FOLEY, Ala. — While city employees will still be eligible for cost of living raises, a moratorium on merit raises will be in effect for the next 12 months.

That action was approved Monday by city council members who are trying to chart a course for “The Forward City” through rough economic times across the country.

“If times get better, we can always go back,” Councilman Ralph Hellmich said of the moratorium, which was approved without dissent.

Mayor John Koniar said following Monday’s council meeting that the city will postpone consideration of downsizing the city workforce due to the economy. He said city department heads have looked at everything from expenses to staffing, but city fathers will wait until early 2009 to make a decision regarding downsizing.

In other council action, approval was given for a resolution accepting a Community Development Block Grant award in the amount of $500,000 for Sunset Circle drainage improvements. The city’s match is $100,000.

A resolution was approved waiving all but the minimum building permit fees for The Way, The Truth, and The Life Holiness Church’s new building.

Approval was also given to block off the right of way north of East Violet Avenue by Gatlin Lumber Co. to park Foley High School Band’s 18-wheel truck for the band’s performance at the Gazebo at Heritage Park on Dec. 6 following the Kiwanis Christmas Parade.

The Community Development Department report for November reflected a total of 46 building permits issued during the month at a total construction valuation of $2.6 million. Those permits included three single family residence permits ($942,975 total construction valuation) and one commercial, that being FMC Foley Dialysis at 230 E. Fern Ave. ($1.5 million).

Second readings were approved for ordinances relating to clearing and maintaining lots that constitute a public nuisance and the repair and demolition of dilapidated buildings considered a public nuisance.