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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of April 7, 2015
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.
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Hound Notes: Alderman Lail again should be commended for recusing himself on the budget item where Land Design is being paid. It fits what has been said here for some time. Alderman Lail's wife works for Land Design out of Charlotte that has developed and designed the Downtown projects related to the Bonds that were passed last November.
In the Agenda notes I alluded to issues involving the local workforce. It is hilarious that the numbers were not reported for two months and then we see an increase of nearly 4,000 people in the workforce. Yeah Right! and I've got a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. Just call me. Somebody is inputting some more BS into the numbers.
Dramatic shifts in numbers like that do not occur unless there is a significant event that justifies them. This is obviously a cooked number that will be revised back down. The Atlanta Federal Reserve has revised its forecast for first quarter GDP to .1%. Large corporations, especially in the retail industry, are still announcing layoffs every day. The cooked books and denial of the Powers That Be certainly are disheartening to the working class.
19 Signs That American Families Are Being Economically Destroyed - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder, on April 8th, 2015
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Invocation by Bill Garrard
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. - (Per Hickory Inc.) - Lieutenant Young introduced Telecommunicator Supervisors, Shelley Davis and Nicole Sain; and Telecommunicators Jeanne Davis, Emily Bell and HollyPage. Mayor Wright read and presented the Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
B. Proclamation for Fair Housing Month.
Consent Agenda
Items K and L-5 were removed from the Consent Agenda.
K. Approve a Deed of Conveyance for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk Property Located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. - The Southern Desk property had been in a state of continual decline and disrepair. The City of Hickory temporarily abated the nuisance at the property, but permanent abatement meant demolishing the building. Demolition costs were estimated to be close to $500,000 primarily due to the size of the building and the presence of asbestos. Negotiations were entered into between WDF, Inc. and James Canipe, owner of Foothills Recycling & Demolition, L.L.C. (Foothills) to acquire the property for the purpose of demolishing the building and reclaiming the materials. Upon completion of the demolition, the City agreed to accept a conveyance of the property from Foothills. The City performed a Phase 1 ESA on the property. The inspection did not reveal significant environmental hazards that would expose the City to potential liability as the new owner. Instead of using Foothills to acquire the property, Mr. Canipe created a new corporation, Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. to acquire the property. Upon the acquisition of the property, Foothills then demolished the building, reclaimed recyclable materials, and cleaned up the site. Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. is now willing to convey the affected property to the City in accordance with the agreement. Staff recommends Council accept the non-warranty deed of conveyance from Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk property located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. (Removed by Alder Patton. discussed and approved by Council.)
L-5. To transfer $35,000 of General Contingency to the Administration Contracted Services line item. This transfer is needed to pay Land Design for the Design Guidelines contract. (Alderman Lail recused himself from voting on this Item. Council approved his recusal and voted approval of Item.)
Informational Items
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as
developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. (Kevin Greer presentation)
www. catawbawatereewmg.org
Questions - Answer
Mayor Wright asks about Hickory's current license to remove water from the stream. Mr, Greer stated have a plant capacity of 32 million. Mayor Wrifht asked about how much Concord is permitted to take out - 8 million.
Alderman Lail asked about lowflow and noflow toilets and provisions for drought protocols. The City is not binded by the plan. The plan has recommendations.
Alderman Guess asked if this group monitors pollution. Mr. Greer answered No. The plan is about water quantity not water quality. They are looking into sampling water quality issues. The State of North Carolina is responsible for water quality issues. Alderman Seaver asked about the number one pollutant. Mr. Greer stated nutrients.
Alderman Lail asked if we were better off than we were 10 years ago. Mr Greer stated yes. Rhodhiss has improved and this has improved Lake Hickory.
2. (a) Freese and Nichols, Inc. - Approval of contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) of Raleigh NC for Phase 1 of the Professional Bond Program Management Services in the amount of $498,400 for a comprehensive, phased program to develop additional project definition including preliminary engineering, cost estimates and feasibility analysis of the bond projects, identify regulatory requirements, space constraints, topographic constraints, scheduling, and utility conflicts.
(b) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 17
1. To budget $498,000 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance in the Administration Other Professional Services line item. This appropriation is to pay Freese and Nichols for the bond program administration. (Chuck Hanson presentation)
Questions and Answers
Alderman Lail asked about having 9 months of contract duration and then they can charge you more. He wants to ward off something down the road. Mr. Hanson says that they are providing us with staff/labor time. The time frame keeps the local government from dragging the issues out (timely fashion).
Alderman Zagaroli asked about this group not being a design firm. Mr. Hanson states that they are a design firm but not for our project. They are a management firm. Alderman Zagaroli further asked about estimated costs and made an observation about double-dipping. We will have to go through the same process with the design firm. 'This groups doesn't know what it will look like.'
Alder Patton asked about minimum standards. Who is going to work with that. Mr. Hanson says it will be between Staff and Bond Commission.
Mayor Wright speaks to why they are getting so many questions. It is critical to show people that they are going to keep an eye on this money the first day and the last day. He asks about updates.
Assistant City Manager Andrea addresses the thought process behind this.
General Comments (per Hickory Inc.)
Mayor Wright asked how the Easter egg hunt went. Alderman Seaver advised excellent. Alot of the children showed up, they were really excited. Alderman Lail asked how many eggs did Parks and Recreation do for the hunt. Alderman Seaver advised 25,000. Mayor Wright advised that the Elks Lodge pays for the eggs, and Parks and Recreation organizes the events and hides the eggs. It is amazing how few minutes it takes for 25,000 eggs to be found.
Mayor Wright commented that there are a lot of good things going on in the City. The Farmer’s Market will begin on April 18th. There are a lot of good things planned for the Music Series, the Crawdads, and great progress on the building across from Clark Tire. A lot of good things going on and he hopes that everyone is as optimistic about the bond referendum. He challenged Mr. Archer and Mr. Hansen to get something out of the ground.
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Alderman Lail again should be commended for recusing himself on the budget item where Land Design is being paid. It fits what has been said here for some time. Alderman Lail's wife works for Land Design out of Charlotte that has developed and designed the Downtown projects related to the Bonds that were passed last November.
In the Agenda notes I alluded to issues involving the local workforce. It is hilarious that the numbers were not reported for two months and then we see an increase of nearly 4,000 people in the workforce. Yeah Right! and I've got a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. Just call me. Somebody is inputting some more BS into the numbers.
Dramatic shifts in numbers like that do not occur unless there is a significant event that justifies them. This is obviously a cooked number that will be revised back down. The Atlanta Federal Reserve has revised its forecast for first quarter GDP to .1%. Large corporations, especially in the retail industry, are still announcing layoffs every day. The cooked books and denial of the Powers That Be certainly are disheartening to the working class.
19 Signs That American Families Are Being Economically Destroyed - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael Snyder, on April 8th, 2015
=================================================
Invocation by Bill Garrard
Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. - (Per Hickory Inc.) - Lieutenant Young introduced Telecommunicator Supervisors, Shelley Davis and Nicole Sain; and Telecommunicators Jeanne Davis, Emily Bell and HollyPage. Mayor Wright read and presented the Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
B. Proclamation for Fair Housing Month.
Consent Agenda
Items K and L-5 were removed from the Consent Agenda.
K. Approve a Deed of Conveyance for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk Property Located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. - The Southern Desk property had been in a state of continual decline and disrepair. The City of Hickory temporarily abated the nuisance at the property, but permanent abatement meant demolishing the building. Demolition costs were estimated to be close to $500,000 primarily due to the size of the building and the presence of asbestos. Negotiations were entered into between WDF, Inc. and James Canipe, owner of Foothills Recycling & Demolition, L.L.C. (Foothills) to acquire the property for the purpose of demolishing the building and reclaiming the materials. Upon completion of the demolition, the City agreed to accept a conveyance of the property from Foothills. The City performed a Phase 1 ESA on the property. The inspection did not reveal significant environmental hazards that would expose the City to potential liability as the new owner. Instead of using Foothills to acquire the property, Mr. Canipe created a new corporation, Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. to acquire the property. Upon the acquisition of the property, Foothills then demolished the building, reclaimed recyclable materials, and cleaned up the site. Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. is now willing to convey the affected property to the City in accordance with the agreement. Staff recommends Council accept the non-warranty deed of conveyance from Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk property located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. (Removed by Alder Patton. discussed and approved by Council.)
L-5. To transfer $35,000 of General Contingency to the Administration Contracted Services line item. This transfer is needed to pay Land Design for the Design Guidelines contract. (Alderman Lail recused himself from voting on this Item. Council approved his recusal and voted approval of Item.)
Informational Items
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as
developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. (Kevin Greer presentation)
www. catawbawatereewmg.org
Questions - Answer
Mayor Wright asks about Hickory's current license to remove water from the stream. Mr, Greer stated have a plant capacity of 32 million. Mayor Wrifht asked about how much Concord is permitted to take out - 8 million.
Alderman Lail asked about lowflow and noflow toilets and provisions for drought protocols. The City is not binded by the plan. The plan has recommendations.
Alderman Guess asked if this group monitors pollution. Mr. Greer answered No. The plan is about water quantity not water quality. They are looking into sampling water quality issues. The State of North Carolina is responsible for water quality issues. Alderman Seaver asked about the number one pollutant. Mr. Greer stated nutrients.
Alderman Lail asked if we were better off than we were 10 years ago. Mr Greer stated yes. Rhodhiss has improved and this has improved Lake Hickory.
2. (a) Freese and Nichols, Inc. - Approval of contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) of Raleigh NC for Phase 1 of the Professional Bond Program Management Services in the amount of $498,400 for a comprehensive, phased program to develop additional project definition including preliminary engineering, cost estimates and feasibility analysis of the bond projects, identify regulatory requirements, space constraints, topographic constraints, scheduling, and utility conflicts.
(b) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 17
1. To budget $498,000 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance in the Administration Other Professional Services line item. This appropriation is to pay Freese and Nichols for the bond program administration. (Chuck Hanson presentation)
Questions and Answers
Alderman Lail asked about having 9 months of contract duration and then they can charge you more. He wants to ward off something down the road. Mr. Hanson says that they are providing us with staff/labor time. The time frame keeps the local government from dragging the issues out (timely fashion).
Alderman Zagaroli asked about this group not being a design firm. Mr. Hanson states that they are a design firm but not for our project. They are a management firm. Alderman Zagaroli further asked about estimated costs and made an observation about double-dipping. We will have to go through the same process with the design firm. 'This groups doesn't know what it will look like.'
Alder Patton asked about minimum standards. Who is going to work with that. Mr. Hanson says it will be between Staff and Bond Commission.
Mayor Wright speaks to why they are getting so many questions. It is critical to show people that they are going to keep an eye on this money the first day and the last day. He asks about updates.
Assistant City Manager Andrea addresses the thought process behind this.
General Comments (per Hickory Inc.)
Mayor Wright asked how the Easter egg hunt went. Alderman Seaver advised excellent. Alot of the children showed up, they were really excited. Alderman Lail asked how many eggs did Parks and Recreation do for the hunt. Alderman Seaver advised 25,000. Mayor Wright advised that the Elks Lodge pays for the eggs, and Parks and Recreation organizes the events and hides the eggs. It is amazing how few minutes it takes for 25,000 eggs to be found.
Mayor Wright commented that there are a lot of good things going on in the City. The Farmer’s Market will begin on April 18th. There are a lot of good things planned for the Music Series, the Crawdads, and great progress on the building across from Clark Tire. A lot of good things going on and he hopes that everyone is as optimistic about the bond referendum. He challenged Mr. Archer and Mr. Hansen to get something out of the ground.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
China
The dip in Hickory's fortunes since the beginning of the millennium relates to the de-industrialization of our local economy which coincides with the rise of the Dragon - China. The industrialization of the Chinese economic system is hard to compete with under the current United States/North Carolina/Catawba County/Unifour/Hickory model. The Eagle will continue its descent until we take real action to address what led us here. Action does not come from cooking books to pull wool over the public's eyes. The Atlanta Federal Reserve has lowered its forecast for GDP in the first quarter of 2015 to 0%. We have been in a recession since late 2007. We have never come out of it, even if the government says we have. They have constantly underestimated inflation to make it look like we have had growth. If real inflation is accounted for, we have had negative real growth in the GDP for nearly every quarter since late 2007.
The following is an interview that I listened to on Youtube from the Coast to Coast AM program hosted by George Noory on April 3, 2015. The interviewee on the subject is Dan Collins, the founder of Tiger Hill Capital, a Hong Kong based asset management company. He has lived in China for 15 years. He addresses how China's unprecedented industrial revolution has created massive wealth. Since the reform in the 1970s, in which citizens began to be allowed to reap rewards from their own businesses, China's economy has catapulted ahead to become the world's largest. In the economic sense, it's actually more capitalistic than the United States, but politically it's absolutely communist, with tight controls, and little or no voting, he pointed out. "On the economic side, it's totally the Wild West-- no property taxes, no environmental regulations," and it's very easy to open a new business, he remarked, adding that there are an estimated 60 billionaires in the Chinese Politburo.
By not being a democracy, China was able to make quick economic strides such as putting in a high-speed rail system in a short number of years. They are currently building 50,000 skyscrapers (the equivalent of 10 New York City's), and they've constructed 70 international airports in the last 10 years, he cited, adding that there are one million Chinese citizens now living in Africa, pursuing business opportunities, and tapping into the bounty of natural resources there. China has been increasing military spending by over 10% a year for decades, but Collins doesn't foresee them attacking America-- they are much more interested in areas closer to home such as Taiwan, and countries near their borders, he said. For the US to beat or more readily compete with China, he believes it needs to overhaul its tax system, and move to a consumption tax that is more friendly to business and manufacturing.
Here is the direct link that takes you to where his interview starts.
The following is an interview that I listened to on Youtube from the Coast to Coast AM program hosted by George Noory on April 3, 2015. The interviewee on the subject is Dan Collins, the founder of Tiger Hill Capital, a Hong Kong based asset management company. He has lived in China for 15 years. He addresses how China's unprecedented industrial revolution has created massive wealth. Since the reform in the 1970s, in which citizens began to be allowed to reap rewards from their own businesses, China's economy has catapulted ahead to become the world's largest. In the economic sense, it's actually more capitalistic than the United States, but politically it's absolutely communist, with tight controls, and little or no voting, he pointed out. "On the economic side, it's totally the Wild West-- no property taxes, no environmental regulations," and it's very easy to open a new business, he remarked, adding that there are an estimated 60 billionaires in the Chinese Politburo.
By not being a democracy, China was able to make quick economic strides such as putting in a high-speed rail system in a short number of years. They are currently building 50,000 skyscrapers (the equivalent of 10 New York City's), and they've constructed 70 international airports in the last 10 years, he cited, adding that there are one million Chinese citizens now living in Africa, pursuing business opportunities, and tapping into the bounty of natural resources there. China has been increasing military spending by over 10% a year for decades, but Collins doesn't foresee them attacking America-- they are much more interested in areas closer to home such as Taiwan, and countries near their borders, he said. For the US to beat or more readily compete with China, he believes it needs to overhaul its tax system, and move to a consumption tax that is more friendly to business and manufacturing.
Here is the direct link that takes you to where his interview starts.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of April 7, 2015
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/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
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.
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Hound Notes: I know I haven't been writing much. I'm sure that causes some to cheer. Good for them. I'm not going to continue beating the dead horse. It is a waste of my time. If nothing changes, nothing changes and nothing has changed.
People ask How ya Doin... I tell'em So So... Same Ole Same Ole... S.O.S.O.
Check out the numbers... Ole Shell's dead on again... Resident population in Catawba County fell by (that means negative) 276 people in 2014. In 5 years, we have lost 4,419 people. These are guesstimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that most likely underestimate the loss of population in the area. How do I arrive at that logic? Because that is most likely what happened in 2010. From 2009 to 2010, we see a population loss of 4,703 people. Also factor in that these population numbers include illegal immigrants in the community. The two areas of demographic growth in the community are immigrants and the aged. The reason why I point that out is to look at the demographic make-up of the community. That make-up is not conducive to economic growth and stability. It doesn't mean that I am against immigrants. It means that we are trading out stable wealth for poverty. Since 2008, SNAP benefits (Foodstamps) participants have risen from 18,933 people to a current (as of 2014) 31,931 people. That is a 69% tangible growth in poverty, while we have seen a 2% loss of population -- are you getting my point?
The workforce in the area continues its precipitous decline. They can talk all day long about 5.6% unemployment. The workforce declined by over 2,000 people in 2014. That is when you count people working and statistically seeking work. It's actually worse than that. Unemployment in the community is really well into the double digits... Underemployment is much, much worse. Denial, stupidity, ignorance, and B*** S*** are off the charts.
Link to the numbers above at the St. Louis Federal Reserve website. Please go explore and educate yourself.
Another Note: I may not have been clear about the significance of the population estimates and the likely underreporting of those negative numbers. Numbers in Census years (years ending in zeros) are much more precise than in off-census years, because there is an actual physical count of households, as opposed to off-Census year numbers, which are accounted for through the Census Bureau's "Community Survey", which isn't a precise accounting, but a statistical sample reported by the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and subsequently the Federal Reserve branches.
We see a significant decrease in population between the off-Census/Community Survey year of 2009 and the Census year 2010. We have seen modest increases and decreases in the subsequent off-Census/Community Survey years 2011-2014. Evidence is pointing to a much more significant population decrease. The loss of labor force is one variable that points to a more significant population decrease. If you can't find a job, then you will have to leave the area.
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Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
B. Proclamation for Fair Housing Month.
Consent Agenda
A. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Motor Speedway - Kevin Piercy, General Manager of the Hickory Motor Speedway has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: June 27, July 3, July 25 and September 19. The following would be rain out dates: June 28, July 4, 11, 18, 26, or August 1, and September 20, 26, or October 24. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
B. Approval of Municipal City Ordinances Repealing or Enacting Speed Limits to Update the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Database. - The Traffic Division has worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding the new ordinances and agree to the speed limits along US Highway 70 between 19th Street SW and 13th Street Place SW (50 mph), US Highway 70 between 13th Street SW and South Center Street (45 mph), US Highway 70 between South Center Street and Fairgrove Church Road (50 mph), 1st Avenue SW between South Center Street and NC Highway 127 (25 mph), and Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard between 2nd Avenue SE and Tate Boulevard (45 mph). The last is to repeal two ordinances that had incorrect reference locations, specifically along 1st Avenue SW between South Center Street and Main Avenue Place SE as this should have ended at NC Highway 127 and along 8th Street Drive SE between 2nd Avenue SE and Tate Boulevard as 8th Street Drive SE has changed names to Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard. Staff recommends approval of the ordinances for North Carolina Department of Transportation as described.
C. Approval of an All-Way Stop at the Intersections of 7th Street SW at 4th Avenue SW and 7th Street SW at 5th Avenue SW. - The Traffic Division has received all necessary paperwork from residents within the subdivision in regards to the Traffic Calming Guidelines and have found the residents to be in compliance with the guidelines. Based on recent speed studies it appears that traffic is still speeding along 7th Street SW even though the speed limit was reduced to 25mph. According to the City’s Traffic Calming Guidelines, the next step would be to install an all-way stop to help the speed issue. Staff recommends installation of all-way stops at the intersections of 7th Street SW at 4th Avenue SW and 7th Street SW at 5th Avenue SW.
D. Approval of a Lease Agreement for City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - The property at 24 1st Avenue NE has been leased to the Hickory Downtown Development Association for a number of years. The current lease has expires, and Staff has been working over the past few months to update the lease to ensure it is active and enforceable. The terms of the proposed lease will be for approximately two years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew by mutual option for up to two additional years unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for the payment of all utilities furnished to the property, securing its own janitorial service, maintaining the premise in good order, routine maintenance and repairs of the property.
E. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Terry M. Taylor, Collector of the Estate of Bette L. Peile, Catawba County Estate File Number 14E949 to James Steven Peile
F. Approval of Community Relations Council Spring Grant Recommendations. - As part of the Community Relations Council (CRC) work plan and annual budget process, the Community Relations Council receives funds to disperse during the fiscal year through the CRC 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 CRC goals and mission and how the program will serve to improve human relations in the Hickory area. A total of $4,690 is available in the CRC budget for grants in fiscal year 2014/2015. CRC recommends the following for funding for the Spring 2015 grant cycle:
Lenoir-Rhyne University/Office of Multicultural Affairs - $1,500
Safe Harbor Rescue Mission - $1,000
Council on Adolescents of Catawba Valley, Inc. - $1,440
Western North Carolina Epilepsy Association - $750
G. Approval of a Change to the Assistance Policy for the 2014 Urgent Repair Program (URP14) as Required by N.C. Housing Finance Agency. - The City of Hickory’s Community Development Department, in complying with the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s funding requirements for URP14 is requesting a change in income limits for the Assistance Policy. The change would allow assistance to more families. Presently the Urgent Repair Program has $33,565 remaining. Upon approval by Hickory City Council the Assistance Policy will be submitted to N.C. Housing Finance Agency for approval. Staff recommends approval of the income limits for City of Hickory Beneficiaries for 2014 Urgent Repair Project Grant Assistance Policy.
H. Special Event Activities Application Concert Under the Sails – Symphony Under the Sails, Dr. Martha Geouge Hill, Executive Director, Western Piedmont Symphony, Inc., May 3, 2015 and June 28, 2015, Union Square, Downtown Hickory, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
I. Approval of a Resolution to Declare 4,724 Surplus Discarded Library Materials so that these materials may be given to the Friends of the Library to be sold at the Friends October 2015 Book Sale and/or at the “Corner Book Store” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. - The sale of donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Library and discarded library materials comprise a significant portion of their inventory. The sale of these items ultimately benefits the library, and is an appropriate means of disposing of unneeded materials.
J. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Properties to Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. to lease properties owned by the City of Hickory located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
K. Approve a Deed of Conveyance for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk Property Located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. - The Southern Desk property had been in a state of continual decline and disrepair. The City of Hickory temporarily abated the nuisance at the property, but permanent abatement meant demolishing the building. Demolition costs were estimated to be close to $500,000 primarily due to the size of the building and the presence of asbestos. Negotiations were entered into between WDF, Inc. and James Canipe, owner of Foothills Recycling & Demolition, L.L.C. (Foothills) to acquire the property for the purpose of demolishing the building and reclaiming the materials. Upon completion of the demolition, the City agreed to accept a conveyance of the property from Foothills. The City performed a Phase 1 ESA on the property. The inspection did not reveal significant environmental hazards that would expose the City to potential liability as the new owner. Instead of using Foothills to acquire the property, Mr. Canipe created a new corporation, Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. to acquire the property. Upon the acquisition of the property, Foothills then demolished the building, reclaimed recyclable materials, and cleaned up the site. Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. is now willing to convey the affected property to the City in accordance with the agreement. Staff recommends Council accept the non-warranty deed of conveyance from Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk property located at 1730 1st Avenue SW.
L. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 16.
1. To budget a $1,500 Library donation from the Friends of the Hickory Public Library in the Programming line item. This donation is for the Beth Macy author visit scheduled on April 13, 2015.
2. To budget a $5,977 insurance claim payment from Argonaut Great Central Insurance Company in the Parks and Recreation M & R Buildings line item. This insurance claim payment is for hail damage to an HVAC unit on 11/06/14.
3. To budget a $150 insurance claim payment from Occidental Fire and Casualty Company of North Carolina in the Parks and Recreation M & R Grounds line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to a split rail fence at Cliff Teague Park.
4. To budget a total of $9,142 of sponsorships in the Parks and Recreation-Departmental Supplies line item. These funds are for the Unifour Senior Games.
5. To transfer $35,000 of General Contingency to the Administration Contracted Services line item. This transfer is needed to pay Land Design for the Design Guidelines contract.
6. To budget an $843 insurance claim payment from Progressive Southeastern Insurance Company in the Airports M & R Grounds line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to a chain link fence on Airport property.
Informational Item
A. Report of City Manager Mick Berry’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $41.67; Registration - $295; Fuel - $54.65)
B. Report of Councilman Lail’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295; Mileage Reimbursement - $202.40)
C. Report of Councilman Seaver’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $41.67; Registration - $295)
D. Report of Councilman Guess’ travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295)
E. Report of Councilwoman Patton travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295)
F. Report of Councilman Zagaroli’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $10.25; Registration - $295; Mileage Reimbursement - $202.40; Parking - $60)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as
developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
2. (a) Freese and Nichols, Inc. - Approval of contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) of Raleigh NC for Phase 1 of the Professional Bond Program Management Services in the amount of $498,400 for a comprehensive, phased program to develop additional project definition including preliminary engineering, cost estimates and feasibility analysis of the bond projects, identify regulatory requirements, space constraints, topographic constraints, scheduling, and utility conflicts.
(b) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 17
1. To budget $498,000 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance in the Administration Other Professional Services line item. This appropriation is to pay Freese and Nichols for the bond program administration.
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/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
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.
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Hound Notes: I know I haven't been writing much. I'm sure that causes some to cheer. Good for them. I'm not going to continue beating the dead horse. It is a waste of my time. If nothing changes, nothing changes and nothing has changed.
People ask How ya Doin... I tell'em So So... Same Ole Same Ole... S.O.S.O.
Check out the numbers... Ole Shell's dead on again... Resident population in Catawba County fell by (that means negative) 276 people in 2014. In 5 years, we have lost 4,419 people. These are guesstimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that most likely underestimate the loss of population in the area. How do I arrive at that logic? Because that is most likely what happened in 2010. From 2009 to 2010, we see a population loss of 4,703 people. Also factor in that these population numbers include illegal immigrants in the community. The two areas of demographic growth in the community are immigrants and the aged. The reason why I point that out is to look at the demographic make-up of the community. That make-up is not conducive to economic growth and stability. It doesn't mean that I am against immigrants. It means that we are trading out stable wealth for poverty. Since 2008, SNAP benefits (Foodstamps) participants have risen from 18,933 people to a current (as of 2014) 31,931 people. That is a 69% tangible growth in poverty, while we have seen a 2% loss of population -- are you getting my point?
The workforce in the area continues its precipitous decline. They can talk all day long about 5.6% unemployment. The workforce declined by over 2,000 people in 2014. That is when you count people working and statistically seeking work. It's actually worse than that. Unemployment in the community is really well into the double digits... Underemployment is much, much worse. Denial, stupidity, ignorance, and B*** S*** are off the charts.
Link to the numbers above at the St. Louis Federal Reserve website. Please go explore and educate yourself.
Another Note: I may not have been clear about the significance of the population estimates and the likely underreporting of those negative numbers. Numbers in Census years (years ending in zeros) are much more precise than in off-census years, because there is an actual physical count of households, as opposed to off-Census year numbers, which are accounted for through the Census Bureau's "Community Survey", which isn't a precise accounting, but a statistical sample reported by the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and subsequently the Federal Reserve branches.
We see a significant decrease in population between the off-Census/Community Survey year of 2009 and the Census year 2010. We have seen modest increases and decreases in the subsequent off-Census/Community Survey years 2011-2014. Evidence is pointing to a much more significant population decrease. The loss of labor force is one variable that points to a more significant population decrease. If you can't find a job, then you will have to leave the area.
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Special Presentations
A. Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
B. Proclamation for Fair Housing Month.
Consent Agenda
A. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Motor Speedway - Kevin Piercy, General Manager of the Hickory Motor Speedway has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: June 27, July 3, July 25 and September 19. The following would be rain out dates: June 28, July 4, 11, 18, 26, or August 1, and September 20, 26, or October 24. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
B. Approval of Municipal City Ordinances Repealing or Enacting Speed Limits to Update the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Database. - The Traffic Division has worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding the new ordinances and agree to the speed limits along US Highway 70 between 19th Street SW and 13th Street Place SW (50 mph), US Highway 70 between 13th Street SW and South Center Street (45 mph), US Highway 70 between South Center Street and Fairgrove Church Road (50 mph), 1st Avenue SW between South Center Street and NC Highway 127 (25 mph), and Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard between 2nd Avenue SE and Tate Boulevard (45 mph). The last is to repeal two ordinances that had incorrect reference locations, specifically along 1st Avenue SW between South Center Street and Main Avenue Place SE as this should have ended at NC Highway 127 and along 8th Street Drive SE between 2nd Avenue SE and Tate Boulevard as 8th Street Drive SE has changed names to Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard. Staff recommends approval of the ordinances for North Carolina Department of Transportation as described.
C. Approval of an All-Way Stop at the Intersections of 7th Street SW at 4th Avenue SW and 7th Street SW at 5th Avenue SW. - The Traffic Division has received all necessary paperwork from residents within the subdivision in regards to the Traffic Calming Guidelines and have found the residents to be in compliance with the guidelines. Based on recent speed studies it appears that traffic is still speeding along 7th Street SW even though the speed limit was reduced to 25mph. According to the City’s Traffic Calming Guidelines, the next step would be to install an all-way stop to help the speed issue. Staff recommends installation of all-way stops at the intersections of 7th Street SW at 4th Avenue SW and 7th Street SW at 5th Avenue SW.
D. Approval of a Lease Agreement for City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - The property at 24 1st Avenue NE has been leased to the Hickory Downtown Development Association for a number of years. The current lease has expires, and Staff has been working over the past few months to update the lease to ensure it is active and enforceable. The terms of the proposed lease will be for approximately two years for the nominal amount of one dollar. The lease will renew by mutual option for up to two additional years unless notice is given by either party to terminate. The lessee will be responsible for the payment of all utilities furnished to the property, securing its own janitorial service, maintaining the premise in good order, routine maintenance and repairs of the property.
E. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Terry M. Taylor, Collector of the Estate of Bette L. Peile, Catawba County Estate File Number 14E949 to James Steven Peile
F. Approval of Community Relations Council Spring Grant Recommendations. - As part of the Community Relations Council (CRC) work plan and annual budget process, the Community Relations Council receives funds to disperse during the fiscal year through the CRC 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 CRC goals and mission and how the program will serve to improve human relations in the Hickory area. A total of $4,690 is available in the CRC budget for grants in fiscal year 2014/2015. CRC recommends the following for funding for the Spring 2015 grant cycle:
Lenoir-Rhyne University/Office of Multicultural Affairs - $1,500
Safe Harbor Rescue Mission - $1,000
Council on Adolescents of Catawba Valley, Inc. - $1,440
Western North Carolina Epilepsy Association - $750
G. Approval of a Change to the Assistance Policy for the 2014 Urgent Repair Program (URP14) as Required by N.C. Housing Finance Agency. - The City of Hickory’s Community Development Department, in complying with the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s funding requirements for URP14 is requesting a change in income limits for the Assistance Policy. The change would allow assistance to more families. Presently the Urgent Repair Program has $33,565 remaining. Upon approval by Hickory City Council the Assistance Policy will be submitted to N.C. Housing Finance Agency for approval. Staff recommends approval of the income limits for City of Hickory Beneficiaries for 2014 Urgent Repair Project Grant Assistance Policy.
H. Special Event Activities Application Concert Under the Sails – Symphony Under the Sails, Dr. Martha Geouge Hill, Executive Director, Western Piedmont Symphony, Inc., May 3, 2015 and June 28, 2015, Union Square, Downtown Hickory, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
I. Approval of a Resolution to Declare 4,724 Surplus Discarded Library Materials so that these materials may be given to the Friends of the Library to be sold at the Friends October 2015 Book Sale and/or at the “Corner Book Store” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. - The sale of donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Library and discarded library materials comprise a significant portion of their inventory. The sale of these items ultimately benefits the library, and is an appropriate means of disposing of unneeded materials.
J. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Properties to Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. Located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. to lease properties owned by the City of Hickory located at 16 1st Avenue NE, and 18 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
K. Approve a Deed of Conveyance for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk Property Located at 1730 1st Avenue SW. - The Southern Desk property had been in a state of continual decline and disrepair. The City of Hickory temporarily abated the nuisance at the property, but permanent abatement meant demolishing the building. Demolition costs were estimated to be close to $500,000 primarily due to the size of the building and the presence of asbestos. Negotiations were entered into between WDF, Inc. and James Canipe, owner of Foothills Recycling & Demolition, L.L.C. (Foothills) to acquire the property for the purpose of demolishing the building and reclaiming the materials. Upon completion of the demolition, the City agreed to accept a conveyance of the property from Foothills. The City performed a Phase 1 ESA on the property. The inspection did not reveal significant environmental hazards that would expose the City to potential liability as the new owner. Instead of using Foothills to acquire the property, Mr. Canipe created a new corporation, Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. to acquire the property. Upon the acquisition of the property, Foothills then demolished the building, reclaimed recyclable materials, and cleaned up the site. Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. is now willing to convey the affected property to the City in accordance with the agreement. Staff recommends Council accept the non-warranty deed of conveyance from Southern Desk Reclamation, L.L.C. for the former WDF, Inc./Southern Desk property located at 1730 1st Avenue SW.
L. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 16.
1. To budget a $1,500 Library donation from the Friends of the Hickory Public Library in the Programming line item. This donation is for the Beth Macy author visit scheduled on April 13, 2015.
2. To budget a $5,977 insurance claim payment from Argonaut Great Central Insurance Company in the Parks and Recreation M & R Buildings line item. This insurance claim payment is for hail damage to an HVAC unit on 11/06/14.
3. To budget a $150 insurance claim payment from Occidental Fire and Casualty Company of North Carolina in the Parks and Recreation M & R Grounds line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to a split rail fence at Cliff Teague Park.
4. To budget a total of $9,142 of sponsorships in the Parks and Recreation-Departmental Supplies line item. These funds are for the Unifour Senior Games.
5. To transfer $35,000 of General Contingency to the Administration Contracted Services line item. This transfer is needed to pay Land Design for the Design Guidelines contract.
6. To budget an $843 insurance claim payment from Progressive Southeastern Insurance Company in the Airports M & R Grounds line item. This insurance claim payment is for damage sustained to a chain link fence on Airport property.
Informational Item
A. Report of City Manager Mick Berry’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $41.67; Registration - $295; Fuel - $54.65)
B. Report of Councilman Lail’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295; Mileage Reimbursement - $202.40)
C. Report of Councilman Seaver’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $41.67; Registration - $295)
D. Report of Councilman Guess’ travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295)
E. Report of Councilwoman Patton travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $32.04; Registration - $295)
F. Report of Councilman Zagaroli’s travel to Emerging Issues Forum, Raleigh, North Carolina, February 8 – 10, 2015. (Lodging - $381.10; Meals - $10.25; Registration - $295; Mileage Reimbursement - $202.40; Parking - $60)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as
developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
2. (a) Freese and Nichols, Inc. - Approval of contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) of Raleigh NC for Phase 1 of the Professional Bond Program Management Services in the amount of $498,400 for a comprehensive, phased program to develop additional project definition including preliminary engineering, cost estimates and feasibility analysis of the bond projects, identify regulatory requirements, space constraints, topographic constraints, scheduling, and utility conflicts.
(b) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 17
1. To budget $498,000 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance in the Administration Other Professional Services line item. This appropriation is to pay Freese and Nichols for the bond program administration.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 17, 2015
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 March 17, 2015
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The Hound's Notes: Another week being sick and under the weather is the reason why it has taken me a while to get this out. A couple years ago in July, I had some water seep into the basement when we had that flood. That wasn't long after my grandmother had passed, so I never have gotten the room fixed back the way I wanted to. The carpet down there had some dry rot like sandy stuff underneath it and I should have worn a mask, but didn't. I think there was some mold in it and pretty much by the next day I wasn't feeling too great. I thought I could deal with it, but it pretty much took over and I went to the doctor and am finally getting back to recovery. Lesson, if you are going to clean something old, musty, and/or dusty, even if it isn't visible, wear a mask. It will save you a lot of hassle.
As far as this meeting went, I read the article from the Hickory Daily Record wondering if Tenet was looking to sell Frye Hospital. I was in the chambers and listened to the new CEO Mark Benz address the Council and I didn't come away with any thought that tenet was looking to sell. What I came away with was that Tenet is looking to strategically partner with Non-Profits and Educational/Research facilities. I spoke about this six years ago in the Time to put the Puzzle together series. Because of out geographical location, we need to partner with Wake Forest University (Baptist Hospital), The UNC Hospital system, and/or Duke University Medical Center. Those facilities can provide the personnel and resources that we need in our area. Scott Millar, of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, has been working on these connections. Lenoir-Rhyne University and CVCC have been creating new facilities and programs related to the medical field and industry. Whether you like it or not, the Medical system is a social issue. On average, we have an aging and obese population in our area. I spoke about this in the 21st century platform for Hickory series -- an Agenda on Health and Wellness. It is going to have to be dealt with on a multitude of levels. Tenet is only looking to maximize its resources. I didn't hear a checkers conversation the other night from Mr. Benz. I heard a chess conversation.
The Hound believes that the Downtown infrastructure is going to cost more to revitalize than what we are seeing below. Kevin Greer says as much when he basically states that they won't know what all the issues are until they get into it. I believe/speculate that this is where some of that Bond Referendum money is going to be spent.
Warren Wood is going to be hard to replace. He is a Hickory native and he did a very good job directing the budget in this lean decade. I haven't heard much about a search for a replacement. Many may not know that Mike Bennett left back in October to take a job as a town manager in Colorado. He was a quasi- Assistant City Manager. The only current Assistant City Manager at the end of this month will be Andrea Surratt.
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Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda
Item N was removed from the Consent Agenda by Alderman Lail with the consent of the Council, the rest of the Agenda passed unanimously - N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
Alderman Lail asked that this item be removed. He wants a full presentation made about this agreement at one of the next two City Council meetings. The Council agreed unanimously.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Kevin Greer presentation regarding Central Business District Infrastructure Replacement (Sewer, Water, and Storm Runoff)...
(a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - Mack McLeod presentation
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Presentation by Andrew Straw, Chairman of the Community Appearance Commission.
General Comments
Several comments were made to Assistant City Manager Warren Wood related to his departure to the City of Waxhaw where he will be the Town Manager.
Mayor Wright advised that Mr. Warren Wood was attending his last Council meeting as Assistant City Manager of the City of Hickory. Mr. Wood had been with the City for 22 years, and Assistant City Manager for 16 years. He was also a sworn Police Officer, and supervisor over the Police Department. Mr. Wood had an undergrad from Chapel Hill, graduate school from Appalachian State. Mayor Wright commented that Mr. Wood had done a great job with the City of Hickory, saving the people of Hickory a lot of money. The City is going to miss him, and Waxhaw has a tremendous gain. Waxhaw will achieve even more than they have in the past.
City Attorney Crone commented born here, raised here. Grammar school, middle school and high school in Hickory, North Carolina. Mayor Wright commented that he and Council appreciated Mr. Wood. Alderman Meisner wished Mr. Wood well, commenting that he had been with Mr. Wood all 22 years and he had been a tremendous asset to the citizens of Hickory. Alderwoman Patton commented on the level of integrity that Mr. Wood possessed, and total commitment to the community. She thanked him for his service. Alderman Lail jokingly commented about how tight Mr. Wood was. Mayor Wright asked how many consecutive years without a rate increase. Mr. Wood advised 20 years.
City Attorney Crone commented that Mr. Wood was a master of making bad news sound like good news.
Mr. Berry commented a master of making bad news sound like worse news. Mayor Wright thanked Mr. Wood and his family. Mr. Wood was given a standing ovation. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Berry for allowing him a tremendous amount of latitude to do a lot of the things that he had done while at the City. He stated that Mr. McGee had done the same thing. He commented that he had worked for two good managers, and now he is giving it a shot. He thanked Staff and stated that he had enjoyed working for the citizens of Hickory.
Alderman Seaver commented that the Hickory High School Varsity Girls are the State 3A Champions in basketball. The Hickory High School Key Club won its 13th Diamond Level Award, which is the highest award in Key Club International. Mayor Wright commented that the girls had finished undefeated, the only high school team to finish undefeated, boys or girls. They won 29 games and lost none. In the 12 years that Barbara Helms has been Coach they have won 326 games, and lost 26. That is absolutely amazing.
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 March 17, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hound's Notes: Another week being sick and under the weather is the reason why it has taken me a while to get this out. A couple years ago in July, I had some water seep into the basement when we had that flood. That wasn't long after my grandmother had passed, so I never have gotten the room fixed back the way I wanted to. The carpet down there had some dry rot like sandy stuff underneath it and I should have worn a mask, but didn't. I think there was some mold in it and pretty much by the next day I wasn't feeling too great. I thought I could deal with it, but it pretty much took over and I went to the doctor and am finally getting back to recovery. Lesson, if you are going to clean something old, musty, and/or dusty, even if it isn't visible, wear a mask. It will save you a lot of hassle.
As far as this meeting went, I read the article from the Hickory Daily Record wondering if Tenet was looking to sell Frye Hospital. I was in the chambers and listened to the new CEO Mark Benz address the Council and I didn't come away with any thought that tenet was looking to sell. What I came away with was that Tenet is looking to strategically partner with Non-Profits and Educational/Research facilities. I spoke about this six years ago in the Time to put the Puzzle together series. Because of out geographical location, we need to partner with Wake Forest University (Baptist Hospital), The UNC Hospital system, and/or Duke University Medical Center. Those facilities can provide the personnel and resources that we need in our area. Scott Millar, of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, has been working on these connections. Lenoir-Rhyne University and CVCC have been creating new facilities and programs related to the medical field and industry. Whether you like it or not, the Medical system is a social issue. On average, we have an aging and obese population in our area. I spoke about this in the 21st century platform for Hickory series -- an Agenda on Health and Wellness. It is going to have to be dealt with on a multitude of levels. Tenet is only looking to maximize its resources. I didn't hear a checkers conversation the other night from Mr. Benz. I heard a chess conversation.
The Hound believes that the Downtown infrastructure is going to cost more to revitalize than what we are seeing below. Kevin Greer says as much when he basically states that they won't know what all the issues are until they get into it. I believe/speculate that this is where some of that Bond Referendum money is going to be spent.
Warren Wood is going to be hard to replace. He is a Hickory native and he did a very good job directing the budget in this lean decade. I haven't heard much about a search for a replacement. Many may not know that Mike Bennett left back in October to take a job as a town manager in Colorado. He was a quasi- Assistant City Manager. The only current Assistant City Manager at the end of this month will be Andrea Surratt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda
Item N was removed from the Consent Agenda by Alderman Lail with the consent of the Council, the rest of the Agenda passed unanimously - N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
Alderman Lail asked that this item be removed. He wants a full presentation made about this agreement at one of the next two City Council meetings. The Council agreed unanimously.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Kevin Greer presentation regarding Central Business District Infrastructure Replacement (Sewer, Water, and Storm Runoff)...
(a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - Mack McLeod presentation
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Presentation by Andrew Straw, Chairman of the Community Appearance Commission.
General Comments
Several comments were made to Assistant City Manager Warren Wood related to his departure to the City of Waxhaw where he will be the Town Manager.
Mayor Wright advised that Mr. Warren Wood was attending his last Council meeting as Assistant City Manager of the City of Hickory. Mr. Wood had been with the City for 22 years, and Assistant City Manager for 16 years. He was also a sworn Police Officer, and supervisor over the Police Department. Mr. Wood had an undergrad from Chapel Hill, graduate school from Appalachian State. Mayor Wright commented that Mr. Wood had done a great job with the City of Hickory, saving the people of Hickory a lot of money. The City is going to miss him, and Waxhaw has a tremendous gain. Waxhaw will achieve even more than they have in the past.
City Attorney Crone commented born here, raised here. Grammar school, middle school and high school in Hickory, North Carolina. Mayor Wright commented that he and Council appreciated Mr. Wood. Alderman Meisner wished Mr. Wood well, commenting that he had been with Mr. Wood all 22 years and he had been a tremendous asset to the citizens of Hickory. Alderwoman Patton commented on the level of integrity that Mr. Wood possessed, and total commitment to the community. She thanked him for his service. Alderman Lail jokingly commented about how tight Mr. Wood was. Mayor Wright asked how many consecutive years without a rate increase. Mr. Wood advised 20 years.
City Attorney Crone commented that Mr. Wood was a master of making bad news sound like good news.
Mr. Berry commented a master of making bad news sound like worse news. Mayor Wright thanked Mr. Wood and his family. Mr. Wood was given a standing ovation. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Berry for allowing him a tremendous amount of latitude to do a lot of the things that he had done while at the City. He stated that Mr. McGee had done the same thing. He commented that he had worked for two good managers, and now he is giving it a shot. He thanked Staff and stated that he had enjoyed working for the citizens of Hickory.
Alderman Seaver commented that the Hickory High School Varsity Girls are the State 3A Champions in basketball. The Hickory High School Key Club won its 13th Diamond Level Award, which is the highest award in Key Club International. Mayor Wright commented that the girls had finished undefeated, the only high school team to finish undefeated, boys or girls. They won 29 games and lost none. In the 12 years that Barbara Helms has been Coach they have won 326 games, and lost 26. That is absolutely amazing.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 17, 2015
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/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: I'm still not seeing much here. Routine business meeting following through on processes. Been under the weather the past few days and that is why it took a few days longer to get out.
The one interesting issue is the Departmental Report below about allocating funds to fix water and sewer lines Downtown. This blog informed you of this last Summer. The cost of replacing that highly antiquated infrastructure will be several million dollars.
=================================================
City Council Agenda - March 17, 2015
Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda:
A. Special Event/Activities Application for Young Life Glow Run 5K, Debbie Hobart, Area Director, Catawba Valley Young Life, May 2, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Airport, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW.
B. Special Event/Activities Application for Swinging Under the Stars, Tony Eltora, Executive Director, Hickory Music Factory, May 24, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown Hickory at the Sails on the Square.
C. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon Registration and Expo, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 6, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Under the Sails on the Square.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 7, 2015 from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starts at Hickory Elks Lodge and ends at the Sails on the Square.
E. Special Event/Activities Application for Taste of Hickory, Kirby Dodd, Hickory Elks Lodge #1654, set-up May 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., clean-up ends Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., date of event Sunday, May 17, 2015 at LP Frans Stadium Concourse at Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW.
F. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. (Authorize Public Hearing for April 21, 2015)
G. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Wilfred J. Robin and wife, Shelor Boliek Robin, aka Shelor Bolick Robin to Lawrence Stroud Carter, Jr.
H. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from JoAnne Townsend Flick and spouse Donald P. Flick, to Ronald C. Swift.
I. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
J. Approve Change Order Number One with Dane Construction in the Amount of $3,000.29 for Changes to the Construction on the Replacement Bridge on 46th Avenue Drive NE, Windridge Subdivision. - The bridge located on 46th Avenue Drive NE over Snow Creek at Windridge Subdivision was destroyed by flood waters as a result of extremely heavy rains on July 27, 2013. Dane Construction Inc. was awarded the contract and began work on October 15, 2014 on the replacement structure. During the construction of the replacement structure, it was discovered that the concrete girders on the bridge might conflict with the supporting concrete cap at one end of the bridge. To prevent the conflict and potential cracking of the concrete girders, epoxy was added to the top surface of the concrete cap. The Contractor’s cost for that work total $3,000.29 increase. The contract amount with Dane Construction Inc. would increase to $945,203.34 which is a .32 percent increase. The total project cost including the change order request and the contracts with Dane Construction Inc., McGill Associates and ECS Carolina total $1,034,529.34. The new total project cost is still under the total project budget, therefore no budget amendment is required. Staff recommends approval of change order number one for Dane Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,000.29 for preventative construction to the concrete cap on the replacement bridge.
K. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on March 5, 2015:
The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Sonya Hoke, 437 3rd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned request for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
L. Approval of a Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and Town of Mooresville. - Staff requests approval of the Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville. The original agreement was signed in 2003, which required Mooresville to extend waterlines from Sherrill’s Ford School Road to Mooresville across the Hwy 150-Catawba River Bridges. Hickory retained ownership of those lines upon completion of construction. This agreement is to provide an emergency water source for the Town of Mooresville. NCDENR encourages these interconnections wherever possible for emergencies. The purchase price for water is the current Hickory outside rate, as amended by City Council annually. Staff recommends approval of this Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville.
M. Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve Geitner Basin and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative. - The Public Utilities Department identifies areas within the City of Hickory’s collection system annually for inspections and conditions assessment. This practice has been established so that Staff may evaluate portions of the system annually to determine necessary repairs and improvements in manageable portions. The evaluation of the Geitner Basin was completed in late 2014 and has identified several areas of concern that require attention in order to avoid failures. The application is requesting $2,000,000 which represents the anticipated construction cost of essential repairs, including contingencies. Staff recommends applying to the NCDENT-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rate anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
O. Approval of Amendment Number Two to Lease Agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. - Staff requests approval of amendment number two to a lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site. The City of Hickory and AGW Leasing Company, Inc., entered into an original site lease agreement in November of 1999 to allow Sprint to locate antennas on the City of Hickory’s 9th Avenue water storage tank. This lease agreement allowed for the installation of two antennas per zone and three zones around the walkway of the City’s tank. The tenant pays the City annually for locating the antennas on the tank and agrees to conditions regarding tank maintenance and access to the site. The proposed amendment follows the provisions of the original agreement and the first amendment with all respects. In addition to the original amendment calls for the addition of one more antenna per zone and the associated cables and fixtures necessary to attach the antennas to the tank structure. The tenant agrees to all original conditions for maintenance of the City’s facilities and access to the site. The addition of the requested antennas will increase the annual rent by $350 per month or $4,200 annually. Staff recommends approval of amendment number two to the lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company, Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site.
P. Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Q. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 14.
1. To budget a $25 Library donation from the Waverly Book Club in the fiction book line item.
2. To appropriate $5,804 of General Fund - Appropriated Fund Balance and budget it in the International Springfest Donations expenditure line item. $5,804 of International Springfest Donations were unspent at the end of FY13-14 and therefore rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
3. To budget a $2,000 Sponsorship Donation from the Hickory Elks Lodge in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
4. To budget an $865 Donation from Emory Carswell in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the purchase of a bench for the Fitness Center at Highland Recreation Center.
5. To budget $5,250 of General Fund Contingency in the Traffic Division Contracted Services line item. This amendment is to pay BERCO (Bryant Electric Repair & Construction Inc.) for the traffic signal systems fiber relocation at Transportation Insight.
6. To transfer $4,700 of General Fund Contingency to the University City Commission expenditure line item. Funds are needed to pay for the stickers for businesses, the summer movie fest and for a band as part of the event partnerships.
7. To Transfer $7,100 of Contingency to the Code Enforcement demolition line item. Due to the urgency of purchasing a replacement Code Enforcement vehicle, $7,100 was moved from the demolition line item to expedite the purchase of a new vehicle. This amendment is necessary to replace those funds.
8. To decrease the Recycling Lease/Purchase revenue line item by $770,000 and decrease the Recycling/Capital expenditure line item by $770,000 to balance out these line items to zero.
9. To transfer $517,300 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Solid Waste Fund and to decrease Debt Service Interest ($30,000) and Equipment ($154,000) line items by a total of $184,800. To then budget a total of $702,100 in the Recycling Other Equipment line item. Funds are needed to purchase 14,000 rollout carts for the single stream recycling program.
10. To transfer $30,000 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the General Fund and to budget an additional $70,000 of General Fund Contingency in the Capital Outlay Land line item. These transfers are needed to pay for the purchase of .890 acres next to the existing Public Services Complex. The purchase of this property is important for the future of the city complex.
11. To transfer $127,430 of General Fund Contingency to the Fire Departments Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are needed for shower restoration, restroom rehab, engine bay rehab, carpet replacement, generator replacement, natural gas installation, infrared heater up-fits, safety mechanism upgrades to all station bay doors and duct work cleaning.
12. To appropriate and budget a $1,000 Argonaut Insurance Claim in the Fire Department Vehicles Capital line item. This claim is for damages to a vehicle that was involved in an accident on 10/14/15.
R. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number Four.
1. To budget $27,369 of Federal Emergency Agency and Department of Homeland Security Funds in the FY2013 Assistance Firefighters grant budget. Grant overages in the amount of $27,369 were billed to individual agencies for purchases above the grant amount. The City of Hickory Fire Department is the lead agency for 18 fire and emergency agencies.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
The Public Utilities Department annually identifies infrastructure that are in need of replacement or rehabilitation, as appropriate, as a component of the Departments sustainability programs. The identified project area being the Central Business District which is served by an older portion of the City of Hickory’s distribution system. The anticipated cost of the Central Business District project is $2,800,000 including engineering fees. The Public Utilities Department Staff recommend applying to the NCDENR-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rates anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. The application is for funds available to replace/rehabilitate sanitary sewer and storm drainage infrastructure; therefore the requested amount of the loan would be approximately $1,600,000. The waterline replacements were designed under a previous agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC and this proposed agreement will be for the engineering and design of the sanitary sewer and storm drainage necessary. The remainder of capital funds required would be taken from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Balance. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - In March of 2013 representatives of the Greater Hickory Tennis Association (GHTA) approached City Staff with an interest in developing a public/private partnership to make significant improvements to the tennis complex at Hickory City Park. The total estimated project cost being $574,200 which includes contingency allowances. GHTA has committed to fund a minimum of $125,000 towards the cost of the tennis complex improvements over a five year time period. In order to raise their committed funds, GHTA seeks to sell facility naming rights. On January 6, 2015 City Council authorized Staff to develop a Priority Use Agreement formalizing the partnership for the tennis complex improvements to include the requested facility naming rights. The Priority Use Agreement has been approved by Greater Hickory Tennis Association as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission at their March 10, 2015 meeting.
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Over the past several months the Community Appearance Commission has worked to revise the guidelines for consideration and approval of grants under the City’s Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs. This effort was undertaken so that the grant programs’ operating guidelines are modernized and improved to account for issues experienced during their administration, and to also implement the grant scoring criteria that was approved by City Council. The proposed changes to the Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs have been put forth after months of consideration by the Community Appearance Commission. The Community Appearance Commission has made recommended changes to these grant programs with the intention of improving the program so that its administration is less subjective and focused on the grant scoring criteria that have already been approved by Hickory City Council. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously at their January 26, 2015 meeting approval of the proposed changes.
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/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: I'm still not seeing much here. Routine business meeting following through on processes. Been under the weather the past few days and that is why it took a few days longer to get out.
The one interesting issue is the Departmental Report below about allocating funds to fix water and sewer lines Downtown. This blog informed you of this last Summer. The cost of replacing that highly antiquated infrastructure will be several million dollars.
=================================================
City Council Agenda - March 17, 2015
Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda:
A. Special Event/Activities Application for Young Life Glow Run 5K, Debbie Hobart, Area Director, Catawba Valley Young Life, May 2, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Airport, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW.
B. Special Event/Activities Application for Swinging Under the Stars, Tony Eltora, Executive Director, Hickory Music Factory, May 24, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown Hickory at the Sails on the Square.
C. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon Registration and Expo, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 6, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Under the Sails on the Square.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 7, 2015 from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starts at Hickory Elks Lodge and ends at the Sails on the Square.
E. Special Event/Activities Application for Taste of Hickory, Kirby Dodd, Hickory Elks Lodge #1654, set-up May 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., clean-up ends Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., date of event Sunday, May 17, 2015 at LP Frans Stadium Concourse at Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW.
F. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. (Authorize Public Hearing for April 21, 2015)
G. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Wilfred J. Robin and wife, Shelor Boliek Robin, aka Shelor Bolick Robin to Lawrence Stroud Carter, Jr.
H. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from JoAnne Townsend Flick and spouse Donald P. Flick, to Ronald C. Swift.
I. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
J. Approve Change Order Number One with Dane Construction in the Amount of $3,000.29 for Changes to the Construction on the Replacement Bridge on 46th Avenue Drive NE, Windridge Subdivision. - The bridge located on 46th Avenue Drive NE over Snow Creek at Windridge Subdivision was destroyed by flood waters as a result of extremely heavy rains on July 27, 2013. Dane Construction Inc. was awarded the contract and began work on October 15, 2014 on the replacement structure. During the construction of the replacement structure, it was discovered that the concrete girders on the bridge might conflict with the supporting concrete cap at one end of the bridge. To prevent the conflict and potential cracking of the concrete girders, epoxy was added to the top surface of the concrete cap. The Contractor’s cost for that work total $3,000.29 increase. The contract amount with Dane Construction Inc. would increase to $945,203.34 which is a .32 percent increase. The total project cost including the change order request and the contracts with Dane Construction Inc., McGill Associates and ECS Carolina total $1,034,529.34. The new total project cost is still under the total project budget, therefore no budget amendment is required. Staff recommends approval of change order number one for Dane Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,000.29 for preventative construction to the concrete cap on the replacement bridge.
K. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on March 5, 2015:
The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Sonya Hoke, 437 3rd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned request for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
L. Approval of a Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and Town of Mooresville. - Staff requests approval of the Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville. The original agreement was signed in 2003, which required Mooresville to extend waterlines from Sherrill’s Ford School Road to Mooresville across the Hwy 150-Catawba River Bridges. Hickory retained ownership of those lines upon completion of construction. This agreement is to provide an emergency water source for the Town of Mooresville. NCDENR encourages these interconnections wherever possible for emergencies. The purchase price for water is the current Hickory outside rate, as amended by City Council annually. Staff recommends approval of this Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville.
M. Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve Geitner Basin and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative. - The Public Utilities Department identifies areas within the City of Hickory’s collection system annually for inspections and conditions assessment. This practice has been established so that Staff may evaluate portions of the system annually to determine necessary repairs and improvements in manageable portions. The evaluation of the Geitner Basin was completed in late 2014 and has identified several areas of concern that require attention in order to avoid failures. The application is requesting $2,000,000 which represents the anticipated construction cost of essential repairs, including contingencies. Staff recommends applying to the NCDENT-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rate anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
O. Approval of Amendment Number Two to Lease Agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. - Staff requests approval of amendment number two to a lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site. The City of Hickory and AGW Leasing Company, Inc., entered into an original site lease agreement in November of 1999 to allow Sprint to locate antennas on the City of Hickory’s 9th Avenue water storage tank. This lease agreement allowed for the installation of two antennas per zone and three zones around the walkway of the City’s tank. The tenant pays the City annually for locating the antennas on the tank and agrees to conditions regarding tank maintenance and access to the site. The proposed amendment follows the provisions of the original agreement and the first amendment with all respects. In addition to the original amendment calls for the addition of one more antenna per zone and the associated cables and fixtures necessary to attach the antennas to the tank structure. The tenant agrees to all original conditions for maintenance of the City’s facilities and access to the site. The addition of the requested antennas will increase the annual rent by $350 per month or $4,200 annually. Staff recommends approval of amendment number two to the lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company, Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site.
P. Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Q. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 14.
1. To budget a $25 Library donation from the Waverly Book Club in the fiction book line item.
2. To appropriate $5,804 of General Fund - Appropriated Fund Balance and budget it in the International Springfest Donations expenditure line item. $5,804 of International Springfest Donations were unspent at the end of FY13-14 and therefore rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
3. To budget a $2,000 Sponsorship Donation from the Hickory Elks Lodge in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
4. To budget an $865 Donation from Emory Carswell in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the purchase of a bench for the Fitness Center at Highland Recreation Center.
5. To budget $5,250 of General Fund Contingency in the Traffic Division Contracted Services line item. This amendment is to pay BERCO (Bryant Electric Repair & Construction Inc.) for the traffic signal systems fiber relocation at Transportation Insight.
6. To transfer $4,700 of General Fund Contingency to the University City Commission expenditure line item. Funds are needed to pay for the stickers for businesses, the summer movie fest and for a band as part of the event partnerships.
7. To Transfer $7,100 of Contingency to the Code Enforcement demolition line item. Due to the urgency of purchasing a replacement Code Enforcement vehicle, $7,100 was moved from the demolition line item to expedite the purchase of a new vehicle. This amendment is necessary to replace those funds.
8. To decrease the Recycling Lease/Purchase revenue line item by $770,000 and decrease the Recycling/Capital expenditure line item by $770,000 to balance out these line items to zero.
9. To transfer $517,300 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Solid Waste Fund and to decrease Debt Service Interest ($30,000) and Equipment ($154,000) line items by a total of $184,800. To then budget a total of $702,100 in the Recycling Other Equipment line item. Funds are needed to purchase 14,000 rollout carts for the single stream recycling program.
10. To transfer $30,000 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the General Fund and to budget an additional $70,000 of General Fund Contingency in the Capital Outlay Land line item. These transfers are needed to pay for the purchase of .890 acres next to the existing Public Services Complex. The purchase of this property is important for the future of the city complex.
11. To transfer $127,430 of General Fund Contingency to the Fire Departments Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are needed for shower restoration, restroom rehab, engine bay rehab, carpet replacement, generator replacement, natural gas installation, infrared heater up-fits, safety mechanism upgrades to all station bay doors and duct work cleaning.
12. To appropriate and budget a $1,000 Argonaut Insurance Claim in the Fire Department Vehicles Capital line item. This claim is for damages to a vehicle that was involved in an accident on 10/14/15.
R. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number Four.
1. To budget $27,369 of Federal Emergency Agency and Department of Homeland Security Funds in the FY2013 Assistance Firefighters grant budget. Grant overages in the amount of $27,369 were billed to individual agencies for purchases above the grant amount. The City of Hickory Fire Department is the lead agency for 18 fire and emergency agencies.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
The Public Utilities Department annually identifies infrastructure that are in need of replacement or rehabilitation, as appropriate, as a component of the Departments sustainability programs. The identified project area being the Central Business District which is served by an older portion of the City of Hickory’s distribution system. The anticipated cost of the Central Business District project is $2,800,000 including engineering fees. The Public Utilities Department Staff recommend applying to the NCDENR-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rates anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. The application is for funds available to replace/rehabilitate sanitary sewer and storm drainage infrastructure; therefore the requested amount of the loan would be approximately $1,600,000. The waterline replacements were designed under a previous agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC and this proposed agreement will be for the engineering and design of the sanitary sewer and storm drainage necessary. The remainder of capital funds required would be taken from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Balance. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - In March of 2013 representatives of the Greater Hickory Tennis Association (GHTA) approached City Staff with an interest in developing a public/private partnership to make significant improvements to the tennis complex at Hickory City Park. The total estimated project cost being $574,200 which includes contingency allowances. GHTA has committed to fund a minimum of $125,000 towards the cost of the tennis complex improvements over a five year time period. In order to raise their committed funds, GHTA seeks to sell facility naming rights. On January 6, 2015 City Council authorized Staff to develop a Priority Use Agreement formalizing the partnership for the tennis complex improvements to include the requested facility naming rights. The Priority Use Agreement has been approved by Greater Hickory Tennis Association as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission at their March 10, 2015 meeting.
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Over the past several months the Community Appearance Commission has worked to revise the guidelines for consideration and approval of grants under the City’s Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs. This effort was undertaken so that the grant programs’ operating guidelines are modernized and improved to account for issues experienced during their administration, and to also implement the grant scoring criteria that was approved by City Council. The proposed changes to the Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs have been put forth after months of consideration by the Community Appearance Commission. The Community Appearance Commission has made recommended changes to these grant programs with the intention of improving the program so that its administration is less subjective and focused on the grant scoring criteria that have already been approved by Hickory City Council. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously at their January 26, 2015 meeting approval of the proposed changes.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 3, 2015
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 March 3, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hound's Notes: This took a little longer than normal to get out because of the length of the meeting and the number of presentations. I also spent the weekend visiting my cousins in the eastern part of the State.
You can go to the specific links below to see the individual presentations of the information. There were a lot of these presentations that had Powerpoint slides and other information of interest pertaining to the Community Organization and Boards and Commissions. You will also see the presentation of information about the proposed Friends of Hickory Downtown Park and the rollout of single stream recycling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Wright was not present.
Invocation by Rev. Heather Wood Davis, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000 - (No Presentation)
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bebe Leitch - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Tammy Panther - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Bobby Bush - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Dave Leonetti
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Alana Church
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Brian Frazier
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Persons Requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope - Mr. Larry Pope addressed Council regarding the condition of sidewalks during inclement weather. Mr. Pope also expressed his concerns that City Council did not tell the citizens, during the bond referendum, the truth in its entirety. He discussed the walk from Geitner Park to the Crawdads field and addressed the concern that the property lies in Burke County and who would reap the benefit of the tax dollars from improvements made by the citizens of Hickory’s money.
Consent Agenda
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100.
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 March 3, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hound's Notes: This took a little longer than normal to get out because of the length of the meeting and the number of presentations. I also spent the weekend visiting my cousins in the eastern part of the State.
You can go to the specific links below to see the individual presentations of the information. There were a lot of these presentations that had Powerpoint slides and other information of interest pertaining to the Community Organization and Boards and Commissions. You will also see the presentation of information about the proposed Friends of Hickory Downtown Park and the rollout of single stream recycling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Wright was not present.
Invocation by Rev. Heather Wood Davis, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000 - (No Presentation)
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bebe Leitch - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Tammy Panther - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Bobby Bush - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Dave Leonetti
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Alana Church
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Brian Frazier
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Persons Requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope - Mr. Larry Pope addressed Council regarding the condition of sidewalks during inclement weather. Mr. Pope also expressed his concerns that City Council did not tell the citizens, during the bond referendum, the truth in its entirety. He discussed the walk from Geitner Park to the Crawdads field and addressed the concern that the property lies in Burke County and who would reap the benefit of the tax dollars from improvements made by the citizens of Hickory’s money.
Consent Agenda
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100.
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