BAY MINETTE — The next phase of a sidewalk project that would see sidewalks installed on four Bay Minette streets is on hold because of lack of grant funding, John Cameron of Volkert and Associates told the Bay Minette City Council Monday evening.

The city was approved for a grant, but the state does not have the funds to honor the grant, Cameron said.

"In March the state said stimulus money was available. In October we found out there is no stimulus funding," he said. "We still have the grant, but we will not receive money until September, when the next fiscal year begins."

Cameron said he feels the lack of funds was because of poor planning on the state's part.

"I think they ran out of money. I think they awarded too many grants, without them saying that," he said.

Cameron said as soon as the money is received the project will begin. This project is Phase 3 of an overall project to expand the city's sidewalks. Phase 3 will include the installation of sidewalks along 12th Street East, Hoyle Avenue, Fifth Street and Dobston Street.

In line with the goal of improving the city of Bay Minette, the city in conjunction with the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Power, North Baldwin Utilities and the Industrial Development Board, has applied for the Alabama Communities of Excellence Program.

If selected, a team of planners will come and assist the community in identifying its needs and developing plans to meet those needs. The city will also be identified state-wide as a Community of Excellence.

Mayor Jamie Tillery brought up issues at several of the city's parks, including Halliday Park, the skateboard park and Kids' Park.

"Baseball season has started and some teams are practicing after dark. Those not on teams cannot turn the lights on without permission," Tillery said. "After games, people need to be responsible for cleaning up after themselves. We need to be responsible for our parks."

She said clean-up also applies to the Kids' Park.

"The Kids’ Park facilities can be rented for birthday parties, reunions and other events, but the renters are responsible for cleaning up when they are done," she said.

Probably the most serious issue was that of youth not wearing protective gear at the skateboard park. Tillery said lack of protective gear could result in a fine.

"Anyone skating at the skateboard park must have protective gear. Violators will have their skateboard confiscated and will have to see Lt. (Ruffin) Crook to get it back," she said.

To get the board back, the owner must show their safety gear. Subsequent violations could result in a violation ticket, she said.

Finally, District 3 Councilman Johnny Biggs donated $1,400 of his contingency fund to the Parks and Ground department to replace money spent on improvements at Halliday Park. District 2 Councilman Mike Phillips gave $500 of his contingency fund as well.

In other business the council:

—Informed residents the library will begin closing at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Additionally, it will close at 6 p.m. every day during Spring Break.

—Announced a District 5 meeting scheduled for April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Douglasville Community Center.

—Announced the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Gala will be April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center.

—Received an update on Huntingdon College in Bay Minette from Huntingdon Representative Candi Lake. Lake said the biggest thing going on at Huntingdon is the new Adult Degree Completion Program, offering a business management degree through a five-week course with classes twice a week from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

—Heard from Ormond Thompson, the new director at North Baldwin Infirmary. Thompson introduced himself and spoke briefly about hospital goals and plans.

—Approved resolutions authorizing the mayor to solicit bids for seven 2010 police cars, a 2010 pickup truck for the fire department and two mowers for the Parks and Grounds department.

The next meeting is April 19 at 6 p.m. at the Council Chambers in City Hall.