City council discussed major topics such as APD body cams as well as e-scooter regulations and policies Athens City Council met Monday to discuss body cameras for the Athens Police Department and e-scooter regulations, among other committee discussions. The City and Safety Services Committee discussed adding body cameras to the Athens Police Department. “We’re at a place now where we …

Arian Smedley served on the Athens city council in 2017 by appointment, but she lost her campaign to keep her seat later that year. Now, she is running for a different position within the council. Arian Smedley hopes to get back on the Athens City Council by running in the only contested city council race of the May primary election. …

Ohio University graduate and 23-year-old Sam Miller has announced her plans to replace Kent Butler’s seat for the Athens City Council. Recent Ohio University graduate Sam Miller is running to represent the First Ward, which is comprised of the western side of the city, on the Athens City Council. Miller’s campaign logo features a modified version Rosie the Riveter, with Miller’s …

After years of helping students with landlord troubles, underage drinking charges, and more, managing attorney of CSLS Pat McGee will leave his spot this summer. Pat McGee will retire from the Center for Student Legal Services (CSLS) later this year after 19 years of service. McGee joined the CSLS in 2000 after leaving a local public defender’s office where he …

The body also discussed annual fees facing the city and approved an ordinance for an easement on Hillcrest Drive.   City Council approved an ordinance Monday temporarily lifting the 24-hour parking rule. The ordinance will be lifted from Dec. 16, 2018, through midnight on Jan. 1, 2019, allowing drivers to park their car for longer than 24 hours in the …

The city also passed legislation to make the bidding process on items used in public services more streamlined and syndicated. City Council met Monday to vote on an ordinance for the purchasing of smart parking meters in the uptown area. Athens City Council voted unanimously to approve city Ordinance 0-102-18, which authorizes the service-safety director to begin a bidding process for …

Councilmembers expressed their support of an ordinance updating parking regualtions Uptown, while others expressed concerns and dissent. The Athens City Council approved an ordinance after much debate on Monday, Oct. 15 that will adjust parking regulations in town. The ordinance, which the council remained divided over, will enforce parking meter fees until 8 p.m., instead of the previous time of …

The Athens city council gathered for committee meetings Monday night to discuss various matters like parking and Halloween. Members of the Athens City Council discussed continuing a pilot program that allows residents with a permit to park for up to 72 hours in certain areas at Monday’s committee meeting. The pilot program, which passed in August 2017, officially started running …

City council partners with the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee to keep Halloween in Athens just that. City Council discussed plans to ensure a safe and successful Athens Halloween Block Party during its Monday meeting. Councilmember Peter Kostes introduced four ordinances regarding Halloween weekend. The ordinances address topics such as parking, street closures, vending permits, and removing noise regulations …

At the body’s bi-weekly meeting, City Council discussed new right of way permits through a Columbus law firm and the location of the city’s farmers market. City Council met Monday to discuss a new process for distributing right of way permits to infrastructure companies and the future of the local farmers market. City Council began with a presentation from Lindsey …

Athens’ City Council could agree on one thing this week: stricter gun safety legislation is important. But they clashed over the details. Gun laws resolution City Council passed a resolution Monday recommending that state and federal legislative bodies enact stricter gun safety legislation. The resolution included recommendations for legislation that: bans “military-grade guns including semi-auto assault weapons,” raises the age to …

The resolution, proposed by Council Member Patrick McGee, hopes to free up unused parking spaces.  Athens food vendors may soon have to follow new parking and vending protocols if an ordinance read at Monday’s City Council meeting moves forward. The ordinance, introduced by Council Member Patrick McGee, would alter the current business regulations regarding vending and peddling. It would reduce …

The ODNR proposed an open season for bobcats that would allow those with permits to trap and kill bobcats in certain areas. Local environmental groups have been swift to criticize the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ proposal to create a bobcat trapping season in the near future. Groups and activists such as Save Ohio’s Bobcats II and Heather Cantino have …

City council opposes bobcat hunting, talks pothole repairs and the repair of a water reservoir. City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing a proposal for a bobcat hunting season during their Monday night meeting. The council also discussed pothole repairs and fixing a water reservoir. The bobcat hunting proposal, which was initially brought forth by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, would allow …

City Council also unanimously passed ordinance 0-16-18, which allows Mayor Steve Patterson to submit an application to the EPA for a grant to complete storm mitigation improvements in the city. City Council passed a resolution Monday night to close E. Union Street for the international street fair on April 7. The council also approved a resolution that will allow the …

City Council members expressed opposition to a plan to permamently store hazardous material in Southeast Ohio. Athens City Council’s Committee of the Whole proposed a resolution to oppose the onsite disposal of remaining waste at the Piketon Plant, a plant harbouring toxic waste in southern Ohio, at its Monday meeting. The resolution comes in lieu of U.S. Department of Energy’s …

If Athens residents want to obtain a domestic partnership, they’ll have to prove “joint economic cooperation.” City Council passed legislation that amends Athens City Code to clarify the domestic partnership criteria and legislation to approve a salary for a courthouse clerk at its meeting Monday. City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that revises Athens City Code domestic registry to require …

This is the sixth installment in The New Political’s Athens scandals quiz series. Take last week’s quiz about the Roger E. Ailes newsroom name here. This week, you’ll be tested on your knowledge of the scandal concerning newly-elected city council member Sarah Grace and her payment of PTO taxes. 

Athens residents and Ohio U students with the Lyft app might have noticed something new: drivers are now in the Athens area. Liberty Mobility Now and local Athens taxi services may have a new competitor in town.  Recently, Lyft expanded its Cincinnati-area coverage to include the Athens area and part of Nelsonville.   Lyft has arrived six months after Liberty …

The 2017 election results are in, and The New Political has you covered. What happened with Issue 1? Will Marijuana be de-penalized within city limits? Here are this year’s election results:  Two incumbents, one newcomer elected to City Council Incumbents Pat McGee and Peter Kotses, and newcomer Sarah Grace won the three at-large city council seats. The three candidates’ votes …

VIDEO: T.A.C.O.? Issue 2? The Athens City Council race? These are just some of the issues you’ll see on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Watch to learn more about what you can expect to see on the ballot. Issue 1: Marsy’s Law The backers of Marsy’s Law say it will give more rights to crime victims. Issue 2: Ohio …

Three Democratic candidates and two Independents are vying for your vote this week.  Five candidates are in the running for three at-large seats on Athens City Council this year. At-large city council members represent the entire city rather than a specific electoral district. The candidates — three Democrats and two Independents — have spoken out at two forums, one held …

While Athens City Council voted to move forward with plans to build a pedestrian tunnel on Ohio U’s campus, not all council members thought the decision was the best choice. City Council passed an ordinance that authorizes the design and engineering of the Richland Pedestrian Improvements Project at their meeting Monday night. Ordinance 0-107-17, which was proposed by council member …

It may not be time to vote in another presidential election or even for any state representatives, but there’s still an election coming up on Nov. 7. Here’s what you can expect to see on the ballot. Athens County residents will see the following issues on their ballot this November: The Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services levy. …

On the inaugural episode of HERSTORY, Abby Grisez examines women in politics on Ohio U’s campus, in the city of Athens and in the Ohio Statehouse. Abby talks to Athens City Council President Christine Knisley. Subscribe to The New Political on YouTube.

City Council eventually gave up on a resolution concerning the “mega-school,” while community members raised concerns over an expensive campus underpass.  City Council deadlocked a resolution about communication between Athens City School District planners and council members at its meeting Monday. The resolution, proposed by Councilperson Michele Papai, stated that actions of the ACSD will have a significant impact on …

Athens may not have a Target, but it’s about to have its own little water park. The price tag is huge, but City Council has its reasons for the new pool.  Over the summer, Athens City Council approved a plan to replace the community pool. Not just with one new one, but four — and two water slides. The four …

City Council is planning to spend $3 million on an underpass that separates pedestrians from high-speed traffic. Here’s the location they picked. City Council approved ordinances on street closures and city safety at its meeting Monday. One major topic was the construction of a tunnel under Richland Avenue. Here’s everything that went down at the meeting: City safety City Council …

Athens has some new competition for a couple of City Council seats. A majority of the competitors are Democrats, with only one Republican vying for a spot. Sarah Grace Grace is one of three candidates running for an at-large seat on the council. She is an OU alumna, local small-business owner and a former candidate for Ohio’s 94th District seat. …

After the public advocacy for and against the East State Street Project at last week’s meeting, City Council took the time to explain the history of the project and why it should not be tabled. In October of 2014, Council updated its East State Street quarter study, keeping in mind construction for 2016-17. At that time, it also discussed how …

Athens City Council debated bike lanes and discussed a Sustainability Action Plan and possible extension of the bike path that follows the Hocking River. East State Street Project brought the heat. East State Street’s layout may be getting a makeover. The plan, developed by members of the Far East Side Neighborhood Association, the City Council Transportation Committee and Public Works …

This week at Athens City Council: Police chief to donate $500 to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. State approves of micro wireless legislation, City Council not so much. Round five: neighborhood parking permit proposal (OK, slow down) is back.   Where can you donate to those affected by the Carriage Hill fire? Police chief to donate $500 to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. Athens County …

Athens City Council met Monday evening to discuss communications from residents and from the administration and to read various ordinances, including one about bridge inspections in Athens. “Council has received an Ohio Division of Liquor Control request for a C-1 permit request for Silver Serpent LLC,” President Chris Knisely said. “This is located at 55 N Court St., and this …

Athens City Council discussed site plans for the proposed new community pool at their meeting Monday evening. The Finance and Personnel Committee, chaired by Jeffrey Risner, D-4th Ward, invited MSA Architects consultants to explain the two options for pool sites. Keith Hall, one of the architects, led the discussion. “We’ve been studying several ideas as to where to locate the …

City Council met Monday night to unanimously approve four ordinances dealing with the GoBus, a recreational land donation, disposal of glass windows and appropriations. The first ordinance, originally introduced by Council member Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, will allow for old GoBuses to be “put out to pasture” and their parts to be put up for grabs. The second will allow …

City Council committees met Monday night to once again talk about the city’s future pool and to debate the merits of a ruling that would allow golf carts and other vehicles to be driven on city streets. The contract the city has signed with MSA Sports says the company will be proceeding with construction an outdoor pool, which some citizens …

  Three Athens City Council committees met Monday night to discuss collaboration between the Athens and Ohio University police departments, a contract with the Washington County Jail and the how the city’s credit rating will affect bonds. Athens Police Chief Thomas Pyle spoke about the payment system between APD and OUPD that compensates APD for providing assistance to OUPD at …

Athens City Council recognized Destry Flick as Athens’ officer of the year, gave an update on the community pool and addressed several ordinances Monday night. Flick is a member of Athens’ mounted police unit and a recipient of multiple awards during his time as an Athens officer, including two life-saving awards in 2014 and 2015. Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle …

Athens City Council met Monday night to discuss the repair of Union Street after the 2014 fire, a possible deal with a recycling service, street closure for Boogie On The Bricks and whether to accept The Recycling Partnership’s grant. Mayor Steve Patterson shared his vision for an “enhanced pedestrian plaza,” between South Congress Street and Court Street, intended to be …

Athens City Council addressed the Athens GoBus that overturned in Akron over the weekend at Monday night’s meeting. Councilman Jeffrey Risner, D-2nd Ward, brought up the accident, wondering what the cause could have been. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around how a bus flips over like that,” he said. “I haven’t seen any type of an explanation to …

The Athens City Council met Monday to discuss closing Court Street for events this summer and a low-income home improvement program. City Council conferred about the home improvement program created by the Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, for which the group requested funding. Glenn Crippen, community development coordinator for HAPCAP, explained the Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program. The program …

Students petitioning for the closing of streets during their respective fests have gotten the attention of city council members. While not on the agenda for Monday night’s Athens City Council meeting, Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, brought up the petition. Mayor Steve Patterson was quick to share his opinion. “We are not in favor of surrendering our streets for a …

The race to name Republican Jay Edwards’ challenger for representative of the 94th district began Tuesday at Athens Public Library. The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Athens County, brought together Democratic candidates Sarah Grace and Eddie Smith to discuss their views for the future of the district. The 94th Congressional District covers Meigs County, all of …

A new glow-in-the-dark mural may soon grace Athens’ streets, as discussed at the Athens City Council committee meeting Monday evening. The mural would be the work of Jolena Hansbarger, an Ohio University student and west Athens resident. Hansbarger was awarded a grant by OU to fund the project at no cost to the city. The proposal would be part of …

Athens City Council continued to speak on the scheduling conflict between Number Fest and the International Street Fair during its Monday meeting. Mayor Steve Patterson was upset when the idea of changing the street for ISF came up again. Many of the council members believe that a 34-year-old tradition should not have to be moved due to a music festival …

Athens City Council spent most of their meeting Tuesday considering plans for a new pool in attempt to move forward with the planning process. Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, opened discussions on an ordinance that would authorize engineering services for an outdoor pool by urging his fellow members to help find a way to continue plans. “This may be controversial …

A small group of protestors met before the Athens City Council meeting Monday to speak out against restrictions on Airbnb. Airbnb is a service that allows people to rent out spare rooms in their house for people to stay in for a period of time, similar to a hotel. The city of Athens has recently made efforts to regulate the …

Athens City Council finally resolved many of its standing issues during its meeting Monday, including the adoption of the new tax code and a new policy for unused vacation days for non-union employees. The new tax code, which was criticized by the council when it was first proposed, was passed unanimously even after Mayor Paul Wiehl noted that it would …

We’ll be reporting on Athens election results all night. Check back here live as Athens City Council results come in. UPDATE–9:45 p.m. Finals results are in. Democrats Peter Kotses and Jennifer Cochran as well as Independent Patrick McGee won city council at-large seats. Councilman Steve Patterson won the race for mayor. The city council members for all four wards (who were running …

Tensions rose at Athens City Council on Monday as council members and other city officials debated changing the vacation accrual process for city employees. As it currently stands, city employees who have accumulated more than three years’ worth of vacation days may lose their extra time next year if a new proposed policy in enacted. The issue has come up …