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.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of January 20, 2015
Thoughts about the City Council meeting of January 20, 2015 - I didn't do an article of thoughts this week. The meeting lasted a little less than 25 minutes. I will incorporate thoughts into this article.
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The Hound's Notes: I happened to be right on target with my Agenda comment that there would be a brief overview to reiterate the discussion of January 12 concerning the Bond Commission structure and formation. No one spoke for or against the proposal. Manager Berry went over the decisions of the Council. At the end of the meeting on February 3, if all goes as planned, we will find out who the people are that will be serving on this commission. We pretty much can guess who these people will be. It will be the group from Boost Hickory and/or the people who they choose to serve as their proxies.
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Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver
Consent Agenda
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Bond Implementation Commission Ordinance. - This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on January 9, 2015.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Huh... Hickory Bond Booster Inconsistencies
Here I am as a Citizen Journalist laying out a chain of important information that is relevant to understanding how our local government has operated. It pertains to the largest Bond initiative in the history of this community. The campaign is over and the initiative has been approved. All of that is in the rear view mirror. The purpose of this information I present to you is to shine a light on some of the previous conduct in hopes of getting a better performance as we move forward.
Our local newspaper, the Hickory Daily Record, has sold the series of events surrounding the Bond Referendum, the local government, and the Committee formed to promote the passage of the Bond Referendum, as three separate and unrelated entities and matters. They have presented the information as money related issues, when in fact it is one ongoing story about the lack of openness and transparency in this community when it comes to local governance. This in light of the fact that Hickory Inc. (and proxy Boost Hickory) has boasted about and promised the public that very openness and transparency more times than Lucy has offered up Charlie Brown an opportunity to kick a football. The HDR hasn't been able to connect the dots. They have put the information and stories in Silos.
This has nothing to do with the Mayor profiting from the Boost Hickory campaign. It has to do with an unwillingness to comply with the law that they themselves prescribe. The head of the Boost Hickory campaign is quoted in the first HDR article related to the matter, as having said that they " ...would bend over backwards to comply with the law." Yet, that group has just now submitted reports that were due weeks ago. The last check they wrote, to close out their campaign committee status, was written over a month ago. There are many inconsistencies in information as it has been presented.
The initial inconsistency was the involvement of Joe Brannock calling the Mayor to inform him about Boost Hickory's illegal campaign signs. It is interesting that the Mayor treats a private citizen in such a negative manner in print on a Saturday morning and then turns around and is almost light-hearted about the situation 48 hours later.
Boost Hickory Campaign Signs Illegal - Frank Bumb - Hickory Daily Record - October 31, 2014
Here is the audio of the conversation in question from the HDR article above. Would you describe these as leading questions? He was asked whether he was going to do anything about the signs. It is obvious that he wasn't going to do anything about it. He was asked if he saw anything wrong with Boost Hickory not voluntarily complying with the law -- a law unanimously passed by his City Council and a law he is in charge of administering. Ponder if a political opponent were not complying with such a City Code and the Mayor was aware of the non-compliance. Do you think the situation is treated differently?
Two days later during the "Monday Morning Meeting with the Mayor" on First Talk with Hal Row, the Mayor wants to talk about being recorded, but he doesn't want to talk about the subject matter of the article, 'whether the signs in question were legal or not?' Also note how this was purposefully saved for the last two minutes of the broadcast... hard for someone to call in and challenge the Mayor's assertions under such circumstances... Fair?
Our local newspaper, the Hickory Daily Record, has sold the series of events surrounding the Bond Referendum, the local government, and the Committee formed to promote the passage of the Bond Referendum, as three separate and unrelated entities and matters. They have presented the information as money related issues, when in fact it is one ongoing story about the lack of openness and transparency in this community when it comes to local governance. This in light of the fact that Hickory Inc. (and proxy Boost Hickory) has boasted about and promised the public that very openness and transparency more times than Lucy has offered up Charlie Brown an opportunity to kick a football. The HDR hasn't been able to connect the dots. They have put the information and stories in Silos.
This has nothing to do with the Mayor profiting from the Boost Hickory campaign. It has to do with an unwillingness to comply with the law that they themselves prescribe. The head of the Boost Hickory campaign is quoted in the first HDR article related to the matter, as having said that they " ...would bend over backwards to comply with the law." Yet, that group has just now submitted reports that were due weeks ago. The last check they wrote, to close out their campaign committee status, was written over a month ago. There are many inconsistencies in information as it has been presented.
The initial inconsistency was the involvement of Joe Brannock calling the Mayor to inform him about Boost Hickory's illegal campaign signs. It is interesting that the Mayor treats a private citizen in such a negative manner in print on a Saturday morning and then turns around and is almost light-hearted about the situation 48 hours later.
Boost Hickory Campaign Signs Illegal - Frank Bumb - Hickory Daily Record - October 31, 2014
Here is the audio of the conversation in question from the HDR article above. Would you describe these as leading questions? He was asked whether he was going to do anything about the signs. It is obvious that he wasn't going to do anything about it. He was asked if he saw anything wrong with Boost Hickory not voluntarily complying with the law -- a law unanimously passed by his City Council and a law he is in charge of administering. Ponder if a political opponent were not complying with such a City Code and the Mayor was aware of the non-compliance. Do you think the situation is treated differently?
Two days later during the "Monday Morning Meeting with the Mayor" on First Talk with Hal Row, the Mayor wants to talk about being recorded, but he doesn't want to talk about the subject matter of the article, 'whether the signs in question were legal or not?' Also note how this was purposefully saved for the last two minutes of the broadcast... hard for someone to call in and challenge the Mayor's assertions under such circumstances... Fair?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of January 20, 2015
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Council Agenda - January 20, 2015
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Hound Notes: Not much here. There is a public hearing on the Bond Advisory Commission. I may be wrong, but I don't see anyone standing up to speak for or against this. I went to the Special meeting in which it was discussed this past Monday - Special City Council meeting of January 12, 2014.
There will be a reiteration of the discussions and decisions of this past Monday and the votes will be taken and two weeks from Tuesday, February 3, 2014, after the second reading this will become law and then the Commission will be formed. I'm sure that most of these slots have pretty much been determined. These are just the formalities.
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Invocation by Rev. David L. Roberts, II, Pastor, Morning Star First Baptist Church
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of the Purchase of Ten Specialized Police Package Emergency Vehicles. - Hickory Police Department requests approval of the purchase of ten specialized police package emergency vehicles in the amount of $28,917.02 per vehicle. Police Department Staff and the City of Hickory’s Fleet Manager have researched and reviewed independent comparison studies comparing available police package vehicles. The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Package two-wheel drive best fits the needs of the department based on a number of considerations. Hickory Police Department has seven police package Chevrolet Tahoe’s in service and all have performed well with no maintenance or service issues. Hickory Police Department recommends purchase of ten rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe police package vehicles from Bobby Murray Chevrolet on the NC State contract at a cost of $28,917.02 per vehicle and a total cost of $289,170.20. Funds are budgeted in the fiscal year 2014/2015 CIP.
B. Approval of a Lease Agreement for City-owned Property to Family Care Center of Catawba Valley Inc. Located at 1471 1st Avenue SW. - Staff requests approval of a Lease Agreement with Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 1471 1st Avenue SW, Hickory. The property has been leased to the Family Care Center for a number of years and the current lease has expired. The terms of the proposed lease will be for five years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew on a year to year basis for up to four additional years unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for securing its own janitorial service and maintaining the premise in good order, routine maintenance, and repairs of the property. Staff r ecommends approval of the Lease Agreement with Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc.
Public Notice of Intent to Lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on January 9, 2015.
C. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Crawdads. - Mark Seaman, General Manager of the Hickory Crawdads has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: April 10; May 29; June 12, 26; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 28 and September 4. The following would be rain out dates: April 11; May 30; June 13, 27; July 18; August 1, 15; and September 5. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
D. Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 2015, Sarah T. Wood, Market Manager, Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market, April 18 – November 28, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 21 – November 19, Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Union Square.
E. Special Events Activities Application for Hickory Hops, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Association, April 25, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Government Avenue and 2nd Street SW.
F. Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Art Crawls, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Association, Thursday, May 21, 2015; Thursday, September 17, 2015; and Friday, October 30, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Union Square, 3rd Street NW, 2nd Street NW, 1st Avenue NW, 1st Avenue SW, Government Avenue SW, and 2nd Street SW.
G. Approve Acceptance of a Grant from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center – New Electric Vehicle Service Equipment Charging Station on Union Square. - Staff requests approval to accept the grant award through the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NC CETC). On December 16, 2014 the City received notification of award for the purchase and installation of a new dual style electric vehicle charging station to be installed on Union Square. Upon the NC CETC board’s review of the budgetary sheet submitted in the application package, a revised total project cost was formulated and approved for award in the amount of $6,887. Under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) program regarding funds, the City’s 20 percent cost for case match is $1,377 with the CFAT’s 80 percent funds at $5,510. The charging station will be installed in the southwest corner of the West Union Square parking lot near the existing power panel. Initially no fee will be charged for use, however, as use increases a card reader could be installed and a flat fee could be established. Funds are budgeted in fiscal year 2014/2015 for the project. Staff recommends acceptance of the grant award from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center for the purchase of materials and installation of one electric vehicle service equipment charging station on Union Square.
H. Approval to Submit an Application for Funding through the 2015 Urgent Repair Program (URP15) to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. - Staff requests approval to submit an application for funding through the 2015 Urgent Repair Program (URP15) to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The City of Hickory will apply for $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 eligible homes with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $7,200 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide $5,000 in matching funds available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. There is a $50 application fee to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Staff recommends approval of submission of the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Application for Funding to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
I. 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 January 6, 2015:
Each of the following applicants are being recommended for approval under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Madeline Cook, 1824 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory
Lou Cook, 1920 11th Avenue SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
J. Approval of a Cemetery Deed Transfer from Troy Thomas Barkley and wife, Robin Havens Barkley to Grover Lee Barkley.
K. Approval of a New Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy. - Library Staff requests approval of an updated Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy. The current Collection Development Policy is lengthy and contains out-of-date language. The goal in developing the new policy is to simplify the content, and reiterate the principles that guide the selection process. The updated policy is necessary to ensure that the library’s collection is up-to-date, relevant, and appropriate to the community it serves. It provides a guide for librarians in choosing materials to add to the collection and affirms that all interests and viewpoints are represented. It also includes a process by which someone may challenge the inclusion of an item in the collection. The proposed policy has been reviewed by the Library Advisory Board and Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula. The library recommends approval of an updated Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Bond Implementation Commission Ordinance. - This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on January 9, 2015.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Council Agenda - January 20, 2015=================================================
Hound Notes: Not much here. There is a public hearing on the Bond Advisory Commission. I may be wrong, but I don't see anyone standing up to speak for or against this. I went to the Special meeting in which it was discussed this past Monday - Special City Council meeting of January 12, 2014.
There will be a reiteration of the discussions and decisions of this past Monday and the votes will be taken and two weeks from Tuesday, February 3, 2014, after the second reading this will become law and then the Commission will be formed. I'm sure that most of these slots have pretty much been determined. These are just the formalities.
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. David L. Roberts, II, Pastor, Morning Star First Baptist Church
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of the Purchase of Ten Specialized Police Package Emergency Vehicles. - Hickory Police Department requests approval of the purchase of ten specialized police package emergency vehicles in the amount of $28,917.02 per vehicle. Police Department Staff and the City of Hickory’s Fleet Manager have researched and reviewed independent comparison studies comparing available police package vehicles. The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Package two-wheel drive best fits the needs of the department based on a number of considerations. Hickory Police Department has seven police package Chevrolet Tahoe’s in service and all have performed well with no maintenance or service issues. Hickory Police Department recommends purchase of ten rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe police package vehicles from Bobby Murray Chevrolet on the NC State contract at a cost of $28,917.02 per vehicle and a total cost of $289,170.20. Funds are budgeted in the fiscal year 2014/2015 CIP.
B. Approval of a Lease Agreement for City-owned Property to Family Care Center of Catawba Valley Inc. Located at 1471 1st Avenue SW. - Staff requests approval of a Lease Agreement with Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 1471 1st Avenue SW, Hickory. The property has been leased to the Family Care Center for a number of years and the current lease has expired. The terms of the proposed lease will be for five years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew on a year to year basis for up to four additional years unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for securing its own janitorial service and maintaining the premise in good order, routine maintenance, and repairs of the property. Staff r ecommends approval of the Lease Agreement with Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc.
Public Notice of Intent to Lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on January 9, 2015.
C. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Crawdads. - Mark Seaman, General Manager of the Hickory Crawdads has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: April 10; May 29; June 12, 26; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 28 and September 4. The following would be rain out dates: April 11; May 30; June 13, 27; July 18; August 1, 15; and September 5. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
D. Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 2015, Sarah T. Wood, Market Manager, Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market, April 18 – November 28, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 21 – November 19, Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Union Square.
E. Special Events Activities Application for Hickory Hops, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Association, April 25, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Government Avenue and 2nd Street SW.
F. Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Art Crawls, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Association, Thursday, May 21, 2015; Thursday, September 17, 2015; and Friday, October 30, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Union Square, 3rd Street NW, 2nd Street NW, 1st Avenue NW, 1st Avenue SW, Government Avenue SW, and 2nd Street SW.
G. Approve Acceptance of a Grant from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center – New Electric Vehicle Service Equipment Charging Station on Union Square. - Staff requests approval to accept the grant award through the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NC CETC). On December 16, 2014 the City received notification of award for the purchase and installation of a new dual style electric vehicle charging station to be installed on Union Square. Upon the NC CETC board’s review of the budgetary sheet submitted in the application package, a revised total project cost was formulated and approved for award in the amount of $6,887. Under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) program regarding funds, the City’s 20 percent cost for case match is $1,377 with the CFAT’s 80 percent funds at $5,510. The charging station will be installed in the southwest corner of the West Union Square parking lot near the existing power panel. Initially no fee will be charged for use, however, as use increases a card reader could be installed and a flat fee could be established. Funds are budgeted in fiscal year 2014/2015 for the project. Staff recommends acceptance of the grant award from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center for the purchase of materials and installation of one electric vehicle service equipment charging station on Union Square.
H. Approval to Submit an Application for Funding through the 2015 Urgent Repair Program (URP15) to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. - Staff requests approval to submit an application for funding through the 2015 Urgent Repair Program (URP15) to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The City of Hickory will apply for $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 eligible homes with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $7,200 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide $5,000 in matching funds available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. There is a $50 application fee to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Staff recommends approval of submission of the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Application for Funding to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
I. 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 January 6, 2015:
Each of the following applicants are being recommended for approval under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Madeline Cook, 1824 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory
Lou Cook, 1920 11th Avenue SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
J. Approval of a Cemetery Deed Transfer from Troy Thomas Barkley and wife, Robin Havens Barkley to Grover Lee Barkley.
K. Approval of a New Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy. - Library Staff requests approval of an updated Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy. The current Collection Development Policy is lengthy and contains out-of-date language. The goal in developing the new policy is to simplify the content, and reiterate the principles that guide the selection process. The updated policy is necessary to ensure that the library’s collection is up-to-date, relevant, and appropriate to the community it serves. It provides a guide for librarians in choosing materials to add to the collection and affirms that all interests and viewpoints are represented. It also includes a process by which someone may challenge the inclusion of an item in the collection. The proposed policy has been reviewed by the Library Advisory Board and Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula. The library recommends approval of an updated Hickory Public Library Collection Development Policy.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Bond Implementation Commission Ordinance. - This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on January 9, 2015.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Economic Reality - What Economy? - January 14, 2015
Gerald Celente said months ago that Christmas retail sales would be negative, The numbers came out today and he was spot on.
U.S. Retail Sales Down Sharply, Likely Cuts to Growth Forecasts Ahead - Bloomberg - Victoria Stilwell - January 14, 2015 - The optimism surrounding the outlook for U.S. consumers was taken down a notch as retail sales slumped in December by the most in almost a year, prompting some economists to lower spending and growth forecasts. The 0.9 percent decline in purchases followed a 0.4 percent advance in November that was smaller than previously estimated, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Last month’s decrease extended beyond any single group as receipts fell in nine of 13 major retail categories.
Paul Craig Roberts spoke about it today in an interview on the Alex Jones Show. The interview is below. I also have put Gerald Celente's interview from this past weekend on King World News below.
Paul Craig Roberts interview on the Alex Jones Show on January 14, 2015:
Gerald Celente on King World News on January 11, 2015 - Link to Audio
The Grand Manipulations are getting ready to come to an end. The lies of the government have become to extreme. 4% and 5% growth in the GDP has clearly been a lie -- a manipulation.
U.S. Retail Sales Down Sharply, Likely Cuts to Growth Forecasts Ahead - Bloomberg - Victoria Stilwell - January 14, 2015 - The optimism surrounding the outlook for U.S. consumers was taken down a notch as retail sales slumped in December by the most in almost a year, prompting some economists to lower spending and growth forecasts. The 0.9 percent decline in purchases followed a 0.4 percent advance in November that was smaller than previously estimated, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Last month’s decrease extended beyond any single group as receipts fell in nine of 13 major retail categories.
Paul Craig Roberts spoke about it today in an interview on the Alex Jones Show. The interview is below. I also have put Gerald Celente's interview from this past weekend on King World News below.
Paul Craig Roberts interview on the Alex Jones Show on January 14, 2015:
Gerald Celente on King World News on January 11, 2015 - Link to Audio
The Grand Manipulations are getting ready to come to an end. The lies of the government have become to extreme. 4% and 5% growth in the GDP has clearly been a lie -- a manipulation.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Newsletter about the Special City Council meeting of January 12, 2014
The following meeting took place on January 12, 2015. In this special meeting, the Hickory City Council has discussions and takes votes related to the formation of a Hickory Bond Commission.
Hound Notes: There were some good discussions.
Alderman Lail asked about who would be considered for appointment, when it came to filling out an application versus a survey. Survey has 131 respondents. 172 respondents filled out an application. The survey had additional questions related to the bonds. There were questions about deadlines for applications.
There was some debate about staggered terms in relation to as to the maximum number of years someone could serve on the Commission. Mayor Wright felt 6 years was reasonable. Alderman Zagaroli seemed to believe there shouldn't be a cap. He spoke about Major contributors. Mayor Wright seemed to be in favor of a cap. Alderman Zagaroli and the others seemed to come around to the idea of 6 years cap on serving on this commission.
Alderman Lail stated that the Survey Respondent list does not match community demographics. It seemed that a decision was made that it wasn't necessary for the community demographics be representative of the commission. It was decided by especially Alderman Guess that the pool would come from survey respondents. The Council seemed to be saying that this Commission does not need to be reflective of the community's demographics. It seemed to be a general consensus that the community has had ample time and notice to seek participation on this commission.
Alderman Guess didn't want any restrictions put on the Council in naming members to the commission. Alderman Meisner concurred that he didn't want any limits, especially when it comes to residency. Alderman Lail also agreed and so did Alder Patton. The Mayor stated that he had a problem with naming just anyone to such a commission that is not a resident of Hickory. Alderman Lail didn't like the idea of putting a limit on the naming by stating the nominee must be a "Taxpayer". It was decided 5 to 2 (Mayor and Alderman Zagaroli voted - originally I didn't have Zag as a no, but reviewed my notes, the vote was not announced) that there should be no restrictions.
There was a discussion about Ex-Officio members to this Commission. It was decided that each Hickory City Boards and Commissions should have a representative per each. It was also decided that the Chamber of Commerce would be granted a member. Alder Patton had a valid point about why should the Chamber have a member and not any of the other organizations in the community, such as the Downtown Development Association. The Council voted 6 to 1 (Alder Patton dissenting) to include the Chamber, but no other organizations.
Action will be taken on January 20th at the Council meeting (public hearing). Two weeks later this becomes law.
Alderman Guess asked about people having to provide public information to apply to serve on the Commission. He was told that it is and must be on the public record and it is stated on the application. Attorney Crone and Manager Berry stated that the meetings are open to the public and will be on the public record. Further discussion led to interjection about the nominees for these positions being announced at a Council meeting -- presumably the first Council meeting after the ordinance becomes law... February 3, 2015 (???).
It was eventually decided that each Council member and the Mayor would have 4 appointments to the Commission. It seems as though there will be approximately 39 people serving on this Commission.
Hound's Bottom Line: You make the call. Does this sound effective?
Hound Notes: There were some good discussions.
Alderman Lail asked about who would be considered for appointment, when it came to filling out an application versus a survey. Survey has 131 respondents. 172 respondents filled out an application. The survey had additional questions related to the bonds. There were questions about deadlines for applications.
There was some debate about staggered terms in relation to as to the maximum number of years someone could serve on the Commission. Mayor Wright felt 6 years was reasonable. Alderman Zagaroli seemed to believe there shouldn't be a cap. He spoke about Major contributors. Mayor Wright seemed to be in favor of a cap. Alderman Zagaroli and the others seemed to come around to the idea of 6 years cap on serving on this commission.
Alderman Lail stated that the Survey Respondent list does not match community demographics. It seemed that a decision was made that it wasn't necessary for the community demographics be representative of the commission. It was decided by especially Alderman Guess that the pool would come from survey respondents. The Council seemed to be saying that this Commission does not need to be reflective of the community's demographics. It seemed to be a general consensus that the community has had ample time and notice to seek participation on this commission.
Alderman Guess didn't want any restrictions put on the Council in naming members to the commission. Alderman Meisner concurred that he didn't want any limits, especially when it comes to residency. Alderman Lail also agreed and so did Alder Patton. The Mayor stated that he had a problem with naming just anyone to such a commission that is not a resident of Hickory. Alderman Lail didn't like the idea of putting a limit on the naming by stating the nominee must be a "Taxpayer". It was decided 5 to 2 (Mayor and Alderman Zagaroli voted - originally I didn't have Zag as a no, but reviewed my notes, the vote was not announced) that there should be no restrictions.
There was a discussion about Ex-Officio members to this Commission. It was decided that each Hickory City Boards and Commissions should have a representative per each. It was also decided that the Chamber of Commerce would be granted a member. Alder Patton had a valid point about why should the Chamber have a member and not any of the other organizations in the community, such as the Downtown Development Association. The Council voted 6 to 1 (Alder Patton dissenting) to include the Chamber, but no other organizations.
Action will be taken on January 20th at the Council meeting (public hearing). Two weeks later this becomes law.
Alderman Guess asked about people having to provide public information to apply to serve on the Commission. He was told that it is and must be on the public record and it is stated on the application. Attorney Crone and Manager Berry stated that the meetings are open to the public and will be on the public record. Further discussion led to interjection about the nominees for these positions being announced at a Council meeting -- presumably the first Council meeting after the ordinance becomes law... February 3, 2015 (???).
It was eventually decided that each Council member and the Mayor would have 4 appointments to the Commission. It seems as though there will be approximately 39 people serving on this Commission.
Hound's Bottom Line: You make the call. Does this sound effective?
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