Athens-Clarke County commission approves MOU with ADDA for expanded holiday lighting

The Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission on Oct. 21 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Athens Downtown Development Authority to provide expanded holiday lighting along downtown corridors.

The commission approved a suspension of rules to consider the single-item special-called session and then voted to adopt the MOU. Commissioner Hamby made the motion to suspend the rules, which received a second; commissioners voted in favor. Commissioner Hamby moved the MOU; Commissioner Wright seconded the motion and the commission voted to approve it without recorded opposition.

According to the agenda report discussed at the special session, the agreement divides responsibility between county Central Services and the Downtown Development Authority’s agent for additional, heightened seasonal lighting. The lighting will extend along Clayton Street and College Avenue and reach from Thomas to Hull Street and up College Avenue toward City Hall, with the ADDA and Central Services coordinating design and installation responsibilities.

Supporters described the MOU as a partnership that will help make downtown an attractive destination for the holidays. Commissioner Hamby said the arrangement builds on design work by local contractor Josh (last name not specified in the transcript) and on prior holiday work by the botanical gardens. Commissioner Wright said she appreciated the speed of the partnership and described the plan as a pilot that the community could refine in future seasons.

The commission approved the MOU as presented that evening. No ordinance, budget appropriation, or changes to local code were noted in the meeting minutes; the item was processed as an interagency agreement and administrative arrangement between Central Services and the ADDA.

Following the vote the commission recessed for an executive session on real estate acquisition and disposal.