Gastonia City Council Meeting Summary - May 6, 2025

The Gastonia City Council met on May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, a community presentation, public expression, committee reports, approval of a consent agenda, and several regular agenda items including a major economic development grant, transportation betterments, and a resolution opposing state legislation. The meeting also featured the introduction of new City Attorney Eric Edgerton.

Proclamations

• Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing May 11–17, 2025 as Economic Development Week, presented to Director of Economic Development Kristy Crisp by Councilman Koutsoupias.
• Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing May 4–10, 2025 as Municipal Clerk Week, presented to City Clerk Suzanne Gibbs by Councilwoman Littlejohn.
• Council unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing May 18–24, 2025 as National Public Works Week, presented to Director of Public Works Dale Denton and Assistant City Manager Brian Potocki by Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin.

Presentation

• Ms. Alexandra Mazique and Ms. Tuneko Purnell of Grace and Mercy Establishment presented on their organization's work in healing, youth empowerment, and mental health services. They cited a 25.9% increase in suicide in Gaston County (2023-2025), 283 registered sex offenders in 2025, and that 3 out of 4 youth in North Carolina would attend an afterschool program if offered affordably. They requested volunteers, partnerships, and city support to expand services. Councilwoman Littlejohn praised their work and suggested partnering with local organizations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Clark Simon (311 West 10th Avenue) spoke about an animal abuse case involving a police officer, alleging that despite reports made on October 1, 2024, the abuse continued for six months until the officer was arrested. He requested a review of communications and policies to prevent such failures.
• Norman Valles (new owner of Gaston Pickers Antique Mall and Auctions) reported that under new ownership, the business has increased traffic from outside the county by over 50% (3,500 people per visit), hired 3 more employees, plans to purchase the building, and supports approximately 115 families in earning extra income. He expressed satisfaction with city interactions and hopes for future assistance.

Committee Reports

Central City Revitalization & Housing / Community Engagement Committee (Councilwoman Stepp, Chair):

• 2.A: Gastonia Springs Carnival Event at Eastridge Mall – Resolution approved unanimously to permit the carnival May 22–June 1, requiring off-duty police at the event's expense.
• 2.B: Updates to Facade and Architecture Grant Program – This item generated extensive discussion. Key changes include requiring wet signatures, work commencing within 90 days, completion within 12 months, and attaching permits. The main debate was whether 501(c)(3) nonprofits should remain eligible. Staff noted only three nonprofits are in the Municipal Service District (MSD), and nonprofits pay the MSD property tax if they own the building. The committee voted to keep nonprofits eligible. Council approved the resolution 5–2 (Councilman Gallagher and one other opposed).
• 2.C: Sale of City-Owned Property at 608 N. York Street – Sold for $204,900, with the buyer receiving $25,000 in city down-payment assistance plus other state/ federal assistance totaling approximately $89,500, reducing the financed amount to $126,280. Approved unanimously.
• 2.D: Highland Community East Proposals – The committee recommended accepting a proposal from Oak and Willow Builders, who offered resale prices of $230,000–$300,000 with a 20–30 year affordability period. Councilwoman Littlejohn opposed, arguing the prices are not affordable for current Ward 4 residents and that the developer does not offer nontraditional financing or a grocery store, unlike another bidder. Council approved 6–1 (Littlejohn opposed). Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin and Councilwoman Stepp noted the need to respect staff's scoring criteria and communicate expectations earlier.

Utilities Committee (Councilwoman Stepp, Acting Chair):

• Arcadia Subdivision Reimbursement Agreement – The committee approved a revised agreement eliminating a water line loop requirement; instead, all structures must have improved fire sprinkler systems (reducing fire flow requirement from 1,000 to 500 gallons per minute). The city will reimburse the developer for the cost of upsizing an on-site sewer pump station and off-site force main (up to $1.5 million) to serve future development in the drainage basin. Payment is due within 60 days of completion. Approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

All 10 items were approved unanimously:

• I.1: Tax collection contract with Gaston County
• I.2: March 2025 financial report
• I.3: FY 25-26 budget for Gastonia Conference Center
• I.4: Final plat for Nolen Farm Phase 4 Map 1
• I.5: Work authorization for airport wildlife perimeter fence
• I.6: Sole source vendors for utility equipment
• I.7: Annexation petition for ~83.37 acres on Briar Oak Drive and Penny Park Drive (public hearing May 20)
• I.8: Annexation petition for ~1.179 acres on Fairview Drive (public hearing May 20)
• I.9: Traffic ordinance amendments (stop signs at Queensgate/Nottingham and Titus Green/Eighth Avenue)
• I.10: Revenue recognition of $24,000 from athletic league fees

Discussion Items

• I.1 Question – Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin asked whether the county's ad valorem tax collection fee (0.9%) is the same for all municipalities; staff confirmed it is.

Regular Agenda

• J.1: Project Nexus – Level 4 Economic Development Grant – Director of Economic Development Kristy Crisp presented a proposal for a manufacturing facility in the Trinity Building (875,000 sq ft, shell built by Trinity Partners for $61 million). The company plans to invest $268 million in machinery/equipment and create 701 new jobs at an average salary of $52,000 (Gaston County average). The city's grant is a 10-year tax reimbursement, paid upfront by the company. Gaston County approved unanimously; the state is also pursuing a JDIG grant. Council approved the resolution and closed the public hearing unanimously.
• J.3: Municipal Agreement with NCDOT for I-85 Widening and Cox Road Betterments – Transportation Director Randi Gates presented a $2,660,610.42 agreement for aesthetic betterments on six structures (3 interchanges, 3 overpasses) in Gastonia. The total cost is $7,103,350, with $2.8 million from NCDOT participation and $2.5 million from prior geo-bond funds for Union Road widening, leaving the city's share at $2.66 million. Betterments include brick veneer, medallions, street name signs, black railing, and enhanced landscaping. Construction on Section A (through Gastonia) is expected to be complete by 2033. City will pay upon project completion from second issuance of geo-bonds. Approved unanimously.
• J.4: Resolution Opposing House Bill 765 – City Attorney Eric Edgerton explained that HB 765 would preempt local zoning by mandating at least 5 units per acre, increase municipal liability in developer lawsuits, and is opposed by the League of Municipalities. Council unanimously approved the resolution.
• J.2: FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Presentation – City Manager Michael Peoples presented a proposed budget of $333.55 million (down $12.65 million from current), with a tax rate of $0.47 per $100 (lowest in over 20 years), no use of fund balance, a 4% compensation increase effective January 2026, and a 5% increase in water/sewer fees ($4.28/month average). The public hearing was opened and closed without public comment; adoption is scheduled for June 3, 2025. A brief discussion ensued about keeping the public hearing open until the next meeting, but the council voted to close it (motion carried).

Key Outcomes

• Decision/Resolution: Approved carnival permit at Eastridge Mall (unanimous)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved Facade Grant Program updates with nonprofits eligible (5 in favor, 2 opposed)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved sale of 608 N. York Street for $204,900 (unanimous)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved Highland Community East proposal from Oak and Willow Builders (6 in favor, 1 opposed)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved Arcadia Subdivision utilities reimbursement agreement (unanimous)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved Project Nexus Level 4 Economic Development Grant (unanimous)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved I-85 widening betterments municipal agreement for $2,660,610.42 (unanimous)
• Decision/Resolution: Approved resolution opposing House Bill 765 (unanimous)
• Next Step: Budget adoption scheduled for June 3, 2025; council to review and ask questions before then.
• Referral: Councilwoman Littlejohn requested that beautification projects promised for cut-through streets (Davidson, Pryor) be revisited; city manager took note.

City Attorney's Report

• Eric Edgerton noted two other bills the League is tracking; will update council if needed.

City Manager's Report

• Michael Peoples warned about the federal