HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30-2019 Special Budget Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) (
COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) (
The City Council met in a Special Budget Work Session
at 5:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532,
on Monday, 30 September 2019.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jimmy Conyers,
Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone (arrived at 5:09 p.m.), Mayor Karin Wilson, City
Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay
Robinson was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Budget Discussion - Public Works Department - Public Works Director Richard
Johnson continued with his review of the proposed budget. Mr. Johnson mentioned
the need for a Safety Coordinator with a $50,000.00 salary. He mentioned several
cuts: flowers and streets and landscape supplies; and landfill costs. After further
discussion, the council had no edits, but would leave open for further review.
Mr. Johnson mentioned twice-a-week versus once-a-week; and a preliminary draft of
the reductions in cost for once-a-week. (See attached handout) He will bring back
with options at a later date; and commented we have a high level of service at a low
cost. He said this will be a transition for the City and citizens.
He commented the Fleet Department's budget is less than last years; and no
personnel requested. Council President Burrell questioned insurance and estimates.
City Treasurer Kim Creech replied it included health, short-term, and long-term
insurance. Mayor Wilson mentioned a proposed Wellness Program; and after one
year, if the employee does not participate, then the employee will pay $30.00 per
month towards the premium,
• The general needs in the budget were discussed by Mayor Wilson: current City
Capital Maintenance; the bare minimum; K-1 Center; Pecan Building; and
Recreation Pool Building. Councilmember Brown questioned the structural analysis
on Pecan Building. Mr. Johnson replied it would be better to tear done and rebuild.
• Recreation Director Pat White presented the Volanta Park Baseball and Parking
Expansion Concept. (See attached handout) He stated the total estimate for the
Project is $1,585 million. Council President Burrell commented we could put the
Design Fees in the budget for this Project.
• Finance Director Jill Cabaniss mentioned the Eastern Shore MPO and the Gayfer and
Greeno Turn lanes.