67 - Spring 2017

Information You Can Use

SPRING 2017

Meet CPD’s new officers and leaders

Celebrate Earth Day all April long!

Road work ahead on Concord Parkway

City Council

Sam Leder District 1

Brian King District 2

Ella Mae Small District 3 Mayor Pro-Tem

Alfred M. Brown, Jr. District 4

Stay Informed

W. Lamar Barrier District 5

Jennifer H. Parsley District 6

When there is a major power outage or other disruptions to City services, many customers find themselves asking the same question: “what’s going on?” Now, customers can visit concordnc.gov/info for the latest information and updates as situations develop.

Some information available on this page exists elsewhere, but we hope you find having the variety of information in one place helpful. At any given time, this page can display multiple sources of information, such as the current electric outage summary, live updates from the Communications Center and various social media channels, and more.

If you have an idea or suggestion to improve concordnc.gov/info, please send an email to franzese@concordnc.gov.

John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7

The Concord City Circular is produced quarterly by the City Manager’s Office to provide Concord citizens with information about current activities of the City of Concord. It contains items that will help make it easier for you to do business with the City.

Your comments and questions are welcomed. Please send them to: Concord City Circular P.O. Box 308, Concord, NC 28026 or call 704-920-5210 or e-mail franzese@concordnc.gov. designed by

Granite Sky Civic

In this Issue:

COVER PHOTO: CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR

From the Mayor | Manager’s Notes . . . . . . . . 3 Free shredding and more in April . . . . . . . . . . 4 2030 Land Use Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Get to know your CVB Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spring into Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 New roles for Concord Police . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Visit concordnc.gov to subscribe to the CityLink email newsletter, and receive weekly updates and information about Concord direct to your inbox.

Concord Parkway road construction . . . . . 10-11 Join the Youth Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Quarterly High Performers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Free concert schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Water meter box tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back

2 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

Get Connected Get connected with Concord through Facebook and Twitter!

Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or go to facebook.com/concordnc and twitter.com/ConcordNCgov.

From the Mayor J. Scott Padgett

Good government can be found if you don’t look too far I have written many times about the need for local decision making to be protected in North Carolina. North Carolina’s municipalities, and especially its urbanized cities with growing economies and populations, have faced several years of threats and efforts in the General Assembly to diminish local control of revenues, services, and even elections. I have also written about the need for unity and cooperation in the community and among various levels of government. This column is about a similar topic, but from a different perspective: our exemplary local partnerships and cooperation.

Here in Concord and Cabarrus County, you can rest assured that your local elected officials (and the local governments you trust them to lead) are working on your behalf to cut across boundaries, parties, and other obstacles in order to give you the best service and quality of life possible. I am particularly appreciative of the leadership role the Cabarrus

County Board of Commissioners has taken to ensure we are all working together to solve shared challenges and reach common goals. For well over a year, the County has organized quarterly meetings where dozens of officials are having these conversations. Elected officials and staff members from the County and each municipality within are invited to share information and consider ways to improve relationships and services. This means we are regularly working together in ways that would have been unheard of or unthinkable just ten years ago.

We now have a history of partnerships on major issues like regional water supply, public transit, economic development, and more. Concord has joined Cabarrus County to provide customers an electronic plan review and permitting process, which saves tax dollars while being business-friendly. Hopefully more municipalities will join our efforts. We are preparing to work with Cabarrus County on future needs like recreation opportunities and additional Downtown parking.

My hope is the good work we are doing here can embolden other communities and regions in North Carolina to do continued on page 15

Manager’s Notes Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager

Planning For and Paying For Growth Last summer, this column described the variety of master plan processes that were underway last year. The City Council has made sure our organization is planning for the future, not only in terms of how we grow, but also with regard to service and infrastructure needs. Planning for these service and infrastructure needs is imperative, along with how these needs are paid for.

Communities in North Carolina that are not growing (and those that are even declining) in population will quickly tell you the burden placed on their residents by a stagnant or decreasing tax base. At the same time, areas experiencing tremendous residential growth have to make sure that everyone helps to pay the cost of maintaining service levels and expanding infrastructure, so the financial

burden is balanced and does not fall primarily on existing residents and businesses. When considering the cost to existing residents and businesses, tough decisions have to be made to protect the financial stability of impacted local governments. This is a good challenge to have, but it is still a challenge.

At their annual Planning Session in late January, Council heard the results of last year’s master planning efforts, and provided guidance on new ones. Presentations were made on the Recreation Master Plan and the Water System Master Plan, and an update was provided on the Wastewater System Master Plan. Detailed discussions of future transportation and stormwater needs and projects took place. Council provided feedback on prioritization of key projects and guidance for future staff recommendations on how to pay for infrastructure needs.

Council also held a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission to provide feedback to the consultants continued on page 15 concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 3

FLUTTER BY EARTH DAY

All ages are invited to join us for Earth Week celebrations showcasing the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. You’ll be enlightened with information about this endangered pollinator and its native plants with our special guests from around the community. Kids and adults alike can participate in fluttering fun crafts and activities at two locations. For more information, call 704-920-5600.

Tuesday, April 18 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Les Myers Park

Paul’s Shelter, 338 Lawndale Ave. SE

Thursday, April 20 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Dorton Park Large Shelter, 5790 Poplar Tent Rd.

event

shred Hosted by:

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Two shred trucks will be onsite providing FREE secure document shredding and recycling for Cabarrus County Citizens.

Saturday, April 22 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

The Village Parking Lot 280 Concord Parkway N. – Behind Arby’s

Please limit your documents to no more than 3 regular-sized trash bags OR bankers boxes.

Contact: Lonnie Bulger bulgerl@concordnc.gov 704-920-5371 Kevin Grant kpgrant@cabarruscounty.us 704-920-3209

Kids in

Nature Day

Saturday, April 29 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Woodland Discovery

Hosted by: Free event for families to come and play outdoors! As part of this event, and in observance of National Arbor Day, the City of Concord will hand out native tree seedlings provided by the National Wildlife Federation.

8755 Poplar Tent Road

For more information, contact concordwildlifealliance@gmail.com.

4 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

2030 LAND USE PLAN OUR VOICE | OUR VISION | OUR FUTURE

T

he City of Concord kicked off the process of updating its Land Use Plan in late January. With the assistance of Tindale Oliver, the resulting Land Use Plan will provide the framework for land use and development through the year 2030. The existing Land Use Plan, referred to as the 2015 Land Use Plan, was created in 2004 and updated in 2007.

The process will help the City create a land use map and a supporting text document that contains data, specific goals, and policy recommendations focused on land use and development. The plan will also guide City officials as they develop future budgets, plan for infrastructure and other services, make important land use decisions, and revise current policies within the Concord Development Ordinance.

The 2030 Land Use Plan (LUP) will be an official statement by the City of its vision, intentions, goals, objectives, and strategies for future land use development. The area to be studied includes land within the City’s current boundaries, as well as areas outside the City limits that could be annexed in the future.

Public involvement is an essential component to this process. On February 28 at Fire Station 9 and on March 1 at Cabarrus Brewing Company, citizens, business owners, and other stakeholders participated in open house and interactive workshop sessions.

Feedback provided at these sessions is being used to articulate the plan’s vision statement, describing what the community aspires to be through the 2030 planning horizon.

A second series will follow in the coming months to give citizens an opportunity to review the draft 2030 LUP and provide additional input before the plan is finalized. It is anticipated that public hearings on the recommended plan will be held at Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meetings in the late summer or fall timeframe.

For more information on the plan and future public involvement opportunities, please visit concordnc.gov/2030 or call the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department at 704-920-5127.

concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 5

Get to know your CVB Team

Fans gather at the Visit Cabarrus Mobile Visitor Center at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October 2016.

PHOTO: MICHAEL A ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

As citizens of Concord, we all have reason to be proud of

the destination. Tourism in Cabarrus County has seen

and embrace our tourism industry. Each day, the Cabarrus

significant growth over the years. As visitors spend time and

County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) team works

money here, local business prospers and quality of life is

to attract more and more visitors to the area through sales

enhanced.

and marketing.

THINKING ABOUT NEXT SEASON CABARRUS COUNTY’S BIGGEST FANS

Vacation time is valuable—as valuable as time during a

Our commitment to sharing the stories and experiences of

meeting, convention, field trip and even a daily commute. So

Cabarrus County is fueled by a passion for the people, places

the CVB team spends time researching, raising awareness

and sports that have made this destination one of the most

and collaborating with community stakeholders to ensure

vibrant in the United States. Rather than local tax dollars,

progress is being made to enhance convenience and safety

the CVB is funded by a portion of the room occupancy tax

for all.

that visitors pay when staying in a hotel. In fact, the CVB estimates that taxes generated from visitor spending in

STOP IN

2014 saved each Cabarrus County household $467! The

You’re invited to explore the Visitor Information Center at 10099 Weddington Road in Concord. When a Travel Counselor greets you, let them know you saw this article in the Concord City Circular for a free gift!

same year, 4,320 jobs were directly attributed to travel and tourism—generating $92.97 million in local payroll.

HELPING VISITORS MAKE MEMORIES Memorable experiences translate to repeat visits, to tax

Learn more about the Cabarrus County Convention

savings for residents and to building one of the most

and Visitors Bureau and our area’s tourism industry at

powerful economic forces in Cabarrus County. While

CabCoCVB.com. For the latest news and events each

separate from the Chamber of Commerce, we know tourism

month, go to VisitCabarrus.com and sign up for The

is economic development. It’s our job to help make cash

SPEED Report, an award-winning e-newsletter from

registers ring through successful sales and marketing of

Visit Cabarrus.

6 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

a l l a g n r i l t l i s a ts C Saturday, May 13 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Downtown Concord

Final call for regional and budding artists to apply for Spring into Arts. The festival attracts artists from across the region. The centerpiece of the festival is a juried art show with artists spanning a wide variety of media—including jewelry, ceramics, wood, painting, photography, glass, and textiles. Entries must be submitted by March 15, along with a $110 application fee. A jury selects artists for the festival based on their applications. Any artist who is not selected receives a full refund of their application fee.

The children’s stage will present a mix of professional entertainment and young performers participating in the Spring

ALIVE! Youth Talent Showcase.

Showcase performers between five and eighteen years of age are invited to apply for an opportunity to present a short performance on the day of the festival. Applications along with a $10 nonrefundable fee and a link to a performance video are due by March 15, 2017. Those selected to perform will be notified

by April 11, 2017.

All applications are available online at concorddowntown.com.

For more information email info@concorddowntown.com or call 704-784-4208. concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 7

NEW AND PROMOTED POLICE OFFICERS Pictured (left to right) with Deputy Chief Betty Stocks and Chief Gary Gacek (in white shirts) are new Concord Police Officers: Jeremy Julian, Brian Haberny, Zach Brown, and Spencer Ward; not pictured: Mason Missler.

On February 10, Concord Police held a promotional ceremony that capped off a month of new beginnings for the department.

Mayor Padgett administered the oath of office to Major Jimmy Hughes, Captain Jeremy Baggarly, and Sergeants John Parker and Kelly Seagraves. This ceremony followed 13 new police officers who were sworn in the month of January, including 12 at one time on January 12.

command experience in the Charlie Patrol District and the Office of Management, Analysis, and Planning. His background also includes experience as a Special Weapons and Tactics Team member, leader, and commander. Hughes holds a specialized instructor certificate from the State of North Carolina and has served as a Police Department firearms instructor since 2006.

Major Hughes joined the Concord Police Department in 1998 as a patrol officer. He was previously promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and Captain in 2013. Now serving as the Patrol Bureau Commander, Hughes is responsible for leading all patrol operations, which include four Captains, 16 Sergeants, four K-9 Officers, and 84 Officers in four patrol districts covering 62 square miles and serving approximately 87,500 residents.

“This opportunity is an incredible honor,” said Hughes. “I am excited to serve the citizens of Concord in a new way and support the excellent work of the men and women of Patrol Bureau. Together with our community partners, we will continue striving to improve public safety and the quality of life.”

Hughes brings broad experience to his new role, including previous assignments in the Patrol Bureau, Special Investigations Division, and Criminal Investigations Division, and previous

Major Hughes is a graduate of Central Cabarrus High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pfeiffer University. He also holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the

Major Hughes 8 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

Captain Baggarly

BEGIN THEIR ASSIGNMENTS Daquan Boyce, David Mertz, Ashlyn Stamey, Paulina Gutierrez, Fred Riddick, Lucas Walter, Tyler Roth, Curtis Cruz-Cline,

PHOTOS: CITY OF CONCORD/BRIAN SCHIELE

State of North Carolina and is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Leadership and Management Program from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

up to train, guide, and mentor these new hires. I look forward to watching them develop in their careers and provide excellent service to the citizens and visitors of Concord for years to come.”

Major Hughes resides in Concord with his wife and children.

During his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

The promotion ceremony marked second wave of promotions since Chief Gacek arrived in 2015. Betty Stocks was promoted to Deputy Chief and Keith Eury was promoted to Major about a year ago, and several promotions to captain and sergeant followed at that time.

The Department’s new police officers who began work in January are: Daquan Boyce, Zach Brown, Curtis Cruz-Cline, Paulina Gutierrez, Brian Haberny, Jeremy Julian, David Mertz, Mason Missler, Fred Riddick, Tyler Roth, Ashlyn Stamey, Lucas Walter and Spencer Ward.

“Swearing-in twelve officers at the same time is definitely unique for an agency our size. I’m proud of our staff and the work that went into making that swearing-in a reality,” said Chief Gary Gacek. “I’m also proud to see our experienced officers stepping

Sergeant Parker

Gacek has adjusted the department since his arrival, creating some new opportunities for leadership. However, the primary causes of new and promoted officers have been retirements of Baby Boomers and new positions authorized by City Council.

Six new sworn positions were authorized for Fiscal Year 2016 for school resource officer roles, and eight were added for FY17 to meet FAA and TSA requirements at Concord Regional Airport.

Learn more about the department at concordnc.gov/police.

Sergeant Seagraves concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 9

For many years, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) construction and infrastructure projects in Concord were ranked low due to the formulas NCDOT were required to use for funding allocation. While Concord experienced tremendous growth

MAJOR WORK AHEAD

in the 1990s and first decade of this century, major projects planned for our area were delayed due to funding going to needed improvements on I-85 or elsewhere in the state. In many cases, state road projects in Concord were only accelerated when the City loaned the funding to make it happen.

The introduction of the Strategic Transportation Investments law in 2013 changed prioritization methods to give more consideration to roads with the most traffic congestion. Now,

EXIT 58

INTERSTATE

85 29 ON CONCORD PARKWAY local/division and regional projects compete separately from statewide projects (like I-85), allowing the state’s infrastructure in Concord and Cabarrus County to receive the attention it deserves.

The City still makes significant investments in these state projects to relocate utilities, enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and at times make decorative lighting or bridge railing upgrades. Anyone who has traveled in the area in the last four years can attest to the number of projects underway. This is certainly great for Concord, but of course the construction brings its own set of challenges.

Concord Parkway (US Highway 29) is maintained by NCDOT, and is slated to have three significant projects starting soon in addition to the work near I-85. As a reminder, near I-85 significant changes are on the way to Concord Parkway as part of the project, including the conversion of the Exit 58 interchange to a diverging diamond configuration (like NC 73 and Poplar Tent Road) and the realignment of Kannapolis Highway (29A) to intersect Concord Parkway across from

TO BE REPLACED

entrance.

TO BE REPLACED

TEMPORARY BRIDGE

the CMC-NorthEast and Carolina Mall

Slightly south of this project, work has already started to replace the bridges over the Norfolk Southern Railway. If you have gone into the Shoppes at Davidson Corners shopping center you likely have seen this already. NCDOT is constructing a temporary bridge in

10 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

this shopping center property that will help maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction throughout the duration of the project. This project is expected to be complete in about three years. On the southern end of Concord Parkway, two bridges that cross the Rocky River (just north of the speedway complex) are also going to be replaced in a similar fashion and on a similar timeframe.

In between these two projects, the City is preparing to reconfigure the Concord Parkway and Poplar Tent Road/McGill Avenue intersection, using NCDOT/Federal Highway Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding with a 20 percent City match (similar funding was recently used to add turn lanes to the NC 3/US 601 intersection). The project on Concord Parkway will convert the intersection to a superstreet design that prohibits left turns at the intersection and instead provides protected, signalized U-turn bulbs to efficiently move traffic through, eliminating congestion and delay. A similar design is in place at the intersection of Poplar Tent and Derita Roads. This project is also scheduled to be complete in 2020.

At times, Concord Parkway serves as an alternate route to I-85 during construction or other delays. With work happening in both corridors over the next three years, extra time and patience is encouraged when traveling in the area. The end result will be well worth the temporary challenges. For more information about area road projects, contact the Transportation Department at 704-920-5362 or NCDOT Division 10 at 704-983-4400. concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 11

Calling Future Youth Council Members!!!

The Concord Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year through April 28.

All rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who attend a public, private, or home school within the Cabarrus County School district or live in Concord City limits are encouraged to apply. The Youth Council seeks students dedicated to bettering the community and serving as the official youth voice to City government. The Youth Council has regular meetings and members participate in service projects throughout the year. To find out more and receive an application, visit concordnc.gov/ YouthCouncil or contact Taylor Morris at 704-920-5616 or morrist@concordnc.gov.

12 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

Concern for the Individual • Customer Focus Fair and Equitable Service • Professional Service Effective Communication • Taking Ownership Timeliness • Teamwork • Great Service Recovery

High Five recognizes coworkers who make a difference.

Each day City of Concord coworkers are focused on providing the services needed to keep our community moving forward. We believe that coworkers who are delivering excellent service deserve timely and effective recognition by their team members, managers, and the community.

We invite you to help us recognize one or more of our coworkers who have provided excellent service.

These nine principles help us deliver a high level of quality services.

There are three ways to submit your recognitions: 1C all 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgment via the telephone.

2C omplete the online form at concordnc.gov/ high5 3C omplete a paper form found one of the following public facilities: City Hall; Academy Recreation Center; Brown Operations Center; Concord Regional Airport; Fire Stations 3, 7, 8, and 9; Housing Department Office; Police Headquarters; Rider Transit Center.

Thank you for helping us recognize our best!

Quarterly High Performers Congratulations to the following coworkers who were selected as quarterly High Performers:

City Manager’s Office: Jim Sells Fire: Norman Franklin, Sonya Bost, Jeremy Burris, Adam Ryerson, Jake Williams Finance: April Allen, Ann Baldwin, Vicki Burris, Mark Cain, Leigh Ann Sells, Charlotte Tucker Parks and Recreation: Rodney Smith Police: Ramon Gonzalez, Corey Hynson Water Resources: James Green, Jerry Talley High Performers were selected from among the high five nominations received from the past quarter (October-December 2016). These recognitions best demonstrate “going above and beyond” in providing excellent customer service, or events that best embody one or more of the 9 Principles of Excellent Customer Service. These coworkers were honored at a special lunch event in February. The City of Concord is recognized for having dedicated coworkers who are committed to providing excellent service.

concordnc.gov • SPRING 2017 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 13

JOIN US! All Activities Are Free

May 18, 2017 HAULERS ON UNION Parade & Fanfest Games, Music, Mascots, Race Cars, Celebrities, Beer & Wine Garden DOWNTOWN CONCORD

Music on Means

Introducing

For additional information, visit www.600festival.com

The Concord Downtown Development Corporation has announced the new Music on Means concert series. Enjoy live music on Means Avenue beside the Historic Courthouse on June 15, September 21, and October 19. Music on Means is scheduled for the more comfortable shoulder months of the summer, and offers a variety of regional talent to entertain all tastes.

June’s concert will feature the BOUNCE! Party Band. Gump Fiction (the ultimate 90s experience) will arrives in September, and October welcomes returning favorites—The Tams! Enjoy outside dining, games, shopping, and more in beautiful Historic Downtown Concord the third Thursday evening of June, September, and October. For more information, visit concorddowntown.com or call 704-784-4208.

14 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SPRING 2017 • concordnc.gov

June 15 BOUNCE!

September 21 Gump Fiction October 19 The Tams

5

5 7 From The Mayor continued from page 3

the same, and help our representatives in Raleigh finally realize that there are plenty of important issues for them to address instead of an obsession with controlling local governments. The General Assembly should look no further than its own members’ complaints of overreach from Washington, to realize that the best government is the one closest to the people.

Did you know...

Did you know the City of Concord had snowfighters ready to keep roads safe in the (almost over!) winter? You’ve heard of crime fighters and firefighters, but do you know our snowfighters? Concord’s snowfighters are the only North Carolina-based organization to be honored with the Salt Institute’s 2016 Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award, noting environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage of winter road salt.

From Manager’s Notes continued from page 3

assisting Planning staff with the City’s Land Use Plan update. This process will create a crucial document for our future. It will provide a vision through the year 2030, with long-range goals and objectives for development activities within the City. Representatives of both boards are working on the steering committee, and an extensive public input process is being developed. If growth is going to continue to be a benefit to Concord, it is essential to hear how residents and business owners think the community should grow and look in future years.

While growth is vital to a vibrant community, growth at all cost (and no benefit) is not financially feasible and can impact the quality of life. Those profiting from residential growth can make an extremely positive contribution to the local economy. However, it is important to balance that profit with the impact on the community, by contributing a fair share towards the infrastructure and service needs they create.

City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies . . . . 911 Customer Care Center . . . . . 704-920-5555 Call the Customer Care Center for service requests and inquiries about any of the following: • Electric Outages/Services • Water/Sewer Emergencies • Dead Animal Pick-up • Drinking Water Inquiries • Garbage/Bulk Pick-up/Recycling • Utility Bills • Street/Traffic Light Issues • Right-of-Way Issues • Storm Water/Storm Drain/Flooding Problems • Yard Waste/Leaf Collection • Building Material Disposal • Bulk Metal Collection • Old Tire Collection • Vacant Lot Cleaning/Mowing You can also fax our Customer Care team at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-6953 The primary phone numbers for the various City departments are: Main Switchboard . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5200 Buildings & Grounds . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5380 City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5205 City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5215 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5580 Concord Regional Airport . . . . . . 704-920-5900 Electric Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5320 Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5425 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5220 Fire Department Administration . . 704-920-5516 Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5430 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-6100 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5100 Meter Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5219 Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5600 Planning & Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152 Police (non-emergency) . . . . . . . 704-920-5000 Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5210 Purchasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5440 Rider Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-7433 Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5111 Rocky River Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 704-455-1200 Solid Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5361 Tax Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5216 TTY/North Carolina Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5362 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5337 Zoning/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152

concordnc.gov

PPCO

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

For your protection:

P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28026

a special message about water meter boxes

Concord Mobile Care

You can now report pot holes, street light malfunctions, and many other non-emergency issues to the City using your smartphone.

Visit concordnc.gov to learn about and download the Concord Mobile Care app for your android or iOS device, or access the webversion on any other device, including PC and laptop computers.

concordnc.gov Visit our City’s website where you’ll find a wealth of information.

Pay bills online, access government and City departments, and discover what’s going on in Concord.

You may be familiar with warnings not to tamper with electric and water meters and call to mind images of someone trying to manipulate the meter itself.

PHOTO: CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR The City of Concord takes this opportunity to warn customers against any kind of interaction with the water meter at their home or business, which may be surprising.

The water meter box and its contents are owned and maintained by the City. Inside the box there is typically the meter, a cut-off valve, and a communicator for meter-reading purposes. The water meter is used to determine a customer’s water use during a billing period. The cut-off valve is used by the City to start and stop service if needed. The communication module allows the meter reading to be obtained remotely without opening or disturbing the meter box.

It is important that customers do not attempt to access any water meter box. The equipment inside the box can be easily damaged, sometimes just by removing the lid incorrectly.

The City may choose to recover any repair costs to fix damage to the meter box or its contents caused by customers. If you need to cut off the water to your residence or business, locate the cut-off valve on the customer side of the meter.

If you cannot locate a cut-off valve, consider hiring a plumber to have one installed.

If you need water service cut off at the meter due to a leak on the customer side of the meter or for any other reason, simply call 704-920-5555 to request this service.