Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley’s new public library is close to opening its doors, and community groups and grants are helping with the effort. The city will consider a Foley Woman’s Club donation, a STEAM lab grant, and a grant from a local legislator during its upcoming council meeting.

The council will meet in a joint regular/work session on May 4 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.

One of these three donations will come from the Foley’s Woman’s Club for $19,200 and will support the development of the library’s sensory room, to be called the Foley Woman’s Club Sensory Nook.

Another $20,000 is coming from the Library Services and Technology Act grant for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics lab at the new library.

Finally, Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, donated $2,000 to help buy tools and equipment for the library. Officials hope to open the new library when schools open in August, and staff will begin moving more than 60,000 books to the new library this summer.

The new library is located on East Orange Avenue, and the council is considering a $48,000 contract with OTK Architecture for professional services to renovate the old library’s second floor into administrative offices. It is located on Laurel Avenue (U.S. 98), adjacent to the city hall complex.

During the combined work/regular session, the council will also:

• Have a public hearing to declare weeds and trash a public nuisance and order cleanup at 13306 McGaster Trail. The council will also consider a resolution allowing city workers to enter the property for cleanup work.
• Have a public hearing on an ordinance amendment to rezone property owned by Jarvis C. and Deborah L. Sester from residential single-family and duplex to preferred office. The change was approved on the first reading.
• Have a public hearing on an ordinance change to rezone property owned by Rivi Apartments from extended business to residential multi-family. The change was approved on the first reading.
• Declare May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Foley.
• Recognize teachers of the year in Foley area schools, including Angela Ingraham from Swift Elementary, Brandy Richard from Foley High School, Kaitlyn Martin from Magnolia Elementary, Kerry Becton from Mathis Elementary, Michelle Dillon from Foley Middle School, and Amenda Welsh from Foley Elementary.
• Consider amending the pay classification plan in the Leisure Services Department and the Infrastructure and Development Department.
• Discuss a contract with Thompson Engineering for $298,000 for design work on improvements on the intersection of Miflin Road and the Foley Beach Express with the help of an Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program grant through the Alabama Department of Transportation. 
• Consider a resolution to approve three decorative street lights installed by Riviera Utilities on East Berry Avenue near the entrance to the city’s first-responder safe room. The council will also consider granting Riviera Utilities an electrical easement for the first-responder safe room.
• Discuss buying a new Ford F-150 pickup for $44,999 for the Street Department.
• Consider purchasing a Kubota UTV for $18,500 to help with maintenance and moving plants on the Rose Trail.
• Discuss reappointing Donald Wenzel Jr. to the Museum Archives Board.
• Consider a new four-way stop at the intersection of South Cypress and East Orange Avenue.
• Consider approving the use of Max Griffin Park for a Memorial Day Ceremony by American Legion Post 99 on May 25 at 9 a.m.
• Discuss waiving fees for the use of Beulah Heights Park for Grace and Andy Quaites for a May Day event on May 16 at 8 a.m.
• Consider a budget amendment to add funds for professional services to support the advantage site designation for the North Foley Industrial Park, “making the site ‘shovel-ready’ and more attractive for industrial prospects.”