Mayor & Commission Meetings

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Special Called Session Tuesday, January 6, 2026 6:03 p.m. City Hall The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia met this date in a special called session. Present: Mayor Girtz; Commissioners Davenport, Link, Taylor, Wright, Fisher, Johnson, Culpepper, Myers, Thornton and Hamby. Commissioner Culpepper arrived at 6:08 p.m. and Commissioner Johnson arrived at 6:17 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to consider the Lay Park Landmark Designation Resolution and any other item in proper order. Presentation Mayor Girtz recognized the Sandy Creek Nature Center Trail Guides for their outstanding service and contributions to environmental education. The Trail Guide recipients were presented with two honors from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA): the State Volunteer Award and the District 7 Volunteer Award. Sandy Creek Nature Center Naturalist Kate Mowbray was acknowledged, along with Trail Guides Katherine Edison, Chuck Horne, Rebecca Horne, Christy Pieper, and Avis Winfield. Mayor Girtz also recognized the Leisure Services Department who earned the prestigious Georgia Recreation and Park and Park Association’s District 7 “Agency of the Year” Award for populations of 80,000 – 150,000. Alex Bond, Interim Director, was presented with the award which recognizes the Northeast Georgia agency that has made a significant contribution to recreation, park or leisure services on a local level, and is based on outstanding programs and accomplishments over the past year. This recognition is particularly significant because it is voted on by Recreation professionals. Commissioner Culpepper arrived at 6:08 p.m. Public Input Dr. Tawanna Smith-Mattox New business – Consider under suspension of Rules A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Myers, to suspend the Rules of Commission for consideration of one new business item. The motion passed by 9 YES votes. Commissioner Johnson was absent. Commissioner Johnson arrived at 6:17 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Link, to adopt the following resolution. The motion passed by 9 YES votes. Commissioner Johnson abstained. A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISION OF THE UNIFIED GOVERNMENT OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA TO PURSUE HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THOMAS N. LAY PARK WHEREAS, Thomas N. Lay Park originally opened in June 1975 as the Central Athens Community Center. Funded by the Model Cities Program and built to meet the recreational and educational needs of the community, the center quickly became a hub for connection, learning, and growth. Under the longtime leadership of Willie Hull, the facility grew to offer impactful programs such as summer camp, arts and crafts, youth sports, holiday events, and the beloved Family and Friends Day. In 1990, the facility was renamed in honor of Thomas N. Lay, a visionary leader who championed youth development and community recreation; WHEREAS, there is cause to believe that the area now known as Thomas N. Lay Park served as an area of recreation and community for the residents of Athens, sometimes at the exclusion of other residents, for decades prior to its official dedication in 1975; WHEREAS, in this period of transition for the area surrounding Thomas N. Lay Park and downtown Athens more generally, it is incumbent that the history of the Thomas N. Lay Park and the surrounding area is discovered and recorded in order to acknowledge and preserve its significance in the history of Athens, and to integrate this history into future development; WHEREAS, Commissioner Ovita Thornton has initiated an initial inquiry into this history of Thomas N. Lay Park and has requested that the Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia join her to expand this effort;  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia: Section 1. The Mayor and Commission direct that Unified Government Staff (“Staff”) initiate an application for the consideration of Thomas N. Lay Park for Local Historic Designation under the Athens- Clarke County Historic Preservation Ordinance Section 8-5. Section 2. The Mayor and Commission does hereby request that an allocation of up to $10,000.00 be allocated to discovering and documenting the history of Thomas N. Lay Park for the purpose of the preparation of the designation report to accompany the application for designation and for general purposes. Such allocation shall be directed to the Manager’s Office and shall be used in its discretion to document the history of Thomas N. Lay Park and to prepare the landmark designation application to the Historic Preservation Commission. Section 3. In the event that scrivener’s errors shall be discovered in this Resolution after the adoption hereof, the Commission hereby authorizes and directs that each such scrivener’s error shall be corrected in all multiple counterparts of this Resolution. Section 4. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its approval by the Mayor or upon its adoption into law without such approval. Section 5. That the Manager or his lawful designees are hereby authorized to perform all acts necessary to implement this resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commission Link, to adjourn the Special Called Session. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. __________________________________ Deputy Clerk of Commission ******************************************************** Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Mayor and Commission Tuesday, January 6, 2026 6:21 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, Johnson, Culpepper, Myers, Thornton and Hamby. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Link, to approve the Minutes of voting meetings of Tuesday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 16, 2025; and non-voting meetings of Tuesday, December 9 and Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Written Communications There were none. 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 Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to consent to action on the following four items. The motion passed by unanimous vote. 1. a. Approve an amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the Professional Firefighters of Athens-Clarke County (Attachment #1) as per agenda report dated October 20, 2025; b. Accept the Classification and Compensation Study for the Fire Department completed by AutoSolve, Inc. (Attachment #2); c. Authorize the Manager and relevant staff to implement Hire Year Parity, as recommended in the Fire Pay Study, effective the first pay period in January 2026; d. Adopt the following ordinance (#26-01-01) (Attachment #3) which was presented by title only, to provide funding for the implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Pay Study completed by AutoSolve, Inc.; and, e. Authorize the Mayor and relevant staff to sign related documents. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; 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 to provide funding to implement the classification and compensation study for the Fire Department. Said Operating budget is hereby amended as follows: General Fund: EXPENDITURES: Decrease: Other General Administration Contingency $343,749 Increase: Fire Department Personal Services $343,749 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 2. a. Adopt a resolution (Attachment #1) authorizing the application for and acceptance of the Federal Planning (PL) contract amount associated with the annual Metropolitan Transportation Planning Grant for FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) as per agenda report dated November 18, 2025; and, b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute the resulting contract between the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION Resolution authorizing the execution of contracts between the Department of Transportation, United States of America, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County for the FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) Planning (PL) Contract, if awarded.  WHEREAS, the Federal Government requires that Urbanized Areas such as Athens have a formal planning process as it relates to the planning of transportation projects; and WHEREAS, the Federal Government will not authorize the expenditure of funds for said transportation projects unless they come out of this formal transportation planning process; and WHEREAS, the formal transportation planning process is organized around what is commonly known as the Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Regional Transportation Study (MACORTS); WHEREAS, the staff of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Planning Department provides support for MACORTS planning efforts; WHEREAS, the Federal Government will provide up to an estimated amount of $290,000 of the funding for the transportation planning (PL) contract expenses incurred by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County subject to a 20% local match of the funded amount (estimated to be a maximum of $58,000), if awarded; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County: That the Mayor and appropriate staff are authorized to apply for a grant, accept such grant if awarded, and execute an associated contracts with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for the FY 2027 Transportation Planning (PL) Contract Funds, if awarded. 3. a. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment #1) authorizing the submission of an application for and the acceptance of the annual Transit Planning Assistance Grant (Title 49 USC Section 5303) for FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), if awarded, in the estimated maximum amount of $98,919 in federal funding as per agenda report dated November 18, 2025; and b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute the resulting contract between the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION Resolution authorized the execution of contracts between the Department of Transportation, United States of America, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, for a grant under the title 49 U.S.C., Section 5303, for FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation and the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation are authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects; WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligations upon the applicant, including the provision by it of the local project costs; and WHEREAS, it is required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filing of an application for assistance under the Federal Transit Act, the applicant gives an assurance that it will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirements thereunder; and WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Applicant that minority Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise be utilized to the fullest extent possible in connection with this project, and that definitive procedures shall be established and administered to ensure that minority businesses shall have the maximum feasible opportunity to compete for contracts and purchase orders when procuring construction contracts, supplies, equipment contracts, or consultant and other services; and WHEREAS, the Federal government and the State of Georgia will provide at least $98,919 of the funding for the Transit Planning (Section 5303) contract expenses incurred by the Unified Government subject to a maximum local match of $24,730. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County: That the Mayor is authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County with the Georgia Department of Transportation to aid in the financing of a technical study grant pursuant to Section 5303 of the Federal Transit Act to implement specific items of the FY 2027 Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Regional Transportation Study (MACORTS) Unified Planning Work Program. That the Mayor is authorized to execute and file with such application an assurance or any other document required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation effectuating the purpose of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; That the Planning Director of Athens-Clarke County is authorized to furnish such additional information as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Transportation may require in connection with the application or the project; That the Mayor is authorized to set forth and execute Minority Business Enterprise, DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise,) and WBE (Women Business Enterprise) policies and procedures in connection with the projects procurement needs. That the Mayor and appropriate staff is authorized to apply for a grant, accept such grant, if awarded, and execute these grant agreements on behalf of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County with the Georgia Department of Transportation to aid in the financing of a technical study grant to implement specific items of the MACORTS Unified Planning Work Program. That the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke government while making application to or receiving grants from the Federal Transit Administration will comply with FTA Circular 8100.1D, FTA Certifications and Assurances for Federal Assistance 2021 as listed in this grant application and General Operating Guidelines as illustrated in the Georgia State Management Plan. That the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke government has or will have available in the General Fund the required non-federal funds to meet local share requirements for this grant application. 4. a. Approve an allocation of up to $924,293 in TSPLOST 2023 Project #19 funds to engage consultants and engineers in the services needed to support comprehensive planning for the Transit Department as per agenda report dated October 28, 2025; b. Authorize an award of $540,293 to on-call vendor RS&H to conduct the routing and fiscal analyses, as outlines in the task work order (Attachment #1); c. Authorize the Manager to approve up to $84,000 in additive change orders as needed to support the comprehensive planning efforts; and, d. Approve the Mayor and relevant staff to execute all related contracts and documents. Public hearing and deliberation on recommendations from the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission A public hearing was held on the request of Ed Lane / SPG Planners + Engineers, Owner: Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, for a Rezone from P to C-D (Park to Commercial Downtown) and Future Land Use from Government to Downtown on 1.53 acres known as 293 Hoyt Street. Type I District 2 Planning Commission recommendation: Future Land Use – Approval Rezone - Approval Public input 1. Ed Lane - supported A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to adopt the following future land use ordinance (#26-01-02) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Link, Wright, Culpepper, Thornton, Hamby and Davenport voting YES; and Commissioners Taylor, Fisher, Johnson, and Myers voting NO. 6 YES; 4 NO AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY BY CHANGING THE DESIGNATION OF A PORTION OF ONE PARCEL OF LAND COMPRISING APPROXIMATELY 12.87 ACRES IN TOTAL, 1.53 ACRES OF WHICH IS AFFECTED BY THE FUTURE LAND USE AMENDMENT APPROVED HEREIN, LOCATED AT 293 HOYT STREET FROM “GOVERNMENT” TO “DOWNTOWN;” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Official Land Use Map referred to in the Zoning Ordinance of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, as specifically identified in Section 9-3-3(A)(2) thereof, is hereby amended by changing the future land use designation of approximately 1.53 acres of a parcel of land comprising approximately 12.87 acres in total located at 293 Hoyt Street (Tax Parcel Number 163D3 D001) from “Government” to “Downtown,” as more fully shown on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The date of this amendment to the Official Land Use Map of Athens-Clarke County as shown by Exhibit A shall be duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. The Official Land Use Map and Exhibit A hereto are available for public inspection in said Clerk’s Office, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to adopt the following zoning ordinance (#26-01-03) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Link, Wright, Culpepper, Thornton, Hamby and Davenport voting YES; and Commissioners Taylor, Fisher, Johnson, and Myers voting NO. 6 YES; 4 NO AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO REZONING A PORTION OF ONE PARCEL OF LAND COMPRISING APPROXIMATELY 12.87 ACRES IN TOTAL, 1.53 ACRES OF WHICH IS AFFECTED BY THE REZONE APPROVED HEREIN, LOCATED AT 293 HOYT STREET FROM P (PARK) TO C-D (COMMERCIAL DOWNTOWN); AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The map constituting the component part of the Zoning Ordinance of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, by virtue of and in compliance with Sections 9-3-3 and 9-3-6 thereof, is hereby amended by changing the zoning of one parcel of land comprising approximately 12.87 acres in total, 1.53 acres of which is affected by the rezone approved herein, and located at 293 Hoyt Street, Athens, Georgia, from P (Park) to C-D (Commercial-Downtown) as shown on Attachment A hereto. The affected parcel of land is more fully described in that certain document entitled “Exhibit For: The Graduate, 295 E Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia 30601, Athens-Clarke County, G.M.D. 220,” labeled in the lower right-hand corner as “Sheet 1 of 1,” prepared by John F. Brewer, III, registered land surveyor, dated September 27, 2025, and 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 affected parcel, a portion of which is being rezoned, is also known as Tax Parcel No. 163D3 D001 on the Athens-Clarke County tax maps 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 of Athens-Clarke County as shown by Attachment A shall be noted on said Official Zoning Map in the office of the Clerk of Commission, 301 College Avenue, Athens, Georgia, and duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with are hereby repealed. Old and new business – Discussion Public input 1. Katherine Harr supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List – specifically the Greenway Trails 2. Andy Savoy Andy Savoy supported the Development of Public and Private Property Around 295 E. Dougherty Street. 3. Aaron Redman supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List – specifically the Greenway Trails. 4. Theresa Omanovic supported the Development of Public and Private Property Around 295 E. Dougherty Street. 5. Holly Fuller supported the Development of Public and Private Property Around 295 E. Dougherty Street. 6. Dr. Tawanna Smtih-Mattox supported the Development of Public and Private Property Around 295 E. Dougherty Street. 7. Charlie Barrow supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 8. Jason Perry supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 9. Chris Mojack supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 10. Olivia A. Asher supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 11. Bart King supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 12. Danielle Gillmer supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 13. Bennie Coleman opposed the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 14. Michael Goltzer supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. 15. Tim Denson supported the Right-of-Way Use Ad Hoc Committee Report specifically lockers for the unhoused. 16. Allen Jones supported the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List specifically the Greenway Trails. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to a. Authorize an appropriation of $731,148 for the Freeman Drive Sewer Force Main Replacement project as per agenda report dated November 19, 2025; b. Award a unit price construction contract to RDJE, Inc., Inc. for $603,980; c. Award a project management/resident inspection contract to Hazen and Sawyer PC for the provision of professional services during construction in the amount of $60,700; d. Authorize the Manager (or the Manager’s designee) to approve additive project change orders that do not collectively exceed the overall appropriation of $731,148, or any deductive change orders; and e. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to sign all documents related to the contracts. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to a. Approve a Development Agreement between CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC and the Athens Downtown Development Authority that defines the terms for a public-private-project for the redevelopment of land around 295 E. Dougherty Street (Attachment #1) as per revised agenda report dated December 11, 2025; b. Approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Athens Downtown Development Authority (Attachment #2) and second amendment to the Downtown Parking Management Agreement (Attachment #3) for the financing and operations of a future parking deck at Hoyt Street and North Avenue; d. Authorize staff to negotiate and/or execute all related easements, including the granting of a tieback easement to integrate the new Hoyt Street Parking Deck with Lay Park (Attachment #5); e. Authorize appropriate staff to take all actions necessary and incidental for any road abandonments associated with the redevelopment of 295 E, Dougherty Street, including, but not necessarily limited to, serving and advertising notices of any proposed road abandonments; and, f. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute the agreements and exhibits referred to herein in substantially the same form as attached this agenda item, provided, however, that the Attorney and the Manager shall be authorized to approve minor variations thereto which do not substantially alter the terms. The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Link, Wright, Culpepper, Thornton, Hamby and Davenport voting YES; and Commissioners Taylor, Fisher, Johnson, and Myers voting NO. 6 YES; 4 NO  A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to accept the application WITHDRAWAL of Ed Lane / SPG Planners & Engineers, Owner: Homewood Village, LLC., for a Master Planned Development from C-G to C-G (PD), on 15.95 acres known as 2415 Jefferson Road. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Myers, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to APPROVE the Commission Defined Option and adopt the following ordinance (#26-01-04) which was presented by title only as per revised agenda report dated December 10, 2025. a. Exempt 100% of the water and wastewater connection fees, in the amount of $147,243, for the Mental Health Recovery Facility, in partnership with Advantage Behavioral Health, based on the organization providing affordable housing and additional behavioral health resources of substantial benefit to the Athens Clarke County community; and, b. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Commissioner Fisher exited at 7:47 p.m. AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE WATER AND WASTEWATER CONNECTION FEES FOR THAT CERTAIN MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY FACILITY PROJECT LOCATED AT 240 MITCHELL BRIDGE ROAD; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on or around August 2, 2022, the Mayor & Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, authorized that certain intergovernmental agreement by and between the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and Advantage Behavioral Health System, concerning SPLOST 2020 Project #28 (“IGA”); and WHEREAS, said SPLOST 2020 Project #28 is for a Mental Health Recovery Facility, as more particularly described in the project list for SPLOST 2020 and the accompanying project statement for Project #28; and WHEREAS, Advantage Behavioral Health System is a community service board, as described in O.C.G.A. §ֻ§ 37-2-6 through 37-2-6.5, and WHEREAS, Advantage Behavioral Health System is the owner of certain real property at 240 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens, Georgia, and Advantage Behavioral Health System proposes to construct the Mental Health Recovery Facility on said real property; and WHEREAS, on or about June 4, 2019, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, adopted an amendment to Section 5-3-76(c) of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, which provided that the Mayor & Commission “may exempt all or part of” fees for a project to connect to the Athens-Clarke County water system “if the Mayor and Commission determine that such project will either: (i) create substantial economic development and employment growth of benefit to the Athens- Clarke County community, or (ii) preserve existing or provide additional affordable housing resources of substantial benefit to the Athens-Clarke County community”; and WHEREAS, on or about June 4, 2019, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, adopted an amendment to Section 5-3-79(c) of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, which provided that that Mayor & Commission may “exempt all or part of” the fees for a project to connect to the Athens-Clarke County wastewater system “if the Mayor and Commission determine that such project will either: (i) create substantial economic development and employment growth of benefit to the Athens-Clarke County community, (ii) facilitate conversion of existing on-site sewage disposal systems to public sewer which conversion will substantially benefit water quality in the watershed, or (iii) preserve existing or provide additional affordable housing resources of substantial benefit to the Athens-Clarke County community”; and WHEREAS, in accordance with an ordinance adopted by the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, on or about June 5, 2024, Sections 5-3-76 and 5-3-79 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, were amended to allow a maximum waiver of 30% for water and wastewater connection fees; and  WHEREAS, in accordance with the law in effect as of the date that the Mayor & Commission approved the IGA, the Mayor & Commission could waive up to 100% of the water and wastewater connection fees for a particular project; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby finds that the Mental Health Recovery Facility meets the qualifications for a water and wastewater fee waiver, as described in Sections 5-3-76(c) and 5-3-79(c) of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, as those code sections existed on or around August 2, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, in accordance with the law in effect as of August 2, 2022, desires to waive 100% of the water and wastewater connection fees for the Mental Health Recovery Facility, as more specifically described elsewhere in this ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby finds that Advantage Behavioral Health System is a duly-created community service board under the laws of the State of Georgia, is statutorily authorized to perform the duties and responsibilities described in O.C.G.A. § 37-2-6.1, and may thus serve as a partner organization for the Mental Health Recovery Facility project; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, further finds that the Mental Health Recovery Facility, as detailed in the project description for SPLOST 2020 Project #28, is intended to provide important services that promote the welfare and wellbeing of the residents of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, mitigates the burdens of government arising from mental illness in the community, and thus substantiates another policy reason as to why the water and wastewater connection fees for this particular project should be waived in full; NOW, THEREFORE, the following premises considered, the Commission of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The Commission hereby authorizes the waiver of 100% (one-hundred percent) of the water system connection fee and the wastewater system connection fee for the Mental Health Recovery Facility project located at 240 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens, Georgia, also known as Tax Parcel No. 113 019G on the Official Tax Maps of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. SECTION 2. The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department may undertake all actions necessary and incidental to effectuate the purposes of this ordinance as described herein. SECTION 3. It is the express intent of the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that the certain ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO EXEMPTIONS FOR WATER AND SEWER FEES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” adopted by the Commission on or about June 5, 2024, shall remain in full force and effect. Any other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 4. The recitals beginning with “WHEREAS” above provide necessary background and context for this ordinance, and are thus incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 5. Should any provision, paragraph, sentence, or word of this ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions, paragraphs, sentences, or words of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 6. The Clerk of Commission (or Deputy Clerk) is authorized, in consultation with the Athens-Clarke County Attorney, to correct any scrivener’s errors that may be found in this ordinance after the adoption and approval hereof. Commissioner Fisher returned at 7:49 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Link, to HOLD for 60 days the Naming of East Broad Street Bridge Over North Oconee River as Weaver D’s Bridge – Automatic for the People. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Davenport, to adopt the following ordinance text amendments to Sec. 3-5-23 (#26-01-05) (Interference with sidewalks, streets, and other public areas; prowling) (Attachment #1), Sec 5-2-2 (#26-01-06) (Definitions service categories, customer classification; special customer) (Attachment #2), and Sec. 5-2-20 (#26-01-07) (Abandonment of personal property within public rights-of-way) (Attachment #3) as recommended by the Right-of-Way Use Ad Hoc Committee Report dated November 21, 2025. The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC SIDEWALKS AND STREETS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 3-5 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is hereby amended by deleting the present Section 3-5-23, currently entitled “Obstructing public sidewalks and streets; prowling” and replacing it with a new Section 3-5-23, to be titled “Interference with sidewalks, streets, and other public areas; prowling” and which section now reads as follows: Sec. 3-5-23. Interference with sidewalks, streets, and other public areas; prowling. (a) Interference with sidewalks, streets, and other public areas. (1) Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Bridge shall mean a structure, including the approaches thereto, erected in order to afford passage over any obstruction in any public road, railroad, or other right-of-way; or to afford passage under or over existing public roads, railroads, or other rights-of-way. As used in this section, the definition of the term "bridge" includes a controlled access high- way overpass as defined herein. Controlled access highway overpass shall mean a crossing of two controlled access highways or of a controlled access highway and other public road, pedestrian path, rail- road or public right-of- way at different levels where clearance to traffic on the lower level is obtained by elevating the higher level. Interference with ingress or egress shall mean storing personal property, standing, sitting, lying down, using personal property, or performing any other activity where such activity materially interferes with the ingress into or egress from buildings or any other real property that has a limited number of entrances or exits, regardless of whether the property is owned in whole or in part by the Unified Government, a private owner, or another public entity, unless having received the prior express written permission of the property owner, or interferes with the passage along driveways, streets, sidewalks, alleys, rights-of-way, roadway shoulders, remnants of rights-of- way, or public areas. Public area shall mean an area to which the public or a substantial group of persons has access, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, roadways (including shoulders and medians), rights-of-way, roadway shoulders, remnants of rights-of-way, bridges, the area above and below any bridge, sidewalks, alleys, parking lots and decks, plazas, parks, public greenspace areas, playgrounds, schools, transportation facilities, within a public- transportation vehicle, an area owned in whole or in part by, operated by, for, or under the custody and control of the Unified Government and other public property, including property owned or under control of the Unified Government and any other property where public gatherings occur on a regular basis, and any other property where public meetings are conducted. Storing personal property shall mean leaving one's personal effects, including, but not limited to, clothing, bedrolls, cookware, sleeping bags, luggage, knapsacks, backpacks, wagons, or shopping carts, unattended for more than one hour. This term shall not include reasonably- parked bicycles (b) Prohibited acts. Unless acting under a valid permit issued by the Unified Government or otherwise authorized by the Unified Government, it shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with ingress or egress of any building, private property, or public area. (c) Exceptions. Behavior excepted from this section includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) Persons sitting or lying down as a result of a medical emergency; (2) Persons sitting in wheelchairs in public parks, public streets, or other public areas; (3) Persons sitting down while attending events for which valid permits have been issued; (4) Persons sitting down while patronizing sidewalk cafes; (5) Persons sitting on chairs or benches supplied by a public agency or abutting private property owner; (6) Persons sitting in bus zones occupied by people waiting for the bus; (7) Persons sitting or lying down while waiting in an orderly line outside a box office to purchase tickets or patron any sporting event, concert, performance, or other event or activity that requires persons to queue; (8) Persons sitting or lying down while waiting in an orderly line awaiting entry into any building, including shelters, or awaiting social services, such as provision of meals; (9) Children sleeping anywhere while being carried by a supervising adult or while sitting or lying in a stroller or baby carriage; or (10) Authorized Unified Government employees and/or agents acting in the performance of their official duties. (d) Warning for first offense. No person may be issued a citation for violating this section until that person has received a verbal or written warning to cease the unlawful conduct. If the person fails to promptly comply with the warning issued, then that person may be issued a citation. (e) Other remedies for prohibited acts. Notwithstanding the issuance of a citation of a person violating this section, any personal property being stored, as defined above, may be deemed abandoned by the Unified Government or the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and may be confiscated by them without prior warning. The Unified Government or the Athens-Clarke County Police Department shall retain the property in a manner consistent with the handling of other confiscated or abandoned property. (f) Prowling. A person commits the offense of prowling when he or she is in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. (1) The circumstances which may be considered in determining whether alarm or concern is warranted include, but are not limited to, the following: the fact that the person takes flight upon the appearance of a law enforcement officer; refuses to identify himself or herself; or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object. (2) Unless flight by the person or other circumstances makes it impractical, a law enforcement officer shall, prior to arrest for an offense under this section, afford the person an opportunity to dispel any alarm or immediate concern which would otherwise be warranted by requesting the person to identify himself or herself and explain his or her presence and conduct. (3) No person shall be convicted of an offense under paragraph (b) if the law enforcement officer failed to comply with the foregoing procedure or if it appears at trial that the explanation given by the person was true and would have dispelled the alarm or immediate concern. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. The Clerk of Commission is authorized, in consultation with the Athens- Clarke County Attorney, to correct any scrivener’s errors that may be found herein after the adoption and approval hereof. SECTION 4. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and should any part of this ordinance be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid. SECTION 5. This ordinance shall become effective once approved by the Mayor or as otherwise set forth in Section 2-204 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA, WITH RESPECT TO DEFINITIONS, SERVICE CATEGORIES, CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. Section 5-2-2 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, entitled “Definitions, service categories, customer classification; special customer,” is hereby amended by inserting a new paragraph into subsection (a) between the definition of “Prohibited waste list” and “Receptacle” that shall read as follows: Public area shall mean an area to which the public or a substantial group of persons has access, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, roadways (including shoulders and  medians), rights-of-way, roadway shoulders, remnants of rights-of-way, bridges, the area above and below any bridge, sidewalks, alleys, parking lots and decks, plazas, parks, public greenspace areas, playgrounds, schools, transportation facilities, within a public- transportation vehicle, an area owned in whole or in part by, operated by, for, or under the custody and control of the Unified Government and other public property, including property owned or under control of the Unified Government and any other property where public gatherings occur on a regular basis, and any other property where public meetings are conducted. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. The Clerk of Commission is authorized, in consultation with the Athens- Clarke County Attorney, to correct any scrivener’s errors that may be found herein after the adoption and approval hereof. SECTION 4. The provisions of this ordinance are severable, and should any part of this ordinance be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid. SECTION 5. This ordinance shall become effective once approved by the Mayor or as otherwise set forth in Section 2-204 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO ABANDONMENT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. Chapter 5-2 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is hereby amended by deleting the present Section 5-2-20, entitled “Abandonment of personal property within public rights-of- way” and replacing it with a new Section 5-2-20, which section now reads as follows: Sec. 5-2-20. Abandonment of personal property within public rights-of-way. Except as otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance, including but not limited to section 3-5- 23 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, whenever personal property remains on the driveways, streets, sidewalks, alleys, rights-of-way, roadway shoulders, remnants of rights-of-way, or public areas within the confines of Athens-Clarke County for more than 24 hours, said property shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be disposed of by the appropriate department. Nothing in this section shall prevent immediate removal of items that reasonably appear to pose a threat to public safety. SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. The Clerk of Commission is authorized, in consultation with the Athens- Clarke County Attorney, to correct any scrivener’s errors that may be found herein after the adoption and approval hereof. SECTION 4. The provisions of this ordinance are severable, and should any part of this ordinance be deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof other than the part declared to be invalid. SECTION 5. This ordinance shall become effective once approved by the Mayor or as otherwise set forth in Section 2-204 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to a. Accept the Investigative Audit of ACCGov Organizational Structure as recommended by the Audit Committee (Attachment A) as per agenda report dated December 4, 2025. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to approve the 6th year plan for the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List, including Project #7 for Winterville, accept the finalized project list by January 20, 2026, and approve the Intergovernmental Agreement on February 3, 2026; a. Approve the TSPLOST 2026 Final Projects List for a Program in the amount of $239,000,000 (Attachment #1) as per agenda report dated December 10, 2025; and,  b. Authorize the Mayor and staff to execute all related contracts and documents. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Public input on items other than those listed on the agenda There was none. Election of Mayor Pro tem A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to amend the agenda to add a nomination for Mayor Pro tem. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to nominate Commissioner Fisher as Mayor Pro tem. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Commissioner Fisher was elected Mayor Pro tem for 2026. FROM MAYOR GIRTZ: 1. Expressed gratitude for 30 years of living in Athens and looks forward to final year as Mayor. 2. Adopt-a-Highway Proclamations -Jerry’s Fam – Athens Road between Adair Street and Moss Road (0.8 mile); UGA University Housing – Fourth Street between Old Hull Road and Strickland Avenue (0.9 mile); and Athens Craft Breweries Can Collective – Oglethorpe Avenue between Hawthorne Avenue and the Georgia Loop 10 on/off ramps (0.8 mile) FROM MANAGER COWELL: 1. Thankful for the last five months of 2025 with ACCGov and looks forward to serving in 2026. 2. Acceptance of November 2025 Purchasing Contracts. FROM COMMISSIONER LINK: 1. Reflected on the 5th anniversary of the January 6th attack on our democracy. FROM COMMISSIONER WRIGHT: 1. Highlighted the January 12 transit route changes which are available on the homepage of the ACCGov website for further details. 2. Eager for the upcoming Budget Retreat and appreciative that it will include a discussion of the affordable housing fund. FROM COMMISSIONER FISHER: 1. Expressed appreciation to his colleagues for once again entrusting him as Mayor Pro tem. 2. Shared that his pastor challenged members of his congregation to complete 100,000 hours of community service and he in turn challenged the community to serve by pouring into those less fortunate. FROM COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: 1. Requested that presentations be made available prior to meetings, stating that this would provide better clarity. 2. Expressed concerns about Cooperative Extension, noting that the facility has recently declined public event use and complaints about overgrown ornamental grass remain unresolved. She would like to know the reasons for the change and possible solutions. 3. Four neighborhoods in her district have expressed frustration with Code Enforcement concerning dumping issues and their limited authority to correct the problem. 4. Looking forward to speaking with Andrew Saunders, Interim Assistant Manager, regarding how to start a park project in District 6. FROM COMMISSIONER MYERS: 1. Kudos to Leisure Services for putting on such a beautiful Holiday Downtown Parade of Lights. 2. MLK Day of Service is Monday, January 19. Be sure to sign up to volunteer for one of the many projects available that day and attend the parade and festival that afternoon hosted by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. FROM COMMISSIONER THORNTON: 1. Emphasized the upcoming Work Session in which the GICH (Georgia Initiative for Community Housing) Committee will be presenting housing issues. 2. Preparing for Thomas Lay Day to support the resolution research and invites anyone with relevant connections to attend and share their insights. 3. The quarry and data centers are on her radar and she is seeking to exchange information on these matters. FROM MAYOR & COMMISSION: Have a Happy New Year! A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Taylor, to adjourn the Regular Session. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. ________________________________ Deputy Clerk of Commission