Town Seeks Input on Garner Recreation Center Master Plan Update

The Town of Garner is updating its master plan for Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.) to capture the public's current usage and thoughtfully plan for the future.

The initial plan was adopted in January 2014 with a primary focus on indoor features. Now that the facility has been open for a year, a review and update of the master plan will help guide future improvements to the 6.19-acre site. The public is encouraged to attend a drop-in (or open-house-style) meeting on one of the following dates to provide feedback about desired amenities for the future:

• Friday, Sept. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Garner Recreation Center

• Monday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Garner Recreation Center

This planning process will enable the Town to meet eligibility requirements for a grant opportunity (the Accessibility for Parks Grant, administered through the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation/N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund). If funded, the grant would support a future playground on the site.

Rep. Ross, Town Officials Announce $1 Million to Support Downtown Project

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross—joined by Mayor Ken Marshburn, Council Members Demian Dellinger, Kathy Behringer and Elmo Vance, and Aristotle Spirits owner Jake Howland—on July 22 announced $1,030,405 in funding for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Main Street-Rand Mill Road intersection as well as the creation of 59 new paved parking spots in Downtown Garner. Rep. Ross secured funding for the project earlier this year.

The federal funds will be used to develop a pedestrian plaza and sidewalk and improve stormwater drainage to prevent flooding. The new parking lot will transform an underutilized property into a productive asset, increasing accessibility and capacity for residents and visitors to enjoy restaurants, shops and more.

Between fiscal years 2009 and 2021 (the most recent available data), there was $23.1 million in public investment and $11.5 million in private investment in Downtown Garner.

Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. Lake Benson Park.

Join us for an evening of fun for the whole family with a headlining performance by the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy delicious food while the kids play in the Kids' Zone featuring activities such as games and crafts. Top your evening off with the best fireworks show in the Triangle!

Gates will open at 5:00pm. Parking on site is free on a first-come, first-served basis. A free shuttle service from South Garner High School will be provided.

Activities:

Food Vendors

Kids' Zone (5:00-8:00pm, free)

Garner Veterans Memorial Tours (5:30-7:30pm)

Performance by Joe Brown & the Band (5:15-7:45pm)

Performance by the NC Symphony (8:30pm)

Fireworks immediately following the symphony performance.

Shuttle Service:

Off-site parking will be available at South Garner High School (8228 Hebron Church Road).

Shuttles services are free and will begin at 5pm.

The last shuttle to Lake Benson Park will be at 8:45pm.

Shuttles will not operate during the fireworks show. Operations will resume at the conclusion of the fireworks to carry spectators back to South Garner High School.

The following are prohibited: pets, alcoholic beverages, tents/canopies, fireworks/sparklers, glass containers, grills, tailgating, drones, soliciting

Weather

In case of inclement weather, updated information will be posted on the Town of Garner website https://www.garnernc.gov/ and the Town of Garner Facebook page.

Sabrina Lewis Joins Garner Leadership Team as Human Resources Director

Sabrina Lewis will be joining the Town of Garner as the Human Resources Director effective June 20, 2022, filling a key role with the Town’s leadership team.

Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge to Garner from her over 13 years of experience in Human Resources, most recently serving as the Human Resource Manager for the Town of Apex. Her experience in Human Resources also includes service with the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Over her tenure, Lewis has led emerging HR initiative projects, oversaw employee relations programs, and administered performance management and improvement procedures.

“Sabrina is a passionate and engaging professional that will bring human resources expertise and effective communication skills to the Town. We are thrilled that she will be joining the Garner Team,” Assistant Town Manager Jodi Miller said.

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her master’s degree in Legal Studies and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Regent University in December of 2021. In March of 2017, Lewis received her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

“I believe in the power of professional connections and relationship building and strive to always be engaging and approachable with staff, peers and partners,” Lewis said.

While passionate about her work in human resources, Lewis also recognizes the importance of selfless service and restorative balance and can be found volunteering in several community organizations or spending time with family and friends.

Lewis loves all things Marvel Comics related, “I’m a self-professed Avenger, always ready to assemble with others to make great things happen.”

To learn more about the Town of Garner, please visit GarnerNC.gov.

Town of Garner Plans Special Yard Debris Collection in Wake of Storm

In response to last week’s powerful storm that swept through Garner, the Town Council has approved a Public Works Department plan to conduct a special curbside pickup for unprepared yard debris starting the morning of Wednesday, July 6. 

The plan calls for crews to make one pass through each neighborhood, so it is important that residents get their yard debris to the curb by the morning of July 6, Public Works says. The department also reminds residents that Town crews cannot pick up yard waste left by contractors who have performed work for residents. 

The special pickup will go in this route order: 

• Orange Wednesday route

• Yellow Thursday route

• Gold Tuesday route

• Purple Thursday route

• Green Tuesday route

• Brown Friday route

• Red Monday route

• Gray Monday route

• Blue Friday route

• White Wednesday route

• Tan Tuesday route

(See the Town’s color-coded route map.)    

The Public Works Department selected this route order to enable crews to begin in the areas that appear to have the most debris as a result of last Friday’s storm. 

In addition to the special pickup for unprepared yard waste, residents have the option of getting yard waste collected as part of their regular weekly curbside service if they prepare it in accordance with guidelines found on the Town website (see section on Curbside Yard Waste Collection). This option is available to residents immediately. 

Since Friday’s storm, Public Works has supported emergency operations with signage placement and has focused on removing debris from roadways. The department also has prioritized removing potentially hazardous debris from the grounds around Town facilities and in Town parks. Public Works crews are scheduled to continue this work as well as gathering up debris from right of ways and streets for the remainder of this week. 

With the Town’s annual July 3rd Independence Day Celebration coming up, Public Works will have to turn its attention next week to preparing for that signature Town event. The department will have the capacity to turn its attention to the special yard debris collection after the Independence Day Celebration and the Town holiday on July 4.  

For more information, please contact Public Works at 919.772.7600 or at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov. 

Garner is Creating Pedestrian Plan and We Want Your Feedback Via Survey

The Town of Garner is seeking community input for its new pedestrian plan. Your feedback will provide a framework for developing a safe and equitable pedestrian network for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

License plate reader leads Garner PD to stolen vehicle; juvenile robbery suspects taken into custody

Three juvenile robbery suspects are in custody after a Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) camera led Garner Police to a stolen vehicle.

On Tuesday, a Flock Safety ALPR camera alerted Garner Police to a stolen vehicle on US 70. A Garner police officer followed the car from US 70 onto I-40 as he waited for additional backup officers to arrive.

When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and led police on a chase through Johnston County.

Near the Johnston-Wayne County line, officers with the Princeton Police Department deployed stop sticks to deflate the tires on the stolen vehicle.

The three juvenile occupants jumped from the car and ran, but were eventually taken into custody by the Raleigh Police Department who connected them to multiple armed robberies.

Flock Safety ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crime by providing objective evidence that can be transformed into actionable leads. They capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces. 

To proactively prevent crime from occurring, the cameras will send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted felony suspect vehicle from a state or national crime database enters the jurisdiction. They can also send real-time alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected.

Flock Safety works with over 1,000 law enforcement agencies to solve hundreds of crimes every day.

Release courtesy Flock Safety

Town of Garner Wins Five Statewide Awards for Communications Work

The Town of Garner is proud to announce that staff won five Excellence in Communications Awards on April 29 from NC City and County Communicators. The awards were announced at NC3C's annual conference in Greenville.

First place : Promotional video: Garner Stormwater Bonds Video

First place: Digital external newsletter/blog: Garner Update e-Newsletter

Second place: videography: Garner Videography Entry

Second place: Public Service Announcement: Stave Six: Ghost of Dinners Past

Second place: Annual Report: 2021 Garner Economic Development Annual Report

Garner 2022-23 Recommended Budget Submitted to Town Council and Available for Review

The FY 2022-2023 recommended budget has been submitted to the Garner Town Council, and is available for public inspection in the office of the Town Clerk, in the lobby of Town Hall and at the Southeast Regional Library.

The recommended budget will be discussed during the May 2, 2022, Town Council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., and take place in the Town Hall Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers located at 900 7th Ave. in Garner.

Public Hearing April 19th: Town-wide rezoning related to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:00 p.m.

Hearing will be held at the Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers

Garner Town Hall, 900 Seventh Ave, Garner, NC 27529

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The UDO Re-Write project involves the creation of new zoning districts and corresponding changes to existing zoning designations across Garner.

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You may have received the following Rezoning Notice in the mail.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a UDO, and what does a re-write project entail? Answer.

• Where can I find information & materials for the project? The Steering Committee page.

• What does this mean for homeowners? See our Homeowner Handout

• Where can I find 160D materials? Answer: Scroll below or visit the subpage

• Where can I find the proposed zoning map changes? Answer: Scroll below or visit the website

• Where can I find the UDO questionnaire? Answer: visit the website

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Final Draft Articles - UDO Re-Write

• Article 1: Establishment and Administration

• Article 2: Nonconformities

• Article 3: Review Bodies

• Article 4: Review Procedures

• Article 5: Zoning Districts

• Article 6: Use Regulations

• Article 7: Enforcement

• Article 8: Subdivision - Streets, Open Space and Utilities

• Article 9: Design and Parking

• Article 10: Lighting and Landscaping

• Article 11: Environmental and Floodplain

• Article 12: Signage

• Article 13: Definitions

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You may still have questions regarding this matter. You are welcome to call the town at 919-773-4449, and a planning staff member will be happy to assist you.

Please be patient if the line is busy and try again after a few minutes. Staff will also be available at the customer service desk in the main lobby of Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.).

Extended Town Hall customer service desk assistance will also be available April 11 through April 14 and April 18 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will also be broadcast live that evening on Facebook and YouTube at https://www.facebook.com/TownofGarner/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/TownofGarner respectively. Handicapped persons needing assistance or aids should contact the Clerk’s office prior to the meeting at 919-772-4688.

Behind the Badge - Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith

A docu-series spotlighting the women and men of the Garner Police Department, as they share their journey into law enforcement, allowing us to see the person behind the badge.

Chief Smith joined the Police Department in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and was promoted to sergeant in 2004. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

As lieutenant, Smith commanded the Criminal Investigations Division until her promotion to captain. She led the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator.

During her career with the Police Department, Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team and now serves as Garner's Chief of Police.

via Town of Garner

Jodi Miller to Join Garner Leadership Team as Assistant Town Manager

Jodi M. Miller will be joining the Town of Garner in early February as an assistant town manager, filling an important senior leadership role with the Town.

Miller has served as deputy/general manager for Durham County since 2016. Her areas of responsibility include emergency services (Fire Marshal, Emergency Management and EMS) and emergency communications (in partnership with the City of Durham), as well as Durham County’s Youth Home and Criminal Justice Resource Center. She also serves as liaison to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Durham Detention Center, Durham County Courts and the N.C. Forest Service, a division with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Garner Town Manager Rodney Dickerson will make a final decision about Miller’s exact areas of responsibility for the Town in the next couple of weeks. John Hodges also serves in the role of assistant town manager for Garner.

Dickerson said that Miller's talents and broad range of experience will make her a valuable addition to the Town's municipal leadership team.

“Jodi Miller is an analytical thinker and problem solver who has a passion for local government,” Dickerson said. “She has an impressive background in a number of areas that will allow us to draw on her insights as Garner positions itself for continued growth.”

As a deputy/general manager with Durham County, Miller has helped lead implementation of a major organizational transformation that emphasizes a strategic governance approach using metrics and data as the principal drivers for decision-making. In addition, she has played a key leadership role in updating Durham County’s strategic plan and capital improvement plan.

Before joining Durham County, Miller served a deputy city manager for the City of Williamsburg, Va., for 16 years.

Over the course of her career, Miller has gained extensive local government experience in the areas of executive leadership, strategic planning, performance management, budget preparation and management, capital project development and management, economic and community development, emergency services, communications, human resources, civic engagement and innovation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented and dedicated Garner team and feel fortunate to be given the opportunity,” Miller said. “Garner’s future is bright, and I look forward to using my skills and experience to help the Town achieve its strategic goals and objectives.”

Miller sits on numerous professional and community boards including the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Credentialing Advisory Board and the Museum of Life & Science Board of Directors. She has previously served on the North Carolina City and County Management Association Executive Committee and on the national League of Women in Government board.

Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in public administration from Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy. She is an ICMA credentialed manager, as well as a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute and the University of North Carolina’s Public Executive Leadership Academy.

“Jodi is self-driven but also excels in a team atmosphere,” Dickerson said. “I look forward to her bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to this important role in the Town of Garner Manager’s Office.”

To learn more about the Town of Garner, please visit GarnerNC.gov.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Voters Approve of Four Bond Questions, Incumbents Kathy Behringer and Gra Singleton Re-elected

via Town of Garner

Garner Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Bond Program

According to Tuesday’s unofficial municipal election results, Garner voters have overwhelmingly approved the $69 million bond program on the ballot in its entirety.

Garner residents were presented with the opportunity to decide on four bond questions concerning issuance of up to $24.05 million in Street and Sidewalk Improvement Bonds; up to $35.5 million in Parks and Recreational Bonds; up to $6.5 million in Public Safety and Services Facilities Bonds; and up to $2.95 million in Stormwater Bonds.

Unofficial results show extremely strong support for all four bond questions.

“We are excited but also humbled by the trust Garner voters have placed in us to pursue this ambitious program that will lay the groundwork for Garner’s future prosperity and orderly growth,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said. “We will carry out the bond program in a fiscally responsible manner with the goals of maintaining a great level of services and a quality of life that is second to none in this region.”

Some of the projects that the Town anticipates funding with the bonds include, but are not limited to, the following:

• widening and improvements on the portion of Jones Sausage Road between Interstate 40 and East Garner Road;

• phased development of parks on the Yeargan property on East Garner Road and the Meadowbrook property off of White Oak Road;

• construction of a new fire and EMS station in a fast-growing part of Garner around the U.S. 401-Ten Ten Road area;

• construction of a splashpad in a location yet to be determined;

• sidewalk installation projects in various parts of town;

• and improvements to aging stormwater infrastructure.

Garner officials estimate that a property-tax-rate increase of 2 cents per $100 assessed value will be needed to help service the debt on the bonds. That tax increase is expected to take effect in fiscal year 2023.

The Town will issue the bonds in tranches over several years. Bond projects also will be completed over a number of years.

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Unofficial election results indicate that Kathy Behringer and Gra Singleton won the two council seats and will serve for the next 4 years.

Town Council Candidate Forum Slated for Oct. 11 at 6:30pm

The Garner Chamber of Commerce will host a Town Council candidate forum Monday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Garner Performing Arts Center.

The forum will be moderated by Loretta Boniti, senior political reporter for Spectrum News 1. There will be some in-person seating, but the forum will also be streamed on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

This is not a Town-sponsored event, and no public funds will be used to endorse or oppose any candidate.

Fall Unprepared Yard Waste Pickup Starts in November

The Town's 2021 fall unprepared yard waste collection begins the week of Nov. 1. During the fall cleanup, the Town collects any unprepared yard waste and debris (it does not have to be bagged or bundled) as well as tires (limit four rimless tires per residence). 

Residents may put items out curbside one week prior to the start of their scheduled collection week.

The Town will not collect yard waste or debris generated by commercial enterprises, nor will it collect large household items during this special pickup. 

Here is the planned schedule for this special collection:

• Monday (red and gray routes) and Wednesday (orange and white routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 1

• Thursday (purple and yellow routes) and Friday (blue and brown routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 8

• Tuesday (green, gold and tan routes): collection starts Monday, Nov. 15

For more information, please contact Public Works at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or at 919.772.7600. 

If you believe that you were missed during your collection week, please contact Public Works during that week to arrange for service.

Via Town of Garner

GPD's Capt. Lorie Smith to Serve as Interim Chief

Capt. Lorie Smith becomes interim chief effective Oct. 1.

Garner Police Capt. Lorie Smith has been named the Police Department’s interim chief effective Oct. 1 when Chief Joe Binns retires.

Capt. Smith, a lifelong Garner resident and 1992 graduate of Garner Senior High School, joined the Police Department in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division. She was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

As lieutenant, she commanded the Criminal Investigations Division until her promotion to captain in October 2017. She was the first female in the history of the department to be promoted to the rank of captain and commanded the Administration Bureau through December 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator and administrator overseeing the department’s $8 million annual budget.

Currently, Capt. Smith leads the Operations Bureau with oversight of the Patrol, Support Services and Criminal Investigations Divisions. She is also the department’s primary PIO.

“Captain Smith has been a dedicated police officer for many years and is certainly deserving of this opportunity,” said Town Manager Rodney Dickerson, who appointed Smith the interim chief. “She brings knowledge from her various roles in the department, and she has always been professional in my dealings with her.”

Capt. Smith will fill the top spot on a temporary basis after Chief Binns, who announced his retirement last month, steps down from his post with 30 years of creditable service to the Police Department. He has served for a year as interim chief and a year as chief.

During her career with the Police Department, Capt. Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team.

Capt. Smith graduated from N.C. State University in 1996 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice. She received her master’s degree in justice administration from Methodist University in May 2015 and is a 2018 graduate of the FBI National Academy (session #273) in Quantico, Va.

Capt. Smith also is a 2013 graduate of the year-long Management Development Program (session #25) through the N.C. Justice Academy, a 2014 graduate of the Administrative Management Officers Program (session #69) through N.C. State University and a 2014 graduate of the West Point Leadership Program through Methodist University.

Capt. Smith is active in the community as a volunteer. She has served as a board member of the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network from 2016 through 2021, with her most recent appointment as board vice president.

She has been a member of the Garner Educational Foundation since 2015, currently serving as the Scholarship Committee chair, and has volunteered with the Schools and Community Organized to Read (SCOR) program at Timber Drive Elementary.

In addition, Capt. Smith has been an active volunteer with the Police Department’s Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) since its inception and has served as a PAAL coordinator at Rand Road and East Garner Elementary Schools. She was recently appointed to serve on the finance committee, and as interim chief, will serve as the program’s executive director.

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit garnerpd.org and follow the department on Facebook, Twitter (@garnerpolice) and Instagram (@garner_police_department).

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner 9/11 Remembrance to Be Held Outside Town Hall

The Town of Garner, Garner Police Department and Garner Fire-Rescue invite you to join us outside Town Hall (900 7th Ave.) on Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. for the Garner 9/11 20th Anniversary Remembrance.

The program is anticipated to be as follows:

• Welcome and Introduction-Mayor Ken Marshburn

• Presentation of Colors-Garner Police/Fire Joint Honor Guard with bagpipes accompaniment

• Invocation

• National Anthem-Garner Fire Captain Don Johnson

• Remarks-Garner Police Chief Joe Binns

• Remarks-Garner Fire Chief Matthew Poole

• Special Music-America the Beautiful, Garner Magnet High Choral Ensemble

• Bell Ceremony-Garner Fire Assistant Chief Jason Hathcock

• Amazing Grace-Garner Fire Captain Mike Bishop (bagpipes)

• Benediction-Garner Police Chaplain Duane Calvin

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns to Retire Effective Oct. 1

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns has announced his retirement with 30 years of creditable service to the Town effective Oct. 1, 2021.

Chief Binns served in a variety of roles in the department over his long career with the Garner Police Department before being selected to serve as the interim chief in 2019 then permanent chief in October 2020. Prior to becoming interim chief, he was assigned as the department’s operations bureau captain with responsibilities over patrol operations, criminal investigations and special operations.

Chief Binns was the first chief to rise up through the ranks to become the top leader of the Police Department.

“I believe the Police Department is in a strong position with many capable leaders who will continue to provide excellent service to our residents,” Chief Binns said. “I have been honored to have been able to serve Garner for over 28 years and am very appreciative of the opportunities I have been given. Unfortunately, I need to focus on some personal health issues but am grateful to have served the Town and its residents over a full career.”

Under Chief Binns’ leadership, the department-wide deployment of NARCAN was instituted to fight the opioid epidemic, saving at least 22 lives since implementation.

The department received its national reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during Chief Binns' leadership tenure. Chief Binns also expanded the department's leadership structure to prepare for the fast growth and changes Garner is now seeing.

During his tenure, Chief Binns has focused on building internal capacity to meet the growing needs of the Town as well as expanding on programs and relationships that built trust and legitimacy in the community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Department has continued to build on relationships and programs that support community engagement.

“Chief Joe Binns has been an integral part of the leadership team over the last two years,” Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said. “During his year as chief, he valued community relations externally and professional development and officer morale internally. He continued the integrity and professionalism of what was already an outstanding, nationally accredited Police Department, but he also put his own stamp on the department by instituting key policy changes. His common-sense approach, combined with nearly 30 years of experience, served this community well and served me well.”

Town Manager Dickerson expects to name an interim chief soon. A search for Chief Binns’ permanent replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Jackie Johns Honored Posthumously with Stevens Award

Former Town Council Member Jackie Johns has been named the 2021 recipient of the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award, considered our community's most prestigious recognition for public service. 

Mr. Johns, who passed away in January 2019 at the age of 81, is being honored posthumously. The Town Council will recognize Mr. Johns at its Aug. 17 regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Garner Town Hall, located at 900 7th Ave. There will be a reception on the second floor of Town Hall preceding the Council meeting. 

Mr. Johns served as a Town alderman and, later, Town Council member for a total of nearly 36 years during three separate tenures. A native of the Auburn community, Mr. Johns was the first African American elected municipal official in town history and served as Garner’s only African American elected official during his entire time on the Board of Aldermen and Town Council. 

Former Mayor Ronnie Williams, who served as an alderman and Council member with Mr. Johns before becoming mayor, said Mr. Johns “was a true advocate for the people.” 

“He was the people’s politician,” Williams said. “He looked out for the interests of every citizen in town.”

Longtime Garner resident and community activist Helen Phillips had similar recollections of Mr. Johns. “He has always spoken for the community,” she said after Mr. Johns’ passing. “He was always trying to help people live better.” 

Mr. Johns was first elected as an alderman in 1973 and served four years. He then had a second stint as an alderman from 1979 to 1983. In 1991, he was voted into office again. This time, he would serve as an alderman and Council member until his death. 

Mr. Johns also was a member and deacon of Springfield Baptist Church in Garner. In addition, he served on the church’s Board of Trustees and as a Sunday school superintendent. He also was known to have regularly visited other churches all over Garner and to have made contributions to them. 

When asked about the accomplishment of which he was most proud as an elected official, Mr. Johns cited being part of the leadership that decided to purchase the land that became Lake Benson Park. Prior to its acquisition by the Town in the early 1980s, the tract had been farmland.   

Mr. Johns helped lead Garner as it grew and evolved in numerous ways. The Town’s population was approximately 7,000 when Mr. Johns won his first aldermen election in 1973. At the time of his passing, Garner had over 31,000 residents.  

Over the span of his service, White Oak Crossing shopping center was built; White Deer Park was developed and opened; Garner Performing Arts Center was renovated and rebranded; and the Town built a new Town Hall and police headquarters as a result of $35.7 million bond program approved by voters in 2013.  

Garner also was named an All-America City during Mr. Johns’ tenure, and he proudly served as a delegate with the citizen-led team that traveled to Denver to earn the prestigious national recognition in 2013. 

Following his passing, the community recognized Mr. Johns in a unique way. In response to a remarkable petition drive that collected over 1,000 signatures, the Town Council in August 2019 voted unanimously to change the name of Rand Mill Park to Jackie Johns Sr. Community Park.  

The park, managed by the Town of Garner’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, is located at 508 Rand Mill Road in the neighborhood where Mr. Johns and his wife, Lila, lived with their two sons. In the early 1980s, Mr. Johns was instrumental in persuading Town leaders to move the park from its location at the corner of Bagwell Street and Smith Drive to its current site, and to upgrade park amenities to include a ballfield, basketball court, playground equipment and picnic shelter.  

Just before the Council voted to rename the park, former Mayor Williams remarked, “I think it’s safe to say—and we have to believe—that Jackie is looking down tonight, and he’s pleased with what he sees.” 

ABOUT THE JAMES R. STEVENS SERVICE TO GARNER AWARD 

The James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award is intended to recognize people who have made substantial, outstanding contributions to Garner over a period of years. Emphasis is on service rendered over an extended period of time with preference given to nominees with 20-plus years of service. This is in keeping with James R. Stevens’ tradition of service spanning decades. Non-residents of Garner are eligible if the award committee deems they meet the criteria necessary to receive the honor. The award also can be bestowed posthumously, as in the case of Mr. Johns. 

Courtesy Town of Garner

Garner Partners on Purchase of Open Space and Wetlands

Acquisition will support possible greenway system extension and protect watershed

A joint news release from The Conservation Fund and the Town of Garner:

Today, the Town of Garner and The Conservation Fund announced the purchase of 86.5 acres of undeveloped wetlands and open space for future public access and the protection of drinking water resources.

Located southeast of U.S. 401 South and near other permanently protected lands owned by the City of Raleigh, Wake County and the Town, the acquired property borders a major tributary to Swift Creek, which is part of the Lake Benson watershed, a critical source of drinking water supply for Wake County. The site's wetlands and extensive floodplain provide a naturally vegetated buffer that helps to filter storm water runoff from surrounding upland areas while providing important upland habitat for wildlife.

The Town is eager to add the open space to its park system as part of Garner's Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Town officials say the acquisition could make possible the extension of Garner's greenway system, creating new trails that will connect existing parks and schools throughout southern Wake County.

“As Garner grows, we continue to look for opportunities to preserve open space and to do it in a strategic way based on our long-term planning,” Mayor Ken Marshburn said. “The Council and I were excited to have the opportunity to acquire this acreage because it fits well into our master planning efforts and will allow us to provide nature-oriented recreation opportunities, such as hiking, in the future. This land will be a great asset for residents, and its conservation also will help to protect our local drinking water resources.”

The Town partnered with The Conservation Fund—a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing conservation solutions that deliver both economic and environmental benefits—to purchase six parcels of land totaling 86.5 acres from Kay Boling Singletary.

“This project represents a rare opportunity to conserve a large section of undeveloped land in a rapidly urbanizing area that sits within a critical water supply watershed,” said Bill Holman, The Conservation Fund’s North Carolina State Director. “Land protection efforts like this are key to a comprehensive strategy for clean water and pollution reduction in the Triangle, and we are pleased to work with the Town of Garner to secure this site for future public recreational access and enjoyment.”

This project utilized funds from Raleigh’s Watershed Protection Program through the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative, the Wake County Open Space Bond Program, and the Town of Garner. Additional private-sector support from the Caterpillar Foundation was provided through a new partnership recently created with Conservation Trust for North Carolina to safeguard important local natural lands in North Carolina’s Triangle region through investments in natural infrastructure and land conservation.

“This is an exciting step in providing local watershed protection, and we are thrilled that everyone in the community, including Caterpillar families, will see sustained water quality and avoid nitrogen and phosphorous impacts,” said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Foundation president. “The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to be a part of this multi-sectoral collaboration as part of our focus on building resilient communities through sustainable infrastructure solutions.”

“We are excited about this project due its proximity to Lake Benson and the opportunity to partner with Wake County and the Town of Garner to protect water quality,” said Ed Buchan, Senior Communications Analyst, City of Raleigh. “Lake Benson helps provide approximately 20 percent of the drinking water to our 600,000-plus customers, so it is critical to protect this natural resource through conservation efforts like this.”

“Wake County’s population continues to grow. With that growth comes the need to protect land that preserves natural resources, wildlife habitat, and historical and cultural properties; protects forest and farmland, scenic landscapes, riparian corridors and water quality; and provides venues for outdoor recreation,” said Chris Snow, Wake County’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space. “This project can do all of these things.”

About The Conservation Fund

At The Conservation Fund, we make conservation work for America. By creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, we are redefining conservation to demonstrate its essential role in our future prosperity. Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states since 1985 to protect more than 8.5 million acres of land, including nearly 235,000 acres of beloved natural lands across North Carolina.