Athens City Council reviews Whiting settlement offers amid mounting tensions

The Athens City Council convened on February 18, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including discussions on council member qualifications, a memorandum of agreement with the McMinn Regional Humane Society, and updates to city ordinances.

The meeting began with a contentious discussion regarding the qualifications of Frances Smith for a position on the library board. One council member presented evidence from a video related to an incident involving another council member, Mr. Whiting, asserting that it contradicted claims made by Frances. This led to a heated exchange about the integrity of council members and the appropriateness of personal attacks during discussions. Ultimately, the council voted on the appointment of Jacob Barnett to the library board, which passed with a majority vote.

Following this, the council addressed a memorandum of agreement with the McMinn Regional Humane Society. Concerns were raised about the agreement's terms, leading to a motion to postpone the vote until further revisions could be made. The council agreed to table the matter for the next meeting, emphasizing the need for a solid agreement to mitigate liability issues.

The council also conducted the first readings of two ordinances: one for the recodification of the Athens city code and another to update the city's stormwater management ordinance. Both ordinances received unanimous support from the council members present.

In a significant development, the city attorney announced that Mr. Whiting had proposed a global settlement offer to the city regarding ongoing litigation. The council was informed that they would review this offer in an open session, ensuring transparency in the proceedings.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the discussed items in future sessions, particularly the memorandum of agreement and the settlement offer, as the council continues to navigate complex issues affecting the city.