Downtown Hickory does need energizing - By Craig Boyer (Bottom of the Page)
Mr. Boyer's comments are excellent. Let the citizens of Hickory have input and contribute to the decision making process and direction of Hickory's Downtown. Let's open up a roundtable discussion, teach and learn the history of our Downtown, discuss the problems, and work on solutions as a community.
But, this will have to be a true open forum, that is inclusive in nature, and not just the same ole people that represent Downtown's "Powers That Be" in order for it to work. Because a fake forum, where the citizens have no voice, will only make people more cynical and drive them further away.
(You can read my address to Council to see some of my thoughts on this issue at the bottom of Tuesday Night's City Council Meeting - 2/17/2009) - Linked.
Since I am apparently not going to get my opinions expressed in the Hickory Daily Record any longer, I will go ahead and post this Your Voice letter that I sent in
Sunday Evening:
Downtown More Than Just Union Square
In the article in Sunday’s paper entitled “Downtown Vital to Hickory’s Identity.” I have to say, I am sorry, but I cannot agree with its assertions.
Who is Connie Kincaid to decide what the proper boundaries of Downtown are? I totally disagree with what she asserted. Her version of Downtown is three blocks on the Northern side of the Railroad tracks and Union Square must be its epicenter. There are two blocks to the east and west of Union Square and only 2 short blocks on the south side of the tracks that constitute what she deems as Downtown.
We read the philosophies of 3 candidates in the upcoming city election to be held later this year, but there was one important person missing from Mr. Gould’s article, Z. Anne Hoyle. I would really like to know what her thoughts are about Downtown development. Is her point of view not just as valid as the other council members mentioned?
This lady has been a bedrock of the Ridgeview community and if you ask me, under her leadership, she has brought this area forward from where it was 15 years ago. I am interested in hearing what Ms. Hoyle has to say about Downtown development. Notice where Mrs. Kincaid draws her line in the southern direction, it stops at 2nd ave, one block away from Ridgeview.
Frankly, I am tired of seeing what I view as intolerance towards the less fortunate areas of our city. Every year Mrs. Kincaid receives an automatic $50,000 towards her benefit. Alderwoman Sally Fox, who sits on the Downtown Development board votes to give Mrs. Kincaid that money. Let’s be honest, Cronyism and Intolerance towards minorities and the less fortunate are not appealing. Ms. Hoyle, the Ridgeview community, and Southwest Hickory deserve a place at the table when it comes to discussions about the development of Downtown Hickory.
We will not solve the issues of our Downtown area until all interested parties are brought into the discussion. After all, Citizen Tax money is contributing to the coffers of the Hickory Downtown Development Association.
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of February 17, 2009
This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 2/17/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.
Invocation by Susan Smith of the Exodus Outreach Church.
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring the Week of February 15 – 21, 2009 as “National Engineer's Week” in the City of Hickory -- Chuck Hanson received the award from the Mayor.
B. Presentation By Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council During the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2009. The Council will not take action tonight. Action in May or June.
United Arts Council of Catawba County -- Scott Anderson -- $40,412.00
The amount of money is based on $1 per capita. The city has funded the UAC since 1984. This funding is important, because of trouble with the state funding. For every dollar granted by Hickory, a minimum of $4 is spent on arts, science, and history projects in this community by the UAC.
Hickory Downtown Development Association -- Connie Kincaid -- $50,000.00
Tracy Nestor, President spoke. Purchased banners and developed landscaping to create a sense of place along well lit areas. Increased lighting in Trade Alley. Worked towards the wayfinding system, addressing vandalism, and renovation of the depot. Addressed special events, the Farmer's Market, and Art crawls. Netted three new businesses this year.
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation -- Scott Millar -- $138,924.65 for the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and $50,000 for the Greater Hickory Golf Classic - Talked about alternative energy and "Green Manufacturing" and possible manufacturing industries. Can we expose our existing industries to those types of industries. Trying to revitalize existing industries and create new jobs in the alternative energy sector. Froze wages and reduced marketing and research. The requested increase is .08%. The Greater Hickory Classic was used to try to lure Data Center Industry's to this area.
The Mayor stated that we have had great success in the area of economic development, but we have not had success with the local economy. Mr. Millar says that the City has been aggressive and it has shown. The Mayor says that we have listened to every reasonable and unreasonable deal. Our success rate, when we make the finals, is very good.
Habitat for Humanity -- Mitzi Gellman -- $18,792.00
18 qualified applicants are currently on their list. 128 houses have been completed so far in Catawba County (most in Hickory). The money requested will be used to fund, along with Neighborhood Stabilization money, water-sewer taps. The request will be withdrawn, if other funds fall through that they are trying to qualify for. Donations from sells in their home store has brought in an excellent stream of funding. All donations are down by 20%. Will reduce the number of houses that they are looking to build in the upcoming year. Demand is up during the bad economy.
The Salt Block Foundation -- Steve Mull, Vice Chair -- $100,000.00
Operates three buildings on the SALT block campus. Provides a home for the Museum of Art, Science Center, The Choral Society, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and the United Arts Council. Pays building and Capital expenses. Along with the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, these entities povide economically invaluable cultural resources for the entire Hickory region. Auditorium is used over 200 times per year. More money is requested for this year, because the endowment is suffering from the economy, and increased expenditures.
Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau -- Bebe Leitch -- $20,000.00
Support and stimulate the local economy by tourism, business conferences, and meetings. Network by attending meetings, advertising, and the internet. Generated $7 million in revenue from 5,600 room nights, the Hickory-Conover hotel occupancy tax generated $451,000 in revenue. Our Convention center is accessible and affordable, which gives us an advantage over larger centers in other areas of this state. Updated the Hickory Map.
Consent Agenda
Approve Community Appearance Commission’s (CAC) Request for $3,000.00 to Fund Graffiti Removal Initiated by the Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA). Pulled from the agenda for discussion. The Mayor asked for more information about this request. City Manager Berry said the CAC has the funds, but they would like a costiary program of a 50% matching funds up to $250 to pay for the removal of graffiti. Mayor Wright asked if this was only for Downtown. Asst. City Manager Surratt said that it was decided during CAC discussions that it was best for this to be citywide. Alderlady Hoyle asked about requirements. Ms. Surratt stated that a police report would have to be filed, it would have to be photographically documented, and obtain the cost for removal. Alderman Seaver asked if they would apply to the CAC for the grant. Ms. Surratt said they would and the staff would review it.
The Mayor asked if only graffiti would be included and not vandalism. Ms. Surratt said it would just be graffiti. The Mayor said that he thought insurance would cover this after deductibles. The Mayor asked if the CAC used up all of its grants for beautification projects. The Mayor said he didn't want to get involved in what deductibles businesses were paying on their insurance. He said that this program would only reward businesses with high deductibles and businesses with first dollar deductibles would receive nothing. Mayor Wright wants to push for a victim's fund that will be built by true work by the perpetraitors. He understands the good intentions of the HDDA and the CAC, but he isn't certain any buildings will be cleaned, because they qualify for $250. They will either clean it or not clean it. The Mayor motioned that the issue be tabled until some of the issues that he brought up can be explored and worked through. Motion carried unanimously.
The Hound Says kudos to the Mayor for shelving this. His questions were spot on and addressed the core of this issue. Thank You for doing the right thing.
Social Interest -- Downtown Appearance Grant to Hickory Community $267.50. Request by Charity Chase Committee to Use Union Square for the Charity Chase Event 6/6/2009 from 4am to 12pm. Transfer of Cemetery Lot in Oakwood Cemetery from Linda Lewis Helms to James Nelson Sherrill, Jr. and Pat Gragg Sherrill.
Approval of Assistance Through the City’s Housing Programs - First Time Home Buyer - Telessa S. Williams 3275 Blue Sky Court, SE - $5,000
Approve Revisions to the Hickory Police Officer Home buyer’s Program and Approve Assistance to Master Police Officer Shana D. Hudson 2222 15th Avenue NE, unit 506, for $10,000 through the Police Officer Homebuyer’s Program.
Approval of Three Resolutions For Applications to the North Carolina Drinking Water State Revolving Fund For Loan Funding on Drinking Water Projects - High Service Pump Project $935,000. Radio Read Water Meter Change-out Project $7,759,200. Water Treatment Facility Disinfection Modification Project $380,000
Business -- Approve Contract for Services with Stephen F. Austin for Hickory’s Annual Action Plan and Application for Funding to HUD for 2009-10, Community Development Block Grant Exceed $2,500.00. Approve 2009 Lobbying Services Contract With Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice through 12/31/2009
Budget Ordinance Amendments -- Appropriate $18,944 Insurance Claims from Trident Insurance Company for electrical damage. Budget $35,860 of Library donations. Appropriate $662 for January 2009 for Police Overtime. Transfer $100 of Miscellaneous Donations to the Landscape Services Departmental. Transfer $26,905 from the General Fund Sidewalk Materials to the Stormwater Fund Construction Materials. Transfer $42,979 of Community Development Funds to reimburse the General Fund for invoices paid from the New Sidewalk Construction line item for the curb and gutter project on 12th Ave NE. Transfer $21,000 from the General Fund to the Stormwater Fund.
Informational Items:
A) City Manager Berry’s Attendance at the Catawba County 2009 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast in Newton, NC - 1/20/2009 - registration - $20.00
B) Alderwoman Fox’s Attendance at the 2009 NC Main Street Conference Awards Program and Dinner in Statesville, NC - 1/29/2009 - registration - $35.00
C) Alderwoman Hoyle’s Attendance at the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in Hickory, NC - 2/3/2009 - registration - $45.00
D) City Manager Berry’s Travel to the NCCCMA 48th Annual NC City & County Manager Seminar in Raleigh, NC From 2/3 – 6/ 2009 - registration - $220.00, hotel - $221.00, per diem - $85.00, City vehicle expense - $22.71.
New Business - Public Hearings
1) Rezoning of the Property Located at 4429 North Center Street From R-3 Residential to Neighborhood Core Commercial – 2 - Should the property be rezoned as requested, it could be developed for the location of retail, office, and service. Cal Overby addressed the council across from Cloninger Mill Road and to the left of the Hess station. Originally it was zoned commercial, but that was lost in the process when the property was brought into the city. Unanimously Approved.
2) Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of the Property of Camp Creek Home Builders Located at 1938 Wallace Dairy Road Including Two Vacant Tracts Directly to the East - 17.32 acres. the property is currently vacant. The current tax value is $257,300.00 and if annexed, the property would generate $1,286.50 in additional tax revenues. This property is in Mountain View off of Zion Church Road. Unanimously approved.
New Business - Departmental Reports
1) Accept Grant from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services” - Congress has appropriated $190 million for FY 2008 for the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Application submitted on 6/20/2008 -
Presented over 40 years of data and information. Stated that there are a lot of risks to the community as a whole. The Engine Company is the backbone of the department. Six fire stations employ the six engine companies, strategically distributed. Engine company responsibilities include fire, medical, EMS response, first responder, hazardous materials, and extracation rescue. Has a responsibility of 1 1/2 road miles from wherever the engine is placed, which equals over 7 square miles. The city is reponsible for protecting 43 square miles. Ladder Company's is the companion component to structure fires. The First Ladder Vehicle was purchased in 1924 and the first staffed Ladder Company was established in 1948, before 1948 it was all volunteer. The Ladder Company has to protect 19.625 square miles (2 1/2 road miles). Right now it resides at station 1. 24 square miles are currently not being covered. The Ladder Company has additional responsibilities over the engine companies.
Prior to 1970, there were only 10 square miles that needed to be covered. In 1980 it went to 12 sq. miles. 1990 went to 21 sq. miles. 2000 went to 28 sq. miles. Presently the areas, including rural districts, have increased coverage to 43 sq. miles. The ladder companies will be moved to more strategic locations in West Hickory and Highland. This isn't about the Ladder apparatus. It is about a grant for staffing. Warren Wood came to the podium and addressed the budgeting. $450,000 is the total cost or 1-cent on the property tax rate. Fed vs City cost in this staffing is 90%-10% in 09-10, 80%-20% in 10-11, 50%-50% in 11-12, 30%-70% in 12-13, and the city will be paying 100% thereafter.
The Hound can see that this was a very important issue that is long overdue in being addressed. We can see that the Fire Department has been doing an excellent job with very limited resources. The citizens must allow tax money to be spent on this for our own safety. We are in our 15th year without a fire related death. Thank You Hickory Fire Department. Cheap doesn't only beget cheap on this issue. It can also mean the difference in saving your property and your life. That doesn't mean, however, that the Fire Department's policies shouldn't be accountable and reviewed from time to time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(At the End of the meeting, I was allowed to address the Council on the issue of Downtown. Thank You Council for allowing me to address this issue:)
Thank You Council for allowing me to voice my concerns about this city’s investments in the Union Square area. You may notice that I am saying Union Square, because I believe Hickory’s downtown to include a lot more area than what was described as Downtown by Connie Kincaid in Sunday’s Paper
I have read transcripts of every meeting that go back to when the City first started placing the minutes of Council meetings on the internet. I have seen what I construe as a waste of city funds, when it comes to investing in Downtown. I am sure tenants of other sectors of this city would like for you to repair and enhance their property the way you have in the immediate vicinity of Union Square.
In the comments section of today’s editorial in the Hickory Daily Record, an owner of a local Bike Shop had a comment that addresses this issue.
He stated “Hickory should promote businesses throughout the Hickory metro area, not simply downtown. I don't mean give businesses money or tax credits, it's up to the business owners to provide their own capital. The downtown merchants seem to think the city should provide them with funding to promote their businesses. If you can't take the pressure of building up and promoting your own business with your money, go do something else. But please, take your hand out of my pocket. Customers decide where they want to shop, if they are not coming to your store maybe they don't care for your products.”
I have been told that Mast General Store looked into possibly locating a store downtown, but they were micromanaged in their dealings with “the powers that be downtown” to the point that they said they would never locate here if they had to deal with certain individuals.
A former tenant told me why he is no longer downtown, He said he didn’t mind the competition that was brought by a major variety retailer, such as the former Woolworth’s. He said it only enhanced his business.
He stated and I quote, "silly decisions by the big fish in downtown's small pond (too many bars, no variety stores, the closure of the Fresh Air, parking stupidity, the downsizing of the cops' presence just when drunks took over nights) killed downtown's traffic and my business."
I am not here, just to talk about problems. If we are honest with ourselves, we know what the problems are. We need to help Ms. Hoyle enhance the Ridgeview area, because that is downtown. We need to spruce up the Southeast and Southwest sections of town, because that is Downtown. If you want to throw around $50,000 every year toward developing downtown, then that is where it should go.
What needs to be realized is that "Downtown" is more than just Union Square and a couple of blocks surrounding it. We cannot have upscale anything downtown, until the blighted areas surrounding the epicenter of Hickory are addressed. The last Downtown grocery store was robbed out of business.
Mr. Mayor, Council, I am not here to take pot shots or lob bombs. My interests aren’t here to tear this city down. We are here to build this city up, but if we find that there are cracks in the foundation, then we must be willing to tear it down to rebuild it on a stronger, more resolute foundation. We must quit trying to restore downtown from the inside-out and start doing more to develop it from the outside–in.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 2/17/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.
Invocation by Susan Smith of the Exodus Outreach Church.
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of Proclamation Declaring the Week of February 15 – 21, 2009 as “National Engineer's Week” in the City of Hickory -- Chuck Hanson received the award from the Mayor.
B. Presentation By Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council During the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2009. The Council will not take action tonight. Action in May or June.
United Arts Council of Catawba County -- Scott Anderson -- $40,412.00
The amount of money is based on $1 per capita. The city has funded the UAC since 1984. This funding is important, because of trouble with the state funding. For every dollar granted by Hickory, a minimum of $4 is spent on arts, science, and history projects in this community by the UAC.
Hickory Downtown Development Association -- Connie Kincaid -- $50,000.00
Tracy Nestor, President spoke. Purchased banners and developed landscaping to create a sense of place along well lit areas. Increased lighting in Trade Alley. Worked towards the wayfinding system, addressing vandalism, and renovation of the depot. Addressed special events, the Farmer's Market, and Art crawls. Netted three new businesses this year.
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation -- Scott Millar -- $138,924.65 for the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and $50,000 for the Greater Hickory Golf Classic - Talked about alternative energy and "Green Manufacturing" and possible manufacturing industries. Can we expose our existing industries to those types of industries. Trying to revitalize existing industries and create new jobs in the alternative energy sector. Froze wages and reduced marketing and research. The requested increase is .08%. The Greater Hickory Classic was used to try to lure Data Center Industry's to this area.
The Mayor stated that we have had great success in the area of economic development, but we have not had success with the local economy. Mr. Millar says that the City has been aggressive and it has shown. The Mayor says that we have listened to every reasonable and unreasonable deal. Our success rate, when we make the finals, is very good.
Habitat for Humanity -- Mitzi Gellman -- $18,792.00
18 qualified applicants are currently on their list. 128 houses have been completed so far in Catawba County (most in Hickory). The money requested will be used to fund, along with Neighborhood Stabilization money, water-sewer taps. The request will be withdrawn, if other funds fall through that they are trying to qualify for. Donations from sells in their home store has brought in an excellent stream of funding. All donations are down by 20%. Will reduce the number of houses that they are looking to build in the upcoming year. Demand is up during the bad economy.
The Salt Block Foundation -- Steve Mull, Vice Chair -- $100,000.00
Operates three buildings on the SALT block campus. Provides a home for the Museum of Art, Science Center, The Choral Society, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and the United Arts Council. Pays building and Capital expenses. Along with the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, these entities povide economically invaluable cultural resources for the entire Hickory region. Auditorium is used over 200 times per year. More money is requested for this year, because the endowment is suffering from the economy, and increased expenditures.
Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau -- Bebe Leitch -- $20,000.00
Support and stimulate the local economy by tourism, business conferences, and meetings. Network by attending meetings, advertising, and the internet. Generated $7 million in revenue from 5,600 room nights, the Hickory-Conover hotel occupancy tax generated $451,000 in revenue. Our Convention center is accessible and affordable, which gives us an advantage over larger centers in other areas of this state. Updated the Hickory Map.
Consent Agenda
Approve Community Appearance Commission’s (CAC) Request for $3,000.00 to Fund Graffiti Removal Initiated by the Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA). Pulled from the agenda for discussion. The Mayor asked for more information about this request. City Manager Berry said the CAC has the funds, but they would like a costiary program of a 50% matching funds up to $250 to pay for the removal of graffiti. Mayor Wright asked if this was only for Downtown. Asst. City Manager Surratt said that it was decided during CAC discussions that it was best for this to be citywide. Alderlady Hoyle asked about requirements. Ms. Surratt stated that a police report would have to be filed, it would have to be photographically documented, and obtain the cost for removal. Alderman Seaver asked if they would apply to the CAC for the grant. Ms. Surratt said they would and the staff would review it.
The Mayor asked if only graffiti would be included and not vandalism. Ms. Surratt said it would just be graffiti. The Mayor said that he thought insurance would cover this after deductibles. The Mayor asked if the CAC used up all of its grants for beautification projects. The Mayor said he didn't want to get involved in what deductibles businesses were paying on their insurance. He said that this program would only reward businesses with high deductibles and businesses with first dollar deductibles would receive nothing. Mayor Wright wants to push for a victim's fund that will be built by true work by the perpetraitors. He understands the good intentions of the HDDA and the CAC, but he isn't certain any buildings will be cleaned, because they qualify for $250. They will either clean it or not clean it. The Mayor motioned that the issue be tabled until some of the issues that he brought up can be explored and worked through. Motion carried unanimously.
The Hound Says kudos to the Mayor for shelving this. His questions were spot on and addressed the core of this issue. Thank You for doing the right thing.
Social Interest -- Downtown Appearance Grant to Hickory Community $267.50. Request by Charity Chase Committee to Use Union Square for the Charity Chase Event 6/6/2009 from 4am to 12pm. Transfer of Cemetery Lot in Oakwood Cemetery from Linda Lewis Helms to James Nelson Sherrill, Jr. and Pat Gragg Sherrill.
Approval of Assistance Through the City’s Housing Programs - First Time Home Buyer - Telessa S. Williams 3275 Blue Sky Court, SE - $5,000
Approve Revisions to the Hickory Police Officer Home buyer’s Program and Approve Assistance to Master Police Officer Shana D. Hudson 2222 15th Avenue NE, unit 506, for $10,000 through the Police Officer Homebuyer’s Program.
Approval of Three Resolutions For Applications to the North Carolina Drinking Water State Revolving Fund For Loan Funding on Drinking Water Projects - High Service Pump Project $935,000. Radio Read Water Meter Change-out Project $7,759,200. Water Treatment Facility Disinfection Modification Project $380,000
Business -- Approve Contract for Services with Stephen F. Austin for Hickory’s Annual Action Plan and Application for Funding to HUD for 2009-10, Community Development Block Grant Exceed $2,500.00. Approve 2009 Lobbying Services Contract With Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice through 12/31/2009
Budget Ordinance Amendments -- Appropriate $18,944 Insurance Claims from Trident Insurance Company for electrical damage. Budget $35,860 of Library donations. Appropriate $662 for January 2009 for Police Overtime. Transfer $100 of Miscellaneous Donations to the Landscape Services Departmental. Transfer $26,905 from the General Fund Sidewalk Materials to the Stormwater Fund Construction Materials. Transfer $42,979 of Community Development Funds to reimburse the General Fund for invoices paid from the New Sidewalk Construction line item for the curb and gutter project on 12th Ave NE. Transfer $21,000 from the General Fund to the Stormwater Fund.
Informational Items:
A) City Manager Berry’s Attendance at the Catawba County 2009 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast in Newton, NC - 1/20/2009 - registration - $20.00
B) Alderwoman Fox’s Attendance at the 2009 NC Main Street Conference Awards Program and Dinner in Statesville, NC - 1/29/2009 - registration - $35.00
C) Alderwoman Hoyle’s Attendance at the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in Hickory, NC - 2/3/2009 - registration - $45.00
D) City Manager Berry’s Travel to the NCCCMA 48th Annual NC City & County Manager Seminar in Raleigh, NC From 2/3 – 6/ 2009 - registration - $220.00, hotel - $221.00, per diem - $85.00, City vehicle expense - $22.71.
New Business - Public Hearings
1) Rezoning of the Property Located at 4429 North Center Street From R-3 Residential to Neighborhood Core Commercial – 2 - Should the property be rezoned as requested, it could be developed for the location of retail, office, and service. Cal Overby addressed the council across from Cloninger Mill Road and to the left of the Hess station. Originally it was zoned commercial, but that was lost in the process when the property was brought into the city. Unanimously Approved.
2) Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of the Property of Camp Creek Home Builders Located at 1938 Wallace Dairy Road Including Two Vacant Tracts Directly to the East - 17.32 acres. the property is currently vacant. The current tax value is $257,300.00 and if annexed, the property would generate $1,286.50 in additional tax revenues. This property is in Mountain View off of Zion Church Road. Unanimously approved.
New Business - Departmental Reports
1) Accept Grant from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services” - Congress has appropriated $190 million for FY 2008 for the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Application submitted on 6/20/2008 -
Presented over 40 years of data and information. Stated that there are a lot of risks to the community as a whole. The Engine Company is the backbone of the department. Six fire stations employ the six engine companies, strategically distributed. Engine company responsibilities include fire, medical, EMS response, first responder, hazardous materials, and extracation rescue. Has a responsibility of 1 1/2 road miles from wherever the engine is placed, which equals over 7 square miles. The city is reponsible for protecting 43 square miles. Ladder Company's is the companion component to structure fires. The First Ladder Vehicle was purchased in 1924 and the first staffed Ladder Company was established in 1948, before 1948 it was all volunteer. The Ladder Company has to protect 19.625 square miles (2 1/2 road miles). Right now it resides at station 1. 24 square miles are currently not being covered. The Ladder Company has additional responsibilities over the engine companies.
Prior to 1970, there were only 10 square miles that needed to be covered. In 1980 it went to 12 sq. miles. 1990 went to 21 sq. miles. 2000 went to 28 sq. miles. Presently the areas, including rural districts, have increased coverage to 43 sq. miles. The ladder companies will be moved to more strategic locations in West Hickory and Highland. This isn't about the Ladder apparatus. It is about a grant for staffing. Warren Wood came to the podium and addressed the budgeting. $450,000 is the total cost or 1-cent on the property tax rate. Fed vs City cost in this staffing is 90%-10% in 09-10, 80%-20% in 10-11, 50%-50% in 11-12, 30%-70% in 12-13, and the city will be paying 100% thereafter.
The Hound can see that this was a very important issue that is long overdue in being addressed. We can see that the Fire Department has been doing an excellent job with very limited resources. The citizens must allow tax money to be spent on this for our own safety. We are in our 15th year without a fire related death. Thank You Hickory Fire Department. Cheap doesn't only beget cheap on this issue. It can also mean the difference in saving your property and your life. That doesn't mean, however, that the Fire Department's policies shouldn't be accountable and reviewed from time to time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(At the End of the meeting, I was allowed to address the Council on the issue of Downtown. Thank You Council for allowing me to address this issue:)
Thank You Council for allowing me to voice my concerns about this city’s investments in the Union Square area. You may notice that I am saying Union Square, because I believe Hickory’s downtown to include a lot more area than what was described as Downtown by Connie Kincaid in Sunday’s Paper
I have read transcripts of every meeting that go back to when the City first started placing the minutes of Council meetings on the internet. I have seen what I construe as a waste of city funds, when it comes to investing in Downtown. I am sure tenants of other sectors of this city would like for you to repair and enhance their property the way you have in the immediate vicinity of Union Square.
In the comments section of today’s editorial in the Hickory Daily Record, an owner of a local Bike Shop had a comment that addresses this issue.
He stated “Hickory should promote businesses throughout the Hickory metro area, not simply downtown. I don't mean give businesses money or tax credits, it's up to the business owners to provide their own capital. The downtown merchants seem to think the city should provide them with funding to promote their businesses. If you can't take the pressure of building up and promoting your own business with your money, go do something else. But please, take your hand out of my pocket. Customers decide where they want to shop, if they are not coming to your store maybe they don't care for your products.”
I have been told that Mast General Store looked into possibly locating a store downtown, but they were micromanaged in their dealings with “the powers that be downtown” to the point that they said they would never locate here if they had to deal with certain individuals.
A former tenant told me why he is no longer downtown, He said he didn’t mind the competition that was brought by a major variety retailer, such as the former Woolworth’s. He said it only enhanced his business.
He stated and I quote, "silly decisions by the big fish in downtown's small pond (too many bars, no variety stores, the closure of the Fresh Air, parking stupidity, the downsizing of the cops' presence just when drunks took over nights) killed downtown's traffic and my business."
I am not here, just to talk about problems. If we are honest with ourselves, we know what the problems are. We need to help Ms. Hoyle enhance the Ridgeview area, because that is downtown. We need to spruce up the Southeast and Southwest sections of town, because that is Downtown. If you want to throw around $50,000 every year toward developing downtown, then that is where it should go.
What needs to be realized is that "Downtown" is more than just Union Square and a couple of blocks surrounding it. We cannot have upscale anything downtown, until the blighted areas surrounding the epicenter of Hickory are addressed. The last Downtown grocery store was robbed out of business.
Mr. Mayor, Council, I am not here to take pot shots or lob bombs. My interests aren’t here to tear this city down. We are here to build this city up, but if we find that there are cracks in the foundation, then we must be willing to tear it down to rebuild it on a stronger, more resolute foundation. We must quit trying to restore downtown from the inside-out and start doing more to develop it from the outside–in.
Editorial in today's HDR comes around to the truth
In the Hickory Daily Record this morning, an article was written in their Our Voice Editorial section, the article entitled More people needed in downtown Hickory has some good points to it and in my book goes a long way towards balancing out the PR piece from Sunday morning's paper.
I would like to thank the HDR for coming around to the fact that we do have problems with the Downtown area and the same ole, same ole isn't addressing the key issues needed to resolve the problems. We don't need any more Shakedowns by the Downtown Development Association, as Harry addressed in the article below. We need to review the process annually and there must be accountability towards Hickory tax dollars invested in Downtown.
Once the HDR comes around to the fact that "Downtown" is more than just Union Square and a couple of blocks surrounding it, then the paper will be well on the way to being on the same page as The Hound. We cannot have upscale anything downtown, until the blighted areas surrounding the epicenter of Hickory are addressed. The last Downtown grocery store was robbed out of business.
The Hound doesn't expect anyone to march in lockstep with our philosophy. Harry and I have only wished to see this paper give independent observations that address the key issues facing Hickory and the surrounding area. This article suggests that there is something awry with Downtown and much of it has to do with a lack of leadership, vision, and focus.
Thank You Hickory Daily Record for giving the people a voice, because residents of this area have been saying that for years. We appreciate when you represent our interests.
***Hickory's Downtown Boondoggle
I would like to thank the HDR for coming around to the fact that we do have problems with the Downtown area and the same ole, same ole isn't addressing the key issues needed to resolve the problems. We don't need any more Shakedowns by the Downtown Development Association, as Harry addressed in the article below. We need to review the process annually and there must be accountability towards Hickory tax dollars invested in Downtown.
Once the HDR comes around to the fact that "Downtown" is more than just Union Square and a couple of blocks surrounding it, then the paper will be well on the way to being on the same page as The Hound. We cannot have upscale anything downtown, until the blighted areas surrounding the epicenter of Hickory are addressed. The last Downtown grocery store was robbed out of business.
The Hound doesn't expect anyone to march in lockstep with our philosophy. Harry and I have only wished to see this paper give independent observations that address the key issues facing Hickory and the surrounding area. This article suggests that there is something awry with Downtown and much of it has to do with a lack of leadership, vision, and focus.
Thank You Hickory Daily Record for giving the people a voice, because residents of this area have been saying that for years. We appreciate when you represent our interests.
***Hickory's Downtown Boondoggle
Sunday, February 15, 2009
SHAKEDOWN BY DOWNTOWN COMING
During City Council meetings you can often hear trains pass by just outside the meeting room. It's loud enough to stop the meeting temporarily. Sadly, this is not the only railroading going on. Tuesday night, Council is set to give $53000 to downtown interests. I can only assume Sally Fox will vote on this even though she has a downtown business, is a member of the Hickory Downtown Development Association, and has an obvious conflict of interest.
First, $50,000 is requested for the HDDA. While there is money for the Economic Development Association, which promotes the whole City, HDDA doesn't work for the whole community, just downtown. Personally I think the traditionally thought of boundaries of downtown aren't really accurate, 127 and some adjacent streets should be included as well, but this is not what they are talking about. And you can be sure that the Ridgeview area, which is downtown as well hasn't even been thought of. There is no review process for seeing that the taxpayer will get any value out of this other than a nebulous "downtown is good" slogan. There is no accountability. How about seeing if our sales tax revenues are increasing as a result of this so called investment. What did we get for last year's appropriation of money? Where is any accountabilty?
The next appropriation is $3,000 for the city to help to pay for vandalism by graffiti. I detest vandalism and would like to see them caught, but why is the City paying for a private business's costs in the name of appearance? The City does not buy me a sign or pay to clean my business. It's a shame when businesses have to bear unbudgeted costs but welcome to the business world. If we as a City are going to start insuring against damages from crimes, then we would have a line of business owners stretched around the block waiting for our reimbursement checks. We should not be like Washington DC and subsidize politically connected interests with taxpayer dollars. This is what led to the fiscal mess we have at the Federal level and creates a lot of the cynicism and disenfranchisement we have in this country today. The City should not be in the disaster insurance business or promote some selected businesses at the expense of others. I urge Council not to do this.
Here is a link of investments made by the City of Hickory in "Downtown Hickory" since 2002.
First, $50,000 is requested for the HDDA. While there is money for the Economic Development Association, which promotes the whole City, HDDA doesn't work for the whole community, just downtown. Personally I think the traditionally thought of boundaries of downtown aren't really accurate, 127 and some adjacent streets should be included as well, but this is not what they are talking about. And you can be sure that the Ridgeview area, which is downtown as well hasn't even been thought of. There is no review process for seeing that the taxpayer will get any value out of this other than a nebulous "downtown is good" slogan. There is no accountability. How about seeing if our sales tax revenues are increasing as a result of this so called investment. What did we get for last year's appropriation of money? Where is any accountabilty?
The next appropriation is $3,000 for the city to help to pay for vandalism by graffiti. I detest vandalism and would like to see them caught, but why is the City paying for a private business's costs in the name of appearance? The City does not buy me a sign or pay to clean my business. It's a shame when businesses have to bear unbudgeted costs but welcome to the business world. If we as a City are going to start insuring against damages from crimes, then we would have a line of business owners stretched around the block waiting for our reimbursement checks. We should not be like Washington DC and subsidize politically connected interests with taxpayer dollars. This is what led to the fiscal mess we have at the Federal level and creates a lot of the cynicism and disenfranchisement we have in this country today. The City should not be in the disaster insurance business or promote some selected businesses at the expense of others. I urge Council not to do this.
Here is a link of investments made by the City of Hickory in "Downtown Hickory" since 2002.
Hickory's Downtown Boondoggle
Here is a link to an article in Sunday's Hickory Daily Record:
Downtown Vital to Hickory's Identity
Take a good whiff of the aroma of your morning coffee to disguise the smell of this manure laden article. It is time to get real. Downtown is a Boondoggle. Look at definitions 2 and 3 of Boondoggle below. That is exactly what our downtown area is. I have linked to the posts that I have written about downtown at the bottom of this article. You make the choice. In these trying economic times, I feel that it is not only time to reign in the power the Downtown Development Association has within this city, it is time for it to be self sustaining and stand on its own two feet.
Boondoggle:
1) a product of simple manual skill, as a plaited leather cord for the neck or a knife sheath, made typically by a camper or a scout.
2) work of little or no value done merely to keep or look busy.
3) a project funded by the federal government out of political favoritism that is of no real value to the community or the nation.
Our downtown has been mismanaged and good money has been thrown after bad for over 20 years. Here come the same ole people, Fox, Kincaid, Yates, et al, waddling up to the trough looking for more of OUR MONEY. I guarantee that this article is the precursor to that.
Connie Kincaid's salary comes from funds furnished by Hickory Tax dollars approved by the Hickory City Council. Mrs. Fox has conflicts of interest by sitting on the Downtown Development Association Board that receives funds that are directly approved by the Hickory City Council. She needs to step down from one or the other. Mr. Yates group bought the Hickory Station two years ago and it continues to rot. When is that restaurant ever going to open?
Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Fox were directly responsible for the Hickory Drinking Establishment Moratorium issue that was basically smoke and mirrors to keep a couple of Hispanic-American brothers, who are citizens of this country, from opening up a dance club near downtown. They have tried to micromanage every facet of our city's economy. Haven't they done a wonderful job?
It is high time to get responsible and accountable people in decision making positions in our city and it is time to get these people out of our pockets.
Links from the Hound that have valid points about our Downtown issues:
An All-American City deserves first-class leadership
Building the Bridge to Hickory’s Future
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 16, 2008
This Ain't Podunkville Anymore
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 7, 2008
Nuisance Law is a Nuisance
Newsletter about the Moratorium Workshop on November 4, 2008
Watch Out Folks -- Taxpayer Alert -- Downtown Parking Deck
A New Equation!!!
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of November 18, 2008
TIME TO CHANGE WEAK ETHICS RULE by Harry Hipps
Tax Money Spent on Downtown Interests from 2002 to Present
Downtown Vital to Hickory's Identity
Take a good whiff of the aroma of your morning coffee to disguise the smell of this manure laden article. It is time to get real. Downtown is a Boondoggle. Look at definitions 2 and 3 of Boondoggle below. That is exactly what our downtown area is. I have linked to the posts that I have written about downtown at the bottom of this article. You make the choice. In these trying economic times, I feel that it is not only time to reign in the power the Downtown Development Association has within this city, it is time for it to be self sustaining and stand on its own two feet.
Boondoggle:
1) a product of simple manual skill, as a plaited leather cord for the neck or a knife sheath, made typically by a camper or a scout.
2) work of little or no value done merely to keep or look busy.
3) a project funded by the federal government out of political favoritism that is of no real value to the community or the nation.
Our downtown has been mismanaged and good money has been thrown after bad for over 20 years. Here come the same ole people, Fox, Kincaid, Yates, et al, waddling up to the trough looking for more of OUR MONEY. I guarantee that this article is the precursor to that.
Connie Kincaid's salary comes from funds furnished by Hickory Tax dollars approved by the Hickory City Council. Mrs. Fox has conflicts of interest by sitting on the Downtown Development Association Board that receives funds that are directly approved by the Hickory City Council. She needs to step down from one or the other. Mr. Yates group bought the Hickory Station two years ago and it continues to rot. When is that restaurant ever going to open?
Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Fox were directly responsible for the Hickory Drinking Establishment Moratorium issue that was basically smoke and mirrors to keep a couple of Hispanic-American brothers, who are citizens of this country, from opening up a dance club near downtown. They have tried to micromanage every facet of our city's economy. Haven't they done a wonderful job?
It is high time to get responsible and accountable people in decision making positions in our city and it is time to get these people out of our pockets.
Links from the Hound that have valid points about our Downtown issues:
An All-American City deserves first-class leadership
Building the Bridge to Hickory’s Future
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 16, 2008
This Ain't Podunkville Anymore
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 7, 2008
Nuisance Law is a Nuisance
Newsletter about the Moratorium Workshop on November 4, 2008
Watch Out Folks -- Taxpayer Alert -- Downtown Parking Deck
A New Equation!!!
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of November 18, 2008
TIME TO CHANGE WEAK ETHICS RULE by Harry Hipps
Tax Money Spent on Downtown Interests from 2002 to Present
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
41.3% of the Unifour's Population Works (Revised with December data)
When I did these numbers originally I compared Workforce versus Population. I should have compared Employed versus Total Population. The actual number of employed vs Total Population in Catawba County is right at 42.5%.
I have done some more statistical analyzes of our area. These numbers do have some extrapolations, since our last guesstimates on population were presented for January 1, 2007. But, by rounding the numbers I feel that it is safe to say that we are very close to the numbers represented in this analysis.
The latest unemployment data presented by the St Louis Federal Reserve was for December 1, 2008. New data should be coming out in the next couple days. The last data was released on February 12, 2009. The population of the Unifour area is right around 367,000 people, up from 293,000 people in 1990
Look at the numbers of total citizens versus those that are actually employed. As of 12/1/2008, the population has increased by 20.24% in the Unifour since 1990, but we have lost 7% of our jobs during that time period.
In July 2000 the Unifour hit its Zenith as far as Employed Workforce Population is concerned. There were 183,838 people employed in the workforce, since then we have seen our area's workforce fall by nearly 29,000 people. From 1990 to 2000 we had added over 21,000 people to local payrolls. Our reversal in fortunes is directly attributable to the dismantling of our manufacturing based economy, especially after the decimation brought about after the dot.com-cable bust.
Look at the numbers and see that Alexander County is the only County whose employment numbers have grown over the last 19 years. I believe that is because these people want to be near the heart of the Hickory Metro without having to pay the taxes. I believe a lot of this growth is from the Bethlehem area, but that is an anecdotal interpretation.
It is terrible to see what Burke and Caldwell County have gone through since 1990. Burke County has lost 13.6% of its jobs, while Caldwell County has lost over 15% of its jobs. Burke County is struggling to show any signs of population growth over the last few years and Caldwell County isn't fairing much better. According to employment statistics, Caldwell County is the worst off in the region, the only bright spot being the Grace Chapel area near Hickory, which seems to be doing fairly well. But once again, I have to say that is anecdotal evidence.
What do these numbers show? Well, one interpretation is pretty much self explanatory. We have seen our traditional manufacturing job base devastated without question. But, I also believe we have seen a perfect storm of circumstances that are leading us down a path that honestly could send us into third world status. We must reinvent this community to survive and there are right ways and wrong ways to go about doing so.
The Unifour's population has increased by nearly 74,000 people and most of that is attributable to the growth of Catawba County. It is just too bad that there hasn't been the growth in industry to keep pace with population growth.
Harry Hipps makes some excellent points about the demographics of our population growth issue, in the article 47% (really 42.5%) of Catawba County's Population Works:
"First, the average household income (last statistics I saw was 2006) showed that we had a two income household making $67,000 a year. Catawba County recently stated that by 2025 six out of ten people in Catawba Co. will be over 65. The average Social Security check is $1000 per month so you can see that the income for 60% of us is going to drop by almost 2/3s. In addition, health care is rising more than general inflation and taking our disposable income and the strength of our Federal gov't and the future of the SS system is questionable. If there is a crisis in Social Security where does that leave us? And what does our economy look like when 60% of us are living on this reduced income?"
We cannot build our Economy on Fixed Income Economics. We have to attach ourselves to growth industries and we all know that the elderly are naturally risk-averse and not looking toward long-term investment or what might be termed as somewhat risky.
We must diversify our economy, especially demographically. Let's challenge ourselves to bring in a younger demographic. Once we do develop some new industry, we need to recruit young people who will not look at our community as a stepping stone, but will be willing to grow with it. That is the reason why we need to retain the best and the brightest that have been raised in this area.
What good does it do to develop youth as gifted students and then watch them gravitate to other communities? We must do something to get these young up and comers to stay at home. We must develop industries that challenge these young people to give the Unifour a look when choosing where they want to advance their professional careers. That, my friends, is the key to turning our community around.
Unifour Employed vs Total Population - Click the link to see the spreadsheet
I have done some more statistical analyzes of our area. These numbers do have some extrapolations, since our last guesstimates on population were presented for January 1, 2007. But, by rounding the numbers I feel that it is safe to say that we are very close to the numbers represented in this analysis.
The latest unemployment data presented by the St Louis Federal Reserve was for December 1, 2008. New data should be coming out in the next couple days. The last data was released on February 12, 2009. The population of the Unifour area is right around 367,000 people, up from 293,000 people in 1990
Look at the numbers of total citizens versus those that are actually employed. As of 12/1/2008, the population has increased by 20.24% in the Unifour since 1990, but we have lost 7% of our jobs during that time period.
In July 2000 the Unifour hit its Zenith as far as Employed Workforce Population is concerned. There were 183,838 people employed in the workforce, since then we have seen our area's workforce fall by nearly 29,000 people. From 1990 to 2000 we had added over 21,000 people to local payrolls. Our reversal in fortunes is directly attributable to the dismantling of our manufacturing based economy, especially after the decimation brought about after the dot.com-cable bust.
Look at the numbers and see that Alexander County is the only County whose employment numbers have grown over the last 19 years. I believe that is because these people want to be near the heart of the Hickory Metro without having to pay the taxes. I believe a lot of this growth is from the Bethlehem area, but that is an anecdotal interpretation.
It is terrible to see what Burke and Caldwell County have gone through since 1990. Burke County has lost 13.6% of its jobs, while Caldwell County has lost over 15% of its jobs. Burke County is struggling to show any signs of population growth over the last few years and Caldwell County isn't fairing much better. According to employment statistics, Caldwell County is the worst off in the region, the only bright spot being the Grace Chapel area near Hickory, which seems to be doing fairly well. But once again, I have to say that is anecdotal evidence.
What do these numbers show? Well, one interpretation is pretty much self explanatory. We have seen our traditional manufacturing job base devastated without question. But, I also believe we have seen a perfect storm of circumstances that are leading us down a path that honestly could send us into third world status. We must reinvent this community to survive and there are right ways and wrong ways to go about doing so.
The Unifour's population has increased by nearly 74,000 people and most of that is attributable to the growth of Catawba County. It is just too bad that there hasn't been the growth in industry to keep pace with population growth.
Harry Hipps makes some excellent points about the demographics of our population growth issue, in the article 47% (really 42.5%) of Catawba County's Population Works:
"First, the average household income (last statistics I saw was 2006) showed that we had a two income household making $67,000 a year. Catawba County recently stated that by 2025 six out of ten people in Catawba Co. will be over 65. The average Social Security check is $1000 per month so you can see that the income for 60% of us is going to drop by almost 2/3s. In addition, health care is rising more than general inflation and taking our disposable income and the strength of our Federal gov't and the future of the SS system is questionable. If there is a crisis in Social Security where does that leave us? And what does our economy look like when 60% of us are living on this reduced income?"
We cannot build our Economy on Fixed Income Economics. We have to attach ourselves to growth industries and we all know that the elderly are naturally risk-averse and not looking toward long-term investment or what might be termed as somewhat risky.
We must diversify our economy, especially demographically. Let's challenge ourselves to bring in a younger demographic. Once we do develop some new industry, we need to recruit young people who will not look at our community as a stepping stone, but will be willing to grow with it. That is the reason why we need to retain the best and the brightest that have been raised in this area.
What good does it do to develop youth as gifted students and then watch them gravitate to other communities? We must do something to get these young up and comers to stay at home. We must develop industries that challenge these young people to give the Unifour a look when choosing where they want to advance their professional careers. That, my friends, is the key to turning our community around.
Unifour Employed vs Total Population - Click the link to see the spreadsheet
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