FAIRHOPE, Ala. - On Monday, the City Council delayed consideration of a proposed ordinance to regulate noise in the city.

A vote on the proposed local law had been postponed from two weeks ago, and a near capacity crowd in council chambers turned out for the Dec. 13 meeting.

Several amendments to the proposed ordinance offered by its sponsor Councilman Rick Kingrea were approved by the council Monday. Those amendments included restricting the coverage of the proposed law to the city limits instead of the police jurisdiction.

Two attorneys spoke on behalf of Fly Creek Cafe and endorsed the proposed ordinance, stating it was modeled after the city of Mobile ordinance, which they said had the support of the Alabama League of Municipalities as being constitutional and enforceable.

The amended ordinance is expected to receive a final vote at the Dec. 27 council meeting.

Several residents voiced their support of an ordinance that helped preserve the character of quiet neighborhoods free from loud noise.

In other business, the council:

• Introduced a proposed ordinance that will overhaul the city’s current “tree ordinance.” That proposal will be discussed at a work session prior to the Dec. 27 meeting, when a vote on the proposed measure could occur.

• Introduced a proposed ordinance changing the rules on public participation at council meetings. The proposal was sponsored by Councilwoman Debbie Quinn, who has stated it will increase public involvement in council meetings. That proposal is set for consideration at the next council meeting.

• Approved the purchase of several vehicles for city departments, including a new fire truck for the volunteer fire department.

The contract awarded for that purchase went to the Fairhope-based Sunbelt Fire Apparatus, the second lowest bidder on the project for $389,874, according to city records, which set out the reasons for the recommendation.

Two bids were received for the contract, although six other companies were contacted, according to records. The other bid was for $380,954 by Pro Fire Equipment LLC. The other businesses contacted, which did not respond or submit a bid, included: Nafeco, Heritage Fire Equipment, Ferrarra Fire Apparatus Inc., KME Fire Apparatus, Pierce Manufacturing Inc. and Pro Fire Apparatus.

• The council met in executive session to consider pending litigation and possible settlement options without the presence of the city attorney. The council voted after the session to authorize the mayor to settle a pending case.