Athens New Resident Welcome Packet

ATHENS

The Friendly City

Tennessee's city where you will find that sweet southern charm.

INSIDE

Friendly City Welcome

Welcome to the Friendly City, we are so glad that you are here. Nestled in the foothills between the metropolitan cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga along the I-75 corridor, Athens, Tennessee is packed full of history and splendor. Athens has a long-standing reputation as being the Friendly City, people are attracted to the inviting environment that has been created by our citizens. In 2022, Athens celebrated its 200th anniversary.

History

The town of Athens, Tennessee, was created in 1822. Originally the town boundaries consisted of 35 acres bordering on the Eastnalle Creek, which was used as a source of waterpower to operate the various mills that eventually located along the creek. Important in the location of the town was a healthy water supply, which was provided by a large spring near the center of town.

Nine commissioners were designated to lay out the town in lots and to name the various streets Some of the original names remain today; others have been renamed, while other no longer exist

The town received its official name on August 23, 1822, by the Tennessee legislature Local lore gives credit to Elijah Hurst, one of the commissioners, for suggesting the name Athens for it fitted a description of the ancient city of Greece, which he had read about.

The following year, 1823, the county seat was moved from its original location at Calhoun in order to make the seat of government more accessible to the majority of McMinn countians.

By the early 1830's, Athens has a newspaper, which was published over the next several years by various publishers and names It was not until 1848 when the Post was established. Later, the Post would become the DailyPost Athenian, one of the oldest newspapers in Tennessee.

Two major events occurred prior to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 that greatly affected Athens. The first was the coming of the railroad in 1851. The second was the establishment of a college in Athens in 1857, which quickly became a great pride to Athenians. Through the years, the college has operated under several names, and since 1925, has been Tennessee Wesleyan.

During the early 1920's the first concrete streets made their appearance in downtown Athens The main streets around and leading from the courthouse square were the first to receive the hard surface

Although enormous changes have occurred since World War II, Athens still retains a certain amount of charm, which has been a part of its heritage through the years. There are a number of quaint, historic homes scattered about the city. The downtown business area, with its quaint building and shops, also offers a glimpse of yesteryear.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

The City of Athens values its historic communities and promotes the cultural and economic benefits provided by preserving these historic assets. Located in downtown Athens, historical markers are spread through the buildings detailing the building history and significant locations during the Battle of Athens.

Historic Residential Neighborhood

In January 2010, Athens established its first historic district This district is roughly bounded by the properties along East Madison Avenue, Ingleside Avenue, Guille Street, and Atlantic Street and encompasses a historic neighborhood that features many late 19th- and early 20th-century homes.

Many popular architectural styles from the turn of the 20th century are present in this neighborhood. Most dwellings in the neighborhood are of the Folk Vernacular style--local interpretations of more elaborate "high style" architecture There are also Tudor Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and many more styles of architecture present

Historical Markers Located in Athens

Alexander H Keith House

Battle of Athens, August 1-2, 1946

Bethsalem Presbyterian Church

First United Presbyterian Church

Free Hill- A Forgotten Community

From Furs to Factories

Hitching Rings

John A. Turley House

John Tyler Morgan

Old College

Petty-Manker Hall

Pushing Towards Knoxville

Road to Chattanooga

Samuel Cleage

St Mark A M E "Free Hill" Marker

Tennessee Wesleyan College

The Nocatula Legend

The Tennessee Overhill Experience

William Lowry House

BillAkins-CountyHistorian

Education Government

Channel Follow channel 95 on Comcast network for up-todate information on council meetings and other community information.

Health & Safety

Emergency Services

Dial 911 for Emergency Calls Only

McMinn County E-911

1107 S. Congress Parkway

423-745-7698

423-744-3687

Athens Police Department (For administrative support, police reports, and citation support)

815 N. Jackson Street

423-745-2730

McMinn County Justice Center (For administrative support, police reports, and county jail)

1319 S. White Street

423-745-5620

Athens Fire Department

815 N Jackson Street 423-744-2789

McMinn County Rescue Squad

Athens Driver Services Center 150 Plaza Circle Athens 423-744-2812

Monday-Friday 8:30-5pm

Full Driver Services Center, Original Handgun Permit, Driving Records (MVR)

808 S. Congress Parkway

423-745-6666

Hospital

Starr Regional Medical Center

1114 W. Madison Avenue 423-745-1411

Health Department

McMinn County Health Department

393 County Road 554 423-745-7431

Child Services

Tennessee Department of Children's Services

1008 Knight Road, Suite A 423-744-2804

Human Services

Tennessee Department of Human Services

1008 Knight Road, Suite B 423-744-2800

Services for Women in Abusive Relationships

The Hope Center 423-745-5289

Women at the Well 423-745-00100

Daily Post Athenian 206 W. Washington Avenue 423-745-5664

Media

WJSQ 101.7/WLAR1450-AM

WYGO 99.5

WYXI 94.5/ 1390-AM

The Morning Fax

Government in Athens

The municipal government of the City of Athens is known as the "Council-Manager Government".

A five-member council of city residents govern, with a city manager serving as administrative head of the municipal government Council members are elected for fouryear terms, with elections staggered every two years. From their number, the council members elect a mayor and vice mayor for two-year terms, and the council also decides who serves as the city manager Further details of the council duties and organization are found in the articles of the Charter for the City of Athens, Tennessee.

The County government is known County Mayor- Board of Commissioners form of government

The McMinn County Mayor is the chief elected local official and is charged with the day-to-day operations of general county government. The McMinn County Board of Commissioners is the legislative branch of county government The Board consists of 10 members who are elected every 4 years Two commissioners are elected from each of the 5 districts in the county. The Board's primary functions are budget approval and policy making.

Athens City Council Meeting

3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 P. M.

McMinn County Commission Meeting

3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M.

State & Local Representatives

Govenor Bill Lee

Tennessee Senator

Bill Hagerty

Marsha Blackburn

U.S. House of Representatives

District 3

Chuck Fleischman

Tennessee Senate District 1

J. Adam Lowe

Tennessee House of Representatives

District 23

Mark Cochran

Athens is the McMinn County seat.

City Hall

815 N. Jackson Street 423-744-2700

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Recycling Center

118 Rocky Mount Road 423-744-2745

Monday- 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday- 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday- 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday- 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday- 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday- 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Public Works & Animal Shelter

219 Alford Street 423-744-2745

Monday through Friday 8:00 a m to 4:00 p m

*Animal Shelter hours vary- please call for updates

Athens City Council Members- Vice Mayor Larry Eaton, Dr. Dick Pelley, Mayor Steven Sherlin, Jordan Curtis, Francis Witt-McMahan

McMinn County Courthouse

6 E. Madison Avenue

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Offices include:

County Mayor's Office- 423-745-7634

Register of Deeds- 423-745-1232

Trustee's Office- 423-745-1291

Assessor of Property- 423-745-2743

Clerk & Master/ Chancery Court- 423-745-1281

Circuit Court- 423-745-1923

Elections Commission- 423-745-0843

McMinn County Annex

26 E. Madison Avenue

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Offices include:

County Clerk- 423-745-4440

Veterans Services- 423-745-1605

Juvenile Services- 423-745-8782

Economic Development Authority- 423-745-1506

McMinn County Commission- (Front to Back) Brent Carter, Charles Slack, Tim King, Scott Cass, Mayor John Gentry, Scott Curtis, Roger Massingale, Travis Crisp, Jerry Millsaps, J W McPhail, Tad Simpson

Community Development

This office issues building permits, building inspections, codes enforcement, historic preservation, and manages the city-owned cemeteries.

Finance

This office issues business licenses and collects city property taxes and sales tax

Assessor of Property

This office inventories all parcels of real estate, and tangible, real, and intangible personal property in McMinn County This office also maintains tax maps.

Circuit Court

Public Works

This department handles trash collection, recycle center,

This office prepares and files all records of Circuit, Criminal, Sessions, Juvenile, Traffic, and Child Support Courts This office prepares dockets, collects fees, fines, and penalties.

Clerk & Master/Chancery Court

Dual role of clerk of the Chancery Court and the master in Chancery for the Tenth Judicial District of Tennessee The office of the Clerk & Master maintains all files and financial records of the Chancery Court and the Chancery Court Probate Division. The Probate Division was established on July 1, 2004. This office exercises all the duties and powers conferred upon clerks of court generally The role is mostly clerical, and the law and/or orders of the court strictly define the powers exercised. The Clerk & Master is a quasi-judicial position established by the Constitution of the State of Tennessee and as such, the Clerk & Master can hold hearings, report findings to the court, conduct judicial sales, etc

County Clerk

This office handles motor vehicle title and registration, clerk for legislative body, issues marriage licenses, business licenses, collects hotel and motel tax, sales tax on vehicles and boats, issues pawn broker licenses, beer permits, notary public applications, genealogy research, vehicle registration by email, online vehicle renewals, issues manufactured mobile home decals.

Elections Commission

This office organizes, conducts, and supervises all elections in McMinn County.

Register of Deeds

This office handles the recording of real estate conveyances, deeds of trust, leases, charters, bonds of county officials, contracts and other documents, and makes certified copies of these instruments when needed

Community Information

Athens Area Council for the Arts

320 N. White Street

423-745-8781

The Arts Center has grown to be the arts and cultural hub of the region offering rotating visual art exhibits, art competitions, local performing arts presentations, and musical performances. The Arts Center also offers a variety of programming for all ages.

E. G. Fisher Public Library

1289 Ingleside Avenue

423-745-7782

The E.G. Fisher Public Library builds community, offering all people in McMinn County a full range of resources needed to live, learn, govern, and work. The library offers print and electronic material, as well as a large variety of programming and technology access.

The LITE House

1 W. College Street

The LITE House is a community collaboration that was brought into existence to grow and enrich the entrepreneurial community. From business workshops to youth entrepreneurial activities, the

LITE House offers programming to support entrepreneurs of all ages Work spaces are also available for rent!

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum

522 W. Madison Avenue 423-745-0329

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum works to preserve the community's distinctive history, share its rich heritage, and celebrate its unique culture for the education and enrichment of the public and all visitors The museum hosts rotating exhibits, permanent exhibits, programming for all ages, and its famous annual quilt show

McMinn Senior Activity Center

205 McMinn Avenue

423-745-6830

The McMinn Senior Activity Center works to encourage seniors to age successfully offering a social gathering space, programming and special events, and meal assistance programs.

SETHRA Transit

423-745-8095

Sethra provides public transportation services throughout the county. McMinn County also has a fixed route.

Important Phone Numbers

Athens Utilities Board 423-745-4501

Driver Services Center 423-744-2812

United Way of McMinn and Meigs County 423-745-9606

Athens Post Office 800-275-8777

Athens Housing Authority 423-745-0341

Athens Chamber of Commerce 423-745-0334

Education

Athens City Schools

www.athenscityschools.net

McMinn County Schools

www.mcminn.k12.tn.us

Tennessee Wesleyan University

www.tnwesleyan.edu

Cleveland State Community College

www.clevelandstatecc.edu

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

www.tcatathens.edu

Private Schools

Fairview Christian Academy

www.fairviewchristianacademy.org

Christ's Legacy Academy www.christslegacyacademy.org

Liberty Christian School

Recreation

The City of Athens owns and operates 8 regional and neighborhood parks, along with a 5.6-mile multipurpose trail, and community gardens. The Parks and Recreation department hosts a variety of programming from annual special events like the fishing derby to recreation youth and adult sport leagues.

Athens Regional Park

2405 Decatur Pike

Features walking trails, nature & mountain bike trail, playground, softball and soccer fields, fishing lakes, disc golf, pavilions, and splash pad

DENSO EcoPark

2900 George R. Price Boulevard

Features a pavilion, walking trail, public restrooms, observation dock, and community orchard

Heritage Park

1005 S. Jackson Street

Bicentennial Park

297 County Road 750

Features a playground, turf baseball/softball fields, and multipurpose field

Cook Park

414 Cook Drive

Features a playground, basketball court, J L Cook Memorials, walking path, and pavilion

Features a playground, 1 full size basketball court and 3 half courts, softball field, and pavilion

Ingleside Recreation Complex

615 Forrest Avenue

Features 8 regulation tennis courts with 4 painted USTA Junior Tennis regulation lines and 4 pickleball court lines, skate park, and outdoor pool

Market Park

106 S. Jackson Street

Features a pavilion, water wheel, cornhole boards, and public restrooms

Prof Powers Park

17 Slack Road

Features walking trails, playground, fishing lake, pavilion, dog park, putt-putt course, and baseball field

Veterans Memorial Park

202 Sunset Drive

Features the Veterans Brick

Walkway, memorials & monuments, and walking trail

Farmers Markets & Gardens

The City of Athens operates the downtown Athens Farmers Market at the Market Park Pavilion from spring to fall with additional pop-up events. All products are locally produced from vendors in the area. The Athens Farmers Market is part of the Pick Tennessee program that connects people everywhere to all of the great things that come from the Tennessee's farms and food businesses

The City Park Community Gardens is located at 307 Cedar Springs Road with multiple 4x8 raised garden beds available for usage

Athens Farmers Market

Downtown Athens

Scan for up-to-date hours & events

The Eureka Trail, located at 1400 E Madison Avenue, is a 5 6-mile multipurpose gravel trail that currently extends from Athens to Englewood This trail is suited for walkers, runners, bicycles, and equestrians The Athens Trailhead has restrooms, power outlets for events, bike repair station, water fountain, and a .5 mile Health Triangle loop.

Volunteer Opportunities

City Government Boards and Committees

Athens Housing Authority

Athens Planning Commission

Athens Utilities Board

Board of Adjustments & Appeals

Board of Zoning Appeals

Council Advisory Committee

Friendly City Sister Cities

Health and Educational Facilities

Historic Preservation Commission

Keep McMinn Beautiful

Library Committee

Recreation Advisory Board

Tax Equalization Board

Athens Lions Club

Special Events & Festivals

MooFest- First Saturday in June

Hosted by Friendly City Festivals

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Hosted by Friendly City Festivals

Celebration of the Nations- 3rd Saturday in September

Hosted by Celebration of the Nations Board

Pumpkintown- Second Saturday in October

Hosted by Friendly City Festivals

Downtown Halloween

Hosted by Main Street Athens

Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas

Hosted by Main Street Athens

Civic Organizations

Meets every Thursday at 12:00 noon

Western Sizzlin Athens

Civitan Club

Meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 12:00 Noon

Michael's Casual Dining

Elks Lodge

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 pm 109 N. Hill Street

Kiwanis Club of Athens

Meets every Friday at 12:00 noon

TWU Glenn Lowe Dining Room

Optimist Club of Athens

Meets every Thursday at 7:00 am

TWU Glenn Lowe Dining Room

Pilot Club of Athens

Meets 1st & 3rd Monday at 6:00 pm

Western Sizzlin Athens

Garbage Collection Services

Residential garbage collection by the City of Athens is collected on a weekly basis. Totes should be on the road the night before specified collection day. Large item pickup for residential use is on a bi-weekly route schedule

Recycling Center Approved Items

Aluminum Cans

Antifreeze

Automotive Batteries

Cardboard Catalogs

Cooking Oil

Electronics**

Glass

Glossy Advertisements

Hazardous Household

Waste

Magazines

Mixed Paper

Motor Oil

Newsprint

Oil Filters

Plastic Types 1 & 2 and Steel & Tin Cans

Burn Permits

The City of Athens abides by all state burning laws. Further, the City does not permit the burning of leaves, tires or rubber products, vinyl siding, shingles, plastic, paper products including cardboard, asphalt roofing materials, demolition debris, building or construction materials, paint or aerosol cans, copper or electrical wires, or household trash. Other restrictions include burning after dark without approval of the onduty shift supervisor Burn projects larger than 10 cubic yards will only be permitted by forced air pit burning. To obtain permission prior to any outdoor burning taking place in the City of Athens, please contact the Athens Fire Department at 423-744-2789 or visit www athenstn gov for more information

CRS Flood Community in the FEMA Flood Program

Athens participates in the Flood CRS program where citizens are eligible for flood insurance anywhere in Athens at a discounted rate

Animal Control

City of Athens Animal Control provides animal control services within the corporate limits of the City of Athens Pets should not be running loose at any time.

To report a call on an animal, please call the McMinn County Dispatch NonEmergency number 423-745-3687

To schedule an animal drop off, call the Animal Shelter to schedule 423-744-2747

Animal adoptions are handled by the McMinn Regional Humane Society 423-744-9548

Stormwater Best Practices

Athens has two distinct sewer systems: sanitary and stormwater. This system helps prevent flooding by carrying excess rainwater away from streets, homes, and businesses. Because the stormwater system does not have treatment facilities, pollutants that enter the system, eventually enter our streams. Things you can do to help reduce pollution to our streams:

do not rake leaves into the street during leaf collection season capture and dispose of oil or other fluids from your automobile at the Recycle Center.

do not use fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides in excess report spills or illegal dumping to an appropriate agency

Building Permits

Community Development handles different types of permits including:

Residential

Commercial

Electrical

Plumbing

Mechanical

Signs

Permits are also needed for renovations including:

Structural Changes

Water Heater

HVAC

Pool

No permit is needed for painting, changing floor covering, or plumbing fixtures.

Do I Need a Permit For That?

Permits are done through the Community Development office for the following items:

Portable Carports

Storage Buildings

Porches

Decks

Fences exceeding 8ft in height

Moving a Home

Tennessee 811 - Call Before You Dig

Adding some landscaping? Always call 811 before you dig! Tennessee 811 will mark underground utilities. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law.

TemporarySigns

Thereshallbenosignsofanynature allowedtobeaffixedtoanyutility poleperTennesseeStateLaw In addition,nosignscanbelocated insideoruponanyright-of-wayper localordinance

Fire and Safety

Athens Fire Department hosts fire extinguisher training, First Aid & CPR training, and also has a certified Car Seat Technician for car seat installations Athens Fire Department encourages families to come to the department to tour the fire trucks and department.

Cemeteries

The City of Athens operates and maintains Cedar Grove, Hammonds, and Sullins Cemeteries. Plots are available for purchase at Cedar Grove and Hammonds locations. More information can be found on the city website at www.athenstn.gov

Southeast Tennessee Trade & Conference Center

The Southeast Trade and Conference Center is a two-room building available for rent for private or public events such as birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, or meetings. Rentals are handled by the Athens Parks and Recreation Department.

McMinn County Expo Center

The McMinn County Expo Center is a 31,000 sq ft open air arena, concession area, and office available for rent for public or private events such as dog shows, barrel racing, and rodeos. Rentals are handled by the McMinn County Mayor's Office.

Zoning

The zoning purpose is to promote the public health, safety, convenience, order, and general welfare of the City of Athens Check out the interactive zoning map online or call Community Development to find your zone

McMinn County Emergency Operations Center

The E911 Center for McMinn County not only is the county dispatch center but additionally handle addressing for new homes and additions requiring new addresses.

Judicial Complex & City Court

The Athens City Court handles traffic violations in the City of Athens issued by the City of Athens Police Department The McMinn County Judicial Complex handles court related issues by McMinn County Sheriff Department traffic violations, circuit, juvenile, criminal, sessions, and child support court.

Friendly City Focus

The City conducted a strategic plan with Barth Associates to identify the key areas of progress for our thriving rural community for the next century to come. The City of Athens has identified the top ten initiatives to make a priority over the next century.

Animal Shelter

Training Facilities

Building Renovations

Masterplan for wayfinding and signage

Building & staffing a 3rd Fire Station & training facility

Design and build pickleball complex at Ingleside Recreation Complex

Prepare adaptive re-use study for existing school sites

Complete Market Park development

Complete downtown plan as proposed

Realize tou et Together

The Friendly City is Flourishing

New businesses and homes have arrived and are building in Athens A few new assets to the city include the McMinn Higher Education Center and the new Athens City School building are huge enhancements for the community.

McMinn Higher Education Center, aka MHEC, houses Cleveland State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and the University of Tennessee Extension Institute of Agriculture- McMinn County. In addition to these educational institutes, local industries can utilize this space for training to upgrade the existing workforce.

The Athens City School is completing a major revamp of the Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade schools. What once was 4 schools, 2 housing Pre-K to 2nd grade and 2 housing 3rd to 5th grades will now be in one extraordinary school. The new school is located right next to the Athens City Middle School campus and City Schools office.

The Arts Center in Athens, the cultural hub of the city, is building on its capital campaign adding an additional theatre, music training rooms, and adding additional class offerings.

United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties

Since 1957, United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties have invested more than $25 million back into the community. United Way has partner agencies within the community to help those in need with education, financial stability, and health needs. Check out the Community Resource Guide at www.uwmcminn-meigs.com

Community Mobility Plan

Equitable access was the paramount discovery of the Community Mobility Plan research. Priority projects noted from the research include developing a complete streets policy, street network framework plan, sidewalk connections and new crosswalks at the city schools, downtown square, pedestrian pathways and roadway connections down Congress Parkway and Decatur Pike, streetscaping and sidewalks along and improve circulation within the new developments on Cedar Springs Road and realign cul-de-sac intersection with SR 305 and connect with Industrial Way.

Friendly City Experience Master Plan

Main Street Athens is a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing the unique and artistic business district of downtown Athens. Main Street Athens in partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, created a masterplan to enhance downtown streetscapes and wayfinding.