Town of Stallings, Gateway to Union County Stallings Sentinel Summer 2013 Issue 3 Do you know you can get paid to recycle? Yes, that’s right...PAID! Because you are a Stallings resident, you are eligible to become a member of , an online loyalty program which rewards you for recycling. How does it work? Go online to www.recyclebank.com or call 1-888-727-2978 to begin your registration process. will then issue you a pin number which will allow you to finish your registration process. Once you are registered, you can begin earning points and redeeming your points for coupons and merchandise. How do I earn points? RECYCLE! The Town’s combined recycling pounds are recorded and points are distributed equally among the users. For every pound of recycling collected, 2.5 points are credited. Once your points are credited to your account, you can begin redeeming your points. Currently, has more than 400 local and national reward partners. Stallings residents favorite coupon to-date is a $10 Harris Teeter coupon when you spend $50. Tell your Stallings friends and neighbors! The more we all recycle, the more points we earn. Together we can make a difference to the planet and earn rewards at the same time! So what are you waiting for?! Register today to start earning points for cash discounts or merchandise! Town Council Adopts 2013-2014 Budget Details on page 3 Fertilizing Tips Learn more on page 8
Transcript
Town of Stallings, Gateway to Union County
Stallings Sentinel
Summer 2013
Issue 3
Do you know you can get paid to recycle? Yes, that’s right...PAID!
Because you are a Stallings resident, you are eligible to become a
member of , an online loyalty program which rewards
you for recycling.
How does it work?
Go online to www.recyclebank.com or call 1-888-727-2978 to begin
your registration process. will then issue you a pin
number which will allow you to finish your registration process.
Once you are registered, you can begin earning points and
redeeming your points for coupons and merchandise.
How do I earn points?
RECYCLE! The Town’s combined recycling pounds are recorded and
points are distributed equally among the users. For
every pound of recycling collected, 2.5 points are
credited. Once your points are credited to your
account, you can begin redeeming your points. Currently,
has more than 400 local and national reward partners.
Stallings residents favorite coupon to-date is a $10 Harris Teeter
coupon when you spend $50.
Tell your Stallings friends and neighbors!
The more we all recycle, the more points we earn. Together we can
make a difference to the planet and earn rewards at the
same time! So what are you waiting for?! Register today to start
earning points for cash discounts or merchandise!
Town Council
Adopts
2013-2014
Budget
Details on page 3
Fertilizing
Tips
Learn more on page 8
Page 2
The 2013-14 budget season has concluded with the adoption of a 7.3 Million budget. After some initial angst about decreasing revenues stemming from changes underway in the state legislature, we worked with the manager and finance officer to craft a budget that poses no increase in property taxes or storm water fees. Council approved withdrawals from the fund balance to help cover costs for several capital projects in the coming year including the Pleasant Plains-Potters Road intersection and streetscape improvements, sidewalk construction, addressing the “C “ condition streets, and completion of the final items for the municipal park. Council has not yet approved establishment of a capital reserve account to fund future projects, but I remain hopeful that a long range financial plan will follow the adoption of the CIP. The budget can be found on the Town website. The warmer weather has brought many visitors to the park to enjoy the splash pad and movie nights, and the compliments continue to flow. The ribbon cutting for the Blair Mill Park and the official opening of the disc golf course on May 18 was highlighted by some special guests, Houston Blair and his wife Frances. The park was named in honor of the Blair family who operated a grist mill in the area in the late 1700’s. The mill was sold to Amos Stevens in 1849 whose family operated the mill for 100 years thereafter and contributed to the region becoming known as the Stevens Mill area. If you are interested in more history of the mill and the Town, see the History tab on www.DiscoverStallings.com This promises to be a busy summer in Town but the Parks and Recreation Committee is already making plans for Stallings Fest which is scheduled for September 21. Mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss this event. We encourage all of our “friends of the park” to consider giving some volunteer time
to become a Park Ambassador. The time commitment is minimal and there are many ways to help us maintain this beautiful facility we’ve created or to assist with events in Town parks. Applications for the ambassador program will be available soon on the town website or by contacting Dena Sabinske at Town Hall. Stallings experienced downed trees and other damage during some of the recent storms. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but there were some homes damaged and trees blocking streets and on power lines. I want to thank the many “good Samaritans” who helped to clear the roads and assist their neighbors. That community spirit and willingness to help out in difficult times is what makes our Town a special place to live. We did get some calls to inquire if the Town does tree removal. Yard waste is included in our contract with GBUSA and can accommodate the small twigs and debris left from these storms, but the Town does not provide for tree removal. That is usually covered under an individual’s homeowner insurance policy. In closing, I’d like to remind you that the filing period for election to Town Council opens on July 5 and extends through noon on July 18. Although challenging at times, I can honestly say that it has been exciting to be part of a real change in Stallings government and I’m proud of the progress we have made. Seats are open in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 6 and the mayor’s seat. I hope there will be a strong pool of well- qualified candidates who wage a positive, issue based campaign. Let’s make November 5th the
most competitive race and the best election turnout ever!
Help us get 200 “likes” on FaceBook and we’ll give away a free Stallings tote bag to a randomly selected FaceBook friend. Keep up with all the Town’s latest events, news, and information in one easy location. Tell your neighbors! Tell your Stallings friends! And don’t forget to “like” us yourself!
Council Adopts 2013-2014 Budget
On Monday, June 24, 2013, the Stallings Town Council adopted the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Budget. The
tax rate and all fees held steady in this budget which included:
Intersection improvements at Potters/Pleasant Plain and a
streetscape beautification project on Potters Road from Pleasants
Plains to Monroe Road;
Continued preservation and enhancement of safe and desirable
parks and recreational facilities for the citizens of Stallings;
Maintenance of Town owned streets through regular resurfacing
and repair;
New sidewalk construction on Lawyers Road in two phases; and
Salary adjustments to continue to retain and attract qualified staff.
The following amounts were appropriated for the operation of the Town’s government and its activities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014:
For a complete look at the budget, please visit the Town’s website at www.stallingsnc.org. Any questions about the budget can be directed to Town Manager Brian Matthews at [email protected] or Finance Officer Kirk Medlin at [email protected].
GENERAL FUND – ADMINISTRATIVE $5,631,000
APPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE 1,239,200
APPROPRIATED POWELL BILL FUND BALANCE 179,000
STORM WATER FUND 232,000
APPROPRIATED STORM WATER FUND BALANCE 65,000
TOTAL $7,346,200
Page 4
Stallings Parks and Recreation
Parks Hours
Stallings Municipal Park September-April: 8 a.m. to Dusk May-August: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
*CLOSED on Thursdays from 8-10 a.m. for maintenance. *
Stallings Fountain June 10 - August 23: Running daily from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 3-6 p.m. August 24 - Sept. 22: Friday - Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 3-6 p.m.
Blair Mill Park September-April: 8 a.m. to Dusk May-August: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
*CLOSED on Wednesdays from 8-10 a.m. for maintenance. *
Stallings Fest! Saturday, September 21 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Stallings Municipal Park
It’s almost here! Stallings biggest event of the year!
This year, residents can enjoy free amusement rides and several bands including local favorite Right Turn Clyde. Food vendors, various arts and crafts booths as well as local businesses will also be available.
Interested in being a vendor? Please visit www.stallingsnc.org and click on the Stallings Fest! Vendor Application under the Events tab.
Yoga Classes Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Stallings Municipal Park Lawn (behind large arbors in the back)
Lead by Vital Yoga Center of Stallings, come and start your day off right with some yoga. The cost is $6 per person. No pre-registration required.
Help encourage a healthy environment by keeping our streets clean from litter! Join your neighbors to help our Town.
Interested? Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 704-821-3013 or [email protected].
Want to hold your next event at one of the Town’s facilities? The Stallings Civic Building and areas of the Stallings Municipal Park are both available for rent.
Stallings Municipal Park The Park has two shelters available for rent which you can reserve in three hour blocks.
Shelter A ($30/resident and $40/non-resident): This shelter is located in the front left of the park. It has two (2) eight foot and two (2) six foot tables for use as well as electricity access.
Shelter D ($50/resident and $60/non-resident): This shelter is located in the back right of the park. It has ten (10) six foot tables for use as well as electricity access.
In order to rent one of these shelters, you must: Complete a Stallings Park Reservation Application; Submit a Hold Harmless Statement and/or a Certificate of Liability Insurance; and Receive and read a copy of the Rental Policies & Procedures Informational Sheet.
Stallings residents must provide proof of residency. Payment is due at the time of reservation by cash or check.
For forms or more information on renting a shelter in the park, please contact Parks and Recreation Director Dena Sabinske at 704-821-8557 ext. 227 or [email protected].
Stallings Civic Building The Civic Building is available for rent in four hour blocks. The charge is $30 (with a $25 refundable deposit) for residents and $50 (with a $25 refundable deposit) for non-residents. For a complete list of rental regulations and for more information, please contact Administrative Staff Linda Tamilia at 704-821-8557 or [email protected].
Stallings Rental Facilities
Parks and Recreation Committee - Stallings Fest 2012
Page 6
Stallings Police Department
SPD Partners with Special Olympics The Stallings Police Department is fundraising for the Special Olympics. Officer Corey Burrows, who is leading this initiative, will be at several Town and community events to
allow the opportunity for citizen involvement. Check the Police Department’s page on the Town’s website for a complete list of all the special events.
T-shirts are also for sale with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Special Olympics. Contact Officers Burrows at [email protected] with any questions or your t-shirt order. Thank you in advance for your support!
Chief Short & Friends The Stallings Police Department is proud to partner with Stallings resident and retired Police Chief John Short to offer “Chief Short & Friends”. “Chief Short & Friends” is a child safety program geared toward children K-4th grade and uses illusion and puppets to help children learn basic safety rules. Contact the Police Department to schedule an event for your group or organization.
radKIDS
The Stallings Police Department is excited to
announce the introduction of the radKIDS, a child
empowerment education program, into our
community. This program is targeted for children K-
6th grade and works to help children have the tools to be safe in several
different areas. For more information on the radKIDS program for a child, or
to possibly become an instructor, please visit the Police Department’s page
on the Town’s website.
D.A.T.E. – Driving Awareness for Teen
Education is a class designed just for your
teen driver. It is coordinated by our own Sgt.
Flynn through a public/private partnership
with Scott Clark Toyota. We have had great
success with this program in the past and are
looking to hold another class in the near future. To find out more
information or to register, please go to the Police Department’s page on the
Town’s website and follow the D.A.T.E. link. Select ‘Additional Information’
at the bottom of the D.A.T.E. webpage to download the registration form.
Page 7
Stallings Police Department
As weather heats up, the Stallings Police Department wants to remind our citizens
that with the summer months come several things to remember:
Kids are out of school and will be playing in the neighborhoods and walking
throughout our town. A little extra attention can save a life.
It’s that time of year for vacations! While you are away let us keep a
watch on your house. Please visit the Police Department’s page on the
Town’s website and click on the Extra Patrol Online Submission link in
the right hand pane to submit your Extra Patrol Request.
With the summer months comes the possibility of summer storms and
the beginning of hurricane season. For tips on how to be prepared for
these and other possible events, go to the Disaster Preparation link on
the Police Department’s page on the Town’s website.
Reminders from SPD
The Stallings Police Department is actively involved with Union County Crime
Stoppers. The purpose of Crime Stoppers is to give monetary rewards for
anonymous tips on crimes committed in Union County which result in arrest. Tips
are received from anonymous callers on the Crime Stoppers telephone number at
704-283-5600. Informants never have to give their name and no court appearance
is required. The informant is assigned a code number and information is
confidential. Cash rewards up to $1,000 may be made. Recently Stallings Police, in conjunction with
Crime Stoppers, was able to secure a reward for a person whose tip led to an arrest in Stallings.
Page 8
What is the problem?
Fertilizing lawns can create and maintain healthy grass. However over fertilizing can harm our environment because excess will run off the surface and into storm drains that run directly into Cache La Poudre and South Platte Rivers. In the rivers, the fertilizers still promote growth but now the growth means algae and other aquatic plants can grow to abnormal proportions clogging the rivers and beginning a chain-event of environmental hazards including foul smelling water, unsightly vegetation, and fish-kills.
How can I fertilize without polluting? Keep three things in mind: 1. Fertilize only when necessary 2. Buy the right type of fertilizer 3. Apply fertilizers properly. What type of fertilizer should I buy?
Look for words like “slow-release” and “organic” on the label. Examples of organic fertilizers include: 1. Worm Castings 2. Compost 3. Blood Meal 4. Manure
How should I apply fertilizer? To effectively fertilize your lawn you need to make sure the nutrients get to the grass and don’t simply run off the ground during the next storm event. Never fertilize before a rain event because the rainfall will cause the fertilizer to run off! Follow these four guidelines to ensure effective fertilizing:
1. Prepare your lawn – Loose soil helps your lawn soak up water and nutrients. To loosen the soil, aerate it by punching many deep holes into it then dethatch the lawn by raking up dead roots and stems on the soil’s surface.
2. Follow directions – Check the product label of the fertilizer you chose. Never apply more than the recommended amount.
3. Spread correctly – Remember we are trying to keep the fertilizer out of the stormwater drainage system. Keep in mind that any fertilizer that is applied onto impervious surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways will simply runoff during the next storm event.
4. Water In – Water in the fertilizer with a hose or sprinkler to allow nutrients to get into the soil but be careful not to over water causing runoff.
What other ways can fertilizers get into lakes and streams? Soil washing off your property can lead to water pollution because many substances, including nutrients,
attach to soil particles. This is good if plants are available to use these nutrients through their root
systems, but not if the soil simply erodes or washes off the surface and into the storm drains where
water will dissolve them and aquatic plants will use them to grow excessively. Protect your soil
by making sure bare spots are covered by vegetation or mulch.
**Both types of “slow-release” and “organic” deliver nutrients slowly which ensures healthier lawn growth and reduces the likelihood that your fertilizer will end up in run off from your property and therefore in lakes and rivers.
When should I fertilize my lawn? Look for signs that your lawn is nutrient deficient. These signs include yellowing grass or grass that shows little or no growth. The best time to look for these signs is during normally high growth periods
