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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of August 6, 2013

I began recording the City Council late last year, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.

So below is the City Council meeting. Beside each agenda item, you will see the minute:second. You can drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.





Agenda about the City Council meeting of August 6, 2013

Aldemen Meisner and Lail were not present


Special Presentations
A. (2:00) - Presentation of Quilt by Kenworth Neighborhood Representatives Martha Espey,Tessie Dillingham, Kelly Walker

Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. (8:18) - Jim Starkey - Homeless Veterans Standdown Program and Veterand helping Veterans  - Speaking on the Issue of Homelessness and Grace House Day Shelter
B.  (11:53) - Roger Cornette - Open Door Homeless Relief Program - Speaking on the Issue of Homelessness
C.  (15:40) - Judy Walker - Cognitive Connection - Speaking on the Issue of Homelessness
D.  (22:20) - Pastor Jack McConnell – Grace House Homeless Day Program - Spoke about the history and purpose of the program that focuses on homelessness.
E.* ( 1:49:25) -  Levi Helton spoke about the Homelessness issue and spoke about the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and reminded the City Council that Jesus Christ was a Homeless person too.



The Hound - there is something definitely going on in the background related to homelessness. Some people have an out of sight is out of mind mindset when it comes to homelessness in this community. As you can see, there are plenty of people who are taking this issue on head on.  This is an issue that has grown dramatically since the economy went south in this community. No one is laying blame on anyone for the cause of these issues, but one can certainly lay blame when people choose to deny the issue and not take positive steps to address it.

The Mayor brought up an issue of someone urinating in public at the last city council meeting. The undercurrent of some of what has been said by organizations in the downtown area along with the introduction of the Mayor's comments at the last city council meeting obviously brought these people out that support benevolent efforts that support homelessness to this meeting. If they want to be effective, then they will have to stay engaged and continue to come to City Council meetings.
 


New Business - Public Hearings
1. (27:10) - Rezoning Petition 13-10 for Property Located on 28th Street SE, containing 3.32 acres. Cal Overby presentation. This property is located directly across from CVCC west campus and directly east of the WalMart/Lowe's Complex.

Roger Cornette and Levi Helton thought this issue involved Grace House. When they found out that there was no issue involving Grace House they apologized and Levi Helton asked to speak and was granted the right to speak later in the meeting.

Charles Dixon spoke on behalf of the Roseman Family partnership in asking for approval of the Rezoning for expansion of the business. The Council unanimously approved this rezoning.



New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Public Services Director, Chuck Hansen – Flood Recovery Update

(40:40) Karyn Yaussy , Emergency Management Coordinator of Catawba County spoke first. Chuck Hansen introduced Police Chief Adkins (50:05) who spoke next about the Emergency Communications Center and had emergency 911 calls that were played related to the weather damage.  (1:10:20) Chuck Hansen the director of Public Works addressed the infrastructure issues that resulted from the storm and its aftermath. (1:33:50) Fire Chief Hollar spoke anout the rescue and structural involving the storm.  (1:42:30) Chuck Hanson wrapped up the presentation summarizing the overall effort.
























2. (1:53:50) Quarterly Financial Report - as presented by Assistant City Manager Warren Wood.

The Hound - In summary, this is where everything was at about where it was at three months ago.










1 comment:

wandaarnold1716 said...

This new format of marking the time each issue is brought up and when each person begins to speak is a very big help in accessing the parts of the meeting that interest you. Thanks for the extra effort here,
Thom.