Gulf Shores council adopts rezoning and annexation, OKs disaster-recovery contract and other measures

The Gulf Shores City Council on April 27 unanimously adopted a package of ordinances and resolutions that included a rezoning of property along County Road 8 West, assent to a multi-lot annexation, the award of a disaster-recovery contract and revisions to municipal credit-card authorizations.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 2212 after a public hearing and a presentation by Zoning Administrator Andy Bauer. The ordinance rezones approximately 36 acres to BG and 3.6 acres to R-1-3 for property on the north side of County Road 8 West between State Highway 59 and Grund Lane. Mayor Robert Craft declared the ordinance duly adopted after a roll-call vote recorded as "aye" by all six council members.

The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2213 to assent to annexation of Lots 1–4, Resubdivision of Parcel 2, Grund Subdivision Amended; the Planning Commission had recommended approval. The ordinance becomes effective upon publication as required by law.

Council members approved Resolution No. 7126-26 to accept the proposal of CrowderGulf for primary disaster recovery assistance and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute a contract in substantially the form presented. The resolution notes funding would be determined if a disaster exceeds the city's response capabilities and cites typical reimbursement levels: up to 75% from FEMA and an additional 12.5% from AEMA for eligible debris removal costs.

The council accepted the sole bid from Penick Organics Inc. for mulch products through Resolution No. 7125-26. The itemized contract price is $2,835 per 90 cubic yards with a $216 delivery fee; the contract may be renewed for two additional years.

Ordinance No. 2214 granting a nonexclusive taxi franchise to Anthony Toussaint, owner of 2Saintz Tours & Entertainment, was adopted; the mayor and city clerk are authorized to execute the franchise agreement and any additional vehicles or drivers must be approved by the Revenue Division.

By Resolution No. 7128-26 the council amended prior credit-card authorizations to add positions and set card limits for named employees. Examples listed in the resolution include the mayor and city administrator ($6,000 each), the purchasing officer ($20,000), the chief building official ($6,000) and various department-level limits. The resolution requires itemized statements for card use, conformity with city purchasing policies and authorizes temporary reassignment of cards with written approval of the mayor or city administrator.

Other business approved without recorded opposition included three large-group activity permits: the Brett-Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon (Sept. 12, 2026), Gulf of America Jeep Fest (Sept. 12, 2026) and the Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival (Nov. 7–8, 2026), the latter approved contingent on food-vendor inspections (one council member abstained on that vote). The council also reappointed Nicky Gotschall to the Gulf Shores City Schools Board of Education for a five-year term ending June 1, 2031.

The meeting record shows approval of minutes from April 13 and April 20, 2026 and unanimous approval of expense vouchers totaling $3,001,038.85; the city posted a full line-item list in the clerk’s office. In staff reports, Mayor Craft announced that IT Director Mike Hawley was named 2026 Chief Information Officer of the Year by Governmental CIO Outlook. During the hearing of persons not on the formal agenda, School Board President Kevin S. Corcoran reported seniors had been awarded $59 million in scholarships at a recent awards banquet and Superintendent Dr. Matt Akin announced the high school baseball team qualified for the state playoffs.

The council adjourned at 4:45 p.m. and the minutes were attested by City Clerk Tobi Waters.