HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-2017 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30p.m.,
Delchamps Room, 161 North.Section Street,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on
Monday, 9 January 2017.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson,
Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City Attorney Madan E.
Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Robert Brown was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Councilmember Boone mentioned the upcoming Harbor Board meeting; and said
the scope of work may need amending. City Liaison Robert Rohm stated these
are small items that will be addressed. ·
• Councilmember Conyers said he had attended both the Historic Preservation
Committee and the Library Board meetings.
• Council President Burrell commentea he had attended his first Museum Advisory
Board meeting.
• Purchasing Manager Dan Ames addressed the City Council and stated he has
been working on Fire Works.
• Economic and Community Development Director Sherry-Lea Botop addressed
the' City Council and stated she has been working on grants through the BP
Portal.
• Gas Superintendent Robert Rohm addressed the ·City Council regarding the gas
case iron pipe replacement-per year; and using a contractor takes away the City's
liability.
• Public Works Director Jennifer Fidler addressed the City Council and gave an
update on the multi modal project being 45 percent complete; recycling is now
running baler and skid steer; and mixed paper and cardboard will bring in
approximately $10,000.00 quarterly.
• Planning Director Jonathan Smith addressed the City Council and said that
Planning Commission items have decreased due to the moratorium.
• . Community Affairs and Recreation Director Sherry Sullivan addressed the City
Council and said the New Year's Eve Celebration went well; lights are now being
put on the trees; and we are getting ready for Mardi Gras and Spring Events.
Work Session
Monday, 9 January 2017
Page -2-
• Electric Superintendent Jimmy Cluster addressed the ~ity Council regarding the
tree that fell this past weekend causes a power outage. He thanked his guys for
handling this outage and restoring all power so quickly especially in the extreme
cold conditions.
• Mechanic Supervisor Tim Bung addressed the City Council regarding a new card
swiping system. Mr. Bung mentioned that Robertsdale saved close to 50 percent
on gas consumption after in.stalling this system. Dan Ames commented this will
help with security measures too. It gives the City protection, reports are saved,
and it flags maintenance.
• Chief Chris Ellis addressed the City Council and said he was elected once again
as Chief. He said in 2016 they had 921 calls which was 71 calls above 2015.
• Water and Sewer Superintendent Dan McCrory addressed the City Council and
stated one of the lift stations also went down this past weekend due to the fallen
tree. He said the Police Department, Water Department, and Electric Department
were all called ouL
• Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding the Building
Summit held here; and will held again in Fairhope.
• Recreation Director Tom Kuhl addressed the City Council and said his
department has been mowing for spring events and at the Soccer Complex.
• Chief Joseph Petties addressed the City Council regarding an ordinance for
regulating golf carts in Fairhope; Shop with a Cop; and "Path to Peace" Sunday
afternoon at Fish River Church.
• Mayor Wilson handed out a summary for a City Engineer and an in-house City
Attorney.
• IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council and reported that we are
95 percent complete with the new Police Department devices.
• Council President Burrell questioned the lift station, backup generator, and
spillage this past weekend. Mr. McCrory replied that a grant was applied for a
few years back, but only a few were funded.
• Council President Burrell commented he appreciated the reports.
• Mayor Wilson commented we must have a Comprehensive Plan for right-of-
ways. She mentioned being in Washington, D.C. next week to attend the U. S.
Conference for Mayors.
Work Session
Monday, 9 January 2017
Page-3-
• IT Director Jeff Montgomery brought up the WiFi in downtown Fairhope. He
said this was a third party handling and the equipment was out of date, so they
turned it off. He said we still have several "Hot Spots" around Fairhope. Council
·President Burrell commented companies were interested in the business, but
when told they had to lease the spots they went elsewhere.
• City Treasurer Deborah Wilson addressed the City Council and stated the AT&T
lease is still being negotiated. CounCil President Burrell stated we will need an
ultimatum and get this settled.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5:19p.m.
··~~ ~Burrell uncil Preslderi