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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-2026 Regular City Council Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )( : COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The City Council, City of Fairhope, met in regular session at 6:00 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, Jay Robinson (arrived at 5:11 p.m.), and Andrea Booth, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Mayor Sherry Sullivan was absent. There being a quorum present, Council President Conyers called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Councilmember Gammon, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Council President Conyers stated there was a need to add on an agenda item after Agenda Item Number 15: a resolution that the City of Fairhope has voted to approve the procurement of Emergency Fuel Spill Clean Up and Remediation at the Fairhope Docks Marina from Hoffman Petroleum Equipment for a coat of $27,463.33. An insurance claim has been filed for reimbursement of this expense. Councilmember Burrell moved to add on the above-mentioned item not on the printed agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Councilmember Gammon moved to approve minutes of the April 13 2026, regular meeting; and minutes of the April 13, 2026, work session. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Council President Conyers stated that Mayor Sullivan was representing the State of Alabama as the President of the Alabama League of Municipalities at the Southern Region Conference in Kentucky. Councilmember Gammon thanked everyone for attending Monday night’s Special City Council meeting. Councilmember Booth said she missed the Library Board meeting but did attend the ribbon cutting for the Fairhope Public Library Author’s Room; and also attended the ribbon cutting for Coastal Alabama Community College’s Bell building. Council President Conyers said he attended the Personnel Board meeting. He said there was a three hour meeting on Monday evening on the Zoning Amendments; and mentioned the possibility of an early Work Session on May 11, 2026. 23 April 2026 Councilmember Burrell moved for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1863, an ordinance to amend the City of Fairhope Code of Ordinances, Chapter 20, Traffic, Article I. In General: Operation of Mobility Devices. (Introduced at the April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting) Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion for final adoption passed by the following voice votes: AYE – Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, and Booth. NAY - None. ABSENT – Robinson. Councilmember Booth moved for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1864, an ordinance to amend Ordinance No 1797, Codified as Chapter 2, Article III, Division 8 of the Fairhope Code of Ordinances, to provide for the Process for Designation of Historic Properties and Historic Districts by the Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission to enable the City of Fairhope to attain Certified Local Government ("CLG") status. (Introduced at the April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting) Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion for final adoption passed by the following voice votes: AYE – Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, and Booth. NAY - None. ABSENT – Robinson. Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing Ordinance No. 1865, an ordinance to authorize the issuance of City of Fairhope's General Obligation Water and Sewer Warrant, Series 2026, in the principal amount of $30,000,000.00. In order to take immediate action, Councilmember Burrell moved for immediate consideration. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion for immediate consideration passed unanimously by the following voice votes: AYE – Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, and Booth. NAY - None. ABSENT – Robinson. Lee Birchall, Partner with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, was present to answer any questions and said the closing will be May 1, 2026. Councilmember Burrell then moved for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1865. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion for final adoption passed by the following voice votes: AYE – Burrell, Gammon, Conyers, and Booth. NAY – None. ABSENT - Robinson. Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council hereby authorizes the Treasurer to complete a FY2026 Budget transfer for the Police Department from Communications to Capital Purchases Equipment in the amount of $23,092.32 for additional phone setup for current Dispatch system. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. * * 23 April 2023 RESOLUTION NO. 5803-26 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That the City Council hereby authorizes the Treasurer to complete a FY2026 Budget transfer for the Police Department from Communications to Capital Purchases Equipment in the amount of $23,092.32 for additional phone setup for current Dispatch system. Adopted on this 23rd day of April, 2026 _______________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: _____________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Sullivan to send a 30-day notice to terminate the Contract with Maynard Nexsen, P.C. pursuant to “Fee Structure and Contract Terms” section in the Engagement Letter; and authorizes Mayor Sullivan to sign the necessary paperwork for said termination. Seconded by Councilmember Booth, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5804-26 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That the City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Sullivan to send a 30-day notice to terminate the Contract with Maynard Nexsen, P.C. pursuant to “Fee Structure and Contract Terms” section in the Engagement Letter; and authorizes Mayor Sullivan to sign the necessary paperwork for said termination. DULY ADOPTED THIS 23RD DAY OF APRIL, 2026 ________________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: ______________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk 23 April 2026 Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to sign a contract between the City of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore Art Center, on behalf of the Committee on Public Arts (“COPA”), for funding of the Roundabout Artist and the City of Fairhope will appropriate additional funds upon the selection of the Art. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gammon. Councilmember Burrell stated this will add to the City art for roundabouts and leaves the City Council our of the selection. After further discussion, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5805-26 WHEREAS, a contract shall be executed between the City of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore Art Center, on behalf of the Committee on Public Arts “COPA ,” for funding of the Roundabout Artist, and the City making an appropriation of $13,250.00; and WHEREAS, “COPA” will submit Request for Proposals from 12 artists who made their list of semifinalists; and WHEREAS, “COPA” will select four finalists who will submit scale models and COPA will include Mayor Sherry Sullivan, a City Councilmember, and City Staff in the winners selection process; and WHEREAS, COPA has agreed to procure the Roundabout Art, and the City of Fairhope will appropriate additional funds upon the selection of the Art; and WHEREAS, the City of Fairhope desires for Mayor Sherry Sullivan, a City Councilmember, and City Staff to work with “COPA” on the Roundabout Art placement; and WHEREAS, the City of Fairhope agrees to maintain the Roundabout Art after the installation is completed by all parties. WHEREAS, payment shall be made in the amount of $13,250.00; until contract either expires or is cancelled. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to sign a contract between the City of Fairhope and the Eastern Shore Art Center, on behalf of COPA, for funding of the Roundabout Artist and the City of Fairhope will appropriate additional funds upon the selection of the Art. DULY ADOPTED THIS 23RD DAY OF APRIL, 2026 _________________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: ________________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk 23 April 2026 Councilmember Booth introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Duplantis Design Group, PC (DDG) for Professional Landscape Architectural and A&E Services for (RFQ PS26-015) for the Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase II (GOMESA Funded Project No. 2026-PWD 100) and Phase III (South Tract Off-road Bicycling Project No. 2026-PWD 110) with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $292,250.00. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gammon. Councilmember Burrell stated he wants pedestrian walkway not just for bicycles. After further discussion, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5806-26 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, That Mayor Sherry Sullivan is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Duplantis Design Group, PC (DDG) for Professional Landscape Architectural and A&E Services (RFQ PS26-015) for the Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase II (GOMESA Funded Project No. 2026-PWD 100) and Phase III (South Tract Off-road Bicycling Project No. 2026-PWD 110) with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $292,250.00. DULY ADOPTED THIS 23RD DAY OF APRIL, 2026 _______________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: _____________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk Councilmember Burrell introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution That the City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Sullivan to enter into an agreement with the State of Alabama, acting by and through the Alabama Department of Transportation relating to a project for: Repairing/replacing various Sidewalk Segments along SR-42 (US-98) between Leonard Vaughn Lane and SR-104; Project# CRPES-0042( ); CPMS Ref# 100078721 and CPMS Ref# 100078722. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 23 April 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 5807-26 BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE AS FOLLOWS: That the City of Fairhope enter into an agreement with the State of Alabama, acting by and through the Alabama Department of Transportation relating to a project for: Repairing/replacing various Sidewalk Segments along SR-42 (US-98) between Leonard Vaughn Lane and SR-104; Project# CRPES-0042( ); CPMS Ref# 100078721 and CPMS Ref# 100078722. Which agreement is before this Council, and that the agreement be executed in the name of the City, by the Mayor for and on its behalf and that it be attested by the City Clerk and the official seal of the City be affixed thereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon the completion of the execution of the agreement by all parties, that a copy of such agreement be kept on file by the City Clerk. Adopted and Approved this 23rd day of April, 2026 _______________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: ______________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk Councilmember Booth introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution Authorizing Mayor Sullivan to enter into an agreement with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the Cooperative Maintenance of ALDOT ROW, on US-98, SR-104, and SR-181, within the City limits of Fairhope. This will include additional locations along those routes corresponding to areas annexed by the City. All preexisting Maintenance Agreements will stand and be considered a part of this new Agreement. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 23 April 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 5808-26 BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE AS FOLLOWS: 1. WHEREAS, the City of Fairhope, Alabama enter into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation, acting by and through its Transportation Director hereinafter referred to as the (“State”) for: The Cooperative Maintenance of all Sidewalk located on ALDOT ROW, on US-98, SR- 104, and SR-181, within the City limits of Fairhope. This will include additional locations along those routes corresponding to areas annexed by the City. All preexisting Maintenance Agreements will stand and be considered a part of this new Agreement. 2. WHEREAS, the agreement shall be executed in the name of the City of Fairhope, by its Mayor Sherry Sullivan, for and on its behalf. 3. WHEREAS, the agreement shall be attested by the City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks, and the seal of the City of Fairhope affixed thereto. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon the completion of the execution of the Agreement by all parties, that a copy of such agreement be kept on file by the City Clerk. Adopted and Approved this 23rd day of April, 2026 _________________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: ________________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk Councilmember Robinson introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City Council hereby approves the payroll reallocation defined as the following effective immediately: the departments are requesting to organize a program for one (1) temporary Electric Utility Intern and one (1) temporary Mechanic Maintenance intern for Public Works Department at an estimated cost of $5,040.00 per intern for the duration of the 9-week program; and the available funds have been identified in their respective departments due to payroll vacancies. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 23 April 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 5809-26 WHEREAS, Fairhope Utilities participated in the 2025 Baldwin County Utilities Internships Program available to rising High School Seniors; and WHEREAS, Fairhope Utilities and City of Fairhope Public Works departments have requested to expand the internship opportunities available to local students; and WHEREAS, the City of Fairhope provided for seven (7) Utility Intern positions in the FY 2026 Personnel Budget; and WHEREAS, the departments are requesting to organize a program for one (1) additional Electric Utility Intern and one (1) additional Mechanic Maintenance intern at an estimated cost of $5,040.00 per intern for the duration of the 9-week program; and WHEREAS, Fairhope Utilities and City of Fairhope Public Works departments have identified the following available funds in their respective departments due to payroll vacancies; and Dept Position Electric Assistant Superintendent Public Works Mechanic WHEREAS, the Fairhope Utilities and the Public Works departments are requesting to reallocate the identified payroll funds to the temporary Intern positions. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, that the City Council hereby approves the payroll reallocation defined above effective immediately. ADOPTED ON THIS 23RD DAY OF APRIL 2026 ______________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: _____________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk 23 April 2026 Councilmember Burrell moved to grant the request of Domenick Risola and Helen Cain with Adventure Calls and Cece Pless with Mobile Baykeeper requesting approval for the 2026 Aquathlon (Swim/Run) called the "Return of the Grand", on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 4:00 a.m. to noon; and to use the City of Fairhope Parklands. Special Event Request and Application for the Use of City Parklands are included within the Agenda Packet with details of the event. Seconded by Councilmember Booth, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Chief Hollinghead explained that the issues she had have been resolved and will see how it goes this year. Councilmember Booth introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City of Fairhope has voted to approve the procurement of Emergency Fuel Spill Clean Up and Remediation at the Fairhope Docks Marina from Hoffman Petroleum Equipment for a coat of $27,463.33. An insurance claim has been filed for reimbursement of this expense. Seconded by Councilmember Gammon, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 5810-26 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows: [1] That the City of Fairhope has voted to approve the procurement of Emergency Fuel Spill Clean Up and Remediation at the Fairhope Docks Marina from Hoffman Petroleum Equipment for a cost of $27,463.33. An insurance claim has been filed for reimbursement of this expense. ADOPTED ON THIS 23RD DAY OF APRIL, 2026 _________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr. Council President Attest: _____________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk 23 April 2026 The following individual spoke during Public Participation for Non-Agenda Items: 1) Domenick Risola with Adventure Calls addressed the City Council regarding the 2026 Aquathlon (Swim/Run) called the "Return of the Grand", on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He said they have partnered with Mobile Baykeeper and questioned 501(c)3 status. Councilmember Gammon moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Burrell, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:27 p.m. ______________________________ James Reid Conyers, Jr., Council President _____________________________ Lisa A. Hanks, MMC City Clerk