[{"_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",6626715,"mediaKeyId","2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899","parentId",2746315,"title","Residents urge council to formally repudiate KKK recruitment material and challenge public-comment rules; council takes no resolution action","audioSeconds",490,"startMs",5206000,"endMs",5696000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899&start=5206&end=5696","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899/thumbnail_5206000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6626715/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Residents-urge-council-to-formally-repudiate-KKK-recruitment-material-and-challenge-public-comment-rules-council-takes-no-resolution-action","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626715-58484c2bd86a5f3b0614b33371e9314f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135563&Signature=b3qgOsl9WnFl6qtmBDaMIOVCmrBORBC08WqxTDgrUa0zpPt0L01Bcm3gGXF6I4DcHqcL2ZHP5FiUAW9yF13Xq4ZyUQYAAksQc2SHgbBn0uqA8j7mYwU9uYVy3~f4jLGTDPJknOL9NUliSLXVBZ~Jdz5a8rspHY7x-P6JWXoCcCbL1~w2e2sxQrMclEKSZQzSjP9AC5uU6~tN6vGdK-wG2Y4xIKN4XQvYHe5aPqb50t7HTxWiEKlClh0tZs8lSWA-4CaheV1vDPy3tWqXYq-yaVUj0~q9HKZYyevmho3l4Brn~80XRb5s6AGoU9m8F-WDpxl658o-jNOmcnh~8TW0yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Athens, TN","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","Several residents used the city\u00002019s public-comment period to urge the Athens City Council to issue a formal resolution repudiating the Ku Klux Klan after recruitment materials appeared in the community; others criticized the council\u000027s public-comment procedures and alleged unequal enforcement.

Steven (listed in the meeting record as a public commenter) read a clergy-authored letter submitted to a local paper that condemned KKK ideology and urged local leaders to reject the group\u00002019s \"hate group\" legacy. He requested the council draft a formal repudiation resolution; a council motion to consider a resolution did not appear on the meeting agenda and no formal resolution was introduced or voted on at the meeting.

Other speakers used their three minutes to criticize council procedures, contend they had been treated unequally in prior meetings, and demand transparency. Resident Glenn Whiting raised multiple questions about procurement and past enforcement decisions and alleged inconsistent application of public-comment rules; his remarks included accusations about council conduct and court litigation he said followed previous actions. The council heard several motions from members to investigate staff or attorney actions, to allow livestream participants to speak, or to permit negative comments about the city on livestream. Those motions were declined or failed on roll call.

Key votes recorded during the public-comment portion included:
- A motion to investigate who asked the city attorney to contact a resident about a settlement offer failed to get a second and died.
- A motion to postpone a legal-settlement agenda item passed on roll-call vote (the item was postponed to a later meeting).
- A motion to require that citizens be allowed to speak on livestream failed (no majority), and a motion to allow citizens to speak negatively about the city on livestream also failed.

Council responses: Council members and staff repeatedly referred residents to the existing public-comment rules and to prior work-session guidance. Staff and some council members explained that public-records and records-request fees are governed by state law (the Tennessee Public Records Act) and that council members are not exempt from public-records fees when requesting documents.

No formal resolution repudiating the KKK was introduced or adopted during the meeting; residents who requested it said they planned to return if no action was taken.

Speakers quoted in this article appeared during the public-comment period or during council motions about livestream and records issues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Meeting - 03/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents asked the council to adopt a formal resolution repudiating the Ku Klux Klan after recruitment materials circulated; commenters also raised complaints about public-comment rules and alleged unequal treatment. Council did not introduce a formal repudiation resolution at the meeting.","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},6626720,"Council votes 3-2 to cease active discussions about two privately considered buildings for city hall",118,2308000,2426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899&start=2308&end=2426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899/thumbnail_2308000.jpg","/articles/6626720/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Council-votes-3-2-to-cease-active-discussions-about-two-privately-considered-buildings-for-city-hall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626720-344c445e68e001699616df121d5368b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135563&Signature=Mu9-0nEnJNqXD8FuHACuzHk3mpyR2cYX1PiwbxMOMrz-T22fQLGdf2hYomuKHabYe7evFgmJ3laXtU5eyW0RUTTOotBC1QNVhyOOpW9WtqSCLpfq2RAPYJ7oHICOVnMdETVNbRZpClob8xjFifCAZxLg6eYKGjLhJmRNus3YepejVu4YXZMShoFB80HVcpmSo8gAQ25Kr75xHiO1VjDmn1~nn1~KMWjbNi3VvU6JidiKOcNUgjavVo4z7rNl6Q4mNFo7HLr86XOgImjq6YL9JDVahqF5XlIysqKUNgvudRcMUMViYB2UJHS8p5e8Yg5jhfBSR8gVm36C49HvRuf~ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council voted 3-2 to stop active discussions about two previously considered city-hall relocation options: the Robert E. Lee Hotel (sometimes referenced as Open Door Cafe in public remarks) and the BB&T building on Washington Avenue.

City staff reported that both buildings are currently being examined by private entities and that the owner of the BB&T building was awaiting a contract with a private buyer. Given that status, a council member moved to \"cease all discussions\" regarding both properties; the motion passed by a 3-2 roll call vote (three in favor, two opposed).

Council and staff remarks noted that, because private parties were pursuing the properties, the city would need to look at other options for a new city hall. The city manager said alternative options would be evaluated and brought back to the council if appropriate.

Why it matters: The city has been considering multiple options for city-hall relocation or renovation, including adding on to the current building, purchasing the Robert E. Lee Hotel, or acquiring the BB&T building. With two of the options now effectively off the table while private buyers pursue them, the council must revisit other alternatives or identify new properties.

No formal purchase or acquisition action was taken at the meeting; the council\u000027s action was procedural, ending active consideration of the two named properties.

Speakers referenced are council members and the city manager who reported the buildings\u000027 status.","After reviewing two privately proposed properties (the Robert E. Lee Hotel and the BB&T building), the council voted 3-2 to cease ongoing discussions about pursuing either building for city hall because both are under private consideration.",{"_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},6626726,"Council directs staff to explore splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park after residents urge more local play options",2571,683000,3254000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899&start=683&end=3254","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899/thumbnail_683000.jpg","/articles/6626726/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Council-directs-staff-to-explore-splash-pads-at-Cook-Park-and-Heritage-Park-after-residents-urge-more-local-play-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626726-51d659d81f6c996dc3f3a344ba26a071/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135563&Signature=GrVVd4ztmgvgDI1x1bGEyUQ5Rumc3FVBSjt7bJHi3LB9pKfIUKc76gd6B0et1I1P-nNcarsH0Q-2-4p8hXlJz4UQxUlrLaqrm5oZz7F1ZtTT2BoJ749MJkKIJ~HsonzrAFSQY7pifPnmXMnQRuEynNMjVJAjKTVlppld176XRxt1~jhvxacTs7g4c7uBWdMq34uVaGbPm4ownXoBKtd3gBOczSZX0ONlIKt9s9mxWbJHaIG7ZJg2oriIr~aD8cZ9kWabjvHGKt9xwDNqV4Q-kM9JvW7vXClAB~AcwahQlrdRxtlEwE-r~lYgCgSDPYLgJ47sxqu47Z41yDvpsbXFyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council voted to authorize staff to explore installing splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park, following public comments from residents who said neighborhood families lack nearby water-play facilities.

Councilmember Pelley moved to direct the city to explore splash pads at both parks, saying the move would provide accessible recreation for families who cannot travel to Regional Park. Several residents who spoke during the citizen comment period, including Linda Long and David Tomford, had urged the council to consider a splash pad at Cook Park; Charlie Senn also spoke in favor, citing equity concerns for residents near Cook Park who cannot easily reach Regional Park.

Opposing remarks during the council\u000027s discussion encouraged the motion-maker to route such matters through the parks and recreation advisory board, which typically develops park proposals and recommendations for council consideration. Council members acknowledged that the parks board is a key actor but said it is within the council\u000027s authority to request staff analysis and to include a project in budget requests if council desires.

City Manager Dowling said staff could explore the concept and that, if the council is serious about building a splash pad, staff could include the proposal in the upcoming budget request. He added that staff time would be required to explore costs and logistics. The manager also noted that the city is already repairing the Regional Park splash pad at a cost of about $28,000 and that the city could reuse lessons learned from that repair work.

The motion passed on roll call with three members voting in favor and two abstaining (the record shows council members Pelley, Charl[a]n and Vice Mayor Curtis voting yes, with Councilmember Dugan and Mayor Eaton recorded as abstaining), and the council directed staff to prepare cost and feasibility information.

What happens next: Staff will examine costs, feasibility (including plumbing, drainage, ADA access, maintenance, staffing and operating costs), potential funding sources and any permitting or utility work required. If the council wishes to pursue construction, Dowling said staff could make a formal budget request in the next cycle.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the splash-pad agenda item or during related public comment.","Following public comments and council discussion, the council authorized staff to explore costs, locations and feasibility for splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park, and to consider budgetary inclusion if warranted.",{"_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},6626730,"Athens council approves updated city code, stormwater changes and a multi-item consent agenda",570,1755000,2325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899&start=1755&end=2325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899/thumbnail_1755000.jpg","/articles/6626730/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-council-approves-updated-city-code-stormwater-changes-and-a-multi-item-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626730-6ebcf77aa9b5bd574fcefd5459955d36/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135563&Signature=Qws96KeL-w86uZFkB9ENXBb30PCEEmbdXLLsKDrb4L~P4e~dYnWvBZD8C5Z6jRqMVWSg~ChW11wNpI7aJarm5bUay7Ol~fzH4Pk-tAIkvtbaHsYe-05~o~4KI6lXTouPCI5FFd4f2b3iR7KRodciTr3SiiIKyC9cndYvcedFgTV7rD8n2QltIkMKjepKfalNTV5eTLFh7AJ8O22TWQaCN2JCALHtzcIvdibzz2nBuVcwfKF5dNjhcZ2dv4W-bGH6dLhcCq6-rcZ5L9n8oTQJM5USnwaluzsDXmQ-Hm0601zON~wesO9QhjJfge2WnNdFiOYCWbBWL59NcLJ0I0njEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council adopted a new city code (Ordinance No. 1137) and approved an amendment to the stormwater ordinance (Ordinance No. 1138) on second reading, and it approved a multi-item consent agenda that included capital purchases, professional services agreements and several resolutions.

At the start of the consent discussion, City Manager Dowling and staff described procurement approaches used for three notable consent items: the city will \"piggyback\" a competitive Sourcewell cooperative contract to buy a replacement leaf-vacuum machine for $146,000; the city is contracting with Kimberly Horn and Associates for a traffic-signal retiming plan ($34,600) and preliminary design work for historic downtown street improvements ($127,800). Dowling cited Tennessee Code Annotated \u0000a7 12-4-107 (as presented to council) to explain that previously selected professional firms may be continued without a separate competitive procurement when state law and local procedures allow continuation of a satisfactory professional relationship.

What passed in the consent agenda (vote recorded in roll call):
- Purchase of replacement leaf vacuum machine (Jet Vac Equipment via Sourcewell) for $146,000 and declaring existing equipment surplus.
- Service agreement with Kimberly Horn and Associates, Inc. for traffic signal retiming plan for $34,600.
- Contract/quote to Kimberly Horn and Associates for preliminary design, environmental clearances and data collection for downtown street improvements at five Green Street intersections for $127,800.
- Memorandum of Agreement with McMinn Regional Humane Society.
- Resolution 2025-05 authorizing a grant application to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
- Resolution 2025-06 authorizing application for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements and Knight Park improvements.
- Resolution 2025-07 adopting the City of Athens safety action plan and safety targets.
- Resolution 2025-08 designating April as Fair Housing Month.
- Resolution 2025-09 authorizing application to Tennessee Department of Transportation\u000027s traffic signal modernization program.
- Contribution of $650,000 from reserve funds to the pension trust fund.

The council approved the consent agenda by roll call with all members voting in favor.

Second-reading ordinances: The council opened the public hearing for Ordinance No. 1137 (adopting and enacting a new municipal code) and Ordinance No. 1138 (amending Title 14, chapter 5, the stormwater management ordinance). No public speakers addressed either ordinance at the hearing; both ordinances then passed on second reading by roll-call vote.

Council comments and public questions: Resident Glenn Whiting asked at the meeting whether the professional-services and equipment purchases had been competitively bid. City Manager Dowling explained the Sourcewell cooperative procurement mechanism and the applicable state law allowing continuation of previously selected professional services, and told the council that the city had followed applicable local ordinances and state law.

Speakers and roles referenced here spoke during the consent and ordinance items.","The council adopted a new city code and amended its stormwater ordinance and approved a consent agenda including capital purchases and grant applications after staff explained procurement methods and state professional-services rules.",{"_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},6626735,"Athens Council approves $1 million for Westside School improvements, agrees to cancel 1984 funding agreement by mutual assent",619,2477000,3096000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899&start=2477&end=3096","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746315-88325d911fb1185802bf93955d735899/thumbnail_2477000.jpg","/articles/6626735/Athens/McMinn-County/Tennessee/Athens-Council-approves-1-million-for-Westside-School-improvements-agrees-to-cancel-1984-funding-agreement-by-mutual-assent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626735-2b71eceab826358fb7081cc43ce6d732/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135563&Signature=VOFEHDh5v8dyJBi1lRgde~XP1Y3C74xg-gOTFhxJXxOOmlLsx28HicLa6aszpxJFhZZkQ3JMQP2SOn8zbQNH6ydhwLY9-HtHxBUjzQrWPkzfZLyAJsbe503bFkxb5ctSIowtsilGYIQ~Q-qRNG~aoVqeXeyxnfncaYZM0BUhnBWfX1Wl2XOCA7uebi9lVUrmVorLR966tbqwq4KUqUUBS~KVrcKZ5kG3Wn7neczB6O0hOx8tvi~ArT35jb~tkr~VlZmVoAl8saa5hQtlDdxyvdoi85WSAaDIPwTfx2ZHD7jvAKPMv591aYNcEYwVaCWhiUuwjNRqOEDoQT0P6fPDHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Athens City Council voted unanimously to provide $1,000,000 from city reserves to Athens City Schools for improvements at Westside School and to cancel the city\u00002019s 1984 funding agreement by mutual assent.

City Manager Dowling told the council the proposal combines two funding sources: $500,000 that the school system previously gave the city in June 2023 and $500,000 from the city\u00002019s capital improvement reserves set aside since 2016. Dowling said the money will be used for building repairs and updates the school board identified, including doors, ceiling tiles, glazing, a new fire panel, water fountains, HVAC replacement, a new roof and furniture.

The funding is intended to cover immediate needs at Westside School rather than ongoing debt service. Dowling said the underlying contract that governs annual debt payments remains unchanged: the school board will continue annual payments to the city (about $700,000 per year, per the meeting record) toward the joint debt for the school construction project.

Why it matters: Council members framed the payment as a one-time allocation to address urgent maintenance and to ease the district\u00002019s near-term operating burden while preserving the parties\u00002019 long-term debt arrangement. Council and school leaders also agreed that the formal cancellation of the 1984 funding agreement would be handled by mutual written assent so neither party could later revive the old terms.

Details and vote: The city manager outlined that, when the school system requested reduced annual payments, the city finance director proposed returning $500,000 of prior-school-contributed funds plus $500,000 from capital reserves as a compromise. The council then voted on the motion, with the record showing all members voting in favor.

Council discussion included confirmations that:
- The $1,000,000 comes from two identified reserve sources (a prior $500,000 transfer from the school system and a $500,000 capital reserve).
- The existing annual payment arrangement (the city receives roughly $700,000 per year from the school board toward the shared debt) will remain in place.
- The formal cancellation of the 1984 funding agreement will be by mutual written assent of both the city and the board of education.

Implementation and outstanding questions: Dowling and other staff noted that both parties were unable to locate the physical 1984 agreement in city records; the council characterized the cancellation as a formal housekeeping step to clarify current practice. The motion as approved directs staff to effect the $1,000,000 transfer and to execute the mutual cancellation document once the school board signs.

What the council did not do: The council did not amend the schedule of annual payments or change the existing debt-service allocation formula at this meeting.

Speakers quoted in this report spoke during the agenda item on the board-school funding proposal.","The Athens City Council voted to give Athens City Schools $1 million for Westside School repairs and to formally cancel a long-standing 1984 intergovernmental funding agreement by mutual assent, while preserving the school board's annual debt payment arrangement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge council to formally repudiate KKK recruitment material and challenge public-comment rules; council takes no resolution action

Council votes 3-2 to cease active discussions about two privately considered buildings for city hall

Council directs staff to explore splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park after residents urge more local play options

Athens council approves updated city code, stormwater changes and a multi-item consent agenda

Athens Council approves $1 million for Westside School improvements, agrees to cancel 1984 funding agreement by mutual assent