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Athens council approves multiple resolutions on Feb. 9, including grants and procurement; SUP fails on tie
Summary
At the Feb. 9 meeting the council approved several resolutions — including a second amended AMWA agreement, a $40,000 rifle-resistant body armor grant application, an $85,000 sludge removal contract, a 380 hotel incentive for Super 8, an HVAC grant for HCGSA, and permits for the Athens Farmers Market — and recorded a 2-2 tie failing a specific-use permit for a manufactured home.
The Athens City Council on Feb. 9 took a string of routine and policy actions, approving several resolutions by unanimous votes and recording one tie vote that prevented approval of a specific-use permit.
Key items the council approved included:
- A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the Second Amended Agreement with the Athens Municipal Water Authority and authorizing the City Manager to sign closing documents (see separate coverage).
- A resolution authorizing submission of an Office of the Governor FY2027 grant application for rifle-resistant body armor, approximately $40,000, to add strike-plate protection compatible with officers' current armor systems. Chief Chad Allen presented the item; the council approved the resolution unanimously.
- Acceptance of the low bid from Denali Water Solutions, LLC for sludge removal at the water treatment plant (IFB26-6202) in the amount of $85,000. Utilities Director Randy Williams explained the routine annual project to clean lagoons 1 and 2; council approved the award unanimously.
- A 380 Agreement with RAJCHANDRA, LLC dba Super 8 by Wyndham under the Hotel Capital Investment Program for renovation projects with eligible rebate calculations under program caps. Assistant City Manager Mandie Quigg described the project costs (~$141,732) and the potential rebate (just under $71,000); the council approved the agreement unanimously.
- A grant approved to permit the Henderson County Girls Softball Association to install a new HVAC unit and electrical upgrades at the Cain Park concession/restroom facility; the total project cost was ~$11,918 with the association contributing $5,000 and the economic development corporation covering the remainder.
- A resolution granting a temporary use permit and pop-up event dates for the Athens Farmers Market on the 100 block of W. Tyler Street with required insurance, barricades, trash and restroom arrangements. Council asked staff to track overtime related to barricade setup and removal for potential fee adjustments.
On an item that drew more division, the council held a final reading on a Specific Use Permit to allow a manufactured home at 839 N. Prairieville St. After roll call the motion to approve the permit failed on a 2-2 vote: Mayor Aaron Smith and Councilmember Bryan Barker voted Nay; Councilwoman Katha Lawyer and Councilmember Bill Priestley voted Aye, resulting in a failed motion.
Consent agenda items — including minutes, election orders, interlocal election agreements, temporary road closure for Old Fiddlers Reunion, monthly revenue/expense report and the Athens Police Department racial profiling report — were approved earlier in the meeting by unanimous vote.
Several items were presented as first readings (amendments to water and sewer and solid waste ordinances) and will return for additional readings and potential votes at a later meeting.
