Motorists traveling Highway 59 and Highway 180 will soon see changes to the posted speed limits.
The City of Gulf Shores sent a request to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to reduce the posted speed limits on Highway 180 to 45 miles per hour from Peninsula Boulevard to Regency Road and to lower the posted speed limit to 35 from Regency Road to Highway 59.
The city also requested that the state lower the posted speed limit on Highway 59 to 45 miles per hour from County Road 6 to West 1st Street/East 29th Avenue and lower the posted speed limit along Highway 59 to 35 miles per hour from West 1st Street/East 29th Avenue to the entrance of Waterville.
The reduction in speed limits was requested by the city to create a safer environment for pedestrians and motorist. ALDOT completed a speed study with findings that support the request, but it requires support from the mayor and council to complete the process. Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance.
During the regular session, the council:
* Approved a proposal to allow the mayor to negotiate a contract for the purchase of 7.5 acres of real property in the amount of $79,000 from Gulf Crown, Inc. for right of way needed for the city’s new North/South road connecting Foley/Coastal Gateway Boulevard to County Road 6 East.
* Approved the library department to pursue an opportunity for grant funding in the amount of $24,480, provided by the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS), to purchase 16 desktop computers.
* Approved renewal of a five-year, tri-party agreement with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism Sports Commission, Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the City of Gulf Shores to host the AHSAA State Regional Softball and State Regional Track and Field Championships (2022-2026) at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.
* Approved ratifying Task Order #2 with Thompson Consulting Services, LLC for additional Debris Monitoring that was performed for Hurricane Sally in an amount not to exceed $520,603.20. City will be reimbursed for all but $65,000 by Federal Emergency Management Agency and Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
* Approved a taxi franchise for Kristi Hoop doing business as Bama Beach Shuttle.
* Approved a franchise agreement with C-Spire for comprehensive telecommunication services for residential and commercial fiber optic service.
* Approved to amend the Code of Ordinance at Chapter 7, Section 7-32., Inspections to include requiring contractors to submit a subcontractor list to the Revenue Department, an electrical inspection and an approved sewer service inspection report prior to the city’s issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
