Page 11 Page 11 GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 6, :00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL GASTONIA, NC

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1 Page 11 Page 11 GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 6, :00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL GASTONIA, NC Mayor Bridgeman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, Gastonia, North Carolina. He advised that Ms. Myra Messer s father, James Turner, had passed away, and asked that everyone remember that family in their thoughts and prayers. He then opened the meeting with prayer and led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Ms. Virginia L. Creighton, City Clerk, recorded the minutes. PRESENT: ABSENT: Mayor John D. Bridgeman Mayor Pro Tem Brenda B. Craig Council Members: Walter A. Kimble David R. Kirlin James Gallagher Todd Pierceall Porter L. McAteer City Manager Edward C. Munn City Attorney L. Ashley Smith None ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Mayor Pro Tem Craig made a motion to adopt the agenda, as printed. Councilman McAteer seconded the motion and Council approved it APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 18, 2013 Councilman Pierceall made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2013, Regular Council meeting, as printed. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE (1) Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Katie Danis, Gaston County s Regional Representative to the Scripps Communications Spelling Bee Mayor Bridgeman read and presented to Ms. Katie Danis a certificate recognizing her as Gaston County s Regional Representative to the Scripps Communications Spelling Bee. Council congratulated Ms. Danis on this accomplishment. (2) Proclamation Purple Heart City Mayor Bridgeman read the Purple Heart City Proclamation and presented it to members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Councilman Pierceall made a motion to adopt the Purple Heart City Proclamation. Mayor Pro Tem Craig seconded the motion and Council approved it (Proclamation as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 8.) PRESENTATIONS (1) Ms. Carmen Schultz, United Way of Gaston County Re: Request for In-Kind Services Taste of Gaston September 21, 2013 Downtown Gastonia Ms. Schultz thanked the City for its past support of Taste of Gaston. She requested in-kind services for the 6 th annual Taste of Gaston event, as outlined on the application contained in the exhibit book. -11-

2 Page 12 Page 12 Councilman Pierceall made a motion to approve the requested in-kind services for the Taste of Gaston event on September 21, Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 9.) Mr. Haney was not present. PUBLIC EXPRESSION (1) Mr. Corey Haney, 200 Vadar Circle, Gaffney, SC (2) Mr. Jan Deans, 6904 Stoney Ridge Road, Matthews, NC Mr. Deans, Executive Director for Family Service, Inc., advised of a fundraising event for Family Service, which will be held on September 7, 2013, at the Gastonia Conference Center. That will be a Little Black Dress Party for ladies only. He briefly explained the services provided by Family Service, Inc. He also expressed appreciation to Ms. Myra Messer, Housing and Neighborhoods Administrator, for her assistance in trying to find a permanent location for Family Service. RECOGNITION OF SCOUTS Mayor Bridgeman noted that there were a number of scouts present tonight. He invited the scouts to come forward and introduce themselves. CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1: BUDGET AMENDMENT #FY $102,231 (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 10.) ITEM 2: BUDGET AMENDMENT #FY $600,000 (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 11.) ITEM 3: BUDGET AMENDMENT #FY $2,200,000 (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 12.) ITEM 4: ITEM 5: ITEM 6: ITEM 7: TRAFFIC ORDINANCE SPEED LIMIT ON MEADE AVENUE (Reference and Ordinance as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 13.) RESOLUTION ADOPTING PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT AND SETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING TIME AND DATE FOR THE PETITION FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS SEWER LINE EXTENSION FOR A PORTION OF OAKHILL LANE INSIDE CORPORATE LIMITS (Reference and Resolution as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 14.) ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA OF ITS COMBINED UTILITIES SYSTEM REVENUE REFUNDING BOND, SERIES 2013 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 15.) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GASTONIA AND COUNTY OF GASTON FOR THE ALLOCATION OF 2013 BYRNE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM AWARD / BUDGET AMENDMENT #FY $59,967 (Reference and Resolution as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 16. Agreement on file through City Clerk s office.) -12-

3 Page 13 Page 13 Councilman Kimble made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR CONTINUING, COOPERATIVE, AND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GASTON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN MPO REDESIGNATION Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Jack Kiser, Senior Executive for Strategic Development and Special Projects, for the purpose of making the presentation. Mr. Kiser said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) before Council is an organizational document for local governments within the area and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Last winter, Council approved an earlier version of an MOU. He explained that since that time, representatives from Lincoln County and Cleveland County have asked the Gaston MPO Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) to consider expanding the Gaston MPO boundary to a full tri-county area including all three counties. He said that request was generally well received by the TAC and ultimately, following several meetings, the TAC voted to take the option of including all of the three counties in the MPO. That was actually encouraged by NCDOT. In this case it would do away with the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) and would become a three-county MPO to be called the Gaston- Cleveland-Lincoln MPO. The TAC thought this would better coordinate transportation planning over the three-county area and would provide a stronger more unified voice to NCDOT and the Board of Transportation. Mr. Kiser advised that NCDOT would honor a commitment to provide all RPO funding in the amount of $75,000 to the tri-county expanded MPO. He also advised that this MOU includes a sharing of the local match between all of the local governments. Councilman Gallagher expressed concern that the voting members on the MPO Board are not elected officials. Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, advised that Council can approve this MOU, with a condition that voting members, with the exception of the Board of Transportation member, be elected officials. He said that is a different agreement than what everybody else is considering, so they would have to go back to those local governments and ask them to accept that change in the MOU. After considerable discussion, Councilman Pierceall made a motion to approve the MOU with additional language that the voting members, with the exception of the Board of Transportation member, be elected officials. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it by a vote of 5-2 (Councilman Kirlin and Councilman McAteer cast the dissenting votes). (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 17. Memorandum of Understanding on file through City Clerk s office.) AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE CITY OF GASTONIA BANKING SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2013, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2016 BANK OF AMERICA Mayor Bridgeman recognized Ms. Susan Kluttz, Revenue Administrator, for the purpose of making the presentation. Ms. Kluttz noted that the City has been banking with RBC Bank/PNC Bank since 2005, with the most recent contract expiring at the end of August. She said back in the spring, they went to PNC Bank and tried to negotiate to keep the same rate of $1,725 per month, but were not able to do so. The first of June, staff sent a Request for Proposal (RFP) to 10 area banks. The RFP included all banking services. She briefly reviewed some of those banking services. She said there were 5 bid proposals received. The responsive banks gave itemized charges for banking services and also an Earnings Credit allowance. -13-

4 Page 14 Page 14 She said two banks, Park Sterling Bank and Bank of America, came in low from the standpoint that they would save the City money over what they are currently paying. Unfortunately, Park Sterling was not able to provide some of the services needed, especially from an account reconciliation standpoint. The lowest responsive bidder was Bank of America. Their contract will save the City about $5,300 a year over what they are currently paying, plus they are going to maintain a floor on the Earnings Credit Rate of.40% over the 3-year period. That could increase as interest rates improve. Bank of America has also agreed to waive service charges for the first 3 months during the transition period from one financial institution to another. Mayor Pro Tem Craig requested that staff try to work with Park Sterling, so that they can begin to develop a relationship with more of a local bank. Councilman Gallagher made a motion to award the Contract for the City of Gastonia Banking Services for the period of October 1, 2013, through December 31, 2016, to Bank of America. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference and Bids as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 18. Contract on file through City Clerk s office SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GASTONIA AND THE CENTRALINA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR FY NOT TO EXCEED $81,841 / BUDGET AMENDMENT #FY $81,841 Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Hank Graham, Principal Transportation Planner, for the purpose of making the presentation. Mr. Graham said this proposed services agreement corresponds to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Council discussed earlier on the agenda. As they went through the discussions to expand the boundaries to include all of Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties, they in fact through that effort took in the remaining amount of the previous Lake Norman Rural Planning Organization (RPO) boundary, which consisted of all of Iredell County, all of Lincoln County, all of Cleveland County, and the northwest corner of Gaston County. Iredell County became an urbanized section of the Mecklenburg/Union MPO, and we took in all the remaining portions of the Lake Norman RPO. Having done that, we are receiving all of the money that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had allocated for the staffing of that RPO, which totals $75,000 annually. Gastonia, as the MPO Lead Planning Agency (LPA), will actually receive that $75,000. As part of that, this agreement before Council is for staffing and contractual services to assist the existing MPO staff in providing transitional transportation planning activities and efforts for the two new counties being brought in. Mr. Bjorn Hansen, Transportation Planner for Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG), explained that one of his activities for CCOG is staffing the Lake Norman RPO. He said they have been under contract with NCDOT to do that since To assist with this first year of transitioning to a much larger organization, the MPO staff recommended that they contract with CCOG for the amount of money that NCDOT transferred to the MPO in exchange for consolidating. He then addressed questions of Council. Councilman Kirlin made a motion to approve the Services Agreement Between the City of Gastonia and the Centralina Council of Governments for FY , not to exceed $81,841, and to approve the corresponding Budget Amendment #FY Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 19. Contract on file through City Clerk s office.) CONTRACT RETROFIT GENERATOR MUFFLER SYSTEMS PER NCDENR COMPLIANCE STANDARDS CAROLINA TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT $478, It was noted that information regarding this contract was included in the agenda, and that Mr. Paul Jakubczak, Director of Enterprise Services, was available to answer any questions that Council may have. -14-

5 Page 15 Page 15 Councilman Pierceall made a motion to award the Contract to Retrofit Generator Muffler Systems Per NCDENR Compliance Standards to Carolina Tractor and Equipment in the amount of $478, Mayor Pro Tem Craig seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 20. Contract on file through City Clerk s office.) TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman Kimble, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation. Councilman Kimble noted that the following items on the Transportation Committee report would be postponed until further study has been done: Proposed Traffic Calming Policy Revisions Status of Current Speed Hump Installations, Transit Service Analysis (Service to the Dream Center), and I-85/Cox Road Traffic Congestion. The following items discussed at the June 26, 2013, Transportation Committee meeting were then presented: Sidewalk Program and Proposed Priority Rating or Project Ranking System / Pedestrian Master Plan Update Mr. J. Philip Bombardier, Assistant City Manager, advised that all of the sidewalk projects approved with the 2010 GO Street Bond have been, or will soon be, completed. He said they will recognize some savings on those projects. As they bid the four major GO Bond roadway projects, they hope to realize savings on those as well. For years they have maintained a sidewalk needs list. As money is available, they go through that list and try to do the highest priority first. Staff has tried to come up with a more comprehensive prioritization policy and program. As that evolves they will go back through Committee and as money is available, hopefully through savings on some of these bond projects, they can come to Council and recommend moving forward on some of the sidewalk projects. This was presented as information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 21.) Proposed High Speed Rail Service Route Between Atlanta and Washington Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, said staff attended the unveiling of the potential of a high-speed train from Atlanta to Charlotte. This proposal is driven by the Georgia Department of Transportation. North Carolina and South Carolina are also partners in it. There are six different alternatives, three of which call for a stop in Gaston County. The other three go through Rock Hill. The Committee voted unanimously to endorse a resolution in support of the Atlanta to Charlotte Passenger Rail Corridor Route passing through Gastonia. After some discussion, Councilman Pierceall made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Transportation Committee. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference and Resolution as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 22.) Discussion of Signal Control System Mr. Bombardier said there were some questions asked at the Committee meeting regarding the synchronization of traffic lights. This is an ongoing endeavor for staff. This was presented as information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 23.) Status Report on No Turn on Red Intersections Mr. Bombardier said staff evaluated all of the No Turn on Red intersections, looking for opportunities to delete some of those. Out of the 23 No Turn on Red intersections, staff identified 6 that they felt could be removed, all of which are on State roads and require approval of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). That list was sent to NCDOT and they have agreed that 2 of the 6 should be removed. Staff will continue to look at other intersections and work with NCDOT to see if they can remove additional No Turn on Red intersections. -15-

6 Page 16 Page 16 He advised that the Committee voted unanimously to pursue the removal of those No Right on Red intersections where NCDOT would agree. Staff will come back to Council with a resolution to remove those intersection from the Ordinance. Councilman Kirlin made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Transportation Committee. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 24.) GO Street Bond Program Update Mr. Bombardier said staff presented to the Transportation Committee an update on the GO Street Bond projects. That information is contained in the agenda. This was presented for information. Mr. Bombardier and Mr. Munn addressed questions of Council. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 25.) MPO Changes Mr. Bombardier noted that this item was addressed earlier in tonight s meeting. Proposed Improvements at Franklin Boulevard and Chestnut Street (Sundrop Location) Mr. Bombardier said staff has been working with Choice USA on some roadway improvements, pedestrian enhancements, and beautification-type projects around the Franklin Boulevard/ Chestnut Street area. They see this as a great opportunity to partner with Choice USA to improve the streetscape of Gastonia. Details of those improvements are contained in the agenda. This was presented for information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 26.) Signal Phasing Analysis at New Hope and Titman Roads Mr. Bombardier said staff has been working with Piedmont Community Charter School on some traffic backup issues around the school related to the signal phasing. Suggestions to help alleviate this issue will be presented to the school to be implemented at the first of the school year. It is primarily some things that can be done onsite to help improve the traffic issues during their high volume times. This was presented for information. Proposed Railroad Crossing Signal at May Street and Norfolk Southern Tracks Mr. Bombardier noted that NCDOT has advised that the railroad crossing signals at May Street and Norfolk Southern Railway tracks have qualified for Federal funds to be used for signalization and gate improvements. He said the Committee discussed this project in detail. It is basically a 90/10 split. The entire project is $302,000, with the local share being $30,200. The Committee voted unanimously to accept the funding from NCDOT for the proposed improvements to the railroad crossing signal at May Street and the Norfolk Southern tracks. If Council wants to pursue that, it will have to be budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year. The Committee also directed staff to look at opportunities for other closings on some of the lesser used railroad lines that might further minimize the City s local share. Councilman Pierceall made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Transportation Committee. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 27.) Other Matters Mr. Bombardier noted that additional discussion ensued on the Pedestrian Plan Workshop, the GO Bonds, and the 85X Gastonia Bus Route. Information on that discussion is contained in the agenda. Councilman Gallagher advised that on the 85X Gastonia Bus Route, he is not looking for an additional bus route. He is looking for them to take one of the morning routes and make it a midday route. -16-

7 Page 17 Page 17 Councilman Gallagher said when driving north on Cox Road heading to the I-85 bridge, there needs to be some turning signage for those wanting to get onto I-85 South. Also, coming off of I-85 at New Hope Road, there needs to be lane markings for the two left-turn lanes onto New Hope Road. He asked that staff look into both of those situations. (Report as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 28.) UTILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman McAteer, Chairman of the Utilities Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation. Councilman McAteer yielded to Mr. J. Phillip Bombardier, Assistant City Manager. Mr. Bombardier advised that the Utilities Committee met on July 10, 2013, and discussed the following: Stormwater Program Policies and Procedures Mr. Bombardier reviewed the following proposed changes to the Stormwater program and fees: a) He said the Committee discussed the requirement that property owners participate financially in any off right-of-way project and at what percentage. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the requirement that affected property owners participate financially at a level of 10% of the overall project. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it b) Mr. Bombardier said the second part of the program is actually an effort to try to expedite requests for projects. This is basically a revision to the program whereby the property owner would first get preapproval of a project. They would then get an engineer to design the project, if needed, and would bid it out themselves. Upon completion and approval by the City, the property owner would be reimbursed 90% of the cost of the project. Staff feels that that would save time for the property owner and would save the City money in that the property owner could probably get the project done with local contractors and would not have to go through the statutory bidding requirements. The Committee voted unanimously to direct staff to develop a reimbursement-based program that requires upfront approval by the City for various off right-of-way projects, dependent upon available funding. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it c) Mr. Bombardier said the Committee was advised of the following current schedule of maximum limits for the City s financial participation for off right-of-way projects: Priority 1 $50,000 per applicant/site; Priority 2 $30,000 per applicant/site; and Priority 3 $10,000 per applicant/site. The Committee voted unanimously to maintain the current schedule of the City s maximum financial participation limits, but further recommended that these be used as a general guideline, giving staff some leeway. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it d) Mr. Bombardier advised that an increase in the stormwater fee was discussed by the Committee. He said there is a backlog of requested projects. Some people have been waiting in excess of five years. This was a consideration to help move those projects forward. The Committee voted unanimously to increase the stormwater fee, effective January 1, 2014, to $3.25 per ERU for all customers, with proceeds designated for projects. A public hearing is required by North Carolina General Statutes and will be held prior to the implementation date. -17-

8 Page 18 Page 18 Councilman McAteer made a motion to schedule a public hearing regarding a potential stormwater fee increase. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 29.) 2) Proposed Advisory Board for Two Rivers Utilities Mr. Bombardier said as part of the City s agreement with Cramerton, Gastonia agreed to form an advisory board. It will consist of voting members, which are those entities that are fully consolidated with Gastonia (currently that is just Cramerton), and non-voting members, which are other municipalities that Gastonia serves. Staff has worked closely with Cramerton in developing this advisory board. It is primarily the City Managers or his/her appointee. The proposed by-laws and rules of procedure is included in the agenda. The Committee voted unanimously to adopt the Two Rivers Utilities Advisory Board By-Laws and Rules of Procedure. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 30.) 3) Gastonia Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Mr. Bombardier said the Committee was given an update regarding the rehabilitation of the Water Treatment Plant. Information presented to the Committee is included in the agenda. This was presented for information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 31.) 4) Proposed Electric Substation Mr. Paul Jakubczak, Director of Enterprise Services, explained that in order to ensure that the City has adequate resources to supply current customers and plan for future growth, a new substation is proposed to serve the northern portion of the City. He said they are seeing a lot of growth in the northwest quadrant because of the Technology Park. They are not proposing a site at this time. This is just the engineering design for that. A potential site is the Technology Park and with that they may also have the opportunity to expand out to Paysour Mountain. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee to move forward with the engineering design process for adding a new substation, and that the new substation would potentially be able to handle load for future expansion of Paysour Mountain. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 32.) 5) Stanley Sewer Interconnection Project Mr. Bombardier advised that the Town of Stanley had approached Gastonia regarding the possibility of Gastonia receiving their sanitary sewer, and requested a proposal to send all of its flow to Gastonia. He said a basic interlocal utility agreement has been prepared to provide that service and that has been approved by the Stanley Town Council. Stanley basically takes the largest financial burden of the project through some grants from the State. Gastonia participates financially in reimbursements to Stanley but those reimbursements are based on money received for treating their sewer. This is a good opportunity that is financially beneficial to both parties. As part of that, a preliminary study was done several months ago just to clear up the proper procedures to follow. They have to approve that agreement that has already been done, and that actually recommends that Stanley tie onto Gastonia s system. He noted that the Committee voted unanimously to approve the Sanitary Sewer Service Utility Agreement and the Interlocal Agreement to Fund Additional Engineering Studies between Two Rivers Utilities and the Town of Stanley. Councilman McAteer made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Utilities Committee. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 33. Agreement on file through City Clerk s office.) -18-

9 Page 19 Page 19 6) Update of Regionalism Efforts Regarding Water and Sewer Initiatives Mr. Bombardier advised that staff provided to the Utilities Committee an update on all of the water and sewer regionalism projects. That update is included in the agenda. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 34.) (Committee Report as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 35.) CENTRAL CITY REVITALIZATION AND HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman Pierceall, Chairman of the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation. Councilman Pierceall presented the following issues discussed at the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee meeting on July 29, 2013: 1) Beaverbrook Apartments (Highland Hills) Status Report He said Council previously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Beaverbrook Apartment complex. Due to some issues going on with that, the City received a request from an individual to rescind that MOU. With the project being up in the air and at such an early stage, the Committee simply voted to table this issue until they can get additional information. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 36.) 2) Request for Economic Development Grant for the Rehabilitation of the Lawyers Building Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, advised that the Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Lawyers Building project move forward as presented with Council and staff mandated benchmarks to be met prior to funds being paid and conditional on significant County participation. He said Mr. Nathan Kirby, owner of the Lawyers Building, has since met with the Gaston County Commissioners. Mr. Kirby is requesting that the City provide an annual economic development grant in the amount of $61,462 per year for 10 years. The amount of revenue estimated to be produced from the project is $51,592 per year. Both of these numbers are exclusive of the net increase in property tax. The net increase in property tax for this building once it is renovated for the 32 hotel units, potentially 35 units, and a fullscale restaurant, will not be known until the building is completed and appraised by the County. The developer has estimated a net tax value increase of $2,650,000 and an additional $19,245 of incremental tax. This revenue and all those other revenues are really only revenues produced by the project. They are not tax dollars from any other entity in the City, so other businesses or other property owners would not contribute to this project. It is essentially producing estimated revenues and those estimated revenues would be applied back in for a 10-year period of time, except for the $9,870 request in addition to that that Mr. Kirby has made. Staff is putting together an economic development agreement. They will work with Mr. Kirby and will share a copy of that with the County. What they are trying to say in this agreement is that the first dollars do not get paid until the project is finished. The project has to be finished for a year before any dollars come forward and the restaurant and hotel units have to always be in place. The structure of this is basically taking the funds that are being produced from the project and reinvesting them back into the project. Mr. Munn and Mr. Nathan Kirby addressed questions of Council. After considerable discussion, Councilman Pierceall made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Craig seconded the motion and Council approved it by a vote of 6-1 (Councilman Gallagher cast the dissenting vote). (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 37.) (Committee Report as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 38.) FACILITIES/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mayor Pro Tem Craig, Chairman of the Facilities/Management Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation. -19-

10 Page 20 Page 20 Mayor Pro Tem Craig presented the following items discussed at the Facilities/Management Committee meeting held on July 30, 2013: 1) Proposed Cell Tower Lease at Fire Station #8 Site between the City of Gastonia and American Tower She noted that the Committee voted unanimously to recommend that negotiations continue with American Tower, and to include conditions more consistent with the City s other cell tower leases. Mayor Pro Tem Craig made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Facilities/ Management Committee. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 39.) 2) Offer to Purchase City Property on Plyler Lake Road, PID # Mayor Pro Tem Craig said the City received an offer to purchase a 2.84-acre lot on Plyler Lake Road for $2,100 per acre, for a total purchase amount of $5,964. This offer is subject to the upset bid process. The City will maintain by easement the ability to install and maintain a traffic camera for monitoring I-85, as well as an easement for utility lines crossing the parcel. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the property be sold for a total amount of $5,964, with the conditions as presented by staff. Mayor Pro Tem Craig made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Facilities/ Management Committee and to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Sale of the Property, Utilizing the Upset Bid Process. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference and Resolution as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 40. Agreement on file through City Clerk s office.) 3) Offer to Purchase City Property at 707 Logan Street, PID # Mayor Pro Tem Craig said the City received an offer to purchase a.08-acre parcel at 707 Logan Street for $750. This offer is subject to the upset bid process. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the property be sold for a total amount of $750. Mayor Pro Tem Craig made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Facilities/ Management Committee and to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Sale of the Property, Utilizing the Upset Bid Process. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference and Resolution as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 41. Agreement on file through City Clerk s office.) 4) Proposed Policy Revision Refund of Fees for Building Permits and Site Plan/Subdivision Review Mayor Pro Tem Craig said currently the City refunds 90% of the building permit minus 10%, or a $100 minimum charge. On site plans and subdivision review, the City presently refunds 100% of said fees, which by doing so does not cover the City s cost for review work already performed. The following changes were proposed: a) Building Permit Fees Refunds only given within a 30-day period, and the refund would be 90% of the permit fee minus a 10% administration fee, with a $25 minimum and a $100 maximum. b) Building Plan Review Fee Initial submission charge would be 90% of the applicable fee (in lieu of the current 30% upfront charge) with no refund. c) Subdivision and Site Plan Review Fees After the project has gone through the Technical Review Committee (TRC), fees would become non-refundable. Up until the point of TRC review, a 100% refund would be issued, less a $25 administrative fee. She noted that the Committee voted unanimously to recommend the revision of the policy for refund of fees for building permits, building plan review, and site plan/subdivision review, as presented. -20-

11 Page 21 Page 21 Mayor Pro Tem Craig made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Facilities/ Management Committee. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 42.) (Committee Report as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 43.) APPOINTMENTS TO THE GASTONIA PLANNING COMMISSION WARD 4 SEAT AND AT-LARGE SEAT Councilman Pierceall asked that the Gastonia Planning Commission Ward 4 Seat appointment be postponed until the next City Council meeting. Mayor Bridgeman asked for a motion to appoint Mr. Alec Long to the Gastonia Planning Commission At-Large Seat. Councilman Gallagher made a motion to nominate Mr. Alec Long for the At-Large Seat on the Gastonia Planning Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Craig seconded the motion. Councilman McAteer made a motion to nominate Mr. William Gross for the At-Large Seat on the Gastonia Planning Commission. Councilman Kimble seconded the nomination. Council voted on the nominees as follows: William Gross received 3 votes (Councilman Kimble, Councilman Kirlin, and Councilman McAteer). Alec Long received 4 votes (Councilman Gallagher, Councilman Pierceall, Mayor Pro Tem Craig, and Mayor Bridgeman). (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 1 to Minute Book 103 at Page 44.) CITY ATTORNEY S REPORT Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, had no report. CITY MANAGER S REPORT Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, reported the following: There will be three requests for in-kind services coming to Council at a later date. Two of those requests have missed the deadline. One is a request from Forever 27 Foundation, Inc., for an event on October 12, and the other is a request from the Gaston Arts Council for an event on October 19. The third request, which did meet the deadline, is from Cancer Services of Gaston County. Unless Council directs otherwise, staff will work with the groups that did not meet the deadline. There is a sink hole on Third Avenue, which staff is working to repair. The recent heavy rains are causing some of these issues. Work on the retaining wall behind AAA Car Care is moving forward. He received a letter from the Mayor of Cramerton thanking City staff for its assistance with flooding issues. The City received a notice from Time Warner regarding transitioning from analog to digital. The letter advised that anyone with analog would not be able to interact with the Government Access Channel. He noted that the City really does not have jurisdiction over the cable companies like it did in the past. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilman Kirlin He advised that Mr. Jack Kiser would be receiving the Robert E. Stipe Award, which is North Carolina s highest award presented to working professionals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to historic preservation as part of their job responsibilities, at the Preservation North Carolina Annual Conference on October 4. Council is invited to attend. He congratulated Mr. Kiser and commended him on the job he has done. -21-

12 Page 22 Page 22 Councilman Kimble He said he attended a meeting of the Catawba Hills neighborhood, which is trying to start a Neighborhood Watch. He thinks that is going to happen. About 30 people attended that first meeting. He advised that there is a National Night Out event going on tonight at Target. He said next week is the Shrine 100 race at Carolina Speedway. This is for a great cause. He is going to try to attend that event. Mayor Bridgeman He said he was honored this past Saturday to represent the City at Bethlehem Church as they welcomed home members of the North Carolina National Guard 505 th Engineer Battalion. MEETING ADJOURNED At 8:45 p.m., Councilman Pierceall made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it Mayor John D. Bridgeman L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney Virginia L. Creighton, City Clerk rc