Orange Beach Finance Director Ford Handley had good news for Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council during the May 18 regular council meeting. After months of waiting, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Alabama have approved $6,681,233 to reimburse the city for debris removal after Hurricane Sally.

“We got some good news today from FEMA that they obligated $5,010,000 to the city. It is at the state now and they should approve it very quickly and we would hope by the end of June that we have $5 million in our account. The rest will continue to be a longer process, but we are getting there,” Handley said.

A press release from the state was pushed out announcing the approval moments before the council meeting.

The funds reimburse the city for the cost of removing 199,698 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 144,996 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 1406 tons of white goods, 227 tons of e-waste and 35.57 tons of hazardous household waste from city roads, right of way and public property throughout the applicant’s jurisdiction.

FEMA’s share of the grant is 75% or $5,010,925, with the remainder funded by state, local and county governments.

During the Regular Council Meeting:

* Approved a retail beer and retail table wine liquor license application by Blalock Specialty Seafood LLC.

* Approved resolution authorizing the execution of a subaward grant agreement with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the RESTORE Act state expenditure plan funded Alabama Point Seawall repair. The agreement funding amount shall not exceed $2.488 million.

* Approved a franchise agreement for ABM Waste Management, LLC to remove and dispose of commercial solid waste and remove and transport construction and demolition debris.

* Approve resolution authorizing execution of a license agreement with Baldwin County Board of Education for the city to use school property to temporarily locate Fire State No. 5.

* Approved resolution authorizing execution of a license agreement with Baldwin County Board of Education for the Orange Beach Elementary School to temporarily locate modular classrooms on city property. The modular classrooms will be used while the school is under construction.

* Approved resolution authorizing the execution of a software agreement with Peak Software Systems, Inc., for recreation facility management software.

* Approved resolution requesting the Alabama Department of Transportation to establish a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on State Highway 180 east of the Foley Beach Express and west of State Highway 161.

* Approved resolution authorizing execution of an amendment to the enrollment agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to modify the administration fee of the employee health plan.

* Approved resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a term sheet for the CoastAL Beach Development Project.

* Approved resolution authorizing the extension of the closing date for the CoastAL Beach Development Planned Unit Development to June 30, 2021.

* Approved resolution amending the Employees Pay Plan/Job Listing to correct an error in starting pay for a police officer.

* Approved resolution authorizing execution of a professional service agreement with Scott Mansell for football coaching service.

* Approved resolution authorizing execution of a professional service agreement with Victor Koenning for football coaching services.