Athens City Council met Monday evening to discuss street repaving, as well as property rezonings and a new shared-use bike path.
Jeffrey Risner, D-2nd Ward, acted as president pro tempore. City Council President Sam Crowl acted as mayor at the meeting in Mayor Steve Patterson’s absence.
During the communications portion of the meeting, Council members Alan Swank, D-4th Ward, and Beth Clodfelter, D-At Large, spoke to the success of the second annual Porchfest, in which people traveled from house to house and listened to a variety of hundreds of different musicians.
There were 43 bands in total, up from 19 in 2024. The fest also hosted cat and dog adoptions and hot glass decorating, as well as a food court.
Council member Solveig Spjeldnes, D-1st Ward, introduced Ordinance 0-52-25, which called for the repaving and repairs of streets in Athens, including Mill Street, Columbus Road and Church Street.
Service-Safety Director Andy Stone is authorized to spend $700,000 on the project, with $400,000 available from the Street Fund and the other $300,000 from the State Highway Fund.
The price of asphalt was brought up, as some council members had concerns about it being too expensive. Stone said the price is looking lower than it was last year, but he will need to see the bids to be sure.
Councilmember Risner introduced Ordinance 0-54-25, which amended the 2025 appropriation ordinance 115-24 and authorized an interfund transfer. $500,000 was transferred from Special Revenue Fund, 288 to American Coastal Insurance Corporation, 906. Ordinance 0-54-25 was adopted with no discussion.
The first ordinance for first reading was 0-56-25, which would rezone 5.13 acres at 111 Hooper St. from R1 and R2 zones to an R3 zone. The R3 zone would allow high-density building development, as well as more than three family residential dwellings, according to the Athens County Zoning Code.
Diana Marvel, a resident of 8 Nottingham Dr., spoke at the meeting, telling council members her property abuts 111 Hooper St. Marvel said she found out about the project on the evening of May 19 and has only been the homeowner for 17 days.
“This development would irrevocably change our lives and our homes and our neighborhood,” Marvel said. “I would ask that (the Council) consider that fully and the impact that it will have on the current residents.”
Spjeldnes then introduced Ordinance 0-57-25, pertaining to a new shared-use path along Columbus Road. The ordinance called for suspending the rules to obtain a bid on time to complete the project during the construction season. The motion to suspend the rules was passed.
Athens Treasurer Josh Thomas made a point during the meeting to explain many projects are primarily funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation, and street projects are not funded through the general fund money.
Thomas also said all available funds have healthy balances. Spjeldnes agreed, adding it is important for people to understand how the money works and where it comes from.
The meeting ended with the appointment announcements. Mateo Galvano was appointed to the Athens Municipal Art Commission, and Kelly Sauer to the Recreation Advisory Board, as well as the reappointment of Raymie McKerrow to the Community Relations Commission.
