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Thursday, October 24, 2013
Pat Bowman - Citizens for Equity in Government hasn’t endorsed
On several occasions, certain spokespersons from the Hickory United PAC have written falsely about so-called CEG-endorsed candidates for mayor and city council. Last year, Citizens for Equity in Government did lead a conservative, smaller government initiative to give citizens in their wards a more representative voice in city government.
While that referendum narrowly failed at the polls by 140 votes, the CEG continues to advocate for more transparency and broader representation in city government. Like almost every candidate for mayor and several for city council, the CEG wants to institute term limits and to have the council meetings broadcasted on the Charter public access channel.
But unlike the PAC, Citizens for Equity in Government has not publicly endorsed any candidate for mayor or council. While CEG may endorse candidates in the future, at this time we remain a grassroots, citizen’s coalition focused on issues affecting good governance.
We invite others to join with us for a better, more inclusive Hickory.
PATRICIA BOWMAN
The Hound - Pat is an integral member of the Citizens for Equity in Government. There are plenty of misnomers in relation to the CEG that have been been expressed by Hickory United Political Action Committee, its previous iteration "the No Steps Backwards Coalition", and the area's entrenched officials and their close support staff and hatchetmen who have been behind all of this. They never say Citizens for Equity in Government, because they don't want to talk about the CEG's mission. They hiss out CEG when they say it. Let me ask. Who represents the average citizen in this community?
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Brushing up on the Wingfoot District & the Zagaroli's
David Zagaroli + Pete Zagaroli + Wingfoot District + Money + Hickory City Council = Inspiring Spaces
Platform for a 21st Century Hickory - New Rules on Conflicts of Interest
I thought this was a pretty good idea at the time, but now that we have seen all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in line. Show... me... the Money... Showmee daMoney. Cause once again the fix is in. The "Tax dollars for the Connected" program.
From the City Council meeting of January 5, 2010
3. Council Discussion Regarding “Wingfoot District” Redevelopment Plan; a Business District and Association Promoting Economic Development Through Residential, Commercial and Industrial Redevelopment - The Wingfoot District concept was briefly presented to City Council during its recent Council Staff Retreat in December, 2009. Since then, discussion has continued regarding planning for the redevelopment of the area between Highway 127 and the new Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, encompassing certain areas. Pete Zagaroli envisions a partnership with the City of Hickory and private investors to develop a design plan for redevelopment including improvements to public infrastructure. This plan does not fall under the guidelines of the City’s Vacant Building Revitalization Grant, but City Staff recommends the City consider the concept of redevelopment planning since one of the goals of the Operation No Vacancy initiative is to create redevelopment plans for sub-areas within the Commercial Revitalization Area. Staff recommends that Council discuss and identify policy issues related to the City expanding it’s revitalization efforts to include design planning and financing methods and partnerships to implement plans for public infrastructure improvements in redevelopment areas.
Platform for a 21st Century Hickory - New Rules on Conflicts of Interest
I thought this was a pretty good idea at the time, but now that we have seen all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in line. Show... me... the Money... Showmee daMoney. Cause once again the fix is in. The "Tax dollars for the Connected" program.
From the City Council meeting of January 5, 2010
3. Council Discussion Regarding “Wingfoot District” Redevelopment Plan; a Business District and Association Promoting Economic Development Through Residential, Commercial and Industrial Redevelopment - The Wingfoot District concept was briefly presented to City Council during its recent Council Staff Retreat in December, 2009. Since then, discussion has continued regarding planning for the redevelopment of the area between Highway 127 and the new Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, encompassing certain areas. Pete Zagaroli envisions a partnership with the City of Hickory and private investors to develop a design plan for redevelopment including improvements to public infrastructure. This plan does not fall under the guidelines of the City’s Vacant Building Revitalization Grant, but City Staff recommends the City consider the concept of redevelopment planning since one of the goals of the Operation No Vacancy initiative is to create redevelopment plans for sub-areas within the Commercial Revitalization Area. Staff recommends that Council discuss and identify policy issues related to the City expanding it’s revitalization efforts to include design planning and financing methods and partnerships to implement plans for public infrastructure improvements in redevelopment areas.
Pete Zagaroli addressed the council, he stated that he was coming before the council as both a citizen and a designer. He is looking to create some synergies to spur economic development in the area and move things forward. His focus tonight was on conceptual ideas.
The name comes because the district area he is looking to revitalize is in the shape of a winged foot. In the district, there are eight buildings that are historically significant to the textile and hosiery industry. His concept involves the history, but it is not a historical district that he is promoting. He is promoting a business district that promotes economic development through residential, commercial, and industrial redevelopment. The area is around Lenoir-Rhyne and Mr. Zagaroli believes that is is the most significant gateway into downtown.
He based the model on Downtown Durham (which is seeing a renaissance). The district would tie the university to downtown. It will create a better gateway to downtown. the historical significance would tie in with our current historic districts and promote them and future preservation. The importance comes from the private sector. In the district, owners have spent money on drawings and redevelopment. As an estimate, the expenditures have been in the $300k-$400k range. He would like to see the city to appropriate funds towards the design work of the infrastructure within the district. He feels the private investment has to start first.
The proposed redevelopment expenditures are $11,213,714 and another $2.9 million on top of what has already been done. To isolate an area creates exclusivity. More than anything this will expedite the private investment. There is no commitment to put the infrastructure in place, only a commitment to design. If successful here, then it can be implemented elsewhere in the city. He is not meaning to slight other areas in town, but he feels this is the most important area as far as gateways.
Alder Fox thanked Mr. Zagaroli his enthusiasm and stated that she thoroughly enjoys his plans. She asked if Mr. Zagaroli had looked into how Durham had financed their downtown revitalization? Zagaroli stated that he had not, but he has intentions of doing so next week. Time is critical and this area needs a morale boost. People don't always believe what they hear and read, but they believe what they see. If we can have something tangible, then this is an overall goal that he can show a potential client. He knows that they have a lot of work (to do), the city is feeling the pain that we all are feeling. He thinks if we can find some momentum. The private sector is looking to move forward. They need the end users a reason to come here. We need to focus where it will be noticed first and the momentum can work outside of that. If we try to fix the overall area or problem, there are 700 empty buildings in Catawba County; that is too daunting a task. Let's try to fix 20 buildings and that can move outward. Then move over to west Hickory. The reason why the initiative hasn't worked on the west side is because the initiative needs to come from the private sector. The people in his district are ready to move on this and make it better, If you know that your neighbors are ready to invest and raise the value of their building, then you are going to be more willing to invest in your own property. The public part comes after that.
He is meeting with Federal and State officials to see what grants are available through them. Any money left over will be spent on aesthetics. Sewer, water, and other infrastructure is already available. If you put $2 million into raw land, it will go towards infrastructure and then there is not much left. These redevelopment projects are diamonds in the rough.
Alder Patton asked if they had applied for Operation No Vacancy grants? and he stated that they have. Further conversations went into Grants available. And Mr. Zagaroli stated that he hoped the city would not look at this as "Zagaroli Construction." What he is looking for is help with infrastructure. It is up to private business to development their building, but it is the city's responsibility to create the streetscape. He understands that everyone in afraid (of investment), but he feels that we can create morale and momentum, and give a reason to reinvest in ourselves and our community.
Alderman Lail stated that there was no doubt in his mind that with the completion of 8th street NE, that bisects this district, city council should have input on what this does look like. If we can create the district that is special and unique, then it has potential for these old buildings. Zagaroli says that this can be the ultimate in mixed-use. He wants to see it truly incorporate all of the facets. This will work within the city's protocol and guidelines from day one. These funds would be qualifying and based upon expectations.
Alderman Lail interjected that he might be piggybacking on what Sally stated earlier. There is a mechanism that city council has to facilitate this kind of development. It is called Business Improvement Districts (BID). It is a true public-private partnership that has demonstrated success throughout the State of North Carolina. Alder Fox stated that she was going to instruct staff to call Durham and find out what kind of financing they use. Durham's downtown district is huge, There are BIDs in more than just downtowns. They are in historic and business districts and it is a true public-private partnership. She believes that Mr. Zagaroli is a little ahead of council, but they are looking for means to finance these types of areas. There is a rural grant that is population specified (the Rural center Pre-Development Grant). She wants staff and council to look into these grants.
Mr. Zagaroli stated that he would do anything to move this forward. He would look into whatever grants are available, but to be frank, he can't keep moving forward on this gratuitously. Alder Fox stated that they needed to find this out and they need to do their homework and it may take a couple of months to do that homework. Alderman Lail sated that this idea is great because it focuses on the heitage of our Furniture and Textile history. Mr. Zagarili stated that this is part of a bigger picture. This isn't just about Hickory, it's about the region. There is 110 years of our history locked up in these buildings that can be lost forever. The story can create a novelty and interest. That can get people to move here.
This is about communication and moving forward and trying to achieve the same goal. He would move forward on this himself, but he cannot afford to. He wants to move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible. The council decided to discuss this issue at the same workshop in which they will discuss graffiti. Further Manager Berry asked the council to think about prioritizing some of these agenda items at the upcoming retreat.
HYPNOTIZED
Abracadabra Alakazam
Look what you have sown
and what you reep
It's called Karma
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Sunday, October 20, 2013
Thanks for the shout out Mrs. Willingham
Thank you for the shout out in today's Hickory Daily Record Mrs. Nancy Whitener Willingham. As they say, any publicity is good publicity. Sorry if you think I have something personal against your father -- or you, I do not. I support direct ward representation in Hickory. I sort of understand why your father did what he did. I stated that last year during the Ward Referendum. I always try to have empathy and put myself in other's shoes, but I disagree with what they did.
Mrs. Willingham is part of the Hickory United Political Action Committee that has aimed to maintain the status quo in this community through fear and vitriol. The status quo has hurt the progress in this community. That is recognized by more than half of the community. Take the people who voted for direct ward elections and add those who feel disenfranchised and feel it is useless to attempt to participate and you have way more than 50% of the community.
I said it in a speech I made before the city council a few months ago:
At this point in time I will announce my support for Dr. Jody Inglefield, Joe Brannock, and Anetia Wright. Why? Because they do not represent the same ole Hickory. Isn't it time to allow other people a chance. The people of Hickory United want to talk about 50 years ago. They don't want to talk about the past decade-plus under Mayor Wright. They want to talk about it being a non-partisan race and then evoke that Dr. Inglefield is a Democrat and talk about Obama. What does any of that have to do with Hickory and Local Governance?
The other side has talked about projects with no specifics. They have spoken of raising taxes and spending $80 million on what? They can't tell you how this is going to create jobs, but the Mayor says he wants to immerse us in it. He specifically says in an Inspiring Spaces meeting from this past June, "The only thing that could happen detrimental is that we lose four Council Members on that side of the table to a bunch of people that say no taxes. He stated that he does not (know) what happens then."
First of all he uses every meeting he attends to push racehorse politics, then he mischaracterizes what people have said. People are not into raising taxes on ambiguous projects, when Hickory Inc. has never even been forthright about the last project it undertook - "The Sails".
The real issue: We have lost the younger generations in this community and we have replaced them with older generations, particularly 60, 70, and 80 year olds. We marketed towards Senior growth and were successful, but in spite of that, we have still begun to lose population. We have been very successful at diminishing prospects and diminishing returns.
We have begun a process of becoming a post-industrialized community. At one time 60% of the jobs in this community were some form of manufacturing and today we have fallen to around 25%. On the path we are on, as these seniors who have filled in the gaps leave this earth, we aren't going to have replacements. The tax base is going to shrink and we are going to see even less economic opportunity in this community. This will mean that we could see rapid depopulation, like Allentown, PA and other Rustbelt communities, unless we take real actions to create modern economic and employment opportunities . Do you understand what either will portend for your future income and property values?
The Good News is that we have a platform. Please go read it:
Go do your research
Dr. Jody Inglefield - Mayor for Everyone
Anetia Wright for Ward 4
Joe Brannock for City Council Ward 5
And Listen to Dr. Inglefield here:
Mrs. Willingham is part of the Hickory United Political Action Committee that has aimed to maintain the status quo in this community through fear and vitriol. The status quo has hurt the progress in this community. That is recognized by more than half of the community. Take the people who voted for direct ward elections and add those who feel disenfranchised and feel it is useless to attempt to participate and you have way more than 50% of the community.
I said it in a speech I made before the city council a few months ago:
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of May 21, 2013 -- Citizens Requesting to be Heard - Like Danny Hearn said at the last meeting, people are down on what they aren't up on. He's right, pushing forward ignorance as fact is not a virtue. Trying to keep people from obtaining information about public issues of relevance is therefore not virtuous. But, in reality we know this is about politics don't we. We know this is about enabling a small minority of people to hold power over a small city by controlling the message disseminated to its people.The Citizen's for Equity in Government's aim is not to look back. It is to move forward. I do not speak for the CEG. I will let them speak for themselves. The CEG is not a monolith and we do not aim to manipulate a message.
At this point in time I will announce my support for Dr. Jody Inglefield, Joe Brannock, and Anetia Wright. Why? Because they do not represent the same ole Hickory. Isn't it time to allow other people a chance. The people of Hickory United want to talk about 50 years ago. They don't want to talk about the past decade-plus under Mayor Wright. They want to talk about it being a non-partisan race and then evoke that Dr. Inglefield is a Democrat and talk about Obama. What does any of that have to do with Hickory and Local Governance?
The other side has talked about projects with no specifics. They have spoken of raising taxes and spending $80 million on what? They can't tell you how this is going to create jobs, but the Mayor says he wants to immerse us in it. He specifically says in an Inspiring Spaces meeting from this past June, "The only thing that could happen detrimental is that we lose four Council Members on that side of the table to a bunch of people that say no taxes. He stated that he does not (know) what happens then."
First of all he uses every meeting he attends to push racehorse politics, then he mischaracterizes what people have said. People are not into raising taxes on ambiguous projects, when Hickory Inc. has never even been forthright about the last project it undertook - "The Sails".
The real issue: We have lost the younger generations in this community and we have replaced them with older generations, particularly 60, 70, and 80 year olds. We marketed towards Senior growth and were successful, but in spite of that, we have still begun to lose population. We have been very successful at diminishing prospects and diminishing returns.
We have begun a process of becoming a post-industrialized community. At one time 60% of the jobs in this community were some form of manufacturing and today we have fallen to around 25%. On the path we are on, as these seniors who have filled in the gaps leave this earth, we aren't going to have replacements. The tax base is going to shrink and we are going to see even less economic opportunity in this community. This will mean that we could see rapid depopulation, like Allentown, PA and other Rustbelt communities, unless we take real actions to create modern economic and employment opportunities . Do you understand what either will portend for your future income and property values?
The Good News is that we have a platform. Please go read it:
The Complete "Platform for a 21st Century Hickory"You've given these other guys how many chances... how many years? What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It's time to move forward with people that stand for something!
Go do your research
Dr. Jody Inglefield - Mayor for Everyone
Anetia Wright for Ward 4
Joe Brannock for City Council Ward 5
And Listen to Dr. Inglefield here:
Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World -- October 20, 2013
Economist Dr. Paul Craig Roberts contends, "The situation is unsustainable." It will blow up at some point, and Dr. Roberts predicts, "It will be worse than the Great Depression because in the Great Depression, prices fell along with employment. Now, prices will be rising and employment would be falling. . . . Gold and silver prices will explode in dollar terms." Join Greg Hunter of USAWatchdog.com as he goes One-on-One with former Assistant Treasury Secretary Dr. Paul Craig Roberts.
Millennials Devastated As American Dream Becomes Nightmare For Most - Zero Hedge - Tyler Durden - October 1, 2013 -
The young are earnings less and less relative to the average earnings in the US...
as the younger generation's participation in the labor force fell more than 3 times as fast in the "lost decade" as in the previous two decades...
Weekly Drop in U.S. Economic Confidence Largest Since '08 - Decline of 12 points to -34 is largest since Lehman Brothers collapsed - Gallup - Alyssa Brown - October 8, 2013 -
Furniture Brands International files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - AP throgh USA Today - September 9, 2013 - Oaktree Capital to buy bulk of Thomasville, Broyhill, Lane and Drexel Heritage brands - The maker of furniture brands such as Thomasville, Broyhill, Lane and Drexel Heritage said Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Furniture Brands International said it hopes to sell the bulk of its business to investment firm Oaktree Capital Management. The St. Louis-based company, which also runs the Thomasville chain of furniture stores, struggled like many other companies after the collapse of the housing market. But unlike some of its peers, its business has not rebounded with the recovery in home sales and the broader economy. Furniture Brands reported in August that it widened its fiscal second-quarter net loss to $40.8 million on weaker revenue and major charges to write down the value of its brands. It also said that it would cut costs and pursue the sale of some of its assets.
UPDATED: Chase Bank Limits Cash Withdrawals, Bans International Wire Transfers - Capital controls imposed on small business owners - Infowars.com - Paul Joseph Watson - October 17, 2013 - Chase Bank has moved to limit cash withdrawals while banning business customers from sending international wire transfers from November 17 onwards, prompting speculation that the bank is preparing for a looming financial crisis in the United States by imposing capital controls.
Millennials Devastated As American Dream Becomes Nightmare For Most - Zero Hedge - Tyler Durden - October 1, 2013 -
The young are earnings less and less relative to the average earnings in the US...
as the younger generation's participation in the labor force fell more than 3 times as fast in the "lost decade" as in the previous two decades...
Weekly Drop in U.S. Economic Confidence Largest Since '08 - Decline of 12 points to -34 is largest since Lehman Brothers collapsed - Gallup - Alyssa Brown - October 8, 2013 -
Furniture Brands International files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - AP throgh USA Today - September 9, 2013 - Oaktree Capital to buy bulk of Thomasville, Broyhill, Lane and Drexel Heritage brands - The maker of furniture brands such as Thomasville, Broyhill, Lane and Drexel Heritage said Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Furniture Brands International said it hopes to sell the bulk of its business to investment firm Oaktree Capital Management. The St. Louis-based company, which also runs the Thomasville chain of furniture stores, struggled like many other companies after the collapse of the housing market. But unlike some of its peers, its business has not rebounded with the recovery in home sales and the broader economy. Furniture Brands reported in August that it widened its fiscal second-quarter net loss to $40.8 million on weaker revenue and major charges to write down the value of its brands. It also said that it would cut costs and pursue the sale of some of its assets.
UPDATED: Chase Bank Limits Cash Withdrawals, Bans International Wire Transfers - Capital controls imposed on small business owners - Infowars.com - Paul Joseph Watson - October 17, 2013 - Chase Bank has moved to limit cash withdrawals while banning business customers from sending international wire transfers from November 17 onwards, prompting speculation that the bank is preparing for a looming financial crisis in the United States by imposing capital controls.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 15, 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.
City Council Action Agenda - October 15, 2013
Highlighted Links below take you straight to that point in the video.
Special Presentations
A. Dave Paist, Business Development Committee, Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Stephen Shuford - (Description from the City website Action Agenda) Mr. David Paist of the Business Development Committee, (BDC), stated that the BDC is a team of community volunteers who advise the City on business related opportunities. Their mission is to identify ideas that could directly, or indirectly, grow our economy, and make recommendations about those ideas to our elected officials and City staff. The Business Well Craft Award was established to recognize and thank those businesses and their employees that have influenced this community for generations and continue to do so today. The award honors a business that has been operating in the Hickory area for at least 75 years. He honored, Stephen Shuford, a direct descendent of a business that has been a big part of the Hickory community life for more than 130 years. Since 1880, generations of Hickory men and women have worked for Shuford Mills, somewhere in the Catawba Valley. They and their families have helped shape the community we are today. The business, Shurtape Technologies, LLC was split from Shuford Mills in 1996, and reborn as an independent business. Since the rebirth, Shurtape has grown into a global corporation of 15 facilities in eight countries with a reputation as an industry leader. They are known for their “Duck” brand of duct tape. Today, Shurtape Technologies employees 700 people locally. Together with their families they represent several thousand of our citizens. This new company is built on the roots of an old business and continues to help craft life in Hickory. There is no material award which could properly represent the value that this company and their employees bring to the community. He presented the award to Stephen Shuford, on behalf of Shurtape Technologies, LLC. Mr. Stephen Shuford commented that Shurtape has very much enjoyed doing business in the community. There has been a lot of change, a different business, a different company all together than they were. He stated that it has been the resiliency of this community and their employees that have made that possible. He thanked Council for the award.
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 - (Description from the City Website Action Agenda)
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
Cliff Moone - Mr. Cliff Moone addressed Council on broadcasting City Council meetings. During the primary campaigns it came to his attention, while attending the forums and events, that at least two of the candidates running for Mayor and several of the candidates as well, all but one, running for City Council, have expressed in those forums a desire and an interest in seeing the Council Meetings put on the Charter Cable public access channel. The audience reacted, especially at Lenoir Rhyne University, with applause for that idea. He stated that he advocates for that idea. He stated it is a desire of his and others, and Council, to make this as transparent and open a part of government as anywhere in the State and the County. He stated another reason, he could not imagine anything more uplifting and more appropriate to have out in the community, even in a larger way, than the people who were fortunate to hear about these activities that people are pursing in our City that benefit so many people. He urged Council to consider doing this and doing it as soon as possible.
Consent Agenda:
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. (Council approved with an unanimous 6-0 Consent)
2. Quarterly Financial Report - Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Warren Wood reports.
General Comments
Mayor Wright commented that we just concluded a very successful convention of the North Carolina League of Municipalities at the convention center. That is one of the most prestigious conventions in the State of North Carolina every year. We are proud to be in the rotation. He recognized Hamilton Ward, former Ward 1, Council Member, who got us in that rotation. Our Staff do such a good job; everyone wants to come back to Hickory. They had a wonderful time at the opening event on Sunday night, dancing to the Extraordinaires, a local Hickory group, on the lawn between the Art Museum, the SALT Block, and the Library. The Museum and the Science Center were open; people were getting tours, and getting to see what we have there. Everyone was amazed that it is almost exclusively privately funded.
Alderwoman Patton thanked the Lady Elks for their volunteer work and the Staff. She has had so many people say that everyone was just bent over backwards to make sure that everyone had a really good time. It was a great event. She thanked the Art Museum Staff, Library Staff, Fire, Police, Public Services and the Street Department, everybody.
Mayor Wright read the Host City Committee list: Mandy Pitts, Mick Berry, Terry Clark, John Crone, Yaidee Fox, Louise Humphrey, Steve Miller, Gary Lee, Derrick Martin, Chuck Hansen, Andrea Surratt, Dee Blackwell with the Council of Government (COG), a number of people from the Convention Center and the Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Liazzo’s did a wonderful job. They did a great job. They couldn’t get over what we had to show them when they took them on the Inspiring Spaces Tour. It is sort of like dominoes, someone sees what we have done, they hear how it was funded, and they say they think they will try that with their building. We are in the very early stages of that; just think what we can accomplish here. Alderman Meisner commended the Street Division, they re-mulched that interchange and it looked great.
Mayor Wright commented that the Accounting Department, the Finance Department, the Budget people doesn’t get any recognition; no one writes a letter to the editor talking about the great service they get out of the Accounting Department. They also don’t get the other kind of letters He was at West End BBQ at 5:30 in the morning, and he opened the paper, and there was a letter about getting potholes fixed. He stated that the Street crew came in and he asked them who was in charge of the potholes. The Street Department made it to the newspaper.
Alderwoman Patton commented that the Carolina Cycle Challenge was a huge success, two Sundays ago. There were over 700 registered riders. The Street Department did a super job, Police, and Fire, and the collaboration with the YMCA. It is a form of Brett’s ride with tremendous support from the Gosnell family. They appreciate the City’s involvement in it with the Rotary Groups in Hickory; it was a fantastic Sunday morning, great weather as well.
Mayor Wright stated that part of the story about the street crew was they were out at 5:30 am, having breakfast, which was really their lunch, because they had already worked three or four hours. They were out getting everything in shape for the “big shots” coming into town. They had a great exchange. We have wonderful staff at every level, and we can be proud of them, they make the Council look good.
Alderman Guess commented that Oktoberfest was a huge success. He stated it was jammed packed, with cars and people everywhere. The Police and Staff did a fine job in making sure that everything went smoothly. He heard good comments about it.
Alderman Seaver stated that the Greater Hickory Classic is in full swing this week. He stated he would be out on the weekend on hole number eight with the Kiwanis Club.
Mayor Wright commented that there is still room for volunteers. Alderman Seaver commented that generates approximately 15 million dollars in income for the Greater Hickory Metro area.
Mr. Mick Berry stated it does and he was disappointed that the newspaper did not report on the impact of the North Carolina League meeting in Hickory as well. Every single hotel room was booked in Hickory for three and a half or four days, depending on how some people came in. Alderman Seaver stated he heard it was very difficult to find one.
Mayor Wright stated that a lot of these people are decision makers in business, as well as politics in their communities. When they come here, and they see what we have, and they go back, only good things are going to happen for Hickory. He is glad we have the convention center and he is glad that Hamilton Ward got us in the rotation, and everyone would have been proud to hear the comments this week.
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.
City Council Action Agenda - October 15, 2013
Highlighted Links below take you straight to that point in the video.
Special Presentations
A. Dave Paist, Business Development Committee, Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Stephen Shuford - (Description from the City website Action Agenda) Mr. David Paist of the Business Development Committee, (BDC), stated that the BDC is a team of community volunteers who advise the City on business related opportunities. Their mission is to identify ideas that could directly, or indirectly, grow our economy, and make recommendations about those ideas to our elected officials and City staff. The Business Well Craft Award was established to recognize and thank those businesses and their employees that have influenced this community for generations and continue to do so today. The award honors a business that has been operating in the Hickory area for at least 75 years. He honored, Stephen Shuford, a direct descendent of a business that has been a big part of the Hickory community life for more than 130 years. Since 1880, generations of Hickory men and women have worked for Shuford Mills, somewhere in the Catawba Valley. They and their families have helped shape the community we are today. The business, Shurtape Technologies, LLC was split from Shuford Mills in 1996, and reborn as an independent business. Since the rebirth, Shurtape has grown into a global corporation of 15 facilities in eight countries with a reputation as an industry leader. They are known for their “Duck” brand of duct tape. Today, Shurtape Technologies employees 700 people locally. Together with their families they represent several thousand of our citizens. This new company is built on the roots of an old business and continues to help craft life in Hickory. There is no material award which could properly represent the value that this company and their employees bring to the community. He presented the award to Stephen Shuford, on behalf of Shurtape Technologies, LLC. Mr. Stephen Shuford commented that Shurtape has very much enjoyed doing business in the community. There has been a lot of change, a different business, a different company all together than they were. He stated that it has been the resiliency of this community and their employees that have made that possible. He thanked Council for the award.
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 - (Description from the City Website Action Agenda)
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
Cliff Moone - Mr. Cliff Moone addressed Council on broadcasting City Council meetings. During the primary campaigns it came to his attention, while attending the forums and events, that at least two of the candidates running for Mayor and several of the candidates as well, all but one, running for City Council, have expressed in those forums a desire and an interest in seeing the Council Meetings put on the Charter Cable public access channel. The audience reacted, especially at Lenoir Rhyne University, with applause for that idea. He stated that he advocates for that idea. He stated it is a desire of his and others, and Council, to make this as transparent and open a part of government as anywhere in the State and the County. He stated another reason, he could not imagine anything more uplifting and more appropriate to have out in the community, even in a larger way, than the people who were fortunate to hear about these activities that people are pursing in our City that benefit so many people. He urged Council to consider doing this and doing it as soon as possible.
Consent Agenda:
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. (Council approved with an unanimous 6-0 Consent)
2. Quarterly Financial Report - Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Warren Wood reports.
General Comments
Mayor Wright commented that we just concluded a very successful convention of the North Carolina League of Municipalities at the convention center. That is one of the most prestigious conventions in the State of North Carolina every year. We are proud to be in the rotation. He recognized Hamilton Ward, former Ward 1, Council Member, who got us in that rotation. Our Staff do such a good job; everyone wants to come back to Hickory. They had a wonderful time at the opening event on Sunday night, dancing to the Extraordinaires, a local Hickory group, on the lawn between the Art Museum, the SALT Block, and the Library. The Museum and the Science Center were open; people were getting tours, and getting to see what we have there. Everyone was amazed that it is almost exclusively privately funded.
Alderwoman Patton thanked the Lady Elks for their volunteer work and the Staff. She has had so many people say that everyone was just bent over backwards to make sure that everyone had a really good time. It was a great event. She thanked the Art Museum Staff, Library Staff, Fire, Police, Public Services and the Street Department, everybody.
Mayor Wright read the Host City Committee list: Mandy Pitts, Mick Berry, Terry Clark, John Crone, Yaidee Fox, Louise Humphrey, Steve Miller, Gary Lee, Derrick Martin, Chuck Hansen, Andrea Surratt, Dee Blackwell with the Council of Government (COG), a number of people from the Convention Center and the Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Liazzo’s did a wonderful job. They did a great job. They couldn’t get over what we had to show them when they took them on the Inspiring Spaces Tour. It is sort of like dominoes, someone sees what we have done, they hear how it was funded, and they say they think they will try that with their building. We are in the very early stages of that; just think what we can accomplish here. Alderman Meisner commended the Street Division, they re-mulched that interchange and it looked great.
Mayor Wright commented that the Accounting Department, the Finance Department, the Budget people doesn’t get any recognition; no one writes a letter to the editor talking about the great service they get out of the Accounting Department. They also don’t get the other kind of letters He was at West End BBQ at 5:30 in the morning, and he opened the paper, and there was a letter about getting potholes fixed. He stated that the Street crew came in and he asked them who was in charge of the potholes. The Street Department made it to the newspaper.
Alderwoman Patton commented that the Carolina Cycle Challenge was a huge success, two Sundays ago. There were over 700 registered riders. The Street Department did a super job, Police, and Fire, and the collaboration with the YMCA. It is a form of Brett’s ride with tremendous support from the Gosnell family. They appreciate the City’s involvement in it with the Rotary Groups in Hickory; it was a fantastic Sunday morning, great weather as well.
Mayor Wright stated that part of the story about the street crew was they were out at 5:30 am, having breakfast, which was really their lunch, because they had already worked three or four hours. They were out getting everything in shape for the “big shots” coming into town. They had a great exchange. We have wonderful staff at every level, and we can be proud of them, they make the Council look good.
Alderman Guess commented that Oktoberfest was a huge success. He stated it was jammed packed, with cars and people everywhere. The Police and Staff did a fine job in making sure that everything went smoothly. He heard good comments about it.
Alderman Seaver stated that the Greater Hickory Classic is in full swing this week. He stated he would be out on the weekend on hole number eight with the Kiwanis Club.
Mayor Wright commented that there is still room for volunteers. Alderman Seaver commented that generates approximately 15 million dollars in income for the Greater Hickory Metro area.
Mr. Mick Berry stated it does and he was disappointed that the newspaper did not report on the impact of the North Carolina League meeting in Hickory as well. Every single hotel room was booked in Hickory for three and a half or four days, depending on how some people came in. Alderman Seaver stated he heard it was very difficult to find one.
Mayor Wright stated that a lot of these people are decision makers in business, as well as politics in their communities. When they come here, and they see what we have, and they go back, only good things are going to happen for Hickory. He is glad we have the convention center and he is glad that Hamilton Ward got us in the rotation, and everyone would have been proud to hear the comments this week.
Friday, October 18, 2013
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