Gratitude hardly captures how I feel in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We are a team, and it is through teamwork that we advance the City’s mission. Our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Johnson City shines through not only in our daily responsibilities but especially when our community and region need us most. Across every department, City staff stepped up — and continue to step up — to assist in countless ways following the storm’s destructive impact.
You show up for this City and for our neighbors every day, whether in small acts of service or extraordinary efforts during challenging times. With more than 1,000 employees working together for Johnson City, I am proud to be part of this incredible organization.
Thank you for your dedication and for going above and beyond in every way.
With appreciation, Cathy
Local Habitat for Humanity hosts Women Build event
A dedicated group of City employees recently rolled up their sleeves to participate in Holston Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event. The volunteers worked alongside trained construction professionals to help install siding on a home for a local family in need.
The event provided an empowering opportunity for City staffers to gain handson experience in construction, with no prior experience necessary. Under the mentorship of skilled professionals, these volunteers learned new skills while giving back to the community.
Holston Habitat’s Women Build events aim to engage women in meaningful, communitydriven construction work. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www. holstonhabitat.org.
Attention City employees: Free identity protection
Blue Cross Blue Shield has partnered with Experian to offer identity protection for you and your covered family members at no extra cost. To enroll, log into your BCBST.
com account, navigate to "Benefits and Coverage," and select "Identity Protection Services." Don’t miss out on this important benefit!
Pictured top row, left to right: Melanie Rice, Human Resources; Joy Baker, Risk Management; Jenny Brock, Commissioner; Keisha Shoun, Communications and Marketing; Shira Evans, Communications and Marketing
Pictured bottom row, left to right: Ally Burgner, Communications and Marketing; Tayler Dixon, Parks and Recreation; AnCharlene Davis, Police/ Legal Department; Sarah Nobles, Communications and Marketing
Final day to donate to employees impacted by storm
Finance Director Stephanie Laos and Staff Accountant Jessica Bishop have been collecting donations for City employees impacted by Hurricane Helene. The last day to donate is Wednesday, Oct. 16. To make a donation, stop by the Finance Department near the mailroom at City Hall (lower level). The door will be propped open, with signage guiding you to the donation area.
Please note that donations will be CASH ONLY, and donors will receive a receipt. All funds will be securely stored in a lock box until distributed to those in need. For convenience, there is an ATM located near the Police records window, if needed.
Thank you to everyone for your generosity and support during this time. We are truly fortunate to work in such a caring community!
Opt-in to cojc.411 text alerts
The Communications and Marketing Department and Information Technology are happy to announce that text alerts for City employees are now available. Recognizing that many do not have frequent access to email, text alerts are intended to make important employee information more accessible to all.
• If you have a City-issued cell phone, great news! You’re already enrolled.
• To opt-in with a personal cell, text cojc.411 to 77948.
Review website
We encourage each department to review their pages on the City website regularly. When submitting website information, please provide a deadline and all related information. If you notice inaccurate information, broken links or are providing updated content, email webupdate@ johnsoncitytn.org.
2024
Sound the alarm: October reminder saves lives
The Johnson City Fire Department encourages everyone to take extra steps during Fire Prevention Month to ensure their homes and workplaces are fire-safe.
This year’s theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You," emphasizes the importance of ensuring that smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained. The Fire Department encourages everyone to test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
Working smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If you cannot afford smoke alarms for your home, JCFD can help with that. The Department can also assist with installation. Learn more about the Smoke Detector Program by calling 423.975.2840.
Flu Shot Schedule Flu Shot Schedule
It is that time of year. Get your FREE seasonal flu shot. This service is provided to ALL employees (full-time, parttime, seasonal) and their spouses. No appointment is necessary. Registration will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinic.
To learn more, contact Human Resources at hr@johnsoncitytn.org or call 423.434.6006.
Reminder: Pool car return, fueling procedures
Fleet Management would like to remind all City staff that pool cars should be returned to their designated parking spaces at the City Garage with a full gas tank.
If you need to refuel a vehicle or equipment, you can do so at the following locations:
• Water and Sewer Services (WSS) Complex, 2250
Eddie Williams Road
Open Monday–Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For after-hours or weekend access, employees must use their fob or card.
• City Services Complex, 209 Water St.
Fleet Management thanks you for ensuring City vehicles are ready for the next user by refueling the gas tank.
Doors open to Johnson City Railroad Experience
On Oct. 3, the Johnson City Railroad Experience opened its doors, inviting visitors to explore the city’s rich railroad heritage. Located in downtown Johnson City, this engaging museum offers interactive exhibits that highlight the transformative role of railroads in the city’s history. Visitors will learn about influential figures like Henry Johnson and George L. Carter, who were instrumental in the city’s development. The museum serves as a community space for families, students and visitors to connect with the innovative spirit that shaped Johnson City’s growth.
Visit the museum to discover and celebrate local heritage! The museum is located at 207 N. Boone St. For more information, call 423.631.5273 or visit johnsoncityrailroadexperience.org.
Evans, Nobles complete intensive MPIO training
Shira Evans and Sarah Nobles from the City’s Communications and Marketing Department recently completed the Master Public Information Officer (MPIO) training, a
multi-disciplinary, POSTapproved certification program offered by the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service in Nashville. The intensive 40-hour course provided
important training on key aspects of public communication, including crisis management, media relations and agency branding. The curriculum also covered emotional intelligence, social media strategy, video production, and self-care, equipping Shira and Sarah with the professionalism to manage both routine communication and high-stakes public safety situations.
October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Johnson City/Washington County Family Justice Center (FJC) provides a onestop safe location to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence. Some of the help the Center provides includes assistance with orders of protection, advocacy, safety planning, civillegal support and counseling.
The FJC is working to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community. The purple pinwheels in Founders Park represent the 695 domestic violence incidents reported in Johnson City and Washington County between July 2023 and June 2024. Fortyfour percent of domestic violence assaults are unreported.
The Family Justice Center is here to help.
Contact the Family Justice Center at 423.722.3720 or at FJC@johnsoncitytn.org. The Safe House Johnson City has a 24-hour hotline for those seeking help. The domestic violence hotline is 423.926.7233. The sexual assault helpline is 423.306.5169.
Okta Verify required for remote Oracle access
Okta Verify is required for all staff members who access the City of Johnson City’s Oracle system remotely. If you do not have Okta Verify installed on your mobile device, you will not be able to access the application outside of the City’s network.
Example Oracle functions that will require Okta Verify for remote access include:
1. Clocking in and out for work using web clock.
2. Requesting absences.
3. Checking pay stubs.
Note: While connected to the City’s network (i.e., on a desktop or laptop computer at work), you will still be able to access these functions without requiring Okta Verify.
What is Okta Verify?
Okta Verify is a mobile app that confirms your identity through a multi-factor authentication (MFA) process when signing in to your company’s apps remotely. Okta Verify sends push notifications or provides verification codes to confirm your identity. While this adds an extra step, it’s essential for the security of our systems. To ensure continued access, please install Okta Verify on your mobile device.
How do I install Okta Verify?
Instructions for setup are on the last page. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the IT Help Desk.
JC 101 engages community with in-depth learning
This year, the JC 101 program successfully brought together a highly engaged group of residents eager to learn about local government. Over nine weeks, participants took part in nearly 30 hours of insightful discussions, tours and presentations led by various City departments, all while enjoying dinner together.
On Oct, 3, Mayor Todd Fowler awarded certificates of completion to each participant during the Board of Commissioners meeting.
Upon accepting their certificates, JC 101 participants were given the opportunity to talk about the program’s impact. Many commented on the passion, commitment and dedication each staff member had for their area of focus.
The Communications and Marketing Department extends its gratitude to all City staff who contributed their time and expertise, empowering residents to become informed advocates for the community.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - August
Bryan Lafferty - Public Works
William Curl Jr. - Water and Sewer Services
Lashelle Gee - Police
Spencer Ludlow - Police
Jason Gevinski - Police
Katelyn Williams - Police
Dylan Dodgin - Police
Walter Ramsey - Transit
Christopher Hughes - Water and Sewer Services
Seth Pyles - Parks and Recreation
Daniel Hamilton - Transit
CITY DATES TO REMEMBER
Oct. 17 - Acoustic Autumn
Oct. 19 - Main Street Days
Oct. 24 - Acoustic Autumn
Nov. 28, 29 – Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 30 – Grand Christmas Tree Lighting
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
Retirees - August
Eric Dunn (31) - Water and Sewer Services
Mitch Perry (33) - Police
John Hames (44) - Police
Traye Townsend (28) - Water and Sewer Services
Promotions - August
Michelle Bowers - Police (Civilian)
Adam Dickson - Parks and Recreation
Frederick Coons - Parks and Recreation
Paul Easlic - Public Works
Chase Stearns - Water and Sewer Services
Gavin Presnell - Parks and Recreation
SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPS
Cooler months are near and keeping warm is important. Below are electric space heater do’s and don’ts. Gas space heaters require supervisor approval.
• Do plug directly into a wall outlet
• Do keep away from other items, minumum of 3 feet
• Do keep heater on level, stable surface
• Do buy a unit with an automatic shutoff
• Do inspect daily
• Do unplug it before you leave
• Do ask your supervisor for approval
• Do not use an extension cord
• Do not place in a high traffic area
• Do not leave unattended
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.
Oct. 15 or 17
Nov. 19 or 21
Dec. 17 or 19
Jan. 14 or 16
Feb. 18 or 20
March 18 or 20
April 15 or 17
(423) 434-6005
Multi-factor authentication key to protection
Step One Step Two Step Three
Login to the Johnson City Okta portal on your desktop at https://login.johnsoncitytn.org or click on the Okta icon on your desktop.
Login to the portal with your normal City username and password. If you are logged into your office PC, the browser will automatically log you in with your Windows login.
Step Four Step Five
Follow the instructions to download and install Okta Verify on your phone and then open the app and scan the QR code that is displayed on your screen.
If your phone asks you to setup the biometric authentication with your fingerprint or Face ID, please complete
Once you have successfully authenticated, you will be asked to setup your Okta Verify app on your phone. Select the option to Setup Okta verify.
Six
After successfully authenticating and setting up your Okta MFA, you will be taken to the Okta Dashboard where you will find links for organizational apps that have been connected to Okta.
