Andalusia City Council Meeting October 15, 2024
Date: 2024-10-15 Type: Regular Meeting
Quick Summary
Council approved the October 1, 2024 meeting minutes. The council approved the Candy Land operating budget as presented and a capital request for replacement items. Members approved a one-year extension of the inmate housing contract with Covington County (retroactive to Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025). Resolutions 2024-53 (education sales tax reimbursement to the city for the Andalusia High School sidewalk/lighting project) and 2024-54 (authorizing the Cottages at Packer Field project and authorizing contract signature and non-education sales tax rebates for the project) were approved.
Key Decisions
- Approved minutes of the October 1, 2024 meeting (motion, second; vote carried).
- Approved Candy Land operating budget as presented ($84,150) and approved the capital outlay/request for replacement items as presented by the Chamber (amounts discussed during presentation).
- Approved a one-year extension of the inmate housing contract with Covington County covering Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025; no change in pricing was noted.
- Approved Resolution 2024-53 appropriating education sales tax reimbursement to the city for the Andalusia High School sidewalk and lighting project (the school will reimburse $250,000 from education sales tax as presented).
- Approved Resolution 2024-54 authorizing the Cottages at Packer Field project, authorizing execution of the project contract, and providing for rebate of non-education sales taxes on project purchases within the city.
Notable Discussion
- Melissa King, Chamber of Commerce director, presented Candy Land operating and capital budgets and noted some decorations are beyond repair.
- Superintendent Dr. Shakespeare recommended the school sales tax request and the school will reimburse the city $250,000 toward the sidewalk/lighting project.
- Council discussed local housing shortages and the city’s efforts to add workforce housing; the Cottages at Packer Field and a separate 20-unit apartment proposal were mentioned.
- Council noted public concern and social media comments regarding a proposal to surplus industrial-park property; the surplus ordinance had been removed and public notice/hearing will occur when a specific site is selected.
Action Items
- Record approval of the October 1, 2024 meeting minutes.
- Fund Candy Land per the approved operating budget and capital request as presented by the Chamber.
- Execute the one-year inmate housing contract extension with Covington County effective Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
- Implement Resolution 2024-53 to reimburse the city $250,000 from education sales tax for the Andalusia High School sidewalk/lighting project.
- Implement Resolution 2024-54: authorize signing the Cottages at Packer Field project contract and apply the approved rebate of non-education sales taxes on in-city purchases.
- Provide public notice and schedule a public hearing when the exact property for any future surplus/ housing project is selected.