ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — With a light agenda, all members of the Robertsdale City council were present for the council’s meeting and work session held Monday night.

City Engineer Greg Smith gave the council an update on work at the city’s sewer plant.

“It’s about 40 percent done,” said Smith. He added that parts of the clarifier system have been poured and that designs for the system’s “lift stations” have been approved.

“The first clarifier, I don’t see where it will be much over a month,” said Smith. The clarifiers are an important part of bringing the city’s sewer system up to state and federal standards.

As for the city’s plan to extend sidewalks, Smith told the council that they has received approval for the plans from ALDOT, and easements where needed from the Baldwin County Board of Education.

According to Smith, the city should hear soon if it was in time for 100 percent financing for the project from the federal government’s “stimulus money.”

“We should be in good time,” said Mayor Charles Murphy, noting that the city had their plans in and the BCBE had their paperwork in in very short order.

Smith also updated the council on the new water tank. He said that while the the tank was “up and running,” a recent test showed the “pH” of the water, a measure of how acid or alkaline the water is, went up. Normally the city’s water is kept at a near “7.3,” according to Smith. 7.0 is neutral, neither acid or alkaline on a pH scale. Lower numbers are acid, and higher numbers are “basic” or alkaline.

“On the outlet side we were getting a pH of 10,” said Smith. He added that a few customers called to complain about the “softer” water coming from their taps. While the water was not harmful, it would feel strange to someone bathing and someone washing might find their detergent or dish soap was not as effective. Some customer complaints were received.

Smith indicated that the tank was drained, and workers are checking the tank and the equipment to find the source of the problem. The situation surprised all involved.

“We will be tweaking the controls,” said Smith.

The mayor and council also received some questions from Brian Walker, a Robertsdale resident who asked several questions about what the mayor anc council were doing to attract businesses to the city.

Murphy indicated that that city and council were “always looking for new ways to grow.” He mentioned that the council had just approved ADECA grants to improve energy efficiency in Robertsdale homes and that the city was looking at a Wi-Fi system to enhance public safety and give residents inexpensive Internet access, something that is hoped will attract businesses and people to the city.

Council member Joseph Kitchens added that the city was looking for a new area for an industrial park.

Walker said later that he planned to be a candidate in the next city elections.

The council also:

— Voted to give $250 to the Robertsdale youth football league so youngsters 7 to 12 years of age could play organized football.

— Approved a “Buy American” resolution calling on the city to purchase items from local, American suppliers, when possible.