Did you know?
Did you know the Water Resources Department is planning three years of important water treatment process technology upgrades that will lead to better efficiency, optimized performance, and higher quality water for customers? The Department is focusing on barriers and biological processes to enhance water quality, which are more environmentally friendly than chemicals.

Staff at Hillgrove Water Treatment Plant recently completed the installation of a PAX Trihalomethane Removal System (TRS).  This system uses mixers and spray aeration to reduce the amount of trihalomethanes (THMs) in the finished water.  THMs are formed when organics in the source water react with chlorine added during the treatment process. A bio-filtration project is also underway at Hillgrove, which encourages controlled growth of beneficial organisms to consume organics in the water that would ordinarily react with the disinfection process and form THMs and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs). If the pilot project is successful, the department plans a full-scale implementation by early 2017.

A second raw water line at Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant is in the planning stages. This will allow the plant to remain in operation and maintain customers' water service in the event of a raw water line break. A final improvement includes design and installation of plate settlers in place of aging tube settlers. In addition to lasting five times as long, plates will enhance the water quality by extending the settling area, and allowing better filtration performance and run times. For more information about your water, visit concordnc.gov.

Residential bulky waste collection every other week, starting July 1, 2016.
Beginning July 1, Concord residents should place bulky waste out for collection on the same day as their recycling. Bulky Waste includes all items that cannot fit inside curbside carts such as furniture, tires, equipment, appliances (white goods), and e-waste (anything with a circuit board, especially TVs and computers). Better use of tax dollars.  More efficient collection, reduced fuel consumption, and improved air quality. Your collection day will not change.  Recycling and bulky waste will be collected every other week according to the established blue/green zone schedule. Weekly garbage and yard waste collection continues unchanged. Learn more at concordnc.gov/whatsmyday or in the Summer 2016 City Circular.

Make a difference during National Pollinator Week
It's Pollinator Week in Concord! National Pollinator Week is a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what you can do to protect them. Click here to read the proclamation, or watch a video of the Proclamation reading at facebook.com/ConcordNC. Concord's recognition of Pollinator Week is part of the City's participation in the NWF Mayors' Monarch Pledge. Be sure to check out the Concord Environmental Education Facebook Page to catch up on all of this week's tips and activities, including a DIY craft project that can help pollinators rest and get needed salt and minerals.

City seeks eligible applicants for Federal Section 5310 enhanced mobility project funding
The City of Concord is soliciting project proposals for funding under the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program. An estimated $493,530 in grant funding is available under this program for transit projects in the Concord Urbanized Area. Funding will be allocated using a competitive selection process described in the City of Concord’s 5310 Program Management Plan. Eligible applicants for funding consist of local government agencies, social services agencies, private and public transportation operators, and non-profit organizations. The deadline for grant applications is July 9, 2016. For application materials and more, please visit concordnc.gov.

Introducing the Concord NC Public Safety Facebook Page
The City of Concord believes in creating partnerships with the citizens who live and work in our City. We believe this partnership keeps our quality of life at a high level and allows us to provide the best municipal services possible. To help build this partnership, Concord Communications, Emergency Management, Fire, and Police staff are proud introduce the Concord NC Public Safety Facebook Page. Receive safety tips, news, and updates from the City of Concord's Communications, Fire, Police, and Emergency Management staff. Please call 911 if you are experiencing a life threatening emergency. Visit facebook.com/ConcordNCPublicSafety to connect with us.

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

TONIGHT: Sol! Summer Celebration
Celebrate the summer! Express your inner sol in the sun parade and around the drum circle. During the family event, children can be creative, gallivanting in the Pixie Forest and transforming into mystical creatures! Entertainment for all ages! Sign up for free on the Facebook event page. For more information, visit concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600.

Discounted early registration available for Streetlight 5K
Save the date for the Streetlight 5K and Frolic, the evening of Friday, July 8 in Downtown Concord. From 6:00-9:00 p.m., everyone will be dancing in the street! Live music from the Jill Goodson Band will fill Downtown while children enjoy classic summer games, activities, amusements, and arts & crafts! The race will start/finish on Means Avenue and include the McEachern Greenway and McGee Park, fun run starts at 7:00, 5K at 7:30. Discounted early registration is available at concordparksandrec.org until July 1. Race day registration is $20. For more information, call 704-920-5600 or visit concordparksandrec.org.

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

July
12 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
13 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
14 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
19 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 June is National Safety Month? For the first time, City's Human Resources Department has organized a variety of trainings and events to help City coworkers improve safety at work and home alike. A successful safety culture does not get created by accident. Staying safe requires the full focus of our organization, and it will help us serve you better. Learn more at nsc.org.

Renowned Muralist Michael Brown in Concord for latest Ghost Sign restoration
This week, two more antique "Ghost Signs" are being restored in Downtown Concord by renowned muralist Michael J. Brown of Chapel Hill. The first, at 8 Cabarrus Avenue W, is already complete and the second, at 36 Union Street S, is well underway. The City Council has funded Downtown Ghost Sign restoration in the previous, current, and upcoming fiscal years. For this week's work, the Concord Downtown Development Corporation and the Ritchie family provided contributions to offset the cost to the City. Learn more about Brown at muralsbymichaelbrown.com or in short video entitled, The Muralist. Michael's previous work in Concord was featured on the Spring 2016 City Circular cover.

National Pollinator Week: June 20-26
Today, Mayor Padgett proclaimed June 20-26, 2016 as Pollinator Week in Concord. National Pollinator Week is a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what you can do to protect them. Nine years ago the U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week has now grown into an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. Click here to read the proclamation, or watch a video of the Proclamation reading at facebook.com/ConcordNC.

Concord's recognition of Pollinator Week is part of the City's participation in the NWF Mayors' Monarch Pledge. This week, NWF published a helpful blog with tips for reducing the risk of mosquito-borne disease, while keeping the environment in mind. In addition to these tips, be sure to visit cabarrushealth.org for information from the Cabarrus Health Alliance and their Tip and Toss program.

Rider Transit Hosts 33rd annual NC Public Transportation Association Conference
This week, Concord Kannapolis Area Transit (Rider) hosted public transit systems large and small from across the state for the 33rd annual NCPTA Conference, Expo, Golf Tournament, and Roadeo. Transit representatives from more than 100 rural, urban, and regional systems from across the state came together to train, learn, network, and share stories with community and business leaders; local, state and federal agencies; and suppliers and vendors that serve the public transit industry. The highlight of the conference was the closing address provided by US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. Visit the Rider Transit Facebook Page for an overview and event photos.

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

Sol! Summer Celebration coming Friday, June 24
Celebrate the longest day of the year! Express your inner sol in the sun parade and around the drum circle. During the family event, children can be creative, gallivanting in the Pixie Forest and transforming into mystical creatures! Entertainment for all ages! Sign up for free on the Facebook event page. For more information, visit concordparksandrec.org or call 704-920-5600.

Sign up now for the Streetlight 5K and save!
Save the date for the Streetlight 5K and Frolic, the evening of Friday, July 8 in Downtown Concord. From 6:00-9:00 p.m., everyone will be dancing in the street! Live music from the Jill Goodson Band will fill Downtown while children enjoy classic summer games, activities, amusements, and arts & crafts! The race will start/finish on Means Avenue and include the McEachern Greenway and McGee Park, fun run starts at 7:00, 5K at 7:30. Discounted early registration is available at concordparksandrec.org until July 1. Race day registration is $20. For more information, call 704-920-5600 or visit concordparksandrec.org.

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

June
21 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

July
12 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
13 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
14 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!

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 there is free, plentiful parking available when you visit City Hall? The Cabarrus Avenue Parking Deck is conveniently located just steps across the road from the City Hall main entrance. Free, three-hour, covered (and if needed, ADA-accessible) parking is available in the Parking Deck weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Parking is unrestricted after hours and on weekends. Coming to pay a utility bill and want to just drop and run? A drive-up payment drop box is available 24/7 next to City Hall on Market Street. Learn more about parking in Downtown Concord at concorddowntown.com/parking.

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

Presented retirement plaque to:

·         Terry Harris - 10 years of service, Transportation and Engineering

·         Gary Fritz - 10 years of service, Water Resources

·         Danny Smith - 22 years of service Water Resources

Presentation of the North Carolina Area Wide Optimization Award from NCDEQ.

Presented a proclamation recognizing June as Safety Month.

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

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of a portion of a parcel owned by Dwayne and Mamie Hensley.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance for annexation of a portion of a parcel owned by the Ronald Gold Overcash Trust.

Conducted a public hearing and adopted a resolution to convey properties located at 21 Cabarrus Avenue E, 4 Union Street N, and 22 Union Street N with a listed tax value of $453,370 in consideration of an agreement to rehabilitate this property in conjunction with the Historic Hotel Concord, in accordance with the proposal submitted by Rehab Development.

Conducted a public hearing to consider public comments relative to the proposed FY 2016-2017 budget for the City of Concord, and adopted budget and capital project ordinances and the Fees, Rates, and Charges Schedule.

Authorized the City manager to enter into a contract with NC Quality Home Builders LLC to construct a single family dwelling on City-owned property located at 185 Kerr Street in the Gibson Village Neighborhood, using HOME Program funds and approved subsequent disposition to a qualified homebuyer.

Adopted a resolution authorizing the Concord Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) to administer the North Carolina Main Street program requirements for the City of Concord.

Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with John Q. Hammons Hotel Management, LLC for the management of Rocky River Golf Club.

Approved appointments/reappointments to various City Boards and Commissions:

·         Michael Cook to the Library Board of Trustees

·         Kevin Killough to the Planning and Zoning Commission (alternate)

·         Susan Partlo to the Historic Preservation Commission (alternate)

·         Reappointment of Gary Walker to the ABC BOARD

·         Reappointment of Terry Crawford and Clyde Kluttz to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and reassignment of Debbie Norman from alternate to regular member

·         Reassignment of Mark Antoszyk and Debbie Medlin to the Board of Adjustment from alternates to regular members

·         Reappointment of Christopher Cooper and Lea Halloway to the Historic Preservation Commission

·         Reappointment of City Manager Brian Hiatt to the WSACC Board

·         Reappointment of Doris Archie to the Stormwater Management Advisory Committee

Received a presentation at the City Council Work Session from Development Finance Initiative (DFI) on redevelopment plans for Concord's former Municipal Building and City Hall Annex sites on Union Street South in Downtown Concord, and directed staff to proceed with an RFP process to seek new construction proposals for the properties.

Union Street Live 2016 kicks off next Thursday with Jim Quick and more!
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the free, outdoor Union Street Live concerts the third Thursday of every month from June through September. First up on June 16, Jim Quick and Coastline starting at 6:00 p.m. on the Means Avenue Stage, next to the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. At 7:00, the North Stage cranks up in front of the Library, featuring Pluto for Planet. During concert nights Union Street will be closed in between Killarney and Corban Avenues. Walk Union Street to enjoy outside dining, games, shopping, and more! For more information, visit concorddowntown.com or call 704-784-4208.

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

Registration still available for historical look at Wilkesboro, NC
Join us for a visit to Wilkesboro for a historic look at the city on Wednesday, June 29. Visit the Wilkes Heritage Museum that tells the story of the American Indians, Moravian explorers, revolutionary heroes, and other early residents. Next, proceed to the Wilkes Community College Gardens that houses several specialty gardens, including the unique Eddy Merle Watson Garden of the Senses. The tour concludes with the Frescoes at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Bus Departs: 8:00 a.m., pre-registration available through June 15. $54 fee includes meal. For more information, 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.

June
21 at 6:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission

July
12 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session
13 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
14 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 provide feedback about the City Manager's recommended budget on June 9? City Manager Brian Hiatt presented his fiscal year 2016-17 budget recommendation to the Concord Mayor and City Council on May 27. The City Council will hold at least one budget workshop on June 7, 2016 and a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, 2016 during the regular City Council meeting. Interested individuals can view the City Manager's recommended budget on concordnc.gov and also in print at the City Clerk's office.

Be a good neighbor: tips to keep in mind when installing basketball goals

School is nearly out for summer break, and Concord's young people are sure to be outside more. If you are planning to install a new basketball goal, please be aware that City ordinances prohibit locating basketball goals in road rights-of-way, including blocking sidewalks and hanging over or into roadway. Additionally, many homeowners associations prohibit this in their covenants and restrictions. Often, people are surprised to hear this – especially if they have customarily placed portable basketball goals or other sports equipment at the curb or on the sidewalk in the past.

While the City understands that basketball goals provide youth with much needed outdoor recreation, they also present a very serious hazard to those who play in the street if the goal is placed at the curb. Citizens are encouraged to discuss misplaced basketball goals they identify with the owner of the goal or a homeowners association representative. Citizens who do not have an HOA resource or have other questions about City Codes can contact Concord Police Code Enforcement Manager Robert Watson at 704-920-5150. To report any City Code violation, call the Customer Care Center at 704-920-5555 or use the free Concord Mobile Care app. Let’s continue to work together to keep Concord a clean and safe place to live.

Annual Water Quality Report now available

The Annual City of Concord Drinking Water Report for 2015 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.

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

Visit Lake Fisher for affordable family fun
Begin your outdoor adventure today at Lake Fisher Reservoir. Lake Fisher is 3 miles in length and covers 534 acres. In addition to providing water to the City of Concord, Lake Fisher gives the community an opportunity to enjoy the fun of fishing for the family. The lake supports a healthy sport fishery consisting of largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and several panfish species. All fishing at Lake Fisher must be from a boat; we provide the boats for a rental fee, boat motors are allowed but not provided. The acceptable motors are electric trolling motors and no larger than 10 horsepower gas motors. Life jackets and oars are available with boat rental. For more information, 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.

June
7 at 4:00 p.m. City Council work session and FY17 budget workshop
8 at 7:00 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission
9 at 6:00 p.m. City Council regular session
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!

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.