On Aug. 8, employees gathered to celebrate at the Employee Service Awards Banquet, an annual event dedicated to honoring those who have served the City and their community for a decade or more. City leadership recognized the commitment and dedication of these employees by presenting them with a gift of their choice.
Employees who have reached
a milestone anniversary in five-year increments after their initial 10 years of service are eligible for recognition. This year, over 80 employees met this qualification. Their names, along with their years of service, are listed on the following pages.
Congratulations to all the honorees for their remarkable service!
Eldonna Janutolo, Transit
Randy Williams, Water and Sewer Services 45 Years
Years
Brenda Burleson, Transit
Kenneth Greenlee, Parks and Recreation
Years
Harrison Arrowood, Public Works
Christopher Bawgus, Water and Sewer Services
Jeffrey Corder, Water and Sewer Services
Eric Dougherty, Police
Eric Dunn, Water and Sewer Services
William Dykes, Police
William Fuller, Parks and Recreation
Jonathan Gobble, Water and Sewer Services
Ann Howland, Information Technology
Years
Michael Barron, Police
David Bennett, Fleet Management
Robert Biller, Public Works
Steven Cravens, Fleet Management
Stephen Diehl, Fire
Edward Duncan, Water and Sewer Services
Anthony Hill, Public Works
Erik Hilton, Police
Martin Hudlow, Fire
Johnny Isaacs, Public Works
Todd Moddy, Police
Allan Rutledge, Juvenile Court
Sandra Trivette, Freedom Hall
Patrick Walding, Public Works
Matthew Williams, Water and Sewer Services
Patrick Woodfin, Public Works
NEWSLINK August 2024
20 Years
Steven Alexander, Fire
Stephen Bowman, Police
Ricky Casey, Fire
Linda Copas, Transit
Charles Isaacs, Fire
Anthony Keys, Water and Sewer Services
Kenneth Markland, Public Works
Elizabeth Murphy, Juvenile Court
Harvey Norton, Water and Sewer Services
Andrew Schaff, Public Works
Ryan Weaver, Fire
Mark Williams, Police
William Wilson, Police
15 Years
Steven Broyles, Public Works
Escuse Charles, Parks and Recreation
Craig Cloyd, Public Works
Jon Dempsey, Police
Carmen Glover, Police
Kimberly Grindstaff, Transit
Matthew Guy, Water and Sewer Services
Julio Guzman, Police
Terrybeth Kolarick, Fleet Management
Matthew Largent, Water and Sewer Services
Richard Marosites, Parks and Recreation
Richard Maupin, Transit
Bryan Milhorn, Water and Sewer Services
Peggy Moore, Transit
Jason Painter, Public Works
Jorge Rivero, Public Works
10 Years
Hedy Bartley, Planning and Development Services
Gerald Braasch, Public Works
Jered Carlson, Water and Sewer Services
Nathan Carman, Police
Daniel Chismark, Fire
Ashley Ellenburg, Police
Ethan Franklin, Public Works
David Giles, Police
Ryan Griffin, Fire
Tyler Hamilton, Police
Randall Harness, Parks and Recreation
James Hartley, Water and Sewer Services
Joseph Higgins, Police
Casey Jones, Water and Sewer Services
Wayne Lyons, Planning and Development Services
10 Years - Continued
Jessica Lyons, Police
Robert Malone, Police
Cody Mitchell, Public Works
James Mullins, Water and Sewer Services
Hope O’Quinn, Transit
James Powell, Police
Mark Ragan, Police
Kimberly Shepard, Risk Management
Nicholas Street, Water and Sewer Services
Koty White, Public Works
Brittney Whitson, Police
Shane Williams, Police
Gary Wills, Police
Mark Wilkes, Fire
Champion of Snakes: A feature on Connie Deegan
Connie Deegan, Parks and Recreation naturalist, has been featured in the latest edition of Blue Ridge Country magazine. “Champion of Snakes” by Nancy Henderson delves into Connie’s unique and impactful work with local wildlife.
Connie’s dedication and expertise shine through in her efforts to educate the public about the often misunderstood snake population in our region.
The article provides fascinating insight into how she combines her passion for natural conservation with innovative educational programs, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for these important creatures in our ecosystem.
We encourage all staff to take a moment to read this engaging piece and learn more about Connie’s role in our community. Her work not only enhances Parks and
Recreation programs but also inspires us to explore the wonders of our natural surroundings.
Read the Article
August 2024
Notice for employee Wellness Program participants
The City’s Wellness Program is designed to promote health and well-being among employees and their families. This fall, there is an important deadline that enrolled employees must meet. To ensure continued eligibility for premium discounts on health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2025, participants must adhere to the following requirements:
During 2024, employees and their covered spouses (if applicable) must schedule an appointment with a Primary Care Provider (PCP) or the Employee Health Center for an annual preventative/wellness visit. Remember to take your “Physician Screening Form” (found on the last page) to the appointment.
Fire Department employees
can use the annual Fit for Duty physical form. However, covered spouses must complete the wellness visit, just like all other covered spouses.
The wellness visit must occur by Nov. 29, 2024.
Employees and their covered spouses participating in the BCBST health insurance plan must submit the “Physician Screening Form” to avoid paying regular rate premiums from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025. The form should be completed by your PCP. If your PCP cannot complete this activity, you may submit the form via email personally. Note that the visit is subject to verification with your PCP. The City does not receive any specific health information on
individual employees.
For any questions or additional information, please contact Human Resources.
Stay healthy and take advantage of this opportunity to maintain your wellness and enjoy premium discounts on your health insurance.
Jamey Johnson concert opening time moved
The Jamey Johnson concert slated for Friday, Aug. 16 was
originally scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Organizers have moved the start time to 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.
All tickets purchased online, through the Etix Call Center, by phone, or in person with
an 8 p.m. start time are still valid.
Call 423.461.4855 or the Freedom Hall box office at 423.461.4884 with questions or concerns. Freedom Hall organizers apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
Police Department relaunches Caring Cops program
The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) and Niswonger Children’s Hospital have relaunched a program to bring smiles to the faces of children who are being treated at the healthcare facility.
The ‘Caring Cops’ program began in 2007. Officer Jim Brown, with the help of some other JCPD officers, developed the program after his own child was a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I have spent plenty of time around hospitalized children, and I have seen and experienced how it can impact families. Many of these children are confused and scared. I wanted to help take their minds off their illness,
if only for a few minutes and bring them a little bit of joy and comfort,” said Brown.
As part of the program, officers will visit patients at Niswonger Children’s Hospital once a month. They will be equipped with a wagon filled with gifts for the children. During the monthly visits, officers will socialize with the kids and participate in activities with them.
The ‘Caring Cops’ program was paused in 2019.
Niswonger Children’s Network Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Seth Brown, is happy to see the program return to the hospital.
“We’re fortunate to have this very special partnership with Johnson City Police
Department,” said Dr. Brown. “Officers put their lives on the line very day to serve our communities, and now they’re taking the extra step to serve the children at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. We thank them for their dedication to the community and the generosity that is at the heart of this exciting new partnership. Community support is the bedrock of Niswonger Children’s Hospital, and we look forward to all the smiles and happy memories this program will bring to our patients.”
Officers made their first ‘Caring Cops’ visit to Niswonger Children’s Hospital on July 30. Master Police Officer Briana Mannering is overseeing the relaunch of the program.
“Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces was the highlight of my day. The goal of ‘Caring Cops’ is to bring a little joy and hope to the lives of these patients during a challenging time. It is an honor to be a part of this program and to support these brave patients and their families,” said Officer Mannering.
August 2024
From theory to practice: WSS interns present
On Aug. 2, Water and Sewer Services (WSS) hosted the annual intern luncheon at the Eddie Williams Complex. This event highlights the accomplishments of students from local universities and colleges participating in the WSS Internship Program. Launched in 2013, the program provides a comprehensive experience, allowing interns to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The luncheon showcased the contributions of both staff and interns who worked on various projects over the course of the internships:
Water Distribution System
Flushing and Water Quality
Water and Wastewater
Superintendent Mike Manuel collaborated with interns
Abigail Gosnell and Emily Willard. The team focused on understanding and improving
the process of flushing water lines to release sediment particulates and ensure water quality across the system.
Wastewater Collection System Hydrogen Sulfide Monitoring and Control
Water and Wastewater Operations Manager Benji Whitehead guided interns Mohammed Suleiman and Averi Sills in monitoring and managing hydrogen sulfide levels in the wastewater collection system. This work is crucial for preventing structural damage to pipes, equipment and controls.
Engineering Topic Analysis
Assistant Director Jon Lane worked with intern Jonathan Miller on various engineeringrelated analyses, providing him with hands-on experience in addressing data collection within the water and sewer services framework.
Wastewater Collection System Blockage Identification
Mike, alongside interns
Pricilla Owusa-Mensah, Joel Atikemah, Allen Pan, and Samantha Lawrence, tackled
the critical task of identifying blockages within the wastewater collection system to maintain optimal flow and prevent backups using the SLRAT.
Water Service Lateral Identification and Inventory
Under the direction of Benji, intern Megan Palmer contributed to the effort to identify and inventory water service laterals, a vital aspect of maintaining the integrity of the City’s water distribution system.
These projects not only enhanced the interns’ understanding and experience in their respective fields but also provided valuable support to the WSS Department. The program continues to serve as a resource for developing talented individuals, with several current employees having started their careers as interns.
This year’s luncheon was a testament to the ongoing success of the internship program and the positive impact of the collaborative efforts between City staff and interns.
Fire Department called to assist during Debby
Three members of the Johnson City Fire Department (Ryan Weaver, Ben Blevins, and Johnathon Royse) were called on duty in Florence, S.C., to assist with potential flooding from Tropical Storm Debby.
The deployment was at the request of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The Type II Swiftwater Rescue Team, a
component of the Tennessee District 1 USAR Task Force, is comprised of 12 specially trained rescue professionals from across our region. They traveled to South Carolina Aug. 5.
Our JCFD personnel joined members of Washington County Johnson City EMS and Kingsport and Bristol Fire Departments on this assignment.
August 2024
Chambers renovations to impact daily operations
Preparations for renovations to the City Hall Commission Chambers, 601 E. Main St., are underway. Planning Commission, Beer Board and Board of Commissioners meetings will be held at Langston Centre, 315 Elm St., where they will occur until further notice.
During construction, the front upper lobby will be closed and monthly meetings held in the Chambers will be impacted. In addition, City Court has already relocated to the Police Conference Room until renovations are complete.
Administrative Coordinator Heather Hatfield will temporarily relocate to the back of City Hall at the counter shared with Hedy Bartley, development technician.
Some construction work will include the Administrative Conference Room. A temporary wall should allow for most meetings to continue as planned although construction noise may be disruptive. Users may want to schedule meetings in a different location as we will not be able to alter construction schedule for meetings.
The parking lot in front of City Hall will be altered to accommodate construction crews. Access to the lot on
the Police side (closest to East Market Street) will be closed. Visitors with business related to court, Risk Management and the Police Department should park on the back lot or on East Market Street where allowed.
Visitors who need to pay bills or conduct other financial business should park on the lot closest to East Main Street. The lower lobby (front) will remain open.
Signs will be in place to guide visitors and City employees.
New festival aims to support downtown businesses
On Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Johnson City’s downtown district will host Main Street Days, a new street festival celebrating and promoting local small businesses.
Main Street Days aims to strengthen the downtown community while showcasing the diversity and uniqueness of the area. With over 30 restaurants, five breweries, and numerous antique and clothing retailers, Johnson City offers a wealth of unique experiences and products. This festival will be a day to celebrate these businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them, whose passion and determination bring life to our community.
Visitors can expect a full day of excitement with live music, a variety of food and beverage vendors, and local artists, retailers, and makers. Streets will be closed to create a lively, safe space for all to enjoy the festival.
“We’re thrilled to host this new street festival in the heart of our city,” said Main Street Director Lindsey Jones. “It’s a chance for everyone to come out, enjoy the day, and support the local economy.”
For more information, visit downtownjctn. com/mainstdays or click Learn More.
Sign up for the Main Street newsletter to receive the latest updates on all the events and activities happening downtown.
Milestone reached in West Walnut redevelopment
Water and Sewer Services is pleased to announce the successful installation of a new 16-inch Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) sewer line across University Parkway, with the final MH A-1 now in place. This marks a significant milestone for the sewer line construction activities related to the West Walnut Redevelopment Corridor Plan. This phase, which began nearly three years ago in October, represents a major achievement in the ongoing development efforts.
With this milestone, all new mainline sewer installation, spanning nearly 9,000 linear feet, is complete.
Assistant Director Jon Lane expressed his
gratitude for the team’s hard work and dedication: “Thanks again for everyone’s help in getting to this milestone for the overall Walnut Street project. This achievement is a testament to the commitment and cooperation of our team and community partners. We’re excited to move forward with the next phases of the plan.”
The West Walnut Redevelopment Corridor Plan is a comprehensive effort aimed at revitalizing the area and improving infrastructure to support the growing needs of the community. This project is a significant step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance the livability and sustainability of Johnson City.
Ish Lundy, in the Communications and Marketing Department, will process future JC logo embroidery requests. For information or to schedule a meeting to go over your request with her, email ilundy@johnsoncitytn.org.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - July
Robert Elliott - Public Works
Larkin Thomas - Finance
Vicki Ripley - Planning & Development Services
Brandon Casey - Public Works
Joseph Gunther - Fire
Wesley Berry - Fire
Blake Phillips - Fire
Thomas Proffitt - Fire
New Hires - July Continued
Leigh Ann Fama - Communications and Marketing
Glenna Lewis - Transit
Chad Agerter - Transit
Promotions - July
Emily Pierson - Finance
Jason Kersey - Facilities Management
Eduar Velasquez Vasquez - Facilities Management
JC welcomes new manufacturing facility: A big win
On Aug. 13, Johnson City was announced as the new location for the MD Carts manufacturing facility, a venture by LPI Inc. This exciting development represents an investment of over $14 million and is expected to bring at least 225 new jobs to our community
within the next five years.
This significant achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the City’s Economic Development Director, Alicia Summers, who has played a pivotal role in fostering the partnerships that have made this possible. Her efforts, along with the collaboration between private industry and regional organizations, have strengthened the manufacturing sector in our area.
Alicia credits this economic success to the support from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community
Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the City. She emphasizes that this investment will have a transformative impact on the economic health and vitality of our community by providing quality jobs and competitive wages.
We extend our congratulations to Alicia and the entire Economic Development team for their outstanding efforts in bringing this significant project to Johnson City. Their work continues to drive our City forward, enhancing our reputation as a prime location for business and industry.
2024 PHYSICIAN SCREENING FORM
ANNUAL PREVENTATIVE/WELLNESS
VISIT
Take this form with you to your healthcare provider during your Preventative/Wellness Visit and Return to Human Resources NO LATER THAN November 29, 2024
Dear Provider:
Johnson City recognizes the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle and has implemented a wellness program designed to encourage employees and their families to make positive health choices. A component of the program encourages employees and covered spouses to complete age appropriate physical exams and screenings. The program recognizes that various age groups require physical exams and screenings at different intervals. Therefore, your signature below certifies the person listed below has had an exam as part of your recommended preventive health/wellness care treatment plan.
Please return completed form to: hr@johnsoncitytn.org or FAX: 423-461-1652 Employee / Spouse Information (Please Print):
Provider Information (Please Print):
Provider Certification:
I certify that the patient listed above obtained an examination on ____/_____/_____ that met the minimum annual screening requirements for their age.
Provider’s Signature Date
Acknowledgment and Agreement:
I understand that to be eligible for this preventive screening incentive, I must acquire a physical exam by a licensed health care provider in 2024. I further understand that my signature below certifies that I have complied with the requirement of completing the physical examination. I also acknowledge that the visit is subject to verification by Human Resources.
