June Newslink 2024

Employee scholarships awarded

The Employee Scholarship Committee made up of City employees is dedicated to supporting higher education by approving scholarships for deserving students. This year, two outstanding individuals have been selected to receive financial assistance toward their college education.

Aleah Grindstaff, daughter of Alan Grindstaff (Fleet Management), has been awarded a scholarship in the amount of $750. This scholarship reflects the City's recognition of Aleah's academic achievements.

In addition, the $500 John

W. Campbell Scholarship, funded by the former city manager in memory of his father, has been awarded to Madison Stacey. Madison, the daughter of Jon Stacey (Information Technology), is currently enrolled at ETSU. This scholarship not only honors Madison's academic pursuits, but also celebrates the legacy of John W. Campbell and his commitment to education.

The Employee Scholarship Program of Johnson City has a long-standing tradition of supporting the educational aspirations of employees' families. Since its founding in 1994, the program has awarded 216 scholarships totaling more than $179,000. This remarkable investment in education reflects the City's dedication to fostering academic excellence within the community.

The Employee Scholarship Committee congratulates Aleah and Madison on their welldeserved scholarships and wishes them continued success in their academic endeavors.

Learn More about how you can contribute to the Employee Scholarship Program on page 6.

Madison Stacey

GO. ALL. OUT. Awards presented at luncheon

Public Service Recognition week concluded with an Employee Appreciation Luncheon. During the event, Go. All. Out. Awards were

presented to City staff members nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions. These individuals epitomize Excellence, Customer

Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Engagement, and Dedication, with a special acknowledgment to Custodian Lisa Kotrob for her multiple nominations.

Sgt. Gary Wills - Teamwork

Robin Miller - Customer Service

Pete Sanders - Excellence

Theresa White - Engagement

Lisa Kotrob - Special Recognition

Not Pictured

Lorena Bennett - Dedication

Ellen Lester - Integrity

June 2024

Norris, Lane complete ETSU leadership program

Parks and Recreation Director April Norris and Water and Sewer Services Assistant Director Jon Lane recently completed the second annual ETSU Professional Leadership

Academy. As outlined on ETSU’s website, this program spans six weeks and focuses on developing participants’ leadership skills through various challenges and one-

on-one activities.

Throughout the weekly sessions, April and Jon joined a diverse group, primarily composed of employees from ETSU and Ballad Health, meeting in various locations. Although the program is geared toward health professions, April and Jon enriched their leadership capabilities and contributed unique insights by providing a City government perspective to the case studies discussed.

ESGR recognizes Ball, Haynes for their support

City Manager Cathy Ball and Public Works General Supervisor Tony Haynes were recently recognized for their outstanding support of Guardsmen and Reservists by receiving Patriot Awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense.

Supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are nominated

for and recognized with this award. This honor reflects the commitment of both Cathy and Tony to fostering an environment of understanding and accommodation toward military service obligations.

Congratulations, Cathy and Tony for the well-deserved Patriot Awards. Their support ensures that employed Guardsmen and Reservists can fulfill their duties to both country and community without undue hardship.

June 2024

Wastewater reminders for every household

Pouring oil down the drain can harmful. Here is why proper disposal is crucial:

Problems Caused by Oil

• Oil cools and solidifies in pipes, causing blockages. It clings to pipes even with hot water, leading to buildup.

• Oil, grease and fat contaminate water sources, harming aquatic life.

• Wastewater treatment plants struggle to remove oil, causing environmental harm.

• Oil combines with debris, creating fatbergs that cause sewer backups and overflows.

Proper Disposal Methods

• Cool and solidify grease, then scrape it into a container and throw it in the trash.

• Cool, strain and store oil for reuse or pour it into a container for disposal.

• Businesses should follow local grease disposal regulations.

• Use paper towels to remove excess grease before washing.

• Catch food particles with a sink strainer.

Flushing dog waste bags down the toilet can be harmful. Here is why proper disposal is crucial:

Problems Caused by Flushing Dog Waste Bags

• Dog waste bags don’t break down and will block pipes and sewers.

• Bags overwhelm wastewater treatment plants, which handle human waste and toilet paper only.

• Non-flushable items can damage machinery, causing system failures and costly repairs.

• Dog waste contains harmful bacteria and parasites that can pollute water sources.

• Plastic bags contribute to pollution.

Proper Disposal Methods

• Place dog waste in a securely tied bag and dispose of it in the trash.

• Use pet waste bins in public areas if available.

• Check for local commercial composting services for pet waste.

Flushing trash might seem easy, but it can be harmful. Here is why proper disposal is crucial:

Problems Caused by Flushing Trash

• Items like wet wipes, cotton balls, and dental floss cause costly clogs and backups.

• Many items don’t break down, leading to persistent plumbing damage.

• Trash can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life.

• Chemicals from medications can leach into water, affecting ecosystems and drinking water.

• Non-flushable items make wastewater treatment more difficult.

• Persistent trash damages equipment, leading to costly repairs.

Items to never flush

• Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones)

• Feminine hygiene products

• Dental floss, cotton balls and swabs

• Medication

• Paper towels and tissues

• Prophylactics

• Cigarettes

• Food

Parks and Rec offers June lakeside concerts

The 2024 Lakeside Concert Series kicked off on June 6 with regional favorite, From the Edge. Each Thursday in June, visitors to Winged Deer Park will be greeted to the sounds of summer with a lakeside concert series. These events include free live music, a kid’s zone, food trucks, and giveaways.

Schedule:

• June 20: Mixtape 80s Tribute Band

• June 27: Nu-Blu

These events are free and open to all ages. Concerts will run each Thursday throughout the month of June from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Winged Deer Park Goulding Amphitheater.

FA5 offers more ways to experience live music

The Johnson City Main Street Program offers Fridays After 5 (FA5), an exciting concert series featuring live music every Friday night throughout the summer months. FA5 performances take place at King Commons Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., providing the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the warm summer evenings.

The lineup includes a diverse range of musical talent, showcasing various local

bands sure to entertain attendees of all ages.

The schedule for June and July is as follows:

• June 14: Ashes and Arrows

• June 21: Demon Waffle

• June 28: Abby Bryant and The Echoes

• July 5: The Kindest People

• July 12: Will Overman

• July 19: JusFine

• July 26: Lucille Klements

Each Friday, King Commons comes alive with the sounds of these talented musicians, offering a mix of genres and styles that reflect the rich musical heritage of the region.

June 2024

Fire Department seeking community input

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.

The JCFD’s last community survey was conducted in 2019, and multiple operational changes were influenced by the results. One example is

a partnership with Ballad Health to bolster the car seat installation program. The JCFD also doubled its number of certified car seat technicians. Those technicians install and inspect child safety seats and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate seat based on a child’s age, weight and height. The program also provides child safety seats to families who cannot afford them.

You can participate in the JCFD Community Survey now by clicking the link below. The survey closes Aug. 14. Take the Survey

Make a difference: Contribute to scholarship program

Employee donations through payroll deductions or a one-time donation make the employee scholarship program possible. Though a lot of employees do not have college-age children, they have chosen to help improve the lives of other City employees’ children with their donations.

Please consider a payroll deduction to support this very important program. This is a tax-deductible contribution. Email Richard Lockner for information on how you can donate or for how you can join the Employee Scholarship Committee, rlockner@ johnsoncitytn.org.

June 2024

Library to host Ohio-based artist Williamson

The Johnson City Public Library (JCPL) is featuring Wacky, Weird, and Wonderful World of Whales, a surrealist exhibit by Dayton, Ohio-based artist Chip Williamson. Known for his magical mischief, intricate detail, and humor, Williamson’s paintings

are on display in the library’s Galleria until Friday, June 14.

An artist reception will be held on June 14 from 4-6 p.m. in the Galleria, where the public can meet Williamson and explore his whimsical creations. His work re-imagines mundane experiences, turning discarded objects into fantastical visual narratives. Williamson’s intricate storytelling features enchanted whales in otherworldly scenes, creating a joyful and humorous universe.

For exhibit details, contact JCPL Assistant Director of User Services Wendy Day at 423.434.4355.

Police promote two to sergeant, one to lieutenant

Johnson City Police Department Chief Billy Church announced the promotions of three JCPD officers during a ceremony at the Rick Collins Police Training Complex Friday, May 31.

“Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of these officers,” said Chief Church. “These three have demonstrated that they are prepared for advanced leadership roles in this next chapter of the Johnson City

Police Department. I am confident they will serve Johnson City with integrity and professionalism.”

Corey Shoun has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He will continue

to serve on Platoon 3 in his new role. Joseph Jaynes has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 2. Seth Roberts has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 3.

Congratulations, officers.

Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements

New Hires - May

Michael Largent - Information Technology

Linda Myatt - Senior Services

Dakota Cochran - Police

Andrew Stephens - Water and Sewer Services

Hannah Peyton Muse - Parks and Recreation

New Hires - May

Kaylee Higgins - Parks and Recreation

Phillip Self - Transit

Emma Barlowe - Parks and Recreation

David Hallatt - Transit

Jason Thompson - Public Works

Promotions - May

Blake Olson - Fire

Blake King - Water and Sewer Services

Isaac Brown - Water and Sewer Services

Johnny Isaacs - Public Works

Pay attention: Stop distracted driving behaviors

The weather is warming up. With more daylight hours to enjoy time outdoors, many people are walking and biking to their destinations.

Drivers should pay attention to the extra types of traffic during these warm weather months and keep in mind Tennessee law states that drivers should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and that the use of a mobile device behind the wheel is prohibited.

June 2024

Communications Team updates from May 29 meeting

The Communications and Marketing Department hosts a Communications Team meeting the last Wednesday of each month. Nearly 30 employees representing most departments attend to share news. We will begin passing along pertinent information from these meetings in Newslink in an effort to better inform all City employees.

Please contact the department representative for more details on specific notes.

Freedom Hall

• The annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks event will take place July 4.

• Early voting for the Aug. 1 election will take place July 12-27. Early voting hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Other upcoming Freedom Hall events include:

• Aug. 16 – Jamie Johnson with Ben Haggard and Emily Ann Roberts

• Sept. 27-29 – Jericho Shrine Circus

• Oct. 3 – Zach Williams with Cain, Matt Maher and Ben Fuller

• Oct. 20 – Whiskey Myers with JJ Grey, Mofro and Colby Acuff

Communications and Marketing

• The City’s new website is set to go live later this month. Be looking for emails to announce the new site.

• The department is adding a graphic

designer. This position is currently posted.

• The City’s first-ever Junior Council has been established and consists of nine high school sophomores and juniors. They will begin terms in August.

Public Works crews have been hard at work on several road projects including:

• Right turn lane installation at Peoples Street and Knob Creek Road (under way)

• Parking lot at Boone and West Main streets (near completion)

• South Roan Street sidewalk is completed, and road widening should be completed soon. Paving will begin in July.

• Sidewalk installation on East Oakland Avenue should begin this month.

Planning and Development Services

• A new permit technician will soon join the department.

• Community Development has moved to the Economic Development Department. Please direct questions related to community development to Wayne Lyons or Alicia Summers.

Purchasing

• Remember that all purchased goods must be in hand by June 30 to be part of FY 24.

On the next page is a list of Communications Team members. If you have news to share with the organization, please reach out to your department designee.

Continued on page 10.

June 2024

Communications Team updates continued

Julia Thomas started maternity leave on June 3. Below are a list of important numbers during her absence.

Oracle:

• If you are having trouble logging into Oracle, email HELP@johnsoncitytn.org

• If you need a Line Manager change or an employee’s Oracle schedule changed, email hr@johnsoncitytn.org

• If you need assistance with a timecard error or have a payroll question, email payhelp@ johnsoncitytn.org

• If an employee needs additional access within Oracle, email mary@johnsoncitytn.org and david@johnsoncitytn.org

• If workflows (requisitions, invoices) need updated within Oracle, email david@johnsoncitytn.org

Lathem Timeclock

• If you need a badge for new employees to clock in/out via a physical timeclock, email deidson@johnsoncitytn.org

Txt180 or Wufoo

• If you have a question about Txt180 or Wufoo, email deidson@johnsoncitytn.org

iCompass

• If you need assistance with iCompass, email Beth at bgreene@johnsoncitytn.org

IT assistance

• If you need technical IT help, please email HELP@johnsoncitytn.org or call 423.434.HELP.

Communications Team Members (Organized alphabetically by last name)

Shannon Arias - Human Resources

Jessica Bishop - Finance

Michelle Bowers - Fire

Allyson Burgner - Communications & Marketing

Tim Devlin - Purchasing

Tayler Dixon - Parks & Recreation

Tasha Dykes - Finance

Shira Evans - Communications & Marketing

Linda Fair - Public Works

Amy Ford - Facilities Management

Beth Greene - Administration

Matt Gryder - Police

Nick Harrison - Communications & Marketing

Heather Hatfield - Administration

Eldonna Janutolo - Transit

Lindsey Jones - Communications & Marketing

Sheri Keenan - Legal

Terrybeth Kolarick - Fleet

Cheyenne Kumbhare - Public Works

Nicole Lawrence - Planning & Development

Christy Long - Water & Sewer

Isharah Lundy - Communications & Marketing

Vicki McGucken - Water & Sewer

Judy McNeil - Fire

JT McSpadden - Communications & Marketing

Robin Miller - Water & Sewer

Libby Murphy - Juvenile Court

Sarah Nobles - Communications & Marketing

April Norris - Parks & Recreation

Jeff Rawles - MTPO

Shanda Sargent - Human Resources

Kim Shepard - Risk Management

Keisha Shoun - Communications & Marketing

Julia Thomas - IT

Sandy Trivette - Freedom Hall

Brittney Whitson - Police