BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Thanks to a carefully laid out plan of action, developed by Bay Minette Fire Chief Phil Bryars and other city, county and state officials, the city was prepared for the winter weather that visited Friday in the form of snow and sleet.

Though the original plan was developed to address hurricanes, it was designed to be used in the event of any natural disaster - and while Friday's snow event did not measure up to the major winter storm predicted by the National Weather Service, it gave city employees and officials a chance to put their plan into action.

"Our city working in cooperation with Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency, the Baldwin County Commission, Alabama Power, Baldwin EMC, North Baldwin Utilities, the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and all of the varied city departments, operated under the advisement of Fire Chief Phil Bryars as our city EMC director, completed advanced preparations for Friday, Feb. 12 winter weather event," Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery told council members and residents during the regular council meeting Monday night.

"The purpose of this planning was to provide information and directives that are the responsibilities of our city departments, and particularly emergency personnel during a severe weather emergency," she said. "Past weather events have proven that the ability to respond through careful and timely preparation benefits all citizens."

Bay Minette and areas of North Baldwin County were told to expect from three to five inches of accumulated snow, with weather officials noting the snow would be "wet and heavy" and could cause downed trees and power lines as well as other problems.

By Thursday afternoon advisories had been sent out notifying residents schools, city and county offices would be closed.

"Since emergency conditions due to weather may have existed, it was advised that residents (be) encouraged to stay off the highways. Only essential personnel or those contacted by a supervisor were to report to work, however, all personnel were on standby," Tillery said.

She said having a plan in place, such as the one set in motion last week, and being prepared is essential to keeping residents safe.

"Public safety is the primary directive and careful planning begins before the weather event assures that citizens are protected and the city operates effectively and efficiently," she said. "Early preparation also means that financial support and commodities will be handled quickly by varied agencies. It is imperative that procedures and protocol be followed in order to qualify for support in the event of a state of emergency."

The same cooperation among agencies that will help residents in the event of a natural disaster is being utilized to help residents rid their streets of drugs.

Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland told the council that now the force is fully staffed, one officer will begin working with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Baldwin County Drug Task Force.

Jonathan Hall, who joined the force in the summer of 2008, will assist the drug task force by representing the Bay Minette Police Department and the City of Bay Minette as a member of that team.

"Now that we have the police up to the numbers we needed, we will have a representative officer on the joint task force," Rowland said. "He will work directly under the supervision of the director of the task force."

Additionally, Rowland said the joint venture will allow the city to save money on some expenses, including overtime.

"The district attorney's office procured a grant that will pay overtime for the drug task force officer in the form of a stipend of up to $4,000 a year," he said. "We usually don't spend that much in overtime. All we will be responsible for is salary and benefits. (The task force) furnishes the cars, equipment, training and overtime up to $4,000 a year."

Tillery commended the task force and said she was delighted to have Bay Minette involved in that effort.

"The City of Bay Minette recognizes the Baldwin County Drug Task Force program of the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and shares the common goal of this inter-jurisdictional agenda to eliminate illegal drug use in our city and county," she said. "We willingly participate in this Drug Task Force by offering our support by providing a municipal officer to participate in this Task Force. Working together produces results."

In other business the council:

—Read a proclamation declaring the week of Feb. 21 through Feb. 27 as Arbor Week. A tree-planting ceremony will be held at Delta Elementary School at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in memory of late Principal Leah Ann Overstreet, followed by a tree give-away at City Hall Saturday, Feb. 27 beginning at 8 a.m.

—Read a proclamation declaring February Alabama Marriage Month, in response to a request from Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. "It is widely known that children who grow up in loving, stable homes have the best chance of doing well on a whole host of outcomes," the proclamation states. "Officials say families are the first and foremost school of life, uniquely suited to teach children integrity, character, morals, responsibility, service and wisdom."

—Recognized Bay Minette's Mardi Gras Association and the Bay Minette Mystic Revelers for the 5th annual Mardi Gras Parade. "Our city swelled by thousands as spectators received goodies from our revelers," Tillery said. "This event is unique to our city and we thank the maskers for the conscientious efforts for a safe and fun time this Mardi Gras."

—Announced the second annual Baldwin County Softball Championship Tournament will be hosted by Baldwin County High School and the City of Bay Minette. Games will begin Friday and continue through the day Saturday.

—Announced the Baldwin County High School Basketball Team would be playing in Mobile Tuesday at the Mitchell Center in an attempt to "move closer to the State Championship." The Bay Minette United Methodist Church hosted a breakfast for the team Tuesday before they left for the game.

—Announced Bay Minette Intermediate School will celebrate Black History month with an oratorical contest Friday morning, with "outstanding characters from our history (bringing) to life great leaders and their famous words," according to Tillery.

—Additionally, the Bay Minette Rotary Club and Junior Heritage Women's Club will hold the second annual Chilly Run and Chili Cookoff Saturday at the Kid's Park in Bay Minette from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tillery will be a judge at both events.