Town of Cary
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August 2013
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Utility Rates Rise
As part of the Town’s new Fiscal Year budget, Cary utility rates are rising 4.7% or about $2.83 for residents using 4,500 gallons of water.
The increase is necessary to help pay for our community’s share of the State-mandated Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities.
Want to monitor your water use? Log on to Aquastar to view your usage and set notifications.
“Utility Service Fees” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4050
FY14 Budget Approved
With a strict focus on maintaining current service levels, Cary Town Council adopted a $307 million Fiscal Year 2014 budget, which went into effect July 1.
For the first time since 1989, Cary’s property tax rate has increased by two cents to 35 cents per $100 valuation, a tax rate that remains the lowest in Wake County. Residential garbage, recycling and yard waste fees have increased $1 per month, last raised five years ago, and there is a five percent increase in building permit fees—last raised over a decade ago.
While the Town Manager’s proposed budget is already available online, the adopted budget will be available by the end of this month at www.townofcary.org.
Printed copies of the adopted budget will be available at that time for review at Town Hall, the Downtown Cary Library, and at the West Regional Library.
“Budget Development” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4007
Weigh In on Walnut St Project
We’re in the planning and design phase of the Walnut Street Pedestrian and Traffic Improvements project that will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety on Walnut Street and Buck Jones Road.
Join us August 27 for a public information workshop. Check out current design plans, and weigh in on what you see. Stop by 241 Crossroads Boulevard anytime from 5-7:30 p.m.
“Street Projects” and “Community Investment Bonds” at www.townof cary.org / (919) 380-4104
Watering Effectively?
We can help you find out. If you have an automatic irrigation system, play “Don't Drown the Ground” at www.townofcary.org to request a free irrigation consultation today.
Recognizing Hometown Spirit
We’re looking for nominations for our Hometown Spirit Award.
Do you know a Cary citizen who is at least 21 years of age who deserves to be recognized for his/her leadership and respect for others?
Nominees should help out neighbors, demonstrate hospitality and small town values, support local businesses, promote a sense of community, and display patriotism.
Applications will be accepted through September 8th. The winner will be selected in October and recognized at the November Town Council meeting.
“Hometown Spirit Award” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4011
Be a Part of Lazy Daze!
The 37th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival is on August 24 in beautiful downtown Cary, and there are opportunities for you to be part of this nationally ranked festival.
Volunteers help Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival run smoothly and each volunteer helps make it a great experience for everyone. Opportunities are open to be an artist’s assistant, a festival greeter, a children’s activity assistant and so much more!
Volunteer – you’re sure to meet great people and help make this year’s Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival the best yet!
“Lazy Daze” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4061
Registered to Vote?
On October 8th, we’ll vote for candidates running for Town Council District A, C and one At-Large, plus Wake County School Board’s District 7 and 9. Not yet registered or unsure of your district? Search “Elections” at www.townofcary.org.
School's In, Speed's Out
As students head back to school, Cary Police are reminding motorists to pay attention to speed limits in school zones.
When sharing the road with buses, leave extra room between you and the bus. Stop if you are behind a bus when the crossing arm is extended and when facing the bus on a roadway without a median.
At any time report unsafe driving conditions to (919) 319-4521.
“Traffic Safety Team” at www.townofcary.org
New Reminders for Storm Drains
When you’re on your next evening stroll, look down at the storm drain to see our new storm drain decals.
The plastic decals will last for years and are easier to apply than painted-on stencils.
The decals provide a phone number to call for reporting illegal discharges as well as a QR code that links you to stormwater tips.
“Stormwater Education” at www.townofcary.org
Don't Trash It - Donate It!
Donate to our third annual Reuse Rodeo, September 21 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Garmon Operations Center.
Help keep gently used clothing, toys, electronics, furniture, books and more out of our landfills. Since our first Rodeo in 2011, 15,470 pounds of charitable items have been diverted from our landfill and put back into reuse in our community.
“Reuse Rodeo” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4090
Stormwater Tip: Keep it Clear
We’re in the midst of hurricane season and one of the wettest summers in recent memory. If you live near a stream or creek, or have storm drain systems near your home, make sure the streams, ditches and structures are not blocked to reduce the possibility of flooded streets and yards.
Report blockages that are within the road right-of-way to Public Works at (919) 469-4090.
Ace Golf Cart Etiquette
We’re proud to be the home of many well-known golf courses and want to help golfers and motorists safely share the road.
Only drive golf carts on approved Town roads. While on the street, follow traffic signals and signs. You must be a licensed driver to operate and never operate a golf cart while impaired or intoxicated.
"Smoke Out" Sewer Problems
Throughout the year we perform leak tests of the sanitary sewer system by forcing a special non-toxic smoke into the neighborhoods’ sewer lines. The smoke tests reveal places where storm and surface waters are entering the Town’s sewers and where sources of sewer odors (yuck!) may exist.
Don’t worry - the smoke is manufactured for this purpose specifically and leaves no residue or stain and has no effect on plants and animals.
If we plan to be in your neighborhood, you’ll receive a letter about a month in advance and then a reminder 24 hours ahead of testing in your area.
When you receive a 24 hour notice, run water into all of your drains for one minute, especially those used infrequently, to reduce the likelihood of smoke entering the house inadvertently because of dry traps.
“Smoke Testing” at www.townofcary.org
UPDATE: Imagine Cary
This summer, we’re taking the Imagine Cary conversation online with the launch of the Town’s latest tool, Mindmixer.
Join in and share your ideas. Sign up now at www.caryhaveyoursay.com to be notified as new topics are posted.
Get more details on this effort at www.imaginecary.org.
HOT TIPS: No Vacation from Fire Safety
Camera, extra cash, suntan lotion. We all have a list of items to not forget when we’re going on vacation. But one thing you can’t forget is fire safety.
Make sure your hotel has a built-in smoke detection and sprinkler system. Take a flashlight with fresh batteries with you. If there’s a fire or the power goes out, you may need it to find your way out. Read the fire safety and evacuation instructions posted on the back of your hotel room door. If the alarm sounds, leave if it is safe to do so, but be sure to take your room key with you in case fire blocks your escape and you need to re-enter your room. Never use an elevator in a fire.
"Fire Safety” at www.townofcary.org
Cultural Connection
Cary Youth Video Project Premiere at Lazy Daze (Aug. 24, 1-2 p.m., Cary Arts Center) Free. (919) 460-4963.
Barleycorn & Rye (Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Downtown Performance Green across from the Cary Arts Center) Free. (919) 469-4061.
Seven O'Clock Rock Series - Swing Night with the Jim McCann Jazz Project (Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m., Intersection of Academy & Chatham Streets) Free. (919) 469-4061.
Cary Eid Festival (Sept. 14, 11am, Downtown Cary Performance Green) Free. (919) 460-3963.
Fall Sertoma presents Triangle Brass Band (September 14, 7 p.m., Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park) Free. (919) 469-4069.
John Santa: “The Culture of Bluegrass Music in North Carolina: My Life as an Accidental Bluegrass Musician” (Sept. 17, 7:30pm, Page-Walker Arts & History Center) Free. (919) 460-4963.
Fall Sertoma presents Cary Town Band’s Meadow Melodies (Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park) Free. (919) 469-4069.
BUD Bits
Request a litter kit any time of the year and help keep Cary “Clean and Forever Green.” Let us help you host your own litter sweep within Town limits by calling (919) 469-4301. “Spruce” at www.townofcary.org
The Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel are looking for old historic photos of Cary for possible inclusion in an upcoming publication. www.friendsofpagewalker.org
Although Town offices will close September 3 for Labor Day, your solid waste, yard waste and recycling will be collected as regularly scheduled. Our Citizens Convenience Center will remain open on Labor Day from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. “Holiday Collection" at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4090
Registration for our Fall 2013 PRCR programs and classes opens August 5 for Cary residents, and August 19 for non-Cary residents. “EZ-REG” at www.townofcary.org / (919) 469-4061
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre will hold auditions for “The Importance of Being Earnest” on September 3 from 5-9 p.m. and Design Team Interviews on September 5 from 5-9 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center. Pre-registration required; opens August 19. “Applause” at www.townofcary.org