Athens City Council will have just one ordinance up for third reading Monday evening at 7:30 p.m — holding the potential to bring grant money to the city.
The ordinance, introduced by councilman Elahu Gosney, D-At Large, would give Mayor Paul Wiehl the ability to “submit an application and execute an agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission for a Clean Ohio Conservation Grant.”
Ordinances up for second reading regard the immediate acquisition of an abandoned property on Columbus Road and design infrastructure improvements along Lancaster Street and Columbus Road.
There are several gas tanks buried on the property that haven’t been replaced since the early 1990s and could potentially contaminate nearby city water lines, Councilman Steve Patterson, D-At Large, said.
Removing the tanks is a priority, said Gosney, despite Deputy Auditor Ray Hazlett calling the proposed acquisition “a huge error in judgment.”
“Should we take a chance and get rid of those tanks?” Gosney said. “I think we should.”
The infrastructure improvements on Lancaster Street and Columbus Road are a priority because the roads are a major gateway to the city, said Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward.
“This is an area that is in desperate need for improvement and enhancement,” said Butler.
Council will also hear ordinances up for first reading Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Athens City Building.
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