Page 99  Page 99  GASTONIA CITY COUNCIL: MEETING JANUARY5.2016- = 6:001 P.M.  CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITYHALL- GASTONIA.NC  Mayor. John Bridgeman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016i in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Gastonia, North Carolina. Mayor Bridgeman asked that we pause for a moment of silence for the families that have lost loved ones, in particular the families of baby Riley Bradley, Charlie Froneberger, a former 31 year merchant downtown with Rankin. Armstrong Furniture Company, and Donna Stiles, ai retired, 30 plus years employee with the City of Gastonia. Councilman David Humphries opened the meeting with prayer. Mayor Bridgeman led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Sherry H. Dunaway, City  Clerk, recorded the minutes.  PRESENT: Mayor. John D. Bridgeman  Council Members: Robert Kellogg  David R. Kirlin James Gallagher Todd) Pierceall Porter L. McAteer David Humphries L.Ashley Smith  Assistant Cityl Manager Flipl Bombardier  City Attorney  ABSENT: City Manager, Edward C. Munn  ADOPTIONOF1 THE AGENDA  Councilman McAteer made a motion to adopt the Agenda as printed. Councilman Kirlin  seconded the motion and Council approved it unanimously.  APPROVALOETIEMNUTES (1) Regular Council Meeting - December 1,2015  Councilman McAteer made ai motion to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2015, Regular Council meeting, as printed. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall seconded the motion and Council  approved it unanimously.  PUBLIC EXPRESSION CONSENT. AGENDA  Mayor Bridgeman noted that no onel had signed up for Public Expression.  ITEM 1:  RAFICORDMANCE-SIO: INTERSECTION N.YORK STREET AND LONGAVENUE- - ADJUSTMENTS DUETO WATER TREATMENT  PLANTI PROJECT  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 1)  ITEM 2:  MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FORNOVEMBER. 2015  Councilman McAteer made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Kirlin  seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion. (Reference as containedi in Exhibit Book 3 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 2)  -99-    Page 100  Page 100  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING-ING-JANUARYS20I6 APPROVAL OF AMCROASDSTRAVELPOUCY  FOR THE20161 FISCALYEAR  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Ms. Melody Braddy, Director, Financial Services, for this Ms. Braddy stated that according to NC General Statutes, the City Council, which is the authority over the ABC Board, has to approve this policy annually and noted that it also has to conform with the City of Gastonia's Travel Policy. Ms. Braddy stated that Staff has reviewed the ABC Board'sTravel Policy andi iti is their recommendation that itb be approved at this time. Councilman Gallagher asked if there were any changes to this policy compared to when it was Ms. Braddy stated that the per diems and mileage allowances have been updated to the current Councilman Gallagher made the motion to approve the recommendation from Staff. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall seconded thei motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.  presentation.  first established in 2010. IRSI Regulations.  (Reference as contained: in Exhibit Book 3 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 3)  PRESENTATION OFTHE2016 GOVERMMENTENANCE OFFICERS DISTINGUISHED BUDGET, AWARD  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Ms. Melody Braddy, Director, Financial Services, for the purpose Ms. Braddy stated it was her pleasure to announce that the City of Gastonia has received the Government Finance Officers Distinguished Budget Award for our fiscal year of2016 Budget. This award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the Council and Stafft to meeting the highest principles in government budgeting. In order to receive this award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines in effective budget presentation. These guidelines were designed to access how well the City's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. This is the 231d year consecutively that the City has received this distinguished award. We are one of52 jurisdictions in the state that receive this award and there are over 600 that are eligible. Ms. Braddy thanked the Finance staff, Crystal Falls, Assistant City Manager Flip Bombardier, Assistant City Manager Larry Wood, City Manager Ed Munn and the Council for guiding and Councilman Kirlin stated that the Council should be thanking the staff for doing this year after year stating that the Staff makes the Council proud when we can brag that we are one of52 Councilman Gallagher stated that this was a great job and he expressed his appreciation to the  ofmaking this presentation.  supporting us through the process.  communities int the state that receive this award annually.  Staff.  (Reference as contained inl Exhibit Book 3t tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 4)  FLOODSTUDY- -H HIGHLAND! BRANCH GREENWAY  Mayor Bridgeman recognized! Mr. Gary Saine, Engineer, City of Gastonia for the purpose of this  presentation.  -100-    Page 101  Page 101  REGULAR COUNCIL NETTING-ANLARYSNE  Mr. Saine stated this is a public hearing granting special exception to the City's No Rise Ordinance associated with the construction of the Highland Branch Greenway Trail Project. The Greenway Trail begins at Rankin Lake Park and leads up to Bulb Avenue and will eventually connect to downtown. Ini thisi instance the City is the requesting party that would bej proposing to place fill within the flood plain triggering the special exception to the Ordinance. As aresult, the City hired US Infrastructure of Charlotte, NC toj perform the flood study and certify the Findings ofFacts. The Staff] has reviewed the Flood Study and believes iti is accurate and complete. Staff recommends that Council approve this special exception to place the fill within the 100 year Mr. Saine recognized Mr. Bob Wilson with US Infrastructure to present the Findings ofl Fact and  flood plain along Long Creek and Highland Branch.  answer questions.  Mayor Bridgeman declared the Public Hearing open. record as noted int the: minutes and exhibit book.  Mr. Wilson stated that he was the Engineer with US Infrastructure that completed the Flood Study for the Highland Branch Greenway. Mr. Wilson presented the Findings of Fact for the Councilman Humphries asked ift there were any concerns for any run off from the traili itself after its construction. Mr. Wilson stated thei impacts are minimal because the path is 10: feet wide: soi it Councilman Humphries asked if there would be any additional erosion because it was a smooth surface. Mr. Wilson stated it would not because it is following an area that is mostly cleared because iti follows along a Sewer Right of Way. Mr. Wilson noted that there were very few trees or shrubs that would be removed and also noted there are additional plantings that are proposed Councilman Gallagher stated his question is not in regard to the flood plain but concerns the trail. Councilman Gallagher asked ift the trail was connected to Rankin Lake. Mr. Saine stated that the trail at] Rankin Lake stops where 321 crosses Long Creek and that is where this trail will begin and willi run up tol Bulb Avenue and from Bulb Avenue tol basically Rankin Lake Road. Councilman Galloway asked if the City owns the land and is there a railroad there. Mr. Saine stated that the City does own the land. City Attorney Ash Smith stated that the City has easements in some cases and is also has a Rails-to-Trails Agreement with the Federal Surface Mayor Bridgeman stated that the Staff recommends approval of this request and the vote by the Councilman Kirlin made the motion to close the public hearing and approve the request.  should not! have any impact at all.  as part of the project which would help deter erosion.  Transportation: Board.  Planning Commission to approve was unanimous. Councilman Humphries seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 5)  CONFERENCE CENTER PARKINGDECK SOUTHS STREET PARKINGLOT CONNECTION  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Rusty Bost for this presentation.  -101-    Page 102  Page 102  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING-JANUARYS2VI6  Mr. Bost stated that parking in Downtown is aj priority for the City of Gastonia and it has been recommended to open an access between the South Street parking loti into thej parking deck itself. This work can be done using City Forces with al budget somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000. Councilman Kirlin stated he would like to suggest, signage advertising that the parking at the Conference Center right now is free. Councilman Kirlin also expressed his concerns about security when using the stairwell, elevator, and the open restrooms and inquired ift this had been Mr. Bombardier noted that the Staff has met with the Conference Center and signage is in the works right now to better advertise the parking. Mr. Bombardier added that we may want to do some marketing efforts to further publicize that. Mr. Bombardier stated that a meeting was held yesterday to begin discussions on security at several city facilities including the Conference Mr. Bost noted that the Conference Center has also been involved in the discussion about Mr. Bombardier stated that all businesses we have talked to spoke favorably about opening the deck. Mr. Bombardier noted that he has not received any negative comments on opening the Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall asked why the entrance does not go straight back into the deck rather than coming in and making a right hand turn and then turn again. Mr. Bost stated that it is a budgetary issue noting that relocating the dumpsters and the electrical infrastructure that are in Councilman Gallagher made the motion that this presentation be accepted as presented. Councilman Humphries seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve the  addressed.  Center.  opening up the deck and they are in: favor.  deckt to date.  the way oft that is cost prohibitive.  motion.  (Reference as contained: in Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at Page 6)  SOLID WASTE CITIZENS SURVEY  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Mr. Michael Peoples, Director, Enterprise Services for the Mr. Peoples stated that Staff has prepared an eight question survey to capture public feedback as tol how the City is doing in providing solid waste services including residential collection, bulk item collection, leaf collection, seasonal leaf collection, and yard waste. Mr. Peoples noted the City will conduct the survey using the existing Blackboard platform and will call approximately 18,000 citizens and capture that information in approximately one hour with hopefully a good participation rate. Mr. Peoples also noted that this service is provided to us at no additional charge to us. Mr. Peoples stated that Staffi is seekingi input as to the prepared questions to see if you would like to change anything orl how we would possibly deploy the survey. Mr. Peoples answered several questions from Council concerning the format of the survey and Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall made the motion to endorse the survey. Councilman Kellogg seconded  presentation.  the ability to follow upi in the event ofi negative responses. thei motion, and the Council passed it unanimously.  (Reference as contained in Exhibit Book 31 tol Minute Book 105 at] Page 7)  Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated that he would like to welcome Mr. Michael Peoples as the new  Assistant City Manager and extended! his congratulations.  -102-    Page 103  Page 103  REGULAR COUNCILMEETING-JANUARYS20I6 REVIEW OF STRATEGICPLANNING WORKSHOP, AGENDA  Mayor Bridgeman recognized Assistant City Manager Mr. Flip Bombardier for the presentation. Mr. Bombardier stated these are important topics that this elected body will be dealing in both short and longt term. The items in this Agenda are what Staffi is proposing as the agenda, but this isb before you tonight for input to seei ift thati is what the Council would like to do on. January 23rd. Councilman Gallagher stated he would like to see some type of update regarding the Police Substation at] Firestone Mill and what ist transpiring and wheni it willi it be completed. Councilman Kirlin stated that he would like to see the Loray Village Plan and review what our Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall stated he would be bringing an item forth about Martha Rivers Park Councilman Humphries asked ift there would be outside speakers or would there be a facilitator present. Mr. Bombardier stated that at this point iti is only Staffi making brief presentations to get itto the discussion level. He stated the goal is to get those items in front of you and wait for  accomplishments are and where we are on our short term goals. that would need to be discussed at the Planning Session.  direction.  (Reference as contained inl Exhibit Book3 3 to Minute Book 105 at Page 8)  CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS CITYMANAGER'S: REPORT  Mr.L. Ashley Smith, City Attorney, stated that hel had no report.  Mr. Bombardier, Assistant City Manager, stated that the County Township Grants that Gastonia has submitted had been placed in your in-box and if youl have any questions to please feel free to contact himself or any of the Staff. Mr. Bombardier also noted that you would see information  forthcoming about setting up the Council Committee Meetings  CITY COUNCIL REPORTS  Councilman David Humphries stated that he had nothing to report but wanted to wish everyonea healthy and prosperous New Year. Councilman Humphries also noted thati ifa any citizen had any  questions or concerns toj please contact the Council.  Councilman Porter McAteer wished everyone al Happy New Year. meeting ont the second Wednesday ofe eachi month at 5:45p.m. Ward V Seat fort the Community Development Citizen Advisory Board.  Mayor Pro Tem Todd Pierceall wished everyone a Happy New Year. He also stated that the Central City Revitalization and Housing Committee would not be meeting in January but will be Councilman Jim Gallagher stated that he would like to nominate Torrence Lindsay for vacant Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall seçonded the Motion. The Council passed the Motion unanimously.  Councilman David) Kirlin stated he had nothing to report.  -103-    Page 104  Page 104  REGULAR COUNCIL: MEFTING-ANLARY/SZNE  Councilman Kellogg thanked the Staff for continually going above and beyond expectations whenever he needs something or when he is referring citizen questions to them. He noted that the answers havel been quick and forthcoming andl hei really appreciates the work the Staff does. Mayor Pro Tem Pierceall made the Motion to adjourn and Councilman Kirlin seconded the  MEETING. ADJOURNED  Motion. Mayor Bridgeman adjourned the meeting at 6:54.p p.m.  Mayor John] D.) Bridgeman  L.A Ashley Smith, City Attorney  Sherry H. Dunaway, City Clerk  RC010516  104-