[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6296828,"mediaKeyId","2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798","parentId",2513133,"title","Athens proclaims DENSO Manufacturing a veteran-ready employer","audioSeconds",242,"startMs",2285000,"endMs",2527000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798&start=2285&end=2527","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798/thumbnail_2285000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6296828/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-proclaims-DENSO-Manufacturing-a-veteran-ready-employer","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296828-042a79aaa13d98562b80823cf5dbc428/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214740&Signature=cSCqzzbgd8~uL319QnNO79J~Fy62-EjktZFh9VOimQOgSPcRIS8-dCNMZCtitfXEhITRYItJGmOdQPlgS54CC1NL53aXtQyzDigrvHNWyjyoWTWC9qIrwyiZ2WlEN9y3JGTVvWYXosSAQjVNrUoxpFD8YkpdEMidslTRoSeHUNCE~Mi~ZO0cxJz1kuFvI~1QGY9ORna8pEP3ixzmBZfh5avlBitwi9OhUscaNusd1i7eaSygRJGc7oYyuDdL0lMHxpnnlvZtPdzwXUoTDkXqJwRPyCAzC8gajGMkEBpYJvG2s~-twfojlbAGMkQM5C1u-pBT3BpaDuiHqpgYrzkZvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Athens, TN","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Athens City Council presented a proclamation congratulating DENSO Manufacturing after state recognition for veterans hiring and retention.

Mayor Larry Eaton read a proclamation noting that the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services had recognized DENSO Manufacturing as a Silver-level veteran-ready business for its efforts to recruit, hire and retain veterans. The proclamation praised the company’s “commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.”

A DENSO representative identified in the meeting only as Mike thanked the council and stressed the company’s ties to the local workforce. “We appreciate the partnership always with Athens. We're so blessed to have such an incredible workforce here,” Mike said. Meeting remarks also noted DENSO’s support for the local American Legion flag project over the past 18 years.

The proclamation will be entered into the council record and DENSO’s recognition was acknowledged as a community example of veteran-hiring efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Meeting - 02/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","The council presented a proclamation congratulating DENSO Manufacturing for recognition by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services as a Silver-level veteran-ready business. Company representatives thanked the city and cited longtime community partnerships.","taxTitle","Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee","taxId",62244,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6296832,"Athens council: key votes and actions from the regular meeting",2709,301000,3010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798&start=301&end=3010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798/thumbnail_301000.jpg","/articles/6296832/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-council-key-votes-and-actions-from-the-regular-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296832-6f5a3e3215cfffbd74b58d2ec61ea5ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214740&Signature=B6oe51KLav0dV9bxkuRexkg4jXl1APEqo5tfzyt0EQx4IofJPmmdJtsA6pXdsJAi5NcuvGRVlS9EHwA7KEr0OHFTg8oDyG8uUh4t-ab8ooQWYu7JKLtey0LlLlRqvsQAgxaDZhfBQa45tsBs-MxThqp4tW-PLLRgmHXEMj0giz-TFUxuSinIuloIPXyjMokSgDnUfeKGBYSamNr140xQZf1wWXFJUXBs6Xn6SeuIHUpvi8y2p6CN56E5J9MZ2vUM0uW3FMLizXBM-KBls3kDhcQP0ZLxvq-glixWNkvp9oY8Az2ZHePSOmnogyjP3RuyTQdLjaeuTiwBH-xDwFQxQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its regular meeting the Athens City Council recorded the following formal actions and votes (abridged):

- Beer-permit relinquishments: The council accepted the relinquishment of a beer permit from Michaels of Athens LP (doing business as Michaels Casual Dining, caterer, 925 Congress Parkway North) and from Tennessee CVS Pharmacy LLC (CVS Pharmacy #3783, packaged beer store, 928 Decatur Park). Both items were approved by roll call.

- Consent agenda: The council approved a consent agenda that included: bid awards for Heritage Park playground equipment and July 4 fireworks; installation of a Safe Haven baby box at fire station headquarters; city funding to acquire two Lucas chest compression devices ($42,000 requested in county funds); submission of a Tennessee Rescue Squad Grant application; several board and commission appointments; and a resolution (listed as Resolution 202025-04) authorizing an application for a grade-crossing grant. The consent agenda passed by roll call.

- Appointments: After separate consideration in old business the council appointed Jacob Barnett to the McMinn County Library Board (approved 4–1). A prior nomination for Francis Wittman McMahon failed (two in favor, two opposed, one abstention).

- Ordinances and first readings: The council held second reading and public comment on Ordinance 1136 (historic overlay) and the ordinance failed on second reading due to not meeting the required supermajority. The council approved first readings of a city code recodification (Ordinance 1137) and an update to the city’s MS4 stormwater ordinance (Ordinance 1138); both first readings passed by roll call.

- Humane Society memorandum of agreement: Council postponed action on a memorandum of agreement with the McMinn Regional Humane Society after staff reported the Humane Society’s attorney had not agreed to the most recent draft. The council voted to postpone until the next meeting so attorneys could resolve outstanding points.

- Records access clarification and rescission: The council voted to clarify that public-records requests are governed by the Tennessee Code Annotated and then voted to rescind a November 2022 motion that had been interpreted to allow unrestricted councilmember access to records without redaction; council recorded the rescission as approved.

- Reconsideration of North City School demolition motion: The council voted to reconsider its earlier December 2024 motion concerning demolition; the motion to reconsider passed on a 3–2 roll call. Council discussion continued; no final demolition rescission or reversal was recorded during the meeting and staff reported the manager’s understanding that demolition remains the contemplated action.

- Litigation/arbitration authorization: The council approved a motion to pursue binding arbitration in ongoing litigation with Glenn Whiting (4–1); the city attorney will negotiate terms and return with a proposed arbitration agreement for council approval.

All items listed above were taken from the council’s recorded roll calls and motions during the regular meeting. For procedural detail and exact vote tallies see the meeting minutes.","A concise summary of formal actions, votes and motions the council recorded during the regular meeting, including approvals of beer-permit relinquishments, first readings of city code recodification and stormwater ordinance updates, postponement of a Humane Society memorandum of agreement and other consent-agenda items.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6296836,"Athens council votes to pursue binding arbitration in long-running dispute with Glenn Whiting",2100,6299000,8399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798&start=6299&end=8399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798/thumbnail_6299000.jpg","/articles/6296836/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-council-votes-to-pursue-binding-arbitration-in-long-running-dispute-with-Glenn-Whiting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296836-e402a17f7a9c780b3e9dd6f588d025f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214740&Signature=B~-H7cKdJGXRC3YfVygTkDuFWVl8kd4n9-t6gdw~ZuMn1dIlEkSfumIqqrol4-SqA32thtZXkLzPs6ser4q4GqIzN1WIKk5VMMreMkgu-60DgzWsFl-SSAbEMeYF~WMJYmlgcvLPwzfrsv7NsENpWYfX7Ha8C4hEVW6vgG~jN9ugcTc1UatkYomL4rEXnNKbAFt4fsEaT-x0QivSpf8lJaxX14ONtFV8LZHWzcjmifpttxouGXHEYms~6y7aOhV5XNjJiyoS-QBN3IYsPv5Y7coqSWENRngy-PBqb7sbVXmzFhOwduoehIpi65SKTTYdXBCuZEMKqsmOhxAjKSF2lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council directed staff to pursue binding arbitration as a path to resolve long-running litigation with Glenn Whiting, after discussing multiple settlement documents that Whiting submitted to the city.

Following an executive-session briefing from the city attorney, the council voted 4–1 to authorize binding arbitration with a mutually selected arbitrator and a cap on damages, if Whiting agrees to the arbitration terms. The vote followed presentation of several written offers Whiting had circulated to the city; the materials discussed in the meeting cited figures including $350,000, a separate $75,000 proposal tied to property known as the Pope Avenue building, and a $435,000 “global” offer to resolve multiple matters. The council did not accept or ratify any single offer in open session but approved arbitration as a dispute-resolution path.

City officials said the documents Whiting provided will be retained as public records and that the council had been given prior settlement materials submitted in 2024 as well as more recent documents. The city attorney advised councilmembers on the difference between reviewing offers in executive session and taking action in open session; after the briefing the council returned to open session and voted on the arbitration motion.

Council members also noted a recent federal ruling that awarded some attorney fees to the city in a separate Fourth of July case; the council cited an approximate combined award of roughly $60,000 in attorney fees in that matter, which staff said was set out in court documents.

Council members who supported arbitration said a binding process could end repeated litigation and limit future costs and staff time. A council member in opposition said arbitration carries a risk that an arbitrator could award damages that the city does not control. The vote authorizes the city attorney and manager to negotiate arbitration details and report back to the council in a public meeting prior to any final agreement.","After an executive-session review of settlement offers from Glenn Whiting, the council voted 4–1 to pursue binding arbitration with a mutually selected arbitrator and a cap on damages. Whiting had submitted multiple written offers; the council also noted a federal order awarding the city attorney fees in a fireworks case.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6296841,"Athens council appoints Jacob Barnett to McMinn County Library Board after contentious debate",699,2910000,3609000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798&start=2910&end=3609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798/thumbnail_2910000.jpg","/articles/6296841/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-council-appoints-Jacob-Barnett-to-McMinn-County-Library-Board-after-contentious-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296841-7452eb20b492a43b4fa3c7b4a1b296bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214740&Signature=WXEpUHerOCi--Za4MEkVfNkj~iO2RSgXbm7ZgMKW0P47xGZPIRIJBb0LxXbBRM0h2Y4fSokEW9NBRAbrqEKbCXbR7j5F-usbie9bu5LmHq49iHbIePewHFW7N3flznfd9Z6auz5o97qAkgaUqFTHtR1jBXFiUZBzYlTJwpjNOAvMStdJKfdA~YapNIDKo2EvpTXjkByi2-2GfX4Biu~K0rl0BpfJKWd6gfXMhmcXoqw0a888W0g9UFkD--wEeCeFmCJ5kXOEcwYnFX0jy3DOZ3yKw8g0bQmrmIboNRaUNe24NZiNrfMLHsTkXvq1ZqJW7Av0xkDQ4NcfDGNT1pkVfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council voted to appoint Jacob Barnett to the McMinn County Library Board by a 4–1 vote after a contested discussion and two rounds of voting.

Councilmembers first considered appointing Francis Wittman McMahon to the library board; that nomination failed on a 2–2–1 vote (two in favor, two opposed and one abstention). After the failed vote, Councilmember motioned to appoint Jacob Barnett; the council approved Barnett by a 4–1 roll call.

Public commenters urged the council to weigh qualifications and character. Charlie Senn, a resident who previously urged the council to appoint a different candidate, told the council he viewed some nominations as “cronyism,” saying the council should choose on merit. “Cronyism, defined as the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority without proper regard to their qualifications, is the word that best describes this nomination,” Senn said during public comment.

Supporters of Francis Wittman McMahon spoke in her defense. One councilmember noted McMahon’s nonprofit experience and previous public service and called her “highly qualified” and “an upstanding individual in this community,” and said disagreement with citizens did not change her qualifications. Other commenters and council members raised concerns about prior conduct and depositions referenced in public comment; multiple speakers asked the council to review evidence and consider temperament alongside resume qualifications.

After the council confirmed Barnett, the minutes show a 4–1 roll call in favor and his appointment to the McMinn County Library Board was recorded.","After public comments and a divided vote, the council appointed Jacob Barnett to the McMinn County Library Board. A prior nomination of Francis Wittman McMahon failed amid allegations and counterclaims during public comment.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6296845,"Athens council fails to adopt downtown historic overlay after divided public comments",99,3183000,3282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798&start=3183&end=3282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2513133-85e2a79b2b9241ede37d8ef690a7f798/thumbnail_3183000.jpg","/articles/6296845/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-council-fails-to-adopt-downtown-historic-overlay-after-divided-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296845-b5882d30d965576f9f0804d3e5092c5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214740&Signature=IZnsEsyj5vjOvLLRuk5zprWkUzL1ocw5A7EpAAMc2H1fCWpxBAn1pFGbDHp4bbGTtiQlS9Ykyz-JJmfNIhAMqvEXkfU-6D8mK~Kre0VtAK~EXvSr6FTXop~1FKX84PSyTzTV8YNjCfh~TOwy4nFXx3YH1EdcErIp7freIMGz6IKz0qC5~16Nplja9njUsqtVpUZYJVWSAlPK2JWYoUSPv7PB4Fmd68MuJqeSHltDUpxp1ar5sR2wkAZ0GM26OvmV6OXZE~640TFQKHv9iahQ2Az75IG4Y6S-dz9NhDwvtC8~y68yfoZZ3G0KSxhzfWio7xA9YZ1aJ92S3fv05S0UeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council on second reading failed to adopt Ordinance 1136, which would have established an H2 Historic Overlay District roughly bounded by College Street, Green Street, Park Street and Hill Street.

Supporters argued the overlay would protect downtown character and unlock grant opportunities; opponents said it would impose burdensome rules on property owners. Reverend Claire Brown, rector of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, told the council she found the proposal “really exciting” and praised the research and community conversations that led to the draft ordinance.

Opponents and several council members raised concerns about property rights, the overlay boundary and whether affected business and property owners had adequate notice. One resident warned murals and building renovations now under way could face new approvals under the overlay and said the rules would “slow down progress downtown.” Vice Mayor Curtis and other council members pressed for clearer outreach and for revising the map to exclude properties whose owners objected.

The council required a supermajority to adopt the overlay on second reading; the ordinance failed to reach that threshold. Council members recorded two votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention, so the measure did not carry.

Council members who opposed the ordinance said the Historic Preservation Commission and planning commission should revisit the proposal’s boundaries and conduct further outreach to affected business and property owners. Supporters said the panels had already held public meetings and that the overlay could bring historic-preservation grants and incremental downtown investment.

With the ordinance defeated on the second reading, the council did not change the zoning map. Council members and staff indicated the issue could return after additional review and amended boundary proposals.","The Athens City Council voted against adopting an H2 Historic Overlay District for downtown in a second reading after public testimony and a split council. Supporters said the overlay would protect local heritage; opponents said it would restrict property owners and slow development.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Athens proclaims DENSO Manufacturing a veteran-ready employer

Athens council: key votes and actions from the regular meeting

Athens council votes to pursue binding arbitration in long-running dispute with Glenn Whiting

Athens council appoints Jacob Barnett to McMinn County Library Board after contentious debate

Athens council fails to adopt downtown historic overlay after divided public comments