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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-2026 Personnel Board Meeting MinutesCITY OF FAIRHOPE Personnel Board Meeting 7:00 A.M. January 15th, 2026 161 N. Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 Present were: Members: Jake O’Neil; Stephanie Sandefur; Terry Ullrich; Human Resource Director Hannah Noonan; Safety Coordinator John Smith; Interim Public Works Director John Thomas The meeting was called to order at 7:00 a.m. Human Resource Director Hannah Noonan provided a Human Resources update regarding the City’s compensation and classification study. Mrs. Noonan reported that the selected consulting firm is based in Tallahassee and has previously worked with the City. The City has experience with the firm dating back prior to the Auburn compensation study, and the firm currently serves twenty-three Alabama clients, including four Baldwin County entities within the last several years. Mrs. Noonan stated that she worked with the firm while employed by the City of Daphne and was very pleased with both the process and the final product. Mrs. Noonan reported that City Council has approved the selection of the consulting firm, and the next step will be Council approval of the contract fee. The City budgeted $75,000 for the study; however, the consultant submitted a proposal of $45,000, resulting in an estimated savings of approximately $26,000. The consultant confirmed the ability to meet the City’s desired six-month timeline, which would allow most proposed changes to be considered during preparation of the FY27 budget. Mrs. Noonan explained that implementation is anticipated to be phased, with adoption of the new classification plan followed by phased salary adjustments to minimize budget impact. She noted that the consultant’s process allows employees, supervisors, and department heads to provide feedback and input throughout the study and that the consulting team has direct public-sector human resources experience. Safety Coordinator John Smith presented the safety and workers’ compensation report. He reported that there have been two incidents recorded for 2026 to date, compared to one incident during the same period in 2025. Workers’ compensation costs for 2026 currently reflect zero dollars, as the most recent incident had not yet been processed, compared to $2,517.48 at this time last year. Mr. Smith reviewed ongoing training and safety initiatives, including equipment training within the Gas Department, quarterly safety meetings, policy reviews, and coordination with the City Clerk to review the financial and administrative impacts of accidents. Mr. Smith also discussed a recent police incident involving possible fentanyl exposure during a traffic stop. The officer administered Narcan and was transported to the emergency room as a precaution. Interim Public Works Director John Thomas addressed the Board regarding a request to amend the City’s classification plan to move the Mechanic position from Grade 7 to Grade 8. Human Resource Director Noonan explained that the request was due to difficulty recruiting qualified mechanics at the current pay range, particularly following the resignation of a highly skilled and tenured mechanic and the existence of additional vacancies. A market comparison was reviewed showing that while current Fairhope mechanic wages are competitive on average, the City’s pay range ceiling limits the ability to attract experienced candidates. The proposed grade change would increase the pay range ceiling and support recruitment and retention efforts. A motion was made to approve the reclassification of the Mechanic position from Grade 7 to Grade 8. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Mrs. Noonan also provided an update on participation in the Baldwin County Utility Internship Program, noting interest from a former mechanic intern who is graduating in May. Additional discussion followed regarding recruitment challenges within Public Works, particularly for entry-level and horticulture positions, and how these issues are expected to be addressed through the upcoming compensation study. A motion was made to approve the October and November meeting minutes. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jake O’Neil Secretary Personnel Board