The Andalusia City Council rejected all of the bids submitted for the construction of Kirkpatrick Park and authorized the mayor to negotiate with the lowest qualified bidder, Carter’s Contracting Services, on the project.

C.L. Kirkpatrick donated seven acres for the park in memory of his wife, Sallie A. Kirkpatrick, who lost her life in a house fire during Hurricane Ivan in 2005, he also has committed $150,000 to the construction of the park, and the city has received a $50,000 for construction. The city has financed the architectural and engineering costs associated with the park, but has not budgeted money for park construction.

Director of Leisure Services Dwight Mikel said the highest bid received was for more than $400,000 and the lowest was for $286,000.

“That was already $86,000 over budget,” he said.

Mikel said the city will likely negotiate to have the pavilion, BBQ grill and bathrooms completed by the contractor, and do as much of the work with city employees as possible.

The site is on Kirkpatrick Street, just off of where Whatley Street turns into Beatrice Street.

In other business, the council:

Announced they will mark the first anniversary of the current administration at 6 p.m. On Tues., Nov. 3. The mayor will give a state of the city address, and the meeting will be followed by a reception.

Approved a proclamation in support of pro bono week, recognizing attorneys for the work they do at no charge to represent poor people who cannot afford an attorney.

Agreed to sponsor the Coterie Run for Kids and to purchase advertising on the Chamber map.