Athens city leaders may take a first step Monday toward building a new recreation center.

City Council members may select one of three architectural firms to design the proposed center.

After interviewing three firms, the city’s Cemetery, Parks and Recreation director, Ben Wiley, will ask the council to decide which of the three it wants to hire to draw plans for the facility. Plans are to build the center on about 6 acres north of the Sportsplex on U.S. 31.

Wiley said the architect would be paid 5 or 6 percent of the project cost, once that is determined. He said the architectural firm will be asked to draw various possibilities for the center based on what amenities are needed. Then, the city can decide how much it can afford to spend.

Mayor Ronnie Marks said the city has identified a need for a recreation center of about 50,000 square feet. The existing recreation center, built in 1977, has about 20,000 square feet, he said.

A larger facility would allow the city to meet its current growth and allow for some future growth, he said.

“During the next 60 days, we will work with the approved architect to design our base needs and look at a couple of alternate add-ons,” the mayor said. “City Clerk Annette Barnes and I are working on a finance plan to present to the council. Ultimately, we will probably go to the bond market for funding.”

Hearing on Sunday sales

Also Monday, the council will address the following agenda items:

• A resolution to set a public hearing for a special called meeting June 19 to hear comments on a proposed amendment of the alcohol ordinance to allow Sunday alcohol sales. Council President Joseph Cannon has said he intends to hold one or more public meetings to give residents a chance to voice their opinion’s about allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

• A resolution to declare 2000 model Sterling Ford SC8000 Schwarze Sweeper as surplus and authorize the Public Works Department to dispose of the sweeper through a public auction;

• A resolution to approve travel expenses for Electric Department personnel;

• A resolution to approve travel and education expenses for Water Services personnel;

• A resolution to approve rezoning of property southwest of the intersection of U.S. 72 and McCulley Mill Road from B-3 Highway Business District to R-13 Single-Family High-Density Residential District.