HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2016 City Council Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30 p.m.,
Deichamps Room, 161 North Section Street,
Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 11 April 2016.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Rich Mueller, Diana
Brewer, Michael A. Ford, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, 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 discussion of a potential Internet Franchise was first on the agenda. Don Evans
stated he could have the Central Business District ready by June 1, 2016; and the rest
of the City by July 1, 2016. Mr. Evans said he partnered with Southern Light for use
of the fiber optics; and his target is for small businesses. The starting rate will be
$50.00 per month with two to 500 subscribers. He requested a testing period before
installation. Mayor Kant said there is a need for doctors who work from home; the
bluff neighborhoods; and the fruit and nut sections.
• The Central Business District Parking Deck Project presentation was given by Dan
Burden with Blue Zones, LLC. He first stated that the Fairhope Parking Deck is
ideally located with most of downtown Fairhope within a five minute walk. Mr.
Burden suggested placemaking, art work at entrance, crosswalks with visual appeal,
solar panels on the parking deck roof, wayfinding, bike share, roundels and
roundabouts, and buffers. All of these would enhance Fairhope. Mr. Burden also
gave suggestions on how to help with the parking at Faulkner, Fairhoper's
Community Park, and De La Mare; and a green parking lot behind the Library.
Council President Burrell stated we will look at the parking garage during the budget
process; and we should get with Faulkner for a possible partnership to increase
parking.
• Sherry Sullivan, Community Affairs and Recreation Director, addressed the City
Council and presented the Recreation Board's Five-Year Plan. She also gave an
update on the Soccer Complex Project with 80 percent of the parking complete; light
poles ready; fields sodded; and then fence and trees.
• Council President Burrell explained the need for the Visitor Side Press Box at
Volanta Stadium. He said the lowest bid came in at $43,760.00; and mentioned
speaking to the coach and the demand for press box is not as urgent as we thought.
ADA compliance was brought up, so this will be looked at further for compliance
issues and associated costs. It was mentioned this project may have to be rebid.
Councilmember Brewer reminded everyone of the Education Advisory Committee
meeting on April 13, 2016 for the Academic Audit Presentation by The Akribos
Consulting Group.