!
Prepare for Winter
Page 13
{ {
WINTER 2013 Information You Can Use
New superstreet intersections Pages 8-9
Recognition City Awards Pages 6-7 Crews Join Recovery Page 11
Fight Cancer Join Prevention Study Page 4 Raising Awareness Page 5
Many roads that were designed decades ago are no longer safe or efficient. The planned superstreet concept reconfigures intersections, saving resources and improving traffic flow.
City Council
Mayor’s Golf Tournament raises funds for youth programs David W. Phillips District 1
Ella Mae Small District 3
James E. Ramseur District 2 Mayor Pro-Tem
The City of Concord and Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa hosted 144 participants at the City’s Rocky River Golf Club on September 28 for the fifteenth annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament. With great weather, volunteers from City departments, and the sponsorship of countless businesses, the tournament was able to raise over $6,300 for youth programs in Cabarrus County.
Alfred M. Brown, Jr. District 4
Thank you to our Eagle Sponsors:
W. Lamar Barrier District 5
Hector H. Henry II District 6
John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7
In this Issue: From the Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 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.
Concord Joins Cancer Prevention . . . . . . . . . 4 City Staff Involved in Cancer Awareness . . . . . 5 Solid Waste Services Earns Award . . . . . . . . 6 Susan M. Burgess Sustainability Award . . . . . 7
Visit concordnc.gov to subscribe to the CityLink email newsletter, and receive weekly updates and information about Concord direct to your inbox.
New Superstreet Intersections . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Concord 101 Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Crews Join Hurricane Sandy Recovery . . . . . 11 Concord Celebrates Public Power Week . . . . 12 Winter Energy Saving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Public Safety Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back
2 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2011 2012 concordnc.gov
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
On the path to an even brighter tomorrow
Local government cooperation is a key to efficient service delivery
It may be hard to believe, but 2012 is already coming to an end. If you are like me, you are wondering where the time went. This has been a busy year, but it is now time to focus on the possibilities 2013 will bring. The City of Concord does this same reflection in a formal way each year at its annual planning session, scheduled for late January. This multi-day session is one of the most important tasks for the City Council and me. We meet with the City staff leadership team to review progress on this year’s goals and focus on plans for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Speaking of progress, Concord’s City and State-owned road facilities have seen many improvements this year. The widening of Interstate 85 and reconstruction of its interchanges with Poplar Tent Road and Davidson Highway (NC 73) are the most dramatic, but most of you will notice a wide variety of projects underway. While the I-85 project is long and complex, we are already experiencing the benefits of new turn lanes at Exit 49, and new bridges, ramps, and lanes are being phased in at other exits. Compliments go to Secretary Gene Conti and the NCDOT team, as well as contractor Lane Construction for their work. I know you will agree that the minor inconveniences we experience as a result of the construction will be well worth it once complete. In the Downtown area, work is close to completion on the McCachern Boulevard streetscape, and much-needed resurfacing has improved both Cabarrus and Corban Avenues. In addition, many curb ramps have been added to improve accessibility for disabled pedestrians. The intersection of Cabarrus Avenue and Kerr Street has been improved with a realigned Dorland Avenue and a decorative mast-arm style traffic signal. Similarly, the replacement of the Cabarrus Avenue bridge over the railway will continue enhancements on this important gateway into the Center City. There is a lot of new pavement in many other parts of our community as well. Sections of Warren C. Coleman Boulevard (US 601), Pitts School Road, Poplar Tent Road, and over forty other secondary and residential streets have all been resurfaced since July 1 of this year. Even if the road in front of your home was not resurfaced this year, I’m sure you drive on at least one road in Concord that has been. During Veterans Day weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to welcome a young couple who had one of the continued on page 14
Many in our community are not aware of the extensive amount of coordination going on among local governments in Cabarrus County to provide services more efficiently. There are many cooperative relationships that exist for the mutual benefit of the local governments and their customers. Here are just a few examples to illustrate how much local governments are working together. Cabarrus County, Concord, and Kannapolis have joined with the City of Charlotte to upgrade the backbone of the public safety radio system serving our area so that it is P25 compliant to enhance interoperability in the region. P25 sets standards for digital radio communications for use by federal, state/province, and local public safety agencies to enable them to communicate with other agencies and facilitate mutual aid response teams in emergencies. This equipment and software supports the Cabarrus County, Concord, and Kannapolis dispatch centers. The old system, maintained for many years by Concord through an interlocal agreement, is reaching the end of its useful life and is not P25 compliant. As the new system is implemented, the jurisdictions are now contracting with Charlotte to maintain this new technology as it tied into a regional system with Charlotte as the hub. This saves money on upkeep to avoid hiring and training individual technicians and by allowing us to share some of the central technology. This has also made the local governments more competitive when considered for grants because we are applying on a regional basis. As a result, federal grants have been approved to offset part of the local cost of the upgrade, saving millions of local dollars. This system supports all law enforcement and fire agencies working to keep us safe in Cabarrus County and eventually will serve those providing public works and utilities services. Related, the local jurisdictions have also worked together to purchase new P25 compliant public safety radios to work with the system. This coordination has also led to receipt of grant funding to help purchase radios for use by police and fire personnel. continued on page 15 concordnc.gov FALL 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 3
Concord Joins the Movement to Prevent Cancer For information about becoming a Community Champion, please contact leeanna.perry@cancer.org or 704-553-5378.
COURTESY OF AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
What if you could prevent a family from hearing the words, “You have cancer”? What if you could help save lives from cancer and give people more precious time with family and friends? Well, you can! Concord area residents have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in an historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations.
measurements, and give a small blood sample. The initial enrollment process takes about 30 minutes at the local event and an additional 45 to 60 minutes at home to fill out a more comprehensive baseline survey. Over the course of the study – which is anticipated to last 20 to 30 years – participants are asked to fill out follow-up surveys that will be sent to their home every few years.
vited n i e r You a roll in to en rican e the Am cer Can ncer a C y t Socie ntion Preve -3 Study
Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to 300,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico. The opportunity for local residents to enroll will take place at nine locations across the greater Charlotte area from March 12-16, 2013. Locations and times for enrollment can be found at cps3greaterCharlotte.org or by calling toll-free 1-888-604-5888. CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. To enroll in the study, individuals complete a brief written survey, provide some physical
4 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2012 concordnc.gov
Individuals who have had cancer and are ineligible to participate in Men & Women CPS-3 can still get involved Ages of 30-65 by becoming a Community Who have never Champion. Community been diagnosed Champions are asked to tell with cancer their family and friends about the study and to encourage at least 10 individuals to enroll.
WHO?
WHEN?
HOW?
Locations and times for enrollment can be found at cps3greaterCharlotte.org or by calling toll-free 1-888-604-5888.
March 12-16, 2013
City Staff gets Involved in Cancer Awareness Initiatives CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI
City of Concord staff members worked throughout the fall to raise awareness about several types of cancer. The Department of Fire and Life Safety launched a month-long breast cancer awareness initiative on October 1 by unveiling the pink t-shirts firefighters wore as part of their work uniform during October. The department put aside its longstanding gray and blue shirts for the month to raise awareness and show support for those impacted by breast cancer. “Based on national statistics, our community has over five thousand women and girls at risk for breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Fire Chief Randy Holloway. “The good news is that early detection gives these women a very high chance at survival. We think getting this message out is a very important piece of our life safety focus.” Holloway spoke candidly about his wife, Lisa, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. “She has always done all the right things for her health, and because of her early detection she will be with us for a very long time.” Concord firefighters proudly wore their new shirts, which read “firefighters support extinguishing breast cancer.” Representatives from the American Cancer Society and the CMCNorthEast Breast Health Center were also on hand at the event with information and resources for women and their families. Mayor Scott Padgett offered a personal account of how his daughter-inlaw’s battle with breast cancer affected his family seven years ago. “To see such a young woman and her family deal with cancer and the subsequent treatments was heart-wrenching,” said Padgett. “With this young woman being my daughter-in-
Elected officials and local cancer prevention professionals joined the Department of Fire and Life Safety to launch the “firefighters support extinguishing breast cancer” initiative on October 1.
law and her family being my son and grandchildren really made it clear to me that cancer truly can strike any where and any time. Early detection was certainly the key to her survival and I encourage all women to take this seriously.” The department purchased two shirts for each firefighter with its annual employee appreciation funding. The shirts were only worn during October and will be stored until October 2013. “We hope this is a springboard for a long-term commitment of this department to spread this message,” said Holloway. “And hopefully next year we’ll be able to involve members of the community with our effort.” In late October the Human Resources Department hosted the third annual City of Concord Breast Cancer Walk along the McEachern Greenway. The effort raised over two thousand dollars through donations from twelve walking teams, two cheering teams, and other fundraisers. Finally, City staff participated in “Movember,” a month-long event in November to generate awareness of prostate cancer and other men’s health issues. Twenty-five men entered into a mustache-growing competition, and many others grew mustaches of various styles to support the cause. A chili lunch on November 30 and charity voting combined to raise over five hundred fifty dollars, with proceeds going to the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Fire and Life Safety Captain Brown Barnhardt won both categories of the mustache contest, claiming the Magnum PI Best Overall Mustache Award and Bandit Most Original Mustache Award. Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the US and around the world. These men raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. For more information on the Movember program, visit us.movember.com. concordnc.gov FALL 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 5
CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI
Solid Waste Services Earns Productivity Improvement Award
Solid Waste Services Director Allen Scott
In November, the City presented the 2012 Productivity Improvement Award to Solid Waste Services Director Allen Scott and his team. The departments operations were positively impacted unlike any other, driven by residential service enhancements that began July 5, 2011. Several significant improvements have been noted after over a year of the new processes. Since implementation, each household in Concord recycled an average of nearly four hundred pounds of recyclables per year; this is a fiftyfour percent increase and diverted over two thousand tons of waste from
the landfill. Additionally, the household recycling participation rate went up from forty-five percent in FY11 to sixtyone percent in FY12. Automation now allows each operator to collect materials from more than 1,000 recycling carts every day. The City of Concord has achieved 1.2 million dollars of direct savings from garbage and recycling process changes, with additional services provided to the City by Waste Pro and restructuring of existing services increasing the overall savings to 1.8 million dollars in FY12. At the same time, customers reported higher satisfaction after the initial startup phase was complete. Complaints decreased by more than 50 percent for garbage collection and over 40 percent for recycling collection.
The Productivity Improvement Award is given annually to the department, division, or work team who demonstrates significant improvements or efforts in performance or productivity over the given year. Typical winners result in staff time or work saved, processes streamlined, and dollars saved. Although only one winner is possible, the Buildings and Grounds Department was another organizational leader in continuous improvement and environmental stewardship. Their floor maintenance process improvements resulted in over fifty-five thousand gallons of water saved annually throughout City facilities, significantly less staff time spent on floor care, and a reduction in the amount of chemicals used in the process.
Super STAR On the evening of November 8, 2011, Telecommunicator Vicki Love answered a 911 call from a 21 year old man who was sitting alone in a parking lot wanting to take his own life. While officers responded to him, Vicki remained on the phone with him. On November 9 he called back, wanting to express his gratitude for the service he had received. “I owe my life to the lady who I talked to yesterday and I don’t know her. She was compassionate – allowing me to vent and never judged me, no one else could help, and no one else cared, but she did. She talked me out of it, and there is no way that I could ever repay that but I want everyone to know how valuable she is.”
6 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2012 concordnc.gov
Love was named the City’s annual Super STAR for fiscal year 2011-12, and was recognized at the September 14 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.
Concord Joins Small Group of Susan M. Burgess Sustainability Award Winners Concord’s sustainability efforts have earned state-wide recognition and a place among a small group of peers. The North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) announced the City of Concord as winner of the 2012 Susan M. Burgess Sustainability Award on Monday, October 22, at the NCLM Annual Conference in Charlotte. The Burgess Sustainability award is presented annually to recognize efforts to lessen the environmental impact of municipal operations and to promote and encourage sustainability throughout the community. “We are honored to receive this award.” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “Staff has worked hard over the past few years to incorporate sustainability principles and practices in the city’s day to day operations. These practices help to ensure that we are reducing our carbon footprint and that we will create a sustainable city for future generations to enjoy.”
Concord was honored for its creative energy conservation methods such as the city’s new fuel-efficient vehicles, a no-idling policy, and the Switch Off and Walk program for police officers, which combined helped to reduce carbon emissions by more than 11,000 pounds. Concord’s new sustainable procurement policy which puts more importance on buying environmentally friendly products, and an internal swap shop saves money and reduces waste by trading unwanted items for needed items through a company intranet was also recognized. “Concord’s focus on improving sustainability made it the outstanding choice in the Green Challenge,” said Lucy Allen, N.C. Utilities Commissioner and judge for the contest. “The city is clearly on the right path.” Nearly one hundred cities and towns participate in the NCLM Green Challenge, which was launched to recognize efforts to implement energy, natural resource and money-saving operations. Burgess Sustainability Award winners must first achieve NCLM Green Challenge Advanced Level status before they can apply for the Burgess Award. To achieve advanced level, a town must complete a number of projects determined by the city’s population. The Burgess Sustainability Awards were introduced in 2010 to honor the late Susan M. Burgess, a past president of the League and Charlotte city council member. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic environmentalist. Her efforts and commitment led to the League’s establishment of the Green Challenge program. Archdale, Conover, Durham and Wilmington are previous winners. concordnc.gov FALL 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 7
New Superstreet Intersections to Improve Traffic Flow
The superstreet concept was designed to decrease the time vehicles are stopped at the intersection. If the time a vehicle remains stopped is reduced, then traffic flow is also improved. A positive effect begins to domino along the roadway corridor because better flow translates into the ability to manage more vehicles with the existing roadway. In effect, it optimizes an existing roadway system and reduces both delay and travel time through intersections.
Based on information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Many roads that were designed two, three, or four decades ago are no longer safe or efficient for the burden they must bear today. One of the greatest challenges to overcome is moving the increased volume of vehicles through traditional intersections that simply cannot handle all the traffic. Fortunately, new design techniques and technology (such as coordinated traffic signals and traffic management) are now helping to improve the way people move in our community. One planned change for several major intersections in Concord is the “superstreet” concept, which reconfigures a traditional intersection. The concept safely and efficiently manages high traffic volumes by prohibiting left turns and using traffic signals and bulbs to safely allow nearby U-turns. At first, this may seem complex, but is actually a simple and safe solution to the problems caused by congestion. The result improves traffic flow and safety through the use of an economical and environmentally friendly solution. Improved traffic flow To say superstreets reduce travel time may seem a strange idea after seeing that vehicles attempting to turn left are redirected to a U-turn roughly 600 to 1,000 feet away, and are then channeled back toward the intersection to complete their movement. However, everyone can appreciate the value of spending less time waiting at a traffic signal for the red light to turn green. 8 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR SUMMER 2012 concordnc.gov
The superstreet concept is based upon the relationship between the number of phases an intersection manages and the amount of available green time. The fewer the number of phases (all traffic movements—lefts, throughs, and rights) that are assigned green time, the more green time that can be assigned to a given phase. The superstreet transforms a typical intersection from eight phases to two phases. Due to the lower number of phases, the time waiting for a green light decreases, while increasing capacity and traffic efficiency. Studies indicate efficiency can increase as much as seventy percent COURTESY OF NCDOT
Long-time Concord residents can describe the dramatic change our community has seen over past few decades. Even relative newcomers to the area have probably noticed some changes, and one of the most visible transformations in our community is the amount of vehicles traveling on our roads.
Increased safety Superstreets reduce the risk of crashes. Specifically, they reduce the risk of severe side-collisions or T-bone type accidents through the elimination of the left turn. For the same reasons, pedestrians also benefit from the safety features of superstreets. Due to the simplification of traffic flow and the reduction of potential conflicts with turning vehicles, pedestrians face fewer conflict threats to their safety when crossing at superstreet intersections. At a conventional four-way intersection, there are thirtytwo potential conflict points. Of these, sixteen represent the opportunity for severe collisions between vehicles traveling perpendicular to one another, which statistically result
Economical solution From an economic view point, the superstreet is an effective tool for reducing construction costs. In the past, when a conventional intersection had become too congested and ineffective, an expensive interchange was the typical solution to relieve congestion. The footprint for a typical interchange can impact as much as ninety acres, with the total expense exceeding seven million dollars. Additionally, bridge construction associated with an interchange significantly lengthens the construction schedule, taking up to two years. Alternatively, superstreet intersections preserve the existing roadway, potentially eliminate the need for an interchange, and provide balanced access to both sides of the roadway. Conversion from a divided highway to a superstreet configuration requires only minimal roadway construction and land procurement. The footprint of a typical superstreet intersection can be contained within an area of ten acres. The average total expense to the public is two million dollars with design and deployment complete within twelve months. Environmentally responsible The superstreet concept is an excellent example of sustainable design, including protection of natural resources, optimizing existing facilities, spreading environmental impacts over long-range projects, avoiding sprawl, and encouraging mixed-use development and multi-modal transportation access. Once completed, superstreets can help reduce environmental impacts in several ways. As already mentioned, superstreets reduce the amount of time vehicles remain stopped at signals and improve progression through entire corridors. This efficiency results in less time vehicles spend idling. Therefore, fewer pollutants from exhaust are released into the atmosphere, air quality is improved, and fuel consumption is also conserved. As part of the greater Charlotte region, Concord’s air is considered the tenth
worst ozone-polluted in the United States by the American Lung Association. Improvements such as superstreet intersections are a step in the right direction.
COURTESY OF NCDOT
in the most severe injuries to drivers and/ or passengers. The superstreet eliminates most of these potential conflicts and nearly all involving perpendicular vehicles.
Ten acres of land use impacts versus ninety acres of drainage design, bulldozing, service roads, and access control create a vivid depiction of superstreets’ environmental advantages. Additionally, superstreets can delay or potentially eliminate the need for interchange construction while optimizing the capacity of the existing roadway.
Local projects are on the way Motorists in concord will begin using superstreet intersections relatively soon, with several planned and under construction. Work continues on widening the section of Poplar Tent Road near I-85, between Woodhaven Place and Derita Road and creating a superstreet. This section is under construction as part of the I-85 widening project, but future plans include transforming the entire Poplar Tent Road corridor into a superstreet. The end result will more efficiently move traffic across Concord. Additionally, planning is complete for a grant-funded project at the intersection of Concord Parkway (US 29) and Poplar Tent Road. Construction is expected to begin very soon, with estimated completion in mid-2014. Eighty percent of the 1.4 million-dollar project is funded with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) dollars, administered by NCDOT. The goal of CMAQ is to help our area achieve and maintain national standards for air quality pollutants. By redesigning intersections nontraditionally, engineers are helping to make our road facilities more useful and less dangerous, all while saving money and benefitting the environment. When the roundabout at Cabarrus Avenue and Old Charlotte Road was designed about ten years ago, there were many concerns about the public’s ability to adjust. The roundabout now stands as an example of how thinking outside of the box can improve the way traffic moves, beautify our community, and increase safety at the same time.
concordnc.gov SUMMER 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 9
Concord 101 The Concord 101 class of 2012 was recognized on November 27 with a graduation ceremony at Fire Station Nine. The twentyeight active participants in the class were the program’s largest to date.
CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI
Concord 101 is designed to inform citizens about their local government. Participants met on Tuesday nights and learned about what it takes to run City services such as solid waste and recycling, public utilities, police, fire, parks and recreation, and more. The course also included special sessions about Concord’s history, economic development, and the impact of tourism and motorsports. The free thirteen-week course began in late August. The class was first offered in 2002, and alumni represent a cross-section of the community. Some are now serving in leadership roles in their neighborhoods or on City boards and commissions. Council Member John Sweat is a graduate from the 2003 class.
At the ceremony, City Manager Brian Hiatt charged the graduates to continue providing input and take an active role in the community. “This course is a much appreciated opportunity to interact closely with citizens,” said Hiatt. “Many participants reflected positively about their experience in the class and as Concord citizens. We value their recognition of our organization’s efforts, focus on teamwork, and emphasis on efficiency and financial stewardship. We’ll count on them going forward as ambassadors and observant citizens and customers.”
Eleventh Concord 101 Class Completes Citizens’ Academy Program
“We sincerely thank the citizens who committed to learning about City government and services,” commented Mayor Pro-Tem Ella Mae Small. “It is wonderful to consistently hear from graduates how much they enjoyed the course and learned more than they could have imagined.” 10 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2012 concordnc.gov
The next class will begin in fall of 2013, and applications will be available in May. For more information call 704-920-5215 or visit concordnc.gov.
Pictured (top, left to right): Seated - Richard Thomason, Kara Bestler, Amanda Self, Siobhan Beasley, Jenny Reed, Cherita Jones-Thomas, and Sharla Bond; Standing - LaNita Herlem, Dolores Atkinson, Alicia Hammel, Ramona Miller, Susan Myers, Margaret Cleveland, Christopher Cooper, Jeannette Tomberlin, Clyde Kluttz, Earl Beasley, Glenn Myers, Jaimie Cline, Joan Hatley, Michael Bestler, Debbie Norman, Violet Cook-Castle, Steve Bradley, and Bob Hammel. Not pictured: Linda Harris, Kara Hickerson, and Juanita Poole.
Concord 101 participants listen to Water Resources staff members (left to right) Michael McIntosh, Steven Bowers, and Jeffrey Turner demonstrate sewer line camera and blockage clearing equipment.
Concord Electric Systems Crews Join Hurricane Sandy Recovery in West Virginia Pictured: Electric Systems staff members Jackie Rushing, Larry Barbee, Kyle Jones, Jason Sartain, Daniel Scott, Nick Stancil, Chris Aldridge, and Billy Deese
More than 7.5 million power outages were reported as a result of the damaging hurricane that assaulted the mid-Atlantic region on October 29 and 30, and resulted in one of our nation’s most damaging hurricanes in history.
After repairing over fifty miles of power lines in the rugged terrain, the crews came home ten days later, on November 11. The City of Concord is proud that our hometown public power heroes were able to conquer the West Virginia mountains and help others in a time of great need.
The City of Concord Electric Systems Department joined forces with fellow public power communities Kings Mountain and Shelby to assist First Energy Corporation with power restoration efforts in the areas that were hit with heavy snow and wind during the hurricane. First Energy Corporation is made up of ten electric utility operating companies that service six million customers in parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and New York.
See more photos from their trip on the City’s flickr photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/concordnc/
They quickly learned upon arrival that their trucks and specialized equipment were of little use because of the terrain and winter weather conditions. Crews had to drag the poles and carry materials to job sites. Holes were hand dug and poles were set by rigging equipment. Then, crews climbed poles to install equipment and power lines. On top of the physical challenge, they woke to temperatures around twenty degrees, and worked with high temperatures of forty degrees with little sunshine, falling back into the twenties by the end of their sixteen-hour work days.
CITY OF CONCORD
Concord’s crew included Coordinator Jackie Rushing, Crew Supervisor Larry Barbee, and Power Line Technicians Kyle Jones, Jason Sartain, Daniel Scott, Nick Stancil, Chris Aldridge, and Billy Deese. The group left for Weston, West Virginia on November 1 to assist in storm restoration, taking two bucket trucks, one service truck and one four-wheel drive line truck stocked with tools and power restoration equipment.
concordnc.gov FALL 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 11
<< < 2
1 8 s r e e t b a r o t b c e l O k > e > e C > e d W r o r c e n w o o C P c i l b u P
The City of Concord celebrated Public Power Week the week of October 8, along with 2,000 other utilities across the nation that collectively provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis to more than 46 million Americans. Public Power Week is a tradition that began in 1986 by the American Public Power Association in Washington, D.C. During Public Power Week, the City hosted several events to thank customers for their loyalty and to explain why the American tradition of Public Power continues to work in Concord. The City’s Electric Systems Department earned state and national recognition for Safety and Reliability in 2012, including being one of only six public utilities in the United States to earn the APPA RP3 Diamond Level recognition. Electric Systems staff held several events throughout October, including inviting customers to City Hall to learn about their
hometown Public Power Provider and how to conserve energy. Each customer that visited the booth received two compact fluorescent light bulbs and was entered into a drawing for a home energy savings kit.
Additionally, staff visited high schools served by the City’s system to promote a student energy conservation video contest. Entries were received from Cannon School, First Assembly Christian School, and Mount Pleasant High School, with winners receiving a plaque and cash award. The first place winners for each school are: Cannon School: Nicole Voulgaropoulas First Assembly: A nna Culbreth, Caleb Rush, and Sarah Thompson Mount Pleasant: J osh Davis, Alex Fisher, Anna Fowler, and Tucker Furr The City of Concord and its Electric Systems staff are dedicated to assisting residents with the science of home energy efficiency. At concordnc.gov, customers can learn more about energy conservation, the City’s Electric Heat Pump Rebate Program, and more. Cannon School student Nicole Voulgaropoulas and Electric Systems Director Bob Pate
Use your Smart Phone to watch Cannon School’s video or go to: http://youtu.be/YSgIeiDaheQ
CITY OF CONCORD
12 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2012 concordnc.gov
+ 8 ! Prep are with Ener for W inte gy S r avin g Tip s
d he
{ {
mfo
co
to
s n fa
irectio n o
rt a b l e
te
m
r
he
lp
m ai n tain
a
fy
our ceiling
doors
Cover bare floors
t
e
M
Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting
Reverse
ho m
Chang e your air filt ers
g n i t ea nd h p s a ear e e K vent s cl r e t s i g re ou t u re in y
Let the sun shine in
Use the Home Energy 88 8 8 Conservation 8 8888 Calculator on concordnc.gov
p e ra
Caulk or re-caulk
doors and windows
stripping around
around windows and
Check weather
Now is the best time to start thinking about ways to save on your energy bill. To keep warm and cut down your energy use, try these helpful energy-saving tips around your house all winter. With very little effort and money you can conserve energy and also save on your utility bill.
Visit NC Public Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YouTube channel to learn more about winter energy saving, you can find a link at concordnc.gov/Departments/Electric. concordnc.gov FALL 2012 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR 13
From the Mayor continued from page 3 most unique wedding experiences I have ever seen. Autumn Holt and US Army Staff Sergeant Joshua McLean of Dallas, Texas were married in Concord on November 11 as part of Operation Marry Me Military. Joshua is a Green Beret with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and served three tours in Afghanistan. Autumn works as a dental hygiene assistant in Fayetteville. The couple won the wedding and all associated expenses donated by many generous local businesses. Family and friends of bride and groom traveled to Concord for the occasion, and many commented on what a great community we have. It was an honor to welcome them and their family to our community, and I am very proud of all our local businesses who participated to make their dream wedding come true.
One of our longest-standing hometown companies, S&D Coffee and Tea made a major announcement on November 19. In continuous operation since 1927, S&D is the nation’s largest custom coffee roaster and the largest blender of iced tea for the food services industry in the United States, serving over eighty thousand customers. The company will expand into two new facilities in the West Winds Business Park immediately and generate two hundred new jobs over a five-year period. The expansion sites are located near Concord Regional Airport off Derita Road, where S&D has maintained a hangar for several years. The expansion will have an estimated 48 million-dollar economic impact in this area. The City Council places a high value on economic development and jobs for citizens. I have said many times that for most of us, the most important things in life are faith, family, health, and a good job. Making this expansion a reality was a team effort – led by the Cabarrus Economic development Corporation, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, and the Concord City Council. The entire team was proud to work towards delivering this great early Christmas present for our community. When I look back at all we accomplished as a community this year, I am even more excited about what the next twelve months will bring. This will be my twelfth year having the privilege of serving Concord as Mayor, and although we have faced our share of challenges—we have been abundantly blessed with many wonderful opportunities. Our future continues to be very bright here in Concord. I wish everyone the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013.
Did you know...
CITY OF CONCORD/L.J. WESLOWSKI
Many of you attended the fifteenth annual Christmas Tree Lighting and fireworks show on Friday, November 16 in Historic Downtown Concord. We want to thank all our partners for this wonderful event, including our sponsors Cabarrus Bank and Trust and CMC-NorthEast. This year’s event had a new layout with the fireworks show launching from Cabarrus County’s lot at Barbrick and Spring. We certainly appreciate the County Commissioners and staff for working with us to accommodate our signature event!
14 CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR FALL 2012 concordnc.gov
going going gone Did you know that the City disposes of all surplus vehicles and equipment via online auction? The City switched from traditional auctions in 2006, and makes an average of 30 percent more on surplus vehicles due to a wider, nationwide bidder base. This also eliminated hundreds of hours of staff time that was required for standard auctions, saving the City tens of thousands of dollars each year. Check out govdeals.com for surplus City of Concord property and equipment.
Manager’s Notes continued from page 3 Concord and Kannapolis in many cases share their facilities with Cabarrus County, allowing the County to collocate Emergency Medical Service trucks and personnel within select fire stations. Kannapolis and Concord work together with the State of North Carolina and the Federal Transit Administration to fund and operate Rider Transit. The system contracts also with Cabarrus County to provide special service to the disabled. All Cabarrus local governments cooperated to support Concord and Kannapolis in the pursuit of Interbasin Transfer authority to use water from the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers. The design of the line that will link with the City of Albemarle water system on the Yadkin River is being completed and construction will begin in 2013. When completed, this connection will not only make more water available to serve customers on the Concord, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg water systems – Mount Pleasant will be also able to purchase water from this line at when their officials determine it is needed. Concord and Midland are entering into a win-win arrangement that will provide the means for the expansion of sewer service in Midland. This is needed not only to provide sewer service to more residents of the Town, but to also promote business development in the area. Cabarrus County, Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg and Mount Pleasant all appoint representatives to the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC) Board, who work together with the WSACC staff to provide wholesale wastewater treatment services in the County. All local government jurisdictions provide funding and representatives to the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The EDC works with Cabarrus County and the individual cities on economic development projects within their respective jurisdictions. Of course, all such projects are within Cabarrus County regardless of location. These partnerships are vital to delivering services that are tailored to the needs of the citizens of the participating jurisdictions. Collaboration among our local governments has helped to lower costs. Our residents expect governmental units to work together to identify solutions to meet today’s challenges. These examples can also be used to prove to State and Federal officials that cooperation can take place, and that the resulting partnerships can be highly beneficial to the people we serve.
City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 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 Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5200 Accounts Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5217 Accounts Receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5231 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 Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5516 Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5430 GIS/Mapping/Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5153 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-788-1139 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5100 Meter Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5219 Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-920-5600 Planning & Neighborhood Development . . . . . . . 704-920-5143 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-735-8262 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5362 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5341 Zoning/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .704-920-5152
c o nconcordnc.gov c o r FALLd2012 n CONCORD c . CITY g CIRCULAR o v 15
P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28036
Stay Connected Stay connected with Concord through facebook! Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to facebook.com/ concordnc.
concordnc.gov
Public Safety Academy Applications Now Available! The City of Concord believes in creating partnerships with the citizens who live and work in our City. To help build this partnership, the City seeks applicants for the ninth Citizen Public Safety Academy. The course will allow citizens to learn about the functions of Concords public safety departments, meet staff, and help us evaluate the services we provide.
The ten-week academy will begin February 4, 2013 and end on April 15. Consecutive classes will be held each Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a break on April 1 for Easter.
The Concord Police Department will instruct four classes on all functions of the department and give an in-depth look at its community policing philosophy. One class will be jointly presented by Communications, to explain what happens when you call 911 and Emergency Management, to help you learn how the City plans for and responds to disasters and other emergencies. The tenth week will be a graduation dinner to honor academy participants.
CITY OF CONCORD
Three classes will be taught by Concord Fire and Life Safety, including presentations on the various services provided as well as how all of us can be safer in our daily lives.
Class participants will be urged to participate in an exchange of information that will benefit all involved. Class size is limited to 20; applications are available for download at concordnc.gov and due January 28. You may also contact Leslie Griffin at the Police Department (email: griffinl@concordnc.gov; mail: P.O. Box 308, Concord NC, 28026; fax: 704-788-9313).