously, I know many of you have unavoidable conflicts. Tuesday nights are hard. I hope this summary finds you well and helps keep you connected to the neighborhood. Be sure to email us with any questions : historiclmna@gmail.com.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Julie Townsend welcomed neighbors and introduced the 2016 LMNA board members. Julie touched briefly on each board member’s area of concentration. Information about each in more detail will be shared via email and on the web site in the weeks to come.
Our special guest for the meeting was Gene Ginn, Manager of Solid Waste for the City of Lakeland. Mr. Ginn is visiting neighborhoods with alleys to get input on changes he’d like to make that will better serve the customers and provide cost savings for the department. Also attending from the city were Interim Deputy City Manager, Brad Johnson and Interim Public Works Director, Greg James.
Mr. Ginn explained the current alley services and the proposed changes. In short, for those currently receiving alley collection, the proposal is for alley collection of recycling, trash and yard trash over a 2 day period – Thursday, Friday. Yes, you heard that right. The proposal is for recycling to return to the alley for those receiving alley pick up services. Bulk items like furniture and appliances would be picked up on-demand and curbside (on the street). Those alleys where service was discontinued years ago, will continue street curbside services.
You can view Mr. Ginn’s presentation here. Those in attendance were very receptive to the proposed changes. If approved by city commission, the changes would take effect in the Fall. More information will come back to the neighborhood through mailings and other printed education materials prior to implementation.
LPD reminded us to lock our cars and be aware of scams. One resident shared a story so neighbors could be aware:
“I have Monotronics Security and they had to come in and upgrade my system. Yesterday a gentleman with an ID saying “Guardian” aproached my home and said that Monotronics was suppose to upgrade their systems. I replied mine has already been completed. He said OK and started to leave. I said, “That’s all you wanted to know?” He replied. “Yes.” I immediately called Monotronics. They said he wasn’t with the company and connected me with their security depaartment. They were going to look into it and suspect that it was another security company aware of Monotronics updates and checking Monotronics customers because of yard signs, but for what reason they didn’t know. “
Emily Foster, the city’s Historic Preservation Planner and Lake Morton resident, shared some projects happening in our neighborhood that will come before the Historic Preservation Board.
Alice Collins updated the group about the Historic Home & Garden Tour scheduled for Saturday, March 5th. We have some amazing homes this year (as always) and some with a unique twist. This year we will feature a “before restoration” home and then feature that same house again next year when the project is complete. We think our guests would love to see what a house looks like before work is done and be excited to return next year for the results. Alice is still recruiting volunteers to help at tour registration and at the homes as docents. The tour itself is great fun, but as a volunteer you get to see all the houses the night before at the pre-party AND celebrate the tour’s success at the after party. You won’t want to miss the parties, so be sure to volunteer, be a sponsor, or show your home on the tour! You can use the email above to contact Alice.
Julie wrapped up the meeting by updating the group about Swan City Cycles, Lakeland’s bikeshare program that launched this year. LMNA is a one of the sponsors, so Julie brought a bike to the meeting to show it off and answer questions. You can still register for your FREE ride at zagster.com/lakeland. Just sign up as an hourly user and use the promo code SWANCITY. There are two stations in the neighborhood – one at Florida Southern next to the Rogers Building and one at Polk Museum of Art.
Submitted by Julie Townsend
