November 21, 2017 AWS
November 21, 2017 In Attendance:
Members Present: Mayor Janet Winkler, Commissioners Larry Chapman, Tony Colvard, Ann Smith and Bill Warren Members Absent: Commissioner Carl Wagner Others Present: Town Manager, Rebecca Bentley, Chief of Police, Andy Day, Town Clerk, Tammy Swanson, Town Attorney, Carroll Tuttle, Police Department Staff: Det./Sgt., Richard Blevins, Officer Kelsey Bumgarner, Chief of Police, Andy Day, Officer Jeff Drum, Police Secretary, Joan Duncan, Police Secretary In Training, Lisa King, New Officer, Brandon Phillips
Call to Order: Mayor Janet Winkler called the November meeting to order, and Commissioner Bill Warren led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer.
Discuss/Adjust Agenda: Janet presented the November agenda, and requested the following addition: Item 6(a) – Call for a Public Hearing to Change Town Ordinance Regarding Solicitation Permits Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to approve the agenda as amended. Unanimously approved.
Approval of Minutes: Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to approve the minutes from the October 17, 2017 Regular Meeting, the November 1, 2017 Informational Meeting, and the November 3, 2017 Special Meeting. Unanimously approved.
Monthly Financial Report: Rebecca stated that she plans to start giving the Board a financial report as a part of the meeting each month so that the information will be recorded in the minutes. Along with the report, she presented revenue and expenditure statements for the month. These reports showed that we have spent 29% of the budget at this point, which means that we are currently under budget. Rebecca commented that at this time, we are good with both cash and budget. The October reports were presented as follows:
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Police Department Personnel Changes/Police Oath of Office: Police Chief, Andy Day, introduced Officer Brandon Phillips, who has been working with the Police Department for the past three or four weeks. Chief Day commented that Officer Phillips previously worked with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Dept., and we are very glad to have him now in Hudson. Police Secretary, Joan Duncan, administered the ceremonial Oath of Office to Officer Phillips. Chief Day also introduced Lisa King. Lisa was hired to replace Joan Duncan, who is retiring at the end of this year. Chief Day commented that Lisa brings a lot of knowledge with her from her former experience with both the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, and the County Parole Office. Chief Day stated that Lisa is a life-long resident of Hudson, and we are very happy to have her as a part of our Department. Janet welcomed the new employees to our “work family.”
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Call For A Public Hearing to Change Town Ordinance Regarding Solicitation Permits: Rebecca stated that we occasionally get requests for special permits for selling items door-to-door. According to our Code of Ordinances as it currently reads, the Town Clerk is charged with issuing a special permit to allow door-to-door sales, and the only background check done is to get a copy of a driver’s license. Rebecca commented that in today’s society, we probably need to do a more in-depth background check, and the Police Department needs to administer the background check. She requested that the Board call for a public hearing to discuss possibly amending the Ordinance pertaining to peddling and soliciting. Motion: (Ann Smith/Larry Chapman) to call for a public hearing for the December 19, 2017 meeting to discuss amending our Code of Ordinances - Chapter 10, Article 5 – Peddling and Soliciting at Private Residences. Unanimously approved.
Presentation to Propose New Branding for Hudson: Janet Winkler stated that Paragon Designs, located on Hwy. 321 between Sawmill and Granite Falls, has created a new branding design for the Town. Janet introduced Carmela Tomlinson, owner of Paragon Designs, and explained that Paragon chooses one day per year to do free artwork for non-profit organizations. Since HCDA is designated as a non-profit organization, the artwork was done for the Town through HCDA. Carmela addressed the Board, and stated that due to all the new things Hudson has going on and has planned for the future, she wanted to give the Town a new look. She presented the following logo.
Carmela stated that she felt the artwork says “Hudson” – a butterfly, a pine tree and a caboose. Also, the design is very reproducible in both the color and black & white. Carmela commented that this logo was one of her favorite projects. She added that logos need to be simple yet eye-catching and fresh. As far as the tag line, she wanted it to be worded in a way that would cause people to ask questions – she wanted people to wonder what is new in Hudson. Janet asked if there is a reason “hometown” is shown as two words. Carmela stated that it could be one word; however, she liked the way “home town” rolls off the tongue when you say the words. Page 4
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Ann commented that we are very fortunate to have Carmela and her design group in our area. Ann added that Carmela is a national award winner. Carmela commented that she is very proud of the logo. Motion: (Bill Warren/Larry Chapman) to approve the new branding (logo) for the Town presented by Paragon Designs. Unanimously approved. The Board thanked Carmela for all work that went into the logo.
Update on Pedestrian/Bike Planning Grant: Rebecca stated that the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant has been submitted. Rebecca commented that this grant is a planning-type grant and would allow us funds to hire a planner to take a good long look at what we have in Hudson for bike and pedestrian traffic. She commented that since we have shopping available on both sides of Town, this grant should fund access to both areas. Rebecca stated that we are very hopeful the grant gets funded. The following is a resolution was adopted by the Greater Hickory Metro Planning Organization (MPO) endorsing our grant application.
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Update on Park Master Plan: Rebecca stated that she has been working on the Master Plan Project with Erin Schotte, Community & Economic Development Administrator for the WPCOG. Rebecca stated that at this point, we are ready to start a survey to get the public’s opinion on our parks and what they think is needed in the future. Rebecca stated that this survey pertains to the Master Plan itself. The PARTF Grant application will be a longer process, and the application will be in May. Rebecca stated that our PARTF Representative visited and liked Optimist Park; however, the PARTF Grants are very competitive. The Representative did ask that ethnicity and gender be added to the questions on the survey, and they both were added. The survey was presented as follows:
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Motion: (Larry Chapman/Ann Smith) to approve the recreation survey as presented to be made available to the public. Unanimously approved.
Public Comment & Information Discussion:
Newly-Elected Officials Congratulated – Janet stated that with the election now complete, we have 3 new Commissioners, and all of those Commissioners are here. She congratulated the new members, and stated that they will take their Oath of Office at our December 19th meeting. Janet added that at 5:00 pm on December 19th just prior to our regular meeting, we will have a reception for our outgoing Commissioners, and for our Police Secretary, Joan Duncan who is retiring at the end of the year. Ann Smith congratulated Janet on being elected to another term as Mayor.
Artwork Proposal for Roundabout Area – Janet stated that Hudson Elementary School has submitted a proposal for displaying artwork in the roundabout area located on Mt. Herman Road at the entrance to the school driveway. Rebecca stated that she had forwarded the artwork to Mike Pettyjohn, with the NCDOT, and we are waiting for his decision on the proposal. Below are pictures of the proposed artwork along with a diagram of the roundabout.
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Upcoming Events in Hudson – Rebecca discussed upcoming holiday events the Town has scheduled. Thanksgiving – Offices Closed November 23rd and 24th Christmas Tree Lighting – Tuesday, November 28th 6:00 p.m. Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 2nd 2:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Christmas Show at The HUB – December 2nd 9am – 4pm Thanksgiving Garbage Collection Schedule – Regular Schedule
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Leaf Collection Update – Rebecca stated that due to the demands on our Public Works Department this time of year, leaf collection is behind schedule. Rebecca suggested that leaves be bagged if residents cannot wait for the collection service to catch up to their routes.
December Meeting Date – Janet commented that our December meetings are sometimes rescheduled due to the holidays; however, we plan to hold our December meeting on December 19th as scheduled.
Adjournment: Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to adjourn the meeting. Unanimously approved.
___________________________________ Tamra T. Swanson, Town Clerk
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Members Present: Mayor Janet Winkler, Commissioners Larry Chapman, Tony Colvard, Ann Smith and Bill Warren Members Absent: Commissioner Carl Wagner Others Present: Town Manager, Rebecca Bentley, Chief of Police, Andy Day, Town Clerk, Tammy Swanson, Town Attorney, Carroll Tuttle, Police Department Staff: Det./Sgt., Richard Blevins, Officer Kelsey Bumgarner, Chief of Police, Andy Day, Officer Jeff Drum, Police Secretary, Joan Duncan, Police Secretary In Training, Lisa King, New Officer, Brandon Phillips
Call to Order: Mayor Janet Winkler called the November meeting to order, and Commissioner Bill Warren led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer.
Discuss/Adjust Agenda: Janet presented the November agenda, and requested the following addition: Item 6(a) – Call for a Public Hearing to Change Town Ordinance Regarding Solicitation Permits Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to approve the agenda as amended. Unanimously approved.
Approval of Minutes: Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to approve the minutes from the October 17, 2017 Regular Meeting, the November 1, 2017 Informational Meeting, and the November 3, 2017 Special Meeting. Unanimously approved.
Monthly Financial Report: Rebecca stated that she plans to start giving the Board a financial report as a part of the meeting each month so that the information will be recorded in the minutes. Along with the report, she presented revenue and expenditure statements for the month. These reports showed that we have spent 29% of the budget at this point, which means that we are currently under budget. Rebecca commented that at this time, we are good with both cash and budget. The October reports were presented as follows:
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Page 2
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Police Department Personnel Changes/Police Oath of Office: Police Chief, Andy Day, introduced Officer Brandon Phillips, who has been working with the Police Department for the past three or four weeks. Chief Day commented that Officer Phillips previously worked with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Dept., and we are very glad to have him now in Hudson. Police Secretary, Joan Duncan, administered the ceremonial Oath of Office to Officer Phillips. Chief Day also introduced Lisa King. Lisa was hired to replace Joan Duncan, who is retiring at the end of this year. Chief Day commented that Lisa brings a lot of knowledge with her from her former experience with both the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, and the County Parole Office. Chief Day stated that Lisa is a life-long resident of Hudson, and we are very happy to have her as a part of our Department. Janet welcomed the new employees to our “work family.”
Page 3
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Call For A Public Hearing to Change Town Ordinance Regarding Solicitation Permits: Rebecca stated that we occasionally get requests for special permits for selling items door-to-door. According to our Code of Ordinances as it currently reads, the Town Clerk is charged with issuing a special permit to allow door-to-door sales, and the only background check done is to get a copy of a driver’s license. Rebecca commented that in today’s society, we probably need to do a more in-depth background check, and the Police Department needs to administer the background check. She requested that the Board call for a public hearing to discuss possibly amending the Ordinance pertaining to peddling and soliciting. Motion: (Ann Smith/Larry Chapman) to call for a public hearing for the December 19, 2017 meeting to discuss amending our Code of Ordinances - Chapter 10, Article 5 – Peddling and Soliciting at Private Residences. Unanimously approved.
Presentation to Propose New Branding for Hudson: Janet Winkler stated that Paragon Designs, located on Hwy. 321 between Sawmill and Granite Falls, has created a new branding design for the Town. Janet introduced Carmela Tomlinson, owner of Paragon Designs, and explained that Paragon chooses one day per year to do free artwork for non-profit organizations. Since HCDA is designated as a non-profit organization, the artwork was done for the Town through HCDA. Carmela addressed the Board, and stated that due to all the new things Hudson has going on and has planned for the future, she wanted to give the Town a new look. She presented the following logo.
Carmela stated that she felt the artwork says “Hudson” – a butterfly, a pine tree and a caboose. Also, the design is very reproducible in both the color and black & white. Carmela commented that this logo was one of her favorite projects. She added that logos need to be simple yet eye-catching and fresh. As far as the tag line, she wanted it to be worded in a way that would cause people to ask questions – she wanted people to wonder what is new in Hudson. Janet asked if there is a reason “hometown” is shown as two words. Carmela stated that it could be one word; however, she liked the way “home town” rolls off the tongue when you say the words. Page 4
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Ann commented that we are very fortunate to have Carmela and her design group in our area. Ann added that Carmela is a national award winner. Carmela commented that she is very proud of the logo. Motion: (Bill Warren/Larry Chapman) to approve the new branding (logo) for the Town presented by Paragon Designs. Unanimously approved. The Board thanked Carmela for all work that went into the logo.
Update on Pedestrian/Bike Planning Grant: Rebecca stated that the NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant has been submitted. Rebecca commented that this grant is a planning-type grant and would allow us funds to hire a planner to take a good long look at what we have in Hudson for bike and pedestrian traffic. She commented that since we have shopping available on both sides of Town, this grant should fund access to both areas. Rebecca stated that we are very hopeful the grant gets funded. The following is a resolution was adopted by the Greater Hickory Metro Planning Organization (MPO) endorsing our grant application.
Page 5
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Update on Park Master Plan: Rebecca stated that she has been working on the Master Plan Project with Erin Schotte, Community & Economic Development Administrator for the WPCOG. Rebecca stated that at this point, we are ready to start a survey to get the public’s opinion on our parks and what they think is needed in the future. Rebecca stated that this survey pertains to the Master Plan itself. The PARTF Grant application will be a longer process, and the application will be in May. Rebecca stated that our PARTF Representative visited and liked Optimist Park; however, the PARTF Grants are very competitive. The Representative did ask that ethnicity and gender be added to the questions on the survey, and they both were added. The survey was presented as follows:
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
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November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Motion: (Larry Chapman/Ann Smith) to approve the recreation survey as presented to be made available to the public. Unanimously approved.
Public Comment & Information Discussion:
Newly-Elected Officials Congratulated – Janet stated that with the election now complete, we have 3 new Commissioners, and all of those Commissioners are here. She congratulated the new members, and stated that they will take their Oath of Office at our December 19th meeting. Janet added that at 5:00 pm on December 19th just prior to our regular meeting, we will have a reception for our outgoing Commissioners, and for our Police Secretary, Joan Duncan who is retiring at the end of the year. Ann Smith congratulated Janet on being elected to another term as Mayor.
Artwork Proposal for Roundabout Area – Janet stated that Hudson Elementary School has submitted a proposal for displaying artwork in the roundabout area located on Mt. Herman Road at the entrance to the school driveway. Rebecca stated that she had forwarded the artwork to Mike Pettyjohn, with the NCDOT, and we are waiting for his decision on the proposal. Below are pictures of the proposed artwork along with a diagram of the roundabout.
Page 8
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Upcoming Events in Hudson – Rebecca discussed upcoming holiday events the Town has scheduled. Thanksgiving – Offices Closed November 23rd and 24th Christmas Tree Lighting – Tuesday, November 28th 6:00 p.m. Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 2nd 2:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Christmas Show at The HUB – December 2nd 9am – 4pm Thanksgiving Garbage Collection Schedule – Regular Schedule
Page 9
November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting
Leaf Collection Update – Rebecca stated that due to the demands on our Public Works Department this time of year, leaf collection is behind schedule. Rebecca suggested that leaves be bagged if residents cannot wait for the collection service to catch up to their routes.
December Meeting Date – Janet commented that our December meetings are sometimes rescheduled due to the holidays; however, we plan to hold our December meeting on December 19th as scheduled.
Adjournment: Motion: (Larry Chapman/Tony Colvard) to adjourn the meeting. Unanimously approved.
___________________________________ Tamra T. Swanson, Town Clerk
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