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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-2025 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 , 24 March 2025. Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, and Jay Robinson, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Kevin Boone was absent. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:34 p .m . The following topics were discussed: The first item on the Agenda was the Presentation by Principal Tonya Harrelson of J. Larry Newton Elementary. She said that last year the school grade was an 87 ("B ") and this year the school grade was a 92 ("A"). Principal Harrelson said that the increase was due to the 11 positions that were filled to enhance learning and academic achievement. She thanked the City Council for implementing the 3 mil tax for the schools. Councilmember Martin asked about a mental health worker for her school. The consensus of the City Council was congratulations for achieving an "A." Principal Harrelson said the main problem is chrome absences which is 18 plus absences whether or not excused. She said the credit goes to her staff. Councilmember Robinson mentioned the Historic Preservation Commission is sue with the CLG Certification regarding language in the ordinance . Council President Burrell asked what is next for Historic Preservation; and mentioned the property across the street. He said we may in the next six to twelve months we may need a survey; and still preserve the character of our City. Councilmember Martin mentioned the Recreation Board and the new president Mike Baugh , concession stand , fencing with pillars at the fields. He also mentioned the Feasibility Study and a pos sible Master Plan. Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council and said John Wahl reached out to her re ga rding the Fairhope Public Library funding . She said the APLS only paused the funding; and it was not cut. Mayor Sullivan said it was only $42,000.00 from the State; and Mr. Wah! will work with staff and find a resolution . She said we already received half of the funding; and the next amount will be in June. Councilmember Martin said th at funds are se nt out quarterly ; and we ha ve until June for next payment. Councilmember Robin son sa id two of the conditions ha ve already been met. He said Mr. Wahl will meet with the Library staff and decide where the books should be shelved. Mayor Sullivan said the confusion is the definition of teen and minor. She said under the age of 18 is considered a minor per State law. Council President Burrell said he was a little perturbed not mad . He commented when a small group goes to Montgomery and pauses our Library funding , it did up se t me . The City of Fairhope and the Fairhope Public Library was not given "Due Process." He said there will always be disagreement on both sides of an issue; each has own opinion. Monday, 24 March 2025 Page -2- Counci lmember Robinson said there is a proces s for the Alabama Public Library Service; and if they tell us to move books, we will move books. Councilmember Martin said we do not have a rating for books like we do movies. Councilmember Conyers said he has seen PG movies that may not be suitable for his children and has seen R movies that may be suitable. He said some are good and some are bad for minors. Mayor Sullivan commented that these books were not on the APLS agenda. She said it was brought up under Public Participation. Mayor Sullivan thanked the Library Board and staff for all of their service. Library Director Rob Gourlay said they have moved five books since January; and want to know what we are required to do from the APLS . Library Board member Randal Wright addressed the City Council regarding the new consent forms from parents for access for their children . She said 539 forms have been completed with 276 parents giving their children full access to books (51 percent). Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 9, No . 16, No. 17 , and No . 18 ; and answered any questions if needed. Council President Burrell stated he wants to pu ll Agenda Item No . 18 until our consultant has time to review. Councilmember Robinson thanked Mr. White and his staff for their work during the fundraiser and keeping fields clean. Cit y Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and gave an update on the following: Knoll Park addition has been completed ; roundabout at Section and Triangle; White Avenue Park ; Storm Water Inventory ; Flying Creek Nature Preserve ; TAP Grant for Blue Island sidewalks. Mr. Johnson addressed Agenda Items No. 12, No . 14 , and No. 15; and answered any questions if needed . Human Resources Director Hannah Noonan addressed the City Council regarding Agendas Item No. 20 and No. 21 ; and answered any questions if needed. She also gave an update regarding the HR Department. Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett addressed the City Counci l and gave an update on Cast Iron Replacement; Gas Line down Marianne Beach Road; 1-10 Gas Pipe on hold and will work with ALDOT for possibly reimbursement. He addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . 13; and answered any questions if needed . IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 23; and answered any questions if needed . City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 22 , and No. 19 for Quail Creek; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Martin que stioned th e APR escalator at 6 percent annually ; and said he is making this transparent. Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No . 24 ; and answered any questions if needed. Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No . 6, No . 7, No . IO and No . 11; and answered any questions if needed. Monday, 24 March 2025 Page -3- There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:55 p.m . Fairhope Public School Commission 3 Mil J. Larry Newton Elementary Tonya B. Harrelson, Principal School Year: 2025-2026 Overview The 3 Mil Commission provides funding designated for improving academics at J. Larry Newton Elementary. Below are the requested positions and items to enhance student learning and academic achievement. Instructional Coach: Math Specialist (K-6) Provides professional development and coaching cycles for teachers. Leads the Math Professional Leaming Community . Supports STEAM and Literacy Night initiatives. Instructional Coach: Literacy & Technology Coach (Upper Grades) Specializes in literacy instruction and professional development. Supports the integration of technology in classrooms (eMINTS, Google Classroom). Leads Literacy Professional Leaming Community and coaching cycles. STEAM Lab Instructor Teaches and models STEAM lessons for teachers. Coordinates the use of the outdoor classroom and STEAM fair. Assists in the STEAM certification process and grant writing. Intervention Teacher Provides extra reading and math support for struggling students. Organizes intervention schedules and groups . Leads the Intervention Professional Leaming Community . Social Worker Collaborates with school personnel and community resources. Conducts home visits and assessments for at-risk students. Assists with crisis prevention and intervention . Instructional Paraprofessionals (5 Positions) Supports academic instruction and behavior interventions . Works with small groups and individual students to close learning gaps. Part-Time Interventionist (Reading & Math Instructor) Offers additional support in reading and math intervention groups . Institutional CLAS Membership Provides adm inistrators with professional development opportunities. Supports continued learning and leadership growth. This is an institutional membership . Conclusion These funding requests are designed to enhance academic performance, provide targeted support for students , and strengthen instructional practices within J. Larry Newton Elementary.