Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2026 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA ) COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 11 May 2026. Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers (arrived at 4:05 p.m.), Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Joshua Gammon (arrived at 4:28 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 4:05 p.m. The following topics were discussed: The first item on the Agenda was the Presentation 3 Mill for Fairhope Middle School. Principal Anie Hall stated she would be doing an evaluation this evening; and that Assistant Principal Katie Shurett would be going the presentation. The Power Point Presentation is titled "Fairhope Middle School." (See attached Power Point Presentation) Ms. Shurett announced the school's score is a 93 and is ranked third in all middle schools in Alabama for 2026. The Fairhope Junior City Council Project Power Point Presentation was next on the Agenda; and is titled "Bruce Cuddy Pickleball Tournament." President Camille Hausman, Vice President Mary Elizabeth Owens, Secretary Bethany Pierce, and Programs Manager Fisher Key gave the presentation. (See attached Power Point Presentation) They thanked Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Recreation Director Pat White, and his staff for all of their hard work and support. They presented the Fairhope-Point Clear Rotary Youth Club a check in the amount of $1,119.00. Program Director Charles Durgin and Assistant Program Director LaToya Jones accepted the check; and Mr. Durgin said it will be put in their scholarship fund. Mayor Sullivan thanked the Fairhope Junior City Council and Assistant City Clerk Jenny Wilson for their hard work with this fundraiser. Ms. Wilson announced the names of each Fairhope Junior City Council member; and Mayor Sullivan handed out cords to the senior members and cups to all members. Mayor Sullivan said that the applications for the 2026 — 2027 year are online. Council President Jimmy Conyers asked the FJCC members to state their name, where they will be going to college, and what their major will be. • Planning Director Hunter Simmons and the Discussion of Zoning Amendments was next on the Agenda; and he presented "Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Case No. ZC 25.07." (See attached Power Point Presentation) Mr. Simmons said, "where do we go from here?" Councilmember Burrell said that we need to set the tone on Planned Unit Developments ("PUDs") and have greenspace requirements. He said we need a component with residential requirement for density, i.e., 2-1/2 per acre. Councilmember Burrell told the City Council that we can get a recommendation for approval; and we can still deny it. Monday, 11 May 2026 Page -2- Mr. Simmons said we need to keep the PUD as a tool and come with other solutions. Councilmember Gammon suggested 1 to 1-1/2 per acre; and said we need a difference between R-A and R-1. Council President Conyers commented developers want a comfort level and a clear solution. He too said we always have the option to deny. Councilmember Robinson said the owner needs to know that the City Council has the right to deny. He said we look at the broader impact on the Community. Councilmember Burrell questioned Mixed -Use Development's percentage. Mr. Simmons stated any lot in the CBD would get one residential on the ground floor; and must be commercial with a 75% and 25% residential. The consensus of the City Council was move forward with the percentage presented. Mr. Simmons requested a couple of weeks to bring his recommendations for PUDs and the same with impervious surface percentage. Mr. Simmons said he would look at apples to apples what each City/Town has implemented. The consensus of the City Council on Site Plan amendments was to move forward with what was presented, at least 3 acres for a PUD that is Site Plan driven. Councilmember Burrell said he was okay with 3.b in the PUD with a minimum to 3. Councilmember Gammon agreed with Councilmember Burrell, but would like to see net density. Councilmember Robinson asked what the reason for PUD is if mainly residential. Mr. Simmons responded there could be different Residential Districts within PUD. Councilmembers Burrell and Gammon asked about if over 10 acres; 33 percent commercial. Councilmember Burrell said he was good with a. and b. but wants the 33 percent removed. Councilmember Gammon commented it needs to be good for our Community with a 10 acre limit. Attorney Chris Williams stated we need to know what you want or you will have to vote up or down. Mr. Simmons said he needed guidance with under 10 acres does not need commercial and over 10 acres must have commercial. Mr. Williams told the City Council that they still have discretion for approval or disapproval even if it is not in the Zoning Ordinance. Councilmember Burrell began discussion on "Parking." He said right now the requirement is one space per unit; and suggested aid to construction for a Parking Garage. Mr. Simmons commented maybe a fee for parking monthly or annually. Council President Conyers agreed with funds for parking; and he wants mixed use, but it must be managed. Mr. Simmons stated a Parking Study will be presented and there will be more discussions. • Councilmember Burrell said the Fairhope Airport Authority meeting is tomorrow night; and they are working on second draft to turn over property to the City for the Industrial Park. • Councilmember Gammon said the Tree Committee will meet Wednesday. He said the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board met Friday and discussed greenspace. • Councilmember Booth mentioned the Fairhope Public Library's Summer Movie Program, Summer Reading Program, and then gave an update. • Council President Conyers said the Fairhope Public Schools Commission's presentations how they spent the 3-Mill Funds. He said the K-1 funds must be used for the Fairhope Feeder Pattern. He said the Parking Authority and Personnel Board will meet later this month. Monday, 11 May 2026 Page -3- • Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 18, No. 19, and No. 20; and answered any questions if needed. • Gas Superintendent Wes Boyett addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 23; and answered any questions if needed. He mentioned that Phase II of the Cast Iron Project was complete; and gave credit to his employees: Tristan Kennedy and Kyler Crowley. They both told the City Council that they appreciate them and appreciate working for the City of Fairhope. • City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and announced that the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation River Mill Park's construction will begin next week. He addressed Agenda Items No. 8, No. 16, and No. 17; and answered any questions if needed. • Public Works Director John Thomas addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 9, No. 12, No. 13, No. 14, No. 15, and No. 22; and answered any questions if needed. • Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 24; and answered any questions if needed. • IT Director Jeff Montgomery addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 21; and answered any questions if needed. • Chief Stephanie Hollinghead addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 5, No. 28, and No. 29; and answered any questions if needed. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Council President Conyers announced there would be a 10 minute break and then the City Council meeting would begin. Ja s �f v Reid Cony r r. C ncil Presidents Zisatnks, MMC City Clerk W W f Q Vv IoouoS aIPPIN adogjlu l SS3l)OS ONIJ ONV 'S83H10 ]Ad]S `3)N31131X3 801 IA181S OHM S8IN8VII 5NOI -3111 11OV80NOH QNV 0108 81MOdNI Ol NOISSIW AZZZTh r PA ■ • ■ D D L E ,+ SCHOOL 1 a A ob 7M Angie Hall, Principal or Shawn O'Connor, Assistant Principal Katie Shurett, Assistant Principal Kristie Davis, Assistant Principal ( v K AIN MmIllow 1111 N :W044114 MM1616 ALL BALDWIN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL RESULTS Fairhope Middle — 2026 ranking: 3; 2025 ranking: 6; change +3 Elberta Middle — 2026 ranking: 26; 2025 ranking: 48; change +22 W J Carroll Intermediate School — 2026, ranking: 35; 2025 ranking: 35; change: 0 Gulf Shores Middle — 2026 ranking: 86; 2025 ranking: 110; change +24 Perdido.Elementary — 2026 ranking:101; 2025 ranking: 85; change: -16 Summerdale School — 2026 ranking: 145; '2025 ranking: 168; change: +23 Central Baldwin Middle — 2026 ranking: 155; 2025 ranking: 178; change: +23 U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORTS RANK FAIRHOPE MIDDLE THIRD BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL IN ALABAMA. J 0 0 Li Cf) J 0 C U) L m mi s U) W V A Attendance Incentives O Other (approved) ________________________ Date: • 4M Full time ESL Teacher utilizing an inclusion model to support ESL students during Tier 1 instruction in Math and English. Small groups two periods a day to address ESL service minutes and bridge language gaps. �>M>�*N> . r ri When I was my students' age, I remember the fear of not knowing English in a strange place. What I love most about working with ESL students is that I can see that sparkle in their eyes when what they are learning finally clicks. When that + happens, they take that excitement to empower themselves and help others. As a first -generation immigrant myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to see our students gain the confidence to begin navigating their own lives here. ��� Mrs. Stella Cooper Ills We focus on fostering a positive school environment for students, teachers, and families. Positive Student Referrals Student of the Month sponsored by Gene's Beans Teacher Attendance ��M*rs /1I J 0 mr 0 Cl) LLI am 0 LLM Mir opal Fair I ioblsy��� a$ IXL DATA IS USED TO MEASURE STUDENT GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. STUDENTS PERFORMING BELOW BENCHMARK PARTICIPATE IN INTERVENTION CLASSES. Data: State Assessment Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program S U M MATI V E FMS 24-25 ACAP SUMMATIVE PROFICIENCY PERCENTAGES 7th ELA FMS Baldwin Co. Alabama 79% 67% 57% 8th ELA FMS Baldwin Co. Alabama 77% 63% 55% 7th MATH FMS Baldwin Co. Alabama 58% 36% 24% 8th MATH FMS Baldwin Co. Alabama 66% 37% 24% 8th.SCIENCE FMS Baldwin Co. Alabama 66% 56°/ 411yo mmwl -L MA Q� FAIR ul 3 MILL TAX Local U ding Intervention Teachers Instructional Aides Pirate Boost Professional Development Math Intervention Karli McDoniell What I love most about my position is watching my students make such big leaps throughout the school ,year. Watching their confidence grow as they proceed through challenging units is such a gratifying experience. I am thankful that I get to be a part of their academic journey. Instructional Aide Talasia Campbell The best part of my job is being someone that students feel safe talking to, because many of them don't have anyone else. Reading Intervention Elizabeth Davis I enjoy meeting students at their specific point of need, helping to strengthen their skills and build confidence in reading. Math Intervention Emily Coate I am grateful for my position as a math interventionist because I think helping students fill in learning gaps will help them succeed in high school and keep career opportunities available to them. Pirate Boost Faye Sheppard The greatest part of being the "Pirate Boost" teacher is witnessing student growth and confidence as they complete challenging assignments. Students are also given individualized attention that they may not receive in a classroom setting. Instructional Aide Teresa Cruz The hest part of my job is having the opportunity to work with students individually and in small group settings which I feel provides the greatest impact on their learning. Reading Intervention Monica Yang As the 8th Grade Reading Intervention teacher, I am grateful for our local funds. Our state assessment scores, as well as our students' progress monitoring scores continue to improve. Our students are gaining confidence and will benefit from this program for years to come. For that, I am thankful. ,�o�al Fun ding: Piste Boost Local Funding: Professional Development A team of teachers traveled to New Orleans where they attended the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) conference. Teachers were able to participate in personalized learning where topics focused on how to best serve diverse students.They also had an opportunity to meet with Alabama State Superintendent, Dr. Mackey Local Funding: Prof essionaevelopment 001S Summit We were able to send our curriculum leader, a counselor, an English teacher, and our Special Education team leader to the Innovative Schools Summit in Chicago. This was four conferences in one! Innovative Teaching Strategies, At -Risk Students, Social -Emotional Learning, and Innovative School Leadership. A' W W N �Q V a z a� (z LM 9� V C O C O too; C W 0 z Q Oder. �r A><' �',�i' ��� 9 � •--- ��.__._ `;tea' i r ' e. H e � 1 i� � � I�' "s•. �r�' �S"=`�'iZ 'R!'�rt+; ems, �':. r owl ' t� ++••. +. " 1 _� � / - !� _ .. �t � s "ilil �bif+r',r�l� ;J}'�iv�sidrSAi ..� �i.�! tif.[!'. till 411' Mg �•yyv+ A � 1 � E �LL � rill �, � £ � 3 1: � � � � �!' 4 .sal r j•-,. '►.� i -n ��,���ti J Despite morning rain, the event was able to service around 30 players. We provided refreshments (doughnuts, pizza, water, and Gatorade). Tropical Sno was invited and onsite with snow cones. The bouncy house also provided a fun environment for the younger kids who had been brought by players. The rain postponed the event start time until 11:30. This was communicated with the players by their contact method they provided when signing up for the tournament. Once the tournament began, the sun had come out and the water had been almost completely cleared from the courts. Fundraiser Report $800 $600 $400 $200 $0 Participation Fees Donations Fundraiser Total: $1,119 Rotary 0" Club FAIRHOPE / POINT CLEAR Donors We had multiple donations given at the event by participants. We also had a corporate donation given to us by Tony's Towing Inc. 100% of donations from the tournament are going to the Rotary Youth Club in Fairhope. The Bruce Cuddy Pickleball Tournament supported our local community and raised $1,119 that is donated to the Rotary Youth Club. Thank you Mayor Sherry Sullivan and City Council along with Pat White, Director of Recreation, and staff for your support on our project. ,WWI.— ' 4WW ---------------- WOO ,g• IrAfFlflpiiifipRl °s � as+s � °/ is i�i� �'4►�� � � ,t� " is�ar• 'sue/ r + ` •�,wit ` - '��ie,�.sw. .i.�:rar's: ::t x,`.'�."•.l` .5� «ice i � 6iy• :``�'.'>v'n �„�.4 ,.til, ,l& -. a.c .,,� y Y"�!': JP ,. � - low ,..ILi ' .•,' ..,....- T' _ { 1+ti`rNyyLY {. -C` '`' �s - f �r� Y :e T City of Fairhope City Council May 11, 2026 Zoning Ordinance Amendments Case: ZC 25.07 Prepared by: Hunter Simmons Background: These amendments are proposed in response to Comprehensive Plan input, conversations with City Council and Planning Commission, Staff evaluation, and consultation with Legal Counsel. Future Plans: There will be more amendments proposed in the coming month (s)/year(s). Current Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, along with other City regulations, have only had piecemeal edits over the last 20 years. Planning Staff has requested a budget item to begin an all-inclusive review and overhaul of current policy, to more efficiently guide the City's long-range growth. February 2026 Update: Amendments were proposed to the Planning Commission in September 2025 and to the City Council in October 2025. Staff was asked to revisit some of the proposed amendments and bring back revisions to the City Council. The following pages summarize changes to the amendments since they were heard during the October and November meetings. Change Log: October VS February VS May October February May 1. Changes to Site Plan Review requirements No Change No Change Since February 2. Impervious Surface Maximum added to No Change No Change Since February Residential 3. Recreational Zoning Districts No Change No Change Since February 4. Townhouses No Change No Change Since February S. Multi-Family/Apartments No Change No Change Since February 6. Mixed -Use Buildings Increased density and floor area ratio in the CBD; Decreased max. required commercial on decreased max. required commercial ground floor ground floor from 80% to 75% from 90% to 80% 7. Planned Unit Developments (PUD's) No Change Removed changes entirely 8. Village Districts No Change No Change Since February 9. Use Table Exception for existing single-family and two-family Added single-family and two-family uses back into B-3a, B-3b, & B-4; will come back w/ lodging uses in 2" d round 10. General Maintenance and Definitions Revised Gross Floor Area definition; changes to No Change Since February definition of building height removed entirely Why have a maximum impervious surface requirement? There does not seem to be many concerns with the concept of the maximum impervious requirements. For the most part, the concern seems to be focused on the permitting and enforcement of those requirements. The amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is the first part. If adopted, the City will monitor permits and adjust processes or propose new amendments to local regulations to accommodate challenges. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance requires adequacy for control of surface drainage for any permit. Regional Comparison: Baldwin County: • Definitions: o Ground Cover Ratio (GCR) —A ratio derived by dividing the total of all impervious surfaces on a lot by the lot area. o Impervious Surface — Any Hard Surfaced, man-made area that does not readily absorb water, including but not limited to: building roofs, streets, sidewalks, parking and driveway areas paved with asphalt, concrete, gravel, limestone, oyster shells, sand, clay or similar materials; and recreation areas. • Impervious Surface Restrictions: o RSF-E, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3, RSF-4, RTF-4 RSF-6, RTF-6 max GCR = 0.35 o RMF-6 & HDR: ■ Single & two-family max GCR = 0.35 ■ Multi -family, townhouses max GCR = 0.80 o B-1 max GCR = 0.60 o B-2, LB max impervious surface ratio = 0.60 o B-3, B-4 max impervious surface ratio = 0.70 o MR, OR, TR, M-1, & M-2 max impervious surface ratio = 0.80 o Local provision for District 25, the max impervious surface ratio for Multi -family buildings in RMF-6 is 0.50. o Local provision for District 37, the max impervious surface ratio for B-3 and B-4 is 0.60. Regional Comparison: Gulf Shores: • Definitions: Impervious Surface — A surface composed of any material that significantly impedes or prevents natural infiltration of water into soil. Impervious Surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, Buildings, Thoroughfares, swimming pools, fountains, sidewalks, tennis courts, and any concrete or asphalt surface. Pervious Paving areas are not considered Impervious Surfaces Building Coverage —The percent of total Lot Area covered by the shadow configuration footprint that would result if the noon sun were located directly over the Lot in question. Building Coverage applies to the roof surface of all Buildings and covered Parking Structures, but excludes temporary Buildings, open air trellises, picnic shelters, canopies, Awnings, swimming pools, tennis courts, sidewalks, surface parking lots, Driveways, paths, trails, plazas, and similar uncovered surfaces. • Residential Impervious Surface Restrictions: 17% 20% 30% 35% • Commercial Impervious Surface Restrictions: • Varies greatly by district 25% 30% 40% 30% 25% 25% 40% 50% 55% 50% 55% 60% Article III, Section D.14.c & d Previous (5) Maximum allowable Gross Density: One Dwelling Unit per 3,630 square feet of land contained in the parcel d. Use Restrictions: (1) Residential Uses: Upper Story Dwellings shall be allowed in accord with the following requirements: (i) No Upper Story Dwelling shall have a gross floor area of less than 600 feet. (2) Commercial Uses: (i) AL .ctat OVA 6t :ae gm,� C, nooi of a Mixed -Use Building shall be occupied by Commercial/nonresidential uses. For the purposes of this calculation, parking garages/areas, located within a Building's footprint, shall not make up more than 20% of the ground floor. Revised (5) Maximum allowable Gross Density: One Dwelling Unit per 7,000 square feet of land l ed in the arcel contained Limp uw of one (1) dwelmig twit may oe pernntteo, regardless of the aforementioned 7,000 square foot size requirement, for all legal lots in existence prior to _, 2026. Any and all new lots created after _ 2026 shall conform to the Maximum allowable Gross Density. d. Use Restrictions: (1) Residential Uses: Upper Story Dwellings shall be allowed in accord with the following requirements: (i) No Upper Story Dwelling shall have a gross floor area of less than 600 feet. (2) Commercial Uses: (i) At least 75% of the first floor shall be occupied by Commercial/nonresidential uses. For the purposes of this calculation, parking garages shall not make up more than 10% of the first/ground floor. Article V, Section I.A. Previous 2. Size -A Planned Unit Development shall be a minimum of 5 acres. Permitted Uses - The PUD District shall be assembled using any of the current base zening distriets the following base zoning districts listed in paragraphs a. and b. below. provided in the Faifhepe Zoning Ondifirmee. The list of permitted uses that will be utilized in each project shall be described and contained in the master development plan accompanying each Planned Unit Development application. a. No PUD may be comprised exclusively of residential uses. At minimum, 33% of the developable acreage within the proposed PUD shall utilize the following base zoning districts and shall be completed during the first development phase. (1) B-I -Local Business District (2) B-2 - General Business District (3) B-3a - Tourist Resort Lodging District (4) B-3b - Tourist Resort Commercial Service District (5) B-4 - Business and Professional District Proposed base zoning districts should account for neighboring uses, as well as the Fairhope Comprehensive Plan to determine appropriate base zoning districts. b. If the PUD includes residential uses, the base residential districts shall be limited to the following: (1) R-A- Residential/AgriculturalDistrict (2) R-I -Low Density Single -Family Residential District (3) R-I(a) -Low Density Single -Family Residential District (4) R-I(b) - Low Density Single -Family Residential District (5) R-I(c) - Low Density Single -Family Residential District (6) R-2 - Medium Density Single -Family Residential District (7) R-3 - High Density Single -Family Residential District Revised 2. Size — A Planned Unit Development shall be a minimum of 3 acres. 3. Permitted Uses - The PUD District shall be assembled using any of the current base zoning districts the piovioed m the Fairhope Zoning Ordinance. The list of permitted uses shall be described and contained in the master development plan accompanying each Planned Unit Development application. Article III, Section B Previous Table 3-1: Use Table Use Categories / Specilc Uses Dwelling,.. Single -Family • • • • • • Two-family • • TOW!]hOUSe 3 3 3 Patio Home 3 Revised Use Categories / Specific Uses Dwelling Single -Family • • • Two-family Townhouse Patio Home Table 3-1: Use Table l • • •� �•' it 3 3 3 3