This was a special meeting held in conjunction with the Hickory Parks and Recreation Commission related to the Deidra Lackey Conservancy to be located along Lake Hickory at Geitner Park. The Lackey family was in attendance.
DEIDRA LACKEY MEMORIAL PARK Master Plan (PDF)
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of May 5, 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.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of May 5, 2015
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 May 5, 2015
Hound Notes: This meeting lasted nearly an hour and a half. I have notes below related to what happened during the meeting. It was more interesting than I thought it would be. You can see for yourself. The Links to the direct points of the meeting are below.
==================================================
Invocation by Paul Robinson of Viewmont Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Police Week 2015. - Captain Reed Baer accepted the proclamation.
B. Proclamation for Building Safety Month, May 2015. - Bobby Baker of Code Enforcement accepted the proclamation.
Person requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope - (Per Hickory Inc.) - Mr. Larry Pope discussed North Carolina House Bill 193 with Council, and requested Councils support of the Bill.
Hound Notes: There was a back and forth between the Mayor and Mr. Pope after the Mayor began commenting on what Mr. Pope had commented on during his time at the podium after Mr. Pope had left the podium. This is not the first, second, or third time that this has happened. I can assure you that the Mayor and the Council generally don't address what someone has said during their time at the podium and 99% of the time they do not have a back and forth discussion with the person at the podium, unless the address has been of an overly friendly/supportive nature.
House Bill 193 text
We haven't seen much of a discussion here in Hickory about the proposed House Bill 193, but here is a link to a segment on WTVD Durham news regarding this proposed House Bill.
I personally don't think this proposed bill does enough. The Police forces in our communities are not really the problem. The problem is the government in general. The government, as it stands now, is not accountable. The government no longer represents the people. It represents itself. We have lost our checks and balances against the government. One thing you can rest assured about, the government will always protect the government, unless something so egregious occurs that the safety/validity of the government gets called into question and/or a majority of the governmental forces just decide they want to throw someone under the bus. It is no different than any other corporation, other than they are legally sanctioned to enforce their rules with the guns, armor, and the machinery of warfare.
One other note: Check out how the Mayor, the City Manager, and Alderman Meisner dismiss Mr. Pope outright. They don't say they will look into the matter and I didn't witness any objectivity related to the issue. A message was sent that they were there to shut Mr. Pope down outright. There was no statesmanship displayed by any of these men on this particular occasion. Why do we see this action on this occasion or have we seen it on other occasions?
And in my opinion here is what we need to see
Platform for a 21st Century Hickory - New Rules on Conflicts of Interest
Consent Agenda:
Item C was removed from the Consent agenda by Alderman Lail. The issue was briefly discussed before being unanimously agreed to by the council. The rest of the Agenda was passed unanimously.
C. Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with McGill Associates in the amount of $61,450 for the Geitner Basin Outfall Replacement Project. - The Geitner basin outfall is a section of a larger diameter sanitary sewer line that runs from Highway 70 SW at Southgate to approximately the Highway 321 and I-40 interchange, and serves the area of Hickory from 4th Street SW to Highway 321 and Highway 70 SW to Main Avenue SW. It was discovered that a large amount of debris has been disposed of over top of the outfall and is causing problems with crushing and blockages. This section of outfall has immediate danger of failure and requires replacement/relocation. McGill Associates is familiar with the area through the Geitner basin area evaluation and is the optimum firm to complete this sewer outfall line replacement project due to this knowledge. The project will be funded from the Water and Sewer General Capital Reserves. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement for professional services with McGill Associates for Geitner basin outfall replacement project in the amount of $61,450.
Alderman Lail stated that the reason why he wanted to remove the item was because of the size of the project. Why is the whole outfall line being replaced. Kevin Greer answered that the line is 5,000 feet. There is a lot of debris and infill. There is difficulty. There are design and construction administration service costs budgeted into the $61,245. It can't be replaced in place. It is cheaper to flip sides of the creek and lay the pipes there.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan.
Mr. Larry Pope spoke against the plan because of his concerns about the inclusion of Exodus homes.
Martha Gantt associated with ALFA spoke in favor of the Block Grant proposal.
Angela Hurd director of City of Refuge spoke in favor of the plan.
Mayor Wright asked the City Manager about having to approve the plan exactly the way it was presented. Manager Berry stated that they could make changes. The Mayor stated that he would like Exodus Homes to come in and explain their side of the allegations that Mr. pope had made. The plan has to be submitted to HUD by May 15, which is before the next City Council meeting. Dave Leonetti stated that there can be (later) amendments to the plan. Alder Patton stated in the future, that she has always said that she thought groups receiving funding should be at these meetings to answer any questions there may be. Alderman Meisner asked Manager Berry if they should approve the plan? The City Manager suggested that they approve the plan. Alderman Lail made the motion to approve the plan, seconded by Meisner and it was approved.. The Mayor continued that he wanted Exodus Homes to come in and answer Mr. Pope's allegations. Manager Berry stated he would rather the Mayor not put it in that context. The agencies will come in and address Council on what they do with said funding.
Hound Note: Why are elected officials constantly asking the City Manager what they should do and how they should vote? Nothing against Mick on this issue, but that blows my mind.
New Business - Departmental Reports
1. Code Enforcement Update
2. Resolution – Cancellation of July 7, 2015 City Council Meeting and Rescheduling July 21, 2015 City Council Meeting to July 14, 2015.
+++ Council reconvened after closed session +++
Council convened to closed session and reconvened to open session to discuss a Resolution. Council approved an “Authorizing Resolution the Rural Economic Development Division North Carolina Department of Commerce Building Reuse Program Project 'Blue' Building Reuse Application”.
There is no video recording of the previous item.
The Dwindling US Economy — Paul Craig Roberts - April 29, 2015
Major U.S. Retailers Are Closing More Than 6,000 Stores - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder - May 1st, 2015
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of May 5, 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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Not much happening again at this meeting, which has been a theme lately. A couple of regularly scheduled reports with Block Grants and Code Enforcement. We'll see what happens at the meeting.
The Dwindling US Economy — Paul Craig Roberts - April 29, 2015
Major U.S. Retailers Are Closing More Than 6,000 Stores - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder - May 1st, 2015
US Factory Orders Drop YoY For 5th Consecutive Month - Zero Hedge - Tyler Durden - May 4, 2015
=================================================
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Police Week 2015. (Exhibit IV.A.)
B. Proclamation for Building Safety Month, May 2015. (Exhibit IV.B.)
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval to Amend the Traffic Ordinance for All On-Street Parking in the 300 Block of 1st Avenue NW from 3rd Street NW Westward to 4th Street NW on the Northside of the Street. - First Baptist Church of Hickory requested a parking ordinance change for the 300 block of 1st Avenue NW, specifically the north side of the street, to better accommodate the café that they run. The old ordinance was set in place to allow the safe drop-off/pick-up of the preschool children. Now the children are dropped-off/picked up via 2nd Avenue NW utilizing the portico that the church has. This would also make the parking restrictions the same along the entire block of 1st Avenue NW between 3rd Street NW and 4th Street NW. The Traffic Division has analyzed the request and recommends Council approve the request for changing the on-street parking on the north side of the 300 block of 1st Avenue NW from 3rd Street NW westward to 4th Street NW from “no parking 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.” to “2 hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.”
B. Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC for the Lake Shore Lift Station Rehabilitation Project in the Amount of $24,500. - Lakeshore Lift Station is a sanitary sewer lift station which is located in close proximity to the Alexander County Bridge, on 1st Street NW near the intersection with NC Highway 127. This station is approximately 25 years old and is experiencing problems related to `age of the station and exposure to degrading sewer gases. The rehabilitation project consists of complete replacement of the lift station including the wet wall, valve vault, pumps, control panel and all customary appurtenances. The replacement pumps are being upgraded to allow for some future growth in the system. Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC have been selected as the best qualified firm with experience and availability. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement for professional services with Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC for Lakeshore Lift Station rehabilitation project in the amount of $24,500.
C. Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with McGill Associates in the amount of $61,450 for the Geitner Basin Outfall Replacement Project. - The Geitner basin outfall is a section of a larger diameter sanitary sewer line that runs from Highway 70 SW at Southgate to approximately the Highway 321 and I-40 interchange, and serves the area of Hickory from 4th Street SW to Highway 321 and Highway 70 SW to Main Avenue SW. It was discovered that a large amount of debris has been disposed of over top of the outfall and is causing problems with crushing and blockages. This section of outfall has immediate danger of failure and requires replacement/relocation. McGill Associates is familiar with the area through the Geitner basin area evaluation and is the optimum firm to complete this sewer outfall line replacement project due to this knowledge. The project will be funded from the Water and Sewer General Capital Reserves. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement for professional services with McGill Associates for Geitner basin outfall replacement project in the amount of $61,450.
D. Acceptance of the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Grant and Approval of the Assistance and Procurement Policies. - In January 2015, the City of Hickory Community Development Division applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been awarded $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 very low income homeowners with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $8,000 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide an additional $5,000 in matching funds, which are available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. The total program budget will be $55,000. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare Assistance and Procurement Policies. These policies must be made available to the public and explain the guidelines of the URP15 program. Staff recommends Council accept the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Grant and approve the Assistance and Procurement Policies for submittal to the NC Housing Finance Agency. Upon receipt and acceptance by NC Housing Finance Agency, funds will be dispersed to the City of Hickory in order to begin repairs to eligible homes.
E. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Motor Speedway. - Kevin Piercy, General Manager of Hickory Motor Speedway has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on May 23, 2015. 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.
F. Call for a Special Joint Meeting with Hickory City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission regarding improvements to Geitner-Rotary Park and Partnership with the Lackey Family, May 12, 2015, 12:00 p.m., Highland Recreation Center Community Room.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. - The Consolidated Plan is a five year strategic vision for housing and community development needs within the City. The plan will cover program years 2015 through 2019. The Plan contains an Annual Action Plan that describes the project use of funding and will be updated on an annual basis. The City will receive approximately $300,041 in 2015 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and approximately $165,000 in program income for a total of $465,041. Funds will be used to develop stronger communities by providing decent housing, creating suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate incomes. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed the draft action plan at their meeting on April 2, 2015 and recommended approval of the proposed budget. Staff recommends Council’s approval of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on April 5, April 22, and May 5, 2015
New Business - Departmental Reports
1. Code Enforcement Update
2. Resolution – Cancellation of July 7, 2015 City Council Meeting and Rescheduling July 21, 2015 City Council Meeting to July 14, 2015. - `Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hickory that the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for July 7, 2015 be cancelled. (This meeting in July has traditionally been cancelled by the City Council.) Staff recommends rescheduling the July 21, 2015 meeting to July 14, 2015 due to there being five weeks between the June 16, 2015 City Council meeting and the July 21, 2015 meeting. Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hickory that the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for July 21, 2015 be rescheduled to July 14, 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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Not much happening again at this meeting, which has been a theme lately. A couple of regularly scheduled reports with Block Grants and Code Enforcement. We'll see what happens at the meeting.
The Dwindling US Economy — Paul Craig Roberts - April 29, 2015
Major U.S. Retailers Are Closing More Than 6,000 Stores - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder - May 1st, 2015
=================================================
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Police Week 2015. (Exhibit IV.A.)
B. Proclamation for Building Safety Month, May 2015. (Exhibit IV.B.)
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval to Amend the Traffic Ordinance for All On-Street Parking in the 300 Block of 1st Avenue NW from 3rd Street NW Westward to 4th Street NW on the Northside of the Street. - First Baptist Church of Hickory requested a parking ordinance change for the 300 block of 1st Avenue NW, specifically the north side of the street, to better accommodate the café that they run. The old ordinance was set in place to allow the safe drop-off/pick-up of the preschool children. Now the children are dropped-off/picked up via 2nd Avenue NW utilizing the portico that the church has. This would also make the parking restrictions the same along the entire block of 1st Avenue NW between 3rd Street NW and 4th Street NW. The Traffic Division has analyzed the request and recommends Council approve the request for changing the on-street parking on the north side of the 300 block of 1st Avenue NW from 3rd Street NW westward to 4th Street NW from “no parking 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.” to “2 hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.”
B. Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC for the Lake Shore Lift Station Rehabilitation Project in the Amount of $24,500. - Lakeshore Lift Station is a sanitary sewer lift station which is located in close proximity to the Alexander County Bridge, on 1st Street NW near the intersection with NC Highway 127. This station is approximately 25 years old and is experiencing problems related to `age of the station and exposure to degrading sewer gases. The rehabilitation project consists of complete replacement of the lift station including the wet wall, valve vault, pumps, control panel and all customary appurtenances. The replacement pumps are being upgraded to allow for some future growth in the system. Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC have been selected as the best qualified firm with experience and availability. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement for professional services with Hulsey McCormick & Wallace of North Carolina, LLC for Lakeshore Lift Station rehabilitation project in the amount of $24,500.
C. Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with McGill Associates in the amount of $61,450 for the Geitner Basin Outfall Replacement Project. - The Geitner basin outfall is a section of a larger diameter sanitary sewer line that runs from Highway 70 SW at Southgate to approximately the Highway 321 and I-40 interchange, and serves the area of Hickory from 4th Street SW to Highway 321 and Highway 70 SW to Main Avenue SW. It was discovered that a large amount of debris has been disposed of over top of the outfall and is causing problems with crushing and blockages. This section of outfall has immediate danger of failure and requires replacement/relocation. McGill Associates is familiar with the area through the Geitner basin area evaluation and is the optimum firm to complete this sewer outfall line replacement project due to this knowledge. The project will be funded from the Water and Sewer General Capital Reserves. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement for professional services with McGill Associates for Geitner basin outfall replacement project in the amount of $61,450.
D. Acceptance of the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Grant and Approval of the Assistance and Procurement Policies. - In January 2015, the City of Hickory Community Development Division applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been awarded $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 very low income homeowners with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $8,000 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide an additional $5,000 in matching funds, which are available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. The total program budget will be $55,000. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare Assistance and Procurement Policies. These policies must be made available to the public and explain the guidelines of the URP15 program. Staff recommends Council accept the 2015 Urgent Repair Program Grant and approve the Assistance and Procurement Policies for submittal to the NC Housing Finance Agency. Upon receipt and acceptance by NC Housing Finance Agency, funds will be dispersed to the City of Hickory in order to begin repairs to eligible homes.
E. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Motor Speedway. - Kevin Piercy, General Manager of Hickory Motor Speedway has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on May 23, 2015. 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.
F. Call for a Special Joint Meeting with Hickory City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission regarding improvements to Geitner-Rotary Park and Partnership with the Lackey Family, May 12, 2015, 12:00 p.m., Highland Recreation Center Community Room.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. - The Consolidated Plan is a five year strategic vision for housing and community development needs within the City. The plan will cover program years 2015 through 2019. The Plan contains an Annual Action Plan that describes the project use of funding and will be updated on an annual basis. The City will receive approximately $300,041 in 2015 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and approximately $165,000 in program income for a total of $465,041. Funds will be used to develop stronger communities by providing decent housing, creating suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate incomes. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed the draft action plan at their meeting on April 2, 2015 and recommended approval of the proposed budget. Staff recommends Council’s approval of the Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on April 5, April 22, and May 5, 2015
New Business - Departmental Reports
1. Code Enforcement Update
2. Resolution – Cancellation of July 7, 2015 City Council Meeting and Rescheduling July 21, 2015 City Council Meeting to July 14, 2015. - `Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hickory that the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for July 7, 2015 be cancelled. (This meeting in July has traditionally been cancelled by the City Council.) Staff recommends rescheduling the July 21, 2015 meeting to July 14, 2015 due to there being five weeks between the June 16, 2015 City Council meeting and the July 21, 2015 meeting. Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Hickory that the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for July 21, 2015 be rescheduled to July 14, 2015.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of April 21, 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.
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.
==================================================
Hound Notes:
Hound Notes:
Not much to comment on about this meeting. You can follow the links below related to the various items.
I would like to comment on Cliff Moone's address to Council in relation to recruiting high income Military Veterans to the community. I think we've already been successful at doing that; as in with the retired veteran he spoke to who had moved to the community. Mr. Moone makes the point that the Hound has addressed time and time again over the years when he states that these retirees can move here and be within traveling distance (I assume for day trips) to locations such as Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and the Mountains. Exactly, these people can come here and live cheaply and go spend their disposable income in other places. Hickory will never be "THE" destination location, but we have needed more enterprises/venues that are destination entities. We need people who spend money to come here an spend it. That creates value.
When it comes to what I have espoused about attracting the younger demographic to the community, I want you to understand. For me, this has never been a completely personal mission. You haven't seen me saying that I want this for myself. This has been a community mission. I'm not out here spouting out that I want the community to actively seek to attract 40 to 50 year olds. That's my age demo. We keep seeing 60+ year olds saying that we need to look to attract 60+ year olds. Why? Because that is who they hang out with and relate to.
The mission to attract the younger generations is a mission to sow the seeds of the future. Mr. Moone latched onto the saying about 'planting trees that he will never enjoy the shade of' during the bond referendum, when it came to the proposed projects related to that referendum. Well, that is what the mission of attracting the younger generations is all about. If we don't get these younger people to live here, then they won't be enjoying the shade he portrays. Population has fallen over the past 5 years, as a whole, in this community, but has been steady (and risen) over that time period in the very demographic he seeks to attract, while falling precipitously in the very demographic the Hound has been alluding to for eight years -- the 40 and younger age group.
We have already been successful at attracting Seniors. I just don't get the angst that always comes forward, when the obvious need to attract young people is addressed. What is the 'Me Too' mindset all about. We've already been successful at collecting the low hanging fruit. Our local population was going to age anyway due to the overall demographic shift related to the Baby Boomers. We already have the amenities for Seniors built all around us. That is the reason why the local Powers That Be can't understand why young people say, 'there is nothing to do around here'... because the community has been built around their wants and needs and what they relate to. Those aren't the desires of the younger generations. We will continue to have (maintain and upgrade) infrastructure for older people. That will attract the older people. Hate to say it, but what Mr. Moone proposed in his address of this City Council certainly seems to be unfounded.
Edit to add: One other issue about that address. The proposed projects are not "Boost Hickory" projects. They are Hickory projects that will be paid for by the people of Hickory, not just the people associated with the group, "Boost Hickory".
==================================================
Invocation by Councilman Danny Seaver
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation to Hickory High School Lady Tornadoes Basketball Team. - (per Hickory Inc.) - Mayor Wright read and presented the Proclamation, as well as a sign to Coach Barbara Helms. Coach Helms introduced each player and Mayor Wright presented each of them with a proclamation and a key to the City.
Persons Requesting to be Heard
Cliff Moone - (per Hickory Inc.) - addressed Council on his concerns of the future of the City. He discussed the 65 and over demographic age bracket of people in this area. He suggested recruiting retirees from the military to the area because these retirees are looking for areas like Hickory as opposed to the larger cities.
Consent Agenda - Item B was removed from the Consent Agenda, which was a burial plot sold from the City to Alderman Meisner. Alderman Meisner recused himself. There was no further discussion. The Council approved Item B and then the full Council approved all items.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. - The City Clerk received a petition from Attorney Terry M. Taylor on behalf of the property owner Woodland Village, LLC, (Successor in interest to Center Street Crossing I, LLC and Center Street Crossing II, LLC). The petition requests the City close said portion of Main Avenue Place SE. The signature on the petition represents the owner of both of the tracts of property abutting this portion of the right of way. Chuck Hanson presentation. Council approved unanimously. Alderman Lail did ask about the sidewalk in the area. Mr. Hanson stated that a new sidewalk will be constructed parallel to Main avenue in that area.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC. - City Council established the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant program on September 16, 2008. The program provides grant funding up to $30,000 for project to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings within the Urban Revitalization Area and targeted industrial buildings in other areas of the City. 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $6,000 to assist in the renovation of the former Thomasville Furniture Plant located at 890 F Avenue Drive SE. The applicant plans to renovate the facility for furniture manufacturing. The applicant plans to invest approximately $40,000 in real property improvements to rehabilitate the mill building. This makes the project eligible for a $6,000 grant. The Business Development Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval. Staff recommends approval of the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC. Andrea Surratt Presentation. Council unanimously approved.
2. Update on Community Policing - Presentation bu Chief Tom Adkins -
Mission Statement
Examples of Community Policing in Hickory
Presentations and Activities involving Current Issues
Planned Activities
New Technology - Body Cameras
Councilman Guess asks how Body Cameras relate to Public Records laws
Alderman Seaver asked about also having Dashcams too
Matters not on the Agenda/General Comments
Alderman Meisner thanked his “City of Hickory family” for their support over the past year to his family.
Mayor Wright commented that Council had started the budget process, it is very early, but the amount to create a revenue neutral rate when joined with the evaluations is 53.95 cents. That is not a tax increase. It balances the value and the rate to bring in the same amount of dollars that we brought in last year at 50 cents. The average taxpayer will have 53.95 as the rate, and a value around 7 percent lower than it was last year. That is very early in the game, it has nothing to do with what they will ultimately agree on as the final rate to help them provide the ideal level of service at the ideal price. That is where they want to get. That number has been generated now. Alderman Meisner commented that is on an average. Some are lower and some are higher. Mayor Wright commented that there will be people who will pay more dollars and there will be people who pay less dollars. Council cannot control that.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of April 21, 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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Late in submitting this agenda. I didn't see a whole lot here. We'll see what happens at the meeting.
The bigger picture of the tank man on Tienanmen square, 1989
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation to Hickory High School Lady Tornadoes Basketball Team.
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Lease of City-owned Properties to Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - The properties located at 16 and 18 1st Avenue NE have been vacant for the past few years. Safe Harbor approached staff about using the property for office space as they have outgrown their current location. The initial term for the proposed lease will be for approximately two years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew by mutual option for up to two additional one year terms unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for the payment of all utilities furnished to the property, securing its own janitorial service, maintaining the premise in good order, and routine maintenance and repairs of the property. Staff recommends approval of the lease agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Public Notice of Intent to Lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on April 10, 2015.
B. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Bruce E. Meisner, (Oakwood Cemetery, Plot A8, Lot Number 1 and 2, Section 58) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
C. Special Events Activities Application March of Dimes – 5K Walk, Rebecca Moser, March of Dimes, April 25, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., L.P. Fans Stadium.
D. Special Events Activities Application Strong Body Strong Mind Wellness Celebration, Sally Learned, Development Officer, Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare, May 16, 2015, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 327 1st Avenue NW.
E. Special Events Activities Application 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Meghan Lawton, Regional Manager, Alzheimers Association of WNC, October 3, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m., L.P. Frans Stadium.
F. Special Events Activities Application Reading New Testament of Bible, Kathy Johnson, Pastor, Greater Shekinah Glory Church, May 6, 2015 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., above the steps of the Municipal Building.
G. Special Events Activities Application Fleet Feet Hickory and Crawdads Home Run Trot 5K, Juliet Horan, Owner, Fleet Feet Sports, May 9, 2015, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park.
H. Amended Special Events Activities Application National Day of Prayer 2015, Charles Moretz, Christopher Harris, Managers, Ignite Hickory, Inc., Event Date May 7, 2015, Sails on Square. Amended Application to allow for set-up on May 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m., adding Security by Griffith Security from May 6, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. to May 7, 2015 at 5:00 a.m. The time of the event will remain the same starting at 6:30 a.m. with cleanup ending at 10:00 p.m.
I. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on April 2, 2015:
Jean Dula, 426 7th Avenue Court SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $15,000 for repairs to her house. Assistance would be in the form of a zero percent interest deferred loan.
J. Call for a Public Hearing to Consider Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan.
K. Approval to Apply for a Grant to Assist in Funding the Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for Police Officers. - Since 1999, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) has awarded more than 13,000 jurisdictions, a total of $393 million in federal funds for the purchase of over one million vests. BVP is a critical resource for state and local jurisdictions that saves lives. This grant will pay up to 50% of the cost of NIJ approved vests purchased by Hickory Police Department. Forty-five vests have been requested at an estimated price of $750 for each vest. Agenices will be notified that funds are available after July 1, 2015 if awarded the grant. Funds are placed in the police department budget uniform line item annually to purchase vests for police officers. Life expectancy of each vest is approximately five (5) years. The Police Department requests approval for the submission of this grant to receive up to 50% funding to purchase bulletproof vests for police officers.
L. Acceptance of Bid and Award of Construction Contract to Hickory Sand Company Inc. in the Amount of $316,752.50. - The waterlines on 3rd Avenue SE and 5th Street SE date back to the 1940’ and 1950’s and are primarily constructed of cast iron material due to the era of construction. These specific streets were identified by staff in 2005 during a system evaluation as waterlines that required evaluation due to the number of maintenance calls. The frequency of maintenance calls contributed to the occurrences of discolored water for customers and combined those issues prompted City staff to initiate replacement. Hickory Sand Company, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder. Staff recommends Council’s acceptance of a bid and award of construction contract with the responsible low bidder Hickory Sand Company, Inc. for the construction of the 3rd Avenue SE, and 5th Street SE waterline replacement project in the amount of $316,752.50. This is a budgeted project in the FY 14/15 Capital Budget for the Public Utilities Department.
M. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 18.
1. To budget a $100 Library donation from Jean C. Boggs in memory of Marcus L. Boggs, Jr. in the adult programming line item.
2. To appropriate $30,837 of GF- Appropriated Fund Balance and transfer to the Airport's Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This appropriation is needed to replace the HVAC systems for the terminal lobby and the FAA Space. Replacement funds are budgeted in the FY15-16 budget however due to the age and unreliability of the units it is recommended to replace them this current budget year.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. - The City Clerk received a petition from Attorney Terry M. Taylor on behalf of the property owner Woodland Village, LLC, (Successor in interest to Center Street Crossing I, LLC and Center Street Crossing II, LLC). The petition requests the City close said portion of Main Avenue Place SE. The signature on the petition represents the owner of both of the tracts of property abutting this portion of the right of way. The petition fee of $575 has been paid. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on March 20, March 27, April 3, and April 10, 2015.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC. - City Council established the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant program on September 16, 2008. The program provides grant funding up to $30,000 for project to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings within the Urban Revitalization Area and targeted industrial buildings in other areas of the City. 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $6,000 to assist in the renovation of the former Thomasville Furniture Plant located at 890 F Avenue Drive SE. The applicant plans to renovate the facility for furniture manufacturing. The applicant plans to invest approximately $40,000 in real property improvements to rehabilitate the mill
building. This makes the project eligible for a $6,000 grant. The Business Development Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval. Staff recommends approval of the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC.
2. Update on Community Policing
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Late in submitting this agenda. I didn't see a whole lot here. We'll see what happens at the meeting.
The bigger picture of the tank man on Tienanmen square, 1989
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation to Hickory High School Lady Tornadoes Basketball Team.
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Lease of City-owned Properties to Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - The properties located at 16 and 18 1st Avenue NE have been vacant for the past few years. Safe Harbor approached staff about using the property for office space as they have outgrown their current location. The initial term for the proposed lease will be for approximately two years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew by mutual option for up to two additional one year terms unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for the payment of all utilities furnished to the property, securing its own janitorial service, maintaining the premise in good order, and routine maintenance and repairs of the property. Staff recommends approval of the lease agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Public Notice of Intent to Lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on April 10, 2015.
B. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Bruce E. Meisner, (Oakwood Cemetery, Plot A8, Lot Number 1 and 2, Section 58) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
C. Special Events Activities Application March of Dimes – 5K Walk, Rebecca Moser, March of Dimes, April 25, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., L.P. Fans Stadium.
D. Special Events Activities Application Strong Body Strong Mind Wellness Celebration, Sally Learned, Development Officer, Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare, May 16, 2015, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 327 1st Avenue NW.
E. Special Events Activities Application 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Meghan Lawton, Regional Manager, Alzheimers Association of WNC, October 3, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m., L.P. Frans Stadium.
F. Special Events Activities Application Reading New Testament of Bible, Kathy Johnson, Pastor, Greater Shekinah Glory Church, May 6, 2015 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., above the steps of the Municipal Building.
G. Special Events Activities Application Fleet Feet Hickory and Crawdads Home Run Trot 5K, Juliet Horan, Owner, Fleet Feet Sports, May 9, 2015, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park.
H. Amended Special Events Activities Application National Day of Prayer 2015, Charles Moretz, Christopher Harris, Managers, Ignite Hickory, Inc., Event Date May 7, 2015, Sails on Square. Amended Application to allow for set-up on May 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m., adding Security by Griffith Security from May 6, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. to May 7, 2015 at 5:00 a.m. The time of the event will remain the same starting at 6:30 a.m. with cleanup ending at 10:00 p.m.
I. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on April 2, 2015:
Jean Dula, 426 7th Avenue Court SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $15,000 for repairs to her house. Assistance would be in the form of a zero percent interest deferred loan.
J. Call for a Public Hearing to Consider Community Development Block Grant 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan.
K. Approval to Apply for a Grant to Assist in Funding the Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for Police Officers. - Since 1999, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) has awarded more than 13,000 jurisdictions, a total of $393 million in federal funds for the purchase of over one million vests. BVP is a critical resource for state and local jurisdictions that saves lives. This grant will pay up to 50% of the cost of NIJ approved vests purchased by Hickory Police Department. Forty-five vests have been requested at an estimated price of $750 for each vest. Agenices will be notified that funds are available after July 1, 2015 if awarded the grant. Funds are placed in the police department budget uniform line item annually to purchase vests for police officers. Life expectancy of each vest is approximately five (5) years. The Police Department requests approval for the submission of this grant to receive up to 50% funding to purchase bulletproof vests for police officers.
L. Acceptance of Bid and Award of Construction Contract to Hickory Sand Company Inc. in the Amount of $316,752.50. - The waterlines on 3rd Avenue SE and 5th Street SE date back to the 1940’ and 1950’s and are primarily constructed of cast iron material due to the era of construction. These specific streets were identified by staff in 2005 during a system evaluation as waterlines that required evaluation due to the number of maintenance calls. The frequency of maintenance calls contributed to the occurrences of discolored water for customers and combined those issues prompted City staff to initiate replacement. Hickory Sand Company, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder. Staff recommends Council’s acceptance of a bid and award of construction contract with the responsible low bidder Hickory Sand Company, Inc. for the construction of the 3rd Avenue SE, and 5th Street SE waterline replacement project in the amount of $316,752.50. This is a budgeted project in the FY 14/15 Capital Budget for the Public Utilities Department.
M. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 18.
1. To budget a $100 Library donation from Jean C. Boggs in memory of Marcus L. Boggs, Jr. in the adult programming line item.
2. To appropriate $30,837 of GF- Appropriated Fund Balance and transfer to the Airport's Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This appropriation is needed to replace the HVAC systems for the terminal lobby and the FAA Space. Replacement funds are budgeted in the FY15-16 budget however due to the age and unreliability of the units it is recommended to replace them this current budget year.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. - The City Clerk received a petition from Attorney Terry M. Taylor on behalf of the property owner Woodland Village, LLC, (Successor in interest to Center Street Crossing I, LLC and Center Street Crossing II, LLC). The petition requests the City close said portion of Main Avenue Place SE. The signature on the petition represents the owner of both of the tracts of property abutting this portion of the right of way. The petition fee of $575 has been paid. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on March 20, March 27, April 3, and April 10, 2015.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC. - City Council established the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant program on September 16, 2008. The program provides grant funding up to $30,000 for project to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings within the Urban Revitalization Area and targeted industrial buildings in other areas of the City. 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $6,000 to assist in the renovation of the former Thomasville Furniture Plant located at 890 F Avenue Drive SE. The applicant plans to renovate the facility for furniture manufacturing. The applicant plans to invest approximately $40,000 in real property improvements to rehabilitate the mill
building. This makes the project eligible for a $6,000 grant. The Business Development Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval. Staff recommends approval of the Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for 890 F Ave Dr SE, LLC.
2. Update on Community Policing
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)