HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2023 Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF BALDWIN
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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, 25 September 2023 .
Present were Council President Jay Robinson, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell,
Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone (arrived at 4:50 p .m .), Mayor
Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Jay Robinson called the meeting to order at 4 :30 p .m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the agenda was the Piper Sandler Introduction by Walter Lewis who
told the City Council he an investment banker. Mr. Lewis thanked the City Council
for the opportunity to introduce himself and Jonathan McCoy who was in the
audience. Mr. Lewis said "since 1895, Piper Sandler has been a leading financial
services company committed to delivering integrity, insight and impact to each and
every relationship . Collaboration and candor have always been and still remain the
cornerstones of our promise to clients and to one another-enabling us to inspire
confidence by exceeding expectations."
• Judge Haymes Snedeker began the Discussion for creating an appeals process for the
Sign Ordinance and violations of a Planned Unit Development. He said there should
be a different avenue for appealing these. Councilmember Martin said it should be
more flexible and a better process for citizens . Planning Director Hunter Simmons
commented we could put back into the Zoning Ordinance; and they would appeal to
the Board of Adjustments and Appeals . Councilmember Burrell questioned how
prevalent these appeals are . Councilmember Martin reiterated we need another
avenue due to rigidity of these. Council President Robinson stated he was not against
rigidity but should not go to Municipal Court . City Attorney Marcus McDowell
explained the denial of the Sign Ordinance ; there is no relief in Municipal Court .
Councilmember Burrell to Mr. Simmons that he and his staff know the Ordinance
best.
• Judge Snedeker said we need to increase the Corrections Fund Assessment to match
what the County charges . He suggested an additional $25 .00 per case ; and said the
Correction Fund cannot operate as a deficit anymore . Judge Snedeker said he would
make a recommendation to the City Attorney. The consensus of the City Council was
to move forward with the increase . Councilmember Burell asked if we are able to
process all cases now . City Attorney McDowell said they start cases at 3:00 p.m.; one
police shift on one date and one police shift on the other date . Judge Snedeker
commented that when he sees Code Enforcement Officers Kim Burmeister or
Christina Lejeune in Court, they have given everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Monday, 25 September 2023
Page -2-
• The next item on the agenda was City Treasurer Kim Creech with Budget
Discussions . Ms. Creech presented a Power Point Presentation titled "City of
Fairhope Budget Highlights " and answered any questions . (See attached
presentation) Mayor Sherry Sullivan briefly went over Personnel and said we arc
only 85 percent staffed . Councihnembers Burrell and Martin agreed that if we were
at 100 percent in 2025, we would be in a deficit. The consensus of the City Council
was concern about eliminating the cushion in the budget it will be tight.
Councilmember Boone commented we have no choice; we must be competitive .
Mayor Sullivan stated the merit raises will not go into effect until December; but the
two percent Cost of Living Adjustment will go into effect after adopting the budget.
Councilmember Conyers said he would like to see us more aggressive on revenues
and conservative on personnel.
• Council President Robinson said we need to setup a Work Session for the Historic
Preservation Ordinance discussion.
• Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . I 6 ; and
answered any questions if needed .
• Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No .
17; and answered any questions ifneeded .
There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5 :58 p.m.
n, Council President
City C erk