HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-2015 City Council Work Session MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30p.m.,
Delchamps Room, 161 North Section Street,
Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Monday, 12 January 2015.
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 4:37p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Councilmember Mueller began the discussion of the Mechanic Maintenance
Supervisor position and said this would save on labor expenses. Mayor Kant
stated this would be a working supervisor position and would help with labor and
expenses. The person would manage the mechanic shop; and organize the fleet
and maintenance. Mayor Kant commented we have had no help with
maintenance for over 14 years. Councilmember Brewer said this would help
keep costs down and with organization. Councilmember Ford agreed and said it
makes sense to have this position. Councilmember Boone commented it is
almost a must to have position to keep our fleet running. Councilmember
Mueller stated we must also have a maintenance plan. Council President Burrell
commented he would like to see the numbers and what we would be saving.
• The Education Advisory Committee's presentation was next on the agenda. Bob
Riggs addressed the City Council and began by explaining the Mission, Metrics,
and Money segment again. Chairman Kerry Flowers went over the summary of
requests from each of the five schools. Councilmember Brewer stated at the
halfway point, each school must show its process. Council President Burrell
questioned spending on items not approved, Professional Development, and part-
time teachers. Mr. Riggs said the main focus for the high school will be on
Advanced Placement scores and the International Baccalaureate Diploma; and he
said that spending on other items would not happen again.
Mayor Kant suggested meeting with Superintendent Robbie Owens and getting
him involved in the process. Mr. Riggs thanked the City for the supplemental
funds and said it is critical to support the schools. Councilmember Brewer said
the principals and teachers know what is needed at their schools to move
forward. Councilmember Mueller said if the goal is to send our children to
college this is good; but we should also have Industrial Arts in every high school.
Councilmember Brewer said she would like to add to the agenda approval of the
EAC's recommendations for funds for each of the five schools in Fairhope.
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• Councilmember Mueller discussed the Noise Ordinance and said the ordinance
we have needs to be replaced. He said it is too strict and we need to address it.
Council President Burrell explained the decibel levels and what type of noise is
at different levels. Mayor Kant gave a brief history of how we ended up with the
ordinance we have in place right now.
City Attorney Wynne stated the old ordinance was vague and had a subjective
judgment; and it was clearly unconstitutional. He explained several Supreme
Court rulings and said it is important to keep objective standards and time
standards. Councilmember Mueller said we need to look at this and bring back
again.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:45p.m.