Mayor & Commission Meetings

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Mayor and Commission Tuesday, February 3, 2026 6:05 p.m. City Hall The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia met this date in regular monthly session. Present: Mayor Girtz; Commissioners Davenport, Link, Taylor (by phone until 7:17 p.m.), Wright, Fisher, Johnson, Myers, Thornton, and Hamby. Commissioner Culpepper was absent. Mayor Girtz modified the agenda in order to remove agenda item #15 – Appointment to Land Bank Authority. A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to accept this modification. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Girtz asked if there were any amendments to the Minutes of meetings of Tuesday, January 6 (2), Tuesday, January 20 (2); and non-voting meetings of Tuesday, January 13, Tuesday, January 20 and Friday, January 23, 2026. Clerk Howard stated that Commissioner Johnson would like to hold the January meeting minutes for approval until the March 3 voting meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Myers, to hold the January meeting minutes for approval until the March 3 voting meeting. The motion passed by 8 YES votes; Commissioner Wright voted NO. (8 YES; 1 NO) Written communications There were none. Recognition Mayor Girtz recognized the Award-Winning Solid Waste Department – In September 2025 at the SWANA-GA (Solid Waste Association of North America-GA Chapter) Fall Conference on Jekyll Island, Lance Rosario was recognized as the 2025 Solid Waste Worker of the Year – Recycling for the State of Georgia. He was nominated by Director Suki Janssen, who wrote that Lance is considered a leader in the department because of his good ideas, work ethic, integrity, positive personality and dedication to the Solid Wase Department for over 35 years. 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 The following public input was received. 1. Bennie Coleman – opposed the Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission Appointments. A motion was made by Commissioner Davenport, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to consent to action on the following six items. The motion passed by unanimous vote. 1. ADOPT: a. Approve the acceptance of $100,000 award as per agenda report dated November 21, 2025; b. Adopt the following ordinance (#26-02-) which was presented by title only (Attachment 1); and c. Authorize the Mayor and relevant staff to execute all related grant documents, agreements, and contracts. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE GRANT FUNDING, IF AWARDED, FROM THE RIVERVIEW FOUNDATION, FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE REDESIGN OF COOK’S TRAIL; 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 Grants Special Revenue Fund to provide grant funding, if awarded, from the Riverview Foundation for expenses related to the redesign Cook’s Trail. Said Operating budget is hereby amended as follows: Grants Special Revenue Fund: REVENUES: Increase: Riverview Foundation Grant $100,000 EXPENDITURES: Increase: Leisure Services Capital Expenses $100,000 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 2. ADOPT: a. The following ordinance (#26-02-) which was presented by title only amending the FY26 Operating Budget for Clerk of Court expenses (Attachment #1); b. Approve an appropriation of $4,502 to the FY26 Operating Budget for Clerk of Courts, Compensation – Supplemental and authorize staff to amend the supplement amount of the Clerk of Superior Court, effective January 2026 as per agenda report dated December 23, 2025; c. Approve an appropriation of $4,630 to the FY26 Operating Budget for the Tax Appeal Administrator Supplement for the Clerk of Superior Court (Attachment #2, step 9 of the statutory calculation worksheet); and d. Authorize staff to complete a Comprehensive Position Questionnaire to properly identify the pay grade associated with the required qualifications and skillset of the position. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FROM OPERATING CONTINGENCY FOR AN EMPLOYEE MARKET INCREASE AND TAX APPEAL ADMINISTRATOR SUPPLEMENT; 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 from operating contingency for an employee market increase and tax appeal administrator supplement. Said Operating budget is hereby amended as follows: General Fund: EXPENDITURES: Decrease: Other General Administration Contingency $13,634 Increase: Clerk of Courts Personal Services $13,634 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. 3. ADOPT: a. Adopt the following resolution (Attachment #1) calling for a referendum on May 19, 2026 for the imposition of a TSPLOST tax to begin on, or on the day after, the end of collections for TSPLOST 2023 Program, and authorizing the issuance of general obligation debt in conjunction with the TSPLOST 2026 Program in a total principal amount not to exceed ($50,000,000) as per revised agenda report dated February 3, 2026;  b. Approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Winterville and with the Town of Bogart (Attachment #2) related to projects to be constructed as a part of the TSPLOST 2026 Program; and c. Authorize the Mayor and staff to execute all related contracts and documents. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELECTION TO IMPOSE A SPECIAL DISTRICT MASS TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA IMPOSING A SPECIAL DISTRICT MASS TRANSPORTATION SALES AND USE TAX AS AUTHORIZED BY PART 1 OF ARTICLE 5A OF CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 48 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA ANNOTATED, SPECIFYING THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX ARE TO BE USED; SPECIFYING THE RATE OF SUCH TAX; SPECIFYING THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REVENUES TO BE RAISED BY THE TAX; SPECIFYING THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE PURPOSES TO BE FUNDED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX; SEEKING APPROVAL TO ISSUE GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH TAX; REQUESTING THE ELECTION SUPERINTENDENT TO JOIN IN A CALL FOR ELECTION OF THE VOTERS OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY TO APPROVE THE IMPOSITION OF SUCH SALES AND USE TAX; APPROVING THE FORM OF BALLOT TO BE USED IN SUCH AN ELECTION; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, Part 1 of Article 5A of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (the “Act”) authorizes the imposition of a special district mass transportation sales and use tax for the purpose of financing certain transportation purposes; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (the “Commission”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Athens-Clarke County that such sales and use tax (the “TSPLOST”) be imposed within a special district co-extensive with Athens-Clarke County (the “Special District”) to raise the estimated sum $239,000,000 for the purposes described hereinbelow; and WHEREAS, such a sales and use tax for transportation purposes is currently being collected within the Special District pursuant to a referendum held on May 24, 2022 (the “2022 TSPLOST”), which 2022 TSPLOST is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2027; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (the “Unified Government”) has concluded that at least 30% of the estimated revenue from the proposed tax is to be expended on projects consistent with the state-wide strategic transportation plan prescribed by O.C.G.A. § 32-2-22(a)(6); and WHEREAS, it is necessary to submit to the qualified voters of Athens-Clarke County the question of whether or not the TSPLOST should be imposed; and WHEREAS, on December 9, 2025, pursuant to the procedures set out in O.C.G.A. §48-8- 262(a), the Mayor and Manager of the Unified Government conducted a meeting at which designated representatives of the Unified Government, the Town of Bogart and the City of Winterville (the “Municipalities”), which constitute all of the qualified municipalities within the Special District pursuant to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 48-8-110, met and discussed the imposition of the TSPLOST, the distribution of TSPLOST proceeds and possible projects and purposes for inclusion in the proposed referendum; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government has entered into or will enter into prior to the call for election an intergovernmental agreement (the “Intergovernmental Agreement”) with the Municipalities complying with the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 48-8-262(b), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: A. Imposition of TSPLOST. Assuming the question of imposing the TSPLOST is approved by the majority of the voters of the Unified Government voting in the election hereinafter referred to, the TSPLOST shall be imposed at the rate and for the maximum amount, purposes and estimated costs thereof, and the maximum period of time for which the TSPLOST may be imposed as follows: 1. In order to finance the purposes described herein, the TSPLOST at the rate or in the amount of one (1%) percent on all sales and uses in the Special District is hereby authorized to be levied and collected as provided in the Act, upon the expiration of the 2022 TSPLOST. 2. The proceeds of such TSPLOST are to be used to finance the transportation projects and purposes described in Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof by this  reference (the “Projects and Purposes”) and to pay the general obligation debt that may be issued in conjunction with the TSPLOST as described below. The Projects and Purposes and the approximate costs of each are set forth in said Exhibit B. 3. The approximate cost of the Projects and Purposes is $239,000,000. 4. The TSPLOST is imposed for a maximum period of time of six (6) years. 5. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-8-264(b), the maximum amount of net proceeds to be raised by the TSPLOST shall correspond to TSPLOST collections during the six-year period, and the TSPLOST shall not terminate early as the result of any cap on collections. B. General Obligation Debt. 1. Assuming the question of imposing the TSPLOST is approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the Special District voting in the election hereinafter referred to, the Unified Government is hereby authorized to issue its general obligation debt (the “Debt”) in conjunction with the TSPLOST, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50,000,000. The proceeds of the Debt, if issued, shall be used to pay all or a portion of the costs of such of the Projects and Purposes as the Commission shall determine (the “Bond Projects and Purposes”), capitalized interest for such period as the Commission shall determine, and the costs of issuing the Debt. The Debt may be issued in one or more separate issuances or series. A portion of the proceeds of the TSPLOST will be used for repayment of the Debt (and interest thereon), if issued, and the portion of the proceeds of the TSPLOST not used for the repayment of the Debt (and interest thereon) will be used to pay costs of Projects and Purposes or portions of Projects and Purposes not funded with the Debt, in the manner provided by the Act. 2. The maximum interest rate or rates which such Debt is to bear is six percent (6.0%) per annum. The Debt would be repayable during the period of receipt of the TSPLOST or within three months after the last scheduled receipt. The debt service on the Debt would not exceed in any year $10,170,000. 3. The proceeds of the Debt shall be deposited by the Unified Government in a separate fund or account as is consistent with the laws of the State of Georgia. 4. The TSPLOST proceeds received by the Unified Government for the Projects and Purposes in any year pursuant to the imposition of such tax shall be deposited in a separate fund or account and be first used to satisfy the debt service requirements on the Debt for any such year before such proceeds are applied to any of the other purposes authorized above. Proceeds of the TSPLOST received by the Unified Government in any year not required to satisfy the debt service requirements in the Debt for such year may be applied toward funding the Projects and Purposes to the extent such Projects and Purposes have not been funded with Debt proceeds. 5. The Commission hereby determines that the proceeds of the collection of the TSPLOST in each year will be sufficient to pay the principal and interest of the Debt which may come due and payable in each year. 6. Any brochures, listings or other advertisements heretofore or hereafter issued by the Commission or by any other person, firm, corporation or association with the knowledge and consent of the Commission shall be deemed to be a statement of intention of the Commission concerning the use of the proceeds of the Debt and such statement of intention shall be binding upon the Commission with respect to the expenditure of the proceeds of such Debt or interest received from the investment of the proceeds of such Debt, to the extent provided in O.C.G.A. § 36-82-1(d). C. Call for the Election; Ballot Form; Notice. 1. The Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County is hereby requested to call an election in all voting precincts in the Unified Government on May 19, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the Unified Government the question set forth in paragraph 2 below. 2. The ballots to be used in the election shall have written or printed thereon substantially the following: ( ) Shall a special one percent (1%) sales and use tax be imposed in Yes the special district consisting of Athens-Clarke County for a period of time not to exceed six years and for the raising of an estimated amount of $239,000,000 for transportation purposes? If the imposition of the tax is approved by the voters, such vote shall ( ) also constitute approval of the issuance of general obligation debt No of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, in the principal amount of up to $50,000,000 for the above purposes. 3. It is hereby requested that the election be held by the Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County in accordance with the election laws of the State of Georgia, including, without limitation, the election laws relating to special elections. It is hereby further  requested that the Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County canvass the returns, declare the result of the election and certify the result to the Secretary of State and to the Commissioner of Revenue. 4. The Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County is hereby authorized and requested to publish a notice of the election as required by law in the newspaper in which Sheriff’s advertisements for the Unified Government are published (i) once not later than February 17, 2026 and (ii) once a week for up to five (5) weeks immediately preceding the date of the election. The notice of the election shall be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. D. Intergovernmental Agreement. The Intergovernmental Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved, and the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver the same, and the Clerk of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (the “Clerk”) is authorized to attest and seal the same. E. Board of Elections and Registration. The Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to deliver a copy of this Resolution to the Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County, with a request that the Board of Elections and Registration of Athens-Clarke County join in this call for an election. F. Further Actions. The proper officers and agents of the Unified Government are hereby authorized to take any and all further actions as may be required in connection with the reimposition of the TSPLOST and the authorization of the Debt. G. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its execution by the Mayor. 4. APPROVE: a. Approve the proposed Project Concept for Beech Creek Road Paving Project, as generally shown on Attachment #1 of agenda report dated December 16, 2025; b. Authorize staff to advance the Proposed Project Concept for Beech Creek Road Improvements into Preliminary Design Phase; and c. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents. 5. APPROVE: Appointments to the Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission: Brittney Waldheim: Term expires December 31, 2026 Melora Purell: Term expires December 31, 2027 Malin Dartnell: Term expires December 31, 2027 6. APPROVE: The Government Operations Committee recommended report on Unified Leasing Policy Update as per Attachment #1 of agenda report dated December 15, 2025; and authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all necessary documents. Public hearing and deliberation on recommendations from the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission A public hearing was held on request of Wayne & Abigail Lohman; Owner Wayne & Abigail Lohman for Special Use in RM-1 on 1.72 acres (subject area: 0.02 acres) known as 210 E. Cloverhurst Avenue, Unit 2. Proposed Use Commercial Short-Term Rental – Type II Planning Commission recommendation: Approval (4 – 3) Public input 1. Abigail Lohman – supported 2. Rita Kelly – opposed  A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Davenport to DENY the special use request of Wayne & Abigail Lohman; Owner Wayne & Abigail Lohman for Special Use in RM-1 on 1.72 acres (subject area: 0.02 acres) known as 210 E. Cloverhurst Avenue, Unit 2. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A public hearing was held on request of Michael B. Thurmond/Armentrout, Matheny, Thurmond, P.C.; Owners Deupree Company for Special Use in C-D (DHD) on 0.42 acres known as 420 E. Clayton Street, 429 & 431 E. Broad Street. Proposed Use Commercial Bar. Type II Planning Commission recommendation: Approval (unanimous) Public input 1. David Matheny – supported A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to adopt the following ordinance (#26-02-) 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 OF A BAR WITH AN OCCUPANCY EXCEEDING ONE- HUNDRED PERSONS IN THE C-D (DHD) (COMMERCIAL-DOWNTOWN, DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT) LOCATED AT 420 EAST CLAYTON STREET, 429 EAST BROAD STREET, AND 431 EAST BROAD STREET; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The current C-D (DHD) (Commercial-Downtown, Downtown Historic District) District is hereby amended to provide for special use approval of a bar with a maximum occupancy exceeding 100 persons. The affected parcel of land comprises approximately 0.42 acres in total, is located at 420 East Clayton Street, 429 East Broad Street, and 431 East Broad Street, Athens, Georgia, and is known as Tax Parcel No. 171B6 D003 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 of Athens-Clarke County as shown by Attachment A hereto shall be noted on said Official Zoning Map in the office of the Clerk of Commission and duly noted in the minutes of the Commission meeting. The area subject to special use approval is further described in that certain document entitled “SUP Combination for Buddha Bar & Double Barrel Bar,” prepared by David W. Matheny, Georgia registered architect, dated December 2, 2025, and designated in the lower right-hand corner as sheet number A100, said document on file and available 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 one sheet entitled “SUP Combination for Buddha Bar & Double Barrel Bar,” prepared by David W. Matheny, Georgia registered architect, dated December 2, 2025, and designated in the lower right-hand corner as sheet number A100. Upon the adoption hereof, said sheet shall be stamped “binding” and made available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. The binding written report associated with this ordinance and incorporated herein by reference consists of two pages in total and is entitled “Report to Support the Special Use Application, 420 E. Clayton Street – Athens, GA.” Upon the adoption hereof, said report shall be stamped “binding” and made available for public inspection in the office of the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department, 120 West Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia. SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A public hearing was held on request of Danny MacDougald; Owner MACWOOD Properties LLC, for Special use in RM -1 on 0.1 acres, known as 249 Fifth Street. Proposed Use Commercial Short-Term Rental. Type II Planning Commission recommendation: Denial (4 – 1) Public input There was none.  A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Hamby, to DENY the permit and uphold the Planning Commission recommendation for the request of Danny MacDougald; Owner MACWOOD Properties LLC, for Special use in RM -1 on 0.1 acres known as 249 Fifth Street. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A public hearing was held on request of Athens-Clarke County Unified Government for the Proposed 2045 Future Land Use Map: Review and Approve Future Land Use Map Update, Future Land Use Category Text Descriptions, and Compatibility Matrix. Planning Commission recommendation: Approval (unanimous) Public input 1. Edward Kelly – opposed 2. Rita Kelly – opposed 3. Diana Wistz – supported affordable housing for the future land use map 4. Barbara Daniel – opposed 5. Lorraine Fuller – Future Land Use Committee – supported & stated this map is not for zoning; thanked Mayor & Commission for serving on this committee. 6. Sam Stabler – Future land Use Committee – stated FLU map is not for zoning 7. Kent Middleton – supported 8. Leslie Sienyard – opposed 9. Alex Sams, Chair Future Land Use Steering Committee – Thanked FLU Committee members & Mayor & Commission opportunity to serve on committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Link, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to HOLD the Proposed 2045 Future Land Use Map. Commissioner Thornton offered an amendment to HOLD until the April voting meeting; Commissioner Link accepted the amendment. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Public hearing and deliberation on Abandonment and Disposition of Puritan Lane Road and Associated Right-of-Way; and Abandonment and Disposition of Former Hoyt Street, Madison Avenue, Strong Street , and Thomas Street and Associated Rights-of-Way. Public input 1. Buck Bacon – WA Engineering – supported A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Wright, to a. Adopt a resolution regarding the abandonment of Puritan Lane Road and its associated right-of- way, as outlined in the Puritan Lane Right-of-Way Abandonment Resolution (Attachment #1), and in compliance with Sections 32-7-1 through 32-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated per revised agenda report dated January 28, 2026; b. Authorize the option to dispose of Puritan Lane and associated right-of-way for the appraised value to adjacent property owners while preserving necessary utility and access easement; c. Adopt the following ordinance (#26-02-) which was presented by title only as shown on Attachment #2; and d. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents, including, but not limited to, a property disposition agreement and a quitclaim deed. The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Davenport, Link, Wright, Fisher, Myers, Thornton and Hamby voting YES; and Commissioners Taylor and Johnson voting NO. (7 YES; 2 NO) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF PURITAN LANE; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES.  WHEREAS, on or about September 2, 2025, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, adopted that certain ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA WITH RESPECT TO REZONING PARCELS OF LAND TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 9.49 ACRES LOCATED AT 1030, 1040, AND 1060 MACON HIGHWAY AND 100, 104, 110, 120, 140, AND 150 PURITAN LANE FROM RM-1 (MIXED DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) TO RM-2 (PD) (MIXED DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT); AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”; and WHEREAS, the planned development described in the above-referenced ordinance anticipated the abandonment of that certain public road known as Puritan Lane from the public road system; and WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, after notice and public hearing on February 3, 2026, has determined that removal of the public road and any associated roadway infrastructure in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, known as Puritan Lane, as more fully shown and described on the plat and legal description attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, is in the best public interest and therefore should be formally closed, vacated, and abandoned; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has complied with all requirements of state law and the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, concerning the abandonment of roads that are part of the county road system; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has determined that the abandoned said road shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Article VII, Chapter 5 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, less and except an easement as described elsewhere herein; and NOW THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: SECTION 1. That certain portion of Puritan Lane and any associated roadway infrastructure as described hereinabove and more fully shown on the attached plat are hereby closed, vacated, and abandoned. Hereafter, that portion of Puritan Lane and any associated roadway infrastructure shall no longer be part of the county road system, and the rights of the public in and to this road and associated roadway infrastructure as a public road shall cease. SECTION 2. The Mayor and the Clerk of Commission are hereby authorized to execute a quitclaim deed (or deeds) conveying said portion of Puritan Lane and any associated roadway infrastructure to the abutting property owner(s). However, any such deed (or deeds) must reserve an easement in favor of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, for access to and maintenance of public utilities. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY2026 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, GEORGIA SO AS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FROM THE SALE OF PURITAN LANE ROAD AND ASSOCIATED RIGHT-OF-WAY TO FUND LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT; 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 Capital Projects Fund to provide funding from the sale of Puritan Lane Road and associated right- of-way to fund local road improvement. Said capital budget is hereby amended as follows: General Capital Projects Fund: REVENUES: Increase: Miscellaneous Revenue $87,000 EXPENDITURES: Increase: Transportation & Public Works Department Local Road Improvement Project $87,000 SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Link, to  a. Adopt resolutions regarding abandonment of former Hoyt Street, Madison Avenue, Strong Street and Thomas Street and their associated rights-of-way as outlined in Abandonment Resolutions (Attachment #1), and in compliance with Sections 32-7-1 through 32-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated as per agenda report revised January 28, 2026; b. Authorize the option to dispose of Hoyt Street, Madison Avenue, Strong Street and Thomas Street and associated rights-of-way to adjacent property owners, and as consistent with the approved Development Agreement agenda (History #21); and c. Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents, including, but not necessarily limited to, quitclaim deeds. The motion passed by roll call vote with Commissioners Davenport, Link, Wright, Myers, Thornton and Hamby voting YES; and Commissioners Taylor, Fisher, and Johnson voting NO. (6 YES; 3 NO) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF HOYT STREET; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on or about January 6, 2026, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, approved a Development Agreement between CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC, the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that defines the terms for a public-private-project for the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Athens Downtown Development Authority and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and a second amendment to the Downtown Parking Management Agreement between those two entities for the financing and operations of a future parking deck at Hoyt Street and North Avenue; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, authorized appropriate staff of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, to take all actions necessary and incidental for any road abandonments associated with the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street, including, but not necessarily limited to, serving and advertising notices of any proposed road abandonments; WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, after notice and public hearing on February 3, 2026, has determined that a portion of Hoyt Street, as shown on the survey attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, has for any reason ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the public road system is otherwise in the best public interest and therefore should be formally closed, vacated, and abandoned; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has complied with all requirements of state law and the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, concerning the abandonment of roads that are part of the county road system; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has determined that said road shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Article VII, Chapter 5 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia; and NOW THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: SECTION 1. That certain portion of Hoyt Street and any associated roadway infrastructure as described hereinabove and more fully shown on the attached survey are hereby closed, vacated, and abandoned. Hereafter, that portion of Hoyt Street and any associated roadway infrastructure shall no longer be part of the county road system, and the rights of the public in and to this road and associated roadway infrastructure as a public road shall cease. SECTION 2. The Mayor and the Clerk of Commission are hereby authorized to execute a quitclaim deed (or deeds) conveying said portion of Hoyt Street and any associated roadway infrastructure to the abutting property owner(s).  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF MADISON AVENUE;AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on or about January 6, 2026, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, approved a Development Agreement between CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC, the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that defines the terms for a public-private-project for the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Athens Downtown Development Authority and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and a second amendment to the Downtown Parking Management Agreement between those two entities for the financing and operations of a future parking deck at Hoyt Street and North Avenue; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, authorized appropriate staff of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, to take all actions necessary and incidental for any road abandonments associated with the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street, including, but not necessarily limited to, serving and advertising notices of any proposed road abandonments; WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, after notice and public hearing on February 3, 2026, has determined that a portion of Madison Avenue, as shown on the survey attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, has for any reason ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the public road system is otherwise in the best public interest and therefore should be formally closed, vacated, and abandoned; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has complied with all requirements of state law and the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, concerning the abandonment of roads that are part of the county road system; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has determined that said road shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Article VII, Chapter 5 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia; and NOW THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: SECTION 1. That certain portion of Madison Avenue and any associated roadway infrastructure as described hereinabove and more fully shown on the attached survey are hereby closed, vacated, and abandoned. Hereafter, that portion of Madison Avenue and any associated roadway infrastructure shall no longer be part of the county road system, and the rights of the public in and to this road and associated roadway infrastructure as a public road shall cease. SECTION 2. The Mayor and the Clerk of Commission are hereby authorized to execute a quitclaim deed (or deeds) conveying said portion of Madison Avenue and any associated roadway infrastructure to the abutting property owner(s). A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF STRONG STREET; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on or about January 6, 2026, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, approved a Development Agreement between CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC, the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that defines the terms for a public-private-project for the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Athens Downtown Development Authority and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and a second amendment to the Downtown Parking Management Agreement between those two entities for the financing and operations of a future parking deck at Hoyt Street and North Avenue; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, authorized appropriate staff of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, to take all actions necessary and incidental for any road abandonments associated with the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street, including, but not necessarily limited to, serving and advertising notices of any proposed road abandonments; and  WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, after notice and public hearing on February 3, 2026, has determined that this portion of Strong Avenue as shown on the survey attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, has for any reason ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the public road system is otherwise in the best public interest and therefore should be formally closed, vacated, and abandoned; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has complied with all requirements of state law and the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, concerning the abandonment of roads that are part of the county road system; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has determined that said road shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Article VII, Chapter 5 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia; and NOW THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: SECTION 1. That certain portion of Strong Street and any associated roadway infrastructure as described hereinabove and more fully shown on the attached survey are hereby closed, vacated, and abandoned. Hereafter, that portion of Strong Street and any associated roadway infrastructure shall no longer be part of the county road system, and the rights of the public in and to this road and associated roadway infrastructure as a public road shall cease. SECTION 2. The Mayor and the Clerk of Commission are hereby authorized to execute a quitclaim deed (or deeds) conveying said portion of Strong Street and any associated roadway infrastructure to the abutting property owner(s). A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF THOMAS STREET; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on or about January 6, 2026, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, approved a Development Agreement between CS Acquisitions Vehicle, LLC, the Athens Downtown Development Authority, and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that defines the terms for a public-private-project for the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Athens Downtown Development Authority and the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, and a second amendment to the Downtown Parking Management Agreement between those two entities for the financing and operations of a future parking deck at Hoyt Street and North Avenue; and WHEREAS, on or about that same date, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, authorized appropriate staff of the Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Georgia, to take all actions necessary and incidental for any road abandonments associated with the redevelopment of land around 295 East Dougherty Street, including, but not necessarily limited to, serving and advertising notices of any proposed road abandonments; WHEREAS, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, after notice and public hearing on February 3, 2026, has determined that a portion of Thomas Street, as shown on the survey attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, has for any reason ceased to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it or that its removal from the public road system is otherwise in the best public interest and therefore should be formally closed, vacated, and abandoned; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has complied with all requirements of state law and the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, concerning the abandonment of roads that are part of the county road system; and WHEREAS, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, has determined that said road shall be disposed of pursuant to the requirements of Title 32, Chapter 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and Article VII, Chapter 5 of the Charter of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia; and NOW THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows: SECTION 1. That certain portion of Thomas Street and any associated roadway infrastructure as described hereinabove and more fully shown on the attached survey are hereby closed, vacated, and abandoned. Hereafter, that portion of Thomas Street and any associated roadway infrastructure shall no  longer be part of the county road system, and the rights of the public in and to this road and associated roadway infrastructure as a public road shall cease. SECTION 2. The Mayor and the Clerk of Commission are hereby authorized to execute a quitclaim deed (or deeds) conveying said portion of Thomas Street and any associated roadway infrastructure to the abutting property owner(s). Old and new business – Discussion Public input There was none. A motion was made by Commissioner Thornton, seconded by Commissioner Link, to HOLD the Relocation of Mill Houses at 110 Puritan Lane and 1060 Macon Highway for future Affordable Housing Use for 30 days. The motion passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner Link, to approve the prohibition of on-street parking on the west side of North Pope Street, from its intersection with W Broad Street to its intersection with Reese Street, for 395 feet, as shown in Attachment #1 per agenda report dated December 9, 2025; and adopt the following ordinance (#26-02-) which was presented by title only (Attachment #2). The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF YELLOW CURBING ON NORTH POPE STREET BETWEEN THE INTERSECTIONS OF REESE STREET AND WEST BROAD STREET; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. There is hereby established 395 feet of yellow curbing on the western side of North Finley Street between the intersection of North Pope Street and Reese Street and the intersection of North Pope Street and West Broad Street as shown on that certain map entitled “N. Pope St. W. Broad St. to Reese St.” prepared November 19, 2025, and attached hereto as Attachment #1. SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 3-3-5 of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, said yellow curbing “shall indicate places where vehicles shall not park.” SECTION 3. The Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department is hereby authorized to paint the yellow curbing indicated herein and perform all other actions necessary and incidental to the establishment of the yellow curbing described herein. SECTION 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Public input on items other than those listed on the agenda. 1. Bennie Coleman – supported donating a building for public safety personnel and their families to use for different events. 2. Barbara Barnett – supported naming the East Broad Bridge after Jessie Barnett, her mother who was a trailblazer in the Athens-Clarke County community. Commissioner Taylor left the meeting by telephone (7:17 p.m.). A motion was made by Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Link, to adopt the following ordinance (#26-02) which was presented by title only. The motion passed by unanimous vote. AN ORDINANCE FOR THE DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO WINTER WEATHER PRECIPITATION EVENT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on January 22, 2026, Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a state of emergency for the State of Georgia, including Athens-Clarke County;  WHEREAS, the National Weather Service predicts a significant winter weather precipitation event is likely to affect Athens-Clarke County beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, and continuing through Monday, January 26, 2026; and WHEREAS, projected precipitation accompanied by severe cold temperatures creates the potential for snow and ice accumulation, including black ice on roadways, that could impact Athens- Clarke County through Monday, January 26, 2026, or longer as subfreezing temperatures may continue through the week; and WHEREAS, potential snow and ice accumulation, fallen trees, and downed power lines may render Georgia’s roadways hazardous or impassible in affected areas, isolating persons and residences from access to essential public services; and WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Mayor and Commission of Athens-Clarke County, with advice from the Athens-Clarke County Office of Emergency Management, there exist emergency circumstances due to severe winter weather within the geographical boundaries of the Unified Government as described in Section 1-102 of the Charter of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia requiring extraordinary and immediate corrective actions for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Athens-Clarke County, including individuals with household pets and service animals, and the surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, to prevent or minimize injury to people and damage to property resulting from this severe winter weather event, certain actions are required. NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, hereby declares that a local state of emergency exists and shall continue until the conditions requiring this declaration are abated. THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED: Section 1. That the Athens-Clarke County Office of Emergency Management activates the Emergency Operations Plan; Section 2. That the following sections of the Code of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia be implemented: a. Section 3-4-9. Authority to Waive Procedures and Fee Structures b. Section 3-4-10. Registration of Building and Repair Services (to be effective only if the Governor declares a state of emergency) c. Section 3-4-11. Social Distancing and Closed or Restricted Areas during Emergency Section 3. That the following measures also be implemented: a. Section 3-4-2. Declaration of Local Emergency. b. Section 3-4-3. Emergency Powers. c. Section 3-4-4. Authority to Waive Procedures and Fees. d. Section 3-4-5. Additional Emergency Powers. e. Section 3-4-6. Overcharging Prohibited. MAYOR KELLY GIRTZ: 1. Stated UGA has archived documents for viewing in reference to Model Cities. 2. Assignment for the Property Committee: Commissioners Culpepper, Link, and Wright. Develop a model for transfer of properties utilized by a sole nonprofit, such as the Prince Avenue Fire House, Taylor Grady House and Town Gown Building to the nonprofits operating those facilities that includes: • Any Landmark Historic Property designation and façade easements necessary to ensure perpetual maintenance of the properties • A mechanism to return these properties to ACC ownership in the event that the operating organizations fold or are no longer able to utilize the properties MANAGER COWELL: 1. Approval of the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation Grant Acceptance for the Communications Department. 2. Acknowledgement of ACCGov Staff for assisting during the winter storms along with a water main break simultaneously. A special thank you to Meredith Barnum, Emergency Management Coordinator and Alex Bond, Interim Leisure Services Director. 2. Accepted Contract Awards for December 2025. COMMISSIONER DAVENPORT: 1. Acknowledged Alex Bond and other ACCGov staff for all of the hard work they did during the winter storm. 2. Excited to work on the Future Land Use map. 3. Wished everyone a Happy Black History month and Happy Valentine’s Day. COMMISSIONER LINK: 1. Thanked staff for their excellent work during the winter storms. 2. Acknowledged Black History Month. COMMISSIONER WRIGHT: 1. Thanked staff for their hard work and stated notifications from the ACCGov website is an excellent source for citizens and urged them to sign up for them. COMMISSIONER FISHER: 1. Thanked ACCGov staff for all the hard work they do and also thanked the community for volunteering during this time. Expressed sympathy for those that passed away during the harsh weather. 2. For Black History month he sent acknowledgements to the pioneers who came before the current commission and all they accomplished. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: 1. Thanked everyone who assisted during the ice storm and the snowstorm. Thanked Manager Cowell for the timely updates and Meredith Barnum as well for the organization of the emergency meetings. 2. Acknowledged Black History Month. Commissioner Taylor arrived in the chamber at 7:30 p.m. COMMISSIONER MYERS: 1. Thanked ACCGov staff and colleagues for volunteering at Lay Park warming center during the snow and ice storms. 2. Thanked District 8 citizens for attending the meeting In reference to property located on College Station Road updates will follow in the future. COMMISSIONER THORNTON: 1. Thanked Meredith Barnum, Alex Bond and Manager Cowell for all of the information shared during the winter storms and for picking her up to serve at the warming shelter. 2. Stated she was rewarded by spending her time at the warming shelter listening to the songs being sung and watching children playing in the snow. 3. Expressed sympathy for the people who passed away during the winter storms. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamby, seconded by Commissioner Fisher, to enter into executive session for discussion of real estate acquisition and/or disposal upon adjournment of the regular session. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. __________________________________________ Clerk of Commission