HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2014 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 May 2014 .
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Rich Mueller,
Diana Brewer, Michael A. Ford (arrived at 4:38p.m.), and Kevin Boone (arrived at 5:06
p.m.), Mayor Timothy M. Kant, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. City Attorney Marion E.
Wynne was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:35p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Jennifer Fidler, Public Works Director, addressed the City Council regarding the
damage caused by the April 29 , 2014 rain event. She presented a Power Point
presentation on the storm issues. The Water Treatment plant sustained the worse
damage with an estimated $300 ,000.00 in repairs. There is a resolution on
tonight 's agenda to hire Hutchinson , Moore and Rauch and to possibly use
NRCS grants to help with projects . Mayor Kant explained the retention ponds
cannot hold this amount of water which causes the water to overflow and keep
ongoing. Ms. Fidler ex plained drainage on Fels , White , and Fairhope Avenue is
failing. Cedar Street residents were mentioned and an appraisal will be on the
next work session agenda.
• Dan McCrory , Water and Sewer Superintendent, addressed the City Council
regarding the UV Plant erosion problem ; and the sewer line at Rock
Creek/Woodlands with a repair estimate of $220 ,000 to $240 ,000. The April 29 ,
2014 rain event caused multiple broken water mains . He showed pictures of the
Rohr lift station on McGowin Drive under water .
Council President Burrell questioned the total damage from the storm . Mayor
Kant replied approximately $2.0 million ; and mentioned a temporary easement
from the Cortes that could be used to help solve the sewer line issue at the
Woodlands. Councilmember Mueller questioned how long these issues have
been going on ; and commented we need to look at and repair these issues not just
a temporary fix. However, he did state we cannot prepare for these types of rain
events .
• Erik Cortinas , Building Official, addressed the City Council and said we are
looking at private and public buildings. There are 24 houses so far that have
called into the City to report flood damage. The most damage is on Highland
Road along Fish River. There issues in Quail Creek and on Boothe Road. The
repair cost estimates range from $2,000 up to $55 ,000. He stated we are going to
work on new building regulations to help avoid these flooding issues .
Monday, 12 April2014
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• Council President Burrell commented we need a comprehensive storm water
management plan; and prepare for the future. Mayor Kant stated that
Homeowner Associations are not maintaining or keep up detention ponds. The
City has 100 years retention and 25 year infrastructure (streets). We need for the
engineer or builder to shoot the grade before the City issues permits.
• Pandora Heathcoe, Human Resources Director, addressed the City Council and
stated the City's worker compensation claims are already up to $30,000 this year.
She handed out a bound copy of the new personnel handbook and a memo
regarding Safety-Plus and their safety training program. Council President
Burrell commented we need Safety Plus to mitigate these claims. The Council's
consensus was to move forward with using Safety Plus. Mayor Kant stated that
Ms . Heathcoe should be able to send employees home when they are doing
unsafe things several times.
• Council President Burrell thanked City staff for all of their hard work during and
after the storm.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was
duly adjourned at 5:42p.m.
~ City Clerk