Monday’s meeting was a first between Athens City Council and Ohio University’s Student Senate in recent years.
Nearly a year after Athens City Council reached out to Ohio University’s Student Senate, members of the two groups finally met in person.
Council President Chris Knisely, along with three other members of council including Steve Patterson, D-At Large and the only mayoral candidate, sat down with Senate President Gabby Bacha and senate commissioners in Baker Center Monday afternoon.
The two parties addressed problems that affect Athens city residents as well as OU students, such as trash fines and Number Fest.
Bacha raised concerns about the annual fest and council members agreed the current way the event is run isn’t safe for students and out-of-town guests.
Although neither group offered any concrete solutions during the one hour meeting, the two groups are looking to collaborate in the future.
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“Council needs your help to figure out a good, viable solution,” Patterson said to senate members.
Senate members also raised concerns about when citations are issued for the city’s trash law, which can fine residents for any trash left in a yard as well as if a trash can is visible from the street.
Fines start out at $50 for the first offense and increase to $75, $100, $125 and then $150 for the fifth and any additional offenses.
Typically fines are issued in the early morning hours. Sam Flannery, an off-campus senator, said he is trying to a find a time later in the day that works better for students.
“Let’s work together to, you know, get this clean where both of us can benefit from the situation,” he said.
Senate members also suggested hosting a movie night event at Peden Stadium for children in Athens near Halloween.
Knisely said council reached out to senate last year about meeting, but the two groups couldn't find a time to meet.
But after council met with OU President Roderick McDavis and members of his staff, including Jenny Hall-Jones, interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students, Monday’s meeting was quickly scheduled.
“Jenny did one email to Gabby and we were on our way toward setting a meeting up,” Knisely said.
Both Knisely and Bacha said they hope the two groups continue to meet throughout the year.
“Hopefully it continues,” Bacha said. “I think it has nothing but beneficial power to it.”
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