CoJC FY 2014 Annual Report

Annual Report city of johnson city, tn

fiscal year 2014

C

city commission

Council-Manager Form of Government Johnson City adopted the council-manager form of government in 1939. This form combines the benefits of elected legislative representation with a professionally managed government. The Board of Commissioners is comprised of five leaders elected at large by the citizens. Commissioners are elected to four-year overlapping terms. Elections are held every two years, rotating two Commissioners one election cycle and three Commissioners the next. The Board of Commissioners hires a professional city manager to manage and direct day-to-day operations of city government.

The Board of Commissioners selects the mayor and vice mayor from among their group following each election. The mayor presides at all City Commission meetings and represents the City of Johnson City at various community and public functions. All meetings of the Johnson City Board of Commissioners are open to the public. Commissioners meet in regular session on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal and Safety Building. Special meetings may be called as needed by the mayor, two commissioners or the city manager.

Regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Commissioners are televised live on Charter Communications channel 192 and Comcast channel 17. Meetings are retelecast on the following Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. on the same channels. Citizens may address correspondence to the city commissioners to: Municipal and Safety Building, P.O. Box 2150 Johnson City, TN 37605-2150

Clockwise from top left: David Tomita, Jeff Banyas, Clayton Stout, Ralph J. Van Brocklin, Jenny Brock

Mayor Ralph J. Van Brocklin

Vice Mayor Clayton Stout

Term expires December 2016

Term expires December 2016

(423)913-1378 thegenuine@comcast.net

(423)283-4373 stoutclay@aol.com

Commissioner Jeff Banyas Term expires December 2016

(423)283-0954 jeffdds4@aol.com

Commissioner Jenny Brock

Commissioner David Tomita

Term expires December 2018

Term expires December 2018

(423)791-1262 jbrock@johnsoncitytn.org

(423)534-7680 dtomita@johnsoncitytn.org

B

General Fund Operating Budget $55,324,633

budget

The total Fiscal Year 2014 budget includes expenditures for all funds, totaling $206,380,272, which includes the General Purpose School Fund budget of $62,909,534.

Finance facilitates the sharing of accurate financial information with citizens, members of the governing body, management and City staff and to safeguard the financial interests of Johnson City while maintaining a high level of compliance with all pertinent federal, state and local rules and regulations.

• Awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

• Developed a Fund Balance Policy to satisfy Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement 54 and facilitated adoption by the governing body.

• Facilitated implementation of credit card payments in the Development Services Department for permits and fees.

• Solicited, compiled and evaluated financing proposals from local financial institutions for the new Animal Shelter construction loan.

• Managed all financial aspects of the new Tweetsie Trail, including donations, other revenues and spending.

Janet Jennings, director janetj@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-6033 City employee since 2001.

Finance Director/City Recorder since 2003.

F finance

D

development services

Development Services is committed to a comprehensive approach to guide and shape quality development in our region using the guiding principles of fairness and impartiality; integrity and professionalism; and responsive and exceptional service.

• Completed full evaluation of downtown area for code violations with all safety issues corrected, plan of action in place, or citations issued.

• Adopted the 2012 International Code Council Building Code with full recommendation from citizen committee.

• Approved design overlays for major corridors within the city.

• Awarded $765,000 Federal Lands Access Program Grant for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital Connector project. The City received the maximum amount of funding established by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

• Implemented MapApp for citizens to easily access property data online.

• Completed and adopted 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the region.

The TIP covers four years and program funding for all transportation projects using federal funds generated by the Highway Trust Fund. Includes Exit 17 at Interstate 26 (Boones Creek interchange) at $10 million, and improvements at Indian Ridge and State of Franklin roads estimated at $4.5 million.

• Assisted 25 low- and moderate-income homeowners with rehabilitation to their homes in the amount of $216,832.

• Assisted two low-income homeowners with total reconstruction of their homes at a cost of $166,645.

• Assisted 10 low- and moderate-income households become first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance in the total amount of $56,025.

• Assisted Eastern 8 Community Development Corporation in the development of a 24-unit senior housing development for low-income seniors.

• Assisted seven community services agencies to provide shelter and support services to the homeless and at-risk population through Emergency Solution Grant Funds of $135,092.

• Community Development Coordinator Steve Baldwin received the 2014 Tennessee’s Best Award for Affordable Housing Advocate at the annual Governor’s Housing Summit in Nashville.

Angie Carrier, director acarrier@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-5955 City employee since 2012.

Development Services director since 2012.

F fire

The Fire Department’s mission is to preserve life and property, while promoting safety through education and dedicated service.

• Received new 105-foot ladder truck.

• Distributed and installed 660 smoke alarms.

• Equipped all frontline apparatus with iPads, cell phones, and mobile internet devices.

• Established captain position in Training Division.

• Fire Prevention Division established zones throughout city, with fire marshals each assigned to inspect businesses and new construction within their zone.

• Implemented Active 911, which provides address, type of call and mapping system, via iPads on all apparatus.

• Achieved 97.2 percent compliance in training drills.

• Completed 29,798 training hours.

• Made monthly visits to patients at Niswonger Children’s Hospital.

Mark Scott, chief mscott@johnsoncitytn.org (423)975-2852 City employee since 1987.

Fire Chief since 2011.

The City of Johnson City Golf department provides a high quality golf experience to citizens at an affordable cost, involves people from all backgrounds and generations, and coordinates with schools and nonprofit organizations to create recreational opportunities and services that enhance the quality of life.

• Several course improvements were made, including: cart path renovations on hole 13 at Pine Oaks, construction of three new bunkers on hole 12 at Pine Oaks, drainage improvements to holes 6 and 7 at Pine Oaks, drainage and green improvements to hole 8 at Buffalo Valley, and tee construction and cart path improvements on hole 12 at Buffalo Valley.

• Completed the purchase of five new gas golf cars for each facility.

• Acquired another non-traditional revenue source for Buffalo Valley with the hosting of the Milligan Stampede cross country event.

• Pine Oaks celebrated 50 years of operation with the creation of a commemorative logo and a six-week series of events that culminated with a one-day celebration that included memorabilia, food, prizes, etc.

• Via website, eclub and text messaging program, both courses were able to expand communications with customer base. Eclub membership grew to 1,200, and more than 400 members receive text messages.

• Golf professionals offered free lesson days as well as free private lessons.

• Pine Oaks continued to serve as a host site for the First Tee program. Services will be expanded for FY 2015 to include a fall class.

• Served as home course for the Science Hill, University High and Unicoi County golf teams. Through these partnerships, hosted numerous rounds of golf for area high school player’s practice and tournament play.

Jim Hughes, director johnsoncitygolf@embarqmail.com (423)483-5838 City employee since 1987.

Golf Director since 2004.

G golf

F freedom hall

Freedom Hall Civic Center is a multi-purpose arena with a fixed seating capacity of 5,600 and a maximum event capacity of 7,500, serving the Johnson City Schools, the entertainment industry, and the Tri-Cities TN/VA region.

• Staged 34 events in the arena attended by approximately 103,350 patrons.

• Generated more than $1.1 million in gross revenue and $100,005 in taxes from ticket sales, concessions, novelties, parking and other sources.

• Completed electrical upgrade project that included installation of exterior and interior transformers, switchgears, bus bars, etc.

• Completed exterior stairs replacement project from front plaza to lower sidewalk on south side of the facility.

• Hosted a doubleheader and two men’s East Tennessee State University basketball games.

• Major touring events included Disney Jr. Live “Pirate & Princess,” Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing,” PBR Touring Pro Division Bull Riding, TNA Wrestling, and The Harlem Globetrotters.

• Concerts included Tracy Lawrence, 1964 - The Tribute, NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour, Casting Crowns, and the sold out Tobymac and Electric 94.9 Acoustic Christmas.

• Hosted six performances of the Jericho Shrine Temple sponsored George Carden World Circus International with an attendance of 26,767 during the three-day run.

• Hosted numerous community events including the American Softball Association (ASA) 10 & Under Girls Fast Pitch Tournament Opening Ceremony, Fountain of Life Bible Church Sunday Services, ETSU’s Tri-Cities College Fair, Johnson City Symphony Young People’s Concert, Johnson City Area Homebuilders Association Home & Garden Show, and Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses Tennessee #1 and #5 Assembly Meetings • Provided space for special events, sports programming, and daily activities for Liberty Bell Middle School and Science Hill High School.

• Hosted approximately 75,000 patrons for the 28th annual Pepsi Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks.

Lisa Chamness, director director@freedomhall-tn.org (423)461-4855 City employee since 1986.

Freedom Hall Director since 1998.

IT information technology

Information Technology delivers innovative, cost-effective technology solutions, service, and support to all City departments through enhanced customer service delivery, automation, and collaboration.

• Partnered with Human Resources and Community Relations to design, implement and roll out Insite, the City’s first-ever employee intranet website.

• Converted Water and Sewer Services Customer Service Division to VoIP and implemented new ATCOMM Call Reporting software.

• Converted all Windows XP devices to Windows 7.

• Partnered with Community Relations to acquire and implement first citizen reporting software, 311GIS, allowing users to make requests via mobile app.

• Collaborated with Water and Sewer Services and Community Relations to deliver an automated Water Quality Report, resulting in $13,000 savings for second consecutive year.

• Implemented eStatement initiative and paperless billing for Water and Sewer Services.

• Created or converted over 85 forms to eForms (online forms) for City.

• Implemented Active 911 on iPads in fire trucks and engines.

• Implemented wireless capabilities at all fire stations and added each to the City domain.

• Created a Citywide training database [eTracker] for employee training.

• Implemented new security measures and developed new Technology Agreement Form.

• Partnered with Development Services to secure a GIS strategic plan consultant.

• Expanded document imaging, management and retention software (DocStar).

• Partnered with Development Services to implement new special permit process/database.

Lisa Sagona, director lsagona@johnsoncitytn.org (423)232-1789 City employee since 2011.

IT Director since 2011.

J juvenile court

Johnson City Juvenile Court seeks to protect the safety of children, protect the public safety, hold juvenile offenders accountable, and coordinate treatment and rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of each child and his/ her family. The Court conducts judicial proceedings involving children and families who are referred to the court for reasons of abuse, dependency and neglect, delinquency, truancy and unruly behaviors. The Court also conducts judicial proceedings involving parents on issues of parentage (paternity), custody, visitation and child support for children born out of wedlock.

• Moved to new location at 607 E. Myrtle Ave. (former Johnson City Seniors Center) in January 2014, expanding to 11,000 square feet with enhanced security features.

• Heard cases involving 1,416 children on issues ranging from dependency and neglect to aggravated rape.

• Youth on probation provided 3,591 hours of community service to nonprofit organizations, and elderly and disabled citizens.

• More than $1.9 million in child support was paid by noncustodial parents to custodial parents/guardians through cases in the Juvenile Court.

• During the 2013-2014 school year, 299 truancy intervention meetings resulted in the improvement of 264 student’s school attendance without formal court intervention.

• 279 youth were served on probation through the Court.

• Probation Officer Andea Gentry was chosen by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Court to participate in training Specialized Foster Care Review Board members. She was selected to serve on a statewide committee charged with proposing changes to Tennessee laws concerning Specialized Foster Care Review Boards.

• Court Director Diane Cupp was selected to serve on the grant-funded Domestic Violence Family Justice Center Board.

Judge Sharon Green sgreen@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-6200 City employee since 2002.

Juvenile Court Judge since 2003.

Parks and Recreation is committed to enhancing the quality of life by providing diverse recreational opportunities, quality maintenance of parks and facilities, the preservation of natural resources, and the creation of natural habitats within our parks, trail systems and our city’s green space.

• 1,640 children registered for fall soccer and 500 participants registered for new spring soccer program.

• Hosted the USA/ASA Girls 10U Class A Fast-pitch Softball National Championship.

• Obtained Local Parks and Recreation Fund Grant for Boundless Playground ($250,000).

• 21st Century Grant has allowed for additional staff and participation in the afterschool program at Carver Recreation Center.

• Renovated of Metro-Kiwanis softball field No. 2 and rehabilitated the Metro-Kiwanis Fountain that had not functioned in over 11 years.

• Hosted inaugural Daddy-Daughter Dance with more than 400 in attendance.

• Received Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) New Facility Award for Memorial Park Community Center.

• Reconstructed Buffalo Mountain and Winged Deer Park trail systems and renovated Winged Deer outdoor classroom.

• Expanded summer concert series to include three concerts at Memorial Park amphitheater.

• Aquatics supervisor attended the Accelerated Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer Academy in Nashville, allowing him to train lifeguard instructors.

• More than 1,500 citizens attended the Spooky Saturday event at Winged Deer Park. This program was highlighted in the TRPA Magazine as one of the most innovative programs in the state.

Roger Blakeley, director rblakeley@johnsoncitytn.org (423)283-5815 City employee since 2011.

Parks and Rec Director since 2011.

P parks & rec

P police

In partnership with the communi secure environment.

This mission is carried out by the o Enforce the law, protect p o Detect, solve, and preven o Maintain public order an o Partner with the communi

• Awarded an Office of Co fund four full-time school schools, bringing the dep

• Neighborhood Watch pr Neighborhood Watch pr

• Cleared 84.6 percent of Latest national average w vious crime rate and a 24 downward trend since 20

o Aggravated assau o Property thefts: 5.7 o Burglaries: 15.4 p o Motor vehicle thef o Arson: 54.5 perce • Received $21,849 from t • Expanded and reorganiz 27 bike patrols last calen

• Earned third-place honors Department of Transporta lenge.

• Presented officers Keith N prevent a citizen from com he attempted to jump from

ity, the Johnson City Police Department strives to provide service based on excellence to ensure a safe and

e Police Department’s commitment to: property, and reduce criminal activity. nt crime. nd perform peacekeeping duties. ity to address concerns, identify problems, and propose solutions.

ommunity Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice totaling $585,436 to resource officers for the next three years. The new SROs serve primarily throughout the City’s eight elementary partment’s SRO Unit to 10 officers. rograms in the Mountain Home and Carnegie neighborhoods were revitalized, bringing the total number of rograms in Johnson City to 20.

Part I crimes (homicide, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson). was 46.8 in 2012. Part I crime rate was reduced to 4,541, which reflects an 8.8 percent decrease from the pre4.1 percent decrease from the peak in 2007. This is the lowest Part I crime rate recorded during its consistent 004 (-41.6%). Statistical declines were recorded for each of the following Part I crimes: ults: 21.8 percent 7 percent percent fts: 24.3 percent ent the 2012 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to fund the City’s Special Prosecutor Program. zed Bicycle Patrol Unit to 24, with officers representing nearly every unit in the Police Department and conducted ndar year. s for traffic safety program among similar-size law enforcement agencies (101-200 officers) at the Tennessee ation Governor’s Highway Safety Office annual Tennessee LifeSavers Conference and Law Enforcement Chal-

Nave, Kirt Stillwagon, and Teresa Campbell with the Police Department’s Life Saving Award for actions taken to mmitting suicide. Risking their own personal safety, the officers physically intervened to rescue the person before m a highway overpass.

Mark Sirois, chief msirois@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-6147 City employee since 1991.

Police Chief since 2012.

PW public works

The mission of the Public Works Department includes: o Protecting the health of the community through the proper collection and disposal of garbage, debris and yard waste; o Enhancing the safety of the community through proper maintenance of roadways, traffic control devices and pedestrian ways; o Protecting the welfare of the community through the development of a public infrastructure capable of accommodating and encouraging future growth and stabilizing existing commercial and residential areas; o Maintaining and upgrading the aesthetic quality of the community through urban forestry initiatives and landscaping public places; and

o Providing environmental stewardship through stormwater and ground water protection initiatives.

• Completed Founders Park, which was named Project of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association and was recognized for Engineering Excellence by the Tennessee Civil Engineer Association.

• Completed 7 miles of Tweetsie Trail.

• Completed construction of stormwater detention and culvert upgrades at Broadway Avenue and Main Street.

• Completed construction of King Springs retaining wall.

• Completed Safe Routes to School sidewalk along Lone Oak Road.

• Completed Cloudland Street roadway upgrades.

• Completed restoration of Roan Street from Main Street to State of Franklin Road.

• Constructed stormwater detention facility at Boone and Market streets.

• Completed construction of trail and street improvements around Tupelo Honey Cafe.

• Installed first public art project in downtown Johnson City.

• Celebrated 25-year anniversary of City’s recycling program.

• Constructed wetland upgrades along King Springs Road.

Phil Pindzola, director ppindzola@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-6080 City employee since 1978.

Public Works Director since 1987.

T transit

Johnson City Transit provides safe, efficient, affordable, and accessible public transportation services to the residents of the Johnson City area, thereby enhancing the livability of the community.

• Ridership totaled 721,334.

• Purchased three lift-equipped paratransit vehicles for JCT demand response service.

• Expanded technology through implementation of an on-board video surveillance system for the fixed route and demand response operating fleets. System was integrated with existing mobile data and annunciation computers.

• Renewed contract with East Tennessee State University to provide campus-area BUCSHOT fixed route service during the 2014-15 academic year.

• Installed three passenger waiting shelters at stops along JCT fixed routes. Purchased an additional 25 benches.

• Received new operating and capital grant funding under Job Access ($283,599) and New Freedom ($321,837) via competitive selection through the TDOT Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources.

School Transportation and Special Education Transportation provide safe, efficient, effective, reliable transportation for school-age children to and from their designated school with route service and curb-tocurb service for special needs students.

• Provided 1.2 million total passenger trips for regular ridership of 1.2 million plus 26,634 charter ridership.

• Operated 63 morning routes and 68 afternoon routes, providing 512,606 service miles.

• Purchased five large school buses and three small school buses.

• Average daily ridership totaled 6,533.

Johnson City Transit Center 137 W. Market St. (423)434-6260 Mass Transit Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 6:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

Visit www.johnsoncitytransit.org for routes, Google trip planning, and bus stop texting information.

w water & sewer services

The Water and Sewer Services Department efficiently provides and delivers potable water and wastewater services, while meeting all local, state and federal regulations for domestic, commercial, industrial and public safety uses.

• Installed high efficiency lighting and air diffusion system at Brush Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant utilizing Clean Tennessee Energy Grant for a projected $250,000 savings annually.

• Achieved 100 percent compliance with drinking water regulations.

• Reduced blockages and service interruptions through continued multiyear wastewater collection system maintenance program investment.

• Implemented Water and Sewer Capital Plan, including: o Design of safer disinfection at the Watauga Water Treatment Plant and Brush Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. o Completed 75 percent of Liberty Bell Service Area Water Transmission Main. o Completed Brush Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Planning Report. o Replaced significant portion of water and sewer line along Highway 36 corridor. o Brush Creek and Knob Creek WWTP Phase I renovation under design. o Replaced or abandoned 59,000 feet of old main (1.2 percent of system). o Replaced, abandoned, or rehabilitated 22,000 feet of old sewer line (0.73 percent of system).

• Implemented eStatement initiative and paperless billing in conjunction with Information Technology.

• Achieved 99.73 percent accuracy of meter reading and billing.

• Received National Association of Clean Water Agencies Peak Performance Award and KY-TN Water Environment Association Awards of Excellence for wastewater treatment operations and compliance.

• Responded to nearly 1,100 service requests in the month of January as result of extreme cold.

Tom Witherspoon, director twitherspoon@johnsoncitytn.org (423)434-6062 City employee since 1981.

Water and Sewer Services Director since 1987.

Administration Administration consists of the offices of the city manager, assistant city managers, and budget manager.

The Board of Commissioners appoints a city manager to serve as the CEO under its leadership to oversee operations of the government within the guidelines of the City Charter.

The city manager has the responsibility of implementing policies established by the Board of Commissioners by enforcing all adopted resolutions and ordinances.

The two assistant city managers, each responsible for different divisions/departments, serve as support to the city manager in managing day-to-day operations.

The budget manager is charged with preparing revenue estimates, reviewing historical expenditure data, assisting departments in developing budget requests, and working with the city manager to prepare the annual budget.

Community Relations The Community Relations Department focuses on relationship building and providing information services to the citizens of Johnson City, the Board of Commissioners, the media, and City employees, with the goals of developing an informed community and a knowledgeable organization.

The Community Relations Department provides information to the public about government activities and services in a variety of formats: the governmental information channel, citizen awareness classes, annual reports, presentations, publications, and news releases. This office coordinates all media requests and organizes events such as inaugural ceremonies. Community Relations also assists the Board of Commissioners with special recognitions, proclamations, resolutions and appearances.

In FY 2014, Community Relations: • Disseminated approximately 420 public notices.

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Produced a Public Service Announcement for the Water and Sewer Service Department’s “Can the Grease” campaign.

Partnered with Human Resources and Information Technology to design, implement and roll out Insite, the City’s first-ever employee intranet website.

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• Partnered with Information Technology to acquire and implement first citizen reporting software, 311GIS, allowing users to make request via mobile app.

• Collaborated with Water and Sewer Services and Information Technology to deliver an automated Water Quality Report, resulting in $13,000 savings for second consecutive year.

• Produced updated Police recruitment materials including video and brochure using non-paid intern.

• Conducted seven media trainings for Police Department.

Legal In addition to Juvenile Court, the City also operates a Municipal Court, which handles matters involving City ordinances and traffic offenses. The court convenes at 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. As an extended service to the citizens of Johnson City, Municipal Court also offers night court, at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The City’s staff attorney prepares and reviews ordinances, leases, options, contracts, court and other legal documents; handles litigation; and provides assistance and advice to staff and appointed boards and commissions.

Human Resources Human Resources is committed to identify, inspire and advance the needs of the City and employees to actively foster a workplace of innovation and high performance. In FY 2014, HR: • Implemented online and electronic employment applications for full-time positions, eliminating paper applications.

• Provided tuition reimbursement to employees to support them in continuing their college education.

• Offered employees enrolled in city health insurance free health assessment services to make employees more informed about their health and the benefits of prevention.

Risk Management Risk Management integrates risk recognition and assessment, development of strategies to manage risk, and mitigation of risk through the use of managerial resources to handle risks in a cost-effective manner.

Activities include administration of liability and workers’ compensation self-insurance programs, property and casualty insurance, contractual liability, loss prevention, and TOSHA compliance programs. Risk Management takes a proactive approach to safety awareness through workplace safety audits, worksite inspections, train-the-trainer programs, and other safety-related training programs designed to enable departments to achieve TOSHA regulatory compliance and reduce the number and severity (cost) of employee accidents and injuries. These efforts have resulted in a 32 percent reduction in the number of claims filed during the past five years.

Fleet Management Fleet Management maintains City-owned equipment by providing essential products and services to user departments and support agencies in a timely, cost-effective manner. Fleet Management staff, including 13 technicians with Master Automotive Service Excellence Certifications, achieved the following in FY 2014: • Maintained 804 vehicles/equipment and performed 22,400 repairs and services.

• Recognized as an Automotive Service Excellence Organization for the 14th year.

• Achieved 100 percent state inspection rating on school buses and fire engines.

Purchasing Purchasing provides professional services to acquire quality goods and services in a timely manner to departments of the City and Schools at the least possible cost, while ensuring an open and fair competitive environment consistent with the quality required and in compliance with all applicable procurement legislation. In FY 2014, Purchasing: • Processed $29.4 million in contracts for goods and services.

• Realized $184,800 in net proceeds from surplus vehicle/equipment sales.

• Produced 730 jobs (offset and bindery) and over 300,000 copies in the Print Shop.

• Obtained 52 new sources of supply (vendors).

• Assistant Purchasing Director Valerie Harless achieved the National “CPPB” (Certified Professional Procurement Buyer) certification.

A E S animal control

ems

The Washington County-Johnson City Animal Control Center protects the rights of people against the dangers and nuisances of uncontrolled animals and protects animals from the mistreatment and abuse from people.

• Fund-raising committee secured donations for new facility; ground broken on June 5.

• Took in and cared for more than 6,110 animals.

• Worked with the Humane Society of Washington County to help more animals get adopted.

• Worked with City of Johnson City on new running at-large spay/ neuter ordinance.

• 2014 euthanasia rate decreased 36 percent from previous year.

Johnson City Emergency Medical Services Inc., a joint venture of Washington County and the City of Johnson City, was created to provide excellence in emergency medical and rescue services to all citizens of Washington County, and the citizens of Johnson City living within the city limits, and to provide the highest level of care available.

• Answered 40,001 calls including 28,178 ambulance calls and 11,823 rescue calls.

• Updated electronic documentation software, bringing all rescue units on board with paperless system.

• Upgraded fleet with new vehicles and hired full-time fleet manager.

• Trained rescue technicians to run fire pumps, improving the efficiency of operations on fire scenes in the county.

The mission of the Johnson City Schools is to enable all students to achieve excellence in learning, social responsibility, and self-worth.

schools

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Achieved top 5 ranking in reading and math for grades 3-12 out of 140 school districts.

ACT scores exceeded state average with an average of 22.1.

Science Hill High School graduates received more than $11 million in scholarships.

Six Science Hill students were named National Merit Finalists.

Science Hill High School and Towne Acres Elementary were named 2014 Reward Schools.

Dr. Steve Barnett, principal of Towne Acres Elementary, was named 2014 Tennessee’s National Distinguished Principal.

Science Hill’s women’s golf team won state championship.

Through both traditional materials and emerging technologies, Johnson City Public Library offers a multitude of learning opportunities and entertainment choices in a dynamic center for the community.

• Offered 25 free training opportunities to adult patrons.

• Continued partnership with Junior League, which provided additional improvements to youth area with wrought iron fencing around children’s amphitheater.

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Partnered with East Tennessee State University to develop plans for a new landscaping design based on natural plants and grasses that also includes the development of a new art piece intended to connect ETSU and the library along a pollinator pathway.

• Underwent interior and exterior repairs/cleanings to enhance beauty and functionality of building.

• Patrons checked out 506,735 items, making 2014 the second consecutive year to surpass half a million checkouts.

• Offered upgraded Freegal Music Service to allow patrons up to three hours of streaming music per day in addition to three free downloads per week.

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JCPL virtually checked out 56,700 books through the Regional eBook & Audiobook Download System (READS), which is available 24/7 with a valid library card through the library’s website, www.jcpl.net. eBook checkouts were up 43 percent over the previous year.

• Information desk personnel answered 22,441 reference questions.

• Reached new record with more than 4,700 children enrolled in the Washington County Imagination Library.

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Took part in the national Geek the Library campaign, taking hundreds of professional photos for marketing posters to convey message that whatever you “geek,” the library is a partner in exploring your interests.

• Dedicated the Polly Peterson Reading Room to the long-serving library board member and devoted library patron.

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library

On the cover ...

Tweetsie Trail grand opening

City Manager Pete Peterson, Mayor Ralph J. Van Brocklin, and Animal Shelter Director Debbie Dobbs break ground on the new facility.

Cardinal Park

Discovery Camp

Mayor Ralph J. Van Brocklin honored volunteers at a boards and committees appreciation luncheon.

Public art at Founders Park