Gastonia City Council Meeting May 19, 2015 – 6:00 P.M

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GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 19, 2015 – 6:00 P.M. GASTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE PUBLIC FORUM ROOM – GASTONIA, NC

Mayor Bridgeman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in the Gaston County Courthouse Public Forum Room, Gastonia, North Carolina. Councilman Gallagher opened the meeting with prayer and Mayor Bridgeman led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Ms. Virginia L. Creighton, City Clerk, recorded the minutes.

PRESENT: Mayor John D. Bridgeman Mayor Pro Tem Brenda B. Craig Council Members: David R. Kirlin Walter A. Kimble James Gallagher Todd Pierceall Porter L. McAteer City Manager Edward C. Munn City Attorney L. Ashley Smith

ABSENT: None

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Councilman McAteer made a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

(1) 2015 Student Achievement Awards

Councilman Kimble recognized the following recipients of the 2015 Student Achievement Award, and yielded to school personnel for the purpose of introducing and highlighting the accomplishments of each recipient:

 Mr. Atondi Graham, Southwest Middle School – Introduced by Ms. Rebecca Huffstetler, Principal.

 Mr. Samuel Boyles – Ashbrook High School – Introduced by Mr. Joey Clinton, Principal.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 1.)

 Mr. Scyler Hanif, Grier Middle School – Introduced by Ms. Loretta Reed, Principal.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 2.)

 Ms. Ashlyn Sawyer, Highland School of Technology – Introduced by Mr. Justin Beam, Assistant Principal.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 3.)

 Ms. Madison Elizabeth Moore, Hunter Huss High School – Introduced by Mr. Torben Ross, Principal.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 4.)

 Mr. Thomas George Heracklis, Webb Street School – Introduced by Ms. Kelli Howe, Principal.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 5.)

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 Ms. Ayauna Rivas, York-Chester Middle School – Ms. Rivas was not able to attend the meeting due to having a band concert this evening. Ms. Lorinda Brusie, Principal, highlighted Ms. Rivas’ accomplishments.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 6.)

Following their introduction, Councilman Kimble presented a plaque and a gift to each student.

The students thanked the Mayor and Council for this recognition and thanked others who have been an influence in their lives.

(2) Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council Senior Recognition

Councilman Pierceall asked the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council members to come forward. He presented a brief overview of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council and highlighted some of the community service project activities in which they were involved. He said tonight he and Mayor Bridgeman are pleased to present the senior class members of the Youth Council, who represent some of the finest young people that the City has to offer. He then introduced the following senior students:

 Ms. Breanna Howe, Ashbrook High School  Ms. Roshini Amarasinghe, Forestview High School  Ms. Jenny Badra, Forestview High School  Mr. Max Flores-Palacios, Forestview High School  Ms. Kaelan Forbes, Forestview High School  Mr. Jeffrey Friday, Forestview High School  Mr. Adam Roney, Forestview High School  Ms. Gray Heath, Gaston Day School  Ms. Ginna Suarez, Highland School of Technology  Ms. Maddie Moore, Hunter Huss High School

Each student was presented a plaque and a gift.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 7.)

(3) Recognition of Hunter Huss Wrestling Team, North Carolina State 2A Champions

Councilman Pierceall congratulated the Hunter Huss Wrestling Team on winning the North Carolina State 2A Championship. He introduced the following team members, managers, and coaches:

TEAM MEMBERS

Thomas Benson Matthew Merrington Kendrick Brooks Zackary Merrington Jonathon Carpenter Kurron Moore Paul Carson Slade Moss Brian Goodson David Murphy Kaleb Hendren Austin Ray Tristin Hendren Marvin Reynolds Dalton Jenkins Chance Roberts Joseph Lewis Darius Smith Charles McCombs Darion Thompson Keshon McLean

MANAGERS

Cheyenne Gibson Karigann McCurry Emily Wilson

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COACHES

Michael Kennedy, Head Coach Larry Hendren Henry Lewis

Each team member, manager, and coach was presented a certificate.

(4) Proclamation – “National Public Works Week” – May 17-23, 2015

Councilman Kimble read the National Public Works Week Proclamation and presented it to Mr. Matt Bernhardt, Director of Public Works and Utilities, and Mr. Michael Peoples, Director of Enterprise Services, who were accompanied by a number of Public Works and Enterprise Services employees.

Mr. Bernhardt expressed appreciation for this proclamation. He commended the Public Works/ Utilities and the Enterprise Services employees on the job that they do.

Each employee present introduced themselves.

Councilman Pierceall made a motion to adopt the National Public Works Week Proclamation. Councilman Gallagher seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

(Proclamation as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 8.)

PRESENTATIONS

(1) Mr. Steve D’Avria, District Executive Director, Gaston Family YMCA Re: Request for In-Kind Services – Grizzlies 5K – July 17, 2015

Mr. D’Avria briefly explained the Grizzlies 5K event. He requested in-kind services for this event, as noted on the application contained in the exhibit book.

Councilman McAteer made a motion to approve the requested in-kind services for the YMCA Grizzlies 5K on July 17, 2015. Councilman Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 9.)

PUBLIC EXPRESSION

No one had signed up for Public Expression.

CONSENT AGENDA

ITEM 1: CELL TOWER LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION BETWEEN THE CITY OF GASTONIA AND AMERICAN TOWERS, LLC – EAGLE ROAD (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 10. Agreement on file through City Clerk’s office.)

ITEM 2: SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GASTONIA AND GLOBAL SIGNAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC – TO LEASE ADDITIONAL LAND – 2031 ECHO LANE (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 11. Agreement on file through City Clerk’s office.)

Councilman Gallagher made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

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PUBLIC HEARING – JOHN AND ANNE WILSON

Subject hearing involves considering the rezoning of roughly 4.89 acres from PD TND, Planned District Traditional Neighborhood Development, to RMF CD, Residential Multifamily Conditional District. The property is located at the corner of New Hope Road and Bethlehem Church Road, and is owned by John and Anne Wilson. (The Gastonia Planning Commission voted 7-1 to deny the rezoning. This item was appealed to City Council.)

Mayor Bridgeman advised that the guidelines for this public hearing will be as follows:

 Staff will have 12 minutes to make a presentation, excluding questions.  The applicant will have 12 minutes to make a presentation, excluding questions.  The neighborhood will have 12 minutes to make a presentation, excluding questions.  The applicant will have 3 minutes for rebuttal.  The opponents will have 3 minutes for rebuttal.  Council will close the public hearing.

He then declared the public hearing to be open and recognized Mr. Jason Thompson, Planning Director, for the purpose of making the presentation.

Mr. Thompson said the applicant is requesting a rezoning to allow for a 50-unit apartment complex. The subject property is located along New Hope Road at Bethlehem Church Road, and is immediately adjacent to the Bethesda Oaks Planned Residential Development. This rezoning is required to change the underlying zoning district from the current Traditional Neighborhood Development designation that was originally approved in 2001, to the RMF CD, Residential Multifamily Conditional District to allow for the development of this apartment complex. Included in the agenda is a brief list of conditions which specify that, if approved, the development would be consistent with the included site plan, the conditions as written in the agenda, and other items, such as the representative building elevations that are part of the applicant’s application. One important condition to note is the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) always weighs in on these types of requests when it goes through the standard staff review process. In this case, NCDOT requested that the applicant agree to installing right and left turn lanes in New Hope Road if this project is to be developed.

He displayed the rezoning map and noted the zoning designations of the surrounding properties. He said the Future Land Use Map within the 2025 Comprehensive Plan indicates mixed uses in this location. That is reflective of primarily that previous zoning designation that was on the majority of the Bethesda Oaks site, as well as this site. That original Traditional Neighborhood Development, large-scale mixed-use project, covered not only the subject property, but a small piece of property just north along New Hope Road. That is labeled PD TND and it also includes the entirety of the Bethesda Oaks project. Following that rezoning to TND, someone else came in and rezoned to the PRD, Planned Residential Development, which is Bethesda Oaks. In this particular case, given that mixed-use designation in the Comprehensive Plan and the applicant’s request for multi-family development, the request can be considered consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, because multi-family development is something you would very often typically see in that type of a mixed-use setting.

Mr. Thompson said the applicant has indicated that he intends to seek tax credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to help fund this project. It does fall under a policy that was adopted by a City Council many years back. That same policy was reviewed and reaffirmed by City Council in recent years. That policy has some particulars with regard to where housing that is considered assisted or subsidized should be located throughout the City. It designates certain census tracts and also talks about the density of those types of developments. The applicant’s proposal is compatible with that adopted policy.

He said this is a 50-unit apartment complex that is being proposed. It needs this zoning change designation in order to be developed. As it is before Council, it is consistent with both the standards of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, staff’s recommendation is to approve the rezoning.

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Mr. Thompson addressed questions of Council.

Mayor Bridgeman then recognized the following individuals who had requested to speak to this matter:

 Mr. Doug Arthurs, 420 Long Avenue, Gastonia – He said he represents Urquhart Development and the owners of the property seeking this rezoning. Mr. Thompson referred to a policy of the City to limit what is referred to as subsidized housing to 50 units per project. This is really affordable housing. That policy was reaffirmed in 2012, after his client proposed a development in West Gastonia behind Dixie Village. That was taken to the Gastonia Planning Commission and at that time, they said his client was seeking more than 50 units and was not in a right census district. They told him to find a piece of property in Gastonia that is in the right census district, to not propose more than 50 units, and bring it back to them. That is what his client did. He has found a parcel in the right census district and he is proposing 50 units. In this particular case, the project is located on a major thoroughfare.

They held a community meeting. The residents objected to a three-story building backing up to the neighborhood and they requested a privacy fence. The three-story building was removed and a privacy fence was added before the Planning Commission meeting. The plan before Council today does not contain a three-story building. He advised that the plan contains four separate buildings for the 50 units, and noted the number of units in each building. He said in the agenda, the statement made for denying this project by the Planning Commission was the fact that it was inconsistent with the neighborhood because it had three- story buildings. This project as presented tonight does not have that; therefore, that objection has been removed. The site plan in the agenda also shows that there has been a removal of the privacy fence and a placement of a 25-foot vegetative buffer, as required by the UDO.

He said there are a lot of arguments against this project, one of which is we built our neighborhood up against an empty field and we expect nothing to go there. When Bethesda Oaks was approved to be developed, a mixed-use project was going to be beside it. His client’s property is a part of that, and it is really not zoned for anything anymore, because the project that it was a portion of is now Bethesda Oaks. If what was said at the Planning Commission meeting by the representative of Bethesda Oaks is correct, there are 160 homes that have been built there out of a total of more than 300 that are proposed to be built, as opposed to the 50 units that are being asked for on this particular project. Another objection raised was a traffic issue. This is located on a major thoroughfare. Its only entrance is off of New Hope Road. It is only 50 units as opposed to the 380 units that could grow out in Bethesda Oaks. The State is requiring a left and right turn lane into this 50-unit apartment project. None were required for turning in and out of the Bethesda Oaks neighborhood. There was an objection that the residents of this apartment project might cut through the Bethesda Oaks neighborhood. He explained that it would not be logical to cut through that neighborhood. He said this property is going to be developed for some purpose. It is not really proper or fit for single-family residential right at that area. It is going to be some kind of mixed-use and that is what the 2025 Plan says it should be. When Bethesda Oaks was developed it approved not only the 380 homes, but the Traditional Neighborhood District that was approved set forth up to 700 plus different units. That included apartment projects, duplexes, and homes over businesses that were going to be on the property.

Mr. Arthurs said this property may or may not become affordable housing property. It can be developed as just the 50 units, but it has to be developed according to the site plan and the conditions that are being placed on it. If it is an affordable housing project, it is for working folks that have under 60% of the median income. The one-bedroom units will rent for $580, the two-bedroom units for $780, and the three-bedroom units for $845. Nobody is paying the rent for them. They have to qualify to be a tenant. They have to have good credit, they have to have a job, and they have to have a good reference from their prior landlord. That is the type of affordable housing that Gastonia needs and this is a proper place for that affordable housing.

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He said his client has a long history of developing this type of housing and seeking out areas where these projects are needed. Gastonia, Gaston County is one of those areas that need affordable housing. The City of Gastonia has adopted policies to regulate that. His client found a parcel. It is not zoned properly, but the Code says it could be zoned properly for that. It is in the right census district, and it has the right number of units. His client has researched the entire City of Gastonia map for available property in the right census district to build affordable housing without the necessity of a rezoning hearing. There is not a parcel available that is not built upon. It is the responsibility of this Council to see that every citizen has affordable housing and that every citizen has an opportunity to live in a nice new project, not just those residents of Bethesda Oaks who are here en masse to oppose this. They oppose it on the basis that they do not want any multi-family near them. They do not want any development behind them. He would ask that Council consider protecting those people who are not here and who will be applying to live in an affordable apartment.

Mr. Arthurs said at the Planning Commission meeting, there were photographs of the backflow protectors for the water meters at the Bordeaux Apartments. Those backflow protectors are required by the City. The Bordeaux has individually metered units. This project is not going to have water meters for each unit. His client would ask that Council approve the rezoning of this property from Traditional Neighborhood Development to Multifamily Conditional District and place the conditions as set forth in their plan. He then addressed various questions.

 Mr. Thomas Urquhart, 309 North Bloodworth Street, Raleigh – He said he is the owner of Urquhart Development, LLC. He is proposing to build an apartment project in Gastonia for low and moderate income people. He wants to build 50 units with rents between $580 and $845. These rents require people to work. The people who already live in this community will be the ones who will live in these apartments. That is the history of these projects. There will have to be an individual water meter for each building, so there will be five meters on the site. That would be a typical requirement of public utilities. The City of Gastonia desperately needs affordable housing. It has not participated very well in the program that has existed since 1986. It has had some projects developed in that timeframe, at least one of them directly in contradiction of the City’s current assisted housing policy. That it is an extremely poor policy that was enacted at a time when people thought it was going to be a good policy. It has failed and it needs to be revisited.

He said one argument that they are going to hear is that management is a big issue. That is always a big issue. You cannot afford the type of manager that you want to have with very small projects. Small projects have small budgets. This is affordable housing. They believe that the arguments about traffic are specious. This type of project does not generate a lot of traffic. It does not make sense that people will drive through the Bethesda Oaks community. Everything is up or down South New Hope Road. He advised that they had also met all of the architectural objections that the neighborhood had.

He said the City of Gastonia sent him to this site. This is one of the very few vacant pieces of land in the census tracts that they want to have affordable housing, according to the City’s policies. There are no tracts of land properly zoned in those census tracts at this time. They employed three separate real estate brokers to find these sites in the City of Gastonia and none were successful. The City currently has a policy that prevents affordable housing being built for families. They can get affordable housing for seniors under the policy, but right now that policy prevents affordable housing for families.

Mr. Urquhart then addressed questions of Council. Considerable discussion ensued.

 Mr. Joseph Cammalleri, 2619 Holly Oak Lane, Gastonia – He said he is President of the Bethesda Oaks Homeowners Association. He is here representing the 160 families who live in Bethesda Oaks now, as well as the future 200 plus that will live in phase II of the development. He has gladly accepted the charge from his neighbors and the Association to ask Council to please uphold the decision made by the Gastonia Planning Commission to

-174- Page 175 Page 175 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 19, 2015 deny the conditional district rezoning application submitted by Urquhart Development. As a community, they believe that the 7-1 super majority decision made by the Commission has set the standard for future land use and appearance on the South New Hope Road corridor of Gastonia. He is proud to see so many of his friends and neighbors here tonight, just as they were for the Planning Commission meeting. They are all here as an expression of their strong support for the Planning Commission’s decision. He has also brought with him letters from many homeowners who could not be here tonight because of other obligations.

He noted ways in which this conditional district rezoning application has been a civic lesson in action for the residents of Bethesda Oaks. He said during this lesson they have had their questions about City required governmental processes and procedures answered in a timely and professional manner. This experience has confirmed their belief that Gastonia is the place that they want to live, work, worship, and raise their families. Many homeowners in Bethesda Oaks are transplants from across the United States. They chose to live in Gastonia and Bethesda Oaks because they found a place that offered the convenience of a city, an excellent school system, and a safe and enjoyable place to raise their families. Their little corner of Gastonia is a charming, rural area with churches on almost every corner, farm land, and a large strand of trees across the street. They would love for it to stay the way it is, but they understand that Gastonia is growing and must grow. They are pleased that the Planning Commission did not approve this conditional rezoning application because it is their belief that the conditional district rezoning and an apartment complex would forever change the South New Hope corridor and Bethesda Oaks to their detriment.

Mr. Cammalleri stated that based on information presented and discussions held at several HOA meetings, it was the overwhelming consensus of the owners in Bethesda Oaks that this conditional district rezoning and complex is not the best use of this property. He said an approval of this conditional rezoning appeal would allow a property to be built that is not reasonably consistent with the neighboring properties and communities. Another concern is the visibility of this apartment complex from South New Hope Road. With the exception of the apartment building on the corner of Garrison Boulevard and South New Hope Road, all other apartment complexes are set back further from South New Hope Road than is required by City setbacks. Urquhart Development’s Bordeaux apartment complex is approximately 230 feet from South New Hope Road. This project will be approximately 50 to 75 feet from South New Hope Road or Bethlehem Church Road. They are concerned that an approval of this conditional rezoning appeal will allow an apartment complex to be built that will have an out-of-town management company and, until tonight, a part-time on-site manager. He would like for Council to once again ask Mr. Urquhart if there will be two property managers or one part-time shared. The information that they received was that there would be one part-time property manager shared between the two complexes.

He expressed concern about the Bordeaux Apartments, a property developed by Urquhart Development and managed by United Management. He said they have no assurance that this proposed complex would not be managed in the same fashion. They are also concerned about increased traffic and the accidents that occur on South New Hope Road, cut-through traffic and speeders in their neighborhood, and the enrollment levels in the schools that serve the neighborhood. These issues may not be a deciding factor in their decision regarding this conditional district rezoning appeal tonight, but they are real issues to them. The unknown issue for the residents of Bethesda Oaks is the impact that this or any other apartment complex could have on the marketability of their homes. Many residents of Bethesda Oaks took a major downward hit in the 2015 tax revaluation. Although the thought of paying less taxes is appealing, they are fully aware of the use of tax values as a starting point for market values when an owner must sell their home. The revaluation in combination with an apartment complex could weigh negatively on an owner’s effort to sell their home. They are also concerned about the effect this complex could have on the marketability of future homes in Bethesda Oaks. They have worked diligently with builders who are interested in building out phase II. Their goal in working with these builders has always been to create homes that complement the existing neighborhood, sustain or raise the value of their homes, and entice new and current residents of Gastonia to be part of their wonderful community.

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Mr. Cammalleri said he is deeply offended by the assumption of Mr. Urquhart that they do not care about poor people. Mr. Urquhart has no idea of the efforts of anyone in this room to help with housing needs in Gastonia, whether it is through their profession, their volunteer work, or their monetary gifts. He also finds this attitude to be a condemnation of the work that is already being done by the Housing Authority of Gastonia and the surrounding municipalities, the Sisters of Mercy, ARC, as well as private citizens of Gaston County who regularly offer affordable housing without the assistance of tax credits or subsidized rents. It is the belief of the residents of Bethesda Oaks that a change in zoning that allows an apartment complex, regardless of the rent rate, is not reasonably consistent with the neighboring properties and communities. As a community, they are grateful that the Planning Commission heard their voices and agreed with them that this rezoning request is not the highest, wisest, and best use of this property. They ask the City Council to please uphold that decision. He displayed photographs of developments that they felt would fit on this property.

Mr. Cammalleri and Mr. Thompson addressed various questions.

 Mr. Alec Long, Gastonia Planning Commission Member, 1624 Lakefield Circle, Gastonia – He said he thinks most of the Planning Commissioners did not think this piece of property fit the project. It did not go with the surrounding area. They were not opposed to the affordable housing. There is nothing wrong with the project, but if you put it in that field it is going to make the surrounding property values go down. He is not saying that people in affordable housing do not care about their property, but human nature is if you rent something you do not take as good care of it as you would if you owned it. He voted against this because he did not feel like it fit in this area and because the property owners were going to be hurt in the future with their property values.

 Ms. Pamela Goode, Gastonia Planning Commission Member, 405 North Morris Street, Gastonia – She said earlier Mayor Pro Tem Craig asked if the Planning Commission considered any other projects that could go on the subject property. Commissioner Fleeman suggested that maybe a development targeted toward 55-year-old residents and up, and more upscale. They were told that that was a definite no. Everything that has been presented relating to getting the tax credits said that you had to have affordable housing, and Mr. Urquhart wanted to do his project based upon using tax credits. She and other Commissioners had a problem with the other property that Mr. Urquhart owns, which is within two miles of the proposed building site. She noted the following discrepancies in what was presented to the Planning Commission and what was presented tonight:  Rental rates presented tonight are about $100 per unit higher.  The privacy wall in the proposal presented to the Planning Commission has been replaced with a 25-foot vegetative buffer.  The number of water meters that will be on the property has changed.  The Planning Commission was told that there would be part-time maintenance that would be shared between this project and the Bordeaux Apartments and that there would be no security.  The units will be two-story as opposed to three.

She advised of additional discussion that took place at the Planning Commission meeting. She said another reason that the Planning Commission voted to deny this was they saw a map showing where all the apartments are located, and it was like they were kind of all moving to that one area.

Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Arthurs and Mr. Cammalleri for the purpose of speaking in rebuttal.

 Mr. Arthurs said the test is not the highest and best use of the land. The test is whether the proposed project as conditioned satisfies the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, is reasonable, and satisfies the conditions of the UDO. As set forth by the staff’s recommendation to Council, this project does satisfy that. The two major objections that were raised at the Planning

-176- Page 177 Page 177 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 19, 2015 Commission meeting were the height of this building project, which has been dropped to two stories, and the landscaping buffer as opposed to a security fence. At the Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Fleeman did raise a concern that this project should or could be a multifamily development for high-end users. They can use this same five acres to have a better project for Gastonia for high rent payers. To correct something that Ms. Goode said, there is no such thing as a voucher for this project. You qualify if you earn a certain income and you have credit available. You pay your own rent. That is why calling it subsidized is really not a proper term. If this project were suitable for the development that was approved in 2001, it is appropriate for this project that is proposed in 2015. The conditional use permit that was issued in 2001, approved 727 units (344 single family homes, 205 apartment homes, 114 town homes, 24 sell/live/work units, and 40 units over retail or office spaces). Those units were actually mostly on this 5 acres and the 5 acres to the north of it, so the original plan when Bethesda Oaks was put in was this property was going to be used for commercial and multifamily, more multifamily than the 50 units that are being proposed. They would ask that Council approve this project as consistent with the 2025 Plan and reasonable and consistent with the type of construction.

 Mr. Cammalleri said by approving the rezoning, they are automatically approving a multi- floor 50-unit apartment complex. They have been told, although the story changes, that it is going to look just like the Bordeaux, which was built by Urquhart Development less than two years ago. He displayed pictures of the Bordeaux Apartments and cited concern regarding the condition of that property. He asked if they wanted to rezone this property to put in a 50- unit multi-floor apartment complex that will look like the Bordeaux property. He said they thought that after bringing this up to the developer and the apartment manager that they would want to at least paint the fence. They took these pictures this week and he can tell them that nothing has been done there. He does not think the Bethesda Oaks community can expect any less. Long after Mr. Urquhart goes back to Raleigh and long after the Wilsons get their check, the people in Bethesda Oaks and all those who drive down the South New Hope corridor will still be looking at this.

Councilman Kimble made a motion to close the public hearing. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

Councilman Kirlin suggested that at a later point in time, Council review the City’s affordable housing policy, so that they better understand it. He said he would like to know what is the City’s inventory of affordable housing, what number of rentals do they have, are they affordable, what is the condition of those rentals, etc.

After further discussion, Councilman Gallagher made a motion to deny the rezoning. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 12.)

COUNCIL RECESS

At 8:15 p.m., Mayor Bridgeman declared Council in recess. Council resumed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

FACILITIES/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT

Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mayor Pro Tem Craig, Chairwoman of the Facilities/Management Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Craig advised that the Facilities/Management Committee met on May 18, to interview potential management firms for the Gastonia Conference Center. She said they have scheduled another meeting for June 1, 2015, to further discuss that issue. She will have a full report at the next City Council meeting.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 13.)

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CENTRAL CITY REVITALIZATION AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT

Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman Pierceall, Chairman of the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee, for the purpose of making the presentation.

Councilman Pierceall advised that the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee met on May 13, 2015, to discuss the following:

1) IDEAL Grant Application – Mr. Jerry Simonetti, Lily’s Italian Bistro – He said Mr. Simonetti is opening Lily’s Italian Bistro at 141 West Main Avenue, and has requested an IDEAL grant for up-fit and façade improvements. Mr. Simonetti describes Lily’s as an upscale bistro that will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. He will also offer catering services. Lily’s Italian Bistro will be Mr. Simonetti’s second location in Gaston County. Mr. Simonetti requested $17,000 in IDEAL assistance. Per IDEAL guidelines, he is eligible for up to $8,400 in an up-fit grant, based on the square footage of the restaurant’s leased space, and/or up to $2,500 in an up-fit grant pending approval by the Central Business District Design Review Committee of Mr. Simonetti’s façade improvement plans. The Committee voted 3-0 to recommend approval of an IDEAL grant of $7,000 for up-fit and $1,500 for façade improvements for a total of $8,500. The façade improvement portion of the grant is contingent upon approval of Mr. Simonetti’s plans for the façade by the Central Business District Design Review Committee.

He noted that the space that Mr. Simonetti will be occupying has received IDEAL grants or incentive grants in the past. He said Mr. Simonetti does meet the current guidelines. They had set a time limit so that the same building owner could not keep receiving incentives over and over again. Although this building did receive incentives in the past, Mr. Simonetti has met that time requirement. The work that needs to be done after the previous tenant left the building is significant. Mr. Simonetti has a proven track record in a neighboring town with a very successful eating establishment. They are very excited to have him choose downtown Gastonia for his new location.

Councilman Pierceall made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee. Councilman Kimble seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 14.)

2) Other Business – Councilman Pierceall noted that there were two other items of discussion, the details of which are included on the Committee report included in the agenda.

(Committee Report as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 15.)

CITIZEN COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS NEEDED FOR 2015/2016

Community Development Citizens Advisory Board

Councilman Kimble noted that he had forwarded information regarding this Board to an individual who has expressed interest in serving, but he has not yet heard back from him.

Farmers Market Advisory Board

 Councilman Gallagher nominated Mr. Bill Gross.  Councilman Pierceall nominated Mr. Scott Wilson and highlighted some of his qualifications.

Councilman McAteer questioned whether an additional seat could be added to this Board. Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, advised that he thought Council could add a seat.

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There being no other nominations, Councilman McAteer made a motion to close nominations. Mayor Pro Tem Craig seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

Council voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Bill Gross and Mr. Scott Wilson.

Stormwater Advisory Panel

 Councilman Pierceall nominated Mr. Danon Lawson and highlighted some of his qualifications. He noted that Mr. Lawson lives in Ward I.

There being no other nominations, Councilman McAteer made a motion to close nominations and to appoint Mr. Danon Lawson. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

(Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 7 to Minute Book 104 at Page 16.)

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, had no report.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, said the Mayor and all members of Council are encouraged to attend the Facilities/Management Committee meeting on June 1, at which they will further discuss the Conference Center management decision. A report from that meeting will be on the June 2, City Council meeting agenda. It is possible that they may be able to come to a decision on June 2.

He attended the York Chester Home and Garden Tour. He noted how beautiful the homes and gardens are in this neighborhood and commended those residents for that.

He advised that the Gastonia Grizzlies opening game is on May 23, and that the next Gastonia Downtown Summer Concert, featuring the Band of Oz, is on May 29.

He said with regard to Councilman Kirlin’s request for a report on the City’s affordable housing, there is a lot of information available. He noted some of the development that has taken place over the years. He said staff will put together a report and bring that to Council, so that they can evaluate our housing stock and how we stack up against other communities.

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

Councilman Gallagher – He advised that he had attended the following:

 Gaston County Law Enforcement Memorial Service in Cherryville.  Keep Gastonia Beautiful Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.  CaroMont Community Challenge at Stuart Cramer High School.  The Least of These “Be the Difference” fundraising event, at which the Sidewalk Profits performed.

Councilman Kirlin – He said the first Gastonia Downtown Summer Concert was last Friday. He thinks the City and the Gastonia East Rotary Club are looking for feedback. There was some mention made that there maybe was not enough food available to the concertgoers. He thinks the Rotary Club is going to interface with the downtown merchants to see how that could be better facilitated. They understand that Tequila’s was very busy and that Freeman’s got busy as the evening went on, but there was not a lot of on-site food. Yet, there was a good turnout, the band was excellent, and the weather was great.

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He said the CaroMont Community Challenge took place on May 16. It is great that our community is starting to embrace these types of events. He encouraged everybody to try to attend these events.

He advised that on May 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the City is cohosting with the Gaston Young Guns a shooting event for those in wheelchairs at the Trap and Skeet Range. There will be about 15 to 20 wheelchair participants. He said the Young Guns become the ambassadors and will be kind of coaching the wheelchair participants in the events. The City is providing the range time and the targets gratis. Everyone is welcome to come out to watch. Council is invited to actually come out and enjoy the food that will be there. Anyone who did not know about this event and would be interested in participating can contact Mr. David Kiley, with Turning Point Nation, at (704) 575-0250.

Councilman Kimble – He commended Councilman Kirlin’s wife, Nan, on an article that she wrote regarding conserving water and saving money at the same time.

He said the final numbers from the Cancer Services of Gaston County fundraiser are not in yet, but over 300 people were in attendance and over $50,000 was raised that evening. He thanked all the volunteers.

He wished everyone a blessed Memorial Day and asked that they take time to reflect on what this really means for so many. He said he wanted to thank our partners and friends at Charlotte Motor Speedway. They are dedicating this year’s race as “600 Miles of Remembrance”. Each of the 43 drivers will have the name of a fallen service person on their windshield and they will be racing in memory of that fallen person.

Mayor Bridgeman – He asked Councilman Gallagher to speak on an event taking place at the Schiele Museum on May 23.

Councilman Gallagher advised that the “Scoop on Ice Cream” exhibit at the Schiele Museum opens on May 23. On that day, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., people can discover the science of ice cream through demonstrations and activities. They can sample a variety of flavors of Tony’s Ice Cream. At 1:00 p.m., they can be part of setting a Guinness World Record for the most people making ice cream at one time. The first 300 visitors may participate and will get a certificate in recognition of their participation. He encouraged everyone to stop by and enjoy the grand opening of this exhibit.

MEETING ADJOURNED

At 8:50 p.m., Councilman Kimble made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Pierceall seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.

______Mayor John D. Bridgeman

______L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney

______Virginia L. Creighton, City Clerk rc051915

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