ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Animal Control Officer Sammy Givens was honored for his 32 years of service to the City of Robertsdale at a retirement ceremony at their Monday morning council meeting.

Beginning his work in 1978 in the Gas Department and then moving to the Meter Department in 1982 and finally to the Police Department in 1998, Givens was surrounded by co-worlers and his family as he was given a plaque, a monetary gift and a cooker by the City and also treated to a breakfast reception.

“We appreciate everything you have done with the City. We wish you the best in all you do and hope you enjoy your retirement. You have certainly taught me a lot throughout the years,” said Mayor Charles Murphy.

Councilwoman Sue Cooper also had praise for Givens. “You always went above and beyond your job description for the citizens of the community. You made it a point to check on me and that meant so much. You have done an extra wonderful job.”

In other council business, two motions were passed to approve an off-premises beer and wine license from ABC for Dollar General on 21797 Hwy. 59 in Robertsdale and to approve a $300 donation to Special Olympics of Alabama.

Resolution No. 003-11 was passed designating the weekend of August 5-7 a sales tax holiday for the city and the council also passed a motion allowing Robertsdale High School to use the Baldwin County Coliseum on Saturday, April 2 for their Prom.

A motion was passed to change the time from 5 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for a workshop meeting on Monday, April 4 for Ethics Training for city employees.

Mayor Murphy also announced there would be a ribbon cutting for the new Association for Retarded Citizens building located in Robertsdale Industrial Park on Wednesday, March 23 at 10 a.m.