Earlier this week, on Monday to be exact, we passed the 20,000 Unique Viewer mark. I appreciate the fact that so many people have visited this site even though we deal in a subject with a narrow focus when compared to the world at large.
We have had people come to this site, maybe the better word is stumble, from every continent on the globe and from just about every State in the United States. This site is still in its infancy and we are treading along just fine, even though I would like to eventually reach that critical mass. I still believe that this site is very important and we have seen good results along the way. This is the new media, some will call it the micro-media; but I prefer to call it advocacy media.
We aren't here to cover sports, give the weather from day-to day, cover pop culture, or the obituaries. We are here as representatives of the local culture. We are here for opinion. We are here to give the average person in this community a voice. Please feel free to comment on any article. We want a dialogue.
I facilitated this blog utilizing Blogspot.com, which is owned by Google. I appreciate Google, because they have provided me with tools that allow me, an average citizen, to have a voice. I know that a lot of people are scared of Google. They are worried that Google is spreading its tentacles into everything. Without access to the World Wide Web and the ability to create a blog, it would have been a lot harder to imagine anything close to what we are doing here taking shape -- Just think about 20 years ago. And if this community does receive and achieve this expanded capacity of Data Communications, then it has the potential to allow the citizens of this community to participate more fully in the process of governance. There will be no excuses not to pay some attention to what is going on.
It is my hope, along with Harry Hipps and several others, that soon local governmental meetings will be televised via webcam and archived for on demand viewership. This type of hands on interaction with government will help elected officials, city staff, and the public have a closer bond with one another. It is my hope that this will create an idea we can call "The Great Conversation."
No longer will I report to the interested, the summaries of minutes of the various meetings and public affairs important to us all. Interested parties will see it for themselves. There is nothing better than seeing events unfold with your own eyes and if I had my wish that is what would happen. If a picture speaks a thousand words, how many does video offer?
If video of public meetings, such as City Council, were brought to us, The Hound would evolve into fostering ideas and attempt to ask appropriate questions about area happenings. The viewership of this blog and other communication outlets would steer the conversation. These opinions would then help local government shape policy to better fit the needs of the constituents it represents.
Society is changing whether we like it or not. We would be better off to try and shape that change, than to sit back and let it randomly change us. I have seen a groundswell of support over this Google issue, with over 1,800 people signing onto the Woogle Facebook page in 3 days. This shows that people will mobilize and rally when they feel an issue is important enough. We must utilize the momentum we see here by rallying the public towards participation in our community's transformative process.
Even if we aren't able to land this Google deal, this mobilization of public interest and awareness needs to be built upon. With all of us working together towards creating excellence in Hickory, we can't help but begin to move in a positive direction.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 2, 2010
This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 3/2/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below
Invocation by Rev. Susan Smith of Exodus Home Ministries
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2009. This is the Fifteenth Consecutive Year the City Has Received this Recognition - Karen Hurley, the city's budget director accepted the award from the Government Finance Officer's Association from the United States. More than 1,100 municipalities participate in this program. There has been a 76% growth in participation since 1995.
B. Update Council on Google Gigabit RFI - You can read the about this in the article presented in the article - Woogle - How You can Help Us Get Google Ultra High Speed Broadband. If you haven't already checked this out and filled out the survey please do so. Over 500 people joined in the last 24 hours 3/3/ 2010. Join the crowd and get involved. This will be a key factor in our ability to be chosen by Google to deliver a Fiber Network with 1 Gigabit access to the home and to businesses.
C. Presentation of FY 2010-2011 Board and Commission Work Plans - Board/Commission Presenter
1. Animal Control Advisory - Sgt. Keith Yoder - 1) City contributes to the cost of spay and neuter program - Last year $1100 was spent. This year a little over $700 has been spent. 2) Cost effective measures to deal with stray animals. Shelter costs are currently $97,894 and will rise by 5% next year to $102,713. There are no alternatives for that. 5) Sponsor 2 rabies clinics this year to get animal vaccinated at a reduced cost. Their will be a rabies clinic held on April 24.
(The Hound stated last year and still believe I would like to see people have to obtain a license in order to breed animals. The fee should be equal to the cost of spaying and neutering any animals. We need to get control of the stray animal population in this community. It is inhumane to let animals breed and not take care of them.)
2. Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Ms. Yvonne Setzer - Todd Hefner presentation. Objective are to continue community development planning projects. Working to pursue a regional strategy for affordable home ownership.
3. Community Appearance Commission - Mr. Steve Bowman - Focused on providing incentives to upgrade private properties in the commercial revitalization area through appearance grant and landscape incentive program. monitor and participate litter pick-Up program. Promote and benefit trees. Working with public education to reduce litter. Working on Beautification Beautification
4. Community Relations Council Ms. Paulina Ruff - David Radke - Want the same budget as last year. Grant Program would be for $12,000. Connect, Improve, and Encourage community relations. Multi- Cultural Human Relations Events in May. Training and outreach events.
5. Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Mr. Brian Frazier - Revision of Hickory by Choice and the Land-Use Development plan -- plan released next month. Working on Brownfield grants. Only 7 months left in the process. Phase 1 assessments - Lyerly Mills, Hollar Hosiery, Moretz Mills, Regal, Piedmont Wagon andS&W Chemical bulding Phase 2 - Piedmont Wagon and Hollar Hosiery. Working on a Phase 2 for Regal and possibly S&W if there are red flags. No request for funds. Alder Fox stated that this was an exciting time for planning and we will get some excellent public participation. (The Hound has stated on many occasions, I believe that Mr. Frazier along with Mr. Leonetti have done an excellent job of allowing the HBC process to follow its natural course without trying to direct the finished product. Our entire community should thank them for allowing that to happen.)
6. Hickory Youth Council Mr. Evan Denzer - Partnering with Animal for Alex and Cops for Tots. Promote community and general public knowledge in the hearts and minds of our youth. Requesting $3,600 for general uses, programs, and a possible Summer retreat. This is the same as last year. (The Hound Knows this is a good Investment, because we need kids to be more civic minded.)
7. Historic Preservation Commission Ms. Clem Geitner - Donna Cullum - The commission would like to continue criteria for a historic grant that would tag along with Operation No Vacancy. Provide the opportunity to be put on the study list and be registered on the national register. This was funded to the tune of $5,000. They hope that this will spur growth.
(The Hound understands that this is standard operating procedure for a commission rooted in past generations, but I don't feel that we should be married to these buildings along the railroad tracks. There is nothing historic or architecturally significant about them. We need an end game when it comes to these rotting buildings. We need to see a timeframe as to how long they are going to be allowed to fall under disrepair.
The burden of proof should be on the owner that these buildings are structurally sound and if they are not then they need to go. These grants are funded by the taxes of regular, average everyday citizens and I would like to ask what they get out of this? $5,000 is not going to make or break a business deal. It is only going to pad pockets.
The owners of these buildings are wealthy for the most part and they have no incentive to solve the problem. The city should take an aggressive stance like other municipalities have in our country. Either fix the eyesore or condemn it. That is what you do to the rundown houses of poor people and that is what should be done with these trust fund eyesores.)
8. International Council Mr. Hani Nassar - He has been doing this for 7 years. This is the 9th year of budget. Spoke about Springfest. Stated that the council would like to bring the Hmong and Latino groups out of their cocoon to participate with the other cultures. Alder Patton stated that she believes that they have done a wonderful job with the money they have been given. (The Hound thinks it is awesome that Mr. Nassar is bringing all of the cultural groups under one umbrella. It is obvious that they are doing some excellent work.)
9. Library Advisory Board Ms. Judy Ivester - Asked for no money. The Library is a focal point of the community. Technology plays a big role in and outside of the library. 57,000 patrons have used 51 computers. Self Checkout machines were installed in July, to date over 34,000 items have been checked out this way. Patrons can access the library online via their home computer. Since July 1, 2009, the library has averaged over 43,000 patrons per month -- more than a 10% increase.
The library is helping people with employment, testing, and training. The library is starting a technology garage that teaches individuals about new electronics. The library is looking to increase and improve technology, customer service, and programming. She stated that Quality of Life isn't a warm and fuzzy concept that can be pushed aside in economically difficult times. Quality of Life is important when attracting new businesses. last year the library offered over a 1,000 programs to 29,000 attendees. Since July 1, 2009, the library has had 82,000 reference points which is up 42% over the last year.
The library has increased value added services including a 20 seat conference room and a coffee kiosk in the rotunda. Alder Fox stated that it is obvious that Library Board members do a lot more than just attend meetings.
(The Hound believes that once again Mrs. Ivester had the best presentation of the evening and she was spot on in her assessment. The Library is going to be more critical as a center of knowledge as we move forward.)
10. Parks and Recreation Commission Ms. Kelley Hurley - Ms. Hurley went over the list of goals and highlights. She went over the highlights og the past year 1) Completion of phase 2 of the Ridgeview (Taft-Broome Park) Recreation Project. 2) She went over the community gardens that will have 20 plots at Civitan Park and Taft-Broome Park. She wants to encourage citizens to have gardens. There will be a sharing (vandal) garden where citizens can get vegetables. 3) She showed the first annual community picnic held at the Henry Fork Park last spring. There were a lot of activities. This year it will be held at stanford Park on may 22. 2010. 4) She then showed the Easter Egg hunt that will be held on March 27, 2010. 5) They also helped the Youth Council support the Animals for Alex Program.
Goals were presented by Harreitt Smith include 1) Development of the Clonionger Mill Park plan 2) Support 2005 Green Ways and Trails Master plan. The last significant investment in the Green Way plan was from 15 years ago. 3) Create a Dog Park 4) Create a City Endowment to support Parks 5) Work towards the creation a Henry Fork Ampitheater 6) Create a Sandy Pine's Park from capital obtained by selling residential property at the Cloninger Mill Park site 7) Create a Park Ranger Program for the Hickory Park System. Alder Lail stated that this was the first year for the Community Garden and it has been in plans for three years. Alder Patton asked if any plots were left. Civitan is sold out and they are still available at taft-Broome. The City will till the areas. (The Hound liked this presentation also. I support everything they said and really appreciate the concept of the community garden.)
11. Public Art Commission Mr. David Baldwin - Mr. Baldwin showed the Art on the Bench project and the results. They want to maintain art they have brought to the community over the past 10 years. He addressed the focal project for the upcoming year, which will be a permanent fire sculpture created by an established artist, local potter, and local citizens. It should be completed in the 2010-2011 timeframe. He showed examples. This will be an art piece for many years to come and it will also be an event that many people can participate in.
12. Recycling Advisory Board Mr. Norm Mears - Chuck Hansen presentation. They want better participation in the program. Hickory Community participation is better than the state average. 340 businesses work with the city on the program. Campaign to reach the Hickory City School System. All schools will participate in recycling. The city sponsors a household hazardous waste event twice per year in November and May. Looking to expand convenience centers to other areas. Currently just in NE and SW Hickory. Address and evaluate the recycling commodity issue. Looking towards recycling pallets, oil filters, fluorescent lamps, and ballasts. Looking at the city solid waste ordinance to assess what they can handle. They are looking at a single stream MURF Facility that would reduce pickup and have the city separating the refuse into the proper streams.
Consent Agenda:
A. Adopt Resolution Honoring the Memory of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Chris Eckard Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for His Country While Serving in Afghanistan
B. Request by Hickory Police Department to Award Badge and Service Weapon to Retired Master Police Officer Dennis J. Morris Under authority granted by the NC General Statutes, City Council is requested to award the police badge and service weapon to Master Police Officer Dennis J. Morris who retired from the Hickory Police Department on March 1, 2010. Upon approval, the badge and service weapon will be removed from the City’s fixed asset inventory.
C. Approve Municipal Fund Agreement With the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Reimbursable Traffic Control Device Maintenance ServicesPerformed on State System Roadways The June 15, 2004 Municipal Fund Agreement, Schedules A, B, C and D with the NCDOT was renewed for five years. The new Municipal Maintenance Agreement includes the current schedules under which the City of Hickory makes claim for reimbursement. Schedules A, B and C work under a flat reimbursable amount per traffic control device installed and Schedule D is personnel staffing for a maximum annual reimbursable amout of $131,000.00. The new agreement period begins July 1, 2009 and will be annually renewable for five years up to June 30, 2014. Pulled for discussion by Alderman Seaver. Alderman Seaver is concerned about the reimbursement to the city from the State, since we have taken over the obligation. Chuck Hanson stated that this is about the Traffic signalling system, signs, and marketing and staffing the computer end of the traffic control system. We have 200 traffic signals in our area that need work on a daily basis.
D. Approve 2010 Lobbying Service Contract With Cozort Government Relations in the Amount of $24,000. The City of Hickory and Catawba County for the past two years have contracted with Womble Carlyle as their legislative lobbyist. Mr. Jack Cozort has been the principal lobbyist and as of January, 2010 Mr. Cozort and two other lobbyists have formed a new lobbying and government relations firm, Cozort Government Relations. Our contract with Womble Carlye expired at the end of December 2009. Catawba County has approved re-hiring Jack Cozort due to the effective working relationship that has been developed with him while at Womble Carlyle. The new contract with Cozort Government Relations will be for a lower rate of $2,000.00/month for twelve months. Staff recommends approval.
E. Request From Hickory Downtown Development Association for Use of Union Square for the Swinging Under the Stars Event on May 30, 2010 From 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
F. Request From Hickory Downtown Development Association for Use of Union Square for Hickory Alive on June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2010 From 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
G Request From American Legion Post 48 for Use of Union Square for the Veterans’ Memorial Service on May 30, 2010 From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
H. Budget Ordinances
1. To budget a $1,262 insurance claim check from Trident Insurance Company in the Police Department Maintenance and Repair of Vehicle line item for damage sustained to a Police vehicle on 01-30-10.
2. To budget a $1,000 donation from the Western Piedmont Council of Government in the Parks and Recreation Department Supply line item. This donation will be used to conduct the 2010 Unifour Senior Games which is coordinated by the City of Hickory’s Park and Recreation Department.
3. To transfer $26,630 of General Fund Contingency to L.P. Frans Stadium Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This transfer is necessary to pay for the replacement of a number of original roofing systems at L.P. Frans Stadium.
4. To appropriate a total of $17,500 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Clement Boulevard Project Miscellaneous line item. This amendment is necessary to pay $15,000 to NCDOT for the traffic signal review, inspections and administrative costs as stated in the agreement. $2,500 is necessary to pay for printing sets of plans as required by NCDOT for their approval process and the contractor once the
plans are approved.
5. To appropriate $1,249 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Police Firing Range/Target System Upgrade project Specialized Equipment line item. This amendment is necessary to fund the remainder of the project. $1,249 represents Police Federal Reimbursement balances from previous years that have been rolled into Fund Balance at year end, therefore an appropriation is necessary.
I. Capital Project Ordinance
1. To budget a $17,500 transfer of General Fund Balance in the Clement Boulevard Connector Project Miscellaneous line item. This amendment is necessary to pay NCDOT $15,000 for the traffic signal review, inspections and administrative costs as stated in the project agreement and to pay $2,500 for printing sets of plans as required by NCDOT for their approval process and the contractor once the plans are approved.
Departmental Reports:
1. Approve Contract With Midasco, LLC for Construction of the Traffic Signal System Upgrade Project in the Amount of $2,013,350.00 - The City of Hickory developed the Plans, Specs and Engineer’s Estimate for a traffic signal system upgrade project to be funded under the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program and was approved for funding by NCDOT. The project is for replacement of both central hardware and software, controller equipment in the field, modest fiber optic cable plant expansion, additional CCTV cameras, video detection systems, data collection and management system and video workstations at both Public Services and City Hall. The project is funded at 100% in compliance with Federal-Aid standards up to $2.5 million. The City received six bids and Midasco, LLC of Elkridge, Maryland with an office in Fayetteville, NC was the lowest bidder at $2,013,350.00. Staff recommends approval of contact with Midasco, LLC. Due to needing NCDOT approval and completion of project by August 2011, staff is requesting two readings be held on March 2, 2010. Second Reading - Unanimously approved. Chuck Hanson made the presentation. This will replace the inside of the control boxes with new field computers to work with new computers and software at the Public Services Department. This will allow for better, faster, and broader communication with the public services complex. This will not replace lights. The old system is a closed loop system. These new systems will talk with each other as well as the main system. This also allows the traffic control system to be optimized. Studying the traffic patterns will no longer need to be contracted out. The video system will be included in real-time capabilities. There will be cameras at 16 locations. This brings us up to the DOT standards of today. This will allow businesses to see real-time data to do traffic impact analysis. Alderman lail asked if we would see immediate impacts. Mr. Hanson stated we would see some, but their would also be some growing pains as the system is put into place. Council Unanimously Consented.
Closed Session Per NC General Statutes to consult with the attorneys regarding the following: (Action on these items, if any, will occur in Open Session)
1. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of February 16, 2010
2. Discuss Pending Litigation – Foreclosure of Deed of Trust From Profile Aviation Center,
Inc. to CB Services Corp., Trustee – 10-SP-70 – Burke County
The Hound would certainly like to know what is going on with this Airport litigation. It seems that the Council is meeting in closed session after every meeting here lately. Something big has to be brewing behind the scenes. Sure seems like all of this should be resolved eventually.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 3/2/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below
Invocation by Rev. Susan Smith of Exodus Home Ministries
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2009. This is the Fifteenth Consecutive Year the City Has Received this Recognition - Karen Hurley, the city's budget director accepted the award from the Government Finance Officer's Association from the United States. More than 1,100 municipalities participate in this program. There has been a 76% growth in participation since 1995.
B. Update Council on Google Gigabit RFI - You can read the about this in the article presented in the article - Woogle - How You can Help Us Get Google Ultra High Speed Broadband. If you haven't already checked this out and filled out the survey please do so. Over 500 people joined in the last 24 hours 3/3/ 2010. Join the crowd and get involved. This will be a key factor in our ability to be chosen by Google to deliver a Fiber Network with 1 Gigabit access to the home and to businesses.
C. Presentation of FY 2010-2011 Board and Commission Work Plans - Board/Commission Presenter
1. Animal Control Advisory - Sgt. Keith Yoder - 1) City contributes to the cost of spay and neuter program - Last year $1100 was spent. This year a little over $700 has been spent. 2) Cost effective measures to deal with stray animals. Shelter costs are currently $97,894 and will rise by 5% next year to $102,713. There are no alternatives for that. 5) Sponsor 2 rabies clinics this year to get animal vaccinated at a reduced cost. Their will be a rabies clinic held on April 24.
(The Hound stated last year and still believe I would like to see people have to obtain a license in order to breed animals. The fee should be equal to the cost of spaying and neutering any animals. We need to get control of the stray animal population in this community. It is inhumane to let animals breed and not take care of them.)
2. Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Ms. Yvonne Setzer - Todd Hefner presentation. Objective are to continue community development planning projects. Working to pursue a regional strategy for affordable home ownership.
3. Community Appearance Commission - Mr. Steve Bowman - Focused on providing incentives to upgrade private properties in the commercial revitalization area through appearance grant and landscape incentive program. monitor and participate litter pick-Up program. Promote and benefit trees. Working with public education to reduce litter. Working on Beautification Beautification
4. Community Relations Council Ms. Paulina Ruff - David Radke - Want the same budget as last year. Grant Program would be for $12,000. Connect, Improve, and Encourage community relations. Multi- Cultural Human Relations Events in May. Training and outreach events.
5. Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Mr. Brian Frazier - Revision of Hickory by Choice and the Land-Use Development plan -- plan released next month. Working on Brownfield grants. Only 7 months left in the process. Phase 1 assessments - Lyerly Mills, Hollar Hosiery, Moretz Mills, Regal, Piedmont Wagon andS&W Chemical bulding Phase 2 - Piedmont Wagon and Hollar Hosiery. Working on a Phase 2 for Regal and possibly S&W if there are red flags. No request for funds. Alder Fox stated that this was an exciting time for planning and we will get some excellent public participation. (The Hound has stated on many occasions, I believe that Mr. Frazier along with Mr. Leonetti have done an excellent job of allowing the HBC process to follow its natural course without trying to direct the finished product. Our entire community should thank them for allowing that to happen.)
6. Hickory Youth Council Mr. Evan Denzer - Partnering with Animal for Alex and Cops for Tots. Promote community and general public knowledge in the hearts and minds of our youth. Requesting $3,600 for general uses, programs, and a possible Summer retreat. This is the same as last year. (The Hound Knows this is a good Investment, because we need kids to be more civic minded.)
7. Historic Preservation Commission Ms. Clem Geitner - Donna Cullum - The commission would like to continue criteria for a historic grant that would tag along with Operation No Vacancy. Provide the opportunity to be put on the study list and be registered on the national register. This was funded to the tune of $5,000. They hope that this will spur growth.
(The Hound understands that this is standard operating procedure for a commission rooted in past generations, but I don't feel that we should be married to these buildings along the railroad tracks. There is nothing historic or architecturally significant about them. We need an end game when it comes to these rotting buildings. We need to see a timeframe as to how long they are going to be allowed to fall under disrepair.
The burden of proof should be on the owner that these buildings are structurally sound and if they are not then they need to go. These grants are funded by the taxes of regular, average everyday citizens and I would like to ask what they get out of this? $5,000 is not going to make or break a business deal. It is only going to pad pockets.
The owners of these buildings are wealthy for the most part and they have no incentive to solve the problem. The city should take an aggressive stance like other municipalities have in our country. Either fix the eyesore or condemn it. That is what you do to the rundown houses of poor people and that is what should be done with these trust fund eyesores.)
8. International Council Mr. Hani Nassar - He has been doing this for 7 years. This is the 9th year of budget. Spoke about Springfest. Stated that the council would like to bring the Hmong and Latino groups out of their cocoon to participate with the other cultures. Alder Patton stated that she believes that they have done a wonderful job with the money they have been given. (The Hound thinks it is awesome that Mr. Nassar is bringing all of the cultural groups under one umbrella. It is obvious that they are doing some excellent work.)
9. Library Advisory Board Ms. Judy Ivester - Asked for no money. The Library is a focal point of the community. Technology plays a big role in and outside of the library. 57,000 patrons have used 51 computers. Self Checkout machines were installed in July, to date over 34,000 items have been checked out this way. Patrons can access the library online via their home computer. Since July 1, 2009, the library has averaged over 43,000 patrons per month -- more than a 10% increase.
The library is helping people with employment, testing, and training. The library is starting a technology garage that teaches individuals about new electronics. The library is looking to increase and improve technology, customer service, and programming. She stated that Quality of Life isn't a warm and fuzzy concept that can be pushed aside in economically difficult times. Quality of Life is important when attracting new businesses. last year the library offered over a 1,000 programs to 29,000 attendees. Since July 1, 2009, the library has had 82,000 reference points which is up 42% over the last year.
The library has increased value added services including a 20 seat conference room and a coffee kiosk in the rotunda. Alder Fox stated that it is obvious that Library Board members do a lot more than just attend meetings.
(The Hound believes that once again Mrs. Ivester had the best presentation of the evening and she was spot on in her assessment. The Library is going to be more critical as a center of knowledge as we move forward.)
10. Parks and Recreation Commission Ms. Kelley Hurley - Ms. Hurley went over the list of goals and highlights. She went over the highlights og the past year 1) Completion of phase 2 of the Ridgeview (Taft-Broome Park) Recreation Project. 2) She went over the community gardens that will have 20 plots at Civitan Park and Taft-Broome Park. She wants to encourage citizens to have gardens. There will be a sharing (vandal) garden where citizens can get vegetables. 3) She showed the first annual community picnic held at the Henry Fork Park last spring. There were a lot of activities. This year it will be held at stanford Park on may 22. 2010. 4) She then showed the Easter Egg hunt that will be held on March 27, 2010. 5) They also helped the Youth Council support the Animals for Alex Program.
Goals were presented by Harreitt Smith include 1) Development of the Clonionger Mill Park plan 2) Support 2005 Green Ways and Trails Master plan. The last significant investment in the Green Way plan was from 15 years ago. 3) Create a Dog Park 4) Create a City Endowment to support Parks 5) Work towards the creation a Henry Fork Ampitheater 6) Create a Sandy Pine's Park from capital obtained by selling residential property at the Cloninger Mill Park site 7) Create a Park Ranger Program for the Hickory Park System. Alder Lail stated that this was the first year for the Community Garden and it has been in plans for three years. Alder Patton asked if any plots were left. Civitan is sold out and they are still available at taft-Broome. The City will till the areas. (The Hound liked this presentation also. I support everything they said and really appreciate the concept of the community garden.)
11. Public Art Commission Mr. David Baldwin - Mr. Baldwin showed the Art on the Bench project and the results. They want to maintain art they have brought to the community over the past 10 years. He addressed the focal project for the upcoming year, which will be a permanent fire sculpture created by an established artist, local potter, and local citizens. It should be completed in the 2010-2011 timeframe. He showed examples. This will be an art piece for many years to come and it will also be an event that many people can participate in.
12. Recycling Advisory Board Mr. Norm Mears - Chuck Hansen presentation. They want better participation in the program. Hickory Community participation is better than the state average. 340 businesses work with the city on the program. Campaign to reach the Hickory City School System. All schools will participate in recycling. The city sponsors a household hazardous waste event twice per year in November and May. Looking to expand convenience centers to other areas. Currently just in NE and SW Hickory. Address and evaluate the recycling commodity issue. Looking towards recycling pallets, oil filters, fluorescent lamps, and ballasts. Looking at the city solid waste ordinance to assess what they can handle. They are looking at a single stream MURF Facility that would reduce pickup and have the city separating the refuse into the proper streams.
Consent Agenda:
A. Adopt Resolution Honoring the Memory of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Chris Eckard Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for His Country While Serving in Afghanistan
B. Request by Hickory Police Department to Award Badge and Service Weapon to Retired Master Police Officer Dennis J. Morris Under authority granted by the NC General Statutes, City Council is requested to award the police badge and service weapon to Master Police Officer Dennis J. Morris who retired from the Hickory Police Department on March 1, 2010. Upon approval, the badge and service weapon will be removed from the City’s fixed asset inventory.
C. Approve Municipal Fund Agreement With the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Reimbursable Traffic Control Device Maintenance ServicesPerformed on State System Roadways The June 15, 2004 Municipal Fund Agreement, Schedules A, B, C and D with the NCDOT was renewed for five years. The new Municipal Maintenance Agreement includes the current schedules under which the City of Hickory makes claim for reimbursement. Schedules A, B and C work under a flat reimbursable amount per traffic control device installed and Schedule D is personnel staffing for a maximum annual reimbursable amout of $131,000.00. The new agreement period begins July 1, 2009 and will be annually renewable for five years up to June 30, 2014. Pulled for discussion by Alderman Seaver. Alderman Seaver is concerned about the reimbursement to the city from the State, since we have taken over the obligation. Chuck Hanson stated that this is about the Traffic signalling system, signs, and marketing and staffing the computer end of the traffic control system. We have 200 traffic signals in our area that need work on a daily basis.
D. Approve 2010 Lobbying Service Contract With Cozort Government Relations in the Amount of $24,000. The City of Hickory and Catawba County for the past two years have contracted with Womble Carlyle as their legislative lobbyist. Mr. Jack Cozort has been the principal lobbyist and as of January, 2010 Mr. Cozort and two other lobbyists have formed a new lobbying and government relations firm, Cozort Government Relations. Our contract with Womble Carlye expired at the end of December 2009. Catawba County has approved re-hiring Jack Cozort due to the effective working relationship that has been developed with him while at Womble Carlyle. The new contract with Cozort Government Relations will be for a lower rate of $2,000.00/month for twelve months. Staff recommends approval.
E. Request From Hickory Downtown Development Association for Use of Union Square for the Swinging Under the Stars Event on May 30, 2010 From 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
F. Request From Hickory Downtown Development Association for Use of Union Square for Hickory Alive on June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2010 From 3:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
G Request From American Legion Post 48 for Use of Union Square for the Veterans’ Memorial Service on May 30, 2010 From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
H. Budget Ordinances
1. To budget a $1,262 insurance claim check from Trident Insurance Company in the Police Department Maintenance and Repair of Vehicle line item for damage sustained to a Police vehicle on 01-30-10.
2. To budget a $1,000 donation from the Western Piedmont Council of Government in the Parks and Recreation Department Supply line item. This donation will be used to conduct the 2010 Unifour Senior Games which is coordinated by the City of Hickory’s Park and Recreation Department.
3. To transfer $26,630 of General Fund Contingency to L.P. Frans Stadium Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. This transfer is necessary to pay for the replacement of a number of original roofing systems at L.P. Frans Stadium.
4. To appropriate a total of $17,500 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Clement Boulevard Project Miscellaneous line item. This amendment is necessary to pay $15,000 to NCDOT for the traffic signal review, inspections and administrative costs as stated in the agreement. $2,500 is necessary to pay for printing sets of plans as required by NCDOT for their approval process and the contractor once the
plans are approved.
5. To appropriate $1,249 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Police Firing Range/Target System Upgrade project Specialized Equipment line item. This amendment is necessary to fund the remainder of the project. $1,249 represents Police Federal Reimbursement balances from previous years that have been rolled into Fund Balance at year end, therefore an appropriation is necessary.
I. Capital Project Ordinance
1. To budget a $17,500 transfer of General Fund Balance in the Clement Boulevard Connector Project Miscellaneous line item. This amendment is necessary to pay NCDOT $15,000 for the traffic signal review, inspections and administrative costs as stated in the project agreement and to pay $2,500 for printing sets of plans as required by NCDOT for their approval process and the contractor once the plans are approved.
Departmental Reports:
1. Approve Contract With Midasco, LLC for Construction of the Traffic Signal System Upgrade Project in the Amount of $2,013,350.00 - The City of Hickory developed the Plans, Specs and Engineer’s Estimate for a traffic signal system upgrade project to be funded under the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program and was approved for funding by NCDOT. The project is for replacement of both central hardware and software, controller equipment in the field, modest fiber optic cable plant expansion, additional CCTV cameras, video detection systems, data collection and management system and video workstations at both Public Services and City Hall. The project is funded at 100% in compliance with Federal-Aid standards up to $2.5 million. The City received six bids and Midasco, LLC of Elkridge, Maryland with an office in Fayetteville, NC was the lowest bidder at $2,013,350.00. Staff recommends approval of contact with Midasco, LLC. Due to needing NCDOT approval and completion of project by August 2011, staff is requesting two readings be held on March 2, 2010. Second Reading - Unanimously approved. Chuck Hanson made the presentation. This will replace the inside of the control boxes with new field computers to work with new computers and software at the Public Services Department. This will allow for better, faster, and broader communication with the public services complex. This will not replace lights. The old system is a closed loop system. These new systems will talk with each other as well as the main system. This also allows the traffic control system to be optimized. Studying the traffic patterns will no longer need to be contracted out. The video system will be included in real-time capabilities. There will be cameras at 16 locations. This brings us up to the DOT standards of today. This will allow businesses to see real-time data to do traffic impact analysis. Alderman lail asked if we would see immediate impacts. Mr. Hanson stated we would see some, but their would also be some growing pains as the system is put into place. Council Unanimously Consented.
Closed Session Per NC General Statutes to consult with the attorneys regarding the following: (Action on these items, if any, will occur in Open Session)
1. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of February 16, 2010
2. Discuss Pending Litigation – Foreclosure of Deed of Trust From Profile Aviation Center,
Inc. to CB Services Corp., Trustee – 10-SP-70 – Burke County
The Hound would certainly like to know what is going on with this Airport litigation. It seems that the Council is meeting in closed session after every meeting here lately. Something big has to be brewing behind the scenes. Sure seems like all of this should be resolved eventually.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Woogle - How You can Help Us Get Google Ultra High Speed Broadband
I will report on the other agenda items of tonight's City Council meeting tomorrow, but the most important item on the docket was the Google initiative to bring 1 Gigabit broadband data service to our area. How can one not get excited about how this issue is coming together in such a thorough and expedited manner?
Let's review a few important happenings on this subject
1) Woogle Twitter Account
2) Woogle Facebook Account
3) Hickory Daily Record Article (2/23/2010) - Hickory bid for Google 'gigatest' moving fast
4) WHKY Article (3/2/2010) - Catawba, Caldwell Counties Combine to Woo Google
Kim Hudson who is a consultant for this process made the presentation to the Hickory City Council on March 2, 2010. Ms. Hudson has an extensive history in the cable industry. She stated that in the last week a team of leaders have been formed from Catawba County, Caldwell County, The City of Hickory, and the City of Lenoir. Deborah Ashley, the Head of the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, was introduced and helped Ms. Hudson with the presentation.
Mrs. Ashley thanked the Council for allowing Caldwell County to participate in the project. She explained the project to the council. This information is the information I have brought you about this project over the last several weeks and I link to those articles at the bottom.
Mrs. Ashley stated how competitive this process will be. She believes that as many as 2,000 communities in the United States will apply for this opportunity. She mentioned Topeka, Kansas as one of those communities.
There are three weeks left until the deadline to apply for this test grant. Some of the things that will be looked at in this proposal will be technical data, stringent demographic data, innovative ideas to transform a community, and community support.
Ms. Hudson spoke about the key stakeholder committee that meets every Monday. She showed the Logo that was developed. She went over the message that this group wants to deliver to Google, which involves the concept of the Data Center Corridor. The local media has been engaged as well as methods of social networking.
They are attempting a Viral Marketing Strategy and build information into the official website that has now gone live. Google is looking for a community that is a quick responder, the community is really behind it, and the community is ripe for transformational change. Then she went over the Facebook and Twitter accounts that have been formed. She wants everyone to join and inform their friends of these sites and get them to join in.
Google wants to know what the community would do with Gigabit access. What bottlenecks exist today that this network will help us overcome. Think creatively. Leaders of the initiative have reached out to the local school systems at all levels and the business community. They want people to plop information all over these fan pages that can be disseminated and used as a method of funneling information to the official request for information response. The deadline for application is March 26, 2010 and Ms. Hudson stated that the group intends to apply on March 24, 2010 for contingency purposes.
As part of this process, here are ways that you can help with this process:
1) You can take the community survey online at the official site - Link to survey.
2) Everyone create videos - General Public, Government Sponsored, Students, Primary Education, and higher Education
3) Involve Community and Business Leaders - Healthcare, Industry, Small Business, Education, Government, Civic Groups, Fire and rescue, Utilities, and General Population
4) Chat It Up! - Organize and participate in various community group meetings - Use formal PowerPoint presentation or talking points at community meetings; Collect and document community input via written surveys and video
5) Encourage groups and individuals to submit Google nominations - Apply Here
6) Civic Organizations - Ask for time on the agenda, Utilize existing small databases, conduct e-mail blasts
7) Coordinate Local Optical Cable Vendors - Corning, Draka, and Commscope.
The Hound hopes that you will understand how important this process is to our community. This is a game changer. We cannot afford to minimize the importance of this to our community. Get excited and participate people. This is a rare moment where you can stare at your destiny. Whether or not this does happen, and we have a better shot at making this happen than most, you will be able to say that you gave it your all. This is not only about turning around our current situation, but this is also a building block for a firm foundation for our future and our descendants' future. Please don't let this opportunity slip away easily. Participate!!!
Links to previous related articles:
BROAD BAND!!!
City of Hickory - Thinking Big with a Gig
I have a Dream - A 21st Century Hickory
Resolution By the City Council:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR GOOGLE
FIBER TO THE HOME AND BUSINESS INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the City of Hickory is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and recognizes that supporting the Google Fiber to the Home and Business initiative will boost economic development for new and current businesses, which adds to the quality of life for all; and
WHEREAS, the Hickory/Lenoir Google application includes municipalities and counties along the U.S. 321 corridor in Catawba and Caldwell Counties; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the Google project is to eliminate the bandwidth bottleneck so that Google can develop and test high speed network applications, and Google will open their network to any and all service providers who want access to a large bandwidth “pipe” to businesses and households; and
WHEREAS, the local governments in partnership with water, power, communication providers and more will assist Google with implementing the new infrastructure of a one gigabit per second connection, which is 100 times faster than the current connection available in the area; and
WHEREAS, our community expects to see significant economic growth through participating with Google, as it will open doors and be an attraction for local business to stay and more businesses to move here which creates more opportunity for all citizens and local governments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Hickory supports Google Fiber to the Home and Business initiative and is committed in concept to working with neighboring municipalities, counties, universities, colleges, businesses and industries to bring the ultra fast fiber network to our community.
Adopted this the 2nd day of March, 2010.
THE CITY OF HICKORY,
A North Carolina Municipal Corporation
Let's review a few important happenings on this subject
1) Woogle Twitter Account
2) Woogle Facebook Account
3) Hickory Daily Record Article (2/23/2010) - Hickory bid for Google 'gigatest' moving fast
4) WHKY Article (3/2/2010) - Catawba, Caldwell Counties Combine to Woo Google
Kim Hudson who is a consultant for this process made the presentation to the Hickory City Council on March 2, 2010. Ms. Hudson has an extensive history in the cable industry. She stated that in the last week a team of leaders have been formed from Catawba County, Caldwell County, The City of Hickory, and the City of Lenoir. Deborah Ashley, the Head of the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, was introduced and helped Ms. Hudson with the presentation.
Mrs. Ashley thanked the Council for allowing Caldwell County to participate in the project. She explained the project to the council. This information is the information I have brought you about this project over the last several weeks and I link to those articles at the bottom.
Mrs. Ashley stated how competitive this process will be. She believes that as many as 2,000 communities in the United States will apply for this opportunity. She mentioned Topeka, Kansas as one of those communities.
There are three weeks left until the deadline to apply for this test grant. Some of the things that will be looked at in this proposal will be technical data, stringent demographic data, innovative ideas to transform a community, and community support.
Ms. Hudson spoke about the key stakeholder committee that meets every Monday. She showed the Logo that was developed. She went over the message that this group wants to deliver to Google, which involves the concept of the Data Center Corridor. The local media has been engaged as well as methods of social networking.
They are attempting a Viral Marketing Strategy and build information into the official website that has now gone live. Google is looking for a community that is a quick responder, the community is really behind it, and the community is ripe for transformational change. Then she went over the Facebook and Twitter accounts that have been formed. She wants everyone to join and inform their friends of these sites and get them to join in.
Google wants to know what the community would do with Gigabit access. What bottlenecks exist today that this network will help us overcome. Think creatively. Leaders of the initiative have reached out to the local school systems at all levels and the business community. They want people to plop information all over these fan pages that can be disseminated and used as a method of funneling information to the official request for information response. The deadline for application is March 26, 2010 and Ms. Hudson stated that the group intends to apply on March 24, 2010 for contingency purposes.
As part of this process, here are ways that you can help with this process:1) You can take the community survey online at the official site - Link to survey.
2) Everyone create videos - General Public, Government Sponsored, Students, Primary Education, and higher Education
3) Involve Community and Business Leaders - Healthcare, Industry, Small Business, Education, Government, Civic Groups, Fire and rescue, Utilities, and General Population
4) Chat It Up! - Organize and participate in various community group meetings - Use formal PowerPoint presentation or talking points at community meetings; Collect and document community input via written surveys and video
5) Encourage groups and individuals to submit Google nominations - Apply Here
6) Civic Organizations - Ask for time on the agenda, Utilize existing small databases, conduct e-mail blasts
7) Coordinate Local Optical Cable Vendors - Corning, Draka, and Commscope.
The Hound hopes that you will understand how important this process is to our community. This is a game changer. We cannot afford to minimize the importance of this to our community. Get excited and participate people. This is a rare moment where you can stare at your destiny. Whether or not this does happen, and we have a better shot at making this happen than most, you will be able to say that you gave it your all. This is not only about turning around our current situation, but this is also a building block for a firm foundation for our future and our descendants' future. Please don't let this opportunity slip away easily. Participate!!!
Links to previous related articles:
BROAD BAND!!!
City of Hickory - Thinking Big with a Gig
I have a Dream - A 21st Century Hickory
Resolution By the City Council:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR GOOGLE
FIBER TO THE HOME AND BUSINESS INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, the City of Hickory is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and recognizes that supporting the Google Fiber to the Home and Business initiative will boost economic development for new and current businesses, which adds to the quality of life for all; and
WHEREAS, the Hickory/Lenoir Google application includes municipalities and counties along the U.S. 321 corridor in Catawba and Caldwell Counties; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the Google project is to eliminate the bandwidth bottleneck so that Google can develop and test high speed network applications, and Google will open their network to any and all service providers who want access to a large bandwidth “pipe” to businesses and households; and
WHEREAS, the local governments in partnership with water, power, communication providers and more will assist Google with implementing the new infrastructure of a one gigabit per second connection, which is 100 times faster than the current connection available in the area; and
WHEREAS, our community expects to see significant economic growth through participating with Google, as it will open doors and be an attraction for local business to stay and more businesses to move here which creates more opportunity for all citizens and local governments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Hickory supports Google Fiber to the Home and Business initiative and is committed in concept to working with neighboring municipalities, counties, universities, colleges, businesses and industries to bring the ultra fast fiber network to our community.
Adopted this the 2nd day of March, 2010.
THE CITY OF HICKORY,
A North Carolina Municipal Corporation
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
My Scientific Garden 2010
Last week I started my garden for 2010. This will be my 3rd consecutive year of having a full blown garden. Two years ago I canned 26 quarts of tomatoes and froze squash, okra, and eggplant. This past year I canned 20 quarts of tomatoes and froze vegetables again. Every year I look to learn how to grow something new or learn a new way to store vegetables.
This year I have begun the process of learning how to design and build geodesic greenhouses at affordable prices. I have already started building one that will be 12 feet in diameter to see how it works. I am also utilizing the southern exposure in my house along with a $10 grow-light, you can buy at Wal-Mart, to get a head start. Previously, I have been buying starter plants and not getting them in the ground until the 3rd week of April at the earliest.
This year I decided to start my own plants from seed. It is my hope that I will utilize techniques I have been studying to get these plants in the ground by March 21. That would give me a full one month head start over the previous two years. Below is a list of what I have started. I will give the start date, plant name, number planted, number successfully growing, and the approximate date of first harvest.
2/17/2010 Green Cucumbers (large) - 8 - 7 - 5/1
2/17/2010 Cantaloupe - 8 - 8 - 5/13
2/17/2010 Lemon Cucumbers - 8 - 7 - 5/1
2/17/2010 White Cucumbers - 8 - 1 - 5/1
2/17/2010 Acorn Squash - 8 - 8 - 5/13
2/17/2010 Cauliflower - 8 - 8 - 4/18
2/17/2010 Brandywine Tomatoes - 8 - 8 - 5/3
2/20/2010 Fennel - 8 - 8 - 5/30
2/20/2010 Purple Basil 8 -8 - 5/20
2/20/2010 Eggplant - 8 - 8 - 5/20
2/20/2010 Zucchini - 8- 8 - 4/20
2/20/2010 Cilantro - 4 - 4 - 5/20
I have also started sprouting seeds for Green Bell Peppers, Italian Basil, more White Cucumbers, Broccoli, and Snow Peas. I also have seeds for Grape and Roma Tomatoes, Okra, Chives, Celery, Butternut Squash, Yellow Squash, and Kentucky Wonder Green Beans.
I know that the scientist in me sometimes overwhelms my ability to achieve all of my goals, but I am surely going to try to make this a success. I am going to document this process and give out ideas along the way and I hope that you will shoot me suggestions, because I could surely use input to make this the success I want it to be.
I believe in these times that one needs to be as efficient as possible with their resources. Which is better, to have a lawn I constantly need to mow or a garden that feeds myself, family, and friends. And in case you wonder, I will be collecting rain in home made rain barrels and composting everything I can get my hands on. That is how I've been rolling the past couple years.
I would eventually like to make my house self-sustainable. I bought a magazine called Urban Farmer that has some very interesting ideas in it. These days I look at my house and property as a science experiment. I hope I don't turn into Christopher Lloyd's character, Doc Brown, from Back to the Future - haha!!!
So maybe you can follow my lead, if you haven't already. And if you have or if you do, best of luck and may the rain be plentiful, the sun be perfect, and our thumbs be green.
This year I have begun the process of learning how to design and build geodesic greenhouses at affordable prices. I have already started building one that will be 12 feet in diameter to see how it works. I am also utilizing the southern exposure in my house along with a $10 grow-light, you can buy at Wal-Mart, to get a head start. Previously, I have been buying starter plants and not getting them in the ground until the 3rd week of April at the earliest.
This year I decided to start my own plants from seed. It is my hope that I will utilize techniques I have been studying to get these plants in the ground by March 21. That would give me a full one month head start over the previous two years. Below is a list of what I have started. I will give the start date, plant name, number planted, number successfully growing, and the approximate date of first harvest.
2/17/2010 Green Cucumbers (large) - 8 - 7 - 5/1
2/17/2010 Cantaloupe - 8 - 8 - 5/13
2/17/2010 Lemon Cucumbers - 8 - 7 - 5/1
2/17/2010 White Cucumbers - 8 - 1 - 5/1
2/17/2010 Acorn Squash - 8 - 8 - 5/13
2/17/2010 Cauliflower - 8 - 8 - 4/18
2/17/2010 Brandywine Tomatoes - 8 - 8 - 5/3
2/20/2010 Fennel - 8 - 8 - 5/30
2/20/2010 Purple Basil 8 -8 - 5/20
2/20/2010 Eggplant - 8 - 8 - 5/20
2/20/2010 Zucchini - 8- 8 - 4/20
2/20/2010 Cilantro - 4 - 4 - 5/20
I have also started sprouting seeds for Green Bell Peppers, Italian Basil, more White Cucumbers, Broccoli, and Snow Peas. I also have seeds for Grape and Roma Tomatoes, Okra, Chives, Celery, Butternut Squash, Yellow Squash, and Kentucky Wonder Green Beans.
I know that the scientist in me sometimes overwhelms my ability to achieve all of my goals, but I am surely going to try to make this a success. I am going to document this process and give out ideas along the way and I hope that you will shoot me suggestions, because I could surely use input to make this the success I want it to be.
I believe in these times that one needs to be as efficient as possible with their resources. Which is better, to have a lawn I constantly need to mow or a garden that feeds myself, family, and friends. And in case you wonder, I will be collecting rain in home made rain barrels and composting everything I can get my hands on. That is how I've been rolling the past couple years.
I would eventually like to make my house self-sustainable. I bought a magazine called Urban Farmer that has some very interesting ideas in it. These days I look at my house and property as a science experiment. I hope I don't turn into Christopher Lloyd's character, Doc Brown, from Back to the Future - haha!!!
So maybe you can follow my lead, if you haven't already. And if you have or if you do, best of luck and may the rain be plentiful, the sun be perfect, and our thumbs be green.
Friday, February 26, 2010
This is Hickory, NC - Video by Pat Appleson - Pat Appleson Studios
Pat is an awesome Photographer, Videographer, and Spokesman in the field of marketing and promotion. He will do anything from Weddings to Benefits to Sporting Events to Commercials, Advertising, and Infomercials. Pat is a Veteran Broadcaster who worked for years in the Miami - Fort Lauderdale area. This man is one of the most creative people you will ever meet and if you have a need for any such services give him a call, because he is willing to listen and respond to any needs you may have.
Pat Appleson Studios
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Understanding and Mutual Respect
This is purely a commentary that flows off of something a collaborator said yesterday. This person talked about his frustration that certain interests in Catawba County have a mutual concern about the bad economy in the area, but there isn't mutual respect. Until you get mutual respect, he is really worried about whether we can change the economic condition in this county. He would not elaborate on the who's who that created this thought and from the way he addressed this issue one could surmise that this was more than a one time incident. This was a pattern.
We have all seen this happen in this area. If it didn't have serious ramifications on our lives, it would be hilarious, but we have people in this community who are in positions of power who seem to thrive on ego trips and they are holding us back.
I am studying a concept called "Master Capacity Building" and I know that it is going to be a lot of hard work for me to succeed in changing who I am and how I accomplish goals and work with others to accomplish goals. But one thing I can tell you is that I am not an ego tripper. I want to work with others. I love working with others, like myself, who want to see everyone succeed and they understand that if we make it easier for middle class people to succeed, then our community will thrive.
I am not a patient person. I don't like to watch the years go by and see things not getting done. It is neither good for me personally nor the vast majority of people in this community. It makes me sick to see instances where Big Fish want to control the small pond and don't want to see the pond grow. They love the status quo.
Many times we have seen things happen, and fall into place, where progress is sabotaged by personal interests. I have spoken of this before and I understand this is the food chain of money and power, but in the times we are living in, we cannot afford to destroy the lives of many of our citizens to protect small pockets of interests in this community.
The things that I deal with are real. A few years ago, I bought into the political games and marched in lockstep with people who talked a good game about the issues I believed in, but in the end these people didn't deliver on promises even when they had it in their power to do so. People like this don't care about us as individuals. They are there to represent their own personal interests and the special interests who own them.
My mother almost died last week and she is still very sick in the hospital. She had a perforated ulcer and was rushed into surgery, which she was in for over 4 hours. This is a story that personally haunts me, because I have seen her struggle up close.
My mother worked a lot of hours at a job that paid her relatively little money for all of the work she was doing. She was working 60 hours a week at a time when she was on the verge of eligibility to retire, but could not afford to. Piles of work kept being added to her tasks, in a truly hostile work environment, where she was given no raises for this additional responsibility. She was stressed out and finally decided that she had to leave. Years of loyal work for this company netted her zero, zip, nada for her service after she left. She felt these people had run over her and the truth of the matter is that they had. My mother has had a hard time finding a job because of her age and she has so much experience in management positions that it is insane that no one will give her an opportunity.
The other week I saw her and she was worried because this company had messed up her COBRA payment. My mother was personally paying an exorbitant amount of money out of her own pocket by taking the check to the former employer and they were supposed to in turn forward money to the insurance company. She was informed by the insurance company that they had not received the payment, even though the check had been cashed. She called her former employer and they promised that they had paid the money, but in the end it turned out that they had not. Supposedly it was finally straightened out due to my mother's persistence and due diligence. Wouldn't that stress you out.
This is how idiots in the government solve big issues. They push the problem down the road and let someone else deal with it. They brag about the creation of COBRA, which no one can afford, especially after they lose their job. My neighbor was laid off and he couldn't afford that outrageous COBRA payment. The idiots in the government will talk about portability like they have done you a favor, because they are clueless.
These are typical cases of suffering happening in this community and many of the people in the most prominent positions of power don't care, because it's just a game to them. People that have jobs don't really understand how bad the economy is, but many of them are a couple of steps away from where my mother and my neighbor are.
One of my collaborators made a spot on statement the other day. Roadblocks (Hindrances) to progress come from Control, Power, Egos and Taking things personally. What people better grab a clue about is that what comes around goes around. One day you may have it tough and Karma will be there to do to you as you have done to others (or allowed to happen to others). I know that I am not going to forget what I have seen over the last several years and I know many others that won't forget either.
We need to see cooperation and collaboration in these times. Petty interests are inconsequential. Sadly, people want you to respect them for what they already think. What if what they think is obsolete?
We need leaders who don't think they know everything and are willing to listen and learn. We need leaders who have empathy for the people they serve. We need to see leaders lead by example. We need to see interests work together and set aside their ego for another day. Your legacy will not be credited while you are alive. It will be credited by the lasting things you do and the relationships you forge in good times and bad that stand the test of time.
We have all seen this happen in this area. If it didn't have serious ramifications on our lives, it would be hilarious, but we have people in this community who are in positions of power who seem to thrive on ego trips and they are holding us back.
I am studying a concept called "Master Capacity Building" and I know that it is going to be a lot of hard work for me to succeed in changing who I am and how I accomplish goals and work with others to accomplish goals. But one thing I can tell you is that I am not an ego tripper. I want to work with others. I love working with others, like myself, who want to see everyone succeed and they understand that if we make it easier for middle class people to succeed, then our community will thrive.
I am not a patient person. I don't like to watch the years go by and see things not getting done. It is neither good for me personally nor the vast majority of people in this community. It makes me sick to see instances where Big Fish want to control the small pond and don't want to see the pond grow. They love the status quo.
Many times we have seen things happen, and fall into place, where progress is sabotaged by personal interests. I have spoken of this before and I understand this is the food chain of money and power, but in the times we are living in, we cannot afford to destroy the lives of many of our citizens to protect small pockets of interests in this community.
The things that I deal with are real. A few years ago, I bought into the political games and marched in lockstep with people who talked a good game about the issues I believed in, but in the end these people didn't deliver on promises even when they had it in their power to do so. People like this don't care about us as individuals. They are there to represent their own personal interests and the special interests who own them.
My mother almost died last week and she is still very sick in the hospital. She had a perforated ulcer and was rushed into surgery, which she was in for over 4 hours. This is a story that personally haunts me, because I have seen her struggle up close.
My mother worked a lot of hours at a job that paid her relatively little money for all of the work she was doing. She was working 60 hours a week at a time when she was on the verge of eligibility to retire, but could not afford to. Piles of work kept being added to her tasks, in a truly hostile work environment, where she was given no raises for this additional responsibility. She was stressed out and finally decided that she had to leave. Years of loyal work for this company netted her zero, zip, nada for her service after she left. She felt these people had run over her and the truth of the matter is that they had. My mother has had a hard time finding a job because of her age and she has so much experience in management positions that it is insane that no one will give her an opportunity.
The other week I saw her and she was worried because this company had messed up her COBRA payment. My mother was personally paying an exorbitant amount of money out of her own pocket by taking the check to the former employer and they were supposed to in turn forward money to the insurance company. She was informed by the insurance company that they had not received the payment, even though the check had been cashed. She called her former employer and they promised that they had paid the money, but in the end it turned out that they had not. Supposedly it was finally straightened out due to my mother's persistence and due diligence. Wouldn't that stress you out.
This is how idiots in the government solve big issues. They push the problem down the road and let someone else deal with it. They brag about the creation of COBRA, which no one can afford, especially after they lose their job. My neighbor was laid off and he couldn't afford that outrageous COBRA payment. The idiots in the government will talk about portability like they have done you a favor, because they are clueless.
These are typical cases of suffering happening in this community and many of the people in the most prominent positions of power don't care, because it's just a game to them. People that have jobs don't really understand how bad the economy is, but many of them are a couple of steps away from where my mother and my neighbor are.
One of my collaborators made a spot on statement the other day. Roadblocks (Hindrances) to progress come from Control, Power, Egos and Taking things personally. What people better grab a clue about is that what comes around goes around. One day you may have it tough and Karma will be there to do to you as you have done to others (or allowed to happen to others). I know that I am not going to forget what I have seen over the last several years and I know many others that won't forget either.
We need to see cooperation and collaboration in these times. Petty interests are inconsequential. Sadly, people want you to respect them for what they already think. What if what they think is obsolete?
We need leaders who don't think they know everything and are willing to listen and learn. We need leaders who have empathy for the people they serve. We need to see leaders lead by example. We need to see interests work together and set aside their ego for another day. Your legacy will not be credited while you are alive. It will be credited by the lasting things you do and the relationships you forge in good times and bad that stand the test of time.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I have a Dream - A 21st Century Hickory
Mayor Wright has asked the Citizens of Hickory and the surrounding area to help support efforts to convince Google to select the Hickory area to bring a "gigabyte to the home." This is not a superfluous venture. Unlike efforts in the past, which were marketing and civic pride in nature, this effort holds real potential for tangible, dynamic economic development. This effort could truly change the economic momentum in such a way that it could transform this community for generations to come. If you want to do something for your children, and dream of leaving them a truly positive asset to build their future upon, this is it.
One year ago, Danny Hearn formed the Future Economy Council of Catawba County. I have been allowed to participate in that group and in doing so I have been allowed to form opinions of what can be done to create building blocks for our community's economy and quality of life. Most of us believe that these two ideals go hand in hand. In the past however, we have seen these ideals placed in silos, and some people seemed to state a belief that this was a zero-sum venture. It seemed that they were saying that Economic Commerce (and profit) had a detrimental effect on quality of life issues.
What we have learned from this community's struggles, over the last decade, is that you either grow or you wither, there is no maintaining security through the status quo. Maintaining current status leads to mediocrity, mediocrity leads to malaise, and malaise eventually turns to depression. Look at what we have seen and please tell me that this is not the evolution of what happened to Hickory in the previous decade.
And here we come to the game changer. One Gigabit per second data communication to the home would be 200 to 300 times faster than what we have now. It will allow an all encompassing web of communications between the average family, in the Hickory Metro, and people and entities throughout the world. It will allow you to do High Definition or even 3-D teleconferencing with people on the other side of the world. It will allow Doctors to do 3-D diagnostics of you and allow multiple diagnoses from the best doctors around the world, if you ever had a critical illness. It will allow real time transfer of schematics to develop and manufacture products world wide. This will even allow people to watch 3-D movies and sports from their home. The possibilities are endless and would have a direct impact on our way of life and the quality of our lives.
The best part is that this can easily be facilitated, because we have some infrastructure already in place. We can easily crank up the manufacturing and transportation of the fiber via Corning, Commscope, and Draka. Google can run the fiber-optic spine right down along the railroad tracks from their facility in Lenoir through Hudson, through Granite Falls, through Rhodhiss, down old 70, into downtown Hickory, right past L-R, down Highland Avenue, out through Conover, and Claremont, and right on down the line.
This could possibly enable incubators and other creative entrepreneurs to rehabilitate buildings along the railroad tracks. Lenoir-Rhyne University could take full advantage of its proximity to the fiber network. The Engineering Center, ASU-partnership, and possible ASU Millennial campus could surely take full advantage of the multi-dimensional, audio-visual and technological capabilities that this network would enable. The implementation process of the fiber could easily be expedited because minimal impact would be placed upon transportation and traffic as this fiber is laid. I think the possibilities of integrating this process with the existing rail corridor and other infrastructure in place makes Hickory an ideal candidate.
From this fibre-optic data spine, we could spread the cable to offshoots of the rail lines in Newton, Catawba and eventually to the 4 corners of Catawba County and hopefully the populated areas of the surrounding Greater Hickory Metro. This is real economic revitalization if we can make it happen.
The next step will naturally be the passenger rail announced a few years ago from Asheville to Salisbury and points beyond and also building a rail connector between Newton and Denver that gets us to connect to the High Speed rail line proposed between Raleigh, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Imagine students being able to ride a train to school at L-R. Imagine being able to ride the train to Raleigh, Atlanta, Washington, and Wilmington, while watching movies or working on you computer.
Imagine the possibilities, if you only believe in what we are capable of. Imagine what we can do if we will stand together and fully support this cause. Please spread the word, because I truly believe that we can make this happen and we need to get ahead of the curve on this issue. It is time to show the nation what Hickory is capable of when given the opportunity and the proper tools to succeed.
Broad Band!!!
Light Rail to Charlotte: One Investment Worth Making
Addendum: Google Fiber to Communities - We need your help in getting our voices heard on this issue. Click the link below to let Google know that you care about this issue and want this pilot program brought to our area. I will also place a link in the Problems and Solutions links at the top right corner of this blog. And please tell everyone you know. (Note - If you do not have a Google e-mail account or user name, then you will need to sign up for a free Google account to fill out the survey).
One year ago, Danny Hearn formed the Future Economy Council of Catawba County. I have been allowed to participate in that group and in doing so I have been allowed to form opinions of what can be done to create building blocks for our community's economy and quality of life. Most of us believe that these two ideals go hand in hand. In the past however, we have seen these ideals placed in silos, and some people seemed to state a belief that this was a zero-sum venture. It seemed that they were saying that Economic Commerce (and profit) had a detrimental effect on quality of life issues.
What we have learned from this community's struggles, over the last decade, is that you either grow or you wither, there is no maintaining security through the status quo. Maintaining current status leads to mediocrity, mediocrity leads to malaise, and malaise eventually turns to depression. Look at what we have seen and please tell me that this is not the evolution of what happened to Hickory in the previous decade.
And here we come to the game changer. One Gigabit per second data communication to the home would be 200 to 300 times faster than what we have now. It will allow an all encompassing web of communications between the average family, in the Hickory Metro, and people and entities throughout the world. It will allow you to do High Definition or even 3-D teleconferencing with people on the other side of the world. It will allow Doctors to do 3-D diagnostics of you and allow multiple diagnoses from the best doctors around the world, if you ever had a critical illness. It will allow real time transfer of schematics to develop and manufacture products world wide. This will even allow people to watch 3-D movies and sports from their home. The possibilities are endless and would have a direct impact on our way of life and the quality of our lives.
The best part is that this can easily be facilitated, because we have some infrastructure already in place. We can easily crank up the manufacturing and transportation of the fiber via Corning, Commscope, and Draka. Google can run the fiber-optic spine right down along the railroad tracks from their facility in Lenoir through Hudson, through Granite Falls, through Rhodhiss, down old 70, into downtown Hickory, right past L-R, down Highland Avenue, out through Conover, and Claremont, and right on down the line.
This could possibly enable incubators and other creative entrepreneurs to rehabilitate buildings along the railroad tracks. Lenoir-Rhyne University could take full advantage of its proximity to the fiber network. The Engineering Center, ASU-partnership, and possible ASU Millennial campus could surely take full advantage of the multi-dimensional, audio-visual and technological capabilities that this network would enable. The implementation process of the fiber could easily be expedited because minimal impact would be placed upon transportation and traffic as this fiber is laid. I think the possibilities of integrating this process with the existing rail corridor and other infrastructure in place makes Hickory an ideal candidate.
From this fibre-optic data spine, we could spread the cable to offshoots of the rail lines in Newton, Catawba and eventually to the 4 corners of Catawba County and hopefully the populated areas of the surrounding Greater Hickory Metro. This is real economic revitalization if we can make it happen.
The next step will naturally be the passenger rail announced a few years ago from Asheville to Salisbury and points beyond and also building a rail connector between Newton and Denver that gets us to connect to the High Speed rail line proposed between Raleigh, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Imagine students being able to ride a train to school at L-R. Imagine being able to ride the train to Raleigh, Atlanta, Washington, and Wilmington, while watching movies or working on you computer.
Imagine the possibilities, if you only believe in what we are capable of. Imagine what we can do if we will stand together and fully support this cause. Please spread the word, because I truly believe that we can make this happen and we need to get ahead of the curve on this issue. It is time to show the nation what Hickory is capable of when given the opportunity and the proper tools to succeed.
Broad Band!!!
Light Rail to Charlotte: One Investment Worth Making
Addendum: Google Fiber to Communities - We need your help in getting our voices heard on this issue. Click the link below to let Google know that you care about this issue and want this pilot program brought to our area. I will also place a link in the Problems and Solutions links at the top right corner of this blog. And please tell everyone you know. (Note - If you do not have a Google e-mail account or user name, then you will need to sign up for a free Google account to fill out the survey).
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