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 6/7/2011 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
Invocation by Rev. Bill Garrard, Retired from United Methodist Church
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming Wednesday, June 8, 2011 as J. T. Poston Day in the City of Hickory - Whereas, JT Poston won the 2011 3A State individual Golf Championship with a single day scoring record of 63 on the first day; and whereas, JT followed up with a second day score of 68 to win by 9 strokes.; whereas JT set the all-time scoring record for High School play with a score of 131 and his new record breaks the old record set back in 1937. JT was conference player of the year for 3 straight years and helped to lead the Hickory High team to 5th,, 1st, 3rd, and 2nd place finishes in the State. He won two consecutive State Championships and JT is going to represent Hickory well by going to Western Carolina where he will play golf. Yesterday in the Hickory High School shootout, he shot 32 on 9-holes on the Jackson course. Therefore on behalf of Hickory City Council, I do hereby commend JT Poston for his competiveness and sportsmanship and hereby proclaim Wednesday, June 8, 2011 as JT Poston day in the City of Hickory.
JT thanked everyone and the Hickory High School Coach talked about JT’s hard work and discipline and talked about Hickory High’s Senior class and the tremendous character. Mayor Wright mentioned that the 32 was 1-stroke behind the all-time record set in 2001.
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2010. This is the Sixteenth Consecutive Year the City Has Received this Recognition. - Mayor Wright stated that they are so proud that the city met the incredibly high standards for excellence in budgeting. This is the 16th straight year in receiving this award. Karen Hurley stressed that this takes a total team effort. - Mayor Wright stated that they are so proud that the city met the incredibly high standards for excellence in budgeting. This is the 16th straight year in receiving this award. Karen Hurley stressed that this takes a total team effort.
Consent Agenda:
A. Resolution – Cancellation of July 5, 2011 City Council Meeting - Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hickory that the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for July 5, 2011 be cancelled due to the annual tradition of canceling the first City Council Meeting in July because of the possibility of not having a quorum of Council as a result of the July 4th holiday and vacations. (This meeting in July has
traditionally been cancelled by the City Council.)
B. Write-Offs for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 in the Amount of $198,299.15 - In accordance with the NC General Statutes and the City of Hickory’s financial policies, a list of accounts to be written off follows and is submitted for Council approval in conjunction with the annual audit for FY 2010-11 as required by law. Fiscal Year 2011 rite-offs total $187,214.23; whereas, FY 2009-10 write-offs totaled $164,346.90. Accounts over $50 that are eligible have been submitted to the North Carolina Debt Setoff Program, which means we are continuing to pursue collection. Collections from the NC Debt Setoff Program for Calendar Year 2011 have exceeded $17,000 so far.
C. Work Authorization No. 09-05 – Talbert & Bright, Inc. – One Obstruction Survey for Runway 6/24 End Threshold Surfaces at Hickory Regional Airport As Required by NC Division of Aviation in the Total Lump Sum Amount of $16,857 - This work authorization includes performance of an obstruction survey, as required by the NC Division of Aviation, in order to identify any trees and other objects that penetrate threshold approach surfaces to the Runway 06/24 ends. The Federal Aviation Administration’s share of the costs is $15,171 (90%), and the City has a local matching obligation of $1,686 (10%), for a total of $16,857. A budget amendment is not required.
D. Request by Hickory Police Department for Approval to Apply for a Grant from the US Department of Justice to Assist in Funding the Purchase of 39 Bulletproof Vests - Hickory Police Department requests permission to apply for a grant from the US Dept. of Justice to assist in funding the purchase of bulletproof vests for police officers. If awarded the grant, the City will receive up to 50% of the cost (39 vests @ $700 each). Hickory Police Department is committed to improving officer safety and has a “mandatory wear policy” in effect, with monies being budgeted annually to purchase vests. HPD will
be notified after July 1st if awarded the grant.
E. Proclamation Declaring May 23 – 29, 2011 as “American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Week” in the City of Hickory
F. Request to Approve Appearance Grant to Dr. Steven Smith – Non-Residential Property Located at 256 3rd Avenue NW in the Amount of $5,000 - Dr. Steven Smith owns non-residential property located at 256 3rd Avenue NW. Dr. Smith plans to improve the appearance of the property by installing new awnings, painting and glazing of windows and the installation of new landscaping. The amount of the improvements is estimated to be between $12,000 and $18,000. Since both bids exceed $10,000, the applicant is eligible for the full grant. However, should the actual cost be less, the applicant would be reimbursed dollar per dollar up to the $5,000 maximum. On May 23, 2011, the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend grant funding in the amount of $5,000.
G. Request to Approve Appearance Grant to Paige Johnson – Non-Residential Property Located at 817 8th Avenue NE in the Amount of $5,000 - Paige Johnson owns non-residential property located at 817 8th Avenue NE. Ms. Johnson plans to improve the appearance of the property with new stucco work, creating a new parapet, installing new windows and lighting fixtures. The amount of the improvements is estimated to be between $9,600 and $11,245. Since one of the two bids exceeds $10,000, the applicant is eligible for the full grant. However, should the actual cost be less, the applicant would be reimbursed dollar per dollar up to the $5,000 maximum. On May 23, 2011, the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend grant funding in the amount of $5,000.
H. Request to Approve Landscape Grant to Gavin Mitchell – Non-Residential Property Located at 15 2nd Avenue NW in the Amount of $2,500 - Gavin Mitchell owns non-residential property located at 15 2nd Avenue NW. Mr. Mitchell plans to improve the appearance of the property by removing old unmaintained
landscaping and to replace it with new landscaping. The amount of the improvements is estimated to be between $4,879 and $5,288. Since one of the two bids exceeds $5,000, the applicant is eligible for the full grant. However, should the actual cost be less, the applicant would be reimbursed dollar per dollar up to the $2,500 maximum. On May 23, 2011, the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend grant funding in the amount of $2,500.
I. Request Denial of Appearance Grant to Michael and Nora Perkett for Residential Property Located at 813 Main Avenue, SW in the Amount of $5,000 - On April 25, 2011 the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend funding in the amount of $5,000 for a residence in a non residential zoning that is proposed to be converted by owners Michael and Nora Perkett into a bed
and breakfast. They had proposed to use the grant funds to paint the existing structure and to install decorative security fencing for an estimated cost of $11,300. The City Manager’s Office does not recommend approval by City Council. The residential structure sits between two (2) warehouse/industry uses, making it an unlikely place for a successful bed and breakfast, therefore having the potential of not becoming a B&B and giving funds to a private residence. While the CAC is clear in its intention to encourage improvement of properties through the appearance and landscaping grants, for what purpose and intent those funds are allocated should be closely monitored by City Council. If the subject property is verifiably converted to a bed and breakfast at some time in the future, the owners can reapply for an appearance grant as a viable commercial property as apposed to a residence that hopes to become a commercial property. (Pulled from the Agenda and tabled)
J. Budget Ordinance
1. To budget a $189 donation from the Catawba County Young Republicans in the Library Departmental Supplies line item. This donation is for the purchase of summer reading supplies.
2. To budget a $750 International Council donation in the International Council line item. This donation is for the 2011 International Springfest event.
3. To budget a total of $1,200 International Council donations in the International Council line item. Donations will be used to conduct the 2011 International Springfest event.
4. To appropriate $27,658 of Capital Reserve Fund Balance and transfer funds to the Fire Department's Non-Asset Inventory line item. This amendment is necessary to help pay for the purchase of scheduled replacement computer equipment for the Fire Department.
5. To appropriate $16,900 of General Capital Reserve Fund and transfer to the Solid Waste - Specialized Equipment Capital line item. This amendment is necessary to pay the contractor to paint the finish coat on the Transfer Station’s new compactors and all metal structure associated with the compactors. This is part of the Solid Waste Transfer Station project and should have been included in the original project.
6. To accept and budget an $8,175 materials reimbursement check from Mr. Anderson and budget in the Water and Sewer Pipes; Hydrants; Meters line item. Mr. Anderson contacted the Public Utilities Division about extending the water services down Wildlife Club Rd. in Alexander County and said that he would pay for the materials. Therefore; this reimbursement check is for the cost of materials that were needed for the extension.
7. To transfer $208,669 from Capital Reserve Fund Balance Appropriated to the Water and Sewer Fund Capital Water Lines account. This transfer is necessary to pay NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) for a Utility Agreement for the relocation and adjustment of certain municipal owned water lines along project U-2307AE in Catawba County, Eastside Thoroughfare from north of SR 1692 to north
of 1453 at the end of Springs Rd. This item was budgeted in FY07-08 but is just now being billed by the State. Funds for this agreement reside in Capital Reserve Fund Balance and therefore a budget amendment is necessary.
New Business - Public Hearings:
1. Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget Ordinance - Pursuant to NC General Statutes §159-12(b), a public hearing shall be held before adopting the budget ordinance. This public hearing was advertised in a
newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on May 27, 2011. Copies of the budget ordinance were filed for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Library. The recommended budget is also posted on the City’s web page, www.hickorygov.com. Pursuant to NC General Statutes §159-13(a), the City Council is required to adopt a balanced budget before July 1, making the appropriations and levying taxes for the budget year. The City Manager recommends adoption of the attached budget ordinance for Fiscal Year 2011-12.
Manager Berry wanted to show where the City has been over the past 5 years. We have gone through the Great Recession, which has been the most difficult economic times of our generation. This has played out directly in our budget. We have seen less than 1% growth in the past 5 years. In fiscal 08-09 we saw a deficit that is attributable to capital projects that were administered during that year.
This had a direct impact on the fund balance, but over the 5 years. It has remained intact. Money has been set aside for the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Project. Versus other cities, we do not see the City of Hickory looking towards bankruptcy. Two primary issues that are driving communities towards bankruptcy are their Debt payments are consuming Revenues and their other is their Unfunded post employment liabilities (Retirement and Retiree Insurance). There are 644 employees within the City of Hickory.
Five years ago, the City of Hickory was $7.6 million in debt and is presently $2.6 million in debt. In seven years, the City would be out of General Fund debt. There is a Caveat with the Convention Center, but it is Self-Supporting through the Hotel/Motel Occupancy tax. There has been a significant reduction of debt as a percentage of revenues.
The City is going to earn more debt than we pay. Manager Berry spoke of the credit issues that face the federal government. The City has gone up from AA- to AA. The Mayor added that this has come at a time when the debt rating agencies have tightened up.
The City is part of the Local Government Employee Retirement System. This is a jointly funded system. The employee contributes 6% and the City provides 4.89%. The City is not facing the liability. The Money is in the bank when the employees retire. The Mayor added that this does not mean that the money is not there to pay for every benefit. It means that with a normal range of earnings and COLAs that the retirees and the fund will be in decent shape for the future.
Manager Berry stated that the City has a very conservative healthcare program. There are 66 former employees who are still on healthcare insurance. The total expense for everyone is $291,000. Within the scope of the budget this is a relatively minor expense. The City pays 25% of the premium for those who retire with between 20 and 29 years with the City. The City pays 100% for people who have been with the City for 30 years +. This has been capped when these people obtain medicare. This benefit has recently been eliminated for newly hired employees.
Even with the addition 26 Public safety Employees including a Ladder Company in the Fire Department and Police Officers, the City is still down 40 employees (and 34 positions have been frozen). This has had an impact on other departments. Most of the other departments have seen a 10% reduction in their staffing. He does not say that in a proud way, because it has put some stress on the workers and as things improve they will be coming back to add some things back.
What impact has this had on services? The Institute of Government in Chapel Hill has rated the City of Hickory as a comparison to 14 cities of similar size in ten services that are provided. The City of Hickory ranked below the average cost in 90% of the services that were provided in 2010. For 5 consecutive years they are below the average cost in 80%. He then showed the phone survey from 2008 (by the Jackson Group) was very well received.
Manager Berry states that in the last five years with only a 1% increase in the budget we have done a lot. People might say there has been a bunker mentality, but there have been capital projects, the police radio project, Cripple Creek Fall outline… We have moved the city forward.
Manager Berry next mentioned the 2,300 jobs at 9 different businesses that created $109 million in tax bases. He stated that seeds have been sown, saplings are growing, but we need more rain. We need a better economy.
In 2011-12 he expects to see more of the same. He thinks we have seen the worst of it. He mentions the increase in Sales tax Revenues. The budget will not increase any taxes or fees. The overall budget is down 2% to $83.4 million. Operating funds are flat. The general Fund will see a slight decrease. There has been a slight decrease in county property values. Revenue Neutral Tax Rates should have been 51-cents, but they held the line at 50-cents. There is a plan to give merit-based raises in this fiscal year, but a couple more things need to happen first.
The City did not get selected for the recent round of Brownfield Grants. He mentions how we will have to deal with vacant buildings as a top priority. He wants to focus on technology. We are serious partners with other local communities to create a Multi-Jurisdictional Technology and Business Park.
The Mayor stated that a lot of time has been spent since February on this budget. The mayor is proud that they are going to be able to hold the line on taxes. In 2001, we were 2nd in the State in tax burden, which is property tax plus sales tax. Today we are 15th, which is right in the middle. He states that we have tried to keep from being an unfair burden to tax payers. Alderman Meisner stated that this has been done without citizens receiving any noticeable reduction in services. Alderman Lail stated that this is the first year in a while that City fees have not been increased and this has been done with the understanding of how difficult things are for citizens at this point in time.
The Hound constantly talks about the issue of Austerity. There are people who actually think that austerity is good, but austerity impedes growth. You have to invest in the future in order to have one. What we have seen is that most of the investment within this community has come from outside governmental sources. That isn't all bad, because the City has used monies, such as stimulus, to be able to leverage capital and maximize investment in certain infrastructure to move forward. It is easy to see that the city does think through investments and attempts to always get the most bang for the buck.
What one needs to realize is that, in terms of real dollars, the overall budget has fallen drastically over the five years. When looking at the Consumer Price Index, one sees that the revenues in real terms have actually fallen dramatically. In today's dollars the actual 2006-07 revenues ($42.9 million) would be $47.9 million and the projection for the upcoming year is $42.8 million. This means that in real terms the city has lost nearly 12% of its revenues during this timespan.
In terms of expenditures the actual 2006-07 expenditures ($39.9 million) would be $44.5 million and the projection for the upcoming year is $42.8 million. This means that in real terms the city has lowered its expenditures by nearly 4% of in this timespan. So in real terms the City has (negatively) increased its spread of General Fund revenues over expenditures by 8%.
To get a big picture analysis of Economics, you have to look at the element of inflation in the system. In 2006-07, the proposed budget was $76 million. In today's dollars that would be $84.8 million. We see that the proposed 2011-12 budget is $83.4. That is a 1.7% reduction compared to the budget of five years ago, which 1.7% is not a drastic shift. What we see through all of this is that the budget is definitely being kept in line, which is excellent. The problem is that if Revenues stay on this path, a 12% reduction in real terms, then even more drastic cuts in services offered are definitely going to have to be made.
In looking at ways to begin growing City Revenues, one must realize that property values are going to remain stagnant at best. The only way to raise revenues will be to bring money generated from Sales back up. The only way to do that is to get people spending and the only way to do that is to increase the city's Employment capacity. It is obvious, that is what is going to have to be worked on to get back on a path to progress. We have to get good paying jobs back in our local economy or we can't raise that sales tax and that is the only thing that can improve budgets 5 years plus down the line. This is not cup half full or empty. This is reality.
2. Continuation of Public Hearing of May 17, 2011 – Proposed Ward Boundary Map Based on the 2010 Federal Census Results and Approval of Resolution At its April 5, 2011 meeting, City Council received an initial (Alternative 1) map showing ward boundary changes which would balance each ward’s population
based on the 2010 Census. City Council designated a subcommittee (Wright, Fox, Meisner) to analyze ward boundaries and recommend changes to City Council. Feedback from the Council meeting was used to develop Alternative 2, and the subcommittee met in open session on April 26, 2011. Alternative 2 was
further refined to keep Planning Commission Members in their wards and takes into consideration City Council Members’ comments. Alternative 3 was developed, and the subcommittee met in open session on May 6, 2011. The subcommittee recommended Alternative 3 for City Council to receive public input
at the public hearing and consider adoption of the requisite resolution. At the May 17, 2011 meeting, Attorney Allison Riggs, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, presented an alternative ward redistricting map for City Council consideration. City Council unanimously voted to continue the public hearing to June 7, 2011. Further, Council directed that another meeting of the Subcommittee on Ward Redistricting be held prior to the June 7th Council Meeting. The subcommittee met in open session on May 25, 2011 and reviewed the option presented by Attorney Allison Riggs, Southern Coalition for Social Justice. Alternative 3 was unanimously approved and recommended to City Council for consideration along with the requisite resolution.
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of June 7, 2011 -- Addendum on "The Newly Proposed Ward Boundary Map"
Save Democracy at the local level meeting - June 11, 2011 - 10am to Noon
SAVE DEMOCRACY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN HICKORY, NC All interested groups and citizens are invited to a citywide coalition meeting of
CITIZENS FOR EQUITY IN GOVERNMENT - Saturday, June 11, 2011 -10:00 am to Noon
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library Meeting Room, 375 3rd Street NE, Hickory, NC 28602
Contact: Billy Sudderth, 828 308 4669
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Consideration of Offer to Purchase and Contract for Property Owned by Joe Robert LaFone, Sr. Heirs Located at 230 3rd Street, SW in the Amount of $16,000 - Staff requests consideration to purchase a .46 acre vacant lot owned by Joe Robert LaFone, Sr. Heirs located at 230 3rd Street, SW. The property is adjacent to 6.59 acres owned by the City of Hickory and could potentially be used for expansion of the Hickory Police Department. The offer is based on an asking price of $16,000 and a tax value of $10,000. Chief Tom Adkins made the presentation and went over the above information. The Council unanimously consented.
No comments:
Post a Comment