City Council

August 12, 2024 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 August 12, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilwoman Henry, President of the City Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Chris Seibert, Harold Wales, James E. Lucas, Dana Henry and Wayne Harper. Annette Barnes, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Council President Henry offered the invocation. Mayor Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 July 22, 2024 City Council Meeting and 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 Wales and was unanimously carried. Mayor Marks announced that a lot of special events have been taking place downtown and that a great gospel singing was held on Saturday night. Councilman Seibert noted that Meet the Eagles will be held at the football stadium on Thursday at 6pm to kick off the annual athletic year for Athens City Schools. Councilman Lucas remarked that he had received several calls regarding the condition of Hine Street and would like to see it paved soon. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Nathan Tomberlin and Caleb Wojciechowski with Pugh Wright McAnnally Civil Engineers gave an update to the Council regarding the plan. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolutions: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to appoint Vivian Rice to the Houston Memorial Library Board for a term of four years, expiring on August 12th, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Vicki Stevenson to the Houston Memorial Library Board for a four year term, expiring on August 24th, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Marsha White to the Houston Memorial Library Board for a four year term, expiring on August 27th, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Chris Anderson to the Board of Trustees of Athens-Limestone Public Library for a four year term, expiring on September 30th, 2028.  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Street Department: Heath McElyea ASCE/APWA Conference Orange Beach, AL July 10 – July 12, 2024 $ 447.54 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Engineering Department: Michael Griffin ASCE/APWA Conference Orange Beach, AL July 10 – July 12, 2024 $ 1,395.44 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Information Technology Department: Seth Siniard GMIS Conference Orange Beach, AL July 14 – July 17, 2024 $ 165.73 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Cemetery, Parks & Recreation Department: Wesley Craig CDL Driving School Certification Calhoun Community College July 8 – July 14, 2024 $ 231.82 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the City Clerk’s Office: Lisa Brooks Alabama Municipal Revenue Officers Association Summer Conference Orange Beach, AL July 30 – August 1, 2024 $ 1,793.15 RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 - 1982 WHEREAS, Verizon Wireless has requested to modify their equipment on an existing telecommunications facility located at 154 East Elm Street, Athens, AL to provide wireless services within the corporate limits of the City of Athens, and; WHEREAS, Verizon Wireless has complied with the City’s Ordinance No. 1999-1320 and has demonstrated the need for the modification of this wireless facility to deliver consistently reliable services in the identified area, and; WHEREAS, both the City and Verizon Wireless customers in Athens will benefit from improved service; and;  WHEREAS, the City’s consultant, The Center for Municipal Solutions (CMS), recommends the granting of a conditional Special Use Permit for the modification at this facility located at 154 East Elm Street, Athens, AL, which consists of a 199.81’ guyed tower; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama that Verizon Wireless is hereby granted a Special Use Permit to modify their equipment at 154 East Elm Street, Athens, AL. As recommended by CMS, the Special Use Permit is subject to compliance with the following conditions prior to the issuance of said permit and/or a Certificate of Completion: 1. To prevent warehousing of permits or authorizations and to assure the best service to the City’s residents as expeditiously a possible, the facility must be built, activated, and be providing service no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the issuance of the Special Use Permit or other applicable authorization, subject to commonly accepted force majeure exceptions acceptable to the City. Verizon Wireless may petition the City for an extension of this for good cause shown, but the decision whether to grant the extension shall exclusively be the prerogative of the City. 2. Verizon Wireless must provide contractor information with a construction schedule to the city and to CMS prior to the issuance of the Building Permit. The contractor must notify the City’s consultant for all inspections. 3. At the completion of construction, the Applicant must notify the City’s consultant and provide proof that all inspections have been satisfactorily completed and the project is ready for a final on-site inspection. Upon passing the final inspection, a recommendation to issue a Certificate of Occupancy shall be made. 4. The Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until all fees and costs associated with this Permit, including inspections, have been paid. 5. The provision of the Certificate of Completion for this work shall be a pre-condition for any future modifications of any kind by this carrier, at this facility. ADOPTED this 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 Seibert and was unanimously carried. The following ordinance was made for “Introduction Only” by Councilman Wales at the July 22nd, 2024 regular meeting: AN ORDINANCE TO ANNEX +/- 31.21 ACRES (SHANA C. WINTER) OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16415 OAKDALE ROAD (PARCEL# 44-10-01-11-0-000-025.000) AND ZONE THE PROPERTY EST (ESTATE RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT) WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS. STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY, CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024 – 2331 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, has heretofore adopted, “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama,” and, WHEREAS, on the 18th day of June, Shana C. Winter, being the owner of the real property hereinafter described, did request to the Planning Commission of the City of Athens, Alabama, that the tracts or parcels of land described herein be annexed to and become part of the City of Athens; and WHEREAS, said petition does contain the signatures of all owners of the described territory and a map of said property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City of Athens, Alabama; and WHEREAS, all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Section 11-42-20 through 11- 42-24, Code of Alabama; and WHEREAS, the petitioners request that this property when annexed, be zoned EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural District); and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Athens, Alabama has reviewed this request, and did not recommend that the City Council approve the annexation or the zoning of the hereinafter described area as EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural District); and The City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, finds that “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama,” should be amended so as to annex and zone the hereinafter described area as EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural District). NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, as follows: That all of the hereinafter described area or real estate is hereby annexed and zoned EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural District) in accordance with and defined by “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama,” and that the area which is zoned as aforesaid is situated in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama, and is more particularly described as follows: COMMENCING AT A RAILROAD SPIKE FOUND AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST, LIMESTONE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN NORTH 00°05'35" WEST ALONG THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF 1658.16 FEET TO A POINT; SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING FOR THE HEREIN DESCRIBED TRACT; THENCE FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING RUN NORTH 89°37'11" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 1344.66 FEET TO A POINT, PASSING A 5/8" REBAR AT 30.55 FEET ON THE WESTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR OAKDALE ROAD, PASSING A FOUND CAPPED IRON PIN AT A DISTANCE OF 341.56; THENCE RUN NORTH 01°24'18" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 995.54 FEET TO A 1/4" METAL ROD; THENCE RUN NORTH 89°46'46" EAST AT A DISTANCE OF 1337.21 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR OAKDALE ROAD. THENCE RUN NORTH 89°45'14" EAST AT A DISTANCE OF 30.84 FEET TO A RAILROAD SPIKE ON THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00°03'25" EAST ALONG SAID SECTION BOUNDARY AT A DISTANCE OF 1009.45 FEET AND BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID TRACT CONTAINS 31.21 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. AND SUBJECT TO: THE WESTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR OAKDALE ROAD (60 FEET), SAID RIGHT-OF- WAY TOTALING 0.71 ACRES MORE OR LESS. AND ALSO SUBJECT TO ALL EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND COVENANTS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE OF RECORD. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 Seibert and was carried unanimously. Councilman Lucas introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024 - 2332 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING A CONTRACT REGARDING THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE NORTH ELM INDUSTRIAL PARK WHEREAS, the City Council previously approved, by Ordinance #2024-2315, a contract for the sale of certain real property along Wilkinson Drive to Mingledorff’s, Inc. (the “Buyer”) for industrial use; and WHEREAS, the Buyer has requested additional time to complete its due diligence and subdivision efforts relating to the property. THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, while in session on August 12, 2024 at 4:30PM, as follows: Section 1. The Mayor, on behalf of the City of Athens, from time to time, is authorized to extend the due diligence period in the contract with the Buyer for a total of up to six (6) additional months, and to amend the contract from time to time to provide for such extension. Section 2. The Mayor is authorized to take actions and execute such other and further documents as may be necessary to effect and carry out the transactions contemplated by this Ordinance. ADOPTED this the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 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, Lucas, Henry 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 seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 NUMBER 2024 - 1983 A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BY THE ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Athens Electric Department needs to acquire a small parcel of property (1.43 acres) along Swancott Road to support its operations in southeastern Limestone County (the “Property”); WHEREAS, electric department officials have inspected the Property and find it to be suitable and appropriate as a site for a future electrical substation; WHEREAS, the property owners are willing to convey the property to the City at no monetary cost in exchange for assurances that electrical lines will be run to adjacent/nearby properties belonging to the same owner, without any tap/connection fees associated therewith (none of which poses a problem for the electric department); and WHEREAS, this is fair and adequate consideration for the Property, and in the best interest of the City. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its regular meeting on August 12, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., that the Mayor of the City of Athens (and/or his designee), on behalf of the City of Athens, Alabama, is authorized to accept the Property from the owner(s) thereof, in exchange for assurances that electrical lines will be run to adjacent/nearby properties belonging to the same owner, without any tap/connection fees associated therewith. The Mayor is further authorized, on behalf of the City, to execute and carry out such agreements that are consistent with this Resolution. ADOPTED this the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Councilmember Wales moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, 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, Lucas, Henry 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 Lucas seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Lucas introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 – 1984 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the City Engineer to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the design of Roy Long Rd and US-31 intersection traffic signal at a cost not to exceed $106,185, to be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Fund, Highway 31 and Roy Long Road Signalization Project line item. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 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, Lucas, Henry 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 seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 NUMBER 2024 – 1985 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the purchase and installation of Gabion reinforcement at Medinah Lane at the entrance of Cog Hill in Canebrake for scour repair at an estimated cost of $8,500, to be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Fund. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 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, Lucas, Henry 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 Lucas seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 NUMBER 2024 – 1986 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the City Engineer to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the design of Line Rd access management improvements and to apply for the federal earmarked dollars reserved for the City of Athens through the ALDOT LPA office at a cost not to exceed $104,914, to be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Fund. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 Lucas moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, 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, Lucas, Henry 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 seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION NUMBER 2024 – 1987 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the Mayor to enter into a funding agreement with ALDOT for CRPUC-0127(), Intersection Improvements and Signal Upgrade at the SR-127/SR-99 intersection (North Jefferson/Elm St). The funding agreement will include preliminary engineering and construction cost estimated at $2,000,000 and Athens to fund a portion of $440,000. The City of Athens will be responsible for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations as those items are determined, to be funded from the 2024 General Obligation Warrant proceeds. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 12th day of August, 2024. /s/ Dana Henry 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 Lucas 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, Lucas, Henry 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 seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the travel/education expenses of the following City Councilmember: James Lucas CMO Training $55.38 Hartselle, AL Mileage The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was carried with four yeas and one abstention by Councilman Lucas. Council President Henry then turned the meeting over the Council President Pro Tem Lucas. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the travel/education expenses of the following City Councilmember: Dana Henry CMO Training $38.86 Hartselle, AL Mileage The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was carried with four yeas and one abstention by Councilwoman Henry. Council President Pro Tem Lucas then turned the meeting over to Council President Henry. Council President Henry read the following statement from the City of Athens City Council and Mayor Marks regarding a recent increase in Haitian migrants in the city of Athens and Limestone County. Aug. 12, 2024 Statement from the Athens City Council and Mayor Marks The Athens Police Department and the Mayor’s Office have received questions regarding a recent increase of Haitian migrants in Athens and Limestone County. Some folks have expressed concerns about the impact that this has on city services, including our school system. While this City is a welcoming place to all persons, any influx of newcomers can pose challenges to the delivery of local services. At this point, the City understands that the number of new enrollments in the school system is minimal, and there has not been a noticeable increase in the municipal court docket. Nonetheless, city officials have reached out to state and federal officials, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, about this matter. Federal officials have advised that there are new immigrants from Haiti with federal work permits in the area, and they are here working legally in Alabama. Federal officials have not provided any numbers to the city. Local media reports indicate that there are multiple businesses in the North Alabama area that are in need of workers and hired many of these immigrants. Some of these businesses – outside of Athens - have hired buses to transport them to work. Some folks have also raised questions about what involvement, if any, the City or its public officials have with respect to this increase in people. The answer is “none at all”. Neither the City of Athens, nor any of its city officials, receive any federal funding or private funding relating to housing for migrants with work permits, nor does the city participate in any federal program or private program that provides aid or housing to such workers. The City does not have any plans to do any of that. As everyone knows, the federal government has assumed control of all immigration matters, including who receives a federal work permit. City and local governments, like the Athens City Council and the Limestone County Commission, aren’t allowed to have any control over those issues, even when federal immigration policy has negative impacts on the local level. What the City and Police Department can do – and will continue to do – is to work to ensure that all folks in our community – including newcomers - obey the laws of the land. This city is not a “sanctuary city” and its police department works closely with ICE. Every citizen has a right to ask questions about government, but some of the conversation around this issue on social media has involved wild allegations and rhetoric. City leaders are happy to provide information and answers where they can, but the City – and state and federal law – condemn any narrative that seeks to discriminate against people based on their race or nationality. As to concerns about the impact on local services posed by immigration issues, the City of Athens joins those who call on the federal government – who has reserved the power over immigration to itself – to reform the national immigration system and ease the burden on local communities. The City encourages citizens who are concerned about national immigration policy to join the City in reaching out to their local US congressmen and senators about this issue. Council President Henry then asked if anyone in the audience would like to make a public comment to the Council. Wayne McMahon, 605 North Jefferson Street, Athens, addressed the City Council concerning Haitian migrant workers. He stated that he has heard that there are roughly 1,100 Haitians living in Athens and the surrounding areas. Mr. McMahon would like to know why/how Athens was selected for their residency. Mr. McMahon noted that he had emailed several federal leaders and expects answers. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council. She said that she is mom of four and is very concerned about the influx of Haitian migrants. Mrs. Schulte questioned whether Haitian children enrolled in school are required to have proper vaccinations. She also questioned whether Councilman Seibert rents to the Haitian migrants and she wanted to know whether those rentals were under a federal program. Mrs. Schulte said that some Haiti work visa could be fraudulent and wondered how they could be vetted. She wants to know why there are Haitian migrant workers in Athens, and who contacted local authorities to let them know that the Haitian migrant workers were coming to Athens. She wants to know if city leaders will do something differently about the Haitian migrants in the future. Councilman Seibert responded to Mrs. Shulte’s comments. He said that he has not now or ever been involved in any kind of federal subsidy program, whether relating to housing or work permits. He explained that he and his family have some rental properties as a part of how he makes a living. He stated that he has never been involved in any federal or private funding or subsidy program relating to migrants. Mr. Seibert said that a small number of his rental properties involve leases to folks here on federal work permits. He noted federal laws require nondiscrimination in housing, and that he rents to all different types of people. He also noted that these migrant workers work for a number of local businesses, and according to them, they are here legally with federal work permits. Ms. Schulte returned to the podium and offered more comments. She said that the Department of Homeland Security was concerned about fraud related to the work visas, and expressed her concern about the Haitian migrants in Athens and potential fraud. She expressed concern about planning for the potential growth in the number of migrants. Councilman Seibert noted that many employers in the area utilize the E-Verify system with respect to the migrant workers. Kelly Range, 303 Brookwood Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council and remarked that the migrants are blessed people of the Lord and that everyone should love each other and mind their business because people need to make money. Mr. Range noted that the State of Alabama and representatives of Alabama have jobs and should be left to do them. Mae Davis, 1201 Plainview Circle, Athens, addressed the City Council and remarked that immunization cards are required for children to attend school but that it’s none of her business. Ms. Davis praised the City Council for all of their work and asked them to not forget the west side of Athens. Ms. Davis asked Councilman Lucas to look into two potholes on Brownsferry Street and to extend sidewalks on Brownsferry Street to US Highway 72. Jarrod Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council. He criticized Councilman Seibert’s rental properties, and he stated that the problem is in Mrs. Henry’s district. He remarked that they demand answers. Timothy Colling, 22686 Regent Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council stating that he loves North Alabama and that he moved here to retire and be peaceful. Mr. Colling remarked that he isn’t seeing a lot of peace and that people need to stand up to corruption. Ali Turner, 21772 Hickory Hill Lane, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding the situation with the Haitian migrants and asked for consideration of their safety also. Chris Jones, 1816 Lillian Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that everyone has pleaded ignorance regarding the matter of the recent influx of Haitian migrants. Mr. Jones remarked that they are here for wages and that the government wants them to vote. He said that someone had to know that they were coming to Athens. Beverly Kirby, 1209 South Hine Street, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding road work on South Hine Street. Ms. Kirby is concerned with all of the potholes and asked for the street to be placed on the paving list. Mayor Marks remarked that the street is on the list. Christy Robinson, 17516 Watercress Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that the migrants didn’t just show up in Athens organically. Ms. Robinson stated that it’s a burden on the infrastructure and questioned who was paying for their transportation to and from work. Dillon Smith, representative for Congressman Dale Strong, addressed the City Council and commended the Athens Police Department for all that they are doing concerning the situation and identifying the immigration status of these migrants. Mr. Smith stated that it is understood that the migrants are here under a Haitian refugee program established in 2010. He stated that Homeland Security had extended temporary protective status for Haitian migrants from this Spring until February 3rd, 2026. Mr. Smith noted that this issue is nothing that the Athens City Council has any jurisdiction over, and that this is a matter for the federal level of government. Scott Marshall, 212 East Street, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that he believed that Congressman Strong’s representative was out of line for stating that Mr. Trump’s policies need to be brought back. He said that the City Council meeting is not the place for that. Mr. Marshal said that these people are here working and doesn’t want to turn his back on them. John Silby, 805 Frazier Street, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that City positions are nonpartisan and he believes that politics should not be brought up during the Council meetings. Kelly Range, 303 Brookwood Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that he believes that all of the uproar is “much to do about nothing.” Council President Henry noted that Athens City Schools has approximately 5,300 students enrolled, with 21 countries, other than the United States, represented, and, other than English, 18 languages spoken. The system has 255 students enrolled that are from outside of the United States and of those 5,300 students, only 22 Haitian children are enrolled. She explained that the school system reported that immunization records were provided by the migrant students and were referred to the Limestone County Health Department for documentation. She noted that this information was provided by Athens City Schools Superintendent Beth Patton. Mayor Marks asked for everyone to shop local and to remember that it is Restaurant Week in downtown Athens. * * * There being no further business to come before the meeting, Council President Henry asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Wales made a motion for adjournment and Councilman Lucas seconded. The meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ Dana Henry PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK