The Gulf Shores City Council held a work session this week to review matters for next week's voting session. After the opening of the meeting Mayor Robert Craft reminded members and audience that this and the next voting session would be the last for the current council, as it exist.

Mayor Craft explained the Councilman Gary Sinak would be leaving the Council seat and thank him for his many years of service. It was noted that Mr. Sinak's prior employment as a fireman gave a different perspective to the members during his term.

Mayor Craft awarded Gary Sinak a plaque from the City of Gulf Shores which recognized his contributions during his nine years of service to the council. Mr. Sinak thanked the Mayor and stated "this is the first time I don't have to be anywhere."

The President of the Alabama Coastal Chamber then provided a recap of the recent National Shrimp Festival. Greg Alexander thanked the volunteer Shrimp Festival committee and every department of the city which contributed to the 52nd annual festival's success.

Greg Alexander singled out the efforts of Councilman Steve Jones, as well as, Ginny and Rob Barnas for their continued management of the event.

The President/ CEO of the Chamber stated that over 325,448 people came through the three main gates of the festival over a four day period. He added that the enforcement of the domestic shrimp policy was welcomed and the Chandra Wright was the lead inspector.

During this year's event Big Beach Brewing was allowed to bring in specialty beer for the first time. Mr. Alexander also thanked their team for the efforts.

Andy Bauer, City Zoning Director, added that the festival's bike valet had 1,120 users of the service.

Blake Phelps, Director of Economic Development & Public Affairs, discussed the current status of communication from residents to the city staff. He stated that the City of Gulf Shores will be implementing a new CRM software OPENGOV, which will allow better management of citizen and staffing communication. Mr. Phelps said that the contract would be for three years and the cost $138,213 spread over the term.

Mayor Craft pointed out that the new software would help to ensure all resident questions would be answered in a timely manner.

A request from Bon Secour Village West right of way improvements was brought to the council's attention by Jenny Wolfschlag. She stated that the Engineering Department recommended approval.

Dan Bond with the City of Gulf Shores presented a scope of work for Thompson Engineering to perform a environmental permitting work for the Waterway Village project. The amount of the services will not exceed $51,000. This project will provide connectivity through the streets surrounding the pedestrian bridge area.