Foundation under foundations
May marks Building Safety Month, an international campaign that highlights the essential role building codes play in keeping communities safe. For the City of Johnson City, it is also an opportunity to recognize the important work of the Building Services Department and the impact it has on the quality of life across the community.
Building codes are the foundation of safe, resilient development. Through
education, inspections, and enforcement, the Building Services Department helps ensure that homes, businesses, and public spaces are constructed and maintained to meet established safety standards. These efforts not only protect residents and businesses from potential hazards but also support thoughtful, sustainable growth throughout the city.
The department’s impact is evident in its daily work. So far this year, Building Services has completed more than 5,000 inspections and processed over 1,400 permits. Each inspection and permit represents a step toward safer construction practices and a stronger built environment for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Johnson City.
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Continued: Foundation under foundations
Building Safety Month also aligns with World Facilities Management Day on May 13, which recognizes the professionals who maintain and care for buildings and public spaces. This includes the City’s Facilities Management team, whose work ensures that municipal buildings, parks, and facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming.
Together, these efforts reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and service. Building Safety Month serves as a reminder of the expertise and dedication of Building Services staff and facilities personnel who help ensure that structures across Johnson City are built strong and built to last.
WSS hosts students for treatment plant tour
Water and Sewer Services staff hosted a tour of the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant for students from the ETSU College
of Public Health on April 16. The group included 25 students and their instructor, Chris Honeycutt, all of whom are enrolled in the Project EARTH program at the ETSU–Eastman Valleybrook Campus.
Students participated in a plant tour and the popular “bug show” and asked thoughtful questions about water treatment processes and environmental impacts. One student, Aiden Stevens, an environmental health minor, expressed interest in potential internship opportunities, inquiring about current and future availability.
Public Works honored for West Walnut
Johnson City Public Works has received an honorable mention in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Awards for the West Walnut Redevelopment Project, further recognizing this transformative corridor improvement. The national Engineering Excellence Awards honor projects demonstrating innovation, complexity, and value, highlighting how engineering improves communities. The West Walnut project, which strengthened connectivity between downtown and East Tennessee State University, continues to earn recognition for its lasting community benefits.
Project partner LDA Engineering will formally receive the award at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on May 5 in Washington, D.C., where top projects from across the
country are celebrated for their achievements.
This recognition adds to the growing list of honors for the West Walnut Redevelopment Project and reflects the collaboration and dedication of City staff and project partners
in delivering infrastructure that enhances the quality of life in Johnson City. Prior to wining the ACEC award, Public Works was recognized with the American Public Works Association’s 2025 Mark Miller Tennessee Public Works Project of the Year.
Food drive serves senior community, pets too
The Johnson City Senior Center distributed groceries to elders during its annual Spring Forward for Seniors community outreach event.
Staff from the Senior Center and Parks and Recreation Department, along with volunteers, unloaded truckloads of groceries, toiletries, household paper products, and laundry detergent at Keystone Community Center. New this year, the Senior Center added a pet food drive, collecting supplies for seniors with animals.
The staff members and volunteers then sorted and bagged the items before distributing them to 200 low-
income seniors across the area. Each recipient received three bags filled with the groceries and household supplies.
“We look forward to this program each year,” said Rachel Evans, recreation services manager. “It’s an uplifting and rewarding experience to give back to the community and support our seniors. The boxes make a big impact, providing everyday essentials while giving us the opportunity to connect with them personally. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our volunteers and local businesses. We are extremely thankful for their continued support.”
The program began 18 years ago with staff delivering to roughly 50 seniors around the Christmas holiday. Over the years, it has quadrupled. The Senior Center holds fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to purchase some of the items needed to make this project possible. The Senior Center
also takes in donations from City staff, community members, and local businesses.
Kathy Whitaker, a member on the Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council, knows the impact of this day based on her time working at the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disability.
“Throughout my career, I witnessed firsthand the significant need among seniors for food and basic supplies,” said Whitaker. “When I retired, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the community, and this program is one way I can do that. So many seniors are isolated and cannot afford basic essentials, and this program addresses both of those realities.
“The Johnson City Senior Center does remarkable work with this program, and I am blessed to be part of it. When you deliver the bags, the seniors are so thankful. It’s like Christmas morning. The impact this program makes is immeasurable.”
Drug Take Back Day event protects lives
Recently, JCPD partnered with Insight Alliance and ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy to offer a Drug Take Back Day, which was a big success. Together, they collected just over 124 pounds of unused and expired medications for safe disposal.
Participant involvement makes a real difference in preventing misuse and protecting the environment. The Police Department appreciates the community’s continued support of this program.
The JCPD has a year-round prescription
drug disposal service in the lobby of JCPD headquarters, 601 E. Main St., Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Police officer reflects admirable servant leadership
The Johnson City Police Department recently received a message of appreciation from a resident recognizing Officer Dylan Dodgin’s exceptional care during a roadside emergency.
After her vehicle stalled in the middle of the road,
Kayla Adams said Officer Dodgin quickly blocked the intersection to keep her and her children safe. He remained with the family for more than an hour while they waited for a tow truck, assisting with the vehicle, offering reassurance, and engaging with the children to keep them calm.
“He went above and beyond,” Adams shared. “We can’t thank you enough for your kindness and dedication.”
This moment reflects the everyday commitment of JCPD officers to serve with professionalism, compassion, and care.
New improvements to Unicoi water tank
Water and Sewer Services recently completed rehabilitation of the Unicoi Water Tank. The 2-milliongallon concrete tank, built in 1997, had not been recoated since its original construction.
Work began on March 16 and was completed on April 2. The contractor cleaned the exterior, repaired surface cracks, and applied two coats of TNEMEC Enviro-Crete. Crews also sandblasted and recoated the interior piping, cleaned the tank, and completed the disinfection process.
These improvements help extend the life of the tank and ensure continued reliable service.
April 2026
Historic marker commemorates senior center
Johnson City Parks and Recreation held a ceremony April 17 to unveil a historical marker commemorating the Senior Center as the first nationally accredited senior center in Tennessee.
“The marker recognizes the vision, dedication, and commitment that led to this historic achievement,” said Parks and Recreation Director April Norris. “As the first nationally accredited senior center in Tennessee, the Johnson City Senior Center reflects the passion of those who believed in elevating the standard of service for
older adults. We honor the countless hours, the steadfast perseverance, and the shared purpose of all who worked to achieve accreditation and securing this recognition. Their legacy will continue to inspire excellence for generations to come.”
City leaders, staff, and senior center members gathered near the senior center entrance at Memorial Park Community Center for the unveiling.
“Since mid-2024, the Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council has worked to bring this historic marker to the senior center,” said Tricia Korade, vice chair of the Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council. “While it is placed at Memorial Park Community Center, our services for seniors extend beyond this building. This marker honors all the ways that the Senior Services Division has impacted seniors in our community. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and fellow council members for their passion and dedication.”
Founded in 1961, the center was originally located at 607 E. Myrtle Ave. Its mission is to engage adults 50 and older in active living. On March 31, 2000, it became the first senior center in Tennessee to receive accreditation from the National Council on Aging, a distinction that signifies a commitment to excellence and the highest level of service.
The Johnson City Senior Services Advisory Council submitted a proposal to the Tennessee Historical Commission to commemorate the achievement with a historical marker. The commission approved the request in June 2025.
Get Alarmed, TN! program protects lives
The Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD), in partnership with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is excited to announce participation in the “Get Alarmed, TN!” program.
“Get Alarmed, TN!” is a grantfunded initiative that provides free fire safety education and 10-year sealed battery smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to qualifying households. Through this program, JCFD personnel install alarms in at-risk homes to ensure residents have reliable, up-to-date protection.
Those who live within Johnson City and do not have working smoke and/or CO alarms, or whose alarms are more than 10 years old, may qualify for the program. The initiative focuses on older homes and vulnerable populations, helping ensure every household has access to early warning systems that can save lives.
“Working smoke alarms are
one of the most simple and effective ways to protect your home and your family in the event of a fire,” said JCFD
Chief David Bell. “Having working smoke alarms generally cuts the risk of a fatality in half compared to homes with no alarms or nonfunctioning alarms.”
Some of the eligibility requirements for the “Get Alarmed, TN!” program include: the applicant must live within the city limits of Johnson City, reside in the home where alarms are requested, lack working alarms or have alarms older than 10 years, and have a fuelburning appliance present for CO alarm installation. New residential construction is not eligible for the program.
Free smoke and CO alarms are provided on an installation-only basis. Alarms are not shipped and will not be provided to individuals to install themselves. Alarm availability may vary, and requests are typically processed and fulfilled within
six to eight weeks.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential tools in protecting lives,” said Fire Marshal Steve Alexander. “Our goal is to make sure every resident has access to reliable protection. Education, combined with proper installation, is one of the most effective ways to prevent loss of life.”
For additional information on the “Get Alarmed TN!” program or to request a free smoke and/or CO alarm, go to www.johnsoncitytn.org/ alarms or call the JCFD at 423-975-2840.
Departments participate in career events
City of Johnson City departments recently took an active role in supporting the next generation of professionals by participating in several career-focused events across the region. Representatives from the Police, Fire, and Water and Sewer Services departments connected with students of all ages to highlight career paths in public service and essential infrastructure.
In early April, members of the Police Department attended the Spring Career Fair at Northeast State Community College, where they met with students to discuss opportunities in law enforcement. The event provided a valuable platform to answer questions, share experiences, and introduce students to the rewarding and impactful work performed by the department each day.
The Johnson City Fire Department engaged with students during CareerQuestTN at the ETSU Ballad Health Athletic Center mini dome on April 23–24. Fire personnel enjoyed speaking with attendees about careers in fire service and emergency response, offering a firsthand look at what it takes to serve the community in this critical role. The team noted strong interest from students and even identified a few potential future firefighters among the group.
Water and Sewer Services (WSS) also participated in CareerQuest. Now in its second year of involvement, WSS used the event to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in water and wastewater services. The hands-on, interactive environment allowed middle and high school students from across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to explore how this essential service supports public health and daily life.
WSS employees who participated included Michael Manuel, Wendy Graham, Jared Lady, Robin Miller, Scottie Blankenship, Scottie
Bennett, Reva Swartz, Josh Hicks, and Tim Keller, along with fan-favorite “Plop,” who helped draw attention and engagement at the booth.
Through these outreach efforts, City departments continue to invest in workforce development while building relationships with students who may one day choose careers in public service.
New program offers learning experiences
The City’s new employee lunch and learn series, Brain Bites: Knowledge for Your Noodle, is already off to a strong start following its first session on April 15.
Hosted in the Municipal and Safety Building Administrative Conference Room, the kickoff session featured Kourtney Clevenger from East Tennessee State University’s College of Public Health. Her presentation, Digital Media Detox, encouraged attendees to rethink their relationship with social media and constant connectivity. Staff
walked away with practical strategies to improve focus, reduce digital fatigue, and build healthier habits both at work and at home. The session sparked thoughtful conversation and set the tone for what promises to be an engaging and informative series.
Brain Bites is designed to give employees an opportunity to step away from their desks, enjoy lunch, and learn something new in a relaxed setting. Sessions are held on the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m.,
with locations varying.
The next Brain Bites will take place on May 20 at the Memorial Park Community Center Media Room, located at 510 Bert St. This session, Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, will be led by ETSU professors Melanie Richards and Brian Bennett. They will share insight into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we learn and work, along with how ETSU developed a task force to guide responsible use of this evolving technology.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and there is no cost to attend. Employees are encouraged to RSVP in advance to Sarah Nobles at snobles@johnsoncitytn.org or by calling 423.434.5973.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and connect with colleagues.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - March
Christa Reid - Parks and Recreation
Brandi Sparks Bowen - Risk Management
Christiene Sutliff - Police
Logan Harding - Parks and Recreation
Zander Melton - Parks and Recreation
Vanessa Donohue - Public Works
Isaiah Sowers - Water and Sewer Services
Clayton Mitchell - Public Works
Rebecca Miller - Transit
Connor Kelham - Public Works
Promotions - March
Robert Caruolo - Human Resources
Kimberly Kreckow - Transit
Jayden Bishop - Parks and Recreation
Evan Spaulding - Transit
Eric Loftis - Parks and Recreation
Retirements - March
David Bennett - Fleet Management (28)
SHOUTOUT
Michael with Libertas Electric recently shared his appreciation for the Building Services permit technicians in an email to Chief Building Official Joseph Strong.
“I just want to say your permit techs are some of the nicest I have ever come into contact with,” Michael wrote. “I deal with many and these ladies are top notch. I know I have submitted wrong documents and instead of getting an attitude they walk me through what I need to do. I can’t speak of them highly enough. Just thought you might like to know.”
REMINDER
Please lower any flags in your care to half-staff on:
May 3 - Sunrise to sunset May 15 - Sunrise to sunset May 25 - Sunrise to noon For information, visit tn.gov/about-tn/flag-status
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