The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday approved a new franchise agreement with TV Cable Co. of Andalusia.

The new agreement includes a section that requires the company to maintain and staff an office in Andalusia, and increases the amount paid by the company to the Utilities Board for use of its poles. The new agreement charges the company $15 per pole per month.

City attorney Mark Christensen said he also clarified language in the new agreement that requires the company or its successor to put cable lines underground in areas of the community where other lines have been or are moved underground.

The company’s franchise fee, which is 3 percent of gross, remained unchanged.

In other business, the council:

• Agreed to share with Bright Beginnings and Andalusia City Schools the cost of adding rubber mulch to the preschool’s playground. Superintendent Ted Watson said the system is pursuing additional K4 funding, and the state department of education has in the past indicated it would like to see the soft surface at the playground.
• Received a check for $289,850 from the Southeast Alabama Gas District.