Athens City Council resumed meetings Aug. 4 after its July break, with committees discussing several ordinances, projects and improvements to local facilities.
The City and Safety Services Committee started with a meeting to discuss Ordinance 63-25 to correct already authorized construction costs of the new Fire Station Headquarters. $14 million is the updated cost for the extra parking, sports court, furniture, design and all other costs.
The Council also reviewed Ordinance 15-22 to increase the authorized expenditure for a new restroom facility at the West State Park.
Councilmember Micah McCarey said the purpose of the ordinance is to update the appropriated amount by $325,000 to account for the required preparation. $250,000 of the cost is for building costs and $75,000 for site preparation.
“It will be for single-user restrooms with baby changing tables, one adult-sized universal changing table, a drinking fountain and flood venting, simulated barn wood, textured walls and cedar shake roof,” McCarey said.
Councilmember Alan Swank expressed concern about the cost of the prefabricated building coming in at a cost of $625,000 for a restroom, including a sink, changing table, toilet, but no urinal.
Swank also noted a similar project in Midland, Michigan, which approved a 2,200 square foot restroom facility for $312,000.
“Why couldn’t we just build this ourselves, using local contractors, employing local people and keeping the money local?” Swank said.
Service-Safety Director Andy Stone noted that the cost of the building is derived from its commercial properties, including the restroom’s ability to withstand flooding and heavy usage by parkgoers.
Mayor Steve Patterson answered concerns regarding the cost of construction by stating that if the Council were to delay approval another year, tariffs would most likely make the project even more expensive.
The Transportation Committee reviewed state Route 682 and state Route 56 roundabout projects, with Councilmember Solveig Spjeldnes asking for clarification on the cost estimates included in Ordinance 34-25. The ordinance seeks to authorize Stone to enter into, advertise and accept bids for the project’s construction.
The Finance and Personnel Committee discussed an amendment to Ordinance 23-24 for reallocating Income Tax Revenues, 2025 appropriations and interfund transfer, and Then and Now certificates.
The Planning and Development Committee requested an amendment to Ordinance 47-24, which aims to authorize “the local share of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Hocking River Study.”
Stone said the ecology project is a 3-year bill that improves previous Corps projects. The outcome of the project will hopefully improve recreation and water quality for activities like paddling, kayaking and canoeing.
“The other thing ultimately is to improve the safety of the falls at White’s Mill,” Stone said. “That’s a major reason I embarked on this from the get-go, is I was trying to find outside money to improve conditions there and make those falls more safe.”
The ordinance itself is meant to authorize the rest of the payment for 2026, Stone said.
“We all recognize that the former dam that used to sit across that body of water failed back in the 1970s, and a lot of the remnants are still down below,” Patterson said.
Patterson assured Councilmembers the beauty of the falls will remain intact, with the goal of the project to make the area safer.
“I really applaud you for trying to get federal funding to make that safer. It’s just been tragic that people have died there, and hopefully that will never happen again once these changes are enacted,” Councilmember Beth Clodfelter said.
During the regular meeting, Patterson noted a proclamation that went into effect Aug. 5. National Night Out recognizes the work of law enforcement on the first Tuesday of each month.
The first police cruiser, which is non-carbon emitting has been added to the Athens Police Department’s fleet, according to Patterson.
Patterson noted that the city has far exceeded its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 through solar panels and an electric vehicle fleet.
