SHEFFIELD — Police Chief Greg Ray wants to review a revised emergency response policy before adopting the plan for his department.

Mayor Ian Sanford said the city has an emergency response plan, but it's about 20 years old.

"This is just a guide as to what to do," Sanford said. "It's a positive thing."

Ray said during the city council's work session Monday he would like to have City Attorney Vince McAllister review the policy before it's adopted.

"I'm not saying it's a bad policy, but it's one of our major policies," Ray said. "I'd just like to look at it some more."

The policy would set forth specific procedures for officers to follow when they're involved in an emergency response or in pursuit of a vehicle believed to have been involved in a crime.

The policy states that an officer in pursuit would slow down to a safe speed before passing through a stop sign or red traffic light, only before making sure all traffic is clear. Officers can exceed the posted speed limit so long as the officer does not endanger lives or property, according to the new policy.

Officers must consider the type of crime that is involved in the emergency response and take into consideration such factors as time of day, weather and road conditions, visibility and danger to other motorists and pedestrians.

Emergency lights and sirens will be used in all situations involving emergency responses and pursuit situations, the new policy states.

Once on the scene, the officer will advise other units how they need to respond.

The policy states that officers are not to use cellphones when responding to an emergency call. Sanford said the policy is a "safety measure" for the officer and members of the public.

"We don't want anybody running through red lights without lights or sirens and hit somebody and it not be an emergency," Sanford said.

In other business, the council:

• approved a lounge retail liquor license for the Fizz Lounge at the Emerald River Inn, 4900 Hatch Blvd.

• approved a special retail liquor license for Emerald River Hotel.

• approved installation of a street light in the alley behind 900 Broadway St.

• approved a two-month extension for the relocation of the North Alabama Shooting Association.

• approved a $350 expenditure for fencing at Ollie Harris Field.

• approved installation of a new telephone line in the court clerk's office.

• approved an $11,000 contract with C&H Cooling & Heating to replace heating and air conditioning units at City Hall.

• agreed to allow officer Shawn Fields to apply for a grant from the Colbert County Community Development Committee for the purchase of a kennel for the Police Department's drug dog.

• approved the appointment of Gary Highfield to the Park and Recreation Board.

Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.