BAY MINETTE — The new year promises “small tweaks” and “more jobs” in Bay Minette as the City Council announced the highly anticipated re-opening of the historic-family-owned and operated Greer’s food store in town. The Greer’s company will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in April, but local residents may recall the “local” grand opening of the Bay Minette store back in 1935.

In further discussion, a Holly Hills boundary-line change, an annual audit and a closer look at required financial reporting calculations relative to Alabama’s Retirement System (RSA- pension accounts for retired government employees) may require some further “tweaking” into 2016.

On Monday, the council pondered a variety of issues and asked for a written “priority list” of pothole maintenance “needs” to address.

“Well, I know there’s a big one right in the back of my property,” said council woman Dollie Mims of pothole perils. Public Works Director John Bower noted that the “asphalt order” had only just become available “that day” for ongoing repairs ready to begin.

In the earlier work session, Mayor Robert Wills presented a survey with a slightly-unexpected proposal to alter property lines held between the city and the adjacent Ellis family property in Holly Hills. The finalized survey revision (boundary line agreement) was reviewed and passed by Council to provide for an enhanced entry and access route to future and existing subdivision development (with original survey dating back to September 2014).

Meanwhile, council woman Kathy Dobbins noted a recent open invitation for the City of Bay Minette to participate with a float for the local Mardi Gras family parade set for Feb. 6. Dobbins added that there would likely be “no direct cost” to the city but said organizers hoped to encourage more communities to support the parade that has been shrinking over the past few years.

City Attorney Scotty Lewis suggested that there might be some unexpected expenses involved in the float project that should be considered before making a commitment. Council members agreed to offer their support of the February event.

In other business, the council:

l Re-introduced the newly-hired finance director, Tammy S. Smith.

l Considered preliminary annual audit information outlined by Jerry Bundy, accountant, with a final audit to be completed-submitted by the next regular Bay Minette Council meeting.

l Read a letter of appreciation by Barry Booth for Veteran’s Sign Project, “Final Salute” that succeeded with assistance from the city.

l Approved the consent agenda and minutes of Dec. 21 session which included training request funds for Fire Capt. Chris Phillippi, Lt. Grant Everhart and Lt. Hunter Williams (cost of $ 67.50); and training for Fire Chief Michael Minchew to attend the Chief’s Executive Development Conference in Tuscaloosa.

l Considered and approved the accounts payable summary of $142,025.34 through Jan. 4.

l Voted to approve the Holly Hills (Boundary Line Agreement) based on survey-plat presented by Wills.