Matthews Messenger - March 2022

MARCH - 2022

Volume 4 — Issue 3

In this issue...

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Town Board holds annual Planning Conference

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Springtime fun in Matthews!

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Town Manager Blodgett Retiring

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TOWN OF MATTHEWS

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Matthews Messenger | MARCH 2022

MANAGER’S MESSAGE It’s starting to feel like springtime here in Matthews.

As we welcome the warmer weather, our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department is gearing up for some fantastic events. We are excited to announce a new event later this month – the Main Line Market. The first in our new quarterly popup markets will be held on March 26. Read more about this and other events on page 4.

Mecklenburg County has ended the mask mandate as the number of Covid-19 cases continue to decline.

If we’ve learned anything during this two-year pandemic, it’s that this virus is unpredictable, but we are hopeful that we have turned a corner.

The Board of Commissioners has returned to in-person meetings. Citizens are able to attend meetings in person at Matthews Town Hall or attend virtually via Zoom. Live streaming is also available on the Town’s You Tube page. See page 5 for more details.

It’s hard to me to believe that this is my last “Manager’s Message.” I am retiring later this month.

My family and I moved to Matthews in June 2003, excited about our new home. I could have never predicted the remarkable journey that would follow.

It has been a great honor to serve this town and the wonderful people of Matthews.

Hazen Blodgett HAZEN BLODGETT MATTHEWS TOWN MANAGER HBLODGETT@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

BECKY HAWKE ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

TOWN LEADERS HOLD ANNUAL PLANNING CONFERENCE The Matthews Board of Commissioners’ Planning Conference was held February 26-27 at Matthews Town Hall. The annual Planning Conference brings together the Board of Commissioners and Town staff to discuss key issues for the Town, set the agenda for the year ahead, and discuss long term visioning projects.

This year’s agenda included the following items, among others: • Use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds • Pursuing General Obligation Bonds for project funding • Affordable housing opportunities • Pedestrian safety initiatives • Employee compensation and retention • Vision plan for parks in Matthews The entire Planning Conference was live streamed on the Town’s YouTube page and Zoom. The meeting can be viewed here. To view the complete agenda and supporting materials, please visit: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/agendaview.aspx?aid=12248.

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Matthews Messenger | MARCH 2022

Town Manager Hazen Blodgett Retires After 18 Years of Service to the Town of Matthews After more than 18 years shepherding the Town of Matthews through a series of transformational changes, Town Manager Hazen Blodgett will retire later this month.

“Hazen’s outstanding leadership as Matthews Town Manager cannot be overstated,” said Mayor John Higdon. “He has kept Matthews on a track of continuous improvement despite unprecedented growth, economic downturns, natural disasters, and even a pandemic.

Perhaps Hazen’s greatest gift to the town and his lasting legacy is the culture of service excellence he has created among town employees. Hazen will always be a part of the Matthews family and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Since beginning with Matthews in June 2003, Hazen has served under four Mayors – Lee Myers, Jim Taylor, Paul Bailey and John Higdon, along with dozens of Board of Commissioner members. He has also worked with hundreds of Town employees, which he cites as the greatest joy of his career.

Hazen (left), Mayor Higdon and Parks and Recreation Director Corey King help with the cleanup of Roseland Cemetery.

“One of the best parts about working in Matthews all these years has been the top-notch employees,” said Hazen. “Consistently, over the last 18 years, our employees have been absolutely dedicated to the mission of providing excellent service to the citizens of Matthews.”

Some of the major milestones during Hazen’s tenure include: - Building the nationally recognized Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews.

- Building the Four Mile Creek Greenway.

- Expansion of South Trade Street.

- Acquiring the Purser Hulsey property, over 100 acres of open space that has since been turned into walking/biking trails, a community garden, a dog park – with additional amenities planned for the site.

- Transitioning from an all-volunteer fire department with 20 volunteers to a combination department with 31 full-time staff and an ISO rating of 2 (putting it in the top three percent of departments across North Carolina).

- Development of the North End area of downtown.

- Building of the Crestdale Heritage Trail.

- The Town successfully lobbied the state legislature to significantly increase the Town’s share of Tourism dollars (tax revenue).

Hazen with Town of Matthews employees Kerry Ernsberger (left) and Albert Pierre (right).

As for the future of Matthews, Hazen says the Town is poised for a new era of greatness. “The town has talented staff, great leaders, and residents who value their contributions. There are many great things ahead for our community.”

Hazen first ventured into public service in Halifax County, North Carolina more than 38 years ago. He then served as the City Manager for Whiteville, North Carolina before transitioning to Matthews for the remainder of his career. He intends to remain quite active in retirement, enjoying time with his wife, Leigh Anne, and four adult children, as well as pursuing his many hobbies, including pickleball, yoga, mountain biking and beekeeping.

Hazen lends a hand picking up storm debris.

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Matthews Messenger | MARCH 2022

Springtime Fun in the Town of Matthews!

The Town of Matthews has a great lineup of fun, family-friendly events this spring. Residents will receive the annual events mailer this month. Here are some highlights of upcoming events: Cool Vibes Indoor Concert Series Live concert from Adrian Crutchfield on Friday, March 11 at the Fullwood Theater. Adrian is known for his neo-soul sound – creating jazz, R&B, pop, funk, soul and hip hop music. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Concert at 224 On Friday, March 25, 7-9 pm, the 7 Sharp 9 Band will perform at 224 Matthews Station Street (the grass lot next to PNC Bank).

Main Line Market Saturday, March 26. The first in our new quarterly pop-up markets held along West Charles Street. 30+ vendors selling handmade goods, a food truck, music and craft beer from Carolina Beer Temple. Vendors are curated by Handmade Market CLT. The Great Easter Eggspedition April 8 -17. Participants download the GooseChase app on their phones, solve a dozen clues, and find the 12 Easter eggs hidden throughout Matthews. Take a selfie with all 12 and be entered to win a grand prize that includes Matthews and MUMC swag, chocolate, and more!

Beats ‘n Bites This new series will be held on the last Friday of each month, April through September 5pm-9pm at Stumptown Park. The first concert will be Friday, April 29. Music begins at 6pm. Food trucks of various cuisine and an amazing lineup of tribute bands, as well as beer from Seaboard Brewing.

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Matthews Messenger | MARCH 2022

Mecklenburg County Votes to End Mask Mandate The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners voted last month to end the Public Health Rule requiring face coverings. This comes after the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director, Dr. Raynard Washington reported higher community immunity and a shift to the next phase of the Covid-19 response.

“Current trends point to a shift in COVID-19 conditions and indicate the need for a revised response plan that encompasses prevention, surveillance, and equitable distribution of resources,” said Dr. Washington.

Masks will no longer be required to be worn in Town buildings. The Board of Commissioners has also returned to in-person meetings. Citizens are invited to attend Town Board meetings in person, or online using the Zoom virtual meeting platform. Town Board meetings are also live streamed on the Town’s You Tube page.

Members of Matthews Fire & EMS recently visited with preschoolers at the Carmel Christain School.

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Matthews Messenger | MARCH 2022

March 2022 Events Calendar Any questions? Contact us!

7:00 PM Veterans Advisory Committee remote meeting

6:45 PM Committee on Education Mtg 7:00 Environmental Advisory Committee mtg

6:30 PM Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Advisory Com. mtg

7:00 PM Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm Appearance/ tree committee meeting

7:00 PM board of adjustment Meeting

6:00 PM Crews Family Fun Night

6:00 PM Cool vibes concert

7:00 pm transportation advisory committee meeting

7:00 PM Planning Board Meeting

7:00 PM Concert at 224

7:00 PM cultural diversity mtg

7:00 PM board of adjustment Meeting

12:00 pm Main Line Market

6:00 PM Crews Family Fun Night

7:00 PM Board of mmissioners Meeting

For additional details, please visit: www.matthewsnc.gov/calendar Town of Matthews Board of Commissioners

Have any questions about the community? Contact us!

Mayor John Higdon mayorhigdon@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner mark tofano mtofano@matthewsnc.gov

TOWN HALL

Mayor Pro Tem Ken McCool kmccool@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner John Urban jurban@matthewsnc.gov

PHONE

Commissioner Renee garner rgarner@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner Larry Whitley lwhitley@matthewsnc.gov

E-MAIL

Commissioner gina hoover ghoover@matthewsnc.gov

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232 Matthews Station St. | Matthews, NC 28105 (704) 847- 4411 matthews@matthewsnc.gov WEB

www.matthewsnc.gov