IN THIS EDITION Page 2
GIS Day Archiving History
Page 3
Picklers Freedom Hall Important Dates
Page 4
WSS: ETSU Tour Police: SELA
Page 5
Lane: 40 Under Forty Transit Safety PSA
Page 6
JC 101 Shout Out
Page 7
Finance Halloween New Fire Recruits
Page 8
New Hires, Promotions Website Updates City Hiring
Page 9
Seat Belt Safety
Page 10 Slogan Contest Page 11
Get to Know
Page 12 Office Hazards Page 13 Halcyon Flier Page 14 Diabetes Flier
Do you have an idea for an item that should be included in future editions of Newslink? We are always looking for department news, personal accomplishments and people to feature. Send your suggestions to cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org.
November 2023
Lunceford receives service award
In a letter to the Police Department dated Dec. 4, 2016, Lt. David Bell, who now serves the Fire Department as chief, expressed gratitude for Lunceford’s bold actions.
Recently, Officer Adam Lunceford was recognized with the Medal of Distinguished Service Award for his courageous actions. Two days after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26, 2016, Lunceford made the selfless choice to enter a burning vehicle to rescue an entrapped victim. Breaking through the windshield, Lunceford pulled the victim from the engulfed vehicle while Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames.
“Officer Lunceford completed this heroic act at great risk to himself to help preserve the life of the victim of the accident,” said Bell. After City staff realized that the letter had been inadvertently overlooked during the start of the 2016 holiday season, the JCPD Awards Committee corrected this lapse by unanimously supporting Lunceford’s nomination for the Distinguished Service Award. Chief Billy Church presented the medal during roll call in an early morning ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 12.
NEWSLINK November 2023 Celebrate GIS: Critical importance of data collection This year, GIS Day is Nov. 15. City employees in several departments use geographic information systems (GIS) based technologies to provide critical information for daily departmental operations. Data from GIS employees in Water and Sewer Services, Information Technology, Public Works, and the Police departments is gathered, cataloged and shared in real time. This work is crucial to hundreds of employees across
multiple divisions aiding in their success. In addition, work performed by GIS is instrumental in informing our citizenry. The map gallery on the City’s website can assist residents in numerous ways. Data on residential trash collection to zoning information to City boundaries is available because of the work performed by GIS city employees.
Employees work to preserve planning history
Planning and Development Services has a wealth of historical artifacts from years of city planning at their disposal. Two employees are working to make this information available to all. Nicole Lawrence, administrative assistant, has been archiving City materials since 2018. Recently, she had
help from Code Enforcement Officer Sara Quinn. Nicole identified material to archive and Sara cataloged and scanned the related documents which included photos and other Historic Tree Streets items. The inventory of material revealed photographs of the Johnson City Depot Building and Municipal and Safety Building from the
1970s. In the photos above, a comparision of City Hall when it was first built versus today reveals some changes. At present, mature trees and landscaping soften the building’s facade. Nicole estimates that the digital archive will be available to the public by late 2024.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 IYKYK: Falafels, flapjacks, flicks FREEDOM HALL SAVE THE DATE Keith Anderson Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Theory of a Deadman and Skillet: Rock Resurrection Tour
Pickleball, the sport sweeping the nation, is popular with City employees too. Most Wednesdays, a group of staff from different departments battle it out on the court in a friendly, non-competitive setting. Recently, Memorial Park Community Center hosted a Pickleball Mixer. The weather was chilly and damp making outdoor play difficult. Deb Fogle and the MPCC staff
assisted in moving the event indoors where comradery warmed the pickledome (gym).
Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. ETSU Women vs. Lees-McRae Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
There were falafels, flapjacks, dinks, and drop, flick and smash shots, along with a whole slew of other pickleball techniques making this an overhead slam for all the players. Through teamwork, these City picklers work well on and off the court.
ETSU Men vs. TN Tech Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. ETSU vs. Tusculum Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. ETSU Women vs. Gardner-Webb Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. ETSU Men vs. UMKC Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
CITY DATES TO REMEMBER Nov. 23, 24 – Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 25 – Grand Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 2 – Christmas Parade Dec. 8 - Employee Christmas Lunch Dec. 13 – Shop with a Cop Dec. 25, 26 – Christmas Holiday Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day Holiday
ETSU vs. Mercer Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. ETSU vs. Western Carolina Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. ETSU vs. Chattanooga Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.
For the box office, call 423.461.4884.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 WSS offers tour to ETSU students, faculty Recently, the ETSU Water Supplies and Wastewater Treatment class toured the Brush Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Students and faculty interested in Water and Sewer Services were offered a tour as part of their Environmental Health program. They plan to join WSS employees for a second tour of a water plant in mid-November to learn more about water and wastewater treatment.
Two officers complete leadership training Mark Hollis and Drew Guider, Lieutenants in the Police Department, recently graduated from the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA). The ceremony recognizing their accomplishment was held at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga on Oct. 27.
leadership skills. Through this program, Lt. Hollis and Lt. Guider participated in sessions highlighting Foundations of Leadership/ Leading Others, Leadership Skills, Building External Relationships, Employee/ Internal Matters, and Critical Issues.
SELA is a five-week course for law enforcement personnel who are midmanagement and show an interest in expanding their
Congratulations, Lt. Hollis and Lt. Guider. Thank you for your dedication to professionalism, excellence and to continued learning. 4
NEWSLINK November 2023 Business Journal honors Lane with 40 Under Forty Annually, the Business Journal recognizing outstanding young business professionals in the Tri-Cities with the 40 Under Forty awards and gala. Among those recognized this year is Jon Lane, assistant director for Water and Sewer Services. Jon was nominated by Director Tom Witherspoon for his professional excellence and many contributions to service.
“Jon’s recognition represents his achievements thus far with not only the City but with the communities we serve,” said Tom. “He has a strong desire to continue to professionally develop in water and sewer service provision and build on relationships with stakeholders and coworkers which will lead to future success and effectiveness.”
Transit warns of dangers with popular mobility products City Transit drivers would like to remind everyone that there are hazards associated with using e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards in the roadways. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported a significant increase in emergency room visits involving these products. Commonly reported issues were related to product malfunction (fire), visibility and rider misuse. Please share these helpful instructions from the safety commission with new riders. •
• • • •
See and be seen. These products are small, quick, and quiet, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots and structures. Wear reflective/visible clothing. Slow down and stay aware of your surroundings. Use the bell/horn to alert others. Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 JC 101 wraps up a successful, engaged class This year, JC 101 had a great group who were highly engaged with the community before they began the nine-week program. By participating, these residents added to their awareness through insightful discussions and thoughtful questions. Participating departments offered tours, presentations, and projects in addition to dinner. This group of 17 participants, enjoyed JC 101 so much that they requested a 10th evening. For the final presentation, Information Technology Geospatial Manager Diane Youngs shared her expertise in GIS and the multitude of uses for data. She explained that GIS informs how employees perform their jobs and
Shoutout!
the ways citizens can use information on the website for everyday purposes. The program consisted of almost 30 hours of government information. Mayor Todd Fowler presented certificates of completion to each participant at the Oct. 5 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
advocates. The added benefit is that these informed citizens can educate their friends, family, and community on the City’s behalf.
The Communications and Marketing Department is grateful to every department and all of the City staff members who contributed their time and knowledge to making JC 101 a success. Through citizen engagement, employees can equip community members with the knowledge, along with access to resources, that make them
The Communications and Marketing Department received a shoutout in an unexpected place…thousands of feet in the air. Recently, the Department was blown away by citizen and JC 101 graduate Chris Edwards. When GO. ALL. OUT. launched as a defining element in the City’s branding, Keisha Shoun and JT McSpadden had no idea Chris would one day wear a City branded T-shirt on a biplane. And! Chris was not inside the
plane when he did it. Strapped to the roof of the plane, Chris showed his City support in a spectacular way, loops and all. The Department loves seeing the logo and City branding on employees and citizens. Snap a picture the next time you GO. ALL. OUT. in City branded gear. We would love to feature your photos in an upcoming edition of Newslink. Email your pictures to cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Planning & Development Services looks ahead steers the City well into the future,” said Senior Planning Consultant Whitney Hodges. “The data we collect will craft a framework for moving forward together as a community, and public input is an integral part of that process.” The Johnson City Planning and Development Services Department is embarking on a comprehensive planning initiative that will guide how our community will grow in the next 20+ years. Over the next two decades, Horizon 2045 will be used as the framework to
direct decision-making related to a variety of important topics, such as development, investments in infrastructure, zoning, and preservation of community character.
Tell you family, friends and neighbors to visit the Horizon 2045 website. For information, go to engagekh.com/ horizon2045.
“Horizon 2045 will become the comprehensive plan that
For a flyer to share in your office, email cojcnews@ johnsoncity.org.
Bell welcomes four fire recruits The Johnson City Fire Department is proud to announce the Oct. 30 graduation of four new firefighter recruits from the Northeast Tennessee Regional Fire Training Academy. Ryne Adkins, Alex Hartman, Jonathan Ponce and Gabriel Ray participated in more than 350 hours of training in various areas including firefighter safety, fire suppression, extrication and fire behavior. “This is a great group of recruits. I am proud to welcome them to our family,” said JCFD Chief David Bell. “I am excited
about the skills, dedication and professionalism they will bring to the department.” During the ceremony, JCFD Recruit Alex Hartman received the Academic Award. He finished the 11-week academy with the highest average of 99.48. The four recruits have now entered two weeks of Emergency Medical Responder training. When that training is complete, they will begin their shifts with the Fire Department as probationary firefighters. The recruits will maintain the probationary firefighter status
until completing one year of employment with JCFD. After recruits obtain firefighter status, the training continues. All JCFD firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 192 hours of training annually.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Promotions - October Noah Cody - Fleet Management Kaitlin Asbury - Fire David Babb - Water & Sewer Services
New Hires - October Shira Evans - Communications & Marketing
Review, update 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.
Daniel Crowe - Public Works David Short - Public Works Victor Sanchez Cruz - Public Works
Spread the word: City hiring
Jason Crum - Public Works
The City is hiring multiple positions in various
Hannah Randolph - Police
departments. Complete job listings can be
Kayla Mann - Public Works
found at johnsoncitytn.applicantpro.com/jobs/.
Dillan Wright - Parks & Recreation
Please share with neighbors, friends and family
Gregory Taylor - Freedom Hall
who are looking for employment.
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Seat belt use greatly improves survival rates The 5th annual National Seat Belt Day is Nov. 14. This event commemorates the invention of the 3-point seat belt. In addition, the day was created to promote seat belt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities resulting from seat belt misuse or unrestrained occupants has increased in the past few years. The simple act of using a safety belt can greatly improve the odds of surviving a vehicular accident. Fast Facts: •
•
Seat belts reduce fatalities by 45 percent among front-seat passengers and drivers and prevents serious injuries by half. The 3-point seat belt disperses the energy of
•
•
the moving body to the chest, pelvis, and shoulders which reduces whiplash and abdominal injuries. Airbags aren’t enough! The force of an airbag can seriously hurt or even kill passengers who aren’t wearing seat belts, and airbags don’t prevent passengers or drivers from being ejected during crashes. Research shows that children whose parents wear seat belts are more likely to buckle up. Parents, caregivers, and peers can impact and encourage teens to buckle up.
Tips to Improve Travel Safety: • •
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Useful Educational Links: •
• National Seat Belt Day is an excellent time to review seat belt safety with your household ensuring everyone understands why seat belt use is essential and legally required.
Always buckle your seat belt before driving. Make sure that the person in your passenger seat is buckled up. Insist that passengers in your rear seat buckle up, regardless of state laws. Understand your state’s child seat belt laws. Safety and booster seats save lives.
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Tennessee Highway Safety Office: tntrafficsafety.org National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov Tennessee Highway Patrol: tn.gov/seat/tennesseehighway-patrol
Recap in photos: ETSU game big hit with City staff
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Risk Management promotes slogan contests Create the winning seat belt awareness slogan (e.g., Click It or Ticket) and win a $250 gift certificate. The contest is open to all employees and/or employee family members. The winning slogan will be a part of the City’s JC Seat Belt Awareness initiative and will be featured on all marketing materials including posters, stickers, T-shirts, and seat belt covers. In addition, the winner will be featured in NewsLink. Contact Stanford Achi at 423.434.6005 or sachi@johnsoncitytn. org with questions.
Contest guidelines • • •
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Email submissions by Dec. 15 to Risk Management, riskmanagement@johnsoncitytn.org Employees who do not have email accounts may submit their entry to their supervisor. Include with your submission the following: • Slogan and any drawings associated with it. • Tell us who created it. Did you create it or a family member? • Tell us your name and your department. • Brief description about the slogan’s meaning. Share a family member’s quote on why it is important to wear a seat belt. The quote must be at least a sentence and no more than three sentences long.
Recap in photos: Smiles abound at Spooky Saturday
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Get to know... Name: Shira Evans Title: Public Information Officer Department: Communications and Marketing Year Started with City: 2023
1.
Where did you grow up? Elizabethton, TN
2. What is your favorite quote? Worry never fixes anything. 3. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Cookies and Cream 4. Have you met anyone famous? Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney 5. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? On a beach in St. John, USVI 6. If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be? Tacos 7. What movie can you watch over and over? Step Brothers 8. What is the most recent song you downloaded? Bubbles Up by Jimmy Buffett 9. What book are you reading right now? The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand 10. What do you do when you are bored? Clean and Organize 11. Complete this sentence: I would not be the person I am today without my mom and dad. 12. Complete this sentence: Right now I feel laughter is the best sound in the world.
Recap in photos: Trotter takes top spot at press conference
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NEWSLINK November 2023 Risk Management warns of common office hazards Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of office injuries • • • • •
Clean up spills immediately to avoid slipping. Secure cords and drawers to avoid tripping. Report damaged flooring to Facilities. Do not store objects on the floor. Always use a stepladder.
Struck by or striking objects • • •
Close drawers and fully open doors. Keep clear line of sight, avoid looking down. Be aware of opening doors or falling objects.
Overexertion and strains • •
Picking up a load incorrectly (refer to our Lifting Safety Toolbox Talk for additional information). Repetitive stress injuries resulting from your workstation (refer to our Computer Ergonomics Toolbox Talk for additional information).
Fire hazards • • • • • •
Ensure that multi-plug extensions leads have circuity breakers or install more sockets. Never overload electrical sockets. Keep all storage of combustible materials (cardboard, paper) to an absolute minimum as they can pose both a fire and trip hazard. Ensure you switch off and unplug all electrical equipment not in use. Know the location of fire extinguisher and how they function. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes.
Group discussion topics • • •
Assess your workstation and discuss hazards. Is anyone in the office experiencing discomfort at their workstation? Understand all evacuation routes from your office and where all the safety equipment is located (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, AEDs).
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Stanford Achi, occupational health and safety coordinator, at 423.434.6005 or sachi@johnsoncitytn.org.
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NEWSLINK November 2023
1-888-425-4800 halcyoneap.com group code: johnsoncity
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NEWSLINK November 2023 City of Johnson City Diabetes Program Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of all City employees, spouses and their covered dependents. The Diabetes Program provides an opportunity to develop and improve diabetes self-management skills through education and support provided by the multidisciplinary diabetes coaching team. Contact Human Resources at 423-434-6020 for more information.
Requirements
Timeframe
Participate in the Annual Health Assessment
January
A1C & Urine Microalbumin
Annually
Physical with Foot Exam
Annually
Annual Diabetic Eye Exam (Bi-annual if no retinopathy)
Annually or Bi-annually
4 Quarterly Coaching Sessions (In-person) #1 Health Assessment/Diabetes Nurse session #2 Diabetes Nurse session #3 Diabetes Nurse session #4 Diabetes Nurse session
#1 by end of 1st Quarter #2 by end of 2nd Quarter #3 by end of 3rd Quarter #4 by end of 4th Quarter
1 additional HgbA1C and 2 additional Health Coaching Sessions for any of the following: HgbA1c greater than 10 ER visit related to Diabetes Hospitalization related to Diabetes
Annually
You are encouraged to report ER visits or Hospitalizations to your Diabetes Nurse, who is a great resource to assist with any diabetes related needs after discharge. A glucometer is provided by the City. If you choose not to use this glucometer your strips may not be paid for. Have a list of all medications (including dietary supplements & alternative medications) for every Coaching Session. A list of your medications can be obtained from your pharmacy or from your Provider. Keep a log of your blood sugars and take your glucometer to your Diabetes Nurse visits. Prescription drugs on the diabetes program: $0 Generic, $10 Brand Preferred, $30 Brand Non-preferred
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