City Council - workshop

Thank you.

It's 4 o'clock. We can get started with our work session. Annette, would you mind calling roll? Sure.

Mr. Creasy?

Here.

Mr. Lucas? Here. Mrs. Henry? Here. Mrs. Golden? Here. Mr. Seibert? Here. All five present.

First public hearing tonight we have is relating to abating overgrown grass and weeds. We'll have a A resolution to follow that hearing. You may have any questions on that one. We do these pretty frequently. This time of year. Okay, who will take that one, the resolution? I will. Second public hearing is relating to a unsafe structure or public nuisance at 1693 Autumn Chase. Followed by a resolution.

All right. Real quick, I just wanted to point out in your packet, there's a number of items that are in there. The storyboard with the timelines and all those things. The notices of violation that went out. uh all the filings we've done uh where we've publicized it in the news courier all those things are in that packet uh mr dargie is here tonight and i believe he will want to address the council his attorneys here as well so i know one or both of them may want to discuss as we move forward on this property My history with this property goes back to about 2000. There's been some issues over the years that's come up. We've been able to work through those over the years. We cited four potential life safety items for that property, and that's why we're going to be here tonight to discuss that. Two of those four are completed.

Two of the four are completed?

Two of the four are completed. There are two other issues that I know they'll discuss tonight. We've got several courses of action we can take. This case is already in the municipal court docket for November the 12th. The owner has been working towards compliance. We've got a couple of options we can go through. based on what they say here tonight and based on what the neighborhood may say if any of those individuals are here. So pending any questions you might have in particular, I'll say more when we get to the public hearing.

OK. Amy's got it. Amy.

okay that's it for the public hearings uh in terms of the regular meeting we have a resolution to reappoint john scherf to prior field for a five-year term ending september 14 2031. any questions comments on that one mr lucas

went to the air show this weekend you saw him out there doing tricks this summer is a great air show he wanted to fly me upside down i said no thank you no yeah but uh it was a great air show so thank you yeah for appointing john he does a good job it's really really hot there but it was good

Item B is a resolution to approve a restaurant retail liquor alcohol license for Shishimi 03. That is Shishimi Asian Bistro in Athens, which is set to open this week, I believe, on the 17th. So we're excited about that. Any questions on that one?

Okay, who will take that?

Item C is a resolution approving the purchase of two payment kiosks from Howard Technology Solutions in the amount of $33,293 with costs and expenses to be shared among the utility departments. This will make things, payment of power bills much smoother, easier at the customer service location. Any questions on those? All right, who will take that?

Dana? Sure.

And do we, are these, need to suspend on these?

They're budgeted.

They're budgeted, okay. Item D is a resolution awarding City Council District 5 economic development incentives to LJ Samurai Steakhouse, Eagle's Diner, Eagle Wholesale Supply, and Jimmerson LLC, otherwise known as Athens Florist.

Should they vote on these separately?

So this is, is this the last of our allotments?

For this round. For this round? Mm-hmm.

Great.

Yep.

Can I take that?

Sure. Any questions on that one? Okay. What about this one?

Those ones were previously approved, so we don't need to suspend the rules. Okay.

Item E is a resolution authorizing the Water Services Director to enter into contract with GTEC LLC for the geotechnical study required for the Athens Water Treatment Plant electrical and finished water pumping improvements for the budget amount of $9,360 to be funded from the Water Services Department 2024 bond series. Any questions on that one? Okay, who will take that?

and that will need rule suspension.

Who would do the rules? Mr. Lucas. Item F is a resolution authorizing the mayor to accept the low bid of $2,151,200 from Rogers Group for the 2026-27 bituminous paving contract with costs to be paid from the City of Athens Capital Project and gas tax funds. we need to do the rules on that yes sir who would do the rules item g is a resolution changing the electric department's fiscal year from june 30th to september 30th to align with the fiscal year of other city departments Golden, any questions? I mean, it's pretty straightforward. Okay. Is there anything to add, Mayor?

I don't have anything. I know if you have a little time beforehand, you've got a group of young people here that may want to address city council. That's up to you, or they may want to wait until the official meeting. That's totally your call, Mr. Cyber.

What would you guys prefer? We've got 20 minutes here.

You want to go ahead and do it? All right. You've got the floor, young man.

Is there anything else, guys? Any other add-ons? No? Okay. Well, y'all come on up.

Absolutely. Give me your name and address to...

My name is Jamaica Malone, J apostrophe, M-I-C-A-H-M-A-L-O-N-E. And my address is 18197 May Circle, Athens, Alabama, zip code 35611.

My name is Christia Malone, C-H-R-I-S-T-E-A-M-A-L-O-N-E. And my address is 1101 Robert Street.

My name is Tyler Griffith, T-Y-L-E-R-G-R-I-F-F-I-T-H, and my address is 17653 Watercress Drive.

And we're here today to make a proposal to you guys. We have been talking with a lot of young youth that are residents here in Athens, Alabama, and we just feel that, like, you know, youth, we would like a little bit more entertainment. Entertainment meaning, like, a movie theater, skating rink, bowling alley. And in our discussions, a thing that has been brought up the most is a skating rink. And we just wanted to see what are the necessary steps that we need to take to get this, to get this event center up and moving and just what really actions do we need to take?

The biggest is finding somebody willing to do it, somebody that wants to invest the dollars to do it. We had a skating rink when I was your age. And so those things have been here in the past, bowling alley, we had that. It really comes down to the private sector and who wants to put their own money at work to do one of those things. We would certainly, I mean, we have zoning laws that allow for it. We'd be happy to see something like that. but it's typically not driven by us. Unfortunately, it's driven by the private sector, but we would welcome anybody that wants to come do that.

Yes, sir. Would you have any recommendations for us on the necessary steps we need to take to do the things that you just stated?

I mean, short of finding somebody that wants to do it, maybe you could, I'm sure you guys are savvy social media. You could put a call out. Hey, we're looking for somebody to build one in the city of Athens. We're the United Teens of Athens. We'd love to have this. Somebody come do it. I don't know beyond that. You guys have any suggestions? Reach out to corporate offices or community people.

So if there's a franchise that builds skating rinks or...

Yeah. Reach out to the corporate office as a collective and let them know that we need them.

I'd be surprised. Yeah, I'd be surprised. Yeah, because I didn't mean it. We had a movie theater as well, not even less time ago. So I'd be surprised if with our growth, if somebody didn't have us on their radar for sure.

Thank you. Thank you guys for your time.

Can I, yeah, just one thing before y'all go. Thank y'all for coming.

Yeah.

Unfortunately, people your age get discredited for not being involved. I think it speaks volumes that you were here and you're trying to get involved. If it comes to light that there's anything that we can do, please let us know. And thank you for engagement tonight.

Thank you guys for listening.

That's good.

Thank you, guys. We appreciate it.

If you have any ideas to follow up with that, Mr. Justin Travis over there will be happy to be your point person to help us out. So get in touch with us. Thanks for being here, guys.

Yeah, thank y'all for coming.

With that, I think we've got, we don't have any other- I just knew those guys wanted to address us and they got a very important thing. You know, we've got so many good, great kids that I want to give a shout out to. The fire department was involved, as y'all know. This past week was a horrific situation at Tanglewood Apartments. We had three kids, young people, that was on their lunch break from Lindsey Lane that saw the smoke and went in and helped evacuate people. So these young people have a lot going on. We discredit them oftentimes and I again want to give a shout out to them for being involved and for caring about a community.

Okay.

Thank y'all again. Y'all are welcome to stick around. Sometimes these are entertainment if you want to stick around for that. But you're welcome to go to if you want. It's up to you. We've got about 15 minutes and we'll come back at 4.30. Thanks. I'll go ahead and get started here. Annette, if you wouldn't mind calling roll.

Sure. Mr. Creasy?

Here.

Mr. Lucas?

Here.

Mrs. Henry? Here. Mrs. Golden? Here. Mr. Seibert?

Here.

All five present.

Our invocation will be offered by Councilman Creasy and our Pledge of Allegiance will be by Mayor March.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings that you bestowed on our city and the opportunity that we have as a council to serve the people of Athens. Give us wisdom. Give us humility. Give us good judgment to be able to deal with the issues and problems that we will address and be able to make decisions upon here on this council. Give me a second. Please help to guide and protect the city of Athens and the people that call this home. In Jesus' name, amen.

Please join me in the page.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, thank you, Councilman Creasy, Mayor Marks. We appreciate that. The next thing on our agenda is the approval of city council and work session minutes. If somebody would make a motion, please, for that.

I take second. Second.

Second from Councilwoman Golden. We get a roll call on that, please, now.

Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mr. Lucas?

Yes.

Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

We do not have any special city council minutes nor standing or special committee, so we'll move into our report of officers. Mayor Marks?

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Seibert. Just real briefly, those of you that had an opportunity to go to the Air Fest this weekend, it was absolutely great. And I know Saturday night they had a night event that I understand had a big crowd. I was not able to go to that. But I just want to give out a shout to them and their board for putting this on for, again, good quality of life issues in our community. uh i talked to you about in the work session those young people that were involved with the tanglewood apartments our fire department did an absolutely great job thank you chief hand and all of your guys and the young folks and keeping your prayers those people that have been displaced we pretty much destroyed about four units out there and i know they're from school teachers the people that's just working and trying to make a living with them their families shout out this is assisted living week went to limestone manor and limestone lodge Justin and I did and just gave a shout out to those folks and what they do in the community. I know Limestone Lodge, both facilities are filled. They do a great service to the community and tomorrow we'll be going to Limestone Manor. Is that right, Justin? and one last thing that i have is i want you all to help me congratulate and say what a great job that erica smith has done for us for the past number of years this is her last meeting to cover the athens city council member and erica we wish you the best i know she's been set aside to to cover the molten and other areas there so someone else will be covering the city of athens uh from the decatur daily so erica wish you the best give us a shout if we can ever help you so thank you that's all i have shane mr lucas mr creasey well i'm gonna see if i can get this out

Keep my mouth moving this time. We just went through the 25th anniversary of the Twin Towers being attacked and all the tragedy that was involved with that. And it just made me kind of think, you don't have to go all the way to New York to find police officers and firefighters that will go and do what they need to do in the face of adversity. We have a great group. I think we have the best employees in the nation right here in Athens, Alabama. We have policemen, we have firefighters, we have utility workers that time after time after time are running into the emergency opposed to running away from it. And I think we need to be very, very proud of the people that we have in place. It all starts with the leadership with, with, uh, chief personal and, and, and chief hand that, and what they do and the people that they, that they choose and the leadership that they provide. And we're very, very fortunate here to be able to have those people.

Thank you coach.

I would echo that for sure. Yeah.

Um, I wanted to say thanks to Stacy and her crew, the sidewalks continue. to grow down Fifth Avenue and in District 5. They look so beautiful. And also, I want to thank you for the dumpster enclosure down across from the farmer's market and the one that's under construction. I think they started today over behind Salty Cod. So trying to tidy things up, make it look pretty. That's all. Thank y'all.

I would echo a few things. Mayor Marks, the Air Fest was really good. It was really hot, but it was really good. I agree with what Coach Creasy said. 9-11, I know we've got some veterans. Eric, I don't know if you were on active duty then. I was on active duty then, and certainly any of us that were remember where we were. I was in Europe at the time, and so I remember exactly where I was sitting and what I was doing when that happened. It is a tough week, I think, for most people, but we're lucky, as Coach said, that we've got good fire department folks and we've got good police officers that are willing to go into these places that nobody else will go into during a tragedy like that. So we thank them and we always appreciate what you do. With that, we will move into our meeting. Our first public hearing is related to ascertaining, fixing, and determining the amount of assessment to be charged as weed liens on certain properties as a result of the city abating overgrown grass and weeds thereon. So we will open this public hearing for any comments.

Yes, sir. Yes. Max Smith. I'm representing my wife Beverly Smith. I have two lots on Hatchy Lane and I've tried to get all the information. I've gotten a letter to be here on the abatement of the grass or overgrown grass or weeds and I tried this morning through two or three clerks to get information on it. I've got an itemized bill here for $542, and I finally got up with an officer, McKouston, who said that they had gotten the grass cut on July the 8th, and I was there on July the 10th to cut it again or cut it, and it may or may not have been cut on the 8th. I don't know, but it was still needing to be cut on the 10th, and that is what he said, and they charged me $542 to do that. I got no notice of it and didn't know it until I got there and saw a public hearing a public notice sign on both lots. And it didn't give a, I didn't read the dates on it, but he said that is what this hearing was about. So I'm just, I don't have any information why it was done. I have pictures when I was there on the 10th and, and he sent me pictures on my way over here, uh, of the same thing of the sign on the end.

I know they send letters out and all the likes, but my suggestion is when we, you should step out probably and talk to Chief Pressnell. He can get you. Chief, do you mind having a conversation with him to kind of get to the bottom of it? Is there anyone else?

My name is David Inzminger. I'm a developer putting in some lots off Lucas Ferry Drive. Last month I got a fine for undeveloped lots for tall grass for whatever reason, and that fine was for $1,500. This month I got a fine for $6,000. Is that Watercress? Yes, sir.

Okay.

The HOA fired the lawn maintenance company. They recently hired a new company. They cut the area Friday. I drove by there before I came here. It looks great. Um, and I mean, it's 51 acres and I don't like this previous gentleman. I don't know when it's ever happened or not happening. Don't get any notice, just get a fine. And just, I'm happy to get a cut and I'm trying to get a cut, but it's, I never know. I mean, if the guy is the guy's come to look at the grass and then gets cousin next day, but I still get fined. I mean, he just. I guess I liked a little more working with the city as far as getting it done, right?

Yeah. I think two letters go out typically to the owner on record of the property.

Is that before or after it gets cut? Oh, that's before. I work in the other side of the county.

Yeah, they make two attempts to contact the owner. Okay. You want to give them the process? And you're welcome to do the same, I would say.

I guess another thing is why does it go from $1,500 to $6,000?

The cost is what the city has paid as it relates to the big ticket item, which is the cutting. So in terms of the notices, there's an official notice letter that goes out that is sent out by regular and by certified mail. And then in addition to that, a copy of the notice is posted on the property itself. So the owner is issued a little sign that goes on the property. Now, we can pull the file and, you know, show you additional copies of those that have been pulled out.

Just give me a phone call and it will get cut the next day.

I'm sorry?

Just give me a phone call and it will get cut the next day. I mean, a certified letter takes a week or half.

It's sent out by regular mail and also properties posted. Now, in addition to any other contact that you may have would be, you know, the code enforcement officer can always do things over and above or different from that. Mr. President, what they did in your case, you know, I don't know. We have to talk to the code enforcement officer himself. But the costs that are assessed are the costs that are broken down and provided. And you got that, I think, in that letter right there that breaks it down.

The last letter I get, the cost of labor was $1,500. The cost of labor this time was $6,000. So just trying to understand the difference in labor. I'd have to pull. I understand it.

I hear what you're saying, but I'd have to look at your particular file, and I can certainly do that and get with the code enforcement officers. But just know that anything, whatever's on your bill is what they were charged as a process of doing it. And all that stuff's added up together. But we can look at both of the files and compare them together. Yeah.

Sir, I would say do the same. Step out and speak to the chief. He can probably give you particular information.

He's not going to tell me as far as the labor goes. He's going to tell me I went out there. That's right.

And the only thing I might want to add is we shouldn't be in a position to have to make a phone call if you go cut. and clean up. I mean, I'm sorry to be that blunt, but it's your responsibility to kind of keep things.

And if there was a house there and I was living there and I was there every day, I understand.

I understand. Yes, sir, I understand. But to say that all we had to do is make a phone call and you'd go cut it. We're trying to clean up around from a lot of complaints that come in, and if you will, we'll try to sort through. I don't know the cost of it.

Okay. You've got 10 minutes in any direction to find grass this tall.

Anybody else? Okay. We will close this public hearing. We have a resolution associated with that. Councilman Creasy.

Resolution ascertaining fixing and determining the amount of assessments to be charged as weeding, weed eating liens. Whereas in the city of Athens, Alabama received numerous persistent complaints about the overgrowth grass and weeds on the 13th properties. Whereas the city abated the public nuisance at the city's expense. The council hereby assesses the sum set forth in the resolution to be the cost reasonably occurred by the city in connection with the abatement of the public nuisance located at the prospective property set forth in this resolution, which will constitute a weed liens on the following subject property. Hatchey Lane Southwest, Hatchey Lane Southwest, 1693 Autumn Chase, 13555 Hatchey Lane Southwest, 2112 Hines Street South, Luke Street, Watercress Subdivision, and Breckenridge. Subdivision, Shaw Street, or 321 Shaw Street, 19166 Airfield Street, 19167 Airfield Street, and 434 Rogers Street. For a total of $14,596.84.

We get a second from Councilwoman Golden. Any questions on this, guys? Okay. Can we get a roll call now, please, now?

Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. And Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Okay. Our next one is a public hearing relating to an unsafe structure and or public nuisance at 1693 Autumn Chase. Let me say before, Mr. Waddell, come on up here. There has been much progress made on this, so kudos to Mr. Dorgy, and I'm sorry I don't remember your attorney's name there, but we appreciate you guys making progress and working with the city on this. But I will open the public hearing, Mr. Waddell. Thank you.

Now, I'll just add to what what I was saying in the work session. There has been a considerable amount of work done on removing vegetation on the property. What we cited originally were what we felt like were life safety issues, a possible collapse of the porch, some light poles that had been run over by lawnmowers or whatever. And now you got electrical hanging out into the yard, the pool. and the pool barrier, the barrier itself, the gate was wide open. So now you gotta worry about kids getting in there into a pool that has stagnant water in it. So that's what brought this on from complaints we were receiving. So our goal is continual maintenance of the property. That's really our only goal here. So what remains is the swimming pool has been completely drained. There's some follow-on work that's gonna happen there from what I understand to get that back in operation, which solves that issue. The gutters still have some vines in them, but they're very tall and they've been poisoned and they're gonna die and they'll pull those out. that's really all that is left on this uh this citation we do have a permanent fix that's going to be in the works from the owner for the shoring that was done under the porch ceiling that's not an easy fix back in those days the membranes weren't great that's a porch above so water the there's been failings of the flashings and that's not going to be an easy fix and i understand that's not going to be an easy fix So that's going to take some time. We do have this in municipal court on November the 12th. The owner has expressed his desire to get these things taken care of, so I'm not opposed to postponing any decision on this matter until the next meeting. So pending any questions you might have, I'll yield the floor.

You've given us all an update, so I feel like... Is there anyone, residents or anything that want to, I know you want to speak. Okay.

Good evening. My name is Brandon Prince. I'm the attorney for Mr. Dargie. Um, as Mr. Waddell said, we have made significant progress and our desire is to continue to make progress. Uh, we understand the city's need to make sure structures are safe and we're not trying to skirt that by any means. Um, He has made progress, the vegetation, he's drained the pool, he's shored up the porch, and what we would ask the council to do is postpone their decision and allow us to come back with an actual concrete plan. Mr. Dargie is engaging a structural engineer to actually deal with the porch. He has engaged a pool company to remediate the pool issue as well, and what we would like to do is come back with an actual plan of dates, timelines, on when we can actually remediate the issue to bring this to finality, because our desire is not to for the city to bear any of this cost. We want to make sure that we take care of it. We don't want to pass that cost on. We're just asking for time and we hope the fact that we've demonstrated progress will encourage you all to do that.

Will you have this plan by the next meeting?

I know Mr. Dargie has already reached out to the engineer, and I know the pool company has already been out. I think the pool, we will have a quote very soon on that. I know the engineer actually has to come and assess it. I know if you all meet once a month, we may not- We meet every two weeks. Every two weeks. We may not have a concrete on everything. I would say 45 to 60 days would give us enough time to get everybody out there, make sure we can get reports back, make sure we could get quotes and cost. And then we can determine an actual timeline from there. Because what we want to be able to do is communicate, here's what it's going to cost. Here's when we're going to get X, Y, Z fixed. Here's when everything is going to be completely remedied.

OK. The pool has been drained, you said?

It has been drained, yes. The light pole has been removed. The pool has been drained. The vast majority of the vegetation has either been already poisoned or has been completely removed. And the porch has been shored up. So there's structure under the porch now ensuring that it will not fall while we engage an engineer so that we can get a permanent fix.

And the gate's been fixed?

The gate has been secured, so it has been locked, yes.

Okay. I mean, the goal has been this, right? So to do this, and so we appreciate, and I know you've got some neighbors that appreciate as well. So, okay. Thank you. Thank you all.

Mrs. Halbert, I just request from an administrative standpoint that you get in touch with Eric Waddell and keep him informed about what has been done and to say 45 or 60 days administratively. I'm not trying to be ugly, but that's just a little too long. Keep us updated. I will. Thank you, Mr. Darge.

Yeah, as long as you're having dialogue, that's the key.

Okay.

All right, well, I'm comfortable with that. Is there anything else? We'll close the public hearing for now. We'll hold on the resolution. If anybody wants to talk to me, I'm happy to talk to you about it, but I feel confident now that we have a working relationship that we'll continue to get this resolved.

Mr. President, may I?

Yes.

For purposes of the minutes, the city council putting off action for tonight, do you want to set a time or do you want to note a time for the minutes as to when you'll come back together and expect an update to y'all?

We'll address it every meeting, not from a public hearing standpoint, but we'll bring it up every meeting and hopefully y'all will be here to provide an update is what we expect.

Okay.

Very good. So the next meeting is on September 28th, right? Okay. Thank you, sir.

If you're giving updates to Eric, that's great. Do that every week, every time you have an update, a meaningful update, and we'll formally get an update in two weeks. Okay. Thank you. That concludes the public hearing. Are there any remarks regarding agenda items? Any items we have on the agenda for tonight? Okay. NEXT WE HAVE OUR REGULAR MEETING RESOLUTIONS. COUNCILMAN LUCAS.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL TO REAPPOINT JOHN SHERR TO THE REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY FOR A FIVE-YEAR TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2031.

GET A SECOND ON THAT, PLEASE.

SECOND.

ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS? Okay. We get a roll call, please, Annette.

Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Seibert? Yes. Five yays, zero nays.

Item B, Councilwoman Golden.

Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama to approve the following applicant for restaurant retail liquor alcohol license. It is our opinion that the business has met the requirements of the City of Athens alcohol ordinance. This is for Sushimi over here on Jefferson Street.

Yep.

Any questions or can I get a second on that please? Second from Councilman Lucas. Any questions on that one? We're excited. It's supposed to open the 17th, I believe. Is that right? 17th? All right. No questions. Can we get a roll call, please? Sure.

Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Item C, Councilwoman Henry.

I resolve by the City Council, City of Athens, TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO PAYMENT KIOSKS FROM HOWARD TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR A PRICE OF $33,293. THE FUNDING FOR THIS PURCHASE IS TO BE SPLIT ACROSS ALL UTILITY BUDGET DEPARTMENTS. SECOND.

SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN GOLLA. ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS ONE? SHOULD MAKE PAYMENT MUCH QUICKER? THAT'S HAPPY. CAN WE GET A ROLL CALL ON THAT PLEASE?

Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Creasy?

Yes.

Mr. Lucas?

Yes.

Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Item D, Councilwoman Golden.

A resolution awarding economic development incentives to small businesses in the city council district five, whereas on February 23rd, 2026, the Athens City Council initiated a program to provide targeted economic development incentives within districts three and five of the city of Athens. Whereas the mayor, having utilized district advisory teams to receive, evaluate, and evaluate grant applications, is recommending the approval of the grants for four sub-projects in District 5 as part of the Economic Development Project, which will result in new fiscal improvements and investments in District 5, whereas the City Council believes that this project will serve a valuable purpose. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Athens to hereby ratify and approve the following grant awards. LJ Samurai Steakhouse, LLC, $20,000. Eagle Diner, LLC, $20,000. Eagle Wholesale Supply Incorporated, $20,000. Jimmerson, LLC, doing business as Athens Florist, $17,800. Second.

Second by Councilwoman Henry. Any questions on these? I know Amy's excited. All excited to see this. These are great businesses, one of them brand new, but we're excited to be able to do this for these businesses. Can we get a roll call on that, please, Annette, if no questions?

Sure. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Creasy?

Yes.

Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mr. Seibert? Yes. Five yays, zero nays.

Item E, Councilman Creasy. Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama at its meeting on September 14th, the Council will authorize the budgeted amount of $9,360 to be funded from the Water Service Department 2024 bond series for a contract with gtec for the geotechno technological study required for athens water treatment electrical and finishing water pumping improvements water services director for or and on behalf of the city of athens is authorized to enter into the contract to complete this work move to suspend the roof second

Second by Councilwoman Golden for the rules. Can we get a roll call on the rules, please, Annette?

Mr. Lucas?

Yes.

Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Seiber?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

And can we get a second on the resolution?

Second.

Second by Councilwoman Golden. Any questions on the resolution? Okay. Can we get a roll call, please, Annette?

Mr. Creasy?

Yes.

Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Item F, Councilman Lucas.

Where the City of Athens solicited bid for the Potomac paving contract of repair to its city streets. The said bid is being received and open on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at 2.30 p.m. at the Athens-Alabama City Hall. Whereas the low bidder was Rogers Group Incorporated. Whereas the City of Athens Public Work Department recommend that the bid should be awarded to Rogers Group as the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $2,151,200. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama to bid for 2026, 2027, the Thomas-Avon contract of the tax resolution Voted on by the City of Athens City Council on September 14, 2026 to be awarded to Rogers Group Incorporation in the amount of $2,151,200 and funded from the City of Athens Capital Project and Gas Tax Fund.

Move that we suspend the rules.

Second from Councilwoman Henry on the rules. Can we get a roll call on the rules, please?

Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Do you want to second the resolution? Second. Councilwoman Golden, seconded the resolution. Any questions on that?

NOW, MS. SEIBERT, AND CITY COUNCIL WILL BRING YOU BACK. I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF STREETS AND ROADS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED FOR PAVING AND REWORKING. WE'LL BRING THAT BACK TO YOU, BUT THANKS FOR APPROVING THIS. ABOUT $2.1, $2.2 MILLION WORTH OF PAVING, AND WE NEED TO GET ON WITH IT WITH THIS WEATHER.

I THINK WHEN I GOT ON COUNCIL, WE WERE PAVING ABOUT $100,000 A YEAR. SO IT'S GOOD THAT WE'RE IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO DO THIS NOW. VERY GOOD MANAGEMENT BY Annette, Mayor, we appreciate having the ability to do this, and I know the residents do too. Can we get a roll call on that, please?

Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. And Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Item G, Councilwoman Golden.

WHEREAS THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL YEAR CURRENTLY STARTS ON JULY 1ST, WHEREAS GAS, WATER, AND WASTEWATER SERVICES AS WELL AS GENERAL FUND PHYSICAL YEAR BEGAN OCTOBER 1ST, AND WHEREAS THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND PHYSICAL YEAR 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026, AND BEGAN PHYSICAL YEAR 2027 ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2026, TO ALIGN WITH THE OTHER CITY OF ATHENS DEPARTMENTS. Whereas the approved electric department physical year budget would extend through September 30th, 2027 and FY28 budget would start at the beginning of the new fiscal year on October 1st, 2027. Therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Athens, Alabama to move the electric department fiscal year and from June 30 to September 30th.

We get a second on that, please? Any questions on that? Okay, can we get a roll call on that, please, Annette?

Mrs. Golden? Yes. Mr. Lucas? Yes. Mr. Creasy? Yes. Mrs. Henry? Yes. And Mr. Seibert?

Yes.

Five yays, zero nays.

Do we have anything to add? Anything to add? Anyone?

I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ON THAT LAST RESOLUTION THAT YOU PASSED. WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR A WHILE. IT SURE IS GOING TO LINE UP ALL THE BUDGETS AT THE SAME TIME. THAT WAS THE TVA REGULATION. WE'VE ASKED THEM TO EXTEND IT. THEY'VE AGREED TO THAT. WE'VE GOT A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM COMING IN THAT'S GOING TO REALLY MAKE THAT A LOT BETTER. SO THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT.

ANYTHING FROM ANYBODY ON THE COUNCIL?

GLAD TO SEE US MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION. YES.

DO WE HAVE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS? Anything related to city business? Yes, sir.