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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2023 Work Session MinutesST A TE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( )( The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 11 September 2023. Present were Council President Pro Tempore Corey Martin, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Jay Robinson was absent. Council President Pro Tempore Corey Martin called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: •The first item on the agenda was the Discussion of the Historic Preservation Ordinance by Attorney Chris Williams with Hand Arendall Harrison Sale. Mr. Williams explained the draft ordinance and asked the City Council "is this the way Council wants to go?" He said the Historic Preservation Commission would be similar to the Planning Commission with seven to thirteen members with expertise in the field. Mr. Williams said he spoke to Council President Robinson and he wants to offer benefits and incentives; and to be a Certified Local Government (""CLG"). Councilmember Burrell mentioned the maintenance of the building and the burden it places of employees and residents. He asked had the Historic Preservation Committee seen the draft. Council President Pro Tempore Martin said the Committee began this and sent it to the Mayor; and it was forwarded to our attorneys. Councilmember Conyers agreed with fanning a Commission if it gets us to CLG and incentives. Mr. Williams said based on the historical survey we would bring list to City Council. hold a public hearing, get input, and then decide on historical homes. Councilmember Boone said he has a problem telling homeowners what to do. He said you would pay more money keeping it historical or it could devalue property. Councilmember Conyers stated the fac;ade is the most important. Council President Pro Tempore Martin said it should not be as rigid for homes. Councilmember Conyers said it should be less restrictive but be able to attain CLG. Mayor Sullivan stated she was concerned with the burden on employees; and it is hard to find Commission members. She said this is a good start for discussions but we should be very cautious before passing. Mara Hunter, 356 Equity and member of Historic Preservation Committee, addressed the City Council and said we are trying to find the right balance; and concerned about maintenance. She commented we were trying to create a Commission only and wanted the incentives and to attain CLG. The Committee wanted something that works for everyone. Monday, 11 September 2023 Page -2- Skip Jones, 105 St. James and member of Historic Preservation Committee, addressed the City Council and commented the Committee had met with the Building Department and the Planning Department for their input. Council President Pro Tempore Martin said we fought for keeping homes and not tear these down. He said we need to protect what history we have; and possibly move structures and marker on site. Councilmember Burrell commented we need to get this 1ight: and maybe have a Special Work Session. Councilmember Conyers agreed to have a Special Work Session. The consensus of the City Council was to schedule a Special Work Session in two to three weeks. •The next item on the agenda was the Utilities Budget Discussion & Capital Improvements. City Treasurer Kim Creech went over highlights of each Utility Department and answered questions. (See Power Point Presentation and Utility Handouts) Councilmember BmTell questioned FY2025 the gas cast iron funds. Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett replied that the cast iron will in phases over six years; just easing in each year. Mayor Sullivan said there is $295,380.68 on the agenda tonight for electric; and is included in presentation figure. Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson answered questions if needed. Mayor Sullivan explained Agenda Item No. 15 regarding W ellfield No. I; and Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield answered questions if needed. Councilmember Burrell commented some of these improvements in Wastewater he does not approve of. Mayor Sullivan stated that the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board along with Grants Coordinator Nicole Love are working on a grant for a feasibility study. She said we must do grant before a pennit can be issued. Councilmember Martin told the City Council we need to move forward on reclaiming water. Councilmember Burrell said he would allow some of the headworks funds toward a reclaiming water study. Councilmember Martin reiterated we must move forward with this project. Councilmember Burrell said we should go with potable water. Ms. Creech briefly went through Vehicles and Equipment and gave a summary of each Department. Councilmembers Burrell and Conyers both said to use Reserves instead of borrowing money for Gas and Electric. Council President Robinson arrived at 5:55 p.m. Ms. Creech mentioned there are improvements for Water and Wastewater that cost $31 million; and $24.5 million of these improvements need some type of funding. She recommended a financial advisor to decide and give you options for this funding. Ms. Creech said we have already awarded $15 million in projects. Councilmember Burrell said headworks could be lowered Mayor Sullivan replied $1.5 million of the cost is a grant. •City Treasurer Kim Creech briefly went over the Discussion of Conversion of Unused Sick Leave to Retirement Service Credits. •There were no Committee Updates. Monday, 11 September 2023 Page -3- Council President Pro Tempore Martin briefly went through the Agenda Items and who would explain if needed. •City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 13 and No. 14; and answered any questions if needed. •Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 7 and No. 12; and answered any questions if needed. •Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson introduced Ian Morrison to the City Council who gave an update on his crew that went to Florida to help with Hurricane repairs. Mr. Patterson explained Agenda Items No. 10 and No. 16; and answered any questions if needed. •Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 15; and answered any questions if needed. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 6:04 p.m. iaaAHanks,Mc City Clerk