Did you know?
Did you know there have been 78 documented lives saved (as of March 2016) from smoke detectors installed as part of the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. On Saturday, April 30, local Red Cross chapter volunteers will partner with the Concord Fire Department to test and replace, or install smoke detectors in several neighborhoods. For more information, call 980-348-7127.

Concord in the Headlines
City Council approves $425,000 to help jumpstart Hotel Concord project – Independent Tribune

Opening Reception for RCCC Art Students in ClearWater Gallery TONIGHT!
ClearWater Artist Studios and the Department Of Fine and Applied Arts at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) are proud to announce the annual exhibition of RCCC Student art and design work, "Impulse," to be showcased in ClearWater's Main Gallery. An opening Reception on Friday, April 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m., is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. Student artists and RCCC Faculty will be present. The Impulse Student Art Show will be on exhibit through May 7, after which Guest Artist Phillip Larrimore's show will be installed, opening on May 20 with a free reception. The ClearWater Gallery is available to visitors, and several site venues can accommodate private events and parties at reasonable rates. ClearWater Artist Studios is in the Gibson Village neighborhood, at 223 Crowell Drive NW, just off Kerr Street. Visit clearwaterartists.com or call the Manager at 704-784-9535 for more information.

Latest edition of Cabarrus County's premier travel publication now available
The latest edition of The Cabarrus County Destination Guide, the official travel resource for Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland and Mount Pleasant, is now available from the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The 74-page publication is a free, comprehensive resource to the county's attractions, lodging and shopping options, full-service restaurants, historic sites, sports and recreation facilities and more. To browse the digital Destination Guide now and request a hard copy, go to VisitCabarrus.com. The Destination Guide is also available at the Cabarrus County Visitor Information Center, major Cabarrus attractions, participating restaurants, and in all Cabarrus County hotels. If you would like to offer the Destination Guide at your location, contact Amber Furr at 704-456-7974.

Haulers on Union is less than three weeks away!
On Thursday, May 19, don't miss the annual Haulers on Union parade and fan fest. More than 30 of your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers will parade down Union Street en route to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starting at 5 p.m., fans can get into the racing spirit with a variety of activities including race cars on display, celebrity autographs, corn hole, horseshoes, life-size Connect 4, a beer garden and more. A free concert will kick off at 6:30 p.m. featuring country music artists Acoustic South followed by the sounds of beach music, soul, and R&B from The Tams. Admission is free. For more information, visit 600festival.com or call 704-455-8888.

Volunteers needed to help make a bigger, better Haulers on Union on May 19, including a beer/wine friendly street festival atmosphere similar to Union Street Live events. The Concord Downtown Development Corporation is organizing the beer/wine area, and the City of Concord is looking for "Orange Crew" volunteers to make this possible. Each volunteer receives an official "CDDC Orange Crew" t-shirt, and is entered into a drawing for $25 in Downtown Concord Dollars. To learn more and sign up, visit signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4fadae22a3f49-haulers.

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

Swimming season is just around the corner
The City's McInnis Aquatic Center opens for Memorial Day weekend, and for the 2016 season in June. However, registration for youth and adult swim lessons and adult water aerobics is already here! Group and individual swim lessons for a variety of ages and skill levels will help your family be ready to splash and swim all summer long. Visit concordparksandrec.org for all things aquatics or call 704-920-5600 for more information.

Help Parks and Recreation provide programs that YOU want
Dream of art lessons? Want to learn how to tango? Maybe a family hike is on your to-do list? Parks and Recreation is conducting an evaluation to determine future programs (youth and adult programs, fitness classes, festivals and events, etc.) based on community wants and needs. Your feedback will enable us to align what we offer with the evolving trends of the community. The very brief survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/ProgramsNeeds.

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

May
10 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
11 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
17 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates atconcordnc.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 you can report pot holes, street light malfunctions, and many other non-emergency issues to the City using your smartphone? Visit concordnc.gov to learn about and download the Concord Mobile Care app for your android or iOS devices, or access the web-version on any other device.

Earth Day activities and opportunities continue
The City of Concord invites the community to celebrate the planet as it works to preserve and protect our natural resources. Today is the 46th annual observance of Earth Day. Today, volunteers and City staff began site preparation for a demonstration pollinator garden along the Village Greenway near ClearWater Artist Studios. See the volunteers in action at facebook.com/ConcordEnvironmentalEd.

The City has hosted a variety of Earth Day activities, and several remain. On Saturday, April 23, Concord Solid Waste Department will host a FREE secure shredding event. Each Concord resident may bring up to three garbage bags or bankers-sized boxes to be shredded at 280 Concord Parkway N. (behind Arby’s). All shredded papers will be recycled. Click here for a printable flyer. In addition, the semi-annual litter sweep continues through April 30. Find out more at concordnc.gov.

Opening Reception for RCCC Art Students in ClearWater Gallery, Friday 4/29
ClearWater Artist Studios, in Gibson Village and the Department Of Fine and Applied Arts at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) are proud to announce the annual exhibition of RCCC Student art and design work, "Impulse," to be showcased in ClearWater’s Main Gallery next week. An opening Reception on Friday, April 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m., is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.  Student artists and RCCC Faculty will be present. The Impulse Student Art Show will be on exhibit through May 7, after which Guest Artist Phillip Larrimore’s show will be installed, opening on May 20 with a free reception. The ClearWater Gallery is available to visitors, and several site venues can accommodate private events and parties at reasonable rates. ClearWater Artist Studios is in the Gibson Village neighborhood, at 223 Crowell Drive NW, just off Kerr Street. Visit clearwaterartists.com or call the Manager at 704-784-9535 for more information.

Rocky River Golf Club receives highest ranking of area public courses
The City of Concord’s Rocky River Golf Club rose in North Carolina’s course rankings, as recently released by the NC Golf Panel. For 2016, Rocky River was ranked 25th of all public courses in North Carolina, appearing higher in the public course rankings than any other facility in the Charlotte metro. When compared against all courses in the region, Rocky River still emerged a leader, coming in at number 10 of any Charlotte-area course, public or private. Rocky River also improved its standing in the statewide Top 100, rising to 80 (from 87 in 2015). Visit concordnc.gov for details.

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

Greenway Adventures!
Equipped with our special gear and imaginations, the greenways will be our class room. Youth ages four and up will explore critters and their habitats for engaging, educational, and creative activities. Parents are encouraged to participate. Next up—Creature Feature: it might be furry, scaly, squirmy, big, little, or strange! One thing for sure, it came from the wild. Join our guest speaker and animal friends as we learn more about a unique creature and its day-to-day life. Meets at McGee Park on Thursday, April 28. Pre-register and find out more at concordparksandrec.org.

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

May
10 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
11 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
17 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates atconcordnc.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 that the Concord Regional Airport had over 60,000 takeoffs and landings in 2015 and pumped over 3 million gallons of aviation fuel?Learn more at concordnc.gov

Highlights of the April 14 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Presentation of retirement plaque to Richard Smith - 29 years of service, Police Department.

Presentation of the 2016 Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award to Master Police Officer Ron Ferrell.

Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing the week of April 24 - May 1, 2016 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week 2016.

Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2016 as Fair Housing Month.

Recognition of the City of Concord Transportation Department for receiving a National Award from the Salt Institute for excellence in environmental consciousness and effective management in the storage and use of winter road salt.

Received a presentation from the Concord Youth Council.

Received an update on the construction of the commercial service terminal and parking deck at the Concord Regional Airport.

Receive an update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted the Annual Agency Plan for the Concord Housing Department.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted amendments to the Historic Preservation Commission Handbook by means of repeal and readoption of Chapter 3: Working with the Historic Preservation Commission relative to the monthly meeting schedule, location, and application submittal procedures.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an administrative land use amendment and a zoning amendment that affects two parcels consisting of approximately 66.875 acres.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an annexation ordinance of one parcel of land owned by Lelia McGraw.

Approved a Downtown Special Events Policy.

Authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a development agreement with Birchwood Commons One, LLC for upsize of a sewer main for the Birchwood Commons project on Coddle Market Drive.

Adopted a resolution clarifying the City Manager's authority to approve contracts and settle Worker's Compensation and other claims.

Concord residents can make a difference at Earth Day activities and opportunities
The City of Concord invites the community to celebrate the planet as it works to preserve and protect our natural resources. April 22, 2016 will mark the 46th annual observance of Earth Day. The City has a variety of activities and opportunities planned for the days surrounding Earth Day. An example are the Flutter-By Earth Day events on April 19 and 21; Parks and Recreation's two days of Earth Week celebration showcasing the monarch butterfly. Find out more at concordnc.gov.

Cabarrus County 2016 revaluation continues with appeals process

An important time frame in Cabarrus County’s 2016 revaluation process is underway—the final opportunity for property owners to submit an appeal of their value notice. Property owners have until May 10 to submit formal appeals of their value to the Cabarrus County Tax Administration Office. The informal appeal process ended March 23. Property owners who submitted appeals through the informal process will receive notice of the County’s Informal Review decision in May, along with next steps available. Cabarrus property owners who did not participate in the informal review process may request a hearing of the Cabarrus County Board of Equalization and Review. Property owners must submit a request to appeal in writing to the Cabarrus County Tax Administration office (65 Church Street SE, Concord) by 5 p.m. on May 10, or within 30 days of a notice of decision from an informal review or any change in value.  Visit cabarruscounty.us to learn more.

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

Youth Council seeking 2016-17 members
The Concord Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year through May 1. All rising 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders who attend a public, private or home school within 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 the 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, visitconcordnc.gov/YouthCouncil or contact Taylor Morris at 704-920-5616 ormorrist@concordnc.gov

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

April
19 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
21 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission

May
10 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session

Stay Connected!
Visit the City's website for the latest information and updates atconcordnc.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 you can search City Council minutes through our website? The City Clerk's office maintains an electronic index and imaging system, including all City Council records since 1913. Visit concordnc.gov/Government/City-Clerk to get started.

Concord in the Headlines
Choosing Her Path – Southern City Council Member Jennifer Parsley on family, public service.

Concord 1887 fire wagon on display with other vintage fire equipment – Independent Tribune

Concord Fire Department urges care with charcoal/fire pit ash disposal
Recently, the Concord Fire Department responded to a series of residential structure fires that were caused by improperly discarded charcoals and fire pit ashes. This is an unfortunate and preventable consequence of improperly disposing of hot materials.

Most charcoal manufactures recommend the following:

• Be aware that you should never dispose of charcoal or fire pit ashes inside a cardboard box, trashcan, or anywhere else until they have cooled for a minimum of 48 hours.
• If you want to help the charcoal cool faster, use long cooking tongs to move the briquettes one at time into a bucket of water (do not dump them out all at once or pour water directly on the coals, as these actions will create steam that could cause serious burns or other injuries).
• Dispose of the cold charcoals/ashes by wrapping them in heavy-duty aluminum foil, and placing them in a non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby.

By following these recommendations for disposing of charcoal and fire pit ashes, you can significantly reduce the potential for causing a waste receptacle and/or house fire.

The Concord Fire Department is available to provide additional safety information about grills, outdoor kitchens and entertainment, and other indoor and outdoor items that use heat or fire. Please call 704-920-5516 for more information.

Art Walk TONIGHT and more
Friday, April 8 brings the Cabarrus Arts Council’s latest ArtWalk in Downtown Concord, featuring the launch of The Galleries new exhibition, Wanderlust in the historic Courthouse at 65 Union Street S. Make a night of it with stops on Union Street and ClearWater. Contact the Cabarrus Arts Council at cabarrusartscouncil.org or 704-920-ARTS (2787) for more information.

Now open in ClearWater Artist Studios' Main Gallery: Son, Brother, Father, a new exhibit by guest artist, Charlotte painter Bryan Wilson, with cohorts, painter William P. Thomas and photographer Johannes Barfield. Their art addresses a variety of issues through realist portraiture. A free opening reception with the artists is scheduled for Friday, April 8. They will return to give an Artist Talk exploring their art with a slideshow, on April 20 at 7pm ($5 tickets).

ClearWater is ramping up its changing exhibitions and events, and several more guest artist shows are planned through 2016. The ClearWater Gallery is available to visitors, and several site venues can accommodate private events and parties at reasonable rates. ClearWater Artist Studios is in the Gibson Village neighborhood, at 223 Crowell Drive NW, just off Kerr Street. Visit clearwaterartists.com or call the Manager at 704-784-9535 for more information.

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

Swimming season is just around the corner
The City's McInnis Aquatic Center opens for Memorial Day weekend, and for the 2016 season in June. However, registration for youth and adult swim lessons and adult water aerobics is already here! Group and individual swim lessons for a variety of ages and skill levels will help your family be ready to splash and swim all summer long. Visit concordparksandrec.org for all things aquatics or call 704-920-5600 for more information.

Help Parks and Recreation provide programs that YOU want
Dream of art lessons? Want to learn how to tango? Maybe a family hike is on your to-do list? Parks and Recreation is conducting an evaluation to determine future programs (youth and adult programs, fitness classes, festivals and events, etc.) based on community wants and needs. Your feedback will enable us to align what we offer with the evolving trends of the community. The very brief survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/ProgramsNeeds.

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

April
12 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session and External Agency funding hearing
14 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
19 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
21 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 that with just a little effort and maybe a few dollars you can conserve energy this spring and summer? You will be surprised to see how much you can reduce your energy consumption and utility costs by following a few simple tips. Visit concordnc.gov to find out more.

Police Interceptor Utility vehicles hit the road
In March, the Concord Police Department received 17 replacement Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) vehicles that will help officers better deliver services to the community. In addition to the benefit of more space, the all-wheel drive vehicles provide added safety and control during poor weather and driving conditions. The new black and white vehicle design was selected by officers and customized by Transportation Department staff. The new striping design includes bold, contrasting lettering and large, officer-designed Concord Police shoulder patch emblems on each side. With the latest vehicle replacement, six-cylinder engines now power 99 percent of all patrol vehicles and the department has improved fuel efficiency by more than 25 percent over four years.  Look for more information about these vehicles in the Summer 2016 City Circular, arriving late May, or visit the Flickr Photostream for a sneak preview.

Help Parks and Recreation provide programs that YOU want
Dream of art lessons? Want to learn how to tango? Maybe a family hike is on your to-do list? Parks and Recreation is conducting an evaluation to determine future programs (youth and adult programs, fitness classes, festivals and events, etc.) based on community wants and needs. Your feedback will enable us to align what we offer with the evolving trends of the community. The very brief survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/ProgramsNeeds.

Lane Shifts scheduled along I-85 widening project
As construction progresses on the I-85 widening project in Cabarrus County, crews will be shifting travel lanes to temporary alignments early next week to allow for construction of the future I-85 roadway. This shift will take place on both north- and southbound I-85 near the U.S. 29/601 interchange (Exit 58). The I-85 northbound shift will take place during the early morning of Monday, April 4, and will be in place by 6 a.m. The I-85 southbound shift will take place during the early morning of Tuesday, April 5, and will be in place by 6 a.m. Crews will maintain the existing two lane configuration for this alignment in each direction. This temporary alignment will be in place for at least one year. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in this area. Visit ncdot.gov for more information.

Art all over in April: ClearWater exhibition, Art Walk, and more
Coming in April to ClearWater Artist Studios' Main Gallery: Son, Brother, Father, a new exhibit by guest artist, Charlotte painter Bryan Wilson, with cohorts, painter William P. Thomas and photographer Johannes Barfield. Their art addresses a variety of issues through realist portraiture. A free opening reception with the artists is scheduled for Friday, April 8. They will return to give an Artist Talk exploring their art with a slideshow, on April 20 at 7pm ($5 tickets).

Friday, April 8 also brings the Cabarrus Arts Council’s latest ArtWalk in Downtown Concord, featuring the launch of The Galleries new exhibition, Wanderlust in the historic Courthouse at 65 Union Street S. Make a night of it with stops on Union Street and ClearWater. Contact the Cabarrus Arts Council at cabarrusartscouncil.org or 704-920-ARTS(2787) for more information.

ClearWater is ramping up its changing exhibitions and events, and several more guest artist shows are planned through 2016. The ClearWater Gallery is available to visitors, and several site venues can accommodate private events and parties at reasonable rates. ClearWater Artist Studios is in the Gibson Village neighborhood, at 223 Crowell Drive NW, just off Kerr Street. Visit clearwaterartists.com or call the Manager at 704-784-9535 for more information.

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

Last call for Messy Art: Twistart!
Parks and Recreation is hosting its final session of the new "Messy Art" series, Twistart, where children ages 4 to 8 will turn into the canvas. Play a wild and crazy game of twister that will definitely require some old clothes! Meets at 4:00 on Tuesday, April 5 at Academy Recreation Center. Each Messy Art session costs $10 ($5 City-resident discount available), visit concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600 for more information.

Youth Council seeking 2016-17 members
The Concord Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year through May 1. All rising 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders who attend a public, private or home school within 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 the 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 Taylor Morris at 704-920-5616 or morrist@concordnc.gov.

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

April
12 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
14 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
19 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
21 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.