City Council

September 8, 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 September 8, 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, Dana Henry and Wayne Harper. Annette Barnes- Threet, City Clerk, was present and recorded the minutes of the meeting. Councilwoman 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 August 25, 2025 City Council Meeting and Work Session Meeting had been submitted for approval. The Chairperson stated that the minutes of the September 2, 2025 Special Called 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 read a proclamation declaring September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. The Mayor congratulated everyone elected to the City Council and wished Council President Lucas good luck on the upcoming runoff election. Mayor Marks turned the floor over to Darrell Robinson. Mr. Robinson addressed the City Council regarding efforts to raise money to construct a memorial at the Ardmore Welcome Center to honor WWI, WWII and War on Terror veterans. Mayor Marks then turned the floor over to Craig Beasley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Mr. Beasley addressed the City Council and thanked the A-L Public Library Foundation for the window tinting that has been placed on the windows of the library to try to help lower the utility bill and the new seats installed in the children’s area. Mr. Beasley handed out a schedule of events that are held at the library and encouraged everyone to visit. He also thanked the City Council for all of their support. Mayor Marks then stated that he hopes to bring a plan to the City Council soon regarding a pool. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE ZONING APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL IN THE CITY OF ATHENS BY TEXAS ROADHOUSE HOLDINGS, LLC, DBA: TEXAS ROADHOUSE, 15386 FLINDERS LANE, ATHENS, AL, 35611 (NEW BUSINESS) No one spoke in favor of or against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE ZONING APPROVAL FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOL IN THE CITY OF ATHENS BY LIMESTONE GROCERY, LLC, DBA: HOMETOWN GROCERY- LIMESTONE, 100 US HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH, ATHENS, AL, 35611 (CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP) No one spoke in favor of or against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REZONE +/-33.4 ACRES (KEN GARNER) OF PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF ROY LONG ROAD EAST AND APPROXIMATELY 3,600’ WEST OF U.S. HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH, (PARCEL# 44-10-09-29-0-000-002.000), FROM M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO R-1-3 (HIGH DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT) WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS Erin Tidwell, City Planner, addressed the City Council regarding the proposed ordinance and stated the Planning Commission recommended approval and that the staff has no issues with the rezone. Davis Delich, 13969 Poplar Brook Road, Athens, addressed the City Council, as a resident of the adjoining neighborhood, and stated that he opposes the proposed rezone. Mr. Delich remarked that any type of development would result in a lot of runoff affecting the properties of his neighborhood. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Seibert introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE +/- 33.4 ACRES (KEN GARNER) OF PROPERTY LOCATED DIRECTLY SOUTH OF ROY LONG ROAD EAST AND APPROXIMATELY 3,600’ WEST OF U.S. HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH, (PARCEL #: 44-10-09-29-0-000-002.000) FROM M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO R-1-3 (HIGH DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT) WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS. STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY, CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 – 2380 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, has heretofore adopted, “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama,” and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Athens, Alabama, has made a recommendation to the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, that the hereinafter described area should be rezoned from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to R-1-3 (High Density Single Family Residential District). 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 zone the hereinafter described area as R-1-3 (High Density Single Family Residential 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 zoned R-1-3 (High Density Single Family Residential 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: A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST, LIMESTONE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT A FOUND 1/2 INCH REBAR WITH A CAP STAMPED “MORELL ENG CA-742- LS” ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 53 OF A REPLAT OF LOT 53 OF BROOKHILL COTTAGES SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK K PAGE 238 IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE FOR LIMESTONE COUNTY, ALABAMA, SAID FOUND REBAR ALSO BEING ON THE SOUTHERN RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR ROY LONG ROAD, SAID FOUND REBAR ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREIN DESCRIBED TRACT: THENCE FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING AND LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY RUN SOUTH 00°43'52" EAST AT A DISTANCE OF 1667.80 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN NORTH 88°48'46" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 170.80 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN SOUTH 01°11'14" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 91.14 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN NORTH 88°48'46" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 657.85 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN NORTH 00°48'58" WEST AT A DISTANCE OF 1771.51 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY; THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY RUN SOUTH 87°57'38" EAST AT A DISTANCE OF 834.85 FEET AND BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID TRACT CONTAINS 33.4 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 8th day of September, 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 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 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, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REZONE +/-122.02 ACRES OF PROPERTY FOR RUTHANN D. BARKSDALE, KEITH ROWE, TAMMIE GAFFORD, AND JERALD DOUTHIT FROM EST (ESTATE RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL) TO R-1-3(C)(HIGH DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT WITH CONDITIONS). PROPERTY IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 610’ SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 72 AND DIRECTLY WEST OF CAMBRIDGE LANE, (PARCEL# 44-10-06-24-0-001-018.000) WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS Erin Tidwell, City Planner, addressed the City Council regarding the proposed ordinance and stated the Planning Commission recommended approval and that the staff has no issues with the rezone. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Wales introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE +/- 122.02 ACRES OF PROPERTY FOR RUTHANN D. BARKSDALE, KEITH ROWE, TAMMIE GAFFORD, AND JERALD DOUTHIT FROM EST (ESTATE RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL) TO R-1-3(C) (HIGH DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT WITH CONDITIONS). PROPERTY IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 610’ SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 72 AND DIRECTLY WEST OF CAMBRIDGE LANE, (PARCEL #: 44-10-06-24-0-001-018.000) WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS. STATE OF ALABAMA LIMESTONE COUNTY, CITY OF ATHENS ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 – 2381 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, has heretofore adopted, “The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Athens, Alabama,” and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Athens, Alabama, has made a recommendation to the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, that the hereinafter described area should be rezoned from EST (Estate Residential and Agricultural) to R-1-3(C) (High Density Single Family Residential District with Conditions) with the following conditions attached to the Zoning district: 1. limit development included within the boundaries of the rezoning request to a maximum yield of 255 residential lots; and 2. a minimum of 45% of the overall property within the boundaries of the rezoning request (+/-122 acres) must be identified as active and/or passive open space, Floodway/Floodplain, and/or Riparian Buffers. 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 zone the hereinafter described area as R-1-3(C) (High Density Single Family Residential District with Conditions). 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 zoned R-1-3(C) (High Density Single Family Residential District with Conditions) 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: LOT 1 OF THE RE-PLAT OF LOT 1 DOUTHIT ESTATE SUBDIVISION (PLAT BOOK L, PAGE 106) OF THE SOUTH HALF OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF LIMESTONE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN PLAT BOOK L, PAGE 264. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 8th day of September, 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 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 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, Henry and Harper; 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 remarks regarding agenda items. Seeing no one come forward, Council President Lucas proceeded with the meeting. Councilman Harper 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 amounts be approved for Electric Department personnel: Jake Hamby $47.29 Chattanooga, TN – TVPPA Utility Law Jessica Dean $75.43 Franklin, TN – RCS PCB Workshop Joseph Hoenig $60.36 Franklin, TN – RCS PCB Workshop RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its regular meeting on September 8th, 2025 at 4:30 P.M., to approve a purchase from The Lioce Group, Huntsville, AL, for a Canon imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 MFP Z36 plotter/scanner for a total purchase cost of $14,301.59 to be funded through the Electric Department’s FY26 Capital Expense budget. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its regular meeting on September 8th, 2025 at 4:30 P.M., to approve a purchase from Global Rental Company, Inc., Birmingham, Alabama, through Sourcewell Contract# 040924-ALT, for one (1) Altec AT41M 4x4 with Ford F600 Cab and Chassis for a total price of $198,466.00 to be funded through the Electric Department’s FY26 Capital Expense budget. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, at its regular meeting on September 8th, 2025 at 4:30 P.M., to approve the purchase of a 14 ft., low profile dump trailer from Big Tex Trailer World-Pelham, AL for a price of $10,337.50 to be funded through the Electric Department’s FY26 Capital Expense budget. The motion was seconded by Councilman Seibert and was unanimously carried. Councilman Wales introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025 - 2382 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, TO EXEMPT CERTAIN “COVERED ITEMS” FROM THE MUNICIPAL SALES AND USE TAX DURING THE LAST WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY, 2026, AS AUTHORIZED BY ACT 2012-256, GENERALLY REFERRED TO AS THE STATE SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY LEGISLATION. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. In conformity with the provisions of Act 2012-256 enacted by the Alabama Legislature during the 2012 Regular Session, providing for a State Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, the City of Athens, Alabama, exempts “covered items” from municipal sales and use tax during the same period, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in February 2026 (February 20, 2026) and ending at twelve midnight the following Sunday (February 22, 2026). Section 2. This ordinance shall be subject to all terms, conditions, definitions, time periods, and rules as provided by Act 2012-256, except that the time period shall only be as specified in Section 1 above and not for all years thereafter. Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this ordinance under the seal of the City of Athens, Alabama, and to forward said certified copy to the Alabama Department of Revenue to be recorded and posted on the Department website. Section 4. This ordinance shall become effective on September 13, 2025. ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 8th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 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 ordinance, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Harper, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, 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 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, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said ordinance had been unanimously carried. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to authorize the Electric Department Manager to award the contract for Hwy 99 Fiber project as follows: Delta Services, LLC – Total: $198,605.00  The costs/expenses related to this Resolution shall be paid from the Electric Department’s FY26 Capital Expenses fund. Councilmember Harper moved that unanimous consent be given for immediate consideration of and action on said resolution, which motion was seconded by Councilmember Seibert, and upon the said motion being put to vote the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Seibert, Wales, 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 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 authorize the City Clerk of the City of Athens to renew the Tax Revenue Enhancement Agreements with AVENU Insights & Analytics, LLC (formerly RDS), for three (3) years, for revenue administration for the City of Athens. These agreements include the administration, remittance processing, compliance and reporting services for the City’s sales and use, rental, lodging, gas, alcohol, and tobacco taxes and business license discovery/recovery. The effective date for the performance of services under the terms of these agreements shall commence September 1, 2025. 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 reimbursement to Chris Seibert in the amount of $3,250. This fee is for Leadership Alabama Class XXXV tuition, which covers all program activities, speakers, materials and meals for the entire year. 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 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 resolution. Upon the said motion being put to vote, the following vote was recorded: YEAS: Councilmembers Wales, Lucas, Henry and Harper; ABSTENTION: Councilmember Seibert; 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 – 2105 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE GROVE AT SOUTH JEFFERSON ___________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Athens City Council must approve master development plans in an R-2 zoning district; WHEREAS, Morell Engineering (the “Applicant”) has proposed a Master Development plan for The Grove at South Jefferson in an R-2 district; WHEREAS, the Athens Planning Commission reviewed the proposed plan and is electing to forward the request, with its recommendation for approval, to the Athens City Council as a Major Amendment; WHEREAS, the original adopted master development plan included a total of one hundred ten apartment units and 1.8 acres of open space; WHEREAS, the applicant voiced reasonable points for amending the adopted Master Development Plan to include a total of one hundred twenty apartment units and 4.3 acres of open space; WHEREAS, the City Council, having fully considered the proposed “Major Amendments” to the previously adopted Master Development Plan has determined to adopt the Applicant’s Master Development Plan as amended.  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, on September 8, 2025, that the Major Amendments to the Applicant’s Master Development Plan are hereby approved in a revised form so that it confirms in each and every respect with the The Grove at South Jefferson Master Development Plan dated today, September 8, 2025, and attached to this Resolution as Attachment A. ADOPTED and APPROVED this, the 8th day of September, 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 Seibert and was unanimously carried. Jim Maynard, Martin & Cobey Construction Company, Inc., gave the City Council a brief update of the Sunrise Park project. Councilwoman Henry introduced the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the Mayor to provide a change order at Sunrise Park for Bid Package #4, Site electrical work, to Hennessee Construction LLC in the amount of (57,415.00), funded by 2024 GO warrants. 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 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, 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 THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the Mayor to provide a change order at Sunrise Park for Bid Package #3, General Works, to EMW Construction in the amount of 7,590.00, funded by 2024 GO warrants. 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 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, Henry and Harper; 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 THE CITY OF ATHENS, ALABAMA, to allow the Mayor to provide a change order at Sunrise Park for Bid Package #2, Civil & Utilities, to Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, Inc. in the amount of 68,590.00, funded by 2024 GO warrants. 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 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, 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 - 2106 WHEREAS, the City of Athens acting by and through its City Council proposes to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant funds to construct sewer and road improvements to support a new grocery store at the corner of Elm Street and Lucas Ferry Road. THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of Athens, Alabama, as follows: THAT, WILLIAM R. MARKS, MAYOR, is hereby authorized to execute and submit an application with appropriate assurances to the State of Alabama, Department of Economic and Community Affairs, requesting CDBG funds in the amount of $300,000.00 as well as ARC funds in the amount of $300,000.00 to construct the above referenced sewer & road improvements; and THAT, THE CITY OF ATHENS will provide a local cash match of $288,867.80 in support of this project. READ AND ADOPTED this the 8th day of September 2025. Signed for the City of Athens: /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, 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 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, Henry and Harper; NAYS: None. The President thereupon announced that the motion for the adoption of the said resolution had been unanimously carried. Council President Lucas opened the floor for general public comment on matters pertinent to City business. Amanda Schulte, 1036 W. Washington Street, Athens, inquired about obtaining a copy of the master development plan approved for The Grove development; the agenda item approving the contract with AVENU and the resurfacing of the parking lot at the Athens Utilities location on Wilkinson Street. Mark Wilson, 18042 North Jefferson Street, Athens, addressed the Council with concerns over the citation he received for his property on North Jefferson Street. Justin Sampieri, Owens Street, Athens, invited the Council to attend the upcoming Athens Swim Team competitions in Cullman and Scottsboro. * * * 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 Wales and was seconded by Councilman Harper. The meeting was duly and properly adjourned. /s/ James E. Lucas PRESIDENT, CITY COUNCIL /s/Annette Barnes-Threet CITY CLERK