The Gastonia City Council met on January 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included an invocation, pledge, adoption of the agenda with an added item, approval of minutes, a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Coretta Scott King Book Awards Week, recognition of the 2026 Citizens’ Academy participants, a certificate for the ACE program, unanimous approval of the consent agenda (9 items), and three regular agenda items: a contract award for the Snyder Place Office Renovation, a local match commitment for the airport apron pavement rehabilitation, and a resolution of intent to consider amending the city charter regarding the mayor’s voting authority. Council members also provided reports, and the meeting concluded with a motion to go into closed session.
The consent agenda (9 items) was approved unanimously without discussion. Items included:
Assistant City Manager Adrian Miller presented the renovation of the former train depot’s remaining 3,500 square feet, which will include six offices for Keep Gastonia Beautiful, Sister Cities, and ACE program staff, plus a 1,400‑square‑foot flexible lecture/training space (seating about 136). The low bidder, Miles‑McClellan Construction (Concord, NC), submitted a base bid and two alternates totaling $691,771, with a 15% contingency of $103,765.65 for a total contract of $795,536.65. The architect’s pre‑bid estimate was $750,000; the bid came in under estimate. Funding will use interest earned on ARPA funds. Construction timeline is six months. Council discussed potential for community rental and possibility of council chambers use (deemed not feasible). Motion to accept and award contract passed unanimously.
Transportation Director Randi Gates presented a $463,261 local match commitment for a 90% federally/state‑funded project (total project cost approximately $4.6 million). The apron pavement (269,000 sq ft) is in fair to very poor condition, with PCI ratings of 33–63. Design/bid phase in FY26 ($37,060 local match) and construction in FY27 ($426,201 local match). A 2022 PCI study predicts further deterioration if unaddressed. Councilwoman Barber asked about consequences of inaction – possible loss of funding or FAA restrictions. Councilwoman Stepp and others noted cost savings of proactive maintenance (every $1 now saves $4‑5 later). Motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously. Future runway rehabilitation (approx. $586,490 local match) was previewed but not yet requested.
City Attorney Eric Edgerton explained the required process for a charter amendment: a resolution of intent, a public hearing, and consideration at a third meeting. The item was added to the agenda earlier in the meeting. After discussion, the council voted to set the public hearing for the first meeting in February (likely February 3, 2026). The motion passed unanimously.
Note: No public comments or testimony were presented.
On behalf of the city council and myself, I'd like to welcome you to the January 6, 2026 Council meeting. I will now call the meeting to order. First up, we're gonna have the invocation, and that will be by Councilman Kasupius. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Please bow your head and join me in prayer should you feel so inclined. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for blessing us with this day as we gather together in service to our community. Lord, as we begin this new year, we are grateful for your continued guidance, protection, and grace. We give you much thanks for our health and well-being, and for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. On this day of Epiphany, we are reminded of the three wise men who follow the light you set before them, seeking truth, wisdom, and guidance. May we too be guided by that same light as we make decisions that affect our community, seeking what is just right and good. We ask your blessings upon those in need within our city, those who are struggling, those who are hurting, and those who may feel unseen. Surround them with comfort, hope, and support. Bless our city staff, this council, all who join us tonight, and all residents of this great city. Grant us wisdom, patience, and compassion as we work together for the good of our community. Help us to be grateful and thankful in all that we do. Guide our words, our decisions, and our actions, so that this year may be one of meaningful progress, cooperation, and success for our community. Remind us that we can all strive to be better, to do what is right, and to serve one another with humility and care. May we be mindful of all those around us and seek to lead with integrity, kindness, and purpose. May you bless this year's Citizens' Academy class as they open up their minds to new knowledge. For all that you have done, all that you continue to do, and all that is yet to come. We give you glory, honor, and praise. We thank you, Lord, for this day for our city, and for the opportunity to serve you. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Next up, let's see. Miss Adams, will you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, ma'am. Each of you should have a copy of the agenda in front of you. Are there any questions, additions, deletions to the agenda? Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make an addition to the agenda. It's a resolution of intent to consider an ordinance amending the cities of Gastonia's charter to provide that the mayor shall only be authorized to vote in uh case of a tie on the council. And I like to put that in there under I three. And that's my motion. All right, can I have a motion to accept the agenda as presented with the addition? So move. So move. Can I have a second? Second. Have a second. All those in favor? It's unanimous. Next up, we have two sets of minutes to be approved. The first one is the city council's project update meeting on December the 9th. And the second one is the regular city council meeting on December the 16th. Can I have a motion to approve these? I move that we approve the city council update project meeting minutes along with the regular city council meeting minutes. Second.