Athens City Council met on Monday to discuss several ordinances including an ordinance that declared a real and present emergency.
The ordinance removed the formal bidding procedure so that a collapsed storm line that has formed a sinkhole located at 30 Curran Drive could be replaced.
“It’s certainly an emergency situation that needs to be remedied and the city is wanting to begin that process quickly,” Councilmember Sarah Grace, D-At-Large, said
The ordinance authorizes the Service-Safety Director to expend up to $100,000 from the storm sewer fund for the repair without executing the formal bidding procedure, Grace said.
The ordinance was approved unanimously.
Council also discussed an ordinance, which would be the first of three, that recommends changes to the city’s zoning code. The changes pertain to ecologically-sound energy production, which would make it easier for homeowners and residents to have solar power applications on their properties.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity for the city to further encourage and to reduce the barriers to having solar on your property,” Aimee DeLach, an Athens resident and Chair of the City of Athens Environment and Sustainability Commission, said.
In further business, Council unanimously approved Mayor Steve Patterson’s reappointment of Aaron Thomas as an alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Council also confirmed Patterson’s appointment of Dianne Bouvier to the Disabilities Commission, and Annie Valeant and Stuart Goldsberry to the Recreation Advisory Board.
