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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-2021 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, 22 February 2021. Present were Council President Jack Burrell (arrived at 4:34 p.m.), Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry Su llivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A . Hanks. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:36 p.m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the Agenda was the Di cussion for the FY 2021 Recreational Trails Program Grant. Mayor Sullivan said that Councilmembers Martin and Brown; and City Staff have met with group for discussions. Council President Burrell said we need to decide on conservation easement or park (dedicating as parklands); and said he was in favor going after the grant and for this land to be parklands in perpetuity . Councilmember Martin agreed with Council President Burrell; and said he was good to move forward with grant. Councilmember Conyers asked how specific we needed to be for grant. Public Works Director Richard Johnson stated th e grant is for a 1.5 mile multiuse train on outside perimeter and leaves interior open. He sa id access would be on Veterans Driv e; trailhead with parking; and sidewalk to continue to Eastern Shore Trail. Mayor Sullivan commented this is the first step u ing this land. Councilmember Boone questioned th e 27 percent and not 20 percent for matching funds . Mr. Johnson replied if we keep engineering to 10 percent, it will hold our match at $100,000 .00 . • Council President Burrell brought up the discussion for Airport Authority Items ; and mentioned the bond refinancing with only a 1.14% interest which would enable paying off note quicker. He discu ssed the po ssib ility of hiring a consultant to go after grants and manage the airport as well as write grants and other duties . Councilmember Martin said this is URG Consulting with 20 years' experience who would seek grants and possibly become manager. Council President Burrell said this would be a $21,000.00 investment for 6 months; and if this works, it would help the airport become self-sufficient. Councilmember Martin mentioned a Command Center at the airport. Counci l President Burrell and Councilmember Martin as about the Cares Act funds that the airport sought; and asked City Treasurer Kim Creech to research. The consensus of the City Council was to put this on the March 8, 2021 agenda. • Councilmember Martin mentioned the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board appointments on the agenda; and gave an update for the Recreation Board . Monday , February 22, 2021 Page -2- • Councilmember Conyers commented that the Library Board asked him to reach out to the City Council regarding a 2 percent increase for their employees. He said they wanted the appropriation increased to pay this 2 percent increase. Council President Burrell questioned benefits ; and Ms. Creech sai d they are a separate component; and they have another account with a sizeable amount in it. Council President Burrell said if they have a sizeable amount in another account, the 2 percent could come out of that. He said once you increase the appropriation, it remains permanent. Mayor Sullivan commented during COVID-19 they could have saved since they were not open ; and could possibly use that savings. Council President Burrell said that our revenues were cut by 9 to 10 percent. • Councilmember Boone said that the Harbor Board was looking for one more member. • Mayor Sullivan introduced Traveis Cunningham, the City's new Human Resources Manager, to the City Council. • Director of Community Affairs Paige Crawford addressed the City Council and gave an Arbor Day update. • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and explained the status of the following Projects : Road paving, Church Street, Twin Beech Road , Gayfer Road turn signals, Twin Beech turn ignals, and Arts Alley. Mr. Johnson said he had a grievance with the movie "Map of Tiny Perfect Things" due to the Public Works Departments ' equipment used was shown for only 3 seconds. Councilmember Boone questioned the crosswalk lights. Mr. Johnson said the lights will be upgraded to a better system; and are scheduled to be looked at and repaired soon. There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:16 p.m.