2021 06 15 Minutes

Machine-read OCR text; verify every number, name, and layout against the original page.

6692

June 15, 2021
Page 3 of 5

BE AMENDED; TO CORRECT PATIO HOME AND TOWNHOME DENSITY AND TO CHANGE PATIO HOME
SETBACKS THAT CONFLICT WITH SUBDIVISION EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The caption of the above-described Ordinance was read by the recording clerk. Mayor Perkinson opened
the public hearing. Several members in the audience expressed their concern about the future of the
subdivision and possible rezoning. City Attorney Trew stated that the ordinance before the Council was
only to clean up some inconsistencies in the Code regarding patio home and townhome density and
setbacks. There was nothing in the ordinance that dealt with rezoning changes. Community Development
Director Anthony Casteel stated that the developer had received preliminary concept approval but had
not received final plat approval. The developer had received a variance for exactly what the changes in
this ordinance would have allowed. City Attorney Trew stated that based on Mr. Casteel’s comments, the
developer still needs to submit the final plans to the Planning Commission so the public will have an
opportunity to attend the Planning Commission meeting, look over the plans, and voice their concerns.
Mr. Casteel asked those individuals interested in knowing when the plans had been submitted to leave
him their email addresses so he could contact them. Public Hearing was closed. Mayor Perkinson asked
for a motion. Council Member Pelley moved, Council Member Curtis seconded, to approve Ordinance
No. 1102 on Second and Final Reading. Roll call vote:

AYES: Curtis, Pelley, Witt-McMahan, Lockmiller, Perkinson
NAYS: None

-10-
CITY OF ATHENS BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022

PRESENTATION OF BUDGET

City Manager Sumner shared his priority driven budgeting philosophy and an overview of capital items
and changes in the 2021-2022 budget. He reviewed the items funded last year for accountability.

-11-

ORDINANCE NO. 1103 — SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A BUDGET AND SET THE TAX RATE ON TAXABLE PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN
THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, TENNESSEE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2021
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022.

The caption of the above-described Ordinance was read by the recording clerk. Mayor Perkinson opened
the public hearing. Larry Eaton stated it was his understanding that the insurance for City employees was
going up 10%. He felt the City should take care of its employees first before monies are given to outside
agencies. Mr. Eaton also inquired about the $700,000 budgeted for the Animal Shelter and the property
tax increase as it relates to property values. Council Member Witt-McMahan stated that she had been
contacted by several citizens that were not comfortable with the tax increase. Cynthia McCowan stated
she appreciated the opportunity to participate in the City’s Community Mobility Study and Balancing Act
Budget Simulator on the website. She felt the City was moving in the right direction and the City Council
needed to maintain its focus and diligence and stay on task. Lauren Shepherd, Director of the Athens Area
Arts Council, thanked the City Council for their commitment to the outside agencies. These organizations
not only contribute to the quality of life but also drive economics. When the City invests more in the
Library, the Arts Council, and other organizations, it is contributing to making Athens a better place to live.
Trey Ivans applauded the City Council, City Manager, and past Council’s on their diligence as they
approached the school building debate which was only a microcosm of how the Council handles
everything fiscally. Brian McKinney suggested that the Council look at the possibility of giving a tax credit
to those individuals over 65 that have lived in Athens for over ten years to offset the property tax increases
because of the influx of individuals from out-of-state. The public hearing was closed. Mayor Perkinson
asked for a motion. Council Member Curtis moved, Council Member Witt-McMahan seconded, to
approve Ordinance No. 1103 on Second and Final Reading. Vice Mayor Lockmiller stated that the
property tax increase was originally anticipated to be a permanent §.20 increase, but they have now gone
to a temporary $.08 increase. Mayor Perkinson disclosed that his wife serves on the McMinn County
Library Board and the budget includes increased funding for the Library.

AYES: Curtis, Witt-McMahan, Lockmiller, Perkinson
NAYS: Pelley