Tune in this evening at 8pm to Radio Nyra for our interview with Dr. Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the US India Strategic Partnership Forum on the upcoming Modi visit!  

99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!  

www.radionyra.com 

My commentary on Nate Saunders Show will resume on June 30 at 3 pm!  Tune in to 98.5FM and 680AM. 

https://rss.com/podcasts/wptf-afternoon-news/

Check out CBS 17 story on Apple expansion and its impact on Morrisville.  

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/apple-moving-forward-with-281-acre-campus-near-morrisville-documents-show/

Morrisville Police Investigating Shooting

On Saturday, June 17, at 7:26 p.m., Morrisville police officers were dispatched to a shooting incident that occurred at the intersection of Davis Drive and Morrisville Carpenter Road. 

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a dark-colored Audi in the roadway with three male victims inside. All three victims (ages 17, 21 and 30) sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were transported to a local hospital. The victims are currently in stable condition.

The vehicle carrying the suspect(s) away from the scene was a dark-colored sedan. 

No other information is currently available.

The shooting does not appear to be random, and there is no threat to public safety.

JUNE 20 IS WORLD REFUGEE DAY

https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

My World Refugee Day Message:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/276844918219295

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several types of forcibly displaced persons.   

 I will share more insights on refugees in my next newsletter. 

PRIME MINISTER MODI VISITS US FOR THE FIRST STATE VISIT 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/20/indias-modi-on-way-to-us-for-first-state-visit-since-becoming-pm

Note: I did not write this article and it is taken from the Aljazeera Article. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and address the Congress, with military and technological ties on the agenda as his hosts seek a regional counter to China.

“We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology and other such areas,” Modi posted on Twitter before he left on Tuesday for his first state visit to the US since assuming power in 2014.

The leader of the world’s most populous nation will attend a state dinner at the White House on Thursday – only Biden’s third since his inauguration.

Hailed by New Delhi as an “historic” chance to “expand and consolidate” ties, the visit comes at a time of rising concerns over the treatment of its Muslim minority, human rights, and democratic backsliding under the Hindu nationalist leader.

But Biden has made clear he sees US ties to India as a defining relationship that will jointly address some of the most difficult global challenges in coming years, including climate change, disruptions related to artificial intelligence, and China’s growing power in the Indo-Pacific.

HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS 

Modi’s three-day visit to the US comes amid human rights groups and political opponents accusing the Indian leader of stifling dissent and pursuing divisive policies that discriminate against Muslims and other minorities.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, urged Biden in a letter not to shy away from confronting Modi on India’s “worsening human rights situation”.

Her organization plans a Tuesday screening in Washington of a BBC documentary critical of Modi that was banned by the Indian government.

The documentary delves into Modi’s oversight as chief minister of Gujarat during the deadly 2002 anti-Muslim riots that left more than 1,000 dead. Rights groups say the official death toll is an undercount.

In 2005, Washington revoked Modi’s visa to the US, citing concerns that he did not act to stop the Gujarat violence. An investigation approved by India’s Supreme Court later absolved Modi, but the stain of the dark moment has lingered.

More recently, Modi has faced criticism over legislation amending the country’s citizenship law that fast-tracks naturalization for some migrants but excludes Muslims, a rise in violence against Muslims and other religious minorities by Hindu nationalists, and the recent conviction of India’s main opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, for mocking Modi’s surname.

INDIA RUSSIA TIES

The US has also avoided publicly chastising India for its muted criticism of old ally Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and New Delhi’s growing reliance on Russian oil, which stands at 19 percent of India’s annual crude imports from two percent in 2021.

When asked by the Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Monday about critical comments in the US for not taking a more forceful stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Modi said: “I don’t think this type of perception is widespread in the US. I think India’s position is well known and well understood in the entire world. The world has full confidence that India’s top-most priority is peace.”

Modi in the interview called for changes to global institutions like the United Nations to adapt them for an increasingly “multipolar world order”, and make them more representative of the world’s less-affluent countries.

India would like to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said. “The world should be asked if it wants India to be there.”

TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND UNITED STATES

Trade between the US and India in 2022 climbed to a record $191bn. The nearly five million Indian diaspora in the US – its wealthiest ethnic group – has become an economic, cultural and political powerhouse.

Biden has sought to reinvigorate the Quad while the US defense sales to India have risen from near zero in 2008 to more than $20 bn in 2020.

Modi’s US visit begins on Wednesday when he will lead foreign dignitaries and bureaucrats in a session for International Yoga Day at the UN Secretariat in New York. Yoga, an ancient discipline first practiced by Hindu sages, is now one of India’s most successful cultural exports after Bollywood.

Nine years ago, Modi successfully lobbied the UN to designate June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, he has harnessed yoga as a cultural soft power to stretch his nation’s diplomatic reach and project himself as an “ascetic” leader.

OFFICIAL STATE VISIT PROGRAM

The official state visit portion of Modi’s trip starts on Thursday and includes an Oval Office meeting with Biden, an address to a joint meeting of Congress, and a lavish White House dinner hosted by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

On Friday, Modi will be honored at a State Department luncheon hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and he is scheduled to address members of the Indian diaspora before leaving Washington.   Prime Minister Modi is expected to address Congress on the afternoon of June 22.  

India’s ANI news agency on Tuesday said Modi will also meet Tesla’s Elon Musk, who also owns Twitter, among other business leaders during the trip.

There will be a White House Arrival Ceremony on June 22, along with a June 23d address at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.  

I plan to attend a few of these events but will be in DC for the week.  

The Indian leader will depart for Egypt from the US for a two-day visit starting Saturday.

MY INSIGHTS ON MODI VISIT TO UNITED STATES, THE RISE OF NEW INDIA

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/06/20/its-indias-time-prime-ministers-visit-to-us-highlights-ongoing-transformation/

My Message on Modi visit: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/113232718472932

In 2007, I led a business mission to India as a Member of TIE Carolinas in collaboration with the US-India Political Action Committee.  (USINPAC)

After a long day of meetings in Ahmedabad, our delegation looked forward to a meeting with the state’s Chief Minister.  We had heard that he was a very progressive leader, who was accomplishing great things for his state.  

His name was Narendra Modi. 

We often forget that before becoming the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. During my meeting with him, I quickly noticed that this man had a vision for India, far greater than anyone could imagine.  He also was very excited to know that I had married into a family from his state, and that there were many Gujarati immigrants that called North Carolina home.  

During our meeting, Modi shared with our delegation his focus on various initiatives and policies aimed at the development of his state, primarily his efforts on economic development, infrastructure development, solar power, and the development of a Knowledge Economy.  His passion and drive were amazing, and I clearly remember that there was a line of Executives from companies all over the world waiting to meet him.  North Carolina Economic Development Director, Paul Butler, was blown away with how many countries were lining up to meet the Chief Minister, a line much longer than any Governor of North Carolina would see.  

A quick search on Chat GPT clearly revealed that Modi’s vision for his state led to incredible results in his 13 years of leadership as Chief Minister. 

Economic Development: With regards to Economic Development, Modi focused on attracting investment and promoting industrial growth in Gujarat. He initiated the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, a biennial event that serves as a platform for business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the state. This summit helped Gujarat become one of India's leading industrial hubs and attracted significant domestic and foreign investment.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Modi prioritized infrastructure development in Gujarat. He spearheaded projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development, which transformed the riverfront area of Ahmedabad into a vibrant public space. He also emphasized the improvement of roads, highways, airports, and ports, enhancing connectivity within the state and with the rest of the country.  It should not be a surprise that the world’s most valuable company, Apple, is continuing to pivot to India, eyeing its potential as both a consumer market and production hub. 

Agriculture and Rural Development: Modi implemented various initiatives to support the agricultural sector and rural development in Gujarat. He introduced water management schemes, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, to provide irrigation and drinking water to farmers and rural communities. He also launched programs to improve agricultural productivity, promote agro-industries, and empower rural women through initiatives like the self-help group movement.

Solar Power: Under Modi's leadership, Gujarat became a pioneer in the field of solar power generation. He encouraged the development of solar parks and implemented policies to promote solar energy adoption. The state witnessed significant growth in solar power installations and emerged as a leading solar energy producer in India.

Education and Skill Development: Modi emphasized the importance of education and skill development for the youth of Gujarat. He focused on improving the quality of education, establishing new schools and colleges, and promoting vocational training programs. His efforts aimed to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market.

Fast forward 16 years, and it is clear, that Modi has been able to expand the vision he had for his own state of Gujarat to the entire nation of India, resulting in the 5th largest economy in the world, and a major player on the world stage.   

India is on the rise, big time.  

This fact was made evident a few weeks ago, when I hosted Indian Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu in Morrisville for the US India Business Connection conference and attended the Select USA Conference Reception at his residence in Washington D.C.   

Ambassador Sandhu shared some key points for all of us in attendance, which I will do my best to summarize for all of you.  

1.   YOUNG INDIA. 60 % of India’s population is under the age of 26.  This provides the country with an huge talent pool for the global economy, and provides a market for US Companies, looking to expand trade and seeking new business opportunities.  In addition, the Prime Minister is dedicated to also workforce training and programs to transition much of the population into a knowledge workforce.  

2.   Start Ups are on the rise in India.  The growth of the younger population also positions India to be creating many of the new jobs, which John Chambers has mentioned will be necessary to offset job loss through automation and the acceleration of AI.   Ambassador Sandhu reminded us that there are 100,000 startups in India, and 30 of them are already $1billion unicorns.

3.   Digital India:  India now has 1.2 billion with a digital identity (99% of the population). The Government Initiative Aadhaar, gives every Indian a unique 12-digit ID number verifiable by fingerprints or an iris scan. This platform allows them to process payments, and basically conduct all commerce on their mobile devices.  A key distinctive feature of the platform its most distinctive is that it is publicly owned and operated, unlike in the West, where digital platforms such as Google and Facebook are private monopolies that can share your data to make a profit.  

The Adddhaar Platform is having a profound impact India’s economy especially in the rural villages. Indians who would never have access to banks, can now create a bank account in minutes, and transfer money without bank fees like in this country. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)  

And Digital India can accelerate the growth of small businesses in India. 

Nandan Nilekani, the visionary architect of Aadhaar envisions using the platform to get loans to the millions of small businesses scattered throughout the country. If 10 million small businesses get loans and hire two people, 20 million jobs could be created in a matter of weeks. (Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, April 2023)

4.   Broadband: 

Mukesh Ambani, India’s biggest and most ambitious business leader, made a staggering $46 billion bet when he offered very cheap phones and data packages through his telecom service Jio, he could get most Indians on the internet. His plan worked.  With most using smartphones as their computers, more than 700 million Indians now use the internet. In 2015, India was ranked 122nd for per capita mobile data consumption. Last year, it was first, exceeding the consumption of China and the United States combined.  

In addition, while Secretary Weaver is working hard, to invest the $1billion of ARP broadband funding in North Carolina, all of us were shocked to hear that India has already deployed broadband access to over 340 million citizens in the the rural villages, which will also have a positive impact on economic growth.  

The Indian government has launched the Smart Cities Mission to develop 100 smart cities across the country. These smart cities aim to leverage technology and data to enhance the quality of life for residents, and to improve urban infrastructure.  

5.   Infrastructure: And remember Modi’s commitment to infrastructure when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat? Government infrastructure spending has risen fivefold since fiscal 2014. India has been investing heavily in transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and ports. The government has initiated numerous projects to improve connectivity across the country, such as the Bharatmala project for road development, the Sagarmala project for port-led development, and the expansion of metro rail networks in various cities.   The average construction of national highways has roughly doubled, along with seaport capacity and the number of airports. 

6.   Sustainable India:  As Prime Minister, Modi has also been able to continue his vision for a sustainable India. The renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power, has also witnessed significant growth, with the government setting ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition.  Also, India has been working towards enhancing its power generation capacity and expanding access to electricity as it has launched initiatives scheme to provide electricity to rural and remote areas.  

7.   Indian Foreign Direct Investment in US:  Finally, I also attended the Select USA Reception at Ambassador Sandhu’s residence where he hosted the largest Indian Delegation in History at a conference which is focused on marketing US States for global foreign direct investment.   I was pleased to see our Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary of Commerce Machelle Sanders, and EDPNC CEO, Chris Chung at the reception making a case of how North Carolina is a great state for Indian companies to expand operations.  (Adding to Infosys, Bharat Forge, and HCL to name a few).   

During the event, the Ambassador presented the Foreign Direct Investment report, released by the Federation of Indian Industry, which he presented to the new US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.  

Indian companies invested $40 billion in US, creating 425,000 jobs, contributed $1 billion in Research and Development, and $195 million in corporate social responsibility.  North Carolina did not make the top ten list.  I hope that Governor Cooper and his Commerce Team left this event, even more inspired to do more to recruit more Indian multinationals to North Carolina, adding to the list of Indian Companies, like Infosys, HCL, and Bharat Forge that now call North Carolina home.  After all, we do have an office in Bengalaru, and one of the fastest growing Indian Communities in the Triangle.  

I look forward next week to attending the White House Arrival Ceremony for Prime Minister Modi, and hear the Prime Minister address the United States Congress and the Business Leaders at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (John Chambers is the Chair) at the Kennedy Center on Friday.  

As we prepare to welcome Prime Minister Modi to the United States, let us be inspired by the tremendous opportunities for collaboration between North Carolina and India, including the expansion of trade, investment, and also, partnerships with our Community College System to expand training programs for a very young Indian workforce.  (They do not have an established community college system)  

More importantly, from where I sit as an elected official, and a business leader, I hope that all of us can draw inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s bold leadership for the world largest democracy, and now fifth largest economy in the world.  

In his Modi’s own words, India’s time has arrived.  

The transformation of the Indian economy did not happen overnight.  It took bold vision and decisive action to get India moving in the right direction. Expect more market leading companies to join the likes of Apple and Cisco to invest in India in the very near future.  I am sure many CEOs across many industries will be interested in what the Prime Minister has to say about his plans for India’s economy.  

There is still much work to do.  As of 2019, about 45 percent of Indians — more than 600 million people — live on less than $3.65 a day.

And let's not forget inclusivity, addressing concerns about the mistreatment and discrimination of religious minorities, women, and the suppression of free speech in India during Modi’s term. 

In addition, many in diplomatic circles are concerned about India’s non stance towards Russia, as it appears as their need for Russian Oil, is forcing their silence on the Russian war against Ukraine.  I am hoping that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi can address these issues during this state visit.

While the US-India relationship is critically important to counter the rise of China as a major world rival of the United States, I hope our Congressional and State Leaders, can learn one important lesson from India’s prime minister. 

Governing is not enough.  Executing a vision is critical for the future of any nation.  

Modi is getting it done for India.  

PM Modi visits Washington DC this week with a planned Address to Congress, a state dinner, and address to Indian American Diaspora.  

Check online at CSpan for his live address to Congress at https://www.c-span.org/networks/. 

MARTHA PAIGE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

On Tuesday, Martha Paige announced her retirement as Town Manager, effective October 1.  

Paige became town manager in September 2013, after having served as assistant city manager for the City of Winston-Salem for seven years. She also worked as that city’s deputy finance officer and as the finance director for the city’s coliseum and convention center.

During her tenure in Morrisville – the longest-ever by a Morrisville town manager – the Town was named an All-America City (2021), in addition to numerous other accolades, and has achieved and maintained three AAA credit ratings from three credit rating agencies. Morrisville is the smallest community to achieve and maintain these ratings.

Paige is thankful and proud of the work that she has done with the Morrisville Town Council, helping them achieve their goals and priorities, including finding pathways to getting many new projects and programs implemented for the betterment of the community. Among these are the Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project, the advancement of the Town Center development, and the Town’s future dog park. She also worked with council to get the 2021 bond referendum approved.

Paige helped to cultivate and promote a welcoming, positive, and productive work culture among Town employees, fostering an environment where employees are considered and treated as the most vital part of the organization. When listing accomplishments that mean the most to her, she points to the creation of a high performing, caring, and compassionate management team that supports and cares for each other.

“I have been fortunate to have found the perfect place to call home for the past 10 years in Morrisville, and I will be forever grateful and appreciative of the opportunities I have received as town manager here,” Paige said. “I am proud of the accomplishments that I, Town Council, and Morrisville staff have achieved together. There is no greater reward than loving your job and the people you work with. I look forward to what is to come, but my heart will never be too far away from Town Hall.”- Martha Paige 

On a personal note, I wanted to thank her for her support, friendship, and for being the face of progress for our Town across the region and state of North Carolina. 

I will be sharing more thoughts on her retirement in the coming months.

Remember! Apply for the Morrisville Means Business Program!   

Criteria are that revenues must be $500,000 or less, must have experienced a 15% decline in Revenues as a result of Covid, and must be headquartered in Triangle. 

https://www.townofmorrisville.org/businesses/morrisville-means-business-program

GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!

Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

TOWN OF MORRISVILLE EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES

We are excited to announce that the Town of Morrisville is extending Advisory Committee recruitment through June 26 at 5 pm!

We're searching for passionate individuals like you to join us in shaping the future of our community. While we accept applications for advisory committees on a rolling basis throughout the year, this extended period is focused on the three committees listed below.

We invite you to click on any committee of your interest below to gain insights into the incredible work they do and how your contribution can make a real difference. 

Performance Measures Advisory Committee: 

Are you passionate about enhancing transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Town of Morrisville? If so, join the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC) today! As a member of PMAC, you will have the opportunity to provide valuable suggestions and recommendations to staff and Town Council on town performance measures, process improvement projects, and benchmarks. Join PMAC now and be at the forefront of shaping a more efficient and accountable Morrisville!

Senior Advisory Committee: 

Calling all advocates for enhancing the quality of life for our seniors in Morrisville! Join the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) and make a significant impact on our senior population. As a member of SAC, you'll have the opportunity to explore, implement, and assist with innovative methods and concepts that directly improve the well-being of our seniors. Get involved in coordinating exciting events and activities specifically tailored for our seniors, creating a thriving social community. Showcase your creativity by planning and staffing exhibits at relevant events, promoting seniors' activities and engagement. Create informative articles published in local news media and the Town's newsletter, amplifying the visibility of seniors' programs. Make your voice heard as you recommend policies to the Morrisville Town Council, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of our seniors are prioritized. Your insights will be crucial as you review and provide valuable input on budget items associated with seniors' programs and activities. Join SAC today and be a catalyst for an inclusive and fulfilling experience for our seniors in Morrisville!

(Must be 55 or older to apply)

Environment and Stormwater Committee: 

Join the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC) as they lead the charge in promoting local recycling initiatives, innovative stormwater management solutions, and a range of other environmental programs and educational campaigns. As a member of MESC, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference in our community by recommending efforts that enhance the Town's environmental awareness and sustainability. Be a part of shaping the future as they review and propose recycling, stormwater, and environmental policies to the Morrisville Town Council. Apply today and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Morrisville!

Advisory committees gather regularly, either monthly or every other month, dedicating 30 to 90 minutes per meeting to discuss vital matters that affect our community and explore innovative solutions and strategies to assist in Town Council’s decision-making process. If selected for appointment you are expected to commit to a term of two years (term lengths may vary at Town Council discretion). Joining one of these committees provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to our community's growth and development. Your input and expertise in these areas would greatly assist in shaping the future of Morrisville. We encourage you to consider participating in this exciting endeavor.

If you have applied for a committee within the last 12 months, you do not need to reapply during this recruitment period. Your application will still be considered appointment.

Apply Here! 

If you have any questions or need assistance/accommodations to fill out an application, please do not hesitate to contact Town Clerk Eric Smith at (919) 463-6168 or via email at esmith@townofmorrisville.org.

Major League Cricket coming to Morrisville in July!  

Major League Cricket has announced the full schedule for America’s first-ever professional franchise cricket league, set to launch on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Two cricket-specific venues in North Texas (Grand Prairie Stadium, 1600 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX) and Morrisville (Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way, Morrisville, NC) will host 19 matches.

Many of the world’s top cricketers will represent six MLC teams competing to be crowned as the inaugural season champion on Sunday, July 30.

Tickets start at $15 for games in Morrisville.

Tickets are on sale now at tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.

Read the full news release at https://bit.ly/43YYfYt

PM Modi prepares for State Visit in Washington D.C on June 22. 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/narendra-modi-the-us-state-visit-8603499/

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VISITS

JUNE 13 COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Disarmed Arms” Student Presentation: Council received a presentation from a group of Carnage Middle School students on their “Disarmed Arms” project related to their work on enhancing gun safety and reducing gun violence.

Juneteenth Proclamation:

Town Council issued a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2023 as Juneteenth in the Town of Morrisville to recognize the abolition of slavery in the United States and encourage everyone to celebrate the culture and achievements of African Americans.

NCDOT Projects Update:

Council received an update from the Planning Department regarding current NCDOT projects occurring in the Town of Morrisville

• Airport Boulevard at I40 interchange access improvements.

• Airport Boulevard Extension – Phase I (Garden Square Lane to Church Street).

• McCrimmon Parkway widening and NC 54 (Chapel Hill Road) flyover.

• NC 54 (Chapel Hill Road) widening project.

Additional details on these projects can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Pages/default.aspx.

Rezoning Application for 900 and 1000 Perimeter Park Drive:

Town Council held a public hearing regarding a request to rezone 900 and 1000 Perimeter Park Drive from Corridor Commercial zoning to Conditional-Office Institutional zoning. This item is scheduled for action at the June 27 Council meeting.

 Mural Program: Town Council received an update on the Town’s proposed mural program, including modifications made to the definition of a “mural” and changes made to allow 100% of a wall to be covered by a mural based on Council and community feedback. Town Council added allowing murals in Industrial Management zoning districts and approved the mural program.

Summer Advisory Committee Recruitment: Council received an update on current Town Advisory Committee vacancies and the current recruitment process. After the most recent application deadline, the Town is seeking additional candidates particularly for the Morrisville Environment and Stormwater Committee (MESC), the Performance Measures Advisory Committee (PMAC), and the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC). Council has extended the recruitment period to June 26 and deferred consideration of appointments to all committees until the July 11 Town Council meeting.

More information on the Advisory Committees and a link to apply can be found on the Town’s website at https://www.townofmorrisville.org/government/resident-advisory-committees.

Town Manager Retirement Announcement: Martha Paige, Town Manager since September 2013, announced her retirement to be effective October 1, 2023. Town Council and staff will work together on transition and planning for the hiring of the next Town Manager

Town Now Accepting Fats, Oils, and Greases to be Re-Purposed as Biofuel

The Town of Morrisville now has an FOG Collection for household fats, oils, and greases outside the Public Works Department building at 414 Aviation Parkway. The collection is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it accepts fats including butter, shortening, cheese, and meat trimmings; oils including vegetable, olive, canola, and other cooking oils; and greases including bacon and sausage grease, gravy, mayonnaise and melted meat fats. A full list is included on the side of the collection. The FOGs can be repurposed into renewable biofuel. The collection also helps to keep these harmful substances out of the local water supply and protects household plumbing.

Public Information Session on Proposed Dog Park set for June 15 at Town Hall

The Town of Morrisville is developing plans for a dog park at the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Franklin Upchurch Senior Street. To gather feedback, the Town will host an open house information session with interactive exercise stations on June 15, from 6-8 p.m., at Town Hall, 100 Town Hall Drive. Participants will also be able to fill out a survey to provide feedback. For more information about the proposed dog park, please see the project page.

Registration Open for Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp in June and July 

The Town of Morrisville and Triangle Ultimate are partnering to offer the Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp June 26-30 and July 10-14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway. Participants can learn new skills, develop their game, create new friendships, enjoy mini games and scrimmages, and build character. The camp is open to children ages 7-15, and all experience and skill levels are welcome. Each week of camp will create groups of beginners and advanced players so that every camper can have a fun and challenging experience. The cost is $175 per week. Register for the June session here or the July session here.

Residents Can Discard Large Items for Collection during Bulk Item Pickup Week June 12-16

During this specially designated week, from June 12-16, residents receiving residential curbside solid waste services from GFL may leave a total of five acceptable bulk items curbside on their regular trash/recycling collection day. Pick up will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. No registration is required. A list of accepted items can be found on the Public Works web page.

Registration Now Open for Fall Sports Programming

Registration is now open for fall sports programming offered by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department, including developmental baseball, developmental softball, and recreational girls’ volleyball. Players will enjoy two activities per week from August to October. The developmental baseball and softball programs are designed to prepare players for the spring Little League season. Baseball programs are available for kids ages 5-12, softball is available for kids ages 8-12, and volleyball is available for girls ages 7-15. Registration is available online, or in person at any of the Town’s Parks and Recreation offices, including the Cedar Fork Community Center or the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center Begins Summer Pool Schedule

The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center (MAFC), 1301 Morrisville Parkway, will begin its summer pool schedule, which includes longer hours, on Monday, June 12. The full pool schedule can be found here. Open recreation swimming will be available at the program pool and the spray ground seven days a week. Reservations are required for open swimming only on Saturdays and Sundays through this link.

Registration Now Open for Esports STEM Camp at Cedar Fork Community Center

The Town of Morrisville and the Triangle Esports Academy are partnering to provide a STEM camp at the Cedar Fork Community Center (CFCC), 1050B Town Hall Drive, that will combine education and esports coaching. The camp, which will take place Aug. 14-18, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will give children the opportunity to explore ideas in different contexts and connect their learning across disciplines. The curriculum aims to blend scientific inquiry and technological design processes through project-based learning that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning, communication, self-direction, and creativity. Topics for each day include architecture and engineering, technology, coding and scripting, science and math, and a surprise lesson. Games used in the program will include Minecraft, Roblox, Scratch, Fortnite Creative, and Piskel Arr. The camp is open to children ages 6-14, and the cost is $260. Registration is open online now.

Weekend Work, Some Closures Scheduled for Church Street Park through June, Part of July

To meet the project deadline for the Church Street Park expansion, the contractor will be working weekends throughout the rest of June and part of July, and residents living in the area may hear work being done on the property. Workers will be assembling and installing bleachers around the cricket pitch and installing sidewalks around the bleachers for seven days a week. They will be building the practice pitches and paving the parking lot to the south of Church Street Park six days a week. Most work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

For the bleacher work, a portion of the Church Street Park parking lot will be closed off to make a staging area for the bleacher materials, and half of the walking track will be closed off to allow for the contractor to move materials into place around the pitch. The park will remain open during this work. However, residents are asked to exercise caution and to remain out of the construction zones to allow the contractor to perform the work safely. Work is scheduled to be completed in time for the Major League Cricket games that start on July 20. For more information, please visit the project page.

Western Wake Farmers' Market to Host Blood Drive on June 17

The Western Wake Farmers’ Market will host a blood drive on June 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market itself is open from 8 a.m. to noon. The drive will take place next door to the market, in the Chamber of Commerce building at 260 Town Hall Drive. Visit The Red Cross to schedule an appointment.

Public Invited to Provide Feedback during Police Re-Accreditation Process

The Morrisville Police Department is participating in the re-accreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which will perform an on-site assessment June 19-21. CALEA accreditation is a highly regarded recognition of public safety excellence. The assessor will examine all aspects of the Morrisville Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services to verify that the police department meets the commission’s standards.

During the CALEA accreditation process, the public is asked to provide feedback about the Morrisville Police Department through the online portal at https://cimrs2.calea.org/. The comments received through the portal will be evaluated to determine the department’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. The public is encouraged to share any kind of feedback, including commendations or concerns. It is important to note that CALEA is not an investigatory body, and the public portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes. There will be no response to submissions other than acknowledgement of receipt. However, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with standards and the tenets of CALEA accreditation.

More information about CALEA standards can be viewed on its website at https://www.calea.org/node/11406. The Morrisville Police Department participates in the Advanced level of accreditation. Questions related to the accreditation process may be directed to the Accreditation Manager Tanija Brown at tbrown@townofmorrisville.org.

Summer Solstice Trail Walk to be Held at Morrisville Community Park on June 21 

The Town of Morrisville is continuing to celebrate the N.C. Year of the Trail with a Summer Solstice Trail Walk on the Hatcher Creek Greenway on June 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the shelter at Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway, then head out for a group guided walk on the Hatcher Creek Greenway. The walk will be a mile out and back (two miles total) on a paved and level trail. This is considered an “easy” level walk, but there are half mile markers for those who prefer a shorter walk. Strollers, wagons, and other wheeled equipment can be used on the trail.

The N.C. Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways that showcase the state’s diverse landscapes, including grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont. N.C. Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history. As part of this campaign, the Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is hosting several events throughout the year to showcase local trails.

Thanks to all who came out to India Diaspora Unity Day Event at HSNC!. 

Celebrated 25 years of Classy Preston at Pleasant Grove Church!  We will miss her! 

Insights from ExtoBio:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/969332764115332

I had a wonderful visit with Jose Pecheco, CEO of ExtoBio, whose company pitched at the TIE Carolinas Launch Event at the American Underground Bull Penn in Durham.  Leading with scientific research and a thorough dedication to data, ExstoBio is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry, formalizing cannabis-as-a-medicine, and personalizing patient care.

Congratulations to all of the Companies who pitched to the Expert Pitch Panel and a special congrats to Pitch Winner, Wolfspider. Wolfspider is an Ag Tech company that brings together genetics and robotics to ensure confidence in crop yield and limiting chemical use. The company would love to connect individuals with experience in the ag tech space. 

Thanks to ExstoBio (UNC), Aurganics (Duke), Vistara (NCSU), WolfSpider (NCSU), BioSensys (NCSU), and Collab (UNC) for participating in the event.  

WolfSpider will be going to Silicon Valley for a global pitch tournament with ~40 other companies to compete for $100K+ in cash prizes.

And Thanks to Tim Scales from American Underground for hosting and to all the judges and attendees!   

Visit with New York Deli:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/596452855872694

Visit with Acme Pizza:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/971277980525504

Visit with Empanadas and More:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/607568900925114

HOLLY SPRINGS PRIDE PROCLAMATION

For the first time, Holly Springs has recognized Pride Month with a proclamation.

But the omission of references to the LGBTQ+ community that the month celebrates has angered some residents who sought the town’s recognition.

The Pride of Holly Springs proclamation, which Mayor Sean Mayefskie signed Tuesday night, says “all people, regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, or disability, have the right to be treated on the basis of their value as human beings.”

There is no specific mention of sexual orientation or of gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer or other people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Mayefskie rejected a Pride Month proclamation last June, and Holly Springs is also one of the few Wake County towns that has not adopted a non-discrimination ordinance that furthered protections for LGBTQ+ people and other minorities.

The mayor told ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner, that the omission of sexual orientation in the proclamation was not intentional. Mayefskie wrote the document after meeting with Thomas Rushing, a resident of 20 years who was outspoken about the mayor’s rejection of Pride recognition last year.

Wake County Approves $1.9 Billion Budget

Wake County leaders approved a nearly $1.9 billion budget for next year.

It will mean higher taxes for many families.

"Moving from $2,000 to $3,700 was like almost double so I wasn't prepared for that," said Moe Halboon, a Raleigh father of three.

County commissioners approved a $50 million investment for Wake County Public Schools which was $10 million more than originally proposed. They also voted to raise property taxes by 3.75 cents for $100 of assessed value which was also higher than the 3.25 cent increase originally proposed.

It means for a $300,000 home, which is the median in the county, owners would pay $112 more per year on property taxes than they do right now.

Read More at https://abc11.com/wake-county-budget-passes-property-taxes-raleigh/13348789/

NC Senate Passes Sports Gambling, Heads to NC House 

The Senate took a final vote on Thursday, and now, it’s up to the House to decide whether to accept the Senate’s changes or attempt to negotiate a compromise. The margin in support of sports wagering is narrower in the House than in the Senate. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has expressed support for sports wagering legislation.

About half of the states in the U.S. allow mobile or online sports betting. As the ninth-largest state, North Carolina is considered attractive to wagering operators and pro sports franchises that could stand to benefit financially.

Legal sports gambling in North Carolina is only available right now at three casinos operated by two American Indian tribes. Bill sponsors said other sports gambling is already happening underground and that regulating and taxing it is the best way to control it.

Both bills would permit sports wagering licensees to set up locations at or near stadiums and arenas, where account holders could watch games and make bets. But the Senate version also would allow anyone to make cash bets at a venue’s betting window, even without creating an account. Should the Senate’s version prevail, horse racing would be offered through licensees separate from sports wagering operators and different online accounts.

The Senate would tax sports wagering at a rate equal to 18% of their gross betting revenue minus winnings. The House would levy a similar 14% tax, with some adjustments. After expenses, legislative analysts estimate the state would take in $71 million annually by mid-2028 from both sports wagering and horse racing.

Much of the sports wagering tax revenues would go to local, regional and state athletics initiatives, athletic programs at most University of North Carolina system schools and problem-gambling programs.

Social conservatives and liberal Democrats have spoken out against sports wagering, saying that the damage caused by addictive behavior to individuals, families and society outweighs any financial benefits to the state. While this coalition helped block a sports wagering bill in the House last year, support for the expansion of gambling solidified in the chamber in 2023.

GOVERNOR COOPER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY ON EDUCATION

Gov. Roy Cooper took to a live streamed YouTube event on Monday to declare a statewide “emergency” over K-12 public school education funding.

Cooper, a Democrat, made clear he wasn’t issuing an executive order — like with a hurricane or with the COVID-19 pandemic — but his action was “no less important.”

“It’s clear that the Republican legislature is aiming to choke the life out of public education,” Cooper said.

The governor took aim at three proposals specifically — an expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship Program, income tax breaks, and what he termed “book banning” by Republicans. Cooper accused Republicans of “handing out private school vouchers to millionaires,” while giving those same millionaires “large tax breaks, too. This drops an atomic bomb on public education by shrinking the state’s budget by almost 20%.”

Cooper’s budget proposed a pay raise of 18% for teachers over the next biennium. “Our teachers deserve better pay and more respect, but the legislature wants to give them neither one,” he said.

Cooper ended his roughly six-minutes of remarks by plugging a website where voters could visit to contact their lawmakers. Within minutes of his live stream beginning, Cooper emailed a fundraising pitch to supporters. 

Republicans were quick to denounce Cooper’s declaration.

July 3th Family Fun Festival at Fireworks!  

5 pm at Town Hall Drive!