Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the dispensing of medical cannabis in Foley. As part of the 2021 legislative act making it legal to sell medical cannabis in the state, cities must pass an ordinance to allow the sale of the medicines.

“This act requires that the governing body of a municipality must first adopt an ordinance to authorize the operation of dispensing sites within the corporate limits of the municipality before any such business can operate in the municipality,” city documents state.

The act also requires the products be produced and processed in the state and the city says that will spur new business opportunities.

“Establishing a program providing for the administration of cannabis derivatives for medical use in this state will not only benefit patients by providing relief to pain and other debilitating symptoms, but also provide opportunities for patients with these debilitating conditions to function and have a better quality of life,” city documents state. “And, provide employment and business opportunities for farmers and other residents of this state and revenue to state and local governments.”

The ordinance will likely be on the next council agenda for the Sept. 19 joint work-regular session and the council can vote on after the second reading.

Ryan Shamburger of Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores told the council there in an August meeting he was going to propose a similar ordinance at the next Gulf Shores Planning Commission meeting.

During the meeting, the council:

• Had two public hearings and second readings, one on an ordinance prohibiting camping in certain public areas and declaring 2.19 acres on the Wilson-Pecan property as surplus and authorizing the mayor to enter into a purchase agreement to sell the lot. The prospective buyer would like to build a hotel on the site. The planning commission gave both changes a favorable recommendation. The council voted for both ordinances.

• Heard a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 as Constitution week on the 235th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. constitution.

• Discussed two options on a planned Kids Park renovation. Click here to see a video about the nature theme option and click here to see a video on an option that includes a ship play structure, a train play structure and a large farm-themed structure with a barn, silo and corn stalk climbers. The council took no action.

• OK’d a recommendation from the Planning Commission to proceed with the North Pecan Street extension project. On Aug. 17, the commission voted to recommend the city proceed.

• OK’d another Planning Commission recommendation to proceed with the construction of pickleball courts at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market property.

• Had an introduction and first reading of an ordinance to rezone 43.2 acres at the Reserve of Foley south of County Road 12 and west of the Beach Express from extended business to multi-family or to build apartments or townhomes. The planning commission gave the rezoning a unanimous favorable recommendation at its Aug. 17 meeting. The council voted for the ordinance.

• Had an introduction and first reading of an ordinance to pre-zone 35.27 acres on the east side of State Route 59 and south of Hadley Road to planned unit development. The agenda lists the owners of the property as Daniel Ray Pugh, Sandra Pugh Norwood, Vickie Wilkinson, John Ricky Pugh and Rebecca Rapier. The Planning Commission gave the change a favorable recommendation with two commissioners voting against the change. The council voted for the ordinance.

• Had an introduction and first reading of an ordinance to rezone 9.12 acres south of County Road and west of the Beach Express from RV park to extended business. It is owned by Power Investments and is located south of County Road 20 and west of the Beach Express. The Planning Commission gave the change a unanimous favorable recommendation. The council voted for the ordinance.

• Had an introduction and first reading of an ordinance declaring two acres owned by the city in Summerdale as surplus and authorizing the mayor to negotiate its sale. The city originally purchased the property to place a non-directional beacon for the Foley Airport. It was decommissioned in 2016 and the city now seeks to sell the property. The council will also discuss a resolution to hire an appraiser to determine the parcel’s value. The council voted for the ordinance.

• Passed a resolution approving new electrical service for the flagpole in Heritage Park. Riviera Utilities will do the work for $25 and thereafter collect $20 a monthly usage fee.

• Discuss resolutions setting public hearing to declare weeds on a vacant lot east of 22260 U.S. 98, at 200 E. Laurel Ave., at the corner of Hickory Street and County Road 20 and 12543 Cash Court a nuisance and ordering abatement.

• OK’d a resolution to approve buying at 2022 Doosan Excavator for the Street Department for $145,572.

• OK’d a resolution to authorize using USA Signs and Graphics as a vehicle striping vendor. The previous vendor went out of business and the police department currently needs striping for 11 vehicles at a cost of about $8,800.

• OK’d a resolution accepting Smart Home America grant of $20,000 for the city to create a hazard mitigation plan. This includes conducting a study of the city’s most vulnerable areas and provide a list of actions to address hazards.

• OK’d a resolution appointing Beverly Wenzel to the Library Advisory Board.

• OK’d a resolution accepting a donation of $1,200 to the police department to use for K9 training equipment.

• OK’d waiving the $400 rental fee for Ecumenical Ministries at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market on Oct. 4 for Pastor Appreciation Day. 

• OK’d a resolution approving submittal for an FAA/Alabama Department of Transportation grant for an airport improvement project at the Foley airport to construction access taxiways for $401,920 and an eight-unit hangar for About $353,333. The city’s match for both projects would be about $37,000.

• OK’d amendments to the purchasing policy and procedures which were last updated in June of 2019.

• OK’d a resolution to approve contracting with MCS Contracting for a city hall remodeling project.

• OK’d a resolution to declare structures at 18840 Underwood Road surplus and demolished.

• OK’d a resolution approving the sponsorship for the Stan Mahoney Youth Tournament scheduled Oct. 29.

• Ok’d a resolution to pay for repairs to the Foley pedestrian bridge $8,635. 

• OK’d a resolution the rental fee for Heritage Park and a waiver of the open container rule for Lisa Yeater and the Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Festival on Jan. 27 from noon-7 p.m.

• OK’d a resolution to provide a $1,500 sponsorship for the Baldwin Heart Walk on Oct. 29.

• OK’d a resolution to rent Heritage Park for the Mudbugs and Margaritas Festival again for Lisa Yeater for March 31-April 1.

• OK’d a resolution to spend money donated to the fire department to forcible entry door training prop and a bumper push bar and winch kit for a cost of $8,395.

• OK’d a resolution to add sidewalks at Mel Roberts Park for $15,000.

• OK’d a resolution to increase funds for air conditioning repair at the Foley Event Center and increase in the budget of $40,677.