ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — A proposal by Robertsdale Athletic Center to install exercise stations along the walking path in the city was tabled at Monday’s council meeting. All members were present.

According to John Thomas, the CEO of the athletic center, which is adjacent to the path, the stations would include places for walkers to do things like pull-ups and use a low balance beam. Each of the 10 stations would have a large sign illustrating how to use the equipment and noting RAC’s donation.

The equipment would be donated at no cost to the city, said Thomas. The signs would also waive liability on the part of RAC and the city, added Thomas.

“A sign is no guarantee,” explained Ken Raines, the city’s attorney.

The council voted to table the proposal and allow RAC and city officials to work out a satisfactory arrangement.

The council also voted to accept the donation of a 1985 Kenworth truck from the Baldwin County Sherrif's Office. The truck was seized about three years ago, according to Police Chief Brad Kendrick.

The truck will be used to “move big items,” he said including some large earth-moving gear the city just purchased.

Murphy cautioned that there would have to be some work done to the truck to make it fully operational. Apparently city workers took the truck out on a test drive and had to have it towed from Interstate 10.

The council also voted to change the building code used by the city to the 2006 International Building Code.

City Engineer Greg Smith explained that if the change was not made it could affect the city’s “ISO rating” (Insurance Services Office) and would increase the city’s insurance rates.

In addition, the fees for some building permits will be increased slightly and builders who begin work without having all the permits in place will find the fees doubled.

The fees for failed inspections will also increase.

“We want to increase the fees for reinspections,” said Smith. “It will offset administrative costs.” The idea, explained Smith is that the increased fee will “Make contractors a little more responsible” without penalizing builders who call and explain they are not ready.

“All they have to do is call us 30 minutes beforehand,” said Smith.

The council also voted to change the zoning on two parcels of property. The first parcel belongs to Hazel Carlee and would change to property on U.S. Highway 90 from R-1 to B-2.

Murphy said that Carlee had operated a store along the highway before and when she decided to open a farm stand, discovered that the zoning had changed. The council approved the change.

The council also voted to change the zoning of a portion of land bounded by Barginer Street, Magnolia Street and State Highway 59 to a B-2 business zone. Several businesses were in non-conforming use, and according to Smith “were OK” with the change.