The Fairhope City Council approved two related public-works measures on Nov. 10: the Pecan Avenue Watershed Drainage Improvements Phase 1 and a replacement restroom at Magnolia Beach Pier.

City Engineer Richard Johnson asked the council to award the drainage contract for Phase 1 to Chris Brewer Contracting for $545,810 and to transfer funds from the project’s Phase 2 allocation to cover Phase 1 costs. Johnson said eight bids were received and that staff feels confident in the low bid.

Johnson also asked the council to approve a quote for a replacement restroom at the Magnolia Beach/Pier Avenue boat ramp. He recommended Thomas Construction for a not-to-exceed project cost of $98,007.26 and noted a $10,000 contingency for the slab and electrical work; the council corrected a small packet discrepancy and approved the transfer of $23,726 from the general fund to the capital projects fund to cover the project.

Public commenters who live in lower Pecan Avenue thanked the council and staff for the long-awaited drainage solution, saying yards and some dwellings experienced flooding during heavy rains. Council members said the work will improve function and aesthetics by rerouting outfalls and replacing a deteriorated bulkhead.

Next steps: the city will execute contracts and begin Phase 1 construction; beach nourishment and related breakwater work are scheduled to move forward as drainage work wraps up.