Page 203 Page 203. GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 6, :00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL GASTONIA, NC

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1 Page 203 Page 203 GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING February 6, :00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL GASTONIA, NC Mayor Walker E. Reid called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Gastonia, North Carolina. Mayor Reid opened the meeting and Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp delivered the invocation. Mayor Reid led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk, recorded the minutes. PRESENT: Mayor Walker E. Reid, III Mayor Pro Tem Dave Kirlin Council Members Robert Kellogg James Gallagher Todd Pierceall Jennifer M. Stepp David Humphries City Manager: City Attorney: Michael Peoples L. Ashley Smith ABSENT: None ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Reid asked if there were any changes to the Agenda before approving. Councilman Humphries stated he wanted to add Item H.2 for discussion which is to discuss scheduling another public hearing for the Closure of West Norment Avenue noting this is for discussion only. Mayor Reid asked for any other additions or deletions. Mayor Reid stated the motion dies for lack of a second. Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Special Council Meeting January 16, 2018 Councilman Gallagher made a motion to approve the Special Council Meeting minutes of January 16, Councilman Kellogg seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously

2 Page 204 Page 204 PRESENTATIONS E.1: Community Foundation Run Presenters: Ms. Erin Wiggins, Program Coordinator Gaston County Community Foundation Run and Mr. Ernest Sumner, Executive Director, Gaston County Community Foundation Run Mayor Reid recognized Ms. Erin Wiggins for the presentation. Ms. Wiggins recognized Mr. Ernest Sumner, Executive Director of the Gaston County Community Foundation Run. Ms. Wiggins thanked the City for their support over the past several years for the Community Foundation Run noting that last year was the 15 th anniversary of the Run and over those fifteen years they have raised over $18 Million for non-profits in Gaston County. Ms. Wiggins stated she is requesting the City of Gastonia s in-kind support of the 2018 Run that will be held on April 14, 2018 in downtown Gastonia. Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin made a motion to approve the request for in-kind services. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 9). E.2: Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award Fiscal Year 2018 Presenter: Crystal Certain, Director of Financial Services Mayor Reid recognized Crystal Certain, Director of Financial Services, for this presentation. Ms. Certain stated the City has received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award for our current Fiscal Year 2018 budget. Ms. Certain stated this award represents a significant achievement by the City and reflects the commitment of City Council and staff to meet the highest principals of governmental budgeting. PUBLIC EXPRESSION EACH PERSON IS LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF FIVE MINUTES Mayor Reid recognized Mr. Richard Franks. Mr. Richard Franks, 1022 Canada Drive, Dallas, North Carolina. Mr. Franks stated there will be a vote tonight on the Award of the Event contract for the City of Gastonia. Mr. Franks stated he would like to see Gastonia step up to the next level on promoting events for the City. Mr. Franks stated he thinks for the City to grow the Council should take the recommendation of the Committee to put an RFQ out for these events. Mayor Reid recognized Mr. Don Barkley

3 Page 205 Page 205 Mr. Don Barkley, 3101 Whitson Road, Gastonia, North Carolina. Mr. Barkley shared his opinion on rezonings and also the Greenways. Mr. Barkley encouraged the Council not to lose their credibility. Mayor Reid recognized Mr. Bobby Guthrie. Mr. Bobby Guthrie, 526 Shadow View Drive, Gastonia. Mr. Guthrie stated he owned two properties on Pryor and Norman. Mr. Guthrie discussed the closing of Norment Street and his dissatisfaction with the process and his objections to the closing. Mayor Reid recognized Ms. Teresa Pressley. Ms. Teresa Pressley, 1005 North Pryor Street, Gastonia. Ms. Pressley expressed her concerns about the street closing of Norment Street. Mayor Reid recognized Mr. Gerald Tate. Mr. Gerald Tate, 313 North Pryor Street, Gastonia. Mr. Tate expressed his disapproval with the closing of Norment Street and stated it needed to be revisited by Council. Mayor Reid recognized Mr. Steve Mundy. Mr. Steve Mundy, 1616 East Cole Street, Gastonia. Mr. Mundy stated he is fighting for Gastonia police, fire and first responders noting that we need more of them. Mr. Mundy noted that these first responders need more money for the type of work that they do. Mr. Mundy urged Council to increase the pay for more officers to work to help reduce the crime rate. CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Pierceall made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. G.1: Ordinance to Demolish Hamme Lane (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 10). G.2: Ordinance to Demolish Pope Avenue (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 11). G.3: Budget Amendment $70,000 Transfer Funding for the Municipal Operations Center Renovation Project to a Capital Project Account. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 12). G.4: NCDOT - Public Transportation Division FY Section 5303 Grant (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 13)

4 Page 206 Page 206 G.5: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) 85X Gastonia Express Bus - Addition of a Weekday Mid-day Trip ($14,625) BA# (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 14). G.6: Budget Amendment $28,945 to Provide Funding for Cameras at the Bradley Station (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 15). REGULAR AGENDA SUMMARY OF 2018 GASTONIA MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL BUDGET OBJECTIVES FY Mayor Reid recognized Michael Peoples to present the Summary of 2018 Gastonia Mayor and City Council Budget Objectives for FY Mr. Peoples presented the City Council Budget Objectives as shown in the exhibits. Mayor Reid expressed his appreciation and commended Mr. Peoples and staff for all the work they have done to prepare the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin made a motion that we accept this as information. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 16). COMMITTEE REPORTS CENTRAL CITY REVITALIZATION AND HOUSING COMMITTEE Mayor Reid recognized Councilman Todd Pierceall, Chairman, Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee for this report. Councilman Pierceall stated the Committee met on January 10, Councilman Pierceall presented the agenda and report as shown in the exhibits. ITEM A: Wayfinding Sign Design Options Information only item. ITEM B: Steampunk Festival Event Funding/In-Kind Services Request Councilman Pierceall stated the DMA withdrew their request and this is no longer being considered

5 Page 207 Page 207 ITEM C: IDEAL Application Councilman Pierceall stated the Committee voted (3-0) to recommend approval of the Upfit Grant for $7,000 as presented. The Gaston Pour House investment was $14, Councilman Pierceall made this in the form of a motion for the Council s consideration. Councilman Humphries seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. ITEM D: Update: Finalized & Upcoming Events Information only item. ITEM E: Annual Event Contract The Committee voted (2-1) to recommend to direct staff to start an RFQ process for the four events beginning in the new fiscal year with the Fall Festival. The Committee also directed staff to continue to work with Events on Main for the Maples on Main and July 4 th events and create a request for proposals for events in FY Councilman Kellogg made a motion to approve the recommendation as directed in the report. Councilwoman Stepp seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-2) with Councilman Pierceall and Councilman Humphries opposing. ITEM F: IDEAL/Downtown Incentives Information only item. ITEM 3: Other Matters Information only item. Ms. Sandy Miller with Sandy s Bail Bond is looking for possible locations to relocate. Councilman Pierceall noted that Kristy Crisp is working with her. Mr. Smith noted that Ms. Miller will have to find her location and then she should apply to rezone it. Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin stated we need to be sure this information is relayed to Ms. Miller to encourage her to be more proactive. Councilman Pierceall stated this concludes his report. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 17). CITY ATTORNEY S REPORT Mr. Smith stated that the Legal and Human Resources Departments are both engaged this week in doing Harassment Policy training for City employees at the Schiele Museum Auditorium and it will conclude this Friday

6 Page 208 Page 208 CITY MANAGER S REPORT Mr. Peoples stated that Staff has been extremely busy in meeting and preparing the Budget with the guidance that we have received thus far. Mr. Peoples noted the next meeting is February 27 th for the second phase of the Strategic Planning process. Mr. Peoples further noted that at the end of this week the Proposed Vision and Core Values will be sent out for Council s consideration at the meeting as well. Mr. Peoples urged Council to contact him with any questions or additional information that they may have. CITY COUNCIL S REPORT Councilman Kellogg stated he and Councilman Humphries spoke to a local scout troop recently and it was an honor to be there. He also attended the new apparatus ceremony for Fire Station 3 and it filled him with pride to see the City taking care of our fire station. He also thanked Mayor Reid and Councilman Gallagher for attending the panel discussion on DACA and some of the dreamers that have come to our country. Mayor Pro Tem Kirlin stated he had no report. Councilman Gallagher noted that he learned a lot at the DACA meeting. He also noted that he participated in the 180 weekend that was held for teenagers in the city and county and it was a very meaningful event. Councilman Gallagher shared an article that has been incorporated into the exhibits on Monmouth Mall in New Jersey and their actions to bring apartments to their location. He also recommended that everyone search Monmouth Mall at APP.com to get more information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 18). Councilman Pierceall stated he had no report. Councilwoman Stepp commended Staff on the excellent job they did presenting the Budget and Strategic Planning meetings. Councilwoman Stepp also attended the Essentials of Government workshop at the UNC School of Government and noted she received a lot of good information. She also noted that she realized how blessed were are in Gastonia with our Staff, leadership and Council that we can work together and agree to disagree and she thinks that we can even get better. She also attended Councilman Pierceall s installation as President of the Gaston Association of Realtors noting she was very excited for him and knows he will do a great job. She also attended the rolling out ceremony at Station 3 and stated it was a very inspiring service and added the safety of the residents should be the main tenant of the government and we should always support our first responders who take care of us and keep us safe. Councilman Stepp congratulated all the city employees who recently received promotions noting she wanted to especially congratulate Officer Brian D Orio. She noted that she did a Ride Along with him and he has quite a passion for serving the community and he was promoted to Community Coordinator. Councilwoman Stepp stated because of his love for the community, she knew he would do a fantastic job in that position. She

7 Page 209 Page 209 also extended an invitation to everyone to attend the Gaston School of the Arts play this weekend, Agatha Christie s The Mousetrap. Councilman Humphries stated he lost a friend recently, Robert Biggerstaff, who helped operate a local family business, Biggerstaff Furniture. He extended his condolences Robert s father, Bob Biggerstaff, who serves on our Planning Commission. Councilman Humphries extended his gratitude to all of the City s workers for their hard work. He noted Public Works recently worked extra hard during an outage while short staffed and did an excellent job. He also noted that it is the City employees that make the City look good and we appreciate all you do for Council and the City residents. Councilman Humphries stated he also had a great time with Councilman Kellogg visiting the Scouts and answering some good questions from around thirty kids. He noted this is the fun part of being on Council when you get to go out and talk to children. He also reminded everyone to keep all of the first responders, military personnel and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Mayor Reid stated that he also had the opportunity to attend the 180 kickoff on the first night at Bethlehem and he noted it was amazing to see the teenagers in this City and how excited they were to be a part of that program. He also had the opportunity to welcome and encourage the Honor students at Piedmont Charter, which was quite an honor for him. Mayor Reid commended Mr. Peoples on his diligence and preparation for a spur of the moment trip to Washington, D.C. last week to go and put a bid in for the TIGER Grant, which we made the first cut. Mayor Reid stated he wanted to let everyone know what a pleasure it has been for him to come on board as the Mayor and to have a City Manager like Michael Peoples to work with noting how well he prepares himself and also how well he represents our City. He noted the Lowell Mayor and Manager also went and we accomplished a lot of business in a short period of time. Mayor Reid extended his appreciation to Mr. Peoples and thanked him for what he is doing for the City. Mayor Reid stated with his background in fire service, today was very special to see the apparatus that was purchased for Station 3 to serve the citizens of this City. Mayor Reid noted it was very special for him to have the opportunity to be a part of the program and he thanked Chief Welch for including him. Mayor Reid stated he wanted to make a recommendation. He then asked Mr. Caudell to introduce himself. Mr. Daniel Caudell introduced himself and stated he resides at 2500 Steeplechase Road, Gastonia. Mayor Reid stated that Mr. Caudell has a love and passion for the City and he really impressed him with his questions and they conversations they had during his Mayoral campaign. He noted Mr. Caudell expressed an interest in being a part of the Citizens Advisory Committee and stated he would like to request a motion to appoint him to the Citizens Advisory Board. Councilman

8 Page 210 Page 210 Pierceall made a motion to appoint Mr. Caudell. Councilwoman Stepp seconded the motion and Council passed it unanimously. Mr. Caudell thanked the Mayor and Council for the appointment and stated it was an honor and he is looking forward to serving. Mr. Caudell stated he had been to Raleigh and spoke with some representatives and he was later elected Second Vice-Chairman of the Democrats and now he would like to keep moving forward and is looking forward to the challenge here. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Reid shared announcements as shown in the exhibits. Mayor Reid stated he also attended the Young Adults Group s first meeting and he noted how positive it was to have a group of millennials, of different ages and all socio-economic backgrounds. It was an amazing meeting and he thinks they are going to make a tremendous impact based on their comments and the direction they want to go in the City. Mayor Reid encouraged Council to sit in on any of their meetings. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 107 at Page 19). ADJOURNMENT Mayor Reid called the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Walker E. Reid, III L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk Rc