HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-2014 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, 24 November 2014.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Diana Brewer,
Michael A. Ford, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, City Attorney Marion
E. Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Rich Mueller was absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
• Council President Burrell explained the reason why the discussion of
building heights was on the agenda; and that the main issue is in the Central
Business District. Councilmember Brewer mentioned an additional five feet
for architectural designs and integrity.
Mayor Kant stated first the height was 30 feet and then went to 35 feet. Pitch
needs to be looked at and architectural features. Councilmember Boone
explained parking would be the biggest problem. Mayor Kant said not to
change the uniqueness of the City; and the definition may need to be
changed. Councilmember Ford commented keep Fairhope like Fairhope; and
do our own thing.
• Short-term Rentals were discussed next on the agenda. Council President
Burrell explained the need for this item being discussed. Councilmember
Brewer brought up Airbnb (Air Bed and Breakfast) which is a rental site.
Chief Petties stated that after an article was printed, the owners have stopped
renting. He said neighbors commented that every four to five days new
renters move in and out. The owner lives in Australia and rents the house.
Neighbors on both sides watch the house.
Mayor Kant said the City tried to get homeowners grandfathered in, but
could not get that passed through the process. We could possibly rezone
property for rentals. The Bed and Breakfast owners feel this is competition;
and the bluff residents in the past had issues. Councilmember Brewer stated
that the Film Festival people commented the need for more home rentals.
Mayor Kant said that staff would research and get back with suggestions; and
then report back to the City Council.
• Councilmember Boone gave an update on the Personnel Board and drug tests
were discussed. He also stated that the Harbor Board would meet December
2, 2014 and will discuss the building at marina and the empty slips.
Monday, 24 November 2014
Page -2-
• Councilmember Ford mentioned the Recreation Board meeting and the
discussion of soccer fields. Tennis Courts and the issue of children being left
in the club house was discussed in depth. A motion was made by the
Recreation Board to not allow minors unsupervised. Community Affairs and
Recreation Director Sherry Sullivan and City Clerk Lisa Hanks mentioned
they had checked with our insurance company and they said this was a huge
liability for the City and that we need to adopt a policy regarding this issue.
The recommendation will be brought back for discussion and then adoption
by the City Council.
Mayor Kant said he needed direction on the soccer fields: hire a construction
manager, negotiate with the engineer we already hired, or hire a new
engineer and start from scratch. Councilmember Ford said it was only fair to
keep the engineer already hired by the City. Council President Burrell stated
the draft traffic study updates are done; and LID meeting is scheduled for
December 11, 2014 at the Fairhope Public Library in the Giddens Room.
There being no further business to come before the City
Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:43p.m.