BAY MINETTE, Alabama — On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Bay Minette City Council recognized local teachers who earned “Teacher of the Year” Award-Recognition presented by Liana Barnett, president, North Baldwin Coalition for Excellence in Education.

“I believe, everyone has a teacher (or perhaps several) who has inspired them, and created a spark in them,” Burnett said of those honored, “and these individuals (teachers) are awesome representatives of our North Baldwin Schools.”

In what Mayor Robert Wills introduced as “Pleasant Items of business” the council also heard a brief overview focused on the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors program by student Chris Steward, who noted that peers were encouraged to attend and participate in local government meetings. Steward reported that a recap of program accomplishments from the past year, and plans for 2016 would be presented at the Chamber’s annual dinner-meeting Feb. 18 featuring special guest speaker Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile.

Steward along with six other ambassadors were present to request the use of the John F. Rhodes Civic Center for the 70th Annual Meeting and Dinner of the local Chamber’s membership set for Thursday, Feb. 18 and to invite Council to attend. The resolution to use the Civic Center space and to waive fees was approved unanimously.

“We are certainly proud of what you do,” Wills said of the program, “and how you represent our Chamber of Commerce.”

In other business, the City Council recognized the efforts of local business and employees who actively support and volunteer as mentors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in South Alabama. Wills issued a proclamation designating January as “Mentorship Month” and the council heard a brief report by Match Specialist Diane Cook who highlighted the efforts of corporate sponsors – Standard Furniture and North Infirmary Health (North Baldwin) – among others, who allow employees to serve as “Bigs” (mentor volunteers) on company-time.

Further Council discussion focused on the appropriate use of the Rhodes Civic Center, the need to consider specific use criteria, (limitations), as well as the need to inform residents of any fee increases at various recreation sites such as Holly Hills Golf Club and thecommunity swimming pool. Council woman Dollie Mims suggested that facilities like the Civic Center should be accessible to accommodate larger private events. “We just don't have the spaces here –  even in churches to provide for funerals, (weddings) by the larger families.”

Council woman Kathy Dobbins said she would like to ensure notices go out on any increased fees for recreational facility use to include web-site notice. Council man Chris Norman said that keeping facility usage fees affordable was key.

“Bay Minette is a unique place, (not that close to anything else), so we should keep the folks in mind – with venues as not for profit, but maybe to break even,” he said.

The Council agreed to pursue further study of appropriate facility use policies and criteria relative to funerals or private events through the League of Municipalities and in other communities.

In later discussion, Mims noted that Senator Henry “Hank” Sanders was guest speaker for the recent Martin Luther King event celebrated at the Civic Center Monday. She added that there was a well-attended walk and that next year’s celebration will be held at another location. “The MLK event started in Daphne, but it goes all across the County. (This year), it was really nice to see our young people come out for the event.”

In other business the council:

• Approved Jan. 4 minutes.
• Approved accounts payable report (Jan. 4).
• Approved consideration of request and funds approved for staff to attend proposed training.
• Approved a resolution for an appropriation of $1,350 for American Legion Post 188 to support costs for Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and other community-based initiatives.