Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting - June 24, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on June 24, 2025, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. The meeting began with a work session at 9:00 AM, followed by the regular meeting at 10:00 AM. The commission addressed a consent agenda, a separate discussion on a roadway partnership with the City of Foley, recognition of retiring employees, a series of public hearings on rezoning and vacation requests, and other administrative items. A moment of silence was observed for employee Calvin Glass, who passed away unexpectedly.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the June 3, 2025, regular meeting minutes with a correction to account numbers in Resolution 2025-139.
• Approved payment of bills (BA1) and ratification of interim payments (BA2).
• Approved the consent agenda as presented, with the exception of item CO4 (Intergovernmental Roadway Construction Agreement with City of Foley) which was removed for separate discussion. The consent agenda included numerous items: appointments to the ACCA Legislative Committee, fire tax proceeds for Perdido Beach Volunteer Fire Department, animal control veterinary services, various competitive bids and contracts (resurfacing, DA building, bituminous adhesive, elevator maintenance, roof replacement, inmate property conveyor system, sand removal, outdoor atrium, sally port, CR 65 corridor extension, intersection improvements, copy machine rentals), budget amendment, surplus equipment sale, Title III Older Americans Act contract, Sheriff's Office HIDTA funds and vehicle transfer, investment agency agreement, highway department items (maintenance bond releases for Lakeland Phase 11 and Kipling Meadows Phase 2, road acceptance for Elizabeth Gardens Phase 1, license agreement, vehicle transfer, permission to advertise US 98 Eastern Shore Trail Extension), and personnel changes across multiple departments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the designated public comment period at the end of the meeting.
• During the public hearings, several members of the public testified on rezoning cases:
  • For the Goodwyn/Long Bayou Preserve cases (Z25-15 and PRD25-02), engineer Tom Granger and property owner Tyler Goodwin spoke in support, arguing the 48-unit development would be low-impact and compatible with nearby Margaritaville resort.
  • For the Parker Property rezoning (Z25-09), Samuel Dean spoke in opposition, citing drainage concerns and preserving the rural character. Property owner Dean Parker spoke in support, stating he wanted to use his property for a commercial building.
  • For the Ewing Property rezoning (Z25-12), applicant Nicole Ewing spoke in support, explaining they needed to build a larger second home for family. Neighbors Jeff Winters and Randy Stricker spoke in opposition, warning of precedent and potential incompatible uses.
  • For the Hilltop Qoz Fund rezoning (Z25-24), applicant Jackie Mule spoke in support. Richard Davis (representing adjacent property owners) spoke in opposition, arguing 30,000 sq ft lots were too dense for the area.
  • Other cases had no public speakers or only the applicant/agent.

Discussion Items

• CO4 – 30-Cubed Program Partnership with City of Foley: Frank Lundy presented the 30-cubed program, a county-municipal partnership to fund connectivity infrastructure. The City of Foley proposed extending James Road (approximately one mile, 5,280 feet) from Brinks Willis Road southward, providing a north-south connection between Gulf Shores and Foley, allowing residents to avoid main state roads. Mayor of Foley spoke in support, highlighting the partnership's importance. The commission approved the intergovernmental agreement.
• Retiree Recognition: The commission recognized five retiring employees with a total of 112 years of service: Douglas Proates (Highway, 15 years, absent), Becky Peterson (BRATS, 11 years), Angela Cometti (Revenue Commission, 25 years), Madison Steele (Parks, 19 years), and Cliff Milton (Parks, 35 years). Commissioners and staff thanked them for their dedicated service.
• Rezoning Cases: The commission held public hearings and voted on 12 rezoning cases. Key decisions:
  • Cooper Property (Z25-25): Applicant withdrew; commission accepted withdrawal unanimously.
  • Goodwyn Property (Z25-15) and Long Bayou Preserve PRD (PRD25-02): Approved (3-0, Commissioner Underwood recused) for rezoning from RA to RSF2 and PRD approval for 48 single-family homes with 29 acres of open space, 26 boat slips, and reduced setbacks, subject to conditions.
  • Parker Property (Z25-09): Approved (3-1) for rezoning from RSFE to B2 (neighborhood business district). Commissioner Underwood voted opposed, citing lack of need and speculative nature.
  • Bayview Partners/Lovelace Property (Z25-10): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RA to RMH (manufactured housing park) to expand existing mobile home park.
  • Ewing Property (Z25-12): Denied (3-1) request to rezone from RSFE to RA to avoid 60% accessory dwelling size limitation. Commissioner Underwood voted opposed to denial, suggesting instead to amend the local provision. Staff directed to engage the community on removing the 60% rule.
  • SR Development LLC (Z25-16): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RA to B2.
  • CM Counseling LLC (Z25-23): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RSFE to B1.
  • Hilltop Qoz Fund (Z25-24): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RSFE to RSF1 to allow three lots.
  • Cotten Property (Z25-26): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RSF1 to RA to allow a personal storage building.
  • Cypress Break LLC (Z25-27): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RA to RR for office/warehouse use.
  • Dyas Property (Z25-28): Approved unanimously for rezoning from RA to RSF2 for future residential development.
• Vacation of Right-of-Way (VAC-25-1): Approved unanimously to vacate a portion of Dana Drive, an unopened, unimproved right-of-way, after a public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent items and most rezoning approvals passed unanimously (3-0 or 4-0) except Parker Property (3-1) and Ewing Property denial (3-1).
• Directives: Staff was directed to engage the community in Planning District 22 regarding the 60% accessory dwelling size limitation rule, with the aim of amending the local provision.
• Next Steps: The 30-cubed agreement with Foley will proceed; retiring employees will receive their plaques and formal recognition; the commission will attend the NACo conference in July to receive an achievement award for Solid Waste.