December 2016 - Kannapolis Matters

DECEMBER 2016

Don’t Party Around with Your Safety Holiday entertaining is one of the most important aspects of the season; a time to get together with friends and loved ones.

While these are meant to be festive, happy occasions, they can turn dangerous too quickly if one isn’t careful.

• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.

Follow these tips from Kannapolis Fire and the National Fire Protection Organization to make your holiday gathering successful.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles and keep any other materials at least 12 inches away from them.

smell and feel like real candles.

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look,

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

KANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL

• Water your Christmas tree every day.

A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily.

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

M. Darrell Hinnant Mayor

The Winterland Express train runs every evening through December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), from 6-9 p.m. on Sundays-Thursdays and from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Ride the train through the park and enjoy more than 250,000 Christmas light displays. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights are free; tickets to ride the train are $2.

Kids of all ages can visit Santa in his studio from 6:30-9 p.m. each night.

There will be special storytelling appearances by Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays and Fridays through December 20 and local musicians performing your favorite Christmas songs.

The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers group

will have their popular model trains on display December 1-4, 7-23 and 26-30 as part of the Celebration of Lights. Lionel Trains will also provide play stations for children on December 10 and December 17.

Dianne Berry

Other events include: December 2-4: Holiday Laser Light Festival. Join the Kannapolis Intimidators at the Intimidators Stadium. There will be three nightly laser light shows set to your favorite Christmas songs at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Gates open nightly at 5 p.m.

dberry@kannapolisnc.gov

Ryan G. Dayvault

call 704-932-3267. Tickets are $5.

December 10: The 78th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade is presented by Cannon Pharmacy and begins at 6 p.m. This special nighttime parade travels through the streets of downtown. Call 704-932-3808 or visit www.cabarrusevents.org.

Please visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/ christmas for more details.

Give your wish list to Santa, buy unique Christmas gifts from local craft vendors and enjoy local choirs singing Christmas carols. The stadium’s kid zone will be open for fun. The Intimidators will have a special concessions menu as well as traditional ballpark fare. Buy tickets at www.intimidatorsbaseball.com or

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis) and Twitter (twitter.com#Kannapolis) for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

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

Tom Kincaid Mayor Pro-tem

tkincaid@kannapolisnc.gov

Kannapolis Christmas Events Underway Kannapolis Christmas events will be held throughout the month of December at Village Park.

dhinnant@kannapolisnc.gov

rdayvault@kannapolisnc.gov

Roger Haas

roger@racetocharlotte.com

Darrell Jackson

dljackson@kannapolisnc.gov

Doug Wilson

dwilson@kannapolisnc.gov

T

New Feature Added to City’s Online Customer Service Portal

he City of Kannapolis has launched an additional online feature to the e-Care portal. The e-Care online portal is used by utility customers to access and pay their bill.

The new feature of the e-Care portal, EData, will enable water customers to access information about their water usage. Using EData, customers are able to view the amount of water they use hourly, daily or monthly; set up to receive notifications if a leak occurs or other important information from the City such as drought restrictions. The information is presented in easy-to-understand graphs and can be accessed online by using your laptop or other mobile devices.

It’s easy to sign up for the information. Visit the City’s website – kannapolisnc.gov – and click on the Pay Utilities/ECare button.

You must have an e-Care account. Once you have an e-Care account you sign into e-Care (to access/pay your bill) or EData (access water usage information, set water leak alerts, etc.). e-Care customers will be prompted to enter their account number and password. As an extra layer of security for the EData feature, customers will need to enter their username (which is their account number, excluding the leading zeros, and the dash (-) in the account number {12345-0}) and their e-Care password.

If you have any questions about e-Care/EData, please email mgulledge@kannapolisnc.gov or call Customer Service at 704-920-4399.

Kannapolis firefighters aid in putting out the fires in the North Carolina mountains.

Double-Decker Carousel Coming to Village Park The structure that will house Village Park’s new double-decker carousel is underway. The structure will protect it from the weather – similar to the type of structure that protects the Rotary Express Train. Once the structure is complete, the carousel will be installed. The carousel, the only one of its kind in North Carolina, is expected to be open to the public in Spring 2017.

No Open Burning Allowed in City Limits

The City purchased the carousel from a mall that closed in Missouri. It is a 1989 Bertazzon Carousel manufactured in Italy.

With 570 lights, Brazilian oak decking and handpainted Venetian murals, the ride will hold 68 people and is handicap accessible.

City Street and Sidewalk Projects Completed The City has invested $550,928.09 in a number of street and sidewalk projects in 2015 and 2016. The Public Works Department repaved eight streets, including Utah Street, Wildwood Drive, Pine Bluff Circle, Brookcrest Court, Woodland Court, Red Birch Place, Oak Leaf Way and Black Maple Drive.

Members of the class, from left to right: Jason Kincaid, Barbara Messick, Gary Baker, Emma Green, Michael Goclowski, Tineke Lucero, Anderson Hammett, Raquel Smith, Melissa Blovsky, Rebekah Watson, Michael McClain, Heather Starnes, Nicholas Smith, Joel Melendez and Thomas Taylor.

Christmas Tree Pick-Up

Live Christmas tree and wreath pickup will occur on regular garbage collection days. Remove all ornaments and lights and place the tree/wreath curbside for pickup.

Artificial Christmas trees and wreaths will be collected with bulk/ curbside waste. Remove all ornaments and lights, and place the tree/wreath curbside for pickup.

To increase pedestrian safety in the city, three new sidewalks were constructed: • From Little Texas Road at Dale Earnhardt Boulevard to the Center Grove Lutheran Cemetery.

• Dale Earnhardt Boulevard from Concord Lake Road to Earnhardt Plaza.

• Laureate Way from Kannapolis City Hall to Watson Crick Drive.

DECEMBER Events 1-23

Winterland Express & Celebration of Lights, 6 p.m., Village Park

10

Kannapolis Christmas Parade 6 p.m., Downtown

17

Run Kannapolis: Frostbite 5k 10 a.m., Downtown

26-30 Winterland Express & Celebration

of Lights, 6 p.m., Village Park For a complete schedule, visit kannapolisnc.gov.

Congratulations to the recent graduates of the Kannapolis Police Citizens Academy. The group attended the ten-week class that gives citizens a comprehensive and transparent overview of the functions of the police department.

It is against the law in the city of Kannapolis to conduct bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, grass fires, leaf or debris fires or any other fire outside of a building except for: (1) Small fires kindled in or upon the ground or in a barbecue pit, exterior fireplace, cook-out device or other similar outdoor eating or cooking device when required for entertainment or necessity; or (2) Small fires kindled in metal containers on construction sites for warmth.

What type of outdoor/recreational fires are allowed?

- An outdoor fire is allowed if it is recreational in nature and is made of natural wood products.

• No pallets, lumber, shingles, plywood, plastics or other materials are allowed to be burned.

- If it contains no leaves and limbs to be burned • Kannapolis Public Works picks up these items.

- If it is not within 25 feet of a structure or other combustible material • To do this, clear the area around the fire or place stones around the fire site.

- If it is built on the ground unless in an approved cooking device • It cannot be in a barrel or other unapproved container.

- If it is no more than three feet in diameter or less and two feet or less in height

- If it is constantly attended until the fire is extinguished • You must have a minimum of one port able fire extinguisher or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a water hose or container of water available for immediate utilization.

For more information about open burning and recreational fires within the city of Kannapolis, please contact a member of the fire department’s Technical Services Division at 704-920-4260.

When using ATMs, be careful and watch out for skimmer devices.

Kannapolis firefighters aid in putting out the fires in the North Carolina mountains.

Double-Decker Carousel Coming to Village Park The structure that will house Village Park’s new double-decker carousel is underway. The structure will protect it from the weather – similar to the type of structure that protects the Rotary Express Train. Once the structure is complete, the carousel will be installed. The carousel, the only one of its kind in North Carolina, is expected to be open to the public in Spring 2017.

No Open Burning Allowed in City Limits

The City purchased the carousel from a mall that closed in Missouri. It is a 1989 Bertazzon Carousel manufactured in Italy.

With 570 lights, Brazilian oak decking and handpainted Venetian murals, the ride will hold 68 people and is handicap accessible.

City Street and Sidewalk Projects Completed The City has invested $550,928.09 in a number of street and sidewalk projects in 2015 and 2016. The Public Works Department repaved eight streets, including Utah Street, Wildwood Drive, Pine Bluff Circle, Brookcrest Court, Woodland Court, Red Birch Place, Oak Leaf Way and Black Maple Drive.

Members of the class, from left to right: Jason Kincaid, Barbara Messick, Gary Baker, Emma Green, Michael Goclowski, Tineke Lucero, Anderson Hammett, Raquel Smith, Melissa Blovsky, Rebekah Watson, Michael McClain, Heather Starnes, Nicholas Smith, Joel Melendez and Thomas Taylor.

Christmas Tree Pick-Up

Live Christmas tree and wreath pickup will occur on regular garbage collection days. Remove all ornaments and lights and place the tree/wreath curbside for pickup.

Artificial Christmas trees and wreaths will be collected with bulk/ curbside waste. Remove all ornaments and lights, and place the tree/wreath curbside for pickup.

To increase pedestrian safety in the city, three new sidewalks were constructed: • From Little Texas Road at Dale Earnhardt Boulevard to the Center Grove Lutheran Cemetery.

• Dale Earnhardt Boulevard from Concord Lake Road to Earnhardt Plaza.

• Laureate Way from Kannapolis City Hall to Watson Crick Drive.

DECEMBER Events 1-23

Winterland Express & Celebration of Lights, 6 p.m., Village Park

10

Kannapolis Christmas Parade 6 p.m., Downtown

17

Run Kannapolis: Frostbite 5k 10 a.m., Downtown

26-30 Winterland Express & Celebration

of Lights, 6 p.m., Village Park For a complete schedule, visit kannapolisnc.gov.

Congratulations to the recent graduates of the Kannapolis Police Citizens Academy. The group attended the ten-week class that gives citizens a comprehensive and transparent overview of the functions of the police department.

It is against the law in the city of Kannapolis to conduct bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, grass fires, leaf or debris fires or any other fire outside of a building except for: (1) Small fires kindled in or upon the ground or in a barbecue pit, exterior fireplace, cook-out device or other similar outdoor eating or cooking device when required for entertainment or necessity; or (2) Small fires kindled in metal containers on construction sites for warmth.

What type of outdoor/recreational fires are allowed?

- An outdoor fire is allowed if it is recreational in nature and is made of natural wood products.

• No pallets, lumber, shingles, plywood, plastics or other materials are allowed to be burned.

- If it contains no leaves and limbs to be burned • Kannapolis Public Works picks up these items.

- If it is not within 25 feet of a structure or other combustible material • To do this, clear the area around the fire or place stones around the fire site.

- If it is built on the ground unless in an approved cooking device • It cannot be in a barrel or other unapproved container.

- If it is no more than three feet in diameter or less and two feet or less in height

- If it is constantly attended until the fire is extinguished • You must have a minimum of one port able fire extinguisher or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a water hose or container of water available for immediate utilization.

For more information about open burning and recreational fires within the city of Kannapolis, please contact a member of the fire department’s Technical Services Division at 704-920-4260.

When using ATMs, be careful and watch out for skimmer devices.

DECEMBER 2016

Don’t Party Around with Your Safety Holiday entertaining is one of the most important aspects of the season; a time to get together with friends and loved ones.

While these are meant to be festive, happy occasions, they can turn dangerous too quickly if one isn’t careful.

• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.

Follow these tips from Kannapolis Fire and the National Fire Protection Organization to make your holiday gathering successful.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles and keep any other materials at least 12 inches away from them.

smell and feel like real candles.

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look,

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

KANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL

• Water your Christmas tree every day.

A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily.

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

M. Darrell Hinnant Mayor

The Winterland Express train runs every evening through December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), from 6-9 p.m. on Sundays-Thursdays and from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Ride the train through the park and enjoy more than 250,000 Christmas light displays. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights are free; tickets to ride the train are $2.

Kids of all ages can visit Santa in his studio from 6:30-9 p.m. each night.

There will be special storytelling appearances by Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays and Fridays through December 20 and local musicians performing your favorite Christmas songs.

The Atlantic Coast S Gaugers group

will have their popular model trains on display December 1-4, 7-23 and 26-30 as part of the Celebration of Lights. Lionel Trains will also provide play stations for children on December 10 and December 17.

Dianne Berry

Other events include: December 2-4: Holiday Laser Light Festival. Join the Kannapolis Intimidators at the Intimidators Stadium. There will be three nightly laser light shows set to your favorite Christmas songs at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Gates open nightly at 5 p.m.

dberry@kannapolisnc.gov

Ryan G. Dayvault

call 704-932-3267. Tickets are $5.

December 10: The 78th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade is presented by Cannon Pharmacy and begins at 6 p.m. This special nighttime parade travels through the streets of downtown. Call 704-932-3808 or visit www.cabarrusevents.org.

Please visit www.kannapolisnc.gov/ christmas for more details.

Give your wish list to Santa, buy unique Christmas gifts from local craft vendors and enjoy local choirs singing Christmas carols. The stadium’s kid zone will be open for fun. The Intimidators will have a special concessions menu as well as traditional ballpark fare. Buy tickets at www.intimidatorsbaseball.com or

Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis) and Twitter (twitter.com#Kannapolis) for regular updates and more ideas for fun.

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

Tom Kincaid Mayor Pro-tem

tkincaid@kannapolisnc.gov

Kannapolis Christmas Events Underway Kannapolis Christmas events will be held throughout the month of December at Village Park.

dhinnant@kannapolisnc.gov

rdayvault@kannapolisnc.gov

Roger Haas

roger@racetocharlotte.com

Darrell Jackson

dljackson@kannapolisnc.gov

Doug Wilson

dwilson@kannapolisnc.gov

T

New Feature Added to City’s Online Customer Service Portal

he City of Kannapolis has launched an additional online feature to the e-Care portal. The e-Care online portal is used by utility customers to access and pay their bill.

The new feature of the e-Care portal, EData, will enable water customers to access information about their water usage. Using EData, customers are able to view the amount of water they use hourly, daily or monthly; set up to receive notifications if a leak occurs or other important information from the City such as drought restrictions. The information is presented in easy-to-understand graphs and can be accessed online by using your laptop or other mobile devices.

It’s easy to sign up for the information. Visit the City’s website – kannapolisnc.gov – and click on the Pay Utilities/ECare button.

You must have an e-Care account. Once you have an e-Care account you sign into e-Care (to access/pay your bill) or EData (access water usage information, set water leak alerts, etc.). e-Care customers will be prompted to enter their account number and password. As an extra layer of security for the EData feature, customers will need to enter their username (which is their account number, excluding the leading zeros, and the dash (-) in the account number {12345-0}) and their e-Care password.

If you have any questions about e-Care/EData, please email mgulledge@kannapolisnc.gov or call Customer Service at 704-920-4399.