Dennis Bierma

The work session addressed multiple public hearings regarding proposed zoning ordinance changes, including rezoning properties for Athens GCD and DFO Athens Investment LLC, Milton George from Estate, and Wade Hayes to The Point Incorporated, which also involved adopting a master development plan. Additionally, public hearings were scheduled for resolutions declaring structures on North Clinton Street and 100 Standard for Road as unsafe nuisances requiring abatement, and a zoning approval for alcohol sales at Five Points. The consent calendar included approving travel expenses for the electric department, purchasing a 2025 Dodge Ram truck for gas services, acquiring SIM guns for police training, declaring surplus electric department vehicles for auction, and setting public hearings for future zoning ordinance amendments. Regular meeting items included a resolution restating the map of the Square Arts and Entertainment District, expanding it to include new properties, and a resolution for an expanded downtown business grant program allocating $100,000, proposed to be funded by alcohol funds. Further resolutions authorized a change order for US72 and Moral Road improvements, awarded a construction contract for a pedestrian crossing at US72 and Hind Street, amended an ordinance to reorganize job titles within the Utilities department, adopted a revised organization chart for Public Works, and approved the purchase of ten Automated External Defibrillators for the police department using grant funding. An add-on item involved correcting the funding match ratio for a previously approved CDBG and ARC grant related to the Food City project, incurring an additional $35,000 city commitment.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding zoning approval for alcohol sales for a new business, Shashimi Asian Beastro. The consent calendar addressed several items, including the approval of a retail liquor license for Cheyenne Kana LLC (Athens Beverage 2), approval of travel and education expenses for the planning department and the cemetery, parks, and wreck department, and the purchase of laboratory equipment for the water treatment plant. Business also involved an ordinance to amend a contract concerning real property in the North Elm Industrial Park. Furthermore, the council considered a resolution to purchase three Power Heart G5 AED semi-automatic defibrillators using funds from the city's opioid fund for the fire department. Finally, the council discussed authorizing an agreement with AML Studios for schematic design services for a structure at 105 West Hob Street. Discussion also occurred regarding agency appropriations requested by outside organizations, with recommendations for action to be taken at the next meeting.

The public hearing primarily focused on the environmental information document (EID) related to the Strain Road project. Discussions included the project's vicinity, the environmental concurrence process, and a project overview, detailing a two-phase approach. Phase one emphasizes stormwater improvements to mitigate flooding and drainage issues on West Strain Road, while phase two addresses sanitary sewer improvements. The funding sources for the project were also discussed, highlighting the allocation of federal dollars through the ARPA Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Clean Water SRF fund.

The meeting included the swearing in of city council members and the mayor. The council then proceeded to appoint a city council president and a city council president pro tem. Council members expressed gratitude and reflected on their service.

The meeting included a public hearing related to zoning and alcohol sales, and a consent calendar covering resolutions for alcohol licenses, travel education expenses for sanitation, street, and electric departments. It also involved authorizing the electric services director to accept a bid for the control building and relay panels for the Athens Utilities Elm Park electric substation. Additional discussions covered a one-time apportionment to Makeaway Foundation for a mobile sensory unit, funding to pave the parking lot at the activity center, and payment to Shelton Railroad Construction for track repairs. An ordinance concerning food trucks and body camera technology was also addressed.