Impossible is nothing -- Muhammad Ali

Out for Lunch

Taking a break... Recharging the batteries... R&R...

Whatever you want to call it. I have been burning the candle at both ends for a long time and not feeling well, so I stepped back to take a deep breath. Don't confuse that with a thought that I'm done here.

Be back soon.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of December 2, 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 December 2, 2014 

Thoughts about the City Council meeting of December 2, 2014 - I didn't do an article of thoughts this week. I will incorporate thoughts into my notes in this article.

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 The Hound's Notes:  
The meeting only lasted a little over 20 minutes. The first business was the Council's election of Alderman David Zagaroli as Mayor Pro Tempore and John Crone being re-elected as the City's Attorney. Attorney Crone stated that he has held that position for 22 years.

The main business of the night was presented by the head of the Economic Development Corporation Scott Millar. The building for this program will be across from the Hollar Mill. The initial program at LRU will be a Certified Physicians Assistant program. Mr. Millar stated that they hope, because of Hickory's Geographical location, that this will be a premiere medical program and fulfill a need in Western North Carolina. The next phases of development will be a proposed School of Ophthalmology and a Pharmacy school.

This is a Home Run for Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne, if it is allowed to develop. Medical Programs are something that I spoke about as something Hickory needed for Economic Development five years ago in the Time to Put the Puzzle Together series. If you haven't red that series you should.   That series is always located at the top right hand of the template page of this site.

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Invocation by Rev. Jay Robison, Pastor, Viewmont Baptist Church

Election of Mayor Pro Tempore for Calendar Year 2015 Pursuant to NC General Statute §160A-70 and Section 2-54 of the Hickory City Code.

Appointment of a City Attorney for Calendar Year 2015 Pursuant to the Hickory City Code, Section 4.151 of the Charter.

Swearing in of Mayor Pro Tempore and City Attorney

Consent Agenda: 

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution in Support of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Development and Establishment of the Health Sciences Initiative. - Lenoir-Rhyne University (“LRU”), in conjunction with the Catawba County Property Development Corporation (“CCPCD”) is working to develop and establish a health sciences initiative at the university. The specific initiative is a physician assistant’s program. As part of the collaboration with LRU, the CCPDC will purchase land and a building and then lease the building to LRU to up fit. LRU will house the physician’s assistants program in the building. The program will serve health sciences students, interns, and graduates from other institutions who’ve enrolled in the program. The City of Hickory and Catawba County have committed to contributing $100,000 each to the CCPDC in support of the collaborative LRU health sciences initiative. The City will pay the $100,000 in $20,000 contribution over five (5) years. Staff recommends Council adopt the Resolution of Support of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Development and Establishment of the Health Sciences Initiative. 

Agenda about the City Council meeting of December 2, 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 - December 2, 2014 

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Hound Notes: Last Tuesday's Special City Council meeting related to the Bond Referendum and future oversight committee was plenty interesting. If you didn't see anything about it, here's the link.  Newsletter about the Special City Council meeting of November 25, 2014 

*** Just curious about Hickory Inc. paying taxes on the Southern Desk property (Budget Item J.4) $10,500. Is the just a Paper/Accounting entry to settle the books on unpaid taxes.

*** In Support of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Development and Establishment of the Health Sciences Initiative. Looks like a heavy investment from the City. Hope there will be specific goals attached to this investment. Hope we will be told how this investment will specifically benefit the community. I do agree that such endeavors are needed to address the poor overall health of the community. That is what the Gallup-Healthway study points to and that is what the Hound prescribed, along with Dr. Jody Inglefield in the 21st Century platform created a year and a half ago.


The Complete "Platform for a 21st Century Hickory"

3) National Studies and Surveys - that rank us seriously low.  Expedite processes to study how they came to their conclusions and what we need to do to correct the circumstances; including contacting those who created and implemented the study to get their thoughts on what it would take to address the negative issues.  We need to look at improving every year, not regressing or responding to these scientific surveys. 

4) An Agenda on Health and Wellness...  The Gallup-Healthway study is a prime example of a valid scientific study that casts a negative light on Hickory. How do we address what this study finds? Dr. Jody Inglefield admits that he doesn't have all of the answers, buts says that is why we need local health professionals to weigh in, but what does stand out is the negative issues this community faces involving health.
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Invocation by Rev. Jay Robison, Pastor, Viewmont Baptist Church

Election of Mayor Pro Tempore for Calendar Year 2015 Pursuant to NC General Statute §160A-70 and Section 2-54 of the Hickory City Code.

Appointment of a City Attorney for Calendar Year 2015 Pursuant to the Hickory City Code, Section 4.151 of the Charter.


Consent Agenda:
A. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Rezoning Petition 14-02. (Authorize Public Hearing for December 16, 2014)

B. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Text Amendment (TA) 14-03. (Authorize Public Hearing for December 16, 2014)

C. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of Property Located at 1704 30th Avenue Court NE, Owned by Clay and Catherine Franklin. (Authorize Public Hearing for December 16, 2014)

D. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Closing a Portion of 3rd Street SE, and Two Unopened Right of Ways as Shown on Plat Book 14, at Page 78, Catawba County Registry. (Authorize Public Hearing for January 6, 2015)

E. Approval of Art Exhibit Policy that Allows Hickory Public Library to Exhibit Art from Local Artist. - Library staff requests approval of an Art Exhibit Policy, including an Art Exhibit Application, and Release Form. This would permit local artists to showcase their paintings in a large open wall space in the main meeting room at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. The room has been painted and an art wall hanging system has been installed. The recommended policy, application, and release form have been approved by the Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula, Risk Manager Todd Shoebridge, and the Library Advisory Board. Library staff recommends approval by City Council.

F. Approval to Apply for EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Funding for Petroleum and Hazardous Material in the amount of $400,000. - The Brownfield Assessment Grant program provides grants of up to $400,000 to assess environmental contamination and conduct redevelopment planning activities at Brownfield sites. The City has received this funding in 2007 and 2012, and currently has a very robust Brownfield Program that aims to redevelop these sites throughout the community with a focus on the Urban Revitalization Area. The Brownfield Advisory Group has recommended that the City apply for additional assessment funding to continue the momentum of the City’s current grant which will be completed in mid-2015. Grant funding will enable the City to continue its Brownfield program, and this funding has played a vital role in the redevelopment of numerous sites in the City. There is no required match to apply for the grant. These funds will help leverage additional private investment at targeted Brownfield sites. Staff recommends City Council authorize staff to apply for EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant funding for Petroleum and Hazardous Materials in the amount of $400,000.

G. Approval of a North Carolina Department of Transportation Utility Relocation Agreement for the Replacement of the Bridge located on 29th Avenue NE. - Staff requests approval of a Utility Relocation Agreement between the City of Hickory and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the relocation of water and sanitary sewer infrastructure adjacent to bridge 34 on 29th Avenue NE at 5th Street Place NE, estimated cost $55,500. The bridge has to be replaced to meet current standards of roadway construction, and will be replaced with a box culvert in lieu of a bridge. The City has water and sanitary sewer infrastructure that are located within the NCDOT right of way along 29th Avenue NE by way of an encroachment agreement. Encroachment agreements require the utility owner to bear the cost of relocating lines as necessary to accommodate construction or maintenance of the roadway as it becomes necessary. The estimated project price for the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department is $55,500. This project will be funded through the annual Public Utilities Capital Budget in the appropriate year, anticipated to be FY 2015-2016. Staff recommends Council approval of the agreement.

H. Approval of a North Carolina Department of Transportation Revised Municipal Agreement for the Replacement of the Bridge located on 29th Avenue NE. - The Municipal Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the replacement of the bridge located on 29th Avenue NE was revised due to legislative changes enacted this year. The E-Verify requirements have been removed from the agreement. Staff recommends approval of the revised Municipal Agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation.

I. Adoption of a Resolution Certifying and Declaring the Results of the Special Bond Referendum and Approval of Statement of Results of the Special Bond Referendum held November 4, 2014. - At the November 4, 2014 Special Bond Referendum, a total of 26,854 registered and qualified voters of the City of Hickory, North Carolina were eligible to vote. For the $25,000,000 General Obligation Streets and Sidewalks Bonds, the number of voters who voted “Yes” was 6,924 and the total number of voters who voted “No” was 4,610. For the $15,000,000 General Obligation Economic Development Bonds, the number of voters who voted “Yes” was 6,402 and the total number of voters who voted “No” was 5,139. Both General Obligation Bonds were approved by the majority of voters who voted in the November 4, 2014 Special Bond Referendum. Staff recommends Council approve a statement of results of the Special Bond Referendum and adopt a Resolution to certify and declare the results of the Special Bond Referendum on the bond order authorizing the issuance of $25,000,000 General Obligation Streets and Sidewalks Bonds and on the bond order authorizing the issuance of $15,000,000 General Obligation Economic Development Bonds.

J. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 11.
1. To budget a $25 Library donation in the Library books line item. This donation is by Mr. and Mrs. Pope Shuford in memory of Marcus Lentz.
2. To budget a total of $185 of donations in the Youth Council expenditure line item. Donations in the amounts of $145 and $40 will be used to purchase supplies for the Youth Council’s holiday service projects.
3. To appropriate $3,453 of Miscellaneous Revenue Funds to the Fire Department’s Departmental Supply line item. These funds are from the sale of scrap metal to Mountain Recycling.
4. To transfer $11,500 of General Fund Contingency to the Public Buildings Capital Land line item. This amendment is necessary to pay taxes on the old Southern Desk building.

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution in Support of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Development and Establishment of the Health Sciences Initiative. - Lenoir-Rhyne University (“LRU”), in conjunction with the Catawba County Property Development Corporation (“CCPCD”) is working to develop and establish a health sciences initiative at the university. The specific initiative is a physician assistant’s program. As part of the collaboration with LRU, the CCPDC will purchase land and a building and then lease the building to LRU to up fit. LRU will house the physician’s assistants program in the building. The program will serve health sciences students, interns, and graduates from other institutions who’ve enrolled in the program. The City of Hickory and Catawba County have committed to contributing $100,000 each to the CCPDC in support of the collaborative LRU health sciences initiative. The City will pay the $100,000 in $20,000 contribution over five (5) years. Staff recommends Council adopt the Resolution of Support of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Development and Establishment of the Health Sciences Initiative.

Newsletter about the Special City Council meeting of November 25, 2014

Hound Notes: The meeting was well attended, but it was attended by the usual suspects. What was presented was polished and sounds like a good start. There was no bravado about the political process involving the bonds. I think that Hickory Inc. does understand that the public overwhelmingly supported what they proposed and now the onus is on them to bring results. 

What is proposed below from this meeting would squarely engage the public and bring forward a process of transparency. Let's hope that we see an oversight committee that will represent all of Hickory and engage all of Hickory. It would definitely be a step forward.

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Discussions relating to the implementation of Hickory NC's $40 million Bond Referendum. You can follow along with the handouts that were given at the meeting.

1) Bond Project Implementation Process
2) Changing Community Perception -MindMixer Software
3) The Citizen Committee - Oversight Committee

The meeting ended with a brief discussion by architect Scott Mitchell about the Parking Deck being built at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. A change order is necessitated due to unfavorable soil conditions.

*** You can download the images and magnify them for better viewing. Double-Clicking the embedded video takes it to full size. The Blue highlighted links below will take you to that correlated point in the meeting.

 Bond Project Implementation Process

Changing Community Perception -MindMixer Software

The Citizen Committee - Oversight Committee

The meeting ended with a brief discussion by architect Scott Mitchell about the Parking Deck being built at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. A change order is necessitated due to unfavorable soil conditions

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of November 18, 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 November 18, 2014

Thoughts about the City Council meeting of November 18, 2014 - I didn't do an article of thoughts this week. I will incorporate thoughts into this article.

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 The Hound's Notes:  
This meeting was a mostly a feel-good session for the council.

The Furniture Academy presentation was a neat little presentation. The only issues that I have is the associated cost of the program to participants. People aren't going to pay that cost without expecting a payoff. Mr. McBrayer stated that the Furniture Industry didn't have a feeder program and this is it. Well, I'm sure that he would agree that that was on the local furniture industry. This program seems to help cut "On the Job" training out of the loop. I would hope that if/since that is occurring that these companies will invest (a lot of money) in the program and pay scholarships for those who might not be able to afford the program. I'm not pretending to know and this may already be occurring, but I didn't hear this addressed on this night.

The issue with the Taxi Cab service seems to be unfair to the drivers. They talked about driving 6 miles and the time involved and getting a little over $2 in compensation. Not a lot of thought is needed to understand that they are not getting fairly compensated under those circumstances. Everything isn't about the business owner. He is going to get his cut. The person driving the cab isn't just making an hourly rate. They are compensated based on the fair. It is a service and if they can't make money doing this, then there won't be people to do this job and we won't have taxi service in Hickory. The viability of the service is important.   It was also brought to attention that we have two taxi companies in Hickory, but only one owner. That doesn't sound like a healthy industry.


The City Manager's compensation is ridiculous for a community of this size. That isn't a personal issue. The median per capita income in the Hickory Metro area is $23,263. The City Manager is receiving over $169,000 and that does not include the benefits that it is mandated that he receive (ie Insurance and Retirement Package, etc.).


The parking Deck at the Convention Center - It sure looks like it is going to cost more money than originally estimated. Mr. Mayor, here comes the change order.
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Invocation by Rev. James Bernhardt, Pastor, Northminster Presbyterian Church

Special Presentations
A. Mr. Bill McBrayer Presentation of the Furniture Academy at CVCC

Catawba Valley Furniture Academy

 
Customized Industry Training
Lori PriceDirector, Customized Industry Training
Phone:  828-327-7000 Ext. 4284

Mr. McBrayer, of Lexington Home Brands, is the spokesman for the program. His message is that furniture is alive and well in this region. He said there is lots of business and they can't find people to work. He said that the origins of this program were formed 2 1/2 years ago. This is a feeder program into the furniture industry that they did not have before. This program is operated at the East campus of CVCC. The program was launched on January 6, 2014. It started out with 15 students and now has a waiting list in excess of 100 people as of October 6, 2014 -- and more now. The teachers of the program are experienced furniture professionals. The program has nearly expanded to its maximum limit and is going to need the help of the local government to expand further in the near future.

B. Proclamation to Recognize Senator-Elect Andy Wells as Recipient of the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ Community Champion Award. 

C. Neighborhood College Graduation
Gretchen Oetting comments about this program to the Council. 
Melvin Meares  comments about this program to the Council. 

Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Ryan Neitz, Regarding Cab Fare Rate Increase -  (per Hickory Inc.) - Mr. Neitz addressed City Council on behalf of Yellow Cab Company. He distributed to City Council a list of fares from other companies in other cities with similar population as the City of Hickory. He pointed out that most of the other companies have a higher rate than they do. He commented that they would like to implement a $6.00 minimum charge to help cover their expenses, which would only affect their shorter trips. Currently they have a $2.00 drop charge, and a $2.00 per mile charge. The trips that would be affected would be the ones that are less than two miles.

B. Brian Taylor, Regarding Cab Fare Rate Increase -  (per Hickory Inc.) - Mr. Taylor addressed City Council and reiterated what Mr. Neitz had said. He stated that the City is expanding into Brookford and Mountain View, and they are requesting the rate increase to assist them with their expenses. Anything inside the City limits is ran on the meter, anything outside of the City limits they charge $2.00 per mile. The reason for the request for the rate increase is to compensate for the distance traveled. It would only affect the short trips. They would like to continue the service to the community as well as help out the cab drivers with their expenses, which are commission paid. He stated that they used the rates from different cities with similar populations as a guideline for the request. The current rate had been in place since 2006, which at that time went from $1.80 per mile to $2.00 per mile.

C. Cliff Moone - (per Hickory Inc.) - commended City Council for their efforts in the work that they did on the bond referendum. He appreciated attending the presentations, and working with the committee. He stated that he was probably the only candidate running for office who actually came out in support of the bond referendum and he was pleased that the bond referendum passed. City Council was available to answer questions, and to say why the City needed this to move forward. Mr. Moone also requested a proclamation for Bill of Rights Day and Human Rights Week during the week of December 10-16. He thanked Council for their support in previous years for Bill of Rights Day and listed supporters last year that issued proclamations for this day. He advised Council that he would be approaching the County Commissioners with this request as well.

Per Hickory Inc. - Alderman Zagaroli advised that the desk that Senator-Elect Wells would be sitting at in the State Senate was built in Hickory, North Carolina, as well as all of the furniture in the State Senate which was built by Hickory White. Hickory is in a prominent place in the State Senate. Mayor Wright recognized Webelos Scout Troop 250. Manager Berry recognized Katie Hayward, a Hickory High School Senior who is an intern with the City.

Consent Agenda:


New Business - Public Hearings:
1. Public Hearing – for Consideration of Voluntary Contiguous Annexation of 20.446 acres located at 2415 Springs Road NE. - Northlake Southstar, LLC has submitted a petition for the voluntary contiguous annexation of 20.446 acres of property. The annexation area is comprised of what was the former St. Stephens Elementary School site, which is currently being developed into a shopping center and out parcels. The annexation is being requested in order to connect the City’s water and sewer system.


2. Public Hearing – for Consideration of Closing a Portion of 15th Street NW. - McDonald’s USA, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (Tenant) and SRW, Inc., a North Carolina Corporation (Landlord) have petitioned to close a portion of 15th Street NW, containing .195 acres more or less. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on October 24, October 31, November 7 and November 14, 2014.

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Amendment to City Manager’s Employment Agreement. -  After discussion in closed session of the City Manager’s FY 2013-2014 performance, City Council unanimously voted to consider in open session an amendment (first amendment) to the Manager’s June 22, 2004 employment agreement. Section 20: One Time Bonus. Employee shall receive a one-time lump sum bonus of $4,350, effective as of July 1, 2014.

2. Approval of an Agreement for Engineering Services with McGill Associate in the amount of $48,000 for the Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Facility - McLin Creek Wastewater Pump Station Project. - The Hickory-Catawba Wastewater Treatment Facility (HCWWTF) – McLin Creek Wastewater Pump Station is necessary for areas northwest of the HCWWTF to receive treatment services at the HCWWTF. The HCWWTF is approximately 20 feet higher than the area next to McLin Creek/Lake Norman, therefore a pump station is required to lift this sewer into the influent of the treatment facility due to providing gravity sewer to the tributary properties. The agreement with McGill Associates will be for the planning, engineering, and permitting work necessary to complete the project. This project will be funded out of the HCWWTF Upgrade Project budget contingency line due to the pump station being a future component of the completed facility. All funding for the project is split equally between the City and Catawba County in accordance with the financing agreement for the HCWWTP. Staff recommends approval of this Agreement for Engineering Services with McGill Associates in the amount of $48,000.

3. Update on Construction of Hickory Metro Convention Center Parking Deck. -  Manager Berry stated that Soil work that was supposed to be done on Monday. The Soil conditions are more than the architect expected. The work has nort been completed. The information will be presented at the Council's workshop or the next City Council meeting. The matter was tabled until a later time.


Matters Not On Agenda 
(Per Hickory Inc.) - Alderman Lail made a motion to discuss the taxi rate increase request. City Council requested that Staff discuss the request and provide some statistics to Council. Mr. Berry advised Council that Staff would consolidate the information and bring back to Council at a future Council meeting. (Hound) Police Chief Adkins came to the podium and addressed the issue. He is waiting for the owner of the Cab company to come to him about the issue. It is basically an issue of gas prices that causes price increases. The two local cab companies are owned by the same individual.

General Comments 
Mayor Wright commented on the Christmas Parade scheduled for Friday, November 21st.
Alderman Guess advised that a flag had been presented to the City at the Elk’s Club for Veteran’s Day. The flag will replace the flag at Oakwood Cemetery in honor of our veterans.

Thoughts about the Hickory City Council meeting of November 18, 2014