Mayor & Commission Meetings

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Mayor and Commission Tuesday, September 3, 2024 6:00 p.m. City Hall The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia met this date in a regular monthly session. Present: Mayor Girtz; Commissioners Davenport, Link, Taylor, Wright, Fisher, Houle, Culpepper, Myers Thornton, and Hamby. No one was absent. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to approve Minutes of meetings of Tuesday, August 6; Tuesday, August 20; non-voting meeting of Tuesday August 13, 2024; and corrections of Tuesday, July 16, 2024 and Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Written communications There were none. Introduction Acting Manager Niki Jones introduced Vicki Casella, the newly appointed Human Resources Director. Old business - Consent Items under this section were discussed at prior public meetings and were presented for consideration as a single item. Only one vote was taken. Public input There was none. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to consent to action on the following 16 items. The motion passed by unanimous vote. 1. Adopt the following ordinance (#24-09-80) which was presented by tile only to amend the FY24 General Fund Budget and authorize the Manager to transfer departmental budgets at fiscal year‐end to cover departmental and constitutional office budget overages (Attachment #1) as per agenda report dated August 8, 2024. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2024 ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR OPERATING BUDGET OVERAGES FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND ANIMAL SERVICES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the General Fund Operating Budget to provide funding for operating budget overages Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, Fire & Emergency Services, and Animal Services. Said Operating and Capital budget is hereby amended as follows: General Fund: EXPENDITURES: Decrease: Other General Administration Various Departments up to $3,545,000 Increase: Operating Expenses Sheriff’s Office up to $1,600,000 Police Department up to $1,400,000  Fire & Emergency Services up to $520,000 Animal Services up to $25,000 Total $3,545,000 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 2. a. Approve the designation of Southeast Aquariums to provide Construction Services and award a not‐to‐exceed contract amount of $239,392, for Sub‐Project #1 (SPLOST 2020 – Project 15 SCNC Exhibit) as per agenda report dated July 19, 2024; b. Adopt the following ordinance (#24-09-81) which was presented by title only to reallocate the total amount of $192,895 from the SPLOST 2020 Unallocated Earned Interest, as shown in Attachment #1, to the SPLOST 2020 – Project 15 SCNC Exhibit; c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) recommended Public Art Type and Location, as shown in Attachment #2, and Public Art budget of $2,000, as part of the SPLOST 2020 – Project 15 SCNC Exhibit; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all project related documents. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX 2020 PROGRAM BUDGET SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR PROJECT #15 SANDY CREEK NATURE CENTER EXHIBIT, SUB-PROJECT #1 – AQUARIUM RENOVATIONS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the SPLOST 2020 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the SPLOST 2020 Project #15 Sandy Creek Nature Center Exhibit, Sub-Project #1 – Aquarium Renovations. Said Operating and Capital budget is hereby amended as follows: SPLOST 2020 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: Interest Earnings $ 192,895 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #15/Sub-Project #1 $ 192,895 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 3. a. Approve the OpenGov End User License Agreement (Attachment #1) as per agenda report dated July 12, 2024; b. Adopt the following ordinance (#23-09-82) which was presented by title only for FY25 ARPA (Attachment #2) authorizing the purchase of procurement software to facilitate the business inclusion policy implementation; and c. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2025 ANNUAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR SUBSCRIPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION COSTS OF PROCUREMENT SOFTWARE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows:  SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Special Revenue Fund to provide funding for subscription and implementation costs of procurement software; and for other purposes. Said Operating and Capital budget is hereby amended as follows: American Rescue Plan – CSLFRF Special Revenue Fund: EXPENDITURES Decrease: ARPA – Affordable Housing – Phase 1 $ 26,117 ARPA – Youth Dev. Summer 2022 and 2023 $179,377 ARPA – Contingency/Future Needs $ 2,835 Total $208,329 Increase: ARPA – Revenue Replacement Finance Dept – Software $208,329 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 4. a. Approve one‐year unit‐price contracts (with an option for up to four annual renewals) with Hydra Services East and GoForth Williamson for On‐call pump maintenance for Public Utilities Department as per agenda report dated July 19, 2024; and b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all contracts and related documentation. 5. a. Authorize an appropriation of $1,825,000 for the Brooklyn Creek Phase 1 Improvements Project as per agenda report dated July 22, 2024; and b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related contract documents. 6. a. Authorize a Memorandum of Understanding between ACCGov and Meissner Corporation concerning PUD’s intent to provide reuse water at a future date once infrastructure is complete (Attachment #1) as per agenda report dated July 22, 2024; b. Authorize a Memorandum of Understanding between ACCGov and Southern Company Services, Inc., concerning PUD’s intent to provide reuse water at a future date once infrastructure is complete (Attachment #2); and c. Authorize Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all contracts and related documents. 7. a. Approve the Preliminary Design Plans for the Winterville Storm Drainage Improvements Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 01), as generally shown in Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated August 7, 2024 (a printed copy of Attachment #1 will be available in the Clerk of Commissions Office for review); b. Authorize staff to acquire the necessary right‐of‐way and easements and subsequently enter into the bid & award phase for this project; c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission’s (ACAC) recommendation that the Winterville Storm Drainage Improvements Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 01) is not appropriate for Public Art; and, d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute any necessary utility relocation agreements and any other project related documents. 8. a. Approve the Proposed SP Concepts for Lexington Road Corridor Improvements Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 02), as described in Facts & Issues #7 and generally illustrated shown on Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated August 28, 2024; and b. Authorize staff to advance the Proposed SP Concepts for Lexington Road Corridor Improvements Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 02), as described in Facts & Issues #7 and generally illustrated shown on Attachment #1 to the Preliminary Plan Phase; c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) recommendation that the Lexington Road Corridor Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 02) is appropriate for Public Art with a proposed budget of $51,000 as noted on Attachment #2; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 9. a. Approve the Proposed Project Concept for Lexington Road Sidewalk Gap Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 03), as generally shown on Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated August 28, 2024; and b. Authorize staff to advance the Proposed Project Concept for Lexington Road Sidewalk Gap Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 03), as generally shown on Attachment #1, to the Preliminary Plan Phase; c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission’s (ACAC) recommendation (Attachment #2) that the Lexington Road Sidewalk Gap Project (TSPLOST 2023 Project 03) is appropriate for Public Art with a proposed budget of $3,000; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 10. a. Authorize an additive change order in the amount of $96,890 to the Contract Item Agreement for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) SR10/US78 at North Oconee River Bridge Replacement Project as per agenda report dated July 22, 2024; b. Authorize a net change to the project appropriation of $106,580; and c. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 11. a. Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $1,098,240 for the Utility Billing Software Upgrade as per agenda report dated July 22, 2024; b. Award a one‐year contract (with up to four annual renewals) to the most responsive bidder, SpryPoint, in the amount of $915,200; c. Authorize staff to approve project change orders that do not collectively exceed the overall appropriation of $1,098,240; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related contract document 12. Mayor and Commission approve the proposed Athens‐Clarke County Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department FY26‐30 Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) Goals as shown in Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated June 27, 2024. 13. a. Approve the Proposed Project Concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 11 Renewable Energy Project SP #11 as described in Attachment #1 and Facts and Issues #4 as per agenda report dated August 28, 2024; b. Authorize staff to advance SP #11 directly to the bid and award phase; c. Approve the designation of SPLOST 2020 Project 11 SP #11 as not appropriate for Public Art; d. Direct the Manager to have any related rebates and credits channel back to their original funding source; and, e. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 14. a. Award a unit price contract in an amount of $3,697,235.80 to CBP Environmental, Inc., for construction of Phase V (as illustrated in (Attachment #1) of the Athens‐Clarke County Landfill as per agenda report dated August 19, 2024; and b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 15. a. Award a professional services and equipment contract to Thundercat Technology, under the terms of an OMNIA Partners collective purchasing agreement, in the amount of up to $528,121 for the provision of a turn-key Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) as per agenda report dated July 31, 2024; and b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related contract documents. 16. a. Approve designation of West Chatham Warning Devices, Inc., as the apparent low, responsive and responsible bidder for public safety vehicle upfitting via RFP #24042 as per agenda report dated July 31, 2024; b. Award a unit price equipment and services contract in the amount of up to $250,000 for FY25 to West Chatham Warning Devices, Inc., for the provision of public safety vehicle upfitting services and associated equipment; c. Allow for annual renewal options through June 30, 2029; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related contract documents. Public hearing and deliberation on recommendations from the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission A public hearing was held at the request of Kenneth A. Beall/Beall and Co., owner Kittle Construction Services, LLC, for rezoning from RS-8 to RM-1 on 23.4 acres known as 215 Shadybrook Drive. Proposed use is residential multi-family. Type II District 3 Planning Commission recommendation: Approval w/conditions (unanimous) Public Input 1. Kenneth A. Beall - supported 2. Ronnie Kittle - supported  A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to DENY request for rezoning from RS-8 to RM-1 on 23.4 acres known as 215 Shadybrook Drive. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Houle, seconded by Commissioner Link, to HOLD request for rezoning from RS-8 to RM-1 on 23.4 acres known as 215 Shadybrook Drive. The substitute motion failed by roll call vote with Commissioners Houle, Culpepper, Myers, and Link voting YES; and Commissioners Thornton, Hamby, Davenport. Taylor, Wright, and Fisher voting NO. (4 YES; 6 NO) The petitioner asked that his request for rezoning from RS-8 to RM-1 on 23.4 acres known as 215 Shadybrook Drive be withdrawn. Commissioner Taylor offered an amendment to the original motion to accept a WITHDRAWAL request for rezoning from RS-8 to RM-1 on 23.4 acres known as 215 Shadybrook Drive. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. A public hearing was held at the request of C. Benjamin Washburn/JPC Design and Construction, owner William B. Jones/Jones Petroleum, for special use in C-G(A) on 1.17 acres known as 1580 and 1590 Lexington Road. Proposed use is convenience store and drive-thru restaurant. Type I District 3 Planning Commission recommendation: Approval w/conditions (unanimous Public Input 1. Jeremy Crosby - supported A motion was made by Commissioner Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to adopt the following ordinance (#24-09-83) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO SPECIAL USE APPROVAL IN THE C-G (A) (COMMERCIAL GENERAL, AIRPORT OVERLAY) FOR TWO PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED AT 1580 AND 1590 LEXINGTON ROAD; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The current C-G (A) (Commercial-General, Airport Overlay) District is hereby amended to provide for special use approval of drive-through restaurant. The affected parcels of land comprise approximately 1.17 acres, are located at 1580 and 1590 Lexington Road, and are known as tax parcel numbers 174B1 B009 and 174B1 B009A on the Athens-Clarke County Tax Map, being on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. The date of this amendment to the Official Zoning Map as shown by Attachment A hereto shall be noted on the Official Zoning Map in the office of the Clerk of Commission and duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. The subject parcel is further described in that certain document entitled “Site Plan,” designated in the lower right-hand corner as sheet number “C-101,” prepared by Benjamin Washburn, registered professional engineer, dated October of 2023, and which is on file for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 2. The binding site plan associated with this ordinance and incorporated herein by reference consists of two pages in total. Each sheet is numbered, titled, and dated as shown in the table below. Sheet No.: Title Date: C-101 Site Plan October [N/A], 2023 PL2.1 Preliminary Elevations June 08, 2024 Each sheet listed above is stamped “Binding 8-5-24” and is on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia.  The binding written plan associated with this ordinance and incorporated herein by reference consists of three pages in total, entitled “1580 & 1590 Lexington Rd, Special Use Application Report,” prepared by Benjamin Washburn, registered professional engineer, stamped “Binding 8-5-24,” and is on file for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 3. The following variances shall be associated with the special use approved herein: 1. Variance to reduce the requirement found in Section 8-7-15 of the Code of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, regarding the required percentage of tree canopy covered from 40% to 35%. 2. Variance to reduce the required percentage of landscaped area as required by Section 9-25-8 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, regarding site design standards from 20% to 13%. SECTION 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Old and new business – Discussion Public input 1. Jeff Carter – supported 4555 Lexington Rd – Approval of private pump station and force main 2. Valerie Bell – supported SPLOST Project 25, East Side Library – Final site selection 3. Matthew Epperson – supported Scope of service and contract awards for Business Development and Workforce Funding Plan 4. Erin Thompson-Podvin – supported Neighborhood Leaders request for increase of funding A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to a. Approve a designation of Arcadis U.S., Inc. as the most qualified firm to enter negotiation for the Planning and Feasibility Study on five (5) locally owned and maintained bridges; b. Award a Scope Specific Master Contract to provide Planning and Feasibility Study Services on five (5) local bridges for a cost not to exceed $810,000 to Arcadis U.S., Inc as per agenda report dated July 25, 2024; c. Authorize the Mayor to execute Framework Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT); and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute any and all other project‐related documents to facilitate the Planning and Feasibility Study following GDOT Plan Development Process and FHWA guidelines. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to a. Approve a designation of Backbone Infrastructure, LLC, as the apparent low responsive and responsible bidder and award Unit Price Construction Services Contract in the amount of $3,699,156.00 to Backbone Infrastructure, LLC, for the construction of Firefly Trail Project, SP #3 (TSPLOST 2023 Project 18 and TSPLOST 2018 Project 6); b. Approve a Proposed Budget Amendment (#24-09-84) which was presented as title only as shown in Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated July 18, 2024, in the amount of $2,500,000 from TSPLOST 2018 Excess Revenues to TSPLOST 2018 Project 06 for future construction cost, remaining land acquisition, and contingency to complete the project;  c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) recommendation, Attachment #2, that the Firefly Trail Project, SP #3 (TSPLOST 2023 Project 18) is appropriate for Public Art with a proposed Public Art budget, from TSPLOST 2023 Project 18, of $50,000 for all segments; and, d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX 2018 PROGRAM BUDGET SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR PROJECT #06, THE FIREFLY TRAIL PROJECT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia desires to amend the TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund to provide additional funding for the TSPLOST 2018 Project #06, the Firefly Trail Project. Said operating and capital budget is hereby amended as follows: TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: INCREASE: TSPLOST 2018 Excess Revenue $2,500,000 EXPENDITURES: INCREASE: Project #06 – Firefly Trail Project $2,500,000 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. The motion passed by roll cart vote with Commissioners Hamby, Link, Taylor, Fisher, Houle, Culpepper and Myers voting YES; and Commissioners Davenport, Wright, and Thornton voting NO. (7 YES; 3 NO) A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to a. Approve the Proposed Project Concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 11 Renewable Energy Project SP #10 as described in Attachment #1 as per agenda report dated August 28, 2024 and Facts and Issues #4; b. Authorize staff to advance SP #10 directly to the bid and award phase; c. Approve the designation of SPLOST 2020 Project 11 SP #10 as not appropriate for Public Art; d. Direct the Manager to have any related rebates and credits channel back to their original funding source; and, e. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Myers, to include Renewable Energy CDO dated September 3, 2024 described below: Approve action items a, b, d, & e Do not approve action item c (“designation of SPLOST 2020 Project 11 SP #10 as not appropriate for Public Art”) $92,400 total Designated Public Art funds to be dispersed among sub-projects 1, 3, 4, & 9 in amounts & proximate locations to be determined by the Cultural Affairs Commission in consultation with ACC staff. SP #1 – Costa Building Solar SP #3 – Memorial Park Solar SP #4 – ACC Library Solar SP#9 – Public Safety EV Accelerator Selected artwork should convey a theme relating to environmental protection  or renewable energy. There was a tie roll call vote on the substitute motion with Commissioners Link, Taylor, Houle, Myers and Davenport voting YES; and Commissioners Wright, Fisher, Culpepper, Thornton and Hamby voting NO. (5 YES; 5 NO). Mayor Girtz broke the tie with a vote of NO. The original motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to approve a connection to the Unified Government of Athens‐Clarke County (ACCGov) sanitary sewer system by means of a private pump station and force main to provide sewage service to property located at 4555 Lexington Road as per agenda report dated July 22, 2024. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to DENY Family Connection‐Communities in Schools (FC‐CIS)’s request for additional $38,062 in funding—for total of $1,140,723—to implement the Neighborhood Leaders Program in FY25 A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Houle, to approve with an amendment that the Mayor and Commission meet to discuss the Neighborhood Leaders Program before the end of 2024, its continued funding from the General Budget and any revisions to its scope of services, objectives, and outcomes. The substitute motion failed by roll call vote with Commissioners Myers, Link, Taylor, and Houle voting YES; and Commissioners Thornton, Hamby, Davenport, Wright, Fisher, and Culpepper voting NO. (4 YES; 6 NO) The original motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Fisher, Culpepper, Thornton, Hamby, Davenport and Wright voting YES; and Commissioners Houle, Myers, Link and Taylor voting NO. (6 YES; 4 NO) A motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to a. Approve the Mayor and Commission’s recommendation of 1030 Barnett Shoals (Parcel 174D 005) as the selected site for the East Side Public Library (SPLOST 2020 Project 25); b. Authorize staff to advance the East Side Public Library (SPLOST 2020 Project 25) to the Schematic Design Phase on Parcel 174D005 as generally shown on Attachment # 1 as per agenda report dated August 2, 2024; c. Approve the Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) recommendation that the East Side Library Project (SPLOST 2020 Project 05) is appropriate for Public Art with a proposed budget of $61,000; and, d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute necessary documents to develop the East Side Public Library. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Houle, to HOLD until Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Resolution to approve plan for periodic recapture of unspent ARPA funds following the ARPA obligation deadline. The motion passed by unanimous vote.  A motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to HOLD until Tuesday, September 17, 2024: Scope of services and contract awards for Business Development and Workforce Support Funding Plan. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to HOLD until Tuesday, September 17, 2024: ARPA fund allocations. The motion passed by unanimous vote. New business – Consider suspension of Rules A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to suspend Rules of Commission for consideration of two items of new business. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Link, to approve the following appointments to Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Lorenza (Chico) Rosier Three-year term expiring 06- 30-2027 Keela Singleton Three-year term expiring 06- 30-2027 Sara Clarke Three-year term expiring 06- 30-2027 LaDarius Thomas Three-year term expiring 06- 30-2027 Reappointed Angela Huff Three-year term expiring 06- 30-2027 Reappointed A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to approve the following appointments to various boards, authorities and commissions. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Athens Downtown Development Authority Drew Dekle Two-year term expiring 07-31-2026 Property owner Reappointed Jason Leonard Two-year term expiring 07-31-2026 Business owner Reappointed Athens in Motion Commission Allen Jones Five-year term expiring 07-31-2029 Reappointed Gabriella Sandberg Five-year term expiring 07-31-2029 Division of Family & Children Services Kirrena Gallagher Five-year term expiring 06-30-2029  Hearings Board Keith Hubbard Partial term expiring 06-30-2025 Human Relations Commission Parissa Burton Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Brandon Hughes Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Morgan Lyle Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Mary O’Neil Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Venzella Stowers Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Dawn Bennett-Alexander Four-year term expiring 04-30-2028 Planning Commission Jennifer Fleece Partial term expiring 06-30-2025 Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board Kevin O’Neil Partial term expiring 05-31-2025 Joseph Block Partial term expiring 05-31-2025 Vision Committee Cameron Harrelson Partial term expiring 06-30-2025 Noah Isherwood Patrial term expiring 06-30-2026 Julie Walker Three-year term expiring 06-30-2027 Public input on items other than those listed on this agenda 1. Pastor David Lester of New Faith Tabernacle Church – Speeding on Peter Street with traffic coming from Olympic Drive/Oak Street area; trees have covered stop sign causing poor visibility; requests a crosswalk at 4-way stop. FROM MAYOR GIRTZ:  1. The noise ordinance assigned to the Legislative Review Committee: Review the existing noise ordinance and discuss prospective updates, particularly in the Agricultural Residential zone, related to non-agricultural sounds, as well as in the Commercial Downtown district relative to amplified noise. The Committee may wish to seek a different measure of noise (using objective measures of volume, for example). FROM COMMISSIONER THORNTON: 1. The following events will be held on Saturday. September 14, 2024: -NACA will be hosting a Free Homebuyer Workshop in Winterville at the Marigold Auditorium -Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month downtown -Pauldoe Family and Friends Community Day FROM COMMISSIONER MYERS: 1. Encourage Mayor Girtz to schedule a meeting to discuss Neighborhood Leaders Program 2. Request to the Manager’s Office on an update of TSPLOST 2026 FROM COMMISSINER HOULE: 1. Assign a committee for examination of the following zoning codes: single family regulations, consider removing gas stations from being allowed by right, and revision to half way houses to align with state law and to make process easier 2. Cease Fire Resolution request FROM COMMISSIONER FISHER: 1. New development coming off of Kathwood Drive and Club Drive with 187 single family homes, residents were not aware but will be meeting with developer. There are concerns of major traffic issues in the area FROM COMMISSIONER LINK: 1. Thanked Pastor David Lester for concerns on Peter Street. Inquired on analysis on Peter Street in reference to traffic issues. Expressed concerns with speeding and speeding enforcement. FROM COMMISSIONER DAVENPORT: 1. Greater Athens Fair on Dunlap Road will be September 11 – 15 A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to adjourn. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. ____________________________________ Deputy Clerk of Commission