Did you know?
Did you know the Buildings and Grounds Department maintains three municipal cemeteries owned and operated by the City of Concord? The City is proud to care for these sacred grounds reserved as a final resting place for generations of Concord families departed loved ones. Find out more at concordnc.gov/Cemeteries.

Concord in the Headlines
Concord becomes 11th largest City in NC by population

New downtown parking deck coming, courthouse expansion to follow

City of Concord to observe Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, City of Concord offices will be closed on Monday, May 29. 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 30. All yard waste will be collected by the end of the day Friday, June 2. Visit concordnc.gov for more information about the holiday schedule.

Join Concord 101 to improve your Citizen IQ
The City of Concord is now accepting applications for the 2017 Concord 101 program, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free fourteen-week session begins August 15 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in November. Residents of Concord age 18 and older are invited to submit an application by July 25. Class size is limited to 30 participants. More information, the application, and the class schedule are available at concordnc.gov.

While you wait for Concord 101, get behind the numbers in Cabarrus Government 101
Cabarrus County's next Government 101 session is planned for Friday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Cabarrus County Government Center, 65 Church Street SE. The course, FY18 Budget Breakdown, walks residents through the nuances of the upcoming budget. Residents are placed in the center of the budget process and get the opportunity to share their comments with commissioners before the Board of Commissioners votes on the final budget. The free class uses interactive presentations and demonstrations to pull down barriers that can discourage residents from learning how the County spends their tax dollars. Visit cabarruscounty.us to learn more and register.

Cabarrus County seeks input on new parking deck tied to courthouse expansion project
Plans for a courthouse expansion is in the works for Cabarrus County and it begins with the construction of a new parking deck in downtown Concord. View renderings, speak with experts and provide feedback on the deck at a drop-in meeting at the Cabarrus County Government Center (65 Church Street SE, Concord) between 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30. Can't attend the session? Join a live chat through the County's Facebook page from 4-5 p.m. that same day. Details at cabarruscounty.us.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Summer 2017 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

It's pool time!
The John F. McInnis Aquatics Center will open for weekend hours starting May 27, with weekday hours beginning Monday, June 12. During the season the pool offers open swim for the community at a minimum fee, water aerobics, and swimming lessons for both youth and adults. For hours and more information on programs please visit concordparksandrec.org.

Bikes and Trikes Rodeo
Little cyclists ages 6-12: bring your bike or borrow one of ours as we learn the rules of the road and basic skills with Concord Police bicycle patrol officers. Free helmets will be provided by the Concord Fire Department. Family activities and bike crafts also available. Meets Friday, June 16 from 9:00 a.m. until noon at W.W. Flowe Park, 99 Central Heights Drive. Find out more in the Leisure Times or call 704-920-5600.

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

May
30 at 6:00 p.m. City Council special meeting

June
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 you can save money on your electric bill with little effort or cost? Visit concordnc.gov to find summer energy conservation and cost savings tips from the City of Concord Electric Systems Department.

Concord in the Headlines
CWA thanks community members for stream cleanup, encourages litter free lifestyle

ParadeON: scenes from Haulers on Union
The best Haulers on Union event yet featured over 30 NASCAR haulers, live music from Chairmen of the Board, and family activities that welcomed racing to its home in Concord yesterday evening. Haulers on Union 2017 is part of the 600 Festival series of regional events that celebrate May. Local photographer Mike Anderson captured the scene on Union Street, so you can visit his Facebook Page to feel like you were there if you did not make it. Find out more at 600festival.com.

Join Concord 101 to improve your Citizen IQ
The City of Concord is now accepting applications for the 2017 Concord 101 program, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free fourteen-week session begins August 15 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in November. Residents of Concord age 18 and older are invited to submit an application by July 25. Class size is limited to 30 participants. More information, the application, and the class schedule are available at concordnc.gov.

Summer 2017 City Circular and Leisure Times coming soon
If you have not yet already, you'll soon receive the latest issues of the City Circular and Leisure Times in the mail. The Summer 2017 City Circular digital edition is available now, where you can read all the articles on your screen of choice. Looking for something from a recent issue? It’s in the digital archives – every story, every photo, and every page. You can also get ready for a summer of fun in the Leisure Times digital edition.

Cabarrus County seeks input on new parking deck tied to courthouse expansion project
Plans for a courthouse expansion is in the works for Cabarrus County and it begins with the construction of a new parking deck in downtown Concord. View renderings, speak with experts and provide feedback on the deck at a drop-in meeting at the Cabarrus County Government Center (65 Church Street SE, Concord) between 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30. Can't attend the session? Join a live chat through the County's Facebook page from 4-5 p.m. that same day. Learn more at cabarruscounty.us.

Concord Assistant City Manager selected for new leadership role in NC National Guard
Lloyd Wm. Payne, Jr. has been selected as the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the 113th Sustainment Brigade, North Carolina Army National Guard, effective May 1, 2017 per the approving order of Major General Gregory A. Lusk, North Carolina Army National Guard Adjutant General.

Payne, who has served as Concord Assistant City Manager since 2015, is a native of Hays, North Carolina. He began his military career in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1993 and served as Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver for the 1450th, 1452nd, and 1454th Transportation Companies. His leadership experience includes roles as Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Battalion Command Sergeant Major. Payne was deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in 1997-1998, to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005, and once more to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009-2010.  In addition to federal mobilizations, Payne has performed multiple State Active Duty assignments for natural disasters.

Payne graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1994 and attended Appalachian State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Master of Public Administration in Town, City, and County Management. He is also a graduate of Class #38 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX. The City of Concord congratulates Lloyd on this new leadership role and thanks him for his service.

It is not too late to participate in the 2030 Land Use Plan update
The City of Concord is in the process of updating its Land Use Plan and we need your help. Please go to concordnc.gov/2030 to take a brief survey that will help guide the City of Concord’s future development patterns and quality of life. The planning process will also guide City officials as they develop future budgets, plan infrastructure and other services, make important land use decisions, and revise current policies within the Concord Development Ordinance. We encourage you to keep checking in to learn about additional participation opportunities in the coming months. Public feedback has been collected at several meetings and events, but it is not too late for you to participate in the process!

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Summer 2017 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Opening weekend at McInnis Aquatics Center almost here!
The John F. McInnis Aquatics Center will open for weekend hours starting May 27, with weekday hours beginning Monday, June 12. During the season the pool offers open swim for the community at a minimum fee, water aerobics, and swimming lessons for both youth and adults. For hours and more information on programs please visit concordparksandrec.org.

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

June
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 that May 7-13 is Municipal Clerks Week? We extend appreciation to all Municipal Clerks for the services with which they provide their communities, especially Concord's City Clerk, Kim Deason. Municipal Clerks serve as the professional link between citizens, local governing bodies, and agencies of government at other levels. There are many responsibilities of the Municipal Clerk that the public may take for granted; yet, if Clerks are negligent in their duties, then the smooth operation of our local government is greatly affected. Deason has served as Concord’s City Clerk since 2008, and has been a member of IIMC and the NCAMC since 2006. She has been employed by the City of Concord since 2001.

Highlights of the May 11 City Council Meeting
Please visit concordnc.gov to see the Council Agenda in its entirety.

Recognized Firefighter Gilberto Meza-Corral 2017 Central Piedmont Community College Fire Protection Program Outstanding Student.

Proclaimed May 21 - 27, 2017 as National Public Works Week.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of a parcel owned by REO Funding Solutions III, LLC.

Authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Ratzlaff Construction, LLC for the up fit and addition to the Daniel Pharr Community Building located in Caldwell Park.

Awarded a contract with KMD Construction, LLC of Salisbury, North Carolina for construction of the Traffic Management Center and Signals Operations facility and adopted a related budget amendment.

Authorized City staff to install and maintain a butterfly meadow along a Duke Energy/AT&T right of way on the property of Bob and Carolyn Tucker, and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute related documents in support of this effort.

Established a date of June 8 to conduct a public hearing to consider entering into a contract with the Concord Downtown Development Corporation to provide services in the downtown Municipal Service District (MSD).

Approved a work authorization with Talbert, Bright & Ellington Inc. for engineering services for the Concord Regional Airport runway and taxiway strengthening project.

Adopted resolutions authorizing the sale of City owned property located at 22, 30, and 34 Hawthorne Street SW, and authorizing the acquisition of vacant lots located at 48 Young Avenue, 95 Hemlock Street, and 99 Hemlock Street using HOME Partnership grant funds pursuant to NCGS Section 60A-279 for a public purpose.

Adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of two parcels of real property located off Weddington Road in exchange for a greenway easement, communication tower relocation reimbursement, and possible land lease.

Approved a modification to the Interlocal Agreement with Cabarrus County administering the Central Area Plan.

Breaking: Spring into Arts 2017 cancelled due to anticipated weather
The Concord Downtown Development Corporation has announced that after reviewing multiple forecasts for tomorrow, the 2017 Spring into Arts Festival is cancelled due to inclement weather. With large numbers of people traveling in for a 6-9 a.m. setup, CDDC believes it best to not wait until the morning of to cancel the festival. Visit concorddowntown.com for more information.

ClearWater Artist Studios saves the day with rain-friendly Second Saturday Open Studios
Spring into Arts fans: here is a rain-friendly alternative cultural/creative and fun event for tomorrow (Saturday). ClearWater Artist Studios Open Studio from 10am-4pm with artist studios open for you to come view and talk with working artists; including the Southern Piedmont Woodturners; and, during that, the Opening Event & Presentation by new Guest Artist, Nelli Levental whose paper cutout characters and sculptures, tell stories related to her most interesting life.  Her presentation will be at 2:00. The exhibition of her works and photos will be up through June. Full description on the eventbrite page and ClearWater Facebook event page, or call 704-784-9535.

ParadeON: Haulers on Union is next for 600 Festival lineup
Don’t miss more than 30 NASCAR haulers, live music from Chairmen of the Board and family-friendly, free activities on Thursday, May 18 in downtown Concord. Haulers on Union 2017 kicks off at 5 p.m. in downtown Concord with music by The Executives, an amazing beach music band. Then it's over to Union Street for the colorful NASCAR car hauler parade featuring the big and bright haulers on their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway. And after the last big rig rolls by, it's more music, this time with beach music icons Chairmen of the Board. There will be much more family fun including show cars, simulators, celebrity autographs and plenty of games for adults and kids. Come out and line the streets to welcome the teams to Concord and then have even more fun! Get a full rundown of all the 600 Festival events, including Concord's Haulers on Union Parade and Fan Fest on May 18, at 600festival.com.

Lend your voice to the 2030 Land Use Plan update – Visit concordnc.gov/2030!
The City of Concord is in the process of updating its Land Use Plan and we need your help. Please go to concordnc.gov/2030 to take a brief survey that will help guide the City of Concord’s future development patterns and quality of life. The planning process will also guide City officials as they develop future budgets, plan infrastructure and other services, make important land use decisions, and revise current policies within the Concord Development Ordinance. We encourage you to keep checking in to learn about additional participation opportunities in the coming months. Public feedback has been collected at several meetings and events, but it is not too late for you to participate in the process!

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2017 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Take a trip to Asheboro and leave the driving to us
On June 28, travel to Asheboro and the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame to immerse yourself in aviation history with military and civilian memorabilia including the Piper “Flitfire” flown by Orville Wright. Then, the American Classic Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest private collections of classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Last, but not least, see the Collector’s Antique Mall, a 35,000 square foot mall with almost 100 dealers showcasing their collections of fine wood furniture, mid-century housewares, books, linens, pottery, more! Fee is $37, to pre-register visit concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600.

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

May
16 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

June
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 that you can make a difference in keeping Concord's streets litter free? Beyond being a good citizen who does not litter, individuals and groups can join the Adopt-A-Street program. Participating groups commit to picking up litter at least once every three months (or more if necessary) along their adopted section of street. The City of Concord will provide bags, safety vests, and gloves, and install signs along adopted streets recognizing the groups keeping them litter free. Find out more at concordnc.gov.

City of Concord financial reporting recognized for 28th consecutive year
The City of Concord was recently announced as one of the entities to receive the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the 28^th consecutive year that Concord has earned the honor. The formal acceptance of the award and recognition of staff will be on the agenda for the June 8 City Council meeting. For more information visit concordnc.gov.

LookON: 600 Festival's May events kick off with Movies on the Campus
For over 30 years, the 600 Festival Association has commemorated the May races with family-oriented events. This year's festival kicks of tonight in Kannapolis! Who doesn’t love a night out with the family? Pack your blanket, bring the lawn chairs, and mobilize the kids for Movies on the Campus on Friday, May 5. Starting at 8 p.m. in downtown Kannapolis, the free event is a bit of American nostalgia as an outdoor movie graces the big screen on a warm May evening. This year's movie is MONSTER TRUCKS! Tomorrow in Kannapolis is the Zucchini 600 race featuring cars made of, you guessed it, zucchini, will showcase of Cabarrus County’s youngest racing talent. Get a full rundown of all the 600 Festival events, including Concord's Haulers on Union Parade and Fan Fest on May 18, at 600festival.com.

Just one more week until Spring into Arts 2017!
The Spring Into Arts Festival returns to Downtown Concord on Saturday, May 13. The annual family-friendly event in Downtown Concord that showcases and promotes the visual and performing arts. Enjoy the juried art show, musical entertainment, locally crafted beer and wine, fantastic food, and a children's area that inspires the artistic side of all of us! Visit concorddowntown.com or call 704-784-4208 for event information.

Local professionals honored for work in law and order
This morning, the community gathered at the Cabarrus County Government Center for Law Day 2017. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition in Cabarrus County that is representative of national celebrations dedicated to the officers of and ties between written law and the pursuit of order. The Cabarrus County Bar Association honored distinguished attorney Larry Harris with the Liberty Bell Award for his 51 years of service. Kannapolis Police Captain Patrick Patty received the honor of the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award in memory of the deputy sheriff killed in the line of duty in 1972. For more information about Law Day, visit cabarruscounty.us and lawday.org.

Parks and Recreation highlights
Please see the Spring 2017 issue of Leisure Times for a full list of programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Greenway Adventures – Critter Kitchen
For children ages 4 and up and the whole family. We are using the greenways as our classroom while exploring critters and their habitats with fun and creative activities. This week we are in the Critter Kitchen making goodies for our critter friends! After identifying their tracks, the treats will be placed for them to feast. We will meet Tuesday, May 9 at McGee Park and Thursday, May 11 at Hector H. Henry II Greenway trailhead. All Greenway Adventures begin at 5:00 p.m. lasting 1 to 1 ½ hours. To pre-register visit, concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600.

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

May
9 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
10 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
11 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
16 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.