401 Ashe Street officially
On June 13, the Johnson City Board of Commissioners joined City staff to celebrate the completion of 401 Ashe Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This historic day ushers in a new era for a building that holds significant importance to Johnson City and Washington County’s past,” said City Manager Cathy Ball. “This magnificent building, which was once central to City affairs, will again welcome citizens and visitors to conduct business for the betterment of the region.”
The Johnson City Postal Savings Bank and Post Office served as the Washington County courthouse from 1940 until 1985. Several years later, the building was renovated and became the home of Washington County’s 911
Emergency Communications District until 2017.
After the last tenant left, the building sat empty for several years. In 2022, the City acquired the building and three related parcels at 401 Ashe Street through a deed transfer from Washington County. In that same year, a $5 million appropriation from the state of Tennessee created an opportunity for thoughtful restoration. Today, the building has renewed life with carefully considered details.
“We are grateful for state, regional and our commission’s support that made the renovation of this building possible,” said Economic Development Director Alicia Summers “This historic piece of architecture is an anchor for the West Walnut redevelopment project and will be used for rural economic development.”
The building is expected to be occupied by fall 2024.
July 2024
From Africa to Northeast Tennessee: Three WSS interns journey to environmental health excellence
For over a decade, the Water and Sewer Services (WSS) Department has partnered with East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) College of Public Health to offer meaningful, paid summer internships. These internships not only benefit students by providing practical experience but also serve as a talent pipeline for WSS, resulting in the recruitment of exceptional permanent employees.
This year, Dr. Phillip Scheuerman, an ETSU faculty member who has collaborated with WSS, has helped secure internships for three international students: Priscilla Owusa-Mensah, Joel Atikemah and Mohammed Suleiman
Joel Atikemah: From Cape Coast to Northeast Tennessee
Joel Atikemah comes from Cape Coast, a vibrant city in Ghana’s Central Region. Reflecting on the similarities between Northeast Tennessee and Cape Coast, Joel notes a shared sense of community in both areas. However, he also observes noticeable differences
in the landscape, such as the lush greenery of Tennessee compared to the sparser tree coverage in Cape Coast.
For Joel, studying in the United States and earning a degree from ETSU holds significant importance. The United States is globally recognized for its educational opportunities and the high quality of its academic programs. Joel’s journey to ETSU began with research through the American Public Health Association, where he discovered the University is a leader in the field of public health. ETSU’s commitment to international students further solidified his decision.
Joel finds mentorship and inspiration in Dr. Rod Handy, chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences. He appreciates Dr. Handy’s dedication to student success, exemplified by his efforts to ensure Joel could participate in a graduation ceremony despite his August completion date. This past May, Dr. Handy provided Joel with a cap and gown, enabling him to walk in the spring ceremony to commemorate his achievement.
Another key figure in Joel’s academic experience is Dr. Scheuerman, who introduced him to the WSS internship program. Joel views this internship as an invaluable opportunity to learn
from practical solutions in the US and how they might be applied in Ghana.
Joel has been working with the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL-RAT), a sounding tool that swiftly identifies clogs in sewer pipes. The SL-RAT uses sound waves between two manholes. Issues are detected when obstructions reflect and absorb the acoustic energy.
During his internship, Joel has witnessed some of the challenges faced by the U.S., particularly in the management of biosolids. He notes that medications can pose persistent problems in wastewater management. Joel hopes to address such issues through education, ultimately contributing to solutions.
Looking to the future, Joel is eager to travel and explore the world. “The world is so huge,” he says, expressing his desire to experience various cultures and environments. His journey from Cape Coast to Northeast Tennessee marks the beginning of a broader adventure, driven by a commitment to public health and a passion for learning and discovery.
Mohammed Suleiman: From Abuja to Northeast Tennessee
Mohammed Suleiman, coming from Abuja, Nigeria’s bustling capital, finds the United States
July 2024
Journey to environmental health excellence continued
both exciting and adventurous. However, amidst his appreciation for the diverse experiences the U.S. offers, Mohammed often finds himself homesick. Adjusting to life in Northeast Tennessee has been a journey of cultural adaptation for Mohammed. Unlike the dynamic environment of Abuja, Northeast Tennessee offers a calm and serene atmosphere.
Mohammed’s academic path led him to ETSU on a fully funded scholarship. His discovery of the University was serendipitous, coming across Dr. Scheuerman’s work in environmental microbiology and water quality during an online search. This research closely aligned with Mohammed’s interests and previous work. At ETSU, Mohammed balances his studies with his role as a graduate assistant in the science laboratory.
Dr. Scheuerman’s connection with Tom Witherspoon, director of WSS, opened up a valuable opportunity for Mohammed. As a WSS intern, Mohammed tests for the buildup of hydrogen sulfide in sewer lines and manholes, a critical task to prevent corrosion of pipes and infrastructure. Mohammed believes in preventive measures, asserting that “it is better to prevent than have to replace sewer lines” through regular testing.
Looking ahead, Mohammed aspires to earn a PhD in a related field. He views advanced degrees as crucial for securing a consultancy position in Nigeria, where he aims to become an
authority in environmental sciences. His vision includes sharing the knowledge and expertise he gains to implement better policies and programs in Nigeria.
Mohammed’s journey from Abuja to Northeast Tennessee reflects a blend of adventure, academic pursuit and a deep commitment to making a positive impact both in the U.S. and his home country of Nigeria.
Pricilla Owusa-Mensah: From Tema to Northeast Tennessee
WSS Intern Pricilla Owusa-Mensah, from Tema, Ghana, a city known for its developed infrastructure and oil industry, is charting a path toward environmental health excellence. With a population of approximately 161,612, Tema stands out as a well developed city, contributing significantly to Ghana’s economy.
Pricilla’s academic journey began at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, where she earned her undergraduate degree. KNUST is a prestigious public university with nearly 24,000 students.
Pricilla’s educational pursuits extended beyond Ghana as she traveled to various African countries and Switzerland, broadening her global perspective. Eventually, her academic journey led her to the United States, where she enrolled in the Environmental Health graduate program at ETSU. Her choice of ETSU was influenced
by a friend who introduced her to the program, highlighting its curriculum and research opportunities. Pricilla recognizes the importance of a graduate degree for job prospects in Ghana; she is determined to become a valuable asset in her field.
At ETSU, Pricilla cites her mentor as Dr. Waldi Alali, an associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Under Dr. Alali’s guidance, Pricilla assists in sampling Sinking Creek for E.coli levels as part of her hands-on graduate assistantship in the environmental health lab.
Like Joel, Pricilla is assigned to the SL-RAT team. This work provides Pricilla with insights into new technologies used in the U.S. for testing water and sewer systems. She is eager to use this knowledge to improve wastewater management in her home country, aiming to protect people from diseases and health issues linked to poor wastewater systems.
Reflecting on her internship, Pricilla expresses her aspirations once she returns to Africa: “Through this internship, I hope to teach people how we can improve our environment by managing where our wastewater goes. That can make a significant difference.”
Pricilla, Joel and Mohammed’s commitment to environmental health and their determination to bring positive change to Africa exemplify the impact of international education and practical experience.
Budget Department presented with GFOA award
Johnson City has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year 2024 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This award recognizes the City’s dedication to transparent, effective and comprehensive financial planning.
The GFOA, a professional association serving over 20,000 government finance professionals, awards this honor to municipalities meeting the highest standards in governmental budgeting. Award recipients are recognized for their best practices in the field.
The Budget Department, led by Director Dustin Thompson, values excellence in financial management and transparency which resulted in this awardwinning budget. Thompson says he and City staff plan to build on this success, ensuring resources are used effectively to benefit all residents. The last time the City received this recognition was 25 years ago.
Johnson City’s receipt of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award highlights the collaborative efforts of City officials, staff, and the community toward a sustainable future. Congratulations to all who helped realize this award.
Mathis joins exclusive group of profession als
On June 14, a member of the Johnson City Police Department joined an exclusive group of law enforcement professionals. Investigator Cam Mathis graduated from Session 64 of the National Forensic Academy. Only 1,395 members of law enforcement
have graduated from the 400-hour training. The 10week program covered evidence identification, collection and preservation.
Congratulations, Investigator Mathis, and thank you for your dedication to serving our community.
Home run for City employees, family members
You really struck out if you missed the city employee outing at the Doughboys’ game! Steve Willis, assistant city manager, kicked things off with the first pitch as the Johnson City Doughboys faced the Bluefield Ridge Runners. During this summer outing, weather was perfect for City employees and their
families, who enjoyed an exciting game.
To everyone’s delight, the Doughboys triumphed over the Ridge Runners with a thrilling 9-7 victory. This event was a grand slam for all the City employees who came out to enjoy the fun with family and friends!
Trivette assumes deputy city manager role
Recently, City Manager Cathy Ball announced that Randy Trivette was named deputy city manager for the City of Johnson City. Trivette assumed the role on Monday, July 1.
“Randy is an outstanding leader with an exceptional track record in local government leadership,” stated Ball. “Randy’s expertise
is highly valued and trusted in daily operations. This is evident in the strong relationships he has within each City department, which has led to consistently positive outcomes for the many projects he oversees.”
In 2018, Trivette joined the City as the first director of Facilities Management, managing highly visible projects including the Langston Centre, Liberty Bell cafeteria and gymnasium, and classroom additions at South Side and Woodland elementary schools. Prior to that, he served as town recorder for Erwin for nine years from 2004 to 2013 and the building official for five
years from 1999 to 2004.
Trivette was appointed Johnson City assistant city manager in 2022. Throughout his tenure with the City, he has demonstrated exemplary project management skills while respectfully balancing the interests of department leaders, employees, citizens, and a multitude of stakeholders.
“I’m honored to receive this promotion,” said Trivette “I want to thank Mrs. Ball as well as our Board of Commissioners for their confidence in me and the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity.”
Where Stormwater Flows, Everything Goes
The Johnson City Public Works Department urges residents and city staff to help keep waterways clean by preventing illicit discharges. Illicit discharge is any non-stormwater substance entering the stormwater system, such as chemicals, trash, or sewage. These pollutants can harm the environment and public health.
Celebrate Parks and Recreation throughout July
July is a special month for our community as we celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the vital role that parks and recreational facilities play in enhancing our quality of life. Johnson City has a wealth of green spaces, trails, and
recreational amenities that cater to residents of all ages and interests. This July, let’s take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Johnson City Parks and Recreation to our community.
As we enjoy the beauty of
our parks and the benefits of recreation, let’s also recognize the hard work and commitment of the individuals who make it all possible. Here’s to a month filled with appreciation, enjoyment, and exploration of our wonderful parks and recreational opportunities!
Practice safety in the heat: Tips for City staff
As summer brings soaring temperatures to Johnson City, ensuring the health and safety of dedicated staff remains a top priority for Risk Management. Extreme heat can pose significant challenges, particularly for those working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments. To safeguard employees, Risk Management emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and awareness during these hot spells.
Hydration and Breaks
One of the most critical aspects of staying safe in hot weather is proper hydration. It is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up quickly, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and other heat-related illnesses. Aim to consume at least 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes, especially when engaged in strenuous activities. Take regular breaks in shaded or cooler areas to give your body time to cool down.
Clothing and Sun Protection
Choosing the right clothing can make a significant difference in managing heat
exposure. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows for ventilation and evaporation of sweat. Light-colored fabrics are preferable as they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Additionally, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection from the sun’s rays.
Monitoring Your Health
It is crucial to recognize the signs of heatrelated illnesses and act promptly if symptoms arise. Early symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps. If you or a colleague experiences these symptoms, move to a cooler area immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. Prompt action can prevent more severe conditions such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Supporting Each Other
As an organization, we thrive when we support and look out for one another. During heat waves, check in with your colleagues and remind each other to stay hydrated and take breaks. Together, we can create a safer and more comfortable working environment for everyone.
As we navigate the challenges of extreme heat, the City of is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our staff. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, we can effectively manage the risks associated with hot weather. Remember, your health is paramount. Let’s work together to stay safe, hydrated, and informed during these summer months.
Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed!
Community input key to departments’ success
The Johnson City Fire Department wants to know how it can improve service to the people of Johnson City. As part of its accreditation process, the JCFD is requesting participation in a community survey.
The anonymous survey is comprised of multiple choice questions and a space for additional comments. It should take less than five minutes to complete. The JCFD will use the findings to help develop its strategic plan for the next five years.
You can participate in the JCFD Community Survey now by clicking the link below. The survey closes Aug. 14.
Take the Survey
What is your big idea for the future of Johnson City?
plan, will be used as the framework over the next 20+ years to guide decisions related to important topics such as development, investments in infrastructure, zoning, and preservation of community character. The planning process is underway and designed to:
• Explore how you want the city to grow;
• Align a vision for growth with goals for economic development, housing, quality of life, and more;
• Develop a future land use strategy and supportive policies; and
• Create an implementation guide for the City’s near- and long-term decision-making and investment.
Take the Survey
Water and Sewer Services would like to remind City staff that the speed limit on the Eddie Williams campus is 15 miles per hour. Please adhere to this limit to ensure the safety of all City staff and visitors.
5 x 5 to offer artwork by regional artists
The 5 x 5 Art Exhibit & Fundraiser on Aug. 2, at The Pavilion at Founders Park in Johnson City promises an evening of artistic discovery and community spirit.
Featuring over 200 donated artworks from talented regional artists, the event showcases both two-dimensional pieces measuring 5 inches by 5 inches and intricate three-dimensional works at 5 inches cubed. Each artwork will be available for purchase at a fixed price of $25, with proceeds directly supporting Johnson City Public Art initiatives.
Attendees will enjoy not only the opportunity to acquire unique pieces but also indulge in light refreshments and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for art
appreciation.
This free-to-attend event invites the public to engage with local creativity and contribute to enhancing public art in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or simply curious about the local art scene, the 5 x 5 Art Exhibit offers a welcoming environment to explore diverse artistic expressions and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Join the committee for an evening of cultural enrichment and philanthropy as they celebrate the arts community.
Shoutout to departments for July 4 event
In a recent letter to Mayor Fowler, Walter and Nancy Stoll of Bristol, TN, wrote:
“Thank you and all your sponsors for a great celebration at Science Hill last week! My wife and I moved to Bristol a little over two years ago and have watched the festivities on the local TV stations but had not personally attended the event.
My son, who retired from the Air
Force after 22+ years of service, came for a visit and said there were only two things he really wanted to do while here: spend a day out on the lake and see some fireworks.
The venue was great, the entertainment was top notch, the vendors well managed, and the fireworks display was second to none! Even the egress handled by the police officers was well coordinated and handled very
efficiently by all the officers! I’m sure all the other first responders managing the services were very much appreciated for keeping the large number of attendees safe!
Thank you again for a wonderful celebration of the Greatest Nation On Earth! Please let all your departments know their services are very much appreciated! I only hope they had a chance to enjoy the festivities as much as the rest of us did!”
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - June
Clayton Wilson - Facilities Management
Parker Bowman - Juvenile Court
Leah Charland - Juvenile Court
Sodaba Hurmat - Parks and Recreation
Callie McGrew - Planning & Development Services
Timothy Cisneros - Police
Andrew Dugger - Police
Austin Justiss - Police
Sheena Malone - Police
Hunter Medlin - Police
Gage Reno - Police
Thomas Russell - Police
Runzhou Zhu - Police
Bryan Zody - Police
Lisa Gurley - Public Works
William Forney - Transit
David Pettis - Transit
Karen Taylor - Transit
Myrha Woodby - Transit
Chad Harris - Water & Sewer Services
Jacob Hurley - Water & Sewer Services
Christopher Morgan - Water & Sewer Services
Retirees - June
Tammy Jones (33) - Finance
Ann Howland (30) - Information Technology
Escuse Charles (16) - Senior Services
William Belton (14) - Transit
Mike Mould (15) - Transit
Leslie Sheehan (13) - Transit
Promotions - June
Tausha Coleman - Administration
Alexis Vance - Administration
Raven Chesser - Finance
Hunter Houk - Parks & Recreation
Corey Parsons - Parks & Recreation
Michael Ward - Parks & Recreation
Joseph Jaynes - Police
Seth Roberts - Police
Corey Shoun - Police
Arron Davis - Water & Sewer
Mark Sweigart - Water & Sewer
