HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2020 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 Thursday, 12 March 2020.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson, Jimmy
Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone (arrived at 4:54 p.m.). Mayor Karin
Wilson, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The Discussion of Coronavirus and City Events was first on the agenda. Mayor
Wilson stated that there is going to be a press conference at 5:00 p.m. for the State's
protocol. She said that the Arts and Crafts Festival is the second largest event for her
business; and this is a tough decision to make. Mayor Wilson recommended that the
City cancel the festival or postpone it until a future date.
Judge Lang Floyd addressed the City Council on behalf of the Arts and Crafts
Festival Foundation and said they would like to find a common ground. He
commented that large Cities, hospitals, and nursing homes have the most cases. He
said if we cancel the festival it would be disheartening for the Foundation; and have
an economic impact in the County. Judge Floyd said this is the first event this year
for Baldwin County and could be a domino effect for others. He stated this is during
Spring Break and will affect local merchants and food trucks; however, the health
and safety of our citizens is our number one concem.
Judge Floyd said that postponing is not logistical due to artists traveling from
location to location. He commented weather is another issue; so, we cancel for the
year and not reschedule. Judge Floyd said we are making decisions with limited
information. He stated the Foundation wants to work with the City as a partner.
Jenni Guerry with Baldwin County EMA addressed the City Council and said their
role is to help put the word out for preventative measures to Community. She said
we help with planning efforts and are the coordination piece.
Ms. White addressed the City Council and said she has been a downtown merchant
for 20 years; and all are educated and know to wash their hands. She said the
economic impact for merchants and her business is huge.
Bryant Whelan, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Arts Center, addressed the
City Council and said there will be an economic impact. She said this is the largest
fundraiser we have and part of our budget; and we need it to keep our lights on.
Council President Burrell commented the City Council cannot cancel the festival
because we have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Foundation, so we need
to mutually agree upon a decision with them.