Mount Holly NC Forum

Scott L

Coming Sunday, November 3rd: My Mt Holly endorsements. Watch for the announcement!

Scott L

2019 Mount Holly Sample Voting Ballot Mayor: (You may vote for ONE) ___ Bryan Hough ___ Write-In Name Council Member: (You may vote for THREE) ___ James (Jimmy) Black ___ Carolyn Holbrook Breyare ___ Dennis Dotson II ___ Phyllis B. Harris ___ Jeff Meadows ___ Christina Pawlish ___ Kenneth Reeves ___...

Scott L

It's been suggested at least twice that AT NO COST TO THE CITY the recordings could be done by the clerk so that everyone would have access to these meetings. So far, council has not agreed to it. So it's up to any citizen to record the meetings to share with the community as is permitted by law: &q...

Scott L · Re: 10/10/2016 @ 7pm Annexation parcels referenced

Annexation parcels referenced

Scott L

The "Alliance for Growth" lobbying group has started a marketing campaign: Gaston Outside (GO). Ask yourself why an alliance of groups that are not voters want to influence local elected officials and the citizens that they are supposed to represent?

Scott L

I spoke with some of the crew this morning installing the new road. Indeed they have milled 4" deep and replaced that with the sub-layer. Apparently the "fiberglass" (some reports that as Kevlar) additive to the asphalt is something that is rarely done. (ie..the guy that had been doin...

Scott L

Another effort in town sparked an idea here...

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1018&p=1761#p1761

Scott L

Another place a campground might go is on the parcel of land Gastonia bought so that it wouldn't be developed to protect their water intake at the river. Imagine if someone could manage to lease this land from Gastonia and put an all-natural campground here. If the commercial campground doesn't happ...

Scott L

I guess this is the 31-acre location for the campground? If so, imagine that.... Whitewater Center people would use it. People visiting folk in Charlotte would use it. Mount Holly would have a 3rd overnight accommodation (+ Holiday Inn and + Robins Nest B&B). I suppose the YMCA might want to par...

Scott L

What I observed last night: A machine made a pass on the northbound side of N. Main that tore up about 4 inches of asphalt and put most of that into dump trucks. Then two sweepers followed to clean up. At that point, cracks in the asphalt were still visible. A truck followed that put down something ...

Scott L

We've received the required water test results from the town as required by law. And from the town staff they tell us our water is fine. But I suspect like a restaurant's health department rating, they likely know when the test will be -- perhaps it's possible to "prepare for the test" so ...

Scott L

The Little Village Restaurant will go where City Cafe was: http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160426/little-village-hello-mount-holly There has been talk of trying to attract a new grocer. The town ordered market study data - I requested it but I was unable to interpret the data I received. The dat...

Scott L

Every time someone signs the online petition, City Council receives an e-mail notification. Of course, we'll eventually (or periodically) submit the entire petition for the public record. Attached is the update as of 6/28: 253 signatures

Scott L

Mount Holly's street sweeper is relatively small as seen heading south by the MyMtHolly.COM cam on N. Main. By comparison, the town of Waynesville (population ~10,000) has a street sweeper that is much bigger in size and sprays water while sweeping. In 2012, Waynesville spent $130,000/year on street...

Scott L

The document you referenced is the confirmation that all formal planning of it was REMOVED from any agendas. One can only speculate how/why it failed to be implemented. To consider: Not too long ago, some dreamed the area north of National Gypsum would be an industrial complex. I believe that idea s...

Scott L

Another example of a council considering implementing a truck route by those who know how to do it:

Scott L

Self-explanatory

Scott L

If/When there are technicalities in any specific proposal, there are ways to still get the objective done. Here Rockingham petitions the NCDOT which begins the process of CONSIDERING the IMPLEMENTATION of a truck route -- something our town manager erroneously said our council has no authority to do:

Scott L

Mount Holly's City Manager Statement: “The town’s city manager said council has not considered implementing a weight restriction on North Main Street, nor is it in its authority to do so.” Albemarle's City Manager Statement: "The City Manager stated that on NCDOT maintained streets, any such me...

Scott L

This is how it's done:

Scott L

Is it as simple as turning the residential area of N. Main into a "black line" like other towns have done? The "restriction" could be weight, length, number of axles, weight per axle, etc. 1) In 2008, National Gypsum added to the Heavy Industrial traffic demands of N. Main Street...

Scott L

"..an ordinance adopted by a municipality prohibiting truck traffic on a state highway system road would not be enforcable unless DOT approved the posting of a "No Trucks" sign in the DOT right of way. An appropriate procedure for obtaining such approval would be for the municipality ...

Scott L

A side-by-side comparison of the choice:

(a) traffic through 2 miles of residential area
(b) traffic through 2 miles of unpopulated area

http://mymtholly.com/compare.html

Scott L

Other sirens you may hear in Mount Holly: There is a siren for the Mountain Island Dam: https://www.duke-energy.com/power-plants/hydro/hydro-station-siren-tests.asp There is a siren for the East Gaston fire department: http://eastgastonvfd.com/ Mount Holly Fire Department reportedly has a siren. One...

Scott L

Looks like the Riverbend power plant location was indeed annexed into Mount Holly in 2014: "Negotiations started in 1999 between the city and Duke Energy. It was agreed the city would annex the steam station, but it wouldn’t do so immediately. While most annexations take effect in six months or...

Scott L · Re: 3/14/2016 @ 7pm Video of meeting: https://youtu.be/0mwpQwgnHfA

Video of meeting:

https://youtu.be/0mwpQwgnHfA

Scott L

These are pictures of maps of what is proposed. The first one is how a nearby town has restricted truck traffic in Stanly County. The second one is our existing plan. The third one is a proposed restriction through residential areas which could be restricted by: weight, axles, and/or length of truck.

Scott L

A good public communication from the Manager in the March 2016 newsletter on this matter:

viewtopic.php?f=15&p=1265#p1265

Scott L

A good public communication from the Manager in the March 2016 newsletter on this matter:

viewtopic.php?f=15&p=1265#p1265

Scott L

Click-able links referenced in the Manager's letter: https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/trucking/Pages/Truck-Access-Designation.aspx https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/trucking/Trucking%20Documents/North%20Carolina%20Truck%20Network%20and%20Restrictions.pdf http://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/v...

Scott L

This month's newsletter was not included with the monthly water bill. There was a robo-call to let us know it would be mailed separately. Let's examine the Manager's message this month. The subject is one with which I am very familiar: Point 1: N. Main is not a city-owned or city-maintained road and...

Scott L

Me (July 2014): I just walked home from Church and I think a traffic circle at Highland and Main would be a nice improvement from that odd traffic island with no pedestrian crossing. If I could find support for that idea in the NCDOT would you be interested? City: Yes. Let us know what you learn. Me...

Scott L

Today a heavy industrial freight truck full of untreated gypsum crashed on Hwy 16. Thankfully there were no injuries -- in part because this truck was not traveling along N. Main Street 24 inches from a sidewalk where school busses stop for children and homes are only 20 feet away from the road: htt...

Scott L

In private conversations, I usually stand up for Brian Hough, Mayor of Mount Holly. And typically I have to explain myself as people seem shocked that I would stand up for someone who to some appears against the people on some matters. (Or at least whatever matter is at hand that is being discussed)...

Scott L

"The N.C. Department of Transportation has deemed North Main Street a designated route for trucks. To reverse that decision, NCDOT spokeswoman Jordan-Ashley Walker said the department must find a safety and capacity deficiency for the road." Ref: http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160218/...

Scott L

If a 4-lane road to the interstate is important to the industrial facilities, this blue line proposal should be a plan everyone supports. The City of Gastonia owns most/all the undeveloped land on the right side going north. I'm sure they wouldn't mind at all the NCDOT digging into their land for a ...

Scott L

It's rare that City Council will publicly acknowledge what the problem is. But here is part of the problem described by former Councilman Gowen on 5/6/2015 in his own words: I thought you might enjoy portions of a letter I recently sent after having my feedback on an economic incentive plan solicit...

Scott L

I have to stand up for Councilman Meadows. Post-voting, Councilman Meadows did contact me to discuss this matter. I can't say it was a productive conversation but the man did his job to engage, inform, and involve me. As a result, I have an even deeper appreciation how difficult it can be to sit in ...

Scott L

About the drive-through petition:

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160 ... -off-roads

Scott L

As decided in City Council, concealed firearms are now allowed in public parks with a permit:

http://banner-news.com/mh-council-decid ... 259-71.htm

Scott L

As decided in City Council, alcohol is now allowed in city parks for city-sponsored events:

http://banner-news.com/mh-council-decid ... 259-71.htm

Scott L

February 22, 2016 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION SET THE AGENDA 1. Update from the Buxton Company Regarding the Retail Recruitment and Business Retention Project—Greg Beal 2. Discussion of location for the Mount Holly Sign donated by the Archie Small Family once replaced with the ne...

Scott L

Walton International purchased more than 600 acres in Mount Holly’s Dutchman’s Creek community in 2012. A July 2012 investment report for the Dutchman’s Creek project indicated that Walton anticipated holding that property for four to eight years from the time of purchase. http://www.gastongazette.c...

Scott L

Buried in the Strategic Vision Plan RFQ: "Develop a strategy and design guidelines to control the quality of subdivisions being planned on the periphery of the town that will eventually be seeking annexation." In other words, let's make a strategy that shows how much we will invest in prop...

Scott L

January 25, 2016 Council Chambers 6:30 pm Call to Order Mayor Hough called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. The following were present: Mayor Bryan Hough Danny Jackson, City Manager Mayor Pro Tem David Moore Councilman Jerry Bishop David Johnson, City Engineer/ Director of Utilities Councilman Jim H...

Scott L

January 11, 2016 Council Chambers 7:00 pm Call to Order Mayor Bryan Hough called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The following were present: Mayor Bryan Hough Danny Jackson, City Manager Mayor Pro Tem David Moore Councilman Jerry Bishop Greg Beal, Planning Director Councilwoman Carolyn Breyare Ray ...

Scott L

The city offers a senior program:

http://mtholly.us/parks_recreation.php?5

Scott L

There is also a drive-though petition that can be signed located at 420 N. Main. There is a street light there so signing after dusk is ok too.
(That's next to the Fire Department you can see in the background in the below photo.)

Scott L

When people wonder what's wrong with our government, we can use this petition issue to inspect each role. The City Manager: After the petition was delivered to Council, the City Manager (Mr. Danny Jackson) spoke on the N. Main topic under "Old Business". The City Manager appropriately sepa...

Scott L

That might be a contributing factor for sure. But I live on N. Main near town where the stormwater drains work very well. The road is also horrible here. Someone mentioned somewhere that long ago the city limits used to end at Lanier. If that's the case, maybe the road within the city limits was con...

Scott L

that is very disappointing to hear, i will love to hear their reasoning behind this vote. What was missing from the deliberation and vote on this issue that our elected leaders don't want to discuss: how did "what the voters want" factor into their decision? They can site all kinds of thi...

Scott L

Public comment delivering 155 signatures to City Council on 2/8/2016: Council: Regarding the proposal of routing heavy trucks off N. Main Street that Councilman Toomey submitted to you for consideration on April 13 of last year, I want to remind the new council that in the August 2015 Council meetin...

Scott L

Evidence to consider when wondering if your City Council represents you or sells you out: When voters speak with a loud voice that they want truck traffic routed differently, if City Council doesn't engage with the public on the matter and rather deflects and rolls over for other interests, you are ...

Scott L

Public comment delivering 155 signatures to City Council on 2/8/2016: Council: Regarding the proposal of routing heavy trucks off N. Main Street that Councilman Toomey submitted to you for consideration on April 13 of last year, I want to remind the new council that in the August 2015 Council meetin...

Scott L

WCOC-TV covered the council voting not to re-route heavy truck traffic immediately after receiving a petition signed by 155 people to do so:

http://m.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/mt- ... fic/nqL7r/

Scott L

WSOC-TV covered this council meeting:

http://m.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/mt- ... fic/nqL7r/

Scott L

Council added a few items to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. One of which was discussion of the re-routing of the truck traffic on N. Main. Council voted not to re-route heavy truck traffic off N. Main. This was immediately following the submission of 155 signatures on a petition to ask ...

Scott L

Online petition yielded 149 people on record wanting trucks routed as the council once mandated by an unenforceable agreement:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=549

Scott L

Comments on the petition by those that signed it follows:

Scott L

A 10-day petition effort yielded 155 signatures for City Council to represent to our government. The online petition was administered from change.org by Mt. Holly citizen, Mr. Robert Gwiazdzinski. The petition was sent to: "danny jackson, Carolyn Breyare, bryan hough, jeff meadows, and mount ho...

Scott L

Four types of heavy freight truck traffic on N. Main: a) Freightliner-controlled truck traffic. Stated above to already be using Hwy 16. b) National Gypsum truck traffic. Cutting through 2 miles of residential N. Main. c) Third party trucking companies to either industrial facility. At least some cu...

Scott L

Evidentially, the 100+ trucks/day are not Freightliner. So says people who claim to know.

Scott L

Mount Holly voters want to keep our small town charm and character. That is undeniably documented in our Strategic Vision Plan and most surveys/polls show the margin is more than 10 to 1 in favor of keeping Mount Holly a small town. Voters should then start thinking that our town government's member...

Scott L

Gaston County funded some of our requests: Sewer extension to Lucia Riverbend Hwy granted $156,000 of $156,000 North Fire Station construction assistance granted $14,000 of $250,000 Catawba Riverfront Greenway granted $80,000 of $80,000 Ref: http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160129/parks-playgroun...

Scott L

Yet again, a nice Gaston Gazette piece on a relevant town topic:

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160130/beer-at-park

Scott L

There is a petition to fix N. Main and route trucks so it stays fixed:

https://www.change.org/p/mount-holly-nc ... m=copylink

Scott L

Online petition started:

https://www.change.org/p/mount-holly-nc ... m=copylink

Scott L

City Council is having a retreat next week. Perhaps this is a good time to remind them about the issue they tabled from their August meeting:

https://youtu.be/S7uXAhLzLHA

AND

https://youtu.be/6Jl9yIkoqjE

Scott L

CITY OF MOUNT HOLLY MOUNT HOLLY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Location: Council Chambers January 25, 2016 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION SET THE AGENDA 1. Release of the Maintenance Cash Guarantee posted for Kendrick Farm Phase 3 Map 1—Dave Johnson 2. Discussion of location for the Moun...

Scott L

Nice article:

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20160 ... olly-parks

Scott L

Here is the part of council meeting where alcohol in public parks was discussed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qW_GFwtXZoo#t=2753 Soliciting the community for input, I can find no clear majority that is for or against this proposal. There are strong feelings and argum...

Scott L · Re: 1/11/2016 - 7pm https://youtu.be/qW_GFwtXZoo

https://youtu.be/qW_GFwtXZoo

Scott L

Good discussion on this topic at tonight's council meeting. I think if it weren't for also considering firearms in parks, this might have made progress and been called for a vote. Instead, this will be discussed at the City Council retreat -- likely in conjunction with the firearms in public parks i...

Scott L

The issue of firearms in public parks was discussed again in tonight's city council meeting. At least two councilpersons expressed an interest in NOT restricting those permitted to conceal-carry. There was disagreement about the open carry part. The Mayor raised a hypothetical situation where NC law...

Scott L

This is what a pile of stuff coming out of the street sweeper looks like during leaf season - which is reportedly emptied up to 4 times daily. The main benefit is keeping leaves and litter out of the storm drains and therefore the waterways. The secondary benefit is improvement to the "curb app...

Scott L

Published on Page 2 of the January 2016 newsletter:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=524

Scott L

Firearms ordinance:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=342

Alcohol ordinance:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=343

Township grants:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=106#p1083

Scott L

In the January newsletter, Mr. Jackson says upgrading our sewer plant would cost $35 Million to renovate our plant. (http://mymtholly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&p=1107#p1105) The Mount Holly sewer plant has a capacity of 6 million gallons. Our town has stated that upgrading a 6 million gallon ...

Scott L

Heads up:

On the 1/11/2016 City Council meeting: "Call for a public hearing for a Conditional District Rezoning of Phase 4 in Dutchman’s Ridge"

What's this about?

Scott L

This is some of what is picked up by the street sweeper on N. Main.

Scott L

A suggestion was made that the Mount Holly street sweeper's benefit to the town does not offset the cost: Costs: 1) Cost of the vehicle 2) Cost of maintenance of the vehicle (Let's find some data to put in here) 3) Cost to staff operation of the vehicle (Let's find some data to put in here) Benefits...

Scott L

Appendix B Types of Facilities Representing Cross Connection Hazards 1. Aircraft and missile manufacturing plants; 2. Automotive plants including those plants which manufacture motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles and construction and agricultural equipment: 3. Potable water dispe...

Scott L

What's the story with the new City Garage? Will that impact the city's utility facility on N. Main right at the river near downtown?

Scott L

One of the strategies for using a city-defined truck route for the N. Main industrialism problem is that truckers can't be managed from the shipping/receiving offices of Freightliner and National Gypsum. There are third party trucking companies that have nothing to do with Mount Holly and certainly ...

Scott L

FOUND KEYS - N. Main near Fire Station

Scott L

Got an event that you'd like to publish a photo live every 60 seconds? If you have power and an internet connection, let us know and we might be able to make that happen. Grand Opening Open House Special Party Remote Radio Broadcasting (Think Bright Star here) Farmers Market Car Show Get The Word Ou...

Scott L

This is a document that explains City Council meetings that we sometimes hand out before meetings:

CityCouncilMeetings101.pdf: (614.78 KiB) Downloaded 1021 times

Scott L

City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, October 12, 2015 Council Chambers 7:00 pm Call to Order Mayor Bryan Hough called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The following were present: Mayor Bryan Hough Danny Jackson, City Manager Mayor Pro Tem Perry Toomey Jamie Guffey, Assistant City Manager Councilman ...

Scott L

Oath of Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA0Hhsh ... page#t=995

Scott L

Oath of Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA0Hhsh ... page#t=936

Scott L

Oath of Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA0Hhsh ... page#t=878

Scott L

Oath of office and statement to the Citizens of Mount Holly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... Q4cI#t=657

Scott L

I figured as much on the fire station, it just sure seems like we are being set up for expansion and growth by setting the frame work a little at a time.... I wonder what will happen with the volunteer fire station just down the road from the new station? Not sure. A MHFD employee recently suggeste...

Scott L

before I throw my support for these projects I have some question, how much do these projects completely cost and how will it affect our mount holly city taxes. my second concern is more of a devils advocate response....if we build a fire station and extend a sewer line before a development is anno...

Scott L

What I wrote to my County Commissioner today: Commissioner Brown: I have reviewed the five proposals the town of Mount Holly is submitting to Gaston County for consideration of funding assistance. These projects not only better Mount Holly, but also in ways benefit the county. Therefore, I ask that ...

Scott L

The citizens of Mount Holly are represented in Gaston County government by two County Commissioners: CHAD BROWN (chad.brown@carolina.rr.com) Address: 2008 Lee Ellen Court, Stanley, NC 28164 Telephone: 704-516-8017 (cell) Riverbend Township; Term Ends: 12/2018 MICKEY PRICE (Mickey.Price@gastongov.com...

Scott L

The 5 proposals that were voted on are: 1) $250k toward construction of new north fire station 2) $156k toward extension of sewer service to the north fire station location 3) $224k toward a downtown parking lot 4) $320k toward a sidewalk on Oak Trail Rd. 5) $80k toward the greenway construction I s...

Scott L

Video of council meeting posted: https://youtu.be/DA0HhshQ4cI (New camera. Better audio.) A nice meeting all the way around. Does anyone know what the 5 proposals were that are being submitted to the County? I suppose they will come out in the minutes or something? We Mount Holly residents are also ...

Scott L

I've been asked if Mount Holly property along the Belmont border can be de-annexed to be considered for annexation into Belmont. I think that's possible following the same formula. But the interesting thing to consider how Belmont could/would swap out water/sewer services with property that flipped ...

Scott L

If you have a Sonos system, you can add this to your favorites.

Scott L

The Banner News no longer offers delivery subscriptions.

Scott L

December 14, 2015 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION Reverend Eric Lively, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Boy Scout Troop 59 SET THE AGENDA SPECIAL RECOGNITION Mayor Bryan Hough SWEARING –IN CEREMONY 1. Oath of Office for Councilwoman Carolyn Breyare Jesse B. Caldwe...

Scott L

maybe we should start an online petition to let council members and the mayor know how we feel about growth? There is a Strategic Vision Plan updating going on. When the public is asked for input, that will be the time to bring in the troops. But anyone can start a "poll" here on this for...

Scott L

seems like a recall hearing of a mixed use development near 273 / old 16 that would include a golf course but that was right before the economy tanked, I wonder if the wheels are getting greased up for a run at this again? I'd like to hear more about that. Golf courses and the traditional large lot...

Scott L

If council wanted to prevent the rumor from happening, they could: a) make a public record statement about the rumor/risk that would provide guidance to city staff that may support or not object to it b) make it more difficult for annexations to occur c) engage the public about any annexation topics...

Scott L

I have a feeling we need to make the 2017 election about ISSUES and not people: Which candidates want Mount Holly to grow and by how much? Be specific in the growth the candidates wants. Which candidates want Mount Holly to remain small as long as possible? Be specific in the measures that the candi...

Scott L

Ask Tim Timmerman of SMART for a meeting. I'm sure he'd love to discuss it. I lived in Raintree where he presented once. (Invited by our HOA I think.) Rather than stay and fight a long battle to keep more of my $4,500/year in property taxes by de-annexing, I simply left. Seems like the Stonewater:MH...

Scott L

Wonder these things: 1) Why does city council not adhere to the long-ago formulated strategy of using Hwy 16 for industrial traffic? 2) Why is city council trying to recommend a 4-lane N. Main street? 3) Why are we trying to upgrade our sewer capacities well beyond what we "need"? Let's lo...

Scott L

It is now possible for property owners to de-annex their property from city limits. I've heard this being done or considered for a neighborhood as small as 13 homes (Maggie Valley) and as large as South Charlotte (thousands of homes). It involves first getting a very clear idea of who wants out, the...

Scott L

I would like to champion Mr. Jackson's gentlemanly efforts in the name of public service and take it a step further. Mr. Jackson communicates issues and current events. He even comes directly to council for contentious issues so that the public is represented properly. It's up to us, the community, ...

Scott L

Here's a good analogy.... You live in an HOA. For years your swimming pool was rarely used. So your HOA allowed neighbors to use it for a monthly fee. Now the HOA thinks the pool will soon be too crowded because they want to add on to the neighborhood. The HOA can't afford adding on to the neighborh...

Scott L

Regarding the waste water treatment path forward, there are a lot of assumptions, suggestions, and strategies that we as a community need to decide. I've lived here 2.5 years and I've never seen any of the data or debate. How can it be that my elected officials are guiding my government in this town...

Scott L

I would like to see how Mount Holly has performed independent analysis of the recommended solution to outsource wastewater treatment with Charlotte. http://www.werf.org/i/Get_Involved/Request_Peer_Review/a/n/Request_Peer_Review.aspx?hkey=d5ebf98a-03b7-456f-ad1c-11950d6b40aa Here is a spreadsheet tha...

Scott L

I have a treat for you next meeting! A new camera with the best audio capabilities on an ameature camera! I tested it out witg my kids and it picks up a whisper across the room.

Scott L

Ashamedly, I have not paid attention to that line item. What a great calling-it-out question/observation! I suspect it might be on one of the council videos - that I cannot recall from memory the detail.

Scott L

Yes! Hope to attend with wife and kids. Love it's on a Saturday when I'll be back in town.

Scott L

I believe I heard of plans that Mount Holly would have some kind of ownership or partnership with a new sewer facility over the Catawba that will serve Mount Holly. As we think about this, let's use lessons learned from the partnership for the Whitewater center. How much did Mount Holly contribute t...

Scott L

MyMtHolly.COM now has a new video camera with very good sound quality for improved recordings of the council meetings. Would still like to have a small pool of people who would be willing to help out recording the meetings on occasion.

Scott L

And here you go

Scott L · Re: Council Meeting 11/09/2015 Sorry about that. I fixed the video.

Sorry about that. I fixed the video.

Scott L

With a 1-vote victory, every single vote for Ms. Breyare can be said to be the one that won her councilwoman's chair.

Scott L

Video of the council meeting here: https://youtu.be/w6m8NT7Zxc4

(Updated video on 11/11/2015)

Scott L

"All meetings of public bodies and decision-making by public bodies must be conducted openly to give meaning to the state’s official policy that government operations are the people’s business ." "The General Assembly has declared it to be the public policy of North Carolina that the ...

Scott L

Swearing in of newly-elected council members and their first meeting in "the chair".

Scott L

Mr. Gowen no longer supports keeping the sewer "in house". I fear government wants to merge and therefore gave Mr. Gowen slanted data for him to change his mind. I have no evidence of this, but this is typical for government and Charlotte is a very large, smart, and manipulative entity th...

Scott L

If by "new fire station" you mean the FD Headquarters on N. Main, I live next door and I was told the property was owned by the Clark family -- who also owned my property and my next door neighbor's property since at least 1910. I was also told the property had an old vacant house on it th...

Scott L

Kind of goes along with the "Mt. Holly Identity" topic. Belmont is a high-dollar town measured in dollar per square foot of home. That's good for those that live there. Buying into that town now that property values have gone up is relatively expensive. Mount Holly is a low-dollar rated at...

Scott L

"Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities is pushing a deal with Mount Holly for a new treatment plant — the first to be built by the city in more than 30 years — that could help anchor a renewable-energy business park." -- Looks like someone "pushed a deal" by negotiating with the right ...

Scott L

What seems to be is Mount Holly has all of the budget to "pollute" the Catawba with phosphorus and nitrogen. Charlotte wants to "take" that polluting-budget to serve its own needs. In return, Charlotte will "take" Mt. Holly's sewer treatment plant and charge Mount Holly...

Scott L

Who knows about how and why our town leaders are proposing we contract with Charlotte to take care of our wastewater treatment? Councilman Gowen says this is a plan we're chasing unless/until someone stops it. And the Mayor says this is "going to happen". And it's probably 10 years in the ...

Scott L

Well, I would have appreciated anyone challenging Mr. Hough - just to have the opportunity to socialize a "performance report" on the job. Good luck to your grandmother. My 4th pick for council was a tough one between her and Mr. Toomey - both classy people.

Scott L

This flier found in neighborhoods. No comment yet from Ms. Breyare on if this is endorsed/sanctioned by her campaign.

Scott L

Wonderful! I absolutely enjoy keeping up with local issues and this allowed me to do that even while I was out of town. I only have one comment that was mentioned by the MHCDF and at the end, the Mayor: MH Streets and Sanitation indeed does a SUPER job. Super enough that it really does deserve menti...

Scott L

Comments please? (About the Breyare signs with a "write-in for Mayor" indicator round town)

: S__36D7.jpg (146.45 KiB) Viewed 12176 times

Scott L

October 2015

Scott L

Maybe a new engine with 75% less noise will make this problem insignificant?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/ ... t-30-years

Scott L

Unfortunately, I have little to go on with Councilwoman Breyare. She's certainly personable enough and has a good presence with people. She always (at least often) approaches me before a council meeting to chit chat with all the social graces. One time I (and about 50 neighbors) wanted to have the N...

Scott L

October 12, 2015 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION Reverend Bryan Hovey, Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Boy Scout Troop 59 SET THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Lien for Weeds and Grass 2. Approval of a Proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness M...

Scott L

Councilman Toomey was the Mount Holly MPO representative in 2014 responsible for formally asking the NC Department of Transportation for projects. One such request was to widen N. Main to 4 lanes all the way to Freightliner. I can find no evidence that the community (voters) wants N. Main St. 4 lane...

Scott L

This is an illustration how I believe Mayor Hough influences city council. Having the greater community's interests in mind is probably a good thing for a mayor. So the mayor's manipulation is not necessarily bad; but we need city council members who can understand this manipulation and stand up to ...

Scott L

I've only personally met about half of the councilpersons -- Mr. Toomey ranks high for character and personality. A super guy you'd sure like to know. But how does he govern... I can vouch that Mr. Toomey was on the right side of the negotiating table when I brought an issue to him for consideration...

Scott L

Regarding the new business item: "Discussion of Re-Routing Truck Traffic off of North Main Street", Mayor Hough said on the record that if Councilman Toomey brought forth a proposal to route truck traffic off N. Main Street, he would add it to the agenda. (Which he did in April 2015) When ...

Scott L

Hi, Jeff. When you talk about "opportunity for growth", are you talking: (a) annexation (more territory) (b) higher density development (more people in our town) (c) increased property values (more quality) I think it's important to distinguish what kind of growth when you speak of it. I'v...

Scott L

Mr. Meadows seems to have a Facebook page that represents him running for council: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010252603480

Scott L

I have noticed a difference. Still some heavy freight traffic and coal ash coming through.... but for sure some improvement - even if unenforcable and possibly temporary. There are times when no trucks travel through that I feel inspired to walk downtown. Just hoping it continues to improve and last...

Scott L

Below according to the Belmont Banner News 9/17/2015 edition. It's time to take the "thus subject to change" out of the equation and make the routing of truck traffic off N. Main residential areas "enforceable", lasting, and benefiting our town while allowing our industry to thri...

Scott L

This is Mr. Meadow's website: http://jeffmeadows.us/

This is Mr. Meadow's election card that my wife received from him at a community function:

Scott L

"I have been asked to be notified when this is to be an item on the agenda so our citizens can make their voices heard to the council." -- The hallmark characteristic of a good elected representative! Not someone trying to decide for us without our input. Not someone trying to dictate to ...

Scott L

I saw that too! To me it reminded me of Easter and Halloween combined. Kind of Halloween colors but a symbol that looked like the stone rolled away from the tomb. (By the way, Curious Citizen, after your first post is approved on this board as a registered user, your posts no longer require approval...

Scott L

Based on personal experience and lessons learned, I would guess your best effort might be to engage all 6 councilpersons separately. It seems some councilpersons are more approachable than others. Some know better how to consider the concerns of constituents. And some communicate better than others....

Scott L

I heard nothing mentioned of the lightning detection system last night. And there was nothing on the agenda about it.

Scott L

Sunshine Laws: What’s an Official Meeting? A majority of the members, Gathering in person or electronically, To conduct a hearing, deliberate, vote, or otherwise conduct public business. “Deliberate” – can include gathering of information , as well as weighing and reflecting on the reasons for or ag...

Scott L

Closed Session Rules: 14. What is the procedure for holding a closed session? A public body may hold a closed session only if it first begins an open official meeting after proper public notice. During the open part of the official meeting, the public body must make and adopt a motion to hold a clos...

Scott L

If you want to be alerted to new content posted to City Council agendas and meeting minutes, become a registered user and subscribe using the check-box option that appears at the bottom of the screen that you're interested in updates:

Scott L

Another video recording of this month's council meeting can be found here: https://youtu.be/GLaRBLyVp0k To note: The item from last month's workshop regarding firearms and alcohol was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. No explanation was given. All the other items on the agenda...

Scott L

Similar issues in other towns:

http://www.yourerie.com/news/find-it/fi ... nstituents

http://koin.com/2015/05/06/does-portlan ... esent-you/

http://pulse-of-petaluma.blogs.petaluma ... -good-job/

Scott L

September 14, 2015 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION Dr. Kendall Cameron, First Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Boy Scout Troop 59 SET THE AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Lien for Weeds and Grass 2. Approval of a Proclamation for Dyslexia Awareness Month 3. Approval of the Hic...

Scott L

Well, at least with the tax RATE, Mt. Holly seems to have had only one change in the last 10 years. It went down 1.8% between 2007 and 2008. Frankly, I was surprised it was so stable. Especially when our population has changed so much in the last 10 years. http://www.gastongov.com/docs/default-sourc...

Scott L

So if I understand your dissatisfaction with taxes, it's that government in general does not use tax dollars wisely? If I give you that point for the sake of argument, I'd be interested in hearing your opinion if you get a better deal or worse deal than the taxpayers in surrounding towns. In other w...

Scott L

We have had an investigative reporter connect with every agency: NCDOT, Federal DOT, and the State Highway Patrol Director. It comes down to this: "...its all in the hands of the Mayor and City Council. The City has the Authority to put up signs restricting Truck Traffic through our town - PERI...

Scott L

What I think I observed today on N. Main: A NCDOT crew took a core sample of the road to determine how deep the asphalt is. They might also be able to tell what kind of material the road is made of. It seemed they also tested the ground under the pavement using what might have been a calibrated hamm...

Scott L

I think to include in the concept development, we might see this grocer that's evolved in Greensboro since 1947: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7zVSAASZcI

Scott L

An idea to start one of these: http://www.frenchbroadfood.coop/ in Mt. Holly's downtown district. Ideas? Thoughts? Organization? History? Action?

Scott L

A mention of the truck traffic issue in the monthly newsletter:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=364

Scott L

September 2015

Scott L

This has been a success that for sure exceeded anyone's expectations:

http://www.mounthollyfarmersmarket.com/ ... ty-garden/

Scott L

There's a special message I once wrote for HOAs. You can find that here: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=264

I think one HOA published something for their membership.

Scott L

There are only 2 yard signs left. If you see one out there, ask to borrow it for a while so they move around the community. All the t-shirts are gone from the local shops -- but I've got some more that I give out on request to people who contribute to the forum.

Scott L

Monday, July 27, 2015 Council Chambers 6:30 pm Call to Order Mayor Hough called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. The following were present: Mayor Bryan Hough Danny Jackson, City Manager Mayor Pro Tem Perry Toomey Jamie Guffey, Assistant City Manager Councilman Jerry Bishop David Johnson, City Engin...

Scott L

Monday, July 13, 2015 Council Chambers 7:00 pm Call to Order Mayor Bryan Hough called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The following were present: Mayor Bryan Hough Danny Jackson, City Manager Mayor Pro Tem Perry Toomey Jamie Guffey, Assistant City Manager Councilman Jerry Bishop Greg Beal, Planning...

Scott L

I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Meadows one-on-one for more than an hour to discuss Mount Holly politics at a fine Mount Holly establishment. It was clear to me that Mr. Meadows is very involved and aware of many issues our community faces. Though Mr. Meadows does not contribute to online...

Scott L

We're trying out a new thing... video recording public council meetings. Though I can do the first 2 or more, it's inevitable that I'll be unable to attend some Monday meetings. What I need is a few volunteers that can help record these when I cannot. I've got the tripod and video camera and it's an...

Scott L

The town suggested that because Mt. Holly had the most restrictive firearm ordinances, they proposed the same in the new environment caused by the state legislature giving less control to towns about denying permitted concealed firearms. I am an expired conceal carry citizen. I've re-taken the train...

Scott L

I think the context of the discussion surrounded permitting someone to serve/sell/distribute alcohol by permit. I heard two scenarios referenced I think: 1) A special event at a public park similar to what is done downtown during Springfest where they have a "beer garden" area. Perhaps if ...

Scott L

Alcohol Discussion: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=343

Firearm Discussion: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=342

Scott L

Mount Holly is considering how alcohol could be permitted to be sold, served, and/or distributed in public parks. What does Mount Holly think is a good policy?

Scott L

State legislation has changed what towns can do as far as restricting firearms in public spaces: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=14-415.23 The city cannot prohibit permitted concealed firearms on a greenway biking/walking path, maybe a dog park, or open areas that ar...

Scott L

So the meeting/workshop was not well attended by the public. Fortunately, the public can benefit from a recording of the meeting: http://youtu.be/BB9zt0irZQ0 Agenda item #5 "Review of Updates to the City Code" included correcting grammatical errors. It also included proposed changes to how...

Scott L

Well thank you... I am flattered. I served in local government as an appointed commissioner before and it really took me 2 years before I truly understood my role. It is so easy for an elected official to fall into the trap of being managed by the very government they are to oversee. The fact that s...

Scott L

Here is an interesting thing to consider. The Strategic Vision Plan calls for a traffic circle at N. Main and Highland. This was to be implemented in 2013. (http://mymtholly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27) According to Byron Engle (Division 12 NCDOT), the intersection's right-of-way would acco...

Scott L

CITY OF MOUNT HOLLY MOUNT HOLLY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Location: Council Chambers August 24, 2015 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR INVOCATION SET THE AGENDA 1. Presentation of Granny’s House Activities Center Gloria Mack 2. Presentation of the 2016 Bike Race Matthew Gregory 3. Approval to re-...

Scott L

Anyone attending the market should see that there is value in donating to this community cause:

http://www.gofundme.com/sfh9um8

Scott L

I found this online: http://www.steelecreekresidents.org/Newspages/news414_AirportNoise.htm It says that in noisy areas the airport might provide money for sound insulation. From the looks on the map, Mount Holly is nowhere near those noisy areas. That being said, there seems to be some issues to ta...

Scott L

When does the Waters Edge HOA turn over to a residential board and not run by the developer? When will the next construction phase begin?

Scott L

Anyone wonder what would happen if the NCDOT accepts City Council's proposal to make N. Main a 4-lane road with bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides? How far into the entrance of Runneymeade would that go? What would happen to the home values being so close to a 4-lane highway?

Scott L

Anyone ever given any thought about what's going to happen to the old Riverbend power plant? Does anyone think Mount Holly will annex it and zone it Heavy Industrial and it would be eligible for a slaughterhouse or meat packing plant or something? Or could it get annexed and zoned residential or com...

Scott L

In the last council meeting, there was a Strategic Vision Plan update made by Greg Beal. This was forecasted by our City Manager in November of last year. In our 2014 newsletter and posted on the Town's website: http://www.mtholly.us/news_article.php?A-Message-From-the-Manager---November-2014 A Mess...

Scott L

Our Strategic Vision Plan represented in this diagram: Vision: Well-documented in Phase 1 of the SVP Skills: Described in Phase 5 of the SVP ("Staff adequately: Hire a Zoning Officer and establish an Economic Development Office.") Incentives: (?) Resources: Prioritization of Annual Budget ...

Scott L

Wouldn't we want to have the city councilman in this video represent us in Mt. Holly: http://wwlp.com/2015/08/06/trucks-banned-from-residential-streets-in-northampton/ Third party trucking companies are part of the problem we have in Mount Holly -- like this issue in the video: http://fox17online.co...

Scott L

I met with Mr. Meadows at a community cookout, I've seen Mr. Meadows at a council meeting, and my wife bumped into Mr. Meadows at a downtown event. Mr. Meadows I believe was or is on the MH planning committee. His occupation involves working with low-income housing in or with the City of Charlotte. ...

Scott L

"I'm open to partnering a small night time spot. Anybody interested?" -- Have you visited SideTrax? Are you proposing something different from that or the same in addition to that?

Scott L

Let's examine this a little more. Our council is at-large for a population of about 14,000. That means every council member has to do the work to understand the registered voters of 14,000 people and then represent the will of those voters to government. Gastonia has a Ward system where each council...

Scott L

Looks like that parcel of land owned by Mount Holly might be used for a new fire station....

Scott L

Brilliant idea. Service fees should be compared. It might take a while to dig that up or feel free to contribute any pieces you have on that. I think Councilman Gowan also mentioned that property values should also be considered. So in a city of a population of 2 and both homes valued $100k, if the ...

Scott L

Here are some interesting things all NC voters need to watch. http://www.ncdoj.gov/getdoc/e1447597-eb6d-44f4-9802-d10420bea7db/Open-Meetings-Q-A.aspx http://www.nclm.org/news/Documents/NewMayorsOrientation2013/Cullowhee%20Combined%20Session%20Nov%2018/Open%20Meetings%20Public%20Records%20Presentatio...

Scott L

Please see here: http://mymtholly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&p=654#p654 Councilwoman Breyere asked the Mayor if the item will be further discussed in the next workshop meeting. The Mayor said they will discuss it further if/when there is new information to discuss. So frankly, I don't know wha...

Scott L

You might be right about the sweeper. Living on N. Main, there are always nuts and bolts in the gutter with all kinds of litter. When I'm home, I try to pick it up daily. But do you have the opinion that the taxes you pay give you a "good deal"? (Water, sewer, services, etc.) There are bil...

Scott L

I'll start with my opinion... I moved here from Charlotte where I had a more expensive home and therefore paid more property taxes. I paid $4,600 in property taxes/year -- impossible to split city vs. county. When I looked around, I couldn't find $4,600 in value in exchange for what I paid. The CMS ...

Scott L

(Disclaimer: All the below from memory. The official minutes will be more complete and accurate when it comes out.) The council meeting went well all through public comment. I think 8 people signed up to speak. Four spoke on the matter of the heavy trucks. One spoke about civic duty. And at least tw...

Scott L

Fortunately, this truck was broken down on N. Main today and emergency crews quickly responded to direct traffic. What happens if a fully loaded freight truck driver were to have a medical condition? What happens to the fully loaded truck?

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