DAPHNE, Ala. — City leaders at Monday’s council meeting tabled a resolution to apply for a Lake Forest Lake Recreational Trail Grant that would include building sidewalks and boardwalks around the lake and connecting sidewalks from the hotel strip on U.S. Highway 90 to the Jubilee Square Shopping Center.

The proposed project would cost $964,000; the maximum the grant would pay is $120,000 per year with the city matching 20 percent. Deadline for the grant is mid-August, according to City Clerk David Cohen.

The council tabled the matter after public concerns rang out from Lakeshore Drive homeowners.

James Morris, who owns property on the south side of the lake,  asked city leaders to change the grant’s wording; the sidewalks couldn’t surround the lake since the south side of the lake is privately owned, he said.

He added that trees have begun to grow on the embankments that block the lights from Jubilee Square Shopping Center. He said he fears new construction and tree removal would hurt property owners.

“We ask you to slow down and take a look at our needs as well as the needs of anybody else,” he said.

Lilian Conder disapproved of construction for environmental reasons.

“I don’t think anyone understands the fragility of this little lake,” she said.

The area is home to endangered red-bellied turtles, rare bird life such as green herons and an alligator that has just lain eggs, she said.

She fears the construction would harm fauna that call the lake home, she said.

“Has that impact been properly addressed by the people planning this walk way?” she said.

She worried that the public park would bring litter and vandalism, other harmful agents to the environment.

“Kids are going to go whereever they can at night to have fun,” she said. “For future generations, I want to make sure we have the animal life and plant life.”

Others favored the boardwalk style park.

Kevin Spriggs, owner of the Eastern Shore Motel, said the park would provide all-day activities for tourists between the hotels and shopping area.

“I would support the lodging tax money going to this exit 35 area,” he said.

The tax currently has 95 percent of income to purchase and maintain bayfront property — a benefit to hotels as a tourist draw. Council has entertained the idea of using the funds for other areas of tourist attraction — such as downtown beautification involving underground utilities, landscaping and an amphitheatre at Village Point Park Preserve.

Spriggs said he wouldn’t support the money going to the downtown Daphne streetscape because he disagrees with the cost of running underground utilities.

He would, however, support improvements to the exit 35 area since, he said, none have taken place in 20 years. The sales tax that ultimately would be generated from greater shoppers due to a boardwalk addition to the lake, and sidewalk connections at the Jubilee mall, however, could be used to beautify the downtown area, he said.

Councilman John Lake agreed that the development could be positive for the city.

“Instead of having an asphalt jungle, you could have a park setting with the 10-plus acres the city owns behind the shops,” he said.

Henry Lawson of the Lake Forest Improvement Committee, agreed with both sides.

“I support it only if there is great care given to protecting the trees,” he said.

In other business, the city council adopted nearly $83,000 in appropriations during Monday’s meeting.

The figure included bid awards for $33,300 to Afix Technologies for an automated fingerprint and palm printer; $16,929.50 to Zoll Medical Corporation for a cardiac monitor and defibrillator; and $7,616.43 to Firehouse Sale and Service for police patrol vehicle equipment.

The council also adopted: an optional $3,150 for a carbon dioxide detector and $1,101.75 for a battery charger to Zoll Medical Corporation; safety shoes from Gulf Supply Company at $77.75 per shoe, $109 per 6-inch boot and $120 per 8-inch boot; election official pay at $200 per inspector, $150 per chief clerk and $125 per clerk; $50 per day to the absentee election manager; and to pay mileage to on-call court magistrates out of the corrections fund

Council members also appointed Judge Thomas Doyle for another two-year term and granted retail liquor licenses to Roussos on U.S. Highway 98 and Daruma in the Magnolia Place Shopping Center.

In other business: City Clerk David Cohen announced that the city needs more election officials for the Aug. 26 municipal elections. Positions in districts 1, 5 and 6 are available. If interested, tell your council person to nominate you; nominations will be accepted through the Aug. 4 city council meeting.