LOXLEY, Ala. — Five Loxley residents were appointed to various boards to help manage the town’s business.

Melissa Lawrence was named to the town’s Planning Board, and Pam Knight and Daniel Barnhill were named to the Industrial Development Board. Terry Surovich, Sr. and Kenny Stewart were appointed to the the Construction Board of Appeals.

All the appointments were approved unanimously by the council. Councilman Jeffrey T. Knight abstained from voting, as Pam Knight is is his wife. All of the council was present.

Superintendent of Utilities Tommy Hudson was up to speak to the council about several resolutions. One of the first was a “Water Bill Reduction Policy.”

“This has been set up to be a no fault system,” Hudson told the council. He explained that if a property owner could show that a leak in the water or sewer system was not their fault, the bill for that month could be reduced by half, if the leak has been repaired to the satisfaction of the Utility Department Superintendent.

The resolution also says that the, “Town may reduce a customer’s bill only once every five years under this provision.” The council approved the resolution.

The council approved Verizon Personal Wireless Communications LP’s plan to change the terms of a lease on the town’s water tower. Hudson said that six new antennas would be placed on the tower, replacing existing units. Hudson, under questioning from the council, said the new structures would not affect maintenance of the tower.

“All they are doing is changing existing antennas,” said Town Attorney Shawn Alves.

The town’s “Comprehensive Plan” was also accepted. The plan provides guidance for long-range development and improvement to the town.

“The plan can be changed anytime,” said Knight.

The town’s Municipal Water Pollution Prevention report was also accepted by the council. Hudson told the body that there were no violations the town’s systems in 2009. The town will have a budget of $35,000 to “rehab” old clay water mains and manholes.

The council also voted to reduce the amount the town gives the American Red Cross in half to $500.

“I know they are going to be disappointed,” said Mayor Billy Middleton, “but our revenues are down.”

In other council action, the council:

— Proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the town.

— Passed a proclamation making April 22 Earth Day in Loxley.

— Approved payment of $51,790 in town bills.