Gastonia City Council Meeting - November 1, 2022
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Gastonia City Council Meeting - November 1, 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.
Meeting Transcript
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.
openpublica.com