The City has launched the 2024 National Community Survey (The NCS) to connect with residents and gather essential feedback that will help shape a more effective and connected community. Through this survey, residents can easily share their thoughts on the City's efforts, fostering an ongoing dialogue with community leaders. This initiative offers a valuable opportunity for residents to become actively involved in decision-making that will move Johnson City forward.
After participating in the survey, residents will have the chance to stay informed about future polling and survey efforts, giving them an ongoing, active voice in the community. The survey ensures complete anonymity for participants, allowing residents to provide honest feedback while protecting their privacy. While individual responses are anonymous, City staff will gain insight through broad demographic and geographic breakdowns of the
results, which will support a more comprehensive understanding of community needs.
To maximize participation, we’re asking for support in sharing this opportunity as widely as possible. You can help by taking the survey if you are a citizen, encouraging your department colleagues to participate, and displaying any marketing material created by the Communications and Marketing Department. Every effort you make helps increase awareness of this important survey, allowing more residents to contribute their voices.
Thank you for helping us create a stronger Johnson City community. To participate, click the button below or visit www. johnsoncitytn.org/survey before Dec. 16 and make your voice heard today!
Summers named assistant city manager
City Manager Cathy Ball recently announced that Alicia Summers has been named Johnson City’s newest assistant city manager. Summers has served as the City’s economic development director since 2022.
“Alicia is a highly regarded leader in economic development, both regionally and statewide,” said Ball. “As we navigate unprecedented growth, having an assistant city manager with a unique skillset and understanding of
associated challenges became crucial. Alicia was an ideal candidate for this role.”
Summers has nearly two decades of experience in economic development across East Tennessee. As the City’s economic development director, her responsibilities included overseeing business retention, expansion, and attraction programs, as well as promoting financial incentives and other support to strengthen Johnson City’s business landscape. She also served as the liaison to government entities and organizations focused on regional and state economic development initiatives. Summers oversaw significant redevelopment projects including 401 Ashe Street, retail recruitment, and housing/ community development.
Summers earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in urban planning and organizational management from East Tennessee State University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
“When I joined the City, I set out to build upon this community’s strong foundation and help make Johnson City an even better place to live and do business,” Summers said. “I am grateful to City Manager Ball and the City Commission for trusting me with this opportunity to join the executive team and help shape the future of our City.”
Summers began her role as assistant city manager on Monday, Nov. 4.
’Tis the season: Call for holiday recipes
Ready to spread some holiday cheer (and maybe a dash of cinnamon)? We’re on a mission to make this season extra delicious and need your help! Share your favorite holiday recipe — whether it is grandma’s legendary cookies, your go-to festive dip, or that secret side dish that keeps the neighbors talking.
Submissions are due by Dec. 2 to contribute to our ultimate City Holiday Recipe Newslink edition.
Email Sarah Nobles at snobles@johnsoncitytn. org. Let’s make this holiday season the tastiest one yet!
Wastewater staff members earn prestigious awards
At the City Commission meeting held on Nov. 7, Johnson City’s Water and Sewer Services team was celebrated for achieving six prestigious awards in wastewater management. Each of the City’s three wastewater treatment plants — Regional, Knob Creek, and Brush Creek — received two awards, recognizing their commitment to regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. The awards, presented by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Clean Water Professionals of KentuckyTennessee, underscore the City’s dedication to maintaining
high standards in wastewater treatment operations.
The awards were accepted by key members of the Water and Sewer Services team, including Chief Wastewater Plant Operator Aaron Mullins, who currently serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge of Wastewater Treatment. Also honored were Michael Rocker, wastewater plant operator III at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, which had an impressive 14 years of continuous compliance; Nick Street, wastewater plant operator III at the Knob Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, recognized for 12 years with no more than one compliance infraction; and Mark Sweigart, wastewater plant operator III at the Brush Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has maintained compliance for two consecutive years. Benji Whitehead, assistant director
of operations for Water and Sewer Services, also joined the team in receiving this recognition.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the entire Water and Sewer Services team, whose efforts in plant operations, maintenance, and line operations play an essential role in regulatory compliance. The City’s commitment to reinvesting in wastewater facilities is a key factor behind this success, ensuring that Johnson City’s infrastructure remains strong and environmentally sound.
These awards not only recognize individual and team achievements but also reinforce Johnson City’s mission to uphold the highest standards in wastewater treatment, preserving the quality of life and environmental health for all residents.
Ribbon cutting event for WSS spring house
Just off Highway 107 in Unicoi lies a spring source that has provided high-quality water to Johnson City customers for over a century. Recently, City commissioners, stakeholders, and staff gathered with the Water and Sewer Services team to celebrate the opening of a newly constructed spring house, replacing the original structure that had served the City since 1913.
IT welcomes feedback
The IT Department welcomes your constructive feedback. To minimize confusion from a last-minute launch, IT provided several instructional emails leading up to the Okta Verify deadline. Did you receive these communications? Was the importance of complying with this mobile application download clear? How could we have better informed you about this update’s significance? Your constructive feedback will help us enhance the implementation of future programs like Okta Verify. Thank you for your input!
To share feedback, email David Eidson at deidson@johnsoncitytn.org.
The water from this source is processed at the Unicoi Springs Water Facility, which serves residents across Carter, Washington, and Unicoi counties and can handle up to 4 million gallons of water daily. The new spring house ensures continued access to this reliable water source for generations to come, honoring a long-standing tradition of quality service in the region.
Officers complete Southeastern Leadership Academy
On Friday, Oct. 25, three officers with the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) graduated from Session XI of the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center’s Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA).
Capt. Mike Adams, Lt. Andy Clevinger, and Lt. Jeff LeGault took part in the intensive five-week academy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Each week focused on themed lessons that included the foundations of leadership, leadership skills, building external relationships, internal matters,
“These three officers are committed to continuous improvement for themselves and the JCPD,” said Chief Billy Church. “Their completion of this challenging program reflects their dedication to professional growth and excellence in leadership. We are excited about the positive impact their leadership will continue to bring to the JCPD and the residents of Johnson City.”
SELA is targeted toward middle management. The academy teaches participants how to develop their leadership styles to become more effective and progressive leaders.
City Manager Cathy Ball said she was incredibly proud to attend the graduation ceremony.
“Through the SELA,
our officers have gained enhanced expertise that makes them even more equipped to serve our community. The City is proud to make the investment of ongoing training for members of the JCPD and other City departments,” she said.
Captain Adams leads the JCPD Criminal Investigations Division, Lt. Clevinger is head of the JCPD Training Division, and Lt. LeGault guides the JCPD K9 Unit.
TRENDING
Momberger sits down with local podcaster
Fire Administrative District
Chief Adam Momberger takes his place behind the microphone to record an episode of the Benchmark Happenings podcast series. Former JC 101 participant
Nov. 20: Celebrate GIS
With GIS Day on Nov. 20, Johnson City takes the opportunity to celebrate the vital contributions of our GIS (Geographic Information Systems) professionals. These hardworking employees play an essential role in supporting various City operations by providing detailed mapping, spatial analysis, and data-driven insights that improve services across departments like Public Works and Water and Sewer Services.
Their dedication ensures that projects are well planned and emergency responses are strategic and timely. We extend our sincere thanks to our GIS team for their invaluable work in keeping Johnson City connected, informed, and thriving.
Christine Reed hosts the series that focuses on living in and moving to Northeast Tennessee. DC Momberger discussed how the JCFD serves our community and region.
GIS USER SURVEY
Help the IT Department and GIS team improve resources for you! Please take a few moments to complete a brief, anonymous GIS User Survey. This fourquestion survey takes less than five minutes and will help GIS understand your needs with GIS products like maps, mobile apps, GPS, and other location tools.
Your input is essential to ensuring GIS provides effective support for your job duties. Share your thoughts and let GIS know how they can better serve you!
Community commends dedicated staff
The City of Johnson City recently received commendations for outstanding service across multiple departments:
From TBI Special Agent Thomas Garrison: “David Smathers did a K-9 demo with Arya at my child’s preschool. Handling such young children can be tough, but he did an awesome job. The kids and teachers loved it. Great work, David!”
From Jesse Jacobsen, Summers-Taylor Inc.: “I saw your crew doing asphalt patch work on E. Fairview Ave. Their traffic control was textbook
perfect—flaggers communicated excellently with motorists and the crew.”
From Debbie Tittle, resident: “I want to express gratitude for (Police) Officer Tyler Hamilton, who showed compassion and professionalism during an accident. His care and attentiveness were exceptional, embodying the values of Johnson City.”
These shoutouts reflect the exemplary dedication and impact Johnson City’s public servants have on the community.
Stormwater team attends TNSA
Johnson City Public Works Environmental Specialists
Kevin Beddingfield and Theresa White attended the Tennessee Stormwater
Association annual conference at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tenn. in October. The event gathered professionals focused on MS4 permit compliance, erosion control, and watershed management. Keynote speaker Michael McClanahan, known for his role in environmental outreach with TDOT, highlighted innovative strategies in stormwater management. The conference provided a platform for knowledgesharing among municipal leaders, engineers, and environmental specialists across Tennessee, fostering effective practices in stormwater programs.
The Rise of Johnson CityFashion
Purchasing advises cardholders use caution
City employees with p-cards are reminded to remain vigilant when sharing information about their accounts. Recently, a City staff member received a suspicious call from an individual claiming to represent a local bank. The caller alleged that a charge had been made to the card and attempted to verify if it was legitimate. Fortunately, the cardholder did not
provide any information and instead reported the incident to the Purchasing Department for further investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder to always treat unsolicited calls with caution, especially when the caller requests account or card details. If you receive a similar call regarding any card charges:
• Do not provide any personal or account information to the caller.
• Contact Valerie Harless at 423.975.2716 or vharless@johnsoncitytn.org immediately. Valerie will verify the status of any potential charges and if necessary, alert the bank to protect the cardholder’s account.
Maintaining strong vigilance helps us prevent fraud and protect our financial resources. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for promptly reporting any suspicious activity.
Fire Department recruits poised for success
Congratulations to JCFD recruits Joseph Gunther, Wesley Berry, Blake Philips, and Thomas Proffitt on their graduation from the Northeast Tennessee Regional Fire Training Association Rookie School. We are proud of your teamwork and dedication. Wesley received the Academic Award. He was the highest scoring student in the class with a 97.35.
Tannery Knob water tank undergoes inspection
Water and Sewer Services recently completed a visual inspection of the Tannery Knob water tank, the largest water storage tank in the City’s service area. The inspection, conducted by Crom, LLC from Gainesville, FL., focused on evaluating the tank’s structural integrity and identifying any minor issues that would require attention.
Constructed by Crom in 2018, this pre-stressed concrete tank can hold up to 5 million gallons of water and is a critical resource for the city’s downtown area. The tank was designed to replace an original structure from the 1940s with a capacity of just 3.125 million gallons. The new tank’s advanced construction allows it to meet the growing needs of the community and withstand over 75 years of service with ongoing maintenance.
Federal regulations require
all water storage tanks to be inspected every five years. This routine inspection can either be performed visually, with the tank drained, or with a robotic inspection when filled. In Johnson City, a complete visual inspection was preferred to thoroughly evaluate the Tannery Knob tank’s interior. As a result, water from the five-milliongallon tank was temporarily redirected into the City’s distribution system, making the process seamless for local water users.
After the inspection, which was completed on schedule for the tank’s November 2024 deadline, it took approximately two days to refill the tank to capacity. This proactive inspection effort ensures the ongoing safety and functionality of the Tannery Knob tank, safeguarding reliable water service for the downtown Johnson City area and positioning the tank for years of efficient operation.
City staff were given the unique opportunity to tour the interior of the tank before the inspection. This chance won’t be available again until 2029, when the tank will be emptied for its next scheduled five-year inspection.
Two JCPD officers receive Life Saving Award
On Oct. 31, Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) Chief Billy Church recognized two JCPD officers for their dedication and outstanding service to the community during a ceremony at police headquarters.
Officers Jonathon Workman and Jacob Rice were presented with the JCPD Life Saving Award for their actions on the afternoon of Sept. 3, when they responded to a call of someone threatening suicide.
Officers Workman and Rice went to great lengths to access the apartment from which the person was calling. After gaining access and hearing someone in distress, they began life-saving measures and requested medical response.
Sgt. Adam Lunceford arrived on scene as the subject was being transported to an area hospital for treatment.
“With my observation of the scene and the condition of the victim, I do not doubt that the actions taken by officers Workman and Rice greatly reduced the possibility of more serious injury, including the possibility of death,” he said.
Chief Church commended the actions of officers Workman and Rice: “Their quick response and commitment to duty exemplify the highest standards of our department. Their acts serve as a reminder of the impact our officers have on the lives of those that they serve each day.”
The Life Saving Award honorees were chosen by an awards committee within the JCPD.
JCPD’s Todd Moody promoted to sergeant
Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) Chief Billy Church announced the promotion of Officer Todd Moody during a ceremony at JCPD headquarters on Oct. 17.
“Officer Moody has shown exceptional dedication and leadership in serving our community,” said Chief Church. “This promotion
is a reflection of his hard work, professionalism, and commitment to the safety of the citizens of Johnson City. I am confident that he will continue to serve with excellence and integrity in his new role at the Johnson City Police Department.”
As sergeant, Moody will now oversee the department’s Records Division. Moody earned his Associate of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Northeast State in 1994. He worked in the City’s Water and Sewer Services Department before joining the JCPD in April 2005. He has worked as both a patrol and a downtown
officer, also serving on the Traffic Reconstruction and Bike Teams. He also assisted in the Police Explorer Program and Junior Police Academy. Most recently, Moody served the department in the role of Accreditation Manager.
“I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Moody. “I look forward to this new challenge in my career with the department.”
“Congratulations to Sgt. Moody,” said City Manager Cathy Ball. “We’re excited to have him in this position and look forward to the great work he will accomplish.”
Police Records Department extends public hours
To offer expanded service to our community, the Records Department at the Johnson City Police Department has extended its hours.
The Records Department, located inside JCPD Headquarters at 601 E. Main St., operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. The Records
Department is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Residents also have access to the prescription drug disposal box during the extended hours. The disposal box provides members of the community a safe place to discard unwanted, unused, and expired medications.
Congratulations new hires, promotions
New Hires - October
Dennis Osborne - Water & Sewer Services
Larry Casteel - Parks & Recreation
Melissa Koontz - Transit
Sara DelBene - Communications & Marketing
Joshua Hicks - Fleet Management
Nicole Stevens - Fire
Connor Chattin - Water & Sewer Services
Paul Godman - Parks & Recreation
CITY DATES TO REMEMBER
Nov. 28, 29 – Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 30 – Grand Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 2 - City Swearing in Ceremony
Dec. 7 – Christmas Parade
Dec. 13 - Employee Christmas Lunch
Dec. 11 – Shop with a Cop
Dec. 24, 25 – Christmas Holiday
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day Holiday
Promotions - October
Jeramy Isbel - Water & Sewer Services
William Forney - Transit
David Pettis - Transit
Shana Payne - Transit
Penny Jordan - Transit
Harold Keller - Public Works
Todd Moody - Police
Swearing in ceremony for commissioners-elect
The City of Johnson City swearing in ceremony will take place at 401 Ashe St. on Monday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. Commissioners and school board members will be sworn into office.
At the Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, commissioners will reorganize to appoint a new mayor and vice mayor.
ADULT FIRST AID
About the Course
The American Red Cross – Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course equips participants to recognize and care for a variety of first-aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults.
The course is designed for participants who need a certification that satisfies OSHA workplace or other regulatory requirements. Upon successful completion, a valid two-year digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.
The course is taught in an instructor-led skills session format. The minimum class size is three and the maximum class size is ten participants.
Requirements
All participants will need supervisor approval for training participation. Location of training will be forwarded to the approved participant at least 48 hours prior to start.
In order to receive a certification, participants will need to attend the full class time, participate in skill exercises and successfully complete testing.
