Gastonia City Council Meeting - February 7, 2023

On February 7, 2023, the Gastonia City Council held its regular meeting at City Hall, presided over by Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin in the absence of Mayor Walker Reed. The meeting featured a proclamation, departmental presentations, public comment, approval of a consent agenda, adoption of the 2023-2024 Advocacy Agenda with amendments, committee reports, and a subsequent closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the January 17, 2023 regular meeting were approved.
• Consent agenda items H.1 through H.12 (except H.10, which was pulled for further negotiation) were approved en bloc. Included were resolutions for a new social district logo, code revisions, fund transfers (including $100,000 from FUSE Capital to Operations), grant recognitions (e.g., $23,300 for police equipment, $115,376 in ARPA funds), speed limit reduction on Hoffman Road, engineering contract award to McAdams ($79,500), ABC Board travel policy, and contract amendment with LaBella ($300,000). Questions on item H.8 clarified that ARPA funds were for contractually obligated FUSE restroom construction.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Williams, a Gastonia resident, offered suggestions to improve city event attendance: alternating movies and concerts at the pavilion using multiple screens, using reusable banners without years to reduce costs, selling advertising space on banners, and improving public access to city recycling information (noting the Gazette’s paid subscription barrier). No council response was provided.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation for Senator Marshall A. Rauch’s 100th Birthday: Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp read a proclamation honoring Rauch’s military service (Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge), civic leadership (first Jewish council member, state senator), and business achievements (Rausch Industries, world’s largest ornament producer). The council unanimously accepted the proclamation.
• Introduction of Digital Media Specialist: Mary Elliott introduced Omar Nelson, who shared his background and expressed eagerness to serve. Council members welcomed him.
• Approval of 2023-2024 Advocacy Agenda: City Manager Michael Peoples presented federal and state priorities, which were previously discussed during a January 20–21 strategic planning session. Councilman Robert requested the re‑inclusion of film industry incentives, and Councilman Jim Gallagher requested adding police and fire to impact fee language for new developments. A motion to approve with those changes carried unanimously.
• Committee Report (Awards, Ceremonies & Promotions): Councilman Gallagher reported that his committee had denied a request for a Key to the City because it did not meet established guidelines (committee vote 3‑0). The council affirmed that denial. Additionally, the council approved a suggestion from Councilwoman Stepp to direct staff to compile a list of retired and deceased employees for a moment of silence at the December meeting.
• City Council Reports: Members shared updates on community engagement: Councilman Kellogg visited a fourth‑grade class to discuss homelessness and litter; Councilman Gallagher participated in the annual homeless “pit count”; Councilwoman Stepp attended a transportation summit, police appreciation dinner, and Habitat for Humanity event; Councilwoman Barber attended the police gala and a transportation equity meeting. Upcoming committee meetings and events were announced.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (H.10 removed for further staff review and will be presented at the next meeting).
• 2023-2024 Advocacy Agenda approved with amendments to include support for film industry incentives and inclusion of police and fire in impact fee language.
• Request for Key to the City denied; committee guidelines reaffirmed.
• Staff directed to compile employee obituary list for December recognition.
• Motion to enter closed session (pursuant to N.C. General Statutes 143‑318.11(a)(1) and 159B‑38) passed, concluding the public portion of the meeting.