Neighborhood Guide by City of Concord NC

Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods Program Handbook

Dear Neighborhood Leader: The City of Concord has worked with neighborhood leaders over the past 20 years through the Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods Program to support activities that create and maintaining strong and vibrant neighborhoods. We are committed to fostering and sustaining an environment that is responsive to citizen involvement. We believe that strong neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of a strong community, and their health and vitality are essential to the future of the city. In an effort to provide consistent and timely information to neighborhood leaders, both new and experienced, the Neighborhood Program Handbook has been developed. We hope that this handbook serves as a useful tool providing information about the many benefits offered through the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recognized Neighborhood Program. Sincerely, Lloyd Wm. Payne, Jr. City Manager

Table of Contents Introduction 4 About the Neighborhood Program

Definitions 6 Getting Started

Benefits 14 Important Meeting Dates

How to Start a Neighborhood Association

Checklist for Preparing for Meetings

Connect with the City of Concord

A neighborhood association is a group of neighbors who come together to share ideas and work to make their neighborhood a better place to live. 3

Introduction The City of Concord is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment that is responsive to citizen involvement. We believe that strong neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of a strong community, and their health and vitality are essential to the future of the city. Strong neighborhoods are not just a collection of houses within a subdivision boundary; they contribute to a unique sense of place and community identity, with residents contributing to partnerships, leadership, and civic involvement. In many ways, a community is only as strong and sustainable as its neighborhoods. Created in 2000, the Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods Program has been a key emphasis of the Mayor, City Council, and City staff members to preserve and build community in neighborhoods by fostering engagement with the city and providing resources to encourage and support Neighborhood Associations. Today there are 61officially recognized associations within the City of Concord.

also contains instructional information on how to form a new neighborhood association - this section is primarily aimed at voluntary neighborhood associations. Homeowners associations or mandatory associations may have legal and financial requirements that are not covered in this handbook. There is however information about agendas, meetings organization, etc. that can be valuable to any neighborhood organization.

The Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods Program Handbook is a resource for neighborhood leaders, board members, and resident who want to learn more about the many benefits of participating in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognized neighborhood program. The handbook

For more information on the Recognized Neighborhood Program, contact: Cherie Jzar, AICP Community Outreach Coordinator 704-920-5298 jzarc@concordnc.gov

concordnc.gov/neighborhoods

About the Neighborhood Program The Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods is a program designed to build relationships with established neighborhood organizations in an effort to enhance the quality of life in the City. Through this program, neighborhood organizations become officially recognized by the City Council and commit to collaborate with City staff to identify solutions to community issues, share information, receive information from the City, to give feedback on public improvement projects, and participate in City sponsored programs and events. This initiative also encourages neighbors to form Neighborhood Associations in areas of the city where none exist to identify common concerns and promote neighborhood improvement. By working with neighborhoods to facilitate effective communication with neighbors, a greater sense of community and civic duty is fostered and the City is improved. The program has been a key emphasis of the Mayor, City Council, and City staff members since 2000.

Recognized Neighborhood Organizations are:

• Partnered with a City staff member, who serves as their liaison and main point of contact. The liaison attends the neighborhood meetings to relay information and to assist residents in identifying solutions to problems.

• Offered technical assistance tools to assist with problem-solving to address neighborhood issues or to help reach neighborhood improvement goals. • Asked to provide feedback, input and support for city sponsored events, projects, and planning initiatives. • Receive official communication and notification from City departments on a variety of programs, services, and development activities that directly impact the neighborhood(s). Based upon the relationships with recognized neighborhood organizations, the City is better able to deliver services tailored to the needs of individual neighborhoods and obtain feedback on proposed public improvement projects within neighborhoods.

Goals

The Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods Program’s goal is to provide City residents, staff and City Council with responsive, coordinated service that promotes collaboration and communication among residents and city government through recognized Neighborhood Associations. Over the years, the City has increased opportunities for citizen involvement and built stronger partnerships with organized neighborhood organizations.

• Provided with access to a number of services and resources which enhance neighborhood identity and implement neighborhood improvements.

Definitions A Neighborhood

The concept of neighborhood includes both geographic (placeoriented) and social (people-oriented) components. A neighborhood is a geographically contiguous self-selected area primarily made of residents who share a common link such as a school, public street pattern, parks, architectural styles or time periods, or infrastructure. Neighborhoods may include businesses, churches, and other community entities. Neighborhoods in the City of Concord typically contains residential development. Neighborhoods may include businesses, churches, and other community entities.

Neighborhood Association (NA)

A Neighborhood Association is a formally organized group of citizens who share common interests, needs, and desires. The association may include homeowners, renters, business owners, school faculty or staff, church officials and members of non-profit organizations. The group’s main purpose is to provide an opportunity for the members to discuss, issues of common concern and to participate in decision making for their neighborhood. In addition to rallying people around important issues, neighborhood associations encourage citizen participation and broaden communication between various institutions, organizations, city government, and residents concerning matters affecting neighborhood livability. Neighborhood associations should be representative and open to everyone within the boundaries of 6

the neighborhood. Depending on the goals of the association, meetings may be held twice a year, once a quarter or every month.

Property Owners Association (POA) & Home Owners Association (HOA)

Generally, POA’s and HOA’s are formal legal entities usually formed by a developer when a residential subdivision is built. These associations provide the framework for the maintenance of the development’s common area and amenities, for instance a pool; clubhouse or common area landscaping. Typically these associations are also responsible for managing community finances and their board’s direction, and enforcing the guidelines in their covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&R). Unlike neighborhood associations, membership is typically mandatory and includes all property owners within the development. POA’s and HOA’s have the authority to enact and enforce maintenance and design standards in addition to those established by City ordinances and assess mandatory fees for the maintenance of common area and development amenities. Like Neighborhood Associations, POA’s and HOA’s hold membership meetings and provide members with opportunities to get to know one another discuss common concerns and develop plans initiatives to increase the overall quality of life in the neighborhood. Examples of some social community building activities include crime watch programs, garden clubs, or care networks among neighbors.

These organizations are usually supported by dues and assessments from members. Property and homeowner associations in the State of North Carolina are governed by the Horizontal Property Act. The City of Concord does not mediate or advise on matters pertaining to the enforcement of CCRs.

A Recognized Neighborhood Organization

The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognized neighborhood organizations include Neighborhood Associations, Property Associations, and Homeowner Associations who have been formally recognized by the City Council. Recognized organizations commit to collaborate with the City of Concord to identify solutions to community issues, share information,

receive information regarding City services, give feedback on public improvement projects, and participate in City sponsored programs and events The organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in the Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods program greatly improves twoway communication between the city and its residents. Participating neighborhoods represent the position of the collective neighborhood and have a clear, organized way to speak to city government so that the concerns or desires are heard. Only one recognized neighborhood organization is allowed in an area -boundaries for newly established recognized neighborhood organization will not be allowed to overlap with the boundaries of existing recognized neighborhood.

Getting Started How to Become a Recognized Neighborhood Organization Before you Apply

Review the Standards for Neighborhood Recognition on page 9 to ensure that your organization meets the criteria for recognition.

After verifying that the organization meets the general criteria for recognition, discuss the idea with the elected board and/or the organization’s general membership.

Once the members agree to move forward, simply complete the application on pages 11-12 of this handbook and submit it via email or mail it to the City of Concord’s Community Outreach Coordinator along with supporting documentation. NOTE: The City can provide maps and other information sources to help you define the boundaries of your neighborhood. Also, if you want to start a neighborhood organization, city staff can help in the start-up stages with facilitation and procedural assistance to support the formation of

the association and encourage activities that help build a sense of community in the neighborhood.

Application Process

If the neighborhood meets the criteria for recognition, the Community Outreach Coordinator will prepare all the necessary Council paperwork, including maps, and will notify the designated neighborhood contact as to when the neighborhood association’s recognition request will be considered by City Council. Once formally recognized, the Mayor will present the neighborhood with a Certificate of Recognition and the City Manager will assign a staff liaison. The liaison will serve as the organization’s single point of contact with the City. Liaisons attend the neighborhood meetings to provide information regarding City services and programs and to receive information from the neighborhood that may help the City in developing an effective response to the needs of the neighborhood.

A neighborhood is a geographically contiguous self-selected area primarily made of residents who share common characteristics or concerns. Neighborhoods may include businesses, churches, and other community entities.

define the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries, membership, role of the elected board, processes for holding meetings and elections, voting, committees, and amendments to the document. The bylaws should include the purpose of the association, reference to the membership and nondiscrimination requirements, boundaries, any meeting requirements, and provisions for the election of officers.

Standards for Neighborhood Recognition

A neighborhood organization must meet a certain set of criteria and provide the following information to be officially recognized by the City Council:

1 2

Name of Organization

Neighborhood Boundaries: The Neighborhood Organization must occupy a geographically distinct and specific area that is within the City of Concord.

Membership: State the requirements for membership in the organization. A neighborhood association must maintain membership, which is open to anyone who lives or owns property in the neighborhood regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, income, national origin, political affiliation, or physical and mental disability. The bylaws of each individual neighborhood association may determine whether or not individuals outside the neighborhood boundaries will be eligible for membership

Bylaws: The Neighborhood Organization must have a current written set of bylaws approved by its membership. These bylaws should

Officers: The Neighborhood Organization must have a Board of Directors and/or Officers elected by its general membership and must have a defined schedule where a general election is held to elect its board of directors and/or officers. Neighborhood Organizations should file a contact list which includes names, telephone numbers, and addresses of all officers, designating a primary and secondary contact for the board with the assigned liaison.

Meeting Requirements: Provide the location, time, and number of neighborhood meetings held during each year. The neighborhood organization must host at least one general membership meeting annually. The organization is encouraged to host a National Night Out Event.

Statement of Support: Provide a letter or other documentation to show that the membership supports the application for formal recognition. For more detailed information on neighborhood recognition process, contact the City of Concordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Outreach Coordinator at 704-920-5298 or visit concordnc.gov/neighborhoods.

Communicate Effectively

Communication The City of Concord provides regular, relevant communications via email to all neighborhood leaders regarding a broad range of topics, including but not limited to public input opportunities, public forms or workshops events, relevant news from local and state government partners, special events, road closures, service updates, weather conditions, etc. These communications are provided to the neighborhood organization’s designated point of contact (POC) with the intent that the information will be shared with the full membership. Recognized neighborhoods are encouraged to maintain open communication with their members

on pertinent matters and issues of mutual interest and to seek opportunities for discussion prior to taking action on such issues. Point of Contacts (POC) - Each neighborhood should designate a point of contact. This person will receive information for the neighborhood from the City. In most cases this person is the President of the organization or an elected board member. It is important that this person’s contact information be shared with the neighborhood’s assigned neighborhood liaison. While we will share information directly with each neighborhood’s POC – once designated, this person should subscribe to the weekly CityLink email newsletter concordnc.gov/ Government/CityLink-Newsletter to receive emails on items of interest to you: news, events, agendas, construction projects, and more. Also, we encourage recognized neighborhoods to create a permanent email account for the organization (for example: 123neighborhoodorg@ gmail.com) that can be passed from president to president instead of using personal emails.

â&#x153;

Neighborhood Organization Application for Formal Recognition

(an online form is available at concordnc.gov/neighborhoods) 1. Name of Neighborhood Organization:

2. Neighborhood Boundaries. Please include all street names and block numbers for partial streets. (Additional pages and/or map may be attached) 3. Estimated number of households in neighborhood: 4. Please list below the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of officers for your Neighborhood Organization. (If officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; titles are different than those listed, please indicate below.) President Name: Address: Phone Number: Email: Vice President Name: Address: Phone Number: Email: Treasure Name: Address: Phone Number: Email: Secretary Name: Address: Phone Number: Email: 11

✁

Alternate Board Members (if applicable) Name: Phone Number: Email: 5. What is your association’s meeting schedule? If possible, please provide the date, time, and locations for meetings future meetings. Regular Meetings (date, time, & location): Board Meetings: 6. When is the election of officers held? 7. If your organization has a website, please list it so that we can link to the City’s Neighborhood Program page. 8. Is membership to your organization open to anyone who lives or owns property in the neighborhood regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin or physical and mental disability? _____ Yes _____ No 9. Permanent email address for your organization: 10. Please attach the following: • Map of neighborhood boundaries • Paragraph about history/character of the neighborhood • List of neighborhood goals • Copy of Organization’s By-Laws • Statement of Support: Provide a letter or other documentation to show that the membership supports the application for formal recognition.

Applicant’s Name (please print)

Applicant’s Title

Applicant’s Signature

Date of Application

PLEASE RETURN FORM AND DIRECT QUESTIONS TO: Cherie Jzar, AICP Community Outreach Coordinator City Manager’s Office 35 Cabarrus Ave West Concord, NC 28025-0308 Phone: 704-920-5298 | Email: jzarc@concordnc.gov 12

Annual Review The recognized neighborhood organization should establish and maintain capacity to represent the views of the neighborhood through periodic meetings and outreach efforts to members and residents within the neighborhood boundaries. Neighborhood meetings must be open to open to anyone who lives or owns property in the neighborhood regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, income, national origin, political affiliation, or physical and mental disability. To remain an active, recognized neighborhood organization, the City will request recognized neighborhoods submit the following information annually:

1 2

Any changes in neighborhood boundaries

Any changes to names, telephone numbers, and addresses of contact persons and officers elected and/or appointed

Dates of neighborhood meetings held during the previous calendar year; with minutes or summaries as may be available

4 5

Any changes to the organization’s approved by-laws

A reply to an annual neighborhood survey form provided by the City

The requested information will update the listing of recognized neighborhoods.

Timeline/Process for Distributing and Receiving the Annual Survey.

Annual Survey Calendar

J F M A M J J A S O N D

February 1 Annual Review Survey distributed to all Recognized Neighborhoods March 1 Surveys due March 10 Warning letters sent and remaining neighborhoods are given until March 30 to comply April 1 Final notice letter sent to all listed neighborhood association officers April 30 Neighborhood Organizations who have not responded to the Annual Survey will be titled as “dormant”

Dormant Status Any recognized neighborhood organization failing to keep the basic organizing information updated or does not meet for more than a year may fall under “dormant status.” Neighborhoods in dormant status will be removed from the official recognized neighborhood listing and will not be eligible for program benefits, until such time as they re-activate their status by providing evidence of a general membership meeting and a current list of elected officers. Notice of the dormant status determination shall be mailed to the last provided list of elected officers and denoted on the program website for public awareness.

Benefits Officially recognized neighborhood associations receive the following benefits:

Neighborhood Liaison

The City Manager will designate a staff person to serve as liaison to neighborhood association members. Neighborhood Liaisons are City employees who are specifically appointed for an indefinite term by the City Manager to be responsible for and accountable to recognized neighborhoods in a specific geographic area of the City. Liaisons are selected based upon their skills and experience or upon their expressed desire and ability to serve in this role. The neighborhood liaisons regularly attend community association meetings to listen and respond to neighborhood concerns that can be addressed through City services and resources. They are a valuable source of information and assistance to neighborhoods throughout Concord.

Neighborhood Handbook

Provide a printed version of the Neighborhood Handbook to all recognized neighborhoods. Digital version can be downloaded from the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s webpage.

Website Recognition

Placement on the Neighborhood Program webpages, which lists the name, and web address information of the Neighborhood Association president. This information is widely used by the City of Concord for mailings and public outreach.

Technical Assistance

The City will help neighborhood leaders with problem-solving by identifying strategies and resources to address neighborhood issues such as traffic and pedestrian safety, public safety, environmental, beautification and property maintenance, and community relations.

City Staff Attendance for Meetings

Liaisons will assist officially recognized neighborhoods with securing City staff to attend/speak at Neighborhood Association meetings. To ensure that the speaker is available, we suggest a 30 day minimum notice to request City staff to attend/speak at Neighborhood Association meetings.

Neighborhood Cleanups Biannual Litter Sweep

Every spring and fall, the City employees together with the neighborhood organizations, collect litter along the City’s roadsides. The City provides bags, gloves, and trash pick-up. Neighborhoods also have the opportunity for to receive awards.

Automated Phone Messaging Services

Recognized Neighborhoods are welcomed to use the City’s Blackboard System, which is an automated phone messaging system to send prerecorded phone call messages or text messages to notify or remind members of upcoming meetings and events.

interested recognized neighborhood organizations with the development of new and updated NAPs.

Neighborhood Matching Grant

Recognized Neighborhoods who have participated in the Neighborhood Program for at least one year are eligible to apply for up to $3,000 in grant funds to complete projects that improves the neighborhood physically or addresses a need through active involvement of the neighborhood residents themselves. Each neighborhood will compete for the grant with other recognized neighborhoods. Neighborhood organizations must match the funds awarded by the City of Concord with contributions of volunteer time, cash or in-kind donations of goods and services. Visit concordnc.gov/ neighborhoodgrants for more information. Note: Recognized neighborhoods that are inactive and are considered in “dormant” status are not eligible for Neighborhood Matching Grant funds until they fulfill the criteria for reactivation.

Annual Christmas Parade Float

The City provides a professionally decorated float for neighborhood representatives to ride every year during the Annual Concord Christmas Parade. Each neighborhood organization is asked to send at least one representative to participate in the annual parade.

Neighborhood Action Plans

Neighborhood Action Plans (NAPs) are long-range plans that provide neighborhoods with a framework to address identified needs and to achieve goals. The Community Outreach Coordinator can assist 15

Community Meeting Rooms (Waiver of Public Facility Fees)

Fire Stations 7, 8 and 9 have community rooms that are available for use for meetings, birthday parties, homeowner association meetings or many other gatherings. Recognized neighborhood associations have the option of holding their official association meetings at any City of Concord Community Rooms at not cost. Reservations are required. Recognized neighborhood organizations can reserve a community room for neighborhood meetings free of charge. Reservations are taken in calendar year of use (January 1December 31). Visit concordnc.gov/ Departments/Parks-Recreation/ Facilities/Facilities-Rental-Information for more information on how to make a reservation.

Neighborhood Leadership Council (NLC)

A quarterly meeting of the neighborhood leaders from the City’s Recognized neighborhood organizations. The NLC meetings are an open forum where neighborhood leaders come together to share experiences, exchange information, and have access to focused leadership training. The meetings are open to neighborhood leaders from each of the City’s officially recognized neighborhood organizations. In most cases this is the neighborhood association chair or president, although the meetings are open to any other member. Recognized neighborhood organizations are encouraged to designate at least two (2) active members to serve as its NLC representative.

Environmental Education

The City’s Environmental Educator is available to provide free on-site workshops and training events that are designed to build and foster environmental literacy among Concord citizens. Workshops and presentations focus on waste reduction, pollution prevention, natural resource conservation and a cleaner environment. For more information, or to schedule a workshop or event, please contact Mandy Smith-Thompson at 704-920-5379 or smithal@concordnc.gov.

Community Policing

The City of Concord Police Department’s crime prevention strategy focuses on focuses on a community policing philosophy. Through this approach police officers within each district attend neighborhood meetings and work in partnership with residents to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems. The City is divided into four police districts, each supervised by a captain. See page 27 for a police district map.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is a practiced concept of neighbors looking out for one another, working with the police, and sending the message to potential criminals that eyes are residents are actively keeping watch for suspicious

and criminal activity. Through this program, neighborhoods learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and report suspicious activities to the police department. If you are interested in additional information, please contact Concord Police - Community Outreach & Education Services Unit at 704-920-5063.

Concord 101

National Night Out

Code Enforcement

National Night Out is celebrated internationally every year on the first Tuesday of August. The City sponsors a National Night Out Kick-Off Event the first Monday of August each year and all neighborhoods are encouraged to participate in the parade and events held that evening. Neighborhoods are also encouraged to plan their own neighborhood events on National Night Out. If you are interested in additional information, please contact Concord Police - Community Outreach & Education Services Unit at 704-920-5063. To learn more about the National Night Out program, visit the website for the National Association of Town Watch.

Nextdoor.com

Help build community and join your neighborhood online at nextdoor.com. Nextdoor is a free and private social networking site for your neighborhood that builds community by connecting neighbors to one another and allows for the City to post important updates for all to view. You can use your Nextdoor neighborhood website to: Get to know your neighbors; Share information about traffic; lost pets, crime and emergency preparedness; Receive and comment on important City of Concord messages and updates.

A 14-week municipal education program for adults begins each fall. Participants learn about the different aspects of Concord’s government, and learn first-hand about the services of the City. Classes will be held one night per week and taught by City coworkers. For more information visit concordnc. gov/concord101 or call 704-920-5210.

Each of the City’s Code Enforcement Officers are assigned to areas within the City and work directly with neighborhoods to solve problems related to minimum housing code and zoning regulations. Code Enforcement officers attend neighborhood meetings to give updates to open code cases and to address questions from neighbors. For general zoning information, please call the Plan Review Service Center at 704-920-5152.

Street Sign Toppers

The City’s Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program is designed to help build stronger neighborhoods by enhancing their visibility through the placement of identification sign toppers at prominent intersections within the neighborhoods boundaries. The toppers are available to recognized neighborhoods at a cost of $37 per topper. To order street sign toppers, complete an application and data sheet (online at concordnc.gov/ neighborhoods), then submit them to the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Traffic Calming

The City has a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Committee with representatives from the Fire, Police, Transportation, and Planning departments, that meets monthly to address concerns from neighborhoods about speeding, sidewalks and crosswalks, traffic circulation, pedestrian safety, on-street parking, street connections, etc. To read the City’s Traffic Calming Policy, visit concordnc.gov/Departments/ Transportation/Policies-and-Regulations

Speaker’s Bureau

Through the Speakers Bureau, neighborhood organizations can schedule a City representative to deliver brief presentations to their group of ten or more on a variety of topics. Suggested topics: • Understanding Code Enforcement in the neighborhoods • Neighborhood Capacity Building • Zoning • Community Policing • Starting a Neighborhood Watch Group • Pollution Prevention • Water Conservation • Transportation • City Boards • Code Enforcement • Fire Safety • All about our water Presentations are intended to be short informational talks on topics specific to City services. The talks are not designed to be workshops or seminars.

Outreach & Communication

The Community Outreach Coordinator will work with neighborhood organizations and City departments to provide consistent information about upcoming events and programs, and will help facilitate processes for citizen involvement in these events and programs. A monthly newsletter is sent to neighborhood leaders, police, public officials, code enforcement officers, liaisons, and other interested partners to inform them of neighborhood meetings, and upcoming community events, program, and services. Community programs, events, media releases and website links related to government agencies or those agencies supported monetarily or in-kind by the City of Concord may be featured in the monthly neighborhood newsletter. Those that do not fit the above criteria will not be promoted.

Procedure for Submitting an Item for Inclusion in the Monthly Neighborhood Newsletter: Community programs, events and media releases should be sent as follows: 1. Email: jzarc@concordnc.gov OR 2. In person: Concord City Hall, 3rd floor Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The information provided to will be reviewed by staff. If the information meets the criteria specified above and there are no questions related to the submission, it will be included in the next month’s newsletter.

Important Meeting Dates cultural resources, as well as foster a widespread appreciation and respect for Concord’s cultural heritage.

Board of Adjustment City Council

City Council meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of each month in the City of Concord City Hall, located at 35 Cabarrus Ave West, 3rd Floor, Council Chambers. The agenda is prepared and distributed on Friday preceding the meeting to council and news media. A work session is then held on the Tuesday preceding the regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. Meeting Agenda: concordnc.gov/Government/ Council-Agenda

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City of Concord City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Ave West, 3rd Floor, Council Chambers.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City of Concord City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Ave West, 3rd Floor, Council Chambers. The historic districts near downtown Concord are some of the most valued and important assets in the city. The Historic Preservation Commission has been established by the City Council to help apply and interpret the zoning ordinance for areas within the historic districts. The work of the Historic Preservation Commission helps to identify, protect, and preserve Concord’s

The Board of Adjustment meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City of 35 Cabarrus Ave West, 3rd Floor, Council Chambers.

Neighborhood Leadership Council Meetings

How to Start a Neighborhood Association Whether your neighborhood is facing serious challenges or just wants to build a stronger sense of community, the people within it must be organized in order to bring about real change. Neighborhood organizations provide residents with the ability to help shape the places where they live. A Neighborhood Association can be defined as a group of neighbors, business owners, pastors, etc. from a neighborhood or a specific geographically defined area who are joined together around a common activity, often sharing a common vision or goal. Membership can include homeowners and renters, as well as people living outside the community. To achieve their goal, members of the association usually decide upon a common purpose, share in a plan to address that purpose, and implement their plan. The association is formally organized and offers an opportunity for citizens to collectively participate in decision making for their neighborhoods. The primary benefit of a neighborhood organization is that it offers neighbors a means for getting to know one another and a forum to address issues. Whether it is exchanging skills, such as cooking dinner for a neighbor one night in exchange for having him/her run some errands for you, activities such as these enhance the sense of community. The association will give neighbors a forum to discuss common concerns and to develop a framework to address those concerns. Some potential outcomes may be: improved street lighting, beautification projects, neighborhood 20

clean-ups, crime prevention, sidewalks, traffic calming devices, recreation, zoning and land-use planning. Besides rallying people around important issues, many neighborhood associations have summer picnics, holiday parties and other special events in order to have fun as well as to keep the lines of communication open with their neighbors. These social events help build community and unique bonds among members. Membership while open to all persons within the neighborhood is voluntary. It is important to note that members of a neighborhood association should represent the community and all of its issues. The members of the association come together to decide what needs to be done and how to do it. Through their work, they create the stability, credibility, and political clout necessary to be an effective force in making a stronger neighborhood. Before you take steps to start a neighborhood association, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to do your homework and understand past and current conditions within your community. Talk with your neighbors informally to decide if there are others interested in working together on shared goals. These goals are often defined as better

communication with neighbors, beautification of the area, applying for grants, reduction of crime, etc. The City does not establish neighborhood associations; area residents must take the initiative.

a neighborhood church, community meeting room, school, or even a coffee at your house. No matter the gathering place, just by getting to know each other better, the neighborhood benefits.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Starting a neighborhood group can be exhausting. No one person can do it alone. It will take the commitment from a core group of neighbors.

STEP 4 Form a steering committee

STEP 1 Verify that a neighborhood association does not already exits

If you want to start a neighborhood association, first verify that one does not already exist in your neighborhood. You certainly don’t want to duplicate efforts. To determine if a group exist, talk to people in the neighborhood.

STEP 2 Generate interest

Talk to people in the neighborhood to share your idea with others who might want to be involved. Keep in mind that members of a neighborhood association should represent the community and all of its issues. Start by recruiting a handful of people – a temporary committee. The temporary committee’s role is to get the word out about the idea of establishing a neighborhood association. Think about all the different organizations and places that make your neighborhood unique and include people who represent the area’s diversity of age, occupation, faith, race and ethnicity, etc.

If there is support for starting a neighborhood association, the next step is to form a steering committee – three or four are enough. This is a core group of people who are committed to developing the organization and will acts as the temporary steering committee or leadership until you’re ready to hold a general membership meeting. If this group gets too large, it will become unmanageable and result in low productivity. Members of the steering committee should share a common vision regarding important issues affecting the neighborhood. It is also important to include people whose views are respected by other members of the community, which might include: Homeowners, Business owners, Apartment residents, Church leaders, School teachers or administrators. Find candidates for your steering committee by talking to your neighbors. Look for people who are committed to the neighborhood and have specific issues they care about tackling. They are the most likely to want to get involved.

STEP 3 Host an open meeting to discuss the idea

Invite everyone you contact to an open meeting to discuss the idea of a neighborhood association; for example, hold a picnic in a park, a meeting at

The committee should meet to work on the following:

• Develop a complete list of neighborhood residents.

group. The steering committee has to meet several times before it will be ready to hold a meeting with the entire neighborhood. Once the entire neighborhood is involved the core group should continue meeting as an advisory board for the newly formed neighborhood association.

• Discuss each person’s ideas concerning the problems and needs of the neighborhood.

meeting

• Determine the boundaries of the neighborhood. • Identify current and potential leaders.

• Decide who you want to tell about your new organization (churches, newspaper, government bodies, other neighborhood groups, etc.). • Discuss goals, projects and concerns. • Determine a convenient time and location for members to attend meetings. • Determine how frequently members would like to meet. • Develop draft bylaws - Bylaws are rules which identify the basic structure and operational characteristics of an association. Therefore, it is important to begin work on the bylaws early in the organizing effort. Through this process, the group is formulating your neighborhood’s goals, objectives, and policies as the framework for organizing. It is important to remember to divide up tasks between members of the core 22

STEP 5 Holding the first large

Once the steering committee has meet and made progress on developing the organization’s framework, start planning your first large meeting. If people in your neighborhood do not have the opportunity to become involved in the planning process, they will not feel a part of the organization. Remember the Golden Rule of Neighborhood Organizing: Do not allow any committee to become an elitist group. Each committee must truly represent the overall makeup of your neighborhood. Always provide opportunities for neighbors to become involved. Here are some tips for hosting the first large meeting: Find a location within close proximity to your neighborhood. Church facilities, Schools or a public community center

are ideal. Make sure you choose a room that will fit the estimated number of attendees comfortably. The room should not be too large or too small. Schedule the meeting during the early evening – around 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Prepare a colorful flier that states the time, place, date, and purpose of the meeting. If there is a printing business in your neighborhood, ask if they will donate the printing. It is best to go door to door to personally hand deliver fliers throughout the neighborhood. Be prepared to do a lot of talking. Don’t forget to include merchants, ministers, nonresident landlords, and others who work in your neighborhood. At the meeting, post a map of the neighborhood so that participants will see the neighborhood boundaries and can comment on the boundaries if needed. Also if there are areas of concern, I will be great to have a visual to reference when needed. Invite elected officials and City staff from to attend. Residents may have questions for these people to address. Also, give area clergy and school administrative staff personal invitations. This will help establish resources which may support your organization’s future endeavors. Follow a prepared agenda and allow for enough time to give those who wish to speak the opportunity to do so. Select a member from the steering committee to act as chair of the meeting. Set ground rules: such as time limitations for speakers, disagree respectfully, no cross talking, etc. Once all business has been addressed, it’s time to end the meeting. Wrap things up by reviewing next steps. If

there were problems identified that need to be addressed, remember to give attendees information on how they will be handled. Decide on a date, time and place for the next meeting before members leave. If members agreed to establish the neighborhood association, the next meeting should occur within the next 30 days to keep the momentum moving forward. During the next meeting you’ll want to work to establish concrete action steps – a list of things to be done for the organization. Remember to always include a review of the previous meeting including a list of all agreements and concerns and the timeline for moving forward. Once the election is held, the original steering committee ceases to exist. The new governing body will be called the Board of Directors.

Suggested Agenda 7:00 p.m. • Call to order • Greetings from the chair (opening remarks, welcome, acknowledge special guests, etc.) • Purpose of the meeting • A description of what a neighborhood association and the benefits • Outline of organizing and steps taken to date by the steering committee 7:30 p.m. • Refreshment break • Community needs as understood so far (document any other concerns shared by participants) • Question and answer period • Discussion and possible vote on whether to form a neighborhood association • Call for volunteers • Adjournment 23

Checklist for Preparing for Meetings ¨

Set goals With the people on your planning committee, determine what you want to accomplish during the meeting. This should be clearly defined for all participants and included in your agenda.

¨ Review the minutes of your last meeting

• Who was assigned which task? • Are they prepared to make a report? • Where can they fit in the agenda? • How much time do they need for their presentation? • What issues were left unresolved? • On what issues are you now prepared to make decisions?

Collect Information Collect all new information which has been received by the committee. Put this

in outline form so all committee members have the information in front of them during the meeting.

¨ Collect Resources and Information

• Do you need additional information or a resource person to help you meet your goals? • Where can you get the information and how quickly?

¨ Send Out Meeting Notices and Include

Date, Time, Place, & Meeting Purpose

¨ Set an Agenda

• Write the agenda before the meeting. •M ake changes only with the consent of the group. •M ake enough copies for all attending the meeting. • S et a predetermined ending time. • Set a timed agenda to get through all the information on your agenda.

Sample Meeting Agenda • Greetings from the president (opening remarks, welcome, acknowledge special guests, etc.) • Approval of minutes • Communications not requiring action (letters, thank-you notes, etc.) • Reports or presentations from partners or invited guests (Police or Neighborhood Liaison, etc.) • Old business (business unfinished at close of last meeting) • Reports of special committees • Reports of officers (Treasurer’s report, etc.) • New business (motions, announcements, etc.) • Programs (program chair introduces guest speakers, etc.) • Adjournment

Being a Good Neighbor(hood)

Have you ever noticed that the things our neighbors do – from the way they mow (or don’t mow) their lawns, to the way they let their dog bark all night long – can often be an irritation and source of hostility? Often times, these minor annoyances are not addressed and silent resentment begins to build, leading to additional frustration, anger, and the threat of potential retaliation. Talking with your neighbor may be a way to reduce the tension and solve the problem, but there are times when neighbors simply can’t work out their disputes and must find some way to live together despite their differences.

The neighborhood association will be vital in developing neighborly connections and may develop programs or events to accomplish neighbor development. However, being a quality neighborhood starts with being good neighbors. The City of Concord is fortunate to have over 60 Recognized Neighborhood Associations. These associations cover much of Concord in both older traditional neighborhoods and newer subdivision however; there is still room for new association to form. For help starting a Neighborhood Association in your area, please contact the City of Concord’s Community Outreach Coordinator jzarc@concordnc.gov or 704-920-5298.

Connect with the City of Concord Mayor and City Council One Number does it all

704-920-5555

Call the Customer Care Center for service requests and inquiries about any of the following: • Building Material Disposal • Bulky Item Collection • Citizen Claims • Code Violations • Dead Animal Pickup • Drinking Water Inquires • Electric Outages/Services • Garbage Pick-up/Recycling • Old Tire Collection • Right-of-Way Issues • Safety Hazards • Storm Water/Storm Drain/Flooding Problems • Street/Traffic Light Issues • Utility Bills • Vacant Lot Cleaning/Mowing • Water/Sewer Emergencies • Yard Waste/Leaf Collection

Helpful Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies 911 Community Outreach Coordinator 704-920-5298 City Manager’s Office 704-920-5215 Parks & Recreation 704-920-5600 Zoning Permits 704-920-5152 26

In Concord, City government operates on the Council Manager Form of Government. Under the councilmanager form of government, the City Council acts as the legislative body in establishing policy and law and the City Manager handles the day-today management of the City organization. The Mayor is elected at-large (citywide) for a four-year term and serves as the presiding officer at city council meetings and as the official head of the city for ceremonial purposes. The seven City Council Members are elected at-large from districts for staggered four-year terms. The Mayor Pro Tempore is elected each year by members of the City Council and preforms the duties of the Mayor during the Mayor’s absence. The Mayor and Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney. The Council also decides by majority vote, on all land use issues, expenditure of city funds, city business decisions, and ordinances. The City Council meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall located at 35 Cabarrus Ave West. The meetings are open to the public, and the meeting agendas are posted online at concordnc.gov/ councilagenda. City Mailing Address: 35 Cabarrus Ave West P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28026-0308 Phone Number: 704-920-5215

Concord Police Districts Every resident lives in one of the four Police Patrol District, and each district has a team of police officers lead by a District Commander. Neighborhood Leaders should get to know the District Commanders and team of officers and learn how to work with them to fight crime and disorder in their neighborhoods. District Commanders and Police Officers attend neighborhood meetings and work in partnership with residents to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems. To reach a captain, choose your police district from the list below. Adam District: Captain Jeremy Baggarly 704-920-5056 | baggarlj@concordnc.gov

Charlie District: Captain Alan Lee 704-920-5009 | leej@concordnc.gov

Baker District: Captain Patrick Tierney 704-920-5013 | tierneyp@concordnc.gov

David District: Captain Vashon Clark 704-920-6059 | clarkv@concordnc.gov

Concord Police host quarterly Crime & Safety Meetings to address crime statistics and trends. For meeting dates, times, and locations, contact Lt. Cydney McGhee at 704-920-5000, or mcgheec@concordnc.gov Looking for a specific officer? Find them in the Concord Police Email Directory: concordnc.gov/Departments/Police/ Department-Directory

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Concord Police Department is committed to community policing through the use of evidence-based, problemoriented, and data driven strategies. We recognize that public safety is not achieved in a vacuum. Our success is largely dependent upon developing and maintaining strong partnerships with an engaged community. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Chief of Police - Gary J. Gacek 27

35 Cabarrus Ave West P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28026-0308 concordnc.gov/neighborhoods