HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2024 Harbor Board Meeting Minutes
STATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The Harbor Board met at 4:30 p.m.,
Mayor's Conference Room,
161 N Section St.
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
on Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Members present: Mikeal Donald, Scott Douglass, Hobart “Reed” Key, Michael Nash, Skip
Jones. Chris Cunningham and Robert Barry not present. City of Fairhope staff present:
Mark Reddit, Harbor Manager and Jenny Opal Wilson, Assistant City Clerk. Guests: Gary
Gover and Sally Stephenson. Jenny Opal Wilson took the minutes.
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm.
Minutes from the July 10, 2024 and August 14, 2024 meeting were presented and
approved on a motion by Skip Jones; seconded by Hobart “Reed” Key, none opposed.
There were no Council comments.
Mark Redditt, Harbor Manager gave report. Fuel sales up 20% over last year 3k away from
the all-time high set in 2020. Dockage up 45% over last year an all time high for all years.
Only eight remaining slips left for lease. Over 90% retention rate.
Mikeal Douglas opened discussion on the first round of edits to be presented to Council for
the Fairhope Docks Conceptual Plan. Board was in consensus with the following edits.
The Board discussed and was in consensus of the First Round of Edits for the Fairhope
Docks Conceptual Plan as follows:
1. Plan to be more directed towards boaters within the community and transient cruisers
visiting the area. The focus should not be visitors coming in by vehicle.
2. Improved vehicular circulation to include a more secure (gated) parking area for slip
holders with pedestrian access. This may include a way to close the park down after
hours as other city parks currently do.
3. Show options for current buildings to be uniquely repurposed as opposed to being
torn down:
• Give the city a way to support local fishing industry with seafood co-op.
• Adding local art/murals to the building could follow what the city has done in
other parts of downtown.
• Create storage areas for slip holders to lease.
• Lease space for maritime vendors for marine supplies and service.
• Golf cart/kayak rentals
• Dock Store/Ship Store
• Concessions
• Improved restroom/shower/laundry facilities for boaters.
Harbor Board
Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
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4. Boat storage/Dry Dock – The board unanimously agrees it would like to hold on dry
dock storage at this time. The board would like to see improved existing dockage first
and a dedicated area set for boat lifts with consistency in design and construction.
5. Replace proposed lighthouse with Gazebo near the jetties. Would like to see a
gazebo design that is inspired as a replica of the Middle Bay Lighthouse with a hex
angular top.
6. West side beach area improved in a more park like manner with better access for
kayak/paddle boarders and Adirondack seating for Sunsets.
7. The board is not opposed to a cottage/bungalow rental. Would like for it to feel more
like what you have seen many state parks in keeping with the park like feel of the
space. A place for food trucks would be a nice addition noting to add electrical shore
power so there are no noisy generators.
8. Slip modifications needed:
• Wider Slips
• Extended covered slip area
• Designated spaces for boat lifts
After discussion, Skip Jones made a motion to present the proposed first round edits of the
Fairhope Docks Conceptual Plan to Council at the Work Session on November 12, 2024.
Seconded by Mikeal Donald, none opposed.
The Board was in consensus that the High Priority Items of the Fairhope Docks Conceptual
Plan are as follows:
1. Parking & Traffic Flow
2. Enhancement of Beach Area w/Gazebo
3. Lease Space for Vendors Including Food Trucks
Mikeal Donald will reach out to Christian Preus to incorporate the first round edits into the
Fairhope Docks Conceptual Plan for the Work Session presentation.
Mark Redditt reported on Clean Marina Status that he had talked to Nicole Love and will be
ready to send email to finalize review and certification by the end of month. Two additional
signs are on order.
Garey Gover participated in public comment on the condition of the slips from the old Fish
Market Building on up to Slips 23 and 24 require work. Mark Redditt acknowledged the whole
bulkhead needs to be repaired. Mark confirmed they had allocated funds for the work in the
budget for this year.
Skip Jones made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Scott Douglass, none
opposed.
There being no further business to come before the Harbor Board, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:20 pm.
Harbor Board
Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
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Respectfully submitted by Jenny Opal Wilson
Approved: January 8, 2025