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The Robinson Park trail is getting a facelift this week after the Andalusia City Council voted Thursday to make the upgrade.

The city agreed to contract with Bullard Excavating to resurface the park’s walking trail, and by Wednesday, the company was already at work on the project.

Mayor Earl Johnson said the park, and especially the trail, located on Church Street, is one of the most used public spaces in the city.

The work will cost $33,320.

Another project approved involved Midway Drive, which was damaged during a recent heavy rain event.

Andalusia Public Works Director Glynn Ralls said the Midway Drive repair project should begin in early to mid-June.

The road was washed out in a recent torrential rain. The council agreed on Tuesday to purchase the supplies needed for the project, which is estimated at $83,925. The project did not qualify for FEMA funding, Johnson said, as it was a localized heavy rain.

The city will purchase a 96-inch stormwater rail car, which is a rail car being repurposed as a stormwater pipe, that is available from the state bid list at $52,500, to use in making the repairs. Ralls said the materials were ordered this week, and work will begin as soon as they are delivered.

Other items discussed by the council included the following:

• Approving the purchase of seven Stalker radar units for Andalusia Police patrol cars. These units will replace older units that APD Chief Paul Hudson said were outdated. The cost for the seven units is $13,400. Hudson added that he would like to replace more units in the future until all patrol cars have the updated radar units.
• Approving covenants for the Church Street Garden District. With the first of several homes to be sold in the city’s garden district, the council looks to establish a board that will set rules and regulations for the properties. “We want to make sure we set and maintain a certain standard,” Johnson said. Those who purchase the garden homes will be required to pay a $25 fee for lawn maintenance.
• Approving to apply for a grant for the purpose of purchasing two vans for the Andalusia Adult Activity Center. The grant will pay 80 percent of the costs with the city to pay 20 percent.
• Approving the purchase of vinyl flooring and a light truss system to be used for events, including July Jamz and Candyland. The total cost is $30,361. Johnson said the city and Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce have been spending about $10,000 renting the equipment each year. “I think this is a great investment. This truss system will be put to use well beyond just these events,” he said.
• Approving weed abatements for 10 properties.