Mint Hill, NC

Messages from the Mayor

Messages from the Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Mint Hill has three more sidewalk projects on the horizon.  The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded funding for several regional transportation projects at its meeting on February 21.  The awarded funding allocations included $3,697,337 to Mint Hill.

  • $1,163,421 to construct a sidewalk on Bain School Road (Gait Drive to Philadelphia Church Road)
  • $1,471,562 to construct a sidewalk on Truelight Church Road (Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road to Heather Nicole Lane)
  • $1,062,354 to construct a sidewalk on Lawyers Road (Piaffe Avenue to Thompson Road)

The projects will not begin design until 2026 with construction closer to 2030.

North Carolina and Mecklenburg County offer several relief programs for eligible residents and businesses. NOW is the time to apply for relief on your 2024 tax bill.  Some programs have income requirements that must be met to qualify.  More information can be found on the Mecklenburg County Website. https://cao.mecknc.gov/tax-relief-programs

Your Board of Commissioners welcomes citizen involvement and feedback.  General public comments are welcomed at our Board of Commissioners meetings.  Before the meeting starts, please sign up to address the Board.  Comments are expected to be civil and within reasonable standards of courtesy.  Comments that include vulgarity, slander, name calling, personal attacks or threats will not be permitted.

This week’s featured employee is Lonnie Plummer in our Public Works department.  Lonnie started working for the Town in the Public Works Department in 2001 as a Maintenance Worker. He now serves as a Crew Leader and Equipment Operator where he leads repair and maintenance crews on various jobs around Town. Over the course of about 18 months, Lonnie attended classes related to the Public Works career field through the North Carolina Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) hosted by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at NC State University. After completing approximately 60 hours of classroom and field instruction, Lonnie has earned the title of Road Scholar. These courses include important topics such as leadership, safety, construction fundamentals, and technical aspects related to materials and methods. Lonnie continues to serve the Town with over 23 years of experience and is instrumental in keeping our stormwater system in working order.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The North Carolina Primary Election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.  Polls are open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm.  Primary elections give you, the voter, the opportunity to decide who from a pool of candidates should be nominated by your political party to run in the general election.

On March 13, 2024, Mecklenburg County’s Solid Waste Management Program will hold a business hazardous waste event which will allow you to bring your hazardous waste to us for a reduced fee. To better assist you, Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is offering $100 off for the first 5 Mecklenburg County customers to qualify, sign-up and participate. This event will be held from 8 AM to 2 PM. Businesses are accepted by appointment only and space is limited. To make your appointment, please use one of the following ways: Phone: 1-800-888-7982; or Email: mailto:mecklenburg@republicservices.com.  For more information on acceptable materials or location of the event, please visit: https://buff.ly/4bFbrpS.

Over the next few months, I am going to recognize some of the employees in our Town that make Mint Hill such a great place to live.  Margie Nichols has served as the Town of Mint Hill’s Code Enforcement Officer since August 2006 and has, in my opinion, the most thankless job in this Town.  Margie’s job is to investigate complaints about threats to public health and safety as well as nuisances and violations of our Town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  These complaints can range from overgrown grass, broken furniture, appliances, and vehicles littering a lawn creating an eyesore and affecting property values.  She is not always greeted with a smile when she visits someone’s property, even though our town would be much less pleasant without her.  Margie works tirelessly with property owners to help them bring their properties into compliance.  If you see Margie out and about, please take a moment to recognize her and thank her for her dedication and service to the Town of Mint Hill.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 7:00 pm.  An agenda and supporting materials will be available on our website Monday, March 11, 2024.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Duke Energy offers free energy efficiency upgrades to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.  Residents could be eligible for free energy improvements for your house that can help lower your energy – and your monthly energy bill.  Upgrades can include air sealing, HVAC, refrigerator or water heater replacement, free lightbulbs and more.  For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/income-qualified/high-usage

The Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM.  Items on the agenda include:

  • #ZC23-9 -- Discussion and recommendation on property located at 7844 McWhirter Road, Mint Hill to allow for the development of a funeral home as permitted under the B-G zoning, consistent with the Mint Hill Future Land Use Plan.

Upon the motion of Commissioner Holton, seconded by Commissioner Long, the Board unanimously agreed to continue the Public Hearing on ZC23-9 to the March 14, 2024 meeting.

  • #ZC24-1 – Discussion and recommendation on rezoning property located at 10331 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC to allow school use.

Supporting materials can be found on the Planning/Zoning Development Activity page of our website.

Mint Hill Events, Inc. continues to add events to its schedule.  Date Night is coming to Veterans Park.  Parent’s Night Out – Movie Night, will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024.  

Have a great week and enjoy this weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Duke Energy offers free energy efficiency upgrades to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.  Residents could be eligible for free energy improvements for your house that can help lower your energy – and your monthly energy bill.  Upgrades can include air sealing, HVAC, refrigerator or water heater replacement, free lightbulbs and more.  For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/income-qualified/high-usage

The Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM.  Items on the agenda include:

  • #ZC23-9 -- Discussion and recommendation on property located at 7844 McWhirter Road, Mint Hill to allow for the development of a funeral home as permitted under the B-G zoning, consistent with the Mint Hill Future Land Use Plan.

Upon the motion of Commissioner Holton, seconded by Commissioner Long, the Board unanimously agreed to continue the Public Hearing on ZC23-9 to the March 14, 2024 meeting.

  • #ZC24-1 – Discussion and recommendation on rezoning property located at 10331 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC to allow school use.

Supporting materials can be found on the Planning/Zoning Development Activity page of our website.

Mint Hill Events, Inc. continues to add events to its schedule.  Date Night is coming to Veterans Park.  Parent’s Night Out – Movie Night, will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024.  

Have a great week and enjoy this weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

First, I want to thank the Police, Fire and Public Works departments for their hard work earlier this month during the storms.  Your work did not go unnoticed.  If you see one of these public servants around town, be sure to thank them for keeping us safe.

Site work continues at the new Public Services Facility as tree clearing is wrapping up.  The Public Works building pad is being installed.  The project remains on schedule currently with a projected opening date of December 2024.

While no sidewalks are currently under construction, there is a lot of activity happening in the background. The 3-mile CRTPO grant-funded project along Lawyers/Wilson Grove/Wilgrove-Mint Hill is in design. The project is anticipated to be ready for bid toward the end of 2024. Another CRTPO grant-funded project is just beginning along Lebanon Road and Margaret Wallace Road.

The Town Manager continues to work with CMS on the purchase of the “old Bain Elementary” building using the $16M grant from the State budget. Staff have begun meeting with the design-build consultant to draft the contract and scope of work. Being a design-build project, the planning and design phase should proceed relatively quickly so that construction can begin with a targeted opening in summer of 2025.

We continue to work towards making Mint Hill a great place to live, work and play.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to take an opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy New Year.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Mint Hill has been very fortunate as we enter our 2024-2025 budget planning.  The Town maintains a strong financial position due to practical financial planning, good decision making and dedicated staff.  Proactive measures must be taken to reach our goals and shape our destiny.  We need to embrace new initiatives and continually identify new opportunities to remain economically competitive while preserving the quality of life valued by our residents. 

Town staff have begun preparing for the Board of Commissioner’s Annual Planning Retreat.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide Board members an opportunity to discuss and act as deemed appropriate on short-term and long-term planning for the Town of Mint Hill.  The Retreat is scheduled for February 9-10, 2024.

The existing culvert underneath Hanging Moss Trail in Ashe Plantation needs replacement.  The Town has obtained a $1.28M grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to complete this project.  A public meeting to discuss the project will be held on Wednesday, January 10,2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Town Hall.

I’m excited to announce we are almost finished with converting two of the tennis courts at Wilgrove Park to six pickleball courts.  The courts will open to the public in the next couple of weeks.

On Thursday, January 11, we will host our first Board of Commissioners meeting of 2024.  A full agenda can be found on our website.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,
 
With 2023 coming to an end, as your Mayor, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the continued hard work that Town Staff provides to make this Town so special. I cannot thank them enough for their steadfast commitment to providing the services so many of us take for granted.
 
Here are a few of the highlights from 2023
 
• Completed several ARPA-funded projects at Veterans Memorial Park and Wilgrove Park including; AstroTurf athletic fields, LED lighting, reconstructed the lower tennis/pickleball courts, repaved the walking trail and parking lot, constructed a shade structure which serves as a viewing area for the upper soccer field and a stage for special events.
 
• Opened Mint Hill Founders Park on Brief Road featuring a large playground for kids of all ages and abilities, picnic areas, dog park and family hiking trails.
 
• Began construction of the Public Services Facility on Lebanon Road featuring a fire station, fire training center, police storage, public works facility, and fuel depot.
 
• Implemented new facility reservation system.
 
• Received $16M from the State of North Carolina earmarked for a new community center.
 
• Began design on the 3-mile Lawyers Road-Wilson Grove Road-Wilgrove Mint Hill Road sidewalk project.
 
• Successfully redesigned and held our first special events at the new facilities at Veterans Memorial Park.
 
• Issued 465 Certificates of Occupancy
 
• Added staff at the fire department bringing the three shifts to 11 fire fighters per shift.
 
• Ordered a new ladder truck and two engine trucks for the fire station.
 
• Celebrated 20 years of police service to our community.
 
• Swore in 12 new police officers bringing the total to 49.
 
• Created the police department community focus team who actively ride e-bikes equipped with emergency lights, within the community in effort to strengthen community relationships.
 
• Created an online submission form for traffic safety concerns submitted for neighborhoods and any other areas outside the scope of the everyday MHPD efforts focused on traffic safety.
 
Great communities are built and maintained on hometown pride and spirit that generate tremendous community contributions. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your mayor. Thank you for your faith in me and your continued support. Thank you to my family who have stood by my side, your Board of Commissioners and town staff. It is truly a team effort.
 
Without the support of our residents, we would not be able to serve our Town in the capacity we do, so on behalf of your Board of Commissioners, we thank you. We look forward to working with you and serving you this upcoming year.
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mint Hill
 
Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
 

Mint Hill Residents, 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mint Hill.   Our Public Works team is working hard decorating Mint Hill. The wreaths are up, lights have been added to the Town Hall and the tree in anticipation of this week’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

We will kick off Saturday, December 2nd at 8:00 am with the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk at Veterans Park. This program supports our Volunteers in Policing Program. There is still time to sign up.  https://www.minthillevents.org/jingle-all-the-way-5k

Later that afternoon, the 4th Annual Mint Hill Christmas Parade will take place at 5:30 pm in downtown Mint Hill. We are excited to have Major Scott Hall as our Parade Grand Marshal. Major Hall is retiring after 20 years of service to the Town of Mint Hill.

The parade will start at Bain School Road and travel south on Matthews-Mint Hill Road and end at the Mint Hill Library. We currently have over 1900 parade participants including floats, marching bands, school groups, churches and of course, Santa and his elf Trixie. 

After the parade, please join us at Town Hall for food trucks and entertainment at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree comes from an undisclosed location in the mountains of North Carolina.  This year’s tree is officially 19 ft tall and has over 6,000 lights.  Putting it in the fountain gives it a much taller appearance. Following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for visits.  

We would like to thank our sponsor Novant Health – Mint Hill Medical Center for their continued support of Mint Hill Events, Inc.

I hope to see you all at the festivities this weekend! 

Let the holidays begin… 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday which reminds us of the values and ideas that form our great nation.  On this day, we embrace our differences, celebrate our heritage, and unite in thanksgiving for the blessings of freedom, friends and family. As you celebrate, I hope each of you has an opportunity to enjoy a safe, relaxing day with family and friends.

There are so many things I am thankful for this year and the residents of Mint Hill are at the top of my list.  You are the heart and soul of our community.  I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me as your mayor, and in the Board of Commissioners. I am grateful to our Town employees who work hard every day to make our community so special. Their commitment allows us to fulfill our vision of making Mint Hill a great place to live, work and play.

May God bless you and your families on Thanksgiving.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This Veterans Day, let us come together as a community to honor those who have defended our nation.  May we never forget the sacrifices and those of their families and loved ones.  To all the veterans that call Mint Hill home, and even those who don’t, thank you.  Your services have not been forgotten.

Our Hometown Hero banners are on display and our social media continues to introduce all of you to the heroes we have in our community.  Our veterans are a treasured part of our community. They are our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. We should be grateful to veterans every day for protecting the freedom that we too often take for granted. 

On behalf of your Town of Mint Hill Board of Commissioners, I say thank you.  Thank you for defending our freedoms, our liberty, and our American way of life.  Thank you to the family members of our veterans.  I know you lived through difficult times and often carry the burden to keep the home fires burning.  Thank you to our local veteran organizations for everything you do for our local heroes.  Next time you see a veteran, join us in thanking them for making Mint Hill a great place to live and raise our families.

Congratulations to our new Board of Commissioners; Dale Dalton, Patrick Holton, Tony Long and Twanna Henderson.  I look forward to continuing the working with all of you.

God bless our veterans, and all our troops.  God bless Mint Hill and God bless America!

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I am pleased to announce Major Scott Hall will serve as the 2023 Mint Hill Christmas Parade Grand Marshal on Saturday, December 2.  Major Hall has been with the Town of Mint Hill since the inception of the police department in 2003.  He is the first member of the Mint Hill Police Department to retire after 20 years of service.  His commitment to making a difference in our community is commendable.  He has touched many lives and will be sorely missed in our community.  He is well-deserving of this honor.  Major Hall’s legacy of unrivaled work ethic, optimism and friendship leaves the expectation of excellence that our community deserves. 

The application for the parade is open, so sign up today.  Help us honor Major Hall and give him the sendoff he deserves.

On Thursday, November 2 at 9:00 am we will have a groundbreaking for the new Public Services Facility located at 6793 Lebanon Road.  Everyone is invited.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest.  This event was one of the good things that came out of COVID.  It was during 2020 that we expanded the event out into the community to give our residents a fun activity while practicing social distancing.

The official Winners were:

Business Category

1st Place - The Queen of Knights  

2nd Place - Eli the Eagle and the Eaglets  

3rd Place - Manatee Spirit

 

Residential Category

1st Place - Ursula's Garden of Souls  

2nd Place - Captain Hook

3rd Place - Shredder-Crow

I want to thank everyone who came out for Mint Hill Madness.  Renee and I were excited to see so many families and friends out having a fantastic time and creating great memories.  Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible.  And to our sponsors, without their continued support, our events would not be possible.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

I don’t know about you, but I’m having a hard time trying to figure out who is going to win the Scarecrow Contest.  We have so many great entries this year.  I love seeing them going up all over town.  Follow our social media @minthillevents for information on voting and scarecrow locations.

This time of year generally brings several calls for service concerning outside fires, particularly concerning yard waste and leaf disposal.  Sometimes the calls are to inquire what can or cannot be burned outside, or maybe complaints about a neighbor who is burning in their backyard.  The Town of Mint Hill falls under Mecklenburg County’s Ordinance when it comes to open outside burning and recreational fires.  Most people who move into Mecklenburg County from other areas are not aware of the local and state rules concerning these activities.  What citizens are allowed and not allowed to do in Mint Hill and in the unincorporated ETJ can be found on the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal website.

As a reminder to residents working diligently to maintain their lawns and gardens this fall, please remember to clear leaves off the street. Although seemingly harmless, leaves pose environmental and traffic safety threats to our community. Leaves washed into our stormwater system can easily clog a pipe or “super charge” our bodies of water with nutrients that are supposed to be on lawns, not in natural waterways. Leaves also make the road surface slick which could result in a vehicle being unable to stop in a timely and safe manner. Let’s work together to keep Mint Hill safe by keeping clippings off our streets. 

We are a little over 2 weeks away from the Annual Mint Hill Madness Festival. This year’s festival kicks off on Thursday, October 19th and concludes on Saturday, October 21st with the area’s largest fireworks display. We invite you to enjoy this family-friendly event that includes carnival rides, three days of live entertainment, and some fabulous food vendors.

Mint Hill Madness would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Novant Health, Edifice Construction, Roof Medic, Mint Hill Orthodontics, Dawson Modern Dentistry, Epcon Communities, Pinnacle Financial Partners, T-Mobile, GXR and our many display sponsors.

Have a great week!


Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I’d like to share an update on a homeowner economic support program offered by the Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources. The HOMES Program (Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support) serves as an ally to Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with the rising costs of owning a home. HOMES provides economic assistance grants up to $426 to qualifying residential homeowners. Residents within the Charlotte city limits may receive additional grant funding (up to $234), so they could receive up to $660 total! Applications and 2022 income verifications MUST be submitted and/or postmarked by November 17, 2023.

Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are proud allies for residents. Qualified Mecklenburg County homeowners may be eligible for a HOMES program grant up to $426. Residents within the Charlotte city limits may receive additional grant funding (up to $234), so they may receive up to $660 total! Deadline to apply is November 17th. To apply, visit: www.MeckNC.gov/4HOMES or call 980-314-4663.

This Saturday is the first Mint Hill Madness Pop-Up event at Veterans Memorial Park.  I hope to see you there.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents

The Town of Mint Hill is currently accepting applications for the Planning Board and Board of Adjustments. The Planning Board advises the Mayor and Board of Commissioners on zoning and land use decisions in the town. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall. The Board of Adjustment hears zoning appeals and requests for variances from the zoning ordinance and meets the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.  Appointments are made at the December Board of Commissioners meeting.  If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the application.  For more information, contact the Town Clerk, Michelle Wells, at 704-545-9726. 

Our first Mint Hill Madness Pop-Up event will take place Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Mint Hill Veterans Park from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  We currently have over 80 arts/craft, pottery, small shops, and food vendors.  It will be a great opportunity to support the arts and start your holiday shopping.

October is ‘Fire Safety Month’, and the Mint Hill Fire Department would like to remind you of some important information concerning the overwhelming influx of lithium-ion battery technologies in our homes, businesses, and now vehicles. This technology brings us an incredible amount of available energy in small, and long-lasting rechargeable batteries.  However, with the convenience and increasing popularity of this power supply, there is an increased risk of fire and / or explosion in your home that your fire department strongly feels that you need to be aware of.  The Lithium-ion battery Safety Tip Sheet was created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  If you have any questions concerning the elevated risk in your home or business, please feel free to contact your Mint Hill Fire Department.

The October Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 12 has been cancelled.  We will resume on November 9.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to remind everyone; the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners is asking residents for their help in naming the new 27-acre park on Brief Road.  Suggestions for names should be made in writing and include an explanation of the proposed name’s significance to the Town of Mint Hill’s history.  Names can be emailed to info@minthill.com.  Submissions must be received by October 1st, 2023.

The weather on Saturday looks perfect for the last Family Fun Night of the season.  If you have not had a chance to check out the new fields and stage, this would be the perfect weekend.  The night will include food trucks, inflatables, games, and music by Smokin’ Gunn.  Follow us on social media @townofminthill, @minthillevents or visit www.minthillevents.org for more information.

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Program offers "secure paper shred events" to County residents each spring and fall.  The next event is scheduled for Saturday, September 16 at Compost Central, 140 Valleydale Rd, Charlotte NC 28214.

    • These events are limited to residential patrons only.
    • The shred event also limits the amount of material to 3 'Banker Boxes' of material per event or equivalent size.
    • PLEASE Note: You must pre-register by visiting: http://bit.ly/MeckShred for a time slot before coming to the event.
    • Time slots DO NOT OPEN until the first day of the month when the event is held. You will receive an error message if you attempt to sign up before the event is opened.

The best way to understand what is going on in our town and to give informed, helpful feedback is to come out and be a part of it.  I encourage you to participate at a Board of Commissioners meeting either in person or watch on our YouTube channel. The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall. 

I hope to see you around Town this week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

It’s hard to believe kids are back in school and summer vacation is over.  But there is still a lot of happenings in Town through the end of the year.

The Town of Mint Hill Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a tribute created to honor our veterans.  Family and friends wishing to honor a loved one for their military service should complete the application by September 5th.

Our next Family Fun Night is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th.  These events are free and open to the public. In addition to the concert, the event includes a kid zone, food trucks, and family games.  The events start at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Veterans Park.

The Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest will take place in October. Help us reach our goal of 100 scarecrows and enter to win $500.  The application will be available on our website.  Winners will be announced at Mint Hill Madness on October 21st.

Enjoy a fall day outside browsing the first ever Mint Hill Madness Pop-Up Market with the offerings of 100 different vendors. This event will include everything from local pottery, arts and craft vendors, small boutique shops, and independent home businesses.  This event will take place at Veterans Park on October 7th.

Later in October, the Madness will begin.  Mint Hill Madness promises something for everyone in the family; delicious food, great music ranging from country to rock, a fantastic family carnival, and of course, everyone’s favorite, the SPECTACULAR fireworks show. Join us October 19-21 at Mint Hill Veterans Park for a weekend of fun.

On November 11 we will honor all our veterans at our Annual Veterans Breakfast.  This event is open to all veterans.  If you would like to be added to the invitation list, please call Mint Hill Town Hall at 704-545-9726.

Finally, the Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will take place on December 2.  The parade will travel from Bain School down to the Mint Hill Library.  Afterwards, join us for food trucks and entertainment at Town Hall for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and a visit with Santa.

I hope to see you out and about at one of our many upcoming events.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

With schools beginning their school year this week, I urge residents to be mindful of the increase in traffic as we navigate back-to-school congestion. With buses picking up passengers, children walking or riding their bikes, and parents dropping off their kids to begin the day, it is important we all slow down, practice patience and pay a little extra attention. I know we would all agree our children are the future of our community. 

The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. Residents looking for more information, or to check eligibility, should visit fcc.gov/acp

The Board of Commissioners recently approved the change to four-year staggered terms. The two commissioners who receive the highest number of votes will serve four-year terms while the mayor and the remaining two elected commissioners will serve 2-year terms.  In 2025, elections will be held for Mayor and two commissioners.  The result is only half of the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners will be up for election in any given race, always leaving two experienced commissioners on the board. 

On November 7, four seats on the Board of Commissioners will be up for election.  You can easily confirm you are registered to vote in Mecklenburg County online. 

For more information about registering to vote, early voting, vote-by-mail, sample ballots, polling places and more, contact the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections at 704-336-2133 or visit their website. 

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town of Mint Hill is excited to break ground for a new 27-acre park located on Brief Road.  The new park will include a large playground structure, a toddler playground structure, two picnic areas, a 1-mile family-oriented hiking trail and a 1.9-acre dog park to accommodate both large and small dogs.  Much of the park will be left in its natural state.  Construction is set to begin later this summer with anticipated opening by the end of the year.

The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners is asking residents for their help in naming the new park.  Suggestions for names should be made in writing and include an explanation of the proposed name’s significance to the Town of Mint Hill’s history.  Submissions can be emailed to info@minthill.com.  Names must be received by October 1st, 2023.

Mint Hill Arts, 3rd Quarter Town Hall exhibit is titled ‘In Focus’ and features the work of four award winning photographers.  The Mint Hill Town Hall exhibit is in the back of Town Hall on both floors and will remain up until the middle of October.  The public is invited to view it Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners will be Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  A copy of the agenda will be available on our website on Friday.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The weather held out and we had a great Grand Opening event for the new turf fields. Thank you to all who came out and celebrated with us. I was pleased to see all the kids enjoying the new fields. In the next couple of weeks, shade will be added to the stage area. When the area is not being used as a stage, it will be available for guests to enjoy shade while watching soccer games.

The two pickleball courts at the Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park have been a great addition to our amenities. Because of the popularity of the sport, we are adding an additional six courts at Wilgrove Park in the next few months.

We are in the process of repaving the parking lots at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park and Wilgrove Park through the end of August. The parking lots will remain open, so we ask everyone to be patient and drive carefully.

The Town of Mint Hill is excited to announce the launch of our new online reservation system. RecDesk allows citizens the opportunity to reserve facilities and pay fees from the comfort of their home. To view facility availability, sign up for a Rec Desk profile and to make facility reservations going forward, please visit https://buff.ly/3rHWCQL.

I hope everyone is enjoying these last few weeks of summer.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall for our regular monthly meeting.  Prior to the meeting, at 6:40 pm there will be a developer workshop presentation by Bridget Grant regarding the Woodford Mint Hill site plan by Childress Klein. You can view the agenda on our website

After waiting several months, the residents of Mint Hill will be able to celebrate the completion of the upgrades to Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  The upgrades include 2 turf fields for soccer/football, new LED sports lighting, resurfaced walking path, addition of two pickleball courts, and a new toddler playground. Over the next several weeks, the parking lot will be resurfaced.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 15.  Starting at 5:00 pm, there will be free soccer and football clinics on the lower field, food trucks, inflatables, live music and so much more…including FIREWORKS AT 9:00 PM.

It's going to be a hot one, so bring your chairs, plenty of water, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town of Mint Hill administrative offices will be closed on July 4th.  Trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day.  The 2023-24 Recycling and Bulk Waste Schedule is now available on our website.  Waste Pro will not be distributing magnetic calendars to every household, but you can pick up a calendar at Town Hall during regular business hours.

On Saturday, July 15, we invite everyone to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly refurbished soccer fields and walking path at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  The project replaced the two grass fields with two synthetic turf fields.  The turf fields will provide a more durable and safer playing surface.  With the installation of LED lighting, the field availability hours will increase.

The ceremony will coincide with the July Family Fun Night.  Mint Hill Athletic Association, Mint Hill Youth Football and Independence High School will be on hand to provide free football and soccer clinics for children of all ages starting at 5:00 pm.

The ribbon cutting will take place on the stage prior to Pluto for Planet at 7:00 pm.  In addition to the concert the event will include inflatables, family games and a variety of food vendors.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a variety of entertainment while supporting Mint Hill.  We may even blast off a firework or two starting at 9:00 pm.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

On Thursday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m., the Board of Commissioners will have their monthly meeting.  A portion of that meeting is a public hearing and vote on the Town of Mint Hill Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023.  I am pleased to announce the proposed tax rate for the upcoming budget year is $0.225 cents per $100 valuation, representing a reduction of $.03 per $100 in the current tax rate as adopted for FY 2022/23. The $10 registered motor vehicle fee will remain the same.

We have received several calls from residents about the work being done by Duke Energy and the effect it has on traffic in our town.  We know, we see them too and have for weeks. We’ve reached out and been told it’s an overall system upgrade. A huge inconvenience and we feel it too, but a couple months’ worth of inconvenience in exchange for a stable electric supply seems like a decent trade.  I ask everyone to be patient.

I would like to congratulate all our 2023 graduates.  Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or trade school, you can take pride in how far you have come and believe in yourself in how far you can go.  Most importantly, be sure to do something you love.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

We are coming up on Memorial Day this weekend. For many, it is the unofficial beginning of summer.  For others, it is a weekend for beach trips, barbecues with friends and fireworks.  For all of us, it should be a day to honor those Americans who gave their lives for our country.  The brave men and women who paid the ultimate price, leaving behind loved ones and families, for our freedom and way of life. As we celebrate the freedoms we have as Americans, we should never forget the expense of those brave heroes, who lost their lives while trying to protect it.   

The Mint Hill American Legion Post #555 will be hosting their 3rd Annual Memorial Day event on Saturday, May 27 at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road starting at 11:00 am. Please support Post #555 in commemorating the Veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Whatever your plans are this weekend, take a moment to reflect and say a prayer for the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and the families who lost them. 

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."- Unknown 

Lastly, since Monday is a holiday, all trash service will be delayed by one day next week. 

Enjoy your holiday weekend.  It looks like we are in for some summer weather.  

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

We continue to celebrate our Firefighters, Police Officers and Public Works staff.  May 21-27 is Public Works Appreciation Week, and I am hereby declaring it Mint Hill Public Works Week. I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the unsung heroes who serve our community daily.

WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of the Town of Mint Hill; and,

WHEREAS, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and,

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in the Town of Mint Hill to gain knowledge of and to maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and,

WHEREAS, the year 2023 marks the 63rd annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association be it now,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Brad Simmons, Mayor of the Town of Mint Hill, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 21-27, 2023, as

Mint Hill Public Works Week 

and urge all residents of our community to show support and appreciation to our Public Works professionals, engineers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our health, safety and quality of life.

It’s hard to believe Memorial Day weekend is next week.  The Military Hometown Hero banners are currently on display at Town Hall.  We asked all the nominators to submit a brief paragraph about their honoree and their relationship with the Town.  Follow our social media to learn more about these individuals.

The American Legion Post 555 will host their 3rd Annual Memorial Day event at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 27 at 11:00 am.  Please join them in commemorating the Veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

We continue to celebrate our Firefighters, Police Officers and Public Works staff.  May 11-17 is National Police Week and I am hereby declaring it Mint Hill Police Week. I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the brave individuals who serve our community daily.

Mint Hill Police Week

WHEREAS, National Police Week is observed every May to honor the service and sacrifices of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy; and,

WHEREAS, there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the thirty-eight sworn Mint Hill officers serving our Town; and,

WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1786, more than 23,785 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty; and,

WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC; and,

WHEREAS, 556 new names of fallen heroes are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring, including 224 officers killed in 2022 and 332 officers killed in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now; and,

WHEREAS, the service and sacrifice of all officers killed in the line of duty will be honored during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 35th Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of May 13, 2023; and,

WHEREAS, May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of all fallen officers and their families.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Brad Simmons, Mayor of the Town of Mint Hill, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 11-17, 2023, as

Mint Hill Police Week

and urge all residents of our community to show support and appreciation to our Town police officers who protect our lives and property so diligently throughout the year, and by remembering past peace officers who dedicated their lives to preserve our safety.

If you see a police officer out and about this week, take a moment to thank them for all their hard work.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This month we will honor our Firefighters, Police Officers and Public Works staff.  May 4th is International Firefighters’ Day and I am hereby declaring it Mint Hill Firefighters’ Day.  I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the brave individuals who serve our community daily.

Mint Hill Firefighters’ Day

WHEREAS, International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on May 4th to honor and remember past firefighters who have lost their lives while serving their communities, to express gratitude to those that have served in this line of work, and to show support and appreciation for those who presently serve; and

WHEREAS, regardless of the language a firefighter speaks, or the country in which he or she works and resides, all firefighters fight against the same enemy - fire; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters follow a long line of tradition and honor that inspires them to help colleagues, neighbors and strangers alike; and

WHEREAS, at a moment’s notice, firefighters are quick to respond to uncertain situations to mitigate danger and combat the threat of destructive fire to protect individuals, families, and the economic being of our community; and

WHEREAS, the demands of firefighting are accompanied by both personal and physical tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their lives to protect the lives of others.

NOW, therefore, I, Brad Simmons, Mayor of Mint Hill, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 4th 2023, as

Mint Hill Firefighters’ Day

and urge all residents of our community to show support and appreciation to our Town firefighters who protect our lives and property so diligently throughout the year, and by remembering past firefighters who dedicated their lives to preserve our safety.

If you see a firefighter out and about this week, take a moment to thank them for all their hard work.

I’m excited to share, Town staff has reached out to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department for an Ezell Park update, we’ve been told to expect construction to begin sometime this Fall!

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

                                                                                   

Mint Hill Residents,

If you have recently been to Veterans Memorial Park, you will notice the new synthetic turf fields that replaced the grass soccer fields. The fields have striping for full-size soccer, full-size football, and half-sized (youth) soccer. In addition to the fields, the project scope includes repaving of the walking path, landscaping, LED lighting and entertainment stage. The area will remain closed until the grass has had a chance to grow.  We are targeting July 2023 as the reopening date.

This weekend we celebrate and remember Commissioner Tina Ross with the Annual Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park.  A dedicated teacher, mother, businesswoman and community advocate. She was strong in her convictions, passionate about her causes, and was always ready to listen to others with an open mind. She served our community as a public servant with a vision for a strong and thriving Mint Hill. Her decades of civic leadership demonstrated her energy and passion.

The arts and craft festival, formerly known as Sunday Afternoon in the Park, was renamed to honor Tina’s and her love for the arts and the Town of Mint Hill.  The event will take place around the fountain at Town Hall. The event will feature a variety of local artisans highlighting some of the best in arts, crafts and artisanal products from Mint Hill and the surrounding area.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Revaluation is a process required by North Carolina law where all property (land and buildings within Mecklenburg County) is revalued to its current market value as of Jan. 1.  To meet expectations in a fast-growing region, Mecklenburg County conducts a revaluation every four years.  Because property taxes are based on a property's market value, without periodic revaluation, some property owners would pay more than their share of property tax while others would pay less than their share. Revaluation resets property tax values so all taxpayers pay their fair share.

Mecklenburg County started mailing out notices this past Friday to match the most current real estate market as of January 1, 2023.   If you have any questions or issues with your revaluation, please contact the County Assessor’s office directly at CAO@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-4226. The deadline to file a formal appeal for your 2023 property valuation is Friday, June 9, 2023.

Spring is here and we are starting to hear complaints about unkept property.  The Mint Hill Code Enforcement Department enforces the Town’s Nuisance Ordinance and sections of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Our goal is to educate and provide services to residents and business owners regarding the Towns' codes. The most common complaints the department receives are high grass, junk cars, parking on front lawn areas, junk, and illegal signage. If you have a code enforcement complaint about a specific property, we highly recommend you complete the form on our website. The form will allow you to enter the details of the complaint and stay in contact with automatic email updates from the Town.

For complaints about barking dogs, please call the Mint Hill Police Department at 704-889-2231. All other complaints related to animals should be reported directly to Animal Control.

For general questions and messages, you can always contact the Code Enforcement Department at 704-545-9726.

Enjoy your week.  I hope to see you around Town.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

March 5-10, 2023 is North Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week.  Now is the time to prepare for severe weather season.  On Wednesday, a statewide tornado drill will take place at 9:30 am.  Review helpful information at readync.gov.

If you have not already signed up, I encourage you to sign up for the CharMeck Alerts Notification system.  CharMeck Alerts relays accurate and timely notification of information you want and need to know.  You decide what types of alerts you would like to receive and how you would like to receive them.  Alerts are geographically targeted and include options for both emergency and non-emergency alerts related to your local government services.  Sign up for CharMeck Alert today!

Mint Hill Events has started planning for 2023.  Once again, the Easter bunny will hide giant Easter eggs around Mint Hill.  Several local businesses have signed up to participate.  This is a great opportunity to engage in the community while encouraging people to shop local.  Follow @minthillevents on social media for the latest updates.

The new LED sports lighting at Veterans Memorial Park and Wilgrove Park are now fully functional and ready for use. The tennis court lights at both parks will automatically come on just before sunset. They will dim to a lower level at 10 pm to notify users to begin cleaning up. The lights will turn off at 10:15 pm to notify users that the park is closing, and the courts are now closed. To use the lights at Wilgrove Park’s softball field, please contact Town Hall.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 7:00 pm.  Your Board of Commissioners welcomes your input and opinions.  A full agenda has been posted to our website.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

With the warm weather, many of us have begun our annual spring cleaning.  As you are cleaning your yards, remember limbs and brush should be separated from other waste. These should be left not more than five feet in length and not over six inches in diameter. Never place more than one pile of limbs or brush, approximately four feet high by four feet wide and five feet in length, at the curb each week. If yard waste exceeds these specifications, no service will be provided.

If you have large items to dispose of, Mecklenburg County operates four Full-Service Drop-off Centers that can accept many materials that come from your home.  Another option is to contact WastePro to arrange for a special pick-up. 

For that box of paper, you have in your garage, Mecklenburg County Solid Waste hosts free secure paper shredding events for residents in the spring and fall.  The first one of 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, March 18.  More information can be found on the county’s website.

Once you have everything cleaned and are ready to spruce up your yard with fresh mulch, visit MeckMulchMadness. Brush mulch is free to county residents through June 30, 2023.

Litter prevention starts by raising awareness that improperly disposing trash of any kind can be illegal.  If you see someone littering, contact NCDOT Swat-a-Litterbug directly and complete the online form.  Once reported, a letter is generated to the vehicle owner from NCDOT explaining why litter is illegal.

Have a great week and help keep Mint Hill clean!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Following our Board of Commissioner’s retreat, staff will begin utilizing eNotify and social media to get news out to our community.  This platform will provide registered users with text and email reminders about news, announcements, events, meetings, agendas & minutes and land use.

Registration for this free service is simple. Navigate to the Town of Mint Hill website. On the top navigation, click on Join eNotify.  Stay informed with the latest information sent straight to your inbox or text to your phone.  Once you sign up you will automatically receive updates when new information is added to the Town of Mint Hill website.  You can change your subscription settings or unsubscribe at any time.  A tutorial can be found here.

The Planning Board will meet on Monday, February 20 at 6:30 PM.  Items on the agenda include:

  • #ZC23-1 -- Discussion and recommendation on property located at 11110 Lawyers Road to request permission to develop for a commercial/office building with associated parking frontage to exceed code requirements.
  • #ZC23-2 – Discussion and recommendation on rezoning property located at 8227 Fairview Road to allow self storage and vehicle storage.
  • #S23-1 – Discussion and decision for preliminary subdivision approval for McEwen Manor, property located at 11631 Lawyers Road.

Supporting materials can be found on our website on the Planning/Zoning Development Activity page.

Construction at Veterans Park continues. We ask that you continue to be mindful of the temporary closures to the walking trail and other areas of the park.  Please be aware of the crews working and obey warning tape, cones and barricades. They are placed for your safety so that the park can remain open. Piles of dirt and construction materials might be enticing to kids to play with—keep them safe by staying away! Do not walk around barricades or over/under warning tape.

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Everyone knows a veteran that deserves to be recognized. The Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a tribute created for our community to honor fallen service members, veterans, and active-duty service members of the United States Armed Forces. Banners will be displayed on light poles with the veteran’s photo and name on both sides of the banner.  Banners will be displayed twice yearly (Memorial Day and Veterans Day). Veterans Day will honor living veterans. Memorial Day will honor veterans we have lost.  Family and friends wishing to honor a loved one for their military service can obtain an application at https://buff.ly/3A4f1td.

This past weekend, your Board of Commissioners and Town staff met for our Annual Planning Retreat.  The following items were discussed.

  • American Rescue Plan Funding (ARPA) Update
  • Public Services Facility Update
  • Future Community Center
  • Connecting with Mint Hill
  • Mint Hill Better Together Day
  • Overview of Event Approval Process, Park Fees, Online Reservation/Payments, etc.
  • Facility Manager Position
  • Intersection Lighting (Street & Pedestrian) for Safety
  • Code Enforcement (Yard Sales)
  • Rental Scooters Pros & Cons
  • Truck Parking in Parking Lots & Truck Maintenance in Street Right of Way
  • RV/Camper Parking & Habitation Rules

Minutes of the retreat will be available once they are approved by the Board.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  Your Board of Commissioners welcomes your input and opinions.  A full agenda has been posted to our website.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

We are excited to announce the Town of Mint Hill has established a partnership with the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity by allocating $25,000 to provide home repairs to limited-income Mint Hill residents.

These funds will support GMHFH’s Critical Home Repair Program, which focuses on all health and safety issues in homes such as lack of heat, electrical hazards or plumbing and accessibility modifications.  To qualify, Mint Hill residents must own the home, be up to date on all taxes and payments and meet income guidelines.  Program funds are limited to first come, first serve basis to qualified applicants.  Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.  If accepted there will be no cost to the homeowner.

For more information or to apply, individuals can download an application at www.gmhfc.org/criticalhomerepair or call 704-847-4266 ext, 108.

The Town of Mint Hill is currently hiring!  If you, or someone you know is looking for a job, the Town of Mint Hill has full-time openings in the Fire Department, Police Department, and the Public Works Department.  These positions are full-time with excellent benefits.  In addition, we have an opening for part-time Parks Security which is a great opportunity for a retiree who isn’t ready to fully retire.  For more information, visit our website.  The Town of Mint Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

 

Mint Hill Residents,

With 2022 coming to an end, as your Mayor, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the continued hard work that Town Staff provides to make this Town so special.  I cannot thank enough our police, fire, public works and town staff for your steadfast commitment to providing the services so many of us take for granted.

2022 was another busy year for the Town of Mint Hill.  A few of the highlights include:

  • Installed 1,600 feet of new sidewalk
  • Began design of a large sidewalk project that includes over 3 miles of new sidewalk
  • Submitted over 5 miles of new sidewalk projects for Federal grant funding consideration
  • Obtained a state grant to begin a major stormwater culvert replacement project
  • Added 2.35 miles to the Town-maintained Road network
  • Began design of the new Public Services Facility on Lebanon Road (AND FIRE STATION)
  • Reconstructed the lower tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park
  • Began several ARPA-funded projects such as: new sports lighting, toddler playground replacement and soccer field conversion to synthetic fields
  • Our Fire Department celebrated its 70th year of serving our community
  • Hosted our first in-person breakfast honoring our veterans since 2019
  • Implemented the Hometown Hero Banner program
  • Added Music & Brews to our list of events
  • Adopted the 10-year Land Use Plan
  • Created Community Focused Response Unit using ARPA funds

Great communities are built and maintained on hometown pride and spirit that generate tremendous community contributions.  Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your Mayor.  Thank you for your faith in me and your continued support.  Thank you to my wife, Renee who has stood by my side, your Board of Commissioners and town staff.  It is truly a team effort.

Without the support of our residents, we would not be able to serve our Town in the capacity we do, so on behalf of all of us, we thank you.  I look forward to working with you and serving you this upcoming year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mint Hill!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

What a weekend!  Jingle Bell 5K, Mint Hill Senior Citizens Breakfast, Mint Hill Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.  Mint Hill has something for everyone to kick off the holiday season.  Every year I ask myself, how can the Town staff top last year, and they continue to surprise me.  We would not have been able to pull off such a great event without the support of our sponsor Atrium Health. Santa has promised to leave the mailbox with a direct link to the North Pole outside Town Hall through December 16th. Children are invited to write Santa and if they include a return address, he promises to write them back.

On Thursday, December 8th, we will host our last Board of Commissioners meeting of the year.  There will be a Developer’s Workshop at 6:40 pm with the full meeting starting at 7:00 pm.  A full agenda can be found on our website.

I hope this holiday season is filled with happiness and joy. May your home be filled with love on this joyous occasion.

Merry Christmas!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

Christmas officially starts in Mint Hill on Saturday, December 3rd.  Our Public Works team has been working hard to decorate Mint Hill. The wreaths are up, lights have been added to the Town Hall and the tree in anticipation of this week’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

We will kick off the day at 9:00 am with the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk at Veterans Park. This program supports the Volunteers in Policing Program and Explorer Post 545. 

The 3rd Annual Mint Hill Christmas Parade will take place at 5:30 pm in downtown Mint Hill. We are excited to have June Hood as our Parade Grand Marshal. The parade will start at Bain School Road and travel south on Matthews Mint Hill Road and end at the Mint Hill Library. We currently have over 1600 parade participants including floats, marching bands, school groups, churches and of course, Santa and his elf Trixie. There will also be a few other surprise appearances at the Tree Lighting.  It looks like the weather is going to cooperate.

After the parade, please join us at Town Hall for food trucks and entertainment at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree comes from an undisclosed location in the mountains of North Carolina.  This year’s tree is officially 16 ft tall and has over 6,000 lights.  Putting it in the fountain gives it a much taller appearance. Following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for visits.  

We are partnering with our parade sponsor, Atrium Health, to host a food drive with Second Harvest from November 16 – December 9. We ask that all participants and spectators of the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting bring a canned food item to donate. The most needed food items are canned fish, canned meat, peanut butter, canned low-sodium soups or stews, canned or dry beans, canned fruits in juice, or canned low-sodium vegetables. In addition, a QR code is available to make a monetary donation. A list of our Food Drop Off Locations and QR Code can be found here.

I hope to see you all at the festivities this weekend! 

Let the holidays begin… 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

 

Mint Hill Residents,

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, I hope each of you have an opportunity to enjoy a safe, relaxing day with your families.  In the spirit of the season, I wanted to take a moment and express my gratitude to some of the town employees I have the privilege to work with as the Mayor of Mint Hill. 

I am grateful for the Public Works department for the hard work they do behind the scenes to keep our town running.  Thank you for the hours spent making sure our roads, drainage systems, and parks are in working order. This month, specifically, I am thankful Town Hall is decorated for the holiday season, complete with a Christmas tree to carry on our town traditions. 

I am grateful for our Police and Fire departments for being on the front lines to keep our community safe.  Thank you for your continued service to our town and the sacrifices you make to ensure our community is well cared for. 

I am grateful for the staff at Town Hall that manage the day-to-day operations of Mint Hill.  With responsibilities ranging from ensuring bills are paid or responding to code violations to meeting with developers, planning our Town events, or dealing with garbage issues, the work you do does not go unnoticed.  Thank you for all your efforts to keep Mint Hill a great place to live.

As you gather this week, I encourage you to reflect on the many things you are grateful for as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Wow!  What a weekend.  Even though it got a little chilly at times, it was a perfect weekend for Mint Hill Madness.  I want to thank everyone who came out this past weekend.  We were so excited to see so many families and friends out having a fantastic time. Thank you again to our sponsors, Novant Health, Earp’s, Waste Pro, Mint Hill Orthodontics and all our Display, Patron and Friend sponsors. Without their support, the event would not have been possible. And thank you to our Public Works Department, Police and Fire Departments and Town staff who worked year-round to make this event happen.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. This event grows every year.  Once again, everyone stepped up their game.  People were voting up until the last minute. The official winners, based on the vote of the public are:

1st Place Business - The Knight of the Living Scarecrow Queens Grant Community School

2nd Place Business - Eye Care Crow - Mint Hill Eye

3rd Place Business - Head Over Heels  - State Employees Credit Union

1st Place Residential - Queen of Hearts – Jessica Burns

2nd Place Residential - Halloween Enderman - Mary Beth Foster 

3rd Place Residential – D. Forest Achion - Nancy Morgan

As far as I’m concerned, we are all winners for having such a fun event in our Town.

Next up, the Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd.  The application is open so sign up today.  It’s going to be another great event in our town.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

After two years, the Town is excited to honor our veterans once again, in person, at the Annual Veterans Breakfast on Saturday, November 12.  If you are a veteran and have not received an invitation, please call Town Hall at 704-545-9726 to have your name added to the list.  If you have received an invitation, please make sure to RSVP so we know how many to expect.

Duke Energy is in the process of maintaining vegetation along its power line corridors. This work is important to increasing the resiliency of the grid during storms. If this work occurs on your property, a door hanger will be left for your reference with the local supervisor’s phone number. Debris will be removed from yards and other improved and/or landscaped areas (note, not from wooded areas) within 7-10 business days, if not immediately after trimming.  For more information, visit: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/vegetation-management

The 38th Annual Mint Hill Madness is finally here!  It promises to be a nice fall weekend.  We are looking forward to a great event.

We invite you to come and enjoy this family-friendly event that includes carnival rides, a midway, axe throwing, three days of live entertainment, the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant and twice as many food vendors.  We will also be announcing the winners of the Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest prior to the fireworks.

Mint Hill Madness would not be possible without the support of our Presenting Sponsor, Novant Health and our Associate Sponsors, Earp’s, Mint Hill Orthodontics, and WastePro. On Thursday and Friday, the Novant Health Critical Care Helicopter and staff will be on the lower soccer field to answer questions and pose for photos. On Friday and Saturday, Novant staff will offer free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots. 

For a complete list and details, please visit www.minthillevents.org.

Let the Madness begin…

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Last week our area experienced the first hurricane of the season. Although we saw some power outages and weather-related challenges, I am thankful the impact was minimal. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who experienced a much more significant impact.  

Mint Hill Public Works continues to work diligently to clear trees that have fallen in the road or right away. If you have a tree that fell on your property, there are several local companies and contractors who will support those efforts.  Be cautious of scam artist posing as legitimate contractors.

The Town of Mint Hill is currently accepting applications for the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment hears zoning appeals and requests for variances from the zoning ordinance. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall. Appointments are made at the December Board of Commissioners meeting.  If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the application.  For more information, contact the Town Clerk, Michelle Wells at 704-545-9726. 

We are a little over 2 weeks away from the Annual Mint Hill Madness Festival. This year’s festival kicks off on Thursday, October 20th and concludes on Saturday, October 22nd with the area’s largest fireworks display. We invite you to come and enjoy this family-friendly event that includes carnival rides, three days of live entertainment, the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant, and double the fabulous food vendors.

Mint Hill Madness would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We are excited about our partnership with Novant Health – Mint Hill Medical Center. On Thursday and Friday, the Critical Care Helicopter and staff will be on the lower soccer field to answer questions and pose for photos. On Friday and Saturday, Novant staff will offer free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

On September 8th the recommended Land Use Plan was presented to the Board of Commissioners. The meeting is available for viewing on our website. I would like to thank the advisory committee, the consultants, and everyone who provided input. 

This weekend we celebrate Commissioner Tina Ross with the 3rd Annual Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park. The arts and craft festival, formerly known as Sunday Afternoon in the Park was renamed in Tina’s honor of her love for the arts and the Town of Mint Hill.  The event will take place around the fountain at Town Hall. We will be watching the weather closely to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Tina Ross was a dedicated teacher, businesswoman, politician, and mother in our community. She was detail oriented and always did her research. She was strong in her convictions, passionate about her causes, and was always ready to listen to others with an open mind. She served our community as a public servant with a vision for a strong and thriving Mint Hill. Her decades of civic leadership demonstrated her energy and passion. She was instrumental in organizing the first Mint Hill Madness and wrote the first check for what is now known as the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce. 

Have a great week and enjoy this beautiful fall weather.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The LED field lighting project is underway at Veterans Memorial Park soccer fields. Crews are installing new 80-foot poles with LED lights that will allow use of the fields after the sun sets. This is the first phase of a full makeover for the soccer fields. Next will be the conversion of the grass to synthetic turf followed by a new paved walking trail. All of this work will happen between now and May 2023.

There will be temporary closures to the walking trail and other areas of the parks as the lighting project progresses. Please be aware of the crews working and obey warning tape, cones, and barricades. They are placed for your safety so that the park can remain open. Piles of dirt and construction materials might be enticing to kids to play with—keep them safe by staying away! Do not walk around barricades or over/under warning tape.

When completed, the soccer fields, tennis courts at both parks, and the softball field at Wilgrove Park will be lit with new LED lighting. The work is anticipated to be completed in December 2022.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the last of our summer events this past weekend.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  If you have any feedback for our events team on Family Fun Nights or Music & Brews, please forward them to info@minthill.com.  Next up is the arts and craft festival, Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park scheduled for October 1st at Mint Hill Town Hall.  I hope to see you there.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Last week Charlotte Water Communications informed us of the Lead Free CLT: Drinking Water Rule Revision for Lead & Copper, Charlotte Water.

In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the 1991 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), modifying water service provider regulations for lead reduction in drinking water.

Corrosion of lead from plumbing in Charlotte is limited: (1) 64% of our community was built after the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act’s lead plumbing regulations, (2) Charlotte Water proactively replaces public materials of concern and (3) Charlotte Water implements corrosion control measures to protect drinking water quality.

The LCR revision introduce new compliance requirements nationally, such as the creation of an inventory for private water service lines, increased testing in schools and childcare facilities, and removing public and private service lines affected by these new requirements. Charlotte Water currently has a robust inventory of public water lines but will be developing a private service line inventory to comply with the revised rule.

The planning phase to address the LCRR is underway with exploratory field work and public outreach beginning in August 2022. Compliance with the LCRR is required by October 2024. More information is available at www.charlottewater.org/lead.

As you know, we had to cancel the Music & Brews Night scheduled for this past weekend due to inclement weather.  We invite everyone to come to the first ever Mint Hill Family Fun Music & Brews Night on Saturday, September 17 at Mint Hill Veterans Park.  The event will feature live music, cold brews, food trucks, and a Kidzone.  Food trucks and brews begin serving at 6:30 pm with the music of Jay Hoff & Co. starting at 7:00 pm.  Do not forget if you plan on having a brew you must have identification.  Only patrons wearing a wristband will be sold a beer.  No identification, no wristband.  No wristband, no beer.  It’s going to be a great event!

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town has recently completed two sidewalk projects that fill gaps in the pedestrian network of Mint Hill. More than 1,000 feet of new sidewalk was installed on Central Drive which connects the Timber Creek and other neighborhoods to existing sidewalk along Wilson Grove Road. Another 325 feet of new sidewalk was installed on Bartlett Road connecting the Glencroft and Stonebridge neighborhoods. Staff has also begun the first phase of the grant-funded sidewalk project along Lawyers Road, Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road, and Wilson Grove Road. Survey, design, and easement acquisition is anticipated to last through the end of 2023 followed by construction in 2024.

Looking ahead, staff are preparing several new pedestrian projects for grant consideration by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). These are generally longer and more expensive projects that would complete segments and connect neighborhoods to the Town’s sidewalk network. Staff anticipates hearing the results of the grant submittals in the spring of 2023.  Town staff continues to identify opportunities for sidewalk funding.

Saturday we will host our second Music and Brews Night at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. Join us for a night of music, brews and food under the stars featuring a variety of music by High Fidelity, LLC.  This event will feature beer from four local breweries.  Sponsored by our friends at Edifice, Inc., this event is free and open to the public. All patrons will be required to provide proof of identification prior to being served.  Be sure to bring your ID with you.  We love your four legged friends, but we kindly ask that you leave them safely at home during events per our Town Ordinance.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor   

Mint Hill Residents,

Over the course of the summer, we’ve been working on the reconstruction of the lower tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park.  That project is now complete, and the courts are open. In addition to improving drainage and repairing the court base, two new games have been added: pop tennis and pickleball. All tennis courts and one pickleball court may be reserved (keeping the upper tennis courts and one pickleball court as walk-up play only).

For information about pickleball, visit: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/

For information about pop tennis, visit: https://www.poptennis.com/what-is-pop-tennis/

As a reminder, only traditional tennis/pop tennis and pickleball may be played on the courts. Any other use of the courts is prohibited.

This project was completed using Federal ARPA funds at a cost of $225,000.

The project to bring new LED lighting to the Veterans Memorial Park soccer fields and replace existing lighting at the tennis courts, Wilgrove Park softball field, and Wilgrove tennis courts is expected to begin in the next few weeks and is anticipated to last through the end of 2022.

For more information on active projects, including sidewalks and the new Public Services facility, please visit our website https://tinyurl.com/2875ht7f.

I hope you take the time to enjoy the last official weekend of the summer.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

With schools beginning their school year this week, I urge residents to be mindful of the increase in traffic as we navigate back-to-school congestion. With buses picking up passengers, children walking or riding their bikes, and parents dropping off their kids to begin the day, it is important we all slow down, practice patience and pay a little extra attention. I know we would all agree our children are the future of our community. 

Updated magnet calendars from Waste Pro were distributed earlier this month.  If you did not receive one, you can pick one up at Town Hall.  Included in the calendar is a list of acceptable items for recycling.  Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. The calendar is also available on our website.

As a reminder to residents working diligently to maintain their lawns and gardens this summer, please remember to clear grass clippings off the street. Although seemingly harmless, clippings pose environmental and traffic safety threats to our community. Grass clippings washed into our stormwater system can easily clog a pipe or “super charge” our bodies of water with nutrients that are supposed to be on lawns, not in natural waterways. Clippings also make the road surface slick which could result in a vehicle being unable to stop in time. Let’s work together to keep Mint Hill safe by keeping clippings off our streets. 

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Cooler days and pumpkin spice will be here before you know it and you know what that means.  It’s time to start thinking about the Town of Mint Hill Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest.  Last year, we had 85 entries.  Our goal this year is 100.  We’ve come a long way since the first year when we had 15 scarecrows around the circle at Town Hall.  We want to see scarecrows at the entrance of your subdivisions, in your front yards and in front of your place of business.  Thanks to our sponsor, Novant Health, we will be awarding cash prizes for the best scarecrows.  Watch our social media for the application and announcements in the next few weeks.

Work continues at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  Construction on the tennis courts will alleviate the drainage problems.  In addition, one of the courts will be converted to a pickleball court.  Parts have been ordered and the toddler playground will be replaced later this year.  This project will replace the playground (with the exceptions of the swing sets) with a new playground featuring inclusive items for children with special needs.  For a full list of ongoing projects, please visit our website.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, August 11th at 7:00 pm.  You can view the agenda for the meeting on our website.

Stay cool and stay hydrated!

Have a great week!

Brad SimmonsMint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

August is upon us, and kids will be back in school before we know it.  Town Hall is serving as a drop off location for the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Classroom Supply Drive.  The items collected will be distributed to Mint Hill students and Mint Hill teachers.  Next time you are shopping in person or online, add a couple items to your cart, and drop them off at Town Hall or one of the many collection sites around town.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Mint Hill Arts has installed a new exhibit, ‘Portraits’ on the first floor of Town Hall.  This exhibit features the work of two talented Mint Hill Arts artists, Martha Faires and Elisabeth Harvey. The exhibit will be up until mid-October.  The public is invited to view it any time during the regular business hours at the Town Hall.  The gallery is in the rear hallway of the building.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, August 11 and host a public hearing to change the terms of office for elected officials in Mint Hill.  Your Board of Commissioners welcome your input and opinions.  A full agenda will be posted to our website early next week.

Have a great week!

Brad SimmonsMint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Hard to believe that we are over halfway through the summer.  We have a lot of events and activities I want to remind you of over the next several months.

The Town of Mint Hill Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a tribute created to honor our veterans.  Banners will be on display on light poles with the veteran’s photo, name, conflict/war and branch of service. Family and friends wishing to honor a loved one for their military service can obtain an application at https://tinyurl.com/mvtku4nk.  Banners will be available on a first come, first-serve basis.

We have two more Family Fun Nights on August 20 and September 17.  These events are family friendly and bring the community together for a night of wholesome fun. Family Fun Nights are free and open to the public. In addition to the concert, the event includes a kid zone, food trucks, family games and water fun with the Mint Hill Fire Department. The events start at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Veterans Park.

Our second Music & Brews will take place on September 10.  Join us for a night of music, brews and food under the stars, featuring a variety of music by High Fidelity, LLC.  The event start at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Veterans Park.

The Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest will take place October 1-31. Help us reach our goal of 100 scarecrows and enter to win $500.  The application will be available later in August.

The Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park, formerly known as Sunday Afternoon in the Park, will feature hand made goods from local artists and take place on October 1 around the fountain at Town Hall.

Later in October, the Madness will begin.  Mint Hill Madness promises something for everyone in the family; delicious food, great music ranging from country to rock, a fantastic family carnival, the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant and of course, my favorite the SPECTACULAR fireworks show. Join us October 20-22 at Mint Hill Veterans Park for a weekend of fun.

On November 12 we will honor all our veterans at our Annual Veterans Breakfast.  This event is open to all veterans.  If you would like to be added to the invitation list, please call Mint Hill Town Hall at 704-545-9726.

Finally, the Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will take place on December 3.  Last year, over 1000 people participated in this annual tradition.  The parade will travel from Bain School down to the Mint Hill Library.  Afterwards, join us for food trucks and entertainment at Town Hall for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and a visit with Santa.

I hope to see you around Town.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

We’ve received a lot of rain in our area recently, and residents are contacting Town Hall with stormwater issues.  I want to remind you of our partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to manage stormwater within the Town limits.  This partnership allows us to efficiently meet local, state, and federal requirements related to stormwater.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services manages the administration of the Town’s stormwater program.  This generally includes record keeping, permitting, inspections and inspections of drainage issues and pollution reported.

The Mint Hill Public Works Department’s role in stormwater typically is receiving issue reports from the CMSWS investigator, working on qualifying issues with in-house staff or contracting the work out to private contractors and assisting in new stormwater infrastructure inspections.

In all cases, Town staff is included to some degree on all stormwater issues related to Mint Hill, even those issues determined to be non-qualifying. The partnership with CMSWS is intended to work as an extension of Town staff and it is regularly monitored to ensure optimum customer service is being provided to our residents.

If you have a problem, please call 3-1-1 (or 704-336-7600) and tell them you have a stormwater issue to report. The operator will take your name, contact info, and a description of the problem. Someone will visit the reported location (typically within one week) to investigate and determine if the problem qualifies for repair under the stormwater program).

We are still accepting nominations for our Hometown Military Heroes Banner Program.  The program was created as a tribute for our community to honor fallen service members, veterans, and active-duty service members of the United States Armed Forces. Family and friends wishing to honor a loved one for their military service can obtain an application at https://tinyurl.com/mvtku4nk.  Banners will be available on a first come, first-serve basis.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

 
The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall for our regular monthly meeting.  One of the items on the agenda is to consider changing the terms of office for elected officials in Mint Hill from 2-year terms to 4-year staggered terms.  This change would require an amendment to the Town of Mint Hill Charter.

 
Currently, the seats for Mayor and all four Commissioners are up for election every two years.  With all five seats open at each election, there could potentially be five newly elected officials at one time.  The Board of Commissioners feel that some continuity and experience on the Board after each election would be helpful as newly elected officials get up to speed on Town business.  Changing to four-year staggered terms would achieve the desired continuity and still allow Mint Hill residents to choose their representatives every two years.

 

The transition would look like this.

  • In 2023, the election would be for the Mayor and all four Commissioners, just as it has been in the past.  However, the two commissioner candidates who receive the highest number of votes would begin serving four-year terms, while the winning mayoral candidate and two commissioner candidates would begin serving initial two-year terms.  
  • In 2025, the election would be for Mayor and two Commissioners to begin serving four-year terms.
  • After the 2025 election, all elected officials would be serving four-year terms.
  • In 2027, the election would be for two Commissioners.
  • In 2029, the election would be for Mayor and two Commissioners.
  • In 2031, the election would be for two Commissioners.
  • A graphic outlining the transition can be found here.

As always, we welcome your input and opinions. The best way to understand what is going on in our Town is to get involved and be part of the process.  If you have an opinion, come to a meeting, sign up to address the Board, or contact one of your elected officials. Public comments submitted to the Town Clerk by 5:00 pm the day of the meeting will be read into the public record. In addition, minutes from meetings going back to 1971 can be found on our website.

Our next Family Fun Night will take place at Mint Hill Veterans Park on Saturday, July 16 starting at 6:30 pm featuring the music of Pluto for Planet.  In addition to the concert there will be a variety of your favorite food vendors.  Once again, the Mint Hill Fire Department will be on hand spraying water just for the fun, so bring a towel and some dry clothes for the kids.

 

Stay cool and have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

 

Mint Hill Residents,

It is hard to believe it is already July.  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend.

To make downtown more walkable for our residents and their pets, the Town has installed 3 new pet waste stations.  Pet waste stations encourage residents to pick up and the Town wanted to make it convenient do so.  Scooping the poop is not only important for a clean neighborhood, but also for our local waterways.  When pet waste is not picked up, it becomes a major source of pollution in our water.

The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) and consultants had its final meeting on June 29, 2022. The PAC was appointed by the Board of Commissioners to work with the consultants to create a shared vision for growth in our community.  Several public meetings have taken place over the past year to help guide the PAC and consultants in drafting the plan.  The consultants will present the draft plan to the Planning Board at their July meeting then to the Board of Commissioners August meeting. The public is welcome to attend.

The best way to understand what is going on in our town and to give informed, helpful feedback is to come out and be a part of it.  I encourage you to participate at a Board of Commissioners meeting either in person or watch on our YouTube channel. We will always welcome public comments online. To submit written public comments to be read into the public record, please type or navigate to http://bit.ly/31x0aVX. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the day of the meeting to be read into the public record at the meeting that evening.  If you would like to speak in person, check in with the Town Staff before the meeting and sign up to address the Board on any Town related issues. The next Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall. 

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Food, fun-filled gatherings and fireworks on the 4th of July are a time-honored tradition.  For some Americans, particularly our veterans, Independence Day is anything but fun. Some veterans may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can be triggered by loud fireworks. In addition, more pets run away of the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. When deciding how to celebrate America’s birthday this year, keep our veterans and pets in mind.

 

The Town of Mint Hill is pleased to announce our Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program. The program was created as a tribute for our community to honor fallen service members, veterans, and active-duty service members of the United States Armed Forces. Banners will be displayed on light poles with the veteran’s photo on both sides of the banner, along with name, conflict/war served and branch of service.  Banners will be on display twice per year (Memorial Day and Veterans Day). The first cycle of banners will be hung around the fountain at Town Hall starting in November 2022.

Family and friends wishing to honor a loved one for their military service can obtain an application at https://tinyurl.com/mvtku4nk  Banners will be available on a first come, first-serve basis.

There will be no trash service on July 4th.  Trash next week will be delayed by one day.

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate our freedom, let’s remember those who fought for that freedom.

Have a healthy and safe holiday weekend.  

God Bless America!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

You may have noticed the tennis court reconstruction project has started at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  This $250,000 project is being funded with ARPA funds.  Work will include complete deconstruction and rebuilding of the court surface to alleviate problems causing excessive cracking and water seepage from underground.  One existing tennis court is being converted into two pickleball courts.  One tennis court will be converted to a dual-use tennis doubles and pop tennis court.

The contractor has begun work as of June 6 and is anticipated to last approximately 45-60 days.  Visitors must obey construction fencing and not enter the work zone for any reason to avoid possible injury.  The upper two tennis courts will remain open during construction, as well as all the courts at Wilgrove Park.  All other areas adjacent to the tennis courts (picnic shelter, playgrounds, handball courts) will remain open.

In addition, the project to bring new LED lighting to the Veterans Memorial Park soccer fields and replace existing lighting at the tennis courts, Wilgrove Park softball field, and Wilgrove tennis courts has begun and is anticipated to last through the end of 2022.

For more information on active projects, including sidewalks and the new Public Services facility, please visit our website https://tinyurl.com/2875ht7f.

Our first Family Fun Night will take place at Mint Hill Veterans Park on Saturday, June 18 starting at 6:30 pm.  Back by popular demand is the band Groove Machine.  In addition to the concert there will be a variety of your favorite food vendors.  As a special treat, the Mint Hill Fire Department will be on hand spraying water just for the fun, so bring a towel and some dry clothes for the kids.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

At this month’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting, I will proclaim the month of June as Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the disease, as well as show support for the millions of people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  It’s also a time to recognize caregivers for the support they provide to those living with this terrible disease.  If you or a loved one is in need of support, Alzheimer Support North Carolina is a free service that assists families whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Through the free search tool and database of Alzheimer’s care facilities, families in need of care for their loved ones can locate licensed care homes and communities in the area that are best equipped to provide care for their loved ones.  No one should face this terrible disease alone.

Summer is in full swing this week bringing the high heat and humidity.  Mint Hill is getting a heat wave over the next several days.  Summertime can be full of fun and relaxation.  Be sure to stay hydrated, check on the elderly and don’t leave pets in the car.

I would like to congratulate all our 2022 graduates.  Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or trade school, you can take pride in how far you have come and believe in yourself in how far you can go.  More importantly, be sure you do something you love.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This Thursday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m., the Board of Commissioners will have their monthly meeting.  A portion of that meeting is a public hearing and vote on the Town of Mint Hill Budget for Fiscal Year ending June 20, 2023.  I am pleased to announce the proposed tax rate for the upcoming budget year is $.255 cents per $100 valuation and the $10 registered motor vehicle fee would remain the same.  A copy of the proposed budget is available on the Town of Mint Hill website.  

I would also like to thank all our employees for their service to Mint Hill.  I know I speak for the rest of the Board of Commissioners when I say that we recognize their continued commitment and value to the Town, its residents, and visitors.  We are blessed with hard working and loyal employees.  We simply could not preserve our small town feel without their efforts and for that I am deeply grateful.

I wish everyone a good summer.  I know my family has a few things planned for me.  Enjoy making memories with your family and friends. 

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This past week, Mint Hill said goodbye to Colonel Billy June Reid.  The name may not be familiar to you, but he is a very important part of Mint Hill’s history.  The Korean War Memorial at Veterans Park has a marker with the following inscription: Chapter 265, North Carolina Korean War Veterans Association wishes to thank Colonel Billy J. Reid and Captain Don Putnam for their untiring efforts in making the North Carolina Korean War Veterans Memorial possible to honor all Korean War veterans including KIA and MIA.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Colonel Reid’s family during this difficult time.

We are coming up on Memorial Day this weekend. For many, it is the unofficial beginning of summer.  For others, it is a weekend for beach trips, barbecues with friends and fireworks.  For all of us, it should be a day to honor those Americans who gave their lives for our country.  The brave men and women who paid the ultimate price, leaving behind loved ones and families, for our freedom and way of life. Since the Revolutionary War ended, 646,596 American troops have died in battle and more than 539,000 died from other, non-combat related causes.

The Mint Hill American Legion Post #555 will be hosting their 2nd Annual Memorial Day event on Monday, May 29 at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road starting at 11:00 am. Please join and support Post #555 in commemorating the Veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Whatever your plans are this weekend, take a moment to reflect and say a prayer for the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and the families who lost them.

Lastly, since Monday is a holiday, all trash service will be delayed by one day next week.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.  It looks like we are in for some summer weather. 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

National Public Works Week (May 15-21, 2022) is a time for the residents of Mint Hill to pay tribute to our Public Works department.  These are the unsung heroes of our community who serve the public every day with quiet dedication. 

Public Works – more than any other function of our town government – impacts our residents daily.  Unfortunately, the public works department is often forgotten.  Most of the attention public works receives is when something needs to be fixed or replaced.  If everything is functioning as it should be, nobody would notice public works activities.

The everyday maintenance and routine jobs are not exciting but are extremely important.  I am proud to recognize the eleven dedicated employees of the Mint Hill Public Works department as we celebrate National Public Works week.  Next time you see a public works crew member, take time to thank them for all their efforts in keeping our town beautiful.

This weekend we kick off our summer concert series with our first Music & Brews Night at Mint Hill Veterans Park.  Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will be serving craft beer along with a variety of food vendors.  In addition, there will be corn hole and axe throwing.  The event is free and open to the public, but no outside alcohol is allowed.  I hope to see you there.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

During the month of May, the Mint Hill Police Department will be partnering with Servant’s Heart to collect nonfood pantry items to help struggling families in our community.  Items most needed are bar soap, bleach, deodorant, facial tissues, hand soap, paper towels and toilet paper (12-pack).  Please purchase brands you enjoy in regular size containers.  Items must be new, unopened, and unused.  Please drop your donations at Mint Hill Town Hall, the Mint Hill Police Department, or the Mint Hill Fire Department.

One year ago, the Mint Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joe Hatley moved to a stratified policing model. Stratified policing sets up an organization to incorporate evidence-based strategies more easily into everyday operations with the goal of changing a police organization from reactive to proactive. This means officers receive problems/complaints and find a solution and are held accountable if they do not fix the problem.

As a result, officers’ activities increased nearly 20% from the 2020 calendar year.  There were 20,840 calls answered or initiated, however, crime dropped nearly 14% since the 2019 calendar year. 

Mint Hill has moved up to the 17th Safest City from 19th in 2021 thanks to the efforts of our police department.   I am proud of the changes we have seen this past year under Chief Hatley’s watch. 

May 11-17 is National Police Week. If you see a police officer around town, simply tell them that you appreciate all the work they do and thank them for keeping you safe. A small gesture can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

With warmer weather arriving, we are seeing folks working in their yards and cleaning out their garages.  I want to remind everyone of the Town’s yard waste guidelines.

  • Limbs and brush should be separated from other waste
  • These should be not more than 5’ in length and not over 6” in diameter
  • Place one pile of limbs or brush 4’ high by 4’ wide and 5’ in length at the curb each week
  • If yard waste exceeds these specifications, no service will be provided

Free paper bags for leaves, grass clippings and yard waste are available at Town Hall.  Paper bags are not required but encouraged.  These bags are compostable and will eliminate plastic residue in compost.  Waste Pro will pick up a maximum of 10 bags per week, per residence.

If you are cleaning out your garage, you can contact Waste Pro at 980-296-1126 to arrange a bulky item pick up.  In addition, Mecklenburg County operates four staffed Full Service Drop-Off Centers that can accept nearly all materials that come from your home. 

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

As residents of Mecklenburg County, we currently have an opportunity to provide input for the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Capital Improvement Program (CIP).   

This five-year program (FY 2024-2028) will fund major renovations and construction projects for all types of park and recreational facilities.  The funds in the CIP are for construction and associated information technology, and do not include operating expenses or programming after the completion of the project.  The projects included within the next year CIP will be influenced by recommendations from Meck Playbook, the recently endorsed park and recreation master plan, and additional input received from County residents.  Park and Recreation projects to be funded may include: 

  • Reinvestment in existing parks, nature preserves, recreation centers, and greenway trails 
  • Investment in new parks, nature preserves, recreation centers and greenway trails 
  • New amenities across several park sites 
  • Improved access to existing parks, nature preserves, recreation centers and greenway trails 

Please visit www.publicinput.com/24CIP for more information and to provide input for the FY 2024-2028 CIP today. 

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter!  It was great to spend the day with family and friends enjoying our beautiful North Carolina weather.

Lately we have received several calls at Town Hall concerning our Sign Ordinance.  The Town of Mint Hill’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) has very specific requirements regarding signs.  Some of the Frequently Asked Questions we have received are:

We are having a promotion this weekend; can I place signs around Town?

According to Section 6.5.4(A) All portable signs are prohibited.

Section 2.4 defines Portable Signs as any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, nor specifically constructed for such attachment; or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, the following: signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; gas or hot air-filled balloons.

Is there a permit I can apply for to place signs around Town for a business event or other charitable event?

The Town’s ordinance does not currently have regulations for temporary sign permits.

How do I obtain a sign permit application for my new business/church or principal use/structure?

Applications for permanent signage can be found by visiting www.minthill.com/permits.

Can my business sign be installed in a projection style or hanging type sign?

Section 6.5.5(B) Requires that all signs attached to a structure be located flat against the wall.

If you are a new business in Town, or looking to upgrade your signage, please contact Margie Nichols, Code Enforcement Officer with any questions prior to applying for a permit.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

If you notice soliciting in your neighborhood, please be aware.  The Town of Mint Hill requires all peddlers, canvassers and solicitors apply for a permit before going door to door. The application process is administered by the Mint Hill Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. Applicants must submit to a criminal history check before permits are issued.  Once issued, the permit will include a photo of the permit holder and must always be worn when contacting the public. This chapter shall not apply to solicitation for charitable, civic, religious, patriotic or governmental purposes by persons who serve without compensation or remuneration. 

Keep your family safe before answering the door. If you have any concerns about solicitation in your neighborhood, please contact non-emergency dispatch at the Mint Hill Police Department at 704-889-2231.

You have one more week to participate in Hop Around Mint Hill.  Spend these nice days hunting for eggs and scan the QR code located on the eggs for a chance to win a $25 gift card.  Follow us on social media for daily clues.  Happy Hunting!

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Mecklenburg County will accept applications for its Mortgage Assistance Payment Program from April 1-15, 2022.

The Mortgage Assistance Payment Program is available thanks to CARES Act funding provided through the Community Block Development Grant.

The Mortgage Payment Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low to moderate income residents in the towns and unincorporated areas who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Eligible homeowners can receive 3 to 6 months of consecutive payments to use toward their mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

To be eligible, homeowners must:

  • Reside in the towns and/or unincorporated areas of the County
  • Have a household income of up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) prior to the COVID-19 hardship
  • Homeowners must have been current on mortgage prior to the COVID-19 hardship
  • Homeowners must have a COVID-19 related loss of income or other qualifying criteria

Homeowners must also prove income loss or increased costs-related to childcare due to COVID-19 including:

  • Reduction of work hours
  • Job loss or furlough
  • COVID-19 illness of self or immediate family member

Applications will be accepted until funds are depleted. To apply for the Mortgage Payment Assistance Program or to review eligibility requirements, visit RampCharMeck.com.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Mint Hill Code Enforcement Department enforces the Towns' Nuisance Ordinance and sections of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Our goal is to educate and provide services to residents and business owners regarding the Towns' codes. The most common complaints the department receives are high grass, junk cars, parking on front lawn areas, junk, and illegal signage. If you have a code enforcement complaint about a specific property, we highly recommend you complete the form on our website. The form will allow you to enter the details of the complaint and stay in contact with automatic email updates from the Town.

For complaints about barking dogs, please call the Mint Hill Police Department at 704-889-2231. All other complaints related to animals should be reported directly to Animal Control.

We are currently seeking contractors to participate in the bidding process for cleanup of junk/trash/rubbish and to cut high grasses/weeds. If you are a licensed contractor having your Certificate of Liability Insurance and W-9 identification number and certification, please send your statement of qualifications as a service provider to Margie Nichols at the Town of Mint Hill.

For general questions and messages, you can always contact the Code Enforcement Department at 704-545-9726.

Enjoy your week.  I hope to see you around Town.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town continues to move forward with making Mint Hill a more walkable town.  We have several sidewalk projects planned.  In 2022, we will be adding over 1000 feet of sidewalk on Central Drive between Wilson Grove Road and Barkridge Road and 500 feet between Canongate to Stonebridge neighborhood.  In addition, 3.3 miles of CRTPO Grant-Funded Sidewalk (Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road, Wilson Grove Road and Lawyers Road) is scheduled to begin design this year. Once completed, we will have over 80 miles of sidewalk in our community.

At our Board of Commissioners meeting last week, we saw a presentation on Age Friendly Mecklenburg, an initiative that facilitates the collective planning of not-for-profit, higher education, faith-based, private, and governmental organizations along with community residents to improve the quality of life for older adults.

By the year 2035, an additional 140,000 residents aged 55 and older will be living in Mecklenburg County, of which 100,000 will be aged 65 and older. It is the fastest growing age group in Mecklenburg County and nearly half of the total population growth between now and 2035 will come from those aged 55+.

The Age Friendly Mecklenburg Action Plan helps address the needs and access to services for residents within this demographic. Establishment of the plan was vital to Mecklenburg County’s AARP/World Health Organization certification as an Age Friendly Community.

The presentation had a lot of information about resources available to our residents. I encourage you to watch it on our YouTube channel.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will be hosting their 4th Annual Creek Week later this month.  You can do your part by participating in the Mint Hill Storm Drain Marking Volunteer Event.  Meet other volunteers to pick up supplies and a map of nearby neighborhoods in need of storm drain markers.  The meet-up takes place at Mint Hill Town Hall from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 23.

Over the next several months, much of Veterans Park will be under construction. The grass soccer fields will be replaced with synthetic turf and upgraded, and additional lighting will be added. This project is scheduled to begin November 1st.  This will allow us to continue to use the fields and host events, including Mint Hill Madness, as previously planned. In addition, reconstruction of the tennis courts to fix the ongoing drainage issues and the replacement of the outdated toddler play area. These projects will take place over the next several months. The park will remain open during this time, but several areas will be closed to the public.

The Board of Commissioners will host their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Mint Hill Town Hall starting at 7:00 pm. Agendas, minutes and video from the Board of Commissioner meetings can be found on our website

Have a great week!  I hope to see you around town.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Spring is just around the corner and that means the return of Hop Around Mint Hill. Join us for a Town-wide Easter egg hunt by solving clues that will be posted on our social media starting April 1. This year we have invited local businesses to participate.  Find the eggs, scan the QR code with your smart phone and enter your name and email address for a chance to win. Follow us on social media for clues starting April 1.

Each summer, Mint Hill Events, Inc. hosts a series of Family Fun Nights at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  The events are family friendly and brings the community together for a night of wholesome fun.  Family Fun Nights are free and open to the public.  In addition to a concert, each event includes a kid zone, food trucks, inflatables, and family games.  Thanks to our friends at Edifice, Inc. and Mint Hill Orthodontics, we are excited to announce our 2022 Family Fun Night schedule. 

June 18, 2022 – Groove Machine/ 70's pop, rock, funk and R&B 
July 16, 2022 – Pluto for Planet/ Alternative, Rock, Southern Rock
August 20, 2022 – Red Dirt Revival/ Country
September 17, 2022 – Jay Hoff & Company/ Rock & Pop

For more information on events happening in our Town, please visit www.minthillevents.org.

Have a great week and enjoy this beautiful North Carolina weather.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.  Like empathy, the heart of kindness is action. What does kindness look like to you? How can we intentionally be kind to others? A few examples I’ve seen practiced in our community are:

  1. Taking the time to smile and say hello to a stranger.
  2. Paying it forward in the coffee line or just letting someone else go first at the store. 
  3. Donating toys or clothing to Servant’s Heart, blood at a community drive or groceries to a local food bank.
  4. Setting your neighbor’s trash cans at the street.
  5. Holding the door for another behind you.
  6. Sending an encouraging email or writing a note of appreciation.
  7. Supporting local businesses by choosing to shop and dine with them or leaving positive reviews online.
  8. Running an errand for an elderly family member or busy friend.

Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available at the Mint Hill Library on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.  Kits are available via curbside pick-up while supplies last. One test will be provided to each County resident at no cost. Please visit mecknc.gov/covid-19 for up-to-date program information.

When we witness kindness, we’re inspired to be kind ourselves. Let’s spark a chain reaction of kindness in Mint Hill this week.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

In my last post, I shared the definition of empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This week, I ask you to consider what empathy means to you. We've all heard some version of the principle, "Be kind because you don’t know what battles someone else is fighting". I would challenge you even further to consider this quote from philosopher Henry David Thoreau, "Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?"

To me, empathy is seeking an opportunity to do just that. I strive to view others with an open heart and mind because only then can I understand their experiences and perspectives. However, true empathy takes it a step further. When you understand someone's challenges, you then feel compelled to take action. Empathy takes a personal investment in neighbors, engages with a colleague you don't know as well, volunteers for a cause where there is a need. That demonstration of empathy is what will continue to strengthen our community. 

Over the next several months, much of Veterans Park will be under construction. The park will remain open during this time, but several areas will be closed to the public. The grass soccer fields will be replaced with synthetic turf and upgraded, and additional lighting will be added. These changes will increase the usability of the fields. In addition, reconstruction of the tennis courts to fix the ongoing drainage issues and the replacement of the outdated toddler play area. We ask for your patience during construction.

Let's commit to find the chance to look through the eyes of another this week.

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

In Montgomery, Alabama in 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. challenged the community by asking, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Today, I urge you to reflect on the same sentiment. Every member of our community is valuable and deserves to be treated with empathy, kindness, and respect.

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate

Respect – a feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements

During the month of February, we will be launching a social media campaign to begin a conversation, “What do these three words mean to you?” My hope is, through these discussions, we can truly strive to serve those around us with these principles in mind.

Stevens Creek Nature Center kicks off Black History Month this weekend by diving into the history of African-Americans within the National Park System and their major contributions to those outdoor spaces. This lively discussion-style presentation will take place at the Stevens Creek Nature Center on Saturday, February 5th at 10:00 am. Pre-registration is required. Call 980-314-CLAM.

Celebrate Black History Month this February with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! Explore themed online programs for all ages.  Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter programming initiative has a variety of discussions, story times, book groups, speaker series and more to explore the and celebrate Black History this month and every month. Visit their online calendar for registration information and a full listing of events. 

Let’s all commit to working together to extend empathy, kindness, and respect.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Indian Trail. Mayor Michael Alvarez recently lost his battle with cancer.  We extend our deepest condolences to the Town of Indian Trail and to Mayor Alvarez’s family.

This past weekend, your Board of Commissioners and Town staff met for a two-day Planning Retreat.  The following items were covered:

  • Discuss 4-year staggered terms for mayor and commissioners
  • Land Use & Development Ordinances
  • American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)
  • Police Department Update
  • Fire Department Update
  • 10 Year Land Use Plan Update from consultant
  • Mint Hill Events Update
  • Areas of Traffic Congestion & Stacking
  • Improved Street Lighting at Intersections
  • Town Hall Administrative Staff Update
  • Roles and Responsibilities of Appointed Boards and Committees
  • Creation of a Racial Diversity Advisory Council
  • Solid Waste & Recycling Update
  • Budget Update
  • Public Works Department Update
  • Sidewalk Projects
  • Town Entrance Signage, Branding & Graphics
  • Public Services Facility Update
  • Charlotte Water Update
  • NCDOT Update
  • Town Park Development
  • Communication & Technology

Minutes from the retreat will be available once they are approved at the February 10th Board of Commissioners meeting.

The Town of Mint Hill is currently hiring!  If you, or someone you know is looking for a job, the Town of Mint Hill has full-time openings in the Police Department, and the Public Works Department.  These positions are full-time with excellent benefits.  In addition, we have an opening for part-time Parks Security which is a great opportunity for a retiree who isn’t ready to fully retire.  For more information, visit our website.  The Town of Mint Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This past weekend, Mint Hill experienced the most significant snowfall of my tenure as Mayor.  I am very proud of our Public Works department and their efforts to keep the roads clear.  Our staff began 24-hour coverage at midnight on Sunday in anticipation of snow plowing and ice treatment on the roads.  They worked with the police and fire department to assist with emergency vehicle access followed by keeping streets as navigable as possible. Our Public Works staff are the ones who keep this town running.  They keep our streets, sidewalks, parks and other vital infrastructure in good working order.  They work under all kinds of weather conditions to provide the services that are so important to our community.  Without them, Mint Hill would not be such a great town. Thank you for a job well done!

As a reminder, we have a couple community meetings happening this week.  The Comprehensive Land Use Public Forum #3 will be held tonight (January 18th) from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  Join us to review the draft plan and provide your comments to help guide the comprehensive land use plan development.  For more information, please visit https://publicinput.com/minthillplan

A virtual Community Engagement Workshop will be held from 6:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 20th to meet with local artist Meredith Connelly who has been commissioned by Mecklenburg County to create artwork for Ezell Farms Community Park.  RSVP by Wednesday, January 19th to Randella.Foster@ArtsAndScience.org to receive the Zoom meeting link.

Have a great week!

Mayor Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Comprehensive Land Use Public Forum #3 will be held on January 18th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  Join us to review the draft plan and provide your comments to help guide the comprehensive land use plan development.  For more information, please visit https://publicinput.com/minthillplan.  Mint Hill is YOUR town, and this is YOUR plan that will create a shared vision for future growth.

Local artist, Meredith Connelly has been commissioned by Mecklenburg County to create artwork for Ezell Farms Community.  A virtual Community Engagement Workshop will be held from 6:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 20th.  Connelly will provide an overview of her experiences and past projects and hear residents about their connections to Mint Hill and the public art site to identify themes and ideas to inspire her artwork.  RSVP by Wednesday, January 19th to Randella.Foster@ArtsAndScience.org to receive the Zoom meeting link.

The Town is looking for a representative from the Industrial, Manufacturing or Commercial Property industries for the Storm Water Advisory Committee.  The Storm Water Advisory Committee is a group of volunteers who provide guidance and public input into the services and policies of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services.  Individuals interested in applying for this position should email the Town Clerk, Michelle Wells at mwells@admin.minthill.com.

Our next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00 pm.

As your mayor, I encourage you to get involved and attend one of these upcoming public meetings.  Your Board of Commissioners need your input to make the best decisions for the town.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to take an opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy New Year.  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Mint Hill has been very fortunate as we enter our 2022-2023 budget planning.  The Town maintains a strong financial position due to practical financial planning, good decision making and dedicated staff.  Proactive measures must be taken to reach our goals and shape our destiny.  We need to embrace new initiatives and continually identify new opportunities to remain economically competitive while preserving the quality of life valued by our residents. 

Town staff have begun preparing for the Board of Commissioner’s Annual Planning Retreat.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide Board members an opportunity to discuss and act as deemed appropriate on short-term and long-term planning for the Town of Mint Hill.  The Retreat is scheduled for January 21-23, 2022.

This is the time of year our local businesses notice a decline in sales.  The holiday rush is over, people are more mindful of their spending as they start the new year.  When shopping for goods or services, I encourage you to shop local.  Keep your dollars in your community.

Our community has made great strides in protecting each other from the COVID-19 virus with many getting vaccinated and their booster shots.  These actions have allowed us to safely connect with one another and gives hope for the future.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

As the end of 2021 draws near, it is a perfect time to reflect on the year.  This year, we stood by each other through the loss of several beloved members of our community, financial hardships and so much more. Thank you to everyone who managed to create a bright spot for another person in our town. I saw many acts of kindness over the past year and have watched our community come together to support each other. I am thankful and proud to be your mayor. 

2021 was a busy year for the Town of Mint Hill. A few of the highlights include:  

6,000 feet of sidewalk were completed and 3.14 miles of road was added to the Town-maintained network with 3.5 miles of road repaved or restriped. We have even submitted 4.9 miles of new sidewalk projects for federal grant funding. 

The Town purchased 18.6 acres of land on Lebanon Road near Margaret Wallace for a new Public Services facility.  This will be home to the new fire station, a police storage unit, a fuel depot and Public Works facility.  We are currently in the planning and design phase with an anticipated groundbreaking in fall 2022 and completion by late 2023. 

Public Works planted 34 new crepe myrtle trees at Veterans Park to replace the diseased cherry trees and, this fall, removed approximately 250,000 lbs. of leaves from the parks.  We are in the process of replacing the soccer fields at Veterans Park with turf.  Once completed, the fields will be lighted and accessible all the time during our park hours. 

There were over 200 Code Enforcement complaints filed, over 600 building permits issued, and 220 Certificates of Occupancy issued.  There are five new residential developments in the works.  There has been development in the Mint Hill Business Park and a Planet Fitness is moving forward behind Showmars. 

We hired a new police chief, promoted 2 to Captain, 2 to Lieutenant and 2 to sergeant.  Our police department had a risk review analysis completed by the League of Municipality which resulted in a 14% reduction in our insurance premium. We switched to stratified policing, established permanent shifts for all officers, had 4,457.50 non-mandated advanced training hours, 988 in-service training hours mandated by the State to maintain certification, 18,637 calls for service and 640 crashes to date. 

Our Fire Chief celebrated 25 years of service this year.  The Fire Department responded to 28 structure fires, 1356 EMS calls and 1256 Fire calls this year.  We added three new fire positions, 1 per shift, and our fire personnel received 5649 hours of training this year. 

Although maintaining social distancing at the start of the year, we hosted several successful events, including the I Love Mint Hill photo contest and the Hop Around Mint Hill. In June, we were able to host our first in person event in almost 2 years. We then hosted four Family Fun Nights.  Because we were unable to host Mint Hill Madness in May, it was moved to October and turned out to be the best Madness ever. Just two weeks ago we hosted the largest crowd Mint Hill has ever seen downtown at the second annual Mint Hill Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. It has been encouraging to see Mint Hill come together to celebrate. 

Let’s continue to be there for our community and be the light for one another as we enter 2022! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

 

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Mint Hill kicked off the holiday season this past weekend with our Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. It felt like everyone in the Town was there. What an amazing event! Town staff wanted to create a Hallmark movie moment, and I think they accomplished it. We would not have been able to pull off such a great event without the support of our sponsor Atrium Health. Santa and I talked and a mailbox with a direct link to the North Pole will be at Town Hall through December 16th. Children are invited to write Santa and if they include a return address, he promises to write them back.

At this week’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting, your new Board will take their oath of office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Mike Cochrane for his service to the Town over the past 4 years. We appreciate his service and dedication to the Town of Mint Hill. I know we will still see Mike around Town serving in some capacity. Thank you again for all you have done to make Mint Hill great. I would also like to welcome Twanna Henderson to the board. I am looking forward to working with her.

I hope this holiday season is filled with happiness and joy. May your home be filled with love on this joyous occasion.

Merry Christmas!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

On Saturday, December 4th, Christmas officially starts in Mint Hill.  Our Public Works team has been working hard to decorate Mint Hill. The wreaths are up, lights have been added to the Town Hall and the tree in anticipation of this week’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.  I am excited, as this will be my first official tree lighting event as your Mayor. 

We will kick off the day at 9:00 am with the Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk at Veterans Park. This program supports the Volunteers in Policing Program and Explorer Post 545. For more information, please contact Captain Marnee Moberg at the Mint Hill Police Department. 

The 2nd Annual Mint Hill Christmas Parade will take place at 5:30 pm in downtown Mint Hill. We are excited to have Chaplain Albert Leath as our Parade Grand Marshal. The parade will start at Bain School Road and travel south on Matthews Mint Hill Road and end at the Mint Hill Library. We currently have over 70 entries including floats, marching bands, school groups, churches and of course, Santa and his elf Trixie. If it is anything like 2019, it promises to be a great event. 

After the parade, please join us at Town Hall for food trucks, fireworks and entertainment at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year’s tree is officially 16 ft tall and weighs about 500 lbs. Putting it in the fountain gives it a much taller appearance. Following the tree lighting, Santa will be available for visits.  He will not be inside with children lining up through the hallway as in past years. Children will not be able to sit on his lap, but they will be able to talk to him and get their photo taken. We must keep Santa healthy for Christmas Eve. 

I hope to see you all at the festivities this weekend! 

Let the holidays begin… 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents, 

Each year, I look forward to seeing the flags up around Town as we celebrate Veterans Day.  This week I want to say thank you to all our veterans.  I offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has ever worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces for giving me the freedom to live the life God has so graciously given to me and my family. If it were not for you and the sacrifices you made for our country, I would not be your mayor. 

Today I thank each of you.  Whether you fought the enemy, delivered supplies, built bridges, provided logistical support, or worked in a military hospital, you are part of a group of men and women who have served our country with honor and distinction.  

On behalf of your Town of Mint Hill Board of Commissioners, I say thank you.  Thank you for defending our freedoms, our liberty, and our American way of life. I thank all the family members of our veterans.  I know you lived through difficult times and often carried the burden to keep the home fires burning. 

I thank our local veteran organizations; American Legion Post 555, Honor the Warriors, Ladies Auxiliary, Marine Corps League, and the V.F.W. Post 4059, for everything you do for our local heroes.  Next time you see a veteran, join me in thanking them for helping make Mint Hill a great place to live, work and raise our families. 

Congratulations to our new Board of Commissioners; Dale Dalton, Patrick Holton, Tony Long and Twanna Henderson.  I look forward to working with all of you. 

God bless our veterans, and all our troops.  God bless Mint Hill and God bless America! 

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor
  

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Today is Election Day. I encourage everyone to take time from their day and exercise your right to vote. Four seats on the Board of Commissioners will be up for election. Eight candidates will appear on the General Election Ballot. Here are 10 reasons why you should vote.

TEN REASONS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS – by E.A. Zimmerman

  1. For local votes, turnout is often poor. There have been cases where significant issues have been decided by a handful of votes – in same cases just one!
  2. Your vote sends a message. Elected officials tend to listen to the majority.
  3. Elected officials pay attention to voter turnout.  If it is low, they assume people don’t care about the issue, so they should do whatever they want.
  4. Voting drives elected officials and boards to be accountable to the people whose interests they have been chosen to represent.
  5. Your vote counts equally with that of the most powerful or richest person in town.
  6. It’s your civic duty.  And it will make you feel good.
  7. For votes on budgets, your vote expresses your position on how your hard-earned income should be spent.
  8. It gives you a legitimate right to complain.
  9. Voting is one of the strongest tools citizens have to influence government.
  10. Our forebears died to give citizens the right to vote.  People around the world are still fighting and dying for a privilege that some of us take for granted.

You were given a right. Make your voice heard.

Town staff have begun planning for the Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. We have a lot of new and exciting things planned for this year. Applications are now being accepted for the parade. Sign up today. https://form.jotform.com/210073984083153

Let’s make this the biggest and best event ever.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to thank everyone for coming to Mint Hill Madness this past weekend.  What a great event! We were so excited to see families and friends out having a fantastic time. Our Town needed this event.  Thank you again to our sponsors, Novant Health, Waste Pro, Mint Hill Orthodontics and all our Display, Patron and Friend sponsors. Without their support, the event would not have been possible. And thank you to our Public Works Department, Police and Fire Departments and Town staff who worked to plan, cancel, reschedule, and plan over the past two years to make this event happen.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. This event grows every year.  We had an overwhelming response, and everyone really stepped up their game.  People were voting up until the last minute. The official winners, based on the vote of the public are:

Residential:

1st Place – Farmer Mickey, 8539 Brief Road
2nd Place – Happy Days Targhee Farm, 5301 Wilgrove Mint Hill Road
3rd Place – Cheshire G., 5723 Brickstone

Business

1st Place – Wayback Burgers
2nd Place – Clear Creek Elementary School
3rd Place – Atrium Health Care

As far as I’m concerned, we are all winners for having such a fun event in our Town.

I am proud to report Mint Hill has been ranked the 19th safest city in North Carolina.  Safewise uses the most up-to-date FBI crime data as the pillar of their reports. This means they rely on information that cities across the state report through the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

If you received your COVID-19 vaccine, you may now be eligible for a booster shot to strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

After two years, the 37th Annual Mint Hill Madness is finally here!  We are looking forward to a great event.

This year’s schedule includes the following:

Thursday, October 21 – 3:00-10:00 PM

  • All You Can Ride Wristbands for $25 sponsored by Mint Hill Orthodontics
  • School Spirit Competition sponsored by Chick Fil A
  • Thirsty Horses concert on the Novant Health Stage

Friday, October 22 – 3:00-10:00 PM

  • Marine Corps Band – Sounds Downrange
  • School Spirit Competition sponsored by Chick Fil A
  • Groove Machine on the Novant Health Stage

Saturday, October 23  11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Lion’s Club 5K
  • Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant
  • Marine Corps Band – Sounds Downrange
  • Jake Haldenvang on the Novant Health Stage
  • On the Board – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band on the Novant Health Stage
  • Mint Hill’s FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

We invite you to come and enjoy this family-friendly event that includes carnival rides, a new midway, axe throwing, three days of live entertainment, and an array of fabulous food vendors.

Mint Hill Madness would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. On Thursday and Friday, the Novant Health Critical Care Helicopter and staff will be on the lower soccer field to answer questions and pose for photos. On Saturday, Novant staff will offer free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.

To make the event as safe as possible for our patrons, all rides will be open air. Rides will be sanitized with a micro antibacterial spray on a regular basis. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the event. Masks will be available for those who need/want them.

For a complete list and details, please visit www.minthillevents.org.

Let the Madness begin…

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

The next election is scheduled for November 2, 2021. Four seats on the Board of Commissioners will be up for election. Eight candidates will appear on the General Election Ballot. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections will have 7 early voting sites for the municipal elections. Early voting at the Mint Hill Library starts on October 21st. For more information, contact the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections at 704-336-2113 or visit their website.

As you prepare for the upcoming election, I advise you to:

  1. Do your homework
  2. Get to know your candidates.
  • The Mint Hill Times forwarded a series of questions to each candidate and requested their response. You can read their responses here.
  • The Mint Hill Women’s Club hosted an online candidate forum. You can view it on the Town’s YouTube channel.
  1. Cast your VOTE!

The Town of Mint Hill is currently accepting applications for the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment hears zoning appeals and requests for variances from the zoning ordinance. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall. Appointments are made at the December Board of Commissioners meeting.  If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the application.  For more information, contact the Town Clerk, Michelle Wells at 704-545-9726. 

We are less than 10 days away from the 37th Annual Mint Hill Madness Festival. This year’s festival kicks off on Thursday, October 21st and concludes on Saturday, October 23rd with the area’s largest fireworks display. We invite you to come and enjoy this family-friendly event that includes carnival rides, a new midway, axe throwing, three days of live entertainment, the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant, a School Spirit Competition and an array of fabulous food vendors.

Mint Hill Madness would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We are excited about our partnership with Novant Health – Mint Hill Medical Center. On Thursday and Friday, the Critical Care Helicopter and staff will be on the lower soccer field to answer questions and pose for photos. On Saturday, Novant staff will offer free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.

To make the event as safe as possible for our patrons, all rides will be open air. Rides will be sanitized with a micro antibacterial spray on a regular basis. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the event. Masks will be available for those who need/want them.

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate. Numbers are slowly trending in the right direction.  Thank you for all your efforts to make that happen but we are not out of the woods yet.   With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week! 

  

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

On Saturday, October 9th the Town will host a Free Community Shred Event at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  Mint Hill residents are invited to dispose of their important documents safely. The event will run from 9:00 am until noon or when the trucks are full. Maximum of five standard size "bank boxes" per vehicle.  If you frequent the park on Saturday, please note the parking lot will be closed to vehicular traffic until after the event.  Park visitors are asked to park next to the Park House.

The Town of Mint Hill is currently accepting applications for the Board of Adjustment.  The Board of Adjustment hears zoning appeals and requests for variances from the zoning ordinance.  Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  Appointments are made at the December Board of Commissioners meeting.  If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the application.  For more information, contact the Town Clerk, Michelle Wells at 704-545-9726. 

As part of the County’s ongoing efforts to solicit community feedback regarding the disbursement of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Livable Meck in collaboration with the County’s Public Information Department is engaging County residents to identify their funding priorities. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to participate in the survey by stopping by County sponsored in-person pop-up experiences at community and cultural events, or by completing the online survey at LivableMeck.com. The deadline to complete the county-wide survey is October 20, 2021.   

In addition to the survey, the Board of County Commissioners will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m., to get the community’s input on how the County should invest $215 million in direct COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government.

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Numbers are slowly trending in the right direction.  Thank you for all your efforts to make that happen but we are not out of the woods yet.   With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

I am hoping to see many of you in the upcoming weeks.

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

This weekend we celebrate Commissioner Tina Ross with the 2nd Annual Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park. The event, formerly known as Sunday Afternoon in the Park was renamed in Tina’s honor of her love for the arts and the Town of Mint Hill will take place in front of the fountain at Town Hall.

Tina Ross was a dedicated teacher, businesswoman, politician, and mother in our community. She was detail oriented and always did her research. She was strong in her convictions, passionate about her causes, and was always ready to listen to others with an open mind. She served our community as a public servant with a vision for a strong and thriving Mint Hill. Her decades of civic leadership demonstrated her energy and passion. She was instrumental in organizing the first Mint Hill Madness and wrote the first check for what is now known as the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce. 

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce annually awards the Tina Ross Leadership Award to an individual who has positively contributed to the betterment of Mint Hill’s business community. The award is given to a person who excels in the areas of leadership, growth, and involvement and who is dedicated, not only to their company, but to making an impact in Mint Hill. The award is open to Chamber Members and non-members. If you know someone worthy, please visit the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce website and nominate them.

I am changing my office hours format.  I will continue to host office hours on Tuesdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and on Thursdays from 9:00-11:00 am.  The only difference is I ask you to call in advance to schedule an appointment and I will meet you at Town Hall.  Like many of you, my business has picked up since we are back to normalcy after a chaotic year. 

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Numbers are slowly trending in the right direction.  Thank you for all your efforts to make that happen but we are not out of the woods yet.   With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

We have several events scheduled for October in Mint Hill.  I am hoping to see many of you in the upcoming weeks.

Have a great week! 

  

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

 

Mint Hill Residents, 

The Mint Hill Comprehensive Plan Public Forum #2 was held last Thursday.  We were pleased with the number of people who attended.  Thank you to the Historical Society for sharing stories of our Town’s history.  If you were unable to attend the meeting, you can still provide your input on the proposed land uses and place types.  We have listed a series of mapping exercises that request your input to locate and describe proposed land uses within Mint Hill including, but not limited to:

  • Where do you think commercial, office, and industrial uses should be located in Mint Hill?
  • Where do you think residential uses should be located in Mint Hill?
  • Where do you think parks, open spaces and greenways should be located in Mint Hill?
  • Where do you think the following transportation improvements should be located within Mint Hill:  sidewalks, shared-use paths, road crossing improvements, natural surface trails, roadway widening, intersection improvements, park and ride/express bus route, or micro transit platforms?
  • What other ideas to you have for the Mint Hill Land Use Plan?

The meeting materials and interactive maps are available on the website.  We look forward to hearing your opinions on community appeal, commercial and industrial land use, growth management, transportation, parks and green spaces and the overall vision for the future of Mint Hill. We are seeking your help to getting the most input.  We encourage you to share the website with your family and friends who work, live, or do business in Mint Hill.

It’s hard to believe we are just 30 days away from Mint Hill Madness.  After almost 1 ½ years, we are ready.  The Mint Hill Events team has planned a great event.  Don’t forget, we’ve changed the days to Thursday-Saturday (October 21-23).

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Our small business owners cannot afford another shutdown and our hospitals are nearing capacity. With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents, 

A Public Forum has been scheduled for Thursday, September 16th from 6:00-8:00 pm review the proposed Comprehensive Plan Update.  This is an in-person, drop in event at Town Hall.  The Comprehensive Plan Update will serve as a guide in considering changes in policy, infrastructure planning, transportation, zoning, and land use planning in the Town of Mint Hill.  The Public Forum is an opportunity for you, the citizens of Mint Hill, to provide input on the future of Mint Hill.  I encourage you and your neighbors to attend.

Saturday was our last Family Fun Night of the season, but we have more fun planned for the rest of 2021.  Applications are now being accepted for the Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest.  I anticipate scarecrow sightings soon.  On October 2, the Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park will take place around the fountain at Town Hall.  We are moving forward with Mint Hill Madness October 21-23.  I can promise you that after a year hiatus, this will be the best fireworks show ever.  Lastly, we are planning for the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on December 4th.  Follow us on social media @townofminthill or @minthillevents or visit the Mint Hill Events, Inc. website at www.minthillevents.org for more information. 

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Our small business owners cannot afford another shutdown and our hospitals are nearing capacity. With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents, 

Today we are officially 50 days away from Mint Hill Madness.  To make the event as safe as possible for our patrons, all rides will be open air. This year bounce houses, laser tag or tunnels will not be included.  Rides will be sanitized with a micro antibacterial spray on a regular basis.  Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the event.  Masks will be available for those who need/want them. We will encourage only members of the same household to ride together on rides. The Town promises to have the largest fireworks display ever.  I don’t know about you, but I’m excited. 

It looks like we are going to see some weather from Hurricane Ida later this week. Here are some important things to know before and during a hurricane from Charlotte Mecklenburg Stormwater Services.

  • Make an emergency plan.
  • Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive important updates.
  • Know your area's flood risk. You can find information about floodplainsand search for your address using the interactive 3D Floodzone Map.
  • Understand the difference between a hurricane warning, watch and advisory.
  • Check and clean storm drains before heavy rains arrive or call 311 to report blockages.
  • During the storm, call 911 for any life-threatening situations
  • Do not attempt to clear storm drains or storm drainage pipes.
  • Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
  • Depending on where you are, go to the safe location that you have identified. If you are not able to shelter in place or with family, go to a public shelter.
  • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or check with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
  • Turn around, don’t drown. One foot of moving water could float and sweep your vehicle away.

More tips can be found at ready.gov/hurricanes.

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Our small business owners cannot afford another shutdown and our hospitals are nearing capacity. With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week! 

  

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents, 

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the attack on our country.  This is one of those moments in time, where everyone you talk to remembers where they were and what they felt at that moment. 

On Saturday, the Mint Hill Fire Department will be hosting a flag lowering ceremony at the fire department at 7:30 am.  Patriot Day is observed on September 11 to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and those who perished on the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93.  It also recognizes all the first responders who died attempting to rescue people trapped by the attacks. 

Please join our first responders at the flagpole in front of the fire station to honor those fallen heroes.

Our last Family Fun Night of the season will take place on Saturday, September 11 featuring the music of Delta Fire.  In addition, our friends from the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve will be on hand talking about reptiles and amphibians, and all the things they have to offer our community.

 

Per the Mecklenburg County Mask Mandate, businesses in Town are requiring mask to be worn for entry, I’m asking you to respect the mandate.  Our small business owners cannot afford another shutdown and our hospitals are nearing capacity. With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

  

Have a great week! 

  

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents, 

With schools beginning their school year this week, I commend the efforts of our local staff as they tackle the continued challenges of educating students while prioritizing the health and safety of our community. I urge residents to be mindful of the increase in traffic as we navigate back-to-school congestion. With buses picking up passengers, children walking or riding their bikes, and parents dropping off their kids to begin the day, it is important we all slow down, practice patience and pay a little extra attention. I know we would all agree our children are the future of our community. 

The Lebanon Road sidewalk extension project is underway and nearing completion. This project adds approximately 1,000 feet of sidewalk along Lebanon Road between Singletree Road and Green Glen Drive, including two new pedestrian crossings. The crossings feature a “rapid rectangular flashing beacon” safety device to indicate to drivers that pedestrians are using the crosswalk. These high-intensity yellow strobe light flashers (similar to police and fire strobe lights) are activated by the press of a button. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2021.  

As a reminder to residents working diligently to maintain their lawns and gardens this summer, please remember to clear grass clippings off of the street. Although seemingly harmless, clippings pose environmental and traffic safety threats to our community. Grass clippings washed into our stormwater system can easily clog a pipe or “super charge” our bodies of water with nutrients that are supposed to be on lawns, not in natural waterways. Clippings also make the road surface slick which could result in a vehicle being unable to stop in time. Let’s work together to keep Mint Hill safe by keeping clippings off our streets. 

Regardless of vaccination status, masks are required inside Town Hall to maximize protection of our community and minimize the spread of the Delta variant. As many of our businesses in Town require masks to be worn for entry, I ask for respect of those policies.  Our small business owners cannot afford another shutdown and our hospitals are nearing capacity. With that in mind, I continue to encourage you to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in North Carolina for individuals ages 12 and up. Find a spot to take your shot at MySpot.nc.gov

Have a great week! 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor 

Mint Hill Residents,

It’s hard to believe it’s already August and kids are preparing to go back to school.  I invite you to join us Saturday, August 14 at Mint Hill Veterans Park for a Back-to-School Pep Rally followed by the music of Smokin’ Gunn, a cover band that performs Classic Rock, Country, and Alternative Rock tunes.  Mint Hill Orthodontics will be giving away a pair of Apple AirPods Pro, but you can only enter by attending the event and visiting their tent.  It is also the last day you can donate to the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce School Supply Drive.

In October, we are hosting our 4th Annual Scarecrow contest.  We are hoping for a larger turn out than last year.  We want everyone in town to get involved.  In addition to the scarecrows around the fountain at Town Hall, we want to see scarecrows at the entrance of your subdivision, in your front yards and in front of your place of business. So, start thinking about how you want to get involved and we will post more information in a few weeks. Cooler days and pumpkin spice will be here before we know it.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m.  We will continue to follow the state guidelines for public meetings during a state of emergency. You can view the agenda for the meeting on our website.  You can view the meeting on our YouTube channel at https://buff.ly/3dvHZE5.

We have confirmed the Public Forum #2 for the Mint Hill Comprehensive Plan Update for Thursday, September 16, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  We recommend that you sign-up for future project correspondence on this website so that you can stay informed and involved throughout the planning process. The Comprehensive Plan Update will serve as a guide in considering changes in policy, infrastructure planning, transportation, zoning, and land use planning in the Town of Mint Hill. For more information, visit https://publicinput.com/minthillplan.

Wash your hands, wear a mask when you cannot socially distance yourself and get vaccinated.

Have a great week!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Town Hall is serving as a drop off location for the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Back to School Backpack Drive.  The items collected will be distributed to Mint Hill students and Mint Hill teachers.  Next time you are shopping in person or online, add a couple items to your cart, and drop them off at Town Hall.

On November 2, four seats on the Board of Commissioners will be up for election.  Eight candidates will appear on the General Election ballot:

  • Beverly Blake Cannaday
  • Dale Dalton
  • Scott Fandel
  • Twanna Henderson
  • Patrick Holton
  • Tony Long
  • Richard Newton
  • Rhonda Walker

You can easily confirm you are registered to vote in Mecklenburg County online.

For more information about registering to vote, early voting, vote-by-mail, sample ballots, polling places and more, contact the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections at 704-336-2133 or visit their website.

There are three pieces of advice I can give you as you prepare to vote in November. 

  1. Do your homework
  2. Get to know your candidates
  3. Vote

Your local election will impact your life more than a national election.

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I am proud of our fire department and the work they have been doing.  In 2020, our fire fighters responded to 3927 calls for service and spent 6137 hours in training.  In addition, our ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating went from a 5 to 2.  This rating puts our fire department in the top 2.5% in the state. We are on track to break ground on an additional fire station which will be located on Lebanon Road in the next 12-18 months. 

This past week you may have noticed a lot of activity in the areas of Rocky River High School and Butler High School. This was a FEMA training drill that will show the county’s capability to handle up to 25,000 people if evacuated from a ten-mile radius surrounding one of the two nuclear plants in our area.  The training also applies to other types of emergencies that would require evacuation and housing of citizens such as weather-related incidents.  The activity included scanning each person to determine if they have radiation on them, decontamination, and providing temporary housing.  This also includes scanning of any animals that are evacuated.  State and local emergency management officials work together year-round to coordinate emergency response plans in the unlikely event of radiation release from either of the plants located in the Mecklenburg County area. 

Before an emergency happens, you should sit down with your family and create a family emergency plan.  Chances are you and family members may not be in the same place when an emergency happens. It is possible cell phone service will not be available.  Those of us who remember the attacks of 9/11 will remember that phone service was down for days due to an overload on the system.  Set up an Family Emergency Plan and share it with those close to you.

I want to congratulate all the Mint Hill businesses that were named in the 2021 Matthews-Mint Hill Best of the Weekly.  As far as I am concerned, every business in our town is a winner.  In a year that has tested the strength of our town, our community has persevered.

Have a great week! 

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

We have several nonprofits who work hard to embody the best of Mint Hill. They provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to bold dreams, high ideals and noble causes.

Our nonprofits play a fundamental role in creating a thriving community. Consider the fact that you or a family member has likely been touched by one of our local organizations:

Our children are learning life skills like conflict resolution and teamwork through organizations such as the Mint Hill Athletic Association, Youth Football Club of Mint Hill, King Cobras or American Legion baseball or softball.

You may have attended a bike ride organized by Honor the Warriors to support local disabled veterans.

You may have had a child tag along on election day and were able to teach them about politics by participating in a GenerationNation (formerly Kids Voting) mock vote.

Your family may have enjoyed one of the several Town events such as Family Fun Nights, Mint Hill Madness, the Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park, or Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting sponsored by Mint Hill Events.

Your child may have attended college with the support of a scholarship provided by the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce or Mint Hill Women’s Club.

You may have purchased a piece of art by a Mint Hill artist.  Mint Hill Arts provides high quality, accessible and affordable visual arts programs.  Pottery 51 works to provide a face so the public can discover our area’s arts community.

You may have had visitors in town and attended a tour or presentation at the Mint Hill Historical Society to share the history of this place we all call home.

You may be enrolled in one of the several programs offered for older adults in our community focusing on health and wellness, support groups, social programs and more at the Levine Senior Center.

You may have been hit by hard times during COVID and needed assistance in paying a utility bill or volunteered for a community assistance program or at the community boutique through Servant’s Heart.

Our local nonprofit organizations play a vital role in building a healthy community by providing critical services that contribute to economic stability and mobility.  They also strengthen our community in other important ways.  Frequently, nonprofit leaders are the voice of the people they serve.

Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated in November is a global movement to call for the gift of time, donations, goods or vocal support in an effort to transform your local community. Why not make every Tuesday in Mint Hill, Giving Tuesday?

Have a great week!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Fourth of July.  It is hard to believe it is already July.  

We have a Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 8 at 7:00 pm at Mint Hill Town Hall.  The best way to understand what is going on in our town and to give informed, helpful feedback is to come out and be a part of it.  I encourage you to participate either in person or watch on our YouTube channel.  We will continue to welcome public comments online.  Comments must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the day of the meeting to be read into the public record at the meeting that evening.  If you would like to speak in person, check in with the Town Staff before the meeting and sign up to address the Board on a any Town related issues.

2021 is another important election year for Mint Hill as we will elect four Commissioners and the Mayor seat.  Candidate filing opened July 2 and runs through July 16 at noon.  I have been honored to serve as your mayor for the past two years and I am excited to announce my plans to run for re-election.  Although COVID presented some challenges for our town, we have begin our work on the Land Use plan and I feel strongly about seeing several other projects through in alignment with that vision, such as the land acquired on Lebanon Road.  For more information on this year’s election visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website.

There are so many things we took for granted before 2020, like basic human interaction.  It has been a blessing to once again visit with people in person, shake hands, have a conversation and see facial expressions. This Saturday, the Town will host our July Family Fun Night at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park.  Shelley Ruffin & The Hoodies are set to rock the stage covering almost every genre from pop, soul, rock, Americana, country, and blues all with a slick gloss of southern soul!  These events bring the community together for a night of wholesome fun.  My family had a great time at our June event!  Grab your lawn chair or blanket, bring your family and friends and join us Saturday.  There will be food trucks on site or bring carry-out from one of our local restaurants.  I hope to see you there.  For more information on Family Fun Nights, visit our website.

I hope everyone enjoys this short work week.

 

Brad Simmons

Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Fourth of July weekend is upon us.  As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence with family below are some tips on how to celebrate safely.

  • Have a plan when attending large gatherings to ensure you know where to meet up if you get separated from friends or family.
  • Attend public fireworks displays and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.
  • If you plan to light off your own fireworks, never give fireworks to small children and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.
  • Enjoy outdoor celebrations and cookouts but remember to keep children away from grills and campfires.
  • Monitor the weather; download the FEMA App to receive weather alerts for areas you will be visiting.
  • Drink plenty of water – even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air-conditioning and spend much of their time alone.
  • Leave your pets at home when you go to fireworks displays, parades or other gatherings. 

One of the greatest parts of the 4th of July, in my opinion, is the opportunity it gives us all to take time to reflect on the blessings we enjoy, and how fortunate we are to celebrate the birthday of this beautiful land we call home. I also reflect on the happiness I feel when I am surrounded by family and being able to share so many moments of fun with those I love.

This weekend as you see the American flag being waved, please remember the heroic men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have made our freedom possible.  Mint Hill has a large veteran community. These proud men and women can often be seen wearing their military caps, displaying the branch and war in which they served. It is truly an honor to be part of a community rich in patriotism and history, that deeply values our veterans; what a honor to be surrounded by these heroes, who displayed bravery, love of these United States, and freedom for its citizens.  If you see veterans out in our community, take a moment to thank them for their service.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Dear Mint Hill Residents,

It is the time of year when many of us are spending our weekends traveling back and forth to the beach.  It is imperative for each of us to be fully prepared in the event of a hurricane.  I strongly encourage you and your family to develop a plan, wherever you may be.  The threat from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on your location.  It is not just those along the coast that can experience significant impacts.  Hurricanes bring many hazards to our area as well.  In the event of a storm, pay close attention to local media and weather forecast.

Last week on our social media you may have noticed a new feature called Mint Hill Fun Fact Friday.  Throughout the summer we will be sharing a Fun Fact about Mint Hill every Friday.  Until last week, I had no clue Elvis had a connection to Mint Hill.  I cannot wait to see what we will learn in the coming weeks.  I understand we have a lot of interesting information to share with you over the coming weeks.

We had a great turn out at our June Family Fun Night.  It was great catching up with so many of you.  Renee and I enjoyed seeing all the families and kids running around having a great time.  The weather held out and it ended up being a beautiful evening.  Our next Family Fun Night is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th featuring the music of Shelley Ruffin & the Hoodies.  The band features almost every genre from pop, soul, rock, Americana, country, and blues all with a bit of southern soul.  You do not want to miss this one.

We have several events planned for 2021. 

7/10/21            Shelley Ruffin & the Hoodies

8/14/21            Back to School Pep Rally and Smokin’ Guns

9/11/21            Delta Fire

10/2/21           Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park

10/21-23        Mint Hill Madness

12/4/21           Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

For more detailed information, visit our website at www.minthillevents.org

If you interested in sponsoring any of our events, please contact Sheryl Smith at ssmith@admin.minthill.com.

Have a great week!  Enjoy the upcoming break in the heat.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents, 

With Father's Day quickly approaching, I have spent some time reflecting on the lessons learned from my own dad.  I lost my father last year and there is not a day that goes by I don't find myself thinking of him and all he taught me.  As a child, some of my fondest memories are of him standing proud on the sidelines of my baseball games.  During my adult years, those ballgames became golf matches spent laughing with my brothers.  For our family, my dad exemplified hard work and integrity throughout his accounting career.  In our community, my father invested his time and talents to promote positive change.  Because of my dad, I have strived to attend those ballgames for my children and grandchildren, work hard to grow my business and our town, be present when I have the opportunity to spend time with those closest to me and always remember to laugh.  

This weekend, I challenge you to do the same with those that mean the most to you.  Sometimes the greatest gift is simply turning off your phone, putting down the remote or waiting to return those emails.  If you cannot be with your family this holiday, I encourage you to take the time to reflect as I have and reach out to share the lessons that stuck with you. 

Finally, if you have not had a chance to get vaccinated, consider doing it for the fathers and grandfathers in our community. 

Happy Father’s Day!  

Brad Simmons 

Mint Hill Mayor 

 

Mint Hill Residents,

Several of you have asked me about the status of the Ezell Community Park.  This promises to be a beautiful park when it is completed.  Last week, we received the following update from our colleagues at Mecklenburg County.  Please remember this is not a Town project and we do not have any input on the timeline.

Ezell Community Park anticipated schedule:
July 2021 -- Rezoning Process
September 2021 -- Design Development and Construction Documents Phase 1
Early 2022 -- Permit Review, Approvals and Project Bidding
Spring 2022 -- Construction Start
2023 -- Completion

The Town of Mint Hill said goodbye to one of our local heroes.  Tom Easterling was a World War II, U.S. Air Force veteran who was held prisoner of war in Germany for 6 months after his plane crashed behind enemy lines.  Mr. Easterling was often seen at Town events honoring veterans.  When the Town unveiled the POW memorial at Mint Hill Veterans Park, it was only fitting that Mr. Easterling was there to unveil it.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

I want to congratulate all our graduates.  Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or a trade school, take pride in how far you have come and believe in yourself in how far you can go.  More importantly, enjoy each day to its fullest.

Lastly, this week we welcome back Family Fun Nights after a year’s hiatus.  We are excited to welcome everyone back.  Saturday’s event will feature the music of Thirsty Horses.  If you are a child of the 60s & 70s, rocked out in the 80s & 90s or dig the music of the 00s and today, the Horses have something for you!

Family Fun Nights bring the community together for a night of wholesome fun. In addition to the concert, the event includes food trucks and family games.  We ask you use common-sense social distancing, hand sanitization stations, and wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. 

Have a great week!  I hope to see you all on Saturday!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Memorial Day evokes different feelings in all of us.  For many, it is the unofficial beginning of summer.  For others, it is a weekend for beach trips, barbecues with friends and fireworks.  For all of us, it should be a day to honor those Americans who gave their lives for our country.  The brave men and women who paid the ultimate price, leaving behind loved ones and families, for our freedom and way of life. Since the Revolutionary War ended, 646,596 American troops have died in battle and more than 539,000 died from other, non-combat related causes.

The Mint Hill American Legion Post #555 will be hosting a wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, May 29, at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road starting at 9:00 am. 

Mint Hill has several memorials at Veterans Park honoring our military. We are home to the North Carolina Korean War Veterans Memorial.  The eleven-foot-tall pillars are inscribed with the names of the 788 North Carolinians who were killed or listed as missing in action during the Korean War.

The Purple Heart Memorial is dedicated to the recipients of the nation’s oldest military decoration.

The POW/MIA Memorial which recognizes our Prisoners of War, those still missing in action, and Ex-Prisoners of War including Mint Hill’s own, World War II veteran, Tom Easterling.

Lastly, the World War II Memorial which remembers Mint Hill residents who lost their lives during that world conflict.

Whatever your plans are this weekend, take a moment to reflect and say a prayer for the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and the families who lost them.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.  It looks like we are in for some summer weather.  Be safe!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I wanted to take the time to inform you of some recent changes in the Mint Hill Police Department.

The Mint Hill Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joe Hatley have moved to a stratified policing model. Stratified policing sets up an organization to incorporate evidence-based strategies more easily into everyday operations with the goal of changing a police organization from reactive to proactive. This means officers receive problems/complaints and find a solution and are held accountable if they do not fix the problem.

The Town of Mint Hill is broken into four zones.  Each shift supervisor is assigned as a point of contact/liaison for each zone.  Officers are assigned permanent zones where residents can get to know the officers.  Officers are intimately familiar with their zone and knows when something is out of place.

Officers are now assigned to permanent shifts, no longer rotating from days to nights every 28 days.  This enables the officers to know what is going on during their shift and what is out of place.  It is also much better on the physical and mental health of our officers.   Employees are the greatest asset to our agency.  Ensuring our employees are appropriately supported is essential to maintaining an adaptative and resilient work force.  Supervisors are encouraged to lead by example and work collaboratively with their employees.  I am pleased with the changes we have seen under Chief Hatley’s watch.

In case you missed our post on social media, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools posted their presentation on school reassignment  Bain/Lebanon Road/Piney Grove Relief School following the Community Engagement Meeting which was held on May 5, 2021.  This information affects a lot of Mint Hill residents.  I suggest following @CharMeckSchools on social media to stay abreast of upcoming Community Engagement Sessions. 

Lastly, the Governor lifted gathering limits, social distancing requirements in all settings and indoor mask mandate for most settings.  Fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others.  Even though these restrictions have been lifted the NCDDHS continues to recommend individuals continue to protect one another until more people are vaccinated.  People who are not vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.  None of us, vaccinated or not, are immune to this.

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful week.  Stay well, be smart about wearing your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy everything our town has to offer!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

It is the time of year when people are calling Town Hall with stormwater issues.  I wanted to take this time to inform you of our partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) to manage stormwater within the Town limits. The partnership allows the Town to efficiently meet local, state, and federal requirements related to stormwater.

This partnership between the Town and CMSWS is highly beneficial to the residents of Mint Hill as it ensures thorough management of all issues relating to "stormwater" within the Town limits without requiring additional Town staff dedicated solely to administering an individual stormwater program. It also allows the Town to utilize the vast resources of Mecklenburg County for things like well-trained staff to inspect and monitor infrastructure (that is: pipes, ditches, culverts, etc.), inform and educate the public about stormwater issues, and to document stormwater issues that are called in by residents via the 311-phone system.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services manages the administration of the Town’s stormwater program.  This generally includes record keeping, permitting, inspections and inspections of drainage issues and pollution reported.

The Mint Hill Public Works Department’s role in stormwater typically is receiving issue reports from the CMSWS investigator, working on qualifying issues with in-house staff or contracting the work out to private contractors and assisting in new stormwater infrastructure inspections.

In all cases, Town staff is included to some degree on all stormwater issues related to Mint Hill, even those issues determined to be non-qualifying. The partnership with CMSWS is intended to work as an extension of Town staff and it is regularly monitored to ensure optimum customer service is being provided to our residents.

If you have a problem, please call 3-1-1 (or 704-336-7600) and tell them you have a stormwater issue to report. The operator will take your name, contact info, and a description of the problem. Someone will visit the reported location (typically within one week) to investigate and determine if the problem qualifies for repair under the stormwater program).

Stay well, continue to be vigilant about wearing your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy everything our town has to offer!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I wanted to give you a brief update on the Town of Mint Hill Comprehensive Plan.  The Consultant is working on the Existing Conditions Summary based on the information provided in the survey and the previous community forum and will move on to the Phase 2 Land Use Alternatives.  Another Community Forum will be held later this summer for them to present the land use plan options.  We recommend you sign-up for future project correspondence on the project website so you can stay involved throughout the planning process. 

Mother’s Day is an important time to honor motherhood and the influence of mothers in our community.  Our relationship to Mother’s Day is based on our own experience. Some of you will be experiencing Mother’s Day for the first time. Congratulations to new moms! For some of you, it may be the first time without our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, partner, or sister. We acknowledge your grief. And for many of us, this Mother’s Day will be a celebration of newly found gratitude and resilience.  

Last year, we were unable to celebrate with our moms. None of us could have imagined that we would not be gathered at a favorite restaurant or a family barbecue surrounded by our children and grandchildren. But we survived being away from the ones we love, and we are slowly moving toward what we once called normal.

Stay well, continue to be vigilant about wearing your mask and get vaccinated.  Do it for your mom and all the mothers and grandmothers out there.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I am so appreciative of our community and how we have worked together and responded to this unprecedented crisis.  Despite challenges that were presented to all of us over the past year, the Town was able to make progress on projects and we are looking forward to once again doing in-person community events.  Thank you to everyone, vaccinated or not, who continues to wear a mask and practice social distancing.  We must hang in there a little while longer.  Every day, more people are getting vaccinated and there is much hope.  A big change from where we were last year.

The Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, Board of Adjustments and Project Advisory Committee will return to in-person meetings (limited attendance) starting in May for the first time in over a year.  Meetings will continue to be available virtually.  The Town also plans on reopening Town Hall to the public on the first Monday in May.  To accommodate social distancing, it is advisable to set up an appointment with the department you want to meet with in advance.  Masks will be required upon entry to the building.

The Town of Mint Hill is creating a list of local subdivisions and their contact information.  This information would be used to communicate construction notices, road closures and other Town related business as it occurs.  If you are a designated resident or HOA Board member, we ask that you contact Town Hall and be added to our list for the most up to date information about projects in your area. 

The Mint Hill Farmers Market will return Saturday, May 1 and will run from 9 am – 1 pm every Saturday through September.  The Market will feature local produce, farm raised meat, handmade crafts and so much more.   As Mint Hill grows, so does the Farmers Market.  Come visit the market this weekend and support local.  We will be there!

Stay well, continue to be vigilant about wearing your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful North Carolina sunshine!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I had the opportunity to speak at the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Luncheon today, and I wanted to share some of my remarks.

My platform, as Mayor has always been open communication and transparency.  Over the past year, I have provided weekly updates on our website and social media.  My door is always open, I host regular office hours, and am available via phone or email.  We have introduced a website that is more user friendly.  We continue to leverage social media and our Board meetings have been virtual since March 2020.

There is a lot of development activity going on in town.  Work continues to progress on the Chick-Fil-A which is scheduled to open later this fall.  The land on the corner of Fairview and Bain School Road is being cleared for an O’Reilly Auto Parts store.  A small business park is being built on Blair Road.   Talks continue with a developer for a possible distribution facility at the Clear Creek railroad site as well as a food distribution warehouse in the Clear Creek Business Park.

There are several new sidewalks in the works; some which are Town funded (Central Drive and Lebanon Road) and others that will be built using grant money (Lawyers Road and Wilgrove Mint Hill Road).

The Town purchased 20 acres on Lebanon Road in November 2020.  There is a current concept plan for a Fire Station, a Public Works facility, Police property and evidence storage and a police impound lot.

As I mentioned to the Chamber members if you want to stay informed on development activity, I advise you to visit our website to learn about upcoming projects, attend a board meeting, read the meeting minutes, call Town Hall or talk to your elected officials.

A few highlights from the different departments:

The police department has shifted to a stratified policing model.  The Town is broken into four zones.  Officers are assigned permanent zones where residents get to know the officers.  Officers are on permanent shifts, no longer shifting from day shift to night shift. 

Our fire department’s ISO rating went from a 5 to 2 which is a much higher score than previous inspection.  There are 1520 fire departments in North Carolina and only 38 are Class 2 rating.

The public works department is preparing for annual resurfacing projects and the anticipated start is summer/fall 2021.  They are also continuing mowing and trimming of trees and vegetation for approximately 30 miles of right-of-way for vehicle safety.

In-person events will be returning starting with our first Family Fun Night scheduled for June 12, a concert featuring the music of Thirsty Horses.  For a full list of events, visit our website.

Stay well, continue to be vigilant about wearing your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful North Carolina sunshine!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

This past Friday, a transformer blew and for several hours, much of the Town of Mint Hill was out of power.  I want to thank the Police and Fire Departments for their work in keeping our community safe.  For several hours, every major intersection had police officers directing traffic.  Members of the Fire Department were on hand, in the event of another fire, while Duke Energy worked to fix the problem. The Public Works team didn’t miss a beat as they continued to do stormwater repair work and maintenance at the parks.  Great job by our first responders.  Thank you!

I do not know about you, but things are starting to feel more normal to me, than they have for the past year.  We can dine-in at our favorite Mint Hill restaurants, shop at local businesses, and enjoy each other’s company.  We still need to be cautious.  We need to continue to cover your mouth and nose with a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others, and wash your hands often.  But it does not feel as scary to sit and enjoy the company of good friends.

The COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to stop the pandemic.  Currently the vaccine is available to anyone 16 year of age or older.  All COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective.  More than 70,000 people participated in clinical trials to determine safety and effectiveness.  Today, the vaccines are nearly 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 with no safety concerns.  Getting vaccinated not only helps you, it protects the people around you. Appointments are available at both Novant Health and Atrium Health, Harris Teeter, Publix and our own Mint Hill Pharmacy.  The Mecklenburg County Health Department will come to you if you are unable to get to a vaccination site.  Visit www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or call the COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400 Option 3. I got my shot.  Have you received yours?

Stay well, continue to be vigilant about wearing your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

It looks like spring has finally arrived in North Carolina.  Now is a great time to take advantage of our local parks.

Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park located at 8850 Fairview Road has over 50 acres and amenities for all ages.  This active recreational complex was developed with the following amenities: beach volleyball, soccer fields, softball field, tennis courts, a nine-hole disc golf course, three picnic shelters, outdoor handball/practice courts, horseshoe pits, a children's playground, an asphalt in-line skating and bike path and a one-mile nature trail.

Mint Hill Wilgrove Park is located at 7750 Jim Harper Lane was the first municipal park in town dating back to 1974. The natural wooded area provides dense shade on a hot summer day.  It features a softball field, tennis courts, natural walking trail that circles the perimeter of the park, several picnic areas, and a large variety of playground equipment to entertain children.

A hidden gem in Mint Hill is the newly opened Stevens Creek Nature Preserve located at 15700 Thompson Road.  This 281-acre nature preserve is open for hiking from sunup to sundown, 7 days per week.  Please note that wheels of any kind (bikes, 4-wheelers, ATV’s etc.) are not permitted on the trails.

Not interested in hiking in a park, but still want to get out?  Take advantage of the over 80+ miles of sidewalk through Town.  It is going to be a beautiful week in Mint Hill.

Mecklenburg County Public Health has started administering the COVID-19 vaccine to homebound residents.  People currently homebound due to an ongoing physical or mental disability and are unable to travel to a vaccination clinic can complete a vaccination request form at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19.

Stay well, continue to wear your mask, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

We had a very successful first Public Meeting discussing Community Goal Setting for the Mint Hill Comprehensive Plan.  If you missed the meeting, a  recording is available on the website. https://publicinput.com/minthillplan.  This is our town, and this is your plan that will create a shared vision for future growth.  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to complete the community survey.

Starting Wednesday, the state of North Carolina is opening eligibility of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 16-64 years old with high-risk medical condition that increase the risk of severe disease from COVID-19 and essential workers not yet vaccinated. You can schedule an appointment by calling 980-314-9400 or visiting https://starmed.care/

The Governor has lifted some of the restrictions on restaurants, bars, and businesses.  I encourage you to support local.  Remember, by supporting local you are not only supporting a business, but you are also supporting a dream.

As a reminder, keep practicing the 3 W’s – wear a mask, wait six feet apart, wash your hands – until everyone has a chance to get vaccinated.

Watch our social media on Thursday, where we will be announcing the winners of the Hop Around Mint Hill Easter Egg Hunt.  Five lucky winners will be picked, and each receive a $25 Visa gift card.  As of Monday, we had over 1000 entries.

Stay well, wear your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

One year ago, life as we knew it changed for all of us.  We were told to shelter at home and only go out for essentials such as groceries and medicine.  Our educators struggled to come up with a plan to teach our kids at home.  College kids were kicked out of their dorm rooms and had to spend the rest of the semester at home.  For weeks we were bonding with our immediate family, zooming with friends, learning to cook, cleaning our yards and our houses. 

One year later and our children are finally headed back to the classroom, and a vaccine is available to almost everyone.  Last week I was able to get my first COVID-19 vaccine.  Personally, I will feel safer once I receive the second vaccine.  I believe the best way to bring this pandemic to an end is through vaccination. We are still fighting this, but the vaccine puts us one step closer to pre-pandemic life – or at least some of it.

To be placed on the Mecklenburg County waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible, please complete the online form.

We had our first Virtual Public Forum to discuss the Mint Hill Community Plan last week.  If you were unable to attend, the consultants will have a recording and presentation slides posted soon on the project website https://publicinput.com/minthillplan.

There are currently twelve giant Easter eggs hidden around Mint Hill.   So far, we have posted 5 clues on social media.  When you find an egg, scan the QR code with your smart phone and enter your name and email address in the form to be entered into the drawing.  Five winners will be randomly picked on April 1st.  Winners will receive a $25 Visa gift card. Happy hunting!

Stay well, wear your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

 

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town of Mint Hill is in the process of updating our community plan.  Earlier this year we appointed stakeholders to the Project Advisory Committee (PAC).  Mint Hill is your Town, and this plan will create a shared vision for growth. 

Through planning and processes, we will evaluate our land uses, local economy, transportation, utilities, recreation, resource conservation and community health.  We will also be setting goals for the future and establish a path forward, while protecting what the community values, leveraging assets for positive economic growth, seizing opportunities while addressing challenges.  Throughout the process we will be communicating expectations.

We are currently in Phase One – Discovery.  Phase One focuses on the assessment of existing land uses and infrastructure conditions and identification of key planning issues affecting the community.  We invite you and your neighbors to participate in our Community Survey.

Our first Virtual Public Forum is scheduled for Thursday, March 18th from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. and we need your input.  Please plan on participating in our interactive public meeting and provide recommendations for the Mint Hill Comprehensive Plan. You must pre-register for this event.

For more information on the project visit https://publicinput.com/minthillplan.

There are currently twelve giant Easter eggs hidden around Mint Hill. Clues will be posted on social media. When you find an egg, scan the QR code with your smart phone and enter your name and email address in the form to be entered into the drawing.   The more eggs you find, the more chances you will have to win!  Five winners will be randomly picked on April 1st.  Winners will receive a $25 Visa gift card. Happy hunting!

Covid vaccines are becoming more available every day.  Novant and Atrium continue to vaccine events, New Beginnings Church and the Mecklenburg County Health Department will be holding a one-day vaccine clinic on April 1st.  You must pre-register for the event.

To be placed on the Mecklenburg County waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible, please complete the online form.

Stay well, wear your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

It looks as though we are finally going to get a break from the rain.  The fountain at Town Hall is up and running, a true sign that spring is just around the corner.  If you are looking for a nice hike in the area, I suggest you check out the Mecklenburg County Stevens Creek Nature Preserve on Thompson Road.  The center is scheduled to open in the spring, but the trails are currently open to the public.

The Easter Bunny is hiding twelve giant Easter eggs around Mint Hill.  Join us for a Town-wide Easter egg hunt by solving clues that will be posted on our social media starting March 16.  When you find an egg, scan the QR code with your smart phone and enter your name and email address in the form.  If you find multiple eggs, be sure to scan each one’s unique QR code to receive an entry for that location.  The more eggs you find, the more chances you will have to win! 

North Carolina just opened vaccinations up to Group 3 which is school and child care workers.  Under Executive Order 195, North Carolina remains under restrictions, some of which have been cautiously lifted.  Lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order established under Executive Order 181.

  • Still requires face coverings in all public indoor settings
  • Allows many businesses to operate at 50% capacity
  • Extends onsite service of alcohol until 11 p.m.
  • Lifts the 100-person cap on some businesses that were operating at 30% capacity 
  • Allows some indoor businesses – including bars and taverns, indoor amusement parks, movie theaters and indoor sports arenas – to open at 30% capacity (with a cap of 250 people)
  • Allows larger indoor arenas with a capacity of more than 5,000 people to open at 15% capacity with no cap (as long as additional safety protocols in place)
  • Increases the indoor mass gathering limit to 25 people (the outdoor mass gathering limit remains at 50 people)

I continue to encourage citizens to do your part to stop the spread of this virus by following the guidelines (wash your hands, wear a mask, maintain social distance) and take the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. 

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information

To be placed on the Mecklenburg County waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible, please complete the online form.

Stay well, wear your mask, get vaccinated, shop local and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

This week children in Mint Hill headed back into our school buildings, some for the first time in almost a year.  When we were first quarantined last March, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the implications of a global pandemic on our children’s education.  However, I have witnessed the challenges my daughter has met, both as an educator and a mother of small children.

I am proud of the teachers across Mecklenburg County who continue to work tirelessly, whether from their home office, kitchen table or physical classroom to engage each student.  I am proud of the parents who have provided stability to their children in the midst of so much uncertainty.  I am proud of our students, from preschool to high school, for your countless successes this year, especially in the face of much adversity.  We will continue to work together to navigate this ever-changing school year.

I continue to encourage citizens to do your part to stop the spread of this virus by following the guidelines (wash your hands, wear a mask, maintain social distance) and take the COVID-19 vaccine when eligible.  Many people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover at home.  Others may have a fever or cough or more serious concerns, such as trouble breathing.  Please contact your medical provider or review the information included below if you have additional questions.

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information

To be placed on the Mecklenburg County waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible, please complete the online form.

Stay well, shop local, wear your mask and get vaccinated!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

The Town of Mint Hill is currently hiring!  If you, or someone you know is looking for a job, the Town of Mint Hill has openings in the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the Public Works Department.  All positions are full time with excellent benefits.  For more information, visit our website.  The Town of Mint Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) is conducting a third round of public outreach for the LYNX Silver Line Project.  CATS will host six live virtual public meetings to discuss preliminary staff recommendations for the refined Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), including changes to the proposed light rail and station location and an explanation of the decision making factors and process that led to those refinements.  Each live meeting will feature a presentation and a Q & A with project team for the designated focus area.  To provide feedback visit the Online Open House to take the survey by March 11 or text ‘Silver Line’ to 704-461-4441.

As we approach the one year mark of this pandemic, I ask you to continue to remain vigilant about wearing your masks over your nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands.  The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department is working hard to distribute the vaccine quickly and equitably as possible.  If you wish to be placed on a waitlist to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible, please complete the online form.  The information will be used to contact you regarding available appointments based on vaccine supply and eligibility criteria.  We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.   The quicker we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to spending time in-person with our family and friends.

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard

Stay well, shop local, get vaccinated!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to commend Commissioner Tony Long and Addie Kirby for their efforts in organizing Clean Up Mint Hill on Saturday, February 13.  People are always asking me about volunteer opportunities with the Town.  To volunteer, complete the online google doc.  We encourage you to wear your mask and maintain social distance. Your Board of Commissioners supports your efforts.  The Town will provide trash bags and people can park at Town Hall.

In addition, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Office of Beautification Programs manages the Swat-A-Litterbug Program.  If you see someone littering trash or trash blowing from an open bed truck, here is your chance to report them and teach them a lesson about the state littering laws.  Be sure to get the NC license plate number, type of littering offense, date, time and location.  You can report them by calling 877-368-4968 or accessing the online report form.

Upon receipt of the litterbug information, NCDOT will:

  • Notify the owner of the littering offense.
  • Inform the vehicle owner of the penalties for littering.
  • Urge the litterbug to stop littering.

I ask you to continue to remain vigilant about wearing your masks over your nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands.  The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to everyone, but supplies are currently limited.  Find your Spot.  Take your Shot.  You can also sign up to be notified when the vaccine is available for your group at My Chart at both Atrium Health and Novant Health

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard.

Stay safe, stay well, shop local, get vaccinated!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I am happy to announce we have begun planning for our 2021 events.  Our first event began February 1 with the I Love Mint Hill Photo Contest.  Our goal is to provide a way to showcase favorite aspects of our Town while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Town becoming incorporated.  We are looking for high resolution digital photos that celebrate life in Mint Hill and the things that make our community special.  Take time to consider why Mint Hill is special to you.  What elements do you love most?  Photos will be featured on the Town’s website and in social media accounts. 

We are currently planning on bringing back our Family Fun Nights in June 2021.   Family Fun Nights bring the community together at the Mint Hill Veterans Park for a night of wholesome fun with a concert, food trucks and family games. 

We have moved Mint Hill Madness to October 21-23, 2021.  Our number one priority is keeping our community safe.  By September, hopefully most of the community will have received their vaccinations.  We will be following guidelines as outlined by the CDC to keep the event safe.

The governor has extended the modified Stay-At-Home order through February 28, 2021 requiring people to be at home from 10 PM to 5 AM.  In addition to the Modified Stay-At-Home Order, the DHHS secretarial directive remains in effect.  People should stay home and only leave for essential purposes such as buying food, accessing health care, and going to school or work.

To help prevent the surge of COVID-19 I ask you to remain vigilant about wearing your masks over your nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands.  The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to any person aged 65 or older who has not previously been vaccinated.  The quicker we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to spending time in-person with our family and friends. 

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information. 

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard 

 

Stay safe, stay well, stay home, get vaccinated!

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

About this time every year, small business owners notice a decline in sales.  The holiday rush is over, people are more mindful of their spending as they start the new year.  This year local businesses need your support more than ever.  The combination of businesses being required to temporarily shut down and people staying home last year caused many small businesses to suffer.  Some did not survive, others had to reinvent themselves.  It is up to us, the local community to support these businesses.

Our local businesses care about our community.  They know their customers by name.  They are our neighbors and our friends.  They are what make our town unique.

Here are some ways to support your local businesses.

  1. Shop online – Many businesses have the option to purchase their goods through their website, Facebook, via a phone call or through email.  Online purchases are a great way to support local without leaving the safety of your home. Therapist, tutoring, yoga, personal trainers, coaches, financial planners, etc. – all of these can be continued through videos and online conferencing.
  2. Order takeout or delivery -- In addition to being open for dining, many restaurants are offering delivery and curb side pickup.  Now is the time to try something new.
  3. Purchase gift cards -- Buy gift cards for later from your favorite restaurants, stores, or personal service.
  4. Utilize social media – Follow, like, share, comment and spread the news of your local favorites to all your friends and followers. 
  5. Continue to pay -- Your cleaning people, lawn service, handy person all have families they are trying to support.  They need us like we need them.
  6. Be generous -- Tip service workers extra.
  7. Donate -- If you already paid for a class that was cancelled, instead of a refund, donate the money to the organization.
  8. Be understanding – Know each business is different and they are doing what is best for them and try to support them in any way possible.  Reach out to business owners and ask how they are doing, or simply let them know you support their decision.

At the end of the day, it’s totally free to give a business a shout-out on social media, leave them a kind review, or hype them up through word of mouth.  Facebook, Google, and Yelp are all great sources to write reviews.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home, get vaccinated!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

A Mint Hill icon passed away this week.  Troy Pollard served as Mayor of the Town of Mint Hill from 1975 to 1991.  I did not know him personally, but I knew of him, and his many accomplishments during his tenure as mayor.  In the spring, the Town will be planting a tree in his honor at the Park on Wilgrove; the Town’s first park that was constructed during his tenure.  On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the Town of Mint Hill, I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

After several months of hard work and dedication, we are very excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website.  The new website is faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly.  For accurate Town of Mint Hill information, we ask that you visit our website, follow our official page on social media (@townofminthill) or call our office at 704-545-9426 and speak to a person. 

I ask you to continue to remain vigilant about wearing your masks over your nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands.  The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to any person aged 65 or older who has not previously been vaccinated.  The quicker we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to spending time in-person with our family and friends.

 

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information. 

 

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard 

 

Stay safe, stay well, stay home, get vaccinated!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

Your Board of Commissioners has decided to move the planning retreat to Mint Hill to align with the Public Health Director’s three-week directive to protect residents. We want to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The Directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect for the next three weeks, until February 2, 2021.  While I personally agree with the idea behind and intent of the Directive, it is important to note that these are strong suggestions only.  While I will be making my best effort to adhere to the Directive as I hope all Mint Hill residents do, the recommendations are not legally mandated. 

The Directive instructs individuals in Mecklenburg County to take several immediate actions including (but not limited to): 

  1. Only leave your home for essential activities and remain at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless an exception as set forth in the Governor's Executive Order applies.
  2. Utilize full-virtual options for work, school and any other activity where in-person activity is not required.
  3. Avoid leaving your home if you are over 65 or at high-risk for developing serious illness.
  4. Avoid any non-essential travel.
  5. Avoid gathering with individuals that you do not live with.
  6. WEAR, a cloth face covering, WAIT 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and WASH your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
  7. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
  8. Answer the call and participate in contact tracing to protect against further spread if you receive a call or text from Mecklenburg County Public Health.
  9. Get a flu shot and get the COVID-19 vaccine, when it is available to you.

More information about the COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County and the COVID-19 vaccine is available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400.

I urge everyone to get the vaccine when it is available to them.  I believe becoming immunized will ensure the best protection against the spread of COVID-19.  We need to do whatever is possible to curb the spread.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home, get vaccinated!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

 

Last week we welcomed our new Chief of Police, Joseph Hatley.  Chief Hatley began working at the Mint Hill Police Department on patrol in 2006.  Prior to becoming Chief, he served as Captain, Support Services Commander responsible for leading the investigations, evidence, and records division.  Chief Hatley possesses the necessary qualifications; including a Master’s degree, successful completion of the prestigious FBI National Academy, service in the Army, nearly two decades of law enforcement experience and has received over 5,000 hours of local, state, and federal law enforcement related training.  Please join me in welcoming him to his new role.

 

We are entering into our 2021-2022 budget planning.  Mint Hill has been very fortunate.  The Town maintains a strong financial position due to the leadership, practical financial planning, good decision making and dedicated staff.  Proactive measures must be taken to reach our goals and shape our destiny.  We need to embrace new initiatives and continually identify new opportunities to remain economically competitive while preserving the quality of life valued by our residents. 

 

Due to the rapidly increasing number of confirmed positive COVID-19 in North Carolina and the rising numbers of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and the intensive care unit with COVID-19, the governor has extended the modified Stay-At-Home order through January 29, 2021.  To help prevent the surge of COVID-19 in the coming weeks I ask you to remain vigilant about wearing your masks over your nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands.  The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to any person aged 75 or older who has not previously been vaccinated.  This vaccine will allow us to get back to the activities we enjoy in the near future.

 

To learn more about the roll out plan for North Carolina, please visit NC Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information.

 

For information about COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County, please visit Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Dashboard

 

Stay safe, stay well, stay home.

 

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I want to take an opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy New Year.

As I reflect on the past year, it was certainly not the one we hoped for when the ball dropped last January. Navigating the challenges of a global pandemic forced all of us to make changes to our daily routines and embrace a new normal. However, our community's response to the trials faced this year has been incredibly encouraging. We adapted the way we connect with people and resources, using technology to our advantage for business, shopping, celebrations, gatherings, and even our most recent holidays. At Town Hall, for example, our Board of Commissioners meetings have been streamed virtually through the Town of Mint Hill YouTube page, allowing citizens to engage even when they could not attend in person. And although we were unable to host our traditional events, our residents captured the holiday spirit during our Scarecrow & Christmas Lights decorating contests and truly served our community by participating in our Mint Hill Acts of Kindness.

As we move into 2021, I am simply inspired to continue serving this town as your mayor. While I am not able to be out in the community as much as I would like, I will continue working to communicate as regularly as possible, with as many of you as possible. I will continue posting my weekly Mayor Messages and host office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays, hours are scheduled from 1:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 9:00-11:00 am. As a reminder, an appointment for office hours is never necessary. However, if you would like to meet in person at Town Hall, please let me know so I can ensure I will be in the office during those times. Otherwise, feel free to call my cell phone at 704-579-2977. We will also continue providing opportunities for residents to engage in our monthly BOC meetings, especially as we work towards developing our updated Land Use Plan.

The governor-issued Stay-at-Home curfew is still in effect through January 8, 2021 and, considering our recent trends, may be extended. However, with the availability of the COVID vaccine in the coming months, I feel we are seeing a light at the end of this tunnel. I encourage each of you to continue practicing social distancing, wearing your masks and washing your hands. I ask also that you continue to remember those struggling during this pandemic by looking out for your neighbors, shopping at one of our small businesses or ordering a meal from a local restaurant.

I am proud to be your mayor and serve our community. I am thankful for the lessons learned in 2020 and look forward to brighter days in 2021.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope each of you have a safe and joyful day with your families.  I hope you have an opportunity to reflect on the many things you are grateful for, not just within your family, but within our community.  This month I have been reflecting on the things I am most grateful for. 

I am grateful for my wife, Renee who has stood by my side this past year as I took on the role of Mayor.  This year has been more challenging than anyone could have expected, and I could not have done it without her.

I am grateful for all the Town of Mint Hill employees who make my job so rewarding. 

The Police and Fire departments for serving on the front lines and keeping our community safe.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the citizens of our town. 

The Public Works department for everything they do every day.  There is so much behind the scenes work that they are responsible for in keeping the Town running.  Thank you for the endless hours spent decorating Town Hall and the Christmas tree. 

The staff at Town Hall who are responsible for the day-to-day operations.  Everything from paying the bills, responding to code violations, meeting with developers and dealing with garbage issues. Thank you for all you do to make Mint Hill a remarkable place to live.

Without the commitment and high standards of all our employees, the Town of Mint Hill would not be such a great place to live for our 28,000 residents.

I hope this season is filled with happiness and joy.  May your home be filled with love on this joyous occasion. 

Be safe, be well, stay home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Mint Hill Residents,

I love seeing the flags up around Town as we celebrate Veterans Day.  This week I want to say thank you to all our veterans.  I have never worn a uniform, been called to war, been wounded in battle.  I have never put on combat boots, shot at an enemy, or held a dying friend.  I have no idea what war is like.  I have no idea what you have experienced. I know nothing of what you know. If it were not for you and the sacrifices you made for our country, I would not be your mayor.

Today I thank each of you.  Whether you fought the enemy, delivered supplies, built bridges, provided logistical support, or worked in a military hospital, you are part of a group of men and women who have served our country with honor and distinction.

On behalf of the Town of Mint Hill, I say thank you.  Thank you for defending our freedoms, our liberty, and our American way of life.

I thank all the family members of our veterans.  I know you lived through difficult times and often carried the burden to keep the home fires burning.

I thank our local veteran organizations; American Legion Post 555, Honor the Warriors, Ladies Auxiliary, Marine Corps League, and the V.F.W. Post 4029, for everything you do for our local heroes.  Next time you are out and about and you see a veteran, join me in thanking them for helping make Mint Hill a great place to live, work and raise our families.

God bless our veterans, and all our troops.  God bless Mint Hill and God bless America!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

Oct 12th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

The next election is a general election and will be held on November 3, 2020. You can get information about your registration, where to vote, and absentee ballot on the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website. There are several polling places in Mint Hill. Make sure you know before you go to ensure you go to the correct location.  Early voting opens at 8:00 am on Thursday, October 15th. Independence High School will serve as the early polling location in Mint Hill. Emotions are high on both sides of this election and I encourage you to do your research and get out and exercise your right to vote.

The 2020 Census deadline has been extended to October 31. Please take the time to complete your questionnaire online, by phone or on paper. You can complete the questionnaire, spending less than 10 minutes on what can impact your community in the next 10 years. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

Don't forget about the Ezell Park Public Input meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15 from 6:00-7:00 pm. I've heard from several of you in the community, but only a few have signed up to participate. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the vision of the Ezell Park property located on the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Mintwood Drive. This is a Mecklenburg County Parks project, and this is our opportunity to provide input on the park's design and programs. Because it is a virtual meeting, you need to pre-register. Register at www.publicinput.com/Ezell. For more information, contact James Williams at 980-314-1038 or James.Williams@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

The Scarecrow Decorating Contest has been a huge success. Voting continues and at this time, it's too close to call. The difference between the top vote getters in each category is less than 10 votes and the winner changes daily. Be sure to vote for your favorite.

Stay healthy, be counted and be on the lookout for scarecrows.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Sep 30th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Last week, the Board of Commissioners saw presentations from two consultants for the Town's Land Use Plan update. The Board unanimously selected Merrick-Nealon as the consultant and directed the Town Manager and Town Attorney to negotiate a contract with a scope of services and costs to be approved by the Board of Commissioners. We will keep you updated as we move through the process.

The 2020 Census deadline has been extended to October 31. It is important that you take the time to complete your questionnaire online, by phone or on paper. In fiscal year 2016, North Carolina received nearly $24 billion through 55 federal spending programs guided by the data derived from the 2010 Census. On a per-capita basis, this is more than $2,000 per North Carolina resident, per year. In addition, North Carolina currently has 13 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. We may gain an additional seat if the 2020 Census count is complete. In 2010, North Carolina likely missed gaining a congressional seat by only 15,800 people. You can complete the questionnaire, spending less than 10 minutes on what can impact your community in the next 10 years. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

COVID-19 is still a part of our lives. I encourage you to continue to social distance, wear your mask and wash your hands. We all need to be vigilant about slowing the spread.

As I drive around town, I have seen several scarecrows. I am excited about the number of people who are participating in this event. We will have almost 60 scarecrows around town at businesses and residences. A list with scarecrow locations can be found at www.minthillevents.org. COVID cannot stop our ability to have fun. Yesterday, clues were distributed to local businesses for the scavenger hunt. Look for clues at local businesses and on our social media throughout the month of October. Put all the clues together and tell us what we are describing. Submit your answer to info@minthill.com. All correct answers will be put into a random drawing to win $125.

Stay healthy, be counted and be on the lookout for scarecrows.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Sep 22nd, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

We currently have just over a week to complete the 2020 Census. Completing the census is quick and easy to do. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone or on paper. You can complete the questionnaire, spending less than 10 minutes on what can impact your community in the next 10 years. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to state, counties and communities is based on the census data. We have until September 30 to be counted. . If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

If you are a small business who needs support during these difficult times, Mecklenburg County has been awarded funding as a grantee of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The County is providing up to $1.25 Million to fill identified capital access challenges faced by small businesses. This funding will provide financial support to sustain small businesses as they strive to remain open as COVID-19 continues to negatively impact the local economy. Funding will be available until November 27, 2020 or until all funds have been disbursed to approved applicants. See if your small business is eligible to receive funding from the MeckCares Stabilization Relief Grant.

Lastly, registration for the 3rd Annual Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest has closed. We will have over 50 scarecrows around town at businesses and residences. A list with scarecrow locations and a link for voting will be posted next week. COVID is not going to stop our ability to have fun. In addition, there is an opportunity for you to win $125 in the Mint Hill Scavenger Hunt. Look for clues at local businesses and on our social media throughout the month of October. Put all the clues together and tell us what we are describing. Submit your answer to info@minthill.com. All correct answers will be put into a random drawing.

Stay healthy and be counted.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Oct 8th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Starting this week, I have changed my office hours format. I will still have office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they will be by appointment only. Town Hall remains closed to the public so we do not have walk-in traffic. As always, feel free to contact me at bsimmons@boc.minthill.com.

If you have not completed the 2020 Census, there is still time. The deadline has been extended to October 31. You can complete the questionnaire, spending less than 10 minutes on what can impact your community in the next 10 years. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

The Ezell Park Public Input meeting has finally been rescheduled for Thursday, October 15 from 6:00-7:00 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the vision of the Ezell Park property located on the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Mintwood Drive. This is your opportunity to provide input on the park's design and programs. It is a virtual meeting and you need to pre-register. Register at www.publicinput.com/Ezell. For more information, contact James Williams at 980-314-1038 or James.Williams@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

I have been amazed by the talent of our residents and business owners who are participating in the Scarecrow Decorating contest. Don't forget to vote for your favorite. First prize is $500. Scarecrow locations and voting is available at www.minthillevents.org.

Lastly, I am sad to announce that we will not be having a Christmas Parade or official tree lighting ceremony this year. There are too many unknowns and we need to keep our community safe. Rest assured that Town staff is working diligently on a plan to save Christmas. Stay tuned for details.

Stay healthy, be counted and be on the lookout for scarecrows.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Sep 9th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Labor Day is called the "unofficial end of summer" because it marks the end of the summer before everyone heads back to school. Our children are back in school, but not physically back in the classroom. My daughter is an educator and a parent trying to make this year special and normal. I see many parents like her, trying to balance. I see our community coming together and sharing resources. Your Town leaders support you and are here for you if you need us.

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to complete the 2020 Census. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to state, counties and communities is based on the census data. According to our last update from the MeckCounts, Mint Hill was at a 66.5% completion. We have until September 30 to be counted. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

On a lighter note, if you are looking for an art project to do with your children, consider participating in the 3rd Annual Town of Mint Hill Scarecrow Decorating Contest. There is over $1500 in cash prizes that will be awarded to the best business and residential scarecrow. Check with your teachers to determine if you can get an art credit as well.

Lastly, the playgrounds at the parks were officially opened on Friday. Over the weekend, there were several families at the park enjoying the beautiful weather. We will continue to clean the equipment on a regular basis, and still encourage everyone to adhere to the general guidelines. Wash your hands, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

Stay healthy and be counted.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Sep 3rd, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

It is hard to believe it is already September. I am proud to have served as your mayor for the past 8 months.

There have been several calls to Town Hall on the status of our Land Use Plan. State law requires that as a condition of adopting and applying zoning regulations a local government shall adopt and reasonably maintain a comprehensive plan that sets forth goals, policies, and programs intended to guide the present and future physical, social, and economic development of the jurisdiction. A comprehensive plan is intended to guide coordinated, efficient, and orderly development within the planning and development regulation jurisdiction based on an analysis of present and future needs. Planning analysis may address inventories of existing conditions and assess future trends regarding demographics, economic, environmental, and cultural factors. The planning process shall include opportunities for citizen engagement in plan preparation and adoption.

We are currently in the process of interviewing potential consultants. We have narrowed it to two finalists. The Board plans on deciding at our October 8th meeting. Once a consultant is selected, one or two citizen committees will be appointed, and meetings will begin
Starting on Friday at 5:00 pm, our state will move to Phase 2.5 which means the playgrounds at the parks will be open at that time. We will continue to clean on a regular basis, but remind you to wear your masks, social distant yourself from others and wash your hands. We know everyone is excited to get back, but we must do it safely.

We have until September 30 to be counted in the 2020 Census. Please help the Town of Mint Hill achieve a complete count by taking the census and encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues as well. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.
Stay healthy and be counted.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Aug 18th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

In the midst of what has become a very challenging time, I would like to stress how you can have a direct and long-lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community, completing the 2020 Census. Every 10 years, the United States undertakes the colossal task of counting the population. Each year, Census data helps determine federal funding for more than 100 programs, including health care, nutrition, affordable housing, highway construction, education and more. Making sure Mint Hill has a complete count for the 2020 Census will be a key factor as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020. The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation—who we are, where we live and so much more. Getting an accurate count of our population will ensure we get our fair share of federal funding over the next 10 years. According to NC Policy Watch, North Carolina still needs 4 million people to be counted: that's $7.4 billion of federal funding that's at risk for our state. Currently 66.5% of Mint Hill residents have responded.

Currently Census takers are knocking on the doors of those who have not yet responded to the Census survey. This door to door Census push will continue through Sept. 30. The law says that everyone needs to complete the Census. The Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them confidential. Your response is used only to produce statistics. When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.

You can eliminate the need for Census takers to follow up in person by responding to the Census online or by phone. The quickest way to respond is online at my2020census.gov with your Census ID, which easily links your response with your address. You can respond without a Census ID and still be linked with your address. You can also respond by phone by calling 844-330-2020. Customer service representatives are available every day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

We have until September 30 to be counted. Please help the Town of Mint Hill achieve a complete count by taking the census and encouraging your friends, family and colleagues as well. If you have questions, visit my2020census.gov or call the Census Bureau at (884) 330-2020.

Stay healthy and be counted.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Aug 11th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue to follow the state guidelines for public meetings during a state of emergency. The regular meeting will once again be transitioned to an electronic meeting format. There are several public hearings this month. The Town will set up speakers and monitors outside for the public to watch the live stream of the public hearings. Anyone wishing to comment on the public hearing will be guided inside, one at a time, to speak. Facemask will be required. The Board will hear public comments at the regular meeting session by email only. Please email your comments to mwells@admin.minthill.com on or before August 13, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. You can view the meeting on our YouTube channel at https://buff.ly/3dvHZE5.

Let's talk about something other than our current state of emergency. We would like to thank Novant Health for sponsoring our 3rd Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. This year is going to be a little different. We are expanding the event beyond Town Hall. How will this work? You create a scarecrow and put it on display outside your business or home. We will make sure there is an online map of all the locations where the scarecrows will be on display. If you do not want to leave your house, scarecrows will be available for viewing online. Help us decorate our town and give people a reason to get out of the house while social distancing.

You may ask yourself, why would I want to participate. Thanks to Novant Health, there will be significant cash prizes. Start thinking about your scarecrow and stay tuned. Look for the application and more details in the next couple of weeks.

I want to thank everyone that has continued to take this pandemic seriously by complying with the Governor's executive orders. I am happy to see people wearing masks and maintaining social distance, all around town. We need to do our part to slow the spread. I ask that you continue to check on your neighbors, especially our elderly and those who live alone.

Wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance yourselves and stay home if you are not feeling well.

Be safe!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Jul 29th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

We have survived the first 7 months of 2020. We only have 5 more months until a restart. Let us hope 2021 brings a brighter future.

We know your life looks a lot different than you anticipated when you made your 2020 New Year's resolutions. I can tell you when I decided to run for Mayor, I did not know we would in the midst a world-wide pandemic. Our events team had big plans for some great events which have all been put on hold. But we are not going to let that stop our fun.

In October, we are planning on hosting our 3rd Annual Scarecrow contest. It is unclear at this point whether we will be able to have the Fall Harvest Festival, but there is no reason we cannot celebrate fall with our scarecrows. We want everyone in town to get involved. In addition to the scarecrows around the fountain at Town Hall, we want to see scarecrows at the entrance of your subdivision, in your front yards and in front of your place of business. Nothing can stop us from driving around our town looking at scarecrows. So, start thinking about how you want to get involved and we will post more information in a few weeks.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on August 13, 2020. For the first time in several months, the Board will host a public hearing. The Town will set up speakers and monitors outside for the public to watch the live stream of the public hearing. Anyone wishing to comment on the public hearing will be escorted inside, one at a time, to speak. FACEMASKS WILL BE REQUIRED. In addition, the Board will hear public comments by email. Please email your comments to mwells@admin.minthill.com, on or before August 13, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. Please include your name, address and your comment will be read into the record at the appropriate time.

Mint Hill has a very strong sense of community, and I believe our citizens and businesses will continue to work together to get through this challenging time. I want to personally thank everyone for everything you are doing to keep our citizens healthy and safe.

Stay safe, stay healthy and wear a mask!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Jul 8th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

The summer of 2020 is not what we had planned in January. We have had to cancel Mint Hill Madness and our Family Fun Nights. Many vacations have been cancelled or scaled back. Many are still working from home. Several of our local businesses continue to struggle as we remain in "Safer at Home Phase 2". Some remain closed and only able to offer their services curbside or virtually. I encourage you to shop and eat local. By keeping your dollars in the community, you are helping improve the local economy while supporting small, resident owned and operated businesses. We need to come together as a community to help our neighbors.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue to follow the state guidelines for public meetings during a state of emergency. The regular meeting will once again be transitioned to an electronic meeting format. The Board will hear public comments by email only. Please email your comments to mwells@admin.minthill.com on or before July 9, 2020 at 6:45 p.m. You can view the meeting on our YouTube channel at https://buff.ly/3dvHZE5.

We strongly encourage you to continue wearing face coverings and maintain social distance. Wearing a mask may save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands.

Stay safe, stay well, wear a mask.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Jun 25th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

2020 has been a challenging year on many levels. The COVID-19 is changing life as we know it daily. It is great to see more businesses opening and residents supporting them. Now is when they need us the most. Shop local, eat local, support Mint Hill.

Effective 5:00 pm, Friday, June 26, 2020 the governor has issued an executive order which requires face coverings when in public places, indoors and outdoors, and when physical distancing of 6 feet from others is not possible. North Carolina defines a face covering as a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face.

As with any rule, there are exceptions. People with medical conditions, children under 11, and people who are walking or otherwise exercising outside when not within six feet of others.

Our law enforcement personnel cannot criminally enforce the face covering requirements of this Order. However, if a business does not allow entry to someone because that person refuses to wear a face covering, and if that someone enters the premises or refuses to leave the premises, law enforcement personnel may enforce the trespassing laws.

We strongly encourage our citizens to wear face coverings and maintain social distance. Wearing a mask may save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands.

Stay safe, stay well, wear a mask.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Jun 9th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

As many of you know, there is a peaceful protest scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in front of Town Hall. This event is not sponsored by the Town, but the organizers have our full support.

Our hearts go out to all who suffer from systemic racism. A dismissive remark, thoughtless joke or biased statement can create a culture of prejudice at home and in the workplace. We must work harder to educate each other about the subtle ways we mistreat each other. We must teach our children, employees, and elected officials that any form of racism will not be tolerated.

There have been a lot of conversations on social media over the past few weeks. I encourage you to take these conversations offline. Have a face to face conversation with your family, co-worker, or neighbor. Tell them how what is happening in the world makes you, as a person, feel. Take that passion and send a letter to our legislative leaders and let them know we will not stand for systemic racism. Educate yourselves on the candidates and their beliefs prior to the November election.

To the planners of this event, thank you for your willingness to organize a peaceful demonstration. Thank you for igniting a conversation. We will continue to support peaceful protests while ensuring the citizens of Mint Hill are safe. We need to keep talking and to keep voting until those in power are willing to listen.
I look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday. I strongly encourage you to wear a mask to help alleviate the spread of the COVID-19.

Stay safe!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
May 26th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

On Friday, May 15, 2020, Roy Fielding, a member of our Planning Board passed away suddenly. Roy served on the Planning Board for the past 14 years. I had the honor of serving on the board with him for 6 years before becoming Mayor. He was always concerned about the environmental impact development and growth were having on the Town. When new areas were being planned, he asked difficult questions about density and the impact of existing residential areas.

Roy was not afraid to cast an opposing view. He represented our citizens at the highest level. Roy always made sure safety and security issues were addressed especially if water hazards were present. He made sure that developers and contractors were doing the right things for the citizens of Mint Hill. Roy had a passion for the town and a desire to preserve its beauty during its growth over the past several years.

Roy was a professor for 41 years at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. He was proud of his impact on his students. He loved their sports programs. He and Mary Gaye created a scholarship program for UNCC students. Roy will be honored with the Roy R. Fielding Aquatics Center at UNCC. The dedication will be combined with a celebration of life to honor his legacy at a later day.

Roy will be greatly missed by all of us at Town Hall. There will be big shoes to fill when finding a replacement for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Gaye and his family.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
May 21st, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. Although the weekend may look very different, the meaning behind it remains the same. An opportunity to honor and mourn the military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Let us use the day to remember and honor our heroes. Let us use the day to count our blessings and stand proud.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mint Hill Madness, following the increased concerns about the COVID-19 and the unknown surrounding how the virus is spread. We are very disappointed, but know it is the right decision based on the information we have today.

We know this will come as an enormous disappointment to the Mint Hill community. This decision was not taken lightly and there were two key factors in the final decision.

First, the uncertainty caused by the number of people allowed at events. Mint Hill Madness sees 20,000 people over the course of the weekend. Currently in Phase 2, only 25 people can gather outside. It is unclear when mass gatherings will be allowed.

Second, we need to prioritize the health of our sponsors, vendors, and visitors. With the number of participants, physical distancing would be difficult to enforce. In addition, it would be impossible to sanitize continuously, the number of surfaces people touch.

As we enter Phase 2 of the Governor's Executive Orders, I ask that you continue to be smart and practice social distancing. Remember the three W's: Wear a mask in public; Wait 6 feet; Wash your hands. You are not only protecting yourself, but you are protecting those with compromised immune systems with whom you may come in contact.

The administrative offices at Town Hall will be closed Monday. The lobby will remain closed to the public through the end of June. Staff will be in the office and available to meet via phone or Zoom. We will continue to do our public meetings virtually, including our May 26 Budget Workshop. The link to the live-stream channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LTHPE0q3K_NrtO2MP4y6w/live
I continue to hold office hours Tuesdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns at 704-563-3860. You can also email me at bsimmons@boc.minthill.com.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
May 6th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

On Friday, May 8th, at 5:00 p.m., the Governor's Stay at Home Order will be amended and Phase 1 will begin. The order is in effect until 5 pm on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators are in the right place. Even as reopening begins, residents should continue to remain vigilant. The riskiest activities for spreading the virus involve standing or sitting close to other people for longer than ten minutes. Outdoor activities are generally less risky. If contact is unavoidable, residents should wear face masks and wash their hands.

Phase 1

  • Stay at Home order remains in place, people can leave home for commercial activity
  • Those retailers and services need to implement social distancing, cleaning, and other protocols
  • Gathering limited to no more than 10 people
  • Parks can open subject to gathering limits
  • Face coverings recommended in public
  • Restrictions remain in place for nursing homes and other congregated living settings
  • Encourage continued teleworking

Town Hall will remain closed to the public, but staff will begin working at the office beginning May 11. If you need assistance, call 704-545-9726 and someone will meet you at the door. The same will apply to the Police Department. If you need assistance, call 704-545-1085. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Our monthly Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for May 14 will be available via the Town's YouTube channel. The meeting is closed to in-person public. The link to the live-stream channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LTHPE0q3K_NrtO2MP4y6w/live.

The Board will hear Public Comment at the May 14, 2020 meeting by email only. Please email your comments to mwells@admin.minthill.com on or before May 14, 2020 at 6:45 pm. Please include your name and address and your comment will be read into the record at the appropriate time. Comments submitted anonymously will not be read into the record. All comments will be maintained as a public record and included in the minutes of the meeting.

Beginning Saturday, May 9, 2020, the following activities are permitted at Town parks while following the precautions listed above:

  • Park hours will return to normal: 6am - 10:30 pm
  • Use of bathroom facilities and water fountains
  • Walking, jogging, and bicycling on trails/paths
  • Picnicking at tables
  • Lounging in common areas/fields
  • Playing tennis per the following restrictions
    • No more than two players per net (no doubles)
    • No reservations (walk-up play only on all courts)
    • Matches must skip a court (this is why every other net is currently removed)
  • Disc golf
  • Exercising in small groups that does not share equipment

The following activities remain prohibited as precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19:

  • Any sports where a ball or other object is passed between participants by hand or foot
  • Use of the playgrounds

As always, I continue to hold office hours Tuesdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns at 704-563-3860.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 28th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

As you know Governor Cooper extended the Stay at Home Order until May 8 and announced a three-phased approach to lifting restrictions. 
  
Phase 1

  • Stay at Home order remains in place, people can leave home for commercial activity
  • Those retailers and services need to implement social distancing, cleaning and other protocols
  • Gathering limited to no more than 10 people
  • Parks can open subject to gathering limits
  • Face coverings recommended in public
  • Restrictions remain in place for nursing homes and other congregated living settings
  • Encourage continued teleworking

Mint Hill, along with the other Mecklenburg county local government continue to follow our own order. We are in the process of amending our Stay at Home order to align with the Governor's order to allow for additional retail businesses and services to offer curbside pick-up. Our Town Manager has been participating in a Business Roundtable discussing plans to eventually reopening all businesses.

Growing evidence suggests COVID-19 can spread before people show symptoms and from people who have coronavirus but never show symptoms. We ask everyone to continue to remain at home and avoid non-essential contact with others. Limit your trips for groceries, gas, and other essentials. If you must go out, wear a mask and practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet from others.

We are functioning from a place of strength and it is important, now more than ever, that positive attitudes expand not just to our families but to every member of the Mint Hill Community.

We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay home.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 21st, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

I hope you are all staying healthy during these unprecedented times. I commend all the parents trying to work while homeschooling their children. I see more families out in their yards doing activities. Moms, Dads, kids and pets all enjoying each other's company. Stay strong, we are almost through this and I'm proud of everyone.

Our Town Manager continues to meet daily with the Mecklenburg County COVID Policy Group. They are actively discussing ways in which a phased opening can be implemented. Additionally, the County (with representatives from the surrounding towns) is convening a business roundtable group to help inform and advise the Policy Group towards that end. We are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Town staff are in the process of preparing the groundwork for the land use plan update by collecting mapping data and demographic information, market potential research, growth trends, transportation issues, future school sites, parks, etc. before bringing in consultants.

Mint Hill is doing a great job completing the 2020 Census. As you can see from the numbers below, we are currently in the middle of the pack. If you haven't completed the 2020 Census, I encourage you to take the time to make a difference. Let's work together on getting our response rate numbers up. Remember, by completing the 2020 Census, you will help shape the future of Mint Hill.

2020 Census Response rates of 4/18:

  • Matthews: 60.8%
  • Huntersville: 59.3%
  • Cornelius: 57.3%
  • Davidson: 57.2%
  • Mint Hill: 53.3%
  • Charlotte: 49.1%
  • Pineville: 42.7%

Waste Pro continues to provide full service to the Mint Hill community. Last week's storm and everyone working in their yards has created extra work for them. They are running about a day behind on yard -waste pick up but should be caught up in the next couple days. Thank you all for your patience.

I continue to hold office hours Tuesdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns at 704-563-3860.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 16th, 2020
Mint Hill Community.

I am so proud of our community. Mint Hill is doing a great job staying at home and practicing social distancing. The more we adhere, the quicker we can get back to normal. I see people at the grocery stores practicing safe distancing. Our children are adapting to a new way of learning. Meetings at Town Hall are happening virtually. I see small businesses changing their way of conducting business in order to accommodate the Governor's Executive Orders. Many of these folks do not have the opportunity to collect unemployment so I encourage you to support them. Take advantage of the family meals that many of the local restaurants are offering. Tip generously. Putting dinner on your table may be feeding their children.

I want to remind everyone to take a few minutes and complete the 2020 Census at www.2020Census.gov. It takes about 5 minutes. I am proud to say as of April 13, 52% of Mint Hill residents have completed the Census. It's important for all citizens to complete this form. Any federal and state grants and other funding that becomes available over the next 10 years are partially dependent on the population of the town. By completing the census, you can help shape the future of Mint Hill.

Good news from the Mayor's office. Mint Hill Madness has been rescheduled for August 6-8, 2020. Yes, we know it's going to be a hot one, but it's can't be any hotter than Madness 2019. We're looking forward to a great event and I promise that the fireworks show will be bigger and better than anything Mint Hill has ever seen.

You may have noticed that Charlotte and several of the surrounding towns have suspended yard waste pick up. Mint Hill continues to pick up yard waste but with the storm earlier this week, they are running about a day behind. If your yard waste does not get picked up within 24 hours of your normal pick up, please contact Town Hall.

I hope you are all making the best of this extraordinary time. At one point, we've all wished for more time at home. Take advantage of this pandemic and enjoy your time with your family.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 9th, 2020
Mint Hill Community.

Since I'm not seeing you around town, and we have had to cancel our meetings for the month of April, I wanted to take this time to recognize some folks in our community.

I want to personally thank our town employees who continue to serve Mint Hill during these difficult times.

  • The Police and Fire department who are on the front lines out protecting our community.
  • The Public Works department who are monitoring our parks, cutting grass, maintaining our roads, addressing stormwater issues, all while practicing social distancing.
  • The Town Hall staff who continue to do their jobs working remotely. In addition to the day to day operations, they are providing the town manager materials to prepare the town budget, so the commissioners and I can review it in a timely fashion.
  • I want to take a moment to thank those true heroes in our community.
  • The doctors, nurses and staff at the hospitals seeing people every day and putting their lives at risk as they take care of our community.
  • The educators who are out there working with their students and their families ensuring that students continue to get the services they need.
  • The unsung heroes who work at the grocery store, restaurant, gas station or other essential business. 

Next time you are out I encourage you to let these individuals know they are appreciated.

I ask you to continue to support our local small businesses. They need our help now, more than ever.

While we are all at home, I want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes and complete the 2020 Census at www.2020Census.gov . It's important for all citizens to complete this form. Whatever federal and state grants and other funding that becomes available over the next 10 years are partially dependent on the population of the town. When our population is accurately counted, we receive accurate financial allocations from government services and disbursements. By completing the census, you can help shape the future of Mint Hill.

I ask you to stay strong, stay healthy, stay informed, but most importantly, continue to stay home. I am confident we will all come through this stronger.
Happy Easter everyone!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 7th, 2020

I want to thank you all for taking this pandemic seriously. I see everyone doing their part by staying home and going out only for the essentials.

I realize many of you are taking advantage of this time to work on your 'honey do' lists. Folks are working in the yard, cleaning the house, etc. making the most of this time.

Waste Pro has been doing a remarkable job maintaining the level of service we have all grown to expect. To keep the workers safe, going forward Waste Pro will not be picking up anything besides the bins. Any excess trash, household items that will not fit in the bin or any kind of bulk items will not be picked up. They will continue to pick up yard waste, but it is limited to 10 bags of leaves a week and one pile of limbs (4' wide, 4' high and 5' length).

Stay safe, stay well and stay home!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Apr 3rd, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Mecklenburg County has been under a Stay at Home order since March 24. Believe it or not, it has only been 10 days. We are still looking at another 4 weeks. There is still so much that is unknown about how the COVID-19 spreads. It's believed it spreads person to person through droplets produced when an infected person coughs our sneezes. Here is what we can do in the next 30 days to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

  • Listen and follow directions of State and local authorities.
  • If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
  • If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider
  • If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to the grocery store. Contact your medical provider.
  • If you are an older person, stay at home and away from other people.
  • If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at an increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.

We need to continue to take radical measures to protect ourselves. The next four weeks are going to be extremely challenging for our country and our community. Don't leave home unless you need to perform essential activities as outlined by the Governor's Executive Order.

Help flatten the curve. Stay home. The life you save may be your own.

Stay Safe. Stay Well. Stay Informed. Stay home.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Mar 30th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

I am proud of our community and the way everyone has continued to Shelter at Home during this unprecedented time. Effective today at 5:00 pm, Governor Roy Cooper has issued a statewide Shelter at Home order until April 30. According to the CDC, we will not hit the peak of this crisis for another couple weeks. We ask you to continue to Shelter at Home and practice social distancing. I encourage you to read Executive Order NO. 121, Stay at Home order and Strategic Directions for North Carolina in Response to Increasing COVID-19 Cases.

In the meantime, I will resume my weekly office hours on a virtual basis. You can call me at 704-563-3860 on Tuesday from 1:00-4:00 pm or Thursday from 8:30 am – noon.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay HOME!

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Mar 27th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

No matter where we live, we are all affected by the COVID-19. Kids are home from school, parents are home from work, our houses are becoming very small and you may be wanting to trade your current roommates in for new ones. But the more we adhere to the rules, the sooner we will be back to normal.

In the meantime, take this time to slow down. How many times have you said, I wish there were more hours in a day? Well now you have them. Use this time to spend quality time with your family, reach out to an old friend with whom you have lost contact, enjoy the outdoors while practicing social distancing, teach yourself a new skill.

For those wishing to volunteer their efforts in the fight against COVID-19, you can call (704)432-4127 or (704)432-4187. They are currently taking names and identifying needs.

We need to come together as a community and support each other. We will get through this. We are Mint Hill Strong!

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay home!

Brad Simmons 
Mint Hill Mayor
Mar 24th, 2020
Mint Hill Residents,

Over the last two weeks, Mecklenburg County and the State of North Carolina, have aggressively increased our response to the point where mass gatherings are currently limited to 50 people or less, schools statewide are closed until May 15, restaurants are closed except for takeout, gyms and recreation centers are closed, and thousands of employees from every business sector are either not working or teleworking to stay in business and provide needed services to the community.

However, even with these measures, the county and town leaders do not believe we have gone far enough to begin to flatten the curve of new cases.

As a result, Mecklenburg County in conjunction with the City of Charlotte and the six towns has issued an Executive Order that requires residents to STAY AT HOME unless they are providing essential services. The order is set to begin Thursday, March 26 and last 21 days.

The order directs all individuals living in the county to remain at their place of residence except to provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain activities and work for essential business and government services.

It also directs all businesses and governmental agencies to cease nonessential operations at physical locations in the County and prohibits all non-essential gatherings of any number of individuals. It also orders cessation of all non-essential travel.

If you leave your home for essential activities or if you go to work in an essential business you must follow social distancing practices, staying at least 6 feet apart from each other. Continue to be diligent. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
STAY AT HOME, leaving only to perform any of the essential activities as outlined below.

Essential activities include:

  • Engaging in or performing tasks essential to maintain health and safety. Examples include picking up medicine or visiting a doctor.
  • Obtaining necessary supplies for you, your family or household members, necessary for staying home. Support your local businesses by ordering curbside pick-up, delivery, take out or drive thru. Please only purchase items you immediately need and do not stockpile.
  • Going for a run, hike or other outdoor activity while maintaining proper social distancing. Our parks will remain open, but the play areas are closed.
  • To care for a family member in another household.
  • To care for elderly, minors, dependents, or other vulnerable persons Essential businesses include:
  • Health care operations and home health workers
  • Essential infrastructure, including construction of housing (residential and mixed-use), industrial and commercial projects currently underway
  • Grocery stores and convenience stores
  • Restaurants offering curbside pick-up, delivery, take out or drive-thru services
  • Pharmacies
  • Gas stations and auto repair facilities
  • Banks
  • Garbage collection. Waste Pro will continue to pick up trash, recycling and yard waste a normal schedule.
  • Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses.
  • Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to go to work.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings. Preventing the further spread of this disease hinges on every person in Mint Hill reducing their interactions with others, especially those beyond their immediate household. It is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety.

These are challenging times, and the impact of COVID-19 is being felt by every resident in our town. I am concerned for our community, especially those who are sick or at higher risk of becoming infected, as well as those who have either lost, or are at risk of losing their job or business. The consequences of this crisis are already deep and severe, and we're not yet through the worst. I am confident, if we come together as a community and taking radical measures to protect ourselves, we will emerge from this crisis with resiliency and strength.

I encourage you to follow official sources for accurate and up-to-date information. Click here for the complete Mecklenburg County Proclamation. If you have questions about the stay at home order you can call the hotline at 704-353-1926. 

If you are experiencing symptoms a dry cough, shortness of breath or fever, CALL FIRST before seeking treatment in-person.

Stay safe, stay well, stay informed. We will get through.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor
Mar 16th, 2020

Members of the Mint Hill Community:

I know there is a deep concern about the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. I want to assure you the Town of Mint Hill is taking action to address the situation. We must band together to ensure everyone's well-being during this national health emergency.

Here is what the Town is doing:

Open for Business: Our police and fire are responding to calls, but taking precautions as outlined by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management. The Town Manager is meeting daily with the County COVID-19 policy committee. You should see no changes in your garbage/recycling services and we will make efforts to inform you of any changes if/when they occur.

Town Hall:  Town Hall is currently open for business. We ask that you please follow the protocols we have outlined. Sanitize your hands when you enter, keep your distance from Staff. These and other steps are being taken for your protection as well as Staff's. All HOA meetings and events scheduled for the next 8 weeks have been cancelled.

Parks: At this time, both Veterans Park and the Park on Wilgrove are open under normal schedules; however, all organized gatherings at the parks are cancelled. Public Works is applying a disinfectant solution to the play equipment each morning.

Here's what you can do:

Be vigilant: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Stay at home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid crowds: The CDC has recommended gatherings of 50 people or more should be cancelled or postponed for the next 8 weeks. We are adhering to those standards in the Town of Mint Hill.

Stay informed: Follow official sources for accurate and up-to-date information including CDC.gov and @charmeckem.

If you are experiencing symptoms a dry cough, shortness of breath or fever, CALL FIRST before seeking treatment in-person.

Stay safe, stay well, stay informed. We will get through this.

Brad Simmons
Mint Hill Mayor

DOCUMENTS

3.16.20 Message from Mayor Brad Simmons