HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2019 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, 14 January 2019.
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 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Mayor Wilson addressed the City Council regarding the Budget Final Summary; and
stated she changed the budget for debt prepayment and K-1 Center. Council
President Burrell questioned why the budget was being change after it had been
approved. Finance Director Jill Cabaniss said she added back in the Labor Cost
Adjustment. Mayor Wilson said that Capital Projects only needs 12 percent this year.
Councilmember Boone commented we need a fund for maintenance.
Councilmember Brown said to just use Sales Tax for Capital Projects with no
transfers. Councilmember Robinson stated we could use 25 percent for something
else and 25 percent for Capital Projects.
Councilmember Conyers commented it was hard to understand the ordinance.
Council President Burrell explained the ordinance that was in place. Each
Councilmember gave an example of what the Sales Tax could be used for. Mayor
Wilson replied that she has budgeted 88 percent for operating costs and 12 percent
for Capital Projects. Ms. Cabaniss said this is the way the budget is written.
• Council President Burrell stated that the K-1 Purchase has been covered as well.
The IT Tech Backfill position was discussed next. Mayor Wilson said that Sean had
been promoted and his position did not get replaced. Council President Burrell
commented we are not adding another IT position. Mayor Wilson said this was an
oversight during the budget process. IT Director Jeff Montgomery stated he has 5
positions and hopes to add an IT Administrator next year. Councilmember Brown
questioned what a Communication Specialist was. Mr. Montgomery replied handle
meetings, website edits, telephone system, and wiring buildings.
Public Works Director Richard Johnson explained a process to help with spending
for Professional Services. He said we would go out for request for qualifications, get
recommendations for services for 36 months, and have a "Standard Service
Agreement." (See attached handout)