On behalf of Billy Sudderth - Hickory City Council - December 6, 2016

I stand here again tonight with a heavy heart over the loss of a friend and an associate. Billy Sudderth was a great man who went above and beyond the call of duty seeking justice and equality for people who have many times been forgotten and not accounted for in this community.

I came to meet Billy during the issue with the pools that were demolished by Hickory Incorporated back in 2011. I would like to thank this very body for helping bring together the circumstances that created the Citizens for Equity in Government movement during that time. If not for those circumstances, I wouldn't have gotten to know Billy Sudderth, Walter Witherspoon, Jesse McArthur and other gentlemen of Color and their perspective, the way that I was allowed to. I had associations with Larry Pope prior to that time, but these circumstances took our relationship to a whole new level.

When President-Elect Donald Trump has spoken about rebuilding the inner cities of our nation, which let's be honest, the poor state of inner cities has mostly effected minorities, he has stated that these minorities should give the populist movement a chance, because what has been going on is not working.

Eight men met at Starbuck's in Viewmont just to talk and come to an understanding about what we had seen. The gentlemen I mentioned above along with Joe Brannock, Harry Hipps, Cliff Moone, and myself were the precursor to what Mr. Trump espoused. 'What did we have to lose?'

This body didn't take us seriously at the time, but we all know that you learned to take us seriously.

But I'll get to Billy. Billy was the founder of the Citizens for Equity in Government. He's no longer with us and y'all haven't heard from the CEG in a while, but please do not mistake this and think that the CEG movement is no longer with us. It is very much alive in this room tonight. Billy and Larry are in this room with us tonight.

I was at Billy's funeral last week. It was another uplifting celebration of another man who lived a life for others. It was spoken from the Bible, Romans chapter 12, which is a Book about Man versus Government in relation to God:

The chapter is about Love in Action

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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I don't think anyone in this room can say that Billy didn't show this body respect. Larry Pope and Billy Sudderth had different methods in dealing with the government here in Hickory. Larry would many times be openly militant and bristle with hostility standing at this podium. Billy was soft spoken, mild mannered, courteous, conciliatory, and overly respectful to this body.

Larry was told that it's easier to attract Bees with honey than vinegar and that was Billy's exact approach -- 'the attitude of gratitude' and both were summarily dismissed by this community.

The other day, Billy's pastor talked about fighting the power and doing the right thing. This was in reference to Ridgeview's relationship with y'all. I felt the energy, the room crackled, during this part of the service. The emotion was palpable.

You could feel Billy's spiritual presence in this moment. Billy always seemed to enjoy the struggle. Billy focused on the perpetual battle. I don't think he even cared about winning or losing. Larry Pope wanted to win. He always thought that one day we would win. He told me exactly that. Billy and Larry both thought that government would provide an eventual victory, if it ever came, probably through the court system. Personally, I don't consider the circumstance of a court ruling to ever be a victory.

Personally, I don't enjoy the struggle. Life is too short to struggle. I would openly ask Billy, Why do you expect the very government that is mutually viewed as an opponent to provide you an ultimate victory?


Billy would reply in his cool manner, "HaHa... I know man. I know." You have to go into a battle with an expectation of victory. You have to fight to win.

But, I can never pretend that I went through what gentlemen like Billy and Larry went through and completely understand their perspective.

Billy's pastor the other day said you gotta love yourself before you can love others. What I learned from Billy is that you've gotta love your neighbors before you can love yourself. Billy and Larry took the hit to their personal being and welfare to move the ball forward. They were sincere team players. They were sincere community members. They were leaders. It was never about them. It was always about others.

God has always used imperfect people, imperfect actions, imperfect processes to demonstrate his power. Billy was that person... Larry was that person... I am that person on this night.

Numerically this is an ending year 2+0+1+6 = 9. The end of so many things. Next year is a beginning year 2+0+1+7 =10... 1+0 = 1 ... a new beginning. It is time for a fresh start. It is time for reconciliation.

Billy came before this body over the past couple years seeking your help in building a Multi-Cultural Resource Center in Ridgeview next to the library. Billy looked at this Multi-Cultural Resource Center as a way of our local government reconciling with Ridgeview for what happened with the swimming pools. I don't know where that issue stands, but let's give Billy and this project the respect it deserves. Billy showed you respect, let's have mutual respect.

At some point in time, I hope we can give him a spiritual victory that he didn't get to enjoy when he was physically present.

Feel the Power... Do the right thing.

Buffalo's Sinkhole resolved update - WMNC-FM radio 92.1 - Richard Garrison report

Hickory City Council held a regular meeting Tuesday night, the open session was only about 15 minutes to deal with an 11- item Consent Agenda, and two informational items along with a Public Hearing concerning a proposal to designate the former Lyerly Full Fashioned Mill as a Historic Landmark in Hickory, the "mill" was constructed in 1930, and operated until 1957 according to city officials, and has mostly been unused in recent years, and in 2007 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A recent Catawba County Tax Office assessment shows the property to have a tax value of 2-million, 840-thousand, 100 dollars.

No one in attendance spoke for or against approval of the Public Hearing, and city council voted 6-0 to unanimously approve the measure. Council member Jill Patton was absent Tuesday night. Next after approving several appointments to Boards and Commissions, Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright motioned for city council to go into a Closed Session, and after more than one hour, Council members returned to open session to announce a decision to authorize the taking of the "sink hole" property along Highway 70 in Hickory, to begin to make repairs along with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, with an estimated cost of 2.2 million dollars, Hickory City Council decided in Closed Session as an economic development to appropriate $550 thousand dollars of the $ 2.2 million dollars to make repairs to the property.

This property is the former site of a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, where in 2002, a brand new Chevrolet Corvette was consumed by the first sink hole, and some time later a second sink hole opened on the property in which the restaurant was closed due to an unstable foundation on the property. Many longtime Hickory residents will remember when this sink hole and loss of the restaurant occurred, along with lawsuits from the former owner of the restaurant filed against the city, as well as an apparent lack of understanding between the restaurant owner and the city as to who was responsible to "FIX" the sink hole and allow Buffalo Wild Wings to resume business. This was never resolved to the satisfaction of the property owner and Buffalo Wild Wings closed permanently at this location as a result. Due to the "Loss" of a brand new 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, "swallowed" beneath the property, this sink hole episode received International attention from various internet sources at the time. Later, the North Carolina Department of Transportation was forced to "close" the portion of roadway in front of the restaurant during heavy downpours due to unusual flooding conditions.

This area was for many years "signed" by the NCDOT, "Roadway" subject to flooding, drive carefully, as a warning of potential dangerous driving conditions during heavy rain in the immediate area.

According to Mayor Wright, these "repairs" beginning in the near future with the start of the process Wednesday, should improve driving conditions along Highway 70 in Hickory when completed. This highway is heavily traveled due to its proximity to Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard in Hickory, along with many busy shopping areas, and businesses.

For WMNC News, I am Richard Garrison reporting.

"bigdawg92fm.com"

Thanks,

Richard Garrison

bigdawgannouncer@gmail.com

On behalf of Larry Pope - Hickory City Council - May 3, 2016

I know I have been taking a sabbatical and haven't reported on anything in a while. I've been working on my house, gardening, working, and working on several other projects that have been on the backburner over the past few years. A couple of weeks ago I lost a good friend in Larry Pope. He was a true champion of the forgotten people in this community. The people who basically are afforded no representation in the current broken political system.

I spoke on Larry's behalf at the Hickory City Council meeting the other night, May 3, 2016. Larry had recently championed the cause of fixing the issues related to Hickory's Public Housing. Funny thing is that I relate how Hickory Incorporated has chosen to move back towards the status quo over the last several weeks versus allowing the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to merge Hickory Public Housing into their Public Housing System due to a lack of media attention from Charlotte media and no attention by the ZEROES here in Hickory. Now, this morning, we are presented with another article by the Charlotte Observer -- Sex-for-rent accusations prompt lawsuit against Hickory public housing agency - Charlotte Observer -Fred Clasen-Kelly -  May 5, 2016. Funny how things come together.

Below is my presentation. I want people to understand that I did not randomly come up with the word "nemesis" at the end of this presentation. That was the term Mayor Wright used on Monday during an interview with Hal Row on WHKY during his Monday Morning Meeting with the Mayor. That Larry was his nemesis and some people said that Larry was his nemesis and he was Larry's nemesis. I never heard Larry say such a term over the years I knew him.


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Link to Youtube video of presentation

I stand here tonight with a heavy heart over the loss of a good friend. He was so much more than an associate. He was truly a friend. Much of my desire and ability to write has been taken away over the past several months by anxiety from anger, not because of any certain thing, but because of the uncertain. I'm getting older and I know death is certain and the loss of so many around me has done nothing to allay my apprehension about death. There is a paradox of fighting the darkness or embracing it. I have no fear of death, only an apprehension of whether I have fulfilled my life or wasted it.

I'm not here to speak for myself. I am here to speak for my good friend Larry Pope. He was a man who lived with no fear. He walked everywhere in this city. He rode the bus inside and outside of the city's boundaries anywhere he pleased. He had many who wanted to help him, but in the end he sought as much independence as any blind man could be afforded.

I prayed and asked Larry to give me his words tonight. The words are a little more filtered than Larry might have presented. Not because I think what Larry said was wrong, but because of my own comfort level. So, I'm not up here to ask any of you to resign or to ask Chief Adkins to put anyone in jail. I am up here to try and bring thought, respect, and resolution.

Yes, Larry could be a little overzealous. Yes, a little melodramatic at times. But, close your eyes and see what you see in this room. Do you feel a little lost without your sight. I think we all have sight here tonight, but how many of us can actually see. Larry may not have had physical vision, but he saw many things that many of us couldn't.

I can't fill his shoes and no one in this community can. As a white man, I have no right, but I do pray that some people in the African American community will carry forward Larry's mission. Not looking for a pay off or a pay out, but to truly help others.

I was at Larry's funeral last week. It was so uplifting to see the people in this community that truly loved and supported Larry... and I know Larry supported them as well.

As a Libertarian, I have come to not believe the government. Government has come to represent itself over the will of the people. Larry Pope also, to a great extent, was a Libertarian. But, in envisioning where Larry was coming from, his challenges, I understand Larry's need for government. That is why Larry fought so hard on issues for the handicapped.

I hope that Attorneys Crone and Dula understand that Larry did respect them. Chief Adkins and City Employees, you know that Larry respected y'all. Mayor, Council, as hard as it may be for y'all to believe, Larry wanted to respect y'all.

Many people thought what Larry asked for was petty, trite, frivolous... I saw him come up here so many times and I watched people roll their eyes. I saw people turn beet red. I saw people who obviously tuned him out. I saw people want to rebuke and challenge him when he had gone back to his seat after saying his piece. And there were a few that listened, and I appreciate it when representatives listen, but my perception is that they never made a point of getting their fellow representatives to understand what they are here for.

I am blessed to be able to stand up here on this night and make this prepared statement. Larry didn't have that option. Yes, he could be long winded and repeat himself. That happened because of what I convey to you above. He couldn't see your body language like I could. Like so many of us could. He was emphatic about getting his point across. He could see what so many times y'all refused to see. How many times did Larry ask me what y'all looked like when he spoke on his issue of the night.

Hickory Incorporated's story line in 2012, during the Ward Referendum, was that the Ward Representatives wanted to represent all of the people of Hickory. In the subsequent years, how many of you have represented Larry Pope? You continued to dismiss him... How many of you have represented the interests of the South side, Ridgeview, or those in poverty? You haven't and thus you were justifying the unjustifiable to keep your adulterous system.

Yeah, what I have said above is harsh, but it isn't a charge against your personal being, unless that is who you desire to be and what you want to represent. What I am relating to you above is the result of your actions.

I remember being at the Lakeland Park debate during this time. Joe Brannock and I talked about moving Persons requesting to be Heard back to the front of the agenda. I'm not trying to out you Jill, but she said, (Paraphrasing) "...never, because of what Larry Pope would do if that happened." Well, something happened over the subsequent months and she and Sally Fox championed the cause and pushed it through over the Mayor's objections... and to that I would like to say Thank You Jill... and I don't think anything has happened over the subsequent time to say that the decision you made was wrong.

At Larry's funeral, Hank got up and spoke and related how Larry had befriended him and taken him to his house to eat, when Hank first went to work for the Hickory police department. In Hank's words, Larry had befriended Hank when he didn't have to. Hank said if there was anything that Larry's family needed that he'd be there for them. Larry's brother told you Hank, "Do the right thing... represent Larry... represent us." It's time Hank. It's time to be a friend to Larry. It's time to do the right thing.

You know, many people thought years ago, and over time, that Larry Pope was a wildcard that just liked shooting off at the mouth. That wasn't the Larry Pope that I knew. Larry listened intently and with interest about what people had to say. We had a meeting that several people of all walks of life attended and after the meeting, one of the gentleman, who everyone would know if I said his name, said, "Larry didn't really say much." We had to point out that the Larry that speaks before the Hickory City Council is only one version of Larry Pope.

Now, I'm going to come to a point. Larry has championed a cause about fixing issues related to the Hickory Public Housing authority. You dismissed him outright until some embarrassing issues came to the light. Then, and only then, you looked to take action. Seems that some time has gone by and the real media in Charlotte, since we have none here in Hickory, hasn't reported on it of late, so some think they can slink back to the status quo.

Larry came to you with this issue. There were issues that Larry experienced firsthand and many other issues were voluntarily brought to Larry by people effected by the Housing Authority. Larry listened and reported these issues and what did you do? You took him off of the Housing Authority board and when Larry was off of the board, then all of these people that worked at the Housing Authority were subsequently fired... Now that's the Carolina Way right there. That's the Hickory Way that the bosses love and the people know and hate.

Funny thing is that Larry was dismissed from the Housing Authority board, but now we are told that the Mayor has no authority over the board. He's the one that appoints these board members. He was the one who appointed Larry. He was the one who chose not to reappoint Larry, after Larry brought issues forward.

Seems like to me when you can appoint and dismiss Housing Authority board members, like you did Larry, that you have the ultimate authority. Of course at the last meeting you said that you didn't want to dismiss friends/board members to which Brad seemed to wholeheartedly agree. That is your choice. That has nothing to do with a lack of authority.

I truly hate to bring this up, but logically what we've heard sounds like a lot of throw it up and see what will stick defenses. Summarily, it seems like you've dismissed the finding of HUD in relation to "Misappropriation of Funds", as no big deal. "Nobody stole any money."

Misappropriation means that you took money intended for one purpose and used it for another. It isn't armed robbery, but it is most definitely wrong. And guess what? You are using your authority and your political capital to qualify this issue and dismiss it all as no big deal.

Larry took a smell test and he passed it along to me and others. You know what it smells like. It smells like money. I smell some stinky money. I smell some "Let's make some money off of some poor people" money.

It's been brought up before. You see it on the Hickory Public Housing Authority Website -- Unifour Capital Ventures. So they are going to privatize the housing authority and reap the benefits, then -- as Larry told me and others -- these board members are going to have paid board positions and then no one can dismiss them... and no one will have authority over them. Who really is going to look out for the poor people living in these places?

HUD gave money to the citizens of Hickory to build these apartments for low income people and you are going to allow someone to take them over for free and look to make a profit off of a gift. What if this entity continues to be mismanaged? Are the citizens of Hickory going to be expected to bail a future catastrophe like that out? I can go into many other reasons why this is all a bad idea.

I was with Larry when he spoke with The Western Piedmont Council of Governments about this issue and them incorporating Hickory's Public Housing into their Housing Management system. He asked me to be his eyes in that meeting. Those people were genuine. The COG's Housing Management system is regional. It's obvious that Unifour Capital Ventures wants to be regional also, thus the name "Unifour".

Like I said, I smell money. There is no "goodness of the heart" to all of this. If it was a "goodness of the heart issue", then they wouldn't be fighting tooth and nail to maintain their positions and they would say that they've done the best they could and the COG can have it. I smell stinky, tainted money.

A few months ago, three Council members went to Greensboro. At least two of them came back wanting to turn the housing authority over to the COG. Now the Mayor wants to maintain the status quo. Jill and Hank, I hope you will stick to your guns.

I'm going to wrap this up for now, but I'll be back. The people of this community for some reason are held to a higher standard than our elected officials and the City's management. I've seen it time and time again where people like Larry are told that they've got it wrong and they don't have the information. Well, who's providing the info?

Y'all providing us bad information? Seems that's on y'all.

Your average citizen is expected to adhere to the strictest of standards, but Hickory Incorporated has shown no accountability to the standards that they expect of citizens. It's called the spirit of the law. You do whatever you want and everyone is supposed to accept it as the gospel. Most of us aren't afforded such a luxury. Like Orwell said, "Some of us are a little more equal than others."

We have a broken political system in this country from the top to the bottom. Elected officials only worry about getting re-elected. Every decision is made based upon how it will effect electability. What about doing the work of the people and the community.

I've heard it said that we are sore losers. Well, it's hard to be gracious in defeat when dealing with sore winners. You've gotten everything you wanted. Tell me what y'all haven't gotten? Sure you had to fight harder than you wanted, but you got it. Had to cut corners and tell some whoppers, but you got what you wanted. Heck, with the machine y'all have built, you don't even have to worry about keeping your stories straight, they're going to vote for you anyway.

Look at what we've dealt with. Getting arrested on trumped up charges. People calling to threaten your boss about allowing you to be employed. People telling us they are going to beat us down, if we stick our head back up. Hey Paul, I'm still standing. Where are you?

They say those who laugh last, laugh loudest, and those who send out unsolicited pictures of celebrations and victory cigars eventually have them stuck where the sun don't shine. There's a lot to be said about winning with class. It helps others lose with dignity. Like Jock Ewing told JR on the old television show Dallas about subtlety. "Without it , you turn competitors into enemies and enemies into fanatics."

At the end of the day, I want you to understand that Larry Pope was not your nemesis. I am not your nemesis. Larry loved the politics. Personally, I loathe politics, but understand the reality. If you feel that we are your nemesis or others are your nemesis, then you are your own nemesis.

God bless Larry Pope

Hickory City Council Workshop - November 3, 2015

CAPITAL PLANNING WORKSHOP 2015

These are projects for the near term horizon in Hickory. They explain the projects and how they will be funded, including the use on Issued Bond Funds proposed to begin in July 2017.





CAPITAL PLANNING WORKSHOP 2015
• Lackey Project – parking lot, boat dock, etc.
• Kiwanis Splash Pad
• NC Data Campus/Multi-Jurisdictional Park (Conover)
• Sandy Ridge Road - roundabouts
• Cloninger Mill Park
• City Park – Tennis Courts (Greater Hickory Tennis Association)
• Streetscapes/Zoning Overlay Consultant
• Way Finding/Gateway


LACKEY PROJECT
• Lackey Family to donate $5 -$7 million for memorial in Geitner Park
• Plans to construct lake house, performance dock, amphitheater, conservatory, canopy walk, gardens, overflow parking lot
• Design of project by Tunnel-Spangler-Walsh (TSW) is underway
• Estimated City cost of $750,000 for driveway, parking lot, restrooms, canoe launch, boat dock, fishing pier
• Operation/Maintenance costs unknown at this point


KIWANIS PARK SPLASH PAD
• City to own and maintain as addition to park operations
• Splash pad management team to finalize design/features
• Park to have “wow factor”, regional draw to visitors
• Estimated project cost of $250,000 - $350,000, depending on design
• Kiwanis clubs raising $100,000 towards project
• City share of $150,000 - $250,000 NC DATA CAMPUS/MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PARK


NC DATA CAMPUS/MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PARK
• Economic Development Partnership in Conover to attract data campus
• Loan of $2.6 million from NC Dept. of Commerce for 55 acre site development – water, sewer, electrical, stormwater, streets, sidewalks
• Multi-jurisdictional project between Catawba County (57%), Hickory (19%), Conover (18%), Maiden (5%) & Catawba (1%)
• Partner’s share in additional proper ty tax revenues based on investment
• Current year payment of $9,880
• Next year’s payment of $104,806 (difference of $94,926)
• Funded with Water & Sewer revenues


SANDY RIDGE ROAD - ROUNDABOUTS
• CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) grant of $3,697,684 received for FY 16/17
• Originally designed to add lanes at both intersections – due to ROW and utility relocation costs, roundabouts were selected
• Roundabouts planned at intersections of Sandy Ridge Rd/29th Ave Ne and 16th St/8th St Dr/ 21st Av NE to relieve traffic congestion
• Estimated project costs of $4,622,105
• City share of $924,421 (20% match)


CLONINGER MILL PARK
• City initiated master plan of 79 acres for future park in 2008
• Public meetings held in 2008 & 2009
• Many natural features including Falling Creek, waterfall, wide variety of vegetation, wildlife and ecological habitat
• Amenities proposed include picnicking, walking/bike trails, play areas, disc golf, environmental education, exercise stations
• Total project cost estimates of $2.9 million (2009 dollars)
• Phase I (access from Cloninger Mill Rd) estimated at $1.3 million
• Donation of $900,000 received from Outward Bound, balance of $400,000 – City share
• Staff and Parks/Recreation Commission reviewing revised master plan incorporating additional 10 acre commercial tract


CITY PARK – TENNIS COURTS
• 10-year Priority Use Agreement with Greater Hickory Tennis Association approved by Council on April 7, 2015– will contribute $125,000
• New picnic shelter/restroom/meeting room facility
• Addition of 250 linear feet of paved access road and 1440 linear feet of 8ft wide paved walkway
• Parking expansion from 20 spaces to 90 spaces (also to assist with additional parking requirements for Lackey Project), with curb/gutter and area lighting, removal of existing picnic shelter/restroom facility
• Additional parking will likely be needed in light of Lackey project expansion
• Estimated cost of $574,000 (balance of $449,000 funded by City)


STREETSCAPES/ZONING OVERLAY CONSULTANT
• Goal is to strengthen site design standards for private development in areas where streetscape improvements are planned.
• Overlay creates a more uniform appearance of private development regardless of underlying zoning requirement
• Coordination on lighting, landscaping, improved signage design and placement, and more efficient ingress/egress with new medians installed in streetscape.
• Staff developing RFQ to hire planning/design firm to develop new regulations for key areas of Hickory.
• Estimated cost of $150,000


WAY FINDING/GATEWAY
• Wayfinding Program installs approximately 100 new signs of varying sizes but similar design installed citywide to direct travelers into Hickory from surrounding highways and guide them to multiple public destinations.
• Original program was developed in 2008. Great recession prevented implementation at that time.
• Gateway signage is now a part of the bond program. Five gateways will be developed at key entry points into Hickory. Gateways are usually eye-catching welcome signage with landscaping and/or
public art designed to encourage motorists to recognize when they have arrived and to entice others to shop and shop, dine.
• Estimated cost of $800,000


BOND PROJECTS
• $40 million bond referendum passed in November 2014; seven years to issue debt
• Anticipating 2 or 3 bond issues - $15m/$15m/$10m or $20m/$20m depending on projects selected
• Issue debt in FY 2017-18 (July) – will require ½ year debt payment in 2018
• Tax increase planned in FY 2018-19 (3-4 cents)
• Design funds will need to be advanced from fund balance; may drop below 25% Council goal
• Fund balance amount between 20%-25% = $2.4 million


REVENUE CONSIDERATIONS
• Tag Fee – City currently receives $5/vehicle generating $170k annually; FY 15-16 legislation authorizes municipalities to charge up to $30/vehicle – additional revenue of $850k/year
• Parking fees for City amenities – e.g. Convention Center (Event Parking concept)

Hickory City Council Video - November 3, 2015

Invocation by Cliff Moone

This was a short meeting lasting less than 30 minutes. Vickie Scott and Larry Pope spoke in relation to the Housing Authorityissue.

A Micro Enterprise grant program is being established using Community Development Block Grant Funds.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 20, 2015

I began video recording the City Council in 2012, 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.

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Hound Notes:I didn't put out an agenda. Sinus infection wearing me out again and nothing pressing about this meeting. I was aware of the subject Alderman Lail brought up at the meeting regarding the low appraisal for properties on F Avenue at the corner of Tate Boulevard and Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard. 5 pieces of property valued at $17,000 -- not a piece, but total. I saw on Catawba County GIS that the City purchased the property in 2003. One of the properties (870) was bought for $9,000 and a house was razed that year that had been located there. The current assessed value of that property is $7,000 and we see the property being sold (average of 5 properties) for $3,400. It was good to see Alderman Lail being a good steward of the public trust, others have shown a propensity not to care. The ends justify the means for their agenda.

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The Splash Pad at Kiwanis Park drew the most attention on the night. Everyone seemed to be excited by the idea. Mac McLeod, Head of Parks and Rec, talked about the desire for the park to have a Wow! factor to be a regional draw. He showed various regional splash pads and the features they had from the most basic to some with overhead features.  There were three plans presented with estimated price tags ranging from $253,000 to $360,000 and it was stated that these costs do include contingency dollars, but don't include any infrastructure improvement dollars. The Kiwanis propose to pay $100,000 through a fundraising effort and Hickory Inc. is proposing to pay the rest.Staff is open to any changes that would be proposed.

He was asked by Alderman Seaver about capacity and he said that under option 2 and 3 that it could handle 250 children. Alderman Guess asked about additional property available and Mac stated that it was limited. Rodney Miller, Hickory Inc.'s Financial Officer  said this is an unfunded project, but the City does have plans. There will be a Capital Planning Workshop on November 3rd. This will be one of those funding projects and they will prioritize the projects at that meeting.

The Mayor made a valid point about other areas of the city would want a splash pad and so they needed to be careful about the money they spent at this one. He talked about the benefits of starting on the low end. Again Alderman Lail was on point when he spoke about not getting ahead of themselves because of constraints on parking at that venue and limited space, when you already have baseball fields in heavy use in the summer, picnic shelters, and Zahra's playground at that location.

Good to see Mac McLeod step away from a possible Conflict of Interest. He is the Chairman of the western Catawba County Kiwanis and doesn't believe he should oversee a project as the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Hickory and as the Chairman of Kiwanis. He stated that he talked it over with Staff Attorney Arnita Dula and she agreed with him. The Mayor more than mildly objected to this, worried that it would set some sort of precedent that others may later have to adhere to, when it wasn't necessary in the Mayor's opinion. City Attorney John Crone agreed with Director McLeod. Mac's right, Mayor's wrong, and if it does set a precedent that hasn't been honored in the past, then good. It's time to have some standards. 


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The Mayor addressed the issues related to Hickory Public Housing Authority. He made a statement about not liking to place people on the board that have an agenda. EVERYONE, especially him, that are in the political arena here, there, and everywhere have an agenda.

His agenda has been the status quo and he has been very successful at maintaining it. We're essentially at the same place we were when he took office 14 years ago. He has made sure that no one competes against the business interests that support him. It is not only him,. It has been every member of that Council and the City Staff. If you aren't on board with that agenda, then you are out of their version of luck. Deal is that real luck has a lot to do with karma. So you wanna put all your chips in one basket... well, let's just say, I learned that lesson a long, long time ago.

The Mayor keeps doubling down on his support of the Housing Authority and all of the people involved with it. At the same time he keeps passing the buck on the issue of authority. I do agree with him that it is out of his hands now, but it wasn't always out of his hands. Thing is that he's been gambling (since 2012) with the house's money. He might have been able to get the U.S. Justice Department and HUD to let bygones be bygones had they acted back in 2012, but he mandated that we maintain the status quo of the HPHA and nothing changed. HUD has had 3 subsequent investigations since that time. They held a special meeting of the city council back on September 16th so that the Mayor could essentially reiterate the status quo. He would not let the public speak at that meeting. It was a very short dog and pony show held for the Charlotte media, which have been all over this story.

One of this Council's most vocal supporter's, the Reverend Glenn Pinckney, jumped off the wagon. His piece in the Hickory Daily Record a month ago was a scathing indictment against the HPHA management and Hickory Inc.'s stewardship of that program. He was a member of the so called "Hickory United", another cooked up political entity that couldn't keep its books straight, just like its successor Boost Hickory. Mr. Pinckney endorsed Mayor Wright and 4th ward Alderman Hank Guess just two short years ago in the most public way possible.

There's one thing that is more than evident with those who have no agenda. You're to drink the Koolaid and know your place in the pecking order. When they want your opinion, they'll give it to you. The two people the Mayor mentioned on this night will never agree to that.

Whistleblower's are treated badly around here. Frankly, they are treated bad everywhere in North Carolina. The Mayor didn't want to replace anyone on that board, but he surely wanted to replace Larry Pope. Whistleblowing is the obvious reason why Larry Pope was deposed from the HPHA board. He pointed out the irregularities. If there were issues with the HPHA and Larry had not spoken up, it's obvious that everyone else thinks everything's fine and was going to say nothing.  Then in the people with no agenda's world, these problems would have never been brought up and they would have been allowed to go on without being addressed.  Let's just suppose that Larry and the people who have come forward have it right. What have we seen? If there is a problem, you've got no one to turn to in Hickory. You are on your own. What happens in those kinds of places?


Absolute Power corrupts absolutely.

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One reason I've been writing less lately is because sometimes less is more. Especially when you have people coming up to say that they appreciate what you do, but then they go support the status quo. My hope of late is that if I say nothing on an issue, maybe these people will accidentally do the right thing. I'm not against everything the city does, but they've been against everything I stand for.

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Invocation by Rev. David Roberts II, Pastor, Morning Star First Baptist Church

Special Presentations
A. Swearing-in Mike Johnson and Dean Proctor to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

B. Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015 by Paula Hodges, Audit Partner with Martin Starnes & Associates

Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Larry Pope

Consent Agenda:
A. Proclamation for Extra Mile Day, November 1, 2015.

B. Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, 2015.

C. Approval of a Lease Agreement for Property Located at 304 3rd Street SW, Hickory to Jamie Janine Reed and Christopher Martin Stevey. - Hickory Police Department purchased and renovated the property at 304 3rd Street SW Hickory. The property is adjacent to the current 6.18 acres of City owned property and would provide necessary land for any future expansion of the Police Department. The property has three bedrooms, two baths, stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Hickory Police Department requests leasing the property to Jamie Janine Reed and Christopher
Martin Stevey in the amount of $600 per month, beginning November 1, 2015. The tenant will be responsible for all utilities.

D. Approval of Amended Special Event Application for 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Meghan Lawton, Regional Manager, Alzheimer’s Association of WNC, Crawdad’s Stadium/Park, October 31, 2015 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

E. 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 October 1, 2015:
 Raymond Mitchell, 638 3rd Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, was approved for Loan Subordination. Mr. Mitchell’s loan was done under the First-Time Homebuyers Program. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommended this subordination to help Mr. Mitchell do a loan modification to lower his monthly payment/interest rate and make it more affordable. He will not be taking any money out for personal use.
Each of the following applicants are being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2015 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency-related repairs not to exceed $8,000.
 Ruth Adams, 117 3rd Avenue SW, Hickory
 Irma Griffin, 529 12th Street SW, Hickory
 Teresa Robinson, 3271 Blue Sky Court, Newton
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.

F. Approval of “Food for Fines” Amnesty Weeks at the Libraries. - Approval of the waiver of overdue fines for library customers who donate canned, boxed, or bagged food items at either Patrick Beaver Memorial Library or Ridgeview Branch Library during the two-week period of December 1-15, 2015. One item of food will cancel $1 in overdue fines, and donated items will be given to Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry. Library staff recommends approval of the annual “Food for Fines” Amnesty Weeks.

G. Approval of the Capital Purchase of Structural Firefighting Gear for FY15/16 in the Amount of $385,000. - Hickory Fire Department requests approval for the purchase of structural firefighting gear for all personnel. The last purchase of structural firefighting gear was in FY09/10. The fire department incorporates the use of an equipment committee made up of full-time personnel. This committee is tasked with reviewing best practices from across North Carolina and the United States when reviewing tools for apparatus or equipment for the firefighters. The committee chose the Honeywell/Morning Pride line of structural gear for its build qualities, exceptional protection during fire conditions, and renowned customer service. In the analysis, local cooperative purchase plans and local government awarded bid contracts were reviewed to see if any could be utilized in meeting the purchasing needs of the fire department. The Charlotte Cooperative Purchasing Alliance has such a contract, and the terms have been extended to all North Carolina fire departments that wish to piggyback on the contracts purchasing agreement with Morning Pride. The fire department will be purchasing 130 complete sets of structural firefighting gear, at an approximate cost of $356,000. This cost may increase or decrease depending on the sizing changes that may occur between different personnel. The fire department recommends acceptance of the Charlotte Cooperative Purchasing Alliance terms for the purchase of the CIP structural firefighting gear for personnel.

H. Approval of a Contract with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000 for the Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project at the Water Treatment Facility. - The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power to portions of the facility in the event of power failure. The generator is approximately 24 years old and is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The generator is experiencing failures on the power generation end of the emergency generator and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Staff has had the existing emergency generator evaluated and vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014, with City Council’s approval, HDR Engineering Inc. analyzed and designed the project. The project was advertised for bid and Crowder Construction Company was the lowest responsible bidder. On October 6, 2015, on second reading, Council accepted bids on this project. This project is planned as a component of the FY 15-16 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves. Staff recommends Council award the contract for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company being the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $2,699,000.

I. Approval of an Amendment to the Agreement for Engineering Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the Amount of $114,500. - In October of 2014, City Council approved a contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas to perform professional engineering services for the generator at the Water Treatment Facility. Staff is proposing to hire HDR Engineering, Inc. to provide construction administration and inspection services on the project due to the level of familiarity with the design and infrastructure. This project is anticipated to take
approximately a year to complete and will be staffed with an engineer full-time while the contractor is on-site. Fees were negotiated using standard accepted tables. This project is planned as a component of the FY 15-16 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Amendment to the Agreement for Engineering Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas to perform professional engineering services related to construction administration and inspection services for the replacement emergency generator at the Water Treatment Facility in the amount of $114,500.

J. Acceptance of 35th Avenue Court NE into the City of Hickory’s Street Maintenance. - 35th Avenue Court NE was recently brought up to City of Hickory roadway standards by adjacent property owners. The section is approximately 550 feet long and is located on the east side of Falling Creek Road between Falling Creek Estates and Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Public right of way existed previously and roadway is within the City limits. This street is eligible for City maintenance and inclusion on the Powell Bill listing. The work required to bring the road to City of Hickory standards was financed entirely with private funds and no City monies were used for that work. Staff recommends that 35th Avenue Court NE be accepted by City of Hickory street maintenance and inclusion on Powell Bill listing.

K. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 8.
1. To recognize $300.00 revenue received from Youth Council participants for their portion of the fee for attendance at state conference in Winston-Salem the weekend of October 9-11, 2015.
2. To transfer unspent funds of $383 within Capital Project #546014 (Storm Damage Repair) back to the General Fund and close out the project.
3. Upon closing Grant Project #G5110O (Police Dept. vests 2013), $2 was remaining and transferred back to the General Fund. The original grant in the amount of $25,200 ($9,350.17 Federal Funds and $15,849.83 Local Match) was accepted by City Council on December 3, 2013. The grant project provided 42 vests for the Hickory Police Department. Unused funds in the amount of $2 will
be returned to the General Fund.
4. To amend the budget for the FY14 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Award #2014-DJ-BX-1087 - Award Date 08/29/14 - Award Project Period 10/01/13 to 09/30/15. Federal award in the amount of $23,359 for the purchase of Training Breaching Door Kit, Individual Officer Trauma Kit, and Ballistic Shield. Council approved application process on
05/20/14. Council accepted the grant award on 09/16/14. Final amendment request to fund expenditure overages for the project in the amount of $43. The overage will be transferred from the General Fund Hickory Police Departmental Supplies Operating Budget.

L. Grant Project Ordinance Number 3.
1. This Grant Project Ordinance will set up revenue and expenditure line-item budgets for the 2015 Urgent Repair Program (URP15). The City of Hickory was approved by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency in the amount of $50,000 with a local required match of $5,000. The required match is provided by Miscellaneous Revenues/Program Income.

M. Grant Project Ordinance Number 4.
1. This Grant Project Ordinance will establish the project budget for the purchase of 12 body-worn cameras, hardware, service, and digital evidence management solution for the Hickory Police Department and the purchase of equipment for officer training by Catawba County. Federal funding in the amount of $19,555 is available to the City and $12,900 is available for Catawba County. Hickory is the lead agency for grant administration. Council accepted the award on September 15, 2015.

N. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 2.
1. To transfer unspent funds of $383 within Capital Project #546014 (Storm Damage Repair) back to the General Fund and close out the project.
2. To transfer unspent funds of $2 within Capital Project #G5110O back to the General Fund and close the project. The original grant in the amount of $25,200 ($9,350.17 Federal Funds and $15,849.83 Local Match) was accepted by City Council on December 3, 2013. The grant project provided 42 vests for the Hickory Police Department. Unused funds in the amount of $2 will be returned to the General Fund.
3. To move a total of $78,750 in CDBG Entitlement Block Grant revenues into CDBG Public Infrastructure for street resurfacing ($18,750) and Optimist Park improvements for tennis court renovations ($60,000).
4. To amend the budget for the FY14 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Award #2014-DJ-BX-1087 - Award Date 08/29/14 - Award Project Period 10/01/13 to 09/30/15. Federal award in the amount of $23,359 for the purchase of Training Breaching Door Kit, Individual Officer Trauma Kit, and Ballistic Shield. Council approved application process on 05/20/14. Council accepted the grant award on 09/16/14. Final amendment request to fund expenditure overages for the project in the amount of $43. The overage will be transferred from the General Fund Hickory Police Departmental Supplies Operating Budget.

Informational Item
A. Mayor Wright’s Travel to Ignition City Vision 2015, Winston-Salem, NC, October 12, 2015 (Registration $410; Mileage Reimbursement $81.65).

New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 11.936 acres Located in the 3000 Block of Short Road. - A petition was submitted on behalf of Cecil and Rachel Munday for the voluntary contiguous annexation of 11.936 acres of property located in the 3000 block of Short Road. The annexation area is the proposed location of an eighty unit residential apartment complex. The construction of which will require municipal water and sewer service. Upon analysis, Staff has determined the petition meets the statutory requirements for voluntary contiguous annexation, and adequate public services are available. Staff recommends approval of the requested annexation. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on October 9, 2015.

2. Consideration of the Sale of Five City-Owned Properties Located on F Avenue SE. - The City owns five properties located on F Avenue SE that were originally purchased with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds as part of the East Hickory Redevelopment Plan. The properties are located at 865, 870, 872, 880, and 889 F Avenue SE. These properties were originally purchased for future development and to stabilize the area through the reduction of blight. Staff has been approached by AMMCO, LLC with an offer to purchase these properties, and plans on developing these properties for residential use. A public hearing is required since the properties were purchased with CDBG funds. In accordance to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulations, the properties must be sold for market value. A recent appraisal listed the market value of these properties at $17,000. The offer from AMMCO, LLC is for market value. The properties must also be sold subject to the upset bid process. Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution accepting the offer from AMMCO, LLC and authorize Staff to advertise for upset bids. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on October 9, 2015 and October 16, 2015.

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Construction of a Splash Pad at Kiwanis Park. - The City of Hickory, Hickory Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Club of Western Catawba County engaged in a joint effort to construct the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park which opened May of 2012. Both Kiwanis clubs have agreed to partner with the City of Hickory to jointly fund the construction of a splash pad at Kiwanis Park that would be maintained by the City of Hickory as part of its operations. The Memorandum of Understanding details the terms and conditions under which the splash pad will be constructed. The Memorandum of Understanding has been sent to both the Hickory Kiwanis Club and the Kiwanis Club of Catawba County for their respective consideration and approval. The Parks and Recreation Commission considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding at their August 11, 2015 meeting and recommends its approval by City Council. Staff recommends approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a splash pad at Kiwanis
Park.

City Council Video - October 20, 2015

I'm going to try to get the Newsletter out tonight. Maybe, for the non-nightowls, you'll see it in the morning. In the meantime here is the video.



Special Presentations
A. Swearing-in Mike Johnson and Dean Proctor to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

B. Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015 by Paula Hodges, Audit Partner with Martin Starnes & Associates

Persons Requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope

A. Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 11.936 acres Located in the 3000 Block of Short Road.

2. Consideration of the Sale of Five City-Owned Properties Located on F Avenue SE.

B. Departmental Reports:
1. Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Construction of a Splash Pad at Kiwanis Park.

General Comments
Mayor Wright about the issues with Hickory Public Housing Authority

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 6, 2015

I began video recording the City Council in 2012, 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.

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Hound Notes:I didn't put out an agenda, because there wasn't much to this meeting. The meeting lasted a little longer than 20 minutes. There was a presentation of a proclamation for fire prevention and safety and Chuck Hansen, the Director of Public Works had an update on Single Stream Recycling.

There really have not been many issues to discuss of late related to these meetings. The only issues of major relevance have been introduced by the public. Those issues would be the Hickory Public Housing issues -- the allegations by former employees, tenants, and the 4th Street Southwest group that doesn't want the proposed Public Housing structure to be built on 4th Street. The other issue was the group of people who needed resolution related to the long time proposed bridge project from 29th Avenue NE over into Caldwell County off of Grace Chapel Road.

I do try to put out an agenda, because it makes it easier to present this material. I also like the public, who follow this site, to have an opportunity to see what is going on with these meetings. You can always go to the City's website and view the Agenda, which comes out on the Friday afternoon before the meeting. Go to the main page and and click on Quick Links towards the top of the page, pull down and tap Agendas and Minutes.

I do need better proof reading skills (LOL).


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Invocation by retired Minister Bill Garrard

Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2015. 
Presented to Terri Byers of the Hickory Fire Department


Consent Agenda:(Unanimously approved)
A. Approval of the National Naval Aviation Museum Standard Renewal Loan Agreement for Loaned Aircraft and Artifacts Located at the Hickory Regional Airport. - The City of Hickory/Hickory Regional Airport has on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) certain retired aircraft and artifacts located at the Hickory Regional Airport and on display by the Hickory Aviation Museum. The Hickory Regional Airport has participated in and has had on loan property from the NNAM for over fifteen (15) years. The Loan Agreement with NNAM covers a period of five (5) years commencing September 1, 2015 and ending September 1, 2020 with an option for renewal. Staff recommends approval of the National Naval Aviation Museum Standard Renewal Loan Agreement for loaned aircraft and artifacts.

B. Approval of Eight Days of Vacation Time to Use as Door Prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day. - Human Resources requests approval of eight days of vacation time to use as door prizes for the annual Coworker Appreciation event scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2015, at Hickory Metro Convention Center. Five days are used as the grand prize and the other three days as additional door prizes. Staff recommends approval of eight days of vacation time for door prizes at the annual coworker event.

C. Approval of the Contract Renewal with Socrata in the Amount of $12,000. - In an effort to provide greater transparency, the City of Hickory contracted with Socrata to present the FY 2016 Budget over the internet. Following the success and popularity of that initiative Staff recommends that we take the next step in transparency by utilizing Socrata’s OpenExpenditures product. The open data portal will enable citizens to reduce the need for administrative assistance when seeking public information from the City. Staff recommends approval of the contract renewal with Socrata in the amount of $12,000 for OpenBudget with the addition of Socrata’s OpenExpenditures product for a one year term.

D. Approval of the Special Events Activities Application for Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center Vigil, Kathleen Landry, Community Outreach Coordinator, October 20, 2015, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sails on the Square.

E. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 11.936 acres Located in the 3000 Block of Short Road. (Authorize Public Hearing for October 20, 2015)

F. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of the Sale of Five City-Owned Properties Located on F Avenue SE. (Authorize Public Hearing for October 20, 2015)

G. Acceptance of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Grant (Non-Primary Entitlement Funds) in the Amount of $150,000 for Airport Improvements. - The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), by Letter dated July 30, 2015, has allocated FAA Non-Primary Entitlement Funds under the State Block Grant Program for Federal fiscal year 2015 for the Hickory Regional Airport. The funds are to be used for airside safety needs first with consideration of other needed airport projects. These funds are to be expended no later than July 1, 2019. NCDOT has allocated Federal funds via Grant 36237.66.NPE.15 with the Federal share of $150,000 and the local share of $16,667 for airport improvements. Upon City Council’s acceptances of the grant, any future proposed projects that fall under the guidelines of this grant will be brought back to Council for approval. Staff recommends Council’s acceptance of the
grant in the amount of $150,000 from NCDOT.

H. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 7.
1. To recognize as revenue an $850.00 donation from Patrick Beaver Friends of the Library for the purchase of senior bingo prizes.
2. To recognize a total of $4,325 in donations and budget the same as a corresponding increase to the Recreation Department Supplies line-item. Of this total, $4,000 was donated from Lowe’s Foods for the Christmas Parade and $325 for the Back 2 School Bash on August 15th at the Highland Recreation Center.
3. To recognize $4,128 in revenue received from Caldwell County Railroad Company designated for railroad signal maintenance on Clement Blvd per highway license/maintenance agreement and via NCDOT’s 2015 maintenance class rates.
4. To recognize revenue of $77,464.88 from Teen Challenge North Carolina for extension of a waterline along St. Peter's Church Road to serve property on Valwood Road. Customer has paid for materials associated with this project, and this amendment will allow the City to procure same.

I. Approval of Amendments to the Economic Development Agreement between the City of Hickory and Blue Bloodhound, LP. - On June 25, 2015 City Council approved the Economic Development Agreement with Blue Bloodhound, LP. Subsequent to Council approving the Agreement, Blue Bloodhound, LP created another company, Blue Bloodhound Management, LLC. Clue Bloodhound Management, an affiliate of Blue Bloodhound, LP, will be responsible for some of the performance of Blue Bloodhound, LP under the economic development agreement. Therefore, both companies need to be a part of the Agreement. In addition to adding the affiliate company’s name to the Agreement, the due date for the Opinion of Counsel letters from the company and the City has been changed from August 31, 2015 to October 1, 2015. Other than adding Blue Bloodhound Management, LLC to the Agreement and revising the due date for the Opinion of Counsel letters, no other changes have been made to the Agreement. Staff requests Council’s approval of the amended Economic Development Agreement between the City of Hickory, Clue Bloodhound, LP, and Blue Bloodhound Management, LLC.

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Recycling Update - Presentation by Chuck Hanson

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 15, 2015

I began video recording the City Council in 2012, 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.

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Hound Notes:The most interesting item on the agenda tonight was the plan to revitalize the property in west Hickory where the old Southern Desk and Ivey-Weaver Mill (S&W Chemical) used to reside.

If that plan could come to fruition, then we might see a turnaround for an area that has for a long time been in desperate need of revitalization and investment. It will take some outside of the box ideas to move such a plan forward, because this area has had a propensity to be neglected for over a generation. Most of the people who live here now, haven't a clue that was a middle class/working class area. I know the area well because my mother owns property there. A few blocks from here is the first place my maternal grandparents lived when they moved to Hickory -- when my grandfather started his business and my grandmother was an announcer on the radio. Drive down 1st Ave SW towards and past the Snack Bar to see the definition of ramshackle. Think about people that have lived in that area for 30, 40, and 50 years and have seen no growth and their real property values have declined. Is that their fault? Do Something!

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Special Presentations
A. Alan Barnhardt – Update on Catawba Science Center Projects

New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This report, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. The CAPER outlines the City’s CDBG expenditures from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Staff recommends approval of the FY2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on September 4, 2015 and September 15, 2015.


Departmental Reports
1. Acceptance of the Bid for the Water Treatment Facility Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the acility in the event of a power failure. The emergency generator is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The existing generator is approximately 24 years old and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014 Council approved contracting with HDR Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the existing conditions, and analyze the generator for proper sizing. The project was advertised for bids and found Crowder Construction Company to be the lowest responsible bidder. The bids received are below the Engineer’s Estimate of $3.0 million dollars. Staff recommends Council accept the bid for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. This project is planned as a component of the FY 2015-2016 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves.


2. Acceptance of the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill. - The City of Hickory applied for two Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grants from the US EPA in November 2011. In May 2012, the City received notice that it had been selected to receive two $200,000 grants to assess petroleum and hazardous materials contamination at Brownfield sites. The City’s environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler, subcontracted with CIII Associates to compete a redevelopment strategy for the former Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites. The City hosted a public workshop in May 2015. After reviewing the existing conditions at the sites, speaking with residents, and conducting market analysis, CIII Associates has presented a mixed use vision to guide future development at the two sites. Staff recommends that City Council accept the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 1, 2015

(Final Release)
I began video recording the City Council in 2012, 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.

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Hound Notes: Been sick and had other obligations. Seems I've had a lot of those things happen lately. There wasn't anything imperative that happened at this meeting. The main issue was a continuation of the issue related to the long time proposed bridge that would come off of I-40, head down McDonald Parkway and 29th avenue, then Huffman Cove Road, and cross into Caldwell County in the Gun Powder point area. Several people spoke against this proposal, because it has been tabled for so long, and the local Metropolitan Planning Commission owns rights of way in that area, that it is having a negative impact on these people dealing with property transactions. A lady, Mrs. Denise Poe, recently came before the City Council and discussed this issue. She was unable to sell a piece of property she owns, because the bank would not submit a loan because of these right of way issues. There was a special meeting, held before this meeting, in which these issues were discussed. I did not attend. In the end, the City Council decided that they would submit a letter to the Caldwell County Commission that states that the "Right of Way" should be removed from this property. Mayor Wright, Aldermen Lail, Seaver, and Zagaroli voted to send the letter. Aldermen Meismer, Guess, and Alder Patton voted against and wanted a feasibility study done before voting on the issue.

The second issue of the night was an ordinance related to animals being present in public places at public events. The issue was brought forth at a recent council meeting by Police Chief Adkins. The issue related by Chief Adkins deals with control of pets and safety interacting with other pets and people in these areas. The Council unanimously agreed with the ordinance. There are some exceptions set forth in the ordinance.

I would like to note that although not perfect these recordings are now Closed Captioned for the Hearing Impaired. Look for the CC button at the bottom right on Youtube.

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Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver


Special Presentations
A. Summer Library Reading Program - (per Hickory Inc.) - Ms. Lisa Neal, Children’s Services Coordinator of Patrick Beaver Library discussed highlights from the summer library reading program. She presented a PowerPoint presentation of the events that was held. She advised there was 1,325 children that had signed up for summer reading at Hickory Public Library; 5,737 people that attended the 172 programs that was offered over eight weeks at both libraries. The total number of minutes read was 1,192,400. That was almost 20,000 hours of book time in Catawba County in eight weeks.

B. Special Recognition - (per Hickory Inc.) - Mayor Wright recognized City Clerk Debbie Miller for the designation of North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk from the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks.


Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Mr. Daniel Blackwelder addressed Council regarding a proposed thoroughfare. He expressed concerns regarding the lines on a plat that had been presented to Council at a workshop. He stated that the lines appear to be arbitrary lines in terms of where they fall on the map. He commented that in reality, Mr. Marshall had said that it was an inaccurate representation of how the thoroughfare and bridge would cross the lake. He was concerned about the potential effect it may have on the marketability of the property in the area. He commented that if the lines are not accurate they should be removed or the planning authority should come back in and do a better job of locating them on the maps so that they more accurately represent where this possible future bridge will go.

B. Ms. Denise Poe advised Council that she had previously spoken to them. She is fighting against a bridge that she was told would never come. She questioned why Council would want to hold up progress for her, the neighborhood, and for the buyers who would like to build on this property. She advised that the cost of that property was not much when you are going to the expense to build a bridge. She advised that it was a lot to her, and that she needed to sell the property. She asked Council to not prevent this for something that will likely never happen, when it will cause harm for years and years for the people who own the property. She requested Council write a letter supporting the removal of the easement from their property.

C. Mr. Charlie Brady thanked Council for conducting a workshop of the Hickory Newton-Conover Thoroughfare Plan. He advised that rerecording the plat would not be a viable option. As long as the thoroughfare plan is out there, it would be doubtful that Crescent would want to record it without it, as long as that plan was floating out there. If it is withdrawn, and the plat is still in existence, a title search would discover that and it is a red flag. You would do due diligence to find out the status of the corridor project. Through COG there would be a statement that would say that is off the table. He commented about the potential inaccuracies that may be currently on the plat. He requested that COG do a review of those plats to see where they mesh with the plan. That might provide some relief to some people if there are inaccuracies. This plat has been there for 24 years, and the bridge was “dead in the water” since 2002. He commented that it is a cloud on title. He questioned how long it should effect people like Ms. Poe and other property owners. He urged City Council to help these property owners by voting to have the plan withdrawn. They could take that recommendation to the Caldwell County Commission and talk to them individually. There has not been a formal vote by that board, so it is not a done deal or the final word on the subject. He commented that they did not have an informative session like Hickory City Council did before they discussed it. He advised that would be part of their plan moving forward.

D. Ms. Carrie Craymer thanked Council and advised that she had learned a lot from the informative meeting. She advised that she lived in Phase 1 and they had built in 1998. She advised that Phase 1 and 2 were built and later on Phase 3 was built. Unfortunately the folks that built in Phase 3 were misdirected. They had been told many times that the toll bridge was gone. The industry was thriving at that time and there was not as much pressure on the banks with money. That is what is happening with Phase 3 that have not built homes. That is being viewed negatively toward the banks. She thanked Council for any support that they would give to the fellow citizens.

E. Mr. Larry Pope thanked Council for the opportunity to voice his personal opinion on what was brought to Council by the COG. He commented that once something is in the planning stage, but it interferes with a citizen’s right to use their personal property to the fullest capacity, he would hope that City Council would do a letter to Caldwell and advise Caldwell County Commissioners that Council has no problems with this being removed from the plans for a widening of Gunpowder Road. He was of the opinion that if DOT wants to widen that road then let the State come back in and give fair market value for the property owners, instead of holding them hostage by keeping that information floating out there to who knows to who. He encouraged City Council members and the Mayor to do a letter saying to Caldwell County that they do not object to removing the necessary items that will free up the usage by citizens of Caldwell County in that area.

Council discussion of this issue - A motion was made to address this issue.  John Marshall of the Western Piedmont Council of Government came to the podium to address the Council. The downside of removing this from Metropolitan Planning Agenda is that if it is removed, then it is going to be hard to get back in there (the thoroughfare plan - the rotation with the State Government). You would have to start all over again. Do you see a potential of growth in the Hickory/Southern Caldwell region that would dictate needing that bridge in the future. Mayor asked about what we have in this - time and money? Been on the thoroughfare plan since 1983. Alderman Lail moved to send a letter to the Calwell County Commisissioners stating that "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare." Because we don't know the alignment and no environmental impact studies have been done... Alderman Meisner asked why this group doesn't go to the caldwell Comission first. Why should (the Council) take a stand first. Alderman Lail said he was being supportive and doesn't like bureaucracy and this lady (Mrs. Poe) getting held up. Alderman Meisner talked about the plan to build out that area - Crawdads stadium along the river and into southern Caldwell County. This will make it hard for people from that area to get to Viewmont and vice versa. Alderman Lail said that his motion isn't that this item be removed from the thoroughfare plan. Further discussion was held related to what good would such a letter to the Calwell County Commission do. Mr. Marshall related how the same issue would exist, if the rights of way are removed, but this thoroughfare remains in place... (Discussion continued) Mr. Brady came back and addressed the Council in relation to the plats and lines along the plats as far as where the bridge would cross the river. He spoke about the arbitrary plkan of where the bridge would cross the river. Mr. Marshall spoke about a 1997 feasibility study. Guess and Patton spoke about asking for a feasibility study. Mr. Marshall stated that could take anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.  The Council did choose to send a letter in support of Alderman Lail's motion  "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare."

Consent Agenda - Unanimously approved



New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. - Presentation by Police Chief Adkins - This is a continuation of the August 4, 2015 meeting.


General Comments
Alderwoman Patton commented that she attended the Viewmont Business Association meeting
and they had incorporated the City’s logo in their logo. They have the Street Strut coming in
September. There are 44 businesses signed up to participate and promote the Viewmont area. She commented that the Science Center is putting on a portal to science that is helping the Caldwell Social Services, Burke, Alexander, Catawba, and Catawba Public Health to get disadvantaged
children access to the Science Center. They want everybody to have access there.
Mayor Wright advised that he had presented a proclamation to Lenoir-Rhyne University on their
125th Anniversary,which will continue all year. This year they have a record enrollment at their
three campuses. They have a record number of freshman and 500 student athletes’and 50
international students. We are very proud of Lenoir-Rhyne and the contribution that they have made, and are continuing to make.
Mayor Wright commented that Benton Blount from Granite Falls would be on America’s Got Talent. He encouraged citizens to cast a vote for him.
Alderman Seaver commented that Lenoir-Rhyne was one of the top six small college towns in North Carolina, because of the relationship between Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne.
Mayor Wright advised great article in “Our State” magazine.

Closed Session
At approximately 8:22p.m. Council went into Closed Session.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Council returned to open session and approved a settlement agreement with the Faruque’s and a budget amendment to meet the financial obligation of the settlement.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of August 18, 2015

I began video recording the City Council in 2012, 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.

***Final Release***


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Hound Notes: The issue related to this meeting was Larry Pope asking questions related to the Hickory Housing authority and its evolution into becoming Unifour Capital Ventures. This issue came up during the presentations by the group from 4th Street SW and the proposed affordable housing apartment project that is to be built there.

In my opinion Larry Pope asked questions that need to be answered. The Mayor brought the subject of Larry's brother into the conversation, which in my opinion was completely unnecessary. Then Larry went back to the podium to rebut the inferences of the Mayor. The City Council said in May that the Hickory Housing Authority needed to answer questions posed by the 4th street group and here we are going into September. They reaffirmed this in August when the 4th Street group came before them again. The Mayor said in the August meeting that a reason why the HHA had not come before the City Council is because the Council didn't know what questions to ask. In my opinion, the Council wants to know what the HHA's answers will be before they come before the Council.

In the Agenda notes I believed that the Lenoir-Rhyne Commission and Claremont Neighborhood Group coming before the Council would promote the Sidewalk being built from L-R to Union Square. They did not do that at this meeting. Ryan Edwards address of "University City Commission" issues seemed to spell out that they are having some trouble branding this initiative and moving some goals forward when it comes to student participation. The Claremont Neighborhood presentation was essentially a checklist of what that neighborhood has done and is looking to do.


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Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award Presentation to Hickory Daily Record  -

Hickory Daily Record-News. Well Crafted.
City of Hickory recognizes Hickory Daily Record for 100 years in business with the Business. Well Crafted. award

B. Ryan Edwards - Update from University City Commission  - Spoke about progress and accomplishments. Struggles have centered around promoting events and getting student participation in events. UCC provides incoming students welcome to Hickory t-shirts and have a gathering. There is an L-R discount program with local businesses. Last April the had a concert. They are looking into providing more mentorships to retain more L-R talent in the area. They want to create a centralized effort through the Chamber of Commerce. Exploring transportation to get around the City easier. They are supportive of entertainment opportunities in the mill district. A video below promotes L-R.
     




C. Acceptance of the 2015 Updated Claremont Neighborhood Plan. - Claremont Neighborhood Association has worked with City Staff to update its neighborhood plan. The current Claremont Neighborhood Plan was accepted by Hickory City Council on August 5, 2008. The updated neighborhood plan contains strategies and recommendations put forth by the neighborhood, with emphasis placed upon the preservation of the character of the neighborhood. On May 21, 2015 Claremont Neighborhood Association voted to recommend City Council’s acceptance of this
updated neighborhood plan. -

Cal Overby presentation - He laid out the geography of the area, which incorporates the L-R area. The original plan came into existence 7 years ago. Boundaries are Main Avenue, 8th avenue, the boundary of L-R's campus, and 1st and Center Street to the west.  He spoke about the goal for pedestrian improvements. Spoke about Zoning and preserving the Neighborhood character and Historic Districts. Spoke about Land Use strategies and Conditional Zoning and how property is developed. and design standards. Talked about thoroughfare improvements, especially related to Hwy 127. Talked about improvemnet of pedestrian safety, especially related to speeding issues and control. Want the area to be inviting to pedestrians. Spoke about safety issues including noise. Want a tool for getting the word out related to safety/crime issues. Want parks, McComb and Fox monitored better for vagrancy. Look into possibilities of expanding the district. Want dog station, trash cans in parks, work with art commission, IDing trees in the arboretum. Other general recommendation were mentioned.

Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Billy Sudderth – City Owned Vacant Lot Located at 121 7th Avenue SW
Mr. Sudderth spoke about creating a multi-purpose center in Ridgeview at this location. He say that the people of Ridgeview are looking to support economic growth in the city in which they love. This plan would prolong and enhance the legacy of the vanishing (Ridgeview) community. This center would house various programs to provide training opportunities in all aspects of social, economic, education, leadership, health, finance, culinary, supporting mental and spiritual development. They will have programs to reduce criminal activity and help individuals seeking job opportunities... Billy had handed out some material for the council to look at.


B. Deb McNeur – Problems with Wildlife in the Neighborhood
Spoke about an issue with racoons in her residential area. She belies they are stuck in a jurisdictional issue. It is effecting their quality of life. There was a rabies issue at her house. She said that this area has become wildlife heaven. Groundhogs, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels were mentioned existing along the 321 area in southwest Hickory. She spoke about a neighbor's chickens being destroyed. She spoke about racoon roundworm and it not being able to be treated. This parasite can be passed to humans. Animal control is not allowed to trap the animals and residents aren't allowed to either. She says that their health is at risk and they are in a quandary.

C. Larry Pope - Questions about the Hickory Housing Authority  -
Larry spoke about his concerns dealing with the Hickory Public Housing Authority and asked who is Unifour Capital Ventures? Who is the Hickory Public Housing Authority?  How did Unifour Capital Ventures come up with a $150,000 checking account when they came before the Council needing $20,000 of taxpayers monies to apply for a planning grant from HUD to do new public housing in the city of Hickory? Are you aware that in 2012, HUD gave the deed of trust to of all units of public housing to various housing agencies across the United States For those who had applied for Rad funds? Were you/are you in control of those deeds of trust? Do you have knowledge of what is being done with those units? Are you aware that the Hickory Public Housing Authority has plans on selling Ridgecrest Apartments...? Are you aware of everything that this group is doing? Do you know that HPHA is stating that the City of Hickory no longer appoints their board members. Their board members appoint board members to Unifour Capital Ventures. Where is this group trying to go? What is this group trying to accomplish? How much knowledge do you have about what they are doing? You are aware that in 2012, Mayor Wright and one of the board members met with Alanda Jackson (Director of HPHA) after HUD came in and found misappropriation of over $200,000? Are you aware that in 2013, HUD came in and found another $200,000+ dollars misappropriated? Are you aware that HPHA currently owes over $500,000 to HUD (related to this matter). How long do they have to repay that money? How long will you as a City Council continue to appoint the same board members to the HPHA that is now going under the name Unifour Capital Ventures? What is their intention? Can you answer that question? What do they plan on doing? Do you Know? I heard one of the City Council members say at the last meeting, Council member Patton, that she needed more information about HPHA and Unifour Capital Ventures before any decisions could be made about that group. Are you doing your investigation? Are you aware of everything going on with a group that you are supposed to have control over? Are they doing what they want to do regardless of what the resolution says that they are supposed to be doing according to the resolution that established the HPHA in the early 1960s? Or have they gotten to the point that they know it doesn't matter to you what they do, they can do it? He once again asked, do you know what they are doing?

The Mayor began speaking on the issue saying he was compelled to respond to a couple of those things... and he begins (here is the response)... and then a confrontation begins when the mayor alludes to Larry Pope's brother.

(Hound Notes): Alderman Meisner asks if they have a meeting scheduled with the Housing Authority. Manager Berry states that there is no scheduled meeting with the housing authority per se. Alderman Meisner suggests taking the minutes from Mr. Pope's comments and bringing them up at that meeting. The Mayor interjects about "bring Mr. Pope's comments" and then begins commenting on what he labels as "Mr. Pope's comments."

Larry wasn't making comments. He was asking questions that need to be answered. He was formerly on that board until he went to HUD about some issues taking place with that board. His going to HUD seems to have been the main impetus that led to his being removed from that board -- ie removal of a whistle blower.

The Mayor and the others should be embarrassed by what we have seen in relation to this board, but he continues to double down without public transparency being mandated. Go back to this misappropriation of funds. It is the Mayor's opinion that there was no misappropriation of funds. Well. HUD sees it differently or they would not willy-nilly demand the monies back. It seems that there have been multiple investigations and probations. HUD doesn't seem to be doing this everywhere, which seems to point to an issue. Last year HPHA came before council and said they wanted to change the mission of HPHA and never mentioned this Unifour Capital Ventures entity. Why? That seems like a big omission. Then they are only moving existing public housing a few blocks over to a controversial site. Why? Then this group of business people ask questions and are basically promised that Council will get to the bottom of it and now Manager Berry says here that no meeting is scheduled and the Mayor said at the August 4 meeting that they would be coming before the Council, but they don't know yet what questions to ask... here you go, along with the questions the 4th street group wants the answers to.

The Mayor talked about baseless and slanderous allegations made by Mr. Pope. That seemed pretty harsh. If there are easy explanations for all of this, then it should be easily cleared up by a presentation of the Housing Authority and it shouldn't take 3+ years to get answers to the public. Larry asked questions. The Mayor made comments that seemed to infer that Larry had some misappropriate dealings related to interactions between Larry's brother and the HPHA. Let's just answer the questions and let the chips fall where they may.


Consent Agenda

Matters not on the Agenda 
Alderman Lail made a motion seconded by Alder Patton to discuss the Persons requesting to be Heard issues after regular business had been taken care of.

General Comments