[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6341018,"mediaKeyId","2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17","parentId",2258289,"title","Votes at a glance: key Fairhope council actions on Feb. 12, 2025","audioSeconds",2129,"startMs",3346000,"endMs",5475000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17&start=3346&end=5475","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17/thumbnail_3346000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6341018/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Votes-at-a-glance-key-Fairhope-council-actions-on-Feb-12-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341018-802886a3702138db4d3b6e8b730a85ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1774917394&Signature=it752sb2Mm-70RW5wSqn~Rb-b7HlFqenlW8kZgW6b9GJTd66RBsdtDCZxiz3Y552kLQfCVq7P~UtKvJ3ck3drnLsWGibCs5zuumLUQBwlOHtP78vTa-mPmI~-3jVqbFcWqZ1m9GxuNM~NeumXT~RYD~ptV3-hWXGi1cpa81BCiwl6XCPTwdkMmCOpXKYRVYYICx6Yqdwut~dn3msfpZ5vl38BKhMx9DCGpeAENIU9OmCbzAzpySM8vpAHIxdH6DNGNP3kVPc4SJVESAL6ZBo3Q3p8Nl31r2qnt4pTJ9qPeUMpUEF7vAEWhTYDBHlI0o3Vz2BEPVdVb39tRf~ho0wtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fairhope City, AL","date","2025-02-11T16:55:12.343Z","article","The Fairhope City Council passed a set of routine and substantive items during its Feb. 12 meeting. Below is a short summary of each formal action recorded during the meeting, with outcomes and immediate next steps.

- Resolution: Authorize reclassification of vacant positions and reclassify current positions without further council approval when budget neutral. Outcome: Approved. Implementation: Human Resources to proceed under mayor/treasurer approval; staff to report changes as required.

- Resolution (item H): Approve Fairhope Junior City Council bench project for Flying Creek Nature Preserve (two benches, Public Works assistance). Outcome: Approved. Implementation: Public Works to purchase materials and coordinate build/placement.

- Resolution (item 10): Award annual tree removal contract (Bid #2513) to Looks Great Services, annual amount $50,000. Outcome: Approved. Implementation: Public Works to execute contract and use as‑needed, budgeted funds.

- Selection (item 11): Authorize mayor to negotiate professional engineering services for Pecan Avenue Watershed Management Plan Phase 1 (J Consulting). Outcome: Approved to negotiate fee; council will approve final fee.

- Selection (item 12): Authorize mayor to negotiate professional landscape/architect services for redevelopment of the corner near Jewell/Bancroft (Christian Preuss). Outcome: Approved to negotiate fee; council will approve final fee.

- Selection (item 13): Authorize mayor to negotiate professional engineering services for Summit Street Outfall Repair (Levee Engineering). Outcome: Approved to negotiate fee; council will approve final fee.

- Selection (item 14): Authorize mayor to negotiate architectural design services for new police precinct (Paul Carpenter Davis Architects). Outcome: Approved to negotiate fee; council will approve final fee.

- Procurement (item 15): Approve purchase of 8 Motorola APX‑1500 mobile radios and accessories, total not to exceed $36,000; authorize treasurer to transfer budget line from vehicles/equipment to small equipment. Outcome: Approved. Implementation: Procurement under Alabama statewide contract; treasurer to make budget transfer.

- Resolution (item 16): Temporary reduction in gross‑receipts rent for the Blind Tiger (waterfront concession) from 3% to 1.5% through July 31, 2025, due to waterfront revitalization impacts; original terms resume Aug. 1, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Implementation: Finance to adjust billing for the specified term.

- Resolution (item 17): Adopt rec board recommendation — set W.C. Major Stadium rental rate at $4,000 per day (six‑hour athletic event), subject to insurance; city‑sponsored events exempt. Outcome: Approved.

- Item 18: Special retail license application for Lowry Holding LLC (doing business as Sally, 406 Pine Ave.) — application approved after chief’s review. Outcome: Approved.

- Item 19: Reappointment of May Moss Parker to the treaty committee for a three‑year term through February 2028. Outcome: Approved.

All votes recorded on the Feb. 12 meeting were approved by the council during open session. Several selections were approved as authorizations for the mayor to negotiate not‑to‑exceed fees and will return to council for final fee approval. Where contracts or purchases were approved, staff confirmed items were budgeted and procurement will follow appropriate purchasing rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fairhope City Council Work Session and Meeting February 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A concise roundup of formal motions the Fairhope City Council approved Wednesday, with outcomes and next steps for each item.","taxTitle","Fairhope City, Baldwin County, Alabama","taxId",51162,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341022,"Fairhope Police promote four officers and honors two as officers of the quarter",226,4452000,4678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17&start=4452&end=4678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17/thumbnail_4452000.jpg","/articles/6341022/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Fairhope-Police-promote-four-officers-and-honors-two-as-officers-of-the-quarter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341022-6f147313edf09cd8a3092267fab6789e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774917394&Signature=MKgutGQoLU5dvGXeIjC-29TJlVVDsyJOJUJZipNz4gtoknNETtrxFwIQc4wlB3ys7xXjw0NScJzTr-wGbkjUWCz-yeDDQWU1J6cGwJOTzhtNm7H7dshBBUzLFU28Yk-vTIhHitRuS1eIIf1WGT8edyKElzoyjPswayI1AJUGs-OX9YEkG-DdAReA-mEOTs6P4aKsrPk7v2KMiFt1a8M7R~eomP1GYkOjjsgcb9pZ~42Vy9bjaxHAuiLYFQ96YueBEMuhoM80z3PvZhSFWEyyStyibLhkKs~JROpwqG6bAmy-0JzyIoZMhQZiBs7UQv-Yof0gwUleUWxbuPLEZSkoRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairhope Police Department held a presentation at Wednesday’s council meeting to announce promotions and recognize officers for recent work.

Chief Hollinghead introduced promotions and award recipients and described them as examples of leadership and dedication. \"We are here today not only to recognize a group of dedicated officers for their well deserved promotions, but also to honor 2 exceptional officers who are receiving the Officer of the Quarter Awards,\" the chief said.

Promotions announced during the presentation:
- Charles Varnado — promoted to lieutenant; assigned as support services commander over corrections and dispatch.
- Joshua Cryer — promoted to sergeant; will supervise the investigations unit.
- Logan Duplichain — promoted to corporal; will serve in patrol after work in investigations.
- Andrew Babb — promoted to corporal; longtime canine unit leader, now assigned to patrol.

The department also presented Officer of the Quarter awards. Corporal Logan Duplichain was recognized for work on multiple burglary cases that resulted in recovery of stolen property, including firearms. Officer Drake Rollins was recognized for a recent investigation that led to a felony fentanyl trafficking arrest and related prosecutions.

Chief Hollinghead thanked the council and mayor for support and called the promotions and awards \"a chance to recognize the hard work, leadership, and dedication\" of the officers. There was no council vote associated with the recognitions; the presentation was an informational item and an opportunity for the city to acknowledge personnel milestones.","The Fairhope Police Department promoted four officers — including a lieutenant and multiple sergeants/corporals — and presented officer‑of‑the‑quarter awards for recent investigative and narcotics work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341028,"Mayor clarifies plan for pier benches and memorial plaques after public concern",1588,2482000,4070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17&start=2482&end=4070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17/thumbnail_2482000.jpg","/articles/6341028/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Mayor-clarifies-plan-for-pier-benches-and-memorial-plaques-after-public-concern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341028-7c277407298d2967a49643122d5ad627/orig.mp4?Expires=1774917394&Signature=U2EW0VVH7qp5zU7nph5oy3Da5u06Zd52ECeSUR7hR0krTOJtSVLpc2O9BE9wW4aLmFhrFogdXh3ywAolT-2RLfOoBJNshxjmTTG8eeixUeoT7Nd1tsCOclD16KxcrpNPwymmWCIJyEE1FmR4MampsbZ6pyXHI9FLmILI~cQTNA12wa2WLac-QrdOP-j1m2zRexODeX-VpC--ncJdLnlqyWOcPxfmCnoODkt-aKOcTzIXc9v9nh9vw7SOkyyCaM0ZhNyeqXDf3T81jq7d0QkUQE-5yPzqrypRFnl1MlDJOudxB5h5ZV2BBKpSKHNner4ucBJ3PthgIIvoBTmwU2Oz6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Sherry Sullivan and city staff addressed public concerns on Wednesday about replacement of benches at the Fairhope pier, saying the city will surplus the old benches, return inscribed boards to donors on request and install more durable resin benches with a substantial plaque.

\"Those benches at the pier were surplus at the last meeting, which means that we can now give those away,\" Sullivan said during the council meeting, seeking to correct social‑media accounts that described a different plan. She said many of the wooden benches and their concrete anchors were in poor condition and that the city plans to replace them with a resin material that is more durable.

Sullivan said the city will remove the wooden boards that carry inscriptions and make those available to the original donors. She added that the new benches will feature a single, more substantial plaque rather than the small routed wooden inscriptions that residents have come to associate with the pier. \"It is not the plaque that has been circulated on social media,\" the mayor said; she described the replacement plaque as a more substantial, longer‑lasting piece that will include memorial inscriptions.

At public comment, resident Anne Brandt said many people feel a personal connection to the wooden benches and described them as \"much more personal and kind of emotional in a way.\" Brandt asked whether wooden benches would still be available elsewhere in town; staff replied that there are currently no new locations available for additional wooden benches in the pier area and that placement alternatives would include other parks or recreation sites.

City staff said the city has started laying pavers and is planning a program to allow inscribed bricks at the pier; the mayor said that program’s details will be released after staff finalizes placement and samples.

Officials urged residents to contact city staff for factual information rather than relying on social media posts. The council did not take formal action on the pier benches during the meeting; staff said replacements and the plaque design are being finalized and will be implemented through Public Works.","Mayor Sherry Sullivan and staff responded to public questions about the removal and replacement of benches at the Fairhope pier, saying the city will surplus old benches, offer inscribed boards to donors and install durable resin benches with a substantial plaque.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341033,"Fairhope Junior City Council approved to build two benches at Flying Creek Nature Preserve",3370,39000,3409000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17&start=39&end=3409","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17/thumbnail_39000.jpg","/articles/6341033/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Fairhope-Junior-City-Council-approved-to-build-two-benches-at-Flying-Creek-Nature-Preserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341033-c7038e6326c32adc32b66c77adb9b0ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1774917394&Signature=jUMC7wCPAvTORF3ACDkpwOan14-oxUns90NfDB4EWBhu-wv5l3a8Dk~2Bmc2dO~vW-4dvOOl~mWfMUWANeA~nHqrjUTfyBYLK1Cgxho7dUpesmgWPQjb3AXgn06YuZvXT096w~TAn7whUZN7IJTkuCSlNl39Kr1uJhK7YlYWjOnz3R6DCLm124tXBrIifaqInpv1lL8lHg3QWlZF6z1~isf9hdMqABMvT7oFD4Gp0QuBX3WLFz8OV8DYjZFjIWRGfQQuzwV91UZOxDZpA0Kpiu2lNXwV5KxFa5gOp8nhFin80coECmEkTMPEzNwr77kCsbky56woQYnsvopb-bhzFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairhope City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Fairhope Junior City Council to build and install two benches at Flying Creek Nature Preserve, with Public Works assisting on materials and placement.

Jillian Nichols, representing the Fairhope Junior City Council, told the council the group plans to build two benches and work with Fairhope High School’s engineering program and Public Works staff. \"The Fairhope Junior City Council is proposing to build 2 benches for the Flying Creek Nature Preserve with approximate cost between $250 to $300 depending on the cost of materials,\" Nichols said during the work session.

Nichols said the group expects to involve students in construction and painting and that the city has agreed to approve artwork for the benches. The Public Works Department agreed to help purchase materials and place the benches in locations already identified by park staff.

The council had preemptively placed the item on the council agenda; after the presentation the council moved and approved the resolution. Council members praised the project as a hands‑on educational opportunity. The vote was recorded in open session and the motion passed without opposition.

The Junior City Council said future projects under consideration include library‑related activities and a planned visit to Montgomery to observe the legislative delegation in session.

The city will coordinate placement with park staff and Fairhope High School before construction and painting of the benches begins.","Council authorized the Fairhope Junior City Council to build and install two benches at Flying Creek Nature Preserve; Public Works will assist with materials and placement.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":46,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341037,"Fairhope council adopts nine-month pause on certain high‑density residential applications",505,4970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17&start=4970&end=5475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2258289-3e7d016603130efc18060106a6b87e17/thumbnail_4970000.jpg","/articles/6341037/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Fairhope-council-adopts-nine-month-pause-on-certain-highdensity-residential-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341037-9bd3900571fb591e7c3cae7f38cc70a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1774917394&Signature=f1CSvsyBkjW02rLP7ijv0id9k-OYpw8fzl~piRffzVOTWdbJhG-rHWr25iKuF5VA42QPo~4IPYUI8cvSSco75F~wPtKak3UDougoVAxbWC9ix38bdio8ObK0C2KNy9r7LozFlHGvZ5-lCwxqGZdrwGjxcW9SPc9MO-BiWJDFyJJKV5t0gXaNdJDvYPrFMmUxm0kQ805iI7cNBGhEi6IPd6-PxcTzL3O2C~NGHZnLu6ekXLzzQohFXxo7QqhwfPJRALoDTTbDJrL63bQzBsqTzATK3AGlFV~v0m1g678i3zS9pPqPax~zzQWmMn65rYedyDC9j~2XEwRj0zUeLLWyqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairhope City Council on Wednesday voted to adopt a nine‑month temporary suspension on consideration of certain residential multiple‑occupancy projects and subdivisions, a measure the council and staff said will give planners time to review water, sewer and traffic capacity and propose ordinance changes.

Council leaders said the pause is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while the city updates its comprehensive plan and related rules. The suspension applies only to specified residential multiple‑occupancy projects and to subdivisions that would create three or more residential lots smaller than 10,500 square feet, the ordinance states.

City staff introduced the measure as a way to align zoning and subdivision rules with infrastructure planning. \"Section 2 . . . specifically lays out the framework for the applicability of the ordinance,\" attorney Chris Williams told the council during the work session, explaining that the title uses the word \"certain\" because the rule will not apply to all multiple‑occupancy projects.

During a public comment period, resident Donald DeGutz asked whether the pause will include measurable goals and reporting: \"Would there be, metrics? What sort of, maybe periodic reporting? What sort of activities will be done during that period to advise us about progress?\" The mayor and staff said progress would be visible through completion of studies and infrastructure projects that the city already has underway — for example, additional wells, water and wastewater upgrades, and traffic and parking studies — and through proposed amendments to subdivision and zoning rules.

Council members who spoke in favor described the pause as a chance to \"get our hands around\" rapid growth and to make regulatory changes with more information rather than reacting to individual applications. The ordinance is limited to the city’s planning jurisdiction and does not affect development outside that boundary.

The council first voted to suspend rules to allow immediate consideration and then voted for final adoption. The roll call recorded unanimous support; the measure takes effect immediately and will remain in force for nine months unless the council acts otherwise.

Implementation steps the council and staff identified during the meeting include completing water and sewer capacity analyses, coordinating infrastructure project timelines with consultants, finishing a citywide parking study, and proposing regulatory amendments to the subdivision and zoning code. City staff said they may return to the council before the nine months end if certain studies or recommendations are ready earlier.

City leaders emphasized that the pause is narrow in scope and intended as a temporary planning tool, not as a permanent ban.

Contacted during the meeting, staff and the city attorney said more detailed timelines and any proposed ordinance language changes will be shared with the council and the public as they are developed.","The Fairhope City Council voted to suspend consideration of certain small‑lot multiple‑occupancy residential projects and small subdivisions for nine months while staff and consultants study infrastructure and update regulations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key Fairhope council actions on Feb. 12, 2025

Fairhope Police promote four officers and honors two as officers of the quarter

Mayor clarifies plan for pier benches and memorial plaques after public concern

Fairhope Junior City Council approved to build two benches at Flying Creek Nature Preserve

Fairhope council adopts nine-month pause on certain high‑density residential applications