December 2023 NewsLink

IN THIS EDITION Page 2

Grand Tree Lighting By the Numbers

Page 3

TDEC Grant Freedom Hall ETSU

Page 4

Christmas Card Winners Photo Recap: Luncheon

Page 5

Parks and Rec. Float Photo Recap: Parade

Page 6

Remembering Snapp Photo Recap: Merriment

Page 7

Prevention: Cold Weather

Page 8

Department Notifications

Page 9

Promotions, Hires, Shoutouts

Page 10 Get to Know...

Photo Recap: Candy Land Page 11

HR Notification

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.

December 2023

Visitor Center now open to all

The first-ever Johnson City Visitor Center is open at 302 Buffalo Street in the historic downtown depot. The center will prove useful for out-of-town visitors, and it will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Johnson City, its natural assets, amenities, and history.

The center houses a circular theater that immerses you in the nature of Northeast Tennessee.

A giant selfie wall features an array of settings that gives you a sample of what our city has to offer. Plus, you can buy great Johnson City merchandise for your Christmas gifts!

Facilities Management Director Brian Ross and his crew in partnership with the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) have worked

to preserve the charm of the historic depot while creating a vibrant, attractive place for visitors. Upgrading plumbing and electrical fixtures coupled with refinished floors elevates the interior space for contemporary use. In addition to interior renovations, exterior facade work improves the overall appearance while stabilizing the structure.

Members of the Communications and Marketing team worked with the JCCVB on interior design and signage that matches City branding and will be useful in driving future visitation.

This season, welcome holiday guests to Johnson City with a tour of the new Visitor Center.

Hours of operation are MondayThursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

NEWSLINK December 2023 Tree lighting draws thousands to downtown On Nov. 25, Commissioners and City leaders were joined by thousands of area residents and visitors for the annual Grand Tree Lighting.

Johnson City has 162 trees decorated and lit 24 hours a day in King Commons and Founders Park. Candy Land will remain on display through Jan. 7.

Many departments contribute to the success of this event. Thank you to all.

No small feat: Breaking down the numbers

300

Red Bows

2,250’

Rope Lights

100+

Cable Ramps

15,000’

Electrical Wire

17

Candy Canes

82

Light Poles

5,000’

Pre-lit Garland

1,500’

Railing

2,655

Strands of String Lights

325,000

Total Lights

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2

NEWSLINK December 2023 City secures $3.3 million TDEC grant Street Corridor Redevelopment Project. Once a contract is received and signed, the City can begin the procurement process.

This specific project is a stormwater project that targets investment in resource protection. This was a competitive process open to counties, cities, water utility districts, water utility authorities and similar entities across the state.

FREEDOM HALL The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation allocated American Rescue Plan fiscal recovery funds to the City of Johnson City in the amount of $3,386,655. Funding was made available through the State Water Infrastructure Grants (SWIG) program.

When first learning about this grant opportunity, Ann Marie French asked the First Tennessee Development District to meet with Andy Best and Wallace McCulloch (Public Works) and Tom Witherspoon and Jon Lane (Water Sewer Services) to discuss City projects for consideration. As a group, they discussed the strength of multiple projects in both departments that might be a match for the

requirements outlined in the grant application. Ultimately, the group determined the project with the best chance of receiving funding was the West Walnut Street stormwater management project. Although a Public Works project, Jon offered assistance and insight that strengthened the application. This project is a great example of teamwork between departments.

The City was notified on Nov. 3 that the project was fully approved and will receive 100 percent of the funding requested, totaling more than $3.3 million. The City is required to match 15 percent of the project cost, which will be covered using funds already allocated for the West Walnut

ETSU BASKETBALL ETSU Women vs. Gardner-Webb Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.

ETSU Men vs. UMKC Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

ETSU vs. Mercer Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

ETSU vs. Western Carolina Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.

ETSU vs. Chattanooga Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.

For the box office, call 423.461.4884.

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NEWSLINK December 2023 2023 Christmas card winners announced

The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department organized the City Christmas Card Artwork Program this year.

Children at Memorial Park Community Center, Carver Recreation Center and Langston Centre submitted artwork for consideration.

A panel of Parks and Recreation Department staff narrowed down the entries to five finalists.

City Manager Cathy Ball

selected Madalyn VanZant’s Christmas tree and Gabriella Fiuza’s snow scene as the 2023 winners.

During the Dec. 7 commission meeting, Mayor Todd Fowler recognized the artists with a Certificate of Achievement. Madalyn and Gabriella’s artwork will be featured on the City’s Christmas cards.

All the submitted artworks

will be on display in the lobby of the Safety and Municipal Building through the first week of January.

Photo Recap: Employee Christmas luncheon

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NEWSLINK December 2023 2023 Christmas parade features new City float Parks and Recreation introduced a new float in the 2023 Johnson City Christmas Parade. Park Services Technician Rich Marosites led a team of staff including Eric Loftis, Kevin Clarke, and Adam Clawson in constructing a 12-foot Santa sleigh. The team of elves designed the float and then used their wood working talents to

create a sleigh fit for Santa.

Every detail was careful crafted including handglittering the sleigh’s trim.

most recent update pays homage to Candy Land Christmas and features a pink exterior and steam with candy detailing.

Four years ago, Rich oversaw the construction of the Commissioner’s train float. When that float was introduced, the theme was based on a traditional black steam engine. It has since undergone a makeover. The

Photo Recap: Commissioners delight crowd with candy

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NEWSLINK December 2023 Remembering former Mayor P.C. Snapp city and regional planning from the University of Tennessee.

Snapp’s career spent 30 years as the regional director of the Upper East Tennessee State Planning Office and 14 years as executive director of the Johnson City-JonesboroughWashington County Economic Development Board.

The City of Johnson City remembers former Mayor P.C. Snapp for his incredible service and commitment to the For 12 years, Snapp was on community. the Johnson City Board of Commissioners, serving as A lifelong Tennessean, mayor from 1989-1991. Johnson Snapp attended South Side City’s accomplishments Elementary and Science Hill during his time on the High School before receiving Commission include the first a degree from East Tennessee sidewalk-building program in State University while working 50 years, the first curbside for the City’s Planning recycling program in the Department. In 1967, he state, construction of five obtained a Master’s Degree in new schools, Iris Glen Landfill,

Millennium Centre, the new Johnson City Public Library, Winged Deer and Willow Springs parks, and two new fire stations.

Snapp was elected to the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Wall of Fame after spending 20 years as a Little League Baseball coach.

Furthermore, he served on the Johnson City Planning Commission and Washington County Tax Equalization Board.

In addition to serving his community, Snapp served his country as a U.S. Marine.

Thank you for making Johnson City a better place, P.C. Snapp.

Photo Recap: Crews creating merriment

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NEWSLINK December 2023 Steps to take in preparation for cold weather With cold weather in the forecast, Water and Sewer Services would like to remind City employees that locating their home’s water shut-off valve will be beneficial in the event of a frozen pipe. While WSS is responding to your emergency call, you will be able to minimize damages by quickly stopping the flow of water.

Half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. The National Fire Protection Association reports that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.

The Fire Department wants to ensure that your home is warm and safe during the frigid winter months.

The City’s plumbing code requires a shut-off valve. This is usually located inside near where the main water line enters the house. It may also be located in the basement, beneath the floor, in the garage or utility room. Check with your builder or plumber to assist in locating the shut-off valve.

For information about water pipe maintenance, contact Water and Sewer Services at 423.461.1645. For service after business hours or on weekends and holidays, call 423.461.1643.

“By following a few simple safety tips, you can prevent most home heating fires from happening,” said Chief David Bell. “Smart home heating procedures can save lives.”

Safety Tips • • • • • • •

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

Turn off portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.

Yearly, get a qualified professional to inspect heating equipment and clean chimneys.

Always use the fuel specified by the manufacturer for space heaters.

Never use the oven to heat your home.

Make sure fireplaces have a sturdy screen to stop sparks.

Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

CITY DATES TO REMEMBER Dec. 25, 26 – Christmas Holiday Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day Holiday

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NEWSLINK December 2023 Purchasing - Purchase Order Delays There are some checkpoints that can cause delay to your purchase order.

• Expired quotes will require a new quote.

• If the Free on Board (FOB) terms are not FOB Delivered/Destination – we will contact the vendor to see if the terms can be changed.

• Services performed for the City will require approved vendor insurance.

• Terms and conditions will have to be reviewed and possibly negotiated with vendor.

All of the above items take time to work through so plan ahead.

Human Resources - Health Assessment The health assessment begins Jan 1, 2024 and runs through Nov. 29, 2024. On Jan. 1, all City staff enrolled in the health insurance plan will receive discounted premiums.

To maintain the discounted rate, employees must complete the health assessment by Nov. 29, 2024.

Communications & Marketing - Swag Communications & Marketing will embroider the City logo for you.

Bring your items to Lindsey Jones at City Hall.

Email cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org if you are interested in City swag.

Communications & Marketing - Newsletter Encourage your neighbors to subscribe to KNOW. ALL. OUT., a seasonal e-newsletter delivered right to email inboxes. This newsletter will provide the community with information on the many City services and opportunities available to every citizen.

Subscribe here: www.JohnsonCityTN.org/KnowAllOut

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NEWSLINK December 2023 Promotions - November

WSS Shoutout!

Eric Pritchard - Water & Sewer Services David Cullop - Public Works Joseph Canaday - Fire Jason Misener - Fire Randy Griffin - Water & Sewer Services Michael Rocker - Water & Sewer Services Sara Quinn - Planning & Development Services Claude Adkins - Transit Lorena Bennett - Police Douglas White - Planning & Development Services

New Hires - November Zackary Moody - Police Travis Day - Police

Lynn Wilson of 111 Woodlyn Road called to say, “The guys just finished doing work in my area for some time and they have been excellent from start to finish. They are a 10 out of 10, and I just thought it should be known!”

The job Wilson was referencing was performed

by Carlos McReynolds’ Water and Sewer Services boring crew. Adam Reece, Wayne Keys, Johnny Miller, Scott Gouge and Nebraska Burton were working on the E1 pump line on Smith Street.

Thank you to the entire boring crew for their teamwork and contributions to this project.

Stephanie Cash - Police Sterling Pate - Public Works Amber Crabtree - Water & Sewer Services Elijah Arias - Water & Sewer Services

WSS Shoutout!

Paul Banner - Facilities Management Eduar Velasquez Vasquez - Facilities Management John Steadman - Administration Riley Pudney - Planning & Development Services Sharon Steinhilber - Water & Sewer Services James Johnson - Public Works

Ken Berry of 1703 Sinking Creek Road called to say, “THANK YOU” to David Grubb and his Water and Sewer Services crew. Berry was very happy with work performed, which included replacing a water lateral. He was ecstatic that his water pressure improved, and he noted how the crew maintained a neat and clean job site.

Thank you for your excellent customer service David Grubb, Michael Gaylor-Layton, Derrick Garber, Mel Ramey, Peyton Toth, Kenny Arrowood, and Josh Tolley.

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NEWSLINK December 2023 Get to know...

Name: John Steadman Title: Budget Analyst Department: Budget Year Started with City: 2023

1. Where did you grow up? I grew up right here in Johnson City!

2. Have you met anyone famous? I have been meeting famous people since I was born. I was actually delivered by long time US House member Phil Roe, MD. 3. If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do with some (or all) of the money? I’d probably use some of the money to take a trip back to Montana. I haven’t been in years, and it’s one of my favorite places.

4. What book are you reading right now? I actually just started Principles by Ray Dalio.

What an introduction!

5. What is your favorite sport to watch? To play? I love watching football and basketball. Those were my favorite to play as well.

6. What was your first job? My first job was as a lifeguard at Wetlands and it was awesome for about a week.

Photo Recap: Candy Land lights up with the flip of a switch

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NEWSLINK December 2023 MEMORANDUM

Human Resources Update

DATE:

Friday, December 8, 2023

TO:

All Employees

FROM:

Human Resources

SUBJECT:

Important Updates - Upcoming Events

Please read below for some important dates and upcoming events: Christmas Day Holidays New Year’s Holiday

Monday 12/25 and Tuesday 12/26 Monday 01/01/2024

Employee Health Clinic

The employee health clinic will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Employee Wellness Program

The employee wellness program begins January 1. 2024. Employees and covered spouses that want to participate in the program need to have a wellness visit and submit the form to Human Resources no later than November 29, 2024.

Forms are available on Insite, in HR and are attached to this email.

Floating Holidays

Floating holidays do not roll over into the new year and will expire on 12/31/2023 if not used.

Vacation Balances

Be sure to use, or have balance below the maximum amount allowed for rollover by December 31, 2023.

Years of Service Maximum Limit 0-10 Years 160 11-15 Years 240 16-20 Years 272 20+ Years 320 Fire Department Years of Service Maximum Limit 0-10 Years 240 11-15 Years 360 16-20 Years 408 20+ Years 480

From the offices of Human Resources City of Johnson City, 601 E Main St. Johnson City, TN 37601

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NEWSLINK December 2023

Photo Recap: Annual Shop with a Cop brings big smiles

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