The Andalusia City Council Tuesday took the first step toward declaring the Court Square a public park, and limiting hours it can be used.

Mayor Earl Johnson introduced the ordinance, and said it is needed to reduce littering, vandalism and damage to public and private property.

“We have a real problem with people parking in municipal parking lots on the Square, and in other parts of the downtown area, trashing them with mud, cigarette butts, and anything else they can throw out of the door,” Johnson said. “It wouldn’t be permissible for someone from Andalusia to do this, but a lot of those causing the problem don’t even live in our city.”

To read the full ordinance, click here: 2015-square ordinance

The proposed ordinance states that parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities will be closed between sunset and sunrise unless otherwise designated. Operational hours can be extended for programs or events sponsored or approved by the city, or for events for which a city permit has been issued. Permits will be issued at the discretion of the director of parks and recreation.

The ordinance also designates the Court Square as a public park, and defines the area as “the parking spaces, sidewalk, and the area surrounded by the sidewalk on the left side of the traffic flow around Court Square.”

The ordinance also states the interior of Court Square shall be closed to the public between 11 p.m. and sunrise on weekdays and from midnight until sunrise on weekends.

“Any person entering into a city park, playground, recreational facility, or the interior of Court Square during hours of closure shall be guilty of a violation for a first offense. Subsequent offenses shall be punished as criminal trespass in the third degree.”

The ordinance also closes city-owned parking lots between 11 p.m. and 5 p.m., and vehicles in violation are subject to being towed.

The council will vote on the ordinance after the second reading, set for its first meeting in January.

In other business, the council:

• Reappointed Ward Taylor to the Industrial Development Board.