LOXLEY, Ala. — New construction “reasonably near” town water and sewer systems will be required to tie into these lines under a proposed change in the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinances.

The change was favorably recommended by the Loxley Planning Commission, according to a letter from Kenneth Folsom, the chairman of the commission.

“I think this has to go to a public hearing,” said Mayor Billy Middleton, proposing the matter be taken up at the next meeting, April 13 at 6 p.m.

The proposal was approved unanimously. All members of the council, with the exception of Richard L. Teal, was present for the meeting.

The council also approved the mayor negotiating with the Utilities Board of Foley for the sale of the town’s natural gas distribution system.

The Foley Utilities Board has been the town’s natural gas wholesaler for 49 years. Currently, the town’s system serves about 330 customers.

Town Attorney Shawn T. Alves wrote the resolution.

“The only thing I put in is that should not be a price less than $473,000,” said Alves. Alves indicated that other conditions may be sent to the mayor, but the price was firm, and Alves wrote into the ordinance that a 5 percent “franchise agreement” in favor of Loxley should be part of the contract.

“State law’s 3 percent,” said Alves. “But they can agree to more, sometimes.”

In response to several changes in federal law, the council, at the suggestion of Alves, agreed to hire Kelly D. Reese of the Mobile law firm, Littler and Mendleson, P.C. to update the town personnel policies, The cost of the update is not to exceed $1,200.

The council also voted unamiously to support the Loxley Easter egg hunt, which is scheduled to take place at Municipal Park April 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The council appointed Tim Whitten to the Planning Commission and Robbie Edmond to the Industrial Development Board.

The council also appointed Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, a construction engineering firm to a proposed sidewalk project.

The council also issued a proclamation to Gary Gover of the Mobile Earth Day committee. The proclamation declares April 22 as Earth Day in Loxley.

“It’s getting close to 40 years now, that the United States Celebrates Earth Day,” said Gover, adding that the observance has been celebrated by the Mobile Bay Earth Day committee for about 19 years.

Gover added that there will be a celebration at the Fairhope Pier Park Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. which will have “about 70 exhibitors,” which he says will be, “informing and involving.”

In other council action,

— The council approved the minutes of the Feb. 9 meeting.

— Approved the payment of $36,171.53 in bills from the General fund and the Utility Fund.