Matthews Messenger | June 2020

JUNE — 2020

Volume 2 — Issue 6

Summer Camps

Registrations Open Now (Page 4)

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In this issue...

Read more about CDC guidelines for wearing cloth masks in public

Keep These Messages On Your Mind Engage and Connect: Be sure to give public input on the Sam Newell Road multi-use path via our online survey at http://tinyurl.com/ SamNewellRoad! Read more on page 2.

Sign up for Matthews summer camps, which will start July 6th Learn more about the Town of Matthews Budget Update

MATTHEWSNC.GOV

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

@MATTHEWSNC

TOWN OF MATTHEWS

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Matthews Messenger | June 2020

MANAGER’S MESSAGE The Town of Matthews has been hard at

registration on June 1st. To read more

work to maintain a high level of service to

about

our community throughout the COVID-19

please check out page 4.

pandemic.

We

are

proud

to

say

summer

camp

registration,

that

Matthews residents have been hard at

Forward progress on a number of Town

work too, with 71% of households in town

projects also continues, as we look to

completing the 2020 US Census as of May 18

complete additional multi-use paths for

-- making Matthews the community with the

pedestrians and bicyclists to safely move

highest response rate in all of Mecklenburg

throughout our community. Public input

County. On behalf of our Town staff and

on the multi-use path proposed along

leadership, we are proud to provide service

Sam Newell Road is being requested

to a community that continues to be resilient

to help ensure the path meets the

and engaged despite the hardships this

needs and expectations of our great

pandemic has brought forth.

community. Please see page 3 for more information on the project and how you

Compliance with Governor Roy Cooper’s

can provide feedback.

Three Phase Reopening Plan and concerns for the health and safety of our community

We hope you are doing well and looking

have continued to impact programs and

forward to the return of some normalcy

events in town in a variety of ways. A

this summer. While events may look

rescheduled Matthews Beach Fest is being

different and many of us are wearing

planned for October, while Matthews Alive

masks to protect those around us, none

has been cancelled for the 2020 year. You

of this changes how strong and united

can read more about Matthews Alive on

the Matthews community is. We hope

page 4. Other summer activities, like camps

you get outside and enjoy the sunshine

led by Matthews Parks, Recreation and

this month.

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

BECKY HAWKE ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

Cultural Resource Department, are opening

Face Coverings Guidelines

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all people ages 2 and older wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. The CDC considers cloth face coverings an additional voluntary public health measure.

The Town of Matthews recommends following CDC guidelines at all times when outside your home. Remember, wearing a cloth face covering is an act of compassion and public service. We cover our faces to protect others.

There is no public health reason to wear a cloth face covering if you are

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alone in your car, in your own home, or around members of your own household.

Please read more about face coverings on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-facecoverings.html

Matthews Messenger | JUNE 2020

Matthews Requests Public Input for Sam Newell Road multi-use path The Town of Matthews is seeking public input on the Sam Newell Road multi-use path through an online survey at http://tinyurl.com/SamNewellRoad.

This project proposes to construct a 10-foot wide multi-use path along the west side of Sam Newell Road from Williams Road to Crown Point Elementary School. This will provide a comfortable and safe pedestrian and bicyclist amenity that will connect the community to local businesses, the proposed Irvins Creek Greenway, and Crown Point Elementary School.

If you have any additional comments or questions, please contact Dana Stoogenke, AICP, Town of Matthews Transportation Planner, at 704-708-1245 or dstoogenke@matthewsnc.gov.

Sam Newell Road Multi-use Path Project

A multi-use path is similar to a wide sidewalk. The main purpose of the multi-use path is to provide a dedicated area for bicyclists and pedestrians that improves safety and comfort thanks to a separation from motor vehicle traffic. Multi-use paths are wide enough to accommodate people traveling in either direction and allow for passing. Pedestrian crossing improvements are also proposed at Williams Road, Chanson Place, and Lakeview Circle. These improvements include repairing the existing curb and gutter, installing curb ramps, and adding highvisibility crosswalk markings. The project will connect to the Irvins Creek Greenway, which is currently under design by Mecklenburg County.

We encourage residents to watch the online public presentation and provide your input by taking the online survey at https://www.matthewsnc.gov/ pview.aspx?id=20947&catid=567.

MATTHEWS 1 Date in June for Matthews summer camp registration opened

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Fast Facts

Minimum recommended age for individuals to wear masks in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain

Number of feet for the width of multi-use path on Sam Newell Road

27

Years the Matthews Alive Festival has taken place

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Matthews Messenger | June 2020

Registration for Summer Camps Opened June 1 The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department will resume most summer camps beginning Monday, July 6. Select camp offerings will be available for online registration on Monday, June 1. Please visit http://www. matthewsnc.gov/matthewsfun to register. Camp Funshine will not be offered this summer due to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools closing all buildings for camp use.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the North Carolina Stay at Home Order, all Town of Matthews summer camps and programming through the month of June were canceled.

The health and safety of all camp participants, as well as Town staff, is our highest priority. All camps throughout the month of July and August will take place in compliance with guidance and recommendations from the State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, the CDC, and public health officials.

D E L L E C N CA

Matthews Alive

For the safety, health, and wellness of its partners and attendees, the Matthews Alive Festival Board of Directors canceled this year’s festival scheduled for September 4-7, 2020. The celebration has been a Labor Day tradition in Matthews for over 27 years, and it will be back and better than ever in 2021.

In the effort to support Governor Cooper’s phased approach to reopening, it was a unanimous decision by the Board to cancel the event. “So many things go into a decision such as this,” said Lee Anne Moore, Executive Director. “And the decisions have to be made now, to be ready for late August.”

The Matthews Alive Board of Directors would like to thank the many sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors that were ready to participate. Novant Health-Matthews Medical Center was returning as overall Presenting Sponsor, Kinetic by Windstream was returning as Main Stage Sponsor and Maus Automotive was returning as Arts & Crafts Sponsor. We look forward to Matthews Alive returning in 2021.

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Matthews Messenger | JUNE 2020

Town of Matthews Budget Update Town staff have been hard at work preparing the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

Each year, the recommended budget is presented to the Board of Commissioners for their consideration. The budget year operates from July 1 to June 30 and the next year’s budget must be approved annually by June 30.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted forecasted vehicle and sales tax revenue, state allocated funding, investment earnings, and revenues from meals and lodging. The presented budget is $24,641,995 - representing a 3.90% or $999,287 decrease from the FY19-20 amended budget. Next year’s budget seeks to absorb increased costs and revenue losses with no tax or fee increases, while still providing high quality services to the residents of Matthews.

Here’s a look at the budget timeline:

• May 11: Town Manager Hazen Blodgett presented the budget to the Town Board during a special meeting.

• May 18: The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to review the proposed budget.

• May 26: The Board of Commissioners held a budget work session followed by a public hearing on the proposed budget.

• June 1: The Board of Commissioners held another budget work session.

• June 8: The Board of Commissioners is expected to adopt the proposed budget.

All of these meetings are available to view on the Town’s YouTube Page: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UC0DdNfJsqXeYtJYJfX-eqaw For additional information about the 2020-2021 budget, please visit our Finance Department page at https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20759&catID=0

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Matthews Messenger | June 2020

June 2020 Events Calendar Any questions?

Contact us!

Board of Commissioners Meeting via ZOOM. Please visit www.matthewsnc.gov for more details.

Board of Commissioners Meeting via ZOOM. Please visit www.matthewsnc.gov for more details.

Board of Commissioners Meeting via ZOOM. Please visit www.matthewsnc.gov for more details.

Fun Family 4th of July

Have any questions about the community? Contact us!

TOWN HALL

232 Matthews Station St. | Matthews, NC 28105 PHONE

(704) 847- 4411 E-MAIL

matthews@matthewsnc.gov WEB

www.matthewsnc.gov

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