Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman
♦ I want to keep you abreast of my work, interactions and activities with the City Council.
1. I met with the City Manager Lane Bailey and interim Police Chief Brian Stallings a couple of weeks ago. In the meeting I asked for a clear picture of the state of the Department. I was assured that previous problems were addressed and the loss of the Officers through personnel matters was necessary for morale and progress.
2. They provided assurance the deficit of 11 positions would not cause any neglect to the service, safety and protection of any communities. I shared with the City Manager that the Community should have a voice and role in the hiring of the new Chief.
3. A salary increase was approved, but I want to ensure that increased respect and efforts to improve morale are made a priority as well.
4. I have a lot of respect for the interim Chief Brian Stallings and believe he will repair the damage done by the previous Chief.
5. I shared my concerns about the lack of diversity amongst 2nd tier leadership ranks (i.e.-Captain, Lieutenants and Sergeants). There are only two people of color amongst this group and no Hispanic/Latino leaders.
6. I asked if cultural awareness training was being offered in addition to job specific training to help officers understand the populations they serve. It isn’t, but the City Manager said it would be included in the future.
7. I’m aware the City received significant federal grant money for Gang Prevention over the last 10 years or more. I asked the City Manager to provide an accounting of how much money was received and how it has been used. He stated that Assistant City Manager Zack Kyle is researching this information. I’m in possession of some information, but will share all of it in its entirety when Mr. Kyle is done with his review. I want to ensure we have used the money for its intended purpose.
8. Over the past two weeks, I have observed our Waste Services Department in the execution of their duties picking up curbside trash and leaves. Overall, I have been impressed with their efforts and have thanked the employees I’ve interacted with both personally and publicly. I took pictures of some concerns I noted and forwarded them to City Services Management. Some included waste cans being tipped over after dumping and trash being left on the ground after dumping.
9. The City Manager will hold open door meetings at City Hall to come in and talk with him personally. The first session will be held on April 6th at 10:30 am. I know that many people are working at this time, so hopefully if this is a success, the time can be at a time when more people can attend.
10. The next Community Conversation forum will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22nd at the Father’s House of Glory located at 2218 Statesville Blvd. Moving forward, I hope the City will stop having these Community forums in Churches.
11. I had a business lunch with School Superintendent Dr. Lynn Moody last week. We discussed issues with the Schools and talked about strategies to impact them. We talked at length about the numerous fights at Salisbury High, behavioral concerns at other schools, and how to increase parental involvement.
12. I had a conversation with the DA about the lack of trust between the Police and the Black Community and how the broken relationship impacts information being shared to solve murders and other crime. She was very gracious and forthcoming about her process of prosecuting cases.
13. If you would like to serve on the Steering Committee for the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan, applications can be submitted online at http://www.salisburync.gov or by calling Catherine Garner at (704) 638-5324.
14. There are openings to serve on decision making City Boards and Commissions. There are slots available on the Transportation Advisory Board, Tree Board and the Zoning Board. If you’re interested, please go to the City’s website at http://www.salisburync.gov or reach out to the City Clerk for an application.
15. I’ve received several invitations to speak recently and have enjoyed bringing a strong message to all. In addition to area churches, I spoke with the Senior Democrats yesterday and will be the guest speaker at an upcoming Jack & Jill event and the 94th Anniversary of the JC Price American Legion Post.
16. I recognized two great local student athletes at last night’s meeting for their great accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic field. Javon Hargrave, a graduate of North Rowan High School and a Dean’s List graduate of SC State is projected to be a 2nd round NFL pick in next Month’s pro football draft. Aside from his athletic talent, this is a great young man who cares about his community and gives back.
17. Recent Livingstone College graduate Quanera Hayes won the 400 meters event at the USATF event over the weekend to become the national champion. She is now preparing to win a spot on the US Olympic Team.
18. I’ve held several meetings with Livingstone College President, Dr. Jimmy Jenkins, about improving the relationship between the College and the Community.
19. Met with the Executive Director of Downtown Salisbury Inc. to share concerns about the downtown area.
20. Represented the City in attending the celebration of the Livingstone College Men’s championship Basketball team.
21. I want to encourage people to get more involved in the Civic process. The City Council meeting time has been changed to 5pm and we are receiving public comments at both monthly meetings.
email me any comments or concerns at kenneth.hardin@salisbury nc.gov
