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Here is a summary of the agenda of the 11/15/2011 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. Charles Kyker, Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church
Consent Agenda:
A. Call for Public Hearing - Ordinance Amending Hickory City Code Chapter 21, Section 21-13, “Use of Weapons” Regarding Firearms in City Parks (Authorize Public Hearing on December 6, 2011) This public hearing is required to make the City Code consistent with state law changes enacted in the 2011 Legislative Session.
B. Community Appearance Grant to Mayberry Partners, LLC – Non-Residential Property Located at 910 - 950 Tate Boulevard, SE in the Amount of $3,000 - This non-residential property, owned by Mayberry Partners, LLC, is located at 910 – 950 Tate Boulevard, SE. The applicants plan to purchase and place a sculpture on the property, including the installation of appropriate lighting. These properties are located within the Commercial Revitalization Area, and as such, are eligible to receive funding under the Appearance Grant Program. Prior to making its recommendation to City Council, the Community Appearance Commission requested the sculpture be reviewed by the Public Art Commission, which resulted in positive comments. The total cost for purchase and placement of the sculpture is $6,000, including an allowance for lighting. Given the standard 50/50 match, the proposal is eligible for an appearance grant in the amount of $3,000. On October 24, 2011, the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend grant funding in the amount of $3,000.
C. Landscape Grant to Ryan Lovern (Fever Properties, LLC) – Non-Residential Property Located at 3031 North Center Street (NC 127N) in the Amount of $1,650 - This non-residential property, owned by Ryan Lovern (Fever Properties, LLC), is located at 3031 North Center Street. The applicant recently purchased the property (formerly, the Sunflower Nook), and the property has remained vacant for a period of time, allowing the existing landscaping to become overgrown and unkempt. The applicant proposes to upgrade the landscaping and add lighting, and has provided two bids which total $3,300 and $3,460. The applicant desires to go with the lower of the two bids, which would qualify her for a $1,650 grant, based on the standard 50/50 match. On October 24, 2011, the Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted to recommend grant funding in the amount of $1,650.
D. Approval to Apply for 2011 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Assessment Grants (Hazardous Materials Grant - $200,000 and Petroleum Grant - $200,000) - The Planning and Development Department requests approval to apply for 2011 US EPA Brownfield Assessment Grants as follows: Hazardous Materials Grant - $200,000 and Petroleum Grant - $200,000. There is no required local match, and the grants are 100% federally funded. The application deadline is November 28, 2011.
E. Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Hickory and Catawba County Regarding the County’s Voluntary Agricultural District Program - The City of Hickory has been asked to partner with Catawba County in an effort to support agriculture in our region. The Catawba County Board of Commissioners has adopted an ordinance establishing voluntary agricultural districts. This program is modeled after a state statute which gives local governments the authority to establish a program that recognizes working farms and other agricultural land as a benefit to the area. Since the program is county-wide, city residents with tracts of land that meet the minimum qualifications can enter into the program. The program is completely voluntary, does not involve zoning regulations, and agricultural uses are provided specific benefits that normally would not be available. Participants who meet the minimum criteria are identified on official county maps as being agricultural land uses, and the properties are also eligible to be identified through the installation of appropriate signage indicating an active agricultural use is nearby. These identification procedures are provided to serve as an announcement to neighboring property owners of the presence of active agricultural operations, and are provided in an effort to curtail complaints with respect to odors, noise and similar items. Staff Members from the City of Hickory and Catawba County have been discussing the City’s involvement in the program. By agreeing to the Memorandum of Understanding, the City essentially signs onto the County’s program.
F. Award Bid to Carolina Paving of Hickory, Inc. for Paving of Portions of Center Street in the Amount of $159,906 ($58,000 in CDBG Funds) - City Staff evaluated the existing conditions on portions of Center Street and determined that portions from the railroad along South Center Street to NC 127 and from 3rd Avenue NW along North Center Street to 5th Avenue NW require repaving. Portions of both roadway sections are in poor condition, and without repaving, the condition will continue to degrade, and the cost of repairs will increase significantly. Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) in the amount of $58,000 will be used for part of the project, as limited funds deemed that all of the areas needing repaving might not be feasible. This prompted separating the project into two areas that the contractors priced individually. This particular project is a long-term upgrade for the roadway and supports continued high-level service to the area. Staff recommends that bid be awarded to Carolina Paving of Hickory, Inc. in the amount of $159,906, as a complete turnkey project to include all permits and inspections.
G. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs - The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on November 3, 2011:
Kenneth Knight, 1149 15th Street SW, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $8,000 for sewer and HVAC repairs to his house. Assistance would be in the form of a 3% interest loan for a 10 year period. Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental Rehabilitation Program income received in FY 2009 and/or program income received
through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program. Each of the following applicants is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2011 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency-related repairs not to exceed $5,000.
Vermerrial Bennett, 167 12th Street Court SE, Hickory
Una Hunt, 1333 13th Street NE, Hickory
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee considered these requests at their November 3, 2011 Meeting and recommends approval of the above applicants.
H. Application for the Use of Frans Stadium by Girls on the Run Catawba Valley for “New Balance Girls on the Run 5K” Event to be held on December 10, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
I. Proclamation – Proclaiming Sunday, October 30, 2011 as John Link Day in the City of Hickory
J. Proclamation – Veterans Day – November 11, 2011
K. Budget Ordinance Amendments
1. To budget a $58,000 Community Development reimbursement to the General Fund Street Paving line item for a long-term upgrade of South Center Street. The project includes the repaving of South Center Street from the railroad tracks to NC Hwy. 127. $58,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds will be used for part of the South Center Street portion of the project. The Street Division will use $101,906 of budgeted street paving funds in addition to the $58,000 reimbursement for a total $159,906 paving project.
2. To transfer $60,000 of Water and Sewer Fund Contingency to the Collection System Contracted Services line item. This transfer is necessary to pay KRG Utility Contractor for an emergency repair of 8" ductile iron sewer line. The bottom lining of the line is corroded due to problematic sewer; therefore the
repair is necessary.
3. To appropriate $7,196 of Restricted Government Revenue from the City of Claremont and budget in the Water and Sewer Claremont Division Repair of Equipment line item. This payment is for billable work the Water and Sewer department completed at the Claremont Plant.
New Business:- Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition No. 11-01 – Annual Process for Minor Amendments to Hickory By Choice 2030 and the Land Development Code - Rezone 56 Properties Along Highway 321 NW, Clement Blvd, NW and 9th Avenue NW from CC-1 Community Commercial to C-2 General Business - City staff has identified an area to be rezoned from its original designation in the Hickory By Choice 2030 Zoning Map. A total of 56 properties along Highway 321 NW, Clement Blvd. NW and 9th Avenue NW from CC-1 Community Commercial to C-2 General Business. These properties are located in Ward 5. The Hickory By Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies the properties as Community Commercial; however, at its October 26, 2011, the Hickory Regional Planning Commission unanimously recommended re-classifying this area as C-2 General Business because that classification is a better fit with both the existing land uses on the subject properties and the uses and character of development likely to occur in the future. The properties are currently used for commercial, office and light industrial purposes, which are permitted in the C-2 General Business District. Staff finds that it is reasonable to amend the Zoning Map due to the character of the existing development and future development that is likely to occur on the subject properties. Dave Leonetti made the presentation, which received the unanimous consent of the Council.
The change is sought to address the issues of vacant properties and the future proposed widening of Highway 321. The difference between the two classifications deal with building design and building placement. CC1 requires buildings to be closer to the street, which doesn't work along a 5 lane divided highway.
2. Rezoning Petition No. 11-02 – Annual Process for Minor Amendments to Hickory By Choice 2030 and the Land Development Code - Rezone Portion of 1415 and 1445 16th Street NE from R-4 Residential to NC Neighborhood Center Commercial - City staff has identified an area to be rezoned from its original designation in the Hickory By Choice 2030 Zoning Map. The request is to rezone a portion of 1415 and 1445 16th Street NE from R-4 Residential to NC Neighborhood Center Commercial. These properties are located in Ward 3. A portion of each property is already zoned NC Neighborhood Center Commercial. The proposed rezoning corrects a mapping error that occurred when the current zoning map was adopted. These two properties had been zoned NC-1 Neighborhood commercial in their entirety under the previous zoning map. The Hickory By Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies the properties as high density residential; however, the land uses on the subject property have been present fora number of years. Staff finds that it is reasonable to amend the Zoning Map due to the character of the existing development. Dave Leonetti made the presentation, which received the unanimous consent of the Council.
This redrawing of the map is meant to address a mapping error. There were GIS issues related to street numbering/naming.
3. Rezoning Petition No. 11-03 – Annual Process for Minor Amendments to Hickory By Choice 2030 and the Land Development Code - Rezone Six Properties Along the South Side of 2nd Avenue SE Between 2nd Street SE and 3rd Street SE from R-4 Residential to OI Office and Institutional - City staff has identified an area to be rezoned from its original designation in the Hickory By Choice 2030 Zoning Map. The request is to rezone six properties along the south side of 2nd Avenue SE between 2nd Street SE and 3rd Street SE from R-4 Residential to OI Office and Institutional. These properties are located in Ward 4. The proposed rezoning corrects a mapping error that occurred when the current zoning map was adopted. These properties had been zoned OI-1 Office and Institutional under the previous zoning map. The Hickory By Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies the properties as high density residential. This rezoning is consistent with Hickory By Choice 2030 because the properties are located along a major thoroughfare and act as a transition between commercial and residential land uses. The intent of the adoption of the new zoning map was to translate existing uses into similar zoning districts rather than
create non-conforming uses. The properties are currently used for residential and office purposes, which are permitted in the OI Office and Institutional District. Staff finds that the proposed rezoning is consistent with Hickory By Choice, and therefore, recommends approval. On October 26, 2011, the Hickory Regional Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the requested rezoning. Dave Leonetti made the presentation, which received the unanimous consent of the Council.
This is the northern boundary of Kenworth. This is also a mapping error that needs to be corrected. Future Land use would have this area becoming High Density residential.
4. Text Amendment Petition No. 11-01 – Annual Process for Minor Amendments to Hickory By Choice 2030 and the Land Development Code - Land Development Code Article 3 (Zoning Districts), Article 4 (Overlay Districts), Article 6 (Use Regulations), Article 7 (Intensity Dimensional and Design Standards), Article 9 (Standards of General Applicability), Article 10 (Signs), Article 12 (Nonconformities), and Article 14 (Definitions) - City staff is initiating on behalf of the City of Hickory a text amendment to the Land Development Code. When the current Land Development Code was adopted in February, 2011, Staff stated it would suggest minor modifications to the document on an annual basis to correct inconsistencies, ensure the document remains user-friendly, and help implement the comprehensive plan. The proposed changes address issues found by Staff in the implementation of the code since its adoption. Therefore, Staff recommends approval of the proposed text amendments. On October 26, 2011, the Hickory Regional Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments. Brian Frazier made the presentation, which received the unanimous consent of the Council.
Overview of Proposed Changes
• Changes to the building design standards in Article 3 to make them easier to understand and implement while still requiring high quality development.
• Corrections of errors and inconsistencies in the Use Table related to Drinking Establishments, Marinas, Duplexes, Daycares, and Schools.
• Changes to the manufactured home appearance criteria that will facilitate the replacement of manufactured homes with newer units that meet Department of Housing and Urban Development standards
• Changes to the use standards that address signage at nursing homes and the location of accessory dwelling units.
• Changes to the standards governing accessory structures that are more flexible while still protecting adjacent properties and ensuring accessory structures do not overwhelm the primary structure.
• Changes to nonresidential district setback stand .-irds to he mor( consistent across zoning districts.
• Changes that permit a reduction in the parking requirements for existing parking lots to allow for the provision of parking lot landscaping,
• Clarification of affirmative methods of compliance with the city's Iandscape and buffer requirements by allowing a waiver option through an agreement between property owners.
• Changes to the sign code regarding sign heights window sign.iae, directional signage, directional signage, high rise signs, and projection signs.
• Addition to the nonconformities section to permit the rebuilding of nonconforming duplexes. This is necessary because the elimination of duplexes as a permitted use in the R-2 district has created a number of nonconforming duplexes in these areas.
• Defining ground floor elevation. This definition was accidentally removed from the new code and its inclusion will make calculating window requirements much easier.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Request for Second Reading - Award Bid to Carolina Paving of Hickory, Inc. for Paving of Portions of Center Street in the Amount of $159,906 ($58,000 in CDBG Funds) - Portions of this repaving project do not have adequate drainage capability and will need to be milled to remove part of the existing asphalt. Also, the repaving of the section in the immediate vicinity of Frye Regional Medical Center will be done at night to minimize disruption to the hospital, and portions of that roadway section also require milling. Approval on second reading is requested in order to complete the work before winter weather sets in.
2. Presentation – Playground Design/Layout and Award of Bid to Playworld Systems in the Amount of $122,231 for the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground - That Will Be Located in Kiwanis Park – 805 6th Street SE - This community effort, spearheaded by the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County, has resulted in the collection of more than $170,000 from the community, businesses, foundations and grant funds for the Playground for Zahra. The playground will be in Kiwanis Park, which is located at 805 6th Street SE, just off Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard. The playground is to be built in the spring of 2012 utilizing a community build process. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Kiwanis Park.
Playworld Systems is the only vendor that provided all minimum play element requirements as specified in the Request For Proposal. Playworld Systems is also providing the City of Hickory with the best playground design. Therefore staff recommended that the bid be awarded to Playworld systems for $122,231.
The significance of tomorrow is that it would be Zahra Baker's Birthday. Site Solutions volunteered to put together the conceptual site plan. Request For Proposal were issued on September 28 and due back by October 28th. Due to the $20,000 grant from KABOOM, the RFP required that they be one of Kaboom's preferred vendors. Some minimum requirements include that all decks must be accessible by ramps or accessible stairs, the safety surface is poured in place, a glide-saw motion activity will accommodate wheelchair participants and able body children simultaneously, there will be a wheel chair platform and two other accessible swings...
The Hound thinks this is a very good effort and shows the role that public-private partnerships can play towards leveraging capital to accomplish Public/Quality of Life endeavors when a community works together. The Mayor should be applauded for championing such an effort and worthy cause. As was mentioned by Mac McLeod and others, this park will not only be a place for Hickory Children of all abilities to enjoy together, but this will be a park that will be enjoyed by people throughout the region. And it will remind people about the effects of child abuse and neglect on the specific victims, such as Zarha Baker, as well as the effects on our society overall.
3. Hickory By Choice 2030 – Proposed Map and Demographic Updates - When Hickory By Choice 2030 was formally accepted by the Hickory City Council in January, 2011, Staff stated it would suggest minor modifications to the document on an annual basis to correct inconsistencies and ensure the document remains up to date. The proposed changes address demographic updates with new data from the 2010 Census. Staff also suggests one land use map amendment due to changing conditions in the area. On October 26, 2011, the Hickory Regional Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the recommended amendments.
This is the same as the presentation made in Text Amendment Petition No. 11-01
Overview of Proposed Changes
• Changes to the building design standards in Article 3 to make them easier to understand and implement while still requiring high quality development.
• Corrections of errors and inconsistencies in the Use Table related to Drinking Establishments, Marinas, Duplexes, Daycares, and Schools.
• Changes to the manufactured home appearance criteria that will facilitate the replacement of manufactured homes with newer units that meet Department of Housing and Urban Development standards
• Changes to the use standards that address signage at nursing homes and the location of accessory dwelling units.
• Changes to the standards governing accessory structures that are more flexible while still protecting adjacent properties and ensuring accessory structures do not overwhelm the primary structure.
• Changes to nonresidential district setback stand .-irds to he mor( consistent across zoning districts.
• Changes that permit a reduction in the parking requirements for existing parking lots to allow for the provision of parking lot landscaping,
• Clarification of affirmative methods of compliance with the city's Iandscape and buffer requirements by allowing a waiver option through an agreement between property owners.
• Changes to the sign code regarding sign heights window sign.iae, directional signage, directional signage, high rise signs, and projection signs.
• Addition to the nonconformities section to permit the rebuilding of nonconforming duplexes. This is necessary because the elimination of duplexes as a permitted use in the R-2 district has created a number of nonconforming duplexes in these areas.
• Defining ground floor elevation. This definition was accidentally removed from the new code and its inclusion will make calculating window requirements much easier.
Context of Hickory By Choice 2030:
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of January 18, 2011 - Addendum Hickory By Choice 2030
General Comments:
***Alder Patton spoke about her mother's participation in the Hickory Police Academy and listening to the participants and what they got out of attending the 12 week course.
***Alder Fox gave appreciation to Mac and the Parks and Recreations Department's partnerships with Rotary and Hickory Landmark Society in the restoration of the Boy Scout Place. Alder Patton added that these public-private collaborative partnerships to (get people to) chip in and not rely on one person to help make this community better.
3 comments:
It is certainly refreshing and 'by the rules' to see those cards and letters still coming for request to use Franz stadium!!
The Baker playground is a great thing and I'm sure will be a life enriching facility for many. This may be the best thing to happen in Hickory this year.
It is a good thing to celebrate the life of a child with something that will bring laughter and joy to others. The travesity is that little Zahra couldn't enjoy it herself.
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