After being introduced by Chairperson Quinn, study consultant Dr. Ira Harvey (Phd.) listed his credentials then made opening remarks:
" . . . I will (come up with) one set of numbers . . . never modified for any particular purpose or reason . . . it is what it is (final report) . . . looking forward to having opportunity to do it with you . . . extremely time consuming . . . have to be very careful you don't make a mistake . . . lead somebody to believe its possible when its not . . . (I) don't have an opinion about what ya'll should do . . . going to give you opinion . . . if you were to choose to do it . . . what the financial implications would be for the school system that would be formed . . . if you choose not to do it . . . that wouldn't hurt my feelings at all."
Harvey went on to talk about other cities he has performed studies for:
"Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were planning to do it: but ran afoul of an ad valorem referendum (property tax hike voted down by citizens) . . . suspect I'll find that (sort of) sentiment in this part of Baldwin County as well. City of Millbrook was well on its way . . . (then) the county killed it by scaring people in that community . . . there'd have to be more and more taxes. City of Clay (Jefferson county) simply were not mature and ready enough . . . referendum was turned down. Saraland as you know has done quite well. Also working with City of Chickasaw right now . . . they're a less affluent area . . . tough road ahead for them."
He concluded: "So . . . I stay immersed in everything that goes on . . . in State Legislature . . . everything going on in school finance . . . and take TUMS (ant-acid) regularly!"
The Committee's members then introduced themselves to Harvey:
Bob Callahan: " (I) represent Fairhope area on Baldwin Board of Education . . . liaison to the committee . . . make sure Dr. Harvey has access to all required information . . . facilitate the process . . . don't want another expensive confrontational situation . . . wouldn't be good for anybody."
Amanda Canby: " I'm a retired psychologist . . . 2 kids . . . assisted various Boards of Education around the country. . . my passion is raising school achievement . . . helping children do better in school . . . give me data . . . ask me to critique (it) . . . I am not a politician!"
Nancy Wilson: "(I am) City Treasurer . . . have fiduciary responsibility for city . . . anxious to hear discussion."
Michael Lucce: ". . . former naval aviator . . . taught 4 years in Daphne (elementary) . . . first principal at Spanish Fort school (4 years) . . . retired."
Terry Bishop: " . . . Masters Degree in Special Education . . . taught 11 years. . . in . . . public schools (Fairhope)."
Chuck Zunk: " . . . Chairman of City's Financial Advisory Committee . . . and Airport Authority . . . background in technology and business . . . (concerned about the (long-term) economic impact on city finances. . . and how it may affect (local) businesses."
Lonnie Mixon: "I'm chairman of the City's Finance Committee. I'm here to keep tabs on the money!" (Mixon is also currently serving as Council President)
Tim Kant (Mayor): " . . . (I'm) here to get the right questions asked . . . without right questions, can't get right answers . . . make sure citizens get the information so they can make the right decision . . . with all the facts . . . (its) being debated why are we even doing a study . . . much less go to the next step . . . very important to get the information out there."
Greg Mims: "I'm, City Administrator."
Rick Kingrea was not present.
Debbie Quinn: "I'm Chair of this group and liaison to the Council . . . entire family graduated from Fairhope schools . . . very concerned . . . how to dig our way out of this . . . very important to see where we are . . . this is a starting point."