SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Nearly two weeks after his latest attempt to persuade the City Council to consider stricter distance standards separating water and sewer lines failed, District 1 Councilman Dennis Dismuke remains baffled by the resistance his suggestions have encountered.

“I don’t understand why anyone would oppose standards that are universally recognized and accepted in other cities in this county, most counties in Alabama and most states across our nation,” Dismuke said.

Specifically, Dismuke has lobbied as a councilman and a private citizen prior to his election for the adoption and enforcement of stricter standards for utility companies installing water and sewer lines within the Spanish Fort city limits.

Most recently, Dismuke came under fire from Mayor Joe Bonner when the councilman attempted to introduce an amendment setting 10-foot distance standards for the installation of such lines.

Bonner, citing the mayor’s control of the agenda, called Dismuke out of order for introducing the item during the Nov. 15 council meeting,  thereby, negating the amendment’s progress.

“Regardless of comments made to the contrary, this is not personal; however, I made a personal commitment to look out for the best interest of the citizens I represent,” Dismuke said. “This is a health and safety issue and I cannot understand why anyone would not support adequate separation between water and sewer lines. I have documented where lines have been installed within one foot of each other. This should concern every citizen of Spanish Fort.”

Bonner took exception, however, to Dismuke’s repeated insinuation in raising the issue’s “health and safety” implications that fellow council members do not share their colleague’s concern for the well-being of residents.

“When someone calls you incompetent and irresponsible, it does become personal,” Bonner said, referencing comments Dismuke has made during prior public confrontations over the issue.

And while it might seem Dismuke, a plumber by trade, has singled out Baldwin County Sewer Services LLC in his quest for clarification, the councilman said that particular utility is simply the only one performing any work within the city’s rights of way at the moment, prompting complaints from his constituents that he is attempting to address.

“Let me be clear: This is not a vendetta against any sewer provider. My concerns have always been with the city’s lack of standards and specifications that apply to any company doing this type of work within the city. Standards and specifications should have been put in place before any work was done and the latest amendment that I tried to get before the council would apply to any entity installing water or sewer lines within the city,” he said.

Bonner said Dismuke’s assertion that any utility company doing business within the city limits has somehow skirted installation standards to cuts costs is counterintuitive.

“It goes against all business logic for Baldwin County Sewer to invest in infrastructure and not install it properly,” Bonner said. “Yes, things will break as anything made will, but I cannot find any instance where Baldwin County Sewer has walked away from any break.”

Dismuke is insistent, however, that the information he has provided to both Bonner and his fellow council members proves his arguments, and no one has offered any documentation that refutes them.

“I am not against a sewer system in Spanish Fort; however, I am against installing a system without proper safeguards and oversight,” he said. “I’m not accusing anybody of anything. That’s just what they’re reading into it. I just don’t understand why we would not afford our citizens the same oversight and protections enjoyed by other citizens in cities around us.”