The CityLink Newsletter is on hiatus this week due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. As a reminder, City of Concord offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. For information on residential solid waste collection and other services during the Thanksgiving holiday, visit concordnc.gov.

Although open burning bans are in place in Concord, cooking fires are still allowed. However, the Concord Fire Department urges the community to use SAFE cooking practices over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, and frying food has the greatest risk. Two-thirds of home cooking fires start from burning food or cooking materials. More than half of home cooking fire injuries happen when people try to fight the fire themselves.

We hope everyone thinks twice before using a turkey fryer. Consider using an outdoor cooking appliance that does not use oil or leave the frying to professional establishments. If you do fry a turkey, remember:

• Completely thaw and dry the turkey before cooking;
• Never use a turkey fryer in, on or under a garage, breezeway, porch or any structure that can catch fire;
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off gas supply; and
• If a fire occurs, call 911.

Did you know?
Did you know that City sign regulations for type 1 freestanding temporary signs are suspended from 30 days prior to an election until 10 days after an election? This suspension has now ended, and all candidates and their supporters are reminded of their obligation to remove their political signs from roadways and streets. Please help us keep Concord free of clutter. Click here for suggestions on removing and reusing signs (posted November 2015), and visit concordnc.gov/signs for more information about the City's recently updated sign regulations.

Tonight's TREE LIGHTING AND FIREWORKS kickoff 2016 holiday season
The time has arrived for a weekend of fun and festivity, starting with the City of Concord's 19^th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this evening. Sponsored by Carolinas HealthCare System and Uwharrie Bank, the annual event will once again feature family entertainment, Santa, and fireworks! Festivities will be centered in Bicentennial Plaza again this year, with 30 additional minutes of programming. Activities begin at 6:00 and the Tree Lighting and fireworks are planned for 8:30. The 88^th annual ACN Concord Christmas Parade follows on Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. Visit concordnc.gov for details.

Thanksgiving holiday schedule announced
In observance of Thanksgiving, City of Concord offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s garbage, recycling, and bulky waste collection by Waste Pro will operate on a normal schedule next week. However, Thursday and Friday customers will have a one-day delay. All yard waste should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, November 21. There will be no loose leaf collection scheduled next week, and cycle two continues with Thursday customers on Monday, November 28. Visit concordnc.gov for more service changes and additional information.

With leaf collection on hiatus next week, a friendly reminder about storm drains
Would you believe that leaves and grass clippings can kill fish? When yard waste is washed into local bodies of water via storm drains and ditches, the unnaturally high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus they contribute (nutrient pollution) causes algal blooms. Subsequent algal die-off and decomposition deplete dissolved oxygen levels, which can suffocate gill-breathing animals like tadpoles, fish, salamanders, crayfish, and freshwater mussels. Pet waste and fertilizers are also sources of nutrient pollution. Please place all yard waste (bagged or loose piles), bulky waste, and roll-out carts at the top of the curb, in the grass if possible, keeping everything out of the street gutter. Learn more at concordnc.gov.

Drought conditions, fire risk worsen; community called to action
We're asking for your help to respond to drought conditions and increased fire risk. Concord, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg are already asking the greater community to voluntarily conserve water in response to drought conditions (http://bit.ly/savethedrops). As drought conditions worsen, the secondary problem of fire risk also requires the community's attention. This week, the Fire Department voided all active burn permits and will refrain from issuing new burn permits until further notice. The City of Concord also joined Cabarrus County in banning all open burning, even when a permit is not required, with the exception of cooking fires, such as grills or outdoor cookers. For more information, visit concordnc.gov.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Fall 2016 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Boot Camp in the Park Fitness Class
Work off that turkey and stuffing in this extreme fitness class that focuses on levels of exercise incorporating cardio drills, core workouts and resistance training with your body weight! The Boot Camp in the Park fitness classes will be held at Les Myers Monday through Thursday mornings.  The next session will start on November 28 and run through December 22. Fee per session: $70; (16 classes per session) $5 city resident discount, click here to register online and for more information.

Winter Snowman Youth Art Party
On Saturday, December 10 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m., participants ages 9-19 will create an original acrylic masterpiece through step by step instruction. Please have young artists dress in clothing suited for painting or send an apron/smock to wear. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks of your choice are welcome. The instructor will provide all materials. Meets at Fire Station 7, located at 250 International Drive NW. Registration is $40 ($5 City-resident discount available) through December 2 at concordparksandrec.org.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.

December
6 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
8 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
14 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
20 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates at concordnc.gov. Check out our page on Facebook and our other interactive features!

Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?
If you have had an experience from our team that left an impact, we hope you'll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a "High 5 for Excellent Service." You can get started by visiting concordnc.gov/High5 or call 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgement over the phone.

Did you know?
Did you know the Concord Fire Department strives to arrive on scene within four minutes of receiving a call for service? With the opening of Fire Station 11 on Weddington Road approximately one year ago, the Fire Department has greatly improved its response time in the Exit 49 area. Learn more at concordnc.gov/Fire.

Highlights of the November 10 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Recognition of the Concord High School girls' tennis team, and Junior Kate Earnhardt, who won the first girls state singles title in Cabarrus County history.

Presentation of a retirement plaques to:

• J. Thomas, 20 years – Fire
• Brown Barnhardt, 28 years – Fire

Presented a donation from the Parks & Recreation Department Veterans Salute 5K to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Combat Wounded Veterans Chapter 634.

Presented the 2016 Productivity Improvement Award to a cross-departmental team of Human Resources and Legal staff, who developed a process for the City to recover costs needed to repair damage to property and vehicles.

Received an update from NCDOT regarding the proposed NC 49 and Old Charlotte/Rocky River Rd intersection modification (Work Session Only).

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance repeal and replace Article 12 of the Concord Development Ordinance, Sign Standards, with new regulations in a simplified format, with focus on content neutrality, limited temporary signage, and improving sign quality.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of one (1) parcel of land located at 1500 Odell School Road.

Conducted a public hearing to and adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 2.0 of the Technical Standards Manual to incorporate a greater amount of native plants in new landscapes, as part of the Mayors Monarch Pledge.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted the proposed FY17 PIP schedule under the City's Capital Improvement Program.

Authorized the City Manager to execute the Mowing Maintenance Agreement with NCDOT for the Transportation Department to perform routine mowing services on gateway corridors.

Approved a new Municipal Maintenance - Traffic Control Devices Traffic Signals Agreement (Schedules C and D) with the NCDOT for the installation, repair, and maintenance of that portion of the computerized traffic signal system which is on the State Highway System streets within or near the City of Concord.

Entered into a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) 2nd Supplemental Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the construction of the NE Subset Sidewalks Project.

Adopted resolutions authorizing the sales of and upset bid processes for properties located at 139 Melba Drive SW, 142 Penrod Drive SW, and 546 Old Charlotte Road.

Adopted modifications to the Stormwater Management Advisory Committee By-Laws & Rules of Procedure, including the formal definition and adoption of an appeals process for stormwater decisions.

World War I cannon returns to Union Street, City honors veterans
The City of Concord held a public ceremony this morning to honor veterans and celebrate local history. At 10:15 a.m. on Veterans Day, officials and community members gathered at a new pavilion located at Union Street N and Killarney Ave NE (near Central United Methodist Church). The pavilion is a permanent site to house the historic World War I German field gun, which has been displayed at various locations in the community over the last 94 years. For more information and event photos, visit the City's Flickr Photostream. Following the ceremony, the historic Gamewell Diaphone at Fire Station 1 blasted at 11:00 a.m. to honor all who have served in the United States armed forces. The City of Concord thanks all who wear our nation's uniform, past, present, and future.

2016 Holiday kickoff events just one week away!
Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun and festivity starting with the City of Concord's 19^th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 18. Sponsored by Carolinas HealthCare System and Uwharrie Bank, the annual event will once again feature family entertainment, Santa, and fireworks! Activities begin at 6:00 and the Tree Lighting and fireworks are planned for 8:30. Festivities will be centered in Bicentennial Plaza again this year. The 88^th annual ACN Concord Christmas Parade follows on Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. Visit concordnc.gov for details.

Reception tonight, "Second Saturday" event tomorrow at ClearWater
Tonight, ClearWater Artist Studios invites you to attend the Opening Reception (with refreshments) for artist Louise Farley’s new show, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Farley will also give an ‘Artist Talk’ tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.—which is ClearWater’s next ‘Second Saturday Open Studios,’ a monthly open house featuring resident artists in their studios, open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Santa is taking time from his busy schedule to visit with the artists tomorrow, and is happy to pose for pictures with children of all ages from 11-3. ClearWater is located in Gibson Village at 223 Crowell Drive NW, events are always family friendly with plenty of free parking. ClearWater’s Gallery is also open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from noon until 6:00 p.m., or by appointment. The ClearWater Gallery, outdoor Green, and open-air covered Market are available to rent for private events and parties. For details, see clearwaterartists.com, the Facebook page, or call 704-784-9535.

CTW goes to LunchPlus at Logan Multi-Purpose Center
This week, our friends at Cabarrus County's very own Channel 22 visited Logan Multi-Purpose Center, one of five LunchPlus sites across Cabarrus County where individuals, age 60 and older, can keep their mind and body engaged. More than just a meal, seniors can meet new friends, take exercise classes, receive health education and enjoy a free, hot, nutritious lunch each weekday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. LunchPlus focuses on providing the same types of programs at each location. You’re greeted on your way in, and are immediately welcomed into the busy atmosphere. The LunchPlus program has existed for more than 17 years and continues to make an impact on the community by providing nutrient rich, balanced meals and opening up a social outlet for older adults. In the past month alone, the program has served over 4,400 meals to Cabarrus residents. For more information, visit cabarruscounty.us.

Loose leaf collection continues next week in Friday route
Solid Waste’s annual loose leaf collection continues next week. This popular program provides each Concord resident three opportunities to have un-bagged leaves collected curbside through January 27. Bagged leaves are collected year-round on a weekly basis, on the normal garbage and recycling collection day. Customers on the FRIDAY garbage collection routes must have leaves at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, November 14 for crews to collect them during the second collection cycle. Learn more and download the 2016-17 schedule at concordnc.gov.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Fall 2016 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Last Chance: Concord Parks and Rec seeks feedback as part of master plan update
The City of Concord is in the final stages of updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In the last month, two drop-in workshops were held to gather community input and ideas. A short online feedback form is now available for community members who were not able to attend these workshops or were not part of the scientifically selected survey sample. Your input is important to us. Please visit surveymonkey.com/r/ConcordRecFeedback to complete a brief survey by November 12. For more information, visit concordnc.gov.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.

November
15 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

December
6 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
8 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
14 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates at concordnc.gov. Check out our page on Facebook and our other interactive features!

Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?
If you have had an experience from our team that left an impact, we hope you'll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a "High 5 for Excellent Service." You can get started by visiting concordnc.gov/High5 or call 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgement over the phone.

Did you know?
Did you know the City's Customer Care team is equipped to assist you in person, online, or over the phone? Visit our Customer Care team in person at City Hall (35 Cabarrus Avenue W), call 704-920-5555, email custcare@concordnc.gov, or download the Concord Mobile Care app to get assistance with City utilities, report non-emergency incidents, and more.

Return of historic World War I cannon to return to Union Street, other Veterans Day events
The City of Concord is planning several events to honor veterans over the next week. In addition to tomorrow's Veterans Salute 5k (details below in Parks and Rec Highlights), a public ceremony will take place on Veterans Day morning to honor veterans and celebrate local history. At 10:15 a.m. on Friday, November 11, come to the new pavilion located at Union Street N and Killarney Ave NE (near Central United Methodist Church). The pavilion is a permanent site to house the historic World War I German field gun, which has been displayed at various locations in the community over the last 94 years. For more information on this event, visit the City's Facebook page.

At 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, the historic Gamewell Diaphone at Fire Station 1 will blast to honor all who have served in the United States armed forces. The City of Concord thanks all those who have served.

Avoid the lines—cast your vote early
One-Stop Voting, known as early voting, is open a final day at select polling locations in Cabarrus County for the November 8 General Election. All registered North Carolina voters may cast their ballot in person at various locations on Saturday, November 5. For location details, times, and more information on early voting, visit cabarruscounty.us.

Concord, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg Request Voluntary Water Conservation
The Cities of Concord and Kannapolis, and the Town of Harrisburg announced this week that customers of the municipalities’ water systems should now follow Level 1 water use restrictions, due to regional drought conditions. These restrictions are for the municipalities of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Landis, and Midland. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) announced on November 1 that below normal rainfall has moved the Catawba-Wateree Basin into Stage 1 drought levels of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). Although not public water suppliers in the Catawba River Basin, Concord, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg follow the group's drought stages as part of the Interbasin Transfer Agreement. Level 1 voluntary restrictions mean users are encouraged to limit lawn irrigation, filling of fountains, and many other activities. Visit concordnc.gov for more information.

Concord Police seek information on string of pharmacy robberies
The Concord Police Department is currently investigating the armed robberies of two pharmacies, which occurred during the month of October. The two incidents being investigated occurred at the Walgreens Pharmacy, 5230 Poplar Tent Road (October 14, 2016) and the Rite Aid Pharmacy, 3645 Concord Parkway South (October 28, 2016). During both incidents, the suspect entered the store and proceeded to an aisle that was located near each store's pharmacy area. After several minutes, the subject would approach personnel at the pharmacy counter at which time he would lift his shirt exposing a handgun in his waistband and demand narcotics. A similar incident occurred in Kannapolis on October 31 by a suspect fitting the same description as the Concord robberies. Visit the Concord Public Safety Facebook Page for more information, and contact Concord Police at 704-920-5000 or Cabarrus Area Crime Stoppers at 704-93-CRIME if you have information on the identity of the suspect.

What's happening at ClearWater Artist Studios
Tonight, ClearWater Artist Studios opens a new solo show by painter Louise Farley, “Outside the Lines,” which will remain through December 31. The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception for Farley’s show, Friday November 11, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with refreshments.

Farley will also give an ‘Artist Talk’ the following day at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday November 12—which is ClearWater’s next ‘Second Saturday Open Studios,’ a monthly open house featuring resident artists in their studios, open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. ClearWater’s Gallery is also open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from noon until 6:00 p.m., or by appointment. The ClearWater Gallery, outdoor Green, and open-air covered Market are available to rent out for private events and parties. For details, see clearwaterartists.com, the Facebook page, or call 704-784-9535.

Loose leaf collection continues next week in Monday route
Solid Waste’s annual loose leaf collection continues next week. This popular program provides each Concord resident three opportunities to have un-bagged leaves collected curbside, between October 24 and January 27. Bagged leaves are collected year-round on a weekly basis, on the normal garbage and recycling collection day. Customers on the MONDAY garbage collection routes must have leaves at the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, November 7 for crews to collect them during the first collection cycle. Learn more and download the 2016-17 schedule at concordnc.gov.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Fall 2016 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

We're all set for the first annual Veterans Salute 5K
Parks and Recreation staff are geared up for the Veterans Salute 5K (formerly known as 5 Alarm 5K) on Saturday, November 5. The race will start and finish on Means Avenue and utilize the Greenway System through McGee Park. $20 on race day registration ($10 for Veterans) still available. Visit concordparksandrec.org for more details.

Concord Parks and Rec seeks feedback as part of master plan update
The City of Concord is in the final stages of updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In the last month, two drop-in workshops were held to gather community input and ideas. A short online feedback form is now available for community members who were not able to attend these workshops or were not part of the scientifically selected survey sample. Your input is important to us. Please visit surveymonkey.com/r/ConcordRecFeedback to complete a brief survey by November 12. For more information, visit concordnc.gov.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is the Council Chamber of City Hall, 35 Cabarrus Avenue W.

November
8 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
9 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
10 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
15 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates at concordnc.gov. Check out our page on Facebook and our other interactive features!

Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?
If you have had an experience from our team that left an impact, we hope you'll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a "High 5 for Excellent Service." You can get started by visiting concordnc.gov/High5 or call 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgement over the phone.