The Florala City Council Monday addressed two issues designed to improve the lives of its youngest citizens.

First, the council gave Mayor Robert Williamson its blessing for moving forward with a new playground to be located on city property located cattycorner from the middle school.

Williamson expects to bring proposals to the council for project plans ranging from $30,000 to $70,000.

The council also granted permission for the Florala Kids Club to use the auditorium in the old middle school for movies and similar programs.

Yasmen Davis, who spoke for the group, said it originated as support for the local Head Start program.

“We can be flexible to work with when someone else’s using the auditorium,” she said. “We would use it no more than one Friday, and one Saturday out of the month.

“It’s not only for preschools,” she said. “Our dids don’t have anything to do. This ‘ll give our kids something to do to help out.”

In return, she said, the group will help keep the auditorium clean and usable.

In other business, the council:

• voted to hire Dale Thames as its court magistrate. Mrs. Thames currently works for the Town of Lockhart and already has the certifications needed for the job.

• agreed to lease a downtown building to Matt Webb, who will open an automotive accessories store there. The building, which previously was a pawn shop, was leased for $300 per month.

• Agreed to consider a merit pay play for its employees.

• reported it hasn’t been not yet put together financing for the purchase of a used firetruck.

• Approved a resolution declaring a severe weather sales tax holiday in 2015.