Andalusia City Council Meeting
Date: January 20, 2026 Type: Regular Meeting
Summary
A substantive meeting addressing economic development, downtown support, and public safety innovation. The council also heard significant public comment opposing the earlier Sunday alcohol sales vote, raising concerns about notification and process.
Key Decisions
School Board Appointment — Council unanimously appointed Deidre Belton to fill the unexpired District 1 school board seat previously held by Sammy Glover, who had given extended service.
Bluebird Coffee Commercial Kitchen Agreement — Council authorized a lease agreement allowing Bluebird Coffee Company to use the commercial kitchen at Springdale Estate for two years at $700/month. The arrangement is temporary, intended to help the growing company meet increased cheesecake production demand for outside distribution contracts. The agreement includes a 30-day exit clause for either party and allows Springdale to honor public event bookings that may occasionally disrupt production.
Photo Enforcement Presentation — Council heard a detailed presentation from Census Gadso USA (Mark Devich, account manager) on speed and red light photo enforcement. Key points: The system would be installed at no cost to the city, funded entirely by violator payments. Photo enforcement captures rear images only (no facial recognition). A 30-day warning period precedes enforcement. Expected payment rate 60-65% nationally. Chief of Police works with the vendor to approve citations; collections handled by third-party agency at zero cost to city. Mayor emphasized this aims to reduce speeding in neighborhoods and school zones, not to generate revenue.
Notable Public Comment
Shirley Flowers Opposition Statement — A community member delivered an extensive statement opposing the December 2 Sunday alcohol sales vote. Key criticisms:
- Agenda notification was vague (“Sunday sales” without specificity)
- Opportunity for public discussion was not provided before the vote
- Concerns the vote proceeded with insufficient community awareness
- Presented extensive health and social data on alcohol-related harms, citing 178,000 annual deaths nationally from excessive use, and Covington County statistics showing 12% of the population (3,509 people) classified as excessive drinkers in 2018
- Referenced biblical scripture on Sabbath observance
- Expressed concerns the vote could signal openness to lottery, gambling, and marijuana sales
- Requested council rescind the alcohol vote
Mayor Johnson declined to engage in back-and-forth debate during the public comment period, stating council discussions occur in office meetings, not at council sessions.
Action Items
- School board formally notified of Belton appointment
- Bluebird Coffee to coordinate production schedule with Springdale events
- Photo enforcement concept to be evaluated; Mayor notes city has not yet decided to proceed
Attendance
Mayor Earl V. Johnson and full council present. Two public speakers.