In explaining why it was important to identify property lines at the Breeding North Industrial Park, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks explained a big industrial announcement could happen soon.

By unanimous vote, the City Council approved paying Morell Engineering up to $10,500 to survey the park, located on West Sanderfer Road. Industries located in the park include Shape Corp., Steelcase and Turner Medical.

Prior to the vote, Council President Harold Wales questioned why the survey was needed since most of the property belongs to the city of Athens. Marks explained Turner Medical Inc. had requested two additional acres as part of an expansion.

The mayor also said it’s important to know the boundary lines for another reason.

“We’re hopefully this close to winning a huge project, as you know, so we need to make this happen,” Marks said.

In addition Monday, a request by Market Street Church of Christ for the city to vacate a public alleyway behind the church failed because of a 2-2 vote. Council members Joseph Cannon and Chris Seibert both voted in favor of the church, while Wales and Frank Travis voted against. Councilman Wayne Harper, who represents the fifth district where the church is located, was under the weather Monday and not in attendance at the meeting.

Prior to the vote, Marty Adams showed the council videos of cars zooming down the alley near where he said church members enter. He’s also seen “people hanging out” in the alley and “it didn’t look too good.”

“The neighbors have been concerned about it,” he said.

Prior to the vote, city attorney Shane Black told the council the city would have to approve any traffic-control measures sought by the church if it remained a public alleyway. Following the meeting, he said the council’s decision to deny the church’s request would not preclude the church from trying again.

In other business Monday, the council:

• Appointed Ray Neese to the Athens-Limestone Hospital Board for a six-year term ending Dec. 3, 2024; and

• Approved nonexclusive franchise agreements for Knology Inc. and Charter Communications.