Fairhope council adopts multiple ordinances, approves $30M water‑sewer warrant and emergency fuel‑spill cleanup

The Fairhope City Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions at its regular meeting, including a $30 million general obligation water and sewer warrant, adoption of mobility‑device and historic‑preservation ordinances, several professional services contracts and an emergency remediation contract for a fuel spill.

Finance staff and bond counsel outlined the borrowing plan for the water and sewer warrant: the ordinance authorizes up to $30 million, with roughly $25 million earmarked to retire an existing loan and approximately $5 million serving as short‑term bridge financing while staff explores market timing and bank options. Kim Henley, who led the finance overview, described the borrowing as a bridge to better market conditions, saying staff would “concurrently explore” bank and bond options before a planned closing around May 1.

Council adopted the e‑bike (mobility device) ordinance and a historic‑preservation ordinance (to enable Certified Local Government status) on final readings; both items were introduced previously and passed with unanimous votes.

On contracts and projects, council voted to:

- Authorize a contract with Dlanis Design Group PC (DDG) for landscape architectural and A&E services for Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase 2 and a Phase 3 bicycle project (not to exceed $292,250). Officials emphasized that walking access is a key design component in addition to bike facilities.

- Enter into an agreement and cooperative maintenance arrangement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to repair and assume maintenance for sidewalks on US 98 (Greeno Road corridor) within city limits.

- Approve art funding and contract with the Eastern Shore Arts Center to commission roundabout artwork (city appropriation of $13,250 to support artist submissions for two locations).

Council also voted to terminate the engagement with consultant Maynard Nexon PC (30‑day notice) after the consultant decided to move to a startup; staff described the transition as amicable and a routine contractual step.

Emergency procurement: council unanimously approved awarding an emergency remediation contract to Hoffman Fuel and Equipment Company for $27,463.33 to clean up contaminated soil at the Fairhope Docks Marina after a fuel container leaked during dredging mobilization. Staff said an insurance claim has been filed for reimbursement. Richard (staff) requested the award, stating, “we are asking you to award that contract to Hoffman so we can get that cleaned up.”

Events and internships: council approved the Aquathlon (swim/run) event for June 20 at South Beach Park with standard conditions including roped alcohol‑service zones and traffic management, and approved payroll reallocations to expand a countywide utility internship program (two additional interns for electric utility and mechanic maintenance positions for a nine‑week term).

All recorded motions and routine resolutions on the agenda passed by voice vote or unanimous consent; council adjourned shortly after public comment.

What’s next: staff will return with implementation steps or further contract details where relevant, pursue the bridge financing close and follow up on the remediation insurance claim.