ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — The Robertsdale City Council met early Monday morning and honored several long-term employees for their years of service. The entire town council was present when the meeting was called to order at 8 a.m.

One of the most important pieces of business concerned final approval of an application for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used to help control water “infiltration” behind the town utility barn, in the “old” downtown, and along College Street. The city will be expected to match the federal grant with $100,000 of its own funds.

Contacted after the meeting, Mayor Charlie Murphy explained that the grant had to be submitted by May 15, and the purpose of the grant to to relieve potential problems during a hurricane. It will be midsummer before the town learns whether or not the application was successful.

“This follows a $638,000 state-administered grant we won in 2006 for the same type of problem,” Murphy said. “There was a $50,000 city commitment. For this grant, we had to apply for something that would eliminate future problems.”

Coming up with that $100,000 worried Council member Paul Hollingsworth.

“Where is that $100,000,” asked Hollingsworth. “It’s not in the budget now.”

Murphy replied that it will be a while before the city hears whether or not the application is successful.

“We might have to work that into next year’s budget,” said Murphy.

In other business Monday:

— Murphy thanked employees for inviting him and the council to a well-planned and well-attended employee appreciation day at Garrett Park last week.

— More than $585,000 in bills and payments were approved by the Council.

— Baldwin Tractor and Equipment was the low bidder at $10,467.31 to provide “zero turn” mowers to the town.

— Daphne “Dee Dee” Cook asked on behalf of her daughter, Makalya, that the town provide $100 to the Robertsdale Cheerleaders. The measure passed unanimously.

— Teresa King, chairman of the Baldwin County Bicentennial committee, asked that the town advertise the committee’s May 8 “North/South Ball” on the town’s electronic billboard. The measure passed unanimously.

The ball will be held May 8 at 8 p.m. at the Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Road in Robertsdale. For ticket information call 580-1826 or go to www.co.baldwin.al.us/uploads/ Bicentennial%20North%20South%20Ball.pdf.

The town honored eight employees for their service to Robertsdale at the meeting. Each received a pin, a certificate, and the gift of his or her choice.

Kenny Brock and Sammy Givens were honored for 30 years of service. Joe Sobol was honored for 25 years of town service, and Paula Aldridge received a 15-year pin. Kenny Darby, Anthony “Country” Dobson, Michael Coburn, and Dale Garrick were honored for five years of service.