City Council

June 16, 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 June 16, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Councilman James E. Lucas, President of the City Council. Upon roll call, the following were found to be present: Councilmembers Chris Seibert, Harold Wales, James E. Lucas, and Dana Henry. Councilmember Wayne Harper was absent. Annette Barnes-Threet, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Council President James Lucas 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 May 19, 2025 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 introduced Chad Vining, Recreation Program Administrator for the Parks and Recreation Department, to recognize the 2025 Alabama Parks and Recreation State Track & Field Champions and medal recipients. Councilwoman Henry announced that the Lion’s Club Kiddie Carnival has kicked off and invited everyone to come out. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS CONCERNING THE ZONING APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL IN THE CITY OF ATHENS BY JAYSHEERAM, Inc., DBA: EXXON, 846 BROWNSFERRY STREET, ATHENS, AL, 35611 (CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP) No one spoke in favor of or against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS CONCERNING THE ZONING APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL IN THE CITY OF ATHENS BY ATHENS EXPRESS LIQUOR, LLC, DBA: ATHENS EXPRESS STORE, 802 US HWY 72 W, STE A, ATHENS, AL, 35611 No one spoke in favor of or against. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following applicant for a “Retail Beer and Wine Off Premises Only” alcohol license. Business Name: Athens Express Liquor, LLC DBA: Athens Express Liquor Address: 802 US Hwy 72 W, Suite A Athens, AL 35611 The motion was seconded by Councilman Wales and was unanimously carried. Council President Lucas opened the floor for public remarks regarding agenda items. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding the need for more information on the agenda. Mrs. Schulte asked Shane Black, City Attorney, to explain the ordinance concerning Mayoral approval of certain contracts and litigation. Mr. Black explained that the City ordinance already allows the Mayor to make certain claims that involve the City and this would allow the Mayor to settle those claims within certain limitations. Mrs. Schulte then asked for clarification of the ordinance regarding City Council procedure. Mr. Black stated that it is intended to clean up some of the language of the existing ordinance. Tim Colling, 22686 Regent Drive, Athens, addressed the City Council and asked if the City Planner met with Limestone County routinely regarding updates. Mr. Colling announced that the City website has a complaint and remark section for the new City Building Inspector. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolutions: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following applicant for a “Retail Beer and Wine Off Premises Only” alcohol license. Business Name: Dhanvi 1 Inc. DBA: Oakdale BP Address: 16771 Oakdale Rd. Athens, AL 35613 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following applicant for a “Retail Beer and Wine Off Premises Only” alcohol license. Business Name: KYSM, Inc. DBA: Elm Street Chevron Address: 1514 E. Elm Street Athens, AL 35611 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel/education expenses for Mayor William R. Marks in the following amount: Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Conference $98.31 May 14th, 2025 – Lunch with City Council RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to approve the following for travel expenses for the Human Resources Department: Marsha Sloss Mileage ($.70) – NASHRM Conference $509.60 Perdido Key, AL May 11 – 14, 2025 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel expenses for the following personnel of the Electric Department: Matt Mason $99.36 Knoxville, TN – TVPPA Line Design and Staking II Bobby Clark $121.02 Knoxville, TN – TVPPA Line Design and Staking II RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Frank Crafts to the Athens Historic Preservation Commission for a three-year term, expiring on May 23rd, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Anthony Townsend to the Board of Education for a five-year term, expiring on May 30th, 2030. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Larry Burlingame to the Zoning Board of Adjustments for a three-year term, expiring on June 30th, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to reappoint Wayne Kuykendall to the Athens Historic Preservation Commission for a three-year term, expiring on May 31st, 2028. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to appoint Shirley Fletcher to the Planning Commission for a six-year term, expiring on June 16th, 2031. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the low bid from Woody Anderson Ford to purchase one (1) 2025 Police Interceptor SUV vehicle at a total cost not to exceed $47,389.00. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to purchase one (1) 2025 Dodge Ram DT 1500 Crew Cab 4x4. This vehicle will be purchased through the State of Alabama Bid List from Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at a total cost not to exceed $41,140.33. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to purchase surveillance equipment for a cost of $24,299.00 from Valorence. Funding for this purchase will be from the Police Department’s existing capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of a Kubota 860 V, 60” zero turn mower from H & R Agripower through the Sourcewell contract. Funding for this purchase will be from the Street Department’s existing capital account, in an amount not to exceed $ 11,000.00.  RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of a John Deere 60P excavator from Warrior Tractor & Equipment Co., in an amount not to exceed $93,000.00. Funding for the purchase shall be made through the Sourcewell Contract #011723-JDC from the Street Department’s existing capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the surplus of 100 Commercial Dumpsters from the Sanitation Department to Thornton Iron and Metal. The proceeds from the sale of which are to be credited to the Sanitation Department’s capital account. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to declare a 1999 E- One Cyclone II as surplus property to be sold at public auction on GovDeals for the Fire Department. RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025 - 2082 A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT ELECTIONS MANAGER AND AFFIRM STATUTORY ABSENTEE ELECTION MANAGER FOR THE 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTION WHEREAS, municipal elections for the purpose of electing a mayor and five city council members are held quadrennially by statute in the City of Athens; and WHEREAS, a municipal election will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and a run-off election, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in compliance with Alabama law; and WHEREAS, the municipal elections manager is responsible for the conduct of municipal elections in the city, and further performs the elections duties of the Mayor, if the Mayor is a candidate in the upcoming election cycle; and WHEREAS, the City Clerk is municipal absentee election manager by statute, unless the person holding that office is a candidate, in which case another individual must be appointed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama that City Clerk Annette Barnes shall be and is appointed as municipal elections manager for the 2025 election cycle, along with the duties of absentee elections manager as set out in the Code of Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16h day of June, 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  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025 - 2083 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a contract with Bryant Moss to provide election specialist-voting machine technician services in connection with the 2025 municipal election at a cost not to exceed $6,000. The cost of these services is budgeted in the 2025 general fund budget, line item 100.510.83000, Election Expense. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16th day of June, 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 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 THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve travel/education expenses for the following City Councilmember: Wayne Harper ALM Annual Conference $130.80 May 12-15, 2025 Huntsville, AL 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 approve travel/education expenses for the following City Councilmember: James E. Lucas ALM Annual Conference $749.40 May 13th – 15th, 2025 Huntsville, AL The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Henry and was carried with three yeas and one abstention by Council President Lucas. Councilman Seibert introduced the following resolution: Resolution to Approve FY 2025 Budget Amendments BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the following FY 2025 budget amendments as follows: Expenses Administrative and General 100.510.80102-80207 – Salaries & Benefits $ 35,500 100.510.80803 – Utilities – 304 E Hobbs Street $ 5,000 100.510.81202 – Building Maint-304 E Hobbs St. $ 2,500 100.510.81203 – Building Maint-PNC Bank Building $ 2,500 100.510.81801 – Insurance – General $ 10,000 100.510.82000 – Legal Fees $ 20,000 Human Resources 100.512.80700 – Software Licenses/Maintenance $ 750 100.512.82000 – Legal & Professional Fees $ 23,500 100.512.83600 – Administrative Expense $ 13,500 100.512.84500 – Training Programs $ 15,000 Fire Department 100.513.81200 – Building Maintenance $ 55,000 100.513.82407 – Tires $ 20,000 100.513.84000 – Equipment Rental $ 44,950 Planning Department 100.514.82000 – Legal Fees $ 7,500 100.514.83200 – Travel & Professional Development $ 1,500 100.527.90112 – Capital Exp Fund-Zoning Ordinance $ 25,000 Cemetery, Parks & Recreation Department 100.516.80600 – Dues & Subscriptions $ 2,500 100.516.82805 – Swimming Pool Maintenance $ 55,000 Street Department 100.517.82501 – Garage Overhead $ 15,000 100.517.86000 – Sidewalks $ 15,000 100.517.87000 – Special Projects $ 60,000 Sanitation Department 100.518.80700 – Software Licenses/Maintenance $ 8,500 Building Inspection Department 100.519.80102-80207 – Salaries & Benefits $ 44,000 Public Works Department 100.520.80600 – Dues & Subscriptions $ 2,400 100.520.83300 – Clothing Allowance $ 3,000 Information Technology Department 100.521.80102-80207 – Salaries & Benefits $ 48,000 Total Expenses $ 535,600 Councilmember Henry 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, and Henry; 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 Henry seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 approve payment to Outdoor Elegance to remove grass and install brick pavers between back of curb and sidewalks on the east, west and south sides of the Square. Funding for this project will be from the Street Department’s Special Projects line item and shall not exceed $60,000. Councilmember Seibert 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 Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry and; 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 seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 - 2084 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allocate an amount not to exceed $200,000 from the proceeds of the 2024 General Obligation Warrants for renovations to the building located at 304 East Hobbs Street and to authorize the City’s Parks & Recreation Director to enter into contracts and/or purchases of materials and services for these improvements. ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 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 Seibert 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 Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution:  RESOLUTION NUMBER 2025 - 2085 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to approve the purchase of bathroom fixtures for the Sunrise Park project in an amount not to exceed $35,000 to be funded from the proceeds of the 2024 General Obligation Warrants. ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 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 Wales 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, and Henry; 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 seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2374 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-32 OF THE CITY CODE, CONCERNING MAYORAL APPROVAL OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS AND LITIGATION _____________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the Mayor’s authority to initiate certain claims and civil litigation related to the enforcement of the City’s contracts and ordinances; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance would provide for the Mayor to resolve and settle those kinds of claims as well, within certain limitations. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, while in regular session on June 16th, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., as follows: Section 1. Section 2-32 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Athens, Alabama is hereby amended so that it reads as follows: Sec. 2-32. – Mayoral Approval of Certain Contracts and Litigation.  (a) Certain Settlements relating to Claims Against the City. The Mayor is authorized to approve, on behalf of the City, the settlement of any claims or expenses asserted against the City, where it: (i) either provides for monetary payments that are fully paid by the City’s insurance policy(ies), or for an amount of less than $5,000.00 per occurrence; (ii) does not admit any liability on the part of the City; and (iii) does not require any other contractual obligation of the City (except for routine provisions relating to the manner of dismissing/resolving the claim, or observing normal policies and practices of the City). (b) Certain Litigation and Settlements relating to Claims By the City. The Mayor (or such other officer of the City, as is designated by the Mayor) is authorized to initiate and prosecute civil claims and lawsuits or other civil legal actions, on behalf of the City, where: (i) the City is owed a sum certain by a person(s) or entity(ies) relating to a breach of contract; or unpaid fees, assessments, or other charges resulting from the application of a law, ordinance, or regulation, and the City seeks compensation therefor; (ii) the City is seeking to compel a person(s) or entity(ies) to perform an obligation(s) owed to the City pursuant to contract; (iii) the City is seeking to enforce compliance with an ordinance of the City, including but not limited to, the City’s zoning ordinance; and/or (iv) the City is in possession of certain property to which multiple persons and/or entities assert competing claims, and the City seeks a judicial determination relieving the City of liability therefor. The Mayor is further authorized to settle and resolve such civil claims and lawsuits where: (i) the claim involves a principal sum certain (or if not a principal sum certain, then the principal amount that the Mayor reasonably determines is actually owed to the City), a particular obligation that is owed to the City, or compliance with an ordinance; (ii) the settlement provides, either at once or over a period of time, for the payment of that principal sum, the performance of that particular obligation, or the compliance with that particular ordinance; (iii) the settlement does not admit any liability on the part of the City; (iv) the settlement does not involve any payment of money by the City; and (v) the settlement does not require any other contractual obligation of the City (except for routine provisions relating to the manner of releasing/dismissing/resolving the claim, or observing normal policies and practices of the City). Section 2. 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. Section 3. No other provisions of the City Code are amended by this Ordinance, unless specifically stated and referenced herein.  Section 4. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be included and incorporated in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Athens as an addition or amendment thereto, and shall be appropriately renumbered as necessary to conform to the uniform numbering system of the Code. ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 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 Wales moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Henry, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 Henry 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, and Henry; 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 NUMBER 2025 - 2086 A RESOLUTION REGARDING RELOCATION EXPENSES CONCERNING THE CLINTON STREET ROADWAY PROJECT _______________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City of Athens is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation (“ALDOT”) relating to Project No. ATRP-42-2022-089 and the intersection of Highway 72 and Clinton Street; and WHEREAS, ALDOT has determined that one of the property owners involved, and their tenants, are due relocation expenses per state/federal guidelines. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its meeting on June 16th, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., that the Mayor (or his designee) is authorized to pay amounts with respect to the relocation/moving assistance program associated with state highway projects, as follows: (a) $4,189 to Stanley & Janice Lauderdale, the property owners; and (b) $53,200 to Parsons Chiropractic, LLC. The costs/expenses related to the above transaction shall be paid from the following fund of the City of Athens: ATRP2-42-2022-089. Such costs/expenses will be reimbursed by the Alabama Department of Transportation. ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 2025. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL, 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 Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 seconded the motion to adopt the resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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, at its regular meeting on June 16th, 2025 at 4:30 P.M., as follows: 1. The Electric Services Director is authorized to accept the low bid of $151,426.11 from Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, Inc. for paving work at Athens Utilities, 1806 Wilkinson Street, Athens, Alabama. 2. The costs/expenses related to this Resolution shall be paid from the following fund of the City of Athens: Electric Department Reserves Fund. Councilmember Wales 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 Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; 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 Seibert, Wales, Lucas, and Henry; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA to adopt the attached organizational chart for the Water Services Department, which includes 64 regular status positions. 1. Water Services Director 2. Capital Improvement Program Manager 3. Engineer 4. Operations Administrator 5. Manager Logistics & Strategic Asset Management 6. Water and Wastewater Services Project Manager 7. Collections Superintendent 8. Distribution Superintendent 9. Process Maintenance Superintendent 10. Collections Supervisor (2) 11. Distribution Supervisor 12. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators (7) 13. Water Treatment Plant Operators (5) 14. Collections Technicians (12)  15. Distribution Technicians (11) 16. Process Maintenance Technicians (4) 17. Distribution & Collection Inspector (3) 18. Wastewater Collection Crew Supervisor 19. Water Distribution Crew Supervisor (3) 20. Assistant Manager of Logistics 21. Asset Management Administrator & Maintenance Coordinator 22. Process Maintenance Supervisor 23. Process Treatment Superintendent 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 description for the Water Services Department: (1) Water & Wastewater Services Project Manager, Job Description, 1/2/2025 The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following ordinance: STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2375 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: 6/17/2025. Add the following job title to the list of positions for the Water Services Dpt. (1) Water & Wastewater Services Project Manager Delete the following job titles from the list of positions for the Water Services Dpt. (1) Water Treatment Plant Superintendent (2) Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 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 Wales 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, Lucas, and Henry; 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 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, and Henry; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilman Seibert introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2376 AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL PROCEDURE ____________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend its rules of procedure to conform them to the current practices of the city council, and to account for developments in the law of the land. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama while in regular session on June 16th, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. as follows: Section 1. Section 2-62 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Athens, Alabama is hereby amended so that it reads as follows: Sec. 2-62. - Regular meetings; time and place. Regular meetings of the city council shall be held on the following dates/times/place, except as may be otherwise directed by the city council as needed: (a) the second and fourth Mondays of each month; (b) regular meetings shall convene at 4:30 p.m., at the Athens City Hall; and (c) work sessions shall convene at 4:00 p.m., prior to the regular meeting, at the Athens City Hall. Section 2. Section 2-64 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Athens, Alabama is hereby amended so that it reads as follows: Sec. 2-64. - Rules of procedure. The rules or order of procedure herein contained shall govern deliberations and meetings of the council: (1) A quorum shall be determined as provided by Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-43-48. (2) The items and order of business at each council meeting shall be arranged and determined by the President of the City Council in advance of the meeting's call to order, and may be changed thereafter by unanimous consent or the adoption of a motion to suspend the rules by a two-thirds vote. Subject to the foregoing, the order of business for a regular meeting of the city council may generally include the following subdivisions: a. A call to order.  b. Roll call. c. Invocation. d. Pledge of Allegiance. e. Reading of the minutes. f. Reports of standing committees (if any). g. Reports of special committees (if any). h. Report of officers. i. Public hearings and their related business (if any). j. Public comment on agenda items k. Consent calendar—Resolutions, ordinances, orders, and other business. l. Regular calendar—Resolutions, ordinances, orders, and other business. m. General public comment on matters pertinent to city business n. Adjournment. (3) No member shall speak more than twice on the same subject without permission of the presiding officer. (4) The "yeas" and "nays" shall be recorded. (5) All questions of order shall be decided by the presiding officer of the council with the rights of appeal to the council by any member. Robert’s Rules of Order may be used by the council as a guide for the conduct and order of business, but it shall not be viewed as determinative. (6) All meetings of the council shall be public to the extent directed by state law. (7) A motion for adjournment shall be in order, always. (8) The propositions submitted to the council that require the expenditure of money shall lie over until the next regular meeting; provided, that such propositions may be considered earlier by unanimous consent of the council. However, this rule shall not apply where the proposition concerns: (i) the current expenses of the city, (ii) contracts previously made with the city, (iii) regular salaries of city officers, (iv) wages of employees of the city, and (v) matters that have been contained or encompassed in budgets that have been previously approved by the council. Moreover, the application of this rule in any given case shall be the decision of the chairperson, and the chairperson's decision shall be final, subject only to reversal by a majority of the council upon an appeal [question of order] made prior to the passage of the proposition. Council actions are not subject to invalidation because the council did not apply this rule to any given proposition.  (9) The clerk-treasurer, attorney, chief of police, and such other officers or employees of the city shall, when requested, attend all meetings of the council and shall remain in the council room for such length of time as the council may direct. Section 3. Section 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Athens, Alabama is hereby amended so that it reads as follows: Sec. 2-65. - Council rules for citizen participation in meetings. The following rules shall apply concerning citizen participation and public comment in meetings: (1) To the extent that the council allows public comment at a city council meeting, the comment period shall be designated as a limited public forum. The comment period will be limited to a particular subject matter, such as in a public hearing concerning a specific proposal or subject, or in a public comment period concerning matters that appear on the council’s agenda. Alternatively, if a general public comment period is allowed, then it shall be limited to matters that are pertinent to the business of the City. A speaker’s remarks shall be limited to such subject matter. (2) In order for every speaker to be heard, courtesy, and order shall be observed at all times. (3) A speaker shall not address the council until recognized by the presiding officer. (4) Only one person may speak at a time. (5) Each speaker recognized by the presiding officer shall rise and give his/her name and address for the council record before addressing the council. (6) Speakers may offer differing viewpoints, including comments that are critical. However, a speaker must not engage in abusive behavior, i.e., he or she must not engage in harsh, threatening, ridiculing, or insulting behavior; use language that is habitually cruel, malicious, and/or violent; or use profanity in a threatening or disruptive way. A speaker must not scream, shout, or be riotous. A speaker must not make obscene comments, sexually explicit comments, or use fighting words. A speaker must generally remain at any podium utilized for a comment period. (7) Speakers are expected to hold their remarks to three minutes, unless invited by the presiding officer as may be needed by the council to gather information about a matter related to advancing city business. (8) Speakers may not address the council more than once during a comment session, unless invited by the presiding officer as may be needed by the council to gather information about a matter related to advancing city business. (9) Persons desiring to speak during any of the public comment periods may be required to sign up in advance, through a process established by the Mayor and President of the City Council. (10) Public comment periods, when provided, are not sessions for dialogue exchanges or “question and answer” periods, but are instead opportunities for citizens to bring their opinions, concerns, or ideas about pertinent city matters to the city council.  (11) Anyone not adhering to the above rules is "out of order" and is subject to removal from the council chamber. Section 4. 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 Ordinance are declared to be severable. Section 5. No other provisions of the City Code are amended by this Ordinance, unless specifically stated and referenced herein. Section 6. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be included and incorporated in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Athens as an addition or amendment thereto, and shall be appropriately renumbered as necessary to conform to the uniform numbering system of the Code. Section 7. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its publication as required by law. ADOPTED this the 16th day of June, 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 ordinance, 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, and Henry; 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 Henry 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, and Henry; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Council President Lucas opened the floor for public comments. Justin Sampieri, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding the need for an indoor swimming pool in the community. Latimer Dobbins, Athens, addressed the City Council and stated that he had created “A Better Place to Go” for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Amanda Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council regarding the Mayor’s decision to cut off comments on the City’s Facebook page and from the live stream. Jarrod Schulte, 1036 West Washington Street, Athens, addressed the City Council and voiced his disagreement with the Mayor’s decision to cut off public comments from the live stream.  * * * 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 Councilwoman Henry and was seconded by Councilman Seibert. The meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL /s/Annette Barnes-Threet CITY CLERK