DAPHNE — Choosing candidates for the position of city fire chief was the hot topic of Monday’s City Council meeting.

City leaders carried Councilwoman Cathy Barnette’s motion to bring back interim fire Chief Kenny Hanak and Paul Smith, Mobile Fire Department district fire chief, for a second interview. A vote determined that the men were the council’s top two choices.

Council members Bailey Yelding, Barnette, John Lake, Greg Burnam and Ron Scott had chosen Hanak and James White, former Prichard Fire Department chief, as their top candidates.

Council members Regina Landry and August Palumbo had chosen Smith and Hanak.

“We have a young and enthusiastic department; no disrespect but we need someone who can match that higher energy level and enthusiasm,” Palumbo said, explaining why he made his choices.

Prior to the meeting, city leaders held a work session, as well as an executive session, that included discussions on the candidates.

When council members returned to chambers, they discussed candidates they favored and an anonymous letter they received that aimed to discredit at least one candidate.

“Slanderous statements don’t have a foot to stand on, and anonymous is cowardly,” Scott said.

In other business:

• Council voted to allow Mayor Fred Small to enter into an agreement for inmate housing with Spanish Fort.

• Council adopted a resolution to vacate the unnamed right of way within Highland Farms subdivision.

• Council adopted an ordinance for the Main Street Conceptual Streetscape Design, which called the city to match a $10,000 grant.