NL_April_2025

IN THIS EDITION Page 2

Main Street Days Recap

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Parks and Recreation

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Pi Day Celebration

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Parking Study Solid Waste Educare Event

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JCPD Detectives HR Performance Reviews

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WSS Sanitary Survey

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West Oakland Construction

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Hires, Promotions Chamber Leadership Program

Page 10 T-Mobile Provider Hands-on CPR Page 11

Family Justice Center Trails and Tails

Page 12 Family Justice Center Clothing Donation

Do you have an idea for an item that should be included in future editions of Newslink? We are always looking for department news, personal accomplishments and people to feature.

Send your suggestions to cojcnews@johnsoncitytn.org.

April 2025

Arbor Day giveaway marks milestone Since launching the Arbor Day giveaway in 2010, the City has provided a remarkable 39,450 trees to the public, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Johnson City recently marked a major milestone in its commitment to urban forestry — 25 consecutive years as a Tree City USA. This designation, awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation, reflects the City’s dedication to maintaining and growing a healthy urban tree canopy.

To celebrate this achievement, the City hosted its annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on April 5 at Metro-Kiwanis Park.

Community members eagerly gathered to receive free tree seedlings, with approximately 3,000 trees distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The selection was varied, giving residents an assortment to enhance their own green spaces.

“Achieving 25 years as a Tree City signifies Johnson City’s long-term commitment to urban forestry and the benefits that trees bring to our community,” said City Forester Patrick Walding.

To maintain the Tree City USA designation, Johnson City meets key requirements, including hosting an annual Arbor Day observance, maintaining a tree ordinance, funding tree maintenance and planting, and overseeing urban forestry efforts through a designated board or department.

This milestone reflects not only the City’s dedication to green spaces but also the enthusiastic support of the community. Here’s to another 25 years of keeping Johnson City’s tree canopy thriving!

NEWSLINK April 2025 Main Street Days: Booming downtown business conditions but soon turned sunny, creating a perfect day for festivalgoers. With more than 75 vendors participating, including businesses from both inside and outside the downtown core, the event highlighted the energy of Johnson City’s growing downtown scene.

Businesses across downtown saw a significant impact from the festival’s foot traffic.

On Saturday, March 15 nearly 10,000 people came together to celebrate Main Street Days: St. Paddy’s Edition in Downtown Johnson City.

With a full lineup of festive entertainment and local vendors, the event proved to be a resounding success for attendees and businesses alike.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this event is seeing people who may not typically visit downtown discover new businesses for the first time,” said Main Street Director Lindsey Jones. “Whether it’s a local boutique, a new restaurant, or a hidden gem of a shop, Main Street Days introduces our downtown community to fresh faces and future loyal customers.”

The day started with windy

“Our business is on Walnut Street, and we still saw a significant increase in traffic due to the downtown festival. It’s always a win for surrounding businesses when downtown has an event that draws the masses,” said Niki Giles with Groovy Grover’s.

Festival vendors echoed the sentiment, with Ally McElroy of Soluna Sage Yoga Studio stating, “Main Street Days has been the best festival we’ve been a part of!”

The next installment of Main Street Days is on the horizon, with the fall edition scheduled for Oct. 18. With this spring’s success setting the tone, the upcoming event promises to continue bringing engagement and economic growth to Downtown Johnson City.

Lora Eshbach with the The Generalist reported a 203% increase in sales compared to the same Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day in 2024.

Chase Day with The Hunters Hearth Pottery shared, “The increased foot traffic to the upper part of East Main Street provides a lot of awareness to our business, which those who don’t usually come downtown may not have heard about otherwise.”

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NEWSLINK April 2025 Parks and Recreation shines at Main Street Days

Johnson City’s Parks and Recreation team brought fun and excitement to Main Street Days with the Kids Zone at Majestic Park! This familyfriendly area was a huge hit, offering a variety of activities for children, including arts and crafts, a football toss, disc golf, and more.

One of the standout attractions was the Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, which saw around 60 families compete. Participants searched for 13 handmade shamrocks hidden throughout downtown businesses, snapping photos with each one to complete the challenge.

Those who finished the hunt were rewarded with a

special prize from Parks and Recreation.

The Kids Zone remained busy throughout the day, welcoming a steady stream of excited children. Every participant who completed an activity received a festive St. Patrick’s Daythemed prize, adding to the fun and excitement.

A huge thank you to the Parks and Recreation staff who made this event possible! A special shoutout to Park Service Technician Richard Marosites and crew who created a giant pot of gold, which anchored the Kids Zone and made a festive backdrop for family photos.

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NEWSLINK April 2025 Pi Day: Never-ending fun at Water and Sewer Services computing the volume.

Accurate volume calculations ensure adequate water storage to meet community demands.

The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department recently celebrated Pi Day (March 14) with an event featuring pizza and pies.

Pi, approximately 3.14159, is crucial in various calculations related to water and sewer systems.

Applications of Pi in Water Utilities 1. Pipe Flow Calculations: Pi is used to determine the cross-sectional area of circular pipes, which is essential for calculating flow rates.

2. Storage Tank Capacities: For cylindrical storage tanks, Pi assists in

3. Flow Rate Determination: Pi is integral in formulas that calculate flow velocity and discharge rates, aiding in the design and maintenance of efficient water distribution systems.

The WSS’s Pi Day event included enjoying circular foods like pizza and pies, symbolizing the shape central to many water utility calculations. Such celebrations highlight the practical applications of mathematical principles in daily operations and foster community engagement.

By integrating mathematical constants like Pi into their work, WSS ensures the effective delivery of water services to the community.

NOTICE Communications and Marketing is launching digital messaging boards soon.

To share content for circulation, email webupdate@ johnsoncitytn.org with the following: •

Content Description •

Graphic or Photo •

•

Time Frame

Informational Details

Contact Digital Communications Specialist Ally Burgner with questions or concerns at aburgner@ johnsoncitytn.org or by calling 434.6076.

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NEWSLINK April 2025 Planners seek input on downtown parking study The Johnson City Planning and Development Services Department is conducting a downtown parking study and is seeking public input through an online survey.

Community feedback will help shape a plan for safer, more efficient parking in the downtown area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate by visiting the link to the right, where both mobile and desktop-friendly versions of the survey are available or visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/ downtownparkingstudy.

Learn More

Solid Waste inspires future Educare recyclers recycling.

Recently, Public Works Crew Supervisor Lynn Richardson and Health, Safety, and Skills Training Specialist David Cullop had the opportunity to engage with a group of enthusiastic K-5 students at an Educare event, where they shared the many benefits of

Lynn and David explained why recycling is important for the environment and our community, breaking down what materials can and cannot be recycled. Using real-world examples, they helped students understand how their actions can make a positive impact in reducing waste. The presentation sparked curiosity, and students eagerly asked thoughtful questions about the recycling process.

Following the discussion, the young learners put their knowledge to the test with a hands-on activity, sorting various items into the appropriate recycling bins. Through this interactive experience, they reinforced what they had learned and gained a greater appreciation for sustainability.

A big thank-you to Lynn and David for representing Public Works and inspiring the next generation to be responsible stewards of our environment.

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NEWSLINK April 2025 City staff performance reviews underway Now is the time to begin evaluations for the April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 work period. The evaluation process is an important opportunity to recognize accomplishments, set goals, and support professional growth. The 2024-25 evaluation and Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) forms are accessible to all employees. These forms can be found on the employee Intranet under Pay and Performance.

Any evaluation with an

overall score of 1.5 or below or 2.75 or higher must be submitted to HR for review

by City management before discussing the evaluation with the employee. Please send these evaluations to HR as soon as they are completed to allow ample time for review.

documents.

Supervisors and employees should review job descriptions together. Signed job descriptions must be submitted to HR along with the Performance Review form and any supporting

If you have any questions or need assistance, HR is available to help. Email hr@ johnsoncitytn.org.

May 30 is the final deadline for all performance reviews to be submitted to HR. Supervisors should plan to complete evaluations ahead of time and schedule ample time for discussions with employees.

Learn More

Shoutout to JCPD investigators for job well done A big shoutout to Investigators Tim Hensley, Bradlee Clark, Michael Fowler, Brady Higgins, Shane Malone, and Cody Powell for their exceptional work on financial crimes cases. Faith Gillenwater, fraud specialist at Eastman Credit Union, recently shared high praise for the investigators, highlighting their thoroughness

and dedication.

In particular, Inv. Hensley’s work on a check conspiracy case significantly strengthened the investigation, earning recognition for his efforts. With ECU serving 60 to 70 percent of the Tri-Cities banking community, these cases are both complex and critical.

Despite heavy caseloads and staffing challenges, our JCPD investigators continue to deliver top-notch service and build strong partnerships with community organizations.

Their hard work does not go unnoticed — thank you for your commitment to keeping our community safe!

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NEWSLINK April 2025 WSS earns high marks in sanitary survey verification, finished water storage, and distribution/ cross-connection control. Data from December 2022 through December 2024 was reviewed as part of the inspection.

Johnson City’s Water and Sewer Services has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence, earning a sanitary survey score of 98 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

To maintain approval status, water systems must achieve a minimum score of 95 — making this a significant achievement for the Department.

Between Dec. 5, 2024, and Jan. 8, 2025, personnel from the State’s Division of Water Resources conducted an in-depth evaluation of the Water and Sewer Services Department. The survey assessed key areas, including system management and operations, operator compliance, water sources, treatment processes, monitoring and data

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this inspection,” said Director Tom Witherspoon. “Maintaining our approval status for more than 50 years is a testament to the City’s continued investment in water infrastructure and the dedication of our staff.”

Witherspoon credited strong support from the Board of Commissioners for ensuring consistent funding for capital improvements and operations.

“This ongoing commitment allows us to maintain a high level of service and address infrastructure needs proactively,” he said.

Tom also praised the efforts of Water and Sewer Services personnel in preparing for the survey.

prepare diligently for these inspections but also provide outstanding service every day,” Witherspoon said. “I especially want to recognize Michael Manuel, our water-wastewater maintenance superintendent and certified operator in responsible charge of the water distribution system, for leading and coordinating the preparation over several months.”

Water and Sewer Services operates infrastructure within Johnson City and portions of four surrounding counties.

Each year, the department treats 5.6 billion gallons of potable water for delivery to more than 48,000 accounts in the service area.

A historical review of sanitary survey scores dating back to 1971 confirms that Johnson City’s water system has consistently met or exceeded state standards for more than five decades — underscoring the department’s longstanding commitment to public health and safety.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff, who not only

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NEWSLINK April 2025 West Oakland construction set to begin Beginning Wednesday, April 9, Public Works crews will begin construction activities on West Oakland Avenue that will require a full road closure between West Mountainview Road and Marketplace Boulevard. This closure is expected to last approximately one month, or until work is completed.

Detour signage is in place to guide motorists around the construction zone. Drivers should use Marketplace Boulevard and Hanover Road to connect to West Mountainview Road as alternate routes during the closure period.

Local traffic will still be permitted on West Oakland Avenue at West Mountainview Road to accommodate residents and visitors of The Reserve at Johnson City and The Cottage of Charleston Square.

Businesses in the area remain accessible.

Knob Creek Winery and Off Leash Social can be reached by taking Denny Mill Road at Marketplace Boulevard. Visitors to Juniper Restaurant should follow the posted signage at West Oakland Avenue and Marketplace Boulevard to navigate to the restaurant’s parking lot.

Drivers are encouraged to plan for additional travel time, use caution in the work zone, and obey all posted speed limits for the safety of both workers and fellow motorists. Thank you to our Public Works crews for their continued efforts to improve our roadways!

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NEWSLINK April 2025 Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements New Hires - March

Promotions - March

Landon Larkins - Water and Sewer Services

Scotty Arwood - Water and Sewer Services

Jessica Haun - Finance

Alexa Peterson - Purchasing

Raymond Jones - Parks and Recreation

Tammy Tetreault - Transit

Wyatt Wundrak - Public Works

Jered Carlson - Water and Sewer Services

Andrew Phillips - Planning and Development Services

David Grubb - Water and Sewer Services

Jessica Ford - Fleet Management

Martha Barton - Juvenile Court

Adam Hoover - Public Works

Charles Phipps - Public Works

Andrew Laney - Police Austin Canter - Police Daniel Rodriguez - Police

Annual leadership program offers insights

Each year, participants in the Chamber’s Leadership program get a behind-thescenes look at how Johnson City operates during City Services Day. This event provides an overview of the essential services our City

departments deliver every day, along with opportunities for attendees to connect with City leaders.

This year’s event kicked off with a warm welcome from Mayor John Hunter and City

Manager Cathy Ball, setting the stage for a day full of insightful presentations and site visits. Attendees got an up-close look at the work of several departments, including Public Works, Water and Sewer Services, Police, Budget, and Fire. They also participated in a Q&A session with Multicultural Engagement Manager Adam Dickson, discussing the City’s efforts to foster an inclusive and engaged community.

A huge thank you to all of the participating departments for helping make this event a valuable and memorable experience.

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NEWSLINK April 2025 New provider to offer extended mobile services After experiencing issues, particularly during and after Hurricane Helene, Information Technology has assessed mobile providers, and soon, the City will transition to T-Mobile for services. This change will improve connectivity and generate cost savings. Key benefits include: • •

Projected savings of up to $50,000 per year for the first two years.

Free upgrades from 4G to 5G devices at no cost to the City.

•

Free upgrade of all flip phones to smartphones to enhance functionality.

• T-Priority plan for all first responders to ensure optimal network performance.

• Improved 5G coverage across Tennessee, addressing known coverage gaps, including the Johnson City Medical Center.

• Exclusive Starlink partnership for satellite text, voice, and data by year-end, eliminating dead zones.

We will provide more details on the transition timeline and next steps soon.

Fire Department offers hands-only CPR in June survey.

Enrollment for the firstever community session of hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is now open. The Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD) course, designed to empower participants with life-saving skills, is in response to feedback from the department’s community

After a successful first session with nearly 70 City employees, JCFD will host the free training quarterly for the community. The first session will take place at the JCFD Training Facility, 2832 W. Walnut St. on June 6 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Additional sessions may be added based on demand.

Participants will train on hightech Brayden CPR manikins, which use animated LED lights to provide real-time

feedback on compression quality and blood circulation.

Hands-only CPR is an easy-to-learn, two-step process that involves calling 911 and performing chest compressions until professional help arrives.

For additional information call 423.975.2840, or to sign up for the June course, visit www.johnsoncitytn.org/ handsonlycprclass or click below.

Learn More 10

NEWSLINK April 2025

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NEWSLINK April 2025

LOCATIONS

Foundations for Life Principles 501 N. Cherokee St., Suite 2 Jonesborough

Washington County Courthouse George P. Jaynes Justice Center

City Hall Development Services Entrance

108 W. Jackson Blvd.

Jonesborough

601 E. Main St. Johnson City

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