LOXLEY, Alabama --- The last thing most people think of in the middle of February Is air conditioning, but it was on the minds of the Loxley Town Council Monday night.

The Town Council voted at its regular meeting to replace the stage air conditioner, contracting with Byrd Air LLC Heating & Air Conditioning of Robertsdale at a cost of $8,980.

The structure is approximately 13 years old, officials said, and the unit has never been replaced.

The council also voted to with Byrd Air LLC to perform basic maintenance once a month on the unit at a cost of $75 per month.

In other business Monday, the council voted to accept fire department officers for the coming year.

Tim Curry is chief for the Loxley Volunteer Fire Department. Raymond Lovell is deputy chief with Ed Vaughn serving as battalion chief. Other officers are Greg Lindell, executive secretary; Gavin Fell, lieutenant; Kenny Folsom, treasurer; and John Hobaugh, personnel commission chairperson.

Following Monday's meeting the Loxley Police Department handed out awards for 2011.

Sgt. Charles Kerry Mitchum was named 2011 Officer of the Year for the Police Department.

"He is the poster child for the all-around good guy in the police department," said Chief Chip Cason.

Officer of the Quarter award winners were also recognized Monday including Officer Daniel Middleton, first quarter; Officer Kenneth Seagle, second quarter; Sgt. Billy Coley, third quarter; and Officer Dale Maddox, fourth quarter.

Mayor Billy Middleton also signed a proclamation approved by the council Monday night declaring Friday, Feb. 24 as Arbor Day in Loxley. The town's annual tree giveaway began Thursday and will continue on Friday, Feb. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Loxley Municipal Park.

In other business Monday the council:

• Approved a banner sponsorship for the Robertsdale High School Lady Bear softball program at a cost of $200.

• Approved a banner sponsorship for the Robertsdale High School boys soccer team at a cost of $250.

• Approved expenses for Dave Wojciechowski with the Emergency Operations Center to attend the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Fla., at a cost of $300 for registration, plus room and travel expenses.

• Purchased a John Deere reel mower for Loxley Municipal Park from Beard Equipment Company of Mobile at a cost of $12,150.

• Tabled action Monday to de-annex a section of the Golden Triangle in town. Property owners Paul and Sherry Frolik petitioned the council for de-annexation and plan to use the property to expand their dirt mining operation, which is not allowed within the town limits.

• Took no action Monday on a proposal by Council member Katherine Breeden to adjust pay for Council members who miss meetings.