October NewsLink

IN THIS EDITION Page 2

Film Festival

Page 3

Curtis Todd Adam Dickson Save the Date

Page 4

Shop with a Cop

Page 5

WSS Awards Branding Update

Page 6

Wildabout Walkabout Fitness Your Way

Page 7

Connie Deegan Flu Shot Schedule

Page 8

Risk Management Employee Assistance

Page 9

Cooking Safety

Page 10 WSS Ribbon Cutting Page 11

WSS Family Fun Day

Page 12 Fire Groundbreaking Page 13 Hires, Retirements and Promotions Page 14 Get to Know...

Page 15 Community Health Fair Page 16 Employee Assistance Flyer

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.

October 2023

Employee survey open until Nov. 8

Johnson City wants to know more about employees’ experiences and opinions regarding the City’s overall culture and work environment.

We conduct this survey every three years and the responses received are considered as City leadership makes decisions that impact employees.

Changes that have been implemented based on feedback from previous surveys include: • Return to the TCRS retirement system • Completion of a compensation and classification study • Increase in the rate of vacation earned • Provision of an education incentive of $2,500 for completion of a job-related bachelors or masters degree • Expediting hiring/ promotional processes for fire and police departments All City employees should have received a postcard at

their home address which includes an anonymous URL. You can type the URL included on the postcard invitation into the address bar of any web browser (except Internet Explorer) and access the survey. City employees will also be sent several email invitations and reminders; these emails will each contain a unique link to the survey.

To take the survey using a general link, visit http://polco. us/JC2023. Please only fill out the survey once.

Do not forward email invitations to others or share in any way; this is a unique link, and only one submission is allowed.

We urge every employee to complete the survey. Please complete it only once. The City needs people from all backgrounds to feel engaged with our mission and to help set up our organization for ongoing and future success.

Your answers will help us determine solutions that will create a better workplace for all employees.

The survey will close Nov. 8.

NEWSLINK October 2023 City filmmakers vie for top honors in film festival Communications and Marketing staff members, Nick Harrison and Ally Burgner are competing in a short-film festival at the Wallace Theater, 215 E. Main St. For one night only, on Oct. 27, celebrate Ally and Nick along with other local filmmakers as they vie for top honors during the Highlands Horrorfest. According to the festival’s website, organizers aim to expand the perceptions of the horror genre to include historical, folklore and cultural references.

Sullivan Heights Middle School, and in Kingsport. He and his team, which included his wife, Amy Harrison, won a free entry into the festival after placing as a top contender in the 52 Hour Film Fest held earlier this year.

Ally Burgner

Nick, the City’s multimedia specialist, worked on his film for more than seven months.

The Change includes multiple scene locations including areas near South Holston Lake,

“After the first year of Highlands Horrorfest, I knew I wanted to help create a movie for this film festival,” said Ally.

“The most exciting part of working on this project was being able to work with my wife to create something together. We are both creatives and enjoy collaborating on projects,” said Nick.

Title: The Change Credits: Director/Actor/ Editor: Nick Harrison; Assistant Director/Actor/Editor/Graphic Designer: Amy Harrison; Production Assistant/Actor: Julie Sands; and Audio Technician: Nick Moran.

Length: 7 minutes, 42 seconds Inspiration: I was inspired by older horror movies like The Thing, Evil Dead, and The Shining.

Nick Harrison

worked well together making the experience a valuable learning opportunity.

The newest member of the Communications and Marketing Department is Communications Specialist Ally Burgner. Killershot was filmed as a part of Ally’s ETSU horror production class. Because fall classes at ETSU just began, she and her team had a tight timeline. However, the team

Title: Killershot Credits: Horror Production Class at ETSU Location: ETSU Length: 5 minutes, 23 seconds Inspiration: We took a lot of inspiration from the horror film Terrifier (2016)!

To buy tickets to the horrorfest and to learn more, visit highlandshorrorfest. wordpress.com

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Curtis Todd goes the distance Out of 128 runners in the Boys 2 Mile Run during the TMSAA Class A Individual Cross Country State Championship, Curtis Todd, son of Anthony Todd (traffic engineering manager) was first. Last year, Curtis finished eighth with a time of 12:05.83. This year, his time improved to 11:50.05 earning him the top spot.

Curtis is in eighth grade and racing to the top at Unicoi County Middle School.

Congratulations, Curtis!

Would you like to feature your child’s accomplishments?

We want to celebrate news of outstanding academic, sports, or social involvement.

Send details to cojcnews@ johnsoncitytn.org.

Dickson panelist at conference Langston Centre, was one of four panelists in a breakout session titled Seeking Economic Sustainability through Health Ministries in Appalachian Black Churches.

ETSU held the 5th Equity and Inclusion Conference on Thursday, Sept. 28. Adam Dickson, supervisor of the

The conference hosts speakers and presenters from across the country. They cover a range of topics including Appalachian identity, culture, race, and accessibility.

FREEDOM HALL SAVE THE DATE 5th Annual Holiday Haven Bazaar Oct. 21 Starts at 9 a.m.

ETSU SGA Fall Concert Flo Rida, Doublecamp and Graham Barham Oct. 29 7 p.m.

FOREIGNER The Greatest Hits Tour Nov. 1 7:30 p.m.

WWE SuperShow Nov. 11 7:30 p.m.

Keith Anderson Dec. 1 8 p.m.

Theory of a Deadman and Skillet: Rock Resurrection Tour Dec. 2 7 p.m.

For the box office, call 423.461.4884.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 JCPD accepting applications for Shop with a Cop department look forward to this special event,” said Chief Billy Church. “Not only are we bringing cheer to children during the holidays, Shop with a Cop helps build lasting relationships between children in our community and law enforcement officers.”

The Johnson City Police Department is excited to announce the 9th Annual Shop with a Cop program will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13. A partnership between JCPD and Johnson City Schools, Shop with a Cop pairs law enforcement officers with elementary school children in need.

The night begins with dinner at Wild Wing Café, 71 Wilson Ave., followed by a tour of Candy Land Christmas in Founders Park. Children will then travel by bus to Walmart, where each participant, assisted by their law enforcement partner, will shop for holiday gifts.

“Each year, officers in the

Shoutout!

Water and Sewer Services crews working on a West Mountcastle Drive job site received accolades from Kelly

Applications for this year’s program will be accepted from Oct. 9-Nov. 17.

Applications can be downloaded from the City’s website, and will be available for pick-up at the Records Office in City Hall.

Completed applications will be accepted in the following ways: • Mail or hand deliver to: Johnson City Police Department, 601 E. Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601 ATTN: Shop With a Cop • Email: swac@johnsoncitytn. org subject line: Shop with a Cop The Shop with a Cop program selects elementary-aged children to participate but

Hodges. Dustin Wallen, Alex Lewis, Bryan Milhorn, Dillon Morrell, William Freeman, Harvey Norton, Dillon Andes, and Chad Rhea explained the work being performed when

serves the child’s entire family.

All children in the household receive presents to unwrap and winter clothing while the family receives a Christmas food box.

“Donors make this program a success,” said Church. “Their generosity creates joy for children and their families during a time that can be difficult for families in need.”

If you would like to be a donor, financial contributions are taxdeductible and accepted in the form of checks made out to City of Johnson City with ‘Shop with a Cop’ in the memo line.

Donations can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Police Department, ATTN: Shop With a Cop. Alternatively, those wishing to purchase specific items for our participants are encouraged to use the Walmart, Target, or Amazon gift registries.

For an application or for links to the gift registries, visit johnsoncitytn.org/services/ public_safety/programs.php.

Hodges asked for details into their construction activities.

Thank you for your excellence in customer service and professionalism.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Six wastewater awards for WSS department Montgomery, wastewater plant operator III; Nick Street, wastewater plant operator III; and Tim Proffitt, maintenance supervisor.

Left to right: Jeff Corder, Aaron Mullins, Nick Street, Christian Montgomery, and Tom Witherspoon. Not Pictured: Tim Proffitt

Water and Sewer Services received six wastewater plant awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky/ Tennessee. Based on the regulatory compliance of the facilities, each of the three plants received two awards. The staff responsible for plant operations include Jeff Corder, water and wastewater superintendent; Aaron Mullins, chief wastewater plant operator; Christian

“While these employees have primary responsibility for overseeing plant operations, they will be the first to tell you that regulatory compliance is a team effort and involving maintenance personnel, line operations and others,” said Water and Sewer Services Director Tom Witherspoon.

“In addition, the City has a very progressive history on reinvestment in facilities in order to protect the environment. This resource investment makes regulatory compliance possible and without it operations would suffer.”

Congratulations to everyone at Water and Sewer Services. Your teamwork exemplifies excellence and dedication to service.

Branding Update Can you spot the difference? These two logos do not look alike and one is being phased out. Current use of the logo is fine. For future applications, use the logo without the gradient.

YES

The Communications and Marketing Department is removing the logo with the gradient background from the branding library. Please delete this logo from the files saved directly to your computer.

If you have any questions or concerns, email JT McSpadden at jtmcspadden@johnsoncitytn.org.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Ceremony planned for Wildabout Walkabout The Johnson City Public Art Committee will hold a dedication ceremony to recognize individuals involved in the design and installation of a small sculpture scavenger hunt known as the Wildabout Walkabout. The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in King Commons.

Attendees will gather by the Johnson City landmark sign.

The scavenger hunt includes 28 bronze animal sculptures designed and fabricated by faculty members and two student classes under the direction of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Professor Travis Graves. With the assistance of Public Works, all the pieces have been installed downtown in and around King Commons and Founders Park and around Main and Market streets.

The project was coordinated through the combined efforts of the ETSU Department of Art and Design, Johnson City Public Art Committee, Johnson City Public Library, and City of Johnson City.

To learn more about the Johnson City Public Art Committee, visit jcpublicart. com.

Fitness Your Way During the month of October, Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee (BCBST) is waiving the $19 enrollment fee for Fitness Your Way. To join during this promotion period, employees and their family members should use the promo code FYWOCTOBERPROMO when signing up at bcbst.com/memberdiscounts.

Fitness Your Way through BCBST offers memberships from $19 – $99 per month, with no long‐term contracts. There’s just a three‐month initial commitment.

Membership includes access to over 10,000 fitness centers, as well as live and recorded: Zoom classes • Boot camp • Yoga • Dance • Cardio Members interested only in the online classes can choose a digital only membership for just $10 per month.

Can you find the bunny hidden on another page in this newsletter?

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Deegan becomes nationally published author Park Naturalist Connie Deegan has a reason to celebrate. In September, Connie became a nationally published author with her article Snakes: Reasonable possibilities.

Featured in the Wild One’s Journal, Connie explores reactions to snakes. She argues that through education, the public can gain a better appreciation for snakes and possibly learn to build

environments that support cohabitation.

Wild Ones is a non-profit, environmental education and advocacy organization that promotes responsible landscaping to preserve biodiversity through using native plants.

For a PDF of the article, email cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org.

Flu Shot Schedule It is that time of year. Get your FREE seasonal flu shot. This service is provided to ALL employees (full-time, part-time, seasonal) and their spouses. No appointment is necessary. Registration will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinic.

Thursday, Oct. 19 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Transit (Training Room) Please enter through West Main Street entrance

Friday, Oct. 20 2–3 p.m.

Water and Sewer Complex (Drive-Thru Clinic)

Tuesday, Oct. 24 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Street Department

Flu vaccines are also available at the Employee Health Clinic.

To learn more, contact Human Resources at hr@johnsoncitytn.org or call 423.434.6018.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Distractions, complacency dangerous at work Cooling air and falling leaves give an indication that the holiday season is near. As we busy ourselves preparing for festivities, additional distractions can cause us to lose focus. With our attention spread thin, be careful to avoid complacency created by routines and continue to work safely.

It is important to keep safety in the forefront.

Here are some helpful tips: •

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Avoid complacency – remind everyone what’s at stake.

Attend safety communication meetings.

Conduct field visits focus on the process, not the paperwork.

Observe activities in your work area for at-risk behaviors and handle accordingly.

Review Personal Protective Equipment – Do we need different gear due to the weather?

Eliminate unnecessary distractions.

Be physically and mentally ready to work.

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Short-cutting safety in order to leave a little earlier is not an option.

Plan your daily work activities in advance and stick to the plan.

Avoid unnecessary and late deliveries.

Home Safety • •

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Use ladders correctly.

Check tree lights for broken bulbs, frayed wires, and loose connections.

Always dress warm when decorating outside. Wear a hat when outdoors. Forty percent of heat loss occurs through an uncovered head.

Sound the alarm: Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work, and be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home - especially near sleeping areas.

Employee Assistance Program The City has rolled out an additional Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Halcyon EAP can refer you to professional counselors and services that will help resolve a broad range of personal concerns. Access up to six counseling sessions, in person or via video, at no cost.

Below are some of the benefits of Halcyon EAP: • •

• • • •

Travel Safety • • • • •

Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit.

Wear your seat belt.

Plan for traffic.

No texting.

Do not drink and drive.

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Strict confidentiality standards In-the-moment support (24/7/365) with a licensed clinician Short-term counseling Legal consultation Web portal and mobile app On-the-go support including Textcoach, Animo, and Virtual Support Connect Monthly promos

See more details on the last page of this newsletter.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 REMEMBER: Cooking safety starts with you.

The Johnson City Fire Department recognizes October as Fire Prevention Month. The National Fire Protection Association has important fire prevention instructions for cooking safety.

From the NFPA’s website, cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing.

But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

“Cook with Caution” • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove top.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire

REMINDER

and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stove top, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number

Communications & Marketing will embroider the City logo for you. Bring your items to Lindsey Jones at City Hall.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 WSS hold grand opening for new complex storage, a new warehouse, a fueling station for all the City departments, truck wash bay, and a repair garage and machine shop for maintenance.

On Sept. 20, the Johnson City Board of Commissioners joined City staff; representatives from Cain, Rash and West Architects; and GRC Construction to celebrate the completion of the Water and Sewer Services Complex located at 2250 Eddie Williams Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“With this new facility, Johnson City’s provision of services continues to enrich the quality of life in our region,” said Director Tom Witherspoon.

“The staff, administration, and leadership are committed to maintaining excellence, giving the citizenry an opportunity to thrive today and beyond.”

The property on Eddie Williams Road was purchased in August 2020. The location is ideally situated near three key Water and Sewer Services treatment facilities.

In February 2020, Cain, Rash and West Architects developed a concept plan for the property located on Eddie Williams Road.

GRC Construction began developing the property in the summer of 2021. The work was completed earlier this year.

“We are grateful for current and past commission support that paved the way for this significant milestone,” said Witherspoon.

Funding for this project, which cost more than $15 million, was originally included in the Water and Sanitary Sewer System Capital Delivery Plan for fiscal years 20132016 as well as 2019-2022.

The former 7-acre Water and Sewer Services Complex located at 901 Riverview Drive reached the end of its service life after 50 years of use. The previous facility had insufficient square footage to support future operations for the department. The new complex is host to 149 employees out of the over 180 total employees in the Water and Sewer Services Department with room to grow.

This expansion is adaptive and forwardthinking, effectively meeting the needs of current and future staff. Among the many new features, the complex offers offices for City staff, a training room, conference rooms,

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NEWSLINK October 2023 WSS employees celebrate Family Fun Day On Saturday, Sept. 23, Water and Sewer Services hosted Family Fun Day at the new Service Center. All Water and Sewer Services’ employees and retirees were invited to bring their families to tour the buildings, see the vehicles and equipment, play games and enjoy BBQ and ice cream. The ETSU Bluegrass Band offered entertainment during lunch.

Thank you to Transit for providing a bus and drivers for tours, to Parks and Recreation for the enjoyable games, and to Drop for entertaining the crowd.

Drop with Julie Hagman (WSS) & Kristi Bowling (WSS)

Drop with a future WSS employee

Paul Rodifer (Public Works), Shellie Rodifer (WSS) & Elijah Rodifer (WSS)

Melissa Ingle (WSS) and family

JJ (WSS) and Reva Swartz (WSS) and family

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Ground broken for new fire training facility “This facility will give smaller volunteer agencies resources to train alongside larger communities like Johnson City, preparing all firefighters for future success,” said Chief David Bell. “This project is critical to our advancement and benefits our community partners.”

The City of Johnson City broke ground on Monday, Sept. 11 on a new fire training center, a 3-acre property behind Fire Station 7 located at 2830 W. Walnut St.

first responders the skills and resources to perform at the best of their capabilities. This training facility meets that need and honors one of our top priorities.”

The facility will include training classrooms, a driver training area, burn pad, and live-fire training tower giving agencies across the county access to hands-on experience.

The new training center will replace the existing one previously located at Station 7 which has been inactive for nearly 10 years.

The department outgrew the former space, which no longer met the standards for modern fire agencies. The new facility will provide exceptional access for current and future firefighters to have immersive and experiential learning in a state-of-the-art space.

“One of the City’s strategic priorities is excellence in government which requires a forward-thinking, futureready Fire Department,” said Mayor Todd Fowler. “We are committed to giving our

Shaw & Shanks Architects completed the architectural design earlier this year. In August, GRC Construction was awarded the project bid for more than $4.6 million by the Board of Commissioners.

Funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. “This is the single largest project in the history of the Johnson City Fire Department,” said Chief Bell. “The City Commission and administration recognizes the importance of maintaining excellence in the Fire Department so that we can serve our citizens to the fullest. We are grateful for their support and commitment to this project.”

Get Excited and GO. ALL. OUT. EXCELLENCE • CUSTOMER SERVICE • INTEGRITY • TEAMWORK • ENGAGEMENT • DEDICATION

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NEWSLINK October 2023 New Hires - September Cristobal Gaona, Parks & Recreation Joshua Kyker, Police Malinda Stills, Finance Cameron Clark, Parks & Recreation Jason Hebert, Facilities Management Blake King, Water & Sewer Sarah Fugarino, Parks & Recreation Penelope VanHoy, Parks & Recreation Erin McDole, Police Jonathon Workman, Police Ellis Rice, Police Joshua Bewley, Police

Firefighter William “Sully” Cobble has been promoted by the Fire Department to the rank of Driver Engineer (DE). He will remain on his current A shift operating in the DE capacity until Oct. 21 at which point he will move to C shift.

Congratulations, Sully and to all the City staff members promoted, hired, or who have retired in September.

Kaalie Price, Transit Jason Miles, Public Works Joshua Dulaney, Senior Services Heather Sage, Water & Sewer Isaac Brown, Water & Sewer Laura Whaley, Transit

Retirements - September Troy Scalf, Public Works (16) Carole Whaley, Finance (26)

Promotions - September

Becky West, Police (39)

Amy Sanders, Risk Management Cody Griffin, Water & Sewer Richard Canter, Public Works

Shoutout!

William Cobble, Fire Kevin McMillian, Water & Sewer Eric Black, Transit Michael Martha, Public Works Kevin Clark, Parks & Recreation

Jerry Clark called to say “Thank You” for the great job performed by Traye Townsend’s Water and Sewer Services crew on West Market Street. They repaired a rough asphalt spot making the road easier to navigate.

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NEWSLINK October 2023 Get to know...

Name: Cameron C. Clark Title: Assistant Director Department: Parks and Recreation Year Started with City: 2023

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Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Bristol, TN. What were you like in high school? I was in the drumline and very much a band kid.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to grow up and build things.

Do you have any pets? I have two dogs (Jaba and Casper). I live on a mini farm so we have lots of animals.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Vanilla. You can make it what you want by adding anything you like.

6. What is the best gift you ever received? I don’t look at it as just a gift but who it is from. Without taking into account the person giving it, it is probably meaningless.

7. Have you met anyone famous? I have worked many comic book shows and was able to meet lots of people. The one I remember the most was having dinner with Walter Emanuel Jones (Power Rangers). He was great to hang out with.

8. If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do with some (or all) of the money? I would find a way to move my grandmother and parents next door.

9. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? I wouldn’t leave. I love it here!

10. If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be? I always want a good steak.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? I like to watch football and baseball.

12. What do you do when you’re bored? I always have something to work on. With the farm and animals, it seems like there is always work to do.

13. Who do you consider your hero? I feel like I have many heroes. I have taken thoughts and actions from many people to make me who I am.

14. What do you enjoy most about your job? I like most everything about the parks and recreation world but seeing people using the parks is what I find most enjoyable.

15. What is the worst or strangest job you’ve ever had? My first job was in a fresh fish market. It had its moments of strange and nasty.

16. Describe a perfect Saturday. A day out doing things with my family is perfect.

17. Describe your work ethic. Driven. I don’t like to sit too idle. I like to keep moving no matter the task.

Complete these sentences...

• I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the people I have had in my life showing me the way.

• My job is meaningful to anyone using a park or stopping by an event.

• My children always makes me laugh even with moments of uncertainty. I smile with them by my side.

• Laughter is the best sound in the world.

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NEWSLINK October 2023

Door Prizes Carver Park Recreation Center 322 W. Watauga Ave. Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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NEWSLINK October 2023

Halcyon EAP

Employee Assistance Program for City of Johnson City

Halcyon is in addition to your current plan.

Emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best.

Halcyon EAP offers expert guidance to help you and your family address and resolve everyday issues.

In-the-moment support Reach a licensed clinician by phone 24/7/365 for immediate assistance

Financial expertise Consultation and planning with a financial counselor

Legal consultation By phone or in-person with a local attorney

Short-term counseling Access up to 6 sessions (3 per 6 months) no-cost counseling sessions, in-person or via video, to resolve stress, depression, anxiety, work-related pressures, relationship issues or substance abuse

Convenience resources Referrals for child and elder care, home repair, housing needs, education, pet care and so much more

Confidentiality Strict confidentiality standards ensure no one will know you have accessed the program without your written permission except as required by law

Your web portal and mobile app • The one-stop shop for program services, information and more • Discover on-demand training to boost wellbeing and life balance • Find search engines, financial calculators and career resources • Explore thousands of articles, tip sheets, self-assessments and videos

Download the mobile app today!

Convenient, on-the- go support

• Textcoach®

Personalized coaching with a licensed counselor on mobile or desktop

• Animo

Self-guided resources to improve focus, wellbeing and emotional fitness

• Virtual Support Connect Moderated group support sessions on an anonymous, chat-based platform

1-888-HAL-4800 (425-4800)

halcyoneap.com username: johnsoncity

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