60 - Summer 2015

Information You Can Use

SUMMER 2015

Introducing the Concord Police Motor Unit

Concord becomes an NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat™ Honoring Vietnam Vets

concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 1

City Council

David W. Phillips District 1

James E. Ramseur District 2

Ella Mae Small District 3

Alfred M. Brown, Jr. District 4

W. Lamar Barrier District 5

Jennifer H. Parsley District 6

John A. Sweat, Jr. District 7 Mayor Pro-Tem

F

ive publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging stations are now available in Concord at the Cabarrus Avenue parking deck, Concord Regional Airport, and Rider Transit Center. Citizens and visitors with plug-in electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt will be able to charge their batteries while visiting these locations. The charging stations and two electric vehicles for the City’s fleet were funded through a 2014 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology grant from the NC Clean Energy Technology Center. These vehicles are the latest effort by Fleet Services to incorporate efficient vehicles and reduce the use of traditional fuel.

In this Issue:

COVER PHOTO: CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR

From the Mayor | Manager’s Notes . . . . . . . . 3 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.

Free CPR Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NC Source Water Protection Awards . . . . . . . . 5 Honoring Vietnam Vets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Celebrating the Stars of Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 7 NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat . . . 8-9 Recycling Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Concord Police Motor Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Blackburn and Deason Complete Course . . . . 12 City Hall Construction Update . . . . . . . . . . . 12 New Assistant City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Join Concord 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Granite Sky Design, Inc.

High 5 for Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . back

2 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

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From the Mayor

Manager’s Notes

J. Scott Padgett

Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager

Celebrating 50 Years Life, Well Run I have written many times about Concord’s high quality of life and the positive things happening in our community.

A variety of reasons make Concord the wonderful place to live, work, and play it is; maybe too many reason to list.

However, I know of one incredibly important reason why the city government in Concord functions so well: professional local government management.

of the Council-Manager Form of Government in Concord

This summer marks 50 years since the Concord Board of Alderman ratified the appointment of Bradley Barker as City Manager. While records indicate the Board of Aldermen (now City Council) had discussed a switch to the Council-Manager form of government as early as the late 1940s, it was not until July 15, 1965 that Mr. Barker was hired as Concord’s first City Manager. The years in between included many discussions both here in Concord and in Raleigh about the idea.

This July 15th will be the 50th anniversary of Concord having a city manager. This incredibly important position is Certainly a City Manager in 1965 would recognize the one that many people may have never heard of. Perhaps the duties of the job today. Many of the basic responsibilities most important decision for a local elected officials to make, have not changed. The City Manager still has to be all 100 counties and all municipalities of substantial size in dedicated to selecting and maintaining North Carolina employ a professional a work force committed to professional local government manager to serve 50 years of Concord City Managers public service, providing the elected as the CEO of the government’s officials with recommendations organization. This person brings the Bradley Barker July 15, 1965 December 11, 1968 and advice on policy matters, and professional knowledge, skills, and implementing policies once adopted. abilities to manage the day-to-day J.P. Francis The organization that was to become operations of the organization, handle May 15, 1969 - November 1, 1973 the International City and County all personnel matters, recommend a William C. Hamann Management Association was over 50 balanced budget each year, and serve July 1, 1974 - January 9, 1978 years old in 1965 and its Code of Ethics as the chief advisor to the elected provided principles for members to officials. This allows the elected Jerry L. Gawltney follow, just like it does today. officials to focus on high level decisions April 17, 1978 - April 9, 1981 such as establishing levels of funding, J.L. Greeson Some of the challenges have not changed the scope of an organization’s services, May 14, 1981 - January 10, 1985 either. For example, at the first meeting and annual goals and priorities. The City Manager Barker attended, the manager then executes these decisions, Leonard B. Sossamon February 14, 1985 – April 13, 1998 Board of Aldermen approved a resolution working directly with departments and requesting “that the North Carolina by design keeping the “politics” out of W. Brian Hiatt State Highway Commission be urgently the way cities hire people and provide October 26, 1998 – present requested to construct a new a by-pass services. on the East side of Concord…” This “bypass road up Three-Mile Branch,” now called Branchview I have said time and again that Concord is the best Drive, would be completed about eight years later in fall of managed city in North Carolina, if not the region, under 1973. Considering the George Liles Parkway Extension, the the leadership of City Manager Brian Hiatt. I believe I also widening of Derita Road, the Exit 49 projects, and many speak for all seven members of the City Council when I say others, transportation needs continue to be a priority for this. He is the seventh and longest-serving city manager Concord in 2015. in our history, arriving in Concord in October of 1998 after over 14 years as an assistant manager in Hickory.

Other conditions in Concord and certain aspects of the His professionalism, integrity, and experience keep our job would be different. In 1965, Concord had about 18,000 organization operating efficiently and all departments residents. working well together.

continued on page 14

continued on page 15 concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 3

Free CPR Training available to the public

The Concord Fire

hands-only CPR can double or triple the

Department, in partnership

chances of survival for victims of cardiac

with the City’s Parks and

incidents. Meanwhile, 70 percent of

Recreation Department,

Americans feel helpless to act during a

now offers Cardio

cardiac emergency, because they do not

Pulmonary Resuscitation

know how to administer CPR or are afraid

(CPR) training free of

of hurting the victim.

charge to the public. While not providing official

A group of Concord firefighters made the

certification, the program

suggestion about offering this service

will educate the public in

to the public, and after the concept was

the lifesaving skill of CPR.

approved by Chief Allen they received trainer training from the American

“While all of our personnel

Heart Association. The department then

are trained

discussed marketing

Emergency

The next classes are

Medical

scheduled for

Technicians, we

June 5,

are excited about

and scheduling options with Parks and Recreation staff, who are accustomed

this opportunity

July 24, &

to managing space in

and what it will

August 21.

the City’s three Fire

mean for life safety

Station Community

in Concord,” said

Learn more about the

Rooms at Stations

Fire Chief Ray

program and register

7, 8, and 9.

Allen. “Nearly 20 of our firefighters

online at concordnc.gov.

are now trained

Firefighters Rusty Wallace, Jack Smith,

and ready to teach Concord

Ben Wienecke, and David Schober have

citizens the skills needed

led the effort in organizing the program.

to maintain airways,

Each free class can hold 20 participants.

breathing, and circulation

Current plans are to offer the four-hour

while help is on the way.”

training class once a month this summer.

If there is enough demand, more frequent

Participants in this class

classes could be offered.

will learn the fundamentals of adult and infant

The Fire Department is also able to offer

CPR, and how to use

custom CPR training sessions for large

an automatic electronic

groups, churches, or other organizations

defibrillator. The latest

outside of the monthly schedule. Simply

research indicates that

call 704-920-5516 for more information.

4 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

CITY OF CONCORD/LJ WESLOWSKI

Concord recognized in inaugural NC Source Water Protection Awards Water Resources staff engineer Crystal Brown, who compiled the City’s nomination, was recognized at the April 9 City Council meeting.

The City of Concord Water Resources Department is one of eight inaugural winners of the NC Source Water Collaborative’s Source Water Protection Awards. Source Water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, and aquifers that serves as a source of drinking water. The Collaborative and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced the winners in late March.

The group develops and supports strategies that preserve the lakes, streams, rivers and aquifers used for drinking water and the land that protects and recharges these sources of water.

For additional information about the inaugural awards, visit ncswc.org, or contact Rebecca Sadosky at 919-707-9096, or Rebecca.Sadosky@ncdenr.gov.

Concord was one of two awardees in the Education category.

The City’s storm drain marking, Adopt-A-Stream, CleanA-Creek, civic education, Project WET, and police patrol involvement programs were identified as successful educational campaigns that raise awareness of source water protection, demonstrate source water protection measures, or otherwise spur action toward source water protection.

Visit concordnc.gov to learn more about these education programs.

The N.C. Source Water Collaborative is a statewide partnership with volunteers from non-profit organizations, university programs, state, local and federal agencies, professional associations, and regional councils of government. concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 5

COURTESY OF JHE PRODUCTION GROUP/PAUL NOLASCO

Honoring Vietnam Vets at Haulers on Union On May 14, the community honored local veterans and their families with a series of events as part of the national 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Concord and Cabarrus County have both joined the Commemorative Partner Program and are hosting multiple events and activities to thank and honor Vietnam veterans, highlight their service, and pay tribute to the contributions of those on the home front. Visit bit.ly/haulersonunion for more scenes from the ceremony, Haulers on Union parade, and concert

by Route 66.

6 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

Celebrating the St rs of Tourism MICHAEL A. ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

T

creates positive experiences that help generate additional visits. Those visits translate to jobs, tax revenues and tax savings for residents.”

Since its inception, the U.S. travel community has collectively marked the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies to securing proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies.

In 2013, tourism in Cabarrus County generated $371.87 million in visitor spending and $27.36 million in state and local taxes. More than 3,980 jobs and $80.08 million in payroll were directly attributable to travel and tourism. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel and tourism is one of America’s largest employers, ranking in the top 10 in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel & Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. Localized events are presented in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel.

During this week every year, The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau shares the economic impact of Cabarrus County’s tourism industry and celebrates those who make it all possible. The Golden Helmet Awards recognize outstanding contributions of our area’s hospitality professionals.

“This celebration is about a cycle of benefits made possible by the dedicated individuals of our tourism industry,” said Donna Carpenter, President/ CEO of the Cabarrus County CVB. “Their exceptional service

The 2015 Golden Helmet Award recipients are: Attraction of the Year Sea Life Aquarium Hotel of the Year Great Wolf Lodge Restaurant of the Year The Smoke Pit Small Business of the Year Cabarrus Creamery Hospitality Professional of the Year Billy Gulledge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Concord Hometown Hero Michael Anderson, Michael A. Anderson Photography Outstanding Ambassador Lenny Stallings, Capstone Climbing and Adventure Unsung Hero Joyce Kelly, Affordable Corporate Suites - Concord Destination Visionary Award City of Concord

As the month of May comes to a close, we’re reminded that tourism doesn’t just affect our community once or twice a year. Cabarrus County is able to see and celebrate the benefits of travel as a driving economic force year-round!

For more information about the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau and our community’s tourism industry, visit www.CabCoCVB.com.

concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 7

CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR

Concord becomes an NWF Certified Community ™ Wildlife Habitat Leading a nationwide trend in community concern for habitat loss, Concord has been officially designated a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

Concord is the 82nd community in the country and the fifth community in North Carolina to receive this honor. A Community Wildlife Habitat project creates multiple habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens, parkland, and other spaces.

All NWF-certified communities surpass population-based thresholds of habitat certification, education, community project, and administrative efforts. Concord’s certifications included 200 homes; 6 common areas, workplaces, or public spaces; 5 schools; and additional habitats from any property type.

8 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

Leaders from the Concord Wildlife Alliance, the local chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, joined Padgett, Council Member Al Brown, Jr., and City staff members to make the announcement on Earth Day in McGee Park. The park is one of several City-owned properties that were certified in the process.

“This effort began about two years ago, when John Robbins contacted me about the program,” said Mayor Scott Padgett.

“The Concord City Council was unanimous in their support, and a select group of enthusiastic citizens came together to work with staff on achieving this goal.”

Pictured (L-R): CWA members Mandy Smith-Thompson, Robert Watson, Lynn Tesh, Ian Prince, Glenda Steel, Jerie Anne Schwehm, and Jeff Fink; Mayor Scott Padgett, NCWF Chair John Robbins, Council Member Al Brown, Jr.

COURTESY OF ROBERT WATSON

Padgett, referring to the Concord Wildlife Alliance, praised the group for their leadership and interest creating long-term quality of life and conservation improvements in Concord.

In a message to City officials, the National Wildlife Federation commended the dedicated residents of Concord and the Concord Wildlife Alliance team for their wildlife conservation efforts and for coming together for a common purpose – to create a community where people and wildlife can flourish. “At a time when communities are faced with the problems of losing habitat to development, Concord stands out as a model for other communities to emulate. The knowledge and inspiration that this project has generated will lead Concord residents and visitors to take better care of their natural world.”

Robbins, who is both a local resident and current chair of the NC Wildlife Federation, stressed that this milestone is by no means a finish line, but rather just a starting place.

“There is tremendous potential for families, school and church

groups, businesses, and others to realize the benefit and enjoyment of fostering and maintaining wildlife habitats,” he said. Robbins also encouraged the community, City officials, and the Concord Wildlife Alliance to use this accomplishment as a springboard to other environmental and conservation efforts.

A community celebration of the accomplishment is planned during the May 21 Union Street Live concert, featuring The Tams.

NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program has been helping people take personal action on behalf of wildlife for more than 40 years. As part of NWF’s Garden for Wildlife program, these projects benefit the entire community of plants, wildlife, and people through the creation of sustainable landscapes that require little or no pesticides, fertilizers, and excess watering.

Since 1973, NWF has provided millions of people with the basic guidelines for making their landscapes more wildlife-friendly.

There are more than 160,000 certified habitats nationwide. For more information, please go to nwf.org/How-to-Help/Gardenfor-Wildlife/Community-Habitats.aspx. concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 9

Recycling Calendar

Recycling is collected every-other-week on your regularly scheduled garbage day.

How to Obtain a Recycling Cart

Properly Prepare Your Recyclables

• If you are a City of Concord resident, recycling roll-out carts are free, just call 704.920.5555.

• Rinse, flatten (if possible) and remove lids. Larger plastic lids and small plastic bottle caps are recyclable. Do not bundle or bag. Labels are OK to leave on.

Put these items in your recycling cart

2015 August

July S

5 12 19 26

M

6 13 20 27

T

W

T

F

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31

S

S

2 9 16 23 30

September

6 13 20 27

1 8 15 22 29

7 14 21 28

2 9 16 23 30

City holidays are red

3 10 17 24

3 10 17 24 31

T

W

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

T

6 13 20 27

F

S

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

October

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

4 11 18 25

November

1 8 15 22 29

M

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

December

4 11 18 25

5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27

7 14 21 28

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

Empty Aerosol Cans (no paint cans) 1 – 7 All Plastics (no Styrofoam, bags, or wrap)

Wide-Mouth Plastic Containers & Lids Rigid Plastic Containers & Small Plastic Toys Milk & Juice Cartons, & Juice Boxes Aluminum Cans, Steel Cans, & their Lids

your co lle

day ion ct

e all items ac a pl

. on .m

• Place carts for collection with wheels facing your home

Magazines & Phonebooks

Mixed Paper, Newspapers with Inserts, & Junk Mail

Spiral Paper Cans (with plastic lids detached)

Gift Wrapping Paper (without foil backing)

Solid Waste Services received the City’s 2014 Productivity Improvement Award for implementing the Mobile 311 system more efficiently collect bulky and yard waste.

Do NOT put These Items in Your Recycling Cart

concordnc.gov | 704.920.5555

• Retrieve cart by 9:00 p.m. on collection day

Large Cardboard Boxes (flattened, cut into 3ft x 3ft sections and placed inside cart for collection)

Shredded Paper (placed in clear bags)

For more information on Solid Waste Services:

6 am

Gift Boxes, Shoe Boxes, & Small Cardboard Boxes (flattened and placed into Cart)

Paperback Books

Don’t know if you are a blue week or the green week?

Go to: concordnc.gov/whatsmyday and enter your address.

• Place cart out between 5:00 p.m. day before and 6:00 a.m. day of collection

Cereal & Food Boxes

Glass Bottles & Jars

For full holiday collection schedule, go to: concordnc. gov/whatsmyday and click on ‘Holiday Schedule’.

by 6:0 0a urb tc

Clean pizza boxes (without grease or food residue)

2 feet

2 feet

min

min

• Keep carts 2 feet from one another and 2 feet from parked cars, mailboxes, etc.

• Do not block sidewalks with carts

• Personal containers will not be emptied, with the exception of those used for yard waste collection and clearly marked “YARD WASTE.” • Customers wishing to dispose of a personal container that will not fit in their recycling cart must label that container “THROW AWAY.” 10 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

lastic Bags, Plastic Film, or Plastic Wrap | Dirty Pizza P Boxes (or other cardboard contaminated with grease or food residue) | Styrofoam | Audio & Video Cassettes, or Photographic Film | CDs & DVDs | Rubber or Tires | Paint Cans | Household Glassware | Clothing | Household Garbage | Gift Wrapping Paper with Foil Backing | Aluminum Foil | Any Pesticides, or Herbicides, or Oil Containers | Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs* and Fluorescent Tubes* *CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes are banned from regular garbage and recycling carts. These items are accepted at the following locations (from residential customers only): Cabarrus County Household Hazardous Waste Facility | Cabarrus County Governmental Center | Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension Building | Cabarrus County Human Services Center | Concord Public Library | Kannapolis Library | Mount Pleasant Library | Harrisburg Library | Concord Senior Center | Cabarrus County C&D Landfill.

Place your CFL bulb into a sealed plastic sandwich bag in case of breakage.

Introducing the Concord Police Motor Unit State and local laws, and promote traffic safety. Although not a primary purpose, they will also be available to provide escorts and participation in special events. Their first special event came within weeks of starting work, when they escorted Army Staff Sergeant Anthony Feaster and his family to their new home provided mortgage-free by Operation Finally Home on May 5.

In late April, Master Police Officers Javon Clark and Ricardo Rodriguez began assignments as the Concord Police Department’s new Motor Unit. Offering a new way to patrol and respond to emergencies, the motorcycles provide increased maneuverability, efficient response in congested areas, focused enforcement of various traffic laws, and attention to traffic safety.

The unit was developed over the last year, after former Chief Guy Smith suggested the idea. The Police Department recognized that Concord’s growth and the resulting traffic congestion created a need for better mobility and quicker response to areas that are not easily accessible by traditional vehicles.

Experience: With heavy traffic or blocked 12 years law en forcement roadways, motorcycles can provide 20 years ridin g quicker and safer response to scenes which require police attention.

Mas

ter P

olice

Javo Officer Clar n k R

ORD/CHERIE JZA

CITY OF CONC

Sergeant Tim Hartsell, who leads the Traffic Safety Unit of the Patrol Division, took on the initial research and program development. After contacting other law enforcement agencies with motorcycles in service, the department tested and evaluated several police motorcycle models.

The Yamaha FJR1300 was selected as the best model based on its performance and the intended use by the department.

Although already experienced riders, Clark and Rodriguez completed the 80-hour law enforcement motorcycle training course provided by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, both scoring 100 percent. Once this training was completed the officers were able to begin their new roles.

Both Clark and Rodriquez described the high level of awareness required while patrolling on a motorcycle, compared to casual riding.

“It’s a completely different ride,” said Officer Clark, with Officer Rodriguez adding, “you have to be in a different mindset, which requires considerable endurance.”

Patrol Major Doug Wilhelm has already received positive feedback from the community about the new Unit. “These are experienced officers who are expanding the services we can provide,” said Wilhelm.

“Their professionalism is appreciated by the public.

r ffice

The officers are able to work as a team or independently, and can cover streets, highways, or even respond to greenways or other off-road locations. Beyond In October, Clark and Rodriguez the traditional public safety role, the were selected for the two Motor officers are interested in becoming Unit positions. Both are officers with trainers with the Governor’s Highway extensive personal experience riding Safety Program to offer the BikeSafe motorcycles. They also have experience NC course to area riders. This in the Patrol Division and other enforcement w la s ar ye 4 1

program provides the opportunity for specialized roles within the Department.

Experience: 29 years riding motorcyclists in the community to learn Clark has been a Concord Police Officer skills and receive advice from motor officers, with a goal of making since 2003, and most recently served riding in North Carolina safer and more enjoyable. as the School Resource Officer at Cox Mill High School. Rodriguez joined the department in 2001, and has most recently served in the When asked what they would like to tell the community, they department’s K-9 Unit. agreed: “watch out for motorcyles.”

As part of the Patrol Division’s Traffic Safety Unit. On a daily basis, Clark and Rodriguez will use their police motorcycles to enforce concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 11

ice l o P er

O

o d r z a c e i u R drig Ro

t Mas

Blackburn and Deason complete Municipal Administration Course Congratulations to Community Development Manager LeDerick Blackburn, and City Clerk Kim Deason, who successfully completed the 2014-2015 Municipal Administration Course of the UNC School of Government. The program is designed for managers, department heads, and officials whose responsibilities require a broad understanding of functions beyond individual areas of specialization. The course is approximately 150 hours in length, and more than 60 instructors participate in leading the program. Course instruction covers North Carolina local government law, organization and management, finance and budgeting, employment law and administration, planning and regulation of development, and the delivery of specific city or county services. Blackburn and Deason were two of 93 officials who graduated from the course this year. More than 3,000 officials have completed the course since it began in 1954.

CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR

RENDERING: ADW ARCHITECTS

City Hall construction update

The structure of City Hall is becoming more complete as work continues both inside and out. Since March, crews have been installing exterior sheathing, vapor barrier, masonry, and roof materials. Backfilling around the foundation is complete, marking the

end of complex site work that started with major excavation last July. The tented-roof structure was installed on top of the primary corner tower on April 20, which provides a prominent view of the building from both directions on Cabarrus Avenue and around

12 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

Downtown. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other work continues inside the building along with interior framing on the top level and drywall installation throughout. To learn more about the City Hall project and see progress photos, visit concordnc.gov/ newcityhall.

d

Lloyd Payne starts work as Assistant City Manager CITY OF CONCORD/CHERIE JZAR

ity Manager Brian Hiatt named Lloyd Payne, Jr. as Concord’s newest Assistant City Manager in March. The position has been vacant since August, when Jim Greene left Concord to be an Assistant City Manager in Raleigh.

Payne comes to Concord from the Town of Elkin, where he has served as Town Manager since August, 2005. As Town Manager he was responsible for the town’s budget development, code enforcement, personnel administration, zoning administration, and general management daily operations. He developed a variety of process and program improvements for the Surry County community, including several regional and inter-local efforts. Prior to working in Elkin, he served as the Town Manager of Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County for four years.

In addition to his local government experience, Payne has served in the North Carolina Army National Guard for over 21 years. A decorated veteran in the field of transportation and logistics, he currently serves as the Command Sergeant Major for the 630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Lenoir, and has previously been assigned to the 1454th Transportation Company based in Concord. As Command Sergeant Major, Payne’s wealth of experience fills an important role in assisting the commanding officer in providing leadership, training, discipline, and two-way

communications within the battalion and all its companies, specifically with its enlisted members.

The 630th CSSB includes companies in Boone, Concord, Hickory, and Lenoir; and detachments in Jefferson, Marion, Morganton, and Newton. Command Sergeant Major Payne has three years of active duty service, including combat deployments to Bosnia in the mid-1990s and Iraq/ Kuwait twice between 2003 and 2010.

“We are delighted that Lloyd has decided to join our team here in Concord,” said Hiatt. “The knowledge and leadership skills he has gained in his 14 years of management experience in North Carolina local governments, as well has his extensive service in the NC National Guard, will benefit the City organization and our customers. We welcome him to Concord.”

In his new position, Payne will be a principal assistant to the City Manager, and provide guidance and support to several City departments that provide a variety of services. Hiatt, Payne, and Deputy City Manager Merl Hamilton will be evaluating the current organizational structure and determining how to best use the strengths and expertise of each manager for Concord’s coworkers and customers.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as an Assistant City Manager in Concord,” remarked Payne. “I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of the City’s staff and leadership and am excited to be part of the dynamic team. I look forward to working with staff and the community in order to make the City of Concord the very best it can be.”

Payne has been recognized by the International City-County Management Association as a Credentialed Manager, and holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from Appalachian State University. He has completed the Rural Economic Development Institute through the NC Rural Center, and the UNC School of Government’s Municipal Administration Course and Public Executive Leadership Academy.

Lloyd Payne started work in Concord on May 11. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, and their children Ella and Liam, as well as playing golf.

concordnc.gov • SUMMER 2015 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • 13

Join

Concord The City of Concord is accepting applications for the 2015 Concord 101 program, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free fourteen-week session begins August 18 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in December.

Residents of Concord age 18 and older are invited to submit an application by July 27. Class size is limited to 30 participants.

The course was designed to give citizens the opportunity to interact closely with City staff members, who will conduct weekly classes from 6:15 until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.

Citizens will get a first-hand look at what it takes to run City services such as solid waste,

water, police, fire, parks and recreation, and much more. In addition, several community partners will be on board to give a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Concord such a great place to live.

In addition to learning about Concord, the City hopes participants will provide input and take a more active role in their neighborhoods and community. For example, Council Members Jennifer Parsley and John Sweat are Concord 101 alumni.

More information, the application, and the class schedule are available on the City’s website, concordnc.gov. Residents may also call the City Manager’s Office with questions at 704-920-5215.

Clockwise from left: Concord 101 participants enjoy a variety of experiences, including the always popular history lesson from Judge Clarence Horton, seeing City facilities and equipment, and meeting staff members.

to learn more

about your community From The Mayor continued from page 3

Brian, together with Deputy City Manager Merl Hamilton, new Assistant City Manager Lloyd Payne, and the other assistant managers who have served with him, work as a team to keep all City departments and coworkers focused on our mission and committed to providing excellent service.

The field of professional city management is over 100 years old. After first being discussed by Concord’s leaders in the late 14 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

the “council-manager form of government.” As a citizen and an elected official, I could not be more thankful to Brian, his predecessors, and his colleagues who dedicate their lives to providing public service leadership to local communities.

Visit lifewellrun.org to find out more about professional local government management, and be sure to read Brian’s column to learn about the first 50 years of city management in Concord.

Manager’s Notes continued from page 3

Concord in 1960 was only 4.5 square miles and was 5.0 square miles in 1970, so the lack of growth was probably more of a concern than the impact of growth. Today, Concord has a population of 84,000 and growing, and is 61 square miles in size. City Managers working in municipalities with little or even declining growth can clearly articulate the challenges associated with delivering services with little support from a stagnant economy. Those experiencing strong growth like Concord’s understand different challenges, such as the need to keep up with service and quality of life expectations of its citizens.

Another example is the change in expectations regarding use of technology and related communication needs. In 1965, newspapers were the primary means of getting information about local government affairs out to the community. If you turned on the television to catch the news before the Andy Griffith Show or Bonanza, you may have had three or four channels to choose from. Today’s local government communication strategies involve a combination of multiple tools including publications such as this, dozens of TV and radio news outlets, local and regional newspapers, email, and educational outreach efforts, not to mention the internet and social media.

Another area of change includes sources of revenue. City Manager Barker’s first budget proposals continued the use of the City’s Privilege License Tax Schedule already in place. These charges ranged from $5 for coal dealers “not selling over 100 pounds” to $500 for “Gypsy.” Now the North Carolina General Assembly has eliminated the use of the municipal privilege license tax starting in July, consolidating more authority in Raleigh and putting even more pressure on local property taxes.

While Concord was 50 years behind some other North Carolina cities in adopting the Council-Manager form of government, it still followed the trend found in many municipalities where the tenures of the first managers were fairly short. The transition to the Council-Manager Plan and the resulting shift in responsibilities present a significant change for a community and its elected officials to embrace over time. For example, the first five (of the total seven) Concord managers served a cumulative total of less than 20 years.

While the City Manager still serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is subject to change at any time, the position has become more stable in most municipalities in North Carolina.

The Council-Manager form of government continues to play a major role in supporting elected officials in their efforts to deliver essential services both effectively and efficiently. This is particularly true in North Carolina, where the vast majority of local governments use the plan or a variation and have been supported for nearly 85 years by the UNC School of Government. I am proud to serve the Mayor, City Council, and citizens of this great City during the year we recognize the 50th anniversary of the hiring of the first City Manager.

For more information about the Council-Manager form of government, visit icma.org.

Did you know...

Did you know 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 web-version on any other device, including PC and laptop computers.

City of Concord Important Phone Numbers Fire, Police, Medical Emergencies . . . . 911 Customer Call Center . . . . . . 704-920-5555 Call the Customer Call 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 TDD/North Carolina Relay . . . . 1-800-735-8262 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5362 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5337 Zoning/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-920-5152

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P.O. Box 308 Concord, NC 28036

PPCO

PAID

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

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

Stay Connected

Over 900 people in our organization spend every day focused on providing the services needed to keep our community moving.

Regardless of which department, all of Concord’s coworkers are committed to providing excellent, customer-focused service.

Stay 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.

Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?

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concordnc.gov/High5

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.

16 • CONCORD CITY CIRCULAR • SUMMER 2015 • concordnc.gov

If so, we hope you’ll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a “High 5 for Customer Service.”

You can get started by filling out the form at

or call us at

704-920-6400

to submit your acknowledgment via the telephone voicemail line.