Public Meetings - Gastonia, North Carolina

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin, with Mayor Walker Reed and Councilman Charles Odom excused. The council addressed routine approvals, two public hearings for annexation and zoning changes, a street closure, an amendment to the flood hazard ordinance, committee reports, and council member updates. Consent Calendar - G.1: Designation of Detective Cody Edge as ABC Official – Pulled for discussion; Detective Edge answered questions about his role, including vaping and human trafficking enforcement. Item then approved with the consent calendar. - G.2: Purchase of radiator for Long Creek Wastewater Plant – Awarded to Carolina Power Systems for $73,700 with budget amendment. - G.3: Additional revenue from NCDOT for Highland Branch Greenway – $648,204 recognized via CMAQ supplemental agreement. - G.4: Final plat approval for Stagecoach Station Phase 2 Map 1 subdivision - G.5: NCDOT Municipal Agreement for Routine Maintenance & Mowing - G.6: Purchase of two pickup trucks – $105,188 for Recreation Units 150 & 171. - G.7: Design-build services for Erwin Center pool and bathhouse renovations – Awarded to Southside Constructors, Inc. for $25,000. Public Comments & Testimony - Christine Rutherford (York Chester resident) expressed concerns about aging infrastructure: two water main breaks on Fifth Street within 10 months, a sinkhole on York Street, and unaddressed silt from the December 4 break. She urged investment in York Chester's infrastructure, stating residents feel 'forgotten.' Discussion Items - H.1 & H.2: Public Hearing – Voluntary Annexation and Zoning Change for 1.43 Acres (Union Road/Robinson Road) – The property (owned by South Oak Partners, LLC) is vacant and proposed for 13 townhomes (PD-RRDD zoning). City staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan and lower traffic impact than commercial use. - Speakers in opposition: Lee Woody (co-owner of adjacent lot) argued the development would be out of place, create traffic chaos, and diminish property values; she also said she received no notice of meetings. Joseph Bingham (adjacent property owner) stated the proposal conflicts with the 2025 Future Land Use Plan (commercial designation) and proposed a land swap. Philip Hicks (nearby resident) raised concerns about cut-through traffic on the planned connecting road. - Applicant David Tibbles (South Oak Partners) requested approval, noting the zoning would allow residential density similar to county by-right options, and that the project received unanimous planning board support. He stated lot prices would target $65,000–$70,000, resulting in townhomes selling for $300,000–$320,000. - Council members debated the connecting street (Union to Robinson) as a potential cut-through. Staff explained connectivity is standard and that right-turn-only restrictions could mitigate traffic. The motion included a statement of consistency and reasonableness. - H.3: Public Hearing – Closure of Two Portions of Sterling Lane – Unopened paper streets on an old plat; staff had no concerns. Council approved closure, noting a new plat with proper dedications will follow. - H.4: Public Hearing – Unified Development Ordinance Amendment (Flood Hazard Overlay) – Proposed amendment to Section 7.6.1 FH allows a rise in base flood elevation for public transportation projects under three conditions: rise contained within street right-of-way, on developer's property only, or with written agreement from affected property owners. Staff emphasized balance between floodplain protection and needed connectivity. The amendment was approved. Key Outcomes - Approval of Consent Agenda (with item G.1 discussed and included) – Passed unanimously. - Approval of Annexation and Zoning (Union Road/Robinson Road) – Motion by Councilman Gallagher, seconded; passed unanimously. - Approval of Sterling Lane Closure – Motion and second; passed unanimously. - Approval of UDO Flood Hazard Amendment – Motion by Councilman Gallagher, seconded; passed unanimously. - Arts Committee Grant Approvals (all passed with individual votes): - Highland Community Art Park: $5,000 (contingent on 501(c)(3) status by June 30, 2023) – Amended motion passed. - African-American Museum of History & Culture: $10,000 – Passed. - Gaston County Art Guild: $5,000 – Passed. - Gaston Dance Theater: $10,000 – Passed. - Gaston School of Arts: $3,000 – Passed. - Little Theater of Gastonia: $10,000 – Councilwoman Stepp recused; motion by Councilman Gallagher passed. - Appropriation for MB Art Panels Engineering: $20,000 approved to complete structural anchorage and foundation design for relocation near rotary pavilion. - City Manager's Report noted progress on ARPA playgrounds, strategic planning sessions (January 20–21), and a bond issuance split of $37.5 million. The next police chief hiring process is ongoing. - Council Reports included: Councilwoman Barber mentioned the One Gaston 2040 Vision Plan release in January and community events. Councilman Kellogg highlighted opening of a cold weather shelter at the Salvation Army and National Homeless Persons Memorial Day activities. Councilman Gallagher reported on ride-along experiences and called for prioritizing police hiring/retention raises and infrastructure improvements in historic areas. Announcements & Adjournment - City offices closed December 23, 26 for Christmas; January 2 for New Year's; January 16 for MLK Jr. Day. - Upcoming meetings: January 3 (City Council), January 5 (Planning Commission and Transportation Committee), January 17 (City Council), January 19 (Citizen Committee Recognition), January 20-21 (Strategic Planning Session). - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.

The Gastonia City Council met on December 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM with Mayor Pro Tem (standing in for Mayor Walker E. Reid, III who was ill) presiding. Key topics included the annual audit report, a presentation from Project B.O.L.T., a contract for lead and copper rule compliance, several affordable housing items, committee reports, and a public comment from a local community group. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda with an amendment adding item G12 (Highland Branch Greenway CMAQ supplemental agreement). - Approved the minutes of the November 15 regular meeting. - Approved all 13 consent items, including: resolutions for subdivision plats, easements, asset forfeiture recognition, bond referendum results, interest earnings, transportation bond proceeds, monthly financial report, coin donation, sewer utility agreement, CMAQ funding for Highland Branch Greenway, and subdivision plats for Copper Mill and Nolen Farm. Public Comments & Testimony - Finland Fair and George Fullwood (representing 101 Black Men for Highland) spoke during public expression. They stated that their organization is already conducting similar community outreach and trust-building work as Project B.O.L.T., including mentoring, feeding programs, school partnerships, and career building (e.g., truck driving school). They urged the city to look at local groups first before hiring outside consultants and asked for funding support for their efforts. Discussion Items - E1: Audit Results (FY2022) – Finance Director Crystal Certain and auditor Tonya Thompson presented an unmodified (clean) audit opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Key financial highlights: revenues increased $5M to $68.3M; expenditures increased $9.5M to $64.7M; available fund balance grew to $36.48 million (47.96% of expenditures, above the 25% target). Property taxes represented 47% of revenues; sales taxes grew to 30% (up 15% from prior year). Public safety consumed 51% of expenditures. The city’s debt stood at $113.6 million, with a legal debt margin of $499 million. No LGC performance indicator red flags were triggered. - E2: Project B.O.L.T. – Gemini Boyd, co-founder and president, presented his Charlotte-based nonprofit that serves as a community trust broker, using lived experience (20 years federal prison) to build trust, hope, and value in marginalized communities. He described their methodology: listening to residents, conducting surveys, and connecting resources. They have partnerships with schools, health systems, and sports teams. The committee had recommended engaging Project B.O.L.T. (see Committee Report). - E3: Lead and Copper Rule Compliance Contract – Public Utilities Director Joe Albright and Samantha Biltcliffe of 120Water presented the new USEPA Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (effective Dec 2021), which require a complete service line inventory by October 16, 2024. The city seeks to contract with 120Water for $175,000 over 36 months to develop the inventory, verification, and public transparency dashboard. Council approved the contract unanimously. - Central City Revitalization & Housing Committee Report (Councilman Kellogg): - 2C: Summer Concert Series – Approved reducing from more frequent concerts to four larger events (May, June, August, September) in partnership with Gastonia East Rotary Club. Discussion emphasized diversity of bands and alternative attendance metrics beyond beer sales. - 2E: CHDO Designation and Affordable Housing Construction – Designated Belmont Community Development Corporation (CDC) as a certified CHDO and approved an agreement for constructing two single-family homes on city-owned land at a total construction cost of up to $469,320 (approx. $234,660 per unit). Developer fee is 15%. Homes must be sold to low- to moderate-income buyers (80% AMI) within nine months or convert to rentals per HUD rules. Approved. - 2F: Surplus Property Conveyance – Authorized conveyance of surplus city-owned properties to Belmont CDC for affordable housing. Approved. - 2G: Third Substantial Amendment to CDBG-CV Plan – Allocated funds for public facilities (outdoor shelters at Linwood Springs and T. Jeffers). Approved. - 2H: RFP for Highland East Community Properties – Released draft RFP for city-owned properties in Highland East. Approved. - 2I: Declaration of Surplus Properties – Declared certain city-owned properties surplus for affordable housing. Approved. - 2J: Affordable Housing Policy Changes – Increased homebuyer down payment assistance from $5,000 to $7,500; adopted a competitive scoring model for multifamily projects that rewards developers accepting Housing Choice Vouchers. Approved. - 2L: Neighborhood Engagement and Needs Assessment – The committee had voted to recommend engaging Project B.O.L.T. However, after public comments from 101 Black Men and council discussion, the motion was withdrawn. Council directed staff to facilitate a joint discussion between Project B.O.L.T. and 101 Black Men to explore potential collaboration. - Audit, Bids & Insurance Committee Report (Mayor Pro Tem): - Approved continuing the employee health clinic contract with Atrium Health (rather than issuing an RFP), citing employee satisfaction and established patient-provider relationships. - Approved the annual audit as presented. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda (all 13 items) unanimously. - Approved the lead and copper rule compliance contract with 120Water ($175,000) unanimously. - Approved the Erwin Center parking lot contract with Quinn Sales Inc. dba Custom Paving ($249,989.58) unanimously. - Approved citizen committee appointments: Cassandra Longway to the Art Committee; other appointments tabled. - Approved all affordable housing items from the committee report as listed above (summer concert series, CHDO designation, property conveyance, CDBG-CV amendment, RFP, surplus property declaration, and policy changes) with unanimous votes. - Directed staff to facilitate a joint meeting between Project B.O.L.T. and 101 Black Men for Highland to explore partnership, rather than immediately engaging Project B.O.L.T. alone. - Closed Session: Council entered closed session under N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the city attorney regarding pending litigation (City of Gastonia v. Nancy Foy McDaniel et al.) and preserve attorney-client privilege.

The Gastonia City Council met on November 15, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the Gaston County Courthouse. The meeting began with an invocation by Ray Hamam of the Islamic Society of Gastonia, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Walker E. Reid III. The council adopted the agenda and approved the minutes of the November 1, 2022 meeting. A series of proclamations and recognitions were presented, including honors for Senator Kathy Harrington, Miss Gastonia 2022 Sharidan Amiya Costner, retiring Planning Commissioner Bob Cinq-Mars, the Season of Agape, the Gaston Day High School men’s soccer team, and two neighborhood associations for the ACE program. Interim Police Chief Trent Conard gave a presentation on Shop with a Cop and holiday theft prevention, noting 495 thefts from motor vehicles and 264 motor vehicle thefts year-to-date. The meeting included four public speakers, three annexation/rezoning public hearings, a report from the Recreation Advisory Commission, and approval of an engineering services contract for the General Obligation Transportation Bond resurfacing program. Consent Calendar - Proclamation recognizing November 26, 2022 as Small Business Saturday. - Resolution to recognize proceeds from surplus sales with budget amendment. - Resolution to recognize remaining funds from an Eagle Scout project at Sims Park ($975). - Resolution for a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) agreement for Linwood Springs Redevelopment Project ($500,000 grant, $1,000,000 city match). - Resolution to set public hearing date for closure of two portions of Sterling Lane (December 20, 2022). - Resolution to replace the work order asset management system with CityWorks. - Resolution to accept for maintenance portions of Camber Woods Phase I. - Resolution regarding proposed regulatory standards under PURPA by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. - Resolution to award contract for 2022 Annual Resurfacing to Blythe Construction, Inc. ($1,471,930.59). - Resolution to approve vendor listing as sole source vendors. - Resolution to amend traffic ordinance converting the intersection of Highland Street and Davidson Avenue to an all-way stop. Public Comments & Testimony - Hugh Crisp (Executive Director, CTS Health Community Development): Spoke about the need for foster parents, noting there are 400 youth in foster care in Gastonia. Urged support and provided contact information. - Mike Ross: Criticized the handling of the Joshua Rohrer case and questioned the city’s commitment to homeless individuals. Asked if construction trailers delivered to shelter the homeless would be allowed or if people would be evicted again. Referenced a previous incident where dozens were removed from a warm shelter. Also praised Councilman Kellogg for efforts on homeless services. - Unidentified speaker (likely a pastor): Expressed frustration over the police department’s actions in the Joshua Rohrer case, lack of unity, and perceived political motivations. Challenged council to care for the “least among us.” Mentioned the Agape season and questioned the city’s treatment of homeless individuals. - Pastor (from Faith, Hope, and Love Community Enrichment Ministries): Thanked whoever allowed a trailer for showers for homeless individuals. Reported 253–258 homeless people in Gastonia, with 25% on their property. Described feeding and ministry efforts through COVID. Called for cooperation and noted three or four opioid deaths on their property. - Laith Sneed (Huntington Forest resident): Opposed the Hand Property rezoning (Item I.7), citing increased traffic, crime, loss of natural areas, and concerns about an access point on Leonard Street. Asked for special consideration for Huntington Forest. - Sharon Howard (Huntington Forest resident): Opposed the Hand Property rezoning, emphasizing the loss of natural resources and inadequate notification to the broader community. Requested maximum undisturbed green space and better future notification procedures. Discussion Items - Neal Hawkins Road Townhomes (Items I.3 & I.4): Request to annex 27.307 acres and rezone from Gaston County RS-12 to City of Gastonia PD-RRDD for up to 155 townhomes. Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicant Kyle DePretoro agreed to add a stub-out to Forbes Road (subject to Duke Power easement) to provide a second access. Council discussed connectivity, traffic, and tree ordinance. Approved with condition. - Brookfield Residential / Crowders Creek Road (Items I.5 & I.6): Request to annex 47.90 acres and rezone to PD-RRDD for up to 200 single-family detached and 105 single-family attached units. Planning Commission recommended approval. Council discussed tree preservation, stormwater management, pedestrian safety crossing East Hudson Boulevard, and marketability of homes along major roads. Approved. - Hand Property (Item I.7): Appeal of a rezoning request for 103.84 acres from RS-12 to PD-TND (Traditional Neighborhood Development) for 207 single-family detached, 133 single-family attached, 348 multifamily units, and two commercial out parcels. Planning Commission recommended approval. Public speakers opposed, citing density, traffic, and environmental loss. Developer representative explained timeline (construction December 2023, first move-ins December 2024). Council clarified no vehicular connection to Leonard Drive and noted tree save areas. Approved. - GO Bond Resurfacing Program (Item I.8): Resolution to authorize scope of services with Withers Ravenel for engineering services not to exceed $1,342,700. Rusty Bost reported that voters approved $75 million in transportation bonds a week prior. The program aims to resurface 30 miles of roads in 2023 using two contracts. Work will be clustered by neighborhoods. Funding will be coordinated with bond issuance. Approved. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Neal Hawkins Road Annexation/Rezoning: Approved with a condition that the developer provide a stub-out to Forbes Road (subject to Duke Power easement). - Crowders Creek Road Annexation/Rezoning: Approved unanimously. - Hand Property Rezoning (Appeal): Approved unanimously over the appeal. Statement of consistency modified to reference the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. - GO Bond Engineering Services: Approved, authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate a final contract not to exceed $1,342,700. - Appointments: Glenn Silverman appointed to the Planning Commission (Ward II) by acclamation. Mayor Walker E. Reid III appointed to the ABC Board by acclamation. - Proclamations and Recognitions: All 7 items under Item E (E.1–E.7) were accepted and approved by motion. - Committee Report: Recreation Advisory Commission report provided for information; no action taken. - Future Meeting: Next regular City Council meeting December 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM. A continued public hearing for Items I.1 and I.2 set for December 20, 2022.

The Gastonia City Council met on November 1, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included an invocation, pledge, adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes, proclamations, financial recognitions, public expression (no speakers), consent agenda, a major development agreement for Franklin Yards, a quarterly goals update, committee reports, and city manager and council reports. Key outcomes included unanimous approval of the Franklin Yards development and a unanimous vote to prepare an RFP for micro-transit services. Proclamations & Awards - Family Court Awareness Month: Councilwoman Donyel Barber presented a proclamation recognizing November 2022 as Family Court Awareness Month. The proclamation highlighted the mission to increase awareness and improve the family court system for children. Recipient Michael Raskevitz accepted. - Soul Towne Community Outreach Month: Councilwoman Jennifer M. Stepp presented a proclamation recognizing November 2022 as Soul Towne Community Outreach Month. Recipient Shann Fulton accepted and urged donations at 3316 Union Road on Mondays and Fridays. - Financial Awards & Bond Rating Upgrade: Director of Financial Services Crystal Certain announced that the city received the GFOA Certificate for Achievement in Financial Reporting (29th year), the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award with special recognition for long-range financial plans (30th year), and an upgrade from S&P Global Ratings: General Obligation bonds from AA- to AA, and Limited Obligation bonds from A+ to AA-. Specific staff credited: Wendell Hendricks (audit), Jesse Falls and Jesse Williams (budget book). The upgrade reflects improved economic wealth and strong reserves. Discussion Items - Franklin Yards Development (Highline Partners): A $50-59 million mixed-use project on the former YMCA site (6 acres) in the Fuse District, featuring 232 market-rate apartments, 5,300 sq ft commercial space, a 10,000 sq ft public-private park (Franklin Park), pool, and parking that aims for net neutral impact on public parking. Developer Mark Miller presented renderings inspired by the Warlick YMCA project and incorporating a new Trenton Street intersection alignment (land donated to city). Rents were stated to be below 30% of area median income ($1,500/month threshold): one-bedrooms at $14.67/month per square foot? (context: $14.67? likely misstatement - meaning $1,467?), two-bedrooms at $1,917. Expected to bring approximately 312 residents. Timeline: design 9 months after agreement, construction Q4 2023 to Q4 2025, leasing into 2026. The project is part of the West Franklin Redevelopment Plan (blighted area). Incentives proposed: Gaston County $1.5 million site development grant (from existing tax incentive area), an 18-year 100% Tax Investment Grant (estimated $225,000 annually, excluding Municipal Services District tax and utilities), and a Construction in Progress Grant based on stipulated tax value. City Manager noted projected annual utility revenue $250,000. Councilman Gallagher and Councilman Kirlin questioned the length and percentage of the tax grant; Director Crisp explained it was negotiated to make the project feasible and sets a precedent for similarly blighted, large-scale projects. Councilman Kirlin noted the net public benefit after utilities. Patrick Mumford (Gaston Business Association) supported, noting the project will activate the south side of Franklin and provide housing for young executives. Councilwoman Barber (in whose ward the project lies) praised developer engagement with neighbors (Little Theater, York Chester). Councilwoman Stepp asked about affordable housing; Miller responded that all units are market-rate and additional subsidies would be needed for lower rents. The public hearing was closed, and a motion to approve the development and grant agreements passed unanimously. - Quarterly Update of 2023-2025 Goals and Objectives: City Manager Michael Peoples highlighted progress on 58 goals, including: Southeast sewer project 50% complete; LED conversion 60% on city streets; Municipal Operations Center construction nearing completion (likely tour before holidays); $100 million DOT grant for I-85 widening; $5 million FEMA BRIC grant for Doharks Creek corridor; employee health clinic discussions with county; homelessness committee; affordable housing study (one year timeline); traffic signal system upgrade contract awarded; and various economic development projects (Dirty Bull Brewery, Coca-Cola building, Center City Crossings). Councilman Gallagher asked about the health clinic RFP; Peoples noted a November 16 audit/bids meeting to discuss further. Committee Reports - Transportation Committee (Councilwoman Stepp): Action item – resolution to obtain proposals for micro-transit services. Committee voted 3-0 to recommend. Council approved unanimously. Director of Transit Cindy Forrester explained options: city-run with vendor software (80% federal/20% local capital) or turnkey (50/50). Potential to combine fixed-route buses on major roads with on-demand micro-transit. Other updates: airport fencing, self-serve fueling progress; greenway plan (10-mile goal); reconnecting communities pilot grant for Trade Street ditch study; general obligation bond survey (about 200 responses); intersection improvements at Franklin/Gaston Mall; pavement condition survey; speed humps; and the realigned intersection at Franklin Yards. - Intergovernmental Relations & Economic Development Committee (Councilman Kellogg): Reported on potential multifamily project in Fuse District by Lansing Melbourne Group (informational); higher education recruitment update; Jaguar Transport (601 N. Moldina Street) progress – building purchased, rail line use bringing jobs; homelessness update – cold weather shelter at Salvation Army (activates on freezing forecast), one-stop shop for wrap-around services (Tuesdays/Thursdays starting Nov 10, 11am-3pm) at Salvation Army, and county purchasing mobile unit for laundry/showers (also for emergencies). City Manager's Report - YMCA membership for employees: over 115 enrolled. - Police Chief interim appointment (Chief Connard) and other promotions; comprehensive search for permanent chief underway. - Parks and Rec Director Trip White appointed; Assistant City Manager Adrian Miller joining in December. - November 8 election (general obligation bond referendum); ongoing survey with QR code. City Council Reports - Council members summarized meetings with community organizations, attendance at events (Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, Serenity Art Park dedication, arts events, etc.), and health updates (COVID booster, flu shots, opioid education series on Nov 19). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (items H.1-H.5) approved unanimously without discussion. - Proclamations for Family Court Awareness Month and Soul Towne Community Outreach Month approved. - Franklin Yards development and grant agreements approved unanimously (motion by Councilman Kellogg, second by Councilman Gallagher). - Resolution to prepare RFP for micro-transit services approved unanimously (motion by Councilwoman Stepp, second by Councilman Kirlin). - City Council will next meet November 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Gaston County Courthouse Public Forum Room.