Athens City Council approves zoning, contracts, purchases and salary ordinance; safe‑room lease conditioned on grant funding

The Athens City Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions at its meeting, including a zoning change for a small parcel, contract awards for public works, purchases for city buildings and equipment, and an ordinance setting mayor and council salaries. The council also approved a 30‑year lease to site a community safe room on county‑leased land, but the lease is expressly conditioned on receipt of grant funding.

Votes at a glance

- Zoning ordinance: Council approved zoning approximately 0.76 acre owned by Haney LTD as EST (estate/residential and agricultural). Vote: 4 yeas, 0 nays. The property was described as about 900 feet northwest of the western terminus of Lehi Lane; the planning commission recommended approval and staff reported no objections.

- North Hill Industrial Park contract amendment (due‑diligence extension): Council authorized the mayor to extend the purchaser’s due‑diligence period in the contract until July 2025 and to amend the contract as necessary. Vote: 4 yeas, 0 nays. The action responds to a buyer’s request for additional time to complete environmental due diligence.

- Consent calendar (items A–F): Approved 4 yeas, 0 nays. Items included: travel/education expenses for fire department personnel; travel/education…