Gary Dugan

This document provides fisheries information and management recommendations for Lake Athens, Texas. It outlines strategies to enhance the trophy potential and angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass through stocking and angler participation programs. The plan also addresses the balanced management of native aquatic vegetation to resolve conflicts between lake users and mitigate the spread of invasive species by implementing signage, barriers, and public education.

The board discussed various topics, including a conflict of interest declaration, citizens' concerns regarding a no wake buoy in Bear Creek Cove, and the 2018-19 fiscal year audit. They also considered soil contamination testing at the cuastic containment basin, applications for variances to lake regulations, and a petition to place a no wake buoy in Bear Creek Road North/Bear Creek Estates Cove. Additionally, there was a presentation and discussion regarding wake surf boats on Lake Athens, followed by inspection and police department reports. The board entered an executive session to discuss real property.

The Athens Municipal Water Authority convened to discuss several key items. A variance was considered and approved for a property owner to extend a boathouse length due to water depth issues. The board authorized a contract with Thornhill Group, Inc. for a proposed well development evaluation. Additionally, a change order was authorized with AAA Sanitation for a groundwater transmission and disinfection system at the water treatment plant. The authority declared a specific lot as excess acreage and authorized a survey of property behind Lake Athens Dam. The Executive Director and Director of Finance were authorized to procure electricity services for the authority. The Executive Director also reported on upcoming meetings and an appraisal of a lot in Oakwood Subdivision. Finally, the payment of statements was approved.

The agenda for the meeting includes general procedural items such as calling the meeting to order, declaration of conflicts of interest, and opportunities for citizen concerns on both non-agenda and agenda items. The consent agenda covers the approval of prior meeting minutes (specifically for December 12, 2025), monthly financial statements and bill payments, the first quarter investment report, and 2025-2026 budget amendments. Discussions are scheduled regarding Lake Athens activities (Police and Inspection Departments) and an operational discussion with the City of Athens Director of Utilities concerning the water treatment plant. The meeting also includes provisions for an Executive Session to consult with the attorney and discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of specific real properties (Abstract 468 and Abstract 1174), with subsequent action items following the Executive Session.

The board meeting included updates from the City of Athens Utility Director regarding plant operations and future projects. The Executive Director provided a monthly report, and an update was given on Lake Athens recreation, focusing on wake and super boats. The Inspection and Police Reports were presented. A variance request for additional square footage for a pier or boathouse was discussed and ultimately denied, with a suggestion to file a new, smaller variance request.