HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-2017 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, 23 January 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.
The following topics were discussed:
• Bob Riggs with the Harbor Board gave an update on the need to dredge channel
dredging. He stated we have 500 boats moored with multiple visiting sailboats. He
mentioned that the Yacht Club and Fly Creek Marina were already dredging, repairs
need to be done at our facilities, and the City needs to take responsibility of the
dredging.
Council President Burrell stated if the City took the lead, would everyone do their
fair share. Margaret Meyers, member of Harbor Board, said if the Fly Creek Basin
fills in; then no one would want to lease. Mayor Wilson commented part of the plan
is to revitalize marina areas with possibly a grant or BP monies.
Skip Jones, member of Harbor Board, mentioned the amendment to the original
proposal. Ed Wall's son Julius Wall addressed the City Council and stated they do
not plan on leaving Fairhope and wish to renew lease. Council President Burrell
suggested the Mayor to prepare letter with Council support for dredging. Mr. Wall
stated the slips sustain themselves, but the channel needs dredging.
Mr. Jones said that the Harbor Board wants to review leases and make
recommendations. Council President Burrell said we need fair and equitable funding.
Councilmember Brown commented we need to verify the Corps of Engineers will not
help; and get proposals for dredging. Councilmember Boone said that Ms. Paradise
has a permit for dredging materials; and explained the Hopper Barge for dredging.
He also stated this needs to be a four to five-year cycle for dredging.
Economic and Community Development Director Sherry-Lea Botop and Stacey
McKean addressed the City Council regarding the National Endowment of the Arts,
Art Works FY18 Grant Application. The purpose will be to hold charrette for the
community and to prepare a cultural report. This is a nationally competitive grant for
FY2018. Ms. McKean stated this is a 50/50 match which would be $20,00.000 for
the City (cash or in-kind). Ms. Botop commented the City would partner with a
company similar to Gulf Coast Community Design Studio. Ms. Botop said this grant
would bolster our tourism. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward
with the application.