The Andalusia City Council will hold its first meeting of the new year - and first meeting ever at the new City Hall building on East Three Notch Street this Tuesday at 6 p.m.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the building," Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said.

The council moved into the renovated East Three Notch Elementary School building from the former City Hall on Opp Avenue Jan. 8-11, while officials with the Andalusia Police Department moved into their "new" offices, the ones previously occupied by city administrators.

The council will hear a report by APD Police Chief Wilbur Williams on the offices and extra space at the meeting.

Johnson said there have been many compliments, from near and far, on the new City Hall. Not only have there been plenty of compliments from Andalusians, but people outside the community, as well.

"It makes a huge statement," Johnson commented. "It says a lot about the city of Andalusia, and it also makes a tremendous impression on the people visiting. (Recently) visitors from Atlanta had nothing but good things to say about the building. They were impressed with the growth they have seen, and it feels good to have those statements from those who have seen a lot of development."

Johnson said Sidney Waits, Jr. will give a presentation on the East Three Notch building.

"He's a local historian who will be there to talk about the significance of turning the building into the City Hall," Johnson said. "He will offer some insight to the moving of the City Hall to a new location."

Continued Johnson, "(Waits will report) on three separate buildings in reference to the City Hall building."

Johnson added council members will offer some comments, followed by an "open floor."

"It will basically be an open forum, where the audience will be allowed to offer their comments," he said.

In spring there will be a formal dedication of the East Three Notch building, according to Johnson, but "no date has been set yet."

"We'll wait for the weather to become more pleasant (to hold the ceremony)," he said. "By then, the grass should be pretty (from the landscaping."

Johnson said the council will aim for sometime in April to hold the dedication.

Other than its beauty, the building serves a purpose, and a good one, concluded Johnson.

"It's completely functional, and the (city) employees have a place to do their jobs, without trying to work around someone," he said.

Johnson said the building also will look good in the near future for upcoming projects.

"We'll be working on five or six major things that will revolutionize our community (if they are approved). They will secure our economy for a long, long time," he said.