WKNI TV 25
Tabitha Daniel is shown with the new digital system. | Andrew Garner/Star-News
Gone digital.
That’s what the City of Andalusia did with its recent transition from analog radio to digital.
Citywide, the new digital radio system works on one frequency, which allows the different departments to work in talk groups. Each city department has a talk group.
The digital radios can’t be picked up my analog scanners, which will give the police department a blanket of security when responding to calls.
“That’s the next best thing,” Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson said. “We swapped the whole city to that.”
Hudson said the project cost $185,000 to get it all done, as it took several months to make the transition.
“The biggest part was waiting on the (United States Security and Exchange Commission) to give us our license (for the frequency),” he said. “One of the plusses is that nobody can scan it. That’s going to benefit us on some calls.
“If they’re trying to commit a crime and they have somebody listening to the scanners for the dispatcher, they’re not going to hear anything from us,” he said.
Hudson said a lot of people may not like the digital radios, but making the transition was a needed step in the right direction.
“A lot of the departments are headed that way,” he said. “Instead of taking it one step back, we’re taking it one step forward.”
Hudson said the city still has the old analog radio system just in case something happens to the digital radio system.
Andalusia Star News
By Andrew Garner
WKNI TV 25
Andalusia Star News
Shown in red is the proposed route of the new sidewalk. | Artist's rendering
The City of Andalusia Tuesday authorized Civil Southeast Engineering to pursue a grant for the installation of sidewalks on the east side of town.
Jeremy McMath of Civil Southeast addressed the council with the proposed plan, which would extend sidewalks down Stanley Avenue to Andalusia Memorial Cemetery, and from Stanley Avenue down Lindsey Bridge Road to the intersection of Maple Street.
The estimated project cost is $538,073, of which the city would contribute $143,854, if the grant is approved.
McMath estimated actual work on the project would be two years away, if the grant is approved. A similar grant was submitted last year, but was not funded.
McMath also updated the project schedule for sidewalks on the west side of town, which have been funded. Once the state approves the final engineering plan, he said, bids can be let this summer, and the project will begin in the fall. It should be completed by Feb. 15, 2016, he estimated.
In other business, the council:
• Transferred the beverage license of Boland Lanes to a new owner.
• Accepted Walker Electric’s low bid of $21,717 to
• Agreed to contribute $1,500 to the Alabama Junior Rodeo Association, which will hold its finals in Andalusia in June.
• Awarded a three-year cemetery maintenance contract to Deep South Lawn Service.
• Approved the abatement of weeds on three properties, including 407 Montgomery St., a vacant lot on Fletcher Road, and lot on 222 Crescent St.
• Approved a hazardous building abatement for property at 236 Smith Street. The city will tear the structure down.
By Michele Gerlach
Andalusia Star News