Fall 2013 Issue 4
Stallings Sentinel Town of Stallings, Gateway to Union County
Stallings Parks and Recreation Fall Concert Series Bring your picnic dinner and chairs and enjoy live music in the park. All concerts are free and held in the Stallings Municipal Park Band Stand from 5:00—7:00 p.m. October 5 The Mike Strauss Band Mike Strauss describes his band as Americana: “We’re rock and roll with a little bit of blues and a little bit of country.” October 12 The Donna Duncan Band Donna Duncan has created a stir in the local blues scene with her strong vocals often being compared to Bonnie Raitt.
The pumpkin was first named by people in Greece, who called this orange edible a “pepon,” which means “large melon.”
October 19 Valence A contemporary rock and pop music group originally formed at Johnson C. Smith University in the early 1980’s, Valence entertains all over the U.S. Currently, two of the members work full time as a music teacher and a principal. October 26 Horsefly A blues and classic rock band formed in Mint Hill, N.C., this high energy group covers various songs including the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner for a crowd pleasing good time. Concerts are generously sponsored in part by First Choice Eye Care Center and Pressly Animal Hospital.
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A Note from the Mayor... As I near the end of my term as Mayor of Stallings, I’d like to thank all the citizens of Stallings for the honor and pleasure of serving as your mayor for the past 8 years. I saw a need for reform in town government and decided to do my part to put the town on a better path. Prior to the 2005 election, there had been 5 tax increases, large financial commitments without objective study or public involvement, contracts awarded without a bid process, and town business often conducted outside the public view. With the consistent citizen focus of several council members, we’ve been able to bring about significant change in Stallings. Highlights of my terms include: Government Transparency is now a top priority. Meetings are recorded and available for public access immediately following the meetings. Minutes which had been 6 months behind are now generally approved at the next meeting of the board. The “Checkbook online” posts financial records, employee salaries, and monthly expenditures for citizens to see. The town’s grade on www.transparency.com improved from a “D” to “C”, a status enjoyed by only 9% of towns across the state. At my initiative, council adopted a formal bid policy in 2008 to require bids for service contracts as well as construction. Our garbage contract in 2010 actually lowered costs over the previous one while adding yard waste and broader recycling services. The nepotism policy which had previously been changed to allow the hiring of the police chief’s brother and assistant chief’s brother was revised to prevent hiring of relatives for employees or board members. Town Finances are strong and the town is debt free. A long range financial plan for capital projects was adopted June 24. Our beautiful town park, also paid for, is the envy of the surrounding towns and was named by Charlotte Magazine for the Best of the Best Awards for family parks. We’ve had 2 tax decreases from .25 to our current rate of .215, a move spearheaded primarily by then mayor pro tem Wyatt Dunn. The standards for quality in new development have vastly changed as well as the process to allow more community input. The economy limited much development during those years but newly
approved developments generally require brick, stone and hardiplank rather than all vinyl construction. Instead of tension with our neighboring towns, a climate of cooperation and collaboration now exists as evidenced in plans for a multijurisdictional Economic Development Plan, a joint Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and pooling of NCDOT funds to widen Old Monroe Road, now scheduled for construction in 2018.
Of course I’ve been disappointed that some of my initiatives were not supported by enough of council to pass such as the rental registration program and a program for better animal control. Unfortunately I have not been able to get council agreement to pursue accreditation for the police department. The town spends nearly $2 million every year on police services but a majority of current council remains against implementation of any outside or objective accountability measures. Becoming mayor was a bit of a detour in my life plan, thus, it is time now to pass the gavel to someone else who will hopefully provide a similar leadership style that emphasizes professionalism, ethics, citizen advocacy, and fiscal responsibility. I have two granddaughters born since I took office in 2005. I want to have more time with them as they grow up much too fast. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and represent the many wonderful people in our community. I thank you for your support and I beseech you to stay engaged and involved in town government, particularly as we enter into a critical election season this fall. Stallings will have 4 council seats and the mayor’s seat open. We have over 9000 registered voters but just over 700 voted in the 2011 election. We could lose all that we’ve gained if we don’t have a strong turnout of well-informed voters in November. See you at the polls. Sincerely,
Lynda Paxton Mayor of Stallings
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Shred Days You asked for it! You got it! Shred Days are back! CINTAS will be providing a Shred Day in the Town Hall parking lot from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Please note these few guidelines when bringing your items to shred: You will need to dispose of any boxes, cartons, etc. used to transport your items to be shredded. These items will not be shredded or disposed of by the Town. If you have 12 or more boxes of material to shred, please allow adequate time to shred all items. If you have "unusual" paper items to shred (i.e., rolls of paper like blueprints, etc.) please contact CINTAS (704-651-6410) before the event as some things have to be cut down or taken to another facility for offsite shredding since they cannot be handled by onsite trucks. NO MAGAZINES, GLOSSY paper, or NEWSPAPER. NO METAL (i.e., Pendaflex files as they have metal bars in them, or binders as they are plastic and have metal in them, etc.) Staples and paperclips are allowed.
Reminder from Stallings Police Department The Stallings Police Department would like to remind you to lock your vehicles at all times and not to leave valuable items in your vehicles. The police have seen a rise lately in vehicle break-ins especially with unlocked cars and don’t want you to be a victim. For questions or concerns, please contact the Stallings Police Department at 704-821-0300.
Win a Stallings Tote Bag! Help us get 200 “likes” on FaceBook and we’ll give away a free Stallings tote bag to a randomly selected FaceBook friend. Keep up with all the Town’s latest events, news, and information in one easy location. Tell your neighbors! And don’t forget to “like” us yourself!
Additional Fall Leaf Pick-up From November 1 through January 31, leaf collection will be increased from 15 to 40 bags. And remember, your leaves must be placed in clear bags. Thank you!
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Stallings Parks and Recreation Yoga Classes Saturdays (until November 16), 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Stallings Municipal Park Lawn (behind large arbors in the back) Lead by Vital Yoga Center of Stallings, come and start your day off right with some yoga. The cost is $6 per person. No pre-registration required.
R.I.P.P.E.D.- Resistance.Interval.Power.Plyometrics. Endurance.Diet. Mondays (until December 16), 6:15 p.m. Stallings Municipal Park near the Band Stand All levels welcome! Burn 750-1000 calories per 50 minute workout! Awesome music! Bring your water, towels & 5-10 pound hand weights & join with the GreenFitGirls for a fun and efficient workout incorporating both strengthening and cardio routines creating your “One Stop Body Shock�! Your first class is complimentary. Come and discover the hottest new workout sweeping the nation! Cost: First Class if FREE! $7 drop-in or $5 (per class/per person) with GFG 10 Class Pass. Sign up with Green Fit Girl Instructor Please note: Class may be postponed due to severe weather or heavy rain.
Parks Hours Ladies Walking Group Mondays, 5:00 p.m. Stallings Municipal Park near the Band Stand Callings all ladies! Come join us on Mondays for a walk in the park. Facilitated by: Green Fit Girls instructor. Free to the public. For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation office at 704-821-8557 x227.
Stallings Municipal Park September-April: 8 a.m. to Dusk *CLOSED on Thursdays from 8-10 a.m. for maintenance. * Blair Mill Park September-April: 8 a.m. to Dusk *CLOSED on Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. for maintenance. *
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Stallings Parks and Recreation
Stallings Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and
Parade of Trees* Friday, December 6, 2013 6:30 p.m. Stallings Municipal Park Come and join us for a magical night under the stars with Santa, seasonal music, free treats and hot cocoa. ————— Saturday, December 7, 2013 6:30 p.m. Stallings Municipal Park The fun continues on Saturday with seasonal entertainment and culinary vendors selling wonderful treats. ————— *Parade of Trees: Individuals, community groups, and businesses have the opportunity to decorate a 6’ Fraser fur in their own special theme for the Stallings Parade of Trees. If you would like to become a Parade of Trees sponsor, contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more information at 704.821.8557 ext 227 or DSabinske@admin.stallingsnc.org .
Unite Against Littering Help encourage a healthy environment by keeping our streets clean from litter! Join your neighbors in this initiative. Interested? Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 704-821-8557 x227 or DSabinske@admin.stallingsnc.org.
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Stallings Fe
est Fun 2013
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Pet Peeves Here are GOOD reasons to pick up after your pet: Stormwater carries pet waste and other pollutants directly into storm drains and then into creeks and rivers. Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the water's oxygen, which is necessary for healthy underwater grasses, wildlife and fish. Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for a long time and be transmitted to other animals and humans. Let's face it - no one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses. Scooping on a daily basis and applying lime will help prevent odors. It's easy to clean up by carrying small plastic bags and paper towels in your pocket. The bags can be secured and thrown away in the garbage. Most of all, your neighbors will appreciate the good manners!
The Town of Stallings would like to thank Brian Matthews for his 12 years of service to the Town as Town Manager! We wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors with Union County as the Executive Director of Growth Management.
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT The Town of Stallings has a municipal election on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. For more information about your polling location, contact Union County Board of Elections at 704283-3809 or union.boe@ncsbe.gov.