Information You Can Use
SUMMER 2014
Investors plan to redevelop historic building
2014-15 Recycling calendar
Rocky River Golf Club among NC’s best
Concord Mobile Care citizen access portal
concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 1
Sprinkler Spruce-Up
City Council
Lawn irrigation using the municipal water system is ONLY allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Learn more at concordnc.gov/savethedrops.
David W. Phillips District 1
James E. Ramseur District 2
Ella Mae Small District 3
Alfred M. Brown, Jr. District 4
When it comes to a home’s irrigation system, a little maintenance goes a long way. Please perform a “sprinkler spruce-up” each spring to ensure you’re practicing good water sense.
Irrigation Water Use Facts
hResidential outdoor
water use across the United States accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.
hExperts estimate that as much as W. Lamar Barrier District 5 Mayor Pro-Tem
Jennifer H. Parsley District 6
half of the water we use outdoors is being wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.
hHomes with automatically timed
irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without. Your system can waste even more if it’s programmed incorrectly, a sprinkler head is
John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7
In this Issue:
pointed in the wrong direction, or you have a leak.
hA home with an automatic irrigation
system that isn’t properly programmed or maintained can waste as much as 30,000 gallons of water annually.
hA broken or missing sprinkler head could waste as much as 25,000 gallons of water and more than $90 over a six-month irrigation season.
COVER PHOTO: ZACK ROBERTS, COURTESY OF HISTORIC CABARRUS ASSOCIATION, INC.
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 Design, Inc.
2014-15 Recycling calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Union Street Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Downtown residential redevelopment . . . . . . . 6 Public safety leaders begin new roles . . . . . . . 7 Hometown Showdown Champion . . . . . . . . . . 8 Rocky River Golf Club among NC best . . . . . . 9 Future City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mustang birthday celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Concord Mobile Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Join Concord 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Police coworkers give the gift of music . . . . back
2 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
Visit concordnc.gov to subscribe to the CityLink email newsletter, and receive weekly updates and information about Concord direct to your inbox. Stay connected with Concord through facebook! Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to facebook.com/ concordnc.
From the Mayor
Manager’s Notes
J. Scott Padgett
Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager
Concord’s always been the best hometown to me Community spirit. We’ve always had it in Concord, but recently the sense of community is bubbling over and I can’t be happier about it. In a time when cooperation and trust in the public good seems hard to find, it was fantastic to see individuals and organizations in Concord and beyond come together behind our bid to win the North Carolina League of Municipalities first ever Hometown Showdown. The League’s contest asked municipalities across the state to submit photos of something that makes us proud. The photo we submitted was taken by local photographer Mike Anderson at our 2013 Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks. Beginning in late February, Concord’s photo competed against entries from Chapel Hill, Belmont, Mooresville, Garner, and finally on April 4 we emerged the champions after an extremely close race against Bessemer City. I would like to thank Bessemer City’s Mayor Becky Smith for her kind words and congratulations after the contest was over. Every participating hometown showed such great community pride; we certainly are better as a state because of this contest.
MICHAEL A ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Mike’s photography skills certainly helped capture a stunning image that immediately stood out from the dozens of others. However I think the subject was the best part…our community enjoying what has become an annual tradition. I would be remiss if I did not thank our Tree Lighting sponsors—Carolinas Healthcare System and Uwharrie Bank, which make the event possible each continued on page 14
Celebrating ten years of Rider Transit There is more good transportation news in Concord. Residents are certainly aware of the many CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI local and statefunded road improvement projects, and the initiation of commercial airline service at Concord Regional Airport. We also need to take time to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Rider Transit system, which began operation in April of 2004. Rider is a partnership between Concord and Kannapolis, with the Federal Transit Administration providing grant funds to support operations and capital needs. Rider has provided many citizens with needed reliable transportation for daily activities such as going to and from work, shopping, accessing medical facilities, and more. The service started with six weekday routes in 2004 and was expanded to seven in September 2008 with the addition of the Brown route. Saturday service began in April of 2006, and with Sunday service launching this past October, Rider now operates seven days each week. System infrastructure and technology have also improved over the last decade. The Rider Transit Center, in a strategic location for Concord and Kannapolis, opened in November 2010, enabling routes to be redesigned to be more efficient and provide even better service. That same year, buses were equipped with an automated vehicle location system, and electronic fare boxes using smart card technology. The system is now in the process of expanding the number of bus shelters along routes, and equipping them with solar lighting units. Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, too. System improvements, the additional route, and weekend service have certainly helped to increase ridership. In 2004, the pace was 189,306 rides per year. Today, that number has increased to 448,000 and continues to climb. In fact, Rider will serve its four millionth passenger later this year. continued on page 10 concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 3
2014-15 Recycling calendar
3
8
9
10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24
25 26
27 28
29 30
31
4 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
7
4
September
5 3
4
5
1
2
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10
11
12
13
15 16
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
21
22 23
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
28
29 30
28 29 30
6
7
10 11
12 13
14
17 18
19 20
24 25
26 27
7
31
October
November 1
2
8
9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30
31
23 24
6
7
3
December
4
1 2
3
4
5
6
9 10
11 12
13
16 17
18 19
20
25 26
27
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10
11
12
13
14 15
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
21 22
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
28 29
28 29 30 31
7
8
7
30
January
2015
February 1
2
3
1
2
7
8
9 10
8
11 12
13 14
15
18 19
20 21
25 26
27 28
1
2
8
9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30
4
5
6
6
3
March 4
5
9
10 11
16 17
15 16
22
23 24
22 23
29
30 31
April 5
6
7
1
2
4
5
6
7
12
13 14
8
9 10 11
12
13
14
17 18
19
20 21
15 16 17 18
19
20
21
24 25
26
27 28
22 23 24 25
26
27
28
7
3
29 30 31
May 3
June
4 3
4
5
1
2
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10
11
12
13
15 16
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
21
22 23
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
28
29 30
28 29 30
6
7
10 11
12 13
14
17 18
19 20
24 25
26 27
7
•P
•B f o
•T c b o
•E e y E t g
•R fl u fi y b r
•R u C
31
City holidays are circled.
BLUE WEEK
For changes in the solid waste collection schedule, please visit: concordnc.gov 704.920.5555
Recycling is collected every-other-week (shown in blue) on your regularly scheduled garbage day. To confirm your schedule, go to: concordnc.gov/whatsmyday.
July
2014
August 1
2
3
8
9
10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24
25 26
27 28
29 30
31
6
The following items will be collected from each household a maximum of twice each year: • Tires: 8 tires maximum per collection with rims removed. Additional collection available for a fee. • Carpet and padding: rolled and tied in lengths of 6-feet or less weighing no more than 65 pounds. (What 2 people can lift and carry without dragging).
Register to receive collection schedule changes and other important updates via phone, text, or email through our secure Blackboard Connect Portal at concordnc.gov.
August 2
6
All items (garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulky waste) must be placed at curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.
7
4
September
5 3
4
5
6
7
10 11
12 13
14
17 18
19 20
21
24 25
26 27
28
1
2
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10
11
12
13
15 16
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
22 23
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
29 30
28 29 30
7
31
October
November 1
2
8
9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30
31
23 24
5
6
7
3
December
4
1 2
3
4
5
6
9 10
11 12
13
16 17
18 19
20
25 26
27
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9 10
11
12
13
14 15
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
21 22
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
28 29
28 29 30 31
7
8
7
30
January
February 1
2
3
1
2
7
8
9 10
8
11 12
13 14
15
18 19
20 21
25 26
27 28
4
2015
Cart tips: • Place carts out between 5:00 p.m. day before and 6:00 a.m. day of collection; retrieve carts by 9:00 p.m. collection day • Place carts for collection with wheels facing your home. • Keep carts 2 feet from one another and 2 feet from parked cars, mailboxes, etc.; do not block sidewalks.
To confirm your schedule, go to: concordnc.gov/whatsmyday.
1
5
Collection guidelines: • Roll-out carts are only for bagged garbage (green cart) and recyclable items (black cart); lids must be able to close completely. • Do not contaminate recycling with plastic bags and film, scrap metal, food residue, or other non-recyclable items. • Bulky waste (furniture and scrap metal including lawn equipment, bicycles, etc.) and other items banned from landfills (yard waste, construction and demolition debris, tires, electronics, and appliances) should be neatly placed at least two feet away from carts for collection in piles of like items. • No waste generated by contractors will be collected. Work must be performed by homeowner. • Extra bags of trash and recyclables placed outside your cart will not be collected. Those who consistently have more garbage than the green rollout cart can hold may request an extra brown garbage cart for a monthly fee. • You may schedule two collections each year of a small amount of extra bags for special occasions, parties, and family reunions. Please call 704-920-5555 to schedule all special occasion collections. • Recycle cardboard the right way! All cardboard must be flattened for collection. Place flattened cardboard 2ft. x 2ft. or larger under the closed lid of your recycle cart. Quantities too large to fit under the lid should be flattened and stacked neatly beside your recycle cart.
Recycling is collected every-other-week (shown in green) on your regularly scheduled garbage day.
July
2014
Tear out this year’s calendar and save it for your reference. To confirm your schedule, visit concordnc.gov/ whatsmyday.
GREEN WEEK
5
6
5
9
10 11
16 17
15 16
22
23 24
22 23
29
30 31
6
6
7
1
2
4
5
6
7
12
13 14
8
9 10 11
12
13
14
17 18
19
20 21
15 16 17 18
19
20
21
24 25
26
27 28
22 23 24 25
26
27
28
7
2
3
3
•
4 3
4
•
June 5
1
2
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
8
9
10 11
6
7
9 10
11
12
13
12 13
14 15
16
17 18
10 11
12 13
14
15 16
14 15 16 17
18
19
20
19 20
21 22
23
24 25
17 18
19 20
21
22 23
21 22 23 24
25
26
27
26 27
28 29
30
24 25
26 27
28
29 30
28 29 30
7
31
City holidays are circled.
•
29 30 31
May 1
5
March 4
April
3
For changes in the solid waste collection schedule, please visit: concordnc.gov 704.920.5555
•
•
s h o es
g n i ac r B
ng
h
d a & n r i ci a
CITY O
F CON
TIC SHAKERS
PHOT
OF FANTAS O COURTESY
CORD
/CHER
IE JZA
R
Each concert is sure to bring out a crowd of dancers, great regional performers, and family friendly entertainment. PHOTO COURTESY OF
SEA CRUZ
URTESY OF
PHOTO CO
There is always something to do in Historic Downtown Concord, and the third Thursday evening of each month through August is no exception! The Concord Downtown Development Corporation has lined up a great Union Street Live concert series for 2014, generously sponsored by a number of local businesses and organizations, as well as a grant from the Cabarrus Arts Council and North Carolina Arts Council.
A variety of bands perform the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Means Avenue between Church and Union Streets, next to the historic courthouse. Rain has
FANTASTIC
SHAKERS
Between now and then, the lineup includes Jim Quick and Coastline (June 19), The Fantastic Shakers (July 17), and Sea Cruz (August 21). For all of these concerts, don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. Picnics are welcome, or you can buy something delicious from one of the many Downtown dining options. Historic Downtown Concord’s theaters, galleries, restaurants, and shops along with concerts, festivals, and other family-friendly activities provide shopping, dining, and entertainment options all year long. To learn more about Union Street Live or other Downtown events, visit concorddowntown.com or call 704-784-4208.
postponed The Tams May 15 performance until September 18. concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 5
North Carolina investors plan residential redevelopment Downtown
CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR
Deputy Planning and Neighborhood Development Director Steve Osborne, Concord Downtown Development Corporation Executive Director Diane Young, and Planning and Neighborhood Development Director Margaret Pearson review plans with the historic structure in the background.
After sitting vacant for over 13 years, investors are breathing new life into the former Heilig-Meyers furniture store located at 29 Cabarrus Avenue East. The building, which was purchased by the City of Concord in 2001 to save it from demolition, will be redeveloped into approximately 26 marketrate apartments by Raleigh-based CommunitySmith, LLC, and WinstonSalem-based Rehab Development, Inc. The estimated total development cost of the project is expected to be approximately $2,850,000. Over the years, the City of Concord has worked in partnership with the Concord Downtown Development Corporation to market this property as well as the adjacent Hotel Concord and bank property as a potential infill development site. The site has come close to redevelopment before, but plans were disrupted by the 2008 economic downturn. The City-owned building, which does not currently generate property tax revenue, has a leaking roof, water
damage, mold, deteriorated floors, and other structural issues. City staff began to prepare for demolition of the building, which would have cost more than $160,000 without private investors proposing a desirable redevelopment plan. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic places, as part of the Union Street North-Cabarrus Avenue Commercial Historic District. It was constructed in the 1920s and occupied by the Bell and Harris Furniture Company for nearly a decade, and in 1936 became the Maxwell Brothers and Collins Furniture Store. The Collins name was dropped sometime between 1949 and 1952, and it was known as Maxwell Brothers Furniture Store until occupied by Heilig-Meyers Furniture in the mid-1980s. Nearly 30,000-square-feet and three stories tall, the building is located at the highly visible Downtown intersection of Church Street and Cabarrus Avenue E. A recent appraisal valued the land at
6 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
$140,000, but together with the building the entire property was determined to have zero value. At the meeting in March, City Attorney Albert Benshoff advised City Council that the true value is actually less than zero because the city would have to spend $168,000 to demolish it in lieu of moving forward with the developer’s proposal. Based on the current ad-valorem tax rate of 48 cents per $100 and the investors’ estimated property tax valuation of $2.3 million, annual City property tax revenues for the site would be about $11,040. “We’re lucky,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “You just don’t have these offers every day.”
When finished, the building will have one and twobedroom apartments; occupant parking and livework space will fill the first floor. Additional occupant parking will be available on-site and unique materials and finishes are planned, including hardwood floors, exposed continued on page 14
Public safety leaders begin new roles Concord City Manager Brian Hiatt has announced the promotion of three staff members to leadership positions within the City’s public safety departments. Vicki Callicutt has been named Communications Director, and both Todd Eury and Jake Williams have been promoted to Deputy Fire Chief. “I am pleased to announce the professional advancement of these staff members,” said Hiatt. “Vicki, Todd, and Jake have demonstrated that they have the expertise, training, and work performance necessary to serve in these very important leadership roles.” Eury was promoted effective January 6, while Callicutt and Williams promotions went into effect March 31. Previously, Vicki Callicutt served as Customer Service Manager in Communications Department for thirteen years, where she managed the operations of the City’s emergency-911 center and a staff of twenty-four telecommunicator professionals. In April, Bethany Ledwell was announced as the new Customer Service Manager for the 911 center.
Vicki Callicutt
Vicki is currently attending Stanly Community College. Her husband, David, is a Concord Police Officer and they have two children. “I am honored to accept this opportunity and continue my service and dedication to the City of Concord,” said Callicutt. “I look forward to this new role and leading our Communications team with a focus on excellent service.”
Todd Eury
In her new role, Callicutt will lead the entire Communications Department, which also maintains telephone, radio, and emergency vehicle systems for the City. She recently served as Interim Communications Director following Linker’s retirement in 2013. “Vickie is prepared to move our Communications Department into the future after many years of excellent service from long-time director Chris Linker,” said Assistant City Manager Merl Hamilton. Callicutt has more than twenty years of experience in the field of
Emergency Communications. She began her career with the Town of Stanley in 1993 before accepting a position and later a supervisory role with the Town of Pineville. She holds a General Instructor Certification from the NC Criminal Justice and Training Standards Commission, as well as a Telecommunicator Instructor Certification from the NC Sheriffs Standards Commission. She is a lifelong member of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and has numerous certifications within the field of emergency communications.
Jake Williams
The Deputy Fire Chiefs will assist Fire Chief Ray Allen in day-to-day administration of the department. Williams will oversee Battalion 2 and lead the logistics and training divisions of Concord Fire and Life Safety, while Eury will assume responsibility for Battalion 1 and the administrative division. “We are fortunate to have two leaders who spent their entire fire service careers here in Concord,” said Chief Allen. “Their years of experience and commitment to customer service are true assets that will help move us forward.” Deputy Chief Eury began his career continued on page 14 in Concord in 1990 as a Firefighter
concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 7
Concord named inaugural Hometown Showdown Champion
by Jessica Wells, N.C. League of Municipalities
MICHAEL A ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
After seven weeks of voting, the City of Concord won the N.C. League of Municipalities’ Hometown Showdown. The March Madness-style photo contest began in late February with 32 entries selected from more than 60 submissions. Cities and towns across the state were asked to submit photos of something that makes their community proud. Concord’s photo is an image of the 2013 Tree Lighting Ceremony and fireworks captured by Concord photographer Michael A. Anderson. Each week, the League posted photos on its Facebook page, and communities went head to head to receive the most likes on their photos. Concord collected 7,185 individual votes throughout the seven weeks of voting.
The contest was a great showing of hometown pride from each participating city. This was the inaugural competition, but the League plans to make it a yearly event.
Communications and Member Relations Najuma Thorpe said. “We know we have great hometowns in North Carolina, and we love to see people get excited about them.”
“Having residents, businesses, elected officials and city staff work together to promote their towns makes us proud to work for more than 540 cities and towns in North Carolina,” League Director of
The League produced a video about Concord which can be found on its YouTube channel youtube.com/concordnc1.
“In addition to our 82,000 residents, we know Concord has fans from across the state and nation,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “We have a wonderful, historic Downtown complemented by North Carolina’s top tourist destinations and a high quality of life. This has been fantastic showcase of our positive hometown energy.” 8 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
Rocky River Golf Club named among North Carolina’s best
Concord’s municipal golf course, Rocky River Golf Club, has been named in the North Carolina
Golf Panel’s annual ranking of the top 100 Tar Heel golf courses. Placing 88th, Rocky River is one of the very few daily fee courses to make the list. In an article announcing the list, Business North Carolina magazine connected quality golf facilities’ impact on attracting travel and tourism to the state. The list was ranked by a panel of 135 journalists, golf pros, college coaches, noted amateurs, and business leaders, based on routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety, conditioning, and aesthetics. According to the magazine “a minimum of 40 had to vote for
a course for it to qualify; panelists could only vote for ones they’ve played.” Rocky River Golf Club is owned by the City of Concord and managed by the Embassy Suites Golf Resort and Spa located adjacent to the course. Designed by renowned Carolina architect Dan Maples, the course winds through a beautiful setting bordered by the Rocky River and surrounding natural wetlands. The course opened in 1997, and a major renovation was completed in 2012, featuring new Mini Verde ultradwarf bermuda greens. Rocky River is home to the Charlotte 49ers golf team’s practice facility, and also offers tournament packages, golf outings, and banquet facilities and more. Discounted golf rates are available for Concord residents. Visit rockyrivergolf.com or call 704-455-1200 for more information or to make tee times. concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 9
Manager’s Notes continued from page 3
2014 has brought another major improvement. The original eight buses have been replaced with diesel-electric hybrid models. The system is already benefitting by saving money due to the great fuel economy provided by these vehicles. While infrastructure and facilities are important, safe and reliable service is the most important factor for passengers. We are very proud that Rider has received the North Carolina Public Transit Association’s award for “Outstanding Performance in Traffic and Passenger Safety” two years in a row. This recognizes Rider Transit as the safest urban/regional/ small fixed route system in the state, the best among systems traveling 999,999 miles or less each year. While the system has improved over the past ten years, Concord and Kannapolis continue to grow and urbanize. There is no doubt transit needs will grow and
change. The Rider Transit Commission, made up of representatives from both cities, is in the process of working with staff to evaluate a draft Transit Development Plan completed early this year after months of analysis and public input. The final recommendations will eventually make their way to the City Councils and will provide an essential
10 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
roadmap for service development and delivery over the next ten years. Thank you to Transit Services staff, as well as the First Transit team and its predecessors for ten great years of helping Concord and Kannapolis live, work, and play. If you have not used this convenient and economical service before, I encourage you to try transit. You can get started at ckrider.com.
The City of Concord is designing and building a new City Hall to serve the community well into the future. This facility will be located at the corner of Cabarrus Avenue W and Market Street SW, and consolidate the majority of Concord’s administrative services, most of which currently function out of three Downtown buildings. The current municipal building at 26 Union Street S has been in use since 1986 and the structure dates to 1950. City departments are also in the 1957 City Hall at 66 Union Street S (now known as City Hall Annex) and the 1974 former police headquarters at 30 Market Street SW. These aging facilities are all becoming costly to maintain, and far underserve the needs of a growing City of more than 80,000 residents. The 75,000 square foot building will offer much needed customer service and efficiency improvements, and is scheduled to be complete in late 2015. The City of Concord has contracted with ADW Architects of Charlotte and CM
Design nearly complete for future City Hall
Black Construction Company of Concord to complete the $20 million project. Although constructed for the future, many design elements are inspired by our history. Most prominent will be the corner tower feature evoking the 1902 City Hall that was demolished in the 1950s.
City Hall is the latest in a series of capital improvements over the last decades needed to enhance the facilities of a once-small town. Concord’s population has grown from less than 17,000 residents in 1980 to approximately 27,000 in 1990 and 56,000 in 2000; the community approaches 82,000 people today. Concord is currently the twelfth largest City in North Carolina by population and seventh by land area (60.7 square miles, up from 9.6 in 1980). Concord’s capital projects translate to improved City operations and provide the public services and amenities expected by the community. In the
Downtown area, City Council has strategically planned and completed projects leading up to the culmination of a new City Hall. The first steps included constructing the Cabarrus Avenue parking deck in 2002, which greatly reduced the pressure for on-street parking, as well as completing Concord Police Headquarters in 2006. In accordance with state law, CM Black is serving as the Construction Manager at-risk, who guarantees the total cost of the project. The firm acts as a consultant to the owner in the preconstruction phases to assist with preparation and coordination of bid packages, scheduling, cost control, evaluation, and other services. The same firm then acts as general contractor during construction. The design stage of the project is nearly complete, and early site work will begin before September. Follow along and get project updates at concordnc.gov/ newcityhall.
Can you find the water meter in this photo? ++
+
Customers appreciate timely service, especially when it comes to drinking water. Unfortunately, hidden and obstructed meter boxes frequently increase the time it takes City of Concord service technicians to fix a problem. You can do your part by making sure your meter box is not covered with dirt, mulch, pine needles, or grass. Shrubbery, fencing, vehicles, and roll-out carts can also cover or otherwise restrict access when placed too close to the meter. Help us serve you better by keeping your meter box uncovered and other items several feet away. concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 11
Mustang birthday celebration unites Concords coast to coast
MICHAEL A ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Mayor Scott Padgett, Council Members Al Brown and Jennifer Parsley, Jack Roush, and Cabarrus CVB Executive Vice President John Mills greeted members of the Diablo Valley Mustang Association, based in Concord, California, on April 17.
Concord, CA group receives memorable welcome after cross-country journey by Julie Hinson, Cabarrus County CVB
On April 17, members of the Diablo Valley Mustang Association were greeted by Mayor Scott Padgett and City Council members of Concord, NC. Special guest Jack Roush, owner of NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing also helped mark the occasion.
place in an exclusive setting—Jack Roush’s personal hangar with his P-51 Mustang aircraft serving as a grand backdrop.
Prior to their visit to Concord, home of Charlotte Motor Speedway, DVMA General Board Member and MCA Regional Director, Anita Bell-Karno contacted Padgett to schedule a meeting. With assistance from the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Roush Fenway Racing, a brief meet and greet took
“As we celebrate the creation of an iconic car, this event is also an opportunity to celebrate tourism and encourage friendship,” said Donna Carpenter, President/CEO of the Cabarrus County CVB. On behalf of their cities, Padgett and Bell-Karno exchanged letters of greetings and gifts of locally made treats from each city. BellKarno plans to present the offering to Concord, CA Mayor Tim Grayson during an upcoming City Council meeting.
12 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
More than a week prior to arriving in North Carolina, the caravan of six Ford Mustangs and 12 members hit the road for Corona, CA—their first stop of the cross-country trek where they joined the “Mustangs Across America” group for the seven day drive. According to DVMA, 519 Mustangs were registered as of early April. The group arrived in Concord, NC the evening of April 15.
G CONCORD N I M : MOBILE CO OON CARE S Citizen Access Portal Reporting options Currently, calling the Customer Care Center at 704-920-5555 during daytime hours is the primary way to for Concord residents to report non-emergency City issues. While this is an effective tool for the public to use, many in the community desire the ability to use today’s technology to interact with the City of Concord around the clock. In recognition of this, the City Council has supported the development of Concord Mobile Care, a mobile app to give citizens the ability to immediately report non-emergency City issues using smartphones, tablets, and computers. Concord Mobile Care will automatically receive service requests and direct them to the appropriate department. With web-based, iOS, and Android platforms, citizens will be able to use a variety of devices to report pot holes, water leaks, graffiti, and more. Users have the option to use a map, GPS location,
(will expand in the future):
Street Light Out Pothole Tree trimming/removal Manhole cover repair Sewer odor Junk vehicle Graffiti Overgrown/trashy yard Dead animal Traffic signal problem Full waste containers (at public facilities)
or manually enter where assistance is needed. The app will even advise users if a similar issue has been reported at the same location to prevent duplicate items. A picture is worth a thousand words—the app also has the option for attaching photos to requests. The submitted information links directly with several City systems, so the right department will be able to promptly respond and follow up with the citizen if needed. Users will be able to track the City’s progress on each request in real time. The Concord Mobile Care app is a partnership between the City of Concord and North Carolina-based Mobile311, which has helped Concord and other cities use technology to improve internal operations. The City is pleased to offer the same technology to the public, when the app launches in July. Contact Bill Dusch with questions at duschb@concordnc.gov.
concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 13
From The Mayor continued from page 3
May brought the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600, and all the events surrounding the two weekends of racing.
year. The gathering of people, the warmth of the lights, the excitement of the fireworks…this image truly captures what High Performance Living is all about. Of course, Christmas is not the only time of the year we get to have fun and excitement. In April, thousands of visitors came for several national events at the speedway. Starting with the Charlotte AutoFair, next came the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, and finally the Mustang Club of America’s Mustang 50th Birthday Celebration. What a unique experience for Concord and the surrounding area to host 50 years of classic cars and the enthusiasts who own them. Please see the article on page 12 to learn about a special group who drove all the way from Concord, California!
The Hometown Showdown was a wonderful opportunity to share with our Tar Heel neighbors a glimpse of the quality of life we enjoy. This was a friendly competition for bragging rights, but winning is an example of what makes
Concord so great: several organizations and thousands of people coming together to support something positive. It happens every day, whether it is
pancakes in March or rubber ducks in June, and everything in between. Thank you to everyone who participated. We have so much to cheer about here; I can’t wait for the next time we can do it together.
Investors plan continued from page 6
Public safety leaders continued from page 7
brick, granite or concrete countertops, exposed ductwork, and high ceilings.
at Fire Station 1, and served in many roles including Engineer (Driver), Senior Firefighter, Captain, and Battalion Chief. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve the department and City as Deputy Chief,” commented Eury. “I remain committed to meeting the needs of citizens, our coworkers, and all shareholders in the community.”
Deputy Planning and Neighborhood Development Director Steve Osborne sees the project as ideal for young professionals or others seeking a more urban lifestyle. “This location will be excellent for walking to Downtown amenities such as diverse restaurants, entertainment venues like Lil’ Roberts Place, strolling the greenway, shopping on Union Street, or playing volleyball and basketball at Carolina Courts,” said Osborne. In March, the City Council also agreed to provide a $100,000 grant for this project, payable in three installments to coincide with development milestones. The grant funding is available from the budgeted demolition money. In addition, the Council approved an agreement to rebate 85 percent of the property taxes paid for three years; this is the standard economic development agreement which provides the City a 15 percent net revenue gain for three years before retaining all the new revenue. The investors plan to participate in state and federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit programs. The state program is scheduled to sunset at the end of this year unless the legislature provides future funding. The project is expected to be complete in late summer, 2015.
14 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
Eury holds an associate’s degree in fire protection technology from of Central Piedmont Community College, and has completed over 3,500 hours in fire service training. He is involved in several professional organizations including the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association and the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. Eury grew up on his family’s farm (now the site of Concord Regional Airport) and resides in Cabarrus County with his wife Sonya. When not working, his hobbies include beekeeping, hunting, and fishing. Jake Williams has worked with the Concord Fire Department for fifteen years. He began his career in Concord in 1999 as a Firefighter, and also served in leadership roles including Firefighter II, Senior Firefighter, Specialist, Captain, and Battalion Chief. “I am honored to continue to serve the citizens of Concord as Deputy Fire Chief,” commented Williams. “I will strive to improve upon the achievement and success of Concord Fire and Life Safety, and support the best quality of service for our community.” Williams is a graduate of Fayetteville State University and has been a resident of Cabarrus County since moving here at the age of five from Greensboro. He and his wife, Laura, have two daughters. When not working, his hobbies include hunting and volunteering at Odell Fire Department, where he has served as the Fire Chief since 2007 and a member since 1995.
City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies . . . . . 911
Join Concord 101
to learn more about your community
The City of Concord is accepting applications for the 2014 installment Concord 101, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free fourteenweek session begins August 26 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in December. Residents of Concord age 18 and older are invited to submit an application by August 2. Class size is limited to 30 participants. City staff members will conduct weekly classes from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. Citizens will get a first-hand look at what it takes to run City services such as solid waste, water, police, fire, parks and recreation, and much more.
In addition, several community partners will be on board to give a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Concord such a great place to live. The course was designed to give citizens the opportunity to interact closely with City staff members. In addition to learning about Concord, the City hopes participants will provide input and take a more active role in their neighborhoods and community. For example, Council Members Jennifer Parsley and John Sweat are Concord 101 alumni. More information, the application, and the class schedule are available on the City’s website, concordnc.gov. Residents may also call the City Manager’s Office with questions at 704-920-5215.
One number does it all . . . . . . 704-920-5555 Call the Customer Call 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 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 Community Development . . . . . . . 704-920-5143 Electric Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5320 Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5425 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5220 Fire Department Administration . . . 704-920-5516 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 & Neighborhood 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 Sewer Construction & Maintenance 704-920-5351 Solid Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5361 Stormwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5360 Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5216 TDD/North Carolina Relay . . . . . . 1-800-735-8262 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5362 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5341 Zoning/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152
concordnc.gov
concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2014 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 15
P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28036
CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI
Police Officers Wes Grasty, Kristine Delaney, and Matt Scott
Team of Police coworkers give the gift of music
Did you know... Did you know the City of Concord owns and operates Oakwood, Rutherford, and West Concord Cemeteries, totaling over 85 acres of land? The Cemeteries Division of the Buildings and Grounds Department is a team of eight coworkers who provide burial services and maintain the final resting places for many of the community’s loved ones. Cemetery staff members Charles Carithers, Marshall Freeman, Jimmy Haskins, Tony Black, Jerry Harrington, Zachary Roach, and Samuel Russell strive for excellence and have a multi-year record of completing 100 percent of work orders within 24 hours.
Stay connected with Concord through facebook! Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to facebook.com/ concordnc.
concord
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.
nc.gov
Stay
Connected
16 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2014 • concordnc.gov
In March, Master Police Officers Kristine Delaney and Wes Grasty responded to a domestic disturbance at a busy intersection, finding a family pulled over with the mother trying to calm down her 13-year-old daughter. The officers learned that the girl was a trumpet player with autism, and was upset after being bullied by other students because her instrument’s condition. The officers wanted to help the girl and her family, who could not afford to repair her trumpet, and began reaching out on their time off. They did not have to look far, as Police Officer Matt Scott donated his trumpet to the girl after hearing the situation. Officer Delaney and other Police coworkers contributed money to restore the donated trumpet to new condition, with enough left over to also purchase a cleaning kit.
Since the officers also met the family’s younger daughter, Officer Grasty purchased some presents for her as well. They learned the girls loved to eat at IHOP Restaurant, and arranged to meet the family for breakfast on a Saturday morning to surprise both children with their gifts. Kristine Delaney, Wes Grasty, and Matt Scott were named Shining STARs for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013-14, and were recognized at the May 8 City Council meeting. The STAR program is an opportunity for City of Concord coworkers to recognize each other for excellent customer service. STAR stands for Special Thanks and Recognition. The City of Concord would like to congratulate Kristine, Wes, and Matt for their commitment to our community.