WATCH: Meet Meredith Barnum with the ACCGov EMA 

Meredith Barnum is the new ACCGov Emergency Management Coordinator in the Fire Department with the ACCGov Emergency Management Agency (EMA). 

Barnum joined ACCGov in September 2024, coming from Rockdale County where she served as the Deputy Director of Emergency Management Agency (EMA), E-911, and Animal Services. 

Throughout her career, Barnum has been involved in all phases of emergency management, including preparedness through community engagement, response to large scale disasters, and person-focused disaster recovery on the local, federal, and non-profit levels. 

She hit the ground running with ACCGov, coordinating the recent activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and associated responses with other ACCGov departments and outside agencies during January's winter storms, along with other future emergency planning and the February 5 testing of tornado sirens.

Learn more about her role and the EMA in this brief video interview.

ACAC seeking new members through Feb. 23

The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (ACAC) is seeking three qualified candidates to fill 3-year volunteer positions. Applications are being accepted through Sunday, Feb. 23.

ACAC works closely with the ACCGov Public Arts Coordinator. Its mission is to foster the development and enjoyment of performing, visual, cultural, and other arts in the local community and to make recommendations to the Mayor and Commission in areas of planning and development.

The ACAC meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM, with additional committee work conducted between meetings. Applicants must be Athens-Clarke County residents and have interest in the arts, public administration, community engagement, outreach, grant writing, and/or arts education and arts advocacy.

Apply online and find out more about the commission at www.accgov.com/acac.

Comment on Transit plan through Mar. 4

Athens-Clarke County Transit is updating its Transit Development Plan (TDP). 

The TDP is a five-year strategic plan outlining operating changes, capital improvements, and strategic investments. This update sets the future vision and goals for Transit and serves as a blueprint for system and service investments. 

Residents are invited to review and submit comments on the draft plan through March 4. An in-person open house is also planned for February 19 at the Multimodal Transportation Center (755 E. Broad Street) from 3:00-6:00 PM (drop-in anytime).

For more information and to view the draft plan, visit www.accgov.com/tdp.

50th Community Police Academy accepting applications through Mar. 5

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is accepting applications for the 50th Community Police Academy (CPA) through Wednesday, March 5.

The Community Police Academy is designed to provide residents opportunities to see what ACCPD officers do on a daily basis. The program meets weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and includes hands-on activities like crime scene analysis, ride-alongs, mock vehicle stops, crisis intervention scenarios, and more. 

Apply through March 5 at www.accgov.com/cpa.

Nominations for Green Life Awards due Mar. 3 & K-12 artwork submissions due Mar. 7

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond creating a more sustainable tomorrow for Athens? Nominate them for a Green Life award! 

Several ACCGov departments, including Solid Waste, Public Utilities, and Transportation & Public Works / Stormwater will honor leaders in the community during the Green Life Awards on April 23. A variety of award nominations are due by Monday, March 3.

Additionally, Athens-Clarke County students in Pre K-12th grade are also encouraged to submit artwork by Friday, March 7 for the annual Green Life Art Exhibition, which will be on view at the Lyndon House Arts Center in April.

More details and forms available at www.accgov.com/greenlife.

Batteries go BOOM!

Did you know that batteries are the #1 cause of fires in ACCGov's Solid Waste facilities and equipment? 

Mishandled batteries are a danger to those in your household, the community, waste management workers, firefighters, and the environment.

Batteries catch fire from overheating, being punctured or crushed, or unintentionally having direct contact between positive and negative terminals. 

Safely dispose of batteries by recycling them for no cost at a local drop-off location:

• ACC Landfill (5700 Lexington Rd.)
• ACC Solid Waste Department (725 Hancock Industrial Way)
• CHaRM (1005 College Ave.)
• Fire Station #2 (265 Cleveland Rd.)
• Fire Station #8 (3955 Jefferson Rd.)
• Fire Station #9 (1626 Danielsville Rd.)

The ACCGov Solid Waste Department and Fire Department are partnering on educating the community about the potential dangers of mishandled batteries and proper disposal. 

For more information and resources, visit www.accgov.com/batteries. 

The ACCGov Mixtape is distributed monthly by the ACCGov Communications Department, accgov.com/communications, 706-613-3795