Morning Minute: Thursday, June 6, 2019

News About Town: The Council met this week to discuss the budget further. Between meetings, the Town Manager trimmed $125,000 from the original recommended budget. Present commissioners questioned the need for the parking lot on Charles Street, the need for longevity pay, and suggested the use of an infrastructure bond for improvement projects. The trick to the budget is figuring out a number that keeps resident’s tax bills as close to what they paid last year while funding all of the sidewalks, multi-use paths, among other amenities (Capital Improvement Projects or CIP).

News Around Town:  2016 census data shows 76.3% of Americans commute alone by car.  According to a recent study, "15,832 work here and live outside of Matthews; 12,125 live here and work outside of Matthews; and 894 both work and live in Matthews."  That means the overwhelming majority of Matthews residents who work, commute outside of town to their jobs. That also explains the traffic that’s a populart topic for Matthews. One way to pitch in? Join Sustain Charlotte for their clean commute challenge, Way2Go Charlotte. Despite all the CLT mentions, Matthews residents are allowed (nay, encouraged) to participate.  A larger number of commuters carpooling, riding transit, and biking can dramatically reduce cars on the roadway and alleviate some of the congestion.

One Fun Thing: Join Matthews Park and Rec for a gallery reception this Sunday (June 9) from 2 til 4 pm at McDowell Arts Center. Meet the artists and participate in an interactive work of art entitled Friendge. Light refreshments will be provided.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

 News About Town: Tomorrow, June 6 at 4:00 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon and Commissioner Barabara Dement will host a Facebook Live event on the Town of Matthews page. Submit your questions on their post here prior to the Q&A and tune in to hear their responses.

News About Town: At the last Town Council meeting, the commissioners voted to approve Historic Designation for the Craftsman-style Barnum A. Sustare house on West Matthews St. The Sustare family was instrumental in recognizing the importance of transportation for the development of Matthews. This understanding was one of the reasons Sustare’s pool (aka Matthews Country Club) attracted people from all over the region.  The home has a fascinating history, too lengthy to be summarized in a paragraph. Learn more here.

ne Fun Thing: This Friday, June 7, the Charlotte Symphony will return to Stumptown Park. The prelude act starts at 7 and the symphony starts at 8:15. Get there early and stake out your spot, the lawn gets packed.  Want to know what they’re playing? Check it out.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 4, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews is encouraging residents to Know Your No’s in the recycling bin. As more and more recycling is trashed due to contamination, it’s important to know what those contaminants are. What are the No’s? No tanglers (such as wires, hoses, etc.), no scrap metal, no plastic film (including bags, but some “film” can be recycled with bags at retail recycling locations like Target), no food (try composting?), no hazardous and medical waste (not only is it dangerous, there are actual people handling your recycling along the way), no textiles, no bagged recyclables (because the bags can’t be recycled and it makes more work for the people at the facility).

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News Around Town:  During tonight’s regular meeting, the County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to adopt the amended budget. This budget will determine the county’s property tax rate for Matthews. If approved, the budget will take effect July 1, 2019. If you can’t make it but want to be in the know, the meetings are broadcast online. Meetings are held at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, 28202.

One Fun Thing:  This Saturday, June 8 join Good Cup Coffee for the Father's Day pop-up at the Loyalist. Make a mixed 6-pack of beers from the cooler inside, then head outdoors for some locally-sourced handmade wares! Shop from 6 till 9 PM in the courtyard beside the market. Then go check out the car show in our parking lot with a cold coffee drink!

Morning Minute: Monday, June 3, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police are looking for two men who recently stole nearly $900 in merchandise from Lowe's at Sycamore Commons. Both men are described as black males, approximately 6’00” tall, with medium to large builds. Security camera photos are available on the town website. The theft occurred on the heels of a recent cooperative sting between Matthews PD and Lowe's Security, where 14 people were charged and 21 cases were closed by netting members of an organized retail theft ring.  

The nearly finished Town 324 apartments.

News Around Town:  Town 324, developed by BrookChase Properties, is nearing completion, expanding the selection of apartments in downtown Matthews (the other downtown rental multifamily units are BrookChase's Matthews Lofts). Town 324 is located by Town Hall and consists of 24 " boutique, small scale apartment" units. Rezoning was approved in 2014 by current Commissioner John Urban. (Urban was not commissioner at the time of rezoning.)

One Fun Thing:  Spend summer break with the Matthews Library. Sign your family up online for the Summer Break read-along, log reading and activities throughout the summer, then earn badges and prizes (including a ticket to Carowinds!).

Morning Minute: Friday, May 31, 2019

News About Town: Have a burning question for Mayor Bailey? Maybe curious about the details of a development in town? Tomorrow (Saturday, June 1) is your chance to Meet the Mayor at Miki’s Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) from 8 to 9 am.

Bonus Bite: The Council hasn’t solidified the FY 19/20 budget yet. They’ll meet again with the Town Manager and staff this Monday (June 3) for the special budget meeting. Want to sit in? It’s an open meeting and will be at Town Hall from 6:00  to 8:00 pm.

News Around Town: This Saturday at 10:00 am, the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will dedicate their latest Sandy Marano Memorial Home build (3519 Dion Dr, Matthews, NC 28105). Friends, families, and volunteers are invited to join the celebration as the family is welcomed to their new home.   

One Fun Thing:  This June the McDowell Arts Center will be transformed into a sensory arts show. Ten regional artists will have work on display and you can expect more than just looking, all of the art was made to be touched. Goodyear artist Andrea Vail will have her collaborative, community-building art piece ready. Stop by, materials will be in the gallery for you to add to the piece. McDowell Arts Center (located by the Community Center) is open Monday through Saturday and the show will run through July 5. A reception will be held June 9, and we’ll have more details closer to that date.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

News About Town: On Tuesday evening the town council discussed with Town Attorney Charles Buckley (yep, that street is named after him) prayer in council meetings. The discussion was largely based on the Fourth Circuit court decision that prayer by the Rowan County council violated the Constitution. Similarities between Matthews and Rowan councils include council members leading prayer, prayers that proselytize, and the invitation by council members to attendees to pray. To comply, the attorney recommended the board invite clergy or residents to pray or to do as the Town of Waxhaw does and to offer a moment of silence. The Board of Commissioners will give thought to the topic moving forward. 

If you haven’t made it to a Mobility meeting, there are still a few chances!

News Around Town: Two buildings that have been vacant for a while on Independence have a new lease on life. The former Hooters building (9201 E Independence Blvd) will soon be City Arcade, a sweepstakes center. A space in Windsor Square (right at the corner of Sam Newell and Independence) has a sign in the window that says a homebrew supply store is coming soon. This will be a big relief for those who drive to 201 Central in Wesley Chapel or Alternative Beverage in Belmont to get their brew on. 

One Good Thing: A few mountain towns in NC are celebrating Trail Days tomorrow through Sunday (May 31 through June 2). Why not join from a distance and visit the trails around Matthews? PurSey Park has an excellent loop for hiking and biking, portions of the Carolina Thread Trail run through town and include our last but not least--the beloved 4-mile Creek Greenway. In the words of Dr. Scott, the great PBS paleontologist, "Get outside, get into nature, and make your own discoveries."

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

News About Town: On Memorial Day the American Legion unveiled a new sculpture purchased by the Town in Stumptown Park. "Remembrance," by Peter Rubino, was initially commissioned to honor Americas Fallen Heroes in association with the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation. Several versions have been created since then, the newest of which now resides near the flag pole at Stumptown. 

News Around Town: This Saturday stop by the Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., for North Carolina Musicians: Photographs and Conversation, a talk by NC-based photographer Daniel Coston. Daniel has built a career by photographing bands and musicians throughout the state, from Doc Watson to the Avett Brothers. Learn about his process and the stories behind his work. See some of the images he's taken around Matthews, too! 

One Good Thing: As the school year winds down, take a quick inventory of your marker stash. If you have any that no longer work, Crayola will recycle them. Many area schools will take your used markers and send them to be recycled, but if you can't get to a drop-off point, let us know. We'll meet you somewhere and take them off your hands then get them to Crayola. Because Crayola is committed to recycling, the markers can be any brand, not just theirs! 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 28, 2019

News About Town: We’ve been talking a lot about the town budget lately. Tonight is your chance to give the Board of Commissioners input. No need to sign up to speak, the public hearing is built into the Board of Commissioners meeting.

If you're interested in a comparison of numbers from the 2019/20 budget, view that here.  To hear the budget discussion between the Board and Town Manager, click here.

Changes include:
Governing Board has a recommended additional $25,000 for legal fees. The total suggested increase is $26,605.

Town Manager suggested increase is $37,963.

Human Resources includes overall suggested increase of $128,582.‬

IT and Finance Departments both are recommended to receive lower amounts this budget from the last (-$81,387 and -$14,254 respectively).

Safety/Risk Management has a recommended budget increase of $54,802, mostly due to an increase in Worker’s Comp Premiums and a slight increase for full-time wages.

Police Office of the Chief has a recommended budget increase by $91,504 (increasing full-time and overtime wages as well as retirement contributions). Last year the Police Patrol Division had a budget of $3,301,834 ; this year the recommended budget is $3,350,302. Police Criminal Investigations received $1,075,485  last year. The FY 19/20 recommendation is $1,143,888.

The Fire Department has a recommended increase of $329,171, largely due to an increase in salary and benefit line items as they transition to a full-time department from volunteer.

Cultural Arts, Special Events, Rec Centers, Landscape, and Sanitation have recommended higher budgets. Police Admin and Telecommunications, Streets and Sidewalks, and Planning have a lower recommended budget than FY 18/19.

One Fun Thing: Reader Sandy Wilkinson has the goods on what’s going on at McDowell Arts Center. From Sandy, “Only one more week to enjoy the art show at the McDowell Art Gallery featuring works done by Matthews Artists Guild and Crown Point Elementary school art students. If you've never been to McDowell, stop by the art show upstairs and the working area downstairs to see work in progress. Many youngsters are signing up for art camp this summer. Veterans are welcome to create art weekly. Those who enjoy knitting and crocheting meet every other Tuesday evening, open to everyone. Many other programs and information are available at the Mathews Community Center. Don’t be shy...give it a try!”

Morning Minute: Friday, May 24, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend News: Hooks-Orr American Legion Post #235 will have a display of war memorabilia in the Hood Room of Town Hall (232 Matthews Station St.) both today and tomorrow (May 24 and 25, 11 am to 2 pm). Items from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and the Korean wars will provide a sobering reflection as we kick off Memorial Day weekend.

In honor of those who died in service, all Matthews Veterans are welcome to join the Legion for a free breakfast on Saturday, May 25 at the Masonic Lodge (184 S Trade St ) from 8 am to 10 am.

Legion Post 235 will also hold their Annual Matthews Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 at 11:00am. Join the Legion at Stumptown Park to honor Matthews' service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and to watch the unveiling of a new sculpture honoring all Matthews veterans.

In other Memorial Day news, Matthews Talks will honor soldiers who died in war. Check out the site Monday morning to see a special video memorializing five fallen soldiers who had ties to Matthews.

At 3 pm on Monday, take one minute to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. This moment was established by Congress as an act of national unity every Memorial Day.

One Good Thing: It’s no secret we love us some Grace O’Malley’s (helloooo fish and chips rinsed down with a pint of Guinness). It seems lots of other people do, too, leaving the Irish restaurant understaffed for dinner. If you’re a rock star line cook looking for evening shifts, this is your chance. The position is full time and they offer very competitive wages. Is this job for you? Brush up on your brogue and apply.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 23, 2019

News About Town:  Fire Lieutenant Ryan Hanes (Engine 22-A with Matthews Fire & EMS) recently completed his Technical Rescuer Instructor Qualification training. Upon completion of the extensive training, Lt Hanes is able to instruct, train, and certify other firefighters in rope rescue, helicopter transport, water rescue, and other aspects of technical rescue.

News About Town: Have some thoughts on statewide transportation? NCDOT has a brief survey online to gauge opinions on the trends that are changing transportation. The questions are not specific to mode but are based on what will increase or decrease the need for and cost of travel throughout North Carolina.

One Fun Thing: If you follow LAM Studios (159 N. Trade St.) on social media, you know owner Lorraine Mulligan has impeccable taste. Now’s Your chance to get Her gorgeous finds on sale! The retail store floor model sale runs today through June 6 during regular store hours.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 22, 2019

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners met with the town manager this past Monday evening for a budget workshop. One idea presented is to revisit the town newsletter. Content would be decided by the town and will include town events. An outside firm would write articles and create the newsletter. Waxhaw and Kannapolis do something similar. The newsletter would cost approximately $1,000 per month. 

News About Town: German grocer Lidl is coming to Matthews. After originally applying for rezoning in November 2016, the retailer ran the rezoning gauntlet and the design was approved by town council in April 2017. Land clearing recently began on the property at the corner of Margaret Wallace and Idlewild. According to several sources, the store will open in 2020.

One Fun Thing: It's time once again for Food Truck Friday at Stumptown Park. Bring your emptiest belly and get there early to avoid the long lines. This week get a face full of tacos, Caribbean fare, the always-popular Yummi Banh Mi, and more. The fun starts at 5 pm.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 21, 2019

News About Town: On Tuesday, May 14 the police department posted security camera images of a man and woman who used stolen credit cards on May 9 at a Matthews gas station. By Thursday, May 16, Matthews Police were able to apprehend the pair, thanks in part to helpful tips from Matthews residents. 

News Around Town: Wildlife rescuers are on overload with rescued baby birds this time of year, so think before you "rescue." If you're outside and find a baby, first notice whether it's a fledgling (covered in down and feathers) or a nestling (nearly naked). If it's a nestling, try and put it back in its nest. If it's a fledgling, the odds are good a parent is around and watching you and its baby. If it's injured, that's another story. In that case, contact a wildlife rehabber or Carolina Waterfowl Rescue.

One Fun Thing: Calling all bakers of all ages! This Saturday is the Annual Baking Competition at the Matthews Farmers' Market. The Market is looking for "All Things Strawberry" so pop on your chef's hat and mix up your best strawberry creation. Head to www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com for rules and entry form. Entries will be judged by a panel of food experts including renowned Chef Peter Reinhart of Johnson & Wales University. It's sure to be a (straw)berry good time!

Morning Minute: Monday, May 20, 2019

News About Town:  According to Mayor Bailey, the State Transportation Board approved funds this past week to widen Crestdale Road. The widening has been discussed for several years now, with broad public support from the Crestdale neighborhood (see public comments). The board also approved delaying East John Street. NCDOT engineer Scott Cole explained in an April meeting, "funding for [the John Street] project will remain committed until the project resumes in 2025."

News Around Town: Recently a row of pine trees were removed from in front of the fence line at Sardis Plantation on Highway 51. According to HOA members, the pines were planted in a man-made berm. This instability, plus the aging of the trees, led to a decision to remove them as a precautionary measure. The Sardis Plantation HOA is discussing the appropriate plants to replace the pines.

One Good Thing: Matthews Police Department will host their next "Coffee with a Cop" this Friday, May 24th at Starbucks (2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite A). Take the opportunity to get to know some of our officers, ask questions, and discuss concerns. The event runs from 9am to 11am. 

Morning Minute: Friday, May 17, 2019

News About Town:  The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), part of the Town Manager's Recommended Budget, shows an array of future projects in town.  CIP projects for FY 19/20 includes partial funding for a multi-use path down Pleasant Plains (part of the Carolina Thread Trail), funding to pave and create a parking lot on the town-owned property on East Charles St. (behind Pita Kebab), and funding for constructing the Crestdale Heritage Trail. There are many more projects on the list. To see FY 19/20 and 20/21, click here. To see the CIP through 2029 click here. 

News Around Town: Yesterday, during their regular Thursday meeting, the Matthews Kiwanis Club presented their first-ever Community Partners in Service Grants.  As one member joked, the club gave away $10,000 in 45 minutes. In truth, the club worked for several years to raise money for their foundation, which was, in turn, presented to seven local nonprofits that "serve the children & youth of our community." Club leaders also recognized the work Mark Jones and Eran Weaver put into organizing and administering the grant process.  Representatives from each group were present to accept the grant and explain how the monies will benefit their organizations. The recipients are: Bright Blessings, BSA Troop 118, COS Kids, Matthews Playhouse, Sur de Charlotte, Turning Point, Inc., and ZABS Place.

Special thanks to Rob Hunter for sharing his photo (above) of the Kiwanis honorees.

One Good Thing: One Fun Thing: What’s better than old school video game songs played on the tuba? Old school video game songs played on the tuba by a member of the Matthews Concert Band. Rock on TubaDylan.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 16, 2019

News About Town: The Town Manager's Recommended Budget is available online. Of note is the addition four new positions in the police department, 24 firefighter positions as part of the 24-hour staffing model, and $20,000 funding for Red Brick Partnership (as of today they are not recognized in an IRS search). The public hearing for the budget will be Tuesday, May 28 at the Board of Commissioners meeting.

News Around Town: Despite a petition by students to repeal the decision, Butler students will have a makeup day June 10. The makeup day is to fulfill a mandatory number of instructional hours missing due to school closure after the fatal shooting of student Bobby McKeithen.

One Good Thing: Registration is open for the annual Heart of a Champion Day. CMS created this opportunity to provide their student-athletes with free sports screenings and is scheduled for June 1, 2019. Registration runs through midnight May 26. Click here to register.