BAY MINETTE — Much of what was discussed during the Bay Minette City Council's regular meeting Monday night regarded the upcoming public hearings concerning the city’s comprehensive plan.

Mayor Jamie Tillery said the planning commission has been working on a new land use ordinance package.

“Mr. (Oscar) Waters and (District 2) Councilman Mike Phillips have been compiling up-dated maps outlining city limits to aid in future planning," Tillery said.

She said the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission will assist the city with the grant-related comprehensive plan.

"The public will be invited to at least two public hearings where their input concerning our city's planning a future will be encouraged," she said.

She said she hoped to begin the planning sessions following the passage of the new land use ordinance package, and announced the next Planning Commission meeting will be Jan. 12 at 8:30 a.m. Those meetings are open to the public.

The mayor also distributed a copy of Foley's litter and refuse ordinance for review. She said she would like to incorporate something similar when discussing the comprehensive plan.

"I gave copies to the councilmen and asked them to look over it and make comments," she said. "It will have to be tweaked some, but I will gather all of this and go over it."

Another ordinance the city will consider is a ban on baggy pants. The mayor said she is hesitant to pass an ordinance on the issue, but said it is one they are looking at.

"I don't want to legislate morality, but I do want to make the citizens aware of the implications, and what it could lead to," she said.

She said Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland had given her a copy of the ordinance passed in Bayou La Batre and asked her to look over it.

The budget was another topic of discussion, as the mayor reminded those gathered that when the budget was passed, it was decided the council would review the budget every three months to see if it needed adjusting.

The first review will be during the Feb. 1 council meeting. "At that time we will have the sales tax from the last three months and may make wise judgments for the future spending of general and capital expenses," she said.

She also announced that Baldwin County Commissioners Wayne Gruenloh, District 3, and Charles Gruber, District 4, will accompany representatives from the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and North Baldwin Utilities to California where they will meet with industries and Hybrid Kinetic Motors to discuss future plans.

"As we know that a 1,000-mile trip begins with one step and the City of Bay Minette is progressing daily taking those steps necessary to build a strong industrial future for our residents," Tillery said.

Finally, she announced the next regularly scheduled meeting coincides with the Martin Luther King holiday, so the meeting has been rescheduled for the next day, Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.