HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2021 Special Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF BALDWIN
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The City Council met in a Special Budget Work Session
at 4:30 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532,
on Wednesday, 8 September 2021.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Corey Martin, Jimmy
Conyers (arrived at 4:46 p.m.), Jay Robinson, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Sherry
Sullivan, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell was
absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:38 p.m.; and stated
we are all comfortable with revenue. He said this is a great forecast for revenues.
Mayor Sherry Sullivan thanked City Treasurer Kim Creech, Senior Accountant
Aislinn Stone and Staff Accountant Sarah Powell for their work on the budget. She also said
thank you to City Staff and the City Council for their work on the budget. Mayor Sullivan
said tonight we will be looking at Capital Improvements, Personnel Requests, Rollover Items,
and Charitable Contributions.
City Treasurer Creech stated these are decision items that can be added or taken out of the
budget. Mayor Sullivan said that some positions are being defunded and others are being
funded.
Council President Burrell questioned some of the personnel requests . He commented that the
Mayor wanted the Assistant City Clerk as part-time . Mayor Sullivan explained the need for a
full-time Assistant City Clerk; and mentioned the possibility of a department being placed
under the City Clerk. Council President Burrell brought up the AMI Coordinator and City
Planner. Mayor Sullivan stated she was placing the Meter Department under the City
Treasurer because it deals with revenue.
Planning and Zoning Manager Hunter Simmons explained the reason the City Planner was
being defunded . He said they would be using an on-call engineer; and see what happens in
the next two years with SB-107. Compliance Officer Wes Boyett explained the positions and
structure for Gas Department.
Mayor Sullivan said we trying to look at lower level positions and bumping those up some.
She said the Compensation Study (Plan) has 18 steps for all positions. Mayor Sullivan said
the Personnel Board is looking at the Compensation Study as well as some amendments to
the Personnel Handbook.
Ms. Creech said there is a two percent merit increase, a one percent COLA , and longevity pay
for employees. She commented longevity pay is another incentive for retention of employees.
The City Council de bated the merit increase . Mayor Sullivan mentioned certifications and
explained the merit increase . Ms . Creech explained the lower paying jobs. Mayor Sullivan
said she tried to stick with a five percent cap .
Wednesday , 8 September 2021
Page -2-
The Clock Comer improvements and ve hicl e requests were discussed. Mayor Su ll ivan said
trucks have been vetted with Fleet Maintenance. Council President Burre ll questioned the
Civic increase : parking lot and HV AC ($75,000.00) for City Cou ncil Chambers. Public
Works Director Richard Johnson replied , the engineer will design and let out for bid the
HV AC unit. Mayor Sullivan suggested to change the price of HV AC to $25 ,000.00 . The
consensus of the City Council was to put $25,000.00 in the budget for same.
Fairhope Docks was next to be discussed ; and Recreation Director Pat White mentioned the
pedestals and installation in the budget. He said they need a licensed electrician for the
installation . Co uncilrnemb er Martin said that hiring now or training may take longer to get
the project done .
The landfill bulldozer was discussed and the safety for personnel using it. The co nsensus of
the City Council was to leave the full amo unt in for the bulldozer. Councilrnember Conyers
questioned if there was need to look for land for a lan dfill after 15 to 16 years . Mr. Johnson
replied, it must be five miles away from airport; and there is none near the City .
Ms. Creech commented transfers were eig ht percent. She said the Meter D epartment has its
own department in this budget. Mayor Sullivan aske d the City Council to look at the
Charitable Contribution s for the next meeting .
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting
was duly adjourned at 6:50 p.m .
~ft.LL
City Clerk