HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2026 City Council 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 Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell
(arrived at 4:25 p.m.), Joshua Gammon (arrived at 4:16 p.m.), and Andrea Booth (arrived
at 4:10 p.m.), Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City
Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay Robinson was absent.
Council President Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:18 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion regarding Anna T. Jeans Lease &
Nature Trail by Susan Fontaine Godwin, President of the Board for Hope
Community. Ms. Godwin discussed the Makers Market sublease and the need to
renew it for another year. She then mentioned the Hope Community lease regarding
the language in Section 5 c) and suggested changes. City Attorney Marcus McDowell
explained the lease and why it is stated that way. He said as long as you are not
leasing the property and only allowing the Community to use it; there should not be
an issue.
The Presentation of the "Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance Capital
Sitework Improvements on the Grounds of Future HATCH Campus (K-1/HATCH
Project)" by City Engineer Richard Johnson was the next item on the Agenda.
President and CEO of Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance Lee Lawson
addressed the City Council and presented the conceptual design for the Courtyard. He
said the City has been great partners along with City Engineer Richard Johnson and
Staff, and with Thompson Watermark. Mr. Lawson said BCEDA would pay for the
design for all phases. He said this would be a much better plan and more utilized. Mr.
Lawson mentioned five new businesses are moving here due to HATCH. He said the
space right now would have 10 percent usage but if courtyard was built is would have
100 percent usage.
The next item on the Agenda was the Presentation of the "River Mill Community
Park" built by Fairhope Single Tax Corporation by City Engineer Richard Johnson.
He presented the Master Plan for the park that will have public parking and other
amenities. (A copy of the Handout is on file in the City Clerk's office) Mr. Johnson
stated we would need a right of entry to construct park playground equipment. Jay
Robertson with Sawgrass Engineering explained the plan and grading. The City
Council questioned adequate parking and bike parking; and the timeframe.
Councilmember Gammon suggested water bottle stations and changing station in
restroom.
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Page -2-
• The Discussion of the Julwin's Plaza Project by City Engineer Richard Johnson was
next on the Agenda. He explained the project and some reductions; but said it is still
over budget but close if you removed the requested additions of the columns and
fencing. Councilmember Burrell questioned irrigation cost; and Councilmember
Gammon questioned landscape and pavers. City Attorney McDowell explained funds
from Court that must be spent on trees and plantings.
• City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items
No. 11, No. 12, and No. 13; and answered any questions if needed.
• Councilmember Burrell gave an update on the Airport Authority and said the new
runway was open, they have applications for new lots, and transfer of land back to the
City of Fairhope.
• Councilmember Gammon gave a brief update on the Fairhope Environmental
Advisory Board; and said the Tree Committee did not meet.
• Councilmember Booth said she had no Committee updates. She thanked City Clerk
Lisa Hanks for all her help when asked. She also thanked the Department Heads for
their help.
• Council President Conyers said he had no updates.
• President of the Fairhope Junior City Council Camille Hausmann and Secretary of
the FJCC addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 15; and answered
any questions if needed. Ms. Hausmann announced that for the Pickleball
Tournament had been moved from April 4, 2026 to April 25, 2026.
• Gas Director Wes Boyett addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 16;
and answered any questions if needed.
• Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No.
14; and answered any questions if needed.
• Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 8; and answered any questions if needed.
• Purchasing Manager Erin Wolfe addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 17; and answered any questions if needed.
• Planning and Zoning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Items No. 9 and No. 10 with the addition "is deemed necessary and
approved"; and answered any questions if needed.
• Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Item No. 19; and answered any questions if needed.
Thursday, 19 February 2026
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There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
011
JanW9eid Conyers r.
Council President
Li A. nks, �MMC;--
City Clerk