HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-2017 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 Monday, 24 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. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and stated
that at the request of Building Official Erik Cortinas Agenda Item No. 1 will be
removed.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the agenda was the Marina Discussions by Lynn Maser and Ashley
Gordon. Ms. Maser explained her project for the Economic and Community
Development Department was to interview City or municipal marinas to find out how
they operate. Ms. Maser stated she researched marinas around the country from
Washington to Maine that were destination Cities and with water. She gave the
Council a handout. (See attached handout - Marina Study). She mentioned out of
the top 10 only two were leased out.
Mr. Gordon, retired Coast Guard Officer and Maritime, addressed the City Council
and commented on the City marina. He stated there are three phases to look at:
1. Phase I - Infrastructure and Safety Issues and Channel needs to be navigable.
The marina needs curb appeal and bathrooms need painting. There are
numerous safety issues that need to be addressed, but the main one is where
the boat lift and fuel tanks are located
2. Phase 11 - Maximize Revenue and Invest Back. Mr. Gordon mentioned
marina identity; accurate A/R billing system; and market and target the
marina.
3. Phase 111 - Create New Revenue Stream. He stated this would be at least 12
to 18 months in. Mr. Gordon commented on the possible venue on West
side; and creating a self-sustaining marina budget.
Council President Burrell stated we have several options with the leases for the
Marina and the Boatyard: we could keep two separate leases, combine the leases, or
the City could keep one or the other or both. Councilmember Boone commented the
Harbor Board has been working on getting both leases ready for bid. He said they
were concerned if the boatyard could sustain itself without the marina. He said the
Harbor Board has recommended for the City Council to allow a survey of the entire
property.