Page 229 Page 229. GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 21, :00 P.M. GASTON COUNTY PUBLIC FORUM ROOM GASTONIA, NC

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1 Page 229 Page 229 GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 21, :00 P.M. GASTON COUNTY PUBLIC FORUM ROOM GASTONIA, NC Mayor John Bridgeman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in the Gaston County Public Form Room, Gastonia, North Carolina. Councilman Jim Gallagher introduced Rev. Mike Rice, Parkwood Baptist Church, to open the meeting in prayer. Mayor Bridgeman led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk, recorded the minutes. PRESENT: Mayor John D. Bridgeman Council Members: Robert Kellogg David R. Kirlin James Gallagher Porter L. McAteer David Humphries City Manager: Edward C. Munn Assistant City Attorney: Melissa Magee ABSENT: Council Member: Todd Pierceall ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Councilman Kirlin made a motion to adopt the Agenda as printed. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved both motions unanimously. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES March 15, 2016 Councilman Kellogg made the motion to approve the March 15, 2016 minutes. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROMOTIONS (1) Proclamation - Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Mayor Bridgeman read and presented the Proclamation recognizing Carl J. Stewart, Jr. Mr. Stewart thanked the Mayor and also Councilman Gallagher for initiating this proclamation. Mr. Stewart expressed his appreciation for this recognition. Mr. Stewart also expressed his appreciation for all the work that has been done on the Loray Mill project. Mr. Stewart noted that 229

2 Page 230 Page 230 he had attended an event last night at the Loray Mill and was very impressed. He stated that he had grown up on Vance Street and both of his parents worked in the mill their entire life. Mr. Stewart stated seeing Loray and what is has become made him very proud. Mr. Stewart added that he was glad he returned home after college to spend his professional life here and he is deeply honored by this proclamation and proud of Gastonia and its leaders and the strides they have made. Councilman Kirlin made a motion to accept the proclamation. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 155). (2) General Aviation Appreciation Month Councilman David Humphries read the Proclamation declaring June General Aviation Appreciation Month. Councilman Humphries made a motion to accept the proclamation. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 156). PRESENTATIONS (1) Ms. Leigh Yount, Advisor, Gaston County Teen Council Re: Healthy Food Access Initiative Mayor Bridgeman recognized Ms. Leigh Yount, Advisor, Gaston County Teen Council for the presentation. Ms. Yount discussed the low access to healthy food choices in neighborhoods, known as food deserts and the effect it has on children s health and North Carolina s economy. Ms. Linda Harley, Gaston County Teen Council member, gave information on the food deserts in our community and the local efforts. Ms. Harley stated the goal of this project is to increase the amount, accessibility and appeal of food options in the stores. Ms. Garcia, Gaston County Teen Council member, presented information on the Teen Action Council and stated it is the youth leadership arm of the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She stated their goals are to improve the health of young people in our community through awareness and education and also empower young people to develop and lead education initiatives. Ms. Garcia stated the Teen Action Council will continue working on this project to recruit new youth, continue education of policy makers about food access issues and work on efforts that lead to legislation supporting healthy food access in North Carolina

3 Page 231 Page 231 Councilman Kellogg stated that he recently viewed this presentation in the Highland Community and he commended the Teen Council on their work to make a change in Gaston County. Councilman Kirlin asked how well their ideas and presentations are being received by store owners. Ms. Garcia stated that her visits to the convenience stores went well and the owners seemed to be responsive. Councilman Gallagher if their goal was to eliminate or cut down on the number of food deserts in our community. Ms. Yount stated yes and explained a food desert is where there is no supermarket but a gas station or corner store, and their goal is to get healthier food alternatives in those stores. Councilman Kellogg made a motion that the Gastonia City Council officially engage the efforts of the Teen Council in their efforts to alleviate food deserts in Gastonia and the County of Gaston and pledge to assist and support the appropriate beneficial and that we will offer the resources of our City Staff with the sharing of information and then available tools to help them to fight to alleviate hunger and the lack of healthy food choices in the City of Gastonia. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 157). PUBLIC EXPRESSION: Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. John Boyd, 2335 Erika Lane. Mr. Boyd stated he moved to Gastonia two years ago from New York. Mr. Boyd stated he wanted to discuss the Gastonia Airport and the decision the Council made two weeks ago on June 7 th. Mr. Boyd outlined his career with an extensive aviation background and also his plan and proposal for the Gastonia Airport. Mr. Boyd stated that he had not received any feedback from his proposal and was unaware until he watched the meeting online that a decision had been made. Mr. Boyd stated he could make the airport money and he would like for Council to re-open this issue and allow him an opportunity to formally present. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 158). Mayor Bridgeman recognized Dr. Mark Epstein, 2138 Winterlake Drive, Walk for Peace. Dr. Epstein thanked the Council for allowing him to speak and stated that he was present on behalf of the Gaston Trialogue. Dr. Epstein stated this group has been meeting for fifteen years and is composed of citizens of Gastonia and Gaston County, which are Muslims, Christians and Jews. Dr. Epstein stated this builds a foundation of understanding between folks of different faiths. Dr. Epstein stated for several months they have been planning a Walk for Peace which will occur on July 9 th starting at 8:00 am at First United Methodist Church. He noted this is a 5.1 mile walk and

4 Page 232 Page 232 will stop at several houses of worship along the way and will end at the Islamic Center with a light meal. Dr. Epstein stated he was here to invite Council and citizens to participate. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 159). CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Gallagher made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of ITEM 2 and ITEM 11 which he would like to discuss. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and the Council approved it unanimously ITEM 2: INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE 2016 BYRNE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM AWARD AND BUDGET AMENDMENT $34, TO RECOGNIZE REVENUE THE 2016 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT Councilman Gallagher asked Chief Helton if this Grant would provide updated Python equipment for speeding. Chief Helton stated that the Police Department would receive $34, from the Justice Assistance Grant. Chief Helton stated that we have 25 radars that will no longer be on the approved State list beginning in spring of 2017 and this money will allow us to purchase 25 new radars to replace those that are coming off of the approval list. Councilman Gallagher inquired if we knew the number of tickets that have been handed out with the speed initiative. Chief Helton stated the Safe Streets Initiative, which has been a partnership between us, Gaston County Police and NC State Highway Patrol, was a 30 day initiative and we are about 21 days into it. Chief Helton noted at the present time we have issued around 1,000 charges with about half of those being speeding. Chief Helton noted in Gastonia alone roughly 511 charges have been made with about 300 of those being speeding tickets. Chief Helton noted that our goal is to slow people down, create safer streets and to reduce accidents. Chief Helton stated we would like to slow people down without issuing citations but sometimes this is what it takes. Chief Helton noted that we just want people to be safe, wear their seat belts, be careful using electronic devices while driving, and mainly to slow down because we are seeing too many accidents as a result of speeding. Chief Helton also noted there has been about a 23% reduction in accidents this month compared to last month and if you compare this time this year to the same time last year there have been about 70 fewer accidents. Councilman Humphries asked if the radar units taken off the State approval are not able to be used as evidence. Chief Helton stated they have to be certified, tested and pass a certification each year

5 Page 233 Page 233 to make sure they are functioning properly. Chief Helton noted this is a cycle that they do to replace radars ever few years to make sure new ones are going out on the road. Councilman Kirlin asked if the Police Department has had to divert any resources in order for the Safe Street Initiative. Chief Helton stated we have not and one of the reasons why is that we partnered with the Gaston County Police and State Highway Patrol not only to work what is in the City, but also what is coming into the City from the main thoroughfares. Chief Helton noted we have had to refocus some of our resources to look at the Speed Initiative, but this a 30 day initiative and we will evaluate whether or not we need to do anything further. Councilman Kirlin stated these results are very impressive and it seems as though this type of effort should be more than once a year thing but it needs to be maintained at a significant level because of the results. Councilman Humphries made a motion to approve. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 160). ITEM 11: RESOLUTION TO SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR CLOSING AN UNOPENED PORTION OF PAMELA STREET Mr. Rusty Bost, City Engineer, stated that Pamela Street dead ends near Duhart Creek in Gardner Park and there is a small section of right of way at the end of the cul-de-sac which is not being used except for existing utilities that go through that right of way. Mr. Bost stated we have determined there is no need for this right of way for street use. Mr. Bost stated there is no plan to ever extend the road through to Franklin. Mr. Bost noted that we requesting to undedicate that street right of way which now is just trees and power lines and also a water and sewer line, and the City will be un-dedicating the street right of way component of that. Councilman Gallagher asked if the neighborhood would be notified. Mr. Bost stated the neighborhood is very well organized and there is a neighborhood representative, Mr. Eric Elliott, who has attended Council meetings in the past, and we have been in touch with him and he is advertising to the neighborhood. Councilman Gallagher made a motion to approve. Councilman Kellogg seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 161)

6 Page 234 Page 234 ITEM 1: BUDGET AMENDMENT $ TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM REVENUE TO EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 162). ITEM 3: BUDGET AMENDMENT $58, RECOGNIZE REVENUE FROM THE 2015 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 163). ITEM 4: BUDGET AMENDMENT $15,180 REVENUE RECOGNITION AND APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER NCDOT REIMBURSEMENT PROCEEDS FROM THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM SOFTWARE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 164). ITEM 5: RESOLUTION AND BUDGET AMENDMENT $799,839 RELATED TO NCDEQ CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING LOAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE 2 SOUTH FORK SEWER PROJECT (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 165). ITEM 6: BUDGET AMENDMENT $16,683 RECOGNITION OF FUNDS FROM THE TOWN OF CRAMERTON FOR PHASE 2 SOUTH FORK SEWER PROJECT (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 166). ITEM 7: INSURANCE RENEWALS FOR FY 2016/17 (1) PROPERTY AND LIABILITY RENEWAL (2) WORKERS COMPENSATION LIABILITY RENEWAL (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 167). ITEM 8: FINAL RECORDING PLAT SPENCER MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PHASE 2 MAP 3 (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 168). ITEM 9: FINAL RECORDING PLAT CROWDERS VIEW PHASE 2 MAP 3 (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 169). ITEM 10: UTILITY SERVICE AGREEMENT

7 Page 235 Page 235 CITY OF LOWELL PROPERTIES IN FRANKLIN SQUARE AREA (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 170). REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARING CHOICE USA BEVERAGE, INC. (FILE #8517) SUBJECT HEARING INVOLVES REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1.10 ACRE (URBAN MIXED USE) TO I-U (URBAN INDUSTRIAL). THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 810 AND 814 E. SECOND AVENUE. THE PROPERTY IS OWNED BY CHOICE USA BEVERAGE, INC. Mayor Bridgeman declared the Public Hearing open for Choice USA Beverage and recognized Ms. Jana McMakin, AICP Planner II for the this presentation. Ms. McMakin stated the applicant for this rezoning is Choice USA Beverage and the applicant owns two parcels located at 810 and 814 E. Second Avenue. The property is just over 1.10 acres and it is currently zoned UMU (Urban Mixed Use District). The zoning change to the I-U district would allow Choice USA Beverage to address this non-conformity and also expand their facility on the subject property in the futures. There are existing buildings on the subject property that are currently being leased. This is a By Right request. There is not a conditional plan or a site plan associated with this, so it would be just to the I-U urban industrial district. The subject property s current zoning allows for several types of commercial uses. Given the presence of the I-U zoning adjacent to the subject property, the number of businesses along E. Second Avenue, and the 2025 Plan s designation of commercial for the subject area, staff recommends approval of the request as presented. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 171). Mayor Bridgeman recognized the applicant, Mr. John Doster, 3749 Stoneycreek Ct., Gastonia. Mayor Bridgeman noted that Mr. Doster and Mr. Larry Johnson, who also signed in to speak will be allowed ten minutes instead of the normal five minutes per speaker. Mr. Doster stated these parcels were bought twenty years ago with the intention of having space for expansion. Mr. Doster gave a history of this property and noted the UDO that was implemented years ago and this will correct the non-conformity and allow CHOICE to do future expansion. Mr. Doster noted at this time they want to put some tanks in, due to the age of the equipment. Councilman Gallagher asked if he had spoken to any of the residents. Mr. Doster stated they have and their opposition is from Mr. Larry Johnson, who is here to speak in opposition tonight. Mr. Doster noted that Mr. Johnson owns two properties and they were unable to win his support. Councilman Kirlin asked about the two structures on the property and if they residential properties

8 Page 236 Page 236 Mr. Doster stated they have been converted to business use. One building is a 12 Step Club where AA meetings are held and the other was a former daycare, which is vacant now and may be used for storage. Councilman Kirlin asked if any consideration has been given to creating any buffer between the Choice property and the Hazel Johnson property. Mr. Doster noted there is a natural tree buffer there now. Mr. Doster also noted they had met with Mr. Johnson and offered to install a privacy fence and again we were unable to win his support. Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Larry M. Johnson, 5324 Marengo Circle, Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Johnson noted that he is representing his mother, Hazel S. Johnson, and they own 215 S. Church Street and also 818 E. Second and these are duplex houses. Mr. Johnson stated that they have owned property in that block and it has been in his family for well over a hundred years and they also had nine renters within a block and a half of this property so they have a huge interest in this rezoning. Mr. Johnson discussed their main concerns, one of which is idling trucks and despite the company s efforts to get them to move on, they still sit there and idle. Mr. Johnson referred to the photographs which are included in the exhibits and pointed out the proximity of the trucks to their property. Mr. Johnson stated they have talked to the City and Police, and they have all talked to Sundrop about the issue but the problem is basically that they cannot be there 24 hours a day monitoring this problem. Mr. Johnson noted these are 18-wheelers. Mr. Johnson also pointed out that their bedroom at 818 E. Second is 20 feet from the property line. Mr. Johnson discussed other issues such as dust, curb damage, and also the small turning radius for the trucks. Mr. Johnson stated that the tanks that Mr. Doster mentioned could be relocated if that is an issue for the City. Mr. Johnson stated photograph 1 shows the drive circulation that he thinks will occur in time. He thinks once this is approved, there could be loading docks, shopping, warehousing, and with that there will be industrial lighting in that lot. Mr. Johnson stated this was approved without a plan or conditions by the Planning Commission so no one knows what they really plan to do there. Mr. Johnson expressed his concerns about the nitrogen tanks. Mr. Johnson stated the Planning Commission says this is being done to bring those two lots in harmony with the rest of the property, but he contends that it is not in harmony with the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Johnson stated there are nine residential units in this block of Second Avenue and zero industrial, and he feels they will not be in harmony with the neighborhood if this is rezoned. Mr. Johnson stated that he felt that an easement or variance could be approved for the tanks if that is the true issue or they can subdivide 30 feet off the backs of those two lots to put the tanks in and rezone that 30 feet and it would be in compliance with the rest of the zoning. Mr. Johnson presented petitions opposed to this rezoning which are hereby incorporated into the exhibits. Mr. Johnson stated that we need development that fits the neighborhood and does not create more undesirable traffic and they are looking to Council to protect all and not help one entity as the expense of others

9 Page 237 Page 237 Mr. Johnson, Mr. Doster and Ms. McMakin answered various questions of Council. Councilman Gallagher made a motion that to approve rezoning the property as staff and the Planning Commission have recommended and to approve the statement of consistency and reasonableness included in the staff report. Councilman Kellogg seconded the motion and Council approved the motion unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 172). PUBLIC HEARING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GASTONIA 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (FILE #8551) SUBJECT HEARING INVOLVES ADJUSTMENTS TO THE GASTONIA 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INCLUDING AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES MAP AND REVISING THE FUTURE LANDUSE MAP Mayor Bridgeman declared the Public Hearing open and recognized Ms. Jana McMakin, AICP Planner II for this presentation. Ms. McMakin stated there are a few modifications before you for the future Land Use map, including one adjustment to the Development Strategies map and all of these are coming from recent rezoning requests over the past couple of years. All of the maps are included in your presentations. I. Adjust to Development Strategies Map S. Myrtle School Road between W. Seventh Avenue and White Lane II. Amendments to Future Land Use Map 10 Items ITEM 1: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map on S. Myrtle School Road between W. Seventh and White Lane ITEM 2: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at Titman Road and Lowell-Bethesda Road ITEM 3: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at New Hope Road and Duhart Avenue ITEM 4: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at Franklin Boulevard, West Club Circle and Country Club Road ITEM 5: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at New Hope Road and Garrison Boulevard ITEM 6: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at Myrtle School Road and Whitener Street

10 Page 238 Page 238 ITEM 7: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at Union Road and E. Hudson Boulevard ITEM 8: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at 416 S. Broad Street ITEM 9: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at S. York Road and Hillcrest Avenue ITEM 10: Adjustment to Future Land Use Map at Garrison Boulevard and Gibbons Street and S. South Street Ms. McMakin stated Staff recommends approval of this amendment to the Development Strategies Map and to adjust to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan as presented. The Gastonia Planning Commission unanimously voted 6-0 on a motion to forward a favorable recommendation on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendments. Ms. McMakin noted that she is adding a map to be incorporated into the exhibits that is Item 4 and it is a hand drawing that did not include property across Franklin Boulevard where it looks like it could be construed as partly residential. Ms. McMakin again noted it was corrected and it does not make any changes to the proposed map of the subject property. Councilman Kellogg made a motion to approve as presented. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion, and Council approved it unanimously. Mayor Bridgeman declared the hearing closed. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 173). BUDGET AMENDMENT $5, RECOGNIZE DONATED FUNDS FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST 23 AND OTHER LOCAL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS FOR THE SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL TEAM VISIT TO GASTONIA Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Chuck Dellinger, Parks and Recreation Director for this presentation. Mr. Dellinger stated this budget amendment is to recognize $5, with $2, of that coming straight from Post 23 to help cover expenses for the Springfield trip this weekend. There were several other smaller donations and an anonymous donor that is donating $1, to that cause. Mr. Dellinger also thanked Belmont Abbey College and President Thierfelder and Athletic Director Steven Lewis and Abbot Placid for allowing the teams to be housed at Belmont Abbey. Mr. Dellinger thanked former Council member, Ms. Brenda Craig, for all of her efforts on this project. Mr. Dellinger also commended the American Legion for their efforts and success in raising money for this event. Mr. Dellinger stated Belmont Abbey worked out some meal deals

11 Page 239 Page 239 and the games will also be played at Belmont Abbey. Mr. Dellinger invited everyone to come out and enjoy some baseball. Councilman Gallagher made a motion to approve. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion, and Council passed it unanimously. Councilman Gallagher thanked Mayor Bridgeman for working to rectify the wrongs that were done many years ago between us and the Springfield Massachusetts American Legion Baseball. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 174). PUBLIC HEARING 3 rd AMENDMENT TO ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT LAWYER S BULDING Mayor Bridgeman declared the Public Hearing open and recognized Ms. Melissa Magee, Assistant City Attorney for this presentation. Ms. Magee stated this an amendment to an existing economic Incentive Agreement for the Lawyers building and with the Lawyers Building of Gastonia, LLC and the purpose of the amendment as included in your agenda is to extend the period of time for the improvements of the Lawyers Building to be completed until December 31, Ms. Magee stated Mr. Nathan Kirby, one of the principals in Lawyers Building of Gastonia, LLC is here to give Council an update on the status of the construction and the improvements. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 175). Mr. Kirby stated he put together some photos which have been incorporated into the exhibits to bring everyone up to speed on the status of the project and where we actually are. Mr. Kirby gave an overview of each photo and the work being done. Mr. Kirby discussed a worker s accident that occurred recently on site and the work that had been done as a result. Mr. Kirby stated that they have had delays along the way but they are continuing to work on it and hope to finish it this year. Councilman Kirlin asked if Mr. Kirby was acting as the general contractor. Mr. Kirby responded that Underwood Building Group and his company are doing the supervision and Top Properties Construction actually pulled the permits for it and that is the actual general contractor. Mr. Kirby that he does not activate and pull his own permits. Councilman Kirlin asked about Mr. Kirby s interactions with the City during the project. Mr. Kirby stated that Brian Pruett in Inspections has been amazing getting through some of the design issues with a 100 year-old building. Mr. Kirby stated he has met with Code and he feels confident when it comes time to get the Certificate of Occupancy there will not be any issues

12 Page 240 Page 240 Councilman Kirlin asked if the December time frame was realistic. Mr. Kirby stated that he hoped to get it done during that period of time but there are things that come up that unexpected. Mr. Kirby noted that they would be persistent and try to get it done but they did not want to cut any corners and if it takes a little longer to get it finished, then that is what they need to do to do it right. Further discussion ensued. Councilman Gallagher stated that he toured the building and there has been a lot of work done. Councilman Gallagher stated six months is cutting it close and he would like to see us do nine months on the agreement extending it till March 31 st to give him enough time to do the job and do it right. Councilman Gallagher stated he would like to see it put in writing saying that if Nathan, his family, or his investors stay at the building during this ten year period of time, they would have to pay rent just as any other tenant. Mr. Kirby stated they he did not think either he or his partner would have an issue with carrying their fair share if they stayed in the hotel. Councilman Gallagher ask Ms. Magee is this could be written into the contract. Ms. Magee stated a term could be written into the contract but they need to make sure they get the definition of who is the principal, and we would also have to agree on some language as to what principals we are talking about and how far out we could go. Mayor Bridgeman declared the hearing closed. Councilman Gallagher stated he would like to a motion to approve but also to extend the date from the December 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017 and add the language about the principals of the LLC paying fair use if they occupied the hotel. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 176). CITIZEN COMMITTEE COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS Mayor Bridgeman stated these were discussed at the last meeting and the people on the Residential Rental Property Review Board (2 year term) are all willing to serve another term. Those individuals are: Mr. Mark C. McNeil, Ms. Margaret Darby Taylor and Mr. Anthony Giacobbe. Councilman Kirlin made a motion to approve the appointments. Councilman Kellogg seconded the motion, and council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 177). CITY OF GASTONIA S 140 TH ANNIVERSARY Councilman Kellogg stated that he would like to present a proposal for the City s 140 th anniversary. Councilman Kellogg noted that if the motion is approved, he would like to be considered as one of the Council representatives for this committee. Councilman Kellogg

13 Page 241 Page 241 presented his suggestions and asked Ms. Bagley for her comments or suggestions before he made a formal motion. Ms. Bagley stated that she and Mr. Munn have discussed various ways to incorporate the celebration of the 140 th Anniversary into much of what the City does and thought it would be an essential way of helping people in the community understated what it is we do as a City. Ms. Bagley noted they had also discussed having an open house and she encouraged that be taken into consideration as part of the celebration. Mr. Bagley noted that we are several years into the use of the City s brand logo, which is the Great People, Great Place, Great Promise, and she feels it is an opportunity for us to retool it, maybe not to use something else but to improve and change it in some ways that show how we have improved over those seven years. Councilman Kellogg made a motion that the City of Gastonia form a temporary committee to organize awareness and events surrounding the 140 th Anniversary of the City of Gastonia. Councilman Kellogg further moved that this committee be headed by Mr. Rachel Bagley, City of Gastonia s Marketing & Communications Director, as well as representatives from each ward, two City Council members and other appointments deemed necessary for the committee s success at the will of the organizing body. Councilman Kellogg stated this committee will meet monthly starting in September and will give periodic updates to the Mayor and City Council. Councilman Kellogg. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 5 to Minute Book 105 at Page 178). CITY ATTORNEY S REPORT Ms. Melissa Magee, Assistant City Attorney, had no report. CITY MANAGER S REPORT Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, expressed his appreciation to Mr. John Boyd, who spoke regarding the Airport, for his service in Vietnam and for his commitment, passion and interest in our Airport. Mr. Munn stated the direction the Staff had been working on was really to negotiate a new contract with FlyCarolina, and that was what we decided in our work session in February when their contract was finished in March. Mr. Munn stated this negotiation was going back and forth and was just recently culminated which is only a two year extension and during that two years we will have an opportunity to look at how we want to operate the Airport. Mr. Munn stated some interesting ideas were brought forward and we need to evaluate those. Mr. Munn stated that we are all concerned about making the Airport as good as we can possibly make it. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

14 Page 242 Page 242 Councilman David Humphries He stated a longtime friend of his family, Command Sergeant Major Ben Willis, 81 years of age, from Belmont passed away. He is a highly decorated veteran of the Army and the NC Army National Guard. He actually succeeded his father, John Humphries, as Battalion Sergeant Major with 505 th when he retired in Councilman Humphries stated he was a great guy and requested we keep his family in our prayers and also our military personnel, first responders and their families in our thoughts and prayers as well. Councilman Gallagher He would like for Council to consider starting an Airport Committee and he would like for Council to make recommendations in the July meeting to find out who would be interested in serving on a Committee. Councilman Humphries stated he has asked Mr. Munn if they can draft the basic guidelines as to how the Committee could be set up and then we can look at names and how we want to fill the positions but he feels the basic guidelines should be the first step. Councilman Humphries noted that it would be an asset to the City. Councilman Gallagher stated he had two other items for discussion. The first question for Staff is if we are planning to have a right hand turn lane to go North on New Hope Road off of Titman. Mr. Bost stated he thought there were plans to include that turn lane but he will verify the information and report back to Council. Councilman Gallagher stated he had spoken to Mr. Michael Nolen and also to the Gazette about the Best and Brightest article that the Gazette ran. He stated the Gazette is working on something to put the photos of the Best and Brightest in a frame to be on display at the Conference Center. Councilman Gallagher asked Council if they would have any objections to this. Councilman Kirlin stated that the County Sports Hall of Fame and Mr. Phil Cherry had spoken to the Conference Center about having a display at the Conference Center. Mr. Munn replied that he and Chuck Dellinger have had recent conversations with having that first floor lobby area set up where they can have the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame there and with plaques that would go all the way back from the very beginning and it is quite a history of sports in Gaston County. Mr. Munn noted that Phil Cherry has been active in that and is bringing forward some money to be able to pay for that and that will be coming to us through the Facilities Committee in a couple of months. Councilman Gallagher stated Michael Nolen said he would be able to put the Best and Brightest on an easel so it may work. Councilman Kirlin He stated he had received a citizen complaint about the area of Franklin Boulevard from his business which is down towards Franklin Square 1 up the road to the area of Belvedere about general trash in the median, cigarette butts and overgrowth of weeds and things like that, and City Staff quickly took care of that. It just shows that people are looking and it is important, especially thorough our gateways and throughout our City, wherever we can that we keep our streets clean. He thanked Staff and encouraged similar activities so that this is not something that is done on a reactive basis but done more on a proactive basis as part of a routine maintenance schedule especially on our major thoroughfares and the ones that we end of taking

15 Page 243 Page 243 care of on the state s behalf. He thanked staff and stated he appreciated them and all that was done. Councilman Kellogg He thanked everyone who attended the vigil and all of the help especially from the Police Department. He noted that he really appreciated the Police and everything that they do. He also thanked the NC Latin Soccer League who invited him to a championship game and asked him to hand out some trophies and award. Councilman Kellogg also asked if Mr. Munn or the staff could look into the possibility of some sort of survey going out to the business owners in Gastonia to piggyback on some of the concerns, issues and ideas that were brought up at the forum that was held a couple of months ago. He stated he did not know if it was feasible but maybe at the end of July, staff could bring a proposal that Council could look at and perhaps vote on if it is something that is viable and beneficial. Mayor Bridgeman He thanked everyone for their time here and announced the next meeting is July 19 th. MEETING ADJOURNED At 8:31 pm Councilman Humphries made the motion to adjourn. Councilman McAteer seconded the motion. Mayor John D. Bridgeman L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk Rc