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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-2011 Work Session' ,. STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( )( The City Council met in a Public Participation/Work Session at 5:00 p.m ., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 9 May 2011. Present were Council President Lonnie L. Mixon, Councilmembers: Daniel Stankoski, Michael A. Ford, Mayor Timothy M. Kant and Assistant City Clerk Candace G. Antinarella. Councilmember Rick Kingrea and City Attorney Marion E. Wynne were absent. Council President Mixon called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m . and explained this meeting will be a Public Hearing regarding the Historic Districts and Landmark Commission. The ordinance has been removed from the City Council Agenda and will not be voted on however we will go forward with the public hearing. Notification will be given when the new Ordinance will be introduced . Councilmember Quinn discussed Historic Preservation and the key points supporting the same . She explained a computer glitch and that tonight we are starting with what should have been the Ordinance, which is a draft , which can be changed, it is a working document, it is not set in stone, but it gives no teeth to anything . You do have to go through the process so your neighbors know what is going on, but other than that, you can do whatever you want to with your property, as long as it meets the building codes. 1. Ralph Thayer, 416 Patlyn, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council in support of the Historic Districts and Preservation of Fairhope. 2. Gary Gover, 300 Lincoln, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council in support for the heritage for the City of Fairhope and the protection and enhancement. He di s cussed creating a commission of seven members and their duties. Council President Mixon addressed the audience that there were numerous people who signed up to speak at the council meeting tonight, but since the ordinance is not on the agenda, we will not have public participate as far as Historic Preservation is concerned at that meeting, but we will continue now at this meeting. 3. Arthur Mannich, 8 S . Bancroft, Fairhope , AL, addressed the City Council against the Historic Districts Ordinance . He stated he grew up here and asked what is historical in Fairhope? He said he is not willing to pay for his rights. .. Work Session Monday, 9 May 2011 Page-2- Councilmember Quinn reemphasized the Ordinance does not have an y teeth and it just gives notice to neighbors and everyone can see what is coming next 4. Edward Lawrence, 560 Morphy A venue, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council speaking for the proposed ordinance. He said that Fairhope is such a charming city because of the ambiance and the historic nature being one of the two single tax colonies. 5. Devereaux Bemis , 167 State St., Mobile , AL, addressed the City Council in reference to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Bemis works in Mobile with the Historic Districts and said out of 500 applicants, 80 % were handled at the staff level. Of the remaining 20 %, less than 1 % was turned down by the review board. Before people come in to get a permit, they think about it. The City of Mobile has four full time pres ervationists and oversee seven historic districts. The annual budget for operating and staff is slightly under $400,000 6. Billie Carlisle, 104 N . Bayview, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council against the proposed ordinance. She stated that having lived in the neighborhood ; they are more beautiful with property owners making their own decisions. 7. Harriet Gutknecht, 109 Echo Lane, Fairhope, AL, a member of the Preservation Committee since 1998 , involved with the Historic Homes Tour spoke for the Historic Districts. She wants to protect what is in Fairhope and the owners. 8 . John Bethea, 710 S. Mobile, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council to speak against the Historic Districts. He has fixed up twelve to thirteen building over the past thirty-five years and thinks his children should be able to do what they want with their property. 9. Mike Bernhardt, Fairhope, AL, had a statement read by Sandra Harper, addressing the City Council against the Historic Districts . He feels the ordinance w ill take away the ability to be a free thinker. 10. Lydia Myers, 307 Fels Ave., Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council against the Historic Districts stating this topic has created nothing but chaos and bad publicity for the City of Fairhope. She asks what the best thing is for Fairhope. 11. Jessica Lamb , 7 S. Church St., Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council questioning the procedure for adopting an Ordinance . She feels this is a gross misuse of government. • Work Session Monday, 9 May 2011 Page-3- 12. Joe Birendelli, 351 Grand Ave., Fairhope, AL, a member of the Historic Preservation Committee, addressed the City Council to support the protection of the uniqueness of Fairhope to keep higher property rate s. 13. Robert Thurber, 52 N. Church, Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council against the proposed ordinance. He stated he didn't realize he moved to Berkley, California . He brings a lot of people to visit Fairhope and is embarrassed by what is in the newspaper regarding the government. 14 . Mike Dunigan, 306 Fairhope Ave., AL, addressed the City Council against the Historic Districts. He purchased property about a year ago which was an eye sore . He renovated and during the process a lady with historic marker society stopped by and said he should no longer look forward to a marker because the y were chang ing and if it w ere up to her she would halt the whole project and that's the type of person who will be on this council. He stated his business is thriving . He stated this committee w ith or without teeth will slow progress and slow kill Fairhope progress . 15. Colin Keleher, Fairhope Single Tax Corp, asked to delay the proposed ordinance. He stated if the areas designated without owners consent, then rights are denied. 16. Curtis Gordon , 319 ½ Fairhope Avenue , Fairhope, AL, addressed the City Council against the Historic Districts. He stated back in the 1970s , Fairhope w as boarded up and the people were asked to make it better and they made it nice. He asked why the government is interfering when they have not done anything wrong. Mayor Timothy M. Kant addressed the City Council in reference to the taxes. There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 6 :00 p .m . Lonnie L. Mixon, Council President ~al-/bliztt1lll/JJ Candace G . Antinarella Assistant City Clerk