Information You Can Use
Commercial Terminal Opening Soon
FALL 2016
Concord hosts NC Public Transit Conference Loose Leaf Schedule
SAVE THE DATE!
City Council
Friday, November 18
for an evening of fun and festivities: Sam Leder District 1
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks
Brian King District 2
Bicentennial Plaza
W. Lamar Barrier District 5
Alfred M. Brown, Jr. District 4 Mayor Pro-Tem
Jennifer H. Parsley District 6
EVENT SCHEDULE: COURTESY OF MICHAEL A. ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Ella Mae Small District 3
6:00 Children’s Activities Trolley and Carriage Rides
6:30 Family Entertainment 8:00 Tree Lighting and Fireworks! 6:00-9:00 Enjoy Cabarrus Arts Council’s Art Walk presented by:
John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7
In this Issue:
COVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF HELIVISION, LLC
From the Mayor | Manager’s Notes . . . . . . . . 3 The Concord City Circular is produced quarterly by the City Manager’s Office to provide Concord citizens with information about current activities of the City of Concord. It contains items that will help make it easier for you to do business with the City. Your comments and questions are welcomed. Please send them to: Concord City Circular P.O. Box 308, Concord, NC 28026 or call 704-920-5210 or e-mail franzese@concordnc.gov. designed by
Granite Sky Civic
Experience Your Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Public Service Recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rider Transit Hosts Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 New Commercial Terminal Opening Soon . . . . 8-9
Visit concordnc.gov to subscribe to the CityLink email newsletter, and receive weekly updates and information about Concord direct to your inbox.
Loose Leaf Collection Schedule . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pipe Tapping Competition Winners . . . . . . . . 12 Quarterly High Performers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ghost Signs Restored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Biweekly Bulky Waste Collection Update . . . back
2 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
Get Connected Get connected with Concord through Facebook and Twitter! Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to facebook.com/concordnc and twitter.com/ConcordNCgov.
From the Mayor
Manager’s Notes
J. Scott Padgett
Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager
It’s Our City
Momentum Continues with Update to Downtown Master Plan
2016 has been a difficult year for country. We have seen communities across the United States impacted by violence that feels like a shockwave we can’t avoid. It hurts every time we read a headline or get a notification of the most recent act of violence. We wish it could be the last time we have to receive such bad news, while bracing for the next.
Early this year the ribbon was cut for Lofts 29, the transformation of the historic Maxwell Furniture Building into market rate apartments supported by Historic Preservation Tax Credits. The momentum created by this event continues with the announcement of more apartments coming to downtown Concord and the expansion of the vision for the downtown of the future.
The repeated incidents have affected various segments of society in different ways, causing many of us to become numb with grief and sadness, some of us to tune it out as noise, and others to be deeply moved into action. Although in most cases this year’s violent acts targeted specific groups of the US population (and indeed even worse overseas), I believe that each of these is an act against us all. The individuals who turn to violence are striking against the good people that make up the majority of our nation and world. We all mourn together as a human family with each senseless act.
The next project will be the long awaited rehabilitation of the historic Hotel Concord and the adjacent properties. This rehabilitation will retain the event/ballroom venue presently operating in the Historic Hotel Concord and reopen freshly improved in 2018. The same private developer that completed the Lofts 29 project has obtained all the properties necessary to create approximately thirty-eight (38) market rate apartments on the residential floors above the Hotel and the former bank lobbies, as well as in the former Concord Telephone Company Exchange Building located along Cabarrus Avenue.
The ripples of each stretch to countless places where people know or empathize with victims. Concord was especially affected after the June 12 shooting in Orlando, where Shane Tomlinson was among the dead and a local family was grieving. Our hearts were broken. Shane was an extraordinary young man from a fine family. He was a 1999 graduate of Northwest Cabarrus High School, and there are many people in our community who loved and remember Shane from his youth.
This developer has also agreed to complement Downtown Concord’s overall vision by converting the bank lobby into a market/restaurant space. Plans include developing or selling, with a commitment to develop, the Cabarrus Theater building located just north of the Hotel on Union Street.
As a mayor, it is especially disturbing to see the story play out in community after community, knowing Concord could be the place on the news just as easily as somewhere else. Just like any other disaster, we do not get to choose where and when it happens. However, we as individuals and a community do choose how we respond. I was very proud of two moments this summer where our community chose to come together in solidarity. The first came on July 12, when the community had an important conversation about law enforcement, continued on page 12
Finally, the developer will reconfigure the parking lot behind the Hotel to maximize the number of spaces. The new configuration is expected to result in seventy-one (71) total parking spaces that will be ample to support the 38 new apartments and day-time business uses of the two proposed commercial venues. The new configuration will also assist with continued parking convenience for Lofts 29 residents. At the same time, at City Council’s direction, City staff has been working with consultants and downtown stakeholders to update the Downtown Master Plan. This project started with a parking analysis and moved quickly into a market analysis phase, conducted by the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the UNC School of Government. The final phase was taking the information from the parking analysis and the market continued on page 13 concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 3
Experience Your Hometown
Like a Visitor When you live “Where Racing Lives,” it’s easy to spend free time fueling a love for motorsports.
Add local cuisine, craft beer, family fun attractions and historic sites to your bucket-list and it’s easy to see why Cabarrus County is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in all of North Carolina. A list of 10 Local Favorite Things to Do from Visit Cabarrus gives you ideas on how to experience the Concord/Kannapolis area any time of year. Here are five to get you started!
1
Action at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track
We love the big shows in May and October. A quick look through the parking lot and you’ll spot plenty of North Carolina plates. And when it’s not NASCAR race weekend, you’ll still find us at a track. Covered in clay during the World Finals at The Dirt Track, and with earplugs in at the “Bellagio of Drag Strips.” At the superspeedway? Depends on the season. Tuesdays in June and July are reserved for Summer Shootout racing, cooler weather means car shows (extravaganzas really), and then the track turns into a winter wonderland you wouldn’t believe for Speedway Christmas.
Staying in style and under budget at Concord Mills
2
Some may think having the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the Carolinas right in your backyard would be bad for the budget. But designer deals at Concord Mills keep our closets and wallets in great shape. And it’s not just about how full the trunk is when we leave. We’re taking home memories of that walk through the underwater tunnel at SEA LIFE and challenging each other to another race at The Speedpark. 4 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
3
Union Street in Historic Downtown Concord
Dinner and a show at the Davis Theatre are always a great choice, and dessert at Cabarrus Creamery is a must. During the summertime, we’re raising a toast at Lil’ Robert’s or getting down at Union Street Live, and visitors are invited to join in on the fun! Shop at places that sustain our community, bring home items we created, and taste recipes that we’ve passed down for generations.
Getting away without leaving town at Great Wolf Lodge
4
We’re firm believers in the power of travel. But when the annual trip has already passed and we’re overdue for a little down time, staycation it is! Waterpark, spas, arcade, bowling and great dining under one roof. A few days in 84 degrees can be the perfect medicine from that summer heatwave or that frosty North Carolina winter. Goggles, anyone?
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHAEL A. ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY AND CABARRUS COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
5
Anytime music and motorsports collide
The Avett’s are admittedly our favorite when it comes to tunes. Outside of listening to their latest record on repeat, we get our fill of harmony and horsepower at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Carolina-based artists like Charlie Daniels, Eric Church and Roberta Flack are honored right beside racing greats at the Curb Museum. Experience our state’s music history firsthand at the next Induction Ceremony on October 20 in Kannapolis.
For the full list and to learn more about Visit Cabarrus, go to WhereRacingLives.com. What are your favorite things to do in Cabarrus County? Connect with us on social media and share your ideas!
Visit Cabarrus
@SpeedCityUSA
concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 5
Decades of public service recognized at annual awards luncheon Years of Service
30 25 20
Honorees Lamar Barrier, Governing Body David Chandler, Electric Systems Jim Sells, City Manager’s Office Randy Shue, Transportation D. Keith Barnes, Water Resources Wilner Bottex, Buildings and Grounds Karen Broadway, Finance Charles Brock, Police Petit Colas, Buildings and Grounds Lannie Cruse, Electric Systems Darell Gazeley, Water Resources Ranone Good, Water Resources Timothy Hartsell, Police Jill Hodges, Finance Betty M Stocks, Police Mark Cain, Finance Michael Carter, Fire Keith Childers, Police Randy Fowler, Police Mark Goodman, Fire Marshall Goss, Fire Jean Haskins, Police Warren Hatley, Fire Danny Herrin, Water Resources Michael Johnson, Fire Timothy Jones, Fire Brian Kennerly, Police Scott Padgett, Governing Body James Penninger, Buildings and Grounds Kenneth Pethel, Finance Dave Phillips, Governing Body Thomas Purser, Police Jim Ramseur, Governing Body Joe Rinehardt, Transportation Ervin Sechler, Engineering Leigh Sells, Finance Mark Varnadore, Water Resources Douglas Wilhelm, Police Gregory Wright, Fire
6 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
In July, the City recognized 156 coworkers who reached service milestones in our organization between July 2015 and June 2016, and 28 departments or divisions received safety awards from the NC Department of Labor. These milestones and achievements mark decades of public service, and over 70,000 hours of work completed in the last year with industry-leading safety records. Through the service awards program, all full and part-time City coworkers and elected officials are eligible for recognition once they have reached each five-year continuous service milestone (5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, etc.). Recipients are invited to a lunch program and receive letters of appreciation from the City Manager, certificates, and for those with 20, 25, or 30 years of service, a plaque. The City of Concord thanks all coworkers who have reached a service milestone.
15 Years David Alexander, Police Sheila Almond, Finance Edward Anderson, Electric Charles Augustyn, Fire Lonnie Benton, Water Resources Andre’ Bergeron, Fire M. Todd Blackwell, Water Resources Tracy Blalock, Police Vicki Callicutt, Communications Arnold Carter, Police Frank Cline, Water Resources Bradley Cohen, Communications Louie Coppock, Electric Robert Danner, Police Lemmie Davis, Buildings and Grounds Robbie Drye, Electric Codey Elwood, Fire Ronald Ferrell, Police Michael Franklin, Police Marshall Freeman, Buildings and Grounds Merl Hamilton, City Manager’s Office E. Brian Harwood, Water Resources Robin Hatley, Finance Brian Hutchens, Fire Stephanie Isbell, Communications Danny Jacobs, Aviation Angela Jones-Graham, Housing Ricky Lambert, Solid Waste and Recycling Deborah Littlefield, Parks and Recreation Tommy Lunceford, Fire Leonard Mason, Solid Waste and Recycling Timothy Mcdonald, Fire Sherri Moore, Engineering Timothy Mullins, Police Robert Page, Fire James Pendergrass, Fire Eric Pettigrew, Electric Christopher Price, Fire Ricardo Rodriguez, Police Keisha Samuels, Housing Brenda Sherrill, Police Chad Sherrill, Fire
James Shoe, Water Resources Ricky Shue, Transportation Lorry Stegall, Finance Jason Stewart, Fire Sidney Talbert, Finance
10 Years Chris Aldridge, Electric Anthony Allman, Water Resources Travis Barbee, Fleet Services Linda Barnes, Finance Robert Beamon, Fleet Services Denise Burns, Communications Jeffrey Carroll, Water Resources Stephen Cates, Aviation Nichole Dailey, Police Michael Filkins, Water Resources James Green, Water Resources Edison Hall, Police Terry Harris, Engineering Pamela Hartsell, Aviation Jeffrey Hutcheson, Transportation Sue Hyde, Engineering Steven Kirk, Aviation Paul Kluttz, Police Darrell Lomax, Electric Vicki Love, Communications John Mcgaha, Fire Gary Mearite, Police John Morris, Water Resources Joel Patterson, Police James Perusek, Fire Michael Price, Police Pattie Rogers, Communications Starla Rogers, Planning and Neighborhood Development Daniel Scott, Electric Kelly Seagraves, Police James Shoe, Buildings and Grounds Jesse Sloop, Water Resources Donald Smith, Transportation Nicholas Stancil, Electric Paul Talbert, Water Resources David Tippett, Police Corliss Tomlinson, Police Avery Turner, Police continued on page 11
Rider Transit hosts 33rd annual North Carolina Public Transportation Association Conference
Rider Transit Manager L.J. Weslowski accepts a safety award on behalf of Concord Kannapolis Area Transit.
In June, Concord Kannapolis Area Transit (Rider) hosted public transit systems large and small from across the state for the 33rd annual NCPTA Conference, Expo, Golf Tournament, and Roadeo. Transit representatives from more than 100 rural, urban and regional systems from across the state came together to train, learn, network and share stories with community and business leaders; local, state and federal agencies; and suppliers and vendors that serve the public transit industry.
PHOTOS: CITY OF CONCORD/ L.J. WESLOWSKI
One of the eight lucky competitors in the School Bus Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was Rider Transit’s Michael Blakeney, who came in a close 2nd place in a hard fought but fun night of racing.
The six-day event began with the three-day, statewide Bus, Van, and Light Transit Vehicle (LTV) driving “Roadeo”, a timed driving skills competition where public transit operators from across the state compete to see who is the best in each category! Held at the ZMax Dragway, the weather was hot, and the competition even hotter, with Rider Transit’s own Michael Blakeney placing 7th in a tight continued on page 10 concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 7
New commercial terminal opening
T
he Commercial Service Terminal at Concord Regional Airport is in its final stages of construction, with the facility set to open in October.
The terminal is approximately 32,000 square feet and will allow the airport to service two scheduled commercial flights at any given time. The City’s limited commercial service started in December 2013 with Allegiant’s service to Orlando-Sanford, FL operating two days a week out of a retrofitted hangar. Since, Allegiant has increased the frequency to Sanford and added St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Ft. Lauderdale as destinations, and, averaging about ten flights a week. The temporary terminal has reached its service capacity and has served over 250,000 passengers. The new terminal is located on the south end of the airfield, and will accommodate up to 30 flights a week while separating the commercial operations from the airport’s core general aviation services. The result is a better flying experience for general aviation and commercial customers, alike. In addition, improved security, baggage, concession, and other amenities will be available for commercial passengers. The terminal construction was planned and executed on a tight 18-month schedule after federal funding became available in 2015. Of the $6.5 million project cost, 90 percent will be paid with federal funding
8 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
and the rest will be split by the City and NCDOT. Concord’s local portion is approximately $325,000. The construction also includes a 700-space parking deck. The City is financing the cost of the $5.7 million project, and will charge parking fees to generate revenue. In June, Allegiant announced new service to Punta Gorda, FL to begin after the terminal opens in the fall. PHOTOS: CITY OF CONCORD/ L.J. WESLOWSKI
soon at Concord Regional Airport
“Allegiant has grown quickly in Concord and more space was necessary for us to continue to offer our low-cost and nonstop flights for Concord travelers,” said Eric Fletcher, Allegiant manager of airports. “We are excited to see Concord
Regional Airport expand into this new terminal and open the possibility for more Allegiant flights.” “The City Council’s capital investment in Concord Regional Airport is already yielding dividends for our community,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “The Commercial Service Terminal and Parking Deck are nearly complete, and we’re glad to hear that Allegiant is ready to take advantage of our upgraded facilities with an additional destination on the schedule.” Aviation Department staff have been in discussions with other airlines about bringing new service to the community at Concord Regional. “The new service to Punta Gorda is a direct result of the our new commercial service facilities,” said Aviation Director Rick Cloutier. “In addition to this and potential future new service announcements, the facilities will help us provide a better customer experience, improve efficiency on the ramp, and ultimately enhance the general aviation product we offer at Concord Regional.”
concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 9
Rider Transit continued from page 7
competition in the Bus category on Sunday morning! Sunday afternoon, the Rocky River Golf Club hosted the NCPTA’s annual golf tournament, with nearly 40 players braving the heat to play the course, which many said was in beautiful condition. Monday through Wednesday was the Conference portion of the event, which included topics for both Rural and Urban systems, state and federal updates, and sessions related to maintenance, technology, safety, security, operations and administration. This year’s theme was “Telling Our Story” with a focus on the positive impact of public transit on passengers, employees, and our communities. Monday featured updates from the Federal perspective, keynote speaker Jarrett Walker, and the Exhibitor Expo which allows transit systems the opportunity to see different transit related products and services such as vehicles, maintenance equipment, software and planning services available to them. Tuesday featured a full day of seminars, NCDOT updates, and the annual awards luncheon, where Rider Transit received a safety award in the Fixed Route, Under 999,999 Miles category, the 3rd time in four years that Concord Kannapolis Area Transit has won this award. The day ended with an evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway where the feature event of the evening, the School Bus race, showcased eight NCPTA members, each in their own colorful, custom painted school buses. The conference closed on Wednesday with special guest speaker Anthony Foxx, US Secretary of Transportation. Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant, 2016 Concord Kannapolis Transit Commission Chair, kicked off the
session by telling Rider’s story - talking about the origin of Rider Transit and how much we’ve grown and become a valuable asset to both Concord and Kannapolis. Secretary Foxx’s remarks focused on the need for rural and urban systems to work with, not against each other to solve public transit and other surface transportation issues. US Secretary of Transportation, He also addressed Anthony Foxx the need for better cooperation and coordination at a regional level, to help movement through these areas become faster and more efficient. Secretary Foxx called for more investment in public transit, explaining that as people are able to move more efficiently, freight also benefits from better moving surface transportation pipelines. He closed with the idea that while there are several major components to transportation in the United States, that they should be seen as one unified system that needs all facets to be healthy for everyone’s benefit, rather than as competing interests where one segment benefits at the expenses of another. This was the first time in the 33 year history of the NCPTA the USDOT Secretary had attended the conference. The 34th annual NCPTA Conference is scheduled to return to Concord in 2017. For more information about the NC Public Transit Association, visit nctransit.org.
Did you know... Did you know the City’s public safety departments have joined Facebook? Visit the Concord NC Public Safety Facebook Page to receive safety tips, news, and updates from the City of Concord’s Communications, Fire, Police, and Emergency Management staff. Visit facebook.com/ConcordNCPublicSafety to connect with us. Please call 911 if you are experiencing a life threatening emergency.
10 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
O
b
Loose Leaf Collection Schedule 2016 – 2017
If your Garbage Day is…
Your Loose Leaves will be Collected…
Monday
November 7 - 11 December 19 - 22 January 23 - 27
Tuesday
October 31 - November 4 December 12 - 16 January 17 - 20
Wednesday
October 31 - November 4 December 5 - 9 January 9 - 13
Thursday
October 24 - 28 November 28 - December 2 January 3 - 6
Friday
October 24 - 28 November 14 - 18 December 27 - 30
Second Chance $75 fee
January 30-Feburary 3 February 6-10
This schedule is subject to change due to weather delays and equipment breakdown. Contact the Customer Care Center or check concordnc.gov for updates.
No loose leaf collection is scheduled on City-observed holidays, including:
Thanksgiving (Entire week of November 21-25) Christmas (December 23 & 26) New Year’s Day (January 2) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16)
• Place your loose leaves at the curb by 6 am the first day of your specified collection week. • Collection crews are unable to return if you place leaves at the curb after they have worked your street. • Leaves must be free of tree/shrub limbs or foreign objects and kept away from storm drains, mail boxes and parked cars. • Bagged leaves are collected weekly on your regular garbage collection day. Consider bagging your leaves if you cannot wait for loose leaf collection. • Bagged leaves must be contained in untied, clear plastic or biodegradable paper bags weighing less than 35 pounds each. • The City will collect your live Christmas trees, too. Please leave trees at the curb with your regular household garbage. Remove all stands, lights and ornaments.
concordnc.gov
C
Be a good neighbor Don’t put loose leaves out too early (remember bagged leaves are collected every week), and when they are placed for collection be sure to keep them out of the street, gutter, or sidewalk…simply place them at the edge of your yard.
Second Chance Program You are required to begin bagging all loose leaves placed at the curb after the leaf crew works your street during the third collection cycle. The Second Chance Program is for anyone who missed the last collection and is willing to pay rather than to bag their leaves and avoid the Code Enforcement penalties. Call 704.920.5555 to schedule.
| For updates, contact Customer Care Center | Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm |
704.920.5555
Public Service Recognized continued from page 6
5 Years Douglas Black, Buildings and Grounds David Bradshaw, Communications Charles Braun, Buildings and Grounds Danny Cochran, Electric John Crayton, Police John Crayton, Police Anthony Culbertson, Housing Jason Dillon, Fire David Dobbins, Electric Megan Efird, Finance
Daniel Funderburk, Water Resources Brandon Hargett, Electric Tracee Hicklin-Alsbrooks, Human Resources Christopher Holshouser, Transportation Jackson Joseph, Transportation Tammy Linn, Finance Desmond Miller, Solid Waste and Recycling Brandon Moose, Electric Charles Parker, Fire James Payne, Police Charles Reed, Parks and Recreation
Wayne Richards, Fire Joe Robinson, Buildings and Grounds Kristin Roe, Finance Gregory Ryczek, Fire Jonathan Ryczek, Fire Fernando Sanchez, Police Nathan Troutman, Water Resources Lawrence Weslowski, Transit Benjamin Wienecke, Fire Nicholas Zabel, Fire
concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 11
Congratulations to the Smokin’ Bits pipe tapping team! The American Water Works Association held their 2016 annual conference and exposition in Chicago in June. Included in this conference is the Pipe Tapping Competition. This is a high-energy contest of skill in which competitors from across the US race against the clock to drill into a cement-lined, ductile iron pipe and install a tap. Concord’s team won the state competition last November, qualifying them to compete at the national level. The Smokin’ Bits finished fourth in the national competition with a time of 1 minute 26.25 seconds. The team members are (pictured above, left to right): Keith Barnes, JC Whitley, Anthony Allman, and Jason Eudy. The City of Concord congratulates and thanks the team for their excellent finish, which represents quality and efficient service to customers!
From The Mayor continued from page 3
building trust, and what we all can do to support each other. Elected officials, Police Chief Gary Gacek, Sheriff Brad Riley, and many other law enforcement offices had a dialogue with community members, including representatives of the NAACP, Mothers of Murdered Offspring, Logan Community Association, Logan Ministerial Association, and Multi-Cultural Community Student Union. The lines one might perceive or expect of law enforcement talking with community members quickly went away because in fact, we are all the community together. Deputy Police Chief Betty Stocks was one of several who spoke from the heart; while she has worn the badge for 25 years, she has been a member of the community her entire life. I cannot stress how important it is for us to remember this fact as we continue to encounter each other in our daily interactions.
is remarkable is that within 36 hours of announcing her adopt-a-cop idea, Leah had received cards and gifts for every Concord Police Officer. After making the delivery her idea has spread, with similar efforts underway for other local agencies.
The following week, all of Concord’s 161 sworn officers were “adopted” in a show of support. Leah Grasty is the wife of Officer Wes Grasty, who represented Concord Police at officers’ funerals in Dallas, Texas. It is not surprising that a police spouse would want to support law enforcement. What
Speaking of support, I want to sincerely thank Uwharrie Bank and Carolinas Healthcare System, our hometown presenting sponsors for the 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks on November 18. We could not do this event without their partnership, and it certainly speaks to the type of community we are fortunate to have here in Concord.
12 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
These are the moments that make our community stronger and make us better people. They make it clear that we are not living in my city or your city. Not his city, or her city, or their city. In this time of political debates over to whom the country “belongs,” I think Concord provides the answer the entire United States should hear. It’s our city. It’s our country. All of us—we’re in it together without exception. Let’s focus on what we can do to love our neighbors and support each other on a daily basis.
Quarterly High Performers Concern for the Individual • Customer Focus Fair and Equitable Service • Professional Service Effective Communication • Taking Ownership
Congratulations to the following coworkers who were selected as quarterly High Performers:
Timeliness • Teamwork • Great Service Recovery
Buildings and Grounds: Bill Leake
High Five recognizes coworkers who make a difference.
Electric: Robbie Dry, Brian Cook, Jason Sartain, Justin Pepper, Larry Barbee Fire: Norman Franklin
Each day City of Concord coworkers are focused on providing the services needed to keep our community moving forward. We believe that coworkers who are delivering excellent service deserve timely and effective recognition by their team members, managers, and the community. We invite you to help us recognize one or more of our coworkers who have provided excellent service.
Finance: Sherry Cochran, Jessica Jones, Karen Broadway, Megan Efird, Lorry Stegall, Traci Williams, Nina Kennard
These nine principles help us deliver a high level of quality services.
Water Resources: Meche Foster
There are three ways to submit your recognitions:
High Performers were selected from among the high five nominations received from the past quarter (April - June 2016). These recognitions best demonstrate “going above and beyond” in providing excellent customer service, or events that best embody one or more of the 9 Principles of Excellent Customer Service. These coworkers were honored at a special lunch event in August. The City of Concord is recognized for having dedicated coworkers who are committed to providing excellent service.
1C all 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgment via the telephone. 2 Complete the online form at concordnc.gov/high5 3C omplete a paper form found one of the following public facilities: City Hall; Academy Recreation Center; Brown Operations Center; Concord Regional Airport; Fire Stations 3, 7, 8, and 9; Housing Department Office; Police Headquarters; Rider Transit Center.
Thank you for helping us recognize our best!
Planning: Angela Baldwin Parks and Rec: Martha Hagood Transportation: Doug Rinehardt, Seth Burris, Tony Franklin, James Motley, Steven Linker
Manager’s Notes continued from page 3
analysis and combining that with input from stakeholders to develop a plan for City Council’s consideration in August. This plan contains many recommendations for phased implementation in future years. For example, the plan identifies City properties behind the City Hall and Concord Police Headquarters as the location of a new plaza to provide open space for gatherings within downtown. It also anticipates additional County and public parking needs by providing County/City partnership concepts to develop a parking deck on County land between Barbrick and Corban Avenues. The plan also identifies potential areas ripe for new retail, residential, and office development. Concurrent with the Master Plan process, DFI evaluated redevelopment options for the old Municipal Building and
City Hall Annex properties that were vacated in January. Potential uses of these properties have been developed to be compatible with master plan recommendations. As a result, DFI is developing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the two locations that will be released to the private sector to determine interest in developing mixed-use retail, office, and/or residential projects on these sites. Everyone in Concord should be proud to have a downtown that serves not only as the heart of our community, but also an example to others that it is possible to use the past to build for the future. The momentum currently in Downtown Concord, combined with the vision created by the concepts in the Downtown Master Plan, speaks well for what is yet to come. concordnc.gov • FALL 2016 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 13
Three new ghost signs restored in Downtown Concord Five years ago, Mayor Padgett announced the planned restoration of the hand-painted Coca-Cola mural located at the corner of Cabarrus Avenue W and Union Street S in his column in this publication. The work was funded by Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, who points to
PHOTO: COURTESY OF COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO., CONSOLIDATED
14 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • FALL 2016 • concordnc.gov
City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies . . . . 911
Mayor Padgett’s phone call as the start of an exciting trend across the southeast United States. Concord’s project caused many other communities to partner with CCBC to restore faded and hidden murals. The popularity of the Coca-Cola project inspired the Concord City Council to fund the restoration of several other Downtown “ghost signs” for three consecutive fiscal years. Renowned Chapel Hill muralist Michael Brown returned to Concord in June for his second series of ghost sign restorations. The Concord Downtown Development Corporation and the Ritchie family provided contributions to offset the cost to the City for the 2016 ghost signs. Michael’s previous work in Concord was featured on the Spring 2016 City Circular cover.
Customer Care Center . . . . . 704-920-5555 Call the Customer Care Center for service requests and inquiries about any of the following: • Electric Outages/Services • Water/Sewer Emergencies • Dead Animal Pick-up • Drinking Water Inquiries • Garbage/Bulk Pick-up/Recycling • Utility Bills • Street/Traffic Light Issues • Right-of-Way Issues • Storm Water/Storm Drain/Flooding Problems • Yard Waste/Leaf Collection • Building Material Disposal • Bulk Metal Collection • Old Tire Collection • Vacant Lot Cleaning/Mowing You can also fax our Customer Care team at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-6953 The primary phone numbers for the various City departments are: Main Switchboard . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5200 Buildings & Grounds . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5380 City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5205 City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5215 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5580 Concord Regional Airport . . . . . . 704-920-5900 Electric Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5320 Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5425 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5220 Fire Department Administration . . 704-920-5516
The momentum continued in July with a second “Coke mural” restoration funded by CBCC, adding a bright antique sign to Barbrick Avenue based on evidence from historical photos. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHAEL A. ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5430 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-6100 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5100 Meter Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5219 Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5600 Planning & Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152 Police (non-emergency) . . . . . . . 704-920-5000 Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5210 Purchasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5440 Rider Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-7433 Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5111 Rocky River Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 704-455-1200 Solid Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5361 Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5216 TTY/North Carolina Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5362 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5337 Zoning/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152
concordnc.gov
Keep up the good work, Concord! Beginning in July Concord residents started placing bulky waste out for collection on the same day as recycling. The transition to the new, every other week collection schedule for bulky waste was seamless with excellent results in the first two months. This change allows the City to continue providing a complete range of solid waste collection services with no additional charge to residents.
Bulky Waste includes all items that cannot fit inside curbside carts such as furniture, tires, equipment, appliances (white goods), and e-waste (anything with a circuit board, especially TVs and computers). Recycling and bulky waste is collected every other week according to the established blue/green zone schedule. Weekly garbage and yard waste collection continues unchanged. Visit concordnc.gov for full details.
Concord Mobile Care You can now report pot holes, street light malfunctions, and many other non-emergency issues to the City using your smartphone. Visit concordnc.gov to learn about and download the Concord Mobile Care app for your android or iOS device, or access the web-version on any other device, including PC and laptop computers.
concordnc.gov
The City’s Smart Community program (to upgrade water and electric metering infrastructure for all customers) has launched. Be sure to review the brochure included in this communications packet for details on the Smart Community program and what you can expect.
Visit our City’s website where you’ll find a wealth of information. Pay bills online, access government and City departments, and discover what’s going on in Concord.