City of Charlotte offices will be open on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 18.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) buses and LYNX Blue Line will operate on a Saturday schedule on Monday, Feb. 18.

Mandatory restrictions remain in effect for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities customers, despite welcome rainfall that has boosted lake storage levels. Duke Energy's revised projection states further water use restrictions may not be necessary before August. This is encouraging news for everyone in the Catawba River basin; however, it does not indicate long-term drought relief. Mecklenburg County continues to be designated in "exceptional drought," the most severe level.

Current mandatory water restrictions for Charlotte-Mecklenburg customers prohibit sprinkler use and/or lawn watering, pool filling (topping off is OK), ornamental fountain operation and residential car washing.

Customers still are permitted to water trees, shrubs or flower beds with drip irrigation, a container or a hand-held hose with spray nozzle attached.

Please help stretch our water supply for spring and summer by choosing to conserve.

• Reduce shower time.
• Use paper plates for a few meals a week.
• Flush only when necessary.
• Use towels and linens an extra few days to reduce washing machine loads.
• Dispose of food scraps in the trash instead of garbage disposal.

Visit www.cmutilities.com for information on restrictions and conservation tips.

--Developing Leaders for Stronger Neighborhoods

Join neighbors from throughout the city for an enlightening and energizing day of community building at the 13th Annual Neighborhood Symposium:

Saturday, March 8th
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. Tryon St.

The event provides opportunities for neighborhood leaders and residents to learn about resources, share ideas and network. For workshop descriptions and online registration, visit http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org. Also, nominate your neighborhood for the 2008 Neighborhood Awards to be distributed at the Neighborhood Symposium. Nomination deadline is Thursday, February 7. Application packets are available on the above web site. 

 For more information, call 704-336-2061.

Animal Care and Control has teamed up with the Charlotte Checkers hockey team for the Frosty Paws pet adoption clinic Sunday, Feb. 10 beginning at 4 p.m. When you purchase Sunday's game tickets specify the promotion code "ACC" and a portion of the proceeds will help fund free public spay/neuter clinics. You can purchase advance tickets for $12 online at www.gocheckers.com or contact Animal Care & Control's Melissa Knicely at 704-336-3627.

"Law & Order" and "CSI" may be two of the most popular television programs today. But you can go "behind the badge" with CMPD to learn what it REALLY takes to be a police officer. You will receive hands-on training, participate in open discussions and take part in demonstrations designed to foster an understanding of how the CMPD works with local communities so you can help your own community better address quality of life and safety issues.

CMPD's Citizen's Academy is now accepting applications for the Spring 2008 session that begins Tuesday, March 4^th. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout the duration of the 10-week session.

Individuals are selected from all areas of Mecklenburg County, and efforts are made to include members of the business and religious communities, as well as, local community leaders, elected officials and media representatives. Each application is reviewed by departmental personnel, and each applicant is subject to a general background check. Final selection of participants rests with the Chief of Police. All applications must be submitted by Friday, February 22^nd.

For more information call the Training Academy at 704-432-1631. You can register online at the Citizen's Academy Registration Form.

The NCDOT and CATS will hold a Citizens Informational Workshop to present TIP Project # U 209-B – Widening of US 74, Independence Boulevard from Albemarle Road to Idlewild Road. The project will include adding additional lanes, safety improvements and extending the busway.

The workshop is scheduled for:
Tuesday, Feb. 12th
5-8 p.m.
Eastland Mall Activity Room,
5471 Central Ave.
Charlotte, NC
(Enter Eastland Mall through Entrance E by the upper deck parking area at the former Belk Store)

Representatives will be available to provide information, answer questions and accept comments in an informal setting. Interested citizens may attend at their convenience during the above hours. The meeting is an open-house format.

For questions about the project, contact Wilson Stroud at 919-733-7844 ext. 310.

The search is on for the next chief of police and the City of Charlotte wants to hear from you.

The City is reaching out to citizens as part of the search for the next Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief. The City's Human Resources Department will use the public input to develop a profile for the new chief.

The City has launched a web page outlining details of the search, including a job description and organizational information on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Citizens can view the information and provide input on the characteristics and qualities they desire in a new chief at http://policechief.charmeck.org.

The final candidate will replace Darrel Stephens, who announced his retirement in November. City Manager Curt Walton plans to make a final decision and introduce a new chief by June.

"Law & Order" and "CSI" may be two of the most popular television programs today. But you can go "behind the badge" with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to learn what it really takes to be a police officer. You will receive hands-on training, participate in open discussions and take part in demonstrations designed to foster an understanding of how the CMPD works with local communities so you can help your own community better address quality of life and safety issues.

CMPD's Citizen's Academy is now accepting applications for the Spring 2008 session that begins Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout the duration of the 10-week session.

Individuals are selected from all areas of Mecklenburg County, and efforts are made to include members of the business and religious communities, as well as, local community leaders, elected officials and media representatives. Each application is reviewed by departmental personnel, and each applicant is subject to a general background check. Final selection of participants rests with the Chief of Police. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. 

For more information call the Training Academy at 704-432-1631. You can register online at the Citizen's Academy Registration Form.

Tune in Thursday to hear more about new environmentally friendly development trends in the Queen City and how you can get involved in a City-sponsored air quality study of the Charlotte area.