SPANISH FORT, Ala. — With just a few specific exceptions, the use of wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle is now illegal in the city of Spanish Fort.

The City Council has been drafting an ordinance aimed at protecting the “public health, safety and welfare” of residents since early February when a Daphne teenager made an impassioned plea for the practice to be outlawed.

“Congratulations for a good ordinance, and thank you for a good idea,” Mayor Joe Bonner told Jasmine Lee only moments after the council voted unanimously in its regular meeting to adopt the measure making distracted driving a primary offense within the city limits.

“The (police) officers are able to pull people over and write tickets for this purpose alone,” clarified City Attorney David Conner.

Lee, a Bayside Academy student, has used her current reign as Alabama Junior Teen Queen to promote the public safety platform across the county and first approached the council in early February. Following Monday’s meeting she said she’s “thrilled” with the council’s action.

“It will save lives,” Lee said.

Specifically, the ordinance prohibits the operation of a vehicle “upon any highway, roadway, street or alley while using a wireless communication device to read or write messages, including, but not limited to, text messages, instant messages and electronic mail.”

Exceptions are allowed for:

r Emergency personnel performing their job duties.

r Individuals making or receiving phone calls.

r Individuals making emergency calls.

r Individuals using the devices while the vehicle is parked “on the shoulder of the highway, roadway or street” or stopped “due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park.

r Individuals using global-positioning systems or other navigation units.

Under the new law, first-time violators are subject to a fine of $100 and/or as many as 10 days in jail; second offenses carry $200 fines and/or as many as 30 days in jail; third and subsequent offenses carry $500 fines and/or as many as three months in jail.

In other business, the council:

r Read aloud a proclamation recognizing May 1 as “Law Day.” This year marks the 54th observance of a day of reflection established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower for citizens to appreciate their liberties and display open respect for the law.

r Welcomed officially District 3 Councilman Bobby Fortenberry to the panel following a brief swearing in ceremony. (Editor’s Note: See “Municipal News” at baldwincountynow.com for the complete story.)

r Reminded those in attendance at the regular meeting about the upcoming Delta Woods and Waters Expo, slated for April 28-30.

r Reminded those in attendance a May 2 public hearing has been set for a rezoning request involving the former Ramada Inn site on the Causeway. The property’s owners are seeking a shift from R-1, or residential, to B-5, or hotel designation.

r Approved unanimously an ordinance setting both general rules and regulations for Spirit Park as well as specific mandates governing concessions, ball fields and tennis courts. The council added an item prohibiting solicitations or fee-based training or lessons unless authorized by the city.

r Discussed the handling of a nuisance property on Wayside Drive. (Editor’s Note: See “Municipal News” at baldwincountynow.com for the complete story.)

r Approved unanimously a resolution allowing the city to enter into a joint, one-year contract for website design and maintenance services. Under the agreement, Fresh Focus Group will oversee, design and implement the city’s new website, while Business Information Solutions will handle site maintenance. The resolution includes an option to renew the contract.

r Introduced a resolution allowing the city to extend its contract  for debris removal and disposal services with DRC Emergency Services LLC for one more year.

The next regular meeting of the council will begin with a 5 p.m. work session in the conference room at City Hall on May 2, followed immediately by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center.