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.
Our invocation would be given tonight by Council. Mayor Pro Jam Dave Curlen, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Could you bow your heads with me if you are so inclined? Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all candidates to seek your guidance. I would pray that they would seek you first as they seek to serve our country. I would pray that they would seek wise counsel and that they choose integrity in both their campaigns and their terms in office. I would pray that candidates would have listening ears and soft hearts. As elected officials, sometimes we are more concerned with promoting our own agenda, and we fail to understand the big picture. Please keep us true to the mission of serving the common good of all of Gastonia citizens. I pray for strength and encouragement for our leaders and election candidates. It takes a brave person to run for office, and we should support their willingness to serve, even though we may not always agree with their viewpoints. I pray that our leaders would commit to working together, and that we on this council would too. So much more can come from a collective effort where we are all pushing forward to the same goal line. Give us all the wisdom to navigate differences and work together to strengthen our city. And I pray for candidates and those in leadership positions to address poverty and justice issues. You call on us to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves as we continue to work towards addressing the homelessness issue in Gaston County. Give us the energy and drive to put forth meaningful efforts to aid those less fortunate than we. So be with us this evening in this place and instill in us your wisdom, be with the candidates, give them peace, whatever be the outcome of their efforts, and guide them in their future endeavors. All this we ask in your holy name. Amen. Amen. Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Under item C, the adoption of the agenda. Are there any additions? Deletions, corrections to the agenda as presented. Mr. Mayor, make a motion that we adopt the agenda as presented. Second. Motion second. All in favor, please indicate it's unanimous. On the item D, the approval of the minutes for a regular council meeting on October the 18th. What are we should council? Motion to approve. Second. Well, motion and second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Under item E, award ceremony and promotions. Proclamation recognized in November 2022 as Family Court Awareness Month. And our presentation will be presented by Councilwoman Danya Barber. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. If we could have sorry, we have a representative here from Family Court Awareness Month Committee. Michael see you? Okay. Come to the head. Yes, if you'll come. And I'm sorry, I left my agenda. And I didn't want to butcher your name. No, it's Rascalitz.