HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-2023 City Council Work Session MinutesST A TE 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, 11 December 2023.
Present were Council President Jay Robinson, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell,
Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City
Attorney Marcus E. McDowell , and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Robinson called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion of the Wastewater Infrastructure and
Connections outside the Corporate Limits of the City of Fairhope. Council President
Martin read the resolution and explained it briefly. Mayor Sullivan said we need a
plan in place and there is not a specific timeline. Councilmember Burrell questioned
the paragraph with "Certificates of availability may be issued by the City Utility
Department and it may provide sewer service to a subdivision with 4 or fewer lots or
a single-family home outside the corporate limits ." The City Council agreed that in
six months the Mayor would report back to them . Councilmember Burrell and
Council President Martin both agreed that none would be allowed outside the City
limits . Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City
Council and explained that Kimley Hom would be doing a feasibility study for the
infrastructure.
• The next item on the Agenda was the Discussion of GIS Software Licensing
presented by Planning Director Hunter Simmons. He said the software ESRI was a
sole source software; and the quote is good through January 2024. Mr. Simmons
mentioned there would be a 10 percent increase after or during January .
Councilmember Burrell questioned receivables and difference . Mr. Simmons
explained the credits and how used.
• Councilmember Conyers gave a brief update on the Library Board meeting. He said
they reconsidered the books to relocate from the teen section to the adult section. The
Library Board of Trustees upheld the decision of the Library .
• Councilmember Robinson commented there would be a Historic Preservation
meeting thi s week.
• Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Item No . 5 and said he met with Councilmember Burrell and City Attorney
McDowell to di scuss this ordinance. Councilmember Burrell explained how they
came to the revision of the ordinance . He said they cannot change the original roof
lines (exterior) but can change interior. He stated this will preserve the front of the
building and structure with flexibility . Mr. Simmons stated that with these conditions,
the ordinance will have to be readverti sed for a new public hearing . Councilmember
Conyers commented he was not in favor of up zoning.
Monday , 11 December 2023
Page -2-
Counci l President Martin asked if we co uld keep B-4 and have the same
recommendations; and questioned day care as a use . Councilrnember Conyers
questioned building beyond 10 feet. Councilmember Robinson said the goal is to
enhance downtown Fairhope and maintain the charm and integrity . Councilmember
Robinson said he notices the big and new buildings being built downtown . He said
we need to enhance downtown; and there is global concern for downtown Fairhope .
Counci lm ember Conyers said we need to look at this now and for 25 years from now .
Counci l President Martin said we must look at and give our due diligence for our
zoning and comprehensive plan. Councilmember Burrell said to add "shopping
centers" to the condi tion s we will not allow.
Mr. Simmons addressed Agenda Items No . 6 and No. 7; and answered any questions
if needed .
• City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items
No . 8, No . 9 , No , 10 , No . 11 , No . 12 and No . 22 ; and answered any questions if
needed.
• Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council
regarding Agenda Items No. 13, No . 14 , and No. 15; and answered any questions if
needed.
• Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett addressed the City Counci l and gave an update on
Phase I Cast Iron Replacement Project that began on December 4 , 2023 . He
mentioned Cowpen Creek , D'Olive Creek line, and Highway 31 projects .
• Mayor Sherry Sullivan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 16
and No. 17 ; and answered any questions if needed .
• E lectric Superintendent Ben Patterson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Items No. 19 , No . 20 , No . 2 1, and No. 22 ; and answered any questions if needed .
City Attorney Marcus McDowell questioned why the poles were not bid out.
• Mayor Sullivan addressed the C it y Council regarding Agenda Items No. 23 and No .
24 ; and answered any questions if needed.
• City Clerk Lisa Hanks addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . 26 ;
and answered any questions if needed .
There being no further business t
was duly adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
City Clerk
before the City Council, the meeting
Corey Martin , Council President