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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2026 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 Chambers, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 9 March 2026. 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 City Attorney Chris Williams; and Assistant City Clerk Jenny Opal Wilson. City Clerk Lisa Hanks was absent. Council President Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: The first item on the agenda was a presentation by Principal Jenny Davis of Fairhope West Elementary School on 3 Mil. Principal Davis provided an electronic video of the school's accomplishments and reported they received a ninety-nine (99) on State Report Card. She is proud of the City of Fairhope's support to Fairhope West Elementary School and all schools. The investment makes a difference with engagement, problem solving, and coaching in our classrooms. Councilmember Booth appreciates teaching the students communication skills. She noted that two of her grandsons go to Fairhope West Elementary School and received a perfect attendance with certificates. Council President Conyers addressed not much room for improvement, awesome, we are all proud. Councilmember Burrell said is was a source of pride to watch the video. Principal Davis reported Mayor Sherry Sullivan was in attendance at celebration. Principal Davis concluded with thanks. The second item on the agenda was a presentation by Principal Tonya Harrelson and team of J. Larry Newton Elementary School on 3 Mil. Principal Harrelson provided a handout "JLN by the Numbers", attached to minutes. Principal Harrelson gave 3 Mil Funds Report that provided: Twelve (12) Positions — Seven (7) Additional Certified Teachers — One (1) STEAM Teacher, One (1) Reading/Instructional Coach, One (1) Math Coach, One (1) Intervention Coordinator, Three (3) Part Time Instructors; and 5 Support Staff Members — Five (5) Instructional Paras. Principal Harrelson introduced her team and they each gave brief. Laura Hunter, STEAM; Amanda Smtih, Intervention; Tonya Lynn, Instructional Coach; and Sarah Salte, Instructional Coach. Principal Harrison thanked Mayor Sullivan, Council, and the citizens of the City of Fairhope for the Twelve (12) new employees. She congratulated Principal Davis on their ninety-nine (99) on the State Report Card, and reported they received a ninety-nine (99) too. Councilmember Booth displayed a picture of Principal Harrelson with her grandson showing how passionate she is about her job, and addressed how much we appreciate her. Council President Conyers congratulated Principal Harrelson and team. Councilmember Burrell shared his source of pride. Principal Harrelson said the Monday, 9 March 2026 Page -2- thirty (30) years is an amazing win/win. Principal Harrelson concluded presentation with thanks. The third item on the agenda was the E-Bike Ordinance by Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead. Council President Jimmy Conyers pulled item, and moved to the next City Council Work Session on Monday, March 23, 2026. The fourth item on the agenda was Committee Updates. ■ Council Burrell reported a Fairhope Airport Authority Meeting for tomorrow evening, Tuesday, March 10th at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ■ Councilmember Gammon reported a Tree Committee meeting next month; and the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board met last month for Special Called Meeting with good discussion, and will meet for a Regular Meeting this month on Friday, March 13th at 3:00 p.m. at the Fairhope Public Library. Councilmember Gammon thanked Director of Planning and Zoning, Hunter Simmons for presentation at last meeting. ■ Councilmember Robinson reported a Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission Meeting on March 18th at 3:30 p.m. at the Fairhope Museum of History; and a Recreation Board Meeting at 5:15 p.m. at the Recreation Center. The Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission will have a revision to Ordinance to incorporate changes on CLG status that will be presented at future Work Session. ■ Councilmember Booth reported a Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd that there are big concerns of E-Bikes with kids recklessly riding and working on an ordinance. The E-Bike Ordinance will be on agenda for upcoming meeting. We are addressing the issue. ■ Council President Conyers reported a Parking Authority Meeting on Tuesday, March 1 Oth at 8:00 a.m. at the Fairhope Museum of History; and the Fairhope Public Schools Commission did meet on Wednesday, March 4th, and reported on utilization of the K1 money. The fifth item on the agenda was Department Head Updates. • Director of Information Technology, Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 23; and answered any questions if needed. Jeff discussed a non -agenda item CivicPlus website for the next meeting. City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell was concerned with liability. Councilmember Gammon requested a comparison of current website and CivicPlus. Jeff will email agreement to Council for review. • City Engineer, Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 14, 15, 16, and 17; and answered any questions if needed. Monday, 9 March 2026 Page -3- • Revenue Officer and Magistrate, Jennifer Olmstead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 11, 12, and 13; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Burrell asked if Greg Fender had reviewed the Items No. 11 and 12 Franchise Agreements, and Jennifer confirmed he had reviewed. Mayor Sullivan shared that on Item No. 13 we added language that after 2"d offense we would pull license and the State revokes at 3rd offense. Jennifer said all applications for licenses will come before Council for approval. • Building Inspector, Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding Items No. 6 and 7; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Gammon inquired on the process for demolition of property at 416 Barclay Avenue. • Gas Superintendent, Wes Boyett addressed the City Council regarding Item No. 22; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Burrell inquired on 3rd phase with selection of Magnolia River Services, Inc. • Interim Public Works Director, John Thomas, addressed the City Council regarding Item No. 18; and answered any questions if needed. • Water and Wastewater Superintendent, Daryl Morefield addressed Items No. 19 and 20; and answered any questions if needed. • Grants Coordinator, Nicole Love, addressed the City Council regarding Item No. 21; and answered any questions if needed. Nicole reported storm drains turned out phenomenal with partners, great project! • Fire Chief, Chris Ellis addressed the Ribbon Cutting for Training Facility. Chief thanked Mayor Sullivan and Councilmember Booth and all that came out for event. Open House scheduled on April 18, 2026. The sixth item added to agenda was Executive Session. At the request of the City Attorney, Marcus E. McDowell, the City Council will rise from the City Council Work Session and go into Executive Session based on Alabama Code 36-25A-7(a)(3) to discuss pending and potential litigation; and 36-25A-7(a)(7) to discuss matters of trade or commerce in which the entity is in competition with private entities. The approximate time to be in Executive Session is thirty-five (35) minutes. Councilmember Jack Burrell moved to adjourn meeting and go into Executive Session prior to Regular City Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Jay Robinson, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Exited the dais at 5:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the was duly adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Monday, 9 March 2026 Page -4- c JIe ?Olson—'CMC sk Ja kD Reid Conyers r.Cil President JLN by the Numbers 1��UTTU - IA. r r. 1 3 Mil Funds 12 Positions: • 7 Additional Certified Teachers 1 STEAM Teacher 1 Reading/Instructional Coach 1 Math Coach 1 Intervention Coordinator 3 Part Time Instructors • 5 Support Staff Members 5 Instructional Paras Fairhope Public School Commission 3 Mil J. Larry Newton Elementary Tonya B. Harrelson, Principal School Year: 2026-2027 Overview: The 3 Mil Commission provides funding designated for improving academics at J. Larry Newton Elementary. Below are the requested positions and items to enhance student learning and academic achievement. Instructional Coach: Math Specialist (K-6) Provides professional development and coaching cycles for teachers. Leads the Math Professional Learning Community. Supports STEAM and Literacy Night initiatives. Instructional Coach: Literacy & Technology Coach (Upper Grades) • Specializes in literacy instruction and professional development. • Supports the integration of technology in classrooms (eMINTS, Google Classroom). • Leads Literacy Professional Learning Community and coaching cycles. STEAM Lab Instructor Teaches and models STEAM lessons for teachers. Coordinates the use of the outdoor classroom and STEAM fair. Assists in the STEAM certification process and grant writing. Intervention Teacher Provides extra reading and math support for struggling students. Organizes intervention schedules and groups. Leads the Intervention Professional Learning Community. Instructional Paraprofessionals (5 Positions) • Supports academic instruction and behavior interventions. • Works with small groups and individual students to close learning gaps. Part -Time Interventionists (Reading & Math Instructors: 3 Positions) • Offers additional support in reading and math intervention groups. Conclusion These funding requests are designed to enhance academic performance, provide targeted support for students, and strengthen instructional practices within J. Larry Newton Elementary.