Hello again, everyone. Summer is winding to a close, but we still have some warm weather to go.
I would like to start by honoring the memory of Councilman Richard Dayton, who represented District 3 for the past five years. Councilman Dayton passed away due to illness a month ago. He was a great councilman who loved Foley and represented his area well with great integrity and humility. Recently, he told me that this was the greatest and most enjoyable job he ever had. He became a good friend and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
The election is over. First, I want to thank the current council: President Wayne Trawick, Charlie Ebert, Vera Quaites and Rick Blackwell. They have been great partners over this term, which has led to many accomplishments. They helped lay the groundwork for years to come by addressing our issues in Foley. Without the partnership between mayor and council, a city cannot move forward.
Congratulations to our newly elected council, which will be seated Nov. 3 for the next four-year term. I welcome aboard Councilmen Roddy Burkle, Larry Engel and Tim Lower who will join sitting members Wayne Trawick and Charlie Ebert.
Working together as a team will help Foley continue to be “The Forward City.” I want to thank both Councilwoman Vera Quaites and Councilman Rick Blackwell for their dedicated service over the past 20 years.
It is, of course, football season. Enjoy it, but please travel safely to and from the games. The Foley Lions need our support. It is a fun night out at Ivan Jones stadium. Join me and cheer them on.
We continue to add to the options for our citizens to shop and dine here in Foley. BJ’s Wholesale Club will begin construction this fall on South Juniper Street. It is a culmination of three years of work with our partner Retail Strategies to entice expanded retail opportunities to our citizens. This will be the first wholesale store in the South Baldwin County area. Ollie’s and Books-a-Million recently announced plans to come to Foley. The restaurant Doc’s Seafood is also opening soon.
Of course, the new Publix on the Beach Express has expanded retail services for citizens. Our city team will continue to work for expanded opportunities such as a grocery store on the north end of Foley. I will point out that most of these expansions are due to the growth of Foley, which shows retailers can be successful here.
Two new infrastructure projects—the intersection improvements on Michigan at Hickory and at Cedar—will soon begin. Both are sorely needed. City projects that took years to design and plan continue to be rolled out. Please check our website for those listings of current projects.
Enjoy these coming few months with Halloween and Thanksgiving on the horizon. Until next time . . .