SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Baldwin County’s strictest distracted driving ordinance to date could be adopted later this month if the Spanish Fort City Council moves forward with the measure introduced during Monday’s regular meeting.

“This is something we all feel strongly about, and there really isn’t any reason to drag our feet,” said Mayor Joe Bonner who introduced an ordinance prohibiting the use of certain wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle.

A public hearing on the matter has been set for April 18, during which residents will be allowed to voice support for or opposition to the proposal.

As written, the ordinance prohibits the operation of a vehicle “upon any highway, roadway, street or alley while using a wireless communication device to read or write messages, including, but not limited to, text messages, instant messages and electronic mail.”

Exceptions are allowed for:

r Emergency personnel performing their job duties.

r Individuals making or receiving phone calls.

r Individuals making emergency calls.

r Individuals using the devices while the vehicle is parked “on the shoulder of the highway, roadway or street” or stopped “due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

r Individuals using global-positioning systems or other navigation units.

As previously discussed, violations would be considered primary offenses, meaning violators can be cited for this offense in the absence of any other act. First offenses would be punishable by fines of $100 or as many as 10 days in jail; second offenses carry $200 fines or as many as 30 days in jail; and third offenses and beyond carry $500 fines or as many as three months in jail.

In other business, the council:

• Discussed at length during the informal work session utility company AT&T’s request for an exemption from the city’s right-of-way ordinance which requires stamped, engineered drawings of any work conducted that disturbs rights of way.
• Reminded those in attendance at the regular meeting about the upcoming Delta Woods and Waters Expo, slated for April 28-30.
• Set a May 2 public hearing for a rezoning request involving the former Ramada Inn site on the Causeway. The property’s owners are seeking a shift from R-1, or residential, to B-5, or hotel designation.
• Introduced an ordinance governing parking and other signage rules and regulations for Spirit Park.
• Introduced a resolution authorizing Bonner to enter into an agreement with Fresh Focus Group and BIS Information Solutions for the design and maintenance of the city’s official website.

The next regular meeting of the council will begin with a 5 p.m. work session in the conference room at City Hall on April 18, followed immediately by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center.