ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — City council watchers who are sure that the next Robertsdale City Council meeting will happen on May 19 at 8 a.m. had better re-mark their calendars. Because several members of the council and the mayor have other commitments that day, the council voted unanimously to move the next meeting to May 15 at 8 a.m. The council met Monday night.

Councilor Paul Hollingsworth was absent, and because of illness, Marcus McDowell represented the city’s attorney.

The meeting opened at 5 p.m. with a work session. One of the first orders of business was plans for the city’s Memorial Day celebration May 26. Current plans call for a ceremony at 9 a.m. May 26 near the illuminated billboard.

“Could we put in the paper that in the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at Town Hall,” asked City Councilor Sue Cooper.

Councilor Joe Kitchens asked if a small public address system could be brought to the ceremony site.

“We desperately need some sound equipment there,” said Cooper.

Mayor Charles Murphy said he would look into both matters.

The illuminated sign was also a matter for discussion. The eye-catching sign along Highway 59 as attracted a lot of attention.

“Other communities,” said Ann Simpson, Robertsdale’s chief financial officer, “are calling to use the sign, It helps when you (the City Council) approve the use of the sign, but we need guidelines as these calls become more and more frequent.”

Murphy suggested that the Council adopt regulations codifying the use of the sign, limiting its use to organizations with ties to Robertsdale and events held in the town.

“If anyone has idea to share with Ann, they are welcome,” said Murphy.

Simpson added that when there isn’t an event to publicize, she puts up generic messages.

“I put something up about Memorial Day, the Fourth of July the parade, the Honeybee Festival, and if there’s nothing going on, a “drive safe” message, Simpson said.

Yard cleanup was also on Cooper’s mind.

“Some cleanup needs to be done,” said Cooper. “We have to get yards into better shape.”

“It’s important for people to clean all the way to the street,” Kitchens said. “You have to take pride in your ownership.”

A related problem is the number of yard sale signs that have been blooming in the area. Both Kitchen and Cooper complained about them.

City Clerk Shannon Ellison explained there was little town officials could do unless the yard sale sign was placed inappropriately.

“There are no regulations (about yard sales),” said Ellison. “However, if someone is having a sale every week, it can be considered a business, and they have to pull a license.”

Murphy said, “In some communities, if you have more than two sales per year you have to come in an pull a permit.” Again, the issue was laid down for now to gather ideas from the council.

Police Chief Bradley Kendrick outlined how he would like to spend the final moneys from a $148,000 Department of Justice grant.

“We went to computer-aided dispatch,” Kendrick said, adding that the department also upgraded the jail software.

“We want to put computers into nine police cars for a total $41,184 each,” Kendrick said, adding that included the software and mounting, and that would leave $26.50 left from the grant. Kendrick said the department would work with a state bid for the equipment. After questioning from council members, Kendrick allowed that depending on the experience larger towns and cities had with the process, e-tickets were just a few years away. A camera system that would make a record of each stopped car’s license tag is also being tested by other departments.

“We’ve come a long way since an officer used his own personal vehicle to stop someone, haven’t we,” joked Kitchen. The council later voted to approve the expenditure.

Robert Holley of Anderson Court appealed to the Town Council for help with barking dogs near his home.

“It’s like living in a dog pound,” said Holley. “When you leave your doors open, you hear those damn dogs barking.”

Murphy said the police department would look into the matter.

Simpson noted that information on the Baldwin County “Pay As You Go” program was dropped off at the back of the Council Chambers.

Scott Gilbert, director of public works spoke right up, “We need y’alls vote.”

The county plans to replace the “wearing layer” on about eight miles of roads in Robertsdale and the replacement of a bridge over College Creek. If passed this June, the measure will add a 4-mill tax to property county wide.

During the regular meeting, the council:

— Voted to approve to spend $102,943 for town insurance. Last year’s premium was $90,535. The increase came from the addition of vehicles and additional property added to the policy, Simpson explained. Murphy added that there had been a $31,000 increase in the town’s workmen’s compensation The measure passed unanimously.

— Voted unanimously to give 24 of Tiffany Plato’s TSA students a total of $750 to attend a national conference at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, June 28 to July 2.

The students earned their place at the national conference by placing first in state competition.

Plato says the students are trying to raise money to cover their food expenses and that this is the largest number of students from Baldwin County going to the conference.

Four eighth-grade students accompanied Plato, Kathryn Bankester, the state sergeant at arms, Braden Ramey, a member of the First Chapter Team, and Ryan Gordon and Austin Vivar, both participating in the Marine Design Challenge.

— Voted to approve a liquor license at Miguels Mexican Restaurant at 22379 Hwy. 59 in Robertsdale.

— Voted unanimously to spend $200 to cosponsor the Robertsdale Band Boosters calendar.

— Approved payment of $25,505 for construction of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

— Celebrated (a day early) Council Member Aubrey Grant Sr.’s birthday.

“Do you want us to sing, or just wish you a happy birthday,” asked Murphy.

“Wish,” quickly retorted Grant.