Athens City Council

REGULAR SESSION MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 The City Council of the City of Athens, Texas, met in a Regular Session on Monday, March 9, 2026, 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; David Jones, Interim Fire Chief; Randy Williams, Utilities Director; Shannon Easley, Public Works Director; Alan Anderson, Director of Development; Michael Hannigan, Social Media Manager; Donna Meredith, Community Development Manager; Shawn Ruff, HR Director; Ronda Cockerham, City Planner; Erica Walker; Deputy City Secretary; Darin Hamm, Tourism and Marketing Manager. Others present: Reverend Grant Sisson, B.J. Massa, Traci Wilkes, Dr. Janie Sims, Gina Hunter, Kristin, Willingham, Kevin and Jeaneane Lilly, Brent Muecke, Ed McCain, Debra Wilson, Kelley Townsend, Suzanne Towers, Pastor Bill Burton, Deborah Deas, Anne Perryman, Tommie Thomas, Michelle Zenor, Holly Blong, Heather Berryhill, Tristen Husband, Adyson Petty, Ryleigh Sloan, Camden Garner, Dylan Thornton, River Lang 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 – REVEREND GRANT SISSON, LPC, LBT OF FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. Reverend Grant Sisson, LPC, LBT of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, led the Invocation. 3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4) DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST. There were none. 5) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING AMENDING THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES AND AMENDING THE CITY OF ATHENS COUNCIL RULES AND PROCEDURES. Anne Perryman, 111 LaRue Street, Athens, Texas, expressed concern with amending the Public Communications Procedures, and asked Council to allow citizens to speak during an agenda item. Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary, stated the item is to discuss amending the Public Communications Procedures and amending the City of Athens Council Rules and Procedures. City Council Regular Session March 9, 2026 Page 2 The City Council met in a work session on 2-18-2026 and discussed Public Communication procedures. The intent of Texas Government Code Section 551.007 is that the City Council chooses where to allow the citizens to speak. After discussion, there was a consensus to allow communication only during the Public Communications section of the meeting. Citizens shall complete the registration card and provide it to the City Secretary or Deputy City Secretary prior to the opening of the meeting. Ms. Hambrick stated that during the work session, council rules and procedures were discussed. • If no motion is made, the item “dies” due to the lack of a motion. • A council member would need to make a motion to deny the item. • The item can be placed back on the agenda at the request of two (2) council members. • If the item is denied, it is ineligible to appear on an agenda until after ninety (90) calendar days have passed. • A majority vote of City Council at a Regular or Special scheduled meeting, may authorize the item to be placed back on an agenda for consideration prior to the ninety (90) day threshold. A motion was made by Councilwoman Freeman, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve amending the Public Communications Procedures and amending the City of Athens Council Rules and Procedures. The motion carried unanimously. 6) PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS. Ms. B.J. Masa, 9661 CR 3816, Athens, Texas 75752, asked the City Council to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 22 section 40 – Home Occupation regulations to include one (1) a a new business category: Banner Print Shop. 7) MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND/OR CITY MANAGER UPDATES INVOLVING COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ISSUES OF PUBLIC SAFETY. • ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS Darin Hamm, Tourism and Marketing Manager, announced the following Community Events: • The Cain Center YMCA is hosting its second annual Charity Golf Tournament now through Friday, March 13, at Square Fairways and the Athens Country Club golf course. • The Athens Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at noon Wednesday, March 11, at 6 Forks Farm. • Henderson County AgriLife Extension Service will present a Lunch and Learn on fraud prevention from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at St. John Lutheran Church. • UT Health Athens will offer a free class on healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the Bush Board Room at UT Health Athens. • The Texas Tourism Friendly Workshop will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Athens Partnership Center. • Keep Athens Beautiful will host its 2026 Home and Garden Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at The Texan. • Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts will hold auditions for its 12- Hour Junior Musical from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14. • Prosperity Bank will sponsor a Carter BloodCare blood drive from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. City Council Regular Session March 9, 2026 Page 3 • Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts will perform "Little Women" March 20-29, with evening shows at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. • The Athens Farmers Market will return with a Local Market Pop-Up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in downtown Athens. • Living for the Brand Church will host the 13th Annual Full Pull with God on Saturday, March 21, with registration at 8 a.m. and competition beginning at 10 a.m. • Athens First Methodist Church will sponsor a Carter BloodCare blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22, in its Activity Building. • The Henderson County Livestock Show will begin Monday, March 23, and continue through Saturday, March 28, at Henderson County Regional Fair Park. 8) PROCLAMATION – TOURISM FRIENDLY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION. Mayor Smith proclaimed the City of Athens as a Tourism Friendly Community. 9) PROCLAMATION – THEATRE IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH (TIOSM). SyTanna Freeman, Mayor Pro Tem, proclaimed March as Theatre in Our Schools Month. 10) CONSENT AGENDA a) CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 2026, WORK SESSION. b) CONSIDER APPROVING THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2026, REGULAR SESSION. c) CONSIDER APPOINTMENTS TO THE TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) BOARD NO. 1, PLACES 1 AND 5 FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE IN MAY 2027. d) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A THREE (3) YEAR RENEWAL QUOTE FROM NEOGOV FOR THE CITY’S HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 11) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF KELLEY TOWNSEND TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS. Elizabeth Borstad, City Manager, stated the item is to appoint Kelley Townsend to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. She stated Ms. Townsend is actively involved in the community: Kiwanis Club, Athens Chamber of Commerce, Family Peace Project, Kaufman Chamber of Commerce, East Texas Arboretum, and Keep Athens Beautiful. She stated Ms. Townsend would be an excellent addition to the Board of Adjustments. A motion was made by Councilwoman Freeman, seconded by Councilmember Priestley to confirm the appointment of Kelly Townsend to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. The motion carried unanimously. 12) RESOLUTIONS: a) DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CEDAR CREEK FOUNDATION TO HOST A THUNDER OVER EAST TEXAS AIR SHOW AT THE ATHENS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT ON JUNE 30, 2028, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE FORMS 2535 (REQUEST FOR MILITARY AERIAL SUPPORT) FOR SAID EVENTS. City Council Regular Session March 9, 2026 Page 4 Kevin Lilly, Director of the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation, stated the item is a Military form, and formality for requesting military aerial support, and it has to be submitted by June 30, 2026. He stated the committee is working on the 2026 airshow. He further stated that $880,000 has been raised for Veterans in Henderson County. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilmember Barker, to approve a Resolution authorizing the Cedar Creek Foundation to host a Thunder Over East Texas Air Show at the Athens Municipal Airport on June 30, 2028, and authorizing the City Manager to execute Forms 2535 (Request for Military Aerial Support) for said events. The motion carried unanimously. b) DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS TO STRATEGIC GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FOR THE INTERIM FIRE CHIEF POSITION. Ms. Borstad explained that on September 22, 2025, she was authorized by the Council to enter into an agreement with SGR for the services of Chief David Jones as the City’s Interim Fire Chief. She stated she is seeking authorization to extend the agreement beyond $50,000 and have Mr. Jones here throughout the process of hiring a new Fire Chief. A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilwoman Lawyer, to approve a Resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds to Strategic Government Resources for the Interim Fire Chief position. The motion carried unanimously. c) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANTOR EASEMENT INFORMATION FORM WITH ONCOR FOR AN EASEMENT FOR N. PINKERTON RESTORATION. Ms. Borstad stated that the city has been approached by Oncor Delivery Company to provide an easement to reinstall an electrical line in order to provide electrical service to properties located on North Pinkerton Street. She stated exhibits were provided in the packet. She stated that it will authorize her to submit the form and sign the easement document when it is complete. Mayor Smith asked if the easement would interfere with the city’s wastewater treatment plant expansion improvements, with Ms. Borstad stating it would not interfere with it. A motion was made by Councilmember Priestley, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grantor Easement Information Form with Oncor for an Easement for N. Pinkerton Restoration. The motion carried unanimously. d) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, (MOU) WITH NORTH ATHENS CEMETERY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PAVILION. Ms. Borstad explained that the city has been working with North Athens Cemetery Association since the fall and approval Community Grants through the General Fund. She stated that Shannon Easley, Public Works Director, has received quotes to install the pavilion, and staff would like to oversee the process and pull the permits; North Athens Cemetery would provide funding to the city. The city would use the funding to match it with the city’s grant money. She further stated that the Murchison Foundation has provided $5,000. City Council Regular Session March 9, 2026 Page 5 A motion was made by Councilmember Barker, seconded by Councilmember Freeman, to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) with North Athens Cemetery for the construction of a pavilion. The motion carried unanimously. e) DISCUSS, CONSIDER, AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES PERTAINING TO THE APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION, IF AWARDED, OF THE CITY’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – DISASTER RECOVERY (CDBG-DR) LOCAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (LCP) FUNDING FROM THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE (GLO) UNDER THE 2024 DISASTERS DR- 4781 TEXAS SEVERE STORMS AND DR-4798 HURRICANE BERYL TO TRAYLOR AND ASSOCIATES, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO THE EXECUTE A CONTRACT. Ms. Borstad stated that the item is to award a contract for grant administration services. She stated that a request for proposals was submitted for qualified Grant Administrators. She shared that a grant committee reviewed the proposals, and a review of the scoring is in the packet. She stated that staff recommends Traylor and Associates as the grant administrator. She further stated the city can apply for two (2) separate $5,000,000.00 grants with only a 5% match. She explained the funds may be used to construct a variety of improvements, including streets, drainage, water/sewer improvements, generators, and other projects. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lawyer, seconded by Councilwoman Freeman, to approve a Resolution awarding a contract for Grant Administration services pertaining to the application and implementation, if awarded, of the City’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Local Communities Program (LCP) funding from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) under the 2024 Disasters DR-4781 Texas Severe Storms and DR-4798 Hurricane Beryl to Traylor and Associates, and authorize the City Manager to the execute a contract. Mayor Smith stated that agenda items 13) and 14) would not be discussed and would appear on a future agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 13) PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A FINAL TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE PROJECT AND FINANCE PLAN FOR REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF ATHENS, TEXAS; ADDING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO THE BOUNDARIES OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF ATHENS, TEXAS; MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS. Item not discussed. 14) DISCUSS FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A FINAL TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE PROJECT AND FINANCE PLAN FOR REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF ATHENS, TEXAS; ADDING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO THE BOUNDARIES OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF ATHENS, TEXAS; MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS. Item not discussed. City Council Regular Session March 9, 2026 Page 6 15) EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 551.087 (DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS); CLOSED MEETING a) FISHER ESTATES 16) 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) CITY MANAGER The City Council convened in Executive Session at 6:09 p.m. The City Council returned to Regular Session at 7:43 p.m. 17) 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) FISHER ESTATES No action was taken. 18) CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION, AS NECESSARY, RESULTING FROM DELIBERATIONS IN 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) CITY MANAGER No action was taken. Mayor Smith praised Ms. Borstad for doing a great job as City Manager, and he could not thank her enough; other council members reiterated “thankfulness” for her serving as city manager. Mayor Smith would like to revisit the item in a couple of months. There was a round of applause. 19) MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. Mayor Smith requested a future agenda item to seek TxDOT's permission to abandon the north and west sides of the Athens Square. He would like a public hearing on the matter. 20) ADJOURN. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE 23rd DAY OF MARCH 2026. ______________________________ Aaron Smith, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Bonnie Hambrick, City Secretary