Athens City Council approves school security agreement and pedestrian safety measures

The Athens City Council convened on April 28, 2025, for a work session and regular meeting, addressing several key resolutions and agreements aimed at enhancing community safety and infrastructure.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of all council members. The council swiftly moved to approve a resolution concerning a school security agreement with the Athens City Board of Education. The resolution, which authorizes the mayor to enter into the agreement, received unanimous support with a vote of 5-0.

Next, the council discussed a significant infrastructure project involving the Alabama Department of Transportation. This resolution authorizes the mayor to enter into agreements for right-of-way maintenance along US 31. The project includes the construction of a sidewalk from Elm Street to Juniper Circle, a pedestrian bridge over Swan Creek, traffic signal improvements, and the addition of a turn lane at Elm Street and the sportsplex. This resolution also passed with a 5-0 vote.

The council then addressed the installation of rectangular rapidly flashing beacons for a pedestrian crosswalk on Market Street in front of Athens-Limestone Hospital. The project, budgeted at $12,000 from the gas tax, was also approved unanimously.

In a further discussion, the council reviewed the municipal water pollution prevention report for 2024, prepared by the Athens Water Services Department. The council authorized the submission of this report to comply with Alabama Department of Environmental Management requirements, which was again met with unanimous approval.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of a petition application, indicating that further discussions would take place in future meetings. Overall, the council's decisions reflect a commitment to improving safety and infrastructure within the Athens community.