I began video recording the City Council in 2012, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 17, 2015
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The Hound's Notes: Another week being sick and under the weather is the reason why it has taken me a while to get this out. A couple years ago in July, I had some water seep into the basement when we had that flood. That wasn't long after my grandmother had passed, so I never have gotten the room fixed back the way I wanted to. The carpet down there had some dry rot like sandy stuff underneath it and I should have worn a mask, but didn't. I think there was some mold in it and pretty much by the next day I wasn't feeling too great. I thought I could deal with it, but it pretty much took over and I went to the doctor and am finally getting back to recovery. Lesson, if you are going to clean something old, musty, and/or dusty, even if it isn't visible, wear a mask. It will save you a lot of hassle.
As far as this meeting went, I read the article from the Hickory Daily Record wondering if Tenet was looking to sell Frye Hospital. I was in the chambers and listened to the new CEO Mark Benz address the Council and I didn't come away with any thought that tenet was looking to sell. What I came away with was that Tenet is looking to strategically partner with Non-Profits and Educational/Research facilities. I spoke about this six years ago in the Time to put the Puzzle together series. Because of out geographical location, we need to partner with Wake Forest University (Baptist Hospital), The UNC Hospital system, and/or Duke University Medical Center. Those facilities can provide the personnel and resources that we need in our area. Scott Millar, of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, has been working on these connections. Lenoir-Rhyne University and CVCC have been creating new facilities and programs related to the medical field and industry. Whether you like it or not, the Medical system is a social issue. On average, we have an aging and obese population in our area. I spoke about this in the 21st century platform for Hickory series -- an Agenda on Health and Wellness. It is going to have to be dealt with on a multitude of levels. Tenet is only looking to maximize its resources. I didn't hear a checkers conversation the other night from Mr. Benz. I heard a chess conversation.
The Hound believes that the Downtown infrastructure is going to cost more to revitalize than what we are seeing below. Kevin Greer says as much when he basically states that they won't know what all the issues are until they get into it. I believe/speculate that this is where some of that Bond Referendum money is going to be spent.
Warren Wood is going to be hard to replace. He is a Hickory native and he did a very good job directing the budget in this lean decade. I haven't heard much about a search for a replacement. Many may not know that Mike Bennett left back in October to take a job as a town manager in Colorado. He was a quasi- Assistant City Manager. The only current Assistant City Manager at the end of this month will be Andrea Surratt.
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Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda
Item N was removed from the Consent Agenda by Alderman Lail with the consent of the Council, the rest of the Agenda passed unanimously - N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
Alderman Lail asked that this item be removed. He wants a full presentation made about this agreement at one of the next two City Council meetings. The Council agreed unanimously.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Kevin Greer presentation regarding Central Business District Infrastructure Replacement (Sewer, Water, and Storm Runoff)...
(a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - Mack McLeod presentation
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Presentation by Andrew Straw, Chairman of the Community Appearance Commission.
General Comments
Several comments were made to Assistant City Manager Warren Wood related to his departure to the City of Waxhaw where he will be the Town Manager.
Mayor Wright advised that Mr. Warren Wood was attending his last Council meeting as Assistant City Manager of the City of Hickory. Mr. Wood had been with the City for 22 years, and Assistant City Manager for 16 years. He was also a sworn Police Officer, and supervisor over the Police Department. Mr. Wood had an undergrad from Chapel Hill, graduate school from Appalachian State. Mayor Wright commented that Mr. Wood had done a great job with the City of Hickory, saving the people of Hickory a lot of money. The City is going to miss him, and Waxhaw has a tremendous gain. Waxhaw will achieve even more than they have in the past.
City Attorney Crone commented born here, raised here. Grammar school, middle school and high school in Hickory, North Carolina. Mayor Wright commented that he and Council appreciated Mr. Wood. Alderman Meisner wished Mr. Wood well, commenting that he had been with Mr. Wood all 22 years and he had been a tremendous asset to the citizens of Hickory. Alderwoman Patton commented on the level of integrity that Mr. Wood possessed, and total commitment to the community. She thanked him for his service. Alderman Lail jokingly commented about how tight Mr. Wood was. Mayor Wright asked how many consecutive years without a rate increase. Mr. Wood advised 20 years.
City Attorney Crone commented that Mr. Wood was a master of making bad news sound like good news.
Mr. Berry commented a master of making bad news sound like worse news. Mayor Wright thanked Mr. Wood and his family. Mr. Wood was given a standing ovation. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Berry for allowing him a tremendous amount of latitude to do a lot of the things that he had done while at the City. He stated that Mr. McGee had done the same thing. He commented that he had worked for two good managers, and now he is giving it a shot. He thanked Staff and stated that he had enjoyed working for the citizens of Hickory.
Alderman Seaver commented that the Hickory High School Varsity Girls are the State 3A Champions in basketball. The Hickory High School Key Club won its 13th Diamond Level Award, which is the highest award in Key Club International. Mayor Wright commented that the girls had finished undefeated, the only high school team to finish undefeated, boys or girls. They won 29 games and lost none. In the 12 years that Barbara Helms has been Coach they have won 326 games, and lost 26. That is absolutely amazing.
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Sunday, March 22, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 17, 2015
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
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Hound Notes: I'm still not seeing much here. Routine business meeting following through on processes. Been under the weather the past few days and that is why it took a few days longer to get out.
The one interesting issue is the Departmental Report below about allocating funds to fix water and sewer lines Downtown. This blog informed you of this last Summer. The cost of replacing that highly antiquated infrastructure will be several million dollars.
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City Council Agenda - March 17, 2015
Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda:
A. Special Event/Activities Application for Young Life Glow Run 5K, Debbie Hobart, Area Director, Catawba Valley Young Life, May 2, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Airport, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW.
B. Special Event/Activities Application for Swinging Under the Stars, Tony Eltora, Executive Director, Hickory Music Factory, May 24, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown Hickory at the Sails on the Square.
C. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon Registration and Expo, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 6, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Under the Sails on the Square.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 7, 2015 from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starts at Hickory Elks Lodge and ends at the Sails on the Square.
E. Special Event/Activities Application for Taste of Hickory, Kirby Dodd, Hickory Elks Lodge #1654, set-up May 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., clean-up ends Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., date of event Sunday, May 17, 2015 at LP Frans Stadium Concourse at Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW.
F. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. (Authorize Public Hearing for April 21, 2015)
G. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Wilfred J. Robin and wife, Shelor Boliek Robin, aka Shelor Bolick Robin to Lawrence Stroud Carter, Jr.
H. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from JoAnne Townsend Flick and spouse Donald P. Flick, to Ronald C. Swift.
I. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
J. Approve Change Order Number One with Dane Construction in the Amount of $3,000.29 for Changes to the Construction on the Replacement Bridge on 46th Avenue Drive NE, Windridge Subdivision. - The bridge located on 46th Avenue Drive NE over Snow Creek at Windridge Subdivision was destroyed by flood waters as a result of extremely heavy rains on July 27, 2013. Dane Construction Inc. was awarded the contract and began work on October 15, 2014 on the replacement structure. During the construction of the replacement structure, it was discovered that the concrete girders on the bridge might conflict with the supporting concrete cap at one end of the bridge. To prevent the conflict and potential cracking of the concrete girders, epoxy was added to the top surface of the concrete cap. The Contractor’s cost for that work total $3,000.29 increase. The contract amount with Dane Construction Inc. would increase to $945,203.34 which is a .32 percent increase. The total project cost including the change order request and the contracts with Dane Construction Inc., McGill Associates and ECS Carolina total $1,034,529.34. The new total project cost is still under the total project budget, therefore no budget amendment is required. Staff recommends approval of change order number one for Dane Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,000.29 for preventative construction to the concrete cap on the replacement bridge.
K. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on March 5, 2015:
The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Sonya Hoke, 437 3rd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned request for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
L. Approval of a Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and Town of Mooresville. - Staff requests approval of the Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville. The original agreement was signed in 2003, which required Mooresville to extend waterlines from Sherrill’s Ford School Road to Mooresville across the Hwy 150-Catawba River Bridges. Hickory retained ownership of those lines upon completion of construction. This agreement is to provide an emergency water source for the Town of Mooresville. NCDENR encourages these interconnections wherever possible for emergencies. The purchase price for water is the current Hickory outside rate, as amended by City Council annually. Staff recommends approval of this Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville.
M. Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve Geitner Basin and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative. - The Public Utilities Department identifies areas within the City of Hickory’s collection system annually for inspections and conditions assessment. This practice has been established so that Staff may evaluate portions of the system annually to determine necessary repairs and improvements in manageable portions. The evaluation of the Geitner Basin was completed in late 2014 and has identified several areas of concern that require attention in order to avoid failures. The application is requesting $2,000,000 which represents the anticipated construction cost of essential repairs, including contingencies. Staff recommends applying to the NCDENT-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rate anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
O. Approval of Amendment Number Two to Lease Agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. - Staff requests approval of amendment number two to a lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site. The City of Hickory and AGW Leasing Company, Inc., entered into an original site lease agreement in November of 1999 to allow Sprint to locate antennas on the City of Hickory’s 9th Avenue water storage tank. This lease agreement allowed for the installation of two antennas per zone and three zones around the walkway of the City’s tank. The tenant pays the City annually for locating the antennas on the tank and agrees to conditions regarding tank maintenance and access to the site. The proposed amendment follows the provisions of the original agreement and the first amendment with all respects. In addition to the original amendment calls for the addition of one more antenna per zone and the associated cables and fixtures necessary to attach the antennas to the tank structure. The tenant agrees to all original conditions for maintenance of the City’s facilities and access to the site. The addition of the requested antennas will increase the annual rent by $350 per month or $4,200 annually. Staff recommends approval of amendment number two to the lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company, Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site.
P. Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Q. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 14.
1. To budget a $25 Library donation from the Waverly Book Club in the fiction book line item.
2. To appropriate $5,804 of General Fund - Appropriated Fund Balance and budget it in the International Springfest Donations expenditure line item. $5,804 of International Springfest Donations were unspent at the end of FY13-14 and therefore rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
3. To budget a $2,000 Sponsorship Donation from the Hickory Elks Lodge in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
4. To budget an $865 Donation from Emory Carswell in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the purchase of a bench for the Fitness Center at Highland Recreation Center.
5. To budget $5,250 of General Fund Contingency in the Traffic Division Contracted Services line item. This amendment is to pay BERCO (Bryant Electric Repair & Construction Inc.) for the traffic signal systems fiber relocation at Transportation Insight.
6. To transfer $4,700 of General Fund Contingency to the University City Commission expenditure line item. Funds are needed to pay for the stickers for businesses, the summer movie fest and for a band as part of the event partnerships.
7. To Transfer $7,100 of Contingency to the Code Enforcement demolition line item. Due to the urgency of purchasing a replacement Code Enforcement vehicle, $7,100 was moved from the demolition line item to expedite the purchase of a new vehicle. This amendment is necessary to replace those funds.
8. To decrease the Recycling Lease/Purchase revenue line item by $770,000 and decrease the Recycling/Capital expenditure line item by $770,000 to balance out these line items to zero.
9. To transfer $517,300 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Solid Waste Fund and to decrease Debt Service Interest ($30,000) and Equipment ($154,000) line items by a total of $184,800. To then budget a total of $702,100 in the Recycling Other Equipment line item. Funds are needed to purchase 14,000 rollout carts for the single stream recycling program.
10. To transfer $30,000 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the General Fund and to budget an additional $70,000 of General Fund Contingency in the Capital Outlay Land line item. These transfers are needed to pay for the purchase of .890 acres next to the existing Public Services Complex. The purchase of this property is important for the future of the city complex.
11. To transfer $127,430 of General Fund Contingency to the Fire Departments Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are needed for shower restoration, restroom rehab, engine bay rehab, carpet replacement, generator replacement, natural gas installation, infrared heater up-fits, safety mechanism upgrades to all station bay doors and duct work cleaning.
12. To appropriate and budget a $1,000 Argonaut Insurance Claim in the Fire Department Vehicles Capital line item. This claim is for damages to a vehicle that was involved in an accident on 10/14/15.
R. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number Four.
1. To budget $27,369 of Federal Emergency Agency and Department of Homeland Security Funds in the FY2013 Assistance Firefighters grant budget. Grant overages in the amount of $27,369 were billed to individual agencies for purchases above the grant amount. The City of Hickory Fire Department is the lead agency for 18 fire and emergency agencies.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
The Public Utilities Department annually identifies infrastructure that are in need of replacement or rehabilitation, as appropriate, as a component of the Departments sustainability programs. The identified project area being the Central Business District which is served by an older portion of the City of Hickory’s distribution system. The anticipated cost of the Central Business District project is $2,800,000 including engineering fees. The Public Utilities Department Staff recommend applying to the NCDENR-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rates anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. The application is for funds available to replace/rehabilitate sanitary sewer and storm drainage infrastructure; therefore the requested amount of the loan would be approximately $1,600,000. The waterline replacements were designed under a previous agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC and this proposed agreement will be for the engineering and design of the sanitary sewer and storm drainage necessary. The remainder of capital funds required would be taken from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Balance. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - In March of 2013 representatives of the Greater Hickory Tennis Association (GHTA) approached City Staff with an interest in developing a public/private partnership to make significant improvements to the tennis complex at Hickory City Park. The total estimated project cost being $574,200 which includes contingency allowances. GHTA has committed to fund a minimum of $125,000 towards the cost of the tennis complex improvements over a five year time period. In order to raise their committed funds, GHTA seeks to sell facility naming rights. On January 6, 2015 City Council authorized Staff to develop a Priority Use Agreement formalizing the partnership for the tennis complex improvements to include the requested facility naming rights. The Priority Use Agreement has been approved by Greater Hickory Tennis Association as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission at their March 10, 2015 meeting.
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Over the past several months the Community Appearance Commission has worked to revise the guidelines for consideration and approval of grants under the City’s Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs. This effort was undertaken so that the grant programs’ operating guidelines are modernized and improved to account for issues experienced during their administration, and to also implement the grant scoring criteria that was approved by City Council. The proposed changes to the Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs have been put forth after months of consideration by the Community Appearance Commission. The Community Appearance Commission has made recommended changes to these grant programs with the intention of improving the program so that its administration is less subjective and focused on the grant scoring criteria that have already been approved by Hickory City Council. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously at their January 26, 2015 meeting approval of the proposed changes.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
=================================================
Hound Notes: I'm still not seeing much here. Routine business meeting following through on processes. Been under the weather the past few days and that is why it took a few days longer to get out.
The one interesting issue is the Departmental Report below about allocating funds to fix water and sewer lines Downtown. This blog informed you of this last Summer. The cost of replacing that highly antiquated infrastructure will be several million dollars.
=================================================
City Council Agenda - March 17, 2015
Invocation by Rev. Antonio Logan, Friendship Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Mark Benz, CEO Frye Regional Medical Center
B. Presentation of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014. This is the twentieth consecutive year the City has received this recognition.
Consent Agenda:
A. Special Event/Activities Application for Young Life Glow Run 5K, Debbie Hobart, Area Director, Catawba Valley Young Life, May 2, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Airport, 3101 9th Avenue Drive NW.
B. Special Event/Activities Application for Swinging Under the Stars, Tony Eltora, Executive Director, Hickory Music Factory, May 24, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown Hickory at the Sails on the Square.
C. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon Registration and Expo, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 6, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Under the Sails on the Square.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Charity Chase Half Marathon, Bruce Felkins, Chair, Rotary Club of Catawba Valley, June 7, 2015 from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starts at Hickory Elks Lodge and ends at the Sails on the Square.
E. Special Event/Activities Application for Taste of Hickory, Kirby Dodd, Hickory Elks Lodge #1654, set-up May 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., clean-up ends Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., date of event Sunday, May 17, 2015 at LP Frans Stadium Concourse at Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW.
F. Call for a Public Hearing – For Consideration of Closing a Portion of Main Avenue Place SE. (Authorize Public Hearing for April 21, 2015)
G. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Wilfred J. Robin and wife, Shelor Boliek Robin, aka Shelor Bolick Robin to Lawrence Stroud Carter, Jr.
H. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from JoAnne Townsend Flick and spouse Donald P. Flick, to Ronald C. Swift.
I. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Lease City-owned Property to Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. Located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory. - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Clerk to advertise City Council’s consideration of a lease agreement with Hickory Downtown Development Association, Inc. to lease property owned by the City of Hickory located at 24 1st Avenue NE, Hickory.
J. Approve Change Order Number One with Dane Construction in the Amount of $3,000.29 for Changes to the Construction on the Replacement Bridge on 46th Avenue Drive NE, Windridge Subdivision. - The bridge located on 46th Avenue Drive NE over Snow Creek at Windridge Subdivision was destroyed by flood waters as a result of extremely heavy rains on July 27, 2013. Dane Construction Inc. was awarded the contract and began work on October 15, 2014 on the replacement structure. During the construction of the replacement structure, it was discovered that the concrete girders on the bridge might conflict with the supporting concrete cap at one end of the bridge. To prevent the conflict and potential cracking of the concrete girders, epoxy was added to the top surface of the concrete cap. The Contractor’s cost for that work total $3,000.29 increase. The contract amount with Dane Construction Inc. would increase to $945,203.34 which is a .32 percent increase. The total project cost including the change order request and the contracts with Dane Construction Inc., McGill Associates and ECS Carolina total $1,034,529.34. The new total project cost is still under the total project budget, therefore no budget amendment is required. Staff recommends approval of change order number one for Dane Construction Inc. in the amount of $3,000.29 for preventative construction to the concrete cap on the replacement bridge.
K. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following request was considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on March 5, 2015:
The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2014 Urgent Repair Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Sonya Hoke, 437 3rd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned request for assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Assistance Programs.
L. Approval of a Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and Town of Mooresville. - Staff requests approval of the Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville. The original agreement was signed in 2003, which required Mooresville to extend waterlines from Sherrill’s Ford School Road to Mooresville across the Hwy 150-Catawba River Bridges. Hickory retained ownership of those lines upon completion of construction. This agreement is to provide an emergency water source for the Town of Mooresville. NCDENR encourages these interconnections wherever possible for emergencies. The purchase price for water is the current Hickory outside rate, as amended by City Council annually. Staff recommends approval of this Second Amendment to the Bulk Water Sale Agreement between the City of Hickory and the Town of Mooresville.
M. Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve Geitner Basin and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative. - The Public Utilities Department identifies areas within the City of Hickory’s collection system annually for inspections and conditions assessment. This practice has been established so that Staff may evaluate portions of the system annually to determine necessary repairs and improvements in manageable portions. The evaluation of the Geitner Basin was completed in late 2014 and has identified several areas of concern that require attention in order to avoid failures. The application is requesting $2,000,000 which represents the anticipated construction cost of essential repairs, including contingencies. Staff recommends applying to the NCDENT-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rate anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
N. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as Developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. - The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CEEMG) was formed in 2006 and later incorporated as a 501C-3 non-profit organization in 2007 as a result of Duke Energy relicensing of the Catawba River as a series of power supply reservoirs. The CWWMG was formed by 18 public water supplies and Duke Energy to create a group whose sole interest was in benefiting and extending the useful life of the precious resource known as the Catawba River. This group has commissioned several studies to better understand the overall health of the Catawba River and what things could be done to extend the useful life of the Catawba River. The Water Supply Master Plan is a comprehensive study that was undertaken by the CWWMG with the goal of updating the basin wide water model to understand current conditions and evaluating future strategies that will assist the basin with extending the useful life of the Catawba River past year 2100. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this Resolution supporting the Water Supply Master Plan as developed by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.
O. Approval of Amendment Number Two to Lease Agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. - Staff requests approval of amendment number two to a lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site. The City of Hickory and AGW Leasing Company, Inc., entered into an original site lease agreement in November of 1999 to allow Sprint to locate antennas on the City of Hickory’s 9th Avenue water storage tank. This lease agreement allowed for the installation of two antennas per zone and three zones around the walkway of the City’s tank. The tenant pays the City annually for locating the antennas on the tank and agrees to conditions regarding tank maintenance and access to the site. The proposed amendment follows the provisions of the original agreement and the first amendment with all respects. In addition to the original amendment calls for the addition of one more antenna per zone and the associated cables and fixtures necessary to attach the antennas to the tank structure. The tenant agrees to all original conditions for maintenance of the City’s facilities and access to the site. The addition of the requested antennas will increase the annual rent by $350 per month or $4,200 annually. Staff recommends approval of amendment number two to the lease agreement with AGW Leasing Company, Inc. on behalf of Sprint Property Services for the 9th Avenue NE elevated water tank site.
P. Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Q. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 14.
1. To budget a $25 Library donation from the Waverly Book Club in the fiction book line item.
2. To appropriate $5,804 of General Fund - Appropriated Fund Balance and budget it in the International Springfest Donations expenditure line item. $5,804 of International Springfest Donations were unspent at the end of FY13-14 and therefore rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
3. To budget a $2,000 Sponsorship Donation from the Hickory Elks Lodge in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
4. To budget an $865 Donation from Emory Carswell in the Parks and Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Funds are for the purchase of a bench for the Fitness Center at Highland Recreation Center.
5. To budget $5,250 of General Fund Contingency in the Traffic Division Contracted Services line item. This amendment is to pay BERCO (Bryant Electric Repair & Construction Inc.) for the traffic signal systems fiber relocation at Transportation Insight.
6. To transfer $4,700 of General Fund Contingency to the University City Commission expenditure line item. Funds are needed to pay for the stickers for businesses, the summer movie fest and for a band as part of the event partnerships.
7. To Transfer $7,100 of Contingency to the Code Enforcement demolition line item. Due to the urgency of purchasing a replacement Code Enforcement vehicle, $7,100 was moved from the demolition line item to expedite the purchase of a new vehicle. This amendment is necessary to replace those funds.
8. To decrease the Recycling Lease/Purchase revenue line item by $770,000 and decrease the Recycling/Capital expenditure line item by $770,000 to balance out these line items to zero.
9. To transfer $517,300 of General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Solid Waste Fund and to decrease Debt Service Interest ($30,000) and Equipment ($154,000) line items by a total of $184,800. To then budget a total of $702,100 in the Recycling Other Equipment line item. Funds are needed to purchase 14,000 rollout carts for the single stream recycling program.
10. To transfer $30,000 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the General Fund and to budget an additional $70,000 of General Fund Contingency in the Capital Outlay Land line item. These transfers are needed to pay for the purchase of .890 acres next to the existing Public Services Complex. The purchase of this property is important for the future of the city complex.
11. To transfer $127,430 of General Fund Contingency to the Fire Departments Maintenance and Repair of Buildings line item. Funds are needed for shower restoration, restroom rehab, engine bay rehab, carpet replacement, generator replacement, natural gas installation, infrared heater up-fits, safety mechanism upgrades to all station bay doors and duct work cleaning.
12. To appropriate and budget a $1,000 Argonaut Insurance Claim in the Fire Department Vehicles Capital line item. This claim is for damages to a vehicle that was involved in an accident on 10/14/15.
R. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number Four.
1. To budget $27,369 of Federal Emergency Agency and Department of Homeland Security Funds in the FY2013 Assistance Firefighters grant budget. Grant overages in the amount of $27,369 were billed to individual agencies for purchases above the grant amount. The City of Hickory Fire Department is the lead agency for 18 fire and emergency agencies.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. (a) Approval of an Agreement for Consulting Services with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC in the amount of $268,000.
(b) Approval of an Application for State Revolving Loan Funds from NC Construction Grants and Loans for Sanitary Sewer Lines to Serve the Central Business District and Approval of a Resolution Approving Provisions of Required Assistance and Agreements and Designating the Authorized Representative.
(c) Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 15. - 1. Transfer $268,000 of W&S Capital Reserve - Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project.
(d) Capital Project Ordinance Number Two. - 1. Accept and budget a $268,000 transfer from W&S Capital Reserve-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Water and Sewer Fund Central Business District Waterline, Sewer Line and Storm Drainage Rehabilitation Project. These funds are necessary to pay for Engineering Services for the Central Business District project.
The Public Utilities Department annually identifies infrastructure that are in need of replacement or rehabilitation, as appropriate, as a component of the Departments sustainability programs. The identified project area being the Central Business District which is served by an older portion of the City of Hickory’s distribution system. The anticipated cost of the Central Business District project is $2,800,000 including engineering fees. The Public Utilities Department Staff recommend applying to the NCDENR-Infrastructure Finance Section for State Revolving Loan Funds due to low interest rates anticipated to be 1.6 percent with a term of 20 years. The application is for funds available to replace/rehabilitate sanitary sewer and storm drainage infrastructure; therefore the requested amount of the loan would be approximately $1,600,000. The waterline replacements were designed under a previous agreement with Gavel & Dorn, PLLC and this proposed agreement will be for the engineering and design of the sanitary sewer and storm drainage necessary. The remainder of capital funds required would be taken from the Water and Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Balance. Staff also request approval of a Resolution approving provisions of required assistance and agreements, and designating the Authorized Representative.
2. Consideration of a Priority Use Agreement with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for Tennis Complex Improvements at Hickory City Park. - In March of 2013 representatives of the Greater Hickory Tennis Association (GHTA) approached City Staff with an interest in developing a public/private partnership to make significant improvements to the tennis complex at Hickory City Park. The total estimated project cost being $574,200 which includes contingency allowances. GHTA has committed to fund a minimum of $125,000 towards the cost of the tennis complex improvements over a five year time period. In order to raise their committed funds, GHTA seeks to sell facility naming rights. On January 6, 2015 City Council authorized Staff to develop a Priority Use Agreement formalizing the partnership for the tennis complex improvements to include the requested facility naming rights. The Priority Use Agreement has been approved by Greater Hickory Tennis Association as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission at their March 10, 2015 meeting.
3. Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant Guidelines. - Over the past several months the Community Appearance Commission has worked to revise the guidelines for consideration and approval of grants under the City’s Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs. This effort was undertaken so that the grant programs’ operating guidelines are modernized and improved to account for issues experienced during their administration, and to also implement the grant scoring criteria that was approved by City Council. The proposed changes to the Community Appearance and Landscape Incentive Grant programs have been put forth after months of consideration by the Community Appearance Commission. The Community Appearance Commission has made recommended changes to these grant programs with the intention of improving the program so that its administration is less subjective and focused on the grant scoring criteria that have already been approved by Hickory City Council. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously at their January 26, 2015 meeting approval of the proposed changes.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 3, 2015
I began video recording the City Council in 2012, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 3, 2015
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The Hound's Notes: This took a little longer than normal to get out because of the length of the meeting and the number of presentations. I also spent the weekend visiting my cousins in the eastern part of the State.
You can go to the specific links below to see the individual presentations of the information. There were a lot of these presentations that had Powerpoint slides and other information of interest pertaining to the Community Organization and Boards and Commissions. You will also see the presentation of information about the proposed Friends of Hickory Downtown Park and the rollout of single stream recycling.
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Mayor Wright was not present.
Invocation by Rev. Heather Wood Davis, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000 - (No Presentation)
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bebe Leitch - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Tammy Panther - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Bobby Bush - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Dave Leonetti
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Alana Church
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Brian Frazier
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Persons Requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope - Mr. Larry Pope addressed Council regarding the condition of sidewalks during inclement weather. Mr. Pope also expressed his concerns that City Council did not tell the citizens, during the bond referendum, the truth in its entirety. He discussed the walk from Geitner Park to the Crawdads field and addressed the concern that the property lies in Burke County and who would reap the benefit of the tax dollars from improvements made by the citizens of Hickory’s money.
Consent Agenda
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 3, 2015
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The Hound's Notes: This took a little longer than normal to get out because of the length of the meeting and the number of presentations. I also spent the weekend visiting my cousins in the eastern part of the State.
You can go to the specific links below to see the individual presentations of the information. There were a lot of these presentations that had Powerpoint slides and other information of interest pertaining to the Community Organization and Boards and Commissions. You will also see the presentation of information about the proposed Friends of Hickory Downtown Park and the rollout of single stream recycling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Wright was not present.
Invocation by Rev. Heather Wood Davis, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000 - (No Presentation)
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bebe Leitch - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Tammy Panther - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Bobby Bush - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Dave Leonetti
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Alana Church
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Brian Frazier
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Persons Requesting to be Heard
Larry Pope - Mr. Larry Pope addressed Council regarding the condition of sidewalks during inclement weather. Mr. Pope also expressed his concerns that City Council did not tell the citizens, during the bond referendum, the truth in its entirety. He discussed the walk from Geitner Park to the Crawdads field and addressed the concern that the property lies in Burke County and who would reap the benefit of the tax dollars from improvements made by the citizens of Hickory’s money.
Consent Agenda
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of March 3, 2015
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
Hickory City Council Meeting Agenda - March 3, 2105
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Hound Notes: Still not much here. Much of this meeting is a continuation of the cancelled meeting from February 17th. This meeting will run long because of the presentations of the Community Groups asking for funds for the upcoming fiscal year and the pkans of the city's Boards and Commissions.
As I stated before, Tha community group presentations are basically the same groups every year and the speeches are for the most part canned with the exception of the Downtown Development Association. They do a power point and go over their events of the past year and what to expect in the upcoming year, which is informative.
The Boards and Commission presentation are pretty much canned presentations also. These presentations are a method for Hickory Inc. to formally state and tout what they are doing in the community to the public in a formal setting.
And we will get the postponed Friends of Hickory Inc. presentation. As I stated two weeks ago, this group seems to fit perfectly under the City's Umbrella. It's almost as if City Officials had a hands on role in the creation of this group. With this project, it's confusing to tell who is doing the work here. The eye test says that this Park on the Square certainly seems to be a Hickory Inc. project.
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II. Invocation by Rev. Whit Malone, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bruce Eckard - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Darrell Rogers - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Donna Price - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Mike Holland
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Zack Amrani
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Phil Barringer
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Consent Agenda
A. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Ronald Killian and wife Susan Killian for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Ronald Steven Killian and wife, Susan T. Killian described as PIN 3723-07-59-6569 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for two 4-inch sanitary sewer connections in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Ronald Killian and wife, Susan Killian.
B. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula Bowman for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 25 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula J. Bowman described as PIN 3723-07-59-5748 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection and connection to the home by a plumber in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula J. Bowman.
C. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a temporary and permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman described as PIN 372307-59-3998. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection and connection to the home by a plumber in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman.
D. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Steven Cook and wife, Lori Cook for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 25 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewerline easement for the property of Steven E. Cook and wife, Lori S. Cook described as PIN 3723-07-59-4698. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to
the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Steven E. Cook and wife, Lori S. Cook.
E. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer described as PIN 3723-07-59-6817 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer.
F. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Steven R. Pendleton for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Steven R. Pendleton described as PIN 3723-07-59-6501 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Steven R. Pendleton.
G. Approval of Statement of Work Agreement with Katalyst Network Group in the Amount of
$104,104.90. - The Hickory Police Department headquarters administrative telephone system in an
analog system that is approximately 18 years old, and is in need of replacement due to the fact that the system is no longer supported by the manufacturer. City Council approved at their January 6, 2015 and January 20, 2015 Council meetings, the purchase of the system from Katalyst Network Group. Hickory Police Department request Council’s approval of the Statement of Work Agreement from Katalyst Network Group. The Statement of Work Agreement meets the technical and installation specifications
requested by Hickory Police Department, and lists the payment invoice schedule. Hickory Police Department recommends entering into the Statement of Work Agreement with Katalyst Network Group in the amount of $104,104.90. Funds are budgeted in 2014/2015 CIP.
H. Approval of Sales Agreement and Statement of Work with Wireless Communications Inc. in the Amount of $117,373.91. - Hickory Police Department’s current 911 telephone system is approximately 18 years old and will not be supported by the manufacturer in 2015, and is in need of replacement. City Council approved, at their January 6, 2015 and January 20, 2015 City Council meetings, the purchase of needed equipment and installation of the E-911 system. Hickory Police Department requests City Council’s approval of the Statement of Work and Sales Agreement with Wireless Communications, Inc. which are consistent with the original quote for the work. Hickory Police Department recommends entering into the Sales Agreement and the Statement of Work with Wireless Communications, Inc. for the installation of the E-911 telephone system in the amount of $117,373.91. Funds arebudgeted in 2014/2015 CIP.
I. Approval of a Resolution Accepting an Offer of Dedication for a Portion of 4th Street Drive SW, as shown on Plat Book 74 at Page 119 Catawba County Registry. - The City has been presented with an offer of dedication for a portion of 4th Street Drive SW. In 2014 construction began on a new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at the southwest corner of the intersection of US Hwy 40 SW and 4th Street Drive SW. During the planning and design stages of the project City staff worked with the property developers to provide the dedication of additional street right-of-way adjacent to 4th Street Drive SW. The dedication of this portion of right-of-way will allow for the City to improve the current alignment of the southern intersection of US 70 SW and 4th Street Drive SW. When the property was platted, the developer provided an offer of public dedication for the portion of the right-of-way. Public use and maintenance of street right-of-way cannot occur unless City Council formally accepts the offer of public dedication by means of a duly executed Resolution. This requirement is outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes, as well as the City’s Land Development Code. Staff recommends City
Council’s approval of the Resolution accepting the offer of dedication for the portion of 4th Street Drive SW, as shown on Plat Book 74, Page 119 of the Catawba County Registry.
J. Approval to Purchase Equipment for Two New Fire Apparatus in the Amount of $153,540.32 - On August 19, 2014, City Council approved the purchase of an engine and a ladder truck from the Smeal Fire Apparatus Company. These trucks require various equipment to be considered ready for service upon their arrival in the City. There are many minimum requirements for the needed equipment on these apparatus, which are set by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition to these minimum requirements, the Fire Department must provide additional equipment on these trucks to ensure consistent service delivery for the emergency response levels set by the Fire Department and the City of Hickory. The Fire Department Equipment Committee created a list that consisted of multiple items that cover the job functions of fire, rescue, and medical responses. A formal bid was sent out to multiple vendors of fire equipment. The Fire Department determined that there were three vendors that could provide the majority of combined equipment at each perspective lowest per unit cost.
Newton’s Fire and Safety Equipment: $46,343.38
Stevens Fire Equipment: $35,994.67
Municipal Emergency Services (MES) of the Carolinas: $71,202.27
The three contracts in bid #15-025 total: $153,540.32
The total capital appropriated for these project was $230,000. These bid contracts cover items not available on State contract. The Fire Department Staff recommends Council’s approval of award to the above vendors at these adjusted unit cost amounts.
K. Approval of Annual Auditing Contract with Martin Starnes & Associates in the Amount of $56,000. - The City of Hickory has utilized the services of Martin Starnes & Associates for the past six years with excellent results. The North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) does not require formal bid for auditing services due to the professional relationship formed between auditors and clients over an extended work history. The Secretary of the Local Government Commission approves all local government contracts and invoices for audit or audit-related work. The LGC requires approval of the auditing contract on an annual basis. In 2013, the City of Hickory approved a three year renewal
contract with Martin Starnes & Associates. The annual renewal ending June 30, 2015 will be the third year of this contract. Staff requests approval to accept the renewal of the annual contract for auditing services with Martin Starnes & Associates for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 in the amount of $56,000.
L. Request to Amend the Parking Ordinance for the Farmer’s Market to Include Last Year’s Ordinance #14-09, with a Time and Date Change. - Change the Farmer’s Market No Parking hours Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from April 18, 2015 through November 28, 2015 (excluding Saturday, October 10, 2015 which is Oktoberfest weekend) for the spaces south of Union Square on the north side of the parking lot road connecting the east and west parking lots as well as along the west parking lot to include the first three (3) angled parking spaces. Also, parking will be prohibited in the spaces south of Union Square along the north side of the parking lot road west of the pedestrian crosswalk as well as in the west parking lot to include the first three (3) angled parking once a month on the third Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from May 21, 2015 through November 19, 2015. Towing will be enforced.
M. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 13.
1. To appropriate $2,982 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from the US Department of Justice) and budget in the Police Department Departmental Supplies line item. This amendment is necessary to purchase DARE shirts and awards for the schools. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the US Department of Justice and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
2. To budget a $74,644 Library Donation from the Lydia Saunders Estate in the Library Books line item for the purchase of non-fiction and children’s books ($2,500). The remaining $72,144 is for purchases of items for the Astronomy section in the Library.
3. To transfer $538,250 from General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Sandy Ridge Intersection Project. The Federal Highway Administration approved this project for intersection improvements using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to reduce vehicular greenhouse emissions. This project is the intersection of 16th Street NE at 21st Avenue NE and 29th Avenue Drive NE. Federal funds are approved in the amount of $2,153,000 (80%) with a required local match of $538,250 (20%). This budget amendment allocates the 20% local match.
4. To transfer $4,705 from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines to the Murray Basin Capital Project. This transfer is necessary to pay for the permit fees for this project.
N. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number 3.
1. To budget a $4,705 transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines in the Murray Basin Capital Project Design line item. This transfer provides funds to pay for permit fees.
O. Grant Project Ordinance Number 7.
1. To accept and budget a $538,250 transfer from the General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance and to budget $2,153,000 of Federal funds in the Sandy Ridge Intersection Project. The Federal Highway Administration approved this project for intersection improvements using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to reduce vehicular greenhouse emissions. This project is the Intersection of 16th Street NE at 21st Avenue NE and 29th Avenue Drive NE. Federal funds are approved in the amount of $2,153,000 (80%) with a required local match of $538,250 (20%). This budget amendment allocates the 20% local match.
P. Special Event/Activities Application for National Day of Prayer 2015, Charles Moretz, and Christopher Harris, Managers of Ignite Hickory, Inc., May 7, 2015 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sails on the Square.
Q. Special Event/Activities Application for Sails Music Series, Mandy Pitts, City of Hickory Communications Director/Brand Manager, May 1, 18, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26; and September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sails on the Square Stage in Downtown Hickory.
R. Special Event/Activities Application for Crawdad’s Baseball Bash, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Director, May 12, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Union Square under the Sails.
S. Special Event/Activities Application for 2015 ALFA Hike for Hope & 5K, Michael L. Bookout, Event Chairperson, ALFA, April 11, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Union Square, in the Sails area.
T. Amend the Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 2015, Sarah T. Wood, Market Manager, Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market, April 18 – November 28, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 21 – November 19, Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Union Square. The amendment would allow for alcohol sales by Olde Hickory Brewery on Thursday’s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the roped off area at the east end of the Sails.
U. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Crawdads. - Mark Seaman, General Manager of the Hickory Crawdads has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: July 4, 2015 and August 1, 2015. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
V. Approval to Refrain from the Advertisement of Delinquent Property Taxes for Fiscal Year 2015. - General Statute §105-369(a) mandates that the Tax Collector inform the governing body of and then advertise the “total amount of unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year that are liens on real property”. The governing body must issue an order to the Tax Collector to advertise the tax liens; the order will be issued, presumably, immediately upon receipt of the Tax Collector’s report. At least thirty days before the advertisement is published and posted, the Tax Collector must provide written notice to the affected taxpayers of the intent to publish outstanding current tax liens.
County - Real Property Tax - Personal Property Tax - Totals
Burke - $6,999 (bankruptcy) - $6,999 (bankruptcy) - $6,999
Caldwell - $23,683.27 - $23,683.27 - $23,683.27
TOTAL $30,682.27
When a taxpayer files a bankruptcy petition, an “automatic stay” immediately becomes effective. Essentially this stay bars any effort by a creditor to collect a debt from the debtor in bankruptcy. The advertisement of a tax lien arguably qualifies as an act to enforce a tax lien and is therefore barred by the automatic stay. Since the only unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year that are liens on real property have
filed a bankruptcy petition, it is the recommendation of the Tax Collector for City Council to refrain from the advertisement of delinquent property taxes for fiscal year 2015.
W. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the 2014 Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. - Both Federal and State legislation requires local governments to formulate and adopt plans, whose sole purpose is to mitigate loss of life and property in the event of natural disasters or human made disasters. In 2004 the City of Hickory participated in the first hazard mitigation plan, which included Catawba County, and all of its municipalities. The City of Hickory, along with other local governments within our four County metropolitan area, received a grant from FEMA that was intended to provide monetary funding to update the current mitigation plan. Various City of Hickory Staff members participated in a planning process designed to review and updated the 2009 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The draft plan was completed and forwarded to FEMA and the NC Department of Public Safety for review. In January of 2015 the City of Hickory was notified by FEMA that the draft plan had been approved, and that the final step of the process was for the plan to be adopted by each local government participating in the process. Staff recommends City Council approve the Resolution to Adopt the Updated 2014 Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park. - Friends of Hickory provided Staff the conceptual site plan for the proposed park to be located in a City owned parking lot adjacent to Community One Bank, at the intersection of 3rd Street NW, and Main Avenue NW. Also provided were the plans and specifications for the play equipment and safety surfacing that is being proposed for inclusion within the park. Staff has reviewed the plans and recommended changing the surface of the embankment slides from stainless steel to a plastic material due to the location of the slides not being located in a shaded area within the park. The conceptual plans were presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 13, 2015. Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as Staff, recommends approval of the conceptual site plan as presented with the change of the surface of the embankment slides from stainless steel material to plastic material.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program. - The City of Hickory and Republic Services Inc. have reached a contract agreement for the collection of curbside recycling within the City limits of Hickory. This nine year contract will allow the City of Hickory to continue to focus on its current Solid Waste collection responsibilities and manage the recycling program moving forward. Single stream recycling will allow residents to recycle Plastics #1 - #7, which includes clean fruit & food clam shells, clean lunch meat containers, clean yogurt cups, plastic cups and toys instead of just #1 & #2 plastics such as drink bottles, milk containers, detergent bottles as we have been recycling. Also we will be able to include cardboard, clean pizza boxes, fiber board such as cereal boxes, soda drink boxes such as the 12 pack refrigerator box & snack bar boxes. We expect these additional recycled items to increase annual volume recycled 2300 tons per year. Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags and plastic film cannot be recycled due to the recycling center’s machinery not being able to process these item but they may be recycled by other means. This contract may be extended for an additional three years if the parties mutually agree in writing. This contract will reduce the City’s current cost of recycling pickup and further reduce the current cost of waste disposal at the Blackburn Landfill by reducing materials going to the landfill. The cost of the service will be $1.97 per household per month with the recycling collected every other week per household. The current number of households is calculated at 12,200. The monthly total is $24,034, or $288,408 annually, which is a savings of $5,709.81 per month or $68,517.72 per year over the current residential recycling cost. The City of Hickory will receive a 40% rebate on the recyclable material value over the set processing cost. The City of Hickory will also have additional savings in landfill cost due to the fact we will be taking less material to the landfill. Expected cost savings of $65,000 to $70,000 annually in waste fees at the Blackburn Landfill. With combined contract savings, reduced landfill fees and recycling material rebate revenues; we are expecting approximately $10,000 to $14,000 per month in savings over our current programs. The contract does allow Republic Services Inc. to increase cost to the City based on the Consumer Price Index beginning in the second year. Staff recommends City Council’s approval of the contract with Republic Services Inc. Funds are budgeted in FY 2014/2015.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100. - The Solid Waste Department has investigated “Piggy Back Purchases” within the State of North Carolina from four different rollout manufacturers and selected the best option for the City of Hickory. The successful vendor is Schaefer Systems International as they have the least total cost of the rollout purchase. The cost for 14,000 rollouts (15 percent growth and replacement) will be $702,100, and will be used in the Single Stream Recycling Program. The City of Hickory applied for and received a $30,000 Community Waste Reduction Grant as a way to help reduce the initial cost of starting a Single Stream Recycling Program. The grant will reduce the City of Hickory’s rollout cart cost to $672,100. This cost includes distribution of the rollouts to the addresses and a list of where the rollouts were delivered for tracking purposes. This program will increase the amount of material recycled and will benefit the City by helping reduce the cost of materials going into the Catawba County Landfill. Staff recommends City Council’s approval of the purchase of the rollout carts from Schaefer Systems International in the amount of $702,100. A budget amendment will be required for this purchase. Public Notice of Intent to Authorize the Purchase and Waiver the Normal Bidding Procedures in order to contract with a qualified supplier was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on February 21, 2015.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
Hickory City Council Meeting Agenda - March 3, 2105=================================================
Hound Notes: Still not much here. Much of this meeting is a continuation of the cancelled meeting from February 17th. This meeting will run long because of the presentations of the Community Groups asking for funds for the upcoming fiscal year and the pkans of the city's Boards and Commissions.
As I stated before, Tha community group presentations are basically the same groups every year and the speeches are for the most part canned with the exception of the Downtown Development Association. They do a power point and go over their events of the past year and what to expect in the upcoming year, which is informative.
The Boards and Commission presentation are pretty much canned presentations also. These presentations are a method for Hickory Inc. to formally state and tout what they are doing in the community to the public in a formal setting.
And we will get the postponed Friends of Hickory Inc. presentation. As I stated two weeks ago, this group seems to fit perfectly under the City's Umbrella. It's almost as if City Officials had a hands on role in the creation of this group. With this project, it's confusing to tell who is doing the work here. The eye test says that this Park on the Square certainly seems to be a Hickory Inc. project.
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II. Invocation by Rev. Whit Malone, First Presbyterian Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation for Give Healthy & National Nutrition Month to Alice
Whitener, Director of Client Services, Judy Donaldson, Food Pantry Coordinator, and
Barbara Rush, Executive Director, Cooperative Christian Ministry.
B. Presentation of a Proclamation and Recognition of Library Outreach Coordinator Tamara
Kraus.
C. Hickory Rotary Club’s Recognition of Delegates and Facilitator from Ivanovo, Russia
D. (Held over from the cancelled City Council meeting of February 17, 2015) - Presentation by Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council during the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2015. - The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests. Presenters will be allotted no more than five (5) minutes to make their presentations to Council.
Organization Presentation - By Amount Requested
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $149,483.98
Catawba County Parenting Network - Susan Lee - $5,000
Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley - Mitzi Gellman - $19,088
Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority - Bruce Eckard - $20,000
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Darrell Rogers - $50,000
SALT Block Foundation - Lawrence Thompson - $100,000
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Alan Jackson - $40,065
Viewmont Business Association - Donna Price - $5,000
YMCA - Gerry Knox - $9,900
E. Presentation of FY 2015-2016 Board and Commission Work Plans.
Board/Commission - Presenter
Business Development Committee - Jeff Hale
Citizens’ Advisory Committee - Mike Holland
Community Appearance Commission - Andrew Straw
Community Relations Council - Thurman Whisnant
Hickory International Council - Hani Nassar
Hickory Regional Planning Commission - Brian Frazier
Hickory Youth Council - Zack Amrani
Historic Preservation Commission - Larry Triplett
Library Advisory Board - Kathy Ivey
Parks and Recreation Commission - Tony Wood
Public Art Commission - Phil Barringer
Recycling Advisory Board - Norm Meres
University City Commission - Ryan Edwards
Consent Agenda
A. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Ronald Killian and wife Susan Killian for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Ronald Steven Killian and wife, Susan T. Killian described as PIN 3723-07-59-6569 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for two 4-inch sanitary sewer connections in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Ronald Killian and wife, Susan Killian.
B. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula Bowman for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 25 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula J. Bowman described as PIN 3723-07-59-5748 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection and connection to the home by a plumber in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Ross Bowman and wife, Paula J. Bowman.
C. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a temporary and permanent sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman described as PIN 372307-59-3998. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection and connection to the home by a plumber in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Dorothy Elrod Huffman.
D. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Steven Cook and wife, Lori Cook for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 25 foot temporary and 25 foot permanent sanitary sewerline easement for the property of Steven E. Cook and wife, Lori S. Cook described as PIN 3723-07-59-4698. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to
the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Steven E. Cook and wife, Lori S. Cook.
E. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer described as PIN 3723-07-59-6817 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Walter D. Scharer and wife, Jerelyn H. Scharer.
F. Acceptance of a Sanitary Sewer Line Easement for the Property of Steven R. Pendleton for Installation of a Sanitary Sewer Line. - Staff requests acceptance of a 12.5 foot temporary sanitary sewer line easement for the property of Steven R. Pendleton described as PIN 3723-07-59-6501 for installation of a sanitary sewer line. This temporary and permanent easement is necessary for completion of the Random Woods Subdivision Sanitary Sewer Project. This project was awarded to the City as a State Revolving Grant by NCDENR-DWQ in 2012 in the amount of 2.943 million dollars. The easement was negotiated for one 4-inch sanitary sewer connection in exchange for the easement. Staff recommends approval of the easement across the property of Steven R. Pendleton.
G. Approval of Statement of Work Agreement with Katalyst Network Group in the Amount of
$104,104.90. - The Hickory Police Department headquarters administrative telephone system in an
analog system that is approximately 18 years old, and is in need of replacement due to the fact that the system is no longer supported by the manufacturer. City Council approved at their January 6, 2015 and January 20, 2015 Council meetings, the purchase of the system from Katalyst Network Group. Hickory Police Department request Council’s approval of the Statement of Work Agreement from Katalyst Network Group. The Statement of Work Agreement meets the technical and installation specifications
requested by Hickory Police Department, and lists the payment invoice schedule. Hickory Police Department recommends entering into the Statement of Work Agreement with Katalyst Network Group in the amount of $104,104.90. Funds are budgeted in 2014/2015 CIP.
H. Approval of Sales Agreement and Statement of Work with Wireless Communications Inc. in the Amount of $117,373.91. - Hickory Police Department’s current 911 telephone system is approximately 18 years old and will not be supported by the manufacturer in 2015, and is in need of replacement. City Council approved, at their January 6, 2015 and January 20, 2015 City Council meetings, the purchase of needed equipment and installation of the E-911 system. Hickory Police Department requests City Council’s approval of the Statement of Work and Sales Agreement with Wireless Communications, Inc. which are consistent with the original quote for the work. Hickory Police Department recommends entering into the Sales Agreement and the Statement of Work with Wireless Communications, Inc. for the installation of the E-911 telephone system in the amount of $117,373.91. Funds arebudgeted in 2014/2015 CIP.
I. Approval of a Resolution Accepting an Offer of Dedication for a Portion of 4th Street Drive SW, as shown on Plat Book 74 at Page 119 Catawba County Registry. - The City has been presented with an offer of dedication for a portion of 4th Street Drive SW. In 2014 construction began on a new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at the southwest corner of the intersection of US Hwy 40 SW and 4th Street Drive SW. During the planning and design stages of the project City staff worked with the property developers to provide the dedication of additional street right-of-way adjacent to 4th Street Drive SW. The dedication of this portion of right-of-way will allow for the City to improve the current alignment of the southern intersection of US 70 SW and 4th Street Drive SW. When the property was platted, the developer provided an offer of public dedication for the portion of the right-of-way. Public use and maintenance of street right-of-way cannot occur unless City Council formally accepts the offer of public dedication by means of a duly executed Resolution. This requirement is outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes, as well as the City’s Land Development Code. Staff recommends City
Council’s approval of the Resolution accepting the offer of dedication for the portion of 4th Street Drive SW, as shown on Plat Book 74, Page 119 of the Catawba County Registry.
J. Approval to Purchase Equipment for Two New Fire Apparatus in the Amount of $153,540.32 - On August 19, 2014, City Council approved the purchase of an engine and a ladder truck from the Smeal Fire Apparatus Company. These trucks require various equipment to be considered ready for service upon their arrival in the City. There are many minimum requirements for the needed equipment on these apparatus, which are set by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition to these minimum requirements, the Fire Department must provide additional equipment on these trucks to ensure consistent service delivery for the emergency response levels set by the Fire Department and the City of Hickory. The Fire Department Equipment Committee created a list that consisted of multiple items that cover the job functions of fire, rescue, and medical responses. A formal bid was sent out to multiple vendors of fire equipment. The Fire Department determined that there were three vendors that could provide the majority of combined equipment at each perspective lowest per unit cost.
Newton’s Fire and Safety Equipment: $46,343.38
Stevens Fire Equipment: $35,994.67
Municipal Emergency Services (MES) of the Carolinas: $71,202.27
The three contracts in bid #15-025 total: $153,540.32
The total capital appropriated for these project was $230,000. These bid contracts cover items not available on State contract. The Fire Department Staff recommends Council’s approval of award to the above vendors at these adjusted unit cost amounts.
K. Approval of Annual Auditing Contract with Martin Starnes & Associates in the Amount of $56,000. - The City of Hickory has utilized the services of Martin Starnes & Associates for the past six years with excellent results. The North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) does not require formal bid for auditing services due to the professional relationship formed between auditors and clients over an extended work history. The Secretary of the Local Government Commission approves all local government contracts and invoices for audit or audit-related work. The LGC requires approval of the auditing contract on an annual basis. In 2013, the City of Hickory approved a three year renewal
contract with Martin Starnes & Associates. The annual renewal ending June 30, 2015 will be the third year of this contract. Staff requests approval to accept the renewal of the annual contract for auditing services with Martin Starnes & Associates for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 in the amount of $56,000.
L. Request to Amend the Parking Ordinance for the Farmer’s Market to Include Last Year’s Ordinance #14-09, with a Time and Date Change. - Change the Farmer’s Market No Parking hours Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from April 18, 2015 through November 28, 2015 (excluding Saturday, October 10, 2015 which is Oktoberfest weekend) for the spaces south of Union Square on the north side of the parking lot road connecting the east and west parking lots as well as along the west parking lot to include the first three (3) angled parking spaces. Also, parking will be prohibited in the spaces south of Union Square along the north side of the parking lot road west of the pedestrian crosswalk as well as in the west parking lot to include the first three (3) angled parking once a month on the third Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from May 21, 2015 through November 19, 2015. Towing will be enforced.
M. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 13.
1. To appropriate $2,982 of General Fund Balance (Funds reserved from the US Department of Justice) and budget in the Police Department Departmental Supplies line item. This amendment is necessary to purchase DARE shirts and awards for the schools. Funds are made available to the Police Department from the US Department of Justice and remain in General Fund Balance until appropriated.
2. To budget a $74,644 Library Donation from the Lydia Saunders Estate in the Library Books line item for the purchase of non-fiction and children’s books ($2,500). The remaining $72,144 is for purchases of items for the Astronomy section in the Library.
3. To transfer $538,250 from General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance to the Sandy Ridge Intersection Project. The Federal Highway Administration approved this project for intersection improvements using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to reduce vehicular greenhouse emissions. This project is the intersection of 16th Street NE at 21st Avenue NE and 29th Avenue Drive NE. Federal funds are approved in the amount of $2,153,000 (80%) with a required local match of $538,250 (20%). This budget amendment allocates the 20% local match.
4. To transfer $4,705 from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines to the Murray Basin Capital Project. This transfer is necessary to pay for the permit fees for this project.
N. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment Number 3.
1. To budget a $4,705 transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund-Sewer Lines in the Murray Basin Capital Project Design line item. This transfer provides funds to pay for permit fees.
O. Grant Project Ordinance Number 7.
1. To accept and budget a $538,250 transfer from the General Fund-Appropriated Fund Balance and to budget $2,153,000 of Federal funds in the Sandy Ridge Intersection Project. The Federal Highway Administration approved this project for intersection improvements using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to reduce vehicular greenhouse emissions. This project is the Intersection of 16th Street NE at 21st Avenue NE and 29th Avenue Drive NE. Federal funds are approved in the amount of $2,153,000 (80%) with a required local match of $538,250 (20%). This budget amendment allocates the 20% local match.
P. Special Event/Activities Application for National Day of Prayer 2015, Charles Moretz, and Christopher Harris, Managers of Ignite Hickory, Inc., May 7, 2015 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sails on the Square.
Q. Special Event/Activities Application for Sails Music Series, Mandy Pitts, City of Hickory Communications Director/Brand Manager, May 1, 18, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26; and September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sails on the Square Stage in Downtown Hickory.
R. Special Event/Activities Application for Crawdad’s Baseball Bash, Connie Kincaid, Executive Director, Hickory Downtown Development Director, May 12, 2015, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Union Square under the Sails.
S. Special Event/Activities Application for 2015 ALFA Hike for Hope & 5K, Michael L. Bookout, Event Chairperson, ALFA, April 11, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Union Square, in the Sails area.
T. Amend the Special Events Activities Application for Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market 2015, Sarah T. Wood, Market Manager, Downtown Hickory Farmers’ Market, April 18 – November 28, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., May 21 – November 19, Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Union Square. The amendment would allow for alcohol sales by Olde Hickory Brewery on Thursday’s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the roped off area at the east end of the Sails.
U. Approval to Issue a Pyrotechnic Display Permit to Hickory Crawdads. - Mark Seaman, General Manager of the Hickory Crawdads has submitted a request to obtain permission to have a public fireworks display on the following 2015 dates: July 4, 2015 and August 1, 2015. The North Carolina Fire Code requires a mandatory operational permit for the use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material. The Division of Fire & Life Safety Bureau shall review all required documentation. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also inspect the pyrotechnics display area prior to the event to ensure compliance with all guidelines and codes. Staff recommends approval of the pyrotechnics displays.
V. Approval to Refrain from the Advertisement of Delinquent Property Taxes for Fiscal Year 2015. - General Statute §105-369(a) mandates that the Tax Collector inform the governing body of and then advertise the “total amount of unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year that are liens on real property”. The governing body must issue an order to the Tax Collector to advertise the tax liens; the order will be issued, presumably, immediately upon receipt of the Tax Collector’s report. At least thirty days before the advertisement is published and posted, the Tax Collector must provide written notice to the affected taxpayers of the intent to publish outstanding current tax liens.
County - Real Property Tax - Personal Property Tax - Totals
Burke - $6,999 (bankruptcy) - $6,999 (bankruptcy) - $6,999
Caldwell - $23,683.27 - $23,683.27 - $23,683.27
TOTAL $30,682.27
When a taxpayer files a bankruptcy petition, an “automatic stay” immediately becomes effective. Essentially this stay bars any effort by a creditor to collect a debt from the debtor in bankruptcy. The advertisement of a tax lien arguably qualifies as an act to enforce a tax lien and is therefore barred by the automatic stay. Since the only unpaid taxes for the current fiscal year that are liens on real property have
filed a bankruptcy petition, it is the recommendation of the Tax Collector for City Council to refrain from the advertisement of delinquent property taxes for fiscal year 2015.
W. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the 2014 Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. - Both Federal and State legislation requires local governments to formulate and adopt plans, whose sole purpose is to mitigate loss of life and property in the event of natural disasters or human made disasters. In 2004 the City of Hickory participated in the first hazard mitigation plan, which included Catawba County, and all of its municipalities. The City of Hickory, along with other local governments within our four County metropolitan area, received a grant from FEMA that was intended to provide monetary funding to update the current mitigation plan. Various City of Hickory Staff members participated in a planning process designed to review and updated the 2009 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The draft plan was completed and forwarded to FEMA and the NC Department of Public Safety for review. In January of 2015 the City of Hickory was notified by FEMA that the draft plan had been approved, and that the final step of the process was for the plan to be adopted by each local government participating in the process. Staff recommends City Council approve the Resolution to Adopt the Updated 2014 Unifour Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Informational Item
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s travel to Metropolitan Mayors Meeting, Matthews Town Hall, January 30, 2015. (Mileage Reimbursement - $80.50)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of the Conceptual Site Plan for Friends of Hickory’s Proposed Downtown Park. - Friends of Hickory provided Staff the conceptual site plan for the proposed park to be located in a City owned parking lot adjacent to Community One Bank, at the intersection of 3rd Street NW, and Main Avenue NW. Also provided were the plans and specifications for the play equipment and safety surfacing that is being proposed for inclusion within the park. Staff has reviewed the plans and recommended changing the surface of the embankment slides from stainless steel to a plastic material due to the location of the slides not being located in a shaded area within the park. The conceptual plans were presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 13, 2015. Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as Staff, recommends approval of the conceptual site plan as presented with the change of the surface of the embankment slides from stainless steel material to plastic material.
2. (a) Approval of a Contract with Republic Services Inc. to Service the City of Hickory’s Single Stream Recycling Program. - The City of Hickory and Republic Services Inc. have reached a contract agreement for the collection of curbside recycling within the City limits of Hickory. This nine year contract will allow the City of Hickory to continue to focus on its current Solid Waste collection responsibilities and manage the recycling program moving forward. Single stream recycling will allow residents to recycle Plastics #1 - #7, which includes clean fruit & food clam shells, clean lunch meat containers, clean yogurt cups, plastic cups and toys instead of just #1 & #2 plastics such as drink bottles, milk containers, detergent bottles as we have been recycling. Also we will be able to include cardboard, clean pizza boxes, fiber board such as cereal boxes, soda drink boxes such as the 12 pack refrigerator box & snack bar boxes. We expect these additional recycled items to increase annual volume recycled 2300 tons per year. Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags and plastic film cannot be recycled due to the recycling center’s machinery not being able to process these item but they may be recycled by other means. This contract may be extended for an additional three years if the parties mutually agree in writing. This contract will reduce the City’s current cost of recycling pickup and further reduce the current cost of waste disposal at the Blackburn Landfill by reducing materials going to the landfill. The cost of the service will be $1.97 per household per month with the recycling collected every other week per household. The current number of households is calculated at 12,200. The monthly total is $24,034, or $288,408 annually, which is a savings of $5,709.81 per month or $68,517.72 per year over the current residential recycling cost. The City of Hickory will receive a 40% rebate on the recyclable material value over the set processing cost. The City of Hickory will also have additional savings in landfill cost due to the fact we will be taking less material to the landfill. Expected cost savings of $65,000 to $70,000 annually in waste fees at the Blackburn Landfill. With combined contract savings, reduced landfill fees and recycling material rebate revenues; we are expecting approximately $10,000 to $14,000 per month in savings over our current programs. The contract does allow Republic Services Inc. to increase cost to the City based on the Consumer Price Index beginning in the second year. Staff recommends City Council’s approval of the contract with Republic Services Inc. Funds are budgeted in FY 2014/2015.
(b) Approve the Purchase of 14,000 Rollout Carts for the Single Stream Recycling Program from Schaefer Systems International in the Amount of $702,100. - The Solid Waste Department has investigated “Piggy Back Purchases” within the State of North Carolina from four different rollout manufacturers and selected the best option for the City of Hickory. The successful vendor is Schaefer Systems International as they have the least total cost of the rollout purchase. The cost for 14,000 rollouts (15 percent growth and replacement) will be $702,100, and will be used in the Single Stream Recycling Program. The City of Hickory applied for and received a $30,000 Community Waste Reduction Grant as a way to help reduce the initial cost of starting a Single Stream Recycling Program. The grant will reduce the City of Hickory’s rollout cart cost to $672,100. This cost includes distribution of the rollouts to the addresses and a list of where the rollouts were delivered for tracking purposes. This program will increase the amount of material recycled and will benefit the City by helping reduce the cost of materials going into the Catawba County Landfill. Staff recommends City Council’s approval of the purchase of the rollout carts from Schaefer Systems International in the amount of $702,100. A budget amendment will be required for this purchase. Public Notice of Intent to Authorize the Purchase and Waiver the Normal Bidding Procedures in order to contract with a qualified supplier was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on February 21, 2015.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Gerald Celente - Great interview on King World News - February 21, 2015
http://kingworldnews.com/gerald-celente-2-21-15/
Gerald Celente Audio Interview at King World News
Celente talks about the Greece situation and the precarious situation with the Euro. Propaganda by the U.S. Government is what backs the U.S. Economy. Central Planning (Central Banks) have kept the economy afloat. Near zero interest rates are only serving the interests of the upper .01% -- only serving the interests of the richest of the rich.
Hound Note: What we will see going forward is less cooperation between the U.S. and Europe and more cooperation between Europe and Russia... empowerment of the BRICS nations. This is going to put negative pressure on the Dollar. We currently have a trade war going on. The issues with the Euro and other currencies, related to political and social instabilities, have boosted the Dollar. U.S. economic policies have not solved the issues from 2008 and as the Global economy contracts, the G20 are going to make deals amongst themselves to deal with U.S. economic hegemony. All the U.S. has done is kick the can down the road and leading economic indicators show the real U.S. economy is contracting. As the G20, and mainly the emerging BRICS nations, continue to work out deals on natural resources and trade, the Dollar will begin to recede from its position as World Reserve Currency, because these countries recognize that support of the Dollar is support of adverse consequences to their own well being. The Dollar recedes in value, the U.S. realizes the post-Industrial reality, the U.S. is a net importer of goods... the net result is the U.S. will look more and more like a 3rd World nation.
You reap what you sow.
Gerald Celente Audio Interview at King World News
Celente talks about the Greece situation and the precarious situation with the Euro. Propaganda by the U.S. Government is what backs the U.S. Economy. Central Planning (Central Banks) have kept the economy afloat. Near zero interest rates are only serving the interests of the upper .01% -- only serving the interests of the richest of the rich.
Hound Note: What we will see going forward is less cooperation between the U.S. and Europe and more cooperation between Europe and Russia... empowerment of the BRICS nations. This is going to put negative pressure on the Dollar. We currently have a trade war going on. The issues with the Euro and other currencies, related to political and social instabilities, have boosted the Dollar. U.S. economic policies have not solved the issues from 2008 and as the Global economy contracts, the G20 are going to make deals amongst themselves to deal with U.S. economic hegemony. All the U.S. has done is kick the can down the road and leading economic indicators show the real U.S. economy is contracting. As the G20, and mainly the emerging BRICS nations, continue to work out deals on natural resources and trade, the Dollar will begin to recede from its position as World Reserve Currency, because these countries recognize that support of the Dollar is support of adverse consequences to their own well being. The Dollar recedes in value, the U.S. realizes the post-Industrial reality, the U.S. is a net importer of goods... the net result is the U.S. will look more and more like a 3rd World nation.
You reap what you sow.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
John Williams - Shadowstats - Please Watch
John Williams is one of the Economists I follow. Please educate yourself about the current Economic Recovery.
Greg Hunter is the producer and creator of Greg Hunter's USAWatchdog.com and he interviews John Williams. This video is was released February 15, 2015.
John Williams, of ShadowStats.com, says the Fed has given a false sense of security but did not fix the problems that led to the last meltdown. Williams warns, “People say everything is fine again—nonsense. You had a panic in 2008. . . . The system was on the brink of collapse. The Fed and the federal government did everything in their power to prevent it. They pushed things into the future, but they didn’t do anything of substance to address the underlying problems.” So, are we going to have another panic? Williams says, “Yes, and that is the type of thing that can break at any time, and you just don’t have the options you had in 2008 for buying time into the future.” Williams adds, “The odds are high you are going to see the beginnings of hyperinflation this year.”
Greg Hunter is the producer and creator of Greg Hunter's USAWatchdog.com and he interviews John Williams. This video is was released February 15, 2015.
John Williams, of ShadowStats.com, says the Fed has given a false sense of security but did not fix the problems that led to the last meltdown. Williams warns, “People say everything is fine again—nonsense. You had a panic in 2008. . . . The system was on the brink of collapse. The Fed and the federal government did everything in their power to prevent it. They pushed things into the future, but they didn’t do anything of substance to address the underlying problems.” So, are we going to have another panic? Williams says, “Yes, and that is the type of thing that can break at any time, and you just don’t have the options you had in 2008 for buying time into the future.” Williams adds, “The odds are high you are going to see the beginnings of hyperinflation this year.”
No City Council Meeting Tonight - February 17, 2015
Agenda for tonight -- February 17, 2015 -- will be carried over to March 3, 2015 - End of Message
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