Fairhope City Counsel Candidate Questions
(For Fairhope Mayoral Candidate Questions, Click Here)
Questions and answers from the August 7 City Council candidate forum in Fairhope Alabama are here:
http://www.baldwincountynow.com/articles/2008/08/15/local_news/doc48a5f295f040e314540228.txt
Here are additional questions submitted by citizens that could not be asked at the candidate forum due to time limitations. Responses are presented in the order in which they were received by Citizens for Responsible Government.
Dr. John Meyer
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? Regarding handicap accessibility, I would check our current zoning regulations to insure that the city is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In many areas Fairhope has placed sidewalks for pedestrian usage. However, there are areas where these sidewalks need major improvements and that needs to be addressed. We would have to exam the need and possibility of creating walkways where there currently are none. I would initiate that the city investigate the most effective strategy for bicycle safety. That would include how roadways are marked and the most appropriate amount of spacing.
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? People want and need electricity. I would need to check on the possible ways to carry power to the citizens. If there were other ways that were within the range of “affordability” I would recommend those. Where I lived previously, most of our power lines were placed underground.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? Anything to prevent flooding issues must be investigated. Citizens need to provide information to the city regarding their concerns so the council can take appropriate measures to address the problems. This issue should be an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? Fortunately, Fairhope is a very safe city. With growth, however, street traffic will be an issue. I would ask the police chief to investigate the ratio of police offices not only per population but also for the type of roadways we have here in Fairhope. I know there is data that would provide us with that information.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? I have been told by current city employees that the purpose of those extended flowers areas was to slow traffic. I would need to talk to the police to see if that has worked. I have concerns as to potential dangers for bicyclists.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? I support community gardening 100%. It is a practice that has worked in many cities. It is also an opportunity for other civic minded groups to contribute such as the boy scouts helping in the weeding or watering. It provides a venue for exercise and to be out in our wonderful weather.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? I believe the city should address and comply with all sound environmental practices. Education is key in helping all citizens understand what is important for their environment. We need to work with our schools and utility providers to understand “best practices” for a healthier world and Fairhope.
Dan Stankoski
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? A gradual phase in of a paid fire department and fire rescue with the best and latest equipment would help insure public safety. The "Americans With Disability Act" requires access to public buildings and sidewalks. We need continued and expanded use of "police bicycle patrols".
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? The city will, as funds allow, place all utilities underground for aesthetic value and protection against storms. I favor using the best power poles which meet safety standards.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? The city would have to address curbs and storm drains on a case by case basis with those in dire need being first priority. If flooding is imminent, this should be a priority.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? At the present time I believe we have sufficient policemen. As the city grows, we will have to add additional staff to insure we are safe in our homes, streets and sidewalks.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? Traffic studies have shown that constricting a street has the affect of slowing motorists. I do not think the flower beds on Fairhope Ave and Magnolia constitute a traffic hazard. Bicyclists may need to use an alternate route.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? Due to liability issues I do not favor wholesale use of public land for personal use.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? The city should use "best management practices" in all environmental issues to include wetlands, re-cycling, and any area we could save fuel and eliminate carbon emissions.
Danny Corte
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? The first thing we need to do is to do a better job at convincing the driving public to slow down, especially in our neighborhoods. We seem to have some of the fastest drivers around and of course that in itself creates a lot of the safety issues we have. Of course, speed bumps and more ticket writing will help slow 'em down. The issues with pedestrians and wheelchair users are different than bicyclists because the bicyclists can use the highway and the others can't or shouldn't. One way to help is to have more crosswalks with signals at various places around Fairhope. Another way is to create more bike paths and sidewalks. I'm sure there are other ideas our citizens have too and I look forward to hearing them. Of course, as anything, the cost and who pays will be a determining factor in what we can do.
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? First, I'd have to find out if there are effective alternatives to these big power poles. If more aesthetically-pleasing line supporters could be used without affecting service, then we'll work with the power companies to make that happen.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? Much of the curb and gutter issues involve some of the older parts of Fairhope. That all ties in with our drainage system which drains to the bay. There have been a lot of improvements in recent years, but there could always be more. Yes, our drainage system would be more efficient if everyone had gutters and storm drains, but again the cost of those improvements will be a determining factor in what the city can do at this time.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? Yes, I do believe we need more police officers. The current police department is run very efficiently, but we do need more officers as our city grows. It's just a fact that with growth comes more crime. One of the main responsibilities of any city government is to protect its citizens (sometimes from ourselves). We need to make sure our current and future officers have the help and equipment they need to be safe on the job and therefore, to keep us safe.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? I have always worried that we are compromising our citizens' safety with the flower planting areas extending into the streets. I believe we can keep Fairhope beautiful without placing plants in our streets. Even though some may say the flowers in the street help with safety, I believe it is just the opposite. We talk about safety, but in my opinion it's not safe to put more impediments in the roadway which in turn can cause more accidents. So, we need to be more careful on the placement of not only the new plant and flower beds, but we also may need to take a look at the existing ones to determine if hazards exists.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? I'm not sure if we could do that. On the face, a community garden sounds like a good idea, but I believe we'd have to study the legalities and practicalities of doing something like that first. Only then could we consider that.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? Practically speaking, I'm not sure what a city the size of Fairhope can do to affect the global warming issue. Of course, we'd always want to do what's right for our environment. For instance, we could use alternative fuels in city vehicles, when possible and cost-effective. But I don't believe we should or can spend a lot of money on this issue.
Rick Kingrea
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? The city should adopt pedestrian/bike friendly standards that encourage alternate modes of transportation. I strongly believe however, these standards should not be considered piecemeal but rather examined and incorporated into the new strategic plan as part of an even larger approach to resolving environmental and downtown parking issues. Steps that might promote such a goal might be reducing many street speed limits to 25 mph, creating street designs that enhance pedestrian and bike safety with clearly defined lanes and sidewalks, and mandating sidewalks and bike lanes for all new developments.
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? As part of a long-term strategic plan, I am for beginning the process of burying all power lines. We would benefit in two ways: 1. It would beautify the city. It doesn’t make sense to plant gorgeous flowers on one corner, and on the next corner butcher a 100-year old Live Oak in order to protect a power line. By burying the lines we can view the flowers and scenery without obstruction. 2. It would allow us to protect and secure our energy sources during sever storms that we know happen on a regular basis.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? The city would first have to determine if the majority of residents in a neighborhood actually want the improvements. Assuming they do, those improvements would have to be prioritized along with other infrastructure improvements in the city. Alternatively, the city and neighborhood may consider working in partnership to cover the costs of such improvements. In terms of future planning, no developments should be allowed that do not include curbs, gutters and storm drains.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? No. I’m aware that the citizens in Rock Creek have requested increased police patrols in order to reduce speeding in the neighborhood. It is likely other neighborhoods have similar problems and needs. One of the most basic responsibilities of city government is to provide for the safety and protection of its citizens, so ensuring enough police coverage should always be one of the city’s major priorities.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? Parking is at a premium in downtown Fairhope so there needs to be a clear and pressing need for any action that sacrifices needed spaces. Decisions that impact the downtown merchants and citizens shouldn’t move forward without asking for input from these groups.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? Providing land for community gardens is an outstanding way to bring diverse citizens together, working toward a common goal. It not only provides a social benefit but a physical one for people who participate. The gardens are educational for children as well as adults, demonstrating that it is possible to grow and eat locally. For the city, it transforms a vacant lot or property into an attractive garden so the establishment of community gardens is certainly something the city should support.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? It is city government’s responsibility – as it is every person’s responsibility – to protect our environment. Addressing environmental issues should be part of a coordinated effort in the strategic planning process, however, there are simple steps the city can do now to becoming more environmentally responsible. As current city-owned items wear out they should be replaced by energy efficient models, whether it’s energy efficient light bulbs or hybrid automobiles. As mentioned in an earlier answer, walking, biking and alternate methods of transportation should be encouraged in Fairhope. During the strategic planning process, an Environmental sub-committee needs to examine the cost-effectiveness of using methane from our landfill to supply sustainable energy, and research other creative solutions that have been successful in cities and towns across the country.
Alan Hall
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? I have a vision and a plan to make Fairhope's neighborhood communities safe and accessible for all of its citizens. Greenways are an incredible investment in Fairhope's future. As an ever-expanding community, we are at risk of distancing ourselves. Partnering with corporate sponsors, private & public grant sources, existing property owners associations and new developments, greenways would be great leap in the right direction. These established routes would wind through and next to neighborhoods, not along major roads. They would paved with pervious materials and wide enough for pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchairs, and small electric carts. In addition, small-lighted covered rest areas would be spaced along the routes. For safety police on bicycles would patrol the areas.
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? Fairhope had the right and responsibility to direct that those transmission lines be placed underground. Yes, I would change this practice. This makes sense not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from an economic point of view. These lines would be better protected underground with less exposure to wind damage due to Hurricanes. This is where good sustainable planning along with solicited input from the businesses and residents along path of these lines must go into effect.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? There are three paths for funding these improvements. The city can secure a federal improvements grant such as a HUD Block Grant. The city can partner with a private grants or entitlement source for storm water management improvements however; often these sources have specific restrictions. Finally, a neighborhood would be able to work with the city and reimburse the city for installation of improvements such as the installation of curbs; gutters and storm drains. Repayment and the repayment schedule for this potential special assessment would have to be first agreed upon by the neighborhood prior to commencement of the improvement project. Repayment amounts should be proportional to amount of work completed in front of their property.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? For the city - yes, for the unincorporated areas - no. Our police force is stretched beyond its limits (figuratively and literally) trying to provide protection under the current police jurisdictional model. With annexation, this gives us room to expand our revenue base, therein hire more law enforcement officers, train and equip them and adequately provide public safety for all of Fairhope’s citizens.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? Parking is a valuable resource in our community. I view these flowerbeds as hazardous and an impediment to good storm water management. They are illogically placed. The funds expended would have been better used as covered, lighted rest area kiosks for walkers and visitors.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? Why not? Any place that would allow a community to grow should be encouraged. If we are using city land for swimming pools, skate parks, and other recreational facilities, why not for a garden? A community garden gives us all a sense of ownership.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? At this point, becoming climate friendly is synonymous with economically sound management. Biodiesel in our city vehicles is a great start, but I also have a plan for a co-generation plant that would be strategically located adjacent to the existing solid waste transfer station. This operation would enable the city to generate its own electricity to sell back to the grid and generate revenue. Our solid waste streams and bio-waste streams from our homes and business would first go through recycling measures with the remaining items used as fuel for the co-generation plant. The methane emitting from the old landfill would be captured and used as a fuel source. Benefits – start using the waste from the old landfill to use as fuel thus reclaiming and remediating the land, and eliminating the city input into a landfill, establishing a new revenue stream. In turn, this would keep down rising utility costs and help manage our city’s debit.
Fairhope is a unique community and whatever steps we take to make it a better place should be ones that keep us together. We are going to double in population within a decade, but this does not mean that we have to sell everything we hold dear to do it. Preservation due to careful sustainable planning, responsible budgeting, and finding grants will only help Fairhope remain a unique, thriving town on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.
Debbie Quinn
1. What initiatives do you have in mind for the City in the next couple of years to make Fairhope safer and friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users? The city needs more accessible trails (which means that they are multi purpose, bikes, walkers and wheelchair users). 8 years ago the city built 1-2 miles of new trails a year…but with financial crunches, we have relied heavily on grants to do this for us. We need to go back to at least 1 mile a year out of the city budget, but still seek grants for more.
I also feel that downtown should be more Pedestrians friendly by placing ‘Pedestrians have Right of Way’ signs to help focus drivers on our walkers/bicyclists/wheelchair friends. That way we could make cars stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Mid street extra crosswalks and signage on those crosswalks are needed so that drivers notice them.
We also need to re-look at our streets and roads to see if there is enough room to have marked bike lanes.
The Traffic Committee (which needs to be renamed Public Safety) needs to have a member that represents our multimodal users.
We also need to assess the need for small plug-in hybrids/golf cart type vehicles for use downtown and in neighborhoods.
2. Large cement poles have been installed lately to carry transmission lines in the Fairhope electric utility. This has made parts of our city look industrial when they are not. Would you change this practice? Most of this we cannot change…especially other utilities; Riviera and BEMC. They do have to come before Planning and Zoning prior to placement and get approval...we can be more insistent on what we would like, but I don’t think there is any way to mandate the look of the poles. We can address at the placement of their poles and our own poles. I feel that the placement of the poles is more the way to re-think our city of neighborhoods. The reality is that electrical departments and engineers always think of the worst case scenario for electrical disruption. It’s hard to change and rethink that philosophy. When a hurricane is close, everybody wants their electricity to flow.
3. There are streets in Fairhope that do not have curbs, gutters, or storm drains. What should people on these streets do to secure curbs, gutters, and storm drains? The city needs to have a 5-7 year street plan…not only curbs, gutters and storm drains but paving, potholes and how to clean the water that does flow off our streets and eventually into our bay, creeks and rivers. At the present, there are some gullies that have walls around the outlet to let debris and sediment settle. In actuality, when the rains are heavy enough it all flows over at one time. This also needs to addressed. On many streets the water flows into a storm drain, into a pipe and straight into the bay. There has been No thought as to how to slow the water, clean the water and take out debris that is in the water. But this all takes a large amount of money. We might be able to do some of this work with grants…but it may take homeowners to decide if it is beneficial enough to create a specific tax assessment with the city to help pay for it.
4. Does the City have enough police officers? At the present, the city has enough police officers to patrol INSIDE the city limits based on population census. We do NOT have enough officers to patrol in our jurisdiction. It’s a dangerous situation and one that could set us up for some actions that would be horrendous for the city.
5. Do you believe that the flower planting areas extended into the parking lanes on Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are a good idea? Would you do something different? Yes…I would do something different…I would support pulling up the flower beds on Fairhope, Ave. I don’t believe that a certified engineer drew specifications for those beds and we are setting ourselves and our community up for a terrible accident. It has impeded traffic flow and has resulted in bicyclist having to ‘jump’ out into the flow of traffic to get around them. It has also taken up precious parking for bay front activities.
The Flower beds on Magnolia are at least at intersections where cars should be slowing anyway. I would have an engineer relook at those beds also.
6. For people who want to garden but do not have their own suitable garden plot, is it appropriate for a neighborhood to have use of city-owned land, such as a portion of a park, for a community garden? I think it is very appropriate for the city to allow organized groups to set up community gardens on city owned land. As long as the city has a voice in where it is placed on the land, how it is viewed from the road, the accessibility by the gardeners and how it works for everyone involved. With input from neighbors and the community gardening committee, there should be no problem in creating this opportunity. I also feel that the Farmer’s Market should be year round. I don’t think anyone can ever get the feel for when it is available because it stops and starts. I’m sure there are items we could allow in the Market that would be conducive for its ongoing success.
7. Do you think the City Government should address the potential consequences of global warming? If so, what are some examples of actions you would consider? There are many things the city can do and SHOULD do. We cannot wait for the federal government to impose restrictions on us…we have to show that we are and will be good stewards of our surroundings. Plug in Hybrids is one start. The city needs to assess their fleet. We have asked and have not gotten any encouragement from the administration for an Energy Audit to assess our own energy consumption and waste. That is imperative.
I would also like to address the amount of mowing the city does. There are many other ways to handle our park greens and our roadways without constant mowing…once a week. The pollution for mowers is a big contributor to ozone depletion and overall pollution. The over all funding for gas and manpower could be greatly reduced.
I would also like to place free older bicycles downtown and many more bike racks that people can use to get around town. The bikes can be painted in weird colors so that they would stay downtown. Also, I’d like the city to contract with BRATS for a fixed route Trolley bus service around Fairhope. Not everyone needs to drive or can drive. They could stop at our more densely populated areas, interested subdivisions, senior citizen facilities, Dr.’s offices, grocery stores, hospital and then around downtown and back. It would be a great for all our residents.
* * * * * * *
Citizens for Responsible Government Issues of Concern:
The initial issues selected for attention by Citizens for Responsible Government in Baldwin County Alabama include the following:
Contact
Us:
Contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions, and let us know of
any similar groups in your area: resgov@bellsouth.net
Web site hosting by Seagull Networks: www.seagull.net