HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2023 Harbor Board Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
:
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The Harbor Board met at 4:30 p.m.,
Mayor’s Conference Room, 161 N Section St.
Fairhope, Alabama 36532 on Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Present members were Don Bates, Chris Cunningham, Skip Jones, Mikeal Donald and Robert Barry.
Councilmember Corey Martin was present and dismissed himself at 5:10pm. Pat White represented the
City and dismissed himself at 5:10pm. Jennifer Olmstead took the minutes.
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm.
Minutes from the April 12, 2023 meeting were presented and approved on a motion by Skip Jones;
seconded by Chris Cunningham, none opposed.
Councilmember Corey Martin had no comments to report.
On a motion by Skip Jones; seconded by Chris Cunningham, the board recommends to City Council the
reappointment of Don Bates to the Harbor Board; none opposed.
On a motion by Skip Jones; seconded by Chris Cunningham, Don Bates was elected Chairman. On a
motion by Robert Barry; seconded by Skip Jones, Mikeal Donald was elected as Vice-chairman. On a
motion by Don Bates; seconded by Chris Cunningham, Skip Jones was elected as Secretary. None opposed.
Pat White provided the Board with an update. The Marina is at 70% occupancy with 26 slips available.
Seven slips have pilings set for the possibility of having boat lifts installed in them as there has been a large
request for those. Eviction notices have been issued and a notice to commercial vessels to provide the
required documentation per the lease agreement had been sent. The travel lift was sold and removed from
the property. The Harbor Manager position has been posted. Board member Robert Barry has concerns
about the insurance requirements for the shrimp boats.
Don Bates addressed the Board about the need for the Board to continue. He does not feel the City
representatives or City Council utilizes the recommendations the Board brings forth nor asks the board for
input on the decisions that are being made or have been made at the marina. Some of the board members
felt the same.
The board discussed the marina property use and future. Skip Jones made a recommendation to the City
Council to have a Market Survey completed by an industry professional. The purpose would be to find out
the best use for the property; seconded by Chris Cunningham, none opposed.
Don Bates discussed the Clean Marina certification, stating that it is still in limbo and cannot be received
until some tasks are completed. Due to staffing, the recommended items have not been done.
Gary Gover addressed the board with questions about the restaurant at the Municipal Pier and the recent
grading job done at the Marina.
Jim Boothe addressed the board. He introduced himself as a slip holder and provided some background
information about his experience in construction and marinas. He is in favor of allowing boat lifts.
Derek Boothe addressed the board asking if dock carts could be purchased for slip holders to use.
Sean Saye addressed the board inquiring why a sun cover that was purchased a couple of years ago to go
over the fuel dock has not been installed yet.
There being no further business to come before the Harbor Board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:32
pm.
Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Olmstead Approved: 1/24/2024