Sangamon Sun

City of Athens City Council met May 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Bob Dowell opened the meeting at 7:00pm and thanked everyone for attending. Clerk Cindy McFarland called roll. in attendance were Mayor Bob Dowell and Aldermen: Amy Chernowsky, Greg Hoffman, Rachel Lantz, Butch Nichols, Chris Reichert, and Angella Thompson. Also present was Superintendent of Public Works, Derrick Fritz. All stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

There was discussion about the needs of the water department and the wording of the water maintenance fee ordinance. Motion made by Alderman Hoffman, seconded by Alderman Reichert, to approve Ordinance 01-2021, an ordinance amending City Code 6-2-6, City of Athens Water Rates and Charges, stating that, for the purposes of maintaining, operating, and making capital improvements to the Water Distribution System and the Water Plant, the City of Athens is authorized to collect a monthly fee of $5 on each monthly water bill effective June 1, 2021. Ayes: Chernowsky, Hoffman, Lantz, Nichols, Reichert, and Thompson. Motion passed. 

The next topic was the 2021-2022, City of Athens Budget. Each Alderman had reviewed the budget and was ready with questions. Superintendent of Public Works, Derrick, addressed each alderman's concerns with Mayor Dowell adding some clarifying remarks. Motion made by Alderman Nichols, seconded by Alderman Lantz, to put the 2021-2022 City of Athens Budget on public display at city hall for 30 days for review; city attorneys will receive copies, and the council may approve the budget after 30 days. All ayes, Motion passed. Alderman Thompson asked if public comments would be accepted. Mayor Dowell said that constituents can contact their alderman or Derrick with questions or concerns. 

The Mayor thanked everyone and the meeting adjourned at 7:38pm. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N1O6-QoH0l0ztaX-XkacrCLGG_T0wSoN3fnREVGP5m0/edit