Athens City Council

REGULAR SESSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025 The City Council of the City of Athens, Texas, met in a Regular Session on Monday, November 10, 2025, 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; Chief of Police, Chad Allen; David Jones, Interim Fire Chief; Randy Williams, Utilities Director; Shannon Easley, Public Works Director; Alan Anderson, Director of Development; Sarah Smith, Finance Director; Michael Hannigan, Social Media Manager; Donna Meredith, Community Development Manager; Shawn Ruff, HR Director; Ronda Cockerham, City Planner. Others present: Pastor Bill Burton, Deborah Deas, Jackie and Traci Wilkes, Albert Freeman, Tommie Thomas, Michael White, Bryce White, Antonio Rincon, Robert Perryman, Kelly Townsend, DeDe Willis- Bryant, Keith Bryant, 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 BILL BURTON, ALLEN CHAPEL AME CHURCH The Invocation was led by Pastor Bill Burton. 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4) DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST There were none. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 2 5) PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS There were none. 6) INTRODUCTION OF DARIN HAMM AS THE TOURISM & MARKETING MANAGER. Mandie Quigg, Assistant City Manager, introduced Darin Hamm as the Tourism & Marketing Manager. She stated that the position of Tourism & Marketing Manager was posted by the City on August 20, 2025. A total of forty-three (43) applications were received. Three (3) interviews were conducted by a panel consisting of herself, Community Development Manager, Donna Meredith, and Human Resources Director, Shawn Ruff. Upon completion of interviews and discussion amongst the panel, it was agreed that Mr. Darin Hamm was the most qualified applicant. Mr. Hamm stated he is looking forward to meeting local leaders, volunteers, and those who love this community. 7) 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 Community Events: • The Chamber of Commerce will hold its November Chamber Luncheon at noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the TVCC cafeteria. • The Athens Police Department will offer free car seat inspections by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Police Department. • Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts will present an Improv Comedy Show at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. • Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts will host a free vocal workshop titled “So You Think You Can’t Sing” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. • The Athens Police Department and Neza Mexican Cuisine will hold Cops & Community Connection from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Neza’s. • TVCC will host a community blood drive with Carter BloodCare from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. • The Western Flyers Concert will be at The Texan on Friday, Nov. 21. • The Youth Department of Church of the Living God will hold a Youth Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 22. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 3 • Athens First Methodist Church will present Home for the Holidays, an outdoor worship concert, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. • Hope Springs Water will host the 28th Annual Athens Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Cain Center YMCA. Mayor Smith announced the following: • The Athens Hornets finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and ranked No. 10 in the state. They will play Gilmer in the bi-district round in Henderson Friday night at 7:30 p.m. • The TVCC football team will play in the SWJCFC Region Semi-final Saturday in Oklahoma when they play NEO. • The TVCC volleyball team won their third Region 14 Tournament in four years Sunday, beating Blinn 3-1. They’ll head to Clarksville, Tennessee, Nov. 19 through 22 for the NJCAA national tournament. • The TVCC women's soccer team just finished up its regional tournament and has a great chance of receiving an at-large bid to the national tournament. 8) CONSENT AGENDA a) CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 23, 2025, WORK SESSION. b) CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 27, 2025, REGULAR SESSION. c) CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF THE ANNUAL FEDERAL EQUITABLE SHARING AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 FOR THE ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT. d) CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF THE ANNUAL CHAPTER 59 ASSET FORFEITURE REPORT AND AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 FOR THE ATHENS FIRE DEPARTMENT/FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE. e) CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF THE ANNUAL CHAPTER 59 ASSET FORFEITURE REPORT AND AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 FOR THE ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 4 9) RESOLUTIONS: a) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, APPROVING A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CITY OF ATHENS PURCHASING POLICY. Sarah. Smith, Finance Director, presented the amended purchasing policy. Mayor Smith noted that the amended policy would streamline the purchasing process, he also stated that all Fund 15 Expenditures would come to Council. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve a Resolution to amend the City of Athens Purchasing Policy. The motion carried unanimously. b) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A SOURCEWELL QUOTE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2025 NEW WEILER G65 MOTOR GRADER FROM HOLT CAT – DALLAS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT. Shannon Easley, Public Works Director, stated the purchase will replace a 1984 motor grader. He stated three (3) quotes were received and staff is recommending the low quote from Holt Cat in the amount of $210,620.00. A motion was made by Councilmember Priestley, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve a Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Sourcewell Quote for the purchase of a 2025 New Weiler G65 Motor Grader from Holt Cat – Dallas, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement. The motion carried unanimously. c) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A SOURCEWELL QUOTE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2025 920 CATERPILLAR WHEEL LOADER FROM HOLT CAT – DALLAS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT. Mr. Easley stated that the purchase will replace a 2000 model wheel loader. He stated three (3) quotes were received and staff is recommending the low quote from Holt Cat in the amount of $179,770.00. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilmember Priestley, to approve a Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Sourcewell Quote for the purchase of a 2025 920 Caterpillar Wheel Loader from Holt Cat – Dallas and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement. The motion carried unanimously. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 5 10) CONSIDER THE FINAL READING OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT FOR “CONCRETE BATCH PLANT - PERMANENT” USE FOR BLOCK 1, LOT 13C OF THE J. I. RICHARDSON SUBDIVISION LOCATED IN THE B. C. WALTERS SURVEY, ABSTRACTS 797, WITH A PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF 502 US 175 W. OWNER: TXI OPERATIONS LLC. Ms. Borstad explained the item is the final reading of an Ordinance and staff were waiting for the drainage plan that was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. She stated the plan is approximately 70-75% completed, waiting on the final version and everything else has been submitted. She stated there had been conversations regarding making this a Planned Development Base Zoning Commercial instead of SUP. Mr. Perryman provided the timeline stating it should be completed by Friday, November 21 and stated some additional property would be included. After discussion, a motion was made councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to Table the item. The motion to table carried unanimously. 11) PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING CHANGE FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL-5 TO COMMERCIAL FOR USE OF A FUNERAL HOME FOR LOTS 3 & 4, BLOCK 43, LOCATED IN THE T. PARMER SURVEY, AB 782, WITH A PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF 607 N. PRAIRIEVILLE ST., ALSO KNOWN AS PROPERTY ID 2320 IN THE HENDERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT DATABASE. APPLICANT: LIFE & LEGACY TRIBUTE SERVICES. Ronda Cockerham, Planner, explained the zoning change from Single-Family Residential-5 to Commercial. She stated letters of notification were sent to the surrounding property owners within 200 feet. One (1) approval was returned. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request. Ms. Willis stated the church would remain as is for community use. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 6 There was discussion regarding staff’s recommendation for Planned Development with a Commercial base zoning and Concept Plan. Ms. Willis agreed to that zoning designation. Mayor Smith opened the Public Hearing. There were no comments. Mayor Smith closed the Public Hearing. 12) DISCUSS, FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING CHANGE FROM SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL-5 TO COMMERCIAL FOR USE OF A FUNERAL HOME FOR LOTS 3 & 4, BLOCK 43, LOCATED IN THE T. PARMER SURVEY, AB 782, WITH A PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF 607 N. PRAIRIEVILLE ST., ALSO KNOWN AS PROPERTY ID 2320 IN THE HENDERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT DATABASE. APPLICANT: LIFE & LEGACY TRIBUTE SERVICES. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. 13) PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A ZONING CHANGE FROM AGRICULTURE TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL-5, FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE FOR LOT 11, BLOCK 97, OF THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF ATHENS, LOCATED IN THE B. C. WALTERS SURVEY, AB-797, GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF PALMETTO ST AND 3RD ST., ALSO KNOWN AS PROPERTY ID 233945 IN THE HENDERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT DATABASE. APPLICANT: R4U VENTURES LLC. Ms. Cockerham explained the zoning change from Agriculture to Single-Family Residential-5, for single-family residential use. The area is designated for Medium Density Residential Use in the Future Land Use Plan. The applicant is proposing to develop the property as a Single-Family Residential subdivision. The proposed subdivision will have 3 lots. Letters of notification were sent to the 13 surrounding property owners within 200 feet. One (1) response has been returned. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 7 Michael White with R4U Ventures stated they are looking forward to bringing affordable rental houses to the city. Mayor Smith opened the Public Hearing. Tommie Thomas asked for a description of the houses, with Mr. White stating they are three (3) bedrooms and two (2) baths, 1200 square ft heating and cooling, with an attached carport. Bill Burton asked the amount for rent, with Mr. White stating it would be comparable to the market at the time. Mr. Rincon expressed concerned about the vegetation, and bringing property value down. Mr. White stated that it would be cleaned up and made a nice place. Mayor Smith asked about the minimum setbacks, and discussion occurred. Tommie Thomas asked the city to look at the setbacks and dimensions of the lots as small houses were previously built in that area. The Public Hearing was closed. 14) DISCUSS, FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM AGRICULTURE TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL-5, FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE FOR LOT 11, BLOCK 97, OF THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF ATHENS, LOCATED IN THE B. C. WALTERS SURVEY, AB-797, GENERALLY LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF PALMETTO ST. AND 3RD ST., ALSO KNOWN AS PROPERTY ID 233945 IN THE HENDERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT DATABASE. APPLICANT: R4U VENTURES LLC. Ms. Hambrick read the caption of the Ordinance aloud. 15) EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.087 (DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS; CLOSED MEETING a) CARDINAL ESTATES b) FISHER ESTATES The City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:17 p.m. The City Council returned to Regular Session at 6:57 p.m. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 8 16) CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, RESULTING FROM DELIBERATIONS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.087 (DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS, CLOSED MEETING a) CARDINAL ESTATES No action was taken. b) FISHER ESTATES A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to reject the three (3) proposals received for the Fisher Estates Development. The motion carried with the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Smith, Councilmember Bryan Barker, Councilwoman Lawyer, and Councilmember Bill Priestley; Nay: Councilwoman Freeman, Abstained: None. 17) MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. Councilwoman Lawyer expressed concern with trucks moving the through the city at various times and requested a future agenda to discuss. Councilmember Preistley asked for an update on the sidewalks on South 19. Mayor Smith asked for un update from TxDOT on the railroad crossing and construction on 1616 at the Loop. Ms. Hambrick announced the following future agenda items: • Platting and development within the ETJ • Council to review the TIRZ Map and reconvene the TIRZ Board • Item to discuss future funding for a new city hall 18) ADJOURN. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE 24th DAY OF NOVEMBER 2025. City Council Regular Session November 10, 2025 Page 9 ______________________________ Aaron Smith, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary