Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is looking to add a second boat for public safety with federal grant money. The police department recently was granted money to help pay for a Shark Defiant boat, and delivery is expected soon. The fire department is now preparing a grant application to purchase a fire boat for the city.

The city council will discuss the grant application at its regular council meeting on Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

“This new vessel will greatly enhance Gulf Shores Fire Rescue’s ability to fulfill the mission of saving lives and protecting property within our community and along the northern Gulf of Mexico Coast,” a memo from Grant Coordinator Dan Bond and Fire Chief Mark Sealy states.

Gulf Shores must have its application in by Aug. 15 to be eligible for a grant to pay for 75 percent of the estimated cost of $800,000 with the city having to match 25 percent. It is a FEMA port security grant administered through the Department of Homeland Security.

The police department’s boat cost about $700,000.

During the regular session, the council will also discuss:

• An assembly permit for the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on Sept. 6.
• Proposed changes to the sign ordinance related to vacation rental properties. The council will also discuss changes to the traffic sign ordinance.
• A contract with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for the city to hear variance requests and patrol the beaches as part of the Alabama Coastal Area Management Plan. The city does this annually and will be reimbursed by ADEM for $66,500.
• Hiring Neel-Shaffer for design services for improvements planned at County Road 6 and State Route 59. See related article.
• Donating K-9 Darlin back to Sgt. Stacey McElroy who originally donated Darlin to the city in June of 2017. Darlin retired on March 1 and lives with McElroy.
• Donating K-9 Edo to his handler, Officer Shane Andrews. Edo has been taken off patrol due to health and age issues.
• Removing pine trees as protected or heritage trees on single-family or duplex lots.