OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting Summary - September 2, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, September 2, 2025
BodyGastonia, North Carolina
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:09:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

But I will welcome you all this evening as the Mayor Pro Tem Dave Curlin.

0:05

Unfortunately, Mayor Franks is ill at this moment and not able to be here with us.

0:13

And he sends his regards.

0:15

So without further ado, we'll move on to the invitation.

0:19

And actually, I'm up for that too.

0:22

So if you are so inclined, please bow your heads.

0:26

Lord, we come to you this evening to do your work in this world.

0:30

We praise you.

0:31

We bless you.

0:32

We give thanks to you for you have many you have blessed us in many ways.

0:47

All of us on this council have it in our hearts to do what is right and most pleasing to you and therefore our city staff and our citizens.

0:56

Help us to work together, to listen and to understand each other.

1:00

Lord, we need your guidance and wisdom to take the right path.

1:05

Now we lift up the least of these our unhoused community, the infirm, the suffering, the oppressed, those in need of your love.

1:13

Protect our first responders and those who serve in the military.

1:18

Also be with Mayor Franks this evening as hopefully he is feeling better and on his way to recovery.

1:27

So Lord, be with us at this time.

1:30

Keep our minds and hearts open to the possibilities of great things for your city.

1:34

All this we ask in your holy name.

1:36

Amen.

1:48

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:51

One nation, under God, indivisible, delivery and justice for all.

1:56

Thank you.

2:00

At this time, um, if we can have the adoption of the agenda.

2:06

Are there any Mr.

2:08

Mayor Brotemple like to make a motion that we adopt the agenda as presented?

2:13

I need to make an uh a motion for an amendment to the agenda if you don't mind.

2:16

Okay.

2:17

Can we let yeah?

2:18

So I move that we adopt the agenda with one addition, okay, which is to add item 12 to the regular agenda, which would be to consider making a new appointment to the historic district commission and establishing which members will serve as chair and vice chair.

2:33

I too.

2:34

I'm sorry, I too.

2:36

It looks like 12 on my thing.

2:38

I too, thank you.

2:39

Correcting me.

2:41

Okay.

2:41

Second.

2:43

There's been a motion and a second.

2:44

Is there any discussion?

2:47

Hearing none.

2:48

All those in favor, please indicate so none opposed.

2:54

The motion carries.

2:56

All right.

2:56

Moving right along to the approval of the minutes.

3:00

We have the minutes from the regular city council meeting of August 19th, 2025.

3:05

What are the wishes of the council?

3:08

Mr.

3:08

Mayor Pro Temp, I'd like to uh make a motion that we accept them as presented.

3:12

Second.

3:13

There's a motion second by uh councilwoman Step.

3:17

Any discussion?

3:19

All those in favor, please indicate so.

3:23

All those opposed, there are none.

3:25

Motion carries.

3:27

This time I'd like to ask for um the excusal of uh our mayor, Richard Franks from the meeting this evening.

3:37

Make a motion we excuse the mayor.

3:39

Second.

3:40

There's a motion, a second by uh councilwoman Littlejohn.

3:44

All those in favor, please indicate so non opposed, that carries.

3:49

Thank you very much.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Homelessness████████████████████20%
Community Events███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Historic Preservation█████████9%
Community Engagement████████8%
Procedural█████5%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Gastonia City Council Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Gastonia City Council met on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin presided in place of Mayor Richard Franks, who was excused due to illness. The meeting included a presentation on the 2025 Hope Fest event, public comments, committee reports, a consent agenda, a public hearing, and multiple votes on resolutions.

Consent Calendar

  • H.1: Resolution to award a contract to the Gaston County Jaycees to operate the annual Gastonia Christmas Parade.
  • H.2: Resolution to award a contract to Excel Truck Group for the purchase of two Freightliner chassis (total $225,407).
  • H.3: Resolution to award a contract to James River Equipment for a John Deere utility tractor and track loader (total $420,179.14).
  • H.4: Resolution to award a contract to Deacon Jones Ford of Clinton for 11 police interceptor SUVs for Police and 2 for Fire (total $608,448.38).
  • H.5: Resolution to award a contract to Parks Ford for 4 Ford F150 Police Responder units ($183,042.80).
  • H.6: Resolution to award a contract to Capital Ford of Raleigh for 4 Ford F150 trucks for Finance and Public Utilities (total $149,263).
  • H.7: Resolution to award the Firestone Relief Sewer Project construction contract to Cleary Construction, Inc. ($3,010,685), contingent on state authorization.
  • H.8: Amendment to Traffic Ordinance to add four-way stop control at Sweet Apple Drive & Cider Ridge Road and McIntosh Street & Winesap Drive.

All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Steve D'Avria (1024 Heather Lock Drive) thanked city staff for collaboration with the Gastonia Business Alliance (GBA) and highlighted downtown initiatives, including business leader committees and upcoming events (Caffeine and Conversation on September 4, and a council candidate forum on October 2). He expressed a shift in messaging from "positive change" to "positive growth."
  • Lee Whitwell asked the council about plans for a warming center for the unhoused during winter, noting that last year churches scrambled at the last minute. He cited statistics: 13% of Gaston County residents live in poverty (over 28,000 people) and the point-in-time count reported roughly 300 people experiencing homelessness. He urged the council to codify a plan and make it a priority, stating that other counties (Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Buncombe) have extreme weather protocols.
  • Mike Tamborella (2816 Colony Woods Drive) urged council members to begin formulating questions about the next fiscal year budget now, rather than waiting until late May when the budget is already assembled by staff. He asked that council remember citizen struggles with everyday expenses.

Presentations

  • Hope Fest 2025: Ms. Danette Dye (Director of Housing and Community Engagement) and Ms. Crystal Walls (Executive Director of HealthNet Gaston) presented the fourth annual Hope Fest, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, from 10 AM to 2 PM at First United Methodist Church parking lot (190 East Franklin Boulevard). The event provides free resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or economic hardship. Services include showers, laundry, meals, transportation, a free store, and connections to housing support. From last year, outcomes included: 3 families connected to shelter, 2 veterans housed, 5 individuals housed, 25 individuals connected to health care, 16 connected to behavioral health, 6 enrolled in Medicaid, 4 enrolled in HealthNet Gaston Medical Program, and 3 connected to hypertension program. Transportation will be provided from two Walmart locations. Council members discussed outreach to encampments and church involvement.

Discussion Items

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

    • Senior Advisory Commission: Approved ordinance text to establish a commission; passed 3-0 in committee and unanimously by council.
    • In-Kind Services Policy: Amended policy to cap total in-kind services at $15,000 per fiscal year, with a per-event cap of $2,000 and no more than 50% of documented costs reimbursed after the event. Council clarified that the term "reimbursement" is imprecise; it functions as a credit against staffed event costs. Passed unanimously.
    • Amendment to FY2019-2025 Annual Action Plans (CDBG & HOME): Resolution to amend plans to reallocate unspent funds to categories that can be expended more quickly, due to changes in housing market and staffing limitations. Passed 4-1 (one council member voted no).
    • Amendment to HOME-ARP Allocation Plan: Reallocation of fund categories and budget modification for increased funds from HUD. Passed 5-0.
    • Authorization to Proceed with HOME-ARP: Authorizes staff to issue RFPs for development or rehabilitation of non-congregate shelters. Passed 5-0.
    • Panhandling Signage and Public Education Campaign: Resolution to authorize implementation of signs with QR codes directing donations to local service agencies, as a long-term homelessness intervention strategy. Estimated cost $7,000 for 28 signs at 7 intersections. Council discussed a potential pilot program and the need to preserve parking for the Little Theatre. Passed 5-0.

  • Facilities / Management Committee Report (Councilwoman Donyel Barber, Chair):

    • Unopened Right of Way Policy: Resolution to establish a policy for closing unopened right-of-ways in historic districts, starting with a pilot of up to six properties. The policy allows property to revert to adjacent homeowners while reserving utility easements. Passed unanimously.
    • Parking Lot Lease with First United Methodist Church: Lease for 58 parking spaces on MLK side for $10,000 per year, to improve parking configuration and support downtown events and cold weather shelter operations. Passed unanimously.
    • Request for Proposals for 519 West Franklin Boulevard (the ARC building): Resolution to issue an RFP for the property, with a provision that parking be made available for the Little Theatre and/or the public. The RFP is broad and may include renovation or redevelopment. Passed unanimously.
    • Donation of Real Property near Bradford Heights Road and Gaston Day School Road: Acceptance of a land donation (from the Pearsons) for future greenway development. Passed unanimously.

  • Public Hearing - Facade Grant for 173 W. Main Avenue: Applicant Chris Davis (owner of Peter Wheel) and Alison Pell plan to open a new Italian restaurant called Tavern 1899. The facade grant request is for $7,964 (50% of $15,388 investment) for signage, paint, and lighting. The project is within the $80,000 budget for facades this fiscal year. The public hearing was opened and closed, and the grant was approved unanimously.

  • Appointment to Historic District Commission: Council appointed Ben Pruitt as new member, Caitlin Peeler as Chair, and Josh Houser as Vice Chair. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items approved unanimously.
  • Senior Advisory Commission: Established; applications will be solicited, with appointments expected in October.
  • In-Kind Services Policy: Amended with new caps and reimbursement rules.
  • CDBG/HOME Action Plan Amendment: Approved 4-1; funds reallocated to categories that can be spent faster.
  • HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Amendment: Approved 5-0.
  • HOME-ARP Authorization to Proceed: Approved 5-0; RFP to be issued.
  • Panhandling Signage Campaign: Approved 5-0; staff directed to implement at seven intersections.
  • Unopened Right of Way Policy: Approved; pilot of up to six properties.
  • Parking Lot Lease: Approved; $10,000/year for 58 spaces.
  • RFP for 519 W. Franklin Blvd.: Approved with parking provision for Little Theatre.
  • Land Donation: Accepted for greenway.
  • Facade Grant: $7,964 approved for Tavern 1899.
  • Historic District Commission Appointments: Approved.
  • City Attorney's Report: Noted ongoing work on recreation advisory council, comprehensive plan (due October), insurance review, and code enforcement.
  • City Manager's Report: Reconnect the Communities grant ($2 million federal, $500,000 local match) for studying the railroad ditch is moving forward; comprehensive plan A to Z book update; excess trash week September 22-26; senior advisory commission application ready.
  • Council Reports: Included updates on Police Foundation fundraiser, suggestion for RFP on bus station property for apartments and a fall market, call for speed reduction on Hudson Boulevard (state road, but council will send request), and request for $50,000 for youth violence prevention program at Irwin Center.
  • Announcements: Upcoming events include Real-Time Crime Center ribbon cutting (Sept 4), Hope Fest (Sept 6), personnel committee (Sept 8), NAACP meet and greet (Sept 14), next city council meeting (Sept 16 at county courthouse), and others.

Meeting Transcript

But I will welcome you all this evening as the Mayor Pro Tem Dave Curlin. Unfortunately, Mayor Franks is ill at this moment and not able to be here with us. And he sends his regards. So without further ado, we'll move on to the invitation. And actually, I'm up for that too. So if you are so inclined, please bow your heads. Lord, we come to you this evening to do your work in this world. We praise you. We bless you. We give thanks to you for you have many you have blessed us in many ways. All of us on this council have it in our hearts to do what is right and most pleasing to you and therefore our city staff and our citizens. Help us to work together, to listen and to understand each other. Lord, we need your guidance and wisdom to take the right path. Now we lift up the least of these our unhoused community, the infirm, the suffering, the oppressed, those in need of your love. Protect our first responders and those who serve in the military. Also be with Mayor Franks this evening as hopefully he is feeling better and on his way to recovery. So Lord, be with us at this time. Keep our minds and hearts open to the possibilities of great things for your city. All this we ask in your holy name. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, delivery and justice for all. Thank you. At this time, um, if we can have the adoption of the agenda. Are there any Mr. Mayor Brotemple like to make a motion that we adopt the agenda as presented? I need to make an uh a motion for an amendment to the agenda if you don't mind. Okay. Can we let yeah? So I move that we adopt the agenda with one addition, okay, which is to add item 12 to the regular agenda, which would be to consider making a new appointment to the historic district commission and establishing which members will serve as chair and vice chair. I too. I'm sorry, I too. It looks like 12 on my thing. I too, thank you. Correcting me. Okay. Second. There's been a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please indicate so none opposed. The motion carries. All right. Moving right along to the approval of the minutes. We have the minutes from the regular city council meeting of August 19th, 2025. What are the wishes of the council? Mr. Mayor Pro Temp, I'd like to uh make a motion that we accept them as presented. Second. There's a motion second by uh councilwoman Step.

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