At the prior work session:
(1) The Mayor (and Finance Chairman Mixon) revealed targeted spending cuts of $1,733,500-- due to serious revenue shortfalls--until March 15th when the situation will be re-evaluated. Mr. Mixon warned, ". . . general funds and reserves are decreasing and the rainy day fund is quite low. Money is short, short, short."
A natural gas "franchise fee" was also proposed-- but tabled for 2 weeks (more consideration). The fee would cover taxes the cities of Daphne and Spanish Fort currently charge Fairhope for natural gas.
(CLICK DOCUMENTS TO ENLARGE)
BREAKING NEWS: THE MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL DECLINED TO PURCHASE 'THE BOAT" The Mayor said "someone" at the club had just offered to buy the boat "for the city" ; but that was rejected too. Mixon's closing comments were: "It's immoral."
Mr. Mixon was particularly adamant about reducing training/travel/school reimbursement expenses (totaled $139,139 last year) and city-issued cell phone usage by employees. A partial return to old fashioned two-way radio communications was suggested (except for public safety--police and fire)-- to save taxpayer/utility customers some money. Some way to re-do the city's 3 cell phone accounts (to reduce costs) was to be considered as well (combine accounts?).
(2) Public works Director Fidler mentioned the "C & D" landfill (construction and debris) was about full-- and a new truck and "pad" will soon be needed to haul the debris to county landfills. She also mentioned once weekly garbage pick up would save about $250,000.
(3) Police Capt. Griff said one of his dispatchers had a severe accident-- and a replacement needed to be hired immediately. Councilman Stankoski concluded: "We have no choice, public safety is #1."
At The Council Meeting:
(1) Sherry Sullivan received an award for employer support of national guard/reserve troops.
(2) The North Village at Stone Creek PUD was amended to allow more units --82-- with more height (2 stories)--and smaller "footprint."
(3) Lonnie Mixon gave the finance committee report, again describing the $1.7 million spending reductions and the "constant battle for positive cash flow." Council President Quinn said property tax receipts would be late again this year due to citizen appeals and that we're "just treading water."
(4) A motion made by Mr. Mixon to hire a new police dispatcher (replacement for injured one) passed unanimously.
(5) It was revealed that Police Chief Mike Commalander tendered his resignation last week; but a "temporary" replacement could not be hired immediately due to insurance (liability) concerns. [ ADDED NOTE; COMMALANDER WILL BE STAYING WITH THE POLICE FORCE AS A CAPTAIN]
(6) Longtime City Attorney Marion "Tut" Wynne was re-appointed by the Council as City Attorney.
A Senior Bowl practice session will be held at Volanta Stadium Monday afternoon.
(legitimate corrections always appreciated)
At the prior work session:
(1) The Mayor (and Finance Chairman Mixon) revealed targeted spending cuts of $1,733,500-- due to serious revenue shortfalls--until March 15th when the situation will be re-evaluated. Mr. Mixon warned, ". . . general funds and reserves are decreasing and the rainy day fund is quite low. Money is short, short, short."
A natural gas "franchise fee" was also proposed-- but tabled for 2 weeks (more consideration). The fee would cover taxes the cities of Daphne and Spanish Fort currently charge Fairhope for natural gas.
(CLICK DOCUMENTS TO ENLARGE)
BREAKING NEWS: THE MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL DECLINED TO PURCHASE 'THE BOAT" The Mayor said "someone" at the club had just offered to buy the boat "for the city" ; but that was rejected too. Mixon's closing comments were: "It's immoral."
Mr. Mixon was particularly adamant about reducing training/travel/school reimbursement expenses (totaled $139,139 last year) and city-issued cell phone usage by employees. A partial return to old fashioned two-way radio communications was suggested (except for public safety--police and fire)-- to save taxpayer/utility customers some money. Some way to re-do the city's 3 cell phone accounts (to reduce costs) was to be considered as well (combine accounts?).
(2) Public works Director Fidler mentioned the "C & D" landfill (construction and debris) was about full-- and a new truck and "pad" will soon be needed to haul the debris to county landfills. She also mentioned once weekly garbage pick up would save about $250,000.
(3) Police Capt. Griff said one of his dispatchers had a severe accident-- and a replacement needed to be hired immediately. Councilman Stankoski concluded: "We have no choice, public safety is #1."
At The Council Meeting:
(1) Sherry Sullivan received an award for employer support of national guard/reserve troops.
(2) The North Village at Stone Creek PUD was amended to allow more units --82-- with more height (2 stories)--and smaller "footprint."
(3) Lonnie Mixon gave the finance committee report, again describing the $1.7 million spending reductions and the "constant battle for positive cash flow." Council President Quinn said property tax receipts would be late again this year due to citizen appeals and that we're "just treading water."
(4) A motion made by Mr. Mixon to hire a new police dispatcher (replacement for injured one) passed unanimously.
(5) It was revealed that Police Chief Mike Commalander tendered his resignation last week; but a "temporary" replacement could not be hired immediately due to insurance (liability) concerns. [ ADDED NOTE; COMMALANDER WILL BE STAYING WITH THE POLICE FORCE AS A CAPTAIN]
(6) Longtime City Attorney Marion "Tut" Wynne was re-appointed by the Council as City Attorney.
A Senior Bowl practice session will be held at Volanta Stadium Monday afternoon.
(legitimate corrections always appreciated)
Comments
police and fire need to sometimes thogh.