Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting originally took place on September 19, 2023. Per instruction, the date is presented as October 17, 2023.
The Gastonia City Council held a regular meeting on October 17, 2023, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month, Good Neighbor Day, and Fire Prevention Week; an ISO Fire Rating presentation; public comments; approval of consent and regular agenda items; and committee reports. Key decisions included annexations and rezoning, a major contract for public works renovations, updates on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects, and approval of multiple in-kind service requests for community events.
To all of you that came out in the commercial tonight, those that we'd be um watching on Spectrum TV, we will open our meeting tonight with our invocation by Councilman Robert Kellogg and uh followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Uh, please join me for a moment of prayer if you're so inclined. And is that uh I was gonna say is that Reverend Burks it's not um please join me in a moment of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this beautiful day that you have given us. We thank you for the the gift of life. We thank you for those that you plant in our way who offer encouragement and help along our journey. Lord, we thank you for those who are of service in our city for our firemen, for our police officers, for our city staff, our crew, all of those individuals who work tirelessly to make our lives easier and better. We thank you for all the good things that you have supplied us. And we also pray a special prayer today for those who don't feel so fortunate, those who are maybe sick or ill, those who are in a tough spot, those who may be homeless, those who may be in the middle of using some kind of substance. Father, we just pray a special prayer for those individuals that you will cover them, that you will help them, and that you will give them peace. As we get ready to do your business tonight, we pray that that you would help us as council members and the city staff, that you would give us wisdom, that you would help us to make wise decisions, and that you would just be here in our presence. We ask this all in your name. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. You may be seen. Before we address item C, the adoption of the agenda, with someone make a motion to it. Excuse uh Councilman Odom. So moved. Thank you very much. Um we're down now to item C where we're actually adopted the agenda for the diet. I'd like for you all to also consider item 1.6, adding item 1.6 before you uh as part of adopted the agenda for the wishes of the council. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to accept the agenda, also adding um item 1.6 as well. Second. Oh motion second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you. Under item D, the approval of the minutes for the regular council meeting on September the 5th. Uh, what are we should the council are there any additions, uh corrections, relations, uh questions? If not, what are wishes? Motion to approve. Second. Motion and second, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you. This month, our recipient officer is uh Officer James and uh McGill Rodriguez, and also uh I'm gonna let Council Daniel Barber address that those that are here tonight with the uh receiving this proclamation. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I believe I saw they're here. Okay, yes. I have two copies of the proclamation here today, one for um Wow Supermarket, as well as one for Officer Haimez. And the proclamation reads, whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic American citizens and highlights the countless achievements and contributions, and whereas the observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson, this was observed annually until 1988, when it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to the period of September 15th through October 15th and became National Hispanic Heritage Month. And this has been celebrated annually since then. And whereas more than 60 million Americans of Hispanic origin today contribute to our national diversity, enriching the quality of American life with centuries old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities, while adding their own distinct and dynamic perspectives to the story of our country. And whereas this observant of observance affords special opportunities to become more knowledgeable about Hispanic heritage and to honor the many Hispanic Americans who represent a significant and fast-growing demographic of the city of Gastonia. We honor the invaluable ways they contribute to our country. And now therefore, be it resolved. Do hereby proclaim the month beginning September 15th and ending October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month and urge all citizens to join us in celebrating the great contributions of Hispanic Americans to our city, state, and nation. In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Gastonia to be a fix this the 19th day of September in the year of our Lord 2023, signed by our mayor Walker E.