Newslink July 2023

July 2023

Collaboration leads to solutions

On June 15, the Water and Sewer Services (WSS) and Fire departments partnered for an innovative solution to a complex problem. To successfully install a new sewer connection, WSS asked for the Fire Department’s help. This request for assistance turned into an opportunity for fire officials.

“It was great for both departments to get a glimpse of what the other does, and how our service to the community all comes together in the end,” said District Chief Pete Sanders. “This was an opportunity to train in a live trench and practice something we rarely get to do.”

Due to the placement of conduit and concrete enclosed

utilities at the new Texas Roadhouse Restaurant on North Roan Street, WSS was unable to set a traditional trench box. This is where Fire stepped in to lend a hand. Using the Technical Rescue Trailer, fire crews shored up an 8x8x7-foot pit along with a 7-foot connecting trench using a combination of straight line, corner and wooden shoring.

District Chief Sanders expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted in bringing the departments together. In turn, WSS has offered an invitation to Fire for additional training opportunities. Building on partnerships like these creates innovative opportunities for growth and learning as well as reinforces teamwork.

Honors for Langston’s Adam Dickson

On June 6, the East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) presented Adam Dickson, supervisor of the Langston Centre, with the Community History Leadership Award during the Awards of Excellence ceremony in Knoxville. To be recognized for this honor, individuals must demonstrate a commitment to preservation, promotion, and faithful interpretation of history.

Jordan recognized for service

Johnson City firefighter Lt. Brandon Jordan was honored by Fire Department Coffee with the Community Hero Award on June 10 during the National Hot Rod Association Thunder Valley Nationals event. Brandon was presented with the award

in recognition of his service to the community and professional excellence.

Brandon is a 19-year veteran of the Johnson City Fire Department. He is currently assigned to “A” shift as a

for his work advocating for local Black history as well as his civic, community and professional leadership. In addition, the ETHS recognizes Adam’s participation in the efforts to preserve Booker T. Washington School in Jonesborough and Langston High School in Johnson City.

Congratulations on the recognition, Adam. The City and Langston Centre are grateful for your dedication to preserving our shared history.

company officer where he supervises Engine Company 7. Brandon received the 2018 Firefighter of the Year award from the Johnson City Carver Park Community. Most recently, he was awarded Firefighter of the Year for the State of Tennessee by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2021.

“Lt. Jordan does an outstanding job with all of his additional responsibilities as well as those within his job requirements as a company officer,” said Chief David Bell. “He leads by example and excels in his role within the organization as a leader and mentor to department members.”

Congratulations, Brandon.

Adam received this award

Photo by Eric Manneschmidt

New leadership for City departments

The City welcomes two promotions and a new hire in leadership. With robust City growth projected in the coming years, these department leaders

will work with City staff to enrich the quality of life in Johnson City during a historic time. Congratulations April and Will. Welcome and congratulations, David.

Parks & Recreation

April Norris was named Parks and Recreation director. April joined the City in October 2021 as assistant director for Parks and Recreation. Previously, she worked for eight years with the City of Bristol in Human Resources, Risk

Planning & Development Services

Will Righter was named Planning and Development Services director. Will joined the City in May 2018 as a planner. He has held positions as planner II and development coordinator. Prior to joining the City, Will worked in

Information Technology

David Eidson was named Information Technology director. David has over 30 years of IT experience. For the past 12 years, he served as division IT director for Taylor Corporation.

David will work with staff to provide technical and computer

Management, Purchasing, and Parks and Recreation.

April holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from King University.

Congratulations, April.

supervisory roles in manufacturing for nine years.

Will served as a field artillery captain in the U.S. Army. Additionally, he earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from East Tennessee State University.

Congratulations, Will.

solutions and support for business operations in the City.

David earned a bachelor’s degree in physics/math from Longwood University and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for computer engineering.

Congratulations and welcome, David.

July 2023

Partnerships connect grateful water customers

Washington County in partnership with the Johnson City Water and Sewer Services (WSS) used Washington County American Rescue Plan funds to extend water service to an estimated 70 customers.

Named the Washington County Water Line Extensions Project, this undertaking includes the installation of over 16,000 feet of new potable waterlines. Jon Lane, assistant director for WSS, reports that the six roads in Washington County benefiting from this project include: Grassy Valley Road, Bill Bennett Road, Hartmantown Road, Pleasant Valley Road, Wilcox Circle, and Mulberry Lane.

Construction is currently underway on Grassy Valley

Road, and has already been completed on Mulberry Lane, Wilcox Circle, Hartmantown Road, and Pleasant Valley Road. The contractor, Horizon Underground, is expected to complete the work in early fall 2023.

Recently, a Mulberry Lane customer, who was tied over to the new potable waterline as a result of this project, shared his gratitude to the service workers who helped make the water connection. His note (left) reads, “To say thank you would be an understatement! This is for those that have spoken, pushed, fought and physically worked to get water to us… My family and I are greatly appreciative to each and every one! Sincerely and Blessings, Randall H. and Family.”

LAKESIDE

Thursday, July 20: From the Edge (Fleetwood

Thursday,

Winged Deer Park’s lakeside concerts are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Goulding Amphitheater, 199 Carroll Creek Road.

Mac Tribute)

July 27: Marques Puckett & the 8 Second Ride

CONCERT SERIES LAKESIDE CONCERT SERIES

Foshie completes challenging FEMA course

Agency’s National Fire Academy. This is a challenging two-year program that only one other member of the Johnson City Fire Department has completed.

Johnson City firefighter Lt. Michael Allen Foshie was recognized at the June 29 commission meeting for completing the Managing Officer Program offered through the Federal Emergency Management

Michael participated in a series of courses in emergency response, incident management, critical decision making, and other professional leadership instruction. The program culminated in a capstone project.

In his capstone research, Michael

Fire officials visit Washington

Representatives from the Fire Department, Chief David Bell and Deputy Chief Mark Beasley, traveled to Washington D.C. for the annual Congressional Fire Service Institute Symposium and Dinner. This two-day event hosts over 1,500 attendees with the purpose of honoring firefighters and emergency responders. As part of the symposium, participants engage in educational seminars and meetings with fire service professionals and congressional representatives.

While in attendance, Chief Bell and Deputy Chief Beasley met with Rep. Diana Harshbarger and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori

Moore-Merrell to discuss the Fire Department. In their meeting with Harshbarger, Bell and Beasley discussed challenges that the fire service is facing across the country.

They touched on the need for grant funding to assist departments with equipment, personnel shortages, increased call volumes, cancer initiatives, first responder mental health and other related topics. Additionally, they discussed the difficulty of extinguishing fires in batterypowered vehicles.

Bell and Beasley thanked Harshbarger for her support of

identified gear washing as a contributing factor for higher rates of cancer in firefighters. As a result of the findings, he proposed to the Fire Department ways to enhance safe practices for personnel.

“Lt. Foshie’s FEMA coursework has practical application in the Fire Service,” said Fire Chief David Bell. “This research will be used to further reduce the risk of cancer that our members face daily and to provide them with the safest work environment possible.”

American Rescue Plan funding that the City is using to construct a fire training facility and to replace a fire station.

July 2023

Water & Sewer Services employees earn certificates

Water and

Services (WSS) congratulates the employees who earned state licenses in May and June: Josh Hicks and Chris Self passed examinations to be certified in Collection System

Operation and James (Butch) Taylor earned his certification in Distribution System Operation. Michael Rocker passed the state examination to become a licensed grade IV wastewater treatment

plant operator. Thank you to these professionals for their dedication to WSS and the community. Your work protects the public’s health and the environment!

Josh Hicks

Chris Self Butch Taylor Michael Rocker

Grand slam for employee Doughboy outing

It was a swing and a miss if you did not attend the City Employee Outing to the Doughboys’ game. Cathy Ball threw the first pitch to get the game rolling for the Johnson City Doughboys and Princeton Whistlepigs. The weather was perfect for City employees and their families who were treated to the game and dinner.

Although the game’s outcome was not ideal, the Whistlepigs bested the Doughboys with a 14-5 win, this event was a grand slam for the City employees who attended.

Shoutout!

Joe Cox, Parks and Recreation, was recently acknowledged by a grateful citizen for his extra effort in maintaining Kiwanis Park.

Luba Sharapan’s letter reads:

“I just wanted to send some words of thanks and praise about one of your parks and rec employees.

Joe Cox, the gentleman who seemingly singlehandedly maintains Kiwanis

Park, is one of the kindest, most diligent and caring people I’ve met. Always working, yet never missing an opportunity to wave, say hello, and give my pups a scratch behind the ear, Joe takes pride in his work and does a wonderful job keeping my neighborhood park clean, mowed and safe.

Mr. Cox is there every day (my dogs make sure we visit every morning) and the park is definitely a point of pride for him. If you take a critical look, Kiwanis has gone from ‘meh’ about 5 years ago,

to really clean and pristine now. And it’s absolutely due to Joe’s care. He knows the neighbors, greets people by name, and on more than one occasion, has made sure loose/lost dogs have made their way back home. His friendly, low-key presence in our neighborhood is appreciated and he is an asset to the JC Parks and Rec department.

He doesn’t know I’m sending this and would be mortified. But I just wanted to let you know you’ve got a great employee on your team.”

New fueling station open at Water Sewer Services

The new Water and Sewer Services fueling station located at 2250 Eddie Williams Road has both diesel and unleaded gas pumps. Access to the pumps requires entry through two gates on the site. Both gates are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The existing fueling stations near Fleet Management (Water Street) and near Brush Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (Riverview Drive) remain available for City use as well.

Please note the fueling station near Fleet Management will be temporarily removed from service later this fall while it undergoes an upgrade.

GASBOY FUELING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Present key fob to screen (A “beep” will sound after the fob has been scanned.)

2. Enter pump number & press ok.

3. Enter correct odometer/hours & press ok.

4. Push third arrow to enter 4 digit employee ID & press ok.

5. A “beep” will sound with a prompt to begin refueling

May hires, retirements and promotions

New Hires

Karl Trevino, Police

Paul Miller, Police

Austin Inancsi, Police

Sundie Mobley, Parks & Recreation

Montoya Fain, Water & Sewer Services

Retirements

Coral Addison, Transit, 15 Years of Service

Shoutout!

Customer service is more than just showing up for Rusty Lowe, Water and Sewer Services (WSS). In a letter to WSS, Peter Shoun commends Rusty’s extra effort.

The letter reads:

“I recently encountered a problem with my water consumption. When I received a water bill for over $300.00, I called the Water Department and spoke with Mr. Rusty Lowe. Mr. Lowe came out that day and checked my water meter and explained to me how to determine if I had a leak under my house. After checking, I determined I must have a significant leak. Mr. Lowe explained the opportunity for

Recent Promotions

Samuel Miller III, Parks & Recreation

Billy Church, Police

Scott Jenkins, Police

Eric Dougherty, Police

Scotty Carrier, Police

Mike Adams, Police

Blake Watson, Legal

an adjustment and walked me through that process. My grandsons were able (youth is wonderful) to climb on their stomachs in my crawl space and fix the leak (actually two leaks three feet apart).

I contacted Mr. Lowe and informed him that the leaks had been found and fixed. Mr. Lowe explained that it might take two to three months for my water bill to return to normal and how much I should pay of each bill until my water consumption rate returned to my normal consumption.

In all my dealings with Mr. Lowe, he demonstrated the behaviors of what I think would qualify him as a ‘great employee’ and ‘great ambassador for the City of Johnson City, TN.’ Rusty was always cordial and friendly,

understanding, accessible, demonstrated concern for my situation, followed through with all of his tasks, knowledgeable and left a lasting impression of how well Rusty Lowe preformed his work and interacted with a citizen of Johnson City.

I must also commend the administration of Johnson City for hiring employees like Rusty Lowe. I have expressed my gratitude to Mr. Lowe for his dedicated work and I hope each of you take the opportunity to do the same. I would highly recommend Mr. Lowe for any award or bonus that might be available.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my positive experience with one of your employees.”

Shoutout!

Recently, Wayne Elley of New Zealand toured the Watauga Water Treatment Plant with Randy Griffin and Matt Holtsclaw, Water and Sewer Services. Jeff Corder organized Elley’s tour and received a note of gratitude following the visit.

The email to Jeff reads,

“I just wanted to express my thanks to you for helping organize the visit and tour Tuesday last.

Randy & Matt were excellent hosts with a wealth of

knowledge and experience they were happy to share.

You have a great setup there and it’s obvious the guys love their job and look after the place with great skill and care. They are clearly passionate about water.

If any of you get to brave the long-haul flight to New Zealand, ‘give us a holler’ and we’ll be only too glad to show you around Waikanae Water Treatment Plant near Wellington City.

Kind regards, Wayne Elley”

Have questions about EMPOWER or TCRS?

On-site assistance with representatives from Empower and TCRS will be available to answer your questions. Days, times and locations are listed below.

Tuesday, July 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 20 from 7 a.m. to TBD

Friday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to noon

Monday, July 24 from 1-4 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26 from 1-4 p.m.

Friday, July 28 from 1-4 p.m.

MPCC Media Room

Water & Sewer Training Room, 2250 Eddie Williams Road, Unit 100

MPCC Performing Arts Room

MPCC Classroom

MPCC Media Room

MPCC Classroom

MPCC Media Room

Work with your supervisor to find a time to meet with a representative. Human Resources is happy to help you with any questions, or you can reach out to Empower directly at 800.922.7772 or call your local representative, Tim Crawford, at 423.341.3088.

1.

Get to know...

Name: Tim Devlin

Title: Buyer

Department: Purchasing

Started with City: January 2023

Where did you grow up?

I grew up outside Hartford, Conn. in a town called Avon. I moved to Boston in 2005 and received my bachelor’s in television and film production in 2009. I moved to Johnson City in 2021 to help my father with his corn crop.

2.

Have you ever met anyone famous?

I once had coffee with Elvis Costello, breakfast with The DropKick Murphys, and drinks with Mumford & Sons and Edward Sharpe. All in a weekend.

3.

If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be?

All the gluten I miss so much.

4.

What’s the most recent song you downloaded?

“What It’s Like” by Everlast

5. Hockey!

What is your favorite sport to watch? To play?

6.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like being there for my teammates and being someone who can get or answer what you need.

Protect yourself, coworkers from summer heat