SILVERHILL, Ala. — The Silverhill town council had a full agenda at its meeting Monday night. All members were present.

One of the first orders of business was to approve the design of the police department’s new cruiser. The snazzy new car will be painted black and gold with the town seal on the sides and trunk.

The car will also be equipped with “brush guards” on the front, which should withstand a 45 mph impact.

In response to a council member’s question, Silverhill Chief of Police Kim Wasdin explained that the guards would not be used for “pushing” disabled vehicles. Instead, the guards will help protect the new vehicle from damage.

“I was driving a new Crown Vic (Victoria),” Wasdin told the council of an incident that happened earlier in her career, in another town where the police was chasing a suspect’s vehicle. Because she had a newer vehicle, she said she was at the back of the chase hoping to prevent damage to the car.

“The suspect slammed into reverse,” said Wasdin, saying that the suspect hit her vehicle, which was not equipped with brush guards.

“He took the front end off the Crown Vic,” said Wasdin, adding that brush guards might have prevented some of the damage.

More importantly, Wasdin says, the guards offer officers in the vehicle a little more protection.

“That’s my biggest concern,” said Wasdin.

The new cruiser will also be tricked out with a $300 computer stand free of charge from Custom Order Police Specialties.

Wasdin also asked the council’s permission to hold a fund raiser, selling a calendar that will have photos of local businesses with police officers.

“We have eight businesses already,” Wasdin said, adding that money raised by the calendar would go to getting the town’s other cruisers repainted.

Permission was granted by the council.

The council also approved payment of town bills that totaled more than $14,000.

The council also heard from a representative of the library, who explained that it cost $2,970.71 to stay on the county library system. This is nearly the amount the town gives the library.

“When we go to our budget meeting, we have to keep this in mind,” said Mayor Timothy Wilson.

The council voted to hold a budget meeting Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

The council also met Frank Fabre, of Frank Fabre Engineering, the town’s engineering firm. Fabre explained the services his company would bring to the town, and invited members of the council to call and visit the firm, which has offices in Pensacola, Robertsdale and Mississippi.

The town’s Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 5. The time is still in doubt; students from a local school will be singing in the park either before or after the town parade, which begins at 7 p.m. A sign will be posted giving the exact time.

A considerable amount of time was devoted to a discussion of the “Alley Vacation” issue. This involves the issue of what was or is to happen to the “alleys” platted between lots on property between North Avenue and Second Avenue, near County Road 55. Property owners are learning that the original early 1900s plat plan is still valid; that there were apparently errors made when the council voted to modify the plan in 2002.

“We have got a Catch-22,” said council member Rodney Criswell. “We have to make a decision that is fair and make sure is in the best interests of the town.”

The issue was tabled so councilors can examine the documents in the case.

After going into closed session to discus personnel matters, the council:

— Did not grant Riviera Utilities permission to use tennis courts to store materiel for a project. The council asked Wilson to request changes in the agreement, including a time limit on the use of the court and a waiver of liability should someone be hurt, and bring the revised agreement back for approval.

— Voted to approve road and culvert repairs in the amount of $6,285.

— Declared Dec. 26 an “Appreciation Day,” giving town employees the day off with pay.