Agenda about the City Council meeting of June 16, 2015

This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.

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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. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.

Here is a summary of the agenda of the 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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Hound Notes: During the May 5th City Council meeting,
1. Consideration of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan.
Mr. Larry Pope spoke against the plan because of his concerns about the inclusion of Exodus homes.

Council made several statements including a desire for Exodus Homes to come before the City Council to speak about their mission and address the concerns Mr. Pope spoke about. Apparently Hickory Inc. has changed its mind, because when you look at the Consent Agenda (Item D), you see that Exodus Homes, along with the other organizations, is being approved without speaking before the City Council.






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Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award to WHKY Presented by Business Development Committee Member Dave Paist
B. Students with Attainable Goals (SWAG), Program at Ridgeview Community Center Presented by Business Development Committee Member Dave Paist.
C. Presentation of the 19th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Hickory by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Consent Agenda:
A. Request from Hickory Police Department to Award Police Badge and Service Weapon to Retiring MPO Danny Crump. By authority of NC General Statute §20-187.2, City Council may award the service weapon and police badge to retiring MPO Danny Crump upon his retirement from Hickory Police Department on July 1, 2015 after completing 30 years of qualifying service with Hickory Police Department. Upon approval from City Council, the police badge and service weapon will be declared surplus and removed from the City’s fixed asset inventory.

B. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Funding Agreement with Hickory Soup Kitchen, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 in the Amount of $20,000. - In February 2015 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development Services requested applications from local nonprofit organizations for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviews and recommended funding for these applications as part of the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan was approved following a public hearing on May 5, 2015. The Hickory Soup Kitchen Inc. requested and were approved for funding in the amount of $20,000 through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approval of the agreement will allow them to continue to provide much needed nutritional services to the City of Hickory’s homeless and/or low-income community. No City funding will be used for this agreement. Staff recommends approval of the funding agreement with Hickory Soup Kitchen Inc.

C. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Funding Agreement with AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 in the Amount of $15,000. - In February 2015 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development Services requested applications from local nonprofit organizations for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviews and recommended funding for these applications as part of the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan was approved following a public hearing on May 5, 2015. AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance requested and were approved for funding in the amount of $15,000 through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approval of the agreement will allow them to continue to provide much needed medical case management services to persons living with HIV and AIDS. No City funding will be used for this agreement. Staff recommends approval of the funding agreement with AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance, Inc.

D. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Funding Agreement with Exodus Outreach Foundation, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 in the Amount of $10,000. - In February 2015 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development Services requested applications from local nonprofit organizations for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviews and recommended funding for these applications as part of the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan was approved following a public hearing on May 5, 2015. Exodus Outreach Foundation, Inc. requested and were approved for funding in the amount of $10,000 through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approval of the agreement will allow them to continue to provide much needed services to homeless and previously incarcerated individuals with substance abuse issues. No City funding will be used for this agreement. Staff recommends approval of the funding agreement with Exodus Outreach Foundation, Inc.

E. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Funding Agreement with City of Refuge Community Development Center, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 in the Amount of $3,550. - In February 2015 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development Services requested applications from local nonprofit organizations for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviews and recommended funding for these applications as part of the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan was approved following a public hearing on May 5, 2015. City of Refuge requested and were approved for funding in the amount of $3,550 through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approval of the agreement will allow them to continue providing much needed afterschool program services to low and moderate income youth. No City funding will be used for this agreement. Staff recommends approval of the funding agreement with City of Refuge Community Development Center, Inc.

F. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Funding Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 in the Amount of $20,000. - In February 2015 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development Services requested applications from local nonprofit organizations for funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviews and recommended funding for these applications as part of the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan was approved following a public hearing on May 5, 2015. Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley requested and were approved for funding in the amount of $20,000 through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Approval of the agreement will allow them to continue to provide much needed housing rehabilitation serves to benefit low to moderate income households. No City funding will be used for this agreement. Staff recommends approval of the funding agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley, Inc.

G. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their
regular meeting on June 4, 2015:
 Michael F. and Ann Fisher, 538 5th Street SW, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $20,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 3 percent interest loan for a ten year period.
Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental Rehabilitation program income and/or program income received through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program. The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income
citizens with assistance for emergency-related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
 Mattie Fuller, 826 3rd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.

H. Special Events/Activities Application Lumberjack Boom, Megan Meade, Director of Community Relations and Events Hickory Crawdads, July 4, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at L.P. Frans Stadium, 2500 Clement Boulevard, NW.

I. Approval of Priority and Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2015/2016. - In conjunction with adoption of the annual budget, City Council updates and approves a Priorities and Action Plan which serves as a road map for staff and Council to achieve broad goals related to five strategic priorities: Economic Growth & Transportation, Quality of Life and Natural Environment, Operational Excellence, Vision and Leadership, and Communication and Marketing.

J. Approve the Termination of Residential Rental Contract with Adam Walker for the Property Located at 1123 15th Street NE.- On January 22, 2015 the City entered into a Residential Rental Contract with Adam Walker for the property located at 1123 15th Street NE. The term of the lease was for one year with a monthly rental fee of $350. Mr. Walker was formerly employed by the City of Hickory however he ended his employment to take another position which required him to relocate. Mr. Walker has requested termination of the rental agreement with the City effective June 19, 2015. He will pay pro-rated rent for the month, and $175 as a lease buy-out fee for early termination of the rental agreement. Staff requests Council’s approval of the Termination of Rental Agreement between the City of Hickory and Adam Walker for the property located at 1123 15th Street NE.

K. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Application for Monies from the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (GHMPO) Surface Transportation Program-Direct appointment/Transportation Alternatives (STP-DA/TA). - The Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization has issued a call for Surface Transportation Program-Direct appointment/Transportation Alternatives (STP-DA/TA) funding to agencies within its jurisdiction. This money can be used for transportation projects as part of discretionary projects such as greenways, intersection improvements, and traffic signal upgrades. The three projects that will be applied for are Citywalk, Sandy Ridge Road Intersection Improvements, and Pedestrian Signalization Upgrades. The Citywalk project will use bond funds for match money and the Sandy Ridge Road Intersection Improvements and Pedestrian Signalization Upgrades will utilize General Fund monies for the match. Staff recommends Council’s approval of the Resolution for Support for these three projects as well as providing the matching funding in the amount of 20 percent for each project.

L. Rescind Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 5, Ordinance Number 15-23 and Approve Correction of Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 5C.
1. To accept a $225,223 transfer of General Capital Reserve Fund to the Miscellaneous Storm Grant Project. The total project expenses will be $360,381. Federal and State FEMA funding will cover $135,158 and the remaining balance of $225,223 will be funded by the General Capital Reserve Fund.
2. To accept a $346,728 transfer of General Capital Reserve Fund to the Windridge Bridge Grant Project. The total project expenses will be $1,208,501. Federal and State FEMA funding will cover $861,773 and the remaining balance of $346,728 will be funded by the General Capital Reserve Fund.

M. Rescind Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 19, Ordinance 15-25 and Approve Correction of Budget Ordinance Amendment 19C (Exhibit VIII.M.)
1. To budget a total of $50 of Library donations from Margie Owsley in honor of Mary Ellen Snodgrass.
2. To budget a total of $1,500 of Parks and Recreation donations in their Departmental Supplies line item. These funds are for the Unifour Senior Games.
3. To budget a total of $7,341 of Parks and Recreation donations in their Departmental Supplies line item. These funds are for the Unifour Senior Games
Registrations.
4. To transfer $19,100 from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines to the Murray Basin Capital Project. This transfer is necessary to pay for the railroad permit fees from Norfolk Southern.
5. To transfer $27,000 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the Sewer Treatment line item to cover this line item for the remainder of this fiscal year. This is for the treatment and processing of sanitary sewer that is transported to the City of Conover from Hickory for treatment prior to discharge.
6. To transfer $9,406 back to the General Capital Reserve Fund to close the Henry Fork Field Lighting project. There is a $125,000 deferred revenue donation from CVYSA due in FY18 therefore a receivable account will be set up in the General Fund.
7. To appropriate $225,223 of General Capital Reserve Fund and transfer to the Miscellaneous Storm Grant Project. The total project expenses will be $360,381. Federal and State FEMA funding will cover $135,158 and the remaining balance of $225,223 will be funded by the General Capital Reserve Fund.
8. To appropriate $346,728 of General Capital Reserve Fund and transfer to the Windridge Bridge Grant Project. The total project expenses will be $1,208,501. Federal and State FEMA funding will cover $861,773 and the remaining balance of $346,728 will be funded by the General Capital Reserve Fund.
9. To transfer $105,000 of Water and Sewer Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Pipes, Hydrants and Meters line item. This transfer is needed to pay for the purchase of 600 Radio Read Water Meters at a significant price savings.
10. To transfer $61,450 of Water and Sewer Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Engineering Services line item. This transfer is to pay McGill and Associates for Professional Services for the Geitner Basin Outfall Replacement project.
11. To transfer $20,000 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Airport Grant project for future land acquisition and obstruction removal. The total project is $200,000 with 90% funded by the State ($180) and a required 10% local match of $20,000.


New Business - Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing for Consideration of Rezoning Petition 15-01. - Wendell Cramer petitioned the City for the rezoning of approximately 2.36 acres of property located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Startown Road and Catawba Valley Boulevard SE. The petition is to rezone the property from Low Density Residential (R-1) to Regional Commercial (C-3). The rezoning of the subject property to Regional Commercial (C-3) is consistent with the goals and policies contained within the Hickory by Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on May 27, 2015 to consider the petition and voted unanimously to affirm the petition’s consistency with the Hickory by Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission and Staff recommends Council’s approval of the rezoning. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on June 5, and June 12, 2015.

New Business - Departmental Reports
1. Approval of an Invitation to Bid and Contract to Huffman Grading Co. Inc. in the Amount of $121,287 for Additional Parking at Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Recreation Park.- The paved parking lot will be constructed directly across 6th Street Drive NW from the existing Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Recreation Park to provide overflow parking spaces for the facility. Work under the contract will include clearing, grading, paving, curb/gutter and fencing. The Traffic Division will provide the crosswalk on 6th Street Drive NW and parking lot striping. Landscape Services will provide landscaping and Building Services will provide area lighting for the parking lot. Informal bids were received on May 22, 2015. Staff recommends awarding the contract to the low responsive, responsible bidder, Huffman Grading Co., Inc. in the amount of $121,287 for the construction of Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Recreation Park additional parking lot.
2. Accept the Hickory Public Library Strategic Plan for 2015-2018. - The library received a $20,160 Library Services and Technology Act planning grant in 2014 for the development of a new strategic plan to guide library services at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Branch Library for the next three years. Dr. Anthony Chow was retained to facilitate the planning
process that was undertaken by a Steering Committee representing the business, education and non-profit communities, media, Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Library Board, City government, and library staff. Approximately 1000 residents were involved in the ten month study from July 2014 to May 2015 by participating in interviews, focus groups, community forums, and surveys that were available in print and online. Using input from the Steering Committee, staff, and survey results a final document was created. Staff recommends acceptance of the Hickory Public Library Strategic Plan for 2015-2018.