Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting

Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Pre-meeting Work Session: 9:00 AM – 9:53 AM (adjourned) Regular Meeting: 10:16 AM – 11:35 AM

This meeting included a pre-meeting work session where the consent agenda was set and public comments were heard, followed by a regular meeting with committee reports, presentations, four public hearings, and the adoption of the Baldwin Beach Express II Access Management Plan update.

Consent Calendar

• CA1-CA6 (Administration): Approved with CA4 removed pending staff verification of the list of Search and Rescue Units. CA3 (Krewe of Mullet Mates parade) approved contingent on receipt of Certificate of Liability Insurance. CJ1 (Sheriff’s Office lease agreement) approved despite formal document pending.
• CB1, CD1, CE1-CE6, CJ1, CN1-CN3, CO1-CO5, CR1-CR8: All routine approvals for payments, bids, personnel changes, and agreements were approved unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rebecca Watson (Fairhope Faith Collective): Spoke in support of the Fairhope Library, provided APLS suspension letter, and requested the county revise its contract to continue courier service once library complies with state policies. She noted APLS may reallocate funds to smaller libraries.
• Kristi McClellan (concerned parent): Expressed support for parental responsibility and asked the commission to remove the state-funding requirement from the courier contract to continue service.
• Chairman Ball clarified the county’s only role is the courier service, which will terminate that week due to the library’s loss of state funding. No further public comment on the library was allowed at the regular meeting.

Presentations

• Retiree Recognition (DA1): Charley Weekley, Operator Technician IV with the Foley Highway Department, was recognized for 18 years of service. Commissioners and supervisors praised his dedication.

Public Hearings

ES1 – Lickin Good Fairhope LLC Rezoning (Z25-60)

• Request: Rezone 0.9 acres from B-2 to B-3 for a drive-through donut shop.
• Opposition: Alise Lane (adjacent RV resort owner) expressed concern about drive-through speaker noise disturbing guests.
• Applicant response: Developer Jim Brown agreed to build a block wall to mitigate noise.
• Vote: Unanimously approved (4-0) with Resolution #2026-040.

ES2 – Penry Property Rezoning (Z25-61)

• Request: Rezone 12 acres from RA (Rural Agricultural) to RSF-1 (Residential Single Family).
• Opposition: Bobby Cheeseman, Martin Sheils, and Greg Clark raised concerns about stormwater runoff, increased traffic, road safety on Caney Creek Drive, and loss of rural character.
• Applicant response: Attorney Michael Niemeyer stated the plan is for seven lots over an acre; drainage and access will be addressed during subdivision approval.
• Discussion: Commissioner Underwood noted that without rezoning the intersection would not be improved; subdivision regulations now require traffic studies and safety reviews.
• Vote: Approved 3-1 (Commissioner McKenzie opposed). Resolution #2026-041.

ES3 – Two Lakes Modified PRD Site Plan (PRD25-07)

• Request: Modification to allow two-story casitas (building height unchanged) in a 114-unit RV park.
• Public: No opposition. Engineer Chris Lieb explained the change.
• Staff clarification: Parking is not impacted because casitas are accessory to RV lots.
• Vote: Unanimously approved (4-0) with Resolution #2026-038.

ES4 – Point Clear Golf Club PRD Phase 1 Final Site Plan (PRD25-08)

• Request: Approval of 123 residential lots on 309 acres including a golf course, with lot sizes from 4,300 sq ft to 1 acre.
• Public: Linda Wise asked about traffic signals on Section Street. Planning Director Dickson said a traffic study will address impacts; development is less dense than previously approved (310 total lots vs. 288).
• Vote: Unanimously approved (4-0) with Resolution #2026-039.

Discussion Items

• Baldwin Beach Express II Access Management Plan Update (GA1): County Engineer Frank Lundy presented the updated plan for the 25-mile corridor from I-10 to I-65. Key features include controlled-access design, grade-separated diamond interchanges, directional median openings, property access every 1,320 feet, removal of full median openings, and preservation of right-of-way (approx. 300 ft wide). The plan eliminates the need for costly damaged-property compensation, supports hurricane evacuation, and aligns with current subdivision regulations. The commission had authorized $4 million for the southern segment right-of-way. Active talks with FHWA and ALDOT are underway.
• Speed Limit Adjustment (CO5): The commission approved reducing the speed limit on Section Street (CR 3) from 45 mph to a consistent 35 mph between Wood Acres Road and Twin Echo Court. Signs will be posted within days.

Key Outcomes

• Library Couer Service: Terminated effective January 23, 2026 for Fairhope Library due to loss of state funding; no further commission action.
• Opioid Settlement Funds: Commissioner Underwood requested a clear list of approved uses; Administrator Rendleman to prepare a simplified version.
• Coroner Pay Raise: Discussion held; commission not yet taking action; Commissioner Underwood will contact state legislators to determine if a commission resolution is required.
• All consent and hearing items approved as detailed above.
• Next Meeting: Not specified; regular meetings typically held every two weeks.