HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-2020 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 August 2020.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson,
Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City
Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion of the Trees in Downtown Fairhope.
Public Works Director Richard Johnson explained the reason for the size of the trees
purchased. He mentioned the water and electrical lines hit at Fairhope and Morphy
while extracting a tree. Mr. Johnson explained the four options; and said that option
#4 would require bidding out the project. He said the biggest problem trees are
beginning to sprout.
Council President Burrell said Councilmember Boone questioned the height; and
how far are these trees not from the root ball? Mr. Johnson replied with an
explanation for the height and commented this is a great specimen. The City Council
questioned leaving some of the trees until others mature; replacing problematic trees
and 24 smaller trees; and life span of the Chinese Pistache. Mr. Johnson explained
heritage trees and preservation; and also mentioned a nursery found by Patrick
Waldrop, member of the Tree Committee, in Mobile that has trees in ground and will
be ready for January. He commented we could leave Fairhope Avenue to Morphy
Avenue intact; and replace all trees from Fairhope Avenue to Magnolia Avenue.
Councilmember Robinson asked Mr. Waldrop about these trees. Mr. Waldrop stated
that August is the worse time to plant; and we need optimal root zone for trees. Mr.
Waldrop said these trees have at least a 50 year life span; and once at 25 feet the City
will not have to worry to replant for 30 to 40 years. Mr. Johnson said there is a 30
foot span at the top.
Councilmember Brown asked where you would place the rest of the trees. Mr.
Johnson suggested the property line at County Road 32 and County Road 13 and Pier
Island boat ramp. He said there are plenty of options. Councilmember Boone
questioned the diameter of the trees; and said, "why when these came in were these
trees unloaded and planted." Mr. Johnson replied lesson learned; and we will make
sure the trees have a 2-1/2 caliper. The consensus of the City Council was to remove
the 24 smaller trees; and replace with a tree at least 12 feet in height.