Tuesday evening brought community concerns to the mayor and commission about funding for summer youth programs, an appointment of the second inaugural Athens-Clarke County’s Poet Laureate position, a proposition for federal aid from the U.S. Senate to Athens-Clarke County Police Department and stepping stone to bring Athens to a future of renewable energy.
Meeting Opening
Before getting into the agenda and strong public comment pleas from community members, Mayor Kelly Girtz first read a civility pledge provided by the Georgia Municipal Association and then appointed ACC’s second Poet Laureate.
“The way we govern ourselves is often as important as the positions we take,” Girtz said. “Our collective decisions will be better when different views have had the opportunity to be fully vetted and considered. And, all people have the right to be treated with respect, courtesy and openness. We value all input and we commit to conduct ourselves at times with civility and courtesy to one another.”
Girtz followed this by appointing Mikhayla Robinson Smith, UGA English program graduate and first-grade teacher at Whit Davis Elementary School, to be the next Athens-Clarke County Poet Laureate.
The Poet Laureate, as defined by ACC, is a special position in which the individual works to promote poetry and literary arts in the community. The Poet Laureate is expected to bring poetry to segments of the community that have less access or exposure to poetry, such as seniors, youth, schools and more.
Public advocates for youth programs’ funding
Community members kicked off the official business of Tuesday's agenda-setting session by voicing their support for continuing programs and asking for funding for summer youth programs, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens. Community members pleaded with the mayor and commission for funding and support for these programs, stressing their vital importance in the lives of Athens’ youth.
The Athens YWCO recreation center has been a part of the community since 1906, when it was first established. The recreation center is home to many youth programs, such as the YWCO Girls Club. Since 1976 the recreation center has hosted the Girls Club, a summer camp crafted specifically for young girls in the Athens community from low-income households, providing them with a “safe, summer recreational experience”.
The summer camp has historically had a large turnout of about 130 girls ages 5-12 each year. However, in the past few years, the YWCO has had to limit the extent and scope of the camp as the cost for many of the girls is covered through grants and funding — something the camp has been lacking.
Programs such as the Girls Club are qualified for funding through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). But, this year the Girls Club was not considered for funding.
Six community members and organizers of the Girls Club and other youth programs shared their perspectives in front of the mayor and commission.
“It’s disheartening to learn that our Girls Club program was not recommended for CDBG funding for this year. I implore you to explore alternative avenues to support community programs that have been pillars of support for decades,” Cshanyse Allen, board member for the YWCO, said.
“The young women we are assisting at the Girls Club, the future of those women — that’s what we need to talk about. And, how they are all going to be breaking the glass ceiling in this community.” Alicia Battle, also a board member with YWCO, said. “We are really helping future leaders … so I’d ask for any discretional funding that is available for this program, it is much needed … it’s invaluable.”
The Girls Program is one example of the numerous others that are running thin for funding that the YWCO provides.
The rest of the agenda
Mobilizing and funding was a theme that continued outside of youth programs as the mayor and commission discussed programs regarding law enforcement and renewable energy.
Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the Offices of Senator Raphael Warnock and Senator Jon Ossoff have funneled money for local Athens-Clarke County police department to be put towards communications equipment, replacement of protective equipment and to augment the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.
Funds are not official yet and have been sent as requests to U.S. Congress, where the funds will either be affirmed or denied.
In 2019 the mayor and commission unanimously voted to adopt a resolution to obtain 100% of ACC’s energy from renewable energy resources. Items were presented at Tuesday’s meeting that work towards slowly meeting this goal by proposing $271,500 to fund LED lights the ACC Jail and another $350,000 towards advancing the efficiency of medium and heavy-duty equipment through electrification.
