Mayor John Koniar began the council’s work session by announcing that he had recently received word from Kenneth Feinberg that he would be making a stop in Foley during his next scheduled trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Koniar does not yet know when exactly Feinberg will be in the city or how long the audience with him will be.

During the work session, the city council also listened to counsel detailing where the city stands and the options that are open to the city in regards to a swap bond the city entered into over five years ago. The swap bond was initially beneficial because it allowed the city a way to pay off one of its debts in a timely and relatively hassle-free manner.

Under the current swap bond, the City of Foley’s accounts are handled through US Bank and AmFund, which saves the city the hassle of hedge accounting. As the agreement stands now the city’s agreement will end in 2020 with more than $10 million of the city’s debt paid off.

However, if interest rates change drastically or US Bank encounters difficult times, which could cause it to close, or for its ratings to drop, city’s agreement could be terminated, which could result in the city being held accountable for various monetary charges.

If the council were to terminate its agreement currently, the city would lose in excess of $200,000. Earlier this month the city would have lost significantly less than that. The rates that determine the buyout the city would have to pay are constantly fluctuating.

The city council, after receiving a better understanding of the current situation decided to keep a watch on the rates and decide at a later date if it would be in the best interest of the city to continue this agreement of terminate it.

In other council business:

•  Charles Eubanks and Earl Buchanan were appointed to the fire code of appeals board. Michael Dassinger was reappointed as the city prosecutor and Frank Hollon was reappointed as assistant city prosecutor.

•  Mary Murchison was reappointed and sworn in as a municipal court judge and Walter Chandler was reappointed as assistant municipal court judge.

• The council appropriated $6,100 for the installation of water services at eight light posts along U.S. 98. The water services will be necessary to install a system that will automatically water the plants hanging from these light posts. Council members expressed concern that in other cities, systems like the one proposed have encountered technical difficulties. However, the city has already installed similar technology along Alabama 59 and have encountered minimal issues with them.

• The city council approved allocating funds to print a new visitor’s guide and create a new website aimed towards visitors. The city currently has visitor’s guides throughout the state, but there are only enough guides to last through January. The proposed new guides will be available in print and download on the new website. The new website is expected to be much more user friendly and interactive. The proposed total cost for the new visitor’s guides and website will total near $20,000.

• The city council approved parade release agreements, which will release the city from any liability for any persons involved in a parade within the city limits.   

The city’s insurance policy does not cover parades and this is merely a preventative measure to ensure that the city is protected.

• The council also agreed to install a pedestrian signal and crosswalk at County Road 20 and the Foley Beach Express, which will complete the Glen Lakes biking trail. Safe Span will be allowed to inspect three bridges within the city limits for a total cost of $2,100. It was proposed that the city purchase traffic counters, but due to the price, the city council decided it was imprudent to purchase them at this time.

The city council passed a resolution that will designate parking spaces during Fortis College’s business hours.

• Police Chief David Wilson requested the council accept the lowest responsible bid from AFIX Technologies for an automated fingerprint and palmprint identification system, which the council approved. Chief Wilson was also given approval to purchase three equipped patrol cars which have already been approved in the budget, and to allow Hurricane Electronics to make necessary repairs to jail security systems which will be paid for from the corrections fund.

• The council voted to amend a resolution previously approved to fund sidewalk repairs as part of the Streetscape project. The amendment allows the funds to be placed in a different account number.

• Finally Mayor Koniar also proclaimed the week of Oct. 17-23 as National Friends of the Library week and Teen Driver Safety week.