Gastonia City Council Meeting - March 5, 2024

The Gastonia City Council met on March 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes, public expression, committee reports, a consent agenda with 17 items, three regular agenda items, and reports from the city attorney, city manager, and council members. Key actions included approval of pickleball court fees, a grant application for Linwood Springs Park Phase II, funding for a mural and a community event, a street closure, an economic development incentive, and adoption of the 2024-2025 Advocacy Agenda with additions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Teresa McFarland (speaking on behalf of Stablegate Farms neighbors) expressed concerns about stormwater flooding from the LGI Homes development. She reported that runoff from the development has damaged foundations, affected animals, and caused flooding on neighboring properties. She noted that the developer had addressed issues for one neighbor but not others, and requested city investigation. The city manager clarified that the LGI subdivision is within city limits, though the affected properties are in the county, and staff are working with the developer to ensure compliance with stormwater regulations.
• Justin Parsons (3040 Stablegate Drive) echoed the concerns, describing a 20-foot berm built by the developer that directs water onto his and neighbors' properties. He reported a retention pond had been reduced in size, leading to flooding of a farm. He asked for guidance on steps to resolve the issue.

Consent Calendar

• G.1: Proclamation recognizing March 5, 2024, as Arbor Day and supporting Keep Gastonia Beautiful's Arbor Day celebrations.
• G.2: Resolution to award a contract to Tencarva Machinery Company for four impellers and eight wear rings to rebuild raw water pumps at Mountain Island Pump Station ($432,952). Discussion noted pumps are original from 1995 and refurbishment will restore efficiency over two years.
• G.3: Resolution to amend traffic ordinance for Copper Mill, Kendrick Farms developments, and Aberdeen Boulevard parking restrictions.
• G.4: Interlocal agreement with Gaston County for water infrastructure to serve Chapel Grove Elementary.
• G.5: Contract for one 2026 Spartan Smeal 75-foot ladder truck and one 2027 Spartan Smeal pumper truck ($2,424,554). Council noted savings of $135,000–$140,000 by locking in price early.
• G.6: Contract for one 2024 25-cubic-yard automated leaf vacuum truck ($307,243).
• G.7: Contract for one 2024 Autocar/Labrie automated refuse truck ($421,508).
• G.8: Contract for seventeen 2024 Ford Police Interceptor Utility units ($743,760).
• G.9: Transfer of $20,000 from General Fund to Downtown Municipal Services District Fund for contracting with Gaston Business Association, with budget amendment 2420037. Council clarified this funds through June 2024.
• G.10: Contract for one 2024 Ford Explorer ($40,878) for Public Utilities, with budget amendment 2420038 ($42,105).
• G.11: Resolution recognizing anonymous donor funding of $250,000 to enhance three gateways (Cox Road, New Hope Road, US 321 interchanges) with budget amendment 2420039. Council discussed potential impact of future I-85 widening, but donor was informed and agreed to proceed.
• G.12: Final recording plat for Village at Parkside Phase 5 subdivision.
• G.13: Monthly financial report for January 2024.
• G.14: Contract with Xylem Dewatering Services for a trailer-mounted 6-inch hydraulic pump ($195,446).
• G.15: Grant application to Golden Leaf Foundation Site Development Fund for Apple Creek Corporate Park sewer improvement.
• G.16: Contracts for FTA sidewalks: Group 1 to Cinderella Partners ($940,412) and Group 2 to Ground Thunder Construction ($222,986). Council discussed Group 2's location on Airline Avenue, noting potential future development and temporary parking for FUSE; staff confirmed FTA funds must be spent within three years.
• G.17: Purchase from N Harris Computer Corporation for SmartWorks meter management software, Cayenta Connect, and AMI integration ($2,101,607).

The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Recreation Advisory Commission Report (Councilwoman Donyel Barber)

• Pickleball Court Reservation Fees: The committee voted 7–0 to adopt a fee schedule for reserving courts at T. Jeffers Recreation Center. The schedule includes hourly fees for residents, tournament rental options (nine courts for $475/day or all 15 courts), and free open play on six courts. Council discussed payment via Civic Rec, open play opportunities, and the need for lighting repairs and bathroom construction (scheduled to begin within weeks). The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Linwood Springs Park Phase II Grant Application: The committee voted 7–0 to authorize submission of a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant application for Phase II, which includes campground infrastructure, RV check-in building, bathhouse, and vending building. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Arts Committee Report (Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp)

• Beetopia Event Funding ($1,750): The committee voted 7–0 to approve funds for a painting workshop at Keep Gastonia Beautiful's Beetopia event on May 18, 2024, at the Gastonia Farmers Market. The event will host 50 participants (first come, first served). Council approved unanimously.
• Armstrong Park Mural ($10,000): The committee voted 7–0 to approve funds for a mural at Armstrong Park, with additional funding from a $2,500 Gaston Arts Council grant and $750 Rotary East Club, plus $11,750 from Keep Gastonia Beautiful. The mural will be on a high-traffic DOT road; council discussed liability concerns regarding community involvement (children from nearby school) and concluded that professional artists with insurance are necessary. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Performing Arts Summer Camp ($7,500): The committee recommended funding for a six-day immersive camp (May 27–31) for 15–20 children, led by instructors Ashley Gilliam and Makisha Rivera, with a total budget of $14,400. Council raised questions about videography costs, selection process, and whether the funding model sets a precedent. After discussion, council voted to table the item to the March 19 meeting for further clarification. The motion to table passed unanimously.
• Other Updates: Includes art social recap, upcoming art show, discussion of future public art installations, and status of art panels (stored due to high installation costs over $100,000).

Regular Agenda

H.1: Public Hearing – Closure of Honeysuckle Lane (Unopened Street)

• No public speakers signed up. City Attorney Ashley Smith presented the petition from Heaven Properties LLC (represented by Shannon Kearney) to close the unopened street, which will benefit the city as an adjoining property owner. The applicant plans to build a single-family home. Council approved the resolution unanimously.

H.2: Public Hearing – Economic Development Agreement for Crescent Communities

• Economic Development Director Kristy Crisp presented a proposal for a 184,000-square-foot warehouse/distribution facility on Industrial Pike Road, representing a $23 million investment. The project is speculative (no tenant identified) and will generate an estimated $465,000 in tax revenue over 10 years. The city will provide a standard Level Two local incentive grant. The county had already approved the incentive. Council approved the resolution and closed the public hearing unanimously.

H.3: 2024-2025 Advocacy Agenda

• City Manager Michael Peoples presented the proposed agenda covering federal, state, and county priorities. Key additions included supporting Charlotte's bid for a federal tech hub (proposed by Councilman Kellogg), adding a county priority for stormwater runoff enforcement and policy (following public comments), and considering a request to change the sales tax distribution from ad valorem to per capita. Council discussed the nonpartisan plurality election model (local governance item), and expressed support for the current language. The agenda was approved unanimously with the caveat that the city attorney will finalize the stormwater language.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Consent agenda (17 items), pickleball court reservation fees, PARTF grant application for Linwood Springs Park, Beetopia funding ($1,750), Armstrong Park mural ($10,000), closure of Honeysuckle Lane, economic development agreement with Crescent Communities, and the 2024-2025 Advocacy Agenda (with additions to be finalized).
• Tabled (unanimous): Performing arts summer camp funding ($7,500) to the March 19, 2024 meeting for additional information.
• Next Steps: Staff will work with developers on stormwater compliance for the LGI subdivision; the city attorney will finalize the stormwater language for the Advocacy Agenda; the Arts Committee will bring a representative to the next council meeting to discuss the summer camp.

City Council Reports & Announcements

• Council members reported on various events: homelessness partnership interviews, MPO roundtable, tour of the Alchemy building, ABC board acquisitions, Shield Museum dinosaur project, GBA breakfast, and community award ceremonies.
• Upcoming meetings: March 19 (regular meeting at Gaston County Courthouse), April 2 (regular meeting at City Hall), and budget workshop on March 26.