Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-29-2026 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 Monday, 29 June 2026. Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Joshua Gammon, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay Robinson and City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell were absent. Council President Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The following topics were discussed: The first item on the Agenda was the FY25 Financial Audit by Lee Parks, CPA and Engagement Member, and Rick Blanton, CPA and Single Audit Engagement Member, with Warren Averett. Mr. Parks introduced his staff on the audit. He said the City once again received an "unmodified opinion" dated March 13, 2026. Mr. Parks went over the main highlights of the Audit; and answered any questions. Mr. Blanton briefly went over the Single Audit; and answered any questions. Mr. Parks thanked the City Treasurer and her team for their help. (A copy of the Financial Audit and other documents are on file in the City Clerk's office). The Presentation by the 2026 Baldwin County Utility Interns (3) was next on the Agenda. Personnel Director Hannah Noonan addressed the City Council and explained that one of the goals for the Interns is to give their intern experience at a City Council Meeting. She introduced Carson Good, Cameron Wagaman, and Kane Irwin. Carson Good from Daphne High School addressed the City Council and said he worked in the Water Department. Mr. Good said he worked with wells and treatment plants; and it was a great experience. He will be working with piping and fittings next. Mr. Good said it was interesting to see the City side on how we treat the water as well as the contracting side. He wants to attend college and possibly do project management. Cameron Wagaman from Spanish Fort High School addressed the City Council and said he worked in the Public Works Department's with HVAC. Mr. Wagaman said he did a full a/c change out, both indoor and outdoor units. He said the first one was at the new Dispatch Center. Mr. Wagaman said they went to different buildings with many different calls. He said they brazed copper, put in insulation, and did wiring. Mr. Wagaman said this was a good opportunity for him. Kane Irwin from Robertsdale High School addressed the City Council and said he worked in the Gas Department. Mr. Irwin said he entered the intern program to get work experience and not stay at home during the summer. Mr. Irwin commented he saw the importance of natural gas; and how much we use it daily. Monday, 29 June 2026 Page -2- The next Agenda Item was the Discussion of the James P. Nix Center Promenade by City Engineer Richard Johnson and Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford. Mr. Johnson stated they want to walk on this bid award on tonight's agenda; and said the bid opened last Thursday. Mr. Johnson and Ms. Crawford explained the issue with the promenade and answered questions. He said the overage will come from the General Fund balance. The consensus of the City Council was to walk on this item. Councilmember Burrell stated they had an Airport Authority meeting earlier this month and it went well. • Councilmember Booth gave a Library Board update; and said the Library Director was approved to go to the National Library Convention. She announced the book sale will be July 8, 2026. • City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant for the Safe Room and said the "POP" extension expired on June 20, 2026. Mr. Johnson said they needed guidance whether to move forward without knowing for sure if we will get reimbursed. Mayor Sullivan said we are pretty confident we will get reimbursed. There are other Cities with the same exposure and are moving forward with theirs. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward. Mr. Johnson addressed Agenda Items No. 14, No. 15, and No. 16; and answered any questions if needed. • Utility Engineer Noel Berry addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 7, No. 8, No. 9, No. 11, No. 12, No. 13, No. 17, and No. 18; and answered any questions if needed. Mayor Sullivan mentioned a study was done for Agenda Items No. 7 and No. 8. • Grant Coordinator Nicole Love addressed the City Council regarding the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Grant for $25,000.00 with no match. She said they would use the grant funds for two Rain Barrell Classes/Workshops and rain barrel kits. • Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan and said the updated version has been sent to the AMEA and FEMA for their approval. • Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council regarding the Fourth of July events; and said the offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. She commented that we will be celebrating America's 250 Anniversary with the Baldwin Pops on the bluff, "Photo Ops" and free postcards at the Museum, and flags and patriotic decorations throughout Fairhope. • Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 5, No. 10, and No. 20; and answered any questions if needed. He said Andrew Belcher would be filling Bryan Flower's position on the Board of Adjustments and Appeals which expires October 21, 2026. Monday, 29 June 2026 Page -3- There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:49 p.m. ;uncil Reid Conyer , r. President is4.. A //,. - / - -'- Aank;, M C City Clerk