City plans a party; Titanic mistake?

When the City Commission convenes at 7 p.m. tonight, it faces a long agenda, including the final of three public hearings on the new budget and Capitol Improvements Plan and a vote on their adoption. Expect action on items related to the long-awaited Concord Road improvements and a new business item about improving Edmondson Pike north of Concord to the Davidson County line.
All important issues for sure. But two items on the consent agenda caught my eye as much more interesting and thought provoking.
First, there's the city's annual employee recognition banquet. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting the city not host one given the current economic climate. Lord knows, these days it's more important than ever for employers to offer "Atta boys" and recognition for jobs well done.
What caught my eye was this: "There are only two facilities available in Williamson County (Embassy Suites and the Marriott -- both located in Cool Springs) that have the capability of accommodating our group and are also within a reasonable travel distance of Brentwood."
This isn't a new revelation. Just ask the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber which has its annual Star Gala in Franklin each year because there isn't a place in Brentwood large enough to handle the crowd. Our two public high schools head south as well for their proms.
Perhaps with the recent talk of Tax Incremental Financing, of the need to boost tourism, and of what types of projects the county considers being partner worthy, a convention center of sorts might be something worth exploring -- in Town Center, as part of the Murray property redo, or, yes, even in the center of town.
Just a thought. Not for tonight's meeting of course, but for creative minds who have the will and wherewithal to turn musings into magic.

When Titans rule citizens lose
The commission also will review its remaining 2009 meeting schedule tonight to make adjustments "as needed to avoid conflicts with significant events that would overlap with Board meetings."
Hmmmm. What is considered a significant event? The State of the Union address, perhaps? A federal holiday that falls on a Monday?
Apparently an away Tennessee Titans football game is significant enough to move the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Nov. 23 meeting to 5 p.m. Why? For any member of the public who might want to attend the meeting, or, dare I hope, speak on an issue, 5 p.m. can be a difficult time slot to make a meeting.
The proposed change, of course, is not the first time this has been done. I just hope this time around the commission gives it a little more thought and discussion before rubber stamping the change.