DAPHNE, Ala.—The Daphne Planning Commission voted 9-0 to approve an exemption that will allow the city to swap land with Daphne Utilities for public use.

Richard Johnson, head of the public works department, explained the proposed land swap to the commission.

“This is a step in a process that started with a presentation and a request through the buildings and property committee of the city between the city and Daphne Utilities to swap out various properties,” Johnson said.

The property in question is included in a 20-acre parcel on the east side of the Daphmont community southeast of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Johnson Road.

Johnson said Daphne Utilities wants the parcel because a lift station is there.

“For some reason (the utility) feels strongly that they need to hold possession of those infrastructure features that they maintain and operate and actually own the infrastructure, but they apparently don’t own the title or deeds to the infrastructure that it sits on,” Johnson said.

Daphne Utilities has proposed taking possession of a 75- by 75-foot parcel that wholly contains the lift station, Johnson said.

Before the city council can vote on whether the property should be swapped with Daphne Utilities, the planning commission had to determine whether the land swap was appropriate and if the swap qualified for an exemption under the existing ordinances of the city.

Johnson said the exemption allowed by the ordinance in place allows the division of land for public use.