HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2015 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 Thursday, 5 March 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 4:36p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• The discussion of Internet Service Providers was first on the agenda. Council
President Burrell mentioned Stone Creek and AT&T being put in the new phase, but
the old phase will not have internet installed. Mayor Kant stated that we could make
this part of new subdivision going forward. City Attorney Wynne said there is some
type of density requirements in the agreements.
• Mayor Kant discussed the NRCS funding our two projects: the Woodlands Project
and the Waste Water Treatment Plant Project. Once awarded, the City has
approximately 200 days to complete. Council President Burrell asked Scott
Hutchinson with Hutchinson, Moore & Rauch, LLC if this would solve the problem
with the Woodlands. Mr. Hutchinson replied this will not solve all of the concerns;
and the project is only to protect the sewer line. He said these yards are in a
floodway. Mayor Kant commented we need to try and slow the water down. We
need to look at all options and then bring back to the City Council.
• Councilmember Brewer stated the Education Advisory Committee met and are
working with FEEF and Fairhope Single Tax Corporation. She mentioned the Tax
Resolution to support the property tax increase for schools which needs to be
tweaked and finalized. The Open Meetings Act was also brought up regarding e-
mails. A tennis representative is being looked at for the Recreation Board.
• Councilmember Ford commented on the Recreation Board meetings and said there
was a misunderstanding of the Open Meetings Act. Council President Burrell stated
we need to look at tennis courts and get the facts together. Mayor Kant replied that
Trey Jinright will have those numbers for the courts. A comment was made that we
may need to get both sides to explain the options.
• Councilmember Mueller brought up the Historic Preservation Ordinance and the
need to put something in place. He also mentioned two possible applicants for the
Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board; and the need to possibly change the
ordinance regarding the number of members and the time of the meeting.
Councilmember Mueller said that David Dyson has applied to the Tree Committee
and would make an excellent member.
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Page -2-
• Councilmember Boone brought up the Personnel Board and terms for several
members coming up for reappointment or to be filled. Mayor Kant commented every
committee has members either for reappointment or vacancies needing to be filled.
• Council President Burrell stated the Planning Commission subcommittee met
regarding the Central Business District ("CBD"), land use, and building heights.
• Dan Ames, Purchasing Manager, addressed the City Council and explained the need
to add on the resolution to rescind and award bid for City Sketches to the second
lowest bidder.
• Jennifer Fidler, Public Works Director, addressed the City Council regarding
cooperative recycling and the County would like all Cities and Towns to sign on with
them. We can help write the cooperative agreement and possibly get a share of the
proceeds.
• Jonathan Smith, Planning Director, addressed the City Council and mentioned the
next CBD meeting at the Nix Center. The next to be discussed are ratios for heights
and land use. He said the recommendation will not be to raise the ceiling height of
35 feet.
• Scott Sligh, Electric Superintendent, addressed the City Council and stated a new
push button strobe light has been installed for the tennis courts. He also mentioned
the new generator for the warehouse has been installed.
• Erik Cortinas, Building Official, addressed the City Council regarding the house on
Section Street near Scenic Highway 98 and Highway I 04. He said it will be
rehabilitated and rebuilt per the owners.
• Robert Rohm, Gas Superintendent, addressed the City Council and commented the
Gas Department is doing well.
• Dan McCrory, Water & Sewer Superintendent, addressed the City Council and gave
a brief update on the Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrades.
• Chief Petties addressed the City Council regarding the barricade for parades. He said
Pels and Bancroft are in need of barricades; and then will look into adding additional
streets.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:30p.m.
City Clerk