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Home My WebLink About08-10-2017 City Council Work Session-Budget Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) ( COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) ( The City Council met in a Work Session/Budget Meeting at 4:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Thursday, 10 August 2017. Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson and Robert Brown, Mayor Karin Wilson (arrived at 4:11 p.m.), and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmembers: Jimmy Conyers and Kevin Boone, and City Attorney Marion E. Wynne were absent. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the agenda was the Budget Discussions for the Electric Department. Joe Wolchina, Electric Superintendent, addressed the City Council and explained his budget handout. See attached handout. Mr. Wolchina explained briefly the needs for his department specifically a new engineering department with a staff dedicated to the SCADA system and Mapping. The City Council questioned the unfilled positions for over a year, administrative costs, and traffic light project. Finance Director Jill Cabaniss explained that the Community Development will be in the General Fund budget with transfers from the Utilities back to the General Fund. • Richard Peterson, Operations Director, addressed the City Council on behalf of Gas Superintendent Robert Rohm, and explained his budget handout. See attached handout. Mr. Peterson explained briefly the needs for the Gas Department specifically being DOT Compliant and a Safety Officer, replacement of cast iron pipe, exposed gas mains. Council President Burrell said we need to look at what doesn't transfer, rate adjustments, and transfers. Mr. Peterson mentioned they were predicting mild season in terms of revenue. • Dan McCrory, Water and Sewer Superintendent, addressed the City Council and explained his budget handout. See attached handout. Mr. McCrory explained briefly the needs for the Water Department specifically training, school, and travel; painting of the water tower and the need to protect the tower. Council President Burrell said it would be helpful to see a demonstration of mapping. Mr. McCrory then briefly explained the needs for the Sewer Department specifically converting one of his collection employees to an electrician and capital items; i.e. sewer camera. He said we need to hold off on lift stations upgrades until we get the Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood report. Mr. Peterson said the camera will help with breaches throughout the system. • Tom Kuhl, Recreation Director, addressed the City Council and explained his budget handout. See attached handout. Mr. Kuhl explained briefly the needs for his department specifically a pay increase for life guards, other personnel needs, and fairway mowers.