Gastonia City Council Meeting – March 17, 2026 (6:00 PM Local Time)

The regular meeting of the Gastonia City Council began with an invocation by Pastor Spargo, who also promoted the upcoming Unite 2026 event (March 20–22 at Caramont Health Park). The council recognized the Hunter Huss High School boys basketball team for winning the 5-A state championship, presented a certificate, and entered a congressional record tribute from Representative Tim Moore into the minutes. The meeting covered a range of routine approvals, public comments on police accountability and community safety, committee reports, and a major grant award.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamations: Recognized March 17, 2026 as Arbor Day and April 2026 as North Carolina 811 Safe Digging Month.
• Resolutions: Approved 12 consent items unanimously, including:
  • Revocation of lateral sign-on bonus for South Carolina police candidates.
  • Acceptance for maintenance of portions of West Ninth Avenue.
  • Recognition of $123,432 in additional funds from an onsite surplus sale (Budget Amendment 2620038).
  • Award of a $787,695 construction contract to Cove Utility, LLC for the Long Creek WWTP Piping Project.
  • Purchase of a bucket truck for $345,759 from Altec Industries.
  • Declaration of surplus personal property.
  • Adoption of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
  • Approval of a sidewalk maintenance agreement with NCDOT for STIP Project U-6043.
  • Various traffic ordinance amendments (speed limits and parking restrictions).
  • Approval of an agreement with Flock Safety.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lee Henderson spoke about the January 10, 2026 police shooting of Derek Manigault, disputing the police narrative and demanding that officers be fired and face criminal charges. She argued the shooting was unjustified and highlighted discrepancies in the timeline and evidence.
• Olivia Henderson continued the family’s call for transparency and accountability. She questioned why officers remain on paid administrative leave, asked for status updates on investigations, and criticized the assumption that police accounts are always truthful. She also referenced other police-involved deaths (Keith Porter, Alex Pretty, Renee Good, Derek Manigault).
• Mr. Sanders reported a shooting at his home on the night of March 16, 2026, with bullets entering his bedroom while nine family members were present. He criticized police for initially failing to respond to his earlier reports about the same suspects, though he later thanked two officers for apprehending them. He urged the council to ensure the suspects (two 16-year-olds and one 19-year-old) remain in custody.

Discussion Items

• Gaston MAX Presentation (E.1): Gavin Stewart, Public Engagement Manager for Gaston County, detailed the 5th annual Gaston Multicultural Arts Experience on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Features include over 90 vendors, cultural crafts, food trucks, live music (Furio Tropical, The Gift and Sounds, Ghost of Bannockburn, Colin Cutler), dance performances, and a children’s activity area. Sponsors include the Gaston Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council.
• Senior Advisory Commission Report (G.1): Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp, Chair, reported on the committee’s second meeting: staff presented construction updates at the new senior facility (107 Broad Street), reviewed survey results on future program ideas, and discussed upcoming Senior Games and the formation of subcommittees. Councilman Silverman expressed concerns about overextending staff and the committee’s scope, urging a more advisory role with limited meetings. The Mayor noted the discussion should continue at the committee level.
• Recreation Advisory Committee Report (G.2): Councilwoman Donyel Barber, Chair, highlighted facility rental opportunities (contact Skip Youngblood), the progress of the 107 Broad Street senior center (encouraging tours), and upcoming events: Easter egg hunt (March 25 at Martha Rivers), Gaston MAX (March 28), and the Art Show (April 23) with committee recognition (April 30 at the conference center).
• Project Change – Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant (I.2): Transportation Director Randi Gates presented a $2 million federal grant (with a $500,000 local match from the GO Transportation Bond) for the Project Change Feasibility and Connectivity Study. The study will examine capping the Norfolk Southern railroad ditch through downtown and reconnecting the Highland neighborhood to downtown Gastonia. Background: the ditch was created in 1992 for grade separation, displacing 77 homes and severing connectivity. The study will assess technical/financial feasibility, engage stakeholders, and explore development potential. Council approved the resolution and budget amendment (2620037) unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing (I.1) for street closure (Adams Ave, Robinson St, alley) continued to April 21, 2026 due to incomplete applicant documentation.
• Grant Agreement (I.2) approved unanimously: $2,000,000 from FHWA for the Project Change study, with $500,000 local match and Budget Amendment 2620037.
• City Manager’s Recommendation to add a representative from the SHIEL (city-owned facility) and a representative from Crowders Mountain State Park (within city limits) to the Sports & Entertainment Commission was approved unanimously via a motion to amend Section 3-11 of the city code.
• Closed Session entered under N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with the city attorney on multi-district opioid litigation, two specific cases (Blake Need and Josh Aurora), and other claims. Motion passed unanimously. The council then adjourned.

Other Notable Items

• The Hunter Huss boys basketball team received a formal certificate and congressional recognition.
• Upcoming meeting: Regular City Council Meeting on April 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM.