2025 2 4 Packet 1

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

Agenda Item 
ATHENS CITY COUNCIL 
CALLED MEETING 
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 
Applying for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 
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 9-12%. The application deadline is March 28, 2025 but many 
items must be completed prior to the application deadline such as conducting a public hearing 
( completed), 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 December 9, 2024 
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 1 7, 2024 consent agenda for approval. 
Summary of the December 17, 2024 Regular Session 
During this meeting, the Council approved to apply for this grant and authorized conducting a 
required public hearing on January 21, 2025 to obtain citizen comments regarding potential 
projects. The public hearing was conducted and those public hearing minutes are attached.