HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2017 City Council 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, 11 September 2017.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson,
Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City
Attorney Marion E. Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
The first item on the agenda was the Impact Fees Discussion. Mayor Wilson
commented that these have not been looked at since 2007 and need to be updated.
She mentioned the State statute allows for storm water to added to the list from
Impact Fees. Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Fire, and Police are what our
Impact Fee Ordinance allows for these fees with Parks and Recreation getting the
most. Mayor Wilson commented we could tie stormwater into streets; and another
study is needed.
Building Official Erik Cortinas explained the ordinance and the cap for residential
projects. Councilmember Robinson questioned the allocation and State requirements.
State Law only allows for one percent value of the property to be assessed the fee.
City Treasurer Deborah Smith briefly explained the usage. Mr. Cortinas stated the
maximum allowed in the ordinance is $4,184.00 for residential. Ms. Smith
recommended using TischlerBise and go with their suggestions and/or
recommendations. Councilmember Brown gave a suggestion on how they possibly
came up with the cap on residential buildings.
The Tree Light Discussion was next on the agenda. Electric Superintendent Joe
Wolchina and Operations Director Richard Peterson addressed the City Council
regarding the bids. Mr. Peterson explained that no one responded to the first bid due
to requirements; so, the City rebid for the installation of seasonal lights. He said only
two bids were received: one was from a former employee so the revolving door
policy was brought up even though the company met the competitive bid law.
City Attorney Marion "Tut" Wynne stated that he and Ken Watson, attorney with
Jones Walker, spoke several times and have called the Ethics Commission for an
answer. Mr. Wynne stated that Ben Patterson left approximately one year ago and
attended the pre-bid meeting as representing the company. He said they could delay
the decision for two weeks for opinion. Mr. Wynne explained Section 36-25-13(c) of
the Code of Ethics and stated it is plain language regarding the prohibition for two
years after departure. Mr. Wynne said he would err on the side of caution and not
vote tonight.