HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-27-2017 City Council Work Session 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, 27 November 2017.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Jay Robinson,
Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Karin Wilson, City
Attorney Marion E. Wynne, 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 first item on the agenda was the discussion of the Clean Vessel Marina Act by
Lynn Maser and Drew Craze. This is a 75/25 grant for an all-in-one pump unit; and
Mr. Craze explained the type of unit needed for the marina. Ms. Maser requested
permission to move forward.
• The next item on the agenda was the update on the Quail Creek Clubhouse by Ms.
Maser and Public Works Director Richard Johnson. Bids will be opened by the
second meeting in December. The real goal is to complete by March for the FEEF
Tournament.
• Mayor Wilson discussed the need for a full-time in-house attorney and gave
examples of Cities who have an attorney on staff. She stated this was just based on
last year's fees. Mayor Wilson commented we would still use outside attorney, but
duplication is not needed.
Councilmember Conyers said the attorney would need administrative help.
Councilmember Robinson stated the attorney would need malpractice insurance,
access to legal library, and administrative help. He said we are not going to get that
real expertise like Ken Watson for Planning. Mayor Wilson stated this is a
conservative number; and it is a liability for the City not to have an in-house attorney.
• Revenue Officer Jennifer Olmstead addressed the City Council regarding the License
Fees and the Penalties and Interest for Business Licenses. She explained the State
Code and what is allowed pursuant to same. The penalties and interest were
questioned and the consensus was the additional 15 percent was harsh.
• Councilmember Brown announced the Bike to School on Friday and gave an update
on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee. He mentioned the Financial Advisory
Committee will begin working on a strategic plan for funding capital improvements.
• Councilmember Conyers mentioned when the next Historic Preservation Committee
and Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board meetings will be in December. He
announced the Library Foundation's Chocolate and Champagne Event coming up in
January.