LOXLEY, Ala. — The Loxley town council approved the budget for 2008-2008 during its meeting Oct. 13. Council members Derek G. Middleton and Lloyd J. Keuler were not present at the meeting.

There was little discussion of the town’s budget for the coming year, which listed a “Net Increase in Cash” of $90,696. The largest contribution to the town’s “general fund” was listed as “sales tax,” which accounted for $1,100,000 of the town’s budget. Major expenditures included salaries and health insurance for each department.

The council approved plans for the Roan’s Creek Planned Unit Development. The council also voted to annex the property, something the developer wanted before proceeding.

The approximately 5,600 acre development north of I-10 will be a “mixed use” area, including single-family, and multifamily areas as well as space for a business park, office space and light industrial development. Parkland and space for municipal buildings and schools were also included in the plan. It is estimated that when complete, about 40,000 people will call Roan’s Creek home.

The property is being developed by International Paper Company, along with International Paper Realty Corp., Sustainable Forests LLC and Blue Sky Timber Properties LLC. All of the companies are listed by the town as “entities of International Paper Company.”

Key to the development, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years is the use of 20-foot “buffer zones” to protect wetlands area from the development. That figure was questioned by Taylor Norton of Truck Road 17, which abuts the development at the Sept. 8 meeting. Taylor questioned the size of the buffer, citing sources that said a larger buffer was more desirable.

At Monday’s Council meeting, Barry Vittor a biologist with Vittor and Associates of Mobile, told the council that while there have been requirements for buffers in other areas, no such regulation exists for the Roan’s Creek area.

“It’s not the norm, it’s expensive,” Vittor told the council. “It can be viewed as a substantial gesture.”

Norton had some questions for Vittor, asking about buffer requirements in other locales, adding that he did “applaud” the setting of buffers in the Roan’s Creek development.

“Will this hold up to the test of time,” asked Norton.

Vittor said he has seen proof over “five to ten years” that the buffers are effective in keeping water clean. “We’ve seen in coastal wetlands where even five feet makes a difference.”

“What we do now affects streams,” said Claire Norton, also of Truck Road 17 told the council. “What we do now has an impact on the lower end of the county.”

In the end, the council voted unimaously to approved ordinances 2008-29 and 2008-40 that approved the PUD and annexed the property into Loxley.

In other council matters

— The council heard from representatives of the Loxley Elementary School PTO concerning that organizations “Fall Festival” which will be held Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school.

Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton is scheduled to be the “dunkee” at the popular dunking tank around 11 a.m. to noon. The event will feature fair foods, games for the youngsters and a silent auction. One of the features of the event is every classroom is scheduled to have a booth, and proceeds from each booth will be used by the classroom teacher for her/his room.

— Council Member Breeden announced that Congressman Jo Bonner would be at the “Senior Adults” breakfast later this month.

— Council Member Wallace Saban reminded all that flu shots would be given at the Loxley Civic Center on the 20th of this month. The shots come from the Baldwin County Health Department and are $15. The cost of the shots is covered if a Medicare or Medicaid card is presented.