BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission agreed Tuesday to postpone implementation of an ordinance governing activities and hours of operation at county-owned parks and other properties, following a wave of concerns expressed during a public hearing on the matter.

About three dozen citizens showed up at the hearing and expressed concerns about the proposed ordinance restricting usage of county sites to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, but allows unrestricted usage of boat-launch areas.

Some members of the public expressed confusion about what was considered a park and what was considered a boat launch.

Voters passed enabling, Home Rule legislation in November allowing the Commission to formulate rules for the parks and allow criminal prosecution for unlawful activities, according to Commission chairman David Bishop.

“For years, the county had no home rule,” Bishop said. “The sheriff has no rules to go by at these parks. The intent is not to curb fishing at night or access, but there has been a lot of mischief at the parks.

“This ordinance lets an officer have the ability to write a ticket. We have got to have a way to get these people into court.”

Commissioner Frank Burt moved to table a vote until county staffers have to opportunity to address individual citizens concerns. Burt also agreed that some ordinance wording was vague.

One concern Burt expressed was wording stating a sign could be placed at any park at any time stating 24-hour access was allowed.

“Who will approve a sign that says 24-hour access?,” Burt asked. “The Commission? The wording could confuse future Commissioners.”