Gastonia City Council Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Gastonia City Council met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting covered transportation studies, traffic calming policy adoption, utility policy changes, a warming center agreement, and senior commission appointments.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution to designate Cody Huffstetler as ABC Officer.
• Contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for ERP, SaaS, and professional services ($1,911,240).
• Contract with Koa Hills Consulting for ERP implementation consultant services ($324,465).
• Final recording plat for Baler Mills Phase 1 Map 1.
• Traffic ordinance amendments adding speed limits and stop-controlled intersections.
• Revenue recognition from NCDOC RDED grant for the Active Adult Center ($237,500). All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Tamborella (2816 Colony Woods Drive) congratulated council members and thanked candidates. He urged the council to work together on homelessness, growth, public safety, and taxes.
• Tony Stokes (neighborhood petitioner) discussed growth (1.5-1.6%), transportation accessibility, and homeless assistance. He expressed frustration about lack of response from a council member regarding his ward's needs.

Discussion Items

• Transportation Committee Report – Southeast Gastonia Area Transportation Study (SEGATS): Consultant Brady Thinkley (Kimley Horn) presented a comprehensive study of Union Road and Union New Hope Road corridors. Key points:

  • 12 proposed/approved developments totaling 3,700 new residential units plus commercial space.
  • Current volumes (3,500-11,000 vehicles/day) will grow to 17,000-26,000 by 2055 with full build-out, exceeding two-lane capacity (15,000 vehicles/day threshold).
  • Phased recommendations: Phase 1 (40% build-out, ~2030) – intersection improvements only; Phase 2 (70%, ~2032) – widening 2.5 miles to four lanes; Phase 3 (100%, ~2034) – widening additional 1.75 miles.
  • Widening cost estimated at $7-10 million per mile. Developers expressed willingness to contribute but concerns about affordability.
  • Discussion included potential density reduction as an alternative, whether roundabouts were considered (deemed unsuitable for projected volumes), and coordination with NCDOT on South New Hope Road improvements.
  • Council members asked about interaction with growth trajectory, developer contributions, and the possibility of a moratorium. Staff clarified that conditional zoning allows council discretion on density. No action was taken; staff requested direction via small group meetings.

• Traffic Calming Policy (Transportation Committee): Corey Delon and consultant Jeff Dayden (HDR) presented the policy. Key features:

  • Separate processes for existing neighborhoods (resident application with 75% petition) and new developments (developer-funded through TIA process).
  • Toolkit includes vertical deflection (speed cushions for emergency vehicle access), width reductions, intersection treatments, and non-geometric measures.
  • Funding model: City-funded (Category 1), cost-share (Category 2), 100% petitioner-funded (Category 3). Currently no dedicated funding; $30,000/year from speed hump budget is proposed to be repurposed starting FY 2026.
  • Council discussion focused on assistance for residents collecting signatures (e.g., using city billing to notify neighbors), emergency access for speed cushions, and integration with existing speed hump policy.
  • The policy was adopted unanimously.

• Utilities Committee Report:

  1. Net Billing Policy: Staff recommended adopting net billing (customer receives avoided cost rate for excess energy) over net metering (retail rate) to avoid shifting costs to non-solar customers. Approved unanimously.
  2. Interlocal Agreement (Sewer Infrastructure): Agreement with Gaston County and High Shoals to construct sewer infrastructure for a new residential development. The city will contribute upsizing costs for future Gastonia growth. Approved 5-1.
  3. Reimbursement Policy Amendments: Removed off-site reimbursement provisions for water/sewer extension; kept oversizing reimbursement. Staff cited peer utility practices. Approved unanimously.

• Warming Center Agreement: Danette Dye (Housing Director), Crystal Walls (HealthNet Gaston), and Dr. Eddie Piercy (Unity Baptist Church) presented. The warming center will operate at Unity Baptist Church (4820 N. Myrtle School Road) from November 23, 2025 to March 31, 2026 on days at or below 32°F, 8 PM to 7 AM. Budget: $22,644 total (CDBG $15,000 + general funds $7,644) for security, janitorial, and two part-time coordinators. Capacity up to 100 persons (ambulatory only). Approved unanimously.

• Senior Advisory Commission Appointments: Originally council voted for 15 members (2 per ward + 1 council liaison). Mayor had appointed 3, causing an extra. Council amended ordinance to allow 16 voting members (2 per ward + 3 at-large). Appointments were confirmed: Carolyn Pitts, Catherine Powell (Councilwoman Littlejohn); Chip Ferguson (Councilman Gallagher). Term lengths (1 year vs. 3 years) to be determined via email/next meeting. Remaining seats for Councilman-elect Silverman deferred.

• 2025-2027 Goals and Objectives Update: City Manager Peoples provided a written update on 50 objectives. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Traffic Calming Policy adopted unanimously.
• Net Billing Policy adopted unanimously.
• Interlocal sewer agreement approved (5-1).
• Reimbursement policy amendments approved unanimously.
• Warming center agreement and funding approved unanimously.
• Senior Advisory Commission ordinance amended to 16 members; appointments confirmed; outstanding appointments deferred.
• SEGATS presentation received; staff will schedule small group meetings for council direction.
• Meeting adjourned after announcements including Veterans Day closure (Nov 11), upcoming meetings (Nov 18 at Gaston County Courthouse), and special meeting Nov 20.