FOLEY, Ala. — A figure synonymous with Foley sports was memorialized Monday and honored by having the city’s Sportsplex named after him.

With members of the late Raymond C. Christensen Jr.’s family on hand, Mayor John Koniar read a proclamation declaring July 7, 2008, “Raymond Christensen Memorial Day” in the city.

Later in the meeting, the council approved a first reading of an ordinance naming the Foley Sportsplex or “5-Plex” in Christensen’s honor. The Sportsplex is a project involving creation of five ballfields and tennis courts that will be built at the U.S. Highway 98 Soccer Complex.

A longtime employee of Riviera Utilities, Christensen was an assistant football coach at Foley High School, a statistician, and president and founder of Foley Sports Association, an organization in which he coached successfully for years.

In other council matters, city reports were given and approved. Foley Police Department’s report for June showed 125 misdemeanor arrests and 20 felony arrests. Eighty-two misdemeanor warrants were served and 10 felony warrants.

Foley police officers worked 76 automobile wrecks in June and filed 231 incident/offense reports. They offered 112 motorist assists and wrote 328 traffic citations and 449 warnings.

Foley Fire Department had 127 responses during June, 19 of those fire-related.

The Community Development Department report reflected 111 building permits issued in June at a total construction valuation of $2.4 million.

Eight single-family residences were permitted at a total valuation of $799,560 and one new commercial permit — Gulf Coast Longevity Center at 1712 N. Bunner St. ($231,000) - was issued.

City inspectors made 470 inspections in June and Community Development handled 12 citizen complaints.

In other council action, Juanita Houston was named to replace Bertram McGowin, who resigned from the Foley Housing Authority.

With the Police Department’s recommendation, council members agreed to pass along their recommendation for approval of a Lounge Retail Liquor-Class license to the ABC Board for Cecil Gary Heaton under the trade name Club Galaxia at 8340 Ala. Highway 59.

Approval was given for a in-car digital video system for police vehicles. The bid by ICOP was $183,395.

Approval was given for the purchase of a John Deere “Gator” for the Street Department in the amount of $6,839. (The mayor noted the Street Department will remove any campaign signs that are placed in the city right-of-way.)

The council approved a Southern Earth Sciences proposal in the amount of $45,000 previously approved under a Volkert & Associates Task Agreement, as well as a SES proposal for $2,000 for concrete testing for the Beulah Heights sidewalk project.

A resolution was approved for camera surveillance equipment to be used at the Kids Park. Councilman Charlie Ebert III said trial use of the equipment ($7,203) had proven successful.

Approval was given for floor slab repairs in the amount of $19,000 at Fire Station #1.

Approval was also given for additional work at Foley Senior Center in the amount of $5,420 and $10,800 for construction on Springsteen Lane. (Councilman Bob Schreiber abstained on the Springsteen Lane matter.)

A resolution was approved for intersection improvements at Pride Drive and South Pine Street in the amount of $37,406.