Athens City Council approves several big projects

Funds were approved by Athens City Council Monday night to continue several projects. An ordinance authorizing the city to go ahead with purchasing new perimeter lighting was adopted.As previously reported, the city is working on replacing all the perimeter lighting in the uptown area. The lights are more than 20 years old and are in desperate need of replacement. The new ordinance, passed to enter into the official contracts, is projected to have the new lights installed by the end of the year.Donations by Ohio University and The Athens Uptown Business Association are expected to cover the cost of the project. City Council members assured the lights will be LED and pointed downwards to reduce light pollution. The lights will be controlled by the city and only turned on for special events.“I look forward to the city beautification this is going to provide,” At-Large Rep. Steve Patterson.Another “beautification project” happening in Athens is to a property on Richland Avenue. More money to complete the refurbishing of a home to provide housing for low- to moderate-income residents was also passed Monday night. The home will be accessible for persons with disabilities as well.The extra $5,000 for the project will be coming out of the Community Development Block Grant Fund.Money for a new pumper truck for the Athens City Fire Department was also approved. The ordinance is providing for the issuance of $573,411 of notes by the City of Athens, in anticipation of the issuance of bonds to pay for part of the costs. The interest rate on the loan will be 0.3%.“It will replace a 1991 pumper truck that is well beyond its hours of operation,” At-Large Rep. Christine Knisely said.OU has also donated money to help with the costs of the truck. When a new ladder truck was needed in 2012, OU helped out with the costs then as well. Knisely also said, the money pays for the new truck, and hoses and equipment to go along with truck.“We are very appreciative of the donations from Ohio University towards purchasing our past ladder truck and now this upcoming pumper truck,” Knisely said.