Gastonia City Council Meeting – October 20, 2026

The Gastonia City Council held its regular meeting on October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, public comments, committee reports, and several action items. Key decisions included approval of a Juneteenth celebration budget, reissuing a HOME-ARP shelter RFP, adopting a new Project Lifesaver MOU, amending the solicitation ordinance, approving a design-build contract for the Martha Rivers playground replacement, granting facade improvement grants for two downtown properties, and amending the Unified Development Ordinance to regulate tobacco/vape retail establishments. The council also went into closed session at the end.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamation recognizing Extra Mile Day (November 1, 2026)
• Contract award to Jeff Hargett Mechanical Inc. for Garland Center chiller replacement ($119,000)
• Contract award to HDR Engineering for Southeast Sewer Phase 3 PER and Eagle Road WWTP TM ($361,400)
• Acceptance of Bureau of Justice Grant for Rapid DNA Program ($629,127)
• Recognition of asset-forfeiture proceeds and interest ($47,658 + $34,075 + $2,413)
• Appropriation for Long Creek Wastewater Outfall Resiliency Project contract ($707,000)
• Acceptance of FEMA BRIC grant ($160,000) with local match ($50,000)
• Amendment to land lease with Verizon Wireless for property at 2100 Robinwood Road
• Contract extension with KCI Technologies for Trimble Unity Maintenance System

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlotte Brown urged the city to require developers to leave undeveloped portions of cleared land (e.g., one-eighth acre per acre) to protect displaced wildlife, arguing this would also reduce costs for developers. She requested a follow-up from city staff.

Committee Reports

SPARC Committee (Strategic Partners Advancing Revitalization & Community)

• Juneteenth Event 2027: The council approved a resolution to adopt the event plans and budget totaling $21,000. Of this, $7,000 was already budgeted for fireworks; the remaining $14,000 covers entertainment, amenities, and marketing. Councilmember Dreher donated portable toilets worth $1,000, reducing the city's cost. The committee is composed of city employees; council discussed potential inclusion of community members.
• HOME-ARP Non-Congregate Shelter RFP: The council approved a resolution to reissue the RFP after the previous developer lacked an operator and operating proforma. The new deadline is December 5, 2026. Staff will seek operators from other states if necessary.
• Winter Weather Shelter/Warming Center: Tabled to the November 5, 2026 meeting pending a budget amendment.

Public Safety Committee

• Project Lifesaver MOU: Approved a memorandum of understanding among Gaston County police departments and the Sheriff's Office to establish a locating system for at-risk individuals (e.g., dementia patients). The MOU includes eight agencies.
• Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 6, Section 6-228): Approved a rewrite broadening the prohibition on standing, sitting, or loitering on medians and roadways (except for crossing). The new language applies to all persons and addresses constitutional concerns.

Facilities / Management Committee

• Martha Rivers Playground Replacement: Approved a resolution to negotiate a design-build contract with Leathers and Associates. The playground will be custom-designed with a castle theme (similar to the original but with composite materials and modern features). The budget is approximately $1 million, drawn from the same allocation as Lynnwood Springs Park. The contract itself will be presented at the next meeting. Staff also noted plans to remove the small playground near the ballfields and replace it with a shaded seating area.

Regular Agenda

Facade and Architecture Grant – 140 East Main Ave

• Approved a $20,000 Level 2 facade grant plus a $1,500 architecture grant for Brantley & Morgan Smith who are investing ~$50,870 in window/door replacements, painting, and cleaning the awning. The grant was approved unanimously after a public hearing.

Facade Grant – 275 West Main Ave

• Approved a $1,175 Level 1 facade grant (50% match) for Jackson & Smith Attorney's Building to replace two windows. Unanimous approval.

Unified Development Ordinance Amendment (File #202600407)

• Following a public hearing, the council approved a text amendment to add definitions and regulations for "tobacco/vape and similar retail establishments." Key provisions:
  • Definition covers tobacco, nicotine, vapor products, CBD, kratom, and paraphernalia.
  • Permitted in commercial and urban industrial districts, excluding downtown and adjacent mixed-use areas.
  • Supplemental regulations: 1,000-foot buffer from residential zones; 2,000-foot buffer from schools, daycares, libraries; 1,000-foot separation between similar shops; maintain clear sight lines into the business.
  • Existing businesses are grandfathered as nonconforming uses.
• The council adopted a statement of consistency with the Gastonia 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

City Manager's Reportn- The RFP for operating Caramount Health Park has been posted; deadline November 30, 2026.

• Curb-side leaf collection began October 20, running through February 15, 2027. Leaves must be loose, not bagged.

City Council Reports

• Members expressed condolences for community losses, safety reminders for Halloween, updates on upcoming events (Trunk-or-Treat, Farmers Market, Veterans Day), and encouragement for voting on Election Day.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items approved unanimously.
• Juneteenth event budget approved ($21,000 total).
• HOME-ARP shelter RFP authorized to be reissued.
• Project Lifesaver MOU approved.
• Solicitation ordinance amendment approved.
• Design-build contract for Martha Rivers playground approved (contract to be brought back).
• Facade grants for 140 E Main and 275 W Main approved.
• UDO amendment for tobacco/vape shops approved.
• Council moved into closed session (motioned and approved).