At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, 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 6/1/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below
Invocation by Rev. Susan Smith of Exodus Ministries
Consent Agenda:
A. Resolution – Cancellation of July 6, 2010 City Council Meeting – Because of July 4th holiday
B. Approval to Declare Seven Automated External Defibrillator Units as Surplus - The Hickory Fire Department requests approval to declare these Units as surplus to be utilized by other public safety agencies. The units were purchased in September 2000 and April 2001 for the use on adult-aged cardiac patients only. New protocols have been established for North Carolina to upgrade equipment to adult and pediatric aged cardiac patients. Pursuant to General Statute 160A-274 City Council may surplus items for use by other governmental agencies. The St. Stephens Fire Department by letter of May 26, 2010 has requested one of these units.
C. Write-Offs for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 in the Amount of $164,346.90 - 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 2009-10 as required by law. Fiscal Year 2010 write-offs total $164,346.90; whereas, FY 2008-09 write-offs totaled $247,850.19. The majority of these accounts 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 2010 have exceeded $28,000 so far.
D. Proclamation Declaring May 18, 2010 as Fiserv, Inc. Day in the City of Hickory
E. Approval for Financial Assistance to Group Workcamps Foundation (GWF) in the Amount of $9,000 -
The Foundation is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian volunteer home repair organization headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, which is a similar organization to Habitat for Humanity. It differs in that they repair homes instead of building them. Catawba County and the Hickory area have been chosen by the Foundation for home repairs that consist of construction of handicap ramps, porches, painting, sheetrock repair, weatherization, and other general repairs. Eighteen homes have been identified in Hickory with additional projects in the process of acceptance. GWF has requested $9,000 in support from the City of Hickory, which can be provided through the Rental Rehabilitation Program income. GWF will be reimbursed for materials following inspection of the completed work.
F. Request From the Hickory Museum of Art, Through Healing Eyes, Hospice of Catawba Valley and Women’s Resource Center for Use of Union Square for Movie Night in the Courtyard Event on June 3, June 10, June 17 and June 24, 2010 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
G. Transfer of Cemetery Lots in Oakwood Cemetery From Stephen W. Brown, Eric Avant Brown and James A. Owenby Personal Representatives of the Estate of John W. Brown to James A. Owenby
Budget Ordinance
1. To budget $650 of International Council donations in the International Council expenditure line item to be used for the International Springfest event expenses.
2. To budget $150 of revenue from Catawba County in the Water and Sewer Pipes, Hydrants and Meters line item. Catawba County received a grant for a Water Infrastructure Hook-up Program that WPCOG is administering. Therefore, Catawba County is paying Hickory for the water (and/or sewer) taps as well as
the radio read water meters that are required for some of the locations that are hooking up to the system.
1. To budget a total of $23,784,853 ($6,284,853 transfer from the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant Capital Reserve and $17,500,000 of State Revolving Funds) in the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade Project. This amount includes construction costs, construction oversight costs, a
5% contingency and closing costs related to the SRF loan.
2. To decrease the Amity Lane Project Design and Miscellaneous operational line items by $9,711 and increase the Interest Earned by $226. This amendment is necessary to close the completed Amity Lane Capital Project and to transfer the $9,937 of remaining funds back to the original funding source.
Grant Project Ordinance Amendment
1. To accept a $3,690 transfer from the General Fund and budget in the Police Firing Range Upgrade Project-Justice Assistance Grant (J.A.G.) Fund. $3,690 represents Police Federal Reimbursement balances from previous years that have been rolled into Fund Balance at year end, therefore an appropriation is necessary.
New Business - Public Hearings:
1. Fiscal Year 2010-2011 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 21, 2010. 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. Manager Berry went over the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is projected to be $85,215,943 which is .47% more than this years budget of $84,820,849. While the General Fund fell by 3.72%, the overall impact on the operating budget is a 1.59% decrease. He stated that the City of Hickory's financial policies have been held up as models by the institute of government for years, because of prudent budget policies.
Manager Berry made the statement that the City is in a strong financial position and referenced the undesignated balance fund, which has a surplus of $10,087,675. This fund began with a $11,900,000 at the beginning of the year. The City designated funds for projects, such as the Clement Boulevard project, which along with other expenditures led to a budget shortfall of $1.5 million, which is being made up for by other budgetary reductions. In the proposed budget, the City has designated $762,325 of the fund balance towards the upcoming years expenditures. Manager Berry states that this is not out of line. There is still $1 million set aside in fuel reserve and a parking fund reserve of $1.6 million.
Manager Berry went over some of the various expenditures that the appropriated fund balance will be used for. icluding a one time balloon payment, "Project No Vacancy," The Ensure "Greater Hickory Classic" at Rock Barn, the Convention and visitors Bureau, and the Hickory Downtown Development Association. He stated that the biggest concern is what the State of North Carolina might do about revenues that are owed to the city. He added comments about possible the Google initiative and the Wayfinding project, as outstanding projects where the fund balance might be used in the upcoming year.
As far as revenues, he stated that he is recommending that the tax rate stay the same for the upcoming year (50-cents per $100 value). There was no growth and no reduction in property tax revenue in the previous year. There is a $2 million gap that they knew that they would be facing. On the revenue side, they went to the solid waste fee and the water/sewer fee. He stated that as a major water supplier for the region, these water fee increases will also be raised to users in other areas served by Hickory. These water rates are still below average, as is the sewer rate.
On the expenditure side there are some unavoidable costs. employee health insurance has increaded by 3% and the North Carolina Retirement System is requiring the city to increase its contribution by 1.2%. There is still a half a million dollars supporting workers with a benefit package. Manager Berry is recommending the elimination of the longevity benefit for anyone hired after July 1. There is a hiring freeze that has been in place for over a year. If a department has to hire someone they have to go directly to the city manager for the request.
The City Manager addressed the issue of the pools involving his recommendation that the city pools be closed. He stated that these pools are antiquated. Federal law requires new vents to be placed on the areas where the water is circulated. In investigating this issue they found out that the pools were not circulating water sufficiently and it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to completely replace. The Parks and Recreation Commission is reccommending the pools be closed and is exploring what types of water based recreation should be offered. The mayor interjected by making a statement question about the pools being greatly underutilized. The city manager stated that they were. He also pointed out about the libraries having there hours cut.
The city manager stated that he is proud of is that there is a tendency with local governments that when you have a budget crisis that you postpone your capital replacement. They did not want to do that. They wanted to make cuts in operating costs that recurr year after year. The city's policy has been to set two-cents aside for capital replacement. So they don't have to borrow to replace the rolling stock. They can pay for it with cash.
The Mayor interjected that Manager Berry mentioned policies, but we all know that it isn't about policies. It is about execution. Isn't it great that we aren't facing some of the problems other municipalities are having. He stated that we have a staff that wants to work to make things go the way they should go. And we have taxpayers that pay their taxes and these people aren't complaining. Alder Patton asked about airport Tower funding, City Manager stated that it isn't being taken away, the FAA money will be there.
The Mayor stated that for $6 per day we get all of the services we have available. He also stated that it hasn't been long since we had the second highest property tax burden in the State of North Carolina. We are now 10th or 11th. He said that he surely hoped that pay raises won't be frozen for another year next year. The City Manager and Council's raises are directly equal to the avarage raise of all employees - therefore they will not be getting a raise. Fees will increase, but this is paid for by users. The users have some control over the services they use. He mentioned the SALT Block appropriation, which he stated benefits everyone in the city. He also mentioned the golf tournament, which is predicated on the Classic becoming a very different activity. It will involve alot more community involvement. Charities will be allowed to keep all of the proceeds from the tickets they sell. He thinks this will make the classic truly a grass roots community thing. The committment is not contractual and it sil depend on what they do and what other municipalities and counties do. Just because something is in the budget doesn't mean you've got to spend it.
Alder Fox asked what other municipalities are participating? Mayor Wright stated that he understands that it is all of the ones that have in the past and they are being asked to step up there contributions. The tournament was bleeding losses and it would not have been feasable, if not for Ensure stepping forward to sponsor the tournament.
Alder Fox stated that she hates to see the hours cut back at the library. She doesn't think this is the time to cut back on the hours of the library and other recreational services. She understands the pools. She commended the fine staffs at the library an in recreational services. The Council unanimously approved the budget.
The Hound thinks that city officials and staff deserve due credit for putting together a solid budget under such negative economic circumstances. Everyone has issues that they would like to see addressed or areas that they don't want to see cut. This budget is dictated upon keeping your head above water. It has been achieved without increasing a burden upon citizens whose responsibilty it is incumbent upon city officials to protect the interests of. I think that under Mr. Wood and Ms. Hurley's direction they should be commended for causing the least pain possible and being fair in the process.
Looking down the road things, in my opinion, things are going to get worse. Tough choices are going to have to be made and cuts are going to have to be made to the bone in the upcoming years. Not raising the tax rate directly correlates to Property Appraisal assessments. Right now people are having their properties assessed far above what they could ever sell them for. If these properties are fairly assessed in the future, then surely the rate will have to go up. Of course it will be done under the guise that it is revenue neutral. What will be do about abandoned properties, should we not be able to turn the economic circumstances around and people have to leave Hickory to find work elsewhere?
Also. I think we deserve to see the specifics about the pools, because I really feel that these numbers don't really add up and I can't just take the explanations for granted. The bottom line is that they don't want to operate the pools and they should just get down to the brass tax. Is the city willing to sell those properties? Would the city consider contracting out those facilities? Will the city abandon the areas of town where those facilities reside in order to build a splash park on the "RIGHT" side of town? Everyone knows that this issue is not going to go away.
2. Consideration to File an Application For the 2010 Justice Assistance Grant in the Amount of $43,366 - The City of Hickory and Catawba County have received notification of approval to receive a combined allocation of $57,921 under the 2010 Justice Assistance Grant Program. Uniform Crime Reporting statistics are used to determine eligibility for direct federal grant awards and cities and counties are required to submit joint applications for available funding. The City of Hickory is eligible to receive $43,366 with no match required and has agreed to serve a lead agency in the grant application process. The Hickory Police Department plans to use these funds for numerous items such as an activity sensor seat to be used for polygraph examinations, Crime Zone software, replacement camera, digital cameras, replacement laptop computers, protective earmuffs, Lidar for speed detection, Universal Forensic Extraction device and two replacement treadmills for training room.
Chief Tom Adkins addressed the Council on this issue - below are the power point slides relating to this presentation:
Lidar Detector - is a Laser Speed Detection device.
The Council unanimously approved this grant.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Staff Report on Bid and Contract With Pizzagalli Construction Company Regarding the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade Project - The upgrade to the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWWTP) is vital in protecting the areas’ natural resources. Prior bids received in April 2009 were
rejected due to being over budget and therefore the design was modified. Bids were received on the modified design and Pizzagali Construction Company out of South Burlington, VT came in with the low bid at $21,569,382.50. Pizzagali Construction is a large construction company that provides construction services throughout the United States.
a. Approval of “Resolution of Tentative Intent to Award for NCCG&SRF Project No. CS 370389-18 Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant City of Hickory, North Carolina” to Pizzagalli Construction Company in the Amount of $21,569,382.50
b. Accept Bid and Approve Contract with Pizzagalli Construction Company Regarding the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade Project in the Amount of $21,569,382.50
2. Staff Report on Engineering Construction Services Contract with McGill Associates Regarding the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility (NEWWTP) Upgrade Project - The Public Services Department began the process of upgrading the Plant in 2004 which requires the need for an Engineering Professional to properly protect the City of Hickory and the State of North Carolina to ensure proper construction and financial and construction documentation is maintained. Therefore, city staff sent out a formal Request for Qualifications package to engineers for all inclusive construction administration and inspection services. The City received four responses with McGill Associates being selected to be the best candidate. The contract with McGill Associates is a Maximum Not-to-Exceed contract in the amount of $787,000 for the full construction time of thirty-one months.
Kevin Greer made this presentation
The newest part of the plant is 22 years old. Parts are having to be custom made and adapted. In 2003, the EPA came out with an audit that showed that the influent pump system needs to be updated. The existing plant is a 6 million gallon a day treatment plant, but as shown above it is actually 2 stations operating together.
The proposed facility will still have the same 6 million gallon per day capacity. They aren't asking for additional capacity. They just can't continue to operate the current facility the way it is. It's cost prohibitive, they can't find parts, and they can't take it down to do the maintenance that needs to be done. The new facility will be able to treat industrial and residential flow more dependably. Currently a industrial spike can kill one side of the plant. Oxidation Technology is very reliable. Each side can handle daily flow.
Pizzagali is a national company that is highly respected in the industry. Mayor Wright talked about why it can't go to local contractors. He stated that it defeats the system to give preference to local contractors. It is there hope that they will use locals for certain aspects of the job. The system has to work. This is the largest single contract Hickory has ever awarded. Alderman Lail asked and it was affirmed that there will be no interruption of service while this plant is built. Alderman Lail also made a statement about Cloninger Mill getting a beating during this process and there may be repair needed at the end of the project. Mr. Greer stated that they will work with the engineers to impact the public as least as they can to make sure that traffic is kept safe and the road is protected. Alder patton asked about the time frame? Mr. Greer stated that 31 months is the length of the project contract, but he doesn'tthink it will take that long. Alderman Guess asked how much water is treated at the current facility? Mr. Greer stated that it is now about 3.3 million gallons per day. There is room to grow, but not for industrial purposes. He talked about the Cripple Creek project and how they try are trying to do projects over time all over time. It was also stated that plants have a useful life of 20 years.
Manager Berry talked about how this project has essentially already paid for over time. Alderman Seaver asked if there were additional costs associated with keeping the old plant open, while the new one is built. Mr. Greer stated that ther is quite a bit of heartache associated with the time and frustration involved. Alderman Guess asked if there were any hidden costs? Mr. Greer stated that they is always a chance, but they feel really good about the project when there are that many bids put in that are that close. Elevn contractors bid and were within 10% on a $22 million job. Manager Berry then talked about the contingency built in that budgets the project at $23.7 million. The Council Unamimously consented to Pizzagali as the contructor.
Mr. Greer then addressed the contract with McGill Associates as the engineering services firm associated with this project. The Public Utilities Staff demanded a thorough request for qualifications. Four firms applied and staff evaluated based on 11 criteria. It was narrowed down to two firms. The staff chose McGill and Associates and negotiated the fees to be charged based on qualifications. 2.5% to 4.5% of the construction cost is a genrally accepted standard for these fees for dervice. With McGill and Assocuates it came out tom 3.77%. so Mr. Greer feels good that these fees are in line with the budget. This is a fee not to exceed. This is not a lump sum. If the project is shorter length, then the city will save money on the project. McGill will be the construction manager, acting in the city's interest. Mr. Greer will be the city's liason in association with this project. The Council unanimously approved the McGill as the Engineer for this project.
2 comments:
How many local construction jobs will be created on this project? I am experienced in this field and have not seen one position posted for local hires? I live less than one mile from this project and have been laid off from my commercial construction job for almost a year. I was a class c liscensed wastewater treatment plant operator in Pa. I am also a heavy equipment operator. Where are the jobs?????
Sewage treatment plant and equipment- Delhi, India based manufacturer and supplier of sewage water treatment plant and sewage waste water treatment.
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