Gastonia City Council Meeting – October 24, 2023
Gastonia City Council Meeting – October 24, 2023
The Gastonia City Council met on October 24, 2023, at City Hall. The meeting included two proclamations, public comments, a consent agenda with a modified traffic ordinance, and a public hearing to close a portion of McLean Street. Council also voted to waive late fees for a utility billing cycle affected by postal delays.
Consent Calendar
- Proclamation Recognizing October 2023 as Colonial Heritage Month (approved).
- Resolution to award contract for one hydraulic derrick to Altec Industries, Inc., for $230,122.
- Resolution to accept a $250,000 Flood Mitigation and Recovery Program Grant from Golden LEAF for Duharts Creek stream restoration.
- Three resolutions directing the clerk to investigate annexation petitions and setting public hearing dates (Robinson Clemmer Road, Edgewood Road, and Robinson Road).
- Resolution recommending approval of Osage Mill Apartments multifamily housing revenue bonds (no fiscal impact).
- Resolution supporting application to USDOT SMART Grants Program.
- Resolution to amend traffic ordinance, including adding a multi‑way stop at Boxwood Lane and Broad Street and modifying a no‑parking zone on Cramer Woods Drive (amended as described below).
Public Comments & Testimony
- First speaker: Criticized the council’s handling of the baseball stadium and comfort center, asked for resignations or an apology, and disputed claims of “explosive growth” citing a 2.8% population increase from 2020–2022. Also noted that approximately 18% of Gastonia residents lack internet access and suggested information be inserted in electric bills. Questioned council members’ length of service and low voter turnout.
- Second speaker – Molly Prescott: Introduced herself as the new owner of a barber shop at 192 South South Street (opened July 2023). Expressed desire to serve the community and be part of Gastonia’s growth. Invited council to visit her shop.
Discussion Items
- G.9 – Traffic Ordinance Amendment: Councilman Gallagher requested the no‑parking prohibition on Cramer Woods Drive be adjusted to exclude three houses. City staff proposed amending the ordinance to prohibit parking “from S. New Hope Road to a point 300 feet east of Summerell Avenue,” which would exclude the houses. The council voted to approve the amendment, then adopted the rest of the consent agenda.
- Public Hearing – McLean Street Closure: City Attorney L. Ashley Smith presented a petition by property owners (Triangle Real Estate and related entities) to close a portion of McLean Street for new development. No public speakers signed up. Council voted to close the public hearing and approve the resolution.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda adopted as amended (including the G.9 modification).
- Resolution approved to close a portion of McLean Street.
- Late fees waived: Mayor moved to waive late fees for Cycle 14 utility bills due to a U.S. Postal Service delivery issue. Motion carried.
- Proclamations accepted: Public Power Week (October 1–7, 2023) and Purple Sunday (October 22, 2023) were proclaimed.
Other Reports
- Assistant City Manager Melody Braddy: Announced that applications for the 2024 Citizens Academy are due by November 30, 2023. Reported 354 tons of excess household trash collected during the recent free pickup (average is 380 tons).
- City Council Reports: Members reported on community events including the Greer School groundbreaking, the Latin festival, SHIEL Museum gala, Honey Hunters football championship game, Hard Hats & Heels fundraiser, and the Connect Beyond regional transportation partnership.
- Mayor’s Announcements: Listed upcoming meetings and events including the Gas City Council meeting on October 17, 2023, and the Howland Branch Greenway groundbreaking on October 19, 2023.
Meeting Transcript
Meeting. I thank all of you that are here this evening, those that are watching on live stream. I invocation would be given tonight. Our mayor Proteil Dave Curry, all about a pledge of allegiance. Thank you, Mayor. If you are so inclined, please pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, be with us this evening as we go about the business of our city to do your work in this world. Thank you for our many blessings this beautiful day, our health, our friends and family, our colleagues, both in city government as well as those in our work world. Please be with those who are less fortunate than we the homeless, the infirmed, those who are in need spiritually, physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bless our city employees and their families, especially those who protect us each day in their line of work. We beseech you to bring us wisdom and understanding to thoughtfully and prayerfully make decisions that will benefit all of our citizens. Open our ears, our hearts, and our minds to the possibilities of a better Gastonia. All this we ask in your holy name. Amen. You may be seeing our first order of business tonight is to the adoption of the agenda on the item C. Are there any additions? Corrections or deletions to the agenda. If not, what do we should council? Motion to approve. Second. Thank you very much. On the item D to approval of the minutes from the special city council meeting held on September the 19th. And also for the regular city council meeting on September the 19th for the wishes of council. Vote to approve, Mr. Mayor. Second. Probably motion second. All in favor, please indicate. Thank you. I'd like to uh welcome our sister city magic Melody Brady. Thank you tonight with this. Thank you. Good to see you sitting over there. Hopefully we get a good picture of you. The item E and the war salem orders promotion. I'm going to ask that uh Councilman Jim Gallagher Address that particular item, please. Someone for electric. Proclamation for public power is crucial component in the cities and towns across North Carolina, contributing to the overall health of communities by providing reliable electricity, excellent local service, and prompt restoration. And whereas North Carolina's more than 70 public power cities, Gastonia being one of them, and towns are among more than two thousand across the country. And most North Carolina public power cities and towns have been electric providers for more than 100 years. Whereas the city of Gastonia maintains 526 miles of distribution, 10,216 street lights, 11 substations, and over 30,000 customer accounts. And whereas public power meets the electric needs of 49 million Americans, almost 15% of the electricity consumed, and whereas North Carolina's public power utilities are a valuable community asset that contribute to the well-being of the community and provide economic development and opportunities. They help a lot of times by putting up banners and stuff around here and Christmas lights and helping us out that way. So appreciate that, Brian. Whereas North Carolina Public Power Utilities are dependable institutions that provide excellent service and commitment to community. Now therefore be it resolved that the mayor and the council of the city of Gastonia, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim the week of November October 1st through the 7th, 2023, as public power week. And the City of Gastonia joins our other North Carolina public power communities as well. All public power systems in the United States and in celebration of public power. In witness thereof, I have here to set my hand and cause the official seal of the city of Gastonia to be affixed this third day of October in the year of our Lord 2023, signed by our esteemed mayor Walker E. Reed and attested by uh Suzanne Gibbs, our city clerk.
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