Did you know?
Do you know you can make a tax-deductible contribution to a fund that assists Concord utility customers in crisis? The City and Cooperative Christian Ministry have established the Neighbor Helping Neighbor fund, and every cent counts. Many people are not eligible for assistance from local or state agencies. Those affected may have an immediate income need from a crisis that has recently affected their family.  For more information, visit concordnc.gov.

Lloyd Payne named as Concord's new Assistant City Manager
On Monday, City Manager Brian Hiatt named Lloyd Payne, Jr. as Concord's newest Assistant City Manager. Payne comes to Concord from the Town of Elkin, where he has served as Town Manager since August, 2005. In addition to his local government experience, Payne has served in the North Carolina Army National Guard for over 21 years. He will begin work in Concord on May 11. Visit concordnc.gov to learn more.

Good Friday holiday schedule, Bunny Run 5K and other events planned
In observance of Good Friday, City of Concord offices will be closed on Friday, April 3. Garbage, recycling, and bulky waste collection will remain on the normal schedule next week, but all yard waste should be at the curb by Monday, March 30. Visit concordnc.gov for information about other service changes and several events planned throughout the area. Details on egg hunts and the Bunny Run 5K and Festival follow later in this newsletter.

Residents encouraged to contact state legislators to prevent elimination of local revenue
This week, members of the North Carolina Senate introduced legislation to convert the locally levied sales tax to a state sales tax and distribute it on a per-capita basis around the state so that even more of the sales tax paid here will go to other areas. Estimates generated by the NC League of Municipalities indicate that cities across the state could face a collective loss of nearly $120 million if SB 369 "Sales Tax Fairness Act" is passed into law as written. NC General Assembly estimates predict a $2 million annual revenue loss to the City of Concord by 2018. This is in addition to the $1.1 million Concord will lose beginning this July due to the elimination of the local Privilege License Tax. Many other local jurisdictions will lose revenue as well. This stands to greatly restrict the ability of Concord and many other cities to provide the needed services and infrastructure to continue generating sales taxes for the State of North Carolina, which benefits even more from sales tax revenue. Click here to find out who represents you in the North Carolina General Assembly, and contact them with your thoughts on this legislation.

Sign up now for the Great Neighborhood Earth Day Challenge
Do you live in one of Concord's Recognized Neighborhoods? If so, you can participate in a new initiative for neighborhoods to complete beautification projects that create native habitats for wildlife. The challenge includes a year of bragging rights for the winning neighborhood. Visit concordnc.gov for details.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2015 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Egg hunts
Concord Parks and Recreation will once again host several events, including egg hunts on Thursday, April 2. Parks and Recreation staff will host events at Caldwell Park, Hartsell Park, and Webb Field at various times throughout the day. See page 11 of the Leisure Times for more information, and don't forget to bring your basket!

Free family fun: Bunny Run 5K and festival on April 4
The Bunny Run 5K and Festival will be Saturday, April 4 at 9:30 am in Downtown Concord.  The race will start/finish on Means Avenue and include the McEachern Greenway and McGee Park.  The FREE festival will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and feature a DJ, inflatables, and the Easter Bunny. Race day registration is $20.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is second floor of Municipal Building, 26 Union Street, S.

April
7 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
9 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
21 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!

Did you know?
Did you know the Housing Department organizes a community beautification event called Taking Pride each year? This year's event will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2. Public housing residents, Housing Department staff members, and various community partners will join together to make physical improvements at each of the public housing communities: Logan, Mary Chapman, Lark Haven, and Wilkerson Homes. Participants will be treated to food and fellowship at a neighborhood cookout. Anyone interested in joining this service opportunity is encouraged to contact Resident Services at 704-920-6110 to find out more.

Burrage Road rehabilitation slated to begin
While the project to replace the bridge over Three Mile Branch on Burrage Road is substantially complete, the City has coordinated rehabilitation of the roadway between Lake Concord Road and the new bridge. The project will also include installing new curb and gutter and concrete sidewalk. Separate funding sources along with different record-keeping requirements warranted two separate contracts for these projects. During the time of the bridge work, the right-of-way for the rehabilitation project was being acquired. By using separate contractors, the City saved over $400,000. Roadway construction was scheduled to begin in February, but delayed due to weather. Work will now begin the week of March 23, and last up to seven months with the existing detour remaining for the roadway project. If you have questions about this project, please visit concordnc.gov or contact Phillip Graham in the Transportation Department at grahamp@concordnc.gov or 704-920-5338.

Overnight utility work planned on Union Street S next week
The Water Resources Department will be installing two manholes on Union Street S next week. Crews will be working at the corner of Union Street S and Corban Avenue on Tuesday, March 24 and near 391 Union Street S on Wednesday, March 25. In both instances, crews plan to start work after 7:00 p.m. to minimize traffic disruptions. However, excavation and other noise generating phases will be completed as early as possible to avoid disturbing nearby residents. Work on site will continue through each night, with detours remaining in place until Transportation crews are able to patch and reopen the roads the next morning. Visit concordnc.gov for more information.

Introducing the Great Neighborhood Earth Day Challenge
Do you live in one of Concord's Recognized Neighborhoods? If so, you can participate in a new initiative for neighborhoods to complete beautification projects that create native habitats for wildlife. The challenge includes a year of bragging rights for the winning neighborhood. Visit concordnc.gov to learn more.

Phifer exhibit begins next week, last call for preview event reservations
The Phifer name has ties to the area that go back over two centuries. Beginning March 24, a collection of art originally donated by Robert Fulenwider Phifer (1849-1928) will be on loan from the North Carolina Museum of Art, and exhibited in the Concord Museum by Historic Cabarrus. A Concord native, Robert F. Phifer used his success in business to fuel his passion for art. With his passing, he became the first major benefactor of the North Carolina Museum of Art. To kick off this exhibit, the public is invited to attend a special evening of art appreciation on March 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Following dinner at the Hotel Concord and a presentation on Phifer by art historian Laura Fravel, attendees will stroll down Union Street to the Historic Courthouse, where they'll be among the first to see the Phifer Art Collection at The Concord Museum. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and available through March 20. For more information about this exhibition and associated activities, please visit historiccabarrus.com or call 704-920-2465.

What's new at The Galleries
A new exhibition featuring words, phrases, symbols, language, and literature in conjunction with artworks of varying media will be on display at The Galleries March 23-May 16. An opening reception for the show will be held during the Downtown Concord Art Walk on Friday, March 27 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2015 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Bunny Run 5K and festival coming April 4
The Bunny Run 5K and Festival will be Saturday, April 4 at 9:30 am in Downtown Concord.  The race will start/finish on Means Avenue and include the McEachern Greenway and McGee Park.  The FREE festival will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and feature a DJ, inflatables, and the Easter Bunny.  Pre-registration for the 5K is $15 and is available online at concordparksandrec.org or at the Academy Recreation Center until Friday, March 27.  Race day registration is $20.  A T-shirt and goodie bag are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners.

Spaces still available on our bus tours
April 23: A Spring Surprise. Save your guesses and worries, this trip with a secret surprise destination is sure to be enjoyed by all. The interactive trip will keep us on the move—visiting multiple locations and witnessing the transformations of some of the nation’s greatest visionaries. Bus departs at 8:15 a.m. and returns between 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Walking shoes encouraged. Registration is $25 (plus cost of lunch), and available at concordparksandrec.org.

May 8: Music and a Meal. Join us as we return to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and absorb the beautiful classical sounds of Rachmaninoff and Dvorak performed by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. We will hear a sweeping and emotional piano concerto and an energetic and imaginative performance of Dvorak's Symphony No. 9. After the performances we will enjoy an uptown lunch. Bus departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m. Registration is $33 (plus cost of lunch), and available at concordparksandrec.org.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is second floor of Municipal Building, 26 Union Street, S.

April
7 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
9 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
21 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!

Did you know?
Did you know there are over 1,200 lights on the runway and taxiways at Concord Regional Airport that are inspected and maintained daily by Aviation Department staff? Visit the CRA Facebook page to see all these lights from the sky, illuminated at night.

Highlights of the March 12 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Presented retirement plaques to:

• Bobby Eagle - 29 years of service, Fire
• Vince Miller - 29 years of service, Fire
• Guy Smith - 33 years of service, Police

Received an update and approved the concept for the May 14 Haulers on Union special event as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner Program.

Approved the City's Solid Waste Debris Management Plan.

Adopted a resolution to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a lease agreement with Cabarrus County for an EMS base location at Fire Station 11.

Authorized the City Manager to finalize and sign a contract amendment with CATS to modify operations of the 80X Concord Express.

Received voluntary annexation petitions, and adopted a resolution setting a public hearing for annexation of five parcels of land owned by the Estate of Kirksey Dunn Ramsey, Kirksey C. Rankin, Sue R. Baty, Ben F. Rankin, Thomas A. Rankin, Martha R. Lowery, and Joyce R. Cox (aka Rankin Family Properties).

Approved a request from the Concord Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) for the City to be a co-sponsor and provide in-kind services and insurance for the 2015 Union Street Live concert series.

Considered appointing/reappointing two Council members to the Concord Kannapolis Transit Commission.

Adopted City Council goals for FY 2015-2016.

Additional item: awarded a contract to In Line General Contracting for renovation work at the Rocky River Golf Club clubhouse.

What's in your medicine cabinet?
Bring unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to next week's Operation Medicine Drop take-back event. Safe Kids Cabarrus and the Cabarrus County Sherriff's Department will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill accidents, abuse, and theft on Monday, March 16 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Bring your medications for disposal to Concord Fire Station 3 at 100 Warren C. Coleman Boulevard (beside First Assembly). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Operation Medicine Drop is held in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s 9th Annual National Take Back Initiative. It is a coordinated effort by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Safe Kids North Carolina, the DEA, the State Bureau of Investigation, Riverkeepers of NC, and local groups to prevent accidental poisonings, substance abuse and protect our waters. For more information, visit safekidsnc.org or contact Norman Franklin at 704-920-5529.

Art and history come together for upcoming Phifer art exhibition and activities
The Phifer name has ties to the area that go back over two centuries. Beginning March 24, a collection of art originally donated by Robert Fulenwider Phifer (1849-1928) will be on loan from the North Carolina Museum of Art, and exhibited in the Concord Museum by Historic Cabarrus. A Concord native, Robert F. Phifer used his success in business to fuel his passion for art. With his passing, he became the first major benefactor of the North Carolina Museum of Art. To kick off this exhibit, the public is invited to attend a special evening of art appreciation on March 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Following dinner at the Hotel Concord and a presentation on Phifer by art historian Laura Fravel, attendees will stroll down Union Street to the Historic Courthouse, where they'll be among the first to see the Phifer Art Collection at The Concord Museum. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and available through March 20. For more information about this exhibition and associated activities, please visit historiccabarrus.com or call 704-920-2465.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2015 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Bunny Run 5K and festival coming April 4
The Bunny Run 5K and Festival will be Saturday, April 4 at 9:30 am in Downtown Concord.  The race will start/finish on Means Avenue and include the McEachern Greenway and McGee Park.  The FREE festival will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and feature a DJ, inflatables, and the Easter Bunny.  Pre-registration for the 5K is $15 and is available online at concordparksandrec.org or at the Academy Recreation Center until Friday, March 27.  Race day registration is $20.  A T-shirt and goodie bag are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners.

Adults—enjoy traveling and leave the driving to us!
April 23: A Spring Surprise. Save your guesses and worries, this trip with a secret surprise destination is sure to be enjoyed by all. The interactive trip will keep us on the move—visiting multiple locations and witnessing the transformations of some of the nation’s greatest visionaries. Bus departs at 8:15 a.m. and returns between 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Walking shoes encouraged. Registration is $25 (plus cost of lunch), and available at concordparksandrec.org.

May 8: Music and a Meal. Join us as we return to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and absorb the beautiful classical sounds of Rachmaninoff and Dvorak performed by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. We will hear a sweeping and emotional piano concerto and an energetic and imaginative performance of Dvorak's Symphony No. 9. After the performances we will enjoy an uptown lunch. Bus departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m. Registration is $33 (plus cost of lunch), and available at concordparksandrec.org.

Youth Council seeking future members
The Concord Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year through May 1. All rising 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders who attend a public, private, or home school within the Cabarrus County School district or live in Concord City limits are encouraged to apply. The Youth Council seeks students dedicated to bettering the community and serving as the official youth voice to City government. The Youth Council has regular meetings and members participate in service projects throughout the year. To find out more and receive an application, visit concordnc.gov/YouthCouncil or contact Debbie Littlefield at 704-920-5615 or littlefd@concordnc.gov.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is second floor of Municipal Building, 26 Union Street, S.

March
17 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
19 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
April
7 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
9 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session

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!

Did you know?
Did you know a variety of resources are available on the City Clerk's page on concordnc.gov? City Council agendas and minutes, City ordinances, and more are posted there for easy access 24/7. Visit concordnc.gov/Government/City-Clerk.

Change your clock, change your battery
For 27 years, Energizer has partnered with the IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs to keep families safe through the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program (CYCCYB). The Concord Fire Department joins in this effort to remind people of the simple, life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks forward for daylight-saving time. Click here to learn more.

Legislators introduce bill for new Historic Preservation Tax Credit program
Citizens of Concord are encouraged to contact their state legislators to request support of H152 – New Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The Mayor and City Council Members are eight of the more than 5,200 concerned people who signed the petition at historictaxcredits.org encouraging action on this important issue. Historic tax credits affect cities of all sizes across North Carolina. A small tax credit leverages large private investment and can spark the turnaround of an entire neighborhood or downtown. In Concord, one Downtown rehabilitation project is currently underway because of the HTC, and another potential project on adjacent property will only be possible if the program is restored. Governor McCrory, Secretary Kluttz, Senator Hartsell, and Representative Johnson visited Concord in January to learn about these projects. Visit historictaxcredits.org to find out how to contact your state legislators today and ask them to vote YES for this legislation.

Art and history come together for upcoming Phifer art exhibition and activities
The Phifer name has ties to the area that go back over two centuries. Beginning March 24, a collection of art originally donated by Robert Fulenwider Phifer (1849-1928) will be on loan from the North Carolina Museum of Art, and exhibited in the Concord Museum by Historic Cabarrus. This exhibition, located in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse at 65 Union Street S, is made possible by the efforts of Judge Marty McGee together with the Historic Cabarrus Association and Cabarrus Arts Council. Phifer, the first benefactor of the North Carolina Museum of Art, was born in Concord and the fifth of seven children. His great-grandfather, Martin Phifer, Jr. was personally visited at his home known as Red Hill by General George Washington on his southern tour in 1791. This visit is part of Concord's history included in the Union-Market Passageway murals completed by artist Sharon Dowell in 2013. The public exhibition will kick off the same night as Cabarrus Arts Council's March Art Walk, and continue through July 25. On Saturday, April 18, free bus tours will be available at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., taking participants through First Presbyterian Church's Memorial Garden in Downtown Concord, the City's Oakwood Cemetery, and the Phifer family cemetery located in the area near Red Hill. Local experts and historians will share the story of this family and these historical sites at each stop and during the bus rides. For more information about this exhibition and associated activities along with a special preview event on March 26, please visit historiccabarrus.com.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2015 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Achieve extreme fitness at Parks and Rec's Boot Camp
This extreme fitness class for adults will focus on levels of exercise incorporating cardio drills, resistance training with your body weight, and core workouts. Meets Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 5-6:00 a.m. at the Academy Recreation Center through March 26. Registration is $40 ($5 City resident discount available). Learn more or sign up now at concordparksandrec.org.

Youth Council seeking future members
The Concord Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year through May 1. All rising 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders who attend a public, private, or home school within the Cabarrus County School district or live in Concord City limits are encouraged to apply. The Youth Council seeks students dedicated to bettering the community and serving as the official youth voice to City government. The Youth Council has regular meetings and members participate in service projects throughout the year. To find out more and receive an application, visit concordnc.gov/YouthCouncil or contact Debbie Littlefield at 704-920-5615 or littlefd@concordnc.gov.

City of Concord upcoming meetings
Unless otherwise noted, location is second floor of Municipal Building, 26 Union Street, S.

March
10 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
17 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
19 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!