Fairhope leaders sworn in; council elects Jimmy Conyers president and approves appointments
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Summary
At Fairhope City’s organizational meeting, officials were sworn in, Jimmy Conyers was elected council president, the council adopted rules of procedure, approved multiple staff appointments and authorized outside legal representation; Mayor Sherry Sullivan outlined infrastructure and public-safety priorities for the term.
Fairhope City held its organizational meeting on Nov. 10, where newly elected officials were sworn in, the council elected Jimmy Conyers as council president and approved a slate of procedural and personnel actions, including the appointment of Lisa Hanks as city clerk and Stephanie Hollinghead as chief of police.
The meeting began with an invocation from Reverend Linda Fisher and the administration of oaths by Judge Jody W. Bishop. After the swearing-in, Councilman Jimmy Conyers was nominated and elected council president by voice vote. Councilman Jack Burrell was selected as council president pro tempore.
The council moved quickly through its agenda, voting to adopt its rules of procedure after a motion to suspend the rules for immediate consideration. The body also approved an ordinance designating Mayor Sherry Sullivan as the full‑time superintendent of the Fairhope Utility System; council members voiced broad support for continuing utility investments at the mayoral level.
In a series of resolutions the council approved appointments and authorizations: Lisa Hanks was appointed city clerk; Kimberly Creech was appointed city treasurer; Stephanie Hollinghead was named chief of police; and Marcus E. McDowell was appointed city attorney, with the mayor authorized to sign an engagement letter for his services. The council also authorized an engagement letter with outside counsel Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC, to provide planning, zoning, general representation and potential litigation services to the city. The council named the city’s authorized bank signers and approved the holiday schedule for fiscal years 2025–26.
The vote to appoint Marcus E. McDowell as city attorney carried despite one explicit opposing vote. On the McDowell appointment, one council member stated they would oppose the appointment during discussion; the motion nevertheless carried on the council floor.
Mayor Sherry Sullivan used her remarks to outline priorities for the coming four years, emphasizing continued infrastructure work — including completion of the 44 kV loop, water and wastewater improvements, cast‑iron replacement projects, the pier project and phases of the Flying Creek Nature Preserve — and public‑safety investments such as a new police precinct and potentially a new fire station. “I look forward to working together with each of you to continue to make Fairhope a great place to live, work and play,” Sullivan said.
Votes at a glance
- Adoption of rules of procedure: motion to suspend rules and final adoption — outcome: approved by voice vote (all Aye). - Ordinance naming mayor as utility superintendent: motion to suspend and final adoption — outcome: approved by voice vote (all Aye). - Appointment of Lisa Hanks, city clerk (term to next general municipal election or successor qualified under Ala. Code §11‑43‑3): approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Kimberly Creech, city treasurer (term to next general municipal election or successor qualified): approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Stephanie Hollinghead, chief of police (term to next general municipal election or successor qualified): approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Marcus E. McDowell, city attorney, and authorization for mayor to sign engagement letter with McDowell: approved (motion carried; one Nay was recorded). - Authorization to execute engagement letter with Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC for legal services: approved by voice vote. - Authorization of bank signers (Mayor Sherry Sullivan; Council President Jimmy Conyers; City Clerk Lisa Hanks; City Treasurer Kimberly Creech): approved by voice vote. - Approval of FY2025–26 holidays: approved by voice vote.
What’s next
Council president Jimmy Conyers said the council will bring forward a recommendation in the coming months to review and potentially overhaul board and committee structures and council liaisons. A brief reception in the foyer and an optional meet‑and‑greet at Fairhope Brewing Company followed the meeting before the council adjourned.
Sources: Fairhope City organizational meeting transcript; on-the-record remarks by Mayor Sherry Sullivan and council members.
