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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-2021 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, 24 May 2021. Present were Council President Pro Tempore Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jay Robinson, and Kevin Boone (Arrived at 4:32 p.m.), Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Jack Burrell was absent. Council President Pro Tempore Jimmy Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the Agenda was the Presentation from Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance to present their proposed application for the K-1 Center by Lee Lawson. He said that this was an America Rescue Plan grant; and this will be an updated grant application with an 80/20 percent match. Mr. Lawson stated the grant is less than the last one; and will be for $3 .5 million and the City would be the lead applicant. He said that hopefully it would be out in a month, but is waiting on the "Notice of Funding." The consensus of the City Council was to move forward and for the City Clerk to prepare a resolution for the June 14 , 2021 City Council meeting. • Rick Hinrichs addressed the City Council and presented the Working Waterfront ADA Compliancy Report. (See attached Report) He mentioned Federal laws requiring ADA comp liancy for Program Services and Activities ; and said this will fall under Activities . Mr . Hinrichs said the ramp is needed; and also , a bluff edge access for wheelchairs. He said these are Government grant funds from the Restore Act which requires ADA compliancy from Section 504 for non-discrimination. The City Council questioned Fairhope Avenue; and other options. Mr. Hinrich stated compliance began in 1992 with access to be 200 feet from site; and the ramp in plan is 800 feet from site, but is the best access for wheelchairs and handicap individua ls . Mayor Sullivan asked about a cable car of some sort for Council President Burrell. Mr. Hinrichs replied, it would have to be large enough for a wheelchair and another person; and you must be able to lock down wheelchair so it wi ll not move. • The Discussion for the Triangle Property and Conservation Easement was next on the Agenda. Councilmember Martin commented there are two options : one is to use as Parkland or have a Conservation Easement. Mayor Sullivan said we could get a deed from Fairhope Single Tax Corporation . She said that if we are awarded a grant from ADECA, they would require any improvements to be approved by them . Council President Pro Tempore Conyers said we could consider deeding the property to Fairhope Single Tax Corporation . Then Fairhope Single Tax Corporation would deed back to the City with Park restrictions . Monday, May 24, 2021 Page -2- Counci l President Pro Tempore Conyers said he likes the Fairhope Single Tax Deed option. City Attorney Marcus McDowell explained how this would work. Councilmember Robinson commented it locks the land with an easement; but the deed is good idea with Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, City of Fairhope and ADECA looking at what we would do with land . Councilmember Boone stated he is okay with deed. Mayor Sullivan said she would get comparison on both. Councilmember Martin commented it is time to move forward . • Councilmember Martin gave an update on the Recreation Board who discussed the scoreboard and the Rotary Youth at the pool. He mentioned that the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board want to be involved . • Councilmember Boone stated the Personnel Board met last week; and the next meeting will be on June 17 , 2021 at 7:00 a.m. • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and mentioned the downtown projects and fixing the lights at the pedestrian crossings . He commented on the preconstruction meeting at Twin Beech and Greeno Road. Mr. Johnson stated the City Clerk investigated and found that the resolution only stated not-to-exceed , so the ADA project at the stadium began today. He said the concrete is on this agenda; and the other items will be on June 14, 2021 agenda . • Recreation Director Pat White addressed the City Council and mentioned the ball fields on the agenda. He also mentioned the ADA project; and the Fairhope Storm playoff game . • Golf Director Bobby Hall addressed the City Council and gave a golf update. He mentioned the Junior Golf Clinic , renovation at two holes ; and Thursday mornings will be c losed for a few hours to help get the golf course ready. • Water and Sewer Superintendent Jason Langley addressed the City Co uncil and stated the City has good employees. He mentioned the electrical panel issue that needs an emergency declared to be replaced and moved to another location. He said that Section and Oak will be dug up for a sewer project. • Gas Superintendent Terry Holman addressed the City Council and mentioned they are still having generator calls. He thanked Steve Seay for mapping gas system projects. • Human Resources Manager Traveis Cunningham addressed the City Council and mentioned he attended the Personnel Board meeting ; and they will be reviewing the Safety Po licy . • Chief Chris Ellis addressed the City Council and mentioned a Firefighter class to be held in June . • Assistant Electric Superintendent Jeremy Morgan addressed the City Council and said there are regulator issue s at Fairhope Avenue , solar panel pipe , Nichols Substation is complete, and Morphy Substation is next. Mr. Morgan briefly explained Agenda Number 19 regarding the LED lights for Greeno Road. He said the power outage last night was due to an Alabama issue with sea salt. Monday, May 24 , 2021 Page -3- • Building Official Erik Cortinas addressed the City Council and mentioned the two Publix grocery stores being built: one at the intersection of Greeno Road and Old Battles Road (County Road 34); and one at State Highway 181 and State Highway 104. He mentioned office building near Volanta. • City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council and said FEMA approved $7.0 million; and was noticed on State 's website. She said the Electric Department is the next large portion; and the Buildings will be next. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5 :35 p.m. ~ City Clerk