Page 142  Page 142  GASTONIA CITY COUNCILMEETING March 15,2016-6 6:00 P.M.  GASTONCOUNTY PUBLIC FORUM ROOM-GASTONIA.NC  Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in the Gaston County Public Form Room, Gastonia, North Carolina. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall introduced Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton to open the meeting inj prayer. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Sherry H. Dunaway,  Clerk, recorded the minutes.  City  PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall  Council Members: Robert Kellogg  James Gallagher PorterL. McAteer David Humphries  Manager: Absent:  Edward C. Munn Mayor. John Bridgeman Councilman David Kirlin ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA  City. Attorney: L.Ashley Smith  Councilman Jim Gallagher made a motion to adopt the Agenda as printed as well as the Addendums below. Councilman Robert Kellogg seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously. ITEMD: (3) PROCLAMATION- WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY  PRESENTATION: Councilman David Humphries (4) PROCIAMATION-GLC. 4X4 & ASSISTANCE PRESENTATION: Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall  ITEM 5A: JAMESH.LYNN AND SCIENCE THEATRE PROJECT  PRESENTATION: Dr. Ann' Tippitt, Director, Schiele) Museum  AWARDS.CEREMOANES.ANDFROMOTIONS (1) Proclamation Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hinton 25th Pastor's Anniversary Tabernacle Baptist Church  Mayor Pro Tem] Pierceall recognized Councilman Gallagher for the presentation.  Councilman Gallagher welcomed Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hinton from Tabernacle Baptist Church. He noted that Dr. Hinton has served asl Pastor ofTabernacle Baptist Church for 25 years. Councilman Gallagher then read thel Proclamation and presented it to. Dr. Hinton. He thanked Dr. Hinton for his Rev. Dr. Hinton thanked the Council for this presentation and stated he was honored to serve this great city and this great county and toj just be a part of North Carolina. He stated he has seen a lot of changes over the years in Gaston County and he is thankful for the support of his members and  many years ofs service tot the community as aj pastor and a community leader.  allt the greater Gaston community.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 4t tol Minute Book 105 at Page 57.)  142    Page 143  Page 143  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 15,2016  (2)P Proclamation- "Arborl Day"  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized Councilman Gallagher for the presentation.  Councilman Gallagher read the. Arbor Day Proclamation and presented it tol Ms. Pat. Johnson, Keep Gastonia Beautiful Administrator, and thanked her for her efforts and all she does to keep Gastonia Ms. Johnson stated the Arbor Day Proclamation is a requirement to be a' Tree City noting there are 552 municipalities inl North Carolina and only 801 holdt this designation, so Gastonia should really be proud. The Tree City Award will be presented at al later date and we will also dedicate Maples on Main, which is aj project endorsed by Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall. Ms. Johnson thanked the Council  beautiful.  again for the Proclamation.  (Reference as contained in] Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 atl Page 58.)  (3) Proclamation Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day  Mayor Pro' Tem Pierceall: recognized Councilman Humphries for this presentation.  Councilman Humphries read and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Glenda Rogers, the Regent of the Major William Chronicle Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and proclaimed March 29, 2016, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Ms. Rogers thanked the Council for the Proclamation tol honor the Vietnam War Veterans. (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 59.)  (4) Proclamation- - GLC4x4 & Assistance  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized and presented the Proclamation to the GLC 4x4 Assistance Group which is a volunteer organization that used their own 4x4 trucks and SUV's to assist those who were stuck during the snow storm and whose purpose has grown beyond its original mission andi is looking tol keep helping the community in any way within their means. He thanked them for Ms. Jessica Stokes thanked the City for the recognition. Ms. Stokes stated they would like to take their organization to the next level and help more people in the community. Ms. Stokes noted that they have al Facebook page and anyone can donate, volunteer, ori if someone! has a need, they willl be Councilman David Humphries made the motion to approve the Proclamations and Councilman Jim  their outstanding volunteer contributions tol help others.  happy tol helpi ift they can.  Gallagher seconded the motion. The motion was] passed with a unanimous vote. (Reference as containedi in Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 60.)  PRESENTATIONS Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized Ms. Carly Caldwell, Keep Gastonia Beautiful, School  Specialist/Recycling Coordinator for this presentation.  -143-    Page 144  Page 144  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING- MARCH15.2016  Ms. Caldwell presented the winners of the Arbor Day Poster Contest for 2016. Ms. Caldwell noted that 13 schools participated and presented over 65 pieces of art. Ms. Caldwell recognized the 2016  Arbor Day Poster Contest winners.  K-2  ISTPLACE: Karena Singh, Gaston) Day, Untitled 2NDPLACE: Isabelle Cordell, PCCS, Flower Trees 3RDPLACE: Jovy Lynn Davis, Robinson, Me and Tree  HONORABLEI MENTION:  Madlen Wyatt, PCCS, Speak for the Trees Cali Williams, Sadler, The Waking Willow Nathan Esquivel, PCCS, Happy Arbor Day  3-5  ISTPLACE: Alliel Henrickson, Gaston Day, Untitled 2NDPLACE: Lucien Smith, PCCS, Nature is Treerific 3RDPLACE: Abby Armstrong, Lowell, Day Dreams  HONORABLE MENTION:  Julissa Hernandez, Gardner Park, Trees are. Fantastic Ashton Kenna, PCCS, Keep Gastonia. Beautiful Meredith Wyatt, PCCS, Spring has Sprung  MIDDLE  1ST PLACE: Caitlin Conrecode, Mt. Holly, Arbor. Day. 2016 2NDPLACE: William D' Amore, Gaston Day, Untitled 3IdPLACE: Samantha Werner, Bessemer City, Trees Shining  HONORABLE MENTION:  Molly Sly, MICS, Life is ini the Palm of our Hands Audrey Abernethy, Mt. Holly, Arbor Day 2016 Salley Heldt, Gaston Day, Untitled  HIGH  ISTPLACE: Rachel McFarland, East Gaston, Seasons as One 2ND PLACE: Caitlyn Kendrick, Forestview, Concerns oft the Forest 3RDPLACE: Mercedel Romero, PCCS, The Neverland Tree  HONORABLEMENTION:  Elizabeth] Efird, Gaston Day, Untitled Hannah Grimm, Gaston Day, Untitled Isaac Black, East Gaston, Mother. Earth  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall congratulated all the winners.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 4t tol Minute Book 105 at! Page 61.)  PUBLICEXPRESSION  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted that no onel had signed up for Public Expression. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted that Mayor John Bridgeman and Councilman David not attend tonight's meeting. Councilman Jim Gallagher made the motion that and Councilman Kirlin be excused from the meeting tonight. Councilman Mayor Bridgeman  Kirlin could Kellogg seconded the  motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.  CONSENTAGENDA  Councilman Kellogg made the motion to approve the consent agenda. Councilman  seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.  Gallagher  144-    Page 145  Page 145  REGULAR COUNCIL: MEETING-) MARCH 15,2016  ITEM 1: RESOLUTION SETTING PUBLICI HEARINGDATE  CLOSING KINGS DRIVE FINAL RECORDING PLAT CROWDERS VIEW PHASE2MAP2  (Reference as contained in] Exhibit Book 41 to Minute Book 105 at Page 62.) (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 4t to Minute. Book 105 at Page 63.) FLYCAROLINA. LLC, EXTENSION OF FIXEDE BASE OPERATOR (FBO) SERVICESAICASIONIA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 4t tol Minute Book 105 atl Page 64.) RECOGNIZE: REVENUE] FORSALEOF: BOTH PROPERTIES ANDTHE FUNDNGANDFNANCAL ACCOUNTING CONTRACT CITY OWNED: PROPERTY. 736 QUEENS COURT GASTONIA. NC28052-9 $57.300 73N.FALLSSTREET GASTONIA. NC28052-$51.500  ITEM 2: ITEM 3: ITEM 4:  BUDGET AMENDMENT: #16-028  OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION: OFFER TO PURCHASE AND (Reference as contained inl Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 65.) (Reference as contained in] Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 66.) (Reference as contained in] Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 67.)  REGULAR. AGENDA OUTAGEMANAGEMENT SYTEMS PRESENTATION  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized Mr. Michael Peoples, Assistant City Manager Operations, Mr. Glenn Fried, GIS Technical and Mr. Ray Kurtiak, Application and GIS Manager for this Mr. Fried shared information and presented a power point presentation (hereby incorporated into the exhibits) regarding the new outage management software by DataVoice. DataVoice provides Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Outage Management Systems (OMS) for utilities. The OMS is ready to go fully operational 24/7 starting tomorrow, March 16th. The system benefits the city by improving the electric and water sewer operations allowing staff to quickly respond and manage outages using multiple notification methods. The three new customer websites will give the customer an option to use a compact interface to easily report their outages for either water, sewer or electric. The websites also allow the customer to request an automated notification when the power has been restored, tos see all the outages in the area and the number of customers that are currently effected by any service interruptions. There is also ai free downloadable app call Power Pal where customers can also report outages and view a map of system outages and receive push Mr. Fried stated the Electric Department and Two Rivers Utilities have shared the costs of the project and' Technology Services will provide support. The total cost of thes system is $114,140 and includes software installation, data preparation integration and on-site training. The City will be responsible for any maintenance costs totaling $19,030 after the first year. In summary, the system has been very well received by staff and is ready to be fully operational tomorrow. The increased access to information and improved communications both among staff and to our customers will Mr. Ray Kurtiak stated he has been the Project Manager for this project and he expanded on some of the comments presented by Mr. Fried. Mr. Kurtiak noted the system does a really good job of  presentation.  notifications with restoration updates.  resulti ini more efficient operations andi improved customer service.  -145-    Page 146  Page 146  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING- MARCH15.2016  bringing all the information together, analyzing it and presenting the results to the users in a intuitive way that is really easy for the users to understand. Mr. Kurtiak encouraged everyone very to got to the City's website to learn more about the system andt to download the free mobile which is available in both the Google Play Store and Apple IOS Store along with links on the website app that Councilman Gallagher asked] how this has been received by the customers and how long has it been running. Mr. Kurtiak replied that the system has been used in various stages since late November and has gone very well. Mr. Kurtiak noted that customers seem to enjoy the ability to have communications back and forth. The mobile and website app are being introduced now but the phone menu system has beeni inj place and seems tol be very well accepted by our utility customers. Councilman Kellogg asked ift therei is a way to gett the word out toj promote this to our residents. Mr. Kurtiak stated that messages are being inserted in the utility bills and also some been displayed on the top oft the kiosks. Also, the website hasi information notifying that things the system is coming. Mr. Kurtiak noted that one oft the things that you need to do in your initial setup is to register your phone number or your utility account with the system and that was advertised as well. Mr. Kurtiak noted that Council should have gotten an email with access toi it and that part is called the Manager's app noting it is really intended for decision makers and Council Members, and designed to give you access to the system and get the real time updates during an event rather than Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted that he has downloaded all three apps, electric, water, and and noted thati it was very easy to navigate and he is looking forward to seeing the consumer sewer, Mr. Kurtiak encouraged everyone to go to the website and check out the maps, graphs, and different kinds ofi information available during an event. He noted that when there is no event it is not dynamic, but otherwise it opens up a whole new avenue for us to communicate with our very  you can directly download the app from.  have  relying on aj phone call or email.  side oft that now.  facing  customers in aj positive way during ane event.  utility  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 41 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 68.)  JAMES H.LYNNA ANDS SCIENCE THEATRE PROJECT  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized Dr. Ann Tippitt for this presentation.  Dr. Tippitt presented al brief history of the Schiele Museum Planetarium and Science Center. Dr. Tippitt stated the SciDome XD Theater Project is the first major upgrade to the projection equipment and planetarium facility in over 23 years. The SciDome XD Theater Project enhances and broadens the educations goals of the Schiele in mâny ways, noting it expands the program topics beyond astronomy to include earth, science and technology and provide the Schiele's educators the tools to develop original program content. She noted iti isa full dome, high-definition digital system and with a remote control (SCItouch), and many interactive elements that are Dr. Tippitt noted that as part of the fundraising to change out the equipment and were also able to do general upgrades of the Planetarium facility as well as a new get sound upgrades they Dr. Tippitt stated this will do much for us in terms of our students and what we can and to our families but it also is a real step forward in our goal of bringing people offer from to outside them Gaston County into Gaston County. Dr. Tippitt stated that you can find out more information going to wwwschelemuseumors and you can check the schedule. We also added advance ticket by  available to engage: students and visitors.  system.  purchases which is an enhancement to the website. Dr. Tippitt (Reference as contained: in Exhibit Book 4t tol Minute Book 105 at Page 69.)  Schiele Museum and check it out.  encouraged everyone to visit the  RICREATONADVISORY COMMISSION! REPORT  146-    Page 147  Page 147  ECULARCOINCINETNS- MARCH 15,2016  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall recognized Chuck Dellinger, Director of Parks and Recreations, for the Mr. Dellinger stated that Councilman Kirlin asked him toj present this report since he was unable to be att tonight'smeeting. Hes stated this report is from the February 9,2016r meeting 1) Project Updates - Mr. Dellinger said the walkway and tennis court construction has begun and hopefully will be completed in the next few weeks. Meetings to discuss the feasibility ofal Downtown Ball Park are underway. The Lineberger Park Greenway parking is 60% complete and will begin paving later this week with al late spring opening date if weather is good. The Maples on Main project is about 90% complete. Work on the Second Avenue and Marietta Street Park work has been suspended due to rainy weather but the project is moving forward. Mr. Dellinger stated there was no action to be taken on any of these Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall asked if the concrete being poured at the Second Avenue and Marietta Mr. Dellinger stated that the color goes all the way through noting that iti is a colored concrete, not Councilman Gallagher asked if there were any extra Maple trees from the Maples on Main project that could be used at the Transit Center where whitel birch trees that were taken down. Mr. Dellinger stated that more plantings are planned over at the Transit Center. He said he thought that the trees that were left over were designated for the Transit Center. Mr. Dellinger stated he Councilman Gallagher asked if the Recreation Commission could look at the fields at Martha Rivers Park regarding soccer being played there noting that people are calling him regarding wet Mr. Dellinger stated that he receives those phone calls as well and tries to handle them. Mr. Dellinger noted that they are in a balancing act with all of the competing needs at Martha Rivers Park, and he would be glad to meet with anyone who has concerns about this topic, and he would Mr. Munn statedi in regard toj planting more trees that wel have a program each year that we fund out of the Electric Department because being a part of Electricites you have to cut trees down throughout the city due to conflicts and so a number of years ago we set up a fund where Electric pays to a KGB fund to be able to have funds for additional tree plantings. Those additional tree plantings often move into Recreation and other places throughout the City to rebuild the tree canopy. Mr. Munn stated wel have funding for trees and we will be able to replace those and take a 2) County Township Grants - Mr. Dellinger gave updates on the 3 Recreation projects that were awarded through the County's Township Grant program. He stated that they have received proposals for the two playgrounds, which can fit the time frame that we: need with thei funding that wel have at Smyre Park and LC. Falls Park. Mr. Dellinger stated that we are working with Engineering and other departments on the Erwin Park Sprayground and we willl be organized and ready to go tol have it open next year as well. He noted that could be a 3) Department Organization and Restructure Mr. Dellinger stated the Staff reported on the implementation of a department restructuring that stemmed from a year long in-house assessment that considered multiple factors noting that they assessed everything that they actually do and developed a plan which was more of an organizational restructure that Mr.  purpose of making the presentation.  projects.  Street Park is stained ori is the color mixed: in before.  just stained on1 the top.  would check intoi it further to verify thati information. fields and not being able toj play ont them.  also be glad for the Recreation. Advisory Commission tot take this up.  look around the' Transit Center.  six tot nine month project once itiss started.  Munn and other city staff reviewed.  -147-    Page 148  Page 148  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETNG-MARCHISZHG  Mr. Dellinger announced that Ms. Pat Corinth, Assistant Recreation Director, has been with Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall announced that Mr. Mike Tate has resigned his At the Recreation Advisory Commission. He stated Mr. Russell Adams has Large expressed an interest int this seat and he has also discussed it with Councilman McAteer. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall made the motion to appoint Mr. Russell Adams to the Recreation Advisory Commission to complete the At Large term vacated by Mr. Mike Tate. Councilman 4) Programs and Partnerships Mr. Dellinger reported on the various community partnerships inj place withi individuals, service clubs, agencies, and neighborhood groups which assist in providing valuable program opportunities for the public. The Recreation Department serves  the City more than 35 years andi is retiring April 1,2016.  seat on  McAteer seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.  as acollaborator and/or facilitator int these endeavors.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 4t to Minute Book 105 at Page 70.)  CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT  Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, stated that he had met Mr. Ace Beam and Mr. John is heading up some fund raising efforts on behalf of Mr. Beam. Mr. Smith noted a contract signed by a licensed general contractor was tendered to the City and the license number was checked with the State and it is valid. Mr. Smith also noted that he did call the contractor, Mr. Richard Russell, and he did indicate that he had been hired by Mr. Beam and is going to make the repairs. Mr. Smith stated ai new building permit does need to be pulled with the names of the new subs--electrical, plumbing and mechanical. A dumpster has been delivered to the property. It was stressed tol Mr. Mcllmail and Mr. Beam that the City needs to see continuous progress each month. The construction contract says it will be done October 30th but progress will need to be seen month. The status of the demolition ordinance that was passed is still in effect and valid, but every the City Manager is holding the invoice to hire a contractor while we monitor what is Smith noted that] Building Inspections and Code Enforcement will be monitoring the situation. going Councilman Gallagher stated that a church is looking in to assisting Mr. Beam, but they are accessingt the cost, noting thati it may be cheaper to tear down and rebuild. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Beam has said he wants the home repaired rather than torn down and a new house because it is his home place. Mr. Smith noted he had spoken with Mr. Russell and he said they are going to repair the home. Mr. Smith noted that he hasl had some communications with some churches but no 100 percent commitment to raising all the money. It appears that there is some fundraising going on but that is all the information available at this time. Mr. Smith stated  who  Mcllmail,  on. Mr.  that we arei not privy tol his insurance information concerning the home.  CITYMANAGER'S REPORT  Mr. Edward C. Munn, City Manager, stated that there was a funeral this past week for Widdy Barnhill. Mrs. Barnhill served as the Executive Secretary to the City Manager and also served as the Deputy City Clerk. Mrs. Barnhill was a lifelong resident of Gastonia and married to her husband, Bob, for 65 years. Her older brother is] Representative Dubl Dickson. Ms. Barnhill served the City very faithfully and very well and will be missed greatly. Mr. Munn noted that Ms. Barnhill was al hardworking city employee anda aj passionate resident of the City ofGastonia. Mr. Munn stated that tonight we have looked at some of the different departments and some oft the work that they do from the KGB program that is working with all the students at the Schiele Museum and what they are doing to bring people to our community and then a collaboration our IT Department and Public Works and Electric working on the Outage Management System with along with the passion from Recreation and all the programs they are doing. Mr. Munn stated he  -148-    Page 149  Page 149  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING- MARCH1 15,2016  really is very proud to be the City Manager of all the employees that are presenting tonight and other times. Tonight is a good example of some oft the quality work that is being done by the City,  and Mr. Munn stated that hei is very proud oft them.  CITY COUNCIL REPORTS  Councilman Kellogg He stated that he had the pleasure of attending the UNC School of Government Training and it was wonderful training. He was surprised how much they could He also stated he was really thankful for the residents and citizens that continue to come tol him with various issues or concerns or even ideas for the City. He noted that he really takes that part of] his role seriously and he thanks each and every one of them that continue to call or email him and he enjoys meeting them. He is also glad that we have such a responsive City Manager and Staff who are able to field those questions and get them to the right people so their issues can be addressed. He was also ablet to attend a. Jaycees meeting and noted that they are a great group of excited young He also mentioned that he was in Charlotte and speaking with some people that were talking about the good things they are hearing in Charlotte about what is happening in Gastonia and he just wanted to pass that along to everyone because so many times we are talking about Charlotte and Councilman Gallagher He stated he toured Piedmont Charter School on New Hope Road and it was very nice. He also attended Tabernacle Baptist Church for Rev. Hinton's 25th anniversary and itv was a great service. He attended the Crisis Pregnancy Banquet, noting they raised $150,000 in one evening, which was excellent. Councilman Gallagher stated he was meeting with Mr. Dewey Anderson to discuss what his visioni is for the old Orthopedic Hospital Nurses Dorm and he has also invited the County and extended ani invitation to the Council to come to City Hall at 5:30 tomorrow  include int two days.  individuals who really have al lot of passion and ideas fort the city and county.  whati isl happening there.  to discuss.  Councilman McAteer- - Councilman McAteer had noi report at the time.  Councilman Humphries He advised that he spent this past Saturday riding City buses. He noted the buses were clean, the drivers were beyond courteous and none of them knew who he was until he got offt the bus and then they were astonished that It took the time to come and ride. He stated that they were very knowledgeable, very professional and they knew most of their customers by first name, their schedule, their habits and details about them. The buses were clean and it was a great experience and he thanked the drivers that he was able to talk to and for answering his questions: John on Bus 1; Charlene on Bus 4; Phyllis on Bus 7; and Mariah at the Bus Station. These were the nicest people and he noted he was pleasantly surprised with the experience. He stated he was able to run. half the routes on a Saturday and next time he will do the other half. He noted sometimes you) just have to get out and see things for yourself, and he saw things he has not He also mentioned all the talk on social media about ISIS and terrorism issues and for the safety of our city and citizens and he would like to discuss the security at the City Convention Center and As a reminder, Councilman Humphries asked everyone to remember our first responders and  seen ins several years and] he really enjoyedit.  other facilities at some point.  military.  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall - shared the Mayor's Announcements March 22nd Faclities/Management Committee Meeting March 29th Council Work Session Budget Outlook Meeting.  March 25th City Offices are Closed  -149-    Page 150  Page 150  REGULAR COUNCIL MEFING-MARCIISZNIG  MEETING ADJOURNED  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall adjourned the meeting at 7:24 pm  Mayor Pro Tem Todd] Pierceall  L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney Sherry H.J Dunaway, City Clerk  rc031516  150-