HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-2026 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 Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell,
Joshua Gammon, and Andrea Booth, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk
Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay Robinson and Mayor Sherry Sullivan were 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 the Presentation of the Twin Beech Corridor Study:
Recommendations for the Fairhope City Council as Reviewed by the Street and Traffic
Control Committee by City Engineer Richard Johnson. (See attached Presentation) Mr.
Johnson mentioned a possible County Grant where the County and City each pay 50
percent. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with Alternate Number
2: a roundabout.
Mr. Johnson explained the need to add on a resolution for the "Fuel Spill Clean Up and
Remediation at the Fairhope Docks Marina." He stated that an insurance claim had been
filed for reimbursement.
• Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Shane Nolte's
Retirement and invited everyone to his Retirement Celebration on Wednesday, April 29,
2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the James P. Nix Center.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 4:52 p.m.
� J -
Ja es Reid Conyers r.
Council President 111
LAanks, MMC
City Clerk
Twin Beech Corridor Study:
Recommendations for the
Fairhope City Council
As Reviewed by the Street & Traffic Control Committee
Prepared by Neel -Schaffer
SHANE BERGIN, PE, PTOE, PTP, RSPZ
Study Purpose and Projected Growth
The study provides data -driven insights on
traffic growth and challenges along Twin
Beech Road corridor through 2045.
Traffic and Safety Evaluation
Assessment covered traffic operations,
safety, and multimodal needs including
vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Recommended Improvements
The briefing focuses on recommended
intersection improvements balancing
safety, efficiency, cost, and flexibility.
Council Decision Support
Information aims to assist Council in
making informed decisions on funding,
programming, and coordination efforts.
Proactive Transportation Planning
The study aims to address future traffic growth and prevent
severe mobility and safety issues before they arise.
Enhancing User Safety
Focus on reducing crashes, improving pedestrian visibility &
safety, and ensuring accessibility for all users including those
with disabilities.
Operational Efficiency
Evaluating traffic control strategies to minimize delays and
congestion during peak commuter hours on key corridors.
Cost -Effectiveness and Scalability
Balancing upfront costs with long-term performance to
recommend sustainable improvements like signals and
roundabouts.
Alternative 1—All Way Stop Condition
Pros:
• Inexpensive
• Quick to Install
• No existing infrastructure
issues
• Pedestrian Friendly
• Reduces delay for southbound
and northbound approaches
Cons:
• Instant failure of eastbound
and westbound approaches
• Excessive queuing at peak
hours (school) — potentially
backing traffic up to Pirates
Drive US HWY 98
NOT RECOMMENDED
NS &TC
�P
r
Alternative2— Single Lane Roundabout
Pros:
• Eliminates serious crashes
• Semi - Pedestrian Friendly
• Reduces delay for southbound
and northbound approaches
• Proven Infrastructure
Cons:
• Expensive
• Major Infrastructure
Improvements
• Require Ped Signals (RRFB's)
• Hard Road Closures
Slight increase in delay for
eastbound &westbound
approaches
RECOMMENDATIONS
NS - NO/TC-TENTYES
�36 1
Alternative 3 — Signalized Intersection W/TL
Pros:
• Improves Intersection Safety— Protected
Left Turn Movements
• Very Pedestrian Friendly
• Allows for Integrated and Timed
Pedestrian Crossing Signals
• Reduces delay for southbound and
northbound approaches
• Proven Infrastructure
• Open to Thru Traffic During Construction
Cons:
• Moderately Expensive
Major Infrastructure Improvements
Slight increase in delay for eastbound &
westbound approaches
RECOMMENDATIONS
NS-YES/TC-TENTYES
Ln
c
0
Ul
4-J
N
ro
U*)
ro
Eq
Alternative 4 —Signalized Intersection Plus
Pros:
• Improves Intersection & Corridor Safety —
Protected Left Turn Movements
• Very Pedestrian Friendly
• Allows for Integrated and Timed
Pedestrian Crossing Signals
• Reduces delay for southbound and
northbound approaches
• Proven Infrastructure
• Open to Thru Traffic During Construction
Cons:
Very Expensive —Can Be Phased Const.
Major Infrastructure Improvements
Slight increase in delay for eastbound &
westbound approaches
RECOMMENDATIONS
NS—YES/TC-TENT NO
Questions and
Discussion