ROBERTSDALE, Ala. The City of Robertsdale is going to go out to bid to construct another building at the Children’s Learning Center on Palmer Street.

Karen Bill, the center’s director currently leases two buildings from the city, paying $2,800 a month for the facilities.

“We have a waiting list,” Bill told the council, adding that even with the economy in a slump, the center has, “not had a slow time.”

“Normally, we have 8 to 10 kids on the (waiting) list,” said Bill. “We have 18 now. The economy is picking up and more people have jobs.”

One of the biggest problems, Bill told the council, is having enough room for 4-year-olds. As things stand now, there may not be room for some of the children already in the center when they turn 4 and there is not enough space in local schools to take them, and many would not qualify for school because of when their birthdays fall on the calendar.

“We’re in a pickle,” said Bill, adding that some of her clients work in the Department of Human Resources building just down the road.

Mayor Charles Murphy said that the third building could be built at right angles to an existing building, forming an “L.”

“We don’t lose any money on it,” said Chief Financial Officer Ann Simpson, adding that the city makes a small amount of money on the current leases.

The new building, Murphy said, would be “truss built,” allowing the city to change the building for another purpose, should that become necessary. It is estimated that the new building, about 2,000 square feet, can be built for about $95,000.

The exact rent the Children’s learning Center will pay won’t be known until the bids come in for the building. The council, with all member present except Paul Hollingsworth, voted to approve the city going to bid for the new building.

The council also voted to make the summer camp, run at Robertsdale High free to all who pre-register at City Hall.

Murphy believes the camp will begin June 1. Coaches will be paid $25 per hour, but will not become temporary city employees. In past years, coaches were paid $8.50 per hour and the city paid payroll taxes and workmen’s compensation. According to Simpson, this measure should increase the hours the camp is available and save the city about $4,800.

The council also voted to accept a new insurance proposal from Blackmon Insurance Agency. The city’s premium for the coming year will be $106,012, $375 less than last year’s premium.

In other council action:

— The council appointed Wayne Gwaltney to the Park and Street Tree Committee.

— Approved a $500 ad in the RHS football program.

— Changed the current city budget to reflect changes in revenues and expenses.