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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-07-2022 Planning Commission MinutesNovember 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes The Planning Commission met Monday, November 7, 2022, at 5:00 PM at the City Municipal Complex, 161 N. Section Street in the Council Chambers. Present: Lee Turner, Chairman; Rebecca Bryant, Vice-Chair; Art Dyas; Harry Kohler; Clarice Hall-Black; Hollie MacKellar; Corey Martin, City Council Liaison; Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Manager; Mike Jeffries, Development Services Manager; Casey Potts, City Planner; Michelle Melton, City Planner; Allie Knutson, Secretary; and Chris Williams, City Attorney. Absent: John Worsham. Chairman Turner called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM. Approval of the Minutes October 3, 2022: Corey Martin made a motion to approve the minutes as presented from the October 3, 2022, meeting. Harry Kohler seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. Old/New Business: • Approval of the 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Dates and Deadlines Motion: Rebecca Bryant made a motion to approve the 2023 Planning Commission Dates and Deadlines Hollie MacKellar seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. ZC 22.06 Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, Kenneth Kleban with Kleban Properties, on behalf of the Owner, FST Fairhope East, LLC, to amend the existing PUD (Planned Unit Development) for ldlewild Place PUD. The property is approximately 10 acres and is located on the west side of State Highway 181, south of Fairhope Avenue. PPIN #: 261908, 310693 Summary: Hunter Simmons, Planning and Zoning Manager, presented the case summary and showed a map and aerial of the subject property. Ordinance 1402 was approved in 2009. In the last thirteen years, the property changed owners but has not been developed. The approved ldlewild PUD, as described in Ordinance 1402, consists of 5 lots November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes fronting US Highway 181, with no buildings being approved at the time of the ordinance. The site plans from Ordinance 1402 and the proposed PUD Amendment were shown on the screen. Mr. Simmons noted that in 2009, there was a road proposed that connected Orleans Drive to the entrance on State Highway 181 that was changed to allow pedestrian connectivity with an emergency access when the PUD was heard before City Council. The proposed amendment and Site Plan includes a hotel, restaurants, retail, and office/residential mixed- use. A boardwalk is being provided for connectivity to the north and south and an internal plaza courtyard has been created. A signal light and tum lanes will be installed on State Highway 181. Rebecca Bryant asked why the development previously had two pedestrian connections while this plan only showed one. Mr. Simmons confirmed that only one connection is being proposed and suggested that if the Commissioners would like to see connectivity, they should add that requirement within the amendment. A drone video of the property was shown as well as architectural elevations. The hotel has been significantly altered as it was originally proposed at three-stories, was then brought down to two-stories with a rooftop pool, and is currently proposed at two-stories without the pool. There are 12 buildings proposed on the Site Plan, one with a drive thru. Four buildings described residential on the 2nd floor, which will be separate units. The previous setbacks were 110' in the front (Highway 181) and 40' in the rear. The currently proposed setbacks are 60' in the front and 20' in the rear, however, on the Site Plan, the building lines are shown at around 11 0'. Mr. Simmons suggested making the front setback be what is shown on the Site Plan and having the Applicant provide the correct dimension. The maximum building parapet height is 30' with one exception of 38.5' for the Hotel, the Hotel is proposed at two stories maximum. Building Coverage is proposed at 19% while the previous Ordinance's maximum was 30%. Lot Coverage is proposed at a maximum of 39% while the previous ordinance maximum is 80%. The elevations provided are conceptual. Ordinance 1402 requires "All Buildings shall have "four-sided" architecture. This requirement will carry-over to this PUD amendment. Many adjacent property owners were concerned with light pollution from the development. There is a requirement in the Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance that regardless of what the light height or style is, it cannot penetrate on the property line. The current Photometric Plan has accommodated this. The previously approved PUD limited exterior lighting to 10' high. This plan proposed 14' -24' high lights that would be shielded. The Commissioners may limit the light height now or review it during Multiple Occupancy Project (MOP) Review. 228 parking spaces are proposed, but 276 are required to meet the Zoning Ordinance. The Applicant has provided a draft parking agreement for shared parking. Hours of operation were not provided for the proposed drive thru. Staff recommends hours of operation for the drive thru, at minimum, be provided. Art Dyas asked for an example of a draft parking agreement for shared parking. Mr. Simmons stated that some businesses will have their peak hours during the daytime while some will have their peak hours in the evening. The agreement protects the City when future property owners know that there is an established parking agreement for the development. All of the parking spots utilize pervious pavers rather than asphalt. Casey Potts, City Planner, stated that the impervious lot coverage is shown at 36%, 2 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes the building area as 19%, so approximately 20% is asphalt and sidewalk. Crushed aggregate is shown on the south side for the parking as well. Rebecca Bryant mentioned that the drive-thru did not fit with the overall idea of a pedestrian plaza. Councilman Martin agreed. Mr. Simmons replied that the Applicants have wanted a drive-thru from the beginning and had revised the internal roads to accommodate the drive-thru. The greenspace plan and landscape plan was shown. The existing PUD included an 8' fence, a 20' heavily landscape buffer with planting details provided, three rows of trees, and shrubs. The proposed plan includes a 20' buffer, but guidance from the previously approved PUD needs to be maintained regarding the landscaping. Comments from neighbors requested evergreens to be planted, which was accommodated, but hollies and overstory trees could help with screening as well. A boardwalk will be installed over the stormwater drains and around the detention pond and wetland buffer area, but some of the landscaping needs to be resolved. A 50' ingress/egress/utility easement has been added from Orleans Drive to the proposed internal road. Orleans Drive is not proposed to connect to the development at this time. Golf cart parking is proposed in the drainage easement and a pedestrian bridge is shown from Orleans Drive to the development. The pedestrian connectivity will allow residents in Idlewild to access restaurants easily and would alleviate some traffic on State Highway 181. The proposed plan shall provide pedestrian connectivity by way of a 12' wide bridge/walkway, but does not include the access for an emergency vehicle as previously approved. Staff supports the proposed monument sign at the State Highway 181 entrance depicting the "Boardwalk Village". All internal signage shall comply with the City of Fairhope Sign Ordinance. The Hotel building materials include brick veneer, painted siding, asphalt shingle or metal roof panels, aluminum clad, French Quarter style windows and doors, cast iron columns, wrought-iron railings, and copper awnings. Drainage was not fully reviewed during the PUD Amendment review and will be reviewed in detail during the MOP. However, the property owner purchased PPIN 310693, half of the detention pond that services Jackson Place and ldlewild. Detention flows from this pond into the Idlewild property along a drainage ditch that leads to the wetlands, into a culvert across State Highway 181, and into a swale. An O&M was not found for maintenance of the multi-owner pond that discharges into the Idlewild property. The drainage easement is overgrown and will need to be cleaned up to drain properly. Art Dyas suggested that the Applicants stay out of the tree's driplines in order to preserve them. All Multiple Occupancy Project and Site Plan requirements and standards not specifically addressed on the PUD Site Plan and this ordinance shall be as per City of Fairhope zoning, subdivision, and building requirements. Rebecca Bryant brought up light pollution and asked if the Zoning Ordinance required shielding. Mr. Simmons responded that the lights need to meet the footcandle requirements and cannot penetrate onto neighboring properties. Councilman Martin mentioned that Rebecca Bryant had brought up light shielding during the Informal Review for the proposed development. 3 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes PUD amendment approval is only for the conceptual aspects of the project. Potential revisions and/or points of clarification will need to be addressed at time of multiple occupancy project application. Examples include, but are not limited to: 1. The boardwalk landings needed to cover the outfalls into the detention pond are shown to stop over dry land. Boardwalk amenity shall extend over the drainage pond. Boardwalks shall be connected to each other in a manner subject to Planning staff approval. 2. The walkway canopy shown with the hotel shall be constructed at a height that can be cleared by delivery trucks. 3. Golf cart parking in the drainage easement needs to be clarified. A stormwater pipe may be required beneath this improvement. 4. Staff would like the engineer to explain the grading across the trees. 5. The proposed hotel parapet height (38.5') seems high for a maximum 2-story building. Staff would like clarification. Height limits within the existing PUD are 30'. 6. Proposed building materials indicate painted siding. What is the proposed siding? Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Case ZC 22.06 Idlewild Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment with the following conditions: 1. A revised Greenspace Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 2. A revised Master Development Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 3. Maintain the Landscaping, Screening and Buffers as required in Ord. 1402. 4. Rear setback shall be 40'. Front setbacks shall be as shown on the Site Plan, applicant shall supply dimension prior to City Council hearing. Chairman Turner opened the public hearing. Gary Gover, 300 Lincoln Street, stated that some of the plans depicted pedestrian crossing across State Highway 181 from Walmart to the proposed development, which would require reworking that intersection. Chairman Turner stated that while connectivity is desired, that location would be in ALDOT's control. Mr. Simmons added that the pedestrian crossing is not included in the most recently revised plan. Mr. Gover also mentioned that there is a difference between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSV's) and that, "golf carts" should not be noted on the plans. He expressed concerns with golf carts crossing State Highway 181 to get to the development. Susan Jones, 205 Margaret Drive, stated that her home backs up to the Idlewild pond and asked if the pond was being removed and what way the drainage would travel. Mr. Simmons stated that the pond was not being removed and that the drainage would be flowing away from her property. Steve Irvin, 220 Orleans Drive, expressed concerns regarding the proposed drive-thru and was opposed to the connection on Orleans Drive as he was when the original PUD was approved in 2009. He stated that he likes the current buffer and wanted the trees to be saved. He was also concerned what the hotel will look like in 20 years. He stated that light shields would only work if the lights were facing the east and requested the light height be limited to 20'. Paula Budnovich, 213 Margaret Drive, stated that they currently have a privacy fence with trees and brush behind the fence and asked if this development would be installing a fence as well and if so, will there be space left between both fences. Mr. Simmons stated that they would need to install an 8' privacy 4 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes fence. Chairman Turner added that if Ms. Budnovich' s fence is on her property line, no space would be left in between the fences. Tracy Brown, 239 Royal Lane, lives next to the Orleans Drive easement. Ms. Brown asked if the trees and brush could be left intact from the drainage easement to the fence line, stating that it would help with noise and view of the hotel. She added that the pedestrian easement is not needed and would create a parking lot for LSV's outside her home. Phillip Wilson, 231 Royal Lane, stated that the proposed drive-thru would be located by the back window of his home. The subject property has been zoned for a long time and he would like it to accommodate the neighborhood as much as possible. Mr. Wilson stated that he has met with Mr. Kleban who has made many revisions to the plan. Royal Lane is already being used a cut-thru to Walmart, but that connectivity is what the City is looking for. He stated that he would be agreeable to having the pedestrian easement being by his home rather than Ms. Brown's. A fence will need to be maintained and will not help as much as a buffer and a berm would. He suggested moving the entire development closer to State Highway 181, away from the residents. There is already noise pollution from the car wash in front of Walmart and thinks that dense trees are needed to prevent light and noise pollution. Dawn Wilson, 101 Orleans Drive, stated that she agreed with the comments that had already been made regarding the noise, landscape buffer, objection to having a drive-thru, and the hotel use. Her home is located in the middle of the neighborhood. She stated that the light from Walmart can be seen at night and the traffic is loud on State Highway 181. She requested that the hotel parking spaces be located by 181, not Idlewild due to noise and safety concerns. Chairman Turner closed the public hearing and asked for the developer to address comments. Steve Fisher, Element 3 Engineering, asked Mr. Simmons if a fence was required on the western property line, noting that one had been added on the southern property line. Mr. Simmons replied that a revised Landscape Plan had just been received on Friday, so the buffer requirements of the 2009 Ordinance are being used as a safeguard. The requirement for a fence may not be the best solution in every area, but he did not believe that there currently is not a substantial amount of buffer. Chairman Turner asked Mr. Fisher what type of business was being proposed for the drive thru. Mr. Fisher stated a coffee shop was being proposed with hours of operation that can be provided. Chairman Turner brought up the lighting and shields for light pollution. In the past, the 1 O' requirement for the lighting was so the fence and lighting would be the same height. Mr. Irvin stated that a shorter light would be better. Mr. Fisher added that there is about 5' of elevation change from Orleans Drive to the site, the site is higher. Mr. Simmons had concerns with installing taller lights on higher elevation and asked if any of the existing buffer in the drainage easement or 20' landscaping buffer could be saved. Mr. Fisher replied that he would prefer to save anything that can be saved so there is less disturbance on the site. Mr. Simmons suggested changing the grading plan during the MOP review and asked if the drainage easement could remain undisturbed during construction. Mr. Fisher replied that, the drainage easement could be included in a later phase. Mr. Simmons thinks the screening can be accommodated without a fence in most areas. Councilman Martin added that during the Informal Review of the development, Commissioners were in agreement that a natural buffer was preferred, rather than a fence. Mr. Fisher added that there is a good buffer on the site, but during some months, it will lose some 5 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes density. Rebecca Bryant asked for clarification on the types of shrubs and trees that would be included in the buffer and wanted to ensure that the details of the buffer would not be limited to shorter shrubs. Art Dyas suggested switching the drainage easement and the buffer so that the drainage easement was on the inside of the development and would preserve the vegetation. Hollie MacKellar brought up the pedestrian and golf cart connectivity. Mr. Simmons stated that accommodations were made in 2009 to not allow full vehicular access, but that stub streets are built for a reason. Connectivity keeps roads from being overcrowded. Chairman Turner added that it would be safer and more convenient for residents to not have to use Fairhope Avenue and Highway 181 to get to the development. Councilman Martin added that LSV's are not legal on Fairhope Avenue as the speed limit changes. Mr. Fisher stated that a berm is a great idea, but it would end up blocking the drainage and would be difficult with the elevation change. Hollie MacKellar clarified that the Developer would be responsible for maintaining the pond, the fence, vegetation, and the berm, if applicable. Mr. Fisher replied that they would be responsible for those items and Mr. Simmons stated that those items would be included in the O&MPlan. Rebecca Bryant added that landscaping and buffering requirements should include two rows of trees and one row of shrubs. Chairman Turner added that lighting should be mentioned as well and to state that the landscaping and buffering will be heavily reviewed at time of MOP. Camilla Lataday, Landscape Architect, stated that she understands the resident's concerns. There are many options available for LED lights with dimming options, but need to adhere to the health, safety, and welfare of those who will be navigating the site after hours. Motion: Rebecca Bryant made a motion to recommend approval of Case ZC 22.06 to City Council, subject to the following conditions: 1. A revised Greenspace Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 2. A revised Master Development Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 3. Significant landscape screening and buffers as well as light pollution prevention, with the buffer requirements being similar to Ordinance 1402, but with two rows of trees. 4. Rear setback shall be 40'. Front setbacks shall be as shown on the Site Plan, applicant shall supply dimension prior to City Council hearing. Art Dyas seconded the motion. Attorney Chris Williams clarified that the intent of the motion was to have the details of the landscape buffer and lighting be reviewed and approved by the Commissioners at time of MOP. Rebecca Bryant and Chairman Turner agreed. Art Dyas mentioned that switching the drainage easement and existing buffer would make a lot of sense. Mr. Simmons replied that there is a challenge with doing that because it is graded in the landscape buffer to elevate the whole site, allowing the drainage to flow to the north. Art Dyas added that the buffer is going to be disturbed any time work is done on the drainage easement. Attorney Chris Williams asked that the motion be restated. 6 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes Motion: Rebecca Bryant made a motion to recommend approval of Case ZC 22.06 to City Council, subject to the following conditions: 1. A revised Greenspace Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 2. A revised Master Development Plan will be required for staff review prior to City Council. 3. Provide a strong landscape buffer to provide screening, such as evergreens, in addition to providing significant light pollution prevention to be reviewed at time of Multiple Occupancy Project approval. 4. Rear setback shall be 40'. Front setbacks shall be as shown on the Site Plan, applicant shall supply dimension prior to City Council hearing. Councilman Martin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. ZC 22.15 Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, Dewberry, acting on behalf of Owner, Live Oak Properties, LLC, to rezone property from PUD (Planned Unit Development) to R-1, Low Density Single Family Residential District. The property is approximately 3.79 acres and is located on the east side of Main Street, south of Parker Road. PPIN #: 11947 Summary: Mike Jeffries, Development Services Manager, presented the case summary. Parker Place PUD was approved January 12 th , 2009, with the following requirements: 15' Front Setback, 20' Rear Setback, 10' Side Setback, and a 20' Front Garage Setback. Landscape Buffers (natural and heavily wooded creating a dense buffer) of 30' along Scenic Highway 98 and 20' along Parker Road. Building height of 35' from finished floor to peak of roof, and internal sidewalks were to be routed to have maximum tree preservation. Adding the sidewalk along Parker Road was required. Rezoning to R-1, if approved, will essentially erase all the requirements of the PUD and any future development would have to conform to R-1 dimension standards and meet the requirements of the Subdivision Regulations. The potential lot layout was showing depicting four lots while the approved PUD depicted eight lots. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Case ZC 22.15 to City Council. Cathy Barnett with Dewberry was present, but had nothing further to add. The Owner, Chris Haley, was not present. Chairman Turner opened the public hearing. James Allen, 7270 JV Cummings Drive, stated that when the PUD was approved in 2009, the Developer stated that he would provide a buffer between the PUD and his property. Mr. Simmons stated that no buffer is required between residential properties. Mr. Allen clarified that there would be no buffer, only 7 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes setbacks. Mr. Jeffries added that there are also only four lots proposed instead of eight. Chairman Turner stated that the layout of the lots needed to not be suggested when the current case was only for a rezoning to R-1. Mr. Allen stated that he felt like he had no protection from having someone near his property line. Cathy Barnett, Dewberry, stated that they decreased the density from eight lots to four. The proposed lot layout would be conforming if that plan were to move forward and that they are aware that subdivision application would be next. Chairman Turner suggested that Mr. Allen explore the option of buying a 5' strip from the Developer. Ms. Barnett added that it did not look like they would need to lose any trees with the lot configuration when overlaying the tree protection and the size of the lots. Chairman Turner closed the public hearing. Motion: Art Dyas made a motion to recommend approval of Case ZC 22.15, to City Council. Hollie MacKellar seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. SD 22.29 Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, Aaron Collins with SE Civil, LLC, on behalf of the Owner, Lafayette Acres, LLC, for Plat approval of a 3-lot resubdivision of Lots 25 and 26 in the Colonial Acres Subdivision. The property is approximately 2.94 acres and is located south of Triangle Drive, between Hancock Road and U.S. Highway 98. PPIN #: 71837, 41871 Summary: Casey Potts, City Planner, presented the case summary. The application for a 3-lot minor subdivision was originally considered and conditionally approved at the May 2, 2022, Planning Commission meeting. The conditions of approval were: 1. In the General Notes, add a note specifying maintenance of the planting strip. Add a note that "Lots 1-3 shall only be accessed via Hancock Road and Lafayette Drive. Access is restricted via City Hwy 104 and Greeno Road." 2. Rename of City Hwy 104, subject to approval by City Council. 3. Revision of subdivision name and lot numbering, subject to approval by Baldwin County Revenue Department. 4. Provide Covenants and Restrictions to Planning Staff prior to plat recordation. 5. Inspection and approval of completed sidewalks along Hancock Rd. and Lafayette Rd. by City of Fairhope Building Department. 6. The buffers shown on the plans, shall remain natural, except for the allowance of plant materials to be installed where a visual buffer does not exist and a potential pedestrian path within the proposed pedestrian access easement. 8 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes 7. Where a visual buffer does not exist within buffer areas shown on the plan, or required by a condition of approval, plant materials shall be installed to provide a visual barrier. Final plats must be recorded within 120 days_after the date of final approval. The applicant was not able to complete this condition, causing the application to expire. Sidewalks have since been built along Hancock Road and Lafayette Drive. While not required, a sidewalk connecting Hancock Road to Triangle Drive was discussed with the applicant originally. Due to the reduction of one lot, providing the sidewalk was cost prohibitive. The applicant depicts a 15' public access easement from Hancock Road to Triangle Drive in lieu of the sidewalk. The intent of the public access easement is to provide the capacity for pedestrian connectivity in the future. There are no plans to install improvements at this time, nor is there a funding source for said future improvements. The applicant agreed to implement a 35' landscape buffer that shall remain undisturbed, with the exception of new planting materials to fill in the visual landscape screen along the Triangle Drive and Greeno Road ROW's. The buffer shall remain undisturbed and maintained by the POA. Access to lots 1-3 from Triangle Drive and Greeno Rd shall be prohibited. The applicant is also preserving the historic landscape buffer adjacent to Lafayette Drive, which shall also remain undisturbed in perpetuity. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of SD 22.29 Colonial Acres Subdivision, A Resubdivision of Lots 25 and 26, Colonial Acres Part 2 minor subdivision with the following conditions: I. The buffers shown on the plans, shall remain natural, except for the allowance of plant materials to be installed where a visual buffer does not exist and a potential pedestrian path within the proposed pedestrian access easement. 2. Where a visual buffer does not exist within buffer areas shown on the plan, or required by a condition of approval, plant materials shall be installed to provide a visual barrier. Rebecca Bryant clarified that there were only two conditions for this case because the previous conditions in the last case had been satisfied. Mrs. Potts confirmed that was correct. Chairman Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, the public hearing was closed. Motion: Art Dyas made a motion to approve Case SD 22.29, subject to staff's recommendations. Clarice Hall-Black seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. Executive Session -To discuss pending or potential litigation pursuant to Alabama Code Section 36-25A-7(a)(3). Chairman Turner closed the public portion of the meeting and announced that there would be no business conducted after the Executive Session. 9 November 7, 2022 Planning Commission Minutes Attorney Chris Williams read the declaration to move to Executive Session. Motion: Councilman Martin made a motion to move to Executive Session. Clarice Hall-Black seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY:None. The Commissioners left the dais at 7:01 p.m. The Commissioners returned to the dais at 7:46 p.m. Adjournment Art Dyas made a motion to adjourn. Rebecca Bryant seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously with the following vote: A YE: Lee Turner, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas, Harry Kohler, Clarice Hall-Black, Corey Martin, and Hollie MacKellar. NAY: None. Adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Lee Turner, Chairman Allie Knutson, Secretary ST A TE OF ALABAMA ) COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) DECLARATION AND OPINION My name is Christopher S. Williams. I am over the age of nineteen (19), and I make this Declaration and Opinion based upon my own personal knowledge, information and belief. I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama and have been duly appointed Attorney for the Fairhope Planning Commission for the City of Fairhope, Alabama ("Commission"). I am offering this Declaration and Opinion in compliance with Section 36-25A-7 of the Code of Alabama (1975). On the _7th day of November, 2022, at a meeting of the Commission, there will be made a motion calling for an executive session to discuss with the Commission's attorney the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending or future potential litigation pursuant to Alabama Code§ 36-25A-7(a)(3). Prior to the Commission voting to convene the executive session, I am offering this Declaration and Opinion for the purpose of stating that Section 36-25A-7 of the Code o.f Alabama (1975) is applicable to the planned discussion, and I hereby request that this written Declaration and Opinion be reflected in the minutes for said meeting. I will further advise the Commission that if any deliberation begins among them regarding what action to take relating to pending or threatened litigation based upon the advice of counsel, the executive session shall be concluded and the deliberation shall be conducted in the open portion of the meeting or the deliberation shall cease. This Declaration and Opinion shall not constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege. Dated this 7th day of November, 2022. " -< \ Christopher S. Williams, Esq. Attorney for Fairhope Planning Commission City of Fairhope, Alabama