Bryan Barker

The board reviewed and accepted the monthly financial reports, including updates on sales tax revenue and cash balances. Approval was granted for the reimbursement of quarterly expenditures to the City of Athens. The board discussed and approved a sponsorship for the Old Fiddler's Foundation. Additionally, the meeting included a development services report on private projects, along with updates regarding the Prengler property, the Athens Hotel Group performance agreement, industrial park planning, training usage of Placer.ai, and attendance at the MDM West Conference.

The council approved amendments to the public communications procedures and the city council rules and procedures. Discussions included a request for a new business category in the zoning ordinance for home occupations. The council confirmed the appointment of a member to the zoning board of adjustments, authorized a resolution for an air show and related military support requests, extended the agreement for an interim fire chief, approved a grantor easement for utility restoration, and established a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a pavilion. Additionally, the council awarded a contract for grant administration services related to disaster recovery funding.

The Tourism Advisory Council discussed the introduction of the new Tourism and Marketing Manager, reviewed the role of the council as an advisory body, and considered the potential reduction of the council size, ultimately deciding to maintain the current size. Members shared their tourism-related experience, discussed the vision for tourism development in the city, and identified high-level priorities for the upcoming year, including branding, signature events, and potential certification opportunities.

The City Council meeting included standard formalities such as the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved updates on community events and public safety issues. The consent agenda covered approving the minutes from January 12, 2026, and considering resolutions for ordering a General Election on May 2, 2026, to elect Council Members for Places 2, 3, and 4. Further consent items involved authorizing Interlocal and Joint Election Agreements with Henderson County and Athens Independent School District for the May 2nd election, approving a temporary road closure for the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion and Contest, reviewing the December 2025 Revenue and Expense Report, and receiving the 2026 Racial Profiling Report. Staff updates addressed Infrastructure Design Standards, Economic Development Projects, and a Financial Update, including action on the Quarterly Investment Report ending December 31, 2025. Resolutions addressed support for the Arcadia Meadows development, authorizing property transfer agreements with the Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA), submitting a grant application for Rifle-Resistant Body Armor, accepting a bid for Water Treatment Plant Sludge Removal, authorizing a 380 Agreement with RAJCHANDRA, LLC dba Super 8 by Wyndham, and granting permission for the Henderson County Girls Softball Association to install an HVAC system in a concession facility. The council also addressed requests for the Athens, Tx Farmers Market locations. First readings of ordinances concerning amendments to the City Code of Ordinances regarding Water and Sewers, and Health and Sanitation (Solid Waste Collection) were discussed. Final reading was considered for a Specific Use Permit for a 'Manufactured Home' at 839 N. Prairieville St. The meeting included two Executive Sessions: one for Economic Development Negotiations concerning JAB Realty and R4U Ventures LLC, and another for Personnel Matters regarding the City Manager.

The board meeting included the acceptance of the December 2025 financials, which showed sales tax revenue slightly under budget for the year-to-date period. An engineering cost presentation for the Industrial Park Expansion was tabled. The board discussed the findings of the feasibility studies for the purchase of property at 1000 Hwy 175, HCAD Parcel #1996, noting environmental cleanup needs and topography concerns; the decision was made to proceed with a no-cost Phase 2 environmental study by ETCOG but not to purchase the property at this time. The board authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Athens regarding Placer.ai data software. A Community Development Grant was approved for the Henderson County Girls Softball Association for HVAC installation at the Cain Park concession stand. A Business Assistance Grant for Harvard Development Co. HTL LLC was discussed, but no action was taken pending a more comprehensive property improvement plan. The Development Services Director provided an update on various projects, including the Sky School nearing occupancy and ongoing zoning definition needs for data mining facilities. Updates were also shared regarding executed/pending Amended Performance Agreements for SSS Abbasi LLC and Athens Hotel Group, a NETRMA meeting concerning rail possibilities, ongoing training with Placer.ai data, and reminders for upcoming events.