Newsletter about the City Council meeting of December 17, 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. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always 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 December 17, 2013 - Go to this link if you would like more information about the Agenda items.

Highlighted Links below take you straight to that point in the video.







Invocation by Associate Pastor Heather Davis, First Presbyterian Church
 
Special Presentations
A. The Viewmont Animal Hospital will be making a special presentation for the Hickory Police Department’s Canine program. The Viewmont Animal Hospital has provided veterinarian care for Hickory Police Department’s canines since the unit began in 1993 and is now collecting funds to purchase ballistic vests for Hickory Police Department’s canines. Chief Tom Adkins recognized the Police Departments K9 Unit that had been the vision of former Police Chief Lucas. Former Chief Lucas gave a brief history about the K9 Unit and recognized Viewmont Animal Clinic for their care of the dogs. Ms. Kelly Essam, a staff member of Viewmont Animal Clinic, had started a fund raising effort to purchase protective vests for the dogs. Presently three vests have been purchased, and they will continue the fund raising efforts to purchase one for the fourth dog. Master Police Officer Scott Pendleton discussed the training and care of the dogs.

B. Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award by Dave Paist to Mr. Billy Ray Teague, Carolina Theatre Mr. Dave Paist of the Business Development Committee discussed the purpose of the committee and presented the Business Well Crafted Award to Mr. Billy Ray Teague, Co- Owner of Carolina Theater. Mr. Billy Ray Teague commented on the changes that had taken place at the theatre, and that it was a good hometown theater. He recognized several employees, including two former employees that went on to work for the Hickory Police Department. He thanked Council for the award.

Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Mrs. Allison Holtzman introduced a new group of citizens called “Friends of Hickory” and discussed the purpose of the group.

Mr. Hank Eimer continued the discussion about the group “Friends of Hickory” and discussed a meeting date of January 9, 2014, at 7:00 pm at Hollar Hosiery.

The Hound: Very Interesting to hear. I think you will also find it very interesting to see how receptive the Council was to these people compared to the way they have received others in the past.

Consent Agenda:


New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Rezoning Petition 13-15 for Property Located at the Northeast Corner of  Cloninger Mill Road and North Center Street (NC 127 North). Tabled by the Council.
Bryan Frazier presents information regarding Zoning Change (Continued in Part 2)
I, James Thomas Shell, speak in favor of moving the process forward

2. Consideration of Amending Chapter 16 of the Hickory Code of Ordinances of the City of Hickory by Amending Section 16-43. Unanimous Consent.

3. Consideration of the Proposed Name Change of Carolina Park Located at 125 3rd Street NE, Hickory, to the Sally M. Fox Park. Unanimous Consent.


New Business - Departmental Reports
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant Agreement with Shuford Mills, Inc. Presented by Dave Leonetti.

2. Resolution to Create the University City Commission. Presented by Staff Attorney Arnita Dula.

3.Overview of Concept Plan: Main Av Presented by Assistant City Manager Andrea Surratt


The Hound's initial thoughts about the meeting. I may add and tweak some information in the next few days. If you would like to add any comments please feel free to do so. If you would like to send me a private comment, send it to hickoryhound@gmail.com.