HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-2021 Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF BALDWIN
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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 , 23 August 2021.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Corey Martin,
and Jimmy Conyers , Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell,
and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmembers Jay Robinson and Kevin Boone were
absent.
Council President Jack Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was Fairhope Music Festival , Inc. with members Alodia
Arnold and Chad Kirtland explaining "Restore our Southern Soul." They explained
the event with only 2,000 tickets being sold; and being COVID-19 aware for the
event. The cost of the event is $45.00 per ticket now and will increase towards event
up to $60 .00 per ticket (day of event). See attached handout.
• Agenda Item Number 2 was pulled from the agenda .
• Andy Bobe , Senior Associate/Senior Project Manager with Dewberry, gave an
Update on the RESTORE Act Sewer Project. He said there will be three oversized
side stream storage; lift station rehabilitation ; and manholes and gravity fed sewer
rehabilitation . Mr. Bobe said we are 70 to 75 percent complete on construction plans .
He said the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
("ADCNR") will need to review. He said our goal is October 31, 2021. Mayor
Sullivan said this is the $10,0000.00 sewer upgrade. Councilmember Martin
questioned stormwater study and if one would help . Council President Burrell
questioned the timeframe for completion. Mr. Bobe said the equipment and materials
will be the delay; and may need to order and store for Project.
Council President Burrell asked how we deal with materials being high and then
these begin to drop. Example is cast iron gas pipe replacement.
• Councilmember Martin gave an update on the Recreation Board whose is working on
separating the private club and recreation group . He mentioned possible vacancies on the
Recreation Board ; and gently used equipment for all sports can be dropped off at the
Recreation Center for children who need these . Councilmember Martin said the Fairhope
Environmental Advisory Board is coordinating with the County regarding SB 107:
wetlands in County and stormwater inventory. He said we are seeking grant money .
• Councilmember Conyers gave an update on the Library Board. He mentioned the
construction plan on the second floor buildout. He thanked Martin Lanaux for his 21
years of service on the Library Board.
Monday, August 23, 2021
Page -2-
• Counci l President Burrell commented on private versus public use. He sai d he was
glad that the Airport Authority changed the member qualification; and allowed Board
Members to be in the Fairhope Feeder Pattern. He said the Airport Authority is
loo king to have a 2% Sales Tax on goods and services at the Airport. He said that
building additional hangars is cost prohibitive right now.
Council President Burrell stated that Agenda Item Number 10 is changing the
Parking Authority qualification for members ; and we needed to clean up our rules .
The members now must be residents of Fairhope; but the change in the qualifications
allows for a resident of Fairhope, own a business in the Central Business District of
Fairhope or be emp lo yed by an educational institution adjacent to the Central
Business District. Councilmember Martin sai d parking is vital and this committee
will soon be thriving.
• Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council and said he sent letters to
homebuilders to take a break so we can inspect or wear masks .
• Planning and Zoning Manager Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council and
thanked Councilmember Martin for mentioning stormwater. He said that Code
Enforcement Officers Kim Burmeister and Kristina Lejeune take inventory of our
outfalls. He gave them a pat on the back for their hard work. He said the
Comprehensive Plan has begun with the first public meeting to be in September. Mr.
Simmons said we need input on the front end. Mayor Sullivan said this is the first
meeting of a series of meetings.
• Compliance and Safety Coordinator Wes Boyett addressed the City Council and said
we are carrying on as usual in the Gas Department.
• Water and Sewer Superintendent Jason Langl~y addressed the City Counci l and said
his department will check for stormwater crossing lines. He said they camera daily ;
and work with Andy Bobe as well. He said clay pipe will crack and then works line a
French drain . Mr. Langley stated there are manholes covered up and must be raised.
Councilmember Martin asked if there are entities to inventory stormwater. Mayor
Sullivan replied if there are funds available from RESTORE Act funds , we have a
narrative ready. Mr. Langley commented the Valley lift station will be upgraded from
the Alabama Rescue Act funds.
Mr. Langley said water breaks ; and our crew reacts quickly and repairs. He said the
water needed for the Airport needs to be upgraded.
• Community Affairs Director Paige Crawford addressed the City Council and said the
Christmas lights are in. She said they were going to look at the trees and meet with
City staff. Ms. Crawford told the City Council the golf cart for the parking garage has
been delayed. She reminded them of the 9/11 Ceremony, which will be the 20th
Anniversary, and said there will be a monument and building recognition. The event
will be on Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Monday , August 23 , 2021
Page -3-
• Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council and thanked
Councilmember Martin and Council President Burrell for attending the Recreation
Board meeting. He said the "Closet for the needy" was suggested by Councilmember
Martin. Mr. White said they are cleaning up the stadium ; and there will be a meeting
for the videoboard tonight.
• Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and said thank
you to all of you. He said the building at 555 South Section has 60 percent of the roof
has been replaced. Mr. Johnson mentioned the renovation of the building; buildout
for the Pecan Street building ; Twin Beech Project ; Church Street Project; and The
Gayfer-ESMPO Project. He said the City if e li gible to apply for the A TRIPI! grant
for Volanta Intersection Improvement. Mr . Johnson said the ESMPO has the
roundabout funded in 2022 for State Highway 104 and Section Street intersection .
• Mayor Sullivan said she met with the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation to discuss the
quitclaim deed on the Triangle property.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was duly adjourned at 5:31 p.m .
~a.Le:
City Clerk