Two residents spoke out about Number Fest at Monday’s city council meeting, expressing concerns that the topic will be neglected.
For the third week in a row, citizens have taken to the council chambers during Athens City Council’s weekly meeting to express concern about Number Fest.
But some of the fest’s naysayers might be losing steam.
On Monday, only two residents spoke out against the fest, both expressing concern that public interest in the issue was waning.
“I hope the lack of people here tonight is not an indication of ‘out of sight and out of mind,’ ” said Alice Retaff, an Athens resident.
Retaff said she was doubtful of event organizer Dominic Petrozzi’s promises to make next year’s event safer.
She said she hopes council members and residents alike keep considering ways to put a stop to the event, adding that she hopes the body continues open communication with residents on its progress on regulating the event.
At last week’s meeting, council held a “committee of the whole” to field residents’ questions and discuss a possible solution to the event, which currently falls outside of the city's jurisdiction.
Possibilities included annexing the property, changing city code and asking Ohio University to step in and host Spring Fest again.
Council didn’t discuss any of those possibilities at tonight’s meeting.
Retaff said she hoped the conversation isn’t over, and that council will continue to make Number Fest a priority in its legislative agenda.
“I would hope, again, that you have your meetings to focus on the issue of Number Fest,” she said.
Retaff wasn’t the only resident to challenge council to continue the discussion about Number Fest.
“I don’t want Number Fest to be forgotten,” said Cindy Parker, an Athens resident.
Parker told council she could see much of the event’s aftermath from her house.
“I’ve read articles in the papers, as well, and they seem to whitewash the event, but anyone here is welcome to sit in my yard and watch it. In fact, I wish we would have gotten pictures,” she said.
Most of council’s priorities at Monday’s meeting, however, were focused on bringing Athens into the 21st Century.
One ordinance passed by council tonight authorized the use of a mobile app called “Public Stuff,” which will allow residents to file complaints or issues with the city using their smartphones or tablets.
The city appropriated $6,900 to license the app, according to Council President Chris Knisely.
Mayor Paul Wiehl said the app will make it easier and quicker for residents to report concerns like potholes in the road and damaged public property.
“We do have some abilities with our website, but the idea is to make it easier,” he said. “This will give us the ability to do that.”
Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, said the app would be available to residents soon.
“I believe that rollout is mid-July, hopefully,” he said. “We’re almost there.”
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