[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",6273491,"mediaKeyId","2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b","parentId",2999725,"title","Fairhope City Council approves engineering contracts, grants, sewer work and event permits","audioSeconds",5865,"startMs",217000,"endMs",6082000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b&start=217&end=6082","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b/thumbnail_217000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273491/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Fairhope-City-Council-approves-engineering-contracts-grants-sewer-work-and-event-permits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273491-f13e718652837ae79d65a3054bee353b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=YdVWur2Na91~LJPpjWeMnOsGO7XqFBPdXD6gKyyBnngOnXqswYRt2LGKkP1UF7cSYq9DndWIFsxV2hM-llKPfRE6FEoKuEdbGw4gMRvfjk4wQgxb--bn0vCzMK3dOOnWU~LptdbzuN56mkW2rgo~nDtFQ6cRwZLm8SmVtWJk4oQS5CXjxr8rmSbmoUyn6~2z8or0~hSiHKEBlpoWd0VmxgQMwxH7F-wOXMRlx20StjkWBBWAqRh5EGf3dcloJh8qxZuQOiTkfjbBAPbHA4HH4-eR8FxStsiyPrcfmwX8-qYaLVB7JC7MFsaiuhM6NOSpeEZn2OjFEMq9JsiQS~-7lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fairhope City, AL","date","2025-04-16T03:01:00.493Z","article","Fairhope City Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on Monday that fund design work on two transportation and park projects, advance sewer system repairs, authorize equipment purchases and clear permits for seasonal events.

The council voted unanimously to select Mott MacDonald Alabama LLC for design services for intersection improvements at U.S. 98 and Valena Avenue under an A‑TRIP 2 grant and to select Thompson Engineering for landscape architectural services for Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase 2. The council also approved a $100,000 budget transfer from the general fund to the city’s capital projects fund to cover signage and furnishings needed to open Flying Creek’s first phase this summer.

In utilities business the council authorized a not‑to‑exceed award for sewer manhole rehabilitation work (base bids and annual contract pricing) and approved three related items: a repair contract for Well No. 2, the selection of Dukes Root Control for an inflow‑and‑infiltration study, and the purchase of two police pickup trucks (one from budget, one from grant funds). The council also approved submitting a $200,000 Homeland Security grant request for vehicle mitigation barriers and additional metal crowd‑control barricades for major events.

Other approvals included: an amendment to a lease and a one‑year sublease allowing Mobile Bay Makers Market to operate on property leased by Hope Community (ordinance and resolution), final adoption of an annexation ordinance for Casa Azul (rezoned to the city’s B‑1 district upon annexation), site‑plan approval for an orthodontics/medical building at the northeast corner of the Highway 181/104 intersection, a number of electric utility material purchases for the 46 kV transmission project, and routine personnel and software renewals.

Votes at a glance (item – short description – outcome):
- Item 5 – Final adoption: Annexation (Casa Azul), property at 18348 Reno Road – Approved
- Item 6 – Franchise ordinance (Coca‑Cola vending/concessions bid) – Held for later consideration
- Item 7 – Ordinance: amend Hope Community lease to permit subleases with council consent – Adopted
- Item 8 – Resolution: approve Mobile Bay Makers Market sublease with Hope Community (through 12/31/2025) – Approved
- Item 9 – Site plan approval: Harvey & Thomas Orthodontist, NE corner Hwy 181 & 104 (Lot 9) – Approved
- Item 10 – Resolution: select Mott MacDonald for US‑98/Valena A‑TRIP 2 engineering (not‑to‑exceed fee to be negotiated) – Approved
- Item 11 – Resolution: select Thompson Engineering for Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase 2 landscape architectural services (grant funding ~ $1.2M) – Approved
- Item 12 – Resolution: transfer $100,000 from general fund to capital projects fund for Flying Creek signage/furnishings – Approved
- Item 13 – Resolution: authorize up to $40,000 contract (80% MPO/20% city) for traffic engineering at Twin Beach/Founders – Approved
- Item 15 – Authorize submittal of 2024 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Program report to ADEM – Approved
- Item 16 – Award bid: sewer manhole rehabilitation (B.L.D. Services) — base bids + annual contract; total not‑to‑exceed $499,068 – Approved
- Item 17 – Contract: repair services for Well No. 2 pump (Morrow Water Technologies), not‑to‑exceed $41,739.47 – Approved
- Item 18 – Resolution: select Dukes for inflow/infiltration study (I&I) — not‑to‑exceed fee to be negotiated – Approved
- Items 19–20 – Material/switch awards for 46 kV transmission line project (concrete poles and transmission switches) – Approved
- Item 21 – Grant application: AL Law Enforcement Agency Homeland Security Grant (vehicle mitigation barriers and 250 metal barricades), $200,000, no match – Authorized to submit
- Item 22 – Award: two Chevy Silverado PPVs to Hardy Chevrolet (one budgeted, one grant‑funded) – Approved
- Item 23 – Payroll reallocation: fund two summer criminal justice interns using funds from one part‑time officer position (10 weeks, ~$4,050 per intern) – Approved
- Item 24 – Personnel reclassification: utilities public relations coordinator reclassified from exempt to non‑exempt (no pay‑grade change) – Approved
- Item 25 – CivicPlus annual renewal (municipal website/portal software), $14,469.48 – Approved
- Items 26–28 – Event/street closure (Fairhope Rotary steak cook‑off), temporary noise waiver for private wedding at Fairhope Inn, and special retail license (Lowry Holdings/Sally, 406 Pine Ave) – Approved
- Item 29 – Appointment: Cal Cooper to the Pedestrian & Bicycle Committee (3‑year term) – Confirmed

What the votes mean: several projects advance to design and contract negotiation (US‑98/Valena A‑TRIP 2; Flying Creek Phase 2; Twin Beach traffic study). The sewer and I&I contracts create a multi‑year effort to reduce infiltration into the wastewater system and will use the city’s annual rehabilitation appropriation. The Makers Market approval is a short‑term, council‑controlled sublease that must return for renewal after the one‑year term.

Council decisions were unanimous on the recorded items; where a mover/second was not named in the transcript, minutes record a motion and second and roll‑call “aye” votes. No item passed with a recorded “no” vote during the meeting.

Context and next steps: several items (engineering scope and fees, I&I contract ceiling, and specific bid packages) will return for final negotiated not‑to‑exceed amounts and contract execution. Flying Creek signage and furnishings are expected to be addressed before the planned park opening in June or July 2025; the Makers Market sublease expires Dec. 31, 2025 and will return to council for renewal or revision.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fairhope City Council Work Session and Meeting April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fairhope City Council approved a package of engineering selections, sewer repairs and event permits Monday, advancing design work on a US‑98/Valena intersection project, phase 2 of the Flying Creek Nature Preserve and an annual sewer rehabilitation program while authorizing emergency pump repairs and the submission of a homeland‑security grant.","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},6273470,"Fairhope building official warns of state bills that could limit local building code authority",285,2776000,3061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b&start=2776&end=3061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6273470/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Fairhope-building-official-warns-of-state-bills-that-could-limit-local-building-code-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273470-fbc0065c3926799c211c4bd25fbaf8b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=T88luyRQwQU9ysvhaY0-Rbi0Zl1wKeniQFCGNmL5i6DW0eGt6H~xqIbv~~zwxCLxog2DkjrkWRgqYHFEq1ZJr5xgfymzT~f6eS5WUeW~-w2waiY-1TPyArb63meWPXCE-tDcLwYLdzor65melNvN3WiP4aHAWGhOl1SLrcEJadTKAqVhVNuypCM7ZGqJS4783B4UBgGGteykC0yTdmeReernr3RcK9Qw0OOCnzZULN4caDSbQSUlWI4tGCwa413y8nkIsKw9spUxfsQb8mq1K3seG7V3abNTqmooNiKwljOliVHB5PkWT8mpGkNV3qf8nvDlgXPgKRCIiURfHIE06A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fairhope’s building official told the council on April 14 that this year’s Alabama Legislature has introduced multiple bills that could limit local governments’ authority over building codes and construction oversight.

The official — identified in the meeting as Eric — said at least half a dozen bills are under consideration that would constrain what jurisdictions can adopt, including a proposed state model code process that would be administered by the Division of Construction Management. He said those proposals could exclude Mobile and Baldwin counties or otherwise limit local authority in ways that would affect insurance, fortified program eligibility and the ability to require engineers and architects on certain projects.

City staff and local building officials have contacted legislators, provided written comments through professional associations and are monitoring committee hearings. The mayor and staff said they are coordinating with the Alabama League of Municipalities and county mayors and could return to council seeking a resolution if the bills advance in a way that would significantly affect local authority or community insurance costs.

Why it matters: changes at the state level could constrain Fairhope’s ability to adopt locally tailored building codes intended to address regional hazards and could have downstream effects on insurance rates and local regulatory practice.

What’s next: city staff will continue to monitor legislation, inform the council of developments and, if warranted, propose a council resolution or coordinated advocacy with neighboring jurisdictions and statewide associations.","The city’s building official reported multiple bills before the Alabama Legislature that could affect local code adoption and the ability to require architects and engineers; staff and mayors’ associations are monitoring legislation and may request a council resolution if state proposals move forward.",{"_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},6273476,"Council amends Hope Community lease to allow Makers Market sublease; approves one‑year permit for Mobile Bay Makers Market",4141,229000,4370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b&start=229&end=4370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6273476/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Council-amends-Hope-Community-lease-to-allow-Makers-Market-sublease-approves-oneyear-permit-for-Mobile-Bay-Makers-Market","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273476-b3a2eb5b2bcf5aef7280bdf76042ea5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=TMaHyJ8kgRkcKOb8yQ6v9IOf~ArBrh5HqJDGjIl-OOpPQTOvwgBVMfq0r38DKk9uGEc5DGiDD43zXewHobaznyN83VVx9BSSQJarSaCLXgVzxReRFUp7TYh9bc4P3Aj8oh9M4zc6mQMNn~VOjhe-T6Bv4D4UGmwnIfwWP2TsFa7sE4E50kqWeOPeCV~zY5OS3aZk6u4aNauige8dtndNK0vG0bgv523tQCOia0dMO03Xl7396e2W~UXioxL8EqenJ8R8awG7Zfn-g7t27JMYhe9ZRgKPWdyGNDpE9tkYQCewGNNa3V7Rf2PI6YOMV2lPYc-SsBANBO15kgPMcY9HCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fairhope City Council on Monday amended an existing lease with Hope Community to allow limited subleases only with express written consent of the governing body, and then approved a resolution that authorizes Mobile Bay Makers Market LLC to sublease the property for market activities through Dec. 31, 2025.

City staff said the amendment clarifies that any group using the property for fundraising or short‑term events must return to council for approval. The council discussed insurance and licensing requirements; staff said the city will require the tenant to list the city as additional insured and to provide all required permits. The resolution approving the Makers Market sublease is limited to one year and will return to council for review before any extension.

Why it matters: the change allows a locally organized makers market to use the space while giving the council final authority to approve subleases so that the city can ensure public safety, insurance coverage and compatibility with downtown merchants.

What’s next: Mobile Bay Makers Market may operate under the approved sublease once it supplies required insurance and permits; staff will report any public complaints to council and the sublease will expire Dec. 31, 2025 unless renewed.","The council amended the Hope Community lease to permit subleases with written council consent and immediately approved a one‑year sublease allowing Mobile Bay Makers Market to use Hope Community property for the 2025 season; the sublease requires insurance and licensing and sunsets Dec. 31, 2025.",{"_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},6273481,"Council approves sewer manhole rehabilitation contract, I&I study and emergency well repair",4686,686000,5372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b&start=686&end=5372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b/thumbnail_686000.jpg","/articles/6273481/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Council-approves-sewer-manhole-rehabilitation-contract-II-study-and-emergency-well-repair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273481-a3e34139f05ffd50386262c0eb2659cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=l6LMr9ssP3myx44m17XAUlb~YrIMY9GoOZ-oF1pjF1oeCTd0P~HDoYKHEuJOruzHxURzo~V~UXzHCJOBBLaXo33IP4rMbpQlWYwOCxYxiIz0Ck-CU0Wvyr6X74mPRAccR~X5fYPCDHPjtuFKji3KRZWGk8CoUKIAqMx70ohScfu6b68Xm0lHIRD2eY1nzdJJiRlw6OaJQhnqMVY~FD~Yl-6Upf~DQknOTCrer9B1PCS4j~x66tDQcISvJMgNlaAGA~-FxmzS8gMlGzGHJPgm-AAkScC88D3DoIKNSZzNi4NdQPHomKf6kmgFxVfA8SV1TpktnUyCf7YmoYEimsPRsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairhope City Council on April 14 approved a multi‑part effort to address sewer system problems, including a manhole rehabilitation contract, a timed repair of Well No. 2 and the selection of a contractor to perform an inflow‑and‑infiltration (I&I) study.

Staff presented an annual program that addresses manhole rehabilitation across the system and asked the council to approve two specific focus packages plus a citywide annual contract. The council awarded B.L.D. Services the base bid packages (Roar area and Lakewood area) and authorized an annual contract pricing package that brings the combined not‑to‑exceed award to $499,068. Staff said the city budgets about $500,000 annually for this program and will start on the most critical manholes first; staff identified 239 manholes in the referenced inventory and said the initial work targets the worst‑condition assets.

The council also authorized repair services for Well No. 2, awarding Morrow Water Technologies a not‑to‑exceed $41,739.47 contract for labor and materials. Utilities staff told council a rental pump is currently in place; with authorization the repair shop will proceed and the repair should take one to two weeks once a PO is issued.

Finally, the council approved selection of Dukes Root Control to perform an I&I identification study. Council members asked for clearer fixed pricing and for staff to narrow the 10% contingency language before the final contract is executed; the mayor will negotiate a not‑to‑exceed fee and return the contract for council approval.

Why it matters: the work targets water and wastewater reliability ahead of higher summer demand, and the I&I study is intended to reduce unnecessary stormwater inflow into the wastewater system, which increases treatment costs.

What’s next: staff to issue a PO and schedule Well No. 2 repairs, issue a notice to proceed for the manhole work, and return a negotiated I&I contract with detailed scope and a clarified contingency cap for ratification by council.","Fairhope approved a nearly $500,000 award for manhole repairs, authorized a $41,739 well pump repair and approved selection of a contractor for an inflow‑and‑infiltration study; council asked staff to narrow contingency language before final I&I contract.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6273486,"Council approves Thompson Engineering selection and $100,000 transfer for Flying Creek Nature Preserve",100,350000,450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b&start=350&end=450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999725-7c787fa52e51688ac9f59b0666ea011b/thumbnail_350000.jpg","/articles/6273486/Fairhope-City/Baldwin-County/Alabama/Council-approves-Thompson-Engineering-selection-and-100000-transfer-for-Flying-Creek-Nature-Preserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273486-89a14d5582ef52a1c1c518b9412ca7b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155995&Signature=amKz2QX~ovOMTuhPT0cdcDV70VwbN2d1fmoSbrk8R4pnJe958f4bc8VbEfv4wi7jiKj9ySl-VEIhvwlS7PIKuIv-YE9ErHZFYbseNUPX-Ud~LPoAoFo2ggSwjcpBe5x4F492EHU8Ct1EfFGSpCKW08XTePuF680LKMuRsEoajFoe8m0052zvDW68fziUp2WpvbA5IijJKdjbwyZd2IUTVOxdtbx7CP-fgkqArBO-eSOzkT3pNNLI5pFNiwWvCyEVkauOCAF8RXxpkQsdnobw5nfnQd-wHPIV8rTjkqHRY0LTyGgGSTrtdm2rq~9xIk4Ya8iyE5DaFfs2vFFPQZqpFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairhope City Council on April 14 approved the selection of Thompson Engineering to provide landscape architectural services for Phase 2 of the Flying Creek Nature Preserve and authorized a $100,000 budget transfer from the general fund to the capital projects fund to cover signage and furnishings.

Mayor Sherry Sullivan told the council that Thompson Engineering has worked on Phase 1 and was the evaluation team’s selection for Phase 2; grant funding of about $1,200,000 (described in the meeting as GOMESA funding) is identified to cover Phase 2. City staff said the first phase of the preserve is scheduled to open in June or July 2025 and that some items — signage, furniture for an added classroom and covered deck — were not covered by the grant. To ensure the park can open on schedule, the council transferred $100,000 into capital projects to cover those costs.

Council members voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to negotiate the Phase 2 contract with Thompson Engineering and to approve the budget transfer. Staff said the negotiated fee will return to council for formal approval before execution.

Why it matters: Flying Creek is a multi‑phase park project funded in part by grant dollars. The council’s transfer covers immediate outlays needed for the planned public opening while Phase 2 proceeds through design and grant‑funded delivery.

What’s next: Staff will return a negotiated, not‑to‑exceed contract for Thompson Engineering for council approval and issue purchase orders for signage and furniture ahead of the planned park opening.","The council selected Thompson Engineering for Phase 2 landscape services and authorized a $100,000 transfer from the general fund to capital projects to cover signage and furnishings needed for the preserve's Phase 1 opening.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fairhope City Council approves engineering contracts, grants, sewer work and event permits

Fairhope building official warns of state bills that could limit local building code authority

Council amends Hope Community lease to allow Makers Market sublease; approves one‑year permit for Mobile Bay Makers Market

Council approves sewer manhole rehabilitation contract, I&I study and emergency well repair

Council approves Thompson Engineering selection and $100,000 transfer for Flying Creek Nature Preserve