Newsletter about the City Council meeting of April 21, 2009

This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.

At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.

At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.

Here is a summary of the agenda of the 4/21/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.

Invocation by Rev. Bill Howell of Corinth Reform Church

Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of Proclamation to Flotilla Commander, John Gray and Vice Flotilla Commander, Phil Bowman of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Declaring the Week of May 16 – 22, 2009 as “National Safe Boating Week” in the City of Hickory. The Mayor
stated that wearing a life jacket reduces deaths by 80% and 700 people die each year in the U.S. The vast majority of accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment.

B. Special Presentation by Mandy Pitts to City Council of the Three North Carolina City-County Communicators Awards Received (Conference was held in Hickory) During the 2009 Excellence in Communications Awards Dinner Held on April 2, 2009. Mandy Pitts came before the council and announced that the city received three first place awards for "Printed Publications for Annual Report," "Special Events - International Springfest," and the "New Website Launch." Mandy announced that these projects would be submitted for national awards.

Consent Agenda:
Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 3 – 9, 2009 as Municipal Clerks Week in the City of Hickory.

Social - Approval of Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs:

The following applicants are being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan Program:
Brandi M. Maples 1676 Mack Ct, Blue Sky Ct SE, Hickory (up to $5,000)
Patricia K. Good 1658 Mack Ct, Blue Sky Ct SE, Hickory (up to $10,000)
Christopher J. Dale 630 15th Street SW, Hickory (up to $6,500)

The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program:
Stephanie Fortune & Jovan Hoover 428 3rd Ave SW, Hickory (up to $5,000)

Business - Approval of the 2009 Urgent Repair Program Grant, Assistance Policy and Procurement Policy for Submission to the NC Housing Finance Agency - Hickory Community Development Department applied in November 2009 for funding through the NC Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program and has been awarded $37,500.00 to assist a minimum of eighteen (18) eligible homes with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide $37,500.00 in matching funds available from the Rental Rehabilitation program income. The NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) requires the preparation and approval of an Assistance Policy and Procurement Policy

Approval to Apply for the NC Governor’s Crime Commission Inter-Agency Grant in the Amount of $135,629.31 - The NC Governor’s Crime Commission Inter-Agency Grant is in collaboration with Claremont, Long View, Catawba County, Newton, Conover and Claremont law enforcement agencies. The project will provide a Crime Analyst to work with the above agencies with a primary focus of identifying potential at risk youth and will unite a network of community resources in order to maximize the prevention and intervention programs. The project will include probation, law enforcement, schools, mental health services, employment agencies and community and faith based organizations. The Hickory Police Department recommends applying for this Grant in the amount of $135,629.31. The
City’s portion of the 25% match will be $6,716.00.

Approval of Subordination Agreement From Villas at North View in the Amount of $32,500.00 - The Villas at North View is located at 415 26th Avenue, NE which is an affordable housing community for people 55 years of age and older and is securing permanent financing with North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. This is a tax credit project and meets all requirements for the NC Housing Finance Agency’s tax credit projects. The City of Hickory is in third position with our loan to the Villas. Subordinating our lien in this circumstance will not change our position. Normally, these agreements go to the citizens’ Advisory Committee for approval, but the Villas need to close by the end of this month on their construction project and the CAC does not meet until May 7, 2009. The reason for the request is due to permanent financing of the 1st Lien. The purpose of the loan is to promote and assist affordable housing to income eligible people. Funds for the Villas at North View are provided by program income from the Rental Rehabilitation Program. The Villas has increased the tax value of the property by $2,308,700.00

Traffic Ordinances – Prohibiting On-Street Parking Along Both East and West Margins of 6th St NW From the Intersection With 19th Ave Ln NW East Approximately 2,620 Feet to the Intersection With 16th Ave NW - Parks and Recreation and the Hickory Police Departments identified problematic overflow parking during peak visitation periods at the Glenn Hilton Park along 6th St NW. Traffic Division determined that the street does not support parking activity at any time. Unwarranted parking activity has been noted, yielding considerable traffic flow and safety problems.

Ordinances - Budget a total of $550 of International Springfest donations in the International Council expenditure line item. Reclassify $6,500 of Library donationsAppropriate $776 for the month of March 2009 of Restricted Local Government Revenue and budget in the Police Department Overtime line item. Budget a $1,062 insurance claim check from Nationwide Insurance Company in the Police Department Maintenance and Repair of Vehicle line item for damage sustained to a vehicle on 02-24-09.

(United Arts Council-$4,000 and Catawba County-$2,500) as State and Intergovernmental Revenue Appropriate and Transfer a total of $163,525 of Capital Reserve-Parking Fund to the General Fund-Public Buildings Capital Equipment line item for the installation of a Municipal Video Surveillance System. Budget a $398 insurance claim check from Canal Insurance Company in the Water and Sewer Departmental Supplies line item for damage sustained to a fire hydrant on 08-22-08. Transfer a total of $34,000 of Water and Sewer Contingency to the Water and Sewer Pipes, Hydrants and Meters ($32,000) and Departmental Supplies ($2,000) line items transfer $8,005 of Water and Sewer Fund Contingency to the Sludge Composting Facility Interest.


New Business - Public Hearings:
1) Petition 09-02 – Rezoning of the Property Located at 1938 Wallace Dairy Road from Catawba County R-20 Residential to City of Hickory R-2 Residential - This 17.32 acre property is located at 1938 Wallace Dairy Road.- Should the property be rezoned as requested, it could be developed for the single-family residential uses at a maximum density of 3 units per acre. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission on March 25, 2009 conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously for approval of the requested rezoning. Cal Overby made the presentation. Property is in the city's ETJ. Near Braxton Gate, Waterford Hills, Zion Church Road, and US 321. The Petition was unanimously approved.

2) Petition 09-03 – Rezoning of the Property Located at 3011 N Center Street From R-2 Residential to NC-2 Neighborhood Core Commercial - This 0.449 acre property is located at 3011 N Center Street and is owned by Robert and Linda Palmer. Given there are commercial uses immediately to the south and east of the property and its location along Highway 127, the uses allowed in NC-2 district would be suitable for this property. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission on March 25, 2009 conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously for approval of the requested rezoning. Dave Leonetti made the presentation. Property is on HWY 127n. Across from Belle Hollow Shopping Center. Next to Bojangles and Bumble Bee Interiors. The Petition was unanimously approved.


3) Approval of FY 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan and FY 2009 Action Plan for Submission to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD requires submission of the FY 2005-2009 plan. Central to the City’s five-year strategy and Action Plan is the City’s mission to preserve its existing housing base, enhance ownership opportunities, and provide a quality environment which is conducive to the safe and healthy growth of its citizenry. Todd Hefner made the presentation. This is the fifth year of the five year plan. The total budget will be $471,373. Several projects were noted that are of a benevolent nature.

Larry Pope objected to the outlays. He says he will respect the decision , but says Exodus Homes has been funded for 11 years and there are other organizations that can't get a dime. He wants to see the same organizations stopped from getting money every year. He thinks in 11 years that they ought to be self-sufficient. He wants a limit put on the number of years that someone can receive money. The Plan received unanimous approval.

The Hound knows that Todd Hefner does an excellent job with the limited funds that the city has to work with on these benevolent tasks. The Reverend Longcrier runs an excellent charitable organization that gives people a second chance and requires accountability. I believe that Mr. Pope is barking up the wrong tree on this one. The money that Exodus receives is a pittance compared to what it costs to operate such an organization. $10,000 compared to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If Mr. Pope wants to find some money for these other organizations, then he needs to go ask why we are subsidizing businesses downtown with taxpayer monies. Money going to pay for signage, awnings, and landscaping could be redirected toward more worthwhile causes. Mr. Hefner and Reverend Longcrier are champions of Ridgeview and minority programs. Mr. Pope, join me and I'll help you obtain a truly worthy objective.

Departmental Reports –
1) Quarterly Financial Report - Presented by Warren Wood. Report is for the 3rd quarter. Freeze on vacant positions, Case by case basis on travel requests and spending. Purchase orders will be wrapped up on May 22 five weeks before the end of the fiscal year. The General Fund and Water-Sewer Fund make up 75 to 85% of the budget.

The General Fund - The city has received 76% of it's revenues at this point (3/4 of the way through the year) versus 86% last year. The city has spent 71% of it's budget. Revenues are $3.67 million over expenditures. Last year revenues were $9.65 million over expenditures at this point.

The Water-Sewer Fund - 65% of budgeted revenues have been received. 62% of expenses have been budgeted. The city is $1 million in the black on the Water-Sewer budget. Still down a little bit on the budget compared to years past.

Cash investments equal $53.7 million compared to last year's $46.8 million. That is excellent news, but interest rates are down. Really conservative on investments. Property Tax revenues are in line with last year $22.74 million 2009 versus $22.36 million 2008. Probably going to see a negative impact in the next couple of years, because of a lag that takes place on Real Estate trends (which are bad). Sales Tax (Local Penny) is $2.3 million versus $2.6 million last year. City has to pay $500,000 back to the state, because of the state's error. The Sales Tax (State Penny) is $2.1 million versus last year's $2.2 million. Investment Revenues are down 43%, Hotel/Motel Revenues are down 15%, and Building Permit Value has fallen 41%.

The Hound has previously stated that this city has done an excellent job with its finances. To be able to go through what we have been through the last 10 years and keep our head above water deserves kudos to city staff, Warren Wood, the Mayor, and City Manager's direction. We haven't received our fair share in Raleigh, yet we are doing better than city's down east that have had money thrown at them. That shows the spirit of what this city has always been about and what the majority of our citizens stand for. This city is indebted to those that have laid the groundwork and those that have maintained the structure of fiscal sanity.


2) Review of Tree Canopy Study Performed by City Staff - The project was started in 2006 with the NC Urban Forestry Grant to purchase software. City Staff has completed the canopy study for the city limits of Hickory using the 2005 aerial photography. This study gives baseline data for 2005, which can be used to map future canopy changes. Presentation made by Chuck Hansen and Tammy Teague. The city received a growth award from Tree City USA. Tree Canopy equals Green Infrastructure. The Canopy helps with stormwater erosion, air quality, wildlife, clean water, and energy conservation.

Hickory Proper consists of 32% trees and 42.2% open space. The tree cover is less than the desired 40%, but is not bad when considered with open space. Hickory's Downtown area is consists of 6.2% trees and 24% open space.

Numbers of some neighborhoods: Kenworth (36.9% trees/ 42.9% Open Space), Falling Creek (36.2% Trees/ 48.1% Open Space), Falling Creek 2 (30.5% Trees/ 50.8% Open Space), Moore's Ferry (23% Trees/ 50.3% Open Space). Newer neighborhoods seem have been designed with more canopy and open space. Ms. Teague gave some numbers that placed a monetary value on our Canopy. She also wants to prevent topping of trees. The arborists have planted over 2,500 trees over the la 12 years on public property. Over 2,000 trees have been given out over the last few years on Arbor day. This Saturday tree seedlings will be given away at Patrick Beaver Library in honor of Arbor Day.

The Hound believes that this shows that the Ecology of this area is not bad, as a matter of fact this empirically shows that it is good.


3) Progress Update of City of Hickory Recovery Act Team and Potential Grant Funding Opportunities - The Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed into law on February 17, 2009. At the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in Washington, DC it was suggested that local government agencies form a multi-departmental team to coordinate the grant and loan application effort for the Recovery Act on behalf of their city. Therefore, the City formed the Recovery Act Grant Team who have been navigating both the Recovery.gov and NCRecovery.gov websites for potential projects and the process for applying for both federal and state grants. Discussions have taken place between the Team and the City’s management staff regarding potential grants and their funding. In addition, tracking spreadsheets and website links have been prepared to keep track of a grant’s progress.

Ms. Surratt addressed "Opportunities" available through the Recovery act. Staff team designed to work on this in a comprehensive way. She addressed various sites available that list grants. Grants have been identified that the staff wants to pursue. Grants appear on a daily basis on these websites. Working with the communications group to do press releases when grants are applied for or received. Demographic information has been gathered so that everything will be consistent.

$144 billion in state and local fiscal relief (tax relief) include protecting the vulnerable, energy, infrastructure, and science. State pots of money have been broken into categories. North Carolina has received $6 billion out of $225 billion that have been awarded to states. Does not include tax cuts. Hickory has received $85,000 for a HUD grant and $198,536 for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. Hickory has applied for $87 million in grants and nearly 50% has been turned down.

The city is eligible to receive a block grant from the Department of Energy - the efficiency and conservation block grant program. We have to have specifics and meet guidelines to be eligible. The formulated amount we are eligible for is $209,000. Helps to improve the city's electrical bill. The city's website has links to the recovery act website. It will be updated as the process moves along.

The Mayor asked if tax relief was for individuals. Ms. Surratt said she wasn't an expert on it all. The Mayor said he didn't understand the totals. Ms. Surratt said there was fine print on the website and she talked about the bubbles on the web page. The Mayor asked how much was stimulus and how much was the bailouts of states that haven't done the right thing. Ms. Surratt said the Recovery.org divides allocations by agency, category, and state. Brad Lail asked if we could get some Private Sector folks to coordinate an effort for monies available to the private sector that might help the city ("Can we leverage those monies for the benefit of our city. Alot of SBA stuff out there). City Manager Berry said the city has shared research with non-profits. Alderman Lail stated that this was well organized and well done.

The Hound had so many emotions listening to Ms. Surratt speak on this issue. I wonder if Ms. Surratt has the paradox of emotions that I experience on this boondoggle. It is so easy to get lost in the size and magnitude of this monstrosity that they call "Recovery and Reinvestment." Her style, presentation, and delivery were excellent in this address of council, but her summaries seemed totally disjointed and nonsensical. Of course this program, in my estimation, and everything that has happened since last September has seemed to go against the grain of common sense.

I just can't see how chasing after this money can be labeled an "Opportunity." We are devaluing our currency at the expense of citizens with savings and investment income and we are creating debt that will imprison our future generations and steal their liberty. That does not seem favorable to me. That does not seem goal oriented to me. I feel sorry for the people in the city that are having to chase after this money. The people in this city know that we need help, but most of us feel dirty having anything to do with this money.

The funny part about this presentation was the discussion of Bubbles. Economic Bubbles are what have led to this economic collapse (Dot.com and Housing). I don't blame Ms. Surratt for not understanding the Dot.gov websites. Anyone with honesty will readily admit that they don't understand the blueprint, policies, or implementation of this program. No one at the Federal or State level understand it, so why should anyone from middle America understand it? Every day we see someone else near the upper echelons of government admitting something that they didn't understand about this program.


4) Award Bid to Carolina Video Security Incorporated for Installation of Video Surveillance System in the Amount of $163,525.00 The Video Surveillance System Project consists of entering into a contract with Carolina Video Security Incorporated to install a wireless IP-based security camera system consisting of 30 cameras in the downtown and Patrick Beaver Memorial Library public parking areas. The system would also have a fully functional public and private “wi-fi” capability in the Union Square common area upon initial installation. It would put the infrastructure in place for future expansion of both the camera system network and expansion of the “wi-fi” coverage along with possible integration of the current existing security cameras at various city properties. In late 2008 a staff team was established to look into possible security systems and their vendors. Following several meetings with vendors and reviewing proposals, the team unanimously determined that April 21, 2009 6 Carolina Video Security Incorporated met the City’s short and long-term requirements. The monitoring station consisting of two (2) 42” monitors would be located in the communications center at the Police Headquarters. Project installation time would be between 30 – 60 days and would include a three (3) year comprehensive warranty and service plan. The addition of this system would greatly improve public safety in the downtown and Patrick Beaver Memorial Library public parking areas. Additional cameras and/or wireless points can be added at a minimal cost in later years. The funds will be taken from the capital parking fund. Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the contract with Carolina Video Security Incorporated once the contract is finalized.

Captain Thurmond Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department made the presentation. The project has been worked on since late fall of last year as a result of several incidents that have taken place downtown and at the SALT block parking areas. A murder and a shooting had taken place downtown in 2008.

The system will consist of 30 total cameras, it will be IP based on a wireless infrastructure, there will be two 42" High Def television monitors, and the servers will be at city Hall. The system will be wi-fi, and camera expansion costs will be minimal. The two 120 degree stations will have a 5 to 8 mile range of reception..

The Police Department is looking to improve safety and security Downtown and at the SALT Block. This type of system will provide what Captain Whisnant described as the DNA evidence of the future. This system will help retrieve eveidence. The system utilizes motion detection and the data will be saved for 30 days. This system will help to monitor large scale events. The public wi-fi will be able to be utilized by patrons and owners of businesses of downtown. The equipment is non-proprietary so it is compatible with almost all equipment off of the shelf. This will help to network the departments equipment. Capt. Whisnant said that the department has received excellent service from CVSI in the past.

City Manager Berry Stated that the final contract couldn't be approved because Womble-Carlisle (the City's lobbyist) represents both groups. Mr. Berry stated that he had just signed on the waiver a couple of days ago and that their wasn't time to review and finalize the contract before tonight's meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

The Hound might surprise you on this one if you haven't paid attention. If you go back to my address of Council on February 17, 2009 you will see this part of my statement...He stated and I quote, "silly decisions by the big fish in downtown's small pond (too many bars, no variety stores, the closure of the Fresh Air, parking stupidity, the downsizing of the cops' presence just when drunks took over nights) killed downtown's traffic and my business."

I totally support those cameras on Union Square. I do hate that we are having to move toward the Orwellian philosophy of the book 1984, but out of control people have brought us to this precipice. I have been downtown and have personally witnessed some of the shenanigans that happen there at night and heard about others. It happens in many cities across America and those cities will also have to address this issue in a similar manner. Our downtown took 20 years to turn from a viable area of commerce into a bar scene. The market now dictates that it be a bar scene, because we haven't had leadership to keep it from moving in that direction.

The one issue is that I believe that the businesses on Union Square should have to support this expenditure with an assessed fee. If Union Square is going to be a bar scene, then we have to have security, because we all know that things happen when people get drunk. This will protect life, limb, and property.


Recognition of Persons Requesting to be Heard
1) Miss Kayla Stover of 59 Duke Street, Granite Falls - a Junior at South Caldwell High School Requests to Address City Council regarding the Foreign Exchange Student Program.
Ms. Stover thanked the council for inviting her to speak. She is trying to go to Argentina next year as an exchange student. She has been personally fund raising to businesses and corporations to help meet her monetary goal. She has 2 months to come up with $3,000 so that she can afford to go on the trip. She gave out a letter that described and addressed her goal.

2) Mr. Larry Pope Requests to Address City Council Regarding Community Block Grant
Funds. The Mayor asked if Mr. Pope had said everything he needed to say (previously). Mr. Pope said he did, but he would like to take another second. Mr. Pope asked Todd Hefner to come to the podium. The Mayor stated that Mr. Hefner had not asked to come to the podium. Mr. Pope said that when he met with the citizen's advisory committee that he had made a grave error. He had stated that Mr. Hefner had sat on the board of Exodus Homes and he never has. Mr. Pope said when he makes a mistake that he is man enough to admit he is wrong. He hopes Mr. Hefner will accept his apology.

***The Mayor announced that Z. Anne Hoyle is a nominee for Woman of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce.