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Wednesday, June 5, 2013
City Council Video - June 4, 2013
The following is the full video presentation of last night's City Council meeting. The Highlights came when Larry Pope addressed the Council about the City Council forms relating to conflicts of interest (19:10 mark of the meeting) that he has requested. The City officials only provided the information up to the year 2008 and Mr. Pope wants the most recent information provided up until 2012.
The other Highlight came when Alder Sally Fox (47:00 mark of the meeting) spoke up and voted against the Budget for 2013-14, because it provides no property increase to initiate the funding for Inspiring Spaces and to repair the roads in the area that the City Manager has addressed in the last two meetings relating to this budget.
The Hound: Sally Fox should be commended for taking a stand on this issue. This time her heart and head are both in the right place. Others pointed out that there needs to be a full plan in place relating to Inspiring Spaces; but as Sally pointed out, most of the recommendations in the Inspiring Spaces initiatives come from City Plans, such as Hickory By Choice, that have been shelved for years. She talked about how businesses invest in communities that invest in themselves and all we do is talk and nothing ever happens.
There is an election coming up later this year and I believe, as I have been stating here, that this is the main reason why no property tax increase was introduced into this years budget. As Danny Seaver stated, "A 1-cent increase in the property tax equates to a $10 annual increase on a $100,000 property."
Hickory Inc. is going to have to deal with something they have brought onto themselves in relation to the property tax. They have sold it to the middle class that they have been looking out for their interests by not raising the property tax rate, but even most of the people at the bottom have said in the past that they would be willing to pay a little more if they agreed with the initiative. They said this about aquatic recreation. The dirty little secret is that it is the major property owners that haven't wanted to see property rate increases. Like Alderman Seaver said, $10 on a $100,000 house or $20 if the rate were raised 2-cents. You know that isn't what this is all about. This is all about the people who have $100 million in properties and they don't want to pay an additional $10,000 per year in property tax, but those are the first people that will benefit from the additional investments that spur development and let's be frank, for years they are the ones who have stood in the way of progress in the community.
Sally should be commended for her courage in opening this can of worms, because it is a necessary discussion as we move forward. She spoke about the Business Improvement Districts. Alderman Lail has spoken about this issue in the past. That is what bigger cities have done to spur development in their Downtown's, but this community has had vested interests that have stood in the way of that happening too. The Status Quo is great if you are on top, but what about the rest of us?
Monday, June 3, 2013
Hound responds to HDR "Readers say Hickory area needs some work"
Link to Hickory Daily Record article:
Readers say Hickory area needs some work - June 2, 2013
The Hickory Daily Record basically took comments posted to their website and used them to create this article. There is a comment from me, but that doesn't mean that the article 100% represents my point of view. I have no inhibitions about relating to you that I am a Lutheran Christian and I attend Church every Sunday. I do agree with some of what the the respondents stated about a certain level of intolerance in the area. It is the minority, but it is very vocal and it is a major issue that has been promoted by the majority not standing up to say that "Velvet Glove" bigotry won't be accepted in this community. It is not an acceptable norm in the year 2013. It is time to move forward.
The "leadership" of Hickory, and particularly the Mayor, will dismiss most of this article, because of who some of the respondents are. They try to dismiss my views, because they look at me as an adversary. Funny how many of the issues I have introduced have now entered their agenda years later. Voices of criticism should be listened to respectfully, not simply ignored or dismissed out of hand.
This whole shoot the messenger attitude around here has got to go. I realize that I put my name out in public and am thusly going to be attacked from all angles and I have no problem with that. If you call me out and I respond, then I hope you will pull your Big Boy Pants on. When I have spoken about public officials in public forums, I have spoken about policies, not their personal lives. Some people cannot seem to grasp the concept of Public versus Private. Those people will be dealt with as the need arises.
The facts are what they are: under 12 years of Mayor Wright what has been the economic results for Hickory? Young people have voted with their "feet." The bottom line is that they, for the most part, have decided that this is not where they want to live, whether because of Social reasoning or Economic necessity. Whether some want to continue to live in denial, the census numbers aren't rigged. This is the Reality.
The message over the last few years has been that these Pollsters and Samplers have got it all wrong. They just don't understand Hickory. It hasn't mattered that their studies have been scientifically performed. Well, this Sunday's message didn't come from some menacing outside poll or media outlet, this came from our good ole Hickory Daily Record. And it came on their heaviest day of circulation. I am sure they are getting the phone calls from Hickory's own version of the Jim Jones' Kool-Aid Battalion this morning, "You So and So's, we'll pull our ad dollars and subscriptions!!!" That is how Hickory has worked for years. I hope the HDR will stand up to the bullies this time.
This article encapsulates the voices and feelings of 434 respondents. The poll might not be totally scientific, but that is a pretty good sample by any count. And we can assume that since it is a newspaper poll, we are dealing with respondents that at least read the paper and therefore have some civic awareness about what is happening in Hickory. It is, I think, a credible look at popular opinion.
We can point out that Hickory City Alderman of the 3rd Ward Danny Seaver even spoke of this poll at the last City Council meeting and so it's a little hard for Hickory Inc. to dismiss it now. Even if they do, this indicates that they are out of touch with the general population and the first step towards solving a problem is to realistically appraise and resolve to address the situation. If they won't take this first step what progress can we expect?
The Leadership Reality is that this Council only has looked at the people who vote and support them as their constituents. If you don't support them, then you don't get the time of day. If you don't participate, then that is even better. The Electoral Reality of the lack of opponents in City races, and the domination of a handful of precincts to elect Citywide representation is a real dilemma, keeping the politburo in place and even giving them some patina of credibility. Until this changes we will get the same old same old.
Finally, at some point, we need to realize that we need leaders with some clout outside government to step up and lead. We need a Hugh McColl, or something like him from the business community or nonprofit sector to help spur initiatives. Our local government is simply too rigid and will not become innovative. We have to proact and by the time Hickory City government studies something to death the dynamic has shifted and we remain behind the curve -- ie going on all of these junkets everywhere else to copy what they have done and bring some version here to Hickory.
The summation is that the facts can't really be denied or ignored. When you look at the poll you see that over 70% of the people have a negative outlook about Hickory. What would the results of this poll have been back in the 90s? Rudy and Company can deny that they have caused the problem or are responsible for the solutions, but the Wright years have seen a steep decline for many in this community. I know, I know... It's all Washington and Raleigh's fault.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Readers say Hickory area needs some work - June 2, 2013
The Hickory Daily Record basically took comments posted to their website and used them to create this article. There is a comment from me, but that doesn't mean that the article 100% represents my point of view. I have no inhibitions about relating to you that I am a Lutheran Christian and I attend Church every Sunday. I do agree with some of what the the respondents stated about a certain level of intolerance in the area. It is the minority, but it is very vocal and it is a major issue that has been promoted by the majority not standing up to say that "Velvet Glove" bigotry won't be accepted in this community. It is not an acceptable norm in the year 2013. It is time to move forward.
The "leadership" of Hickory, and particularly the Mayor, will dismiss most of this article, because of who some of the respondents are. They try to dismiss my views, because they look at me as an adversary. Funny how many of the issues I have introduced have now entered their agenda years later. Voices of criticism should be listened to respectfully, not simply ignored or dismissed out of hand.
This whole shoot the messenger attitude around here has got to go. I realize that I put my name out in public and am thusly going to be attacked from all angles and I have no problem with that. If you call me out and I respond, then I hope you will pull your Big Boy Pants on. When I have spoken about public officials in public forums, I have spoken about policies, not their personal lives. Some people cannot seem to grasp the concept of Public versus Private. Those people will be dealt with as the need arises.
The facts are what they are: under 12 years of Mayor Wright what has been the economic results for Hickory? Young people have voted with their "feet." The bottom line is that they, for the most part, have decided that this is not where they want to live, whether because of Social reasoning or Economic necessity. Whether some want to continue to live in denial, the census numbers aren't rigged. This is the Reality.
The message over the last few years has been that these Pollsters and Samplers have got it all wrong. They just don't understand Hickory. It hasn't mattered that their studies have been scientifically performed. Well, this Sunday's message didn't come from some menacing outside poll or media outlet, this came from our good ole Hickory Daily Record. And it came on their heaviest day of circulation. I am sure they are getting the phone calls from Hickory's own version of the Jim Jones' Kool-Aid Battalion this morning, "You So and So's, we'll pull our ad dollars and subscriptions!!!" That is how Hickory has worked for years. I hope the HDR will stand up to the bullies this time.
This article encapsulates the voices and feelings of 434 respondents. The poll might not be totally scientific, but that is a pretty good sample by any count. And we can assume that since it is a newspaper poll, we are dealing with respondents that at least read the paper and therefore have some civic awareness about what is happening in Hickory. It is, I think, a credible look at popular opinion.
We can point out that Hickory City Alderman of the 3rd Ward Danny Seaver even spoke of this poll at the last City Council meeting and so it's a little hard for Hickory Inc. to dismiss it now. Even if they do, this indicates that they are out of touch with the general population and the first step towards solving a problem is to realistically appraise and resolve to address the situation. If they won't take this first step what progress can we expect?
The Leadership Reality is that this Council only has looked at the people who vote and support them as their constituents. If you don't support them, then you don't get the time of day. If you don't participate, then that is even better. The Electoral Reality of the lack of opponents in City races, and the domination of a handful of precincts to elect Citywide representation is a real dilemma, keeping the politburo in place and even giving them some patina of credibility. Until this changes we will get the same old same old.
Finally, at some point, we need to realize that we need leaders with some clout outside government to step up and lead. We need a Hugh McColl, or something like him from the business community or nonprofit sector to help spur initiatives. Our local government is simply too rigid and will not become innovative. We have to proact and by the time Hickory City government studies something to death the dynamic has shifted and we remain behind the curve -- ie going on all of these junkets everywhere else to copy what they have done and bring some version here to Hickory.
The summation is that the facts can't really be denied or ignored. When you look at the poll you see that over 70% of the people have a negative outlook about Hickory. What would the results of this poll have been back in the 90s? Rudy and Company can deny that they have caused the problem or are responsible for the solutions, but the Wright years have seen a steep decline for many in this community. I know, I know... It's all Washington and Raleigh's fault.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World -- June 2, 2013
The Student Loan Delinquency Rate In The United States Has Hit A Brand New Record High - The Economic Collapse Blog - June 2, 2013 - 37 million Americans currently have outstanding student loans, and the delinquency rate on those student loans has now reached a level never seen before. According to a new report that was just released by the U.S. Department of Education, 11 percent of all student loans are at least 90 days delinquent. That is a brand new record high, and it is almost double the rate of a decade ago. Total student loan debt exceeds a trillion dollars, and it is now the second largest category of consumer debt after home mortgages. The student loan debt bubble has been growing particularly rapidly in recent years. According to the Federal Reserve, the total amount of student loan debt has risen by 275 percent since 2003. That is a staggering figure. Millions upon millions of young college graduates are entering the "real world" only to discover that they are already financially crippled for decades to come by oppressive student loan debt burdens. Large numbers of young people are even putting off buying homes or getting married simply because of student loan debt. So why is this happening? Well, a big part of the problem is that the cost of college tuition has gotten wildly out of control. Since 1978, the cost of college tuition has risen even more rapidly then the cost of medical care has. Tuition costs at public universities have risen by 27 percent over the past five years, and there appears to be no end in sight. We keep encouraging our young people to take out all of the loans that are necessary to pay for college, because a college education is supposedly the "key" to their futures. But is that really the case? Sadly, the reality of the matter is that millions of young Americans are graduating from college only to discover that the jobs that they were promised simply do not exist. In fact, at this point about half of all college graduates are working jobs that do not even require a college degree. This is leading to mass disillusionment with the system. One survey found that 70% of all college graduates wish that they had spent more time preparing for the “real world” while they were still in college. And because so many of them cannot get decent jobs, more college graduates then ever are finding that they cannot pay back the huge student loans that they were encouraged to sign up for. The following is from a recent Bloomberg article.
7 million students brace for surge in loan rates - CNN Money - Jennifer Liberto - May 28, 2013 - On July 1, the interest rates on student loans subsidized by Uncle Sam will most likely double to 6.8%.
States That Spend the Least on Education - Wall St 24/7 - May 30, 2013 -
7. North Carolina
> Spending per pupil: $8,312
> Total education spending: $13.7 billion (13th highest)
> Pct. with high school diploma: 84.7% (14th lowest)
> Median household income: $43,916 (12th lowest)
The North Carolina school system received just $9,951 in funding per student for the fiscal year 2011, well below the $12,411 per student nationwide. As a result of the limited funding, the school system spent just $8,312 per student in fiscal 2011, less than all but six states. Of this, $5,225 per student went to teaching costs, lower than 39 other states. The state also spent just $2,654 on support services like administration and maintenance, the third lowest of all states. North Carolina schools received just $3,366 per student from their localities, below the $5,375 per student across the country. Possibly limiting the ability of localities to raise money for their schools is North Carolina’s relatively low median household income. In 2011, it was just $43,916, well below the $50,502 median for the United States.
44% of Homeowners With a Mortgage Can't Sell: Zillow - The Street - BY Shanthi Bharatwaj - May 24, 2013 - About 44% of homeowners with mortgages cannot afford to sell their homes, according to a recent blog post from real estate company Zillow. Despite a recovery in prices, over a quarter of homeowners with mortgage loans still owe more than their homes are worth. "But another 18.2 percent of homeowners with mortgages, while not technically underwater, likely do not have enough equity to afford to move," according to the blog post. 43.6% of homeowners have less than 20% equity in their homes. That makes it hard for them to move or trade-up, given the considerable costs involved in buying and selling a home, including the cost of a down payment for the next mortgage. This inability to sell is one of the big factors behind the acute shortage of existing homes for resale in the country. Strong investor demand for foreclosed homes is another reason. Previously, foreclosures provided an overwhelming supply of homes that dragged down the market. Now investors are snapping up distressed properties at a rapid pace and converting them into rentals. The share of distressed sales -- foreclosures and short sales -- is now only 33% of all sales, compared to 44% recorded a year ago, according to a survey from Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance. The inventory of existing homes for sale represents 5.2 months of supply, up from 4.7 in March, but still below the 6-month mark that is considered a good balance. Still, the shortage of inventory is contributing to a rise in home prices, which creates an interesting feedback loop.
Something Big is Eating Your Old Favorite Restaurant Chains - Daily Finance - Rick Aristotle Munarriz - May 30th 2013 - If we're in an economic recovery, good luck trying to convince the country's largest casual dining chains -- they're sputtering.
Kicking Burritos and Taking Names - Fast casual -- a hot niche where quality food is served quickly without a dedicated wait staff -- is what's eating into both the fast food and casual dining markets. Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and Panera Bread (PNRA) have become the new darlings of the dining scene. They're the poster children for fast casual, where diners can get a meal that may be slightly more expensive than fast food alternatives, but the food quality and perceived ambiance is also better.
Where's the beef? Maybe not on your grill this summer - USA Today - Elizabeth Weise - May 30, 2013 -
Large Retailers Sue Visa, MasterCard Over Card Fees - Reuters - May 23, 2013 - A group of retailers, including Macy's and Target, sued Visa and MasterCard on Thursday, breaking off from a proposed $7.2 billion settlement reached last year over fees to process credit card transactions.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, came ahead of a May 28 deadline for the millions of merchants affected by the settlement to decide whether to forgo receiving damages under the pact and pursue their own legal action. That settlement, pending in federal court in Brooklyn, would end litigation on behalf of merchants that accused Visa and MasterCard of inflating so-called interchange, or swipe, fees. Many retailers criticized the proposed settlement after it was announced in July 2012. They said the pact offers inadequate compensation and forces them to sign broad litigation releases that could shield Visa and MasterCard from future lawsuits over antitrust violations. By "opting out" of the settlement, the retailers can pursue separate litigation seeking damages over allegations of past antitrust violations. But even so, merchants would still be bound by other injunctive relief if the settlement goes forward, including changes to Visa and MasterCard's swipe-fee rules.
No Paid Vacation? You Must Be an American - CNBC - Allison Linn - May 28, 2013 - The United States is the only highly developed nation that doesn't require employers to offer paid vacation time, according to a new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a left-leaning think tank. The report examined vacation policies in 21 developed countries, including the United States. The researchers found that every country except the U.S. had laws making employers offer between 10 and 30 paid vacation days a year.
Smithfield Foods close to a sale: WSJ - Saumya Vaishampayan -Market Watch - May 29, 2013 - Smithfield Foods Inc. ( SFD +0.61%) could be acquired by the Shuanghui Group, a meat producer based in China, for as much as $5 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. The sale announcement could be made on Wednesday morning, according to the report. Smithfield, a pork processor, has come under pressure from from its biggest shareholder, Continental Grain Company, to split itself up into three companies, according to Barron's. Smithfield shares closed at $25.97 on Tuesday.
Senior health care crisis looms; report ranks states - USA Today - Michelle Healy - May 28, 2013 - An aging nation that's living longer but with growing rates of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases points to an emerging health care crisis, says a report out Tuesday that analyzes seniors' health status state-by-state. Just two years ago, the first Baby Boomers turned 65, setting into motion a "tremendous demographic shift in the U.S. population," said physician Rhonda Randall, a senior adviser to the not-for-profit United Health Foundation, which released America's Health Rankings Senior Report Tuesday. The report focuses on 34 measures of senior health, including physical inactivity, obesity, self-reported health status, poverty, drug coverage, hospital re-admission rates and flu vaccinations. The data analyzed is from more than a dozen government agencies and private research groups. As generations move into retirement, they become greater consumers of health care, Randall said. But those turning 65 today "are more likely to live longer than their parents and grandparents, and much more likely to live sicker for a longer period of time," she said.
Like your health care policy? You may be losing it - AP through WRAL - By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR - May 29, 2013 - Many people who buy their own health insurance could get surprises in the mail this fall: cancellation notices because their current policies aren't up to the basic standards of President Barack Obama's health care law. They, and some small businesses, will have to find replacement plans — and that has some state insurance officials worried about consumer confusion. Rollout of the Affordable Care Act is going full speed ahead, despite repeal efforts by congressional Republicans. New insurance markets called exchanges are to open in every state this fall. Middle-class consumers who don't get coverage on the job will be able to pick private health plans, while low-income people will be steered to an expanded version of Medicaid in states that accept it. The goal is to cover most of the nation's nearly 50 million uninsured, but even Obama says there will be bumps in the road. And discontinued insurance plans could be another bump. Also, it doesn't seem to square with one of the president's best known promises about his health care overhaul: "If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan." But supporters of the overhaul are betting that consumers won't object once they realize the coverage they will get under the new law is superior to current bare-bones insurance. For example, insurers will no longer be able to turn people down because of medical problems. Other bumps on the road to the new health care law include potentially unaffordable premiums for smokers unless states act to waive them, a new $63-per-head fee that will hit companies already providing coverage to employees and dependents, and a long-term care insurance program that had to be canceled because of the risk it could go belly up. The Obama administration did not respond directly to questions about the potential fallout from cancellation notices. Instead, Health and Human Services spokeswoman Joanne Peters released a prepared statement saying: "Beginning in October, individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for insurance in the marketplace, where we are already seeing that increased competition and transparency are leading to a range of options for quality, affordable plans."
Record DOW Is All Smoke And Mirrors - Why The Crash Is Coming In 2013 ~ Harry Dent
7 million students brace for surge in loan rates - CNN Money - Jennifer Liberto - May 28, 2013 - On July 1, the interest rates on student loans subsidized by Uncle Sam will most likely double to 6.8%.
States That Spend the Least on Education - Wall St 24/7 - May 30, 2013 -
7. North Carolina
> Spending per pupil: $8,312
> Total education spending: $13.7 billion (13th highest)
> Pct. with high school diploma: 84.7% (14th lowest)
> Median household income: $43,916 (12th lowest)
The North Carolina school system received just $9,951 in funding per student for the fiscal year 2011, well below the $12,411 per student nationwide. As a result of the limited funding, the school system spent just $8,312 per student in fiscal 2011, less than all but six states. Of this, $5,225 per student went to teaching costs, lower than 39 other states. The state also spent just $2,654 on support services like administration and maintenance, the third lowest of all states. North Carolina schools received just $3,366 per student from their localities, below the $5,375 per student across the country. Possibly limiting the ability of localities to raise money for their schools is North Carolina’s relatively low median household income. In 2011, it was just $43,916, well below the $50,502 median for the United States.
44% of Homeowners With a Mortgage Can't Sell: Zillow - The Street - BY Shanthi Bharatwaj - May 24, 2013 - About 44% of homeowners with mortgages cannot afford to sell their homes, according to a recent blog post from real estate company Zillow. Despite a recovery in prices, over a quarter of homeowners with mortgage loans still owe more than their homes are worth. "But another 18.2 percent of homeowners with mortgages, while not technically underwater, likely do not have enough equity to afford to move," according to the blog post. 43.6% of homeowners have less than 20% equity in their homes. That makes it hard for them to move or trade-up, given the considerable costs involved in buying and selling a home, including the cost of a down payment for the next mortgage. This inability to sell is one of the big factors behind the acute shortage of existing homes for resale in the country. Strong investor demand for foreclosed homes is another reason. Previously, foreclosures provided an overwhelming supply of homes that dragged down the market. Now investors are snapping up distressed properties at a rapid pace and converting them into rentals. The share of distressed sales -- foreclosures and short sales -- is now only 33% of all sales, compared to 44% recorded a year ago, according to a survey from Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance. The inventory of existing homes for sale represents 5.2 months of supply, up from 4.7 in March, but still below the 6-month mark that is considered a good balance. Still, the shortage of inventory is contributing to a rise in home prices, which creates an interesting feedback loop.
Something Big is Eating Your Old Favorite Restaurant Chains - Daily Finance - Rick Aristotle Munarriz - May 30th 2013 - If we're in an economic recovery, good luck trying to convince the country's largest casual dining chains -- they're sputtering.
- Darden Restaurants (DRI) suffered a combined same-restaurant sales decline of 4.6 percent for Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and LongHorn Steakhouse in its latest quarter, and analysts predict a sharp drop in earnings for its fiscal year that ends this week.
- DineEquity (DIN) also posted negative comps at Applebee's and IHOP in its latest quarter. DineEquity is in the process of unloading company-owned Applebee's to franchisees, so it's not a surprise to see revenue falling sharply. But profitability is also sliding.
- Ruby Tuesday (RT) checked in with a 2.8 percent drop in same-restaurant sales at its company-owned namesake eateries. Investors have been feeling the pain. The stock has been meandering about in the single digits for nearly two years.
Kicking Burritos and Taking Names - Fast casual -- a hot niche where quality food is served quickly without a dedicated wait staff -- is what's eating into both the fast food and casual dining markets. Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and Panera Bread (PNRA) have become the new darlings of the dining scene. They're the poster children for fast casual, where diners can get a meal that may be slightly more expensive than fast food alternatives, but the food quality and perceived ambiance is also better.
Where's the beef? Maybe not on your grill this summer - USA Today - Elizabeth Weise - May 30, 2013 -
Employers Eye Bare-Bones Health Plans Under New Law - The Wall Street Journal - Christopher Weaver and Anna Wilde Mathews – May 19, 2013 - Employers are increasingly recognizing they may be able to avoid certain penalties under the federal health law by offering very limited plans that can lack key benefits such as hospital coverage. Benefits advisers and insurance brokers—bucking a commonly held expectation that the law would broadly enrich benefits—are pitching these low-benefit plans around the country. They cover minimal requirements such as preventive services, but often little more. Some of the plans wouldn't cover surgery, X-rays or prenatal care at all. Others will be paired with limited packages to cover additional services, for instance, $100 a day for a hospital visit. Federal officials say this type of plan, in concept, would appear to qualify as acceptable minimum coverage under the law, and let most employers avoid an across-the-workforce $2,000-per-worker penalty for firms that offer nothing. Employers could still face other penalties they anticipate would be far less costly. It is unclear how many employers will adopt the strategy, but a handful of companies have signed on and an industry is sprouting around the tactic. More than a dozen brokers and benefit-administrators in 10 states said they were discussing the strategy with their clients...
Large Retailers Sue Visa, MasterCard Over Card Fees - Reuters - May 23, 2013 - A group of retailers, including Macy's and Target, sued Visa and MasterCard on Thursday, breaking off from a proposed $7.2 billion settlement reached last year over fees to process credit card transactions.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, came ahead of a May 28 deadline for the millions of merchants affected by the settlement to decide whether to forgo receiving damages under the pact and pursue their own legal action. That settlement, pending in federal court in Brooklyn, would end litigation on behalf of merchants that accused Visa and MasterCard of inflating so-called interchange, or swipe, fees. Many retailers criticized the proposed settlement after it was announced in July 2012. They said the pact offers inadequate compensation and forces them to sign broad litigation releases that could shield Visa and MasterCard from future lawsuits over antitrust violations. By "opting out" of the settlement, the retailers can pursue separate litigation seeking damages over allegations of past antitrust violations. But even so, merchants would still be bound by other injunctive relief if the settlement goes forward, including changes to Visa and MasterCard's swipe-fee rules.
No Paid Vacation? You Must Be an American - CNBC - Allison Linn - May 28, 2013 - The United States is the only highly developed nation that doesn't require employers to offer paid vacation time, according to a new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a left-leaning think tank. The report examined vacation policies in 21 developed countries, including the United States. The researchers found that every country except the U.S. had laws making employers offer between 10 and 30 paid vacation days a year.
Smithfield Foods close to a sale: WSJ - Saumya Vaishampayan -Market Watch - May 29, 2013 - Smithfield Foods Inc. ( SFD +0.61%) could be acquired by the Shuanghui Group, a meat producer based in China, for as much as $5 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. The sale announcement could be made on Wednesday morning, according to the report. Smithfield, a pork processor, has come under pressure from from its biggest shareholder, Continental Grain Company, to split itself up into three companies, according to Barron's. Smithfield shares closed at $25.97 on Tuesday.
Senior health care crisis looms; report ranks states - USA Today - Michelle Healy - May 28, 2013 - An aging nation that's living longer but with growing rates of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases points to an emerging health care crisis, says a report out Tuesday that analyzes seniors' health status state-by-state. Just two years ago, the first Baby Boomers turned 65, setting into motion a "tremendous demographic shift in the U.S. population," said physician Rhonda Randall, a senior adviser to the not-for-profit United Health Foundation, which released America's Health Rankings Senior Report Tuesday. The report focuses on 34 measures of senior health, including physical inactivity, obesity, self-reported health status, poverty, drug coverage, hospital re-admission rates and flu vaccinations. The data analyzed is from more than a dozen government agencies and private research groups. As generations move into retirement, they become greater consumers of health care, Randall said. But those turning 65 today "are more likely to live longer than their parents and grandparents, and much more likely to live sicker for a longer period of time," she said.
Like your health care policy? You may be losing it - AP through WRAL - By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR - May 29, 2013 - Many people who buy their own health insurance could get surprises in the mail this fall: cancellation notices because their current policies aren't up to the basic standards of President Barack Obama's health care law. They, and some small businesses, will have to find replacement plans — and that has some state insurance officials worried about consumer confusion. Rollout of the Affordable Care Act is going full speed ahead, despite repeal efforts by congressional Republicans. New insurance markets called exchanges are to open in every state this fall. Middle-class consumers who don't get coverage on the job will be able to pick private health plans, while low-income people will be steered to an expanded version of Medicaid in states that accept it. The goal is to cover most of the nation's nearly 50 million uninsured, but even Obama says there will be bumps in the road. And discontinued insurance plans could be another bump. Also, it doesn't seem to square with one of the president's best known promises about his health care overhaul: "If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan." But supporters of the overhaul are betting that consumers won't object once they realize the coverage they will get under the new law is superior to current bare-bones insurance. For example, insurers will no longer be able to turn people down because of medical problems. Other bumps on the road to the new health care law include potentially unaffordable premiums for smokers unless states act to waive them, a new $63-per-head fee that will hit companies already providing coverage to employees and dependents, and a long-term care insurance program that had to be canceled because of the risk it could go belly up. The Obama administration did not respond directly to questions about the potential fallout from cancellation notices. Instead, Health and Human Services spokeswoman Joanne Peters released a prepared statement saying: "Beginning in October, individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for insurance in the marketplace, where we are already seeing that increased competition and transparency are leading to a range of options for quality, affordable plans."
Record DOW Is All Smoke And Mirrors - Why The Crash Is Coming In 2013 ~ Harry Dent
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Sails on the Square Music Series as reported by Dr. Jody Inglefield - May 24, 2013
I work at night on the weekends, so I can't attend these events. So I asked Dr. Inglefield if he would record it for me, since he likes to attend these events anyway.
I was curious after all of the introductions and actions involving the Sails on the Square, from its inception to the Beer Sales agenda item from a couple weeks ago. Hickory Inc. has put a lot of eggs in this basket. We have been wondering why?
I have additional comments at the end of the video.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World -- May 26, 2013
Will It Be Inflation Or Deflation? The Answer May Surprise You - The Economic Collapse Blog - Michael - May 22nd, 2013 - s the coming financial collapse going to be inflationary or deflationary? Are we headed for rampant inflation or crippling deflation? This is a subject that is hotly debated by economists all over the country. Some insist that the wild money printing that the Federal Reserve is doing combined with out of control government spending will eventually result in hyperinflation. Others point to all of the deflationary factors in our economy and argue that we will experience tremendous deflation when the bubble economy that we are currently living in bursts. So what is the truth? Well, for the reasons listed below, I believe that we will see both. The next major financial panic will cause a substantial deflationary wave first, and after that we will see unprecedented inflation as the central bankers and our politicians respond to the financial crisis. This will happen so quickly that many will get "financial whiplash" as they try to figure out what to do with their money. We are moving toward a time of extreme financial instability, and different strategies will be called for at different times. So why will we see deflation first? The following are some of the major deflationary forces that are affecting our economy right now...
The Velocity Of Money Is At A 50 Year Low
The rate at which money circulates in our economy is the lowest that it has been in more than 50 years. It has been steadily falling since the late 1990s, and this is a clear sign that economic activity is slowing down. The shaded areas in the chart represent recessions, and as you can see, the velocity of money always slows down during a recession. But even though the government is telling us that we are not in a recession right now, the velocity of money continues to drop like a rock. This is one of the factors that is putting a tremendous amount of deflationary pressure on our economy...
The 3 Reasons Why Stocks Have Skyrocketed Over the Past Couple of Years - Washington's Blog - May 25, 2013 - Stocks have soared since 2009 because the Fed’s quantitative easing has – intentionally – pumped them up. They’ve also skyrocketed because central banks are directly buying stocks. NBC News reports on a third major reason that stocks took off … corporate buybacks:
Is America’s Economy Being Sovietized? - AltMarket.com - Brandon Smith - May 22, 2013 -
The foundation of the Soviet model of trade and investment was centralization under the guise of “universal public ownership”. The entire goal of communism in general was not to give more social and political power to the people, but to extinguish alternative options and focus power into the hands of a select few. The process used to reach this end result can vary, but the goal always remains the same. In most cases, such centralization begins with economic hegemony, and it is in our fiscal structure that we have the means to see the future. Sovietization in our financial life will inevitably lead to sovietization in our political life. Does the U.S. economy’s path resemble the Soviet template exactly? No. And I’m sure the very suggestion will make the average unaware free market evangelical froth at the mouth. However, as I plan to show, the parallels in our fundamentals are disturbing; the reality is that true free markets in America died a long time ago.
The Tyranny Of Planned Economy - The characteristics of a free market society defy the use of centralized planning. Adam Smith’s original concept of free market trade stood as an antithesis to what was then referred to as “mercantilism,” a select few “joint stock companies” (corporations) monopolizing production while using government ties to destroy any new competition. Unfortunately, there are to this day economists and politicians who believe that corporate centralization is a “natural” function of a free market. In reality, corporate monopolies are an unnatural creation of collusion between governments and big-money interests designed to suffocate any entrepreneurship outside of their sphere of influence. Over time, as we now see in the United States today, government power and corporate power begin to hybridize, until one can barely be distinguished from the other. The bottom line is that you cannot have planned structures, monopolized production or controlled capital flow within an economy and still claim it to be a “free market. There are no exceptions to this rule. The Soviet system was the ultimate in centralization. Every aspect of financial life was dictated by the communist government, from industrial input and output to investment to food production and rationing to wages and retail prices. Some people might argue that this structure is a far cry from what we now have in the United States, but let’s look at the fundamentals.
NC Biotech Center braces for worst as Senate slashes budget, too - WRAL TechCenter - Rick Smith - May 21, 2013 - A Senate budget calls for a 50 percent cut in funding for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. While not as bad as Gov. Pat McCrory's 60 percent slash, the Senate's total would mean big reductions for the Center. It's also a nasty indicator that major cuts are coming with two of the three budget players supporting a substantial reduction. Can the House save the day?...
Arrow Home to close Gaston plant, cut 103 jobs - Charlotte Business Journal - May 24, 2013
Hot Trend in Automobiles: Not Owning One - CNBC - Paul Eisenstein - May 24, 2013 - Whether by choice or through financial reality, the percentage of American households without a car has doubled over the past two decades-and is now approaching 1 in 10. The impact of this trend could be significant, especially when it comes to alternatives to driving, such as car-sharing and mass transit, according to research by CNW Marketing. "While the recession was in large part responsible for the latest spurt, the trend was already clear," said CNW's research chief Art Spinella, "A growing number of Americans felt they didn't need or want a personal car." (Read More: Younger Americans: No House, No Car, Less Debt ) According to CNW data, the number of U.S. households without a car stood at a modest 5.7 percent in 1991. That figure stayed relatively stable through the early part of the new millennium. But it has been increasing slowly since then, with a "rapid rise" beginning in 2007. By last year, the total number of carless households hit 9.3 percent.
China's has been placed as the world's manufacturing engine by the Global Financial Cartel, but China is having a hard time dealing with the Social and Environmental factors associated with the New World Order's "Free For All" trade model, which is all about cutting costs today and maximizing profits today at the expense of a sustainable future for all of mankind.
Hickory City Alderman Brad Lail talks about Hickory Economy and a visit to Washington made by City officials, in which they discussed the Hickory Economy with local Congress members and other Washington Officials.
The Velocity Of Money Is At A 50 Year Low
The rate at which money circulates in our economy is the lowest that it has been in more than 50 years. It has been steadily falling since the late 1990s, and this is a clear sign that economic activity is slowing down. The shaded areas in the chart represent recessions, and as you can see, the velocity of money always slows down during a recession. But even though the government is telling us that we are not in a recession right now, the velocity of money continues to drop like a rock. This is one of the factors that is putting a tremendous amount of deflationary pressure on our economy...
The 3 Reasons Why Stocks Have Skyrocketed Over the Past Couple of Years - Washington's Blog - May 25, 2013 - Stocks have soared since 2009 because the Fed’s quantitative easing has – intentionally – pumped them up. They’ve also skyrocketed because central banks are directly buying stocks. NBC News reports on a third major reason that stocks took off … corporate buybacks:
Flush with cash and a world of opportunity at their doorstep, companies have decided there’s nothing more attractive than themselves. So, they’re offering big money to buy back their own stock. This year, big U.S. companies have given the go-ahead for $286 billion of buybacks, up 88 percent from the same period last year, according to Birinyi Associates, a market research firm. If the pace continues for the rest of the year, the tally will exceed the record set in 2007. Every manner of company is caught up in the buying binge, including home-improvement chains, makers of farm equipment and jet engines, airlines, sellers of soft drinks and of hard liquor alike. Not one to miss a hot trend, Apple recently authorized as much as $50 billion of buybacks. Investors like buybacks because they suggest companies think their stock is cheap. They also help reduce the number of shares outstanding, which automatically increases earnings per share. And higher earnings per share often, though not always, lead to rising stock prices. But buybacks are also crucial to the rally for a reason that’s not widely known. Companies are one of the few big stock purchasers nowadays. Nearly every other big player in the stock market has been selling more than they’ve been buying. Pension funds have been selling. Local and state governments have been selling. Investment brokerages have been selling. And, yes, until recently, even Main Street investors.Postscript: Max Keiser points out that quantitative easing and corporate buybacks are related. Specifically, the Fed’s easy monetary policy means that big corporations can borrow cheaply … and then use the money to buy back their own stock. The bailouts and easy money aren’t going into helping Main Street or stabilizing the economy. Of course, most of the trading is done by high frequency computers these days.
Is America’s Economy Being Sovietized? - AltMarket.com - Brandon Smith - May 22, 2013 -
The foundation of the Soviet model of trade and investment was centralization under the guise of “universal public ownership”. The entire goal of communism in general was not to give more social and political power to the people, but to extinguish alternative options and focus power into the hands of a select few. The process used to reach this end result can vary, but the goal always remains the same. In most cases, such centralization begins with economic hegemony, and it is in our fiscal structure that we have the means to see the future. Sovietization in our financial life will inevitably lead to sovietization in our political life. Does the U.S. economy’s path resemble the Soviet template exactly? No. And I’m sure the very suggestion will make the average unaware free market evangelical froth at the mouth. However, as I plan to show, the parallels in our fundamentals are disturbing; the reality is that true free markets in America died a long time ago.
The Tyranny Of Planned Economy - The characteristics of a free market society defy the use of centralized planning. Adam Smith’s original concept of free market trade stood as an antithesis to what was then referred to as “mercantilism,” a select few “joint stock companies” (corporations) monopolizing production while using government ties to destroy any new competition. Unfortunately, there are to this day economists and politicians who believe that corporate centralization is a “natural” function of a free market. In reality, corporate monopolies are an unnatural creation of collusion between governments and big-money interests designed to suffocate any entrepreneurship outside of their sphere of influence. Over time, as we now see in the United States today, government power and corporate power begin to hybridize, until one can barely be distinguished from the other. The bottom line is that you cannot have planned structures, monopolized production or controlled capital flow within an economy and still claim it to be a “free market. There are no exceptions to this rule. The Soviet system was the ultimate in centralization. Every aspect of financial life was dictated by the communist government, from industrial input and output to investment to food production and rationing to wages and retail prices. Some people might argue that this structure is a far cry from what we now have in the United States, but let’s look at the fundamentals.
NC Biotech Center braces for worst as Senate slashes budget, too - WRAL TechCenter - Rick Smith - May 21, 2013 - A Senate budget calls for a 50 percent cut in funding for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. While not as bad as Gov. Pat McCrory's 60 percent slash, the Senate's total would mean big reductions for the Center. It's also a nasty indicator that major cuts are coming with two of the three budget players supporting a substantial reduction. Can the House save the day?...
Arrow Home to close Gaston plant, cut 103 jobs - Charlotte Business Journal - May 24, 2013
Hot Trend in Automobiles: Not Owning One - CNBC - Paul Eisenstein - May 24, 2013 - Whether by choice or through financial reality, the percentage of American households without a car has doubled over the past two decades-and is now approaching 1 in 10. The impact of this trend could be significant, especially when it comes to alternatives to driving, such as car-sharing and mass transit, according to research by CNW Marketing. "While the recession was in large part responsible for the latest spurt, the trend was already clear," said CNW's research chief Art Spinella, "A growing number of Americans felt they didn't need or want a personal car." (Read More: Younger Americans: No House, No Car, Less Debt ) According to CNW data, the number of U.S. households without a car stood at a modest 5.7 percent in 1991. That figure stayed relatively stable through the early part of the new millennium. But it has been increasing slowly since then, with a "rapid rise" beginning in 2007. By last year, the total number of carless households hit 9.3 percent.
China's has been placed as the world's manufacturing engine by the Global Financial Cartel, but China is having a hard time dealing with the Social and Environmental factors associated with the New World Order's "Free For All" trade model, which is all about cutting costs today and maximizing profits today at the expense of a sustainable future for all of mankind.
Hickory City Alderman Brad Lail talks about Hickory Economy and a visit to Washington made by City officials, in which they discussed the Hickory Economy with local Congress members and other Washington Officials.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of May 21, 2013
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 right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
You will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center
All materials and maps for this meeting are provide at this link:
City Council Action Agenda - May 21, 2013
(:20) Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. (Not Present) - Presentation of a Proclamation for Barbershop Harmony Week. -
B. (3:40) - Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2012. This is the eighteenth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
C. (6:55) - Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Gar Atchison, Vice President of Business Development, Frye Regional Medical Center by Laurie Hoover from the Business Development Committee.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
(14:20) - Larry G. Pope, commented on the rehabilitation of the swimming pools in Morganton and Newton.
(18:00) - James Thomas Shell, spoke on the request for public information.
(25:15) - J. Franklin Davis asked City Council about bidding processes on projects in the City. He stated he would like City Council to set up a civil police review board with subpoena capabilities. He commented that he wanted the City Council Meetings televised.
Consent Agenda: (29:00)
A. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on May 2, 2013:
Andrea Davis was approved for recommendation to City Council for first-time homebuyer’s assistance to purchase a house located at 470 South Center Street, Hickory. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval in the amount of $6,500 for assistance with down payment and closing costs. The First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan is zero interest, no payments and repaid
upon sale, refinance or payoff of first mortgage.
James & Elaine Coulter, 651 7th Avenue SE, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $15,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 3% interest loan for a 15 year period.
Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental Rehabilitation Program income received in FY 2012 and/or program income received through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program.
B. Request Acceptance of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Management Review.
C. Request Approval of Modifications to the Special Event Permit for Sails Music Series. City Staff has modified the agreement with OHB to charge $25 for the privilege of being the sole vendor at the Sails on the Square Music Series. This is in line with the monthly fee for outdoor dining that other Union Square retailers pay. As additional vendors are invited to participate in this event in the future, if additional brewers have the proper ALE permit, then the fee will be factored into any future agreements with additional vendors. Staff recommends approval of the modification of the Special Event Permit for the Sails Music Series.
D. Special Events/Activities Application for Rotarian Idols on Tour, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sails on the Square stage on Union Square.
E. Special Events/Activities Application for A Hickory Holiday, Connie Kincaid, Hickory Downtown Development Association, December 12, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Union Square and surrounding blocks.
F. Special Events/Activities for Heritage Music Series Concerts 3 & 4, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, July 28, 2013 and August 25, 2013, 12:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Sails on the Square.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. (29:40) - Voluntary Satellite Annexation of .9853 acres of Property Located on a Portion of 3005 and 3107 Springs Road NE Hickory. - Ashton Properties, Inc., agent for Nguyet Thu Ngo, has submitted a petition for the voluntary satellite annexation of 0.9853 acres of property, which are portions of 3005 and 3107 Springs Road NE. The petitioner intends to construct a retail business (Family Dollar) on the property and needs sanitary sewer service for its operations.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (33:15) - Call for Public Hearing on the City Manager’s FY2013-2014 Recommended Annual Budget. (Authorize Public Hearing for June 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building). The 2013-2014 Recommended Annual Budget has been distributed to City Council as required by law and is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Library.
The Hound's Summation: The Property Tax rate isn't going up in 13-14, but fees are going up. They don't want to raise the property tax rate, because this is an election year and that is all most of the simpleton's seem to care about, The deal is if you listen to what is said here, then you hear them tell you that the tax rate is going to rise sooner rather than later.
I would like to see everyone in Catawba County aggressively challenge their tax assessment rates that are coming due next year. Properties are way overvalued in the area, especially residential properties. The local governments have basically lowered Commercial and Industrial Property rates, while balancing their budgets on the backs of Residential properties. I estimate that on average these properties are overvalued by around 20%, some higher some lower. I really don't care what their formula is. The realistic value of a home lies in how much you can get for it in six months. If you have to lower it substantially to get it to move, then that is its value, not the conjecture of an appraiser.
You can look at the Power Point slides below. Sales Tax receipts are up by 2%, but that isn't real growth. We know that the actual inflation rate ,not the cooked book Consumer Price Index, is higher than this. The CPI is kept conservatively low so that the government and corporations don't have to pay higher cost of living adjustments. So what we are actually seeing is a contraction in the local economy. The Real Inflation rate this year has been around 4%, so with a 2% growth in the sales tax what we are seeing is a contraction in real consumer spending. Ask people around you if they are buying fewer goods and services.
Some of these people know this. They are just trying to buy time, hoping something will happen to improve our economic situation, but buying time is like sands running through an hour glass and the pace is quickening. All it does is take you to the end result.
Inspiring Spaces... honestly I'd like to see that be a positive, but is it just a stimulus for these people's buddies? And the more well to do don't need to be making all of the decisions, because let's be frank, some of the stuff that money has been spent on around here sucks. We know that the geniuses will oppose Aquatic Recreation just to spite those who support it. The "Bigger Man" theory only applies to we people who are looked upon as losers. The onus is on Hickory Inc. to show that this will be for everyone and not Corporate Welfare on the local level.
Matters Not on the Agenda:
(1:31:00) Alder Patton spoke about Swinging under the Stars at the Sails this weekend May 25, 2013
(1:31:30) Alderman Lail had some good comments about a trip to Washington that some of the Council and Assistant City Manager Surratt took recently. Those comments come at the mark of the video and I will include this in the Economic Stories of Relevance this week, because this is exactly what has needed to happen. We have needed to confront this situation head on for years now. The Mayor still thinks none of this is our fault. The Mayor is wrong. Y'all know how I feel about that.
City of Hickory City Council Video Presentation:
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
You will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center
All materials and maps for this meeting are provide at this link:
City Council Action Agenda - May 21, 2013
(:20) Invocation by Rev. Mark Andrews, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations
A. (Not Present) - Presentation of a Proclamation for Barbershop Harmony Week. -
B. (3:40) - Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2012. This is the eighteenth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
C. (6:55) - Presentation of the Business Well Crafted Award to Gar Atchison, Vice President of Business Development, Frye Regional Medical Center by Laurie Hoover from the Business Development Committee.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
(14:20) - Larry G. Pope, commented on the rehabilitation of the swimming pools in Morganton and Newton.
(18:00) - James Thomas Shell, spoke on the request for public information.
(25:15) - J. Franklin Davis asked City Council about bidding processes on projects in the City. He stated he would like City Council to set up a civil police review board with subpoena capabilities. He commented that he wanted the City Council Meetings televised.
Consent Agenda: (29:00)
A. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on May 2, 2013:
Andrea Davis was approved for recommendation to City Council for first-time homebuyer’s assistance to purchase a house located at 470 South Center Street, Hickory. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval in the amount of $6,500 for assistance with down payment and closing costs. The First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan is zero interest, no payments and repaid
upon sale, refinance or payoff of first mortgage.
James & Elaine Coulter, 651 7th Avenue SE, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $15,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 3% interest loan for a 15 year period.
Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental Rehabilitation Program income received in FY 2012 and/or program income received through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program.
B. Request Acceptance of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Management Review.
C. Request Approval of Modifications to the Special Event Permit for Sails Music Series. City Staff has modified the agreement with OHB to charge $25 for the privilege of being the sole vendor at the Sails on the Square Music Series. This is in line with the monthly fee for outdoor dining that other Union Square retailers pay. As additional vendors are invited to participate in this event in the future, if additional brewers have the proper ALE permit, then the fee will be factored into any future agreements with additional vendors. Staff recommends approval of the modification of the Special Event Permit for the Sails Music Series.
D. Special Events/Activities Application for Rotarian Idols on Tour, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sails on the Square stage on Union Square.
E. Special Events/Activities Application for A Hickory Holiday, Connie Kincaid, Hickory Downtown Development Association, December 12, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Union Square and surrounding blocks.
F. Special Events/Activities for Heritage Music Series Concerts 3 & 4, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, July 28, 2013 and August 25, 2013, 12:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Sails on the Square.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. (29:40) - Voluntary Satellite Annexation of .9853 acres of Property Located on a Portion of 3005 and 3107 Springs Road NE Hickory. - Ashton Properties, Inc., agent for Nguyet Thu Ngo, has submitted a petition for the voluntary satellite annexation of 0.9853 acres of property, which are portions of 3005 and 3107 Springs Road NE. The petitioner intends to construct a retail business (Family Dollar) on the property and needs sanitary sewer service for its operations.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (33:15) - Call for Public Hearing on the City Manager’s FY2013-2014 Recommended Annual Budget. (Authorize Public Hearing for June 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building). The 2013-2014 Recommended Annual Budget has been distributed to City Council as required by law and is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Library.
The Hound's Summation: The Property Tax rate isn't going up in 13-14, but fees are going up. They don't want to raise the property tax rate, because this is an election year and that is all most of the simpleton's seem to care about, The deal is if you listen to what is said here, then you hear them tell you that the tax rate is going to rise sooner rather than later.
I would like to see everyone in Catawba County aggressively challenge their tax assessment rates that are coming due next year. Properties are way overvalued in the area, especially residential properties. The local governments have basically lowered Commercial and Industrial Property rates, while balancing their budgets on the backs of Residential properties. I estimate that on average these properties are overvalued by around 20%, some higher some lower. I really don't care what their formula is. The realistic value of a home lies in how much you can get for it in six months. If you have to lower it substantially to get it to move, then that is its value, not the conjecture of an appraiser.
You can look at the Power Point slides below. Sales Tax receipts are up by 2%, but that isn't real growth. We know that the actual inflation rate ,not the cooked book Consumer Price Index, is higher than this. The CPI is kept conservatively low so that the government and corporations don't have to pay higher cost of living adjustments. So what we are actually seeing is a contraction in the local economy. The Real Inflation rate this year has been around 4%, so with a 2% growth in the sales tax what we are seeing is a contraction in real consumer spending. Ask people around you if they are buying fewer goods and services.
Some of these people know this. They are just trying to buy time, hoping something will happen to improve our economic situation, but buying time is like sands running through an hour glass and the pace is quickening. All it does is take you to the end result.
Inspiring Spaces... honestly I'd like to see that be a positive, but is it just a stimulus for these people's buddies? And the more well to do don't need to be making all of the decisions, because let's be frank, some of the stuff that money has been spent on around here sucks. We know that the geniuses will oppose Aquatic Recreation just to spite those who support it. The "Bigger Man" theory only applies to we people who are looked upon as losers. The onus is on Hickory Inc. to show that this will be for everyone and not Corporate Welfare on the local level.
Matters Not on the Agenda:
(1:31:00) Alder Patton spoke about Swinging under the Stars at the Sails this weekend May 25, 2013
(1:31:30) Alderman Lail had some good comments about a trip to Washington that some of the Council and Assistant City Manager Surratt took recently. Those comments come at the mark of the video and I will include this in the Economic Stories of Relevance this week, because this is exactly what has needed to happen. We have needed to confront this situation head on for years now. The Mayor still thinks none of this is our fault. The Mayor is wrong. Y'all know how I feel about that.
City of Hickory City Council Video Presentation:
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of May 21, 2013 -- Citizens Requesting to be Heard
The Hound: I am happy to announce that the City video recorded the meeting tonight and these meetings will be available at the City's website and on their Youtube channel shortly if they follow through on this plan. This is a victory for everyone and Hickory Incorporated should be applauded for moving forward in this direction. Yes, we still want the meeting to be provided also on Charter Cable Television, but we are 90% in the right direction and I thank the City for this. I think it is important to the progress of this community and I truly believe this will move us forward in leaps and bounds.
The Hound will still provide you with information and this will help this site to comment more fully and bring the public more into the loop and conversation about what is going on and needs to happen in the area. This City moving forward could not and would not move forward without an interactive citizenry. It is my hope that we will see multiple movements develop and more people become involved in their governance.
What started out as Happy Hipps and I, has grown to involve more than a dozen people on a full-time basis and many more people who participate on a part-time basis, who have steadfastly resolved to help this city move forward into the realities of the 21st Century and all the possibilities that entails and how this community can prosper through those offerings.
Larry Pope spoke about Morganton and Newton's Rehabilitation of there pools and would like Hickory to speak with officials from their area about what they have done and what we could possibly do, moving forward.
I, James Thomas Shell, addressed the City Council with the following:
Once again I am here to talk about reality. I could speak on this issue for hours, but I will be brief as possible. Last Summer I feel like I was accused of representing something that is completely against my belief system, when I was said to be part of a group representing ACORN. At one point, the Citizens for Equity in Government was called by a man who had the audacity to ask us if we have a conscience. Yes, We have a conscience.
We don't question the Collective Conscience of people who were basically labeling us Communists, when we had invited one man to speak about getting out the vote. Do people here have a problem with people voting. I know that I don't. I tend to disagree with some of the people I associate with about individuals showing an I.D. when they vote, because in my opinion one fraudulent vote is one too many, it denigrates the integrity of the system, but I also don't want to see a poor person denied the right to vote and I don't want to see our military troops serving perilously overseas not having their vote counted. And as we have seen in the past, every vote is important.
All this gentleman did was spend 30 minutes talking about getting out the vote before we talked for an hour about the CEG's point of view on the ward specific voting issue.
It was an open meeting. It was open to all, but there were people that told others not to go because it was an ACORN meeting and they shouldn't associate with ACORN and then they purported to know what the meeting was all about.
Like Danny Hearn said at the last meeting, people are down on what they aren't up on. He's right, pushing forward ignorance as fact is not a virtue. Trying to keep people from obtaining information about public issues of relevance is therefore not virtuous. But, in reality we know this is about politics don't we. We know this is about enabling a small minority of people to hold power over a small city by controlling the message disseminated to its people.
We have repeatedly asked for the costs of the Structure that was built on Union Square. There is a paper trail that shows that we have been asking for those numbers for over a year. Low and Behold a few days before the referendum vote, I was informed that the information was available in this very building and so I released the fact that I had been told that those numbers were available to my associates with the CEG.
A friend and a fellow member of the CEG went to City Hall and got a Hickory Incorporated "Well Crafted" run around and fortunately due to my personal diligence I know what happened that day and my associates and I are very disappointed in how some, not all, of our Public Servants represented the public that day, but we should have known better from the start.
The document dump provided that day seems to have been just a political ploy aimed towards the Hickory Daily Record to send the message out that Hickory Incorporated had cooperated fully with the CEG, so what is all the fuss about. This was a little political gambit meant to sway the public's opinion a few days before the election. Isn't it ironic that you are here to receive an Accounting award tonight, when the budget, implementation, and accounting involving this project on Union Square would never pass an audit.
Rebecca Inglefield takes the law more seriously than anyone I know. What happened that day truly does bother her. She was writing down questions asking for Public Information as sanctioned by North Carolina General Statute 132, when she was arrested. Arrested while asking for information that she is entitled to. Arrested for information that has not been provided to us to this day.
One of the questions is, "What was the cost of the Fabric used for the "Sails on the Square" project?"
Mr. Mayor, at the last city council meeting, you said this information would be provided if it were separately available. Are you telling me that we can't find out from the company that implemented the construction of this project the cost per square yard of this material and the square yardage used to build this project? We can do the math.
If you are telling me that there was such a lack of oversight on this project, then I am truly embarrassed. You all are entrusted with the fiduciary responsibility to operate fully on the public's behalf, whether most of the public chooses to be willfully ignorant or not. I really could care less about the "Chattanooga Way." It seems to me that the "Chattanooga Way" equals "Hot Water."
I am sure that you know that the CEG doesn't like the entire process surrounding this structure, but the structure has been built. The structure belongs to the public, the dollars belong to the public, and the information belongs to the public. So let's move forward.
I am sure that Alderman Lail remembers an incident the last few days of ninth grade when a group of us got sent to the Principal's office, because we were actually looking out for the interest of our Teacher's safety; only to find ourselves to be the one's in trouble. The only mistake that Rebecca Inglefield made that day is one that I have always understood. Sometimes you have to step back and Live to Fight another Day. Today is another day and tomorrow will be another day.
James Davis asked the City Council to provide information about City Bidding Processes. He then asked the City to look into implementing a Police Review Board with Subpoena Powers. And last he addressed the city about televising Hickory City Council Meetings.
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