Tom Arnold

The council considered and approved a special event retail alcohol license for a crawfish boil event. A first reading was held for an ordinance to surplus downtown properties to facilitate redevelopment efforts. The council approved an amendment to an education sales tax request, allocating additional funds for school campus projects including sidewalks, signage, and retaining walls. Additionally, a resolution was passed to authorize the purchase of a new HVAC system for the city auditorium, and upcoming town hall meetings were announced to gather public input for updates to the city's comprehensive plan.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of members of the Andalusia Youth Wrestling Club, the Andalusia Bulldogs, for their significant achievements, including multiple state championships. Key business items included the approval of the previous meeting's minutes from February 17, 2026. Under new business, the Council approved an adjusted allocation of $1,120,000 for the Andalusia City Schools education sales tax request for the 2025-2026 period, withholding final approval for the elementary school addition pending a new price for redoing Old Main at the high school. Furthermore, the Council appropriated $85,000 from capital funds to cover the cost of resurfacing Third Avenue, as this was not covered by the initial grant. Finally, the Council approved a franchise agreement with Ceasepire regarding the deployment of a fiber optic network, which will operate as an open access and non-discriminatory service.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key items included the approval of the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting. The council confirmed an appointment to the Andalusia City School System Board of Education for an unexpired term, nominating and approving Dra Trader Belton. Authorization was granted for a two-year agreement with Bluebird Coffee of Andalusia LLC to temporarily utilize the commercial kitchen at Springtale for cheesecake production, involving a $700 monthly rental fee. A lengthy discussion occurred regarding a potential photo enforcement program for speeding and red light violations, presented by a representative from Cincy's Gatso USA, emphasizing zero cost to the city and transparency measures. A citizen expressed strong opposition to the previously approved sale of alcohol on Sundays, citing moral, social, and health-related concerns supported by numerous biblical references and local statistics.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key business items included the adoption of Resolution 2026-01 for the abatement of nuisance properties located at five distinct addresses: 500 OP Avenue, 204 Chickasaw Street, 204 Chuckaw Street, 228 Sheriff Drive, and 205 Cherokee Street. The Council also approved the purchase of 240 additional heavy-duty steel barricades (8 ft and 12 ft) totaling $29,930.19, to be funded from the capital account, to maintain consistency in marking off streets and hazardous areas.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Prior to the official meeting, a three-hour session was held with council members and guests to review and update the quadrennium plan for city projects and work. During the official session, there was no unfinished business. Under new business, the council motioned for and approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on December 16, 2025. Following this, the meeting was adjourned.