Athens City Council convened Tuesday evening following Labor Day weekend to discuss several ordinances, ranging from property sales to sidewalk closures and rental housing regulations.
One of the lengthiest discussions centered on Ordinance 80-25, which would authorize the sale of two city-owned properties at 25 Central Ave. and 458 Richland Ave.
Councilmember Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, introduced the ordinance, and councilmember Micah McCarey sponsored it financially.
McCarey proposed an amendment be made to the ordinance, changing the sum of the property subdivision from $282,520 to $275,610.
Councilmember Alan Swank, D-4th Ward, had a contrasting amendment.
“These two properties are currently homes to citizens that the Athens Metropolitan Housing Association services,” Swank said. “I for one am in favor of selling these houses and allowing those people to maintain and keep their homes.”
Swank emphasized the stress that comes with moving and urged council members not to underestimate the problems that may arise due to removing these people from their homes.
After debate over the appraisals and sale price, Council opted to continue discussion on Ordinance 80-25.
Council then turned to Ordinance 85-25, which would amend sections of the Athens City Code related to materials placed on streets and sidewalks during construction.
Councilmember Beth Clodfelter, At-Large, said clearer language in the code would help contractors and property owners understand their responsibilities when sidewalks are closed.
Mayor Steve Patterson and Service-Safety Director Andy Stone both addressed the ordinance. Stone referenced the Lostro project, a development where sidewalk closures have stretched far beyond the original timeline.
“The elephant in the room here is the Lostro project,” Stone said. “That’s really what we’re talking about, and that’s ultimately why we proposed this because right now we don’t have a mechanism to charge for a construction closure.”
The discussion on the ordinance’s wording and enforcement was tabled until the next meeting.
Council also reviewed Ordinance 94-25, introduced by Swank, which would amend Title 29 of the Athens City Code related to housing regulations.
The ordinance would require all 5,600 rental units in Athens to have a designated local emergency contact. For property owners living more than 50 miles outside the city, an additional fee would apply.
“No rental dwelling, short-term rental or rooming house permit shall be issued or received unless the applicant designates, in addition to themselves, a designated local emergency contact for the receipt of process pursuant to this code,” Swank said.
After additional discussion, Council opened the floor for public comment before moving into executive session and adjourning.
