BAY MINETTE, Ala. — During Monday’s Bay Minette City Council meeting, council members and residents heard information on the city’s improved website and on the Bay Minette Fire Department's hand in Dekalb County tornado relief.

The city’s website, www.cityofbayminette.org, now offers user-friendly aspects, according to Daphne Culliver, assistant to Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery.

The home page holds quick access to pool and parks, civic center, library, North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and tornado relief information, she said.

Tabs offer links to schools, utilities, Baldwin County Emergency Management Association, permits, business licenses, court information and more, according to Culliver.

“My goal is to make it very simple,” she said, “to make it easy for current residents and for future residents.”

Bay Minette Fire Chief Phil Bryars presented information on the fire department’s aid to tornado victims in Dekalb County.

Six fire fighters were sent to Rainsville with search-and-rescue equipment, a shower trailer and a shelter trailer to aid in relief efforts due to the tornadoes in northern and central Alabama on April 27.

He gave a power-point presentation showing photos of the destruction, search and rescue work, departure preparation and supply offerings.

“Our fire fighters wee there to clear rights of ways and run emergency calls,” Bryars said. “We were honored that we were asked to respond. It’s no small task.”

He added that many other organizations help Mobile and Baldwin counties during hurricane disasters and that mutual-aid agreements help place resources in needed areas.

“We reversed roles is what we've done on this situation,” Bryars said.

Tilllery said she is proud of the fire department's abilities.

“I'm thankful that we can not only pray for our sister cities, but that we can take action,” she said.

Also Monday, the council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to approve a $250,000 agreement with the state’s community enhancement fund for a universal playground.

The playground will be located beside the city pool and will offer access for non-handicapped and special-needs children.

J.J. Hall, parks and grounds supervisor, said during the work session that the playground will be finished within four to five weeks.

In other business:

r The council unanimously approved the finance committee's accounts-payable report of $217,815.50.

r The council unanimously approved acceptance of a $38,983.20 bid for a four-wheel, utility tractor cab for the parks and grounds department.

r The council unanimously approved $4,800 from a drug contingency fund to cover registration costs for Police Sgt. Andrew Bitetti, Police Sgt. Rene Peebles, Police Sgt. Rodney Kirchharr and Police Sgt. Richy Davis to attend Dale Carnegie Training starting Tuesday, May 3. Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland explained that the program trains officers to take on leadership and supervisory roles.

r The council also unanimously approved $150 for Police Sgt. Jim Eissler to attend the Safe Schools Training Conference in Gulf Shores June 5-10.

r The council unanimously approved acceptance of the McLeod deed, the purchase of lot one, block 52, across from the funeral home and east of the archives building, for $1 from the McLeod family to build a park honoring John and Virginia McLeod.

r The council heard a presentation from Sarah Barnett, president of the Technology Students Association at Bay Minette Middle School, for the council to help fund travel costs for a convention in Dallas.

r The council unanimously approved Councilman Melvin Bradley's donating $1,000 of his contingency fund to Ariel Women’s Action Group.