Jim Butler

The regular meeting included the presentation and acceptance of proclamations and commendations. The board recognized the Budget Department for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the FY2026 adopted budget document. Proclamations were made to recognize February 2026 as Black History Month and January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The agenda also featured two public hearings concerning zoning map changes: one for Home Buyers LLC to rezone parcels from R1 to R2 for affordable housing development, which the Planning Board recommended for approval; and another for MLAN Self-S Storage LLC to rezone parcels from R1 to C3 General Commercial, which staff supports due to consistent surrounding land use.

The meeting, which combined a rescheduled work session and a regular meeting, began with an acknowledgment of the recent passing of Mary Jolly, a 27-year-old paramedic who died trying to assist at a freeway accident. The board also addressed administrative changes, planning to rectify a previous appointment that was potentially unconstitutional. Key agenda items included the presentation of the Judge William Gaston Award to Cynthia "Cindy" Eisenhower for her 15 years of service on the parks and recreation board, which guided significant park system improvements. Proclamations were adopted to recognize November 2025 as Family Caregiver Awareness Month and as Adoption Awareness Month, recognizing the contributions of caregivers and those who adopt vulnerable children. Additionally, a resolution was passed to award retired Sergeant Monica Beckton her service sidearm and badge upon her retirement after 30 years of service with the Sheriff's Office.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A point of personal privilege was taken to introduce a proclamation commemorating the retirement of K9 Chief from the Sheriff's Office due to health issues, following nearly six years of service. The board unanimously approved the proclamation. Following this, the December regular meeting was called to order. The initial proceedings involved public hearings for several items, including a conditional rezoning request (ReZ-25-05-13-00228) for a proposed general retail store development on Lewis Road, which involved discussion of site plan details, setbacks, buffering requirements, parking provisions, and utility considerations, alongside consistency review with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The request included conditions related to plat processing and septic field location finalization. Additionally, public hearings were scheduled for designating two properties as local historical landmarks and an EDC incentive grant for 'Project Beach'. Procedures for citizen comments during the public hearings were outlined.

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners convened for a meeting that included a zoning public hearing. The commission addressed a zoning map change and a road renaming. The primary focus was on zoning map change Z1503, an application by Speedwell Machine Works Incorporated, to rezone a property on Ferguson Ridge Road from R1 single-family limited zoning district to C1 light commercial zoning district. Concerns were raised by residents regarding increased traffic, noise, potential property value decrease, and environmental impact due to chemical runoff and waste. The applicant, Eli Benfield, addressed the concerns, emphasizing the company's commitment to being a good neighbor and outlining plans to mitigate the issues by consolidating operations to reduce noise and improve waste management.

This strategic plan outlines Gaston County Government's commitment to achieving excellence in public service, leadership, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion. It focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, preserving natural resources, and providing recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities. The plan aims to foster global success and prepare for future generations through continuous excellent public service.