Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council met Oct. 14.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

Mayor Dowell welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7pm at Athens City Hall. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Clerk Cindy McFarland called roll. Present were Aldermen: Larry Buhr, Tom Herman, Butch Nichols, Chris Reichert, and Angella Thompson. Alderman Ron Canterbury was absent. Also, in attendance were Rick Freer, Gary Richardson, Michael Lockwood, Hailey Yoakum, Robbie Bluett, Sarah McCart, and Christine Freer. All stood, and Alderman Nichols led the pledge.

Mayor Dowell began by saying that our school sports teams have been doing outstanding. The kids, coaches, and parents have done a great job and their hard work is appreciated.

Motion made by Alderman Herman, seconded by Alderman Thompson, to approve the police, treasurers', water and wastewater, streets and alleys, fleet maintenance, and office manager's reports. Ayes: Buhr, Herman, Nichols, Reichert, and Thompson. Motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Nichols, to approve the September council meeting minutes and the payment of the September bills. All ayes. Motion passed.

Water plant operator in training Robbie Bluett stood and summarized the justification for the Midwest Meter contract for Alderman Buhr who had been absent from Thursday's meeting. Alderman Nichols

asked which budget line we would use for the purchase. Alderman Reichert asked if the meter deposit fund could be used. The Mayor confirmed that money can be borrowed from this fund for water needs but must be repaid. The council discussed paying the money back to the meter deposit fund in twelve months.

Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Reichert, to approve the Midwest Meter contract for $11,300. The money would be borrowed from the meter deposit fund and paid back over twelve months. All ayes. Motion passed.

The topic of the Altorfer maintenance contract was tabled, as the Mayor did not have a chance to gather the additional pricing information.

Motion made by Alderman Buhr seconded by Alderman Nichols, to approve the city trick or treating hours on October 31, 2019 from 5 - 8pm and to donate $100 each to the Athens Police Dept, Fire Dept., and Library to be paid from the gaming fund. All ayes. Motion passed.

Next was the raffle drawing for the weather radio. Alderman Thompson drew the name of Joe Genovese as winner.

The Mayor asked if anyone had anything else to discuss. Rick Freer said that he has a neighbor that collects a lot of clutter and things in their yard and he would like some assistance from the council. Mayor Dowell said that an officer would follow up the next day. Alderman Buhr asked about the status of the other problem properties in town. Mayor Dowell said they are in the hands of the city attorney.

The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn to executive session. Motion made by Alderman Buhr, seconded by Alderman Herman to adjourn at 7:35pm. The Council returned to regular session and adjourned at 7:45pm.

https://www.athensil.com/documents/75/Oct_15_minutes.pdf