HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-26-2026 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF BALDWIN
The City Council rnet in a Work Session
at 4:30 p.m., Farrhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber,
161 North Section Street, Fairliope, Alabama 36532,
on Tuesday, 26 May 2026,
Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Council in embers: Jack Burrell,
Joshua Gammon, Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City
Attorney Marc -us E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. flanks.
Council President Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
The first item oil the Agenda was A Salute to America at OWA by Joe Dean and Robin
Page, Mr. Dean wrote, directed, and produced this show which will be a musical history
tour from 1776 to Afghanistan. He said it will celebrate all six branches of the military
and then- families, Mr. Dean invited the Councilmembers and the Mayor to attend a
performance; and asked them to get the word out for this show. Ile said this is in honor of
all veterans and America 250. Performances will be held on July 2, 2026, July 3, 2026,
and July 4, 2026,
The Presentation of the New Police Precinct at Quail Creek was next on the Agenda. City
Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council briefly walked them through the
floor plans. fie said this will be a steel building with craftsman style elevation. Mr.
Johnson said there is a proposed new road to Windmill Road. It was mentioned that this
project could be fanded 100 percent by Impact Fees. The City Council questioned the
completion date and access to the bathroorris, (A copy of the floor plans are on file in the
City Clerk's office)
The next Agenda Item was the Discussion of System Development Charges ("SDC's)
and Territory; and Ordinance about Units per Acre. Mayor Sullivan gave the background
oil the System Dekelopment Charges; and said Utility Engineer Noel Berry would be
going over some changes on the proposed ordinances. Mr. Berry said these are based on
the size of the water line. Mayor Sullivan commented that "Gro\Ath pays for Growth" and
are established to recover cost relating to capital needs for capacity, treatment, and
transmission systems.
Attorney Chi -is Williams explained the process; and stated, "these are not impact Fees."
He said these are System Development Charges for Water and Sewer, Council President
Conyers said this is a big jump, but we are not capturing costs now, Mayor Sullivan
replied that we are doing incremental increases. She said we are trying to do services
most economically. Mayor Sullivan mentioned the "Proposed Sewer 'Ferri tory Map"' and
asked them to look it over. Councilmember Gammon asked about a grace period and the
differences in rates now compared to the ones proposed, Councilmernber Burrell thanked
everyone who worked oil this.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Page -2-
Planning Director Hunter Simmons and the Discussion of Zoning Amendments was next
on the Agenda; and lie presented "Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Case No. ZC 25.07."
He mentioned that a public hearing would be held on July 13, 2026 and that there will be
separate ordinances for the amendments. He briefly went over Mixed -Use Development,
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), and Impervious Surfaces, Mr. Simmons said the
pause on the MOPS will expire on July 17, 2026. Council President Conyers asked if a 30
day extension would be enough. Mr. Williams explained the need for separation of each
item. The consensus of the City Council was to extend the pause on the MOPS for 30
days.
Mr. Simmons briefly explained other Cities impervious surface comparisons, and said
there was no changes in the Zoning Ordinance since August. Planned Unit Developments
were discussed next; and Mr. Simmons said the last meeting we agreed over 10 acres
there should be at least on commercial unit, He explained the reasons this may not work -
for all PUDs by trying to put one application for all.
Mayor Sullivan brought up Highway 181 and County Road 13 being more residential.
She said based on the Comprehensive Plan Highway 181 was to be more commercial.
Councilmernber Gammon said this is an intense process and may not pass the City
Council. Both Councilmenibers BUITell and Gammon agreed if the property is zoned
residential keep it residential not a PUD. COUDC11meniber Robinson commented that a
PUD is a creative way to fit that no other way exists. He asked what benefit County Road
13 would be for a PUD, Mr, Simmons setbacks, trees, greenspace, etc., and mentioned
Hill Top Subdivision won awards for their creative setbacks and use of low impact
de\ elopments,
Councilineniber Robinson said a commercial node must have a commercial unit. He said
there is no cookie cutter for all PUDs, Councilinember Robinson said if it fits
"Corninuirity Structure" so good but if not, the City Council can say "no.- The consensus
of the City Council was three units per acre; and no commercial at this time.
There being no further business to corrie before the City Council, the rneeting was
duly adjourned at 6:05 p.rn.
Jaine-s Reid Conyers,Jr
Co u nci I President
_4.
'Lisa A; flanks; MMC-
City Clerk