On the agenda: Hickory 20260915 - City Council Action Agenda - September 15, 2026.pdf — flock camera (Sep 15)

A = Approved, A1 = Approved First Reading, A2 = Approved Second Reading, D = Deferred,
NA = No Action, PH = Authorized Public Hearing, AD = Approval Denied
ACTION AGENDA
Hickory City Council
76 North Center Street

September 15, 2026
6:00 p.m.

I.

Call to Order

II.

Invocation by Reverend Charles Kyker, Christ United Methodist Church

III.

Pledge of Allegiance

IV.

Special Presentations

NA

A.

Presentation of a Proclamation to Bill McBrayer. (Exhibit IV.A.)

NA

B.

Presentation of a Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month to Centro Latino Hickory,
Program Coordinator, Soraya Valdez Place. (Exhibit IV.B.)

V.

Persons Requesting to Be Heard

NA

A.

Mr. Cliff Moone, 4340 North Center Street, Unit, 304, Hickory discussed Constitution Day.
He also shared information about a book by Jesse Wegman, The Lost Founder: James
Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution. He shared history about James
Wilson.

NA

B.

Ms. Park Inglefield, 510 11th Avenue Place NW, mentioned a community meeting that the
Newton City Council was conducting, an open conversation forum to share ideas and
concerns with their City Council, and Council members responding to each speaker
individually. She mentioned she had attended Long View’s City Council meeting, and they
were implementing a transparency portal on their website for flock cameras. She
encouraged the City to do the same.

VI.

Approval of Minutes

A

A.

VII.

Reaffirmation and Ratification of Second Readings. Votes recorded on first reading will be
reaffirmed and ratified on second reading unless Council Members change their votes and so
indicate on second reading.

A2

A.

VIII.

Consent Agenda: All items below will be enacted by vote of City Council. There will be no separate
discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests. In which event, the item will be
removed from the Consent Agenda and considered under Item IX.

A

A.

Regular Meeting of September 1, 2026. (Exhibit VI.A.)

Budget Revision Number 4. (First Reading Vote: Unanimous)

Approval of a Commercial Use Permit and Lease Agreement with The Nest at HKY, LLC
for Hangar and Office Space at Hickory Regional Airport. (Exhibit VIII.A.)
Staff requests approval of a Commercial Use Permit and Lease Agreement with The Nest
at HKY, LLC. The City currently leases hangar S-5 at the Hickory Regional Airport to The

September 15, 2026

Nest at HKY, LLC. The tenant operates an Aircraft Management and Pilot operation. Due
to significant growth the tenant has a need for additional hangar and office space. The Nest
at HKY, LLC intends to increase their rental space by renting hangar S-1, located at 2910
2nd Avenue NW, on the south tamp of the Airport. The leased premises consist of hangar
space, office space, restroom space, and storage space. The proposed annual rent
amount will be $75,600 with a 2.5% annual increase. The term of this Agreement shall
commence on the commencement date and continue for an initial term of four years, unless
earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Tenant shall have one option to
renew this Agreement for one additional term of five years by providing the City with written
notice of its election to renew no later than one hundred twenty days prior to the expiration
of the initial term. The renewal term shall be on the same terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein. Staff recommend City
Council’s approval.
Notice of the lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory
area on August 13, 2026.
A

B.

Approval of a Resolution to Declare Surplus 2,789 Discarded Library Items to be Given to
the Friends of Hickory Public Library to be Sold at the Friends “Corner Book Store” at
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and/or Special Book Sales. (Exhibit VIII.B.)
The Friends of Hickory Public Library collect donated books and other materials on an
ongoing basis to be sold at seasonal book sales and/or the Corner Book Store, the
proceeds from which provide funds for library programming and other special activities.
For many years, the library has been giving the Friends of Hickory Public Library materials
that have been removed from the collection because they are out of date, in poor condition,
or no longer needed to meet the collection development goals of the library. The sale of
donated and discarded books is the primary fundraising activity of the Friends of Hickory
Public 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. The library requests that discarded library
materials be declared surplus and given to the Friends of Hickory Public Library for their
use at the “Corner Book Store” and/or seasonal book sales.
Public notice declaring surplus library materials and authorizing the donation to the Friends
of Hickory Public Library was posted on September 1, 2026.

A

C.

Approval of a Microenterprise Grant Agreement with Golden Rule Music School, LLC in
the Amount of $4,000. (Exhibit VIII.C.)
In its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development, the City of
Hickory identified increasing entrepreneurship opportunities as a high priority need. This
includes a program to provide microenterprise grants to businesses looking for funding
necessary to take their business to the next level. The program offers grants of up to
$4,000 for low to moderate income business owners for business property, inventory,
necessary fixed assets, marketing and business promotion, or other improvements
approved by the Business Development Committee. Applicants are required to submit a
business plan and have a counseling session with a local business support organization.
Jamie Stephens applied for a Microenterprise Grant to support and grow his existing small
business, Golden Rule Music School. The Business Development Committee reviewed the
application and recommended approval of the grant in the amount of $4,000. The grant
funds will be used to purchase equipment and business expansion. Staff recommend that
City Council approve the Microenterprise Grant agreement with Golden Rule Music School,
LLC.

A

D.

Approval of a Microenterprise Grant Agreement with Maven Med Scrubs, LLC in the
Amount of $4,000. (Exhibit VIII.D.)
In its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development, the City of
Hickory identified increasing entrepreneurship opportunities as a high priority need. This

September 15, 2026

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includes a program to provide microenterprise grants to businesses looking for funding
necessary to take their business to the next level. Britiney Perry applied for a
Microenterprise Grant to support and grow her small business, Maven Med Scrubs. Maven
Med Scrubs is a medical apparel brand specializing in premium, comfortable scrubs. The
Business Development Committee reviewed the application and recommended approval
of the grant in the amount of $4,000. The grant funds will be used for business equipment,
inventory, and marketing and business promotion. Staff recommend that City Council
approve the Microenterprise Grant agreement with Maven Med Scrubs, LLC.
A

E.

Approval of a Lease Agreement with Hickory Downtown Development Association for City
Owned Property Located at 24 1st Avenue NE. (Exhibit VIII.E.)
Staff requests Council’s approval of a lease agreement with the Hickory Downtown
Development Association to lease property owned by the City of Hickory, located at 24 1st
Avenue NE. The property has been leased to the Hickory Downtown Development
Association for several years. The terms for the proposed lease will be for 9 years and 3
months in the amount of $1 per year. The lease will run through December 31, 2035. The
City will continue to provide all utilities and maintenance to the building. The Lessee will
be responsible for the payment of all utilities furnished to the property. Staff recommend
City Council’s approval of the resolution of intent to lease property and the lease agreement
with the Hickory Downtown Development Association.
Notice of the lease was advertised in a newspaper having general circulation in the Hickory
area on August 15, 2026.

A

F.

Approval of Awarding the Service Weapon and Police Badge to Sergeant Cam Anderson
Upon His Retirement from the City of Hickory Police Department. (Exhibit VIII.F.)
Hickory Police Department requests that City Council award Sergeant Cam Anderson his
service weapon (Glock Model 45, Serial # CDAM805) and badge upon his retirement on
October 1, 2026. Sergeant Cam Anderson will retire from the City of Hickory Police
Department after completing over 24 years of qualifying service to the citizens of Hickory.
By authority of the NC General Statutes, City Council may award the service weapon and
police badge to Sergeant Cam Anderson upon his retirement from the Hickory Police
Department. Upon approval from City Council, the police badge and service weapon will
be declared surplus and removed from the City’s fixed asset inventory. Staff recommends
approval to award the service weapon and police badge to Sergeant Cam Anderson upon
his retirement from the City of Hickory Police Department.

A

G.

Approval of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendation for Assistance through the
City of Hickory’s Housing Programs. (Exhibit VIII.G.)
The mission of the City of Hickory’s Community Development Division is to preserve the
existing housing base, enhance ownership opportunities for all of its citizens to obtain
decent housing, and provide a quality environment conducive to the safe and healthy
growth of its citizenry. The seven-member Citizens’ Advisory Committee was formed to
provide for citizens’ input in the facilitation of the City’s Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program, as well as any other similar community enhancement funding the
City may receive. The following requests were considered by the Citizens’ Advisory
Committee at their regular meeting on September 3, 2026:
➢
➢
➢

September 15, 2026

Marjorie Linebarger, located at 725 7th Avenue Court SE, Hickory, was
recommended for approval of up to $15,000 under the City of Hickory’s 2026
Urgent Repair Program.
Patricia Sullivan, located at 1014 16th Street SE, Hickory, was recommended for
approval of up to $15,000 under the City of Hickory’s 2026 Urgent Repair Program.
Isavel Figueroa, located at 408 18th Street Place SW, Hickory was recommended
for approval of up to $15,000 under the City of Hickory’s 2026 Urgent Repair
Program.
3

➢

Isavel Figueroa, located at 408 18th Street Place SW, Hickory was also
recommended for approval of up to $25,000 under the City of Hickory’s Housing
Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program.

The Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommends approval of the aforementioned requests
for assistance through the City of Hickory’s housing assistance programs.
A

H.

Approval to Solicit a Request for Qualifications for On-Call Professional Engineering
Services Related to Water and Sewer Infrastructure. (Exhibit VIII.H.)
Staff requests Council’s approval to solicit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for On-Call
Professional Engineering Services related to water and sewer infrastructure. The City
owns and operates public water and wastewater infrastructure serving Hickory and
surrounding service areas. The City anticipates a continuing need for professional services
relating to rehabilitation, replacement, expansion, regulatory compliance, asset
management, and capital improvement delivery. The purpose of this RFQ is to identify
firms with the technical breadth, personnel, capacity, municipal experience, and
responsiveness to support water and sewer assignments that may arise during the threeyear qualification period. The City of Hickory’s Purchasing Policy and NC General Statute
requires professional services greater than $50,000 to be procured by a qualified based
selection process. The City intends to establish a pool of one or more qualified firms that
may be engaged during a three-year qualification period. Selection under this RFQ would
not award a specific project, guarantee any minimum amount of work, or obligate the City
to issue a contract or task order. Each assignment will be authorized only by a separately
negotiated and executed contract, task order, or amendment, subject to applicable law,
appropriation, and required City approvals. This solicitation is intended to implement
qualifications-based selection under Article 3D of Chapter 143 of the North Carolina
General Statutes. Firms will be evaluated on demonstrated competence and qualifications
without regard to fee. After ranking, the City may negotiate scope and a fair and reasonable
fee with the best-qualified firm for an agreement or assignment. Staff recommends
Council’s approval to solicit a Request for Qualifications for On-Call Professional
Engineering Services related to water and sewer infrastructure.

A

I.

Approval of a North Carolina Department of Transportation Integrated Mobility Division
Multimodal Program Grant in the Amount of $72,500 to Update the City’s 2020 Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. (Exhibit VIII.I.)
Staff requests Council’s approval of the grant agreement for the North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NCDOT) Integrated Mobility Division Multimodal Program Grant using
HDR as the consultant to update the City of Hickory’s 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan. Since the development and adoption of the 2020 Bike and Pedestrian Plan,
significant changes have transpired in Hickory. Since the City’s Bike and Pedestrian
Master Plan is now almost six years old and significant changes have occurred, the City
applied for and was awarded the NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division’s (IMD) Multimodal
Grant Program (MMPG) to update the City’s 2020 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan earlier
this year. NCDOT IMD has assigned HDR as the consultant to help the City with these
revisions and necessary modifications, taking into consideration the progress achieved
thus far. Staff recommend Council’s approval of the grant agreement with NCDOT IMD,
with HDR serving as the City’s consultant. The grant amount is $72,500, with NCDOT
providing $56,750 and a local match of $15,750.

A

J.

Approval of a Resolution Declaring Surplus Fire Equipment and Selling Equipment to
Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, Sugar Loaf Fire Department, and
Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department of Catawba County, Inc. (Exhibit VIII.J.)
City of Hickory Fire Department staff requests approval to declare as surplus a 26 piece
Rescue 42 Strut Kit and the sale of the kit to Bandys Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department
in the amount of $2,500. Staff request approval to declare as surplus one Hurst Hydraulic
Power Unit, one Combination Spreader/Cutter, one Telescopic Ram, two Hydraulic Hoses,
and the sale of the equipment to Sugar Loaf Fire Department for $1,500. Staff request

September 15, 2026

4

approval to declare as surplus a 44 piece Rescue 42 Strut Kit and sale of the kit to Mountain
View Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of $3,000. These fire departments are
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. The revenue from the sale of the equipment will be
used towards the associated costs for new technical rescue equipment for the fire
department. The sell of this equipment will be in accordance with North Carolina General
Statute 160A-267. Staff recommend approval of the Resolution declaring the equipment
surplus and the sale of the equipment at the negotiated amounts.
A

K.

Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the City to Apply for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy
Partnership (ORLP) Grant in an Amount up to $2,000,000, (up to $1,000,000 from the
ORLP Grant and up to $1,000,000 City of Hickory Local Match), for the Catawba River
Environmental Education Center (CREEC) Project. (Exhibit VIII.K.)
Staff requests Council’s approval of a Resolution authorizing the City to apply for the ORLP
Grant for the Catawba River Environmental Education Center: Outdoor Science, Heritage
and Recreation Gateway Project. The National Park Service administers the Outdoor
Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program under the Land and Water Conservation
Fund Act. This program specifically targets eligible urban communities with populations
over 25,000 to create or significantly improve outdoor recreation spaces in areas that lack
adequate park access. The City of Hickory owns three parcels along the Catawba River in
Burke County identified as (Parcel IDs: 2783788894, 2783785060, and 2783886713)
designated for the project site. The project's eligible grant expenses will focus on the
construction of passive and active recreation amenities, including a paved walking path,
boat dock, kayak launch, trails, outdoor classrooms, amphitheater, educational signage,
drop-off pavilion, site furnishings, a scenic overlook and natural restoration areas. The
ORLP grant program requires a minimum 50% non-federal match. A grant application
covering eligible opportunities could be submitted in an amount of up to $2,000,000 with
up to $1,000,000 from the ORLP Grant, and up to $1,000,000 from the City of Hickory as
a local match. The anticipated grant project cycle begins in October 2028. Staff
recommend Council’s approval of a Resolution authorizing the City to apply for the ORLP
Grant.

A1

L.

Budget Revision Number 5. (Exhibit VIII.L.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

To appropriate $10,000 in insurance reimbursements towards workers
compensation expenses.
To appropriate a total of $72,500 to update the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian
masterplan. The NCDOT is providing grant funds of $56,750 with the local match
of $15,750 coming from General Fund contingency.
To transfer $25,300 in General Fund contingency to the Water and Sewer Capital
Projects Fund to award a contract for topographic and wetland surveying services
for the Catawba River Environmental Education Center.
To appropriate $5,884 in insurance reimbursements to the Solid Waste Fund for
vehicle repair.
To appropriate a total of $35,587 in General Fund Balance from unspent 911 funds
in FY26 for Police Department communication needs.

IX.

Items Removed from Consent Agenda – None

X.

Informational Items

XI.

New Business
A.

A

Public Hearings
1.

September 15, 2026

Consideration of the Voluntary Non-Contiguous Annexation of Property Located at
964 and 970 Airport Rhodhiss Road, and an Unaddressed Parcel to the East,
Identified as Burke County PINs 2783785060, 2783788894, and 2783886713, the
Catawba River Environmental Education Center (CREEC), Owned by the City of
Hickory – Presented by Planning Manager Cal Overby. (Exhibit XI.A.1.)
5

Staff requests Council’s consideration of the voluntary non-contiguous annexation
of property owned by the City of Hickory, located in Burke County, containing
approximately 24.39 acres, located at 964 and 970 Airport Rhodhiss Road and an
unaddressed parcel to the east. The City’s intention is to use the properties for the
future location of the Catawba River Environmental Education Center (CREEC).
Staff determined the petition meets the statutory requirements for voluntary noncontiguous annexation and adequate public services are available. Staff
recommends approval of the petition.
Notice of the public hearing was advertised in a newspaper having general
circulation in the Hickory area on September 5, 2026.
B.
A

Departmental Reports
1.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) Appointed by City Council
Small Cities Project Area (Council Appoints)

VACANT

COMMUNITY APPEARANCE COMMISSION
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) Appointed by City Council
Ward 2 (Williams Appoints)

VACANT

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
Caucasian (Council Appoints)
Caucasian (Council Appoints)
Caucasian (Council Appoints)
Other Minority (Council Appoints)

VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT

HICKORY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
(Term Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms with Unlimited Appointments) (Appointed by
City Council)
Burke County Representative (Mayor Appoints with Recommendation from Burke
County)
VACANT
LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
Ward 4 (Freeman Appoints)
Ward 5 (Dula Appoints)
At-Large (1) (Mayor Appoints)
At-Large (2) (Mayor Appoints)

VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT

Alderwoman Dula nominated Tammy Hefner as Ward 5 Representative on the
Library Advisory Board.

September 15, 2026

PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
Ward 3 (Seaver Appoints)

VACANT

RECYCLING ADVISORY BOARD
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 3-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
Ward 4 (Freeman Appoints)
Ward 6 (Patton Appoints)
At-Large (Council Appoints)
At-Large (Council Appoints)

VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT

6

UNIVERSITY CITY COMMISSION
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 2-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
At-Large Not Including ETJ (Council Appoints)
Alderwoman Williams nominated Karen Montgomery
Representative on the University City Commission.

as

YOUTH COUNCIL
(Terms Expiring 6-30; 1-Year Terms) (Appointed by City Council)
Homeschool
St. Stephens High School
C.

VACANT
an

At-Large

VACANT
VACANT

Presentation of Petitions and Requests

XII.

Matters Not on Agenda (requires majority vote of Council to consider)

XIII.

General Comments by Members of Council, City Manager or City Attorney of a Non-Business
Nature

XIV.

Adjournment

*Hickory City Code Section 2-56. Public Address to Council:
“When conducting public hearings, considering ordinances, and otherwise considering matters
wherein the public has a right to be heard, when it appears that there are persons present desiring
to be heard, the Mayor shall require those opposing and favoring the proposed action to identify
themselves. Each side of the matter shall be given equal time. Those opposing the proposed action
shall be allowed 15 minutes for presentation, followed by 15 minutes for those favoring the action,
with the opponents then to have five minutes for rebuttal and the proponents to then have five
minutes for surrebuttal. Those persons on either side shall have the right to divide their allotted
time among them as they may choose. The Council, by majority vote, may extend the time for each
side equally. On matters in which the person desiring to address the Council does not have a legal
right to speak, the Council shall determine whether it will hear the person. The refusal to hear a
person desiring to speak may be based upon grounds that the subject matter is confidential, that
its public discussion would be illegal, that it is a matter not within the jurisdiction of the Council or
for any other cause deemed sufficient by the Council. Any person allowed to speak who shall depart
from the subject under discussion or who shall make personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks,
or who shall become boisterous while addressing the Council shall be declared out of order by the
Mayor, or by vote of the Council, and barred from speaking further before the Council unless
permission to continue shall be granted by a majority vote of the Council, under such restrictions
as the Council may provide.”

The City of Hickory holds all public meetings in accessible rooms.
Special requests for accommodation should be submitted by individuals
with disabilities at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.
Phone Services (hearing impaired) – Call 711 or 1-800-735-2962

September 15, 2026

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