FOLEY, Ala. — With Foley Police Department’s recommendations, city council members approved liquor licenses for five businesses on Monday. The council’s approval means the licenses will move to the next step, namely, consideration for approval by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in Montgomery.

Businesses that got the council’s nod were Big Country 2 at 2011 S. McKenzie St. (Retail Beer, Retail Table Wine, both off premises only); Club Onyx at 709 S. Maple St. (Lounge Retail Liquor); Shogun Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar at 3187 S. McKenzie St. (Restaurant Retail Liquor); Seabreeze Express at 701 S. McKenzie St. (Retail Beer, Retail Table Wine, both off premises only); and Walgreen Store 01318 at 689 S. McKenzie St. (Retail Beer, Retail Table Wine, both off premises only).

Council members agreed to set public hearings to declare weeds a public nuisance and order abatement at 511 W. Amanda Ave., 600 E. Orange Ave., and 608 E. Orange Ave.

In other business, the council approved Lower Alabama Search and Rescue’s request to solicit door to door for a fundraiser. Mayor John Koniar noted there have been complaints in the past concerning aggressive solicitations. He also said LASR would be contacted about that before solicitations begin. Councilman Charlie Ebert III abstained.

A resolution was approved stating the city’s intent to pursue a grant opportunity during the 2011 grant cycle. The grant money would be used for sewerage in the Aaronville neighborhood with the city’s matching funds to be picked up by Riviera Utilities.

The council also approved a $1,000 one-time donation to Foley schools’ archery team to be used for national competition.

Other council action included the following:

Waived fees for a fundraiser for Cody Kennedy on May 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Park and the gazebo.

Approved a request to block a portion of the east side of Durby Lane for a block party on May 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The mayor abstained.

Accepted reimbursement from the Baldwin County Drug Task Force for overtime that may be worked by Foley police officers.

Declared a 1977 Step Van as surplus and authorized its return to the Rosinton Volunteer Fire Department.

Proclaimed May 9-15, 2010, as “Preservation Week,” an emphasis on workshops and presentations sponsored by the Foley Historical Commission and Foley Public Library.

During visitor comments, council members heard Mary Cooper of the Beulah Heights neighborhood say a new park is needed in that area.

She said children are running around the neighborhood with nothing to do and a new park and new equipment would help in that regard.

“They have nothing over there - no ball park,” Cooper said, noting that is leading to periodic confrontations between youth.

Councilwoman Vera Quaites agreed that new playground equipment is needed in the existing park.

Mayor Koniar said the council will get in touch with the Recreation Department and have them look into what can be done to address the alleged “out of control” activity taking place at the park.