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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-29-2023 Work Session MinutesSTA TE 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 Tuesday, 29 August 2023. Present were Council President Jay Robinson, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Jay Robinson 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 Recruitment Bonus. Mayor Sullivan explained the ordinance and need for this bonus . She said the referring employee would get the bonus; and this is a toll to retain employees . Mayor Sullivan stated the are 35 to 40 open positions now . Councilmember Burrell explained the need for retaining; and said he would be okay with new employee is employed for 6 months , the referring employee would receive $250.00; and if employed for a year, the referring employee would receive $250.00. The consensus of the City Council was to add to the next agenda as specified above. Councilmember Burrell commented that certain departments are having trouble retaining employees. Mayor Sullivan replied that she only knew of one in Public Works. • Council President Robinson mentioned the revised Historic Preservation Ordinance may be on the next City Council agenda . Council President Robinson briefly went through the Agenda Items and who would explain if needed. • IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 14 ; and answered any questions if needed . Councilmember Martin questioned budgeted items and commented this is not the first either. • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding his recycling discus sion and the Baldwin County Material Recovery Facility ("MRF"). He commented it is a $30,000 ,000.00 investment; and said there are no programs for multi-family ·and we need to educate. We need to continue engagement with Community. He said ADEM loves cooperative effort with "MRF ." Mr. Johnson said this is a first class project and will have an interactive education segment. He briefly explained Agenda Items No. 13 , No . 23 , and the add on item for Fels Avenue . Council President Robinson said it is a safety issue and over budget by $14 ,000.00. Councilmember Burrell requested items be brought before being put on the agenda so they can see prior to . Mr. Johnson stated the roof project change order will be put on the agenda soon for $26,000 .00 less . Ma yor Sullivan commented she thought it would be on the next budget. Tuesday, 29 August 2023 Page -2- • Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council and commented that she an d Mayor Sullivan hosted the Alabama Governor 's Conference at The Grand in Point Clear. She sa id that there were between 75 to 100 hotel rooms over the normal number of rooms . Ms. Crawford briefly exp lained Agenda Items No. 16 , No. 24 , and No. 25 ; and answered any questions if needed . She said they need to close Bancroft Avenue to Fairhope Avenue to Magnolia Avenue at 3:30 p.m. Ms. Crawford mentioned First Friday Art Walk is this Friday; and mentioned some merchants being upset. Counci lm ember Burrell said they may be upset over the Arts Alley Project. Council President Robinson asked about traffic issues. The consensus of the City Council was to continue for a larger samp le. Mayor Sullivan suggested continuing through the year. • Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 18; and answered any questions if needed. • Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 7, No. 8, No. 9 , and No. 10 ; and answered any question s if needed . He commented Pha se II of the Community-Based Comprehensive Land Use Plan is to update Ordinances and Procedures. He said one of the delays has been the jurisdiction issue . • E lectric Superintendent Ben Patterson addres sed the City Council regarding his employees heading for Gainsville. He said they were requested by Gainsville so we are sending 9 employees who wi ll pre-stage for the Hurricane . He also mentioned the Plantation Point Project. Mr. Patterson briefly explained Agenda Item No . 12 ; and answered any questions if needed. • Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council regardin g Agenda Items No . 11 , and No . 22 ; and answered any que stions if needed. Agenda Item No. 11 was exp lained in-depth. Councilmember Burrell questioned the cost and the 16 % plus fees ; and said the fee s were too high . Councilmember Boone said 10 % to 12 % was usual. Council President Robinson said that if we see cost that far exceeds industry standards , we should look elsewhere . Mr. Morefield said that he had contacted ADEM regarding the Water Connection Project and they were okay with is. Mayor Sullivan explained the chemicals and water quality; and this will be used as a last resort. • City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 17 , No. 19 , No. 26 , and No. 27 ; and answered any questions if needed . Councilmember Martin questioned if other companies were contacted for Professional Consulting Services. Ms . Creech said this is a company that she has worked with and was satisfied. Councilmember Burrell said we cold have an advisory committee who could look at thi s. Mayor Sullivan said they are licensed for this work. Councilmember Conyers said the y were to be used for making sure thi s is the amount needed. Council President Robinson and Councilm ember Burrell asked if we do the projects will we run out of ca sh before those are complete . M s . Creech said she wanted a 3-year or 5-year plan and how much does the City need. The consensus ·of the City Council was to table Agenda Item No . 17 . Tuesday , 29 August 2023 Page -3- • Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . 5 ; and answered any questions if needed. City Attorney Marcus McDonald explained the ordinance and the water policy that will follow if adopted . He said the City Council has it primary purpose is to provide adequate and safe water service to customers within the corporate limits of the City of Fairhope. Councilmember Burrell and Martin questioned outside parcels for example at the Airport and if anyone says they do not want to annex . The consensus of the City Council was there were questions that still need to be answered . There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:56 p.m . , Council President City Clerk