Page 110  Page 110  GASTONIA CITY COUNCILI MEETING FEBRUARY: 2, 2016 - 6:00P.M.  CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS- - CITYI HALL-GASTONIA.NC  Mayor John Bridgeman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2,2016in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Gastonia, North Carolina. Councilman David Kirlin opened the meeting with prayer. Mayor Bridgeman led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance  tot the flag. Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk, recorded the minutes.  PRESENT: Mayor. John D. Bridgeman  Council Members: Robert Kellogg  David R.J Kirlin James Gallagher Todd Pierceall Porter L. McAteer David] Humphries  City Manager: Edward C. Munn City. Attorney: L. Ashley Smith  ADOPTIONOF THE AGENDA  Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall made a motion to adopt the Agenda as printed. Councilman  Kirlin seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.  PRESENTATION BLACKIISTORYMONTH FEBRUARY2016  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman David Humphries for the presentation.  Councilman Humphries presented the Proclamation designating February as Black History Month and encouraged all residents toj join in honoring the many contributions made by African Americans to our City, State, and Nation, and to participate in the many educational and Councilman David Humphries made the Motion to adopt this proclamation. Councilman  inspirational events celebrating Black History Month.  McAteer seconded the Motion and Council voted unanimously to approve. (Reference as containedi in Exhibit Book 3 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 13) Mayor Bridgeman noted that no one. had signed up for Public Expression.  PUBLICI EXPRESSION CONSENTAGENDA  Mayor Bridgeman requested al Motion to approve Items 1-5 5 on the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Robert Councilman McAteer stated that he had spoken with Staff about the steps they must go through before we demolish a property and asked if there was any way we could give the City some leeway sO that maybe some steps could be eliminated. Councilman McAteer stated people  Kellogg seconded the Motion. Council approved it unanimously.  -110-    Page 111  Page 111  REGULAR COUNCILI MEETING-I FEBRUARY2.2016  should: not! have tol live next to these dwellings any longer than necessary and also it reduces the Mayor Pro Tem] Pierceall requested these points be addedt to our Legislative Agenda if possible.  amount of work hours Staff currently has to devote to other projects.  ITEM 1:  ORDINANCE TODEMOLISH 416 E. Park Avenue Owner: Ed Ace Beam ORDINANCE TODEMOLISH 1166. Jason Wolfe Court Owner: Maura Zavala  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book3 3 to Minute Book 105 at Page 14)  ITEM 2:  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 3 to Minute. Book 105 atl Page 15)  ITEM 3:  RESOLUTION. ACCEPTINGTHE) PROPOSALOF BANC OF AMERICA! PUBLIC CAPITALCORP.N CONNECTION WITH ANI INSTALLMENT FINANCING FOR VARIOUS VEHICLES. AND EQUIPMENT FOR $3.215.000. BUDGET AMENDMENT 16-025 $27.055 COURT ANDI NORTH FALLS STREET BUDGET. AMENDMENT: #16-024 $7.951 RECOGNITIONOF REVENUE FROM GASTONIA POLICE. FOUNDATION FOR SHOP WITH A COP2015 (Reference as contained in] Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 18)  (Reference as contained! inl Exhibit Book 3 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 16) APPROPRIATE FUND BALANCE TOCOVER THECOST OFI LAND ACQUISITIONI FOR] PROPERTIES ON QUEEN (Reference as contained in) Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 17)  ITEM 4:  ITEM 5:  REGULAR AGENDA MONTHLYENANCIAL REPORT DECEMBER 2015  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Ms. Melody Braddy, Director of Financial Services for the next Ms. Braddy stated the next couple ofi items she will present are actually in your Agenda for the Retreat on Saturday, but we decided to address these tonight. Ms. Braddy presented the December Monthly Financial and she noted we are half way through the year and most of our funds are operating as budgeted. Ms. Braddy noted in Exhibit 6-4, the. Ad Valorem taxes exceed expectations through the month of December and this is the largest revenue in the General Fund and all taxes are due on. January 6th. Ms. Braddy noted that when we close the month of. January we willl have a good idea ofl how we are going to doi int that largest revenue: in the General Fund. Councilman Gallagher noted that the tax rate went up from 3 percent to 4 percent in the Electric Fund and we are supposed to get back some of thati money from the General Assembly. Mr. Munn stated that this replaced the Utility Franchise Tax and that comes into us as Sales Tax in the General Fund. We account fori it separately, an example, last year wel had al line item that had Sales Tax Revenue and we then broke it out for the Replacement Sales Tax sO we could  twoj presentations.  track it.  -111-    Page 112  Page 112  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - FEBRUARY2.2016  Councilman Humphries commended Ms. Braddy and her Staff for the Budget report and the Councilman Gallagher askedi if wel had ani increase in Ad Valorem taxes tot the plus. Ms. Braddy stated the tax rate did not increase but explained what we are seeing in the Ad Valorem category is the way we collect the tax and the tag program because now you pay your taxes when you get your tag. Ms. Braddy noted that the collection rate used to be at 83% and this past year it was 90 % and we are being told that eventually the collection rate will be close toa 100 percent; therefore, creating an increase in our revenue because we are more successful  work they have done setting the Budget.  collecting that tax.  (Reference as contained: in Exhibit Book 3t tol Minute Book 105 at Page 19)  2017BUDGET SCHEDULE  Ms. Braddy stated the 2017 Budget Schedule work sheets have been sent out to the Departments. There are two sections highlighted because we need to set some dates. The first date is to review each line items with the departments and then we schedule a Budget Outlook sometime in late After discussion, the Council agreed to May 4th and May 16th (if needed) as the dates for the  March witht the Council. budget workshops.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 20)  CITY CHARTER UPDATE  Mayor Bridgeman recognized City Attorney, Mr. L. Ashley Smith for the presentation. Mr. Smith stated this was another item originally scheduled for the Saturday workshop but we decided to discuss tonight. Mr. Smith noted that there is a copy of the Charter in the. Agenda with some annotations of items that are obsolete and need to be cleaned up (e.g., extra-territorial jurisdiction, protest petitions) as well as sections that Council may wish to revise. Mr. Smith stated that there are some sections like Article 6 with regard to assessments for public improvements that the Legislative Drafting Office may tell us we do not need anymore. Mr. Smith noted that if you agree with this draft, we will ask the local delegation to sponsor al bill Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall askedi ifa vote was needed to approve the proposed changes. Mr. Smith stated that if Council isi in agreement with all the changes that are red-lined,, we will ask the General Assembly to revise those and then with. Article 6, Public Improvements, ifyou willj just recognize the fact that we are going to ask the Legislative Drafting Office ifit should be Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall made the Motion to approve as presented with the option pertaining to Article 6 on advice from the General Assembly. Councilman Humphries seconded the Motion. Mr. Smith stated that noj public hearing is required. Some oft the changes the Council can make to the Charter, like four year terms, two year terms, or staggered terms, can be subject to a referendum if you choose. The Council has not chosen to do that in the past ten years because the cost of an election is about $65,000. A public hearing is required for those sort of changes  making these changes.  removed and they concur, that will bet taken out unless you tell us otherwise.  Councilman Kirlin asked ifthisi required any kind of public hearing.  -112-    Page 113  Page 113  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING- FEBRUARY2.2016  but not for the kind of changes proposed tonight. These are revisions that we have to ask the  General Assembly to change.  Councilman Kirlin asked ift the Council should ask the public to weighi in on1 this.  Mr. Smith stated you could have a public hearing if you wanted to, but it is not required and some oft these topics may not be the sort oft thing you want in a public forum. They may be issues that you, as the elected representative, are charged with making those decisions in your Councilman Kirlin stated that right now he thought it was more a question of having this conversation in order to realize that we are not soliciting input from the public on this, and that Mr. Smith stated he would not recommend public hearing on these changes and that is typical when you do this sort of Charter revision. Mr. Smith noted he characterized this revision in the Councilman Gallagher asked ifMr. Smith wanted the word "Act" taken out oft the Gastonia Fair Mr. Smith stated no, as with Article 6, he is going to ask the General Assembly if that Section can be deleted ini its entirety because the federal Fair Housing Law already applies to the City. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that he did not notice anything being changed because the City wanted it changed. Every item seems to be mundane, and as far as having a public hearing he would findi it hard tol believe that the public would have any interest in any of thesei items. Mr. Smith stated that this whole issue came up because of a recent change in the Vehicle Tag law that Mr. Munn pointed out, and then after staff began reviewing the entire Charter, we Mr. Munn stated when a City makes changes to the Charter, sometimes the Legislature might weigh in and you may get additional suggestions to change the wording. Ifthat occurs, we will Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall made a motion to approve and Councilman Humphries seconded the  discretion.  Legal is noti recommending it. memo as al housekeeping act. Housing Act.  decided toj point out all oft these other things. bring that back tot the Council again.  Motion. Council approved thel Motion unanimously.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 3 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 21)  AGENDA MAAGEMENISSIEM  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Todd Carpenter for the presentation and also congratulated him onl his appointment as the new. Assistant City Manager of Gastonia, North Carolina. Mr. Carpenter stated this item that was on the Agenda for Saturday as well and was moved for discussion tonight and concerns a new. Agenda Management System that Staff! has been working on and plans to implement over the coming months. Mr. Carpenter stated that preparing the agenda, manipulating, editing, and publishing takes a lot of staff time. Mr. Carpenter noted that this is an effort to improve the process and improve internal efficiencies and better serve our citizens. This willl be done over the next three to six months and will revolve around the creation of the agenda, the interaction with the agenda, the publishing of the agenda, along with some enhancements to the meeting, website, and streaming. Mr. Carpenter noted this is for  informational purposes only.  -113-    Page 114  Page 114  AECUAECOINCIANITRE FEBRUARY2.2016  The first Phase would be automating and willi involve anyone submitting an Agenda item to the Clerk. It will all become electronic. In addition, Phase One will include a more professional quality stream of our Council meetings at City Hall and at the County. It will also include time stamping and integrating between our video, agenda and: minutes so that the public will be able to click a certain agenda item that they have interest in and be taken right to the specific place in the video where that is being discussed. Mr. Carpenter noted there would be some changes to our website and that will enhance our transparency and the ability for our citizens to gather information, to find information and search onl key words related to our meetings. The last thing will be looking to do in Phase One is improve the minute taking process that occurs in the Phase Two is what will impact the Council. Mr. Carpenter stated that this Phase involves making it electronic and doing away with paper. Mr. Carpenter noted that Council's interaction would all be electronic using an IPAD or Android device giving you immediate availability to the agenda and once iti is ready andj published you will be able to work with it offline and when you connect to the internet it will sync up and your notes and bookmarks will be there. Mr. Carpenter noted that this is the impact part for Council if you choose to move in that direction. Mr. Carpenter noted we will have more discussion after we implement Phase One. Mr. Carpenter stated the goal is to create a better process, create efficiencies, save staff time and dollars and also create al better experience for our citizens that are trying to find information and Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that he was excited to be going in this direction and inquired if Mr. Munn stated it may not work in every instance due to1 the amount of data or size of the data. Mr. Carpenter noted that many counties are already utilizing this technology such as Gaston County, Catawba, and Mecklenburg. We will make a decision about the type of device you want Councilman Kellogg stated that this is a very positive move forward and anything that offers Mr. Carpenter stated he would keep the Council informed oft the progress through Phase One and  meeting and after the meeting is finished.  itist my belieft that this system will do that.  Committee meetings and the Budget Books could be downloaded. Councilman McAteer asked what other cities are doing this. to use and the City would furnish the tablet for yout to use.  more transparency and an opportunity to move: forwardi isag great thing.  then we will discuss Phase Two.  (Reference as contained in] Exhibit. Book31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 22) Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Munn, City Manager, for this presentation. Mr. Munn referenced the 2015 Advocacy Agenda in the attached exhibits.  2015ADVOCACY AGENDA  Mr. Munn stated the Advocacy Agenda is essentially a Legislative Agenda and it has been divided in the last few years first with some Federal priorities and then State. Mr. Munn noted that what is in the agenda is for information with regard to what was approved last year. Mr. Munn stated that this is one of the things we were going to do in the Work Session on Saturday, and] he wanted to allow the Mayor and Council the opportunity to make suggestions to add to or take from our current Advocacy Agenda. Mr. Munn asked if there were any federal issues or  issuet the Council wished to discuss.  Councilman McAteer asked about local airport issues.  -114-    Page 115  Page 115  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING- FEBRUARY2.2016  Mr. Munn stated the Federal Government moves the money from the FAA through the State but we do not have anything here specifically for airport but we could add something about the Mr. Munn stated that the City does not want the State to cut or eliminate State-shared revenues unless other suitable revenues replace them. Mr. Munn noted that the City opposed unfunded mandates that are established through legislation or regulation that require additional local Mr. Munn sated the Department of Commerce has recommended doing away with the Tier Program and create a whole new system ofi incentives based upon where in] North Carolina there has been a disinvestment and poverty and need for economic development. They would like to Mr. Munn stated that we want to make sure that urban counties, like Gaston, that have economic needs arej protected and that we can compete with other places. Mr. Munn noted we would need to get some language in there as they go forward to make sure that we are treated equitably in the Mr. Munn stated the State Historic Preservation Tax credits expired on January 1, 2015 and should be reauthorized by the General Assembly. Mr. Munn noted these credits are important Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that the General Assembly has restored some money to the film industry. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted that Gastonia and Gaston County profited from some of those projects and asked ifi it would not be more advantageous for us to add something in about giving more back either to the film incentive program or add it back to where credits Mr. Munn stated that we did get some shows and movies here and Wilmington inj particular fared well. Mr. Munn noted that there has been al huge battle for the past two years and they ended up giving them a much smaller piece of any kind of economic incentive so we can work on some Councilman Gallagher noted there will be a meeting to discuss coal ash issues on March 1Sat Gaston College discussing Riverbend and as second meeting onl March 22nd at Gaston College at Mr. Munn advised that Duke Power has closed the facility at Riverbend and they are in the Mr. Munn stated the City supports program reforms within the NC Department ofTransportation designed to assure the prioritized, expedited funding, design and construction of a capacity- upgraded, and reconfigured I-85/US321 interchange. Mr. Munn said Gastonia also supports improving connections from Gastonia to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and its new Intermodal Facility, which is a key transportation and economic development priority. Mr. Munn stated toi increase our property values, we need tol have more connectivity to Charlotte and Mr. Munn discussed providing enhanced and/or expedited funding for consideration to TIP road projects in jurisdictions where local funds are invested so in those situations, like for instance our last Bond project which is Union Road, we want to be able to get special credit for that because if we are putting that much money into it they should be able to help share in the Mr. Smith, City Attorney, stated with the New Hope Road CMAC Project, the City wanted to do that and it was al DOT road and we. havel had a lot ofi issues with the DOT management of that  Airport.  expenditures without corresponding revenue sources.  dos some preliminary work and in 2017: fix the: new system.  system.  economic development tools for Gastonia and the State ofl North Carolina.  would be sincet they hadt taken everything away.  wording about that andt try to get that back to where it used tol be.  6:00 to discuss the Allen Steam Plant. process of removing that ash.  that would be a strong economic development for us.  total.  -115-    Page 116  Page 116  REGULARCOUNCIL MEETING-) FEBRUARY2.2016  project. Mr. Smithi inquired as tol how that situation meshes with this bullet point because several people in Legal and Engineering have said we never want toj participate with the DOT that way Mr. Munn requested Mr. Flip Bombardier, Assistant City Manager, explain this. Mr. Munn noted that we were looking at Union Road when we were talking about this item but the situation Mr. Bombardier stated that the New Hope Road is called a CMAC Project and it is special federal money that is paying for about three-fourths of that project and it is difficult enough when you deal with all the state DOT regulations but then you! put another entire level of federal regulations on there and it is just our City Attorney states, it makes it much more difficult and complex because you cannot start step B until you completely finish step A. Itj just adds a lot of unnecessary time and steps, in our opinion, to aj project. Mr. Bombardier noted it does make it difficult to coordinate with those agencies and unless they are changed, we are probably better served toj just turn aj project like that entirely over to the State and let them do it all the way from Mr. Smith stated that he wanted to get that on record about Union Road that we hope and intend Mr. Bombardier stated the good news onl New Hopei is the right of way is essentially complete as utility relocations are underway and then we turn that over to the State to begin bidding for Councilman Humphries asked ift being close to Charlotte and Rock Hill translated to any benefits Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that we are often penalized on] home mortgage loans because we Mr. Munn stated that he thought we could develop some language that tries to deal with that Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that it should be placed on the Federal Advocacy page as opposed to the State unless the State will do a program that benefits the more urban areas of North Carolina. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted that possibly it could be included on both the Mr. Munn asked Mr. Smith to address the bullet point concerning the personnel privacy statute and the Wind case. Mr. Smith stated therei is some language in the Personnel Privacy Statute that says notes, reviews, and investigations about an employee are part of an employee's personnel file but do not have to be disclosed to the employee. In the past, especially in the Police Department, the administration had used that exception to keep the employee from retaliating against someone who lodges a complaint. The complaining person could be a fellow employee ori it can be a member of the public. The Wind Vs. Gastonia case was about an internal affairs complaint in the police department. The officer demanded the name of the fellow officer. Mr. Smith noted that we tracked the language in the statute that said we did not have to release it but the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court did not agree: therefore, staff recommends that this Mr. Smith also noted that there could be a bullet point for the issue that Councilman McAteer suggested at the beginning oft the meeting about addressing time lines that are specified State Mr. Munn asked for any other suggestions noting that we can always add or adjust what we. have but we want to gett this together SO when we talk to our Legislators we can say thisi is what we are  again because oft the way the project was managed. withl New] Hope Road would be al little different.  design through right-of-way acquisition to construction. itt tol be different than the CMACI Project onl Newl Hope Road.  construction.  ord considerations for Gastonia. are classified as an urban area.  subject because wel have discussed it before.  Federal and State Advocacy pages.  language needs tol be corrected.  Statute  by  for housing code and building code enforcement.  -116-    Page 117  Page 117  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING- FEBRUARY2.2016  interested in. Mayor Bridgeman suggested that we think about this and if anyone wants to consider adding or discussing something further that we could do it at the Strategic Planning Councilman Kellogg referred back to the Museum and if we could ask the County as a unified Mr. Munn stated the history of thel Museum was that it was a collaboration between the City and the County and they paid for all the education positions, which there were three or four positions that were funded through the school system, but as the school system budget kept getting cut then the participation back through the museum diminished and the funding went to: zero. Mr. Mr. Smith stated that he wanted to add that Councilman Humphries touched on the Museum when he spoke tot the County Commissioners about the township grants last Tuesday evening. Councilman Humphries stated that he did speak with them but made no progress and thinks we should keep pushing them to cover enough to where every student in the Gaston County Schools can go to the Museum at least once a year whether it is a separate item for them or part of the Councilman Gallagher stated that for 37,000 students to attend the cost is $50,000: for one class trip for each student to attend the Schiele Museum and this is very reasonable and something the Councilman Humphries stated there is new software they can use for years to come that is something new to put out there for the kids and this could inspire some kids to do something great in Science because they were interested in something they saw for five minutes at a Councilman Kirlin suggested that at some point, whenever everyone feels the timing is right, that the City Council and County Commission have a Summit because there are several areas of interest in common and one of those that he specifically is interested in is the water and sewer line extensions. Councilman Kirlin noted that we have some things to offer and we have some things that we would like to see them offer and we have al lot of areas that we could collaborate on. Whether this summit takes place before or after this next election, he thinks we: need to start working up an agenda of those things and we need to sit down and extend the hand to work  meeting.  body to reconsider pitching in any money.  Munn noted there would need to be ar renewed effort.  school's budget but we need toj pursue this for the students.  County could and should do.  Museum so you never know.  together and pool our resources to get things accomplished.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 3t tol Minute Book 105 at Page 23)  AUDIT-BIDS COMMITTEE REPORT  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Councilman Kirlin, Chairman, Audit/Bids & Insurance Committee Councilman Kirlin stated the Committee met on' Thursday, January 21st, with one: item which was the Wellness Program which is shown as Exhibit 11 in the. Agenda. Councilman Kirlin stated the Committee voted unanimously (3-0) to move forward with the 360 Wellness Roadmap pricing between $7,500 and $10,000 and directed stafft to bring a full strategic plan with pricing tot thel February 16, 2016 City Council meeting for approval. Councilman Kirlin made this int the form ofal Motion. Councilman Gallagher seconded thel Motion. The Council voted unanimously  for this presentation.  to approve thel Motion.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 24)  CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT  -117-    Page 118  Page 118  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING- - FEBRUARY2.2016  Mayor Bridgeman recognized! Mr. L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney for his report.  Mr. Smith stated Mr. Dale Becker, whom Councilman Kirlin mentioned in the opening prayer, was the City's Electrical Director when Mr. Smith first came to work here. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Becker was a very intelligent man and had several patents that he had on his wall in his office. Mr. Smith noted that Mr. Becker saved the City a lot of money during hist tenure and he  willl be greatly missed.  CITYMANAGER'SI REPORT  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Edward Munn, City Manager forl his report. Mr. Munn stated that Mr. Tony Childress, a current city employee, passed away last week and was actually working at the Water Plant just the week before on' Thursday. Mr. Munn noted that Mr. Childress worked: for the City for fifteen years and we will miss him greatly. Councilman McAteer noted that Jerry Wilson, a former cemetery employee, passed away as Mr. Munn stated that he and Michael Peoples will be attending the City-County Managers meeting in Durham for the next two days. Mr. Munn also noted that the Gazette has requested information on the vehicles that the City would be purchasing. Mr. Munn passed out the City's Vehicle and Equipment Renewal and Replacement Program for Fiscal Year 2015/16 which will be added to the Exhibits. Mr. Munn also passed out the list of projects which Gaston County Commissioners approved as part of their Township Grant program. Mr. Munn noted that al local match was requested for these recreation projects and the project at the Farmer's Market so that will be something that we willl be putting in this year's budget. Mr. Munn stated with regard to the water improvement project in Smyre, that it was already a match; therefore, all the money  well.  that we were able to get there helps up to be able toj provide water to Smyre. (Reference as contained inl Exhibit) Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 atl Page 25)  CITY COUNCIL: REPORTS  Councilman Humphries thanked the County Commissioners for the Grant funding. Councilman Humphries also thanked Public Works andt the pothole crew: for their swift work ini repairing the potholes after the bad weather. Councilman Humphries requested that everyone remember the service members serving all over the world, to keep them and their families in your prayers. Councilman Humphries stated that he would like to see the parking issues addressed at Crowders Mountain State Park due to people waiting for hours and even leaving before they ever get to  park.  Mr. Munn referred thist tol Mr. Chuck Dellinger, Director, Parks and Recreation.  Mr. Dellinger stated that he was ont the Crowders Mountain State Park Advisory Board and there is some funding going to the Linwood Access area for 230 additional parking spaces along with restrooms. Mr. Dellinger noted that another portion of the funding was to go toward the lake portion to makei itl handicap accessible and to add picnic shelters, canoe: ramps and some uplifting Councilman McAteer thanked the County Commissioners for their generosity in all of the Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that the Connect NC Bond Package is coming up on the March ballot and the Board of Realtors and the City of Gastonia both support the Connect NC. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall noted the Realtors were donating $150,000 to promote Connect NC and he  oft the lake as well.  projects wel have requested money.  -118-    Page 119  Page 119  REGULAR COUNCILI MEETING- FEBRUARY2.2016  encouraged everyone to read about this package because it will do great things for our State. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall also congratulated City employee, Juliann Lehman, for winning the Realtor Friend Award for her involvement and the City'sinvolvement with the Gastonia Down Councilman Gallagher stated that he went to the Realtor's Association Award banquet and the food was supplied by the Conference Center and it was really good, and he highly recommends using the facility. Councilman Gallagher noted that he attended the County Commissioners meeting and they had a million dollars to use within Gastonia and we put in nine projects and we got six of those and it is actually $830,00 that will be spent here on these projects within Gastonia. Councilman Gallagher expressed his apprection to the County Commissioners. Councilman Kirlin expressed his thanks to the Councilmen that represented us at the Councilman Kellogg stated that he was very gladt to be able to attend the County Commissioners meeting andi it was very encouraging to see all oft thel local municipalities there working together and trying to do what is best for the community. Councilman Kellogg stated that he is going to be meeting with some individuals concerning some issues from Akers Center and he also expressed his thanks to the Police Department for their presence at Akers Center. Councilman Kellogg stated hel had noticed officers in the parking lot, not on a call, but just observing what is going on and he appreciates the work they do. Councilman Kellogg noted a citizen had contacted him about the lack of aj park or recreational facility in Ward I. Councilman Kellogg stated ift therei is additional money or funding in the future that there are a lot of folks in that area Mayor Bridgeman stated that he attended two retirements last week and each retiree had 29 years ofs service with the City. One was. Mr. Melvin Burris with the Fire Department, who also serves ont the ABCI Board, and Mr. Jackie Beard who retired from the Electrical Department. Mayor Bridgeman requested that a sign be placed at each Council meeting pointing out where yous sign ini for Public Expression ift the Council agrees. Mayor Bridgeman noted there is one at  Payment Assistance Program.  Commissioners meeting last week.  that would appreciate some type inj park.  the City ont the TV: screens but therei is not a sign at the Courthouse. Mr. Munn stated he will check out some different signage options.  ADJOURNMENT  Councilman Kirlin made the Motion to adjourn and Councilman Gallagher seconded the Motion.  Ther meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. _Mayor. John D. Badgeman bi  CS L SEAL  Ashley Smith, City/Attorney  Sherry H. Dunaway, City Mldsy Rc020216  -119-