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Gulf Shores council approves lifeguard agreements, Justice Center furnishings, demolition contracts and franchise ordinance
Summary
On March 9 the council approved memoranda of understanding for lifeguard services, two contracts for Justice Center furnishings, demolition of two unsafe properties, a five‑year communications franchise and traffic control sign changes; several items were adopted unanimously with no public opposition recorded.
The Gulf Shores City Council on March 9 adopted a series of resolutions and ordinances covering lifeguard services, Justice Center furnishings, demolition of unsafe structures, a communications franchise and traffic control changes. All items were approved by unanimous vote and most were considered with limited discussion.
Lifeguard services: The council approved two memoranda of understanding for the 2026 season. Resolution No. 7092‑26 authorizes an MOU with Valor Hospitality Partners, LLC to provide lifeguard services at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in an amount up to $20,000, to be reimbursed by Valor (effective March 1–Dec. 31, 2026). Resolution No. 7093‑26 authorizes an MOU with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks (Gulf State Park) to provide lifeguard services at the Gulf State Park Saltwater Beach Pavilion for the 2026 season in an amount up to $36,000; the item included line‑item totals and shared cost allocations noted in the record.
Justice Center furnishings: Council approved Resolution No. 7094‑26 to contract with TurnerBoone for Justice Center furniture for up to $706,130.73 (funded in the FY2026 budget, account 40‑879‑65505) and Resolution No. 7095‑26 to contract with Xybix Systems, Inc. for dispatch furnishings up to $131,891.57 (to be purchased under NASPO cooperative and charged to the same budget account).
Demolition of unsafe structures: Resolution No. 7096‑26 authorizes Strickland Construction Company to demolish two structures deemed unsafe and a public nuisance: 141 Windmill Ridge Road (not to exceed $12,369) and 1420 West Lagoon Avenue (not to exceed $18,500). The resolution notes prior notices to owners, a fire at one structure, suspended work at the other, bids solicited from three contractors and the city’s intent to invoice owners and place liens if unpaid.
Franchise and traffic signs: The council adopted Ordinance No. 2204 granting MCImetro Access Transmission Services LLC a five‑year non‑exclusive franchise to place communications facilities in city rights‑of‑way, including a 3% quarterly franchise fee after the first year and standard permitting, insurance and indemnification requirements. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2205 amending traffic control sign language and approving installation of specific stop signs, including at West Canal Drive and West Fourth Street.
Other: The council approved expense vouchers totaling $8,740,077.55; approved an administratively handled Large Group Activity Permit for the Jr. City Council Spring Market on March 28; and accepted staff reports including an announcement that Planning & Zoning Director Scott Stephens will present a proposed Tree Protection Ordinance at the next work session.
Public comment and community updates included Gulf Shores City School Superintendent Dr. Matt Akin reporting choir and cybersecurity team achievements, a candidate showcase announcement from Blair Castro, and a request from Ken Kichler to remove obsolete detour signage now that 2nd Avenue is open.
