Gail Burkhardt
STAFF WRITER

Athens City Council discussed street closings, ordinances and policies last night at its first committee meeting since its August recess.

Elahu Gosney, D-at large, proposed a green fleet ordinance for city vehicles.  This would require the city to buy more energy-efficient vehicles including hybrids and vehicles that use biodiesel fuel.

“It will establish a yearly report on the city vehicles including details on every vehicle of how efficient they are or inefficient…” he said.  “It’ll provide a good framework to track the improvement of our efficiency and environmental friendliness.”

The proposal is in draft form and is still in committee, Gosney said.

Gosney also explained a draft that he created to ensure hiring responsible contractors for the city.  Contractors would have to meet about 20 criteria, such as fair wages for employees and good EPA records.

Josh Thomas, chair of the Athens Uptown Business Association, spoke about closing Court Street for an uptown trick-or-treat Halloween event on Oct. 27. Last year there were about 400 to 500 children uptown and Thomas said he was concerned for their safety because of the traffic on Court Street.

Council members also discussed offering free parking on Oct. 27 in the Athens City Parking garage so people on the street could move their cars there.

Another street closing could happen Oct. 18, when Athens will celebrate the life of Booker T. Washington, who was married in Athens. Chris Knisely, D-at large, proposed closing Washington Street from South Shafer to South Lancaster streets to accommodate the celebration. The event includes a procession up to the cemetery on West State Street.

gb273306@ohiou.edu