In many coastal towns new laws are being implemented to curb the golf cart rental craze. In Florida several new laws hold the rental company responsible for training and driver's license authorization. Much like renting a jet ski in Florida, you will watch a quick video and complete paperwork that must stay on file and be subject to an audit. The State of Alabama is currently considering new golf cart and ATV laws.

Locally we the city has a more immediate question. At its upcoming council meeting, Orange Beach will discuss a license for a golf cart rental company to be operated out of a residence. Matthew Rickard wants the license for Shore Thing Golf Carts. Rickard is one of the owners of a residence at 26881 Second Street at the corner of Second and Washington Boulevard.

The council will meet in a joint/regular session on Sept. 2 in council chambers at city hall.

During the regular session, the council will also discuss:

• Paying $1.3 million to vendors for goods and services from Aug. 21-Sept. 3.
• Setting an organizational meeting Nov. 3 per Alabama state code following local elections.
• Declaring September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in Orange Beach.
• Purchasing a tractor for the Sportsplex from Parish Tractor Co. for $63,903.
• Accepting a proposal from Byers, Byers & Associates for auditing services for $79,850, a $6,350 increase from last year.
• Appointing Vince McCoy and Chris Hicks to the Fire Code Board of Appeals.
• Authorizing an installation and maintenance agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for safety sensors on highway rights-of-way.
• Authorizing Orange Beach to join the state and other local governments as participants in current and future opioid settlements.
• An agreement with the Alabama Fire College to provide clinical training for EMS students at the city’s training center.
• A public hearing for The Wharf Villas east of the Margaritaville complex to change the planned unit development to include a 12-lot, gated subdivision. There will also be a first reading of an ordinance change in The Wharf Landing Villas planned unit development.
• Levying a vape tax on vapor products in front of a state deadline to establish an ordinance by Oct. 1.

During the work session, the council will discuss:

• Awarding the bid for a new fire training center behind Fire Station No. 1. Chief Jeff Smith said the center will cost about $1 million and relieve some overcrowding in the administration building as well as house surf rescue offices in addition to the training facility.
• Accept a proposal for design services for a new civic center. No further details were provided in the agenda.
• Christmas season decorations and lighting. This will be for lighting at Orange Beach Middle/High School, the Performing Arts Center and Fire Station No. 3.
• Appointing Farra & Wang and Berger Montague as special counsel for the city in legal claims against the producers of shale oil and their co-conspirators.
• Purchasing furniture for the Parks and Recreation office for $47,978.
• A contract with Biometrica Systems for law enforcement data for the police department. No further details were provided in the agenda.
• An ordinance change to modify references to Walker Island to align with updated geographical information.