Inside High Point - April 2023

INSIDE HIGH POINT

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPRING FURNITURE MARKET!

CONTENTS

Welcome to Inside High Point, the newsletter that covers everything going on within the City of High Point and its various departments. If you have news, photos, questions or suggestions for what you would like to see featured, please email us at PIO@highpointnc.gov.

CITY COUNCIL

City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month. You can find their meeting schedule HERE.

Mayor - Jay Wagner

Member at Large - Britt Moore

Member at Large - Tyrone E. Johnson

Ward 1 - Cyril Jefferson

Ward 2 - Chris Williams

Jay.Wagner@highpointnc.gov

336.883.3305

Britt.Moore@highpointnc.gov

336.687.2200

Tyrone.Johnson@highpointnc.gov

336.307.8261

Cyril.Jefferson@highpointnc.gov

Chris.Williams@highpointnc.gov

336.883.1736

Ward 3 - Monica Peters

Ward 4 - Wesley Hudson, Mayor Pro Tem

Ward 5 - Victor Jones

Ward 6 - Michael Holmes

Monica.Peters@highpointnc.gov

336.906.7328

Wesley.Hudson@highpointnc.gov

336.655.5880

Victor.Jones@highpointnc.gov

336.899.7777

Michael.Holmes@highpointnc.gov

HUMAN RESOURCES HUMAN RESOURCES

EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE TWINNING DAY

On National Lookalike Day, the City of High Point celebrated with an employee twinning day. Employees were encouraged to wear identical outfits on April 20 and submit their photos to be entered in a contest.

Once all photos were submitted, employees voted on their favorite sets of twins.

Thank you to all our exceptional employees who participated in or voted for our Twinning Day competition, and congratulations to our winners!

TWINNING DAY CHAMPIONS

TWINNING DAY RUNNER-UPS

TWINNING DAY HONORARY MENTIONS

HUMAN RELATIONS

COMMISSION HOSTS MULTI-FAITH NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The City of High Point Human Relations Commission will collaborate with local faith leaders to host two Multi-Faith Day of Prayer programs on Thursday, May 4, at the High Point Public Library Arts & Education Plaza, located at 901 N. Main St. The morning program will begin at 7:15 a.m., and the evening program will begin at 6 p.m.

Inspired by the annual National Day of Prayer observed on the first Thursday of May, the High Point Multi-Faith Day of Prayer will welcome people of all faiths to pray for our community. This year’s local event will be on the theme of peace, love and hope, and will include prayers from multiple faiths.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Human Relations Manager Rase McCray at 336.883.3124 or at rase.mccray@highpointnc.gov.

THEATRE CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SEASON

The 2022-23 season at High Point Theatre has officially come to an end! This 47th season combined an eclectic mix of new artists and seasoned veterans speaking to all music genres and all ages – and more than 6,000 in attendance! The theatre kicked off July with a musical tribute showcase, “Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles,” honoring the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roll group.

Internationally acclaimed performer and musical newcomer Emma Langford brought her strong Irish traditional influences for the first time. “Smokey & Me,” starring Tony-nominated performer Charl Brown, highlighted the inspirational story celebrating the life, music and career of acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet.”

Later in the fall, a film festival and one-woman show celebrating the life and contributions of Hedy Lamarr highlighted beauty and brains. The Tannahill Weavers made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.

Country music artists Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss joined forces to sing some of their celebrated greatest hits and personal chemistry, along with sharing new material. American songwriter, composer and singer Jimmy Webb wowed with his timeless and new compositions spanning the musical spectrum from classical to pop. Country Music Association

and Grammy-award-winning sensation Lonestar gave audiences an interactive experience through their collection of songs and ballads.

The longtime favorite and Grammy-award-winning duo Black Violin returned to the stage and incorporated a variety of genres into their distinctive violin and viola hip-hop string fare. Country singer-songwriter John Berry – another favorite in the Triad area – kicked off his 26th consecutive Christmas concert series, in addition to High Point Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” that touched hearts right before the festive holiday season.

The start of 2023 introduced a tribute celebrating John Prine through recollections, covers and rare footage of the artist himself, including performances by his brother and the Prine Time Band. In addition, comedians and friends Karen Morgan and Tara Brown, known as the Funny Godmothers, brought in clean and clever comedy and left the audience “happily ever laughter.”

The month of April closed out the season with Tony and Emmy-award-winning actor Ben Vereen who rejoined the lineup with his highly anticipated “Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen.” Canadian jazz singer-songwriter and fast-rising star Barbra Lica made her second appearance using her unique vocal ability that fused country, pop and jazz. Rounding out the season for all canine lovers was Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, a high-energy dog show complete with tricks, stunts, audience participation and much more.

Thank you for your continued support of High Point Theatre and the arts. Be sure to visit highpointtheatre.com for upcoming shows happening now, and look out for the new 2023-23 seasonal lineup coming soon!

PUBLIC SERVICES

CITY BEGINS 2023 STREET RESURFACING

City of High Point Public Services

Department staff will have a busy spring, summer and fall as the street resurfacing project moves forward. City street resurfacing started on April 3, 2023, on Whites Mill Road, Braddock Road, Oak Hollow Estates, Sherwood Forest, Banoak Heights and Tecumseh subdivisions.

Paving crews will work at various locations throughout the city through early December. City Council awarded the contract to Sharpe Brothers in March 2023, the fourth consecutive year that Sharpe Brothers has performed street resurfacing for the City.

In addition to repaving, work will include pavement markings, traffic signal loops, concrete curb repairs, asphalt milling, traffic control and adjustment of utility castings.

Fun Facts:

• This is the largest Resurfacing Contract in the City’s history, totaling $5.99 million this year.

• The contract totals over 36,000 tons of new asphalt.

• 43.9 lane miles of roadway will be resurfaced.

• 275 water valve boxes will be adjusted to the new asphalt surface.

• 377 manhole rings will be adjusted to the new asphalt surface.

• 30 percent of the asphalt mix is from recycled roadways, and it may also contain 5 percent roofing shingles.

• The asphalt is mixed at 290 degrees at the asphalt plant and arrives on-site at approximately 265 degrees. This makes a very hot summer for the resurfacing crews!

• An interactive map showing all resurfaced streets can be found at https://www.highpointnc.gov/2282/Pavement-Maintenance.

BRAD JONES NAMED WATER/SEWER

MAINS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Brad Jones was recently chosen to be recognized by the supervisors in the Water/Sewer Mains division as the Employee of the Month for February. Jones is a dedicated employee who consistently puts in effort that exceeds expectations. Jones is always quick to assist his fellow employees before they can even ask. He is a strong leader and mentor for new employees in the field.

EMPLOYEES PASS CDL DRIVER'S TEST

GREENHILL CEMETERY DEDICATES

HISTORIC MARKER

A dedication was held for a historical marker recently placed at Greenhill Cemetery on April 8 at 11 a.m. This marker honors those buried at Greenhill Cemetery, which includes over 200 veterans.

The Cemetery Division would like to thank Phyllis Bridges and Jerry Mingo for their hard work preserving this special place and their continued partnership with our division over the years.

STAFF CLEANS UP CASSELL STREET

Environmental Services staff took a few hours on April 12 to clean up an abandoned homeless encampment and several other illegal dumping locations along Cassell Street.

Congratulations to Jonah Handy, Tyler Snider, Bryan Hagee and Karon Hunter from W/S Mains for recently passing their CDL driving tests!

The public services department would like to give special acknowledgments to James Bethea for arranging the equipment needed to do the work and to Rebecca Coplin with KHPB, Environmental Services Superintendent James Lyons, Assistant Superintendent Joey Bowman and Environmental Services Code Enforcement Supervisor Tim Dees.

KHPB PRESENTS AT OAKVIEW COMMUNITY MEETING

Earlier this month, the City held a community meeting at Oakview Recreation Center for the Oakview Community. City Manager Tasha Logan Ford, Assistant City Manager Eric Olmedo, Deputy Police Chief Gamble, Traffic Supervisor Lieutenant Crouse and KHPB Coordinator Rebecca Coplin were present. City Managers went over bond projects and resurfacing.

Coplin was invited to speak to the Oakview Community regarding Keep High Point Beautiful and what is being done in and around their community. She shared statistics on cleanup efforts around the city, recycling opportunities, NCDOT programs such as Swat a Litter Bug and opportunities for people to be involved. She did an excellent job, and public services is so proud of the education and outreach she does for our community.

EMPLOYEES RECEIVE RESIDENTS’ PRAISE

The Public Services Department would like to recognize several employees for going above and beyond the call of duty.

On March 30, a resident on Mike Allen’s bulk collection route put several large items out for disposal, including an old bookshelf. When the truck's arm picked up the shelf, it shattered into many pieces. Despite the resident telling him not to worry about the mess, Allen got out and insisted on cleaning it, even using a broom and dustpan to make sure all pieces were collected.

During the leaf pick-up season, a resident had a large pile in front of my house. According to the resident, Carlos Munoz and Landon Slack did an excellent job of removing every leaf. As they got to the end of the pile the truck was completely full, and because it was late in the day, the truck left. There were only a few leaves left, and the homeowner was surprised and impressed when they returned the next morning and collected the remaining leaves.

Thank you for your dedication and excellent service.

NCLTAP ROAD SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to Willie Tate and Seth Couzens with the Stormwater Services Division who have successfully completed the North Carolina Local Technical Assistance Program (NCLTAP) Road Scholar Program.

This is a professional development opportunity that recognizes local government personnel who have significantly increased their knowledge of road maintenance procedures and improved their technical and managerial skills.

By successfully completing seven of the 14 Road Scholar courses offered through the center, they have earned this professional distinction for both themselves and the City of High Point. These employees will also be recognized at the next American Public Works Association (APWA) Equipment Services/Streets Conference.

The NCLTAP, Road Scholar Program is funded by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation and is one of many Road Scholar initiatives implemented by other technology transfer centers nationwide.

TEAMS UP WITH TRIAD WATER STEWARDS

On April 2, 2023, the Stormwater Services Division worked with the Triad Water Stewards to continue cleanup efforts at a pond off Johnston Street.

Three volunteers and Kelsie Burgess with the stormwater division worked together from the shore and from the water to remove 18 bags of trash and five bags of recyclables.

Thank you, Triad Water Stewards, for the continued dedication to litter removal in our local waterways!

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

COMP PLAN LAUNCHES ONLINE SURVEY

The week of April 10, the City kicked off the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan with a series of four open houses at which over 80 people completed four exercises to identify the community’s core values. The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range planning document that will provide High Point with a vision for the future and a path toward that vision.

The open house activities have been converted into an online survey so that the city can continue to gather input from anyone who lives, works, or plays in High Point. The survey will remain open through Sunday, May 14. Please visit our website to take the survey and register for “NotifyMe” to hear about future events at highpoint2045.org.

Please help us spread the word to your friends, neighbors and colleagues about our online public survey because the more input we get, the better our vision and plan will be for our future!

PARKS & RECREATION

PARKS & RECREATION HOSTS PEERS AT HIGH POINT CITY LAKE PARK

The Parks & Recreation Department hosted a group of colleagues from around the state at High Point City Lake Park's new Meeting and Event Center as part of the NC Recreation and Park Unique Facility Tours.

Director Lee Tillery gave an excellent presentation on the process of converting this former gymnasium into its current purpose, and attendees learned more about the park’s history along the way. Tillery also talked about renovating the pool (opening Saturday, May 27) and the addition of the new pedestrian bridge at the park.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS HIGH POINT/

GUILFORD HOSTS SPRING TRACK & FIELD EVENT

About 100 athletes from Special Olympics High Point/Guilford participated in the spring track & field event on April 18. It was a beautiful day, and as always, spirits were high, and everyone had a great time!

Special thanks to the volunteers from Woodbridge Cares/Olympic Products, Wesleyan Christian Academy and T. Wingate Andrews High School’s baseball team.

MOREHEAD RECREATION CENTER

HOSTS CAREER DAY

Morehead Recreation Center held a Career Day for our community’s youth on April 21, a chance to explore different types of future work opportunities –including some with the City of High Point!

CHP PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES

CONGRATULATIONS:

KISHA YOKELEY - Master Police Officer III to Police Supervisor I

BRENDA KAMMERER - W/S Crew Leader to Construction Inspector I

WELCOME:

DONALD SCALES - Budget Analyst

STEPHEN SCHAEFER - Electric Utilities Assistant Director

TYLER BULLA - Power Line Technician I

TYLER PILCHER - Power Line Technician II

CHRISTOPHER HAUSER - Civil Engineer I

TYLER MORGAN - Erosion Control Inspector I

ROBERT REMINI - Sanitation Equipment Operator I

JO WILLIAMSON PROMOTED TO READERS SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER

Jo Williamson will be the new Readers Services Division manager beginning April 24. Jo is filling the vacancy left by Nancy Metzner, who retired at the end of December. Jo has been with the library for 34 years, working with business services in the research services division, in the children’s division, in outreach and finally in readers services. She brings a lot of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to this position.

Please join the library staff in extending best wishes to Jo in her new role.

SCOTT ROUTH – Assistant Fire Marshal

ED BROWN - Community Development Project Manager

DEVON LASTER - Ingleside Compost Scale House Operator

BRIAN NORRIS - Composting Supervisor

KOLBY GALLOWAY - Scale House Operator

CYNTHIA TORRES - Library Associate

MARCUS VESTAL - Groundskeeper I

ETHAN STEPP - Camp Ann Counselor

DESTINY THOMPSON - Camp Ann Counselor

GAYLE BEAL – Grillroom Attendant

KAITLYN BROOKS - Park Attendant

JOSIE FERNANDEZ-BELLO - Lifeguard

KAYLAH LASANE BENT - Park Attendant

KATELYN MEYER - Seasonal Park Attendant

IAN PASK - Lifeguard

CHARLIE POTTS - Lifeguard

DENNIS QUICK - Golf Shop Attendant

STANLEY SPANGLE - Park Attendant

JESSE STONE – Parks & Recreation Groundskeeper

CHARLES DAVIS - Police Officer Trainee

ZACHARY LAMPKIN - Police Officer Trainee

ZOE LANFEAR - Police Officer Trainee

DANIELLE WELCH - Police Officer Trainee

THOMAS BECKETT - W/S Civil Engineer II

PAYNE EDMONDS - W/S GIS Analyst

BILLY WATSON - W/S Technician II