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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-2013 City Council Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )( COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The City Council, City of Fairhope, met in regular session at 6:00 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Thursday, 19 December 2013. 6392 Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Rich Mueller, Diana Brewer, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, City Attorney Marion E. Wynne, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Councilmember Michael A. Ford was absent. There being a quorum present, Council President Burrell called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Councilmember Boone and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Councilmember Brewer moved to approve minutes of the 9 December 2013, regular meeting; minutes of the 9 December 2013, work session; and minutes of the 9 December 2013, agenda meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Boone, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Kant addressed the City Council and explained why the City is seeking a $5.75 million dollar General Obligation Warrant for the 108 acres from the Dyas family. He said the lawyers were not on the same page. This will be a 5 year loan with an interest rate of 1.35 percent and no penalty if paid off early. The City needs to take advantage of the loan for this year; and put together by December 31, 2013. He stated we sent out a notice for a special-called meeting for Friday, December 27, 2013. The City has two options: 1) borrow from the bank at 1.35 percent interest or 2) borrow from the Dyases at 4.00 percent interest. Mayor Kant mentioned a meeting with Governor Bentley on Tuesday and the Governor said this is a worthwhile project; and they should get a loan on the property. Lee Webb and Ed Harnmele from BBV A Compass Bank were in the audience to answer questions. Council President Burrell stated that there were stipulations in the settlement agreement that could not be met in order to go forward with the Conservation Fund. He stated that we will save by using the bank: just in the first year savings are estimated at $499,875; in the second year savings are estimated at $110,000; and in the third year savings are estimated at $55,000. Council President Burrell said the Governor was very enthused with the project. The cost could be recovered in the first year or over the next few years. We are also looking at funding for all 15 steps of the Fly Creek Restoration Project. Council President Burrell also mentioned the special- called City Council meeting scheduled for Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to approve an Ordinance to borrow $5.75 million dollars from Compass Bank as a general obligation of the City of Fairhope. 6393 19 December 2013 Mayor Kant stated he wanted to brag on the Police Department; and said the Chief was being modest earlier. In the course of a week, 4 to 5 people contributed to 42 felonies and now have been arrested. Mayor Kant said "thank you Chief for all of your hard work." Council President Burrell addressed the City Council and mentioned meeting with State Representative Joe Faust and Governor Bentley on the Insurance Reform, the Homeowners Hurricane Insurance Initiative , and the City of Fairhope's Resolution of support of exploration of the Interstate Re-Insurance Coastal Band. He said the Governor has put together a new committee to look at this issue. He also gave an example of how much wind insurance has increased over the years; and if you multiplied the cost by 18 years ; it would be the cost of a child's education. The rising cost of wind insurance is a life changing event and we need to fight for insurance reform. Councilmember Brewer introduced in writing, and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City of Fairhope has voted to purchase a Ditch Witch RT45 Backhoe and H313 Attachment (Trencher) for the Electric Department and the requested item is available for direct procurement through the Houston-Galveston Area Council ("H-GAC") Contract. Council President Burrell mentioned that by using this contract the City will be saving close to $9,000.00 . Seconded by Councilmember Mueller, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2162-13 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows: [1] That the City of Fairhope has voted to purchase a Ditch Witch RT45 Backhoe and H313 Attachment (Trencher) for the Electric Department and the requested item is available for direct procurement through the Houston-Galveston Area Council ("H- GAC ") Contract. The cost is approximately $54 ,441.61 to allow for freight cost variations at ship time. Adopted on this 19th day ofDecember, 2013 Attest : %~~~· ~ - 6394 19 December 2013 Councilmember Mueller introduced in writing , and moved for the adoption of the following resolution, a resolution that the City of Fairhope has voted to purchase a Garbage Truck for the Public Works Department and the requested item is available for direct procurement through the Houston-Galveston Area Council ("H-GAC") Contract. The cost is approximately $204 ,704 .15 to allow for freight cost variations at ship time. Council President Burrell mentioned that by using this contract the City will be saving close to $35 ,000.00. Seconded by Councilmember Brewer, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2163-13 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows: [1] That the City of Fairhope ha s voted to purchase a Garbage Truck for the Public Works Department and the requested item is available for direct procurement through the Houston-Galveston Area Council ("H-GAC ") Contract. The cost is approximately $204 ,704.15 to allow for freight cost variat ions at ship time . Attest: Councilmember Brewer moved to grant the request of The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce requesting permission to serve alcohol on City property on January 23 , 2014 from 5 :00p.m . to 7:00p.m. in the Gidden's Room at the Fairhope Public Library for a private screening of America's Amazon -The Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Seconded by Councilmember Boone, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The following individual spoke during Public Participation: 1. Jeffrey Forrester addressed the City Council regarding the statue Tears of Sorrow , Tears of Joy " on the bluff and requested that the National Guard be part of the monument. Mayor Kant asked the City Council to look into this request. 6395 19 December 2013 Councilmember Brewer moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Boone, motion passed unanimously by voice vote. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was du1y adjourned at 6 :29 p.m.