SUMMERDALE — The Summerdale Town Council set a precedent during its regular meeting Monday.

That precedent is that all future requests to rezone property in Summerdale must be accompanied by a definitive plan for the property. It was set when the Council denied a request to rezone a portion of an approximate 13-acre parcel of land owned by Mike and Jim Fisher from an AO-1 (Agriculture) to a B-2 (Business) zoning.

“The Council will request that the Planning Commission set a precedent of protocol of having a plan,” Summerdale Mayor David Wilson said, explaining new stipulations of rezoning recommendations for the Planning Commission.

However, the action didn’t come without some hiccups. The denial was preceded by the council approving the change earlier in the meeting. Following that approval, neighboring land owners arrived at the meeting with the understanding that a public hearing would be held on the matter. Summerdale Mayor David Wilson explained that confusion about the hearing stemmed from recent changes in the council’s meeting time.

But once the confusion was sorted out, neighboring property owner Mark Flint, who also serves on the Summerdale Planning Commission, stated his case against the rezoning. Flint, who is a veteran of the Summerdale Town Council, explained that the Commission did approve the recommendation.

“But I abstained because I have an interest with property next door,” he said.

Flint went on to tell the council that he felt rezoning should not be done without projects for that property also presented to the town.

“You bring up a point that’s very important,” Wilson said.

Following further discussion during the rezoning hearing, the council reversed its decision while inserting the requirement for all future requests. The rezoning denial sends the request back to the Planning Commission.

Also Monday, the Summerdale Town Council:

Appointed Paul Vishaway to the Zoning Board.

Appointed new Public Works Director Lee Irwin to the Planning Commission.

Approved a $23,869 policy with Municipal Workers Compensation Fund Inc. for the Summerdale Police and Volunteer Fire departments.

Approved a contract to have the Summerdale Cemetery map computerized for $1,800

Appointed Vishaway as building inspector on an as-needed basis.

Approved a $600 contract with South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.