MORRISVILLE CREATES COMMITTEE TO STUDY HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN TOWN CENTER

Posted: February 25, 2008

To help implement its Town Center Plan, Morrisville is convening an Historic Crossroads Committee (HCC) to study historic preservation strategies.  The HCC will meet four times during the spring of 2008 to review the historic preservation techniques currently available to North Carolina communities and develop recommendations for what is desirable in Morrisville.  The Committee will focus on two kinds of strategies:  Voluntary Historic Preservation Incentives and Community Historic Preservation Standards.

The committee will be chaired by Peter Prichard, who currently chairs the Planning & Zoning Board.  Peter notes that “This important step in the implementation of the Town Center Plan will identify workable strategies to celebrate Morrisville’s small-town heritage and help protect the remaining historic properties in the center of the community.”

The Committee will present its recommendations in June to the Planning & Zoning Board, which will review them and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.  Recommendations on Voluntary Preservation Incentives will help guide the development of a historic preservation incentive program.  Recommendations on Community Preservation Standards will serve as valuable input in the preparation of the Town Center Development Code, slated to begin later in 2008.

For more information, please visit www.townofmorrisville.org/planning/TownCenter.asp, or contact Ashley Jones in the Planning Department at ajones@ci.morrisville.nc.us or 463-6927.

Posted: January 4, 2008

In order to make planned improvements to the intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and NC54, the historic Pugh House is being relocated from 10018 Chapel Hill Road to 103 Page Street, about a block down Morrisville Carpenter Road.  The move will take place on Saturday, January 12th, and will involve several entities, including utility companies to move electric, phone, and cable lines, and the NC Railroad to move the railroad arms.  Work will begin at dawn, but folks can expect to see the house actually being moved sometime between 8-10 am. 

The following roads will be closed at various times during the process between 7am and about 11am.  Officers will be on site to enforce road closings - please avoid these routes if possible:

1) Morrisville Carpenter Road, from Town Hall Drive to International Drive 

2) NC54, from Weston Parkway to Sunset Avenue. 

Planning Director Ben Hitchings commented on the importance of keeping the historic home intact, “By saving the Pugh House, Morrisville is able to preserve an important chapter in the town's history, and use the structure to tell the interesting story of the town's development.”

Those wanting to watch this unique process will be directed to a safe viewing area off of Morrisville Carpenter Road. 

GOV. EASLEY CALLS ON CITIZENS TO CUT WATER CONSUMPTION BY 50 PERCENT
State Asks Community Water Systems to Increase Reporting, First Results Posted After Halloween

Posted: October 23, 2007

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced he is calling on citizens across North Carolina to cut water consumption by 50 percent between now and Halloween.  In addition, he has asked each of the state’s public water systems to increase reporting to the state by recording the amount of water used daily and sending that information weekly to his office.  The consumption totals will be made available to the public to help communities and the public monitor the success of water-saving measures. 

“Between now and Halloween, I am calling on North Carolinians across the state to cut our water use by half,” Easley said.  “Whenever you use water, cut the amount by half, whether it is taking a shower or washing the dishes.  We all need to know whether this will be extremely difficult or easily do-able, but we do need to establish a baseline of water use to determine which water conservation measures are most effective.  We likely will spot important trends and pick up valuable conservation methods that communities can share.  I appreciate the cooperation from all of the state’s public water systems, local officials and our citizens.”

Easley said his office will collect and distribute this detailed water consumption information as long as the drought persists.  As Easley noted in an address to the North Carolina League of Municipalities last week, the state is suffering from the worst drought on record and water resources are critically low.  Water consumption must be reduced now and for the foreseeable future if we are to avoid a water supply emergency.

Starting today with “Operation Halve-It,” the governor’s office will monitor water consumption by the state’s public water systems, and after Halloween, the governor will release a list of those systems that have significantly reduced their consumption.  Some communities, such as Siler City, have already asked residents to cut water consumption by 50 percent. 

“With a full week’s report, we will be able to determine the amount of water saved by each community while our citizens give us their best effort to cut water use by one-half.  This will be valuable information to have if we get to a situation where rationing is needed,” said Easley.  “After Halloween, we may modify this request, depending on the success of  ‘Operation Halve-It.’”  

For citizens who have not started already, here are North Carolina’s top 10 tips for water conservation, some the governor has already mentioned, that can be used now to start saving right away:

1. Stop watering lawns and shrubbery at homes and businesses; do not wash down homes, driveways or sidewalks; do not wash cars; and restaurants should ONLY serve water when patrons ask.

2. Check your plumbing to be sure it is not wasteful.

3. Check for leaks and repair them. In a typical home, leaks amount to about 15 percent of all household indoor water use.

4. Use indoor water wisely.  Turn off water while shampooing, shaving and brushing your teeth to reduce the time water is running.

5. Take time to locate your main water shut-off valve and the water meter in your yard.  Knowing where the main shut-off is can potentially prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water.

6. Use dry cleanup methods to reduce both indoor and outdoor water use. Instead of hosing off your driveway and patio, use a broom to sweep away debris.

7. Take advantage of free water.  Catch rainwater from your gutters and use it to water your flowers and vegetables.  Collect water from the bath/shower while waiting for it to heat up; use for watering plants.

8. Use appliances wisely.  Run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads to maximize efficiency.

9. Avoid washing vehicles.  If washing is absolutely necessary, use a commercial carwash that recycles water.

10. Avoid using sink disposals for food scraps.

For more ideas and water conservation information , click on the “Water Conservation Tips” link on the upper right of the governor’s website : www.governor.state.nc.us

Posted: October 22, 2007

Professional successes abound with Morrisville’s Town Staff. 

Finance Department

Brenda Landes was awarded the 2007 Outstanding Business Licensing Official of the Year, given by the North Carolina Association of Business Licensing Officials.  “Brenda was nominated for this award and received unanimous endorsement on the basis of individual leadership in municipal government, evidenced by her service and value to other counties or municipalities of the state,” said Sandy Martin, NCABLO President.  Morrisville Finance Director Julia Ketchum commented, “This type of recognition reflects on Morrisville’s focus on encouraging professional development for our employees as a means of giving back to the organization and the community.”

Budget Manager Laurel Belanger was presented with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association.  The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.  This is the 3rd consecutive GFOA award for Morrisville.

Fire Department

A Morrisville firefighter will take the reins in Selma, NC.  Phillip McDaniel was hired as Selma’s Fire Chief, the Town’s first ever paid Fire Department employee.  McDaniel has worked for the past seven years as an engineer for the Morrisville Fire Department, where he was “part of a grass roots effort to form Morrisville’s first Honor Guard”, noted Morrisville Fire Chief Todd Wright.  “We are excited to be an element of preparing Phillip for success, and are proud of his achievement.” 

Police Department

The Morrisville Police Department Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  Sergeants Sanchez and Champ, and Officers Whitehurst, Aldridge, J. Davis, T. Davis, Pinel, and Coyne were recognized as Officer of the Year.  Regarding the group nomination, Sergeant Champ commented that “No one response was greater than the other, because all the responses resulted in the consumer getting the assistance needed.”  CIT Police officers are often called upon to respond to crisis situations involving persons with serious mental illness.

Posted: September 25, 2007

In 2004, Morrisville voters approved General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $13 million.  These funds will be spent on road improvements, parks and recreation projects, and a town facility to meet our expanding staff needs. 

In preparation to sell the approved general obligation bonds this year, Morrisville officials visited the two major credit rating agencies, whose ratings measure credit worthiness, and the ability to pay back a loan.

Standard & Poor’s (S&P), upgraded the Town’s general obligation bond rating from A+ to AA- citing strong management, a very impressive planning process and good growth management as the primary positive credit factors.  The S&P analyst also said that additional upward movement in the Town’s rating was possible as Morrisville continues to demonstrate its ability to manage growth.

Moody’s upgraded Morrisville to AA3 from an A1, citing strong management, strong economic factors and excellent planning and growth management programs as the primary positive credit factors.  They also indicated that additional upward movement in the Town’s rating was possible as the town continues to grow its population and tax base and continues to demonstrate its ability to manage growth.

As a result of the improved ratings, $9.7 million of the approved bonds were sold today at an interest rate of 3.82 percent, a low and extremely favorable rate.  The lowest bidder was AG Edwards & Sons, a national brokerage firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Posted: September 18, 2007

A man found dead in Morrisville on Sunday has been identified as Bill Fredere.  The 58 year old white male appeared to be homeless.

MORRISVILLE DEATH RULED ACCIDENTAL

Posted: September 17, 2007

The Chapel Hill Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of a Morrisville man accidental, consistent with a fall.  The 58 year old white male was 5’5” and 220 lbs. 

SECTION OF NC54 BLOCKED FOR DEATH INVESTIGATION

Posted: September 16, 2007

A white male was found dead along NC54 around noon on Sunday.  There is currently no known cause of death, and the name of the deceased will not be released until the next of kin is notified.  Vehicles traveling along NC54 near Morrisville Parkway should use caution, as traffic is being rerouted around the scene.

After two years of planning, training, state testing and equipment procurement the Morrisville Fire Department upgraded the level of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from First Responder to Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B).  In 2005 the department was faced with a decision of which direction to go as it related to EMS.  According to Fire Chief Todd Wright, “as a result of new EMS certification requirements we either had to stop providing EMS services or upgrade our level of services.  With the continuous call volume increase to EMS related incidents it was a clear we needed to upgrade the level of EMS services.”

The EMS upgrade plan took two years to complete.  Forty percent of the department staff had to complete a 164 hour EMT course, pass a state exam and complete the Wake County Scope of Practice training in order to function as an EMT-B in Wake County. 

The department invested approximately $10,000. in the equipment as part of the EMS upgrade.  With the training and equipment, “we can provide a higher level of EMS care to people who are in need of life saving treatment.  We now have the ability to administer medication to asthmatic, allergic reaction, cardiac, diabetic patients according to Wright.”

“Our main purpose as a fire department is to save lives.  The EMT-B upgrade is a positive step in helping the fire department fulfill that purpose,” explained Wright.

Wake County EMS Chief, Skip Kirkwood and Wake County Medical Director, Dr. Brent Meyers will recognize the Morrisville Fire Department at the August 27th Board of Commissioner meeting for their efforts to improve the EMS services in the Town of Morrisville.

Morrisville Fire Department joins the ranks of Raleigh, Garner and Cary as only the fourth fire department in Wake County to provide EMT-B level of services.  Other fire departments in Wake County have plans to upgrade EMS services.

Posted: June 19, 2007

On an average of twice each day, you’re likely to see a Morrisville Firefighter installing a child safety seat. 

In the past nine months, Morrisville firefighters certified by the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program have installed 560 child safety seats.  Morrisville firefighters attend this 4-5 day long course to learn the technical and instructional skills needed to serve as child passenger safety resources for their organization, community or state.

As a result of the most recent course, Morrisville has increased its number of certified firefighters from 4 to 24.  Fire Chief Todd Wright commented, “We currently have 50% of our staff certified as Child Seat Inspection Technicians.  Having this many firefighters certified enables us to better meet our customers needs.  I believe this is one of the best programs we offer.”

Posted: June 11, 2007

The Morrisville Fire Department will be participating in the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down, being held the week of June 17-23, 2007. The Stand Down is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the IAFC.

“We are looking forward to participating in the Stand Down,” said Todd Wright, Fire Chief.  The Stand Down activities provides an opportunity to promote critical safety issues that help protect Fire and EMS agencies.  “I believe taking time out of our busy schedule to focus on critical safety issues is time well spent in making our work environment safer,” according to Wright. 

The Stand Down, themed “Ready to Respond,” will focus on preparing firefighters and EMS personnel for their daily duties by reviewing their training and the proper use of equipment to ensure safe response, mitigation and return from all emergency situations. Failure to remain cautious can cause routine activities to become hazardous, as has been shown in the many fire service and emergency medical service line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

In 2006, 105 firefighters died in the line of duty; already this year, 44 have been lost. The purpose of the Safety Stand Down is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them. Stand downs have been used by the military for years to correct issues that have been identified as a problem throughout the ranks.

Developing a Rapid Intervention Procedure and training everyone to that standard is one example of how we are trying to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

For more information, please contact Todd Wright, Fire Chief at 919-463-6121

Morrisville Police Dept. Seeks Info

Posted: May 24, 2007

The Morrisville Police Department is seeking assistance from the general public.  At approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th, 2007, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run vehicle while walking through the Harris Teeter parking lot at the McCrimmon Corners Shopping Center off of Davis Drive in Morrisville.  The pedestrian, a resident of Morrisville landed on the vehicle, possibly causing damage to the hood or windshield.  The operator of the vehicle did not stop and left the scene of the injured pedestrian.

If anyone has information concerning this accident which might lead to the arrest of the hit and run vehicle operator, please call the Morrisville Police Department at 919-463-1600 or Morrisville Crime Stoppers at 919-463-1577.

Posted: May 14, 2007

The Town of Morrisville has received a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant in the amount of $355,499.58 for the development of the future Indian Creek Greenway Trailhead.  The annual award, the third granted to the Town, is a competitive grant for the acquisition or development of local government recreational amenities.  The State of North Carolina was able to award $13 Million in the current series of applications.  The grant program received for consideration 80 applications for a total of over $28 Million. 

The Indian Creek Greenway Trailhead amenities include a 17-space parking area, a comfort station, two picnic shelters, informal recreation area and a playground area that includes a separated tot-lot.  PARTF assistance with the construction and development of the Indian Creek Greenway Trailhead would be an invaluable addition to the residents of Morrisville.  This project is the first recreational facility of its kind, and will serve to create a “walkable” community.

The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation Greenways and Open Space Master Plan, which was adopted by the Town’s Board of Commissioners in 2002 and most recently in 2006, identified the need for development of greenways and greenway amenities throughout the Town of Morrisville.  This need has been identified through the Department’s 2006 Recreational Needs Analysis Survey as the resident’s first priority.  In addition, the 2002 Greenway Master Plan identified the area that the Indian Creek Greenway Trailhead is proposed to be the very center, or hub, of a progressive 40-mile greenway trail system that connects all residential, commerce, government and recreational centers within the Town.  In addition, the Indian Creek Trailhead has been identified in the Town’s Transportation Plan and in the recently adopted Morrisville Town Center Plan.  The parcel that the park will be developed has been reserved by the Town of Morrisville for a recreational parkland site.  Residents can give their input on the design of the trailhead through an online survey at www.ci.morrisville.nc.us/parks/GreenwaysSurvey.asp.

Posted: May 2, 2007

It was reported today that Wake school officials will be moving seven bus stops off Morrisville Carpenter Road.  The decision was made as a response to requests from parents and the Morrisville Board of Commissioners. 

A resolution was submitted to the Wake County Board of Education last week stating, “To ensure the safety of Morrisville’s youngest citizens…the Town Board of Commissioners hereby respectfully urges the Wake County Board of Education to make the review of busy road school bus stops a highest practical priority to increase student safety post-haste.”

In a statement given by the Town Clerk at last week’s School Board meeting, Diana Davis stated, “It is understood that addressing school bus stops with the purpose of meeting all of the school bus transportation system goals will require sacrifice of some goals for the benefit of others.  Parents of school children certainly support having safe reliable school bus transportation.  Despite the best efforts to teach school bus safety, including boarding and disembarking the vehicle, accidents do occur.  The Town Board of Commissioners wishes to offer their partnership and support in any way to assist.”

Morrisville Mayor Jan Faulkner commented, “The Board extends it’s sincere thanks to the residents who got organized for their cause, and to the Wake County School Board who addressed this issue quickly and with the citizens’ best interests in mind.  This is a great example of how government can work – with the feedback from the citizen’s who are affected daily.”

Morrisville Fire Department selects Battalion Chiefs

Posted: April 20, 2007

As part of a restructuring plan, the Morrisville Fire Department selected candidates with expertise for the Battalion Chief Positions.  All three of the candidates selected have a proven background in the fundamentals of fire department operations; fire suppression, emergency medical care, and rescue operations.  According to Fire Chief Todd Wright, there is something common in all three individuals that separated them from the other candidates.  Each candidate selected offers an area of expertise.

Cliff Cates was promoted from within the organization.  He has worked for Morrisville since the fire department started hiring fulltime firefighters in 1999.  Chief Cates’ work experience includes 6 years with the Hillsborough Orange/Rural Fire Department where he served as a Lieutenant.  During this time he was also a member of the Orange County Rescue Squad where he served a Chief for 2 years.  Chief Cates has worked part-time for the Parkwood Fire Department in Durham for the last 10 years as a Firefigther-Paramedic.  He holds numerous certifications in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services.  Chief Cates served in the U. S. Army with 3 years active duty from 1990 to 1993.  He is currently enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science Fire Protection Program at Durham Technical Community College.

Emergency medical services is Cates’ area of expertise.  He is certified as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.  This is the highest level of EMS certification an individual can obtain in the fire service.  This expertise is being put to work as the fire department completes the transition to upgrade the level of EMS services to North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. 

Chief Cates has this to say about the Battalion Chief promotion, “I am very excited and honored to be one of the first Battalion Chiefs in the history of the Morrisville Fire Department. The Battalion Chiefs coupled with the highly skilled and talented staff that we have will work hard to continue providing the best customer service possible to our citizens and visitors in the Town of Morrisville.  The face of our town and department is ever changing and it means a lot to be a part of that change."

Bobby Boening takes the Battalion Chief job with more than 20 years of fire experience that includes career and volunteer service.  He comes from the Durham Fire Department where his most recent assignment was Captain in training for special operations.  He worked for Durham for 18 years.  Chief Boening was the Durham Fire Department Team Leader for the North Carolina Task Force 8 Urban Search and Rescue Team.  He holds numerous certifications in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services.  In addition, he is certified as a Hazardous Material Specialist.  Boening has an AAS Degree in Fire Protection, and works part-time as a Fire Instructor in the Associate of Applied Science Fire Protection Program at Durham Technical Community College.  Before joining the fire service, Boening helped run a family business. 

Boening’s area of expertise is in Technical Rescue and Ladder Company Operations.  He has technician level training in Urban Search and Rescue.  Bobby was instrumental in helping standardize ladder company operations for the Durham Fire Department.   

Chief Boening will assume the duties of Morrisville Fire Department Team Leader for North Carolina Task Force 4 Urban Search and Rescue Team and assist the training division in special operations.  “We have already scheduled each shift to go through the ladder company operations training Chief Boening developed while at Durham Fire Department,” Wright said.  

Boening feels, “as a Battalion Chief with the Town of Morrisville, this will be an opportunity to deliver outstanding internal and external customer service.  I am excited to serve the Town of Morrisville in this capacity.”

Glenn Clapp joins Morrisville with more than 11 years of fire experience that includes career and volunteer service.  He most recently served as an Emergency Management Specialist for Wake County Emergency Management.  Before coming to Wake County, Glenn worked for the Greensboro Fire Department for 6 years in the suppression division as a Firefighter, Driver/Operator and relief Captain.  Chief Clapp is a Team Leader for the North Carolina Task Force 4 Urban Search and Rescue Team through Apex Fire Department.  Clapp also works part-time for Holly Springs Fire Department.  He holds numerous certifications in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services.  In addition, he is certified as a Hazardous Material Manager (Master Level).  He is one of few people in North Carolina who can teach the Hazardous Material Technician course.  Chief Clapp is a Fire and Law Enforcement Instructor through the North Carolina Community College System.  He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology and Master of Science in Occupational Safety.  According to Wright, “it would be quicker for me to identify the certifications he doesn’t have than to list all the certifications he currently holds.” 

Chief Clapp brings with him an expertise in Hazardous materials and Incident Command Systems.  Clapp has been instrumental in teaching many municipalities in Wake County the new federal required National Incident Management System (NIMS).  Wright said “Clapp comes to our organization as we are in the final phases of the NIMS training.  It is safe to say he will be part of the future revisions of the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan and future NIMS upgrade training.  He will get immediate opportunities to put the Hazmat training to work as he assists the Town in evaluating the feasibility of the joining a local Hazardous Materials Technician Team.”

Clapp believes, “the role of Battalion Chief is unique in the fire service in that the Battalion Chief spans the operational and administrative areas within a department.  I am looking forward to serving in such a role with a department that is evolving and growing at such a rate as the Morrisville Fire Department.  The fact that I will be part of a cohesive team of shift members protecting the lives and property within the jurisdiction while at the same time expanding my administrative and managerial experience is especially appealing.” 

Posted: April 4, 2007

The Wake County Commissioners unanimously approved the Town of Morrisville’s grant request of $436,080.00 for the acquisition of 18.17 acres for future park and open space.

The future acquisition of the RTP Property meets many goals that were developed initially through a collaboration of municipalities within Wake County that included input into Wake County’s Consolidated Open Space Plan (COSP), and further adopted as goals by the Town of Morrisville to assist in the regional planning effort.  Wake County’s Open Space Plan, supported by a voter approved bond referendum, identifies watershed management, growth management, and transportation as interconnected goals.  The RTP acquisition project promotes the region’s water quality protection planning efforts that will benefit the residents of Morrisville and Wake County as it grows just as rapidly into the future as it grows today.  

Transportation planning is also an important component to the site as Morrisville’s adopted Greenway Master Plan identifies future greenways that are scheduled to be integrated into the site.  For additional information regarding the Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan, please visit http://www.wakegov.com/parks/.

Posted: March 22, 2007

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Town of Morrisville by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “Spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Spring Litter Sweep a Big Success

Posted: March 20, 2007

Morrisville’s streets are a little cleaner due to the efforts of about 50 volunteers.  On March 17th, 2007, the Spring Litter Sweep drew its largest crowd ever.  Volunteers collected approximately 70 bags of trash, along with 1 couch, 1 mattress, 10 cinder blocks, 20 ft stove pipe, 100 ft rebar, 4 tires, 1 aluminum table, and various tree branches along McCrimmon Parkway, Morrisville-Carpenter Road, Town Hall Drive, NC54, Aviation Parkway, Parkside Valley Drive, and Church Street.    

Board Retreat Defines Issues, Initiatives

Posted: February 2, 2007

The Morrisville Board of Commissioners held its Annual Retreat on January 26-28, 2007.  The focus of this gathering of the Board and Morrisville staff was to define the challenges facing the town, and to propose initiatives to respond to those challenges. 

The challenges included: achieving a good mix of land use; refining of processes for maximum service delivery; achieving a strong, positive identity for the town; and fostering a collaborative environment to grow and develop new resources and opportunities.

Some initiatives suggested to respond to those challenges were: Revising the Land Use Plan; continuing with implementation of the Town Center Plan; refining and implementing performance measurement process; developing a capital funding strategy for infrastructure needs; and increasing public involvement in town programs and processes.

Mayor Jan Faulkner stated, “We feel very comfortable with the product we came away with from this year’s retreat.  The Board and staff has worked very hard to understand our common challenges and solutions.”