2022 05 17 City Council

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April 19, 2022 
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b.) Approve proposal and contract with Gresham Smith for professional services for STBG 
paving.   
c.) Approve proposal and contract with Stantec for the Public Safety Training Facility.   
d.) Approve a one-time Cost-of-Living adjustment for current retirees.   
 
Mayor Perkinson asked for a motion.   Council Member Pelley moved, Vice Mayor Lockmiller seconded, 
that the Consent Agenda as stated above be approved.  Roll call vote: 
 
 AYES:  Pelley, Witt-McMahan, Lockmiller, Perkinson 
 NAYS:  None 
 ABSENT: Curtis 
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ORDINANCES 
 
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OLD BUSINESS 
 
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NEW BUSINESS 
 
PROPOSED O RDINANCE ALTERING FREE PARKING TIME LIMIT 
 
ORDINANCE NO. 1109 – F IRST READING 
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE ATHENS MUNICIPAL CODE, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES, 
TRAFFIC AND PARKING’, MORE SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER 6, SECTION 15-606 (3) ‘DRIVERS IMPLIED CONSENT 
TO PARKING CONTROL MARKS ON TIRES; ERASURE OR CONCEALMENT OF PARKING CONTROL MARKS ON 
VEHICLE TIRES PROHIBITED; EVADING TIME LIMITATION PROHIBITED’. 
 
The caption of the above- described Ordinance was read by the recording clerk.  Mayor Perkinson asked 
for a motion.  Vice Mayor Lockmiller  moved, Council Member Witt -McMahan seconded, to approve 
Ordinance No. 1109 on First Reading.  Vice Mayor Lockmiller proposed this ordinance because he felt a 
change was needed from the current two-hour free on-street parking to four-hour free on-street parking.  
This change is a happy medium between two-hour free on-street parking and unlimited free parking and 
would help those visiting the downtown eateries and businesses from worrying about time .  Employees 
working downtown would also benefit from this change as they would not have to move their vehicles as 
often.  Council Member Pelley suggested a six-month moratorium on parking to see what happens when 
there is no time limit for on -street parking.  At the e nd of the six months, the Council could revisit the 
issue and decide whether to return to a time limit or remove time limits permanently.  Council Member 
Witt-McMahan stated she had not had an opportunity to talk to business owners downtown but was 
concerned with a moratorium because it was temporary and could be a problem if they decide they need 
to set time limits again.  Mayor Perkinson commented that he wants people downtown and plans have 
been developed for downtown.  The Council Advisory Committee had taken an in-depth look at this issue 
back in 2017.  According to a report from Main Street Athens,  a lot of new businesses have opened since 
then.  Mayor Perkinson moved, Council Member Witt- McMahan seconded, to commit this ordinance 
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