DAPHNE — The City Council on Monday named James White as the new fire chief.

White — who retired after 10 years as Prichard’s fire chief in 2006 — and interim fire Chief Kenny Hanak were the two final candidates for the position after Mund Hanson resigned in February.

The seven-member council voted 6-1 in favor of White. Councilwoman Regina Landry cast the dissenting vote.

Monday’s meeting began with an interview of each candidate.

Council members had recently received an unsigned letter and phone calls questioning White’s character — concerns they broached Monday.

City leaders agreed the unsigned letters would not sway their opinions of White.

“It should be a policy that there are no unsigned cowardly documents in our boxes again,” Councilman Ron Scott said.

Councilwoman Cathy Barnette asked Hanak if he knew who sent the letter, to which he replied that he didn’t.

Hanak has coordinated the emergency medical service teams, and received his fire officer certification.

Asked how he’d react if White were given the fire chief position, he said it wouldn’t affect morale.

“I’d give anyone the respect the position deserves,” Hanak said.

Background checks will be completed before White can officially take the position.

Also on Monday, the following men were sworn in as Daphne Police officers:

•Philip Adams

•Clay Cleveland

•DeJuan Jackson

•Benjamin Mitchell

In other business:

•Council adopted a resolution to enter into an agreement with Alabama Department of Transportation for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and TimberCreek Boulevard. A traffic study done by ALDOT and Public Works provided information that a signal was needed at the intersection. The funds, $25,000, will come out of the seven cent gas tax fund.

•A Sept. 17 public hearing was set on the rezoning of property located on Wilson Avenue. The rezoning had received a negative recommendation from the planning commission.

•Three staff members have joined the library over the summer: Cathy Chandler is the children’s librarian, her assistant is Rhonda Moss and Louise Youngblood is the young adult librarian according to Tonja Young, library director.

•Daphne Utilities received the Alabama Water and Pollution Control Association Award for Excellence for cities with a population of 25,000 to 50,000 according to Rob McElroy.