Oak Road extension will allow drivers on Coastal Gateway Blvd. to access facilities such as the Zoo, Craft Farms and the Gulf Shores Sports Plex without having to travel on Highway 59.

The city released the projects for bids and Asphalt Services has submitted the lowest conforming bid for the city of Gulf Shores to extend Oak Road East north to Coastal Gateway Boulevard on the western edge of a parcel the city is planning to improve over the next several years.

The council will discuss the $1.1 million bid at the Aug. 7 work session at 4 p.m. at city hall. The extension will intersect Coastal Gateway near the entrance of the Raley Farms III subdivision.

The parcel is about 127 acres where the city has future plans for parks, a recreation center, new fire station, swimming pools, splash pads, tennis and pickleball courts, among other amenities.

“This project is part of the city’s adopted major street plan which recommends extending Oak Road East from its current terminus through the future Coastal Gateway Park and terminating north of Coastal Gateway Boulevard at our corporate limits,” a memo to the agenda states. “The city hopes that future efforts by Foley and Baldwin County will eventually extend this roadway to James Road.”

During the meeting, the council will also discuss:

A presentation by Joel Bartlett from the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Signing a contract extension with Symbol Health Solutions for onsite medical clinic services and wellness programs for city employees, spouses, and dependents. The per-patient payment for a visit will rise from $82.95 to $89. The program cost the city $474,571 in 2022.

Issuing liquor licenses for the Craft Farms Golf Club and Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. The two were recently sold by Honours Golf to South Carolina-based Scratch Golf.

Entering a contract with Direct Communications to “strengthen the perception of Gulf Shores” and its offerings of education, public safety and quality of life as well as promote the city’s “beyond the beach” efforts. The company will also be charged with expanding marketing coverage given to three high-profile events, Hangout Music Fest, NCAA Women’s Sand Volleyball Championship and the National Shrimp Festival. Direct will receive $5,500 a month to provide these services.

Spending $425,000 to extend the alleyway west of Walmart all the way to Fort Morgan Road. The entire alleyway from East 15th Avenue to Fort Morgan Road will be resurfaced. The purpose is to “provide an alternate means of access to the businesses and provide both patrons and delivery vehicles access to” Fort Morgan Road.

Awarding a bid to McElhenney Construction to complete phase two of the Beach Walking District project for $3.6 million. This will add new roadways, sidewalks, on-street parking and stormwater infrastructure. The area of phase two includes East First Avenue from East Second Street to East Third Street.

Authorizing staff to seek a Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for planning, design and environmental assessments for the East Gulf Shores Community Resilience Improvement Project. The $3.6 million would provide for preliminary engineering as well and is part of an overall $45.6 million for all the components in the improvement plan including shoring up eroding banks along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Accepting a grant administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in a RESTORE Act grant for $690,708 for two culverts underneath Waterway West Boulevard. The new culverts would improve the connection between a wetland and Oyster Bay and is part of the city’s marsh restoration in the area.

A request from Sunset Taxi to operate a taxi franchise in the city. The company is based in Delta, Colorado and wants to branch out to Gulf Shores.

A rezoning of property along the Intracoastal Waterway on parcels alongside the State Route 59 bridge.

Spending $313,518 to replace 70 aging tasers currently being used by the police department.

Renewing a lease with the Gulf Shores School Board for the Cultural Center Auditorium on Oak Road West. The school system began leasing the building in March of 2022 at no cost other than janitorial services and cleaning equipment. The new agreement is still at no cost but the school board will now be responsible for the electric bill. The city will continue to provide building maintenance, water and sewer service.

A public assembly permit for the Bloody Mary 5K run Sept. 2 with the start-finish line in front of Acme Oyster House with the run starting at 7 a.m.