Robertsdale Council members said they are seeking to correct a mistake made by the council in July by returning a portion of Cardinal Hills Subdivision to RMH (residential-modular homes).

Cardinal Hills Section IV, which includes 32 lots was rezoned from RMH to R-1 by the council.

“We thought at the time that (Mary) White (with Cardinal Hills) had contacted all the property owners and that they were all OK with (the rezoning),” said Council member Joe Kitchens. “We then came to find out that she had not.”

Two of the property owners objected to the rezoning, Kitchens said, but have since rescinded their objections.

“But now we find that some of the lots do not meet the size requirements for R-1,” Kitchens said. “Therefore not all of the lots would qualify for the rezoning.”

Under the subdivision regulations, if the property were to revert back to RMH, then White could go back to the town’s Planning Commission to recommend that the lots be rezoned R-1A, which would allow for the smaller lots.

Single-family homes could also be built under RMH regulations, but would have to meet certain height requirements, said Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy.

The council had voted to place a moratorium on the subdivision until the matter could be sorted out. The moratorium was set to run out Sept. 30, but the council voted Monday to extend the moratorium to Nov. 30, giving time for the rezoning from RMH back to R-1A to take effect.

In other business, the council voted to deny a rezoning request from R-3 to B-2 by Phil Shackleford on Mimosa Avenue.

Shackleford stated at Monday’s meeting that he wanted to raise and sell plants on the property, an extension of his family’s business in Silverhill.

Shackleford asked if he could petition the council for a business license without rezoning, based on the fact that zones R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones in Robertsdale allowed for agriculture related markets.

“The dictionary definition of a market is a place where goods are bought and sold,” Shackleford said. “Under that definition, I think I should be able to do this without rezoning.”

Murphy said the provision in the zoning regulations was there for farmers who raised crops on their property, but would not allow for on-site sale.

“You could raise crops there, but you would not be able to sell them,” Murphy said.

Several surrounding residents raised opposition to the business because of traffic and parking problems.

“I have no problem with the Shacklefords. They’re good people,” said one resident. “I just don’t think we need another business there to increase the traffic problems we already have.”

Council members agreed.

“I think you have a great idea here and if it were not in this particular location I would be all for it,” Kitchens said. “I just don’t see how it can work where you have it.”

The council voted unanimously to deny the petition, based on parking problems it would cause.

In other business Monday, the council:

— Voted to approve RSA Longevity Bonuses totalling $4,047 for 16 city employees. They are James Johnson, $126; Charles Douglas, $154; Mamie White, $250; Reginald Aldridge, $385; Margaret Wilkinson, $120; Margie Lambert, $329; Douglas Jacobson, $157; Irene Harmon, $174; Paul Edhegard, $166; Doris Jarrell, $345; David Kolar, $300; Lewis Junior Smith, $318; Jackie Lipscomb, $301; Scott Williams, $356; and Terry Lee, $372.

— Approved a CDBG Grant Agenda for the city’s $80,000 sewer project.

— Approved the purchase of weapons for the police department at a total cost of $19,000. The purchase would be done in three phases, and would not exceed the state bid limit. Money from a recent police seizure would be used to pay for the weapons.

— Voted to pay bills in the amount of $317,710.45.

— Approved minutes for the council’s Sept. 4 meeting.

— Heard from a representative of the Autism and Asperger Society of Baldwin County, who is looking to place central offices in Robertsdale.