October 20, 2026 transcript
Beer Board · Regular session and City Council · Resumed September 15 session and City Council · Regular session · Supplied transcript
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1:40 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
This beer board session, October the 20th, 2026, in order. Roll call, please.
1:47 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Mccowan.
1:49 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Here.
1:50 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Dugan.
1:51 · John Duggan (unverified label)
Here.
1:51 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Charlotte. Board member Curtis.
1:54 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Here.
1:54 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Chairman Eaton.
1:55 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Present. Okay. The minutes of the September the 15th is in your package. Do you is there a motion?
2:07 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Move approval of the minutes as presented.
2:10 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Here, second. I
2:11 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
second.
2:11 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Any discussions? Roll call.
2:14 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Mccowan aye. Board member Dugan
2:17 · John Duggan (unverified label)
aye.
2:17 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Curtis aye. Chairman Eaton
2:19 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye. There's no citizens' comments that signed up, so and there's no old business, so we're going straight into new business. Section A, please.
2:33 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Item A: A beer permit relinquishment for pick and pay, address 102, Old Rassville Road. It's a grocery food store with off-premises consumption license.
2:44 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Do I hear a motion?
2:45 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Move approval of the relinquishment.
2:47 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Do you hear a second? A good aye. Motion made in second. Any discussions?
2:51 · John Duggan (unverified label)
You had mentioned in your email that we would be getting that relinquished permit tomorrow. Is there a way we can get confirmation of that?
2:59 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
I mean, I've talked to them over the phone. Oh, you mean once they turn it in? Yeah, once
3:04 · John Duggan (unverified label)
they turn it in, that way we can let you know of what we're voting on, and that way it's not sitting out there. That's
3:14 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
fine. Any other discussions? Roll call.
3:17 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Mccowan.
3:18 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Aye.
3:18 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Dugan.
3:19 · John Duggan (unverified label)
Aye.
3:20 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Curtis,
3:21 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
aye.
3:21 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Chairman Eaton,
3:22 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye. Line item B.
3:26 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Item B is a beer permit application, the new owner of Pick and Pay at 102 Old Russell Road for the same license type.
3:34 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Hear a motion.
3:35 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
I make the motion.
3:36 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Motion be made. Is there a second?
3:39 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Second.
3:40 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Motion being made second. Any discussions? If not, roll call.
3:45 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Mccowan,
3:46 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
aye.
3:47 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Board member Dugan, aye. Board member Curtis, aye. Chairman Eaton,
3:51 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye. Ladies and gentlemen, we're adjourned.
3:55 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
All right.
17:31 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Meeting back to order from the September the 15th meeting that that was postponed for lack of quarrel. So the the last thing on the agenda is the citizens' comments. There was two two personnel. One of them was Jason White Wright. Jason Wright. I don't think Jason is here. So crossing him out. The other one is mr. Glenn Whiting. Please hold on one second, if you don't mind, mr. Whiting. Apologize.
18:07 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
You're good. Here, let me
18:14 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
restart it. Sorry,
18:14 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
Glenn. Let me
18:15 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
restart it.
18:16 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay, go.
18:19 · Glen Whitey (unverified label)
I want to talk about the lawsuit that we just got done with, and what kind of foolish way to manage a city to sit there and say that you're willing to spend $10,000 versus a couple $100 filing fee, and it doesn't make any logical sense whatsoever. But we did it, and we'll probably spend another 10 grand by time we're done with the appeal, but that's okay too. But through it, we ended up having employees spend time spent down at the courthouse. Everything about it says poor management, and it makes zero sense. And I got bigger problem with the manage management. And Bridget said at the last council meeting that she looked into the checks that Mike wrote to the foundation and said she doesn't have a problem with them. That's Bridget's one that sent me the emails that said they've never been approved by, never been voted by the council, never been on the budget. If you're going to be city manager and you can sit there and say you don't care that $100,000 have been sent to a foundation without ever being voted on, without ever being on the in the budget. That's corrupt. That is required by law, and yet, and for months now, this council has been looking at it, and nobody's looking into it now. I know it's before the comptroller, but that doesn't matter. It could be resolved right now. Now, if Bridges said it's okay, she looked into it, put forth the evidence, show us where it was approved, and if you can't do that, then there's a problem. And if it can't be done, then there should be an investigation. But to come in here and say I looked into it and I'm okay with it, then put forth the effort and show us where it was approved, because my emails from the city says it was never approved, never okay. As far as lawsuit goes, when I get the transcripts, I'm going to show and it's going to create because we did have it. It actually gave me enough information that we'll be filing another lawsuit. So this is instead of that $300, we're going to spend 1000s and 1000s because this council and city manager thought it was smarter to hire a law firm out of Knoxville to fight me. We got four days in court. I don't know what that costs, but what a bunch of wasted money! And it takes all of you to sit back and sit there and say we would rather waste that money because of our hate from mr. Whiting is so much. Talking about the fuel tanks, I talked about them. It was said they are the fuel tanks that are owned by Chris True are not legal on the ground. They've not been, and it's required by law to investigate them. It hasn't been done. I see my time's almost up, but the law requires it. But this council don't want to force it. Bridget don't want to force it. We need change in the city until people are willing to do what's required by law.
21:16 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you, mr. Wadding. Okay, that is the end of the citizens' comments. Roll call for dismissal, please.
21:29 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember McCowan.
21:30 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Aye.
21:31 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Dugan.
21:32 · John Duggan (unverified label)
Aye.
21:32 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Sherland.
21:33 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
Aye.
21:34 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Mayor Curtis.
21:36 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Aye.
21:36 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Mayor Eaton. Aye.
31:43 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
support downtown. Invocation, please please. Let's bow in prayer. Dear gracious Heavenly Father, we come to you today. We thank you for this beautiful day you've given us. We ask that you be with each one of us as we decide on things forthcoming for our city. We ask that you be with those who are traveling from time off. Just give them safety as well, and those who've come to visit us from overseas. Just give them safety on their travels back this coming week. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Attention! Salute! Pledge! Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Miss Bridget, roll call, please. Councilmember McCowan here. Councilmember Dugan here. Councilmember Charlen here. Vice Mayor Curtis here. Mayor Eaton present. The the minutes of last month will be postponed for the November meeting, so we will not have any approvals for the minutes of the meeting till the the fall city council meeting. So the next one is communications special presentations. Before I do that, I want to say a couple of things, Miss Bridget. I want to say a very, very an awesome job the city of the city of Athens hosting the the sister cities. Well, thank you, Mayor. But the sister city committee, which is and a subcommittee, has been put together to make this visit possible, so I want to give them thanks to all of the members. It was a group effort to make this happen, and they've got one more day, so don't jinx it. Just this was a very. The last two days were astronomically just one of the most bonding times we've ever had, and today was pretty pretty amazing when you had the first time in Meekman County, a consulate general of Japan has been in Athens, Tennessee, and we got to release a hawk. He actually got to release him and the the mayor of Ishaaya were able to release a hawk a piece today in in show of solidarity solidarity for our both of our sister cities, so having a consulate general, the ambassador of Japan here over over seven states was a very big deal for for us and Denzo, and our sister cities committee was astronomically just what they how they put this together is is really amazing. Second thing before we go on is this weekend is Punkin Town, and want to make sure everybody knows. Hey, nothing to do this weekend but heading downtown. So I think it's 10 to five. So so please make sure that that we So, saying that, Vice Mayor, will you do the Viviet Award, please? Glad Use adjourn. Yeah. Public meeting order this time, Councilman John Dugan.
35:05 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
to. This time, I'd like to invite up our recipients, Jim and Patty Greek. Please come to the front. Want to thank Mary Eaton for this nomination and for asking me to present this well-deserved award to Jim and Patty Greek. We're kind of celebrating a lot of things. On October the eighth, there was a celebration, a ribbon cutting with the chamber to commemorate 30 years of Greeks bearing gifts being in business. So I think we ought to give that a round of applause before we do the dividing. And Mary Eaton presented a wonderful proclamation at that event that was very well attended. And we will say at this moment in time, this is October the 20th, so people are beginning to think about the Christmas shopping season, so we want to encourage everyone as you begin the process. Think about Christmas shopping. Remember, all of our great merchants in downtown Athens. There's a number of them, so shop local first before you go out of town. And in in addition to commemorating that 30th anniversary of Greeks bearing gifts. We wanted to just reflect and and congratulate and show appreciation for Jim and Patty's multiple ways of service to the community. I'm going to read the nomination that was written up here in a moment, but I want to say this as well. That's maybe not captured in the form, but in addition to those kind of to these tangible things, Jim and Patty have mentored a number of young people through employment in their store and taught them customer service, communication skills, etiquette. So I know what an impact that's had on a number of young people throughout our community for a number of years. But without further ado, I'm going to read this nomination, nomination of Jim and Patty Greek for the City of Athens Vivid Award. I am pleased to nominate Patty and Jim Greek for the Vivid Award in recognition of their longstanding volunteer service, community leadership, and personal dedication to Athens for 30 years. They have generously contributed their time and talents to organizations that enrich the lives of others and strengthen our community, Jim has served on the E.G. Fisher Friends of the Library Board, Athens Art Center Board, United Way Board, and Athens Youth Choir Board. His service reflects a commitment to literacy, the arts, opportunities for young people, and the well-being of his neighbors, through these organizations, Jim has helped support the educational and cultural opportunities that make Athens a special place to live. Patty has devoted many years to the Athens City Council Advisory Committee, serving as chair with pride and commitment. She has willingly given her time, shared her perspective, and help guide discussions about the needs and future of our city. Her dedication demonstrates a strong sense of civic responsibility and sincere desire to make Athens better for everyone. Patty's leadership also includes serving as chair of the United Way board and the Athens Chamber of Commerce board. She has served on the Athens Arts Center Executive Board, McMeen County Living Heritage Museum Board, Tennessee Overhill Board, and currently the Athens Utilities Board. Her involvement spans community assistance, economic vitality, culture enrichment, historic preservation, and public service. The McMean County Education Foundation recognized Patty and Jim with the Ignite Award for their community involvement. That honor reflects the breadth of their contributions and their sustained willingness to give back. While many people know Patty and Jim through Greeks bearing gifts, their personal contributions reach far beyond their storefront. They have taken on responsibilities, devoted time to important causes, and remained actively involved in the life of Athens for three decades. Their love for this community is demonstrated through years of service and a shared commitment to helping others. For their individual accomplishments and their lasting contributions to our community, I wholeheartedly recommend Patty and Jim for for the Vivid Awards. So congratulations, Jim and Patty. Great. Thank you, Jim. Thank you. Would y'all like to say a few words? Thank you. We're very much. Quite an honor. Yes, it is very much. Well, thank you all for everything you do. Here's oh, do we need to get a photo, Simon? Okay. Larry, thank you for the nomination. Yes, thank you. Thank you all. Thank
40:00 · Glen Whitey (unverified label)
you.
40:01 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Thank you, Patty.
40:09 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks again. Thank you. Well deserved.
40:24 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Next one communications is the Athens City Primary School.
40:31 · Speaker 2 (unverified label)
Good evening. I am Dr. Christine Walden, the principal of Athens City Primary School. I know many of you. I just my my message is short and sweet. I just want to thank the fire department for coming, letting us come to their train station, which was new for us to go to. When Chief Ainsworth and Deb emailed me over the summer, it was designed really for the three through five side, the intermediate children. And to be honest, I was a little hesitant for the little ones to go pre K through two. I thought, oh goodness, are they going to be able to do this? And with Chief Ainsworth's help and Deb, we got it organized and got the busses and all the good things. And the kids just absolutely loved it. It was it had rave reviews from the teachers. It was so organized and very hands-on. I think they loved the hose the best. They told me they liked getting wet, but it was just really great. And also to Deputy Chief Tim Schultz as well. And I can't name everybody that was involved because there were so many. But thank you, Chief Ainsworth, for organizing that. They just had a really great time, so we really appreciate it. Thank you.
41:46 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you.
41:46 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Great.
41:52 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
There is one more thing, Miss Roberts. Is the ribbon cutting this coming Friday for the Commons area.
42:00 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
It's Thursday at 4o'clock.
42:03 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay, we need to make that announcement because the the new the new Commons area across from where the pickleball courts are is going to be ribbon cutting before the before they're going to have a trick or treating event.
42:21 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Well, the library's having a trick or treating event, but we are also the Public Works Department and a few other staff members. I think are going to also hand out candy along with Mayfield Dairy. They're going to be doing their ice cream sample trailer, and then we're doing the ribbon cutting for the the new trail.
42:40 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
That's if you not drove by there, it's it's extremely nice. So if you can come Thursday at the ribbon cutting, it'd be nice. So that was another one I wanted to make sure of that we public know about. Okay, citizens germane to the agenda, Glenn Whiting, please.
43:03 · Glen Whitey (unverified label)
I got questions about two different issues. One, we're talking about getting a armored vehicle for a police department. Do we really need that? Since how many times we have actually used that vehicle? It's like a lot of weapons that we've gotten over the years. We've never used them, and it's just there's ways to better we put more officers on there that we can use, put more anything as far as employees, but we don't need an armored vehicle. And the second thing I'm looking at is the air sweeper, and so I did a quick Google search. You're talking about spending $399,000 plus change, and you do a quick Google search of the exact same one, and says it ranges from 14,000 to, with all the bells and the whistles, 160,000. What are we getting for the extra 260 some 1000? Do we even look? Do we shop, or do we don't not care? Is it kind of like going to court where we just we don't care if it spends 10,000 that could be 300. You guys are supposed to be looking out after our dollars, and we don't do that. We just sit there and spend whatever there is, and it don't make sense. So before you go and approve a armored car, explain why we need it to the citizens? Because we have a right to know. Why are we paying for this? What's going to be the cost of maintaining it? What's where this? We're a little C. We're not Knoxville. We're not Chattanooga. Why do we need it? Why do we need the highest, most expensive sweeper? I mean, like I say, Google search it yourself. I just did it. That's how I found out what what it was. You can buy two of them for less than what you're going to pay for one. Ask yourself why you want to do that. Tell us why are we going to do that. Let's go look and see what can you get for the best money for the dollar. Before I go buy a new vehicle, I shop around. Are we just paying the top dollar for everything? We do because it doesn't make sense, and like I say, you can Google it, and it'll literally tell you top of the line is 160,000. So before you spend $400,000, try looking at it. It doesn't make sense.
45:13 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you, sir. Next one's consent agenda, Miss Roberts.
45:25 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Item A. Approve extension of the janitorial services contract with TMA Services LLC. Item B. Approve extension of the contracts with Stansel Electric Company Inc. for high mask preventative maintenance and repair and traffic signal signal maintenance and repair, item C, approve resolution 2026-25 authorizing the City of Athens to participate in the Public Entity Partners James L. Richardson driver matching grant, item D, approve resolution 2026-26 authorizing the application for and conditional acceptance of a grant funding under the BGA fiscal year 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for the purchase of an armored vehicle for the Athens Police Department. Item E, approve the purchase of a global R4 air sweeper utilizing source well contract at a price of $389,122, subject to a potential price adjustment for tariffs, duties, or similar government charges from the fleet fund, and declare asset 4879 as surplus and to be disposed on gov deals upon delivery of the new sweeper, Item F, declare construction equipment trailers asset number 4310 and 4311 as surplus and to be disposed on Gov deals. Item G, authorization to execute a contract for guardrail repairs under statewide contract CN 262036 for $49,235.19 plus a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed $54,158.71. Item H Adopt Athens stormwater master plan volume one port dated September 2026.
47:26 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
Move approval of the consent agenda is presented.
47:29 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Motion being made. Is there a second?
47:32 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
I'll second.
47:33 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Any discussions? I would like to go
47:36 · John Duggan (unverified label)
ahead. Go ahead. I was just going to say the H the adopt Athens stormwater master plan. I think we need to keep this in mind. This is something that was presented to us, and we need to, especially for future budget sake, we need to keep this in our forethought of of what we need to do for the future of the city because this is infrastructure. This is something that actually needs to be focused on for safety's sake as well. Just wanted to say that.
48:09 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you.
48:10 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
I would just like to point out since it was brought up, made public, and we discuss these things in work session in depth, and we, our public works director, shared with us all the the ins and outs of the sweeper and what all was involved in this sweeper, and it it is something that we budget for. It's in the fleet fund, it's. I understand you can do a Google search and you can find something for cheaper. I do it too, but this particular item, there's a lot more to it than just what you find on a Google search, and it, the one we have, is seeing its last days coming up, so this one is supposed to hopefully last five or better years instead of four, and so that that explanation just wanted the public to know that we don't take this lightly. That we look into it. We look at the at the the cost and what all's involved in it, what's on board on the vehicle, and why it's important to have it. And then also under the armored vehicle that was brought up too. I just want to point out this is a application for a grant. Doesn't mean we're going to get it. We're applying for the grant, and if we we get it, then okay, it's still taxpayer money through government funding. I understand that, but who knows when we might need to be. Like this, we we don't ever know, and it's it's not in stone that we're going to get it. We're just approving the resolution to go after the grant. So that's what this is. I just wanted to clarify that.
50:18 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Now you made a good you know about the vehicle. I don't want our officers to ever be not have the equipment that they need. I'm an old military guy, so I want them have the equipment if needed. It's a grant, so that's why I'm all for
50:39 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
it. But I appreciate the questioning. That's why we're here. We're here to be questioned. So I can tell you, we looked into this.
50:54 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Any other any other any other comments? Roll call, please.
50:58 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember McCowan.
50:59 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
Aye.
51:00 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Dugan,
51:01 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
aye.
51:01 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Member Sherland,
51:02 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
aye.
51:02 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Curtis,
51:03 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
aye.
51:04 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Mayor Eaton,
51:04 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye. Go back to ordinances. mr. Roberts, please.
51:12 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Item A: Second reading and public hearing, Ordinance 1161, an ordinance to amend Title One, Chapter Two of the Athens City Code by replacing Section 144 to revise the order of business for City Council meetings.
51:27 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
This is the second reading, so I will open it up to the public at this point in time. Is there anyone in the public like to speak?
51:38 · Glen Whitey (unverified label)
We're talking about changing the way we do public speaking. Now it's been changed. When you all first came in four years ago, you changed it and gave citizens five minutes to speak. Then three months later, you take and split it three minutes in the beginning for germane to the agenda, three minutes at the end. But the law changed and said that you can't require that it be germane to the agenda. But we're still in compliance as it is right now. You can still speak whatever you want at the end, but if you take and you turn this to where you say, "Okay, we're going to do away with the speaking at the end, and we're going to give you three minutes, then all you're really doing is stealing our time, and that's something that the mayor fought hard for it when he was a citizen, saying, "We need five minutes minimum, and any one of you that would support cutting that time-I don't care if you change it to make it where you just come in and speak about-and needs to be in the beginning because sometimes you speak about something that's important to be heard, so it matters. But the other thing is, if I want to come in here and I want to talk about Chris Truz illegal gas tanks. I should have that right, and I shouldn't be limited to a short time. I should be able to question why is it not being investigated when it's required. We have a right assistance to speak, and if you try to cut that time, when all of you fought for it, with the exception of Jordan, I believe, and Perry wasn't here, but the fact is, it's wrong. You don't take citizens' time. You've already done it with the live streaming. You cut out the comments to the live streaming. I got three more minutes, Jordan. I'm timing it. So, anyways, you took in the very beginning. You started the live stream, and you put in the citizens' comments. Well, you were getting hundreds and hundreds of citizens that actually watch, and you cut their comments out because they were negative towards the city. Well, if they're so negative, maybe you need to be listening. Maybe you need to quit thinking you're doing a good job and listen to the people that are commenting because the things that have been going on in this city, it's not good. Look at this city; it's a mess. We don't have an attorney. We don't have a manager. We got purging galore that I can show. We got Anthony Castile came in here and actually lied to you all, and not a one person cared the fact that he said Matthew Gravely was qualified. He wasn't. That was a lie. That needs to be dealt with. So the fact is, we have so much going on in this city, and you need to listen to the citizens. I'm pretty sure I got my three minutes in.
54:08 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Got it. Thank you, sir. Any anyone else on the ordinance? If not, I'm closing the public speaking time. Hear a motion. Move approval. Hear a second. Hear a second.
54:31 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
I'll second.
54:32 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Motion being made and second. In discussions.
54:34 · John Duggan (unverified label)
I was gonna
54:36 · Speaker 3 (unverified label)
go ahead.
54:37 · John Duggan (unverified label)
I wanted you. I'll let you go this time. Oh, you beat me. Go ahead. I was just going to say I'm against this for a different reason, in the fact that I mentioned this in a study session, that I feel like having germane as well as public comments for you know just random public things that sometimes can be addressed by email. Either the city manager or department head, but I feel like those topics would outweigh they're germane to the agenda, and could actually there wouldn't be clarified voting in that sense were some some comments of citizens who are focused on germane to the agenda, wanting them to be heard on certain content germane to the agenda, and then emotional pleas for certain content are going to outweigh and create emotional issues, which you know, if if you just look at last month's meeting, there was emotional conflict all over the place, and you know, we end up having to finish the meeting today because we couldn't finish it last month. So, and and during the study session, I was I I was said I was informed. Well, just control your emotions. Well, okay, all right, I understand that. But germane, the agenda needs to be for for citizens to come up and speak on things that they feel like they need to be heard about, that can possibly sway your vote, and it should, because we should be listening to the citizens. If you listen to both sides of the stories, and it should, you should make that decision. You shouldn't come in with a stone-headed thought of this is how I'm voting, and I'm sure we each on on this panel can be accused of that as well. I I try my best to listen to both sides. I've actually, you know, changed votes when I've walked into this room when I've heard somebody else speak. We should be listening to the public, and I think having both will create a battle and a conflict. And I think dividing it is fine. Yes, it gives technically one minute more time than the five minutes some people are fussing for, but I think dividing conquers the best way. Let the public speak at the end; that way we can deal with those issues at the end, like we've done in the past. Let the people speak to the agenda because that's the important part of what we're here for this month about, and and you know, I just I feel like it needs stay as it is for that reason.
57:35 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
I say the only the real reason why I'm for this because I've had citizens come to me and say, "I can't be here for this long of time. I have kids I have to go get. I have grandbabies I have to go get, and then and then and then they want to say something at the beginning of of the meeting. So that is giving the citizens time to say what you have to say, so that's the reason why I am for this. And then the mothers or whoever have kids they have to go take care of, they can go take care of them. So that's the way I look at
58:21 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
it.
58:22 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
I'd like to amend the ordinance to change the time from three minutes to four minutes. I have a second. I'll speak to it.
58:34 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Is there a second to the amendment? Second to the amendment.
58:39 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Council, I'm sorry, Councilor. Hold on a
58:41 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
second. No, hold on a second. Is there is there a second to the amendment?
58:46 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
Amendments. The motion is to amend the ordinance.
58:49 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Yes, the amendment. Well, there is no second to the amendment. Well, let me state
58:53 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
the amendment. The amendment to the ordinance is to amend the ordinance to allow four minutes of time instead of three minutes of time. Is
59:07 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
there a second? Is there a second? Motion on the amendment is denied because there's no second. Now,
59:17 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
all right. I still have something to say in Discussion since the amendment failed, that's okay. The purpose behind that was is we give this this ordinance is changing from giving time at the end three minutes. What the state law says now, we can have it all together at the beginning, Germaine and anything they want to talk about at the beginning, and the ordinance is specifying three minutes at at the beginning. So we're taking three minutes away from the public. You know, I if that's what we wanted, if that. That's what where you're going. Then, you know, I don't I don't understand taking the time away. My purpose was to try to give at least a minute of it back, but it's not it didn't fly. So, I just wanted to voice my opposition to the ordinance.
1:00:20 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
I'll go ahead. I just
1:00:22 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
I just want to say I I think we're with all respect to the other members of the body I I think that we're this in no way involves the time limit that really is by policy of the council and somewhat at the discretion of the chair this is simply and I and I would not submit that we need to memorialize an ordinance at any kind of time limit. I think that's unnecessary. I think that's handled kind of by policy under the public comments. However, this council and however going forward they may choose to handle it. But I think our intent here, or I know my intent, was to move the public comments portion of the meeting to the earlier section to make it less confusing for the citizenry. So those wishing to comment to this group, whether it be about something on the this agenda or about something that is under the purview of this body, which this the state law requires us to now do, it puts that at the beginning of the meeting. So if people wish to come speak to us on whatever matter it may be that's appropriate, they can do that, and then they're they're not having to wait until the end of the meeting. So I think that's what the intent is. I think a time limit relates to whatever policy that may evolve with this council or a future one. So this again, I think we're, I think we're kind of narrowing this in. We're we're just kind of, in my view, simplifying the public comment section to be at the beginning of the meeting going forward, which I think is a good change.
1:01:51 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
I have a rebuttal. Well, hold on a second before you rebut because I haven't spoke. Go ahead. The reason why this was in here is because the TCA changed this year. The TCA was changed by the by the state legislators. State legislators were that even germane to the agenda. Anybody can talk about any anything at any time. So therefore, there was no sense of having two different timelines for germane to the agenda or at the end of the meeting. You can combine it together because that's that's the way that the TCA had had formed this year. That's the reason why this was put in here is because this time this point in time, me and the former person that worked here and and the city manager was. We had actually pulled this up and looked at it, and we were in violation. So therefore, to bring it up to the standards of the TCA, that's the reason why this was in here. Now, go ahead and rebut, please.
1:02:55 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
I fully understand what we're doing here with the ordinance, but the bottom line is we're taking away three minutes at the end of the meeting, three minutes gone, and that's three minutes that the public had to speak. And Mayor, you in particular, and other council members on here have fought for the public to be able to speak. Now you're advocating limiting their time, and I'm okay with limiting time to a degree because most governments only give two minutes to speak. Period. You go to a county commission, you got two minutes. That's it. And other cities are the same way. Now we're taking three minutes away at the end, and it's going to leave three minutes at the beginning for Jermaine or anything else. And I understand that it's all combined now. Bottom line is, you're taking away three minutes at the end of the meeting that somebody would have to speak. I was just trying to give a minute back. You won't even do that. So, I spoke my. Any other
1:04:03 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
any other discussion? Roll call.
1:04:10 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember McCowan,
1:04:12 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
aye.
1:04:13 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Dugan,
1:04:14 · John Duggan (unverified label)
nay.
1:04:15 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Sherland,
1:04:16 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
no.
1:04:18 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Curtis,
1:04:19 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
aye.
1:04:20 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Mayor Eaton,
1:04:21 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye.
1:04:26 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
May I ask that on our November work session that we review the public comments policy of the council to take a look at. I
1:04:35 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
think we're putting in the work session. Yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Okay. There's no old business. There's one. There's there's one new business, and that's line item I A. Miss Roberts.
1:04:56 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Sorry, I'm multitasking this meeting.
1:04:58 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
I apologize.
1:05:01 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Item A under new business is the award for the bids for the six downtown improvement grant projects. In front of you, you'll see a memo from Finance Director Mike Keith explaining that we did the bid openings the day after work session, which you all were aware of. Those six projects were approved to receive the grant funds. One project received no bids. The other five projects' bids came in higher than the anticipated cost. So, since this grant is being administered by Set D, they're going to have to get with those property owners and see if they're willing to pay more than what they anticipated. So, we're going to need to move this to November. If you all agree,
1:05:45 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
gentlemen, I have a motion.
1:05:46 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
So moved.
1:05:47 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
A second. Second. Second.
1:05:52 · John Duggan (unverified label)
Second.
1:05:52 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay. Motion to be made second. Any discussions? Roll call.
1:06:02 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember McCowan,
1:06:03 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
aye.
1:06:04 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Dugan, aye. Councilmember Sherland,
1:06:06 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
aye.
1:06:06 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Curtis, aye. Mayor Eaton,
1:06:08 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
aye. There's a couple of things, Council. I want to to bring up. One thing is the elections coming up in November. What is November the 17th, when the new City councils being sworn in, that the city judge can swear in whomever the the people that's elected. So just wanted to make sure since there is not an attorney, the city the city judge can swear in the new city council, and there's three positions open. So that's number one, and then the other one is in front of you, and the only one I didn't, I don't think got one was Councilman Sherwin. But in front of you is the court issue personal handbook policies that I gave each one of you guys to look over, and wanting to discuss that a little bit with you guys. I think you've you you guys.
1:07:08 · John Duggan (unverified label)
Since this
1:07:08 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
is this was not agendaed, I would ask that we this was not agended or noticed to the public. This would be discussed. I think this should be discussed at a later time, perhaps the November work session. I would like maybe staff input on this as well.
1:07:21 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay. I don't
1:07:22 · Jordan Curtis (unverified label)
think it's appropriate to discuss this this evening as it was not agendaed.
1:07:26 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay.
1:07:26 · John Duggan (unverified label)
And it deals with a handbook as well, so okay. I think that's a better idea. So
1:07:30 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
can we put this on the the agenda for the work session, please? And I gave you a copy too. I think the only one you didn't get one. No, you got. Yeah, you did. I gave it. I hand delivered it. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah,
1:07:42 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I got that.
1:07:43 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Don't say I didn't mute it. I
1:07:44 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
got it. I got it.
1:07:47 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Okay, so so we'll put that on the agenda for for the next work session. Okay, each one of you've got you have all the reports from the police, fire, finance, and community development, and the city manager. Is there any questions anyone has? If not, then we'll go to the citizens comment section and Bill and Charlene Cagle. Yes, sir. If you don't, if you didn't mind, please. Okay.
1:08:27 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
Anyways, the parks and recreation guy and some other people met with community members from from North Athens concerning the 10-acre where the school used to be, anyways, they they had they were proposing a nature walk or hike around that area, and in my opinion, as my family, we're on our fourth generation in North Athens. We lived there. I've lived there over 60 years. That's not something I would like to see. I would like to see something for children who can't get to these other parks, City Park, which they well deserve. It they have nice area for tennis, basketball playground for smaller kids. They have soccer field and other things. Heritage Park has a softball field with lights, tennis courts, basketball goals, pavilion, nice playground area. Cook Park has similar pavilion and all. Ingleside has a swimming pool, skate park, pickleball courts, everything there. Right this minute in North Athens, there's 10 acre field with nothing there. There was 10 of sports and basketball goals on those courts. I don't know why they tore those up, but there's nothing there. It's my opinion and other people's opinions that that area. There's a lot of residences right there close by where kids can walk to that area. They should at least be at very least basketball goals and maybe one tennis court. Those those kids don't play tennis there. I'll agree they don't play tennis, but they sure can walk out there with a basketball and shoot a basketball. Smaller kids should have a place to have a swing, other playground equipment, and a place to play that is safe out of the street or not near. And they should be able to get there without having to get bused or carpooled by their mothers, or ride their bicycle across town. Kids are skating down down Wolverd Avenue and Gill Street to get to the skate park. They're walking there. I don't know what all they can need, but something should be put in that place. Not not a walking. I mean, there's sidewalks there. If people wants to walk and get exercise, which is good, and certainly City Park area, a lot of people walk and get out and they push their baby carriages. I don't see that happen in North Athens. I see two fam, two people in the family working. I see the kids on their own a lot of times, which good people work, they do. I'm fortunate that I take my grandkids to where they can play, and it's everybody's not that fortunate, and I'm here to to to be a spokesperson for those children. I lived there when I was growing up, and we were all over the place in that neighborhood. We had we 4050 years ago we had playground to play on, and it seems like it's going backwards instead of forward. And that's the only thing I want to say. the The parks and recreation guy said it need to be put to you guys, and I've never been to one of these meetings in my life, if I'm advocating for something, I'm advocating for people in that neighborhood, and and the people who can't get up here and speak for themselves. I'm not a spokesperson. I'm not, but I'll definitely speak up for people, and I will. And if you got comments that tell me about that or whatever. Is there something planned to be done there?
1:12:26 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
At this time, we have to go through strategic planning and everything. So there's nothing that's that's planned yet. So what has to happen has to go through planning commissions and and it has to go through strategic summit to find out what is.
1:12:41 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
Well, I certainly understand things cost a lot these days. They do, but does anybody here know what the budget for park and recreation is in the city of Athens?
1:12:51 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Off top my head, no, but we do have it. So, what you probably need to do is get with the city manager, and she can she can give you all that information.
1:13:00 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
Well, I don't need the information. I just need to take some of that money and put it into that area over there.
1:13:05 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
That's one. Thank you very much, sir.
1:13:07 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
We can talk three minutes or longer about how much time we're talking, but we just need to
1:13:12 · Steve Sherlin (unverified label)
do something.
1:13:13 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you, sir. Thank you. Quinn Whiting, please.
1:13:29 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
Thank you, guys.
1:13:30 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thank you, sir. And I'm
1:13:31 · Speaker 1 (unverified label)
sorry to come
1:13:34 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
on. Nah, you good? You good?
1:13:36 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Hey, that's our city. We need we need more people like this.
1:13:39 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
You good? You good?
1:13:41 · Glen Whitey (unverified label)
So Larry mentioned the fact that we got an election coming up, and I want people to think about who they're voting for. For those people that have a short memory, four years ago or five years ago, this city was in turmoil over the attacks from Seth Sumner. Who was the one promoting it all? Who was one doing the investigation? Was Chris True? That is what this city started, and we haven't got better. But that's who started it. Chris covered up everything is going on with the Pope Avenue building. He's one that did the investigation. He's one that said it could never be built, and yet we're fixing to do another lawsuit because it's been fixed. That was all lie, and it was all done by Chris True. We heard Eddie from the barber shop talk on a podcast about how Chris came into his office just a few weeks ago and told him if you let Dr. Pelly in here again, I'm going to take 50 of your business and put you out of business. We want that stalled mob sitting up here. That's wrong, and that's what we have. So if you vote for that. You deserve the corruption this city has, because he's one that created and was covering it up. The issue over the motel with Dr. Pelly, we had Dan Anderson go on a podcast and talk about how they helped that woman, gave her money, put her up for weeks, and Chris and Seth sat there and used it as a weapon to attack. A council member-that's what we want up here. So we have a council member, a guy running for council now. Why does he want to be up here? Well, we know he has illegal tanks, and that city's not investigating and doing anything about. But he has a lot of corruption and baggage that he needs to sit up here and protect. We don't need that. If you want the city get better, you put him up there. It ain't going to get better. I'll be here for the next four years, and I'll be having a target on my back. I'll promise you. His law firm was the city attorney for 50 years. 50 years, the same firm controlled this city. Are we not tired of having people say this city's always been corrupt. It's always going to be corrupt if we put the same people back in. And if you put him back in here, I promise you the corruption's only going to get worse. Seth destroyed this city with the help of Chris. Chris covered it up. It's not going to get better. So I'm using my time here just to let people know. I see the signs, and I see it on local businesses, and I think, how sad is it that these same people admitted to myself in front of some, in fact, in front of Steve, some said what the city did was wrong over the building, and yet now you're looking at putting the same person that did it back into power. That's a shame that you. It'd be like somebody stealing from going in your business and stealing $100,000 from you, them running for office. How would you feel knowing other people going to vote for him, knowing that he's a thief? That's what you're voting for, and if you vote for that, you deserve this corruption. It won't get better.
1:16:37 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
Thanks, sir. Miss Roberts, roll call for adjournment, please.
1:16:47 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember McCowan,
1:16:48 · Perry McCowan (unverified label)
aye.
1:16:48 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Dugan,
1:16:49 · John Duggan (unverified label)
aye.
1:16:50 · Bridget Roberts (unverified label)
Councilmember Charlen, aye. Mayor Curtis, aye. Mayor Eaton,
1:16:54 · Larry Eaton (unverified label)
no. We're adjourned.