2026 6 16 Minutes Regular Session signed

Unverified text extraction. Check the original page for numbers, names, and layout.

:\ I Ill, NS Cl I Y COl .NCII . 
MINL l LS <W H.ECLLAH. SESSIO.\ 
Tut·sday, Juuc 16, 102h 
C. Proposed Ordinance to Amend Title 1, Chapter I-II of the Athens City Code by Adding 
Section 1-46 Establishing Compensation for the Mayor and Councilmembers Pursuant to 
Article V, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Athens, Tennessee. 
Vice Mayor Curtis moved approval, seconded by Councilmember Sherlin. The motion was 
withdrawn. 
Councilmember Duggan moved to lay the motion on the table. Although the motion did not 
receive a second, the Chair called for a vote. 
FAILED 
Roll call vote: 
YEAS: McCowan, Duggan 
NAYS: Sherlin, Curtis, Eaton 
No action was taken on the proposed ordinance. The matter will be discussed at the next work 
sess10n. 
D. City Manager Position 
Before any motion was made, City Attorney Caldwell was asked to address questions regarding 
the City's nepotism policy as it relates to Interim City Manager Bridget Roberts and her husband, 
who is employed by the Athens Police Department. Mr. Caldwell advised that Mrs. Roberts does 
not directly supervise her husband and that the arrangement does not violate the City's nepotism 
policy. He further stated that, should a personnel matter arise requiring approval or review beyond 
the Police Chief, Mrs. Roberts would recuse herself, and the responsibility may be delegated to 
the Human Resources Director or independently reviewed. 
Mayor Eaton moved to appoint Bridget Roberts to Interim City Manager until after the 
November 2026 election; Councilmember McCowan seconded the motion. 
During discussion, Councilmember Sherlin requested that it be noted that the current City Council 
would not select the permanent City Manager. 
APPROVED 
Roll call vote: 
YEAS: McCowan, Duggan, Curtis, Eaton 
NAYS: None 
ABSTAIN: Sherlin 
Mayor Eaton introduced Item E for consideration: 
E. Time Capsule Ceremony on July 4, 2026 prior to the fireworks and drone show at Athens 
Regional Park. 
APPROVED 
Roll call vote: 
YEAS: Duggan, Sherlin, Curtis, Eaton 
NAYS: None 
Councilmember McCowan was absent for the vote. 
F. Proposed Motion for City Council Consideration 
City Attorney Caldwell advised that the proposed written motion regarding the appointment 
of Bridget Roberts as Interim City Manager, which had been distributed to the City Council 
prior to the meeting, should be formally considered by the Council. 
l'ag1..: S o l '7