City Council

March 23, 2020 STATE OF ALABAMA, LIMESTONE COUNTY, CITY OF ATHENS. The City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama met in regular session at the Athens Municipal Building, 200 Hobbs Street West, Athens, Alabama, on March 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilman Frank Travis, President of the Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Harold Wales, Wayne Harper, Frank Travis and Chris Seibert. Mayor Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. Annette Barnes, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Frank Travis offered the invocation. The Chairperson stated that a quorum was present and that the meeting was open for transaction of business. The Chairperson stated that the Minutes of the March 10, 2020 City Council Meeting had been submitted for approval. Councilman Seibert moved that the reading of the Minutes be suspended and that the Minutes be approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. The Chairperson stated that the Minutes of the March 10, 2020 City Council Work Session Meeting had been submitted for approval. Councilman Seibert moved that the reading of the Minutes be suspended and that the Minutes be approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. A public hearing was held concerning proposed Tax Increment Financing District Number 2. City Attorney, Shane Black, gave a brief overview of the proposed tax increment financing (TIF) district and explained the concept of a TIF is (1) to capture the increase in property taxes from the increase in property values associated with a project and (2) to transfer that funding increase to the City, which uses those funds to assist it in financing the cost of the project. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2020 – 1674 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NUMBER 2 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama is committed to the revitalization of economically distressed and blighted areas within the city limits, and recognizes the importance of eliminating such conditions in order to foster economic development; WHEREAS, eliminating such conditions and fostering economic development also promotes public health and the well-being of the City’s citizens; WHEREAS, economically distressed and/or blighted areas at, near and adjacent to the Highway 31 North corridor are in need of rehabilitation; WHEREAS, although the Highway 31 North corridor has recently seen the construction of public buildings such as the new Athens High School and the City’s new recreational complex (as well as private construction of the new Athens Bible School), the Highway 31 North area has never experienced the type of economic development reasonably expected for its proximity to an Interstate 65 interchange, and there are presently vacant commercial properties and undeveloped, open areas that would benefit from new public improvements;  WHEREAS, the absence of such public improvements (including sidewalk, lighting, and intersection improvements) substantially arrests or impairs the sound economic growth of this area; WHEREAS, § 11-99-1, et seq. of the Code of Alabama allows cities to create tax increment financing districts to aid cities with the city’s costs of certain redevelopment and rehabilitation projects; WHEREAS, generally speaking, these tax increment financing districts capture the increase in property taxes from the increase in property values associated with the city’s project and transfer that funding increase to the benefit of the city, which uses those funds to assist it in financing the cost of the project; WHEREAS, the City Council previously directed that the Mayor issue the legal notices and take other action required by law in order to enable the City Council to consider the establishment of a tax increment financing district along the Highway 31 North corridor; WHEREAS, the Mayor has issued such notices and conducted a meeting on March 19, 2020 with representatives of the deferred tax recipients in connection with the proposed tax increment financing district, whose governing bodies have been provided by mail with copies of the proposed project plan referenced herein; WHEREAS, at this meeting, the City Council’s March 23, 2020 regular meeting, the City Council has held a public hearing at which all interested persons were afforded a reasonable opportunity to express their views, and notice of such public hearing had been previously published twice in the Athens News Courier pursuant to law; and WHEREAS, pursuant to and under the authority of § 11-99-1, et seq. of the Code of Alabama, in order to assist the City with financing the cost of the expenditures associated with sidewalk improvements, sewer improvements, lighting improvements, and roadway intersection improvements in and along the new tax increment district, as well as other related expenses that the City may incur in connection with public infrastructure and redevelopment in the area, the City Council wishes to create a tax increment financing district that will include the tax parcels that make up the tax increment district as shown in the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 Plan. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS at its regular meeting on March 23, 2020, as follows: 1. The district that is referred to in the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 Plan set forth in Exhibit A shall be known as the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2. 2. The Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 encompasses the area according to the map and boundary description set forth in Exhibit A hereto, which description is incorporated into this Resolution by reference.  3. The Athens City Council hereby certifies that: a. Not less than 50 percent, by area, of the real property within Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 is a blighted or economically distressed area and is in need of rehabilitation or conservation work; b. The aggregate value of equalized taxable property in Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 plus all existing districts created by the public entity does not exceed 10 percent of the total value of equalized taxable property within the public entity; c. The Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 on the whole has not been subject to growth and development through investment by private enterprise and it is not reasonable to anticipate that the land in the district will be developed without the adoption of the project plan; d. No individuals, families, and/or businesses will be displaced by the project; e. The project plan conforms to the City of Athens’s master plan; and f. The project plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the City, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 by private enterprise. 4. Pursuant to § 11-99-3 of the Code of Alabama, the Athens City Council hereby adopts the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 Plan set forth in Exhibit A hereto, and incorporates the contents of the same in this Resolution by reference. 5. Pursuant to § 11-99-3 of the Code of Alabama, the said Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 is hereby created and established on April 1, 2020, the first day of the month immediately following the adoption of this resolution and it will endure for a period of twenty (20) years, unless it is dissolved sooner by this Council or by its successor. ADOPTED this the 23rd day of March, 2020. /s/ Frank Travis PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA  EXHIBIT A Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 Project Plan INTRODUCTION There is an area of commercial disinvestment and vacant properties located along the US Highway 31 North corridor that acts as the northeastern gateway to Athens, Alabama. It is located adjacent to the site of the new Athens High School, the new Athens Bible School, the Athens Sportsplex, and various residential neighborhoods and developments. The area of concern also contains numerous commercial or public properties that are vacant (such as the former Kmart site and the former Athens Bible School), in a state of decline, or are not attractive for development due to a lack of access to public improvements. The lack of development and economic growth of the commercial and agricultural properties along this corridor has been stunted by the lack of sustainable public investment in existing built- out properties and vacant parcels alike. In order to promote private development and economic growth along this corridor, this Plan is proposed by the City of Athens to implement strategic projects along this stretch of highway and adjacent streets, such as enhancing the existing dilapidated infrastructure (through drainage, lighting, streets, sidewalks, and other improvements) to make this area more desirable for investment and development. These public improvements, when placed along this corridor, will promote private investments in local development and redevelopment and spur economic growth in an area that is in a state of physical decline and economic stagnation, while enhancing the real or perceived experience of private citizens that utilize this area on a regular basis. The promotion of redevelopment and development of these sites, from the vacant Athens Bible School Campus to the I-65 Interchange, and the implementation and upgrade of existing and new city services and public infrastructure, will stimulate the removal and remediation of blighted property and directly contribute to the economic development of the entire area. The financing of the cost for this Plan will be partially met by the implementation of Tax Increment Financing. Tax Increment Financing is a method of funding public investments in a specific area slated for redevelopment by recapturing all or a portion of the increased tax revenue that may result if the redevelopment stimulates private investment. As the private investments continue to increase the tax base within the specified area, the increased revenue is placed in a fund to be used for special projects within the redevelopment area. Pursuant to § 11-99-4 of the Code of Alabama, the Athens City Council will take up a resolution relating to the establishment of the Tax Increment Financing District Number 2 (referred to as “TIFD2” in this and accompanying documents). The tax increment to be captured by this resolution will be used to implement portions of these plans. Included in this document is a description of the planned improvements along with details concerning their location, costs, and method of financing. The timing of the costs and monetary obligation to be incurred are dependent on factors related to actual development of the projects contained herein and the possibility of a bond or warrant financing. A map delineating the boundaries of the TIFD2 and depicting existing improvements on and conditions of the real property within the TIFD2 is included in this Plan. There are currently no proposed changes to ordinances or resolutions affecting the TIFD2, and no families or businesses will be displaced or relocated as a result of the Plan. The Plan will not require any changes in zoning or to the master map plan, or building code. The City Council, through the adoption of the resolution creating the TIFD2, would certify the following: a. That the proposed tax increment district on the whole has not been subject to growth and development through investment by private enterprise and it is not reasonable to anticipate that the land in the district will be developed without the adoption of the project plan. b. No individuals, families, or business will be displaced by the project and thus no method for relocation and compensation of displaced persons has been established. c. That the Plan developed herein conforms to the master plan of the City. d. That the Plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the City as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the tax increment district by private enterprise. Upon approval of the TIFD2 by the City Council, the Mayor and City Clerk would be authorized and directed to open an account and to pay debts incurred by the TIFD2. In addition, the City would have the authority to issue and sell bonds or warrants as needed to finance the projects outlined in the project plan as well as any amended thereto. The costs of issuing the bonds or warrants and engaging professional services to do so could also be paid by the tax increment. Powers not specifically given to the City or its agents would be granted for the implementation of the TIF plan provided they are allowed by law. The installation of infrastructure and other improvements as contemplated by this Plan are expected to have the general impact of significantly increasing property values within the TIFD2, which will result in an increase in property tax revenues. The current total market value of the property in the District, according to the Limestone County Revenue Commissioner, is approximately $33,020,610.00.1 If the Plan is carried out, that value is reasonably estimated to increase, over and above any normal change in value, as the project improvements are constructed, resulting in a commensurate increase in taxes. BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION The TIFD2 boundaries stretch along Highway 31 North, from Forrest Street at the South, to the I-65 interchange at the North. A depiction of the TIFD2 is shown in the Maps section of this Plan. The following tax parcels will be included in the TIFD2: Tax Parcel Numbers 1. 07 08 34 2 000 003.000 1 This number is based on the Limestone County Tax Assessor’s total combined assessed value of the properties in the District. Note that this valuation does not include Tax Parcel Number 07 08 34 3 000 001.008, which has a reported assessed value of $00.00, but that this has a minimal impact on the total. 2. 07 08 34 3 000 001.000 3. 07 08 34 3 000 001.005 4. 07 08 34 3 000 001.009 5. 07 08 34 3 000 001.007 6. 07 08 34 3 000 001.008 7. 07 08 34 3 000 001.019 8. 07 08 34 3 000 001.022 9. 07 08 34 3 000 001.021 10. 07 08 34 3 000 001.012 11. 07 08 34 3 000 001.020 12. 07 08 34 3 000 001.011 13. 10 02 03 2 000 003.001 14. 10 02 03 2 000 003.000 15. 10 02 03 2 000 002.002 16. 10 02 03 2 000 002.003 17. 10 02 03 2 000 002.000 18. 10 02 04 4 000 002.002 19. 10 02 04 4 000 002.001 20. 10 02 04 4 000 033.002 21. 10 02 04 4 000 033.007 22. 10 02 04 4 000 033.003 23. 10 02 04 4 000 033.006 24. 10 02 04 4 000 033.001 25. 10 02 09 1 001 006.000 26. 10 02 09 1 001 004.000 27. 10 02 09 1 001 003.000 28. 10 02 09 1 001 011.001 29. 10 02 09 1 001 011.002 30. 10 02 09 1 001 011.000 31. 10 02 09 1 001 012.000 32. 10 02 09 1 001 011.003 33. 10 02 09 1 002 059.000 34. 10 02 09 1 002 060.000 35. 10 02 09 1 002 062.000 36. 10 02 09 1 002 063.000 37. 10 02 09 1 002 064.000 38. 10 02 09 1 001 026.000 39. 10 02 09 1 001 026.001 40. 10 02 09 1 001 018.000 41. 10 02 09 1 001 017.000 42. 10 02 09 1 001 016.001 43. 10 02 09 1 001 016.000 44. 10 02 09 1 001 015.000 45. 10 02 09 1 001 014.000 46. 10 02 09 1 001 013.000 47. 10 02 04 4 000 021.000 48. 10 02 04 4 000 019.000 49. 10 02 04 4 000 018.000 50. 10 02 04 4 000 001.000 51. 10 02 03 3 000 004.000 52. 10 02 03 3 000 004.001 53. 10 02 03 3 000 002.000 54. 10 02 03 3 000 007.010 55. 10 02 03 2 000 002.001 56. 07 08 34 3 000 001.017 57. 07 08 34 3 000 001.018 58. 07 08 34 3 000 001.016 59. 07 08 34 3 000 001.014 60. 07 08 34 3 000 001.023 61. 07 08 34 3 000 001.024  62. 07 08 34 3 000 001.015 63. 07 08 34 3 000 001.004 64. 07 08 34 3 000 001.001 65. 07 08 34 3 000 001.003 PROJECT PLAN Kind, Number, and Location of Proposed Works While the City’s intention is not to make improvements on private property, the Plan envisions strategically placed public improvements serving as a catalyst for private economic development on undeveloped land and existing neighborhoods around the periphery of the outlined district. This has potential to involve building streets, sidewalks, signal/intersection improvements, parking areas, lighting improvements, utility improvements (electrical, water, gas, and sewer) drainage improvements, and landscape improvements. A discussion of the proposed works and their costs are shown below. (There are no expected nonproject costs.) Sidewalk Improvements The City realizes that the area around I-65 Exit 354 has been slow to develop while other commercial areas within the city of similar circumstance have received a significant amount of growth. The difference between the locations and success of development is access to public improvements and infrastructure. The City expects to invest in sidewalks along both sides of US Highway 31 and along one side of the adjacent Elm Street to promote walkability and increase the quality of life of residents that live along or adjacent to US Highway 31 by providing walkable connections between residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities. The estimated cost of this improvement is $907,000.00. Sewer Improvements Between Hobbs Street and US Highway 31 North, the City understands that a portion of the existing sewer is outdated. A sewer rehabilitation project is planned that would affect the existing sewer running behind the existing Hometown Shopping Center. The rehabilitation project would ensure that any future commercial development located on the corner of US Highway 31 North and Hobbs Street would not be limited by sewer capacity or have any environmental concerns on site stemming from the sewer system. The estimated cost of this improvement is $1,300,000.00. US Highway 31 Lighting Improvements Currently, the lighting along the northern portion of the US Highway 31 corridor is sporadic. The Plan seeks to bring a cohesive lighting design throughout the TIF District, specifically the Highway 31 North Corridor. The current state of economic and physical decline accompanied by the lack of visible public infrastructure from the north to the south portion of the district lends itself to a perception of danger, which encourages economic disinvestment. Having a sporadic, non-cohesive lighting plays into that public perception of this district. Investing funds to address this issue will serve as a catalyst for the removal of the perceived stigma within this area and invite development and redevelopment within the outlined district. The estimated cost of this improvement is $289,575.00. US Highway 31 & Elm Street Intersection Improvements The City expects an increase of traffic along the stretch of road between the I-65 Exit 354 and the US Highway 31 intersection with Elm Street. This is due to an increase in housing options in northern areas of Athens that would potentially utilize the northern interchange, the re-location of a new multi-million dollar Sportsplex facility to this intersection, and the availability of property along this corridor that is correctly zoned for commercial development and/or redevelopment. The improvements to this intersection would allow for the more efficient management of traffic converging at this point and would promote development on properties that currently have limited access opportunities to HWY 31. The estimated cost of this improvement is $718,000.00. Addition of Signalized Intersection on US Highway 31 at Athens Middle School With the redevelopment of the Kmart shopping center, a traffic study has shown that a signalized intersection will be warranted in front of Athens Middle School and the Kmart Shopping Center on US Highway 31 North. This intersection will help traffic more safely and efficiently flow from US Highway 31 into the redeveloped shopping center, especially at peak travel times. The estimated costs of this improvement is $900,000.00. Addition of Roundabout Intersection on Pryor Street The redevelopment of the Kmart shopping center, as presently conceived, is also dependent on the site’s direct accessibility to Pryor Street. The Public Works Department believes that a roundabout intersection will achieve this goal without having a negative impact on existing traffic flow. Moreover, this new intersection will help traffic more safely and efficiently flow from Pryor Street into the redeveloped shopping center, especially at peak travel times. The estimated cost of this improvement is $732,000.00. Method of Financing Tax Increment Financing The costs of the proposed improvements will be met (as least in part) from income generated within the TIFD2 Fund and from Tax Increment Obligations to be issued by the City. Additional revenue may be provided for the TIFD2 Fund from other public and private sources to include, but not limited to, the general fund of the City of Athens, Community Development Block Grant Funds, private foundation funds, and State appropriations. The funds generated from the various sources may be used on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, may be used to reimburse monies that the City will expend on these projects (if the funds are not yet available for the “pay-as-you-go” basis), or, if market conditions permit, bonds may be issued to be paid from the anticipated income of the TIFD2 Fund.2 The costs and monetary obligations discussed above will be incurred commencing in early 2020 and extending throughout 2020 and beyond, until the completion of the projects. 2 The new roundabout intersection with Pryor Street, described above, is expected to be funded through the contributions of a private party, and then reimbursed to that private party through later payments, as set forth in a project agreement approved on February 10, 2020 by the Athens City Council in connection with § 94.01 of the Constitution of Alabama. The income generated within the TIFD2 Fund will be used to reimburse the City for the resulting cost of the roundabout intersection. Maps TIFD2 BOUNDARY The TIFD2 will consist of the real property as shown in the map below (and the City’s initial TIF district is shown by comparison): Proposed Improvements This map shows a general location of the projects proposed within the TIFD2. This conceptual drawing shows the improvements to Elm Street at and near its intersection with Highway 31. This conceptual drawing shows the improvements to Kmart Property at and near its intersection with Pryor Street. This conceptual drawing shows the new intersection along Highway 31, between the Kmart Property and Athens Middle School. (The private property improvements shown on the map below are not a part of this plan.)  CONCLUSION This plan is written and adopted to conform with § 11-99-1, et. seq. of the Code of Alabama. Any portion in conflict with this or any other statute shall not affect the part which remains valid but shall be considered severable. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of one (1) 54” Z Trak zero turn mower, one (1) 60” Z Trak zero turn mower, and one (1) 72” Z Trak zero turn mower from TriGreen Equipment in the amount not to exceed $25,000, to be funded from the existing CPR capital account. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to designate Friday, April 10, 2020 as an additional holiday for calendar year 2020. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION 2020 – 1675 A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE NEW ATHENS RECREATION CENTER AS THE DISTRICT ONE POLLING LOCATION WHEREAS, the Athens Recreation Center, located at 270 Highway 31 North, Athens, has served as the regularly established voting place in the City at which the electors of District One have cast their ballots in general and municipal elections; WHEREAS, a new Athens Recreation Center, located at 21821 Sportsplex Loop, Athens is being constructed and will be open to the public in late Spring of 2020; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to establish the new Athens Recreation Center, located at 21821 Sportsplex Loop, Athens, as the polling location at which the electors of District One will cast their ballots in future general and municipal elections. I, the undersigned and qualified and acting City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution passed and adopted by the City. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 23rd day of March 2020. /s/ Frank Travis PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA /s/ William R. Marks MAYOR, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to set a Public Hearing for the regular meeting of April 13, 2020 to review the request of Billy Strain for approval to rezone a total of +/-63.00 acres of property from an EST, Estate Agricultural and Residential District to +/- 56.00 acres for R-1-3, Single Family High Density Residential District and +/- 7.00 acres B-2 General Business District, located at 404 Strain Road, Southeast of the intersection of US HWY 31 and South of Strain Road. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to accept a $19,600 grant from the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area for digitized cemetery software that will preserve historic and current cemetery records, include a mapping system of graves and infrastructure, and combine burial records with photographs of headstones. The Cemetery Department’s match is $19,600 for a total project cost of $39,200. Councilmember Seibert moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Harper thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales made for “Introduction Only” the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2020 - ________ A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE CITY OF ATHENS UTILITIES WATER/SEWER LINE EXTENSION POLICY _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, § 50-64 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Athens, Alabama Athens provides that the Manager of Athens Water Services has the “authority to prescribe regulations governing the connection and use of water and sewer furnished by the city”; WHEREAS, on March 26, 2007, the Manager of Water Services issued the City of Athens Utilities Water/Sewer Line Extension Policy, and the Athens City Council adopted a resolution expressing its approval of that policy; WHEREAS, the Manager of Athens Water Services has revised that policy to more clearly express Athens Water Services’ longstanding interpretation and consistent application of it, and requests that the City Council indicate its approval the revised policy; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to acknowledge its approval of the revised City of Athens Utilities Water/Sewer Line Extension Policy. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on February 24, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., that the City Council approves and adopts Athens Water Services’ City of Athens Utilities Water/Sewer Line Extension Policy, as follows:  CITY OF ATHENS UTILITIES WATER/SEWER LINE EXTENSION POLICY To support the development of property that has been approved for platting by the City’s Planning Commission, where the proposed construction is in compliance with the City’s zoning ordinance and permitted by applicable law, the City of Athens Utilities will bring public sewerage and potable water service to within 500’ and 1,500’, respectively, of the property being developed. Where a property is being developed in phases, the extension of public water and sewer lines shall be to the closest property boundary and not necessarily the area selected for initial development. Where existing, continuous water lines are of insufficient size and /or flow capacity to meet applicable City Fire Code, the developer shall be required to install up to 1,500’ of offsite water line improvements, replacements or looping mains as necessary to ensure that fire flows within the development fully conform to the City of Athens Fire Code. The routing for offsite water and sewer lines shall be based upon the needs and purposes of the public systems as defined by the Department Manager. The developer shall be responsible for the cost of 500’ of 8” diameter offsite sewer line construction and 1,500’ of 8” diameter offsite water line construction, in addition to all required onsite water and sewer construction. The exact location for the developer’s offsite water and sewer line construction responsibility shall be determined by the Department Manager. The City of Athens Utilities Water and/or Wastewater Departments will pay all upgrade costs for construction of pipes larger than 8” diameter, if such is dictated by the Department and not required by City Fire Code or the expected sewage discharge from the development. The Water Department will also pay for fire hydrants, valves, tees and other appurtenances on the offsite water line that are required by the Department to facilitate the development of other lands. The water and sewer lines referenced herein shall be public lines that are owned by, and/or dedicated to, the City. This policy does not require any extension of public sewerage and/or water lines where the Department concludes, in its sole discretion, that a property’s boundary lines, divisions of property, sales of property, or other circumstances have been modified or contrived so as to result in an application of this policy that would require the Department to extend lines further than would otherwise be required hereunder. Moreover, the timing and scheduling of the extension of lines as stated herein lies within the Department’s sole control, and whether to proceed with any extension of lines is subject to the Department’s prioritization of projects, available funding, available manpower, service goals, and other similar matters within the discretion of the Department. As in the case of all Department rules and regulations, this policy is subject to the interpretation of the Department, is within the Department’s control, and may be amended or revoked at any time. ADOPTED this the 24th day of February, 2020. __________________________________________ FRANK B. TRAVIS, CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK STATE OF ALABAMA ) LIMESTONE COUNTY ) I, Annette Barnes, City Clerk of the City of Athens, Alabama, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, on the ____ day of ______________, 2020. Witness my hand and seal of office this ___ day of __________________, 2020. ____________________________________ City Clerk Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the attached organizational chart for the Gas Department, which includes which includes the following 28 regular status positions and 2 part time positions:  1. Manager, Gas Department 2. Operations Supervisor 3. Construction Supervisor (3) 4. Construction & Drilling Supervisor 5. Drilling Installer/Operator (2) 6. Regulatory Compliance Coordinator 7. GIS Administrator 8. GIS Technician 9. Gas Pipeline Inspector 10. Service Installers (8) 11. Equipment Operators (3) 12. Measurement Technicians (4) 13. Locator Technicians (2) 14. PT Facilities Maintenance (2) The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the following job descriptions for the Gas Department:  Construction & Drilling Supervisor, Grade 11, Job description dated 02/26/2020  Drilling Installer/Operator I, II, Grade 7, 8, Job description dated 02/26/2020 The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following ordinance: STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2020 - 2110 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that Ordinance Number 888, establishing a classification list for classified employees is hereby amended as follows, effective: 03/23/2020. Add the following job title to the list of classified positions for the Gas Department: (1) Construction & Drilling Supervisor, Grade 11 (2) Drilling Installer/Operator I, II, Grade 7, 8 ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 23rd day of March, 2020. /s/ Frank Travis PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA /s/ William R. Marks MAYOR, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Seibert moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Wales thereupon moved that the ordinance be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: Resolution to Allocate a Portion of the FY 2019 Capital Appropriation WHEREAS, on January 13, 2020, the City Council approved a FY 2019 budget amendment to appropriate $1,650,000,000 for capital expenditures, of which $950,000 was allocated to the Public Works Department, leaving an unallocated balance of $700,000; and WHEREAS, on January 27, 2020, the City Council allocated $53,515.80 of the $700,000 balance to the Public Works Department to fund Aerial Photography Services for the GIS Consortium, leaving an unallocated balance of $646,484.20; WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the City Council allocated $320,000 of the $646,484.20 balance to the Information Technology and Cemetery, Parks and Recreation Departments, leaving an unallocated balance of $326,484.20; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allocate a portion of the remaining FY 2019 capital appropriation as follows: Athens Police Department $ 200,000 The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Premier Structures to extend sidewalks along Pryor St to US-31, and Hobbs St-US-31 intersection to Juniper Circle along US-31. The estimated cost of TAPAA-TA17(911) project has a construction budget of $493,905.25. This project shall be funded from the City of Athens TAP Project Fund. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Seibert thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the construction, engineering and inspection services for TAPAA- TA17(911). The project scope is to extend sidewalks along Pryor St to US-31, and Hobbs St-US-31 intersection to Juniper Circle along US-31. The CE&I budget is $74,085.79 and shall be funded from the City of Athens TAP project fund. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Seibert thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Street Department to widen Indian Trace at the intersection of Lindsay Lane for a distance of approximately 300 feet east. The project budget is approximately $80,000 with a portion of the total cost not to exceed $40,000 to Grayson Carter and Sons. This project shall be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Project Fund. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Wales thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, hereby accepts Reed Contracting’s bid received for “ALDOT Project No. IAR-042-000-011 Widen Sanderfer Rd from Hine St to West of Jefferson St” and is hereby authorized to enter into a construction contract with Reed Contracting in the amount of $731,818.65 to complete the construction of the above-mentioned project. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Seibert thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the project construction, engineering and inspection for “ALDOT Project No. IAR-042-000-011 Widen Sanderfer Rd from Hine St to West of Jefferson St” for the amount of $109,772.80. The total construction contract and CE&I services are to be funded by the Industrial Access Grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Seibert thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION Whereas Land LD Athens Lindsay Ln, LLC (successor in interest to Athens Land Company), has proposed an amendment to the Amended Master Development Plan previously approved by the Athens City Council for Athens Land Development Company on December 18, 2018; Whereas the Athens Planning Commission considered this proposed amendment at it meeting on March 17, 2020 and recommended that the City Council deny the applicant’s request to re-phase the master development plan, and approve the remaining portions of the applicant’s request; Whereas the Athens City Council having considered the request and Planning Commission’s recommendation has decided to act as shown below; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that the Amended Master Development Plan submitted by Land LD Athens Lindsay Ln, LLC (successor in interest to Athens Land Company), attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby denied with respect to the applicant’s request to re-phase the master development plan, and Phase 1 shall remain the portion of the plan along Kelli Drive. The request is hereby approved with respect to the reorientation of the clubhouses and the addition of garages and carports (and no other changes are approved). This action is taken pursuant to § 2.5.2 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama. This plan relates to a site located on +/- 23.50 acres of property on the west side of Lindsay Lane South immediately north of Whitfield Colony Subdivision. The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2020 - 2111 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, TO PROVIDE FOR AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the Director of the World Health Organization described the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic; WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States issued a “Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak;” WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of Alabama issued a proclamation of a state of public health emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak (“the Alabama State of Emergency”); WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Public Health has recommended the implementation of a number of steps to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, including limitation of visitation within public buildings; WHEREAS, pursuant to § 11-47-130 of the Code of Alabama, “[a]ll cities and towns in this state shall have the power to maintain the health and cleanliness of the city or town within its limits and within the police jurisdiction thereof;” WHEREAS, pursuant to § 11-45-1 of the Code of Alabama, “[m]unicipal corporations may from time to time adopt ordinances and resolutions not inconsistent with the laws of the state to carry into effect or discharge the powers and duties conferred by the applicable provisions of this title and any other applicable provisions of law and to provide for the safety, preserve the health, promote the prosperity, and improve the morals, order, comfort, and convenience of the inhabitants of the municipality, and may enforce obedience” to the same; WHEREAS, pursuant to § 11-47-131 of the Code of Alabama, Alabama municipalities are given broad powers related to the promotion of health, including “to prevent the introduction of contagious, infectious, or pestilential diseases into such cities or towns,” and “to insure good sanitary condition in public places or in private premises in the cities and towns;” WHEREAS, pursuant to § 11-43-81 of the Code of Alabama (1975), the Mayor has “general supervision and control over all other officers and affairs of the city or town, except as otherwise provided [by law];” WHEREAS, during the week of March 16, 2020, the Mayor issued proclamations concerning the COVID-19 response plan for the City of Athens, the latest copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A hereof (“the Proclamation”); and WHEREAS, the Athens City Council desires to adopt this Ordinance to confirm and ratify the actions taken by the Mayor, and to further exercise such emergency powers as are set forth under Alabama law, including but not limited to those set forth in the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955, including § 31-9-10 of the Code of Alabama. THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA while in regular session on March 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., as follows: Section 1. The terms of the Proclamation are hereby ratified and adopted by the City Council. The Mayor is hereby authorized to amend and/or supplement the Proclamation, as applicable, to the extent required by evolving circumstances through the Alabama State of Emergency, and such authorization includes, but is not limited to, (a) restrictions on entry onto city properties, (b) restrictions at public meetings, and (c) restrictions on the provision of city services. Section 2. The City Council finds that the COVID-19 outbreak that is the subject of the Alabama State of Emergency is an emergency of unprecedented size and destructiveness resulting from natural causes and that, in order, to insure the preparations of the state, and specifically the City, will be adequate to deal with such an emergency, and generally to protect the public peace, health, safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the state, and specifically the City, the measures set forth in this Ordinance are deemed to be necessary. Section 3. Related to and for the duration of the Alabama State of Emergency, the Mayor is hereby authorized pursuant to § 31-9-10(b) of the Code of Alabama: A. To appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute equipment, materials, and supplies for emergency management purposes; to provide for the health and safety of persons and property, including emergency assistance to the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak; and to direct and coordinate the development of emergency management plans and programs in accordance with the policies and plans set by the federal and state emergency management agencies; B. To appoint, employ, remove, or provide, with or without compensation, auxiliary fire and police personnel, and other emergency management workers; provided, that compensated employees shall be subject to any existing civil service laws; C. To establish a primary and one or more secondary control centers to serve as command posts; D. To assign and make available for duty the employees, property, or equipment of the City relating to firefighting, engineering, rescue, health, medical and related service, police, transportation, construction, and similar items or services for emergency management purposes, within or outside of the physical limits of the City; and E. To close any and all public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the City where emergency conditions warrant, and in the event that any documents required to be filed by a time certain deadline cannot be filed in a timely manner due to the closing of an office under this authorization, the deadline for filing shall be extended to the date that the office is reopened as provided in § 1-1-4 of the Code of Alabama. Section 4. Pursuant to § 31-9-10(b)(5) of the Code of Alabama, related to and for the duration of the Alabama State of Emergency, the City Council hereby waives procedure and formalities otherwise required by law pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the utilization of volunteer workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase and distribution with or without compensation of supplies, materials, and facilities, and the appropriation and expenditure of public funds. Section 5. Pursuant to Section 31-9-10(b)(5) of the Code of Alabama, related to and for the duration of the Alabama State of Emergency, the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to impose a public safety curfew for the City’s inhabitants. If a public safety curfew is imposed as authorized herein, it shall be enforced by the appropriate Athens Police Department. A public safety curfew imposed under this Section shall not apply to employees of utilities, cable, and telecommunications companies and their contractors engaged in activities necessary to maintain or restore utility, cable, and telecommunications services or to official emergency management personnel engaged in emergency management activities. Section 6. In connection with the COVID-19 outbreak that is the subject of the Alabama State of Emergency, the Mayor is hereby authorized to apply for grants, as funds are appropriated for such specific purpose, for the recovery of personnel and administrative costs by the City for emergency management and emergency preparedness. Section 7. Pursuant to § 31-9-18 and § 31-9-24 of the Code of Alabama, whenever the federal government or any agency or officer thereof, the State of Alabama or any agency or officer thereof, or any person, firm, or corporation shall offer to the City services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan for purposes of emergency management, the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to accept such offer, and upon such acceptance the City Council authorizes the Mayor to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the City. Section 8. The Mayor may issue rules and regulations, and (related to and for the duration of the Alabama State of Emergency) the Mayor may alter and amend the City of Athens – Personnel Policies and Procedures, in order to address and/or react to The Families First Coronavirus Response Act that was adopted by the United States Congress on March 18, 2020, any amendments thereto, and/or its related federal regulations and guidelines. Such alterations and amendments to the City of Athens – Personnel Policies and Procedures are subject to further revision by the City Council. Section 9. Section 2-33 of the City of Athens Code of Ordinances is hereby adopted and shall read as follows: Sec. 2-33. Mayoral Rules During States of Emergency. The Mayor is authorized and empowered, during periods when a state of emergency is declared by the Governor of the State of Alabama for an area that includes the City of Athens, to make, amend, and rescind rules, orders, and regulations as are necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population. All such rules, orders, and regulations shall have the full force and effect of law when a copy thereof is filed with the City Clerk. All existing municipal ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the Mayor’s rules, order, and regulations shall be suspended during the period of time and to the extent that such inconsistency exists. The City Clerk shall cause to be posted at City Hall a copy of each order, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this Ordinance. Section 10. As a condition to the granting of these emergency powers to the Mayor, the Mayor shall provide a report to the City Council concerning the Mayor’s utilization of such emergency powers. Section 11. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its publication. Section 12. If any provision of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person, thing or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or application of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end, the provisions of this code and such amendments and statutes are declared to be severable. ADOPTED this the 23rd day of March, 2020. /s/ Frank Travis PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA /s/ William R. Marks MAYOR, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA  EXHIBIT A Office of the Mayor WILLIAM R. MARKS P.O. Box 1089 Mayor Athens, AL 35612 Phone (256) 262-1399 PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR REGARDING THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11-47-130 of the Code of Alabama (1975), “[a]ll cities and towns in this state shall have the power to maintain the health and cleanliness of the city or town within its limits and within the police jurisdiction thereof;” WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11-43-81 of the Code of Alabama (1975), the Mayor has “general supervision and control over all other officers and affairs of the city or town, except as otherwise provided [by law];” WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the Director of the World Health Organization described the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic; WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States issued a “Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak;” WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of Alabama issued a proclamation of a state of public health emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak; WHEREAS, the goal of this response plan is to institute a protocol to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Athens, Alabama, particularly through the use of its public facilities; WHEREAS, this plan is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CDC has announced that containment of the virus is no longer possible and that community spread is occurring; and WHEREAS, this plan may be updated as new information is disseminated. NOW, THEREFORE, I, William R. Marks, Mayor of the City of Athens, Alabama (“City”), proclaim and direct the following: This Proclamation supersedes and supplements all prior mayoral proclamations concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective March 13, 2020, the Athens Recreation Center, Athens Senior Center, and all City of Athens ball fields are closed to the public, pending further notice. All Athens Recreation Center and Athens Senior Center programs are cancelled, pending further notice. Effective March 16, 2020, the following persons shall not enter or remain upon any City of Athens-owned facility or property, including Athens City Hall, Athens Utilities, Athens Public Works, Athens Police Department, Athens Fire Department, Athens-Limestone Public Library, Houston Memorial Library, Athens Recreation Center, Athens Cemetery Department, Athens Senior Center, and the City’s public parks:  Persons who have been, within the last fourteen (14) days, in any area identified by the CDC as subject to a Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice or as a place of “Widespread sustained spread and restrictions on travel to the United States,” see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices (This list may be updated from time to time);  Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has been in one of the areas listed above within the last fourteen (14) days;  Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency;  Persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; and  Persons who have a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, have trouble breathing, or are obviously unwell, and have not been free of those conditions for forty-eight (48) hours. Anyone attempting entry in violation of these protocols will be denied entry. Effective March 16, 2020, the following persons shall not physically attend any meeting of the Athens City Council, Athens Planning Commission, Athens Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Athens Library Board, the Houston Memorial Public Library Board, or the Athens Historic Preservation Commission:  Persons who have been, within the last fourteen (14) days, in any area identified by the CDC as subject to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice or as a place of “Widespread sustained spread and restrictions on travel to the United States,” see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html (This list may be updated from time to time);  Persons who reside or have had close contact with someone who has been in one of the areas listed above within the last fourteen (14) days;  Persons who have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency;  Persons who have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or the flu; and  Persons who have a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, have trouble breathing, or are obviously unwell, and have not been free of those conditions for forty-eight (48) hours. Anyone attempting entry in violation of these protocols will be denied entry. The CDC and Alabama State Health Officer has explained that gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Accordingly, the City of Athens will make arrangements to broadcast the meetings of the Athens City Council, Athens Planning Commission, and Athens Zoning Board of Adjustment via a virtual internet platform, and recommends that citizens view those meetings via that virtual platform rather than attending in-person. Additional information will be made available to the public on the City of Athens’s website at www.athensal.us. Due to protocols related to COVID-19 and the recycling vendor, the City’s curb side recycling program is suspended until further notice. Citizens can store their recycling in their bins or additional containers, and the City will update citizens as soon as service can resume Effective at 12PM on March 19, 2020, the Athens Utilities Customer Accounts lobby will be closed to the public. There are alternative methods for doing business and paying bills involving Athens Utilities, including using the telephone, a drive-thru window, mailing payments, and paying bills online, and these will be publicized by the City. Athens Utilities’ practice of disconnecting utility services for nonpayment is hereby suspended until April 6, 2020. Customers remain responsible for the full bill amount accrued until payment is made. Effective March 20, 2020, all City of Athens offices (not already closed per the above information) are closed to the public. City employees will continue to work, and each department will offer ways for citizens to remotely access employees, information, and forms. The City’s website is www.athensal.us which lists contact information for each department as well as information on payments, forms, and services. Each city building will have a note on the door listing contact information for that department. The Athens Police  Department will utilize a speaker and camera at the front entrance to determine whether to grant a person access to its building. Effective March 20, the City of Athens ceases permission for door-to-door sales until further notice as part of its COVID-19 protocols to limit exposure ricks for the public. All citizens of the City are requested to join me in prayer to Almighty God for the safety and health of our community and nation. DONE this the 19th day of March, 2020. /s/William R. Marks Mayor Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Seibert thereupon moved that the ordinance be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to amend the City of Athens Bituminous Plant Mix Paving Contract with Reed Contracting Services to patch and repair sections of Lindsay Lane South of US-72 to Indian Trace not to exceed $25,000. This project shall be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Project Fund. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon declared that the motion for unanimous consent for immediate consideration of and action on the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilmember Wales thereupon moved that the resolution be finally adopted, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Travis, and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Councilman Harper introduced a motion to enter into executive session. Councilman Harper’s motion was then seconded by Councilman Seibert. Prior to the vote, City Attorney, Shane Black, provided an oral declaration that the business to be discussed in the executive session satisfied the following exception as prescribed in the Open Meetings Act: to discuss the consideration the governmental body is willing to offer or accept when considering the purchase, sale, exchange, lease, or market value of real property. Councilman Harper’s motion was unanimously approved. The Council came out of executive session at approximately 6:40 p.m. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the same was, duly and properly adjourned. * * * There being no further business to come before the meeting, Council President Travis asked if there were any objections to adjourning the meeting. There being none, the meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ Frank Travis PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK