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A New Decade of Service in Morrisville Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
July 31, 2021
Morrisville Population as of the 2020 Census is 32,225
Reminders:  
  • Wake County Food Distribution is today at Morrisville Elementary from 11:30 am to 1 pm. 
  • Carpenter Wine Cellar Now Open! (Used to be Triangle Wine) 
  • Olympic Medal Count:  
  • China: 21  US: 16   Japan: 17  
  • Biles Drops out of Individual Competition.  
  • Congrats to former Morrisville resident Jordan Windle for achieving Olympic Dream! 
  • Novak Djokovic leaves Olympics without Medal. 
Breaking Covid/Delta News Alerts
Governor Cooper Covid Actions
In response to increasing COVID-19 cases and concerns with the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, on Thursday, July 29 Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 244 strongly encouraging local governments to adopt additional safety measures. The Governor also announced Vaccine Mandates for all Cabinet Agencies under him (50,000 employees). They have until Sept. 1 to verify they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or face weekly COVID-19 tests and mask-wearing mandates
Local Municipality Mask Orders
Effective on Monday, August 2, all visitors, including staff, will be required to wear masks in Town of Morrisville Facilities. Durham, Garner, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Orange County and many other municipalities are following similar procedures. 

Wake County Votes to mandate masks in all Wake County Buildings.
President Biden Covid Actions
President Biden announces Covid Vaccine Mandate for Federal Employees and asks Pentagon to look into Mandates for Military. 

Biden wants Federally funded $100.00 Rewards for those who get vaccinated. 

Federal Moratorium on Rent ends on Aug. 1.
Federal Moratorium on Rent ends on Aug. 1.

For rent assistance in NC, visit the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) 
Infrastructure Bill
Senate agrees to move on $1.3 Trillion Infrastructure Bill.   

https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/senate-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill/index.html
A New Decade of Service in Morrisville
On Monday, July 26th, I filed for re-election to the At Large Seat on the Morrisville Council.   

Congratulations to Donna Fender and Vicki Scroggins-Johnson for filing along with Liz Johnson and TJ Cawley, who both filed for the Mayor Seat.  
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!

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 appreciate the opportunity you have provided me to serve and would be humbled with your support for another term.
DECADE OF SERVICE KICK OFF EVENT WAS A SUCCESS

Thanks to Senator Nickel, and all of the special guests for attending my well attended Kick Off Event.  More Receptions are being planned!  
My 4th Term MORRISVILLE PLAYBOOK
As my friend John Chambers reminded us at our last Start Up Summit, any organization needs a playbook, a set of plays, that can help them get through tough times, invest in their future, and then break away to excellence and top performance in their markets.

As we continue to navigate through a Pandemic, it is time for us to develop our own set of Break Away Plays so we can be the best place in American to live, work and play in.

Please visit www.steverao.com to view the first set of Plays, which are:

  • PLAY NUMBER ONE: Establishing Morrisville as the Number One Destination for Technology and Life Sciences/Pharmaceutical Companies and Entrepreneurs in the State and Nation.    

  • PLAY NUMBER TWO: All Things Are Open in Morrisville, The Open Data Strategy. 

  • PLAY NUMBER THREE: Making the Town of Morrisville the Smartest City in North Carolina. 



  • PLAY NUMBER SIX: My Thoughts on Zero Slater Road, Investing in Morrisville’s Future 



  • PLAY NUMBER NINE: Reach out to Tech Community to Help Raise Money for India. 


Finally, I also will be developing an entire playbook which focuses on how we can reduce the frequency of multi-family rezonings, to address school capacity and road infrastructure issues.  In addition, we need to accelerate funding for NC 54, continue to have more transit options for our residents (Smart Shuttle is a great start!), and lobby for more commuter and light rail for Morrisville and the Triangle Region.

Send me your ideas for our Playbook!  Let’s put some points on the Board!
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 School Vaccinations This Saturday!
HOWEVER, thanks to our great Wake County partners there are multiple opportunities this weekend to get those ages 12 and older vaccinated. Wake County has capacity and had added staff to accommodate volumes.

Pfizer is available for ages 12 and older Saturday at:
  • Wake County Public Health Center at 10 Sunnybrook Rd. in Raleigh (right next to Wake Med) AND the Wake County Eastern Regional Center at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon are BOTH open: Saturday, July 31 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

  • Saint Augustine’s University FREE Back to School Event at 1315 Oakwood Avenue in Raleigh – Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. – free food and school supplies, as well as free COVID-19 vaccine

  • Habitat for Humanity Restore – both the Apex and Wake Forest locations are giving Pfizer from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (12253 Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest and 826 East Williams Street, Apex)
Around the Region
Atlantic Tire Tennis Championships 
Thanks to Atlantic Tire and the Town of Cary for hosting the Summer Series Mens’ Pro Challenger Event last week.   It was an honor to cheer all the players on and Congrats to Ram Ramanathan from Chennai, who got to the finals, and to Mitch Kruger, who won the title!   Next one will be in September!    

My Remarks At Trophy Presentation: 
Raleigh Chamber State of Wake County 
It was great to attend the State of Wake County and Raleigh Event last week at the Sheraton in Raleigh.  Great presentations from Mayor Baldwin, Wake County Chair Matt Calabria, and Wake County School Board Chair, Keith Sutton. 
National Parents Day In Morrisville 
Great to be at National Parents Day in Morrisville Last Saturday at the Cedar Fork Community Center.  Thanks to Sharon Pace and Beverly Yekesson for hosting this event!    

Morrisville Cardinals Kick Off Season! 
On Thursday, we kicked off the Morrisville Cardinal Season with Jersey Presentations, inspiring words from Cricket Legend and Cardinal Coach Alvin Kalacharen!  Congratulations to Owner Praveen Chakkaraj and all of the Sponsors!  Season Kicks off today in Atlanta!    

Live Stream:
Anthony Blackman Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Congratulations to my dear friend, Anthony Blackman, who received the Highest Civilian Award for Community Service, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, from Governor Cooper.  I thank him for his friendship, and all of the service he provides the community.  

I also congratulate Former Knightdale Mayor, Rep. James Roberson, who also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon his retirement from Wake Tech. 
This Week in Morrisville
Upcoming Meetings
August 3 - 6:00 p.m. Public Safety Advisory Committee



August 10 - 6:00 p.m. Town Council Meeting
Stream Live at www.townofmorrisville.org    
Submit Public Comments to publiccomments@townofmorrisville.org
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Morrisville Carpenter Road Improvements Project update as of July 29:
  • On Thursday, July 29, lane closure will start at 7 a.m. for the gas line tie-in work.
  • On Friday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. drivers should expect lane closure (with flaggers on both sides) for storm pipe installation.
  • On Saturday, July 31, work will continue until completed if the work is not completed on Friday. Expect lane closure from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Flaggers will be onsite flagging traffic. Expect traffic delays due to the lane closure.
  • Flaggers will be onsite flagging traffic. Expect traffic delays due to the lane closure.
  • Note that lane closure work on Thursday, July 29 may be moved to Friday, July 30 depending upon weather conditions.

  • 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 the Morrisville Carpenter Road.
  • Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.

  • The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.

For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
MORRISVILLE FITNESS AND AQUATICS CENTER UPDATE
In alignment with new guidance from the Wake County government issued today, July 30, the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center will begin requiring face coverings for all patrons inside the building, regardless of vaccination status, on Monday, August 2.

Though approximately 70 percent of the Wake County population is vaccinated at this time, surges in coronavirus cases stimulated by the Delta variant have led Wake leaders to operate out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our members has been and continues to be paramount, and we believe that encouraging face coverings and social distancing is the best way to protect our community at this time.

Face Covering Rules
  • Face coverings will now be required in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status or social distancing.
  • Face coverings need to remain on during indoor exercise, but may be removed during outdoor activities as long as social distancing is possible.
  • Face coverings may only be removed indoors when swimming or showering, and should be worn immediately before and after these activities.
  • Lifeguards can remove their face coverings, so long as they can maintain social distance from each other and patrons.

Programming
  • Fitness classes will be assessed, and some may be moved outside to allow for socially distanced exercise. Please feel free to provide your feedback on the matter as we make these decisions.
  • Other indoor activities will continue as normal, but please come prepared to wear a face covering for the duration of your workout.

Memberships
  • Punch passes and 1-Month PIF memberships will remain non-refundable, due to the short-term, flexible nature of those options. Questions or concerns about other membership types may be addressed by MAFC supervisors and front desk staff as needed.
Celebrate S’Morrisville August 11!
Morrisville residents are invited to take part in the celebration of National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, August 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park! The Town changes its name to S’Morrisville in celebration of National S’mores Day once a year as we honor and enjoy the delicious snacks made famous at campfires everywhere. For event details as they are published, visit the Town’s S’Morrisville event page or follow us on the Town’s social media pages!
Teen Morrisville 101 Registration Open
Registration for Teen Morrisville 101 is now open. Teen Morrisville 101 is an annual citizen's academy for teens interested in local government, specifically in Morrisville. This is a free program for youth in grades 9-12. The program begins October 6 and will be held from 4-6 p.m. once a week for four weeks. Sessions will take place at Morrisville Town Hall, located at 100 Town Hall Drive. While the program is open to all high school students, preference will be given to those who live in Morrisville. Registration ends on September 24, 2021. For more information and to reserve your spot visit the Teen Morrisville 101 webpage by clicking here.
Morrisville’s Pop-Up Dog Park is August 1
Morrisville's next "pop-up" dog park is Sunday, August 1, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park. Waivers are due Friday for Sunday reservations. Participating dog owners must register in ActiveNet and fill out a waiver prior to participating. Sunday, September 12, is the next scheduled date.

Click here to visit the Town’s webpage for additional information, future dates, rules, requirements, and forms.
Temporary Disc Golf Course Opens August 2:
Morrisville’s Temporary Disc Golf Course at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, will open to the public on Monday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. and will be available through September 6. The course is designed for all levels of play. View the website for more information, including hours.
Slurry Seal Technology Street and Parking Lot Paving Repairs
To complete Morrisville’s street and parking lot paving and repairs, the Town’s contractor will be employing Slurry Seal, a new technology added on top of the existing pavement to “seal” the pavement’s surface. Wet slurry typically has a brownish coloration, while dry slurry is black. Never drive on wet slurry. Follow road signage and traffic control. For must-know information and a video for residents on what to know, expect, and do when your neighborhood and streets are receiving Slurry Seal treatment click here.
Morrisville Blood Drive July 31
The Blood Connection has partnered with the Town and the Western Wake Farmers’ Market to host a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 31. All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card and a $10 charitable donation made in their name! To sign up for an appointment click here and search for the sponsor code 6700.
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! Note this Saturday, July 31, due to paving in the Town of Morrisville Public Safety parking lot No. 2, parking will be in the front of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce and Town of Morrisville Public Safety parking lot No. 1. 

Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrate S’Morrisville August 11!
Morrisville residents are invited to take part in the celebration of National S’mores Day in “S’Morrisville” on Wednesday, August 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morrisville Community Park! The Town changes its name to S’Morrisville in celebration of National S’mores Day once a year as we honor and enjoy the delicious snacks made famous at campfires everywhere. For event details as they are published, visit the Town’s S’Morrisville event page or follow us on the Town’s social media pages!
Soccer Night - August 11
Soccer Night is a free program, run completely by volunteers, for kids promoting athletic skill, leadership development, and citywide unity. On August 11th, 2021 Morrisville will hold Soccer Night and S’Morrisville together at Morrisville Community Park—open to all residents— join us for a night of Soccer and S’mores fun!! Early registration is open now, scan the QR Code!!
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:

Vaccinations:  9,801,228 Total Doses Administered.
  • 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 

3,199 new COVID-19 cases were reported in North Carolina on Friday.

That's down slightly from Thursday when the state saw 3,268 new cases but still well above the 7-day average.

Thursday marked the first day above 3,000 since Feb. 25.

The percent of positive tests in the state is at 9.5%.

1,168 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

That number has been steadily increasing since just after the July 4th weekend.

13,635 have been reported since the start of the pandemic. In North Carolina,

4,866,247 people are at least partially vaccinated -- 50% of the full NC population and 61% of the adult population.

About 64,500 people in the state have received a vaccination since last Friday.

CASES:
3,199 Newly reported Cases  
+ N.C. = 1,048,076 Cases (Deaths = 13,635)  
+ 1,168 Hospitalized   
+ 9.5% Positive Rate

+ Wake County = 93,566 Cases (Deaths = 750)

+ US = 35 million cases/ 613,000 deaths 
+ India = 31.6 million cases/423,000 deaths. 
+ Worldwide = 197 million cases/ 4.2 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