82 - Winter 2021

Information You Can Use

WINTER 2021

Jo Atwater Award Recipient

New Public Art Along Greenway See Updated page 15 for January, details.

2021

SPRING

2021

LEISURE TIMES

concordnc.gov/leisuretimes

In this Issue: From the Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Manager’s Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 New Public Art Dedicated Along Hector Henry II Greenway . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Planning Department Wins Top Award . . . . . 6 Remembering Officer Shuping . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Local Artist Gordon C. James Reflects On His Recent Success . . . . . . . . 10 Convenient Ways To Pay Your Utility Bill . . . 12 Citizens Complete Virtual Concord 101 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Concord Designated Storm Ready Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Angela Britt Wins Sid Tolbert Award . . . . . . 14 High 5/2020 High Performers . . . . . . . . . . 15 2021 Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Important Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

City Council

Andy Langford District 1

Brian King District 2

Ella Mae Small District 3

Jennifer H. Parsley District 6

Terry L. Crawford District 5

JC McKenzie District 4

John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7 Mayor Pro Tem

Get Connected: Council Districts Adopted 12/13/2018

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.

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Council Districts District 1 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7

Concord City Circular P.O. Box 308, Concord, NC 28026 or call 704-920-5210 or e-mail publicaffairs@concordnc.gov. designed by

Granite Sky Civic

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Visit concordnc.gov/Government/Mayor-Council to see our district map.

About the cover: Clearwater Artists Studio resident artist Walter Stanford, stands next to the first permanent public artwork on the Hector Henry II Greenway. Walter created the piece called the “Barred Owl.” The City is thrilled for our resident artists, Walter Stanford Fine Art, and Paul Keysar Artist, who contributed to this project.

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:

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District 2

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.

Visit concordnc.gov to subscribe to the CityLink email newsletter, and receive semi-monthly updates and information about Concord direct to your inbox.

Concord Mobile Care You can 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. •

2 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

From the Mayor

Manager’s Notes

William “Bill” Dusch

Lloyd Wm. Payne, Jr. Concord City Manager

Big Changes Coming To Downtown Concord

Our Continued Commitment To Excellent Service.

I must say, I never thought I would have a Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holiday season like this one. We are all working hard to get through this difficult time and since we can see a vaccine is becoming available, there is hope on the immediate horizon.

Hello Concord. Earlier this Fall, we reopened City facilities after several months of being closed. We were careful in our approach to ensure that health and safety measures were in place for customers and City staff. When you visit a City facility, be aware that face coverings are required and are available if you don’t have one. Disposable gloves are also available, as well as multiple hand sanitizer locations.

Our goal is to maintain a safe environment for you and City staff while providing opportunities for engagement and interaction amidst the pandemic. We continue to partner with Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) and other local organizations to offer free masks to those that need them during the Concord Cares giveaway events.

Since last March, we have been an active member of the Cabarrus Health Alliance COVID Task Force. This CHA group, composed of members from all the cities and towns in Cabarrus County, Cabarrus County, and Atrium Health Cabarrus, meets weekly to review and update how the virus is effecting our community. This has allowed all of the entities in our county to operate in unity as we make our way through these unsettling times. In the meantime, Concord continues to move forward. For this City Circular, I will concentrate on what is going on in the downtown area, and there are many projects underway. So here we go!

Construction on over 300 new apartments by the LMG Group is starting, with building on 30 Market Street, 25 Barbrick Avenue next to the County parking deck, and the previous Municipal building at 26 Union Street South.

Behind the Historic Courthouse, you can see the crane on the site of the new Cabarrus County Courthouse. Next door to the Historic Courthouse is the 57 Union Street South project by Concord Redevelopment Partners, with apartments on the upper floors of the historic Cabarrus Bank and Trust building and the 20,000 square foot home of Flywheel LLC in the lower office areas.

Across the street from 57 Union Street is the renovation of the old Concord City Hall Annex building at 66 Union Street South to a commercial office building with a number of offices being set aside for our non-profit community partners.

And if that is not enough, the City will begin the streetscape project later in the year that will allow us to replace our over 100-year old utility infrastructure. At the same time, we will reconstruct streetscape to allow for more pedestrian walking, dining and shopping.

So, you are asking, what is Flywheel? This is the new entrepreneurial business center at 57 Union Street South, with event space, meeting rooms, offices and co-working space. Cabarrus Economic Development and the Cabarrus Chamber will be relocating their offices to the center and other program partners will locate operations at the space.

This will become the home of a number of our continued on page 14

At the November City Council meeting, Susan Green, Deputy Aviation Director, was recognized as the 2020 Jo Atwater Award recipient. At another recent event, Angela Britt, Customer Service Supervisor, was recognized as the 2020 Sid Tolbert Award recipient. You will find additional details regarding these prestigious awards within this City’s Circular addition. Both of these City employees exemplify the City’s commitment to excellent customer service – both internally and externally. The City is very fortunate to have dedicated staff who strive each day to uphold our Core Values and fulfill the City’s Mission.

The City’s Core Values are our guiding principles, and serve as the blueprint which guides our decisions and daily actions. We strive for a Culture of Excellence based on teamwork and continuous improvement, working to be a little better today than yesterday. Our Accountability focuses on both personal and professional decisions. Our goal is to provide accurate and timely services to you as well as promptly adjusting when we don’t meet this goal. We make every effort to ensure our Communication is open and honest. Likewise, we encourage feedback from you on how we can continue to improve. Our Environment is essential for us to preserve and enhance. We all desire to improve the quality of our community continually. Safety is important to us – both physical and property. Trust is the linchpin to all that we do. We work each day to build upon the confidence you have in us to provide your services.

I, along with the other City employees, are honored to serve you each day. We don’t take our roles for granted.

Our goal is excellence in all we do for you and our community. Please reach out and share feedback to let us know when we have accomplished this for you or if there are any issues that we need to address. Team Concord are your public servants. Stay safe! • concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 3

City of Concord & Partners Dedicate New Public Art Along The Hector Henry II Greenway.

4 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

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ayor Dusch and partners from Atrium Health Cabarrus, and Cabarrus Arts Council met along the Hector Henry II Greenway on November 13 to officially dedicate a new pair of artworks recently installed. The dedication was live-streamed for virtual attendance via the City’s FaceBook page. Concord Mayor Bill Dusch joined Chris Bowe, Atrium Health Senior Vice President, and North Market President; and Noelle Scott, President & CEO of the Cabarrus Arts Council, in making brief remarks before the artworks’ unveiling. A handful of people attended, masked, and socially distant. Despite the foggy, gray morning, spirits were high. The realization of these two 9-foot tall art panels, in 1/4” thick, cor ten steel, fulfills a years-long partnership effort.

Atrium Health Cabarrus, in celebration of its 80th anniversary, donated a generous gift to several local municipalities, including Concord, in 2017; their goal was to fund projects that would be of benefit to the Cities and promote health and wellness. City leadership proposed the public artworks as an “Art on the Greenway” project to fulfill the Hospital’s goal for the community project, and Atrium Health accepted. The Planning & Neighborhood Development Department and the Buildings & Grounds Department co-managed the project, enlisting ClearWater Arts Center & Studios.

With approval from the Concord Public Art Committee and the funding from Atrium Health Cabarrus, ClearWater commissioned resident artists Walter Stanford, Paul Keysar, and Gordon C. James to create images of birds found in the wetland near the Greenway. For fabrication, Jim Gallucci Sculptor, LLC, in Greensboro, gave consult on the refinement of the computer images of the designs, and also handled the cutting and finishing. He provided an economical cost to complete two panels within the commemorative gift budget.

The large, rust-coated panels poetically depict two bird species: the soft flight of a Snowy Egret over water, by Paul Keysar; the commanding gaze of a Barred Owl from tangled branches, by Walter Stanford. (The third design, Great Blue Heron by James, should be funded soon via other sources.) These are the first works of public art for these artists.

At the dedication, the Mayor thanked all parties involved, with a nod to the work of the Public Art Committee. “We know what a powerful positive force public art is, for the economic and cultural life of a city,” he said. “These artworks will withstand the elements for many years while enhancing the experience for those on this Greenway.

They signify the beauty of the wildlife living in the Wetlands area.” He congratulated the Hospital for a “fine investment in citizen health.”

“Atrium Health is excited to partner with the City of Concord for this very special initiative to add even more beauty to the Hector Henry II Greenway while celebrating the hospital’s 80th anniversary,” said Chris Bowe, Atrium Health Senior Vice President, and North Market President. “As we invest in our community together for health, hope and healing for all, we find that these public spaces are an opportunity for us to gather safely, celebrate nature and celebrate Dr. Henry, who gave so much to the hospital, his patients and his community.” • Top, ‘Barred Owl,’ designed by Walter Stanford; bottom, ‘Snowy Egret, designed by Paul Keysar. Photos by Sarah Gay. Background image of wild geese courtesy of Atrium Health Cabarrus.

concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 5

Planning Department Wins Marvin Collins Award from the North Carolina American Planning Association for the Union Streetscape Demonstration Project

T

he Marvin Collins Planning Award represents the highest standards of achievement in the planning profession in North Carolina.

By undertaking the Union Streetscape Demonstration project, the City utilized a form of tactical urbanism to temporarily illustrate three design streetscape options to gain public feedback and to help finalize a decision. For two days and one night the demonstration was staffed and displayed the look and feel of possible enhancements to sidewalk widths, outdoor dining and seating, street trees, on street parking and travel lane widths. The response was significant with easily more than a 1,000 people experiencing the demonstration. Utilizing the online engagement platform, publicinput.com the project team was able to administer an on-line and in-person survey which allowed the public to provide feedback. Over 700 participants responded to the survey with 546 choosing one of the three proposed options or a fourth option to leave Union Street as is. •

6 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

Jason Shuping | End of Watch December 16, 2020

Remembering Officer Shuping From Team Concord to our community, THANK YOU! Thank you for being our support as we have dealt with this tragic loss.

This a resilient community, and we will move #ForwardTogether, while always carrying Jason's legacy and passion with us.

We join together as a community to honor the life of Concord Police Officer Jason Shuping, who was killed in the line of duty last week.

Officer Shuping dedicated his life to protecting and serving our community, and we are heartbroken about his tragic death as well as the shooting of his fellow officer, Kaleb Robinson. Jason made the ultimate sacrifice and, for that, we will be forever indebted…and he will be forever remembered.

The commitment of the Concord Police Department to this community is unwavering and invaluable. As we celebrate the life of Jason Shuping, we also honor the men and women of the CPD who selflessly serve all of our residents. We, as a community, and specifically, as the leadership of this great City, will do whatever humanly possible to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each and every one of our CPD officers. We will support Chief Gacek and the Department through this difficult time and in the days and months ahead and ask that you do the same. Likewise, we will be in prayer for Officer Shuping, his wife, family, and friends, as well as for Officer Kaleb Robinson and his family.

This is a terrible tragedy felt by all of us in Concord, but it is also a time that brings out the best in us. The outpouring of support for our community that has come from neighboring communities, the Governor, and officers throughout the state has been overwhelming.

We hope that it brings some measure of comfort to Jason’s family, friends, and fellow officers, to whom we offer both our deepest condolences and our gratitude for Jason’s service. • concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 7

Jo Atwater Core Values D

uring the November 12 City Council Meeting, Assistant Aviation Director Susan Green, was surprised with the news that she is the 2020 recipient of the Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values award, which is the City's highest honor for coworkers. The Continuous Core Values award was created in 2003 to recognize one coworker annually who embodies the organizational core values and commitment to serving others in the community. Jo Atwater, who was Concord’s Human Resources Director until she passed away in 2004, was the first recipient of the award that was named in her honor.

During the virtual City Council meeting, Customer Service Advancement Team co-facilitators Lesley Reder and Desmond Miller announced Green as the winner while her family, friends, and Aviation Department colleagues filed in a large conference room at the Concord Padget Regional Airport in a show of support.

“Susan was selected from an outstanding pool of nominees last Spring” said Reder. Susan demonstrates the City's core values every day through her work at the Airport and in our community. She has remained focused on helping our Airport continue to grow, while keeping our customers in mind. Susan has had numerous roles over the last 25 years, starting as an aviation service worker fueling aircraft, parking

8 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

Continuous s Award planes and even serving as a “firefighter” before there was an on-site fire station. Beyond her service to the Airport, Susan is committed to her community through her service with her church and various nonprofit organizations.”

“Susan is an exemplary and valuable member of Team Concord. She is the consummate professional in her interactions with her fellow employees and our community.

The City of Concord is fortunate to have her expertise and positive attitude which exemplifies the qualities Jo Atwater possessed,” stated Lloyd Payne Concord City Manager.”

Susan is committed to her community. She has organized food and clothing drives through her church, is a member of the Cabarrus Visitor Bureau’s Women in Leadership group, helped with the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association C-54 Spirit of Freedom Tours, and helped plan the Grin Kids send-off and return from their annual Florida trip. “Going above and beyond to ensure that customers and coworkers are treated with dignity and courtesy is common practice for Susan,” stated Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest.

Susan Green is the Assistant Aviation Director at ConcordPadgett Regional Airport. She worked her way through customer service roles and into property/lease management until she became the Assistant Aviation Director in 2018. Susan has a unique understanding of the Airport's

operations and a dedicated commitment to customers.

Susan was instrumental in the implementation of ISBAH – ensuring the Airport follows the highest possible safety standards. She led renovations to the terminal building, including the addition of the Air Elite Welcome Center.

“I knew Jo Atwater and everything she stood for and it is an absolute honor to receive this award, which is named in her honor” said Green. “I serve the community without a thought of recognition. It’s just a way of life for me. It is good to know that I am appreciated by others. I am thankful for the experiences that I have had over the years and glad to have the opportunity to work with a great team at the Airport and at the City.”

Green grew up in Vinton, Virginia and moved to North Carolina in 1986 and started her journey with the City of Concord Aviation Department in 1994. She graduated from Staunton River High School. She is the daughter of the late Paul and Della DeLancey. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and especially her grandkids, reading, camping trips to the mountains, relaxing on the beach and walks with her dog. Susan dedicates her life and focus on her faith, serving at church, volunteering at the food pantry and other nonprofits, or anyone who needs a helping hand or just a little encouragement. •

concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 9

Gordon C. James Continues Meteoric , Rise with New Children s Book Credits His Focus On Illustration To Dedicated Studio Space At ClearWater

G

ordon C. James is the award-winning illustrator who has experienced a meteoric rise to fame and nationally acclaimed success as an artist since leasing his art studio space at ClearWater. He has generated many accolades and success including starred book reviews, awards, invitations to lecture at book festivals and school events, celebrity interviews, a steadily growing list of new book commissions, and most recently a Times Square video billboard featuring his painted illustrations. All of this has been accomplished from his studio at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios here in Concord, NC. Not long after renting the space at ClearWater, James was invited by friend and author, Derrick Barnes, to illustrate Crown: An Ode to The Fresh Cut (2017). Crown is a paean to the power of positive self-image. It became a blockbuster best-seller almost as soon as it was published. Reviews by noted critical outlets like Kirkus Reviews, the LA Times, NPR, and more lauded it, and awards soon followed. It may very well be the most-awarded children’s book of all time, and is the first book illustration project that

10 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

put Gordon ‘on the map.’ There followed Let ‘Er Buck: George Fletcher, Peoples’ Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, which also garnered awards and acclaim.

This past September, a 2nd collaboration with Barnes entitled I Am Every Good Thing became the latest “superstar debut” in children’s books. Launched on September 1st with fanfare and critical acclaim, including the aforementioned video billboard in Times Square, it appeared on Oprah’s Book List, and was read online by actors and musicians, including R&B recording artist Anthony Hamilton and actress Jennifer Garner. The book remained at top of the list in critical reviews such as Kirkus, Book List, and School Library Journal. It stayed three weeks on the The New York Times Best Seller list. Once again, the public is responding to a brilliant, collaborative work of art that provides a resoundingly positive message as well as James’s beautiful paintings, which have now been given a national and international audience.

The month of September just kept getting better for James, as he appeared as one of the first guests on The Drew Barrymore Show alongside Barnes, saw I Am Every Good Thing read aloud by actress Jennifer Garner on social media, and watched Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin read Crown on Netflix’s new show, Bookmarks. He gave several interviews virtually from his studio and virtually co-presented a live Book Talk with Barnes for Mahogany, the longestablished African American bookstore in Washington, D.C. To top it all off, James learned near the end of the month that he and Barnes, having been once again nominated for the Kirkus Prize, were among the Top 6 Finalists. On Nov. 6th, author and illustrator learned they had WON the $50K Prize, in the Young Readers Literature category, for the second time (the first was for Crown in 2018). This makes them the first-ever repeat award-winners in the history of the Prize.

Photo of artist by CHDWCK! Illustrations appear courtesy of the artist, Gordon C. James.

Through all the success and fame, James has remained grounded at ClearWater— now in his newest studio, a large, airy, bright space in the recently renovated lower level. There, he has set up several work stations: one for oil painting, one for pastel work, one for projecting his drawings so he can paint illustrations in the second stages, and so forth. He has a display area for books and awards as well as a seating area for interviews. These days, he’s found a rhythm in his daily regimen of balancing the demands of fatherhood with the demands of fame and fandom.

Sometimes he pulls an all-nighter; sometimes he’s home for dinner and an evening with family. He often spends time studying other illustrators’ work and exchanges advice with his network of fellow artists, both in the ClearWater building and in “the business.” He stays in touch with his fans through careful attention to his social media. On Instagram, he rewards young readers whose parents have tagged him, with their very own hand-drawn golden crown in his re-posted photo of them with the book. Through it all, his energy remains steady and his focus, unwavering.

Currently, James is at work on two more book projects, with additional offers in the wings. He remains dedicated to his mission of getting positive stories about the African American experience into children’s literature, and he is determined to make each illustration his best work.

Once the Coronavirus pandemic is brought to heel, or at least reaches a point where we can all operate under less restriction, Gordon C. James will renew his speaking tour circuit. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios will reopen to public visitation. In the meantime, be sure to follow both on Facebook and Instagram (and Twitter for James) for updates.

For more info on the ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, contact ClearWater Coordinator Sarah Gay at 704-784-9535 or email at gays@concordnc.gov; see clearwaterartists.com; and/or check out @ClearWaterArts on FaceBook or @clearwaterartsnc on Instagram. •

concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 11

Convenient Ways to Pay your Utility Bill The City of Concord offers several convenient methods for making utility payments. Customers can pay using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Mobile Wallet (ApplePay, GooglePay), Autopay, money order, check and using cash at the new Kiosk in City Hall.

Payment Options AUTOPAY (RECURRING)

Information

Cost

Automatically pay your bill on the due date each month from your checking account. Register now to set up automatic bank draft payments.

FREE for direct checking

To enroll in automatic payment using your credit card, please click here

$2.95 convenience fee for credit card payment

PAY BY PHONE/ IVR

Call 704-920-5557

$2.95 convenience fee

PAY BY TEXT

Log on to eCARE to enroll via Invoice Cloud

$2.95 convenience fee

PAY ONLINE

Make a one-time payment online, or Log on to your eCARE Account.

$2.95 convenience fee

PAY BY MAIL

Mail us your check or money order to: City of Concord PO Box 580469 Charlotte, NC 28258-0469

FREE

PAY IN PERSON IN CITY HALL

Kiosk or Work Station inside City Hall

$2.95 convenience fee for credit card payment.

24-Hour Drop Box station located on Market Street, beside City Hall

FREE

Customers are encouraged to visit eCARE to register and enable online access to their utility account. Here you can make changes to your account like updating your contact and payment information, enroll in paperless billing, set up auto pay, and view usage history online. For more information, visit concordnc.gov or call Customer Care at 704-920-5555.

New ways to Pay in Person at City Hall: PAYMENT KIOSK

• • • •

PAYMENT WORK STATION

• Customers will log in with their account number using the One-Time Payment option on the City’s website • Accepts credit card, echeck and Google Pay

Customers can search for their account using the account number, address, or phone number Accepts cash, check, credit card Kiosk does not give change – payment should be rounded up to the nearest dollar Checks and credit cards are assessed a $2.95 convenience fee by Invoice Cloud

PAYMENT DROP • Located on Market street BOX (24-HOURS) • Contents are retrieved at 8am and 2pm each work day

12 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

Citizens Complete Virtual Concord 101 Program The Concord 101 class of 2020 was recognized during a virtual graduation ceremony on November 24. This year’s class included 65 active community members who met together online in a virtual classroom for 14 consecutive weeks. Participants were thanked at the ceremony by Mayor Bill Dusch for their involvement in the program.

“On behalf of City Council, thank you for caring enough to devote your time and attention to learning how your government works. You decided to participate in Concord 101 during a time of many challenges in our community. It is good see a diverse group of citizens with vested interest in the City and a shared commitment to its well-being. Citizens and their neighborhoods as the backbone of our community & this program is a vital component of our work towards fulfilling our mission to partner with the community to deliver excellent service and enhancing the quality of life in Concord. I am proud to live in and serve as the Mayor of a City whose residents care so much and who work to do their part towards fostering a better tomorrow in our wonderful City and beyond,” stated Mayor Dusch.

Concord 101 is designed to inform citizens about their local government. Participants met online on Tuesday evenings 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 tourism. The free 14-week course began in August.

The class was first offered in 2002, and alumni are a diverse representation of the community. Some are now serving in

leadership roles in their neighborhoods or on City boards and commissions. Council Members Jennifer Parsley and John Sweat are both graduates of the program.

2020 participants were: Jesse Aguilar, Laura Aguilar, Claudia Ambersley, Jane Baker, Lawanda Blair-Foster, Lauren Bredolo, Sophia Cliffe, Carmen Cook, Gricelda De La Cruz, Martin Ericson, Ivonne Erion, Dave Gilmore, Nancy Gilmore, Cindy Hanson, Kim Hartsock, Scott Kerkhoff, Pete Lawrence, Rosalind Lawrence, Quinton Locklear, Karin Lord, Natalie Marles, Bruce McCormick, Bobbie Jo McDonald, Sarah McMurry, Dorothy Elaine Miller, Greg Mills, Patricia Moor, Edward Pedrick, Amelia Phipps, CJ (Curtis) Phipps, Joy Pinto, John Pyndus, Bonnie Ray, Carl Russo, Mary Santiago, Marianne Scully, Patricia Swift, Judy Taylor, Celeste Troutman, Steve Troutman, Angel Valladares, Blaze Walker, and Bridgett Williams.

During the graduation event, City Manager Lloyd Payne encouraged the graduates to share feedback on City services and programs and to connect with the City online. “I know that our community has faced many challenges over the past 8 months, and many adjustments have been made. However, we still felt that it was important to offer Concord 101 and I am glad that we were able to do that virtually. I hope that you learned a great deal throughout the program about TEAM Concord and the processes,” stated City Manager Lloyd Payne.

The next class will begin in fall of 2021, with applications available in May. Learn more about Concord 101 at concordnc.gov/concord101. • concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 13

Storm Ready Community Designation “The City of Concord was recognized once again this year as being a Storm Ready Community by the National Weather Service. Receiving this recognition shows the City's dedication in preparing for severe weather and ensuring that our responders and community are safe in those times. Our close working relationship with the National Weather Service greatly benefits our level of preparedness, and we thank them for this recognition.”

— Ian Crane, Emergency Management Coordinator What makes us a Storm Ready Community?

• Maintaining an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with redundant methods for receiving NWS warnings and relaying them to the public • Ensuring the EOC can monitor local weather and flood observation data for increased situational awareness • Ensuring hazardous weather and flooding are addressed in formal emergency management plans • Conducting community preparedness programs on hazardous weather and flooding, including training SKYWARN® weather spotters • Maintaining an effective working relationship between Concord Emergency Management and the local NWS Forecast Office, including an understanding of the decision support provided by key NWS offices 14 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

Sid Talbert Award Angela Britt was selected as the 2020 recipient of the Sid Talbert Finance Core Values Award. Angela is a valued member of the City’s Customer Care team.

“We're grateful for her hard work to exemplify Finance’s values in her work every day!”

— Pam Hinson, Finance Director

Each year, the Finance team honors Sid’s memory by recognizing a coworker representing the Department’s Team Values that Sid helped develop. Sid practiced what he preached, and he believed in each of these values:

FAIRNESS • DEDICATED SERVICE • HONESTY • TRUST Congratulations, Angela! •

Mayor’s Letter

continued from page 3

entrepreneurial business entities where they will have a one-stop shop to help them grow their business. You can find more information on the Flywheel website at flywheelcoworking.com/concord-home/.

As these projects develop and others come onboard, we will keep you updated with their progress. In the meantime, please stay safe and have a great 2021! •

2020 High Performers Please extend a TEAMCONCORD congratulations to the following coworkers who were recognized for going above and beyond in providing excellent customer service or for events that best embody one or more of the 9 Principles of Excellent Customer Service!

High Performers were selected from among the high five nominations received from July – September 2020. The City of Concord is recognized for dedicated employees who are committed to providing excellent service.

2. C omplete the online form at concordnc.gov/high5

Ian Crane.......................................................................Emergency Management Chris Greene...........................................................................................Electric Kim Deason.............................................................................................. CMO Robin Seagle..................................................................................... Tech Edge Leonard Mason.........................................................................................SWR Topanga Allred.....................................................................................Aviation Tracy Law................................................................................................... Police Daryl Sossoman...................................................................................... B&G Bradley Cohen........................................................................ Communications Karin Mazzaro........................................................................... Customer Care Ryan Stone..............................................................................................Electric Anthony Martin......................................................................... Traffic Services Brian Dunlap.............................................................................. Traffic Services Jamal Hargrove........................................................................ Traffic Services Jason Porter.............................................................................. Traffic Services Brian Taylor................................................................................ Traffic Services Mike McIntosh.................................. Sewer Lines Operations & Maintenance Jonathan Rabon............................... Sewer Lines Operations & Maintenance Jared Gandy....................................... Sewer Lines Operations & Maintenance Brian Harwood.................................. Sewer Lines Operations & Maintenance Chris Reid........................................... Sewer Lines Operations & Maintenance Cody Havens............................................................................................. Police George Edwards........................................................................Transportation Jeff Childers....................................................................................Engineering Johnathan West.......................................................................................... Fire Tommy Lunceford........................................................................Fire Training

3. C 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.

We believe that co-workers who provide excellent service deserve timely and effective recognition by their team members, managers, and the community. You are the City’s most valuable asset and each of us plays a critical role in contributing to the attainment of the City’s goals and mission.

Click here to visit the High 5 Program page on the Intranet to read the recognitions received over the past year. Thank you! •

Concern for the Individual • Customer Focus Fair and Equitable Service • Professional Service Effective Communication • Taking Ownership Timeliness • Teamwork • Great Service Recovery

High Five recognizes coworkers who make a difference.

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.

These nine principles help us deliver a high level of quality services.

There are three ways to submit your recognitions: 1. C all 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgment by phone.

Leisure Times Remains Online In Response To COVID-19

Remember that all City parks and greenways remain open. Please observe safe social distancing at all times to keep yourself, your family, and your fellow citizens as safe as possible. • concordnc.gov/leisuretimes

Update d Januar y, 2021

LEISUSRPRING TIMESE

2021

Concord Parks and Recreation continues to work closely with state health officials to ensure our program schedules follow recommended guidelines for maintaining the health and safety of our citizens. To provide you the most up-to-date program information and minimize confusion, we are limiting the current Leisure Times to a digital edition only.

concordnc.gov • WINTER 2021 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 15

2021 Recycling & Bulky Waste Calendar Recycling & Bulky Waste is collected every-other-week on your regularly scheduled garbage day.

If you are a City of Concord resident, recycling roll-out carts are free. Call 704.920.5555.

For 2021, WastePro will collect garbage, recycling, and bulky waste on a normal schedule through each of the City’s observed holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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City Holiday Blue Week Green Week

ü Know your Collection Day ü Sign up for FREE Reminders ü Find out how to dispose of items To verify your collection schedule or to find full holiday collection details, visit concordnc.gov/whatsmyday or download our CARTology mobile app. To download the mobile app, search for CARTology in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

Put these items in your recycling cart Empty Aerosol Cans

Glass Bottles & Jars

(no paint cans)

Spiral Paper Cans

Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars (no Styrofoam, bags, or wrap)

Milk & Juice Cartons, & Juice Boxes Aluminum Cans, Steel Cans, & their Lids

(with plastic lids detached)

Clean pizza boxes

Large Cardboard Boxes (flattened, cut to 3ft x 3ft sections, placed inside cart for collection)

Paperback Books (without grease or food residue) Mixed Paper, Newspapers Cereal & Food Boxes with Inserts, & Junk Mail Magazines & Phonebooks Gift Wrapping Paper Gift Boxes, Shoe Boxes, & (without foil backing) Small Cardboard Boxes (flattened and placed into cart)

16 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • WINTER 2021 • concordnc.gov

Twice per year, for special occasions, parties and family reunions, the City will collect a small amount of extra bags.

Please call to schedule all special occasion collections.

Those who consistently have more garbage than the green roll-out cart can hold may call to reserve an extra brown garbage cart for a monthly fee.

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Cart lids must be able to close completely.

Extra bags of trash and recyclables placed outside your cart will not be collected.

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Bulky waste is anything that won’t fit inside and isn’t allowed in your garbage cart like furniture, construction and demolition debris, tires, scrap metal (including lawn equipment, bicycles, etc.) electronics and appliances.

Recycle cardboard the right way! All cardboard must be flattened and cut down to 3ft x 3 ft sections or smaller for collection. A MAXIMUM of 2 or 3 flattened cardboard boxes can be placed between the top of the cart and the lid. Additional flattened boxes should be stacked neatly beside your recycle cart.

Place cart out between 5:00 p.m. day before and 6:00 a.m. day of collection.

Retrieve cart 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 with carts.

Please bag your garbage, but do not bag your recyclables. Place them in the cart loose.

Register to receive collection schedule changes and other important updates via phone, text, or email at concordnc.gov/whatsmyday.

For more information on Solid Waste Services:

concordnc.gov 704.920.5555

PPCO

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies .............................. 911

P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28026

Customer Care Center ................................ 704-920-5555

Volunteers collect 300 lbs. of trash during the Oct. 24, 2020 Adopt-A-Stream Event

Volunteers from Concord Youth Council, Concord Lions Club, Gibson Village neighborhood, and Concord Wildlife Alliance participated in a adopt a stream . All volunteers received a very nice free tree or shrub from the NC Wildlife Federation Trees4Trash Program. •

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 Cabarrus County Tax Office ................................704-920-2119 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 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 Solid Waste .....................................................704-920-5361 TTY/North Carolina Relay ................................................... 711 Transportation .................................................704-920-5338 Water Resources ..............................................704-920-5342 Zoning/Permits ................................................704-920-5152

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