Athens Council approves landmark, DORA expansion, infrastructure and budget items in special session
June 08, 2026 | Athens Shade Tree Commission , Athens , Athens County, Ohio
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After committee-of-the-whole and committee reports on June 8, Athens City Council moved into a special session and approved multiple ordinances on third reading or by suspension of rules. Major outcomes included:
- Ordinance 45-26 (adopted unanimously): Designated Lasher Hall (43 West Union Street) as a local historic landmark.
- Ordinance 46-26 (adopted unanimously): Amended the Uptown DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) to expand the zone and adjust hours; included emergency provisions to implement changes promptly.
- Ordinance 47-26 (adopted unanimously): Approved continuation of the Uptown DORA per state code review requirements.
- Ordinance 48-26 (amended, rules suspended, adopted): Increased appropriations for pre-kindergarten playground renovation behind the community center to include a shade structure and authorized the safety director to expend up to $125,000 for project number 394.
- Ordinance 49-26 (adopted): Authorized a water-meter upgrade project to modernize meters and billing efficiency.
- Ordinance 50-26 (adopted): Adjusted prior authorization for a restroom facility at West State Park to reflect final expenditure.
- Ordinance 51-26 (adopted): Authorized mayor to enter a CHIP partnership application with Athens County and the Ohio Department of Development and declared emergency to meet program deadlines.
- Ordinance 53-26 (adopted): Amended city credit-card policy clarifications.
- Ordinance 54-26 (adopted): Corrected bookkeeping for the West Washington sidewalk and safety improvements project, adding a small amount from CDBG funds.
- Ordinance 58-26 (amended, rules suspended, adopted): Amended appropriation ordinance to add the $6,953 contribution for the 250th July 4 event (see separate coverage).
- Ordinance 59-26 (suspended rules, adopted): Authorized a Local Public Agency (LPA) agreement for major rehabilitation of SR 682; the state will cover an estimated 93% and the city's share will be approximately 7% (city share ~ $498,000), with the administration pursuing a 5-year 0% loan to finance the local portion.
Several other items for second reading were discussed (Westside Sidewalks CDBG, Uptown street-closure rules). Where emergency or suspension of rules was used, council documented reasons (timing for construction, grant deadlines, or event timelines) on the record.
Votes were recorded as voice votes with unanimous approval on the listed measures.
- Ordinance 45-26 (adopted unanimously): Designated Lasher Hall (43 West Union Street) as a local historic landmark.
- Ordinance 46-26 (adopted unanimously): Amended the Uptown DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) to expand the zone and adjust hours; included emergency provisions to implement changes promptly.
- Ordinance 47-26 (adopted unanimously): Approved continuation of the Uptown DORA per state code review requirements.
- Ordinance 48-26 (amended, rules suspended, adopted): Increased appropriations for pre-kindergarten playground renovation behind the community center to include a shade structure and authorized the safety director to expend up to $125,000 for project number 394.
- Ordinance 49-26 (adopted): Authorized a water-meter upgrade project to modernize meters and billing efficiency.
- Ordinance 50-26 (adopted): Adjusted prior authorization for a restroom facility at West State Park to reflect final expenditure.
- Ordinance 51-26 (adopted): Authorized mayor to enter a CHIP partnership application with Athens County and the Ohio Department of Development and declared emergency to meet program deadlines.
- Ordinance 53-26 (adopted): Amended city credit-card policy clarifications.
- Ordinance 54-26 (adopted): Corrected bookkeeping for the West Washington sidewalk and safety improvements project, adding a small amount from CDBG funds.
- Ordinance 58-26 (amended, rules suspended, adopted): Amended appropriation ordinance to add the $6,953 contribution for the 250th July 4 event (see separate coverage).
- Ordinance 59-26 (suspended rules, adopted): Authorized a Local Public Agency (LPA) agreement for major rehabilitation of SR 682; the state will cover an estimated 93% and the city's share will be approximately 7% (city share ~ $498,000), with the administration pursuing a 5-year 0% loan to finance the local portion.
Several other items for second reading were discussed (Westside Sidewalks CDBG, Uptown street-closure rules). Where emergency or suspension of rules was used, council documented reasons (timing for construction, grant deadlines, or event timelines) on the record.
Votes were recorded as voice votes with unanimous approval on the listed measures.
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