Good evening, everyone.

My name is Richard Franks.

I'm the mayor of the great city of Gastonia.

On behalf of the Council and myself, I want to welcome y'all to the September the 15th, 2026 meeting.

And at this time, I am going to turn the meeting over to Mayor Pro Tim Gallagher.

I'm going to have to step into the back because we have a uh the President of the United States will be here tomorrow, and I still have a lot of stuff that needs to be done.

So Mayor Pro Tim will lead the meeting tonight.

Thank you all.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Appreciate it.

Okay.

First off is our invocation.

That's going to be delivered by Councilman Glenn Silverman.

Glenn.

Thank you, Mayor Protect.

Let us pray.

As we pause to take a moment of prayer and reflection, at this time of year, the people of the Jewish community enters the High Holy Days, where we are reminded of an annual opportunity to reflect on the year behind us, seek forgiveness, learn from our mistakes, and turn toward a better path.

These are Jewish traditions, but their message is universal.

We all have the opportunity to grow, forgive, and begin again.

Tonight, we are especially grateful for those service and good deeds that strengthen our community.

Tonight we'll recognize representatives from Dorothy's daughter Senior Care Center Community Care and the Firefighters for their efforts in Fire Prevention Week.

We give thanks to their commitment, compassion, and the difference they make in the lives of others.

Let us also remember that each of us has opportunities, large and small, to serve our neighbors and to make our community better.

Let us take a brief moment and reflect on someone who has made a difference in our lives and on one good deed that we might do for someone else.

As we begin our work tonight, may we bring with us humility, wisdom, and a spirit of cooperation.

May our discussions be respectful, our decisions be thoughtful, and our actions guided by what is best for the people that we are privileged to serve in our city.

May we continue working together to strengthen our neighborhoods, supporting our families, and build a Gastonia where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

May our service tonight leave our city a little stronger, kinder, and more united than we found it.

Amen.

Please join me in standing.

We'll do the Pledge of Allegiance.

You all receive the uh adop uh agenda.

We need an adoption.

Second.

All in favor.

Next up, the approval of the minutes.

Let's do both of these, the ones for September 1st, City Council regular meeting, and September 3rd, the special city council meeting.

I move that we approve both the meonets from September the 1st and September the 3rd.

Second.

Thank you.

All in favor.

It's unanimous.

Thank you.

Awards ceremonies and promotions.

First up, Councilwoman Shreer.

She'll be doing the proclamation recognizing Dorothy's daughter, Senior Care, Senior Cancer and Community Care Recipient, Yolanda Hall Miller.

Yolanda, if you can meet her up there, appreciate it.

And you can bring up anyone you like with you.

And girl, you looking fancy.

Baby, come on up here so she can.

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

Good evening, everyone.

Proclamation, whereas Dorothy's daughter, Senior Cancer and Community Care is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families through compassion, outreach, wellness initiatives, and supportive community services.

And whereas, since it was established, Dorothy's daughter has donated over 300 wellness and comfort bags to cancer patients and senior citizens, providing encouragement, self-care items, and practical resources to promote dignity, hope, and well-being.

And whereas Dorothy's daughter has demonstrated its commitment to addressing food insecurity by preparing and distributing over 100 lunches to individuals experiencing homelessness, help and meet immediate community needs while fostering human connection and care.

And whereas Dorothy's daughter has supported local faith and service initiatives through donations to churches and outreach efforts, benefiting veterans, recognizing and honoring those who have served while strengthening community partnerships.

And whereas the organization promotes education, wellness, awareness, networking, collaboration, and access to supportive resources that empower underserved populations and encourage stronger community engagement, and whereas Dorothy's daughter, Senior Cancer and Community Care, exemplifies the values of volunteerism, compassion, and civil service, and contributes to making the city of Gastonia stronger, healthier, and a more connected community.