City Council - Regular Meeting

Item C3 is the approval of special meeting minutes from October 20th, 2025 and November 3rd, 2025.

Item C4 is the approval of the close session meeting minutes from November 3rd, 2025. You should have them on your desk and in a different color piece of paper and city clerk will take those up after meeting. Item C5 is Mil Street parking lot first amendment to lease agreement.

Um I want to make note that there is a lease agreement laying on your desk. Uh these are a few edits that mayor prom and we talked to the um company today and they made the edit back. So leases parking lot from land and investment. We're operating on an annual automatic and they provided a 30 days written notice of renewal of this lease. And so they asked to move for month and so this is what the first of this lease agreement is this time.

Item C6 is the consideration ordinance to a portion of Lenway Street for our carriage rides. Um, and the dates for carriage rides coming up are it is Friday, December 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 20th, 2025 to 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and some Sunday, December 21st 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There's also a map shows along with the barricade to be placed. Item C7 is the police department's uh weapon surplus request. These are for um 31 87 12 gauge shotguns that the police department no longer uses. to have these items surplus. Item C8 is a resolution to apply for the state revolving fund funding. Um this is due to uh funding for hurricane Elaine relief from North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure. Uh we plan to apply for you can apply for up to $10 million in in loan funding with 100% principal forgiveness. What we plan to do is apply for the grant to uh help uncover our freshwater intake from the copper river. We've got some silk and sand in this.

So, we need to to dredge the intake. Plus, we plan to design another intake location in a different area. The current intakes and there's a lot of silk and sand deposited there. So, future events would like to move it out to another area. So, that's we plan to apply for SRF funding.

And item um C9 is a budget amendment for our wastewater treatment plant. We have various pieces of equipment that have broken or in failure at this moment. Um it's the bar screen, the grip chamber, the return activated sludge which is called the ras pump and the digestive board. And so these are unforeseen items. They are I think a couple of them are on the actual CIP but um in years in future so right now we need to replace them. And the dollar figure for this budget amendment is $460,000. And those are the nine items for consent. Thank you. Any questions for miles about items on the consent agenda.

Okay. I just have a few. Um I I made some edits to the meeting minutes. Uh but I think there's one additional change that needs to be made for November 3rd meeting minutes on page seven. Uh the second bullet under key changes uh the word should be reduction instead of deduction. Um, with respect to the uh, first amendment to lease agreement, just to be clear, the only change for now is that we're entering into the same contract on a month-to-month basis while we renegotiate the rental rate down the road. Is that correct?

That's correct. It's on a month-to-month basis at this point. U the company is going to look at um all three of our parking lots that we lease uh from them to determine what the rate should be and what kind of increase we need to see in the future. Um they're hiring a third party company to actually do this for us and um speaking with him today and I told him I I would like to have plenty of time to digest this and to work through the budget process next year. midyear budget change at all. It could go down

and then respect the resolution to apply for the state fund uh grant. Um I'm just curious. It said 100% forgiveness. What does that mean? It means that um

that's all the questions. Anyone else? All right. Uh very well. Well, that concludes the work session. Uh so I will now call the uh regular city council meeting for the city of Belmont for December 1st, 2025 to order. Uh first we will have our invocation. If everyone will please rise. The invitation tonight will be given by Pastor Mike Phillips of South Point Baptist Church.

Thank you for allowing me to be here. Let's pray together. Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus, we thank you for tonight. Lord, we thank you for this season. We let our Christmas tree tonight begin the celebration with our parade tomorrow. Father, we celebrate your son who came parade. But father also in your economy, you have established governing authorities. And the scripture talks about that in Romans.

And so tonight, Lord, I want to pray for these men and women that you set aside to our pray godly decisions that are going to benefit the whole God, thank you for their faithfulness and their willingness to serve. We just ask your favor upon them and bless this meeting tonight. Thank you, Father.

Thank you, Pastor Will. Please remain standing. Councilman Katherine Lewis will lead us in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Be seated. We have uh before we begin with the rest of the agenda, we have several recognitions and acknowledgements. So, we'll give you just a minute. I will rematerialize the podium.

On your way, I'm not. All right. Thank I'm not used to being here. Um but uh we first want to uh thank outgoing Councilwoman Katherine Lewis uh for this will be her last meeting as she's stepping down. But uh I certainly want to thank uh Katherine for stepping up uh and being willing to serve uh and filling the remainder of Councilman Turner's council term. Uh, I certainly think having gotten to know you and and gone through everything over the years and I I I feel like this was more than you might have initially bargained for agree,

but uh I also think you you acclimated yourself and you got more comfortable in the role and and you were a valuable colleague to to all of us. Uh we had a great time together. We appreciated uh your service and all of your contributions to the city, to this council, and uh you we just want to show our appreciation to you as a good friend and colleague uh over these years. We we'll certainly miss you. Um and I will at this time I will ask any of my colleagues any additional uh thoughts to share. I would just echo Jim's Jim's comments. I mean, we're so grateful for your service, Catherine. You know, it's a big commitment. It's a it's a obligation. I think a lot of people don't realize all the time that goes into what we do get called to do much more than just meet a month and want to thank your family because it is it is a commitment and taking time away from things that you know a lot of us have to do outside of council work but we just really are grateful for your service I'd also like to echo what Jim and Jason said I think you've been a great asset to the community not just this council your knowledge and really your as it pertains to outreach into this community that I really appreciate my time working with you. You know, I think I can speak, you know, the late mayor Richard Turner as well that you'd be extremely proud of your work that you

we're going to miss you. Thank you for bringing the personality. Happy birthday, Charlie.

Uh, so if you want to come up, Katherine, we do have a a plaque uh in your honor as commemoration for your service. You want to say a few words? I know. I wrote it down.

I'll go back to my seat. See everybody? All right. I just want to say thank you to Belmont uh the community and current council for trusting me and appointing me to serve as council woman these past two years. It truly has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Getting to know each one of you on council has been such a gift. Not only are you my colleagues, but your people I'm grateful to call friends.

I'm thankful for God's guidance throughout this journey and for the peace he's given me in every season of service. To my family and my dear friends, thank you for standing beside me, lifting me up, and reminding me of what matters the most along the way. Congratulations to Mark, Alex, and to our new mayor, Joe. I'm excited to see the leadership and heart you guys bring to our city. and back. When you guys stand, or this is a quote that I wrote, when you stand on truth and choose integrity, the path may be narrow, but it's always worth walking because choosing truth isn't always the easiest road, but it's the one that leads to peace, purpose, and the kind of leadership that's truly serves people well. Um, I just truly thank everybody. This has been a wild ride, but I've enjoyed every bit of it. I feel like I just got my toes wet, so I thank you so much for everything. Thank you, Parks. Thank you, Laura. Thank you.

We also want to uh take tonight to recognize that this is the expiration of what would have been uh Richard Turner's mayoral term. Uh and so we want to pause and reflect um both on his uh sad passing and his tremendous contributions to the city of Belmont over the years. Richard was a valued colleague and friend to all of us. Um, and he made so many contributions to the city of Belmont over the years that we continue to uh uh honor his memory and and miss his contributions to the city. And again, I'll turn it over to anyone else on council who has uh anything to add to that.

Yeah, I mean, I guess I'll start here. I think you know I think you know each one of us pre you know before us and current had their own unique ways of conducting the business of the city and I think Richard had that unique way of being really people and I think that's representative in what he how he presented himself in ways that you know he wouldn't get into the mud he was more the one that would always take the the higher path and his leadership is missed but Jim I also want to say too thank you as well you know we'll get to that so I don't want to shadow what he also want to acknowledge you know there is still a hole here in the city of Belmont without Richard Turner

I would agree you dear dear friend all of us sorely missed um his leadership Alex as you said was just unmatchable a man of high integrity and character and there was no bigger fan of Elmont and I know that his example will carry us forward and Joe coming on board provided that great example of leadership and character that we all want to anything

yeah um as you guys saided Um, I always talk about Richard had this superpower

where he could make anybody feel important. He was talking to you. You always felt important. Always seem to give you his undivided attention. And that's one of the things that I can said. was um I feel like I got short changed a little bit. Uh I got to know him just a tad in the very beginning when I started and he was all in. It was almost like he was a father figure type. I mean he was just he was the sweetest man and he was very encouraging and like Charlie said he'll make you feel like you are something. And when he you know had talked to me about the possibility of you know thinking about being on council souls. He uh he just said that you need to always keep your integrity and have morals when you go up there and you speak and just be yourself and he said and everything else will fall into place. So I just I appreciate that and he's very well missed. But Jim and I will also echo what they said. You've done a great job. Um there'll never be anyone that can fulfill what Richard is for Belmont, but you have done one heck of a job doing the job that couldn't finish.

Thank you everyone. And and um unfortunately uh Richard's wife Marie and her daughter Ann Hannah were unable to be here tonight, but his sons Vincent and Matthew are here. And if you want to stand and be recognized at this time, thank you for sharing your father with us in the city of Belmont. All right. So now I'm back over here. Um and uh with that uh covering the recognitions and acknowledgements, uh we will entertain a motion to set the agenda, but we do have one modification that the city manager will tell us about.

Great. Um was sent to you all last week um Dr. the amendment to the contract amendment to contract all accounts for Martin Associates. So I'd like to add that as item D4 if you so choose. And I want to ask. Okay. Thank you, Miles. Uh, with that said, if no one has any issues with that, I would entertain a motion to set the agenda as modified with the addition of item D4, amendment to contract audit accounts, Martin Stars, and Associate CPA's PA.

Motion by Jason, second by Charlie. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? The agenda as modified is set. Which brings us to item B1, organizational meeting, administer oaths of office to uh the mayor and city council members. So um we'll start with the mayor. Joe,

come on up. before we begin, I just want to say it's an honor and pleasure to be here. Um Joe, it has been uh my pleasure getting to know you over the last few years. And uh you know, this is one of the exciting things about the nation, the state, and the town that we live in is the ability to self-govern. And uh every time we have an election, it's an exciting time uh because new leadership is elected. The will of the people has been spoken and and uh you're here uh because these folks and many others have asked you to be here and uh they cast their ballot for you.

Um and they have hope that uh you will make this a better place and we all hope and pray that for you. So are you ready to take the oath? All right, if you'll repeat after me. I, Joe Jordan, I, Joe Jordan, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully discharge and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as mayor my duties as mayor. So help me God.

So help me God. Congratulations. Mr. Mayor, you got to make this official. I'll sign that over here with Mr. Wilson. All right. Yes. Before we go anywhere, I also have an acknowledgement that I would like to make before I uh take the seat that I've been listening to for so long. Um Jim, we would like to acknowledge you. So, if you would please stand up so that we can uh give you your just desserts if you haven't had those over the last year and a half. Yes. Jim has become a a good friend of mine. And I can tell you Jim is a good friend of Belmont.

He is someone that when Belmont called Bel Jim answered. And there are a lot of people that wouldn't do that. There are a lot of people that would not take the time out of the family that wouldn't take the time out of their lives to answer the call of their needy city. and he did and we are as a city in Jim's debt and we thank you for everything that you've done. We thank you for your steady hand of leadership which you have um made so clear. I told Jim early on I said the only thing that makes me nervous about being mayor is following you and that is true. So Jim, thank you again from the city. I believe we got a plaque for you as well. I think it's it's more comfortable for me to sit down and like Catherine face the audience. Um,

the camera.

So, I guess Mark, you'll have to wait just a little bit longer. Um, with the swearing in of our new mayor, Joe Jordan, tonight marks the end of my mayoral duties. The last 18 months certainly did not unfold in the way that I anticipated. I did not sign up to be mayor, but it was my honor to fulfill the duties of the office in the wake of Mayor Turner's tragic passing. My primary intention was to bring stability to city government until the next mayor could be elected. However, I think this council has done far more than simply serve as a placeholder. We have tackled a number of challenges and I believe laid the groundwork for the success of future councils. My guiding principle has been that the mayor should be like a good sports official. The best sports officials aren't even noticed. They let the game run smoothly and remain in the background, stepping in only when necessary to correct the problem. It's only the bad officials that people know by name. I guess the jury is still out as to whether what makes a good sports official also makes a good politician. That said, there's far more to being mayor than what you see at a council meeting. The mayor is usually the first one to hear bad news and then try to figure out how to deal with it. Beyond that, there's so much that goes on behind the scenes, whether meetings with staff, constituents, or third parties, appearances, or discussions with key stakeholders regarding the overall vision of the city. Of course, no one serves as mayor without the help of countless others. First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Nicole. If I didn't sign up to be mayor, she certainly didn't sign up to meet me mayor. But she has always been supportive. No matter how many times I've been called away from meetings on short notice, no matter how many dinners have been interrupted by phone calls related to city business, and no matter how much of our limited free time together has been impacted by my worrying about something going on in the

city, even to the point of lying awake at night agonizing over a decision I had to make. It comforts me to know that no matter what happens, I can always count on at least one person's unconditional love and support. I love you.

I also want to thank our city manager, Miles Brazwell. It's been a pleasure to work with you. I believe we've had a very easygoing and productive relationship. I've gained insight into the workings of the city and know that you are constantly striving to build on our successes and learn lessons from our setbacks. the city is in good hands. I also want to thank our city attorney, Parks Wilson, for all the assistance he's provided during this time. Parks has been a great counselor in more ways than one. Uh to my colleagues, Alex, Jason, Charlie, Catherine. Thank you all for believing in me and supporting me in this role and for stepping up to face all the challenges the city has had to confront. We haven't necessarily had an easy time, but we haven't shied away from any tough issues either. We faced everything that has come before us head on and consistently grappled with, debated, and decided all issues, no matter how thorny or contentious. I'm proud of our time together and what we've accomplished, and I believe that future councils will come to appreciate our efforts as well. Thank you for being great colleagues and friends. I also want to thank our assistant city manager, Kevin Krauss, our department heads, and all of our city employees.

We have so many talented individuals who come to work every day and do their best for the city. I've enjoyed the opportunities to interact with everyone, whether through staff celebrations, live fire training, or our police department's numerous community activities. The collective efforts of our great staff have enabled me to act as that envisioned sports official remaining in the background as things run smoothly.

Finally, I want to thank the residents of Belmont for all of their support, both those who serve on our citizen advisory boards and the public in general. So often in this position, you only hear the complaints. So to everyone who took even 10 seconds to thank me for stepping up or to tell me that I was doing a good job, it really did mean a lot. I assure you, I've given this role everything I've had for the past 18 months. Whether you agree with every decision I made or not, I've always tried to thoroughly prepare and look at the issues from different angles before making the decision I believe is best for the city. I apologize to anyone I've let down or disappointed. Overall, however, I'm proud of what the council has accomplished. Now, it's time for a new mayor. So, I extend my congratulations to Joe. I still have two years remaining on my council term as so I won't be going anywhere as I'm in my third location already tonight. Um, in fact, Joe, you will have not one but two former mayors on uh council. So, you are going to have more advice than you know what to do with. But in all seriousness, I look forward to working with you and helping you implement your vision for Belmont. These last 18 months have been memorable both in my own life and in the life of Belmont. For better or worse, this has been a unique moment in time that will never be repeated. But now it's come to an end. Thank you. as he's not going anywhere.

Well, first I'll say it's a good thing he's not going anywhere. But Jim, you know, we obviously, you know, again, the area that he particularly, I mean, we talked about this today that he left behind, but What I appreciate about you is you came in here and you did you right. You were

you randomness as Jim would and I highly appreciate that and I think if there was anyone that was even a possible fill Richard seat I think you'd be the one to do it and I think he's extremely proud of the way that you did handle the situation with the city. On a more personal note, Jim, I think you you played that very nonbiased uh position very well. um you were the referee even get into heated discussions. We don't always agree, but that's okay because we can still be friends at the end of the day. But I think you like I said, I wouldn't wanted anyone else to leave the city during our situation during those times. And you're absolutely right. We have come over overcome a lot of challenges. This hasn't been a lame council. You have been at home to get through some of the hardest city has faced and that's your leadership and then that's your friendship as well. So Jim really appreciate everything you have done and everything you will continue to do. And now you're back in the boxing ring and such. So, but thank you for everything you've done for us.

Thank you. I would say much of the same professional.

I've never seen anybody as prepared as this guy. I mean, if we all were half as prepared as Jim is being in great shape, but I think point mayor extremely proud of the job that you've done and I think of gratitude as well because the city us through you know some some difficult challenges and some good times and keep that level and I'm just glad we have two more years trying to stump you trying to come up with some I mean we got to come up with a mascot somewhere

we'll Yeah, we haven't had a whole lot of luck with that yet. We're going to continue. Thank you so much. We really appreciate your service. I'll keep it short this weekend and I'm proud of all it is very obvious of all the work you put into this passing. I don't know anybody that has a bad go.

I'm very proud of you and just Thank you. Thank you, Jim. You are I'm sorry, guys. You're probably going to be the number one person I miss the most on C because you always made me hold my own. You never taught me to follow but to lead for myself, speak for myself. And it's so appreciated because it's such cry.

It's such an easy thing to do to follow and not leave. And you are such a leader for this group. And you're right. This is probably the hardest 18 months for all of us. I I've not been on counsel ever in my life, but from what I've heard, this has been a wild ride for everybody. and you have shepherd us just like Alex said in such a way that has been so graceful and you have been professional through it all but you've also been gentle and you've been a friend and I cannot thank you enough for everything you've taught me. My most favorite memory with you was at our retreat and you know Jim and I are a lot alike believe it or not I'm just the talker and he's not and depends on the topic.

Depends on the topic. This is very tricky. Um, but we were sitting in in the workshop and I was getting a little ADD and he possibly was as well. And and we were sitting there and I would give him a challenge. I would say, "All right, Jim." Cuz he's super intelligent. He's so smart and it's just so intriguing. I was like, "All right, Jim. I want you to give me all the states in alphabetical order, and I want you to put the capital beside each one, and I'm going to time you and see how fast you can do it." He did it in what was it? 62 seconds.

He is so smart. He's so smart. But no, and also you've been such a leader and I couldn't imagine anybody else still in the shoes of Richard better than you and we're just so thankful for everything. And Nicole, thank you for taking this ride with him because I know it was not easy because he worked tirelessly. He wasn't just a ribbon cutter. He did so much. A mayor is not just a ribbon cutter. A lot of people have that preconceived notion, but you did a lot of work and you did a lot of work for the citizens, too. And I'm thankful for that. So, thank you, Jim, for everything. Thank you.

All right. At this point, we will continue with ours. It's an exciting night in Belmont. I want to thank Mark and Alex for inviting me to be here. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jonathan Fletcher. I'm the register of deeds for the county. Uh I don't get a fancy robe like Judge Davis, but I do have a seal. So, I'm I'm going to count that as pretty cool. So, uh thank you again. And one thing I like to say, uh part of my job as a register of deeds, we administer oats all day long. Hundreds of people a year come to our office for uh oats that we administer. Uh, but I like to take a second and mention that the general statutes talk about how when you're taking an oath, especially one like this, it should be a very solemn occasion. And that that doesn't mean that it should be sad. It just means that it should be something that's done with dignity and respect because of the importance of of what's being done here tonight. So, uh, I appreciate the opportunity. And William is the boss, in case you didn't know. He's always got something to say. Uh but we're Are you ready to take that?

All right. We're going to begin with the Bible. And if you will raise your right hand, just go. Wonderful. Hold it up. Little higher. There we go. All right. Raise your right hand. I And state your name. I, Marker, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina, not inconsistent therewith, not inconsistent therewith, and that I will faithfully discharge

And that I will faithfully discharge my duties as council person my duties council person. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. So this is my wife Cherry. Uh Winston and William is the wild. You'll see him again in four years.

Ready? One, two, three. I already

I am Say your name. I do solemnly swear domly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not there inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully discharge I will faithfully discharge my duties as council person my duty as council person. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations.

Yes, sir. This is my wife Maddie and this is our son Fielding. We're going little Fields.

Yes. Gab. All right. Well, we're all official. My thanks to Judge Davis and Jonathan for spending time with us this evening to administer the votes and the incoming members is greatly appreciated and it is um it's a special thing. So, Our thanks for that. That will move us on to item B2 of our organization meeting election of council members to serve as mayor pro. Most of council here has been through this process before but for the uh edification and knowledge of people listening in. This is controlled by the city council rules of procedure 38B and it's very short so I will read it. Nomination and voting procedure. The council shall use the following procedure to fill a vacancy in the council itself or in any other body which it has the power of appointment. The mayor shall open the floor for nominations from among those individuals who have applied for the vacant position whereupon council members may put forward and debate nominees. When debate ends, the mayor calls shall call ro members and each member shall cast a vote for his or her for a nominee. The voting shall continue until a nominee

receives a majority of the votes cast during a single ballot. So at this point, I will open the floor for nominations for mayor pro. I'll nominate Mark. Second. All right. So we will go down the roll and vote individually for Alex.

I So we have unanimous vote. So I will have request a motion that Mark be appointed as mayor of Jason and second by trouble. So the all in favor congratulations. All right. Is there takes an oath? I think mayor. Yes.

Is there still here? Okay, here we go. You ready? I statement I Marcy do solemnly swear do solemnly swear

that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and that I will faithfully discharge and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as mayor pro Tim my duties as mayor pro Tim so help me God so help me God

congratulations Congratulations. All right, moving right along. Uh, item D3, appointment of elected officials committees for 206. Uh, in the packet there is a list of the individual committees and I think we'll kind of just go I'll open this up for discussion to see who would be interested in which committee. I know there's already some names that are filled out. If you'd like to stay, we're absolutely happy to have you stay. But what I will do is just start at the top. Stormar Committee wershed board stay council regional council board of delegates. Apparently we have two a delegate and an alternate. So Charlie, you were the delegate and feel free to say and been an alternate. Alex, you were alternate. members of

do we know when they meet

because I've I've spoken with Geraldine Gardner. She spoke with me and said, "Well, we'd really like you all to have someone, you know, be there." So, um I'm will I think they meet in the evenings. I I'd be willing to do that. I'll do that one. Thank you, Joe. I was saying

unless someone else wants to be alternatively Cleveland.

I would like to the main delegate. I have a potential opportunity of running for the vice chair I believe for this organization. So unless anyone else has any objections for I will stay unless somebody really wants me. All right. Now tourism I was interested in that Jason would say yes please. I'm on beautiful board of directors.

I'll stay. When do they meet? They meet on Thursdays. Um, usually around 6:30 in the evenings, but it's once a month. I can't recall that. Let's circle back to that. I'll leave advisory board downtown association. I would love to be on that. I will step down from that one. I'm not able to meet the commitments. They meet at 4:00. It's just too difficult for me to get off work that time.

That's fine. Uh Jim, do you have any preference? I'm happy to say everybody else. Thank you. Junior, you're on it now. Would you like to say I would also be open that one unless you want to say um if you're open to it.

All right. Please on to parks and recreation uh system advisory board. So we have one vacancy there. I mean, yeah, that's that's uh we because I'd be interested. Um they meet Wednesday night. We have two uh so I can fill cath on to environmental sustainability work. currently doing that.

Southern Gaston County Municipal Alliance, Alex and Jason are currently holding that. So, just for those who aren't familiar with it, this is basically an agreement that was signed between Belmont and Primeville. So, three municipalities where we try to get together increase our voting to get better road improvements in our area. Now, we haven't met in a while, but I did talk to Nelson right after the election, and he does want to gear this one back up. So, I'd like to stay on it just to see this one through transportation committee. Jason, I know you

can 12.

Yeah, I think I need to continue because that's with the county and I think I specifically have been appointed to that. So, it has to be me. It's a threeyear term. And then we get it again in like 30 or 50 years. Yeah, eventually like Stanley's going to get about 2060 or something, but we started at the top of the alphabet. So, uh I think that term will be up in early 2027 and then I'll go to best in the city. Okay. So, I think that only leads to keep on beautiful. I'll be happy to do that.

Okay, that was quick. That was quick. Um Laura, would you be willing to read back who you have on each before we enterain motions to the storm water city and then the Cleveland tourism and Jason beautiful Jason and Joe Main Street Joe and Jim Joe Parks and Rick Jim and Charlie. Um the Environmental Sustainability Board, Alex and Gaston County Municipal Alliance, Alex and Jason. Um the Transportation Advisory Committee, Mark and Jason, and the Gaston County. Is there any additional discussion questions? Hearing none, I will entertain a motion to approve the appointment. Alex favored. Okay. Uh back to our agenda B4, adoption of the resolution establishing a regular meeting dates of the Belmont City Council for 2026. Uh those are in the packet. So I will open discussion on the dates presented.

The just wanted to throw it out just to talk to you about this on the workshops starting at 5:00 p.m. And obviously want to get your input. any opening to potentially push that back. It's becoming diff more and more difficult. I think you have an issue too with trying to get your right at 5:00.

4 p.m. But just for staff you know they're here during the workshops regular meeting I mean regular meeting times um but I mean it's up to you all if you want to move it that's parks question on that so is that time set in the procedure we just changed the rules of procedure to it was at 4 p.m. We changed it to five. So we'll have to again change

it is 530.

Let me ask you this because it's not on the agenda. That's Correct.

So, do we need to make a motion to do that? Is everybody okay? Yeah. We just need a motion to then approve the resolution modified unless anyone else is in there. Okay. I'll entertain that motion. Jim, Motion made by Jim. Second. Second by Alex. All in favor any modified.

All right. So that takes us to section C the consent agenda has already gone through prior. So I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda. Second. by Alex. All in favor.

All right. So that takes us to section D of our agenda. D1, public comment. We do we have this is for there's a minimal public comment. So with that we will move to agenda item D2 public hearing for ZA2025.06 G road applicate seeking to relinquish Belmont zoning designation from portion of three budding parcels 189855 189 856 and 22533. So, do I have a motion to go into public?

All in favor? Any opposed? All right. We are in public here. I believe that we have a presentation from staff.

Uh, good evening. Nice to meet you all council members. My name is Chester Jones. I'm one of the planners here at the planning department. Um, look forward to working with you. a very straightforward presentation for you all tonight as well as the applicant. Um their representatives are here to answer any questions that you have for them. Uh so once again we're this a public hearing for ZA 20256 g road is a zoning map amendment looking to relinquish Belmont's um zoning designation over a portion of three parcels. A brief background self storage LLC applied to relinquished Belmont zoning designation which is rural residential over a portion of three budding parcels located at 298 Gaither road 29 that's a typo 296 Gther road and an unassigned parcel uh directly abuing that um supporting place storage as all three of these parcels have split zoning designation meaning they contain two different um zoning entities over them uh between the city of Belmont from Gaston County. The applicant is proposing an amendment to unify these parcels under Gaston County's uh zoning designation. On your screen here, you can see a screenshot of the anal of the subject parcels as well as dividing line indicating which parks are under Belmont zoning designation and the respective zoning designations of uh the parcels, the frontage. So you see that black line kind of going through three of those parcels. That is a dividing line showing that is from that portion backwards interior to the lot. That is um Belmont selling designation for rural residential. The parts of the lots that have frontage are either uh rule R1 or C3 um commercial 3 G. Any questions before I move on? Is that very clear?

How did this happen to begin with? my time. I wish it were that easy in my position to say before my time. I don't

but um I do believe that um from some of my research when looking through this uh this uh request that the police storage was uh developed as a the master plans for Gaston County. Um and so the parking lot, detention support, things of that nature that was all developed under county and those portions uh R. Um that is that is the only ordinance that you know currently um the developer would have to contend with two different zoning ordinances if they chose to develop. I'm trying to answer your question. Yeah. Well, I it's it's perplexing. It is. It is

very much so. Yeah. So, we have one lot with two zoning designations. One through Belmont ETJ, one through gas. Well, we have three lines. These are three, right? So, this crosses three lines.

Um, I want to show you it location. Um, where it stands within Belmont in relation to Belmont's municipal limit is actually not in our extra territorial jurisdiction, also known as our ETJ. So, you can see it right on the edge of that purple there. It would be located on ETJ on the edge of Cast Countyy's uh zone. On October 2020 on October 23rd, 2025, Belmont Pling board voted 5 to recommend the zoning map amendment and the call to action for you all tonight is to receive this report. Uh the planning board's recommendation need public comments and provide a motion to either approve the ordinance or disapprove the ordinance. The two findings you're required to find are the map the map amendment is a reasonable request and in the public interest and the map amendment is consistent with the goals of the comprehensive language plan in the area specific uh to intergovernment intergovernmental relations. Um I'm happy to answer any questions and I'm happy to defer any questions I may not be able to provide clarity on to the applicant. Any questions for

um since the parcels are landlocked is could the city provide utility services even if uh it otherwise wanted to? No sir. Currently the subject parcels are not served by city utilities. Thank you.

Anything else I can provide? I believe we did have someone comment on this specific congratulations. Uh for the record, I'm John Russell. I'm president of Belmont. My office address is I'm here on behalf as an attorney representing the claim self storage. I'll introduce some of the other folks that are here. Um let me try to start with questions. This is another slide of what Chester had that sort of shows a little more dark what's currently in the city of Belmont and the light color is the county zone. Uh the red is the C3 is the existing self storage facility that you all are familiar with on South Point Road. So this is intended really as a straightforward application or a straightforward process and the idea is to have the all three parcels um under one jurisdiction for purposes of planning and zoning. That way if there is development you only have to go through one set of site plan review. you only need one set of regulations whether that's your buffers or your street trees or your setbacks instead of having otherwise if you wanted to develop any of these parcels you have other as it stands presently you have to go to Gaston County and you have to go to Belmont you have to design that both of these I think um to answer Mr. He's question the origin of the split zoning was there we think there was an old AT&T

that ran down that line that we saw and that's where origing that has gone down as there's been Number one, changes in state law which prohibit involuntary annexation can't bring in property without the consent of the land owners but more importantly the development of county zoning. So in Gaston County dates from 2007 when this was created was probably around the time that Belmont zoning was done so but now you've got county zoning that has rules regulations for all the R1 properties that are surrounding there. any development there would have to have setbacks would have to have buffering if you've got commercial to resj the purpose of this is because self storage does have a goal of trying to expand their highend self storage in this area as of right now my understanding from the really they don't have that plan time frame because you really can't design a site plan. You can't start doing elevations until you know what jurisdiction you're so this is really the first step of that process. Um during the course of this process we have had work with staff to make sure there's been some questions about storm water and how any additional development would affect the storm water. So we have Johnny Denton who's the civil engineer

worked for years with self storage and also Joseph Jod who's the stormwater administrator for Gaston County and I've got some slides if you had questions and you can kind of see a little bit of the detention and they can talk a little bit about that if that's a question that came off the planning board that I think the planning board Johnny and Jody were helpful explaining that process I think the key takeaway is the storm water ordinance for any development is a county ordinance it's by the county, you have to meet county standards. That's not that's true whether you're in Belmont or you're not in Belmont. And so that's the case here. This site currently exceeds the county water standards, but Jod and John actually. So that's really the background. Again, I'm happy to take any questions. We also have the lead from self storage who is the principal there is unfortunately out of town so we're here but she can talk a little bit about the operation of the site if you have questions about that All right. Well, thank you, Mr. Russell. We appreciate that.

All right. All in favor that will move us to agenda item D3 consider ordinance for approval of CA 2025 G roads again 1895. So I will open the floor to discuss. Seems pretty straightforward. Anyone have an issue?

No. I'd make a motion to approve uh the ordinance as presented. Second motion made by Jim. Second by Alex.

I'd also make a motion that this application is readable press in the public interest in consistent with the goals of the comprehensive land use plan and intergovernmental relations. Second. Motion by Jim. Second by Jason. All in favor? All that passes. Thank you. All right. Uh that will get us in our modified agenda to item D4 which is a requested amendment to the contract. We have Jared with us to present.

Good evening, Mayor Council. I don't have any slides for this item. Um, this is just a formality. due to the recent government shutdown, the release of the 2025 compliance supplements over federal programs was delayed. Um, and so to ensure that was released last week. Um, so this is more for our auditors to have time to review that compliance supplement and make sure that they're auditing our federal programs uh to the tea of the compliance supplement. So this extends the due date which is allowable by the LGC to February 16th or uh 13th rather. And um I don't believe this will delay our audit issuance. Um but this is just a formality to ensure that we have time in case something comes up and there's additional audit procedures, we have time to complete those and still issue a report on time.

Just making sure obviously because we've had our ups and downs and our ever never ending seemingly efforts to get off the uh assistance list. Um we're not going to be penalized for Obviously, since this delay was due to the federal government and uh the shutdown and not our fault at all. That's correct. And that's why we need to amend the contract because the original due date is 12:31. Uh so this ensures that if there was a delay in the audit procedures that we have time to complete those audit procedures and extend that due date. If we didn't amend and we submitted after 1231, then that would result in an automatic finding for a delayed audit. And so we're trying to avoid that. And this is just more the CYA for that.

And just Point of clarification, this was due purely due to government shutdown. Correct. Yep. It was brought to our attention from the auditors last week and they pushed it to get it as soon a meeting as I could. So I discussed with Miles and that there wasn't going to be a work session this month, we needed to push it to a question. Yes, sir. Make a motion to approve the amendment. by second by Jason.

Okay. So, let's see. Item agenda E. We have any reports? No, sir. No reports. Moves to agenda F. Other business. Have any other business? Just congratulations to the new candidates. Welcome aboard. Welcome back. Happy to have you guys. Excited about the future. Thank you for your service. All right. I do have one matter.

I think sorry. Um I just want to echo congratulations tomorrow. Joe, look forward to working with you. Uh thank you to uh everyone for your kind words and meant a lot. Um, and um, Joe, you're off to a great start. I mean, this is Yeah, this one way faster than any of my This is where we hit the speed bump. Yes. I don't know if your editing skills are going to be quite as

Maybe they are. I I I will say thank you to uh the the warm uh rewelcome, I guess. Uh it's it's nice to to see old faces and new faces. Um I mean, it's a little a little weird because the last time I was up handing off the g to Richard seat that he held for for so long. So, it's a little bittersweet from that perspective, but I appreciate um getting to work with you guys again. Uh it was definitely very interesting uh last time. You know, we started out with CO have a financial crisis and all kinds of turnover uh both the staff and council levels. We're hoping this goes a little less interesting. But, um that's the fun part about this job is you never know what it's going to throw at you. Um I do actually have One small question uh for staff. Um at the last workshop, the police chief uh mentioned an openness to uh looking at speed bumps on Six Street. I know there's some uh pedest possible pedestrian um enhancements also been looked at in that area. So, we just kind of want to see I know the residents down there are uh very uh attuned uh to to that. So, we just kind of want to see where we are with uh those efforts and uh what we can do maybe to get over the finish line.

Yes. And I do have an update for that. Um we are in the process of bidding out our pavement contract. It's out of bid currently. Um the bids are due December the bids are due December 19th. Um as part of the paving contract, we included an alternate bid that would include the extension of Abby Creek Greenway down to Sixth Street. Um and also connecting the existing sidewalks to Abby Creek Greenway. U with that project also entails a raised pedestrian crossing that is to cross over Sixth Street. So, um, uh, the intent of a of a speed hump would be the pedestrian crossing through there. Um, and of course, this project is, like I say, out to bid once we get the bids in, see what the prices are for the alternate bid, then of course that comes back to you all for approval at that time. If staff recommends the price on on the on the paving project and to include that alternate bid. So, um, yes, we heard it. Yes, we heard the process. We also heard about connecting the completing the the greenway in that section too. So we thought we could do all that when we had a table contractor contract.

Okay. Yeah. No, that's great. So like what we're kind of envisioning here is like basically a raised pedestrian crossing. I think that's the intent of the bid. U there's plans inside of it, but what I saw was it said a raised pedestrian crossing um that would connect the sidewalk on this side of Sixth Street to to the Greenville. That's fantastic. I uh walked through that neighborhood uh when I was campaigning and I know that they would definitely appreciate what we can do for him back there. So,

sorry. Usually we first of all um thank you Jim again. I know I was a little longwinded but again I got to say it again. Thank you again. everything you've done for this house. I really do mean that. You've become a great friend but a great mentor as well in regards to a lot of challenging things that we've seen over the past couple of years. Mark, congratulations, mayor. Congratulations. Um, Miles, quick question for you. So, on the yard waste program, do we have an update on where we stand with that, particularly as it offer street? Um, in regards to how we were talking about, I believe last talk about order the bins, but I just wanted to see where we are on that because I've had a few people reach out asking for an update.

We did you all approve the motion amendment, approve the ordinance amendment um the last meeting. I don't know where we stand with the actual purpose of the the bins. There's probably time to order and the delivery. I don't know. I'm kind of looking back at this. John, if you can John, do you have any update on the delivery time frame for Ben? If it's a note, just check your head. What I can do is get that for you all and I can share that through a council update.

I think update would be fine. Just a timeline on that. a few folks reaching out. But I guess as it pertains to the ordinance itself, again, I know we kind of went back and forth on this, but if they have a can that's reasonable, can they put that out in their front yard right now?

Yeah. So, so the ordinance states that if you want the can, you need to purchase the can from the city so it can be the city can. But I also said that I know that there's people out there that have cans and we're not going to anybody over the head uh if they put their can out there. But if it's if it's broken, heavy and not we can pick up likely we won't get it. We'll say you need our can. So that's kind of how we plan to go through it. Um you know through this process we're a complaint based code enforcement. So this is how the thing started. It was complaint based. We've been picking up yard waste on old popular street for 50 years. I don't know how long and then it come it comes down to you know there's an issue of where things are placed now. So of course we're complaint based we have to address it which kind of roll it out. So if you we we picked up the yard waste where the things were placed previous. We have an ordinance for a reason. We everybody needs to abide by the ordinance. But if you do put your can out there more than likely we'll get it. something that we can't manage then.

We leave like a some sort of communication for people like we skip the can so they not thinking that we missed it. We do have like an updated flyer. I don't know if we're going to go around and stick notes all over cans if we're not picking up our cans or not. If if it's um if it's a can that we can't get, then yeah, more than likely we'll have to communicate to the resident and we can't pick up this can. Um, if you place your items in the sidewalk or on the street, you probably get a letter from the city not to put those adjusted or there not picking those up or by hand. Uh, the the cans

typically the cans are picked up by the employees. If you have like the pile of yard waste and that's when the truck gets those, but

you have We've got that rear loaded truck. That's why we want to use our cans because we can tip folks get out and handle real one time one time. Just congratulations.

Okay. So, I do have one item that the December workshop was not a need to have a December workshop. So that's something that everyone is agreeable to.

Yeah, I'll entertaining the meeting and listen I I do want to do Thank you all for helping me pull through my first meeting. Um, but the the support has been very helpful. Jim, you've been a great help to me transitioning over into this role. Uh, and I know that if something comes out wrong, you'll be right there for me, and I appreciate that. That's true. However, I am enjoying the view over here.

But but regardless, I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you for the faith that our residents put in me. a humbling experience to go through to to have your community rally around you. So, it's a really neat thing and I greatly appreciate that. But with that said, merry Christmas and I will entertain a motion to motion to second by all. Merry