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Home My WebLink About11-03-2025 Special City Council Organizational Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( )( The City Council, City of Fairhope, met in an organizational session at 6:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 3 November 2025. 11113 Present were Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Joshua Gammon, Jimmy Conyers, Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Attorney Marion E.Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell was absent. There being a quorum present, City Clerk Lisa Hanks took the seat as presider and called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Reverend Linda Fisher from Unity on the Eastern Shore Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. This being the organizational meeting to begin the new administration, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, and the newly-elected Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Joshua Gammon, Jimmy Conyers, Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth prepared to take their Oath of Office. The Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Circuit Court Judge, 28th Judicial Circuit of the State of Alabama, then gave the Oath of Office to the new elected Officials: Mayor Sullivan; Councilmembers Burrell (Place # 1 ); Gammon, (Place # 2); Conyers, (Place# 3); Robinson, (Place# 4); and Booth, (Place# 5). (Signed Oaths inserted at end of these minutes.) The new administration took their seats on the dais and continued with business. Ms. Hanks conducted the procedures for electing a Council President. The floor was opened for Council President nominations. Councilmember Robinson nominated Councilmember Conyers. Seconded by Councilmember Booth and no other nominations were made. The floor for nominations was then closed. Councilmember Conyers was elected Council President unanimously by voice vote. Council President Conyers took the presider's seat. The floor was then opened for Council President Pro Tempore nominations. Councilmember Robinson nominated Councilmember Burrell. Seconded by Councilmember Booth and no other nominations were made. The floor for nominations was then closed. Councilmember Burrell was elected Council President Pro Tempore unanimously by voice vote. 11114 3 November 2025 Councilmember Burrell introduced in wntmg Ordinance No. 1845, an ordinance to adopt the Rules of Procedure in all instances for Meetings of the City Council. In order to take immediate action, Councilmember Burrell moved for immediate consideration. Seconded by Councilmember Robinson, motion for immediate consideration passed unanimously by the following voice votes: AYE - Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, Robinson, and Booth. NAY - None. Councilmember Burrell then moved for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1845. Seconded by Councilmember Robinson, motion for final adoption passed by the following voice votes: AYE-Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, Robinson, and Booth. NAY -None. Councilmember Burrell introduced in wntmg Ordinance No. 1846, an ordinance that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby required to act as the Full-time Superintendent of the City of Fairhope Utility System. In order to take immediate action, Councilmember Burrell moved for immediate consideration. Seconded by Councilmember Robinson, motion for immediate consideration passed unanimously by the following voice votes: AYE -Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, Robinson, and Booth. NAY -None. Councilmember Robinson then moved for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1846. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion for final adoption passed by the following voice votes: AYE -Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, Robinson, and Booth. NAY -None. Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Lisa A. Hanks is hereby appointed as City Clerk. The term of the City Clerk shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 1975. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. * * * * 11115 3 November 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 5623-25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVER NING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That LISA A. HANKS is hereby appointed as City Clerk. The term of the City Clerk shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 1975. ADOP TED 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025 ATTEST: Li�s,MMC City Clerk Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Kimberly "Kim Creech is hereby appointed as City Treasurer. The term of the City Treasurer shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 1975. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5624-25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That KIMBERLY "KIM" CREECH is hereby appointed as City Treasurer. The term of the City Treasurer shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 1975. AT TES T: Li A. s, City Clerk ADOPTED 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025 11116 3 November 2025 Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Stephanie Hollinghead is hereby appointed as Chief of Police. The term of the Chief of Police shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-5, Code of Alabama, 1975. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5625-25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FA IRHOPE, AL ABAMA, That STEPHANIE HOLLINGHEAD is hereby appointed as Chief of Police. The term of the Chief of Police shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-5, Code of Alabama, 1975. ADOPTED 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER , 2025 ATTEST: Lis�� City Clerk Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Marcus E. McDowell is hereby appointed as City Attorney. The term of the City Attorney shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 1975; and that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is authorized to sign an engagement letter between the City of Fairhope and Marcus E. McDowell for legal services. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Robinson. Councilmember Gammon stated that he would be voting no for this appointment. He said that Marcus McDowell's conduct during the election was not appropriate. After further discussion, motion passed by the following voice votes: AYE -Bur rell, Conyers, Robinson, and Booth. NAY -Gammon. * * 11117 3 November 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 5626-25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That Marcus E. McDowell is hereby appointed as City Attorney. The term of the City Attorney shall serve until the next general municipal election or until a successor is elected by the council and qualified. Section 11-43-3, Code of Alabama, 197 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is authorized to sign an engagement letter between the City of Fairhope and Marcus E. McDowell for legal services .. ADOPTED 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025 J@!ikt�Cfa Council President ATTEST: Li�il� City Clerk Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to execute an Engagement Letter for Professional Legal Services with Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC which includes planning and zoning matters, general representation as requested by the City, and litigation that may or may not be covered by the City's insurance policy. Seconded by Councilmember Robinson, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. * * * 11118 3 November 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 5627-25 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to execute an Engagement Letter for Professional Legal Services with Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC which includes planning and zoning matters, general representation as requested by the City, and litigation that may or may not be covered by the City's insurance policy. Attest: DULY ADOPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025 J id Conyer Council President L� City Clerk Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution authorizing the Bank signers of all City of Fairhope Accounts. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5628-25 WHEREAS, two signatures are required on all monetary transactions of the City of Fairhope; and WHEREAS, travel is sometimes required of the Mayor and of the Treasurer and provisions should be made to cover monetary requirements of the City in the absence of one or both; THEN, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, FAIRHOPE, AL ABAMA, that all Financial Depositories where monies of the City are deposited, whether in checking, savings, or other type accounts, currently or in the future; be and hereby are advised that any two of the following signees are authorized to sign any monetary transaction between said Depositories and the City of Fairhope, Alabama. Attached is a list of all Depositories for the City of Fairhope; 11119 3 SOLVED that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to use computer generated signature for routine checks under Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($10,000.00). All monetary transactions must have at least one true signature. Sample: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be sent to all Depositories as authorization of and as a record of above signee signatures. ADOPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025 Attest: City Clerk City of Fairhope Depositories Truist Bank PNC Bank Regions Bank Smart Bank Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution approving the Holidays for FY 2025 -2026. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 11120 3 November 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 5629-25 BE IT RE SOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, AL ABAMA, THAT THE FOLLOWING 2025 -2026 HOLID AYS WILL BE OBS ERVED BY ALL CITY PERSO NNEL EXCEPT EMERGENCY EMPLOYE ES: Veterans Day Thanksgiving Holidays Christmas Holidays New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Mardi Gras Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Thursday & Friday, November 27 & 28, 2025 Wednesday & Thursday, December 24 & 25, 2025 Thursday, January 1, 2026 Monday,January 19, 2026 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Monday, May 25, 2026 Friday, June 19, 2026 Friday, July 3, 2026 Monday, September 7, 2026 DULY ADOPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF NO VEMBER, 2025 Attest: sa:;:nks,MMC City Clerk 11121 3 November 2025 Council President Conyers read the following appointments for Planning Commission terms. 11/06/25 -08/31/26 09/01/26 -06/30/27 07/01/27 -03/31/28 04/01/28 -01/31/29 02/01/29 -10/31/29 Councilmember Conyers Councilmember Gammon Councilmember Burrell Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Booth Council President Conyers mentioned that in the next couple of months, he would be revamping these Committees and Boards if possible. He then appointed the following Councilmembers to be Liaisons for the following Department; and mentioned these could be changed at any time if needed: Utilities Gas/Water/Sewer/Electric Parks & Recreation and Library Finance & Audit Councilmembers: Booth and Gammon Councilmembers: Robinson and Booth Councilmembers: Burrell and Conyers Councilmembers: Burrell and Conyers Councilmembers: Gammon and Robinson Public Works & Industrial Recruitment Police, Fire, & Court Council President Conyers read the Board and Committee Appointments for Place 1, Place 2, Place 3, Place 4, and Place 5. He reiterated that if any of the Councilmembers do not feel the appointment is a good fit, then these could be changed at any time. Councilmember Gammon said the he would like to revisit these appointments in three to six months; and to collaborate with what each Councilmembers passions are. Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization: Appoint Council President Burrell and Mayor Sherry Sullivan. Place 1 -Burrell Place 2 -Gammon Place 3 -Conyers Place 4 -Robinson Place 5 -Booth Harbor Board and Employee liaison -Pat White Industrial Development Board Streets and Traffic Control Committee Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board Recycling Committee and Employee liaison -Murray Cameron Tree Committee Fairhope Public Schools Commission Personnel Board Streets and Traffic Control Committee Christmas Parade -Lieutenant Shane Nolte and Employee liaison -Paige Crawford Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission Recreation Board and Employee liaison -Pat White Library Board Museum Advisory Board Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee 11122 3 November 2025 Councilmember Burrell said he was looking forward to working with Councilmembers Gammon and Faust Booth; and to continue working with Councilmembers Conyers and Robinson. Councilmember Burrell said he appreciates the experience they bring to the City Council. He thanked everyone in the audience and for a large turnout. Councilmember Burrell said he appreciated City Staff who are here tonight. He congratulated to the members of staff that were appointed by the City Council tonight. He said, "you all have done a great job; and we appreciate you." Councilmember Burrell said, "he looks forward to working with you all for another four years." Councilmember Gammon thanked everyone in the audience; and thanked the City Council who have been very welcoming and cordial. He thanked Mayor Sullivan, City Clerk Lisa Hanks, and City Treasurer Kim Creech for all of their help and answering questions. Councilmember Gammon thanked his family and friends for supporting him; and said he looks forward to serving Fairhope. Councilmember Robinson thanked the City of Fairhope and citizens for allowing him to serve as a Councilmember. He said it is an honor to serve on this City Council. Councilmember Robinson said he is looking forward to working with this City Council and serving another four years. Councilmember Booth thanked her family and friends for being here. She thanked everyone who is here tonight. She thanked the City of Fairhope and everyone that supported her and believed in her. Councilmember Booth commented she is glad to be working with these men; and we all get along. She told the Councilmembers she loves them; and loves Mayor Sherry Sullivan. Councilmember Booth said she has being riding with Department Heads in the field; and said Mayor Sullivan is doing a great job. Council President Conyers announced our next regular City Council meeting will be next Monday. He thanked everyone for being here tonight. Council President Conyers thanked his wife Ashley and daughter Margaret; and all of the family members here tonight supporting the new legislative body. He thanked Mayor Sullivan for all she does for the City of Fairhope; and the tremendous staff we have. Council President Conyers said he hopes they have a productive term. He welcomed Councilmembers Gammon and Booth; and said he was excited to have them join the rest of the Council. Council President Conyers commented we have many projects already in progress and hopes to see more completed. 11123 3 November 2025 Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council and the people in the audience tonight. She congratulated the incoming City Council and said she looks forward to working with them to make Fairhope a great place to live. She thanked them for allowing her to serve as Utility Superintendent. She also thanked them for appointing City Clerk Lisa Hanks, City Treasurer Kim Creech, and Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead as well as City Attorney Marcus McDowell and Attorney Chris Williams. Mayor Sullivan commented it is great to have that continuation of staff and they all do a great job. She thanked the citizens for continuing to have faith in her to serve and lead this City. Mayor Sullivan said she does not take this for granted; and said it is one of the greatest honors of her life to be able to serve where she and her family call home. She said we have a good team and work well together. Mayor Sullivan said there were three things she wanted to accomplish: bring stability back in government, create a stable work environment for employees, and focus on infrastructure. She also thanked the City employees who truly make the City special and touch our citizens daily. She said they are dedicated and have their heart for service; and truly enrich the lives of citizens and visitors. Mayor Sullivan state they are the backbone for everything than has been and will be achieved here. Mayor Sullivan thanked her family and friends for their love and support. She once again thanked the citizens of Fairhope for giving her this opportunity to serve another four years. Council President Conyers announced there would be a brief reception in the lobby; and there will also be a meet and greet at the Fairhope Brewery. Councilmember Gammon moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 6:27 p.m. L�Ji�L City Clerk � Jam Reid Conyers, Council President 3 November 2025 STA TE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN CITY OF FAIRHOPE OATH OF OFFICE )( )( )( 11124 2219992 �n!l BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA ffl HARRY O'OLIVE, JR. PROBATE JUDGE f"-iled/cart. 11/05/2025 04:03 PM TOTAL $0.00 1 Pages I, SHERRYL. SULLIVAN, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God. (Signed)� Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd Day of November, 2025 11125 3 November 2025 OATH OF OFFICE 2219993 II BALDWiN COUNTY, ALABAMA HARRY D'GLIVE, Jll. PROBATE JUDGE Filed/cert. 11/05/2025 04:03 PM STATE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( CITY OF FAIRHOPE )( TOTAL SO.OD 1 Pages I, JACKEY 0. BURRELL, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God. (Signed)� cf?,� � Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd Day of November, 2025 3 November 2025 OATH OF OFFICE ST A TE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( CITY OF FAIRHOPE )( 11126 2219994 � BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA l!l J.. HARRY D'OLIVE, JR. PROBATE JUDGE Filed/cert. 11/05/2025 04:03 PM TOTAL SO.DO 1 Pages I, JOSHUA N. GAMMON, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God. 3 November 2025 OATH OF OFFICE STA TE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( CITY OF FAIRHOPE )( 11127 2219995 �--lil BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA� HARRY D'OLIVE, JR. PROBATE JUDGE Filed/cert. 11/06/2025 04:03 PM TOTAL $0.00 1 Pages I, JAMES REID CONYERS, JR., solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this Jr_ Day of November, 2025 (Signe 11128 3 November 2025 2219996 11 BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA HARRY D'OLIVE, JR. PROBATE JUDGE filed/cert. 11/05/2025 04:03 PMOATH OF OFFICE ST ATE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( CITY OF FAIRHOPE )( TOTAL $0 .OD 1 Pages I, JAY ROBINSON, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help me God. (Sig•�--- Swom to and subscribed before me this 3rd Day of November, 2025 3 November 2025 OATH OF OFFICE ST A TE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( CITY OF FAIRHOPE )( 11129 2219997 � BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA l!l�t. HARRY D'DLIV�. JR. PROBATE JUDGE Flied/cert. 11/05/2025 04:03 PM TOTAL SO.DO 1 Pages I, ANDREA FAUST BOOTH, solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and that I will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability, so help m Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd Day of November, 2025