August 2023 - Kannapolis Matters

Environmental Tip Recycling saves energy! But do you ever wonder if you should recycle something or trash it?

Check out the recycling cheat sheet (below) the next time you are in doubt.

When you recycle, less energy is used to break down waste products, leading to fewer fossil fuels burned. This reduces carbon dioxide production, meaning less greenhouse gasses and lower climate impact!

For more information, and to get garbage/recycling day reminders, download the free CARTology App or visit, kannapolisnc.gov/Garbage.

Residents Graduate from Citizens Fire Academy

Calendar of Events

AUGUST 2023

AUGUST 5 Concerts in the Park: Grand Funk

Railroad | Village Park | 7 p.m.

10 Thursdays on Main: Band of Oz

Veterans Park | 6 p.m.

A number of City of Kannapolis residents have graduated from the Citizens Fire Academy.

The academy concentrates on the services and functions of the Kannapolis Fire Department and provides citizens with a better understanding of what it takes to be a firefighter.

11 Movies in the Park: Luca

Village Park | 8:45 p.m.

12 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

N.C. Research Campus 13 Movies in the Park: Luca

(En Espanol) | Atrium Health

Ballpark | 6 p.m.

Kannapolis FY2023-2024 Budget Approved by City Council

T

he Kannapolis City Council has approved the Fiscal Year 2023-’24 budget. The total budget is $104,385,876, which includes all seven operating funds of the City. The budget includes no property tax or fee increases. The tax rate will remain at 63 cents per $100 valuation.

Front Row: Jeff McClure, Kristin Jones, Terri Stancil, Adael Shinn, Serena Edwards; Back Row: Deputy Fire Chief Kirk Beard, Issac Miller, Ivette Silva, Quintin Klutz, Kemp Edwards, Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff

Citizens participating in the free ten week fire academy toured fire stations, learned the history of fire service, fire prevention, education and investigation, emergency driving, rescue operations and more.

The next academy will be held in Spring 2024. The applications can be found at www.kannapolisnc.gov.

SEPTEMBER 9 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

N.C. Research Campus

16 Run Kannapolis: Mental Wellness/

Race for Peace | N.C. Research

Campus | 8 a.m.

22 Toast of Kannapolis | Kannapolis

City Hall | 6 p.m. | (tickets required) Free Admission. No pets or smoking, please.

Concessions and food trucks available at concerts and movies.

More at kannapolisnc.gov.

The City’s population is approximately 53,000 and the City has grown by almost 50% in the last 20 years. Kannapolis is the 20th largest city in North Carolina. Projections indicate that the City will continue to grow by 2.2% annually and will likely reach a population of 77,000 by 2040.

Continued on page 2

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis), Instagram @KannapolisNC, LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/cityofkannapolis), Nextdoor (nextdoor.com/Kannapolisnc.gov) and Twitter @Kannapolis for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

19 Stories Under the Stars: Dana Hill

Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m.

14 Thursdays on Main: Blackwater

Band | Veterans Park | 5 p.m.

The budget concentrates on several strategies: 1. Beginning the implementation of the Imagine Kannapolis Strategic Plan.

2. Retaining existing employees and recruiting new people to work for the City.

3. Leveraging the City’s financial capacity to improve the quality of life for residents and the delivery of services to residents.

Like all cities and businesses across the United States, Kannapolis faces the challenges of the new post-Covid economy. Fortunately, the City’s sustained positive financial health THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4444 www.kannapolisnc.gov

19 Run Kannapolis: Cannon Ballers

Shooting Star 5K | Downtown

Kannapolis | 9 a.m.

Continued from page 1

Projects and Initiatives Include: • $2,800,000 – Renovations for Fire Stations #1 and #4 • $1,550,000 – Construction of a Fire Training Tower and Storage Facility • $1,250,000 – Gem Theatre Phase 3 Improvements • $450,000 – Construction and Operating Costs for a Downtown Dog Park • $2,327,000 – Upgrades to Existing City Parks • $190,000 – Cultural Arts & Historic Preservation Work Program • $50,000 – Open Space and Tree Preservation Plan • $700,000 – Downtown Parking Management Plan (construction of new surface parking) • $30,000 – Exploring the Possibility of a Local Part-time Professional Symphony/Orchestra • $1,340,000 – Little Texas Road Sidewalk (City’s portion to the NCDOT funding) • $50,000 – N.C. Music Hall of Fame Growth Plan • $60,000 – North Carolina Research Campus Development Strategy Planning Support • $20,000 – Motorsports Asset Promotion • $750,000 – Adding Offices to the 2nd Floor of City Hall • $1,200,000 – I-85 Monument Signage (Joint Project with the City of Concord – Exits 58, 60, 63) and the continued outlook for continued economic growth mean the City can meet these challenges without increases in the property tax rate or fees this year.

In March 2022, the City launched the Imagine Kannapolis Strategic Plan. Thirteen focus groups were formed and dozens of residents participated. The goal was to imagine the future of Kannapolis, especially what objectives the City would like to achieve in the next decade. Priorities were balanced with what needs the City will have during the next 10 years and items Kannapolis would like to have to be a healthy, high-quality City and economic driver in the state.

Run Kannapolis 5K Series Fall Schedule is Here

In the new budget, the first of six years of Imagine Kannapolis priorities are funded. Many of these will be subject to City Council ultimately adopting the final version of the Strategic Plan, which is expected later this year.

Recruiting and retaining employees continues to be a high priority for the City and items in the budget addressing this priority include: • 3% Cost of Living Increases for Employees – $900,577 • Merit Increases for Eligible Employees – $825,469 • Salary Development Range Increases for Eligible Employees – $497,000 • 14 New Positions in the Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Environmental and Water Resources Departments • Vehicles and Equipment in the Police, Parks and Recreation, Fire, General Services, Environmental and Transportation Departments to Replace Aging and Maintenance Problem Vehicles.

We are excited to announce several races this Fall as part of the Run Kannapolis 5K Series. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this unique series featuring the best 5K runs/walks in the City. Each run is held in Kannapolis and proceeds go to area non-profits. All of the runs will include a one-mile fun run. The runs are all at 9 a.m. on Saturdays this Fall.

Adopt-A-Street The Adopt-A-Street program helps promote civic responsibility and community pride while enhancing Kannapolis’ quality of life through clean streets and beautiful neighborhoods.

It’s easy to sign up and get involved. The program is free and supplies are provided.

If you or your organization would like to adopt a street, please visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/adoptastreet.

Join the thousands of people who have participated in Run Kannapolis over the years.

Run Kannapolis is part of the City of Kannapolis’ Discover a Healthy Life brand and co-sponsored by Atrium Health. In addition to the awards you receive from the host organization, you will receive great prizes and recognition from the City based on the total number of runs you complete.

Register at www.runkannapolis.com – register for all three now and save 25%. Good luck with the Fall 2023 Run Kannapolis series and we hope to see you at the finish line!

2023 RUN KANNAPOLIS FALL SERIES

HOST ORGANIZATION

August 19 – Shooting Star 5K September 16 – 5K Race for Peace October 14 – Wonder 5K November 11 – 5K for Heroes

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers The S.T.U.D.I.O. Kannapolis City Schools Old Armor Beer Company

Watch for Buses as Students Return to School As students return to school this month, the Kannapolis Police Department would like to remind motorists to be mindful of children and school buses.

Drivers should familiarize themselves with the N.C. School Bus Stop Law. If you are driving on a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane or a four-lane roadway with no median, you must stop –

regardless of what side of the road you are on.

If you are driving on a four-lane road with a median or center turning lane, only the traffic following the bus must stop.

The consequences for passing a stopped school bus are serious. If you are caught passing a stopped school bus, you will face a $500 fine and a five-point penalty on your driver’s license. The consequences are more severe if a pedestrian is hit.

As always, drivers should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and obey all speed limits. Avoid distractions and slow down near bus stops, schools and playgrounds. Before you make a turn, look both ways to make sure the path is clear.

Students and parents should also remember to cross in crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street and obey any traffic guards or lights. Be alert and avoid distractions like cell phones.

Always walk on the sidewalk but, if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.

For more information on back-to-school and bus safety, please visit watchformenc.org.

Continued from page 1

Projects and Initiatives Include: • $2,800,000 – Renovations for Fire Stations #1 and #4 • $1,550,000 – Construction of a Fire Training Tower and Storage Facility • $1,250,000 – Gem Theatre Phase 3 Improvements • $450,000 – Construction and Operating Costs for a Downtown Dog Park • $2,327,000 – Upgrades to Existing City Parks • $190,000 – Cultural Arts & Historic Preservation Work Program • $50,000 – Open Space and Tree Preservation Plan • $700,000 – Downtown Parking Management Plan (construction of new surface parking) • $30,000 – Exploring the Possibility of a Local Part-time Professional Symphony/Orchestra • $1,340,000 – Little Texas Road Sidewalk (City’s portion to the NCDOT funding) • $50,000 – N.C. Music Hall of Fame Growth Plan • $60,000 – North Carolina Research Campus Development Strategy Planning Support • $20,000 – Motorsports Asset Promotion • $750,000 – Adding Offices to the 2nd Floor of City Hall • $1,200,000 – I-85 Monument Signage (Joint Project with the City of Concord – Exits 58, 60, 63) and the continued outlook for continued economic growth mean the City can meet these challenges without increases in the property tax rate or fees this year.

In March 2022, the City launched the Imagine Kannapolis Strategic Plan. Thirteen focus groups were formed and dozens of residents participated. The goal was to imagine the future of Kannapolis, especially what objectives the City would like to achieve in the next decade. Priorities were balanced with what needs the City will have during the next 10 years and items Kannapolis would like to have to be a healthy, high-quality City and economic driver in the state.

Run Kannapolis 5K Series Fall Schedule is Here

In the new budget, the first of six years of Imagine Kannapolis priorities are funded. Many of these will be subject to City Council ultimately adopting the final version of the Strategic Plan, which is expected later this year.

Recruiting and retaining employees continues to be a high priority for the City and items in the budget addressing this priority include: • 3% Cost of Living Increases for Employees – $900,577 • Merit Increases for Eligible Employees – $825,469 • Salary Development Range Increases for Eligible Employees – $497,000 • 14 New Positions in the Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Environmental and Water Resources Departments • Vehicles and Equipment in the Police, Parks and Recreation, Fire, General Services, Environmental and Transportation Departments to Replace Aging and Maintenance Problem Vehicles.

We are excited to announce several races this Fall as part of the Run Kannapolis 5K Series. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this unique series featuring the best 5K runs/walks in the City. Each run is held in Kannapolis and proceeds go to area non-profits. All of the runs will include a one-mile fun run. The runs are all at 9 a.m. on Saturdays this Fall.

Adopt-A-Street The Adopt-A-Street program helps promote civic responsibility and community pride while enhancing Kannapolis’ quality of life through clean streets and beautiful neighborhoods.

It’s easy to sign up and get involved. The program is free and supplies are provided.

If you or your organization would like to adopt a street, please visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/adoptastreet.

Join the thousands of people who have participated in Run Kannapolis over the years.

Run Kannapolis is part of the City of Kannapolis’ Discover a Healthy Life brand and co-sponsored by Atrium Health. In addition to the awards you receive from the host organization, you will receive great prizes and recognition from the City based on the total number of runs you complete.

Register at www.runkannapolis.com – register for all three now and save 25%. Good luck with the Fall 2023 Run Kannapolis series and we hope to see you at the finish line!

2023 RUN KANNAPOLIS FALL SERIES

HOST ORGANIZATION

August 19 – Shooting Star 5K September 16 – 5K Race for Peace October 14 – Wonder 5K November 11 – 5K for Heroes

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers The S.T.U.D.I.O. Kannapolis City Schools Old Armor Beer Company

Watch for Buses as Students Return to School As students return to school this month, the Kannapolis Police Department would like to remind motorists to be mindful of children and school buses.

Drivers should familiarize themselves with the N.C. School Bus Stop Law. If you are driving on a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane or a four-lane roadway with no median, you must stop –

regardless of what side of the road you are on.

If you are driving on a four-lane road with a median or center turning lane, only the traffic following the bus must stop.

The consequences for passing a stopped school bus are serious. If you are caught passing a stopped school bus, you will face a $500 fine and a five-point penalty on your driver’s license. The consequences are more severe if a pedestrian is hit.

As always, drivers should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and obey all speed limits. Avoid distractions and slow down near bus stops, schools and playgrounds. Before you make a turn, look both ways to make sure the path is clear.

Students and parents should also remember to cross in crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street and obey any traffic guards or lights. Be alert and avoid distractions like cell phones.

Always walk on the sidewalk but, if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.

For more information on back-to-school and bus safety, please visit watchformenc.org.

Environmental Tip Recycling saves energy! But do you ever wonder if you should recycle something or trash it?

Check out the recycling cheat sheet (below) the next time you are in doubt.

When you recycle, less energy is used to break down waste products, leading to fewer fossil fuels burned. This reduces carbon dioxide production, meaning less greenhouse gasses and lower climate impact!

For more information, and to get garbage/recycling day reminders, download the free CARTology App or visit, kannapolisnc.gov/Garbage.

Residents Graduate from Citizens Fire Academy

Calendar of Events

AUGUST 2023

AUGUST 5 Concerts in the Park: Grand Funk

Railroad | Village Park | 7 p.m.

10 Thursdays on Main: Band of Oz

Veterans Park | 6 p.m.

A number of City of Kannapolis residents have graduated from the Citizens Fire Academy.

The academy concentrates on the services and functions of the Kannapolis Fire Department and provides citizens with a better understanding of what it takes to be a firefighter.

11 Movies in the Park: Luca

Village Park | 8:45 p.m.

12 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

N.C. Research Campus 13 Movies in the Park: Luca

(En Espanol) | Atrium Health

Ballpark | 6 p.m.

Kannapolis FY2023-2024 Budget Approved by City Council

T

he Kannapolis City Council has approved the Fiscal Year 2023-’24 budget. The total budget is $104,385,876, which includes all seven operating funds of the City. The budget includes no property tax or fee increases. The tax rate will remain at 63 cents per $100 valuation.

Front Row: Jeff McClure, Kristin Jones, Terri Stancil, Adael Shinn, Serena Edwards; Back Row: Deputy Fire Chief Kirk Beard, Issac Miller, Ivette Silva, Quintin Klutz, Kemp Edwards, Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff

Citizens participating in the free ten week fire academy toured fire stations, learned the history of fire service, fire prevention, education and investigation, emergency driving, rescue operations and more.

The next academy will be held in Spring 2024. The applications can be found at www.kannapolisnc.gov.

SEPTEMBER 9 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

N.C. Research Campus

16 Run Kannapolis: Mental Wellness/

Race for Peace | N.C. Research

Campus | 8 a.m.

22 Toast of Kannapolis | Kannapolis

City Hall | 6 p.m. | (tickets required) Free Admission. No pets or smoking, please.

Concessions and food trucks available at concerts and movies.

More at kannapolisnc.gov.

The City’s population is approximately 53,000 and the City has grown by almost 50% in the last 20 years. Kannapolis is the 20th largest city in North Carolina. Projections indicate that the City will continue to grow by 2.2% annually and will likely reach a population of 77,000 by 2040.

Continued on page 2

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis), Instagram @KannapolisNC, LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/cityofkannapolis), Nextdoor (nextdoor.com/Kannapolisnc.gov) and Twitter @Kannapolis for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

19 Stories Under the Stars: Dana Hill

Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m.

14 Thursdays on Main: Blackwater

Band | Veterans Park | 5 p.m.

The budget concentrates on several strategies: 1. Beginning the implementation of the Imagine Kannapolis Strategic Plan.

2. Retaining existing employees and recruiting new people to work for the City.

3. Leveraging the City’s financial capacity to improve the quality of life for residents and the delivery of services to residents.

Like all cities and businesses across the United States, Kannapolis faces the challenges of the new post-Covid economy. Fortunately, the City’s sustained positive financial health THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4444 www.kannapolisnc.gov

19 Run Kannapolis: Cannon Ballers

Shooting Star 5K | Downtown

Kannapolis | 9 a.m.