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Athens council approves air-show authorization, appoints ZBA member and awards CDBG-DR grant administrator

City Council of the City of Athens, Texas · March 9, 2026

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Summary

The Athens City Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing a 2028 air show request for military aerial support, extending interim fire chief services, granting an easement to Oncor for North Pinkerton restoration, entering an MOU for a cemetery pavilion, and awarding Traylor and Associates grant-administration services for CDBG-DR; the council also confirmed Kelley Townsend to the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

The Athens City Council on March 9 approved several resolutions and an appointment during a regular session largely characterized by unanimous votes and limited debate.

The council authorized the Cedar Creek Foundation to host a Thunder Over East Texas air show at the Athens Municipal Airport on June 30, 2028, and authorized the City Manager to execute Form 2535 — the Request for Military Aerial Support. Kevin Lilly, director of the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation, told the council the committee is working on the 2026 airshow effort and stated that $880,000 has been raised for veterans in Henderson County. The council approved the resolution on a motion by Councilwoman Katha Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Bryan Barker.

City Manager Elizabeth Borstad asked the council to authorize additional expenditures to Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to continue the services of Interim Fire Chief David Jones beyond the previously authorized $50,000 so that Mr. Jones can remain during the search for a permanent fire chief. The council approved that expenditure.

The council also authorized the City Manager to execute a Grantor Easement Information Form with Oncor to allow reinstallation of an electrical line to provide service to properties on North Pinkerton Street; staff stated the easement will not interfere with planned wastewater treatment plant expansion improvements.

Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Athens Cemetery Association for construction of a pavilion; the Murchison Foundation has provided $5,000 toward the project, and the city plans to use those funds to match a city grant award. Staff said Public Works Director Shannon Easley has received installation quotes and the city would oversee permitting and construction.

Finally, the council awarded a contract to Traylor and Associates to provide grant administration services for the city’s application and potential implementation of Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Local Communities Program funds from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) tied to the 2024 disasters DR-4781 (Texas severe storms) and DR-4798 (Hurricane Beryl). Borstad said the city may apply for two separate $5,000,000 grants, each with a 5% local match. The council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Traylor and Associates.

As part of routine business the council confirmed the appointment of Kelley Townsend to the Zoning Board of Adjustments; City Manager Borstad noted Townsend’s involvement with local organizations including Kiwanis and Keep Athens Beautiful.

Several agenda items related to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone were postponed; two executive sessions (economic development negotiations concerning “Fisher Estates” and a personnel discussion about the City Manager) were held with no action taken after the closed meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.