Newslink May 2024

Stanford Achi with Risk Management warns that in professional environments, depression and anxiety are among the most commonly identified emotional health issues, which, if left unaddressed, can escalate into more severe problems. Treating emotional well-being with the same regard as physical health is crucial.

“Just as we don’t fault individuals for falling ill, we should embrace and support those facing emotional health challenges,” said Achi.

Checking in with colleagues to express concern demonstrates

respect and consideration for their welfare. Simple acts like listening attentively and showing patience can significantly contribute to making individuals feel valued and supported.

Emotional well-being is not only a personal matter but also a concern for families, communities, and society as a whole which includes the City’s organization. It is important to note that our organization provides an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family’s use at any time. Further details can be found at the back of this Newslink.

May 2024

Building Safety Month highlights essential services

Building Safety Month, an annual event celebrated in May, highlights the importance of safe construction practices, emphasizing the important role of building codes and regulations in protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

At the forefront of these efforts in Johnson City is the Planning and Development Services Department, essential in ensuring that construction projects meet safety compliance. The Department is led by dedicated professionals, who oversee a range of responsibilities, including zoning, permitting,

“The Building Department of Development Services has the great responsibility of ensuring the safety and dependability of every home and business constructed in Johnson City. For not only the citizens of Johnson City of today, but for future citizens as well,” says Chief Building Official Jeff Canon

inspections, and code enforcement.

Building Safety Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to building codes and standards. In Johnson City, this means fostering collaboration between City officials, builders, contractors, and residents to promote safer construction practices and maintain the integrity of the City’s many buildings.

Thank you to all the dedicated employees in the Planning and Development Services Department who provide these essential City services.

“Every person deserves a safe place to live. Some homeowners cannot afford that luxury and that is why in our position we act as enforcer and advocate,” says Code Enforcement Officer Laurie Haynes.

“Having contractors obtain permits helps ensure the work is done to code and is safe for use and occupancy. Without inspections, substandard and dangerous work may go unnoticed until someone is injured,” says Plans Examiner Crystal Lewis

Construction on University Parkway to impact travel

As part of the West Walnut Corridor Redevelopment Plan, contractors working with the Johnson City Water and Sewer Services and Public Works departments will close lanes on University Parkway between West State of Franklin Road and West Pine Street beginning Sunday, May 19. During this time, all traffic will be diverted to one lane in each direction in the construction area.

the west side (ETSU side) to Lynn and Maple streets for approximately four weeks. West Walnut Street on the west side will remain closed for the duration of the project. Additional lane closures and traffic interruptions are anticipated.

This project will be done in phases.

During the first phase of construction, access to University Parkway from the east (Tree Streets side) at West Walnut, Lynn and West Maple streets will be blocked. This phase will last approximately six to eight weeks. The second phase will reopen access to these streets and close access on

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass; however, the construction area will see increased congestion as a result of the construction activities with long delays expected. Motorists and pedestrians are strongly encouraged to find alternative routes.

The project will take approximately three months, weather dependent.

Motorists should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers.

Public Works Cleanup offers extra services

Public Works is offering extra services to help you declutter your home, clear out your basement, and freshen up your yard with two sites for bulk drop off on May 11, from 7 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Locations are Indian Trail Middle School, 307 Car-Mol Drive, and Science Hill High School, 1509 John Exum Parkway.

Accepted items include: building materials, e-waste, metal for recycling, and bulk items. No herbicides, pesticides, paints, tires, or hazardous materials will be accepted.

Public Art requests artist support for annual event

Calling all artists! Johnson City Public Art invites you to participate in the 5 x 5 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser. Showcase your creativity and support public art by donating your artwork to this exciting event. Artists, age 18 and over, are welcome to submit up to three pieces of 2D or 3D art. 2D artwork must be completed on the 5 x 5 birch wood panels provided, while 3D pieces should conform to 5 x 5 x 5 dimensions, with the option to mount on provided panels. The deadline to sign up is July 5, and all submissions must be received by July 19. Email Public Works Management Analyst Cheyenne Kumbhare at ckumbhare@ johnsoncitytn.org for details.

Drinking Water Week opportunity to thank WSS

Johnson City joins communities across the country in celebrating Drinking Water Week, an annual observance led by the American Water Works Association. Taking place May 5-11 this year, Drinking Water Week serves to highlight the importance of safe drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of local water professionals who ensure its availability.

Everyone involved in Johnson City’s water management, including engineers designing infrastructure and operators overseeing treatment plants

day and night, contribute to providing secure and dependable drinking water to the community. Line maintenance and construction teams are responsible for the upkeep and replacement of nearly 1,000 miles of water mains within the system. Meanwhile, customer service representatives and meter readers guarantee billing precision and promptly address customer concerns and requests.

As stewards of the community’s water resources, WSS is committed to ensuring the highest quality

drinking water for residents. Drinking Water Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the water professionals who serve across the department in varying roles to bring customers clean, safe water.

To everyone in WSS, your expertise and dedication to your profession are fundamental within our communities.

Recent examples of excellence in WSS are Jeff Toth and Jason Duncan who passed a difficult training assessment. See below for details on their success.

WSS employees earn difficult, important certificate

Recently, WSS announced that two employees successfully passed a challenging practical course and difficult computer exams to earn certification as Mobile Crane Operators through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.

After one and a half weeks of study and testing, Jeff and Jason were successful; the NCCCCO passing rate is less than 40 percent.

Congratulations, Jeff and Jason!

Jason Duncan

Jeff Toth

Investigators honored for exceptional actions

During a recent Commission meeting, City leadership recognized two JCPD investigators for outstanding service to the community.

Johnson City Police Chief Billy Church presented Investigator Timothy Joe Hensley with the department’s Life Saving Award. Investigator Hensley was one of two JCPD investigators recognized for their integrity, dedication and excellence on the job.

Investigator Hensley was honored for his actions that took place on Feb. 28, when investigators

received a report of a missing juvenile. Hensley tried to track the juvenile’s cell phone to determine the juvenile’s location, but exact coordinates were not available.

Due to changing weather conditions, Investigator Hensley acted quickly to launch a search. Investigator Hensley discovered the juvenile unresponsive in a creek bed. He called EMS, and the juvenile was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

“Investigator Hensley saved the life of an area juvenile.

Because of his tenacity, the juvenile was located and is still with us today. Medical officials said he would not have survived through the night had Investigator Hensley not found him,” said Church.

Investigator Ashley Ellenburg assisted Investigator Hensley in the search for the missing juvenile. For her actions, she received a letter of commendation.

“The commitment of our JCPD officers exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement. They deserve to be recognized and appreciated for what they do every day. They make our community safe, and they make our community better,” said City Manager Cathy Ball

The honorees were chosen by an awards committee within the JCPD.

May 2024

Stanford Achi shares Memorial Day safety tips

Over Memorial Day weekend, prioritize safety during your time off. Here are useful tips:

Driving Safety:

• Ensure you're well-rested and alert. Always wear seat belts, abide by speed limits, and follow road rules.

• If alcohol is served, designate a sober driver.

• Stay focused on the road, avoiding distractions like cell phones.

• Exercise caution in work zones, where numerous construction projects are underway.

• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

• Inform someone of your travel plans, route, and expected arrival time.

In case of any mishaps, assistance can be directed along your intended route.

Grilling Safety:

• Supervise the barbecue grill at all times during use.

• Never grill indoors — whether in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed space.

• Keep everyone, including pets, away from the grill.

• Position the grill in an open area, away from buildings, decks, trees, or anything flammable.

• Use long-handled tools designed for grills to prevent accidents.

• Never add charcoal starter fluid to ignited coals.

• Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions when operating grills.

Water Safety:

• Prioritize water safety education for the entire family, ensuring everyone learns to swim.

• Adults should actively supervise children, staying within arm's reach of young or inexperienced swimmers.

• Secure pools with foursided, 4-foot fencing and self-closing, self-latching gates.

• Wear U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets when boating or in situations beyond your swimming skill level.

• Swim in pairs near a lifeguard's chair, even if you're an experienced swimmer.

• Learn rescue techniques such as reaching or throwing assistance instead of endangering yourself by entering the water.

• Know when and how to call 911 and be familiar with CPR procedures.

Remember, safety is paramount — at work, during travel, at play, and at home.

Have a happy and restful Memorial Day weekend.

Bee Jeweled placed at annual Spell-A-Bration

Recently, City employees in the Communications and Marketing Department, Keisha Shoun, Shira Evans, and Sarah Nobles along with Karen Wise competed in the fourth annual Spell-A-Bration, a fundraiser for the Johnson City Schools Foundation. The team, which named themselves Bee Jeweled, correctly spelled numerous words and held the lead for much of the competition. Ultimately, they were bested by two other competitors to finish in third place.

Great teamwork, Bee Jeweled.

Your assistance requested to meet EPA deadline

To ensure compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, every water provider must conduct a comprehensive inventory of both utility and customer-owned service lines within their system.

If you are a customer of Johnson City Water & Sewer Services, we kindly request a few moments of your time to participate in our survey. Detailed instructions on how to inventory your service line can be found on

the website. To access the website, click the button below.

Contact the Water & Sewer Services Department with questions and concerns: call 423.434.5849 or email leadfree@ johnsoncitytn.org

Take the Survey

Reminders of expenditure, procurement policy

Limits of Expenditure

Dollar Threshold

$4,000 & under

$4,001 - $19,999

$20,000 - $49,999

$50,000+

Purchase Method Process

Small Purchase

Informal Quote

Formal Quote

Sealed Solicitation

Procurement Authority Levels

Dollar Threshold

$4,000 & under

$50,000 & under

$50,001+

Procurement-Card (P-Card)

Requisition to Purchasing must include price quotes (3 preferred)

Requisition to Purchasing. Purchasing issues formal quote requests.

Requisition to Purchasing. Purchasing issues sealed solicitation.

Authorized Personnel

All City Personnel

Purchasing Director Board of Commissioners

A look ahead: Flag status dates to remember

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

New Hires - April

Mark Sweigart - Water & Sewer Services

Richard Clark - Freedom Hall

Ronnie Sparks - Water & Sewer Services

Kelly “Brooke” Bowers - Police

Jan Orchard - Parks & Recreation

Kelsea Baines - Parks & Recreation

Seth Dowling - Public Works

Kaitlyn Morris - Police

Richard “Chad” Barnes - Parks & Recreation

Promotions - April

Hunter Reynolds - Water & Sewer Services

Dana Blackburn - Information Technology

Jose Amaya - Public Works

Robert Dove - Parks & Recreation

Jaylen Stratton - Water & Sewer Services

Gretchen Wells - Juvenile Court

Jacob Phillips II - Water & Sewer Services

Mitchel “Blake” Watson - Senior Staff Attorney

Retirements - April

Jeffrey Corder (30) - Water & Sewer Services

Tenna Sparks (15) - Parks & Recreation

Randy Collins (18) - Freedom Hall

Planning for future growth: Ongoing conversations

The Johnson City Planning and Development Services Department is currently engaged in an extensive planning initiative aimed at shaping the growth of our community for the next two decades.

As part of this process, organizers are actively collecting data to establish a framework for our collective future. Your input is crucial in this process. Your contributions are important to discussions concerning transportation and

mobility, economic development, housing, infrastructure and public services, schools, recreation and trails, natural resources and environmental concerns, as well as historic and cultural preservation.

Stay involved during the long process that will inform the City’s growth and development.

For information, email Will Righter at wrighter@johnsoncitytn.org.

Get to know...

Name: Isharah “Ish” Lundy

Title: Events & Marketing Coordinator

Department: Communications & Marketing

Year Started with City: 2024

1. Where did you grow up? Hiltons, Gate City & Weber City Virginia. (We moved a lot)

2. What were you like in high school? Shy & introverted

3. What did you want to be when you grew up? I never really had a preferred title, I just knew I was fascinated with movies/storytelling so I wanted to work in film production.

4. What’s your favorite quote or saying? “Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists...it is real...it is possible…it’s yours.” – Ayn Rand

5. Do you have any pets? Two Australian Shepherds – Koda & Khalea

6. What’s the best gift you ever received? The gift of being an aunt to my nieces & nephews

7. Have you ever met anyone famous? If you count drama tv (One Tree Hill & Vampire Diaries) - then Chad Michael Murray, Ian Somerhalder, Dean Cain, Paul Wesley, Hilarie Burton, Paul Johansson & Barry Corbin.

8. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? Maldives

9. If you could be a TV character, who would it be? This is hard because of my love for film but I would say Emily Thorne in Revenge.

10. What movie can you watch over and over and over? Four Christmases

11. What’s the most recent song you downloaded? Ryan Mack – Pushing Daisies

12. What is the last concert you went to? Jimmy Eat World

13. What do you do when you’re bored? 1 of 3 things – gym, re-watch old TV shows, or clean.

14. What do you enjoy most about your job? Being a part of the team

15. What was your first job? Age 16 – McDonalds

16. Complete these sentences ….

I can’t live without…pizza.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without…my family.

Love is….unconditional, all consuming, passionate, adventurous but also a little dangerous.

My job is…never dull.

Right now, I feel…fortunate.

My Fiance…always makes me laugh.

The sound of the ocean…is the best sound in the world.

Meeting Schedule - Health Insurance Premium Changes/Policy Revisions

These meetings will last 45 minutes to 1 hour We will be discussing changes to health insurance premiums as well as some policy revisions. All employees are encouraged to attend

5/21/2024 10:00 a.m. Transit Transit Training Room

6/4/2024 8:00 a.m. Fire Department (C Shift) Station 3 12:30 p.m. Fire Department (C Shift) Station 3

6/5/2024 8:00 a.m. Fire Department (A Shift) Station 3 12:30 p.m. Fire Department (A Shift) Station 3

6/6/2024 8:00 a.m. Fire Department (B Shift) Station 3 12:30 p.m. Fire Department (B Shift) Station 3

6/10/2024 9:00 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

10:30 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

2:00 p.m. Fleet Management Fleet Management Break Room

6/11/2024 6:30 a.m. Police Dept - Platoon 1 Roll Call

9:00 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

10:30 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers 2:00 p.m. Public Works Public Works Break Room

6/12/2024 7:00 a.m. Water & Sewer Water & Sewer Conference Room

9:15 a.m. Transit Transit Training Room

10:30 a.m. Transit Transit Training Room

1:30 p.m. Parks & Rec/Senior Center/Golf Langston Centre

3:30 p.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

6/13/2024 6:00 a.m. Solid Waste Solid Waste Break Room

10:00 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

2:00 p.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

6:30 p.m. Police Dept - Platoon 3 Roll Call

6/14/2024 6:30 a.m. Police Dept - Platoon 4 Roll Call

10:00 a.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

2:00 p.m. Open to All Departments Commission Chambers

6:30 p.m. Police Dept - Platoon 2 Roll Call