HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-2017 City Council Work Session 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 Thursday, 18 May 2017.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson,
Jimmy Conyers, and Robert Brown, Mayor Karin Wilson, City Attorney Marion E.
Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Kevin Boone was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and stated
there would be no public participation during the Work Session.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the agenda was an update from Water and Sewer Superintendent
Dan McCrory and Gas Superintendent Robert Rohm on the line relocate issue at
County Road 32 and State Highway 181; and the Baldwin County signage. Mr.
McCrory presented a detailed timeline of events that took place beginning in May
2015. The main issue with not relocating the lines back then was due to the City not
being reimbursed. After many conversations and e-mails back and forth, almost two
years later the County finally stated the City would be reimbursed for relocation of
our lines. Mr. McCrory stated that Assistant Superintendent Jay Whitman has done a
tremendous job with preparing and keeping cost down with all sites. Mr. Rohm
mentioned he had moved three lines at no charge; and two sites still need to be done.
Mr. Whitman mentioned a water line east of State Highway 181 that may need to be
moved like the 8-inch cost; approximately $8,000.00 if needed. Council President
Burrell suggested a not to exceed of $10,000.00 and the consensus of the City
Council was to move forward.
• Council President Burrell commented he needed two more hours to finish the
infrastructure plan. Operations Director Richard Peterson and Economic and
Community Development Director Sherry-Lea Botop addressed the City Council
regarding infrastructure and needs. Mr. Peterson stated that the substations are
priority; and may take at least a year to get the substations. He mentioned a contract
with Stewart Engineer for design; appraisal for property owners; upgrades or another
substation location to accept the load while rebuilding; and completely do away with
the Church Street location.
Ms. Botop stated she was checking on financing available; i.e. USDA Loan Program
and ADECA and straight grants. She said we need to know priorities in order to
match projects. Mr. Peterson stated the capacity study need to be started.
Councilmember Conyers commented he prefers not to borrow much money, but
interest is low.
• Mr. Peterson also brought up that Jeff Jiminez was retiring and we need to hire
someone soon to get trained. City Treasurer Deborah Smith said she was working on
getting someone in place to be trained before he leaves. She mentioned Purchasing
and the Warehouse were under her Department.