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President Biden Visits Raleigh Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
June 25, 2021
Breaking News
Florida condo collapses
Florida condo collapses/99 unaccounted for and one dead. We pray for the families and for Florida.  

13,408 Deaths. 55% North Carolinians Partially Vaccinated / 52% Fully Vaccinated.
The U.S. has fully vaccinated 150 million people, but will probably miss President Biden’s goal of 70 percent of adults getting at least one shot by July 4.
Help India

Visit Episode 8 at https://www.jc2ventures.com/chambers-talks/category/Podcast to hear John’s interview with Mukesh Aghi, CEO of US-India Partnership Forum. 
President Biden visits Raleigh
President Biden visits Raleigh to encourage Vaccinations!  
(See Biden visit section)  

Biden Infrastructure Deal
Biden and bi partisan leaders see a $953 billion Infrastructure Deal in Sight/Supreme Court upholds Obama Care and allows NCAA athletes additional compensation.  

VP Kamala Harris
VP Harris on her way to US Mexico Border for first time  

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/harris-make-politically-fraught-trip-u-s-mexico-border-n1272324
PBS Carolina Black Issues Forum
Join me on Friday evening at 7 pm on PBS Carolina Black Issues Forum for our roundtable discussion on his visit and other issues!  
NC Senate moves forward with Budget with $1.4 billion in tax cuts. 
(See NC News Section) 
UNC Students Plan Protest over Nicole Hannah- Jones Tenure. 
President Biden Visits Raleigh
President Biden Visits Raleigh to Boost Vaccinations

President Biden visited Green Road Community Center in north Raleigh on Thursday afternoon to thank the people staffing a mobile vaccination clinic there, discuss the importance and ease of getting vaccinated and mobilize an outreach effort to get shots to nearby residents.

"Don't put it off any longer. Just do it. Just do it," he told a cheering crowd inside the community center.

Only 55 percent of adults statewide have received at least one vaccine dose, which is the same percentage as a week ago, according to DHHS statistics. Fifty-two percent are fully vaccinated. 

Nationwide, nearly 66 percent of adults have had at least one dose.
NC Senator Wiley Nickel 
JUNE 26 SUMMER RECEPTION WITH SENATOR NICKEL
Join us this Saturday for a Summer Reception with Senator Wiley Nickel, where he will update us on the Session and talk about his Exploratory run for Congress!   

I am excited to have his endorsement to continue to serve as an At Large Member of the Council.  

RSVP please visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/210626Barn or contact Ryan Mulcahy ryan@wileynickelforcongress.com or (631) 278-1298.
June 25th Fireside Chat with Senator Wiley Nickel 1:40 pm
Please join us at 1:40 pm for our conversation with NC Senator Wiley Nickel, where we will talk about the Legislative Session, the Presidents' Visit, the new legislative seats and his exploratory run for the United States Congress,

Streamed Live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao.
Aired on Radio Nyra on 99.9 FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM on Sunday. 
Morrisville Play of the Week: Sustainable Innovation Program
Morrisville Play of the Week: Sustainable Innovation Program
My Message on Sustainable Innovation Program:

Morrisville Play of the Week: 
Sustainable Innovation Program

This week, my play of the week is that we encourage more entrepreneurs to bring sustainable innovation and smart city solutions to our staff as we continue to take the lead on doing our part to reduce carbon emissions in Morrisville.  Our Solar Array Launch is he first step in demonstrating that we are taking the lead on sustainability in Morrisville.  

As we look at developing our own Innovation District in Morrisville, and even incubators, we must also encourage, and develop a Smart City Campus, where more companies, and innovators can pilot their solutions at different Morrisville departments.   

More to come on this play in the next few weeks! 
Sustainability in Morrisville

Sneak Peek at Our Newest Fire Truck! Council got an early look at the newest addition to our Fleet during our Council Meeting, a Pierce Ascendent Truck with a 100 foot ladder! 
Town of Morrisville Flips the Switch at the Solar Array at Fire Station 1
My Message on the Solar Array at Fire Station 1: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/10157847149076360/?t=19

My Pod TV Message on Sustainability: 

We were honored to be a part of the Flip the Switch event at the Fire Station 1 Solar Array on Tuesday.  The highlight of the event was to have the flip switched by elementary school student, Delya Regal, who won the MESC poster contest this past year.   

A special thanks to Sustainability Manager, Kimberly Conley, our staff, Duke Energy, Southern Energy Management, and all of the partners who made this happen.  
Fire Station 1 Solar Array Project 
The Town of Morrisville’s strategic plan calls for the preservation of the Town’s natural resources and enrichment of residents’ quality of life through the innovative use of new technology, while maintaining the operational excellence and efficiency of the Town’s essential services.

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array on Fire Station No. 1 is one of Morrisville’s key Sustainability and Smart City initiatives. This 30 kW (kilowatt) array will generate renewable energy from solar panels which will help offset approximately 40% of the electricity consumed by the fire station. The project will save the Town operational costs in the form of lower utility rate charges, upwards of $300,000* over the next 30 years.

The project will also reduce the Town’s annual emissions by 22 metric tons. Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat and make the planet warmer. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, humans are responsible for almost all the increases in GHGs over the last 150 years[1]. By reducing GHGs we are helping to improve air quality, slow climate change, and help conserve the earth’s natural resources.

Project Details
Morrisville’s Fire Station No. 1 operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The station inherently uses more energy than a typical Town facility and is a good candidate for supplemental energy sources like solar Photovoltaics (PV).

The Duke Energy Rebate Program provides a rebate of 75 cents per Watt to qualifying non-profit organizations such as the Town of Morrisville, which adds up to more than $24,000 toward this project.

The Fire Station No. 1 Solar project will pay for itself in eight years, covering the initial capital expense for installation and saving the Town future energy costs thereafter, less array maintenance. Annual savings will start in the second year of the project.

Southern Energy Management (SEM): SEM, the project developer, is a Certified B Corporation. Businesses with this certification must meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. They are one of only two in the state of North Carolina currently operating. 

Project Milestones
  • Final Designs submitted to the NC Utilities Commission and Duke Energy (February)    
  • Pre-Construction with facilities, fire station leadership, Southern Energy Management (April)
  • Panel Installation (April)
  • Town Inspection & Approval (April)
  • Duke Energy Authorizes Interconnection Agreement (April)
  • Go Live (May)

Estimated Savings
  • Emissions Reductions: 22 Metric Tons
  • CO2 from 24,520 pounds of coal burned
  • GHGs from almost five cars for one year
  • Carbon sequestered by 364 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. 
SMALL BUSINESS UPDATES
Small Business Participation at July 3 Family Fest!
The Town of Morrisville welcomes participation from the Morrisville small business community at our July 3 Family Fun Fest! 

The event will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with spots available for small businesses to present themselves to the community through demonstrations, samples, or the giveaway of marketing materials. All participating businesses are encouraged to have at least one interactive activity all ages can enjoy. Space and participation will be limited. Submit your interest on the form linked below by Friday, June 25 and a Town representative will contact you. 

For current event details on Morrisville’s July 3 Family Fun Fest, visit www.townofmorrisville.org/july3

If you have questions, email Ben McQueary at bmcqueary@townofmorrisville.org
SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund Suspensions
On Friday evening, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that due to a recent court case, they were forced to suspend payments to Restaurant Revitalization Fund (R.R.F.) grant recipients who qualified under the “Priority” designation of the Restaurant Act.
 
 The “Priority” designation is self certification for small businesses owned by women, veterans, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. If you received an email before May 26th from the SBA stating that your application was approved, then currently this change does not affect your grant and payment. 
 
However, if you are a priority applicant that HAS NOT received an email stating that your application was approved, or you are a priority applicant that submitted your application on or after May 28th, the SBA will not be dispersing funds to your business until all non-priority applicants have been processed . SBA has announced that 2,965 approved applicants from the priority group awaiting the transfer of a R.R.F. grant fund will no longer be receiving those funds until further notice. 

It is advised that you reach out to SBA at 844-279-8898 for further guidance and other potential resources. 
Morrisville 2022 Bonds and Budget
November Morrisville Bond Referendum
Come this November 2, 2021, the Morrisville Town Council will provide voters the opportunity to vote on financing up to $37 million to accomplish capital improvements in a strategic and fiscally responsible manner through a bond referendum. Wisely committing your tax dollars in this way will ensure the Morrisville community continues to live connected and live well.  

Morrisville has an exemplary credit rating as a AAA community, giving us the ability to secure the lowest interest rates through voter-approved general obligation (G.O.) bonds. This form of debt financing is the best and least expensive of tax-supported debt resulting in significant savings to the taxpayer over the repayment period. The Town anticipates an estimated 3 cents per $100 assessed property value to afford the three bond issues assuming voters approve.

View the Quick Links for Fast Facts and Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the bond referendum process and potential property tax impacts.
Town of Morrisville Relaunches with 2022 Operating Budget and CIP Program

Our Council approved a $42,200,000 Annual Operating Budget & Capital Investment Program for Fiscal Year 2022 at our June 8 Town Council Meeting. The tax rate remains at $.36. The FY2022 budget relaunches Morrisville’s pre-COVID efforts to fulfill existing commitments and essential investments, and allows the Town to keep pace with the dynamic growing service needs while responsibly safeguarding the Town's financial condition.  Now that the Budget is behind us, we can focus our efforts on the Bond Referendum, which will be a focus on my next newsletter!

The FY2022 budget relaunches Morrisville’s pre-COVID efforts to fulfill existing commitments and essential investments, and allows the Town to keep pace with the dynamic growing service needs while responsibly safeguarding the Town's financial condition.

Fiscal Year 2022 will be transformative, with brisk activity in several core programmatic areas in addition to new forward-thinking interests and initiatives,” said Town Manager Martha Paige. “We are at the launching pad for moving our town and many capital projects forward.”

The budget includes anticipated distributions to Morrisville from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), recently approved at the federal level to lessen pandemic related revenue losses and allow for support of some expenditures.

Core initiatives addressed in the FY2022 budget include:
  • Sustainability Program expansion
  • Smart City Program expansion
  • Smart Shuttle service
  • Land Use Plan UDO Update
  • Affordable Housing Plan development
  • Small Business Program development
  • Sidewalk & Greenway improvements
  • Traffic Congestion & Intersection improvements
  • Small Business Program development
  • Traffic Safety and Education outreach
  • Future Open Space and Parks
  • New full-time positions (Public Safety, General Services, Public Works and Parks & Recreation)

These operating and capital initiatives represent a significant commitment to Relaunch Morrisville and continue to move the community forward with expanded programs and innovative services.

The Vehicle Decal Fee remains at $30 per vehicle per year, and the Stormwater Fee remains unchanged at $25 per ERU. The budget includes some moderate user fee adjustments to reflect additional costs to provide services, as well as utilization of general fund balance appropriations for one-time expenses.

The budget process included outreach to the public and a public hearing on May 25. The annual Budget Portal was open from May 4 through May 25 to collect feedback. Council reviewed all feedback as part of the budget process.

North Carolina News
NC Senate Moves Forward with Budget
The North Carolina Senate advanced a state budget Thursday built on a major tax cut and federal stimulus money.

The state’s personal income tax rate would fall from 5.25 percent to 3.99 percent over the next five years under this plan, and North Carolina's 2.5 percent corporate rate would phase down to zero over the same period. Altogether, this would save taxpayers – and cost state coffers – $13.9 billion.

The Senate budget also includes $1.5 billion in federally funded grants for businesses impacted by the pandemic, more than $1 billion in water and sewer rehabilitations around the state and $700 million to expand rural broadband.

The plan, largely written by the Senate’s Republican majority, generated some bipartisan support. Four Senate Democrats voted for it, despite Gov. Roy Cooper’s repeated criticisms. The 32-18 vote would be good enough to override the governor, should he ultimately veto this budget, but it's not unusual for a few Democrats to vote for a Republican bill at first, then come back into their party's fold after the governor vetoes.

The legislative process at this point requires one more vote in the Senate, slated for Friday morning. Then this 2-year spending proposal moves to the House, which will make changes.
There is a Vaccination Lottery Winner in NC!  
"Your Shot at $1 Million" is the name of North Carolina's COVID-19 vaccine lottery. The program will award four people with $1 million (as well as four teens with $125,000 in scholarship money). There have been 4.9 million entries into the $1 million drawing and 348,000 entries into the scholarship drawing.

Anyone who has been vaccinated has had their name automatically entered into the drawing. If you got your vaccine on or after June 10, your name was entered twice.

One lucky North Carolinian is $1 million richer today but that person's identity remains a mystery. Officials used a random number generator to pick a winner from the pool of people vaccinated against COVID-19.  

State health officials then had to figure out who corresponds with that randomly generated number and double check that the person is eligible to win the money. The state will contact the winner via email or phone when this process is completed. 

The process could take several days, but whoever does win will be required to let the state publicly identify them.

Next drawing is on July 7th, and runs every other Wednesday until August 10th. 
NC DHHS Expands Summer Vaccine Card Locations
NCDHHS is expanding the number of locations providing $25 Summer Cards for getting vaccinated.

Beginning this week, participating vaccination sites in 38 counties will offer the cards to anyone 18 and older who gets their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine - or drives someone to their vaccination.

The $25 Summer Card program is available at participating vaccination sites in the following counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Beaufort, Bertie, Buncombe, Caswell, Cleveland, Cumberland, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gaston, Greene, Guilford, Harnett, Hertford, Jackson, Johnston, Lee, Lenoir, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, New Hanover, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Wake, Watauga, Wayne and Wilson. More information here.

The expansion builds on the pilot program launched in May in Mecklenburg, Guilford, Rowan and Rockingham counties.

During that program, 1,700 Summer Cards were given to vaccine recipients and more than 700 cards were given to drivers, according to the health department.
THIS WEEK IN MORRISVILLE June 28 - July 2
News in Morrisville:
Town Meetings 
No Council or Advisory Meetings next week.  Next Council Meeting is July 13.
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements

  • Work on the south side of Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Misty Groves Circle) in connection with the road widening operations will continue. The temporary shoring work for the culvert is ongoing.
  • 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.

For current project details visit: https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
Cedar Fork Summer Camp
Applications are Welcome for Morrisville’s Citizen Advisory Committees
The Town of Morrisville is accepting applications for citizen advisory committees through Friday, July 2. While applications for all advisory committees will be accepted during this period, the following committees have vacancies or expiring terms that may be filled during this appointment process:

  • Environment and Stormwater Committee
  • Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee
  • Performance Measures Advisory Committee
  • Planning and Zoning Board
  • Public Education Advisory Committee
  • Public Safety Advisory Committee

To submit your application, visit https://bit.ly/msvadvisorycommittee.
June Recognized as Pride Month in Morrisville 
During their June 8 meeting, the Morrisville Town Council recognized June as LGTBQ+ Pride Month in support of the celebration of diverse communities and treating each other with respect and dignity.
Save the Date – July 3 Morrisville Family Fun Festival
The Town of Morrisville’s Family Fun Festival will be held on July 3, from 4 to 9 p.m. The plan is to hold this year’s July 3 event on Town Hall Drive. With COVID-19 restrictions being lessened recently, Town staff is creating a more extensive family-oriented event than in previous years. Ideas being planned include live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly games, prize giveaways, small business representation and an opportunity to display Town projects. A laser light show will be conducted to conclude the evening. 
Western Wake Farmers' Market is Open Year-round
Come out to the Western Wake Farmers' Market (WWFM) every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., for healthy and fresh food, goods, and live music from small and local businesses! Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to learn about the WWFM, to see a complete list of local vendors, for special event dates, and to learn more about how you can support your community by shopping local. Sign up for the weekly WWFM newsletter sent out on Friday mornings! Email debbie@wwfm.ag to subscribe!
Vaccination Section
Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

55% of Adults are Partially Vaccinated
52% of Adults are Fully Vaccinated. 

Total Doses Administered: 8,794,757 
  • First of Two Doses Administered: 4,381,125
  • Second of Two Doses Administered: 4,084,303
  • Single Shot Doses: 329,329

Appointments No Longer Needed for Free Vaccines in Wake County
To Secure an appointment, please visit https://myspot.nc.gov/, https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine/


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


Wake County: Wake County Public Health Vaccine Hotline 919-250-1515.  It is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit website at https://covid19.wakegov.com/vaccine!

Durham County: 919-635-8150 or email at DCoCOVIDvaccines@dconc.gov. 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.


Duke Raleigh Hospital at (919) 620- 5167.

Process is to Call or visit website, join the waiting list, receive notification, and get your Vaccination Appointment!

To set up an Appointment with any County Department, please visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

Walgreens will offer Covid 19 Vaccine in 300 Stores (31,200 doses) in North Carolina starting on Feb 12 as a distributor under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and is planning to distribute 1 million doses of the Moderna Vaccine.  For more information, sign up at walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19.

  • Morrisville Walgreens is taking appointments at 3601 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560 and call (919) 468-6880.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE 26 SUMMER RECEPTION WITH SENATOR NICKEL
Join us this Saturday for a Summer Reception with Senator Wiley Nickel, where he will update us on the Session and talk about his Exploratory run for Congress!   

I am excited to have his endorsement to continue to serve as an At Large Member of the Council.  

RSVP please visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/210626Barn or contact Ryan Mulcahy ryan@wileynickelforcongress.com or (631) 278-1298.
July 3 Morrisville Family Fun Festival
The Town of Morrisville’s Family Fun Festival will be held on July 3, from 4 to 9 p.m. The plan is to hold this year’s July 3 event on Town Hall Drive. With COVID-19 restrictions being lessened recently, Town staff is creating a more extensive family-oriented event than in previous years. Ideas being planned include live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly games, prize giveaways, small business representation and an opportunity to display Town projects. A laser light show will be conducted to conclude the evening. 
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:
  • 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/.    
  • 1,509,940 NC citizens have applied for UI Benefits, 993,886 have been paid benefits, and $12.1 billion of benefits have been issued.

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

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

National Employment
Jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 376,000 from 385,000 the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The number of people signing up for benefits exceeded 900,000 in early January and has fallen more or less steadily ever since. Still, claims are high by historic standards.

Before the pandemic brought economic activity to a near-standstill in March 2020, weekly applications were regularly coming in below 220,000.  

Please refer to my previous newsletter (D Day Edition) for Governor Cooper’s $1500.00 incentives for returning to work, along with Republican efforts to eliminate $300.00/week Federal Pandemic benefits.  

Covid-19
North Carolina health officials are reporting 461 new COVID cases on Wednesday with a 2.3% positive rate.

There are 442 COVID-19 patients in North Carolina hospitals, down 21 from Tuesday.

There have been 11 more deaths in the state from the virus. According to NCDHHS data,

55% of North Carolina adults have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated.

CASES:
394 Newly reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 1,011,955 Cases (Deaths = 13,408) 
+ 429 Hospitalized   
+ 2.1% Positive Rate

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

+ US = 33.5 million cases/ 600,000 deaths 
+ India = 29.7 million cases/382,000 Deaths. 
+ Worldwide = 177 million cases/ 3.83 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