HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-2025 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, 13 January 2025.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell , Councilmembers: Corey Martin,
Jimmy Conyers , Jay Robinson , and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City
Attorney Marcus E. McDowell , and City Clerk Lisa A . Hanks .
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Waterfront Project Update by City Engineer
Richard Johnson . (See attached Presentation) Councilmember Martin questioned "the
flip" and said this project is exciting. Council President Burrell questioned the fountain
location, ramp size , and pilings . Mayor Sullivan mentioned the benches and engraved
boards off the benches ; and will be on the next City Council agenda to declare this
surplus.
• The next item on the Agenda was the Rebuild Alabama Gas Tax Fund Report for
FY2024 by Richard Johnson. He explained that we had $181,573 .73 to help pave our
roads .
• Councilmember Conyers mentioned the reappointments to the Library Board on the
agenda tonight; and will introduce the new Library Director Rob ert Gourlay during his
comments .
• Councilmember Robinson mentioned the Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission
met but he missed the meeting .
• Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council
regarding Agenda Items No . 21 through No . 27; and answered any questions if needed .
Councilmember Martin said this is the fourth Change Order ; and this should not be a
habit, and he will not keep approving. Council President Burrell and Councilmember
Robinson both questioned the legal issues with Change Order. City Attorney Marcus
McDowell stated it must be bid out if the Change Order goes over 10 percent. Mr .
Johnson explained the reason for this Change Order. Council President Burrell
commented just because engineering fees are in the 7 to 10 percent for the Section
Street/Bayou drainage project it is not always a deal. Council President Burrell said he
would love to see the hours used .
• IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No.
31; and answered any questions if needed.
• Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items
No. 32 and No . 33 ; and answered any questions if needed.
• Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Item No . 30; and answered any questions if needed .
Monday , 13 January 2025
Page -2-
• Recreation Director Pat White and Gold Director Bobby Hall addressed the City
Council regarding Agenda Item No. 17 ; and answered any questions if needed.
• Golf Director Bobby Hall addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 18;
and answered any questions if needed . He mentioned two new subdivisions permitted .
• City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No.
11 , No. 15 , No. 16 , and No. 20 ; and answered any questions if needed .
• Public Works Director George Ladd addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 19; and answered any questions if needed.
• City Treasurer Kim Creech and Grants Coordinator Nichol Love addressed the City
Council regarding Agenda Items No. 28, No. 29, and No . 14; and answered any
questions if needed. Council President Burrell said the Airport Authority land on the
west side will be deeded back to the City . Mayor Sullivan said an environmental
assessment must be done before the land is dee ded back to the City.
• Mayor Sherry Sullivan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 7, No .
9, No. 6, No . 12, and No. 13 and answered any questions if needed.
• Council President Burrell addressed the City Counci l regarding Agenda Items No. 5,
No. 8, and No. 10 ; and answered any questions if needed . He said the develop er
requested that Agenda No .5 be tabled until th e second meeting in February .
• Councilmember Conyers addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 34
and No. 35; and answered any questions if needed.
There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5:45 p.m .
~
City Clerk