Crime Alert in Woodland Park

I just got this information off of the Memphis Police Department's Cyber Watch Alert. There was a Residential Burglary at 9800 Woodland Bend (Addresses are rounded off to the nearest 100.) The report was taken on 11/11 at 12:00 A.M. The report didn't give any details as to what was taken. If any of you have any information concerning this, please let me know so I can pass the information on to residents.

I also got this report from COLA (Coalition of Lakeland Associations)

A neighbor phoned today...

While she was home around 12:45 pm 3 black men driving a teal green
ford Taurus attempted to break in. Apparently they pulled right into
her driveway and one of the gentleman went to the front door and rang
the door bell.
The owner did not answer and the man believing no one was home
signaled to two others in the car. The men proceeded to go around the
side of her house and knock and look into the windows. When they still
did not spot her and thought the house was empty they proceeded to go
to the back of the house and try and enter her second floor via the
staircase leading to the balcony. Once up there they spotted the owner
on the phone and booked. The cops were called and responded. Please
keep your eyes open. Things could of ended up much worse.

Be on the look out for a Teal Green Ford Taurus and report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Department 379-7625.

Marilyn Piccatto

Neighborhood Watch Coordinator

Sana Meeting November 13th 5:30

To All:

We will be having a Stonebridge Area Neighborhood Association Meeting-
Announcement: The City of Lakeland Planning Dept. is inviting Lakeland residents in the south part of Lakeland to a neighborhood meeting to discuss new land development regulations that have been in progress since 2007. The south area is considered to be the area south of I-40 to Hwy 64, from Chambers Chapel Road to and including Stonebridge. The City will be inviting as many neighborhoods from this area as possible to the meeting, at the Stonebridge Clubhouse, on Nov. 13, at 5:30. The new land development regulations could be adopted in 2009. They would combine and replace several regulations which control development in the City, and also may affect existing lots. For instance, zoning, subdivisions, tree management, landscaping, architectural, fences, etc. have been regulated, and will continue to be in the future, as amended with these new regulations. Some new regulations would be introduced. Rezoning of property could be an implementation step in this project, in 2009. Information about some of the activities of this project over the last eighteen months is posted on the City website at: http://www.lakelandtn.gov/government/plan-projects.htm More will be posted as drafts of new units of the regulations become available, or other related information is developed. There will be other types of public meetings at City Hall in 2008 and 2009 before the adoption of any new regulations could occur. But, the format of this meeting is unique, so we strongly encourage your attendance. Directions to the Stonebridge Clubhouse: Take Davies Plantation North from Hwy 64 turn left into Stonebridge

Lakeland PTA Information

Lakeland Elementary School PTA would like to cordially invite you to an adults only "Enchanted Evening", October 17th to be held @ historic Hillwood on the Davies Plantation. The evening will include a delectable Italian dinner, delicious desserts, live piano music for your dining pleasure and a live auction! Follow this link to find out more and purchase your tickets: http://www.lakelandpta.com/currentnews.html

Neighborhood Watchers

Neighborhood Watchers,
Well, our Citywatch article "VSS: Shoot First, Ask Questions Later" (copied below) spurred a few other articles in media outlets in recent weeks. Click on the links below to review two TV news stories produced by Tealy Devereaux of Fox 13 and the third by David Healy of the Commercial Appeal:
"Homeowner Fights Crime with Cameras"http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=A3686928446BAA3FAD54DB09EAE5A054?contentId=7304136&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
"Wi-Fi Helps Protect Lakeland"http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=D521503E8781935FAEFBC1C9CF9162AD?contentId=7423035&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

"Cameras Keeping an Eye on Neighborhoods"http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/aug/24/keeping-an-eye-on-02/
Also of interest in today's (9/18/08) paper:http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/18/mpd-device-will-scan-cars-plates/
From 9/16/08: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/16/cops-look-to-widen-video-eye-on-crime/
More on the Wi-Fi Access in Lakeland:http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/sep/14/lakeland-park-goers-gain-internet-access/
A few questions for you:
1. How important is crime and safety to you as a resident of Lakeland?
2. What should the City of Lakeland be doing to protect our community from crime?
3. How much would you be willing to invest (if at all) in video surveillance of your property?
I'm interested in your answers. Please feel free to post them back to the message board (by replying to the entire group). Let's get some healthy discussion going here, shall we?
-Brian

Citywatch Article for COLASubmitted 7/25/08 VSS: Shoot First, Ask Questions LaterBy Brian S. Haines Have you ever seen the photo of the post-Katrina ad-hoc neighborhood watch group bearing the spray-painted slogan “Drunks with guns – U Loot, We Shoot”? In it 13 men casually pose sporting derisive “Go ahead, make my day” expressions as they brandish their varied high-powered armaments. With their residences in the background, they send the message to would-be criminals that reckless (and possibly intoxicated) vigilante neighbors would take delight in framing criminals in their sites in order to protect their families. While I respect our right to bear arms (and salute the courage of the 10-year-old girl who recently attacked the armed assailant holding her mother at gunpoint in their Cordova garage) I am not advocating militant neighborhood watch efforts. No, the shooting I am talking about is with cameras.
For the past several years, I have been researching video surveillance systems (VSS’s) and ways to implement them in the context of making our neighborhoods and city more safe and secure. I have had many lively discussions with neighbors both for and against the implementation of a VSS in Woodbridge and in the city limits of Lakeland. Furthermore, I installed a VSS in my home and have subsequently solved several mysteries through collaboration with neighbors and law enforcement. In addition, we have been able to not only provide physical descriptions of criminals but actual photos of their vehicles. In one valiant day for Woodbridge neighborhood watchers, we worked together to lead to two arrests in our area while equipping the “jump drives” of Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies with the data to help them pursue a third. If you are interested in the pros and cons of making our neighborhoods more safe with VSS technology, join in on the discussion through our Online Message Board here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lakelandcola/ Alternately, sign up by searching for the “LakelandCOLA” group on Yahoo.com or by sending me an e-mail at BHaines@mac.com.Please remember that we are participating in National Night Out on Tuesday, October 7th this year in order to save the heat for the criminals. For more information on NNO, visit here: http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/Start a Neighborhood Watch Group--Together, we outnumber the criminals!

From the Commerical Appeal.... more to come.

Lakeland nixes golf course plan
Votes against forming committee, cites need for more detailed proposal
By David Healy
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Lakeland's idea to buy Stonebridge Golf Course just got shanked in the deep rough.
Lakeland commissioners voted 3-2 on Thursday against forming a committee to purchase the golf course.
Those in favor of buying the course -- part of the city's golf course committee -- were instructed to come back to the commission with a more detailed plan. Commissioners wanted to know how the city would operate the course and how the committee members knew the course would not be a financial liability to the city.
Built in 1973, Stonebridge is owned by Chicago-based LinksCorp LLC., which put the 18-hole course on the market for $3.6 million in 2007. The city first expressed interest in buying the course last year.
Commissioner Randy Nicholson was the most vocal critic of the proposal Thursday. He had a number of problems with the idea and believed the company owning the course was trying to play the city for a sucker. Linkscorp LLC took the course off the market earlier this year, but apparently the company is still willing to sell to the city.
"I think they think this city will do what most governments will do. We won't crunch the numbers and won't do what we need to do," Nicholson said. "They think we will just look at the idealistic thing of saying, 'Yes, it will be great to have a golf course.'"
Nicholson said the city has many more priorities ahead of buying a golf course.
Vice Mayor Mark Hartz and commissioner Gerrit Verschuur also voted against the resolution.
Commissioner Clark Plunk and Mayor Scott Carmichael voted in favor of forming the purchase committee.
Plunk, a member of the golf course committee, said he won't stop pushing for Lakeland to buy the course. Plunk said if the city fixes up Stonebridge, it would be a sure money-maker.
"We don't have anywhere citizens can go and be together," Plunk said.
-- David Healy: 529-5880

Watch out for Mail theives- from COLA

*They apparently hit my mailbox also Monday ( on Planters View Road) as 2 neighbors brought us mail they found on the side of the road Tuesday morning. We usually check the mail everyday also, but did not M! onday evening b ecause of the rain. -B Brown *I live on Patricia Ellen Drive and our mail was stollen as well. We had to stop payment on a couple of checks which cost us $50.00.Daina *On my regular walk at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday morning I found opened mail strewn along Planters View Drive from two Planters View Addresses. I gathered up the pieces and returned the mail to the owners and noted that a Bank of America envelope was discarded. The bank information or statement was apparently retained by the thieves. This might be an indication of what they were looking for.
This mail was wet, but I wonder if it could have been fingerprinted in order to track down the culprits, had the mail been dry?
It might be a good idea to make sure the mail is picked up each day and not left out in the mail box over night.
Sincerely,Jim More *Regarding the mail thieves in Lakeland on Monday night. I noticed my mailbox a nd my next door neighbors open too. This is unusual and I am sure the thieves hit our neighborhood too. Fortunately I check the mail everyday no matter what the weather. I had mentioned this to my wife before I got the e-mail. Stephen

From Nikki Wheetly RE Golf Course

Good Morning all! I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing well. Last night at the BOC worksession we had some major progress on the purchase of Stonebridge Golf Course. Mr. Wherry and the Golf Course Exploratory Committee reported to the BOC that they have reviewed LinkCorps actual Financials for Stonebridge Golf Course from 2001-2006. With that information and the following assumptions: a 2.5% increase in rounds, new greens, new air conditioner in the Clubhouse, and other interior improvements that the Golf Course should breakeven with the debt service in 3 years. Now not included in the analysis were Capitol Improvements. Commissioner Hartz spoke about how he thought this would be a good purchase for the city as did Commissioner Vershuur. Not to leave him out, but we all now that Commissioner Plunk is for the purchase and he spoke in favor of it as well. So, I believe that we have at least 3 votes for the purchase. I'm not sure where Mayor Carmichael stands-he holds his cards close and is therefore hard to read. Commissioner Nicholson is adamentaly against this purchase. I spoke to the Commissioners and asked them to consider all the residents who came in February to ask that the City purchase the Golf Course. I also mentioned that at the Parks Master Plan meetings the last 2 weeks, the biggest desire for the residents of Lakeland is for a Community Center, of which the Stonebridge Clubhouse with the IH Clubhouse would be a good beginning. We would at least have facilites for classes, meetings, ect that the city currently does not have. After I spoke, Commissioner Nicholson asked how the residents would feel if the land were not a Golf Course but instead a Park with bright lights etc. I answered that I did not know, but discussion has been had about it just being a park but nothing about lights. After the meeting I learned that there is a Lakeland ordinance against this, so I'm not really sure what to make of that. I did mention that we could also discuss memberships with the residents to help in the first years of city ownership with the capital improvements needed. In the discussion, the City Attorney pointed out that it would behoove the city to set up a purchasing committee with some latitude to bargain. The city attorney pointed out that it is akward for a city to purchase something of this large amount and have everything in public. The BOC agreed and a 5 person committee will be set up at the BOC regular meeting. The purchasing committee will consist of a commissioner, Jesse Weeks (a golfer who has been helping the city), the city manager, a stakeholder-a resident of Stonebridge and the City Attorney. Any offer will be contingent upon approval by the BOC. Commissioner Hartz recommended that we put forth an all cash offer and we have the cash in reserves. Commissioner Hartz also nominated Commissioner Nicholson to be on the purchasing Committee. Commissioner Hartz thought he would be a good person to get a good price given his opposition. Commissioner Plunk was concerned with this and asked that he be put on the Purchasing Committee. The commitee with be appointed at the next BOC meeting, Thursday September 4. Commissioner Plunk believes that a good turnout by the residents in support of the purchase would be in order. I'm not sure given that we did that in February. I do think representation from the Voluntary HOA would be in order. So anyway, wanted to pass on the information and I will be there Thursday. If you have any questions or need anything clarified please let me know, I have all my notes at home. Thanks Nikki

Summer is about over- haitus is over- Update

Hello All-





Sorry for not blogging for over a month-We went on vacation to Gulf Shores for a bit-
Here are some news and notes regarding the Stonebridge Area Neighborhood Association-

• We have over $1600.00 in our account at Bank of Bartlett


• The new members committee is meeting to call all of our non-member neighbors to extend membership past 100.


• We will plan a members meeting in October-

Hope you are having a great summer-

MS

Man your post-

To All-

Our friends at the golf course sent me this in an e-mail:
Just wanted to see if you could spread the word on a couple of incidents that happened over the past couple of nights at the course. Last night, we had a couple of four wheelers damage the back of 18 green. And On Sunday night we had a dune buggy type of vehicle on number 3, no damage was done by the vehicle. However, having this type of vehicle at all is not acceptable. We know that the dune buggy lives over off number 3, and we have talked to them. Any help would be appreciated.

Also the work yall did on the entrance looks great. Its good to see that so many people care about the area.

Thanks again

Brandon Sledge

Director of Golf and General Manager

Stonebridge Golf Club

3049 Davies Plantation

Lakeland, TN. 38002

Office - (901)382-1886

Fax - (901)382-4476

Please feel free to call the Shelby County Police Department if you see any vandals-

Mike S.

Minutes from the Meeting....

Minutes for Members Meeting on June 19, 2008

The quarterly meeting of the SANA membership was held at Stonebridge Clubhouse at 6:00pm on June 19, 2008. Michael Stansbury, President, called the meeting to order at 6:05pm. He addressed the membership and visitors with a brief summary of the purpose and objectives of our organization. A copy of the meeting agenda and edited bylaws were handed out to all attendees. A discussion was brought from the floor concerning abuses of the golf course property (walkers/bikers on cart path, children playing on fairway or greens). A second discussion encouraged SANA to communicate the existence and purpose of our organization with Real Estate companies. These discussions were postponed to be brought up under the New Business portion of the agenda. The floor was turned over to Troy Wheetely, Secretary, to cover Old Business from our formation meeting in April 2008.

The summary of Old Business included discussing the statement of purpose, provisional bylaws, and the floor elections with corresponding results. The Statement of Purpose was read from our Provisional Bylaws established in April 2008. Only brief mention of the Provisional Bylaws was made at this time. The results of the floor elections are as follows- Michael Stansbury, President; Tom Pickering, Vice President; Troy Wheetley, Secretary; Siobhan McOlgan, Treasurer. Additionally, three lay members were appointed to the Board of Directors. These individuals were Wayne Butler, Leah Cook, and Jim Walker.

On the New Business agenda was approval of the edited Provisional Bylaws, a summary of the current membership and dues income, and future development of our organization. Troy Wheetley began by inviting the attendees to review the edited bylaws with the intent of acceptance. A complete list of changes or a copy of these bylaws is available upon request. After reviewing the bylaws a motion was made to accept these bylaws on a permanent, non-provisional, basis. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The floor was then turned over to Siobhan McOlgan, Treasurer, for a report on the membership and dues revenue. The current membership of SANA stands at 57 members with dues paid in excess of $1,500 (one thousand, five hundred dollars). The floor was returned to Michael Stansbury who covered various ways of communicating with SANA and Lakeland City Government.

The next order of business was to form two committees to focus on two key areas of SANA – Beautification Committee and New Member Committee. Stansbury gave a brief description of the roles and purpose of these committees. Then a call for volunteers was made to serve on these committees. There were six volunteers for Beautification Committee, and four volunteers for New Members Committee. At this time the floor was returned to Troy Wheetley. Wheetley covered the details of our first social scheduled for July 12, 2008. The details were given in oral and written form via newsletter. Members and guests were encouraged to attend and invite neighbors. The importance of the social was presented and discussed. Stansbury took the floor and covered the recent project to beautify the Stonebridge entrance at Fletcher Trace and Hwy 64. The desire was expressed to do more projects with objectives set towards improving appearance and prestige of the Stonebridge area. Stansbury emphasized that these initiatives will be spearheaded by the Beautification Committee. Discussion returned to the policing of the golf course property. The consensus was that SANA should work with the golf course to improve signage in an attempt to discourage trespassing. Finally, the discussion concerning communication with Real Estate companies was restarted. These suggestions will become items for the Board of Directors at their next meeting.

The floor was then opened for any motions from the membership. A motion was made that SANA reimburse Michael Stansbury/Oak Grove Realty for the expense of materials on the Stonebridge entrance project. Stansbury replied that he wanted to donate half the expense to SANA. The motion was modified to half the expense of materials, then seconded and passed unanimously. The floor closed without additional motions.

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for questions and comments from the attendees. The suggestion was made to create magnets bearing SANA’s name and contact information. This suggestion was well received and will become an item at the next Board of Directors meeting. No further business was raised before the membership. Stansbury adjourned the meeting at 7:10pm.

Meeting Thursday Night....Stonebridge 6:00

To All-

Thanks again for all the hard work. Two of the items that we will be handling on Thursday will be the Beautification Commitee and New Membership Drive committee. We are all excited about the positive and encouraging changes happening in our communities. The president of the Fairway Village Condo Association will be there as well so we can work together. We are just scratching the surface. We have great and committed neighbors, but we need more of you.

See you on Thursday.

MS

Getting Things Done.... Pics speak for themselves- More to come..

News and Notes from BOD Meeting- Next Meeting of the Members June 19th 6:00 Stonebridge Clubhouse

To All-

First and foremost- we need worker bees and one queen bee for our Stonebridge entrance project at Fletcher Trace and HWY 64. We will be making the flower bed at the entrance more appealing with mulch and flowers. SANA will provide the materials- we need you to provide the labor and tools. We have many talented homeowners who keep their yards up to Eden like status- we need your help to do the same to our main entrance. You have come to the meetings, given $25.oo to the organization, now we need your time next Saturday the 14th from 10-1 or 1-4.
We are going to park in the back of the parking lot of Kroger and walk to the entrance.
Please bring garden tools, gloves, and the wisdom to know that what we do here is adding equity to your home- three hours of your time can add $$$ to all of our property values.

Do this: RSVP to me at mstanzbury@gmail.com and say- Yes Mike I am coming between 10-1 or 1-4. or No Mike Thank you for the information but I have a previous commitment that I can not break or my (in-law, spouse, child, mother, father, dog, boss, pastor, etc) will be upset with me.

Other notes:

• We are planning a social for all of Stonebridge July 12- more details to come
• We are getting signs made to let all of our homeowners know when the meetings are taking place
• We are assigning members to a beautification committee
• We are assigning member to a membership drive committee
• We are approaching A2H to design entrances and median accents for the future
• Next Meeting is on the 19th at 6:00- See you then-

Respectfully,

Michael S.

Summary from the Board of Directors meeting on May 15, 2008

The first order of business was to address the edits made to the provisional bylaws.

The Official Name of our organization was changed from Concerned Residents Of Stonebridge Subdivision (CROSS) to Stonebridge Area Neighborhood Association (SANA). This change was proposed by the bylaws review committee. The committee made several grammatical edits to the bylaws and changed some verbiage within the Articles to further clarify their meaning. The BOD reviewed and accepted the changes made by the review committee. Additionally, the BOD submitted that an adjustment should be made to Section 6.01 Expenditures. This change has been forwarded back to the Review committee for them to accept, revise, or decline as representatives of the membership. The revised bylaws will be presented for acceptance at the next scheduled members meeting.

THE FIVE FOCUSES OF SANA:
Beautification
Community Relations (Socials)
Safety and Crime
Golf Course News
Communication

Beautification –
It was agreed that the beautification of the Stonebridge entrance at Hwy 64 and Fletcher Trace would be our first project. Contact has been made with different individuals/businesses to make arrangements for materials and design suggestions.

Socials –
Plans were discussed to begin working on our first Stonebridge Area social. This will help our organization achieve one of its largest goals, bringing the community together. The initial plan is to host a Bar-B-Q at the International Harvester building. Meat is to be provided by our organization with side dishes and desserts to be provided by members. Stay tuned for final details and ways to RSVP and sign up for a dish!

Safety and Crime –
The BOD acknowledged that several members wanted to hear SANA address concerns about crime in our community. Discussion was had about what was done in the past and its subsequent success or failure. The BOD will determine ways in which we can take previous success and add in additional measures to aid our community. The most obvious venture is a neighborhood watch. This would require a strong commitment from our entire community, not just of our current members. Further discussions will help the BOD and SANA to develop more complete vision for crime prevention/deterrence.

Golf Course News -
No additional news on the sale of Stonebridge Golf Course (SGC). Michael Stansbury, SANA President, and Troy Wheetley, SANA Secretary, have contacted management at SGC to begin establishing a relationship between our two organizations.

Communication –
A newsletter will be printed and distributed about mid-June. This will be our first official newsletter and will help introduce our community to Stonbridge Area Neighborhood Association. Additionally, it will highlight events and news about what is happening in Lakeland and our community. Don't be surprised when you see some of your neighbors stopping you to hand you a copy of the newsletter.

An email account has been set up to facilitate communication between SANA members and the Board of Directors. The email address is StonebridgeNeighbors@gmail.com. You can send messages of any kind. Got a question, comment, an idea for the newsletter, or to propose projects. The account will be primarily monitored by the Secretary, but with responses from all of the Board members.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Members Meeting on June 19th

Sincerely,
-----Troy Wheetley, SANA Secretary

Update

To All-

Wanted to quickly update you all on the progress of our organization.
We are currently contacting all of our residents that live in the Stonebridge/Fairway Meadows area by phone and asking for their support by becoming a member of the organization. What is required for membership is an annual fee of $25.00. This money will help us accomplish two of our goals- #1 communicated events, legislation, golf course info, or any news that directly affects our area, #2 we will use this money to beautify our entrances and medians.

We are keeping it very simple-
Some of you that are getting this e-mail have become members- some of you have not yet done so- Here is your opportunity.
Print this e-mail and send it with the following information:

Name:
Address:

E-mail:

Send it to our Treasurer:

Siobhan Mclowgan
3006 Hepplewhite Cv.
Lakeland, TN 38002

Plus a check to: SANA for $25.00

Or wait till I call you and give you more great reasons to join.

--
Michael Stansbury

Board Of Directors Meeting May 15th

The Stonebridge Area Neighborhood Association (SANA) Board of Directors will be meeting at the Stonebridge Club House Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 6:00pm.

The items that will be discussed are as follows:

• Review and Acceptance of Bylaws (modified on April 28th by Review Committee)
• Newsletter - Discuss what content will be in the news letter and when it should be scheduled for mailing
• Proposed Project - Beautification of Stonebridge entrance at Hwy 64 and Fletcher's Trace
• Next Scheduled meetings for Members and Board of Directors.

Troy Wheetley
SANA Secretary

Gaining Steam...

To all of my neighbors,

Thank you for coming to the meeting we had last week. Your efforts in organizing this community are inspiring and Lakeland is starting to take notice. We have started an organization "to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the area of Lakeland know as Stonebridge." This includes the areas of Fletcher Trace and Hwy 64 West border to the Kingsridge/Canada Road East Border- everything South of I-40 and North of Hwy 64- for a look at a map click here.
We are currently:
amending the bylaws of our community organization
changing the name
securing a bank account for the organization (not for profit)
organizing a beautification strategy for our entrances, common areas, and medians
How can you help? We need your dues and contributions. We have set the organization's annual dues at a rate pf $25.00 per year. As of our current bylaws, when you have paid your dues, you are a voting member of this organization. The dues will be used to communicate to the residents via newsletter, postcard, etc on the how we are enhancing stonebridge and report on events, legislation, or developments that affect our community. This is your community and this is how we will make it better. This is the best $25.00 investment for your personal home. The effort that all of us will make will translate into higher property values over time.

We need the effort so we need you.

Please send your check for $25.00 to
CROSS
C/O Siobhan McOlgen
3006 Hepplewhite Cove Lakeland, TN 38002
As of our meeting last week we have elected officers and they are:

Michael Stansbury President mstanzbury@gmail.com 901-461-6045

Tom Pickering Vice President pick1776@aol.com901-387-0461

Siobhan McOlgen Treasurer mailto:msaspen@msn.com%20314-608-2153

Troy Wheeltey Secretary twheetley@gmail.com 901-382-0316

Leah Cook Lay Member leahdukecook@yahoo.com 901-382-7074

Wayne Butler Lay Member wbutler@acosta.com901-380-2700

James D. WalkerLay Member901-386-9109


Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions, comments, or news that we all need to here.
Respectfully,-

Michael Stansbury

Our values.

To all- Speaking with the Steering committee on Monday, we discussed our real estate values and how undervalued we are. Let me give you an example: In Woodland Park a home closed for $117.00 per sq ft across the street from Canada Road- In Stonebridge 8998 Breckenridge sold for $78.00 per sq ft- So how can we get a consistent over $100.00 per sq ft for homes in Stonebridge? Here are a few ideas:

• Consider their entrance- Woodland Park has a hoa that funds and maintains their entrance. We have an entrance, but no organized way of taking care of it, but soon will!!! If we can beautify our entrances and make it appealing- it will help the values. Not only this- but the landscaping that is on both side Davies Plantation running north through Stonebridge has great potential to bring our community to the higher standard.
• Keep the litter out- The visitors to our community seem to like McDonald's and Bud Light,
  
• Home curb appeal is important too- it sets the tone for what the buyer will see inside- I will post some good examples on the blog- and some bad examples outside of our neighborhood (keeping the peace)
• Master Bath
  This is one room in the house that you can ALMOST go overboard and still get your money back when you sell the home. Refinish or replace the cabinetry, put in new tile and sinks - even install a new, stand-up shower! When (or if) you put your home on the market, you should see a good return on investment.
• Kitchen- New appliances and new counter tops- Granite tops cost (if you go with a builder/generic stone, which look great) will cost $2000-$2800 with under mount sink, new appliances (cost $1500) also a tile back splash will help
  
• Keep the services updates- If your AC or Furnace is over 15 years old- you need to replace it. 10-15 years old, it's a good idea to replace the condensing unit unless it you have kept it serviced every year. (keep those coils clean and a new one will last much longer)

• Paint!!!
  It's fairly obvious, but painting your home modern, neutral colors makes a difference in the appearance of the home. And when you factor in the cost - roughly $1.75/s.f. - it would be mistake to forego painting your home when you decide it's time to modernize it. If you're planning on staying in the home for some time, paint it whatever colors you wish, but plan on repainting right before it's time to put it up for sale. If you plan on updating your home in order to sell it, go with neutral colors so that it will appeal to the widest audience.

• Put in Wood Laminate Floors- The products for laminates are getting better and better- the warranty's are great and the installation is easy. Costco has some great products and our local flooring company, Tim Hogan Abbey Carpets has this new Armstrong line that is worth every penny.

I also would like to invite you to an Open House on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 at 9600 Pine Point, take Canada road North and Pine Point is on your right. We rehabbed the home and used some of the same strategies talked about above. If you like Flip that House- than you will like seeing what we did to this home. If that doesn't get you to come- we will have cookies there too. I love free food. Look out for your postcards on the meeting next week- they will be coming Saturday and Monday. If you need any help with the above- let me know ,I use good contractors for the work.

Mike S.

Steering Committee Meeting Update/We Need Door to Door Volunteers!

To All-

We had a steering committee update today-

Here is some information from the meeting:

• We are informally calling our organization Concerned Residents of Stonebridge Subdivision or C.R.O.S.S.
• Our purpose is to mutually support the quality of life in the community of Stonebridge
• We are sending out postcards to all Stonebridge residents for the meeting next Thursday at the Stonebridge Golf Course
• The members of C.R.O.S.S. are defined as residents who pay the annual fee of $10.00. This entitles that member to voting rights

Here is the agenda for the meeting next Thursday:

Where: Stonebridge Golf Clubhouse

When: 6:30 April 17^th

Who: Residents of Stonebridge

Why: To mutually support the quality of life in the Stonebridge Community

Agenda Items:

• Golf Course Update
• Beautification
• Neighborhood Watch/Crime
• Bylaw Ratification
• Nomination of Officers
• Setting dues/Receiving Contributions

For more information cal 461-6045 or e-mail mstanzbury@gmail.com

Call to Action! Please volunteer to go door to door- Show up at the golf course parking lot at 5:15 on Monday April 14th- We will have flyers to send out and a plan of where you need to go door to door. I appreciate all your help!

Response from Stonebridge and other notes

To All-
Sorry I have taken some time to get this posted- the General Manager for the golf course did return my call the next day and we had an interesting conversation. I told him to follow up with an e-mail and I would post it with regard to the operations of the course. First- He did offer the facilities of Stonebridge for our future meetings at a cost of $0 + gratuity for those employees who are there to keep the building open. A very gracious gesture.

Here is his letter-

Michael,

First let me say that I appreciate your working with us to both improve the community and the golf course.

One thing I might say is that the Pro Shop has a whole new look and feel to it, we are only a couple of things away from completing it. We also carry a broader variety of products at competitive prices. Honestly I try and keep them lower than all of the area golf stores. We are also going to be working on the rest of the clubhouse in the future working our way inside out. This will take some time as we are doing these projects ourselves to keep costs to a minimum. Don’t be alarmed if you see my two Assistant Golf Professionals and myself here later than normal, we are the ones doing that work.

As for the course, remember we are doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us. Over the past three years our Superintendent and his staff, which is shorthanded, has done a phenomenal job keeping the course and the greens in great shape. Do you remember the years when the greens would burn up in the summer? Did you notice in August when we were hitting 100 degree temperatures that the greens were still in a great shape? I grew up here and I remember paying $50+ to play on those same burnt greens. Now we are charging less to play on greens that have not burnt up in a few years (I know there are a couple of small spots). So the best thing that people can do is to help us maintain it. Don’t treat it like a public park, especially the greens. If you come out and play, repair your ball marks on the greens, fill in the divots in the fairway, rake the bunkers, and pick up any garbage that you might see. But come out and support the course, the more people come and play the more we can do to improve in the near future.

Please just know that the current staff here is doing everything that we can do and we are committed to improving the course as much as possible, not just for ourselves or for Stonebridge, but for Lakeland and all of Shelby County.

If there is anything else you would like to add Michael please feel free.

Thanks again.

Brandon Sledge

Director of Golf and General Manager

Stonebridge Golf Club

3049 Davies Plantation

Lakeland, TN. 38002

Office - (901)382-1886

Fax - (901)382-4476

Off the market but still on our Minds!!

Last week it was printed in the Bartlett Express that the golf course was officially off the market. I called and spoke with Stonebridge today and am awaiting a call back from the general manager Brandon Sledge. My reason for the call is to get a feel for Linkscorps plan for the future of the course.
Do they plan to continue to run the course without making upgrades?
Do they plant to continue to run the course without performing the deferred maintenance on the course?


The answers to these questions will help us determine a future plan of action for the homeowners at Stonebridge. We can lobby Linkscorp the make the improvements if they plan no to- or we can be their cheerleader if they decide to invest in golf course and our community.

I will let you know how the conversation goes-

Thanks-

Steering Committee Meeting

To all:

First- some folks are letting me know that they are not receiving my e-mails- please e-mail me back and let me know you are getting this-

We had a steering committee meeting this afternoon and here is a brief overview of what was discussed:

Those attending where: Michael Stansbury Nikki Wheatley, Wayne Butler, Tom Pickering.

• Setting up 4 committees under an one executive board
1. Golf Course Committee (a group that actively supports the city’s purchase of the golf course)
2. Neighborhood watch (crime deterent arm of the community)
3. Beatification of Stonebridge (medians, entrances, etc)
4. Social Activities (self explanatory)

• Setting up accountability for the funds we will ask for from the members of the association
• We will not have a pot luck event- we will have a meeting of Concerned Citizens of Stonebridge Subdivision of CROSS April 17^th at 7:00

Location to be determined

We need volunteers to go door to door- please e-mail me if you are interested

• Our agenda at the meeting may include approval of bylaws and organizing executive and sub committees, establishing contributions or dues for the group
• We will be sending a postcard or a mailer to all of Stonebridge residents as a reminder

Remember- our property values are directly tied into the golf course and its future- already we have seen homes stay on the market longer than normal. The market is not the best it’s ever been right now- but Stonebridge has lots to offer those seeking homes, especially in an affordable price range. Your participation and your action now will directly affect your investment in the future.

Have a great week, Spring is here and it is time for Stonebridge to bloom!!!

HOA Fruit

To All-

Thank you all for taking the time to come to the homeowner’s meeting last week. We had a great turnout.

Here is the fruit of this meeting-

• We were almost unanimous on agreeing to form an organization that will resemble or be a home owner’s association with the purpose of communicating to all of the Stonebridge community and to organize and act on events that may affect our community.
• The steering committee is meeting on Monday to discuss:

1. Newsletter

2. Hoa formation- getting $25.00 from Stonebridge residents

3. Accountability for funds

4. Using channel 19 for advertising our HOA meetings and other Stonebridge concerns

5. Block captains

6. Garage sale May 3^rd- we may want to have the community wide event May 10- Lakeland is having a city wide garage sale that day and something for Lakeland elementary

When we met I spoke about the need to respond when called for. Here is what we will need in the future- if you can take on this responsibility please let me know you are willing. If you are not willing, but your spouse is, volunteer them, that’s how I get in a lot of trouble at my house, so won’t you join me?

• Block captains (future responsibilities will include: neighborhood watch, flyers door to door on your street, responsible for letting your neighbors know and come to future HOA meetings, organize community wide block party’s with other captains)
• Stonebridge Green Thumb committee (many homeowners remember a time when our entrance were reflective of the seasons we were in- now our entrances do not look so great- they offered to beautify those areas if provided with the funds for landscaping and mulch: manual labor)
• Committed to be at the BOC meetings that discuss or vote on the golf course (responsibilities include: your time)

Please feel free to e-mail any suggestions- many of you have had great ideas, like this one:

One from Jack Smithmier on our organization title could be Concerned Residents of Stonebridge Subdivision or C.R.O.S.S. for short-

Just in time for Easter!

BOC Meeting 2-25

First-

Thank you all who came to the Board of Commissioners meeting last week. We definitely showed strength in numbers and many offered great information about the course, its history, and how if affects this community. GREAT JOB!!!

The opportunity to purchase the golf course for the city makes sense if we can get it at the right price-

Yes- they are going to have to make improvements to the course- to the course itself, the pro-shop, and the management-

All of the commissioners, included Mr. Nicholson, had very valid points regarding the purchase of the course- to get at the crux of Mr. Nicolson’s argument regarding the maintenance costs over time, we should absolutely be concerned, and our expectation should be that this will be figured in the overall operating costs of the golf course. The expectation is to raise the level of the experience out at the course, and that will mean maintaining the course will be higher than it is now- because the standard of play will be better- but so to will the revenues by higher in all profit centers (carts, green fees, pro shop, membership, rent out of the facility, and any other new and creative profit center).

Why?

Our expectation of the management should be that the customer is to be catered too- that this golf experience is like no other- if we can create this type of culture where the general manager knows the members by name, the chef knows how the members like their bratwurst- when the bathrooms are clean, the pro shop is sharp, the employees are driven to create that something extra- then the expectation should be that the course will make a profit-

As an example- walk in to a Chick Fil-A restaurant and take note of the cleanliness, the service, the culture, and the whole atmosphere- and buy a chicken biscuit- then compare this too the experience of any other fast food restaurant and compare the experience.

Stonebridge is just another golf course in a saturated market for golf courses- and the ownership is not interested in carving out a niche to where, over time- because of a strategic change in the culture of the organization- golfers seek to play here.

When Lakeland purchases the course- the expectation of the city should be that management create and cultivate this type of culture- and it can be done. This takes intention and hard work- but it can be done

To all-

Tomorrow is the Board of Commissioner’s meeting at City Hall at 6:00. All of you that are receiving this e-mail have been contacted by your neighbors who share your concern about the direction and the management of Stonebridge. It is important that we show strength in numbers by attending the meeting tomorrow. It is a great opportunity to hear our elected officials and the facts concerning Stonebridge.

This affects your largest investment, your home. After speaking with most of you, we all seem to be in agreement about the opportunity here for the City and our community. If Lakeland can purchase this at reasonable terms, make the improvements that need to be made to make it more marketable, and then have it managed in a manner that attracts golfers, this will be a profit center for our city. It can fund our recreation and parks programs without taxing our residents.

From my neighbors who have lived her for 20 years plus, I have heard great stories about how in the past- a limb would fall down on the golf course and within an hour it was picked up and disposed off. (This does not happen anymore)The ownership of the golf course, from my perspective, because they have it for sale and have done very little upgrading of the facilities, are not interested in running what used to be a five star golf course- but as residents we are interested in seeing it managed this way.

We have some very creative, smart, and business like people who serve on the board of commissioners and in our various committees. The benefit here is not for Stonebridge- it is for the whole city.

What can I do?

We need help at intersection of Fletcher Trace and HWY 64- we could not get to all the residents in that part of Stonebridge because we were limited on resources- but from 4:00-5:15 if we can pass out flyers near the speed bumps at this location to notify these residents, that would be great- I will supply those that are willing to do this with the flyers-

Also- please come to the meeting and let’s listen to what the commissioners have to say and there vote- just by being there, in numbers, sends the message. If we have enough folks- I would also recommend that we be located at Kingsridge and Davies Plantation. Please respond to this e-mail if you are willing to do so- also make signs that will attract the residents (ex. Save Stonebridge)

I would welcome your thoughts and ideas- but most of all, I would love to meet you all at Lakeland City Hall tomorrow at 6:00.

Also for more information on the sale of Stonebridge, please visit http://stonebridgehomeowners.blogspot.com/

Here are the address to City Hall: 10001 US Highway 70

Here are the address to the International Harvester for are voluntary home owner’s assoctiation meeting on March 6^th:

I.H. Managerial Park
Located at 4523 Canada Road,

Also- tell your neighbors and bring them with you!!!!!

See you there-

Respectfully,

Michael Stansbury

We are coming door to door!

Stonebridge residents: your neighbors are coming door to door with a reminder flyer for the Board of Commissioners meeting at Lakeland City Hall on Feb 25th and the HOA meeting March 6th at the International Harvester. We need strength in numbers and your ideas regarding the golf course and other areas of our community.

BOC Meeting February 25th- All stonebridge residents are encouraged to attend!!

Save Stonebridge

To All-

We are looking to mount a door to door campaign to cause awareness and to organize our Stonebridge community. We need a few volunteers to go door to door- passing out flyers and collecting signatures and e-mail addresses.

Last night I spoke with Wayne Butler who lives in Stonebridge and other concerned citizens in Lakeland regarding the golf course- it was great to get a history of Stonebridge- there have been times in the past when our community has rallied around a cause and have had a positive impact on the outcome- this is no different. It is my opinion that we need to rally around this cause for our community- if we can organize we have strength in numbers- then we can rally the other community’s leaders to this cause. If Stonebridge is purchased by the city- for the right terms- and managed properly- it will have a huge impact on the reputation of Stonebridge and Lakeland overall. We need action and ideas. I am in need of folks to go door to door on Saturday from 3-5, to collect signatures on a document that states:

We believe that it is in the best interest for the city to consider purchasing the Stonebridge golf course because it will:

• Add resources for Lakeland’s park and recreation facilities
• Add to our city’s green space and prestige of Lakeland
• Increase the property values of surrounding homes
• When managed properly- pay for itself and fund Lakeland’s park and recreation
• Be able to purchase and rehab the facility without levying taxes on the residents of Lakeland

We also will be passing out a flyer for our first voluntary HOA meeting at the International Harvester March 6^th from 6-7. We can even have dinner there or do potluck to promote a sense of community-

Nikki Wheatley has some great ideas on how we get the word out- signs, flyers, and an HOA newsletter- We all are interested on all of those things- and we can talk about ideas on how we pay for these things as well. Please e-mail back and let me know if you can help- and I need your great ideas-

Thanks- this will be posted on the website as well-

Respectfully,

(most important- neighbors that back up to neighbrohoods)

(get block captains for our parts of neighborhoods)

(possible pot-luck at HOA meeting)

Meet Time

To All-
We are going to meet at the model home at Winstead Farms Wednesday the 13th from 6:00-7:00.

Please forward this to your neighbors and get them to join the discussion.

We are setting up a meeting to meet next Wednesday from 6-7- at Magnolia Home’s model at Winstead Farms. Winstead is located right across from city hall. The location may change, but I will keep you posted. At this meeting we will discuss ideas about the golf course-namely do we want the city to purchase it and other concerns about our community.

Respectfully,

MS

Ideas for Stonebridge and how to pay for it!

There are quick solutions to every governmental problem- but quick is not always the best (the t word)- and the best answers can come from the government but most of the time they come from the people- I do feel that there are many creative ways to get the golf course funded and keep it in five star operational mode (that is as good as Spring Creek, Southwind and Memphis National)
If you have ideas on how to fund the purchase and rehab of Stonebridge- please feel free to share here. Here are some ideas:

• If the cost to redo each green is $25,000- offer corporate or business sponsorship for each hole and practice greens at a rate of $35,000 for seven years- If the sponsor pays upfront for the fee- they pay $25,000 or $5000.00 per year, after the seventh year they pay $2500 per year and they get a full membership (each year). The benefit for the business would be at each hole where information is displayed they business would be prominitely displayed- not offenisve marketing, but have signage that is distinct yet earthy. (overheard at the clubhouse- you really shanked that one at the #6 Autozone hole) When thinking of these hole marker or boards- don't think Germantown Parkway- think Germantown!
  
• You could have the same ideas for the driving range- (Welcome to the Links at Lakeland driving range sponsored by Fed Ex)
• The ideas are limitless- $600,000 for sprinkler system- if there are 600 heads in the golf course- charge $100.00 per head for sponsorship- 10% of it is paid. (see above picture)
  
• So above we just figured out how to pay for $560,000.00 of the $3.5 million it may take to purchase and rehab the course- again we can create more ways to pay for this, to make it profitable, and the city would own it without debt service so it could be very profitable-
  

How do the citizen's benefit?

• Special discounts on membership
  
• Invest the profits back into Lakeland Parks and Recreation
• Stonebridge appreciation value-(I see a day in the future when the homes in Stonebridge are selling for a ridiculous amount of money per square foot)
• Overall communities appreciation value
  

What are the community benefits?
As a community- Lakeland has the lake as a quasi identity- it is beautiful and useful- but not all of our residents get to use or enjoy the benefits of the Lake. If done right- the course can be a jewel in our community. When people are looking to move in Shelby County, Lakeland can promote it's schools, low taxes, and our golf course.

These are a few ideas- would love to hear yours-
MS

Notes from the Board of Commissioner meeting-

Last night PGA Master Pro Bill "Goose" Munguia gave on overview of the current state of Stonebridge golf course. These are some of the highlights of his report. He did a fantastic job.

• He stated first that a city owned course would improve the value of the bordering homes.
• It could be a symbol of prestige within our county and our state.
• It is the highest and best use for green space
• Protection from Developers with questionable motives.
• Special Pride of Ownership
• Special rates for city residents, city servants
• Potential recreation hub

History of Stonebridge

• Founded and originally private in 1972
• Currently owned by Linkscorp llc (all 4 golf courses they own in Tennessee are for sale)
• In the 1990's it was owned and operated by the Danner group and was profitable at a hight point of $400,000 net per year (current profit rate $132,000)
  
• Golf course was sold to current owners in 2001 and the maitenace, course, and profitability has declined each year- they are an absentee owner
  

Course Conditions

• Putting greens are unsatisfactory (currently bent grass)- they need to be changed out to bermuda greens and have to be reshaped (approx. cost $25,000 per green and golf course out 4-6 weeks)
  
• Fairways and greens are poorly maintained
• Irrigation system- unsatisfactory, lack of pressure- needs to be totally replaced- $600,000 total cost (wow)
• Fairway conditions are poor because the trees need to be pruned so the sun can nurture the grass
• Drainage is ok- some drains need to be replaced
• Clubhouse- needs to be remodeled $250-350K
• Sidewalks and entrys need to be repaired
  
• Staffing- the staff is not lead well by the ownership and underpaid by industry standards

Overview of Golf in Memphis:

• Absentee ownership is a recipe for failure
• Golf as a business- Memphis has an oversupply

What is needed to run a profitable golf course:

• Competent management (ed: I will say that I agree- if you have talented, creative people in place and pay them based on performance you can be assured that you will have a profitable business)
• Marketing plan
• Meet and exceed your customer base

What options are there for operation:

• City of Memphis model- (not good)
• National Management company
• Lease to local company
• Independent Contractor

Other notes:

• because the course has not enjoyed a stellar reputation recently as it did in the past- an idea to change the name to the Link at Lakeland
  
• This could be a course players enjoy
• Tons of potential