HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2019 City Council Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) (
COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) (
The City Council met in a Work Session
at 4:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532,
on Monday, 09 September 2019.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, and Robert Brown, Mayor Karin Wilson, and Revenue Manager Jennifer
Olmstead. City Attomey Marcus E. McDowell and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks were
absent. Kevin Boone arrived at 4:15 p.m.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
1. Budget Discussion - Revenue. City Treasurer Kim Creech explained how
the revenue figures were calculated; based on growth percentages and actual
figures provided by Baldwin County Revenue Commission. Councilmember
Conyers questioned if the figures were conservative enough. Ms. Creech did
mention that the revenue totals were calculated prior to knowing any
expenditures. Councilmember Brown inquired about the percentage of sales
tax earmarked for debt reduction and the rainy-day fUnd. Ms. Creech
explained the general fund debt had been paid in fiill and the rainy-day fund
balance may need to be looked at. Council President Burrell and
Councilmember Conyers both agreed that the reserve fund balances need to be
looked at. Council and Mayor discussed fund transfers through administrative
cost transfers. Ms. Creech and Finance Director Jill Cabaniss reviewed their
requests for additional employees.
2. Budget Discussion - Economic & Community Development. Director of
Economic Community Development Jessica Walker and Tourism & Special
Events Manager Paige Crawford reviewed the requests for charitable
contributions. Ms. Walker discussed the need for an additional employee that
needs to be added. Council discussed which contributions to reduce, remove
and approve. Ms. Crawford discussed the community event expenditures and
answered questions about specific events. Council had concerns about the
Christmas Parade being changed from the first Friday in December to the first
Saturday in December. After further council discussion, no edits were made.
Director of Economic Community Development Jessica Walker and Rental
Facilities Manager Michael Stonehouse reviewed the proposed budget for the
Civic Center facility. Mr. Stonehouse pointed out why the revenue numbers
had decreased. He addressed the need of an additional employee; which has