HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2019 Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF 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, 26 August 2019.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, and City Clerk Lisa
A. Hanks. City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
The Discussion the assessment of the Welcome Center was first on the agenda.
Jessica Sawyer, Economic Development Director, addressed the City Council and
introduced Ryan Baker with Walcott Adams Vemeuille Architects. Mr. Baker
presented a Power Point Presentation and a handout for the findings of the
assessment and made recommendations for repair as well as recommendations for
best use of the property in a manner that would mesh with the Museum. Mayor
Wilson was appreciative of the in depth assessment and recommendations.
Councilmember Conyers made comment to the wide range of cost that was proposed.
Council President Burrell believed the assessment was very thorough and definitely
the baseline needs to be done. Councilmember Robinson and Councilman Boone
questioned doing the baseline and then adding Phase 1 and Phase II at a later date.
Next on the agenda was a discussion about a Historic Preservation Commission
Ordinance. Jill Godard and Skip Jones addressed the City Council in favor of
creating a Historic Preservation Commission and the benefit the commission would
provide the City. The ordinance Mr. Jones and Ms. Godard only establishes the
Commission. The commission once established would work with the City Council
on what type of direction the City Council would like them to address. Ms. Godard
mentioned additional funding that can come from a Historic Preservation
Commission and Fairhope becoming a Certified Local Government. Mr. Jones and
Ms. Godard answered questions asked by councilmembers. Erik Cortinas, Building
Official went over requirements of bringing historical structures up to code as well
as funding for refurbishments of historical structures. Councilmember Conyers
complimented Ms. Godard for her hard work in revitalizing this commission. The
proposed Ordinance came directly from the Alabama Historical Preservation
Commission. Councilmember Brown stated he would like to see some type of
incentivization for revitalizing historic structures.
The third item on the agenda was Budget Discussions. Mayor Wilson gave a
Power Point Presentation for the 2020 Budget Overview. Mayor Wilson
commended Jill Cabaniss, Finance Director and Kim Creech, Treasurer on
their hard work in providing a balanced budget. She stated that the City is no