SPANISH FORT, Ala.—With “substantive” changes incorporated into the document and a public hearing slated for May 9, the Planning Commission appears ready to take action toward adopting or rejecting the proposed Comprehensive Plan.

“It looks like we’re going to bring this to a vote at our next meeting,” said commission Chairman Carl Nelson.

Commissioner Tom Sawyer said he has spoken with Skipper Consulting Inc.’s Cody Long who served as the project manager for the unfinished traffic study referenced in original drafts of the plan. Sawyer said Long indicated the company would like to finalize the study currently labeled as a draft, and he is willing to address the commission regarding any questions it raises.

The consensus during Monday’s informal work session, however, was that while everyone involved looks forward to hearing what Long has to say, none seemed to think it should interfere with the body taking action on the larger plan.

“We need to bring this thing to a halt,” said Vice Chairman Bernard Davis, noting he’s open to including anything Long’s information deems vital as an amendment to the plan.

The plan is intended to guide the city’s growth over the next 15 years, but is also intended to be a “living” document that can be amended along the way to accommodate shifting populations, needs and circumstances.

Permit Clerk Donna Dunning said planning commission’s typically hold final authority to approve or reject plans of this nature; however, it is her understanding that the commission is opting to forward a recommendation to the City Council, allowing city leaders to make the final determination. It was not immediately clear how quickly the item could make it onto the council’s agenda.