GULF SHORES, Ala. - The proposed settlement of a March 2003 lawsuit brought against the City of Gulf Shores by the Fort Morgan Civic Association (FMCA) is at least one step closer to reality. Council voted unanimously Monday night in support of Mayor Billy Duke’s previous signing of the settlement agreement between the two sides.

  The three-page agreement is the result of an 11-hour long mediation meeting held Nov. 28 featuring representatives of both sides that ended with Duke and FMCA president Paul Barefield signing the document that still must gain acceptance of FMCA members.

  Duke, Councilman Robert Craft and Councilwoman Carolyn Doughty represented the city, while Barefield spoke for the association alongside two other named plaintiffs in the case, former Baldwin County Commissioner Chuck Browdy and Ralph Gilges spoke for the association.

  “We think this settlement gives all of us a situation that’s best for the sensitivity and uniqueness of the Fort Morgan Peninsula,” Duke said. “Council is very aware of the special environmental protection that area deserves and that’s what this agreement provides.”

  The FMCA also met Monday night to discuss the agreement and its terms, but stopped short of a vote. Barefield said the group will meet again Jan. 14 at its regular meeting and while a vote could take place, there’s no guarantee.

  “It will be up to our membership to move for a vote. Once we field a proper quaram there will need to be a simple majority for it to pass,” Barefield said. He declined to comment on his personal expections or feelings concerning the looming outcome.

  “There is a significant number of our member that are out-of-town, we hope to informally poll those members and gain feedback from them,” he said.

  Other happenings at Monday’s Council meeting included the approval of an application for the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Association’s Feb. 5 parade, a tabled request by Sam McKerall to amend condominium association documents for Oceania Condominiums and the awarding of a bid to Commerical Fitness Products, Inc. for flooring and installation at the Recreation Center.

  Council also approved the authorization of several contracts: engeering services with Lucido and Oliver, Inc. in connection with renovations to the new fire station no. 3 across from Moe’s Landing, architectual services with Hatch Mott McDonald concerning the addition of roughly 1,500 new seats at the sportsplex football stadium and professional services with Dees Engineering Services, Inc. relative to Meyer Park improvements.