April Newslink 2024

IN THIS EDITION IN THIS EDITION

WSS trains to maintain excellence

Scott Bennett completed a rigorous two-day recertification course. Their participation underscores their dedication to staying on top of the latest industry protocols and techniques.

Do you have an idea for an item that should be included in future editions of Newslink? We are always looking for department news, personal accomplishments and people to feature.

Send your suggestions to cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org. FJC

In a commitment to maintaining excellence in their field, employees of Water and Sewer Services recently completed essential training in NASSCO’s Pipeline, Lateral, and Manhole Assessment Certification Programs (PACP/ LACP/MACP). The significance of this training cannot be overstated, as it ensures the highest standards of proficiency in the inspection and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems.

On March 11 and 12, Jason Duncan, Chris Self, and

Following suit, from March 13 to 15, David Norman, Eric Pritchard, Kevin McMillan, Buddy Perea, and Chad Crump participated in an intensive three-day certification class. This extended program equips them with the most upto-date knowledge and methodologies in the field.

These newly acquired certifications, valid for three years, are more than just credentials. In an industry where the integrity of sanitary sewer systems directly impacts public health and environmental sustainability, such training is indispensable.

April 2024

Family Justice Center seeking new donations

April is Sexual Assault

Awareness Month. To honor survivors, the Johnson City/ Washington County Family Justice Center is conducting a clothing drive to benefit individuals in need. When a sexual assault forensic examination kit is completed, a victim’s clothing is often retained by law enforcement as evidence. Donated clothing is provided to the victims allowing them to leave the hospital in comfort and with a

sense of dignity.

Please consider making a donation this April. Items needed include new clothing in all sizes.

• Sweats/Leggings

• T-Shirts

• Underwear

• Sports Bras

• Socks

To donate, leave items in the teal barrel in the City Hall Lobby.

Community Roundtable planned for April 11

The Family Justice Center (FJC) works alongside the Johnson City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit to let sexual assault survivors know that their voice and healing matter. FJC Director Debbie Dunn and Victim Services Coordinator

Melanie Jaynes will discuss how the FJC works alongside SVU to stand with survivors of sexual assault. They will also discuss services the Center offers at the April 11 Community Roundtable.

Community Roundtable

meetings in 2024 take place the second Thursday of each month through November

at 11:30 a.m. at the Langston Centre, 315 Elm St.

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway scheduled for April 6

Citizens are invited to a tree giveaway on Saturday, April 6 at Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive, from 9 a.m. until the supply of seedlings runs out. Approximately 4,000 tree seedlings will be handed out on a first-come, firstserved basis. Varieties offered will include Redbud, White

Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood, Bald Cypress, Trident Maple, Paw Paw, Yellow Poplar, and Swamp White Oak. A limited number of seedlings will be available per person. Since 2010, the City has celebrated Arbor Day by distributing a total of 36,450 trees to the public.

This Arbor Day marks the 24th consecutive year that Johnson City has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To

maintain the Tree City USA designation, the City must have an Arbor Day observance, a tree ordinance, a tree board or department responsible for trees, and meet the minimum funding requirements for tree maintenance and planting.

“Johnson City’s recognition as a Tree City USA signifies our commitment to trees and the urban forest for the enjoyment and benefit of our community,” said City Forester Patrick Walding.

WSS participates in hands-on, first aid training

Johnson City/Washington County Emergency Management Agency’s Kat Latham is sharing the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) message through a series of training exercises.

On Feb. 28 and March 6, Latham, EMA’s acting Director Evan Clyburn, two CERT volunteers and an EMA intern brought handson basic first aid training to 92 Water and Sewer Services employees. Latham organized two sessions and five stations including: splints,

tourniquet, airway, burns and heat illness. The training was conducted in small groups and gave participants a hands-on experience. Those in attendance were grateful for instruction.

Thank you to everyone who made this training possible.

NEWSLINK April 2024

Public Art to host annual Art·Struck festival in April

The Johnson City Public Art Committee’s Art·Struck 2024 will be held Saturday, April 20, at The Pavilion at Founders Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to arts demonstrations, dozens of local artists will have their works for sale. Activities will be available for all ages including wand making, mask decorating, bucket drumming, a weaving fence, and marbled paper making.

Festival highlights include a road roller printmaking station, tintype portraits, a chalk art competition,

the Twirling Twins aerial acrobatics performance, a series of dance performances entitled the Cultural Movement Show, the Granite Goddess Living Statue, a Giant Puppet March featuring the Cattywampus Puppet Council and the Knox Honkers & Bangers brass band, and a street art throwdown where three local artists will create graffitistyle art.

“This is an event that celebrates the talented artists and the vibrant arts community we proudly call home,” said Jocelyn Mathewes, festival chair. “A robust schedule of activities are planned throughout the day and will allow guests to experience the arts at every level.”

All activities are free and open to the public.

Festival sponsors are Food City, ETSU Health –Pediatrics, Fischman Gallery, Inspire Business Interiors, East Tennessee State University, HollerHouse, Little Animals Brewery, and

Nelson Fine Art & Framing. In addition to the support from sponsors, funding for the Art·Struck Festival is provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Festival Schedule

• Cultural Movement Show Performances, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Giant Puppet March, Noon and 1:15 p.m.

• Twirling Twins Performances: 1 – 3 p.m.

• Road Roller Printmaking, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Chalk Art Competition, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Winners announced at 4 p.m.)

• Street Art Throwdown, Noon – 4 p.m.

• River City Tintype –Tintype Portraits, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Granite Goddess Living Statue, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To learn more about the Art·Struck Festival or the Johnson City Public Art Committee, click the link below.

Learn More

April 2024

Rare phenomenon prompts extra precautions

Attention, employees and sky watchers! The solar eclipse will begin on Monday, April 8 at approximately 1:50 p.m. with a maximum eclipse at 3:10 p.m. and ending at 4:25 p.m. Stanford Achi with Risk Management would like to remind you of safe viewing precautions.

Remember, while solar

eclipses are exciting events, protecting your vision is more important. Happy viewing.

Eye Protection: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Sunglasses are not sufficient. Use certified solar viewing glasses or solar filters for telescopes/ binoculars to safeguard your eyes from harmful solar radiation.

Indirect Viewing: Consider indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors or solar eclipse glasses to avoid direct eye exposure. These methods allow you to witness the eclipse without risking eye damage.

Children and Pets:

Supervise children and keep pets indoors during the eclipse. Ensure they also use appropriate eye protection if observing the phenomenon.

Unsafe Filters: Beware of unsafe filters. Only use filters that meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards for solar viewing. Improper filters or damaged glasses can lead to severe eye injuries.

Limit Viewing Time: Even with proper eye protection, limit continuous viewing time to prevent eye strain or fatigue.

Health Considerations: If you have pre-existing eye conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before viewing the eclipse.

Johnson City Fire Chief

David Bell and District Chief Adam Momberger joined colleagues from Kingsport and across the state for the 2024 Fire Department Day

City Fire officials visit Nashville to discuss policy on the Hill in Nashville. Bell and Momberger enjoyed the opportunity to discuss legislation affecting fire service with legislators and Gov. Bill Lee.

April 2024

City environmentalist promotes Earth Day every day

Earth Day is Monday, April 22. Environmental Specialist Theresa White encourages citizens and City staff to treat every day as Earth Day by participating in activities such as recycling, conserving water, and planting a tree or pollinator garden with wildflowers and

Learn More: Recycling

native plants.

White says, “RememberDon’t litter, pick up after your pet, and use fewer pesticides and herbicides.”

Learn more about stormwater and recycling by clicking the links below.

Learn More: Stormwater

HR advocates, educates, celebrates diversity

On Autism Awareness Day April 2, communities worldwide came together to foster understanding and acceptance. Human Resources joined in support by wearing blue, prepared to educate, advocate, and support the diverse

Human Resources moved Human Resources has moved. Their offices and conference room are now located on the lower level of City Hall at the back of the building. Once through the back entry doors, HR is to the right of the Development Services counter.

strengths and unique perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Together, HR and other City staff strive for a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive and fulfill their potential.

WSS celebrates π with pizza pie: That’s amore

On March 14, Water and Sewer Services (WSS) commemorated Pi Day (π) with a pizza luncheon. The symbol π represents a fundamental mathematical constant, denoting the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, approximately valued at 3.14159. This occasion holds significance for WSS due to its pervasive application across various operational domains.

According to Assistant Director of Operations Benji Whitehead, the use of π applies to nearly every facet of WSS operations. The measurement of flow rates within the water distribution system, wastewater collection system, treatment plants, and pumping stations extensively relies on principles derived from the geometry of circles. Given the predominantly cylindrical nature of pipes, calculations of flow rates invariably incorporate the constant π. The City has 1,700 miles of pipe within its infrastructure.

The calculation of flow rates through treatment plants employs π within electronic

measurement devices and other calibrated equipment. Moreover, the volumetric assessment of water tanks, which possess a circular configuration, is facilitated through the application of π

The significance of π extends beyond WSS, important across multiple departments.

The Fire Department’s determination of hydrant flow rates, Public Works’ storm sewer calculations, as well as traffic design undertaken by city departments, are among the many instances where the reliance on π is important for accurate and efficient operations.

April 2024

HR updates City staff on Wellness Program

The new City of Johnson City Wellness Program is underway.

Requirements to continue to receive the premium discount on your health insurance will begin Jan. 1, 2025 are:

• During 2024, the employee and covered spouse (if applicable) makes an appointment with a Primary Care Provider (PCP), or the Employee Health Center to have an annual preventative/ wellness visit. Take your “Physician Screening Form” with you to your appointment.

• Fire Department employees will be eligible to use the annual Fit for Duty physical form. However, covered spouses will be subjected to the wellness visit as are all other covered spouses.

• This visit MUST occur no later than Nov. 29, 2024.

• Those employees participating in the BCBST health insurance plan and their covered spouses that do not turn in the “Physician Screening Form” will be subject to the regular rate premiums from Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025.

• Take the Physician Screening Form to your PCP and ask them to complete, fax, or email it to the number on the form. If your PCP will not complete this

activity on your behalf you may personally submit the form via email. Please note that the visit is subject to verification with your PCP. We DO NOT receive ANY specific health information on individual employees.

Reach out to Human Resources if you have any questions or for a copy of the Physician Screening Form. Email hr@johnsoncitytn.org.

Walnut looking brighter

Work remains to be completed on the West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan; however, a recent flip of the switch has the street looking brighter these days. On March 27, a section of the corridor became illuminated with street lights, one of many milestones. As the City inches closer to completion, the full picture for West Walnut is taking shape.

New Hires - March

James Richardson - Police

Joseph Cortez - Police

Caleb Young - Police

Christopher Pineda - Police

Joshua Collins - Parks & Recreation

Wayne Douglas - Parks & Recreation

Lance Woodward - Water & Sewer

Evan Buck - Public Works

Promotions - March

Jonathan Baker - Police

Leea Swatzell - Parks & Recreation

John Miller - Parks & Recreation

Earnest Walley - Parks & Recreation

Skylar White - Parks & Recreation

Morgan Wilson - Transit

William Stinson - Water & Sewer Services

Solid Waste Shoutout!

Hunter Shepard, associate attorney with Herrin, McPeak & Associates, recently sent an email thanking Public Works Solid Waste crews for going all out. Hunter said, “I wanted to reach out and send a quick “thank you” to the Solid Waste workers this morning along Spring Street in Johnson City. My one-year-old son is fascinated by “big trucks,” “tractors,” etc. and he was captivated watching the garbage truck picking up the trash cans. The driver of the garbage truck paused what he was doing and

waved at my son, which I know made my son’s day -- he’s big into waving right now, too. I imagine the workers in the solid waste division must be very busy, but this simple gesture made a little boy’s day. Just wanted to say thank you, and I would appreciate you moving my thanks through the appropriate channels in the Solid Waste Division, including the driver of the garbage truck. I and my law firm work closely with the City on legal matters, but I am sending this as a father and private citizen.”

Get to know...

Name: Theresa White

Title: Environmental Specialist

Department: Public Works - Stormwater

Year Started with City: 2024

1. Where did you grow up? Jonesborough (Nolichucky Watershed)

2. What were you like in high school? Ag (Agriculture) girl! I was very active in FFA. I was Secretary for the David Crockett FFA. I competed in Soils, Forestry, extemporaneous speaking, and parliamentary procedure. I also took classes in agricultural mechanics, greenhouse management, and floral design.

3. What did you want to be when you grew up? Landscape Architect

4. What’s your favorite quote or saying? “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” ~Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

5. Do you have any pets? Yes. Two spoiled rotten ones. My husband, Greg, and my soft coated Wheaten Terrier, Shelby.

6. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Rush Hour - Coffee ice cream with creamy, caramel swirl and chocolate-coffee candy chips.

7. What’s the best gift you ever received? One I can’t repeat.

8. Have you ever met anyone famous? Two famous goat farmers. Tom Buchanan and Ralph Kiser from “Survivor”. I met them years apart. I met Tom at a Soil Conservation Best Management Practices event in Southwest Virginia. I met Ralph and his farm manager at the Longhorn Auction goat sale in Mountain City, TN.

9. If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do with some (or all) of the money? Pay off debts. New Subaru for me and a new truck for hubby. After that, I would secretly send money to non-profits I believe are accomplishing great things in our local communities.

10. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world tonight, who would it be? I would have to go back in time for this person—Frederick Law Olmstead

11. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? Costa Rica to see as many of the 140 frog species as I can.

12. If you could be a TV character, who would it be? Kermit the Frog “It’s not easy being green.” A wise and humble leader, and most importantly he finds meaning and joy in the simple things.

Get to Know...Continued with Theresa

White

13. If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be? Well, I would hope that I would not need the excuse of Death Row but all the crab legs I could eat!

14. What’s the most recent song you downloaded? “Bigger Houses” Dan & Shay

15. What book are you reading right now? “Rock Paper Scissors” Alice Feeney

16. What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? Not a big sports fan… I would rather go hiking or geocaching.

17. What do you do when you’re bored? What’s that? My husband says my brain doesn’t have an off switch… I am always thinking about something…him, Shelby, work, flowers, weather, geocaches, and art projects.

18. Describe a typical day at work. We don’t have a typical day in Public Works. One day I could be in the office in the morning and stream surveys in the afternoon. One phone call and everything can change because the City responds to Illicit Discharge or Erosion Prevention calls. Plans change quickly.

19. What do you enjoy most about your job? Speaking to the public about stormwater pollutants and how they can address them in their own life, job, family, or home.

20. What is the most difficult part of your job? Issuing Notice of Violations to anyone within the City limits who has violated one of the City’s Stormwater ordinances. But it is also the biggest opportunity to educate the public about water quality issues.

21. What is the best compliment you’ve ever received on the job? That I was the go-to person to get a task accomplished.

22. What is the worst or strangest job you’ve ever had? Fire watch on construction site

23. What was your first job? Landscaping for the City of Johnson City

24. Describe a perfect Saturday. Spending time with my husband and Shelby no matter what we are doing.

25. Describe your work ethic. Passionate, organized, collaborative