Did you know?
Did you know that actions the North Carolina General Assembly is considering could reduce municipal revenues even more than what was caused by previous years' legislation? This could leave cities across the state with no other choice but to raise taxes and/or reduce services. Learn more at nclm.org or click here to contact Concord's local delegation.

City Manager Brian Hiatt presents FY 2016 budget recommendation
Concord City Manager Brian Hiatt presented his fiscal year 2015-16 budget recommendation to the Mayor and City Council at a special meeting on Tuesday, May 26. The City-wide budget totals $227,644,710 for all funds, including utilities and various special revenue funds. The recommended General Fund budget, where the historical funding sources are property and sales tax receipts, is $72,765,445.

The budget was developed in a particularly unclear revenue environment for Concord and other local governments. The North Carolina General Assembly is considering several bills that could negatively affect local government revenues in addition to the unknown outcome of the state budget process. These impacts would be on top of the anticipated loss of over $1 million in Privilege License revenues beginning July 1.

Hiatt recommended the City's property tax rate remain at 48 cents per 100 dollars of valuation. As in past years, the proposed budget restricts the equivalent of two cents on the tax rate to supplement State funding for transportation projects, as mandated by City Council. However, Hiatt recommended a changed philosophy for the use of these funds for FY16 due to the current revenue challenges.

The City Manager expressed concerns over developing a budget with so many unknown factors, as well as the irony of proposed revenue cuts from the State that could impact the ability to keep up with infrastructure and service needs stemming from Concord's strong growth in many economic sectors.

While neither a worst-case nor a best-case scenario, the City Manager's budget recommendation is based on ten specific assumptions. The first three assume relative stability in General Assembly-controlled tax revenues, which Concord City Council Members are unable to decide or influence. If any of these three assumptions turn out to be inaccurate, and the General Assembly’s tax reform package does not generate revenues to replace the Privilege License revenues, the City Council could be faced with some tough decisions later in the year when expenditures will need to be cut further and/or non-tax revenues will have to be increased.

The City Council will hold at least one budget workshop on June 9, 2015 and a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2015 during the regular City Council meeting. Learn more about the FY16 budget at concordnc.gov.

Red Cross and partners offer Camp Ready Kids in various Concord and surrounding locations
Rising-first through fifth graders are invited to participate in Camp Ready Kids this summer. The free, one or two-day programs are designed with a variety of entertaining and educational activities to teach campers about safety guidelines and disaster/emergency preparedness. Age-appropriate lessons will include fire safety; environmental safety; gun safety, bullying, internet security, and/or drug abuse prevention; forest safety; basic first aid; water safety; understanding weather alerts; and more. Concord Fire, Police, and other local public safety agencies will participate, and every camper will receive a beginner Disaster Preparedness Kit through the Pillowcase Project. Several sessions are available in Concord in the surrounding area in June, July, and August. For additional information, please call the Red Cross Office at 704-633-3854 or visit campreadykids.org.

NCDOT plans nighttime work over US 29 next week
On Sunday, May 31, the NC Department of Transportation will begin nighttime work for girder placement on the new bridge over U.S. 29 in Concord near Roberta Church Road. The work is part of the $37.4 million project to build 3.2 miles of George Liles Parkway between Roberta Road and Weddington Road. The work will begin around midnight each night for about a week, weather permitting, and continue until 5:00 a.m. NCDOT will install an on-site detour on U.S. 29 to take traffic around the bridge site using nearby ramps. Law enforcement will also be on-site to help direct traffic.

ClearWater Artist Studios announce open studios on the second Saturday each month
ClearWater Artist Studios invites the community to their new "open studios" the second Saturday of each month. From 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the artists at ClearWater will be present and working in their studios and open to questions, conversation, and observation. Free and ample parking is available. The next open studio date is June 13. ClearWater is located at 223 Crowell Drive NW. For more information, call 704-784-9535 or visit clearwaterartists.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.

Carolina Shag Dance Class
Learn the fundamentals of the dance that originated in the Carolinas. Patty Blackmon’s popular class is open to singles and couples on Thursday evenings, June 4 through June 25 at Academy Recreation Center, 147 Academy Avenue NW. Pre-registration is required; course fee is $40 per session with a $5 City resident discount available. Beginners: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Intermediate: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Advanced: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Learn more and register at concordparksandrec.org.

Streetlight 5K and Frolic coming soon
The annual Streetlight 5K and Frolic will take place on Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Historic Downtown Concord. Pre-registration is $15 and available through July 2 at the Academy Recreation Center or by July 3 at concordparksandrec.org. Race day registration will be $20. All pre-registered runners are guaranteed a goodie bag and t-shirt. This event is family friendly, and will include activities for children and music from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.

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

June
9 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
11 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
18 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!

Did you know?
Did you know there are now bricks on City Hall? Keep up with construction progress at concordnc.gov/newcityhall.

City of Concord to observe Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, City of Concord offices will be closed on Monday, May 25. Waste Pro's garbage, recycling, and bulky waste collection will operate on a one day delay next week. Additionally, all customers are asked to place yard waste at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26. All yard waste will be collected by the end of the day Friday, May 30. For information about other service changes, please visit concordnc.gov.

Join Concord 101!
The City of Concord is accepting applications for the 2015 Concord 101 program, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free fourteen-week session begins August 18 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in November. Residents of Concord age 18 and older are invited to submit an application by July 27. Class size is limited to 30 participants. More information, the application, and the class schedule are available on concordnc.gov.

NCDOT sends out first-ever customer survey
The N.C. Department of Transportation began mailing out the department’s first-ever customer survey this week. Randomly selected citizens will receive a paper copy in the mail in the coming week to help NCDOT find out what North Carolina residents think about various services. Additional citizen feedback will be collected online. To learn more about the survey and participate, visit ncdot.gov.

Street resurfacing underway
Over the next three months, motorists in Concord will notice a steady pattern of resurfacing work taking place on City streets weekdays during daylight hours. In most cases, traffic is maintained around the work zone with short delays. Motorists are asked to remain alert and exercise caution, as well as refrain from parking on the street during the process to avoid conflict with the construction equipment. For more information, including streets that will be resurfaced this year, visit concordnc.gov.

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.

Fit and Fabulous Summer Session
Stay fit and fabulous with this great group of senior adults.  Enjoy walking, range of motion, strength exercises, and fellowship.  Includes monthly luncheons and local trips. Meets each Wednesday from June through August at 10:00 a.m. at Fire Station 8, 1485 Old Charlotte Road. Weekly fee is $10 ($5 City resident discount available. Learn more and register at concordparksandrec.org.

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

May
26 at 4:30 p.m. City Council special meeting: FY16 budget presentation
June
9 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
11 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
18 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!

Did you know?
Did you know that weather, geography, and climate each play a part in determining our local water supply? Concord's watershed is small compared to our neighbors to the east and west, but there is plenty to go around if we all use our water wisely.  Visit concordnc.gov to learn more.
 
Highlights of the May 12 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Presented a Proclamation to the Cabarrus Health Alliance recognizing the month of May as Exercise Is Medicine Month.

Presented a Proclamation recognizing May 17 - 23, 2015 as National Public Works Week.

Recognition of City Clerk Kim Deason and Community Development Manager LeDerick Blackburn, for completing the Municipal and County Administration Course offered by the UNC School of Government.

Recognition of the City of Concord receiving the 2015 Destination Visionary Award from the Cabarrus Visitors Bureau.

Conducted a public hearing pursuant to NC General Statutes Sec. 158-7.1 and offered a contract for a three year, 85 percent Economic Development Grant to SL Aviation Boulevard, LLC.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance amending Articles 8 and 14 of the Concord Development Ordinance (CDO) to allow and address alcoholic beverage production and associated accessory uses.

Conducted a public hearing and approved the submission of the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and the 2015-2016 Annual Action Plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Grant programs.

Received a presentation on the analysis of the City's Neighborhood Matching Grant Program and adopted recommended program enhancements and grant policy.

Recognized the Ashford Green Property Owners' Association into the Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods program.

Approved closing Union Street S from Cabarrus Avenue to Corban Avenue on June 6, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until to 2 p.m. for an event to be held by Concord Macaroni Kid.

Approved proceeding with the detailed designs and engineering plans for the Gateway Branding Project on I-85 as a partner with NCDOT and the City of Kannapolis.

Named the City park currently under construction on Weddington Road: "Weddington Road Bark Park."

Established the date of Tuesday, May 26 at 4:30 p.m. for the City Manager's Budget Presentation.

Appointed the following to various Boards and Commissions: Gary Calamari, Historic Preservation Commission alternate; Douglas Williams, Stormwater Management Advisory Committee member; Terry Crawford, Planning and Zoning Commission member; William Isenhour, Planning and Zoning Commission alternate.

Scenes from Haulers on Union
On May 14, the community honored local veterans and their families with a series of events as part of the national 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Concord and Cabarrus County have both joined the Commemorative Partner Program and are hosting multiple events and activities to thank and honor Vietnam veterans, highlight their service, and pay tribute to the contributions of those on the home front. Visit the City's Flickr photostream for images, and learn more at 600festival.com and vietnamwar50th.com

Introducing the Concord Police Motorcycle Unit
In late April, Master Police Officers Javon Clark and Ricardo Rodriguez began assignments as the Concord Police Department's new Motor Unit. Offering a new way to patrol and respond to emergencies, the motorcycles provide increased maneuverability, efficient response in congested areas, focused enforcement of various traffic laws, and attention to traffic safety. The unit will be featured in the upcoming Summer 2015 issue of the City Circular. Click here for a sneak peek.

2015 City street resurfacing underway in Concord
Over the next three months, motorists in Concord will notice a steady pattern of resurfacing work taking place on City streets weekdays during daylight hours. Work began earlier this week in the Cinnamon Hill subdivision and will continue in various locations around Concord. The City Council places a priority on street preservation and maintenance, in order to maximize the useful life of this essential public investment. Each year, the Transportation Department evaluates all 321 (centerline) miles of roadway in the City-maintained system for a variety of distress conditions. This produces a street ranking used to allocate available funding for the annual contract. The 2015 contract includes two years' worth of funding and streets, as all bids were rejected in 2014 after coming in higher than expected. In most cases, traffic is maintained around the work zone with short delays. Motorists are asked to remain alert and exercise caution, as well as refrain from parking on the street during the process to avoid conflict with the construction equipment. For more information, including streets that will be resurfaced this year, visit concordnc.gov.

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

May
19 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission
21 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
26 at 4:30 p.m. City Council special meeting
June
9 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
11 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 Concord's new Assistant City Manager, Lloyd Payne, starts work on Monday? Visit concordnc.gov to learn more.

Evening lane closure planned on Church Street
Construction work will require a lane closure and traffic shift the evenings of Monday, May 11 through Wednesday, May 13 on Church Street in Downtown Concord. As part of the ongoing renovation of the historic Bell and Harris-Maxwell Brothers Furniture Store building at 29 Cabarrus Avenue East, the right lane on Church Street NE approaching Cabarrus Avenue E will be closed beginning at Killarney Avenue NE. All traffic will be guided into the left lane, which will be converted to allow all movements instead of the typical left turn only. The closure will accommodate crews working Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to remove bricks from the building's window openings along the Church Street side. Learn more at concordnc.gov.

On May 14, Haulers on Union event to honor Vietnam Vets
Next Thursday, May 14, the Haulers on Union parade will honor local veterans and included actual haulers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams on their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway. But that’s not all, the day is full of activities! Prior to the parade stop by Ride Now in Concord to enjoy a Fan Fest and the staging location for the haulers. Grab your free t-shirt and get autographs! Fan Fest will take place from 1:00 until 4:30 p.m. Then head Downtown for the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Program at 5:00 and following the hauler parade, enjoy the sounds of Route 66. Please note, the Hauler Parade will temporarily disrupt traffic on Concord Parkway, McGill Avenue, Buffalo Avenue, and Union Street. Additional details are at 600festival.com.

Free CPR Training available to the public beginning May 8
The Fire Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, will soon offer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training free of charge to the public. While not providing official certification, the program will educate the public in the lifesaving skill of CPR. The latest research indicates that hands-only CPR has a tremendous positive effect on the survivability rates in cardiac incidents. Participants will learn the fundamentals of adult and infant CPR, and how to use an automatic electronic defibrillator. The first class will take place May 8; more information and registration are now available at concordnc.gov.

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.

Pilates
Improve your flexibility and balance while building core strength without bulk. The workout incorporates bands, weights, and fitness balls as well as combining yoga techniques. Meets for six weeks on Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Academy Recreation Center. Registration fee is $25; $5 City resident discount available.

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

May
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session (typical Thursday session moved to Tuesday to accommodate May 14 Haulers on Union Event)
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!

Did you know?
Did you know the City's utility payment drive-through remains during construction of the new City Hall? Market Street SW has been converted to a one-way street, with the drive-through being accessible coming from Barbrick Avenue. The drive-through is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Visit concordnc.gov for more information about utility payment options.

Don’t be a victim, stay alert to scammers
This week, the Customer Care Center reported multiple customers calling after being contacted by scam artists. Scammers fraudulently threaten to have utilities cut off unless immediate payment is received. This sort of scam is not new or limited to any certain type of utility. The City of Concord reminds customers that any call received claiming to be your utility company and demanding immediate payment or personal information is a scam. If this happens, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your bill and notify Concord Police at 704-920-5000.

Spring Into Arts TOMORROW!
The Spring Into Arts Festival is an annual family-friendly event in Downtown Concord that showcases and promotes the visual and performing arts. Enjoy the juried art show, musical entertainment, fantastic food, and a children's area that inspires the artistic side of all of us. The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 4:00 p.m. Learn more at concorddowntown.com.

Annual Water Quality Report now available
The Annual Drinking Water Report for 2014 for the City of Concord is now available at concordnc.gov/WaterQualityReport. The report contains important information regarding the sources and quality of your drinking water. If you have any questions regarding the report, or if you would like to receive a paper copy, please call 704-920-5555.

Water Resources staff explain seasonal source water changes

Currently, some City of Concord water customers are detecting unusual chlorine and/or earthy smells in the drinking water. Seasonal changes can cause small changes in source water characteristics. In response to these changes, the water treatment facilities have modified the dosage of chlorine. As a result of both the source water turn-over and the change in treatment strategy, some customers may experience unusual taste and odors. Please note, the water is completely safe to drink, including normal chlorine levels in the system, and continues to meet or exceed all federal and state regulations. We regret any inconvenience, but be assured City of Concord staff are frequently monitoring the water throughout the system to ensure the safety of our drinking water customers.

NCDOT Beginning Work on I-85 Widening in Cabarrus County
The N.C Department of Transportation will begin its second Interstate 85 widening project in Cabarrus County on Monday, May 4, starting with shoulder strengthening work that will require some nighttime lane and shoulder closures. The shoulder strengthening is necessary so that traffic can be shifted over onto the shoulder during future widening work. This $197 million project will add four additional travel lanes, two in each direction, to approximately eight miles of I-85 from north of N.C. 73 (Exit 55) to north of Lane Street (Exit 63) in Cabarrus County. The primary purpose of this project is to improve traffic flow on I-85 and the interchanges in the project area. Currently, the project completion date is scheduled for late 2017. For more information, visit ncdot.gov. 

Free CPR Training available to the public beginning May 8
The Fire Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, will soon offer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training free of charge to the public. While not providing official certification, the program will educate the public in the lifesaving skill of CPR. The latest research indicates that hands-only CPR has a tremendous positive effect on the survivability rates in cardiac incidents. Participants will learn the fundamentals of adult and infant CPR, and how to use an automatic electronic defibrillator. The first class will take place May 8; more information and registration are now available at concordnc.gov.

Just two weeks left until Haulers on Union honors Vietnam Vets
The Haulers on Union parade will honor local veterans and included actual haulers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams on their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway. But that’s not all, the day is full of activities! Prior to the parade stop by Ride Now in Concord to enjoy a Fan Fest and the staging location for the haulers. Grab your free t-shirt and get autographs! Fan Fest will take place from 1:00 until 4:30 p.m. Then head Downtown for the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Program at 5:00 and following the hauler parade, enjoy the sounds of Route 66. Additional details are at 600festival.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.

Sign up now for the Couch to 5K Challenge

This group training and exercise program is designed to encourage, motivate, and challenge the individual to compete with his or her peers. No running experience is necessary. The final goal is to run the Streetlight 5K on Friday, July 10. Meets at Dorton Park Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. between May 5 and July 7. The $15 registration fee includes a t-shirt and $5 discount on Streetlight 5K registration. Learn more and register at concordparksandrec.org.

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

May
12 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session (typical Thursday session moved to Tuesday to accommodate May 14 Haulers on Union Event)
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!