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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2022 City Council Work SessionSTATE 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, 22 August 2022 . Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers , Councilmembers: Jack Burrell , Corey Martin, Jay Robinson (arrived at 5 :04 p.m .), and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell , and City Clerk Lisa A . Hanks . Councilmember Corey Martin was absent. Council President Jimmy Conyers called the meeting to order at 4 :30 p.m . The following topics were discussed : • The first item on the agenda was the Discussion of the Triangle Conservation Easement and Mayor Sullivan explained the need to move forward with the deed restrictions. She said we need to deed to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation; have the FSTC Board vote to place restrictions on deed ; and then deed back to the City of Fairhope . She commented this will protect the property with several layers for deed and the land. Mayor Sullivan stated we do not need to be too restrictive . Councilmember Burrell said we need to keep it parkland forever. Mayor Sullivan said we need to do "due diligence" regarding the park purchase and agreement. • The next item on the agenda was the Budget Update with the Utilities Five Year Plan. Electric Superintendent Conrad Havranek addressed the City Council and answered any questions regarding the Electric Department 's budget. Councilmember Burrell questioned the millions of dollars for upgrades ; and commented he would rather reward employees than purchasing these bells and whistles. Mayor Sullivan said she asked for sections to put underground . Council President Conyers questioned copper conductor upgrades. Mayor Sullivan said it is about capacity not extending . Councilmember Burrell said we need to get a second opinion. Council President Conyers agreed with the second opinion . • Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jason Langley addressed the City Council and explained the year ending 2023 budget ; and answered .any questions regarding both departments. Mayor Sullivan said the Restore Act Committee has asked for 30 percent higher amount for projects. Councilmember Burrell questioned the head works project. Mr. Langley replied the preliminary engineering is complete. He said lift stations are above the ground but need to be below the ground . Councilmember Burrell commented it actually looks better than he thought. Councilmember Boone said two main projects are realistic to complete . Monday, 22 August 2022 Page -2- • Gas Superintendent Jeremy Little addressed the City Council and said the Cast Iron Replacement is not in the budget. He said the deadline for all to be replaced is 2040. Mr. Little said the engineering firm to prepare the "Master Plan" is being selected . Mayor Sullivan said we need coordination with all departments . Council president Conyers questioned outsourcing for the department. Mr. Little replied we try to do all in-house . Councilmember Burrell mentioned gas generators and people being told to come back next y ear. Mr. Little explained the GPS Rule 13 deadline being December 2022 . He said his department has to physically locate and kill inactive meters ; and are walking around every house or building to find these . Councilmember Burrell asked once you are finished , how long would it take to clear up backlog? Councilmember Burrell told Mr. Little that he could come back to Council to help with solution . Mayor Sullivan commented we looked at multiple solutions . • Councilmember Boone said the Personnel Board meeting was cancelled for this month . Council President Conyers briefly went through the Agenda Items and who would explain if needed. • City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Items No . 10 and No. 11 that will be purchased from Impact Fees; and answered any questions if needed. Ms . Creech al so explained Agenda Items No. 14 and No . 15 . She commented the Stop Loss Policy went up 8 percent and claims are up 5 percent. • Deputy Chief David Thomas addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . 1 O; and addressed any questions if needed. He said the lead time for the truck is 780 days . • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Items No. 5, No. 9 , No. 12 , No . 13 , and No . 15 ; and answered any questions if needed . Mr. Johnson explained the Final Request Change Order No . 3 ; and said the good news it is 85 percent complete and expected to be under budget by $107 ,000 .00 . • Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Item No . 6 ; and answered any questions if needed. He requested citizens to call the Building Department before hiring a contractor. • City Clerk Lisa Hanks addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Items No . 7 ; and reminded Council President Conyers about the Add On Agenda Item . Monday , 22 August 2022 Page -3- There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:45 p.m. cil Preside