The Atmore City Council showed its support for the Drug Education Council of Mobile at its meeting on Monday night.

The DEC is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a drug-free society, preventing chemical dependency and providing quality education and intervention programs. The DEC serves Baldwin, Bibb, Chilton, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Pickens, Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Washington Counties.

Emma Perryman spoke on behalf of the DEC at the council meeting, and she said the council has services throughout the state. She added that she’s trying to make traction in Escambia County.

Additionally, Perryman said she’s working in collaboration with the Atmore Area YMCA.

Some of the programs that the DEC advocates are underage drinking task force, a community of concern, anonymous juvenile drug testing program and a youth advisory board, among others.

For more information on the DEC’s programs, visit www.drugeducation.org.

In other business, the council:

• adopted a resolution for the debt management, cash management and investment policy. Mayor Jim Staff said this is updated every few years.

• approved Unity Baptist Church’s request to use Tom Byrne Park for a praise and worship event on July 28, from 5-8:30 p.m.

Some other items not listed on the council meeting agenda were addressed at the meeting.

Councilwoman Susan Smith, who is over District 4, said she received calls about several houses being burned out, notably about a house on Martin Street, and was curious whether there are ordinances in place to take care of the problem.

Additionally, she noted there were several old and abandoned cars in yards.

“Within three blocks, the majority of these cars are abandoned,” she said.

Staff said it’s easier to ask residents to clean up their yards than carrying them to court.

Smith also referenced some sidewalks that needed repair.

Staff said the city is aware of the issue and that it takes time to make the sidewalks ADA compliant, which is in the process.

District 2 Councilman Jerome Webster asked about the rumors about whether a Publix or Tractor Supply Co. are coming to the city.

Staff said that’s just a rumor.

Additionally, Webster asked about the use of a facility for a basketball league for practice.