OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting – October 15, 2024

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, October 15, 2024
BodyGastonia, North Carolina
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, October 15, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:21:57

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

On behalf of myself and the city council, I'd like to welcome you to the October 15th, 2024 meeting.

0:07

And we'll begin with the invitation by Mayor Pro Tim, Dr.

0:10

Dave Curlin.

0:19

Thank you for bringing my safety to these union today.

0:23

You've already had a busy day, Lord, and yet our work is still not done.

0:29

Be with us, give us the energy to do your work within this fine community to help us to make good decisions, to listen to all those who have their concerns, and help us to bring and move our city forward in a way that is pleasing to you.

0:49

Lord, we thank you for the many blessings you've bestowed upon us.

0:54

We thank you for watching over so many over the past few weeks.

1:00

Those that have helped with our Hurricane Halloween emergencies, the winemen, the emergency workers, the Red Cross folks, the churches, all those that have banded together to help to support this operation of support and relief.

1:20

Lord, continue to watch over all these folks because their work is yet to be finished.

1:25

It will take many months, maybe years for our communities to restore their vibrancy and bring them back to what they once were.

1:36

At this time, we want you to be with us.

1:40

Thank you for the staff as they support our efforts.

1:44

All this we ask in your holy name.

1:47

Amen.

1:55

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

2:03

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:24

So moved.

2:25

Second.

2:26

We have a second by Councilwoman Barber.

2:28

All those in favor.

2:30

It's unanimous.

2:36

Next up, everybody should have a copy of the agenda in front of them.

2:39

Are there any corrections, additions, or deletions at this time?

2:47

We have to make can someone make a motion to accept it.

2:50

Seven second.

2:56

It's unanimous.

2:59

Approval of the amendment amendment from October the 1st, 2024.

3:03

Can we have a motion to approve those?

3:08

So moved.

3:09

Second.

3:09

I have a second by Councilwoman Steph.

3:11

All those in favor?

3:13

It's unanimous.

3:16

Next up, we have a proclamation recognizing October the 24th, 2024 as World Polio Day.

3:24

Our recipients are going to be Mr.

3:26

Luke Upchurch.

3:28

He's the president of the Rotary Club of Gastonia.

3:31

Miss Sharon Heinrich.

3:34

Heinrich.

3:35

Heinrich.

3:45

Thank you, Mr.

3:46

Mayor.

3:49

It is my honor to present this proclamation on this evening.

3:53

These are my fellow Rotarians, and I'm a proud member of the club that they are representing on tonight.

4:00

So welcome to our meeting tonight.

4:02

This proclamation reads, World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24th to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salt, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can cause paralysis and sometimes death, and can lead to lifelong effects of the form of postpolio syndrome.

4:33

And whereas on this World Polio Day, we honor the dedication and efforts of health care workers, volunteers, and organizations who strive to eliminate this disease, improve global health, and protect the children of the world, and we recognize that Gastonia was at the heart of providing care and rehabilitation at the North Carolina Orthopedic Hospital for Children who were affected by polio, especially during polio epidemics in the 1940s and the 50s.

5:05

And whereas polio cases have been reduced by over 99.9% since 1988, more than 1.5 million lives have been saved, and more than 19 million people are able to walk who may otherwise have been paralyzed.

5:22

Thanks to extensive vaccination and monitoring efforts, led by Rotary International, the World Health Organization, U.S.

5:31

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, and GAVI, the Global Vaccine Alliance, who together comprise the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

5:47

And whereas wild polio virus is now endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, yet remains a threat to re-emerge anywhere until it is fully eradicated everywhere.

6:02

Therefore, continued vigilance and immunization are essential to ensure that polio does not return to polio-free areas.

6:11

Once accomplished, the worldwide eradication of polio will prevent an estimated 10 million cases of paralysis in children over the next 40 years and will save over 40 billion in health care cost.

6:25

And whereas we celebrate the commitment of local Rotarians and rotary clubs in our community who have consistently been leaders in supporting polio eradication since rotaries as part of Rotary International with more than 1.4 members and 46,000 clubs who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities around the world, inspired by the motto, service above self.

6:53

And whereas the global effort to eradicate polio has been one of the world's most successful public health initiatives, the commitment to eradicating polio is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, governments, and organizations around the world work together toward a common goal.

7:11

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

7:31

I encourage all citizens to recognize their local history and the importance of supporting efforts to eradicate polio globally.

7:40

In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Gastonia to be a fixed this the 15th day of October in the year of our Lord 2024, signed by our mayor Richard Franks and attested by our city clerk Suzanne J.

7:56

Gibbs.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████21%
Community Events███████████████████19%
Public Works████████████12%
Zoning████████████12%
Economic Development████████████12%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Public Health████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting – October 15, 2024

The Gastonia City Council held its regular meeting on October 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, committee reports, and nine regular agenda items covering annexation, zoning, economic development incentives, and administrative approvals. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting.
  • Approved Proclamation Recognizing November 1, 2024 as Extra Mile Day.
  • Recognized revenue of $213,310 from sale of 307 Norment Avenue (HOME funds).
  • Recognized $8,540 HUD FY2024 Comprehensive Housing Counseling grant.
  • Awarded contract to Bio-Nomic Services, Inc. for dewatering and landfilling biosolids ($550,000).
  • Awarded contract to Model 1 Commercial Vehicles for two 2023 Ford EV Transit Connect vans ($110,890).
  • Declared municipally owned personal property as surplus.
  • Amended traffic ordinance to add no-parking hours on Morris Street.
  • Accepted donation of real property (parcel #103982) from Haywood Equity Group Limited Partnership.
  • Designated an authorized representative for state funding assistance for lead service line replacement.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No members of the public signed up to speak; the Public Expression period was skipped.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation – World Polio Day (October 24, 2024): Presented by Councilwoman Donyel Barber. Recognized Rotary Club of Gastonia’s efforts; noted polio cases reduced by 99.9% since 1988, saving 1.5 million lives. Unanimously adopted.
  • ACE Program Certificate of Recognition – Northampton Neighborhood: Presented by Councilman Demetrios Koutsoupias and Tyler Davis. Northampton (90 households) became the 18th community in the Alliance for Community Enrichment Program.
  • Fall Festival Presentation: Event Planner Christine Ingle described the October 19 festival: 80 vendors, 13 food trucks, live music, carnival rides, free pumpkin patch, costume contest, and new corn shucking contest. Street closures similar to Fourth of July.
  • Public Safety Committee Report (Councilman Gallagher): Discussed police/fire staffing (fire at 155, police need 6 more officers after retirements), and a proposal to reduce false alarms (5,189 false alarms in 2024 costing $914,000) via a verified response system. No committee decision made; information forwarded.
  • Finance/Benefits Committee Report (Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin): Three action items:
    • 2A: Purchasing policy updates – allows city to choose second-lowest quote when lowest requires an upfront deposit; adds clarity for professional services. Approved unanimously.
    • 2B: Procurement card policy updates – expanded appendix defining roles and responsibilities, card limit under $3,000. Approved unanimously.
    • 2C: Outside review of purchasing policy – engagement with Cherry Bekaert (up to $50,000) to evaluate processes ahead of ERP upgrade. Approved unanimously.
  • Annexation/Zoning – Union Road/Wilson Farm Road (J1/J2): Applicant Matamy Homes requested voluntary annexation and rezoning of 27.618 acres from Gaston County R-1 to PD-RRDD for 73 single-family homes (2.76 units/acre). Planning Commission recommended 6-0. Council approved unanimously after hearing presentation and questions about buffers, amenities, traffic, and rental restrictions.
  • Rezoning Continuance – Industrial Pike Road (J3): Public hearing opened and then continued to November 19, 2024, at the request of the applicant.
  • Unified Development Ordinance Amendment (J4): Amendment to Section 8.1.17 clarifying language for duplex-type uses (dwelling two-family and single-family attached two-unit). No changes to setbacks or parking standards. Approved unanimously.
  • Economic Development Incentive – Project Capped (J5): Level 1 incentive for a $3.5 million expansion in Gastonia Technology Park, adding 10 jobs at average salary $56,985. Grant declining over 5 years; estimated net tax benefit of $20,000. Approved unanimously.
  • Economic Development Incentive – Project Flower (J6): Level 1 incentive for a machinery/equipment expansion at 480 Interchange Drive, adding $1.5 million investment and 22 jobs at average salary $55,000. Approved unanimously.
  • Amendment to Loray Mill Phase II Agreement (J7): Six-month extension for Tribridge Residential to start construction (to September 1, 2025) and complete by July 1, 2028. Project includes 143 residential units and ~10,000 sq ft commercial space. Approved unanimously.
  • 2025 City Council Meeting Schedule (J8): Standard schedule with one change – November 6 (election day) moved to Thursday, November 7. Approved unanimously.
  • FY2026 Budget Calendar (J9): Proposed January 17-18 retreat changed to January 24-25, 2025, per council consensus. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • All votes were unanimous (9-0 where recorded).
  • Adopted proclamation for World Polio Day and ACE Program certificate.
  • Approved all consent agenda items.
  • Approved annexation and zoning for 27.618 acres on Union/Wilson Farm Roads.
  • Continued rezoning hearing for Industrial Pike Road to November 19, 2024.
  • Approved UDO amendment for duplex language.
  • Approved three economic development agreements (Project Capped, Project Flower, Loray Mill Phase II amendment).
  • Approved 2025 meeting schedule and FY2026 budget calendar (with date adjustment).
  • Approved committee recommendations for purchasing policy updates, procurement card policy, and outside purchasing review.
  • Closed session held to consult with attorney on personnel and closed session minutes; no action reported from closed session.
  • Next regular meeting: November 7, 2024 (Thursday).

Meeting Transcript

On behalf of myself and the city council, I'd like to welcome you to the October 15th, 2024 meeting. And we'll begin with the invitation by Mayor Pro Tim, Dr. Dave Curlin. Thank you for bringing my safety to these union today. You've already had a busy day, Lord, and yet our work is still not done. Be with us, give us the energy to do your work within this fine community to help us to make good decisions, to listen to all those who have their concerns, and help us to bring and move our city forward in a way that is pleasing to you. Lord, we thank you for the many blessings you've bestowed upon us. We thank you for watching over so many over the past few weeks. Those that have helped with our Hurricane Halloween emergencies, the winemen, the emergency workers, the Red Cross folks, the churches, all those that have banded together to help to support this operation of support and relief. Lord, continue to watch over all these folks because their work is yet to be finished. It will take many months, maybe years for our communities to restore their vibrancy and bring them back to what they once were. At this time, we want you to be with us. Thank you for the staff as they support our efforts. All this we ask in your holy name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. So moved. Second. We have a second by Councilwoman Barber. All those in favor. It's unanimous. Next up, everybody should have a copy of the agenda in front of them. Are there any corrections, additions, or deletions at this time? We have to make can someone make a motion to accept it. Seven second. It's unanimous. Approval of the amendment amendment from October the 1st, 2024. Can we have a motion to approve those? So moved. Second. I have a second by Councilwoman Steph. All those in favor? It's unanimous. Next up, we have a proclamation recognizing October the 24th, 2024 as World Polio Day. Our recipients are going to be Mr. Luke Upchurch. He's the president of the Rotary Club of Gastonia. Miss Sharon Heinrich. Heinrich. Heinrich. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It is my honor to present this proclamation on this evening. These are my fellow Rotarians, and I'm a proud member of the club that they are representing on tonight. So welcome to our meeting tonight. This proclamation reads, World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24th to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salt, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can cause paralysis and sometimes death, and can lead to lifelong effects of the form of postpolio syndrome. And whereas on this World Polio Day, we honor the dedication and efforts of health care workers, volunteers, and organizations who strive to eliminate this disease, improve global health, and protect the children of the world, and we recognize that Gastonia was at the heart of providing care and rehabilitation at the North Carolina Orthopedic Hospital for Children who were affected by polio, especially during polio epidemics in the 1940s and the 50s. And whereas polio cases have been reduced by over 99.9% since 1988, more than 1.5 million lives have been saved, and more than 19 million people are able to walk who may otherwise have been paralyzed. Thanks to extensive vaccination and monitoring efforts, led by Rotary International, the World Health Organization, U.S.

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