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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2019 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, 11 February 2019. Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City Attorney Marcus B. McDowell and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Jay Robinson was absent. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: Economic and Community Development Director Sherry-Lea Botop discussed the budget and concepts for the First Round of Pedestrian Safety Projects in Downtown Fairhope. She showed the City Council two types of public parking signs to direct traffic; and a possible directional mural. Public Works Director Richard Johnson showed them thermoplast directions on the pavement. A budget will be coming to City Council soon. Ms. Botop mentioned the kick off meeting for the Alley and Parking Garage. Mr. Johnson told the City Council about the possibility of using garbage corrals. The Discussion of Consideration of Gifts to the City of Fairhope was next on the agenda. Ms. Botop explained the donations of the Cattail Pond Sculpture and said COPA was helping to pick a site. She then discussed the three parcels of land being donated; and said there is no rush because this would be a tax write off for the Trust. Council President Burrell questioned these being a liability to the City. Couneilmember Brown suggested putting land into a Weeks Bay Conservation Easement. Councilmember Brown began the Discussion of Bike and Pedestrian Trails. He said this would be recreational bike trails. Council President Burrell said he is pushing for pedestrian trails too; i.e. multi-use trails. Councilmember Brown said mountain biking enthusiast go all over the State. He suggested using a local volunteer to mark trees needing to be saved. Mayor Wilson commented we only have $13,000.00 excess in revenue; and we need to tie this project into the big picture for overall plan. Councilmember Conyers gave an update from the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board: 1) Fairhope Docks to be a clean and resilient marina and 2) special called meeting to look at full time technical staff. He mentioned the Historic Preservation Committee; and the Library Board's new meeting time. Councilmember Brown brought up Ken Cole, Chair of the Education Advisory Committee who gave an update on the Special Tax District for 3 mills. He said this will be a special referendum and it has to be permanent; and this will enable schools to use the funds for tenured teachers. The consensus of the City Council was to give the citizens a vote. Mr. Cole stated these funds will give our schools extra help for more teachers, aids, substitutes, etc.