The Will Coleman Center officially got a new name Tuesday when the Andalusia City Council approved a resolution changing the name to the Will Coleman – Richard Robertson Center.
Mayor Earl Johnson announced the council’s plans to make the name change when Robertson was honored at the center earlier this month. The long-time Andalusia High School coach had run special programs for 49 years when he retired this year. He said then he was retiring not because he wanted to, but because his daughters insisted.
Council members each expressed their personal thanks to Robertson, who attended the meeting.
Councilman Will Sconiers said he remembered participating in programs as a youngster.
“It was his way or the highway,” Sconiers said of Robertson’s rules for participation. “We cannot thank you enough for your service.”
Councilman Kennith Mount served on the faculty of Andalusia High School with Robertson.
“When I went to work at Andalusia High School, Coach Robertson was already here and had already made a name for himself,” Mount recalled. “Mr. (Oscar) Zeanah advised me to get to know one teacher, and that was Coach Robertson because he was already a leader. I am even more honored to count Richard as my friend.”
The Resolution, No. 2020-30, reads in part, “Whereas, Coach Richard Robertson served as Director of Special Programs at the Will Coleman Center for many years; and
“Whereas, through this service Coach Robertson positively influenced and shaped countless young program participants; and
“Whereas, the Andalusia City Council desires to memorialize Coach Robertson’s name on the facility where he worked so many years in the education and physical development of young people and children.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the mayor and city council of the City of Andalusia, that the Will Coleman Center now be known as the Will Coleman – Richard Robertson Center.”
A problem that began with flash flooding earlier this year is about to be repaired.
The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday awarded a $155K contract to Grady Ralls and Sons for repairs to Pinewood Road, a portion of which has been closed since flash flooding caused a break in a 12-inch water main and washed out part of the road. The water line was repaired, but the street repairs were put on hold while the city sought Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Public Works Director Glynn Ralls said FEMA funding was not available for the project, as the flooding did not result in a disaster declaration. Attempts to secure DOT funding for the project also were not successful.
Earlier this month, the council agreed to let bids for the project. Grady Ralls and Sons was the lowest of four bids offered for the project.
The City of Andalusia will conduct a test of voting machines for the August 25, 2020, Municipal Election
at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, in the Covington County Administration Building, 260 Hillcrest Drive, Andalusia.
The City of Andalusia is planning a groundbreaking Thursday for a new splash pad to be constructed at Johnson Park.
Director of Leisure Services Tommie Agee said the 4,500 square-foot splash pad will be handicap-accessible and will have areas for children ages toddler to 12. The plan includes shade structures for parents, as well as restrooms for changing.
Agee said the front side of Johnson Park was chosen as the location because of the infrastructure that is already in place.
“We have staff at Johnson Park on weekdays and security systems in place,” he said. “We also already have plenty of parking.”
The council approved moving forward with the approximately $350,000 project earlier this year, pending partial funding being secured.
The Luncheon Pilot Club of Andalusia approached the city in 2019, urging the adoption of the project. The club, which has since merged with the Pilot Club of Andalusia, made a sizeable contribution to the project, and joined in the fundraising effort.
“We appreciate Ms. Nancy Robbins helping us out in seeking donations,” Agee said. “She has been a great supporter of the project.”
The Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation also has awarded funding to the project, and the Covington County Commission on Tuesday agreed to contribute $10,000 per year for the next five years to the splash pad initiative.
Mayor Earl Johnson addressed the commission Tuesday morning, and said he feels this project is important if the community is to be able to attract young families.
“Attractions like this one are important to young parents,” Johnson said. “We hear it over and over again. Quality of life is paramount.”
Johnson also expressed his appreciation for the financial support received.
“The Dixon Foundation has been a great supporter of projects that are important for this community,” Johnson said. “We also appreciate the county commission working with us on this project, and look forward to partnering with them on other projects in the future.”
The groundbreaking is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13, near the entrance to Johnson Park.
The Andalusia City Council adopted Resolution No 2020-26 on Tuesday, August 4, appointing the following poll workers in the municipal election of August 25, 2020.
Election school is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, in the Andalusia City Hall Auditorium, 505 E. Three Notch Street.
CITY OF ANDALUSIA
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
AUGUST 25, 2020
Chief Inspector
Charles R. Jackson
905 Waterford Rd, District 4
Inspector
Carolyn Curry
320 Feagin Ave.
District 1
Asst. Inspector
Jenny Pitts
390 Diane Dr.
District 4
Machine Operator
John Odom
520 Pugh St.
District 3
DISTRICT ONE
Asst. Clerk
Tyawanda Barnes
400 Marshall St.
District 1
Asst. Clerk
Judy Phillips
100 Dahlia Dr.
District 4
Asst. Clerk
Shekila Williams
302 College St.
District 1
DISTRICT TWO
Asst. Clerk
Louise Anderson
1703 Prestwood Bridge Rd
District 2
Asst. Clerk
Beverly O’Neal
112 SS Ridge Rd
District 2
Asst. Clerk
Marie Murphy
520 Church St.
District 2
Alternates:
Lynne Dayton
105 Aspen Ln.
District 5
Carol Moore
903 Albritton Rd.
District 4
Shelia Williams
2220 Easley Dr.
District 4