SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Despite vehement objections from at least one council member, Spanish Fort will continue allowing the installation and construction of new sewer mains within the city’s limits.

The resolution that failed in a 5-1 vote during Monday’s regular meeting proposed a six-month moratorium on such projects or “until design standards are adopted for the City regulating sewer construction/installation.”

District 1 Councilman Dennis Dismuke said he has voiced his opinions on this issue at several meetings prior to his election to the council and strongly supports a moratorium being placed on any such future projects until the ramifications can be properly examined.

Specifically, Dismuke said the specifications provided by Baldwin County Sewer Services are bid specifications rather than design standards and do not offer the authority of an engineer’s perspective. He also criticized the current system for requiring no oversight of the installation and construction process because he feels it threatens the “health and well being” of Spanish Fort residents.

In light of the current economic slowdown, Dismuke recommended taking the opportunity the “lull in building” affords to “take a breath and get it right.”

Citing President Ronald Reagan’s adage to “trust but verify,” Dismuke said, “Now is the time to correct the problem.”

District 2 Councilman Mike McMillan said he would like the council to meet with sewer-system officials and try to work something out, while District 5 Councilwoman Mary Brabner said she is confident a compromise can be reached in the absence of a moratorium.

Despite the negative ruling on the issue, Dismuke entered into the public record a petition on behalf of residents in the Wakefield subdivision opposing the entrance of Baldwin County Sewer into their neighborhood.

There was no other business discussed during the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the council will begin with a 5 p.m. work session in the conference room at City Hall on Aug. 3, followed immediately by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center.