Foley city leaders convened at City Hall this week for a joint work session and regular council meeting, advancing a comprehensive agenda focused on local infrastructure development, transit safety, and administrative policy updates. A primary focus of the session was the continued development of the Foley Municipal Airport. The council moved to authorize a grant application to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau to fund the construction of a new, modern, multi-use terminal building.
In addition to the terminal plans, the council addressed immediate airfield improvements, accepting formal grant offers from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ALDOT to support critical drainage upgrades. The city recommended local contractor RH Deas Co., LLC for the construction contract associated with these drainage enhancements. The council also moved to finalize federal and state reimbursements related to a recently completed eight-unit T-Hangar project.
Transportation and Pedestrian Safety
The council prioritized several projects aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety:
- East-West Corridor: The Street Department received approval for internal funding to launch the in-house construction of the East-West Corridor. This project is designed to relieve congestion by connecting Wilson Avenue to Equestrian Park Road.
- Highway 98 Safety: Funding was approved for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to enhance pedestrian connectivity along Highway 98. Planned upgrades include new safety infrastructure and crosswalks at Cedar Street, Oak Street, Pine Street, Chicago Street, and the Rose Trail crosswalk.
- Irwin Street Speed Limit: Following a final approval for a new ordinance, the speed limit on Irwin Street was reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph. Mayor Ralph Hellmich noted that this change will allow state-approved, low-speed vehicles to access local businesses without navigating busier arterial streets.
- Resurfacing Initiatives: The council authorized the solicitation of bids for the fiscal year 2026 annual neighborhood road resurfacing cycle.
Civic and Community Business
Beyond large-scale infrastructure, the meeting addressed a range of municipal operations and community requests:
- Nuisance Abatements: Public hearings were held to address violations concerning weeds, junk, and stagnant water at 407 West Fig Avenue and 219 West Palm Avenue.
- Civic Appointments: The council reappointed Billie Nardell to the Senior Center Advisory Board and JaNay Dawson to the Foley Historic Commission.
- Economic & Property Matters: The council approved a restaurant retail liquor license for the Xian Noodle Place on South McKenzie Street. Additionally, they authorized the exercise of a land repurchase option for undeveloped property in Zones 2, 3, and 4 from IRH Foley, LLC, and reviewed a proposal for right-of-way acquisitions at the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and South Cedar Street.
- Community Enrichment: A fee waiver was granted for the use of Beulah Heights Park to host a Back-to-School Community Kickoff and fundraiser.
- Policy and Budget Updates: The council approved transferring the Event Center lobby flooring replacement project to operational accounts, amended local library policies, and adjusted a technical contract with FARO Technologies.
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