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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-2022 City Council Work SessionSTATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) ( ) ( The City Council met in a Work Session at 4 :3 0 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope , Alabama 36532 , on Monday, 11 July 2022. Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Counci lmembers: Jack Burrell, Corey Martin, Jay Robinson , and Kevin Boone , Mayor Sherry Sullivan, City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. Council President Jimmy Conyers called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. The following topics were discussed: • The first item on the agenda was the Discussion to repeal Ordinance No. 665, Section 21-4 7 . Fluoridation . Mayor Sullivan began the discussion and said this is a 1980 Ordinance ; and said she researched and other sources have it in them. She commented we need to protect our employees from the chemical. Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jason Langley addressed the City Council and said we only feed half the dose as before. Councilmember Burrell said we discussed this about 8 to 10 years ago; and Dr. Barry Boothe said this was one of the top 10 achievements over the years. He said fluoride is in toothpaste and never been held liable for in court damages to anyone . He commented it helps with tooth decay . · Counci lm ember Martin questioned why we wou ld do this. Fluoride is backed by all of the Medical Associations. He said in the United States, water and processed . beverages provide approximately 75 % of a person 's fluoride intake . Councilmember Martin said he does not see the benefit to remove and it does not hurt the public. Councilmember Boone said he does not see why we need to remove it from the water. Councilmember Robinson said he needs more information to make a decision. Councilmember Burrell said removal of fluoride led to higher levels of tooth decay. The consensus of the City Counci l was to remove Agenda Item Number 8 from the City Council agenda. • The next item on the agenda was the Greens Resurfacing Report by Grounds Manager Tomm Johnson. He addressed the City Council and told them that 100 percent of all greens will not have to be replaced . Mr. Johnson mentioned drainage issues on each green will cost between $25,000.00 to $30,000.00. He told the City Council he wants to purchase a batwing mower which is needed for our grounds and will be pulled by a John Deere Tractor . Mr. Johnson told them about a Weed Scientist Contest he held where the scientist that found the most weeds won the contest. Mr. Johnson said the winner of the contest found 11 weeds in 213 acres . Monday , 11 July 2022 Page -2- Mr. Johnson told the City Council he has been running the golf course with four people including himself. He said , "I am proud ofmy staff and their hard work." Mr. Johnson said we still need mats for the driving range. He thanked his staff once agam. • Councilmember Martin gave an update on the Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board who wants to present the Resiliency Index at the Work Session on August 8, 2022. Council President Conyers briefly went through the Agenda Items and who would explain if needed . • Public Works Director Richard Johnson addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Items No. 7, No . 9, No. 21, No. 22 , No. 13 , No. 14 , No. 15, No . '16, No. 19 , and No . 20; and answered any questions if needed. He said the chiller for the Fairhope Public Library has been installed. He explained Agenda Item No. 9 in detail and said our garbage count is 10,295 with trash and recycling being 8 percent. Mr. Johnson mentioned how many times they collect for commercial, specifically the restaurants in the Central Business District. Mayor Sullivan said we still pick up trash and recyclables from commercial customers. Councilmember Martin questioned how or when the fee for everyone was put in place . He also wanted an explanation on lo w income citizens and no garbage service but gets charged . Mayor Sullivan said there is 8.8 percent that do not get garbage service. Councilmember Burrell said we buy garbage trucks and recycling trucks . Mayor Sullivan said the apartment Managers will verify the income. • Councilmember Robinson said it is a service for every citizen of Fairhope. Councilmember Martin questioned garbage fees and no service. Councilmember Robinson commented if someone does not have access to our service, they should not pay. He asked for an example of someone who does not have access . Mr. Johnson mentioned Fly Creek Apartments and Publix do not have access to City garbage. Councilmember Boone said the landfill is open for all citizens; and we provide a service that is availab le to everybody. He said the gate is open every day ; and these services are here for them. Council President Conyers said we captured the spirit in the proposed ordinance . Councilmember Martin said you need to explain to me why I am getting billed and do not have this service . • Mr. Johnson said we have two street sweeper that clean every day ; two employees who pick up litter every day , keep public places cleaned and mowed ; and all receptacles cleaned around Fairhope and in our parks. Councilmember Burrell suggested ale carte items for citizens. City Attorney McDowell said the exemption is for health , safety , and welfare of citizens. Councilmember Robinson everyone gets charged for our service whether they use it or not. Councilmember Martin stated we need to educate everyone of what they are being charged . • Mr. Johnson said the two debris contracts are some of the most important contracts for Public Works. He explained each one and answered questions . Councilmember Burrell questioned the debris being moved twice . Mr. Johnson said we move , reduce , and take to landfill that must be permitted for inert vegetation. Monday, 11 July 2022 Page -3- City Treasurer Kim Creech told the City Council that this was FEMA 's rule for the reduction due to cost. Mr. Johnson reiterated what Ms. Creech said about reducing the cost for the amount going into landfill. Councilmember Burrell also questioned fuel and cost varying for the two extensions. Mr. Johnson said if the cost went down significantly, we would go out for bid on the extensions. • Planning Director Hunter Simmons addressed the City Council and mentioned the moratorium and the news being misquoted . • Gas Superintendent Jeremy Little addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Item No. 17; and answered any questions if needed. He said we use them on safety and time sensitive projects . • City Treasurer Kim Creech addressed the City Council and explained Agenda Item No. 23; and answered any questions if needed. Ms . Creech told the City Council that she is preparing and RFP for the Reserve Funds . There being no further business to come before the City Council , the meeting was duly adjourned at 5:54 p.m.