By ERIN EDGEMON-April 25, 2007-3:48 PM

The city of Murfreesboro's recent introduction or enforcement of ordinances pertaining to outdoor vendors, outdoor sales, electronic signs and design standards is to keep there from being "no surprises" later, said the city's mayor.

"That is the message we need to take to the people," said Tommy Bragg, amid discussion at a retreat for city leaders held April 24.

He said if the city has clearly defined ordinances and guidelines then developers, builders, business owners and others will know what is expected from them on the front end.

Topics discussed ranged from a proposal for a new police precinct, road projects, annexation, ethical standards, design standards for new developments and private streets.

The meeting was open to the public, but no action was taken on any items addressed. Most topics will need further discussion and action at forthcoming City Council meetings.

· Proposed police precinct in Blackman area
Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman proposed the creation of a freestanding police precinct in the Blackman area to provide extra space for staff, decentralize selected personnel and operations and assist with deliver of services to southwestern portion of Murfreesboro.

"The construction and staffing of this precinct represents a critical element in our long range for the delivery of police services to our growing city," Chrisman stated in a memo to city staff.

The construction of the building would cost approximately $6.7 million and would take one year to construct.

· Proposed adoption of ethical standards
The adoption of a code of ethics that would apply to the City Council, city staff and certain family members was discussed. This new policy would put limits on or require the disclosure of gifts and conflicts of interest. State law requires the city to adopt such an ordinance or resolution by this June.

· Annexation policy
Murfreesboro City Manager Roger Haley broached the topic of annexation and whether the city wanted to change its unofficial policy of only annexing property when it is requested.

He asked the city's elected officials if they wanted the city to stop annexing.
"There are many in this community that would like to see us stop or stop where it was at a few years ago," Haley said.

If the city stopped annexing now some think the city could focus better on what it has now, he said, but the city could be inheriting more problems later if property is developed outside of city standards.

Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher said typically the city doesn't annex unless it is requested except in recent cases where the city had to annex more than 900 residences it had avoided for several years. He didn't think it would be to the city's best interest to stop annexing now.

"We typically don't annex people for no reason," he said.

Bratcher and others said it wouldn't be prudent for the city to stop annexing undeveloped property and then have to retrofit areas for sewer and city streets later.

Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreeesboropost.com.