The OB Council has passed a resolution authorizing execution of a notice to proceed with Figg Engineering for the Wolf Bay Bridge Project Stage 1 Design.

The Wolf Bay Bridge looms important for the future of the Island. The bridge will be only the third bridge to span the intracoastal canal (which continues through Wolf Bay). The western bridge is the Holmes Bridge over the canal at Gulf Shores, the east bridge is the toll bridge over the canal at The Wharf. The toll bridge will become the central bridge after the Wolf Bay Bridge is completed. There is yet no target date for the completion. 

The new bridge will provide more motor vehicle space, the development of the shoreline north of the bay, and ingress and egress for visitors north- and south-bound. Moreover, the bridge will be a welcome addition to hurricane evacuations. Patrick P. Hickox, senior vice president and director of construction engineering of FIGG, was present at the meeting of the council.

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e said that he’s anxious to get started in studying traffic, environs, approaches, and identifying efficiency methods. Orange Beach and financiers Goldman-Sachs will sign off  on each stage (task) of the larger project of over $5 million. 

The 3 p.m. working session involved a discussion about amending the smoking ordinance passed in recent months. The owners of bars were the most numerous objectors to the smoking ban. No restaurant owners spoke up against the ban.

Tina Feldman from the Health Department showed lung photos demonstrating the ultimate effects of primary and secondary smoke. Bruce Schillinger of Spinnaker Way said that “freedom of choice” means that one may also choose not to go to a bar.  There was a general feeling that more studies and comparison were needed before making decisions. Councilwoman Joni Blalock said that several sessions were necessary to pass the ordinance, and now more time was needed to consider any sort of amendment.

Councilwoman Tracy Holiday said that more input was needed from Herb Malone and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn about the effects of the ban on tourism. A conference with the City of Gulf Shores should be held to get their experiences, Mayor Pete Blalock said. He had said up front that all of the present discussion and statements might not be valid in a year if the matter is given State of Alabama legislation. 

A second meeting was scheduled for Sept. 10.