Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The following is a staff-prepared summary of key discussion points and decisions from this meeting. For the complete official record, please refer to the approved minutes above.

Weed and Vegetation Ordinance Amendment The board considered an amendment to the town's ordinance addressing uncontrolled growth of weeds and vegetation on rights-of-way adjacent to public streets.

• Town staff reported researching common practices statewide and consulting with attorneys from other municipalities. The majority of towns place responsibility for maintaining rights-of-way on the adjoining property owner — a practice also reflected in the City of Gastonia's charter.
• The proposed amendment adds a new subsection to the existing ordinance defining as a public nuisance any heavy growth of vines, shrubs, vegetation, or weeds over 12 inches in height located between a property line and the curb — or the edge of pavement if no curb exists.
• The board voted unanimously to adopt the amendment as presented.

Mid-Year Financial Report Staff presented an overview of the town's finances at the midpoint of the fiscal year.

• Most departments are on track, with spending at or below 50% of their annual budgets.
• A few line items exceeded 50%, primarily due to invoices — such as insurance premiums — that are billed early in the fiscal year. Those accounts were reported at approximately 58–60%, which staff indicated was not a concern.
• Grant-funded projects are all underway, with the furthest along being water meter replacements, the lodge renovation, and the associated HVAC project.

Town Manager Report The Town Manager provided updates on several operational and community matters.

• A new backhoe ordered in February was delivered the day of the meeting, replacing equipment that had been in service for over 20 years. The piece of equipment is parked at Town Hall.
• The town's Christmas parade is scheduled for December 17 beginning at 1 p.m. Elected officials are invited to ride on the town float. The lineup includes approximately 10 floats sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations.
• The "Deck the Yard" yard decorating contest continues through December 17, with first, second, and third place winners to be announced on December 18.
• Town offices will be closed December 23 and December 26 in observance of Christmas, and January 2 in observance of New Year's Day. Residential garbage pickup will be delayed by one day during each of those holiday weeks.
• During the week of Christmas, the town plans to run extra garbage collection routes and will be more lenient about picking up additional items as a courtesy to residents.
• Ongoing grant projects — including lodge renovations, meter installation, and the Boulder Court project — continue to move forward.

Drainage Concern at Ranlo Church of God The board discussed a stormwater drainage problem affecting the Ranlo Church of God on Spencer Mountain Road during heavy rain events.

• The Mayor noted receiving photos from Pastor Steve Simmons showing significant water intrusion on the church property during heavy rain. The affected roads — including Mitchum Road and Spencer Mountain Road — are state-maintained and fall under NCDOT jurisdiction.
• The Town Manager agreed to contact the NCDOT regional office, share the photos provided by the pastor, and request that the department assess the issue and provide recommendations. The town indicated willingness to cooperate with NCDOT on a solution if the opportunity arises.