HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2024 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE 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, 8 January 2024.
Present were Council President Corey Martin, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell,
Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Ke\'in Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan,
City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Martin 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.
•Councilmember Conyers ga,·e a brief update on the Library Board meeting. He said
they reconsidered the books to relocate from the teen section to the adult section. The
Library Board of Trustees upheld the decision of the Library.
•Councilmember Robinson commented there would be a Historic Preser\'ation
meeting this ,,·eek.
•Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Items No. 5 and No. 6; and answered any questions if needed.
•City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and gm·e a report on the
Rebuild Alabama Act Report on Funds Expenditures for FY2U23. (See attached
Report) Mr. Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 10, No.
12, and No. 13: and answered any questions if needed.
•Recreation Director Pat White and Marina Manager Mark Reed addressed the City
Council regarding Agenda Item No. 16: and answered any questions if needed. They
explained that the leak is contained but the fuel dispenser needs replacing.
•Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson addressed the City Council and ga,·e an update
on Bancroft to Church Street on Magnolia, Pickleball Courts, and EV Chargers. Jon
Stewart from the IT Department ga,·e a brief update on the EV Chargers.
•Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Item No. 15: and answered any questions if needed.
•Grant Coordinator Nicole LoYe addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 11: and ans,,·ered any questions if needed. She said this project is grant funded.
•Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Item No. 18; and answered any questions if needed. She said the majority of
the Fairhope J\ \'enue merchants are for the closing. Council member Robinson
\\'anted to set a time limit for approYal of closing.
Monday. 8 January 2024 Page -2-Councilmembers Burrell and Conyers wanted it to be open ended; and if it is
detrimental to the welfare of the City. \\'e could dose it down. Ms. Crawford stated
there are extra Police, Public Work employees, etc. Councilmember Robinson
commented it would be subject to recall at any time. Councilmember Boone also
agreed that it should be open ended. The consensus of the City Council \\'as to lea\'e
it open ended subject to recall at any time.
•Councilmember Burrell said he and Mayor Sullirnn spoke regarding the need for
artwork at each roundabout: and we need to speak with the Eastern Shore Art Center
regarding same.
Councilmember Burrell suggested holding the City Council meeting at 4:00 p.m. next
year pm e,·ening of the College Football Bowl National Championship with no Work
Session.There being no further business to e befi e the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Corey Martin. Council President 6:� ity Cler