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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-1995 Regular Meeting1692 STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN The City Council, City of Fairhope, met in regular session at 5:30 pm; Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber; 161 North Section Street; Fairhope, Alabama 36532; on Monday, 28 August 1995. Present were Mayor James P. Nix; Councilmembers John V. Duck, Michael A. Ford, David E. Bishop, Jeanette Puckett, and Layton Overstreet; City Attorney Marion E. Wynne and City Clerk Evelyn Phillips. No one was absent. There being a quorum present, Mayor Nix called the meeting to order. Minutes of the 14 August 1995 regular session were duly approved. Mr. Wes Strauley, representing the local Optimist Club, presented the newly selected Queen of the Dogwood Trail Girls. Miss Ellen Ezekial thanked the Council and the City for the many ways the Girls have been assisted. She presented a large portrait of the Dogwood Trail Girls to be placed in the Civic Center. A public hearing was held on the house located at 519 Grand Avenue, owner of record Cheryl Rabren, which the Building Official Bob Lunsford has declared a Dangerous Building. Ms. Rabren was present. As each witness came forward to give testimony, they were sworn in by City Attorney Tut Wynne, an officer of the Court. Ms. Andrea Swain, 517 Grand Avenue, stated she very much needed relief from the unsightly, unsafe and dangerous building next door. Ms. Swain has seen rats and other vermin, heard vandals, and seen neighborhood child- ren playing in the large sunken area behind the house that looks like a filled -in swimming pool. Ms. Cheryl Rabren, (owner of record), testified that she has been involved in a court battle with her ex-husband (and the property is part of problem), she has made a few improvements, and she is without funds to repair or destroy the house. She asked for a 6-week extension in which to take whatever action the Council rules must be done. Councilman Ford spoke up and told the Council he was going to abstain when the vote is taken because Ms. Rabren came to him earlier for a property appraisal. Building Official Bob Lunsford testified that he followed the instructions set forth in §7-86 to §7-97, Fairhope Code of Ordinances, (Ord. No. 860) when he was made aware of the problem by the many complaints received. He stated Ms. Rabren has had some 60-70 days to take action since she was first served notice of the unsafe and unsanitary condition of the house. Mr. Lunsford stated the dilapidated and decayed condition of the house, with roof cave-ins and missing sections of the floor, 28 August 1995 1693 made the house unfit for human habitation. He stated that 30-60 days should be ample time to have the house brought up to Code, by a licensed contractor, or destroyed. Ms. Rabren spoke again to the effect that she appreciated very much the time she has been given, but said she has no money. Councilman Duck moved to grant the lady 60 days in which to repair or destroy the building, with the understanding that, at the end of the time, the City will destroy the building and place a lien against the property for repayment of all costs incurred. Seconded by Councilman Bishop, motion carried by the following vote: AYE -Duck, Bishop, Nix, Puckett, and Overstreet. NAY -none. ABSTAIN -Ford. Council considered a Club Liquor License application, by James & Lisa Field, dba THE ROYAL OAK, 14 North Church Street, as advertised. There was police approval of the appli- cation. There was proof of publication. Mr. Field was present and explained their request for the Club License is due to their customers many requests for alcoholic beverages on Sundays. A Mr. Hop Allen stated he was opposed to the approval of the license because he is against Sunday sales of liquor. Councilman Duck moved to approve the issuance of the license. Seconded by Councilman Ford, motion passed unanimously. Councilman Bishop introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of, the following resolution. Seconded by Council- man Duck, motion passed unanimously: RESOLUTION NO. 493-95 WHEREAS, the Alabama Legislature has, by Act No. 95-395, amended §11-52-77, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended to provide alternative methods of notice required in the adoption of ordinances relating to zoning; and WHEREAS, the City Council is desirous of utilizing the most cost effective means of notice in complying with state law; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, that the City Clerk of the City of Fairhope be, and hereby is, directed to determine and to utilize the most cost effective means, under either Subsection A or Subsection B of said §11-52-77, in providing the required notice/s. ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1995. Attest: Jam s P. Nix, Mayor Evelyn P. Phillips, City C rk 28 August 1995 1694 Councilwoman Puckett introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of, the following resolution. Seconded by Councilman Ford, motion passed unanimously: RESOLUTION NO, 44 WHEREAS, THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE HAS, BY ACT 95-784, AMENDED SUB- SECTION (B)(2) AND (B)(3) OF §32-5A-194 AND SUBSECTION (A)(1) OF §32-5A-191, CODE OF ALABAMA 1975, AS AMENDED, BY DECREASING THE BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT FROM ,10 PERCENT TO .08 PERCENT FOR WHICH A PERSON MAY BE PRESUMED TO BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL IN VIOLATION OF THE DUI LAW; AND WHEREAS, SUBSECTION (C), (D), (E), AND (F) OF §32-5A-191, CODE, IS ALSO AMENDED BY THIS ACT TO DOUBLE THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM MANDATORY FINE AMOUNTS; AND WHEREAS, SUBSECTION (I) OF §32-5A-191 AMENDS THE METHOD OF DISTRI- BUTION OF THE FINES, INCLUDING AN AMOUNT TO BE SENT TO THE ALABAMA CHEMICAL TESTING TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT TRUST FUND (ESTABLISHED BY THIS ACT); NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, THAT THESE AMENDED PASSAGES ARE HEREBY ADOPTED FOR THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 20-1, FAIRHOPE CODE OF ORDINANCES. ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1995, ATTEST 6 5,L., (? (��" VELYN P4 PHILLIPS; CITY CLEk IX, MAYOR 28 August 1995 1695 Council took the following action on bids: Identification: "PVC CONDUIT" 4kee-TM- DLIPY. Bids to be opened on:_AL9Uec 22. 1995 at:10,45 a.m. (PVC Conduit to be used as stock) VENDOR: MATHES OF ALABAMA, FAIRHOPE, AL (DELVY.• 3-5 DAYS) Approximate amount used In one (1) year will be as follows: SIZE CONDUIT: APPROX CITY. IN FT. PRICE PER FOOT: 4" CONDUIT 1,500 $1.07 3" CONDUIT 6.000 $0.79 2-1/2" CONDUIT 8,000 $0.63 2" CONDUIT 3,000 $0.39 1-1/2" CONDUIT 500 $0.30 1.1/4" CONDUIT 500 $0.26 1" CONDUIT 9,400 $0.19 3/4" CONDUIT 1.000 $0.13 > TOTAL COST. $14.751.00 VtNUUH: STUART C, IRBY CO., Pensacola, FL (DELVY: 1-5 DAYS) Approximate amount used in one (1) year will be as follows: SIZE CONDUIT: APPROX CITY. IN FT. PRICE PER FOOT: 4" CONDUIT 1 500 $1.25 3" CONDUIT 6,000 $0.608 2-1/2" CONDUIT 8,000 $0.632 2" CONDUIT 3 000 $0.444 1-1/2" CONDUIT 500 $0.329 1-1/4" CONDUIT 500 $0.25 1"CONDUIT 9400 $0.20 3/4" CONDUIT 1,000 $0.148 ---> TOTAL COST. $15,428.50 MAYER ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO., Dothan, AL (DELVY.• 5 - DAYS) Approximate amount used In one (1) year will be as follows: SIZE CONDUIT: APPROX CITY. IN FT. PRICE PER FOOT: 4" CONDUIT 1,500 $1.20 3" CONDUIT 6,000 $0.88 2-1/2" CONDUIT 8,000 $0.69 2" CONDUIT 3000 $0.40 1-1/2" CONDUIT 500 $0.32 1-114" CONDUIT 500 $0.27 1" CONDUIT 9,400 $0.21 3/4" CONDUIT 1 000 $0.14 —> TOTAL COST: $16,209.00 VENDOR: MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC, INC., Falrhope, AL (DELVY.• I. Day) Approximate amount used in one (1) year will be as follows: SIZE CONDUIT: APPROX CITY. IN FT, PRICE PER FOOT: 4" CONDUIT 1,500 $1.0889 3" CONDUIT 6,000 $0,7989 2-1/2" CONDUIT 8.000 $0.6445 2" CONDUIT 3,000 $0.3973 1-1/2" CONDUIT 500 $0.3112 1-1/4" CONDUIT 500 $0.2612 1" CONDUIT 9,400 $0.1945 3/4" CONDUIT 1,000 $0,1323 ----------> TOTAL COST: $15,021.45 The largest amount of PVC Conduit used by the City is 2-1/2 inch and 3 inch. This would make MATHES OF ALABAMA, Daphne, Alabama (the low bidder. They will keep PVC in stock for the City if they receive the bid. This will eliminate the City having to warehouse PVC Conduit. All specifications have been met by Mathes OfAlabama, ---W. Smith, Purchasing Councilman Bishop moved to accept the low bid by Mathes of Alabama at $14,751.00, pro- vided all specifications are met. Seconded by Councilman Ford, motion passed unanimously. 28 August 1995 1696 Councilman Ford presented the following request from the Recreation Board: The Board requests the use of up to $10,000.00 of the Recreation Improvement Fund to construct a new Concession Stand and Press Box at the Volanta Ball Field. The present stand is unsafe and by putting the Stand and the Press Box (on top) together, available space will be better utilized. The money will betsed to purchase materials. A group of volunteers, led by Chief Jerry Anderson, will donate the labor to construct the Stand/Box. Councilman Ford moved to approve the request. Seconded by Councilwoman Puckett, motion passed unanimously. Mayor Nix announced that an informal meeting will be held on Tuesday night, September 5th, 7:00 pm, in the Council Chamber to discuss what recreation activities for young people will be provided at the Recreation Activities -Center. All young people, and other interested persons, are invited to attend this informal meeting and to tell the City officials what they would like to have available for them in the new Activities Center. Councilman Overstreet reported what he, and the members of the Street Committee (Tim Kant and Bob Lunsford), recommend in answer to two requests for changing street signs. The first request was to change a stop sign in Colonial Acres Sub -Division at intersection of Washington Drive and Washington Drive West to a three-way stop sign. After inspection, the committee recommends that a Stop Bar be installed at the existing stop sign on the South side of Washington Drive West at Wash- ington Drive and that there be installed on the north side of Washington Drive a Stop Sign and a Stop Bar where Washing- ton Drive makes a 90-degree curve. Also, provide reflectorized painted centerline barrier around curve on Washington Drive and provide reflectors at pine tree in the westerly projection of the north lane of Washington Drive at the northwest corner of the intersection. The second request was to remove a Yield Sign at intersection of Dyer and Bishop Roads. After inspection, the committee recommends that the existing Yield Sign be removed and that the striping indicating right-of-way be repainted. The striping and reflective paint on the island on South Rolling Oaks Drive should be repainted. Councilman Overstreet then moved that the above recommendations be approved and the work done as soon as possible. Seconded by Councilman Bishop, motion passed unanimously. Councilwoman Puckett reported that Mayor Nix has been awarded a $1,500.00 grant by the National Association of Towns and Townships and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., by being chosen an outstanding community leader. Mayor Nix was one of 250 leaders from across the nation competing for this grant. The Mayor did not know that City Employees Jewel Baugh and Florence Grimes had sent in an entry on him. As soon as the grant is received, an announcement will be made on how it will be spent. 28 August 1995 1697 Ms. Claudine McClintoc asked to make a report to the Council on an Alabama Planning Institute seminar entitled "Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities of Planning Commissions and Boards of Adjustment." Also sponsored by Auburn Uni- versity. Ms. McClintoc, and two members of the Fairhope Information Group, attended the seminar particularly to discuss the ideas Ms. McClintoc has been presenting to the Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Board of Adjustment, which have not been adopted and put into prac- tice by these Officials. According to Ms. McClintoc, all her ideas were fully endorsed, all were declared perfectly legal, and she and FIG should, if they feel "the City Officials are not responding in the way you think correct, hold their feet to the fire." Ms. McClintoc suggests that the members of the P&Z Commission and Board of Adjustment be given a copy of the Alabama Code, 1975, as amended, (she was advised that a copy of the Code is in the Mayor's Office and at the Public Library), be given a copy of "Alabama Planning Handbook" and be urged to attend workshops and seminars with all expenses paid by the City. Ms. McClintoc went on to ask if the Council knew a new Director is to be appointed for the Civil Defense for our area. She was advised that the Council was aware of the appointment but the Civil Defense Operation is totally handled by the County Government. Ms. McClintoc replied that a fully -qualified, well -trained individual needs this appoint- ment "not like the one we have". Ms. McClintoc's final points had to do with the Hurricane Evacuation Routes, present and in the future. She feels something must be done to help Fair- hopers get away since Daphne seems to have no plans at all and all their citizens are between Fairhope and access to Interstates 10 and 65. She noted that the State assigned four State Troopers to the Eastern Shore during Hurricane Erin on August 3rd, and they all were sent to Gulf Shores. Ms. McClintoc feels' -'Troopers should be assigned at entrances to the Interstate Highways to be of any help to the Eastern Shore. Mr. Robert Mitchell asked to be heard. Mr. Mitchell remarked that he seems to be hearing a lot of criticism of the Officials of our City, their methods of operation and so on, for the last few weeks. This criticism seems to be coming from the same small group of 25-35 persons. He, Mr. Mitchell said, would like to go on record in praise of all the people who have a part in making Fairhope what it is ..... "you MUST be doing a good job!" Mr. Mitchell stated he is among the remaining 9,000 citizens who appreciate the care and planning and good management of all the Officials of our City for a good many years. There being no other business, meeting was duly adjourned. Evely P. Phillip Ja s P. Nix City lerk Ma or