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Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Dark Side of Money
We are learning all about it these days.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road - The Wizard of Oz and 1890's Monetary Policy - May 27, 2010
Follow the Yellow Brick Road (part 2) - How it relates to today - May 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Inglefield for Mayor - On to the General Election
Dr. Jody Inglefield is one of the final two candidates in this years Hickory City Mayoral Election. He is taking on three term incumbent Mayor Rudy Wright. Early voting starts October 17 and the official election day will be Tuesday, November 5.
In this mornings newspaper, a lady stated that Dr. Inglefield does not have a platform. Dr. Inglefield has had a platform for months. It was officially unveiled on August 31, 2013 on the Hickory Hound and is also available on his personal Mayoral website. It is not Dr. Inglefield's fault that the local paper isn't devoting time to these elections. We all feel for those who don't have internet access and rely on a newspaper that seems apathetic towards the issues that truly face our community.
The Complete "Platform for a 21st Century Hickory"
Mayor for Everyone - http://josephinglefieldmayorforeveryone.com/
10 questions with Dr. Joseph Inglefield - Candidate NC 42nd District Senate Seat 2012 - Candidate for Hickory Mayor 2013
Why should you vote for Jody Inglefield? Jody Inglefield wants to be a Mayor for Everyone!
Hickory needs honest, open government with diverse citizen input. We must have leaders who listen to and care about everyone in Hickory. Term limits for all city council members will bring fresh ideas and break ties to special interests. Community Health and Wellness depends on access to Parks and Recreational programming. We have ignored this fact in Hickory for far too long. Families that can play and exercise together will stay here. Maintenance of what we have is vital to keep the city an attraction to future employers and the creative class. We cannot ignore our ranking in national Gallup polls or blame others, but need to lead the charge to respond and to improve our rankings. Gallup ranks us the 5th most miserable metro area in the USA. We need to strengthen and support public education at all levels and follow the recommendations of Champions Of Education through collaboration with local community colleges, high schools and businesses. We need to keep the music going downtown and all over Hickory! We need to continue to invest in the Arts, Sciences and other cultural gems of Hickory.
In this mornings newspaper, a lady stated that Dr. Inglefield does not have a platform. Dr. Inglefield has had a platform for months. It was officially unveiled on August 31, 2013 on the Hickory Hound and is also available on his personal Mayoral website. It is not Dr. Inglefield's fault that the local paper isn't devoting time to these elections. We all feel for those who don't have internet access and rely on a newspaper that seems apathetic towards the issues that truly face our community.
The Complete "Platform for a 21st Century Hickory"
Mayor for Everyone - http://josephinglefieldmayorforeveryone.com/
10 questions with Dr. Joseph Inglefield - Candidate NC 42nd District Senate Seat 2012 - Candidate for Hickory Mayor 2013
Why should you vote for Jody Inglefield? Jody Inglefield wants to be a Mayor for Everyone!
Hickory needs honest, open government with diverse citizen input. We must have leaders who listen to and care about everyone in Hickory. Term limits for all city council members will bring fresh ideas and break ties to special interests. Community Health and Wellness depends on access to Parks and Recreational programming. We have ignored this fact in Hickory for far too long. Families that can play and exercise together will stay here. Maintenance of what we have is vital to keep the city an attraction to future employers and the creative class. We cannot ignore our ranking in national Gallup polls or blame others, but need to lead the charge to respond and to improve our rankings. Gallup ranks us the 5th most miserable metro area in the USA. We need to strengthen and support public education at all levels and follow the recommendations of Champions Of Education through collaboration with local community colleges, high schools and businesses. We need to keep the music going downtown and all over Hickory! We need to continue to invest in the Arts, Sciences and other cultural gems of Hickory.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
What's Next
Stay Tuned!
Gerald Celente - Trends Journal interview - October 10, 2013
Talks about art and Renaissance and other current issues such as the debt limit.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Hickory United PAC and Carlton Huffman
Many people probably read the Letter to the Editor in Saturday's Hickory Daily Record submitted by Carlton Huffman of Hickory United. Carlton was placed in charge of running Rudy Wright's creation "The No Steps Backwards Coalition" last year that stood in opposition of the Referendum on Ward Specific Voting. Now this year, he has become the contact person and spokesperson of the Political Action Committee called "Hickory United" that has endorsed Incumbents Jill Patton, Hank Guess, and the Hickory Arts Commission's David Zagaroli. Information has also been provided that shows that this group also supports Mayor Rudy Wright, but for some reason they have held off on publicly announcing their endorsement of the three term incumbent mayor.
Like Carlton Huffman, I do not live inside Hickory's City Limits. I have stated that several times before on this blog. I am actually surrounded by Hickory's City Limits. The property across the street is in the city limits and the properties adjacent to my back yard are in the city limits. Before I moved into my house, I lived in an apartment in the city limits for 15 years. Except for a few years as a teen and my college years, I have been a resident of Hickory my entire life. I aimed to put this house in the city limits long ago, but my income and expenses along with the cost of putting my house in the city has caused me to have to delay that move.
There are a lot of people in Hickory's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) that are in the same boat I am. What do we get for our investment in Hickory? The city would take our property tax dollars and pump them into the areas towards the center of the city. How would that benefit us. What does all of this mean? It means that I do not have a vote in the City of Hickory Municipal Elections. It doesn't however mean that I cannot or should not participate in elections that have direct consequences on my life.
Unlike myself, Carlton Huffman lives and votes in Granite Falls. In Hickory United's original letter, we see that most of the people who announced their connection to Hickory United have one agenda in mind. The agenda is the support of a Status Quo Hickory and doing everything they can to ensure that Democrats never raise their heads above ground level. That is the reason why they have chosen to go after Dr. Jody Inglefield so hard in his run for Hickory City Mayor. They also don't want anyone who has a different opinion than the current Status Quo Cult-like culture to have a voice in the direction and policy making apparatus of Hickory City Government. It's non-partisan until the Powers That Be choose to make it partisan.
The person at the tumblr site devoted to Rudy Wright has gotten down to the nitty-gritty about Carlton Huffman today, pointing to links that show someone that has some very extreme views when it comes to people of different backgrounds. What Carlton hasn't figured out is that most of us aren't afforded the luxury of being a trust fund baby like he has been. He can afford to jump around from political position to political position as the hatchet man for various candidates and political interests. The rest of us have to have some kind of real employment in order to pay our bills.
Carlton was actually paid a few thousand dollars last year by the No Steps Backwards Coalition. He likes to brag constantly about how he defeated us -- the supporters of the referendum. Well, congratulations... you barely held on to a status quo culture that has always ruled Hickory. You actually didn't win anything, what you showed was that there is an ever increasing number of people that are growing more and more tired of the Old South Culture running Hickory into the ground.
This is no joke. Carlton Huffman actually likes to call himself The Unreconstructed Southerner. You know Un - Reconstructed as in Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. That war was fought 150 years ago. Reconstruction brought the South back into the United States and apparently Carlton isn't happy about that. Hey Carlton we lost that one buddy. You really want to refight that battle 150 years later?
I was sent links that pointed all of this out to me by an anonymous concerned citizen. One of these links takes you to a site called Stormfront.org. This is a White Supremacy site that promotes a moniker "White Pride World Wide."
I was also told that Carlton was dismissed from a job in the North Carolina State House of Representatives after a second incident in which he breached the public trust. There was a first incident in which he was rebuked for sending out e-mails making fun of 3rd and 4th grader's spelling and grammar when they had sent letters into the legislature expressing their concerns about Charter School legislation pending in the State House. Carlton was sending these e-mails around with the children's names on them and making negative comments about the children.
After the second incident, Carlton was shown the door by his boss at the behest of the Republican leadership in the North Carolina Legislature.
And here is a list of other interesting viewpoints of the Unreconstructed Southerner:
> Unreconstructed Southerner - Council of Conservative Citizens <
It is Orwellian for these people to talk about Uniting Hickory. Although I am a Republican, Carlton certainly doesn't represent my point of view -- or most others. Does he represent the points of view of Hickory United supporters????
I'm by no means perfect, but I like to think I am an adult who accepts people of all backgrounds. Carlton needs to get out here and meet some people from other backgrounds and broaden his horizons, because what he espouses does not represent the real world. Is this really what we want Hickory to be?
Like Carlton Huffman, I do not live inside Hickory's City Limits. I have stated that several times before on this blog. I am actually surrounded by Hickory's City Limits. The property across the street is in the city limits and the properties adjacent to my back yard are in the city limits. Before I moved into my house, I lived in an apartment in the city limits for 15 years. Except for a few years as a teen and my college years, I have been a resident of Hickory my entire life. I aimed to put this house in the city limits long ago, but my income and expenses along with the cost of putting my house in the city has caused me to have to delay that move.
There are a lot of people in Hickory's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) that are in the same boat I am. What do we get for our investment in Hickory? The city would take our property tax dollars and pump them into the areas towards the center of the city. How would that benefit us. What does all of this mean? It means that I do not have a vote in the City of Hickory Municipal Elections. It doesn't however mean that I cannot or should not participate in elections that have direct consequences on my life.
Unlike myself, Carlton Huffman lives and votes in Granite Falls. In Hickory United's original letter, we see that most of the people who announced their connection to Hickory United have one agenda in mind. The agenda is the support of a Status Quo Hickory and doing everything they can to ensure that Democrats never raise their heads above ground level. That is the reason why they have chosen to go after Dr. Jody Inglefield so hard in his run for Hickory City Mayor. They also don't want anyone who has a different opinion than the current Status Quo Cult-like culture to have a voice in the direction and policy making apparatus of Hickory City Government. It's non-partisan until the Powers That Be choose to make it partisan.
The person at the tumblr site devoted to Rudy Wright has gotten down to the nitty-gritty about Carlton Huffman today, pointing to links that show someone that has some very extreme views when it comes to people of different backgrounds. What Carlton hasn't figured out is that most of us aren't afforded the luxury of being a trust fund baby like he has been. He can afford to jump around from political position to political position as the hatchet man for various candidates and political interests. The rest of us have to have some kind of real employment in order to pay our bills.
Carlton was actually paid a few thousand dollars last year by the No Steps Backwards Coalition. He likes to brag constantly about how he defeated us -- the supporters of the referendum. Well, congratulations... you barely held on to a status quo culture that has always ruled Hickory. You actually didn't win anything, what you showed was that there is an ever increasing number of people that are growing more and more tired of the Old South Culture running Hickory into the ground.
This is no joke. Carlton Huffman actually likes to call himself The Unreconstructed Southerner. You know Un - Reconstructed as in Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. That war was fought 150 years ago. Reconstruction brought the South back into the United States and apparently Carlton isn't happy about that. Hey Carlton we lost that one buddy. You really want to refight that battle 150 years later?
I was sent links that pointed all of this out to me by an anonymous concerned citizen. One of these links takes you to a site called Stormfront.org. This is a White Supremacy site that promotes a moniker "White Pride World Wide."
I was also told that Carlton was dismissed from a job in the North Carolina State House of Representatives after a second incident in which he breached the public trust. There was a first incident in which he was rebuked for sending out e-mails making fun of 3rd and 4th grader's spelling and grammar when they had sent letters into the legislature expressing their concerns about Charter School legislation pending in the State House. Carlton was sending these e-mails around with the children's names on them and making negative comments about the children.
In another exchange, Carlton Huffman, a legislative aide for GOP state Rep. Jonathan Jordan, forwarded a student’s email to the legislative aides for Republican House members with the comment, “More great grammar results from the public school system.” - NC Policy Watch 3/25/2011The second incident involved him going into the North Carolina Senate Chamber and placing an unsigned letter denigrating former Governor William Holden on each senator's desk on the day the Senate was scheduled to debate pardoning the Reconstruction Era governor. Only State Senators are allowed to place things on one another's desks. Carlton was a staff aide of a State House member and he was in the Senate Chamber when it was closed putting these letters on the desks. He had no business being in the Senate Chamber and so he was trespassing in this act. (Holden critic Huffman unrepentant - WRAL (Raleigh) - Laura Leslie - April 11, 2011)
After the second incident, Carlton was shown the door by his boss at the behest of the Republican leadership in the North Carolina Legislature.
And here is a list of other interesting viewpoints of the Unreconstructed Southerner:
> Unreconstructed Southerner - Council of Conservative Citizens <
It is Orwellian for these people to talk about Uniting Hickory. Although I am a Republican, Carlton certainly doesn't represent my point of view -- or most others. Does he represent the points of view of Hickory United supporters????
I'm by no means perfect, but I like to think I am an adult who accepts people of all backgrounds. Carlton needs to get out here and meet some people from other backgrounds and broaden his horizons, because what he espouses does not represent the real world. Is this really what we want Hickory to be?
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Agenda about the City Council meeting of October 15, 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
Invocation by Rev. Jay Robison. Pastor, Viewmont Baptist Church
City Council Agenda - October 15, 2013
( Hound Pre-meeting comment) - How many City Grants is the Hollar Hosiery project going to receive before it's all said and done?
Special Presentations
A. Dave Paist, Business Development Committee, Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Stephen Shuford
B. Proclamation for Extra Mile Day, November 1, 2013 and Recognition of Community Relation Council’s 2013 Human Relations Award Winners: Dr. Brian Vierling, Edward Rogers, Peggy Shuford and Elaine Young (Exhibit IV.B.)
C. Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013 by Paula Hodges, Audit Partner with Martin Starnes & Associates
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
To be determined
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC in the Amount of $2,500. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of a Landscape Grant for non-residential property owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC located at 633 4th Street SW, in the amount of $2,500. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior landscaping on the property. These improvements will include the removal of asphalt and concrete located on the property to provide for the installation of new plant materials. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $6,200 and $8,040. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $2,500 grant.
B. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by 7HE Properties LLC in the Amount of $2,500. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of a Landscape Grant for non-residential property owned by 7HE Properties LLC located at 1010 3rd Avenue Drive NW, in the amount of $2,500. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior landscaping of the property. These improvements will include the installation of new plant materials, as well as the replacement of a fence on the grounds of the property. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $5,088 and $6,325. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $2,500 grant.
C. Approval of an Appearance Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Hollar Hosiery Landlord, LLC in the Amount of $5,000. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of an Appearance Grant for non-residential property owned by Hollar Hosiery Landlord, LLC located at 883 Highland Avenue SE in the amount of $5,000. The proposal involves the installation of new period type lighting, as well as new epoxy coating on the floor of the lower level plaza. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $13,625 and $14,950. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $5,000 grant.
D. Approval of an Appearance Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC in the Amount of $5,000. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of an Appearance Grant for non-residential property owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC located at 633 4th Street SW, in the amount of $5,000. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior façade of the commercial building located on the property. These improvements will include the replacement of the fascia around the top of the building, as well as the removal of the existing neon tubing and dated signage, once removed the fascia will be replaced with new modern materials. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $11,500 and $39,740. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies
for a $5,000 grant.
E. Approval of Eight Days of Vacation Time to Use as Door Prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day. - The Coworker Appreciation Event Committee requests approval of eight days of vacation time to use as door prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Five days are used as the grand prize and the other three days as additional door prizes.
F. Call for Public Hearing - For the Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of Property Located at 1879 Startown Road, Hickory, Containing .83 Acres (Authorize Public Hearing for November 5, 2013)
G. Approval to Accept Grant in the Amount of $60,000 from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to Purchase (20) In-Car Digital Cameras at a Total Cost of $120,000. - A standard marked Hickory Police Vehicle is equipped with a specialized Mobile Video In-Car Camera for all new police vehicles. Life expectancy will be five (5) to ten (10) years on the in-car cameras. These cameras can be reinstalled in new vehicles as required. The digital video recording system is to be installed in police vehicles at an estimated cost of $6,000 per in-car camera. The twenty (20) digital video in car cameras will cost $120,000. The City’s match is $60,000. Along with installing in-car cameras in new police vehicles, these cameras will replace any camera no longer working or supported by a vendor. Funds are budgeted in FY2013-2014 budget.
H. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Julia Fleming Roper, unmarried, to Glenda White Deaton in Oakwood Cemetery
I. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Austin M. Allran in Oakwood Cemetery (
J. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Lynn A. Mason in Oakwood Cemetery
K. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Jeb A. Allran in Oakwood Cemetery
L. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Janet A. Berry in Oakwood Cemetery
M. Approval of Talbert, Bright & Ellington, Inc., Contract Amendment 1 to Work Authorization for the Design through Bidding Phase Services of the Taxiway “B”, Taxiway “S”, and North Apron Pavement Rehabilitation Project. - This contract amendment will provide for additional topographic surveying, additional geotechnical investigation, and additional design through bidding phase services for the Taxiway “B”, Taxiway “S”, and North Apron Pavement Rehabilitation project, NC Division of Aviation grant number 36237.66.4.2. This contract amendment is in the amount of
$19,043 and will be paid for out of the grant funds. The existing pavements are highly oxidized with cracking and in need of rehabilitation. The method of pavement rehabilitation will be determined by the Engineer after receiving the pre-design geotechnical investigation report/recommendations and the topographic survey. The NC Division of Aviation has announced and is in the process of issuing grant 36237.66.4.2 at the 90% level for this contract in the amount of $17,139. The City has a match obligation of 10% or $1,904. The total sum of these amounts constitutes the contract amendment total of $19,043.
N. Approval of a Resolution and Lease Agreement Between the City of Hickory and Donnie Mason for Property Located at 1450 12th Avenue NE, Hickory. - Public Services requests approval to lease property located at 1450 12th Avenue NE, Hickory to Donnie Mason. The house was originally used for security personnel to keep Public Services secured. The property has been inspected and is ready for rental. The lease will be for a one year period, beginning November 1, 2013, at a rate of $92.31 weekly.
O. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 6.
1. To budget $13,500 of area local government contributions to help fund expenses associated with hosting the North Carolina League of Municipalities Conference. Contributions include $2,500-City of Conover, $2,000-Town of Maiden, $4,000-City of Newton, $1,000-City of Claremont and $4,000-Catawba County. 2. To transfer $60,000 from the Police Department operating budget to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant Project budget. The North
Carolina Department of Transportation/Governor's Highway Safety Program awarded the City of Hickory a $60,000 grant which will pay 50% towards the purchase of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a total cost of $120,000. The transfer from the Police Department operational budget represents the City’s 50% match. 3. To transfer $1,905 of Appropriated General Fund Balance to the Airport’s Taxiway B, S, North Apron Project. The State of North Carolina Department of Transportation has amended the grant project in the total amount of $19,043 with funding at the 90%
Federal level ($17,138) and 10% local match ($1,905). The grant funds will cover additional topographic survey, additional pre-design geotechnical work and additional design services. This amendment is necessary to provide the local match of $1,905.
P. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 2.
1. To budget $1,905 of Appropriated General Fund Balance and $17,138 of the State of North Carolina Department of Transportation funds in the Airport’s Taxiway B, S, North Apron Project. The State of North Carolina Department of Transportation has amended the grant project in the total amount of $19,043 with funding at the 90% Federal level ($17,138) and 10% local match ($1,905). The grant funds will cover additional topographic survey, additional pre-design geotechnical work and additional design services. This amendment is necessary to budget a total of $19,043 in the grant project.
Q. Grant Project Ordinance Number 3.
1. To budget a $60,000 North Carolina Department of Transportation Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant award and a $60,000 transfer from the Police Department’s operating budget in the Governor’s Highway Program Grant Project budget. The grant will pay 50% towards the purchase of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a total cost of $120,000. The transfer from the Police Department operational budget represents the City’s 50% match.
R. Approval of Consulting Services Agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC for the Central Business District Waterline Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $29,950. - The Central Business District of the City of Hickory is further defined as the area of downtown Hickory in the vicinity of Trade Alley and 1st Ave NW. This area is served by an older portion the City of Hickory Distribution System predominantly consisting of 6, 8 and 12-inch cast iron waterlines. Over time this material will become turberculated with material and significantly reduce the available flow diameter of the waterlines. This project is intended to restore the full pipe diameter, resurface the inside of the waterlines with a protective material and re-establish necessary fire flows and available service to customers. This contract will be for the engineering and design work necessary to complete the project. This method of project completion has been identified by staff as the preferred method due to the congested nature of the downtown area and the substantially less destructive nature of this method on surface encumbrances. The project will be designed such that potable water service will be provided to customers of the system affected via temporary lines while the existing lines are being rehabilitated. This is a budgeted project in the FY 13-14 Capital Budget for the Public Utilities Department.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for Piedmont Wagon Properties, LLC for Property Located at 1020 Main Ave NW in the amount of $30,000. - Piedmont Wagon Properties, LLC has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $30,000 to assist in the renovation of the former Piedmont Wagon Mill located at 1020 Main Avenue NW. The applicant plans to invest approximately $2.3 million in real property improvements to rehabilitate the mill building for use as office space.
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
Invocation by Rev. Jay Robison. Pastor, Viewmont Baptist Church
City Council Agenda - October 15, 2013( Hound Pre-meeting comment) - How many City Grants is the Hollar Hosiery project going to receive before it's all said and done?
Special Presentations
A. Dave Paist, Business Development Committee, Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Stephen Shuford
B. Proclamation for Extra Mile Day, November 1, 2013 and Recognition of Community Relation Council’s 2013 Human Relations Award Winners: Dr. Brian Vierling, Edward Rogers, Peggy Shuford and Elaine Young (Exhibit IV.B.)
C. Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013 by Paula Hodges, Audit Partner with Martin Starnes & Associates
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
To be determined
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC in the Amount of $2,500. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of a Landscape Grant for non-residential property owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC located at 633 4th Street SW, in the amount of $2,500. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior landscaping on the property. These improvements will include the removal of asphalt and concrete located on the property to provide for the installation of new plant materials. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $6,200 and $8,040. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $2,500 grant.
B. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by 7HE Properties LLC in the Amount of $2,500. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of a Landscape Grant for non-residential property owned by 7HE Properties LLC located at 1010 3rd Avenue Drive NW, in the amount of $2,500. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior landscaping of the property. These improvements will include the installation of new plant materials, as well as the replacement of a fence on the grounds of the property. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $5,088 and $6,325. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $2,500 grant.
C. Approval of an Appearance Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Hollar Hosiery Landlord, LLC in the Amount of $5,000. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of an Appearance Grant for non-residential property owned by Hollar Hosiery Landlord, LLC located at 883 Highland Avenue SE in the amount of $5,000. The proposal involves the installation of new period type lighting, as well as new epoxy coating on the floor of the lower level plaza. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $13,625 and $14,950. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies for a $5,000 grant.
D. Approval of an Appearance Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC in the Amount of $5,000. - The Community Appearance Commission requests approval of an Appearance Grant for non-residential property owned by Julien Cody Holdings LLC located at 633 4th Street SW, in the amount of $5,000. The proposal involves the renovation of the exterior façade of the commercial building located on the property. These improvements will include the replacement of the fascia around the top of the building, as well as the removal of the existing neon tubing and dated signage, once removed the fascia will be replaced with new modern materials. The applicant has provided two bids for the items listed above, which total $11,500 and $39,740. Given the estimates provided, the proposal qualifies
for a $5,000 grant.
E. Approval of Eight Days of Vacation Time to Use as Door Prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day. - The Coworker Appreciation Event Committee requests approval of eight days of vacation time to use as door prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. Five days are used as the grand prize and the other three days as additional door prizes.
F. Call for Public Hearing - For the Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of Property Located at 1879 Startown Road, Hickory, Containing .83 Acres (Authorize Public Hearing for November 5, 2013)
G. Approval to Accept Grant in the Amount of $60,000 from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to Purchase (20) In-Car Digital Cameras at a Total Cost of $120,000. - A standard marked Hickory Police Vehicle is equipped with a specialized Mobile Video In-Car Camera for all new police vehicles. Life expectancy will be five (5) to ten (10) years on the in-car cameras. These cameras can be reinstalled in new vehicles as required. The digital video recording system is to be installed in police vehicles at an estimated cost of $6,000 per in-car camera. The twenty (20) digital video in car cameras will cost $120,000. The City’s match is $60,000. Along with installing in-car cameras in new police vehicles, these cameras will replace any camera no longer working or supported by a vendor. Funds are budgeted in FY2013-2014 budget.
H. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Julia Fleming Roper, unmarried, to Glenda White Deaton in Oakwood Cemetery
I. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Austin M. Allran in Oakwood Cemetery (
J. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Lynn A. Mason in Oakwood Cemetery
K. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Jeb A. Allran in Oakwood Cemetery
L. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Lynn A. Mason, Executrix of the Estate of Mary Houser Allran, Decedent to Janet A. Berry in Oakwood Cemetery
M. Approval of Talbert, Bright & Ellington, Inc., Contract Amendment 1 to Work Authorization for the Design through Bidding Phase Services of the Taxiway “B”, Taxiway “S”, and North Apron Pavement Rehabilitation Project. - This contract amendment will provide for additional topographic surveying, additional geotechnical investigation, and additional design through bidding phase services for the Taxiway “B”, Taxiway “S”, and North Apron Pavement Rehabilitation project, NC Division of Aviation grant number 36237.66.4.2. This contract amendment is in the amount of
$19,043 and will be paid for out of the grant funds. The existing pavements are highly oxidized with cracking and in need of rehabilitation. The method of pavement rehabilitation will be determined by the Engineer after receiving the pre-design geotechnical investigation report/recommendations and the topographic survey. The NC Division of Aviation has announced and is in the process of issuing grant 36237.66.4.2 at the 90% level for this contract in the amount of $17,139. The City has a match obligation of 10% or $1,904. The total sum of these amounts constitutes the contract amendment total of $19,043.
N. Approval of a Resolution and Lease Agreement Between the City of Hickory and Donnie Mason for Property Located at 1450 12th Avenue NE, Hickory. - Public Services requests approval to lease property located at 1450 12th Avenue NE, Hickory to Donnie Mason. The house was originally used for security personnel to keep Public Services secured. The property has been inspected and is ready for rental. The lease will be for a one year period, beginning November 1, 2013, at a rate of $92.31 weekly.
O. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 6.
1. To budget $13,500 of area local government contributions to help fund expenses associated with hosting the North Carolina League of Municipalities Conference. Contributions include $2,500-City of Conover, $2,000-Town of Maiden, $4,000-City of Newton, $1,000-City of Claremont and $4,000-Catawba County. 2. To transfer $60,000 from the Police Department operating budget to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant Project budget. The North
Carolina Department of Transportation/Governor's Highway Safety Program awarded the City of Hickory a $60,000 grant which will pay 50% towards the purchase of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a total cost of $120,000. The transfer from the Police Department operational budget represents the City’s 50% match. 3. To transfer $1,905 of Appropriated General Fund Balance to the Airport’s Taxiway B, S, North Apron Project. The State of North Carolina Department of Transportation has amended the grant project in the total amount of $19,043 with funding at the 90%
Federal level ($17,138) and 10% local match ($1,905). The grant funds will cover additional topographic survey, additional pre-design geotechnical work and additional design services. This amendment is necessary to provide the local match of $1,905.
P. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 2.
1. To budget $1,905 of Appropriated General Fund Balance and $17,138 of the State of North Carolina Department of Transportation funds in the Airport’s Taxiway B, S, North Apron Project. The State of North Carolina Department of Transportation has amended the grant project in the total amount of $19,043 with funding at the 90% Federal level ($17,138) and 10% local match ($1,905). The grant funds will cover additional topographic survey, additional pre-design geotechnical work and additional design services. This amendment is necessary to budget a total of $19,043 in the grant project.
Q. Grant Project Ordinance Number 3.
1. To budget a $60,000 North Carolina Department of Transportation Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant award and a $60,000 transfer from the Police Department’s operating budget in the Governor’s Highway Program Grant Project budget. The grant will pay 50% towards the purchase of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a total cost of $120,000. The transfer from the Police Department operational budget represents the City’s 50% match.
R. Approval of Consulting Services Agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC for the Central Business District Waterline Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $29,950. - The Central Business District of the City of Hickory is further defined as the area of downtown Hickory in the vicinity of Trade Alley and 1st Ave NW. This area is served by an older portion the City of Hickory Distribution System predominantly consisting of 6, 8 and 12-inch cast iron waterlines. Over time this material will become turberculated with material and significantly reduce the available flow diameter of the waterlines. This project is intended to restore the full pipe diameter, resurface the inside of the waterlines with a protective material and re-establish necessary fire flows and available service to customers. This contract will be for the engineering and design work necessary to complete the project. This method of project completion has been identified by staff as the preferred method due to the congested nature of the downtown area and the substantially less destructive nature of this method on surface encumbrances. The project will be designed such that potable water service will be provided to customers of the system affected via temporary lines while the existing lines are being rehabilitated. This is a budgeted project in the FY 13-14 Capital Budget for the Public Utilities Department.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant for Piedmont Wagon Properties, LLC for Property Located at 1020 Main Ave NW in the amount of $30,000. - Piedmont Wagon Properties, LLC has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $30,000 to assist in the renovation of the former Piedmont Wagon Mill located at 1020 Main Avenue NW. The applicant plans to invest approximately $2.3 million in real property improvements to rehabilitate the mill building for use as office space.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 1, 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. Now you can click on that minute link and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. 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 October 1, 2013
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 6-12, 2013
B. Branding Video Presentation by Business Development Committee – Laurie Hoover
C. Innovate Catawba
● Introduction of Debbie Shannon, Director and Program Manager for Innovate Catawba
● Update on Reinventing Spaces Workgroup, Stephen Shuford, Shurtape Technologies
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-11 for the Property Located at 1076 Fox Chase Drive, Newton, containing .43 acres. - Ms. Crystal Kuhar has petitioned for rezoning .43 acres of property located at 1076 Fox Chase Drive. The petition is to rezone the property from Catawba County R-20 Residential to City of Hickory Low Density Residential (R-1) This public hearing was advertised on September 20, 2013 and September 27, 2013 in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area.
So below is the City Council meeting. Beside each agenda item, you will see the minute:second. Now you can click on that minute link and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. 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 October 1, 2013
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 6-12, 2013
B. Branding Video Presentation by Business Development Committee – Laurie Hoover
C. Innovate Catawba
● Introduction of Debbie Shannon, Director and Program Manager for Innovate Catawba
● Update on Reinventing Spaces Workgroup, Stephen Shuford, Shurtape Technologies
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-11 for the Property Located at 1076 Fox Chase Drive, Newton, containing .43 acres. - Ms. Crystal Kuhar has petitioned for rezoning .43 acres of property located at 1076 Fox Chase Drive. The petition is to rezone the property from Catawba County R-20 Residential to City of Hickory Low Density Residential (R-1) This public hearing was advertised on September 20, 2013 and September 27, 2013 in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area.
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