Short-term rental permits, solar energy, mutual aid agreements and threatened litigation at Athens City Council

During Monday’s meeting, Athens City Council discussed a number of issues including short term rental permits, solar energy, mutual aid agreements and threatened litigation. 

A lengthy discussion on the language of a proposed ordinance concerning short-term rental and housing permits. Councilmember Sarah Grace found issue with the broadness of the ordinance and stressed its tabling. 

“My experience is that when something is tabled, it doesn't come back,” said City Safety Service Director Andrew Stone. 

However the ordinance was amended for specificity and the council voted to suspend the rules to allow its second reading at the next regular council meeting. 

An ordinance to enter Mayor Steve Patterson into a solar power purchase agreement was introduced by Councilmember Sam Crowl. 

Crowl noted its significant push to lower the city’s carbon emissions while keeping costs low. 

 “I'm pretty excited about this ordinance and the hard work and long work that the city administration has done to bring this to reality,” said Crowl. 

These installations will be sited at Athens Community Center, Athens City Pool and Athens Wastewater Treatment Plan. 

Councilmember Micah McCarey introduced an ordinance which would authorize a mutual aid agreement between Patterson, Stone and the Athens County Sheriff’s office for the participation of Athens police officers in a special response and tactics unit. 

The ordinance will allow for the city to call upon the sheriff officers when needed, according to McCarey. 

McCarey mentioned that mutual aid agreements with law enforcement are a regular occurrence, especially for big events, like Halloween. 

“This is just an opportunity to share professional development resources,” McCarey said. “Those who pursue this training (Athens police officers) get the kind of specialized preparation, some of the examples being dealing with dangerous no-knock warrants and entries and situations involving drug busts.”  

On the council’s agenda for executive session was “threatened litigation.”

City Council President Chris Knisley was unable to share any additional information, however, Patterson was able to share that threatened litigation occurs about once or twice a year always with varying issues.  

In other business, City Council passed a number of ordinances ranging from services for the Uptown Improvements Project to rezoning in Madison Heights. 

Council also tabled three ordinances regarding the New Year’s Eve Passion Works Studio community festival due to its cancellation, according to Councilmember Jeff Risner.