ROBERTSDALE, Ala. – If all goes as planned, there will soon be a new fast-food sheriff in the city of Robertsdale, complete with red and white striped shirt and socks, baggy gold jumpsuit, oversized red shoes and bright red curly hair. And let’s not forget those golden arches.

According to city officials, plans are progressing for corporate giant McDonald’s, whose founder Ray Kroc practically invented the fast food franchise business, to purchase property on Highway 59 in Robertsdale and a vote by the city council on Monday night put those plans closer to fruition.

Robertsdale City Engineer Greg Smith said he has been working with Mike Crowley, area construction manager for McDonald’s, to work out some minor details on the property, located at the corner of Highway 59 and Media Drive.

An offer has been made to purchase two properties owned by Judy Brill, the former Country Cook-N restaurant which she owned and operated with her late husband, Steve Brill, and property currently being operated as Judy’s Hair Salon in Robertsdale.

“I don’t think the purchase of the property has been finalized,” Smith said, “but they (McDonald’s officials) have been authorized to apply for Zoning variances and submit building plans.”

The City’s Zoning Board of Adjustments has already approved a variance, Smith said, waiving the city’s requirement of a 10-foot green space between the property and the right of way.

The city has also entered into a purchase agreement for a retention pond located behind Twin Oaks Shopping Center, which would be utilized by the restaurant.

On Monday, the council entered into a maintenance agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation, Smith said, which essentially says the city will accept routine maintenance should McDonald’s vacate the property.

Smith said building plans have been submitted for approval to his office for consideration.

“At this point, I don’t foresee any more hiccups with the property,” he said.

While he is unsure of McDonald’s exact plans, Smith said, he believes construction should begin by the first of the year and should be completed within 90 days after starting construction.

Attempts to contact Crowley or a representative from McDonald’s have so far been unsuccessful.