After a lengthy debate--by a 4-1 vote (Kingrea, no)-- the City Council approved the purchase (for $875,000 from Manley Rd. LLC -see details at right)) of about 38 acres of land at the corner of Manley Rd. and CR 13--to be used for additional ball fields, but only when the need arises (population growth). What was called a relatively low asking price-- during the economic/real estate recession-- seemed to be the deciding factor for the majority.
In making the case in favor of the purchase he negotiated, Councilman Ford said: "People don't want to drive . . . all the way . . . down to Barnwell (referring to 3 existing city-maintained fields 8 miles south in Barnwell) . . . they'd rather go to Daphne . . . We'll keep them too for practice."
Councilman Stankoski gave his conditional approval: that no further funds be spent (on building fields, stands, restrooms, etc.)-- until a real need actually arises (in "2 or 3 yrs.?"). "Don't come back next month asking (us) for more (money)."
Councilman Mixon made the motion for approval-- but only if all existing recreation funds (2007 GOW bond; Rec. impact fees; Rec. capital fund) were used up first-- with any remaining balance coming from the city's municipal capital fund, and no borrowing was needed.
Councilman Kingrea voted no: wanting to know the names of all the current owners, how long they had owned the property, how much they paid for it, and if Councilman Ford had received any kind of compensation for his services arranging the deal. (Rec. Board Chairman Charlie Langham offered some partial answers; and Ford claimed he "didn't receive a penny.")
Council President Quinn expressed worry there may not be money left for the long-proposed school Performing Arts Facility (municipal capital fund).
Councilman Ford proposed borrowing $500,000 for the purchase-- instead of using all remaining recreation funds; but his motion died lacking a second.
From the audience, Fairhope resident and former County Commissioner Wendy Allen observed the County usally seeks 3 independent appraisals before buying property, but Ford, a (former) appraiser himself, dismissed that as unnecessary (un-reliable).
[Note: In a work-session prior to the meeting, the Financial Advisory Committee had voted (5-2) to make a recommendation on the funding mechanism only (ultimately the same as Mixon's motion)-- but chose not to judge the project on its merits in light of the city's other long range budgeting needs.]
The Mayor did not attend this meeting, but his support for the purchase--and funding proposals-- were relayed by others.
After a lengthy debate--by a 4-1 vote (Kingrea, no)-- the City Council approved the purchase (for $875,000 from Manley Rd. LLC -see details at right)) of about 38 acres of land at the corner of Manley Rd. and CR 13--to be used for additional ball fields, but only when the need arises (population growth). What was called a relatively low asking price-- during the economic/real estate recession-- seemed to be the deciding factor for the majority.
In making the case in favor of the purchase he negotiated, Councilman Ford said: "People don't want to drive . . . all the way . . . down to Barnwell (referring to 3 existing city-maintained fields 8 miles south in Barnwell) . . . they'd rather go to Daphne . . . We'll keep them too for practice."
Councilman Stankoski gave his conditional approval: that no further funds be spent (on building fields, stands, restrooms, etc.)-- until a real need actually arises (in "2 or 3 yrs.?"). "Don't come back next month asking (us) for more (money)."
Councilman Mixon made the motion for approval-- but only if all existing recreation funds (2007 GOW bond; Rec. impact fees; Rec. capital fund) were used up first-- with any remaining balance coming from the city's municipal capital fund, and no borrowing was needed.
Councilman Kingrea voted no: wanting to know the names of all the current owners, how long they had owned the property, how much they paid for it, and if Councilman Ford had received any kind of compensation for his services arranging the deal. (Rec. Board Chairman Charlie Langham offered some partial answers; and Ford claimed he "didn't receive a penny.")
Council President Quinn expressed worry there may not be money left for the long-proposed school Performing Arts Facility (municipal capital fund).
Councilman Ford proposed borrowing $500,000 for the purchase-- instead of using all remaining recreation funds; but his motion died lacking a second.
From the audience, Fairhope resident and former County Commissioner Wendy Allen observed the County usally seeks 3 independent appraisals before buying property, but Ford, a (former) appraiser himself, dismissed that as unnecessary (un-reliable).
[Note: In a work-session prior to the meeting, the Financial Advisory Committee had voted (5-2) to make a recommendation on the funding mechanism only (ultimately the same as Mixon's motion)-- but chose not to judge the project on its merits in light of the city's other long range budgeting needs.]
The Mayor did not attend this meeting, but his support for the purchase--and funding proposals-- were relayed by others.
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