HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-2019 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, 25 February 2019.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown, Mayor Karin Wilson, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell
and City Clerk Lisa A. Flanks. Councilmember Kevin Boone was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Operations Director Richard Peterson addressed the City Council regarding Side
Stream Storage Project; Storage Facilities at South Section Street, Twin Beech, Quail
Creek, and the Woodlands. He mentioned a grant application through Gulf of
Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). Mr. Peterson explained the lift stations
and collection basins; and vessels to help the lift stations. He said that the vessel
would aid in hydraulic equalization and pretreatment; and possibly minimize
upgrades to lift stations. Mr. Peterson's recommendation is the epoxy coated steel
vessels. (See attached the "Sidestream Storage Plan") Council President Burrell
requested to see the financial plan for the project.
• The Discussion of School Tax Overlay District was discussed next on the agenda by
Councilmember Brown. He discussed the timeline for the Baldwin County Board of
Education: resolution by Council, petition signed by 200 electors, present to BCBE,
and then present to Baldwin County Commission. The City Council needs to decide
millage, determine date of referendum, and how long millage will last.
Mayor Wilson presented a Power Point Presentation on her Equitable School
Funding Plan. She mentioned reimbursement for sports/recreational expenses from
BCBE, Baldwin County Commission imposing an Impact Fee, using 10 percent from
sales tax, using profits from Water Utility Fund, and continue City appropriation
which would give us $1,980,000.00 funding for schools. (See attached Power Point
Presentation)
Councilmember Robinson commented the 10 percent from sales tax is not
permanent; and the 3 mills would be for years. Council President Burrell stated the
sales tax has been used for other things other than debt service; and supports
referendum for people to get a vote for the 3 mill tax. Mayor Wilson asked the City
Council to put her plan in place first. Councilmember Brown said the Education
Advisory Committee recommends a 3 mill tax and keep it 30 years in place.
Councilmember Conyers agreed to look at sales tax and the profits from utility.
Councilmember Robinson stated the vote may be for or against the 3 mill tax. The
consensus of the City Council was to move forward with referendum for a 3 mill tax
for 30 years around October.