HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2022 Work Session Meeting 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, 10 January 2022 .
Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers : Jack
Burrell, Corey Martin (arrived at 5:30 p.m.), Jay Robinson, and Kevin Boone, Mayor
Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A . Hanks .
Council President Jimmy Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:30 p .m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion about Grants and Potential
Drainage Project at Fairfield Subdivision by Building Official Erik Cortinas. He
stated this is a critical area for flooding and is now considered a floodway. Mr.
Cortipas sa id this affects 22 house s; and reshaping Cowpen Creek could help
mitigate this area. He said a flood study would need to be done with an estimated cost
of $25,000.00. Councilmember Burrell stated if you have repairs done , the City
would be responsible for downstream and upstream .
The City Council questioned flood insurance ; safety issues and City property; and if
we remedy on private property , will the City be obligated. Public Works Director
Richard Johnson stated this would be a comprehensive study of our waterway .
Councilmember Boone suggested getting the homeowners pay for the study . Mr.
Cortinas addressed the resolution to be added onto the agenda for a hold harmless
agreement with Adcock Home Builders for a bio-retention swale.
• Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council on the
Discussion regarding Gully behind 50 Fairhope Avenue. He said the property is
located along Stacks Gulley ; and the previou s NRCS Project stopped at this property.
Mr. Johnson started the homeowner would like the City to go in halve s to continue
on the NRCS Project. The estimated costs are $17,200.00 for engineering and
$180,000.00 for the rest of the project.
Council President Conyers asked if the City owns the property. Mr. Johnson replied
this will stabilize and fix City property and help protect the resident's property.
Mayor Sullivan stated that this project is over $50,000 .00 which is the bid limit and
on City property , so the City must manage the project and bid out. City Attorney
McDowell stated that he need s to review the Spanish Fort bluff law suit before we
move forward. The consensus of the City Council was this is a good idea but need to
see the legality for this project.
Monday, 10 January 2022
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• The next item on the Agenda was the Discussion for Hazard Mitigation Grant
Opportunities for DR-4503 HMGP (COVID-19) Funding . Special Projects and Grant
Manager Jessica Walker addressed the City Council and said the funds would replace
the warning system which is a World War II siren. She said the HMGP grant amount
would be $43,260.00.
IT Director Jeff Montgomery commented this warning system would be for the entire
Central Business District; and we could expand from there . Mayor Sullivan explained
the need and the expansion of the system. Ms. Walker explained Agenda Item No. 6;
and answered any questions if needed. Mayor Sullivan said the safe room will
hold 75 people and can be utilized for training.
• Assistant Public Works Director Georg Ladd addressed the City Council on the
Discussion of Janitorial Service s (Bid Number 037-21). He explained the need for the
services and said we have part-time employees who work after hours . Mr. Ladd said
there is a turnover yearly with these employees and they are hard to retain. He
explained the cost ana lysis for the five employees and supplies.
• Councilmember Boone announced a Harbor Board meeting to be Wedne sday .
Councilmember Burrell exited the dais at 5:42 p.m.
• Councilmember Martin mentioned the Fairh ope Public Schools Commission
meeting that Mayor Sullivan attended. He said the John Wilson p resented
school funding.
• City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 5; and answered any questions if needed .
. • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Items No. 7, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 12; and answered any questions if
needed . He told the City Council we received approval for the turn lanes at
Gayfer A venue and Greeno Road .
• Electric Superintendent Jade Fleming addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Item No. 13 ; and answered any questions if needed. He said the Electric
Department was working on Morphy; and the Licensed Electrician has been
hired .
Councilmember Burrell returned to the dais at 5:53 p.m.
• Councilmember Martin explained the COVID testing resolution to be he ld at the
Fairhope Point Clear Rotary Youth Club on January 15 , 2022.
• Fire Chief Chris Ellis announced the new Board of Directors and Officers for the
Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department.
Monday , 10 January 2022
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The Agenda Meeting was held during the Work Session under Department
Head Updates.
There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5:55 p.m .