ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — The Robertsdale City Council unanimously appointed James H. Sweet, an attorney with offices in Daphne and Robertsdale as a temporary Municipal Judge for cases TR08-2765 and TR08-2766, the cases involving Kenneth Michael Stabler’s drunk driving arrest on June 8 of this year. All members of the council were present for the Monday morning meeting.

Sweet is a partner in the firm of Crabtree and Sweet, P.C. Sweet is a substitute judge for the City of Town of Loxley Municipal Court and City of Fairhope Municipal Court.

As of right now, Stabler will be in court to face drunk driving charges in Robertsdale on Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. Finding a local judge to hear the case took some time, says Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy.

“Our municipal judge had a conflict, so we had to get someone else,” said Murphy. “We have been trying to keep with someone local. I think it ill be more convenient and everything will be handled in a expedited manner. We’re very fortunate I think he will do a good job.”

Stabler, better known to football fans as Kenny “The Snake” Stabler, was arrested for driving his 2007 Dodge Durango under the influence according to Robertsdale police. The police also say Stabler refused a breath test.

Sweet, when contacted about the case. declined to comment saying he did not believe it was appropriate for judges to comment on cases.

Stabler is a former Foley High standout, and the quarterback that led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1977. The left-handed All-America quarterback from Alabama was named to the Pro Bowl five times.

This is also not the first time Stabler has been arrested for drinking and driving—He pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 1995 in Escambia County, Fla., and in 2001, he pleaded guilty to drunk driving after being arrested in Orange Beach. He has petitioned the courts for the return of his driving license.

As reported previously, the city council voted to appoint John Gamble, an attorney with offices in Bay Minette to serve as prosecutor in the case.

The council voted unanimously, with Murphy abstaining, to appoint Murphy to the position of Superintendent of Utilities.

“With the growth of the city, this is a way we decided to go,” said Murphy after the meeting.

The position pays about $50,000 per year. The salary for the part-time mayor’s position is about $18,000. Murphy says he will be drawing a salary from both jobs. Murphy began serving as superintendent of utilities with Monday’s vote.

“I think this is the right direction for the city to go in. We felt that a point has come in time to move to a full-time position,” said Murphy after the meeting, adding that he has discussed the matter with the city council. “This is the route they wanted to go.”

It won’t be that big a stretch for Murphy. Other mayors have also occupied this position, Murphy noted.

“We’ve had this situation before,” said Murphy.

“My duties are not going to change a lot,” added Murphy, “The mayor is responsible for the day-to-day operation (of the utilities). Instead of being a part-time person, they have you for full-time.”

There are some big changes coming for local power companies, Murphy believes.

“Right now, said Murphy, “We are in the the last two years of our existing contract (for electricity) and we are going to have to seek out some additional options.”

Murphy says he will be able to fill the “better than full time” post as he is retiring from AT&T after 35 years as a manager of supply logistics. His official last day with the company will be the 26th of this month, but he is using up accumulated vacation time now.

In other action

— The council reappointed Tex Kline to the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

— Waived part of the “tap fees” for the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office under construction near Highway 59. The County Commission waNs looking at more than $5000 in fees for water, electric and sewer service for the building. The council could not make the electrical hook up charge disappear, but did vote unanimously to waive the fees for water and sewer hookups, saving about $2300.

— Brad Newton, of McFadden Engineering told the council that “Rock Creek” pump station project had gone to bid fro three elements, piping, a bore hole, pumps and manholes. While the piping bid was accepted, Newton was looking for permission to negotiate directly with vendors for the items that the city received no bids or only one bid on.

— A request for a donation toward the Rosinton Elementary School Pre-K playground had to be rejected because the school is not in city limits.

— Marion Mason, executive director of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce reported that “Flavors of the South” brought in a $6,500 profit. She asked the council to consider giving the Chamber two of its 10 free days at the coliseum — Jan 15 for the annual banquet and a day in July for the 2009 edition of “Flavors.” According to Murphy, the council will take up the issue in October.

Mason also brought a cake for Murphy - he celebrated a birthday last week and City Clerk Shannon Ellison also had a birthday.