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A NEW DECADE OF SERVICE AND TECH UPDATE
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From the Council Office of Steve Rao
December 14, 2021
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Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes.
Download the Steve Rao App!
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“In the Joy of Others abides our own joy”
Covid Alert:
- US will surpass 800,000 Covid Deaths this week. 50 million Americans have received Booster Shots.
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Indian American elected to 4th term in Morrisville
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Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause make appearance on Smart Shuttle!
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Town of Morrisville wins Clean Tech Innovation Award.
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Governor Cooper named Clean Tech Champion by Research Triangle Clean Tech Cluster.
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Severe Tornadoes hit Kentucky killing 70 and bringing devastation to the State.
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Toyota announces $1.3 Billion Plan in Randolph County, invest $35 billion in Electric Vehicles.
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All primary elections for have been moved to May 17th
(See Primary Election Update Section)
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A NEW DECADE OF SERVICE BEGINS
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Today, I will be sworn in for my fourth term to the Town Council by North Carolina Senator Wiley Nickel.
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My family and I are so very grateful to each of you for providing me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Morrisville, an All-America City and the number one Town to live in North Carolina for four more years. I want to thank my Campaign Team for a job well done. 0ur hard work paid off as we won the most votes of any candidate in any contested race in this years’ election and ran a positive campaign. I do want to thank every citizen and voter I spoke to and whether you voted for me or not, I will take your feedback and ideas into my new term. Balanced and Smart Growth it is!
I look forward to continuing to invest in transportation, schools, parks, and technology to make Morrisville the number one place to live, work and play in the nation, a place where we can Live Connected and Live Well!
In my fourth term, I will continue to invest in our future, focus on growing innovation and will continue to lead the Town of Morrisville to be the “Smartest City” in the state and nation.
In this newsletter, I want to highlight some of the real progress we are making on our Smart City Journey. We will make the Town of Morrisville the Smartest City in the State and Nation, and home to the new job of the new economy!
Let’s Get to Work! Let’s Get the Job Done! Send me your ideas!
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THE MORRISVILLE SMART CITY JOURNEY
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Reach and Thrive Together Podcast with Darrell Kain
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Smart Innovation for Morrisville
The Town of Morrisville must embed innovation into government service delivery. We want to augment the quality of life for our residents, by becoming even more of a data-driven organization, one that is responsive to residents, businesses and visitors. We also need to be transparent in our operations. In 2018 we completed a consolidated Town plan and realized that we could catalyze this progress further by adopting smart technologies and processes.
To this end, we have created the Morrisville Smart City strategy, which provides a roadmap as to how we got here, where we are going, and why. Innovative technologies are critical tools that can be leveraged to meet the expectations of our digitally savvy residents and business community.
The Town of Morrisville Smart City Strategy
We had an assessment done with each Town Department and aligned our Smart City Strategy to the goals in our Strategic Plan. (Transportation Mobility, Liveable Neighborhoods, Inclusive Neighborhoods, Public Safety, Education, and Economic Development.
I am very proud of our establishment of a Smart City Steering Committee, which will continue to guide and advise the Town of Morrisville on our Smart City Strategy. One project we are working on is the development of a Morrisville Mobile App.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #1: Intelligent transportation Utilize advanced transportation capabilities and data to help mitigate local traffic congestion.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #2: Balanced sustainability Development of long-term sustainability efforts, including solar, EV, environmental and smart building deployments.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #3: Engaged community Collaborate with community members to optimize service delivery through innovative solutions.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #4: Data-driven public safety Leverage data from next-generation 9-1-1, regional computer aided dispatching and IoT solutions to proactively mitigate and prepare for incidents.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #5: Enterprise intelligence Deploy technology to improve operational efficiencies and promote transparency through the Town’s open data program.
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Smart Morrisville Strategy #6: Partner ecosystem Develop partnerships with local technology providers to support technology
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SMART CITY QUICK WINS FOR MORRISVILLE
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The Morrisville Smart Shuttle!
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(More updates on usage numbers in next newsletter!)
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Connected Park Initiative!
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Solar Array at Fire Station!
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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE WINS CLEAN TECH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD
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The Town of Morrisville is proud to announce that the Connected Park Initiative (CFDP Smart City Project) received the 2021 Cleantech Impact: Local Government Award at the 2021 Cleantech Innovation Awards, held on December 8 in Raleigh.
The Connected Park Initiative included installing occupancy sensors at Town parks to let the community know if they are available for use, enhancing the use of green spaces and helping residents avoid unnecessary trips to courts and fields when they are occupied.
The project also included installing autonomous flood and ground moisture sensors in partnership with Green Stream, an environmental technology firm, so that the parks management team can be alerted of flooding, which has historically been an issue for Morrisville.
As stated by Rick Ralph, the efficiencies created by this project will have positive impacts on the environment by reducing up to 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent each year this system is in place. Solving a real-world problem that our staff and residents were experiencing is what makes this project a success, and it was great to see this vision and hard work recognized by Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster.”
The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) Innovation Awards recognize the people, organizations, and initiatives driving cleantech innovation, creative deployment solutions, and workforce development in our region and throughout North Carolina. For more information on the awards, visit https://www.researchtrianglecleantech.org/cleantechawards2021.
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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE LEADS SMART CITIES COUNCIL INITIATIVE AT SAS
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Kudos to our CIO Rick Ralph for leading a data and mobility work shop at SAS with the Smart Cities Council. I enjoyed attending with regional leaders for a collaborative and engaging discussion on how local governments can collaborate with private companies, the Smart Cities Council to share data, and leverage Smart City Innovation to address traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, traffic accidents and enhance energy efficiency and other very compelling issues like the Data Life Cycle and best practices for Data Sharing. I was honored to close out the conference with remarks, and thanked Rick and our team for all of their great work. This is only the beginning!
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The Steve Rao App is Here:
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Download the Steve Rao App!
Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.
Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.
Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
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Google Play Store Scan code Link
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North Carolina Vaccination and Testing
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Vaccinations:
- 11,671,367 Total Doses Administered.
- Boosters: 1,950,906
- 73% in NC Partially Vaccinated
- 69% Fully Vaccinated.
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For Covid 19 Vaccine Appointments and Free Testing, visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information
- Appointments must be made at for free Covid 19 Testing in Wake County.
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Find your County Vaccination sites, visit https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/
- Starting December 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.
- The Durham County Department of Public Health will begin offering booster doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for people ages 16 and 17
- To receive a booster vaccination at DCoDPH, all eligible individuals may call (919) 560-9217 to schedule an appointment, or visit the clinic at 414 E. Main St., Durham during our walk-in hours Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- In addition to booster vaccinations for all people 16 or older, DCoDPH also continues to provide first second dose vaccinations for all people ages 5 and older, and third dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
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2022 PRIMARY ELECTIONS UPDATE
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The North Carolina Supreme Court ordered a two-month delay in the state’s 2022 primary elections on Wednesday, giving critics of the state legislature’s gerrymandered political maps additional time to pursue a legal battle to redraw them.
The unsigned ruling was a setback for the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which created the maps and had argued that a delay in the primaries would sow chaos among both candidates and voters.
The court ordered the March 8 primary elections for all offices postponed until May 17, citing “the importance of the issues to the constitutional jurisprudence of this state, and the need for urgency” in deciding the maps’ legality. New boundaries for state legislative districts and for North Carolina’s 14 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives face three lawsuits filed by Democrats and voting-rights advocates in a state court in Raleigh.
All filing for offices has been delayed until further notice and the Cary elections have been postponed until May 17th.
In a state split almost evenly between Republican and Democratic voters, the new maps give Republicans a sweeping political advantage. The new House map, for example, would all but ensure victory for G.O.P. candidates in 10 of the 14 districts, with a decent shot at winning an 11th seat.
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This Week in Morrisville: Dec 13 - 17
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Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
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Project update for the week of December 13:
- The contractor will be working on Morrisville Carpenter Road between Church Street and Old Savannah Drive.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations throughout the week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Morrisville Carpenter Road.
- The contractor will continue working in the culvert area.
- Dominion Energy will be working along Town Hall Drive on Monday, December 13.
- The contractor will continue installing stormwater pipe along Town Hall Drive.
- Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations throughout the week between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Town Hall Drive.
- 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.
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Toy and Book Drive at Cedar Fork Community Center Dec. 13-19
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The Morrisville Youth Leadership Council is hosting a book and toy drive at the Cedar Fork Community Center located at 1050 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., December 13-19. New or gently used books for adults and children and new toys and games for children will be accepted. In-person donations can be made to the drop-off bins over the weekend, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., December 18-19. All donations will be going to the UNC Medical Center.
For more on book and toy drive donation and hours, click here.
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Morrisville's 2022 Marathon Registration Opens Dec. 15
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The Morrisville Aquatic and Fitness Center’s 2022 Virtual Marathon Month registration begins Wednesday, Dec. 15! This marathon is a great way to start the New Year. Registration is open to everyone. You may choose from a full (26.2 miles), ultra (50 miles), or mega (100 miles) marathon. Set your goal and track your workouts. To learn more, watch the how-to video, and to participate, click here to register.
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Morrisville Winter 2021 Disc Golf Course
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Morrisville’s winter 2021 disc golf course will be located at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, from December 3, 2021 to January 18, 2022. Residents and area park users can practice throwing discs for their mid-range game. The course is designed for all levels of play. For details, including hours, a course map, and rules, click here.
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Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
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The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.
Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!
The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
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Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
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Starting Dec. 4, the WWFM is shifting to winter market hours, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
WESTERN WAKE FARMERS WINTER FESTIVAL
Join us Saturday, Dec. 12th for the Western Wake Farmers Holiday Festival for music, crafts, and family fun. 9:30 am to Noon.
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Thanks for joining us on Black Issues Forum for our discussion on Infrastructure
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Connected Communities Conference
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Last Friday, I attended the Connected Communities Conference, hosted by the City of Raleigh with CIO Rick Ralph and our Technology Team. For me the highlight of the event was to hear from North Carolina Dept of Technology Secretary and Raleigh CIO, Sindu Menon on how the state can collaborate with cities to accelerate broadband and digital transformation.
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Deck the Halls Fire Safety Event
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Live Stream:
Thanks for joining us at the Deck the Halls for Fire Safety; a dramatic demonstration put on by the Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department featuring a side-by-side live burn of a holiday tree in a simulated home environment. The event took place at Fire Station No. 1, 200 Town Hall Drive and featured comments by North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey, and representatives from the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the North Carolina Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers. Other participating organizations include the Town of Cary and Apex Fire Marshals’ Offices, and the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association. I was honored to welcome by good friend, Commissioner Causey in a Santa hat.
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Western Wake Farmers Market Holiday Festival
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Thanks for coming out to the Western Wake Farmers Market Holiday Festival this Saturday. It was great to have my friend Mark Easley play music, and also to spend time with Santa. He is vaccinated, boosted, and ready for his arrival to Morrisville! I want money to widen NC 54!
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Great to be at State of Morrisville! Thanks to the Chamber and the Sponsors for hosting!
Also, it was great to spend some time with SAM IT and other vendors there! THey are great partner with the Town Smart City Programs!
Thanks!
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BAPS 100 Birthday Celebration of Pramukh Swami
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It was an honor to attend the 100th Birthday celebration of the late Pramukh Swami, one of the world’s most prominent spiritual leaders. I am always deeply moved by how he has inspired generations of BAPS devotees to lives of selfless service to their communities. Thanks for a wonderful celebration and to BAPS Morrisville for all their service to our Town and region.
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Dec 14th Reception for Institutional Swearing In of Mayor and Council Members.
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Join us at Fire Station 1 at 5:30 pm for a Reception before the Swearing In Ceremonies of Mayor Cawley, Council Member Scroggins Johnson, Council Member Fender and myself Face Coverings and Social Distancing Required.
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Dec 18th - WILEY NICKEL FOR CONGRESS RECEPTION
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We are hosting a Dec 18th Reception for Wiley Nickel for Congress at Fusion Nine, 1012 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville, NC
December 18, 2021, Noon.
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Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.
99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
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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.
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NC Covid Dashboard:
Vaccinations:
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11,671,367 Total Doses Administered.
- Boosters: 1,950,906
- 73% in NC Partially Vaccinated
- 69% Fully Vaccinated.
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North Carolina is reporting 3,606 new coronavirus cases for a total of 1,566,269 since the start of the pandemic.
The total is down from a week ago but well up from two weeks ago when 1,988 cases were added
Despite today's lower number, the average weekly average is increasing (3,180 new cases a day this week vs. 2,265 last week).
The percent positive stands at 7.4%. It remains high but stable as the previous day saw 7.1%.
Hospitalizations are at 1,493, with 20 new ones added. Since Thanksgiving, 455 more patients have been hospitalized.
Twenty-one new deaths were recorded, bringing the state total to 18,976.
As for vaccinations, 62% of the full NC population is at least vaccinated; 73% of the adult population
NCDHHS said 58% of the state's population is fully vaccinated; 69% of the adult population is fully vaccinate
CASES:
2,168 Newly reported Cases
+ N.C. = 1,575,222 Cases (Deaths = 19,010)
+ 8.6% Positive Rate
+ 1,550 Hospitalized.
+ Wake County = 138,000 Cases (Deaths = 912)
+ US = 50.1 million cases / 797,000 deaths
+ India = 34.7 million cases / 476,000 Deaths.
+ Worldwide = 271 million cases / 5.31 million deaths
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Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville.
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Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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