Matthews Messenger - April 2022

APRIL 2022

Volume 4 — Issue 4

Our Public Works Department recently completed a parking addition at Windsor Run Park.

In this issue...

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Mortgage Assistance Program now accepting applications

MATTHEWSNC.GOV

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

Get to know our new Town Manager

@MATTHEWSNC

TOWN OF MATTHEWS

Police Department Promotion

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

www.matthewsnc.gov

Matthews Messenger | APRIL 2022

MANAGER’S MESSAGE I am honored to begin this new chapter as Town Manager of Matthews. I have enjoyed living in and serving this community for the past six years as Assistant Town Manger, and I am looking forward to continuing in this new capacity.

There are other staffing changes taking place in the Town. Major Roy Sisk was named Assistant Chief of Police last month. Read more about Roy and his new position on page 2.

Matthews Fire & EMS held their annual awards ceremony last month.

Members were recognized for their commitment and dedication to the organization.

Congratulations to all! Read more about the honorees on page 3.

Do you follow the Town on social media? It’s a great way to stay in the know on town news and events. In case you missed it, we’ve included a roundup of some recent posts on page 2.

Mecklenburg County is offering mortgage assistance to low to moderate income residents who have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Applications are now being accepted. Read more about this program below.

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

Becky Hawke BECKY HAWKE MATTHEWS TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

Mecklenburg County

mortgage assistance program Mecklenburg County is now accepting applications for its Mortgage Assistance Payment Program. This program provides financial assistance to low to moderate income residents in the towns and unincorporated areas who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible homeowners can receive 3 to 6 months of consecutive payments to use toward their mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. More information is available here: https://rampcharmeck.com/ 2

Matthews Messenger | APRIL 2022

Get to Know Our New Town Manager Last month the Board of Commissioners selected Becky Hawke to be the next Town Manager of Matthews. Becky has served as Assistant Town Manager for Matthews since 2016. The Board of Commissioners worked with Developmental Associates to conduct a nationwide search and hiring process. Read the announcement here.

Get to know more about Becky in this Q&A: Q: What is the first thing you will do as Town Manager?

I’m thankful to have existing, established relationships with the Town Board, staff, and the community to help give me a jump start on making the transition to the manager’s position. We are currently in the middle of our annual budget preparation process, so that is one of my biggest and most immediate areas of focus. Revenues are trending positively but costs are up and there are a number of operational needs to address, so we will be taking all those factors into account as the proposed budget is finalized in the coming weeks. I am looking forward to presenting the Proposed F.Y. 2022-23 Annual Budget to the Town Board at their first meeting in May and working with them through the decision-making and approval process.

Q: What do you think is the most important issue facing Matthews today?

Most issues are interconnected so it’s hard to settle on a singular answer, but I believe the most important issue facing Matthews today is how to continue to evolve and improve our community without losing the character that helps make us so appealing in the first place. Being located in one of the fastest growing areas in the country, the Town Board and staff are constantly balancing the rights of individual property owners, the development pressures of the market, and the desires of our existing community. Decreasing density or requiring higher quality building materials may create more appealing developments, but often leads to higher property prices and reduced affordability and accessibility. Conversely, allowing higher density projects or more economical building design/materials can improve affordability and accessibility, but may negatively impact the “small town feel” we so often hear as synonymous with Matthews. On top of that, we want to continue to provide an excellent quality of life for the entire community. This will require continual maintenance and expansion of our public infrastructure and recreational amenities, as well as investment in the staff that are needed to provide a high level of service to our citizens and businesses every day - all while retaining a responsible property tax rate. It’s a delicate balance, and the Town Board and staff will continue to work to get it right for Matthews.

Q: Where’s your favorite spot to visit in Matthews?

Favorite Outdoor Spot: Four Mile Creek Greenway, especially when I catch sight of a barred owl, box turtle, or other wildlife.

Favorite Indoor Spot: Good Cup Coffee for their Masala Chai Tea Latte or White Duck Taco Shop for their Steak & Cheese Tacos (hold the pico de gallo).

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

I am a lifelong learner so most of my ‘fun’ time is currently spent working toward my second Master’s degree (an MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill).

Otherwise, I love to be out walking my Bullmastiff, Tully, or pulling my stubborn English Bulldog, Tank, in his red wagon. I also volunteer with two dog rescue groups and mainly help transport dogs to their foster or adoptive homes. Finally, I enjoy trying out different restaurants, reading a wide variety of books, wildlife watching, and traveling to new places.

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Matthews Messenger | APRIL 2022

Matthews Police Department Names Assistant Chief of Police The Matthews Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Roy Sisk to the rank of Major/Assistant Chief of Police.

Major Sisk has over 28 years of experience in law enforcement and was most recently assigned as the Captain of the Administrative Bureau. He joined the Matthews Police Department in 2003. He has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, and Patrol Sergeant.

Major Sisk is a graduate of the 26th class of the North Carolina Justice Academy’s Management Development Program and a graduate of the 275th class of the FBI National Academy.

Social Roundup!

what you may have missed on our social media platforms

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Major Roy Sisk and Chief of Police Clark Pennington @MATTHEWSNC

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS TOWN OF MATTHEWS

Matthews Messenger | APRIL 2022

Matthews fire & ems annual awards Matthews Fire & EMS held their annual awards ceremony in March. Members were recognized for their commitment and dedication to the organization.

Congratulations to all! Here are a few of the awards: ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Patrick O’Connor FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Christopher Clark

Chief Rob Kinniburgh presents the Company Citation to Lt. Ben Crawford.

EMT OF THE YEAR Brandon Rust OFFICER OF THE YEAR LT Ryan Strickland FIRE CORPS MEMBER OF THE YEAR Grady Cole III

Members of A Shift at the awards ceremony.

For the actions taken at the scene of a working apartment fire on March 11, 2021 crews showed exceptional teamwork and commitment to the mission of our department resulting in the successful extrication of an unconscious occupant.

Members of 22 B-Shift are commended for their actions and are hereby awarded this Company Citation. Presented to: Lt Ben Crawford, Lt Ryan Strickland, FF Clayton Durden, FF Mike Pendrak, FF Jonathan Jones. FF Clayton Durden, FF Mike Pendrak,

FF Jonathan Jones.

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Matthews Messenger | APRIL 2022

April 2022 Events Calendar Any questions? Contact us!

7:00 PM board of adjustment Meeting

7:00 PM Veterans Advisory Committee meeting

7:00 PM Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 Environmental Advisory Committee mtg

7:00 pm Appearance/ tree committee meeting

7:00 PM Board of commissioners Meeting

The great easter eggspedition begins

6:30 PM Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Advisory Com. mtg 10:00am - 2:30pm Red cross blood drive

7:00 pm transportation advisory committee meeting

7:00 PM board of adjustment Meeting

4:30 PM Economic Development Advisory Com. Mtg 7:00 PM Planning Board MTG

10:00 AM Earth day with kids in nature day at squirrel lake park 6:00 PM Crews Family 5:00 Fun PM Night Beats ‘n Bites

9:00 AM Free Shred Event 12:00 PM Festival of India

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