ANNUAL UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2024
Matthews Messenger Annual Update
Stay Engaged & Informed
Board of Commissioners
Renee Garner
rgarner@matthewsnc.gov
Gina Hoover Mayor Pro Tem
Ken McCool
kmccool@matthewsnc.gov
ghoover@matthewsnc.gov
Matthews Messenger The best way to be in the know about all things Matthews is by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter. Every Friday morning, get the news and info you need to stay informed directly in your inbox. Scan the QR code or visit: www.matthewsnc. gov, click “Matthews Messenger” under the Residents tab to subscribe.
Leon Threatt
lthreatt@matthewsnc.gov
Mark Tofano
mtofano@matthewsnc.gov
John Urban
jurban@matthewsnc.gov
Social Media Stay up-to-date on all town news and information as well as special events by following the Town of Matthews on social media. We’re on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor. Scan the QR or visit: www.matthewsnc.gov, click “Communications” under the Departments tab.
The 2023-2025 Board of Commissioners was sworn into office on December 11, 2023. This Board will serve for two years. Town Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 7:00 pm at Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street). The meetings are also streamed live on Zoom and YouTube. Visit www.matthewsnc.gov for more information.
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Matthews Messenger Annual Update
From the Mayor
From the Town Manager
John Higdon
Becky Hawke
Leading the Way to 2024 in Matthews
Making Matthews an Employer of Choice
jhigdon@matthewsnc.gov
I am pleased to present the first annual update to the residents of Matthews. We hope you find the information in this publication to be helpful and informative. Reflecting on 2023, I am inspired by the progress we’ve made. Looking ahead to 2024, we’ll keep the momentum going as we have several major projects and initiatives happening in the Town of Matthews. This year, I am excited about beginning construction of Fire Station #3, working on long-range planning for our parks and greenways, seeing the Envision Matthews process to completion, and continuing to improve the town we all love. In the coming months, we will keep you informed about these and other important initiatives through our weekly digital newsletter, community meetings, social media and the town’s website. We value your perspective, so please continue to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with us. As your Mayor, I am committed to working tirelessly to make our town an even better place for all.
Like many employers in recent years, the town was dealing with staffing shortages and struggling to fill positions. This was particularly challenging for our first responder positions, which account for 83% of our employees. After the completion of a comprehensive study in 2022, the Board made important changes to the town’s employee pay and classification plan. The changes were a significant effort to position Matthews to be an employer of choice, to attract qualified candidates to look at Matthews first, and to retain the great employees here now. The action taken by the Board sent a strong message about how much the town values its employees. I’m pleased to report that this effort has resulted in less turnover, a lower vacancy rate (6.9% for 2023), and overall improved recruiting and retention. As we move forward, we remain committed to maintaining these optimal staffing levels and continuously improving our operations to better serve the evolving needs of our community.
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Matthews Messenger Annual Update
New Police Chief Mike Clesceri Joins MPD Michael R. "Mike" Clesceri has been named Chief of the Matthews Police Department. Mike comes to the role with a distinguished career of 33 years in law enforcement, having most recently served as the Chief of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office in Woodstock, Illinois. The Town of Matthews conducted an extensive nationwide search and recruitment process to fulfill the role of Police Chief. As the Chief, Clesceri will direct all activities of the Matthews Police Department and oversee operations carried out by approximately 87 full and part-time employees. “I am excited and humbled about the opportunity to serve as the next Chief of Police in Matthews,” said Clesceri. “Matthews is a wonderful town, rich in culture, history, and diversity. I am looking forward to enhancing relationships in the community and building upon the solid foundation of a great department.” Interim Chief Roy Sisk will resume his position as Major when Clesceri begins his new role on March 11. Read more about the next Chief of Police at www.matthewsnc.gov.
RESIDENT SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN In the fall of 2023, the Town partnered with Western Carolina University's Public Policy Institute to conduct a resident survey. The survey asked about residents’ perceptions of town services, government leadership, and priorities for the community. Below are just some of the results.
97%
agreed/strongly agreed that Matthews is a good place to live
91%
agreed/strongly agreed that Matthews is a safe place to live
70%
agreed/strongly agreed that Matthews is a good environment for businesses to succeed
"Properly managed growth and development" and "Vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown" as the most important areas of focus for Matthews. Survey respondents identified
Visit www.matthewsnc.gov for the full report.
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Matthews Messenger Annual Update
FIRE STATION #3
Construction will soon begin on a third fire station in Matthews Excitement is building for a new fire station in Matthews—the town’s first municipal build in over 20 years. Fire Station 3, located at 3017 Matthews Mint Hill Road, will enable the fire, rescue, and emergency medical services of Matthews Fire & EMS to be much closer to residents in this area of town. The new fire station will increase the percentage of Matthews residents living within 2.5 miles of fire/EMS resources to 87% (up from the current 68%). Matthews Fire & EMS currently has two other stations: Station One located at 236 S. Trade Street and Station Two located at 1201 Crews Road. “The plans for a third fire station in Matthews have been developing for many years,” said Matthews Fire & EMS Chief Rob Kinniburgh. “This is an exciting time for Matthews Fire & EMS and I want to thank the Town leadership for helping to bring this major project to fruition.” The Town of Matthews is working with SAMET Corp. for the design and construction of the fire station, which was fully authorized by the Board of Commissioners in November 2023. Construction is expected to begin in March and be completed by the end of this year. Follow along with construction here: https://matthewsfs.samet411.com/
Transportation Projects Below is an update on several roadway projects in Matthews being managed by NCDOT. For more information about these and other projects, please visit: www.matthewsnc.gov/roadprojects. I-485: Work continues on this project to add lanes to I-485. This project includes major changes to the John Street interchange, and the addition of an interchange at Weddington Road. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is currently projecting completion of the project for the end of 2024. Greylock Ridge Extension from John Street to Tank Town Road: Right-of-way acquisition is ongoing and construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. This project is being funded by Bonus Allocation dollars from Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) and is being managed by NCDOT. McKee Road Extension from Pleasant Plans to John Street: Right-of-way acquisition was certified by NCDOT in July. The construction phase, including bidding, is scheduled for Fall 2024. Improvements to US 74: NCDOT has shifted focus away from widening to other work including bridges and completing missing sections of Northeast Parkway and Independence Pointe Parkway. Idlewild Road Improvements and Roundabout at Idlewild Road and Stallings Road: The project is expected to begin construction in 2028. Recently completed projects: Irwins Creek Greenway opened in the summer of 2023. This project constructed a greenway from Sam Newell Road at Crown Point Elementary eastward to Idlewild Road. The Four Mile Creek Greenway tunnel under S. Trade Street is now complete. Work continues on connecting the greenway to the tunnel entrances. matthewsnc.gov
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Matthews Messenger Annual Update
Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste Visit www.wasteprousa.com/matthews for more information New Provider: Waste Pro The Town was faced with a significant cost increase to renew with the former provider. To limit the budgetary impacts, the Town completed a competitive bid process and Waste Pro was selected as the new provider effective July 2023.
Bulk Pickup Services Bulk pickup was included in your service under the contract with the former provider. However, with rising costs and the underutilization of the service, there is now a fee for residents who choose to use the service. The fees are outlined below:
Bulk Pickup Fees 1 item = $25.00 (up to size of a standard couch up to 84”) 2-5 items = $50.00 Appliances = $25.00 each To schedule a pickup, please visit www. wasteprousa.com/matthews or call 980-325-3640. Alternatively, bulk waste disposal is also available at Mecklenburg County Full-Service Disposal & Recycling Centers. The centers closest to Matthews are the Foxhole Recycling Center and Yard Waste (17131 Lancaster Highway, Charlotte, NC 28277) and the Hickory Grove Recycling Center and Yard Waste (8007 Pence Road, Charlotte, NC 28215).
Yard Waste Mecklenburg County disposal centers no longer accept plastic bags so they are being phased out by all solid waste service providers. Residents can use paper lawn/leaf bags, tarps, Leaf Burritos, or personal yard waste containers clearly marked "Yard Waste." Free paper bags are available for pick up at Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street) and Matthews Public Works (1600 Tank Town Road) Monday through Friday 8 am - 4 pm. Limit 10 bags per person. While supplies last. Residents are also reminded that yard waste stacks must meet the following standard: Limbs 4 feet in length, 3 feet in height, and 5-inch diameter – no more than 3 stacks.
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Matthews Messenger Annual Update
2024 Calendar of Events Our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department is hard at work planning for another great year of special events in the Town of Matthews. Save the date for these events and visit www.matthewsfun.com for the latest information.
Winter February 10 March 9 March 23 March 29
Ties & Tiaras Valentine Dance Matthews Comic-Con Main Line Market Beats 'n Bites
Spring April 13 April 26 April 27 May 10-11 May 27 May 31
Earth Day/Kids in Nature Day Beats 'n Bites Festival of India BeachFest Matthews Memorial Day Ceremony Beats 'n Bites
Summer June 11 June 19 June 22 June 28 July 3 July 4 August 3 August 6 August 30-September 2
Symphony Night Juneteenth Celebration Main Line Market Beats 'n Bites Fireworks Spectacular Independence Day Celebration Jazz Concert National Night Out Matthews Alive
Fall September 20 September 28 October 4 October 5 October 18 November 2 November 11
Beats 'n Bites Main Line Market Beats 'n Bites Kids In Nature Day Beats 'n Bites Pawsitively Matthews Veterans Day Ceremony
Holiday Events (Dates to be determined)
Photos with Santa Winter Wonderlights Kwanzaa Celebration Noon Year's Eve Party
Deck the House Contest Menorah Lighting Ceremony The Nutcracker
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Your Voice Matters! Join a Town Advisory Board or Committee
232 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 28105
We are seeking dedicated individuals to join one of the 10 town advisory boards/committees. Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to Matthews, your input matters. Share your insights with elected officials on issues important to you. Appearance/Tree Advisory Committee* Board of Adjustment* Cultural Diversity Committee Economic Development Advisory Committee Environmental Advisory Committee* Matthews Committee on Education* Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Committee* Planning Board* Transportation Advisory Committee* Veterans Advisory Committee *Requires Matthews residency Members of advisory boards/committee members are expected to attend meetings, typically held once a month. There may be some additional work to prepare for the meetings. Members are appointed to a two-year term for most committees. This is your chance to make a real impact, contribute your unique perspective, and actively participate in the decision-making process for the Town of Matthews. For more information and to apply, please visit www. matthewsnc.gov and click on “Advisory Boards and Committees” under the Government tab.
Public Hearing February 26 For the past year, the community has been invited to “Envision Matthews” and help us create a new Comprehensive Plan. We gathered for casual conversations at Seaboard and pop-up meetings at events like Beats ‘n Bites and BeachFest. We held open houses at the Sportsplex for roll-up-yoursleeves type of work reviewing plans and sharing ideas. All of this input plus work from our team will result in a plan that guides the future of our town. Please take a look at the draft plan on our website (https://publicinput.com/d6638 or use the QR code) and let us know what you think. The public hearing for the plan will be held at Town Hall on February 26.
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