2024 12 17 Packet website

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Agenda Item 
ATHENS CITY COUNCIL 
REGULAR SESSION 
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 
VIII b. Approve Applying for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and 
Conducting a Required Public Hearing 
Overview 
The application period to apply for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has 
opened and the city is eligible to apply. Previously completed city CDBG projects included sewer 
improvements through the Athens Utility Board. According to the attached Powerpoint 
presentation, national CDBG objectives are to benefit low and moderate income persons, 
elimination of slum and blight, and resolve immediate threat or urgent needs. Specifically, eligible 
grant categories include: 
• Public health and safety 
• Community infrastructure 
• Community revitalization 
• Sewer system rehabilitation 
• Water system rehabilitation 
• Water line extensions 
Funding limits are $420,000 for non-construction projects and $1,000,000 for construction projects 
with a required city match around 9%. The application deadline is March 7, 2025 but many items 
must be completed prior to the application deadline such as conducting a public hearing, procuring 
professional services, preparing an engineering/architectural report and cost estimates, and 
approving a resolution. 
Possible city projects include constructing a new community center at Regional Park or elsewhere 
with indoor basketball courts for the basketball program among many other indoor and outdoor 
recreational amenities. A community center was one of the top five projects identified during the 
2024 Strategic Summit. 
Staci Willoughby of the Southeast Tennessee Development District attended the work session and 
conducted a quick review of the program, identified eligible projects, and answered questions. 
Summary of the December 9, 2024 Work Session 
Following discussion and council leaning toward infrastructure improvements, the consensus was 
to place this item on the December 17, 2024 consent agenda for approval. 
Action to Consider 
Motion, second, and vote are needed to approve applying for a 2025 CDBG and conducting a 
required public hearing to gather public input regarding potential projects. The public hearing is 
tentatively scheduled immediately prior to January 21, 2025 Beer Board meeting at 5:00 p.m. 
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