The narrow waterlines on Hickory Street that present concerns for residents’ safety could be fixed if Athens City Council approves an ordinance read at the Feb. 6 meeting.
The city now has the $37,500 needed to repair the waterlines and the project has been approved, said Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, at last night’s committee meeting. A project that he said is essential.
“I’ve received concerns that the water lines are insufficient for domestic and fire demand,” Butler said. “The lines are too narrow in diameter.”
The pipes need to be six inches wide, but most of them are currently two or four inches wide, he said.
The aging infrastructure of the lines plays a part in the need for repairs. .
"The benefit of living in a community with history is having that history,” Butler said. “But the curse is the aging infrastructure."
Also at yesterday’s meeting, council members discussed a resolution that would show the city’s support for the reversal of Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission.
The resolution was originally presented by Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, and will be voted on during the Feb. 6 meeting.
The Supreme Court ruling established that corporations have first amendment rights, which Risner said is worrisome.
“The floodgates have been opened for unlimited funds for PACs and super PACs which will destroy the election system,” Risner said. “My biggest fear is that this will trickle down to the local levels.”
The resolution’s goal would be to offer Athens’ support for an amendment to the nation’s constitution.
“The place you start a constitutional amendment is right here in the grassroots of local government,” Risner said.
Although Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, is in support of the possible resolution, she wants tougher phrasing in the language.
“Right now, it sounds a bit wishy-washy,” Fahl said.
Council President Jim Sands said members have the right to edit the resolution more before the Feb. 6 meeting.
