At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
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 12/21/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
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Invocation by Rev. Bill Garrard, Retired Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations:
A. Patrick Dailey, Executive Director of the Hickory Landmarks Society to Present to City Council the Newly Published Book by Author Leslie Keller Titled “Lost Hickory: A Compendium of Vanished Landmarks”
Consent Agenda:
A. Approve Proposal From Tharrington Smith, LLP for Legal Services Regarding Redistricting of the City of Hickory and Hickory Public Schools in the Amount of $10,000 - The City is required to analyze the population changes in its wards upon the completion of each Federal Census. In 2000 the City partnered with Hickory City Schools and enlisted the legal services of Tharrington Smith to develop a redistricting plan. Staff recommends accepting the attached agreement, approving the requisite budget amendment and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Tharrington Smith of Raleigh to provide redistricting services at a fixed cost of $10,000. It is anticipated that work will begin in spring of 2011 as census data is completed and made available.
B. Proclamation Recognizing the Romanian Baptist Church Choir for Their Christmas Performance at the Arts and Science Center Auditorium on December 4, 2010
C. Approve Future Annexation Agreement From Virginia Allison for Property Located at 2235 19th Avenue, NE - Virginia Allison has requested to be connected to the City of Hickory’s water and sewer system without being annexed into the City limits and agrees to be annexed in the future when the City finds it economically feasible. The Allison property is located at 2235 19th Avenue, NE, which is identified on the Catawba County tax maps by PIN 3713-12-97-8399, abuts the Parkview Subdivision and is adjacent to the existing city boundary.
D. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs - Exodus Homes requests refinancing of their current five (5) loans for separate properties by deferring all payments for one (1) year with no interest and paying the total amount due at a 3% interest rate for a 20 year period. The 1st and 2nd lien holders have agreed to the deferral. The City of Hickory is the 3rd lien holder, whereby the City assisted with the down payments on these properties. The total balance of the five (5) loans is $129,822.61.
Marcie Moore Franklin of 3309 7th St Dr, NE requests to subordinate the City’s second mortgage to BB&T due to refinancing of first mortgage
Richard Hamilton of 1724 14th St Pl, NE requests to subordinate the City’s second mortgage to Wells Fargo due to refinancing of first mortgage
Applicant, Whitney D. Payne of 1134 13th Av, NE is being recommended for assistance under the City’s First-Time Homebuyer’s Assistance Program for down payment and closing costs in the amount of $6,500.
Applicants, Howard and Debra Ikard of 565 9th Av Dr, SE and James and Nellie Lackey of 1031 6th St Ct, SE are being recommended for assistance under the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program for repairs to their homes not to exceed $10,000.
The following applicants are being recommended for approval for assistance under the City’s Urgent Repair Program:
Bessie Austin Amount not to exceed $5,000 30 40th Ave Ct, NW
Lydia Saunders Amount not to exceed $5,000 824 4th Ave, NW
E. Amendment to Traffic Ordinance by Designating Approximately 100 Feet Along the West Margin of North Center Street From the Intersection With 14th Ave, NW South to a Point Being Near Existing On-Street Parking Spaces, Currently Available as Unmarked, Unrestricted On-Street Parking, as an Exclusive Loading Zone Restricted to 30 Minutes Duration - The above described change would eliminate some unorganized on-street parking capacity currently between the street corner and several marked on-street parking spaces with an existing fire hydrant near the corner. This request was made by an adjacent property manager. Following the Traffic Division’s evaluation, it was concluded minimal on-street parking capacity would be diminished and that a desirable loading zone would be created.
F. Approve Change Order No. 1 With Pizzagalli Construction Company Regarding the NEWWTP Upgrade Project in the Amount of $23,608 - The Northeast Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project was initiated in July 2010 and is necessary due to the age of the facility. The City has contracted with Pizzagalli Construction for the upgrade in the amount of $21,569,383 with a contingency fund being established for unforeseen expenses. Change Order No. 1 consists of six (6) items including credit to the City of Hickory for McGill Associates, PA fees to modify existing erosion control permit; soil end bearing capacity testing; unsuitable material at lab building; excavation, removal and disposal of debris, hazardous materials at 6” WL and scrum pump station 2, totaling $23,608. No budget amendment is required.
G. Approve Change Order No. 1 With McGill Associates, PA Regarding the NEWWTP Upgrade Project in the Amount of $23,300 - The Northeast Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project was initiated in July 2010 and is necessary due to the age of the facility. McGill Associates, PA was selected to perform construction administration services for the project in the amount of $787,000 with a contingency fund established for unforeseen expenses. Change Order No. 1 consists of four (4) items including revisions and modifications for erosion control permit; landscape plan; post-construction storm water calculations and building permit revisions, totaling $23,300. No budget amendment is required.
H. Approval to Decommission and Permanently Secure Both Pools, George Ivey and Ridgeview to Alleviate Existing Safety Concerns and Liability Issues - Upon a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Council recently decided that the City should pursue alternative avenues of aquatic activities. Staff now recommends that the City take the appropriate action to remedy the existing safety concerns and liability issues associated with these two vacated pools by decommissioning and permanently securing them. Parks and Recreation staff and Public Services staff have worked together to develop a plan to permanently remedy all safety concerns and liability issues associated with these pools. This work will include the removal of pool infrastructure and filling in the ensuing void. All work will be performed inhouse, with each pool taking approximately one week for
completion.
Pulled from the agenda and discussed at the end of the council meeting - Newsletter about the City Council meeting of December 21, 2010 - Addendum to Decommission and Permanently Secure Ivey and Ridgeview Pools - (Click for DETAILS)
The Hound read where Manager Berry spoke of this being an open process in the Hickory Daily Record article covered by Larry Clark. I think the HDR covered this issue very well in that article, but I also think they need to ask some real questions of the Mayor, the City manager, and the Council on this issue and several other issues. It is time that the HDR quits carrying the water for Top City officials and starts carrying the water for the regular people of the Hickory area - its readers and subscribers, because people deserve both sides of the story. When City officials do good, then they should be lauded with praise and when they do bad, then they should be called on the carpet.
Open - (Definition) - relatively free of obstructions to sight, movement, or internal arrangementLook at the definition above. This has been anything but an open process. It has been a charade. Addison Fox (Sally Fox's son) and Elaine Seaver (Danny Seaver's wife) sit on the Parks and Recreation board. Want to guess how they voted? NO AQUATIC RECREATION AT ALL IN THE CITY OF HICKORY, EVER!!! And that is what you've got! No plan for the future, no alternatives, and the sentimental landmarks destroyed!
This thing was a railroad job from the beginning. Just like most of these commissions, councils, and boards; when an important study is on the table, the fix is in. Wonder why they can't get people to participate and accept appointed positions? Because the important positions go to family and friends and everything else is scraps.
The Charrettes were nothing more than charades. The "Powers that Be" thought that Joe Budweiser (representing the people who only want a La-Z-Boy, a six pack, and a ball game) was going to be against anything that cost money, but those people don't care about the community and they don't participate in any community activities of interest. People who care about this community are the people who showed up and participated in these directives. They care about the well-being of the community and they have vision. They can see the big picture. And as times get worse, more and more people are going to wake up to what has happened and is happening in our area.
Stop the Demolitions of Our Pools - The Citizens for Equity in Government is sponsoring a Demonstration and Picketing at the City of Hickory’s Government Center 76 North Center Street, on Tuesday December 28,2010 from 7:30 – 9:30am. Please support our efforts.
Contact : Billy Sudderth (828-308-4669)
New Business - Public Hearings:
1. Consideration of Proposed Text Amendments to Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 16.01 of the Land Development Code Pertaining to Electronic Gaming Operations - Due to the increasing number of Electronic Gaming Operations in North Carolina and the City of Hickory, the Planning and Development Department began conducting research by direction of the City Manager’s office. Staff found other local governments within NC were taking both proactive and reactive approaches to these establishments. There are currently eight to ten electronic gaming operations in existence within Hickory’s planning area. The proposed amendment would grandfather the existing operations due to the enactment date of the proposed amendment. A total of three (3) amendments are being proposed to Section 7.1, 7.2 and 16.01 of the Land Development Code. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission voted unanimously on December 1, 2010 in favor of said amendments. Staff finds the proposed amendments are consistent with Hickory by Choice and recommends approval.
Cal Overby made the presentation to the Council and went through the information provided above. In addition, he gave more detailed information. The First Amendment would allow a special use permit to be granted in the city’s C-4 and C-5 zoning districts. The second amendment would develop use standards. These use standards would mandate the number of machines per establishment (20) and the number of feet away from other types of businesses or facilities, such as 1,000 feet away from another electronic sweepstakes business, child care center, schools, residential zoning district... This would also limit the hours of operation from 8 AM to 10 PM. The third amendment would adjust the definition to fit within the land development code. This amendment will mirror the law passed by the General Assembly during the last session. In hindsight, after consulting with the city’s legal staff, it was recognized that the language of the general assembly should be added to the City of Hickory's language. The planning commission does recommend approval.
Ald. Lail asked a question about if the planning commission would sit as a quasi judicial board and determine if a special use permit is appropriate, would they use the criteria in the third amendment. Mr. Overby answered yes or and they would follow that in addition to the general standards for a special use permit.
Atty. John Crone stated that he wanted to add briefly that the types of electronic gaming that are contained in the city's definition are the same as those in the General Assembly Statute. Basically those types of electronic gaming have been banned in the State of North Carolina, effective December 1. There are pending challenges to the law that the General Assembly has passed. As such, they felt that it was necessary to recommend that if any types of gaming are allowed, that is pursuant to the city of Hickory's ordinance, it is the goal to earmark the location of them and designate where the machines can be and cannot be. That is the purpose of the ordinance.
Ald. Lail added additional comments about the possibilities of further establishing moratoriums to keep the city's language in concert with the General Assembly and judicial bodies. The Council passed the ordinance unanimously.
The Hound is glad to see that the City finally move forward with its Plan of Action regarding this form of legalized gambling. It truly needs to be regulated at the very least. As I have already stated, these machines are usually located in the poorest sections of town to prey upon those who can least afford the losses. At the very least, the machines should be regulated to make sure that there are fair payouts. We don't need one-armed bandit machines robbing people who don't understand mathematical odds and other factors that make these machines ridiculously profitable for their owners. Personally, I feel that these machines are a rip off and when people lose their money playing them, then they start crying about it. I have seen gambling habits ruin lives.
Departmental Reports:
1. Acceptance of Hickory Public Library’s 2011-2013 Strategic Plan - In January, 2010 Hickory Public Libraries received a $20,000 grant to develop a strategic plan to guide library services for the next three (3) years. Scope View Strategic Advantage was retained to facilitate the planning process undertaken by a committee representing the business and education community, the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library Board and staff. Several meetings were held and a citizen survey was administered. On November 11, 2010 the Library Advisory Board approved the strategic plan which defines goals and measurable objectives to assist staff in its decision making for both City libraries.
Judy Ivester, who is the chair of the library advisory board, made the presentation to Council. The board hired Bill Millett for his expertise in the area of economic development. Because of the financial crisis, they decided to restrict the plan to a three year time horizon. The new mission of the library is to encourage the exploration of new ideas and support local education; enhancing the economic vitality of the region and strengthening the sense of community, while enriching the quality of life for all.
It was decided to focus on five primary service areas: Adult services, youth services, senior adult services, the library as a community center, and the library as a driver of economic development.
This is not the plan that she originally envisioned in February of this year. She stated that in some respects this plan breaks her heart, but this plan is realistic and achievable and reflects conditions in which the library is operating. City revenues have decreased and there is a hiring freeze. The library begins the year with three key positions frozen: the reference librarian, who is also a trainer; the head of youth services; and programming and marketing coordinator..
The goal is to continue to provide excellent services, but the library is unable to offer all that they did when they were awarded high ratings in the 2008 community survey. The library is now open 32 fewer hours per month; some services have had to be cut because the staffing is no longer available to handle the demand.
Even though 61% of small businesses state that libraries are important in helping them get started, we can no longer support the fast track new venture program or other entrepreneurial business classes. This plan provides flexibility. If the economic situation is to improve, the library will be able to quickly move towards a higher level of services.
When developing a plan it was important to recognize the following truths. According to the Gate’s study, one third of all Americans use library computers to look for jobs and fill out applications, to connect with friends, to do homework, or complete online classes. 35% of the population of Hickory are now 45 years or older. Our graduation rates are too low. If the Hickory area is to compete for jobs effectively, then we must have an educated and up-to-date citizenry. Many citizens do not understand the role of the modern Library.
It is important to the retention of our citizen base, it helps to attract active retirees to the area, and it is important that we try to recruit professionals and potential entrepreneurs to the area. Quality of life is critical to large corporations like Apple and Google, when they are looking at facility expansion and for relocation purposes. Our library is an integral part of the quality of life package of the Hickory area.
Technology plays a bigger role inside and outside of the library. The board is committed to keeping the library technologically current. The library will promote the use of self checkout machines. The goal is for the library to have 25% of total circulation be handled by machine. The software program that handles the public computers has major deficiencies. If we cannot get the deficiencies corrected, we will find an alternative product. Today, 9,000 to 10,000 people use the libraries 51 computers each month. The 10,000 figure does not include people who come into the library every day with their own laptop to utilize the library’s wireless network.
Younger patrons get their information from and communicate by social networking. The library will continue using Facebook and Twitter. The library is also looking into the capability of texting. In 2012, the library will upgrade to Microsoft Office 2010. Debit and credit cards will also be accepted as a means of payment. The library also intends to add a couple of fax machines at both facilities. This will not require additional staff to maintain.
The library intends to give the patrons a redesigned website, which will support economic development and facilitate research. It will have such features as a business page which will help entrepreneurs start new businesses and establish businesses to improve and to grow.
By rearranging the computer area at Ridgeview, the library will be able to accommodate additional seating of wireless users. The library will partner with Job Link to help patrons who are seeking jobs.
Technology Garage: The Library made a start earlier this year by purchasing equipment for patrons to experiment with and learn how to use. Technology classes have been sellouts. Mary Sizemore and her staff will continue to pursue grants to allow the garage to be kept current with the latest technology that our citizens need in order to keep current.
The library is committed to providing computer technology that supports homework assignments, as well as educational gains. The library will offer and promote “Learning Express” online test preparation resources, as well as “North Carolina Live” and homework related resources for students.
The library has almost completed a much-needed 20 seat conference room. This project was funded by the “Friends of the Library.” They plan to offer a coffee bar operated by an outside vendor. Coffee and sandwiches will be available at the library for SALT block employees and visitors. The library must find available space for storage needs for outreach services, which are growing exponentially.
The library is looking to conduct an annual security audit in conjunction with the Police Department in order to assure the safety of patrons and staff. The library will maintain sufficient staff, who are well-trained and customer focused. The library will recruit and train volunteers to help with the homebound services, senior outreach, and performance of routine library functions.
Because of staff shortages, the library has had to decrease the number of adult classes offered from 200 to 95. The library is committed to providing programming that supports educational endeavors or skill set development; and enhances the economic vitality of Catawba County, fosters a sense of community, or encourages the exploration of new ideas.
In these difficult economic times, it is smart business for the library to join with other institutions to bring us programs that people cannot afford on their own, but the library no longer has the resources to handle. This plan encourages partnering, wherever feasible. One of the valued partners “Prime Life Adventures” that brought the Environmental film Festival and taught technology classes has recently been eliminated by Appalachian State University.
Mrs. Ivester closed by addressing the library as an economic driver, since this is a newly developing concept and many are not familiar with this as a library role. This says that the library will provide resources to ensure that our residents are fully prepared for life in a time of rapid change. Libraries have become important resources in the hunt for jobs at new business creation. Gov. Purdue has chartered the state's libraries to offer a program called job search strategies to help put the community back to work. The library will keep its career enhancement center up to date. If the Hickory areais to compete for jobs effectively, then we must have an educated and up to date citizenry. Library cardholders are offered a training tool called “Learning Express.” This provides training tools that enable participants to study for college entrance exams and the GED. It can also be used to train for a number of vocational certifications and advanced tests.
The library will also examine utilizing outside presenters to provide regular computer classes. It will also investigate utilizing foreign language instruction software programs on the public computers. Currently Spanish classes are offered with CVCC twice a year. We all recognize that our graduation rates are low, and it has an impact on our ability to attract industry. The Library is committed to supporting the business and education community in its efforts to increase graduation rates. Institutions with superior youth programs like the library, the Art museum, the Science Center, as well as the Western Piedmont Symphony youth orchestra can be used to show that kids who participate in these efforts will have a good chance of getting into the college of their choice. We need to tell the story.
The library will participate in efforts to promote the Hickory area and will support major initiatives targeted at active retirees, including professionals and attracting businesses to the area. They will also work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation to create brochures and a PowerPoint and other information that is important in promoting and attracting individuals to relocate to the greater Hickory area.
Alder Patton stated that she would like to commend the library and Friends of the Library for the collaborative effort to leverage our assets and she believes that they have done a fabulous job. Ald. Lail said that he can see that the board has worked very hard and the library is an important part of what you (Mrs. Ivester) do. The reality is that in this crisis, we can take some solace in the fact that we have some fabulous facilities. Mrs.Ivester interjected that Mary Sizemore and her staff is killing themselves. This plan not only retrenches, but in a lot of cases the staff is adding new stuff, because of the staff that they have. Ald. Lail added that a lot of things that the library has added are things that we need most desperately right now. Computers, technology, and adding space.
Ald. Patton asked if there was a time limit on individual use of computers. Mrs. Ivester stated that there is. Patrons used to be able to come to the library and utilize a computer all day, but that was not satisfactory. About two years ago the library went to a two-hour limit per day. This can be overridden for an important project. Alder Fox complimented Mrs. Ivester and stated that she thinks that this is a marvelous example of one of our commissions that have citizens that are very committed and roll up their sleeves and spend many hours looking at how we deal with the tough economy, and yet offer excellent services and our community is blessed to have two very fine libraries and a staff and commission that have a good understanding of their role.. The council voted unanimously to accept the libraries 2011 that 2013 plan.
The Hound can appreciate the job that Ms. Sizemore and Mrs. Ivester are doing with the programming of the library. The library is one thing that this community can be proud of. Mrs. Ivester gave an excellent presentation again. This is a thorough accounting of the mission and goals of the library. The lady left nothing out and there is no ambiguity in her statements. What you see is what you get and I think we all appreciate it when a presenter doesn't beat around the bush and try to serve up sunshine and lollipops.
Our library faces some severe challenges, but the library is in good hands. The people that I know who have utilized its services have given excellent reviews. The technology classes have helped many people become comfortable with gadgets and stick a toe in the water and become more comfortable with the technology before investing a lot of money in a product. And the library is leading the way in a new paradigm of education. I hope that the leaders of the library are left alone to continue its success.
2. Staff Report Regarding Function of Animal Control Advisory Board - The Animal Control Advisory Board was established by City Council in June 1988 by Resolution. Since the Board’s conception, the Hickory Police Department now utilizes an updated animal control ordinance revised in 2006 in order to have a more comprehensive way to address animal control issues that were not previously included in Chapter 4 of the City Code. In addition to enforcing Chapter 4 of the City Code, the Police Department continues with the spaying and neutering program along with vaccination clinics. Staff recommends adoption of Resolution to dissolve the Animal Control Advisory Board and to discharge the current Board members. Unanimously approved by Council.
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