HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-2014 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,
Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 11 August 2014.
Present were Council President Pro Tern Michael A. Ford, Councilmembers: Rich
Mueller, Diana Brewer, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, City Attorney
Marion E. Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Jack Burrell was
absent.
Council President Pro Tern Ford called the meeting to order at 4:36p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Sherry Sullivan, Community Affairs and Recreation Director, addressed the City
Council and reminded them of the Fairhoper's Community Park grand opening
on Saturday at 1 0 a.m.
• Mayor Kant mentioned the Mediacom contract and the need to have an office on
the Eastern Shore side for citizens to drop off and pick up equipment as well as
pay bills. We are still having complaints and the only office is in Winn Dixie at
the Western Union counter to pay bills. He said Loxley is the only place to pick
up and drop off equipment.
City Attorney Wynne said this would be part of the negotiations with the
language requiring an office in Fairhope.
Mayor Kant also mentioned the need to require companies to get equipment off
poles in a timely manner. It was suggested to give the companies a 30 days'
notice and then give them 30 days to remove equipment. If not removed, begin
charging a penalty.
• Erik Cortinas, Building Official, addressed the City Council regarding an
Ingleside house being condemned. He said the procedures for
condemnation are in process and we will soon bring this issue to the City
Council.
• Mayor Kant and Chief Petties addressed the City Council regarding rental
issues with homes renting less than 30 days in residential areas. Some are
renting as Bread and Breakfast (B&Bs). Chief Petties said these are being
rented over the internet. We are working on this issue by using an officer
and a dispatcher full time right now. One home is renting for $600.00 per
night and we are checking with our Revenue Department to see if they
have been paying taxes to the City.
Monday, 11 August 2014
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Mayor Kant said this is not just in Fairhope, it is everywhere. He said
residents are complaining. We are getting a list together for our City
Attorney so he can bring these people in front of the Judge to try and stop
these short-term rentals.
• Bobby Hall, Golf Director, addressed the City Council regarding the proposed
fees for Quail Creek Golf Course for inside and outside City limits. He also
brought back a proposed $100.00 extra fee for quarterly payments.
Councilmember Ford questioned concerns with inside and outside rates. Mr.
Hall stated we already have different rates for inside and outside the City limits.
Councilmember Mueller said we need to try it and see if it works.
• Councilmember Boone brought up the issue with our beaches. He stated it is
basically four to one of outsiders to in-town folks using the beaches. There is
litter left on the beaches and coals from fires are also dumped. We need to find a
way to correct this problem.
Mayor Kant replied we do have issues with our beaches. Chief Petties mentioned
we used to have a police officer who patrolled the beaches and then we used an
employee to watch over the beaches. He said patrol has been notified to watch.
Councilmember Mueller suggested a person to watch during the summer;
specifically Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Mayor Kant said we have had complaints from people and some are there every
week and see the issues. He said staff will look at this and figure out a solution.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:06 p.m.
Michae A. Ford,
Council President Pro Tern
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~Me
City Clerk