September 2023 Newslink

September 2023

Significant milestone for WSS

single largest water and sewer investments in the last 30 years,” said Director Tom Witherspoon. “Water and wastewater projects are not always the most visible or glamorous but their impact is incredibly significant.”

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.

A significant wastewater project nine years in the making is now complete. The Lower Brush Creek Interceptor project first began with the design phase in 2014. The project replaced a critical pipeline in the collection system as it transports a majority of the wastewater from downtown Johnson City that includes East Tennessee State University, the Johnson City Medical Center, the Veterans Administration campus, the West Walnut Street corridor, and other significant residential and commercial areas.

“This represents one of the

The Lower Brush Creek Interceptor project replaced a 30-inch concrete line installed in the 1950’s with more than 21,000 linear feet of new pipe. Construction on the $25 million project was performed by Garney Companies, Nashville. Work commenced in February 2021 and is now complete with final cleanup underway.

“This investment positions the City for continued responsible growth and protection of the environment for the next 50 years,” said Water and Sewer Services Assistant Director Jon Lane “We appreciate the City Commission’s commitment to ensuring Water and Sewer Services is a step ahead of predicted growth so that we can continue providing quality service to all of our customers.”

Jason Miles appointed to Public Works director

we feel confident he can lead the Public Works department as the City faces significant growth,” said Assistant City Manager Randy Trivette. “His previous work experience aligns with the department’s demands. He inherits an incredible team of professionals who will assist him as he settles into the new role and begins to tackle existing and future Public Works’ projects.”

learning their vital roles in moving the City forward,” said Jason.

Among his major accomplishments, Jason highlights civil engineering work on a $40 million recycling facility, project management on an $83 million harbor expansion, and design and construction projects for the Richmond International airport expansion totaling $500 million.

The City’s new Public Works director joined the organization on Monday, Sept. 11.

Jason Miles brings more than 25 years of experience to the department and its five divisions: engineering, solid waste, stormwater, streets, and traffic.

“With Jason’s engineering, project management and administrative experience,

In his last position as assistant public services director in Fayetteville, N.C., Jason was responsible for planning, budgeting, design, permitting and construction administration for capital improvement, FEMA, grantfunded and other city projects.

“My initial priorities will be quickly getting up to speed on departmental operations and current City projects, and, most importantly, getting to know our team members and

“I am thrilled to join the Johnson City staff,” said Jason. “Through this wonderful opportunity to return to this beautiful region, I am humbled to be selected to serve the Johnson City community. Kristy and I look forward to settling down and working hard to contribute to the greater good of Johnson City. The warm welcome I have received from so many is a testament to this special place I am fortunate to call home.”

Wall of Fame inductees announced in August

On Aug. 24, Parks and Recreation hosted the 40th annual Wall of Fame Banquet at Memorial Park Community Center. This event honors

community members that have given generously to Parks and Recreation throughout the past year. In addition, three new inductees to the Wall of

Fame were announced during the evening’s festivities. The inductees for 2023 are M. Denis “Pete” Peterson, Johnny Russaw, and Thomas McKee.

Police Explorer program opportunity for teens

crisis negotiation, domestic disturbances and laws associated with executing warrants. Skills gained in the program can then be applied during Winterfest, an annual competition held in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for Police Explorers to test their knowledge and abilities.

Anyone interested in participating in the Police Explorers program should contact Officer Hilton by calling 423.930.4169 or email ehilton@johnsoncitytn.org.

School Resource Officer Erik Hilton and the Johnson City Police Department offer an ongoing Police Explorer program for teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 interested in law enforcement and professions in criminal justice.

Explorers learn procedural skills that cover traffic stops,

“The Explorers program is an exciting way to introduce young people to many different facets of law enforcement,” said Officer Hilton. “Students learn a unique set of skills that they can apply in their life whether they enter law enforcement or another profession. Explorers build confidence and character as they move through the program.”

M. Denis “Pete” Peterson

Johnny Russaw

Thomas McKee

Risk Management welcomes Stanford Achi

On Aug. 28, Stanford Achi joined the City as the occupational health & safety coordinator in Risk Management. Stanford’s role will be to work closely with each department to plan, research, develop, coordinate and implement safety plans as well as inspection and training programs.

“Aloha - with a warm Hawaiian greeting to the team members of Johnson City,” said Stanford. “I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this great organization.”

Stanford expresses excitement in taking on his new role with the City. He looks to “protect our most precious assets; our teammates, our family and our community. I am eager to get to know and learn from each and every one of you.”

Welcome to the City, Stanford.

JCFD rescues whole “KITTEN” caboodle

The Fire Department’s core values include providing exceptional service to all residents – human and

furry friends. Recently, the department has been in a few tight spaces rescuing ducks, kittens and deer throughout

REMINDER REMINDER

the community. Thank you for answering each and every call for HELP with honesty, empathy, loyalty and professionalism.

Photo credits: Nathan Carrier

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

Risk Management asks, are you prepared?

The month of September is National Preparedness Month. This is an opportunity to revisit the City’s emergency response plans and procedures. Protect yourself and your coworkers by staying informed on what to do in an emergency.

If you should have any questions regarding your emergency response plan, please contact your supervisor.

Important items to consider

• Location of the emergency response plan

• Emergency roles and responsibilities

• Egress and exit routes

• Contact information / numbers

• Staging locations

The best way to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed with worry, is to have a plan of action for emergencies. Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best.

The following organizations provide useful information when developing a family plan.

• Ready (ready.gov)

• CDC (cdc.gov)

• American Red Cross (redcross.org)

Step 1: Put an emergency plan together with your family, friends or household. Discuss types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my family/household communication plan? Is my emergency preparedness kit ready?

Step 2: Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how will you work together as a team.

Tailor your plans and supplies to your daily living needs. Discuss with your network how they can best assist each other with communication, child and pet care, business, or specific medical equipment needs. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you require the most assistance.

Step 3: Practice your plan with your family/ household.

Do not put off tomorrow what can be done today.

Create a Family Emergency Plan Information provided by Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator Stanford Achi.

September 2023

REMINDER: Check your smoke detectors today

The Johnson City Fire Department recognizes working smoke detectors save lives. The smoke detector program provides smoke detectors free of charge to residents of single-family dwellings who cannot afford to purchase them or cannot properly install the detector. Residents living in rental properties or

Fire Department Promotions

Chief David Bell recently announced six new promotions in the Fire Department. Congratulations, Fire Prevention Officer Kevin Haynes, Lt., Raymond Ferguson and Engineers Brent Huskins, Andrew Scott, Stewart Stidham and Kevin Steighner.

condominiums should first contact their landlord or property manager for smoke detectors.

Take the time this fall to check your smoke detectors. Protect yourself, your family and the community.

Call 423.975.2840 for details on obtaining a smoke detector.

Worldwide Taco Trek

Saturday, Sept. 16

King Commons Park 112 N. Commerce St.

Shriner’s Bike Show

Sunday, Sept. 17

Pavilion at Founders Park 225 Commerce St.

Tri-Pride

Saturday, Sept. 23

Founders Park

225 Commerce St.

Dripfest 2

Saturday, Sept. 30

Amphitheater at Founders Park 225 Commerce St.

Kevin Haynes Raymond Ferguson Brent Huskins

Andrew Scott Stewart Stidham Kevin Steighner

WSS interns present during City luncheon

“This program is a resource for great talents,” said Tom Witherspoon, director of Water & Sewer Services. To emphasize this point, several current employees who made their way through the intern program were present at the luncheon.

Flushing with Michael Manuel and Brian Hartley

On Aug. 18, City staff were treated to the Water and Sewer Services 2023 Intern Luncheon and Presentation hosted at the new complex on Eddie Williams Road.

Students from area universities and colleges who are studying environmental health, geospatial sciences, engineering technology or construction management can take advantage of the robust internship program offered through Water and Sewer Services. The internship program began in 2013 and offers area students the opportunity to match academics with field applications. There are two categories students can explore: regulatory compliance and best management practices.

Michael and Brian supported interns Zachary Pittman and Thomas Workman in the area of flushing. The practice of flushing involves opening the end of a water line to release sediment particulates. Over the course of the two month internship, the duo flushed 857 sites.

When asked what they gained from the internship, they say, “field experience that relates to our studies and for out potential future careers.”

Hydrogen sulfide testing with Jeff

Proffitt

Corder

and Tim

Under the direction of Jeff and Tim, Kendall Beale and Reese Stonebraker sampled and tested 90 lift stations as part of the

hydrogen sulfide internship. Prolonged buildup of hydrogen sulfide can lead to structural damage to pipes, transport equipment, and electrical controls. During their internship, Kendall and Reese performed an important task for maintaining the integrity and safety of Water and Sewer Services infrastructure.

GIS with Benji Whitehead and Jon Brandt

As an EPA directive, the City is required to inventory the complete service line including utility and private water laterals. Molly Sayre highlighted this important task in her presentation, lead and copper rule service line inventory. Molly’s internship was comprised of three areas of focus. The first was to fully connect all laterals. Second, she found material type based on tax parcel information, and third, she cleaned up the automated process.

“The people (City staff) make working here as an intern an easy role to take on,” said Molly.

Lane represents City at water professionals conference

have been involved with the West Walnut Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan with Water and Sewer Services having an important role in the success of the project.

Water and Sewer Services Assistant Director Jon Lane presented at the 2023 Kentucky/Tennessee Water Professionals Conference in Memphis, TN with Reuben Robertson, associate engineer

with LDA Engineering. The title of their presentation was Phase I – Water and Sewer Design/ Construction – West Walnut Street Project.

Many City departments

The conference offered Jon and Reuben an opportunity to network with leaders and professionals from across the industry. In addition, workshops, tours, technical sessions, and an exhibit hall with industrial trade experts rounded out conference features.

Public Art Committee installs 13 new traffic wraps

The Johnson City Public Art Committee installed traffic control box art wraps at a number of new locations throughout the City. Traffic control boxes are located at signalized intersections and house the components that power traffic lights.

“Traffic control boxes are an excellent space to incorporate art,” said Cheyenne Kumbhare public art liaison and management analyst in Public Works. “The design of the boxes is a challenge for artists but their prominent placement on street corners and their blank, metal surfaces offer a unique opportunity for artists to gain exposure.”

New Hires - July Promotions - July

Dalton Balthazr, Police

Timothy Oliveras, Police

Matthew Rasnick, Planning & Development Services

Allyson Burgner, Communications & Marketing

Seth Green, Public Works

Charles Phipps, Public Works

Bobbie Lane, Public Works

Zebulia Reid, Parks & Recreation

Ralph Trent, Parks & Recreation

Hubert Arnett, Parks & Recreation

Troy Dale, Parks & Recreation

Brady Holder, Fleet Management

Mirsad Hatkic, Parks & Recreation

Kevin Beddingfield, Public Works

Brandon Jones, Water & Sewer

Deborah Carey-Dunn, Police

Kevin Mast, Parks & Recreation

Charles Jones, Planning & Development

Melanie Jaynes, Police

Kenneth Goode, Public Works

David Eidson, Information Technology

William Lasley, Public Works

Clarence Taylor, Planning & Development

Jordan Adkins, Police

Andre Belton, Police

Michael Rainey, Police

Isabella Desposito, Police

Gage Stegman, Police

Gary Price, Police

Dakota Couch, Police

Reggie Sparks, Police

Jeff Wilson, Police

Tim Hensley, Police

Drew Guider, Police

Jeff Legault, Police

Joe Roberts, Police

David Hilton, Police

Matt Gryder, Police

Andy Clevinger, Police

Craig Cloyd, Public Works

Jason Hobbs, Public Works

Michael Doyle, Public Works

Paul Rodifer, Public Works

Olivia Savee, Parks & Recreation

Hannah Smith, Parks & Recreation

Raymond Ferguson, Fire

Stewart Stidham, Fire

Kevin Steighner, Fire

Aaron Whiting, Public Works

Brittany Hand, Transit

Michael Shelton, Transit

Frederick Coons, Fleet Management

Jared Cline, Water & Sewer Services

New

Stanford Achi, Risk Management

Thomas Bare, Juvenile Court

Adam Bates, Public Works

Kristi Bowling, Water & Sewer Services

Julie Hagman, Water & Sewer Services

Yajayra Melendez, Transit

Elijah Rodifer, Water & Sewer Services

Scott Watts, Transit

Ryne Adkins, Fire

Danielle Birchfield, Parks & Recreation

Alex Hartman, Fire

Joshua Malone, Fleet Management

Jeffrey Nelson, Public Works

Jonathan Ponce Padilla, Fire

Gabriel Ray, Fire

Christopher Taylor, Public Works

Victor Vermette, Transit

Ginger Whitson, Juvenile Court

Promotions - August

Dakota Bennett, Water & Sewer Services

Michael Hash, Public Works

Danny Arnett, Parks & Recreation

Ernest Berry, Public Works

Matthew Hoyt, Police

Cody Mitchell, Public Works

Carl Bowman, Public Works

Get to know...

Name: Allyson Burgner

Title: Digital Communications Specialist

Department: Communications and Marketing

Year Started with City: 2023

1. Where did you grow up? Greeneville

2. What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an actress when I was younger.

3. What’s your favorite quote or saying? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller

4. Do you have any pets? I have a dog named Bruno.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Vanilla with sprinkles

6. What is the best gift you ever received? When I received my first MacBook! I was so excited to finally get to edit my film projects at home.

7. Have you met anyone famous? I met the Band Perry when I was in second grade.

8. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world tonight, who would it be? My grandfather

9. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? I have wanted to travel to London or Ireland since I was in middle school.

10. If you could be a TV character, who would it be? Phoebe Buffay from Friends

11. What movie can you watch over and over and over? La La Land or Singin’ in the Rain

12. What is the last concert you went to? I saw Taylor Swift during her first leg of The Era’s Tour in Atlanta! It was one of the best nights of my life.

13. Who do you consider your hero? Greta Gerwig! She is my biggest role model when it comes to the film industry.

14. What do you enjoy most about your job? The people!