Hickory Mayor Forum - Democrat Monthly Dinner - September 9, 2013

Monday night, the Catawba County Democrat Party hosted a mayoral forum during its monthly dinner at Bob Evan's Restaurant. All six candidates were invited, but Mayor Rudy Wright opted not to attend citing it as a "Partisan" meeting.

Candice Harold, Terry Revels, Jeff Brittain, Ernie Masche, and Dr. Jody Inglefield first addressed their platform issues and then answered questions from the attendees about jobs for young people, transparency, and how they will remain active after the election.

All of these candidates made excellent presentations. In watching this forum, one can see that these candidates are basically on the same page. Five people are running against the current three-term incumbent, because they see that Hickory faces some tough issues and the Status Quo has no answers. If everything were peachy, then we wouldn't see five people running against the Status Quo, would we?

Joe Brannock - Candidate Hickory City Council Ward 5 - Press Release

Hickory native Joe Brannock is running for Hickory City Council, Ward 5. Joe is a graduate of Hickory High School and Appalachian State University. After graduating, he worked for Congressman Cass Ballenger and later for Sen. Richard Burr as the Senator's Western Regional Director. Since then he’s taken on a role in the family-owned business with his brother.

"I've always been interested in politics, but more important is my dedication to public service. Whether as a Senate staffer, my role with the Catawba County School System or even as a sports official with Parks & Rec., working in the community and having a positive, direct interaction with the public has always been important to me."

"I served on the City's Airport and Rental Property Taskforces. I was an earlier advocate of the city taking a more hands-on management style regarding the airport. Today, by the City's own account, the airport is in the best financial shape ever because the City is now managing the airport FBO directly."

Brannock believes that Hickory is changing, but our leader's priorities and styles are not.

"We're losing the 24 to 44-year olds faster than anywhere in the state. We need younger leaders who understand the problems facing the next generation."

There are too many barriers-to-entry regarding public service.

“It seems the same people are appointed to advisory boards, while too many elected officials run unopposed. During the past decade, of the roughly 20 Council races only six were contested. Of those, only two new councilmen were elected.”

"We need fresh new ideas. Having incumbents serve 12, 18, even 30+ years prevents that. That’s why I support term limits for Hickory City Council and pledge to serve only two terms. I want to serve, but I don't want to create the same barrier for younger leaders who follow me."

"I believe in Hickory's neighborhoods. Sally Fox dedicated much of her service to improving neighborhoods. I want to take up that calling and reinvent the neighborhood associations for Hickory's future. I propose strengthening the existing neighborhood associations by assisting them to become individual non-profits."

Brannock believes this would provide more funding opportunities. Currently, associations are heavily dependent on the City to fund improvement plans. Through their own non-profit status, each association would be eligible to apply directly for federal and state grants, helping to alleviate their reliance on the City.

"Neighborhood non-profits would also create a way for local businesses to invest directly in communities they serve and enjoy a tax benefit. It's a win for the City, the neighborhood, and business."

Brannock believes with a renewed interest in the neighborhood associations would come a 'training ground' for new leaders to begin their path to elected office.

"I was born and raised here. I want my daughter to have the same opportunities I had growing up here. I love Hickory and the people. That's why I'm stepping forward with energy and ideas and asking for the voter's support in electing me to Hickory City Council."

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 3, 2013

` I began recording the City Council late last year, 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. Beside each agenda item, you will see the minute:second. You can 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 September 3, 2013





Special Presentations
A. (1:40) Recognition of Hickory Police Department’s Street Crimes Interdiction Unit and Gang of One Coordinator - Hickory Police Department’s Street Crimes Interdiction Unit was recognized as the 2013 Gang Unit of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association. The members of the unit are Sergeant Jeff Medley, Master Police Officer Mike Crisp, Master Police Officer Daniel Orders and Police Officer Gordon Killian. Hickory Police Department’s Gang of One Coordinator Sarah Nelson was recognized as the 2013 Civilian of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association. Both awards were presented at the 2013 North Carolina Gang Investigators Association Annual conference on August 13, 2013.
  
Consent Agenda - (12:50)

New Business - Public Hearings
1. (13:10) Voluntary Satellite Annexation of Property Located at 2633 Springs Road NE, Hickory

2. (18:15) FY 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)


New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (25:10) Approval of a Purchase Agreement, in the Amount of $710,000 with Musco Sports Lighting -  Presentation by Mac McLeod, Parks and Recreation Director - Lights will be purchased and installed at the soccer field at Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park. The city’s portion of the bill is reported by Mr. McLeod to be $585,000 and Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association will contribute $125,000. All CVYSA functions will move to Henry Fork. Currently the CVYSA teams and and Lacrosse teams share fields at Neill Clarke Recreation center. The park currently has seven fields with an eighth under construction. Five fields will be lit and this will allow the other attached fields to be lit by that lighting. Currently only Field 1 is lit. The completion date is expected to be February of next year. The lighting will allow the park to be open longer hours, which will be good for people who utilize its walking trails. Currently there are three soccer tournaments that take place in Hickory annually. This facility has been utilized as a regional facility where people from various communities as far away as Asheville and Charlotte converge as a central location to play matches. Alderman Bruce Meisner spoke about the Galaxy Shootout, where up to 90 soccer teams participated utilizing City Hotel rooms and services. Alderman Guess asked a question and made a statement relating to the multiple uses of the Park, in which it was stated that the park has been used for Lacrosse also. Mr. McLeod when asked about how the park had fared during the recent storms stated that the park had been 6 to 8 feet under water, but the silt actually was utilized as a top dressing for the fields.

The Hound: I have been told that the previous lighting was in very bad shape. Some of the lighting had fallen and was in disrepair. This is good, if the programming is there and the regional aspect is fostered and allowed to expand.








 





 

 

 


2. (39:45) Code Enforcement Annual Report Code Enforcement annual report - Code Enforcement - Bobby Baker presented the information - Code enforcement is located under the Police Department.

Bobby Baker presentation -  the numbers of issues were expected to peak over time and recede as owners abated issues. Owners have abated 96% of the issues brought by code enforcement.

Commercial Demolitions cost on average $30,000 to abate. When the City has to abate these issues, it can eat a budget up quickly. With commercial demolitions, Mr. Baker said that the buildings that have decayed have got to come down, because of the hazard they pose. These take longer to deal with (paper work), but it is the departments focus. There is a call for service chart below that shows the breakdown of calls (Citizens 43%, Police  26%, Fire 13% .Proactive 18%).

Repeat Offenders have learned how to game the system. The pictures below show some of the issues that Code Enforcement has dealt and are dealing with. There has been a demolition on average every 10 days for the past 5 years. Mr. Baker stated that they believe that the percentage of owner abatement moving forward, because with the economy not improving, many people are choosing to walk away from properties. There has become an issue with vagrancy in abandoned properties. It is a health and safety issue. He next spoke about the complexity of cases; causes including the banks, property owners, and property preservation companies that are coming up with ways not to do things. Code Enforcement has been receiving a lot of calls from people who don't know where to turn and they try to make sure they are pointed in the right direction.

Alder Fox asked about the property owner that never gets it right and has learned how to game the system. Mr. Baker talked about the chronic violator status. He said that they are going to have to learn and bring issues forward to Council. There were further issues discussed including the new law that was passed that allows property owners that demolish buildings are allowed to bury the debris on the property. Code Enforcement has to follow the Codes and Ordinance Laws of the city. Alderman Guss asked about the Chronic Violators. Mr. Baker labeled it as 7 or 8 individuals being 15% to 20% of their work, which is around 50 to 75 properties. These are still active cases. Some of these people have filed bankruptcy or been foreclosed upon and the properties have been acquired by others. This is an ever evolving process.

Alder Fox talked about understanding the high rental rates in many of these neighborhoods and the fragile nature and also spoke about good neighborhoods with absentee land owners and how it can pull a neighborhood down.

Matter not on the Agenda: Alderman Meisner has been appointed as a City Liason with Lenoir-Rhyne University.

10 Questions with Jeff Brittain - Candidate 2013 Hickory City Mayoral Election

Jeff Brittain is a Candidate in the upcoming Hickory City Mayoral race. He will first face an October 8th primary against incumbent Mayor Rudy Wright and fellow challengers Dr. Joseph Inglefield, Ernie Masche, Candice Harold, and Terry Revels. If he succeeds in being one of the top two vote getters, then he will move on to the November 5th at large election. The questions posed here are available for all candidates to answer. I have agreed to post them without critique and there will be no critical comments allowed in this article. There will be a "Candidates" Hickory Municipal Elections tab to the Right of this article. It will show anything related to these candidates as we move forward in this process. Anyone who wants to participate is free to do so. Please feel free to contact me at hickoryhound@gmail.com

1) Can you give us some background and a history of yourself? (Where were you born? What is your educational background? Why did you come to or stay in Hickory? Tell us about your professional accomplishments.)

I was born in Hickory and graduated from East Burke High School (1979). I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Appalachian State University (1983). In 2005, I received the Chief Information Officer Certification from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. I met Susan Normann when she was home in Hickory during her Thanksgiving break from UNC-CH, and we were married in 1987. We bought a house in Hickory and lived there until after our first daughter was born in 1992 (Megan). In 1994 we moved into our current home, where our second daughter was born in 1995 (Keegan). Over the years, we have considered our options to live other places, but could not imagine calling any place home except Hickory. Since graduating from ASU, I have worked for Shadowline (Morganton), HSM Solutions (formerly Hickory Springs), Corning Cable Systems (formerly Siecor) for 9.5 years, Sarstedt (Newton), City of Hickory for 12 years 5 months, self-employed as an IT Consultant (focusing on local government for 8 months) and now at HITS Tech (Conover) since April 15th. During my career I have been interviewed for several national publications, been Hickory Daily Record's Technology Person in the Spotlight, a guest speaker at multiple IT conferences in NC and SC, received recognition for my innovative projects and was one of the three finalists nationwide for the SearchCIO magazine Technological Advancement Award.

2) Tell us about the accomplishments you are proudest of achieving in your life? Something besides having a family or raising children. We all recognize that those are common goals that we all aspire to. What’s the most exciting thing you saw/did/experienced/were a part of in your personal life? In your professional life?

Since I can't talk about my wife or children, the achievement that means the most to me is putting myself through school. I worked hard in high school and college, and was fortunate enough to earn several academic scholarships. Along with several other need-based grants and working 15-25 hours per week, I completed my BS in Computer Science with less than $1,000 of debt. I also made sure to get my money's worth by taking full class loads and achieved a minor in Business Information Systems, and was only 1 class shy of minors in both Physics and Accounting. The most amazing thing I ever experienced was the birth of my children (way to go Susan!!). I was totally speechless, with tears in my eyes. Wow! Aside from that, the thing that always has, and still does, give me a complete sense of wonder and awe is SCUBA Diving. I absolutely love being in the water, even after a less than pleasant Man-of-War sting where it wrapped around my right hand and up my arm (causing an infection about 1 week later)! The tranquility, the weightlessness, the marine life, the feeling of being a visitor to an alien world - it's amazing! On the professional side, there are several major, exciting projects that give me a great sense of accomplishment. One is the the implementation of a Cisco IP Telephony solution for the City of Hickory (network redesign, new equipment, new cabling, resulting in major cost savings). Designing and coding the Cable Design System for Corning Cable Systems' cable manufacturing locations generated tremendous time and cost savings (from manual to automated process saving approximately 4 hours of labor per new design, reduction of raw materials and more) and gave me a wonderful feeling of satisfaction.

3) If I were to ask people that know you to describe you what would they say?
I think most people would describe me as a leader, friendly, warm, good sense of humor, easy to talk to, sensitive, caring and optimistic. I feel those who know me best would describe me as progressive, a good communicator, practical, open, candid and perceptive. We all want to be remembered fondly, and I hope I have made a difference in the lives of people around me as a parent, a friend, a coach, a mentor, a supervisor and community leader.

4) How much bearing do the opinions of the people around you have on your decisions?
I always consider alternatives. A strong leader does not have to do everything themselves. I use all the data I can collect to make the best decision possible. I have lots of ideas with varying degrees of value! Therefore, I appreciate the input and opinions of others. I am persuasive and persistent, especially if it is something I believe in strongly, but I am also logical and willing to select the best option available (whether it is mine or others).

5) Can you tell us of a professional mistake that you have made that may have had an impact on who you are today? Does it still bother you? Can you share with us how you came to grips with that error?
Trusting people too much. Of course it still bothers me, I was very hurt. But, I try not to dwell on it. I want to trust people to do what they say and not say or do things when they shouldn't. I don't really want to change who I am, so coming to grips with this mistake means living with it and being more careful in the future. I view mistakes as a learning opportunity. Everyone makes mistakes - it's how you deal with them that differentiates us.

6) If you were given enough money to tackle one project (think nearly unlimited) that you felt was important to the Hickory Area, what would that issue be?
Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. The residents of Hickory have struggled long enough. We need to all work together and right this floundering, directionless ship. The EDC works for all of Catawba County, but I want to have a person dedicated to the city of Hickory. We need someone who is solely focused on the recruitment of new business and the satisfaction and retention of existing businesses in Hickory.

7) Let’s say there is no money available for the foreseeable future. What one project (priority) would you push as part of your agenda that can be done with little or no money?
Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. I know, that was my priority for nearly unlimited funds. Well, it's simply that important! My philosophy would not change. We still need a dedicated person for this critical area. The City has continued to fund positions when needed throughout their ongoing hiring freeze. Maybe this means a slight reorganization of exiting personnel or someone totally new. It can and should be done! The residents of Hickory and surrounding areas need someone to step up and lead them out of this stagnated wreckage. We deserve it and need it!

8) What is your overall philosophy of the development of this area? Where would you like to see us in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

Stagnant. I have asked numerous people, "What happens to a body of water that has no movement?" It becomes stagnant. Then, it stinks! No one wants to live next to a stagnant pond that has no new life, is infested with mosquitoes, full of algae and smells. Right now, no one is excited about moving to Hickory either. This area has so much to offer! We need to get our economy moving again. We need progress. To many, change is a negative word. If you ask a caterpillar, I am sure they are in favor of change! Otherwise, they are doomed to a sad life on their belly as opposed to their transformation (change or metamorphosis) into a lovely, airborne butterfly. In 5 years I want to establish Hickory as a growing and vibrant city, with a substantial reduction in the unemployment rate we have today. In 10 years I would want more of the same and even lower unemployment. We should be back to the growth and unemployment we experienced in the 90's. In 20 years, we should not only have completed our recovery from the past 10+ years, but we should be viewed across the state and nation as a model for others. Hickory is more capable than what we are showing at this time. Hickory is the hub of this metropolitan area and it is time we stepped up and acknowledged that role. We need continued, sustainable development. Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum - Hickory's motto - Latin for No Stepping Back (sometimes translated No Steps Backward). We've been stagnant or even losing ground for long enough. It's time for change. It's time for progress.

9) If you could define your Personal Legacy what would you like it to be? What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like my legacy to be, that I made a difference. Whether it is to someone I have mentored, someone I have coached or to the residents of Hickory as a whole. I care and I want to make a difference in the lives of as many people as God needs. Making a difference for one is great. Making a difference for more . . . tremendous!! I hope that when I am no longer on this earth, that I will be remembered fondly as a caring person, someone who made people laugh, someone who got involved, someone who was not afraid to express their opinions, and mostly as someone who made a difference.

10) How do you define Leadership?
Leadership requires someone with charisma and vision, who is not afraid of failure (it is, after all, how we learn). Leadership is the conviction to fight for beliefs (especially when it is not the easy choice). It is someone who readily admits their mistakes. A leader is authentic, not phony. They are someone who sees the value in projects and people, not the cost. Leadership is about confidence and inspiring others to perform at their best. When needed they are persuasive, but are also open to new ideas and thoughts. A good leader is humble and knows when to be candid and when to give praise. People in leadership roles should be practical, prepared and progressive. What a coincidence, since my campaign slogan is "Progress. Well Crafted."

10 Questions with Ernie Masche - Candidate 2013 Hickory City Mayoral Election

Ernie Masche is a Candidate in the upcoming Hickory City Mayoral race. He will first face an October 8th primary against incumbent Mayor Rudy Wright and fellow challengers Dr. Joseph Inglefield, Jeff Brittain, Candice Harold, and Terry Revels. If he succeeds in being one of the top two vote getters, then he will move on to the November 5th at large election. The questions posed here are available for all candidates to answer. I have agreed to post them without critique and there will be no critical comments allowed in this article. There will be a "Candidates" Hickory Municipal Elections tab to the Right of this article. It will show anything related to these candidates as we move forward in this process. Anyone who wants to participate is free to do so. Please feel free to contact me at hickoryhound@gmail.com

1) Can you give us some background and a history of yourself? (Where were you born? What is your educational background? Why did you come to or stay in Hickory? Tell us about your professional accomplishments.

I have lived in Hickory since I was 6 months old.

1981 - Graduated from Hickory High School

1982-1987 – Worked at Frye Regional Medical Center and Viewmont Camera before receiving my degree in Operating Room Technology at CVCC.

1982-1987 – Continued my freelance photography career while shooting for The Hickory News and Focus and shooting weddings and portraits.

1987-1989 – Served as Track Photographer at Hickory Motor Speedway and continued covering NASCAR for The Hickory News and Grand National Scene newspaper.

1989-1993 – Full-time freelance photographer covering NASCAR events for corporate sponsors, teams and national publications.

1993-2011 – Co-founded and served as Vice President for Cameras In Action Stock Photography, Inc. that had 8 employees covering NASCAR full-time with a studio based in Mooresville, NC. This was the first company of its type to cover NASCAR.


2) Tell us about the accomplishments you are proudest of achieving in your life? Something besides having a family or raising children. We all recognize that those are common goals that we all aspire to. What’s the most exciting thing you saw/did/experienced/were a part of in your personal life? In your professional life?

In my career, covering NASCAR for over 23 years, I had the opportunity to see many places and meet many people. I am proud of all those people I worked with closely over those years because they all had so many different personalities; it always kept me on my toes. I can say without hesitation that they all respected me for the way I handled myself as a professional and as a person over those years. In my personal life, God and my family were always most important to me and that remains the same to this day. I pray daily for different things including my friends and other people. I knew Davey Allison before he died and he always said, “there was nothing that he and the Lord could not handle”. I firmly believe that we are “One Nation Under God”. Too many times we lose sight of this in our fast paced new technology world. If we keep the same basic principles we can handle anything that comes our way.

Here is a list of some of my accomplishments and Civic duties of which I was involved.

Attend Hickory Harvest Church

Member of Hickory Masonic Lodge #343

1993 - Master of Hickory Masonic Lodge – youngest in the history of the lodge.

2003-2005 – Coached basketball and soccer at Hickory Recreation Department.

2002-2006 – Cub Scouts Den leader and Cubmaster of Pack 1

2003 – Cubmaster of the Year in Lakeland District

2003 – Pack 1 was Pack of the Year in Lakeland District

2000 – present – Member of West Hickory Aeromodelers and served as President for 3 years during which time our organization reached its largest membership of over 70 members.

Former member of the Catawba Valley Camera Club and 2-time Photographer of the Year.

North Carolina Lifetime Sportsman

Life Member of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society

Life Member of the NRA


3) If I were to ask people that know you to describe you what would they say?

The words my friends and others have used to describe me are: hard working, professional, trusted, team player, positive, energetic, outgoing, honest, sincere, helpful and always smiling. My friends would say you should elect me because I have the skills outlined in the job description and I bring 20+ years of expertise to this type of position.

4) How much bearing do the opinions of the people around you have on your decisions?

I always listen to the ideas and thoughts of others and I always do what I feel is best for everyone who will be affected by the decision.


5) Can you tell us of a professional mistake that you have made that may have had an impact on who you are today? Does it still bother you? Can you share with us how you came to grips with that error?

I made some important decisions on my path in life and professionally. After high school, I did originally plan on going to college and then medical school. Instead, I worked and finished my degree at CVCC while learning photography and then my photography blossomed into a very successful career. My parents we very unsure how this decision to be a professional photographer would carry me through life, but I can positively say it served me and my family very well and I have no regrets. I am not sure what would have happened if I went on to become a doctor, but obviously there would have been some differences.

6) If you were given enough money to tackle one project (think nearly unlimited) that you felt was important to the Hickory Area, what would that issue be?

That’s a tough one. We need to do a lot of different things that would impact our community in a positive manner. We need to spend more efficiently no matter what project we decide to tackle first. The Great Recession, as it’s come to be known, set many municipalities off the course to prosperity, and the City of Hickory was no exception. Across the nation and here, belts were tightened. From the family checkbook to city, state, and federal budgets, making ends meet became a tougher task. Slowly the signs of recovery are becoming more abundant. As Mayor of Hickory, we will turn the corner. We, as a community, need to be more optimistic. I believe that in the coming years citizens will start to see tangible evidence that economic development is underway – not just plans and blueprints, but groundbreakings and openings.

7) Let’s say there is no money available for the foreseeable future. What one project (priority) would you push as part of your agenda that can be done with little or no money?

We need to make Hickory more aesthetically appealing to visitors and potential business owners wanting to re-locate here. Lets mow some vacant lots, trim some trees, paint some older buildings and make our streets more attractive. I can see a large group of citizens pitching in to do these things with little to no expense, but we all have to work together and keep the end result in focus. Lets make Hickory more appealing to others, especially new prospective businesses.

8) What is your overall philosophy of the development of this area? Where would you like to see us in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

I think we need to move into the 21st century with more technology based companies. There are companies out there looking for economical places to move their operations or build new facilities. Sure, we have had some new companies move into the area, but not at a fast enough pace. We need to be more pro-active and pitch Hickory to them instead of waiting on them to come to us. We can turn around our economy and development in this area but it will take a group effort from everyone to make it happen. The Mayor, City Manager, City Council or any single person or entity cannot make it happen alone. We have to put egos aside and work together and not worry about whom gets the credit for good things happening to our community.

9) If you could define your Personal Legacy what would you like it to be? What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like people to say after I have served my term or terms as Mayor of Hickory that, “he showed great leadership skills in bringing our community together as one and really made things happen to turn this city around”.

10) How do you define Leadership?

A leader uses ones character, values, passion and positive influence to gain respect and encourage others to achieve a common goal or vision.

Agenda about the City Council meeting of September 3, 2013

This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that will take 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, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.

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. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.

Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:

Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.

City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center

All materials and maps for this meeting are provide at this link:

City Council Agenda - September 3, 2013
 
Invocation by Rev. Hilda Bailey, Associate Pastor, Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church

Special Presentations
A. Recognition of Hickory Police Department’s Street Crimes Interdiction Unit and Gang of One Coordinator - Hickory Police Department’s Street Crimes Interdiction Unit was recognized as the 2013 Gang Unit of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association. The members of the unit are Sergeant Jeff Medley, Master Police Officer Mike Crisp, Master Police Officer Daniel Orders and Police Officer Gordon Killian. Hickory Police Department’s Gang of One Coordinator Sarah Nelson was recognized as the 2013 Civilian of the Year by the North Carolina Gang Investigators Association. Both awards were presented at the 2013 North Carolina Gang Investigators Association Annual conference on August 13, 2013.

Persons Requesting to Be Heard

Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Accepting the Low Bid Meeting Specification for One Automated Side Loader Refuse Truck. - Staff request approval of purchasing one automated side loader refuse truck from
Advantage Truck Center in the amount of $256,270, piggy backing off the City of Raleigh’s bid package. This truck is used for providing services to approximately 800 residential customers per day. Funds for this unit are in the FY2013-2014 budget.

B. Approval of Six Days of Vacation Time as Prizes for United Way Participation. - Each year the City of Hickory conducts a United Way campaign, providing an opportunity for coworkers to support United Way and its member organizations. To encourage participation the United Way Campaign Committee would like to offer participants a chance to win some vacation time. Based on the level of participation, coworkers would be eligible to enter a drawing to win one of three vacation time prizes of one day, two days, or three days. Staff requests approval of six days of vacation time to be used as
prizes for the United Way Campaign.

C. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Gail Marshall Reese in Fairview Cemetery

D. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Alice B. Davidson, Widow and Cecil T. Bost Jr. and wife, Gretchen Lawson to Cecil T. Bost Jr. and wife, Gretchen Lawson Bost in Oakwood Cemetery

E. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Alice B. Davidson, Widow and Cecil T. Bost, Jr. and wife, Gretchen Lawson Bost to Alice B. Davidson Revocable Trust, dated November 28, 2005 in Oakwood Cemetery.

F. Approval to Declare 8,100 Surplus Discarded Library Materials so that these Materials may be given to the Friends of the Library to be sold at the Friends October 2013 Book Sale and/or at the “Corner Book Store” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library.- The sale of donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Library and discarded library materials comprise a significant portion of their inventory. The sale of these items ultimately benefits the library, and is an appropriate means of disposing of unneeded materials. Public Notice advertised on August 23, 2013 in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area.

G. Approval to Submit a Proposal for Funding Smoke Alarms through the North Carolina Department of Insurance – Office of the State Fire Marshal. - The City of Hickory Fire Department requests approval to submit a grant to the North Carolina Department of Insurance – Office of State Fire Marshal to acquire smoke alarms to continue one of the department’s life safety programs. The grant request is for an ongoing program, of which no money is expected to be provided by the City. The alarms will be issued during an ongoing process and firefighters will install in homes of Hickory
residents. The alarm program offers residents of Hickory a means to obtain not only alarms; it provides an opportunity for the department to provide a higher level of awareness of the hazards and risks in residential occupancies.


H. Hickory Police Department Requests Permission to Accept the 2013 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the Amount of $23,860. - The City of Hickory has received notification to receive $23,860 under the 2013 Justice Assistance Grant Program. The JAG Program is a formula-based grant through the Office of Justice Programs/Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) that utilizes Uniform
Crime Reporting statistics of all law enforcement agencies to determine eligibility for direct federal grant awards. Cities and Counties are required to submit joint applications for the available funding. There is no match required. Hickory Police Department recommends using grant funds from the Justice Assistance Grant to purchase in-car cameras.

I. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 3.
1. To transfer $69,043 from Contingency to Public Buildings for the construction of ADA compliant bathrooms at the Hickory Community Theatre building (a City-owned facility). This is part of a larger renovation to the facility being financed by the Hickory Community Theatre. This expenditure was approved with the FY13-14 Annual Budget.

2. To transfer $46,000 of Capital Reserve Investment Earnings to the Henry Fork Regional Park Lighting Capital Project. $710,000 is needed to fund the project of which the Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association (CVYSA) will provide $125,000. This project will provide lighting to currently unlit fields thereby allowing usage in both the fall and spring soccer seasons.

J. Capital Project Ordinance Number 1.
1. To budget a $585,000 transfer from Capital Reserve and to budget a $125,000 donation from Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association (CVYSA) in the Henry Regional Park Lighting Capital Project. This project will provide lighting to currently unlit fields thereby allowing usage in both the fall and spring soccer seasons. Approved in FY13-14 Annual Budget.

New Business - Public Hearings
1. Voluntary Satellite Annexation of Property Located at 2633 Springs Road NE, Hickory, Containing 1.675 Acres. -  Venture Properties VII, LLC has submitted a petition for voluntary satellite annexation of 1.675 acres of property located at 2633 Springs Road NE, Hickory. The petitioner requested annexation in order to connect to the City of Hickory’s sanitary sewer system. The petitioner’s intent is to construct a 12,500 foot retail business on the property. This public hearing was advertised on August 23, 2013 in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area.

2. FY 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). -  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This CAPER – Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. This public hearing was advertised on August 22, 2013 and September 3, 2013 in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area.

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Purchase Agreement, in the Amount of $710,000 with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for the Purchase and Installation of Soccer Field Lights at Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park. - The purchase and installation of the soccer field lights will be accomplished through a purchase agreement with Musco Sports Lighting LLC, through The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS/TAPS), of which the City of Hickory is a participating member. Musco will also provide the design and layout for the lighting system in addition to the purchase and installation of the equipment. Musco has a 25 year warranty with no field light maintenance costs incurred by the City of Hickory for 25 years. Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association will contribute $125,000 towards the project. The City’s portion is $585,000 and funds are budgeted in FY13-14 annual budget.

2. Code Enforcement Annual Report Code Enforcement annual report highlighting cases and progress from the previous year. Current trends and anticipated future challenges will also be
presented.

10 Questions with Anetia Wright - Candidate Ward 4 2013 Hickory City Council Election

 
Anetia Wright is a Candidate in the upcoming 4th Ward City Council race. First she will face an October 8th primary against incumbent Hank Guess and challenger Crystal Killian. If she succeeds in being one of the top two vote getters, then she will move on to the November 5th at large election. The questions posed to her are available for all candidates to answer. I have agreed to post them without critique and there will be no critical comments allowed in this article. There will be a "Candidates" Hickory Municipal Elections tab to the Right of this article. It will show anything related top these candidates as we move forward in this process.

1) Can you give us some background and a history of yourself? (Where were you born? What is your educational background? Why did you come to or stay in Hickory? Tell us about your professional accomplishments.)
Born in Hickory N.C., attended Hickory Public Schools, graduated from Hickory High and Lenoir Rhyne University. U.S. Army Veteran.

2) Tell us about the accomplishments you are proudest of achieving in your life? Something besides having a family or raising children. We all recognize that those are common goals that we all aspire to. What’s the most exciting thing you saw/did/experienced/were a part of in your personal life? In your professional life?
I am proud to be the first college graduate in my family and becoming a Minister. The most exciting times in my life was time served in the U.S. Army.

3) If I were to ask people that know you to describe you what would they say?  
 I think people would describe me as one who strives to improve myself and my surroundings .

4) How much bearing do the opinions of the people around you have on your decisions?
 I value the opinions of the people around me but ultimately I must make a decision that is in the best of interest of all involved.

5) Can you tell us of a professional mistake that you have made that may have had an impact on who you are today? Does it still bother you? Can you share with us how you came to grips with that error?
I wish I had become a career soldier as I believe I could have furthered and completed my education and professional life. It still bothers me to think that I could be retired now and still able to serve in many areas, especially my community. I came to grips with that error by accepting it, moving on, and making the best of my life which has been very rewarding.

6) If you were given enough money to tackle one project (think nearly unlimited) that you felt was important to the Hickory Area, what would that issue be?
If money were no object, I would find sustainable jobs for the working class that they may be able to support themselves and their families which will strengthen our community and city.

7 ) Let’s say there is no money available for the foreseeable future. What one project (priority) would you push as part of your agenda that can be done with little or no money?
I would push to strengthen our city through continued education of city government .

8) What is your overall philosophy of the development of this area? Where would you like to see us in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? 
Growing up in the City of Hickory surrounded by giants like Broyhill, Thomasville, Shuford Mills, Hickory Manufacturing and "of course the list goes on and on" I personally had a sense of security and pride in this city. People of all walks of life were able to rise up each day and go to work with that same sense of security and pride. I have the audacity to believe that with the right opportunities and decisions we will become a strong successful city again.

9) If you could define your Personal Legacy what would you like it to be? What would you like to be remembered for? 
I would like to be remembered as one who always honored the past, lived to the fullest in the present, and maintained hope for the future.

10) How do you define Leadership?
I define leadership as willingness to get the job done to the best of ones ability. Leadership requires committment and compassion toward the goal and toward the people helping to obtain that goal.