HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2019 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 March 2019.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone (arrived at 4:35 p.m.). Mayor Karin
Wilson, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
Councilmember Conyers began the Discussion of K-1 Center Master Plan. He said
we should have a conversation as a group. Mayor Wilson mentioned Amy Chester
with Rebuild by Design. Council President Burrell questioned if we were paying her;
and was it over $2,500.00. Mayor Wilson said there was no contract and it was not a
professional service. Councilmember Conyers asked the Council what type of format
they wanted for discussions. Councilmember Robinson stated it cannot be for all
suggestions; and suggested a series of Town Hall meetings. Councilmember Conyers
said we need to get it right and not rush into anything. The consensus of the City
Council was to purchase the properties and then move forward with input. Some of
the citizens' suggestions have been a Performing Arts Center, FEEF STEAM, and
Hatch.
Mayor Wilson commented she was not included in the HATCH grant and the City
has other things that could be used by that grant. Councilmember Robinson replied
that HATCH came to the City and we were not aware of the grant until then.
Councilmember Brown stated FEEF will use its own money and has been with the
City for a long time; and could use the North side of property. Both Councilmembers
Brown and Boone stated we need a structural analysis.
The Discussion of a Conservation Easement of Triangle Property was brought up by
Councilmember Brown; and said we already have a $35,000.00 donation towards
one. Council President Burrell commented we need to narrow down usage of
property. Mayor Wilson said we are going to have a Comprehensive Land Use Plan
do and don't need to rush to put as a conservation easement. Councilmembers
Conyers and Brown agreed to put both parcels in a conservation easement. The
consensus of the City Council was to move forward with input from citizens for ideas
for the Triangle Property and a conservation easement.
Terryl Reeves and Angela Shilston addressed the City Council regarding the Sign
Ordinance Discussion. He made several suggestions: exclude flowerbeds and
beautification sites/areas; timing of placement of signs; flowerbeds not mentioned in
ordinance; and design of signs. Plarming Director Wayne Dyess explained the case
for directional signs and if you do for one you must do for all. He said the main issue
is cluttering of right-of-way. Councilmember Conyers suggested after 5:00 p. m. on
Fridays and ending on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.