Gastonia City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026

Mayor Richard Franks called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with an invocation by Councilwoman Angela Dreher and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was adopted unanimously, and minutes from the March 10 and March 17, 2026 meetings were approved. The meeting featured three proclamations, public comments from three speakers, committee reports, a consent agenda of 19 items, a regular agenda with a public hearing and an appointment, and reports from the city attorney, city manager, and council members.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the Budget Outlook Work Session (March 10, 2026) and Regular City Council Meeting (March 17, 2026).
• Proclamation declaring April 6–10, 2026, as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Week.
• Proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month.
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Project Ordinance Update.
• Award of Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Contract to Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A.
• Resolution to approve Alliance for Community Enrichment (A.C.E.) Matching Grant Funds to the Highland Neighborhood Association.
• Resolution to approve A.C.E. Matching Grant Funds to the Myrtle School Community Association.
• Resolution to approve an agreement with Cayenta, a division of N. Harris Corporation, to implement the Cayenta Live Agent Artificial Intelligence Customer Service Solution (estimated five-year cost: $538,373).
• Resolution appointing Deputy Finance Officers.
• Resolution to appropriate $4,000,000 from General Fund fund balance for General Obligation Bond Transportation Projects (Budget Amendment 2620039).
• Resolution to appropriate $131,914 from the Affordable Housing Fund for home administrative costs and code enforcement personnel (Budget Amendment 2620040).
• Resolution to recognize $38,000 in additional revenue through athletic league fees (Budget Amendment 2620041).
• February 2026 Monthly Financial Report.
• Resolution to accept for maintenance portions of Westfall Phase 3 Map 1 Subdivision.
• Resolution to award a contract for the Long Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System Improvements Design to HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas ($637,770).
• Resolution to award a contract for the Wastewater Treatment Biosolids Master Plan to HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas ($336,400).
• Resolution to award a contract for the Water Treatment Plant Sodium Hypochlorite Dilution System Design to HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas ($617,685).
• Two resolutions declaring municipally owned property (electric meters and water meters) as surplus.
• Resolution to award a contract for the Water Supply and Treatment Water Quality Assessment and Corrosion Study to Black & Veatch International Company ($96,000).
• Resolution to set the public hearing date for May 19, 2026, for the closure of portions of Brook Ridge Drive and Rabbit Ridge Drive.

All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pastor John Pellinero (New Covenant Church) expressed urgent concern after a fatal shooting near his church. He detailed security measures already taken (bullet-resistant glass, barriers, 24 cameras, trained security) and requested the city complete a fence installation that was promised years ago to prevent access through a wooded area behind the church. He urged immediate action.
• Rebecca Insley Manigault, widow of Derek Manigault (killed by Gastonia police on January 10, 2026), criticized the city's silence on the incident. She demanded transparency, accountability, and equal protection, stating that the two officers involved remain on paid leave while she faces bureaucratic delays. She asked the council to acknowledge her husband's life and speak out.
• Martha Gabriel (founder, WOW Workshop) described her nonprofit providing services for individuals with disabilities and their families. She invited the council and community to a resource event on May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM at T Jeffers Park, featuring mobile units for vaccines, dental care, and screenings. She requested the city's help in promoting the event.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations:

  • 70th Charter Anniversary of Beta Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Presented by Councilwoman Donyel Barber. The proclamation recognized the chapter's service since 1956. Approved unanimously.
  • 100th Anniversary of the William Chronicle Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (April 18, 2026) – Presented by Councilwoman Jennifer M. Stepp. The chapter celebrates a century of patriotism and service. Approved unanimously.
  • National Lineman Appreciation Day (April 18, 2026) – Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Gallagher. Honored Gastonia Electric Division personnel for their dangerous work. Approved unanimously.

• Committee Reports:

  • Facilities/Management Committee (Chairwoman Donyel Barber):
    • Approved a resolution to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 145 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way for the development of a hotel (90–120 rooms, adjacent to the conference center). The RFP process will allow market-rate sale and potential economic development incentives. Motion passed unanimously.
    • Approved a resolution to issue an RFP for 105 Trenton Street for a restaurant supporting the FUSE District development. The site is under the scoreboard at CaroMont Health Park, with 8,500 sq ft of green space and 4,250 sq ft of rooftop buildable area. No grading required; staff hopes for construction by opening day 2027. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Utilities Committee (Chairman Jim Gallagher):
    • Adopted the Energy Emergency Alert Program Policy to comply with NERC mandates. The policy establishes procedures for load reduction during extreme demand or generation shortages, including potential rolling blackouts at Alert Level 3. Non-compliance fines can reach $1 million per incident. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Arts Committee (Chairwoman Jennifer M. Stepp):
    • Approved three public art projects: graffiti art/urban art panels at Main Avenue and S. Clay Street (budget up to $2,910), feather art installation for the Marietta Corridor Beautification Project (budget up to $30,000), and murals at Lineberger Park (budget up to $3,240). All three projects were recommended 9-0 by the committee. Motion passed unanimously.
    • Approved a community engagement event at the urban art panel space using remaining $927 in the arts budget. The event will unveil the panels with local artists. Motion passed unanimously.

• Regular Agenda:

  • Public Hearing and Consideration of an Economic Development Agreement for Project Tech: Kristy Crisp, Director of Economic Development, presented a standard Level One Local Incentive Grant for Project Tech, a cutting-tool and machining-tool manufacturer locating at Apple Creek Corporate Center. The company will invest $6.3 million, create 12 jobs over three years with an average wage of $68,000, and annex into the city within one year. The grant reimburses property taxes over five years. The public hearing was closed, and the resolution was approved unanimously.
  • Appointment to the Historic District Commission: Councilwoman Stepp nominated Leslie Fanden Eric to fill a vacancy due to non-attendance. Eric resides in the Brookwood subdivision and expressed interest. The appointment was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All three proclamations were approved and entered into the official record.
• The consent agenda (19 items) was approved unanimously.
• RFPs for a hotel and a restaurant at the FUSE District were authorized; staff will issue the RFPs with a 90-day response period.
• The Energy Emergency Alert Program Policy was adopted, establishing mandatory load reduction procedures.
• Three public art projects and a community engagement event were funded from the arts committee’s remaining budget.
• Project Tech received a Level One incentive grant; the company will annex within one year.
• Leslie Fanden Eric was appointed to the Historic District Commission for the remainder of the term.
• Councilwoman Donyel Barber addressed the ongoing trash issue at Mountain View Apartments and Weldon Heights, stating that code enforcement is involved, fines are being assessed, and management is working to resolve the problem. She committed to a permanent solution.
• City Manager Michael Peoples reported that excess trash week collected 347 tons (down from 361 in the fall), reminded the public of the statewide fire ban, and noted ongoing pothole repairs and budget preparation for FY2027.
• Council members reported on various community events, including the Gaston Max Festival, the United Way purse power event, a new fire truck at Station One, and upcoming arts and civic activities.