HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2017 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:00 p.m.,
Delchamps Room, 161 North Section Street,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on
Thursday, 09 March 2017.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone (arrived at 4:10 p.m.). Mayor Karin
Wilson, City Attorney Marion E. Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Councilmember Jay Robinson was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
Mayor Wilson addressed the City Council and presented a Power Point Presentation
for the Budget Review. She mentioned there will be quarterly reviews; each
supervisor was engaged with preparation; each department will have its own
financial; and there will be a report on two separate entities: City of Fairhope and
Fairhope Utilities. See attached Power Point Presentation titles "City of Fairhope
Budget Review." Mayor Wilson also mentioned infrastructure needs: substations for
the Electric Department and 16 miles of gas lines for the Gas Department. She
mentioned the need for attorney and engineers on staff. Mayor Wilson presented her
organizational chart; briefly explained health insurance and the compensation study.
She stated a cost of living raise would not be budgeted, but would be put toward
merit-based increases.
Sherry-Lea Botop briefly went over the Office of Economic and Community
Opportunity which will Strengthen Communities; Foster Local Talent; Preserve Our
Heritage; Communication between City Government and our stakeholders; and
Navigate and Connect.
Mayor Wilson brought up the Hiring and Firing Freeze and stated it was unlawful; a
roadblock; and the City cannot afford to take a time out. She commented
communication goes both ways; and we need to do what is right for our City.
Councilmember Boone commented he appreciated the budget being presented.
Councilmember Conyers stated the Library Board is opposed to being under the City.
Council President Burrell said there are options for the Electric upgrades and the Gas
Department has approximately 20 years to put in the new piping. He mentioned there
has been $16 million dollars in debt reduction the past four years. Council President
Burrell stated City Attorney Wynne, Attorney Marcus McDowell, and Attorney Matt
McDonald all agreed that the hiring freeze was not an unlawful act. He said we need
to review the budget and make changes pursuant to State law; and the City Council
control finances.
Mayor Wilson replied 60 days is a long time; and we need to hire a Planning Tech
and a Civil Engineer for Public Works with drainage knowledge.