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One proposal discussed was adding an administrative fine penalty for nuisance parties. The city currently has an ordinance that allows police to shut down social gatherings or parties if violations such as underage drinking, public urination, unlawful loud noise, assault or property damage are witnessed.

The new proposal would add a $250 administrative fine for a first offense. Any person cited with a first offense would have 30 days to pay the fine before they are issued a minor misdemeanor citation in court. Any subsequent violations within six months would result in a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Members of Council said that issuing an administrative fine would allow those in violation to have ample warning to prevent a misdemeanor conviction.

Changes to the city’s loud dog ordinance were also proposed. Alterations include using the term “animal” instead of dog. The proposal also lists hours in which owners of animals making noise that is audible at a distance of 50 feet or more would be penalized. Those hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday morning and 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday morning.

Further, the proposal would give code enforcement officers, police officers, the solid waste control inspector and others assigned by the service-safety director citation tags to issue to those in violation of the law. A violation would be accompanied by a $20 administrative fine. Fines for subsequent violations within six months would double in cost. Any person who doesn’t pay the fine within 30 days would be given a minor misdemeanor citation. Those cited could appeal to the Athens Police Department under the proposed ordinance change.

Athens City Council will meet as a whole on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in council chambers.