Steven B. Croft

The council addressed several administrative and operational items, including the approval of grant applications for historical and infrastructure projects, the appointment of a new City Judge, and fee schedule updates for park facilities. Key decisions included rejecting all bids for the Regional Park House renovation in favor of an alternate relocation plan and authorizing the sale of municipal property at 2201 Decatur Pike. Additionally, the council made various appointments to the Council Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, and Housing Authority, and discussed legal mediation procedures.

The agenda focuses on the authorization of several grant applications, including the FEMA SAFER grant for hiring firefighters, a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant, a Community Development Block Grant for downtown improvements, a Healthy Built Environment Grant for Prof Powers Park, and a Traffic Signal Modernization Program grant. Additionally, the council will consider a zoning map amendment to rezone property at Hicks Street and Eastanallee Avenue, a request for a business opening extension for Athens Wine & Liquor, and discussions regarding establishing a committee for modernizing Title 8 of the City Code and Municipal Zoning Ordinance amendments. The packet also includes monthly departmental reports and an updated Program of Work.

The City of Athens' Fiscal Year 2025-26 Program of Work outlines a comprehensive array of projects and initiatives across various municipal departments. Key focus areas include significant capital improvements, such as the preparation of a seven-year Capital Improvement Plan, renovation and expansion of City Hall, and construction of Fire Station #3. The plan also details improvements to public infrastructure including road resurfacing, storm water management, and Green Street enhancements. Additional priorities involve enhancing public services through citizen surveys, website updates, and dilapidated structure enforcement, as well as developing community amenities like park improvements and memorials. The document provides status updates on these ongoing and planned projects.

The work session agenda focused on several items requiring potential resolution or ordinance amendments. Key discussion topics included authorizing applications for federal and state grants, specifically the FEMA SAFER Grant Program, the FEMA AFG Program, the Community Development Block Grant, the Tennessee Department of Health Healthy Built Environment Grant for Prof Powers Park, and a Traffic Signal Modernization Program (TSMP) Grant through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Other significant items involved consideration of rezoning property from Light Industrial District to Medium Density Residential, a request for an extension from Athens Wine & Liquor, and proposed amendments to the City Code regarding 'Beer' and the addition of a Craft Beer Restaurant (Brewpub). The session also noted vacancies on the Board of Adjustments & Appeals and the Historic Preservation Commission.

New business included a discussion regarding open vacancy appointments, which the city manager, mayor, and vice manager plan to address during a lunch meeting with Denso executives. Planning for the 2026 Chinzei Gakuin Visit was reviewed, noting sufficient funds for one excursion despite the MOU listing two, requiring additional financial support. The board also discussed a potential lecture series from the Asian Culture Center, proposing popular events such as Bento Box making and Sushi making (possibly on International Sushi Day, June 18), with suggested venues including the Food Hub, Higher Education Center, and the Museum.