Athens City Council

REGULAR SESSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 The City Council of the City of Athens, Texas, met in a Regular Session on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in the Civic Hall, Room 216 of the Cain Center, 915 S. Palestine Street, Athens, Texas with the following members to wit: Aaron Smith, Mayor SyTanna Freeman, Mayor Pro-Tem Bryan Barker Katha Lawyer Bill Priestley Elizabeth Borstad, City Manager Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary Staff Present: Mandie Quigg, Assistant City Manager; Chad Allen, Chief of Police, Capt.Brittney Lee; Ricky Harris, Assistant Fire Chief; Donna Meredith, Community Development Manager; Sarah Smith, Director of Finance; Randy Williams, Utilities Director; Shawn Ruff, HR Director; Richard DeShazo, Captain/EMT-B Fire Marshal; Michael Hannigan, Social Media Manager; David Jones, Interim Fire Chief, Sandy Murillo, Administrative Assistant Others present: Pastor Hunter Wheatcraff, Wendell Meford, Amanda DeShazo, Valencia Mendez, Lucia Mendez, Gary Robbins, Carol Morton, Jackie and Traci Wilkes, John and Margaret Edginton, Kelley Townsend; and other concerned citizens. Constituting a quorum at which time the following proceedings were enacted, to – wit: 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2) INVOCATION – PASTOR HUNTER WHEATCRAFT OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH The Invocation was given by Pastor Hunter Wheatcraft. 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4) DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST No Conflict of Interest was declared. 5) PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Gary Robbins, 201 Flat Creek Rd, proposed sidewalks for Flat Creek Road and Rock Ridge Road. 6) EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.074 (PERSONNEL MATTERS; CLOSED MEETING); TO DELIBERATE THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, EVALUATION OF A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE. a) INTERIM FIRE CHIEF The City Council convened in Executive Session at 5:34 p.m. The City Council returned to Regular Session at 6:03 p.m. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 2 7) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF DAVID JONES AS INTERIM FIRE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF ATHENS. Following the executive session, Elizabeth Borstad, City Manager, stated she is recommending the appointment of David Jones as Interim Fire Chief. She stated that Mr. Jones has a long service history, having been employed by the City of Keller, Trophy Club and Sunnyvale. A motion was made by Councilmember Priestley, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, confirming the appointment of David Jones as Interim Fire Chief. The motion carried unanimously. 8) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF RONDA COCKERHAM AS CITY PLANNER FOR THE CITY OF ATHENS. Ms. Borstad stated that Ronda Cockerham applied for the City Planner position, with seventeen (17) years of experience in municipal government; with experience in Court, Planning, and she is a certified Texas Registered Municipal Clerk. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, to appoint Ronda Cockerham as City Planner for the City of Athens. The motion carried unanimously. 9) PROCLAMATION. – “NATIONAL NIGHT OUT” Mayor Smith read a proclamation recognizing Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as National Night Out in Athens. 10) MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND/OR CITY MANAGER UPDATES INVOLVING COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ISSUES OF PUBLIC SAFETY.  ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary, announced the following events:  Thursday, Sept. 25: Dehart Veterinary Services will hold a Wellness and Shot Clinic at Athens Animal Services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Saturday, Sept. 27: The Athens Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on the courthouse square. The market will run every Saturday through October.  Saturday, Sept. 27: Hard Night’s Day, a Beatles tribute band, will perform at The Texan in Athens with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the concert from 7 to 9 p.m.  Saturday, Sept. 27: The Athens High School Class of 1970 will hold its 55- year reunion at Boogie’s from 6 to 10 p.m.  Thursday, Oct. 2: Athens ISD will host the Henderson County Career Expo at the Athens High School gym from 10:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  Saturday, Oct. 4: Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts in Athens will hold auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 13.  Monday, Oct. 6: The Athens Rotary Club will host its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 3 Ms. Borstad stated the Kiwanis Park Ribbon cutting was held on Saturday. She thanked Amanda DeShazo and Johnny Johnson. Mayor Smith acknowledged that Athens High School hosted a debate tournament. 11) CONSENT AGENDA a) CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, REGULAR SESSION. b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF ATHENS HOLIDAY CALENDAR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. c) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RESCHEDULING THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION OF MAY 25, 2026, TO MAY 26, 2026. d) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AN OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR THE CITY OF ATHENS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. e) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FILE A GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL SOLID WASTE GRANT PROGRAM. f) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. g) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JEFF WHITNAH, BRADY AUTRY, AND BRYAN CLEMMONS TO THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS. h) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DOCUMENTING THE ANNUAL REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS INVESTMENT POLICY AND DESIGNATING INVESTMENT OFFICERS. i) AUGUST 2025 MONTHLY REVENUE AND EXPENSE REPORT. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 12) UTILITY UPDATE. Randy Williams, Utilities Director, provided the following updates:  Progress on Asset Management Software (Work Order System)  Fire Hydrant Flow Testing – completed, total hydrants – 770  Pinkerton Sanitary Sewer Replacement – completed  Bulk Water Station  Generator Projects 13) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF TRACI WILKES TO THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FILLING PLACE 3. Donna Meredith, Community Development Manager, explained that the vacancy is due to the expired term of Danny Tidmore, and the Board unanimously voted to recommend Traci Wilkes for approval. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, to approve the appointment of Traci Wilkes to the Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors filling Place 3. The motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 4 14) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT HOOVER TO THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FILLING PLACE 6 VACANCY. Ms. Meredith stated the Board unanimously voted to recommend Robert Hoover to the Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve the appointment of Robert Hoover to the Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors filling Place 6 vacancy. The motion carried unanimously. 15) RESOLUTIONS: a) CONSIDER SECOND READING OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDELINES AND AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $100,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. Ms. Meredith stated there were no changes to the Resolution since the first reading, and the Public Hearing was held at the September 16th AEDC meeting. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Resolution aloud. A motion was made by Councilmember Priestley, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve second reading of a Resolution approving the Athens Economic Development Corporation Business Assistance Grant Guidelines and authorize the expenditure of $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. The motion carried unanimously. b) CONSIDER SECOND READING OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT GUIDELINES AND AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $175,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. Ms. Meredith stated there were no changes to the Resolution since the first reading, and the Public Hearing was held at the September 16th AEDC meeting. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Resolution aloud. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve second reading of a Resolution approving the Athens Economic Development Corporation Community Development Grant guidelines and authorize the expenditure of $175,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. The motion carried unanimously. c) CONSIDER SECOND READING OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE A TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $30,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026. Ms. Meredith stated there were no changes to the Resolution since the first reading, and the Public Hearing was held at the September 16th AEDC meeting. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Resolution aloud. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 5 A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve second reading of a Resolution approving the Athens Economic Development Corporation Workforce Development Grant Program and authorize a total expenditure of $30,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. The motion carried unanimously. d) DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO PAY OFF FIRST STATE BANK LOAN #8602. Sarah Smith, Finance Director, explained that the item is to approve paying off First State Bank Commercial Loan #8602, and that the loan was issued in 2019 for Biomerics Tenant Improvements. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawer, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve a Resolution authorizing the Athens Economic Development Corporation to pay off First State Bank Loan #8602. The motion carried unanimously. e) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET AMENDMENT #02 FOR THE ATHENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FISCAL YEAR 2025 ADOPTED BUDGET. Ms. Smith explained that the item is Budget Amendment #02 for Fiscal Year 2025, and the Budget amendment was approved by the AEDC Board to pay off First State Bank Commercial Loan #8602. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilwoman Barker, to approve a Resolution authorizing Budget Amendment #02 for the Athens Economic Development Corporation, Fiscal Year 2025 adopted budget The motion carried unanimously. f) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE THE CITY’S NINETY (90) DAY GENERAL FUND EMERGENCY RESERVE. Ms. Smith explained that ninety (90) days is the recommended number of days for the General Fund Reserve Account, and $212,490 - Transfer from unrestricted General Fund cash to the Emergency Reserve account. Mayor Smith stated that Council reviews this each year, and that in the event of a catastrophic event, the city could operate for ninety (90) days without any revenue coming in. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, to approve a Resolution authorizing the city manager to increase the city’s ninety (90) day General Fund Emergency Reserve. The motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 6 g) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A COMMERCIAL CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 411, 412, 413, 414, 501 ROSE GARDEN CIRCLE ALSO KNOWN AS PROPERTY ID’S 278348, 278349, 278352, 278353, 278354 AND EXECUTE ALL CLOSING DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED. Ms. Borstad explained the property is adjacent to Kiwanis Park, perfect opportunity to add to that the park. She stated the buyer’s price was $140,000 and she negotiated an agreement for purchase of the property for an agreed price of $105,000 plus closing costs. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Commercial Contract for the purchase of property located at 411, 412, 413, 414, 501 Rose Garden Circle also known as Property ID’s 278348, 278349, 278352, 278353, 278354 and execute all closing documents as required. The motion carried unanimously. 16) DISCUSS FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE IX, SEC. 5-95. - PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS—PERMIT REQUIRED; APPLICATION; SCOPE CLARIFYING THAT ALL ELECTRICAL WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN. Ms. Borstad explained that the amendment is being presented to clarify that all electrical work shall be permitted and performed by a licensed electrician unless specifically exempt by state law and authorized by the Electrical Inspector. Ms. Borstad read the modification as follows: All work shall be performed and permitted by a licensed electrician that is registered with the city unless specifically exempted by Sec. 5-94 or Sec. 5-96. All exemptions shall be approved by the Electrical Inspector or his representative. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. 17) CONSIDER THE FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR “MANUFACTURED HOME” FOR LOT 2, BLOCK 15 OF THE WEST HYLANDS ADDITION SUBDIVISION, LOCATED IN THE T. PARMER SURVEY, ABSTRACT 782, ALSO KNOWN AS, PROPERTY I.D: 288691, IN HENDERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT DATABASE. OWNER: JOSE SOTO. Ms. Borstad stated there are no changes since the first reading of the Ordinance. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve final reading of an Ordinance concerning a request for approval of a Specific Use Permit for “Manufactured Home” for Lot 2, Block 15 of the West Hylands addition subdivision, located in the T. Parmer Survey, Abstract 782, also known as, Property I.D: 288691, in Henderson County Appraisal District Database. Owner: Jose Soto. After roll call vote the motion passed with the following record vote. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 7 Aaron Smith, Mayor Aye SyTanna Freeman, Mayor Pro Tem Aye Bryan Barker, Councilmember Aye Katha Lawyer, Councilmember Aye Bill Priestley, Councilmember Aye Voted in favor of the motion 5 Voted against the motion 0 Motion carried 5-0 18) CONSIDER THE FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. Ms. Smith stated that since the first reading of the Ordinance there was one (1) change to include Series 2022 GO Bonds – Addition of $10,000 to cover remaining police station projects. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve the final reading of an Ordinance amending the budget for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2025. After roll call vote the motion passed with the following record vote. Aaron Smith, Mayor Aye SyTanna Freeman, Mayor Pro Tem Aye Bryan Barker, Councilmember Aye Katha Lawyer, Councilmember Aye Bill Priestley, Councilmember Aye Voted in favor of the motion 5 Voted against the motion 0 Motion carried 5-0 19) CONSIDER THE FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 FEES AND COST OF SERVICES OF THE CITY OF ATHENS CODE OF ORDINANCES. Ms. Smith explained there were two (2) changes since the first reading of the Ordinance:  Warrant & Capias Fee $50.00 to $75.00  Single Trade Permit Fees - OSSF $75.00 to $100.00 After a brief discussion, Ms. Borstad stated that staff would review Chapter 23 Fees and Cost of Services more frequently. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve final reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 23 Fees and Cost of Services of the City of Athens Code of Ordinances. After roll call vote the motion passed with the following record vote. City Council Regular Session September 22, 2025 Page 8 Aaron Smith, Mayor Aye SyTanna Freeman, Mayor Pro Tem Aye Bryan Barker, Councilmember Aye Katha Lawyer, Councilmember Aye Bill Priestley, Councilmember Aye Voted in favor of the motion 5 Voted against the motion 0 Motion carried 5-0 20) CITY MANAGER PROJECT UPDATES: NO ACTION TAKEN. a) AIRPORT RUNWAY EXPANSION Advertised for engineering qualifications for the Airport Layout Plan update and two (2) packets were received b) HMGP GRANT PROJECTS HMGP grants - three (3) outstanding and working with KSA on design c) RESILIENT COMMUNITIES PROGRAM GRANT Public meeting on October 16th at 5:30 p.m. at The Texan d) TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD (TWDB) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS TWDA Approved Phase 1 on September 18th and staff will be meeting with financial advisors next week regarding Revenue Bonds. 21) MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.  SUP for Padres House on the next agenda for an update  Platting and development within the ETJ  Work Session on Thursday, September 25th at 5:30 p.m. at the Athens Partnership Building 22) ADJOURN. The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE 13th DAY OF OCTOBER 2025. ______________________________ Aaron Smith, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary