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Celebrating A Decade of Service in Morrisville Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 21, 2021
Alert: Governor Cooper announces that all unvaccinated high schoolers and students through eighth grade should wear masks in Schools.

13,541 Covid 19 Deaths in NC.  59% Partially Vaccinated with One Dose and 56% Fully Vaccinated.   

The delta variant of the coronavirus continues to surge and accounts for an estimated 83% of U.S. COVID-19 cases.  Get Vaccinated!   

Breaking News Alerts
Blue Origin crew travels to the edge of Space!
Olympics starts on July 23rd.
Tennis player Coco Gauff and an increasing number of athletes drop out of Olympics due to Covid 19. 

Opening Ceremonies on Friday!
Congrats to Novak Djokovic who ties all time Federer Grand Slam record (20) with Wimbledon win!  
Collin Moriwaka wins British Open!
Milwaukee Bucks win first NBA Title in 50 Years!
Giannis Antetenkoumpo wins MVP with 50-point game!
30-year-old Morrisville Resident and Nepali Immigrant, Amit Bharati dies of complications of Covid 19 which he contracted on visit to Nepal.
July 22 Birthday Celebration and Reception with Special Guest North Carolina Senator Wiley Nickel!
Join us on Thursday, July 22 at the Blue Fox Restaurant in Cary to celebrate my Birthday and a Decade of Service to the Town of Morrisville!  We will be joined by elected leaders, business and community leaders at this Special Event!
A New Decade of Service in Morrisville
On July 26th, I will be filing for re-election to the At Large Seat on the Morrisville Council.   

I look forward to FOUR MORE years of leading an All-America City and one of the most diverse, inclusive, and innovative Towns in the nation.  Our Town is a perfect example of how well Democracy works when you bring people together from every nation in the world, and leverage innovation and citizen engagement.  We can Live the World in an All-America City!  

If you send me back for a fourth term, I will give always you my best, and will do what I can to ask our Staff to come forward with more ideas on how we can reduce the amount of dense development to address the concerns of over capped schools, and infrastructure needs.   

I thank all of the citizens who have expressed their frustrations on these issues. I appreciate each of you, and look forward to addressing these concerns though changes in our Planning and Development Process.  

In my next term, I look forward to developing a Play Book, and calling the plays, which will help the Town of Morrisville become the number one Town in the state and nation to live, work and play in.  The Miracle of Morrisville will continue. 
MY LAST DECADE IN MORRISVILLE

It has been an honor to serve on the Council for the past decade.  I continue to be amazed at the all of the progress we have made since I was elected, and I am honored to serve on a winning team, that is making the Live Connected/Live Well brand ring true for every citizen and business who calls Morrisville home.

This year, the Town of Morrisville was named as the tenth most livable city in America by Money Magazine and most recently, we were recognized by the National Civic League as an All-America City.  Number One is just around the corner. Nothing is impossible, when our Council works with engaged citizens and staff, to execute on major projects and do great work, even during this Pandemic.

A renovated Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center, Wake County Library, a completed McCrimmon Parkway Extension, Wake Competition Ice Rink, a Professional Cricket Team, the commencement of the Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, the Educational Advisory Committee, Smart Shuttle Program, and our Smart City Initiative are just a few examples of the great work being done by our world class Staff and Council.  (I will talk more about the Smart Shuttle in my next newsletter)

Parkside Elementary, a proposed Middle School/High School in the 7-year strategic CIP plan, and a future early Career High School at Wake Tech RTP also demonstrate the tremendous progress we are making with schools in Morrisville.
Thanks to each of you, we continue to fly to the greatest heights, as the Miracle of Morrisville continues. Prepare the Cabin for Lift Off!

I look forward to serving you another four years
A GREAT DECADE IN MORRISVILLE!
In December 2021, I will begin my 10th year on the Council.  I was sworn in to my first term in December 2011.

This week, I ran ten miles across the Town and enjoyed seeing many of the projects which I saw take place during the decade.  What amazes me most is that none of these landmarks or projects existed when I was sworn in.
Living Connected to Parks and Greenways
Western Wake Farmers Market

Google Fiber!
Northwest Park
Church Street Park! (Cricket Capital of the US!) 
Shiloh Greenway
Hatcher Creek Greenway
Healthy Food Hub
New Schools
Parkside Elementary
Wake Tech RTP
Wake Competition Center! 
More Places to Live!
Berkshires
Town Hall North
Cotton Place
The Station
The Bristol
The District Lofts
Thriving Businesses!
Fount Coffee
Park West Village
Grace Park
Stone Theaters
Thanks to the citizens who gave me the opportunity to serve and lead a Town where we can Live so Connected and Well!
2020 and 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
In the midst of a global pandemic, Council, Staff, and engaged citizens worked continued to execute on major projects and milestones, so our Town can remain one of the most diverse, inclusive, and small Towns in North Carolina!

Here are a few of our top achievements!
  • MORRISVILLE NAMED 10th MOST LIVABLE CITY IN USA BY MONEY MAGAZINE!
  • WE COMPLETED THE CENSUS!  
  • EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED! 
  • McCrimmon Extension Completed! 
  • Wake County Library!  
  • Morrisville Fire Department Receives ISO Certification 
  • A New Aquatics Center! 
  • CRABTREE HATCHER GREENWAY OPENED!  
  • Black Lives Matter March to honor George Floyd 
  • Launched Energov! 
  • Town Center RFP Issued! 
  • SMART CITY Committee Established!
  • Open Data Portal Established.
  • Morrisville Named All-America City!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WINS:   

  • Microsoft Expands in Morrisville!  
  • Outlet Mall becomes the Stitch! 
  • Genetics Company Invitae announces expansion in Morrisville! 
  • 774 jobs and $1.4 million investment.   
  • Apple Announces Innovation Hub in Research Triangle! 

In 2021, we look a Bond Referendum Vote in November, complete the Morrisville Carpenter Road Project, continuing work on Airport Boulevard and Louis Stephens Road, Sustainability and Smart City Initiatives, Pedestrian Connectivity and the Smart Shuttle Launch!

Please go to www.steverao.com to read my past newsletters (in Media Section) to catch up on my Morrisville Plays.  I will in my next newsletter, highlights some of my goals for the next term.  
Morrisville Named 10th Most Livable City
Morrisville Fire Department Receives ISO Certification
McCrimmon Extension Completed!
Morrisville Named All-America City
Open Data Portal Established
Outlet Mall becomes the Stitch
BACK TO IN-PERSON EVENTS!
MORRISVILLE CHAMBER FIRST RESPONDER EVENT
Congratulations to Chris Salter from Morrisville Fire Department for receiving the Firefighter of the Year Award and to Officer Zachary Grady for winning the Police Officer of the Year!  

Thanks to Atlantic Tire and all of the sponsors for hosting this Chamber Event!  
IT SERV ALLIANCE CHARLOTTE CHAPTER LAUNCH 

I was honored to kick off the Charlotte Chapter of IT Service Alliance with Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Senator Mushtaba Mohammed, Rep. Wesley Harris, and Former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts.  IT Serveis the largest Association of IT Service Organizations and is committed to investing in the growth of minority owned small technology companies.  IT Serve also lobbies the US Congress and Senate on Comprehensive Immigration Reform.  
SAMP ARMY CRICKET FACILITY OPENS IN RALEIGH
Last Saturday, I was honored to launch the SAMP ARMY Indoor Training Facility in Raleigh with Former Morrisville Mayor Mark Stohlman, Ritesh Patel and the SAMP Army team, and US Cricket Council CEO, Mac Quereshi.  Cricket Professional Corey Anderson was also in attendance.   The SAMP ARMY Cricket team is committed to promoting unity (meaning of SAMP) through the game of cricket.   

During the event, Mac Quereshi unveiled plans for the new Cricket Stadium which will be built in Siler City!  We look forward to exploring options in Morrisville! 
RUFUS EDMISTEN TURNS 80!
Great to celebrate Rufus’s 80th Birthday!  I loved his message on love and empathy, and their importance in living a life of fulfillment.
This Week in Morrisville
Upcoming Meetings
July 27th Council Meeting 6 pm.   
Stream Live at www.townofmorrisville.org    
Submit Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update for the week of July 19:
  • Work will continue on the north side of Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle) and at the new driveway for Morrisville Square
  • The contractor will be installing storm pipe along Town Hall Drive near the Morrisville Carpenter Road intersection
  • Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations in this area between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.

July Neighborhood Street, Parking Lot, and Sidewalk Repairs
The Town of Morrisville has contracted with Fred Smith Company Inc. to perform street paving repairs and curb repairs to the following areas starting Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23.

Sidewalk repairs are currently underway throughout the Town to remove over 560 trip hazards. Residents may be asked to move their vehicles in advance of repair work. For questions, contact the Morrisville Public Works Department by calling (919) 463-7070. Updates will be posted on the town’s website.
  • Bending Oak Way – (mill and overlay and asphalt patching) 
  • Crabtree Crossing – Crabtree Crossing Parkway (crack sealing and asphalt patching)
  • Liberty Rose Drive - (mill and overlay and asphalt repair)
  • Morrisville Community Park – (mill and overlay asphalt repair) NOTE: The park will be closed until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, and on Wednesday, July 21. Athletic activities scheduled will continue after 4 p.m. 
  • Morrisville Town Hall parking lot - (mill and overlay and asphalt patching)
  • Town of Morrisville Public Safety Building parking lot – (mill and overlay and asphalt patching)
Public Works Food Drive and Document Shred Event July 24
Saturday, July 24, the Morrisville Public Works Department will host both a “Fill the Public Works Truck” food drive and Local Government Federal Credit Union sponsored document shred event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 240 Town Hall Drive behind the Town Hall Connector building in Morrisville. For the types of food donations accepted and details on document the shred event, click here to visit the town’s website.
Morrisville’s Pop-Up Dog Park is July 18, August 1
Morrisville’s “Pop-Up” dog park rain day is Sunday, July 18 for those registered.
Morrisville's next "pop-up" dog park is Sunday, August 1, at Morrisville Community Park with registration opening Monday, July 19. Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating. Waivers are due Friday for Sunday reservations. Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms.
Inspections, Permits Portal Upgrades Scheduled for July 30 – August 2
The Town’s Customer Self-Service (CSS) online portal is being upgraded for an enhanced experience and will be offline Friday, July 30, and will reopen on Monday, August 2. During that time, Town staff and our customers will be unable to access accounts, submit applications/documents, or request inspections. We appreciate your patience during this time while we work to boost our online permit capabilities.
S’Morrisville - August 11
2021 S’Morrisville event, which will be held on August 11. Plans are to have s’mores for residents at multiple locations across town. More details will be released soon.
Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
The Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) offers healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday! Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
National News
Infrastructure Deal
Republicans plan to block $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Deal.  

Wildfires
Smoke from wildfires in the West cast a haze over New York City. 
Thomas Barrack
Federal officials arrested Thomas Barrack, chairman of Donald Trump’s inaugural committee, on charges of failing to register as a foreign lobbyist and obstruction.
Haiti Assassination
Haiti’s police arrested three officers over the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and Haiti is in crisis. 
North Carolina Updates
NC Senate Considers Replacing NC High School Tennis Association with State Board 
State lawmakers on Tuesday discussed a plan to drastically change the landscape of high school athletics in North Carolina.

A revised House Bill 91 would remove the authority to administer high school athletics in North Carolina from the N.C. High School Athletic Association and place it under the state Department of Administration, where a 17-member commission would be housed.

The NCHSAA has administered high school sports in North Carolina since its founding in 1913.  

Wake County Schools Mask Mandate 
At Tuesday's WCPSS board meeting, parents argued for and against a mask mandate for the upcoming school year. Wake County is pushing for the mandate. 
NCDHHS Offers Home Vaccination Clinics 
In the meantime, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is offering free at-home vaccines for citizens with mobility issues. NCDHHS said people who can't leave the house can call 1-866-303-0026 to schedule an in-home vaccine appointment.
NC Vaccine Lottery 
Finally, the third $1 million COVID-19 vaccine lottery drawing w happened at 10 a.m. today. The drawing will once again be done by a random number generator, and it will take a couple days for the department to verify and contact the winners of the $1 million cash winner and the $125,000 scholarship.
NC Vaccinations for Limited Mobility 
NCDHHS announced that it is partnering with Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (PTRC AAA) to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to people with limited mobility who cannot leave their home. This new initiative expands PTRC AAA's local at-home vaccination program to communities across the state.

Caregivers, providers and individuals can schedule an at-home vaccination through the At-Home Vaccination Hotline at 1-866-303-0026. An online registration form is also available at www.ptrc.org/covid. A PTRC Vaccination Specialist will follow up to schedule an at-home vaccination
UPCOMING EVENTS
Atlantic Tennis Tire Tennis Championships - July 19-25
Atlantic Tennis Tire Tennis Championships!  Mens’ ATP Challenger Event from July 19- July 25th!   

July 27th NC RIOT Augmented Reality Challenge
July 27th NC RIOT Augmented Reality Challenge at Meymandi Hall!

Immersive augmented reality technology experiences, a pitch contest with up to $40k up for grabs, an all-star panel of judges, craft beer, augmented reality artists and more!

Register in advance at https://bit.ly/RYRfinalpitch
July 27th Council Meeting 6 pm.
July 27th Council Meeting 6 pm.   

Stream Live at www.townofmorrisville.org    

Submit Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org
S’Morrisville August 11
2021 S’Morrisville event, which will be held on August 11. Plans are to have s’mores for residents at multiple locations across town. More details will be released soon.
Start Up Summit - Sept. 22
Radio / TV
Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.   

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
POD TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
My Weekly Update:
NC Covid Dashboard:

13,541 Covid 19 Deaths in NC/ 59% Partially Vaccinated with One Dose and 56% Fully Vaccinated.

Vaccinations:  9,545,743 Total Doses Administered and 352,856 Single Shot Doses.
  • For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.  
  • Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.    
  • For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.    
  • 1,516,310 applied for UI Benefits, 996,757 Paid Benefits, $12.4 Billion Payments Issues.
  • Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/

Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

For Covid 19 Testing Sites in Wake County visit http://www.wakegov.com/covidvaxandtest/Pages/default.aspx 

734 new COVID-19 cases were reported in North Carolina on Monday. This comes after cases exceeded 1,000 over the weekend.

Hospitalizations also surpassed 600 -- with 612 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state.

86 confirmed COVID-19 patients were admitted to NC hospitals in the last 24 hours.

The percent of positive tests is at 5.8%.

59% of the adult population of North Carolina has at least one dose of the vaccine.

CASES:
871 Newly reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 1,026,967 Cases (Deaths = 13,541) 
+ 672 Hospitalized    
+ 7.3% Positive Rate

+ Wake County = 89,922 Cases (Deaths = 737)

+ US = 34.1 million cases/ 609,000 deaths 
+ India = 30.5 million cases/400,000 Deaths. 
+ Worldwide = 191 million cases/ 4.1 million deaths
Office Hours
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com