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From Mayor Dusch: face coverings required, Phase 2 paused
Statement from Concord Mayor Bill Dusch:
North Carolina pauses in Safer at Home Phase 2, adds Statewide requirement for face coverings
Revisions effective June 26 at 5 p.m.
 
"The COVID-19 numbers for Concord, Cabarrus County, and North Carolina are heading in the wrong direction. Since North Carolina moved into Phase 2 of lifting restrictions almost five weeks ago, the rate of positive tests over 14 days in Cabarrus County has risen from 5 percent to 10 percent. There have been 10 local COVID-related deaths since entering Phase 2 on May 22.
COVID-19 will continue to take more lives if we do not take steps now to stop the spread.

Scientific evidence shows that preventative measures such as hand washing and wearing face coverings are effective ways to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community by lowering risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The City Council and I thank Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen for announcing that  coverings over the nose and mouth must be worn  when people are in both indoor and outdoor public spaces across our state. This step, in addition to encouraging people to stay six feet apart, wash hands, and stay home when ill, will help each of us protect our families, friends and neighbor. It is also a necessary step to restore our economy, get people back to work, and get our children back to school.

Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not yet showing symptoms of the virus.  One such study was recently published by scientists at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and the UNC School of Medicine .  Please learn more at  covid19.ncdhhs.gov .

I encourage businesses and local organizations to download templates for signs on face coverings  here . Downloadable  social media graphics  are also available for use. Share your commitment with friends, family, and neighbors using the #Commit4Cabarrus hashtag on social media.

We are still in this together. Let's all do our part. It's up to us."
Face Covering Info
In observance of Independence Day, City of Concord offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.
 
Garbage, recycling, and bulky waste collection will operate on a normal schedule next week. However, all customers are asked to place yard waste at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29. All yard waste will be collected by the end of the day Thursday, July 2.
 
Customers are reminded that all garbage, recycling, and bulky waste must be placed at curb by 6:00 a.m. on their collection day. If items are set out after 6:00 a.m., they may not be located and miss collection. Customers should consider placing items at the curb after 5:00 p.m. the night before, and can visit concordnc.gov/whatsmyday or download the  CARTology mobile app to verify their collection schedule.
 
Rider Transit will not operate on Saturday, July 4. Normal service will run on Friday, July 3 and Sunday, July 5.
 
City parks, greenways, Lake Fisher recreation area , and the McInnis Aquatics Center will remain open on the normal schedule , with some limitations and restrictions in place due to COVID-19 . Additionally, all recreation centers and several other facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. Find out what's open and what's not at concordparksandrec.org .
 
Per the schedule established by City Council , the historic Gamewell Diaphone at Fire Station 1 will sound one blast at noon on Independence Day to commemorate the birth of our nation.
City of Concord
Named Healthiest Employers of Greater Charlotte
Team Concord continues to place a high priority on health and wellness. Not only do we provide routine emails and wellness tips to employees, we also post wellness information and tips in break rooms, communal area, and on our monitors throughout the workplace. Our wellness seminars have increased over the past year as well to include presenting a wider variety of topics. Our fitness facilities continue to be utilized by employees before and after work as well on holidays and weekends further demonstrating the commitment our employees have for their health.

We have walking competitions and weight loss competitions between departments. In addition, our Recreation Department is developing healthy eating/cooking classes for employees. Our on-site Wellness Center provides a no-fee option for employees to access maintenance medications as well as routine medical examinations. Overall, employee health and wellness remain a priority of the City. - Lloyd Payne City Manager
Parks and Recreation
Want to find out what's open and what's not? We'll keep this chart updated at  concordparksandrec.org  and also share with you here from time to time
July Fourth Firework Safety
While fireworks are one of the things we enjoy most about the Fourth of July, they are also one of the greatest safety concerns. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, including burns, lacerations, eye injuries, vision loss, dismemberment, and even death. Sadly, children and young adults are the majority of victims of fireworks accidents requiring emergency room treatment. Many young children suffer burns from sparklers, which are often mistakenly considered safe for kids. You can help make the holiday safe for your family and friends by ensuring that fireworks are used in a legal and appropriate manner.

The State of North Carolina and the City of Concord only allow the sale or use of certain “permissible” fireworks that do not explode, rise in the air, travel laterally on the ground, or fire projectiles into the air. These permissible fireworks may only be sold to those 16 years of age or older, and include sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snake and glow worms, trick noisemakers such as string poppers or snappers, and toy pistol caps. These are distinguishable from other fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, missiles, bottle rockets, and shells, which are not legal in North Carolina. Be responsible and safe while enjoying time spent with family and friends. For more information about Fireworks safety, contact the Fire Department at 704-920-5517.
Weekly video update from Cabarrus Health Alliance
As of June 26th, The Cabarrus COVID-19 case count is Total: 953; Recovered: 689; Deaths: 32; Active: 232; Cabarrus County Residents currently hospitalized: 6. Our case numbers are climbing rapidly. Please practice the 3 W’s – Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Wait at least 6 feet apart. Wear a cloth face covering or mask. Reminder that Cabarrus Health Alliance now offers onsite testing Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment o nly. Please call to make an appointment at 704-920-1213. Please visit cabarrushealth.org for the latest data and other resources.
COVID-19 TESTING

Sustainable Suggestion -
Just Mow & Go! Tips for Grasscycling
In the City of Concord, grass clippings and other yard waste are collected and eventually turned into compost by a contractor. Did you know it's OK - and a more sustainable practice - to leave grass clippings on the lawn? It's called grasscycling, and it reduces waste and helps keep our water cleaner. Check out this informative video to learn why it's good to just "mow & go!"
Upcoming Meetings

Please note, until further notice all meetings will be conducted over video conference. Please open the  agenda for the desired meeting in the table below to join the meeting vi a Zoom.

July 7th  City Council Work Session 4:00 PM

July 8th  Historic Preservation 6:30 PM

July 9th  City Council Regular Session 6:00 PM

June 16th  Planning and Zoning 6:00 PM

#LOCALGOV

Join #TEAMCONCORD!

Are you or someone you know looking for a challenging career with excellent benefits? We're hiring for full and part-time positions with a range of education and experience requirements, including employment opportunities perfect for students. Visit the Concord Careers Portal to get started or call 704-920-5100.
The City of Concord partners with our community to deliver excellent service, and plans for the future while preserving, protecting, and enhancing the quality of life.
High 5 for Excellent Service

Over 1,000 people in our organization spend every day focused on providing the services needed to keep our community moving. Regardless of which department, all of Concord’s coworkers are committed to providing excellent, customer-focused service. Nine principles help us deliver a high level of quality services: Concern for the Individual, Customer Focus, Fair and Equitable Service, Professional Service, Effective Communications, Taking Ownership, Timeliness, Teamwork, and Great Service Recovery.

Have you experienced great service from Team Concord?
If so, we hope you’ll let us know so we can recognize that coworker with a "High 5 for Excellent Service." You can get started at  concordnc.gov/highfive  or call us at 704-920-6400 to submit your acknowledgment via the telephone voicemail line.