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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2017 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30 p.m., Delchamps Room, 161 North Section Street, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 10 April 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. Flanks. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the agenda was the Volanta Park Master Plan Discussion by Joe Comer of Espalier Landscape Architecture. Mr. Comer briefly went over the proposed master plan which will increase the number of fields; change the size of fields; stabilize erosion; connect park elements; use of bio swells and pervious pavers; will be handicap access; and will include a plaza in the middle. He said it should take approximately six months to a year to complete. Recreation Director Tom Kuhl commented the fields would be done during Fall season and we would possibly use Daphne's fields. Recreation Board member Charlie Langham explained the parking lot timing for construction, would use netting for protection; and the are well over 800 kids in the league now. The cost of the plan was questioned by Councilmember Conyers. • Discussion of Budget Updates was next on the agenda and Ordinance No. 1520 was addressed. Councilmember Brown explained this would mean a $2.0 million deficit and we would have to redirect funds. Council President Burrell and Councilmember Brown agreed that it would be around a $1.6 million deficit if the budget remained as is; and that they already have between $300,00.00 to $400,000.00 possible cuts. Mayor Wilson questioned why there will be cuts. Council President Burrell explained some of these cuts are for spending that is not sustainable; and with another $770,000.00 deficit projected for next year. Mayor Wilson said the revenue and expenses are conservative numbers; and this is a draft budget constantly changing. Councilmember Brown stated it is not sustainable to hire 34 new positions. Council President Burrell commented the Mayor submits recommendations for the budget and the City Council tweaks it; and he said the Council could actually prepare its own. He said there is usually a two percent contingency in the budget for unknowns. The consensus of the City Council was they were not ready to pass the budget at this time; and they want to wait until they have a full year as a framework. • Councilmember Boone stated that the Harbor Board will be meeting Wednesday to discuss the seawall and leases. He said the Personnel Board will meet on the third Thursday at 7:15 a.m. • Councilmember Brown stated the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee did not have a quorum; and the Education Advisory Committee met with principal regarding long- term plans.