2024 9 17 Minutes Regular Meeting signed 1

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September 17, 2024
Page 5 of 6

-10-
Vice Mayor Eaton moved to use $80,000 of the Hotel/ Motel Tax to purchase Christmas lights
for the Athens Regional Park; Mayor Sherlin seconded.
Vice Mayor Eaton shared his opinion on the positive impact this would have on tourism for the
city, with potential to grow over time. Councilmember Pelley opposed it, stating he would like
to see lights / decoration in every park rather than just one. Councilmember Curtis questioned
if the staff could pull this project off. Interim City Manager, Anthony Casteel pointed out that a

bid would be required.
Councilmember Pelley moved to postpone the motion to approve the purchase of Christmas

lights for Athens Regional Park. No Second. Motion dies.
Vice Mayor Eaton and Mayor Sherlin withdrew motion to purchase Christmas lights.

The Council requested that the City Manager and City Attorney research the proper procedure
for making this purchase.

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Councilmember Pelley moved to investigate the allegation that Public Entity Partners are
representing individual(s) that are not former nor current employees of the City of Athens;
Councilmember Witt-McMahan seconded. Discussion ensued. Councilmember Witt-McMahan
would also like to know if the allegation is true. Mayor Sherlin asked the city attorney to look
into this allegation.

Vice Mayor Eaton shared his confidence in Public Entity Partners. Simultaneously,
Councilmember Pelley continues to share his belief that it is a fact that Public Entity Partners
are representing individuals not affiliated with the City of Athens. Mayor Sherlin called order to

the meeting.

Vice Mayor Eaton called to question; Councilmember Witt-McMahan seconded. Discussion
ended.

Roll call vote:
AYES: Witt-McMahan, Pelley, Eaton, Sherlin

NAYS: Curtis

Upon roll call, Motion Failed

Roll call vote:
AYES: Pelley
NAYS: Curtis, Witt-McMahan, Eaton, Sherlin