City Council Members discussed Halloween deadlines, leasing Smart Meters and entered an agreement for the pedestrian tunnel on Richland Avenue at Monday night’s meeting.
A portion of Court, Washington and State Street will be closed on Oct. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for trick-or-treat hosted by AUBA. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Uptown meters will be bagged, but the parking garage will remain open to the public.
All ordinances were approved. Vendors have until Oct. 24 to contact The Code Enforcement Office to sign up to for a spot on Court Street during Oct. 27 and 28.
The City will also enter an LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the construction of the underground pedestrian crossing on Richland Avenue. The estimated cost of the project is a little over $3 million. The National Transportation Act will provide 95% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $1.8 million in Federal funds.
The ordinance to enter into a lease to purchase Smart Parking Meters was amended. The City wants to work with the lowest and best bidder advertised. The ordinance will be read on first reading next week.
Councilman Kent Butler raised concern for the time change from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the Smart Meters. Athens Residents should not be required to pay for parking when attending public meetings, Butler said. The cost of parking in the parking garage will remain cheaper than the metered zones Uptown.
Additionally, the City is looking to color code levels and improve lighting to make citizens feel safer. The garage currently has 24/7 security cameras and offers extended 10-hour parking.
Changes were also made to Title 29 housing regulations. Water heaters no longer need to be installed by licensed plumbers. Instead, they have to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Members discussed an ordinance on first reading to establish East Park Drive as a new public right-of-way. This will allow the city to grant permits to utility companies, however, the existing bike path will not be affected.
The 72-hour pilot Residential Parking Permit Program was also extended for another year.
