I began video recording the City Council in 2012, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of October 7, 2014
Thoughts about the Hickory City Council meeting of October 7, 2014
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The Hound's Notes:
You can read my thoughts in the links above. Good to see Attorney Crone recuse himself because there might be an appearance of conflict. That is the thought process that should take place. The integrity of governance depends upon such a mindset.
The Mayor talks about pursuing the $900,000 in relation to the Cloninger Mill park. The rest of the Council really didn't seem to want to travel down that road. It seemed as though they know that option is no longer on the table.
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Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2014
B. Proclamation for National Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2014, presented to Alice Spuller, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Billy Sudderth, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Ridgeview Branch Library.
C. Lou Berry, President of the North Carolina APWA Solid Waste Division, will Recognize Sherman Stinson, Public Services, for the Herman Drake Award
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Larry Pope - (Per Hickory Inc.) - addressed Council about two items. He first than ked Public Services Director Mr. Chuck Hansen, for his assistance on several occasions when he has contacted the City with concerns that needed to be addressed. He also discussed the need for either enforcement or revision of the Code of Ordinance dealing with snow removal on the City’s sidewalks.
B. JD Ross - - addressed Council on behalf of the Old Lenoir Road Business Association. He updated Council on what the Association is doing. They have been working to attract attention to their district, and have an event planned for Saturday, October 18th, “The Artistic Revival”, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Association, along with Jeff Hale, have worked a lot on this event. The vision for this district is to become a center for Arts, Music and Food. He compared their vision to what other cities have done like Charlotte. He had flyers available for citizens, and the information was shared on the City’s Facebook page. The event is a family friendly event, which is open to the public. The Hickory Music Factory is coordinating music with 10-12 musicians playing throughout the day. There will be over 50 artist displaying their work, with tents setup inside and outside. There will also be onsite food vendors. The event will take place behind the strip center where the antique store is located, the former location of Plum Pretty Consignment Store. Around back there is loading bays and an open field where the event will setup with tents and vendors, and inside the warehouse space will be the showcase of the artist. Ten percent of the proceeds from the food or art sales will be donated to the Hickory Soup Kitchen and to the Hickory Music Factory. This event is a great opportunity to give back to the community and also to make people aware of the businesses located in the Old Lenoir Road area, a good place to be, a good place for business owners, and a good place for music and food. He invited everyone to attend. He advised that there is also a Facebook page for the Old Lenoir Road Business Association, and an event page on Facebook also contains more information about the musicians, and vendors.
Alderman Seaver commented that he had invited all of his Facebook friends to that event.
Consent Agenda
Item L removed from the Consent Agenda by Attorney Crone - Attorney Crone said there may be an appearance of conflict due to his firms has merged with the firm making the request -- First Lawyers LLC. Council approved the item and Attorney Crone returned afterward to reassume his seat.
L. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by First Lawyers, LLC Located at 858 2nd Street NE in the Amount of $2,500. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of their property. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $2,500. The applicant, First Lawyers, LLC, has provided two bids for the removal of two existing hard surfaced areas, which are to be replaced with brick sidewalks and landscaping beds. The bids quoted $5,890 and $5,955, qualifies for the full $2,500 grant. The applicant further requests the terms of the grant contract be extended until June 1, 2015. This extension is being requested in an effort to ensure the landscape improvements are not damaged while interior and exterior renovations to the building are completed. The Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted, at their September 22, 2014 regular meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $2,500.
Informational Item
A. MAB Acquisitions LLC - After a public hearing on March 18, 2014, on April 4, 2014 City Council entered into an Economic Development Agreement for purchase and sell of real property with MAB, with the intent to sell to MAB 10.099 acres of City owned property at the intersection of HWY 127 and Cloninger Mill Road for the price of $900,000. The agreement included a 120 day inspection period which was extended to September 26, 2014 by City Council on July 15th due to a delay in the city removing debris from the property. MAB agreed to develop the property as a grocery anchored shopping center with stipulations on its development as approved by council (Exhibit C of EDA). On September 29th staff received a letter from the attorney representing MAB indicating they would not acquire the property and terminating the EDA.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. OHM Holdings LLC Parking Lot Agreement - N.C.G.S. 160A-458.3 permits a city to engage in downtown development projects consisting of public and private facilities if the City Council finds the project will have a significant impact on the revitalization of the central business district, as defined by the Council. The statute permits a city to enter into a binding contract with a private developer to acquire, construct, own, and operate the downtown development project or specific facilities within such a project.
General Comments - (per Hickory Inc.)
Alderwoman Patton thanked Hickory Police Department and Catawba County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance for the Carolina Cycle Challenge. They did a fantastic job, it went very smoothly, and she had heard nothing but good things from that. A good community event.
Alderman Zagaroli commented that there was 700 participants, and 13 restaurants that donated
food, a super successful day.
Mayor Wright commented that he saw dads, and moms hooking up the trailers. No casualties
and nobody got hurt.
Alderman Guess commented on CVCC and the Furniture Academy, a tremendous asset to Hickory and the entire community, a huge success, and we look forward to seeing what comes out of that.
Alderman Guess discussed the Catawba Furniture Academy program that CVCC has. Students can attend to learn the skills to manufacture furniture. This is the first one of its kind in the State. It is
a huge opportunity for people who want to get back into that area of manufacturing to learn a craft and skill. It goes along with jobs, education and building population, and all of the things that we are trying to do in Hickory. He commended Dr. Hinshaw and Staff, and the vision that they have had to bring that to our area.
Mayor Wright commented that about every four months they will graduate 38. Every person that
successfully completes the program and graduates will have a job. The partner companies include Lee Industries, Vanguard, Century Furniture, Sherrill and Lexington. They are not only funding this, but they also provide the qualified instructors, so at least 38 people every four months are getting a job doing something that otherwise they would not have known how to do. It is a wonderful thing.
Alderman Seaver recommended attending the Furniture Well Crafted exhibit at the Science Center.
Alderman Zagaroli stated that the chair design contest is coming up. The judging will take place November 4th, at 10:00 a.m. There will be 20 participants in that, and a reception will follow on November 5th. They hope for this to be an annual event. There are 20 interesting manufacturers presenting chairs. Communications Director Mandy Pitts commented that a lot of them would be out on the Hickory Well Crafted site, and hopefully get Furniture Today, and some others.
Mayor Wright advised that the dedication ceremony was held today announcing the Health Science Center for Lenoir-Rhyne University located between the Old Hollar Mill and the Old Moretz Mill. It is a partnership between economic development corporation, Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye, Hickory and Catawba County. They will be doing advanced degrees in nursing and PHD’s in various medical fields. The jobs that will be coming out of that will be
wonderful as well.
Alderman Seaver commented that homecoming with Circle “K” at Lenoir-Rhyne, which is a sponsored Youth Program of Kiwanis, they put together over 9,800 meals this past weekend, in a two hour period, for the kids backpack program for Safe Harbor. Homecoming at Lenoir - Rhyne, Appalachian, and Oktoberfest, there is a lot going on in this area.
Mayor Wright commented also the golf tournament, Greater Hickory Classic presented by KIA. The exposure that the City gets through golf magazines , is wonderful, as well as ads in the Golf Channel. He commented that we need to have people attend. The golfers like to have people watching them play. It is fun, these are legends, and some of the participants will even joke with you while walking down the fairway. He advised if you need tickets call him, and he would see if he could get some tickets. Our community is wonderful, resilient, and we have to keep making good things happen.
Alderman Seaver stated that there are a lot of good programs by the Boost Hickory group on the upcoming bond referendum. He encouraged citizens to attend meetings and to get educated about that.
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Saturday, October 11, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Words about Mattie Padgett, my grandmother
I hope you will indulge me as I present the audio recording of the Words of my sister Angela Shell Holbrook and myself about our grandmother, Mattie Johnson Padgett, at her funeral held this past Sunday, October 5, 2014. She passed away one week ago today.
And here is her Obituary from October 4, 2014. It was placed in the Hickory Daily Record:
October 2, 2014
Mattie Johnson Padgett
The air drew a silence as one of the Catawba Valley’s best known voices passed into heaven with her heavenly father today. After a lifetime defined by courage, she passed holding the hands of Pam, Tommy, and Angie until the end.
Mattie was a recognized celebrity to long time residents of the area. People will recognize her radio name Lillie Ann and she was the Swap Shop Lady on WIRC am radio, here in Hickory. Whether sending letters and notes to loved ones or potential buyers, she was always your friend on the airwaves.
Mattie was born on August 31, 1922 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, the youngest daughter of Alfred Theodore Johnson and Mary Alzada Woods. Mattie was married to Clarence Ensley (Vic) Padgett Jr.for 53 years until his death in March 1999.
Mattie joined the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She was one of the first Naval Female Cadets to attain the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In 1945, she met Vic Padgett after his airplane crash he endured while serving as a Lieutenant in United States Marine Corps.
After the war, she and Vic married in Asheville on March 6, 1946. They began life at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. The next year Pamela was born in Durham.
Employment brought Vic to Hickory in 1948, where Mattie was hired to work at the newly founded WIRC am radio. She was hired by Edmond and Margaret Smith and worked there as Announcer and Programming Director until her retirement in 1990.
Mattie is survived by her only child Pamela Padgett Connelly and her children James Thomas Shell, Angela S. Holbrook (Steven) and Jennifer Shell.
Many thanks to Hannah and Lisa of Hospice and all the staff. A heartfelt thanks to friend and caregiver Wynda Howerton. Without her help, Pam would not have been able to keep her mother at home and care for her.
Services are to be held at First Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Center at 3p.m. on Sunday, October 5th. The receiving will be thereafter and burial will follow at Fairview cemetery. Services will be presided over by Whit Malone, Lynn Webber, and Dan Duke of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 3710 North Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601 and/or the Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
And here is her Obituary from October 4, 2014. It was placed in the Hickory Daily Record:
October 2, 2014
Mattie Johnson Padgett
The air drew a silence as one of the Catawba Valley’s best known voices passed into heaven with her heavenly father today. After a lifetime defined by courage, she passed holding the hands of Pam, Tommy, and Angie until the end.
Mattie was a recognized celebrity to long time residents of the area. People will recognize her radio name Lillie Ann and she was the Swap Shop Lady on WIRC am radio, here in Hickory. Whether sending letters and notes to loved ones or potential buyers, she was always your friend on the airwaves.
Mattie was born on August 31, 1922 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, the youngest daughter of Alfred Theodore Johnson and Mary Alzada Woods. Mattie was married to Clarence Ensley (Vic) Padgett Jr.for 53 years until his death in March 1999.
Mattie joined the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II. She was one of the first Naval Female Cadets to attain the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In 1945, she met Vic Padgett after his airplane crash he endured while serving as a Lieutenant in United States Marine Corps.
After the war, she and Vic married in Asheville on March 6, 1946. They began life at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. The next year Pamela was born in Durham.
Employment brought Vic to Hickory in 1948, where Mattie was hired to work at the newly founded WIRC am radio. She was hired by Edmond and Margaret Smith and worked there as Announcer and Programming Director until her retirement in 1990.
Mattie is survived by her only child Pamela Padgett Connelly and her children James Thomas Shell, Angela S. Holbrook (Steven) and Jennifer Shell.
Many thanks to Hannah and Lisa of Hospice and all the staff. A heartfelt thanks to friend and caregiver Wynda Howerton. Without her help, Pam would not have been able to keep her mother at home and care for her.
Services are to be held at First Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Center at 3p.m. on Sunday, October 5th. The receiving will be thereafter and burial will follow at Fairview cemetery. Services will be presided over by Whit Malone, Lynn Webber, and Dan Duke of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 3710 North Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601 and/or the Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Thoughts about the Hickory City Council meeting of October 7, 2014
There were two main issues of interest on the agenda this evening. The first was a brief discussion of the termination of The Economic Development Agreement between MAB American and Hickory Inc. It was MAB American's choice to walk away from the agreement. According to City Manager Berry, they were willing to market the property, but they were unwilling to fulfill the option that was stipulated in the original agreement. The Mayor asked if anyone else was in favor of pursuing the $900,000 offer that was proposed by Kathryn Grethouse at the March 18, 2014 meeting.
The second major issue was the Departmental Report in relation to a parking lot being built at the Transportation Insight site. The City is entering an economic development agreement to build the parking lot with Transportation Insight as a joint venture under the guise that it will be a public parking area and in off hours the public will have access to that parking. The city will also pay to mitigate the stormwater runoff issues associated with that property.
We will see, but my sense is that the city will use the Parking Fund to pay its part of the enhanced infrastructure. That is the reason why they are all the sudden saying that this is a Downtown Development project. They may even utilize Bond Referendum money for similar projects along this corridor should it pass.
I will put out a more thorough report shortly.
Remember at the March 18, 2014 City Council meeting that Kathryn Greathouse came forward and said someone wanted to purchase the 10 acre site attached to the Cloninger Mill Park and keep it as part of the park. Are they still willing to do this or was this a gambit to keep another grocer from coming into the area?Maybe I missed it, but there was no indication that the city would pursue this offer. Personally, I will be surprised if the offer still exists. Since this was an informational item, there was no action that needed to be taken.
The second major issue was the Departmental Report in relation to a parking lot being built at the Transportation Insight site. The City is entering an economic development agreement to build the parking lot with Transportation Insight as a joint venture under the guise that it will be a public parking area and in off hours the public will have access to that parking. The city will also pay to mitigate the stormwater runoff issues associated with that property.
We will see, but my sense is that the city will use the Parking Fund to pay its part of the enhanced infrastructure. That is the reason why they are all the sudden saying that this is a Downtown Development project. They may even utilize Bond Referendum money for similar projects along this corridor should it pass.
I will put out a more thorough report shortly.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
20141006 - Monday Morning Meeting with the Mayor
The following is the interview of Mayor Rudy Wright on 1290 WHKYam Radio's First talk program with Hal Row.
WHKY does not archive these programs and make them available to the public, so I am putting this important public interview up under Fair Use guidelines.
Segment 1 - The Mayor and Hal Yucking it up about Football
Segment 2 - (7:05) The Referendums
Segment 3 - (16:57) continuation of The Referendums... (24:45) Man calls in and asks about the Cloninger Mill Park (Hound: The Publix deal fell through).
Segment 4 - (27:41) The Rock Barn Golf Seniors Tournament
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Agenda about the City Council meeting of October 7, 2014
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, 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:
City Council Agenda - October 7, 2014
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The Hound's Notes:
1) Consent Agenda Items F and K- Unlimited holiday season parking time in some lots and a permanent extension in other spaces around Union Square - Hmmm... Interesting.
2) Informational Item A - MAB developers have backed out on the deal at Cloninger Mill. Are we going to see the people who wanted to purchase the land contacted?
Remember at the March 18, 2014 City Council meeting that Kathryn Greathouse came forward and said someone wanted to purchase the 10 acre site attached to the Cloninger Mill Park and keep it as part of the park. Are they still willing to do this or was this a gambit to keep another grocer from coming into the area?
If you want to shop at Publix, you will soon be able to travel to Conover and do just that.
3) Departmental Report 1 - Defining the Old Lyerly Mill as Downtown now. Good to see Hickory Inc. broadening its horizons of what constitutes Downtown 7 years later. It's more than Union Square, but we should not be paying for there parking lot.
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Invocation
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2014
B. Proclamation for National Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2014, presented to Alice Spuller, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Billy Sudderth, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Ridgeview Branch Library.
C. Lou Berry, President of the North Carolina APWA Solid Waste Division, will Recognize Sherman Stinson, Public Services, for the Herman Drake Award
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Purchase Contract in the Amount of $217,776 from National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for an Elgin Street Sweeper. - Staff requests approval of a purchase contract from National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for an Elgin Street Sweeper to replace a 2000 model Johnston Street Sweeper. This unit will be used for sweeping City streets, City owned parking lots, and cleaning storm drains and catch basins. By using the purchase contract from National Joint Powers Alliance the cost will be $217,776. The street sweeper will be purchased from Public Works Equipment and Supply Inc. using contract number 022014-FSC. Staff recommends approval to purchase this street sweeper unit from Public Works Equipment and Supply Inc. Funds are budgeted in the FY2014-2015 annual adopted budget.
B. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Betty B. Garrou and husband, Herbert N. Garrou; Barbara B. Andrew, and husband, Tony E. Andrew; Rita B. Viggers, and husband, William C. Viggers; Anita B. Gulsby, unmarried; Connie B. Mull, and husband, Dan Mull; and David T. Bumgarner, and wife, Cindy Bumgarner to Betty B. Garrou, Rita B. Viggers, Anita B. Gulsby, Connie B. Mull and David T. Bumgarner.
C. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Betty B. Garrou and husband, Herbert N. Garrou; Barbara B. Andrew, and husband, Tony E. Andrew; Rita B. Viggers, and husband, William C. Viggers; Anita B. Gulsby, unmarried; Connie B. Mull, and husband, Dan Mull; and David T. Bumgarner, and wife, Cindy Bumgarner to Barbara B. Andrew
D. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Marion D. Roseman, widower, to Bruce Simmons
E. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Patricia Owens to Nancy F. Pollock
F. Approval to Ease Parking Enforcement in the Downtown District from November 21, 2014 until January 15, 2015. - Hickory Downtown Development Association requests Council’s approval to ease parking enforcement for the holiday shopping season from November 21, 2014 to January 15, 2015 in the downtown district. Most of the parking spaces and lots provided in downtown are public parking. In order to keep parking spaces from being monopolized with cars parking in those spaces for unlimited amounts of time, many have time limits. The goal of parking time limits is to create turnover in spaces and open them up for the next user. The City’s support of Hickory Downtown Development Association’s request is intended to strengthen the shopping and dining experience in downtown during the holiday season. Staff recommends City Council’s approval to ease parking enforcement in the downtown district from November 21, 2014 until January 15, 2015.
G. Approve an Amendment to the Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas for the Murray Basin. - Staff requests approval of an Amendment to the existing Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas to perform professional engineering services related to the design on sanitary sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray basin service area. Staff and HDR Engineering Inc. have determined that approximately 6,000 – lft of the existing collection system needs to be replaced and enlarged due to the existing pipe being vitrified clay pipe and numerous problems being witnessed by inspection. This line is intended to be used by the new pump station that will be serving the Maybrook Subdivision area, which is a part of the overall Murray Basin design. Staff and HDR Engineering are confident that the existing line will not suffice for this new use and is not suitable for the existing or future conditions without repairs. This amendment will provide for surveying, design plans, permitting and bidding to allow for construction of these improvement with the original project scope. Staff recommends approval of this Amendment to the existing Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the amount of $24,000.
H. Acceptance of Two Sanitary Sewer Line Easements for the Property of Harlan Americus Starnes for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line and Pump Station. - Staff requests acceptance of two sanitary sewer line easements for the property of Harlan Americus Starnes, PIN numbers 3704-08-98-8336 and 3704-08-98-9311 for installation of a sanitary sewer line and pump station. This permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Maple Place Pump Station rehabilitation/relocation project. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer service connection extended to the home and connected, curbing along a short portion of the pump station access road along these properties to control drainage, and 18-ft of paving for the pump station access road, in exchange for the easement.
I. Approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant (HCWWTP) Upgrade Project. - Staff requests approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $322,508.57 for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant (HCWWTP) upgrade project. Change Order 5 contains the addition of infrastructure, programming and computers for installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The addition of a remote monitoring system (SCADA) will enable the facility to be staffed less than 24 hours per day and 365 days per year. The addition of a SCADA system will result in a lifecycle cost savings by requiring less personnel to operate the facility. SCADA will allow staff to remote monitor and be alerted to any problematic conditions. This change will result in a $288,300.18 addition and 210 days strictly for the SCADA design and installation. Recent regulation changes regarding treatment facility staffing for operations prompted Public Utilities staff to work with the contractor to value engineer a SCADA system that would meet our operational needs for approximately half the original estimated expense. The second largest item is due to unforeseen conditions in the area of the boat ramp related to unsuitable soil. The contractor had to remove and replace approximately 330 cubic yards of unsuitable soil in the area of the effluent structure and roadway leading to the boat ramp. The cost of this issue is $24,379.78. Contract Change Order total to date would be $507,768.56, including Change Orders 1 through 5 or 4.97% of the original project contract. The revised contract total to date will be $10,727,425.56. The City of Hickory and Catawba County will split all expense equally at 50% each according to the agreement for construction financing with Catawba County. Catawba County has been notified of the items included in this change order as required by the agreement. Staff recommends approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $322,508.57 for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project.
J. Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas for the Emergency Generator at the Water Treatment Facility. - The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the facility in the event of a power failure. The existing generator is approximately twentythree (23) years old as it was one of the first components installed during the last upgrade. The emergency generator is a critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The City of Hickory Public Utilities Department prepared and disseminated a formal Request for Qualifications package for engineers to respond to detailing the desired engineering services. The services requested will involve evaluation of demands, analysis for sizing, planning, survey, design, and bidding services. Staff reviewed all submitted response proposals and selected HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas as the most responsive firm to negotiate the project with. Staff recommends Council approval of the Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the amount of $134,000. This project was not planned as a component of the FY14-15 budget; therefore, Staff proposes to fund this project through Public Utilities Capital Reserve.
K. Approval of an Ordinance to Change all On-Street Parking in the 200 Block of 1st Avenue NW from 2nd Street NW westward to 3rd Street NW from Two Hours to Three Hours. - The Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA) has requested an extension of the time limitation for public parking on the 200 block of 1st Avenue NW. They feel this would better accommodate the needs of customers and clients of the downtown business owners. The Traffic Division has analyzed this request and feels it would be fitting. Changing the signage along this parking area would be simple and the signs/markings shop has already taken the appropriate steps to ensure an easy transition. Staff recommends approval of the request for changing the on-street parking on the 200 block of 1st Avenue NW from 2nd Street NW westward to 3rd Street NW from (2) two hours to (3) three hours.
L. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by First Lawyers, LLC Located at 858 2nd Street NE in the Amount of $2,500. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of their property. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $2,500. The applicant, First Lawyers, LLC, has provided two bids for the removal of two existing hard surfaced areas, which are to be replaced with brick sidewalks and landscaping beds. The bids quoted $5,890 and $5,955, qualifies for the full $2,500 grant. The applicant further requests the terms of the grant contract be extended until June 1, 2015. This extension is being requested in an effort to ensure the landscape improvements are not damaged while interior and exterior renovations to the building are completed. The Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted, at their September 22, 2014 regular meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $2,500.
M. Authorization to Purchase Radio Equipment Awarded in the FY 2013/2014 AFG Regional Grant. - City Council approved the Fire Department’s acceptance of an award from FEMA Regional Assistance to Firefighters’ Grant on July 17, 2014. This grant would provide radio equipment to a majority of the county’s emergency services departments. The total federal share of the grant is 90 percent or $1,777,320, and the share of the host and participating agencies is ten percent or $197,480. Personnel from the fire department and within Catawba County have been analyzing and reviewing two radio manufacturers that provide equipment on the State’s VIPER radio system, Motorola Solutions and EF Johnson. Both of the vendors that are providing quotes are utilizing already affirmed State contract pricing. Purchasing will begin in the next two months with a goal of completing all the purchases within the guidelines of the grant by the first of 2015. The purchases for this grant are 144 standard mobile radios at $4,200 each; 4 repeater systems at $10,000 each, and 350 walkie-talkie radios at $3,800 each, which totals the approved grand funds of $1,974,800. Staff recommends authorization to begin purchasing radio equipment within the guidelines of the grant requirements and the City of Hickory’s procurement laws.
N. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 7.
1. To transfer $500 from the International Council line item to the Library Books line item. This transfer represents a donation from the International Council for the purchase of books in remembrance of Bawol Calbiri.
2. To budget $5,486 of donations in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the Unifour Senior Games.
3. To transfer $105,000 of Appropriated General Fund Balance to the Fire Departments Non-Asset Inventory line item. Funds are necessary to purchase loose equipment for the ladder truck that was originally scheduled for purchase in 2013.
4. To transfer $24,000 from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines to the Murray Basin Capital Project. This transfer is necessary to pay for an amendment to the existing agreement with HDR Engineering related to design on the sanity sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray Basin Service area.
5. To transfer $134,000 of Water and Sewer Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Contracted Services line item. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services related to the design of a replacement emergency generator at the Water Treatment Facility.
6. To budget a $1,200 Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Raising the Bar Grant. This grant will pay the costs for a Library employee to attend the 2014 Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference in Tacoma, Washington September 4-6, 2014.
7. To transfer $16,200 from the Police Department Uniforms line item to the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Project budget. This transfer represents the local match required by the Department of Justice for the Federal award in the amount of $14,874.73. This grant will pay up to 47.86% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests.
8. To appropriate $38,875 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from North Carolina State Unauthorized Substance Tax) and budget in the Police Departmental Supplies. This budget amendment is needed for the purchase of ammunition for fire arms training and to replenish the supply of ammunition. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the State and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
O. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number 2.
1. To budget a $24,000 transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines in the Murray Basin Capital Project Design line item. This transfer provides funds to pay for an amendment to the existing agreement with HDR Engineering related to design on the sanitary sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray Basin Service area.
P. Grant Project Ordinance Number 5.
1. To budget a total of $31,075 in the Police Department Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Project uniforms line item. The City received a $14,875 Federal award from the United States Department of Justice that requires a $16,200 local match. This grant will pay up to 47.86% of the costs of National
Institute of Justice approved vests.
Q. Grant Project Ordinance Number 6.
1. To budget a $23,359 FY2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the Police Departments Non-Asset Inventory, Supplies and Specialized Equipment line items. The Police Department will use the funds to purchase equipment for the Special Operations Team.
Informational Item
A. MAB Acquisitions LLC - After a public hearing on March 18, 2014, on April 4, 2014 City Council entered into an Economic Development Agreement for purchase and sell of real property with MAB, with the intent to sell to MAB 10.099 acres of City owned property at the intersection of HWY 127 and Cloninger Mill Road for the price of $900,000. The agreement included a 120 day inspection period which was extended to September 26, 2014 by City Council on July 15th due to a delay in the city removing debris from the property. MAB agreed to develop the property as a grocery anchored shopping center with stipulations on its development as approved by council (Exhibit C of EDA). On September 29th staff received a letter from the attorney representing MAB indicating they would not acquire the property and terminating the EDA.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. OHM Holdings LLC Parking Lot Agreement - N.C.G.S. 160A-458.3 permits a city to engage in downtown development projects consisting of public and private facilities if the City Council finds the project will have a significant impact on the revitalization of the central business district, as defined by the Council. The statute permits a city to enter into a binding contract with a private developer to acquire, construct, own, and operate the downtown development project or specific facilities within such a project.
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:
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City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center:
City Council Agenda - October 7, 2014
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The Hound's Notes:
1) Consent Agenda Items F and K- Unlimited holiday season parking time in some lots and a permanent extension in other spaces around Union Square - Hmmm... Interesting.
2) Informational Item A - MAB developers have backed out on the deal at Cloninger Mill. Are we going to see the people who wanted to purchase the land contacted?
Remember at the March 18, 2014 City Council meeting that Kathryn Greathouse came forward and said someone wanted to purchase the 10 acre site attached to the Cloninger Mill Park and keep it as part of the park. Are they still willing to do this or was this a gambit to keep another grocer from coming into the area?
If you want to shop at Publix, you will soon be able to travel to Conover and do just that.
3) Departmental Report 1 - Defining the Old Lyerly Mill as Downtown now. Good to see Hickory Inc. broadening its horizons of what constitutes Downtown 7 years later. It's more than Union Square, but we should not be paying for there parking lot.
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Invocation
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2014
B. Proclamation for National Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2014, presented to Alice Spuller, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Billy Sudderth, President of Friends of Hickory Public Library, Ridgeview Branch Library.
C. Lou Berry, President of the North Carolina APWA Solid Waste Division, will Recognize Sherman Stinson, Public Services, for the Herman Drake Award
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Purchase Contract in the Amount of $217,776 from National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for an Elgin Street Sweeper. - Staff requests approval of a purchase contract from National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) for an Elgin Street Sweeper to replace a 2000 model Johnston Street Sweeper. This unit will be used for sweeping City streets, City owned parking lots, and cleaning storm drains and catch basins. By using the purchase contract from National Joint Powers Alliance the cost will be $217,776. The street sweeper will be purchased from Public Works Equipment and Supply Inc. using contract number 022014-FSC. Staff recommends approval to purchase this street sweeper unit from Public Works Equipment and Supply Inc. Funds are budgeted in the FY2014-2015 annual adopted budget.
B. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Betty B. Garrou and husband, Herbert N. Garrou; Barbara B. Andrew, and husband, Tony E. Andrew; Rita B. Viggers, and husband, William C. Viggers; Anita B. Gulsby, unmarried; Connie B. Mull, and husband, Dan Mull; and David T. Bumgarner, and wife, Cindy Bumgarner to Betty B. Garrou, Rita B. Viggers, Anita B. Gulsby, Connie B. Mull and David T. Bumgarner.
C. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Betty B. Garrou and husband, Herbert N. Garrou; Barbara B. Andrew, and husband, Tony E. Andrew; Rita B. Viggers, and husband, William C. Viggers; Anita B. Gulsby, unmarried; Connie B. Mull, and husband, Dan Mull; and David T. Bumgarner, and wife, Cindy Bumgarner to Barbara B. Andrew
D. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Marion D. Roseman, widower, to Bruce Simmons
E. Approve Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Patricia Owens to Nancy F. Pollock
F. Approval to Ease Parking Enforcement in the Downtown District from November 21, 2014 until January 15, 2015. - Hickory Downtown Development Association requests Council’s approval to ease parking enforcement for the holiday shopping season from November 21, 2014 to January 15, 2015 in the downtown district. Most of the parking spaces and lots provided in downtown are public parking. In order to keep parking spaces from being monopolized with cars parking in those spaces for unlimited amounts of time, many have time limits. The goal of parking time limits is to create turnover in spaces and open them up for the next user. The City’s support of Hickory Downtown Development Association’s request is intended to strengthen the shopping and dining experience in downtown during the holiday season. Staff recommends City Council’s approval to ease parking enforcement in the downtown district from November 21, 2014 until January 15, 2015.
G. Approve an Amendment to the Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas for the Murray Basin. - Staff requests approval of an Amendment to the existing Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas to perform professional engineering services related to the design on sanitary sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray basin service area. Staff and HDR Engineering Inc. have determined that approximately 6,000 – lft of the existing collection system needs to be replaced and enlarged due to the existing pipe being vitrified clay pipe and numerous problems being witnessed by inspection. This line is intended to be used by the new pump station that will be serving the Maybrook Subdivision area, which is a part of the overall Murray Basin design. Staff and HDR Engineering are confident that the existing line will not suffice for this new use and is not suitable for the existing or future conditions without repairs. This amendment will provide for surveying, design plans, permitting and bidding to allow for construction of these improvement with the original project scope. Staff recommends approval of this Amendment to the existing Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the amount of $24,000.
H. Acceptance of Two Sanitary Sewer Line Easements for the Property of Harlan Americus Starnes for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line and Pump Station. - Staff requests acceptance of two sanitary sewer line easements for the property of Harlan Americus Starnes, PIN numbers 3704-08-98-8336 and 3704-08-98-9311 for installation of a sanitary sewer line and pump station. This permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Maple Place Pump Station rehabilitation/relocation project. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer service connection extended to the home and connected, curbing along a short portion of the pump station access road along these properties to control drainage, and 18-ft of paving for the pump station access road, in exchange for the easement.
I. Approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant (HCWWTP) Upgrade Project. - Staff requests approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $322,508.57 for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant (HCWWTP) upgrade project. Change Order 5 contains the addition of infrastructure, programming and computers for installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The addition of a remote monitoring system (SCADA) will enable the facility to be staffed less than 24 hours per day and 365 days per year. The addition of a SCADA system will result in a lifecycle cost savings by requiring less personnel to operate the facility. SCADA will allow staff to remote monitor and be alerted to any problematic conditions. This change will result in a $288,300.18 addition and 210 days strictly for the SCADA design and installation. Recent regulation changes regarding treatment facility staffing for operations prompted Public Utilities staff to work with the contractor to value engineer a SCADA system that would meet our operational needs for approximately half the original estimated expense. The second largest item is due to unforeseen conditions in the area of the boat ramp related to unsuitable soil. The contractor had to remove and replace approximately 330 cubic yards of unsuitable soil in the area of the effluent structure and roadway leading to the boat ramp. The cost of this issue is $24,379.78. Contract Change Order total to date would be $507,768.56, including Change Orders 1 through 5 or 4.97% of the original project contract. The revised contract total to date will be $10,727,425.56. The City of Hickory and Catawba County will split all expense equally at 50% each according to the agreement for construction financing with Catawba County. Catawba County has been notified of the items included in this change order as required by the agreement. Staff recommends approval of Change Order 5 to Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $322,508.57 for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project.
J. Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas for the Emergency Generator at the Water Treatment Facility. - The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the facility in the event of a power failure. The existing generator is approximately twentythree (23) years old as it was one of the first components installed during the last upgrade. The emergency generator is a critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The City of Hickory Public Utilities Department prepared and disseminated a formal Request for Qualifications package for engineers to respond to detailing the desired engineering services. The services requested will involve evaluation of demands, analysis for sizing, planning, survey, design, and bidding services. Staff reviewed all submitted response proposals and selected HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas as the most responsive firm to negotiate the project with. Staff recommends Council approval of the Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the amount of $134,000. This project was not planned as a component of the FY14-15 budget; therefore, Staff proposes to fund this project through Public Utilities Capital Reserve.
K. Approval of an Ordinance to Change all On-Street Parking in the 200 Block of 1st Avenue NW from 2nd Street NW westward to 3rd Street NW from Two Hours to Three Hours. - The Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA) has requested an extension of the time limitation for public parking on the 200 block of 1st Avenue NW. They feel this would better accommodate the needs of customers and clients of the downtown business owners. The Traffic Division has analyzed this request and feels it would be fitting. Changing the signage along this parking area would be simple and the signs/markings shop has already taken the appropriate steps to ensure an easy transition. Staff recommends approval of the request for changing the on-street parking on the 200 block of 1st Avenue NW from 2nd Street NW westward to 3rd Street NW from (2) two hours to (3) three hours.
L. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-Residential Property Owned by First Lawyers, LLC Located at 858 2nd Street NE in the Amount of $2,500. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of their property. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $2,500. The applicant, First Lawyers, LLC, has provided two bids for the removal of two existing hard surfaced areas, which are to be replaced with brick sidewalks and landscaping beds. The bids quoted $5,890 and $5,955, qualifies for the full $2,500 grant. The applicant further requests the terms of the grant contract be extended until June 1, 2015. This extension is being requested in an effort to ensure the landscape improvements are not damaged while interior and exterior renovations to the building are completed. The Community Appearance Commission unanimously voted, at their September 22, 2014 regular meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $2,500.
M. Authorization to Purchase Radio Equipment Awarded in the FY 2013/2014 AFG Regional Grant. - City Council approved the Fire Department’s acceptance of an award from FEMA Regional Assistance to Firefighters’ Grant on July 17, 2014. This grant would provide radio equipment to a majority of the county’s emergency services departments. The total federal share of the grant is 90 percent or $1,777,320, and the share of the host and participating agencies is ten percent or $197,480. Personnel from the fire department and within Catawba County have been analyzing and reviewing two radio manufacturers that provide equipment on the State’s VIPER radio system, Motorola Solutions and EF Johnson. Both of the vendors that are providing quotes are utilizing already affirmed State contract pricing. Purchasing will begin in the next two months with a goal of completing all the purchases within the guidelines of the grant by the first of 2015. The purchases for this grant are 144 standard mobile radios at $4,200 each; 4 repeater systems at $10,000 each, and 350 walkie-talkie radios at $3,800 each, which totals the approved grand funds of $1,974,800. Staff recommends authorization to begin purchasing radio equipment within the guidelines of the grant requirements and the City of Hickory’s procurement laws.
N. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 7.
1. To transfer $500 from the International Council line item to the Library Books line item. This transfer represents a donation from the International Council for the purchase of books in remembrance of Bawol Calbiri.
2. To budget $5,486 of donations in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the Unifour Senior Games.
3. To transfer $105,000 of Appropriated General Fund Balance to the Fire Departments Non-Asset Inventory line item. Funds are necessary to purchase loose equipment for the ladder truck that was originally scheduled for purchase in 2013.
4. To transfer $24,000 from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines to the Murray Basin Capital Project. This transfer is necessary to pay for an amendment to the existing agreement with HDR Engineering related to design on the sanity sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray Basin Service area.
5. To transfer $134,000 of Water and Sewer Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Contracted Services line item. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services related to the design of a replacement emergency generator at the Water Treatment Facility.
6. To budget a $1,200 Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Raising the Bar Grant. This grant will pay the costs for a Library employee to attend the 2014 Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference in Tacoma, Washington September 4-6, 2014.
7. To transfer $16,200 from the Police Department Uniforms line item to the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Project budget. This transfer represents the local match required by the Department of Justice for the Federal award in the amount of $14,874.73. This grant will pay up to 47.86% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests.
8. To appropriate $38,875 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from North Carolina State Unauthorized Substance Tax) and budget in the Police Departmental Supplies. This budget amendment is needed for the purchase of ammunition for fire arms training and to replenish the supply of ammunition. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the State and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
O. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number 2.
1. To budget a $24,000 transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines in the Murray Basin Capital Project Design line item. This transfer provides funds to pay for an amendment to the existing agreement with HDR Engineering related to design on the sanitary sewer infrastructure to serve the Murray Basin Service area.
P. Grant Project Ordinance Number 5.
1. To budget a total of $31,075 in the Police Department Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Project uniforms line item. The City received a $14,875 Federal award from the United States Department of Justice that requires a $16,200 local match. This grant will pay up to 47.86% of the costs of National
Institute of Justice approved vests.
Q. Grant Project Ordinance Number 6.
1. To budget a $23,359 FY2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the Police Departments Non-Asset Inventory, Supplies and Specialized Equipment line items. The Police Department will use the funds to purchase equipment for the Special Operations Team.
Informational Item
A. MAB Acquisitions LLC - After a public hearing on March 18, 2014, on April 4, 2014 City Council entered into an Economic Development Agreement for purchase and sell of real property with MAB, with the intent to sell to MAB 10.099 acres of City owned property at the intersection of HWY 127 and Cloninger Mill Road for the price of $900,000. The agreement included a 120 day inspection period which was extended to September 26, 2014 by City Council on July 15th due to a delay in the city removing debris from the property. MAB agreed to develop the property as a grocery anchored shopping center with stipulations on its development as approved by council (Exhibit C of EDA). On September 29th staff received a letter from the attorney representing MAB indicating they would not acquire the property and terminating the EDA.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. OHM Holdings LLC Parking Lot Agreement - N.C.G.S. 160A-458.3 permits a city to engage in downtown development projects consisting of public and private facilities if the City Council finds the project will have a significant impact on the revitalization of the central business district, as defined by the Council. The statute permits a city to enter into a binding contract with a private developer to acquire, construct, own, and operate the downtown development project or specific facilities within such a project.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World -- September 28, 2014
Hound Notes: I didn't put out an Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World last week because I was sick, there were other priorities and I was enjoying the back and forth between Harry and Talferris about the Privatization issue.
In a perfect world, I would agree with Harry and I do topically believe that Big Government steals our liberty. The question should be asked, 'Has government growth correlated with population growth and economic activity?' I believe that the growth has outstripped any reasonable parameters that would justify said growth... and that is at every level of governance.
One need only look at the devaluation of currencies through the growth of the money supply and the accumulating debt associated with that growth. Those in favor of Social Government have fed the corporate beast that they expressly state time and time again that they loathe so much. When monies are borrowed (debt) through the issuance of bonds, who is buying these instruments? Mainly corporate financial interests. This ties these corporate interests to the government. The question begs to be asked, 'Who is going to act in whose interests?'
Let's also get to the main point against what Harry is espousing. When most everyone associated in the highest governmental positions put their personal interests to the fore, then who is going to be there to ensure the people (the public interest) don't get ripped off.
I have been saddened by the reality I have witnessed here in my middle age. There are very few people that I trust, because I inquisitively attempt to understand people's character. Most people in our society live with blinders on and they are ignorant as to the effect they have on others through their interpersonal interactions. Personally, I don't want to run over others and I'm not going to allow others to run over me. I refuse to be a willful victim. I am not a Me First! (Me, Me, Me, me, Me) Person.
What we have is a moral dilemma. There's a storm a comin' and you better make peace with how you are going to deal with the struggle. I truly believe that "Preparation is the Key to Success." Look up the term Mise En Place. There is a Reckoning coming and it is because people like to kick the can down the road... Have your cake and eat it too. Maybe some of you think you can do that forever?
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The Secret Slave Labor Ring Coming to Your Neighborhood - The Daily Reckoning - Chris Campbell - September 26, 2014 - ...“America has about 4% of the world’s people,” Hank Green, the creator of the video began, “and about 25% of the world’s incarcerated people... “We have the highest incarceration rate in the world,” There are about 2 million people in state, federal, and private prisons in the States. That’s 500,000 more than China. And China’s population is five times greater...
The past few decades have seen a prison population explosion: We had fewer than 300,000 inmates in 1972. By 2000, that figure grew to 2 million... ...Forty-one percent of American juveniles and young adults have been arrested by the time they turn 23. “And it’s an expensive one, with some institutions paying more than $100,000 per year, per prisoner.”
... Instead of efforts to rehabilitate and integrate criminals back into society, something really grim is happening… “They don’t have to worry about strikes or paying unemployment insurance, vacations or comp time,” Vicky Pelaez wrote in Global Research. “All of their workers are full-time, and never arrive late or are absent because of family problems; moreover, if they don’t like the pay of 25 cents an hour and refuse to work, they are locked up in isolation cells.” “For the tycoons who have invested in the prison industry,” Pelaez writes, “it has been like finding a pot of gold.” Ten years ago, you would’ve only found five private prisons in the country. And collectively, they held a population of 2,000. Today, there are 100, with a population of 62,000...
50 Facts That Show How Far America Has Fallen In This Generation - The End of the American Dream - Michael Snyder - September 18th, 2014 - What has happened to America? Please show these numbers to anyone that does not believe that the United States is in decline. It is time for all of us to humble ourselves and face the reality of what has happened to our once great nation. For those of us that love America, it is heartbreaking to watch the foundations of our society rot and decay in thousands of different ways. The following are 50 facts that show how far America has fallen in this generation, but the truth is that this list could have been far, far longer…
VIDEO: Demographics – The West’s age distribution is too lopsided to support entitlements - Washington's Blog - Chris Martenson - September 28, 2014 -When Americas social security and health care and entitlement systems were first conceived, the country has much different age distribution. There were roughly 7 active workers per retiree, and the ability to transfer some of that employee wealth to support older citizens was supportable. But with the arrival on the scene of the Baby Boom as well as advances in longetivity, the math changed dramatically. By 2005, there were only 5 workers per retiree. And by 2030, just 15 short years away, there will be less than 3. Our national demographic architecture no longer can afford the entitlement system we have. And that’s even assuming entitlements were currently sufficiently funded. But as the last chapter showed, the existing programs are underfunded to the tune of $100-200 Trillion. America’s demographic situation is a ticking time bomb. The older generation is already competing more fiercely than ever with younger ones in the job market, as many seniors can’t afford to retire. Youth also has to contend with trends like automation, outsourcing, and high unemployment/underemployment, which further handicap their ability to build capital and, importantly, to afford all the assets (stocks, houses, etc) that the Boomers are counting on selling to them.
This Is About As Good As Things Are Going To Get For The Middle Class – And It’s Not That Good - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder - September 22nd, 2014 - The U.S. economy has had six full years to bounce back since the financial collapse of 2008, and it simply has not happened. Median household income has declined substantially since then, total household wealth for middle class families is way down, the percentage of the population that is employed is still about where it was at the end of the last recession, and the number of Americans that are dependent on the government has absolutely exploded. Even those that claim that the economy is "recovering" admit that we are not even close to where we used to be economically. Many hope that someday we will eventually get back to that level, but the truth is that this is about as good as things are ever going to get for the middle class. And we should enjoy this period of relative stability while we still can, because when the next great financial crisis strikes things are going to fall apart very rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau has just released some brand new numbers, and they are quite sobering. For example, after accounting for inflation median household income in the United States has declined a total of 8 percent from where it was back in 2007. That means that middle class families have significantly less purchasing power than they did just prior to the last major financial crisis. And one research firm is projecting that it is going to take until 2019 for median household income to return to the level that we witnessed in 2007...
Survey: Three Out Of Four Americans Feel Like Recession Continues - NewsMax - Dan Weil - September 25, 2014 - Americans have a bleak view of the economy and their own financial situations, according to a new study from the Public Religion Research Institute. While the Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, only 21 percent of Americans believe it's really over, while 72 percent believe it continues. Only 7 percent of Americans report they are in excellent shape financially, while 34 percent say they're in good shape, 37 percent say they're in fair shape, and 20 percent say they're in poor shape. Just 30 percent believe the economy has improved during the past two years, while 35 percent say it has worsened, and 33 percent say it is about the same. Meanwhile, 36 percent of Americans say that someone in their household had to cut back on food to save money during the last year. “It looks a little gloomy,” said Robert Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, which conducted the survey in conjunction with the Brookings Institution. “There's been a wavering belief in the concept of the American Dream. About half said it once held true but does no longer. One in 10 said it never was true,” he told the Houston Chronicle. “Despite the fact that there has been improvement in the economy since the Great Recession, approximately four in ten Americans live in households experiencing high or moderate levels of economic insecurity,” Jones told MainStreet.com. “Economic insecurity remains highly stratified by race, with nearly six in ten black Americans living in households with high or moderate levels of economic insecurity.” Meanwhile PBS Newshour reported that the most common economic fear "reveals a human suffering more visceral, and perhaps less publicized, than layoffs or unemployment rolls: food insecurity," with 36 percent of respondents saying they’d experienced it. "It’s possible that’s the budgetary item Americans feel they have the most control over (compared to whether they pay a monthly bill or not, for example), and thus find it easiest to cut. It’s not specified whether “cutting back to save money” means going hungry or forgoing an $8 bag of almonds," PBS Newshour reported. Life has been tough for many Americans for quite a while, says Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston.
"The American economy hasn't worked for average families since the end of the Clinton administration," he writes. "A recovery that leaves them out is no recovery at all, and they know it. This simple fact goes a long way toward explaining the tone of our current politics and the temper of our society." Median household income totaled $51,939 in 2013, down 8 percent from 2007. "The median earnings for Americans working full-time year round haven't changed much since 2007," Galston says. "But more than five years into the recovery, there are fewer such workers than before the recession."
In a perfect world, I would agree with Harry and I do topically believe that Big Government steals our liberty. The question should be asked, 'Has government growth correlated with population growth and economic activity?' I believe that the growth has outstripped any reasonable parameters that would justify said growth... and that is at every level of governance.
One need only look at the devaluation of currencies through the growth of the money supply and the accumulating debt associated with that growth. Those in favor of Social Government have fed the corporate beast that they expressly state time and time again that they loathe so much. When monies are borrowed (debt) through the issuance of bonds, who is buying these instruments? Mainly corporate financial interests. This ties these corporate interests to the government. The question begs to be asked, 'Who is going to act in whose interests?'
Let's also get to the main point against what Harry is espousing. When most everyone associated in the highest governmental positions put their personal interests to the fore, then who is going to be there to ensure the people (the public interest) don't get ripped off.
I have been saddened by the reality I have witnessed here in my middle age. There are very few people that I trust, because I inquisitively attempt to understand people's character. Most people in our society live with blinders on and they are ignorant as to the effect they have on others through their interpersonal interactions. Personally, I don't want to run over others and I'm not going to allow others to run over me. I refuse to be a willful victim. I am not a Me First! (Me, Me, Me, me, Me) Person.
What we have is a moral dilemma. There's a storm a comin' and you better make peace with how you are going to deal with the struggle. I truly believe that "Preparation is the Key to Success." Look up the term Mise En Place. There is a Reckoning coming and it is because people like to kick the can down the road... Have your cake and eat it too. Maybe some of you think you can do that forever?
=========================================================================
The Secret Slave Labor Ring Coming to Your Neighborhood - The Daily Reckoning - Chris Campbell - September 26, 2014 - ...“America has about 4% of the world’s people,” Hank Green, the creator of the video began, “and about 25% of the world’s incarcerated people... “We have the highest incarceration rate in the world,” There are about 2 million people in state, federal, and private prisons in the States. That’s 500,000 more than China. And China’s population is five times greater...
The past few decades have seen a prison population explosion: We had fewer than 300,000 inmates in 1972. By 2000, that figure grew to 2 million... ...Forty-one percent of American juveniles and young adults have been arrested by the time they turn 23. “And it’s an expensive one, with some institutions paying more than $100,000 per year, per prisoner.”
... Instead of efforts to rehabilitate and integrate criminals back into society, something really grim is happening… “They don’t have to worry about strikes or paying unemployment insurance, vacations or comp time,” Vicky Pelaez wrote in Global Research. “All of their workers are full-time, and never arrive late or are absent because of family problems; moreover, if they don’t like the pay of 25 cents an hour and refuse to work, they are locked up in isolation cells.” “For the tycoons who have invested in the prison industry,” Pelaez writes, “it has been like finding a pot of gold.” Ten years ago, you would’ve only found five private prisons in the country. And collectively, they held a population of 2,000. Today, there are 100, with a population of 62,000...
50 Facts That Show How Far America Has Fallen In This Generation - The End of the American Dream - Michael Snyder - September 18th, 2014 - What has happened to America? Please show these numbers to anyone that does not believe that the United States is in decline. It is time for all of us to humble ourselves and face the reality of what has happened to our once great nation. For those of us that love America, it is heartbreaking to watch the foundations of our society rot and decay in thousands of different ways. The following are 50 facts that show how far America has fallen in this generation, but the truth is that this list could have been far, far longer…
VIDEO: Demographics – The West’s age distribution is too lopsided to support entitlements - Washington's Blog - Chris Martenson - September 28, 2014 -When Americas social security and health care and entitlement systems were first conceived, the country has much different age distribution. There were roughly 7 active workers per retiree, and the ability to transfer some of that employee wealth to support older citizens was supportable. But with the arrival on the scene of the Baby Boom as well as advances in longetivity, the math changed dramatically. By 2005, there were only 5 workers per retiree. And by 2030, just 15 short years away, there will be less than 3. Our national demographic architecture no longer can afford the entitlement system we have. And that’s even assuming entitlements were currently sufficiently funded. But as the last chapter showed, the existing programs are underfunded to the tune of $100-200 Trillion. America’s demographic situation is a ticking time bomb. The older generation is already competing more fiercely than ever with younger ones in the job market, as many seniors can’t afford to retire. Youth also has to contend with trends like automation, outsourcing, and high unemployment/underemployment, which further handicap their ability to build capital and, importantly, to afford all the assets (stocks, houses, etc) that the Boomers are counting on selling to them.
This Is About As Good As Things Are Going To Get For The Middle Class – And It’s Not That Good - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder - September 22nd, 2014 - The U.S. economy has had six full years to bounce back since the financial collapse of 2008, and it simply has not happened. Median household income has declined substantially since then, total household wealth for middle class families is way down, the percentage of the population that is employed is still about where it was at the end of the last recession, and the number of Americans that are dependent on the government has absolutely exploded. Even those that claim that the economy is "recovering" admit that we are not even close to where we used to be economically. Many hope that someday we will eventually get back to that level, but the truth is that this is about as good as things are ever going to get for the middle class. And we should enjoy this period of relative stability while we still can, because when the next great financial crisis strikes things are going to fall apart very rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau has just released some brand new numbers, and they are quite sobering. For example, after accounting for inflation median household income in the United States has declined a total of 8 percent from where it was back in 2007. That means that middle class families have significantly less purchasing power than they did just prior to the last major financial crisis. And one research firm is projecting that it is going to take until 2019 for median household income to return to the level that we witnessed in 2007...
For everybody wondering why the economic recovery feels like a recession, here’s the answer: We’re still at least five years away from regaining everything lost during the 2007-2009 downturn.Of course that projection assumes that the economy will continue to "recover", which is a very questionable assumption at best. Meanwhile, total household wealth has been declining for middle class families as well. According to the New York Times, the "typical American household" is now worth 36 percent less than it was worth a decade ago. That is a pretty substantial drop. But you never hear our politicians (especially the Democrats) bring up numbers like that because they want us to feel good about things. So why is all of this happening? The biggest reason why the middle class is struggling so much is the lack of good jobs. As the chart posted below demonstrates, the percentage of the working age population that is actually employed is still way, way below where it was prior to the last recession...
Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight predicts that real median household income — perhaps the best proxy for middle-class living standards — won’t reach the prior peak from 2007 until 2019. Since the numbers are adjusted for inflation, that means the typical family will wait 12 years until their purchasing power is as strong as it was before the recession. That would be the longest period of stagnation, by far, since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Survey: Three Out Of Four Americans Feel Like Recession Continues - NewsMax - Dan Weil - September 25, 2014 - Americans have a bleak view of the economy and their own financial situations, according to a new study from the Public Religion Research Institute. While the Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, only 21 percent of Americans believe it's really over, while 72 percent believe it continues. Only 7 percent of Americans report they are in excellent shape financially, while 34 percent say they're in good shape, 37 percent say they're in fair shape, and 20 percent say they're in poor shape. Just 30 percent believe the economy has improved during the past two years, while 35 percent say it has worsened, and 33 percent say it is about the same. Meanwhile, 36 percent of Americans say that someone in their household had to cut back on food to save money during the last year. “It looks a little gloomy,” said Robert Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, which conducted the survey in conjunction with the Brookings Institution. “There's been a wavering belief in the concept of the American Dream. About half said it once held true but does no longer. One in 10 said it never was true,” he told the Houston Chronicle. “Despite the fact that there has been improvement in the economy since the Great Recession, approximately four in ten Americans live in households experiencing high or moderate levels of economic insecurity,” Jones told MainStreet.com. “Economic insecurity remains highly stratified by race, with nearly six in ten black Americans living in households with high or moderate levels of economic insecurity.” Meanwhile PBS Newshour reported that the most common economic fear "reveals a human suffering more visceral, and perhaps less publicized, than layoffs or unemployment rolls: food insecurity," with 36 percent of respondents saying they’d experienced it. "It’s possible that’s the budgetary item Americans feel they have the most control over (compared to whether they pay a monthly bill or not, for example), and thus find it easiest to cut. It’s not specified whether “cutting back to save money” means going hungry or forgoing an $8 bag of almonds," PBS Newshour reported. Life has been tough for many Americans for quite a while, says Wall Street Journal columnist William Galston.
"The American economy hasn't worked for average families since the end of the Clinton administration," he writes. "A recovery that leaves them out is no recovery at all, and they know it. This simple fact goes a long way toward explaining the tone of our current politics and the temper of our society." Median household income totaled $51,939 in 2013, down 8 percent from 2007. "The median earnings for Americans working full-time year round haven't changed much since 2007," Galston says. "But more than five years into the recovery, there are fewer such workers than before the recession."
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Jay Adams - Candidate 96th NC House District - First Talk with Hal Row
I have known Jay Adams for several years now. He was a participant in the Future Economy Council and that was where I first formally met him. Jay is an idea guy. He is very approachable and easy to talk to and he is very knowledgeable about local property development. You see an ACRES sign, that is Jay Adams.
This is his interview on Hal Row this morning. He talks about the hot topics in relation to primary education and the medicare expansion issue. He talks about the uncertainty in education and says teachers want to teach. He is conditioned to identify economic opportunity. He wants to sell Hickory in Raleigh. He wants the expansion of Highway 16 to Charlotte to become a priority. Jay says there is so much (too much) hyperbole in Raleigh. You have to sit at the table to "hear it for real." He talks about his being the best candidate because he knows the area and he has the experience.
Jay wanted to make the point, "that he is the candidate that will return results creating jobs and expanding the economy, because he has actual experience doing it."
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