Mayor Richardson called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. Council members present were: Richardson, Smith, Hodges, Manzo and Bard. Campbell and Geiger were absent.

Minutes of the July 20, 2010 meeting were approved as amended on a motion of Hodges, seconded by Manzo
The Agenda was amended to add West Vermillion Street paving to New Business.
Kitty Saddler of the USDA rural development office was present to speak to Council concerning funding options for the New Town Hall.
Employee reports:
* Police report was given by officer Lowe in verbal and written forms. The written report is included with these minutes. Officer Lowe answered Council member questions concerning specific items.
* Mike Sizemore reported on the results of the smoke leak detection testing that was performed on the last 2 days along all of State Street and Unity Road. 10 small leaks and 6 large leaks were detected. These leaks increase storm water drainage into the sewer system. When these problems are remedied, the Town should realize a decrease in electrical bills which are generated from use of the pumping stations. The Town maintenance crew assisted the sewer plant operators in this investigation.
Old Business:
* Skate Park: Manzo reported that the Hinton Skate Park has wooden jump features. Richardson reiterated that the expected $4,900 in grants will be used to asphalt the State Park Surface
* Town Hall: Bard reported on the meeting with BB&T Loan officers. The written report is included with these minutes. Kitty Saddler reported that the USDA has a community facilities loan possibility. Our median household income was too great to allow grant funding. John David Smith will investigate to see if this income level holds true for the Public Service districts for our water and sewer services. Saddler reported that the process for obtaining a loan from the government is basically the same as from a bank. However, she noted that government rates are presently 4% and will adjusted quarterly. With government funding there are no prepayment penalties, no adjustable rates, no balloon changes and no fees. We are required must have a building commission, insurance on the building and a bond counsel.
* Hodges will write a draft letter for trying to obtain private community grants
* Richardson said that he desires a public town meeting prior to borrowing money for the Town
* Water and Sewer Rates: First reading of Resolutions for both Watrer and Sewer rate increases were presented by the Mayor. No Changes were desired by Council. Copies are included with these minutes.
* Town Parks: No report
* Town Flag: John David Smith presented a revised edition of the flag. The date of 1837, the word founded, a border of the circle to be yellow and the background of the rectangle of light blue were selected for the final rendition on a motion by Hodges, seconded by Manzo.
* Ordinance update and typing: Bard reported on a meeting with McClanahan for finalizing of the copy. The paralegal in his office responsible for the preparation of the document will be charging the Town “scribner’s” fees for the service.
* Crossing guard – no report
* Grease abatement charges: Sizemore and Richardson will meet with Concord officials concerning initiating these charges.
* Enforcement mechanism for sewer ordinances: Richardson reported that he has consulted with McClanahan concerning this matter.
NEW Business:
* Hodges is preparing an update for the Town website. Photos were taken.
* Hodges requested that the Town Maintenance crew repair and/or replace a portion of sidewalk that is located on the west side of Church Street from the corner of Vermillion Street. A photo was presented. Richardson will make such a request.
Payment of current bills was approved by Council on a motion by Smith and a second by Hodges.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM

________________________________ _____________________________________
Robert Richardson, Jr., Mayor Carol Bard, Recorder

ATHENS TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
May 19, 2009
Mayor Richardson called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.   Members present were: Hodges, Campbell, Richardson and Bard.  Geiger, Manzo and Smith were absent.  
The minutes of the May 5 meeting were approved  with two corrections, on a motion by Campbell and seconded by Hodges. 
AGENDA:  The agenda was approved with the addition to Old Business of:
• SRTS, and Town park grills.  Added to New Business: a Report on the Springs Road improvements, a Report from the Tree Board, Memorial Day Flags and a Report on the proposed County wide building ordinances.    
CITIZEN INPUT:  There were no citizens present. 
EMPLOYEE REPORTS:   There were no employee reports. 
OLD BUSINESS: 
      Skate Park: no report. 
      New Town Hall:  Mayor Richardson presented  a bill from architect Todd Boggess on work already completed on the New Town Hall. All of schematic phase and 30% of design phase was included.  The invoice amount was $18,392.40.  Mayor Richardson also presented a letter he had written in response to the invoice which delineated the Council’s wish to cease work on the Town Hall project at this point.  This letter is included with these minutes.  No work was to proceed until a written direction from the Council was received by Boggess.   A motion by Bard, seconded by Hodges, was approved stating that this bill was to be paid upon receipt of a letter from Boggess acknowledging that work was to cease until further notice from the Council.   Bard notified the Council that the Governor’s office had denied the application for stimulus money for the Town Hall Project. 
           Ordinance Articles 303, 103.02, 103.06, 603.02 and 607.02 were tabled for this meeting. 
      Safe Routes to School:   The order to proceed has been received for the Caldwell Street Sidewalk Project.  Kenneth Crowe of Stafford Consultants, Inc will prepare the ads and receive the bids.  He will consult with Mark Parsell and Mayor Richardson if necessary. 
      Athens Town Park:  Sharon Johnson of the Park Committee was told that the Council has approved to install one grill on a trial basis, to be purchased by the Lions Club.  Ms. Johnson is to talk with Mark Parsell about the type of grill, location of the grill, and maintenance of the grill as part of the trial.  She will communicate this information to the Lions.  Other grills will be approved upon successful trial of this one grill.
          
NEW BUSINESS
      Approval of workers - for Town Election and Early Election.  A motion by Hodges and seconded by Campbell was approved by Council to select Elizabeth Owen and Mary Mann to cover the two Saturday early elections.  Workers for Election Day are to be MaryLu Geiger, Judy Muncey and Brenda Whittinghill.     
      Memorial Day Flags and Flag Day flags will be placed by Carol Bard.  Mayor Richardson will aid Bard with the Memorial Day flags.  
      Rahall Broadband Initiative was introduced by Mayor Richardson.  Regions I and IV are working together to install a high speed broadband loop.  Planning money is being requested from municipalities and county governments to help pay for engineers for this effort.  A copy of this request and a map outlining the area to be served is included in these minutes.  On a motion by Hodges, seconded by Bard, the Council approved the dedication of  funds, not to exceed $3,000, for the Town of Athens’ contribution to this project.   
      Springs Road Improvement - Bard reported that the request for improvements to the Springs Road curve on CR 7 is progressing. The curve and slope of the curve are being corrected.  Paving is all that remains.  When this project is completed, the Council will consider composing an appreciation letter to the Department of Highways. 
      Tree Board - Bard reported that the Tree Board has visited the homes that are adjacent to trees that have been marked for removal by AEP on North State Street.  The Tree Board offered suggestions for replacement tree options with emphasis on viability and the need for tree care after placement.  There is to be a new set of lines going up North State Street to supply more electricity for a new development up Oxley Hollow/ Mt. Jackson area.  There were no threats by any representative of AEP to the homeowners regarding homeowner responsibility for downed lines or transformers. 
            County Building Code - Bard reported on the County wide meeting concerning the second reading of a proposed Building Code (with Inspectors) ordinance. The ordinance proposal has been dropped by the County Commission. 
      OPEB Liability.   Payment responsibility for the health insurance for retirees covered by PEIA is being shifted from the State government to all those presently paying into PEIA for their employees.  Town of Athens presently has 7 of our 20 employees on PEIA which costs $250/employee/month.  Costs to the Town budget is about $23,000 per year.  Next year the cost to the Town will be $750/employee/month which will impact the budget $54,000 for the year.  Our Auditor suggested that we establish an escrow account for these required funds to cover our liability.  The Mayor distributed the Auditor’s report.  Information about this liability is located on page 35 of this report.  
OTHER BUSINESS 
      Crosswalk Signs - Campbell presented a letter from Karen Griffee with a “formal request” for the purchase of moveable cross walk signs to be used at the two crossings on Vermillion street and one in front of the school to help alert drivers  to stop at these crossing areas during school hours.   Bard felt that such signs could be purchased with SRTS funds.  Bard will speak with Michell Berkey about this proposal.   The letter is included in these minutes.  
APPROVAL OF CURRENT  BILLS: 
      Payment of bills was approved on a motion of Campbell and seconded by Richardson. 
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM 
 
 
Robert M. Richardson, Jr., Mayor                             Carol Bard, interim recorder

Town Parks Commission

Minutes from meeting of April 8, 2010
 
Members present:   Jean Beasley, Griff Griffee, Tom Bone, Sarah Dalton, Kathy Ball, Carol Bard.
 
Items needing attention were prioritized thusly:
 
• Solving the Erosion/Drainage problem in the playground area.  A plan submitted by Carol's daughter Heidi was reviewed by Griff and  Mark Parsell with acceptance of the plan.  Griff will submit an itemized cost assessment for the Council to review.
• Replace the mulch washed from the playground after the erosion problem has been addressed
• Painting of the wooden structures at the parks with wood preservative.  Mark will obtain the necessary supplies.  Sarah and Kathy will determine if the Concord students might participate in helping with this project in or around Earth Day (April 22).  The rest of the group has voluteered to help, as well.  Carol volunteered to get more community help and provide refreshments for the work day/days which are yet to be determined. 
• Horseshoe pit for park - Tom Bone submitted plans and an estimate of about $160 dollars for materials.  Carol will request this money and manual help of the Lions for this project. Problems concerning pole goals sticking out of the ground were solved with the help of the Mayor by using a buried pipe with a screw on cap for removable goals.
• Lions have installed a barbecue grill near the gazebo.
• Tom Bone will donate a cherry tree from his yard for the Skate Park when the fill has been placed.  His father used to own a clothing store on that site, so a plaque in the Bone name might be  appropriate at the base of this tree.
• When planning a barrier - green or fencing - along the Vermillion side of the park to prevent or warn children about running into the street, line of sight should be considered
 
Thanks to all who attended and contributed ideas to this meeting.

ATHENS TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES
February 2, 2010
 
Mayor Richardson called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.   Members present were: Bard, Campbell, Hodges, Manzo and Smith.  Geiger was absent. 
 
The minutes of the January 18th meeting were ead and approved as read on a motion by Hodges and a second by Manzo.
 
AGENDA:   The agenda was accepted as printed.
 
CITIZEN INPUT:  None
 
EMPLOYEE REPORTS:
 
  Mike Sizemore reported on personnel matters.  The problems with the grease trap construction at Concord is being addressed by Concord with the attempt to obtain a grant for such construction.  There is a requirement by the DEP for a formal letter from an attorney concerning the Copper and Zinc overruns at the plant.  Sizemore is to write the letter which the Mayor will forward to an attorney.
 
  Charles Lowe reported on police activity.  The report is attached to these minutes.  He reported 12 arrests this past month and a total of 157 citations in 2009.  Magistrate Charles Poe's offer to pay for police patches is to be declined with appreciation. 
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
• Skate Board Park.  Campbell reported that Scott Bird, a Pikeview senior is making the Skate Board Park his senior project.  He will be requested to assist with obtaining persons to sit on the committee from Community Connections Action Forum and possibly to create a model of the proposed park.  Writing of the grant proposal to be submitted by June  to cover the $3,500 was discussed.  The costs of concrete retaining walls and fences or railing for that wall were felt to be a priority. 
 
• New Town Hall:   Hodges reported that he has spoken again with Lilly of Fredeking about the Council's input on ther EXCEL plans.  He has not heard back from them. 
 
• Concord Universtiy Mutual Aid agreement.  The Mayor will accept a call from Mark Stella concerning this possibility.
 
• Town of Athens Accident reports.  On a motion by Hodges, seconded by Campbell the Council voted unanimously to approve the setting of the fees for these reports to be the same as those charged by the city of Princeton. 
 
• Second Reading of Ordinance revision of 609.01.  The second reading was approved by Council with the following revisions:  609.01 B)  removal of the word "codified" in the first line.  Addition of period (.) at the end of the second sentence.  Changing the D and E headings to C and D respectively.  The motion was made by Manzo, seconded by  Hodges.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
          None.
 
OTHER BUSINESS:  Recycling Report and Adjustments for December were included in the reports and added to these minutes. 
 
APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS was done on a motion by Smith, seconded by Campbell.
 
Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM
 
______________________                            ______________________
RobertRichardson, Jr. Mayor                          Carol Bard,  Councilperson

Athens Town Council
Minutes
January 5, 2010 
Recorder Geiger called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were: Bard, Campbell, Geiger, Hodges, Manzo, and Smith. Richardson was absent.  Officer Lowe was also present. 
The minutes of the December 15, 2009, meeting were approved on a motion of Hodges and second by Smith. 
Agenda:
• The Agenda was amended to include the Planning Commission under New Business
 
Citizen Input:
• No citizens were present.
 
Employee Reports:
• Officer Lowe gave his monthly report.  He has made several arrests and recovered some property stolen from CVS.  Council was advised that accident reports throughout the state are $25 while The Town of Athens charges $10.  On a motion of Geiger and second by Manzo with approval of Council the fee was raised to $25 for accident reports.  Council asked Officer Lowe to get the police car painted now.  A discussion was held concerning signing a mutual aid agreement with Concord University.  Council will make a decision at the next scheduled meeting on January 19, 2010.  A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.
 
Old Business:
• Skate Park—no present update.
• The speed limit letter being prepared by Manzo will be introduced at the next Council meeting.
• New Town Hall-Hodges will check with Silverpoint Homes about a modular Town Hall.
• The Planning Commission report concerning property setbacks has been tabled again for further refinement.
 
New Business:
• Smith asked that the Planning Commission review zoning mainly in the business area.  Consensus of Council was to approve such a discussion.
 
Other Business/Mayoral Report/Council Member input:
• Bard has purchased additional lights and given them to Michael Sizemore for the Christmas decorations.  The decorations will be removed when weather permits.
• Council received a copy of the adjustments for November.
• Recycling was 3388 pounds with 108 pounds of aluminum selling for $57. A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.
• Geiger will write a letter to the Town Maintenance Crew commending them on their excellent service during the recent snow storms.
 
Bills were approved on a motion of Campbell and second by Geiger.   
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. 
 
 
___________________________________        _____________________________________
Robert M. Richardson, Jr., Mayor      Mary Lu Geiger, Recorder