The following is the special meeting of the Hickory City Council related to matters of concern with the Hickory Public Housing Authority. Hickory City Council voted Wednesday to take no immediate action on allegations that some tenants were sexually harassed and taxpayer monies were misused for gifts and trips to conferences.
Spending on cosmetics, alleged sexual harassment draw scrutiny at Hickory housing agency - Charlotte Observer - Fred Clasen-Kelly - September 15, 2015
CEO of Hickory Housing Authority speaks against allegations - WSOC - September 16, 2015
Hickory Housing Authority spending under scrutiny - September 16, 2015
Hickory City Council takes no action on gift, trip charges - Charlotte Observer - September 16, 2015
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Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 15, 2015
I began video recording the City Council in 2012, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
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Hound Notes:The most interesting item on the agenda tonight was the plan to revitalize the property in west Hickory where the old Southern Desk and Ivey-Weaver Mill (S&W Chemical) used to reside.
If that plan could come to fruition, then we might see a turnaround for an area that has for a long time been in desperate need of revitalization and investment. It will take some outside of the box ideas to move such a plan forward, because this area has had a propensity to be neglected for over a generation. Most of the people who live here now, haven't a clue that was a middle class/working class area. I know the area well because my mother owns property there. A few blocks from here is the first place my maternal grandparents lived when they moved to Hickory -- when my grandfather started his business and my grandmother was an announcer on the radio. Drive down 1st Ave SW towards and past the Snack Bar to see the definition of ramshackle. Think about people that have lived in that area for 30, 40, and 50 years and have seen no growth and their real property values have declined. Is that their fault? Do Something!
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Special Presentations
A. Alan Barnhardt – Update on Catawba Science Center Projects
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This report, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. The CAPER outlines the City’s CDBG expenditures from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Staff recommends approval of the FY2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on September 4, 2015 and September 15, 2015.
Departmental Reports
1. Acceptance of the Bid for the Water Treatment Facility Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the acility in the event of a power failure. The emergency generator is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The existing generator is approximately 24 years old and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014 Council approved contracting with HDR Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the existing conditions, and analyze the generator for proper sizing. The project was advertised for bids and found Crowder Construction Company to be the lowest responsible bidder. The bids received are below the Engineer’s Estimate of $3.0 million dollars. Staff recommends Council accept the bid for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. This project is planned as a component of the FY 2015-2016 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves.
2. Acceptance of the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill. - The City of Hickory applied for two Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grants from the US EPA in November 2011. In May 2012, the City received notice that it had been selected to receive two $200,000 grants to assess petroleum and hazardous materials contamination at Brownfield sites. The City’s environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler, subcontracted with CIII Associates to compete a redevelopment strategy for the former Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites. The City hosted a public workshop in May 2015. After reviewing the existing conditions at the sites, speaking with residents, and conducting market analysis, CIII Associates has presented a mixed use vision to guide future development at the two sites. Staff recommends that City Council accept the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites.
So below is the City Council meeting. With each agenda item, you can click on the links and it will take you to that specific point in the meeting. You can always drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
=================================================
Hound Notes:The most interesting item on the agenda tonight was the plan to revitalize the property in west Hickory where the old Southern Desk and Ivey-Weaver Mill (S&W Chemical) used to reside.
If that plan could come to fruition, then we might see a turnaround for an area that has for a long time been in desperate need of revitalization and investment. It will take some outside of the box ideas to move such a plan forward, because this area has had a propensity to be neglected for over a generation. Most of the people who live here now, haven't a clue that was a middle class/working class area. I know the area well because my mother owns property there. A few blocks from here is the first place my maternal grandparents lived when they moved to Hickory -- when my grandfather started his business and my grandmother was an announcer on the radio. Drive down 1st Ave SW towards and past the Snack Bar to see the definition of ramshackle. Think about people that have lived in that area for 30, 40, and 50 years and have seen no growth and their real property values have declined. Is that their fault? Do Something!
=================================================
Special Presentations
A. Alan Barnhardt – Update on Catawba Science Center Projects
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This report, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. The CAPER outlines the City’s CDBG expenditures from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Staff recommends approval of the FY2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on September 4, 2015 and September 15, 2015.
Departmental Reports
1. Acceptance of the Bid for the Water Treatment Facility Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the acility in the event of a power failure. The emergency generator is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The existing generator is approximately 24 years old and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014 Council approved contracting with HDR Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the existing conditions, and analyze the generator for proper sizing. The project was advertised for bids and found Crowder Construction Company to be the lowest responsible bidder. The bids received are below the Engineer’s Estimate of $3.0 million dollars. Staff recommends Council accept the bid for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. This project is planned as a component of the FY 2015-2016 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves.
2. Acceptance of the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill. - The City of Hickory applied for two Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grants from the US EPA in November 2011. In May 2012, the City received notice that it had been selected to receive two $200,000 grants to assess petroleum and hazardous materials contamination at Brownfield sites. The City’s environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler, subcontracted with CIII Associates to compete a redevelopment strategy for the former Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites. The City hosted a public workshop in May 2015. After reviewing the existing conditions at the sites, speaking with residents, and conducting market analysis, CIII Associates has presented a mixed use vision to guide future development at the two sites. Staff recommends that City Council accept the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of September 15, 2015
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that took place on
the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first
and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian
Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website/ The City's website evolves over time, but currently towrds the top right there is a Link called Quick Links. Click that on and look for the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. Scroll down from there and this will show you a list of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Another routine City Council meeting. We will see if anything interesting happens, but nothing stands out.
=================================================
Invocation
Special Presentations
A. Alan Barnhardt – Update on Catawba Science Center Projects
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by First Lawyers, LLC, Located at 858 2nd Street NE in the Amount of $2,500. - City Council created the Landscape Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of their property. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $2,500. The applicant, First Lawyers, LLC has provided two bids for the removal of two existing hard surfaced areas, which are to be replaced by brick sidewalks and landscaping beds. Both estimates exceed $5,000, and qualifies for the full $2,500 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0), at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $2,500.
B. Approval of a Community Appearance Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by Phillip McCluney Located at 903 10th Street NE, in the Amount of $5,000. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of properties located within the City’s designated Urban Revitalization Area. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $5,000. The applicant, Phillip McCluney has provided two bids for the renovation of an existing commercial building. Both estimates exceed $10,000, and qualifies for the full $5,000 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0) at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $5,000.
C. Approval of a Community Appearance Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by
Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) Located at 31 1st Avenue NE, in the Amount of $5,000. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of properties located within the City’s designated Urban Revitalization Area. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $5,000. The applicant,Cooperative Christian Ministry has provided two bids for the renovation of the exterior of
their facility. Both estimates exceed $10,000, and qualifies for the full $5,000 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0) at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $5,000.
D. Special Events Activities Application for Rodney Atkins Concert, Megan Meade, Director
of Community Relations and Events, Hickory Crawdads, October 17, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard NW.
E. Special Events Activities Application for Symphony Under the Sails, Mandy Pitts,
Communications Director/Brand Manager, City of Hickory, September 20, 2015 from 1:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sails on the Square Stage in Downtown Hickory.
F. Special Events Activities Application for Time of My Life Tour, Megan Meade, Director of
Community Relations and Events, Hickory Crawdads, October 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 a.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard NW.
G. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Charlie Crews (Southside Cemetery) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
H. Approve the Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Austra B. Friday, by and through her Attorney-in-Fact, Paul Marshall Friday to Betty Beshears, (Oakwood Cemetery) (Prepared by Attorney John G. Fuller).
I. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of
Hickory’s Housing Programs. The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on September 3, 2015:
Each of the following applicants are being
recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2015 Urgent Repair
Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for
emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Cassell (Cassie) Deal, 1609 17th Street NE, Hickory
Rosalyn Reinhardt, 721 7th Avenue Court SE, Hickory
Doris Sanders, 410 2nd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.
J. Acceptance of the Bid and Award of the Construction Contract to Hickory Sand Company, Inc. for the Construction of the Sherwood Forest Sewer Project in the amount of $748,924.50. - In 1998 Sherwood Forest was identified as a part of the future service areas for the City of Hickory sanitary sewer system. Staff applied for State Revolving Grant funds for completion of this project on April 1, 1999. Staff resubmitted an updated Preliminary Engineers Report in 2009. NCDENR Division of Water Quality and NC Construction Grants and Loans issued final approval on May 10, 2010. The project was approved for a grant to fund construction of necessary sanitary sewer infrastructure to provide public sewer to the homes in this subdivision. City Council approved the Resolution accepting the application for grant funds in July 2010. The project was advertised for bids and found Hickory Sand Company, Inc. to be the lowest responsible bidder. Staff recommends Council accept the bid and award of construction contract with Hickory Sand Company, Inc. in the amount of $713,261.50, and a contingency of $35,663 for a total of $748,924.50 for the Sherwood Forest sewer project.
K. Acceptance of the 2015 Justice Assistance Grant in the Amount of $19,555 and to Serve
as the Lead Agency in the Grant Process for a Combined Amount of $32,455. - Hickory Police Department requests permission to accept funds from the 2015 Justice Assistant Grant (JAG) to purchase 12 additional body-worn cameras, hardware, hardware service/replacement, and digital evidence management storage. City of Hickory and Catawba County received notification of approval to receive a combined allocation of $32,455 under the 2015 Assistance Grant Program. Catawba County is eligible for a direct award of $12,900 and the City of Hickory is eligible for a direct award of $19,555. There is no match required. The City of Hickory has agreed to serve as lead agency in the grant application process. Hickory Police Department recommends acceptance of the JAG grant to purchase the additional body worn cameras, hardware, service and digital evidence management solution in the amount of $19,555 and to serve as lead agency in the grant process for a combined amount of $32,455.
L. Acceptance of the Bulletproof Vest Grant for the Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for Police
Officers. - Hickory Police Department requests permission to accept a grant to assist in funding the purchase of bulletproof vests for police officers. The grant will pay up to 50 percent of the cost of NIJ approved vests purchased by Hickory Police Department. Forty-five vests have been requested at an estimated price of $750 for each vest. Hickory Police Department has a mandatory wear policy for all uniformed officers while on duty. Funds are placed in the police department budget uniform line item annually to purchase vestsfor police officers. Life expectancy of each vest is approximately five years. The Police Department recommends acceptance of this grant to receive up to 50 percent funding to purchase bulletproof vests for police officers.
M. Grant Project Ordinance Number 2.
1. To set up Bulletproof Vest Partnership project to allow for the purchase of 45 vests at ($750) and $400.00 shipping for a total expense of $34,150. The City has received a Federal award from The United States Department of Justice in the amount of $16,672.24 to pay up to 48.82% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests. The required local match in the amount of $17,477.76 will be transferred from the original police department operational budget.
N. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 6.
1. The City has received a Federal award from The United States Department of Justice in the amount of $16,672.24 to pay up to 48.82% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests. The required local match in the amount of $17,477.76 will be transferred from the original police department operational budget via this Budget Ordinance Amendment request.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This report, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. The CAPER outlines the City’s CDBG expenditures from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Staff recommends approval of the FY2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in
the Hickory area on September 4, 2015 and September 15, 2015.
Departmental Reports
1. Acceptance of the Bid for the Water Treatment Facility Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the acility in the event of a power failure. The emergency generator is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The existing generator is approximately 24 years old and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014 Council approved contracting with HDR Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the existing conditions, and analyze the generator for proper sizing. The project was advertised for bids and found Crowder Construction Company to be the lowest responsible bidder. The bids received are below the Engineer’s Estimate of $3.0 million dollars. Staff recommends Council accept the bid for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. This project is planned as a component of the FY 2015-2016 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves.
2. Acceptance of the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill. - The City of Hickory applied for two Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grants from the US EPA in November 2011. In May 2012, the City received notice that it had been selected to receive two $200,000 grants to assess petroleum and hazardous materials contamination at Brownfield sites. The City’s environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler, subcontracted with CIII Associates to compete a redevelopment strategy for the former Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites. The City hosted a public workshop in May 2015. After reviewing the existing conditions at the sites, speaking with residents, and conducting market analysis, CIII Associates has presented a mixed use vision to guide future development at the two sites. Staff recommends that City Council accept the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites.
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: Another routine City Council meeting. We will see if anything interesting happens, but nothing stands out.
=================================================
Invocation
Special Presentations
A. Alan Barnhardt – Update on Catawba Science Center Projects
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of a Landscape Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by First Lawyers, LLC, Located at 858 2nd Street NE in the Amount of $2,500. - City Council created the Landscape Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of their property. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $2,500. The applicant, First Lawyers, LLC has provided two bids for the removal of two existing hard surfaced areas, which are to be replaced by brick sidewalks and landscaping beds. Both estimates exceed $5,000, and qualifies for the full $2,500 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0), at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $2,500.
B. Approval of a Community Appearance Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by Phillip McCluney Located at 903 10th Street NE, in the Amount of $5,000. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of properties located within the City’s designated Urban Revitalization Area. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $5,000. The applicant, Phillip McCluney has provided two bids for the renovation of an existing commercial building. Both estimates exceed $10,000, and qualifies for the full $5,000 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0) at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $5,000.
C. Approval of a Community Appearance Grant for Non-residential Property Owned by
Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) Located at 31 1st Avenue NE, in the Amount of $5,000. - City Council created the Community Appearance Grant program in 1999 to provide economic incentives for property owners to improve the general appearance of properties located within the City’s designated Urban Revitalization Area. The Community Appearance Commission reviews applications for the grant program and forwards a recommendation of approval or denial to City Council. The grants are designed as a reimbursement grant in which the City of Hickory will match the applicant on a 50/50 basis. The maximum grant amount from the City of Hickory is $5,000. The applicant,Cooperative Christian Ministry has provided two bids for the renovation of the exterior of
their facility. Both estimates exceed $10,000, and qualifies for the full $5,000 grant. The Community Appearance Commission voted unanimously (7-0) at their August 24, 2015 meeting, to recommend funding of the requested grant in the amount of $5,000.
D. Special Events Activities Application for Rodney Atkins Concert, Megan Meade, Director
of Community Relations and Events, Hickory Crawdads, October 17, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard NW.
E. Special Events Activities Application for Symphony Under the Sails, Mandy Pitts,
Communications Director/Brand Manager, City of Hickory, September 20, 2015 from 1:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sails on the Square Stage in Downtown Hickory.
F. Special Events Activities Application for Time of My Life Tour, Megan Meade, Director of
Community Relations and Events, Hickory Crawdads, October 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 a.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard NW.
G. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Charlie Crews (Southside Cemetery) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
H. Approve the Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Austra B. Friday, by and through her Attorney-in-Fact, Paul Marshall Friday to Betty Beshears, (Oakwood Cemetery) (Prepared by Attorney John G. Fuller).
I. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of
Hickory’s Housing Programs. The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on September 3, 2015:
Each of the following applicants are being
recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s 2015 Urgent Repair
Program. This program provides qualified low income citizens with assistance for
emergency related repairs not to exceed $7,200.
Cassell (Cassie) Deal, 1609 17th Street NE, Hickory
Rosalyn Reinhardt, 721 7th Avenue Court SE, Hickory
Doris Sanders, 410 2nd Street SE, Hickory
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.
J. Acceptance of the Bid and Award of the Construction Contract to Hickory Sand Company, Inc. for the Construction of the Sherwood Forest Sewer Project in the amount of $748,924.50. - In 1998 Sherwood Forest was identified as a part of the future service areas for the City of Hickory sanitary sewer system. Staff applied for State Revolving Grant funds for completion of this project on April 1, 1999. Staff resubmitted an updated Preliminary Engineers Report in 2009. NCDENR Division of Water Quality and NC Construction Grants and Loans issued final approval on May 10, 2010. The project was approved for a grant to fund construction of necessary sanitary sewer infrastructure to provide public sewer to the homes in this subdivision. City Council approved the Resolution accepting the application for grant funds in July 2010. The project was advertised for bids and found Hickory Sand Company, Inc. to be the lowest responsible bidder. Staff recommends Council accept the bid and award of construction contract with Hickory Sand Company, Inc. in the amount of $713,261.50, and a contingency of $35,663 for a total of $748,924.50 for the Sherwood Forest sewer project.
K. Acceptance of the 2015 Justice Assistance Grant in the Amount of $19,555 and to Serve
as the Lead Agency in the Grant Process for a Combined Amount of $32,455. - Hickory Police Department requests permission to accept funds from the 2015 Justice Assistant Grant (JAG) to purchase 12 additional body-worn cameras, hardware, hardware service/replacement, and digital evidence management storage. City of Hickory and Catawba County received notification of approval to receive a combined allocation of $32,455 under the 2015 Assistance Grant Program. Catawba County is eligible for a direct award of $12,900 and the City of Hickory is eligible for a direct award of $19,555. There is no match required. The City of Hickory has agreed to serve as lead agency in the grant application process. Hickory Police Department recommends acceptance of the JAG grant to purchase the additional body worn cameras, hardware, service and digital evidence management solution in the amount of $19,555 and to serve as lead agency in the grant process for a combined amount of $32,455.
L. Acceptance of the Bulletproof Vest Grant for the Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for Police
Officers. - Hickory Police Department requests permission to accept a grant to assist in funding the purchase of bulletproof vests for police officers. The grant will pay up to 50 percent of the cost of NIJ approved vests purchased by Hickory Police Department. Forty-five vests have been requested at an estimated price of $750 for each vest. Hickory Police Department has a mandatory wear policy for all uniformed officers while on duty. Funds are placed in the police department budget uniform line item annually to purchase vestsfor police officers. Life expectancy of each vest is approximately five years. The Police Department recommends acceptance of this grant to receive up to 50 percent funding to purchase bulletproof vests for police officers.
M. Grant Project Ordinance Number 2.
1. To set up Bulletproof Vest Partnership project to allow for the purchase of 45 vests at ($750) and $400.00 shipping for a total expense of $34,150. The City has received a Federal award from The United States Department of Justice in the amount of $16,672.24 to pay up to 48.82% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests. The required local match in the amount of $17,477.76 will be transferred from the original police department operational budget.
N. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 6.
1. The City has received a Federal award from The United States Department of Justice in the amount of $16,672.24 to pay up to 48.82% of the costs of National Institute of Justice approved vests. The required local match in the amount of $17,477.76 will be transferred from the original police department operational budget via this Budget Ordinance Amendment request.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Hickory, as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding recipient, to report on CDBG monies spent within the previous fiscal year. This report, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
evaluates the effectiveness of the use of resources in addressing identified goals and objectives cited in the Annual Action Plan which is prepared before the fiscal year begins. The CAPER outlines the City’s CDBG expenditures from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Staff recommends approval of the FY2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in
the Hickory area on September 4, 2015 and September 15, 2015.
Departmental Reports
1. Acceptance of the Bid for the Water Treatment Facility Emergency Power Generator Replacement Project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. The City of Hickory Water Treatment Facility was last upgraded in 1993. This upgrade included the installation of a new emergency generator that would provide power for the acility in the event of a power failure. The emergency generator is a permit required critical piece of equipment for operations of the facility. The existing generator is approximately 24 years old and has exceeded the mechanical life of the unit. Vendors cannot provide replacement parts to repair the existing unit. In October of 2014 Council approved contracting with HDR Engineering, Inc. to evaluate the existing conditions, and analyze the generator for proper sizing. The project was advertised for bids and found Crowder Construction Company to be the lowest responsible bidder. The bids received are below the Engineer’s Estimate of $3.0 million dollars. Staff recommends Council accept the bid for the Water Treatment Facility emergency power generator replacement project with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $2,699,000. This project is planned as a component of the FY 2015-2016 Capital Budget to be funded from Capital Reserves.
2. Acceptance of the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill. - The City of Hickory applied for two Community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grants from the US EPA in November 2011. In May 2012, the City received notice that it had been selected to receive two $200,000 grants to assess petroleum and hazardous materials contamination at Brownfield sites. The City’s environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler, subcontracted with CIII Associates to compete a redevelopment strategy for the former Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites. The City hosted a public workshop in May 2015. After reviewing the existing conditions at the sites, speaking with residents, and conducting market analysis, CIII Associates has presented a mixed use vision to guide future development at the two sites. Staff recommends that City Council accept the Southwest Hickory Revitalization Strategy plan for the Southern Desk and Ivey Weaver Cotton Mill sites.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of September 1, 2015
(Final Release)
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Been sick and had other obligations. Seems I've had a lot of those things happen lately. There wasn't anything imperative that happened at this meeting. The main issue was a continuation of the issue related to the long time proposed bridge that would come off of I-40, head down McDonald Parkway and 29th avenue, then Huffman Cove Road, and cross into Caldwell County in the Gun Powder point area. Several people spoke against this proposal, because it has been tabled for so long, and the local Metropolitan Planning Commission owns rights of way in that area, that it is having a negative impact on these people dealing with property transactions. A lady, Mrs. Denise Poe, recently came before the City Council and discussed this issue. She was unable to sell a piece of property she owns, because the bank would not submit a loan because of these right of way issues. There was a special meeting, held before this meeting, in which these issues were discussed. I did not attend. In the end, the City Council decided that they would submit a letter to the Caldwell County Commission that states that the "Right of Way" should be removed from this property. Mayor Wright, Aldermen Lail, Seaver, and Zagaroli voted to send the letter. Aldermen Meismer, Guess, and Alder Patton voted against and wanted a feasibility study done before voting on the issue.
The second issue of the night was an ordinance related to animals being present in public places at public events. The issue was brought forth at a recent council meeting by Police Chief Adkins. The issue related by Chief Adkins deals with control of pets and safety interacting with other pets and people in these areas. The Council unanimously agreed with the ordinance. There are some exceptions set forth in the ordinance.
I would like to note that although not perfect these recordings are now Closed Captioned for the Hearing Impaired. Look for the CC button at the bottom right on Youtube.
=================================================
Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver
Special Presentations
A. Summer Library Reading Program - (per Hickory Inc.) - Ms. Lisa Neal, Children’s Services Coordinator of Patrick Beaver Library discussed highlights from the summer library reading program. She presented a PowerPoint presentation of the events that was held. She advised there was 1,325 children that had signed up for summer reading at Hickory Public Library; 5,737 people that attended the 172 programs that was offered over eight weeks at both libraries. The total number of minutes read was 1,192,400. That was almost 20,000 hours of book time in Catawba County in eight weeks.
B. Special Recognition - (per Hickory Inc.) - Mayor Wright recognized City Clerk Debbie Miller for the designation of North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk from the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Mr. Daniel Blackwelder addressed Council regarding a proposed thoroughfare. He expressed concerns regarding the lines on a plat that had been presented to Council at a workshop. He stated that the lines appear to be arbitrary lines in terms of where they fall on the map. He commented that in reality, Mr. Marshall had said that it was an inaccurate representation of how the thoroughfare and bridge would cross the lake. He was concerned about the potential effect it may have on the marketability of the property in the area. He commented that if the lines are not accurate they should be removed or the planning authority should come back in and do a better job of locating them on the maps so that they more accurately represent where this possible future bridge will go.
B. Ms. Denise Poe advised Council that she had previously spoken to them. She is fighting against a bridge that she was told would never come. She questioned why Council would want to hold up progress for her, the neighborhood, and for the buyers who would like to build on this property. She advised that the cost of that property was not much when you are going to the expense to build a bridge. She advised that it was a lot to her, and that she needed to sell the property. She asked Council to not prevent this for something that will likely never happen, when it will cause harm for years and years for the people who own the property. She requested Council write a letter supporting the removal of the easement from their property.
C. Mr. Charlie Brady thanked Council for conducting a workshop of the Hickory Newton-Conover Thoroughfare Plan. He advised that rerecording the plat would not be a viable option. As long as the thoroughfare plan is out there, it would be doubtful that Crescent would want to record it without it, as long as that plan was floating out there. If it is withdrawn, and the plat is still in existence, a title search would discover that and it is a red flag. You would do due diligence to find out the status of the corridor project. Through COG there would be a statement that would say that is off the table. He commented about the potential inaccuracies that may be currently on the plat. He requested that COG do a review of those plats to see where they mesh with the plan. That might provide some relief to some people if there are inaccuracies. This plat has been there for 24 years, and the bridge was “dead in the water” since 2002. He commented that it is a cloud on title. He questioned how long it should effect people like Ms. Poe and other property owners. He urged City Council to help these property owners by voting to have the plan withdrawn. They could take that recommendation to the Caldwell County Commission and talk to them individually. There has not been a formal vote by that board, so it is not a done deal or the final word on the subject. He commented that they did not have an informative session like Hickory City Council did before they discussed it. He advised that would be part of their plan moving forward.
D. Ms. Carrie Craymer thanked Council and advised that she had learned a lot from the informative meeting. She advised that she lived in Phase 1 and they had built in 1998. She advised that Phase 1 and 2 were built and later on Phase 3 was built. Unfortunately the folks that built in Phase 3 were misdirected. They had been told many times that the toll bridge was gone. The industry was thriving at that time and there was not as much pressure on the banks with money. That is what is happening with Phase 3 that have not built homes. That is being viewed negatively toward the banks. She thanked Council for any support that they would give to the fellow citizens.
E. Mr. Larry Pope thanked Council for the opportunity to voice his personal opinion on what was brought to Council by the COG. He commented that once something is in the planning stage, but it interferes with a citizen’s right to use their personal property to the fullest capacity, he would hope that City Council would do a letter to Caldwell and advise Caldwell County Commissioners that Council has no problems with this being removed from the plans for a widening of Gunpowder Road. He was of the opinion that if DOT wants to widen that road then let the State come back in and give fair market value for the property owners, instead of holding them hostage by keeping that information floating out there to who knows to who. He encouraged City Council members and the Mayor to do a letter saying to Caldwell County that they do not object to removing the necessary items that will free up the usage by citizens of Caldwell County in that area.
Council discussion of this issue - A motion was made to address this issue. John Marshall of the Western Piedmont Council of Government came to the podium to address the Council. The downside of removing this from Metropolitan Planning Agenda is that if it is removed, then it is going to be hard to get back in there (the thoroughfare plan - the rotation with the State Government). You would have to start all over again. Do you see a potential of growth in the Hickory/Southern Caldwell region that would dictate needing that bridge in the future. Mayor asked about what we have in this - time and money? Been on the thoroughfare plan since 1983. Alderman Lail moved to send a letter to the Calwell County Commisissioners stating that "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare." Because we don't know the alignment and no environmental impact studies have been done... Alderman Meisner asked why this group doesn't go to the caldwell Comission first. Why should (the Council) take a stand first. Alderman Lail said he was being supportive and doesn't like bureaucracy and this lady (Mrs. Poe) getting held up. Alderman Meisner talked about the plan to build out that area - Crawdads stadium along the river and into southern Caldwell County. This will make it hard for people from that area to get to Viewmont and vice versa. Alderman Lail said that his motion isn't that this item be removed from the thoroughfare plan. Further discussion was held related to what good would such a letter to the Calwell County Commission do. Mr. Marshall related how the same issue would exist, if the rights of way are removed, but this thoroughfare remains in place... (Discussion continued) Mr. Brady came back and addressed the Council in relation to the plats and lines along the plats as far as where the bridge would cross the river. He spoke about the arbitrary plkan of where the bridge would cross the river. Mr. Marshall spoke about a 1997 feasibility study. Guess and Patton spoke about asking for a feasibility study. Mr. Marshall stated that could take anywhere from 6 months to 10 years. The Council did choose to send a letter in support of Alderman Lail's motion "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare."
Consent Agenda - Unanimously approved
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. - Presentation by Police Chief Adkins - This is a continuation of the August 4, 2015 meeting.
General Comments
Alderwoman Patton commented that she attended the Viewmont Business Association meeting
and they had incorporated the City’s logo in their logo. They have the Street Strut coming in
September. There are 44 businesses signed up to participate and promote the Viewmont area. She commented that the Science Center is putting on a portal to science that is helping the Caldwell Social Services, Burke, Alexander, Catawba, and Catawba Public Health to get disadvantaged
children access to the Science Center. They want everybody to have access there.
Mayor Wright advised that he had presented a proclamation to Lenoir-Rhyne University on their
125th Anniversary,which will continue all year. This year they have a record enrollment at their
three campuses. They have a record number of freshman and 500 student athletes’and 50
international students. We are very proud of Lenoir-Rhyne and the contribution that they have made, and are continuing to make.
Mayor Wright commented that Benton Blount from Granite Falls would be on America’s Got Talent. He encouraged citizens to cast a vote for him.
Alderman Seaver commented that Lenoir-Rhyne was one of the top six small college towns in North Carolina, because of the relationship between Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne.
Mayor Wright advised great article in “Our State” magazine.
Closed Session
At approximately 8:22p.m. Council went into Closed Session.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Council returned to open session and approved a settlement agreement with the Faruque’s and a budget amendment to meet the financial obligation of the settlement.
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.
=================================================
Hound Notes: Been sick and had other obligations. Seems I've had a lot of those things happen lately. There wasn't anything imperative that happened at this meeting. The main issue was a continuation of the issue related to the long time proposed bridge that would come off of I-40, head down McDonald Parkway and 29th avenue, then Huffman Cove Road, and cross into Caldwell County in the Gun Powder point area. Several people spoke against this proposal, because it has been tabled for so long, and the local Metropolitan Planning Commission owns rights of way in that area, that it is having a negative impact on these people dealing with property transactions. A lady, Mrs. Denise Poe, recently came before the City Council and discussed this issue. She was unable to sell a piece of property she owns, because the bank would not submit a loan because of these right of way issues. There was a special meeting, held before this meeting, in which these issues were discussed. I did not attend. In the end, the City Council decided that they would submit a letter to the Caldwell County Commission that states that the "Right of Way" should be removed from this property. Mayor Wright, Aldermen Lail, Seaver, and Zagaroli voted to send the letter. Aldermen Meismer, Guess, and Alder Patton voted against and wanted a feasibility study done before voting on the issue.
The second issue of the night was an ordinance related to animals being present in public places at public events. The issue was brought forth at a recent council meeting by Police Chief Adkins. The issue related by Chief Adkins deals with control of pets and safety interacting with other pets and people in these areas. The Council unanimously agreed with the ordinance. There are some exceptions set forth in the ordinance.
I would like to note that although not perfect these recordings are now Closed Captioned for the Hearing Impaired. Look for the CC button at the bottom right on Youtube.
=================================================
Invocation by Alderman Danny Seaver
Special Presentations
A. Summer Library Reading Program - (per Hickory Inc.) - Ms. Lisa Neal, Children’s Services Coordinator of Patrick Beaver Library discussed highlights from the summer library reading program. She presented a PowerPoint presentation of the events that was held. She advised there was 1,325 children that had signed up for summer reading at Hickory Public Library; 5,737 people that attended the 172 programs that was offered over eight weeks at both libraries. The total number of minutes read was 1,192,400. That was almost 20,000 hours of book time in Catawba County in eight weeks.
B. Special Recognition - (per Hickory Inc.) - Mayor Wright recognized City Clerk Debbie Miller for the designation of North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk from the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Mr. Daniel Blackwelder addressed Council regarding a proposed thoroughfare. He expressed concerns regarding the lines on a plat that had been presented to Council at a workshop. He stated that the lines appear to be arbitrary lines in terms of where they fall on the map. He commented that in reality, Mr. Marshall had said that it was an inaccurate representation of how the thoroughfare and bridge would cross the lake. He was concerned about the potential effect it may have on the marketability of the property in the area. He commented that if the lines are not accurate they should be removed or the planning authority should come back in and do a better job of locating them on the maps so that they more accurately represent where this possible future bridge will go.
B. Ms. Denise Poe advised Council that she had previously spoken to them. She is fighting against a bridge that she was told would never come. She questioned why Council would want to hold up progress for her, the neighborhood, and for the buyers who would like to build on this property. She advised that the cost of that property was not much when you are going to the expense to build a bridge. She advised that it was a lot to her, and that she needed to sell the property. She asked Council to not prevent this for something that will likely never happen, when it will cause harm for years and years for the people who own the property. She requested Council write a letter supporting the removal of the easement from their property.
C. Mr. Charlie Brady thanked Council for conducting a workshop of the Hickory Newton-Conover Thoroughfare Plan. He advised that rerecording the plat would not be a viable option. As long as the thoroughfare plan is out there, it would be doubtful that Crescent would want to record it without it, as long as that plan was floating out there. If it is withdrawn, and the plat is still in existence, a title search would discover that and it is a red flag. You would do due diligence to find out the status of the corridor project. Through COG there would be a statement that would say that is off the table. He commented about the potential inaccuracies that may be currently on the plat. He requested that COG do a review of those plats to see where they mesh with the plan. That might provide some relief to some people if there are inaccuracies. This plat has been there for 24 years, and the bridge was “dead in the water” since 2002. He commented that it is a cloud on title. He questioned how long it should effect people like Ms. Poe and other property owners. He urged City Council to help these property owners by voting to have the plan withdrawn. They could take that recommendation to the Caldwell County Commission and talk to them individually. There has not been a formal vote by that board, so it is not a done deal or the final word on the subject. He commented that they did not have an informative session like Hickory City Council did before they discussed it. He advised that would be part of their plan moving forward.
D. Ms. Carrie Craymer thanked Council and advised that she had learned a lot from the informative meeting. She advised that she lived in Phase 1 and they had built in 1998. She advised that Phase 1 and 2 were built and later on Phase 3 was built. Unfortunately the folks that built in Phase 3 were misdirected. They had been told many times that the toll bridge was gone. The industry was thriving at that time and there was not as much pressure on the banks with money. That is what is happening with Phase 3 that have not built homes. That is being viewed negatively toward the banks. She thanked Council for any support that they would give to the fellow citizens.
E. Mr. Larry Pope thanked Council for the opportunity to voice his personal opinion on what was brought to Council by the COG. He commented that once something is in the planning stage, but it interferes with a citizen’s right to use their personal property to the fullest capacity, he would hope that City Council would do a letter to Caldwell and advise Caldwell County Commissioners that Council has no problems with this being removed from the plans for a widening of Gunpowder Road. He was of the opinion that if DOT wants to widen that road then let the State come back in and give fair market value for the property owners, instead of holding them hostage by keeping that information floating out there to who knows to who. He encouraged City Council members and the Mayor to do a letter saying to Caldwell County that they do not object to removing the necessary items that will free up the usage by citizens of Caldwell County in that area.
Council discussion of this issue - A motion was made to address this issue. John Marshall of the Western Piedmont Council of Government came to the podium to address the Council. The downside of removing this from Metropolitan Planning Agenda is that if it is removed, then it is going to be hard to get back in there (the thoroughfare plan - the rotation with the State Government). You would have to start all over again. Do you see a potential of growth in the Hickory/Southern Caldwell region that would dictate needing that bridge in the future. Mayor asked about what we have in this - time and money? Been on the thoroughfare plan since 1983. Alderman Lail moved to send a letter to the Calwell County Commisissioners stating that "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare." Because we don't know the alignment and no environmental impact studies have been done... Alderman Meisner asked why this group doesn't go to the caldwell Comission first. Why should (the Council) take a stand first. Alderman Lail said he was being supportive and doesn't like bureaucracy and this lady (Mrs. Poe) getting held up. Alderman Meisner talked about the plan to build out that area - Crawdads stadium along the river and into southern Caldwell County. This will make it hard for people from that area to get to Viewmont and vice versa. Alderman Lail said that his motion isn't that this item be removed from the thoroughfare plan. Further discussion was held related to what good would such a letter to the Calwell County Commission do. Mr. Marshall related how the same issue would exist, if the rights of way are removed, but this thoroughfare remains in place... (Discussion continued) Mr. Brady came back and addressed the Council in relation to the plats and lines along the plats as far as where the bridge would cross the river. He spoke about the arbitrary plkan of where the bridge would cross the river. Mr. Marshall spoke about a 1997 feasibility study. Guess and Patton spoke about asking for a feasibility study. Mr. Marshall stated that could take anywhere from 6 months to 10 years. The Council did choose to send a letter in support of Alderman Lail's motion "We aren't petitoning the MPO for removal of the proposed thoroughfare. We have no objection to them acting to remove any reservation of rights of way that might relate to that proposed thoroughfare."
Consent Agenda - Unanimously approved
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. - Presentation by Police Chief Adkins - This is a continuation of the August 4, 2015 meeting.
General Comments
Alderwoman Patton commented that she attended the Viewmont Business Association meeting
and they had incorporated the City’s logo in their logo. They have the Street Strut coming in
September. There are 44 businesses signed up to participate and promote the Viewmont area. She commented that the Science Center is putting on a portal to science that is helping the Caldwell Social Services, Burke, Alexander, Catawba, and Catawba Public Health to get disadvantaged
children access to the Science Center. They want everybody to have access there.
Mayor Wright advised that he had presented a proclamation to Lenoir-Rhyne University on their
125th Anniversary,which will continue all year. This year they have a record enrollment at their
three campuses. They have a record number of freshman and 500 student athletes’and 50
international students. We are very proud of Lenoir-Rhyne and the contribution that they have made, and are continuing to make.
Mayor Wright commented that Benton Blount from Granite Falls would be on America’s Got Talent. He encouraged citizens to cast a vote for him.
Alderman Seaver commented that Lenoir-Rhyne was one of the top six small college towns in North Carolina, because of the relationship between Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne.
Mayor Wright advised great article in “Our State” magazine.
Closed Session
At approximately 8:22p.m. Council went into Closed Session.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. Council returned to open session and approved a settlement agreement with the Faruque’s and a budget amendment to meet the financial obligation of the settlement.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of September 1, 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.
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Karla Woggon, Rector, Episcopal Church of the Ascension
Special Presentations
A. Summer Library Reading Program
B. Special Recognition
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Resolution to Declare 6,225 Surplus Discarded Library Materials. - Staff requests approval of a Resolution to declare 6,225 surplus discarded library materials. These materials will be given to the Friends of the Library to sale at the Friends October 2015 Book Sale and/or at the “Corner Book Store” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. The donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Library and discarded library materials comprise a significant portion of their inventory. The sale of these items ultimately benefits the library, and is an
appropriate means of disposing of unneeded materials. Public Notice advertised on August 22, 2015 in a newspaper having general circulation in
the Hickory area.
B. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). (Authorize Public Hearing for September 15, 2015)
C. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Agnes Lee Ballenger, single; Donna Davis Ballenger, Davis B. Weaver, and Melissa B. Jordan, Co-Trustees of the Thomas C. Ballenger Revocable Trust Dated October 13, 2011; Donna Davis Ballenger, Davis B. Weaver, and Melissa B. Jordan, Co-Trustees of the Thomas C. Ballenger Family Trust; Lucinda G. Ballenger, and husband, Robert H. Brinkley, III; Melissa B. Jordan and husband Erik W. Jordan; and Davis B. Weaver, single to Donna Davis Ballenger, widow, (Oakwood Cemetery, Section 21, Plot K, Lot A1, Grave Space Numbers 1-5 and 8)(Prepared by Attorney Kimberly H. Whitley).
D. Special Events Activities Application for Brews and Bases, Megan Meade, Director of Community Relations and Events Hickory Crawdads, September 12, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard.
E. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 21.
1. To budget $900,000 of Transportation Fund-Fund Balance appropriated in the Airport FBO Other Professional Services line item for fiscal year 2014-2015. Funds will be used in the AGI Associates LLC and CRA Enterprises Inc. Airport settlement due to pending litigation at the end of the fiscal year.
F. Grant Project Ordinance Number 1.
1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the City of Hickory Brownfields Area-Wide Planning grant in the amount of $200,000. Council accepted the grant on May 19, 2015. This GPO formally requests the initial budget to establish the project on the City of Hickory accounting system. The project period is 08/01/15 - 07/30/17. There is no required match for the federal grant. Grant funds will be used to create a comprehensive small area plan forthe redevelopment and eventual cleanup of the project area. The grant will enable the City to plan for the re-use and eventual cleanup of a number of sites within the target area, including the former Joan Fabrics site.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. - The City of Hickory approves organizations to use public property, Union Square and other venues, to host events for the public. Over the years citizens and staff have expressed concerns about animals being allowed at these events because of public safety concerns for the citizens and animals attending the event. The Legal Department, Police, Parks and Recreation, and Branding/Public Information Office have worked together to develop proposed changes to the Hickory City Code Chapter 4 (Animal and Fowl) restricting animals within the “footprint” of the approved special event on public property. These proposed changes are in the interest of protecting the public from potential aggressive
animals that could cause harm to a humans or another animals. Staff recommends City Council consider changes to the Hickory City Code Chapter 4 (Animal and Fowl) that would restrict animals on public property during approved special events. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on August 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.
=================================================
Invocation by Rev. Karla Woggon, Rector, Episcopal Church of the Ascension
Special Presentations
A. Summer Library Reading Program
B. Special Recognition
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of a Resolution to Declare 6,225 Surplus Discarded Library Materials. - Staff requests approval of a Resolution to declare 6,225 surplus discarded library materials. These materials will be given to the Friends of the Library to sale at the Friends October 2015 Book Sale and/or at the “Corner Book Store” at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. The donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of the Library and discarded library materials comprise a significant portion of their inventory. The sale of these items ultimately benefits the library, and is an
appropriate means of disposing of unneeded materials. Public Notice advertised on August 22, 2015 in a newspaper having general circulation in
the Hickory area.
B. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). (Authorize Public Hearing for September 15, 2015)
C. Approve the Transfer of a Cemetery Deed from Agnes Lee Ballenger, single; Donna Davis Ballenger, Davis B. Weaver, and Melissa B. Jordan, Co-Trustees of the Thomas C. Ballenger Revocable Trust Dated October 13, 2011; Donna Davis Ballenger, Davis B. Weaver, and Melissa B. Jordan, Co-Trustees of the Thomas C. Ballenger Family Trust; Lucinda G. Ballenger, and husband, Robert H. Brinkley, III; Melissa B. Jordan and husband Erik W. Jordan; and Davis B. Weaver, single to Donna Davis Ballenger, widow, (Oakwood Cemetery, Section 21, Plot K, Lot A1, Grave Space Numbers 1-5 and 8)(Prepared by Attorney Kimberly H. Whitley).
D. Special Events Activities Application for Brews and Bases, Megan Meade, Director of Community Relations and Events Hickory Crawdads, September 12, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 2500 Clement Boulevard.
E. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 21.
1. To budget $900,000 of Transportation Fund-Fund Balance appropriated in the Airport FBO Other Professional Services line item for fiscal year 2014-2015. Funds will be used in the AGI Associates LLC and CRA Enterprises Inc. Airport settlement due to pending litigation at the end of the fiscal year.
F. Grant Project Ordinance Number 1.
1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the City of Hickory Brownfields Area-Wide Planning grant in the amount of $200,000. Council accepted the grant on May 19, 2015. This GPO formally requests the initial budget to establish the project on the City of Hickory accounting system. The project period is 08/01/15 - 07/30/17. There is no required match for the federal grant. Grant funds will be used to create a comprehensive small area plan forthe redevelopment and eventual cleanup of the project area. The grant will enable the City to plan for the re-use and eventual cleanup of a number of sites within the target area, including the former Joan Fabrics site.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. - The City of Hickory approves organizations to use public property, Union Square and other venues, to host events for the public. Over the years citizens and staff have expressed concerns about animals being allowed at these events because of public safety concerns for the citizens and animals attending the event. The Legal Department, Police, Parks and Recreation, and Branding/Public Information Office have worked together to develop proposed changes to the Hickory City Code Chapter 4 (Animal and Fowl) restricting animals within the “footprint” of the approved special event on public property. These proposed changes are in the interest of protecting the public from potential aggressive
animals that could cause harm to a humans or another animals. Staff recommends City Council consider changes to the Hickory City Code Chapter 4 (Animal and Fowl) that would restrict animals on public property during approved special events. This public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory area on August 21, 2015.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of August 18, 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.
***Final Release***
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Hound Notes: The issue related to this meeting was Larry Pope asking questions related to the Hickory Housing authority and its evolution into becoming Unifour Capital Ventures. This issue came up during the presentations by the group from 4th Street SW and the proposed affordable housing apartment project that is to be built there.
In my opinion Larry Pope asked questions that need to be answered. The Mayor brought the subject of Larry's brother into the conversation, which in my opinion was completely unnecessary. Then Larry went back to the podium to rebut the inferences of the Mayor. The City Council said in May that the Hickory Housing Authority needed to answer questions posed by the 4th street group and here we are going into September. They reaffirmed this in August when the 4th Street group came before them again. The Mayor said in the August meeting that a reason why the HHA had not come before the City Council is because the Council didn't know what questions to ask. In my opinion, the Council wants to know what the HHA's answers will be before they come before the Council.
In the Agenda notes I believed that the Lenoir-Rhyne Commission and Claremont Neighborhood Group coming before the Council would promote the Sidewalk being built from L-R to Union Square. They did not do that at this meeting. Ryan Edwards address of "University City Commission" issues seemed to spell out that they are having some trouble branding this initiative and moving some goals forward when it comes to student participation. The Claremont Neighborhood presentation was essentially a checklist of what that neighborhood has done and is looking to do.
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Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award Presentation to Hickory Daily Record -
B. Ryan Edwards - Update from University City Commission - Spoke about progress and accomplishments. Struggles have centered around promoting events and getting student participation in events. UCC provides incoming students welcome to Hickory t-shirts and have a gathering. There is an L-R discount program with local businesses. Last April the had a concert. They are looking into providing more mentorships to retain more L-R talent in the area. They want to create a centralized effort through the Chamber of Commerce. Exploring transportation to get around the City easier. They are supportive of entertainment opportunities in the mill district. A video below promotes L-R.
C. Acceptance of the 2015 Updated Claremont Neighborhood Plan. - Claremont Neighborhood Association has worked with City Staff to update its neighborhood plan. The current Claremont Neighborhood Plan was accepted by Hickory City Council on August 5, 2008. The updated neighborhood plan contains strategies and recommendations put forth by the neighborhood, with emphasis placed upon the preservation of the character of the neighborhood. On May 21, 2015 Claremont Neighborhood Association voted to recommend City Council’s acceptance of this
updated neighborhood plan. -
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Billy Sudderth – City Owned Vacant Lot Located at 121 7th Avenue SW
Mr. Sudderth spoke about creating a multi-purpose center in Ridgeview at this location. He say that the people of Ridgeview are looking to support economic growth in the city in which they love. This plan would prolong and enhance the legacy of the vanishing (Ridgeview) community. This center would house various programs to provide training opportunities in all aspects of social, economic, education, leadership, health, finance, culinary, supporting mental and spiritual development. They will have programs to reduce criminal activity and help individuals seeking job opportunities... Billy had handed out some material for the council to look at.
B. Deb McNeur – Problems with Wildlife in the Neighborhood
Spoke about an issue with racoons in her residential area. She belies they are stuck in a jurisdictional issue. It is effecting their quality of life. There was a rabies issue at her house. She said that this area has become wildlife heaven. Groundhogs, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels were mentioned existing along the 321 area in southwest Hickory. She spoke about a neighbor's chickens being destroyed. She spoke about racoon roundworm and it not being able to be treated. This parasite can be passed to humans. Animal control is not allowed to trap the animals and residents aren't allowed to either. She says that their health is at risk and they are in a quandary.
C. Larry Pope - Questions about the Hickory Housing Authority -
Larry spoke about his concerns dealing with the Hickory Public Housing Authority and asked who is Unifour Capital Ventures? Who is the Hickory Public Housing Authority? How did Unifour Capital Ventures come up with a $150,000 checking account when they came before the Council needing $20,000 of taxpayers monies to apply for a planning grant from HUD to do new public housing in the city of Hickory? Are you aware that in 2012, HUD gave the deed of trust to of all units of public housing to various housing agencies across the United States For those who had applied for Rad funds? Were you/are you in control of those deeds of trust? Do you have knowledge of what is being done with those units? Are you aware that the Hickory Public Housing Authority has plans on selling Ridgecrest Apartments...? Are you aware of everything that this group is doing? Do you know that HPHA is stating that the City of Hickory no longer appoints their board members. Their board members appoint board members to Unifour Capital Ventures. Where is this group trying to go? What is this group trying to accomplish? How much knowledge do you have about what they are doing? You are aware that in 2012, Mayor Wright and one of the board members met with Alanda Jackson (Director of HPHA) after HUD came in and found misappropriation of over $200,000? Are you aware that in 2013, HUD came in and found another $200,000+ dollars misappropriated? Are you aware that HPHA currently owes over $500,000 to HUD (related to this matter). How long do they have to repay that money? How long will you as a City Council continue to appoint the same board members to the HPHA that is now going under the name Unifour Capital Ventures? What is their intention? Can you answer that question? What do they plan on doing? Do you Know? I heard one of the City Council members say at the last meeting, Council member Patton, that she needed more information about HPHA and Unifour Capital Ventures before any decisions could be made about that group. Are you doing your investigation? Are you aware of everything going on with a group that you are supposed to have control over? Are they doing what they want to do regardless of what the resolution says that they are supposed to be doing according to the resolution that established the HPHA in the early 1960s? Or have they gotten to the point that they know it doesn't matter to you what they do, they can do it? He once again asked, do you know what they are doing?
The Mayor began speaking on the issue saying he was compelled to respond to a couple of those things... and he begins (here is the response)... and then a confrontation begins when the mayor alludes to Larry Pope's brother.
(Hound Notes): Alderman Meisner asks if they have a meeting scheduled with the Housing Authority. Manager Berry states that there is no scheduled meeting with the housing authority per se. Alderman Meisner suggests taking the minutes from Mr. Pope's comments and bringing them up at that meeting. The Mayor interjects about "bring Mr. Pope's comments" and then begins commenting on what he labels as "Mr. Pope's comments."
Larry wasn't making comments. He was asking questions that need to be answered. He was formerly on that board until he went to HUD about some issues taking place with that board. His going to HUD seems to have been the main impetus that led to his being removed from that board -- ie removal of a whistle blower.
The Mayor and the others should be embarrassed by what we have seen in relation to this board, but he continues to double down without public transparency being mandated. Go back to this misappropriation of funds. It is the Mayor's opinion that there was no misappropriation of funds. Well. HUD sees it differently or they would not willy-nilly demand the monies back. It seems that there have been multiple investigations and probations. HUD doesn't seem to be doing this everywhere, which seems to point to an issue. Last year HPHA came before council and said they wanted to change the mission of HPHA and never mentioned this Unifour Capital Ventures entity. Why? That seems like a big omission. Then they are only moving existing public housing a few blocks over to a controversial site. Why? Then this group of business people ask questions and are basically promised that Council will get to the bottom of it and now Manager Berry says here that no meeting is scheduled and the Mayor said at the August 4 meeting that they would be coming before the Council, but they don't know yet what questions to ask... here you go, along with the questions the 4th street group wants the answers to.
The Mayor talked about baseless and slanderous allegations made by Mr. Pope. That seemed pretty harsh. If there are easy explanations for all of this, then it should be easily cleared up by a presentation of the Housing Authority and it shouldn't take 3+ years to get answers to the public. Larry asked questions. The Mayor made comments that seemed to infer that Larry had some misappropriate dealings related to interactions between Larry's brother and the HPHA. Let's just answer the questions and let the chips fall where they may.
Consent Agenda
Matters not on the Agenda
Alderman Lail made a motion seconded by Alder Patton to discuss the Persons requesting to be Heard issues after regular business had been taken care of.
General Comments
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.
***Final Release***
=================================================
Hound Notes: The issue related to this meeting was Larry Pope asking questions related to the Hickory Housing authority and its evolution into becoming Unifour Capital Ventures. This issue came up during the presentations by the group from 4th Street SW and the proposed affordable housing apartment project that is to be built there.
In my opinion Larry Pope asked questions that need to be answered. The Mayor brought the subject of Larry's brother into the conversation, which in my opinion was completely unnecessary. Then Larry went back to the podium to rebut the inferences of the Mayor. The City Council said in May that the Hickory Housing Authority needed to answer questions posed by the 4th street group and here we are going into September. They reaffirmed this in August when the 4th Street group came before them again. The Mayor said in the August meeting that a reason why the HHA had not come before the City Council is because the Council didn't know what questions to ask. In my opinion, the Council wants to know what the HHA's answers will be before they come before the Council.
In the Agenda notes I believed that the Lenoir-Rhyne Commission and Claremont Neighborhood Group coming before the Council would promote the Sidewalk being built from L-R to Union Square. They did not do that at this meeting. Ryan Edwards address of "University City Commission" issues seemed to spell out that they are having some trouble branding this initiative and moving some goals forward when it comes to student participation. The Claremont Neighborhood presentation was essentially a checklist of what that neighborhood has done and is looking to do.
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Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award Presentation to Hickory Daily Record -
Hickory Daily Record-News. Well Crafted.
City of Hickory recognizes Hickory Daily Record for 100 years in business with the Business. Well Crafted. award
B. Ryan Edwards - Update from University City Commission - Spoke about progress and accomplishments. Struggles have centered around promoting events and getting student participation in events. UCC provides incoming students welcome to Hickory t-shirts and have a gathering. There is an L-R discount program with local businesses. Last April the had a concert. They are looking into providing more mentorships to retain more L-R talent in the area. They want to create a centralized effort through the Chamber of Commerce. Exploring transportation to get around the City easier. They are supportive of entertainment opportunities in the mill district. A video below promotes L-R.
C. Acceptance of the 2015 Updated Claremont Neighborhood Plan. - Claremont Neighborhood Association has worked with City Staff to update its neighborhood plan. The current Claremont Neighborhood Plan was accepted by Hickory City Council on August 5, 2008. The updated neighborhood plan contains strategies and recommendations put forth by the neighborhood, with emphasis placed upon the preservation of the character of the neighborhood. On May 21, 2015 Claremont Neighborhood Association voted to recommend City Council’s acceptance of this
updated neighborhood plan. -
Cal Overby presentation - He laid out the geography of the area, which incorporates the L-R area. The original plan came into existence 7 years ago. Boundaries are Main Avenue, 8th avenue, the boundary of L-R's campus, and 1st and Center Street to the west. He spoke about the goal for pedestrian improvements. Spoke about Zoning and preserving the Neighborhood character and Historic Districts. Spoke about Land Use strategies and Conditional Zoning and how property is developed. and design standards. Talked about thoroughfare improvements, especially related to Hwy 127. Talked about improvemnet of pedestrian safety, especially related to speeding issues and control. Want the area to be inviting to pedestrians. Spoke about safety issues including noise. Want a tool for getting the word out related to safety/crime issues. Want parks, McComb and Fox monitored better for vagrancy. Look into possibilities of expanding the district. Want dog station, trash cans in parks, work with art commission, IDing trees in the arboretum. Other general recommendation were mentioned.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Billy Sudderth – City Owned Vacant Lot Located at 121 7th Avenue SW
Mr. Sudderth spoke about creating a multi-purpose center in Ridgeview at this location. He say that the people of Ridgeview are looking to support economic growth in the city in which they love. This plan would prolong and enhance the legacy of the vanishing (Ridgeview) community. This center would house various programs to provide training opportunities in all aspects of social, economic, education, leadership, health, finance, culinary, supporting mental and spiritual development. They will have programs to reduce criminal activity and help individuals seeking job opportunities... Billy had handed out some material for the council to look at.
B. Deb McNeur – Problems with Wildlife in the Neighborhood
Spoke about an issue with racoons in her residential area. She belies they are stuck in a jurisdictional issue. It is effecting their quality of life. There was a rabies issue at her house. She said that this area has become wildlife heaven. Groundhogs, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels were mentioned existing along the 321 area in southwest Hickory. She spoke about a neighbor's chickens being destroyed. She spoke about racoon roundworm and it not being able to be treated. This parasite can be passed to humans. Animal control is not allowed to trap the animals and residents aren't allowed to either. She says that their health is at risk and they are in a quandary.
C. Larry Pope - Questions about the Hickory Housing Authority -
Larry spoke about his concerns dealing with the Hickory Public Housing Authority and asked who is Unifour Capital Ventures? Who is the Hickory Public Housing Authority? How did Unifour Capital Ventures come up with a $150,000 checking account when they came before the Council needing $20,000 of taxpayers monies to apply for a planning grant from HUD to do new public housing in the city of Hickory? Are you aware that in 2012, HUD gave the deed of trust to of all units of public housing to various housing agencies across the United States For those who had applied for Rad funds? Were you/are you in control of those deeds of trust? Do you have knowledge of what is being done with those units? Are you aware that the Hickory Public Housing Authority has plans on selling Ridgecrest Apartments...? Are you aware of everything that this group is doing? Do you know that HPHA is stating that the City of Hickory no longer appoints their board members. Their board members appoint board members to Unifour Capital Ventures. Where is this group trying to go? What is this group trying to accomplish? How much knowledge do you have about what they are doing? You are aware that in 2012, Mayor Wright and one of the board members met with Alanda Jackson (Director of HPHA) after HUD came in and found misappropriation of over $200,000? Are you aware that in 2013, HUD came in and found another $200,000+ dollars misappropriated? Are you aware that HPHA currently owes over $500,000 to HUD (related to this matter). How long do they have to repay that money? How long will you as a City Council continue to appoint the same board members to the HPHA that is now going under the name Unifour Capital Ventures? What is their intention? Can you answer that question? What do they plan on doing? Do you Know? I heard one of the City Council members say at the last meeting, Council member Patton, that she needed more information about HPHA and Unifour Capital Ventures before any decisions could be made about that group. Are you doing your investigation? Are you aware of everything going on with a group that you are supposed to have control over? Are they doing what they want to do regardless of what the resolution says that they are supposed to be doing according to the resolution that established the HPHA in the early 1960s? Or have they gotten to the point that they know it doesn't matter to you what they do, they can do it? He once again asked, do you know what they are doing?
The Mayor began speaking on the issue saying he was compelled to respond to a couple of those things... and he begins (here is the response)... and then a confrontation begins when the mayor alludes to Larry Pope's brother.
(Hound Notes): Alderman Meisner asks if they have a meeting scheduled with the Housing Authority. Manager Berry states that there is no scheduled meeting with the housing authority per se. Alderman Meisner suggests taking the minutes from Mr. Pope's comments and bringing them up at that meeting. The Mayor interjects about "bring Mr. Pope's comments" and then begins commenting on what he labels as "Mr. Pope's comments."
Larry wasn't making comments. He was asking questions that need to be answered. He was formerly on that board until he went to HUD about some issues taking place with that board. His going to HUD seems to have been the main impetus that led to his being removed from that board -- ie removal of a whistle blower.
The Mayor and the others should be embarrassed by what we have seen in relation to this board, but he continues to double down without public transparency being mandated. Go back to this misappropriation of funds. It is the Mayor's opinion that there was no misappropriation of funds. Well. HUD sees it differently or they would not willy-nilly demand the monies back. It seems that there have been multiple investigations and probations. HUD doesn't seem to be doing this everywhere, which seems to point to an issue. Last year HPHA came before council and said they wanted to change the mission of HPHA and never mentioned this Unifour Capital Ventures entity. Why? That seems like a big omission. Then they are only moving existing public housing a few blocks over to a controversial site. Why? Then this group of business people ask questions and are basically promised that Council will get to the bottom of it and now Manager Berry says here that no meeting is scheduled and the Mayor said at the August 4 meeting that they would be coming before the Council, but they don't know yet what questions to ask... here you go, along with the questions the 4th street group wants the answers to.
The Mayor talked about baseless and slanderous allegations made by Mr. Pope. That seemed pretty harsh. If there are easy explanations for all of this, then it should be easily cleared up by a presentation of the Housing Authority and it shouldn't take 3+ years to get answers to the public. Larry asked questions. The Mayor made comments that seemed to infer that Larry had some misappropriate dealings related to interactions between Larry's brother and the HPHA. Let's just answer the questions and let the chips fall where they may.
Consent Agenda
Matters not on the Agenda
Alderman Lail made a motion seconded by Alder Patton to discuss the Persons requesting to be Heard issues after regular business had been taken care of.
General Comments
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Agenda about the City Council meeting of August 18, 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: Still haven't finished with the previous meetings minutes because of personal reasons and not having the time tio devote to it. I will have it up ASAP. It is mostly finished, but it was a very detailed meeting, because of the issue with the proposed housing project on 4th St SW, the settlement of the airport issue, and a presentation related to the Bond projects.
This meeting looks to be about the proposed City Walk. I say that because of the Lenoir-Rhyne presentation and the Claremont area presentation. There are no Public Hearings or Departmental Reports.
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Invocation by Rev. Ron Jones, Executive Pastor, Christ Church
Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award Presentation to Hickory Daily Record
B. Ryan Edwards - Update from University City Commission
C. Acceptance of the 2015 Updated Claremont Neighborhood Plan. - Claremont Neighborhood Association has worked with City Staff to update its neighborhood plan. The current Claremont Neighborhood Plan was accepted by Hickory City Council on August 5, 2008. The updated neighborhood plan contains strategies and recommendations put forth by the neighborhood, with emphasis placed upon the preservation of the character of the neighborhood. On May 21, 2015 Claremont Neighborhood Association voted to recommend City Council’s acceptance of this
updated neighborhood plan.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Billy Sudderth – City Owned Vacant Lot Located at 121 7th Avenue SW
B. Deb McNeur – Problems with Wildlife in the Neighborhood
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of a Revision to the Assistance and Procurement Policies. - In January 2015, the City of Hickory Community Development Division applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been awarded $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 very low income homeowners with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $8,000 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide an additional $5,000 in matching funds, which are available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. The total program budget will be $55,000. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare Assistance and Procurement Policies. These policies must be made available to the public and explain the guidelines of the URP15 program. City Council approved the original Assistance Policy on May 5, 2015. A revision was made in the policy changing the income limits. Staff recommends approval of the revision to the Assistance Policy.
B. Approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford for Fire Service Protection and Medical Related Services. - Hickory Fire Department requests approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford. The agreement is to provide fire service protection and medical related services to the Town of Brookford from September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020. Brookford does not have an established fire department and has requested the City of Hickory to provide fire protection to its citizens. The Town of Brookford shall pay the City of Hickory for services outlined within the agreement. Payments are to be made quarterly as outlined in Section 2 of the agreement. The City has provided this service to the Town of Brookford since 2010. Staff recommends approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford beginning September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020.
C. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on August 6, 2015:
John & Deborah Hollar, 820 9th Avenue Place NE, Hickory, were awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $10,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 0 percent interest deferred loan.
Linda Pope, 1404 3rd Street SW, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $10,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 0 percent interest deferred loan. Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental
Rehabilitation program income and/or program income received through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.
D. Approval of a Contract for Maintenance between the Town of Hildebran and the City of Hickory for a Sanitary Sewer System. - The Town of Hildebran and City of Hickory first entered into an agreement for Hickory to maintain the collection system owned by the Town of Hildebran in 2004. The contract for maintenance agreed to in 2004, by both parties, expired on June 30, 2015. The Town of Hildebran requested that the City of Hickory provide a contract renewal to continue the provisions of this service for the Town. The contract will continue services at the current level in all aspects of the operations including collection system permit compliance, maintenance and operations of lift stations, and operator in responsible charge duties and licensing. The base fee for this agreement is proposed to be $75,360 per year for the first year for operations of the collection system, with subsequent year rate increases by the percentage approved by Hickory City Council for all customers of the Hickory utility system. This contract will not require the City of Hickory to hire additional staff to perform and continues an existing partnership at the current levels with the Town of Hildebran. The contract will expire June 30, 2035. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this
contract with the Town of Hildebran for maintenance of the sanitary sewer system.
E. Approval of Change Order 1 with McGill Associates, PA in the Amount of $40,650 for Engineering Services for Eastwood, Random Woods and Sherwood Forest Subdivisions Sanitary Sewer. - Staff requests Council’s approval of change order 1 with McGill Associates, PA forEngineering Services for Eastwood, Random Woods and Sherwood Forest Subdivision sanitary sewer project. The existing subdivisions are approximately 30 to 40 years old and are principally built out. This project will have a potential to serve approximately 226 homes and eliminate the potential public health hazard of septic tank system failures impacting surface waters. This project was envisioned to be designed, bid, and constructed as one project, however due to easement negotiations, regulation changes, and the need to renew some permits which had expired, this could not be achieved. These issues have resulted in additional work on the part of McGill Associates. This
change order is intended to address all issues that have arisen on behalf of the engineer for each of the three subdivisions. City Council accepted the grant offer in July 2012 in the amount of $2,946,042.99 for completion of this project. Funds for this change order have been approved by the NC Division of Water Infrastructure for inclusion in the grant money reimbursement request. Staff requests Council’s approval of change order 1 in the amount of $40,650 with McGill Associates, PA. Revised contract total to date will be $169,950.
F. Approval of Change Order 1 with Neill Grading & Constructing Company Inc. in the Amount of $26,129.89 for the Eastwood Sanitary Sewer Project. - The Eastwood Subdivision sanitary sewer project is the first of three subdivisions that the City of Hickory received grant money from the NC Division of Water Infrastructure-State Revolving Grant Fund to install sanitary sewer in. This project consisted of approximately 8,700 linear feet of 8 inch sanitary sewer lines with appurtenances serving 110 single family residential homes. Change order 1 consists of two items related to additional line being extended to serve the balance of the subdivision and the replacement of a storm drain junction box that was previously unforeseen. The contractor is requesting an extension of the contract time to account for 20 days of additional work with this change order. The revised contract total to date will be $710,778.71. Necessary funds for this change order have been approved by the NC Division of Water Infrastructure for inclusion in the grant money reimbursement request. Staff recommends Council’s approval of change order 1 with Neill Grading & Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $26,129.89.
G. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. (Authorize Public Hearing for September 1, 2015)
H. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Eric Coutrier, (Southside Cemetery, Plot 4D, Lot Number 11 and 12, Section 4) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
I. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Judy Ikard, (Southside Cemetery, Plot 4D, Lot Number 7 and 8, Section 4) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
J. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 3.
1. To budget $2,450 of General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated in the Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Senior Games funds were unspent at the end of FY 2014-2015 and rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
2. To transfer $35,000 of General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated to the 2014 Bond Referendum Business Park 1764 Miscellaneous line item. This transfer is necessary to pay Catawba County Economic Development Corporation for Business Park options and professional services reimbursements associated
with the Business Park.
K. Capital Project Ordinance Number 1.
1. To accept a $35,000 transfer from General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated to the 2014 Bond Referendum Business Park 1764 Miscellaneous line item. The funds will be used for payment to Catawba County Economic Development Corporation for Business Park options and professional services reimbursements associated with the Business Park.
L. Special Events Activities Application for Patriot’s Day Remembrance Ceremony, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, September 11, 2015, Sails on the Square Stage, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Informational Item
A. Mayor Wright’s travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, August 12, 2015 to the Historic Tax Credit Legislative Rally, (Meals: $20.50, Parking: $4.00 and Mileage Reimbursement: $199.18).
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:
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Hound Notes: Still haven't finished with the previous meetings minutes because of personal reasons and not having the time tio devote to it. I will have it up ASAP. It is mostly finished, but it was a very detailed meeting, because of the issue with the proposed housing project on 4th St SW, the settlement of the airport issue, and a presentation related to the Bond projects.
This meeting looks to be about the proposed City Walk. I say that because of the Lenoir-Rhyne presentation and the Claremont area presentation. There are no Public Hearings or Departmental Reports.
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Invocation by Rev. Ron Jones, Executive Pastor, Christ Church
Special Presentations
A. Business Well Crafted Award Presentation to Hickory Daily Record
B. Ryan Edwards - Update from University City Commission
C. Acceptance of the 2015 Updated Claremont Neighborhood Plan. - Claremont Neighborhood Association has worked with City Staff to update its neighborhood plan. The current Claremont Neighborhood Plan was accepted by Hickory City Council on August 5, 2008. The updated neighborhood plan contains strategies and recommendations put forth by the neighborhood, with emphasis placed upon the preservation of the character of the neighborhood. On May 21, 2015 Claremont Neighborhood Association voted to recommend City Council’s acceptance of this
updated neighborhood plan.
Persons Requesting to Be Heard
A. Billy Sudderth – City Owned Vacant Lot Located at 121 7th Avenue SW
B. Deb McNeur – Problems with Wildlife in the Neighborhood
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of a Revision to the Assistance and Procurement Policies. - In January 2015, the City of Hickory Community Development Division applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been awarded $50,000 through this program in order to assist approximately 12 very low income homeowners with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $8,000 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide an additional $5,000 in matching funds, which are available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. The total program budget will be $55,000. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare Assistance and Procurement Policies. These policies must be made available to the public and explain the guidelines of the URP15 program. City Council approved the original Assistance Policy on May 5, 2015. A revision was made in the policy changing the income limits. Staff recommends approval of the revision to the Assistance Policy.
B. Approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford for Fire Service Protection and Medical Related Services. - Hickory Fire Department requests approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford. The agreement is to provide fire service protection and medical related services to the Town of Brookford from September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020. Brookford does not have an established fire department and has requested the City of Hickory to provide fire protection to its citizens. The Town of Brookford shall pay the City of Hickory for services outlined within the agreement. Payments are to be made quarterly as outlined in Section 2 of the agreement. The City has provided this service to the Town of Brookford since 2010. Staff recommends approval of the Fire Protection Service Agreement with the Town of Brookford beginning September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020.
C. Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. - The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee at their regular meeting on August 6, 2015:
John & Deborah Hollar, 820 9th Avenue Place NE, Hickory, were awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $10,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 0 percent interest deferred loan.
Linda Pope, 1404 3rd Street SW, Hickory, was awarded a City of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval for assistance not to exceed $10,000 for repairs to their house. Assistance would be in the form of a 0 percent interest deferred loan. Funds are budgeted for these items through the City of Hickory’s former Rental
Rehabilitation program income and/or program income received through the City of Hickory’s Community Development Block Grant Program. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.
D. Approval of a Contract for Maintenance between the Town of Hildebran and the City of Hickory for a Sanitary Sewer System. - The Town of Hildebran and City of Hickory first entered into an agreement for Hickory to maintain the collection system owned by the Town of Hildebran in 2004. The contract for maintenance agreed to in 2004, by both parties, expired on June 30, 2015. The Town of Hildebran requested that the City of Hickory provide a contract renewal to continue the provisions of this service for the Town. The contract will continue services at the current level in all aspects of the operations including collection system permit compliance, maintenance and operations of lift stations, and operator in responsible charge duties and licensing. The base fee for this agreement is proposed to be $75,360 per year for the first year for operations of the collection system, with subsequent year rate increases by the percentage approved by Hickory City Council for all customers of the Hickory utility system. This contract will not require the City of Hickory to hire additional staff to perform and continues an existing partnership at the current levels with the Town of Hildebran. The contract will expire June 30, 2035. Staff recommends Council’s approval of this
contract with the Town of Hildebran for maintenance of the sanitary sewer system.
E. Approval of Change Order 1 with McGill Associates, PA in the Amount of $40,650 for Engineering Services for Eastwood, Random Woods and Sherwood Forest Subdivisions Sanitary Sewer. - Staff requests Council’s approval of change order 1 with McGill Associates, PA forEngineering Services for Eastwood, Random Woods and Sherwood Forest Subdivision sanitary sewer project. The existing subdivisions are approximately 30 to 40 years old and are principally built out. This project will have a potential to serve approximately 226 homes and eliminate the potential public health hazard of septic tank system failures impacting surface waters. This project was envisioned to be designed, bid, and constructed as one project, however due to easement negotiations, regulation changes, and the need to renew some permits which had expired, this could not be achieved. These issues have resulted in additional work on the part of McGill Associates. This
change order is intended to address all issues that have arisen on behalf of the engineer for each of the three subdivisions. City Council accepted the grant offer in July 2012 in the amount of $2,946,042.99 for completion of this project. Funds for this change order have been approved by the NC Division of Water Infrastructure for inclusion in the grant money reimbursement request. Staff requests Council’s approval of change order 1 in the amount of $40,650 with McGill Associates, PA. Revised contract total to date will be $169,950.
F. Approval of Change Order 1 with Neill Grading & Constructing Company Inc. in the Amount of $26,129.89 for the Eastwood Sanitary Sewer Project. - The Eastwood Subdivision sanitary sewer project is the first of three subdivisions that the City of Hickory received grant money from the NC Division of Water Infrastructure-State Revolving Grant Fund to install sanitary sewer in. This project consisted of approximately 8,700 linear feet of 8 inch sanitary sewer lines with appurtenances serving 110 single family residential homes. Change order 1 consists of two items related to additional line being extended to serve the balance of the subdivision and the replacement of a storm drain junction box that was previously unforeseen. The contractor is requesting an extension of the contract time to account for 20 days of additional work with this change order. The revised contract total to date will be $710,778.71. Necessary funds for this change order have been approved by the NC Division of Water Infrastructure for inclusion in the grant money reimbursement request. Staff recommends Council’s approval of change order 1 with Neill Grading & Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $26,129.89.
G. Call for Public Hearing for Consideration of Changes to Hickory City Code Ordinance Chapter 4 – Animal and Fowl. (Authorize Public Hearing for September 1, 2015)
H. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Eric Coutrier, (Southside Cemetery, Plot 4D, Lot Number 11 and 12, Section 4) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
I. Approval of a Cemetery Deed from City of Hickory to Judy Ikard, (Southside Cemetery, Plot 4D, Lot Number 7 and 8, Section 4) (Prepared by Deputy City Attorney Arnita Dula).
J. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 3.
1. To budget $2,450 of General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated in the Recreation Departmental Supplies line item. Senior Games funds were unspent at the end of FY 2014-2015 and rolled into General Fund Balance. A budget amendment is necessary to budget these funds in the expenditure line item for use this fiscal year.
2. To transfer $35,000 of General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated to the 2014 Bond Referendum Business Park 1764 Miscellaneous line item. This transfer is necessary to pay Catawba County Economic Development Corporation for Business Park options and professional services reimbursements associated
with the Business Park.
K. Capital Project Ordinance Number 1.
1. To accept a $35,000 transfer from General Fund-Fund Balance Appropriated to the 2014 Bond Referendum Business Park 1764 Miscellaneous line item. The funds will be used for payment to Catawba County Economic Development Corporation for Business Park options and professional services reimbursements associated with the Business Park.
L. Special Events Activities Application for Patriot’s Day Remembrance Ceremony, Mandy Pitts, Communications Director/Brand Manager, September 11, 2015, Sails on the Square Stage, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Informational Item
A. Mayor Wright’s travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, August 12, 2015 to the Historic Tax Credit Legislative Rally, (Meals: $20.50, Parking: $4.00 and Mileage Reimbursement: $199.18).
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