Andalusia City Council Meeting
Date: May 6, 2025 Type: Regular Meeting
Summary
A multi-issue meeting addressing vehicle disposition, law enforcement funding, property maintenance, infrastructure lighting, Heritage Park construction funding, and emerging feral cat management concerns.
Key Decisions
Resolution 2025-12: Police Vehicle Surplus — Council unanimously approved surplusing two 2015 police vehicles from routine rotation (replaced with new vehicles now in service). Both vehicles will be donated to LBW Community College for campus police and security use.
Incident Response Team Funding — Council unanimously approved a $2,000 donation to the county Incident Response Team (IRT) from contingency funds.
Background: The IRT is a multi-jurisdiction tactical team composed of members from Andalusia Police Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Department, and Opp and Florala police departments. The team responds to high-risk situations and executes drug warrants. Training and equipment costs have doubled in recent years. The City of Opp had donated $2,000, and Andalusia matched that contribution.
Resolution 2025-13: Property Abatement — Council unanimously approved abatement of seven nuisance properties (all documented for weed accumulation):
- 101 Pecan Street
- (Six additional properties through 608 Stanley Ave)
Third Avenue Street Lighting Pole Payment — Council unanimously approved payment of $121,550 for decorative street light poles for the Third Avenue TAP (Transportation Alternative Program) grant project, to be funded from the capital account.
Project Details: The grant funds the street and sidewalk improvements from East Three Notch Street to the high school (three blocks). The state grant did not cover lighting, so the city is procuring decorative, old-fashioned-style electric lights. This project also includes other infrastructure. Mayor emphasized Third Avenue’s iconic importance as the main route to the high school.
Resolution 2025-14: Heritage Park Construction Draw — Council unanimously approved transferring $195,000 from the 2022 Series A bond account for Heritage Park construction supplies:
- $95,000 for concrete
- $65,000 for asphalt
- $30,000 for other materials and supplies
Mayor noted the bond was secured at favorable 3% interest rates and emphasized the project is approaching completion.
Administrative Issues Raised
Feral Cat Population Management — Residents raised concerns about a growing feral cat population, with some yards hosting as many as 20 cats. Issues include lawn/garden damage and general neighborhood quality-of-life impacts. Council agreed to investigate potential solutions.
Attendance
Mayor Earl V. Johnson and full council present. Police Chief Hudson, Commander Josh Hudson (IRT), and residents present.
Next Meeting
May 20, 2025