Matthews Messenger | July 2021

JULY — 2021

Volume 3 — Issue 7

In this issue...

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Eastern Gateway Plan is underway. Learn more on page 3.

MPD National Night Out. See page 4 for event info.

MATTHEWSNC.GOV

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

@MATTHEWSNC

TOWN OF MATTHEWS

New look for Matthews Fire & EMS. Page 5.

www.matthewsnc.gov

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

Matthews Messenger | JUly 2021

MANAGER’S MESSAGE I’m pleased to report that the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget during their June 28 meeting. As we reported in the last few issues of the Matthews Messenger, this year’s budget is an important step forward in continuing to serve the needs of our residents. For all the details and budget documents, visit www.matthewsnc.gov/finance.

The Planning Department is working to develop a land use plan for the area that serves as the eastern gateway into Matthews. The Eastern Gateway Plan will provide a framework for making future decisions in the area. There will be several opportunities for input from citizens for this project. See page 3 for more details.

The Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) is seeking nominations for Veteran of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a Matthews veteran who has demonstrated service and dedication to our community.

Read more about this on page 2.

Matthews Fire & EMS is getting a new look including a refresh to Fire Station One. The new look will better reflect the future direction of the department.

See the new patch and “scramble” on page 5.

Check out the calendar on page 6 of Matthews events and Board of Commissioners meetings so you can stay involved and engaged in all that Matthews has to offer.

Hazen Blodgett HAZEN BLODGETT TOWN MANAGER HBLODGETT@MATTHEWSNC.GOV BECKY HAWKE ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

Applications Now Being Accepted for Veteran of the Year The Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) is seeking nominations for the 2021 Veteran of the Year. To nominate someone for this honor, please return a completed nomination form along with a brief summary describing the nominee’s qualifications and why you believe the nominee should be the Matthews Veteran of the Year to Charleen Thompson at cthompson@matthewsnc.com.

Nomination forms are due by September 15, 2021 and can be found here: www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20929&catID=566

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Matthews Messenger | JULY 2021

EASTERN GATEWAY PLAN UNDERWAY The Town of Matthews is developing a plan for the area that serves as the eastern gateway into the community. The Eastern Gateway Plan study area encompasses approximately 120 acres of minimally developed land bounded by I-485, Idlewild Road, and the Windrow neighborhood.

The Plan will examine existing conditions and infrastructure in the area and provide recommendations to help guide future land use decisions.

Last month, the Town conducted a visual preference survey. Town staff will be reaching out to the community again in July to request additional input and provide an update on how the plan is progressing. It will take a couple of months to develop the plan, and then it will go to the Town’s Planning Board and Board of Commissioners for review and consideration of adoption. Once completed and adopted, the plan will provide a framework for making future decisions in the area.

For more information, click here

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Matthews Messenger | JUly 2021

Swings Added to Rice Park Playground Rice Park (located at 2530 Rice Road) recently added some new equipment to the playground. A total of six new swings – including two belt swings, two bucket (toddler/tot) swings, one “freedom” swing which is accessible for children with disabilities, and one “Konnection” swing – usable by one adult and one child at a time. Enjoy these new additions to Rice Park!

MATTHEWS POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2021 The Matthews Police Department (MPD) will be celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Stumptown Park. This annual event, in its 37th year, encourages neighborhoods to meet as one community and get to know each other as well as the Officers that serve it.

MPD invites everyone to come out and enjoy some food, fun, and friendships!

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Matthews Messenger | JULY 2021

Matthews Fire & EMS Gets a New Look [ New patch and scramble is pictured left. ]

Matthews Fire & EMS has undergone some significant changes over the last few years under the leadership of Chief Rob Kinniburgh. The department has transitioned from a predominantly volunteer department to a predominantly career department supported by volunteers. Now the department is working on a new look to accompany the changes.

Refresh Station One’s Façade The front-facing façade will be repainted. The word “volunteer” will be removed and the lettering will be repositioned to read Matthews Fire & EMS. The illuminated sign will be upgraded to LED and feature the new patch and scramble design.

New Patch and Scramble The new patch symbolizes the goal of being one department, regardless of the members status as a volunteer or career member, firefighter or EMT, or Fire Corp member. The patch bridges the gap between our official name (Matthews Fire & EMS) and the more traditional name (Matthews Fire Department) and gives recognition to our longstanding roots in the community by including EST 1954. The new scramble will be the centerpiece of the patch.

Members of Matthews Fire & EMS showing off the new uniforms.

Refresh Uniforms New dark blue uniform shirts with replace the old, light blue shirts and will better compliment the new badge on the sleeve.

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Matthews Messenger | JUly 2021

July 2021 Events Calendar Any questions?

Contact us!

4th of July Concert Stumptown Park from 7-9 pm

Car Seat Checking Station at 8:00 am

Outdoor Concert: Michael Cosner Band

Board of Commissioners Meeting at 7:00 pm

Transportation Advisory Committee mtg

Car Seat Checking Station at 8:00 am

Board of Commissioners Meeting at 7:00 pm

Coffee with the chief Brakeman’s Coffee from 9-11 am

Outdoor Concert: Chicago Rewired

Cultural Diversity Committee Meeting

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

Have any questions about the community? Contact us!

Mayor John Higdon mayorhigdon@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner Jeff Miller jmiller@matthewsnc.gov

TOWN HALL

Mayor Pro Tem Renee Garner rgarner@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner John Urban jurban@matthewsnc.gov

PHONE

Commissioner Dave Bland dbland@matthewsnc.gov

Commissioner Larry Whitley lwhitley@matthewsnc.gov

E-MAIL

Commissioner Ken McCool kmccool@matthewsnc.gov

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

www.matthewsnc.gov