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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2014 City Council Strategic Planning Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The City Council met in a Strategic Planning Meeting at 4:30p.m., Delchamps Room , 161 North Section Street, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope , Alabama 36532 , on Tuesday, 14 January 2014. Present were Council President Jack Burrell , Councilmember Rich Mueller, Diana Brewer (arrived at 4:40p.m.), and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks . Councilmember Michael A. Ford was absent. Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:40p.m. and handed out the agenda. The following topics were discussed : 1. Jennifer Fidler addressed the City Council and explained the road assessment of the roads to be resurfaced by Baldwin County and/or accepted for maintenance by the City of Fairhope. Council President Burrell questioned about drainage issues. Mayor Kant and Ms . Fidler both mentioned the use of Gas Tax money for the extension of Ingleside from Porter Lane to Nichols to be included in the resurfacing project ; with a cost estimate by the County of $17 ,000.00. 2. Council President Burrell briefly went over each item on his handout regarding financial information for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. (See attached handout) Mayor Kant commented the City is worth $120 million dollars ; and transfers were $4 million last year and only $3 .2 million this year. Council President Burrell requested for the City Finance Departments to let the City Council know of any issues before these get out of hand . 3. Councilmember Brewer gave an update on the Education Advisory Committee and the K-1 Center. She mentioned the group that went Ocean Springs will soon visit Andalusia for ideas regarding the K-1 Center. Councilmember Brewer said they will select small group will meet with Bob Callahan; and we need to write a letter to Dr. Lee of our interest in acquiring the K-1 building. The Education Advisory Committee is working with principals on a vision for Fairhope schools. She said that Orange Beach is looking towards having its own school system. A 3 mil tax was discussed and a possible referendum for the people. Mayor Kant said he was working with Representative Steve McMillan on a bill and the correct language for the 3 mils. We need to know what the money would be used for in Fairhope . Strategic Planning Tuesday, 14 January 2014 Page-2- Sherry Sullivan was requested to facilitate the meeting with Bob Callahan; and Councilmember President Burrell and Councilmember Brewer will be involved in this meeting. 4 . Councilmember Boone gave an update on the Harbor Board. He said that Bob Riggs has mentioned the marina needs upgrading. The City receives around $50 ,000 per year for marina; and we need to relook at making a "pot" for money to repair and upgrade the marina. Councilmember Boone said we have to keep our marina for commercial use in order for the Corps of Engineers to maintain our channel. Several suggestions were made: tearing up asphalt and putting down gravel , possible handicap boat ramp , and for the Harbor Board to recommend and bring back priorities for the marina to the City Council. 5. Councilmember Mueller briefly mentioned the City parklands. He said there will be a committee to work on renovations to the Colony land at County Road 44 and County Road 13. Mayor Kant said the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation wants to see a plan before deeding over the land to the City . Councilmember Mueller said we just purchased the Dyas property designated as parkland; and we need a vision for this property. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 6:20 p .m. ~L City Clerk