HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-2025 Personnel Board Meeting MinutesCITY OF FAIRHOPE
Personnel Board Meeting
7:00 A.M.May 15th, 2025
161 N Section Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
Present were:
Members: Chairman Genie Frazier;Terry Ullrich; Human Resource Director Hannah Noonan; Safety Coordinator John Smith; Gas Department Manager Wes Boyett; Public Works Director Richard
Johnson
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 a.m.
The Fairhope Personnel Board met with Chair Genie Frazier presiding. Board member Terry Ullrich was present. Stephanie Sandefur attended as an observer and has submitted her application
for board membership. Jake O’Neil, Secretary, was absent. With two members absent, a quorum was not met, and no official votes were held. Approval of previous minutes was deferred until
the next meeting.
The meeting began with updates on job classifications as part of annual budget preparations. Richard Johnson proposed reclassifying the Senior Right-of-Way Inspector position to a manager-level
role, noting the expanded scope of responsibilities including supervising both utility and general fund inspectors. He recommended keeping the role hourly due to the nature of irregular
hours and on-site inspection demands.
Next, Public Works presented several classification and staffing changes. A new Grade 7 Maintenance Worker position was proposed for the expanding Nature Preserve and passive parks system.
A Grade 10 Sanitation Coordinator role was also requested to support the department’s supervisor in managing operations, routing, training, and maintenance. The Sign Shop’s lead role
is to be reclassified to include oversight of work zone safety and mosquito spraying, while retaining its current grade. An assistant in that department will also be retitled, with no
change in grade.
Public Works proposed a new Lead Welder/Fabricator position to help reduce excessive overtime and support increased fabrication demands. The Lead Mower position will be reclassified
from Grade 7 to Grade 9 due to expanded mowing areas. The Fire Station Maintenance Crew Leader position will also be upgraded to Grade 9 to formally recognize the individual serving
as second-in-command.
A Custodial Crew Leader reclassification was proposed to formally title a high-performing custodian who already supervises and trains others. Public Works emphasized the importance of
recognizing and retaining this employee. The Mechanic Shop will also gain a new Crew Leader role, reclassifying an existing position to create a clear second-in-command and improve succession
planning.
John Smith, the city’s Safety Coordinator, provided a report indicating 15 incidents for 2025 to date, including six workers’ compensation claims totaling over $74,000. The most common
issues involved vehicle backing incidents. She outlined plans to implement backing safety programs, defensive driving courses, lockout/tagout protocols, and a training tracking system.
Heat stress and electrical safety training will be priorities in the coming month, with additional training underway in trenching, excavation, and forklift operation.
Seven utility interns will begin in June, working in HVAC, mechanical, and utility departments. The classification plan discussed at this meeting will be finalized and presented for
formal approval at the June meeting, along with additional changes. Planning is underway for a citywide salary study, with an estimated cost of $50,000–$70,000.
Because the regularly scheduled June meeting falls on Juneteenth, it has been tentatively rescheduled for June 12. The Clerk’s office will be notified of the change.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jake O’Neil
Secretary (Not Present)
Personnel Board