Residents and contractors with plans to build within the city could soon see an increase in construction and building permits.

Fairhope City Council addressed a series of significant infrastructure projects during a July 8 meeting. While this agenda item was laid over to a future meeting, the proposed ordinance amendment included:

• Raising commercial demolition permit fee from $25 to $50;
• Increasing swimming pool permit fees for residential from $50 to $100 and commercial from $100 to $250; and
• Adding verbiage and fines under the fine and penalties section.

During the work session earlier, council members had questions regarding the wording of the waiver of permit fees section. The ordinance amendment will undergo revision and come back before the council at a future meeting.

Parker Road Sidewalk

A sidewalk along Parker Road in Fairhope providing pedestrian access between trails on U.S. 98 and Scenic 98 is one of the projects being considered …

The council unanimously approved an agreement with the Baldwin County Commission for funding of the Parker Road sidewalk project. The total cost of the project is $389,100. A grant from the Eastern Shore MPO will fund $200,000 of it, while the county commission will pay $74,000, and the City of Fairhope will pay $75,100.

The sidewalk will run from County Road 98 to State Route 42, connect the Eastern Shore Trail and provide walking access to Flying Creek Nature Preserve.

Magnolia Beach Restoration

The Magnolia Beach restoration project got one step closer with the awarding of a contract for engineering services to Goodwyn Mills Cawood for $120,000.

In March, the council approved a $620,000 Gulf of Mexico Energy and Securities Act (GOMESA) grant for the project, which will see the construction of two breakwaters just offshore to reduce wave action on the beach. Since 2004, the city has restored the sand at the north end of Magnolia Beach Park a dozen times at an average cost per renourishment of more than $20,000.

Big Mouth Gully

The council approved a request to reject all bids received and allow for a re-bid for the Big Mouth Gully slope stabilization project. Two bids were received, but one was missing the bid bond. The council approved the request. The project will be put out for bid once again.

Senior Transport Van

Paige Crawford, director of community affairs, presented the council with a resolution requesting approval to submit for an Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) grant for $160,000. The money, if received, would be used to purchase a new transportation van. The current van is 10 years old and is used to transport seniors in the community. Crawford said the current van's steep stairs present an issue for passengers. The grant requires a 20% match from the city.

The next Fairhope City Council meeting is July 22 at 6 p.m. with the work session at 4:30 p.m. To see the agenda and supporting documents, visit www.fairhopeal.gov.