The following are from the minutes of the City Council working meeting of March 16th.

3. DISCUSS: PROPOSED INCREASE IN LODGING TAX

Council discussed the proposed increase. Mr. Lake was opposed to the increase stating that it should remain at it’s current rate. Mr. Scott explained the reasons for the increase stating various uses for the increase, including 15% to the IDB. The amount the IDB would received was discussed by Council.

Naturally, we understand that politicians in the South like to say no to tax increases and then somehow raise them anyway.  However, since a lodging tax would seemingly be paid by people from somewhere else, it would be interesting to find out why John is opposed to it.

6. DISCUSS: RESOLUTION 2006-27

Council discussed this Resolution requesting that the City Attorney to seek an injunction against the Baldwin County Board of Education to stop work on the Daphne South school. There will be more discussion on the Resolution at the meeting Monday night.

The following are from the minutes of the City Council meeting of March 20th

MOTION BY Mrs. Barnette to adopt Resolution 2006-27. Seconded by Mrs. Landry.

MOTION BY Mr. Palumbo to amend Resolution 2006-27 by delete the last paragraph and read as follows:

Amendment

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Daphne, AL that the City Council appoint a standing committee of its members to seek a resolution to these and other education concerns by meeting with the Baldwin County School Superintendent and other representatives of the Baldwin County Board of Education on a regular basis. Seconded by Mr. Yelding.

Mrs. Barnette (verbatim ) stated that I differ from Mr. Palumbo, in the sense that, I believe that certainly we need to work with the Board of Education, and that is why this Council’s language unites us and moves us forward in showing that we are going to come to some type of solution. I differ in the sense that right now the proposal before us to the citizens of Daphne, and Daphne’s community is not at all consistent with Daphne’s Comprehensive Plan. We have identified walking communities, we have identified our schools as anchors to different points in the community, so I think we have along way to go, and I am looking forward to some type of resolution in the near future. I want to be clear and on record that right now the current proposals are absolutely not in keeping with Daphne’s Comprehensive Plan, nor the vision, from her interpretation, of where we need to be in Daphne.

Council continued to discuss the Resolution.

VOTE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2006-27

MOTION BY Mrs. Barnette to adopt Resolution 2006-27 with the amendment. Seconded by Mrs. Landry.

AYE ALL IN FAVOR NAY NONE OPPOSED MOTION CARRIED

The following are from the minutes of the City Council special work session of March 28th

2. DISCUSS: ARONOV BOND ISSUE

Mr. Frank Johnston, Aronov Realty, gave a presentation regarding the financial projections for the Eastern Shore Park. The packet is included with these minutes. Council asked Mr. Johnston questions regarding the figures and the bond issue. One of Council concerns was that in the MOU the obligated 10.2 million dollars was to develop 148 acres, now only 80 acres will be developed.

Council told Mr. Johnston that the Development Agreement will be on the agenda Monday night, but it will be a first read.

See last Friday's comments about this one.  Below is information presented at this meeting by Aronov Realty

Eastern Shore Park Proposal

It is proposed that the City issue Warrants to reimburse Malbis Properties for the Public Improvements Cost.

o The Warrants will not be a City debt or obligation;

o The Warrants will be payable solely from 40% of the Sales and Use Taxes (50% for automobile) generated by businesses located in the Eastern Shore Park (the "Pledged Tax Revenues");

o Current projected Public lmprovements Cost is $9,700,000;

o Annual Debt Service on the Warrants will be approximately $1,000,540 (20 years, 7.5% 10,200,000 issue);

o All Public Improvements will be subject to prior approval by the City Council;

o Trustee appointed by the City Council will oversee reimbursement of Public Improvements Cost; and

o Audited report of Public Improvements Cost will be provided Trustee and the City Council.