Athens public meetings in 2025

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will adopt minutes from the November 19 meetings, review several renovation and demolition requests for properties in historic districts, and hold a public hearing to consider designating 293 Gran Ellen Drive as a local historic landmark and adopting design guidelines for it. The commission will also receive updates on its strategic plan and committee reports, and conduct conceptual design reviews for two other properties.

• 245 Buena Vista Ave – renovation and rear addition request (Buena Vista Heights Historic District)
• 850 Boulevard – renovation and rear porch modification request (Boulevard Historic District)
• 283 E. Clayton St – renovation and rooftop addition request (Downtown Historic District)
• 163 Mell St – partial demolition and rear addition request (Bloomfield Historic District)
• 293 Gran Ellen Drive – public hearing on historic landmark designation and design guidelines

The Historic Preservation Commission approved four Certificate of Appropriateness applications—245 Buena Vista Ave, 850 Boulevard, 283 E. Clayton St, and 163 Mell St—each with staff‑recommended conditions, all by a 6‑0 vote. The commission also recommended the designation of 293 Gran Ellen Dr as a local historic landmark and the adoption of its design guidelines, also by a 6‑0 vote. No decisions were made on the conceptual design reviews for 279 Meigs St or 232 Satula Ave. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

• Approved COA for 245 Buena Vista Ave with conditions (6-0)
• Approved COA for 850 Boulevard with conditions (6-0)
• Approved COA for 283 E. Clayton St with conditions (6-0)
• Approved COA for 163 Mell St with conditions (6-0)
• Recommended designation of 293 Gran Ellen Dr as local historic landmark (6-0)
• Recommended adoption of design guidelines for 293 Gran Ellen Dr (6-0)
• No decision on 279 Meigs St conceptual stair design (comments only)
• No decision on 232 Satula Ave foundation height concept (comments only)

Human Relations Commission

The commission will accept the October 22 2025 meeting minutes and hear updates from the Chair and People & Belonging Department. It will review a handout from previous business and discuss a proposed amendment to its bylaws concerning conflicts of interest. The body will also consider plans for a Unity in Community event, participation in MLK activities, and set the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Accept October 22, 2025 minutes
• Review HRC handout (old business)
• Bylaws review – conflict of interest discussion
• Plan Unity in Community event
• Set 2026 meeting schedule

The Human Relations Commission accepted the prior minutes and voted to shift Chairperson updates later in the agenda. It approved the recommendation to proceed with the Menstrual project pilot and scheduled the next meeting for November 19, 2025. The commission also assigned Cory and Annesia to order holiday parade supplies on October 24, 2025 and will request the communications department’s help with marketing and social‑media updates.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Voted to move Chairperson updates to later in the meeting
• Voted to move forward with Menstrual project recommendation
• Planned for Cory and Annesia to order holiday parade supplies on Oct 24, 2025
• Set next meeting date for November 19, 2025
• Decided to request communications department involvement for marketing
• Planned to explore community events such as turkey or jacket drives

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County will consider establishing qualifying fees for the May 19, 2026, General Assembly. The body will also discuss funding requests for two local service organizations.

• Setting qualifying fees for the 2026 General Primary Election
• Supplemental funding request for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
• Funding request for Athens Community Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program

The Mayor and Commission held a special called session and unanimously approved three items: setting qualifying fees for the 2026 General Primary election, and awarding $50,000 each from contingency funds to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and the Athens Community Council on Aging for Meals on Wheels, both to address continued need from the federal government shutdown. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved 2026 election qualifying fees (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 contingency to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 contingency to Athens Community Council on Aging for Meals on Wheels (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - Mall Area

The Mall Area TAD Advisory Committee will consider setting the meeting dates for 2026. It will also discuss committee membership based on attendance records and future commitments. Additionally, the committee will review capital project partnership priorities for public infrastructure.

• Redetermine meeting schedule for 2026
• Discuss committee membership based on attendance records
• Discuss capital project partnerships and prioritize public infrastructure goals

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes, review staff reports on ACCGov projects, and discuss the 2026 meeting schedule and capital project partnerships.

• Approval of November 18, 2025 minutes
• Review of ACCGov projects in TAD
• Discussion on 2026 meeting schedule
• Discussion on capital project partnerships
• Visioning session for TAD area

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee approved its agenda and prior meeting minutes, and set its 2026 meeting schedule to continue monthly on the third Tuesday. Staff reported early discussions on using TAD funds for bus shelters at Gressom Street, the Chicopee complex, and North Peter Street, and the committee discussed a potential visioning session for the TAD area. No formal funding decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Set 2026 meeting schedule: monthly on third Tuesday, 10:00-11:00 AM

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will discuss supplemental funding for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and the Athens Community Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels Program. The body will also consider establishing qualifying fees for the May 19, 2026, General Primary election.

• Proposed $50,000 in contingency funds for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
• Proposed $50,000 in contingency funds for Athens Community Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program
• Proposed 2026 election qualifying fees: Solicitor General ($4,145.98), Mayor ($1,350.00), and Commission ($860.79)
• Proposed 2026 election qualifying fees: Superior Court Chief Judge ($1,223.95), Superior Court Judge ($1,073.15), and Board of Education ($108.00)
• Executive session for discussion of real estate acquisition and/or disposal

The Mayor and Commission held an agenda setting session on December 16, 2025, to discuss 13 items, including grants, rezoning requests, a sewer project, a development agreement, and a bridge naming. No votes were taken during the session; the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

• No votes taken; items discussed only

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County has called a special session for December 16, 2025. The purpose of the meeting is to enter an executive session to discuss the acquisition or disposal of real estate.

• Executive session regarding real estate acquisition and/or disposal

Vision Committee

The Vision Committee will discuss and vote on revisions to its bylaws and elect both interim and regular officers. It will also review the next steps for the FY27 Community Development Block Grant, housing counseling, and CPP grants, including TakeAim training, conflict‑of‑interest considerations, and the opening of Zoom Grant applications with a review deadline of January 20, 2026. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next session.

• Election of interim officers (discussion and vote)
• Election of officers (discussion and vote)
• Review and vote on bylaws revisions
• Review of FY27 CDBG, housing counseling and CPP grant process – TakeAim training, conflict of interest, Zoom Grant applications open, review until 1/20/2026
• Set next meeting date for February 2, 2026

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee will approve the 2026 meeting calendar, noting the January 19 holiday skip. Members will discuss attendance‑based committee composition and future commitments. The group will consider next steps for improvements at the Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road intersection. They will also review capital project partnership options and public infrastructure priorities.

• Set 2026 meeting schedule: 3rd Monday each month, skip Jan 19 (holiday)
• Discuss committee membership based on attendance records
• Discuss next steps for Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road intersection improvements
• Discuss capital project partnerships and prioritize public infrastructure goals
• Staff report: status of BAC consolidation recommendation and Atlas corridor study update

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. It also unanimously authorized ACCGov staff member Daniel Young to forward a request to the Mayor regarding replacement of non‑participating committee members. An agenda amendment to discuss creating an escrow account for the TAD area was also approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized Daniel Young to forward request to Mayor (unanimous)
• Approved agenda amendment to discuss escrow account (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Right-of-Way Use Committee will approve its agenda and the November 17, 2025 minutes, hear brief public comments, and begin work on drafting ordinance language that clarifies the definition and allowable uses of the public right-of-way. The draft is to be presented to the full Mayor and Commission no later than the November voting meeting.

• Approval of the agenda
• Approval of Tuesday, November 17, 2025 minutes
• Public input (up to three‑minute comments per speaker)
• Mayor‑assigned task to draft ordinance language clarifying public right‑of‑way definition and uses
• Identify next meeting date/time and confirm quorum

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee is meeting to review the Community Benefits Agreement portion of the Leasing Policy and employee engagement opportunities. The committee will also consider future reviews of the Short Term Rental Ordinance and renter protections.

• Update Community Benefits Agreement portion of Leasing Policy
• Review of ACC employee engagement and upcoming employee survey
• Future review of Short Term Rental Ordinance for Georgia State Code compliance
• Future discussion on renter protections, including International Property Code and Tenant’s Rights

The Government Operations Committee approved all changes to the nonprofit leasing framework, including tiered lease rates, reduced public‑access hour requirements, and removal of residency‑percentage tracking. A motion to keep Tax Allocation Districts separate was also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after unanimous approval of the October 20 minutes and the adjournment motion.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved keeping TADs separate (unanimous)
• Set reappointments to be handled by a three‑member panel of Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and an appointed Commissioner (consensus)
• Approved revised nonprofit leasing policy: retain three free services requirement, remove residency‑percentage requirement, reduce minimum public‑access from 32 to ~25 hours/week, allow three‑year averaging for financial criteria (unanimous)
• Approved three‑tier lease rates: market $6 /square ft, reduced rate 50% off base, $1 per year for high‑benefit organizations (unanimous)
• Approved scoring thresholds for lease tiers based on 13 criteria (unanimous)
• Approved upcoming employee engagement survey plan (informational, no vote recorded)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission will consider a rezoning request for 293 Hoyt Street, changing its designation from P to C‑D. The commission will also hear public comments on a proposed amendment to Title IX of the Code of Ordinances to regulate data centers. In addition, the meeting includes routine items such as staff reports, approval of the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes, and reports from the chair and planning director.

• 293 Hoyt Street – rezoning request from P to C‑D district (Petitioner: Ed Lane / SPG Planners + Engineers)
• Text amendment – comments only on amending Title IX to regulate data centers (Petitioner: Athens-Clarke County Unified Government)
• Approval of November 6, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Introduction of staff reports and other documents into the official record
• Planning Commission Chair’s Report and Planning Director’s Report

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will hear two variance applications. One seeks to eliminate the five‑foot side setback for a ground sign at 1005 Hull Road (C‑G zoning). The other asks to raise the accessory‑building limit from 800 SF to 1,032 SF at 160 Gran Ellen Drive (RS‑15 zoning). A third variance for parking expansion at 345 W. Hancock Avenue was withdrawn before the meeting.

• Variance to reduce side setback for a ground sign to zero at 1005 Hull Road
• Variance to increase accessory‑building size to 1,032 SF at 160 Gran Ellen Drive
• Withdrawal of variance to add 7 parking spaces at 345 W. Hancock Avenue

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor & Commission work session will review the TSPLOST 2026 renewal referendum, including the intergovernmental agreement, minimum distribution formula, and a list of Winterville projects. The agenda notes that all reports are draft and no final action will be taken at this session. The body will consider a resolution deadline of Feb 3 and a May referendum for voter approval.

• TSPLOST 2026 program value $197,000,000
• Winterville project submissions totaling $27,727,000 (e.g., $1,513,000 Georgia Avenue Roadway Improvements)
• Bogart distribution $483,119
• Minimum distribution amounts: Year 1 $37.8M, Year 2 $38.6M, Year 3 $39.4M, Year 4 $40.2M, Year 5 $41.0M, Year 6 $42.0M
• Next steps: Feb 3 deadline to adopt resolution; May referendum; revenue starts Oct 2027

The Mayor and Commission held a work session with the cities of Bogart and Winterville. The only item discussed was the TSPLOST 2026 presentation by Capital Projects Director Josh Hawkins. No votes, approvals, or other actions were recorded.

TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

The Lexington Road TAD Advisory Committee will review updates on ACCGov projects in the district. It will discuss committee membership based on attendance records and future commitments. The committee will also discuss capital project partnerships and prioritize public infrastructure goals.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from September 16, 2025
• Staff report: update on ACCGov projects in the TAD
• Discuss committee membership based on attendance records and future commitments
• Discuss capital project partnerships and prioritize public infrastructure goals

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission is meeting to receive staff updates on transportation planning and safety initiatives. The body will discuss the CDO Plan Revision and the Safe Streets for All Plan. The meeting also includes a year-in-review and reports from corridor and organizational committees.

• Barber Street Bike and Pedestrian Improvements updates
• CDO Plan Revision update with a goal for M&C review in Spring
• Safe Streets for All Plan updates
• Greenway Network Plan Update
• TSPLOST 2023 project descriptions

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda. The October meeting minutes were also approved unanimously. A motion to adjourn the meeting was moved, seconded, and adopted. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 pm.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• October minutes approved unanimously
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee will approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting and allow public input from residents. The committee will review and discuss updates to the noise ordinance in the Agricultural Residential zone and the Commercial Downtown district, including possible objective volume measures. They will also confirm a quorum for the next meeting. The noise ordinance review was assigned to the committee by Mayor Girtz on September 3, 2024.

• Approve October 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public input from residents (up to three minutes per speaker)
• Review and discuss updates to the noise ordinance for Agricultural Residential zone and Commercial Downtown district
• Confirm quorum for next meeting

The committee unanimously approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes. Members reviewed downtown noise‑complaint data and discussed possible updates to the noise ordinance. They requested the Attorney’s office to organize ordinance language and enforcement options for review at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 2:16 p.m.

• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Requested Attorney’s office to organize ordinance language and enforcement options for review at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Audit Committee

The Athens Audit Committee will review and approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting. It will discuss the status of the FY26 workplan, including audits and follow‑ups. The committee will begin preparation of the FY27 workplan and receive an update from the internal auditor. The next meeting is scheduled for January 1, 2026.

• Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes – October 2, 2025
• FY26 Workplan Status and Activity (Audits, Follow‑Ups)
• FY27 Workplan Preparation
• Internal Auditor’s Update
• Next Meeting Date – January 1, 2026

The committee approved the FY26 Organizational Audit with a unanimous vote. It also approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes after correcting a scrivener’s error, again unanimously. The January meeting was cancelled by unanimous vote, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved FY26 Organizational Audit (unanimous)
• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Cancelled January meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will consider approval of the meeting agenda. Directors will vote to approve the minutes from the November 5, 2025 regular meeting. The board will discuss the Rushton Annual Audit. The next regular meeting is set for February 4, 2026.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from November 5, 2025 meeting
• Review Rushton Annual Audit
• Set next regular meeting for February 4, 2026

The board approved the draft agenda and the minutes from the November 5 meeting. The audit of the Joint Development Authority’s financial records was accepted without objection. All actions were approved unanimously by the directors present.

• Approved draft agenda (unanimous, all 7 directors)
• Approved November 5 minutes (unanimous, all 7 directors)
• Accepted Rushton audit findings (unanimous, all 7 directors)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous, all 7 directors)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold public hearings on several rezoning requests and special use permits. The body is also considering a temporary moratorium on data centers and the reallocation of ARPA funds for affordable housing.

• Proposed temporary moratorium on data centers
• Rezone of 30 acres at 255 Smithonia Road from A-R to C-R
• Master Planned Development for 15.95 acres at 2415 Jefferson Road
• Acceptance of $139,460 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for police investigators
• Amendment to Code of Ordinances regarding short-term rental special use permits

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission approved a grant application and related budget amendment, adopted a tax foreclosure resolution, and designated Super Bowl Sunday for alcohol sales. It also approved a $1 million corridor planning contract, a sidewalk project, a sewer connection, and an ordinance allowing short‑term rentals. The rezoning request for 255 Smithonia Road was denied.

• Approved submission for Edward Byrne JAG grant and amended Grants Special Revenue Fund ($139,460) (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution authorizing Clarke County Tax Commissioner to commence judicial in rem tax foreclosures (adopted)
• Designated February 8, 2026 as Super Bowl Sunday for permitted alcohol sales (unanimous)
• Approved Kimley‑Horn contract for corridor planning services on Alps Rd, Hawthorne Ave, Oglethorpe Ave up to $1,000,000 (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary design for Vincent Drive sidewalk project and moved to final design (unanimous)
• Approved connection of 1125 Prince Avenue to county sanitary sewer system (unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of 255 Smithonia Road from A‑R to C‑R for church use (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending RM‑2 district to allow short‑term rental at 250 Little Street (7‑2 vote, 1 recused)

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Commission will review division reports from July and August and discuss the C&D Reuse Program with the Executive Director of Historic Athens. The body will also address by-law amendments and a grant update.

• C&D Reuse Program presentation by Dr. Tommy Valentine
• Amendment to by-laws
• Made to be Remade Grant update and fundraising
• AAH cleanup recap
• Review of July and August reports for Landfill Status, Collections Division, and RMPF/TRS

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will consider six Certificate of Appropriateness applications for properties in historic districts, including a retaining‑wall modification, a structure‑raising project, accessory‑building roofing, rear‑porch changes, and a conceptual addition and renovation. The meeting also includes adoption of minutes from October 15, 2025 and updates on the strategic plan and committee reports. Public comment is permitted for each agenda item.

• 125 Henderson Ave. – modify retaining wall and add fencing (Henderson Ave. Historic District, RS‑8)
• 127 Nantahala Ave. – raise structure and replace rear addition (Boulevard Historic District, RS‑8)
• 850 Boulevard – replace accessory‑building roofing with metal (Boulevard Historic District, RS‑8)
• 140 Lakeview St. – modify rear porch, select openings, and add parking pad (Boulevard Historic District, RS‑8)
• 245 Buena Vista Ave. – conceptual addition and renovation design review (Buena Vista Heights Historic District, RS‑8)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will accept the minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting and review a handout. It will discuss updates from the chairperson and the People & Belonging department. New business includes a vote on the 2026 meeting schedule, a review of the commission bylaws, planning a Unity in the Community event, and a vote on participation in the MLK Parade. The meeting will also set the date for the December meeting.

• Acceptance of October 22, 2025 minutes
• HRC Handout Review (old business)
• 2026 Meeting Schedule Vote (new business)
• HRC Bylaws Review (new business)
• MLK Parade Participation Vote (new business)

The Human Relations Commission voted to move forward with the Menstrual Project recommendation. It also decided to shift the Housing Tour to Spring 2026 and to order supplies for the Holiday Parade on October 24, 2025. The commission will explore November community events such as turkey or jacket drives and will request assistance from the communications department for social‑media and marketing guidance. Previous meeting minutes were accepted and chairperson updates were moved later in the agenda.

• Approved moving forward with Menstrual Project recommendation
• Rescheduled Housing Tour to Spring 2026
• Ordered holiday parade supplies (Cory and Annesia, Oct 24, 2025)
• Planned to explore November community events (turkey/jacket drives)
• Requested communication department input on social‑media and marketing
• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Moved chairperson updates to later in the meeting

Arena District Steering Committee

The committee will review and vote on the scope of work for a Development Facilitator. Members will also review Q3 reports regarding EWBI and Classic Center Arena Bonds.

• Vote on Scope of Work for Development Facilitator
• Review of Q3 reports for Classic Center Arena Bonds
• Review of Q3 reports for EWBI

The steering committee approved the October 16 minutes unanimously. It also approved, without dissent, the amended scope of work for Accenture as the development facilitator. The agenda was not approved, the next meeting was set for Dec. 7, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Minutes from Oct. 16, 2025 approved unanimously
• Scope of work for Accenture as development facilitator approved unanimously
• Agenda not approved
• Next meeting date set for Dec. 7, 2025 at 9 a.m.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens‑Clarke County Mayor and Commission will consider a series of actions for the College Square Pedestrian Plaza project. Items include approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Athens Downtown Development Authority, amending the Parking Management Agreement for 20 more years, authorizing a construction easement, and allowing up to $1.5 million in supplemental TSPLOST funding. The commission will also confirm the selection of Sheridan Construction as the construction contractor for the plaza.

• Approve Intergovernmental Agreement with ADDA for project construction and financing
• Amend Parking Management Agreement to extend term by 20 years
• Authorize staff to sign a temporary construction easement with ADDA
• Authorize up to $1,500,000 supplemental funding from TSPLOST 2018 Project 09
• Confirm Sheridan Construction as the selected contractor for the plaza

The Athens-Clarke County Commission adopted several grant acceptances and resolutions, including the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and a resolution on judicial tax foreclosures. It approved multiple infrastructure projects such as the Vincent Drive sidewalk design, a private pump station at 1125 Prince Ave, and a raw water conveyance concept. The commission also approved the reallocation of recaptured ARPA funds for affordable housing projects. No vote tallies were recorded for these items.

• Adopted Byrne Justice Assistance Grant acceptance (193/2025)
• Adopted resolution to allow judicial in rem tax foreclosures (188/2025)
• Approved 2025 Nulla Bona Properties List (200/2025)
• Approved USDOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant notice of award (195/2025)
• Approved SPLOST 2020 Project 31 Vincent Drive Sidewalk Preliminary Design (191/2025)
• Approved 1125 Prince Ave private pump station (201/2025)
• Approved Raw Water Conveyance Preliminary Concept (113/2025)
• Approved reallocation of recaptured ARPA funds for affordable housing projects (183/2025)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County is holding a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into an executive session to discuss pending or threatened litigation.

• Executive session regarding pending or threatened litigation

The commission entered executive session to discuss pending litigation and then adjourned it. In a later session, commissioners suspended the rules to consider a single item and unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with the ADDA, an amendment to the Parking Management Agreement, a temporary construction easement, and up to $1,500,000 in TSPLOST funding for the College Square Pedestrian Plaza. The mayor and staff were authorized to execute all related documents.

• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned executive session (unanimous)
• Suspended rules to consider one item (unanimous)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with ADDA for College Square Pedestrian Plaza (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Parking Management Agreement extending term 20 years (unanimous)
• Authorized temporary construction easement with ADDA (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $1,500,000 TSPLOST 2018 Project 09 funding (unanimous)
• Authorized mayor and staff to execute related documents (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will consider the contractor selection and final IGA agreement for the College Square Pedestrian Plaza. This project aims to transform a section of College Avenue into a public pedestrian space using local and TSPLOST funds.

• TSPLOST 2023 Project 28: College Square Pedestrian Plaza contractor selection and final IGA agreement
• Proposed extension of the Parking Management Agreement to secure financing

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the area's vision. The committee will also consider a resolution for the Mayor & Commission.

• Open discussion and visioning session for TAD area
• Discussion of a resolution for the Mayor & Commission
• Update on ACCGov projects in TAD
• Status of consolidating BACs

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee approved a motion to request a meeting with all TAD committees and leadership prior to the December Mayor and Commission meeting. The amended agenda and the September 16 minutes were also approved, each with three votes in favor and one abstention. No other new business was acted on, and the open discussion item was postponed due to time constraints.

• Amended agenda approved (3 approvals, 1 abstention)
• September 16 meeting minutes approved (3 approvals, 1 abstention)
• Request for joint TAD committees meeting before December approved (unanimous)

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST Oversight Committee will consider confirming the project concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 11 Sub‑Project #15, a solar photovoltaic system at Fire Station #9 with an estimated contract of $300,000. The committee will also review and approve the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and examine monthly and expenditure reports for the SPLOST program. Additional items include discussion of Project 27 Facilities Equipment Systems Replacement (Sub‑project #5) and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Decision on SPLOST 2020 Project 11 Sub‑Project #15 – $300,000 solar installation at Fire Station #9
• Review SPLOST 2020, 2011, and 2005 monthly and expenditure reports
• Discuss SPLOST 2020 Project 27 Facilities Equipment Systems Replacement, Sub‑project #5 (FY26 capital project)
• Set tentative next meeting date for Monday, December 15, 2025

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Right-of-Way Use Committee is meeting to discuss ordinance language updates regarding the definition and allowable uses of the public right-of-way. The goal is to provide a common understanding for staff and the public to improve safety and reduce debris storage.

• Review of ordinance language updates for the definition of Public Right-of-Way
• Discussion on reducing debris and material storage on public rights-of-way
• Consideration of first amendment rights and special event operations

The committee unanimously approved its agenda and the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes. A motion was passed to forward the revised ordinance language for inclusion in the December agenda‑setting meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. to review a homeless‑focused storage solution proposal. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda unanimously
• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes unanimously
• Moved updated ordinance language forward for inclusion in December agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for December 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. to review storage proposal
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee will meet to review staff reports and project updates. The body will discuss next steps for intersection improvements at Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road.

• Discussion of Vincent Drive and Newton Bridge Road intersection improvements
• Status of BAC Consolidation recommendation
• Atlas corridor study project update

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST 2023 Oversight Committee will review and approve the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes, examine monthly project and financial reports for 2018 and 2023, and consider action on Project 21 – the Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Management Program road list. The committee will decide whether the listed roadways and maintenance activities are consistent with the Initial Project Statement for Project 21. The meeting also includes other business and sets the next meeting for December 15, 2025.

• Approve meeting minutes dated May 19, 2025
• Action on TSPLOST 2023 Project 21 – confirm CY26 Pavement Management Program road list
• Review TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 monthly project updates and revenue/expenditure reports
• Discuss other business (no specific items listed)
• Schedule next meeting for Monday, December 15, 2025

Deferred Compensation Board

The Deferred Compensation Board will approve the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting and hear the Investment Consultant’s Report covering fund performance, plan charges, and potential fund changes. The board will discuss its own roles, term lengths for board representatives, and updates to the deferred compensation plan design. An annual performance review of the investment consultant and actuarial services will also be considered. Announcements include the GAPPT Annual Conference in March 2026 and a joint meeting with the Pension Board in January 2026.

• Approval of minutes from the August 13, 2025 regular meeting
• Investment Consultant’s Report by Corebridge Financial (fund performance, charges, cash‑out update, fund replacement discussion)
• Discussion of DC Board roles and responsibilities
• Discussion of updating term lengths for DC Board representatives
• Announcement of GAPPT Annual Conference March 23‑26, 2026 at Jekyll Island Convention Center

The Deferred Compensation Board voted unanimously to adopt Option #2, extending term limits for both employee participants and the resident participant from two to three years. It also approved moving participants under age 39 into target‑date funds, changed the automatic enrollment period from 30 to 45 days, and authorized the chair to sign paperwork for a fund change. All motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved extending term limits for employee and resident participants to three years (unanimous)
• Approved moving participants under age 39 into age‑appropriate target‑date funds (unanimous)
• Approved changing automatic enrollment period from 30 days to 45 days (unanimous)
• Approved dropping BNY Mellon Appreciation Investor fund and moving assets to Fidelity Advisor Capital Development Fund (unanimous)
• Authorized Board Chair to sign paperwork for fund change before February meeting (unanimous)
• Authorized Board Chair to approve moving all affected participants to target‑date funds (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 13, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The commission will review a draft classification and compensation study for the Athens‑Clarke County Fire Department, including projected salary and pension costs for the next five years and a proposed 20‑step pay plan. The meeting also includes an update on the Capital Projects Service Delivery Plan. No formal actions will be taken; the session is for information only.

• Fire Department Classification & Compensation Study – projected salary costs rise from $12.29 M to $13.50 M over five years
• Projected additional pension contributions increase from $130,000 to $300,000 annually
• Proposed fire pay plan with 20 steps, salary range $44,000 to $142,754.33
• Contract with AutoSolve, Inc. for the study signed by Mayor Girtz on 2/12/25
• Capital Projects Service Delivery Plan update (no final action)

The meeting consisted of a work session where the commission reviewed the fire pay plan/collective bargaining and the capital projects service delivery plan. No votes, approvals, denials, or other formal actions were recorded. The session ended without any substantive decisions.

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will review a request from Jeremy Field for two variances at 150 Cloverhurst Terrace. The petitioner is seeking to reduce the required side and rear yard setbacks for a single-family residential property.

• Variance to reduce side yard setback from 6’ to 5’3”
• Variance to reduce rear yard setback from 10’ to 4’11”

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will review minutes from the previous month and receive updates on completed training and upcoming art calls. The group will also discuss an exhibit at the Lyndon House and the Lantern Parade for 2026.

• Review of October meeting minutes
• Public art training course completed
• Tallassee Roundabout art selection planned for January
• Poet Laureate call closes December 5
• Exhibit 'Public Works' runs until January 3, 2026

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission held its regular monthly meeting and discussed upcoming events, staff updates, and community announcements. The only formal action taken was a unanimous vote to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 1/12/2026.

• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (motion by Matt Stefek, seconded by Mark Mobley)

Planning Commission

The commission will introduce staff reports, approve the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes, and review MACORTS. It will consider two old‑business items: a master planned development petition for 2415 Jefferson Road and a rezoning and special‑use permit request for 115 McClung Road. New business includes three special‑use permit requests for 250 Little Street, rezoning requests for 1065‑1085 Hull Road and 255 Smithonia Road, and a text amendment to Title IX of the Code of Ordinances concerning short‑term rentals. The meeting will conclude with reports from the chair and planning director and miscellaneous announcements.

• 2415 Jefferson Road – Type II Master Planned Development petition to change from C‑G to C‑G (PD)
• 115 McClung Road – Type II rezoning and special‑use permit request to change from C‑G & C‑R to E‑O, special use in E‑O
• 250 Little Street – Three Type II special‑use permit requests (A208, A303, B306) for special use in RM‑2
• 1065‑1085 Hull Road – Type II rezoning request to change from C‑R to C‑G
• Text amendment – Proposed amendment to Title IX of the Code of Ordinances for short‑term rental special‑use permits

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning of 115 McClung Road from Commercial‑General to Employment‑Office and also approved a special‑use permit for the same site, with votes of 6‑1 and 5‑2 respectively. It approved the 2415 Jefferson Road master‑planned development with three conditions, passing 4‑3. The commission also approved special‑use permits for two units (A208 and A303) at 250 Little Street, each by a 6‑1 vote. Routine items to place staff reports and prior minutes into the record were adopted unanimously.

• Approved rezoning of 115 McClung Road to Employment‑Office (6-1)
• Approved special‑use permit for 115 McClung Road (5-2)
• Approved 2415 Jefferson Road master‑planned development with conditions (4-3)
• Approved special‑use permit for 250 Little Street A208 (6-1)
• Approved special‑use permit for 250 Little Street A303 (6-1)
• Adopted introduction of staff reports into the official record (unanimous)
• Adopted October 2, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes (unanimous)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will consider routine agenda approvals, a treasurer's financial report, an update on the ARPA Small Business Grant, and a staff audit report. No substantive policy changes or new contracts are on the agenda.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from September 17, 2025 meeting
• Treasurer’s report by Stephanie Lynn
• ARPA Small Business Grant update
• Staff report on Rushton audit

The board approved the draft agenda and the minutes from the September 17 special meeting by unanimous vote of all four directors present. The Treasurer’s Report was postponed to the next meeting, also by unanimous consent. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved draft agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled Treasurer’s Report until next meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will hold a special called meeting to approve its agenda and the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. The treasurer will present a report, and the board will receive an update on the ARPA Small Business Grant and a staff report on the Rushton audit. The meeting will also set the date for the next regular session.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from September 17, 2025 meeting
• Treasurer’s report
• ARPA Small Business Grant update (old business)
• Staff report: Rushton audit

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful board convened at Synovus Bank to approve meeting minutes, a treasurer's report, and an executive director's report. The board unanimously approved funding up to $150 for Bring Back the Chipper donuts.

• Approved November 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved treasurer's report
• Approved executive director's report
• Approved $150 funding for Bring Back the Chipper donuts
• Discussed committee updates and old/new business

The board unanimously approved the October meeting minutes and the treasurer’s financial report. It also approved a $150 allocation for a Christmas tree chipper. The board set the retreat date for December 3 at Trappeze Pub. All motions were passed with no opposition.

• Approved October minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report (unanimous)
• Approved $150 funds for Christmas Tree Chipper (unanimous)
• Approved board retreat date December 3 at Trappeze Pub (unanimous)
• Approved motion to approve (Joseph, second Bryan) (unanimous)
• Approved motion to approve (Joseph, second Rachel) at adjournment (unanimous)

Pension Board

The Athens-Clarke County Pension Board will approve the minutes from its August 6, 2025 meeting and receive updates on board membership and the retiree representative election. It will review pension investment activity through September 30, 2025, examine the July 1, 2025 valuation results and discuss plan design, and conduct an annual performance review of its investment manager and actuarial services. The agenda also includes an announcement of the GAPPT Annual Conference for March 2026 and a period for employee comments.

• Approve minutes from the August 6, 2025 regular meeting
• Board membership update, including new Certified Retirement Plan Fiduciaries and retiree representative election status
• Report on pension investment activity through September 30, 2025 (PFM Asset Management)
• Review July 1, 2025 valuation results and discuss plan design (Aon)
• Annual performance review of investment manager and actuarial services

The board unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes from August 6, 2025. The board agreed to postpone the Annual Performance Review of the Investment Manager and Actuarial Services until the February 4, 2026 meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 11:27 a.m.

• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed Annual Performance Review of Investment Manager and Actuarial Services to Feb 4, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will vote on the Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program and various zoning amendments. The body is also discussing infrastructure projects and a funding request for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

• Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program with $28,737,092 in total available funds
• Special use permit request for a sorority house at 480 S. Milledge Avenue
• Proposed ordinance to provide $1,756,898 in GDOT LMIG grant funding for roadway resurfacing
• Waiver of water and wastewater fees for 195 Bray St Affordable Housing Project
• Proposed code amendments regarding home occupations in accessory structures and veterinary clinic locations

The commission approved the minutes from October meetings and accepted two street right‑of‑way notices. It unanimously consented to the CY2026 Pavement Maintenance Program, including a $1,756,898.36 grant application and related ordinance. Additional ordinances created yellow curbing on Herring and Reese Streets, amended the FY2026 budget for solid‑waste CHaRM processing, and elected not to require mobile‑home decals. Finally, a $1,853,086.77 contract was awarded for culvert replacement on Lavender and Roberts Roads.

• Approved October 7 & 21, 2025 meeting minutes (9 YES votes)
• Accepted Brittany Way street and North Downtown Athens Development right‑of‑way (no vote recorded)
• Approved CY2026 Pavement Maintenance Program, adopted ordinance #25-11-102, and authorized $1,756,898.36 GDOT grant application (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance #25-11-103 establishing 1,100 ft of yellow curbing on Herring Street (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance #25-11-104 establishing 436 ft of yellow curbing on Reese Street (unanimous)
• Approved $235,000 FY26 General Fund contingency for solid‑waste CHaRM processing and adopted ordinance #25-11-105 (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution electing not to require mobile‑home location decals beginning 2026 (unanimous)
• Awarded $1,853,086.77 contract to Archer Western Construction for Lavender Road and Roberts Road culvert replacement (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Right-of-Way Use Committee is discussing updates to ordinance language regarding the definition and allowable uses of public rights-of-way. The goal is to create a common understanding for staff and the public to be presented to the full Mayor and Commission by the November Voting Meeting.

• Proposed ordinance updates for the definition of 'Public Right-of-Way'
• Review of allowable uses for vehicular lanes, sidewalks, and bike lanes
• Discussion on reducing debris and material storage on public rights-of-way
• Consideration of First Amendment rights and Special Events operations

The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Right of Way approved the meeting agenda and the October 10, 2025 minutes, each with a unanimous vote. No substantive policy changes or ordinances were adopted. The committee set a next meeting for November 17 and will research a locker pilot for unhoused individuals.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Athens in Motion Commission

The Athens in Motion Commission will discuss the proposed CY26 Pavement Management Program and seek feedback. It will vote on several actions for the Barber Street bike and pedestrian improvements, including plan approvals and a design services supplement. The meeting will also provide updates on capital projects, staff reports, and committee activities.

• Approve preliminary and right-of-way plans for Barber Street Segments 1 & 2
• Authorize advancement of Barber Street Segments 3 & 4 to preliminary design phase
• Approve a Professional Services Supplement for Alfred Benesch to design sidewalks for Segment 3
• Present the CY26 Pavement Management Program for commission feedback
• Provide capital project updates, including concept approvals for W. Broad & Hancock Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements, Hawthorne/Oglethorpe Intersection eminent domain, Stonehenge Neighborhood Sidewalk, Sycamore Drive Sidewalk, and notice of award for the RCP Planning Grant

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the September meeting minutes. It approved the proposed preliminary and right‑of‑way plans for Barber Street Segments 1 and 2 and authorized staff to move those plans to final design, ROW acquisition, and bid phases. The commission also approved a professional services supplement for on‑call designer Alfred Benesch and Company to address sidewalk gaps in Segment 3. The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• September minutes approved unanimously
• Approved preliminary and ROW plans for Barber Street Segments 1 & 2
• Authorized staff to advance Segments 1 & 2 to final design, ROW acquisition, and bid phase
• Approved professional services supplement for Alfred Benesch & Co. to design sidewalk gaps in Segment 3

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will meet to review updates on the Menstrual Project and a housing tour. The body will also discuss holiday parade planning and November events.

• Menstrual Project Recommendation
• Housing Tour Update
• Holiday Parade Planning
• October Tabling Review
• Resource Page discussion

The Human Relations Commission accepted the prior meeting minutes and voted to postpone Chairperson updates. It approved the Vice Chair's recommendation to advance the Menstrual project pilot. Cory and Annesia were tasked with ordering holiday parade supplies on October 24, 2025, and the commission agreed to hold its next meeting on November 19, 2025.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Voted to move Chairperson updates to later in the meeting
• Approved moving forward with Menstrual project recommendation
• Assigned Cory and Annesia to order holiday parade supplies on Oct 24, 2025
• Agreed to hold next meeting on November 19, 2025

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes adopting the 2026 pavement maintenance program, adding two free holiday parking days, approving a solar panel contract for Fire Station #9, waiving $37,549 in water and wastewater fees for the 195 Bray St affordable housing project, and authorizing several parking prohibitions and a culvert replacement contract. They will also discuss new business items such as CHARM contingency funding, a revised MOU with the Board of Regents, the $15 million development agreement for 295 E. Dougherty St., and a work order for Phase II of the North Oconee River sanitary sewer interceptor project.

• Adopt Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program – Roadway List & Project Resolution
• Approve $15 million development agreement for redevelopment around 295 E. Dougherty St., including a 425‑space public parking deck and major sewer improvements
• Approve waiver of $37,549 water and wastewater connection fees for the affordable housing project at 195 Bray St
• Award contract to Georgia Development Partners, LLC for Lavender Road & Roberts Road culverts replacement, funded by a 2024 Georgia DOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant
• Approve SPLOST 2020 Project 11 Subproject #15 solar panel installation at Fire Station #9

The commission approved the 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program roadway list and added Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth as free parking holidays. It also approved a solar panel installation at Fire Station #9, waived $37,549 in water and wastewater fees for the 195 Bray St affordable‑housing project, and adopted parking prohibitions on Herring and Reese Streets. Additionally, the body authorized a culvert‑replacement contract, and adopted a resolution to stop issuing mobile‑home decals.

• Approved Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program roadway list
• Approved addition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Juneteenth as free downtown parking holidays
• Approved SPLOST 2020 Subproject #15 solar panel installation at Fire Station #9
• Approved 30% waiver of water and wastewater fees ($37,549) for 195 Bray St affordable housing project
• Approved parking prohibition on south side of Herring Street (1,100 ft)
• Approved parking prohibition on north side of Reese Street (436 ft)
• Approved award of Lavender Road & Roberts Road culverts replacement contract to Georgia Development Partners, LLC
• Adopted resolution to discontinue issuance of mobile‑home decals

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the Athens Downtown Development Authority to install and maintain a holiday lighting display on College Avenue and Clayton Street. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss a real estate acquisition or disposal, as authorized by state law. Members of the public may address the commission on agenda items for up to three minutes each.

• Approve MOU with Athens Downtown Development Authority for holiday lighting on College Avenue and Clayton Street
• Enter executive session to discuss real estate acquisition or disposal (details not disclosed)

The commission voted 9‑yes to suspend its rules for a single new business item. It then approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the Athens Downtown Development Authority for a holiday lighting display along College Avenue and Clayton Street. A third 9‑yes vote placed the commission into executive session to discuss real‑estate acquisition or disposal. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Suspend Rules of Commission for one new business item – approved (9 YES)
• Approve MOU with ADDA for holiday lighting – approved (9 YES)
• Enter executive session for real‑estate acquisition/disposal discussion – approved (9 YES)
• Adjourn meeting – approved unanimously

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee will hold an open discussion and visioning session for the district. The meeting includes routine approvals of the agenda and minutes from September 16, 2025. Staff will provide updates on ACCGov projects in the TAD and report that there are no funded TAD requests at this time.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from September 16, 2025
• Staff report: update on ACCGov projects in TAD
• Staff report: summary of TAD requests and funded projects – none
• New business: open discussion and visioning session for TAD area

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST Oversight Committee will review a proposed solar photovoltaic system for Fire Station #9, which would cost approximately $300,000. The committee is asked to confirm if the project concept aligns with the initial project statement.

• Fire Station #9 Solar Project Concept review
• Review of SPLOST 2020 monthly project and revenue reports
• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Tentative next meeting: November 17, 2025

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will discuss and vote on two recommendations: a presentation on Memorial Park and a presentation on Animal Services. The meeting also includes updates on a canceled poetry event, the start of a public art training course, and details about upcoming art exhibits and calls for submissions.

• Memorial Park presentation and vote (recommended)
• Animal Services presentation and vote (recommended)
• Public art Training Course began October 6
• Poetry for the People event on October 5 canceled due to rain
• Exhibit “Public Works” October 30, 2025 – January 3, 2026 at Lyndon House

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee will approve the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and discuss several policy updates. Items include recommended changes to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals (BAC) procedures and revisions to the Community Benefits Agreement portion of the Leasing Policy. The committee will also review the recently approved Short Term Rental Ordinance and consider future actions on renter protections and employee engagement.

• Approve minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting
• Recommend updates to BAC procedures as suggested by the Manager’s Office, Public Information Office, and Clerk of Commission
• Update Community Benefits Agreement portion of the Leasing Policy
• Review the Short Term Rental Ordinance for compliance with Georgia State Code
• Consider enhancements to renter protections and employee engagement initiatives

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting. Members agreed to refer the discussion of county‑owned historic properties to the Property Committee for further study. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved September 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Referred historic property matters to Property Committee (agreed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee will meet to discuss its membership and hold an open visioning session for the TAD area. No funded projects or rezoning actions are on the agenda. The meeting includes a staff report updating on ACCGov projects and TAD requests, which currently have none.

• Discuss committee membership
• Open discussion and visioning session for the TAD area
• Staff report: update on ACCGov projects in TAD
• Staff report: summary of TAD requests and funded projects – none

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the September 15, 2025 meeting. No funding requests, project updates, or new actions were approved. Discussion of committee membership and a visioning session were postponed pending potential TAD committee consolidation.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes from September 15, 2025 (unanimous)

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST Oversight Committee will discuss whether the proposed roadway list for the Calendar Year 2026 Pavement Maintenance Program aligns with the project's initial statement. The committee will also review monthly project and revenue reports for the 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST programs.

• Confirmation of roadway list for TSPLOST 2023 Project 21 (Pavement and Bridge Maintenance Program)
• Total available funds for the CY26 Pavement Management Program: $28,737,092
• Amount available for construction of CY26 Pavement Management Program: $10,659,000
• Review of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 monthly project updates, revenue reports, and expenditure reports

Arena District Steering Committee

The committee will hold oral presentations and interviews with short-listed submitters for the Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ. Members will then discuss these presentations to move forward with the selection process.

• Oral presentations and interviews for Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ

The steering committee approved the meeting agenda with a unanimous vote. The draft minutes from the previous meeting were also approved unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent. No substantive development decisions were made.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The commission will hear an overview of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and a market overview with key findings from HTF research and interviews. Q&A sessions will follow each presentation. No formal actions or votes are scheduled for this meeting.

• Overview and Scope of Work
• Overview of Housing Trust Funds
• Market Overview and Key Findings from HTF Research and Interviews
• Q&A sessions after each presentation

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review requests for structural changes and security installations in the Boulevard and Downtown Historic Districts. The body will also consider a conceptual design for a facade modification and rooftop addition.

• 127 Nantahala Ave: Request to raise structure, replace rear addition, and replace front porch
• 121 E Clayton St: Request for a retractable security gate at the recessed entry
• 283 E. Clayton St: Conceptual review for facade modifications and a potential rooftop addition

The commission approved Russell Edwards’ request for a retractable gate at 121 E. Clayton St, requiring a dark coating on the gate (vote 3‑1). It also accepted additional images for the gate as Exhibit A (unanimous) and recused member Chris Jackson from the vote. Officers were elected, naming Ted Rossier as chair and Bobbie Epting as vice‑chair (5‑0). Several routine items, including staff report introductions and minute adoptions, were passed unanimously.

• Introduced staff reports and documents into record – passed unanimously 6:0
• Adopted minutes from 9/17/25 agenda review – passed unanimously 6:0
• Adopted minutes from 9/17/25 meeting – passed unanimously 6:0
• Tabling of 127 Nantahala Ave request for up to 6 months – passed unanimously 5:0
• Accepted recusal of Chris Jackson for next item – passed unanimously 5:0
• Approved retractable gate at 121 E. Clayton St with dark coating condition – passed 3:1
• Accepted additional images for 121 E. Clayton St as Exhibit A – passed unanimously 5:0
• Elected Ted Rossier as chair and Bobbie Epting as vice‑chair – passed 5:0

Arena District Steering Committee

The Arena District Steering Committee is meeting to conduct oral presentations and interviews. The committee will evaluate short-listed submitters for the Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ.

• Oral presentations and interviews for Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ

The Arena District Steering Committee approved its October 15 agenda and the August 20 draft minutes by unanimous vote. The committee also voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. No other actions were taken.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• August 20 draft minutes approved unanimously
• Meeting adjourned unanimously (motion by Jennifer Zwirm, seconded by David Bradley)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor, Commission, and Planning Commission are holding a joint work session to discuss future updates. No final actions will be taken during this meeting.

• Future Land Use Plan Update
• Short Term Rental Ordinance Updates

The joint Mayor & Commission and Planning Commission work session met on October 14, 2025 at the Dougherty Street Auditorium. Commissioners and planning members discussed updates to the Future Land Use Plan and the Short‑Term Rental Ordinance. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded on these items.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Right-of-Way Use Committee will approve its agenda and the minutes from the October 3, 2025 meeting. It will allow public comments on items listed in the agenda, limited to three minutes per speaker. The committee is tasked with developing ordinance language that clarifies the definition of “Public Right-of-Way” and its allowable uses, to be presented to the full Mayor and Commission by the November voting meeting. The meeting will also set the date for the next committee session and confirm a quorum.

• Approve agenda
• Approve October 3, 2025 minutes
• Public input on identified items (up to 3‑minute remarks)
• Draft ordinance language clarifying public right-of-way definition and uses for November submission
• Identify next meeting date/time and confirm quorum

The committee unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the October 3 meeting. Members discussed sidewalk obstruction data and agreed that citations and warnings, not arrests, are appropriate for first offenses. They decided to refine the draft ordinance language on storage limits, bike‑parking exceptions, peaceful gatherings, and bus‑stop areas, and to gather more examples from other cities before final recommendations. The next meeting was set for October 24, 2025.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved October 3 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Agreed citations and warnings are appropriate for first offenses (no arrest)
• Agreed to refine storage provisions: one‑hour limit with bicycle parking exceptions
• Agreed that peaceful sitting, standing, or permitted demonstrations are not violations
• Agreed to continue refining language for bus stops and benches
• Decided to seek additional examples from other cities before finalizing the ordinance
• Scheduled next meeting for Friday, October 24, 2025

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will consider two variance requests for single-family residential properties. One request seeks to increase the front yard parking allotment above 25%, and the other seeks to reduce the rear yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet.

• Variance to allow increased front yard parking allotment above 25% (788 Fitzroy Drive)
• Variance to reduce rear yard setback from 20' to 10' (210 Milledge Circle)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will adopt several ordinances, including a grant for a recreational trail project at Southeast Clarke Park. They will also approve multiple service and supplier contracts and consider rezoning applications for industrial and commercial uses. A public hearing will be held on the planning commission's recommendations for those rezoning requests.

• Adopt Ordinance for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant – $200,000 for Southeast Clarke Park
• Approve Airport Aviation Fuel Supplier Contract
• Approve Standard and Heavy‑Duty Wrecker On‑Call Service Contracts
• Rezoning request for 233.09 acres at 0 Old Elberton Road to Industrial (AR → E‑I)
• Rezoning request for 0.97 acres at 600 Oglethorpe Avenue to Veterinary Clinic (C‑O)

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission approved several grant applications and funding measures, including a $3 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant for the Memorial Park Master Plan and a $200,000 Recreational Trails Program grant for Southeast Clarke Park trail improvements. It also authorized new Leaf & Limb staffing, a $1.65 million federal transit grant application, and awarded contracts for transit surveillance and airport fuel services. The minutes of prior meetings were approved and the Local Emergency Operations Plan was adopted.

• Approved $3,000,000 GOSP grant application for Memorial Park Master Plan (Ordinance #25-10-95) – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Approved $200,000 RTP grant application for Southeast Clarke Park trail improvements (Ordinance #25-10-93) – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Authorized four new Leaf & Limb positions and up to $48,000 contingency funding (Ordinance #25-10-94) – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Authorized filing of $1,652,517 Federal Transit Administration bus assistance application (Resolution) – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Adopted the Local Emergency Operations Plan – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Approved $482,528 award to IDIS Americas for transit fleet surveillance system – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Approved agreement with Eastern Aviation Fuels/Titan Aviation Fuels for airport fuel and refueler trucks – 8 YES, 1 NO
• Approved minutes of September meetings – 8 YES

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Right-of-Way Ad Hoc Committee is meeting to develop ordinance updates regarding the definition and allowable uses of public rights-of-way. The committee aims to present these updates to the full Mayor and Commission by the November Voting Meeting.

• Proposed ordinance updates to define 'Public Right-of-Way' including vehicular lanes, sidewalks, and bike lanes
• Discussion on reducing debris and material storage on public rights-of-way
• Review of public safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists
• Consideration of First Amendment rights and Special Events operations

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda (including September 23 minutes) and the September 23 minutes themselves. The committee agreed to replace fixed timeframes with flexible language and to use the term “public area” in a revised obstruction ordinance. Attorney Courtney Davis will draft the revised ordinance and staff will verify enforcement data before the next meeting on October 10.

• Approved agenda amendment to add September 23 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to replace fixed abandonment timeframes with flexible language
• Agreed to use “public area” wording in revised obstruction ordinance
• Attorney Davis to draft revised obstruction ordinance
• Staff to verify enforcement data and coordinate department feedback
• Scheduled next meeting for Friday, October 10, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee will approve the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting, allow brief public comments, and review the existing noise ordinance. Members will discuss possible updates for non‑agricultural sounds in the Agricultural Residential zone and amplified noise in the Commercial Downtown district, including the use of objective volume measurements. The committee will also confirm a quorum for the next meeting on November 6, 2025.

• Approve the Thursday, September 4, 2025 minutes
• Public input – up to three minutes per speaker
• Review and discuss updates to the noise ordinance for Agricultural Residential zone
• Review and discuss updates to the noise ordinance for Commercial Downtown district, including amplified noise
• Confirm quorum for the November 6, 2025 meeting

The Legislative Review Committee unanimously approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Members discussed possible updates to the city noise ordinance but did not adopt any changes, instead directing staff to keep evaluating models from other jurisdictions and related enforcement options. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to continue evaluating noise‑ordinance models and enforcement options
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will consider and approve the minutes from its August 7, 2025 meeting. It will receive a status report on the FY26 audit workplan, covering current audits and follow‑up items. The committee will also hear an update from the internal auditor. The next meeting is scheduled for November 6, 2025.

• Review and approval of August 7, 2025 meeting minutes
• FY26 audit workplan status report – audits
• FY26 audit workplan status report – follow‑up items
• Internal Auditor’s update
• Set next meeting date: November 6, 2025, 10:30‑12:00 pm

The committee approved the minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting by unanimous consent. Members then reviewed the FY26 Organizational Structure Audit, noting its informational nature and discussing its language and clarity. Commissioners agreed to postpone any formal vote on the audit report until questions are answered, likely in December. No other substantive actions were voted on.

• Approved August 7, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Athens‑Clarke County Planning Commission will adopt staff reports, approve the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes, and review MACORTS. It will consider an old‑business Special Use Permit for 480 S. Milledge Avenue and three new‑business items: a rezoning and Special Use Permit for 115 & 125 McClung Road, a text amendment to the code on home occupations, and a text amendment on veterinary clinics and kennels. The public may address the commission for up to three minutes on each agenda item.

• Approve September 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Review MACORTS and accept public comment
• Special Use Permit (Type II) for 480 S. Milledge Avenue filed by Alpha Xi Delta Georgia LLC
• Rezoning and Special Use Permit request for 115 & 125 McClung Road (from C‑G & C‑R to E‑O) filed by DRH Properties LLC
• Text amendment to Code of Ordinances Sec. 9‑15‑16 concerning home occupations and cottage‑food allowances

The commission approved the September 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes. The rezoning and special‑use permit request for 115 & 125 McClung Road was tabled after the applicant withdrew it prior to the meeting. No other items were decided.

• Approved September 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Tabled 115 & 125 McClung Road rezoning and special‑use permit request (applicant tabled)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board met on October 1, 2025 at Synovus Bank – Downtown. The board approved the prior meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s Report, and the Executive Director’s Report, each by unanimous motion. Committee updates were given for Business and Industry, Events, and Outreach/PR. Old and new business items were discussed but no decisions were recorded.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes (motion by Joseph S., seconded by Lorenzo R.)
• Approval of Treasurer’s Report (motion by Joseph S., seconded by Jackie S.)
• Approval of Executive Director’s Report (motion by Joseph S., seconded by Ezra S.)
• Committee updates: Business and Industry, Events, Outreach/PR
• Discussion of old and new business (no decisions recorded)

The board voted to approve the September meeting minutes. The Treasurer’s Report showing a net operating loss of $932.53 was approved. The Executive Director’s Report, including revenue and expense details, was also approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Executive Director’s Report (all in favor, none opposed)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor, none opposed)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens Mayor and Commission met in a special called session on September 30, 2025. The meeting was called to enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters under O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2). No other agenda items were scheduled beyond roll call and adjournment.

• Enter executive session to discuss personnel matters per O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)

The special session was called to discuss confidential personnel matters. Commissioners voted unanimously to enter executive session, then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.

• Entered executive session (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Human Relations Commission

The commission will review updates from the Chairperson, Inclusion Office, and subcommittees, and hear public comments on old and new business. Topics include the Menstruation Project, subcommittee groups, a housing tour update, and planning for October events and the Christmas Parade. No formal decisions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

• Menstruation Project (old business discussion)
• Subcommittee Groups (old business discussion)
• Housing Tour Update (old business discussion)
• October Events (new business planning)
• Christmas Parade Planning (new business planning)

The commission voted to appoint William Redding as secretary, replacing Mary Frances O’Neil. The committee also decided to form subcommittees to develop a float for the December 4th ACCGov Parade of Lights. Other topics such as the Faith and Blue Festival and the Housing Tour were discussed but no formal actions were taken.

• Appointed William Redding as secretary (replacing Mary Frances O’Neil)
• Decided to create subcommittees to develop the Parade of Lights float

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Ad Hoc Right-of-Way Use Committee will consider updates to the city ordinance that clarify the definition and allowable uses of public right-of-way, including sidewalks, bike lanes and vehicle lanes. The committee will also confirm a quorum for its next meeting on September 30, 2025. Public comments are invited on agenda items.

• Approval of the agenda
• Draft ordinance language updates clarifying the definition of “Public Right-of-Way” and allowable uses
• Confirmation of quorum for the next meeting (Sept 30, 2025)
• Public input opportunity (up to three‑minute comments per speaker)
• Items on hold awaiting additional information

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It directed staff to work with the County Attorney’s Office and ACCPD to research and propose updates to the public right‑of‑way ordinance. The next meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Agenda approved unanimously (3 members)
• Committee directed staff to research ordinance updates (no vote recorded)
• Next meeting scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025
• Meeting adjourned unanimously (3 members)

Athens in Motion Commission

The Athens in Motion Commission will hold its monthly meeting on September 23, 2025 to review agenda items and take public comment. Commissioners will receive updates on TSPLOST 2026, a plan revision, and staff reports, and will consider several capital projects including the Barber Street bike and pedestrian project and concept approvals for sidewalk improvements on W. Broad & Hancock, Stonehenge, and Sycamore Drive. Additional items include a notice of award for an RCP planning grant and updates on bike rack installations, transit, and regional planning.

• Barber Street Bike and Pedestrian Project – project update and review
• W. Broad & Hancock Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements Program – concept approval
• Stonehenge Neighborhood Sidewalk Project – concept approval
• Sycamore Drive Sidewalk Project – concept approval
• RCP Planning Grant – notice of award

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the August meeting minutes unanimously. The commission decided to accept, rather than recommend, sharrows for segment 4 of the Barber Street Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Project to accelerate completion of the remaining segments. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• August minutes approved unanimously
• AiMC will accept sharrows for Barber Street segment 4 (no vote tally recorded)
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

Airport Authority

The Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority will review and approve the August meeting minutes. The Airport Manager will present reports on finances, operations, capital improvement projects, and marketing and outreach activities. Old business includes a Lexington Corridor update, for which no report is available. No new business is scheduled, and committee updates will be provided before adjourning.

• Review and approve August meeting minutes
• Financial report presentation by Airport Manager
• Operations report presentation by Airport Manager
• Capital improvement project updates
• Marketing & outreach activities report

The Authority approved the August meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this session.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission will review the FY27 budget and longer‑term financial plans. They will also consider the TSPLOST 2026 proposal, a capital‑projects delivery framework, and a response to zoning questions. The meeting includes a mid‑point review of the manager’s 90‑day observations and a discussion of top priority areas for the next year.

• Top 3 priority or interest areas for the next year (9:00‑11:30 a.m.)
• Response to zoning questions (11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
• Manager 90‑day mid‑point observations & strategic plan (1:15‑2:45 p.m.)
• Capital projects delivery framework (9:00‑10:30 a.m.)
• TSPLOST 2026 discussion (10:45‑12:00 p.m.)

Commission members met at a retreat to discuss the Capital Project Delivery Framework, the TSPLOST 2026 initiative, and the FY27 budget and beyond. No votes were taken, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting adjourned at 1:24 PM.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will hold a two‑day retreat to review priority areas for the next year, respond to zoning questions, and assess the manager's 90‑day observations. Sessions will cover the Capital Projects Delivery Framework, the TSPLOST 2026 initiative, and the budget for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. The agenda includes breaks, a tour of Gainesville, and a group dinner.

• Top 3 Priority or Interest Areas for the Next Year
• Response to Zoning Questions
• Manager 90‑day Mid‑Point Observations & Strategic Plan
• Capital Projects Delivery Framework
• Budget for FY27 and Beyond

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held a retreat on September 19, 2025 at The Vault in Gainesville. Commissioners discussed the top three priority areas for the next year, responded to zoning questions, reviewed the manager's 90‑day observations, and toured Gainesville. No votes, approvals, or other formal actions were recorded.

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will consider three main actions: approving the meeting agenda, approving the minutes from the August 6, 2025 regular meeting, and voting to prequalify a new loan applicant. In old business, the board will finalize the JDA grant slate. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2025.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from August 6, 2025 regular meeting
• Approval to prequalify new loan applicant
• Finalize JDA grant slate (old business)
• Next regular meeting set for Nov. 5, 2025

The Joint Development Authority unanimously approved the meeting agenda, moved a new revolving loan fund request to the underwriting phase, and approved revised allocations for the ARPA Workforce Development Small Business Grant program. All motions were passed unanimously by the four directors present.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Advanced revolving loan fund request to underwriting phase (4-0)
• Approved revised ARPA grant allocations (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will consider approving the prequalification of a new loan applicant. Directors will also finalize the JDA grant slate under old business. Routine items include approving the agenda, approving minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting, and setting the next regular meeting date.

• Approve prequalification of new loan applicant
• Finalize JDA grant slate
• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from August 6, 2025 meeting
• Set next regular meeting for Nov. 5, 2025

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Advisory Commission will approve the August 2025 meeting minutes, review July and August division reports, and discuss old business items such as the AAH cleanup and the Made to be Remade grant update. In new business, the commission will consider a draft ordinance that would eliminate plastic bags and Styrofoam containers at points‑of‑purchase, with a 12‑month phase‑in and data collection on impacts. The meeting will be streamed live and public comments can be emailed to the SWAC secretary.

• Approval of August 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• July and August division reports (beautification, recycling/processed materials facility, collections division, landfill status)
• AAH cleanup scheduled for Sept. 13, 2025 and Nov. 6, 2025
• Made to be Remade grant update
• Draft ordinance to ban plastic bags and Styrofoam containers with a 12‑month phase‑in

Historic Preservation Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review requests for Certificates of Appropriateness regarding window replacements, chimney removal, and a full demolition. The body will also discuss conceptual designs for new additions and exterior modifications in various historic districts.

• Review of window replacement at 297 Bloomfield St.
• Consideration of full demolition at 636 Vine St.
• Conceptual design review for addition at 357 S. Milledge Ave.
• Review of chimney removal at 160 Satula Ave.
• Review of window and canopy modifications at 225 E. Broad St.

TAD Advisory Committee - Mall Area

The committee will receive staff reports on ACCGov projects and funded requests within the Mall Area Tax Allocation District. Members will also discuss the 2026 meeting schedule and a resource called Take Aim.

• Update on ACCGov projects in TAD
• Summary of TAD requests and funded projects
• Proposed 2026 meeting schedule
• Introduction of Take Aim resource

The Mall Area TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. The committee accepted a proposed schedule for its 2026 meetings. Members were informed about the Take Aim resource via email, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted proposed 2026 meeting schedule
• Introduced Take Aim resource (information emailed to members)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens‑Clarke County Mayor and Commission will consider a range of contracts, grant applications, and infrastructure projects. Items include a five‑year aviation fuel supply contract with Titan Aviation Fuels, a $701,963 SPLOST facilities equipment replacement, and a $3.5 million soft‑pay loan to support the $64.5 million North Downtown Athens Phase 2 redevelopment. The board will also review a water‑and‑wastewater connection fee exemption for Meissner’s $250 million campus investment and approve pedestrian improvement designs for Sycamore Drive. Additional agenda items cover transit fleet surveillance, airport fuel services, and adoption of the Local Emergency Operations Plan.

• Approve a five‑year Airport Aviation Fuel Supplier Contract with Titan Aviation Fuels
• Approve $701,963 for SPLOST 2020 Project 27 facilities equipment systems replacement
• Approve preliminary design and right‑of‑way acquisition for TSPLOST 2023 Project 15 Sycamore Drive Pedestrian Improvements
• Approve a $3.5 million soft‑pay loan for North Downtown Athens Phase 2 redevelopment
• Approve water & wastewater connection fee exemption for Meissner’s $250 million campus investment

The September 16, 2025 meeting was an agenda‑setting session. No votes were taken on any items, and the commission did not approve, deny, or table any proposals. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. after a motion to approve the session.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Georgia Athletic Association for construction of the Phase II sanitary sewer interceptor at Sanford Stadium. They will also discuss any other old business items and may enter executive session after adjournment to discuss a real‑estate acquisition or disposal under §50‑14‑3(b)(1)(B). Public input is allowed on agenda items for up to three minutes per speaker.

• Approval of MOU with UGAA for Sanford Stadium Phase II sanitary sewer interceptor improvement
• Discussion of old business items
• Public input opportunity (up to three minutes per speaker)
• Executive session to consider real‑estate acquisition or disposal under §50‑14‑3(b)(1)(B)

The commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding between ACCGov and the University of Georgia Athletics Association to design and construct Phase II of the Sanford Stadium sanitary sewer interceptor improvement project. They also authorized the mayor and staff to execute all related documents. A motion to enter executive session for discussion of real‑estate acquisition or disposal was also approved, all by unanimous vote.

• Approved MOU for Phase II Sanford Stadium sewer project (unanimous)
• Authorized mayor and staff to execute related documents (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss real‑estate acquisition/disposal (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

The Lexington Road TAD Advisory Committee met on September 16, 2025 to discuss ongoing and upcoming matters for the tax allocation district. The agenda included routine items such as approval of the agenda and minutes, a staff report on ACCGov projects, and updates on the community‑identified priority list and bylaws. New business focused on reviewing capital projects funded by SPLOST and TSPLOST, confirming that there are currently no public utilities projects, and setting the 2026 meeting schedule. The committee also introduced the Take Aim resource and scheduled the next meeting for December 9, 2025.

• Review capital projects (SPLOST, TSPLOST) in the TAD
• No public utilities projects presently in the TAD
• Set 2026 meeting schedule (March 17, June 16, September 15, December 15)
• Introduce Take Aim resource accessible through ACCGov email
• Status of Community‑Identified Priority List

The Lexington Road TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 6, 2025 meeting. The committee also unanimously approved the schedule for its 2026 meetings (March 17, June 16, September 15, and December 15). No new public‑utilities projects were identified, and no funding decisions were made.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee will approve the agenda and the August 21, 2025 minutes, receive staff updates, and set the date for the next meeting. No new or unfinished business items are listed.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of August 21, 2025 minutes
• Staff report: update on ACCGov projects in TAD
• Staff report: summary of TAD requests and funded projects – none
• Staff report: proposal for upcoming meeting topics

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee approved its agenda and the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting both by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent. No substantive project decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST 2020 Oversight Committee will review and approve the minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting, examine several SPLOST monthly and financial reports, and decide whether to confirm that the proposed concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 27, Facilities Equipment Systems Replacement, Sub‑Project #5 is consistent with its initial project statement. The decision involves $701,693 of available funding out of a total $3,879,690 allocated to Project 27. The agenda also includes scheduling items for future meetings.

• Approve minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting (unanimous vote).
• Action on SPLOST 2020 Project 27 Sub‑Project #5 – confirm concept consistency (up to $701,693 available).
• Review SPLOST 2011, 2020, and 2005 monthly project updates and revenue/expenditure reports.
• Discuss moving the regular monthly meeting date to May 12, 2025.
• Set tentative next meeting for Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee will discuss updates to renter protections and resources, including potential changes to comply with state code and case law. The committee will also review employee engagement and recognition initiatives for ACC government employees. No decisions are scheduled for this meeting.

• Update Community Benefits Agreement portion of Leasing Policy (assigned to GOC on February 7, 2023)
• Review Short Term Rental Ordinance for compliance with Georgia State Code (assigned February 6, 2024)
• Enhance renter protections and resources (assigned April 18, 2023)
• Review and enhance ACC employee engagement and survey opportunities (assigned April 18, 2023)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee will approve the agenda and minutes, receive a staff report on ACCGov projects and note that no TAD requests have been funded, and hold a new business discussion with ACCGov Planning and Zoning staff about future land use and visioning. The meeting will also address the status of ACCGov-issued email addresses.

• Staff report on ACCGov projects in the Newton Bridge Road TAD
• Summary indicating no funded TAD requests or projects
• Discussion with ACCGov Planning and Zoning Department on future land use and visioning
• Status update on ACCGov-issued email addresses (BAC Training resources)
• Approval of agenda and minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting. No new funding requests or project approvals were made. The committee discussed the future land‑use map, traffic study schedule, and sewer capacity, then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST 2023 Oversight Committee is meeting to determine if the proposed project concepts for the Stonehenge Neighborhood Area Pedestrian Improvements Project are consistent with the initial project statement. The body will also review monthly project, revenue, and expenditure reports for the 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST programs.

• Proposed project concepts for TSPLOST 2023 Project 17 (Stonehenge Neighborhood Area Pedestrian Improvements)
• Total available revenue for Project 17 Sub-Project #1: $4,612,000
• Project 17 budget allocations: $400,000 for design, $129,000 for land acquisition, and $29,000 for public art
• Proposed 'Must Have' improvements: ADA compliant sidewalks and crosswalks on Old Monroe Rd, and traffic calming measures
• Review of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 monthly project updates and financial reports

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will consider applications for its ARPA Workforce Development Small Business Grant program. No other substantive items appear on the agenda besides routine approvals. The meeting is a special called meeting on September 11, 2025.

• Review of JDA ARPA Workforce Development Small Business Grant program applications

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will consider two variance requests. One request seeks to reduce the side setback allowance for a ground sign at 1005 Hull Road (VAR-2025-08-1572). The other request seeks to increase the maximum square footage allowed for an accessory building at 160 Greenwood Drive (VAR-2025-08-1573). Both items are scheduled for discussion and decision at the September 10, 2025 meeting.

• VAR-2025-08-1572: Sam Rogers (agent Matthew Williams) requests a variance to reduce the side setback for a ground sign at 1005 Hull Road, zoning C‑G, current and proposed use Multi‑Family Residential.
• VAR-2025-08-1573: Larry Millard and Cheryl Goldsleger request a variance to increase the maximum allowed square footage for an accessory building at 160 Greenwood Drive, zoning RS‑15, current and proposed use Single‑Family Residential.

TAD Advisory Committee - North Avenue

The North Avenue TAD Advisory Committee will discuss how to gather public input on community‑identified priorities, including infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, economic development partnerships, and youth development. It will also set the 2026 meeting schedule and introduce the Take Aim resource. The meeting includes routine approvals of the agenda and prior minutes.

• Determine public input/open house sessions for infrastructure, affordable housing, economic development, and youth development priorities
• Set 2026 meeting dates (March 11, June 10, September 9, December 9)
• Introduce Take Aim resource accessible via ACCGov email
• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from November 15, 2023 and December 13, 2023

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens Mayor and Commission held a work session with draft reports only. No final actions were taken. Officials provided updates on several future‑consideration projects, including pedestrian improvements and emergency planning. The session was open to the public but did not accept public comments.

• Sycamore Drive Pedestrian Improvements – preliminary design (Mike Kadjer)
• TSPLOST 2023 Project 17 Stonehenge Neighborhood – proposed improvements (Daniel Garren)
• TSPLOST 2026 Recommended – candidate project list (Josh Hawkins)
• Vision Zero Safety Action Plan – status update (Stephen Bailey)
• Athens‑Clarke County Local Emergency Operations Plan – update (Chief Nate Moss)

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission met for a work session on September 9, 2025. Commissioners discussed five agenda items, each noted as "questions only" or a status update. No motions were made, and no approvals, denials, or tablings were recorded.

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will meet to review staff reports on public art projects, upcoming events, and application deadlines. The meeting includes updates on a mural call, artist talks, and a sculpture installation planned for mid-October.

• Public art training course applications close Sept 8, classes begin October
• Community Center mural call closes Sept 19
• Firefly Trail sculpture 'Lighting Our Path' by Steven Gutierrez planned for mid-October
• Exhibit 'Public Works' runs Oct 30, 2025–Jan 3, 2026 at Lyndon House Lounge Gallery
• Poetry for the People event rescheduled for Oct 5, 3–5pm

The Cultural Affairs Commission unanimously approved the August meeting minutes. The October commission meeting was moved to October 20. The Costa Building public art selection was approved by the mayor and the commission. The Poetry for the People event was rescheduled to October 5, 3‑5 pm at Dudley Park.

• Approved August meeting minutes – unanimous
• Moved October commission meeting to Oct 20 – decision recorded
• Approved Costa Building public art selection – mayor and commission approval
• Rescheduled Poetry for the People event to Oct 5, 3‑5 pm at Dudley Park
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee is meeting to review the existing noise ordinance. The body will discuss prospective updates regarding non-agricultural sounds in the Agricultural Residential zone and amplified noise in the Commercial Downtown district.

• Review of noise ordinance updates for Agricultural Residential zone
• Review of noise ordinance updates for Commercial Downtown district
• Discussion of objective measures of volume for noise measurement

The Legislative Review Committee approved the August 7, 2025 minutes unanimously. The committee unanimously adopted a draft amendment setting a 1‑mile distance for item a and a 0.5‑mile distance for item b in the noise ordinance and will forward the recommendation to the full Mayor and Commission. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted draft amendment: 1‑mile distance for item a, 0.5‑mile for item b; send to Mayor and Commission (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss several rezoning requests and special use permits. The body will review proposals for residential, business, and employment center land use changes.

• 0 Old Elberton Road: Request to rezone from Rural to Employment Center
• 2415 Jefferson Road: Master Planned Development request from C-G to C-G (PD)
• 570 Prince Avenue: Preliminary Planned Development request from Government to Main Street Business
• 600 Oglethorpe Avenue: Special Use Permit request in C-O
• 135 & 150 McClung Road: Request to rezone from Mixed Density Residential to General Business

The Planning Commission approved a rezoning request for 780 Macon Highway from RS-5 to RM-1 with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. It also approved a special‑use permit for 600 Oglethorpe Avenue with conditions (5‑0) and approved both future land‑use and zoning changes for 135 & 150 McClung Road (6‑0 each). The commission denied the future land‑use and zoning requests for Old Elberton Road (6‑0 each) and tabled the 2415 Jefferson Road application for up to three months (6‑0).

• Denied future land use for Old Elberton Rd (6-0)
• Denied zoning for Old Elberton Rd (6-0)
• Tabled 2415 Jefferson Rd application for up to 3 months (6-0)
• Approved special use permit for 600 Oglethorpe Ave with condition (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 780 Macon Hwy to RM-1 (6-0)
• Approved future land use for 135 & 150 McClung Rd (6-0)
• Approved zoning for 135 & 150 McClung Rd (6-0)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board met to review financial reports and director updates. The board unanimously approved the treasurer's report and a specific funding allocation for event materials.

• Allocation of $500 for DDP event supplies and marketing

The board unanimously approved the August meeting minutes and the Treasurer’s Report, which showed a net loss of $1,084.64. It also approved a $500 expenditure for the upcoming Dirty Dance event, covering Facebook ads and face‑painting supplies. No other substantive actions were taken; upcoming events were announced.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report showing net -$1,084.64 (unanimous)
• Approved $500 spend for Dirty Dance event (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee- West Broad/Hawthorne Area

The West Broad/Hawthorne Area Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting to receive a staff report on ACCGov projects, review TAD requests, and discuss upcoming meeting topics. The committee will also set its 2026 meeting schedule and introduce a new resource called Take Aim.

• Set 2026 meeting schedule (March 3, June 2, September 1, December 1)
• Introduce Take Aim resource via ACCGov email

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will meet to decide on funding for the Morton Theatre Proscenium Redesign, a $200,000 project including a $100,000 grant from the Fox Theatre Grant Program. The meeting will also include votes on multiple SPLOST and TSPLOST projects, zoning requests, and public hearings on developments like Macon Highway Village and 585 Vine Street.

• ADOPT: $100,000 Fox Theatre Grant for Morton Theatre Proscenium Redesign
• ADOPT: Ordinance for TSPLOST 2018 Project 13, W. Broad Street and W. Hancock Avenue Roundabout
• APPROVE: $100,000 SPLOST 2020 Project 11, Solar Initiatives for Fire Station 8 and Dudley Park
• REQUEST: Master Planned Development rezoning for Macon Highway Village (9.49 acres, RM-1 to RM-2)
• REQUEST: Planned Development Amendment for 585 Vine Street (0.53 acres, C-N to PD)

The commission voted unanimously to approve twelve consent items covering grant funding, ordinance amendments, and project authorizations. Notably, it adopted a $2,115,237 amendment to the TSPLOST 2018 Capital Projects Fund for the W. Broad Area Pedestrian Improvements and a $100,000 amendment for the Morton Theatre proscenium redesign. It also raised the residential trash service fee from $10 to $25 and approved several infrastructure, park, and renewable‑energy projects. All motions passed with unanimous or recorded 9‑yes votes.

• Approved Fox Theatre Grant Program amendment for $100,000 Morton Theatre proscenium redesign – unanimous
• Approved TSPLOST 2018 interest earnings up to $2,115,237 for W. Broad Area Pedestrian Improvements – unanimous
• Approved on‑call design contract with Alfred Benesch & Co. up to $50,000 for the W. Broad pedestrian project – unanimous
• Adopted ordinance raising trash service fee from $10 to $25 – unanimous
• Adopted ordinances allocating interest earnings to SPLOST 2011, 2018, 2020, and 2023 projects totaling over $7 million – unanimous
• Authorized application for $3,843,626 Federal Transit Administration grant – unanimous
• Approved intergovernmental tax collection agreement with the Town of Bogart – unanimous
• Approved Fowler Mill Bridge Replacement design contract up to $404,437.50 and right‑of‑way acquisition – unanimous

Human Relations Commission

The Athens Human Relations Commission will hold a routine meeting to accept past minutes, hear a chairperson’s update, and review ongoing work including a work plan, healthcare education session, and housing tour. Residents may speak for up to three minutes during public comment periods.

The commission accepted the minutes from the prior meeting. A motion to shift the housing tour to January 2025 was carried. The committee also voted to table the menstrual project pilot until January 2025. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Accepted prior meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Moved housing tour to January 2025 (motion carried)
• Tabled menstrual project pilot to January 2025 (motion granted)

Airport Authority

The Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority will hold its August 26 meeting to receive manager reports on finances, operations, capital projects, and marketing, review July minutes, and hear updates on the Lexington Corridor project. No specific decisions are listed on the agenda; the meeting is primarily informational and procedural.

• Review and approval of July 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial reports for June and July 2025
• Lexington Corridor project update

The board approved the corrected July meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. Mr. Sanders was designated to lead the September meeting, with Mr. Alexander as backup. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm by unanimous consent. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Designated Mr. Sanders to lead September meeting (assignment)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:30 pm (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for September 23, 2025

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission will discuss updates on the Safe Streets for All plan and Vision Zero dashboard. Members will review several capital projects and a July crash report detailing 306 total crashes.

• Eminent Domain Resolution for Hawthorne/Oglethorpe Intersection
• Preliminary Construction Plans for N Chase St
• Traffic calming and pedestrian safety for Thomas/Washington Intersection
• Memorandum of Agreement with GDOT for W Broad Roundabout funds
• July 2025 crash report: 306 total crashes, 1 fatality, and 126 injuries

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the July meeting minutes. The Education and Communication committee tabled the UGA Watch for Dawgs event. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• July minutes approved unanimously
• UGA Watch for Dawgs event tabled
• Meeting adjourned

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will meet to receive staff reports on ACCGov projects. The committee will also discuss upcoming meeting topics and review responses from the previous meeting.

• Update on ACCGov projects in the TAD
• Review of questions and responses from the previous meeting
• Proposal for upcoming meeting topics

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. No funding requests or project updates were reported. The committee discussed potential consolidation of TAD advisory committees but took no formal action. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Athens Justice and Memory Project

The Athens Justice & Memory Project will meet to discuss the status of public art and Linnentown signage. The committee will also vote to approve previous meeting minutes.

• Public Art Status update
• Linnentown Signage Status update
• Approval of previous minutes

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Advisory Commission will hold its August 20, 2025 meeting to approve minutes, receive reports on beautification, recycling, collections, and landfill status, and discuss new business including a draft household hazardous waste policy and 2025 litter index results. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed live.

• Review and approval of June 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of draft Household Hazardous Waste Policy (SW-034 DRAFT)
• Presentation of 2025 KACCB Litter Index results by Stacy Smith
• Announcement of AAH cleanup events (Sept. 13 and Nov. 6, 2025)
• Mention of future meeting dates (Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 2025)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review several requests for Certificates of Appropriateness for properties in the Downtown, Milledge Ave., and Boulevard historic districts. The body is deciding on demolition, signage, and storefront modifications, and reviewing a conceptual design for a residential structure.

• 480 S. Milledge Avenue: Request for demolition and new construction of building
• 184 E. Clayton St.: Request for painting brick bulkhead
• 174 E. Clayton St.: Request for internally lit panel sign
• 260 College Ave.: Request for storefront modification
• 127 Nantahala Ave.: Conceptual review for raising structure and replacing rear addition

Arena District Steering Committee

The Arena District Steering Committee will meet to review and discuss submittals for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Development Facilitator. The committee will also approve the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Review and discussion of submittals for Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the June 10 minutes. It narrowed the RFQ submissions to four firms—CBRE, Seven Oaks, Accenture, and Brailsford & Dunlavey—and decided to invite them for presentations. Interview sessions were scheduled for October 15 (morning) and October 16 (afternoon). Members will email their interview questions by Friday and staff will compile the final list and confirm firm availability.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• June 10 minutes approved unanimously
• Selected CBRE, Seven Oaks, Accenture, Brailsford & Dunlavey for interviews
• Set interview dates: Oct 15 (9‑am‑12‑pm) and Oct 16 (1‑pm‑3:30‑pm)
• Members to email final interview questions by Friday
• Staff to compile and distribute final question list
• Staff to confirm firm availability and send calendar invites
• Determined site visits unnecessary

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Public Facilities Authority will consider a request from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission to repurchase its property for $10.00. The meeting will also swear in newly appointed members, elect a chairperson and secretary for 2025, and approve minutes from a July 2010 meeting.

• Purchase of NEGRC’s Property by NEGRC for $10.00
• Swearing-in of Tiffany Taylor, Patrick Davenport, Allison Wright, Dexter Fisher, and Carol Myers
• Election of 2025 chairperson and secretary
• Approval of minutes from July 6, 2010 meeting

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government is setting its September 2 agenda, including transit grants and infrastructure projects. The body will also discuss recapturing unspent ARPA funds from eight local agency partners and the sale of property to the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for $10.00.

• Memorandum of Agreement with GDOT for $2,750,000 to fund the W. Broad and W. Hancock Avenue roundabout
• Recapture and reallocation of unspent ARPA funds from 8 local agency partners
• ADDA Community Events Program FY26 funding request of $250,000
• Property acquisition of 4730 Old Lexington Road for Fire Station #5 replacement
• Zoning request for multi-family residential at 1030, 1040, & 1060 Macon Highway (Planning Commission recommended denial)

The Athens‑Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved a series of funding applications, intergovernmental agreements, and project concepts. They denied a master‑planned multi‑family development on Macon Highway and approved a commercial planned‑development amendment on Vine Street. An intersection safety improvement at Thomas and Washington Streets was also approved.

• Approved Annual FTA 5307 Operating and Capital Assistance Application
• Approved Fox Theatre Grant Program: Morton Theatre Proscenium Redesign
• Approved Intergovernmental Agreement for municipal ad valorem tax collection with the Town of Bogart
• Approved TSPLOST 2023 Project 21 Pavement and Bridge Maintenance Program – Fowler Mill Road Bridge Replacement preliminary plans
• Approved SPLOST 2020 Project 20 Parks and Facilities Improvement subprojects #12‑15 concepts
• Denied Master Planned Development request for Macon Highway Village (9.49 acres) – Type II District 7
• Approved Planned Development Amendment for 585 Vine Properties (0.53 acres) – Type II District 3
• Approved Intersection Safety Improvement Project for Thomas Street at Washington Street – The Classic Center

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee will meet to approve past meeting minutes and discuss future items assigned by Mayor Girtz, including updates to renter protections, a review of the Short Term Rental Ordinance, and enhancements to ACC employee engagement and recognition initiatives. No public comments will be taken unless requested by the Chair.

• Approval of April 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review renter protections and resources (assigned April 18, 2023)
• Review Short Term Rental Ordinance for compliance with state code (assigned February 6, 2024)
• Enhance ACC employee engagement and survey opportunities (assigned April 18, 2023)
• Possible updates to BAC procedures (assigned July 19, 2022) and Community Benefits Agreement portion of Leasing Policy (assigned February 7, 2023)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will meet to receive a staff report on local projects. The meeting includes a session with guests from Atlas to answer questions regarding a traffic study.

• Update on ACCGov projects in the TAD
• Questions and answers with Atlas regarding a traffic study
• Review of previous meeting questions and responses

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. The committee assigned Daniel Young to resend ACCGov email instructions and Take Aim information. The next meeting was set for September 15, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Assigned Daniel Young to resend ACCGov email instructions and Take Aim information
• Set next meeting for Monday, September 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST Oversight Committee will review project concepts for pedestrian improvements at W. Broad and Hancock. The body will also consider a memorandum of agreement with GDOT for funds transfer regarding the W. Broad Street and W. Hancock Avenue Roundabout. Monthly revenue and expenditure reports for the 2018 and 2023 programs will be reviewed.

• MOA with GDOT for funds transfer for TSPLOST 2018 Project 13 (W. Broad Street and W. Hancock Avenue Roundabout)
• Proposed project concepts for TSPLOST 2023 Project 26 (W. Broad & Hancock Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements Program)
• TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 Program Revenue Reports
• TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 Program Expenditure Reports

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The committee will take action on two SPLOST 2020 projects and review monthly project and expenditure reports. The meeting includes updates on the 2005, 2011, and 2020 SPLOST programs.

• Action on SPLOST 2020 Project 11, Sub-Project #12: Fire Station #8
• Action on SPLOST 2020 Project 11, Sub-Project #13: Dudley Park
• Review of SPLOST 2020 Revenue/Expenditure Reports
• Review of SPLOST 2011 and 2005 Expenditure Reports
• Approval of April 21, 2025 meeting minutes

Deferred Compensation Board

The Athens-Clarke County Deferred Compensation Board will meet to approve prior minutes, elect a new employee representative, review quarterly investment performance with Corebridge Financial, and discuss updates to board roles, term lengths, and plan documents. The board will also hear updates on budget proposals and a resolution authorization.

• Elect Erik Ellison (Police) as DC Board Employee Representative for a 2-year term
• Review quarterly fund performance and plan charges with Corebridge Financial
• Discuss proposed update to term length for DC Board Employee Representatives
• Update Corebridge Resolution Authorizing Individuals (RAI)
• Review DC Board budget proposal

The Deferred Compensation Board approved the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting. It modified the 457(b) plan to allow cash‑outs for terminated participants with balances of $7,000 or less and later expanded that rule to apply to the aggregate value of all employee plans. The board also amended the ordinance to extend elected member terms from two to three years with a two‑term limit, and approved a $15,000 FY27 budget for fiduciary training and travel.

• Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved cash‑out rule for terminated participants with 457(b) balances ≤ $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved cash‑out rule to apply to aggregate plan value (unanimous)
• Amended ordinance to extend elected member terms to three years with a two‑term limit (unanimous)
• Approved $15,000 FY27 budget for DC Board fiduciary training and travel (unanimous)
• Moved discussion of board roles and responsibilities to November 12, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Authorized signatures for Resolution Authorizing Individuals to Act on Behalf of Plan (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:16 a.m. (unanimous)

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will review a request for a variance to waive a development limitation for a property at 150 Freeman Drive. The petitioner, Angela E. Pope, seeks to proceed without adhering to a specific development activity restriction under section 8-7-18(i).

• VAR-2025-07-1353: Variance request for 150 Freeman Drive
• Zoning C-G, Tax Parcel 162C 001
• Proposed use remains undeveloped

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will discuss draft pedestrian safety improvements for the West Broad & Hancock neighborhoods at a work session. No final decisions will be made; the meeting is informational only. Staff will present project concepts, historical studies, and crash data to guide future planning.

• West Broad & Hancock Neighborhood Pedestrian Improvements Program – $1,470,000 proposed budget
• SPLOST Process Overview presentation
• Affordable Housing Update
• STR Ordinance Updates

The commission approved the motion to adjourn the meeting. No substantive decisions or votes on agenda items were taken.

• Approved motion to adjourn (result: Approved)

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will meet to approve new members and review updates on public art projects, including mural selections and community events. The commission will also discuss recommendations for the West Broad Roundabout and receive a master plan update.

• New members approved at August M&C meeting
• Costa Building mural selection part 2 on August 14, 6-8pm
• Community Center (Lay & Heard Park) mural calls out until Sept 19
• West Broad Roundabout recommendation needed
• Master plan update by Todd Bressi

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will discuss the status and activity of audit workplans and follow-ups for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The meeting includes an update from the Internal Auditor.

• Review and approval of June 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• FY25 Audit Workplan status and activity
• FY26 Audit Workplan status and activity
• Internal Auditor's update

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. It also voted unanimously to cancel the scheduled September meeting. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous motion. The next audit committee meeting is set for October 2, 2025.

• Approved June 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled September meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee is meeting to discuss potential updates to the existing noise ordinance. The discussion focuses on non-agricultural sounds in the Agricultural Residential zone and amplified noise in the Commercial Downtown district.

• Review of noise ordinance updates for Agricultural Residential zone and Commercial Downtown district

The Legislative Review Committee approved the May 1, 2025 minutes and unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. It then asked staff to develop a draft text amendment to the noise ordinance and to provide several reports, including penalty overviews, citation guidance, top complaint locations, and single‑family noise complaint data. The committee also noted that public comment on the amendment will be required at future agenda‑setting and voting sessions.

• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)
• Requested staff to prepare a draft amendment to the noise ordinance
• Requested staff to provide an overview of penalties for noise violations
• Requested guidance on the maximum penalty allowed under State law
• Requested guidance on citing event promoters versus property owners
• Requested an updated chart of the top 10 noise‑complaint locations in Athens‑Clarke County
• Requested data on noise complaints from single‑family zoned properties near the Fairgrounds

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider updates to the Future Land Use Map and discuss potential amendments to the Code of Ordinances regarding short-term rentals. The body will also review several zoning requests and special use permits.

• Rezoning request from RM-1 to RM-2 (PD) for 1030, 1040, & 1060 Macon Hwy and 100-150 Puritan Ln
• Planned Development Amendment for 585 Vine Street 1-5
• Special Use Permit request for 480 S. Milledge Avenue
• Alternative Compliance request for retaining wall height at 530 N. Hull Street
• Review and approval of the Future Land Use Map update

The commission denied the Macon Highway Village master‑planned development (7‑0). It approved the 585 Vine Street planned‑development amendment (7‑0) and the alternative‑compliance request for 530 N. Hull Street with conditions (7‑0). It also tabled the 480 S. Milledge Avenue special‑use permit for up to three months (7‑0) and approved the Future Land Use Map update and related documents (7‑0). All votes were unanimous.

• Denied Macon Highway Village master‑planned development (7‑0)
• Approved 585 Vine Street planned‑development amendment (7‑0)
• Tabled 480 S. Milledge Avenue special‑use permit for up to three months (7‑0)
• Approved alternative‑compliance request for 530 N. Hull Street with conditions (7‑0)
• Approved Future Land Use Map update, category text descriptions, and compatibility matrix (7‑0)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will meet to discuss the ARPA Workforce Development and Small Business Grant Program. The body will also receive updates on the Turntable Revolving Loan Fund and a treasurer's report.

• JDA ARPA Workforce Development, Small Business Grant Program
• Turntable Revolving Loan Fund repayment update
• FABT new checking account for grant program
• RUSHTON Audit

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 28 special meeting. Directors voted to authorize Myung Cogan to open and advertise the ARPA Workforce Development Small Business Grant program. Chairman Cascio signed the agreement for the required annual audit of JDA records. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved May 28 minutes (5-0)
• Authorized opening of ARPA grant applications (5-0)
• Executed annual audit agreement (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board reviewed income and expenses and the Executive Director's report. The board voted to purchase a DDP advertisement in Flagpole.

• Approval of Treasurer's report on income and expenses
• Purchase of a DDP ad in Flagpole
• Approval of Executive Director's report

The board approved the Treasurer's financial report with a unanimous vote. It also approved a $237.50 flag‑pole advertisement at the discounted nonprofit rate, again unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Approved $237.50 Flag Pole ad (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Pension Board

The Athens-Clarke County Pension Board will meet to adopt the FY26 Pension Fund Budget and elect a Vice Chair. The board will also review investment activity through June 30, 2025, and discuss updated pension projections and plan design.

• Adoption of FY26 Pension Fund Budget
• Election of Pension Board Vice Chair
• Review of PFM Asset Management investment activity through June 30, 2025
• Annual review of the Board’s Code of Ethics
• Review of plan participant census and retiree/beneficiary monthly amounts

The pension board approved the FY26 Pension Fund Budget with a unanimous vote. It also elected Jason Pierce as Vice Chair and changed the 2026 staff appreciation meeting date from May 6 to May 20, also unanimously. The board approved the prior meeting minutes, authorized an election for the retiree representative, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved FY26 Pension Fund Budget (unanimous)
• Elected Jason Pierce as Vice Chair for FY26 (unanimous)
• Approved May 6, 2026 Staff Appreciation Day meeting date change to May 20, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved May 21, 2025 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized election for vacant Retiree Representative position (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will vote on several rezoning requests for residential and industrial uses. The body is also considering budget amendments for general fund deficits and grant applications for roadway safety.

• Rezoning of 231 Collins Industrial Boulevard to Heavy Manufacturing
• Rezoning of 200 & 205 Rockwood Boulevard to Residential Multi-Family
• Budget amendment for $253,000 GDOT grant for guardrail repair
• Proposed on-street parking permits for O’Farrell Street
• Special use requests for commercial short-term rentals at 159 Marlin Street and 101 Woodlake Drive

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission approved the minutes from prior meetings and, by a consent motion, adopted eleven budget and policy items. Actions included accepting a potential $150,000 GEFA energy grant, creating a residential parking permit zone on O’Farrell Street, funding university traffic‑control reimbursements, setting the associate probate judge salary at 90% of the judge’s salary, adding a full‑time juvenile court staff attorney with $112,919 in funding, and authorizing major water‑treatment projects and a biosolids contract. The consent motion passed with nine affirmative votes.

• Consent to 11 items passed (9 YES votes)
• Approved $150,000 Georgia Energy Grant for Sustainability Department (if awarded)
• Approved O’Farrell Street residential parking permit controlled area
• Approved $21,645 UGA traffic‑control reimbursement for FY2025
• Approved up to $35,000 UGA traffic‑control reimbursement for FY2026
• Approved associate probate judge salary at 90% of judge’s salary
• Approved $59,119 staff attorney position and $53,800 juvenile court services ($112,919 total)
• Approved $480,000 sludge collection basin rebuild at water‑treatment plant

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee is meeting to review a previous presentation made to the Mayor and Commission. The committee will discuss and potentially vote on the process for finalizing the 100% budget list and review specific projects.

• Review of July 15 presentation to the Mayor & Commission
• Possible vote on how to proceed toward the 100% budget list
• Discussion of projects

Arena District Steering Committee

The Arena District Steering Committee will meet to review and discuss submittals for the Development Facilitator Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The body will also approve the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Review of submittals for Arena District Development Facilitator RFQ

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission will discuss revisions to the AiMC Plan with Toole and Daniel Sizemore. Members will also receive updates on the Safe Streets for All roadway safety survey and TSPLOST 2026.

• AiMC Plan Revision discussion with Toole
• Safe Streets for All Roadway Safety Improvements Survey outreach
• TSPLOST 2026 general updates
• June Monthly Crash Report
• Bike rack installation and survey updates

The Athens in Motion Commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the June meeting minutes. No public comments were received. The commission then voted to adjourn the session. The next meeting is scheduled for August 26 at 4:00 pm.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• June minutes approved unanimously
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority will meet to review financial and operations reports and capital improvement project updates. The body will also discuss the Lexington Corridor and strategic plan updates.

• Lexington Corridor update
• Capital Improvement Project updates
• Strategic Plan updates
• June meeting minutes approval

The Airport Authority approved the meeting minutes with one correction after a motion by Elizabeth Higgins and a second by Keith Sanders. The Authority also approved interim committee assignments for Business/Finance, Operating, and Air Service Development committees by unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting minutes with one correction (motion by Higgins, seconded by Sanders)
• Approved interim committee assignments (unanimous vote; motion by Sanders, seconded by Wilson)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote; motion by Sanders, seconded by Higgins)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission is holding a working session to address administrative updates and planning. The body will review its by-laws, establish a work plan, and assign subcommittees.

• Review of commission by-laws
• Development of a work plan
• Subcommittee assignments
• Vote on HRC meeting break
• Healthcare education session

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission is meeting for a training session on project review processes and design guidelines. No business items will be conducted and no decisions will be made during this meeting.

• Training on Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) project review process
• Discussion on precedent, guidelines, and standards
• Explanation of non-contributing status
• Review of considerations for updating design guidelines

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will consider approving a contract with the Clarke County School District for the 2025-2026 School Resource Officer program. The body will also address the appointment of temporary acting clerks and a recommendation for a manager.

• Approval of ACCPD School Resource Officer contract for 2025-2026 academic year totaling $470,000
• Appointment of Temporary Acting Clerks of Commission
• Recommendation from Mayor Girtz for appointment of Manager
• Executive session for real estate acquisition/disposal and personnel matters
• TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee update on a potential $89.6 million project list

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission approved a series of items, including a budget amendment to address FY 25 General Fund deficits, a contract for the Sandy Creek Nature Center exhibit, and several rezoning and special‑use requests. All approvals were adopted without a recorded vote. The meeting was adjourned after the motion was approved.

• Approved FY25 General Fund budget amendment to cover deficits (item 4)
• Approved SPLOST 2020 Project 15 Sandy Creek Nature Center Exhibit design contract (item 2)
• Approved O’Farrell Street designation as on‑street parking permit controlled street (item 5)
• Approved rezoning of 200 & 205 Rockwood Boulevard to RM‑1 for residential multi‑family (item 12)
• Approved rezoning of 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive to RM‑2 for residential multi‑family (item 13)
• Approved special‑use permit for short‑term rental at 159 Marlin Street (item 17)
• Approved amendment to demolition review procedures in the Code of Ordinances (item 19)
• Approved lease agreement authorization for Capital Projects Department (item 20)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County is holding a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into an executive session to discuss personnel matters and real estate acquisition or disposal.

• Executive session regarding real estate acquisition and/or disposal
• Executive session regarding personnel matters

Commissioner Fisher moved to enter executive session and adjourn, and Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned at 5:08 p.m.

• Entered executive session and adjourned (unanimous vote)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will meet to discuss the School Resource Officer program contract with the Clarke County School District. The body will also consider the appointment of temporary acting clerks and a manager recommendation from Mayor Girtz.

• School Resource Officer (SRO) program contract with Clarke County School District for 2025-2026
• Appointment of Temporary Acting Clerks of Commission
• Mayor Girtz's recommendation for appointment of Manager

The commission unanimously approved the Sanford Stadium Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Improvement Project Phase II and allocated $15,360,000 from the Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund. It also approved the ACCPD School Resource Officer contract for 2025‑2026 and appointed three temporary Acting Clerks. A roll‑call vote confirmed Robert S. Cowell, Jr. as Manager (8‑1‑1). All other motions passed unanimously.

• Amended agenda to consider Sanford Stadium Sewer Project – Phase II (unanimous)
• Approved ACCPD School Resource Officer contract for 2025‑2026 (unanimous)
• Suspended Rules of Commission for new business consideration (unanimous)
• Appointed three Temporary Acting Clerks of Commission (unanimous)
• Authorized $15,360,000 appropriation for Sanford Stadium Sewer Project and adopted ordinance #25-07-70 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Robert S. Cowell, Jr. as Manager (8 YES, 1 NO, 1 Abstain)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will discuss current funded projects and ACCGov updates. The body is also reviewing its by-laws and meeting schedule.

• Discussion with Georgia Power regarding the TAD area
• Review of June 2023 by-laws revised in June 2025
• Summary of TAD requests and funded projects
• Visioning session for the TAD area
• Discussion on adding a Public Meeting statement to the agenda format

The advisory committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. By‑laws and agenda format were postponed pending attorney review. The committee set the monthly meeting schedule for August through December on the third Monday of each month. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Postponed by‑laws and agenda format pending attorney input
• Scheduled monthly meetings for Aug 18, Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15 on third Monday
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The committee is meeting to establish its leadership and operational structure. Members will select a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary and review the committee's by-laws. The group will also discuss public infrastructure improvements.

• Selection of committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Review of June 2023 by-laws (revised June 2025)
• Discussion of public infrastructure improvements involving ACCGov Public Utilities, ACCGov Transportation & Public Works, and Historic Athens

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved its agenda and the minutes from prior meetings. Members voted to appoint Rashe Malcolm as Chair, Taylor Pass as Vice Chair, and Fred Smith as Secretary. The committee also set its meeting schedule for the remainder of 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Rashe Malcolm as Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Taylor Pass as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Appointed Fred Smith as Secretary (unanimous)
• Set meeting schedule: Aug 21, then third Tuesday of each month (Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The commission is discussing the status of several public art installations and upcoming community events. The meeting includes updates on completed murals and the selection process for new art projects.

• Completion of 'Georgia Flora' mural on the Greenway Loop by Amanda Burk
• Installation of Athens Music Walk of Fame inductees downtown
• Selection process for the Costa Building mural
• Upcoming mural call for the Community Center at Lay & Heard Park
• Poetry for the People event scheduled for August 23 at Dudley Park

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission voted to approve the March meeting minutes, with all members in favor. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Approved March minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a worksession to review the Steering Committee's work on Future Land Use categories and mapping. The body will discuss proposed changes before a final vote scheduled for August 7, 2025.

• Review of Future Land Use Categories
• Review of mapping for final proposed changes
• Public and Steering Committee comments on land use mapping

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will review a variance request for a coffee shop located at 359 W Hancock Ave. The petitioner seeks to use a ground sign as a wall sign and apply wall sign placement specifications.

• Variance request VAR-2025-04-0712 for 359 W Hancock Ave
• Request to allow ground sign to be used as a wall sign (Sec. 7-4-18-c)
• Request to use wall sign placement specifications for a ground sign (Sec. 7-4-18-c)

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission is meeting to consider several rezoning requests and special use permits. The body will also review a planned development amendment and MACORTS items.

• Rezone 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive from RM-1 to RM-2
• Rezone 0 Old Elberton Road from Rural to Employment Center and AR to E-I
• Rezone 231 Collins Industrial Boulevard from E-I to I
• Planned Development Amendment for 355 Oneta Street
• Special Use Permits for 159 Marlin Street and 101 Woodlake Drive

The commission voted 6‑1 to recommend approval of the rezoning from RM‑1 to RM‑2 for 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive. It also approved the rezoning of 231 Collins Industrial Boulevard to industrial use with conditions (5‑2), the Planned Development amendment for 355 OneTA Street (unanimous), and the rezoning of 360 Hawthorne Extension to RM‑2 (unanimous). The minutes and staff reports were adopted unanimously. No vote was taken on the Old Elberton Road rezoning or the special‑use permit for 159 Marlin Street.

• Approved rezoning of 180 & 190 Pinecrest Drive to RM‑2 (6‑1)
• Approved rezoning of 231 Collins Industrial Blvd to I with conditions (5‑2)
• Approved Planned Development amendment for 355 OneTA Street (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 360 Hawthorne Extension to RM‑2 (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Introduced staff reports and documents into the official record (unanimous)

TAD Advisory Committee - Mall Area

The Mall Area and Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District Advisory Committees are holding a combined meeting. The body will select a Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, and review summaries of TAD fund accounts and funded projects.

• Selection of Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Review of TAD Funds Accounts
• Summary of TAD requests and funded projects
• Discussion of Mall development project
• Review of studies and developer projects along Newton Bridge Road corridor

Both TAD advisory committees unanimously approved their leadership appointments. Susan Bogardus was named Chair and Caitlin May Vice Chair of the Mall Area committee, while Daniel Epting became Chair and Mike Leggett Vice Chair of the Newton Bridge Road committee. Both committees also agreed to defer Secretary duties to staff member Daniel Young.

• Mall Area TAD Committee elected Susan Bogardus as Chair (unanimous)
• Mall Area TAD Committee elected Caitlin May as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Mall Area TAD Committee deferred Secretary responsibilities to Daniel Young (unanimous)
• Newton Bridge Road TAD Committee elected Daniel Epting as Chair (unanimous)
• Newton Bridge Road TAD Committee elected Mike Leggett as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Newton Bridge Road TAD Committee deferred Secretary responsibilities to Daniel Young (unanimous)
• Agenda approved unanimously for both committees
• Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously for both committees

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission will review the timeline for the AiMC Plan revision and receive updates on TSPLOST 2026. Staff will provide reports on park planning, transit, and Vision Zero, including the May monthly crash report.

• AiMC Plan Revision timeline work session
• TSPLOST 2026 general updates
• May Monthly Crash Report
• Safe Streets for All Plan updates
• Bike rack installation and survey updates

The Athens in Motion Commission approved the meeting agenda, the March minutes and the May minutes, each by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn was moved, seconded, and approved, ending the meeting at 5:40 pm. No other actions were taken.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• March meeting minutes approved unanimously
• May meeting minutes approved unanimously
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Mall Area and Newton Bridge Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committees are holding a combined meeting. The body will select a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary and identify specific goals for the TADs. Staff will provide summaries of fund accounts and community-identified priority lists.

• Selection of Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Review of TAD funds accounts and funded projects
• Discussion of community outreach and TAD goals
• Update on studies and developer projects along Newton Bridge Road corridor
• Update on Mall development project

The Mall Area TAD Committee elected Susan Bogardus as chair and Caitlin May as vice chair. The Newton Bridge Road TAD Committee elected Daniel Epting as chair and Mike Leggett as vice chair. Both committees also deferred secretary duties to staff and approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes unanimously.

• Agenda approved unanimously (Mall Area and Newton Bridge Road)
• Prior meeting minutes approved unanimously (Mall Area Dec 10, 2024; Newton Bridge May 19, 2025)
• Susan Bogardus elected Mall Area chair (unanimous)
• Caitlin May elected Mall Area vice chair (unanimous)
• Daniel Epting elected Newton Bridge Road chair (unanimous)
• Mike Leggett elected Newton Bridge Road vice chair (unanimous)
• Secretary responsibilities deferred to staff (Daniel Young) for both committees
• Both committees adjourned unanimously

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority will meet to review financial and operations reports and capital improvement project updates. The body will discuss FAA Grant Assurances and provide an update on the Lexington Corridor.

• FAA Grant Assurances (Obligations)
• Lexington Corridor update
• Capital Improvement Project updates
• Financial & Operations Report

The Authority voted to approve the May 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other formal actions were taken during the session.

• Approved May 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will review Round 5 voting results and set a results threshold. The body aims to complete final voting rounds to finalize a potential project list for recommendation to the Mayor and Commission.

• Review and discussion of Round 5 voting results
• Vote on setting the Round 5 voting sheet results threshold
• Final voting to complete the 150% Potential Project List

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The commission will review reports on landfill status and recycling facilities. Members will discuss upcoming AAH cleanup dates and a public relations campaign regarding battery safety.

• AAH cleanup dates: June 28, September 13, and November 6, 2025
• “Batteries Go Boom” PR campaign
• Nomination to replace Joe Dunlop, ACCSW representative
• Reports on Recycling/Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF)/TRS
• Landfill status report

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing requests for new construction and demolition within the Milledge Ave. Historic District. The body will also conduct officer elections and receive committee reports.

• New construction of townhomes at 997 S. Milledge Ave.
• Conceptual review for demolition and new construction of a building at 480 S. Milledge Ave.
• Nomination and election of officers
• Strategic plan update
• Reports from the Designation and Education committees

The commission approved the new construction of townhomes at 997 S. Milledge Ave with conditions, passing 4‑1. It unanimously adopted staff report introductions, agenda order changes, and several minutes. Officers were elected, naming Worth VanLinden as Chair and Bobbie Epting as Vice Chair. The conceptual design review for 480 S. Milledge Ave was allowed to proceed with comments only, passing 4‑0.

• Introduced staff reports and documents into record – approved 5:0
• Changed agenda order to place nominations before old business – approved 5:0
• Adopted minutes from 5/21/25 agenda review – approved 5:0
• Adopted minutes from 5/21/25 meeting with wording change – approved 5:0
• Elected Worth VanLinden as Chair and Bobbie Epting as Vice Chair – approved 5:0
• Approved new townhome construction at 997 S. Milledge Ave with conditions – passed 4:1
• Excused Chair VanLinden and appointed Epting as Chair for remainder – approved 5:0
• Allowed conceptual design review for 480 S. Milledge Ave with comments only – passed 4:0

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will meet to review recent tabling events and plan for an upcoming retreat. The body will also discuss marketing for a healthcare session.

• Juneteenth Tabling
• June Tabling Review
• July HRC Retreat
• Healthcare Session Marketing

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will meet for a special session to discuss personnel and consider an ordinance to levy taxes for the Clarke County Board of Education for 2025.

• Ordinance to levy ad valorem taxes for school maintenance and operation at a rate of 18.80 mills
• Discussion of personnel

Commissioners voted unanimously to suspend the Rules of Commission to consider one new business item. A motion was made to adopt Ordinance #25-06-68 to levy and assess taxes for the Clarke County School District for 2025, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote at 7:03 p.m.

• Suspend Rules of Commission for new business item – passed unanimously
• Adjourn meeting – passed unanimously

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will meet for a special called session to enter an executive session. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss personnel matters.

• Executive session for personnel matters pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)

The commission held a special session to discuss confidential personnel matters and real estate acquisition/disposal. Commissioners Link and Taylor moved to enter executive session and adjourn, and the motion passed unanimously. No other decisions were made.

• Entered executive session and adjourned (unanimous vote)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will review the numerical results of Round 4 voting. The body is scheduled to vote on setting a results threshold and discuss the outcomes to further refine the recommended potential project list.

• Review of Round 4 Voting Results Numbers
• Vote on setting Round 4 Voting Sheet Results Threshold

The committee unanimously approved the June 9, 2025 minutes. It moved four projects with nine votes and one project with eight votes forward to the final recommended list. A motion to conduct Round Five voting live failed in a 5‑5 vote. A later motion to remove projects with two votes and Project 26 passed 8‑2, eliminating three projects from consideration.

• Approved June 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Moved projects with nine votes to final list (unanimous) – added four projects
• Moved project with eight votes to final list (unanimous) – added one project
• Motion to complete Round Five voting live failed 5‑5 (did not pass)
• Motion to remove projects with two votes failed 5‑5 (did not pass)
• Motion to remove projects with two votes and Project 26 passed 8‑2 – removed three projects

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County will meet for a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Executive session for personnel matters pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)

The commission voted to enter an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters. Commissioner Fisher moved, and Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Motion to enter executive session approved unanimously

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will consider three requests for variances to existing zoning and land use regulations. These requests involve accessory structure sizes, setbacks, and land disturbance limits.

• Request to increase accessory structure size from 800 to 1,200 square feet at 346 Atlanta Avenue
• Request to increase maximum disturbed area from 25 to 32.9 acres at 655 Tallassee Rd
• Request for reduced setback for an accessory structure at 850 Boulevard
• Request to increase accessory structure height from 12 to 14 feet at 850 Boulevard

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will conduct the third public hearing for the proposed FY26 budget. The body will also consider adopting the FY26 operating and capital budgets, setting 2025 property tax rates, and approving a schedule of fees.

• Rezoning of 120.5 acres at 610, 720, 730, and 760 Newton Bridge Road from Industrial to Mixed-Density Residential
• Adoption of FY26 Operating and Capital Budgets and 2025 property tax rates
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Athens Downtown Development Authority for Jackson Street surface parking lots
• Proposed project concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 09 Mobile Medical Services Facility
• Appointment of the Municipal Court Judge

The Athens‑Clarke County Commission adopted an ordinance changing the future land‑use designation of about 120.5 acres at 610‑760 Newton Bridge Road from “Employment Center & Rural” to “Mixed‑Density Residential.” The commission also approved the appointment of Judd T. Drake as the authorized representative for the Classic Center Arena Series 2021‑2023 bonds, accepted the resignation of Clerk Gloria Jean Spratlin, and confirmed Stephanie Thompson as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer.

• Reversed order of old and new business (passed with 7 votes in favor)
• Suspended rules to consider three new business items (unanimous vote)
• Approved appointment of Judd T. Drake as authorized representative for Series 2021‑2023 Classic Center Arena bonds (unanimous vote)
• Accepted resignation of Clerk of Commission Gloria Jean Spratlin effective June 30, 2025 (9‑1 vote)
• Approved nomination of Stephanie Thompson as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer (unanimous vote)
• Adopted ordinance amending future land‑use map, rezoning 120.5 acres on Newton Bridge Road to mixed‑density residential (unanimous vote)

TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

The Lexington Road Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will review SPLOST and TSPLOST capital projects within the district. The committee will also discuss community outreach strategies and the status of the Community-Identified Priority List.

• Review of SPLOST and TSPLOST capital projects in the TAD
• Discussion on community outreach opportunities for Daniel Young
• Status update on the Community-Identified Priority List
• Review of committee Bylaws

Arena District Steering Committee

The Arena District Steering Committee will meet to approve the agenda and previous minutes. The body is scheduled to review and approve a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and discuss funding for a specific role.

• Review and approval of RFQ
• Discussion of funding for a role

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. It then approved the revised Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with all amendments, including removal of language allowing the facilitator to serve as master developer. The members also unanimously agreed that the full committee will review and score RFQ submissions and voted to strike two job‑description bullet points and a sentence about serving as master developer. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• June 4 minutes approved unanimously
• Revised RFQ with amendments approved unanimously
• Full committee will review and score RFQ submissions (unanimous)
• Motion to strike two job‑description bullet points carried unanimously
• Motion to strike sentence about serving as master developer carried unanimously
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The commission will review a Master Plan presentation by Todd Bressi. Members will also receive updates on local mural projects and upcoming community events.

• Master Plan Update presentation by Todd Bressi
• Greenway Loop mural installation update
• Costa Building mural call closing June 27
• Poetry for the People event at Dudley Park on July 12
• AthFest outreach table planned for June 20

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will review the results of Round 3 voting for the 2026 transportation projects. The body will vote on a results threshold and discuss whether to conduct Round 4 voting during the meeting.

• Review of Round 3 voting results
• Vote on setting Round 3 voting sheet results threshold
• Discussion on conducting Round 4 voting during the meeting

The TSAC approved the revised minutes from the June 9 meeting unanimously. It moved three projects with 12‑11‑10 votes, two projects with nine votes, and two projects with eight votes onto the final recommended Potential Projects list. The committee also approved completing the next voting round with the current list and agreed to adjourn and vote from home the following week.

• Approved revised minutes from June 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Added three projects (12‑11‑10 votes) to final recommended list (unanimous)
• Added two projects (nine votes) to final recommended list (unanimous)
• Added two projects (eight votes) to final recommended list (8‑2)
• Approved completing next round of voting with current list (unanimous)
• Approved adjourning and voting from home next week (9‑1)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will review the status of FY25 audits, follow-ups, and special projects. The body will also discuss the FY26 Audit Workplan and receive an update from the Internal Auditor.

• Review and approval of April 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• FY25 Audit Workplan status and activity
• FY26 Audit Workplan discussion
• Internal Auditor's update

The committee approved the minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting unanimously. A motion was made to approve the Transit Department periodic audit and place it on the August Mayor & Commission agenda, though the vote outcome was not recorded. The committee noted that the City Commission had previously approved the FY26 audit workplan, which includes an investigative audit of organizational structure and a follow‑up audit of the Public Utilities Water Business Office. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to approve Transit Department periodic audit and add to August agenda (outcome not recorded)
• Reported Commission unanimous approval of FY26 audit workplan
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will conduct the second required public hearing on the proposed FY26 budget. This session is held in accordance with the Georgia General Assembly's 1999 Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

• Public hearing #2 on proposed FY26 budget

The special called session held a public hearing #2 on the FY26 budget as required by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Four members of the public gave comments supporting various budget items. Commissioners Link and Taylor moved to adjourn the session; the minutes do not record a vote or adoption. The session ended at 6:17 p.m.

• Motion to adjourn the Special Called Session (outcome not recorded)

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission will consider three land-use requests for properties on Rockwood Boulevard and Jefferson Road. The body will also discuss a text amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding demolition review procedures.

• Rezone request for 200 & 205 Rockwood Boulevard from C-N* to RM-1
• Preliminary Planned Development request for 5090 Old Jefferson Road from RS-8 to RM-2 (PD)
• Preliminary Planned Development request for 2415 Jefferson Road from C-G to C-G (PD)
• Proposed amendment to Sec. 9-4-15 (C) of the Code of Ordinances regarding demolition review

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the Rockwood Boulevard rezoning request with specific development conditions. A text amendment to the demolition review procedures was also recommended for approval unanimously. The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes and the introductory staff reports.

• Recommend approval of Rockwood Blvd rezoning with conditions (5-1)
• Recommend approval of demolition review text amendment (unanimous)
• Approve introductory staff reports (unanimous)
• Approve May 1, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes (unanimous)

Arena District Steering Committee

The committee will review an updated detailed pro forma and receive updates on the parking deck. Members will also discuss the search for a development facilitator, including the RFPQ document and timeline.

• Review of updated, detailed pro forma
• Update on parking deck
• Review of RFPQ document and timeline for development facilitator search
• Discussion of Review Subcommittee for facilitator search

The steering committee approved its agenda and the draft minutes from April 30, 2025 without dissent. Commissioners Wright and Culpepper moved to accept the FY26 pro forma and require future pro formas to include current and prior fiscal year actuals each quarter, which passed unanimously. The committee also approved a subcommittee of three members to represent the full committee in scoring development‑facilitator proposals, and then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes from April 30, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted FY26 pro forma and directed quarterly inclusion of current and prior year actuals (unanimous)
• Appointed subcommittee (Jason Leonard, David Bradley, Tres Small) to represent committee in scoring development‑facilitator RFP (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board met to review organizational updates. The board approved the minutes, the treasurer's report on income and expenses, and the Executive Director's report.

• Approval of treasurer's report on income and expenses
• Approval of Executive Director's report
• Updates from Business and Industry, Events, and Outreach/PR committees

TAD Advisory Committee- West Broad/Hawthorne Area

The West Broad/Hawthorne Area Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will provide an update on the Community-Identified Priority List. The committee will also discuss opportunities for Daniel Young to increase TAD awareness through outreach to developers, realtors, and community organizations.

• Update on Community-Identified Priority List for Mayor and Commission
• Discussion on targeted outreach to realtors, developers, neighborhoods, and churches

The advisory committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda. The May 7, 2025 minutes were approved with a modification to section 6.E., receiving four votes in favor and one abstention. The next meeting was scheduled for September 2, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved modified minutes (4-0-1 abstention)
• Scheduled next meeting for Sep 2, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a public hearing on the recommended FY26 budget and consider the issuance of Series 2025 Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds. The body will also review several rezoning requests and ordinances related to short-term rentals and RV occupancy.

• Public hearing on proposed FY26 budget
• Issuance of Series 2025 Water and Sewer Refunding Bonds
• Rezoning of 120.5 acres at 610, 720, 730, and 760 Newton Bridge Road to RM-1 for residential use
• Proposed amendments to Code of Ordinances regarding short-term rentals and RV occupancy
• Funding allocation for College Avenue Parking Deck Repair

The commission suspended rules for all new‑business items and reordered the agenda to address appointments and the water/sewer bond. It adopted a supplemental bond ordinance authorizing $134,060,000 in water and sewer revenue refunding bonds and authorized the mayor and staff to execute the necessary documents. The commission also approved nominations for County Attorney, Internal Auditor, Personnel Hearing Officer, and acting charter officers.

• Suspend rules for all new‑business items (9 YES votes)
• Reorder agenda to include appointments, bond issue, charter nominations, interim manager (9 YES votes)
• Appoint Sarah George as Temporary Acting Deputy Clerk (9 YES votes)
• Approve minutes of May meetings (9 YES votes)
• Reorder agenda to consider water/sewer bond before Taxpayer Bill of Rights hearing (9 YES votes)
• Adopt Supplemental Bond Ordinance authorizing $134,060,000 water and sewer bonds; authorize mayor and staff to execute documents (9 YES votes)
• Approve nominations of County Attorney Judd Drake, Internal Auditor Gavin Hassemer, and Personnel Hearing Officer Bill Berryman (unanimous)
• Approve nominations of Acting Manager Judd Drake and Acting County Attorney John Hawkins (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special session to consider an appeal regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness for 120 West Cloverhurst Avenue. The appeal follows a unanimous decision by the Historic Preservation Commission to deny modifications to a garage construction design.

• Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission decision COA 2025-02-0342
• Public hearing regarding modifications to garage construction at 120 West Cloverhurst Avenue

The commission voted 5‑3 to find the Historic Preservation Commission did not abuse its discretion and to approve and modify its determination for 120 West Cloverhurst Avenue. Commissioners Hamby, Wright, Fisher, Culpepper, and Thornton voted YES; Link, Taylor, and Myers voted NO. A separate motion to adjourn was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

• Motion to uphold Historic Preservation Commission decision and modify determination passed (5‑3)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are meeting for a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter an executive session to discuss the acquisition or disposal of real estate.

• Executive session regarding real estate acquisition and/or disposal

The commission held a special session to discuss real estate matters. A motion to enter executive session was made and passed unanimously. A motion to adjourn the executive session was then made and also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Entered executive session (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned executive session (unanimous vote)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The committee will review voting numbers from Round 2 and decide on a results threshold. Members will discuss these results and consider holding a Round 3 vote during the meeting.

• Vote on setting Round 2 voting sheet results threshold
• Discussion of Round 2 vote results
• Potential vote on Round 3 project selections

The TSLOST Advisory Committee approved the May 19, 2025 minutes unanimously. It removed projects that received low vote totals and advanced three high‑vote projects to the final recommended list. The committee also approved voting from home for the next week.

• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Removed three projects with zero or one vote (7‑2)
• Removed seven projects with two votes (8‑1)
• Removed two projects with three votes (6‑1, 1 abstention)
• Failed to remove Projects #26 and #58 (4‑5) and failed substitute to remove #26 (4‑5)
• Advanced Projects #23, #46, #67 to final recommended list (6‑4)
• Approved voting from home next week (unanimous)

Deferred Compensation Board

The Board will review quarterly fund performance and plan charges provided by Corebridge Financial. Members will discuss plan design and the annual approval of the Investment Policy Statement.

• Investment activity and quarterly fund performance report from Corebridge Financial
• Annual approval of the Investment Policy Statement
• Election results for Community Representative and upcoming Employee Representative election
• Adoption of the FY26 meeting calendar and work plan
• Discussion of a recommendation to develop a DC Board budget

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will hold a special called meeting to review the ARPA Small Business Grant Program. The session includes approval of the agenda and minutes, a staff report, and setting the next regular meeting date.

• ARPA Small Business Grant Program discussion
• Approval of May 7, 2025 meeting minutes

The Joint Development Authority approved its draft agenda and the minutes from the May 7 regular meeting, both unanimously. It also approved the ARPA Small Business Grant Program, adding a requirement that applicants attest to COVID‑19 impact, and directed the program to the city manager for review. The Authority authorized staff to send a letter to the city manager about a funding delay and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved draft agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 7 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA Small Business Grant Program with added COVID‑19 impact language and referral to city manager (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to send letter to city manager regarding grant fund delay (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Human Relations Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Human Relations Commission holds a special called meeting to accept minutes, receive a chairperson’s update, and discuss education sessions and upcoming tabling events. No formal decisions are listed; the agenda is procedural with public comment periods.

The Human Relations Commission accepted the minutes from the previous meeting. It voted to move the chairperson’s update to after old business. The commission approved purchasing outreach banners, t‑shirts and polos for future events. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Moved chairperson’s update to after old business
• Permitted purchase of outreach material, banner and t‑shirts
• Approved order of t‑shirts and polos for all outreach events moving forward

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission will discuss the first round of voting for TSPLOST 2026 projects and receive plan revision updates. Staff will provide reports on park planning, transit, and monthly crash data for March and April.

• TSPLOST 2026 first round of voting results
• March and April Monthly Crash Reports
• Bike rack installation and survey updates
• Corridor reports for Atlanta Highway, Lexington Road, and Prince Avenue

The agenda for the May 27, 2025 Athens in Motion Commission meeting was approved unanimously after a motion and second. No public comments were received. The meeting was then adjourned following a motion to adjourn. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Teresa Friedlander, seconded by Randy Halstead)
• Meeting adjourned (motion by Ed Maioriello, seconded by Gabriella Sandberg)

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority will review financial and operations reports and provide updates on capital improvement projects. The body will also discuss the Lexington Corridor and introduce new members.

• Introduction of new Authority member Sonny Wilson
• Lexington Corridor update
• Financial and Operations Report
• Capital Improvement Project updates
• Business/Finance Fact Sheet distribution update

The Authority unanimously approved the April meeting minutes. New members William Felt and Elizabeth Higgins were appointed to begin service on July 1, 2025, and Sonny Wilson was confirmed to fill the remainder of Jeff Benjamin's term. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved April meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Recognized David Asman's term ending June 30, 2025
• Appointed William Felt as Authority member effective July 1, 2025
• Appointed Elizabeth Higgins as Authority member effective July 1, 2025
• Confirmed Sonny Wilson's appointment to complete Jeff Benjamin's term (effective immediately)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed unanimously)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are meeting to review and discuss the FY26 Budget. The agenda also includes a Special Called Session in Executive Session.

• Commission review and discussion of FY26 Budget
• Special Called Session (Executive Session)

The commission met to discuss the FY26 mayoral budget proposal and gave closing remarks. No votes were taken and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission called a special session on May 22, 2025, but the meeting was cancelled. The stated purpose was to enter executive session to discuss threatened or pending litigation with an attorney.

SPLOST Site Selection Committees

The Athens-Clarke County Judicial Center Site Selection Committee meets to receive an update on the Judicial Center site selection process. Mayor Kelly Girtz provides the update, and the committee discusses the next meeting date.

• Mayor Kelly Girtz provides Judicial Center site selection update

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Commission will review reports on landfill status, recycling, and collections. The meeting includes discussions on a litter and beautification review and a public relations campaign regarding batteries.

• Litter/Beautification Review by Stacee Farrell
• “Batteries Go Boom” PR campaign by Abbie Sawyer
• AAH cleanup reminder for June 7th
• Reports on Recycling/Recovered Materials Processing Facility (RMPF)/TRS
• Landfill status report

Historic Preservation Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission will meet in person to review five Certificates of Appropriateness for property alterations in historic districts. The meeting includes adoption of minutes, committee reports, and public hearings on proposed new construction, additions, garage replacements, and window replacements.

• 1130 Boulevard: New single-family home and detached garage construction
• 1233 Boulevard: Rear addition including heated square footage and rear deck
• 317 Franklin St.: Replace detached garage with smaller new structure
• 232 Satula Ave.: Replace ten windows (five original, five non-original)
• 360 N. Church St.: Rear addition with heated square footage and shed relocation

The Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission approved five Certificate of Appropriateness requests, each with conditions, and each vote was 5-0. The approved projects were at 1130 Boulevard, 1233 Boulevard, 317 Franklin Street, 232 Satula Avenue, and 360 North Church Street. All procedural motions, including adoption of minutes and staff reports, also passed unanimously.

• Approved 1130 Boulevard new house & garage (5-0)
• Approved 1233 Boulevard rear addition (5-0)
• Approved 317 Franklin St detached garage replacement (5-0)
• Approved 232 Satula Ave window replacement (5-0)
• Approved 360 N. Church St rear addition (5-0)

Human Relations Commission

The Athens Human Relations Commission holds a special meeting to accept past minutes, receive a chairperson’s update, and hear public comment on old and new business. The commission will also discuss upcoming summer education sessions and July retreat plans.

• Review of April 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment sessions on old and new business
• Planning for June tabling opportunities
• Summer education session discussion
• July HRC retreat planning

Pension Board

The Athens-Clarke County Pension Board will meet to approve past meeting minutes, review pension investment activity through April 2025, and discuss retirement plan design updates. The board will also adopt its FY26 meeting calendar and work plan, and review its membership composition.

• Review of pension investment activity through April 30, 2025 (PFM Asset Management)
• Annual approval of FY26 Investment Policy Statement with revisions
• Annual review of Board Membership
• Adoption of FY26 Meeting Calendar and Work Plan

The board unanimously approved adding Pomona Capital XI as a private‑equity allocation to the pension fund’s investment portfolio. It also approved the FY26 meeting calendar and the FY26 work plan, which includes an amendment to schedule the annual election of the vice chair on August 6, 2025. Earlier items such as the prior meeting minutes and the addition of the private‑equity fund were approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (Jan 15, Feb 5, Feb 26 2025) – unanimous
• Approved addition of Pomona Capital XI to portfolio – unanimous
• Approved FY26 Meeting Calendar – unanimous
• Approved FY26 Work Plan with amendment to add August 6, 2025 vice‑chair election – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY26 budget. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with funding allocations for energy efficiency grants, parking deck repairs, road projects, and housing initiatives, as well as zoning and land-use decisions.

• Allocate $574,815 for College Avenue Parking Deck repairs
• Approve $1,908,644.48 for Georgia DOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant road projects
• Waive $9,849 in water/wastewater fees for Habitat for Humanity affordable housing projects
• Allocate $1,582,000 for East Side Library energy efficiency upgrades
• Approve rezoning of 120.5 acres on Newton Bridge Road to RM-1 for residential development

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that was approved by the commission. No votes were taken on any agenda items, and no substantive decisions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

• Adjournment motion approved

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to enter executive session for discussion of personnel matters under Georgia state law. No public votes or decisions are scheduled.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to enter executive session for discussion of personnel matters as permitted under Georgia state law. No substantive decisions or votes are scheduled.

The commission entered executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters. A motion to enter executive session and adjourn was made, seconded, and passed by a unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

• Approved motion to enter executive session and adjourn (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to conduct a public hearing. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public input on the proposed FY26 budget.

• Public hearing on proposed FY26 budget

The commission held a public hearing on the proposed FY26 budget but took no budget actions. Commissioner Wright moved to adjourn, Thornton seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

• Adjourned special session (unanimous vote)

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST Oversight Committee will discuss proposed project concepts for transportation improvements on Prince Avenue/Jefferson Road and N. Athens. The body will also review monthly revenue and expenditure reports for the 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST programs.

• Proposed Project Concepts for TSPLOST 2023 Project 05: Prince Avenue/Jefferson Road Corridor Improvements ($8,722,000 budget)
• Proposed Project Concepts for TSPLOST 2023 Project 14: N. Athens Transportation Improvements
• Review of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 Monthly Project Updates
• Review of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 Program Revenue and Expenditure Reports

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will meet to review numerical results from the first round of voting. The committee will vote to set a results threshold and discuss specific project names associated with the votes.

• Review of Round 1 voting results numbers
• Vote on setting Round 1 voting sheet results threshold
• Discussion of Round 1 vote results including project names

The committee unanimously approved the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted 8‑1 to remove projects that received only 0 or 1 votes. A motion to remove projects with 2 votes failed 4‑5. The Milledge Makeover project (project 34) was moved forward to the final recommended list unanimously. A motion to advance all 9‑vote projects except project 19 was rejected 4‑6.

• Approved May 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Removed projects with 0 or 1 votes (8‑1)
• Motion to remove projects with 2 votes not approved (4‑5)
• Moved project 34 Milledge Makeover to final list (unanimous)
• Motion to advance 9‑vote projects except project 19 not approved (4‑6)

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the TAD area and future development. The committee will review a process to streamline access to limited funds and provide updates on corridor projects.

• Consideration of TAD area and future development
• Process to streamline access to limited funds
• Status of Community Identified Priority List and Commission-Defined Options
• ATLAS traffic study and Intersection Control Evaluations (ICE)
• Project updates along the Newton Bridge Road corridor

The Newton Bridge Road TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made. The committee then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Jan 13, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Hearings Board

The Athens-Clarke County Hearings Board will hear five variance requests at its May 14 meeting. Petitioners seek exemptions from zoning rules for residential development, a church expansion, and a downtown coffee shop sign. No decisions are made at this meeting; the board will discuss and potentially rule on each request.

• Spring Valley Holdings requests to waive development activity limitations on undeveloped land at 475 First Street (RS-5 zoning).
• Parkside 2, LLC seeks to increase the maximum number of lots allowed on a dead-end street at 170 International Drive (RM-2 zoning).
• Wildwood Newton, LLC requests to exceed the maximum allowed disturbed area at 1125 Newton Bridge Road (RS-25 zoning).
• Catedral de Fe Ministries asks to waive sidewalk requirements for site improvements at 6425 Jefferson Road (RS-25 zoning).
• 359 W Hancock, LLC seeks variances to allow a ground sign to be used as a wall sign at a coffee shop at 359 W Hancock Avenue (C-D zoning).

The Hearings Board approved variances for 475 First Street, 170 International Drive, 1125 Newton Bridge Road, and 6425 Jefferson Road. It denied the sign variance at 359 West Hancock Avenue and voted to table both sign variances there until the July meeting. All other items were procedural.

• Approved 475 First Street variance (4 yes, 1 abstain)
• Approved 170 International Drive variance (unanimous 6‑0)
• Approved 1125 Newton Bridge Road variance (unanimous 6‑0)
• Approved 6425 Jefferson Road variance (4 yes; R. Martin absent)
• Denied 359 West Hancock Avenue sign variance A (3 yes, 1 no; did not pass)
• Tabled 359 West Hancock variance A until July (4 yes, 1 abstain)
• Tabled 359 West Hancock variance B until July (4 yes, 1 abstain)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission hold a budget review session, meeting individually with constitutional and elected officials including the Tax Commissioner, Sheriff, and judges. This is a working session to discuss the FY26 budget ahead of public hearings and final adoption in June. The agenda also outlines upcoming public hearings and the adoption schedule.

• Meetings with Tax Commissioner JP Lemay, Sheriff John Q. Williams, and several court officials
• Commission review and discussion of the FY26 budget continues after breaks
• FY26 Budget Public Hearing scheduled for May 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
• Three Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBOR) public hearings in early June
• FY26 Budget Adoption and Millage Rate Setting set for June 10, 2025

The commission met on May 13, 2025 to discuss budget requests from elected officials and the FY26 mayor’s proposed budget. No votes were taken and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County will hold a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters.

• Executive session regarding confidential personnel matters

The commission voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters. They then voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.

• Enter executive session – unanimous vote
• Adjourn meeting – unanimous vote

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a work session to discuss several items for future consideration, including a countywide data strategy, proposed corridor improvements on Prince Avenue/Jefferson Road, TSPLOST 2023 project 14 in North Athens, a Leisure Services Master Plan, youth facility partnerships, the Center for Racial Justice & Black Futures, and next steps for North Avenue. No final votes will be taken; the session is informational only.

• Countywide Data Strategy update (FY26-28 work plan for data governance, quality, capacity, use, transparency)
• Prince Avenue/Jefferson Road Corridor Improvements – proposed project concepts
• TSPLOST 2023 Project 14 – North Athens transportation improvements
• Leisure Services Master Plan presentation
• Center for Racial Justice & Black Futures – potential project locations discussion

The May 13, 2025 work session of the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission discussed several items for future consideration, including the County Data Alliance, Prince Avenue Jefferson Road Corridor, TSPLOST Project 14, Leisure Services Master Plan, youth and community enrichment facility partnerships, the Center for Racial Justice & Black Futures, and North Avenue next steps. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled, and no votes were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will vote on a library recommendation and review ongoing projects, including a mural installation at the Greenway Loop and a new call for artists at the Costa Building. The commission will also hear updates on Poetry Month events and a Bishop Park selection. New members Nasrin and Elizabeth will be welcomed.

• Vote on library recommendation
• Greenway Loop mural installation to wrap in June
• Costa Building mural call for artists this week
• Poetry in the Park event scheduled for July 12
• Bishop Park selection complete

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST 2020 Oversight Committee will vote on a proposed project concept to reallocate $1,582,000 for solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades at the East Side Library. The committee will also approve minutes from the April 21 meeting and review monthly reports on SPLOST program finances and project updates.

• Proposed $1,582,000 reallocation for solar and energy efficiency at East Side Library (SPLOST 2020 Project 11, Sub-Project #14)
• Committee action to confirm the proposed project concept is consistent with the Renewable Energy Project's initial statement
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 21, 2025
• Review of SPLOST 2011, 2020, 2005 monthly project updates and expenditure reports
• Next meeting tentatively scheduled for June 16, 2025

Mayor & Commission Meetings

This meeting is dedicated to the FY26 budget overview presented by Mayor Girtz, followed by commission review and discussion. The meeting includes a break and continues with further budget discussion. Upcoming budget meetings and a public hearing are scheduled for May 13, 15, 20, and possibly May 22.

• FY26 Budget Overview by Mayor Kelly Girtz at 5:30 p.m.
• Commission Review and Discussion of Budget (two sessions with break at 7:30 p.m.)

The May 8, 2025 meeting of the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission was held at the Planning Auditorium. Commissioners reviewed the remaining budget public and TBOR hearing calendar and allowed time for questions and comments. No votes were taken and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

TAD Advisory Committee - East Downtown Area

The East Downtown Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will discuss affordable housing strategies and hear presentations on public infrastructure improvements from ACCGov departments and Historic Athens. The meeting also includes welcoming new members and approving previous minutes.

• Discussion of Affordable Housing strategies (Old Business)
• Presentation on Public Infrastructure Improvements by ACCGov Public Utilities Department
• Presentation by ACCGov Transportation & Public Works
• Presentation by Historic Athens
• Welcome of new committee members

The East Downtown TAD Advisory Committee meeting on May 8, 2025 did not have a quorum, so no official business was conducted. The Finance Department reported a projected TAD fund balance of $865,129.39 as of 12/31/24, with $605,590.57 designated for the east side of the North Oconee River and $259,538.82 for the west side. Guest speakers provided updates on public utilities, transportation projects, and historic preservation, but no actions were approved or denied.

TAD Advisory Committee- West Broad/Hawthorne Area

The West Broad/Hawthorne Area TAD Advisory Committee will meet to discuss new business. The committee is scheduled to vote on a Community-Identified Priorities List for the Mayor and Commission to consider.

• Vote on Community-Identified Priorities List

The West Broad/Hawthorne Area TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved its agenda and the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. New member Heidi Davison was welcomed. The committee also unanimously adopted the Community‑Identified Priority List, allocating 50% to public infrastructure, 25% to economic development, 15% to housing, and 10% to youth development. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Welcomed new member Heidi Davison
• Approved Community‑Identified Priority List (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Joint Development Authority of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government & the City of Winterville

The Joint Development Authority will discuss a new ARPA-funded Workforce Development and Small Business Grant Program, hold an executive session on property acquisition, and receive updates on the Turntable Revolving Loan Fund. Routine items include approval of minutes, new member and counsel introductions, and the treasurer's report.

• JDA ARPA Workforce Development, Small Business Grant Program
• Executive Session – Property Acquisition Discussion
• Update on Turntable Revolving Loan Fund repayments
• New Member Introduction: Amanda Mooney
• Treasurer’s Report on FABT / GA Secure Deposit Program

The directors unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the February 5, 2025 meeting. New director Amanda Mooney and new counsel Emily Escoe were introduced. The discussion of the ARPA Workforce Development Small Business Grant Program was tabled and a special meeting was set for May 28, 2025 to finalize it. The board also moved to close the meeting for an executive‑session property‑acquisition discussion and then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Introduced new director Amanda Mooney (informational)
• Introduced new counsel Emily Escoe (informational)
• Tabled ARPA grant program discussion; scheduled special meeting May 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed meeting to public for executive session on property acquisition (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:40 PM (unanimous)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board met on May 7, 2025, and approved the minutes, treasurer's report, and executive director's report. A motion to spend $150 on popsicles was approved unanimously. The board also appointed new board member positions under new business.

• Approved $150 for purchasing popsicles
• Appointed new board member positions
• Approved minutes and treasurer's report

The board approved the March meeting minutes and the Treasurer’s financial report. A $150 request for popsicles for a litter‑pickup event was approved. The “Tired of Trash Tracker” recycling event was approved. The board also approved the upcoming officers, appointing LaDarius Thomas as Chair, Ezra Schley as Vice‑Chair, Catie Floyd as Secretary, and Chico Rozier as Treasurer.

• Approved March minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Treasurer’s report (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved $150 for popsicles for litter‑pickup kids (motion by Michelle, seconded by Nathan)
• Approved Tired of Trash Tracker recycling event (motion by Joseph, seconded by Nathan, all in favor)
• Approved next year’s officer slate: Chair LaDarius Thomas, Vice‑Chair Ezra Schley, Secretary Catie Floyd, Treasurer Chico Rozier (motion by Joseph, seconded by Nathan, all in favor)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will vote on consent agenda items including TSPLOST greenway projects and grant acceptances, hold public hearings on several rezoning and special use requests (with planning commission recommendations), and consider new business such as animal services contingency funding and HVAC repairs.

• Approve TSPLOST 2018 greenway underpass budget amendment adding $153,310 from Georgia Power
• Hearing on 207-acre residential development at 4500 Atlanta Highway (recommended unanimous denial)
• Hearing on commercial parking lot special use at 110 W. Hancock Avenue (recommended denial)
• Hearing on commercial bar special use at 220 College Avenue (recommended approval)
• Hearing on rezoning 1030 Barnett Shoals Road for public library (recommended approval)

The commission unanimously consented to twelve items covering transit, greenway, police, and housing initiatives. It adopted ordinances to add $153,310 from Georgia Power for an Oconee Rivers underpass, up to $400,000 FHWA grant for a greenway trail, and a $1.654 M GDOT grant for airport taxiway rehabilitation, among other actions. It also approved several grant applications and plans, including the FY26 CDBG and HOME action plans and a HUD EDI grant request of up to $721,000. All actions were authorized for the mayor and staff to execute.

• Approved minutes of prior meetings (8 YES votes)
• Adopted ordinance #25-05-37 adding $153,310 Georgia Power funding for Oconee Rivers Greenway underpass
• Adopted ordinance #25-05-38 adding up to $400,000 FHWA grant for North Oconee River Greenway Trail
• Approved police department application for Edward Byrne JAG grant and continuation of four officer positions (ordinance #25-05-39)
• Approved GDOT Airport Taxiway B rehabilitation grant and $267,891.50 work order; designated E.R. Snell Contractor up to $1,987,205.50 (ordinance #25-05-40)
• Approved E911 system replacement funding, selected Motorola Solutions, and revenue transfer from UGA (ordinance #25-05-41)
• Approved FY26 CDBG Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Plan for HUD submission
• Authorized HUD EDI grant application up to $721,000 and adopted ordinance #25-05-42

TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

The Lexington Road Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting to vote on a Community-Identified Priority List and discuss consolidating the TAD Advisory Committee. The committee will also welcome new members and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Vote on Community-Identified Priority List
• Discussion of TAD Advisory Committee Consolidation
• Welcome new committee members
• Approval of March 11, 2025 minutes

The advisory committee voted to allocate all TAD funds to public infrastructure improvements (4‑0‑1 abstain). It also unanimously opposed consolidating the TAD advisory committees. The agenda, minutes, and adjournment were approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Community‑Identified Priority List recommending 100% of funds to public infrastructure (4‑0‑1 abstain)
• Approved motion opposing TAD committee consolidation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSAC will preview a voting spreadsheet for TSPLOST 2026 projects and hold a round-robin discussion on projects. They will also vote on approving minutes from the April 21 meeting. The committee continues preparations for project selection.

• Preview of TSPLOST 2026 voting spreadsheet
• Round-robin project discussion among committee members
• Approval of April 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025

The TSAC approved the minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other actions or votes were taken at this meeting. The committee will conduct its first official round of voting within the next two weeks and will discuss the results at the May 19 meeting.

• Approved April 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee will discuss potential updates to the noise ordinance, focusing on non-agricultural sounds in the Agricultural Residential zone and amplified noise in the Commercial Downtown district. The committee may also consider adopting objective volume measures. The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes and public input on the item.

• Review existing noise ordinance and discuss updates for Agricultural Residential zone (non-agricultural sounds)
• Discuss updates for Commercial Downtown district (amplified noise)
• Possible shift to objective volume measures for noise enforcement
• Approval of March 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public input opportunity on noise ordinance item

The Legislative Review Committee unanimously approved the March 6, 2025 minutes and then adjourned the meeting. Members agreed to defer further discussion of downtown noise concerns to a future meeting. Staff were asked to return with possible revisions to the special‑event permit and to consider noise impacts in agricultural zones. The next meeting is set for June 5, 2025.

• Approved March 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Deferred downtown noise concerns to a future meeting
• Requested staff to prepare revisions to the special‑event permit
• Requested staff to consider noise impacts adjacent to residential areas in agricultural zones

Mayor & Commission Meetings

This is a special called session of the Mayor and Commission solely to enter an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters, as permitted by Georgia law. No other business or public decisions are scheduled.

• Enter into executive session under O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2) for confidential personnel discussion

The commission unanimously approved entering executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters. Afterward, they unanimously approved adjourning the meeting. No other actions were taken.

• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are holding a public hearing to discuss FY26 funding requests from quasi-governmental and other agencies. The total request is $13.2 million, a 7.3% increase from FY25, with $7.7 million from the general fund. Agencies include the Athens Regional Library System, Classic Center Authority, Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender, and others. No votes are scheduled; this is a hearing to review the requests.

• Athens Regional Library System requests $3,507,982 (+8.9%) for staff pay, health benefits, and a water tank for Pinewoods Bibliotheca
• Classic Center Authority requests $3,474,560 (+10.3%) from hotel/motel tax
• Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender requests $2,444,482 (+3.6%) for staff pay and office rent
• Advantage Behavioral Health Systems requests $218,049 (+10%) for rising service costs and wages
• Project Safe requests $40,000 (flat) from the Special Programs Special Revenue Fund for domestic violence legal advocacy

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider multiple items, including two text amendments to the Code of Ordinances regarding short-term rentals and recreation vehicle occupancy, as well as several rezoning, special use, and planned development requests. The meeting will also include approval of previous minutes and a MACORTS review.

• Text amendment to regulate short-term rentals (Sec. 9-15-28)
• Text amendment to regulate recreation vehicle occupancy
• Rezone of 610, 720, 730, & 760 Newton Bridge Road from Employment Center & Rural to Mixed Density Residential
• Special use request at 581 S. Harris Street in C-G district
• Preliminary Planned Development for 1030, 1040, 1060 Macon Hwy & Puritan Lane

The commission approved the rezoning of parcels on Newton Bridge Road to Mixed Density Residential with conditions, passing both the future land use and zoning motions unanimously. It also approved special‑use permits for 581 S. Harris Street (5‑1), 284 Bailey Street (unanimously) and 1580 Barnett Shoals Road (unanimously). The commission adopted a recommendation to improve short‑term‑rental enforcement, passing 4‑3. All other items were noted as comment‑only.

• Approve rezoning of Newton Bridge Road to Mixed Density Residential with conditions (unanimous)
• Approve future land use recommendation for Newton Bridge Road (unanimous)
• Approve special‑use permit for 581 S. Harris Street with variance (5‑1)
• Recommend approval of short‑term‑rental text amendment with staff directives (4‑3)
• Approve special‑use permit for 284 Bailey Street (unanimous)
• Approve special‑use permit for 1580 Barnett Shoals Road (unanimous)

Arena District Steering Committee

The Arena District Steering Committee will approve previous meeting minutes, hear an updated parking plan report from the Classic Center Authority, and finalize the job description for a Development Facilitator role.

• Approval of April 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Updated Parking Plan Report from Classic Center Authority
• Finalize Development Facilitator job description

The steering committee amended the agenda to add Item D for pro forma clarification and approved the April 4, 2025 meeting minutes, both unanimously. It approved the revised Development Facilitator job description with naming and qualification amendments. The committee adopted the August 2024 detailed pro forma format for future quarterly updates and set the next meeting for June 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Amended agenda to add Item D (pro forma clarification) – approved unanimously
• Approved April 4, 2025 meeting minutes – approved unanimously
• Approved Development Facilitator job description with added qualifications – approved unanimously
• Adopted August 2024 detailed pro forma format for quarterly updates – approved unanimously
• Scheduled next meeting for June 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. – set
• Adjourned meeting – approved unanimously

Athens in Motion Commission

The Athens in Motion Commission holds a two-day workshop to review and update the 2018 Athens in Motion Plan, focusing on goals, community engagement, network connectivity, and project prioritization. The workshop includes a walking tour, group bike ride, and a design charrette for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Commissioners will provide input on strategies and criteria for investment.

• Review of 2018 plan goals and evolution for project implementation
• Discussion of community engagement findings and reaching underrepresented groups
• Walking tour to assess multimodal network conditions and investment opportunities
• Mapping priority routes for bicycle and pedestrian network connectivity
• Bikeway design charrette with quick-build and long-term improvement proposals

Athens in Motion Commission

The Athens in Motion Commission is holding a two-day workshop to update goals and strategies for walking and biking in Athens. Commissioners will review community engagement findings, map priority routes, and develop design improvements for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

• Review of 2018 Athens in Motion Plan goals
• Analysis of high-injury network and traffic stress for network updates
• Discussion of project scoring methods and prioritization criteria
• Bikeway Design Charrette for quick-build and long-term improvements
• Walking tour and group bike ride to assess current conditions

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority will review financial and operations reports and provide updates on capital improvement projects. The body will discuss the Lexington Corridor and the selection of a Vice Chair. Members will also review the final version of a Fact Sheet and revisions to Goal 4(1) of the Strategic Plan.

• Selection of Authority Vice Chair
• Lexington Corridor update
• Strategic Plan Goal 4(1) revisions
• Final version and distribution of Fact Sheet

The board unanimously approved the March meeting minutes. Members voted unanimously to confirm Mr. Sanders as Vice Chair through the end of the year. The board approved the list of options for distributing the airport Fact Sheet and chose an inexpensive two‑sided version for large‑scale distribution. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved March minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed Mr. Sanders as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved fact sheet distribution options
• Selected two‑sided inexpensive fact sheet for mass distribution
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee will meet to recommend updates to BAC procedures. The committee will also track several items assigned for future consideration regarding leasing policies, rental ordinances, and employee engagement.

• Recommendation of updates to BAC procedures
• Future review of Community Benefits Agreement portion of Leasing Policy
• Future review of Short Term Rental Ordinance for Georgia State Code compliance
• Future discussion on renter protections and tenant rights education
• Future review of ACC employee engagement and recognition guidelines

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The TSPLOST Oversight Committee will consider confirming that the proposed concept for TSPLOST 2023 Project 10, East Athens Transit Improvements Sub-Project #1, is consistent with the initial project statement. The concept includes installing sheltered transit stops, sidewalks, lighting, and safety improvements at five locations such as Peter Street and Vine Street. The committee will also approve minutes from January and March meetings and review monthly program reports.

• Proposed project concept for East Athens Transit Improvements with $354,000 TSPLOST 2023 funding
• Action to confirm concept consistency with initial project statement for Project 10
• Improvement locations: Peter/Vine, N. Peter/Moreland, Vine/Gressom, Vine/Vine Circle, Vine/1st Street
• Review of TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 monthly project and financial reports
• Next meeting tentatively May 19, 2025

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST Oversight Committee will meet to discuss the proposed project concept for the E911 Phone System Replacement Project. The body will also review monthly project updates and expenditure reports for the 2005, 2011, and 2020 SPLOST programs.

• Proposed project concept for SPLOST 2020 Project 07: E911 Phone System Replacement
• Total revenue of $987,641 for E911 project ($751,660 from SPLOST 2020; $235,981 from University of Georgia)
• Proposed Motorola Solutions contract for E911 system refresh
• Review of SPLOST 2005, 2011, and 2020 expenditure and project reports

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee will hear presentations on two projects: Project #34 (Milledge Makeover) and Project #40 (Pilot Neighborhood Transportation Improvements Program). The committee also plans to review previous discussion, receive a tutorial on the voting system, and consider selection criteria. No votes are scheduled for this meeting.

• Presentation of Project #34: Milledge Makeover by Commissioners Allison Wright and Mike Hamby
• Presentation of Project #40: Pilot Neighborhood Transportation Improvements Program by John Devine
• Approval of minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting
• TSAC voting system tutorial and information session
• Chair's business items including selection criteria refresher

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee voted to approve the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Stephen Wright, seconded by Carl Blount, and passed unanimously. No other TSAC actions or votes were taken at this meeting.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• No TSAP actions or votes taken

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission will receive reports on landfill status, recycling facility, and collections, and discuss a May 3 community cleanup. New business includes a presentation on battery hazards in waste. The committee will also receive updates on long-standing items: a proposed plastic bag and Styrofoam ban ordinance requiring data collection, and referrals from the Mayor and Commission on residential collection zones and environmental justice.

• Presentation on battery dangers in waste by Denise Young
• AAH clean up scheduled for May 3, 2025 (old business)
• Reports: Landfill status, Recycling/Recovered Materials Processing Facility, Collections Division
• Update on proposed ordinance to ban plastic bags and Styrofoam containers (data being collected via DebrisTracker App)
• Referral from Mayor and Commission on residential collection zones and franchise arrangements

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will vote on five Certificate of Appropriateness requests, including full demolition and new construction, modifications to walkways, windows, and porches. A conceptual design review for a new house and garage at 1130 Boulevard is also on the agenda. Additionally, the commission will receive updates on the strategic plan and committee reports.

• 541 Nantahala Ave – request for full demolition and new construction in Boulevard Historic District
• 317 S. Milledge Ave – Delta Zeta Sorority seeks to modify front walkway and awnings
• 180 Woodlawn Ave – window replacement and basement windows in Woodlawn Historic District
• 147 Hall St – modify side porch enclosure in Bloomfield Historic District
• 290 W. Clayton St – modify rear wall and front entry in West Downtown Historic District

The Athens‑Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission approved five project applications, each passing with a 4‑0 vote. Approvals included demolition and new construction at 541 Nantahala Ave, modifications at 317 S. Milledge Ave and 180 Woodlawn Ave, a side‑porch enclosure at 147 Hall St, and rear‑wall and front‑entry changes at 290 W. Clayton St. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved demolition & new construction at 541 Nantahala Ave with conditions (4-0)
• Approved awning and front walkway changes at 317 S. Milledge Ave as submitted (4-0)
• Approved window replacement project at 180 Woodlawn Ave with conditions (4-0)
• Approved side‑porch enclosure modification at 147 Hall St (4-0)
• Approved rear‑wall and front‑entry modification at 290 W. Clayton St (4-0)

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will meet to vote on its bylaws and review a recommendation for a Juneteenth event coordinator. The body will also discuss educational sessions and upcoming event tabling.

• Bylaws vote
• Review of PBD Juneteenth Event Coordinator recommendation
• Educational Session update
• Summer Education Session discussion
• Upcoming Event Tabling

The Human Relations Commission accepted the minutes from the previous meeting. It voted to move forward with the Menstrual & Diaper Project proposal. It also voted to amend the agenda to review the commission bylaws. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Approved moving forward with Menstrual & Diaper Project proposal
• Amended agenda to review bylaws

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are holding a special called session to consider a first amendment to the employment agreement with Acting Manager Brad Griffin. Public input is allowed on this single agenda item. No other substantive business is listed.

• First amendment to the employment agreement with Acting Manager Brad Griffin

The Commission unanimously suspended its rules to consider a new business item. It then unanimously approved Mayor Girtz's recommendation to extend Acting Manager Bradley A. Griffin's contract through June 3, 2025 and to execute the first amendment to his employment agreement. Mayor Girtz announced new members for several Tax Allocation District committees. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Suspend Rules of Commission for new business item (unanimous)
• Approve extension of Acting Manager Bradley A. Griffin's contract through June 3, 2025 and first amendment (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to discuss real estate acquisition, then consider and likely approve an amendment extending Acting Manager Brad Griffin's term to June 4, 2025. Following that, an Agenda Setting Session will review consent agenda items including budget amendments for greenway and transit projects, a grant for the drug task force, and the School Resource Officer program contract. The commission will also receive staff reports on several zoning and ordinance amendments, with public input allowed.

• First amendment to Acting Manager Brad Griffin's employment agreement extending term through June 4, 2025
• TSPLOST 2018 Project 05 Oconee Rivers Greenway underpass budget amendment for $153,310.25 from GA Power
• TSPLOST 2023 Project 11 East Athens MLK Parkway Oconee River Greenway Trail budget amendment for $400,000 grant
• School Resource Officer (SRO) program contract with Clarke County School District for 2025-2026
• Request for special use at 110 W. Hancock Avenue (commercial parking lot) denied by Planning Commission

The Mayor and Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. after a motion by Commissioner Fisher was seconded by Commissioner Link and approved. No votes were taken on any of the agenda items discussed.

• Adjourned meeting (motion approved)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

This is a special called session with the sole purpose of entering executive session to discuss real estate acquisition and/or disposal. No votes or public decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists only of roll call, a statement of purpose, entering closed session, and adjournment.

• Enter executive session to discuss real estate acquisition and/or disposal

Commissioners Davenport and Wright moved, and the commission unanimously approved, a motion to enter executive session to discuss real estate matters and then adjourn the meeting. No other actions were taken.

• Entered executive session and adjourned (unanimous vote)

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will vote on a library recommendation, discuss the Bishop Park selection process, and receive an update on the Linnentown project. The commission also recognizes Poetry Month and plans outreach for summer festivals and a July Poetry in the Park event.

• Vote on a library recommendation
• Bishop Park public art selection in progress
• Linnentown project update
• Poetry Month recognition
• Outreach opportunities: June festivals, summer artist talk series, July Poetry in the Park

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will hear presentations on seven proposed transportation projects, including bike lanes, crosswalks, and corridor improvements. The committee will also finalize previous meeting minutes and introduce its voting system for project prioritization.

• College Station Bike Lanes Safety (Project #23) presented by District 1 Commissioner Patrick Davenport
• Barnett Shoals Crosswalk & Safety Project (Project #37) presented by District 8 Commissioner Carol Myers
• Eastside Athens Complete Streets Redevelopment (Project #13) presented by Kent Middleton
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements Program (Project #24) presented by Lauren Blais
• Broad Street Corridor Improvements (Project #25) presented by Lauren Blais

The advisory committee voted to approve the minutes from the April 7, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Carey Rivers, seconded by Bryan Gomez, and passed unanimously. No other actions or votes were taken on the presented projects.

• Approved April 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• No TSAC actions or votes taken on presented projects

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to consider right-of-way acquisition and eminent domain for TSPLOST 2018 Project 13, specifically the W. Broad Street and W. Hancock Avenue roundabout sub-project for pedestrian improvements. This is the only substantive item on the agenda. Public input will be allowed.

• Consideration of right-of-way acquisition and eminent domain for W. Broad & W. Hancock roundabout sub-project under TSPLOST 2018

The Commission adopted a resolution that authorizes condemnation of the required right‑of‑way and easements for the SR 10 @ CR 993/W. Hancock Ave intersection improvements. The resolution also empowers the Mayor, Manager, County Attorney and Special Counsel to prepare and sign all necessary acquisition documents. The motion to adopt the resolution and the motion to adjourn both passed unanimously.

• Adopted resolution authorizing condemnation of ROW for SR 10 @ CR 993/W. Hancock Ave improvements (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor, Manager, County Attorney and Special Counsel to sign acquisition documents (unanimous)
• Authorized public access to Right‑of‑Way Plans at the SPLOST Program Management Office (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

This special called session will consider authorizing eminent domain to acquire rights-of-way for the TSPLOST 2018 Project 13 roundabout at W. Broad Street and W. Hancock Avenue. The resolution would allow condemnation if voluntary property acquisitions fail. Public comment is permitted for up to three minutes per speaker.

• TSPLOST 2018 Project 13 – W. Broad Area Pedestrian Improvements
• Right-of-way acquisition for a five-legged multilane roundabout at W. Broad St./Hancock Ave.
• Authorization to use eminent domain for necessary property and easements
• Resolution references right-of-way plans on 13 sheets dated March 13, 2024
• Project is under GDOT's design, construction, and maintenance

The Mayor & Commission Work Session met on April 8, 2025 at 120 W. Dougherty Street. Commissioners discussed five agenda items but no votes were taken on them. A motion to adjourn, moved by Commissioner Thornton and seconded by Commissioner Davenport, was approved.

• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

This meeting is the seventh presentation session of the TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee. Members will review and discuss six specific project proposals covering intersection safety, drainage improvements, and bus route expansions. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the committee is gathering information for future recommendations.

• Five Points Intersection Safety (Presenter: Sara Beresford)
• Connecting North Athens Sustainably (Mike Wharton)
• Commerce Road and Newton Bridge Road Loop Bus Route (Buck Bacon, W&A)
• Danielsville Road Areawide Drainage Improvements (Buck Bacon, W&A)
• Prince/Park/Talmadge Intersection Improvement (Peter Norris)

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the March 31, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other actions or votes were taken at this session. The next committee meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

• Approved March 31, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Arena District Steering Committee

The committee will receive presentations on eastern downtown parking needs and bond repayment obligations. Members will consider a motion to establish quarterly performance updates relative to the Classic Center Authority's pro forma.

• Presentation on parking needs in eastern downtown
• Review of bond repayment obligations and pro forma
• Motion for quarterly performance updates on bond repayments
• Discussion on private sector development adjacent to the facility
• Review of draft Development Facilitator job description

The steering committee unanimously approved a motion for quarterly updates on performance relative to the pro forma. They scheduled the next meeting for April 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved quarterly performance updates (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for April 30, 2025 at 10 am (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will review and approve minutes from March 6, 2025, receive a status update on the FY25 Audit Workplan including audits, follow-ups, and special projects, and discuss the proposed FY26 Audit Workplan. The meeting also includes an update from the Internal Auditor and scheduling of the next meeting on May 1, 2025. No specific contracts, dollar amounts, or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Review and approval of March 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• FY25 Audit Workplan status: audits, follow-ups, special projects
• Discussion of FY26 Audit Workplan
• Internal Auditor’s update
• Next meeting: May 1, 2025

The committee approved the March 6 meeting minutes. It voted to adopt the FY26 Option A audit workplan for Fire, Emergency Management and Capital Projects. Members also cancelled the May and July meetings and set the next meeting for June 6, 2025.

• Approved March 6 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY26 Option A audit workplan (unanimous)
• Cancelled May meeting (unanimous)
• Cancelled July meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on April 3, 2025, to decide or discuss 12 items. These include two old business items (a special use and a master planned development amendment) and ten new business items, among them rezonings, special uses, and three text amendments regarding appeals, sign variances, and short-term rentals. The meeting also includes general business such as approval of minutes and a MACORTS review.

• 110 W. Hancock Avenue – special use in C-D (DS)
• 493 Prince Avenue – rezone from C-O to C-N
• 1075 Gaines School Road – rezone & planned development amendment from C-O (PD) to C-N
• 1030 Barnett Shoals Road – rezone from RM-2 to G (government)
• Text amendment – short-term rentals (Sec. 9-15-28)

The commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of 1075 Gaines School Road from C‑O (PD) to C‑N, adding a condition that no drive‑through uses are permitted. Several other items were decided: the short‑term rental text amendment was tabled 6‑1; 110 W. Hancock Avenue special‑use request was denied unanimously; the 4500 & 4530 Atlanta Highway master‑planned development amendment was denied unanimously; and three additional rezoning and special‑use requests were approved unanimously.

• Approved rezoning of 1075 Gaines School Road with condition (no drive‑through) – unanimous
• Tabled short‑term rental text amendment – 6‑1
• Denied special‑use request for 110 W. Hancock Avenue – unanimous
• Denied master‑planned development amendment for 4500 & 4530 Atlanta Highway – unanimous
• Tabled 493 Prince Avenue rezoning application – unanimous
• Approved withdrawal of 349 S. Pope Street special‑use application – unanimous
• Approved rezoning of 155 White Davis Road – unanimous
• Approved special‑use for 220 College Avenue – unanimous

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board approved minutes, heard the treasurer's report on income and expenses, and reviewed the executive director's report. Committee discussions included a Baxter Street litter clean-up, fundraising events, and feedback to the Government Operations Committee. Under new business, the board discussed forming a nominating committee for new board members starting July 1st.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report on income and expenses
• Baxter Street litter clean-up discussed by Outreach/PR committee
• Fundraising and percentage night events discussed by Events committee
• Nominating committee for new board members to be formed July 1st

The board unanimously approved the March meeting minutes. It also approved the Treasurer’s report showing $5,407.46 in income and $1,245.20 in expenses. The Executive Director’s report was approved without opposition, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s report: $5,407.46 income, $1,245.20 expenses (unanimous)
• Approved Executive Director’s report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a special called session to consider a resolution supporting the current composition of the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections. The regular meeting includes a consent agenda with multiple items such as adoption of ordinances for special events, aircraft rescue equipment, and transportation planning funding. Public hearings will be held on rezoning requests for a short-term rental at 475 North Church Street and a mixed-use development at 450/460 Gaines School Road, as well as a modification to the Western Downtown Athens Local Historic District. Other items include approval of community partnership funding, various contracts, and discussions on old business items.

• Resolution to maintain current composition of Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections
• Special use permit for commercial short-term rental at 475 North Church Street
• Rezoning and special use for mixed-use development at 450/460 Gaines School Road (7.9 acres)
• Modification of Western Downtown Athens Local Historic District designation
• Ordinance authorizing Series 2025 Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds

The commission adopted a resolution keeping the current Clarke County Board of Elections composition (8‑YES, 2‑NO) and approved several ordinances, including a special‑events fee amendment and funding for an aircraft rescue and fire‑fighting vehicle totaling $1,374,945 (8‑YES, 2‑NO). It also approved $326,150 for the Newton Bridge Tax Allocation District and adopted resolutions recognizing Athens Pride Month and Juneteenth.

• Adopted resolution supporting current composition of Board of Elections (8 YES; 2 NO)
• Approved amendment to Special Events Ordinance adding $600 festival‑zone fee (8‑2)
• Approved grant and budget for Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Vehicle, allocating $1,374,945 (8‑2)
• Approved $326,150 Newton Bridge Tax Allocation District funding (8‑2)
• Adopted resolution to recognize Athens Pride Month (8‑2)
• Adopted resolution to recognize Juneteenth (8‑2)
• Suspended rules to consider new business (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of prior meetings (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are holding a special called session to consider a single item: a resolution to maintain the composition of the Clarke County Board of Elections. Public input will be allowed before a vote. No other business is on the agenda.

• Resolution to Maintain Composition of Clarke County Board of Elections

The Commission adopted a resolution keeping the current composition of the Clarke County Board of Elections (8‑YES, 2‑NO). It also approved several ordinances, including changes to the special‑events code, funding for an aircraft rescue and fire‑fighting vehicle using $1.374 M in FAA and GDOT grants, $326,150 for Newton Bridge Road improvements, and resolutions recognizing Pride Month and Juneteenth. All actions were approved by an 8‑2 vote, except the special‑events ordinance which was part of the same consent motion.

• Adopted resolution to maintain current composition of Board of Elections (8 YES; 2 NO)
• Approved ordinance amending special‑events code for festival‑zone beer/wine fees (8‑2)
• Approved grant and budget for aircraft rescue & fire‑fighting vehicle purchase ($1.374 M total) (8‑2)
• Approved Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District funding of $326,150 (8‑2)
• Adopted resolution recognizing Athens Pride Month (8‑2)
• Adopted resolution recognizing Juneteenth (8‑2)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The Transportation SPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee will meet to review project presentations and discuss project costs. The committee will also consider the approval of minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting.

• Project 26: Depot Tressel College Avenue
• Project 4: Oconee Street Trail Bridge - Greenway/Firefly/Park and Ride
• Project 66: Public Transportation Infrastructure
• Project 68 & 69: Timothy Road & Epps Bridge Intersection Redesign and MUP Extension
• Project 70: Macon Highway from Timothy Road to Milledge Avenue MUP

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting. No TSAC actions or votes were taken on any of the presented projects.

TAD Advisory Committee - Mall Area

The Mall Area Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee meets to discuss an update on a community-identified priority list submitted to the Mayor and Commission, and to consider membership, reappointments, and a possible consolidation of TAD advisory committees. The meeting includes approval of December 2024 minutes and routine procedural items.

• Update on Community-Identified Priority List submitted to Mayor and Commission
• Discussion of membership reappointments, roll-offs, and member roles
• Consideration of consolidating TAD Advisory Committees

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are discussing the Acting Manager's proposed FY26 General Fund budget, which projects a $3.27M deficit on $198.3M in revenues and $201.6M in expenditures. The presentation highlights 'Big Rocks' - major expenditure or revenue challenges - including recommended funding of $5.57M for items such as public safety pay adjustments and other operating needs. Only 10 of 104 capital requests are funded, totaling $6.99M of the $26.26M requested. No final decisions are being made at this work session; the budget will be further refined before adoption.

• Proposed FY26 General Fund deficit of $3.27M
• Recommended $5.57M in 'Big Rocks' funding, including $1.73M for Public Safety Step Plan pay table adjustment (3%) and $1.35M for Unified Pay Plan market increase (4%)
• Only 10 of 104 capital requests funded; total capital recommended at $6.99M vs. $26.26M requested
• Additional items: $200K for fleet replacement, $177K for jail medical contract increase, $72.5K for Narcan & AED supplies
• Unassigned fund balance declining; at least $3.5M of fund balance needed to balance FY26 budget

The commission met on March 25, 2025, to review the Acting Manager’s FY26 General Fund Capital budget recommendation. No votes were taken and no actions were approved, denied, or postponed. The meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m.

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will consider a resolution to accept Judge Marcy Jolles’ resignation as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer, rejecting her request to extend to June 30 and keeping the original March 28 date. The meeting also includes public comment on this single item. The resolution directs staff to post the vacancy and secure interim replacements.

• Resolution to accept Judge Marcy Jolles' resignation effective March 28, 2025
• Directs Human Resources to post both judge and hearing officer vacancies
• Directs securing interim attorneys for both roles
• Public comment period for this item

The Commission adopted a resolution keeping Judge Marcy Jolles' resignation effective March 28, 2025 and directing HR to post the vacancy and seek interim attorneys. Mayor Kelly Girtz nominated Jim Davis as interim Municipal Court Judge and Interim Administrative Hearing Officer, and the Commission approved the nomination. All related motions passed unanimously or with seven affirmative votes. The meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m.

• Amended agenda to add executive session and interim judge appointment (7‑0)
• Suspended rules to consider new business items (7‑0)
• Entered executive session at 3:09 p.m. (7‑0)
• Adopted resolution on Judge Jolles resignation (unanimous)
• Approved nomination of Jim Davis as interim Municipal Court Judge and Interim Administrative Hearing Officer (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor Girtz to execute necessary employment agreements for Jim Davis (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Athens in Motion Commission

The Athens in Motion Commission will consider cancelling its April 22 meeting due to a plan revision workshop and TSPLOST presentations. They will also discuss merging the Greenway Commission's trails into Athens in Motion as proposed by the Government Operations Committee. Updates on TSPLOST 2026 corridor project cost estimates for Milledge Avenue and Broad Street will be presented, along with a plan revision workshop scheduled for April 26-27.

• Public comment by Mark Ebell on a Public Crossing presentation
• Discussion on cancelling the April 22, 2025 meeting
• TSPLOST 2026 cost estimates for Milledge Avenue and Broad Street corridor projects
• Plan revision workshop on April 26-27 (Twilight weekend)
• Proposal to merge Greenway Commission trails into Athens in Motion

The Athens in Motion Commission approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes without opposition. Commissioners decided to keep the April 22 meeting on the calendar. A motion to adjourn the meeting was moved, seconded, and carried.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• Minutes approved unanimously
• April 22 meeting retained on calendar (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn passed

Airport Authority

The Airport Authority will meet to review financial and operations reports and provide updates on capital improvement projects. The body will discuss leadership and conduct a strategic plan review via the Business/Finance committee.

• Lexington Corridor update
• Authority Leadership discussion
• Strategic Plan Review
• Capital Improvement Project updates

The board approved the January minutes with one abstention and approved the February minutes unanimously. Members elected Dr. Napier as the Authority Chair and appointed Mr. Alexander as chair of the Operating Committee, both by unanimous vote. The Vice Chair position was not decided and will be addressed at the April meeting.

• Approved January minutes (5-0-1 abstention)
• Approved February minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Mr. Alexander as Operating Committee Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Dr. Napier as Authority Chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will hear presentations on seven proposed transportation projects, including traffic calming, bus stop improvements, and sidewalk projects. The committee will also approve minutes from March 17 and discuss next steps. No decisions are being made at this meeting; it is a review session.

• Neighborhood Traffic Calming project (Project #55)
• Areawide Bus Stop Improvements (Project #56)
• Georgia Avenue Roadway Improvements (Project #5)
• Lakeview Drive Sidewalk Improvements (Project #6)
• Intersection improvements at Winterville Main St & Cherokee Rd (Project #7)

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 17, 2025 meeting. No votes or actions were taken on any of the presented projects. The next meeting is scheduled for March 31, 2025.

TAD Advisory Committee - Newton Bridge Area

The Newton Bridge Road Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will discuss a community-identified priority list and a traffic study (ATLAS/ICE) under old business, along with an update on corridor projects. Under new business, the committee will consider consolidating TAD advisory committees and address membership terms and roll-offs. The meeting is a regular business meeting with discussion items; no formal votes are expected.

• Community Identified Priority List status and proposed Commission-Defined Options
• ATLAS traffic study and Intersection Control Evaluations (ICE)
• Update of projects along Newton Bridge Road corridor
• Discussion of consolidating TAD Advisory Committees
• Discussion of membership terms and roll-offs

Solid Waste Advisory Commission

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission will review public comments, approve February minutes, and receive reports from Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, the Recycling/RMPF/TRS, Collections Division, and Landfill Status. Old business includes the AAH cleanup on May 3rd and Leaf and Limb/Bulky Waste Collection. New business features a presentation and discussion on community beautification and litter. The commission will also note pending items: a draft ordinance to eliminate plastic bags and Styrofoam containers, and a referral from Mayor & Commission on residential collection zones and franchise arrangements.

• Discussion of draft ordinance to eliminate plastic bags and Styrofoam containers at points-of-purchase
• Referral from Mayor & Commission on residential collection zones and franchise arrangements
• AAH cleanup scheduled for May 3rd
• Leaf and Limb/Bulky Waste Collection discussion
• Community beautification and litter presentation

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will consider Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes to properties in the West Downtown, Bloomfield, and Reese St. historic districts. The body will also receive updates on its strategic plan and committee reports.

• 183 W. Clayton St.: Request for 6-foot tall perforated metal grid screening for mechanical area
• 120 W. Cloverhurst Ave.: Request for modifications to a rear garage addition, including a taller roofline
• 369 N. Finley St.: Request for window replacement
• 347 N. Church St.: Request for window replacement and opening enclosure
• 375 N. Church St.: Request for rear addition and window replacement

The Historic Preservation Commission denied the request to modify a rear addition at 120 W. Cloverhurst Ave (vote 4‑0). It approved a mechanical screening at 183 W. Clayton St with no conditions (vote 3‑1) and approved window replacement at 369 N. Finley St with specific conditions (vote 4‑0). Earlier agenda items, including staff reports and minutes, were adopted unanimously.

• Approved 183 W. Clayton St. mechanical screening (3-1)
• Denied 120 W. Cloverhurst Ave rear addition modification (4-0)
• Approved 369 N. Finley St. window replacement with conditions (4-0)
• Introduced staff reports into official record (4-0)
• Adopted February 19, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Adopted February 19, 2025 agenda review minutes (4-0)

Human Relations Commission

The special called meeting of the Human Relations Commission will consider approval of February minutes, hear updates from the People & Belonging Department, and discuss old business including an educational session, subcommittee roles, and the commission website. New business involves a feedback letter to the BAC and a housing tour. Public comment is permitted on both old and new business.

• Educational session update
• Subcommittee roles discussion
• HRC website update
• BAC Feedback Letter
• Housing Tour

The commission accepted the prior meeting minutes and received updates from the People & Belonging Department. It defined three subcommittees—Community Outreach & Engagement, Policy Review, and Housing & Economic Justice. The commission voted to approve a new engagement banner on its website and to integrate the duties of the Commission on People with Disabilities into its workplan. The board also discussed a collaborative housing‑inequity tour with county commissioners and community stakeholders.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes
• Defined three subcommittees (Community Outreach & Engagement, Policy Review, Housing & Economic Justice)
• Approved HRC engagement banner
• Integrated Commission on People with Disabilities duties into workplan

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are considering a budget amendment to fund alternative courthouse operations for up to 12 weeks during the renovation of a pedestrian elevator. The funding would support staff overtime, facility rentals, and security equipment.

• Proposed transfer of up to $320,000 from General Fund Operating Contingency
• Budget increase of $37,800 for Sheriff’s Office Personal Services
• Budget increase of $37,800 for Police Department Personal Services
• Budget increase of up to $244,400 for Superior Court Operating Expenses
• Proposed rental of Classic Center space and security screening equipment

The Mayor and Commission held an agenda setting session on March 18, 2025, to discuss 28 items, including funding requests, rezoning proposals, and various project approvals. No votes were taken during this session; all items were only discussed for future action. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

• No votes taken; all items discussed only

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are holding a special called session to consider a contingency funding request for courthouse operations. Following that discussion, the body will enter executive session for real estate acquisition or disposal, personnel matters, and a legal conference on threatened or pending litigation. Public input is allowed on the funding item before the vote.

• Consideration of a courthouse operations contingency funding request

The Mayor and Commission unanimously approved ordinance #25-03-26, amending the FY2025 budget to provide up to $320,000 in contingency funding for alternative courthouse operations while the first pedestrian elevator is renovated. The funding reallocates $320,000 from the General Fund operating contingency to cover personnel costs for the Sheriff's Office and Police Department ($37,800 each) and up to $244,400 in operating expenses for Superior Court. The Commission also announced the first Arena District Steering Committee meeting for April 4, 2025, and entered executive session before adjourning.

• Approved ordinance #25-03-26 providing up to $320,000 for alternative courthouse operations (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor and staff to execute related documents (unanimous)
• Suspended rules to consider the new business item (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for real estate, litigation, and personnel discussions (unanimous)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will hear presentations on 14 proposed projects including pedestrian crossings, bus shelters, road widenings, and a bridge replacement. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and discuss prior topics. No votes on these specific projects are scheduled; this is a presentation and discussion session.

• Project 29: Pedestrian Crossing Improvements at Vine St & Oak Ridge Ave
• Project 31: Bus Shelters at Peter St & Gressom Ave
• Project 38: Danielsville Road Widening
• Project 57 & 58: North Ave./Loop 10 Bridge Replacement (Design and Construction)
• Project 52: Intersection Improvements Pittard Road/Hull Road

The TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee approved minutes from March 10, 2025, and adopted staff's recommendation for handling alternate project submissions, with a modification allowing submitters to make one change without necessarily reducing the budget. The motion carried unanimously with one abstention. No project funding decisions were made; the committee heard presentations on 13 proposed projects.

• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted staff recommendation for alternate project process, with modification allowing one change without budget reduction (unanimous, 1 abstention)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Government Operations Committee will consider approving December 2024 minutes and discuss several long-standing items, including a plan to restart the Land Bank Authority and updates to Board of Assessors procedures. The meeting is open to the public but does not typically receive public comments unless requested by the chair.

• Develop a plan to restart the Land Bank Authority (assigned October 2023)
• Recommend updates to BAC procedures (assigned July 2022)
• Review recently approved Short Term Rental Ordinance for state law compliance
• Enhance renter protections and resources
• Possible focus on International Property Code Outreach and Fair Housing efforts

The Government Operations Committee voted unanimously to recommend reactivating the Land Bank Authority and designating $250,000 in funding, though no funds are immediately allocated. The committee also discussed updates to BAC procedures, including stipends and removal criteria, but took no formal action on those items.

• Recommended reactivation of Land Bank Authority with $250,000 funding (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 9, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TSPLOST Oversight Committee

The Oversight Committee will consider confirming the project concept for TSPLOST 2023 Project 16, Westchester Area Pedestrian Improvements, which includes sidewalks, crosswalks, and ADA upgrades. They will also review two subprojects under Electrify the Fleet and monthly financial reports for the 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST programs. The meeting is open for public viewing but not public comment.

• Confirm project concept for Westchester Area Pedestrian Improvements ($1,892,000) on Westchester Drive, Chalfont Drive, and Chalfont Lane
• Review Electrify the Fleet Subproject #1: Light Vehicle and Supporting Equipment Transition
• Review Electrify the Fleet Subproject #2: Transit Transition to Clean Energy Transportation
• Review TSPLOST 2018 and 2023 monthly project updates and revenue/expenditure reports
• Approve meeting minutes from January 27, 2025

The Athens-Clarke County TSPLOST Oversight Committee meeting was suspended at 5:25 p.m. because fewer than the required number of members were present. No substantive decisions were made, and the scheduled action items were not discussed. The next meeting is tentatively set for April 21, 2025.

• Meeting suspended due to lack of quorum

SPLOST Oversight Committee

The SPLOST Oversight Committee will review a proposal to purchase a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle and equipment for the Athens-Ben Epps Airport. The body will also discuss a proposed concept and framework for a mobile medical facility.

• SPLOST 2020 Project 30: Purchase of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicle and Equipment for $1,409,531
• SPLOST 2020 Project 09: Proposed Project Concept and MOU Framework for Mobile Medical Facility
• Review of SPLOST 2005, 2011, and 2020 revenue and expenditure reports
• Discussion of BAC Feedback Letter

The SPLOST 2020 Oversight Committee unanimously approved two project concepts: purchasing a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicle for the airport and a Mobile Medical Facility, both consistent with their initial project statements. They also approved the January 27, 2025 meeting minutes and discussed a BAC feedback letter and monthly financial reports.

• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed Project 30 (airport fire truck) consistent with Initial Project Statement (unanimous)
• Confirmed Project 09 (mobile medical facility) consistent with Initial Project Statement (unanimous)

Future Land Use Steering Committee

The committee is reviewing the first cut of the Future Land Use Map, including proposed adjustments and a final inset area review for Prince Ave. The meeting includes an opportunity for public comment on the proposed map.

• Review of Future Land Use Map first cut
• Final inset area review for Prince Ave
• Review of committee proposed adjustments
• Public comment on the proposed map

The Future Land Use Steering Committee discussed and made preliminary adjustments to the future land use map, including introducing a new term 'corridor of significance' for Gaines School Road and changing several parcels to different designations. The committee voted 9-0 to change Elizabeth and Willow streets to downtown (DT) designation. No final decisions were made; the map will go out for public comment.

• Approved changing Elizabeth and Willow streets to downtown designation (9-0)
• Discussed adding 'corridor of significance' term for Gaines School Road
• Discussed changing Chase/Boulevard to minor corridor with historic houses noted
• Discussed changing Gaines School Road between Hilsman and Lexington to minor corridor
• Discussed changing Barnett Shoals to minor corridor and considering RM townhomes
• Discussed changing Pound Street government buildings to future use and sale
• Discussed adding neighborhood commercial on Park
• Discussed changing Boulevard and Hiawassee to neighborhood residential

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission are holding a special called session solely to enter executive session, as allowed by state law, to discuss confidential personnel matters and potential real estate acquisition or disposal. No public votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is procedural and non-public.

• Executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters under O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b)(2)
• Executive session to discuss real estate acquisition and/or disposal

The Mayor and Commission held a special called session solely to enter executive session for confidential personnel matters and real estate acquisition/disposal. No substantive decisions were made in open session. The motion to enter executive session and adjourn passed unanimously.

• Entered executive session and adjourned (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will hold a work session to discuss FY26 HOME and CDBG funding recommendations for affordable housing and community development projects, totaling about $2.1 million. They will also consider options for increased housing and receive annual updates from the Athens Homeless Coalition and Neighborhood Leaders. A special called session precedes the work session for an executive session on confidential personnel matters and real estate acquisition. No final action is taken at this work session.

• HOME funding recommendations: $480,000 for Habitat for Humanity's Micah's Creek (4 new single-family homebuyer units), $325,000 for Athens Housing Authority's Savannah Heights (2 new single-family homebuyer units with down payment assistance)
• CDBG funding recommendations: $530,000 for affordable housing programs including Habitat for Humanity's Brushes With Kindness/AIM and Historic Athens' Hands on Historic Athens program
• Options for Increased Housing presentation by Planning Director Bruce Lonnee
• Annual updates from Athens Homeless Coalition and Neighborhood Leaders
• Special called session to enter executive session for personnel matters and real estate acquisition/disposal

The Mayor and Commission held a work session on March 11, 2025, to discuss FY26 HOME, CDBG, and CPP funding recommendations, options for increased housing, and annual updates from the Athens Homeless Coalition and Neighborhood Leaders. No votes were taken during the session; the only action was adjournment, which was approved unanimously.

• Adjourned work session (motion by Myers, second by Thornton, approved)

TAD Advisory Committee - Lexington Road

The Lexington Road Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee will vote on its by-laws and appoint a committee chair. The committee will also discuss prioritized community input to create a priority list for the Mayor and Commission, and determine its 2025 meeting schedule.

• Vote on TAD Advisory Committee By-Laws
• Appointment of Committee Chair
• Discussion of community-identified priority list from input sessions and survey
• Determine 2025 meeting schedule

The Lexington Rd TAD Advisory Committee unanimously approved recommending that 100% of TAD funds be allocated to public infrastructure improvements, with housing, economic development, and youth development receiving 0%. The committee also confirmed Dr. Cshanyse Allen as Chair and Rhett Butler as Vice-Chair, and delayed a vote on by-laws to a future meeting. They discussed consolidating TAD committees, a process expected to take two years, and set their 2025 meeting schedule.

• Approved the amended agenda unanimously.
• Approved entering the January 25, 2024 minutes into the record unanimously.
• Confirmed Dr. Cshanyse Allen as Chair and Rhett Butler as Vice-Chair unanimously.
• Delayed voting on TAD Advisory Committee By-Laws to a future meeting.
• Approved recommending 100% of TAD funds for Public Infrastructure Improvements unanimously.
• Set 2025 meeting dates: June 10, September 9, and December 9.
• Scheduled a special meeting for May 6, 2025 to vote on the Community-Identified Priority List.
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:51 PM.

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission will review updates on public art projects, including the newly installed 'Red Bass' at Akins Ford Arena and a call for Bishop Park pedestrian gates. The commission will also conduct new member interviews and receive a presentation on the Public Art Master Plan.

• 'Red Bass' artwork installed at Akins Ford Arena
• Call for Bishop Park pedestrian gates open until March 14th
• Linnentown selection followup scheduled for March 20th
• East Athens Library presentation
• Public Art Master Plan update with Todd Bressi

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission unanimously approved the February meeting minutes. The commission received updates on several public art projects, including the completed installation at Akins Ford Arena, the Bishop Park pedestrian gates call, and the East Athens Library mural project. A draft Public Art Master Plan is in progress, with a final draft expected in April.

• Approved February meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST Advisory Committee will hear presentations on six proposed transportation projects at its March 10 meeting, including a bridge, trail improvements, fleet electrification, and traffic signals. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and review prior discussion. No votes or decisions are expected at this presentation-focused meeting.

• Sandy Creek Nature Center Loop South Bridge presented by Mayor Kelly Girtz
• Greenway Trail Access Improvements at Carriage Lane by Leisure Services
• Electrify the Fleet by Sustainability Director Mike Wharton
• Prince Ave at Pound St. Traffic Signalization by University of Georgia
• Middle Oconee River Trail: Beech Haven to Ben Burton Park by Charlie Barrow

The TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and heard presentations on six projects. The committee voted 6-3 with one abstention to consider alternative submissions from project submitters. No project approvals or denials were made during this meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to consider alternative submissions from project submitters carried (6-3, 1 abstention)

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee will discuss the status of FY25 audits, follow-ups, and special projects. The body will also begin preparation for the FY26 Audit Workplan.

• Review and approval of February 6, 2024 meeting minutes
• FY25 Audit Workplan status update
• FY26 Audit Workplan preparation
• Internal Auditor's update

The Audit Committee unanimously adopted its bylaws with an added condition that chair elections occur at the first meeting of the calendar year. The committee also reviewed the draft FY26 audit workplan, discussing potential audits and projects, and the Internal Auditor agreed to bring two options for the workplan to the next meeting. No final decisions were made on the workplan.

• Adopted committee bylaws with condition on chair election timing (unanimous)
• Approved February 6, 2025 meeting minutes with scrivener's error correction (unanimous)
• Elected Commissioner Myers as temporary chair (unanimous)
• Tabled FY26 workplan finalization until next meeting

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Legislative Review Committee will discuss potential updates to the noise ordinance, focusing on non-agricultural sounds in the Agricultural Residential zone and amplified noise in the Commercial Downtown district. The committee may also consider using objective volume measures. Other agenda items include approving February meeting minutes and confirming a quorum for the next meeting.

• Review of noise ordinance for Agricultural Residential zone (non-agricultural sounds)
• Review of noise ordinance for Commercial Downtown district (amplified noise)
• Potential shift to objective noise measures (e.g., volume)
• Approval of February 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public input period with 3-minute speaking limit

The Legislative Review Committee discussed potential updates to the noise ordinance, focusing on noise in Agricultural Residential zones and amplified sound downtown. No formal decisions were made; staff will gather complaint data and draft possible ordinance changes for the next meeting.

• Approved February 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed noise ordinance updates; no action taken
• Staff to provide complaint history and ordinance revision overview at next meeting
• Staff to research Fairgrounds history and property ownership

Planning Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a Type I Master Planned Development and Special Use request for 450 & 460 Gaines School Road, which would rezone the properties from Main Street Business/Traditional Neighborhood to Main Street Business and from C-O/RS-15 to C-N/RM-2. The commission will also hear a Type II Special Use request for 475 N. Church Street. A text amendment on short-term rentals has been rescheduled for April.

• 450 & 460 Gaines School Road – Type I Master Planned Development & Special Use (PD-2024-12-2482)
• 475 N. Church Street – Type II Special Use (SUP-2025-02-0253)
• Short-term rental text amendment (Sec. 9-15-28) rescheduled for April
• Approval of February 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment allowed on agenda items for up to 3 minutes

The Planning Commission recommended approval of a master planned development at 450 & 460 Gaines School Road, including a zoning change and future land use amendment, with conditions. The commission also recommended approval of a special use permit for 475 N. Church Street. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of future land use amendment for 450 & 460 Gaines School Rd (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of zoning change with conditions for 450 & 460 Gaines School Rd (6-1, Fleece opposed)
• Recommended approval of special use permit for 475 N. Church Street (unanimous)
• Approved staff reports and documents into official record (unanimous)
• Approved February 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) Board

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Board met and approved motions to request committee funds for ICAW books and Greenlife Award registration. The board discussed potential beverage fundraisers at The Globe and Old Pal, a property assessment and encampment protocol, and a possible merger of the KACCB, Tree Council, and ORGC boards.

• Motion passed to request funds for International Coastal Cleanup (ICAW) books
• Motion passed to request funds for Greenlife Award registration
• Discussion of beverage fundraisers at The Globe and Old Pal
• Discussion on merging KACCB, Tree Council, and ORGC boards
• Discussion of property assessments for encampment and maintenance oversight

The board approved $453.76 for compost books to distribute to schools and $105 for three Green Life Awards. They also discussed a potential consolidation with other environmental boards, with staff to respond by March 12. The meeting lacked a quorum, so minutes approval was deferred to email.

• Approved $453.76 for compost books for International Compost Awareness Week
• Approved $105 for three Green Life Awards ($35 each)
• Discussed potential consolidation with Athens Tree Council and ORGC; staff to respond by March 12
• Deferred approval of February minutes to email due to lack of quorum
• Requested to participate in Chuck a Puck again next year (pending application)
• Funded $200 Green School Grant for Athens Montessori
• Planned Litter League Cleanup on March 29 at ACC Library
• Discussed potential cocktail fundraiser with The Globe for May

TAD Advisory Committee- West Broad/Hawthorne Area

The West Broad/Hawthorne Area TAD Advisory Committee will discuss with Public Utilities potential areas to address in the district and review results from public input gathered through an online survey and community events. They will also consider a community-identified priority list. No formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and review session.

• Discussion with Public Utilities regarding potential TAD areas
• Review of public input from online survey (Jan 24 – Feb 23) and events
• Feedback from Athens Farmers Market, Runway Cowork/Beechwood, Howard Park, and canvas locations
• Community-Identified Priority List
• Next meeting set for Tuesday, June 3, 2025

The West Broad/Hawthorne TAD Advisory Committee met and discussed sewer capacity issues affecting a proposed hotel at 155 Alps Road, noting insufficient capacity and the need for private holding tanks. They reviewed public input and discussed consolidating the separate TAD advisory committees into one. No formal votes were taken on these items; the committee approved the agenda and previous minutes, and scheduled a special meeting for May 7 to vote on a community-identified priorities list.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved December 3, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Mayor and Commission will consider a consent agenda including a biosolids hauling contract extension ($520,000 from reserves), a downtown parking deck rate adjustment, and several grant and project approvals. Public hearings will be held on four planning commission recommendations, most notably a rezoning of 207 acres on Barnett Shoals Road for residential and commercial mixed-use. Old business items include a pavement maintenance contract award, non-profit lease extensions, and a proposed increase to Clarke County Health Board environmental health fees.

• Biosolids hauling contract extension with Denali Water Solutions and $520,000 budget amendment from Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund reserves
• Request for hourly parking rate adjustment in downtown parking decks
• Rezoning of 207 acres at 445, 605, 705, 1015 Barnett Shoals Road, 190-210 Lakewood Drive, and 162 Park Ridge Court to C-N (PD) for mixed-use
• Rezoning of 0.9 acres at 1055 Hull Road from C-R & RM-2 to C-G with future land use amendment
• Proposed increase to Clarke County Health Board of Environmental Health Section Fees

The Mayor and Commission approved a 12-item consent agenda, including a $520,000 budget amendment for biosolids hauling, grant applications for domestic violence prosecution and recycling equipment, a $306,000 water main relocation for a GDOT roundabout, a $306,341 design task order for the Athena Industrial Park water line, $367,592.94 for transit bus engines, a $2.00/hour parking deck rate increase, and acceptance of a housing audit. They also approved a rezoning at 995 Gaines School Road for a medical center, denied a special use for an office at 728 Cobb Street, held two items for 1055 Hull Road, and approved a large rezoning at Barnett Shoals Road with conditions. Additionally, they denied a request to recapture ARPA funds, approved a $400,000 contract for pedestrian improvements, awarded a $3,985,101 pavement maintenance contract, extended non-profit leases, and approved health fee increases.

• Approved 12-item consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning at 995 Gaines School Road for medical center (unanimous)
• Denied special use for office at 728 Cobb Street (unanimous)
• Held rezoning and future land use for 1055 Hull Road until April 1 (unanimous)
• Approved Barnett Shoals Road rezoning and future land use map amendment (8-1, 7-2)
• Denied ARPA funds recapture, accepted Athens Land Trust and East Athens Development Corporation plans (unanimous)
• Approved $400,000 contract for Stonehenge pedestrian improvements (unanimous)
• Awarded $3,985,101 pavement maintenance contract to ER Snell Contractor Inc. (unanimous)

Mayor & Commission Meetings

The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County is holding a special called session. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters.

• Executive session regarding confidential personnel matters

TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee

The TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee is meeting to hear presentations on six proposed transportation projects, including downtown connectivity, airport capital improvements, and several road intersection upgrades. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and discuss next steps. No votes are expected at this informational session.

• Project #2: Downtown District Connectivity - Improvements (presented by ADDA)
• Project #11: Airport Capital Improvement Plan - Local Share from Grants (presented by Mike Matthews, Airport Director)
• Project #46: Dirt Road Improvements (presented by W&A)
• Project #47: Jefferson Road at Kathwood Drive Intersection Improvements (presented by W&A)
• Project #48: Kathwood Drive at Club Drive Intersection Improvements (presented by W&A)

The TSPLOST 2026 Advisory Committee met on March 3, 2025, and approved the minutes from the February 24 meeting unanimously. Five project presentations were given, covering downtown connectivity, airport improvements, and several road intersection projects. No actions or votes were taken on any projects.

• Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Pension Board

The Pension Board will review an actuarial analysis of proposed pension plan options presented by Aon and consider adoption of revised By-Laws. The meeting also includes employee comments or other issues.

• Review actuarial analysis of proposed pension plan options from Aon
• Consider adoption of revised By-Laws for the Pension Board from County Attorney's Office
• Employee comments or other issues

The Athens-Clarke County Pension Board voted to recommend Option #3 (Rule of 85 for unreduced early retirement) to the Mayor & Commission for consideration in the FY26 budget. The motion passed 4-2 with one abstention. The board also approved amended by-laws and requested a cost estimate for counting prior ACCGov service toward pension vesting for returning employees.

• Approved amended by-laws (signed by Chair)
• Recommended Option #3 (Rule of 85) to Mayor & Commission (4-2, 1 abstention)
• Requested Aon cost estimate for counting prior service toward vesting

Airport Authority

The Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes review of January minutes, airport manager reports on finances, capital projects, and marketing, and an update on the Lexington Corridor under old business. No new business is listed. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions or financial actions specified.

• Old Business: Lexington Corridor Update
• Airport Manager Reports: Financial & Operations, Capital Improvement Projects, Marketing
• Standing Committees: Business/Finance Fact Sheet update, Operating, Air Service Development/Marketing

The Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority met on February 25, 2025, but lacked a quorum, so no official decisions were made. The January meeting minutes were not approved and will be reconsidered at the next meeting. The board heard reports on finances, capital projects, and marketing, but took no formal action.

• January meeting minutes not approved due to lack of quorum
• Adjourned at 3:50 PM (unanimous)

Athens in Motion Commission

The commission will review the 2024 report and vote on the 2025 Work Plan. Members will also discuss the Athens in Motion Plan revision process and receive updates on TSPLOST 2026.

• Vote on 2025 Work Plan
• TSPLOST 2026 updates
• Athens in Motion Plan revision timeline and next steps
• Updates on Boulevard and Nacoochee Traffic Circle
• Stonehenge Neighborhood Area Pedestrian Improvements

The Athens in Motion Commission unanimously approved its 2024 annual report and 2025 work plan. The commission also accepted the agenda and previous meeting minutes unanimously. Staff provided updates on TSPLOST 2026, the Athens in Motion Plan revision, and various transportation and park projects. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond the approvals.

• Approved 2024 annual report and 2025 work plan (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

Future Land Use Steering Committee

The Future Land Use Steering Committee is meeting to review the first cut of the Future Land Use Map. The discussion will focus on areas that remain unchanged, name changes for intents, and specific changes to nodes and corridors.

• Review of Future Land Use Map first cut
• Discussion of map changes regarding nodes and corridors
• Planning of future outreach efforts