HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-2018 Work Session-Budget Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) (
COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) (
The City Council met in a Work Session/Budget Meeting
at 4:30 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Civic Center,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532,
on Thursday, 19 September 2018.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson (arrived
at 4:46 p.m.), Robert Brown and Kevin Boone, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell,
and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Mayor Karin Wilson and Councilmember Jimmy
Conyers were absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Finance Director Jill Cabaniss addressed the City Council and explained the General
Administration budget requests. Council President Burrell questioned attorney
overages. Ms. Cabaniss briefly explained the need for six new positions and three
promotions. City Treasurer Michael Hinson explained the need for a Purchasing
Administrative Assistant who has been handling the Purchasing Manager's duties
during the vacancies; and an Accounts Payable Specialist. Ms. Cabaniss commented
the budget is a yearlong process and needs to promote to Accounting Manager the
person who has taken on more duties. IT Director Jeff Montgomery mentioned more
employees, gave work order statistics for the year.
Council President Burrell stated that we need to reduce legal fees and to look at
contract with litigator. Councilmember Robinson commented we need to if double
billing. Councilmember Brown said the fees are excessive. The Council briefly went
over IT expenses. Councilmember Robinson explained the lawyer fees did not mean
one firm charged more than the other, but have duplication of services. He said, "for
example, one question is asked and if you don't get the right answer, you call another
lawyer for a different answer."
• Tom Kuhl, Director of Parks and Recreation, addressed the City Council and
explained his budget requests. Mr. Kuhl explained briefly the needs for his
department specifically personnel (Recreation Center, Quail Creek Golf Course, Golf
Grounds, and Fairhope Docks) along with Jeff Marks and Jeff Williams.
Mr. Hinson explained the differences in the allocation of medical insurance and
property insurance.
The Capital Purchases mentioned were infrared heaters, replaster indoor pool, and
stadium track resurface project for drainage. ADA compliance for the bleachers was
also discussed. Mr. Kuhl commented on a barge for dredging and possibly leasing to
others who have a marina. He said we are building Fairhope Docks from the ground
up and we need to replace sea wall.