Gastonia City Council Meeting - October 17, 2023

The Gastonia City Council met on October 17, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting included multiple proclamations, a fall carnival presentation, public comments, consent agenda approvals, two annexation and zoning public hearings, a sign ordinance amendment first reading, adoption of the 2024 council meeting schedule and FY2025 budget calendar, transportation committee reports, and council member reports. Key actions included unanimous approval of all consent items and regular agenda items, with no dissenting votes.

Proclamations and Presentations

• St. John's Missionary Baptist Church 80th Anniversary – Councilman Gallagher presented the proclamation. Pastor Darial A. Jackson accepted and thanked the council.
• Morris Jewelers 86th Anniversary – Councilman Kellogg presented. Co-owner Michael Hennes thanked the council and noted that no one was injured during a recent robbery attempt.
• Sandy Merrell Retirement (50 Years of Service) – Mayor Reid presented a certificate of recognition. City Manager Peoples praised her dedication.
• Dr. V. Ann Tippitt Lobby Designation – Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin presented a proclamation designating the Schiele Museum lobby as the Dr. V. Ann Tippitt Lobby. Dr. Tippitt accepted and thanked the council.
• Fall Carnival Presentation – Event Planner Christine Ingle described the upcoming carnival (October 21, 3–7 p.m.) with mechanical rides, a pumpkin patch, costume contest, and support from the Schiele Museum. No formal action was taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

Three speakers addressed the council during public expression (limited to five minutes each):

• Paul Oplinger (Lt., Civil Air Patrol) – Promoted Wreaths Across America on December 16, 2023. He highlighted CAP’s missions: 391 finds and 151 lives saved nationally in FY2023, and local squadron involvement in search, disaster relief, and community events. He requested community support for placing wreaths on veterans’ graves.
• Mark Solers (1521 Nottingham Drive) – Urged the council to reconsider spending on the Fall Carnival, arguing it is not essential. He cited a statistic that 78% of Americans (38 million surveyed) live paycheck to paycheck. He stated that if essential services are truly prioritized, non-essential events like the carnival should be cut rather than police and fire budgets.
• Mike Damborello (2816 Colony Woods Drive) – Criticized the city’s past budget process, noting that only 1.6% of the $300 million budget was considered non-essential when residents urged a revenue-neutral tax rate. He warned that tax increases cause hardship for homeowners and renters, and urged the council to cut spending further in the upcoming budget.

Consent Agenda

Items H1–H14 were approved unanimously after a brief discussion. Questions were raised on:

• H13 (Leaf Vacuum Trucks) – Councilman Gallagher asked about two replacement trucks. City Manager Peoples explained that the original trucks could not be delivered in time for leaf season; these two were found from fleet services and will be delivered within a month. The previous order will be cancelled.
• H14 (Electric Territory Agreement with Dallas) – Councilwoman Stepp asked whether the agreement involves annexation or condemnation. It was clarified that it is a voluntary exchange of service areas and does not involve involuntary annexation.
• H6 (Generator for Public Works Campus) – Councilwoman Barber asked if the generator is needed for a specific project. It is for the fuel farm at the Public Works campus to ensure backup power.

Regular Agenda Items

Annexation and Zoning – Edgewood Road (Items I1 & I2)

• Public hearings were opened jointly for the voluntary annexation of ~230.41 acres and assignment of I-1 (Light Industrial) zoning. The property is located west of Edgewood Road, north of Kings Mountain Highway, owned by I-85 Highway 29/74 LLC and Christa Overcash. City Attorney Smith and Planning Director Thompson presented. The current county zoning is also I-1. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Councilman Gallagher asked about ownership; it is an LLC named after the highway. Councilman Mel asked about potential uses; Thompson indicated warehouse/distribution is possible under I-1, but no specific plans are required. The council closed the hearings and approved the annexation and zoning unanimously. The motion included a finding that the zoning is consistent with the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest.

Annexation and Zoning – Robinson Clemmer Road (Items I3 & I4)

• Public hearings were opened for the voluntary annexation of ~48.897 acres and assignment of PD-RRDD (Planned Development – Revised Residential Development District) zoning for up to 119 single-family homes. The property is on Robinson Clemmer Road, owned by Robert J. Neunzig. Council members discussed: traffic impact (a TIA will be required), amenities (greenway payment in lieu, open space, no pool/clubhouse), price points (to be determined after design), public safety (reviewed by departments), stormwater (off-site pond not eligible), and a radio tower adjacent (buffer and safety fencing exist). The planning commission recommended approval unanimously. The council closed hearings and approved the annexation and zoning unanimously. The motion stated that the zoning is consistent with the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and existing land uses, and that an affirmative vote is reasonable and compatible.

Sign Ordinance Amendment (Item I5)

• City Attorney Smith presented a text amendment to Section 12.3 of the Unified Development Ordinance to recriminalize violations as a misdemeanor, enabling police enforcement against illegal signs in rights-of-way (e.g., “we buy houses” signs). The public hearing was opened and closed. State law requires two readings; the first reading occurred tonight. The second reading will be at the next meeting. The motion to close the hearing passed unanimously.

2024 Council Meeting Schedule (Item I6)

• City Manager Peoples presented the proposed schedule. Corrections noted: Christmas holidays should be December 24–25, not 25–26. The schedule includes a change to move the meeting from the general election Tuesday to the following Thursday. The council approved the schedule unanimously.

FY2025 Budget Calendar (Item I7)

• The proposed calendar includes a December 14 project update meeting, strategic planning in January, and adoption by June 4, 2024. The council approved unanimously.

Committee Report – Transportation

Councilwoman Stepp reported on the October 10 Transportation Committee meeting:

• 2023 Resurfacing – Expected to finish by Halloween; 35 miles completed, decreasing pavement condition index. 2024 Proposed Resurfacing List – Council accepted the report by motion (unanimous). The list is geographically dispersed. 20 more miles planned.
• Manhole Adjustments – 28 identified; contractor added to resurfacing contract.
• Grant Submissions – Reconnecting Communities, Safe Streets for All, and SMART grants submitted for studies, not projects.
• Intersection Congestion Mitigation – 170 intersections screened; 10 will be studied in depth.
• New Hawkins Road – Study recommends future four-lane divided road; city will seek NCDOT funding.
• Garrison Boulevard Corridor Study – Public meeting October 26 at library.
• Trenton & Franklin Realignment – Developer dedicated right-of-way; consultant completed plans (~$905,000). Bidding upcoming.
• Remount Road – Proposed conversion from four-lane to three-lane with sidewalks. Councilman Gallagher questioned the need for full sidewalks; City Manager Peoples said it is still in study phase and will return to council.
• Avon Creek Greenway Extension – Sidewalk, curb, and multi-use path.
• Cotabac Creek Greenway Extension – Developer contributions for trail.
• I-85 Widening & Cox Road Betterments – Council approved a municipal agreement (unanimous) after discussion. The city previously contributed $5 million to Union Road widening and will receive $2.5 million back to apply to this project. The overpasses will be consistent with the style seen on Monroe Bypass.
• Airport Updates – Self-serve fuel system nearly complete; tree obstruction removal replanting by end of year; runway lighting project ongoing.
• Transit – Ridership stable; still seeking bus drivers; microtransit service in development.

City Council Reports

• Councilwoman Barber – Attended press conference on Medicaid funding for CaroMont Regional Hospital and reported on the Gaston County Opioid Settlement Funds Committee. Statistics: $4,250,134 received to date, $2,778,431 allocated to projects, 774 lock kits distributed, 1,042 opioid overdoses year-to-date in Gaston County, including 36 overdoses among those under 18 (11 sixteen-year-olds, 7 seventeen-year-olds). She emphasized the need for continued funding.
• Councilwoman Stepp – Attended Women Who Rock event, Armstrong Pump Station ribbon cutting, Faith in Blue walk, Centralina 55th anniversary, and Story Walk at Rankin Lake (sponsored by Keep Gastonia Beautiful). Promoted upcoming arts events: Gaston Dance Theater autumn gala (Oct 21), auditions for Diary of Anne Frank (Oct 23-24), and Little Theater’s “Sweeney Todd” (steampunk version, pay-what-you-can Oct 21). Reminded women to get mammograms for Breast Cancer Awareness.
• Councilman Mel – Participated in fire training exercises with Gastonia Fire Department, including a rescue simulation and “Hell’s Kitchen” search training. Also attended Threads of Hope fundraiser for Kathy Kroniger Women’s Shelter and a child trauma center.
• Councilman Kellogg – Attended Story Walk, Armstrong Pump Station dedication, Purple Sunday at Center Baptist, fundraiser at Catherine’s House (Sisters of Mercy shelter for women and families), and National Light Out at Gaston Christian School.

City Manager’s Report

• Municipal Citizens Academy applications open; employee health fair Oct 19; closed tour of Center City Crossings apartments Oct 18.
• Rail replacement project on the short line begins Monday, October 23 (likely). Work will occur Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with major intersection closures (Hudson, Marietta, Garrison, Franklin, etc.). Expected to take about three weeks. Coordination with schools and emergency services has begun.

Announcements and Closed Session

Mayor Reid listed numerous upcoming meetings and events, including the Howland Branch Greenway groundbreaking (Oct 19), Fall Carnival (Oct 21), and various committee meetings. The council then voted unanimously to enter closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11A3 to consult with the city attorney regarding a potential claim. After closed session, the meeting adjourned.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (H1–H14) – Approved unanimously.
• Edgewood Road Annexation and Zoning (I1 & I2) – Approved unanimously.
• Robinson Clemmer Road Annexation and Zoning (I3 & I4) – Approved unanimously.
• Sign Ordinance Amendment First Reading (I5) – Public hearing closed; second reading required.
• 2024 Council Meeting Schedule (I6) – Approved unanimously.
• FY2025 Budget Calendar (I7) – Approved unanimously.
• Transportation Committee Action Items – Accepted 2024 resurfacing list and approved I-85/Cox Road betterments municipal agreement (both unanimous).
• Closed Session – Approved to discuss potential claim.