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 November 4, 2014
===================================================================
Hound Notes: I didn't put out Thoughts because the meeting only lasted a little more than 15 minutes. As I had thought in my Agenda notes. The Council wanted to get to their party and understandably so.
With a 15 minute meeting, you will understand that there wasn't much to comment on. A public hearing on issues of vagrancy was postponed to a later time uncertain date.
I will also be putting out something that will take a few days and plan to get back to putting out Economic Stories of Relevance.
====================================================================
Invocation by Reverend Mark Andrews - St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Proclamation to Casey McCall, Shelter Director, Salvation Army.
Consent Agenda:
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing – for Consideration of Amending Chapter 24 of the Hickory Code of Ordinance. - Delayed at this time
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Contract with Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services in the Amount of $91,243.78. - When the Falling Creek Road Bridge was inspected, it was found to be structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.
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Friday, November 7, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
The people have spoken here in Hickory and they 100% support Hickory Inc.
Congratulations Hickory Inc., the people have spoken and decided to follow the "Economic" model that you say will lead to growth. I still don't agree with that model and don't have twenty years to wait on your development plans, but it is clearly and unambiguously the will of the people and you have a mandate to do what you propose. Hickory Inc. and Boost Hickory, you have gotten what you want and you should run with it without question.
Personally, I hold no sour grapes about this referendum. I am not ashamed and I stand by what I have written and laid out in relation to this subject, the referendum. After all, I was only reporting what you laid out without the hard sell and marketing. I will not rehash any of this here tonight.
Moving forward, I will not be commenting on this subject matter and will not complain about taxes in Hickory, because I do follow the will of the people. The people of Hickory have clearly chosen a path that they like and it cuts across party lines and the current demographics of the community.
And that is all that needs to be said...
Over and Out,
JT Shell
Personally, I hold no sour grapes about this referendum. I am not ashamed and I stand by what I have written and laid out in relation to this subject, the referendum. After all, I was only reporting what you laid out without the hard sell and marketing. I will not rehash any of this here tonight.
Moving forward, I will not be commenting on this subject matter and will not complain about taxes in Hickory, because I do follow the will of the people. The people of Hickory have clearly chosen a path that they like and it cuts across party lines and the current demographics of the community.
And that is all that needs to be said...
Over and Out,
JT Shell
Boost gets Busted: Mike Thomas fails to comply with Campaign Finance Law
Here is a quick breakdown of the Hickory Daily Record article regarding Boost Hickory's (BH) failure to comply with the State Board of Election's (SBOE) financial disclosure laws.
Boost Hickory committee late on finance report - Hickory Daily Record - Frank Bumb - November 3, 2014
Right off the bat we are given the standard, weak, textbook excuse for not filing the reports on time. It's the political equivalent to "the dog ate my homework." Campaign 101: "I just didn't get (the notice)" - Mike Thomas; Partner at Patrick, Harper, & Dixon LLPC (Psst - that's right folks. He's a Princeton-educated lawyer).
Why did this even become an issue? This one even has me stumped. There was actually never a need for the Boost Hickory Committee to register with the SBOE. Despite Mike Thomas' claims, Boost Hickory IS NOT a state wide campaign. Hickory having residents in multiple counties means absolutely nothing. The BH Committee could have simply registered with the Catawba County BOE. However, that would have meant being held accountable by a government entity much closer to home and more focused on holding BH accountable to applicable laws.
It is clear from the partial list that has been made public that at least 44% of the money raised by the BH folks came from CORPORATE sources. While completely legal, clearly this shows the lack of widespread public support for this referendum (Tax Hike) by the thousands of average citizens that would eventually be strapped with the increased tax burden needed to repay the Hickory Inc. version of corporate welfare.
Even while FINALLY making SOME of the disclosure report public, Attorney Mike Thomas has done this community a huge disservice by not allowing the voting public their civic/legal right to properly vet these numbers. Voters are unquestionably entitled to as much information as possible so that they can make the most informed decision they can. Granted, while many voters would not personally search through public databases to research the plethora of campaign finance reports, various media sources do routinely report on such things and make that information available to the public in a more reader-friendly style. Every candidate that is on the ballot in Catawba County properly filed their disclosure reports ON TIME - Boost Hickory failed.
What could be concluded from this act of defiance? Well, now that we have seen SOME of the numbers, it could be concluded that BH views the fine that will be imposed by the SBOE (likely to be around $350) as a mere pittance compared to what they have raised and spent on this "Tax Hike" initiative.
Why is any of this even remotely important? Is it about simply not complying with state law? No! Is it about illegal signs and not complying with local ordinances? Not even close.
Those so closely associated with BH have long and publicly boasted of their trustworthiness and their adherence to being completely transparent.
Trustworthy: Adjective - taking responsibility for one's conduct and obligations. Regarding the illegal signs. The City of Hickory notifies EVERY campaign of all applicable election/campaign ordinances. Included in this information, it CLEARLY outlines the guidelines pertaining to campaign signs. Moreover, it is written in VURRY (that one is for you, Rudy) understandable language. To be sure, there is NO ambiguity to the guidelines. Yet still, Boost Hickory (with one week left in the campaign) blitzed the City with the biggest campaign signs that have ever been seen locally. The City's limit on political sign size is 16 sq.ft. Boost Hickory busted through that with signs that were 3x's over that limit. This was on top of the City notifying Boost Hickory of the sign ordinance and having them remove a sign that was 2-story's in height (approximately 600 sq. feet) that was draped off the roof of the Hollar Mill building -- a previous and future Inspiring Spaces/Boost Hickory beneficiary and committee member.
At any rate, despite having been notified that the 10'x5' signs were illegal, Mike Thomas still claimed that Boost Hickory knew nothing of any illegal signs and refused to voluntarily comply with City ordinances. Now, that's a long way of illustrating that Boost Hickory folks indeed don't take responsibility for their conduct and obligations.
Transparent - Capable of being perceived or understood; plain or clear; obvious; hiding nothing. Regarding the disclosure reports. Again, this leads back to allowing voters access to as much information as possible and in this case legally required information. Isn't it telling that nearly half of the contributions come from corporate donors? One might even be critical of the lack of diversity of the reported donors. Well, one might be critical IF they had the pertinent information in time. Displaying such a disregard for Hickory's citizens' right to know must surely raise questions about Boost's flimsy and empty claims of trustworthiness and transparency.
And, to be fair, the State Board of Elections' financial disclosure laws are easy to understand. Surely a partner at one of the City's most notable law firms - Patrick, Harper, & Dixon - shouldn't have had that much trouble interpreting a simple reporting deadline timetable. And while Mike Thomas did the right thing by making public the report, doing so the evening before Election Day certainly deserves no commendation. Mike Thomas (Boost Hickory) only did what the law required him to do.
It should not go unreported that this information would have never been made public had it not been for an inquiry by a citizen. Moreover, that very citizen has received nothing but harassment from at least one City Council member for publicly questioning Boost Hickory's failure to comply with the SBOE. That City Council member went as far as to even insist that the citizen was "misinformed" about the facts -- the very facts above.
If there is one thing that we can take away from this that will be applicable in the future, it is this - FUTURE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE MIKE THOMAS will easily fit the Hickory Inc. mold!!!
Let me leave you with this last thought. Make no mistake about it, the Boost Hickory Referendum should not be passed. It is not because we should not invest in our City or in ourselves and each other. Vote against this Referendum so that on November 5th, we can demand that our elected officials get to work on an investment strategy that truly takes into account this entire City. For what it's worth, a good start would be to add more seats to the table and make sure that everyone that wants a seat is welcome and respected. By involving more people in the decision making process, a more acceptable, more effective, and stronger plan can be developed and would be supported by the citizens.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Agenda about the City Council meeting of November 4, 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 - November 4, 2014
=================================================
Hound Notes: Generally Speaking, Election night meetings are short, because the people associated with these meetings want to get out to watch election returns.
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, Pastor, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Proclamation to Casey McCall, Shelter Director, Salvation Army.
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Eight Days of Vacation Time to Use as Door Prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day. - The Coworker Appreciation Event Committee requests approval of eight days of vacation time to use as door prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2014 at The Crossing at Hollar Mill. Five days are used as the grand prize and the other three days as additional door prizes.
B. Call for Public Hearing – for Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 20.446 acres located at 2415 Springs Road NE.
C. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Ann Heafner Bolick, Widow, to Jean Heafner King.
D. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from David Dauler, a/k/a/ David M. Dauler, Single, to James Barry Broselow and Mildred Taylor Broselow
E. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Eugenia B. Miller, Widow, to Jamie Allen Buff
F. Approval of Community Relations Council’s Recommendations for Fall Grants to Non-Profit Agencies. - The Community Relations Council receives funds to disburse during the fiscal year through the Community Relations Council grant process. Non-profit agencies working with diverse populations in Hickory are eligible for grant funding. The grant proposal must show how the program under consideration fits into the Community Relations Council goals and mission, and how the program will serve to improve human relations in the Hickory area. A total of $7,600 is available in the Community Relations Council budget for grants in fiscal year 2014/2015. Community Relations Council recommends the following grants: ACAP Community - $1,200; Rick Cline/Hickory Music Factory - $900; Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc. - $1,500; Hickory Community Theater, Inc. - $2,500; Community Health Center of Catawba County: a Program of Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry - $1,500.
G. Approval of a Proclamation – Certificate of Appreciation of H. Dewitt “Dee’ Blackwell’s 40 Years of Service with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
H. Approval of a Proclamation for Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2014.
I. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 9.
1. To budget a $2,387 insurance claim payment in the FBO Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to Hangar W5 by a tenant.
2. To transfer $10,064 of General Fund Contingency to the Central Services-Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are necessary to pay for their share of the carpet replacement in the Public Services office building. The carpet replacement is needed because of safety reasons as well as age and
appearance.
3. To appropriate $7,655 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from the Department of Justice Asset Forfeitures) and budget in the Police Non-Asset Inventory ($1,953) and Computer Equipment ($5,702). This budget amendment is needed for the purchase of computers for the new Forensic Evidence Technician. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the Department of Justice and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to North Carolina League of Municipalities Annual Conference, Greensboro, NC, October 13-14, 2014 (Mileage Reimbursement $104.16; Lodging $152.21; Meal Per Diem $51.25, Registration $350)
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing – for Consideration of Amending Chapter 24 of the Hickory Code of Ordinance. - Staff has been reviewing various sections of the Hickory City Code of Ordinances with the intention of consolidating into a single section governing peddlers, solicitors, and panhandlers. The ordinance also needs to be updated to current circumstances and terminology. After calling for the scheduled public hearing, staff discovered additional aspects of the ordinance which need to be addressed and recommends rescheduling and re-noticing the public hearing.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Contract with Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services in the Amount of $91,243.78. - When the Falling Creek Road Bridge was inspected, it was found to be structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. Due to the condition of the structure, the project was placed on the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for replacement and granted designation B-5549. With the designation, 80 percent of the replacement cost including professional design services will be provided by Federal funds and 20 percent will be borne by the City of Hickory. In accordance with NCDOT guidelines, Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc., was chosen for the project. Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc. will provide professional engineering services for the design replacement utilities and right of way acquisition services on the Falling Creek Road bridge replacement project in the amount of $91,243.78; 20 percent will be paid by the City in the amount of $18,248.76, and the remaining 80 percent, in the amount of $72,995.02, will be reimbursed to the City by the Federal government.
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 - November 4, 2014=================================================
Hound Notes: Generally Speaking, Election night meetings are short, because the people associated with these meetings want to get out to watch election returns.
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, Pastor, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Proclamation to Casey McCall, Shelter Director, Salvation Army.
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Eight Days of Vacation Time to Use as Door Prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day. - The Coworker Appreciation Event Committee requests approval of eight days of vacation time to use as door prizes for Coworker Appreciation Day, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2014 at The Crossing at Hollar Mill. Five days are used as the grand prize and the other three days as additional door prizes.
B. Call for Public Hearing – for Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 20.446 acres located at 2415 Springs Road NE.
C. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Ann Heafner Bolick, Widow, to Jean Heafner King.
D. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from David Dauler, a/k/a/ David M. Dauler, Single, to James Barry Broselow and Mildred Taylor Broselow
E. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Eugenia B. Miller, Widow, to Jamie Allen Buff
F. Approval of Community Relations Council’s Recommendations for Fall Grants to Non-Profit Agencies. - The Community Relations Council receives funds to disburse during the fiscal year through the Community Relations Council grant process. Non-profit agencies working with diverse populations in Hickory are eligible for grant funding. The grant proposal must show how the program under consideration fits into the Community Relations Council goals and mission, and how the program will serve to improve human relations in the Hickory area. A total of $7,600 is available in the Community Relations Council budget for grants in fiscal year 2014/2015. Community Relations Council recommends the following grants: ACAP Community - $1,200; Rick Cline/Hickory Music Factory - $900; Family Care Center of Catawba Valley, Inc. - $1,500; Hickory Community Theater, Inc. - $2,500; Community Health Center of Catawba County: a Program of Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry - $1,500.
G. Approval of a Proclamation – Certificate of Appreciation of H. Dewitt “Dee’ Blackwell’s 40 Years of Service with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
H. Approval of a Proclamation for Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2014.
I. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 9.
1. To budget a $2,387 insurance claim payment in the FBO Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to Hangar W5 by a tenant.
2. To transfer $10,064 of General Fund Contingency to the Central Services-Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are necessary to pay for their share of the carpet replacement in the Public Services office building. The carpet replacement is needed because of safety reasons as well as age and
appearance.
3. To appropriate $7,655 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from the Department of Justice Asset Forfeitures) and budget in the Police Non-Asset Inventory ($1,953) and Computer Equipment ($5,702). This budget amendment is needed for the purchase of computers for the new Forensic Evidence Technician. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the Department of Justice and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to North Carolina League of Municipalities Annual Conference, Greensboro, NC, October 13-14, 2014 (Mileage Reimbursement $104.16; Lodging $152.21; Meal Per Diem $51.25, Registration $350)
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Public Hearing – for Consideration of Amending Chapter 24 of the Hickory Code of Ordinance. - Staff has been reviewing various sections of the Hickory City Code of Ordinances with the intention of consolidating into a single section governing peddlers, solicitors, and panhandlers. The ordinance also needs to be updated to current circumstances and terminology. After calling for the scheduled public hearing, staff discovered additional aspects of the ordinance which need to be addressed and recommends rescheduling and re-noticing the public hearing.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Contract with Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services in the Amount of $91,243.78. - When the Falling Creek Road Bridge was inspected, it was found to be structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. Due to the condition of the structure, the project was placed on the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for replacement and granted designation B-5549. With the designation, 80 percent of the replacement cost including professional design services will be provided by Federal funds and 20 percent will be borne by the City of Hickory. In accordance with NCDOT guidelines, Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc., was chosen for the project. Thompson Gordon Shook Engineers, Inc. will provide professional engineering services for the design replacement utilities and right of way acquisition services on the Falling Creek Road bridge replacement project in the amount of $91,243.78; 20 percent will be paid by the City in the amount of $18,248.76, and the remaining 80 percent, in the amount of $72,995.02, will be reimbursed to the City by the Federal government.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Hey Hickory -- Who said the following in 2009 about 'Quality of Life' issues? (Quote)
“...but we have to have jobs. Young Professionals aren't going to come here, even for quality of life and social/community involvement, if there are no job opportunities. We are in a quandary. We can market all we want, but we have to have jobs.”
As a Hound reader, who does not support this bond referendum, stated:
Who made the quote above about Young Professionals, that basically says that, 'young people aren't going to move here for quality of life issues unless there are jobs.' In other words, this person was saying 'build it and they will come' will not work.
Now, five years later this person is pushing for a stimulus package that is the complete opposite of what he espoused five years ago. The person who delivered that quote was Alan Jackson, the original Chairman of Hickory Inc.'s Business Development Committee.
Fixing Hickory - Narrowing Our Focus Economic Stimulus Package for Catawba County Finalized (The Finale) - October 26, 2014
Remember the Federal Stimulus plan of 2009-10. Has it made the economy better? It has for a few at the top, but what has it done for the middle class down. Look at the people pushing this plan. Is it not the same Insiders that always benefit when the local government starts throwing money around?
======================================================
Now, I was basically told I was Anti-Hickory and not objective, this week, and here is my response edited for the general public:
I am not an anti-city guy. If that is what floats your boat, then enjoy. If we are going to be honest and forthright, that is only established in certain circles close to the Whitener Building. Not everyone with Hickory Inc. has that big a problem with what I say. The numbers related to this Bond Referendum that I have laid out aren't conjecture, they come directly from Hickory Inc. sources. I haven't made any of it up. It's mathematics.
You can't be any more transparent than what I have laid out about this Bond issue and what I have interpreted Hickory Inc. says this money will be used for. Here's something I want the public to understand about where I am coming from. The City of Hickory are the people that reside, work and have an economic interest in the community. They are the diaspora that have come and gone from the community and are involved in the community. It is supposed to be a government of, by, and for the people.
Studies, surveys, committees, commissions, decisions should always take ALL of the people into account.
What they call "the City of Hickory" and I call "Hickory Inc." is the business mechanism that operates the community; the local Bureaucracy and Elected Officials. Those are supposed to be the Public Servants of the People. They work for the people and are supposed to work in the interest of the people. This corporate entity, that is chartered with the State of North Carolina and sanctioned by the North Carolina General Assembly, is a business mechanism that was established to serve the interests of the community of Hickory. This Corporation has jurisdiction over the City Proper and it's ETJ and any business interests that the associated public trust invests in. In Hickory, that includes the water system for nearly all of Catawba County.
The point is that I am not anti-Hickory. I haven't liked the ramrod style of government I have seen here for a long time. Does anyone think I'm the only one?
When the BUST Hickory side mandates that we either do this or Hickory is done... well, I find THAT to be negative. Especially when these people are the people that had us, by their own admission, hunkered down. The same people are constantly Lording over us... telling us what will and won't work, while not allowing (sanctioning) much of the public to have input.
I have been to every City Council meeting since July 2008. I have been to many community functions, including that meeting Mr. Jackson is quoted from above, where the issues I have addressed have been presented. I have people that call me out of the blue to discuss issues. I have people I have structured meetings with to discuss these issues. I'm not just shooting off at the mouth. Respect is a multi-lane street.
A lot of the sentiment from people who claim the Hound is Anti-Hickory and not objective, seems to be "If you're not with us, you're against us." Is that a positive attitude? Is that objective?
The Hound's intent IS, and will continue to be, an inclusive and positive force for the people of the community.
As a Hound reader, who does not support this bond referendum, stated:
It is interesting to go back to some of the 2009 (Hickory Hound) blogs and re-read them. Future Economic Council, Transformative Leadership, Narrowing our Focus from the Fixing Hickory series. Our local leadership has been sitting on the answers for 5 years. Now they want $40M (not including finance costs) to make Hickory “a great place to live”.
Who made the quote above about Young Professionals, that basically says that, 'young people aren't going to move here for quality of life issues unless there are jobs.' In other words, this person was saying 'build it and they will come' will not work.
Now, five years later this person is pushing for a stimulus package that is the complete opposite of what he espoused five years ago. The person who delivered that quote was Alan Jackson, the original Chairman of Hickory Inc.'s Business Development Committee.
Fixing Hickory - Narrowing Our Focus Economic Stimulus Package for Catawba County Finalized (The Finale) - October 26, 2014
Remember the Federal Stimulus plan of 2009-10. Has it made the economy better? It has for a few at the top, but what has it done for the middle class down. Look at the people pushing this plan. Is it not the same Insiders that always benefit when the local government starts throwing money around?
======================================================
Now, I was basically told I was Anti-Hickory and not objective, this week, and here is my response edited for the general public:
I am not an anti-city guy. If that is what floats your boat, then enjoy. If we are going to be honest and forthright, that is only established in certain circles close to the Whitener Building. Not everyone with Hickory Inc. has that big a problem with what I say. The numbers related to this Bond Referendum that I have laid out aren't conjecture, they come directly from Hickory Inc. sources. I haven't made any of it up. It's mathematics.
You can't be any more transparent than what I have laid out about this Bond issue and what I have interpreted Hickory Inc. says this money will be used for. Here's something I want the public to understand about where I am coming from. The City of Hickory are the people that reside, work and have an economic interest in the community. They are the diaspora that have come and gone from the community and are involved in the community. It is supposed to be a government of, by, and for the people.
Studies, surveys, committees, commissions, decisions should always take ALL of the people into account.
What they call "the City of Hickory" and I call "Hickory Inc." is the business mechanism that operates the community; the local Bureaucracy and Elected Officials. Those are supposed to be the Public Servants of the People. They work for the people and are supposed to work in the interest of the people. This corporate entity, that is chartered with the State of North Carolina and sanctioned by the North Carolina General Assembly, is a business mechanism that was established to serve the interests of the community of Hickory. This Corporation has jurisdiction over the City Proper and it's ETJ and any business interests that the associated public trust invests in. In Hickory, that includes the water system for nearly all of Catawba County.
The point is that I am not anti-Hickory. I haven't liked the ramrod style of government I have seen here for a long time. Does anyone think I'm the only one?
When the BUST Hickory side mandates that we either do this or Hickory is done... well, I find THAT to be negative. Especially when these people are the people that had us, by their own admission, hunkered down. The same people are constantly Lording over us... telling us what will and won't work, while not allowing (sanctioning) much of the public to have input.
I have been to every City Council meeting since July 2008. I have been to many community functions, including that meeting Mr. Jackson is quoted from above, where the issues I have addressed have been presented. I have people that call me out of the blue to discuss issues. I have people I have structured meetings with to discuss these issues. I'm not just shooting off at the mouth. Respect is a multi-lane street.
A lot of the sentiment from people who claim the Hound is Anti-Hickory and not objective, seems to be "If you're not with us, you're against us." Is that a positive attitude? Is that objective?
The Hound's intent IS, and will continue to be, an inclusive and positive force for the people of the community.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Cliff Moone - Candidate 96th NC House District - First Talk with Hal Row
I have known Cliff Moone for close to four years. The first time I saw him was in December 2010 at a City Council meeting where he introduced a proclamation regarding the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights. I first formally met him a couple months later. Cliff was one of 8 people, of diverse backgrounds, four white men and four black men, some from North Hickory and some from South Hickory, who met in Starbuck's in 2011 with a mission to move Hickory Forward. That movement brought forward the Ward Specific Voting Referendum of 2012 that was narrowly defeated. It also brought about Citizens Requesting to be Heard being moved to the front of the Agenda at Hickory City Council Meetings. And it brought about the Hickory City Council meeting being recorded and uploaded to Youtube.
This is his interview on Hal Row's first Talk last Wednesday Morning.Cliff staunchly attacks the current NC General Assembly, especially in the area of education, and supports the current Bond Referendum here in Hickory.
I'll let the Cliff speak for himself in this interview. I will say that everyone has to appreciate his words about the tragic loss of Kent Crowe at the Candidate Forum in Conover the day before.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of October 21, 2014
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 21, 2014
Thoughts about the Hickory City Council meeting of October 21, 2014
==============================================================
Hound Notes: We see that Land Design is heavily involved in Inspiring Spaces, the Linear Park, the "Friends" Playground at Union Square, bond referendums, and city officials personal lives. Wow! How Neat!
Council Members Meisner and Patton were not in attendance
Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver
Special Presentations
A. Friends of Hickory - (17 minute presentation) about a proposed park that will be built/located to the west of Union Square behind the Community One Bank. (Per Hickory Inc.) - Ms. Beth Watts Rogers, Ms. Allison Holtzman, and Mr. Adrian Holtzman presented to City Council a concept for a playscape to be located in the downtown area, and requested Council’s approval to move forward with their planning. The project is being developed by Land Design and Kompan.
Alderman Guess asks about the concerns about loss of parking behind Community One bank.
Alderman Guess asks about people crossing over the Thoroughfare Crosswalk to get from Union Square to the park.. and about other possibilities for this park's location.
Mrs. Rogers talks about asking for the Council's approval and coming back to go through a process with City Staff, Parks and Rec, the Council about Design, and then coming back with hard dollars.
Mayor Wright and City manager Berry talk about freeing up (parking) spots with the joint City-Transportation Insight parking lot.
City Manager Berry about Parking Perception issue Downtown.
(From) -- Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 18, 2014
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Mr. Jim Bright, Tarheel Challenge Academy - (7 minute presentation) - (Per Hickory Inc.) - Mr. Jim Bright informed City Council of the Tarheel Challenge Academy located in Salemburg, North Carolina. The Academy is a quasi-military program for high school dropouts, or expellees. Mr. Bright discussed details of the program which has a 90 percent success rate.
B. Larry Pope - (Per Hickory Inc.) addressed City Council on his concern of utilizing parking revenues for the parking lot that the City is going to enter into that was discussed at the last Council meeting. Mr. Pope expressed concerns of City Council’s use of funds that were designated for other projects. Mr. Pope also discussed the upcoming bond referendum and his concern of what the funds would be used for. He advised Council that he would be encouraging citizens to vote no in the upcoming referendum.
Mayor Wright's response to Larry Pope's address
Consent Agenda:
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Audit Report - Presentation by Tonya Marshall of Martin-Starnes - Unmodified (clean) opinion was given. The highest level that can be received. Compliant with State and Federal regulations. Report was prepared by City Staff. General Fund unassigned balance increased by $442,282. Revenues were $44.6 million and Expenditures were $41.2 million. Total General Fund is $34.3 million with unassigned of $13.5 million. (You can watch the video to see the rest of the presented numbers.)
2. Financial Report - Presentation Warren Wood- Warren Reiterated the info presented from Ms. Marshall. General Fund Balance percentage is 29.22%. City's total net assets increase by $744,274 to $206,607,874. There was no increase in the property tax base - $4.7 billion.
Link to 25% of the year summary.
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 21, 2014
Thoughts about the Hickory City Council meeting of October 21, 2014
==============================================================
Hound Notes: We see that Land Design is heavily involved in Inspiring Spaces, the Linear Park, the "Friends" Playground at Union Square, bond referendums, and city officials personal lives. Wow! How Neat!
Council Members Meisner and Patton were not in attendance
Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver
Special Presentations
A. Friends of Hickory - (17 minute presentation) about a proposed park that will be built/located to the west of Union Square behind the Community One Bank. (Per Hickory Inc.) - Ms. Beth Watts Rogers, Ms. Allison Holtzman, and Mr. Adrian Holtzman presented to City Council a concept for a playscape to be located in the downtown area, and requested Council’s approval to move forward with their planning. The project is being developed by Land Design and Kompan.
Alderman Guess asks about the concerns about loss of parking behind Community One bank.
Alderman Guess asks about people crossing over the Thoroughfare Crosswalk to get from Union Square to the park.. and about other possibilities for this park's location.
Mrs. Rogers talks about asking for the Council's approval and coming back to go through a process with City Staff, Parks and Rec, the Council about Design, and then coming back with hard dollars.
Mayor Wright and City manager Berry talk about freeing up (parking) spots with the joint City-Transportation Insight parking lot.
City Manager Berry about Parking Perception issue Downtown.
(From) -- Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 18, 2014
A. Roger Young - Friends of Hickory, Specific Space for the Downtown Park - (from Hickory Inc.) - presented to Council plans for a playground and park in the downtown area. He showed photos from three companies that they are currently working with on ideas for the playground. The estimated cost will be between $300,000 - $400,000, and they are planning fund raisers to come up with the money for the project. He requested Council’s permission to continue moving forward with this project on this location.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Mr. Jim Bright, Tarheel Challenge Academy - (7 minute presentation) - (Per Hickory Inc.) - Mr. Jim Bright informed City Council of the Tarheel Challenge Academy located in Salemburg, North Carolina. The Academy is a quasi-military program for high school dropouts, or expellees. Mr. Bright discussed details of the program which has a 90 percent success rate.
B. Larry Pope - (Per Hickory Inc.) addressed City Council on his concern of utilizing parking revenues for the parking lot that the City is going to enter into that was discussed at the last Council meeting. Mr. Pope expressed concerns of City Council’s use of funds that were designated for other projects. Mr. Pope also discussed the upcoming bond referendum and his concern of what the funds would be used for. He advised Council that he would be encouraging citizens to vote no in the upcoming referendum.
Mayor Wright's response to Larry Pope's address
Consent Agenda:
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Audit Report - Presentation by Tonya Marshall of Martin-Starnes - Unmodified (clean) opinion was given. The highest level that can be received. Compliant with State and Federal regulations. Report was prepared by City Staff. General Fund unassigned balance increased by $442,282. Revenues were $44.6 million and Expenditures were $41.2 million. Total General Fund is $34.3 million with unassigned of $13.5 million. (You can watch the video to see the rest of the presented numbers.)
2. Financial Report - Presentation Warren Wood- Warren Reiterated the info presented from Ms. Marshall. General Fund Balance percentage is 29.22%. City's total net assets increase by $744,274 to $206,607,874. There was no increase in the property tax base - $4.7 billion.
Link to 25% of the year summary.
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