February 2019 - Kannapolis Matters

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 9 Document Shredding and

e-Waste Recycling Event

9 a.m. | Public Works Operation Center MARCH 30 Spring It On 5K - Run Kannapolis | 8 a.m.

Downtown Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL

More at kannapolisnc.gov.

Development Rewrite Underway

M. Darrell Hinnant Mayor

T

he City of Kannapolis is rewriting its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The current ordinance is outdated (adopted in 2000) and needs to be comprehensively updated to better implement the City’s recently adopted comprehensive land use plan: Move Kannapolis Forward 2030.

dhinnant@kannapolisnc.gov

Dianne Berry

dberry@kannapolisnc.gov

Ryan G. Dayvault

The goal is to have a document that is internally consistent, modernized, aligned with contemporary zoning and subdivision best practices, and more user-friendly.

rdayvault@kannapolisnc.gov

Roger Haas Mayor Pro-tem

What is a unified development ordinance (UDO)? A unified development ordinance is the adopted law of a City that regulates land use and form, growth and development.

It includes zoning regulations, which divide the city into different zone districts and generally govern the location, size and type of development in each district, as well as subdivision regulations.

roger@racetocharlotte.com

Tom Kincaid

tkincaid@kannapolisnc.gov

Van Rowell

A UDO also establishes the process for reviewing development proposals and includes standards for different aspects of development, like parking, landscaping, the layout of streets and blocks, lighting, signage, building design and environmental protection.

vrowell@kannapolisnc.gov

Doug Wilson

dwilson@kannapolisnc.gov

The City of Kannapolis 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4300 www.kannapolisnc.gov

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

Why revise the current UDO? Large parts of the current UDO, which was implemented in November 2000, are outdated and difficult to use. The City has changed over the last 19 years. The City’s newly adopted comprehensive plan, Move Kannapolis Forward, sets out an updated vision and policy direction for growth and development in Kannapolis. The current ordinance no longer reflects this policy direction. Additionally, the current UDO Continued on page 2

DID YOU KNOW? In 2018, permits were issued in Kannapolis for: • 273 new single-family homes and 492 new multi-family homes valued at $9,706,993 • $108,867,559 value of commercial and office upfit and new construction

City’s Financial Health Remains Strong Two recent financial reports point to the positive financial health of the City of Kannapolis.

A recent audit report of the City of Kannapolis’ finances shows the City is financially sound and therefore received a “clean” or “unmodified” opinion.

The unmodified opinion from the auditors of Martin and Starnes, an independent auditing firm, means the City has no weaknesses, no issues and no findings that would signal any problems with the financial health of the City.

The audit report found the City has a healthy fund balance (savings account). The State requires Kannapolis have a minimum of 8 percent of the general fund in the fund balance in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. Kannapolis currently has 22 percent of operating expenses in the fund balance account. This represents nearly three times the minimum amount recommended by the State.

The City receives an audit each year in order to meet legal requirements, to be transparent and to ensure there are no issues with the accounting procedures of the municipality.

The City also recently received new ratings from Standard and Poor’s (S&P). The City received an AA- credit rating and an A+ limited obligation bond rating. The City was positively recognized by the firm for its strong management, with good financial policies and practices; strong budgetary performance; very strong budgetary flexibility; very strong liquidity; very weak debt; and very strong institutional framework.

With a healthy financial status, the City is able to move forward with capital projects, secure funding for joint projects, solicit economic development initiatives and more.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friend – And Loop the Loop

Continued from page 1

is not user-friendly and does not make use of many zoning best practices. The purpose of the Kannapolis Development Ordinance Rewrite project is to address all these issues.

What is Move Kannapolis Forward? Move Kannapolis Forward is the City’s broadest public policy document, setting forth the long-range vision for transportation, housing, development, the environment, the economy and other related topics. The plan was adopted in March 2018 after a robust public input process that engaged hundreds of Kannapolis residents from across the city.

How long will the rewrite process take?

The rewrite process is expected to take approximately 18 to 20 months to complete.

Where can I learn more? This project website (www.kannapolisnc.gov/ kdorewrite.org) is the central location for information about the project and to review work products as they are made available. It will be maintained and updated throughout the project.

Individuals can sign up on the project email list to stay updated on public input meetings and major announcements.

Information and project work products are also available at the Planning Department offices, located at 401 Laureate Way.

Revitalization Project Update Construction continues on the Downtown Revitalization Project. The infrastructure and streetscape are well underway and are expected to be completed this Summer. The Sports and Entertainment Venue work has begun and will be completed in April 2020. For more information, visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/revitilization.

Apollo

Loop the Loop is a fun way to track the distance of your walk, run or bike ride in downtown Kannapolis while earning great prizes. And, this year, we invite you to bring your dog along and they can earn prizes as well.

Route distances are designated by different colors. Signage and sidewalk markers aid you as you complete the loops around the city.

The goal, if you choose to track your mileage, is for you to complete 150 miles by the end of 2019. At the end of each quarter, you and your dog are eligible to earn prizes. Your dog can earn leashes and dog bowls while you can earn fun things for people.

The program is open to everyone and is free. Get started today. It’s easy. Register online, download a map and track your miles by visiting www.kannapolisnc.gov/ looptheloop. Please register yourself and

register your dog (just write dog beside your pet’s name).

Please be considerate and “scoop your poop on the loop.” In various locations downtown there are dog litter stations you are welcome to use.

Loop the Loop is part of the City’s Discover a Healthy Life initiative and the Cabarrus Health Alliance REACH Program. The goal is to bring a friend, meet new friends and enjoy the scenic downtown, Village Park, Bakers Creek Park and Bakers Creek Greenway – all while exercising. There are also loops at all of the Kannapolis city schools. It’s a way to enjoy a healthy physical and social lifestyle.

Reserve a Park Shelter for Spring/Summer Fun It’s not too early to start thinking about spring and summer park fun.

Make your park shelter reservation now. The City of Kannapolis offers shelter reservations at Village Park and Bakers Creek Park.

These parks are great places to rent shelters for your next birthday party, family gathering or warm weather fun! Winter hours for shelters are 9 a.m.-4 pm. Spring and summer hours are 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 3-8:30 p.m., beginning in March.

To help with your planning, the Train and Carousel at Village Park will be open weekends only, beginning April 6, and the Splash Pad opens May 25. Hours of operations are Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from 12- 6 p.m. Both will be open seven days a week beginning June 1.

Village Park picnic shelter

To reserve a shelter, visit www.kannapolisnc.gov. On the Parks & Recreation page, you will find step-by-step instructions, shelter availabilities and other helpful tools...everything you need to easily make your reservation online.

City’s Financial Health Remains Strong Two recent financial reports point to the positive financial health of the City of Kannapolis.

A recent audit report of the City of Kannapolis’ finances shows the City is financially sound and therefore received a “clean” or “unmodified” opinion.

The unmodified opinion from the auditors of Martin and Starnes, an independent auditing firm, means the City has no weaknesses, no issues and no findings that would signal any problems with the financial health of the City.

The audit report found the City has a healthy fund balance (savings account). The State requires Kannapolis have a minimum of 8 percent of the general fund in the fund balance in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. Kannapolis currently has 22 percent of operating expenses in the fund balance account. This represents nearly three times the minimum amount recommended by the State.

The City receives an audit each year in order to meet legal requirements, to be transparent and to ensure there are no issues with the accounting procedures of the municipality.

The City also recently received new ratings from Standard and Poor’s (S&P). The City received an AA- credit rating and an A+ limited obligation bond rating. The City was positively recognized by the firm for its strong management, with good financial policies and practices; strong budgetary performance; very strong budgetary flexibility; very strong liquidity; very weak debt; and very strong institutional framework.

With a healthy financial status, the City is able to move forward with capital projects, secure funding for joint projects, solicit economic development initiatives and more.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friend – And Loop the Loop

Continued from page 1

is not user-friendly and does not make use of many zoning best practices. The purpose of the Kannapolis Development Ordinance Rewrite project is to address all these issues.

What is Move Kannapolis Forward? Move Kannapolis Forward is the City’s broadest public policy document, setting forth the long-range vision for transportation, housing, development, the environment, the economy and other related topics. The plan was adopted in March 2018 after a robust public input process that engaged hundreds of Kannapolis residents from across the city.

How long will the rewrite process take?

The rewrite process is expected to take approximately 18 to 20 months to complete.

Where can I learn more? This project website (www.kannapolisnc.gov/ kdorewrite.org) is the central location for information about the project and to review work products as they are made available. It will be maintained and updated throughout the project.

Individuals can sign up on the project email list to stay updated on public input meetings and major announcements.

Information and project work products are also available at the Planning Department offices, located at 401 Laureate Way.

Revitalization Project Update Construction continues on the Downtown Revitalization Project. The infrastructure and streetscape are well underway and are expected to be completed this Summer. The Sports and Entertainment Venue work has begun and will be completed in April 2020. For more information, visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/revitilization.

Apollo

Loop the Loop is a fun way to track the distance of your walk, run or bike ride in downtown Kannapolis while earning great prizes. And, this year, we invite you to bring your dog along and they can earn prizes as well.

Route distances are designated by different colors. Signage and sidewalk markers aid you as you complete the loops around the city.

The goal, if you choose to track your mileage, is for you to complete 150 miles by the end of 2019. At the end of each quarter, you and your dog are eligible to earn prizes. Your dog can earn leashes and dog bowls while you can earn fun things for people.

The program is open to everyone and is free. Get started today. It’s easy. Register online, download a map and track your miles by visiting www.kannapolisnc.gov/ looptheloop. Please register yourself and

register your dog (just write dog beside your pet’s name).

Please be considerate and “scoop your poop on the loop.” In various locations downtown there are dog litter stations you are welcome to use.

Loop the Loop is part of the City’s Discover a Healthy Life initiative and the Cabarrus Health Alliance REACH Program. The goal is to bring a friend, meet new friends and enjoy the scenic downtown, Village Park, Bakers Creek Park and Bakers Creek Greenway – all while exercising. There are also loops at all of the Kannapolis city schools. It’s a way to enjoy a healthy physical and social lifestyle.

Reserve a Park Shelter for Spring/Summer Fun It’s not too early to start thinking about spring and summer park fun.

Make your park shelter reservation now. The City of Kannapolis offers shelter reservations at Village Park and Bakers Creek Park.

These parks are great places to rent shelters for your next birthday party, family gathering or warm weather fun! Winter hours for shelters are 9 a.m.-4 pm. Spring and summer hours are 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 3-8:30 p.m., beginning in March.

To help with your planning, the Train and Carousel at Village Park will be open weekends only, beginning April 6, and the Splash Pad opens May 25. Hours of operations are Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from 12- 6 p.m. Both will be open seven days a week beginning June 1.

Village Park picnic shelter

To reserve a shelter, visit www.kannapolisnc.gov. On the Parks & Recreation page, you will find step-by-step instructions, shelter availabilities and other helpful tools...everything you need to easily make your reservation online.

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 9 Document Shredding and

e-Waste Recycling Event

9 a.m. | Public Works Operation Center MARCH 30 Spring It On 5K - Run Kannapolis | 8 a.m.

Downtown Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL

More at kannapolisnc.gov.

Development Rewrite Underway

M. Darrell Hinnant Mayor

T

he City of Kannapolis is rewriting its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The current ordinance is outdated (adopted in 2000) and needs to be comprehensively updated to better implement the City’s recently adopted comprehensive land use plan: Move Kannapolis Forward 2030.

dhinnant@kannapolisnc.gov

Dianne Berry

dberry@kannapolisnc.gov

Ryan G. Dayvault

The goal is to have a document that is internally consistent, modernized, aligned with contemporary zoning and subdivision best practices, and more user-friendly.

rdayvault@kannapolisnc.gov

Roger Haas Mayor Pro-tem

What is a unified development ordinance (UDO)? A unified development ordinance is the adopted law of a City that regulates land use and form, growth and development.

It includes zoning regulations, which divide the city into different zone districts and generally govern the location, size and type of development in each district, as well as subdivision regulations.

roger@racetocharlotte.com

Tom Kincaid

tkincaid@kannapolisnc.gov

Van Rowell

A UDO also establishes the process for reviewing development proposals and includes standards for different aspects of development, like parking, landscaping, the layout of streets and blocks, lighting, signage, building design and environmental protection.

vrowell@kannapolisnc.gov

Doug Wilson

dwilson@kannapolisnc.gov

The City of Kannapolis 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4300 www.kannapolisnc.gov

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

Why revise the current UDO? Large parts of the current UDO, which was implemented in November 2000, are outdated and difficult to use. The City has changed over the last 19 years. The City’s newly adopted comprehensive plan, Move Kannapolis Forward, sets out an updated vision and policy direction for growth and development in Kannapolis. The current ordinance no longer reflects this policy direction. Additionally, the current UDO Continued on page 2

DID YOU KNOW? In 2018, permits were issued in Kannapolis for: • 273 new single-family homes and 492 new multi-family homes valued at $9,706,993 • $108,867,559 value of commercial and office upfit and new construction