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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-2021 Work Session Meeting 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, 8 February 2021. Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p .m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the Agenda was the Sanitation Discussions. Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and explained the three scenarios for possibly increases . (See attached handout) Councilmember Conyers suggested a fourth scenarios with all of th e cost increase being done at one time ; and the need to level funding. Councilmember Martin commented we need to be at market price and cannot continue with a deficit in sanitation. The consensus of the City Council was to go ahead with the cost increase all at once; and the effective date would be April 1, 2021. • The item on the Agenda was the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Committee regarding the Festival. Jodi Keating and Laura English addressed the City Council and said we will still maintain social distancing, have only Alabama artist, have hand sanitizing stations, and it will be scaled down . Council President Burrell said we must plan for the festival as we have for many events. Councilmember Martin commented the Arts and Crafts Festival is a gathering and not a good idea. He mentioned three family members who passed away recently from COVID-19. Councilmember Martin said adults will not follow the rules. Councilmember Conyers said planning needs to be done, but this will probably not happen. Councilmembers Brown and Boone both agreed that we should hold the Art s and Crafts Festival; and it do not feel comfortable do not show up. Council President Burrell said he was okay with postponing, but may have to pull the plug; and commented the Committee may do thi s themselves. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward ; and to vote on the request at the next meeting. • Finance Manager Jill Cabaniss addressed the City Council regarding Budget Discussions and answered any questions they had. Mayor Sullivan thanked Council President Burrell and Councilmember Martin for working all day Friday on the budget; and thanked Finance Manager Jill Cabaniss, City Treasurer Kim Creech, and Staff for their hard work on the budget. Council President Burrell thanked Mayor Wil son and Councilmember Martin for working all day Friday too . Monday, February 8, 2021 Page -2- Ms. Cabaniss stated there would be a two percent raise for all employees; and explained the new departments, updated sections from greensheets, personnel, and transfers. She said that capital improvements remained the same. Mayor Sullivan commented that the Recreations increase was for ADA improvements and baseball renovations for four fields . Councilmember Brown asked if there was a new thermostat for the Council Chambers. • Councilmember Boone announced there would be a Harbor Board meeting on Wednesday. • Council President Burrell gave an update on the Fairhope Airport Authority: RFP for Bond which would increase how soon it would be paid off; hangars to be built and rents need to be reasonable; and rate should be better with the City back the Bond. He said if we back this refinance, it should get the Airport on its feet without the City. • Gas Superintendent Terry Holman addressed the City Council and gave a project update; and explained his new employees that need to be hired. • Fire Chief Chris Ellis addressed the City Council and told them the new truck is here and getting ready at Sunbelt. He said it should be ready in two weeks. • Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council and said the rep lastering has been completed . He said staff will brush to help it cure quicker. Mr. White said the tennis courts have been repaired since Hurricane Sally. He commented there are structural issues with the pool building due to humidity . Mr. White announced High School and Middle School soccer and Varsity baseball begins this week. • Electric Superintendent Michael Allison addressed the City Council and gave a substation project update and replacing streetlights. The Morphy substation was questioned ; and Mr. Allison said the landscaping will be upgraded and aesthetically pleasing. • Water and Sewer Superintendent Jason Langley addressed the City Council and mentioned his truck was on the agenda tonight; and they begin interviews this week for the new crew. He said his employees are doing a great job; and need to be commended . The SCADA system was discussed. • Planning and Zoning Manager Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council and mentioned items that will be on the March 1, 2021 Planning Commission meeting. He also mentioned family subdivisions, reduced fees for same , updated site plan review, and charges for legal advertisement. • Community Affairs Director Jessica Walker addressed the City Council and explained the Fairhope App and how to resolve issues. Monday, February 8, 2021 Page -3- There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:40 p.m. ~L ~~MC City Clerk