09-15-2026 Mayor & Commission Special Called & Agenda Setting Session

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held a special called and agenda setting session on September 15, 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a $430,000 budget amendment to fund inmate medical needs for the sheriff's office. The commission also reviewed two major zoning and development projects: a rezoning and overlay district for the West Clocks redevelopment to allow mixed-use and adaptive reuse of a large industrial site, and a rezoning request for a commercial development on US Highway 29 North with conditions related to access and sewer availability. Both projects received public input and were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. Additionally, the commission discussed the renewal of a lease for a downtown smoking lounge, with concerns raised about secondhand smoke exposure and a recommendation to conduct an environmental assessment. The meeting also covered the judicial center space modernization project, including schematic design considerations, preservation of a historic Moon Tree, and parking needs. The commission debated proposed changes to the street sales ordinance, particularly restricting food vendors on College Square to protect recent infrastructure investments, with extensive public and commissioner input on balancing business interests and community concerns. Other items included pedestrian improvement projects, grant acceptances, and updates to board and right-of-way ordinances. Several motions were passed, and some items were deferred for further review.