The following items were discussed:
1) Council Representative Debbie Quinn reported she and the Mayor had recently discussed large-scale annexation issues with Mobile Mayor Sam Jones (and others); and decided to seek advice from an "annexation attorney" before proceeding further (due to the legal/ financial complexities of the issue, ie. impact upon property tax revenue, etc.).
2) Quinn then asked the rhetorical question: "What elements make Fairhope, Fairhope." One group member cited four: the old downtown business district, general water/watershed access, parks and "artsiness." Others there generally mentioned water quality, energy conservation, "connectivity", downtown tourism, and protecting older neighborhoods from damage by encroaching commercialism-- as factors in the equation as well.
Another member surmised-- "aesthetics" as the core theme of all the previous comments.
3) Quinn then noted "sustainability" was a broad issue--not easily defined--and the Committee ought to whittle it down to just 3 or 4 . She also cited the need for more public participation/exposure: but noted the difficulties in bringing that about.
4) Lastly, a member volunteered to be the "facilitator" at a future meeting to try and sharpen the group's focus.
legitimate corrections appreciated
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