Athens City Council Regular Session - October 5, 2026

The Athens City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 5, 2026, with six of seven members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting covered a range of topics including updates on the discontinuation of the FLOC system, flood mitigation efforts, a presentation from the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), and multiple ordinances concerning appropriations, property sales, utility rates, and community appointments. Public comments highlighted concerns about street maintenance and flooding at Mount Zion Black Cultural Center.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda unanimously.
• Approved minutes of regular sessions on August 17 and September 21, 2026, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Klein (61 Warren Road) requested the city repair Warren Road, noting poor patching and damage from recent storms. He also asked about cleaning up Richland Ave Park. Mayor Patterson promised to investigate the lack of returned calls.
• Ada Winson Adams (Stewart, OH, board member of Mount Zion Black Cultural Center) criticized the city for not addressing ongoing flooding issues at Congress and Carpenter Streets since 2013, citing historical sewer system problems and unrepaired clay pipes. She expressed frustration that the city has not taken responsibility or offered assistance.
• Dr. Janice Collins (Mount Zion board member) urged collaborative solutions, noting that repeated subsidence and storm damage have strained the organization's funds. She thanked the mayor and council for attention but asked for prompt action.
• Susan Rigge (Chair, Building Committee at Mount Zion) detailed specific infrastructure issues, including a missing brick in a storm tunnel and uncapped pipes that caused gravel loss. She noted the city has not returned her calls or offered compensation for repairs she said were related to city infrastructure.
• Elizabeth Amariah (12 Hudson Avenue) spoke emotionally about the neglect of Mount Zion, urging the city to provide flood barriers and heed concerns of the 87-year-old Ada Winson Adams.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report – FLOC System Discontinuation: Mayor Patterson announced the city will discontinue its FLOC (license plate reader) agreement, following police chief recommendation and community concerns. The police department found the system's investigative value limited relative to potential detriment. The FLOC agreement will not appear in the upcoming budget.
• Mayor's Report – Flood Mitigation: Mayor Patterson updated council on recovery from three flash flood events (June, August, September 2026). The city is purchasing Garrison flood barrier systems for loan to affected residents, continuing smoke testing on East State Street and Madison Avenue, and using $8,000/month from cannabis dispensary funds for mid- and long-range flood mitigation. Acknowledged ongoing work on storm drains and detention basins.
• SOPEC Presentation: Luke Sulford (Executive Director) reported that SOPEC (Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council) has saved over $40 million since 2021 across Ohio, including $3 million in Southeast Ohio last year. The current aggregation rate is 11.462 cents/kWh with a 4% opt-out rate. SOPEC is redeveloping a brownfield site at 136 Columbus Road for an EV charging hub, and the carbon fee fund has $216,280.62 available for city projects. Councilmember Swink questioned why Athens residents pay more than other SOPEC members (e.g., Unity Township); Sulford explained differences are due to utility territory capacity costs and that SOPEC provides the most competitive price possible for AEP Ohio territory.
• Ordinance 84-26 (Third Reading): Adopted – appropriates $30,000 to replace a digital oxygen sensor at the sewer plant for remote monitoring.
• Ordinance 87-26 (Second Reading): Postponed indefinitely – originally would repeal a lease of former fire department headquarters and authorize sale. Councilmember Swink reported title and survey issues require further attorney review; postponed until work by attorney David Mott is complete.
• Ordinance 88-26 (Second Reading): Postponed – conveying former fire department headquarters to the Athens Community Improvement Corporation (ACIC). Postponed due to same title issues.
• Ordinance 89-26 (First Reading): Amending solid waste regulations – under discussion, no vote tonight.
• Ordinance 90-26 (First Reading – Suspended): Adopted – increases appropriation for the North Hill Water Project Phase 1 after suspending rules to expedite bidding before winter.
• Ordinance 91-26 (First Reading): Amending allocation of Arts, Parks, and Recreation (APR) levy funds; allows transfers of excess over $1 million from debt fund to income tax fund.
• Ordinance 92-26 (First Reading – Amended): Appropriations and interfund transfers; amended to appropriate $100,000 from APR fund 273 to fund 271 for community center operations.
• Ordinance 93-26 (First Reading – Suspension Failed): A then-and-now certificate for $22,000 to Procost Rentals for sewer repair. Suspension vote failed 5-1 (Member Swink voted no), preventing immediate adoption. The auditor noted this could lead to an audit finding if not paid within 30 days; council may schedule a special session.
• Ordinance 94-26 (First Reading): Amending the Comprehensive Plan Review Advisory Commission membership from three to five qualified electors.
• Ordinance 81-26 (Removed from Table – Sewer Rates): Proposed 4% rate increase for two years then 2% for three years. After discussion, council voted to postpone to October 19 to allow staff to prepare a multi-year rate plan.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Agenda, minutes of August 17 and September 21, 2026.
• Adopted: Ordinance 84-26 (oxygen sensor), Ordinance 90-26 (North Hill Water Project).
• Postponed: Ordinance 87-26 and 88-26 (fire station property sale) indefinitely pending title work; Ordinance 81-26 (sewer rates) to October 19, 2026.
• Failed: Suspension of rules for Ordinance 93-26 (then-and-now certificate); ordinance remains in first reading.
• Confirmed: Mayor's reappointment to Shade Tree Commission; Katie Bushel to Rental Inspection Committee; Matty Shiplett to Community Relations Commission.
• Public comments will be followed up per Mayor Patterson's commitment regarding unanswered calls and flood mitigation for Mount Zion.
• Next regular meeting: Scheduled for October 19, 2026 (if no special session called for Ordinance 93-26).