OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting - April 18, 2023

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, April 18, 2023
BodyGastonia, North Carolina
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, April 18, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:00

Thanks to those of you that are here present tonight, and those of you that are maybe watching on Spectrum TV.

0:07

We will open our meeting tonight with an invocation by Councilman Jim Gallagher, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:15

Mr.

0:16

Mayor, welcome back.

0:16

It's good to see you.

0:19

You're so inclined, please join me in prayer.

0:22

Devinly Father, we come to you in prayer.

0:24

Just want to say thank you, Lord, for bringing us all here, Lord.

0:27

Thank you for allowing us to carry on the city business.

0:31

I ask you to give us wisdom and understanding and knowledge.

0:34

I pray for the people that came out as well, Lord, allow them to impart their wisdom to us as well.

0:41

I want to pray for our police and fire and our linemen and the rest of the city staff.

0:47

I just ask you, Lord, to keep them safe and keep them out of harm's way and help them, Lord, and all that they do.

0:53

Lord, I want to pray for our um our sailors, um, our um airmen and also our soldiers that are based overseas, Lord, and some are in uh conflict areas, and I just ask you, Lord, to be with them, keep them safe and out of harm's way as well.

1:11

Lord, you're a great God, and we just ask you to do this in your son's strong name, Jesus Christ.

1:17

Amen.

1:18

Amen.

1:18

Let us stand.

1:23

Our pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:30

One nation, under God, in the visible, with liberty and justice for all.

1:35

You may be seated.

1:39

First item on the agenda, like someone to entertain a motion to uh excuse Mayor Proteum Curly.

1:47

So moved.

1:48

Motion second, all in favor, please indicate.

1:51

Thank you very much.

1:52

And while we are on the subject of Mayor uh Mayor Proteum Curlin, I would like to personally thank him for filling in on my behalf.

2:00

And I'd like to thank you, those that are present, those that are watching at home for your uh prayers and your concerns during my illness.

2:10

Um moving right along to the adoption of the agenda or uh item C, are there any additions or corrections to the minute to the agenda as presented?

2:24

If not, what a wish is council.

2:26

I move that we approve motion second, all in favor, please indicate.

2:31

Thank you very much.

2:32

And item D, approval of the minutes, we're gonna address all of those for D1 budget work session on March 28th.

2:40

The um D2, the regular city council meeting on April 4th, and D three, the budget work session that was held on April 6th.

2:48

What are wishes of the council?

2:50

Motion to approve all three minutes.

2:52

Second.

2:53

Well motion second, all in favor, please indicate.

2:56

Thank you very much.

2:57

Moving on to item E, award ceremony and promotions under item E1 proclamation recognizing April 22nd, 2023.

3:06

It's Marshall Cabinet's day.

3:08

Our recipient of this evening is Mr.

3:10

Guthrie, African American Museum of History and Culture.

3:14

Our presenter will be Councilwoman Johnny Abber.

3:18

Should we, Mayor?

3:19

Uh, since uh Miss Guthrie hasn't made it yet, should she went to City Hall?

3:23

Should we just go down the East?

3:26

She's on our way.

3:26

E2.

3:27

Uh Proclamation, thank you for sharing that.

3:30

Um proclamation recognize the Covenant Village 40th anniversary, the recipient this evening, Mr.

3:35

Dale Melton, uh, Covenant Village, and our presenter will be Councilman Robert Kellogg.

3:52

You can stand back here if you want to.

3:59

Right.

4:00

Well, this is uh a real honor.

4:01

I I think everybody who has um either grown up in Gastonia or lived here for any amount of time recognizes the wealth and the contributions that um that is made uh by Covenant Village in our city.

4:15

So I'm gonna read this proclamation from the city of Gastonia, and it says, whereas Covenant Village was established in 1982 by the collaborative spirit and financial support of nine Gaskin County faith communities across five denominations who came together out of shared concern for meeting a well-defined need among active seniors in the Gaskin County area.

4:40

And whereas Covenant Village is a nonprofit organization that has served thousands of senior adults and their families as the premier life plan community in the Gaskin County region and provides a full continuum of care to its residents from independent living to skilled and assisted health care, which consistently receives deficiency-free reviews by the state licensing board through the division of health services regulation.

5:07

And whereas Covenant Village is designated a great place to work by its employees and contributes more than 12 million annually to the economic vitality of Gascon County and provides more than 200 job opportunities in the hospitality, health care, housing, and holistic wellness industries.

5:27

And whereas Covenant Village values the potential of each member of the community to live a purpose-filled life by engaging in a wellness-centric lifestyle, contributing to people and causes in the broader community, and exemplifying Covenant Village's commitment to integrity and respect for all.

5:46

And whereas Covenant Village has enriched the lives of its residents and staff for more than 40 years by upholding the promise of the Covenant Village Mission to provide a community where all members live as God intended in a culture committed to respect, compassion, safety, and possibility.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Taxation███████████████████19%
Zoning███████████11%
Community Events█████████9%
Sports And Entertainment████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Public Works█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting - April 18, 2023

The Gastonia City Council held its regular meeting on April 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilman Jim Gallagher and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Walker E. Reid, III. Key actions included the adoption of the consent agenda, approval of multiple proclamations, a presentation on the upcoming Honey Hunters season, public comments from ten residents primarily concerned about property tax increases, public hearings on annexation and rezoning requests, approval of Unified Development Ordinance amendments, and committee reports on transportation and public safety. The council voted to approve several items, including a contract for ballistic body armor plates and a resolution supporting the four-lane divided cross-section for the Union Road widening project.

Awards, Ceremonies, and Promotions

  • Proclamation Recognizing April 22, 2023 as Marshall Cabiness Day: Presented by Councilwoman Donyel Barber to Ms. Dot Guthrie of the African American Museum of History and Culture. The proclamation honored Tuskegee Airman Marshall Cabiness, with events planned throughout the week including a parade and exhibit at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
  • Proclamation Recognizing Covenant Village 40th Anniversary: Presented by Councilman Robert Kellogg to Mr. Dale Melton. The proclamation highlighted Covenant Village's contributions as a nonprofit senior living community, employing over 200 people and contributing $12 million annually to the local economy.
  • Proclamation Recognizing Shining Hope Farms 20th Anniversary: Presented by Councilman Jim Gallagher. The proclamation noted the organization's equine-assisted therapies for children and adults with disabilities, serving over 200 participants and operating three facilities.
  • Proclamation Recognizing May 2, 2023 as National Foster Care Awareness Day: Presented by Councilman Jim Gallagher to Ms. Suzanna Kavanaugh of Least of These Carolinas. The proclamation noted over 500 children in foster care in Gaston County and the need for more foster parents.

Presentations

  • Update on 2023 Honey Hunters Season and Momentous Group Schedule: Ms. Veronica Jeon, Chief Operating Officer, reported on 2022 accomplishments including over 300 events at CaroMont Health Park, 180,000 visitors, and 70 home games. She outlined plans for 2023 including expanded entertainment, community outreach (minimum 8 events per month), food and beverage improvements (chicken tenders and fries returning), and new partnerships. The season opens April 28.

Public Comments & Testimony

Ten residents spoke during the public expression period, each limited to three minutes, totaling 30 minutes. All speakers opposed a tax increase and urged the council to reduce the property tax rate to at least revenue neutral. Key points:

  • Mark Sola: Stated that 39% of Americans have skipped meals to pay housing costs, and urged a tax rate cut to revenue neutral. He argued the bond measure misled voters.
  • Second speaker (unnamed): Expressed personal financial struggles as a widow on fixed income; described neighbors with property value increases of 30% to 47% and pleaded for cuts to non-essential spending.
  • Robert Bevins: Reported his property value rose 75.53% since 2019 (from $135,000 to $308,000), resulting in an $1,800 tax increase. He urged a substantial rate reduction.
  • Bill Simpson: Senior citizen concerned about high medicine costs ($5,000/year) and potential $2,000 property tax increase; called for leadership.
  • Fourth speaker (unnamed): Criticized council for frivolous spending (e.g., $5,000 art show, $50,000 to 101 Black Men) and demanded a 14.3 cent rate cut.
  • Mary Ann Parlier: Reported an 88% property value increase (from $186,410 to $546,000) leading to $3,400 annual tax increase; said a 5 cent cut would only save $273, calling it an insult.
  • Mike Tamborella: Noted a 76% property value increase and asked which city departments had actual budget cuts; said no council member could name one.
  • Frank Moxham: Proposed a 37-cent tax rate (revenue neutral plus 9% for inflation) for significant relief while maintaining services.
  • Robert Williams: Retired couple facing $3,800 to $4,600 in combined city/county taxes; urged living within a budget.
  • Larry Brimer: Stated 30% of Gastonia residents are over 65 or below poverty; urged deferring capital projects until new developments bring revenue.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved all 9 items unanimously, including:
    • Resolution to appropriate $1,450,000 from various funds for data center server equipment and UPS.
    • Resolution to recognize $100,000 insurance proceeds for parking deck repairs.
    • Resolution to appropriate $275,000 for Pasour Resource Recovery budget.
    • Resolution to recognize $747,997 in water meter fees earned in FY2022.
    • Resolution to approve final plat for Nolen Farm Phase 3 Map 2.
    • Resolution to award contract to Kimley-Horn for GO Bond intersection improvements not to exceed $194,900.
    • Resolution to accept for maintenance portions of Ruby Dixon Crossing.
    • Grant project ordinance for ARPA funds.
    • Resolution to authorize grant application to NC Rural Transformation Grant Fund for South Marietta Street Park.

Discussion Items

  • Voluntary Annexation – 30.482 Acres on Dallas-Bessemer City Road: Continued to May 16, 2023, to allow developer to finalize plans and avoid re-advertising costs.
  • Voluntary Annexation and Rezoning – Shannon Bradley Road (0.065 acres annexation, 0.97 acres rezoning from I-2 to C-3): Planning Director Jason Thompson presented. The applicant, Ty Tony, indicated intent to build an upscale laundromat. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. Council unanimously approved, finding consistency with the 2025 comprehensive plan.
  • Unified Development Ordinance Amendments (File #202300103): Thompson explained amendments to permit urban multifamily and mixed-use residential in specified areas, simplify infill development, and exempt temporary mobile classrooms on school properties from architectural requirements for up to two years. Councilman Gallagher raised concern about churches; staff clarified the exemption is limited to schools. Councilman Kellogg noted the amendments aim to increase housing density. Approved unanimously.

Committee Reports

  • Transportation Committee: Councilwoman Stepp reported on NC DOT's presentation on the Union Road widening project (U-5961). The committee recommended Alternative 2: a four-lane divided cross-section with planted median, 12-foot lanes, and multi-use paths to improve safety and accommodate projected traffic of 26,000 vehicles per day by 2045. Council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting this alternative.
  • Public Safety Committee: Councilman Gallagher reported the police and fire departments are adequately staffed. Police Chief presented need for ballistic body armor plates for high-caliber threats; the contract with Premier Body Armor, LLC for $180,120 uses federal asset forfeiture funds and includes a 15-year warranty. Council unanimously approved.

City Manager's Report

  • Social district downtown to launch April 28.
  • Budget preparation continues; public hearing scheduled for May 2.
  • Home ARP plan accepted by HUD.
  • Parking lot clearing at Irwin Center began; Highland Greenway extension out to bid.
  • Electricities board discussed public power purchase; update to council forthcoming.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved all consent agenda items unanimously.
  • Continued annexation (30.482 acres) to May 16.
  • Approved annexation (0.065 acres) and rezoning (I-2 to C-3) for Shannon Bradley Road unanimously.
  • Approved Unified Development Ordinance amendments unanimously.
  • Adopted resolution supporting four-lane divided cross-section for Union Road widening unanimously.
  • Awarded contract for ballistic body armor plates to Premier Body Armor, LLC ($180,120) unanimously.
  • All proclamations accepted unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Thanks to those of you that are here present tonight, and those of you that are maybe watching on Spectrum TV. We will open our meeting tonight with an invocation by Councilman Jim Gallagher, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Mayor, welcome back. It's good to see you. You're so inclined, please join me in prayer. Devinly Father, we come to you in prayer. Just want to say thank you, Lord, for bringing us all here, Lord. Thank you for allowing us to carry on the city business. I ask you to give us wisdom and understanding and knowledge. I pray for the people that came out as well, Lord, allow them to impart their wisdom to us as well. I want to pray for our police and fire and our linemen and the rest of the city staff. I just ask you, Lord, to keep them safe and keep them out of harm's way and help them, Lord, and all that they do. Lord, I want to pray for our um our sailors, um, our um airmen and also our soldiers that are based overseas, Lord, and some are in uh conflict areas, and I just ask you, Lord, to be with them, keep them safe and out of harm's way as well. Lord, you're a great God, and we just ask you to do this in your son's strong name, Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Let us stand. Our pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, in the visible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. First item on the agenda, like someone to entertain a motion to uh excuse Mayor Proteum Curly. So moved. Motion second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. And while we are on the subject of Mayor uh Mayor Proteum Curlin, I would like to personally thank him for filling in on my behalf. And I'd like to thank you, those that are present, those that are watching at home for your uh prayers and your concerns during my illness. Um moving right along to the adoption of the agenda or uh item C, are there any additions or corrections to the minute to the agenda as presented? If not, what a wish is council. I move that we approve motion second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. And item D, approval of the minutes, we're gonna address all of those for D1 budget work session on March 28th. The um D2, the regular city council meeting on April 4th, and D three, the budget work session that was held on April 6th. What are wishes of the council? Motion to approve all three minutes. Second. Well motion second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Moving on to item E, award ceremony and promotions under item E1 proclamation recognizing April 22nd, 2023. It's Marshall Cabinet's day. Our recipient of this evening is Mr. Guthrie, African American Museum of History and Culture. Our presenter will be Councilwoman Johnny Abber. Should we, Mayor? Uh, since uh Miss Guthrie hasn't made it yet, should she went to City Hall? Should we just go down the East? She's on our way. E2. Uh Proclamation, thank you for sharing that. Um proclamation recognize the Covenant Village 40th anniversary, the recipient this evening, Mr.

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