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Home My WebLink About09-28-2026 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, 28 September 2026. Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell (arrived at 4:06 p.m.), Joshua Gammon (arrived at 4:32 p.m.), and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell (arrived at 4:15 p.m.), and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay Robinson was absent. Council President Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. The following topics were discussed: The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion of City of Fairhope's Certified Local Government ("CLG") Grant application for a Historic Resources Survey on behalf of the Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission by Building Official Erik Cortinas and Grant Coordinator Nicole Love. Mr. Cortinas explained the scope of work for the consultant and properties. Ms. Love explained the amount of the grant and the City's portion. Mr. Cortinas said that he and City Clerk Lisa Hanks told the Fairhope Historic Preservation Commission that they could not form new Districts. The Discussion of RESTORE Act Grants submittal was next on the Agenda. Mayor Sullivan and Ms. Love explained the two proposed grant submittals: Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Phase II and the North Beach Park Upgrades. They said hopefully we will receive both grants. Councilmember Burrell questioned the North Beach Upgrades and not being involved in the decision on the grants. Ms. Love explained that this was just the submittal of the grant; and there will be more discussions once grant is awarded. Mayor Sullivan commented that RESTORE Act Committee will decide on which bucket funds will come from. Councilmember Burrell questioned if Fairhope Docks and the jetties that are needed could be a project. City Engineer Richard Johnson explained the process and then tweaked by the City Council. He said first we get money awarded and then define the scope of work. The next item on the Agenda was the Recommendation by Recreation Board recommending that the City Council approves changing the current city -approved 12.5% fee structure for food trucks and other outside vendors at recreational events to a flat fee per day of $50 to be managed through the Parks and Recreation staff as part of the Recreational Facility Usage Rental Agreement. Mayor Sullivan and Recreation Director Pat White explained the reason for the recommendation; and answered any questions. Councilmember Burrell asked why the Franchise Agreement was not followed; and said to inform them on the agreement. Mayor Sullivan said this is part of the Rental Agreement. Councilmember Burrell said this will invite more vendors. Mayor Sullivan replied this will help the City enforce these food trucks. Council President Conyers commented it better than getting nothing. Monday, 28 September 2026 Page -2- The Recommendation by the Recreation Board recommending that the City Council approves the updated Recreational Facility Usage Grid, with updates from previously approved rental rates to provide more clarity in the application was next on the Agenda. Mayor Sullivan said this is just formatting with nothing else changing. Planning Director Hunter Simmons began the Discussion on the Zoning Amendment Update regarding Mixed -Use Buildings and Impervious Surface. Mr. Simmons commented we may need to tweak K. which is impervious percentage. Councilmember Burrell questioned, "do we want to allow more run off?" Mr. Simmons replied if lowered it would have a burden on homeowners. Mr. Simmons explained the options for Mixed -Use Buildings: Option 1 the minimum is 1,815; and Option 2 has prescribed D.U./Lot Size. Councilmember Gammon questioned why did you strike (6) and subdivide. Council President Conyers asked, "what is the best mechanism or way to handle this?" Mr. Simmons change in the CBD; zoning could limit in CBD. Councilmember Gammon said it was based on feedback from constituents. Council President said units per acre is the best way. He asked Mr. Simmons to get more information and report back to the City Council. Water and Wastewater Superintendent Daryl Morefield addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 16; and answered any questions if needed. City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 12, No. 13, No. 14, and No. 26; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Gammon asked about the expenses. Councihmember Burrell asked about transfers; and Sales Tax and debt payoff. He commented departments with double digits nor sustainable. Council President Conyers said 9% increase in not sustainable. City Treasury Creech replied that the 3 percent merit would be given on the employee anniversary date. Council President Conyers said we can purge position if not filled. City Treasury Creech explained the GOW for Water and Sewer RFP and the term sheet from the bank. Council President Conyers said the bond companies would not lock the rate in; and we are addressing the $30,000,000.00 due now. • Human Resources Director Hannah Noonan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 14, No. 6, and No. 10; and answered any questions if needed. Councilmember Gammon questioned compensation total and pay scales without complete Study. • Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 7 and No. 15; and answered any questions if needed. • City Engineer Richard Johnson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 11, No. 17, and No. l; and answered any questions if needed. • Public Works Director John Thomas addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 20; and answered any questions if needed. • Electric Superintendent Ben Patterson addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 21; and answered any questions if needed. • Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Items No. 5 and No. 9; and answered any questions if needed. 28 September 2026 Page -3- • 'Attorney Chris Williams addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 8 and explained the ".Legal Stance" on this issue. .He said City Council can make the determination having no newspaper in the City; and can post in four public facilities and on the City website. He said this is a fair and transparent way to view notices and documents. Council President Conyers said we need to make sure we send information to citizens. • Mayor Sullivan addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 18; and answered any questions if needed. • City Clerk Lisa Hanks addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 23; and answered any questions if needed. • Rhydonna Moseley addressed the City Council regarding Agenda Item No. 25 and asked if she could use Pirate Pit's food truck for this event. She was told to make sure the 12.5% was collected. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Ox 9.,-f � JamoAeid Conyers, Co cil President a A. Ranks, M C City Clerk - ' !rlb AM dw a ti � ~� � � •fit f � 'I �t A r] El FY 2027 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 1. Investments in critical infrastructure to maintain and improve quality of life in the City of Fairhope continue to be our primary focus, by utilizing external funding sources where applicable and the strategic use of our reserves. • $53.6 Million in Utility System Improvements • $4 Million in road resurfacing, on -street parking and drainage projects, and sidewalks • $2.9 Million in traffic and transportation improvement projects 2. Protecting our natural environment for the enjoyment of all patrons by maintaining safe, clean, aesthetically pleasing City parks and designated recreation areas and facilities. • $6.1 Million in parks and facility investments • $2.3M investment in Safe Room for I st Responders (Funded by 90/ 10 Grant) 3. Personnel Costs • Salaries and Benefits are budgeted at a 9% increase in comparison to FY26 Budget.This includes increase in health insurance costs and expenses associated with adoption of new classification/pay scale due to Evergreen compensation study. • 15 New positions (I I FT and 4 PT) i� FUND DESCRIPTION GENERAL FUND SANITATION FUND GAS FUND ELECTRIC FUND WATER/WASTEWATER FUND CAPITAL PROJECT FUND IMPACT FEES FUND GAS TAX FUND REBUILD ALABAMA FUND MUNICAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND CORRECTIONS FUND FY27 BUDGET AMOUNT $62,924,645 $4,655,390 $17,220,646 $26,154,470 $68,385,872 $15,902,087 $4,691,443 $120,500 $211,300 $230,000 $170,000 TOTAL FUNDS BUDGET $200,666,353 3 FUND GENERAL FUND SANITATION FUND GAS FUND ELECTRIC FUND WATER/WASTEWATER FUND CAPITAL PROJECT FUND IMPACT FEES FUND GAS TAX FUND REBUILD ALABAMA FUND MUNICAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND CORRECTIONS FUND TOTAL FUNDS BUDGET FY26 FY27 % BUDGET BUDGET CHANGE $56,841,939 $62,924,645 10.7% $4,902,015 $4,655,390 -5.0% $16,436,227 $17,220,646 4.8% $30,442,065 $26,154,470 -14.1 $70,178,703 $68,385,872 -2.6% $21,911,893 $15,902,087 -27.4% $3,232,103 $4,691,443 45.2% $118,600 $120,500 1.6% $396,000 $211,300 -46.6% $230,000 $230,000 0.0% $100,000 $170,000 70.0% $204,789,545 $200,666,353 -2.0% 4 ■ Ad Valorem Tax ■ Local Taxes ■ Licenses and Permits ■ Charges for Services ■ Intergovernmental ■ Recreation ■ Other Revenue ■ Transfers FY 2027 General Fund Revenues By Source Other Re\ 13% Recreation 5% Intergovernmental- 1% Charges for Services 10% Licer 10% Transfers 8%_. Valorem Tax 21% --Local Taxes 32% 5 FY 2027 Budgeted Expenses by Function of Government ■ General Government ■ Public Safety ■ Public Works ■ Culture and Recreation ■ Economic & Community Dev A Debt Service ■ Other Expenses/Transfers Other Expenses/Transfers Staff Agencies & Appropriation 7% _ 3% Debt Service_ 0 Economic & Community Dev 2°% Culture and Recreation 21% ■ Staff Agencies & Appropriation Public Works 18% General Government 18% `Public Safety 31% T GENERAL FUND Capital Equipment ($6.4M) • Equipment • New Vehicles • Street Sweeper • Garbage Truck Infrastructure ($8.9M) • New Precinct • Building Improvements • Park Improvements • Street Resurfacing • Drainage Improvements • Traffic Improvements • Sidewalk Construction GAS DEPARTMENT Capital Equipment ($206K) • Equipment • New Vehicle Infrastructure ($120K) • Building Improvements 11,E System Improvements ($7.3M) • Meters and Regulators • Phase 3 Construction of Cast Iron Replacements • Phase 4 Engineering of Cast Iron Replacements NO ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT Capital Equipment ($821 K) • Equipment • New Trucks Infrastructure ($30K) • Yard Improvement System Improvements ($7.3M) • Pole Change Out and Reconductors • Traffic Light Improvements • Primary Metering Cabinets DEPARTMENT Capital Equipment ($290K) • Equipment • New Vehicle Infrastructure ($195 K) • Building Improvements SCADA Capital Purchase($50K) • Upgrading Scada System Improvements ($7.3M) • Water Meters • Water Main Replacements • New Water Tank • New Well Ice WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT Capital Equipment ($525K) • Equipment • New Trucks Infrastructure ($30K) • Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement System Improvements ($17.6M) • Insert -Valves • Lift Station Rehab • Plant Expansion Phase II • Plant Blowers Totaling more than $1.7 million • Library ($978K) • The Haven ($170K) • Rotary Youth Club ($59K) • Airport Authority ($275K) • Community Partners ($235K) • Eastern Shore Art Center • Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce • Downtown Fairhope Business Association • Ecumenical Ministries • Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance • Mobile Bay NEP • Others 12 I I New full-time and 4 new part-time positions • 1 Environmental Intern (PT) • 1 Revenue Technician (FT) • 2 Police Officers (2 FT) • 1 School Resource Officer (PT) • I Corrections Officer (FT) • 1 Marina Worker (PT) • 1 Parks Maintenance Worker (FT) • I Tennis Facility Maintenance Worker (FT) • 1 Custodian (FT) • 1 Park Ranger Intern (PT) • 1 Sanitation Hopper (FT) • 1 Gas GPSTechnician (FT) • 1 Electric Groundworker (FT) • 1 Line Locate Supervisor (FT) 13