HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-13-2020 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, 13 July 2020.
Present were Council President Pro Tempore Jay Robinson, Councilmembers:
Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City
Attomey Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President
Jack Burrell present via Teams.
Council President Pro Tempore Robinson called the meeting to order at 4:30
p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The first item on the Agenda was the Discussion of Gas Department needing funding
for Contractors was presented by Operations Director Michael Allison. He explained
the recent Annual Inspection through the Public Services Commission and several
issues that were found. Mr. Allison said the Gas Department is three years behind
finding unprotected gas services; and needs to have 360 services by December 31,
2020. He said another find is cathodic issues in rectifiers with at least 11 shorts
discovered. Mr. Allison said the City would bid out for contractors.
• The Discussion of New Position for a Civil or Mechanical Engineer (Grade 26) for
the Fairhope Public Utilities was presented by by Operations Director Michael
Allison. He said this position would be use for small projects with experience with
on the Water and Wastewater side; and would be trained on the Gas side. Mr. Allison
commented this position could help with the ADEM lawsuit or approve in the
FY2021 budget. Mayor Wilson said this would help with the ADEM initiative.
• Planning and Zoning Manager Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council
regarding the Discussion of Energov Software and said this would be mainly for
building permits. He said it would trail the entire project; and have building permits
digitally. Mr. Simmons said there are CARES Act funds available; but there may be
some costs not funded by this act. He said this is a digital management program that
is part of Tyler Technologies like our MUNIS software system. Council President
Pro Tempore Robinson said this is a good time if any. Council President Burrell
requested the recurring annual costs and maintenance costs.
City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council regarding the Discussion of
Moving Tier II Employees to Tier I with the Employees' Retirement System. She
told the City Council the annual cost for this year would be $66,224.00; and the
additional unfunded actuarial accrued liability will be amortized over a closed 15-
year period as a percentage of total payroll. Ms. Creech commented we are one of the
last to adopt a resolution. She said that recruiting has been hindered due to this
benefit being offered by other Cities.