Athens City Council members are considering a new ordinance slated to make Depot Street a little less stinky.
The ordinance will increase the amount of public dollars spent on the sewage facilities at the Depot Street Lift Station. The city funds would supplement a $300,000 critical infrastructure grant awarded by the state in 2014 to be used on the project. The project’s aim is to make upgrades, including replacing the roof, installing a mechanical screen and odor control equipment.
The exact figure for the appropriation is yet to be announced.
“It helps city take care of its sewer,” Council President Chris Knisley said. "This request is for additional money allocated for odor control system.”
The city began taking bids for the project in December 2015 and awarded the project, which will cost $1.14 million, to the Geiger Brothers, a construction firm in Jackson. So far, the city has spent $700,680 from its sewer fund on the project, with additional money from grants.
Construction began over the summer.
Council will also decide whether to enter into an agreement with the state that would allow a state agent to inspect the bridges in Athens. The city will not be charged for the inspections.
“Bridge collapses can happen, so we are trying to be proactive and accept any opportunity to get help inspecting our bridges,” Knisley said.
Council will also hear from Jamie Shephard, a representative of American Electric, on a proposal to grant the company a revocable license to install fiber cables on Factory Street and Riverside Drive. Revocable licenses are usually granted for 10 years.
