2026 8 18 Regular Session Packet council 1

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ATHENS CITY COUNCIL  
MINUTES OF SPECIAL CALLED SESSION 
The Athens City Council met in special called session on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the 
Athens City Hall Council Chambers , with Mayor Eaton presiding. Councilmember McCowan led 
the invocation. Vice Mayor Curtis led the Pledge of Allegiance. 
Roll call: 
PRESENT: McCowan, Duggan, Sherlin, Curtis, Eaton 
ABSENT: None 
PUB
LIC NOTICE 
NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 
Not
ice is hereby given to all residents of Athens, Tennessee, and to all persons interested, that a 
special session of the Athens City Council will be held at Athens City Hall located at 815 North 
Jackson Street, Athens, Tennessee, commencing at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026. 
The
 purpose of this meeting is: 
1. Di
scussion, consideration, and possible action regarding a request from the Patriot Memorial
Project for a proposed World War II – themed mural.
There will be an opportunity for citizens to comment.  Prior to commencement of the meeting, all 
citizens intending to address the city council must sign in on the sheet located at the entrance of the 
council chambers. 
For
 additional information, please contact the Office of the City Manager at (423) 744-2702. 
/s/____________________________ 
L
arry Eaton, Mayor 
POSTED: 7/24/202 6 
CI
TIZENS COMMENTS 
-None-
NEW
 BUSINESS 
A. Discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding a request from the Patriot Memorial
Project for a proposed World War II- themed mural.
Co
uncilmember Sherlin moved that the City of Athens donate Fifteen Thousand Dollars 
($15,000) from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to be used specifically for painting of a mural on the 
wall, seconded by Councilmember McCowan. 
Poi
nts raised during discussion included that citizens had expressed interest in having the wall 
covered for many years, the City  had explored various options to address the wall, a nonprofit 
organization had arranged the project, and funding was available in the Hotel/Motel Tax budget. It 
was also noted that the City of Athens had previously contributed to two (2) other murals and that 
the proposed mural would honor World War II veterans while benefiting the city, its businesses, and 
citizens. It was further noted that the mural would honor McMinn County veterans while also 
improving the appearance of the area. 
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