City Council

January 13, 2025 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 January 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilman Lucas, President of the City Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Harold Wales, James E. Lucas, Dana Henry and Wayne Harper. Councilman Seibert was absent. Annette Barnes, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Councilman Wales 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 December 16, 2024 City Council Meeting and Work Session Meeting had been submitted for approval. Councilwoman Henry moved that the reading of the Minutes be suspended and that the Minutes be approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Wales and was unanimously carried. The Chairperson stated that the Minutes of the December 19, 2024 Special Called City Council Meeting and January 6, 2025 Special Joint Meeting with Limestone County had been submitted for approval. Councilman Wales 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. Mayor Marks gave a shout-out to the City employees for their hard work during the recent tornado event and Main Street for their fundraising efforts. The Mayor thanked the City Council and Shane Black, City Attorney, for coordinating with the County Commission to create a joint library board. He thanked Chris Anderson, Dr. Robert Burkhardt and Frank McCollum for their service on the board over the years. Councilman Wales echoed Mayor Marks comments regarding the recent tornado and thanked Chris Anderson for his time on the library board. Councilwoman Henry remarked that it was great to see the response from across the state during the recent tornado event and that it was very fortunate that no injuries were reported. She thanked all the City and County employees for all of their hard work. Councilman Harper echoed all of the comments by the Council and remarked that the City employees always do a great job no matter what the need may be. Council President Lucas echoed all of the comments as well and thanked the members of the library board for their service. He announced that David Malone asked him to thank everyone for the help with the toy/bike giveaway at Lincoln Bridgeforth Park in December. Mayor Marks announced that the MLK art/essay contest event on January 20, 2025 will be relocated from the Veteran’s Museum, due to the tornado, and that a new location will be announced soon. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE ZONING APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL IN THE CITY OF ATHENS BY FINS UP, LLC, DBA: FINS UP BAR & GRILLE, 110 GREEN STREET, WEST, ATHENS, AL, 35611 No one spoke in favor of or against. The public hearing was closed. Council President Lucas opened the floor for public comment regarding agenda items. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed Mayor Marks and Shane Black regarding Item P and Item S on the agenda. Mayor Marks addressed Item S, stating that it pertained to connecting the sidewalk from Elm Street to Athens High School and that before a grant can be approved, an engineering design is needed. Shane Black addressed Item P and explained that the resolution relates to funding that the City Council had provided to Athens Main Street for downtown façade grants. Mark Wilson, 18042 N. Jefferson Street, Athens, addressed the Mayor regarding Item R and Item S on the agenda. Mr. Wlson asked how many turn lanes were included in the plan. The Mayor explained that it was a project regarding a new retail project on Mooresville Road. Mr. Wilson then asked what would be done for the people that live west of Elkton Road that are in need of access to the new sidewalk that leads to Hwy 31. Councilman Wales introduced the following resolutions: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that the travel expenses in the following amount be approved for Electric Department personnel: Tanner Rogers $40.69 TVPPA Lab 3 – Huntsville, AL Chris Weakley $86.25 TVPPA Lab 3 – Huntsville, AL Chance Pepper $100.59 TVPPA Lab 3 – Huntsville, AL Jackson Keyes $115.33 TVPPA Lab 3 – Huntsville, AL Peyton Lovell $101.23 TVPPA Lab 3 – Huntsville, AL 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: Dakota Holt CDL School December 2 – 18, 2024 $ 514.56 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Fire Department: Kole Phillips Aerial Class Florence, AL December 2-6, 2024 $ 80.14 Jesse Knox Transport Truck for Repairs Somerville, AL December 9, 2024 $ 12.12  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following travel/education expenses for the Utilities Finance Department: Abigail Owen Mileage June 1, 2024 – December 11, 2024 $ 83.08 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Henry White to the Personnel Board for a five year term, expiring on January 12th, 2030. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Anita Raby to the Houston Memorial Library Board of Directors for a four year term, expiring on January 25th, 2029. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to set a Public Hearing for the regular meeting on February 10, 2025 to consider the request of Haney LTD to zone +/- 0.76 acres of property located approximately 900' northwest of the western terminus of Hatchie Lane, (Parcel #: a portion of 44-15-04-17- 0-000-002.000) EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural) within the corporate limits of the City of Athens. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to purchase equipment for two police vehicles and installation of equipment from MCA (Sharp Communications) not to exceed $4,740.00. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital expenditure account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to purchase eight in-car radars for patrol units for a cost of $23,996.00 from Stalker Radar. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital expenditure account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of a combination tire changer and balancer from Dixie Auto Parts in an amount not to exceed $ 7000.00 and shall be funded from the Street Department’s existing capital line item. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of a Hardee blower from H & R AgriPower in an amount not to exceed $4,500.00 and shall be funded from the Street Department’s existing capital line item. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of a 20” equipment trailer from Lawrimore Trailers in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 and shall be funded from the Street Department’s existing capital line item.  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to contract with Computer Support Systems (CSS) to install four new cat-6 data lines for the Building Department. This purchase will be from CSS at a cost not to exceed $900.00. and is to be funded from the existing building department capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to purchase two Surface Pro 11 Laptops w/docking stations and monitors for the Building Department. This purchase will be from TSA through the IT Department at a cost not to exceed $4,711.04. and is to be funded from the existing building department capital account. The following ordinance was made for “Introduction Only” by Councilman Wales at the Joint Special Meeting with Limestone County on January 6th, 2025: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2358 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, RELATED TO THE DECEMBER 28 TORNADO WHEREAS, on the evening of December 28, 2024, severe weather, including a tornado, damaged portions of the city of Athens (the “Storm”); WHEREAS, numerous residences and business have been damaged/negatively impacted by the Storm and will require significant repairs; WHEREAS, pursuant to § 31-9-10 of the Code of Alabama, cities and towns have the authority to provide for the health and safety of persons and property, including emergency assistance to the victims of any disaster; WHEREAS, the Mayor issued a proclamation of emergency concerning the Storm, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A hereof (“the Proclamation”); and WHEREAS, the Athens City Council desires to adopt this Ordinance providing for the waiver of certain municipal fees and charges associated with recovery from the Storm, and further finds and determines that the provision of emergency assistance to the victims of the Storm is (a) authorized by statute and (b) serves a valuable public purpose, conferring a direct public benefit of a reasonably general character to a significant part of the public, by, among other things, encouraging and supporting the repair and rebuilding of damaged properties within the city which will bolster the city’s overall economic and public health. THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA while in session on January 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM, as follows: Section 1. The terms of the Proclamation are hereby ratified and adopted by the City Council. Section 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to waive municipal fees and charges related to the repair of damage/destruction of buildings and other structures related to the Storm, or for the removal of debris related to the Storm from the margins of public streets and rights of way. Section 3. Section 2-33 of the City of Athens Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to provide for the allowances of such waivers in the future, such that it will read as follows: Sec. 2-33. Mayoral Rules During States of Emergency. The Mayor is authorized and empowered:  (a) during periods of emergency involving civil unrest, natural disaster, and/or severe weather affecting a substantial number of properties and structures in the city, to waive municipal fees and charges related to the repair of damage/destruction of buildings and other structures related to such emergency, or for the removal of debris related to such emergency from the margins of public streets and rights of way, irrespective of whether the Governor has declared a state of emergency for all or part of the city; and (b) 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 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its publication. Section 5. 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 13th day of January, 2025. /s/ James E. Lucas 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 ATTACHMENT A The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution:  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025 - 2044 A RESOLUTION CONCERNING SMALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN DOWNTOWN ATHENS _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, in July, 2024, via Resolution #2024-1981, the City Council approved a contract with Athens Main Street, whereby Athens Main Street would administer a façade grant program benefitting downtown Athens; WHEREAS, the City Council provided $50,000 in such funding, and directed Athens Main Street to report any grant recipient to the city council, for the council’s review and ratification prior to the release of any funds; WHEREAS, the City Council has already approved previous grants totaling $39,797.26; WHEREAS, through its façade grant program, Athens Main Street has awarded grants of $4,500 to BeanBeans Boutique, and $3,767 to Studio 16 Cigar Lounge LLC, conditioned upon the city council’s review and ratification; WHEREAS, the BeanBeans grant would be used for repainting of the façade exterior at 115 N. Jefferson Street; WHEREAS, the Studio 16 grant would be used to furnishings in a dining area; WHEREAS, the City Council believes that these projects will serve valuable public purposes, inasmuch as they would contribute to (a) increases in outdoor dining/retail opportunities in the downtown area, and continue to spur restaurant/economic growth in the City’s core; (c) promotion of the economic development of the city; (d) promotion of the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Athens; (e) increases in tourism and economic activity in the downtown area; and (f) creating a climate favorable to the location of new trade and commerce in the city, notwithstanding any incidental benefit to private entities; WHEREAS, the activities to be authorized by this resolution; the public benefits sought to be achieved thereby; and each individual, firm, corporation, and other business entity to whom or for whose benefit the City proposes to lend its credit or grant public funds or thing of value, have been described in reasonable detail and/or identified in a notice published in the Athens News Courier (which this City Council finds and determines is the newspaper having the largest circulation in the county or municipality), at least seven days prior to this meeting at least seven days prior to this meeting; and WHEREAS, such public notice is attached to this Resolution as Attachment A and incorporated hereto as if set forth fully herein.  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA on January 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m., that the City of Athens does hereby ratify and approve Athens Main Street’s award of façade grants to: (a) BeanBeans Boutique for $4,500; and (b) Studio 16 for $3,767. ADOPTED this the 13th day of January, 2025. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA EXHIBIT A NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIONS AT PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given that during a regular meeting, which will be open to the public and will be held on January 13, 2025, at 4:30 o’clock, P.M., Central Time, at the City Council Chambers in Athens City Hall, at 200 Hobbs Street W, Athens, Alabama 35611, the City Council for the City of Athens, Alabama (the “City”) will consider adopting resolutions in connection with the economic development projects described in reasonable detail herein. In July, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution approving a contract between the City and Athens Main Street, a local non-profit organization working to revitalize downtown Athens, Alabama (“AMS”), whereby the City provided AMS with funding to be used with respect to AMS’ administration of a façade grant program benefitting downtown Athens, Alabama. Through the façade grant program, AMS assists local businesses in enhancing their storefronts to make the downtown area more vital and attractive, redeveloping aging and/or unused structures, and enhancing economic growth in the downtown. In providing such funding to the program, the City Council determined that a valuable public purpose was served by promoting the economic development of the city, promoting the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Athens, increasing tourism and economic activity in the downtown area, and creating a climate favorable to the location of new trade and commerce in the city. The resolution required that AMS report to the city council concerning each of the proposed grant recipients, for the council’s consideration and ratification prior to the release of the funds. The first economic development project relates to Studio 16 Cigar Lounge LLC (“Business #1”), a new restaurant which intends to purchase furnishings for its dining area at 112 N. Marion Street in Athens, Alabama. AMS has awarded a façade grant to Business #1 for $3,767, in aid of the expenses and costs related to this project, conditioned upon ratification by the Athens City Council. Accordingly, at its meeting described above, the Athens City Council will consider a resolution that would ratify the grant to Business #1 of $3,767. The second economic development project relates to BeanBeans Boutique (“Business #2”), a retail clothing store, which intends to repaint its exterior building facade at 115 N. Jefferson Street in Athens, Alabama. AMS has awarded a façade grant to Business #2 for $4,500, in aid of the expenses and costs related to this project, conditioned upon ratification by the Athens City Council. Accordingly, at its meeting described above, the Athens City Council will consider a resolution that would ratify the grant to Business #2 of $4,500. The City believes that these projects will increase shopping/dining opportunities in the downtown area, and continue to spur economic growth in the City’s core. The City further believes that these projects will generally promote the economic development of the city, promote the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Athens, increase tourism and economic activity in the downtown area, and help create a climate favorable to the location of new trade and commerce in the city, notwithstanding any incidental benefit to private entities. The assistance described herein will encourage economic development and will constitute economic development projects for the City. The City’s granting of public funds or things of value as described herein will benefit Business #1, which is owned by Steve Pearson, and Business #2, which is owned by Tammy Strickland. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA Publication: January 4, 2025 The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on January 13th, 2025, that the Council authorizes an unbudgeted amount of $50,765.35 to be funded from the Water Services Department operating revenues for a contract with Cleary Construction to repair the damaged Lower Swan Creek 18-inch sewer force main, and the Water Services Director, for and on behalf of the City of Athens, is authorized to enter into this contract to complete this work. Councilmember Henry 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 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 resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 2025 – 2045 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to enter into an agreement with Gonzalez Strength & Associates for the purposes of engineering services for the preparation and plans for French Mill economic development for the design and construction of infrastructure improvements for Mooresville Rd at US-72 and turn lane improvements on US-72 at a cost not to exceed $58,400 and shall be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Fund. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 13th day of January, 2025. /s/ James E. Lucas 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 Henry, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 2025 – 2046 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to enter into an agreement with Morell Engineering for the purposes of engineering services for the preparation and plans for a boardwalk for TAPAA-TA24(908) project tying to the proposed pedestrian bridge on US-31 as a value engineering proposal at a cost not to exceed $15,000 and shall be funded from the Capital Infrastructure Fund ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 13th day of January, 2025. /s/ James E. Lucas 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 Henry 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 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 resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with Mercer Group Associates to conduct executive search services for the City of Athens Public Works Director position. This contract will be for a base fee of $18,000 and direct expenses not exceed $5,500. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Henry, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the attached organizational chart for the Gas Department, which includes which includes the following 41 full-time positions: 1. Gas Services Director 2. Assistant Gas Services Director  3. Construction & Operations Superintendent 4. Construction Supervisor (4) 5. Measurement & Operations Superintendent 6. Manager Operations Support and Compliance 7. Operations Support and Compliance Coordinator 8. GIS Technician 9. Gas Pipeline Inspector (2) 10. Construction Crew Leader (3) 11. Service Installers I/II (11) 12. Heavy Equipment Operators (3) 13. Measurement Technicians (6) 14. Locator Technicians I/II (3) 15. Administrative Assistant 16. Building Maintenance Worker I/II The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the job descriptions listed below for the Gas Department:  Construction & Operations Superintendent, Job Description 11.7.2024  Measurement & Operations Superintendent, Job Description dated 11.7.2024 The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Henry and was unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following ordinance: STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2359 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that Ordinance Number 888, establishing a classification list for all full-time employees is hereby amended as follows, effective: 1/14/2025. Add the following job title to the list of positions for the Gas Department: (1) Measurement & Operations Superintendent (2) Construction & Operations Superintendent Delete the following job titles from the list of positions for the Gas Department: (1) Operations Superintendent (2) Gas Measurement Supervisor ADOPTED this the 13th day of January, 2025 /s/ James E. Lucas 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 ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 ordinance 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 Wales, Lucas, Henry 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 ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the attached organizational chart for the City Clerk/Treasurer department, which includes the following 18 full-time positions: 1. City Clerk – Treasurer 2. Assistant City Clerk 3. Revenue Officer 4. Assistant Revenue Officer 5. Payroll Accountant (2) 6. Cash Management/Finance Accountant 7. Municipal Court Administrator 8. Magistrate 9. Controller 10. Utilities Plant Accountant 11. Utilities Payroll Accountant 12. Purchasing Manager 13. Warehouse Supervisor 14. Warehouse Technician (4) The motion was seconded by Councilman Harper and was unanimously carried. Councilman Harper introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the job description below for the City Clerk’s Office:  Controller, Job Description Dated, 12.6.2024 The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following ordinance: STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2360 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, that Ordinance Number 888, establishing a master classification plan for employees is hereby amended to be effective: 01/14/2025. Add the following job title to the list of positions for the City Clerk’s Office. (3) Controller Delete the following job title to the list of positions for the City Clerk’s Office. (1) Utilities Accounting Supervisor ADOPTED this the 13th day of January, 2025 /s/ James E. Lucas 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 ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Wales, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers 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 ordinance 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 Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Chuck Bradley, 24943 Queen Anne’s Lace, Athens, addressed the City Council and the Mayor regarding the flooding on Luke Street. Mr. Bradley feels that the residents have been neglected and discriminated against. Elizabeth Stewart, 22843 Oakdale Ridge Lane, Athens, thanked the City Council for establishing the joint library board. Mrs. Stewart also thanked the governor for wanting to protect children and have policies reviewed. She stated that she would like for the Council to take term limits seriously and thanked citizens for being involved. Michael Rodis, 14697 New Cut Road, Athens, addressed the City Council asking how agenda items are selected for review by the City Council and if there are risk assessments for projects. Steve Pearson, owner of Studio 16 Cigar Lounge, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding all of the street lights that are out in front of his business and asked for help from Athens Utilities. Mr. Pearson is concerned for the safety of the female patrons. Jarrod Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council asking if the Attorney General opinion had been received and wanted to know why the livestream comments are not being broadcast. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council stating that people want to be able to read ahead regarding the resolutions and ordinances that are on the agenda. Bill Davis, 201 Utah Street, Athens, addressed the City Council stating that he is concerned about drainage regarding the flood plain by his home and how rezoning affects the lives of the people in the Council’s districts Collin Daly, Limestone County Commission Chairman, thanked the City Council for working with the County Commission on the joint library board and the tornado clean-up. Mr. Daly also thanked the library board members for their service. Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director, thanked the City of Athens and Limestone County and all of their employees for all of their efforts during the recent tornado damage. * * * There being no further business to come before the meeting, Council President Lucas asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was made by Councilman Harper and was seconded by Councilman Henry. The meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: /s/ Annette Barnes CITY CLERK