Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-2021 Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE O F ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) ( ) ( 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 , 8 March 2021. Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone , Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discu ssed: • The first item on the Agenda was the Presentation by the Fairhope Junior City Council. Special Projects and Grant Manager Jessica Walker addressed the City Council and said they were here to present their revised bylaws and a project proposal. President Isabella Tran and New Members Coordinator Grayson McKean addressed the City Council and explained the revisions in their bylaws . Council President Burrell told them that the Junior City Council could reach out to the City Councilmembers for help or questions any time. Mayor Sullivan commented she wants the Junior City Council to understand City Government. The Project Sunset Staircase was discussed next by Ms. Tran and Ms. McKean. They explained this will be an art project for the staircase at Henry George Park. (See attached Power Point Presentation) They told the City Council the Junior City Council will be the ones painting; and this was an art collaboration between both of u s. Public Works Director Richard Johnson said the base color will be Fairhope Blue . The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with the project and put this on the next City Council agenda . • The Discussion of a Living Memorial dedicated to all those and their fam ilies who serve to protect our Safety and Freedom was next on the Agenda. Mayor Sullivan explained the proposed memorial; and said Mr. Weltlich would take care of the funding. She said the ideal place would be out front of the Police Department building . Council President Burrell commented he would su pport this if they raised the funds. Councilrnembers Martin, Conyers, and Boone all agreed if they provide the funding. Mayor Sullivan reiterated that Mr. Weltlich would provide it all. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with the memorial and put thi s on the next City Council agenda . • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding the need for a Horticulturalist due to Paul Merchant's intention to retire after 30 years of service to the City of Fairhope . (See attached Memo that explains the details of and reasons for the position) Council President Burrell stated this job description is temporary. Monday, March 8, 2021 Page -2- Mr. Johnson replied it would sunset once the upon Supervisor's retirement and not to exceed eight months. He said the Department propagates plants, tend the plants, all of mowing in rights-of-ways and greenspaces, trees, and landscape development reviews; and needs technical plant knowledge and supervisory knowledge. The consensus of the City Council was to moved forward; and add to tonight's City Council agenda with the sunset clause for the temporary position. • Councilmember Conyers announced that the Museum Advisory Board and the Recycling Committee have received applications for vacancies; and will be bringing back to the City Council for approval soon. • Council President Burrell gave an update on the Fairhope Airport Authority and explained Agenda Items Number 8: the Refinancing of Bond Series 2021; and Number 19: the hiring of URG Consulting for the Airport on a trial basis for six months at $2,500.00 per month (total amount $15,000.00). Council President Burrell commented the company will be seeking revenue and grants for the Airport. Councilmember Martin explained the purpose for the consultant and stated his resume speaks for itself. Council President Burrell mentioned 20 T-Hangers being built for a source of revenue. • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and explained the status of the following Projects: Church Street Drainage ; basketball court at Rotary Youth Club; Sanitation with more South customers than North; and Roofs always on agenda since December. Council President Burrell gave a shout out to Public Works Director Richard Johnson and Water and Sewer Superintendent Jason Langley for the Municipal Pier Repairs Project. He said they can take on this project which will save over $200,000.00; and a job well done. • City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council and said the audit has completed; and the process has been lessened. She said it will be presented at the second meeting in April. • Planning and Zoning Manager addressed the City Council regarding "Family Subdivisions" and they are looking for solutions. He said the Planning Department was pausing due to the State Legislature looking into these. • Mayor Sullivan welcomed Golf Professional Bobby Hall back to Fairhope . • Mr. Hall addressed the City Council regarding the Yamaha 4-year warranty; and single riders due to COVID-19. He mentioned upcoming tournaments and the possibility of getting card dividers for Golf. Mr. Hall gave a golf update and welcome to everyone ; and said he was happy to be back. (See Report for Golf Update) • Human Resources Manager Traveis Cunningham addressed the City Council and thanked everyone for all of the warm welcomes. Mr. Cunningham said he was reviewing the processes being used in his department. Monday, March 8, 2021 Page -3- • Gas Superintendent Terry Holman addressed the City Council and gave an update on the new services; and commented sidewalks will need to be repaired. He said they have finalized the new Service Agreement and will need to work on the process for same. Council President suggested putting gas service to homes when being developed ; and in new subdivisions. • Fire Chief Chris Ellis addressed the City Council and stated they held a ceremony for the new fire truck this past weekend. He said the fire truck was outside under the awning for viewing. Council President Burrell said after a meeting last week, the City may have to spend some impact fees and looking at next year too. • Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council and said they post statistics on Social Media such as burglaries . She said we have had zero residential, zero commercial, and only one vehicle. She sai d her number one complaint is traffic issues ; and now there are two officers focused on just our Traffic Division . Chief Hollinghead told the City Council about a Traffic Grant they receive annually from ADECA that pays for 130 hours. Mayor Sullivan thanked Chief Hollinghead and Lieutenant Nolte for walking downtown and visiting with merchants. • Water and Sewer Superintendent Jason Langley addressed the City Council and mentioned his water crews who handle leaks and new services; and well crews who maintain the sewer treatment plant. Mr. Langley told the City Council that he lost another employee; and we need to look at salaries. He said his employees are dedicated and care about this City. He said that the sewer crew is four employees working 81 wells and gravity lines. He commented that the clay pipe needs to be lined. • Special Projects and Grant Manager Jessica Walker addressed the City Council and said the City's App is a valuable tool. She said we need to promote this App . She commented we are developing policies City wide. Ms . Walker stated we are working with Michael Stonehouse and Micheal Johnson to get all emp loyees CPR Certified. Ms. Walker said she has been working on grants for SSO s; and working with Jason Langley on this project. • Building Director Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding the new Publix Store and needing to use the International Code Council for this plan review. He said this is a pass through cost to the developer. Mr. Cortinas said that he met with Mayor Sullivan and County Commission at Hollowbrook Subdivision and explained the process for unzoned property. He mentioned Hermitage Court and Blue Is land; the demolish for property directly across the street from City Hall; and they are in 3 figures for permitting generators . • Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council regarding the James P. Nix Center; and next Friday at 10:00 a.m. they will have Bingo . She mentioned the Museum, on March 18 , 2021, having the Dogwood Display . • Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council and welcomed back Bobby Hall. He announced softball opened this pa st weekend; and next weekend will be Youth baseball and soccer. Monday, March 8, 2021 Page -3- Mr. White stated that the pool will open March 15, 2021 ; and his crew has been helping with hardscaping and landscaping at Quail Creek. He said the ADA Project at the stadium has been put on hold until after graduation on May 19 , 2021. Mr. White said the roofs are being replaced at the parks ; and the pickleball court dividers has been installed and the courts should reopen soon. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:55 p.m. ~~MC City Clerk