DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne City Council at its meeting Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to support the Baldwin County Commission’s proposed extension of Alabama Highway 83 — or the Orange Beach Expressway — northeast into the Bay Minette area.

The resolution originally called for the city to take sides, its verbiage pitting Baldwin County versus the Alabama Department of Transportation. It asked the city to “endorse” the county’s route and “oppose” the route proposed by the department.

The second half of the resolution was stricken upon adoption as the council did not feel comfortable choosing sides.

“We were never contacted at all about plans,” Mayor Fred Small said, adding that he’d like to see the road head northeast into Bay Minette.

The department’s route would extend Highway 83 toward Atmore and would let out at the Wind Creek Casino.

Small pointed out that the casino does not pay taxes and, if the route stayed near Bay Minette, the county would see more of an economic impact as tourism dollars could flow into businesses near the extension.

Council President John Lake noted that the county’s proposed route runs by the megasite selected for the Hybrid Kinetic Motors Corp. auto manufacturing plant, making it a direct commute for management who may choose Daphne for a residence.

“They’re going to build it at one location or another,” Councilman August Palumbo said.

On April 21, the commission committed to Congress that if the $120 million originally applied for the extension was approved, then the commission would match up to $30 million.

According to the resolution, the extension would allow for: a strengthened and more efficient hurricane evacuation route for the southern and central portions of Baldwin County; relieved traffic conditions along Alabama Highway 59; and the development of an economic corridor to promote tourism.

The resolution adds that the county has set aside $450,000 to complete an environmental assessment of the proposed extension.

In other business, the council:

Included in the policy is a “freeze” on all merit and step increases effective Oct. 1.

Payroll and employee benefits will remain intact with no lapse in coverage.

Palumbo reported that renovations to the park are nearly complete. Greenspace and landscaping have been added while interior upgrades are still expected.

• Unanimously accepted a parade permit for Daphne High’s Homecoming Parade, set for Oct. 8; and a liquor license for Los Tacos.

• Held a public hearing for the annexation of AJD Family Limited Partnership, located southeast of the intersection of County Road 64 and Friendship Road.

Christopher Baker, of Hutchinson, Moore and Rausch, representing the owners, said they were looking to annex the southernmost 14 acres into the city, zoned B-1, local business.

Baker added that the remainder of the property — around 50 acres — will eventually be annexed into the city.

“That is the family’s commitment to the city,” he said.

• Reset a public hearing date for Nov. 2 to consider revisions to the city’s zoning map.

• Voted unanimously to allow Small to bid out the Whispering Pines Road paving project after director of public works Bill Eady reported on the project’s status. He said the city has adopted a road plan and is ready to accept bids.

“It’s possible,” Small said, to see construction before the end of the year.

Small added that the first of three phases — paving Whispering Pines between Pollard Road and County Road 13 — considered the most critical due to its heavy traffic volume, will cost around $450,000.

• Elected Palumbo as Council President to a term beginning Nov. 1; Councilwoman Cathy Barnette was elected President Pro Tempore.

• Small presented Daphne Fire Chief Bo White with a proclamation designating Oct. 4-10 as “Fire Prevention Week.”