February Newslink by City of Johnson City

IN THIS EDITION Page 2

JCPD Polar Plunge

Page 3

JC Artwork Safety Tip - Slips Photo Recap

Page 4

Activity book Judge Don Arnold

Page 5

Call for Artists HR Orientation

Page 6

Buckle Up, Buttercup Growth Plan

Page 7

Flag Protocol

Page 8

Hires & Promotions Buffalo Mountain Park WSS Shout Out

Page 9

Get to Know...

Page 10 Important Dates Freedom Hall Early Voting Page 11

February 2024

Safer 26 in ’24 campaign launches 2022. Nine people died. “A Safer 26 in ’24” will address some of the major causes of these wrecks which include following too closely, speed, distracted driving and impaired driving. “A Safer 26 in ’24” is already underway, and the campaign will be ongoing. On Friday, Jan. 26, Johnson City Police Chief Billy Church announced a multi-jurisdictional effort to promote traffic safety on Interstate 26. The Johnson City Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and multiple local law enforcement agencies are teaming up for “A Safer 26 in ’24.”

“We will not put an end date on public safety,” Church said. “Johnson City motorists have requested a safer I-26, and that is what we are working to provide. And through this partnership with state and local agencies, we carry that across Northeast Tennessee.”

Department Policies

Page 12 Health Fair Ad

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.

“Our goals during this campaign are to educate the public about traffic laws, encourage drivers to change dangerous driving habits, and reduce crashes on I-26,” said Church. “This is not a campaign to write citations; it is a campaign to help ensure the well-being of our citizens and to save lives.” According to the Johnson City Public Works Traffic Division, 776 crashes have been reported on the city’s stretch of I-26 since

Law enforcement teams will be highly visible on I-26 throughout our region, but to create “A Safer 26 in ’24” they need assistance from drivers. “We are asking the motoring public to assist in this effort by monitoring your speed, taking your time, being patient, sharing the roads, and being respectful of other motorists,” said Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Matt Blankenship.

NEWSLINK February 2024 Police Department chillin‘ for a good cause

right. You have until the day of the event to support the cause.

The Johnson City Police Department invites you to be part of its effort to support Special Olympics Tennessee Area 3. On Sunday, Feb. 18, several officers and members of the Police Department staff will be ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ as they take a dip in the outdoor pool at the Wellness Center. You are invited to make a pledge to the team. You can do that by clicking the button to the

Last year, the JCPD raised more than $2,000 for Special Olympics Tennessee Area 3 during the Polar Plunge. With your help, the department hopes to surpass that total. In addition to the Polar Plunge, the JCPD participated in other fundraising making it one of the top 10 law enforcement fundraising departments for Special Olympics Tennessee in 2023. Help us make the list again in 2024.

Support the Cause The Police Department appreciates your support!

www.classy.org/team/544189

NEWSLINK February 2024 JC shines bright at downtown intersection A dazzling new illuminated JC has taken center stage at the Visitor Center, a collaborative project between the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Communications and Marketing, and Facilities Management. The vibrant display transforms the corner of State of Franklin Road

and Buffalo Street, creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and residents alike. Have your picture taken in front of the JC and share the photo with cojcnews@ johnoncitytn.org to be featured in an upcoming issue of Newslink.

Risk Management Safety Tip SLIPS are caused by a loss of balance resulting from too little friction between your feet and the ground. Ways you can avoid slipping include: • Take shorter steps, turn feet slightly outward for traction. • Practice safe walking. • Clean up spills and avoid slippery surfaces. • Don’t let residues accumulate on surfaces. • Use available handrails. • Be extra cautious walking on smooth surfaces and slopes.

Photo recap: Annual fun at Daddy Daughter Dance

NEWSLINK February 2024 Activity book updated for young children The Communications and Marketing Department recently updated the civic engagement activity book for young children. Previous editions of the publication featured a jovial bear in black and white with educational and instructional tutorials. The newest activity book picks up where the previous book left off and expands to include more departments and a deeper dive into municipal government with updated color illustrations by Sarah Nobles, public information specialist.

The books will be used by the Police and Fire departments during encounters with children in the community. In addition, when Communications and Marketing performs outreach at area schools, students will be offered a book to take home for supplemental learning. If you would like a copy of the City of Johnson City Activity Book, contact Sarah at snobles@johnsoncitytn.org or come to Sarah’s office at City Hall.

City remembers Arnold’s many years of service The City of Johnson City remembers Judge Don Arnold for his many years of city service and community

engagement. Arnold, a native of East Tennessee, graduated from East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee College of Law. Subsequently, in the late 1960s, Arnold established Hicks, Arnold, Haynes and Sanders in downtown Johnson City where he practiced law. In the 1970s, Arnold was on the Johnson City Board

of Commissioners, serving as mayor from 1977-1978. Additionally, Arnold served on the Johnson City Planning Commission and as a Tennessee state senator. For nine years, Arnold was a Washington County General Sessions Judge before retiring in 2022. You will be remembered for your many contributions to our community, Judge Arnold. 4

NEWSLINK February 2024 Public art seeking young artists for banner display The Johnson City Public Art Committee is seeking artwork by children to be printed on banners and installed on lampposts in downtown’s Niswonger Children’s Hospital Natural Adventure Area at King Commons. This opportunity is open to children who are ages 5 to 12 living within a 25-mile radius of Johnson City. Each entrant may submit one artwork for consideration through the online entry form on the Johnson City Public Art

website, https://jcpublicart. com/childrens-bannerexhibition-call-for-entries/. Details regarding banner layout, image size and quality, and submission guidelines are available on the entry form webpage. The deadline for entries is 4 p.m. March 1. Banners will be displayed from June 2024 to May 2026. For more information, contact Cheyenne Kumbhare at ckumbhare@johnsoncitytn.org.

Human Resources launches new employee orientation Health Clinic to proper ways of disposing chemical substances to expectations related to Information Technology and data security. The orientation was a full day of training with Human Resources providing lunch for attendees to enjoy. “When I found out this was the first time Human Resources offered this training I was surprised. Juan and the rest of the team did a fantastic job educating us about a range of important topics. This orientation felt like a well-oiled machine,” said Ish Lundy, new events and marketing coordinator. Human Resources launched a new employee orientation initiative to assist recent hires as they transition into the City’s organizational structure. The first round of attendees featured 24 employees who were introduced to a range of topics from how to access the Employee

Are you a new hire or do you know one who would benefit from new employee orientation? Contact Juan Cardona Santiago at jcardonasantiago@johnsoncitytn.org to sign up. Orientation will be held every two weeks.

NEWSLINK February 2024 Buckle Up, Buttercup: Easy to remember, easier to do As for why Terry’s submission was selected, Stanford says, “The slogan is simple, impactful, and most importantly, the message is easy to remember and easy to say when you need to remind teammates to ‘Buckle Up, Buttercup!’” Terry has more reasons to buckle up than his own personal safety. “I wear my seatbelt so I can make it home to see my family, and I want them to wear theirs, so they make it home to see me.”

In November, Stanford Achi with Risk Management announced a seat belt awareness slogan campaign open to all employees and their family members. Buckle Up, Buttercup submitted by Public Works Motor Equipment Operator Terry Davis took top honors among the 39 submissions. Terry is committed to wearing his seatbelt for both his safety and the safety of his passengers. He says, “Wearing seatbelts has proven time and time again to save lives.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Terry’s claim is backed up by hard data.

Terry’s winning slogan is part of the City’s JC Seat Belt Awareness initiative and will be featured on marketing materials including posters, stickers, T-shirts, and seat belt covers. For being the lucky winner, Terry will take home a $250 gift certificate. Buckle Up, Buttercup!

Buckling up in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce your risk of: • •

Fatal injury by 45% Moderate to critical injury by 50%

Buckling up in a light truck can reduce your risk of: • •

Fatal injury by 60% Moderate to critical injury by 65%

The Department of Planning and Development Services is in the process of a comprehensive Growth Management Plan (Horizon 2045) that will guide how our community grows in the next 20+ years. Currently, organizers are in the second stage of the process which includes developing a growth boundary line and compiling information from a host of stakeholders. The second community input meeting will be held between 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29 at the Indian Trail Middle School, 307 Car-Mol Drive. The public can drop in during this time period to discuss the City’s future with organizers. For information, email Will Righter at wrighter@ johnsoncitytn.org.

NEWSLINK February 2024 Importance of practicing proper flag protocol

Useful Links Flag Proclamation 3044 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/ codification/proclamations/03044.html Communications and Marketing will send an All User email when flags are to be lowered during times of national mourning. Provided to the right are links to help you better understand the importance of lowering the flag and the proper ways to display the flag at your location. To fly the flag at half-staff, briskly run the flag up to the top of the staff before lowering it slowly. Lower any other flags to be sure the United States flag remains at the top.

Flag Procedures https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/ celebrate/halfstaff.pdf Flag Code https://www.legion.org/flag/code Flag Status https://www.tn.gov/about-tn/flag-status.html

Below are important dates to remember.

HALF-STAFF - IMPORTANT DATES 2024 May 4 - Sunrise to Sunset

National Firefighters Memorial Day

May 15 - Sunrise to Sunset

Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 27 - Sunrise to Noon

Memorial Day

July 27 - Sunrise to Sunset

Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Sept. 11 - Sunrise to Sunset

Patriot Day

Dec. 7 - Sunrise to Sunset

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

NEWSLINK February 2024 New Hires - January

WSS Shoutout!

Jeremy Singer - Water & Sewer Services Wayne McClain - Public Works AnCharlene Davis - Police Penny Smith - Parks & Recreation Krishna Singh - Water & Sewer Services Elijah Stout - Fire Cody Norby - Fire Arthur Blankenship - Water & Sewer Services Isharah Lundy - Communications & Marketing Robert Thomas - Public Works

Promotions - January Tayler Dixon - Parks & Recreation

Caleb Russell and Chris Christian with Water and Sewer Services pleasantly surprised a resident with prompt attention to a recent issue she was experiencing. Catherine Marion of 966 Walnut Grove Road notified the City of a leak, and she was shocked when Caleb and Chris showed up quickly to check on the issue. “They were so nice, they fixed it last night. I appreciate it so much. I know lots of times you hear nothing but bad things but I just wanted to tell you that they did a wonderful job and I was real pleased,” said Marion.

Kolby Morrison - Water & Sewer Services Tyler Gerard - Parks & Recreation

Public input key to Buffalo Mountain future use Parks and Recreation has started gathering community input for the development of a Buffalo Mountain Park Master Plan which was designated as one of the top priorities in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan approved in January. Residents are encouraged to drop in during one of the community input meetings. Times, locations, and days are listed to the right. Additionally, A community input survey is open through the end of February. The survey link can be found here: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/DQPGMSF

First Community Input Meeting: Memorial Park Community Center dining room, 510 Bert St., Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. Second Community Input Meeting: Langston Centre gym, 315 Elm St., Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m.

NEWSLINK February 2024 Get to know... Name: Chad Sams Title: Senior Systems Administrator Department: Information Technology Year Started with City: 2024

1. Where did you grow up? I lived in Arlington, Texas, and then moved to Elizabethton when I was 9 years old. I grew up in Elizabethton and went to Elizabethton High School. I then went to ETSU and graduated with a BS in Computer Science. 2. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? I have been to China a few times on missions over the years. I would love to be on a vacation in China right now. There’s something about China that intrigues me. China has a rich history, different architecture, very large cities, great food, and the people are amazing. 3. Do you have any pets? We have a West Highlander named Abbey. She has been with our family for over 7 years, and she is one of the family. Abbey greets all of us every time we walk in the door with a wagging tail, excitement, and a smile. 4. What movie can you watch over and over and over? Right now I will say, A Few Good Men. My wife laughs at me when I come across A Few Good Men playing on one of the cable channels. I usually will stay on it for a while. There is something about seeing someone seek justice and truth no matter what it could do to their career or life. 5. What is/are your favorite sports team(s)? When I was growing up I remember vividly my Dad jumping up and down when the Cowboys would score. Have been a huge Cowboys fan ever since. 6. What was your first job? I worked at Baskin-Robbins for my first job. I worked with a great group of people and getting a scoop of ice cream every now and then was a huge bonus. I have always liked ice cream. I am known to eat a bowl of ice cream a few times a week in the evenings.

NEWSLINK February 2024 2024 CITY-OBSERVED HOLIDAYS

FREEDOM HALL EVENTS

May 27 - Memorial Day

Bull Riding - Feb. 16 & 17

July 4 - Independence Day

Early Voting - Feb. 14-27

Sept. 2 - Labor Day

ETSU vs. VMI - Feb. 21

Nov. 28, 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday

ETSU vs. UNCG - March 2 Election Day - March 5

Dec. 24, 25 – Christmas Holiday

Harlem Globetrotters - April 18 For the box office, call 423.461.4884.

SUNDAY

EARLY VOTING CALENDAR FOR THE MARCH 5, 2024 ELECTION MONDAY

TUESDAY

FEBRUARY

19 CLOSED

CLOSED for Presidents’ Day

26 9am – 7pm CLOSED

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle

WEDNESDAY 14 9am – 5pm

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle

THURSDAY 15 9am – 5pm

FRIDAY 16 9am – 5pm

SATURDAY 17 9am – 12pm

24 9am – 12pm

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle

20 9am – 5pm

21 9am – 5pm

22 9am – 5pm

23 9am – 5pm

LOCATIONS: Johnson City Fire Station #8 – 106 Gray Commons Cir, Gray, TN 37615

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle • Washington College Academy

9am – 7pm

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle *Also last day to request an absentee ballot.

• Johnson City Fire Station #8 • Freedom Hall • Old Jonesborough Middle • Washington College Academy

Freedom Hall – 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604 Old Jonesborough Middle – 308 Forest Dr, Jonesborough, TN 37659 Washington College Academy – 116 Doak Ln, Limestone, TN 37681 (only opened Feb 20 – 24)

NEWSLINK February 2024 Human Resources - Educational Incentive The purpose of the Educational Incentive Program is to prepare employees for future promotional and leadership opportunities within the organization. A fundamental feature of any incentive program is to encourage and reward City employees. Pursuit and successful completion of objectives can directly improve an employee’s ability to grow in their current responsibilities. Furthermore, this will increase their skill set for future opportunities. To learn more, email Melanie Rice at mrice@johnsoncitytn.org.

Communications & Marketing - Web Updates We encourage each department to review their pages on the City website regularly. When submitting website information, please provide a deadline and all related information. If you notice inaccurate information, broken links, or are providing updated content, email webupdates@johnsoncitytn.org.

Purchasing - Purchase Order Delays There are some checkpoints that can cause a 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.

Finance - W-2 Forms W-2 forms are now available for employees to access online. Employees can locate their W-2 forms in Oracle by navigating to Me > Pay > Year-End Documents. The document will be in a section labeled 2023 and will be the W-2 form for the 2023 calendar year. Employees will receive a paper W-2 form that will be distributed by each department’s timekeeper. If you have questions about your W-2 form, contact Jane Clark at jclark@johnsoncitytn.org or Wendy Zona at payroll@johnsoncitytn.org.

NEWSLINK February 2024