LOXLEY, Ala. — Rezoning a parcel of about 29,000 acres of land from single-family residential and agricultural use to commercial use was the main work of Monday evening’s Loxley Town Council meeting. All of the members of the town council, with the exception of Derek Middleton were present.

The property is located at County Road 68 and North Holley Street and is owned by Roger Barnhill Jr. No one spoke for or against the zoning change, which passed unanimously,

The council also voted to change the towns building code to the International Building Code.

“There’s not much change here,” said Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton.

The council also voted to renew the liquor license now held by The Pantry, Inc. doing business at Kangaroo Express on South Hickory Street. A license to sell wine at the same establishment was also passed. The license was previously held by Loxley Shell 123 at the same address.

The council also got its first look at a renewal of a franchise agreement between the town and Mediacom. The company provides cable service to may parts of the town.

“I looked at one (proposed agreement) and looked at another and I liked it better, said attorney Brad Hicks, an associate of town attorney Shawn Alves

“I am going to ask them to explain the changes,” said Hicks, noting that he saw a change in insurance requirements and some language specific to construction that he wants explained.

This was an opportunity for council member Richard L. Teal to jump in.

“Are people still having problems (with Mediacom),” he asked.

Several audience members indicated that they were indeed having trouble with their cable reception.

“Before we sign a contract, I think we should have them in to talk with them and see if they can address the problems,” said Middleton.

The council agreed to that and the matter has been tabled for further study.

The council also voted to amend the town’s personnel policy as it applies to the Family Medical Leave Act.

“We farmed it out to a lawyer who specializes in these maters,” said Hicks.

The council heard from T. Shane Sawyer a professional engineer with Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, a construction engineering firm. The town had gone to bid on a sidewalk project, and C. Thornton, Inc. had the second lowest bid.

The town did not take the lowest bid, explained Sawyer because the low bidder did not have the proper endorsements to its license to do the work.

According to town plans, the new sidewalks are slated for parts of Daphne Road, Holley Street, and Relham Drive.

According to Sawyer, the difference in the bids was about $360.

The council also discussed tearing down the old “town barns” on B Avenue. The barns seem to be in poor repair, and town officials say they have shelter for all their equipment. The matter will be taken up at the council’s “workshop” meeting on the 29th.

The council also voted to

—Approved the minutes of the May 11 meeting.

— Approved payment of town bills totaling about $41,386.