Gastonia City Council Meeting - December 20, 2022

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.