City Manager's Report - Brian J. Borne, Interim City Manager
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City Manager’s Report
Brian J. Borne, Interim City Manager
Week Ending August 20, 2021
Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport
Peter Cevallos, Airport Manager
New Airport Operations - PuppySpot Flights
PuppySpot is an online platform that connects puppies from responsible breeders to customer
families. They currently fly to 16 different metro areas around the country, and they plan to expand
to Charlotte starting in September. PuppySpot is interested in using the Charlotte-Monroe
Executive Airport for two operations per month (1st and 3rd Sat), utilizing a SAAB 340B to
transport puppies into the Charlotte metro area for local customers. An affiliated company, My Pet
Cab, will then receive the dogs from the aircraft, preps them and their respective crate for ground
transportation to their final destination. This is a great use of facility and minimal impact to airport
operations; the Airport would treat the aircraft as any other aircraft operations, providing the
PuppySpot flights regular services as a large corporate aircraft.
Airport Logo Transition
The Airport will begin to phase out the current Airport logo, with a new logo based on the City’s
logo. The current logo was originally instituted in 2009 as a distinct marketing measure to help
identify the airport as an independent facility, serving Monroe, Union County, and the Charlotte
region. In 2017, the City re-branded and as part of the re-brand, created departmental logos based
on the primary City logo, including the airport. While the current logo has served the airport well
for the last twelve years, the belief is to modify the current departmental logo with the entire airport
name so that the new logo would better served to identify the airport as truly a City of Monroe
facility. As the airport continues to grow, the same marketing drive will be done, promoting the
airport as the corporate aviation gateway serving Monroe, Union County, and the Charlotte metro area; however, the new logo will be utilized, which has a very nice appeal and reception. Energy Services David Lucore, Director of Energy Services Natural Gas – NCUC Inspection The North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC) conducted an inspection of the City’s Natural Gas Damage Prevention Program on July 27 and July 28. The inspection included a review of the City’s NC811 procedures, utility locating procedures, personnel training and qualifications, and public awareness. The Natural Gas Division meets or exceeds all of the compliance requirements. Natural Gas – Simpson Farm The Natural Gas Division installed and put into service 9,000’ of 2-inch polyethylene pipe for Simpson Farm Phase I. This pipe will provide natural gas to 103 of the 195 homes in the subdivision. Simpson Farm is located at the intersection of Secrest Shortcut Road and Fowler Road. The pipe for Phase II of the subdivision is expected to be installed in November/December of 2021. Engineering Sarah McAllister, Director of Engineering School Recycling Campaign returns- City of Monroe schools will be invited to participate in our Recycling Campaign for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. Participating schools will have the opportunity to receive an award of $1000.00 at the end of the school year based on use of the recycling carts and cleanliness of the materials. Ellen Dowling, Environmental Educator, will monitor the carts
to ensure that each school is “Recycling Right”.
The Monroe City Council
cordially invite you to
the unveiling of a historic
marker in honor of
Dr. John S. Massey.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
11:00 a.m.
800 West Windsor Street
Fire
Ron Fowler, Chief, Monroe Fire Department
Water Rescue Team Deployed to Western North Carolina
The Fire Department has sent a Swift Water Rescue
Team to western North Carolina to assist
communities impacted by flooding from Tropical
Storm Fred. This deployment includes 11 members
of the Department’s Water Rescue Team along with
a rescue boat and various other water rescue related
equipment and supplies. The Fire Department was
recently recognized by North Carolina Emergency
Management as a FEMA Typed Water Rescue
Team, indicating our ability to better meet local
needs and serve as a deployable resource to help
other communities when in need. Monroe is
working with other water rescue teams who have
been deployed from across North Carolina to
provide assistance with search, rescue and recovery
efforts. This is a multi-day deployment. Expenses
will be reimbursed by North Carolina Emergency
Management.
Human Resources
Debra C. Reed, Director of Human Resources
Blood Drive:
The City of Monroe along with American Red Cross will be
hosting a blood drive on September 9, 2021 from 10:30 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. at the Monroe Aquatic Center.
Supervisor Training:
Debra C. Reed, Director of Human Resources will be conducting mandatory Supervisory Training
on Interview Techniques on August 24, 25, and 26. There are three sessions on August 24 and
August 26 and one session on August 25. Each attendee will receive a certificate for attending.
Employee Appreciation Celebration:
The Employee Appreciation Celebration has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 2021
from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Belk Tonawanda Park. The meal will be catered by Smoke Pit
and will consist of pork or chicken boxed meals. Notices have been sent to City Council and all
employees requesting RSVP’s by Friday, August 27, 2021. Social distancing will be practiced.
New Exemplary Service Employee Award Program:
The Exemplary Service Awards program will consist of a committee formed by a nominated
employee from each city department, meeting quarterly to review nominations. Peers, supervisors
and/or customers shall make nominations throughout the quarter. Eligible nominated employees
would have to meet the eligibility requirements and criteria as outlined on the nomination form to
be considered. Employees receiving the award would have their picture taken receiving the award
and posted in Customer Service and City Hall quarterly, a $25 gift card and a gift of appreciation
from Human Resources.
NEW HIRES
Alvina Nyako was hire in May 2021 to fill the open Safety and Risk
Coordinator position. Alvina has a Master in Business Administration and is
currently pursuing her MESH and ARM certifications in safety. She lives in
Charlotte with her two young daughters. Her role at the City of Monroe is to
assist employee with health, wellness, safety, training and incident needs.
Alvina is looks forward to interacting with each department to make sure safety
is at the forefront of every employee’s mind.
Carol Hinson retired from the City of Monroe in 2018. Carol was re-hired and
worked in Finance as Temporary Labor and in Parks and Recreation as a Building
Attendant. Carol transferred from Parks and Recreation to work in Human
Resources on August 5, 2021. She will be assisting with the update of the Human
Resources Policies and Procedures.
Downtown
Matthew Black, Downtown Director
The City of Monroe, as part of the redevelopment of W.
Morgan Street and Windsor alleyway, in Downtown Monroe,
seeks public input for The Morgan-Windsor Alleyway
project. The goal for the project is to turn the street into a
public, urban plaza, which will act as a “third” place for the
downtown area.
Police Department J. Bryan Gilliard, Chief, Monroe Police Department Public Safety Meeting On Monday, August 16, 2021, Chief J. Bryan Gilliard and several members of the Monroe Police Department attended the Public Safety Committee (PSC) Meeting. The PSC approved and recommended presentation of the Regional Law enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement to City Council for approval. Additionally, the PSC approved and recommended the renewal of the multi- year body worn camera contract to be forwarded to City Council for approval. Lastly, Chief Gillard presented recent departmental statistics related to the increase in violent crimes within the City of Monroe. Chief Gilliard and staff that were in attendance were able to field questions from PSC Members and community members in attendance. Department Happenings Captain David Morton has been reassigned as the Special Services Captain (effective Monday, August 23, 2021) Monroe Police Headquarters new facility groundbreaking will be held on September 2, 2021. Bridge Builder Youth Camps Monroe Police Department Community Services Division continues to serve the community through youth programming. The Bridge Builder Youth Camp is a no cost camp held by the Monroe Police Department that aims to introduce kids to law enforcement and law enforcement activities. Throughout the week multiple divisions from within the department come and present and interact with the campers (Animal control, Criminal Investigations, K9, and the Special Response Team).
Water Resources
Russ Colbath, Director of Water Resources
Iceman Street Water Main Replacement – Near
Completion
Water Resources Construction Division crews are
finalizing the above project. The final stage is
chlorination and disinfection of the new water main.
This protects public health and safety as the water main
is put in service. Below, Crew Leader Charlie Snead
supervised the chlorination process.
Over 1,600 feet of main has been replaced by the pipe
bursting method. Monroe is the only municipality in
North Carolina certified to perform water main pipe
bursting with fusible PVC pipe. Internal crews are able
to complete projects like this one at a significant cost
savings compared to contracting.
Parks and Recreation
Tonya Edwards, Director of Parks and Recreation
Golf Course:
Greens and practice greens were aerified on August 2 and 9, 2021 with 3/8” tines at a 2.5”
spacing at a depth of 5”. Holes were filled with a GA 35 sand and brushed in. Greens were
then sprayed with a soil spray consisting of a hydrating surfactant, fertility and strobulin
fungicide.
As of August 12, 2021, back nine greens are completely healed in and front nine greens are
75% healed.
Leaf and sheath spot/mini-ring rhizoctonia zeae season is in full swing with greens 3, 4, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, and 17 being affected the worst. Curative fungicide applications and a subtle
increase in urea nitrogen fertility applications seem to be helping out a good bit. This plant
pathogen is brought on by temperatures in the high 90’s and stress such as heavy foot traffic.
Greens verticutting is on hold until leaf and sheath spot is completely knocked down as it can
make disease symptoms worse. Light topdressing and cultural practices such as raising
mowing heights have been implemented.
Collars and approaches are scheduled to be verticut the week of August 23-27, 2021.
Beginning September 1, 2021, Tee Times will start at 8 a.m.
Upcoming Events:
o Coastal Players Tour Saturday, August 21, 2021
o Grint Tour Saturday, August 28, 2021
NEW HIRE
Kenneth Baucom joined the Golf Course maintenance team in February of this year, as our new
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. Kenneth received his degree in Turf Management from Central
Piedmont Community College and came to our department after serving six years with the
University of North Carolina – Charlotte, beginning as a Grounds Tech prior to being promoted to
Athletic Field Grounds Supervisor. Prior to these roles, Kenneth worked for the Town of Indian
Trail and Providence Country Club in the turf management field. We were very fortunate to have
secured someone with Kenneth’s education and experience for our position. In his first six months
with our department Kenneth has already proven his abilities and was able to hit the ground
running in this position. Which was a real bonus due to the increased level of play that we are
experiencing at the Monroe Country Club. Welcome to the team Kenneth!
Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center:
RETIREMENTS:
Cindy Lisk- Aquatics Division Supervisor
Danny O’Rourke- Facility Maintenance Supervisor
Summer Camp
Summer, means CAMP! Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center
concluded its 17th season of summer camp. Everything from Fun
Fridays and Slip ‘N Slide kickball to toilet paper fashion shows. The
campers and counselors made this summer one for the records.
Speaking of records, MAFC added an extra week to the beginning of
this year’s camp. Making it our very first 9-week summer camp! We
averaged over 90 children each week of camp. Field trips and the
Aquatics’ Center Water Park were back on the weekly camper menu.
Field trip excursions included Carowinds, Big Air, Cane Creek Park, Carolina Speed Park,
bowling and our own onsite Zoo visit. We hate to see it end but are preparing for next year
already. Registration for Summer Camp 2022 begins in MARCH!
Outdoor Yoga at the Water Park
In June, the Group Fitness Department at
the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center
(MAFC) offered yoga classes to its
members on the deck of the waterpark.
This Fresh Air Fitness option, not only
changed the overall class environment,
but also the point of view of the
participant. People challenged their
physical and mental flexibility. It was so
well liked that the MAFC will be bringing
it back for September 2021. Join us.
Namaste.
COVID has become that guest
that doesn’t get the hint on
when to leave. But, we are all
making progress on getting
back to normal and the
Aquatics Center is no different.
We know we are not
completely back to pre-COVID
conditions but trust knowing it
is a weekly topic among the
MAFC management team. As
the chart shows, memberships
have been on a steady increase.
Usage of the Aquatics Center is also on the rise but in comparison to pre-COVID, there is still work to be done. For example, in July of 2019, we had 7,606 memberships versus our 4,902 shown in the graph. Usage shows a similar pattern of improvement. Speaking for July only, we recorded 52,000 visits in 2019 versus 28,000 this year. The Aquatics Center continues to manage the complexities of COVID while ensuring a safe and friendly facility for all members and guests. We want to thank everyone who helped other people understand the extent to which the Aquatics Center has concentrated on a safe workout environment. And, to those members affected by the necessary changes we have made, we appreciate the continued communication, patience and understanding. Recreation: We are wrapping up Summer Camps and programs this month with several Back2School programs. These events are open to the community and hosted at each of our community centers. The first Back2School event was held at Sutton Park on August 7, 2021 and staff was able to provide food and activities to participants as well as donate backpacks and school supplies to participants that attended. The following Back2School events will take place over the next two weeks: Dickerson Community Center Back2School Spaghetti Dinner and Movie Friday, 8/20 5:30p – 10:00p J. Ray Shute Community Center Back2School Bash for Youth Sunday, 8/22 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Winchester Community Center Back2School Bags and Basketball Friday, August 20th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sutton Park Community Center Sutton Park held a back to school explosion on August,2021. Sutton Park Together Sunday, August 29th 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Summer Camp Programs wrap up on Friday, August 20, 2021 and we will transition immediately into Afterschool Programming on Monday, August 23, 2021. The Winchester Community Pool will close after Saturday, August 21,2021 for the summer. Music on Main will feature the 80’s tribute band, Kids in America, on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Downtown Monroe at 6:30 pm. Food trucks will be available: Dan Good Barbecue; Creative Expressions; Bruster’s Ice Cream; and, Funnel Cakes by Pam. The Classic Car Cruise In, held on Friday, August 13, 2021, had a great crowd and the featured vehicle were Jeeps. The final Movie and Food Truck Night was held Friday, August 20, 2021 in Belk Tonawanda Park beginning at 7:30 pm. Movie and Food Truck Night is offered in partnership with Union County Parks and Recreation in Belk Tonawanda Park. UCPR provides the screen and licensing fees for the movie. Monroe Parks and Recreation promote and secure food trucks for this event. Plans to continue to offer this program in partnership with UCPR are in the works for the Spring. Parks Maintenance: New Hire: Colton Austin joined the Parks Maintenance team in June of this year, as an Equipment Operator 1. Colton received his Heavy Equipment Operation Diploma from Stanly Community College. We feel very fortunate to have Colton along with his skills as an operator. Welcome to the team Colton! Finance Lisa Strickland, Director of Finance Awaiting Key Decisions on ARP Funds As municipalities continue to plan for how to spend their American Rescue Plan Act funds, they are waiting for at least two key decisions – the issuing of final spending guidance from the U.S. Treasury, and word on how the State of N.C. intends to allocate its share of funds. The state decision will likely be made through the budget process. Final guidance from the Treasury is likely to be released in the coming weeks, though there is no set timeline for doing so. While the guidance is still pending, previously noted reporting deadlines remain in effect. Counties and metropolitan cities in the state are required to file reports by Aug. 31. Non-entitlement units – which represent 526 of N.C.’s cities and towns – are not required to file any reports until Oct. 31. Whatever your municipality’s deadline, these dates only represent reporting deadlines and do not require any spending by these dates. Municipalities may file a required report indicating they have not yet spent any ARP funds.
In the meantime, the League and its partners continue to encourage local governments to take this time to assess community needs and discuss ways that these funds can be invested in transformational projects with a long-lasting impact for their communities. The League continues to collaborate with groups across the state and the country to assist municipalities with their decision-making in any way we can. Recently, the League has been participating in ARP office hours organized by the School of Government. (article from NCLM bulletin) Finance Staff is preparing a presentation on ARPA funding at the upcoming October 12, 2021 City Council Strategic Planning Meeting. Also, at this meeting, there will be an overview/timeline of the Budget Schedule for FY 2022-2023.
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