HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2025 City Council Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF BALDWIN
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The City Council, City of Fairhope, met in regular session at
6:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chambers,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on
Monday, 8 December 2025.
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Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack
Burrell, Joshua Gammon, Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan,
City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and Assistant City Clerk Jenny Opal Wilson.
City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks was absent.
There being a quorum present, Council President Conyers called the meeting
to order at 6:00 p.m. The invocation was given by Pastor Gavin Hunt of Celebration
Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Councilmember Gammon moved
to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2025, Special Called City Council
Meeting and November 20, 2025, Work Session. Seconded by Councilmember
Robinson, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council and recognized our "2025 Veteran
of the Year". She asked Frank McArdle to come up to the podium and presented him
a plaque for his dedication and service to our country and support to our local
community and veterans. She noted Frank McArdle led the Veterans Day Parade this
year, however, he was unable to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony for us to present
his plaque. Mayor Sullivan gave a brief on Frank McArdle that he is a veteran of the
U.S. Army and very active in the American Legion and has helped with the Building
Fund to secure the funding to construct the new building. He is also active with the
American Legion and revitalizing baseball. Frank McArdle thanked Mayor Sullivan,
and asked veterans from all military branches and Post 199 to stand. He addressed the
veterans, and said this is for all of us, we are all "Fairhope Veterans of the Year". He
expressed his deepest gratitude to Mayor Sullivan and the City Council for
recognizing and honoring veterans on holidays with flags and parades. Frank
McArdle thanked Mayor Sullivan and City Council.
Mayor Sullivan asked Air Force Veteran Ross Sykes and IGY 6 Gulf Coast to
come forward to present a check to Chief Stephanie Hollinghead on behalf of the
Fairhope Police Department in their honor and to support them with a check in the
amount of $2,000.00 for Crisis Intervention Training. Mayor Sullivan and Chief
Hollinghead, thanked Ross Sykes and IGY 6 Gulf Coast.
Mayor Sullivan reminded everyone of Christmas events this week.
•Employee Christmas Luncheon, Friday, December 12, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
•Santa Saturday, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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•Santa Downtown Joyride on Sunday, December 14, 2025 where Santa
will cruise through downtown on a fire truck.
Mayor Sullivan called Public Works Director George Ladd to the podium to
announce that he has taken a position as City Manager in Layton, Tennessee with his
last City Council Meeting on December 18, 2025. She congratulated George and
family! George thanked everyone for the opportunity and experience. He said this is
family. Mayor Sullivan announced John Thomas will be the Interim Public Works
Director.
The following individuals spoke during Public Participation on Agenda Items
No. 6-No 14:
1)Michael Neely, 230 Mershon Street, addressed the City Council regarding
support for Agenda Item No. 14: A resolution on behalf of the Friends of
Fairhope Public Library, requesting permission to serve alcohol at its
annual Chocolate and Champagne Gala 2026 on Saturday, January 31 ,
2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Fairhope Public Library. Tickets
will be on sale next week for members only. You can also join and buy
tickets.
2)Gary Gover, 300 Lincoln Street, addressed the City Council over a safety
concern on Agenda Item No. 7: That the City of Fairhope approves the
procurement of transportation and disposal of dewatered sludge with Solid
Waste Authority of Baldwin County and therefore does not have to be let
out for bid under Code of Alabama 1975 Section 41-1 6-51 (20). The cost
is $70.00 per ton. The total annual estimated cost of $350,000.00.
Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield gave brief on requirements of
the disposal of dewatered sludge.
Council President Conyers opened Council Comments.
Councilmember Burrell said he missed the Christmas parade this year and
asked to have an alternate date next year. Councilmember Booth was in agreement.
On December 17th at the Fairhope Brewery, Mayor Sullivan and Council will be
serving pints for tips that will go to the Fairhope Fire Department for the 3rd Year. Tip
generously 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Councilmember Gammon gave shoutout to St. Michael Catholic High School
and Bayside Academy on the close of playoffs that he was very proud. He noted
HGTV released in news that Fairhope, Alabama is the favorite small Christmas town
in Alabama. He agreed with Councilmember Burrell on alternate date for Christmas
parade next year.
Councilmember Robinson noted it was impossible to reschedule this year due
to the preparation involved. He recommended a future alternate date on the Christmas
parade. He thanked all that planned the event. Councilmember Booth mentioned
floats are shared with other cities.
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Councilmember Booth noted Councilmember Burrell was on CBS 'Good
Morning America' on a mission to visit all 50 states in 50 weeks and reported live
from Bayou La Batre on the Shrimping Industry. Councilmember Burrell was
honored to be there. She reminded everyone to shop locally with the heartbeat of
community and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Council President Conyers had no comments.
A Public Hearing was held as advertised on the request for a Lounge Liquor
License by George W. Carnley, Jr., GC&K LLC, d/b/a The Decoy Bar & Grill,
located at 311 Fairhope Avenue, Ste. D., Fairhope, Alabama 36532. The public
hearing was opened at 6:21 p.m. No one present opposed the proposed Lounge
Liquor License. The public hearing closed at 6:22 p.m. Councilmember Burrell
moved to approve the issuance of the license. Seconded by Councilmember
Robinson, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of
the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council approves the selection by
the Evaluation Team for Professional Engineering Services for (RFQ PS26-003) for
Phase II Upgrades of the City of Fairhope Wastewater Treatment Plant to Krebs
Engineering; and hereby authorizes Mayor Sherry Sullivan to negotiate the not-to
exceed fee to be approved by Council. Seconded by Councilmember Robinson,
motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5661-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows:
[ 1]That the City Council approves the selection by the Evaluation Team for
Professional Engineering Services for (RFQ PS26-003) for Phase II Upgrades of the
City of Fairhope Wastewater Treatment Plant to Krebs Engineering; and hereby
authorizes Mayor Sherry Sullivan to negotiate the not-to-exceed fee to be approved
by Council.
DULY ADOPTED THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
s Reid Conyers, Jr.
Council President
Attest:
8 December 2025 11173
Councilmember Robison introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of
the following resolution, a resolution that the City of Fairhope approves the
procurement of transportation and disposal of dewatered wastewater sludge with
Solid Waste Authority of Baldwin County and therefore does not have to be let out for
bid under Code of Alabama 1975 Section 41-16-51(20). The cost is $70.00 per ton.
The total annual estimated cost of $350,000.00. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell,
motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilmember Gammon requested
Daryl Morefield ask question on where the waste goes.
RESOLUTION NO. 5662-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY
OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That the City of Fairhope approves the
procurement of transportation and disposal of dewatered wastewater sludge
with Solid Waste Authority of Baldwin County and therefore does not have to
be let out for bid under Code of Alabama 1975 Section 41-16-51 (20). The cost
is $70.00 per ton. The total annual estimated cost of $350,000.00.
Attest:
ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
erk
es Reid Conyer
Council President
Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption
of the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council approves the selection
by Mayor Sherry Sullivan for Professional Construction Engineering and Inspection
Services for (RFQ PS26-011) for the Pecan Avenue Watershed Drainage
Improvements -Phase 1 Project to JADE Consulting; and hereby authorize Mayor
Sullivan to negotiate the not-to-exceed fee to be approved by Council. Seconded by
Councilmember Booth, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
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8 December 2025 11174
RESOLUTION NO. 5663-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows:
[1]That the City Council approves the selection by Mayor Sherry Sullivan for
Professional Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for (RFQ PS26-0 l 1)
for the Pecan Avenue Watershed Drainage Improvements -Phase I Project to JADE
Consulting; and hereby authorize Mayor Sullivan to negotiate the not-to-exceed fee to
be approved by Council.
DULY ADOPTED THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
Jame eid Conyers, Jr.
Cou cil President
Councilmember Gammon introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption
of the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council hereby rescinds
Resolution No. 5415-25 approving the selection by the Evaluation Team for
Professional Landscape Architectural Services for (RFQ PS25-017) for the Flying
Creek Nature Preserve -Phase II; and authorizes the rebid of this Request for
Qualifications under the City of Fairhope Procedure for Procuring Professional
Services. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice
vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5664-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows:
[1]That the City Council hereby rescinds Resolution No. 5415-25 approving the
selection by the Evaluation Team for Professional Landscape Architectural Services
for (RFQ PS25-017) for the Flying Creek Nature Preserve -Phase II; and authorizes
the rebid of this Request for Qualifications under the City of Fairhope Procedure For
Procuring Professional Services.
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8 December 2025
DULY ADOPTED THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
Attest:
ilson, CMC
Clerk
Ja
Council President
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Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption
of the following resolution, a resolution that the City of Fairhope approves the award
of the Request for Quotes for Labor and Materials to replace traffic controls and
cabinets at the intersections of N. Section St. at Gayfer Ave. and N. Section St. at
Volanta Ave. to Bagby and Russell Electric Co., Inc. for a not-to-exceed project cost
of $62,700.00. This Public Works project will be less than $100,000.00, and therefore
does not need to be formally bid out. Seconded by Councilmember Booth, motion
passed unanimously by voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5665-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That the City of Fairhope approves the award of the
Request for Quotes for Labor and Materials to replace traffic controls and
cabinets at the intersections ofN. Section St. at Gayfer Ave. and N. Section St. at
V olanta Ave. to Bagby and Russell Electric Co., Inc. for a not-to-exceed project
cost of $62,700.00. This Public Works project will be less than $100,000.00, and
therefore does not need to be formally bid out.
ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
Attest:
8 December 2025 11176
Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption
of the following resolution, a resolution that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby
authorized to execute a contract for Extension No. I of (RFQ PS24-032) Professional
Engineering Services -On-Call Annual Contract for Fire Protection Requirements
with Gulf States Engineering with updated 2025 Rate Sheet per all other terms and
conditions of the original contract. The annual not-to-exceed cost is $20,000.00.
Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 5666-25
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF
FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to
execute a contract for Extension No. I of (RFQ PS24-032) Professional Engineering
Services -On-Call Annual Contract for Fire Protection Requirements with Gulf
States Engineering with updated 2025 Rate Sheet per all other terms and conditions
of the original contract. The annual not-to-exceed cost is $20,000.00.
ADOPTED ON THIS 8TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025
Attest:
ouncilmember Burrell moved to reappoint Chad Bartz and Morgan Slay
o the Parking Authority for a four year term which will expire on December 2029.
Seconded by Councilmember Booth, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Councilmember Gammon confirmed with Assistant City Clerk Jenny Opal Wilson
there were no new applicants.
Councilmember Gammon moved to grant the request for perm1ss10n to
Sherry Walding for street closure on North Bancroft Street between Equality and
Magnolia for Wedding Reception from 5:00 p.m. to I 0:00 p.m. on March 28, 2026.
Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
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Councilmember Robinson moved to grant the request for permission to
Jasmine Hodges, on behalf of the Friends of the Fairhope Public Library to serve
alcohol at its annual Chocolate and Champagne Gala 2026 on Saturday, January 31,
2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Fairhope Public Library. Seconded by
Councilmember Booth, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Council President
Conyers noted Michael Neely spoke during public participation and tickets go on sale
Monday for $50.00.
The following individual spoke during Public Participation on Non Agenda
Item:
1)Ryan Baker, 1 Style Street, addressed the City Council and thanked
Mayor Sullivan, Council, and Planning Director Hunter Simmons. He noted
that he forwarded a follow-up email today regarding the proposed Zoning
Ordinance changes. Ryan noted he discussed concerns with other
professionals, engineers, and developers for ideas and solutions. Council
President Conyers confirmed he received email. Councilmember Gammon
asked if other businesses sign-on. Ryan commented he did not ask businesses
to sign-on, but there are others interested.
Councilmember Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by
Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was duly adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Jam��
Council President