Members of the Athens City Council committees met Monday night in their chambers to discuss future goals for the Wellhead Protection Plan, as well as other issues.
The main focus of the plans was the hiring of a source water specialist, a position that would be created to enforce the ordinance. The Wellhead Protection Plan was adopted in June of 2002 to protect Athens' water supply from contamination.
According to Councilwoman Carol Patterson, D-2nd Ward, the specialist's duties would include testing well water, handling hazardous spills near wells, and working with administrators from Athens and surrounding communities.
If we hired a person
they could work with other communities upstream whose water supply could impact our water supply Patterson said.
Further details of the position, including specific duties, expertise required and hours, will be discussed in future committee meetings.
Members of the city services committee also discussed expansion of Athens' current water laboratory.
Patterson said expansion of the laboratory would increase safety, allowing faster, more sophisticated water testing.
To combat the cost of the specialist's salary and laboratory expansion, Patterson suggested adding a $1 surcharge on Athens' residents' water bills. The surcharge would generate an estimated $60,000 a year.
We're talking about clean water said Councilman Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward. How much are you willing to pay?
Athens' water supply comes from three wells located throughout the city. One well is located on Armitage Road, near the bike path; one is located on West State Street, near the recreation fields; and the last can be found close to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital.
The ordinance also regulates the businesses located near those wells and controls the types of businesses allowed in the area of the wells.
The city services committee also discussed the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, a survey project created to estimate damages throughout Athens in the event of a major flood. The plan has been developed over the past few years by Athens city employees.
The arts and recreation committee discussed off-road vehicles and the future of the crumbling Stimson Avenue mural. The committee also heard a report from the Arts Commission, a group of citizens organized to promote the arts in Athens.
The communications committee also met Monday night.
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Jessica Forrester
