HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-2026 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 Monday, 23 March 2026.
Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell,
Joshua Gammon (arrived at 4:53 p.m.), Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry
Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
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 the Presentation 3 Mill for Fairhope High School by
Principal Jon Cardwell. The Power Point Presentation is titled "Fairhope High School
Provide Hope and Opportunity" and "Fairhope High School 3-Mill Impacts." (See
attached Power Point) Mr. Cardwell also handed out to the City Council the Funding
Requests from Fairhope High School to the Fairhope Public Schools Commission for the
2026 — 2027 school year. (See attached handout) Mr. Cardwell thanked the City Council
for their support and for the 3-Mill Tax.
The Presentation 3 Mill for Fairhope East Elementary School by Principal Christina
Stacey was next on the Agenda. She handed out a document titled "Excellence in Every
Lesson" to the City Council. Ms. Stacey said they use the funds for Interventionist; and
the school has four full-time and four part-time. She said they have a STEAM lab which
is certified and an ESL Program. Ms. Stacey commented this is a Team effort. (See
attached handout)
The next item on the Agenda was the Discussion of the E-Bike Ordinance by Police
Chief Stephanie Hollinghead. She said the proposed ordinance allows for fines and e-
bikes to be towed. Chief Hollinghead said if the e-bike gets towed; then we can educate
parents when they pick up the e-bike. She said our School Resource Officers can educate
the students in our schools on e-bikes and the ordinance. Councilmember Robinson
commented that students do not know the rules. Chief Hollinghead asked the City
Council to look at the proposed ordinance; and she would have it on the next Agenda.
The Discussion of the Potential Living Shoreline on the South End of the Beach Front
Park was handled by City Engineer Richard Johnson on behalf of Lee Turner, Fairhope
Single Tax Corporation's President. He said this would be an engineered beach with
vegetation and possibly an oyster bed. Mr. Johnson said this would be a demonstration
site. (See attached handout) Councilmember Burrell questioned maintenance, State
riparian rights, and fertilizer for grass. Mr. Johnson said there will be a little maintenance
and no State rights needed since nothing is being built on the water. Interim Public Works
Director John Thomas stated that grass is not fertilized.
Monday, 23 March 2026
Page -2-
• Mayor Sullivan commented that this will be a great partnership with Fairhope Single Tax
Corporation along with the Pelican's Nest and Flying Creek Nature Preserve. She
mentioned the Joe Faust Tax Credits for a Living Shore.
• Councilmember Burrell gave an update on the Airport Authority and funds needed for the
road on the west side of the airport.
• Councilmember Robinson gave an update on the Fairhope Historic Preservation
Commission. He said the proposed ordinance amendment for Certified Local
Government designation will be on the April 13, 2026 Work Session; and if approved,
will be on the next City Council meeting. He also gave an update on the Recreation
Board regarding to recommend to the City Council to accept the most recent Phase One
recommendations from Gonzalez -Strength & Associates as the final requirements of the
contract with the City of Fairhope.
• Councilmember Booth gave an update on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee and the
e-bike ordinance. She commented about the Arts and Crafts Festival, and said it was a
great weekend.
• Council President Conyers said the Personnel Board meeting was cancelled and gave an
update on the Parking Authority and the parking garage.
• Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council
regarding Agenda Items No. 19, No. 20, No. 21, and No. 22; and answered any questions
if needed. Council President Conyers thanked Councilmember Burrell and the City
Council for pushing back on Agenda Item No. 19. Mayor Sullivan mentioned that the
total amount includes Design and CE&I.
• City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No.
15, No. 16, No. 17, and No. 18; and answered any questions if needed.
• Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda
Items No. 13 and No. 14; and answered any questions if needed.
• City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 13;
and answered any questions if needed. She said that the City will provide the materials
with a cost not -to -exceed $15,500.00. She said the audit is complete; and we will need to
extend the $25 million dollars with Webber since note is coming dues; and will reach out
to PNC and Truist for quotes too.
• Fire Chief Chris Ellis addressed the City Council and gave an update on the "Hands on
Training" at the new facility. He said there were 75 students that attended the training. He
announced on April 18, 2026 there will be an Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
at the new training facility along with tours. Chief Ellis addressed Agenda Item No. 28;
and answered any questions if needed.
• Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No.
24, No. 25, No. 26, and No. 27; and answered any questions if needed.
• Interim Public Works Director John Thomas Agenda Item No. 29; and answered any
questions if needed.
Monday, 23 March 2026
Page -3-
IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 11
and No. 12; and answered any questions if needed. City Attorney McDowell explained
that the company is limiting liability to the amount of the contract which is only
$75,000.00. Councilmember Burrell questioned why liability is so low. Councilmember
Robinson said this is not unusual for contracts like this; and cyber insurance should
handle it.
• Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No.
23; and answered any questions if needed.
Planning and Zoning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Items No. 9 and No. 10; and answered any questions if needed.
Chris Morrison, CEO of Performance Regattas, LLC, addressed the City Council
regarding Agenda Item No. 31; and answered any questions if needed. He said this is a
spectator sport with low impact to the beach. The consensus of the City Council was to
vote on the first race and adjust if necessary.
Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council regarding
Agenda Item No. 31. She stated the beach rental is not for this beach, parking is prime in
this area, and they will need overnight security from the Fairhope Police Department.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Jaros Reid Conye , r.
Cncil President V
Vsa A. �anks,MC
City Clerk
Fairhope High School
Provide Hope and Opportunity
fairhope
High
Seh000l
3-Mill
i1119&eZ)tts
25m26 Budget Items
• 4 teachers funded to increase program enrollment and minimize core classes (2 ELA,1 business ed,
1 agriscience)
® Funding academic field trips to minimize costto families and students
® Line Items to support our Fine Arts and STEM programs (Band, Dance, Choir/Piano,Guitar,
Engineering)
® Professional Development for teachers (fees and substitute teachers)
® Audiovisual Upgrades and Installs (modernizing school environment)
3/20/26
]Budget Items continued
• 113, AP, PSAT, ACT Testing fees (3 National Merit Finalists, Increased 30+ club over 100)
• Math Tutoring (supplemented/expanded BCBE allotment to have daily Math tutoring)
• Future Plans:
• Student Culture/Environment Enhancements (Culture and Climate)
• Intervention Teacher to work specifically with Targeted Students
OJ
3/20/26
City/County
Score
Overall Academic Achievement
Math
Ells
Science
Economically Disadvantag
Mountain Brook
.city
99
98.65
84,15
71.93
94.45
3.05
Vestavia Hills
city
96
94.18'
74.42
71.2
76,55
10.4
Hewitt Trussville
city
96
83,79
57.66
69.19
68.52
16.59
o
Orange Beach Midi city
95
83.58
57.89
67,
68.88
21.95
s
-®
Homeood
city
94
85.87
63.93
64.86
65.69
29.4
Spanish Fort
county
94
78.35
51
63.05
61.85
17.55
Gulf Shores
city
93
67.87
42.04
53.64
51.77
32.81
c, CA
Fairhope
county
92
86.08
58.63
72.19
64.47
23.81
a
ca a
Hartselle
city
91
66.54
47.64
41.5
44.09
28
-a
Saraland
city
91
63.78
37.37
45.3,
46.37
43.49
Spain Park
city
90
70.89
49.71
47.29
52.35
32.92
®
Chelsea
county
90
69.35
44.19
51.76
51.74
25.54
0
o
E
Huntsville
city
90
63.76
37.05
47.7
50.11
26.98
V
Cullman
city
89
63.84
36.16
43.58
41,96
29.67
Oak Mountain
county
88
72.74
52.23
49.6
56.43
24.33
w
n
James Clemens
city
88
68.45
45.58
51.02
53.02
25.17
W
Daphne
county
88
73.29
43.51
57.18
52.16
29.74
fl'
Bob Janes
city
86
66.94
45
46.98
53.6
26.5
Helena
county
86
60.14
36.36
40.36
45.45
27.72
Thompson
city
86
55.57
34.92
32.39
43.06
51.97
Auburn
city
84
66.67
48.98
41.4
49.62
30.19
Hoover
city
84
68.09
46.92
44.91
50.13
30,83
Pelham
city
84
55,91
27.01
38.29
40.88
46.99
# 3 on this list In overail
#4 on this list In math
#6 on this list in science
academic achievement;
#1 on this list
behind Mountain Brook
behind mountain brook,
behind Mountain Brook and
Vestavia, Homewood
vestavia, orange beach,
Vestavia
hewltt Trussville,
homewood
f`t!'
3/20/26
Funding Requests from Fairhope High School
Fairhope Public School Commission /3 Mill Referendum
School Year: 26-27
School Summary: Educational requests for Fairhope High School.
Below are requests to the Commission for Fairhope Schools for the approximate $750,000
designated for improving academics.
Title of Position/Item 1 I Cost Job Description Benefit to students/academic enhancement
I
English -Language Arts /ACT 82,012
PrepTeacher
English -Language Arts/ACT 186,257
Intervention Teacher 85,000
Business Teacher 89,042
Agriscience Teacher 82,123
Academic Student Field Trip 30,000
Line Item
Line Item for Band Program 90,000
Professional Development
Registration Fees
Student
Culture/Environment
Enhancements
Line item for Choir/Piano
Audiovisual Upgrades
10,000
30,000
Renewal
Renewal
New Unit
Renewal
Renewal
Academic Field Trip
Renewal
Band Upgrades and
Enhancements
Renewal
Teacher PD
Renewal
Student Culture and
Learning Environment
10,000 I Choir Enhancements
Renewal
35,000 I AV Enhancements
Renewal
ACT Prep and English Classes
English -Language Arts
This unit will work specifically with our
targeted, underperforming students
focusing on ACT prep and learning skills
This unit is needed to support the Alabama
Legislatures enacting the Option B Diploma. It
also increases the mandatory CCRS standard
needed to graduate.
This second agriscience unit is needed to
support the Alabama Legislatures enacting the
Option B Diploma. It also increases the
mandatory CCRS standard needed to
graduate.
This line item will serve to alleviate
challenges from cost of taking academic
field trips like Empowering Minds, Scholars
Bowl, Etc.
This line item will be used in procuring new
instruments and other expenses.
This line item will be used to fund
registration fees regarding IB, AP, PLC and
other PD that will benefit classrooms.
This line item will be used for upgrades and
enhancements to increase our student
learning environment and learning culture
Supplement items needed for choral
program and Piano Lab
Enhance outdated technology (sound
systems, presentation materials)
IB, AP, PSAT, ACT Testing
Fees
Line Item for Agriscience
Substitute Teachers for
RTI, Field Trips,
Professional Development
Line Item for Guitar
Math Tutoring
Engineering Line Item
60,000 Student Testing Fees
Renewal
10,000 Ag Enhancements and
Projects
Renewal
10,000 Student Achievement
Renewal
5000 Guitar Class
enhancments
Renewal
Increase availability for students to
participate in college testing programs
Used to provide food, materials, and
items to support the AG program
This line item will be used to help provide
substitute teachers for RTI meetings,
Academic Field Trips, and teachers
attending Professional Development
Supplement items needed for Guitar Class
12,000 Student Achievement Supplemental Math tutoring for Alg I, Alg
Renewal 2, Geometry, and advanced math
15,000 Renewal Supplemental funding for Engineering
Program/Electric Vehicle Program
Total: $741,434
FairhoDe East
16nV1.16161611V1. 111
EVERY LESSON!
1 � �
Innovative Curriculum
Our curriculum combines the
latest in robotics technology
with foundational STEAM
principles, ensuring a well-
rounded education
ACADEMIC
GROWTH
Hands -On Learning
Kids learn best by doing, and
our coaches work side by side
teachers to ensure students
are engaged through
interactive learning
ESL
PROGRAM
Expert Instructors
Our team of full time and part
time interventionists,
coaches,and support staff work
together to fill any gaps a child
may have and support them in
their daily instruction.
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