ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Council watchers who are looking for the budget meeting should mark their calendars for Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m. The Council is meeting on Tuesday because of the Labor Day holiday, and a half hour early to accommodate going through the city’s budget for next year.

The Robertsdale City Council heard from Executive Director Bill Chambers and Board member Taylor Rider of the Alabama Free Clinic Monday night. The clinic, which offers free care to the poor who have no health insurance, plans to open an office in Robertsdale around the beginning of next year. According to Campbell, the Alabama Free Clinic will celebrate its 10th anniversary soon.

“The Alabama Free Clinic has been giving no cost care to patients who are poor and have no health insurance of any kind.”

Campbell added that the clinic has volunteer doctors and nurses who see some 633 patients per year on Thursday nights in Bay Minette. The clinic plans to open Thursday afternoons in Bay Minette, and then see patients in the public health building in Robertsdale on Tuesday evenings, rising to a total of 3,000 patients per year.

Campbell added that the group hopes to open a permanent clinic, one that will be open most of the week. Currently, the clinic focuses on adults with diabetes and hypertension, as these illnesses contribute to the bulk of emergency room visits. Campbell added that as far as he knew, there were no other free clinics in the state.

“We are going to need some funding,” said Campbell, adding that the clinic would be asking private physicians to open their practices “to whatever level they can” to accept referrals from the clinic.

Of 1,359 patients seen so far, the majority come from Bay Minette, followed by Perdido, Foley and Robertsdale, according to information the pair provided the Council.

According to Campbell, the 1999 census for Baldwin County indicates the clinic has about 51,000 prospective patients countywide.

Taylor, who also works for the Baldwin Area Transportation System added that BRATS would add busses to the clinic if a “real interest” in the clinic was shown in this area.

“We can help them (patients) avoid problems,” said Campbell. “It will keep them out of the emergency room.”

Campbell asked for financial support from the Council “depending on what your revenues will allow you to do.”

He added that $5,000-10,000 would be appropriate, if the board could afford it.

He asked for board members (there are four openings on the board) and volunteers.

“I would like to add that we are real interested in having some board members from Central Baldwin,” added Rider.

Council member Sue Campbell lobbied her colleagues for a $2,500 contribution the the Central Baldwin Education Foundation

“This really is a needed thing,” said Campbell, adding that the foundation would have a fall festival at the Loxley Civic Center Nov. 1.

“They need some start up money,” added Mayor Charles Murphy. “this could be positive for everybody.”

“Do we have $2,500, Mayor,” asked Paul Hollingsworth.

When the answer was “yes,” Hollisngsworth said, “Then I suggest we do just that.,” adding that future moneys would be under strict scrutiny.

Turning to the old civic center, Public works Director Scott Gilbert said that the debris had been removed, but about 250 bricks have been retained for townspeople who want a free souvenir. The park should be reopened later this week.

“We have the bricks in the barn,” said Gilbert.

The Council approved a bid by Consolidated Electrical Distributors or $58,196 for a generator for the town’s new water tank. Bert Campbell, the city’s purchasing agent indicated that two lower bids were received, but did not meet minimum specifications.

In other action, the Council approved:

Sponsoring a banner for the Robertsdale High Volleyball team at a cost of $200

A request by the Robertsdale High Cheerleaders for an ad in the football program .

A sponsorship for a sign for Robertsdale High Basketball, and gave a donation the Robertsdale Youth Football Program. Council member Hollingsworth abstained from all votes concerning the high school.