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Votes at a glance: Athens council approves tourism plan and emergency‑management MOU; tables multiple zoning items
Summary
Council approved a tourism marketing plan and a TEMAT memorandum of understanding unanimously, and tabled several zoning ordinances related to data centers and BESS with unanimous votes and direction for legal review.
At its April 13 meeting the Athens City Council approved two resolutions by unanimous vote and tabled several zoning ordinance items. Key outcomes:
• Tourism marketing plan: A resolution authorizing the proposed Tourism Marketing Plan for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 was approved unanimously after a presentation by Darin Hamm, Tourism and Marketing Manager. Hamm said the plan focuses on increasing visitation, extending overnight stays, and diversifying the visitor base through targeted campaigns and partnerships.
• TEMAT Memorandum of Understanding: The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Aaron Smith to execute the Texas Emergency Management Assistance Teams (TEMAT) Memorandum of Understanding. Interim Fire Chief David Jones explained the MOU is required for participation and reimbursement and that the city participates in response teams such as TIFMAS; the city completes a new MOU every five years.
• Zoning items tabled: The council tabled final readings and first readings related to Data Center (Enterprise and Non‑Enterprise) definitions and supplemental regulations for Data Centers and BESS, directing the City Manager to obtain legal review and third‑party studies before returning the items for further consideration. Each of these tabling motions carried unanimously.
• Executive session: The council convened in executive session under Texas Government Code §551.087 to discuss economic‑development negotiations involving Established Investors Inc.; no action resulted from the executive session.
Votes and outcomes at a glance (members present: Aaron Smith, SyTanna Freeman, Bryan Barker, Katha Lawyer, Bill Priestley):
• Consent agenda — Approved unanimously (5–0). • Tourism marketing plan resolution — Approved unanimously (5–0). • TEMAT MOU resolution — Approved unanimously (5–0). • Data Center and BESS ordinance readings — Tabling motions passed unanimously (5–0) with direction for legal review and studies.
The council adjourned at 8:45 p.m. and will take up returned items after staff completes the requested legal and consultant reviews.
