Newsletter about the City Council meeting of April 6, 2010

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 4/6/2010 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 Garrard of St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Special Presentations:
Proclamation Presented to Ms. Linda Baker of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Catawba County Declaring the Month of April, 2010 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in the City of Hickory

Consent Agenda:
A. Call for Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Development Agreement With Turbotec Products, Inc. (Authorize Public Hearing for April 20, 2010)

B. Approve Proclamation Declaring the Month of April, 2010 as “Occupational Therapy Month” in the City of Hickory

C. Proclamation – The Community Appearance Commission Requests that April 17, 2010 be Proclaimed as “Arbor Day” in the City of Hickory - The Community Appearance Commission has been celebrating Arbor Day in Hickory by giving out trees to citizens for the past seven (7) years. This will be the eighth year that the City will officially celebrate Arbor Day, which will be held in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration at the SALT Block. The City of Hickory has been recognized as a Tree City USA since 2005 and by proclaiming April 17, 2010 as Arbor Day in Hickory, the City will be fulfilling one of its requirements for Tree City USA status.

D. Approval of Property Tax Refund as Recommended by Catawba County Tax Office to Joe C. and Mildred M. Teague in the Amount of $489.00 - Mr. & Mrs. Teague owned two (2) adjoining parcels and subsequently sold one to Raleigh and Margaret Frye. They later sold a small portion of the parcel they had retained to the Fryes and it was added to the Frye property. The Teagues kept .956 acres but in 2005 the portion sold was included in the value of the Teague property and the Frye property. When the Teagues sold the remaining lot in 2007 they continued to be billed for this small property. These records have been corrected by the land records office and verified by the Tax Collector’s Office.

E. Transfer of Cemetery Lot in Oakwood Cemetery From Jason Robinson, Successor Trustee of Thomas A. Mott, Jr. Living Trust to Steven E. Rhoney

F. Approve Resolution In Support of Letter of Interest for the US EPA Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program - The Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program offers technical support to communities that face barriers in implementing smart growth principles in their communities. City staff has composed a Letter of Interest to be reviewed by the US EPA which shows interest in studying the area between downtown and Lenoir-Rhyne University along the railroad corridor. The proposed project will analyze the vision of previous plans that reference this area and meet with stakeholders to determine what, if any, changes to the vision are necessary. The final result will be an action plan outlining infrastructure improvements, changes to zoning and design regulations along with other investments and program changes necessary to achieve the community’s vision for the subject area. There is no cost share match to the City to participate in this program.

G. Approve Vacant Building Revitalization Grant “Operation No Vacancy” to Armory Building, LLC for Property Located at 201 Government Avenue, SW in the Amount of $16,000.00 - The Vacant Building Revitalization Grant Program was established by City Council in September, 2008 whereby the program provides matching funds up to $25,000 for projects seeking to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings and the demolition of substandard buildings. Armory Building, LLC has applied for such a grant in the amount of $16,000.00 to assist in renovating the exterior of the building located at 201 Government Avenue, SW by installing a new roof, repairs to gutters and flashing and the replacement of window glass. The Redevelopment Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval. Alder Fox asked to have this item removed from the agenda, because she believes this application is for maintenance and the intent of the program is to fill buildings and not for maintenance issues. One other property owner used these funds for maintenance issues. This skirts the intent of Operation No Vacancy. Alder Patton stated that she would also like staff to look at the wording of Operation no Vacancy so that it is used for real renovation. Mayor Wright proposed that a moratorium be placed on applications not yet submitted until staff can get back to council with some clarification that will take care of this issue. Alder Fox stated that the Manager's communication, "Encourage new and existing businesses to locate in new and underutilized buildings, which opens the door to property owners having partially filled building provided maintenance. Acting City manager warren Wood stated that the threshold is 50% occupancy. Alder Fox stated that in the beginning that was not the intent of this program. We are loaded with empty buildings and we cannot afford to get into maintaining property all over Hickory. Alderman Meisner stated that it needs tweaking. Alder Fox asked that this revised language be provided in the next month. Item G was approved, but the moratorium issue will be placed on the agenda. Alder Fox stated that she only voted on this, because she let the first occurrence go through and she does not want to be narrow-minded to not go along on this issue. Item G was unanimously consented to. A moratorium was also agreed to be put on the Agenda unanimously and was agreed upon unanimously to clarify the intent of this program.

The Hound feels that Alder Fox should be commended for catching this. Many times we see this with these programs and I don't understand how everyone from the City of Hickory wasn't on the same page on this issue from the get-go. Property owners are gaming the system with the assistance of city staff, whether intentionally or not. As Alder Fox stated, we cannot afford to get into the business of maintaining everyone's private property.

H. Approve the North Carolina League of Municipalities Municipal Environmental Assessment Coalition (NCLM-MEAC) Project Participation Agreement - Participation in the NCLM-MEAC is to assist with NCLM efforts to analyze the proposed rule changes set forth by NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) in response to the Triennial Review of the Surface Water Quality Rules. Said participation would include a $2,000.00 one-time contribution established by NCLM and based upon population. The 2008-2010 Triennial Review has resulted in a set of proposed rule changes that NCDENR is recommending to make. The NCLM is very concerned about the ramifications of the proposed rule changes, therefore, the NCLM Planning and Services Technical Advisory Committee has predicted that the cost to NC cities and towns will be significant and potentially debilitating by severely hindering industrial growth due to stricter limits at the discharge points and increased monitoring of new constituents.

Budget Ordinances
1. Budget $108 ($83-Waldenbooks and $25 Quest Book Club) of library donations. These donations are for fiction books and a memorial non-fiction book.
2. Budget a total of $1,325 of International Council donations. These donations will be used to conduct the annual International Springfest event.
3. Budget an $840 insurance claim check from Bureau of Insurance of NC, Inc. This claim is for damage sustained to a police vehicle on 01-30-10.
4. Budget a $3,196 Fire Department donation from Factory Mutual Global and budget for the purchase of two digital cameras for arson investigative purposes.
5. Budget a $1,611 insurance claim check from Trident Insurance Company in the Fire Department Maintenance and repair. This claim is for damages to the airport engine bay door on 01-25-10.
6. Budget a $48 insurance claim check from Erie Insurance Exchange Company. This claim is for damages sustained to a fire hydrant on 11-18-09.
7. Budget a $560 insurance claim check from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. This claim is for damages sustained to a fire hydrant on 02-09-10.
8. Transfer $88,815 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the Water and Sewer Maintenance and Repair of Sewer lines. This transfer is to pay Hickory Sand Company for an emergency repair to a sewer line located in Oakwood Cemetery. The line is a 15 inch clay line that must be replaced due to the backup problems it's causing.

Informational Items:
Report of Alderman Guess’s Travel Expenses to the Essentials of Municipal Government Program in Charlotte, NC Held From March 19 – 20, 2010; registration - $325; hotel - $115.09; mileage - $56; per diem $17

New Business - Public Hearings:
Approve FY 2010 – 2014 Consolidated Plan and FY 2010 Action Plan for Submission to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - The FY 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and FY 2010 Action Plan is the City of Hickory’s five year strategy for addressing the housing and community development needs within the City. The Annual Action Plan is required as a yearly update to the five year Consolidated Plan. The five year Consolidated Plan contains three principle sections; an assessment of housing and community development needs, five-year strategic plan addressing those housing and community development needs and the first of five annual Action Plans that describes the intended use of FY 2010 Community Development Block grant funds received. Todd Hefner made this presentation. Two public meetings were held. One in Ridgeview and one at the Whitener building, in which these plans were discussed and formulated. HUD has allotted $345,255 in block grants to Hickory. Mr. Hefner pointed out the fact that the largest minority population in Hickory is the Hispanic population at 14.6%. Housing inventories have increased by 10.2% since 2000. Of 18,426 housing units in Hickory, 5,806 are considered substandard. 5,524 household are less than 80% of median national income; 1,799 are paying in excess of 30% of their gross monthly income.

$477,255 will be allotted between Housing, rehabilitation, purchase, and Rehab Program $188, 981; Exodus House Residential Homes $10,040; Cooperative Christan Ministry Healthcare Center $10,040; Interfaith Housing $40,000; Soup Kitchen $10,040; City Refuge $10,040; ALFA $10,040; Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalks $60,074; Habitat $40,000; Fair Housing Activities $1,000; Contingency Fund $5,000; Program Administration $92,000.

Alderman Lail stated that The Homeless need is increasing and he knows that there are children attending Hickory High School that are considered homeless. Some of this addresses that, but we can make amendments to this. Given the default rates on mortgages, the Council may look at the allocations of this money. Alder Patton agreed. Mayor Wright agreed, but he stated that the children at Hickory High have a place to eat and sleep. They aren't in Tent Cities or cars and he related how his father lived in a similar circumstance at one time. The Mayor asked how this allocation relates to last year? Mr. Hefner stated that it is the same. Mr. Hefner addressed the issues of the Housing, Rehabilitation, Purchase, and Rehab Program which he stated pays for itself through the loan program. Delinquencies are around 3% and only 2 defaults have occurred in 20 years.

Larry Pope spoke against the issue. He is against the continuous funding of Exodus homes. He believes they need to be weened and become productive. He asked if they were continuing to be funded because they helped Hickory get the All-America City award. What city council doesn't know is that some of the residents have been involved in illegal activities. Alan Jackson presented in the last meeting Exodus Homes, because he is a member of the Board of Directors of Exodus homes. We have too many needs of other organizations. He asked the City Advisory Council if there was any discussion or if something was given to them to rubber stamp. He stated that he was told that all organizations that applied would be given some funds. It seems like it is the same organizations year after year. He was told that if it had been anyone other than himself that they would have been considered and discussed.

Susan Smith of Exodus Homes next addressed the Council in thanking the City for the partnership in reducing neighborhood crime, prison recidivism, and stabilize communities. Like all Non-Profits they are struggling. They are working with one of the hardest populations there is to work with in terms of homelessness. They are working with people who are returning to the community from treatment centers, jails, hospitals, inpatient programs, and prison. Without Exodus programs they would be homeless. They take people in who have had lifelong drug and alcohol addiction - lifelong abuse and neglect since they were children. The Hickory Police Department can show that they have reduced crime in areas where they are located. State Department of Corrections statistics will show that they have reduced prison recidivism. They are here and hanging on by their fingernails. This money ($10,200) is 1.5% of their budget. It is $1,000 less than they received last year. It partially funds their employment services. They put their residents to work so that they can pay for the services they are receiving. Last year they lost $100,000 in resident fees because of the incredibly high unemployment in this area. They lost 30% of their United Way allocation. They lost the mental Health funding they had been receiving for the front end of the housing of residents.while they are being stabilized. They captured $306,000 from residents through employment to help with the program. Otherwise they would be draining community resources, but instead they are being productive citizens. Every dollar counts today as a part of a Non-Profits budget. Exodus Works Social Enterprise is creating jobs. They have started their own businesses to create jobs for their residents, so they can work and pay their way for the services they are receiving.

Angela Herd City Refuge Community Development Center was the next person to speak in favor of this program. They are part of the Ridgeview community and are in their 7th year of operation. Over 250 children have been helped through their program through Summer Camp and after school programs. They feed the children three times a day. They take the children on trips. They have seen improvement in the children in schools. They work with other community partners to fund them. The money helps with staffing. They try to plant positive seeds. They are trying to move families from welfare to faring well. They are trying to turn these children into good adults. They deal with children 5 to 16 years old. Hickory Parks and recreation has worked with them.

Larry Pope rebutted by stating that the Temple of Hope is very vital organization for our children. he is not speaking against them. He is only speaking against one organization. He stated that Ms. Smith didn't tell the Council the whole story. The fees that they charge residents they received a grant for. So they are double dipping. They don't do one earthly thing when residents leave the program or graduate from the program to help them. All of the furniture that is donated to the program is sold. He stated that he has had people from the program come to him about obtaining furniture. He stated that he asked them if they asked about helping get set up in their new apartment. He stated that these people were told that they would have to buy it (furniture). C&L salvage houses this furniture and clothing. They don't help the residents. They have to buy it. This is unfair. They have yard sales every weekend. Why not help the people who graduate from the program. Other programs of similar works cannot get money, because the city has been committed to Exodus. He stated that money from Cognitive Connection was stopped because of him asking questions. He stated that the money was not being used for its intended purpose - paying rent for the first two to three weeks of a residents rent. They were keeping the money and not applying it to that account. He stated that they were taking every dime they earn, keep them down, and do nothing to help them get ahead.

Susan Smith rebutted and reiterated the commitment to working and that paying your way is good with your recovery. She stated that the system is fair and it helps people be responsible and have discipline with their finances. They don't take all of anyone's paycheck. It is usually 50% to 60% and that is an all inclusive fee which includes everything. It's a program, not just a place to stay. They spend quite a bit of money accounting for the finances of Exodus homes. They do have a business manager and a CPA. Their finances are scrutinized minutely. They have proven themselves to be responsible with their money from residents and other funders. The residents do have disposable income and when they do the things that people do with their other income, it is good for the community. It is a worthy endeavor. She stated that anything donated in excess goes into the warehouse. It is sold. When someone graduates from the program, they work with them, they do pay a small amount for furnishings, but she sees nothing wrong with people paying if they can afford it. If they can't, then they will certainly work with them to help them get what they need. They work off of a model of personal responsibility and they think that is a good thing. The number of successful graduates of the program is proof of the effectiveness of the program. They operate as an open book.

Alder Patton stated that she was at the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting. There was a review of the agencies that applied and there was a discussion of it and she believes that they did a good job. Alderman Seaver asked how many applications were submitted - nine? Alder Patton affirmed and stated that some didn't have documentation or weren't properly filled out; there were various reasons (why they were turned down). Council Unanimously consented.

The Hound believes that the city has done an excellent job in administering these limited resources towards benevolent goals. I don't know what is behind Mr. Pope's grievances towards Exodus Homes, but I do believe in Reverend Longcrier's mission and I believe he 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.

As far as the issues with Exodus homes that Mr. Pope mentioned, I believe that they could be valid, but I do believe that Ms. Smith addressed them appropriately. Sometimes people don't properly respect the process of being given a second chance and I believe there will always be examples of people taking advantage of the system, but Exodus is just a facilitator. As I have heard stated about other positive charitable organizations, they are there to lend a hand up, not a hand out.

The money that Exodus receives is a pittance compared to what it costs to operate such an organization. $10,040 compared to hundreds of thousands of dollars. As Ms. Smith stated, this is 1.5% of their total operating budget. Times are really tight and I truly believe that will be brought to bear with the city's next budget. Priorities are definitely going to have to be fully examined, but I believe that these are worthwhile objectives and I can't go along with Mr. Pope on this issue.

Departmental Reports:
Accept Offer to Purchase and Contract and Adopt Resolution Authorizing the Sale of City-Owned Property Located in Green Park at 5th Avenue, SW to Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley in the Amount of $60,500 - The offer is from Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley for City owned property located in Green Park at 5th Avenue, SW. The property will be used to build eleven homes and will range in size from 1100 to 1400 sq. ft with three to four bedrooms with values of approximately $112,000. The property received two appraisals of $54,000 and $67,000 and the offer presented by Habitat for Humanity is an average of those appraisals. Habitat for Humanity would pay the City of Hickory eleven equal payments of $5,454.54 as lots are sold at 0% interest. Sale of this property will promote City Council’s goal of providing affordable housing within Hickory. Staff recommends acceptance of Offer to Purchase, adoption of Resolution and authorization to advertise for upset bids. Todd Hefner made the presentation.There will be eleven lots coming in off of 5th avenue and will have a street and a circle. Once the property is sold, the city has plans to put in infrastructure. The houses will be similar to the houses built on South Center street and First street.

Alderman Meisner asked what the property bought for 5 years ago? Mr. Hefner stated that it was purchased for approximately $135,000. Originally it was R-5 and this would allow 72 units. The Hatched area across from the lots will not be transferred. This was originally a city project, but that would be to expensive, because the city would have to comply with the Davis-Bacon act (wage law), which would have considerably increased the cost of the project. Alderman Lail stated that he would like this vetted with the Green Park neighborhood prior to making a decision. Mr. Hefner stated that this must be advertised for 10 days, for the upset bid process, before it comes back to the city for approval. Alderman Meisner stated that he couldn't see why anyone would object when you compare 77 units to 11 houses and a lot of open space. The Mayor stated that this is an excellent opportunity for some affordable housing. This motion was given unanimous approval.

*** Alderman Seaver talked about the possibility of a neighborhood summit to get more citizens involved. Alder Patton stated that she talked with some people in the Ridgeview community and they believe that this is an excellent idea also to invite some external agencies to let residents know what is available to them and what is already offered.

*** The Mayor talked about the kids at Hickory High who are technically homeless. Imagine the lack of security they have. We have to let them know that there is a fallback. He doesn't know whether it would come through the schools or the city. The city doesn't need to to get into providing housing for the homeless. Adults understand the rules of the game, but maybe the young people don't know.